Monday, December 23, 2013
12:19 PM - December 23, 2013. Written by jmik58
With one week to go, Peyton Manning already owns the single-season record for passing touchdowns (51). I posed the question last week regarding your thoughts on the emerging offensive explosion within the NFL -- to which many are not a fan -- Tom Brady, however, is very impressed.
Granted, Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks in league history, but the rule changes favoring the offense and pourous defensive play make it somewhat difficult to judge apples-to-apples the passing achievements of seasons past.
Where does Peyton Manning's single-season passing touchdown record rank and is it muddied by the NFL's favortism towards offense?
Sports Headlines for December 23, 2013
- It might be the wake-up call they needed as the playoffs roll around, but Seattle can't be happy to lose at home to the Cardinals.
- Apparently it was a day to end home winning streaks as the Raptors did just that to OKC, handing the Thunder their first "L" on their own turf for the 2013-14 season.
- The past twenty years have been an era of changing players, teams, and venues -- but there's still something historic and special as we say 'goodbye' to Candlestick Park tonight.
- From one fictitious Crimson Tide star to the NFL's modern day superstar: Does Peyton Manning sound like Forrest Gump? [Video]
- You can't blame anyone for being a little apprehensive to believe that Tony Romo actually pulled out a December victory. [Image]
Friday, December 20, 2013
02:16 PM - December 20, 2013. Written by jmik58
Kobe Bryant has had a brilliant career and despite how it ends, his legacy will likely go untarnished. Still, it's difficult to watch his basketball days wind down with a lack of grace. After a devastating achilles injury last season, The Black Mamba is down again -- this time for six weeks with a bum knee -- but what happens when he returns? Another injury?
There are a wide variety of ways to finish a career. The NFL's Barry Sanders left in his prime (too soon?) without ever sniffing a championship while John Elway went from Super Bowl champ to retiree. Michael Jordan, on the other hand, possibly stuck around too long. The lasting image of each, however, is still the height of their prime -- with a little cringe mixed in for guys like Sanders, Jordan and possibly now Bryant.
Should superstars like Kobe Bryant retire at the end of their careers when their bodies start falling apart, or does it have an impact on their legacy?
Sports Headlines for December 20, 2013
- We all knew the deep pockets of over-the-air broadcast companies wouldn't go down easily. The FCC's ruling to end sports blackouts is being challenged and likely won't end soon.
- This weekend starts the college football bowl season which means it's time to get a quick preview in for the BCS's last hurrah.
- Chicago head coach Mark Trestman is considering resting his starters -- a good idea or momentum killer?
- An OKC fan really wants to know if Jimmy Butler likes his hat. [Video]
- Drop down, turn around, go to town, behind the back, flip thingy ... and goal for Claude Giroux. [Animated Gif]
Thursday, December 19, 2013
02:07 PM - December 19, 2013. Written by jmik58
The first glimpse at one of the NBA's so-called "nickname" jerseys was unveiled by Spike Lee on his Instagram account yesterday. The image shows the jersey that Ray Allen will wear when the Celtics and Heat match up on January 21st. Allen will don "J. Shuttlesworth" across the back of his uni, a reference to Jesus Shuttlesworth -- Allen's character from Lee's 1998 movie "He Got Game."
The NBA plans additional games in March and April with the nickname jerseys and fans can nab one of their favorite player starting Jan. 14. The price tag: $109.95.
Do you like the idea of 'nickname' jerseys, or does it come across as tacky or a money-grab by the NBA?
Sports Headlines for December 19, 2013
- Indiana let Miami hang around long enough for the Heat to push through for a victory thanks to 32 points from D-Wade and nearly a triple-double from LeBron.
- The FCC has voted to eliminate sports blackout rules. For most Americans this is great news, but for those devoted to over-the-air broadcasts it could mean the end is near.
