Welcome Back

 

Tonight in the Browns vs Ravens game, we will have the return of the NFL referees.  The lockout finally ended last night, and to be honest it is about time.  I'm not sure what was the tipping point in the league finally agreeing to terms with the officials.  Maybe it was week one, when Mike Vick fumbled the ball and recovered it in the 4th quarter.  The Browns decided they wanted to challenge the play, and after six minutes of reviewing the play the official announced that the play was not reviewable, oops.  Or maybe it was week two, where the refs were yelled at and lost control of several games, the Eagles-Ravens was a good example of this.  DeSean Jackson should have been tossed from that game for throwing an open handed slap.  After that game, Joe Flacco called out the league and the replacement officials and as was a common theme reiterated by players and coaches on Sunday, the game lacked "Integrity."  If that didn't do it lets look at just this last weekend, honestly where do I start, the Monday night mishaps, the Sunday night blunder that got Bill Belichick fined $50,000 or the fact that on Tuesday Aaron Rodgers flat out apologized to fans for the debacle that has occurred the last 3 weeks.  Either way the NFL finally figured out that they needed to get the real officials back on the football field and there was no waiting. Like I said earlier they will be on the field tonight and this weekend and foreseeable future with the new deal they signed.  The length of the deal is eight years, in which the referees salary will average $149,000 in 2012 and up $173,000 in 2013, capping out at a whopping $205,000 in 2019.  One of the big things for the officials was the pension, which they now have and it will remain in place until 2016, where it will then be frozen.  At that point, the pension will be replaced by a defined contribution agreement.  This agreement starts in 2017 and will feature contributions from the NFL of $18,000 per official that will increase to $23,000 a ref.  The league will also partially match the referee 401k.  All that being said was a huge win for the refs.  Now this is where the NFL got what they wanted, starting in 2013 the NFL can start hiring full-time officials.  The NFL will also have the right to retain referees for a training and development purpose.  In the end both sides pretty much got what they wanted, the refs for their raises and the pension, while the league gets to hire full-time refs.  Now the question I have for you is, do we as fans give the "professional" refs a week to get their bearings or out of the gate do we expect the polished NFL product we are use to?  Lastly, I wonder when will the first fan call into a radio station or post on social media, "these refs suck!"  Just keep these last three weeks in mind when critiquing the current officials we have all been yelling at the league and Roger Goodell to bring back. Because as we all now know it really could be worse.

-Brett D

The Schenn Brothers

Let’s pretend that there is no lockout. Let’s try and ignore the truth that the season is not starting in two weeks like it should be. I want to talk Flyers and I want to give us fans a look at the future of this team. After a nice playoff run last years, the Flyers are going to be looking to get another step closer to Lord Stanley’s cup. In order for that  to happen the Flyers are going to need some players to excel their level of play. The two players that I am expecting a lot out of this season are the Schenn brothers.

Brayden and Luke Schenn are brothers on the Flyers roster and both of them were chosen in the first round of their respected draft class. Actually, they were both picked 5th, Luke in 2008 and Brayden a year later in 2009. This is the year that they both need to step up and have break out seasons.

Let me start of with Brayden Schenn, 21. Brayden came to the Flyers last summer from Los Angeles in the Mike Richards trade. Brayden was drafted in 2009 by the Kings with the 5^th overall pick. Brayden has the potential to be a 30 goal scorer in the NHL. I watched him when he played juniors for the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL. In his 3 seasons playing for them he put in 28, 32 and 34 goals. His final season he scored 99 points. Brayden really has the potential to make some noise in the NHL. Coming out of junior hockey, scouts compared him to Joe Thornton. I do not see that comparison as much as I do as him playing like Mike Richards. Maybe not quite as physical as Richards, but like I stated earlier he can put up 30 goals and he doesn’t mind mixing it up if need be. He was taken behind John Tavares, Matt Duchene and Evander Kane in the draft that year. If he can play as well as any three of those players this season, then the Flyers will have another great young forward to compliment Claude Giroux.

Luke Schenn, 22, is a newly acquired defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers. He was brought over from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the James Van Riemsdyk trade. Luke, like his brother was also drafted 5^th overall in his draft class of 2008. I really liked Luke when he was coming out of junior hockey. He played for the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL and had much success in juniors, winning a gold medal in the 2008 World Junior Championship. He is a defensive defenseman and will look to fill the role of Chris Pronger. That is asking a lot from someone who is only 22 years old and is coming into a new city, but he has the skill level to do so. He reminds me of a Rob Blake type of player, for anyone who doesn’t know much about Luke yet, that is a good comparison of what his game is modeled after. He led the league in hits last season and still only at the age of 22 has not yet reached his prime. Most defenseman reach their prime around the age of 27, so he is still learning the position. He was drafted right after Drew Doughty and although they play a different style of defense, he should be just as valuable to his hockey club as Doughty is to the Kings. He is a shut down defenseman and should help the Flyers slow down the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin.

When the NHL does come back and the Flyers take the ice for the up coming season, these are the main players that I will be looking for to have break out seasons.

- Brett Gibbs

My Week 4 Top 10

 

Another week of college football in the books, another week of great football games.  There was another upset not in my poll, but in the AP and ESPN polls with Oklahoma losing to Kansas State.  I only reference this because I have thought Oklahoma this week and Arkansas the week before were frauds from the start, but what do I know.  Either way it was an incredible weekend with great SEC teams battling, an incredible ACC match up, and a couple special performances by some Heisman hopefuls.  

Top 10 College Football Rankings:

1. Alabama - The Tide continue to roll, but I will say this, they disappointed me allowing Florida Atlantic to score a late touchdown.  I was 2 minute and 49 seconds away from calling a third consecutive shutout, but it was not to be.  Either way 'Bama has allowed only one touchdown in its last three games, going 12 straight quarters without allowing an offense to score.  This week 'Bama hosts Ole Miss, who is 3-1, but it doesn't really matter, the Tide win.  

2. LSU - LSU found themselves in a battle against the Tigers of Auburn last week.  While these two SEC teams generally play each other tough, LSU was able to stand tough defensivley and eak out a win.  A late third quarter field would be all the scoring in the second half and would end up being the game winning field goal that propelled LSU and kept them the number 2 team in the country.  While LSU doesn't technically have a bye this week, they welcome in Townson University.  

3. Florida State - The Seminoles played a hell of a game against a very tough Clemson team.  The 'Noles came out of the half a different team, scoring 35 points and allowing only 16.  The defense had a tough battle against a stellar Clemson offense, but FSU was able to advantage of a weaker Clemson defense and came out with a solid ACC win.  FSU takes on South Florida this week in what should be another big win for the 'Noles.

