THE WEEKEND REPORT SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

This week we will jump right in and start with baseball.  The season came to end this weekend with the Arizona Diamondbacks sweeping the San Diego Padres.  The Dbacks will miss the playoffs again but overachieved this season and are certain to make a playoff run next season.  The Dbacks finish their season with a winning record at 85-77.

In the NFL the Cardinals played host to division rival Seattle Seahawks.  Just as expected this was not much of a game.  Final score Seattle 27, Arizona 10.  The lone bright spot was WR Larry Fitzgerald, he surpassed Tony Gonzalez and is now number 2 on the all time reception list.  He only trails Jerry Rice.  The Cardinals play Cincinnati next, another winless team that is coming off of a bye.

In College Football the Arizona Wildcats beat the UCLA Bruins 20-17.  The Wildcats were without starting QB Khilil Tate and staring RB J.J. Taylor.  After a slow start the Wildcats were able to win their PAC 12 opener at home.  The Wildcats play Colorado on 10/5/2019.

ASU beat previously unbeaten Cal 24-7.  The Sun Devils are now 4-1 and ranked #20.  RB Eno Benjamin carried the load rushing for 100 yards on 29 carries.  ASU has a bye this week and will play Washington State next on October 12, 2019.

THE SUNDAY SURPRISE

The Az Sports Guru introduces a new segment that will appear every Sunday Night.  The segment is called The Sunday Surprise and it features the Surprise score from that week in the NFL.  So here is the first edition of The Sunday Surprise.

This weeks The Sunday Surprise goes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  They played the Los Angeles Rams today and shocked the NFL.  It was not a shock to see the Rams put up 40 points.  The shock was that Tampa Bay scored 55!

Tampa Bay is now a surprising 2-2 on the season.  To the average fan this win a surprise but to us folks here in Arizona we are not surprised.  We are not surprised because of Tampa Bay first year head coach Bruce Arians.  Arians, the head coach in Arizona two years ago always had his teams ready to compete.  His laid back demeanor has not changed that and now Tampa Bay is relevant again.

The main benefactor from Arians is QB Jameis Winston.  Winston is having a good season and it continued today when he threw for 385 yards and 4 TD's.  He also threw 1 interception.  With the win Tampa Bay just put the rest of the NFL on notice that they are a playoff caliber team.

The Rams are now 3-1 and are currently second place in the NFC West behind the 49ers.  The Rams are still a very scary team and also are looking to make a run at another Super Bowl appearance.  QB Jared Goff threw for 517 yards and 2 TD's, but it was the 3 interceptions that were costly.  Goff had 68 pass attempts, the third most in NFL history in a game.

GUEST POST: PREMATURE PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS AFC

Here is part 2 of our special guest post by Pablo Abeytia Jr. and Justin LaFoley.  This time they take a look at he AFC playoffs.

AFC Playoff Picture -

While being notorious for being the easier of the two conferences, the AFC playoff picture might actually be changing this season, with usual playoff contenders, the Pittsburgh Steelers, looking terrible in the early weeks. That being said, there are still the usual favorites of Patriots and Chiefs that will want to make sure to keep their dominant streak alive. We have gone through all 16 teams in the AFC and came up with the most-likely playoff candidates. Below, you can see the reasoning why.

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens

I see the Ravens running away with the division title and some for three simple reasons:

1. The Steelers and Bengals are free wins this season.
2. Lamar Jackson is more than a RB.
3. John Harbaugh is in his 12th year coaching (oh… and he already has a Super Bowl ring)

AFC East: New England Patriots

C’mon guys… it’s the AFC East. The New England Patriots have shown what it means to dominate a division, but this year is especially unfair. The Dolphins have already allowed 133 points in just 3 game - 39 more than any other team in the league! While it will be extremely difficult, the Bills could keep their impressive run going and perhaps pick up a surprise wild card place. All-in-all, the Patriots show no signs of letting go of their 1st place standing.

AFC South: Houston Texans

I have decided that this is the hardest division in the AFC this year. When it comes to teams who will put their bodies on the line for division rivalry games, the AFC South is no exception. The Colts with Brissett look exciting and the Jaguars are revamped with Gardner Minshew II (Mississippi Mustache). That being said, looking at all around talent, the Texans clearly have some extra power on their sides. With the likes of Deshaun Watson, JJ Watt, and Hopkins, the Texans should beat out the division on both offense and defense, hopefully with not too many casualties.

AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs

Andy Ried and Patrick Mahomes at Kansas City have shown us a new kind of football that can be played… and I don’t think they plan on stopping anytime soon. The Chiefs may be without some of their serious star power in WR Tyreek Hill and losing RB Kareem Hunt in the offseason, however this team has already shown that they are able to adapt quickly and efficiently. The Chargers look to be a secure wild card pick as well, but I do not see the Chiefs giving up the first round bye opportunity.

