It’s the last week of the NFL season. It’s the last week for picks. The mysterious, controversial and sometimes delusional Mr. X has a two game lead going into the final week of the season. Will he hold on?
Weekly standings
Colhoun 11-5
Meyers, Jones 10-6
X, Vanstone, Blair 9-7
Year to Date
X 164-76
Vanstone 162-78
Colhoun 161-79
Blair 160-80
Meyers 160-80
Jones 158-82
The sked
INDIANAPOLIS AT BUFFALO
NEW ORLEANS AT CAROLINA
JACKSONVILLE AT CLEVELAND
CHICAGO AT DETROIT
NEW ENGLAND AT HOUSTON
PITTSBURGH AT MIAMI
N.Y. GIANTS AT MINNESOTA
SAN FRANCISCO AT ST. LOUIS
ATLANTA AT TAMPA BAY
GREEN BAY AT ARIZONA
PHILADELPHIA AT DALLAS
KANSAS CITY AT DENVER
BALTIMORE AT OAKLAND
WASHINGTON AT SAN DIEGO
TENNESSEE AT SEATTLE
CINCINNATI AT N.Y. JETS
THE PICKS
Mr. X: Indy, Carolina, Jax, Hous, Min, SF, Atl, Pit, Chi, Dal, Den. Balt, Sea, SD Ariz, NYJ
Vanstone: Indy, NO, Jax, Phil, Chic, NE, Pitts, Minn. NYJ, SF, Atl, GB, Den, Balt, SD, Tenn
Colhoun: Indy, Clev, Chi, SF, Pitts, Minn, Atl, Caro, Hous, Phil, GB, SD, Tenn, Den, NYJ
Blair: Buff, Caro, Clev, Chi. NE, Pitts, Minn, SF, Atl, GB, Phil. KC, Balt, SD, Tenn, NYJ
Meyers: Indy, NO, Clev, NE, Minn, SF, Atl, Mia, Chi, Dal, Den, Balt, Ten, SD, GB, NYJ
Jones: Indy, Clev, Chi, SF, Pitts, Minn, Atl, Caro, Hous, Dall, Ariz, SD, Tenn, Den, Cin
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Switzerland To The Semis
Switzerland wasn't involved in the 2009 World Juniors. They had to fight their way back to the main pool by winning the B tournament to get into this year's event. They won't have to worry about being in Buffalo in 2011. In fact, they may head there with a medal of some colour.
The Swiss had never beaten the Russians at the World Juniors---until yesterday. Nino Niederreiter's 2nd goal of the game with less than a minute to go in overtime propelled Switzerland to a 3-2 upset. Niederriter, who plays for the Portland Winter Hawks, had sent the game into overtime with a goal in the last minute.
I don't know about you, but I was disappointed by the play of the Russians at this year's event. Their star player-Nikita Filatov-did not impress, their best player might have been goalie Igor Bobkov. Had it not been for his performance against Finland at the Brandt Centre, the Russians may have finished 3rd or worse in Pool B.
The other semi-final saw the Americans bounce back from that shootout loss to Canada by beating the Finns 6-2 in a game that was not as one-sided as the final indicates. It means Canada plays Switzerland in one semi while Sweden takes on the US in the other. I can't see the Swiss coming within three goals of the Canadians, but you have to play the game. It looks as if Tuesday's final will be a dandy with hockey fans either seeing a rematch of the last two gold medal games or a rematch of the New Year's Eve thriller.
I wonder what the atmosphere would be like if it was a Switzerland-US or Switzerland-Sweden final. Would it be sold out?
-------
The Pats are perfect in 2010. They get a pair from Carter Ashton in a 4-2 win over Lethbridge as they end their nine game losing streak. I notice on RP's blog that a couple of fans have indicated Colten Teubert, Brett Leffler and Jordan Eberle are about to be traded after the World Jrs. I don't see an outright no from Rod which makes me wonder if there is any creedence to any of this. If Teubert or Eberle get dealt, it will be interesting to see where they go and what they get in return.
------
Its the final Sunday in the NFL with some interesting games. The one I'm most interested in is the Eagles-Cowboys matchup. The winner wins the NFC East, the loser gets a wild-card spot. Green Bay is in Arizona and it could be that way next weekend in a playoff game as well. It looks like the Saints won't play Drew Brees and the Colts won't play Peyton Manning much. Denver goes into a must-win game against Kansas City without their top player as Brandon Marshall has been inexplicably de-activated by coach Josh MacDaniels. If KC pulls off the upset tomorrow(and something seems to tell me they might), MacDaniels may very well be one and done as a head coach in Denver. He has f##ed that franchise up real good. I think many people knew their 6-0 start was just a mirage. I don't even know if I can stomach watching the Seahawks finish off against Tennessee. Chris Johnson could run for 300 yards in that one.
-----
Andy Murray gets the boot in St. Louis. They have been a disappointment this year---especially at home. St. Louis has some tools for the future though in guys like David Perron, David Backes, TJ Oshie and Alex Pietrangelo. They might be ready to take a meteoric rise like Chicago did last season next season. Then again, Perron and Backes are nowhere near the calibre of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
------
I forgot to mention yesterday that perhaps the worst hockey movie ever made was on ESPN Classic. The movie I speak of is "Youngblood". That movie was bad when it was made in the mid 80's and its only worse today. I had to watch a little of it just to remind me how bad it was. The only redeeming part might have been Cynthia Gibb because she was cute, but after that, nothing. I don't think I'll ever see a Memorial Cup end on a penalty shot followed by a brawl in which everyone stands around and watches two guys go at it without anyone stepping in. PLEASE! BARRRFFFFF! I had forgotten though that Keanu Reaves was in that flick. However as I stated, that may be the worst hockey movie ever made if not one of the worst sports movies ever made. If it isn't the worst one ever made, you tell me what one is.
------
I didn't see UFC 108, but I can tell you UFC 112 will see the return of Georges St. Pierre to the octagon. The Montrealer, who is the welterweight champ, will meet Dan Hardy on March 27. St. Pierre has not fought since injuring himself while winning at UFC 100.
-----
Have a great Sunday!
The Swiss had never beaten the Russians at the World Juniors---until yesterday. Nino Niederreiter's 2nd goal of the game with less than a minute to go in overtime propelled Switzerland to a 3-2 upset. Niederriter, who plays for the Portland Winter Hawks, had sent the game into overtime with a goal in the last minute.
I don't know about you, but I was disappointed by the play of the Russians at this year's event. Their star player-Nikita Filatov-did not impress, their best player might have been goalie Igor Bobkov. Had it not been for his performance against Finland at the Brandt Centre, the Russians may have finished 3rd or worse in Pool B.
The other semi-final saw the Americans bounce back from that shootout loss to Canada by beating the Finns 6-2 in a game that was not as one-sided as the final indicates. It means Canada plays Switzerland in one semi while Sweden takes on the US in the other. I can't see the Swiss coming within three goals of the Canadians, but you have to play the game. It looks as if Tuesday's final will be a dandy with hockey fans either seeing a rematch of the last two gold medal games or a rematch of the New Year's Eve thriller.
I wonder what the atmosphere would be like if it was a Switzerland-US or Switzerland-Sweden final. Would it be sold out?