4. Oregon - Eugene is a tough place to play, if Arizona wasn't aware, they found out this past week.  While going into half, I'll be honest I thought maybe the Wildcats had a chance and Oregon wasn't the powerhouse everyone thought. Ha........not, they blew the doors off Arizona in the second half scoring 36 of their 49 points and shutting out the Wildcats.  Despite all this scoring,superstar athlete and Heisman hopeful De'Anthony Thomas was limited to only 97 total yards. Oh and let's not forget that Duck's defense pitching a shutout.   The Ducks take on Washington State, and should again roll. 

5. Georgia - The Bulldogs smashed Vandy, which come on makes sense.  They allowed only a field goal, but all that doesn't matter.  This week the Bulldogs host Tennessee in what should be a solid SEC battle.  Tennesee needs to stay focused because this is the start of a tough stretch playing four straight SEC ranked opponents.  While Georgia could also be sitting in a trap game as they take on the GameCocks in South Carolina next week. Wait I am getting ahead of myself, Georgia has looked good to start the season but I sense an upset on the rise. Georgia should win this game, but don't be surprised if the Volunteers steal a win in Georgia.

6. South Carolina - The Gamecocks cruised against Mizzu.  Their defense again looked impressive but it was their offense that I thought really stood out.  Connor Shaw looked out of his mind completing 20 of 21 passes for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns.  It was an overall impressive showing by the Old Ball Coaches' team. USC takes on Kentucky this week and will cruise as they tune-up for Georgia the following week.

7. West Virginia -The Mountaineers looked good against what I thought would be a pretty close game.  I thought the Terps would keep it somewhat close and they did, kind of anyway.  Geno Smith once again looked nasty, and while I don't want to jinx him, he still has not thrown an interception.  He is looking solid in the start to his Heisman campaign.  WVU has a good match up this week against a ranked Baylor team, in what should be a shutout.  

8. Notre Dame - This gets harder and harder to do but man the Irish keep winning.  The Irish defense is playing incredible forcing 5 interceptions last week and shutting down Denard Robinson.  While the offense has yet to put it together, at this point it doesn't matter the defense is that good.  The Golden Domers have a well deserved bye this week and may have one of the hardest non-SEC schedules this season.  Enjoy the bye, I'll leave all the Irish fans with this "Cheer, Cheer for Old NOTRE DAME"(haha I really do despise them).

9. Stanford - The smart kids of Stanford move up in the rankings while even on the bye.  Coming off an impressive win over USC, Stanford takes on Washington Thursday night.  The Huskies don't really have a chance, I don't think Stanford will have any sort of let down especially having the bye week.  I take the "Smart Kids" in a landslide.

10. Florida - The Gators have played their way into my top 10.  While they beat up on Kentucky last week, they have a bye this week before a showdown in Gainsville with the LSU Tigers.  Florida has looked pretty balanced on offense and there defense has looked very solid.  Both will be tested against LSU, so while the Gators should be in the top 10 for 2 weeks, they may quickly exit after week 6.  But for now they have deserved this spot, so enjoy it boys.

So I once again kept out any Big 12 and Big 10 (that has more than 10 which makes no sense but that's a whole other rant) because I still feel they are inferior teams.  Kansas State looked good against the Sooners but I didn't think Oklahoma was anything special.  Couple big things to watch this weekend WVU vs Baylor, should be a bunch of fireworks, Tennesse vs Gerogia, you get 2 good SEC teams battling and finally I guess Ohio State vs Michigan State, I am hoping Urban can bring some his SEC swagger to a boring conference.  Well there it another week another top 10, feel free to agree, disagree or just let me know what you think about the games this weekend. That's my top 10 'til next week.

-Brett D

There is an "I" in Integrity

The NFL is a multibillion dollar organization that stresses the integrity and safety of their game.  I know this horse has been beaten many times over the past couple weeks, but the NFL is doing the fans, players, coaches and itself a disservice by continuing to use replacement officials.  I am not blaming the replacement officials by no mean, I agree with Brett in his previous article that they are doing what anyone would do, take a promotion.  While Joe Flacco sounded like a whiny baby last week complaining about the officials in a loss to the Eagles, I am starting to see his point.  While the amount of holding penalities and pass interference calls seem to be down; players fighting with other players, illegal hits and players telling the refs what calls should be made have increased.  Also the length of the games has increased, while officials try figure out the correct calls.  I appreciate the fact that the replacements are huddling and conversing with one another to get things right.  What I don't appreciate is the players showing a lack of respect for the sub par officials and continually arguing while the refs try and figure stuff out.  Do you think if Ed Hochuli told Carson Palmer or Lamar Woodley to get away that more players would jump into the ref huddle?  The answer is no because first off Ed could rip half their heads off and second the players respect him and wouldn't try those antics.  In the this same where it took the refs almost 3 minutes to figure out the Brett Keisel clearly jumped offsides (because players wouldn't get away and let them have a quick discussion), a few plays later Darrius Heyward Bay was knocked unconscious.  While this could easily have happened while the normal refs were officiating, the difference was the lack of a 15 yard personal penalty for a head to head hit to a defenseless receiver.  Heyward Bey laid on the ground motionless for roughly 10 minutes and fortunately Bey gave the thumbs up as he was carried off the field on a stretcher.  Roger Goodell says he cares about the safety and protection of the game, I say he is full of it.  If the Commissioner of the league truly cared about the players of this game he would get the real officials back on the field.  Another thing I have noticed is the replacement officials lacking the testicular fortitude to call not offsetting personal fouls.  I know they are in a bad position, I get it,but man up and hold a guy responsible for his team losing 15 yards.  If you start penalizing these guys for taking advantage of this situation, they will at least fear the penalties if not gain a little respect for the refs having a backbone.  Lastly, I need the coaches to lay off the officials as well, players see there coaches not respecting and yelling at the officials they feel why should we.  Bill Belichick ran after an official, last night after a loss to the Ravens.  He gripped up the official (in what I will say was a poorly officiated game), but once he caught him, the official continued jogging.  Hey Bill, try doing that to the Hoch and see what happens pal.  While the officials may have blew a bunch of calls in that game, that behavior just shows the lack of respect the players and coaches have for the current referees.  I mean Andy Reid was screaming at refs during the beat down they received in Arizona, Andy is a man of very little emotion on the field.  Once again I am not blaming these replacement officials, they are just trying to do there best in the position they are in.  I can however blame Roger Goodell for not making sure a deal got done and preventing "HIS" game from resembling the XFL. 
-Brett D

Locking out the 90s

 

                                                                         

Being I was born in the mid 80s, 1985 to be exact, I got really into hockey in the early 90s. Playing all the NHL games on the Sega Genesis with my best friends and family members gets a young kid to get to know the players all so well. I am a 90s guy at heart and always will look back at those years as the most fun I’ve ever had. Sports played such a huge role in my life growing up and watching hockey in the 90s is what I enjoyed most. The 90s are long gone, but the beautiful thing about hockey is that guys can play in this league for 20 years. If you were drafted at 18 years old in 1993, you would be in your late 30’s and still able to play in the league. Take Chris Pronger for example; if not for the horrible head injury he took last November and he still would be playing in the league. Now, one week into the 3^rd NHL lockout in less than 20 years, we are faced with losing some of the great players in the game that are in the latter stages of their respected careers.

