Redskins vs. Cowboys.....What a great way to spend Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a time to give thanks and appreciate the good things in life.  WE celebrate with turkey mashed potatoes and stuffing.  But the best way to celebrate is with football.  It's tradition that the Cowboy's host a game.
This year they play host to the Washington Redskins.  A division opponent and rival.  This is always a good game when the two play.  This is one of the oldest and best rivalries in football.
This games means a lot for both teams.  Dallas is 5-5 and looking to pull farther away from the Redskins in the NFC east.  Washington is 4-6 and coming off a huge win against the Eagles.  Both teams are looking to keep pace with the Giants and make a run at the playoffs.

The outcome in this game is going to depend on the play of the Quarterbacks.  Romo like always is having an up and down season and usually if he plays well the Cowboys win.  RGIII is having an unbelievable season but isn't getting much help from the rest of his teammates.  The Redskins have a great defense and should be able to put pressure on Romo.  The Redskins need to focus on stopping the run.  If they can stop the run and RGIII does what he has been doing all season the Redskins can get a lead early.  This will force the Cowboys to have to throw and put more pressure on Romo.  Romo has proven that he is not good under pressure.  The complete opposite is true for Washington.  RGIII has shown that he can perform under pressure and is going to be an elite QB in the NFL.  This game will be an exciting way to spend your Thanksgiving.  So make yourself a huge plate and enjoy the greatest rivalry in the NFL.

Whisenhunt's untimely decission

Arizona Cardinal head coach Ken Whisenhunt has has a roller coaster 2012 season so far.  During last weeks bye week Whisenhunt said that change is in the horizon.  Like he always does he would not say what the change was going to be.  Everyone thought to was starting Potter at tackle.  No one saw what was coming.
During yesterdays game with the Atlanta Falcons it was clear he came in with a plan.  His plan was to bench John Skelton and put in the rookie Ryan Lindley.  His plan was to take Skelton out as soon as he made a mistake.  He missed Larry Fitzgerald wide open in the end zone and that sealed his fate.
Whisenhunt wanted to send a message to his team.  Do your job or hit the bench.  Where the controversy comes is thanks to great defensive play the Cardinals were on top 13-0.  Skelton was just 2 for 7 for six yards.  Skelton needed to be replaced but he should have been replaced before the game even started.  At the very least wait til Skelton gives up the lead.  Lindley came in and didn't do anything that Skelton wouldn't have done.  This was a bad coaching move that cost the Cardinals a game they so desperately needed to win.
I love Ken Whisenhunt's style of coaching, and I definitely like the fact that he will not hesitate to sit a player that isn't producing.  What I don't like is the timing of the QB change.  Lets face it the offense hasn't done anything this season.  When Whisenhunt said changes were coming everyone figured it was at tackle or running back.  What most people neglected to think was how poor the play from the QB position has gone.  When Kolb got the job he was looking good and had the Cardinals thinking playoffs.  Once he got hurt and Skelton got the job back most people counted the Cardinals out of playoff contention after one game.  The Cardinals can still make the playoffs, but they will have to go on a win streak.  This isn't unthinkable, everyone says defense wins championships and I've said before the Cardinals have the best defense in the league.  But honestly you can't win if you don't score any points.

RG III needs to start winning

Robert Griffin III is a standout rookie quarterback for the Washington Redskins.  Last off season the Redskins traded what many would say is too much just to get the Baylor star.  Griffin III won the Heisman Trophy last season and was destined to be a top 5 pick.  The Redskins needing a QB decided to take a chance and go after the very talented QB.  Only time will tell if that was a good move or not.
We are entering week 11 of his rookie year in the NFL and GriffinIII has already accomplished so much. He has thrown for nearly 2,000 yards, rushed for over 500 yards and has thrown 8 touchdowns.  He has only thrown 3 pics.  He is probably on his way to rookie of the year and he is definitely a superstar.
He has commercials with Subway and Gatorade.  All very impressive for any athlete.  The problem is his team only has three wins.  That would be ok if this was week five or six or even week seven.  But its week 11 and with the playoffs around the corner RGIII needs to shift it into high gear and get the Redskins on a winning streak.  The Redskins have two games in five days against division rivals.  If the Redskins can win both of these games they will be 5-6 and will put themselves in position to make a run at the playoffs.  They play the Eagles today and the Cowboys on Thanksgiving.  Both very winnable games especially if RGIII plays the way he has been playing.  If Griffin gets his team to the playoffs he may not only win Rookie of the Year he'd be in talks to win NFL MVP also.

