Sports Blog

This past weekend in sports was one of the most eventful of the year. It was the first weekend of the NBA season, the midway point of the NFL season, the start of the MLS postseason, and the final stretch of the MLB season. Sprinkle in some big games in college football, international soccer, and the NHL and there was really too much to watch on this Halloween weekend.

However, for those that did find the time to take in all the wonderful sports action it will be a weekend they will not soon forget. And for those who were not able to catch all the excitement, here is a quick recap of the weekend’s three biggest stories.

World Series: The New York Yankees inched their way closer to their 27th championship and first since 2000. Joba Chamberlain gave the Yankees a scare Sunday night when he allowed the Philadelphia Phillies to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth, but a three run top of the ninth started by an amazing at bat by Johnny Damon propelled the Yankees to a 7-4 victory and 3-1 series lead. A.J. Burnett will take the mound in game five for the Yankees tonight against Cliff Lee and attempt to close out the series in Philadelphia.

NFL: The Denver Broncos entered week eight of the NFL season as one of three undefeated teams in the league. Unfortunately for Broncos fans, the team will not enter week nine with the same status following a 30-7 blowout at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. The Indianapolis Colts remained undefeated after narrowly beating the fading San Francisco 49ers and the league’s other unbeaten team, the New Orleans Saints, is host to Atlanta tonight on Monday Night Football.

Arguably the biggest NFL story of the weekend, though, was Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau Field to face his former team. Although he already beat the Green Bay Packers earlier this year, it was the first time he has played at Lambeau Field as a visitor since leaving the team to play for the New York Jets last season. He was booed heavily in the beginning of the game, despite there being a fair number of purple jerseys in the crowd, but received the last laugh as he led the Minnesota Vikings to a 38-26 victory.

NBA: Finally, the NBA season is here and opening weekend did not disappoint. We saw some of last years playoff teams take care of business (the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic are all undefeated) and others come out of the gate struggling (the Cleveland Cavaliers are 2-2 and the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Hornets are 1-2). What is more interesting (although we shouldn’t be surprised) is how some of last years bad teams are seemingly worse than they were before.

The New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, and Golden State Warriors are a combined 0-17. It is not as though any NBA analyst was predicting these teams to make it to the NBA finals this season, but their play so far has been less than encouraging for fans hoping they would make a strong push to get into the playoffs and possibly cause some damage.

What do you think was the biggest story of the weekend? Any predictions for next weekend?

Image Source: Guardian.co.uk

Tonight Brett Favre makes his first appearance on the opposite sidelines from the team he has spent almost his whole career, the Green Bay Packers. Though it’s not at Green Bay, which will come later this season in week 8 on Nov. 1, it should still be a circus. The Viking fans spent 16 years hating when Green Bay came to town just because of Brett and now he is leading their team. It has to feel weird for both fan bases to see this. For some Green Bay fans it’s just sacrilegious and they now hate Brett Favre, as picture shows below. And though Favre said he did not come back to get revenge on his old team, who believes him when he hasn’t been honest for the past two seasons. With the way Favre is you know there has to be at least a little revenge on his mind. After all Green Bay thought he was finished and wanted to turn the page over to Aaron Rodgers, while Brett still felt he had some left and didn’t like that they made him make a decision so soon. Needless to say it makes for some good drama and TV. The game should be good as well with two teams fighting for control of the division, but you know the media will put that in the backseat to Favre. The game starts a 5:00 p.m. PCT on ESPN. Don’t miss it.

Image Source: AP

GOLD

Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. St. Louis
Forecast: 25 carries, 99 rushing yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
With Gore out for what could be a long time it’s time for Glen Coffee to shine. He has an excellent match-up this week against the Rams and you know the Niners like to run. They should have a comfortable lead in the second half and just pound the rock with Coffee. I see a big day in his first start.

Pierre Garcon, IND, WR, VS. Seattle
Forecast: 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
With everyone focusing their attention on Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, Pierre has preformed well scoring a TD in two straight games. Peyton Manning has shown that he trusts Garcon and the way he is throwing the ball around I see his TD streak to continue.

Terrell Owens, BUF, WR, @ Miami
Forecast: 7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
T.O. was shut out for the first time in 181 games. I don’t see that happening again this week especially against a Miami defense that has been prone to the big play. If T.O. can hold on to the ball I see him having a huge game. You know the Bills are going to at least try to give him the ball this game.

