Detroit Lions Blogs

Okay, so I’m not reallyat the 28th annual NFL scouting combine but it sure feels like I am.  With the great live coverage of the event on NFL.com as well as the NFL network, I feel like a real pro scout.  I’ve also been very impressed with my ability to predict the unofficial 40 times of the athletes as they cross the finish line, but that is neither here nor there.  You want to know what can really be taken away from this year’s pre-draft extravaganza, don’t you?  Well let me give you my take on a few of the happenings over the last few days. 

Continue reading "Observations from the Combie"

The Chicago Bears defeated the Detroit Lions 37-23 last Sunday to finish up at 7-9.  The win most likely saves head coach Lovie Smith's job.  QB Jay Cutler threw for four TD's looking like the QB fans thought he would be.  Devin Aramashado scored twice on passes.  He should be a featured wide receiver, not Devin Hester.  Hester is a valuable player and should be retured to his best position, running back kickoffs and punts.

Continue reading "Bears End Season on Winning Note"

 With both teams out of the playoffs and nursing plenty of injuries, today's NFC North meeting between the Bears and Lions won't be aesthetically pleasing. Regardless, I'll tell you what to watch for at Ford Field. Get your Gameday Preview on! (6-9) Chicago Bears at(2-13) Detroit Lions The Lions won't have first overall pick Matthew Stafford on the field after his recent knee surgery, so Daunte Culpepper will start under center. He's nowhere near the talent he used to be, but he will be fired up and looking to impress the other 31 teams in the league. Without a consistent running game though, he'll have a hard time fooling the Bears' defense. (I hope anyway.) Marred by injuries (Charles Tillman and Israel Idonije out, Danieal Manning doubtful), Lovie Smith's defense will need to fill their gaps and avoid giving up big plays. If they can, it shouldn't be difficult keeping the lowly Lions under 17 points. Calvin Johnson will get 100 yards in receiving today. Take that to the bank. That should be more than low enough. Jay Cutler and the offense should have no trouble tearing apart the second-worst defense (worst pass defense) in the NFL. Matt Forte should get a ton of carries and a rare 100-yard game to end the regular season. Johnny Knox is doubtful with his ankle injury from last week, but Devin Hester will return to the field in his absence. Devin Aromashodu is going to see plenty of balls his way in the season finale. Odds: Chicago is favored by 3.5 on the road.  Prediction: The Bears

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Chicago Bears ..."

The 2009 Heisman Trophy will be awarded to the most outstanding NCAA college football player by the Downtown Athletic Club at an annual ceremony at the Nokia Theatre in New York City on December 12. 

Continue reading "Heisman Winners Who Couldn't Hack The NFL"

After three quarters of a boring contest, we finally got some action late in Thursday's Miami v. Carolina game. To anyone who had Ricky Williams on their fantasy team, good job. Now, we look to the weekend in the week 11 edition of the Oepning Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 11"

BAILOUT the Redskins! Such is the state of things in Washington DC. Like most of the stocks traded on Wall Street, there are many assets that have no real value but continue to produce millions for its shareholders and owners. The Redskins are just like the stock market, look great on paper and generate millions to the owner but filled with high price, former blue chip stocks that have no real value when put to the test. This team is worse than bad, they are horrible and with no young, up-and-coming players to pin our hopes on, no star QB in the making, no player ready to bust out, if there was ever a time to blow the whole thing up it is definitely now!

Continue reading "The Washington Redskins - a perfect ..."

It was unimpressive statistically, but Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears dominated the Detroit Lions in the second half en route to a 48-24 win on Sunday. 

Even though Detroit’s offense ran 76 plays compared to Chicago’s 50 and racked up nearly 400 yards, it wasn’t enough to overcome losing the field position battle. All of the Lions’ 13 drives started from within their own 30-yard line. Out of the Bears 13 drives, only three started behind the 30. With that kind of field position, Jay Cutler didn’t have to throw for 300 yards to get the victory.  

Continue reading "Bears Demolish Lions in Second Half of Blowout Win"

 

One thing is for sure going into this Sunday’s match-up at Solider Field: these aren’t the 2008 Lions. Know how I know that? The 2009 Lions have won a game. It happened just last weekend against the Redskins. Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz is hoping to turn it into a streak, with the Chicago Bears playing their second victim.  

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Lions at Bears"

Tuesday evening hangover…

Here are some of my astute observations from the Cowboys’ Monday night victory against the Panthers:

     1. The Cowboys played a very gritty game.

Continue reading "Tuesday Evening Hangover: Dallas ..."

The Chicago Bears don't know how to win the easy way.  Apparently, that is not in their DNA, or at least until Buddy Ryan led the "46" defense.  However, this season they have Jay Cutler who threw a late TD pass to converted receiver Devin Hester for 36 yards and the winning touchdown.  And, the Bears defense held off Seneca Wallace and the Seahawks to win and go 2-1 for the young season. 

Continue reading "Bears Beat Seattle 25-19 on late Cutler TD Pass"

Plenty of drama in a weekend that saw one team break a 19-game losing streak and another keep their undefeated streak going. Let’s start the Final Drive of week 3! 

