Sunday, January 24, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
And the Defensive MVP in the NFL goes to...
**Disclaimer: Yes, as we all know I am a huge New York Jets fan. But bear with me on this one**
Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers?!
The best defender on the NFL's #1 ranked defense, Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets, came in second, getting half the votes that Woodson got (28 to 14). How is this possible?
Who did Woodson and the Packers even play this season? They're easily in one of the worst divisions in football, the NFC North and Woodson's nine interceptions benefited from that. They "played" the Detroit Lions twice this season. The Lions have had a total of 3 wins within the past 2 seasons and rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford threw 20 interceptions. They also played Jay Cutler's Chicago Bears twice and Jay Cutler lead the league in interceptions (26 compared to Jets rookie Mark Sanchez who had 20). Then there's the fact that they did play THE worst division in football this season, the NFC West. They easily beat the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks and Cardinals. Oh yea, don't forget they also had to put up with the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Bucaneers who combined for 8 wins this season. That's basically 6-8 gimme wins right there. Very impressive.
Who did Revis have to defend this season? Only some of the most prolific wide receivers in football. On opening day, he held Andre Johnson of the Texans to 35 yards on 4 catches. He covered Randy Moss TWICE this season, 4 catches and 24 yards in New York (with an interception) and then 5 catches and 34 yards with a TD in New England. He held Marques Colston of the Saints to 2 catches and 33 yards. He held Steve Smith to 1 catch for 5 yards (and had an amazing interception to go with it). Chad Ochocinco-Johnson got the ball thrown to him 4 times and didnt catch a single one of them. Reggie Wayne of the Colts was limited to 3 catches and 33 yards. Oh and that whole T.O Show guy Terrell Owens? Well we all had our popcorn ready for those games: in their first matchup he only had 13 yards on 3 catches and improved the 2nd game with 31 yards on 3 catches. All together these receivers averaged 2.9 receptions and 26.4 yards against Revis. Now THATS impressive.
Revis finished the regular season with 6 interceptions (compared to Woodson's 9) and lead the league in passes defended with 37 ! He was the fifth cornerback to be thrown at frequently, being targeted 108 times. The leader was targeted 113 times and Charles Woodson didnt even manage to crack the top 5. Woodson was targeted only 84 times.
Want some more stats? Revis and Woodson both gave up 40 receptions; Revis for 439 yards and 2 touchdowns and Woodson for 560 yards and 6 touchdowns. Yikes. In terms of burn percentage, the number of times a defender allows a reception to the man he's covering divided by the number of times the defender is targeted is 37 percent for Revis (the lowest percentage among cornerbacks in the LEAGUE) and 47.6 percent for Woodson.
Here's another good one for ya. Revis was penalized four times for 20 yards. Three of those flags were for illegal contact while the other one was for defensive holding. He had no pass interference calls. Meanwhile, Woodson was penalized eight times for 68 yards. He was called for pass interference three times, defensive holding three times and facemask twice. Sounds like a cheater to me!
Yes I know Woodson forced four fumbles. He also returned 3 interceptions for touchdowns (Revis only had 1) He also recorded 2 sacks (Revis is strictly a coverage cornerback and is never sent to blitz ever).
Woodson had a well rounded season. But COME ON MAN! Revis deserved that award.
At least the J-E-T-S are still in the playoffs.
Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers?!
The best defender on the NFL's #1 ranked defense, Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets, came in second, getting half the votes that Woodson got (28 to 14). How is this possible?
Who did Woodson and the Packers even play this season? They're easily in one of the worst divisions in football, the NFC North and Woodson's nine interceptions benefited from that. They "played" the Detroit Lions twice this season. The Lions have had a total of 3 wins within the past 2 seasons and rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford threw 20 interceptions. They also played Jay Cutler's Chicago Bears twice and Jay Cutler lead the league in interceptions (26 compared to Jets rookie Mark Sanchez who had 20). Then there's the fact that they did play THE worst division in football this season, the NFC West. They easily beat the Rams, 49ers, Seahawks and Cardinals. Oh yea, don't forget they also had to put up with the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Bucaneers who combined for 8 wins this season. That's basically 6-8 gimme wins right there. Very impressive.
Who did Revis have to defend this season? Only some of the most prolific wide receivers in football. On opening day, he held Andre Johnson of the Texans to 35 yards on 4 catches. He covered Randy Moss TWICE this season, 4 catches and 24 yards in New York (with an interception) and then 5 catches and 34 yards with a TD in New England. He held Marques Colston of the Saints to 2 catches and 33 yards. He held Steve Smith to 1 catch for 5 yards (and had an amazing interception to go with it). Chad Ochocinco-Johnson got the ball thrown to him 4 times and didnt catch a single one of them. Reggie Wayne of the Colts was limited to 3 catches and 33 yards. Oh and that whole T.O Show guy Terrell Owens? Well we all had our popcorn ready for those games: in their first matchup he only had 13 yards on 3 catches and improved the 2nd game with 31 yards on 3 catches. All together these receivers averaged 2.9 receptions and 26.4 yards against Revis. Now THATS impressive.
