Yankees Clinch a playoff berth

The Yankees are back where they belong.... the playoffs. After missing out in the postseason last year, the Yankees went on a spending spree this summer and signed C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira, to expensive long term deals. All three players contributed to the Yankees success in the regular season, but their impact in the playoffs is yet to be seen. Sabathia has been a workhorse this season pitching 220 innings (second most in the MLB) and has 18 wins (tied for most wins in the MLB), and Mark Teixeira is putting up MVP numbers with 37 home runs, and 118 RBI's. 

However, going into the postseason the Yankees have been a little sluggish. They have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games and looked very mediocre. The cause of the result is the starting pitching. Besides Sabathia; Burnett, Pettitte, and Chamberlain have been very inconsistent leaving the Yankees with some questions to answer going into the playoffs.

What will be the Yankees pitching rotation in the playoffs? 

The Yankees have not announced how they will lay out their pitching rotation, but I would send out a 3 man rotation. Starting with Sabathia, then Pettitte, then Burnett. Sabathia has proven that he can pitch on short rest, and Joba has been to shaky to put into the starting rotation. Placing Joba in the pen would give the Yankees an absolutely beastly bullpen. A bullpen consisting of Joba, Hughes, Aceves, and Rivera is straight up filthy. If either Burnett or Pettitte struggle early on the Yankees bullpen would be able to pick them up. 

Overall, the Yankees have some questions to answer, and must get their team back on pace if they want to snatch that 27th ring. 

Jets defeat the Patriots

The streak is over. The Patriots had won 8 straight years dating back till 2000 at the Meadowlands against the Jets. But a new era has started and Mark SanchIZE and the rest of the gang green would not allow the Patriots to come into town and take a victory. Instead the Patriots left the Meadowlands with a sour taste in their mouths. The Jets were able to defeat the Patriots 16-9, putting them in first place. 

The Jets are a new team under Rex Ryan who refuse to lose. They will talk the talk and walk the walk. They have no fear just straight up swagger. Before the season started Kerry Rhodes proclaimed that the Jets have the best defense in the league, Rex Ryan spoke up, that he did not come to New York to kiss Belichick rings, and Bart Scott stood up and said the Jets are a team to be reckoned with. Two weeks into the season all of these statements are true. The Jets will not back down. Just ask Kerry Rhodes. Rhodes got into a tweeting war with Rodney Harrison, and guaranteed a win against the Patriots promising that Brady would hit the floor 7 times. Well Kerry lied because Brady smelt the grass 8 times.

The Jets have given into Rex Ryan’s philosophy. The philosophy being BLITZ BLITZ BLITZ, and control the ball on offense. The Jets went after Brady all game, and only had one turnover, which was a very questionable call. Sanchez did not force bad throws, and the Jets exploded when they needed to. Rex Ryan clearly out coached Belichick and forced the Patriots to commit numerous delay of games. The defensive unit was all over the place and the secondary was on the Patriots receivers like glue. Revis completely shut down Moss, and Litto Sheppard made a game saving deflection in the end zone.

However, the biggest impact in the game was the fans. Rex Ryan dared the Jet fans to be crazy, by leaving voicemails to season ticket holders to get up for the game and the fans did not disappoint. The stadium was pumping and shacking. It was the loudest the stadium has been for a while. It almost felt as if the Jets were playing in a dome. In fact it was so loud that Rex Ryan gave the game ball to the fans, and linebacker Adalius Thomas from the Patriots commented on how loud the stadium was.

Overall, it was a game for the ages. The Jets are legit, and a defensive force. They still have not allowed a defensive touchdown all season, and are playing a smart game on the field. Sanchez looks very comfortable behind pro-bowler Nick Mangold, and Jerricho Cotchery, Dustin Keller and Chansi Stuckey are silencing the antics that the Jets are missing a wide receiver.

The team is looking more and more like the Ravens of last year who went to the playoffs but with a better running game behind Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. So I urge that people jump on the bandwagon because the Jets can make some noise this year. They face a tough opponent next week in the Tennessee Titans who are hungry for a win. The Titans will do whatever they need to win and throw out plays they have never used before. It will be an extremely tough match up against a team who is going to put everything on the line. Though, if I know my Jets the Gang green will be awake next Sunday. 