- In case you missed it -- check out the viral video of SIU's basketball coach ripping his players. [Video]
- If you thought ESPN's coverage of Tebow or 'The Heat Index' was annoying, try living in Wisconsin since Aaron Rogers went down. [Image]
- Only on the basketball court: almost two feet of difference -- 5'8" vs. 7'6". [Image]
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
11:42 AM - December 18, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Sound Off on the Question of the Day and today's links in the comments section below.
- Damian Lillard one-upped foe Kyrie Irving to steal a win for Portland on the Cavs' home court -- Lillard's second game-winner in as many games.
- Another day, another video of a coach losing his cool on his players -- this time it's SIU's Barry Hinson.
- Aaron Rogers sends out a 'thank you' to Ravens kicker Justin Tucker for his game-winning effort over Green Bay's rival Detroit.
- It's been a personally rough couple of years for Rockets coach Kevin McHale, but he's back again after the death of his mother.
- According to an ex-CBS Sports president, television ratings could decline up to 20% if college athletes are paid for their play.
- The United States has selected gay athletes to serve on a Sochi Olympic committee -- a clear political statement thrown in the face of Russia's anti-gay stance.
- The next big thing in MMA fighting -- Male vs. Female fights?!
- Team Brazil's U17 team just gives up and stands around for the final minutes of their 4-1 loss to Team USA. [Video]
- Not only do Red Sox fans have to burn their old jerseys, they have to find a way to peel bumperstickers off their cars. [Image]
- Olivia Viney has become the first female in the state of Michigan to score points in a state championship football game.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
12:47 PM - December 17, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Sound Off on the Question of the Day and today's links in the comments section below.
- So much for explosive offense on Monday Night -- the Ravens "kicked" the Lions on six field-goals, including a 61-yarder to take the victory.
- Maybe you're 'old-school' or just enjoy solid post play, but life beyond the arc is becoming the reality for many NBA teams.
- Don't cry on me and tell me it's raining: Dez Bryant claims he left the field early to hide his tears.
- Who wants to follow Cano? New York finally settled on their third or fourth option by signing Brian Roberts to man second base for 2014.
- The NFL is in need of good QBs, but Teddy Bridgewater isn't sure if he wants to make the jump just yet.
- Not only did he break his jaw, Bengals punter Kevin Huber suffered a neck injury when he was decleated while covering a punt return.
- He could probably buy one for each person in attendance, but Paul McCartney really wanted that Nets t-shirt! [Animated Gif]
- Tony Romo's "inbox" paints a clear picture of just how difficult his life is right now. [Image]
- Jerome Iginla's hand looks like a truck ran over it after a recent on-ice fight. [NSFW]
- Multiply the game clock by three: How long does it take to actually watch a basketball game?
Monday, December 16, 2013
12:19 PM - December 16, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Monday, December 16, 2013
Sound Off on the Question of the Day and today's links in the comments section below.
- If you think Peyton Manning has issues in cold weather, wait until you see Tony Romo in December.
- Jamaal Charles may have won an entire fantasy football league with his five touchdowns (four receiving) en route to a playoff-clinching win for the Chiefs over Oakland.
- Mack Brown is stepping down at the conclusion of the season, but Texas officials allegedly would have allowed him to stay.
- Tom Brady and the Patriots might want to try a new tactic after the Dolphins finally stopped the comeback style of New England.
- When things go well for the rival school, everything falls apart at home as another Florida Gator football player has filed paperwork to transfer.
- Army has gone over a decade since beating Navy and apparently five years was enough for the now former head coach Rich Ellerson.
- Tampa Bay with the worst kickoff return in NFL history? [Animated Gif]
- Forget skill, which teams would win if the mascots battled it out?
- The Dallas Cowboys have decided to part ways with Jerry Jones. [The Onion]
- Get outta my way, little one. [Animated Gif]
Friday, December 13, 2013
11:14 AM - December 13, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Friday, December 13, 2013
Sound Off on the Question of the Day and today's links in the comments section below.
- It seems like just another day at an NFL stadium parking lot as four people were stabbed following last night's Broncos-Chargers matchup.
- Jameis Winston and A.J. McCarron (Not Johnny Manziel?!) split the top two non-Heisman awards among their college football peers.