AFC Wild Card #1: San Diego Chargers

Continuing with the AFC West, the San Diego Chargers are strong favorites for the Wild Card race. As we have seen last year, Phillip Rivers and company are very capable of playing in high stakes games and, more importantly, keep the game competitive. I see the Chargers mimicking their previous season again and keep a low profile by breezing into the top Wild Card spot. I still think that Mahomes and the Chiefs are too much for the Chargers to handle, but it will definitely be a great game to watch.

AFC Wild Card #2: Indianapolis Colts

With Andrew Luck announcing retirement just days before NFL Kickoff, no one would’ve guessed that the Colts would be in the position they are in now. Their defense is still producing huge plays in crucial moments for them.  As well, Jacoby Brissett has shown to be quite capable of leading his team to victory, with back-to-back wins after the week 1 loss. This team definitely has the ability to make it to the playoffs, but it will be interesting to see how fatigue and injury affects this Indianapolis side.

GUEST POST: PREMATURE PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS NFC

The Az Sports Guru brings you a guest post from Pablo Abeytia Jr. and Justin LaFoley.  As we approach the end of the first quarter of the NFL season they tackle the tough task of predicting this seasons play off teams.

… How Embarrassing! (Premature Playoff Projections)

The NFL is now 4 weeks in with still seven franchises yet to lose. With the first quarter of the season almost complete, we can begin to prophesize which teams have what it takes to win the Lombardi Trophy. We will be going over our play-off predictions and giving you key insights to watch out for as you watch the 2019 season come to an end.

NFC Playoff Picture-

With week 4 approaching, we are starting to see both the AFC and NFC divisions start settling down and begin taking shape… or at least attempting to. The NFC, so far this year, is already looking like it will be a tough division to conquer; with divisions like the NFC South and North with multiple tied records, NFC East with a single dominating force, and the Wild Wild NFC West where anything goes and anything can happen.

NFC East: Cowboys

Now, I am most definitely the furthest thing from a Cowboys fan but there is no denying the powerhouse of a team that Jerry Jones and Co. were able to pump out this season. I know, I know, they have come across some pretty “easy” rivals thus far but this has to be the hardest I have seen The Cowboys play in the last decade.

NFC West: Rams

This division is always fun to try and call because of just how unpredictable and how much potential to be TERRIBLE the entire cast has. It is always the hardest NFC division to predict. With that being said, they also happen to produce some fantastic playoff teams in what seems to be very random off years. I see Rams remaining the most consistent in this division; they have 3 wins under their belt, they mostly ALWAYS pop off in divisional games, and (to many) have the most talent-filled team in the division at the moment.

NFC North: Packers

            The North looks to have a lot of potential most seasons but tends to peter out a good way through the season. Therefore, creating a decently clear playoff picture most seasons. I think the Packers are off to a good start and will give Aaron Rodgers some time to come to his senses and start playing hard. The Packers defense is also looking pretty good and this could be key in keeping them in the #1 spot in the North.

NFC South: Saints

            This division has a lot of surprise competitors within itself. Though this season, I can see Saints being a dominating force even with Brees out. In this division, the Saint’s biggest worry will probably end up being the Falcons. Even then, I think the Saint’s will have no problem trailing away to the playoffs.

Wild Card: Seahawks

            Russell Wilson has been playing with a lot of fire this season! When Russell Wilson wants to win he finds a way to make it happen. If you could be a one man band in the NFL, it would be him. The team seems to be working really well together and making plays when it matters. Wilson also plays the hardest of any QB come like week 10 of the season and makes a terrific effort to clutch that Wild Card spot.

Wild Card: Eagles

            The Eagles have been off to a pretty rough start already. With most of their offense injured they have started off (1-2). Once the offense starts trickling back in, I think the Eagles will have just enough to finish off strong for a playoff run. It is no doubt the Eagles have the talent on their roster and since these injuries were so early on there is a good chance key players will be back just in time for the end of the season grind to get a Wild Card spot.

THE WEEKEND REPORT: SEPTEMBER 23, 2019

This past weekend was not a very good one for the Arizona teams.  In football both teams in action lost.  Baseball had success but as the season nears the end so do the chances of post season play.  Here's a look at what happened.

Let's start on the diamond.  The Dbacks hosted the San Diego Padres and got out to a great start.  They outscored the Padres 13-2 to take the first 2 games of the series.  They came up short on the sweep losing yesterday 6-4.  The Dbacks are now one loss away from being eliminated from the playoffs.  6 games remain on the schedule as they start a 3 game series with St. Louis and then end the season with the Padres again.

In college football the Arizona Wildcats had a bye and play UCLA next.  The Sun Devil's played Colorado in what many people were calling a trap game.  The undefeated ASU Sun Devil's were coming off a huge win and ranked 25 in the country.  When Al was said and done the game indeed was a trap game and ASU fell 34-31.  ASU plays Cal next.