(1-2) Detroit Lions 19 (1-2) Washington Redskins 14 

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 3"

He’s close. You know it. He knows it. And it’s frustrating Tom Brady to no end to being just a little off. Brady had a handful of overthrows or didn’t put the ball in exactly the right spot. It should come back to him in time, but for now Brady will beat himself up until the touch returns.

Continue reading "Pick Six: Week 3"

 

In week three, two early unbeatens face off at the Metrodome while numerous 0-2 teams try to avoid the near-insurmountable playoff climb out of the 0-3 hole. Let’s get started with this week’s Opening Drive!

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 3"

Frankly, I never liked her much to begin with. Last night, though, Serena Williams' boorish display put her on that rare pedestal with the king of self-delusion, Roger Clemens, as far as sheer idiocy and misplaced machismo is concerned. Williams may or may not have foot-vaulted during match point of her semi-final match against Kim Clijsters yesterday at the U.S. Open. What should be un-debatable is that her obscene and ridiculous death threat directed toward the unsuspecting lines-woman following the questionable call was the most gross and uncalled for display by a professional athlete this year. Please, don't twist this into some skewed positive, claiming that Serena showed us her true passion for the game last night. This was a terrible event in front of thousands of spectators and millions watching from home. Really ugly. 

Continue reading "Serena Out of Control"

Suicide Pick.

The Lions travel to the big Easy. Saints have high hope this year after Drew Brees awesome season last year. One more Touchdown drie and he would of had a new record. Now to the Contest. The Lions have won outright the last 2 times they where dogs against the Saints. The under is 8-2 last 10 times these teams meet.

Continue reading "Week 1 NFL Season!!!!!!! Sweet!"

Now that the preseason is over, let the countdown to the real games begin.

The Dallas Cowboys open their 2009 NFL season on the road Sunday, 12 noon, in Tampa, Florida.
The Cowboys’ organization improved the team’s chances of finishing the season stronger by the decisions they made during the off season.

Continue reading "Dallas Cowboys "Reel" 09 Season Begins Sunday"

     Was it Halloween or Mardi Gras last Thursday night? Guys dressed like football players displaying Arena League talent tortured Saints fans worse than a Abu Grab sleepover. Preseason finales produce yawning spells throughout entire stadiums, while TV viewers simply flip to the Food Network. Big Daddy knows that football squads become cohesive units when coaches drill every offensive play and defensive scheme into players’ heads. Practicing each playbook entry until everything runs smoother than James Bond operating in a singles bar. This week’s

Continue reading "Big Daddy Says Lets Get It On:"

 

Pre-season predictions are probably one of my favorite things about the NFL off-season.  I love this time so much because it absolutely validates my opinions of specific football analyst as well as football analysis as a whole.  I mean seriously, has anyone listened to Mark Schlereth talk football.  I’ll credit him on being a handsome and well spoken former football player, but he is no analyst.  Same goes for “Dat Dude” Marcellus Wiley.  I know he went to an Ivy League school, but I’m starting to seriously question this guy’s football intelligence.  But I am digressing.  Pre-season predictions are great because nearly everyone is wrong at the end of the season (not just Mark and Marc…that would be a great show huh?).  There might be one or two people that actually predict the outcome of the Super Bowl, but to try and anticipate what will happen at the top end of the National Football League is nearly impossible.  Notice I say “top end” because there are some teams that are guaranteed to be at the bottom of the food chain: Lions, Raiders, Rams, Bills, Chiefs, Broncos, Buccaneers, etc.  But, predicting who will make the playoffs and who will ultimately win the Super Bowl is about as close to a crapshoot as you can get in professional sports.  This is why I like that the Dallas Cowboys are ranked no higher than 15th on any major power rankings. 

Continue reading "The Toughest Season"

Well, the Brett Favre saga appears to be over… for now. 

The routinely flip-flopping quarterback informed ESPN’s Ed Werder of his decision to stay retired  after telling Brad Childress of the Minnesota Vikings.  Favre explained that he was unsure of his body’s ability to withstand another grueling NFL season and the training camp and preseason schedule that accompany it.  

Continue reading "Brett Favre to Stay Retired"

 

  There's a saying about every sport that goes "Love the game first, the league second, your team third, and the players last". This saying poignantly displays that all fans are interconnected by their love for the game, no matter which team they support. I'm going to identify 3 teams that every NFL fan should be rooting for this season (of course unless they face your favorite team) and 3 you should be rooting against (unless they are your hometown team).

Continue reading "3 NFL teams to love (and 3 to hate!) this season"

*revised

May 1st, 2009

The Detroit Tigers will:

• win the Central Devision

• record = 92-70

• loose to the Red Sox in the ALCS

Continue reading "AARWICH – PRIDICTIONS *REVISED July 14th, 2009"

The Thoroughbred Times is reporting Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Darley USA has purchased leading 2nd crop sire Medaglia d'Oro, not only for his sire power in top 3 year old Rachel Al

Continue reading "Medaglia d'Oro sold"

As OTA's and minicamps progress while training camp begin to roll over the horizon, America's favorite sport nears its regular season.  While nobody knows how well teams will do in a season with the randomness of injuries and several other factors, it's always interesting to look ahead at the schedule and prognosticate.  Unlike most people, I'm not going to give just a win or loss for each game, rather I'm going to predict how many times the Steelers would win if they played a team 10 times.  For instance if the Steelers were playing a very crappy team, I would say 9/10 or 10/10.  At the end i will add up the wins and divide by 10, giving us how many wins they will have this season.