-------
The Pats are perfect in 2010. They get a pair from Carter Ashton in a 4-2 win over Lethbridge as they end their nine game losing streak. I notice on RP's blog that a couple of fans have indicated Colten Teubert, Brett Leffler and Jordan Eberle are about to be traded after the World Jrs. I don't see an outright no from Rod which makes me wonder if there is any creedence to any of this. If Teubert or Eberle get dealt, it will be interesting to see where they go and what they get in return.
------
Its the final Sunday in the NFL with some interesting games. The one I'm most interested in is the Eagles-Cowboys matchup. The winner wins the NFC East, the loser gets a wild-card spot. Green Bay is in Arizona and it could be that way next weekend in a playoff game as well. It looks like the Saints won't play Drew Brees and the Colts won't play Peyton Manning much. Denver goes into a must-win game against Kansas City without their top player as Brandon Marshall has been inexplicably de-activated by coach Josh MacDaniels. If KC pulls off the upset tomorrow(and something seems to tell me they might), MacDaniels may very well be one and done as a head coach in Denver. He has f##ed that franchise up real good. I think many people knew their 6-0 start was just a mirage. I don't even know if I can stomach watching the Seahawks finish off against Tennessee. Chris Johnson could run for 300 yards in that one.
-----
Andy Murray gets the boot in St. Louis. They have been a disappointment this year---especially at home. St. Louis has some tools for the future though in guys like David Perron, David Backes, TJ Oshie and Alex Pietrangelo. They might be ready to take a meteoric rise like Chicago did last season next season. Then again, Perron and Backes are nowhere near the calibre of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
------
I forgot to mention yesterday that perhaps the worst hockey movie ever made was on ESPN Classic. The movie I speak of is "Youngblood". That movie was bad when it was made in the mid 80's and its only worse today. I had to watch a little of it just to remind me how bad it was. The only redeeming part might have been Cynthia Gibb because she was cute, but after that, nothing. I don't think I'll ever see a Memorial Cup end on a penalty shot followed by a brawl in which everyone stands around and watches two guys go at it without anyone stepping in. PLEASE! BARRRFFFFF! I had forgotten though that Keanu Reaves was in that flick. However as I stated, that may be the worst hockey movie ever made if not one of the worst sports movies ever made. If it isn't the worst one ever made, you tell me what one is.
------
I didn't see UFC 108, but I can tell you UFC 112 will see the return of Georges St. Pierre to the octagon. The Montrealer, who is the welterweight champ, will meet Dan Hardy on March 27. St. Pierre has not fought since injuring himself while winning at UFC 100.
-----
Have a great Sunday!
Week 17 NFL Primer
UNPREDICTABLE PLAYOFF PARTICIPANTS: For the 14th consecutive season, five or more teams will qualify for the playoffs that were not in the postseason the year before. Cincinnati, Dallas, Green Bay, New England and New Orleans did not make the playoffs in 2008 but have done so this season.
This Sunday, that number may grow to as many as seven. Of the seven teams in contention for the final two AFC Wild Card playoff spots, four did not qualify for the postseason in 2008: Denver, Houston, Jacksonville and the New York Jets. Those clubs are in competition with Pittsburgh (Super Bowl XLIII champion), Miami (2008 AFC East champion) and Baltimore (2008 Wild Card team) for the remaining AFC playoff berths.
The teams since 1996 to make the playoffs a season after failing to qualify:
SEASON
PLAYOFF TEAMS NOT IN PREVIOUS SEASON’S PLAYOFFS
1996
5 (Carolina, Denver, Jacksonville, Minnesota, New England)
1997
5 (Detroit, Kansas City, Miami, New York Giants, Tampa Bay)
1998
5 (Arizona, Atlanta, Buffalo, Dallas, New York Jets)
1999
7 (Detroit, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Washington)
2000
6 (Baltimore, Denver, New Orleans, New York Giants, Oakland, Philadelphia)
2001
6 (Chicago, Green Bay, New England, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, San Francisco)
2002
5 (Atlanta, Cleveland, Indianapolis, New York Giants, Tennessee)
2003
8 (Baltimore, Carolina, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, New England, St. Louis, Seattle)
2004
5 (Atlanta, Minnesota, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, San Diego)
2005
7 (Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, New York Giants, Tampa Bay, Washington)
2006
7 (Baltimore, Dallas, Kansas City, New Orleans, New York Jets, Philadelphia, San Diego)
2007
6 (Green Bay, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Washington)
2008
7 (Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, Philadelphia)
2009
??? (Cincinnati, Dallas, Green Bay, New England, New Orleans)
* Of the seven teams in contention for the remaining two playoff spots in the AFC, four did not qualify for the postseason in 2008: Denver, Houston, Jacksonville and the N.Y. Jets.
NEW LEADERSHIP ATOP DIVISIONS: Entering Week 17, five divisions are guaranteed to have a different champion from last year. Minnesota, San Diego and Arizona are the only repeat division winners in 2009.
The teams that have clinched their division as well as potential division winners (in bold and italics) in 2009:
AFC EAST
AFC NORTH
AFC SOUTH
AFC WEST
NFC EAST
NFC NORTH
NFC SOUTH
NFC WEST
2008
Miami
Pittsburgh
Tennessee
San Diego
N.Y. Giants
Minnesota
Carolina
Arizona
2009
New England
Cincinnati
Indianapolis
San Diego
Dallas or
Philadelphia
Minnesota
New Orleans
Arizona
-- NFL --
YEAR OF THE QB: NFL quarterbacks are having a banner year. Eight QBs have each passed for at least 4,000 yards, already the most 4,000-yard passers in a single season in NFL history (seven in 2007). With one week to play, three others are within 300 yards of 4,000 – BRETT FAVRE (3,886), ELI MANNING (3,880) and KURT WARNER (3,722).
Nine quarterbacks have passed for 25 or more touchdowns in 2009. That number may grow in Week 17 as TONY ROMO (24), JAY CUTLER (23) and BEN ROETHLISBERGER (23) are each in range of the 25-TD milestone. The NFL record for the most quarterbacks with at least 25 touchdowns in a season is 10, which also occurred in 2007.
Five quarterbacks currently sport a passer rating of 100.0 or better, which would also be the most in a season in NFL annals (four in 1998 and 2004). Two others – MATT SCHAUB (99.1) and Roethlisberger (98.9) – are within 2.0 rating points of the mark with one game to play.
The quarterbacks with 4,000+ yards, 25+ touchdowns or a 100.0+ passer rating in 2009:
4,000 YARDS
25 TDs
100.0 PASSER RATING
PLAYER
YARDS
PLAYER
TDs
PLAYER
RATING
Matt Schaub
4,467
Drew Brees
34
Drew Brees
109.6
Peyton Manning
4,405
Peyton Manning
33
Philip Rivers
104.5
Drew Brees
4,388
Brett Favre
29
Brett Favre
104.3
Tom Brady
4,212
Aaron Rodgers
29
Aaron Rodgers
102.4
Aaron Rodgers
4,199
Tom Brady
28
Peyton Manning
101.0
Tony Romo
4,172
Eli Manning
27
Philip Rivers
4,155
Philip Rivers
27
Ben Roethlisberger
4,108
Matt Schaub
27
Kurt Warner
26
-- NFL --
SAINTS ALIVE!: Last week, New Orleans became the 12th team in NFL history to score 500 points in a season. The Saints, who have clinched homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, lead the league in scoring with 33.3 points per game.
