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Saints, Colts To Face Off In Super Bowl XLIV

Igor Derysh — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:00:36 +0000

With the Saints having defeated the Jets, the matchup for this year’s Super Bowl has been set and it is exactly what fans expected it to be all year: the 14-2 Colts taking on the 13-3 Saints in Miami.

The Colts had started out slow against the New York Jets, largely because Gang Green shut down their top two receiving options, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark.

Still, the second half belonged to Peyton Manning as he proved once again why he is the best quarterback in the NFL, marching the Colts from 11 points down to a 13 points victory using his third and fourth receiving options. Number two receiver Pierre Garcon ended the game with 11 receptions for 151 yards and number three receiver, Austin Collie, finished the game with seven receptions for 123 yards.

In the wild Saints-Vikings matchup, the Vikes outplayed the Saints in every way possible but blew the game each time they had an opportunity to get ahead. The Vikings fumbled the ball a whopping six times (twice by top running back Adrian Peterson) and lost it three times (not to mention all of the non-fumbles in which the Vikings couldn’t hold on to the ball) while Brett Favre put up his most unimpressive performance of the season, being picked off twice.

It was hardly Favre’s fault as the 40-year-old quarterback got minimal protection from his line and was hit (hard) by the Saints defense over a dozen times.

Ultimately, the turnovers got the better of them (even though the Vikes dominated New Orleans in almost every offensive category and the Saints won it on a field goal by rookie Garrett Hartley in overtime.

The Colts-Saints, Manning-Brees matchup should be one for the ages.

Colts End Jets’ Miracle Run

Igor Derysh — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:30:58 +0000

After ten games of the NFL season, the New York Jets were 4-6 and out of playoff contention. Not quite. The Jets hit a hot streak and their top defense and top rushing attack won them 7 out of 8 games until the team’s Cinderella run finally came to an end today as they were topped by the Colts in the AFC Championship game.

While Jets fans were disappointed by the team’s loss, especially after the Jets were up 17-6 in the second quarter, the season was far from a disappointment.

With a lot of uncertainty surrounding the team that would start its season with a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback, the Jets did much better than anyone, including the team itself, expected them to.

They did so on the shoulders of a truly terrific defense. Although they weren’t as successful as the defenses that took the Ravens and the Buccaneers to Super Bowl wins over the past decade, a good mix of old and new players stepped up huge and allowed less than 15 points a game. Led by shut down cornerback Darrelle Revis and middle linebacker David Harris, the Jets defense has a lot of pluses and nary any minuses and is expected to be just as good next season.

The Jets rushing attack was equally impressive, especially after running back Leon Washington was hurt early in the season. After leading the AFC in rushing yards in 2008, Thomas Jones put up another excellent year excellent year, as did rookie running back Shonn Greene who will be challenging for the starting job next season.

Mark Sanchez had an up-and-down year that ended on a high note. While the Jets were unable to stop the awesomeness that is Peyton Manning, Sanchez outdueled the MVP for the entire first half as he threw more confidently than we had ever seen him.

Tough break for the Jets but I cannot wait to see what they do next year. Congrats!

Jets The Underdog…In A Good Way

Igor Derysh — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:00:43 +0000

Darrelle Revis

The Colts, Vikings, and Saints all have great quarterbacks and phenomenal offenses so it obviously stands to reason that the Jets are the underdog among the four remaining playoff teams. Perhaps, but in the past decade the playoffs have become a perfect venue for a defensive based team that no one takes as a serious threat.

A look at the teams that have made it to the Super Bowl in the past decade shows that 15 of the 20 teams that have made it to the Super Bowl in the past 10 years did so because their defense was one of the best in the league.

What’s more is that the 2001 Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens, the 2003 Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the 2007 NFC Champions Chicago Bears made it to the Super Bowl solely on the strength of their defense.

In 2001, the Ravens had Trent Dilfer at quarterback but dominated teams with their incredible defense and spectacular running game, ultimately defeating the Giants in Super Bowl 35.

In 2003, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to defeat the offensive powerhouse Oakland Raiders even though they had Brad Johnson at quarterback and “did not have a chance” coming into Super Bowl 37. Their number one ranked defense stopped Oakland’s number one ranked offense in their tracks.

In 2007, the Chicago Bears’ quarterback was Rex Grossman (who can’t get a starting job anywhere in the league today) but their high powered defense (and running back Thomas Jones) led them into the Super Bowl where they ultimately lost to Indianapolis.