Continue reading "Steelers Game By Game Preview of ..."

First let me say I'm a huge Jr. fan, I loved watching his dad race, and I think he carries on that legacy flawlessly.  After Dale Earnhardt Sr. passed on to that big oval track in the sky, I wondered even doubted that his son could carry on the buccaneer like racing style his father perfected.  Since then, I've become a loyal follower, Dale Jr has without doubt proved to me and millions of other fans that he is all the man his father was and maybe even more.  But I have to wonder what is going on with missing the pit box.  It seems to be becoming a repetitive issue.  And I just wonder if maybe his vision is slipping a little.  Now, I'm not a stalker/fan so I really have no idea if he wears glasses or is color blind.  So if he does or is please feel free to correct me.  Now I know, its gotta be confusing pulling into the pits, with people racing in and out, but pitting should be second nature to a NASCAR driver.  He's just to good of a racer to make mistakes like that.  Who knows maybe he's got some outside distractions influencing him a bit.  Whatever the case may be, I have faith in his abilities and look forward to following what I'm sure will be a long and illustrious career, filled with action and his daring racing style that kindled my love for the sport long ago.  Good Luck at Talladega you Son of Gun.

Continue reading "NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. May ..."

So there is barely any news on the Chicago front. After waiting over five hours to make their only pick of the day at number 17 in the second round (49th overall), the Chicago Bears made a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The Bears sent their 2nd round selection to Seattle and received the Seahawks’ 3rd round (68th overall) and 4th round (105th) choices, both of which will be on Sunday.

Continue reading "NFL Draft Day One: Bears Trade Down ..."

 Matthew Stafford Will Exorcise "The Curse of Bobby Layne"

The 2009 NFL Draft will transpire this weekend at Radio City Music Hall in New York City and fans in Detroit are imploring the Lions organization to select former University of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first pick to finally exorcise the “Curse of Bobby Layne."

Continue reading "Matthew Stafford Will Exorcise "The ..."

I recently read an article in ESPN the Magazine about "Home Town Discounts" in which GM's believe they are getting discounts on players who have become mainstays in their respective franchises because the player would rather stay than leave and uproot their family even if (god forbid) they are paid a couple million dollars less. (thank you Matt Birk). Here's my thought: If you are an NFL player making millions of dollars a year wouldn't you want to go to the most competitive team possible? Teams such as the Steelers are mentioned in the article stating that they should be able to get better players for less money because they won the Super Bowl and players have the chance to be apart of a dynasty.  This makes sense.  What does

Continue reading "Home Town Discount?"

And with the first pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select…

A) Matthew Stafford, QB, UGA

B) Eugene Monroe, OT, UVA

C) Aaron Curry, LB, WF

D)  Jason Smith, OT, BAY

Continue reading "And with the first pick in the 2009 ..."

After reading Cleveland newspapers and watching Cleveland sports on STO for the last several weeks, there is nothing really new to report. However, this weekend is the NFL Combine, so there might be more to report. Anyway, there are rumors and speculation.

Continue reading "Cleveland Browns: Mum is the Word"

As the draft approaches, it's obvious that the Patriots need an outside linebacker that can effectively rush the quarterback and maybe another cornerback to add to the competition between Ellis Hobbs, Jonathan Wilhite, and Terrence Wheatley. Finding the kind of LB that would fit in New England will be tougher this year.

Continue reading "A Difficult Search for Patriots-type Players"

...supposedly will feature a darker shade of Honolulu blue and a tweaking of the silhouette Lions logo.

why does every team see the need to go with dark blue, or black, or hunter green?

Continue reading "Detroit Lions' proposed new uniforms..."

Horse of the Year Azeri remained with present owners and was unsold at $4.4 million at Keeneland earlier this month. In foal and carrying a Ghostzapper filly she remains a beautifull mare. She's the only living female Horse of the Year and three time Eclipse award winner who we loved watching on the track.

Continue reading "Azeri no sales in Kentucky; Storm ..."

Wow after an 0-16 season finding a new coach for the lions will be like finding Bigfoot in NYC.  It's not gonna be easy but at least Matt Millen isn't helping this time.  The Lions are on the verge of a new begining and they need the right coach to start the process.  Rumors have it that they are looking into one of the Assistant head coaches of the cinderella story Miami Dolphins (Todd Bowles).  Also they have had a second interview with Titan's Jim Schwartz. 

Continue reading "Search for a new Coach Continues!!!"

Boy, we don't even get a chance to let the fact that the Patriots are out of the playoffs for the first time since 2002 soak in before the team is involved in off-season news.

On Monday, three teams fired their head coaches, with two of the head men out of work have Patriots ties. Rod Marinelli was canned after a 0-16 season with Detroit, snitch Eric Mangini was let go by the Jets for missing the playoffs two out of three years, and Cleveland had enough of Romeo Crennel after 40 losses in four seasons. Crennel and Mangini were both former defensive coordinators for the Patriots.

Continue reading "Wanna Trade, Cleveland?"

