Updated Week 17 Key Match-Ups With Results

NFL Key Games To Watch For: Week 17 Edition

*Updated with Results 10:34pm MT 12/30/12*

Well I went 6-1 in picking these games with my only miss being in the +Houston Texans at +Indianapolis Colts game. This means Houson slides down to the 3rd seed for the playoffs, Denver takes the #1 seed and New England takes the #2 seed. This will force Houston to play in the Wild Card round next Saturday against the +Cincinnati Bengals. Wild Card round coverage will follow later this week!

Houston at Indianapolis- 1:00pm ET

This game features two teams that have already locked up playoff births, but for Houston this is a very important game. A win means they lock up home field advantage on their path to the Super Bowl. For Indianapolis, this is more of a tune-up game on their way to the playoffs. But the last thing Indianapolis wants to do is to give their division rivals take the #1 AFC seed. For me, this is time for Houston to prove that they are the best team in the AFC and put a beating on Indy on their own field. If not, people are going to continue to question them as the best in the AFC. I still have my questions about this team because they have been wildly inconsistent and have beat some bad teams by narrow margins, and have allowed many teams that shouldn't measure up to them stick around. If Houston can go out and handle Indy, I think they have to be a favorite to reach at least the AFC Championship game.

Prediction: 28-17 Houston Wins. Maintain #1 Seed

Actual: 28-16 Indianapolis Wins. Houston slides to #3 Seed, Indy maintains #5 seed.

Kansas City (2-13) at Denver (12-3)- 4:25pm ET

On paper this game should be a huge blow-out in Denver's favor, and I think it will be. Many things are on the line for Denver though, and that is why it is a key game to watch. With a win for Denver they lock up a first round bye, and if Houston loses in addition to Denver's win the Broncos will be the #1 seed and secure home field advantage through the AFC Championship game. If the Broncos lose, they can still be the #2 seed with a Patriots loss, but if the Patriots win with a Broncos loss, Denver slips to the #3 seed. This could be very bad for them because then they lose the first round bye. If they do win in the first round as the #3 seed, they must be on the road for their next game.

Although I think this will be an easy win for Denver, division games are sometimes very tough to pick. Kansas City has nothing to lose and should be willing to take risks they normally wouldn't. A Peyton Manning led team shouldn't overlook an opponent, but there is also that risk for Denver. Being a Raiders fan, I really want to see Kansas City pull this one off, but I'm not holding my breath.

Prediction: 34-10 Denver Wins. Maintain #2 Seed

Actual: 38-3 Denver Wins. Obtains #1 Seed and home field advantage throughout AFC playoffs

Miami (7-8) at New England(11-4)- 4:25pm ET

This is another game that should be a forgone conclusion, but the NFL has done a good job of scheduling division rivals towards the end of the year so that teams will play for pride. Miami has been surprisingly good at times this year and they should have a shot if they play their game and run the ball well. Especially with the performances that the Patriots have been throwing out there lately. Last week was an embarrassment for the Patriots, as they almost lost to a 2 win team in Jacksonville. The performance sparked Tom Brady, and afterwords he and other veteran leaders scolded the team for the poor performances in the past few weeks.

I think the Patriots will rebound with all that is on the line. With a win they could be anywhere from the #1-3 seed depending on what Houston and Denver do. New England will play motivated and barring a huge performance from Miami I think they will sneak away with a win, especially at home in front of their fans.

Prediction: 24-20 New England Wins. Maintain #3 Seed

Actual: 28-0 New England Wins. Secure #2 seed & 1st round bye.

Green Bay (11-4) at Minnesota (9-6)- 4:25pm ET

Although Green Bay has secured the NFC North, they still have one more thing to accomplish, a first round bye. With a win, they will obtain that as well as home field till the NFC title game. Teams that still remain in the mix for the #2 seed are San Francisco (10-4-1) and Seattle (10-5). Minnesota needs a win or an array of losses coupled with their own to maintain the #6 seed. The easiest way for them to ensure that they remain in it is win. The Bears, Giants, and Cowboys are looking to swoop up that final spot if Minnesota lets it slip through their grasp. 

