Tag Archives: Dez Bryant

Is there something in the water?

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. Elvis Dumervil (pictured above) was not all smiles this past Saturday.

By Josh Kramer

The first NFL preseason game is still 18 days away, but football is on the mind.  No sport these days even comes close to rivaling the popularity of NFL football (in the USA).  But with NBA free agency, MLB baseball, and The Open set to start tomorrow, one would think that the NFL would be an afterthought.  Unfortunately it isn’t.  I was happy to see Ray Rice and Matt Forte ink multiple year deals.  They are both very deserving.  Both of these major signings are not even the biggest news though.

NFL news is centering on Elvis Dumervil, Marshawn Lynch, and Dez Bryant.  Ever heard the expression no news is good news?  In this case, it would be.  Elvis Dumervil had a moment that could easily work its way into next seasons’ Jersey Shore script.  Marshawn Lynch turned beast mode into DUI mode.  And Dez Bryant, well he allegedly laid hands on his mother.  Is there something in the water?

Here are the three situations:

Elvis Dumervil first provided a little road rage.  I think we all have been guilty of some form of this at one point or another in our lives.  Then he provided a little shirt lifting.  I guess he is a very muscular guy.  Unfortunately, he had firearms on him.  This is where he crossed the line.  Why is an NFL defensive end going around waving a gun in broad daylight?  Finally, Dumervil then lied to the cops and tried to hide the gun.  Lying to the police is never a good idea.  Who else could envision this whole incident occurring on the next season of Jersey Shore? Continue reading

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Week 15 NFL Power Rankings: Giants Save Season With Comeback Win

Photo courtesy of zimbio.com. It appeared all over in Dallas after Dez Bryant (pictured above) scored on a 50-yard strike midway through the 4th. Sadly for the Cowboys, the lead did not hold up and it is a whole new ballgame in the NFC East now.

By Wesley Kaminsky

On 2nd and 11, with 5 minutes and 52 seconds left, the Cowboys led the Giants 27-22. Then, Tony Romo connected with a wide open Dez Bryant for a 50 yard touchdown, as the Cowboys took a 34-22 lead with 5:41 left. The Cowboys were about to end the Giants season and take control of the NFC East.

Eli Manning had something to say about that though. Manning orchestrated two beautiful drives as the Giants did the improbable, and won in Dallas 37-34, on a Jason Pierre-Paul blocked field goal. Now, it’s the Giants division to lose, and it might just come down to Week 17 when they meet again, at the Meadowlands.

That wasn’t the only thrilling finish in Week 14 though. T.J. Yates, in just his second career start, threw the game winning touchdown pass to Kevin Walter with two seconds left to lead the Texans to the franchises first playoff berth.

And then of course, there were the Broncos, who overcame a 10-0 deficit with 4:34 seconds remaining. The Bears are just another team on what is becoming a long list, who have been “Tebowed,” which has become the most popular expression of the 2011 NFL season. It’s amazing how much this Broncos team believes in Tim Tebow and I can’t say enough about it. The guy is just a winner. Continue reading

Stars younger than I

Photo courtesy of golf.com. Rory McIlroy (pictured above) is one of the young stars making major headlines in the sporting world.

By Grant Freking

In lieu of Father’s Day I thought I might come up with an interesting list of the best players in each sport. That is the best players in a sport that I am older than. That doesn’t make me their dad, but it does make me feel old. It also means I can refer to them as “kid” or “young fella.”

Baseball

Jason Heyward

The right-fielder for the Atlanta Braves is off to a slow start this season but he’s also been injury riddled to begin 2011. However, Heyward did finish second in the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year Voting behind San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey. Make no mistake about it, this 6-foot-5-inch, 240-pound athletic freak is the future of the Atlanta organization. Continue reading

“NFL Week 10 Predictions”

Eagle's Quarterback, Michael Vick (pictured above), sports the highest QB Passing Rating in the League. Can he lead Philly to a big Monday Night win in the nation's capital?