 

 

 

 

The Jets Start off on the Right Track

What an impressive performance from the New York Jets. The Jets were beasts from each side of the field and dominated the Texans. They allowed no defensive points and got to Matt Schaub every play of the game. Steve Slaton and Andre Johnson, two of the best players at their respective positions were completely shut down. On the other side of the field Mark Sanchez looked like a veteran who knew what he was doing. He was poised from the get go and and led the Jets to victory. 

Mark Sanchez (A): 18-31, 272 yards, 1 td, 1 int

-The Baywatch model never looked scared. He was throwing to each angle on the field, and proved to his critics that he is ready for the NFL. He was avoiding sacks and making great decisions. On 3rd downs Sanchez went 12 for 15 for 191 yards, a touchdown and a 141 passing rating.  After watching this performance, I am confident enough to say that the Jets have found a QB for the future.

Leon Washington (A-): 15 att 60 yards rushing, 4 rec 24 yards 

-Every time his number was called Leon answered. He was picking up key 3rd downs and moving the chains. The key play was the "seminole", when Leon got the direct snap and drove the ball to the one yard line. He also made key blocks and was a great decoy throughout the game.

Thomas Jones (B+): 20 att 107 yards, 2tds

-Some how Jones was able to put up STATS. If it wasn't for the 39 yard touchdown run which ended the game, Jones would have been a non factor. He was getting buried every time he touched the ball. However, he was a game changer and and scored 14 points. 

-Overall the Jets running backs where key contributors to the victory. Jones and Washington complemented each other and helped Mark Sanchez take control of the game.

Chansi Stuckey:(B+) 4 rec 64 yards, 1 td 

-Stuckey was able to prove that he can be a legit WR. Not only is he a slot receiver but he can run the field and go deep. Even though he was wide open on the TD grab he was able to set the tone for the game.

Jerricho Cotchery: (B+) 6 rec, 90 yards

-Cotchery was all over the field. He was picking up key yards, and running well after the catch. It is clear that he is ready to be the teams number 1 WR. He certainly did not miss lining up along Lavernues Coles. 

Dustin Keller: (B+) 4 rec, 94 yards

-Keller is an absolute beast. He is an athletic WR who can leap all over the field and go up the middle when he is needed. By the end of the season his name will be mentioned with Gates, Witten, and Gonzalez as the best tight ends in the league. 

-Overall the Jets receiving game was solid. If the critics are right and the Jets biggest problem is their receiving core, then I would be ecstatic, because the Jets receivers made plays when they were needed. The one negative to take away is that only 3 receivers made plays for the Jets. It would have been nice to see David Clowney get his number called and make something happen. 

On the defensive side Darrell Revis, Kris Jenkins, and David Harris were monsters. The game ball goes directly to Revis who shut down Andre Johnson. Jenkins elliminated the run, and Harris clogged the middle of the field. The Texans offense which was suppose to be nasty was completely shut down and the Jets defense looked even better then it was advertised. 

Rex Ryan: (A)

First win as a head coach in the NFL.  Ryan out coached Texans coach Gary Kubiak, and threw many different offensive and defensive formulas on the field. Ryan also was able to work in a great playbook for Sanchez to work with.

Jets Face Some Problems

Jet fans stop stressing over who will be catching the balls from Sanchez. Under Rex Ryan the team will strictly be a defensive team with a run first mentality. The game will all be about field position for the Jets. That is why I believe the Jets biggest problem is their punter. I can't even remember the last time the Jets had a solid punter. Cutting Reggie Hodges half way through the season last year then picking him back up this year is a joke. Hodges clearly is not the answer and the Jets will be asking themselves why they don't just draft a punter in the 7th round (instead of picking scrubs who will just be dropped anyway), or trading for someone. This is a question I often ask myself. Even though all punters are complete tools who get rat-tailed in the locker rooms they are extremely under-rated. Punters often dictate field position just as much as a defense. Take Jeff Feagles from the Giants. His leg often pins the ball back in Giants territory giving the Giants defense something to work with every time. If the Jets want to take the field position approach they better wish that Hodges or whoever else is punting the ball for the Jets this year will be decent. But other then that problem, the Jets have other ingredients in line. Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, and Shonn Greene fill a powerful backfield along with a top 7 offensive line in the NFL, and a top notched defense. Another problem that is overshadowed is the blocking tight-end position. Getting rid of Chris Baker and letting the Patriots pick him was a huge mistake. Baker was a solid member of the Jets who constantly filled the blocking tight-end position. As good as Dustin Keller is his blocking skills are weak and he is strictly a receiving tight-end. The Jets are entering the season with no backup tight-end. Kareem Brown a converted defensive end is trying to wrap up a spot on the roster as the teams blocking tight-end. A converted defensive end trying to fill a void on the team is not the answer. A blocking tight-end is still in action for a portion of the game and is another falter the Jets have.