So, there's this Oakland County, Michigan law enforcement officer who's a professional acquaintance of mine. Nice guy, former Marine. Definitely not a guy you'd want to mess with. "James" has a friend who works in the Detroit Lions front office. Here's what the friend told James: a few years ago, the Lions contacted Bill Parcells about coaching the Detroit Lions. After all, who better to resurrect the toothless Lions than the Big Tuna? After all, Parcells has won two Super Bowls as a coach, went to a third and very nearly took the New York Jets there.

Continue reading "How the Detroit Lions almost had Bill Parcells"

     After the Saints soiled Detroit’s White Christmas, Big Daddy enjoyed the soothing sounds of Motown awed by the artists’ talents and fashion sense. Too bad Lions’ players don’t have that smooth style. This week Big Daddy’s Saints Beat blog examines Bernard Madoff’s ethics, features the season’s final Kingpin update, recaps the Detroit game, covers the New Orleans Bowl, and releases his

Continue reading "Big Daddy Digs Motown’s Groove:"

Check out my last post which was used in ESPN.com's The Sports Guy's (or Bill Simmons) latest article! You can view his article by clicking this link.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/081219

Continue reading "Shankster Rankings follow up."

Dan Mullen, offensive coordinator for the Florida Gators recently announced that he would be leaving Florida at season’s end, if not sooner, to take the head coaching job at Mississippi State.  It is still unclear as to whether he’ll coach Florida in the upcoming national championship game.  It is also unclear what effect that will have on the Gators’ offensive game plan.

Continue reading "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do: Mullen ..."

     Happy Holidays!!!!!

     To you and yours I hope that you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  

      As the NFL reaches the last quarter of the season, fantasy owners are positioning themselves for the playoffs. As the fantasy playoffs continue, quality free agent pick-ups could be the boost that your team needs to climb to the top of the mountain. So, as we do each week, we are providing fantasy football players with the best information in the most interesting format possible. So, enjoy your viewing of this video that is sure to bring you what you need and remind you of things that you want.

Continue reading "Fantasy Sportsgirl Video - Your Fantasy ..."

It isn't a good sign when two important wins for the Vikings this season have been two- and four-point victories against a winless team. Nonetheless, the Viks avoided the trap game and are 7-2 in their last nine games to move to 8-5 and have a one-game lead over Da Bears in the NFC North.

Continue reading "Another week, antother close Vikings' ..."

Well, anyone reading this blog likely watched Sunday's contest between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, so I'm not going to provide a summary.  Suffice it to say, though, that the Vikings got away with playing another terrible game yet walking out with a victory.

Continue reading "Vikings 20, Lions 16: Getting Away ..."

Hello everyone.

My name is Jon Haller and I am a Detroit Lions fan and I haven't had a drink since Sunday at about 4 pm.

Being on the verge of a giant goose egg in the win column and making history as one of the worst team in NFL history, my beloved Detroit Lions would drive any normal human being into an unhealthy addiction to alcohol or another illegal substance. But I say 'stay strong, fellow followers of inevitable ineptitude, our time will come'. With the firing of the biggest failure in our front office, the fog shrouding the path to glory seems to have lightened slightly as our horrid season comes to an end.

Continue reading "Intro: Jon"

Well, 

Hi...I'm new to this blog, figured I would have a lot to talk about when it comes to the Lions. I've been a Lions fan all my life, all 22 years of it.  The funny and pathetic thing is that my dad, who is actually native of Michigan has also been a Lions fan for all his life.  Unfortunately, in both our cases, we've seen little no signs of life out of this organization.  Its obvious that it has its problems, but why.  The city of Detroit is a great sports city.  Pistons, Red Wings, even the Tigers now are in the upper echelon of their respective sports.  Even the WNBA team is a perennial powerhouse.  So why not our beloved Lions?

Continue reading "Lions Lions Lions, WHY?"

An ugly win is still a win. Maybe Twin Cities fans are glad the game was blacked out — it was a second nerve-racking victory against the Lions.

The Vikings needed a reversal of a play that would’ve left the Lions first and goal; a strong performance by Tarvaris Jackson, subbing for the injured Gus Frerotte; and some strong defensive play in both halves.

Continue reading "Vikes survive, beat Lions"

A massive state of concern should be in all of our "purple" pride filled hearts!  Unless Pat William's attempt in U.S. District Court is successful we vikes fans lose the Williams wall for the remainder of the regular season.  I think all of us that think in a logical sense know without the Williams wall the Vikes goose is cooked.  Now, I am sure most of us also saw some of the interviews on the national media outlets today when Fred Evans, Ellis Wyms and another today pronounced they are capable and ready to fill in the gap.  How many of us realize the high caliber the Williams brothers play at and the drop off that is coming with the back up Purple Crew?  I would LOVE to believe that there won't be a drop off and we will continue to stop the run and be ranked @ 2nd in the league in that respect.  Then reality and logic sets in and I begin to say my prayers.  Also, we all must notice as well the ability of Kevin Jones of the Lions and realize without the William's wall and a significant amount of Lions mistakes (which is possible!), the Lions are definitely looking at Sunday's game & wanting to post a win.  If one looks at their schedule, the Vikes unfortunately show the best opportunity for them with the 16-12 score of the last meeting in Mn.  I will do my best as I am sure all Purple Pride faithful will, to keep the faith for our team and provide that support.  Lastly, the biggest miracle that can happen would be for A.P. to get off for around 300 yards against the Lions.  That would keep the defense off the field at least.  I welcome thoughts.....:o)

Continue reading "Williams Duo"

The 2008 NFL is one of the better ones in my memory. Certainly better than last year, and probably the best since 2001. The stories of bad teams rising to the occasion, a star quarterback coming back to play and another one missing the year, a backup who hasn't started since high school on his way to making millions via free agency, coaches being fired at a record pace, and a couple quarterbacks on their way to 5000 yards passing are just some of the stories to the NFL season. There seems to be another story that could be in the making when the season comes to a close. Currently there are 5 NFL teams with 2 wins or fewer and with just 5 games left in the season there is the possibility that a 5 teams could finish 2-14 or worse. The reason for the futility is a lot of things, bad play, injuries, or just plain bad. Here are the 5 best of the worst in the NFL and what the last part of the season could hold.