This game is usually a close one, with many lead changes. Both teams feature high power threats on offense. For Green Bay, they feature one of the top passing attacks in the league. Featuring Aaron Rodgers and his cast of above average receivers, they are very difficult for even the most stout defense to stop. 

For Minnesota, they face a man on a mission to break a record against a bitter rival. Adrian Peterson is 208 yards short of Eric Dickerson's all time record. The Vikings will look to ride him to victory, and give him a chance to make history on the last game of the regular season. Buckle up folks, this one is going to be a fun game to watch. I think Adrian will get the record and keep Aaron Rodgers off the field enough to lead the Vikings to an upset win, and keep Green Bay from getting the first round bye.

Prediction: 24-21 Minnesota Wins. Become #6 Seed Green Bay Becomes #3 Seed

Actual: 37-34 Minnesota Wins. Seeding as above

St. Louis (7-7-1) at Seattle (10-5)- 4:25pm ET

This is a story of two teams heading in very different directions. St. Louis has been somewhat surprising to me that they have won 7 games this season, as they have looked far from a 7 win team at times. While Seattle looks primed to make a run at history this year, simply dismantling the last three teams they have played (including division leading San Francisco.)

This game to me shouldn't even be competitive, but because it has playoff implications it must be included. If Seattle takes care of business and San Francisco loses, Seattle will be crowned NFC West champions. Couple that with a Green Bay loss, and Seattle will be the #2 seed heading into the playoffs. More about that below. 

Prediction: 42-7 Seattle Wins. Become #5 Seed

Actual: 20-13 Seattle Wins. Become #5 Seed

Arizona (5-10) at San Francisco (10-4-1)- 4:25pm ET

Another matchup featuring a heavy favorite in San Francisco. This is another game that I think will just purely be one-sided. Arizona has looked pathetic after winning their first 4 to start the season. Besides one good showing against Detroit, this team has been dead on arrival for most of their 11 contests after that 4-0 start. 

San Francisco has looked anything from awful to unbeatable since making the move at QB to put in rookie Colin Kaepernick after Alex Smith sustained a concussion. They have been wildly inconsistent under the rookie signal caller, but it shouldn't be much of a stretch to think that they can handle this visiting Cardinals team. I won't spend much time here because I don't believe that this should be much of a game. 

Prediction: 35-10 San Francisco Wins. Become #2 Seed

Actual: 27-13 San Francisco Wins. Become #2 Seed

Dallas (8-7) at Washington (9-6)- 8:20pm ET

Dallas at Washington could be a game that we talk about for years if the winner does anything special in the playoffs, and I would call this the Game of the Week. It's going to be on prime time television for Sunday Night Football, and they couldn't have picked a better match-up to feature. 

These two teams have been bitter rivals for what seems like ages, and this game should come down to the wire. During their last meeting on Thanksgiving, Washington ran away with the game until the very end when Dallas made a desperate comeback that fell short. Robert Griffin III will be healthy and it should be another high scoring shootout. This is a winner-takes-all game, as the winner will advance to the playoffs and the loser goes home for the long offseason. 

As a fan, I would love to see Washington win this game and head to the playoffs. They have a solid young core of exciting players in RGIII and Alfred Morris, I don't think they have a good enough team to make a solid playoff run, but they are exciting and stay in most games. I also like seeing new blood in the playoffs, and the Skins haven't gone in a while. Plus, it's never bad seeing the Dallas Cowboys lose. 

Prediction: 27-21 Washington Wins. Secures #4 Seed

Actual: 28-18 Washington Wins. Secures #4 Seed

Black Monday Coaching Decisions

GM's and Coaches on the Way Out

Highly Possible-

A.J. Smith & Norv Turner (San Diego Chargers)- Turner and Smith are all but a certain casualty. When Norv Turner took over this team, they were coming off of a 14-2 season. He and Smith have turned this team into a garbage fest, one terrible move after another. I'm surprised he lasted through last year, quite honestly and I'd be surprised if any other team would give either of these guys a chance.