Revis finished the regular season with 6 interceptions (compared to Woodson's 9) and lead the league in passes defended with 37 ! He was the fifth cornerback to be thrown at frequently, being targeted 108 times. The leader was targeted 113 times and Charles Woodson didnt even manage to crack the top 5. Woodson was targeted only 84 times.
Want some more stats? Revis and Woodson both gave up 40 receptions; Revis for 439 yards and 2 touchdowns and Woodson for 560 yards and 6 touchdowns. Yikes. In terms of burn percentage, the number of times a defender allows a reception to the man he's covering divided by the number of times the defender is targeted is 37 percent for Revis (the lowest percentage among cornerbacks in the LEAGUE) and 47.6 percent for Woodson.
Here's another good one for ya. Revis was penalized four times for 20 yards. Three of those flags were for illegal contact while the other one was for defensive holding. He had no pass interference calls. Meanwhile, Woodson was penalized eight times for 68 yards. He was called for pass interference three times, defensive holding three times and facemask twice. Sounds like a cheater to me!
Yes I know Woodson forced four fumbles. He also returned 3 interceptions for touchdowns (Revis only had 1) He also recorded 2 sacks (Revis is strictly a coverage cornerback and is never sent to blitz ever).
Woodson had a well rounded season. But COME ON MAN! Revis deserved that award.
At least the J-E-T-S are still in the playoffs.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
McGwire?! Steroids?! No Way!
Oh Marky Mark...
Do you think anyone was surprised to hear your most recent confession? Stop the presses! Mark McGwire used steroids / performance enhancing drugs while playing baseball! Apparently his usage dates back all the way to the late 80s and even includes his home run record setting season in 1998! Does this come as a surprise to anyone? Does anyone even CARE?
Not without coincidence is the fact that McGwire admitted this only days after the Hall of Fame voting took place, putting Andre Dawson alone into the Hall this year. This was McGwire's second year on the ballot and while his votes did increase compared to his first year on the ballot, he was nowhere near the 75% that is needed to be put into the Hall of Fame.
Did McGwire think that the confession would eventually get his name into the Hall? He claims not, stating that he has kept this "secret" inside him for far too long and was just bursting to tell someone. Um Mark, we were all in on the secret to begin with! After all, you will be forever linked as a Bash Brother and we know what happened to your partner in crime...
McGwire's teammate and Bash Brother, Jose Canseco, has always been in the spotlight when it comes to steroid talks. It was at Canseco's infamous party where apparently everyone besides George Mitchell himself decided to inject themselves with performance enhancing drugs.
Mark, I'm glad you were able to get this off your chest 20 years after the fact. It must have killed you to keep it inside for oh-so long. You can stop struggling with your demons and move on with your life. Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron never had these kind of opportunities and advantages that players have nowadays. Shame on the likes of McGwire and Barry Bonds to taint the name of home run hitters and records. To taint the name of baseball! Laughably, McGwire stated that he is a better home run hitter than Babe Ruth and would have been able to perform back in the 20s with the great Bambino. Ummm Mark? George Ruth hit home runs on hot dogs and beer alone. He wasn't injecting anything into his ass. You must be delusional.
I would never have cared if McGwire was put into the Hall. He was a decent player that could hit a baseball far. He certainly brought attention back to baseball with his chase for home run history alongside Sammy Sosa. And I'll be the first to admit that steroids do not hit home runs; players still have to have hand-eye coordination and swing a bat at a ball coming in at 90 miles per hour.
But Mark, when it comes to your confession, I think it is too little and waaaay too late. About 20 years too late.
Do you think anyone was surprised to hear your most recent confession? Stop the presses! Mark McGwire used steroids / performance enhancing drugs while playing baseball! Apparently his usage dates back all the way to the late 80s and even includes his home run record setting season in 1998! Does this come as a surprise to anyone? Does anyone even CARE?
Not without coincidence is the fact that McGwire admitted this only days after the Hall of Fame voting took place, putting Andre Dawson alone into the Hall this year. This was McGwire's second year on the ballot and while his votes did increase compared to his first year on the ballot, he was nowhere near the 75% that is needed to be put into the Hall of Fame.
