Latest and Greatest Collapse Story

No, this is not a repeat of 2007, 2008 and 2009 for the New York Mets. In fact, they weren't even involved. The latest and greatest collapse of the season belongs, not to just one team, but to two teams. The Boston red Sox and Atlanta Braves completed one of the biggest collapses in sports history. The Boston Red Sox, in the beginning of September, were ahead of the Rays by nine games... NINE!!! Then they went 7-20 this month. They blew their lead and not only lost hold of the division title, but also the AL Wild Card title. The Atlanta Braves were no better. At the start of September the Braves were 8.5 games ahead of the Cardinals. They likewise blew it. Some are calling these historical collapses the greatest in the history of the sport. Hopefully the Mets can now have their past forgotten and filled with another team's demise. Who would've thought that the Wild Card race could become so exciting. This may be a tall-tale sign of what is to come in the play-offs. Both the Rays and Cardinals deserve to be in the Play-Offs. They worked hard to get here. This post-season will certainly be an exciting one and one that many should watch.

Kerry Collins and the Indianapolis Colts

          In case you do not know yet, Peyton Manning is most likely out for the 2011 NFL season due to a neck injury. So in his spot under center is Kerry Collins. Many people remember Kerry Collins from back when he was a Titan just last year and a few years back. In the off-season Collins retired. But with the bad news about Peyton, the Colts asked Collins to return to play for them. He did... two to three weeks before the regular season began. The Colts record is a depressing 0-3. Since when are the Colts losers??? They are not losers. What many people do not realize is that Peyton Manning has a mind like no one else. He basically created the playbook the Colts use. He uses a language to make calls on the field that no one understands except his teammates. Now Collins is expected to come into this completely new offense, new playbook, new LANGUAGE and win some games. The Colts will win a game this year, I have no doubt about that. It should be understood by all that Collins is in a completely new system. He is unfamiliar with it and is still learning it. Be patient with the Colts. Don't think they won't win a game. They will. Just wait. In the meantime respect what Collins is doing. Let us not forget that this O-Line nearly had Manning killed last year (hence, the neck surgery).  Now throw in a new quarterback who is still learning the plays and you have a recipe for disaster. But like I said before, be patient. Collins will pull a win through, if not 3 or 4 wins.

2011 MLB season headed into the Play-offs

 With the season coming to a close today for 90% of the league, October is just around the corner. The race is over... or is it??? In the American League the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, and Texas Rangers have all occupied a spot in the play-offs. In the National League the Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers and Arizona Diamondbacks have likewise locked up a spot in the play-offs. However, in both leagues the Wild Card is still up for grabs. It is extremely uncommon for the Wild Card to come down to the last game, let alone in both leagues, unheard of. And yet in the 2011 season all this is happening. The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays are fighting for the AL Wild Card. The St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves are fighting for the NL Wild Card. Last night the AL Wild Card remained tied between the Red  Sox and Rays. Tonight, it comes down to the final game! Who will win? Who will lose? Or, will both win or both lose (None of the teams are versing each other. Each team is versing an opponent that will affect the outcome, not each other). If the latter happens then a one game play-off will take place between these two teams to determine once and for all the AL Wild Card team. In the NL, the Braves lost last night and the Cardinals won. This tied up the NL Wild Card race between these two teams. Atlanta and St. Louis are in the exact same position as Boston and Tampa: Win-Lose, move one-go home. Tonight will be a nail-biter for many fans. It all comes down to this. The Red Sox and Braves have performed poorly in the month of September. Neither team winning over eight games. However, the Rays and Cardinals have made big pushes to get to this point. Will there effort pay off or pay futile? We will find out tonight...

NFL Play-Offs

In the NFC Championship game you have the Minnesota Vikings versus the New Orleans Saints. This is going to be a great game. The Vikings are ranked number 2 and the Saints are ranked number 1 in the NFC conference. The Vikings will continue to win if they can stop the run and continue passing the ball with Brett Favre, like he has been. The Saints will win if they can stop the passing game of the Vikes and continue to run the ball. However, with the Williams in the middle of the line for the Vikes I find the running game for the Saints to be very difficult. Vikings win 42-35.
In the AFC Championship game you have the 1st ranked INdianapolis Colts versus the 5th ranked New York Jets. This game is just like the other game... either team can win. The Jets will win if they can continue the running game that got them this far, and if Darrelle Revis continue's stopping the pass along with the rest of the Jets secondary. The COlts will win this game if they can stop the run and continue to pass the ball like crazy. However, the Colts allowed the Jets to get this far by allowing to be beaten by the Jets in week 15, where Curtis Painter was under center in place of Peyton Mannning. All in all, the Indianapolis Colts come out on top with a score of 45-28.
Both of these games will be great games. All four teams have the ability to win. However, I think that the two winners, the Vikings and the Colts, will come down to who has the most experience. Peyton Manning and that Colts defense, and Brett Favre under center with that great defensive line anchored by the Williams'.