College Football: The top 5 week 12

Today we look at the top 5 teams in the country.  These teams all are still alive int the hunt for the BCS Championship.  Good luck to all.
#5 Georgis vs. Georgia Southern
On paper these teams look identical.  Goergia Southern even has better stats in some areas.  But there is a reason you haven't heard much about them all year.  They are having a great season but no upset today.
Georgia 49, Georgia Southern 12

#4 Alabama vs. Western Carolina
This will be short and to the point. The Crimson Tide is pissed coming off a loss.  The Catamounts are going to get crushed.  Oh and before you ask a Catamount is a large wildcat or cougar.  I spent more tine looking that up then they will spend in the endzone.
Alabama 70, Western Carolina 0

#3 Notre Dame vs. Wake Forrest
We have a very slim chance of an upset here.  The country is just waiting for the Irish to slip up and with a big game against USC  a week away it may happen.  My prediction, no upset this week.
Notre Dame 31, Wake Forrest 10

#2 Oregon vs. #13 Stanford
This is a big time match up in the Pac 12.  Look for this to go down to the last drive.  Oregon has a high powered offense and Stanford has a great defense..  This may be the upset no one sees coming.
Stanford 38, Oregon 35

#1Kansas St. vs Baylor

Boy is Kansas St. lucky RG3 plays for the Redskins this season.  Kansas St. isn't worthy of a number ranking but Baylor is no match for the wildcats.  Kansas St. is going to have their way today.  Baylor may score a few touchdowns but will give up a whole lot more.
Kansas St. 45, Baylor 14

Magic's mistake

Magic Johnson doesn't like the decision made by the Laker's to hire Mike D'Antoni over Phil Jackson.  He tweeted on Wednesday, "The reason I haven't tweeted in two days is because I've been mourning Phil Jackson not being hired as the Lakers head coach".  Are you serious Magic. For one Jackson isn't god and whether you want to believe it or not D'Antoni is a suitable person for the job.  And just about two hours ago the LA Times released an article saying that Magic says Laker fan should support D'Antoni.  Of coarse they should he's going to win them a title.
In the article Magic says that the decision has been made so we should support him. Of coarse he did this via tweeter.  In an interview Mike D'Antoni said he was going to reach out to Magic. I'm sure he did because Magic thanked him for reaching out and said he looks forward to talking to you.  I think that was the reason Magic changed his mind.  Him making as big a deal as he did  over a coach that alot of people think is going to do a good job is making him look bad.  And when the Lakers win the title in June he is going to look even worse.  I understand Magic is one of the greatest Lakers to ever wear the uniform, but lets be honest with ourselves he isn't the owner or GM.  Who cares what Magic thinks.

Thursday Night Football: Miami @ Buffalo

It's thursday night football in the NFL.  The promising Dolphins travel to play the Bills.  They  are only one game apart record wise but Miami seems to be the better team tonight.  Look for Ryan Tannehill to have a great game tonight.  Early on in the season the Dolphins looked like a legitimate playoff team, but lately they've looked more like the Dolphins of the past few seasons.  The Dolphins are better in all areas of the game.  The Bills will put up a good fight, but I give the edge to the Dolphins.
Miami 27, Buffalo 21

It's Tebow Time! In Arizona?

