Rant Sports: D12 Joins Rockets, Escapes L.A.

http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2013/07/05/dwight-howard-signs-with-houston-rockets-what-do-los-angeles-lakers-do-next/

Heat Vs Spurs... NBA Finals Predictions

Let The Games Begin!

Tonight is the night.  Finally, the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs engage in battle for league supremacy.  The battle of the "Big 3's" are in full effect.  Now the question is, who has the edge?

By Haz Bey

The San Antonio Spurs are coming off a 9 day layoff after sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies en route to the franchise's 5th appearance in the NBA Finals.  Their batteries are recharged, their legs are fresh and they run the most efficient offense in basketball.  The Spurs' core group consist of the league's best coach in Gregg Popovich, the league's best point guard in Tony Parker, the league's best big-man in Tim Duncan and the dynamic sixth man Manu Ginobili.  This core group has won 3 NBA Titles (2003, 2005 & 2007).  Coach Pop and Tim Duncan has won all 4 of the franchise's NBA Titles together.  The core unit is now mixed with young, athletic role players that just flat out do their job.  Danny Green, Kwahi Leonard, Tiago Splitter & Gary Neal are perfect pieces to the Spurs championship puzzle.  Reliable veteran Boris Diaw can handle the basketball, play in the post and shoot from the outside.  Along with Matt Bonner, DeJuan Blair, Cory Joseph and former All-Star Tracy McGrady as back-up, the San Antonio Spurs are deep enough spoil the Miami Heat's chances at a repeat.

The Miami Heat have LeBron James.  There is no answer for him.  No matter what the Spurs will try to do, bottom line,  he is going to get his numbers.  Coach Pop, recognizes that, so the key to the Spurs winning this series will be how the Spurs guard everybody else.  Dwyane Wade is not himself right now due to the bone bruise to his knee.  Chris Bosh is struggling, majorly.  The way Ray Allen is playing, I do not even realize that he is on the Heat's roster. There is no ands, ifs or buts that Miami's stars must play at a higher level than they did in that physical, grueling 7 game series with the Indiana Pacers.  The Spurs will capitalize on all of Miami's mistakes.  The Heat's main job is to limit those mistakes and do give LeBron James the help he needs to so he doesn't have to take matters into his own hands for all 48 minutes of each game of this series.

Both teams have championship experience.  Both teams has MVP quality players.  Both teams can win this series.  My prediction is that this series will go 7 games and I have the Miami Heat repeating as champions.  I believe that the Spurs have the better team, but LeBron James is the has the ability to take over games on both ends of the floor and with his legacy on the line, I believe he will find a way to will his team to a series victory.  So I have the Heat in 7 over the Spurs.  Enjoy the NBA Finals.  If it goes the way I predicted it, then we are in for a very entertaining series.

The "Original 6" Game 7 Victory By The Blackhawks

Blackhawks Win Game 7 in OT 2-1

By Haz Bey

With the Chicago Blackhawks facing elimination against the Detroit Red Wings  being down 3 games to none, Chicago regrouped to rally from facing elimination to moving on to the Western Conference Finals.  Game 7 came down to the wire with a dramatic ending.

The "Original 6" (Montreal Canadians, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings & Chicago Blackhawks) is the backbone of what the NHL is all about.  Other than the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Original 6 seemed to be always in contention for Lord Stanley's Cup, year-in and year-out.  With this year's playoffs, it is not any different for not only did the Blackhawks and Red Wings duke it out for 7 straight games, in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Bruins are back in the Eastern Conference Finals again.  So for another year the Original 6 are representing for the O.G's.

Detroit fought hard and hand a commanding lead over Chicago, but nothing is ever guaranteed in playoff hockey.  The NHL is the hardest league out of the American four major pro sports league to predict because it takes a lot more than X's & O's win a hockey game. Heart, effort, speed & toughness can change a series outcome in a heartbeat.  The Red Wings couldn't stop Chicago's momentum and now they have all summer to think about it.

The Chicago Blackhawks started Game 7 with a the type of physical intensity that had let them to rally from a 3-1 deficit.  Then 3 1/2 minutes into the 2nd period, Patrick Sharp scores the game's 1st goal off a terrible line change from the Red Wings.  The way Chicago was playing it seemed that 1 goal advantage would be all they needed.  They continued to play picture-perfect hockey up to the 2nd intermission.  Then all hell broke loose in Chi-Town when Henrick Zetterberg scored off a Chicago defensive lapse and the game was all nodded at 1 goal a piece only 26 seconds into the 3rd period and Detroit was "back in the game, baby!" (in my Tryone Biggums voice aka Dave Chappelle)  Chicago thought they had won in the final moments with a potential game winning goal, but the back referee called roughing penalties on  both a Red Wings player and a Blackhawks player so the potential game winning goal by Niklas Hjalmarsson did not count.  Finally in overtime, Brent Seabrook shot the game winning goal off of a deflection that sealed the deal for the Chicago Blackhawks.

