'Steel' A Believer?

| 0 comments | Thursday, December 24, 2009
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The Pittsburgh Steelers that we are witnessing this season, are NOT the 2008-2009 Superbowl Champions.
Yes! Ben Rothlisberger is still the starting QB,
Yes! Mike Tomlin is still the Head Coach,
Yes! Our Defense is still top 10 in the NFL,
So doesn't it look like we should have the same results?
Thats a big negative...To the average fan or fool who doesn't really know the game of football, or should i say in a perfect world, the Steelers would win the superbowl and come back (this season) and win every game. It hasn't been the perfect season for the Pittsburgh Steelers and unfortunately it hasn't been very promising either. To start out the year with lets just say "The Biggest Injury" of our season Troy Polomaulu goes down with a knee injury, and hasn't fully recovered from that injury missing 9 games this season. Defensively we've changed--letting our former starting CB go to the Arizona Cardinals, which puts us in a position to promote another player to the new role as a starter.
William Gay - who has played very well throughout his career as a nickel and dime back, was made a starter at the beginning of the season, but since taking on this new role Gay has been exposed week in and week out.
Not to turn all of our focus on one man, this team has been plagued with injury throughout this season, but what has plagued the team worst than injury seems to be the lack of play for the entire 60 minutes. Last season it was clear to see that the reason that the Pittsburgh Steelers were so successful was because they were able to win the close games and prevail those tough losses that they have accumulated this season.
2008 - Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) they were undefeated in the division and had identical records at home (6-2) & on the road (6-2)
2009 - Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)* don't travel well (2-5) and have been punished in their division (4-6).
Of course -- from a fan's perspective when you lose to the worst teams in the League, you pretty much suck, but it's not about who they lost to as much it is about how they lost.
In 2005 the Steelers were (7-5) before going on to win their 5th superbowl title, this year the Steelers are (7-7) coming into a "Must Win" against the other Wildcard fighting Baltimore Ravens (8-6) the Steelers have a chance to possibly turn this ugly season into a not-so dissapointing one. Having not as much control over their destiny as they did a couple weeks back, they are still riding for that last playoff spot and they have to win out the rest of this season to stay alive.
If the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to end this season without a playoff berth, for the sake of the Steeler Nation -- they can't lose this week's game against Baltimore.

Prediction: Steelers 17-13

Allen Iverson Retires

| 0 comments | Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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TO ALL OF MY FANS:
I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association. I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn't help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.
I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.
Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids. This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I've ever achieved on the basketball court. I have prayed for this day and I see it as my greatest gift.
I want to thank the people of Reebok International Ltd., for always allowing me to be me and for supporting me my whole career through all the ups and downs. I have enjoyed 13 wonderful seasons in the NBA, and I am grateful.
I want to first acknowledge my fans everywhere, who have been with me throughout my entire career. Without you, there would be no me. You should all know that I appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart. Thank you!
To Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley and Larry Bird, you guys gave me the vision to play the game that will be forever in my heart.
To my Mom, who encouraged and inspired me to play every day, and to all of my family and friends who stood by me from the beginning. Thank you!
To my high school coach, Michael Bailey, Coach John Thompson at Georgetown University, Coach Larry Brown and to all of my other coaches, teammates, administrators, owners and staff who've been a part of my career, Thank you as well!
I'd like to give a special thanks to the people of Memphis. I never played a home game for your beloved Grizzlies, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity given me by a great owner in Michael Heisley, and the support of the city. I wish the Memphis Grizzlies' organization all of the success that the game has to offer.
And finally, to the city of Philadelphia: I have wonderful memories of my days in a Sixers' uniform. To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice will always be music to my ears.
God Bless all of you,
ALLEN IVERSON
Credit: stephena.com

