With football season kicking off in full force baseball is taking a back seat to the NFL. Only for a couple of weeks though as playoff baseball nears. Most of the division leaders are well ahead of the rest of their division rivals. The Red Sox, Indians, and Angels are almost shoe-ins for the playoffs. The Yankees are starting to pull away from the rest of the crowd in the AL wild card race. A four game lead for them is almost a definite, with the baseball they have been playing as of late. The Mets and Diamondbacks are pretty much assured themselves also of a spot. The NL Central is still open for the taking between the Brewers and Cubs but only one will make the playoffs. With other NL teams being at least four and a half games out of the wild card chase it's a good chance one of those teams will be eliminated. The NL wild card race is not looking so well as it looks like the playoff team out of this league may come as a default. In the last ten games it seems as if no one wants to step up and show they are in it to win it with the top four wild card contenders a combined two games above 500. Hopefully "America's pastime" will pick up as the chase really nears and some of us baseball fans will be able to enjoy the hunt for October.
Ray Weed reporting for Mike and Company
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Haz's Week 2 Preview
Here's my view on what to expect this weekend...
49ers @ Rams: Look for the 49ers to establish the running game behind Frank Gore and to control the clock keeping the Rams offense on the sidelines. I like 49ers to win 20-14.
Colts @ Titans: Last year these division rivals played each game down to the wire. They split the two games with each team winning on their respective home fields. Vince Young will keep the Titans close, but a healthy Bob Sanders anchors a very improved and stingy defense, that help the Colts last year win the Super Bowl. In all it will be to tough of a task for the Titans to beat the world champs. Colts win 27-13.
Bengals @ Browns: Bengals in a blowout. Anytime you trade your starting Quarterback after Week 1, you know your team is doomed and is probably all ready on the clock for next years draft. Bengals win in a "laugher", 38-3.
Saints @ Buccaneers: No running game, no chance for the Bucs. Look for big games by Drew Brees & Reggie Bush. Saints win 24-6.
Packers @ Giants: With Eli out, look for a low scoring affair. The Giants will rally behind the "Hefty Lefty", but look for Green Bay to pull out a nail biter on the road. Packers win 13-10.
Texans @ Panthers: Impressive showing by Matt Schaub and the Texans whipping up on the Chiefs in Week 1, but the Panthers are fresh off an outstanding performance in St. Louis. Look for Jake Delhomme to do well in his second straight week as the Panthers win a good one. Panthers win 24-13.
Falcons @ Jaguars: Atlanta fans...thank Mike Vick for possibly earning the top pick in the draft. Look for the Jags to shut Atlanta completely out of the end-zone. Jaguars win in a sleeper, 23-0.
Bills @ Steelers: All of America's hearts and prayers go out to Kevin Everett and his family, but the Buffalo Bills will need a little bit more than that if they want to beat a confident Pittsburgh Steelers team with a rejuvenated Big Ben at the helm. The Bills will play inspired, but look for the Steelers to come out on top. Steelers win 20-14.
Cowboys @ Dolphins: "America's Team will not put up 45 points on the tough Miami "D", but they provide just enough firepower to outlast the Dolphins. Miami will hang around, but their lack of offense will hurt them. Cowboys win 20-10.
Seahawks @ Cardinals: With Arizona needing this win to keep up in the division look for them to have a good performance, but these are the Cardinals and history tells us that no matter what happens, they will find a way to lose. Seahawks win 24-17.
Vikings @ Lions: The NFC North lead is up for grabs as the 1-0 Vikings travel to Detroit to face the 1-0 Lions. With Lions being at home and providing more firepower on offense look for them to come out victorious in this one. Lions win 27-21.
Raiders @ Broncos: This is a big time rivalry in the AFC West, but Denver has more depth and stability on both sides of the ball. Look for Culpepper to start in place of McCown, who is nursing a hand injury suffered on the Raiders last offensive play last Sunday. Broncos win 28-13.
Jets @ Ravens: Without Pennington's experience at the helm for the Jets, the Ravens aggressive 3-4 defense will be licking their chops. Ravens win easily, 24-3.