Knicks Top Plays '08-09

A New Poised Team

Each spring I start the baseball season off with feelings of hope and optimism for my Yankee team. I never fail to think that the Yankees can win it all if everyone produces. However, over the past years, as each season progresses, the optimism turns to pessimism as the Yankees fail to win a World Series. It seems as though the Yankees have lost the magic touch and look like fools for spending millions on off- season additions who turn out to be busts. Now this almost decade of failing to win another World Series is over. I am calling it now that the Yankees will end the streak and win the World Series this year.

To this date the Yankees have the best record in baseball and show no signs of slowing down. They surround the lineup card with the best talent in baseball and have all-star type players at almost every position. However their talent is not the only factor that makes this team impressive. They have a certain poise, giving them a confidence and making them a force to be reckoned with. The Yankees are no longer the uptight unit full of prima donnas. They are now a frat house full of players who all bring something unique to the table. This season the Yankees went after a different brand of player. They were not searching for the typical grouchy players like "Randy Hickville Mullet Johnson", but rather players like Nick Swisher, AJ Burnett, CC Sabathia, and Mark Teixeira who bring skills and personality to the team. Swisher and Burnett bring humor to the locker room, while Sabathia and Teixeira bring professionalism to the rest of the unit. The new additions gelled with the team and made the Yankees a tight-knit team. Almost all the players have secret handshakes or some other connection. They all feed off one another. Before A-Rod came back from hip surgery Teixeira looked like the next Yankees bust, but when he returned A-rod and Teixeira started feeding off each other. A-Rod is more relaxed than ever and it seems that he is finally over his mini-competition with Jeter. A-Rod has been cool with the media, fans, and most importantly his teammates. You can often see A-Rod dancing around with the step brothers (Cano, Melky), chatting it up with Teixeira, or throwing his helmet off while running to home plate after a game winning home run. Whether it's the wrestling belt hanging from the MVP of the game’s locker or the pie in the face, the Yankees are having fun. The type of fun that will have them dancing in October.

edited: Matt Sussman

Syracuse Takes the Field

A David vs Goliath matchup. Syracuse v USC.

In 2012 the Syracuse Orange will be taking the field to play the Trojans at the Meadowlands. 4 hours away from Syracuse campus, the Orange have announced that they will play 3 games at the new stadium which the Jets and Giants will be calling home in 2010. Syracuse will also be playing Notre Dame in 2014 and 2016 at the Meadowlands.

I will personally be embarrassed when I see USC annihilate Syracuse. Syracuse is setting its self up for a national disaster. By the end of the game New York football fans will be wondering why Syracuse has decided to schedule such games, and will think twice about switching their allegiance from Syracuse football to SUNY Binghamton football.

In other news: Syracuse coach Doug Marrone has named Gatorade football player of the year Greg Paulus the teams starting quarterback. Lets now all pray Paulus can make Syracuse some-what competitive in the pathetic Big East football conference.

NFL RANKINGS

Team Rankings
1. Patriots
2. Steelers
3. Ravens
4. Falcons

5. Chargers

6. Giants
7. Eagles
8. Colts
9. Titans
10. Saints
11. Cardinals
12. Texans
13. Panthers
14. Cowboys
15. Bears
16. Dolphins
17. Packers
18. Redskins
19. Jets
20. Jaguars
21. Browns
22. Vikings
23. Raiders
24. Bengals
25. Bills
26. 49ers

27. Broncos

28. Seahawks
29. Lions
30. Chiefs
31. Rams
32. Buccaneers

Top 5 RB
1. A.Peterson
2. M.Forte
3. L.Tomlinson
4. M.Turner
5. S.Jackson

Top 5 QB
1. T.Brady
2. D.Brees
3. P.Manning
4. M.Ryan
5. P.Rivers

Top 5 WR
1. A Johnson
2. L.Fitzgerald
3. C.Johnson
4. R.Moss
5. S.Smith

5 Most Overated Players
1. M.Cassel
2. T.Owens
3. T.Romo
4. J.Shockey
5. A.Boldin

5 Most Underrated Players
1. C.Pennington
2. L.Evans
3. O.Daniels
4. T.Jones
5. E.Manning

Fantasy Football

The greatest game is soon back in action. No not Foosball, but fantasy football. Over the years fantasy sports has captured almost anyone who considers themselves a sports fan. Fantasy teams have replaced the likes of real franchises and become the most cheered for team. Sunday's have become the days where you sit on your couch with your favorite jersey on, eating wings and following your fantasy team.

