Does Willie Deserve To Go?

Mets manager Willie Randolph has been under much scrutiny the past few weeks, dating back to when the Mets swept the Yankees at Yankee Stadium only to get swept by the Braves and struggle with the Rockies to complete the road trip. Randolph is the manager and needs to accept blame for the team that underachieves, but how much can he really do? The Mets have been riddled with injuries this season, Alou, Church, Pagan, Pedro, El Duque, Castro, Schneider, and Castillo have all missed significant time this season, and the Mets have been playing with the equivalent of minor league corner ofs (Nixon, Evans, Tatis, Aguila.) Also it needs to be noted that the Mets bullpen is absolutely deplorable! Until recently the only solid arm was Wagner. But getting from the starters to Wagner has been an adventure, just last week the Mets bullpen blew a game for John Maine, where he left a 5-1 lead only to see the pen blow it, Santana left with a 4-0 lead after 7 and the pen couldn't hold the lead. I do feel that Randolph does overuse his relievers constantly having many of his relievers pitch to 1 or 2 batters, which keeps there pitch counts low but having them warm up everyday is not good for them either. I think Minaya wants to keep Randolph around because if he does fire him and the new manager isn't successful then Minaya is the next to blame for building this team. If Minaya can keep Randolph around until the end of the season, and the Mets continue to struggle it is more likely the Mets would replace the manager and not the GM in the offseason. Besides bringing in a new manager to a mostly veteran club with many egos, could lead to an adjustment period for the players, and time is not something the Mets have, where keeping Randolph around, and hoping the Mets can get healthy and go on a hot streak might be the better plan. The Mets have a lot of money tied up in this team and can't afford to head into Citi Field next year with a losing team, but I don't think firing Randolph will solve their problems.

Is Becky Hammon A Traitor?

Becky Hammon, a superstar point guard for the San Antonio Silver Stars of the WNBA finished 2nd in the leagues MVP voting last season, but was not invited to the Team USA tryouts, when the list of 23 players was announced. She later got an invite when the list was increased to 30 players but was told she had no legitimate shot of making the team. Hammond like many other WNBA players, play overseas for most of the year, because of the better pay, Hammond has a 4 year, 2 million dollar contract (500,000 per season) with a Russian team. In many of these overseas leagues there is a maximum number American players who are allowed, so many countries will grant Americans citizenship (Diana Taurasi, Italy, and Sue Bird, Israel, etc.) Russia granted Hammond expedited citizenship and invited her to play for the Russian Olympic team. Hammond citing that the US team did not want her agreed she would play for Russia, and since has been criticized by some other players and coaches for being a traitor. The US team doesn't want her why can't she go play somewhere else, the one part I disagree with is that she has no ties to Russia, whereas Taurasi and Bird do have family ties to the countries they hold citizenship in. (Taurasi and Bird will both play for the US team) The US has granted citizenship to African runners to help the US strengthen their chances in long distance running, who have no ties to the US. It just goes to show that the Olympics are more about winning medals and money than really caring which country the athletes are competing for. Maybe the US women's team is worried about Russia who is ranked #3 in the world picking up one of the best PGs in the world? Or that with her underdog story of undrafted player to league superstar and good looks, she is a marketing dream that the US team will not be able to capitalize on.

NBA Finals Thoughts After Game 5

Some observations on the series after watching Game 5 last night; The Celtics have been battling some injuries to Pierce (knee), Perkins (shoulder) and Rondo (ankle) but still managed to overcome a 20 plus point deficit in Games 4 and 5, they weren't able to get the win in Game 5 but it shows how poor the Lakers D has been. In Game 5 the Lakers were fouling the Celtics at half court while in the penalty? There was a play where Pierce ran about 4 steps through the lane and Jordan Farmar, instead of stepping up and trying to take a charge stuck his arm out to commit the foul allowing Pierce to make the basket. The announcers said Farmar should be embarrassed by his lack of defensive play, only to later say that the Lakers having Farmar in the game was for his strong defense? I will tell you who plays some defense, its James Posey and Eddie House, those guys hustle and are guys you want playing on your team. Perkins missing Game 5, really showed how important he is to the Celts D, as Pau Gasol had his first big game of the series. If Perkins misses Games 6 and/0r 7 the Celts could be in trouble. What was with Rondo driving to the hoop and instead of taking the uncontested layup throwing it out for the 3 point shot? For the second straight game announcer Jeff Van Gundy has been calling players "knife fighters" he said Kobe and Posey were "knife fighters" he said these are the guys you want on your team who will do anything to win. ok, I see what he means but I can't imagine that David Stern is too pleased with one of his leagues superstars (one who has had some questionable off court activity) being compared to a "knife fighter" during national telecasts. Paul Pierce has shown during this playoff series that he can carry his team. Why does KG insist on taking jump shots and passing the ball on rebounds instead of going strong to the hoop? The Celtics have only lost once at home in the playoffs (Pistons) but they need to be healthy and need to hope Kobe continues to struggle or there could be a big problem. One last thing, after it was discovered that the guy in the American Bandstand video wearing the Gino t-shirt had passed away 14 years ago, why hasn't his family filed a trademark to stop all the bootleg t-shirts being made with his likeness? For that matter I'm surprised Dick Clark has allowed the American Bandstand footage to be shown at Celtics games.