With 27 points in Week 17 against Carolina, New Orleans will pass the Super Bowl XXXIV champion St. Louis Rams for the fifth-most points in a season in NFL history.
The teams with the most points scored in a season in NFL history:
YEAR
TEAM
POINTS
FINAL RECORD
ADVANCED TO
2007
New England Patriots
589
16-0
Super Bowl XLII
1998
Minnesota Vikings
556
15-1
NFC Championship
1983
Washington Redskins
541
14-2
Super Bowl XVIII
2000
St. Louis Rams
540
10-6
Wild Card
1999
St. Louis Rams
526
13-3
Won Super Bowl XXXIV
2009
New Orleans Saints
500*
13-2*
???
*Through 15 games
-- NFL --
JOHNSON CLIMBS THE CHARTS: Tennessee running back CHRIS JOHNSON has 2,355 scrimmage yards in 15 games (1,872 rushing, 483 receiving). Johnson, who already has the fifth-most scrimmage yards in a season in NFL history, needs 75 yards from scrimmage in the Titans’ regular-season finale against Seattle to surpass MARSHALL FAULK’s NFL record (2,429 in 1999).
Johnson also needs 128 rushing yards to become the sixth player in NFL history with 2,000 in a season.
The players with the most scrimmage yards in a season in NFL history:
YEAR
PLAYER
TEAM
SCRIMMAGE YARDS
1999
Marshall Faulk
St. Louis
2,429
2005
Tiki Barber
N.Y. Giants
2,390
2003
LaDainian Tomlinson
San Diego
2,370
1997
Barry Sanders
Detroit
2,358
2009
Chris Johnson
Tennessee
2,355*
*Through 15 games
The five players to rush for 2,000 yards in a season in NFL history:
YEAR
PLAYER
TEAM
RUSHING YARDS
1984
Eric Dickerson
L.A. Rams
2,105
2003
Jamal Lewis
Baltimore
2,066
1997
Barry Sanders
Detroit
2,053
1998
Terrell Davis
Denver
2,008
1973
O.J. Simpson
Buffalo
2,003
2009
Chris Johnson
Tennessee
1,872*
*Through 15 games
TOTAL PLAYERS: Chris Johnson and Cleveland’s all-purpose dynamo JOSHUA CRIBBS are both having historically productive seasons in terms of all-purpose yardage.
Cribbs leads the NFL with 2,405 total yards (1,502 kick return, 434 punt return, 334 rushing, 135 receiving) while Johnson ranks second with 2,355 yards (1,872 rushing, 483 receiving).
The players with the most total yards in a season in NFL history:
YEAR
PLAYER
COMBINED NET YARDS
2000
Derrick Mason, Tennessee
2,690
2002
Michael Lewis, New Orleans
2,647
1985
Lionel James, San Diego
2,535
1994
Brian Mitchell, Washington
2,477
1975
Terry Metcalf, St. Louis
2,462
2009
Joshua Cribbs, Cleveland
2,405*
2009
Chris Johnson, Tennessee
2,355*
*Through 15 games
-- NFL --
ANDRE THE GIANT: Following up his NFL-best 1,575 receiving yards in 2008, Houston wide receiver ANDRE JOHNSON is once again tops in the league with 1,504 yards this season. If Johnson is the 2009 receiving yardage leader, he will join JERRY RICE as the only players since 1970 to lead the league in consecutive seasons. Rice accomplished the feat twice (1989-90 and 1993-95).
PLAYER
YEAR
YARDS
PLAYER
YEAR
YARDS
Jerry Rice, San Francisco
1989
1,483
Andre Johnson, Houston
2008
1,575
1990
1,502
2009
1,504*
Jerry Rice, San Francisco
1993
1,503
1994
1,499
*NFL leader through Week 16
1995
1,848
-- NFL --
FAB-U-WES: New England wide receiver WES WELKER has 122 receptions, which already ties for the third-most in a season in NFL history. With two catches against Houston in Week 17, Welker can surpass HERMAN MOORE for No. 2 on the all-time list.
Welker, who missed two games this season due to injury, is averaging 9.4 catches per game in 13 games played. He needs four catches to surpass MARVIN HARRISON’s NFL-record season average of 8.9 catches per game in 2002 (minimum 10 games played).
The players with the most receptions in a season NFL history:
YEAR
PLAYER
TEAM
RECEPTIONS
2002
Marvin Harrison
Indianapolis
143
1995
Herman Moore
Detroit
123
2009
Wes Welker
New England
122*
1994
Cris Carter
Minnesota
122
1995
Jerry Rice
San Francisco
122
1995
Cris Carter
Minnesota
122
*Through 15 games
The players with the highest receptions-per-game average in a season in NFL history (min. 10 games played):
YEAR
PLAYER
TEAM
REC./GAME
GAMES, RECEPTIONS
2009
Wes Welker
New England
9.4
13 games*, 122 rec.
2002
Marvin Harrison
Indianapolis
8.9
16 games, 143 rec.
1995
Herman Moore
Detroit
7.7
16 games, 123 rec.
1960
Lionel Taylor
Denver
7.7
12 games, 92 rec.
1995
Cris Carter
Minnesota
7.6
16 games, 122 rec.
1995
Jerry Rice
San Francisco
7.6
16 games, 122 rec.
1994
Cris Carter
Minnesota
7.6
16 games, 122 rec.
*Through Week 16
This Sunday, that number may grow to as many as seven. Of the seven teams in contention for the final two AFC Wild Card playoff spots, four did not qualify for the postseason in 2008: Denver, Houston, Jacksonville and the New York Jets. Those clubs are in competition with Pittsburgh (Super Bowl XLIII champion), Miami (2008 AFC East champion) and Baltimore (2008 Wild Card team) for the remaining AFC playoff berths.
The teams since 1996 to make the playoffs a season after failing to qualify:
SEASON
PLAYOFF TEAMS NOT IN PREVIOUS SEASON’S PLAYOFFS
1996
5 (Carolina, Denver, Jacksonville, Minnesota, New England)
1997
5 (Detroit, Kansas City, Miami, New York Giants, Tampa Bay)
1998
5 (Arizona, Atlanta, Buffalo, Dallas, New York Jets)
1999
7 (Detroit, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Washington)
2000
6 (Baltimore, Denver, New Orleans, New York Giants, Oakland, Philadelphia)
2001
6 (Chicago, Green Bay, New England, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, San Francisco)
2002
5 (Atlanta, Cleveland, Indianapolis, New York Giants, Tennessee)
2003
8 (Baltimore, Carolina, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, New England, St. Louis, Seattle)
2004
5 (Atlanta, Minnesota, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, San Diego)
2005
7 (Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, New York Giants, Tampa Bay, Washington)
2006
7 (Baltimore, Dallas, Kansas City, New Orleans, New York Jets, Philadelphia, San Diego)
2007
6 (Green Bay, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Washington)
2008
7 (Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, Philadelphia)
2009
??? (Cincinnati, Dallas, Green Bay, New England, New Orleans)
* Of the seven teams in contention for the remaining two playoff spots in the AFC, four did not qualify for the postseason in 2008: Denver, Houston, Jacksonville and the N.Y. Jets.
