Run Tiki, Run! December 30, 2006
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Blogroll, Football, Giants, NFL, Sports, Tiki Barber, Uncategorized.add a comment
If you need a guiding light, grab a tiki torch. It has been a dark couple of weeks for the New York Giants but a light is finally emerging. That light isn’t Eli Manning or the Giants once staunch defense, it’s Tiki Barber.
Tiki’s last regular season game was bittersweet as the star runningback showed why he will be missed by both Giants fans and fans of the game. In the first half alone, Tiki racked up 137 yards on 12 attempts and scored two touchdowns. In what turned into an old fashioned shootout against the Washington Redskins, the Giants needed Tiki more than ever. Tiki finished with 234 yards and three touchdowns but more importantly a 34-28 win. In what was a must win for the Giants, Tiki showed a semblance of the leadership that this team is lacking. Virtually a lock to get into the playoffs, the Giants will need that leadership if they plan on making a run. Although with Tiki on your team, a run should be second nature.
Game Notes
Eli Manning finished the game with 101 yards passing and one touchdown.
Plaxico Burress finished the game with two catches for 26 yards.
Tiki Barber finishes the regular season with 1662 yards rushing and five rushing touchdowns.
Jeremey Shockey called twice from his New York home to complain to Coach Coughlin that he wasn’t getting the ball enough.
After another disappointing season, Redskins fans should realize Daniel Snyder sucks at personnel decisions.
Vince Young’s Rise December 30, 2006
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Blogroll, Football, NFL, Sports, Titans, Vince Young.2 comments
You really wish that all the Tennessee Titans had to do this Sunday was win their game against the New England Patriots and then they’re playoff bound. Unfortunately, the Titans don’t control their own destiny. After an abysmal 0-5 start, the Titans are now sitting at 8-7 with a slim chance to get into the big dance. One man that is wearing his dancing shoes is Titans quarterback Vince Young.
I don’t know why the decision was ever made to go with Kerry Collins over Vince Young but alas, here we are. If Young had been the starter from the onset of the season we could be talking about the Titans fighting for a first round bye rather than their playoff lives. It is too early to tell if Young’s career will mimic something like Michael Vick’s or if Young is the birth of a new kind of quarterback (one that can run AND pass). As for now, Young will just have to settle for being a quarterback that simply wins. I think he’ll be okay with that.
Chasing Destiny, The Drew Brees Story December 27, 2006
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Blogroll, Drew Brees, Football, NFL, Saints, Sports, Uncategorized.2 comments
A lot of people say it can’t be done. Drew Brees refuses to listen. With a mere 713 passing yards, Drew Brees would become the new record holder for most passing yards in a single season.
There was a lot of talk about Brees braking Dan Marino’s single-season passing record when Brees threw for 300-plus yards in five consecutive games. The talk has died down now but one has to wonder why? Sure there is only one game left in the regular season. Sure 713 yards passing is more than the Oakland Raiders will have thrown for all season. Sure it seems like an insurmountable task. That’s never stop Drew Brees before.
When Drew Brees suffered a torn labrum and a partially torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder a lot of people said he’d never make a full recovery. But Drew Brees did and he’s going to the Pro Bowl. When Drew Brees said he could convince the Houston Texans to pass on Reggie Bush in the draft a lot of people said there was no way. But Drew Brees did and the Texans still suck. When Drew Brees was fighting the Viet Cong a lot of people told him it was suicide to wear bright orange and charge into enemy encampments unarmed. But Drew Brees did and we won the war. When Drew Brees was dating Lindsay Lohan a lot of people said there was no way he’d get her drunk. But Drew Brees did and now Lindsay Lohan is an alcoholic. When Drew Brees was five and still in diapers a lot of people told him to quit, that he was too old for diapers. Drew Brees still craps his pants, he’s no quitter. So when people tell Drew he can’t throw for 713 yards this Sunday, Drew just laughs. He’s been told “you can’t” too many times to count. Drew has his eye on something just beyond the mass of doubters. That something is the NFL record book.