My Week 12 Football Predictions

| 0 comments |
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Which team will win the game? (My selections are in bold.)
11/26 12:30 PM
FOX
Green Bay Packers (-10.5)
Detroit Lions
11/26 4:15 PM
CBS
Oakland Raiders
Dallas Cowboys (-13.5)
11/26 8:20 PM
NFL
New York Giants (-6.5)
Denver Broncos
11/29 1:00 PM
FOX
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Atlanta Falcons (-11.5)
11/29 1:00 PM
CBS
Miami Dolphins (-3.5)
Buffalo Bills
11/29 1:00 PM
CBS
Cleveland Browns
Cincinnati Bengals (-13.5)
11/29 1:00 PM
FOX
Seattle Seahawks (-2.5)
St. Louis Rams
11/29 1:00 PM
FOX
Carolina Panthers (+3.5)
New York Jets
11/29 1:00 PM
FOX
Washington Redskins
Philadelphia Eagles (-9.5)
11/29 1:00 PM
CBS
Indianapolis Colts (-3.5)
Houston Texans
11/29 4:05 PM
CBS
Kansas City Chiefs
San Diego Chargers (-13.5)
11/29 4:05 PM
CBS
Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5)
San Francisco 49ers
11/29 4:15 PM
FOX
Arizona Cardinals (+0.5)
Tennessee Titans
11/29 4:15 PM
FOX
Chicago Bears
Minnesota Vikings (-10.5)
11/29 8:20 PM
NBC
Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5)
Baltimore Ravens
11/30 8:30 PM
ESPN
New England Patriots
New Orleans Saints (-3.5)





This week was a very short one, well for at least 6 teams that have the honor to play on the annual turkey day! 
Packers @ Lions:
Green Bay packs up for a trip to Detroit to face the battered Lions. 
  • The Lions (2-8) -  Are coming off a last second win as they defeated the Cleveland Browns in the "Battle for the #1 Draft Pick", which also proved to be probably the most exciting game of week 11 (well at least for the offenses). Their defense has allowed 301 pts (Most in NFL) and they've allowed 


  • The Packers (6-4) - Are also coming off a close battle with the 49ers that took 2 of their best defensive players out for the remainder of the season.  This week they'll be playing without CB Al Harris & LB Aaron Kampman and shouldn't be too worried about the Lions scoring too much without their starting QB Matt Stafford doubtful with a dislocated shoulder. Their offense is the 2nd most efficient in the NFL converting 19 TDs and only giving up 5 INTs (Minn - 1st in NFL)


Key Guys/Playmakers :
Detroit - 
WR Calvin Johnson 
LB Julian Peterson


Green Bay - 
QB Aaron Rodgers
LB Nick Barnett



#9 Pitt Panthers Big East Champions?

| 0 comments | Sunday, November 22, 2009
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Pittsburgh wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin, right, makes a catch for a first down over Notre Dame cornerback Darrin Walls in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Pittsburgh, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009. Pittsburgh won 27-22. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)




The 9th ranked Pittsburgh Panthers are on a quest for another bowl bid, but not just any bowl bid, they're playing for a bid into the elite National Championship game. After beating up on Notre Dame and adding the fuel (if you will) to an already burning situation with head coach Charlie Weiss, the Panthers have their sights on continuing their winning streak. 

Currently Pitt is 9th in the BCS with one ranked opponent left on their schedule (#5 Cincinnati ). Although this match up is the definitive of the last two, the Panthers can not overlook their present game in conference rival West Virginia. The Mountaineers aren't ranked but they are dangerous in games like this because the Panthers/ Mountaineers rivalry has lived up to be thee biggest rivalry in the Big East. 

Pitt holds the all-time series lead at 60-37-3, thanks in large part to a dominating 23-2 stretch from 1924 to 1951. West Virginia had owned a big edge in recent years -- until last season. In the 100th edition of the series, Pittsburgh scored a 13-9 upset in Morgantown to knock the Mountaineers out of the BCS title game. What had been mostly a regional rivalry gained national significance that day, which ensured that the "Backyard Brawl" would remain a heated battle.

Prediction : Panthers finish season 11-1  (LETS GO PITT!)