Hassan Bey Reporting for Mike and Company
49ers @ Rams: Look for the 49ers to establish the running game behind Frank Gore and to control the clock keeping the Rams offense on the sidelines. I like 49ers to win 20-14.
Colts @ Titans: Last year these division rivals played each game down to the wire. They split the two games with each team winning on their respective home fields. Vince Young will keep the Titans close, but a healthy Bob Sanders anchors a very improved and stingy defense, that help the Colts last year win the Super Bowl. In all it will be to tough of a task for the Titans to beat the world champs. Colts win 27-13.
Bengals @ Browns: Bengals in a blowout. Anytime you trade your starting Quarterback after Week 1, you know your team is doomed and is probably all ready on the clock for next years draft. Bengals win in a "laugher", 38-3.
Saints @ Buccaneers: No running game, no chance for the Bucs. Look for big games by Drew Brees & Reggie Bush. Saints win 24-6.
Packers @ Giants: With Eli out, look for a low scoring affair. The Giants will rally behind the "Hefty Lefty", but look for Green Bay to pull out a nail biter on the road. Packers win 13-10.
Texans @ Panthers: Impressive showing by Matt Schaub and the Texans whipping up on the Chiefs in Week 1, but the Panthers are fresh off an outstanding performance in St. Louis. Look for Jake Delhomme to do well in his second straight week as the Panthers win a good one. Panthers win 24-13.
Falcons @ Jaguars: Atlanta fans...thank Mike Vick for possibly earning the top pick in the draft. Look for the Jags to shut Atlanta completely out of the end-zone. Jaguars win in a sleeper, 23-0.
Bills @ Steelers: All of America's hearts and prayers go out to Kevin Everett and his family, but the Buffalo Bills will need a little bit more than that if they want to beat a confident Pittsburgh Steelers team with a rejuvenated Big Ben at the helm. The Bills will play inspired, but look for the Steelers to come out on top. Steelers win 20-14.
Cowboys @ Dolphins: "America's Team will not put up 45 points on the tough Miami "D", but they provide just enough firepower to outlast the Dolphins. Miami will hang around, but their lack of offense will hurt them. Cowboys win 20-10.
Seahawks @ Cardinals: With Arizona needing this win to keep up in the division look for them to have a good performance, but these are the Cardinals and history tells us that no matter what happens, they will find a way to lose. Seahawks win 24-17.
Vikings @ Lions: The NFC North lead is up for grabs as the 1-0 Vikings travel to Detroit to face the 1-0 Lions. With Lions being at home and providing more firepower on offense look for them to come out victorious in this one. Lions win 27-21.
Raiders @ Broncos: This is a big time rivalry in the AFC West, but Denver has more depth and stability on both sides of the ball. Look for Culpepper to start in place of McCown, who is nursing a hand injury suffered on the Raiders last offensive play last Sunday. Broncos win 28-13.
Jets @ Ravens: Without Pennington's experience at the helm for the Jets, the Ravens aggressive 3-4 defense will be licking their chops. Ravens win easily, 24-3.
Hassan Bey Reporting for Mike and Company
Upsets
****MY UPSET SPECIAL OF THE WEEK****
Chiefs @ Bears: I'm sorry Bears fans, but you give away the one player (Thomas Jones) that gives your team stability on offense to the New York Jets and his replacement (Cedric Benson) puts the ball on the ground more then most running backs and gets benched for it, so now you have no running game. And did you forget who your starting quarterback is, I'm praying for all of the Bears fans I really am. Look for the Chiefs to give the bears a good dose of Larry Johnson..30 carries and a 100 plus yards...with the Chiefs winning on the road in upset fashion..kinda like how the Texans did to them last Sunday. Chiefs win 17-7.
Hassan Bey Reporting for Mike and Company
Chiefs @ Bears: I'm sorry Bears fans, but you give away the one player (Thomas Jones) that gives your team stability on offense to the New York Jets and his replacement (Cedric Benson) puts the ball on the ground more then most running backs and gets benched for it, so now you have no running game. And did you forget who your starting quarterback is, I'm praying for all of the Bears fans I really am. Look for the Chiefs to give the bears a good dose of Larry Johnson..30 carries and a 100 plus yards...with the Chiefs winning on the road in upset fashion..kinda like how the Texans did to them last Sunday. Chiefs win 17-7.