Allen Iverson’s Real Debut December 27, 2006
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in 76ers, Allen Iverson, Basketball, Blogroll, Carmelo Anthony, Celtics, NBA, Sports, Uncategorized.1 comment so far
Technically, last night’s game was Allen Iverson’s second game as a Denver Nugget but the outcome was more befitting of a debut. In his second game as a Nugget, Iverson scored 28 points and had a season high 13 assits as the Denver Nuggets beat the Boston Celtics 116-105. The Nuggets played one of their most complete games of the season, perhaps because they were playing a banged up Celtics team.
Nuggets’ coach George Karl had Iverson start and play almost the entire game. Again, Iverson’s energy on the court was contagious. Earl Boykins added 28 points and four assistist and including Iverson, four Nuggets recorded double-doubles. Eduardo Najera (16 PTS, 11 REB) played his most complete game of the season. Even more encouraging, Nene Hilario played 29 minutes and appears close to being 100% healthy.
The Celtics fought hard despite injuries to their two top scorers (Paul Pierce and Wally Szczerbiak) but just couldn’t manage to pull off the upset. Delonte West left last night’s game with back problems but was hopeful he’d be able to return for tonight’s matchup against the L.A. Clippers.
Allen Iverson’s Presence Priceless
Having Allen Iverson on the court has proved to be well worth the lost players and draft picks. In his two debuts, he has done nothing but impress. He shows leadership on and off the court. He is showing that he is a consumate team player. His assists are some of the most well-timed assists I’ve seen. The Nuggets now have a legitimate scoring threat on the court almost the entire game. He adds another 3-point shooter to a team that desperately needed one. A.I. embraces a roll similar to that of Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash (who wouldn’t). Already, he is making this team better.
With the inevitable returns of Marcus Camby, J.R. Smith and Carmelo Anthony, this team is poised to improve significantly game by game. When the Nuggets have their full compliment of weapons back, they will be the talk of the NBA.
PG – Allen Iverson
SG – J.R. Smith
SF – Carmelo Anthony
PF – Reggie Evans
C – Marcus Camby
That is a powerful lineup.
Thanks to the Jets and Dolphins for some much needed shut eye! December 25, 2006
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Blogroll, Cleo Lemon, Dolphins, Football, Jets, Joey Harrington, LaDainian Tomlinson, NFL, Sports, Tiger Woods, Uncategorized.2 comments
After all the Christmas excitement, a little nog, a few glasses of wine and an excellent Eagles at Cowboys game, I was ready for another good game between the Jets and Dolphins. What I got was about two hours of nap time.
When I started watching it was 0-0 and Joey Harrington was the quarterback for the Dolphins. When I awoke it was still 0-0 and Cleo Lemon was the quarterback for the Dolphins. I know the old saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” or is it, “When you have Joey Harrington as your starting quarterback, always go with the next option.” but what is up with Harrington getting benched for Lemon? Harrington has had some solid games this year. Oh wait, I forgot for a minute that I was talking about Joey Harrington. Good call coach. Lemon did get the Dolphins on the board.
I thought flex schedule was created so that we didn’t have to watch bad games during prime time? I guess not.
Whenever I watch a Dolphins game I find myself wondering what Ricky Williams is doing (I don’t care enough about Canadian football to really find out). Is he smoking a Christmas bowl? Is he getting suspended from the CFL?
I hope he comes back because he’s a role model the kids can really relate too.
In other news, Tiger Woods was named AP male athlete of the year. I’d be okay with that if golfers were athletes and golf was a sport. It really should have gone to LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson’s accomplishments this year are unprecedented. It will be a long time before another player puts up the numbers he has this year.
Holiday Tidings and NFL Notes December 24, 2006
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Bengals, Blogroll, Chad Johnson, Champ Bailey, Football, NFL, Seahawks, Sports, Uncategorized.add a comment
Well Christmas is almost here (already here for some)! For some NFL fans, Christmas came early. For others, their teams perfomances resembled a pile of reindeer shit rather than a full 60 minutes of football.