Game 6 is Tues

Game 7 is Thurs (if necessary)

Friday Night Lights "May The Best Man Win"

In the Season 2 finale, Smash tries to salvage his college plans, by making some calls to schools who had shown interest in him before he committed to TMU. Street's waitress one night stand, Erin shows up at Buddy's car lot and tells Street, that she is pregnant! Tami runs in to her old boyfriend, Mo, who is a big real estate mogul, who doesn't really have a good history with Coach Taylor. Mo invites Tami and Coach to a fundraiser at the hospital. Street seems happy that the Erin is pregnant because he was told this couldn't happen, he thinks its a miracle. Riggans is doing a sports radio show on the Christian radio station. Smash shows up at Alabama to speak with the coach, and is told his scholarship went to another player and there is no room for him there. Landry tells Saracen that him and Tyra got back together. Smash is talking to someone from the Arena Football League as an alternative to college, the guy tells him he can make 42,000 for the season. Mo tells Coach Taylor and Tami he will be at the game on Friday. Street asks Coach Taylor for some answers to his situation and Coach Taylor tells him that a relationship needs to have trust and honesty (very true!) A radio caller asks Riggans what he thinks of the Smash situation, and he says he thinks its ok to hit someone, which creates a little controversy. Coach Taylor sets up a meeting for Smash with Whitmore, a lowly college that is still willing to offer him a scholarship. The Panthers are having an easy time with their opponent South Pines, Landry comes into catch a TE screen for a TD. Taylor looks up into the stands and sees Mo holding, baby Gracie. Then Mo gives Coach a hard time about letting South Pines score as time expired. Smash accepts the scholarship from Whitmore. Tami and Coach Taylor go to dinner with Mo, Coach and Mo get into a big brawl and Tami leaves. Lyla goes to meet Chris' family, and is disappointed when he rejects her, making a move on him (Riggans would have not made that mistake!) So either Chris' extreme religiousness dooms him with Lyla or he is gay. Smash is still upset that he lost out on the big schools, but his momma tells him that he is still going to college, he is going to get an education and he will be the star on that team. Street tells Erin how he feels about her and the baby, and we are left with a cliff hanger for Season 3. FNL has been picked up for a third season that will first air on Direct TV then will be later shown on NBC.

2008 Mock Draft -1st Round

Here is Tony's Mock Draft for the 1st Round, with some comments along the way;

1. Miami
OT Jake Long-The deal is already done.

2. St. Louis
DE Chris Long-There is a lot of talk today that DT Glenn Dorsey is their man, but I think that may be the Rams trying to entice the Saints to trade up. The Rams went DT (Adam Carriker) last year, so it seems more likely that they add Long to play opposite L. Little.

3. Atlanta
DT Glenn Dorsey-Dorsey will make more of an immediate impact then say QB Matt Ryan would, and it seems teams like the Falcons, Dolphins and Chiefs may be content to wait until the 2nd round to grab a QB.

4. Oakland
RB Darren McFadden-They have a stable of backs with Fargas, Rhodes, Jordan and M. Bush but with Long and Dorsey gone Oakland will take the best available guy in D-Mac.

5. Kansas City
DT Sedrick Ellis-With both Longs gone by this point KC will trade picks with the Saints (10), who didn't move up to get Dorsey, and take Ellis who will reunite with his old USC coach Ed Orgeron who is now the Saints D-Line coach.