- Despite the drama that unfolded in the parking lot, the actual game was exciting as well with San Diego shocking Denver on their home turf.
- From one reunion to another -- Doc Rivers got the better of Boston but former players Pierce and Garnett got the win for Brooklyn last night.
- A reeling coach in denial? Texas' Mack Brown simply states his 'situation hasn't changed'.
- Sitting RGIII for the rest of 2013 is simply a business decision to protect an asset going into the 2014 year where he's still slated to be the starter.
- Detroit's Megatron has some 'old man strength' to show Matt Elam of Baltimore.
- Check out this slo-mo replay of a father saving his daughter from imminent pain on the sidelines of the Knicks-Bulls game. [Video]
- Just Peyton Manning being Peyton Manning -- no explanation needed. [Image]
- Maybe he should just silently fade away? Lance Armstrong is now trying to play the victim.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
12:01 PM - December 12, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Thursday, December 12, 2013
Sound Off on the Question of the Day and today's links in the comments section below.
- Major League Baseball has officially decided to ban home-plate collisions -- possibly as soon as next season.
- Doc Rivers was given a warm reception upon his return to Boston and promptly handed his old team a defeat.
- Seattle QB Russell Wilson has been drafted by Texas -- the Rangers, that is.
- An IT guy from West Virginia sent in an application for UND's head coaching job. Among his qualifications: playing Madden.
- A Virginia high school b-baller makes an incredible behind-the-back save that drops through the hoop as he continues running out of the gym. [Video]
- Washington brass has decided to sit RGIII for the rest of 2013 -- will anyone show up to watch the games?.
- Seattle keeps beefing up their lineup with the addition of Corey Hart and Logan Morrison.
- Notre Dame's Bob Diaco is headed to UConn to take over the head coaching vacancy for the Huskies.
- Alabama kicker Cade Foster received a hand-written letter of encouragement from former President George W. Bush.
- Check out this panoramic shot of the field after the most recent Iron Bowl clash. [Image]
09:30 AM - December 12, 2013. Written by Wiggy
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman made some waves the other day when he mentioned that the NHL "is listening" to cities when it comes to possible expansion. While there are no formal plans, there certainly was a boastful tone to Bettman's bluster when he was cooing about how the NHL has the hammer, so to speak, and is enjoying some level of financial solvency.
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Where would potential expansion sites be? The likely candidates according to the mainstream media are Ontario (a possible second Toronto team), Quebec City (to pair with Montreal) or Seattle (which has been a probable expansion site for a decade now). There's always been a loose idea of a city like Las Vegas, but it's hard to see that as anything more than a novelty. It would probably get some kind of reasonable support through tourists and some regulars, but it's likely not a city that will see hockey anytime soon.
As for the others, the most likely choices are probably Ontario and Seattle. Both markets are totally viable for a team (with Ontario easily able to support another team, ala New York), and Seattle being a solid sports town -- even with some questionable franchise ownership -- and doing pretty well with minor league hockey already.
The problem with all of this is that the NHL has invented this problem with its current conference alignment, as they chose to have the imbalance of two teams. In their defense, the current conference alignment does best suit the geography, but you think they could've roped in one team to make it even (the most likely candidates being Detroit or Columbus).
The biggest reason that the NHL is crowing about their new-found financial stability is because of the ginormous TV deal they just signed with Rogers up here in Canada. The deal is good for $5.2 billion over 12 years, which has to be giving the NHL board of governors major wood and dreams of huge money pits for everyone. This is normally the type of money you'd see on a deal down in the States, so the NHL is certainly contemplating what that much money means for all of the teams, players, owners and executives. The league is also generating reasonably good revenues across the board, and the revenue sharing across teams allows them to claim that organizations like Phoenix, Florida, Columbus and the New York Islanders are financial viable, even when their attendance figures are well below 14,000 per game on average.