NFL Week 10 is already upon us.  The Falcons shocked the Ravens last night in the ATL with a major drive in the last 65 seconds of play.  Atlanta may be the cream of the crop in the NFC.  Or at least when they get to play at home.  Matt Ryan is now 18 and 1 all time as a NFL starting quarterback when playing at home.  Roddy White, even though he had a couple of drops, continues to put up MVP type numbers.

Do not sleep on the Ravens though.  They are still one of the AFC’s elite. 

Lets take a look at the Pick’em scoreboard.

TheSportsKraze:   73                          CV3:  78

I still got to make up a good amount of ground the expert out of Ohio University.

TheSportsKraze Picks:

Lions at Bills:  The Bills have been heartbroken 3 straight weeks.  That streak ends this week against a team that has lost 4 games by 5 or less points.  Sorry Lions.  I feel another heartbreaker coming this week in Buffalo.  Bills by 3 at home.

Vikings at Bears:  Brett Favre and his off field issues versus Da Bears.  It is a shame that Miss Sterger cannot start at linebacker alongside Urlacher and Briggs.  It won’t matter on this night.  The Vikings have way too much inner team turmoil to beat a tough Bear’s team in Chicago.  Bears by 7 at home.

Jets at Browns:  I know the Browns are hot.  I realize that they are coming off two big time wins over the Saints and Patriots.  But the Jets are my AFC favorite for a reason.  They run the ball with great efficiency and also stop the run as good as anybody.  The difference in this one will be the Brown’s inability to shut down the Jet’s vaunted rushing attack.  I got New York by 7 on the road.

Panthers at Buccaneers:  Tampa Bay is coming off a tough loss to the Falcons and really looking to demonstrate why they feel they are one of the NFC’s elite teams.  Well they are fortunate enough to get to play one of the NFL’s worst teams at home coming off of a loss.  The Panthers have been horrific in nearly every facet of the game all year.  The Buccaneers may struggle early, but look for Tampa to win by 10 at home.

Texans at Jaguars:  Both of these teams are tied in the AFC South Divisional race.  Honestly through 8 games, the Texans have been one of the League’s most dissapointing teams after showing so much promise early on.  They have a prolific offense that is arguably the most balanced in the League.  But they struggle to stop the pass.  Luckily for Houston, they are taking on a Jaguar squad with an anemic passing attack.  Look for Houston to steal one on the road by 7.

Bengals at Colts:  The Who Deys travel to Indy after a heartbreaking loss on Monday Night to the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.  I realize that the Colts are beat up at nearly every position (except quarterback).  But they have Peyton Manning.  I will admit I was utterly shocked to see Indy lose last week to Philly.  Do not expect them to lose for a 2nd week in a row though.  For the first time all year, I am picking against my home town team.  Colts by 7 at home.

Titans at Dolphins:  The 1st place Titans head down to Miami to take on a really inconsistent Miami team.  A Miami team that has not won a home game all season long.  Look for Chris Johnson to go wild after having a bye week to rest his legs.  Titans run away with this battle by 8 on the road.

Chiefs at Broncos:  I wanted to pick the Broncos to upset the KC boys in this one.  But I can’t do it.  The Chiefs have the number 1 rushing attack in the NFL.  Denver is the 2nd worst team in the League at defending against the run.  Expect big numbers out of the Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones.  KC by 13 on the road.

Cowboys at Giants:  America’s team heads to the Meadowlands to take on the G Men.  Arguably the NFC’s best team versus the NFC’s worst team.  I realize that Dallas has talent, but they have way too much inner turmoil and finger pointing going on to pull off this upset.  It may be a rivalry game, but the Giants have the best offensive and defensive balance in the NFC, and possibly the entire NFL.  Look for the Giants to make a statement with a 14 point win at home.

Seahawks at Cardinals:  The Seahawks head to Arizona after being thoroughly embarassed by the G Men last week.  Well expect the losing to continue.  Neither of these teams really stand out in any way.  I just know that the Seahawks looked like a mid level college team last week and I expect their horrific play to continue.  Cards by 9 at home.

