Sports Blog

Football is finally back for the NFL and with it came plenty of excitement. There was a full slate of exciting games with some big performances from some big time players. Drew Brees went crazy, throwing six touchdowns in a high scoring 45 - 27 game. He had a chance to tie the NFL record at seven late in the game, but the team figured the Lions had suffered enough and just ran out the clock. It looks like another long season for the Lions, who went 0-16 last year. That record got them the number one pick in the draft, Matthew Stafford who threw three picks in his NFL debut. In Cleveland, Adrian Peterson stole the show in Brett Favre’s first game as a Viking. Shut down for most of the first half, AP exploded in the second for 155 yards and two touchdowns, that gave him 180 yards and three TD’s on the day. Brett Favre didn’t have a bad day either, it just wasn’t to spectacular. He threw for over 100 yards and a TD.

Another rookie making his debut was Mark Sanchez, and it was a very impressive one. Sanchez threw for over 270 yards with a touchdown and a interception in a 24-7 win over the Texans. Sanchez looked like a seasoned vet eluding the rush and constantly finding receivers on third downs. He only made one mistake throwing a interception that was returned for a touchdown, but other than that he really impressed me. Two other interesting results where the Broncos winning on a tipped pass that went for 87 yards with seconds left. After just giving up what looked like a game winning touchdown to the Bengals the Broncos needed a miracle. And that is exactly what they got. A ball that was thrown into coverage was tipped in the air right to Brandon Stokley who saw nothing but green in front of him. He took it in for the touchdown and everyone was shocked at what just happened. The other surprising result was the 49ers taking down the high powered Cardinals 20 - 16. The Niners defense harassed Kurt Warner all day and even picked him twice. It was a disappointing start for the Cards who where trying to ride the momentum form last season. For the 49ers this was a good win and it looks like they are buying into the new coach.

Source Images: AP Photo

Everyone around football was predicting this since the Jets moved up in the draft to grab Sanchez, and now the Jets finally made it official. Mark Sanchez is the new starting QB for the New York Jets. He will get the nod for the rest of preseason and then when the Jets open at Houston. Though he struggled against Baltimore in the beginning of the game, his first pass was intercepted for a touchdown, the Jets felt that he has proved enough to be the starter. Sanchez went 3-8 for 43 yards and did throw his first touchdown pass, an okay game against one of the best defenses in football. Ray Lewis had this to say about rookie QB’s going against the Ravens D: “You put a young guy like Sanchez in there and you see our defense, it can be difficult. You saw his eyes get big, and he was jumping around in the pocket. Bottom line: We gave a lot of looks and disguises and we confused him a little bit.” And I think that Mark would agree because to start the game, he looked like a deer in headlights till he finally calmed down and just played. Jets coach Rex Ryan had this to say about Sanchez facing his former team: “I’m proud of the way he responded. It ain’t going to be perfect; sometimes you have these type of nights. You’ve got to give credit where credit is due, and most of that goes to their defense.” Well Sanchez will have plenty of time to improve and I’m interested to see how he performs with the Jets this season.

Its official: Michael Vick will be on the field for the first time in two years. The Eagles will play Vick in Thursday’s preseason game against the Falcons, his former team. The atmosphere should be crazy with media from all over there to cover it. I also wouldn’t be surprised if there was some protests around the stadium. In my opinion, I think he served his time and has been punished enough. I think he should be able to play football after that just like anyone else that has served their time in jail. You don’t have to forgive what he has done, but you should move on and let him live his life after the punishment. I’m sure time in jail will change anyone especially when it causes you to lose everything, like in Vicks case. It all makes for good TV on Thursday’s game.

Image Source: Getty Images, AP

Quote Source: ESPN.com

It appears former USC star and current New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is already on pace to break some NFL records.  According to a New York Times blog, Reebok has confirmed the No. 5 overall pick and his No. 6 jersey is the current top seller among all rookies, ahead of first overall pick Matthew Stafford (also a quarterback, drafted by the Detroit Lions).

It points out the obvious (New York has a bigger fan base) and gives the obligatory mention to Brett Favre.  It also mentions the sales are on pace to outsell last years hottest seller, Darren McFadden of the Oakland Raiders.

Then it got me thinking…where are the best places to buy cheap football equipment and jerseys?  I took a look over at Smarter.com’s NFL’s shop and, after overcoming a bout with sticker shock, I found my way to today’s deal of the day.

Over at the Fansedge.com, they have some great deals like Tom Brady’s Reebok Super Bowl XLII New England Patriots Jersey for only $34.99 (originally $89.99).

Their spring savings are up to 70 percent off and include such awesome items as a two-pair of Atlanta Falcons panties for $17.99. After all, what girl doesn’t want a Falcons logo stitched onto her special place?

Image Source: NYJetsFan.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for Mark Sanchez jerseys.
Discounts on NFL gear.

This week in sports blogs and news:

• Mississippi coaches wife sues for lack of sex - Deadspin
• Michael Irvin has gun pulled on him by road rager - Fox Sports
• Pete Carroll not happy with Mark Sanchez leaving - SportsByBrooks
• Strangest Sports Moments to See -Joe Sports Fan
• Bill Belichick throws hissy fit, ends up on Jeopardy - Larry Brown Sports

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “Thank you. I was almost unemployed” 
• Not a Dumb Jock: FSU Star Puts Off NFL for Oxford
• Chris Paul’s Cousin May Not Really Be His Cousin
• Wax On Wax Off: Jackie Chan to Star in Karate Kid Remake