NEW LEADERSHIP ATOP DIVISIONS: Entering Week 17, five divisions are guaranteed to have a different champion from last year. Minnesota, San Diego and Arizona are the only repeat division winners in 2009.
The teams that have clinched their division as well as potential division winners (in bold and italics) in 2009:
AFC EAST
AFC NORTH
AFC SOUTH
AFC WEST
NFC EAST
NFC NORTH
NFC SOUTH
NFC WEST
2008
Miami
Pittsburgh
Tennessee
San Diego
N.Y. Giants
Minnesota
Carolina
Arizona
2009
New England
Cincinnati
Indianapolis
San Diego
Dallas or
Philadelphia
Minnesota
New Orleans
Arizona
-- NFL --
YEAR OF THE QB: NFL quarterbacks are having a banner year. Eight QBs have each passed for at least 4,000 yards, already the most 4,000-yard passers in a single season in NFL history (seven in 2007). With one week to play, three others are within 300 yards of 4,000 – BRETT FAVRE (3,886), ELI MANNING (3,880) and KURT WARNER (3,722).
Nine quarterbacks have passed for 25 or more touchdowns in 2009. That number may grow in Week 17 as TONY ROMO (24), JAY CUTLER (23) and BEN ROETHLISBERGER (23) are each in range of the 25-TD milestone. The NFL record for the most quarterbacks with at least 25 touchdowns in a season is 10, which also occurred in 2007.
Five quarterbacks currently sport a passer rating of 100.0 or better, which would also be the most in a season in NFL annals (four in 1998 and 2004). Two others – MATT SCHAUB (99.1) and Roethlisberger (98.9) – are within 2.0 rating points of the mark with one game to play.
The quarterbacks with 4,000+ yards, 25+ touchdowns or a 100.0+ passer rating in 2009:
4,000 YARDS
25 TDs
100.0 PASSER RATING
PLAYER
YARDS
PLAYER
TDs
PLAYER
RATING
Matt Schaub
4,467
Drew Brees
34
Drew Brees
109.6
Peyton Manning
4,405
Peyton Manning
33
Philip Rivers
104.5
Drew Brees
4,388
Brett Favre
29
Brett Favre
104.3
Tom Brady
4,212
Aaron Rodgers
29
Aaron Rodgers
102.4
Aaron Rodgers
4,199
Tom Brady
28
Peyton Manning
101.0
Tony Romo
4,172
Eli Manning
27
Philip Rivers
4,155
Philip Rivers
27
Ben Roethlisberger
4,108
Matt Schaub
27
Kurt Warner
26
-- NFL --
SAINTS ALIVE!: Last week, New Orleans became the 12th team in NFL history to score 500 points in a season. The Saints, who have clinched homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, lead the league in scoring with 33.3 points per game.
With 27 points in Week 17 against Carolina, New Orleans will pass the Super Bowl XXXIV champion St. Louis Rams for the fifth-most points in a season in NFL history.
The teams with the most points scored in a season in NFL history:
YEAR
TEAM
POINTS
FINAL RECORD
ADVANCED TO
2007
New England Patriots
589
16-0
Super Bowl XLII
1998
Minnesota Vikings
556
15-1
NFC Championship
1983
Washington Redskins
541
14-2
Super Bowl XVIII
2000
St. Louis Rams
540
10-6
Wild Card
1999
St. Louis Rams
526
13-3
Won Super Bowl XXXIV
2009
New Orleans Saints
500*
13-2*
???
*Through 15 games
-- NFL --
JOHNSON CLIMBS THE CHARTS: Tennessee running back CHRIS JOHNSON has 2,355 scrimmage yards in 15 games (1,872 rushing, 483 receiving). Johnson, who already has the fifth-most scrimmage yards in a season in NFL history, needs 75 yards from scrimmage in the Titans’ regular-season finale against Seattle to surpass MARSHALL FAULK’s NFL record (2,429 in 1999).
Johnson also needs 128 rushing yards to become the sixth player in NFL history with 2,000 in a season.
The players with the most scrimmage yards in a season in NFL history:
YEAR
PLAYER
TEAM
SCRIMMAGE YARDS
1999
Marshall Faulk
St. Louis
2,429
2005
Tiki Barber
N.Y. Giants
2,390
2003
LaDainian Tomlinson
San Diego
2,370
1997
Barry Sanders
Detroit
2,358
2009
Chris Johnson
Tennessee
2,355*
*Through 15 games
The five players to rush for 2,000 yards in a season in NFL history:
YEAR
PLAYER
TEAM
RUSHING YARDS
1984
Eric Dickerson
L.A. Rams
2,105
2003
Jamal Lewis
Baltimore
2,066
1997
Barry Sanders
Detroit
2,053
1998
Terrell Davis
Denver
2,008
1973
O.J. Simpson
Buffalo
2,003
2009
Chris Johnson
Tennessee
1,872*
*Through 15 games
TOTAL PLAYERS: Chris Johnson and Cleveland’s all-purpose dynamo JOSHUA CRIBBS are both having historically productive seasons in terms of all-purpose yardage.
Cribbs leads the NFL with 2,405 total yards (1,502 kick return, 434 punt return, 334 rushing, 135 receiving) while Johnson ranks second with 2,355 yards (1,872 rushing, 483 receiving).
The players with the most total yards in a season in NFL history:
YEAR
PLAYER
COMBINED NET YARDS
2000
Derrick Mason, Tennessee
2,690
2002
Michael Lewis, New Orleans
2,647
1985
Lionel James, San Diego
2,535
1994
Brian Mitchell, Washington
2,477
1975
Terry Metcalf, St. Louis
2,462
2009
Joshua Cribbs, Cleveland
2,405*
2009
Chris Johnson, Tennessee
2,355*
*Through 15 games
-- NFL --
ANDRE THE GIANT: Following up his NFL-best 1,575 receiving yards in 2008, Houston wide receiver ANDRE JOHNSON is once again tops in the league with 1,504 yards this season. If Johnson is the 2009 receiving yardage leader, he will join JERRY RICE as the only players since 1970 to lead the league in consecutive seasons. Rice accomplished the feat twice (1989-90 and 1993-95).
PLAYER
YEAR
YARDS
PLAYER
YEAR
YARDS
Jerry Rice, San Francisco
1989
1,483
Andre Johnson, Houston
2008
1,575
1990
1,502
2009
1,504*
Jerry Rice, San Francisco
1993
1,503
1994
1,499
*NFL leader through Week 16
1995
1,848
-- NFL --
FAB-U-WES: New England wide receiver WES WELKER has 122 receptions, which already ties for the third-most in a season in NFL history. With two catches against Houston in Week 17, Welker can surpass HERMAN MOORE for No. 2 on the all-time list.
Welker, who missed two games this season due to injury, is averaging 9.4 catches per game in 13 games played. He needs four catches to surpass MARVIN HARRISON’s NFL-record season average of 8.9 catches per game in 2002 (minimum 10 games played).