Hassan Bey Reporting for Mike and Company
Sunday Special
****MY MUST WATCH GAME OF THE WEEK****
Chargers @ Patriots: Fresh off the "Video Gate", the Patriots host the San Diego Chargers in a rematch of last years Divisional Playoff Game. A game in which the Chargers had in the bag after a fourth down interception of Tom Brady, but on the return, the Chargers gave the ball right back to Brady and company with a fumble leading to the eventual demise and firing of Marty Shottenheimer. Let's not forget L.T. going after Patriots players after the game for imitating the "Lights Out" dance performed by teammate and last years sack leader Shawn Merriman. Another note...I bet you Bill Belichek has not forgotten about the thumping they took last season when San Diego Came in to Foxboro and blew the Patriots off the field ending their record home winning streak. Lots of bad blood between these teams and both have their eyes on Super Bowl glory. Having home field will be the difference, not signal stealing, as the cheaters...I mean the Patriots...win in this Sunday Night affair. Patriots win 23-20.
Hassan Bey Reporting for Mike and Company
Chargers @ Patriots: Fresh off the "Video Gate", the Patriots host the San Diego Chargers in a rematch of last years Divisional Playoff Game. A game in which the Chargers had in the bag after a fourth down interception of Tom Brady, but on the return, the Chargers gave the ball right back to Brady and company with a fumble leading to the eventual demise and firing of Marty Shottenheimer. Let's not forget L.T. going after Patriots players after the game for imitating the "Lights Out" dance performed by teammate and last years sack leader Shawn Merriman. Another note...I bet you Bill Belichek has not forgotten about the thumping they took last season when San Diego Came in to Foxboro and blew the Patriots off the field ending their record home winning streak. Lots of bad blood between these teams and both have their eyes on Super Bowl glory. Having home field will be the difference, not signal stealing, as the cheaters...I mean the Patriots...win in this Sunday Night affair. Patriots win 23-20.
Hassan Bey Reporting for Mike and Company
Monday Night Special
****Monday Night Football****
Redskins @ Eagles: The Redskins are on top of the NFC East along with the Dallas Cowboys, but look for that to end on Monday Night. The Philadelphia Eagles, who have won the division crown 5 out of the last 6 seasons have flat out dominated each team in that division. The Eagles rank 3rd in the NFL behind the Patriots (23-7) & Steelers (23-7) with 21 wins to 9 losses in division play since 2002 when the divisions were realigned. Last week's special teams disaster will not repeat itself as the Eagles signed Reno Mahe back after letting him go during the off-season. He does not have explosive speed but is very sure handed. In general, look for the Eagles to attack the Redskins down field on Shawn Taylor's side of the field. He tends to bite on pump fakes and play action plays due to his aggressive style of play. Eagles win this one 31-17
Hassan Bey Reporting for Mike and Company
Redskins @ Eagles: The Redskins are on top of the NFC East along with the Dallas Cowboys, but look for that to end on Monday Night. The Philadelphia Eagles, who have won the division crown 5 out of the last 6 seasons have flat out dominated each team in that division. The Eagles rank 3rd in the NFL behind the Patriots (23-7) & Steelers (23-7) with 21 wins to 9 losses in division play since 2002 when the divisions were realigned. Last week's special teams disaster will not repeat itself as the Eagles signed Reno Mahe back after letting him go during the off-season. He does not have explosive speed but is very sure handed. In general, look for the Eagles to attack the Redskins down field on Shawn Taylor's side of the field. He tends to bite on pump fakes and play action plays due to his aggressive style of play. Eagles win this one 31-17
Hassan Bey Reporting for Mike and Company
A Miracle in Buffalo
Something is to be said when a man is in surgery for hours for spine and neck injuries and doctors one day say he might not walk again or even live for that matter. Then two days later the doctors are optimistic that same man will walk again one day. That's what's happening right now in the life of Buffalo Bills TE Kevin Everett. He suffered a bad spinal-cord injury during this past Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos that left him motionless on the turf for minutes. The sight and sounds of Everett's injury taking place couldn't measure up to the fear felt by the team and the many people close to him. The team huddled up on the field and took a knee and had a moment of silence and said a spirited prayer for their teammate. It could be said that this spiritual display of affection was contagious to many around the world because Kevin Everett is doing better than expected and is moving slightly but voluntarily. This is truly one nation under God and prayers were definitely answered...