6. NY Jets
LB/DE Vernon Gholston-With McFadden gone, the Jets will turn to this beast, i can see an incredible hulk themed poster already. I just hope that he doesn't run into any problems under the NFL's substance abuse program.

7. New England
LB Keith Rivers-The Patriots never do what you think they will in the draft, but they have a massive need in the secondary and at LB. It seems too early for them to take a DB and there is speculation of Ty Law returning before camp starts.

8. Baltimore
QB Matt Ryan-With the sudden retirement of Steve McNair, the Ravens are left with Boller and Smith, so Ryan makes sense here, I think he has great intangibles and found a way to win at BC while surrounded by inferior talent.

9. Cincinnati
OT Ryan Clady

10. New Orleans
OG/OT Brandon Albert-This will be the pick that KC will get in the trade with NO and they will still get what they want in Albert. If the Saints keep this pick they may trade it to NYG for Shockey.

11. Buffalo
CB Leodis McKelvin-They would love if Rivers fell this far, but McKelvin will help in the secondary and the return game.

12. Denver
DE Derrick Harvey

13. Carolina
OT Jeff Otah

14. Chicago
OT Chris Williams-I could also see Chicago going with Rashard Mendenhall to replace waste of space RB Ced Benson.

15. Detroit
RB Rashard Mendenhall-He would be a good replacement for the departed Kevin Jones, If the Bears snag him look for the Lions to grab CB Mike Jenkins who would fit the Lions cover 2 scheme.

16. Arizona
CB Aqib Talib-Drafting Talib would allow the Cards to move Rolle from nickel to FS.

17. Kansas City
CB Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie-This is the pick KC got from the Vikings in the Jared Allen trade. I'm not buying the hype on this guy, who was a nobody until he put Cromartie on the end of his name, but he seems like the type of draft mistake KC would make. They should think about using this pick on QB Brian Brohm.

18. Houston
RB Jonathan Stewart-The Texans need a RB they can rely on, Ahman (oh my knee) Green and (Fat) Ron Dayne are not cutting it. Stewart will give them a total package back, that if he can remain healthy could be a steal at the 18th pick.

19. Philadelphia
WR Devin Thomas-Eagles have been trying to find a tall WR for years.

20. Tampa Bay
CB Mike Jenkins-Perfect fit for Tampa's cover 2 scheme, he is tough against the run.

21. Washington
DE Phillip Merling-The Skins sent everyone in the organization except the water boy to this guys last minute workout today. Skins could trade this pick to the Dolphins for Jason Taylor or Bengals for Chad Johnson.

22. Dallas
RB Felix Jones-Jerry Jones is an Arkansas alum and many think F. Jones may end up having a more productive NFL career then his former Arkansas teammate D-Mac.

23. Pittsburgh
OT Gosder Cherilus-Pitt need some help on the line after losing OG Faneca, and BC lineman have a pretty good track record for succes in the NFL.

24. Tennessee
WR DeSean Jackson-He will make an immediate impact in the return game and can't be any worse then what they have in the passing game. But the Titans get rid of Pacman only to bring in another problem child?

25. Seattle
TE Fred Davis-Seahawks need an athletic pass catching TE, and Davis is a former WR converted to TE. Seattle may also try to trade this pick to the Giants for Shockey.

26. Jacksonville
DE Calais Campbell-Built in the same mold as Jason Taylor but a little taller and heavier.

27. San Diego
S Kenny Phillips

28. Dallas
WR Limas Sweed-Keeps Sweed in Texas and allows the Cowboys to keep resigned WR Crayton in the slot where he is most dangerous. WR Malcom Kelly is also an option, but some inmaturity issues and complaints about his running surface will likely knock him out of the first round.

29. San Francisco
ILB Jared Mayo-Put him alongside Willis and the Niners are set in the middle.

30. Green Bay
QB Brian Brohm-I think the Packers trade this pick to which ever team (Mia, Atl, KC) wants to move up and grab Brohm.

31. NY Giants
LB Dan Connor-Losses in free agency at LB could be remedied by picking Connor. The Giants would love if Safety K. Phillips fell to them to replace G. Wilson, and CB/S Reggie Smith could be an option as well.

2008 Fantasy Baseball Preview

Sorry this was posted so late, but too many people in my leagues read my blog, and I couldn't give away all my secrets until after my last draft, so I hope this information will be able to help those who still need to draft, or may give you some ideas of players to target in early season trades or on the waiver wire.