In any case, the Jets are coming into the AFC Championship game as the number one ranked defense having allowed an average of 14 points in the 18 games that they have played this year. Not only that but their defense has not allowed more than 15 points in their last eight games.

Molina Spurns Mets, Signs With Giants For Less Money

Igor Derysh — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:00:52 +0000

It isn’t often that you will see an over-the-hill catcher with little left in the tank turn down a potential two-year offer to stay on a team that that is only offering one year for less money but that is exactly what Bengie Molina did after two months in which the Mets were the only team talking to him and seemed to have him locked up.

The Giants had given up on signing Molina around the time of winter meetings. Molina was reportedly seeking a three-year deal worth $6 million per year, much more than anyone was willing to give him.

The Mets were the only team interested in the veteran backstop and seemed to have locked him up when Molina reportedly dropped his request for a third-year and appeared close to signing a one-year deal with an option for a second worth over $5 million per year.

Not so much. Out of nowhere, Molina signed the contract that San Francisco had on the table for him since the beginning of the offseason: one-year, $4.5 million.

With Molina off the table, the Mets have turned their attention to fellow veteran catcher Rod Barajas, who is a poor man’s Bengie Molina all around, and Yorvit Torreabla, a more likely choice for the Mets.

Molina had hit 20 home runs and drove in 80 runs last year where as Torreabla has failed to live up to any of the potential that he had ever since he came up around nine years ago. Ironically, the Mets will likely offer him the same kind of deal as they offered Molina.

NFL Playoffs: Divisional Series Wrap-Up

Igor Derysh — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:00:07 +0000

Brett Favre

While the Jets-Chargers game was a nail-biter until the final minutes, all of the other three divisional series games this weekend ended in blowout victories by the teams advancing to next Sunday’s championship round.

New Orleans Saints def. Arizona Cardinals 45-14

After scoring more than 50 points in last week’s shoot out against the Packers (the highest scoring game in playoff history), the defending NFC Champion Cardinals scored just two touchdowns as Kurt Warner could not recapture the magic that he had in the Wild Card round and the team recorded two turnovers which proved to be very costly. Meanwhile, the Saints continued their regular season dominance and are set to take on the Vikings in the NFC Championship game this coming Sunday.

Indianapolis Colts def. Baltimore Ravens 20-3

Like the Saints, the Colts proved yet again why they are the best team in the AFC this year. The Colts shut down the Ravens’ very potent running game, holding Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice to just 67 yards and picked Joe Flacco off twice, never allowing Baltimore to gain any kind of momentum. While the Ravens’ offense struggled, and turned the ball over, Peyton Manning single-handedly lifted the Colts’ offense whose running backs failed to show up at all. Indianapolis will host the Jets in the AFC Championship game this Sunday.

Minnesota Vikings def. Dallas Cowboys 34-3

Brett Favre was at his best this past Sunday as the Vikings unloaded their lethal offense on an unexpecting Dallas Cowboys defense while Tony Romo and Felix Jones could do nothing against a swarming Vikings defense that forced four fumbles and an interception. In what promises to be one of the best match-ups of the post season, the Vikings will head to New Orleans to take on the Saints this Sunday.

Rookies Lead Jets Past Chargers

Igor Derysh — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:00:29 +0000

Jets QB Mark Sanchez

With no one hotter than the Jets among the remaining playoff teams, the New York Jets had no problem shutting down the Chargers’ potent offense and advancing to the AFC Championship game on the shoulders of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez and rookie running back Shonn Greene.

In the unlikeliest of playoff scenarios, the New York Jets (who were just 4-6 after the first 10 games of the season) are now en route to Indianapolis to take on the 13-3 Colts with the winner advancing to the SuperBowl.

Although the Jets were definitely the underdogs coming into a game against a team that hadn’t lost since the middle of October, the Jets simply continued to do what they do best: patiently run the ball down the defense’s throats and let your defense shut down your opponent.

Although San Diego had scored more than 20 points in 22 straight games, the Jets top ranked defense held the Philip Rivers led offensive unit to just two touchdowns. Meanwhile, after scoring just three points in the first half, Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene put up two scores of their own which was enough to edge the second-seeded Chargers.

Although Sanchez did not put up “great numbers,” the rookie has looked as comfortable as he has all season and although he completed 12 passes for just 100 yards and a touchdown, it was only the second time since week 12 that the coaching staff had enough confidence in him to let him attempt more than 20 passes.