Carson Palmer, CIN, QB, @ Cleveland
Forecast: 276 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int (19 points)
Getting a break from the tough defenses(DEN,PIT,GB) that he has faced so far Palmer should have his breakout game this season. The Browns have been horrible all around and this could be just what the doctor ordered for Carson. Start him with confidence.

Cedric Benson, CIN, RB, @ Cleveland
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 rushing yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Benson has performed well this season no matter what the match-up. He is getting into the must start zone every week. He should have another big game against the Browns who have been ran all over by everybody. I see it happening again this season.

Vernon Davis, SF, TE, VS. St. Louis
Forecast: 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD ( 15 points)
When Gore went down in Min the 49ers had to rely more on the passing game to move the ball. They used their most explosive player Davis well and he had a huge game. Well Gore is out again this week and I could see him having another big game as they might need to pass again.

Devin Hester, CHI, WR, VS. Detroit
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
Detroit’s defense has been horrible against the pass and Hester has been surprisingly solid this year being a WR. I see him going off in a big way this week stretching the field deep.

Eli Manning, NYG, QB, @ Kansas City
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
The Giants held the ball for most of the game last week so Eli was not needed as much to throw the ball around. This week it could happen again but I see him throwing it around a little more this week. Look for him to have a solid game with no turnovers this week.

COLD
Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. Dallas
Forecast: 18 carries, 44 rushing yards, 2 catches, 7 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Dallas has been surprisingly solid against the run this season and Moreno is in a timeshare. I just don’t see him having the same production against a better defense. Lower your expectations this week.

Steven Jackson, STL, RB, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 20 carries, 47 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Yes you are probably starting him anyway but the 49ers have a solid defense against the run and the Rams will be behind for most of the game. I know he is there only option on offense but I wouldn’t count on him this week.

Marques Colston, NO, WR, VS. New York Jets
Forecast: 3 catches, 44 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
The Saints will throw the ball a ton every week but this week Colston has to deal with one of the NFL’s top cover corner, Darrelle Revis. He has previously shut down Randy Moss and Andre Johnson so I wouldn’t be surprised if he is shadowing Colston all day. I think he will be shutout of the end zone this week.

Brett Favre, MIN, QB, VS. Green Bay
Forecast: 252 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 Int (10 points)
Everybody has been going crazy about Favre just because of one throw, a great throw at that. But his numbers before that were just average and going in this week against a Green Bay team that leads the league in Ints I see a let down this week. Though it’s not going to be because he is not trying hard to beat his former team.

John Carlson, SEA, TE, @ Indianapolis
Forecast: 3 catches, 42 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
The Colts have been pretty solid against TE’s this year and I see them doing it again this week. The Seahawks will be down and forced to pass but I see them throwing it more to the WR this week if S.Wallace is still at QB

SCORING BENCHMARKS
QBs: 12+ fantasy points
RBs: 12+ fantasy points
WRs: 10+ fantasy points
TEs: 8+ fantasy points
*Scoring system:
4 PTs/Pass TD
1 PT/25 pass yards
6 PTs/Rush-Rec TD
1 PT/Reception
1 PT/10 Rush yards
1 PT/20 Rec yards
-2 PT/INT or FL

Week 3 Results:
GOLD
Antonio Gates, SD, TE, VS. Miami                                                                              WIN
Forecast: 8 catches, 113 yards, 2 Tds (25 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 64 yards, 0 TD (8.4 points)
Tim Hightower, ARI, RB, VS. Indianapolis                                                                LOSS
Forecast: 17 carries, 96 rushing yards, 3 catches, 21 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
Actual: 9 carries, 22 rushing yards, 5 catches, 39 yards, 0 TD, 1 lost Fum (7 points)
Matt Forte, CHI, RB, @ Seattle                                                                                          WIN
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 yards, 3 catches, 22 yards, 1 TD (21 points)
Actual: 21 carries, 66 yards, 6 catches, 40 yards, 0 TD (14.6 points)
Brandon Jacobs, NYG, RB, @ Tampa Bay                                                                     WIN
Forecast: 22 carries, 115 rushing yards, 1 catch, 8 yards, 2 Tds (24 points)
Actual: 26 carries, 96 rushing yards, 1 TD (15.6 points)
Brent Celek, PHI, TE, VS. Kansas City                                                                            WIN
Forecast: 6 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD (15 points)
Actual: 8 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
Mario Manningham, NYG, WR, @ Tampa Bay                                                            LOSS
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Actual: 4 catches, 55 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Felix Jones, DAL, RB, VS. Carolina                                                                                   LOSS
Forecast: 17 carries, 98 yards, 2 catches, 17 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
Actual: 9 carries, 94 yards, 1 catch, 20 yards (11.4 points)
Byron Leftwich, TB, QB, VS. New York Giants                                                              LOSS
Forecast: 305 passing yards, 3 Tds, 2 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
Actual: Yikkes 22 passing yards, 1 Int (-2 points)
___________
Week: 4 -4 (50%)
Season: 12 -12 (50%)

