Peyton Manning underwent successful neck fusion surgery yesterday (sounds scary) and will miss at least 2-3 months of the season. Considered by many as the most indispensable player in the league Manning's absence will have a profound impact on the Colts organization. The streak of nine consecutive division titles will come to a screeching halt and once the Colts are eliminated from playoff contention they will most likely rest Manning for the entire season. Is Peyton Manning a casualty of the NFL lockout?
Absolutely. For months we've heard Peyton say that without access to team facilities and doctors his recovery from surgery in May was slower than expected. Without sound advice and monitoring of his condition Manning was left on his own to determine the best course of action for himself and his career.
In addition Peyton signed a $90,000,000 contract this off season and more than half of that money is guaranteed. If the 4 time MVP can't return to his former greatness and the Colts are forced to go in a different direction the financial ramifications would be disastrous.
It's ironic that the greed of the NFL owners may have cost them the goose that lays the golden eggs. Peyton Manning carries the league on his back and without the clean cut image, charming personality, and marketing power he possesses the NFL will suffer significantly. There is no one else with that unique combination.
It's hard to imagine a football season without Peyton Manning. For 13 years the guy has taken every snap for the Colts and been involved in some of the greatest playoff games in NFL history. If he could have picked up a phone or had a brief meeting with the Colts medical staff this whole tragic ordeal probably could have been avoided. Get well Peyton, the NFL needs you.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Will Sidney Crosby Ever Play Hockey Again?
The NHL held its collective breath yesterday when Sidney Crosby gave his first press conference in months outlining the time line for his return to hockey. The prognosis was not good. Although Crosby was optimistic he would play next year he admitted his road to recovery was far from complete. One of the doctors that joined Crosby even went so far as to say he had "no earthly idea" when the Penguins all star would return to the ice. Is the NHL at a crossroads?
Yes and no. Anytime a sport loses its most popular and marketable player its cause for concern. Sidney Crosby is in the prime of his career and his extended absence isn't something that could have been anticipated. There is no contingency plan for losing the face of the NHL, but that doesn't mean all is lost. This year's Stanley Cup final had the highest TV ratings in almost 20 years and the impending NBA lockout will be advantageous for the league. The NHL will get more coverage than usual as network affiliates scramble to fill air time.
The real question is will the league make plans to move forward as if Sid the Kid has played his last game? I'm no neurologist, but if someone is still experiencing symptoms from a hit they took 10 months ago something is seriously wrong. Concussions are no laughing matter and with the increased awareness of their long term effects you should always treat these cases with extreme caution.
My guess is Sidney Crosby won't be back and if so he has nothing to be ashamed of. The 24 year old has a lifetime of accomplishments including gold medals, Stanley Cups, and Hart trophies. If he never scores another goal he's a part of NHL history forever.
Yes and no. Anytime a sport loses its most popular and marketable player its cause for concern. Sidney Crosby is in the prime of his career and his extended absence isn't something that could have been anticipated. There is no contingency plan for losing the face of the NHL, but that doesn't mean all is lost. This year's Stanley Cup final had the highest TV ratings in almost 20 years and the impending NBA lockout will be advantageous for the league. The NHL will get more coverage than usual as network affiliates scramble to fill air time.
The real question is will the league make plans to move forward as if Sid the Kid has played his last game? I'm no neurologist, but if someone is still experiencing symptoms from a hit they took 10 months ago something is seriously wrong. Concussions are no laughing matter and with the increased awareness of their long term effects you should always treat these cases with extreme caution.
My guess is Sidney Crosby won't be back and if so he has nothing to be ashamed of. The 24 year old has a lifetime of accomplishments including gold medals, Stanley Cups, and Hart trophies. If he never scores another goal he's a part of NHL history forever.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Does American Tennis Have A Pulse?
Before the rain came down on Flushing Meadows yesterday the US open draw had a very unfamiliar look to it. There were Americans all over the place and some of them had even put themselves in a position to win the tournament.
Four American men made the round of 16 (unfortunately Mardy Fish lost a heartbreaking 5 set match) one American woman made the quarterfinals (Sensational Serena Williams) and a mixed doubles pair (Joe Sock and Melanie Oudin) made the semi finals.