Chicago Bears DE Gaines Adams dies in SC at 26

This article has been copied from Sporting News

GREENWOOD, S.C.(AP) Gaines Adams, a defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears who was an all-American at Clemson, died Sunday in South Carolina, the Bears said. He was 26.

The team said Adams died Sunday morning at Self Regional Hospital in his hometown of Greenwood, S.C.

Adams went into cardiac arrest at his family's home early Sunday morning, said Marcia Kelley-Clark, chief deputy coroner for Greenwood County. He was pronounced dead about an hour later, she said.

An autopsy conducted Sunday showed Adams had an enlarged heart, a condition Kelley-Clark said can often lead to a heart attack. But Adams' relatives didn't know about it.

``Nobody was aware of any kind of medical condition,'' Kelley-Clark said.

Toxicology tests are being run by the State Law Enforcement Division, though drug use was not suspected as a factor in Adams' death. However, those results probably will not be available for at least two months, Kelley-Clark said.

Adams was selected fourth overall in the 2007 NFL draft by Tampa Bay, but was traded to the Chicago Bears in October 2009 for a second-round pick in the 2010 draft. He had not been able to live up to expectations that he would revive the Buccaneers' once-feared pass rush, having just 17 tackles and one sack in 15 games this season.

Adams fell short of the benchmark set by Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris, who said at the start of training camp that Adams would be considered a ``bust'' if he didn't reach double digits in sacks.

The 6-foot-5, 258-pound defensive end was well-known among Clemson fans for breaking up Wake Forest's field goal try and returning it for a touchdown in 2006 to defeat the Demon Deacons.

Adams said during training camp that he welcomed the challenge posed by Morris, who also called out the third-year pro after Adams began the season with lackluster performances in the first three games.

``In football you need that. Players tend to get in their own element and do things that they want to do. They need to be called out sometimes. He's the coach. Whatever he says, goes,'' Adams said in early August.

``I take it as a challenge. Being drafted fourth overall, that comes with the territory. It's year three for me. Obviously it's time for me to step up.''

With the Bears, Adams played brief stints on defense. He made five tackles.

``We thought the player was a quality player, and if we get him in our system with our coaches, we have a lot of confidence we can make it work,'' Chicago general manager Jerry Angelo said after the Bears acquired Adams.

Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune that Adams' death was ``crazy.''

``I didn't know him that well because he came in during the middle of the season,'' Urlacher said. ``But I did know him. I still saw him every day when I went into work. It's just weird.

NFL Play-Offs

To begin, the New Orleans Saints versus the Arizona Cardinals. i do not know who to pick in this game. Most people would say the Saints are going to win. i am not too sure. The Cardinals are defending NFC champions. Plus, Kurt Warner is likely to reitre after this season, he is going to be one driving force for the Arizona team. Although the Saints did almost complete a perfct season, they were getting into some tight games with teams that they should have blown out. Going into overtime with the Redskins??? WHAT'S UP WITH THAT!?!?!? Then playing a horrific... yes horrific game against the Cowboys. I do not know how a team like the Saints almost loses to the Redskins and loses to the Cowboys. I expect this game to be very close. Saints just get a win, 21-17.
In another NFC match-up we have the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings. What a year for the Vikes. And yet, what a year for the Cowboys. Winning there first play-off game since 1996. The 'Boys are extremely hot right now... especially on defense. The Cowboys forced 4 turnovers against the Eagles last week. Minnesota better watch out. Cowboys win it 34-21.
In the AFC we have the Baltimore Ravens and the Indianapolis Colts going head-to-head. Both teams are playing great football right now. Especially the Ravens, they utterly destroyed the Patriots last week. It wasn't even a game. The amount of pressure Ray Lewis and the defense put on Brady is ridiculous. If they do that to Manning this week they have a very good chance to win this game. However, i think Peyton is just too much to handle, and it so much better than Tom Brady, that he will pull-off a win. Colts win 17-10.
The last play-off game for this week is between the New York Jets and the San Diego Chargers. I'll tell you right away... the Jets will win this game. Forget L.T. and Phillip Rivers, and Shawne Merriman. How about that #1 defense in the league. Rex Ryan as transformed this raggity team into a play-off contender. Darrelle Revis is astounding. He is one of the greatest cornerbacks in the league right now. If he keeps it up he can be one of the greatest DB's in the history of the NFL. With that said Jets win 28-14.