Rams at 49ers:  These are two teams that have shocked the experts for opposite reasons.  One team has thoroughly exceeded expectations while the other has under achieved in a big way.  I think the Rams are much improved from last year’s embarassment, but I see them choking a big one on the road this week.  Expect Patrick Willis and the 49ers D to confuse rookie Sam Bradford late in the game on their way to a big 3 point victory at home.

Patriots at Steelers:  Two of the AFC’s best lock horns in the Sunday Night Game.  The Patriots were embarrassed by an Ohio team last week while the Steelers ripped another Ohio team’s heart out.  The Steelers continue to wow the entire League with their great defense and innate ability to win big games.  I normally would never pick a NE to lose coming off of a loss.  But I just think that the Steelers are too tough.  Pittsburgh by 1 in the best game of the week.

Eagles at Redskins:  The team that sports the quarterback with the highest QB rating flies into the nation’s capital for the primetime game of the week.  Can Mr. Vick continue to lead the Eagle’s high powered offense against one of the worst pass defenses in the League?  You better believe it.  Eagles over the Skins by 3 in the Monday Night Affair.

CV3’s Picks

Bills over Lions by 3
Vikings over Bears by 7
Jets over Browns by 3
Titans over Dolphins by 7
Buccaneers over Panthers by 14
Texans over Jags by 6
Chiefs over Broncos by 7
Cowboys (inspired with new coach) over Giants by 3
Cards over Seahawks by 1
Rams over 49ers by 6
Pats over Steelers by 3
Eagles over Redskins by 7
UPSET ALERT
Bengals over Colts by 3
They won’t miss the field goals this time

So there you have it.  The two major games to keep an eye on are the Patriots/Steelers rumble on Sunday Night and the Eagles/Redskins duel on Monday Night.

Also, I realize that CV3 and myself missed out on picking the Thursday Night Game.  But I would like to keep the format the same way and put out on picks on the Friday every week.  So the Thursday game will be a pass game every week, and one we get to watch for straight enjoyment.

It should be a great weekend in the NFL.

Stay tuned for the next edition of TheSportsKraze.

-TheSportsKraze

“NFL Week 9 Predictions”

Can the two-headed Chad Ochocinco and TO Show finally provide Cincinnati with the marquee victory they have been waiting for?

The NFL regular season is already half way over.  Hard to believe, but true nonetheless.  Randy Moss got traded, then cut, then passed up on by 21 teams.  Now he is a Titan.  Shawn Merriman was cut, then picked up by the worst team in the NFL, the Bills. The Cowboys and Vikings have a combined 3 wins between them.  The Chiefs and Raiders sit atop the AFC West.  And Brett Favre is making headlines for some dirty off the field business (okay that is not surprising).

This is why the NFL is the most exciting and parity filled professional sport we have in America.  Talk about an unpredictable first half.

Here is how the Pick’em scoreboard currently reads as we head into the 2nd half of the season.

TheSportsKraze:  65                          CV3:  70

I got some serious catching up to do..

TheSportsKraze:

Buccaneers at Falcons:  Two of the NFC’s best go to battle in the ATL.  Look for Roddy White to have a field day as the Falcons demonstrate NFC Supremacy by 7 at home.

Bears at Bills:  Da Bears vs the Bills.  This Bills team has lost 2 straight overtime games.  Well the 3rd time will be a charm as they finally notch one in the win column.  Bills by 1 at home.

Patriots at Browns:  The Patriots look to possibly be the elite team in the AFC again.  Maybe Moss was cancerous?  It will not matter in this one as the Patriots win by 10 at the Pound.

Jets at Lions:  The Jets are looking to make up for a very poor effort last week.  Outside of a couple of big plays for CJ, this game will not be close.  Look for the Jets to win on the road by 10.

Saints at Panthers:  The Panthers offensive ineptitude is scary in all aspects.  Look for the Saints to move to 6 and 3 with a 7 point victory on the road.

Dolphins at Ravens:  Miami is a tough team.  But the Ravens are tougher.  Look for Baltimore to ride their wide array of offensive weapons to a 7 point home victory.

Chargers at Texans:  Both of these teams made major realizations last week.  The Chargers realized that they should be winning and the Texans realize just how tough it is going to be to steel the AFC South from Peyton and Co.  Well sadly for the Texans, this week is not any easier as Phillip Rivers and the Chargers continue to figure out the winning formula.  Chargers by 3 on the road.