Still, when expansion fees and massive TV deals are on the table, the league is going to contemplate expanding for short-term gains at the expense of long-term pains. When a league can pass off a lot of stadium costs onto taxpayers and bend over major media outlets to make your cheddar, you're going to do so. This goes doubly so for the NHL, which is desperate to grab a bigger share of the American TV pie and mindshare, which has eluded them for years.
What would more teams mean for NHL 15 and beyond? It would certainly bring some fresh match-ups for online play as well as season mode, and it would be interesting to see how the new team alignment affected some of the longstanding rivalries in the NHL as well as the playoff picture. In some ways, it would be nice to see 16 teams make the playoffs and 16 not, as that would add a bit more exclusivity to the postseason, but just the same, I'd rather not see more teams if that's going to take away from development time on existing teams' arenas, player faces and other details. Selfishly, gamers wouldn't have to worry about real-world consequences as much when playing, as it would just mean more teams and more options.
Either way, nothing will likely happen in the next couple of years, but with some eager cities in the hopper -- and some that we probably don't know about -- it'll be interesting to see how the NHL plays its hand with regards to adding new teams as well as possibly discarding weaker existing ones.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
11:40 AM - December 10, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Monday, December 10, 2013
Sound Off on the Question of the Day and today's links in the comments section below.
- Everyone knows the Heisman belongs to Jameis Winston but surprisingly five others were invited as well.
- After another dominating passing performance, Peyton Manning has told his cold-weather critics to 'Shove it'.
- Apparently the Dallas Cowboys are the real fair-weather players after getting blown out in Chicago amid sub-zero temperatures and a Mike Ditka tribute.
- Pitt defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been tabbed as the nation's top college football defender, taking home the Bronko Nagurski trophy on Monday night.
- Roy Halladay paid homage to Toronto by signing a one-day contract and retiring as a Blue Jay on Monday.
- 'Skins coach Mike Shannahan says it's a possibility he may sit RGIII for the rest of 2013.
- And Chicago Bears fans prove they can out-drink and run into poles better than anyone. [Animated GIF]
- Some of the sports world's most awkward moments caught in animated GIFs.
- One Chargers fan decided to insult Eli Manning where it hurts the most: His gender.
- A collection of the best sports GIFs of 2013.
Monday, December 9, 2013
12:26 PM - December 9, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Monday, December 9, 2013
Sound Off on the Question of the Day and today's links in the comments section below.
- The BCS got a free pass in its final season as undefeated Florida State will face SEC champion Auburn for the national championship.
- New England will likely finish the season without their star tight end Rob Gronkowski who reportedly tore his ACL and MCL yesterday.
- Denver's Matt Prater took advantage of the thin air yesterday, booting an NFL-record 64-yard field goal.
- Vike's Peterson gets carted off with apparent leg injury, then goes off on referees and Ravens fans.
- The MLB Hall-of-Fame will welcome recent manager legends thanks to unanimous selection: Torre, LaRussa, and Cox.
- He may not be at full-strength, but the Lakers and their fans are simply refreshed to have Kobe back on the court.
- Check out this trick shot by the Houston Rockets mascot: No-look, from mid-court, hook-shot... while standing on an exercise ball!
- Redskins fans don't enjoy the cold any more than they do a 35-point blowout at the hands of the visiting Chiefs. [Twitter]
- Carolina's Greg Hardy introduces himself for SNF as a graduate of 'Hogwarts'.
- The massive blizzards across the Northeast made playing and watching football rather difficult on Sunday. [Images]
Thursday, December 5, 2013
12:25 PM - December 5, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Thurssday, December 5, 2013
Sound Off on the Question of the Day and today's links in the comments section below.
- The results from the sexual assault investigation against Florida State's Jameis Winston are due today. The Heisman hopeful could only be charged at this point -- not found guilty or innocent -- leaving voters of the award uneasy about which way to go should he be charged. (UPDATE: Winston will NOT be charged.)
- The Big-Ten has battled for respect in football but that may trickle over to basketball season as top-ranked Michigan State was downed by UNC last night.