With the Blackhawks moving on the conference finals, their is a 50/50 chance the Original 6 will be in Stanley Cup Finals with a possible match-up between the Bruins and the Blackhawks, which would be epic.  Even if the Original 6 doesn't make an appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals, we will truly see who the true best team in the last 5 years will be.  This is because for the 1st time since 1945, the NHL's "Final Four" will consist of teams that have each won Stanley Cup Finals in the last 4 years.  It's the "Best of the Best" going at it and Lord Stanley's Cup is the ultimate prize.  Now let's sit back watch how it all plays out.

THEY'RE BAAAAAACK!!!! The Western Conference Champion Spurs

Spurs Sweep the Grizzlies En Route to the Finals

Haz Bey

After a 6 year hiatus, the San Antonio Spurs are back in the NBA Finals for the 5th time in franchise history.  The Spurs are 4-0 in the NBA Finals, but a potential match up with the defending champion Miami Heat may threaten their perfect mark.

Tony Parker led the way in the Western Conference Finals Game 4 series clincher with 37 points and 4 assist as the Spurs won 93-86.  The Memphis Grizzlies had no answer for Parker as he dominated the series from the opening tip of Game 1.  This is nothing new for Tony for he was the 2007 Finals MVP.

The Grizzlies showed the type of heart and resiliency of a champion, but the Spurs proved to be too much to handle this time around.  The lack of offense with the absences of Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo has proven to be the Grizzlies downfall as they could not keep up with the free-flowing offense of the San Antonio Spurs.  Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol shot under 40% from the field each as Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter controlled the paint all series long.

Respect the San Antonio Spurs.  They have an all-time head coach in Gregg Popovich, a Hall of Fame "Big 3" in Tim Duncan, Tony Parker & Manu Ginobili and they been the most consistent franchise in Sports since 1989, way back when "The Admiral" David Robinson first stepped on the scene.  The Heat better take notice, because the Spurs will give the defending champs all that they can handle.

Ready to Jump Ahead to the Finals? Heat vs Spurs

Haz Bey
The Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies both had great runs this post season, but even though it is not official as of yet, both of their seasons will not include a trip to he NBA Finals.  With that out of the way, now we can focus on a much intriguing match up between the San Antonio Spurs and last year's defending champs, the Miami Heat.  

LeBron James is the best player in basketball.  His overall game is on a all-time level and repeating as a champion will put him in company of the game's greatest to ever play.  There's a problem though.  Tim Duncan is arguably the best power forward of all-time and he is hungry for one more shot a fifth ring. When you talk about who the greatest players in NBA history are, Tim Duncan is in the conversation.  In some people's cases he just makes it and with others he just misses out.  Winning a championship this year will put an end to any doubts that Duncan is indeed a top 10 player of all-time.  Both of these players have their legacies on the line that go hand & hand with winning another ring.  

Let's not forget that Dwyane Wade has a shot a third ring to add to his Hall of Fame career and both Tony Parker & Manu Ginobli are going for their fourth rings as well.  The star players in this series have a lot of motivation to help them compete for this seasons's NBA Title.  

I know both of these teams need to close-out their respective opponents, so I am not going to break down the series' match ups, possible strategies & predictions, but come June 6th, prepare yourself for one of the most competitive NBA Finals we are ever going to witness.

Western Conference Finals 1st Look

  

 Blog by Haz Bey  The San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies are set to engage in battle for the Western Conference Crown after both teams eliminated the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder respectively.  The Spurs core group of Duncan, Parker, Ginobli & Coach Pop have won the West 3 times together, but problem is that their last win was in 2007.  The Grizzlies are huge matchup problem for the Spurs.  They are not just big, but they are also athletic and they play to their strengths.  This same Memphis Team beat the Spurs in 6 games in the 1st round of the 2011 playoffs and now they are even better.  So I am putting it out there right now.  The Grizzlies will beat the Spurs in 6 games or less and will face the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. Mark my words.

NBA FINALS Game 1 The time is NOW!

There time is NOW

By Mike McClendon
With the world watching and the weight of a team on their backs LeBron James and Kevin Durant don't necessarily have to prove a thing to anybody, win or lose. You might say I'm a fool to say that but let me explain. The expectations for these 2012 NBA Finals are, to me, too high. The world expects Magic vs. Bird, Jordan vs. Magic, Bird vs. Jordan, or Jordan vs. Magic and we will be disappointed if we don't get those type of performances. To be honest we haven't seen any finals like those of the 80's or 90's since then so don't expect it.