Continue reading "Some NFL Teams are Bad, Really Bad"

For those of you too busy with cooking dinner or crying babies to follow Thanksgiving’s slate of NFL action, I’m here with a quick recap. (You didn’t miss much.)

Tennessee Titans 47, Detroit Lions 10

Continue reading "Joey A's Thanksgiving Day Recap"

So it might not come down to this, but the Vikings (6-5 overall, 2-2 in the division) need to win on Sunday Night Football this weekend against the Bears (6-5, 3-1) to win the NFC North.

Yes, if they lose they will be a game back with four games to go; however, we would have lost both games to Da Bears and lose any tie-breaker, essentially being two games back with four to go. Throw in the fact that the Packer face a Carolina team that can be beat and the Vikings could fall to third in the division quickly (fortunately they can't drop to fourth--thank you Detroit). Green Bay is 3-1 in the divison, 5-6 overall.

Continue reading "Ball control key in Chicago/Minnesota ..."

Continue reading "Happy Thanksgiving"

Continue reading "Turkey Day and Football"

It's not just the turkey, or the stuffing, or the certain 8,000 calories one will consume that makes Thanksgiving a nation pastime in American homes. The NFL has been involved with Thanksgiving since it's earliest of days and has had both classic and controversial moments in league history. This year, a different type of history could be in the making and it continues on Thanksgiving. The Detroit Lions could be on the verge of having a winless season, Arizona could win their first division title in over 30 years, and the McNabb era could be coming to an end after 10+ years in Philadelphia. Ah yes, so grab those sweet potatoes, pull up a chair, and continue to stuff your face as the Annual Thanksgiving NFL Classic continues.

Continue reading "Want a Side of Football with that?"

Seasons Greetings!!!!

     I am giving you a gift in this holiday season. Over the next few weeks most of us will spend our time meeting and greeting, traveling and shopping, and stuffing and laughing - so I thought that I would share one of my favorite pastimes, ogling and drooling.

Continue reading "Giving Thanks!-Houston Texans Cheerleaders Video"

363-229 and 2-37-1 

No those numbers aren’t stats for how many runs the Tigers closers gave up the last two years and Rod Marinelli’s career record.  

 If you guessed the first is how many total games Michigan Football has won since Bo took over compared with Michigan State's total victories in that time span, you are pretty sharp. 

Continue reading "• MSU Football Start Extrapolating; ..."

     No one is saying it. The networks and big newspapers love to ignore the WAC, Mountain West, and others as if they were a conservative Republican with no charisma. In my area, for example, the Utah-BYU game was not even on television. A game between two top 20 teams was unavailable. A game that would determine one of the schools in the BCS this season was a no-show.

Continue reading "BCS Automatic Conference Qualifier Could Be Added"

     The BCS system, a playoff, the pre-BCS system, oh the debates! So lets turn the tables on the BCS minus the C.

     In this era of confusion, befuddlement, and Obama's "Spread the wealth around" mantra, I thought it would be fun to spread some myself. Since the major networks control political elections,the polls, and BCS process as well, let's turn the tables. So I offer an alternative BCS-the Broadcaster Championship Series. Let's see if they like a little of their own, poorly funded and can't get a necessary surgery for years, medicine.

Continue reading "BCS-Broadcaster Championship Series"

     The Coach Gary Kubiak watch is officially on in Houston. Sure, the Houston Texans lost a hard fought battle to the perennially good Indianapolis Colts. The problem, however sad it is, is not that they lost; but the way that Houston is going about their special brand of losing.

Continue reading "Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts-Gary ..."

I’m looking over Sunday’s games for week 11 of the NFL and I am slightly bored. Seriously, I am struggling to find a compelling storyline to follow.

I love the NFL and have for years, yet I hardly care about one single game that will be played tomorrow.

Continue reading "Planning A Long Nap On Sunday"

  

As America (and London) prepare for the NFL’s week eight schedule tomorrow, these are bleak times. I know that this isn’t a political or social venue, but I just wanted to fire off some quick words of appreciation for our beloved sport.

Continue reading "Why Americans need Football"

Less than one week ago, with what appeared to be three easy games remaining in their conference schedule, experts penciled in a then undefeated Penn State team into the national championship game.  After all, how could the mighty Nittany Lions lose to either Iowa, Indiana or Michigan State.  

Continue reading "Another Gator Title: So Close And Yet So Far Away"

      As the NFL reaches solidly into the second half of the season, fantasy owners are positioning themselves for the playoffs. With big games this week, including the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Washington Redskins and the New England Patriots vs. the New York Jets, team and player match-ups should have an impact your selections. Mid-season trades and quality free agent pick-ups could be the boost that your team needs to climb to the top of the mountain.