Meanwhile, Shonn Greene has all but officially overtaken Thomas Jones’ spot as the Jets’ top running back and put up a 23 carry, 128 yard game with a touchdown.

Up next for the Jets are the Indianapolis Colts, a team that the Jets have already beaten (sort of) in the AFC Championship game this Sunday at 3 p.m.

Paterson Urges Lesgislators To Legalize UFC

Igor Derysh — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:00:52 +0000

Gov. David Paterson

Now this man is talking my language. Seeking creative ways to help stimulate the struggling New York economy, Governor David Paterson has urged lawmakers to finally legalize the popular sport of Mixed Martial Arts (also known as Ultimate Fighting).

The governor pointed out the arenas upstate and even Madison Square Garden are dying to host the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) which has made MMA the fastest growing sport in the world.

The laws that ban the sport now were written in the 1990s when the UFC, under different ownership, made its debut in the wrong way.

With almost no rules, the bare knuckle blood sport was quickly criticized by watchdog groups. While it was hard to argue that the UFC was not what they claimed, the company has since instituted a number of new rules and have focused on fighter safety in the octagon, the UFC’s own version of a ring.

Today’s Ultimate Fighters wear gloves, are prohibited from doing a number of things in the ring such as kicking a person while he is down or holding on to the fence of the octagon, and fight only within the their own weight class.

The popularity of the UFC and about-face on fighter safety has made almost every state legalize mixed martial arts, including New Jersey which has hosted a number of mixed martial arts events.

According to Paterson, legalizing the sport would allow Buffalo to generate more than $5 million off of a single event and New York City to generate a quick $11.5 million from hosting a single event.

Perhaps justice of some kind will come of the Hiram Monserrate debacle as a special New York Senate committee has recommended that the Senate either censure or expel the “man” who was found guilty on assault charges after a fight with his girlfriend ended with the “Senator” cutting the woman’s face and dragging her through the lobby of his building (a scene brilliantly caught on security cameras).

Sources say that the Senate is likely leaning towards expelling Monserrate although knowing the Senate, anything is possible when there’s that many liars and crooks in the same room at the same time.

The people of New York certainly want to rid themselves of the guy who said he didn’t mean to cut his girlfriend, he was simply bringing her a glass of water and tripped. Right. And then she got a black eye walking into a door and those bruises by slipping down some stairs.

In any case, Monserrate got off seriously light considering the violent nature of his crime but sort of leeway comes easy when you’re a senator. Receiving just probation and a mandatory restraining order that prohibits him from seeing his girlfriend (who wants to get back together with him…seriously).

In any case, if he is expelled, he would be the first member to be expelled in 90 years. Pretty amazing when you consider the people who work there. If he is expelled, he will also challenge the expulsion in court. The irony.

MLB Offseason Winds Down

Igor Derysh — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:07:09 +0000

Aroldis Chapman

Even though most of the big name on the market have already found homes, the past week saw some very interesting and potentially major moves.

Cincinnati Reds sign Aroldis Chapman

The Reds won the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes as they gave him a 5-year, $30 million deal, $10 million more than any other team was willing to give him. The 21-year-old phenom has a ton of potential and throws as hard as 102 MPH. Ironically, there is another Cuban defector who is even younger and possibly better still out there; keep an eye on Noel Arguelles.

Rangers sign Vladimir Guerrero, Khalil Greene

There used to be a time when acquiring these two would make the Rangers a serious contender. Alas, the Rangers signed the 35-year-old Vlad for a mere $5 million after he played just 100 games and hit just 15 homers while driving in 50 RBIs last year.

Similarly, Khalil Greene was never able to live up to his potential in San Diego or St. Louis and was signed for less than $1 million after an injury plagued season in 2009.

Giants sign Aubrey Huff

The Giants have agreed to a one-year deal with first baseman Aubrey Huff. Huff batted just .241 with 15 home runs and 85 RBIs last season after hitting .304 with 32 home runs and 108 RBIs the year before.

Braves sign Troy Glaus

The Braves signed Glaus to a $1.75 million, one-year deal that can go up to $4 million with incentives. The 33-year-old infielder played just 14 games in 2009 after batting .270 with 27 home runs and 99 RBIs in 2008.