Nicklas Lidstrom, arguably one of the greatest, if not the greatest defenseman of all time retired this past season. Other players who recently left the game in the last few years have been Owen Nolan, Mike Modano, Brendan Shanahan, Joe Sakic, Mark Recchi , Jeremy Roenick, Peter Forsberg and unofficially Chris Pronger. That is just to name a few of the many amazing players who I grew up watching in the 90s leave the game in the last 3 years. With this lock out in full force and the fact that we may lose another season, I felt the need to address some of the great players who will lose out on of seeing another year of them in the NHL.

Jaromir Jagr- I felt the need to start this off with Jags because he just finished a season with the Flyers, my hometown team. What a career this man has had. He will go down as one of the top 10 greatest forwards to ever play the game. There was a time in the late 90s where Jagr was just unstoppable. His size and skill out matched every player in the NHL. The old saying was that Jagr could stick handle in a phone booth and it was true. His first season in the NHL was 1990-1991 season and he is currently 40 years old. He has played 1,346 games, and his stats are 665 goals, 988 assists for a total of 1,653 points. He left the Flyers and went to Dallas in the summer. I was upset by this move but will continue to watch Jagr in the last season or two of his hall of fame career.

Teemu Selanne is the next one on my list. “The Finnish flash” as I grew up calling him. This guy is truly the ageless wonder. At 42 years old he is still one of the top forwards in the league. Sure he has lost a little speed…not much, but he makes up for it with his knowledge of the game. Year after year he puts up 25-30 goals and at the end of every season he says “one more year”. His first season was in 1992 and if memory serves me correct,he won the Calder trophy that year and set a rookie record of 76 goals in a single season. With a stat sheet of 1,341 games played, 663 goals,743 assists and 1,406 points. All I want to hear Teemu say is “one more season!”

Daniel Alfredson, 39 and Jarome Iginla, 35, are two more great players who started their careers in the NHL in the mid 90s This is most likely Alfredsons final season and Iginla will have a few more solid ones. They both continue to put up great numbers and losing a year for both of these great players is just a shame. They are both closing in on 1,100 points and Alfredson could get close to the 500 goal mark and Iginla should have no problem getting to 600 goals by the end of his career. Actually with the way he is still playing, let’s make is 700!

Shane Doan, 35 and Ray Whitney, 40, two more great players in the league who will be hurt if this whole season is a wash. Shane Doan is the true meaning of 90s hockey. When I think back to the 90s I think of power-forward. The league doesn’t have as many as it used to. Everyone wants to play the game with speed and finesse. Doan on the other hand plays the game the way it should be played. He plays with heart and determination. He will go into the corner and work for the puck. A true captain and someone who leads by example, he still drops the gloves when need be, too. Ray Whitney who’s first NHL game was in 1991 is still quietly contributing nicely in the NHL. To think he has been in the league since before I was in the first grade is just simply amazing. He has seen so many changes with the league over the years and some how seems to always adapt and adjust to the style that the NHL is going towards. He just recently passed the 1,000 point mark and has another year or two left in the tank.

I figured I would leave this guy for last. A player who has crushed the Philadelphia Flyers year after year. A player who has won 3 Stanley cups in his career and let’s be honest, it was all because of him. A player who when everyone said he should retire, went out and took his team to the cup finals this past season. Yes, I am talking about the greatest goalie to ever play the game, Martin Brodeur. There isn’t much I have to say about Marty. His accomplishments and resume speak for themselves. He has been the backbone for the New Jersey Devils for the past 20 years. He has made them, along with the Red wings, the best team in the last 20 years. Brodeur is 40 years old and has the most wins in NHL history, 656 to be exact. Martin Brodeur, as much as I hate to see him in net, should get one more season in the NHL. He is a first ballot hall of famer and the greatest goalie the NHL has ever seen.

Here are a few other names that are missing out on a season when they are in their 30s and can’t afford to lose a full season at this stage in their career. Joe Thornton, Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St.Louis , Sergei Gonchar and Pavel Datsyuk. Some are contributing more than others on that list, but all of them will be hurt by the lock out.

-Brett Gibbs

Who's a Bigger Cry Baby?