- Mike Tomlin knows what he did but he won't fully admit it -- the NFL, however, doesn't care and has slammed the Steelers coach with a $100,000 fine.
- Melo says he isn't offended by criticism of the Knicks, says they are the "laughing stock" of the NBA.
- An Alabama fan left a 'Roll Tide' tip for their Auburn-fan waiter?
- Thinking of getting a little rowdy at an NBA game? Meet the 'red card' warning for spectators. [Image]
- Forget daylight savings time, how about "Daylight Saban Time" when you only turn back the clock one second. [Image]
- When you combine the genius of Ron Burgundy and Peyton Manning you get sports entertainment gold. [Video]
- Remember Keon Clark of the Raptors? He'll be watching NBA action from a prison cell for the next eight years.
- The NBA L-East? Only two playoff-eligible teams have a winning record in the Eastern Conference as we approach the first-quarter mark of the season.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
EA's most recent ratings update was pushed live a few days ago, and as usual, there are over 40 players who have had their stats affected in some way, good or bad.
Here are the tweaked players:
Hot Streak Players
- Dustin Penner Anaheim Ducks
- Andrej Sekera Carolina Hurricanes
- Patrick Kane Chicago Blackhawks
- Jonathan Toews Chicago Blackhawks
- Semyon Varlamov Colorado Avalanche
- Henrik Zetterberg Detroit Red Wings
- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Edmonton Oilers
- David Perron Edmonton Oilers
- Max Pacioretty Montreal Canadiens
- Marek Mazanec Nashville Predators
- Patrik Elias New Jersey Devils
- Rick Nash New York Rangers
- Clarke MacArthur Ottawa Senators
- Claude Giroux Philadelphia Flyers
- Matt Read Philadelphia Flyers
- Wayne Simmonds Philadelphia Flyers
- Sidney Crosby Pittsburgh Penguins
- Chris Kunitz Pittsburgh Penguins
- Evgeni Malkin Pittsburgh Penguins
- James Neal Pittsburgh Penguins
- Jaroslav Halak St. Louis Blues
Cold Streak Players
- Christian Ehrhoff Buffalo Sabres
- Matt Moulson Buffalo Sabres
- Mike Cammalleri Calgary Flames
- Jiri Tlusty Carolina Hurricanes
- Alex Goligoski Dallas Stars
- Sergei Gonchar Dallas Stars
- Kari Lehtonen Dallas Stars
- Tyler Seguin Dallas Stars
- Jonathan Huberdeau Florida Panthers
- Lars Eller Montreal Canadiens
- Adam Larsson New Jersey Devils
- Brad Richards New York Rangers
- Craig Anderson Ottawa Senators
- Mike Smith Phoenix Coyotes
- Kris Letang Pittsburgh Penguins
- Cody Franson Toronto Maple Leafs
- James van Riemsdyk Toronto Maple Leafs
- David Booth Vancouver Canucks
- Alex Burrows Vancouver Canucks
- Alexander Edler Vancouver Canucks
There are some deserving players on the list for hot streak boosts, including Dustin Penner for Anaheim, who notched five goals in three games against Calgary, Phoenix and Dallas. He was also a +2 in that span, and he piled up 10 shots and three hits in those contests as well.
Semyon Varlamov continues to get things done for Colorado (and for his EA boosts), with a 4-1-0 mark in his last five games. In that span, he's put up a sparkling save percentage of .947, and his GAA is at 1.74. All the more impressive when he faced 44 shots against Phoenix and managed to shutout St. Louis with a solid 19-save effort.
While he hasn't been an absolute madman, Rick Nash has still managed to lift the New York Rangers a great deal since his return, with a three-game stint where he put up three goals and two assists. He also had 9 shots in those contests as well as being a +4, and he's just made every player he's skated alongside that much better.
Pittsburgh just keeps dominating in general, and three of their players were highlighted: Sidney Crosby, Chris Kunitz and Evgeni Malkin. While Crosby has been reliable (6pts in 3gp) and Kunitz has done the same (6pts in 4gp), Malkin has just been beasting, with a nine-game point streak that has amounted to four goals and 15 assists. In the span EA likely looked at for this update, he's put up three goals and eight assists in five games. Crazy.