Greatness

These two teams are stacked with more talent than a few NBA teams combined (Bobcats, Bucks and Raptors to name a few) and even though KD and Mr. James are the two best players on the court at all times they can have faith and rely on others to help carry that load. The main difference between the two Superstars will be who will have that drive, determination and will to win when it is needed the most? We can talk about who is clutch and who chokes all day but at the end of the day Mr. James is a 3-time League MVP and KD is a consistent scoring Champ both are clutch to the game of basketball.

3 The Hard Way

With all eyes on the two main attractions anybody who watches the game of basketball knows that the key to this series will be the sidekicks. OKC has the youthful and at times unattainable, unattractive, and unconscious combo cheese and crackers eating guards Russell Westbrook and James Harden. The "Heatles" counter that with oh so soft Chris Bosh and Americas favorite super hero Flash, that was a joke. I would however like to say that D.Wade is a vital part to the "Heatles" success. If he doesn't stay in the flow of the game and be aggressive he will get lost in the sauce that is the NBA Finals. Bosh showed life in Game 7 of the ECF and was pretty consistent in his play during last years finals and this years playoff run. OKC will rely on the stubborn like a bulldog point guard, Westbrook, to give not only a scoring effort but a defensive one as well. He must play better on the defensive end than he did against Tony Parker of the Spurs in the WCF. The other key participant in these Finals will be the loved and hated James Harden. The beard is a blog by itself so I won't go there but what I will say is that if Harden can continue to perform and be aggressive like he has been all playoffs than the "Heatles" are in trouble. Harden is the best 4th quaarter scorer off the bench and gets to the charity stripe like it's a free lap dance. The kid means business.

Who will reign as King

Game 1 of the NBA Finals tonight as we all know will be important to both teams but to me it means more to the road team which is the "Heatles". With the 2-3-2 format the team with the 3 games at home cannot get swept in any of the 2 games on the road. Miami can set a tone and show the young fellas of OKC what it feels like to be in the NBA Finals with a win tonight. I think Miami can and will do that tonight but only because OKC may not be ready for this stage tonight. I think if KD sets the tone early and the rest of the firing squad follows than OKC wins, but only if KD in firing first. Sit back relax and let's take this ride on the NBA Finals coaster!

Heat, Thunder, NBA Finals... Get Used To IT...

By Haz Bey

We are all "Witnesses" (no pun intended Bron-Bron) to this historical event.  A new era in the NBA is starting right before our eyes.  With Kobe's Lakers & Duncan's Spurs out the Finals for back-to-back seasons for the first time since  MJ's Bulls had the league on smash, the NBA has a match-up of teams led by true elite talents.  LeBron James, Kevin Durant & Dwyane Wade are arguably the 3 of the 4 best players in the league.  With Kobe Bryant, while still playing at a elite level, on the downside of his career, the torch that represents the league's best player must be passed.  LeBron & D-Wade are leading the Miami Heat back to the Finals for a second year in a row after blowing a 2-1 lead to the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks, while Kevin Durant with the help of rising stars Russell Wesbrook & James Harden making a historic run to the Finals by eliminating the Mavs, Lakers & Spurs.  Winners of 10 of the last 13 NBA Finals since 1998.

All of the attention will surround around the match-up between 3-time league MVP LeBron James & reigning 3-time scoring champ Kevin Durant.  The last few times such elite talent squared off for the world championship was in 2008 & 2010 when Kobe's Lakers faced off against the Big 3 now Big 4 of Boston, 2001 when Shaq & Kobe's Lakers ousted Allen Iverson's 76ers in 5 games, The Bulls match up with Magic's Lakers, Barkley's Suns & Stockton & Malone's Jazz in the 90's & Hakeem's Rockets sweeping Shaq & Penny's Orlando Magic in 1995.  But to understand the magnitude of how significant this years Finals match-up between the Heat & the Thunder, we  have to go back to the years 1984-1987 when the Larry Bird's Celtics faced off with Magic Johnson's Lakers for 3 memorable series that made the NBA what it is today.  Magic & Larry were considered the two best players in the league and their legendary match-ups settled the question on who was better between the two.  Magic's Lakers won 2 of 3 Finals series against the Celtics and forever solidifying Magic's place as the NBA's best player title over Larry Bird.  The best thing about all this is that they were able to settle it on the court.  See in the NBA, more so in every other American professional sports league, winning the ring means everything.  More so than career numbers.  When you are an elite talent in the NBA, with the right pieces around you, you should be able to win multiple championships.  Look at all the greats, MJ, Magic, Bird, Russell, Kareem, Kobe, Shaq, Wilt, Hakeem & Duncan have all won at least two titles while playing at a elite level.  Winning multiple champions doesn't happen by accident in the NBA, it happens to the flat out best players in the league.  That is what history has shown us.  This is fact people.  I love the Barkleys, Ewings, Wilkins, Iversons, Millers, Stocktons & Malones of the world, but to not have a title under your belt is a huge disappointment, but their teams got beaten year after year by team's that had better talent (mainly Michael Jordan is responsible for all, but one of the people I have listed with Shaq & Kobe handling the rest).  That is no accident.  