Ben Gordon Gives The NBA 10,000,000 points

Ben Gordon a few days ago hit a milestone for the NBA. He scored the 10 millionth point in NBA history. With 3:51 left in the second quarter against the Sixers, Gordon hits a jumper to hit the milestone. To think that the first points ever scored in the NBA was in 1946 by Ossie Schectman, the game of basketball has certainly come a long way from where it once was. Great job Ben, and thanks for giving Detroit something to be proud this of season!

Dan's Ups and Downs: Teams of the NBA

As all you hoops have probably figured out, there have been alot of surprising teams this NBA season, both positively and negatively, so here's a list of the big ups, and the big downs of the 2009-10 season:

Western Conference:
Oklahoma City Thunder (Up): Lets be honest folks, nobody really took the thunder seriously at the start of the season. But looking back you realize now that within the next 2-3 years, you better watch out, because this team right now is a good team. right now they're 21-16 and have won 8 of their last 10 games. They've beaten good teams too, as if to show the world that they are here to play, and play well. I love the thunder right now, Durant has been awesome, Jeff Green is on a tear, and the rookie James Harden is doing really well compared to what they expected him to do. The Thunder has officially brought basketball to Oklahoma, and they may even make the playoffs.

New Orleans Hornets (Down): This team has certainly shocked me. The Hornets, who have been a great team over the last 3-4 years, have suddenly and painfully lost it this season. Sure, their 7-3 over their last 1o games, but you look at their record of 19-17, and that doesn't look like the Hornets at all. Byron Scott is now gone as a result of it, and Chris Paul right now has been under the radar, and guess what, so has New Orleans. Ever since Chandler was traded, Okafor just hasn't filled the void. They better think of something quick, because right now, their not making the playoffs.

Memphis Grizzlies (Up): Similar to the Thunder, the grizzlies are playing great basketball right now. they've won 7 of 10, and they seem to be playing with some sort of energy that really wasn't quite there last season. The Grizzlies are hot and so is Zach Randolph. He has been on a rampage in terms of scoring the basketball, being a sound defensive presence, and sharing the rock on offense. Just recently he scored 20 points, grabbed 8 boards, and dished 4 assists. He has been great for those involved in fantasy, and make be an all-star. Marc Gasol has also been insane. He dropped 24 on the Clips recently off of 10-14 shooting, as well as 15 rebounds, not to mention 2 assists, blocks, and steals. What a surprising season for Memphis.


Eastern Conference:
Miami Heat (Down): WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED??!! This team had only 4 losses over the first 10-15 games! They were a great team, and now they are only 18-18 on the season right now 4-6 over the last 10 games. 18-18. That's it. And the only reason that they're 5th in the conference is because Toronto is behind them, and they suck worse then the Heat do! D-Wade has done all that he could do, putting up monster numbers, but the rest of the team is a light-year behind him. Something has gotta give Miami, and quick, because come summertime, you may never see Wade again.

Charlotte Bobcats (Up):Here's another surprising team. After they picked up Stephen Jackson in the early season trade, the Bobcats have caught fire. Jackson just recently dropped 43 on the rockets for the win, that being a personal as well as a franchise high. He has certainly has proven his worth, and so have the Bobcats as a whole, winning 7 of their last 10 games.

New York Knicks (Up): I have two words to say here: David Lee. he has been a monster on the boards, and has wielded his team to victory. Now don't get me wrong, their records isn't glamorous, but they have fight hard every day and every game because they feel every game can be a win for them, regardless of who they are playing. They have also gone even, going 5-5 over their last 10 games.I like watching them because they play hard and David Lee has been the catalyst, and i believe he should very well be an all-star this year.