The players with the most receptions in a season NFL history:
YEAR
PLAYER
TEAM
RECEPTIONS
2002
Marvin Harrison
Indianapolis
143
1995
Herman Moore
Detroit
123
2009
Wes Welker
New England
122*
1994
Cris Carter
Minnesota
122
1995
Jerry Rice
San Francisco
122
1995
Cris Carter
Minnesota
122
*Through 15 games
The players with the highest receptions-per-game average in a season in NFL history (min. 10 games played):
YEAR
PLAYER
TEAM
REC./GAME
GAMES, RECEPTIONS
2009
Wes Welker
New England
9.4
13 games*, 122 rec.
2002
Marvin Harrison
Indianapolis
8.9
16 games, 143 rec.
1995
Herman Moore
Detroit
7.7
16 games, 123 rec.
1960
Lionel Taylor
Denver
7.7
12 games, 92 rec.
1995
Cris Carter
Minnesota
7.6
16 games, 122 rec.
1995
Jerry Rice
San Francisco
7.6
16 games, 122 rec.
1994
Cris Carter
Minnesota
7.6
16 games, 122 rec.
*Through Week 16
Eberle Isn't Getting Love From Everyone
Jordan Eberle's performance at the World Juniors has everyone talking about his game and what type of NHL career he will have with the Edmonton Oilers. I don't know who this guy is, but he has a blog called canadasportsguy.com. He doesn't think Eberle is the be all end all and won't help the Oilers improve their standing. Take a read!
The Edmonton Oilers are just about at rock bottom. The media has turned on this team and the fans are on the fence. Should they continue to fight for a playoff spot or tank it to get a top 3 pick in this years NHL entry draft? This is a team with too many undersized forwards on their roster such as Gagner, Cogliano and Brule.
Despite the undersized forwards that are on this team, there are still some Oiler fans who think that Jordan Eberle is the answer for the Oilers for next season. Are you serious? I can't believe that there are people out there who think he will be a star on the 1st line next year with Penner. The Oilers got into this mess partly because of the midget forwards that are already on the squad. Eberle will take years to develop into a serviceable forward at the NHL level. He is not of the same pedigree of a John Tavares.
Eberle is an overrated player and at 5'10 and 170 lbs, he is 20 lbs LESS than Sam Gagner. Oiler fans forget that Gagner was a stud coming out of Junior and his numbers were much more impressive than Eberle. During Gagner's last season in Junior he was averaging over 2.2 pts per game. Eberle last year was averaging 1.2 pts per game. Is Gagner the superstar forward you all thought he would be? Is Andrew Cogliano? If I were running the Oilers, I would capitalize on the market value of Eberle and see what was available in a trade. His trade value will never be as high as it is now. Do Oiler fans want to see another small forward under achieve?
Don't get caught up in the Jordan Eberle hype of last years Junior Championships because Eberle is no saviour for the Edmonton Oilers, not even close. This team and it's fans need to come back to reality and start to build a team that can play in the NHL, not the CHL.
The Edmonton Oilers are just about at rock bottom. The media has turned on this team and the fans are on the fence. Should they continue to fight for a playoff spot or tank it to get a top 3 pick in this years NHL entry draft? This is a team with too many undersized forwards on their roster such as Gagner, Cogliano and Brule.
Despite the undersized forwards that are on this team, there are still some Oiler fans who think that Jordan Eberle is the answer for the Oilers for next season. Are you serious? I can't believe that there are people out there who think he will be a star on the 1st line next year with Penner. The Oilers got into this mess partly because of the midget forwards that are already on the squad. Eberle will take years to develop into a serviceable forward at the NHL level. He is not of the same pedigree of a John Tavares.
Eberle is an overrated player and at 5'10 and 170 lbs, he is 20 lbs LESS than Sam Gagner. Oiler fans forget that Gagner was a stud coming out of Junior and his numbers were much more impressive than Eberle. During Gagner's last season in Junior he was averaging over 2.2 pts per game. Eberle last year was averaging 1.2 pts per game. Is Gagner the superstar forward you all thought he would be? Is Andrew Cogliano? If I were running the Oilers, I would capitalize on the market value of Eberle and see what was available in a trade. His trade value will never be as high as it is now. Do Oiler fans want to see another small forward under achieve?
Don't get caught up in the Jordan Eberle hype of last years Junior Championships because Eberle is no saviour for the Edmonton Oilers, not even close. This team and it's fans need to come back to reality and start to build a team that can play in the NHL, not the CHL.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Could Tim Tebow End Up In The CFL?
One of the more remarkable careers in US college football has come to an end. Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow capped off his career in grand style by leading his team to a one-sided victory over previously unbeaten Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl.
Tebow ended up winning two national titles and a Heisman Trophy(nominated three times)while putting up some gaudy numbers for the Gators. The question now is will Tebow's college success turn into a solid pro career or not? Despite his impressive resume, there is no guarantee that Tebow will be a star in the NFL. He might not even get a chance to play in an NFL game as a quarterback. Some scouts believe he has a better shot at cracking the NFL as a running back or a tight end. Early talk is he is not projected as a first round pick in this year's draft.
It makes one wonder if Tebow could end up doing his thing north of the border. He wouldn't be the first marquee quarterback from the NC double A to try and gain employment in the CFL. In fact, he would follow in the footsteps of the guy he took over from in Gainesville, that being Chris Leak who is now the 3rd stringer in Montreal.
One scout said recently he thought Graham Harrell would make a better NFL quarterback than Tebow and we know where Harrell is. I don't know if Tebow is on the negotiation list of any CFL team, but I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being on a CFL roster in a couple of years.
----
If you are a US college football fan, or a football fan in general, you have to love New Years Day. Its just one game after another after another after another. The sad thing is there used to be more games on New Years Day, but they have now moved so they can get more exposure. We'll see Kent Austin's offence on display today when Ole Miss plays Oklahoma State. That will be one of five games on the docket. One of those five is the International Bowl which goes at Rogers Centre. Did you even know that South Florida is playing Northern Illinois. Has anyone discussed this game? If they have, I haven't heard or read anything about it. With Cincinnati going down, it leaves three unbeaten teams in college football. Those three are Texas Christian, Boise State and Alabama. TCU and Boise State will meet Monday in the Fiesta Bowl with Alabama looking for a national championship when they play Texas in the BCS championship game. If Texas should win that game, I can't understand why they would be national champs when one other team finished the year unbeaten. If Alabama wins, there are two teams with a perfect slate. This is why US college football needs a true championship game and not one that a computer devises. There has to be some formula using the marquee bowl games to have a playoff system. Having two teams deservedly playing one another for the championship would end any controversy because those teams would belong there. Its like saying a computer says the Super Bowl should be between San Diego and Minnesota because under a certain formula they should be there instead of the Colts and Saints. Its stupid and it needs to be fixed. It is something that should have been done a long time ago.