COLD

Willie Parker, PIT, RB, @ Cincinnati                                                                         LOSS
Forecast:15 carries, 38 rushing yards, 0 Tds (3 points)
Actual: 25 carries, 93 yards, 2 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB, VS. San Francisco                                                     WIN
Forecast: 24 carries, 47 rushing yards, 1 catch, 8 yards, 1 TD (11 points)
Actual: 19 carries, 85 yards, 2 catches, 14 yards, 0 TD (11 points)
Darren McFadden, OAK, RB, VS. Denver                                                                 WIN
Forecast: 14 carries, 43 rushing yards, 2 catches, 15 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 12 carries, 45 yards, 2 catches, 3 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Hines Ward, PIT, WR, @ Cincinnati                                                                         WIN
Forecast: 4 catches, 41 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 4 catches, 82 yards, 0 TD (8 points)
Brandon Marshall, DEN, WR, @ Oakland                                                               LOSS
Forecast: 3 catches, 37 yards, 0 Tds (4 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
 _____________
Week: 3 -2 (60%)
Season: 9-6 (60%)

Source Image: AP

Yesterday, I previewed the AFC and as you can see, there are going to be some competitive division battles. Well, the NFC is no different. It seems like every division has a couple teams that can conceivably win the division.

NFC EAST

1. New York Giants
The Giants where the class of the NFC last season till they faded down the stretch and where bounced out of the playoffs in their first game. That team had to deal with the loss of Plaxico Burress, who’s absence hurt the teams focus on the field, and injuries to the defense. Well this year they don’t have to worry about Plaxico, he’s gone, and their defense got some upgrades to an already solid unit. I see them using their power running game in order to become the class of the NFC again this year. They need to finish the season strong though if they want to go to the Super Bowl.

2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles where close to going to the Super Bowl last year and this year they should be right there competing again. They got some steals in the draft, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy, that should upgrade an already explosive offense. The key to this team will be how the defense performs with a new coordinator and already some key injuries. If they ‘re solid than this could be a Super Bowl team.

3. Dallas Cowboys
No team disappointed more than the Cowboys last year. There team was just falling apart and despite all of it still had a chance of making the playoffs before getting blown out by the Eagles. They still have some talent, but I think the loss of a true number 1 receiver will really hurt their offense. They need to run the ball more if they want to be competitive this season. If they can’t, than this could be another disappointing season.

4. Washington Redskins
The Redskins will be improved this season, but in a tough division, its going to be hard to move up. Their defense will be pretty good so its up to the offense to carry this team as far as it can go.

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay Packers
After a step back last season, I see the Packers returning to the top of the division. Their first team has been tearing it up in the preseason and they look ready for the season. I think they will get off to a good start with Aaron Rodgers leading the way. This team has a ton of talent on both sides of the ball.

2. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have a great defense with a great running game. Add Brett Favre at QB and this team is thinking Super Bowl. The only thing is that’s what the Jets though till age caught up to Favre and he and the team faded down the stretch. Even before signing, Favre said that he didn’t think his body could take a full season, now he’s supposed to take a team to the Super Bowl. I don’t think so. This team will be solid, but I don’t see Favre lasting the season.

3. Chicago Bears
The Bears finally got the QB they’ve always wanted, or so they think. Yes, Jay Cutler has talent, but he hasn’t won anything in college or NFL. Even worse he is the first person to complain when things go bad. With their defense not being as strong as years past I don’t see this team advancing in the division just yet.

4. Detroit Lions
The Lions are in a rebuilding year all the way. They are just looking for some positives to jump start them into next year.

NFC SOUTH

1. New Orleans Saints
Nobody has to worry about the offense as long as Drew Brees is at the helm. But it’s the defense that needs to improve dramatically if this team wants to make a Super Bowl run. The defense doesn’t have to be great, just solid. The good thing about the Saints is that they will never be out of a game with their offense so that should lead to some exciting games.

2. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers surprised some people last year with how good they were. They have an great running game with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, and a solid defense. They are like the Giants, in that respect, except they don’t have an elite QB. I see this team competing for the division title all season. They need to have a good season from Jake Delhomme if they want any hope at a Super Bowl.

3. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons went from worst to first last season behind good defense and rookie QB Matt Ryan. I see them falling back down this season because of a defense that wont be very good. Their defense will cost them games all season making this a disappointing season.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Though they don’t want to admit it, this is a rebuilding year for Tampa Bay. They are just average on both sides of the ball which doesn’t make for a good season.

NFC WEST

1. San Francisco 49ers
In a division that is open for any team to take, I see the 49ers grinding it out. They already have a solid defense and if they run the ball and control the game, I think they can have a solid season. All Shaun Hill does is win games, and he is very underrated in doing it. To me, he is the perfect QB to lead what Singletary wants to do.

2. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals rode a great offense to the Super Bowl last year surprising many. I think they will be very good again, but can Kurt Warner hold up. I’m not total sold on that which is why I think they will finish second in the division this season. They will still be fun to watch though as long as Kurt is the QB.

3. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle improved a lot in the off-season and are still under the radar. That could be the perfect storm for this sleeper team to make a run at the division. After all, they don’t have exactly world beaters in front of them.

4. St. Louis Rams
The Rams will be competing with the Lions for worst in the NFC. They are rebuilding right now, but they have some good talent for the future.

Source Image: AP

You had to think that the story wasn’t truly over when Favre announced he was retiring three weeks ago; not when the story involves Brett Favre. He’s done this to us twice before and the truth is that he cannot just walk away from the game; not when there are teams telling him they still need him. Three weeks ago Favre was talking about how he didn’t think that his body could make through a full season and that this was the end, he wouldn’t try to come back. Now after training camp has passed and preseason has started Favre has had a change of heart. Favre said that he just didn’t want to leave the game with regret about what if or could have happened.

“I don’t know how I’ll feel a year from now, five years from now, but I didn’t want to say what if,” he said. He also said it wasn’t about getting back at the Packers by signing with the Packers rival. This is not about revenge or anything like that. Believe me. You can’t take away the 16 years I had in Green Bay. It was unbelievable. It was great, and that will be forever cherished by me and the guys I played with. They’ve moved on. I’ve moved on. I think it’s great for football.”

The rival Vikings will give Favre $25 million for two years to come back and be there starting QB. The QB’s on the roster have to be feeling like trash right now after this. And say that this Favre experiment doesn’t work, like it didn’t with the Jets, the Vikings will be looking for a totally new QB, cause they obviously have no confidence in the ones that are there. The Vikings are now thinking Super Bowl but the fact is that Favre has faded down the stretch in each of the last couple years. ESPN has the stats on his last four years and over the last 5 games of the season his numbers drop dramatically.:

Category       First 11games       Last 5 games
Comp pct                64.8                      56.1
Pass yards PG       253.8                   211.4
TD-Int                   75-50                  13-34
Passer rating         88.2                      59.9

*from ESPN.com 

These numbers don’t lie, Favre age is catching up to him and he is no longer able to play at a high level for a full season. The Vikings are hoping he can because they are putting a lot into him. I just don’t see it happening and think the Vikings are making a big mistake.

This week in sports blogs and news:

• The life story of Todd Marinovich - Deadspin
• Chris Paul may become a Maverick - SportsByBrooks
• $800 Million for Citi Field and the water doesn’t work - Larry Brown Sports
• Danny Ainge has a heart attack - Fox Sports
• Adrian Gonzalez… -The Sports Hernia
• Top 7: Non-baseball streaks of the past 20 years -Joe Sports Fan
  

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “Is it too late to tell the Broncos I’m sorry” 
• Joe Frazier Says God Gave Ali Parkinson’s Disease
• Greg Paulus Works Out for the Green Bay Packers
• Packers, Now the Wolverines: Paulus to Michigan?
• Goodbye: John Madden Retires from Broadcasting

Photo Source.

Greg Paulus hasn’t felt this much love…well…since high school.

Paulus, who came off the bench last year for the Duke Blue Devils basketball team, has been drawing interest from the Green Bay Packers and apparently now, a college team is gaining some interest in him.