In 2010 the Philadelphia Eagles were set to play the the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday December 28th, when a blizzard rolled into town.  The game was postponed due to a blizzard that dropped a mere 12 inches of snow on the ground.  I'll be honest I was a little pissed because I was supposed to go.  In the end, the game was pushed back to Tuesday and the Eagles got sch-lacked.  This led to former Governor Ed Rendell to make the comment the "wussification of America."  At first I thought he was ridiculous, but now I am kind of starting to understand the man's reasoning, I mean hell he wrote an entire book about it.  This past week there was two moments that made me think man this grown ass man sounds or looks like a whiny baby.  The culprits both qbs of their respectable teams, that's right Joe Flacco and Jay Cutler.  The best part is this wasn't their first offenses either.  Let's start with Flacco, now let me preface I am a Flacco fan.  He is a local guy from South Jersey, who has made it big. The beginning of this year Flacco got his feelings hurt because he was not considered one of the top quarterbacks in the league before a playoff match-up with the Patriots.  He stated according to the Baltimore Sun, "It’s really going to come down to what team is the best. I’m sure if we win, I’ll have nothing to do with why we won according to you guys."  In all honesty Joe, your team has always been know for their defense and the capability to run the ball, as well as there less then awesome quarterback play.  While I think Flacco is a decent quarterback he isn't at an elite level yet.  Going into the 2012 season, Joe seemed like he had a chip on his shoulder and was out to prove he is elite.  Flacco and the Ravens steamrolled the Cincinnati Bengals and then they came into Philly to face an Eagles team that escaped with a win.  The game was chippy to say the least and there were some questionable calls by the officials, but in the end the Eagles won.  After the game Flacco had plenty to say about the refs, but prefacing that he didn't want to sound like a baby.  Listen Joe, if you need to preface anything you say with the statement "I don't want to sound like a baby", you probably sound like a whiny baby.  Flacco cried about the calls or lack there of, and the "integrity" of the game being officiated by replacement refs.  Now I am not 100% sure, but I am pretty sure that Flacco and the Ravens did not complain about replacement refs after their week one win.  Sorry Joe but you do sound like a baby.  Next up is Jay Culter, the only person who was probably scrutinized this week more than Flacco for comments and actions.  Let's go back to 2009, when Jay Culter was a Denver Bronco and they just brought in a new coach.  Josh McDaniels was a big deal, a former offensive coordinator of the Pats and was there to make a statement.  He got rid of Brandon Marshall and wasn't dealing with egos.  Ha, little did he know the biggest ego was his starting quarterback who quickly requested to be traded after a meeting with McDaniel.  I have a major issue with this, because who the hell is anyone to say screw this team, I want out of here.  Let's fast forward to the 2011 playoffs.  In the NFC title game Jay Culter only played one series in the second half of arguably the biggest game in his career.  While no one really knew what the hell was going on Culter just sulked on the sidelines, walking around in his over sized jacket.  It came out at the end of the game that Culter had a grade II MCL sprain.  While some tougher players have played with injuries as severe or maybe even worse, Cutler felt he couldn't play and didn't.  I'm not saying your a total wuss here..........but maybe just a little tiny bit.  Finally to this past week against the Green Bay Packers, Cutler threw a shoulder into one of his offensive lineman.  Really Jay, I thought the quarterback was suppose to be a leader, not the guy shoving around teammates on national television because they got sacked.  From what I have heard from former players, Cutler is lucky to get away with his head still attached to his body.  Lincoln Kennedy said if his quarterback ever pulled that move on him, the guy his was blocking would have had a few clear shots at his quarterback.  That's the thing you don't show up the guy who 99% of the time is making sure your ass doesn't get planted into the ground.  There are times when it is going to happen that you get sacked but it isn't on just one guy.  I also get getting frustrtated with your o-line but there is a time and a place and a much better way to handle it.  After the game Culter was asked about his antics and he said that he was a competitor and that he isn't doing this for fun.  If you don't like what he did oh well, but then comes out a couple days ago and  he says was wrong to shove his teammate.  Come on man, own up to being a whiny brat in the NFL, these were just a few of Cutler's antics, but needless to say Jay is a baby.  Now when it comes down to it I am going to have to give a slight edge to Jay Cutler in this competition, Jay is the bigger baby and maybe the biggest in the NFL right now.  I want to know who you this is the biggest baby or why you agree or disagree with my assessment.

-Brett D

My Week 3 Top 10

As I kick off my week 3 rankings, all I can say is you have to love college football.  It can all change so quick and upsets can happen every single week, no matter how good you looked the week before.  This is the first time this season My number 1 matches the rest of the polls number 1 (sorry USC I was sad to see you go). 
Top 10 College Football Rankings:

1. Alabama - Like I said last week Roll Tide, and they did. 'Bama smashed Arkansas and has posted back to back shutouts.  I don't care who you are playing, and Arkansas was ranked in the top ten only a week ago before getting upset, that is ridiculous. 'Bama has another light game and I'll say it, could post another shutout.

2. LSU - Another SEC team, another beat down handed to an oppenent.  LSU beat up on Idaho and to be honest this is one of the things I don't like about college football.  It takes some teams 3 or 4 weeks before they play a respectable team and LSU takes on SEC foe Auburn.  Now this isn't Cams Auburn Tigers but they still are a formitable SEC team.  LSU's defense will be too much though for this struggling offense, LSU cruises. 

3. Florida State - FSU also had a solid performance in week 3, shutouting Wake Forest (see the trend with the top 3...........defense, soomething USC lacked).  This Florida State defense looks very impressive so far this season and they will be tested this week against Clemson.  This should be the game of the week and I can't wait to see who rises up.  Clemson has a strong offense, FSU has a nasty defense and someone is going to have to win.  I love defense and am going to take the Seminoles to prevail in this battle.

4. Oregon - The Ducks did what I said they would first off by not disappointing and sporting another fresh uniform.  Secondly, by smashing an outmatched Tennessee Tech football team.  The Ducks are another top team that are going to see an in conference foe and top 25 ranked team.  Arizona looks decent to start the season and is a little bit of a surprise.  But Eugene is a tough place to play and Oregon can fly around the field, they win big this week.

5. Georgia - The Bulldogs handled FAU, as they should, and come back this week against Vanderbilt.  This one should be a cake walk for the Bulldogs as, Vandy is not very good.  Georgia's offense was running on all cylinders last week racking up a record 713 yards, Vandy is bad but I would guess not that bad.  Georgia still wins big.

6. South Carolina - The Gamecocks looked strong against UAB, and they should.  That South Carolina defense is still playing solid and is going to need to against a fast paced no huddle Missouri team.  This will be a nice little test for the "Old ball coach", and will be exciting to see if this defense can slow Mizzu down.  The game is in South Carolina and I like them to continue their winning ways.

7. Clemson - I like what the Tigers are doing, they look solid offensively and have an amazing ground attack.  There game last week was a little tune-up for the big ACC match-up against FSU.  Clemson to this point has not seen a defense this good, although they were tested a little bit, by Auburn.  I wish I could pick them to win as good as there offense is I think Florida States' defense is just too good.  I think it could be a close game, but it ends with a Clemson lose.

8. West Virginia - The Mountaineers jump back into the top 10 after moving back by taking a bye after a week 1 win.  They played  an under-matched James Madison team, and normally this win would not propel you forward in any rankings, Oklahoma's bye will drop them out and allow WVU back in.  WVU has a much tougher oppenent this week in the Maryland Terps.  With that said the Mountaineers offense is going to be too much. Geno Smith has looked ridiculous through his first two games and will show Saturday why he is a Heisman Candidate.

9. Notre Dame - That's right I have Notre Dame in the top 10.  Anyone that knows me, knows what a big deal this is for me.  I despise the Golden Domers, but they have earned my respect or at least a spot in the top ten.  I thought they were going to get owned by Sparty,but Notre Dame went in to East Lansing and punched Michigan State right in the face.  The Irish look solid on defense and while I am not in love with Brian Kelly's offense yet, I feel like it may come around.  The Irish have another huge test this week against Michigan and Denard Robinson.  Should be another good game...... GO IRISH!!!!!!  (God I hate myself for saying that)

10. Stanford - This is tough for me, I respect the hell out of what those smart kids did last week.  They looked impressive against USC, making Barkley look normal.  The game plan was great and executed to perfection.  While it is a huge jump from 21 to 10, they did just take down who I thought was the number one team in the nation.  They do have a bye this week but it is well deserved.