John Isner is playing some of his best tennis of the year while Andy Roddick is looking more confident and relaxed than he has in 2 years. Donald Young has finally had a break out tournament that may lead to future success and the Sock/Oudin tandem (18 and 19 respectively) are too young to realize the magnitude of what they could accomplish.
Meanwhile Serena Williams is running through the women's draw punking fools like Deebo for their gold chain and bicycle. It doesn't seem fair that the 28 seed imposes that much fear in her opponents.
Is the 2011 US Open an apparition or a glimpse into the future? If I had to look at it objectively I'd have to say the Americans overachieved thus far and it would be a mistake to get too excited about it. The New York crowd usually gives the players a little extra energy and this year the Americans have taken advantage of it.
Whether or not the Americans continue with their winning ways it's been a compelling 1st week at the US Open. American stuff aside Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer have unfinished business and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga may want to crash the party as well. At the end of the day my money is on Nadal, but with the weather delays it's any body's guess.
Four American men made the round of 16 (unfortunately Mardy Fish lost a heartbreaking 5 set match) one American woman made the quarterfinals (Sensational Serena Williams) and a mixed doubles pair (Joe Sock and Melanie Oudin) made the semi finals.
John Isner is playing some of his best tennis of the year while Andy Roddick is looking more confident and relaxed than he has in 2 years. Donald Young has finally had a break out tournament that may lead to future success and the Sock/Oudin tandem (18 and 19 respectively) are too young to realize the magnitude of what they could accomplish.
Meanwhile Serena Williams is running through the women's draw punking fools like Deebo for their gold chain and bicycle. It doesn't seem fair that the 28 seed imposes that much fear in her opponents.
Is the 2011 US Open an apparition or a glimpse into the future? If I had to look at it objectively I'd have to say the Americans overachieved thus far and it would be a mistake to get too excited about it. The New York crowd usually gives the players a little extra energy and this year the Americans have taken advantage of it.
Whether or not the Americans continue with their winning ways it's been a compelling 1st week at the US Open. American stuff aside Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer have unfinished business and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga may want to crash the party as well. At the end of the day my money is on Nadal, but with the weather delays it's any body's guess.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Notre Dame Football Gets On My Nerves
Friends, fans, family, and followers it's time for my annual blog on the ridiculousness that is Notre Dame football. The fighting Irish entered Saturday's game vs. USF as the #16 team in the country and aspirations of playing in a BCS bowl game. Some experts even predicted a 10 win season. Those experts were wrong.
Notre Dame is over hyped every single year and in typical Notre Dame fashion the party's over before it even got started. USF upset the Irish at home with a stunning 23-20 victory. 3 turnovers inside the 5 yard line were costly and now they have to go to the Big House and play in the first night game ever at Ann Arbor. Can you say 0-2?
To make matters worse the Irish have started a quarterback controversy by benching Dane Crist in favor of back up Tommy Rees. After winning the job in the offseason it only took Crist one half to lose it? Change this early in the year is a sign of uncertainty. It's the type of decision that can divide a locker room and once college kids start second guessing the head coach there's almost no chance they will play as a cohesive unit.
I don't know why I love to hate Notre Dame so much. Perhaps it's because they live on past greatness like no other program. Perhaps it's because they have an exclusive TV contract for no apparent reason. Maybe it's because all of their so called "star players" of the past 20 years have all turned out to be garbage ( I hope Golden Tate can reverse that trend). Whatever the reason Notre Dame is a source of irritation with me and I like to see them do poorly.
It would be cool if the Fighting Irish used this blog as motivation to get themselves pumped up for next week's game, but I suspect they're too emotionally shell shocked to find themselves right now. It's only going to get worse from here so Notre Dame fans feel free to set up support groups all over the country. You'll need it.
Notre Dame is over hyped every single year and in typical Notre Dame fashion the party's over before it even got started. USF upset the Irish at home with a stunning 23-20 victory. 3 turnovers inside the 5 yard line were costly and now they have to go to the Big House and play in the first night game ever at Ann Arbor. Can you say 0-2?
To make matters worse the Irish have started a quarterback controversy by benching Dane Crist in favor of back up Tommy Rees. After winning the job in the offseason it only took Crist one half to lose it? Change this early in the year is a sign of uncertainty. It's the type of decision that can divide a locker room and once college kids start second guessing the head coach there's almost no chance they will play as a cohesive unit.