MotR's Week 11 NFL Picks

| 0 comments | Thursday, November 19, 2009
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Selections:
Which team will win the game? (My selections are in bold.)
11/19 8:20 PM
NFL
Miami Dolphins
Carolina Panthers (-3.5)
11/22 1:00 PM
CBS
Cleveland Browns
Detroit Lions (-3.5)
11/22 1:00 PM
FOX
San Francisco 49ers (+6.5)
Green Bay Packers
11/22 1:00 PM
CBS
Pittsburgh Steelers (-9.5)
Kansas City Chiefs
11/22 1:00 PM
FOX
Washington Redskins (+11.5)
Dallas Cowboys
11/22 1:00 PM
FOX
Atlanta Falcons (+6.5)
New York Giants
11/22 1:00 PM
FOX
New Orleans Saints (-11.5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
11/22 1:00 PM
CBS
Buffalo Bills
Jacksonville Jaguars (-8.5)
11/22 1:00 PM
CBS
Indianapolis Colts (+0.5)
Baltimore Ravens
11/22 1:00 PM
FOX
Seattle Seahawks
Minnesota Vikings (-11.5)
11/22 4:05 PM
FOX
Arizona Cardinals (-8.5)
St. Louis Rams
11/22 4:15 PM
CBS
San Diego Chargers (-2.5)
Denver Broncos
11/22 4:15 PM
CBS
Cincinnati Bengals (-9.5)
Oakland Raiders
11/22 4:15 PM
CBS
New York Jets
New England Patriots (-10.5)
11/22 8:20 PM
NBC
Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5)
Chicago Bears
11/23 8:30 PM
ESPN
Tennessee Titans
Houston Texans (-4.5)


Tiebreakers:
What will the final score be?
Tennessee Titans
21
Houston Texans
27

What If: LeBron James was in the NFL?

| 0 comments | Wednesday, November 18, 2009
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Lets just entertain the notion that LeBron James was going to play in the NFL, and if so what kind of addition would he be for the Cleveland Browns. Could Lebron James be the scoring machine he is in the NBA in the NFL? 


ESPN reports: Browns would give Cav's James a shot.


Height: 6-8  Weight: 250 lbs 
Avg: 27.8 ppg



Currently this 2009-10 season the Cleveland Browns rank dead last in the NFL in Offense (32nd in NFL). In the past 3 seasons the Browns offense has ranked among the League's worst in 2006 (31st in NFL) and 2008 (31st in NFL).

While in 2007 they were ranked among the leagues best (8th overall in NFL yardage). The Cleveland Browns haven't had the best of luck this season, they do have a bright star in wide reciever Joshua Cribbs who at 6-1, 215 lbs has been the only real bright spot on the Browns roster since their Playoff run in 2007.

Now although LeBron hasn't played football since high school his size and athleticism would be a big addition to the Browns offense, following the path of basketball players that switch to football (Tony Gonzales & Antonio Gates).



Notable stats:
Cleveland Browns
  • rank 32nd in Total Yards on Offense 
  • Averaging a mere 8.7 points per game (last in the NFL) 
  • has 78 total points (in 9 NFL games) 
  • only have 3 TDs recieving
Lebron James
  • Height 6-8 
  • Weight 250 
  • Averages 27.8 points per game 
  • 44 inch vertical jump (Randy Moss has 51 inch vertical)
NFL Players that used to 'Hoop':
Tony Gonzalez 6-5 , 243 lbs
Antonio Gates 6-4 , 260 lbs
Terrell Owens 6-3 , 224 lbs
Randy Moss    6-4 , 210 lbs


With the height alone Lebron would be the tallest skill player on the roster, athletically he would be a BEAST, what corner under 6' would want to have the duty of watching this man.?He presents a mis-match because he has the ability to jump so high, and If he was to goto the NFL, he would probably line up as a WR (Wide Reciever) or TE (Tight End) history shows that he could very well be a star at either of those positions.  The question that would remain until game day would ultimately be, how much of a real factor would he be and could he take the punishment weekly that NFL players go through? If you were to give me the coaching position over the Browns to add Lebron James to the roster, whose to say he couldn't turn the lackluster Cleveland Browns offense into a more formidable opponent. 





Bottom Line - LeBron's never gonna trade his hoop shoes for cleats, but you gotta love his character.