Fast forward back to this year's NBA Finals.  A lot of pressure is on LeBron to get his first of what should be many rings, but their is no pressure of Kevin Durant.  If LeBron loses he has to deal what a ton of scrutiny, but if Durant loses, the media will look at the fact that Kevin Durant is only 23 years old and his best years are yet to come.  On the flip-side though, whoever wins will at least for 1 season own the NBA as the league's best player, well unless, Dwyane Wade dominates the Finals like he did in 2006 (Finals MVP) and in last year's Finals for the first 4 games of series before he suffered an injury in game 5.  And let's not forget that these teams are primed to make NBA Finals appearance for the next 5 years, a rivalry like the Lakers & Celtics could be in the making, which could take the NBA to levels of excitement we haven't seen in years.

The Flyers Have the Penguins Right Where They Want Them

By Haz Bey
The Philadelphia Flyers have the Pittsburgh Penguins on the brink of elimination with a 3 games to none lead in their first round match-up.  Lead by the play of Danny Briere, the Flyers are scoring at will by applying a lot of pressure at the net.  All the Penguins can do is sucker punch their way back into the series, but that is not happening.  This series is over.  It's a wrap.  "Sid the Kid" can work his magic, but even with Malkin, the pair cannot rally their troops to win four straight against a Flyers team that down right hates them.  I mean every 5 minutes it seems like the 2 teams drop their gloves and sticks and start going at it.  So much hatred, which brings out a passion to win not seen in most playoff series.  The Flyers would personally like to get over the playoff hump from losing to Crosby & company in the 2008 and 2009.  Both years the Penguins got to the Stanley Cup Finals to face the Detroit Red Wings.  The Penguins lost in 2008, but won Lord Stanley's Cup the following year in a game 7 in Detroit. 

The Flyers seem ready to eliminate the Penguins asap to move on the next round and I expect a long playoff run, because their confidence will be off the charts after bouncing out their hated rival.  Former Penguins star and current Flyer Jaromir Jagr would love to send his former team packing for the Summer is playing as if he has turn back the hands of time with his passion on the ice.  Now Game 4 will be a blood bath, but if the Philadelphia Flyers survive with a victory, they will be showered with joy from all of the Philly faithful.

Super Bowl Preview

New York Giants vs New England Patriots
Super Bowl XLVI

Blog by Haz Bey
"The Rematch" is almost here and I personally can not wait for it to go down.  Two elite quarterbacks with two elite receiving cores playing for two elite franchises.  In 2008, the Giants and Patriots met for an historic championship game for the ages ending with Eli coming up huge in the clutch to lead the Giants to a game winning touchdown earning the Giants their third Super Bowl title and ending New England's perfect season with a record of 18-1.  These teams meet again with the Lombardi Trophy on the line once more, but Tom Brady and the Patriots are waiting for payback. 

Isn't it ironic that New England has not won a playoff game since losing to the Giants in 2008 and now they must face them once again in the Super Bowl.  It's also ironic that the "G-MEN" had to go on a run just like they did to end the 2007 regular season then win multiple road games to get to the promise land again.  New England played great all season long and was expected to be here, while the Giants were inconsistent and were an after-thought of competing for the world title.  Same paths just 4 years later. 

Who is going to win this game?  I got the answer.  Let me break it down for you.  The Patriots offense is a juggernaut and is very difficult to stop.  Led by possibly the best quarterback of all-time, Tom Brady, the Patriots present weapons that are unmatched by any offense in football.  The two second year tight ends, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez two of the best at their position.  They can both present match-up problems for any linebacker or defensive back the Giants will try to cover them with.  They also are very good blockers and both are threats out the backfield.  Then there's Wes Welker.  He caught 122 balls this season and is a slot demon.  He is so quick and precised with his routes that defenders struggle to keep up.  Deion Branch, a former Super Bowl MVP for the Patriots is Tom Brady's most trusted receiver and when plays break down, he improvises with Brady to make something out of nothing.  Chad Ochocinco is an Hall-of-Fame talent and don't be surprised if Bill Belichick lets him run loose for the Super Bowl.  It might be his coming out party.  Only catching 15 balls with 1 touchdown is a far cry from what we are used to from Chad, but he didn't lose his talent and if he makes plays in this game then, bye-bye Giants.  With Benjarvas Green Ellis, Danny Woodhead & Kevin Faulk in the backfield, Tom Brady has threats on the ground and in the pass game out the backfield.  Now how will the Giants counter that?  With the arguably the league's best pass rush led by Justin Tuck, Osi Umenioyra & Jason Pierre-Paul.  The Giants do not have to blitz to get pressure on Tom Brady, much like they did to him in Super Bowl XLII and earlier this season in a come from behind win in New England in the regular season.  If they get to Brady then, turnovers will happen and that means Eli Manning and the high-powered Giants' offense will have great field position.  The New England defense is not great by any standards and will have problems trying to slow down the trio of Giant wide receivers led by big-time play maker Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham.  Eli and his receivers are more than capable to strike quickly, but their true advantage might be the 3 headed monster at running back, Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs & Danny Ware.  Each one has a different running style and will keep the Patriots defense on it's toes.  Success in the run game will lead to play-action plays and Eli Manning throws a very accurate deep ball which might take the life out the Patriots if the Giants catches them sleeping looking into the backfield.