As for the bad boys this week, Brad Richards stands out, even though he's been doing okay in the last couple of days (as have the Rangers). Over a five-game span, Richards only had two points (1g,1a) and managed less than 10 shots while putting up a -3. When you're the leading scorer on a team, you have to be held to account, but so it goes for streaky players like Richards.
Lars Eller has also been stinking it up for Montreal, with a measly two assists in his last eight games. He's a -1 in that time, and he's somehow only managed eight shots -- yes, only eight -- in those same amount of games. Also, and I always find that this correlates, he's only had five hits across that time, which doesn't compare too well with earlier in the season where he actually put up some good hit numbers.
Alex Burrows continues to substitute bagels for goals in Vancouver, and now he's got a broken jaw for his trouble. Even though he's only had three assists since he's come back from his first injury, you only have to look at Burrows' last five games before getting injured again, where he had zero points and was a -2. He did have a meaningful hit blip against Ottawa with seven total hits, but two of the games in his last five featured zero-hit performances.
Mike Smith on Phoenix is having a bit a rough go of it in net, but I do have to feel a bit sorry for him getting punished by EA here. On the one hand, he did have a stretch of four games recently where he went 0-3-1 and let in 15 goals in those four games. However, that doesn't always tell the tale, as he faced stiff competition from the likes of Chicago, Colorado, Anaheim and Nashville. Not an easy slate of opponents for any goalie.
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Follow me on Twitter @glennwigmore
11:53 AM - December 4, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Sound Off on the Question of the Day and today's links in the comments section below.
- It's not your grandfather's MLB anymore: Former Boston player Jacoby Ellsbury has chosen the Yankees as his new home.
- Philadelphia and Orlando may not be title contenders but they definitely put on a show last night, including two triple-doubles.
- Hopefully he won't regret it the way Matt Barkley did -- Oregon QB Marcus Mariota has announced he will return for his junior season.
- Former Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson is entertaining an offer from New York's other team -- could be a Met soon.
- A decision he might regret? Robinson Cano may end up in Seattle if top-dollar is his main concern.
- LSU's slightly disappointing season may end on a sour note as QB Zach Mettenberger reportedly has torn his ACL.
- Just go for it! A NYT article examines the "appropriate" times to punt, go for it, or kick a field goal -- compared to what NFL coaches actually do. [Image]
- A white dude in China convinces everyone that he's Roger Federer. [Video]
- Can Michigan State actually beat Ohio State for the B1G title?
- Not only is Brett Favre still involved in football, he's coaching in the Mississippi High School championships.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
11:53 AM - December 3, 2013. Written by jmik58
Top Sports News for Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Sound Off on the Question of the Day and today's links in the comments section below.
- Some Alabama fans have filed a petition through Change.org claiming Chris Davis stepped out of bounds -- calling for an overtime redo of Saturday's Iron Bowl matchup.
- Not only do Bama and Auburn fans hate each other, but one Crimson Tide loyalist gunned down another at a party for not caring enough about Alabama's loss.
- 'Twas the Night After Auburn: One fan pens a Christmas poem parody inspired by Saturday's game.
- After much speculation yesterday about the next head coach, USC has reached back into the past for current Washington coach and former Trojan assistant Steve Sarkisian.
- Spygate or Jokegate? Texans defender Antonio Smith says he was just playing around about New England cheating again.
- Hockey fans shower the ice with 25,000 teddy bears after Calgary Hitmen goal.
- In case you forgot: A history of college football's conference realignment madness.
- Seattle looks nearly unbeatable after dropping the nine-win saints in dominating fashion Monday night.
- Washington nabbed pitcher Doug Fister from the Tigers on Monday as part of a trade to bolster the Nats' rotation.
- Too little, too late: The NFL says its officials goofed near the end of the Redskins-Giants game with first-down mixup.
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