Cardinals at Vikings:  Neither of these teams have really shown much promise in any facet of the game.  I do like the Vikings at home by 6 with or without #4.

Giants at Seahawks:  The G Men are looking to make it rain in Seattle.  These are two teams heading in very different directions.  Matt Hassleback is in for a very long day against the Giant’s intimidating D-Line.  Giants by 10 on the road.

Colts at Eagles:  If I were the Eagles, I would fly away.  Peyton and the Indy Boys finally look to be getting in gear.  The hot streak will continue with a 13 point victory in the fighting city.

Chiefs at Raiders:  This is an absolutely intriguing matchup with much at stake.  Who would have imagined saying that 2 months ago?  Both of these teams can really run the ball with authority.  The only difference is KC can actually stop the run too.  Chiefs by 3 on the road in a great game.

Cowboys at Packers:  The Cowboys outside of Dez Bryant have been horrific in every way.  Though the Packers are beat up physically at many positions, they will have no trouble handling a dysfunctional Dallas team at home.  Cheeseheads by 10.

Steelers at Bengals:  What a Monday Night Thriller this will be for the people of Cincinnati.  This is a game that could make or break the Bengals entire season.  And true to my city, I got the Who Deys providing another Monday Night gem of a game that shocks the country.  The Bengals get up for this one and put on a dazzling show with a 1 point victory over the hated Steelers.

CV3 Picks:

Falcons over Bucs by 10

Bills over Bears by 3

Pats over Bowns by 7

Jets over Lions by 5

Vikes over Cards by 3

Saints over Panthers by 14

Ravens over Phins by 7

Chargers over Texans by 6

Gmen over Seahawks by 10

Chiefs over Raiders by 3

Pack over Boys by 14

Colts over Eagles by 10

Bengals over Steelers by 1- C’mon Bengals

This is really a great slate of games.  Who will reign supreme in the AFC West?  Can the Bengals save their season?  What a weekend of NFL Football this will be.

Stay tuned for the next edition of TheSportsKraze.

-TheSportsKraze

“NFL Week 8 Predictions”

Look for Peyton Manning (pictured above), to lead the Colts to a major victory on Monday Night Football.

The NFL scampers on to the near halfway point.  So far this year has been crazy, and expect it to get “scary” this weekend on Halloween.  The Cowboys are in dire trouble.  The Vikings are vastly underachieving and marred by Brett Favre issues.  Both teams out of New York are in first place and showing a true “Empire State of Mind.”  Neither of last year’s Super Bowl participants, the Colts nor Saints, are in first place in their divisions. And the injuries are mounting.

In the pick’em challenge, the scoreboard reads as follows:

TheSportsKraze:  59                             CV3:  62

TheSportsKraze Picks:

Dolphins at Bengals:  I cannot pick against the Who Deys at home.  They showed glimmers of life in the 3rd quarter last week.  I cannot see this talented group falling to 2 and 5 against a mediocre Miami team.  Bengals by 3 at home.

Jaguars at Cowboys:  America’s team looks to be a “one man team.”  Outside of Dez Bryant, this team has looked awful.  But for some reason, I am picking them to be able to slow down the Jaguars one-dimensional offense and regain some dignity at home.  Cowboys by 3.

Redskins at Lions:  I will admit that the Skins have thoroughly surprised me this season.  They have played close games pretty much every week, and gutted out 4 wins.  The Lions have lost many close games this year.  Sadly for Detroit, they are going to lose another close one at home by 1 this week.

Bills at Chiefs:  The Bills are the worst team at defending against the run in the NFL and the Chiefs are the best rushing team in the League.  Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones will power the KC boys at home by 10.

Panthers at Rams:  The Panthers gutted one out last week while the Rams lost a heartbreaker.  Look for a reversal of roles this week.  Expect Sam Bradford to put up numbers, as the Rams scrap out a nail biter at home by 3.