Now it is time for my prediction.  The Giants are very confident and are not intimidated by the mystic of the New England Patriots.  They been in this alley before and beat down the Patriots with a street fight-like performance,  but Tom Brady has probably been sitting at home with his gorgeous wife, Super Model Gisele, and praying for a chance to right the wrong at the hands of the Giants in their last Super Bowl meeting.  Bill Belichick will have his team prepared and ready to play.  I promise you he is more than aware that the Giants have his Patriots number lately and this might be the toughest game he must coach in his career, but with a injured ankle to his greatest weapon outside of Tom Brady, how will he get the Patriots to out execute the New York Giants?  Rob Gronkowski will play with his bummed-ankle, but how effective will he be? The match-up against Giants would have been tough enough with a healthy "Gronk", but as great as Brady is, I do not see him leading New England to their fourth Super Bowl win.  Tom Coughlin seems like his job is on the line every year and yet all he does is take the Giants to Super Bowls.  A very underrated coach and motivator, Tom Coughlin understands what it takes to win a championship and there is no way the Giants will get out played physically against the Patriots.  The Giants will have minimal problems putting points on the board and New England will not be able to keep up by game's end. 
Giants Win 34-24

Championship Sunday Preview & Picks

Haz Bey

After my perfect weekend last week, my post season record is now 6-2.  I nailed all 4 games last week, but picking the games this week will be even harder, because all 4 teams left in the tournament are worthy of going to the Super Bowl.  Here we go!

Last Week's Picks (4-0)
Post Season Picks (6-2)




AFC Championship Game

Ravens @ Patriots
The Baltimore Ravens are no stranger to winning in Foxboro in the playoffs.  Handing the Patriots a 33-14 butt-kicking 2 years ago in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.  The ran running back Ray Rice right down there throats and New England never recovered.  Ray Lewis and Ed Reed led the defense that day and forced Tom Brady to get rid of the football early, causing New England's offense never to find it's rhythm.  The Baltimore Ravens will go into New England with the same game plan, only difference is, they didn't have to face the tight end tandom of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.  The duo combined for 23 touchdowns this season and help Tom Brady and the offense accumulate the most yards throughout a season in New England Patriots history.  They have proven to be unstoppable and I do not think that Joe Flacco and his handle-bar mustache will score enough points to keep up with Brady and his "All-World" tight ends.  Brady is so focused at the task at hand and I am pretty sure he hasn't forgot about the 33-14 whipping the Ravens put on him 2 years ago.
Patriots Win 31-16

NFC Championship Game

Giants @ 49ers
The 49ers won in dramatic fashion last week at home against the Saints.  Scoring 2 touchdowns late in the 4th quarter to with the last coming with 9 seconds left on a touchdown pass from Alex Smith to Vernon Davis, proved that the 49ers will fight until there is triple zeros on the clock at the end of the game.  They have an intimidating, physical defense that has knocked out 6 running backs this season alone.  They have a running back in Frank Gore that is a load to deal with.  Most importantly they have a coach that has them believing that no team out there can outplay them.  Jim Harbaugh has taking the same roster that Mike Singletary once said, "I can't win with them, I won't win with them, I want winners!", all the way to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season as head coach.  Their reward for reaching the title game is the New York Football Giants.  The G-Men are on a mission.  Their defensive line hasn't been this healthy in years.  Last time they were this healthy, they bruised and battered Tom Brady and the Patriots on their way to winning the Super Bowl.  Eli Manning is now an elite quarterback.  After taking outshining another elite quarterback in the playoffs, Eli is calm, cool & collective going into Sunday's match up with the 49ers.  With both of his running backs healthy as well as the receiving core, Eli will be primed to make his second appearance in the Super Bowl and he will get his chance.  Alex Smith is the key to the game.  The 49ers quarterback has to be better than he was last week against the Saints.  By better, I mean converting 3rd downs and moving the chains consistently all game.  I do not trust with the Giants' pass rush that Smith will get it done. 
Giants Win 27-17

There you have it.  I am predicting a rematch of Super Bowl 42.  Patriots and Giants.  Both teams have the best quarterbacks left in the tournament and both of them will lead their respective teams the big game on Super Sunday.  Have fun watching, because I know I will.