I'll try and give you some guys I like to be picked after the top guys, obviously if you can get a top guy you should, but you will need backups, etc. Numbers are my ranks. Also my rankings are based on Head to Head points leagues.

Catcher

6. K Johjima Sea-Solid stats after the big name catchers, also a bonus if your league rewards points for how many guys he throws out trying to steal.

7. B. Molina SF-He will bat cleanup for San Fran but not much around him.

23. Dionner Navarro-TB-I like him as a backup C, you should be able to take him with the last pick or get him on the FA list

First Base

4. M. Texiera-Atl Good 2nd round pick, I think he will have a monster year in Atl,as he seeks a new contract.

9. N. Swisher-ChiW-He had an off year last year, but goes to Chi, which is a better park, also OF eligible.

14. J. Loney-LAD good potential for 300/30/90, good backup pick

15. A. LaRoche-Pit-Great 2nd half the last 2 years if he can put together a full season, he will be a mid to late round steal.

19. R. Garko-Clev-I really like him as a sleeper in a great lineup, he loses some starts when the Indians play Martinez at first though.

Second Base

9. R. Weeks-Milw-Major injury risk and low BA, but has 30/30 potential, and this is the first year he has't had a surgery to recover from in the offeseason, although he is already dealing with a minor hand injury and has struck out 20 times this spring. High risk/high reward pick

18. M. Ellis-Oak-decent power if you need a backup.

21. T. Wigginton-Hou-25 HR power, low BA, but he is eligible at 1b,2b,3b, so you can plug him into your lineup alot of places when your starters are off in daily leagues.

Third Base

10. A. Beltre-Sea-Another great 2nd half guy, but good as a backup, power and SBs

12. A. Gordon-KC-Was supposed to be the next D. Wright, but struggled last year as a rookie, still has that potential.

13. H. Blalock-Tex-Finally had the shoulder surgery that robbed him of his power the last 2 years, a little risky, but if he can start hitting lefties, watch out

15. E. Encarnacion-Cin-LOVE him, sleeper pick of the draft. Power and speed potential, plays in a great hitters park. He batted over 330 in Aug and Sept last year, grab him!

16. J. Fields ChiW-Lots of power, 250 avg should play 3b or lf, however he my be sent to the minors if Joe Crede isn't traded or proves to be healty.

20. P. Feliz-Phi-Lots of power, low avg, goes from big SF park to small Philly park, could be good for 30 HRs.

Shortstop

Besides Rollins or Reyes, there is nothing I really like as a sleeper pick, You have to make sure you get atleast 1 of the top 10, I have them as Rollins, Reyes, H. Ramirez, Tejada, Jeter, M. Young, Tulowitski, C. Guillen, O. Cabrera, R. Furcal. If you pick in the top 5 I would definately try to grab Rollins or Reyes, I'm not trusting H-Ram this season as a #2 overall, let alone a first round pick, he had offseason shoulder surgery, he is going to bat leadoff, who is he going to drive in the P or the C. He will steal bases and hit for some power (He never showed any power when he was in the minors) but, I don't see him being able to repeat last season.

Outfield

I'm passing on Magglio Ordonez, as he will be this years Jermaine Dye, major drop off. Vlad Guerrero, has been one of the most consistent OF's of the last 5+ years, but he just looks so uncomfortable running around the field, maybe its b/c he admitted that one leg is longer then the other but to me he is getting to the age that he is a risky first rounder. I don't see E. Byrnes having another year like he did, he will still hit some homers, but he is not going to steal 50 bases. I don't like A. Soriano unless you get him in the third round or later.

I do like, in no specific order;

Abreu-NYY He looks healthy and he is in a FA year, not alot of power anymore, but can still steal some bases, hit for avg, and he will score alot in the Yankees lineup.

Swisher CHiW-see 1B above

B Hawpe-Col-good numbers, good park, alot of people forget about him with Helton, Holiday and Atkins in Colorado

R. Winn-SF-puts up numbers across the board, but good as a 5th of

J. Hermida-Fla-Big 2nd half, finally healthy (now dealing with a hamstring injury), somebody has got to hit in Fla, right?

A. Dunn-Big Power, great park, avg was around 270 last year, walks alot, but k's alot, can steal some bases

P. Burrell-Phi-Good power, small park, good lineup.

C. Duncan-Stl-Good power, missed some time last year still had 21 HRs, had 22, after call up in 06. Should bat 2nd, in front of Pujols.