Astros sign Brett Myers

The Astros has signed starting pitcher Brett Myers to a one-year deal worth $5 million with an option for 2011. Myers started just 10 games for the National League champion Phillies last season after going 10-13 with a 4.55 ERA in 2008.

Nationals sign Matt Capps

Good news and bad news for the Nats. After years, the team finally has a real closer. Unfortunately, Capps went just 4-8 last season with 27 saves and a 5.80 ERA. The Nationals gave him a one-year, $3.5 million contract after Capps was non-tendered by the Pirates.

NFL Wild Card Week Wrap Up

Igor Derysh — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:00:39 +0000

Cardinals QB Kurt Warner

The first week of the NFL Playoffs lived up to expectations. From huge upsets to shoot outs to the end of an era, if the Wild Card week was any indication of what the future holds, the road to Super Bowl XLIV will be a wild ride.

Cowboys def. Eagles 34-14

The Cowboys embarrased the Eagles as they beat them for the third time this year and the second consecutive week. Felix Jones led the strong Cowboys offense with 16 carries for 148 yards and a touchdown while quarterback Tony Romo continued to silence his critics with a 244 yard game and two passing touchdowns.

The Eagles once again had to play without their running back, Brian Westbrook (who has been injured most of the year) and had nothing on the ground and while Michael Vick completed one pass that resulted in a 76 yard touchdown, Donovan McNabb’s day was not so lucky.

Up next, a great one between the Cowboys and the Vikings and I’m betting the winner will be the favorite to win it all this year.

Ravens def. Patriots 33-14

So much for the Patriots’ post-season dominance. You can’t really blame the Pats who came into the game having lost their top receiver (Wes Welker) in the final game of the season and with a quarterback who has fractured ribs and fingers as well as a hurt shoulder.

You have to give credit to Brady who stuck it out all game despite obviously performing at a level that is far below what he is capable of but the Ravens’ defense and running game overwhelmed the ailing team.

Second-year running back Ray Rice put up 22 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns while veteran Willis McGahee added 62 yards and a touchdown.

Up next, the Ravens face off against the 14-2 Indianapolis Colts.

Cardinals def. Packers 51-45

This was one of the most exciting playoff games of all time. After ending the first quarter down by 17 points and the half down by 14 at the half, the Packers came back strong in the second half as a shoot out between Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner ensued.

The Packers scored 35 points in the second half but the Cardinals answered back with 21 of their own. Kurt Warner, who announced that he will likely retire after the post-season and was playing without top receiver Anquan Boldin, completed 29 of his 33 passes for 379 yards and five touchdowns. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was not any worse as he threw for 422 yards and four touchdowns while being picked off once.

The game would go into overtime where the Packers would fumble away an otherwise brilliant game and the Cardinals returned it for a touchdown.

In total, the teams combined for nearly 100 points, over 1,000 total yards, and 62 first downs.

Up next, the Cardinals take on the 13-3 New Orleans Saints.

Rookies Lead Jets To Victory, Next Round of Playoffs

Igor Derysh — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Darrelle Revis

It was not so long ago that the New York Jets were an average team with a rookie quarterback who couldn’t pass to his own teammates. No one thought the team could accomplish anything this season. And then they won five of their last six games. And then they beat the AFC North division champion Cincinnati Bengals.

On a brutally cold evening in Ohio, the Jets played about as good a game as they have all year and beat the Bengals for the second consecutive week, this time with their playoff lives on the line.

Although the team is built around veteran talent like the Jets’ offensive line, their very experienced defensive unit, and a veteran running back, it was the rookies and young guys that powered the Jets to a victory.

Mark Sanchez played a near flawless game as he completed 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. It was the fourth time in five games that the rookie did not throw a single interception.

Similarly, while Thomas Jones, the second leading rusher in the AFC, did not bring his best stuff with him (15 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown), rookie running back Shonn Greene put up a career game as he ran 21 times for 135 yards and a touchdown against the second-best rushing defense in the NFL.

Darrelle Revis continued his amazing year as he shut down the Bengals’ top receiver, Chad Ochocinco, for the second straight game as he intercepted a pass, deflected a pass, and was all over his coverage, allowing Ochocinco to catch just two passes for 28 yards.

The Jets sent a clear message to the NFL this Saturday. They are not going to be a stepping stone for anyone in the playoffs, they are going to come and play hard.

Up next, the Jets take on the San Diego Chargers who won their last eleven straight games.