Divisional Round Preview & Picks

Haz Bey

Last week I completely nailed the NFC picks going 2-0 with accurately predicting the Saints would score 45 points in their win, but as far as AFC picks went, well that's another story. So here we go. These are my picks for this weekend's games. 

Haz Picks This Post Season (2-2)

AFC DIVISIONAL GAMES

Broncos @ Patriots
The absolutely hardest game to pick for me this season. You would think the mystic of the Patriots led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick would be too much to handle with the inexperienced Tim Tebow led Broncos coming into town, but there might be more than meets the eye here. Denver has the kryptonite to that high powered offense of New England and that's a tough, physical running game. The Ravens and the Jets respectively had similar offenses that led to 2 New England losses in their last 2 home playoff games. In their earlier regular season match up, the Broncos were able to rush for 200 yards in the 1st quarter alone. Look for that trend to continue in this weeks match up. Tim TeBow and the offense will also have to not turnover the football like they did in the first match up. Denver committed 3 turnovers for 17 New England's points that changed the momentum of the game and led to Denver losing the football game. I predict that Denver will fight hard throughout the ball game, but with the loss of safety Brian Dawkins and Von Miller playing with 1 arm, Tom Brady will put points on the board early and often.
Patriots Win 31-20

Texans @ Ravens
All I have been hearing is that these teams are mirror images of each other. OK, maybe, but last time I check Baltimore is a perfect 8-0 at home. With Ray Rice controlling the clock and that legendary defense led by Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs & Haloti Gnata, I see T.J. Yates having a very long day. Running backs Arian Foster & Ben Tate will have to work extremely hard this week and right now the tandem will not be enough. The Ravens should win this game with no real threat coming from Houston.
Ravens Win 24-9

NFC DIVISIONAL GAMES

Saints @ 49ers
This game does not shape up well for the New Orleans at all. San Francisco's home field has a dirt foundation and if it becomes wet, forget about it. The Saints are like Rams of the early 2000s, "The Fastest Show On Turf". All the weapons at Drew Brees' disposal were meant to run past defenses at home in the Super Dome. Playing that nasty defense of the San Francisco 49ers on that field will not benefit the Saints at all. San Fran on offense will pound the Saints defense with a healthy dosage of running back Frank Gore. Keeping Drew Brees off the field by killing clock. The Saints defense is going to have to force some turnovers to gain some extra possessions to give them a shot of winning on the road. Coach of the Year candidate Jim Harbaugh will have his troops fired up to play their first playoff game as a collective unit and will the extra week off, linebacker Patrick Willis will fly all over the field making plays and hitting Saints players in the mouth. This is a bad spot for the Saints who will have to use running back Darren Sproles in the screen game to slow down San Fran's pass rush. In this battle of 13-3 teams, I am taking the home team in this one.
49ers Win 27-17

Giants @ Packers
The Packers have been unstoppable all season long. They have the best receiving core in football hands down. They have arguable the best quarterback in the league. They have 2 of the best defensive play makers in the the game in Clay Mathews & Charles Woodson. So this game this week should be a breeze right? Wrong. The New York Football Giants come into town with an "Empire State of Mind". Eli Manning is playing lights out as of late. His receiving core of Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham are probably the 2nd best receiving core in football. The Giants defensive line with their 3 headed monster of Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora & Jason Pierre-Paul are going to give Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offensive line fits all game long. Most importantly, 17 players on the Giants roster are part of the 2007 Super Bowl winning championship team that also went into Green Bay and knocked off the Pack in the NFC Championship game that season. The Giants are physical on both sides of the ball and are by no means intimidated by the Packers. All the pressure is on the Packers to get the win and lets not forget that it took a 58 second drive for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to defeat the Giants in the final moments earlier in the regular season 38-35. I think you know where I am going with this. My upset special. The G-Men get it done.
Giants Win 31-27

Wild Card Weekend Preview & Picks

Haz Bey

I'm looking for the AFC road teams to pull out victories on the road while the NFC home teams protect their respective turfs.  I do not think this Wild Card Weekend will be very memorable, but it does have intriguing match-ups.  I will give you my brief take on all four games to get you ready for this huge weekend.