R. Ibanez-Sea-Not a sexy pick, but he seems to put up good numbers each year, he will probably not reach last year's #s, and may be a little overrated, but if he was there late, he would be worth the pick.

J. Hamilton-Tex Traded from good park in Cin-to good park in Tex, he will be full time cf, 30/30 contender, but always has his drug demons to deal with.

F. Gutierrez-Clev-Deep sleeper, but good lineup could give you 20/20.

Closer

I would try to grab Paplebon, or Jenks they are worth the high pick.I would stay away from Valverde-Hou, he is going to a hitters park and a worse team; Cordero-Wash, his ERA and WHIP have gone up the last 3 seasons; and Nathan-Min, opps will be limited now that the team has lost Santana and Hunter.

I do like;

Gagne-Milw-Better situation for him then Boston, Brewers are expected to be a good team, and people will remember his disastorous time in Boston, and forget that he was solid in Texas, good pick late to be your 2nd/3rd closer.

Ryan-Tor-Back from injury people may forget about him, some risk.

M. Corpas-Col-Finished last season strong and was untouchable in the playoffs.

C. Marmol-ChiC-Middle Reliever, but great stats and may close, would be excellent late pick.

Starters

I like;

Verlander-Det I really think he will be a top 5 P this year, he has a great lineup and pitches in a big park.

Webb-Az The guy has a Cy Young and still doesn't get the recognition he should.

Haren-Az-Moves to NL after having a 3.07 ERA in the AL last season

Dice-K-Bos-Should be more comfortable this season, last season's expectations were obviously too much, but he should win atleast 15 and K 200.

B. Myers-Phi-Returns to starting, big Ks.

Aj Burnett-Tor-Healthy, FA year, k per inning in the 2nd half last year.

Maine/Perez-NYM Both could win 15 with the Mets lineup and both could top 175 in Ks

J. Francis-Col-really good, but when he's bad, he is really bad.

C. Young-SD-Awesome, missed some time last year, so he will be ranked lower then he should.

M. Cain-SF-lots of hard luck L's last year, should get some more W's even though SF stinks and he gets K's, and low ERA

A. Wainwright-Stl-#1 for Stl, great K potential, I still have nightmares of watching the knee buckling curve he K'd Beltran on in game 7 of the 2006 NLCS.

I. Snell-Pit Great source of Ks, has improved the last 2 seasons, people often forget him b/c he pitches in Pit.

P. Hughes-NYY Everyone talks about Joba, but Hughes was the better prospect, he was working on a no hitter in his 2nd start, and unlike Joba Hughes is in the rotation.

Buchholz/Lester-Bos Both young Ps could be the beneficiaries of good run support, I like Lester a little more b/c he will be in the rotation, whereas Buch may start the season in the pen or in the minors until a 5th starter is needed.

K. Escobar-Anh/N. Lowry-SF-Both out until May, but could be worth a DL spot

D. McGowan-Tor Young power P

R. Johnson-AZ May only last a short time but if you can get him late will have some big k games.

I don't trust Liriano, or Kazmir this year b/c of injury concerns. Liriano is coming back from Tommy John surgery, and watching his ultra violent delivery I don't want to take the chance on his elbow holding up. Kaz has been shut down in the past 2 seasons and already is having problems this year, although he owns the Red Sox.

This last bit of wisdom comes from my buddy Rich, before the 2006 season he told me to watch out for Carlos Pena, I watched and he did nothing, playing AAA ball for the Yankees and Redsox, but last year exploded with the Rays. So that led us to conclude that maybe he is just a great predictor of what will happen not this year, but next. Last year he picked Victor Zambrano, who was released by the Blue Jays early in the season, but is/was in camp with the Rockies this spring, pick him at your own risk. His pick for this year, so look to grab him next season, although I think he will be good this year is Adrain Beltre.