We all know how “great” the Michigan football team did last year under new coach Rich Rodriguez and they’re looking for any spark to help revive their program. They’ve now contacted Paulus to see if he’d be willing to play one season under center for the Wolverines. With their quarterback situation uncertain at the moment, this experiment might actually work.

Michigan’s current QB options include two freshman and Nick Sheridan, who is recovering from a fracture in his lower left leg. If Paulus does choose to go to Michigan, this could either help or hurt his status in the eyes of the pros. One good season and he’ll be highly touted, but one bad season could also have people saying “I told you he couldn’t hang.”

If I were Paulus, I’d give it a shot. What does he have to lose? It’s not everyday you get to revive a career you gave up.

Source.

Photo Source.

If you’re a college basketball fan, then you’re sure to know who Greg Paulus is. The Duke point guard has been starting on Coach K’s team for the past 3 seasons, and has been doing a great job as the head man on the Blue Devils.

But Paulus lacks the dominance to really strive at the NBA level, and believe it or not, Paulus has talent in another sport.

Football.

Yep, and the Green Bay Packers know this too.

Paulus, who was a quarterback and four-time all-state football player in New York and former Gatorade Football Player of the year, has worked out for the Green Bay Packers, who are obviously hoping Paulus hasn’t forgot to throw a spiral. Paulus was so good in high school that he turned down scholarship offers to Notre Dame and Miami to play basketball at Duke.

I have to say, I’m a bit shocked the Packers are reaching out so far for a backup to Aaron Rodgers. But I won’t lie, this little bit of news gives me hope.

I once hit an in-the-park home run in Little League. Yankees, are you reading this?

Call my agent.

Mom, keep your phone on.

Source.

Photo Source.

Fantasy Studs:

• Lendale White came back from a rough week to run for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• The Cowboys Defense filled up the stat sheet with 7 sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception.
• Michael Turner still ran for 120-yards, despite losing a fumble.
• Donovan McNabb didn’t get benched this week, throwing for 4 touchdowns and 260-yards.
• Despite only running for 74-yards, DeAngelo Williams still had 4 touchdowns.
• Larry Fitzgerald hauled in 2 touchdown passes on Sunday.
• The Steelers Defense had 3 fumble recoveries,  5 sacks and 2 interceptions.
• Brian Westbrook did it all, catching 2 touchdown passes and rushing for another 2 with 110 yards.
• Bernard Berrian finished with 122-yards, including a 99-yard touchdown reception.
• Adrian Peterson racked up 131-yards and a touchdown.
• Aaron Rodgers threw for 3 touchdowns and 298-yards.
• Tony Romo’s pinky looked fine, throwing for 331-yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Houston’s Steve Slaton rushed for 2 touchdowns and 130-yards.
• The Titans’ Chris Johnson ran for 130-yards and 2 touchdowns.

Fantasy Duds: 

• Ryan Grant finished with only 39-yards.
• Matt Cassel was sacked five times, lost a fumble twice and threw 2 interceptions.
• Laveranues Coles caught only 2 passes for 2 yards.
• Peyton Manning had only 126-yards passing and 2 touchdowns.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.

Fantasy Studs:

• Peyton Manning finally looked like his old self, tossing for 320-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Thomas Jones kept up with his great year, running for 104-yards and a touchdown.
• DeAngelo Williams scrapped for 120-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin both had terrific days. Fitzgerald finished with 10 catches and 151-yards, while Boldin hauled in 13 passes for 186-yards.
• Joseph Addai finally did some good for his fantasy owners. His racked up 153 total yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Ryan Grant rushed for 145-yards and a touchdown for the Packers.
• Steve Slaton ran for 156-yards, including a 71-yard touchdown run.
• T.J. Houshmandzadeh grabbed 12 passes, a touchdown and 149-yards.
• Marshawn Lynch finally crossed the century mark finishing with 119-yards and 58 more receiving with a touchdown.
• Jonathan Stewart finished with 130-yards rushing and a touchdown.
• Kurt Warner racked up 395-yards in the air.

Fantasy Duds:

• Philip Rivers had a terrible day, finishing with only 159-yards and 2 interceptions.
• Earnest Graham had a whopping 3-yards before leaving with an injury.
• Lee Evans of the Bills couldn’t find a way to make it onto the stat sheet.
• Willis McGahee finished with only 25-yards.
• The Ravens defense was non-existent against the Giants, giving up 353-yards.
• The Bears defense wasn’t much better, giving up 427-yards.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.