Detroit Pistons (Down): The Piston's right now, I'm not gonna sugar coat it... SUCK!! They are 12-25, Chauncey is gone, Tayshaun Prince is hurt, and their chemistry is off. They've just one a game, but they have now gone 1-9 in their last 10 games and, here's the fun part, this win snaps a 13-GAME LOSING STREAK! Detroit used to be a good team, but it's amazing what one trade, one firing, and 2 acquired players could do to mess up a franchise. speaking of messed up franchises, guess who's up next.

New Jersey Nets (Down): AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! This high school team (oops, did I type that out loud?) is a whopping 3-34. WWWWWWOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! They have won only 1 of their last 10 games, and they play the Celtics next. I'm beginning to be ashamed to say that the nets are my favorite team, but this is starting to becoming painful. There have been games where I just run to my room and weep because they suck that bad. Forget a playbook, they need a prayerbook right now! Somebody, anybody, DO SOMETHING!

New Jersey Nets

1-18. The Nets have finally won a game. It took them over a month to win one game. I must say that I thought the Nets would go 0-20 at the least, but they proved me wrong. This was a night when things just clicked for them, eventhough it wasn't 100% "clicking". However, I would be embarassed if I were the Bobcats because they lost to an unwinnable team. Of course, this time had to come, but no one wants to be that team who loses to a tomatoecan. Anyway, Brook Lopez and Devin Harris led the way for the Nets. Congratulations!

Oakland Raiders

One of the tomatoecans of the AFC, the Raiders defeated the Cincinnati Bengals by three points. The Bengals who are leading the AFC North are ahead of the Ravens and Steelers and Browns in their division. It was a great game to watch, especially for Raiders fans. The Raiders are 3-7 and the Bengals are 7-2. Hopefully the Raiders can take this momentum and get a win streak going. Go Raiders!!!

Brandon Jennings Drops 55

First off, who in the world is Brandon Jennings? Nobody outside of the Milwaukee organization has probably never heard of him and now he goes and scores 55 points against the Golden State Warriors. It ceratinly was a night to remember for Jennings who is just a rookie. Without his terrific scoring the Warriors would have easily blown away the Bucks because even with his ridiculous scoring they were always tied or leading by only a few points. To add to this suprise and surge of the Milwaukee Bucks they are an amazing 5-2... only 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. If the Bucks keep it up they can give the Cavs a fight for the Eastern Conference Central Division. Which of course, no one was expecting.

The New Jersey Nets: Is there a winner in the house??

The New Jersey Nets knew that they were going to be in trouble this season. With the trading away of their All-Star Vince Carter, 6 injured, 1 with Swine Flu, and a coach that doesn't know how
To coach, the nets are at an astounding 0-9 and have a schedule of hell through late November. The nets have just recently lost by 16 points to VC himself and the Orlando Magic after being tied in the first half. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE??!! Lawrence Frank still has his job??!! Byron Scott of the Hornets just lost his job because they were 3-6, Nets are 0-9, and have been horrible for 3 straight seasons with this guy, and he's still there! Now I understand, the more losses, the potentially higher the Draft pick, but at least try to win a game! The nets hve become a laughing stock since the season started, and it's not
Looking like it's getting any better. Hopefully it's time the Nets grow a pair and fire lawrence frank, because this is just ridiculous.

New Jersey Nets

0-18. Worse start in franchise history. Some of the greatest rising stars are on this team. Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and most of all Brook Lopez who has been carrying this team the entire way. Now one man can't win a game by himself. The other players need to start stepping it up. They are professionals, so they better start playing as professionals. The last three games the Nets have been leading and then lose it at the very end. What is going on???

Yankees Win the World Series!!!

And the Yankees have claimed there 27 ring!!! What and accomplishment. No matter who you are, or what team you root for, the Yankees are back on top and deserve respect for what they have done. Both the managment and players have pulled together to create this team and bring them to their old caliber of intense playing. The Yankees won the World Series in 6 games. Philadelphia was trying to get back-to-back championships, but just couldn't pull it off. In fact, 11 National League teams that have tried to win back-to-back championships, 8 of those teams have faced the Yankees. The Yanks are no joke and are back on top! Well, it truly was a great season for the Yanks... (i.e. Luis Castillo's bombed catch just really wrapped up the season for the Mess... I mean the Mets). Folks, this is all coming from a Mets fan. Good job Yanks!

Brett Favre

Well, I must say that Brett has really stepped up to the plate. He is doing much better than what I was expecting, and predicting for that matter. The Vikes are 7-1. Brett has had a great start to the season. Let's all just keep our fingers crossed that doesn't end the season like he did last year. Go Brett! Go Vikes!