AFC Wild Card Games

Bengals @ Texans
Look for Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals to win a tough game on the road against the AFC South Champion Houston Texans. With Houston down to their 3rd string quarterback T.J. Yates, the Texans will have difficulty moving the football up and down the field causing Houston not to put up enough points on the board to win the franchises 1st ever playoff game. Houston will stay in the game, because of their elite running attack and superb defense, but look for the Bengals to get the lead early with the combination of Dalton to fellow rookie A.J. Green and then pound the ball late with veteran running back Cedric Benson. 
Bengals Win 20-10

Steelers @ Broncos
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not even 1 year removed from losing to the Green Bay Packers in the Super Bowl and the Denver Broncos are 3 weeks removed from their last win.  The mentalities of these 2 teams are on 2 different levels.  Denver's goal is to try to compete with a struggling Tim Tebow at quarterback and Pittsburgh's goal is to move on the next round for their next step in their quest to get back to the Super Bowl.  I can talk about how arguably the league's best defense will dominate arguably the league's worst offense, but there's no need. There will be no "Tebow-Time" this week.
Steelers Win 24-0


NFC Wild Card Games

Lions @ Saints
Shootout, straight shootout, but the New Orleans Saints at home against the Detroit Lions will not lose Saturday Night.  I expect both teams to light up the scoreboard, but the pressure that Matt Stafford will have to try to keep up with Drew Brees will be too much to bare.  Drew Brees has more weapons at his disposal with the addition of Darren Sproles and he runs his offense like a well-oiled machine, while Mathew has to find ways to get Calvin "Megatron" Johnson the ball through double and triple teams.  Easy choice for me.
Saints Win 45-34

Falcons @ Giants
The Atlanta Falcons are a decent football team.  The have a good young quarterback in Matt Ryan, an elite running back in Michael Turner, a 1st ballot hall of famer at tight end in Tony Gonzales & a good receiving core led by Roddy White.  With that being said, there is no way they will have will and the resolve to come in to East Rutherford and knock off the "G-Men" at home.  It's not happening.  The Giants are a physical, proud bunch.  They still have 17 players in uniform from the 2007 team that won the Super Bowl.  Eli Manning has set an NFL record with 15 touchdowns in the 4th quarter this season.  The defensive line is flat-out scary with Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora & Jason Pierre-Paul wreaking havoc.  Too much of an hostel environment for the Falcons to steal a win.
Giants Win 31-17

Brady, Patriots... Business As Usual

Tom Brady to Tim Tebow... "I'll show you how to do this son!"

Blog by Haz Bey
Tom Brady did what he normally does and that's win football games at an elite level.  All Tim Tebow could do was watch how "Jedi Master" Tom Brady picked apart the Broncos defense effortlessly.  The 3-time champ threw for 320 yards on 23 of 34 passes with 2 touchdown passes.  Tom also ran for 2 scores as the New England defense made the necessary adjustments to the Broncos run game and basically played lights-out from the 2nd quarter on.

Tim Tebow played one of his better games of the season leading the Denver Broncos to 23 points, but as expected, there was no way that Tim Tebow would be able to out-duel Tom Brady at this stage of his career.  Tim has done so much his last 9 starts, but he has a long way to go to reach the level of Brady's.  Tebow is going to have to learn to get the ball out quicker instead of holding the football to hit the home run play.  With a full off season, Tim Tebow should be able to correct that problem moving forward and then he will be even more dangerous than he is now.

With yesterday's win in Denver, the Patriots are in better position to grab the number 1 seed in the AFC with Baltimore and Houston losing their games on Sunday.  Pittsburgh has an opportunity to keep up, but with a bruised and battered Ben Roethlisberger, their is no guarantee that the Steelers will come up with the win in San Francisco tonight on Monday Night Football.  Tom Brady looks ready for the Patriots first deep playoff run since 2007 season and as long as the Patriots defense holds up their end, there might be no team in the league that may be able to stop him.

Tebowing

Haz Bey

Tim Tebow is a 1 of a kind athlete.  I can not explain why he is able to perform the way he does after being ineffective throughout most of a football game.  I just can't and I am not going to try to.  Tim Tebow is a winner and I want to see how far he and the Denver Broncos will go.  Teams that play him must do what the Detroit Lions did when they met Tim Tebow 7 weeks ago and that is to blow the Broncos out.  Just flat out beat them to a pulp.  This way there is now way Tim Tebow can work his magic in the 4th quarter aka "Tebow Time". 

Tim Tebow is as selfless as they come as a teammate.  Never wanting the glory for himself and always making sure the media recognizes his teammates contributions as well.  Remember when Charles Barkley said "I'm am not a role model".  Well that does not apply to Mr.Tebow.  He is someone all parents should model their child after when it comes to molding them through competitive sports.  A complete class act in my eyes and I can not wait until he faces Tom Brady and the New England Patriots this upcoming Sunday.  It will truly be must see t.v.