As I wrap up my top 10 this week you may notice there are no Big Ten or Big 12 schools in "My Rankings".  There is a reason for that, mainly they don't look good against the elite conferences in college football.  They beat up each other to end up playing in a BSC Bowl Game, where they get there asses handed to them by an SEC or Pac-10 team......... or a Boise State.  Make sure you watch that FSU vs. Clemson game it should be a good one and lets see if Notre Dame can win back to back big games this week against Michigan.  Let me know what you think and by all means let me know what you think of MY Rankings.

-Brett D

NFL Referees

Over the weekend Brett and I were talking about the referee situation, and we both had similar views. I figured I would address this on here, since the whole ref problem is the most played story on ESPN and all the local stations. I am going to make this short and to the point.

Everyone is complaining about the referees and the decisions that they are making on the field, and they have the right too. They have made some bad calls and at times, look to be very uncomfortable out there on the field. They have a problem spotting the ball after the play has ended, and this has delayed the game and agitated plenty of viewers.

Being mad about the referee problem is fine, but being mad at these guys out there is not fine. They were asked to step up and fill in for the regular referees who are currently on strike. I don’t even know too much about the strike, they don’t seem to cover that, they want to cover how poorly these fill-in refs are doing. We should be covering on why the regular ones are not on the field. I hear that is has to do more about their pension than their salary. If that is the case, than I am ok with that. Everyone needs to look after themselves when it is time to retire, but if it is the salaries that they are complaining about, than they need to take a hard look at life and realize they make 6 figure salaries to ref 20 games a year. I know they probably have bunch of school to attend and they have to keep up with there certifications, but let’s be honest here, they are not working 40-50 hour a week jobs like most Americans.

Roger Goodell should have taken care of this problem before the season has started. Either he should have paid the demands of the referees on strike, or he should have gotten the substitute refs more training and ready for the NFL. These guys aren’t just off the street, they ref big high school games down south where the crowds can reach 5,000 people, and they ref college games.

My point here is that I am tired of hearing people complain about how bad the substitute refs are doing. What we should be complaining about is the ones that are on strike or the commissioner of the NFL for not giving them the money and putting this matter to an end. If anyone of us were offered a promotion at our job, we would most likely take it and yes at first, we probably wouldn’t be up to par.

The NFL does need to get the regular officials back out on the field. It will make for such better football, but so far, these guys are doing the best they can.

If I were on of them, I would make a statement and throw someone out of the next game!

Eagles-Ravens:Game 2 Wrap Up

The Philadelphia Eagles are 2-0, and my partner and I both agreed that they would take this one down.  I'll be honest though if you told me that the Eagles would have nine turnovers after Week 2 and still be 2-0, I would probably would have said "not a chance in hell."  They have though and despite the turnovers and bone head and untimely penalties the Eagles beat a really good football team in the Baltimore Ravens.  The Eagles looked incredible in the opening drive, they marched down the field and looked as if they were going to jump to an early 7-0 lead.  Then Michael Vick tried to throw across his body again, as if that wasn't a bad idea in the first game, and threw another interception.  I am a huge Mike fan and think his arm strength is incredible, but Favre's arm was just as strong if not stronger and he too threw picks when he threw across his body.  I get it when you think your "Superman ", as Mike has claimed back in his Atlanta days, you think there is no corner or safety that can react quick enough to defend my pass.  Well they can and they have been.  Aside from that, I think Vick played a very solid game.  He lost 2 offensive lineman, but still stood tall in the pocket and was very successful when he needed to extend the play and move the pocket.  While he did throw another pick, that one wasn't on him, Brent gave the old clap pass and it tipped into the hands of ball hawk Ed Reed.  The last thing I will say about Vick is that he is a leader, I have never had this much faith in an Eagles Qb late in the fourth quarter like I do in Vick.  The Birds also ran the ball rather effectively against a stingy front 7 and while they totaled over a 100 yards, they also ran the ball 40 times, as long as you include Vick's runs.  As I wrap up with the offense I saved the best performance for last, Brent Celek went off yesterday.  He finished the game with 8 catches for 157.  That's pretty damn impressive, but the more impressive part was when he hurdled Ed Reed or was it when he got laid out by a great hit by Pollard, jumped up and gave the "I'm ok" with an emphatic first down gesture.  Either way Brent Celek had a hell of a game.  Now to the other side of the ball , I could write about this for a long time but I will try and keep it on the short side.  The Eagles, as I stated in my first blog, have legit linebackers.  Ryans looks solid as our Mac, he ended the day with 6 tackles, a sack and an interception of his own.  Pretty solid for a guy many said looked like he lost a step in the preseason.  Ryans has been flowing to the ball and looks solid in coverage.  Ryans' partner on the defense Kendricks also looks very good.  The kid has said he shoots for at least 10 tackles a gain and while he didn't get there this game he always seems to ,like DeMeco, find himself around the ball.  He made a huge play at the end of the game to tip the ball away from Ray Rice to give the Eagles back the ball to take a knee and end the game.  He flys around the field and looks really good in coverage, and as the season progresses he is only going to get better and better.  Lastly I want to talk about Brandon Boykin.  Brandon was made the starting nickel back in the preseason when the Eagles cut veteran nickel corner Joselio Hanson.  Boykin is proving why the Eagles felt confident in cutting the veteran.  He defended a very good slot receiver in Jacoby Jones.  Even as a rookie, he made a huge play on the last drive elevating up to tip the ball away and prevent the Ravens from moving into to any sort of field goal position.  While there were many positives to take away from the game the reality is if the Eagles want to continue to win and contend in the postseason, you can't have all the turnovers and dumb penalties.  With that said, the Eagles find themselves seated atop the NFC East as they head out west to play an undefeated Arizona team, that just beat the Patriots.  Its always tough going out west, but the Eagles owe the Cardinals for that very tough loss last year (you know the one where DeSean was benched and is the game I say prevented the Eagles from going to the postseason).  So while it's nice to be on top the Eagles need to keep it going and get the win out west.  I'll end this like every post, let me know what you think about the Eagles-Ravens game or thoughts on Arizona next week.

-Brett D

P.K. Subban to Philly?

As I was sitting in my cubicle the other day, I received a text from a friend telling me that the Flyers were looking into P.K. Subban. At first i didn't think much of it, then I thought about the upside and down side of acquiring P.k. He is a restricted free agent and with Chris Pronger's career pretty much done, the Flyers could use some talent on the blue line.  