----
I didn't watch it firmly, but I did watch the Winter Classic. It just doesn't do anything for me. Hockey Night in Canada and NBC gush over it, but as I have said before, the Heritage Classic in Edmonton between the Oilers and the Habs was the best one because it was the first one. Its great that the NHL gets attention on a day where sports fans in the US are glued to college football, but it just doesn't attract me. Then again, the NHL doesn't attract me the way it used to. I don't think I have watched a game from start to finish this year. Perhaps that's because the Oilers are so bad.
----
Speaking of the Oilers, WTF?? After losing in Calgary on New Years Eve, the team went to a rather upscale restaurant. There were 45 players, wives(girlfriends, significant others) and team personnel at this restaurant and when it was over, the bill came to almost 17-thousand dollars. The story says the Oilers balked about this price and complained before paying almost 13-thousand dollars. Lets do some simple math here. You have 45 people and the bill came to almost 17-grand. That is over 375 dollars a person. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. That's one helluva meal they must have had. Have you ever gone somewhere and racked up a 377 dollar bill? If you have, I'm glad I don't dine with you on a regular basis. In the story, the restaurant owner says he automatically tags on an 18 percent gratuity fee. How nice! What if your service is crappy? Employees know that when a large group comes in they are going to get an almost 20 percent tip regardless of the service. I think that's crap! If the service is good, I'm guessing the tip (especially at a place like this) will be a good one as it is. Putting that 18 percent on the bill automatically is a little on the cheezy side if you ask me. Anyhow, it sounds like the restaurant manager is a little choked and I'm guessing he won't be welcoming the Oilers back anytime soon. I'm guessing the Oilers will also find a different establishment in Calgary to eat at as well.
------
Blog reader Murray has sent me a link to the 50 most brutal hits in the NFL. I had to pass it along. Enjoy!!
http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/09/10/the-50-most-brutal-nfl-hits/
Tebow ended up winning two national titles and a Heisman Trophy(nominated three times)while putting up some gaudy numbers for the Gators. The question now is will Tebow's college success turn into a solid pro career or not? Despite his impressive resume, there is no guarantee that Tebow will be a star in the NFL. He might not even get a chance to play in an NFL game as a quarterback. Some scouts believe he has a better shot at cracking the NFL as a running back or a tight end. Early talk is he is not projected as a first round pick in this year's draft.
It makes one wonder if Tebow could end up doing his thing north of the border. He wouldn't be the first marquee quarterback from the NC double A to try and gain employment in the CFL. In fact, he would follow in the footsteps of the guy he took over from in Gainesville, that being Chris Leak who is now the 3rd stringer in Montreal.
One scout said recently he thought Graham Harrell would make a better NFL quarterback than Tebow and we know where Harrell is. I don't know if Tebow is on the negotiation list of any CFL team, but I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being on a CFL roster in a couple of years.
----
If you are a US college football fan, or a football fan in general, you have to love New Years Day. Its just one game after another after another after another. The sad thing is there used to be more games on New Years Day, but they have now moved so they can get more exposure. We'll see Kent Austin's offence on display today when Ole Miss plays Oklahoma State. That will be one of five games on the docket. One of those five is the International Bowl which goes at Rogers Centre. Did you even know that South Florida is playing Northern Illinois. Has anyone discussed this game? If they have, I haven't heard or read anything about it. With Cincinnati going down, it leaves three unbeaten teams in college football. Those three are Texas Christian, Boise State and Alabama. TCU and Boise State will meet Monday in the Fiesta Bowl with Alabama looking for a national championship when they play Texas in the BCS championship game. If Texas should win that game, I can't understand why they would be national champs when one other team finished the year unbeaten. If Alabama wins, there are two teams with a perfect slate. This is why US college football needs a true championship game and not one that a computer devises. There has to be some formula using the marquee bowl games to have a playoff system. Having two teams deservedly playing one another for the championship would end any controversy because those teams would belong there. Its like saying a computer says the Super Bowl should be between San Diego and Minnesota because under a certain formula they should be there instead of the Colts and Saints. Its stupid and it needs to be fixed. It is something that should have been done a long time ago.
----
I didn't watch it firmly, but I did watch the Winter Classic. It just doesn't do anything for me. Hockey Night in Canada and NBC gush over it, but as I have said before, the Heritage Classic in Edmonton between the Oilers and the Habs was the best one because it was the first one. Its great that the NHL gets attention on a day where sports fans in the US are glued to college football, but it just doesn't attract me. Then again, the NHL doesn't attract me the way it used to. I don't think I have watched a game from start to finish this year. Perhaps that's because the Oilers are so bad.
----
Speaking of the Oilers, WTF?? After losing in Calgary on New Years Eve, the team went to a rather upscale restaurant. There were 45 players, wives(girlfriends, significant others) and team personnel at this restaurant and when it was over, the bill came to almost 17-thousand dollars. The story says the Oilers balked about this price and complained before paying almost 13-thousand dollars. Lets do some simple math here. You have 45 people and the bill came to almost 17-grand. That is over 375 dollars a person. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. That's one helluva meal they must have had. Have you ever gone somewhere and racked up a 377 dollar bill? If you have, I'm glad I don't dine with you on a regular basis. In the story, the restaurant owner says he automatically tags on an 18 percent gratuity fee. How nice! What if your service is crappy? Employees know that when a large group comes in they are going to get an almost 20 percent tip regardless of the service. I think that's crap! If the service is good, I'm guessing the tip (especially at a place like this) will be a good one as it is. Putting that 18 percent on the bill automatically is a little on the cheezy side if you ask me. Anyhow, it sounds like the restaurant manager is a little choked and I'm guessing he won't be welcoming the Oilers back anytime soon. I'm guessing the Oilers will also find a different establishment in Calgary to eat at as well.
------
Blog reader Murray has sent me a link to the 50 most brutal hits in the NFL. I had to pass it along. Enjoy!!
http://www.complex.com/blogs/2009/09/10/the-50-most-brutal-nfl-hits/
US Names Olympic Hockey Roster
Goaltender:
Ryan Miller
Tim Thomas
Jonathan Quick
Defense:
Erik Johnson
Jack Johnson
Mike Komisarek
Paul Martin
Brooks Orpik
Brian Rafalski
Ryan Sutter
Forward:
David Backes
Dustin brown
Ryan Callahan
Chris Drury
Patrick Kane
Ryan Kesler
Phil Kessel
Jamie Langenbrunner
Ryan Malone
Zach Parise
Joe Pavelski
Bobby Ryan
Paul Stastny
Ryan Miller
Tim Thomas
Jonathan Quick
Defense:
Erik Johnson
Jack Johnson
Mike Komisarek
Paul Martin
Brooks Orpik
Brian Rafalski
Ryan Sutter
Forward:
David Backes
Dustin brown
Ryan Callahan
Chris Drury
Patrick Kane
Ryan Kesler
Phil Kessel
Jamie Langenbrunner
Ryan Malone
Zach Parise
Joe Pavelski
Bobby Ryan
Paul Stastny
How Can You Not Love Jordan Eberle!
First off, a Happy New Year to you all. May 2010 bring you happiness and a lot of positives. The year is certainly starting off on a rather cold note as the temperatures got down into the mid minus 30's to ring in the New Year. However, Canadian hockey fans may not have noticed thanks to our guy.