I don't know why I love to hate Notre Dame so much. Perhaps it's because they live on past greatness like no other program. Perhaps it's because they have an exclusive TV contract for no apparent reason. Maybe it's because all of their so called "star players" of the past 20 years have all turned out to be garbage ( I hope Golden Tate can reverse that trend). Whatever the reason Notre Dame is a source of irritation with me and I like to see them do poorly.
It would be cool if the Fighting Irish used this blog as motivation to get themselves pumped up for next week's game, but I suspect they're too emotionally shell shocked to find themselves right now. It's only going to get worse from here so Notre Dame fans feel free to set up support groups all over the country. You'll need it.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
AFC East Champions: New England Patriots
This is the final installment of division champion. As I've taken you on a tour across the NFL landscape I hope you have a better sense of what the season has in store for you. All of my predictions are based on round the clock study and analysis so listen to every word I say. There is no doubt in my mind I picked all of the division winners correctly. To conclude this exercise here is how the AFC East will shake out.
Division winner: New England Patriots. The Patriots have restocked their roster with former all pros Chad Ocho Cinco and Albert Haynesworth. Both players were malcontents with their former teams, but coach Belichick has a knack for getting the most out of disgruntled stars. Look for the Patriots to sleep walk through this division.
2nd place: New York Jets. I love the coaching style and swagger of Rex Ryan, I just wish he had a better quarterback. This is a make or break season for Mark Sanchez to prove he can take this team to the next level. It's time for him to evolve from game manager to playmaker. I give him a 50/50 chance for success.
3rd place: Buffalo Bills. Lights out Shawne Merriman looks like he's on the juice again playing like a man possessed and Marcell Dareus is a force to be reckoned within the middle. Ryan Fitzpatrick is better than people give him credit for (fantasy football tidbit) and CJ Spiller should have a breakout season (another fantasy football tidbit). Don't be surprised to see the Bills go 8-8.
Last place: Miami Dolphins. The Miami Dolphins won't have a winning record this season, but every game will be hard fought. Chad Henne is clearly not the answer at quarterback and Reggie Bush has durability issues. This will most likely be coach Sparano's last year.
Division winner recap:
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
NFC West: St. Louis Cardinals
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
NFC South: Atlanta Falcons
AFC East: New England Patriots
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs
Division winner: New England Patriots. The Patriots have restocked their roster with former all pros Chad Ocho Cinco and Albert Haynesworth. Both players were malcontents with their former teams, but coach Belichick has a knack for getting the most out of disgruntled stars. Look for the Patriots to sleep walk through this division.
2nd place: New York Jets. I love the coaching style and swagger of Rex Ryan, I just wish he had a better quarterback. This is a make or break season for Mark Sanchez to prove he can take this team to the next level. It's time for him to evolve from game manager to playmaker. I give him a 50/50 chance for success.
3rd place: Buffalo Bills. Lights out Shawne Merriman looks like he's on the juice again playing like a man possessed and Marcell Dareus is a force to be reckoned within the middle. Ryan Fitzpatrick is better than people give him credit for (fantasy football tidbit) and CJ Spiller should have a breakout season (another fantasy football tidbit). Don't be surprised to see the Bills go 8-8.
Last place: Miami Dolphins. The Miami Dolphins won't have a winning record this season, but every game will be hard fought. Chad Henne is clearly not the answer at quarterback and Reggie Bush has durability issues. This will most likely be coach Sparano's last year.
Division winner recap:
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
NFC West: St. Louis Cardinals
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
NFC South: Atlanta Falcons
AFC East: New England Patriots
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs
Friday, September 2, 2011
Willl The Seahawks Cut Golden Tate?
Don't get me wrong, I love Golden Tate. He had a stellar career at Notre Dame and his combine workout was tremendous. At his full capability he's an asset to the Seahawks and a building block for the future. That being said he hasn't lived up to his potential thus far.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is a no nonsense guy. If you can play and contribute at a high level you can stick around. If it's apparent you can't get the job done you're out the door. Pete Carroll would fire his own mama if she used too much flour in the after practice cupcakes. He's hard core! So where does that leave Golden Tate?
If you go strictly by his performance he's outta here. Past glories and accomplishments mean nothing when you're trying to make an NFL roster. Golden has dropped balls, run poor routes, and has been less than spectacular on special teams. Is there any reason to keep him?