I know what you are thinking, the same thing I am thinking, and this that he makes a lot of mistakes and turns the puck over way too much. He is a cryer and a diver, and the fans in Philly already hate him because of the feud that he had with former Flyer captain Mike Richards. All of this is true. However, we probably thought that way about Hartnell and now he is loved in this city. I like the idea of trying to get Subban. He is only 23 years old and if you know anything about defenseman in hockey, you know that they hit their prime around the age of 27, look at Shea Weber. 

Some of the good things that Subban could bring to the table is his toughness and his ability to change the game with a big hit. He is a fast skater and likes to get things going offensively, too. He has a hard slap shot, you have to give him that. Having his shot coming from the point on the power play gives the Flyers another weapon. I like his intensity as well. Flyers could use that, Timonen and Coburn aren't the most physical players. Having Luke Schenn and P.K. Subban together would give the Flyers some of that broad street bullies look back to them.  and I imagine he would fit in well with the locker room, too. He is a young guy, the same age as the main core of this team and he should bond really well. 

Some of the negatives to his game are his immaturity and carelessness when he possess the puck.  He will try and do too much with the puck, skating it end to end and then when he is pressured he throws a bad pass or loses the puck in his own zone. Flyers fans got on Matt Carle about that all year and would do the same with P.K. His attitude would have to change. He would have to stop wining and diving all over the ice. We don't like that here in Philly. 

So that's all I have so far on this story. Just a few simple thoughts about the situation that I am hearing. It doesn't look like there is going to be an NHL season anyway, billionaires fighting with millionaires over money, go figure. 

It would be nice to bring in Subban to give one last shot at Richards, too!

-Brett Gibbs

Top 10 Week 2 Edition

 

The second week of the college football season didn't disappoint with a bunch of upsets and a "Top 10 AP and USA today team" being upset. Just in case you were wondering Arkansas wasn't in my Top 10, but hey what do I know.  Now as promised Week 2 of The Real Top 10 College Football Rankings:

1.  USC-  Still my number 1, they traveled cross country and beat an average Syracuse team handley, despite having a long storm delay.  USC looks down right nasty on offense and played better defense against a team that has a little offense.  They will have a real test this week against the smart kids of Stanford.

2.  Alabama- Until USC loses this is where 'Bama remains, they had a cupcake in Western Kentucky, but like 'Bama does they handled their business.  They shutout WKU with that vicious defense.  'Bama also gets a little test against Arkansas this week, the same Arkansas that got upset by UL-Monroe and fell out of the "pro's" rankings.  All I can say is "Roll Tide"

3.  LSU-  The Washington Huskies brought in a real live Bengal Tiger to practice to excite or scare or some other stupid tactic to I guess motivate their team.................Judging by the 41-3 beat down LSU game them it didn't work.  The top SEC teams look legit again and LSU with stump through week 3 against Idaho. 

4.  Florida State-  The Seminoles from a bettors prospective disappointed but then in the end it turned to a push because of the weather.  Don't get me wrong 70.5 points is a tough line for any team to cover but had the storms not stopped this game, FSU may had scored 80 but we will never know, and Savannah State can take it's back to back paychecks, I mean ass whippings and disappear.  FSU takes on an undefeated and surely outmatched Wake Forest team this week.  Look for the 'Noles to cruise.

5.  Oregon-  So the Ducks have played two games and have had totally different ,but awesome uni's.   The best dressed team in football cruised past Fresno State.  They have another cupcake game this week against TTU.  I'll be honest I had to look them up to make sure I knew who they were, just a hint Oregon that's not really a good thing. 

6.  Georgia-  Georgia had a very good win against new SEC team Mizzu.  Mizzu is a tough place to play, and Georgia went in and welcomed the Tigers to the SEC by putting up 41 on them.  The Tigers made it a game for a while but Georgia proved to be too much.  Georgia will follow up this week with FAU, real tough one.

7.  South Carolina-  The Gamecocks beat up on ECU.  "The Old Ball Coach" was slinging the rock around like the good old days back in Florida, Lattimore didn't contribute much but didn't need to.  His defense still seems to excel which to me is still kind of boggling but whatever.  They take on UAB in what should be another route for the other USC.

8.  Oklahoma (I guess)-  I can't begin to reiterate how much I dislike Oklahoma.  They beat up on the mighty Florida A&M, good for them and now because they have played such tough teams there first two weeks they get a bye.  They will probably slip out of my top 10 next week unless something crazy happens.

9.  Michigan State-  The Spartys looked good in a tune game against the Chippewas, that's such a great team name.  They could have over looked them for their upcoming game against Notre Dame.  Everyone is on the Golden Domers band wagon after "HUGE" wins hahahaha, sorry against Navy and Purdue.  Sparty is going to show these Leprechauns what's up and what a solid running back and attack style defense is like. 

10.  Clemson-  The Tigers look in the first two weeks of the season I left them out last week despite their win over Auburn.  They followed that win up with a spanking of Ball State.  They have another cupcake this week in Furman but with another convincing win should have no problem staying undefeated and in my TOP 10.

Just a quick wrap-up WVU falls out of the top 10, you can't have a bye week 2 come on. Two other games to keep an eye on Florida vs the Volunteers, and Ohio State vs Cal, the Big Ten stinks against other power conferences, look at some of the other upsets from last weekend.  Let's see if Urban can change that mindset I have of the "Big Ten plus a couple other teams."  Those are my ranking, let know what you think, come IRISH fans you have to have something to say.

-Brett D

Week 1- Eagles vs Browns

Yesterday as I was sitting in my recliner chair with the windows open in the house, the nice fresh autumn air blowing in and the aroma of wings, pizza and beer through out my house, I knew it meant one thing… Football season was back.

Let’s just start it off by talking about the Eagles game. What a game it was. I predicted a score of 27-10, I was way off on that one.  I know it is the first week and all teams are still getting adjusted to what they have and their own abilities, but c’mon, that was just a bad game by the Eagles offense. The defense on the other hand played well. That is exactly what you should see when you are facing a rookie QB on a horrible team. They let up 9 points, I believe. The only touch down the Browns scored was the pick six that Vick threw up. I really liked how the defense looked and I will continue on with them.