Continue reading "Fantasy Sportsgirl video- Your place ..."

A player you just sent packing a number of weeks ago is calling for you to not win a game, your starting quarterback was signed just a week ago, and you are first in line to claim any player off waivers since you have the worst record in the entire league. That has been the story recently for the Detroit Lions this season. Sure there is more, such as Jon Kitna being placed on ir, the team firing their gm not even halfway through the season, but those stories are for another day. This story, the big story, is that the Lions are at 0-9 and staring the '76 Bucs right in the face. 0-14 is hard to come by let alone going 0-16. The Miami Dolphins almost accomplished that last year but was able to get their first win in mid-December after beginning the year at 0-13. "It was a win to keep us from having to tell our grand-kids that we were on an 0-16 team because you still see pictures from the old Tampa Bucs in those orange uniforms. That kept us from being a negative part of history," Dolphins Greg Camarillo said. For the Lions they may become a part of that history. 

Continue reading "Why Detroit Needs to Go Winless"

Weeeeeeek 10 is off and running after the first Thursday night game of the season. The Crypt Keeper and I are coming off a 2-2 Week 9 record. A record we plan to top this week in Week 10. So with that said, without further ado......maestro hit theeeeeeeeeeee music!

Continue reading "NFL Week 10 Predictions"

What a difference two months make. It was nine weeks ago that Shannon Sharpe was predicting a Super Bowl year for the Jaguars (and Jags fans were silently hoping he was right). Now, halfway through, the Jags sit at 3-5 after two disgusting losses to two lowly teams for Ohio. Another sub-par Midwestern team--the Lions, perennial NFL laughingstock--host the Jags this weekend in the second half opener for the Jags. As the Jags' official website acknowledged, Jax is trying to avoid becoming the first team in the history of the NFL to lose two straight games to 0-8 teams. It goes without being said that last week's cliche status--must-win time--has been upgraded to "do-or-die time." As one who's following the Jags for the first time, I'm finding it difficult to keep watching, keep caring. But if they're going to turn things around and save face, a lot is going to have to change. Almost everything, starting with:

Continue reading "What Else is There to Say?"

Bears fans almost witnessed a complete disaster on Sunday. As it turned out, it was only a mild one. As Kyle Orton left the field near the end of the first half against Detroit, the collective hopes for this team left with him. Everyone knew what was coming. Kyle’s injury meant the return of Rex Grossman, otherwise known as the most scrutinized quarterback in NFL history (he also goes by “Sexy Rexy” and ‘Wrecks” Grossman).  

Continue reading "Rex Returns to Lead Bears Over Still-Winless Lions"

Continue reading "Commish getting ready for monday night football"

The Penn State Nittany Lions have played 3 teams that are over .500 win percentage. There overall opponent records are 35-44. They defeated Oregon State (5-3) in week 2 by 31 points, at home. The same Oregon State team that beat USC (7-1) at home but, by only a touchdown.

Continue reading "Penn State in the National Championship ..."

Bears fans rejoice, for the winless Detroit Lions are coming to town. After week five’s utter domination of the Lions at Ford Field, Kyle Orton and the Bears are hoping for a repeat performance here in week nine. It’s a huge game for Chicago, as they’re tied with Green Bay atop the NFC North at 4-3. Since the Packers are going to be in a fight for their lives against the unbeaten Tennessee Titans, the Bears are staring at a perfect opportunity to regain sole possession of first place.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Chicago Bears ..."

The Chicago Bears will host the Detroit Lions on Sunday and the Bears need to win decisively with no doubt about the outcome.  The Bears can't afford to win the game like the Jets' Houdini act against the Chiefs last week.  If Chicago is for real this season, this game should not be a contest.  If Chicago handles the Lions, it will be 5-3 and contending for the Division lead.  Who is the other contender?  The Packers.  Nuff Said.

Continue reading "Bears Must Get Job Done At Home"

This week, news reports have been circulating that Daunte Culpepper, former quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, and (most recently) Oakland Raiders, has been working out for the Detroit Lions, and Detroit coach Rod Marinelli is considering Pep to replace the struggling Dan Orlovsky.  Gus Frerotte is the starting QB for the Vikings.

Continue reading "Blast(s) From The Past"

Yes - there was A highlight during the Lions/Redskins game this past Sunday.

The Lions scored a touchdown in the first half. WOO HOO!!!!!

And, true to Lions fashion, they stayed in the game just enough to let many Lions fans actually believe that they may win. AND, like many, MANY, MANY times before - they let it all slip away. Again.

Continue reading "Highlight of the Lions/Redskins game"

Nice. A victory.

Say what you want, but I think that the Jaguars are a quality opponent. Like many good teams in the NFL this year, the Jaguars have a mediocre record. Many good teams are 3-4, 3-5, or 4-3. Obviously, many teams are struggling, not just the Browns. Browns' fans just need to take things one game at a time. If you're not happy with that, focus on your fantasy team. Then, you could mold your own dynasty. Consequently, you will only have yourself to blame when things go bad.