Andy Reid (Philadelphia Eagles)- Andy is out after 14 years with the Eagles. He is a great coach, and will probably land with another team in the coming days. Honestly I think he should take a year off and wait for a better opportunity, unless he can get on with the Cowboys. But, if he takes the Cowboys position, I think Jerry Jones should give up some of his control to Reid. That could be an interesting pairing, one that would probably benefit Dallas.

Jason Garrett (Dallas Cowboys)- This one is not official yet, and may be one that takes some time to decide. Ultimately, I think Garrett loses his job. He has a lot of talent on the roster in what was a very weak division this year and had an 8-8 record. Garrett has taken a huge fall from when he was once the most sought after coordinator for a head coaching position, to now he'll be lucky to hang onto his job. He will catch on with someone else as a coordinator though.

Tom Heckert & Pat Shurmer (Cleveland Browns)- Cleveland is cleaning house again. After a few disappointing seasons under these two, they decided to collect the cards and reshuffle. This could be an interesting job to have as there are pieces in place to have a successful run. A new quarterback is a must though. With Alex Smith, Michael Vick, Carson Palmer, Matt Cassel and more to soon be on the market if the teams decide to cut ties with them, this team could grab up a veteran to take the reins.

Scott Pioli & Romeo Crennel (Kansas City Chiefs)- For now it looks like Pioli may hold onto his job, but Crennel is a foregone conclusion. Tough hand dealt to Crennel as the team rebounded late last year under him, but then the team cut ties with Kyle Orton who led the team to those few late wins last season. This team has a lot of talent on defense and some weapons on offense, given the right coach and a new quarterback, this team could have a lot of success next season.

Lovie Smith (Chicago Bears)- Lovie is out in Chicago after a 10-6 season and narrowly missing the playoffs. My thoughts are that he didn't deserve to lose his job. This is a great team on both sides of the ball, but they commit too many turnovers. This is another quarterback problem in my opinion. Jay Cutler commits way too many of them and he has a track record of losing. I don't see Jay Cutler winning a Super Bowl, to me he is not a winner. His attitude and lack of interest is off-putting to many people including me, and most people don't like him.

Ken Whisenhunt (Arizona Cardinals)- Whisenhunt is a great coach, but this is a terrible team. After winning their first 4 games. They went on to lose 11 of their next 12. I don't think any coach deserves to keep his job after losing 11 of 12. I believe he will flourish on a new team that is better constructed such as the Bears or Chiefs.

Buddy Nix & Chan Gailey (Buffalo Bills)- Chan Gailey is out, Buddy Nix appears to be safe for now. This team feels to me like a team that under-performed this year but there is talent here. With a new coach they can either take steps forward or steps back. They have a few weapons on both sides of the ball to build around, but I don't know if they are ready to compete anytime soon.

Mike Tannenbaum & Rex Ryan (New York Jets)- Tannenbaum is gone, and Rex Ryan appears safe for now. He will have to meet with the new GM to discuss his job, but I don't see him holding onto it unless the new GM doesn't see any better options. I think Ryan is a good coach when he's worried about coaching, but he's usually just worried about running his mouth. This team is probably going to clean house on the roster, because this seems like one of the teams with the worst team chemistry. I don't know if they will get rid of Mark Sanchez because of his contract, but he's not a starter anymore.

Gene Smith & Mike Mularkey (Jacksonville Jaguars)- Smith is out for sure, Mularkey safe for now. This team was awful this year, but Chad Henne came in and gave them a spark. It looks like Gabbert is not the quarterback of the future, and they will have the #2 overall pick in the draft coming up so we'll see what they do with it. But I don't see this team getting much better soon.

Possible (Unlikely)

Dennis Allen (Oakland Raiders)- Oakland has been linked with Jon Gruden once again, and although they have denied that they have had any contact, it could be an interesting pairing. Gruden was the last coach to have a winning season in Oakland besides Bill Callahan in the one season following Gruden (riding on his coattails.) I would be interested to see a reunion, although that would be pretty unfair to Dennis Allen. Oakland is looking for a stable environment to rebuild around, and making another one season coach is not a good start. But, if you can pull Gruden away from the booth to coach up this team, I think you have to grab that opportunity. Allen doesn't have a huge contract so that won't be a major issue, but he wasn't given a very good hand to play with if this was his only season in Oakland.