Everyone is talking about the Tebow controversy in New York.  The play or lack of play by Mark Sanchez has prompted alot of Jet's fans to wander what Tebow can do for them.  There are some people that think he is no good including one of his teammates who has decided to cowardly remain anonymous.  Tebow hasn't seen much action in NY, but I think one thing is evident.  Tebow is not the right fit for the Jet's.  He just wasted a season by going to New York.  At the end of the season he needs to demand a trade.
This brings me to today's point.  The Arizona Cardinals need to do whatever it takes to get Tebow.  It's obvious that what they have isn't working.  Tebow would be a good fit for Arizona.
Think about it, until the Cardnal's get help at both tackle spots or the two young guys they have develope the QB is going to need to be mobile.  I'll be the first to admitt that Tebow is not an NFL quarterback, but he is very athletic and in a place like Arizona he can turn into one.  One think I think we can all agree on is that Tim Tebow knows how to extend a play with his legs.  He can get outside of the pocket and get rid of the football.  Now imagine this.  Tebow drops back to pass, gets presured out of the pocket and scrambles left.  Most Linebackers are going to come up looking for a kill shot.  Then at the last second Tebow hits Larry Fitzgerald coming back across the field to help.  Now Fitz has the ball in the secondary.  This may never happen but image if it did. 
Another thing to think about is the Cardinal's defense.  They have one the the best defense's in the league.  A guy like Tebow would have the offense putting more points on the board.  Even if they didn't put a whole lot more than they do now they would definately have alot less three and outs.  This would keep their defense off the field and keep them rested for the crucial parts of the game.  With Tebow the Cardinals would keep their sellout streak alive because at the very least Tebow will put fans in the seats at University of Phoenix Stadium.

ESPN.....That was a good one

So Monday night during Sportscenter ESPN made a hilarious mistake.  But before everyone gets in an uproar they apolgized for it later on during the show.  If you've every watched Sportscenter you know that you can look on the side screen to find out what is going to be talked about next.
Of coarse its Monday night so everything is about the upcoming game.  ESPN was going to talk about Ben Roethlisberger and his up and down play.  A topic that hasn't been uncommon in the All-Pro QB's career.  People have even given it a term."Dink and Dunk".  Some people may have never heard the term, but after Monday's mistake most will never forget it.  ESPN wrote on their side view "drink and drunk".  A mistake, or a reference to all the partying and trouble he has been in during his career?  I'll let you be the judge of that.
I think what happened is a bit of a tradgedy for Big Ben.  I'm sure he is upset and mad at who ever made that mistake, even if it was on purpose.  I think this is so hilarious.  If Roethlisberger wouldn't put himself in situations that have people thinking something of a simple mistake this wouldn't even be a story.  Big Ben needs to realize he is being looked at with a microscope wherever he goes and whatever he does.  Grow up Big Ben and this story goes away faster then your concussion will.

Phil Jackson is a sore loser

The Laker's passed on Phil Jackson and hired Mike D'Antoni.  A moved that shocked several Laker fans as well as experts.  In my opinion it was a great move. D'Antoni is an offensive mastermind.  With Nash, Bryant, Gassol, and Howard they will be one of the highest scoring teams in the NBA.  He is a perfect fit for the Lakers and from a management stand point they got a high profile coach for alot cheaper than if they hired Jackson.
The reports from Los Angeles this weekend all said Jackson was the front runner for the job.  That it was his to turn down.  Jackson had a list of demands that the Laker front office thought was outrageous, so they passed on him.  Jackson was shocked by the decission and now says the Lakers went back on their word.  Saying they were giving him until yesterday to make his decission.  I think Jackson is a sore loser.

Whether Jackson knew it or not he was in competion for the job.  He probally was the front runner, but he lost to D'antoni.  Jackson wanted the job and thought it would be handed to him on a silver platter.  Let's think about it with all the talent the Lakers have who wouldn't want that job.  Jackson probally put his demands so high thinking the Lakers would counter with an offer he could live with.  The joke is on Jackson.  He never thought they would look elsewhere so fast.  Let me leave you with this question.  Do you think there still is a sour taste in Laker ownerships mouth after Jackson retired on them after the 2010 season?

We're tied! Let's just quit.

Week 10 in the NFL saw something that it hasn't seen since 2008. A tie. Yes a tie.  The San Francisco 49ers and the St. Luis Rams went into overtime tied.  They played a whole 15 minute quarter and tied.
A tie to most athletes is like a loss, when in reallity it messes up the standings.  This will become more evident at the end of the season when a team that wasn't involved in the tie misses the playoffs.  This happened back in 2008.  The NFL really needs to change this rule and let them finish the game.  Billy Bob Thorton said it best in the remake of the Bad News Bears, "A tie is like kissing your sister", and nobody wants to do that.  The NFL won't even think about changing the tie rule until it neggatively affects one of its babbied high profile franchises like the Cowboys or the Patriots.