Did McGwire think that the confession would eventually get his name into the Hall? He claims not, stating that he has kept this "secret" inside him for far too long and was just bursting to tell someone. Um Mark, we were all in on the secret to begin with! After all, you will be forever linked as a Bash Brother and we know what happened to your partner in crime...
McGwire's teammate and Bash Brother, Jose Canseco, has always been in the spotlight when it comes to steroid talks. It was at Canseco's infamous party where apparently everyone besides George Mitchell himself decided to inject themselves with performance enhancing drugs.
Mark, I'm glad you were able to get this off your chest 20 years after the fact. It must have killed you to keep it inside for oh-so long. You can stop struggling with your demons and move on with your life. Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron never had these kind of opportunities and advantages that players have nowadays. Shame on the likes of McGwire and Barry Bonds to taint the name of home run hitters and records. To taint the name of baseball! Laughably, McGwire stated that he is a better home run hitter than Babe Ruth and would have been able to perform back in the 20s with the great Bambino. Ummm Mark? George Ruth hit home runs on hot dogs and beer alone. He wasn't injecting anything into his ass. You must be delusional.
I would never have cared if McGwire was put into the Hall. He was a decent player that could hit a baseball far. He certainly brought attention back to baseball with his chase for home run history alongside Sammy Sosa. And I'll be the first to admit that steroids do not hit home runs; players still have to have hand-eye coordination and swing a bat at a ball coming in at 90 miles per hour.
But Mark, when it comes to your confession, I think it is too little and waaaay too late. About 20 years too late.
Monday, January 11, 2010
TOGA TOGA TOGA
So just when all of the African players leave Europe to play for the African Cup of Nations tragedy has to strike. The Togo team which features Manchester City player Emmanuel Adebayor pulled out of the tournament after their bus was attacked on Friday in Angola. The bus driver was killed along with two others I believe. Apparently all weekend long the team has flip flopped about whether or not they would remain to play. Obviously the other European teams wanted to pull their Togo players out of there incase lightning struck twice. The Togo team was told that they would be disqualified if they did not play Ghana on Monday (today). Shouldn't these players get a chance of mourning before getting thrown onto the pitch (field)?
It sucks that real life interferes with sports and players must make decisions about playing. Weeks ago, Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry jumped/fell out of the bed of his own truck that his fiancee was driving and tragically passed away. If any of you saw the players being interviewed in the locker room leading up to their Sunday game that week you would see that they were clearly distraught. Chad Ochocinco (or is it back to Johnson?) was in tears, who knew this guy had feelings?! It's a shame that they had to grieve their loss and then play a game without their teammate, a game which they would end up losing in the final minutes mind you.
Granted some players/teams bounce back from such tragedies. Brett Favre opted to play Monday Night Football after the passing of his father and ended up throwing what, four? five touchdowns that night? The New York Yankees showed their city that even after 9/11 there was still enough spunk in them to make it to the World Series, win 3 games in New York in NOVEMBER and make it to Game 7.
In reality, the African Cup of Nations is just getting us ready for the World Cup. Egypt, the most recent champion of the African Cup and most successful champion with 16 titles is not even IN the World Cup this year!!
Oh and by the way, with Togo out of the African Cup, Didier Drogba my favorite flopper from Chelsea should have no problem leading his Ivory Coast team to winning Group B with a mere three teams in the grouping now. Look for the Ivory Coast to try and make a push out of their grouping in the World Cup as well though they do have Brazil and Portugal with them.
Rock on
It sucks that real life interferes with sports and players must make decisions about playing. Weeks ago, Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry jumped/fell out of the bed of his own truck that his fiancee was driving and tragically passed away. If any of you saw the players being interviewed in the locker room leading up to their Sunday game that week you would see that they were clearly distraught. Chad Ochocinco (or is it back to Johnson?) was in tears, who knew this guy had feelings?! It's a shame that they had to grieve their loss and then play a game without their teammate, a game which they would end up losing in the final minutes mind you.
Granted some players/teams bounce back from such tragedies. Brett Favre opted to play Monday Night Football after the passing of his father and ended up throwing what, four? five touchdowns that night? The New York Yankees showed their city that even after 9/11 there was still enough spunk in them to make it to the World Series, win 3 games in New York in NOVEMBER and make it to Game 7.
In reality, the African Cup of Nations is just getting us ready for the World Cup. Egypt, the most recent champion of the African Cup and most successful champion with 16 titles is not even IN the World Cup this year!!
Oh and by the way, with Togo out of the African Cup, Didier Drogba my favorite flopper from Chelsea should have no problem leading his Ivory Coast team to winning Group B with a mere three teams in the grouping now. Look for the Ivory Coast to try and make a push out of their grouping in the World Cup as well though they do have Brazil and Portugal with them.
Rock on
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