MLB is not hiding...Just not seen
With the smell of freshly cut grass and the cheering of thousands of fans only means one thing...Football is back and baseball has fell into obscurity. Die hard baseball fans will follow their respective teams for about six months then zone them out till October. Major League Baseball is smart, if you thin about it. Baseball knows the summer is theirs for the taking because all of the other major sports our in their respective off-seasons. If you are a sports junky you have no choice but to watch it. Now they get a their core group of fans back in a real good strategic way. Division winners make the playoffs and only one team from the American league and only one team form the National League make the playoffs as a Wild Card. Which makes for some good competitive baseball in late September and early October. Around this time the NFL are on the weaker part of their schedules and College Football is at a stalemate. So with the buzz down in football, baseball turns it up and gives the sports heads out there something to watch. The hunt for Mr. October is on and it's a good chance his name isn't A-Rod...
Patriot Games
Who would have thought the team picked by most sports analysis to reach the Super Bowl would actually get there...By Cheating...The Patriots were caught red handed this past Sunday, when an employee of the Pats was caught on the sideline video taping the New york Jets signal callers. An unfair advantage is what its called but if memory serves correctly the Patriots had a pretty good off-season. They not only signed Pro bowler Adalius Thomas from the Baltimore Ravens but also added three key weapons to their offense...wide receivers Randy Moss, Dante' Stallworth, and utility man Wes Welker...that's an unfair advantage. No, not for the Pats; they continued shopping this off-season and bumped up the teams budget, for things like film, camcorders, and lets not forget the random employee on the payroll.It just goes to show that a team that has all the parts for success will still do anything to win. The competitive nature of the NFL even leads one of the best coaches in the league to make a bad call on the sidelines.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
The Haz Report...Week 1
Week 1 is finally over. From start to finish, "America's Game" gave you everything you have came to love about this league; big hits, record breaking performances & late-game winning drives, just to name a few. Teams like the Colts, Patriots & Chargers proved that they belong amongst the elite in the game, while the Saints, Bears & Eagles have to regroup & prove that each team's performance was just a case of lack of reps during the preseason. The Dallas Cowboys put up 45 points on the now Eli-less Giants, but the gave up 35 points defensively. So much for that great 3-4 attacking defense. The Bengals won the battle with their division foe the Baltimore Ravens by forcing 6 turnovers. You would think a performance like that would come from the Ravens aggressive "D" & lets not forget the Bengals won by 7 points, Where's that high powered offense Mr. Palmer. In all it was a great weekend. Some teams surprised us (Packers, Vikings, Lions) others just plain out did not come to play (Falcons, Chiefs, Jets). Til next time....
Sports Contributor: Hassan Bey
Sports Contributor: Hassan Bey
NFL Injury Update
Week one was full of injuries...Cowboys NT Jason Ferguson (Torn Bicep) out for season CB Terrance Newman (Foot) Questionable...Giants QB Eli Manning (Shoulder) 3-6 weeks, RB Brandon Jacobs (Sprained MCL) Questionable...Bills Jason Webster (broken forearm) Out Indefinitely...Bears FS Mike Brown (ACL) out for season...Packers CB Al Harris (Hyper extended elbow) Questionable...Texans FS Jason Simmons (Torn Patella Tendon) out for season...Chiefs CB Patrick Surtain (Shoulder) Questionable...Dolphins LB Jerry Porter (Knee) Probable...Vikings RB Chester Taylor (Oblique) questionable...Jets QB Chad Pennington (Ankle) 2-3 Weeks...Eagles CB Lito Sheppard (Knee) Questionable, DE Javon Kearse (Shoulder) probable...Seahawks WR D.J. Hackett (ankle) out indefinitely...Rams LT Orlando Pace (Shoulder) out for season...Redskins LT Jon Jansen (dislocated ankle) out for season..