Continue reading "Cleveland Browns: A much-needed win vs. the Jags"

A big thanks to everyone who participated in the "Inbound Link Contest".  We have a winner!  A big congratulations go out to Marija.  Thank you for all your hard work on this.  While we had a lot of people participate, Marija was able to win with only 4 links!  So it wouldn't have taken a lot to win this contest!  We'll be having another contest soon so stay tuned.

Continue reading "Inbound link contest winner announced!"

It isn't a surprise that the Patriots signed veteran running back LaMont Jordan. During the off-season they brought Kevin Jones to Foxborough for an interview and likely a physical as they wanted to gauge his recovery from off-season surgery. Ultimately New England passed on Jones and he signed with Chicago. A few weeks later, the Pats sign Jordan.

Continue reading "Another former Jet"

To try and motivate our bloggers to get inbound links we're going to have a contest to see which blogger can get the most inbound links to their blog. The contest begins now and ends July 31st, 2008. To be entered in to the contest all you have to do is go out and get as many websites to link to your blog as you can and at the end of the month send us an email listing all those links. All links must be active from August 1st through August 7th when we'll be judging the entries - a winner will be announced on August 7th. All entry emails must be received by Midnight on July 31st, 2008. You can email them to sportsfan@nbabasketballonline.com

Continue reading "Inbound link contest - Win $100!"

I was very surprised by this controversy. Seeing Favre's tearful retirement press conference back in March made me think of how the Gunslinger Era is over in the NFL. Five years from now, Favre would give his Hall of Fame speech in Canton, Ohio. For now, Favre's day would revolve around fishing, playing golf, serving as a football consultant of sorts and answering questions like "What in the heck was Jerry Glanville* thinking when he traded you to the Green Bay Packers for a first-round pick that, just a few years later, was out of football?"

Continue reading "Brett Favre--what's next?"

Pro football is right around the corner, and the Vikings are not being ignored by the punditocracy. The June 30 issue of SI includes a feature on new Vike Jared Allen, and it’s a good story.

Continue reading "Vikings in the Super Bowl? Hmm."

We're all familiar with an all points bulletin. This isn't as grand. This is a few points bulletin:

I want an independent investigation opened into Super Bowl XXXVII. Tampa Bay had an unfair advantage because head coach Jon Gruden coached the Raiders the year before and knew all of their plays. Anyone who's watched their Super Bowl highlight video hear jubilant defenders running to Gruden saying variations of "It was just like you told us." That's because he designed the offense Oakland ran and coached quarterback Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon on how to run the system. Gruden knew practically every strength, weakness and tendency of the Oakland offense and with the Bucs exploited the Raiders. Gruden didn't need video tape because it was all committed to memory. He's a cheater! Scandal!

Continue reading "F.P.A."

After seven rounds and 252 picks, one thing stands out. 41 defensive linemen were drafted and 39 offensive linemen were granted employment.

Did someone say monkey see, monkey do? They always said the NFL is a copycat league and it couldn't be more obvious.

Continue reading "Draft Review"

*Editor's Note: This piece was written Tuesday night but, due to Internet problems, is being posted just now.

Only the NFL can make headlines with the release of its regular season schedule. Granted, there are only a handful of games for fans to absorb, so the attention given to each week is natural. However, this speaks increasingly to the booming popularity of the league.

Continue reading "Bears Schedule Analysis"

That is the million dollar question in Green Bay and the unfortunate thing is that no one will have an answer.  Could he be the next Steve Young following in another legends footsteps?  Maybe.  Or could he be a punchline that you may use to insult one of your friends five years down the road?  We'll see.  We don't really know and neither does Aaron.  He can say that he feels confident in the system.  McCarthy and Thompson can preach all they want about his leadership qualities.  But the bottom line is that NFL quarterbacks are based on production.  And not only is it ok for a player to produce well.  They must produce a Super Bowl.  Just like the guy before Rodgers who had to prove his own credibility by winning a Superbowl.

Continue reading "Will Aaron Rodgers do Anything?"

Every year, the NFL shuffles the deck and teams get new cards. In this eternal poker game, we all know that each team will again ask for new cards after the season ends. This, my friends, is a metaphor. 4.5 years of college in all your mouthpieces.

Continue reading "NFL Free Agency Cinema"

This isn't going to be an entry that gushes over Brett Favre and suggests that he never retire because he's "great for the game."  I don't deny that, Favre was an incredible quarterback--one could argue he is a top five quarterback of all time.

Continue reading "Memo To Favre: You Need To Give It One More Year"

His future was limitless. Sure, he was a bit undersized, but Oregon's Joey Harrington could throw the football. Joey Heisman had a billboard in Times Square for goodness sake.

And now, here he stands a free agent.

Continue reading "Atlanta Falcons Release Joey Harrington"

With plenty of activity within the past week involving Free Agent signings (& trades) in the NFL, lots of names get lost in the shuffle.  I've taken some time to recap all the free agent signings so far with the big names and the not so big names and briefly analyze if it is a good move, ok move or bad move for the team.

Continue reading "NFL Free Agent Signings & Analysis-Who ..."