Is there any doubt in anyone's mind that Jordan Eberle isn't the best damn junior hockey player not only in Canada, but the world. When the chips were down for Team Canada, Eberle came through once again. In a game that was better than last year's classic in Ottawa, Canada came back to beat the U-S in a shootout 5-4 in what was a nailbiter. The U-S had a two goal lead and were oh so close to making it 5-2 only to have an American player bounce one off the goalpost. With Canada seemingly resigned to the fact it may have to play in a quarter-final game, Eberle deflected one past Jack Campbell to make it 4-3 and give Canada some life. Alex Pietrangelo then scores shorthanded with about two and a half minutes left to tie it and then Eberle just about won it at the end of overtime.
In the end, Canada wins it to advance to the semi-finals. They are two wins away from gold. It was great to see this team finally battle through some adversity. They had cruised through unscathed so far and they needed a game like this. Mind you, I could do without some of the errors in their own zone that they had, but it was another World Junior game to remember. Would I like to see a repeat of this for the gold medal. ABSOLUTELY!
------
I'm not a big fan of the shootout and the reason for that was proven again last night. Every Canadian player gave it everything they had and left everything on the ice. The same for the US squad. In the end though, it came down to a skills competition to determine who gets a bye and who doesn't. I hate that. Guys like Colten Teubert, Pietrangelo, Patrice Cormier, etc, etc. etc. should have their chance to keep playing. I know you can't have the kids play all night (although I'm sure those in Saskatoon and watching on TSN wouldn't have minded), and that the shootout is the only way to solve things, but I hate it.
------
The Regina portion of the tournament is over and those in Regina and southern Saskatchewan that went to the games made it a successful week here. I was disappointed to see the amount of empty seats that there were--especially yesterday, but its over now. As the Finns leave Regina, they must wonder what they had to do to score on Brandt Centre ice. After being stoned by Russia's Igor Bobkov earlier in the tournament, they got stoned again by Sweden's Jakob Markstrom yesterday. You don't often outshoot someone 26-3 in the first period and lose 7-1, but that is what happened to Finland. Markstrom stood on his head as his Swedish teammates stood around and watched in the opening 20 minutes. They then got a goal late in the first period off the stick of Anders Petterson to get them going and that was it as far as Finland was concerned.
------
Your quarter-finals will be Russia vs Switzerland and the Finns against the Americans. The U-S had better be ready for that game. If I am correct, the winner of the Russia-Switzerland game gets Canada with the winner of the Finland-US game drawing Sweden in the semis.
------
The Winter Classic goes today with the Flyers and Bruins playing at Fenway Park. I'm sorry, but this just doesn't interest me. I'll watch a few minutes of it, but that's it. I realize that this has turned into something great for the NHL and NBC, but this game is catered to the Americans now as they try and make it a yearly tradition. The league and the network want people to tune in as an alternative to US college football, but for this Canadian, you can't beat the Oilers-Habs game from Commonwealth Stadium a few years ago. You can try to repeat that, but you can't. Or can you? The Hockey News' Adam Proteau has a column on the Hockey News website where he talks about the outdoor game and where it can go from here. He brings up two ideas...ideas that I don't think will ever happen, but they are interesting nonetheless.
Proteau suggests a game in Alaska(think of the movie Mystery, Alaska)where the backdrop of the mountains would be majestic and it would bring the pro game to a state that plays hockey, but never sees anything of the professional variety. The other suggestion is one that I love, but I know there is no way of it ever happening.
Proteau says "picture the made-for-TV moments that would ensue if you sent two teams of NHLers to a pond in Northern Minnesota or Ontario with nary a fan in sight. That’s right, just the players, officials, two nets, a puck and the evening sky. The simplicity of the scene would be unlike anything any sport ever has produced.Granted, the financial logistics of a gate-free outdoor game would need to be addressed, but that’s what title sponsors can help out with. And if the NHL can afford to prop up the Phoenix Coyotes franchise for the next few months with little-to-no payback in sight, surely the 29 other team owners can be persuaded to invest some of their own capital into a concept that already has delivered a wealth of positive exposure for the sport."
If the NHL could ever pull that off, it would be a game for the ages. Alas, I think we all know it will never come to fruition.
------
The Pats are happy to see 2010 arrive because 2009 was a disaster. They lose again 8-4 to the Kootenay Ice. Newly acquired Brett Martyniuk was shelled in his Regina debut, but it sounds from the blog of Rod Pedersen as if there were several defensive meltdowns that hurt the team. I wonder what their collective record in 2009 was. It couldn't have been very good.
-----
Speaking of RP, he mentions the first anniversary of my departure from CJME in his blog yesterday and that will be an anniversary I won't want to celebrate. I answered back "Wanna bet?". Yeah, the full-time $$$ might not have come in, but I don't miss the fact I didn't have to deal with the day to day disrespect that was shown to me by management in that organization over the past couple of years. Disrespect that continued after I was gone. It sure is funny how "suggestions" made by yours truly to improve the product weren't implemented until after I left. Whatever! They do what they do! That is not my problem anymore. I could say more, but why bother. Do I miss the people I worked with on a day-to-day basis. YUP! Other than that in the words of John Waite "I ain't missing you at all!".
-----
While it wasn't the greatest of years, I did get the chance to work closely with the Riders doing writing for Riderville and I had a chance to do play-by-play of some World Junior Hockey which are two things I would never have experienced had I still been stuck in the tarpits getting disrespected.
I also found out who my friends are. I always knew who I could count on, but several people came through for me this year including a couple that came out of the woodwork. I won't publicly acknowledge(embarrass) them here, but there were four people in particular that really came through for me when they really had no reason to. I think those four know who they are.
------
Just about to forgot to mention that a new law takes effect in Saskatchewan today. You can no longer talk or text on your hand-held cellphone while driving. If you are caught, its a 280 dollar fine and 4 demerit points on your driving record. Personally, I have no problem with stopping texters, but I don't see the problem with talking on the cellphone. Its just like talking to someone else in the car with you. Who the hell is surfing the net while driving! If caught doing that, take more than 4 points away and fine them more than 280 dollars. GOOD GOD!
-----
I just saw TSN's top 3 plays of the Decade. They were 3)Tiger's long winding putt on 17 at the Masters 2)Ovechkin's unreal goal in Phoenix and 1) David Tyree's catch for the Giants in their game winning drive over the Patriots at the Super Bowl. I have no problem with those. What was TSN's Play of the Year for 2009. Was it James Harrison's interception at the Super Bowl or was it Eberle's goal against the Russians at last year's World Juniors. Those would be my top two. While talking about plays of the year, what was your Rider play of the year. For me, it would have to be the Durant to Getzlaf TD toss to win that game in August in Calgary.
------
After the hockey game, I watched "The Hangover". Yes, it is as funny as advertised! It makes me wonder if Plaster and Pedersen wake up in their hotel rooms when on the road and find a tiger in their room. Tell me that when you watch that show, there aren't at least two scenes where you can totally identify with what is happening. Good stuff!
------
If its 35 below outside, it may be a day to stay warm and watch some US college football. I was going to take my six year old daughter toboganning, but I think I will pass on that.
Once again, a Happy New Year to you all. Thanks for checking in.