Pile A is the New York Giants or G men (in this case the “G” stands for gone from the playoff picture or goodbye Tom Coughlin). If I see Jeremey Shockey throw one more fit I’m gonna puke. They need to get Shockey on one of those Subway commercials with Jared. Michael Strahan is much more level headed ever since those commercials started running.
Pile B is the Cincinnati Bengals. Great job on that extra point jackasses! In the spirit of Christmas, my heart goes out to Brad St. Louis (long snapper for Cincinnati). Hey Brad, when you’re looking for a job come January I’d recommend retail. With kids running around with all that Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa money, retail is always in need of a few new hires. Good news Brad, Ohio just raised the minimum wage!
Chad Johnson won’t be bringing Champ Bailey any Christmas presents. In the Bengals’ loss, Chad only had three catches for 32 yards. Bailey did get an early present from Carson Palmer, a nice new football! Bailey’s pick is his ninth on the season! In other Chad Johnson news, Chad made it a point to introduce himself as Ocho Cinco in a Merry Christmas spot played during the game. Chad Johnson is singlehandedly undermining the “English as the national language” movement. Aye caramba Chad!
Hear that beeping? That’s not the truck carrying your year supply of petroleum jelly, that’s the Seattle Seahawks backing into the playoffs! The NFL really needs to show a disclaimer before any Seahawks game so that Seattle fans (like myself) don’t get too exited. It should read something like this…
SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Cheering for the Seattle Seahawks (even the slightest) will only result in utter disappointment. This disappointment will eventually lead to delusions of grandeur that the Seahawks will one day win a Super Bowl (this can never happen for laws of science simply don’t allow it) and fans will be vindicated. Due to the propensity of the Seahawks to disappoint their fan base it is recommended that you start cheering for another team immediately.
Despite the disappointment and thanks to a 49ers loss, the Seahawks are in the playoffs! Do we deserve it? Hell no, but we’ll take it! See you in Miami!
In other news, the referees might have to start wearing helmets and pads! In the New England at Jacksonville game, the umpire got beaned in the head by a David Garrard pass. That dropped the umpire like a sack of potatoes. In the Carolina at Atlanta game, a side judge was taken out by Steve Smith and had to leave the game! Also, due to the fact that referees can’t get calls right on the first try, head officials had to spend an eye straining amount of time under the hood examining replays. That kind of eye strain could cause cataracts! Tough Christmas Eve for the referees! For the record, helmet and pads would be optional for Ed Hochuli.
Everytime I see Romeo Crennel it looks like he gets progressively sadder. He is starting to resemble a basset hound. On a day when his old team, the New England Patriots, clenched the AFC East, the Crennel-lead Browns got beat down by the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Right about now Romeo is wondering why he ever left Foxboro. Keep on truckin’ Romeo!
So far I’ve gone eight for fourteen on my game picks. If my calculations are correct, that makes me a better NFL analyst than 96% of the professionals. Ah, just kidding! However, it does make me a better analyst than Terry Bradshaw, but who isn’t?
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Notes and Nuggets About Iverson’s Debut December 23, 2006
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in 76ers, Allen Iverson, Basketball, Blogroll, Carmelo Anthony, NBA, Nuggets, Sports, Uncategorized.add a comment
Anyone fortunate enough to be able to watch Allen Iverson’s debut last night saw a man who said and did all the right things. He was the consumate team player. He showed that he was more than a scoring threat, dishing out a team high 10 assists. What the box score won’t tell you is what Iverson’s demeanor was like. After any big play, Iverson made it a point to give a highfive to every Nuggets player on the court. He seemed excited to take the role of the saavy veteran, giving tips to his teammates and elevating their level of play. Case in point was the play of Reggie Evans. Evans became the hot hand for a bit after Iverson entered and Iverson made sure Evans got the ball. A.I. made hustle plays, diving for balls, hitting the crease hard for difficult baskets. He was the consumate team player.