Mike Munchak (Tennessee Titans)- For now Munchak appears to be safe, but after more discussions he may be let go. More on this as it progresses.

Attending Sporting Events for Dummies - 101

I have made it a tradition for the past couple of years to make an annual pilgrimage to Salt Lake City, Utah, to root for my favorite sports team (AKA: The Utah Jazz). I went twice when I was a young lad, back in the days of Stockton, Malone, and Hornacek. Once saw the Spurs, then sporting David Robinson and a young Tim Duncan. Another time saw the Washington Wizards, starring none other than...... On second thought no one special ever really played for the Wizards. Maybe MJ but that wasn't anything special, and he wasn't on the team yet. So, we'll leave it at "I saw the Wizards". As an adult, I decided to make this a regular thing. So, with some experience under my belt, and making some preparations for my next adventure, I find it fitting to share some tips I have learned.

Tip #1 - Buying the Tickets
First, who do you want to see play your team. That's sort of the obvious choice right their. But don't get all ticket happy and log on to your teams website to buy tickets. Sure, the ticket price may be $8, but once you get to checkout, after taxes and fees, that ticket may very well be $20. For me, I have bought all my tickets off of Ebay. Look around, and make sure your searching for the correct event. A lot of times, that $8 ticket really will only cost you $8 this way. I have found some season ticket holders will sell unwanted tickets this way, which will put the ticket at a relatively low price. But basic economics applies as well, supply and demand. If you want two nosebleed tickets to see the Miami Heat, you may be paying a great deal this way, as oppose to the Charlotte Bobcats. If you want to see a high profile team, DO check those team sites first, or try to get them during pre-season sales. Second hand sellers will make as much profit as they think they can. And make sure your seller is reliable. scorebig.com is another source you can try to get your tickets at a steeply discounted price. In short, shop around!

Tip #2 - Lodging
Especially when traveling distances to attend an event, you may want to take in to consideration if you want to stay a day or two. My experience is it snows every time, with out fail. Do some hotel shopping. Best practice, find the most inexpensive hotel possible that is as close to the arena as possible. Our last visit, we were a block from the arena, and the mall. Advantages to doing this is parking your car at the hotel avoids garage fees, and the huge traffic mess. We were back to our room before we would have even been able to find our car, if we didn't do this.

Tip #3 - Fill Up, Pack Light
Concessions at event are pricey. Very very pricey. Don't wait to eat until you arrive  but also don't drink so much that you need to hug the urinals. They don't have monitors in the restrooms, and the only action you hear is the guy in the third stall down. Don't indulge in the game if your on a budget. Essentials will keep you some green. Also, don't bring to much in. Everything you have walking in, is what you will walk around with. You can't just park your stuff and trust that it will be their when you come back.

Tip #4 - Your Surroundings
Where you sit, sort of determines how you should be acting. Upper bowl is actually pretty quiet for a sporting event. We had conversations with our neighbors last time we were up their. Standing and shouting only makes you look stupid. Lower bowl, on the other hand, you look quite stupid if your NOT standing and shouting. In addition, the excitement in lower bowl is unbelievably amazing. You will loose your voice, guaranteed.

Tip #5 - Attire
Preferably wear clothing that supports the home team, or be horribly ridiculed by the locals. At least make sure whatever team your sporting IS ACTUALLY playing... (true story) Recycle old clothing if at all possible. (My apologies to whoever this is for using you without permission)

Tip #6 - Watch Your Step
People put things wherever their please, so watch where you walk when trying to navigate through the isles. Spilling a persons beer is pretty close the equivalent of killing their mother. After all, it cost them $6 for that one cup.

Tip #7 - Take a Picture With the Mascot

#39- A Stellar Career Could Be Over

Today I read an article on Steven Jackson hinting at a possible retirement after this season. Here is the link on NFL.com http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000117789/article/steven-jackson-hints-he-could-retire-from-nfl-at-age-29.

I would recommend reading this article by Marc Sessler. I especially enjoyed Steven Jackson's remark about going out like Barry Sanders, with people wanting more. As opposed to going out too late as so many athletes have. Although only the individual knows when they are ready to put up their cleats.