In the NFL the Cardinals played host to the Carolina Panthers in what many thought would be the Cardinals first win of the season.  QB Can Newton was out with a foot injury but second year, Scottsdale native filled in just nicely.  Carolina added a hefty doe of Christian McCaffrey and came away with 38-20 victory.  The Cardinals host division rival Seattle next Sunday.

SHOULD REDSKINS TURN TO HASKINS?

The Washington Redskins have started this season 0-2.  What’s worse is they have also started 0-2 in the NFC East.  With loses to Philadelphia and Dallas they will now spend the season playing catch up.

So what can the Redskins do to turn their season around?  Should they fired Coach Jay Gruden?  Should they trade disgruntled left tackle Trent Williams?  Or should they turn to rookie QB Dwayne Haskins?

Haskins was drafted #15 overall in this year’s draft.  Haskins went to Ohio St. and is the future of the Redskins.  The question is when is the future?  The Redskins traded for Case Keenum in March and he was named the started while Haskins sits and learns.

Some Redskins fans are calling for the rookie Haskins after the slow start, but at the end of the season we could be saying that the Redskins lost their first two games to playoff teams.  The Redskins need to stick to their plan and keep Haskins on the bench as long as possible to help develop him.

Despite the record, Keenum has started the season on fire.  He has completed 69% of his passes, 56-81 for 601 yards and 5 touchdowns and 0 interceptions.  He has a QB rating of 111.2.  Keenum was brought to Washington because he can win games in spurts and keep his teams competitive.  That is his main job as a Redskin.  If he can keep the Redskins around .500 through week 10 then the team can turn to Haskins and contend for a playoff spot. 

NEWTON INJURED COULD MISS CARDINAL GAME

The Carolina Panthers have started the season 0-2, with losses to the Rams and the Bucs.  The Panthers have been competitive in both games and look to get their first win this Sunday when they travel to Arizona to face a winless Cardinals team at 0-1-1.

The match up is intriguing as it is a battle of two talented QB’s that can also run the ball, Cam newton vs. Kyler Murray.  Murray, of the Cardinals, has thrown for 300 plus yards in each of his first two games in the NFL.  The only other guy to do so, Cam Newton.  Newton threw for 400 plus yards in his first two games and one was against the cardinals.

This match up that everyone wants to see may not even happen.  Newton sprained his left foot in week three of the preseason and reportedly has reaggravated the injury.  Newton did not practice yesterday and his status for Sunday is up in the air.

If newton does not play that means backup Kyle Allen will get the start.  This match up will also be interesting because Allen is from Arizona and has direct ties to Kyler Murray.  In 2015 they both played at Texas A&M where Allen was the starter but eventually replaced by Murray.  The irony of the situation is that they both ended up transferring to different schools.  Murray went on to win the Heisman and be the number one overall pick in the draft.  Allen went undrafted last season but did find his way onto an NFL roster last season with the Panthers.

TIDBIT TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

Tidbit Tuesday is back!  Here you will learn stats and stories that you may otherwise never hear about sports.  This segment also appears on my Face Book page, The Az Sports Guru.  So please like ,share and rad it there as well.  Enjoy!

Did you know Cardinal's rookie quarterback Kyler Murray is just the second player in history to throw for 300 plus yards in his first two starts?

Murray opened the season up by throwing for 308 yards and 2 TD's while rally the team to tie against the Detroit Lions.  In week 2 he threw for 349 yards but did not have a touchdown and the team lost 23-17.  Murray is 54-94 for 657 yards, 2 TD's and 1 INT.

Murray joins Carolina QB Cam Newton as the only 2 players to throw for 300 plus yards in there first two games.  Newton had 422 yards in his rookie debut against, ironically, the Cardinals and then lit up Green Bay the following week with 432 yards in the air.

The Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks next and it will be a very tough task for Murray to make it three in a row.  If Murray can throw for 200 yards he will be the first rookie to do so in his first three starts.  But I think Murray would rather have the win.

THE WEEKEND REPORT SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

It was an exciting weekend for Arizona sports.  With football season in full swing and baseball season nearing its end there was plenty to watch in Arizona.  Here's the weekend recap.

We'll start in the college ranks.  The Arizona Wildcats host Texas A&M in a non conference game.  QB Khalil Tate lead the Wildcats to a 28-14 victory.  He threw for 185 yards and 1 TD, ran for 129 yards and another score.  The Wildcats are now 2-1 and next play UCLA.

ASU went in to East Lancing Michigan to face #18 Michigan State.  They only scored 10 points, which was not surprising.  The surprise was the Spartan's on scored 7 and the Sun Devils came away with a big upset.  Michigan State tied the score with a field goal, but after further review they had 12 players on the field and were forced to retry the kick.  The kicked was no good and ASU was victorious.  ASU is 3-0 and plays Colorado next.