Is Bud Selig still alive?  Where is he and is he even watching what is going on in his own sport?  It seems like ever since he gave himself his own contract extension, he has been hiding.  I do not understand what he is doing.  Players that were named in the Mitchell Report have told us they did   take the substances that were mentioned in the

Continue reading "Andy Pettite admits to HGH. Where ..."

http://lebasketbawl.blogspot.com/2008/02/top-6-worst-hairstyles-in-nba.h

I've had some extra time over the last week to really watch a ton of NBA and have enjoyed the hell out of it. As I watched, the more I noticed the ridiculous hairstyles of many of the players in the league. What are these guys thinking? When you have millions of dollars in the bank ( for now anyway), can't you hire a stylist or at least someone to give you some style tips on your hair and clothing?

Continue reading "Top 6 Worst Hairstyles in the NBA"

yes,  pettitte had been described with all of the of the above adjectives.re "snitch":  there is no reason he had to dime his man clemens....all he had to say was what the you

Continue reading "Andy Pettitte, Snitch, Hero, Whistleblower, Phony"

http://lebasketbawl.blogspot.com/2008/02/nba-cautions-fans-about-counter

Continue reading "NBA Cautions Fans About Counterfeit ..."

Well, Detroit went out and hired a new Offensive Coordinator.  It seems like their genius lost his sense once he crossed the state line.  Or maybe it was when he entered Ford Field.  The Lions as a clubhouse seem to have that effect on people.

Continue reading "New Offensive Coordinator for the Lions"

Today the news broke that the Detroit Lions are looking to move Shaun Rogers via trade or release and, while I do not understand or agree with their decision, the Jets must try to acquire the seventh year defensive tackle.

Continue reading "Mr. Rogers' New Neighborhood?"

America likes to pride itself on being an underdog society.  Worst to first, hard work, and you can acheive anything.  Unfotunately, the United States Government has at once, perpetuated and reversed this myth, by further by allowing the debt of millions of Americans to be essentially forgiven with an aggressive rate cut. (Article)

Continue reading "And the Meek shall inherit the earth"

Last night America began its rampant love affair with a little talent television show called American Idol.  As predicted the ratings were high, as strike-weary viewers returned to their sets in droves to watch derelicts, clowns, and the occasional old guy sing their hearts out for reasons only known to them.  Now in its seventh incarnation, American Idol is stronger than ever and not showing any signs of slowing down.  While its clear the herd of talent is slimmer every year, the ratings for the show only skyrocket upwards, it seems, and what's even more astonishing is that it seems that the ratings actually climb as the weeks progress.  The show has truly become a cultural event, changing the zeitgeist evidenced by discussions the day after it airs.

Continue reading "The Best and Worst of America(n Idol)"

I wish that a royal rumble between Lions greats, Matt Millen, Joey Harrington, Charles Rogers, and Mike Williams, and Knicks stars, Isiah Thomas, Stephon Marbury, Eddie Currey, and Jero

Continue reading "Lions vs. Knicks: Royal Rumble."

Do you think that Millen Millen and William Clay Ford smoke cigars and drink brandy together after every game win or lOOSE? I bet you they do. That's why Ford keeps him around, they must have

Continue reading "Millen's Mustache"

See, I told you. Good news for the Niners: Mike Nolan was brought back, and the first thing he does is oversee the hiring of a proven offensive mastermind in Mike Martz, recently let go by the Detroit Lions. Martz isn't exactly on a hot streak, leaving a team that began the season 6-2 and finished 7-9. But in his defense, 7-9 is an improvement over the 3-13 Lions of the year before. Plus, he was coaching a completely immobile Jon Kitna dealing with a terrible offensive line, and mediocre running backs in Kevin Jones and Tatum Bell. He'll have more raw talent to work with in San Francisco, as he has already made clear (check out today's article in the Chronicle).

Continue reading "MARTZING FORWARD"

Will it be on a high note, like what we had hoped the season would be between weeks 1 and 7?  Or will the Detroit Lions play badly, as we have come to expect and accept from them?

Being a Lions fans has its up and its downs, certainly.  And in reality its been mostly downs since Barry Sanders left.  But that's another blog.  For the first time in a lot of years, Detroit came out of the gate looking good.  So good, in fact, that even doubtful fans ad a speckle of hope in their eyes.  Would this be the year?  The year we could actually have a shot at the playoffs?

Continue reading "How will the Detroit Lions end 2007?"

Curt Shilling wants Roger Clemens to return 4 of his 7 Cy Young Awards due to steroids use.  He can keep his other 3 because he earned those, which still makes him one of the greatest pitchers of all time.  Furthermore, the fans he drew to the game and the stunning victories he gave us don’t mean anything after 1997.  Looking back, I never enjoyed a game Clemens pitched in since 1997.  There was no pressure because everyone knows steroids improve hand-eye coordination as well as muscle strength.  Anyway, he was already a shoe-in for the hall of fame.  He already had 192 wins.  The man was done.  This brings me to another topic that I feel should use millions of taxpayer dollars investigating…Santa Claus.

Continue reading "Steroids, Human Growth Hormones and Santa Claus."

It's been noted numerously the suspicious nature of professional athletes. Perhaps after Sunday's loss, Tony Romo will stop inviting celebrity girlfriends to Texas Stadium when hosting the Philadelphia Eagles. After Carrie Underwood, of American Idol fame, witnessed the Cowboys lose to the lowly Eagles last season, Romo found new depths of suckitude to display for current love interest Jessica Simpson.

Continue reading "D'oh! Romo Looks Downright Lienart-esque ..."