Super Bowl Result

RESULT: Giants 17-14

As I stated in my Super Bowl pick for the Patriots, as a Giants fan I would hope I was wrong. The Patriots came in the better team heavily favored to win, but the Giants played their best defensive game of the year, to hold the Pats to a season low 14 points. The Giants D-Line constantly bothered and hit Brady, causing him to lose his normal coolness. Brady was seen yelling at his teammates and struggling to hit open receivers. The Giants offense wasn't spectacular but a solid opening drive and a heart stopping final drive were the difference. As Randy Moss scored with under 3 minutes remaining, to take the lead late like they had done in the Week 17 matchup, it was up to Eli Manning to show what he had. After nearly throwing 2 INTs, Manning escaped a near sack to throw an almost hailmary pass to little used David Tyree for an amazing catch. The play saw Tyree use one hand, and his helmet to hold the ball while Rodney Harrison was bending him backwards. Manning then avoided an all out blitz to throw a fade to Burress for the winning TD. This was one of the biggest upsets in Superbowl history, but a sweet win for Giants fans. Yes, I picked wrong putting me at 8-3 for the playoffs but I'll take it. The only bad thing about the Pats losing, is that we still have to listen to that nut job Mercury Morris.

Friday Night Lights "Leave No One Behind"

On this episode of FNL, Saracen is feeling the pressure of having to take care of his grandmother, school, work, being QB1, losing Carlotta and just being a teenager. Saracen's car breaks down as he is hearing the news about Smash's 3 game suspension. Coach Taylor is discussing the driver's license test with Julie. The team is mad at Smash for the suspension, but Smash still feels he did the right thing by defending his sister. Saracen starts acting out in class, skipping practice and drinking with Riggans. Jean tells Tyra that she is interested in Landry and wants to know where Tyra stands, Tyra assures Jean they are just friends. Coach Taylor tells Smash he doesn't want him at practice. Julie is becoming jealous of the time Tami is spending with Tyra, talking about volleyball. Riggans gets jealous when he sees Lyla and Chris eating lunch together. Saracen shows up drunk at practice after a day of drinking with Riggans, coach Taylor is not too pleased with him. Tami takes Julie to practice her driving and asks her if she wants to be on the volleyball team and she says no. The volleyball team wins a big game and Tami has the girls over to celebrate, Julie comes home crying because she had been waiting at the DMV for Tami, so she could take her drivers license test. Tami drives her back to the DMV and convinces the man to let Julie take her road test. Saracen and Riggans go to a strip club and Saracen gets a call that his grandmother is at the hospital. One of the nice strippers drives him to the hospital. Smash tells coach that TMU pulled his scholarship, because he has questionable character. After Landry and Jean go to the movies, Tyra asks if she can talk to Landry and she tells him that she has feelings for Landry and she wants to give things a shot. Landry is a little shocked and he is on a date, and he knows where Jean stands with him. Jean then plants a big kiss on Landry. Coach Taylor meets Saracen and Grandma at the hospital, to drive them home. Taylor tells Saracen he smells like a drunk, and then he throws him in the shower and tells him he needs to straighten out because a lot of people are counting on him. Saracen tells him "you don't care, you left me for a better job (TMU), your daughter left me for a better guy ("the Swede," Anton) Carlotta left me for Guatamala and my Dad left me for a damn war, everybody leaves me, whats wrong with me?" Landry breaks up with Jean, because he knows his heart is with Tyra, and sometimes you have to follow your heart. Landry shows up at Tyra's and kisses her before heading off to the game. The team is doubting their chances without Smash, the team wants him to play even though they would have to forefeit the game, but Smash gives a speech in the locker room to pump them up before they head out on the field and tells them to win so he can get back on the field for playoffs, and then as they leave he is left alone in the locker room.

Next week:
Tami's old boyfriend is in town, and instigates Coach Taylor. Smash trys to fix his college situation, Riggans still pursues Lyla and Street gets some life changing news.

Super Bowl Pick

Sorry for the wait, Tony's home office has experienced some technical difficulties the past week. I have gone 8-2 during the playoffs this season.

First of all, I hate the 2 weeks off between the conference championships and the Super Bowl.

Here we go, the "Perfect Team" (I don't think the Pats trademarked that one yet?) vs. the "Road Warriors" (10 consecutive road wins.) Everyone knows the Patriots are heavily favored (12 pts) and have a chance to become the first team in history to go 19-0 (Impressive to everyone except 72 Dolphin, Mercury Morris) in fact the Patriots are so confidant, they applied for trademarks for "19-0" and "Perfect Season" before the Chargers game, which is surprising, the NFL hadn't already done so. Also, this week we saw the return of "spygate" a former, possibly disgruntled Patriots employee came forward, asking why he hadn't been contacted by the NFL to discuss his role in taping for the Patriots in the past, Senator Specter questioned Commisioner Goodell as to why the evidence siezed by the league was destroyed? (Does Congress really have nothing better to do then to worry about some of a Belichick's home videos?) Then we heard that the Patriots illegally recorded the Rams walk through before limiting the Rams in the first half of their Super Bowl matchup. Does anybody remember what happened after the last round of "spygate" allegations? I know some Redskins fans do, the Patriots started blowing people out/running up the score according to some. This is the 12th time the Super Bowl has been a rematch from the regular season, the regular season winner has gone 5-6 in these matchups. The last such matchup was the Patriots beating the Rams after losing in the regular season.