Is there any doubt in anyone's mind that Jordan Eberle isn't the best damn junior hockey player not only in Canada, but the world. When the chips were down for Team Canada, Eberle came through once again. In a game that was better than last year's classic in Ottawa, Canada came back to beat the U-S in a shootout 5-4 in what was a nailbiter. The U-S had a two goal lead and were oh so close to making it 5-2 only to have an American player bounce one off the goalpost. With Canada seemingly resigned to the fact it may have to play in a quarter-final game, Eberle deflected one past Jack Campbell to make it 4-3 and give Canada some life. Alex Pietrangelo then scores shorthanded with about two and a half minutes left to tie it and then Eberle just about won it at the end of overtime.
In the end, Canada wins it to advance to the semi-finals. They are two wins away from gold. It was great to see this team finally battle through some adversity. They had cruised through unscathed so far and they needed a game like this. Mind you, I could do without some of the errors in their own zone that they had, but it was another World Junior game to remember. Would I like to see a repeat of this for the gold medal. ABSOLUTELY!
------
I'm not a big fan of the shootout and the reason for that was proven again last night. Every Canadian player gave it everything they had and left everything on the ice. The same for the US squad. In the end though, it came down to a skills competition to determine who gets a bye and who doesn't. I hate that. Guys like Colten Teubert, Pietrangelo, Patrice Cormier, etc, etc. etc. should have their chance to keep playing. I know you can't have the kids play all night (although I'm sure those in Saskatoon and watching on TSN wouldn't have minded), and that the shootout is the only way to solve things, but I hate it.
------
The Regina portion of the tournament is over and those in Regina and southern Saskatchewan that went to the games made it a successful week here. I was disappointed to see the amount of empty seats that there were--especially yesterday, but its over now. As the Finns leave Regina, they must wonder what they had to do to score on Brandt Centre ice. After being stoned by Russia's Igor Bobkov earlier in the tournament, they got stoned again by Sweden's Jakob Markstrom yesterday. You don't often outshoot someone 26-3 in the first period and lose 7-1, but that is what happened to Finland. Markstrom stood on his head as his Swedish teammates stood around and watched in the opening 20 minutes. They then got a goal late in the first period off the stick of Anders Petterson to get them going and that was it as far as Finland was concerned.
------
Your quarter-finals will be Russia vs Switzerland and the Finns against the Americans. The U-S had better be ready for that game. If I am correct, the winner of the Russia-Switzerland game gets Canada with the winner of the Finland-US game drawing Sweden in the semis.
------
The Winter Classic goes today with the Flyers and Bruins playing at Fenway Park. I'm sorry, but this just doesn't interest me. I'll watch a few minutes of it, but that's it. I realize that this has turned into something great for the NHL and NBC, but this game is catered to the Americans now as they try and make it a yearly tradition. The league and the network want people to tune in as an alternative to US college football, but for this Canadian, you can't beat the Oilers-Habs game from Commonwealth Stadium a few years ago. You can try to repeat that, but you can't. Or can you? The Hockey News' Adam Proteau has a column on the Hockey News website where he talks about the outdoor game and where it can go from here. He brings up two ideas...ideas that I don't think will ever happen, but they are interesting nonetheless.
Proteau suggests a game in Alaska(think of the movie Mystery, Alaska)where the backdrop of the mountains would be majestic and it would bring the pro game to a state that plays hockey, but never sees anything of the professional variety. The other suggestion is one that I love, but I know there is no way of it ever happening.
Proteau says "picture the made-for-TV moments that would ensue if you sent two teams of NHLers to a pond in Northern Minnesota or Ontario with nary a fan in sight. That’s right, just the players, officials, two nets, a puck and the evening sky. The simplicity of the scene would be unlike anything any sport ever has produced.Granted, the financial logistics of a gate-free outdoor game would need to be addressed, but that’s what title sponsors can help out with. And if the NHL can afford to prop up the Phoenix Coyotes franchise for the next few months with little-to-no payback in sight, surely the 29 other team owners can be persuaded to invest some of their own capital into a concept that already has delivered a wealth of positive exposure for the sport."
If the NHL could ever pull that off, it would be a game for the ages. Alas, I think we all know it will never come to fruition.
------
The Pats are happy to see 2010 arrive because 2009 was a disaster. They lose again 8-4 to the Kootenay Ice. Newly acquired Brett Martyniuk was shelled in his Regina debut, but it sounds from the blog of Rod Pedersen as if there were several defensive meltdowns that hurt the team. I wonder what their collective record in 2009 was. It couldn't have been very good.
-----
Speaking of RP, he mentions the first anniversary of my departure from CJME in his blog yesterday and that will be an anniversary I won't want to celebrate. I answered back "Wanna bet?". Yeah, the full-time $$$ might not have come in, but I don't miss the fact I didn't have to deal with the day to day disrespect that was shown to me by management in that organization over the past couple of years. Disrespect that continued after I was gone. It sure is funny how "suggestions" made by yours truly to improve the product weren't implemented until after I left. Whatever! They do what they do! That is not my problem anymore. I could say more, but why bother. Do I miss the people I worked with on a day-to-day basis. YUP! Other than that in the words of John Waite "I ain't missing you at all!".
-----
While it wasn't the greatest of years, I did get the chance to work closely with the Riders doing writing for Riderville and I had a chance to do play-by-play of some World Junior Hockey which are two things I would never have experienced had I still been stuck in the tarpits getting disrespected.
I also found out who my friends are. I always knew who I could count on, but several people came through for me this year including a couple that came out of the woodwork. I won't publicly acknowledge(embarrass) them here, but there were four people in particular that really came through for me when they really had no reason to. I think those four know who they are.
------
Just about to forgot to mention that a new law takes effect in Saskatchewan today. You can no longer talk or text on your hand-held cellphone while driving. If you are caught, its a 280 dollar fine and 4 demerit points on your driving record. Personally, I have no problem with stopping texters, but I don't see the problem with talking on the cellphone. Its just like talking to someone else in the car with you. Who the hell is surfing the net while driving! If caught doing that, take more than 4 points away and fine them more than 280 dollars. GOOD GOD!
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I just saw TSN's top 3 plays of the Decade. They were 3)Tiger's long winding putt on 17 at the Masters 2)Ovechkin's unreal goal in Phoenix and 1) David Tyree's catch for the Giants in their game winning drive over the Patriots at the Super Bowl. I have no problem with those. What was TSN's Play of the Year for 2009. Was it James Harrison's interception at the Super Bowl or was it Eberle's goal against the Russians at last year's World Juniors. Those would be my top two. While talking about plays of the year, what was your Rider play of the year. For me, it would have to be the Durant to Getzlaf TD toss to win that game in August in Calgary.
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After the hockey game, I watched "The Hangover". Yes, it is as funny as advertised! It makes me wonder if Plaster and Pedersen wake up in their hotel rooms when on the road and find a tiger in their room. Tell me that when you watch that show, there aren't at least two scenes where you can totally identify with what is happening. Good stuff!
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If its 35 below outside, it may be a day to stay warm and watch some US college football. I was going to take my six year old daughter toboganning, but I think I will pass on that.
Once again, a Happy New Year to you all. Thanks for checking in.
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