NFL week one:"Exciting yet Sloppy"

The first week of NFL action showed a lot of excitement, and a lot of sloppy play. It seemed evident that no team on Sunday put out a completely flawless performance, but heck that’s what the first week is about. Most exciting play goes to Brandon Stokely and his heads up, unreal game winning catch and dash. But the most interesting story is the announcement of the “Vick Clock”…How many weeks until Michael Vick is leading at the helm of the NFC contender Eagles?

Richard Seymour to Oakland?

I am not one to question the Patriots machine, but trading arguably the best defensive end in football for a draft pick , all be it a guaranteed top ten, does not make much sense at all. Either the New England Brass knows something about Seymour that we don’t, or they don’t think a championship run is in the cards for this year.

Turkulough's Strange Decision

I am not certain why Turkulough decided to opt out of his final year 7.36 million dollar contract. The Magic made an unreal run to the nba final sthis year, and then just got a whole lot better with the addition of what would be a 4th bonified nba star player to their rotation in vince Carter. But now Turkulough wants out? Maybe its money lust, maybe he is hoping LA will pick him up and try to pull a Hossa, maybe he is worried about not being the guy anymore, or best yet maybe he is just afraid to win. I mean, dwight howard, rashad lewis heido Turkulough and vince carter all on the same team? That could have been a 2009 allstar team line up, it could be the 2009-2010 orlando magic, but I guess really it's just a dream. Will vince carter make the magic a better team? definitely. Will they be the favourites to come out of the east if Turkulough leaves? probably not. If Turkulough signs somewhere else for 10 million a year, will he make them a contender? Doubtful. Some times talented players forget that alot of their success is due to the team around them. Orlando fits well for Turkulough, with the big post player and perimeter style. On most tema sin teh league his 6-10 frame will be needed in the post, and he will end up just liek everyone else. Besides, who wants to blow the bank on a long term deal with Turkulough with the 2010 free agent crop just a season away? maybe the knicks? Good luck Turkulough, and I hope you enjoy your time in obscurity wherever you should end up.

French Open 2009

The tennis world is a buzz as the 2009 French Open gets underway. And as usual the excitement is derived from the sporting world's top rivalry Nadal vs Federer, or rather the 2009 version which is Federer vs Nadal.

Nadal broke through last year in Federer's home at Wimbledon winning arguably the greatest match ever played. He then reasserted his stature with a resounding win at the 2009 Australian open, demonstrating he has the game to beat federer on his two most natural surfaces. But as the 23 year old Nadal sets to defend his unbelievable, unparallelled undefeated record (4 and 0) at the tour's only clay court major, the tennis world is asking is it Roger's turn to break through?

The French open is the one major that has thus far eluded federer in his remarkable career thus far, and if it weren't for Nadal's emergence at the exact time 4 years ago Federer had learned how to play on clay, he probably would own a couple. But with a very shallow pool of clay courters with the game to match the fed on clay, it is just assumed we will be looking at another federer vs nadal final at Roland Garros. And I must say, Nadal looked very beatable last week in Madrid. I say this not only because of Federer's straight set victory, but if Jokavich possessed any bit of competitive metal, Nadal would have been out in the semis. And although I still have to give the statistical nod to Rafa should Federer and Nadal meet two weeks Sunday, I believe Federer will do something legendary, and that there is a good chance Rafa may fall victim to an earlier round foe.

Dwight Howard Wins on Free Throws?

Sunday nights game 3 battle between King James's Cavs and Dwight "Superman" Howard's Magic came down to a battle of 4th quarter free throws between the next generation superstars. And the result was an astounding 3 point victory for Howard?

That's right, with the decision still in doubt Howard steps up to the free throw line and knocks in two clutch free throws. Lebron then follows suit by going one for two leaving game margin at a two possession 4 point game. Then Howard again gets fouled and astoundingly defies the odds and knocks them both down. Lebron then pushes hard to the line, gets the call and fires up two complete blanks.

I am a Lebron fan, and his 41 points kept Cleveland kicking all night. And watching his rise to superstardom with the last second game 2 winner was incredible. But c'mon, if you cant out duel mini shack in a free throw battle for the series lead, you will never be top of the food chain.

The Real Battle In the 2009 Superbowl

All the talk about the 2009 superbowl is focused on Arizona's stellar offence versus the number one Steelers' defence, with a little sidebar conversation comparing Warner and Rothlesberger. I want to toss out what could prove to be the real decisive question "What happens when Pitt has the ball?"


One of the big keys to Pittsburgh's defensive prowess is a ball control offence, capable of consistently picking up first downs and changing field position. This is exactly what needs to happen for a Steelers victory. If they can put together a few, long 6 - 8 minute drives that result in points, they can keep that Arizona offense off the field and out of rhythm, allowing the defense to digest following brief Cardinal feeding frenzies. However, if Pittsburgh scores quickly amidst multiple three and out series, the Arizona offence will have too many chances, and end up with too many points.

Sandiego Chargers in AFC Championship

Norv Turner Brilliant Coach

"I am going to appear as though I am a dopey pass

offence all season, and that way when I sneak

into the playoffs, no one will be expecting me to

hand off the football and throw to gates"

This must of been what Turner thought at the

outset of the 2008/09 campaign, as he turned the

offensive juggernaut chargers of years past, into

a "Throw it up and pray" religious ceremony

approach. But after some luck getting into the

post season, and a sound offensive gameplan

against the colts, the Chargers may be looking at

a date in the AFC Championship.

For the sake of Charger fans everywhere,

hopefully Turner stay strue to this strategy

against the steelers, because if they don't,

their prayers will result in a little palamalou

and a whole lot of Rivers eating field turf.