I just wanted to take a moment to discuss a truly amazing athlete who carried a team through hard times, and then into a rebuilding era. He was the face of his franchise when there were no other star players in St. Louis.

As long as Steven can carry the ball for 10 yards this week, that will make for his 8th 1000 yard season in a row. This is a remarkable feat in itself, especially in the pass-oriented league we watch today. He has over 10,000 yards in his career, along with 56 touchdowns over the last nine years. Add in another 3000+ yards in receiving and you have a running back that was deadly in all facets of the game. Aside from his ability with the ball, Steven is an excellent blocker out of the backfield. He always seemed to be able to pick up the blitz, or assist a lineman with a blown block. A true team player who took abuse for 9 years between the tackles.

I think Steven Jackson's effect on this team will continue even if his career is fated to end this off season. He has been effective enough in the run game to allow his young and talented quarterback, Sam Bradford, the ability to get the ball to his wide receivers. When you played the Rams, you stacked 8 men in the box. You had to, or #39 was gonna have the highlight reel.

Some may argue that the Rams haven't really been a threat since Steven Jackson has been there. While I would be hard pressed to try to argue that, can you imagine the Rams without him the last nine years. Where would that offense have been? How about the beginning of Sam Bradford's career, how much tougher would he have had it without Steven drawing the defenses attention away.

As a fan of the game in general, I truly enjoyed watching Steven Jackson play for the last nine years. I would love to watch him play for a few more, but if it is his time to walk away, I just want to say thank you Steven.


A thankful fan,
Kyle Gilmore

NFL Week 17 Key Matchups & Results

NFL Key Games To Watch For: Week 17 Edition

*Updated with Results 10:34pm MT 12/30/12*

Well I went 6-1 in picking these games with my only miss being in the +Houston Texans at +Indianapolis Colts game. This means Houson slides down to the 3rd seed for the playoffs, Denver takes the #1 seed and New England takes the #2 seed. This will force Houston to play in the Wild Card round next Saturday against the +Cincinnati Bengals. Wild Card round coverage will follow later this week!

Houston at Indianapolis- 1:00pm ET

This game features two teams that have already locked up playoff births, but for Houston this is a very important game. A win means they lock up home field advantage on their path to the Super Bowl. For Indianapolis, this is more of a tune-up game on their way to the playoffs. But the last thing Indianapolis wants to do is to give their division rivals take the #1 AFC seed. For me, this is time for Houston to prove that they are the best team in the AFC and put a beating on Indy on their own field. If not, people are going to continue to question them as the best in the AFC. I still have my questions about this team because they have been wildly inconsistent and have beat some bad teams by narrow margins, and have allowed many teams that shouldn't measure up to them stick around. If Houston can go out and handle Indy, I think they have to be a favorite to reach at least the AFC Championship game.

Prediction: 28-17 Houston Wins. Maintain #1 Seed

Actual: 28-16 Indianapolis Wins. Houston slides to #3 Seed, Indy maintains #5 seed.

Kansas City (2-13) at Denver (12-3)- 4:25pm ET

On paper this game should be a huge blow-out in Denver's favor, and I think it will be. Many things are on the line for Denver though, and that is why it is a key game to watch. With a win for Denver they lock up a first round bye, and if Houston loses in addition to Denver's win the Broncos will be the #1 seed and secure home field advantage through the AFC Championship game. If the Broncos lose, they can still be the #2 seed with a Patriots loss, but if the Patriots win with a Broncos loss, Denver slips to the #3 seed. This could be very bad for them because then they lose the first round bye. If they do win in the first round as the #3 seed, they must be on the road for their next game.

Although I think this will be an easy win for Denver, division games are sometimes very tough to pick. Kansas City has nothing to lose and should be willing to take risks they normally wouldn't. A Peyton Manning led team shouldn't overlook an opponent, but there is also that risk for Denver. Being a Raiders fan, I really want to see Kansas City pull this one off, but I'm not holding my breath.