Let’s be honest, the Browns are the Browns and they stink. As said in the Coors light commercial “They are who we thought we were” or however it went, my memory is fading me anymore. That being said, I really enjoyed watching this defense. Dominique Rogers-Cromartie (and that will be the last time I call him by his full name) had a very good game. Getting rid of Asante Samuel now gives DRC much more of a prominent role on this Eagles defense. He isn’t a CB that is supposed to cover the slot receiver, no this is a guy who should be covering your number one wide out, not sure if the Browns have one of those. Either way he had 2 interceptions and looked really good. Nnamdi Asomugha looked good himself. He definitely does play much better with a little bump and run. He gives the wide out a nice shove and stick to his man. Good play by the Eagles corner backs. The safety’s didn’t stand out as much and could be a weak point for the birds, but I did like the way Kurt Coleman played last night. My sister thinks the guy is a great and I think that may be because he really is not so great. It’s one of those running jokes where you like someone because they stink, but he looked alright yesterday. Well other than the play when Trent Richardson knocked him and his helmet about 10 feet backwards. He did redeem himself on the interception at the end of the game though. I mean Weeden did throw it sky high to anyone but atleast Coleman was in the right place to make the play. The man who I am most excited for is Mychal Kendricks. Kendricks didn’t really stand out yesterday, but that could be a good thing because that means he didn’t have any rookie mistakes and make him stand out in a negative way. Demeco Ryans looked pretty solid as well, again like Kendricks, nothing special. They both made some tackles and that was that. Same with the defensive line, they did what they had to do. They got some pressure, but with a rookie QB I guess he is going to look bad no matter what the pressure is. I am very much looking forward to seeing this Eagles D go against the Ravens O next week.

Now let’s get to the good stuff, the offense for the Eagles. I am not even beating around the bush, Mike Vick looked horrible. 4 interceptions and it really should have been 5. The offensive line didn’t give him the best game of their lives but either way, Vick threw 4 INT’s and it should have been 5. I am not going to get like most people and start chanting “ PLAY FOLES” because Nick Foles, as good as he looked in the pre-season, is still a rookie QB and would most likely have a typical losing record like most all rookie QB’s. If Vick is healthy than he is our guy, I just don’t like that our guy is throwing this many INT’s in the first week of the season. Andy and Marty just need to run the ball. Call me old fashioned but I like a good old style run game. Make the other teams line tired. Run on first down, run on 2^nd down and if you want go ahead and run on 3^rd down sometimes. I know that is a bit extreme but when you have the best running back in the game…use him. Towards the 4^th quarter the Eagles started to hand the ball off and it really got the offense going. No team is going to bite on a play-action when they know that you are not going to actually run the ball. I guess to make a long story short, and this has been rather long, it all comes down to how well Michael Vick plays. I don’t like the guy and I don’t think he is really that good of a quarter back. I don’t see much a difference between him and Tim Tebow, and I think the only way for Vick to be really effective is if he runs that ball a lot. That means though he is going to take a lot of hits and most likely miss some games. With Vick you are not going to get a good stay in the pocket QB. You will get a below average pocket passer, but if you let him run and do his thing, he will win games but he will also miss games because of injury.

I will end it with that. It was an ugly game, the Eagles should have won by 10 points and Vick looked horrible. I am not starting the Nick Foles chant just yet… give it a week or two more.

-Brett Gibbs

A First for Everything

So just in case you weren't aware for the first time in the NFL 5, that's right count'em 5 rookie quarterbacks started in Week 1.  I mean is it is kind of impressive right?  Or is it bad and kind of ridiculous, should these 5 rookies actually be starting for their respected teams?  Let's take a look how they actually made out today and whether or not they should actually be starting.  The first overall pick in the draft Andrew Luck, Luck is the next coming of Petyon Manning according to most scouts and NFL insiders.  And while both had the same results in their first NFL start, they also had some similar stats.  Manning in his career opener against the Dolphins threw for 302yds, 1td and 3 picks; Luck threw for 309yds, 1 td and 3 picks.  Not bad for the kid out of Stanford, following almost exactly in Manning shoes and apparently he even has a grip of the offense like Manning did. Luck has a big arm and is very intelligent and will be fine.  Next up was Bob Griffin, Bob played incredible in his debut.  He threw for 320yds 2tds and unlike all the other rookies I am going to mention he didn't turn the ball over.  He was also able to scramble for 42yds and was very accurate slinging the football against the Saints.  Bob has no one to be compared to unless you want call him the Ryan Leaf of this draft, but I don't really think that's fair.  Bob has a lot more talent than Leaf and is way more athletic and accurate as a passer.  The kid looked sharp today.  I'm going to follow up Bob's stellar performance with Brandon Weeden.  I feel bad doing it because man he looked bad.  I got to see the whole game being an Eagles fan and all (I know the Birds looked bad against a terrible team but I'll save that for a later blog). The only passes Weeden looked like he can make were slants and screen passes, other than that he didn't look very good throwing the deep ball and was picked off 4 times and only threw for 118.  He didn't look very accurate in general and there was one more thing I was thinking about with him........give me a minute........oh right he is a 28 year old rookie.  This was tried before, ask the Carolina Panthers what it was like drafting Chris Weinke and how much that set them back.  Good luck Cleveland you are going to need it.  To warp up the 1 'o'clock rookie starts was Ryan Tannehill, Ryan started for the Miami Dolphins, starting to see a trend here with bad teams forcing a couple mediocre rookie quarterbacks to start.  Tannehill was an improvement over Weeden throwing for 219yds  0 tds and only 3 picks.  I'll be honest I think Tannehill has some talent and can be a decent starter in the league but he got a late start and if I was the Fins I would have given Matt Moore the teams offensive MVP last year the start and waited a couple weeks, maybe even the season allowing him to grow. Ryan has a pretty strong arm and can move in the and out of the pocket.   The final start for the rookies qbs was Russell Wilson.  First thing I am going to say about Russell Wilson is if the kid was 6'2 or taller, he's a first round pick, lock it up.  He would have never made it to the third round, not a chance.  He has a ton a talent but is just short, he had a decent Sunday throwing for only 153yds, 1td and 1 pick. He is athletic, not Bob athletic but can run the ball if he needs to.  Something that really stood out to me was the that Wilson beat out and earned his job over Matt Flynn.  Flynn is a 26 million dollar backup that the Seahawks brought in during this past offseason to be there starting qb, but it didn't work out that way.  On this history making Sunday the only qb to actually get a win was Bob and his Redskins, Wilson had a chance to beat the Cardinals but fell short.  The other three didn't really have a chance, I guess you could say Weeden did, but he was by no reason why they were in that game or had a chance.  I feel like four out these 5 quarterbacks have a chance to have pretty good careers in the NFL, with Bob and Luck excelling.  Weeden is the next Chris Weinke mark my words, and I think Wilson and Tannehill will be pretty solid starters.  As always this is just my view, what do I know or maybe I know a lot because I would never had drafted Weinke or Weeden.  Only time will tell but feel free to let me know your thoughts on this rookie class.