Packers at Jets:  My preseason Super Bowl pick right here.  Sadly, injuries have really hurt the Cheeseheads.  Still both teams are definite title contenders.  But look for the Jets overall balance both offensively and defensively to prove too much at home.  Jets by 1 in a wild one.

Broncos at 49ers:  The 49ers are arguably the NFL’s most disappointing team thus far.  The Broncos have also been underachievers.  Look for the 49ers to ride Frank Gore to a victory in front of Big Ben (London) by 6.

Titans at Chargers:    The Chargers have the number 1 ranked offense and number 1 ranked defense in the League! Yet they are 2 and 5. The Titans have been riding Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt offensively to a very strong start.  Look for the Chargers numbers to finally translate into wins.  SD by 3 at home.

Buccaneers at Cardinals:  The Buccaneers feel they are the best team in the NFC.  I am not so sure about that.  Look for the Cardinals to somehow grind out a victory by 7 at home over the supposed “NFC’s Best Team.”

Vikings at Patriots:  Will Brett Favre start?  Who cares!  No matter who the Vikings put under center, the Patriots will prove to be too much.  Moss will be regretting his departure as his “new” team gets spanked by his “old” team.  Pats by 10 at home.

Seahawks at Raiders:  Was that Raider’s performance legitimate last week?  The Raiders are great at pounding the ball on the ground while the Seahawks have been masterful at stopping the run.  Look for Seattle to “Rain” on the Raider’s parade with a 3 point road victory.

Steelers at Saints:  It is no longer last season.  The Saints are struggling offensively.  They hit new lows with a home loss to the lowly Browns last week.  Well things will continue to get worse as the Steeler’s D roughs Drew Brees up in front of a national television audience.  Steelers steal one on the road by 6.

Texans at Colts:  What a matchup this will be.  Definitely the week’s most exciting game.  Two great offenses putting on a show on Monday Night Football.  Do not expect Peyton Manning to lose two times to a divisional opponent.  It just doesn’t happen.  Colts by 3 at home.

CV3 Picks:

Jags over Boys by 10

Skins over Lions by 6

Chiefs over Bills by 14

Rams over Panthers by 7

Jets over Packers by 8

Broncos over 49er’s 10

Chargers over Titans by 3

Raiders over Seahawks by 7

Pats over Vikings by 9

Bucs over Cards by 6

Steelers over Saints by 7

Colts over Texans by 3

Bengals over Phins by 1

Almost halfway through the season with no undefeated teams. There is something to play for every single week. Look for some mid-level teams to try and make a push for the second half of the season this week.

Expect some spooky NFL action this Sunday.  Many teams will be trick or treating while others will be crying.  The wild NFL continues Sunday.

Stay tuned for the next edition of TheSportsKraze.

-TheSportsKraze

“NFL Overall Predictions”

TheSportsKraze has the Jets and Packers facing off in Super Bowl 45 on February 6th. Who do you have?

 Since Monday, I have been giving a somewhat in-depth (but not too in-depth) division by division breakdown for this upcoming year in the NFL.  It is never easy to pick the always unpredictable and parity filled League. But I am pretty confident in my picks and very excited for the first game come September.  

In summary, here are my NFL overall predictions: 

AFC East:  New York Jets, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills (in order of predicted finish) 

AFC East Champion:  New York Jets 

The Jets have had the best off-season of any team in the League.  They made a phenomenal run last year all the way to the AFC Championship game.  This team is better than last year’s squad and hungry to go all the way.  It all starts with capturing the AFC East Crown.  This team will be very fun to watch on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” television series. 

AFC West:  San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders (in order of predicted finish) 

AFC West Champion:  San Diego Chargers 

The Chargers have been holding court in the AFC West for well over 4 years now.  And why would it change this year?  Sure they need to figure out what the deal is with star receiver Vincent Jackson, but there is no reason why these guys should not capture a 5th straight West title.  The loss of LT may sting locker room morale, but look for the Chargers to possibly meet up with their old franchise player come playoff time. 

AFC South:  Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars (in order of predicted finish) 

AFC South Champion:  Indianapolis Colts 

Peyton Manning and the Colts have owned the AFC South for nearly a decade now.  This team is not only talented, but they are mentally tough, led by the game’s best quarterback.  Expect the Indy boys to make another deep run as they ride their star for yet another year. 