In The Clutch Radio Show

NBA, NFL, MLB Winter Meetings talk. Exposed Haz and his NBA team loyalties!

In The Clutch Radio Show

Week in Sports Review

The Real McCoy

LeSean "Shady" McCoy

LeSean McCoy is the 1st Philadelphia Eagles running back to eclipse 1000 yards in the teams 1st 10 games of a season.  He is the league leader in rushing yards (1019), yards per carry (5.4) & touchdowns (12).  If "Shady" can continue the pace that he is on and lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a division title by winning out the rest of their games, how can you not consider him as an MVP canidate?  Is he an elite running back in this league?  No doubt in my mind he is.  When the Philadelphia Eagles give LeSean McCoy at least 20 carries, the Philadelphia Eagles are 3-0 this season.  The Birds have a 4-6 record.  So the writing is on the wall.  Give LeSean ball, Philly!  He's the "Real McCoy".

Haz Bey

Streaky Phins vs Streaky Boys

Thanksgiving 1993 "The Leon Lett Game"

Reggie Bush is Ballin'

The Miami Dolphins started the season at 0-7 and was in contention for a shot at Andrew Luck.  Now after winning 3 straight games, the 'Phins will roll right into Dallas for Thanksgiving and we all remember last time the Dolphins and Cowboys played on Thanksgiving.  Leon Lett was the "turkey" and his bone-head mistake on a blocked field goal in the snow allowed the Dolphins to shock the world and beat the defending champion Cowboys in front of a national audience.  But that 1993, these days are different.  I will promise to all of you out there that there will not be any snow in Dallas this Thanksgiving and Leon Lett will not be suiting up for the Cowboys this Thursday.  A blessing to all Cowboys fans. 

Romo has an eye on the Playoffs

The Dallas Cowboys are also coming in to Thanksgiving riding a 3 game win streak and are clearly playing their best football all season.  After winning their 2nd overtime game this season in D.C. against hated division rival Washington 27-24 this past Sunday, the 'Boys proved that Tony Romo can execute in big moments when Dallas needs it most.  Dallas is the only team to beat the 49ers this season and we all know how good that team is over there in San Francisco. 

Leon Lett's Bone-Head Play

This Thursday on Thanksgiving The 'Phins and 'Boys put their 3 game win streaks on the line, but who will come out the victor?  The Cowboys should win, but if Reggie Bush and Brandon Marshall can have huge performances by taking advantage of Rob Ryan's wholes in his defensive scheme, then Miami might fly out of Dallas with a 4th straight win. 

Haz Bey

Where Did the 49ers Come From?

Willis the Monster

The San Francisco 49ers have basically came from nowhere to becoming an elite team in the NFL.  With quarterback Alex Smith running a very efficient offense and Patrick Willis leading arguably the best defense in the league, the 49ers have 9 of their first 10 games this season after trashing the laughable Arizona Cardinals 23-7 in San Francisco.  Now stop and clear your mind for a second or two.  The 49ers roster looks a lot like last year's roster.  So now the question is what is the driving force that is taking the 49ers to the next level?  Enter Jim Harbaugh.  His presence, his demeanor & his enthusiasm has lifted the San Francisco 49ers from mediocrity to possibly hosting a playoff game with a bye. 

San Fran's Savior

Jim Harbaugh has always been passionate at his profession.  Some people like it, some people don't, but bottom line he produces results.  We all remember the 1995 playoff run when Harbaugh led the overly matched Indianapolis Colts with his inspired play to Pittsburgh for a shot at the Super Bowl in the AFC Championship Game.  They came up just short, but what a run that was.  At Stanford, Harbaugh pumped life back into a once proud program and has developed the most coveted quarterback in recent memory in Heisman Trophy candidate Andrew Luck.   Now Jim Harbaugh has landed in San Francisco and has had immediate results.  The 49ers are undefeated on the road this season including wins in Cincy and Philly.  They have the leagues top ranked defense in both defending the run and ppg average.  Alex Smith is not turning the football over.  Smith has thrown for 13 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions.  Alex Smith's play has Jim Harbaugh stamp written all over it.

49ers beat Cardinals 23-7

With the 49ers sitting at 9-1 and only 1 game behind undefeated Green Bay for homefield advantage, another test awaits Jim Harbaugh and his troops.  A trip to Baltimore to spend Thanksgiving with his brother John Harbaugh and the AFC North leading Ravens.  The 49ers are battle tested and supremely confident. The Niners are true road warriors.  The Ravens are not as dominate defensively as in years past and are inconsistent on offense.  What may seem to be an upset to many, I predict the 49ers will go down to B-more and pull out a tough road win.  You heard hear first.

*I want to dedicate this blog to my dear friend Chauncey.  A life long 49ers fan.  R.I.P.

Haz Bey