Iverson’s team first demeanor continued off the court and into his first press conference as a Denver Nugget. He downplayed the “Can A.I. and ‘Melo really play together?” schtick implicating that he and ‘Melo would be one of the best combinations in basketball. Any doubt about Iverson’s dedication to the team should have been put to rest. He is a Nugget first and a Nugget last, not above the team. He showed us all what he can do outside of his scoring ability.
The NBA better watch out for the Nuggets.
The FAN of the Year Is…You!? December 23, 2006
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Basketball, Blogroll, Football, Sports, Uncategorized.add a comment
I’m sure all of us can relate to the bad calls, bad players, bad coaching, bad management and bad teams. That being said, I had to post a link to this article, so check it out! It’s been a heck of a year!
A.I., The Answer, The Debut, The Game December 22, 2006
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Allen Iverson, Basketball, Blogroll, Kings, NBA, Nuggets, Sports, Uncategorized.add a comment
Allen Iverson’s debut has come and gone. For almost the entire first quarter, George Karl kept The Answer on the bench. Someone watching the game in their living room could feel the anticipation that was mounting inside the Pepsi Center. Iverson entered the game with 3:25 remaining in the first quarter. The fans errupted, welcoming the newest edition to the Denver Nuggets with a standing ovation.
Unfortunately on a night when the Nuggets were missing two of their stars, Marcus Camby and J.R. Smith, and their shooting was leaving something to be desired, the Kings had the answer. At times it looked like the Nuggets were really going to put things together. Iverson’s presence did generate a new kind of energy the Nuggets need. A.I. scored, A.I. dished and everyone picked up their play. Reggie Evans and Linas Kleiza battled for offensive rebounds. Eduardo Najera and Nene Hilario made hustle plays. The backcourt combination of Iverson and Earl Boykins was phenomenal, combining for 47 points and 19 assists (Iverson 22 PTS, 10 AST). In the end, the Nuggets just couldn’t overcome the play of Sacramento stars Brad Miller (21 PTS, 14 REB) and John Salmons (21 PTS, 11 REBS, 10 AST). A tired, jet lagged Iverson still gave this fan something to remember.
Soon we will usher in the true beginning of the Anthony/Iverson era. As a Nuggets fan, all I can say is we’ll see you in the Finals.
It’s a Wonderful Life, If You’re Not Al Davis December 22, 2006
Posted by thesportsmaster8000 in Al Davis, Blogroll, Football, NFL, Raiders, Sports, Uncategorized.add a comment
Teacher says “Every time a bell rings, Al Davis makes another poor decision as owner of the Oakland Raiders.” In a recent poor decision it appears as if the Raiders will most likely keep Art Shell as head coach, at least for another year. In a Fox Sports report, the Raiders organization, after reports surfaced that Shell would be gone, made it a point to state that the only one who knows the future or Art Shell is owner Al Davis. As of this moment, Al Davis seems content to sit and see if the Art Shell experiment plays out like the crack ass visions he had when he hired the guy in the first place.
The Raiders are horrible and Al Davis is to blame. The only guy I can think of that runs a franchise worse is Matt
Millen. Granted they’ve been hindered by injuries most of the year, but even if they fielded a healthy team I still don’t think they would have a better record. When the draft rolled around last year, the Raiders opted to pick Michael Huff, strong safety out of Texas, instead of filling one of their prominent needs, quarterback. Both Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler were available when the Raiders went on the clock. I have half a mind to think that the Raiders’ war room is comprised of Al Davis, Art Shell and about seven or eight monkeys. Not even super smart circus monkeys, just your runofthemill jungle monkey. Was/is Aaron Brooks the answer at QB?
So say you don’t fill your primary need, how about another offensive weapon? How about a running back that forces teams to put eight in the box which will allow you to really get Randy Moss going? The draft had some of those too; Laurence Maroney, DeAngelo Williams and Maurice Jones-Drew. Forget that! Davis picks Huff! I have no problems with Huff, I just think that the Raiders have done a horrible job when it has come to selecting personel. Even when free agency rolled around they passed on players like Steve McNair, Edgerrin James and other proven veterans. Watching the Chiefs at Raiders game will only bring people that much closer to the realization that Al Davis should retire.