Prediction: 34-10 Denver Wins. Maintain #2 Seed

Actual: 38-3 Denver Wins. Obtains #1 Seed and home field advantage throughout AFC playoffs

Miami (7-8) at New England(11-4)- 4:25pm ET

This is another game that should be a forgone conclusion, but the NFL has done a good job of scheduling division rivals towards the end of the year so that teams will play for pride. Miami has been surprisingly good at times this year and they should have a shot if they play their game and run the ball well. Especially with the performances that the Patriots have been throwing out there lately. Last week was an embarrassment for the Patriots, as they almost lost to a 2 win team in Jacksonville. The performance sparked Tom Brady, and afterwords he and other veteran leaders scolded the team for the poor performances in the past few weeks.

I think the Patriots will rebound with all that is on the line. With a win they could be anywhere from the #1-3 seed depending on what Houston and Denver do. New England will play motivated and barring a huge performance from Miami I think they will sneak away with a win, especially at home in front of their fans.

Prediction: 24-20 New England Wins. Maintain #3 Seed

Actual: 28-0 New England Wins. Secure #2 seed & 1st round bye.

Green Bay (11-4) at Minnesota (9-6)- 4:25pm ET

Although Green Bay has secured the NFC North, they still have one more thing to accomplish, a first round bye. With a win, they will obtain that as well as home field till the NFC title game. Teams that still remain in the mix for the #2 seed are San Francisco (10-4-1) and Seattle (10-5). Minnesota needs a win or an array of losses coupled with their own to maintain the #6 seed. The easiest way for them to ensure that they remain in it is win. The Bears, Giants, and Cowboys are looking to swoop up that final spot if Minnesota lets it slip through their grasp. 

This game is usually a close one, with many lead changes. Both teams feature high power threats on offense. For Green Bay, they feature one of the top passing attacks in the league. Featuring Aaron Rodgers and his cast of above average receivers, they are very difficult for even the most stout defense to stop. 

For Minnesota, they face a man on a mission to break a record against a bitter rival. Adrian Peterson is 208 yards short of Eric Dickerson's all time record. The Vikings will look to ride him to victory, and give him a chance to make history on the last game of the regular season. Buckle up folks, this one is going to be a fun game to watch. I think Adrian will get the record and keep Aaron Rodgers off the field enough to lead the Vikings to an upset win, and keep Green Bay from getting the first round bye.

Prediction: 24-21 Minnesota Wins. Become #6 Seed Green Bay Becomes #3 Seed

Actual: 37-34 Minnesota Wins. Seeding as above

St. Louis (7-7-1) at Seattle (10-5)- 4:25pm ET

This is a story of two teams heading in very different directions. St. Louis has been somewhat surprising to me that they have won 7 games this season, as they have looked far from a 7 win team at times. While Seattle looks primed to make a run at history this year, simply dismantling the last three teams they have played (including division leading San Francisco.)

This game to me shouldn't even be competitive, but because it has playoff implications it must be included. If Seattle takes care of business and San Francisco loses, Seattle will be crowned NFC West champions. Couple that with a Green Bay loss, and Seattle will be the #2 seed heading into the playoffs. More about that below. 

Prediction: 42-7 Seattle Wins. Become #5 Seed

Actual: 20-13 Seattle Wins. Become #5 Seed

Arizona (5-10) at San Francisco (10-4-1)- 4:25pm ET

Another matchup featuring a heavy favorite in San Francisco. This is another game that I think will just purely be one-sided. Arizona has looked pathetic after winning their first 4 to start the season. Besides one good showing against Detroit, this team has been dead on arrival for most of their 11 contests after that 4-0 start. 

San Francisco has looked anything from awful to unbeatable since making the move at QB to put in rookie Colin Kaepernick after Alex Smith sustained a concussion. They have been wildly inconsistent under the rookie signal caller, but it shouldn't be much of a stretch to think that they can handle this visiting Cardinals team. I won't spend much time here because I don't believe that this should be much of a game. 

Prediction: 35-10 San Francisco Wins. Become #2 Seed

Actual: 27-13 San Francisco Wins. Become #2 Seed

Dallas (8-7) at Washington (9-6)- 8:20pm ET

Dallas at Washington could be a game that we talk about for years if the winner does anything special in the playoffs, and I would call this the Game of the Week. It's going to be on prime time television for Sunday Night Football, and they couldn't have picked a better match-up to feature. 