I think the gameplan for the Patriots is pretty simple, if they can come out and spread the offense they can take advantage of the Giants secondary. There has been a lot of talk about how improved the G-men secondary has been despite all their injuries, but take a look at the playoffs, they beat a weak Bucs recieving unit, that saw Joey Galloway injured early, they played ok against the Cowboys who dropped a number of passes and had an injured and limited T.O., then in the Green Bay, the passing game was limited due to the extreme cold. The Giants have no anwer for Moss and Welker, which was evident in the Week 17 matchup. If the Patriots mix in some draw plays they can neutralize the Giants pass rush. If the Patriots do this and jump out to a early 17-21 point lead, this will force the Giants out of their game plan (running the ball) and force Eli Manning to lead this team from behind, which I'm not sure he can do, Yes, he hasn't turned over the ball in the playoffs, but he hasn't been asked to throw the ball downfield, more than 10 yards, the TD pass to Toomer in the Dallas game was a 10 yard pass, in which he ran the other 61. On the flipside for the Giants to win this game, they need to play 4 nearly perfect quarters unlike the 3 they played in week 17. The Giants will need to keep the game close, so they can run the ball with Jacobs and Bradshaw, running on the Patriots this season has not been hard but scoring TDs has, and that will be the difference. Another argument I heard this weak was that the Patriots were able to shut down the Jaguars powerful rushing game, yes but instead of playing to their strength Jacksonville came out looking to pass in that game and abandoned the run. Also, the Giants will need a big play; INT for a TD, kick return for a TD or a trick play (I can see either Bradshaw or Steve Smith throwing a pass) So, I have established the Patriots are the far superior team, if they hadn't played in the regular season I don't think many would expect this game to be close, but the Giants have some confidence that they can hang with the Pats. I had said awhile back, after watching the Patriots go for TDs on two 4th down plays instead of kicking FGs with large leads would bring them bad karma. I'm not even sure that karma can stop Belichick with 2 weeks to prepare for a team. I have a feeling the Patriots win in blowout. As a Giants fan, I hope I'm wrong.

PICK: Patriots

Friday Night Lights "Humble Pie"

The episode starts with Street finding out he needs 4 or 5 grand worth of work on the car he bought from Herc. This leads Street to accepting a job at Buddy Garrity's car dealership. Riggans runs into Guy and some of his friends who give him a good butt kicking for taking his money. The police show up at Smash's house with a warrant for his arrest for the assualt at the movie theater, the police cuff him and put him in the police car as his Momma and neighbors look on. Smash, his Momma and Coach Taylor meet with a lawyer and they decide to plea his assault to a misdemeanor and make this situation go away quicker. Smash makes a public apology. Landry has a new study buddy, Jean and Tyra seems a little jealous. Riggans goes to Lyla's church and during a mass asks her to come to his house the next night, she reluctantly accepts, so he will leave. Tami starts coaching the Dillon girls volleyball team, they are winless and Tami recruits Tyra to play and turns her into Gabby Reese overnight. Street sells his first car only to have one of the other sales reps steal it from him. Lyla lies to Chris so she can go see Riggans, when Lyla gets there, Riggans has set up a romantic dinner and tells Lyla that he loves her. Lyla tells him its never going to happen between them and she doesn't feel the way he does. Street is finding the car selling business tougher than he thought, he gets stuck dealing with a customer, Gerald, who comes in twice a week and never buys a car, and later Street will get him to finally purchase the car he wants. Lyla confesses her past to Chris and he accepts her and her past. Smash's sister gets a harrassing phone call, and blames herself. Reporters confront Smash at the local Applebees and Smash tells his side of the story and gets himself in deeper trouble earning himself a 3 game suspension (will his scholarship to TMU be next?) Lyla gives Riggans the money he needs to pay back Guy. Tami and Tyra lead the girls volleyball team to their first win of the season.

Next week:

The aftermath of Smash's supsension, Saracen has a drinking problem.