So with draft day right around the corner, everyone is running to the stores buying fantasy magazines that are $8 or surfing the web to build the best team. However, every year each magazine and each sports analysts picks the same players to be sleepers and busts. Last year everyone had Santionio Holmes as the biggest sleeper. He was a complete bust up until the Super Bowl. This year everyone has WR Anthony Gonzolez (Colts) as the biggest sleeper, and Thomas Jones as the biggest bust. However, I do agree Gonzolez will put up huge numbers this year, but how can he be a sleeper if every analysts says he will put up stats? A real sleeper was Marques Colston in 2006 when he put up 1,038 yards and eight touchdowns as a 7th round selection, as a rookie. Everyone says Thomas Jones will be a bust this year, but that is completely false. He will not be the leading rusher in the AFC this year like last year and put up 13 TD but he certainly will put up solid numbers. The Jets will be focused on running the ball and Thomas Jones showed no signs of slowing up. I expect him to rush for 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns which is by no means a bust.

I also expect NY Jets tight end Dustin Keller to put up big numbers. He will be a main passing target in the Jets offense. The only tight ends that are considered number one passing targets on their prospective teams are Antonio Gates, and Jason Witten, and Dustin Keller is closing in as a potential number one target on the Jets. Also look into drafting the Jets defense in any fantasy league. Under Rex Ryan the Jets can have a top 3 defense in football. Derrel Revis, Kerry Rhodes, Kris Jenkins and Bart Scott are among the best players at their position in the NFL.

When it comes to your draft day for fantasy football I suggest to go with your instinct rather then listem to some analysts. Good Luck.

Syracuse Lands Number 5 Recruit

Welcome Home Melo!!!

No, not our main man Carmelo Anthony, but Fabricio De Melo, a 7 foot Brazilian native who has verbally agreed to join the Syracuse Orange in 2010.

Fabricio Melo...
-7 foot, athletic center from Brazil

-5-star recruit

-Number 5 player in class of 2010 (Scout.com)
-Named to first team at the prestigious NBA Players Association Top 100
-Choose Syracuse over Louisville, Uconn, Texas, Florida, Kansas, Georgetown,Miami, and Florida State

So why did he choose Syracuse?
No, Jim Boeheim did not lure him in. Mike Hopkins did. This is the same Mike Hopkins who brought in Jonny Flynn, Paul Harris, and Donte Greene. When Syracuse played its tournament games in Miami, Hopkins and Bernie Fine made recruiting trips to visit Melo. Moreover, Hopkins had ties with Fab Melo's high-school coach which helped bring him to Cuse. The new, $20 million Melo Center was also an attractive asset that added to his draw to the Orange.

What scouts say?
Scouts agree that Melo is a versatile big men who can create on the offensive end. He is not a one man shot blocker like Hasheem Thabeet but has the ability to generate his own offense and hit a mid-range jumper. They think he will dominate the 2-3 zone which is Syracuse’s signature defensive style. His size will clog up the middle making him a presence on both ends of the court. Though, he has only been playing the game for acouple years, he was experience. He was a member of the Brazilian Junior National Team, played AAU basketball, and partook in prestigious basketball camps.


Road Ahead...
Fab Melo can follow the footsteps of Carmelo Anthony and bring a National Championship to Syracuse. I know, that statement is very premature. But in my mind, it is absolutely possible. The 2010 recruiting class for Syracuse is big time. Guard Dion Waiters, forward C.J. Fair, and power forward Mooussa Keita all committed to the organization. With the addition of Melo, Syracuse should be at the top of the rankings for the best recruit class in 2010. Furthermore, Syracuse will have Brandon Tiche as the new freshman point guard this season, as well as Rick Jackson and Wesley Johnson. In 2011 Cuse can be crowned National Champions.

(Live talkshow about Melo)
http://blog.syracuse.com/orangebasketball/2009/08/Waters-edit-2.mp3

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