These two teams have been bitter rivals for what seems like ages, and this game should come down to the wire. During their last meeting on Thanksgiving, Washington ran away with the game until the very end when Dallas made a desperate comeback that fell short. Robert Griffin III will be healthy and it should be another high scoring shootout. This is a winner-takes-all game, as the winner will advance to the playoffs and the loser goes home for the long offseason. 

As a fan, I would love to see Washington win this game and head to the playoffs. They have a solid young core of exciting players in RGIII and Alfred Morris, I don't think they have a good enough team to make a solid playoff run, but they are exciting and stay in most games. I also like seeing new blood in the playoffs, and the Skins haven't gone in a while. Plus, it's never bad seeing the Dallas Cowboys lose. 

Prediction: 27-21 Washington Wins. Secures #4 Seed

Actual: 28-18 Washington Wins. Secures #4 Seed

Turning Brooklyn

Brooklyn Nets Fire Head Coach Avery Johnson

"If I was owner I wouldn't have fired me." Avery Johnson said something along those lines in a press conference after being fired as head coach from the Brooklyn Nets. Dear Mr. Johnson... I'm not sure many people go to their boss and say "I think I deserve getting fired." I'm not sure what to think of the Nets. I think they need to fire Jay-Z for starters... Especially ban that dude from putting his hands into developing any more video games (See NBA 2k13). But, I personally think the management in the Nets organization has been boggling (btw, thank for the Favor). They have been huge at going after whatever big name they can. They got D-Will, eagerly going after Dwight Howard. Now, they are desperately going after Mr.Phil Jackson. I almost feel like they have been playing too many video games, just trying to get whatever big name they can on the team. With that, I can't help but think that this was their intentions. Fire their coach in hopes you can land the big one... Like they do with their players... Guys, work on rebuilding!!! Past that, they got some fish out there that may be worth digging around if indeed acquiring Phil Jackson falls through, which I predict I will. Will any of it do any good? Stop getting so star happy and you guys might start being okay. Which by the way, my Jazz have been equal or better than after depositing Sir Williams into Brooklyn. Something's going wrong a little higher in the organization here. Fix things a little higher up. That's my thought on that. The owners are jokes...

On a side note, I want to hand a congrats out to our boys in Laramie. I was very pleased when I saw the Wyoming Cowboys among Duke, Michigan, and Arizona as the remaining undefeated teams in college hoops (12-0). Great job Pokes!

Hideki Matsui Retires

Hideki "Godzilla" Matsui Calls It A Career

Hediki Matsui, a star in two lands has finally rode off into the sunset. After clubbing his way into the majors from his homeland Japan, and stints with four different teams, including a one year stop with my Oakland A's, he has decided to retire. He was a constant professional, and adjusted quickly to the constant media and fan pressure to perform under the bright lights of New York. Hideki was the first true power hitter to come from Japan, and he did not disappoint. He hit 332 home runs in his 10 year Japanese career, and tacked on another 175 at the MLB level. He also hit for a respectable .282/.360/.462 line in his 10 year MLB career. The peak of his career came in 2009 when he led the Yankees to a World Series victory in which he took home World Series MVP honors. The Yankees rewarded him by letting him walk in free agency in which he found a new home for the LA Angels. 

The rest of his career in the majors was statistically uninspiring as he saw all of his major batting categories fall in value. I would like to think that he did have an impact on all the teams that were lucky enough to have him on board. He was grateful for every opportunity given to him, and was a great clubhouse presence according to many of his previous teammates. He did provide a few exciting at-bats for Oakland back in 2011 that I can remember, for a team that was less than exciting to watch. 

Whatever he may do in the future, I'm sure he will succeed at. There is a good chance that he will return home to Japan and manage for a baseball team there. We may have not seen the last of Matsui in a major league uniform, although his return will be in a coaching role. For the right team, I believe he could be a great hitting coach. Here's to Godzilla and all the great memories he provided, even though most of them were in a Yankees uniform.