Here's where I get a little sentimental. You gotta love a guy named Golden. If you can live up to the pressure of that name you have to be something special. Maybe it's the 4.36 40 time at the combine or maybe it's the fact that I watched him run circles around the competition in college, but I think Golden Tate deserves one more season.
I'll be honest, Golden Tate was getting on my nerves last preseason game, but not enough that I think the Seahawks should cut him. That being said he has a very short rope and better show something sooner than later. I think the Seahawks should keep him one more season, but if the Seahawks cut Golden Tate I won't shed too many tears. Good luck Golden.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll is a no nonsense guy. If you can play and contribute at a high level you can stick around. If it's apparent you can't get the job done you're out the door. Pete Carroll would fire his own mama if she used too much flour in the after practice cupcakes. He's hard core! So where does that leave Golden Tate?
If you go strictly by his performance he's outta here. Past glories and accomplishments mean nothing when you're trying to make an NFL roster. Golden has dropped balls, run poor routes, and has been less than spectacular on special teams. Is there any reason to keep him?
Here's where I get a little sentimental. You gotta love a guy named Golden. If you can live up to the pressure of that name you have to be something special. Maybe it's the 4.36 40 time at the combine or maybe it's the fact that I watched him run circles around the competition in college, but I think Golden Tate deserves one more season.
I'll be honest, Golden Tate was getting on my nerves last preseason game, but not enough that I think the Seahawks should cut him. That being said he has a very short rope and better show something sooner than later. I think the Seahawks should keep him one more season, but if the Seahawks cut Golden Tate I won't shed too many tears. Good luck Golden.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
NFC North Champions: Green Bay Packers
The team that wins the Super Bowl usually starts the following season off with a bulls eye on their back. Everyone knows it will take their best effort to defeat them so they give it their all. In addition teams want to know how they stack up against the world champs and use the game as a barometer of their own progress.
This season will be no different as the Green Bay Packers set out to defend their crown. Their division is more competitive than it's been in two decades. Here's how the NFC North will shake out.
Division winner: Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is coming into his own establishing himself as a top 5 quarterback in the NFL. Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant (fantasy football busts last year) are coming back from injury so the defending champs are even better than they were last year. They win the division, but it won't be easy.
2nd place: Detroit Lions. Matthew Stafford has looked sensational in the preseason and if the Lions can get their running game on track a winning season is a foregone conclusion. Ndamukong Suh is the best defensive lineman in football and will anchor a defense that rivals the Ravens or the Steelers. Look for the Lions to make big strides this year.
3rd place: Minnesota Vikings. Donovan McNabb will provide stability at the quarterback position and Adrian Peterson is still the best running back in the league, but this team has gotten old in a hurry. They missed their window of opportunity two years ago when Bret Favre chose to throw across his body one too many times.
Last place: Chicago Bears. It's hard to believe a team that played in the NFC championship last year will end up in the basement of their own division, but that's exactly what's in store for the Chicago Bears. Everyone else in their division got better while they remained relatively the same. In addition special teams standout Devin Hester won't be a factor because of the rule change on kick offs. The Bears will be lucky to win 7 games.
This season will be no different as the Green Bay Packers set out to defend their crown. Their division is more competitive than it's been in two decades. Here's how the NFC North will shake out.
Division winner: Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is coming into his own establishing himself as a top 5 quarterback in the NFL. Jermichael Finley and Ryan Grant (fantasy football busts last year) are coming back from injury so the defending champs are even better than they were last year. They win the division, but it won't be easy.
2nd place: Detroit Lions. Matthew Stafford has looked sensational in the preseason and if the Lions can get their running game on track a winning season is a foregone conclusion. Ndamukong Suh is the best defensive lineman in football and will anchor a defense that rivals the Ravens or the Steelers. Look for the Lions to make big strides this year.
3rd place: Minnesota Vikings. Donovan McNabb will provide stability at the quarterback position and Adrian Peterson is still the best running back in the league, but this team has gotten old in a hurry. They missed their window of opportunity two years ago when Bret Favre chose to throw across his body one too many times.
Last place: Chicago Bears. It's hard to believe a team that played in the NFC championship last year will end up in the basement of their own division, but that's exactly what's in store for the Chicago Bears. Everyone else in their division got better while they remained relatively the same. In addition special teams standout Devin Hester won't be a factor because of the rule change on kick offs. The Bears will be lucky to win 7 games.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)