 -Brett D

My College Football Top 10

 

  While ESPN and the Associated Press have their own NCAA rankings, I am going to have mine.  I don't really care about anyone outside the top 10 until they play there way into it, because only the top have any chance of playing in BCS games.

1.  USC - I know, I know but Alabama beat a number 8 ranked Michigan team, and USC only beat up on Hawaii.  USC did it in a dominant fashion and my logic is you don't move down from number one after a win.

2.  Alabama - They did beat an 8th ranked Michigan team, but this game showed the difference between the SEC and the Big 10.  The Big 10 are slightly slower and not as NFL ready as the SEC and this game showed it.  Nick Saban, while an ass, is a college football genius.

3.  LSU - While they coasted through their opener against North Texas, but LSU won't really be tested until Oct 6 when they play the Gators of Gainsville, in Gainsville.  Until then they have a bunch of warm-ups with an average Auburn team thrown in the mix.

4.  Florida State - They looked impressive, it was only Murray State but that defense is insanely good and 'Bama showed last year defense can win a championship.  This is team that doesn't play a lot of top competiton based on their conference, but Clemson has a nice squad and so does Florida at the end of the season.  I'm aware they play VT but it is towards the end of the year and that it usually when VT disappoints.

5.  Oregon - I love the Ducks.  I would go there strictly based on uniforms alone....... Oh and they are also a pretty solid football team.  I can't wait to see them play USC this year but for now they had a good win against Arkansas State.

6.  Georgia-  Handled the Buffalo and looked strong on offense.  They will get tested as the season goes on playing the SEC.  Time will tell if they can hold up.

7.  Oklahoma - I will start with I am not a big Oklahoma fan.  I have them lower than most but come on while most teams play unranked shleps at least most of the top 10 handle these opponents, while its a comfortable win I would have liked to seen more from this team.

8.  South Carolina - I do like the "Old Ball Coach".  What boggles my mind about this offensive juggernaut of a coach is how nasty his defense is and his offense is EHHH.  Lattimore is a beast even after tearing his ACL last season.

9.  West Virginia-  I have a special place in my heart for the Mountaineers, considering maybe 4 or 5 years ago they won me a lot of money, they covered every line and over for that matter.  I'm getting off track, they looked nasty against rival Marshall, scoring at will.

10.  Michigan State - I know I expressed my distaste for Big 10 schools earlier but they played a pretty good Boise State team and came out on top.  They avoided all Boise's trickeration with a nasty and tenacious defense.  Also Le'Veon Bell rushing for 210 yards and 2 touchdowns is nice.

Well there you have it my first rankings of an early and sure to be exciting college football season.  As always feel free to argue with my rankings or tell me what a genius I am, it's your call.

-Brett D

Anderson Silva vs Georges St-Pierre

                                                                                  VS

As an avid fan of the UFC for the past 7 years, the 2 most decorated fighters have been Anderson Silva and George St-Pierre. Rumors have been circulating around that these 2 fighters are going to square off against each other in the near future. What a fight that would be. It is a fight that Anderson Silva needs to win more than anyone. When Anderson retires, he will go down as arguably the greatest MMA fighter to have ever entered the ring. The only problem I see with that is some of the fighters he has beaten.

Anderson Silva fights in the 185 weight class. Anyone who watches the UFC knows that this has always been the weakest weight class in the UFC. This however, is not his fault. He feels most comfortable fighting at 185 and therefore he chooses to stay at this weight. In my opinion though, he needs to defeat some bigger opponents. Rich Franklin, Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen and Forrest Griffin were big names he defeated. The others were all good fighters, but not great fighters. Jon Jones has already beat guys like Lyoto Machida, Rampage Jackson, Mauricio and Rashad Evans. I want to see Anderson fight a few of those guys. He still hasn’t lost since 2004, and that was back when he was fighting in PRIDE. If he does beat GSP, he will be the greatest pound for pound fighter so far in MMA history.

GSP has a little less to lose than Anderson. If this fight were to take place, and I really hope it does, GSP would be the underdog.  He is a smaller man, not much smaller but still smaller. Other than Anderson Silva, GSP has been considered the greatest fighter in MMA today. The only problem most fans have with GSP is that he doesn’t finish fights as much as they would like to see. He will take you down and ground and pound and grind you out until the final bell. He is a master on the ground, but he has great striking ability, too. He has had bigger fights in my opinion than Silva has had. He has had the super fights with BJ Penn. They were both champions at the time and they decided to go at it in the ring. GSP fought Matt Hughes, who at the time was the greatest 170 lbs fighter the world has ever seen. After that, some may say his fights have been slim pickings. Still, like Anderson, they have to fight whoever Dana throws at them. Some classes are not as stacked as the 205 lbs division.

The UFC needs this fight to happen. Both of these fighters need this fight to happen. This is truly show who the greatest MMA fighter in the world is.

Who do I think will win? Well I want to see GSP win. I would love to see Anderson be humbled by another fighter. The wins have gone to Silva’s head. He has earned the right to walk around the way he does, but I would still love to see someone beat this man. I see the fight going two ways. If Anderson wins it is going to be by KO. The man hits so hard and it doesn’t even look like he is trying. A fading jab to someone and they get knocked out. GSP’s chin is still questionable after that knock out 5 years ago from Matt Serra. If Anderson gets a good shot to Georges head it could be lights out. The other scenario that I see happening is GSP controlling the ground game and grinding Silva out. It would be hard to submit Silva, but if anyone could do it, GSP would be the one. Georges is a great striker, but Anderson is just so dangerous. If I were GSP, I would try and take him down and just get on top and grind Anderson out. It seemed to be the only thing that has ever gotten the best of Anderson. As we all saw with his first fight with Sonnen. Chael kept taking him to the ground and if it weren’t for getting caught in the 5^th round and tapping out, Sonnen would have been champion. The 2^nd fight we all know what happened. They ended up stay on their feet and striking a bit more and Anderson beat him fairly easy.

The weight of this fight from what I hear will be at 177. That is a pretty fair weight for both fighters. Come fight night I assume Silva will be weighing around 190-195 and GSP should be in the mid to high 180’s. Weight should not be too much of a factor in this fight. If I were a gambling man and I am not…but one day wish to be, I would put my money on Anderson Silva. He just seems to no matter what pull out the wins. However, I will be rooting for my favorite fighter in the world… GSP!

-Brett Gibbs