AFC North:  Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns (in order of predicted finish) 

AFC North Champion:  Cincinnati Bengals 

It is TO Mania at Georgetown College where the Bengals are holding training camp.  This team has both a strong offense and defense.  The Bengals possess the deepest and most talented team of the Marvin Lewis era.  Can they repeat as AFC North champs for the first time in my lifetime?  You better believe it as America gets to witness the “Ocho/TO Show,” aka  the  “Carson Palmer Show.” 

Wildcards:  Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots 

The Ravens in my opinion are one of the top few teams in the entire AFC.  They just unfortunately share a division with another one of the top couple of teams, the Bengals.  Finally, the Ravens have a receiving corps that makes this team have a solid offensive attack to go along with their always scary defense.  The Patriots are the Patriots.  They are not the most talented team this year, but they are led by the best coach in the game and the best big game quarterback in the game.  Expect these guys to have a solid year, but an early exit from the playoffs. 

AFC Championship:  New York Jets defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 

The Jets will knock the Bengals out of the playoffs for the second year in a row.  Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and the Jet’s secondary will be up to the challenge of stifling the Bengal’s very talented receiving corps. 

NFC East:  Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles (in order of predicted finish) 

NFC East Champion:  Dallas Cowboys 

So what if Dez Bryant does not want to be hazed by his teammates?  The guy has big time potential to help out an already strong passing attack led by Miles Austin, Jason Witten, and Tony Romo.  Could the Cowboys make this Super Bowl a home game?  We will find out come February 6th. 

NFC West:  San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams (in order of predicted finish) 

NFC West Champion: San Francisco 49ers 

Okay, so this is one of the weakest conferences in the entire NFL.  But the 49ers look to finally be somewhat back.  Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and the entire San Francisco Bay area will be very proud to see these guys make the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade (8 years). 

NFC South:  New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (in order of predicted finish) 

NFC South Champion:  New Orleans Saints 

The party on Bourbon Street is still going on from last year’s Super Bowl Championship.  Luckily for the Saints, most of the team has been kept intact.  Expect Drew Brees to lead these guys to another outstanding season. 

NFC North:  Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions (in order of predicted finish) 

NFC North Champion:  Minnesota Vikings 

This division has two of football’s best at the top.  Brett Favre (if he returns), will get the better of his former team in the regular season.  All eyes should be on the dates of October 24th and November 21st as these two powerhouses go head to head.  But watch out for the Packers come postseason time as they steamroll their former franchise player. 

Wildcards:  Green Bay Packers, New York Giants 

The Green Bay Packers are in my opinion the best team in the NFC.  They just have to deal with the second best team, the Minnesota Vikings, before their quarterback gets tired.  So these guys will be ready to roll come playoff time.  The Giants participate in football’s best conference top to bottom.  I just feel like they are the team who will find their way out of the 3 team battle between Philly, Washington, and themselves for 2nd place in the East, and the 2nd Wild Card spot. 

NFC Championship:  Green Bay Packers defeating the New Orleans Saints 

Revenge will be sweet for the Cheeseheads as they see Brett once again come up short of making his first appearance in a Super Bowl since 1997.  Will Brett go for it again in 2011-2012?  This game though will be an absolute aerial assualt, but the Packer’s ability to defend will help them come out victorious in a nail biter over the defending champion Saints. 

Super Bowl Prediction:  New York Jets defeating the Green Bay Packers 31 to 28. 

This will just be an absolutely outstanding game in all aspects, as football’s two best teams battle it out in Cowboys Stadium.  Expect Darrelle Revis to come up with some big time plays and help stifle the Packer’s amazing aerial attack.  Rex Ryan will make the whole media aspect of this game quite entertaining.  New York will go nuts. 

So there you have it.  Those are the predictions from TheSportsKraze for the upcoming NFL Season/Postseason. 

Let me hear your thoughts on what should be an outstanding year in the NFL. 

Stay tuned for the next edition of TheSportsKraze. 

-TheSportsKraze