In baseball the Arizona Diamondbacks played host to the Cincinnati Reds this weekend.  The Dbacks are trying to claim a wild card spot in the National League but lost 2 of 3 to the Reds.  They have lost 7 of 10 games and at 76-74 have a very slim chance to make the playoffs.  They start a 3 game series with the Miami Marlins tonight.

In the NFL the Cardinals traveled to Baltimore to face the Ravens.  The Ravens were coming off of a blowout win against the Dolphins last week and many though we would have a repeat this week.  That was not the case as the defense proved to be the strength of this young Cardinals team.  The Ravens jumped out to a 17-6 halftime lead and the Cardinals could not get their offense going.  They showed some signs of life in the fourth quarter but fell short 23-17.  QB Kyler Murray was 25-40 for 349 yards but did not throw a TD.

COWBOYS BEAT REDSKINS

In a week 2 division rivalry game the Dallas Cowboys went to the nation’s capital and came away with a 31-21 victory.  The Cowboys beat the Redskins and improved to 2-0.  The Redskins are now 0-2.

The Redskins got on the board first when Adrian Peterson scored from one yard out.  The Cowboys then answered with three straight touchdowns to take a 21-7 lead and not look back.  The Redskins looked good for about a quarter and half but never seemed to get into rhythm after that.

Cowboy’s running back Ezekiel Elliot quietly had 111 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown.  The star of the game was Dallas QB Dak Prescott, who was 26-30 for 269 yards.  He also has 3 TD’s and 1 interception.  Prescott was also big on the ground.  He carried the ball 5 times for 69 yards.

Redskins QB Case Keenum had a decent game.  He was 26-37 for 221 yards and 2 TD’s.  Keenum now has 5 touchdowns on the season to go along with no interceptions.  Rookie receiver Terry McLaurin had 5 catches for 62 yards and a touchdown.

The Redskins next will host the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football next week.  The Cowboys will host the winless Miami Dolphins next Sunday.  

MURRY,KINGSBURY, CARDINALS START SEASON WITH A TIE

Both Kyler Murry and Kliff Kingsbury made their NFL debuts yesterday when the Arizona Cardinals hosted the Detroit Lions in the season opener at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.  The game ended with a 27-27 tie after one overtime period.

The outcome may sound disappointing to most, but after watching the first 3 quarters of the game a tie feels pretty good if you are a Cardinals fan.  Murray and the offense looked horrible through 3 quarters.  They woke up in the fourth quarter and came from 18 points behind to actually take the lead in overtime.  The Lions then answered with a field goal of their own and that how the game ended.

Murray looked nervous and like he was unsure of what he was doing.  Then he started to use his legs a little more and seemed to grow more confident as the game went on.  He made some common mistakes but don’t forget he was not the only one performing in his first NFL game.

Rookie head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who also calls the plays, was doing it for the first time at the NFL level.  For the first three quarters it showed.  He even took responsibility during the post game conference. 

Murray ended the game going 29-54 for 308 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 INT.  Very impressive numbers and he is the first rookie to throw for 300 plus yards in his debut.  Murray was not the only Cardinal that put up good numbers.  The legend Larry Fitzgerald showed why he is still a threat anytime he is in the game.  He had 8 catches for 113 yards and a score.

Running back David Johnson had 18 carries for 82 yards, which doesn’t seem like much, but it’s 4.5 yards a carry.  Johnson also caught 6 passes for 55 yards and a score.

Although the Cardinals did not win there is plenty to build from.  The defense was outstanding, particularly the cornerbacks, who will have there hands full next week.  The Cardinals travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens.

WHY I LOVE FOOTBALL

The NFL season starts today. That’s right folks football has finally returned. Time to root your team on and hope they can win the Super Bowl.

Football is the most popular sport and many people will be watching there team today.  But why does American go so crazy?  There are many reasons why people love football. Here is why I live football

This morning I was in my way to work. Because it’s game day I put on my Redskins jersey on and headed to work. I stopped to get a soda. While I was in the Circle K. There was an older man, maybe in his 70’s.  He saw my jersey and asked if I was going to the game. I told him no and had a brief conversation with him and he walked away. When I went to pay he was at the register paying for his coffee and Sunday paper. We started talking again and I realized he thought I was wearing a Cardinals jersey.   I told him that my jersey is not the Cardinals. I told him it’s the Redskins. He then turns to me and says “they still have a team?”  We both had a laugh and parted ways.

That small interaction is why I love football. I would probably never have spoken to that man but we both shared a bond of football that brought us together. There are many more stories just like this. Football brings together the most uncommon people. I love talking football and because of this I meet people that I normally would not ever speak to.