NFL News and Notes
The Oakland Raiders finally inked a 6-year deal Monday morning with their first round draft pick Quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Deal is reported to be worth up to $68 Million with $31 Million Guaranteed...Browns make Charlie Frye a permanent back-up by trading the inconsistent Quarterback to the Seattle Seahawks for a sixth-round pick. Only question now for the Browns is when does Brady Quinn start?...Seahawks continued to make moves Tuesday and traded 7-year veteran Defensive End Bryce Fisher to the Tennessee Titans for an undisclosed draft pick...Washington Redskins add depth at wide receiver by signing free agent Reche Caldwell...Will Demps signs a one-year contract with the Houston Texans. Texans loss both starting strong safeties for the season due to injuries...
Monday, September 10, 2007
Sunday Night is the new Monday Night Football
The best division in the NFC hands down is the NFC east. Last night the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys put on a show for all ages. Known for defensive battles in the past, last night a total of 80 points was scored between the two teams. Both QB's had much to prove...Eli is playing for respect, with big brother winning a Superbowl, it turns that monkey on Eli's back into King Kong...Romo is playing for a long term contract and flat out wants to win...906 total yards between the two teams, both QB's throw for 4 TD's and over 300 yards...Giants WR Plaxico Burress upstages T.O. with 3TD catches to T.O.'s two...but in the end it was just too much of that Dallas D led by Demarcus Ware and a two headed running game with Julius Jones and Marion Barber, who combined for 130 yards rushing and a touchdown ...45-35, Cowboys...
Week 1 continued
Colts showed us what we already know..they can score...Saints looked like the Archie Manning Saints by not evening scoring an offensive TD...41-10 Colts...Broncos squeak out a one point win over the Bills with a game winning Field goal...QB Jay Cutler Threw for a career high 304 passing yards...J.P. Losman matched him with an abysmal 97 passing yards...Vince Young picks up where he left off by scoring the game winning touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars...Titans get 282 yards on the ground...New QB Garrard throws for 204 yards and one touchdown...
Skins barely get by Dolphins and their new and improved defense, 16-13...Panthers upstage Rams, 27-13...Patriots and Randy Moss make a statement against Jets, 38-14...Pennington out in 3rd qt with ankle injury...Vickless Falcons couldn't survive Adrian Peterson and the Vikes, 24-3...Browns play ring-a-round the QB and gets blown out by steelers, 34-7...Lack of offense and special teams is the reason behind the Packers outlasting the Eagles,16-13...Matt Schaub has a decent pro debut against Herm Edwards and the Chiefs,20-3...
Jeff Garcia goes down Early as they lose to the Seahawks,20-6...L.T. throws for one TD and runs for the other as the chargers contain Rex and the Bears,14-3...Raiders look good early then went back to form as the Lions jumped on them,36-21...
Skins barely get by Dolphins and their new and improved defense, 16-13...Panthers upstage Rams, 27-13...Patriots and Randy Moss make a statement against Jets, 38-14...Pennington out in 3rd qt with ankle injury...Vickless Falcons couldn't survive Adrian Peterson and the Vikes, 24-3...Browns play ring-a-round the QB and gets blown out by steelers, 34-7...Lack of offense and special teams is the reason behind the Packers outlasting the Eagles,16-13...Matt Schaub has a decent pro debut against Herm Edwards and the Chiefs,20-3...
Jeff Garcia goes down Early as they lose to the Seahawks,20-6...L.T. throws for one TD and runs for the other as the chargers contain Rex and the Bears,14-3...Raiders look good early then went back to form as the Lions jumped on them,36-21...
Week 1 in the NFL
We have waited six long and boring months for big hits and touchdown celebrations. Granted the college game has tremendous pageantry and we all know these kids play for the love of the game...but its something about overpaid grown men crying about practice and the amount of preseason games they play that we just love...If you haven't guest yet...The NFL is back and boy what weekend it was.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)