It’s not quite the Super Bowl, but it’s the next best thing
the NFL has to offer in the week before the big game.
The Pro Bowl, the NFL’s All-Star game, was played in
Orlando, Florida as the AFC took down the NFC, 26-7. The Kansas City Chiefs’
quarterback Patrick Mahomes and New York Jets’ safety Jamal Adams took home
game’s MVP awards.
The Pro Bowl had a lot to offer for fans attending the game
and watching on TV. Mahomes threw for 156 yards on seven completions, including
a 50-yard pass to Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen. Jacksonville
Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey went on offense for a play and even caught
himself a touchdown for the AFC. Allen had 95 total yards in the game with the
next best player in the game being Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman, who was three
yards short of tying Allen. Adams broke up passes, intercepted a pass and got a
sack for the AFC on defense, earning him the Defensive award.
That’s what the Pro Bowl is all about. Every All-Star game,
whether its for the MLB, NHL, or NBA, has their star athletes play with and
against each other. The NFL lets the players have fun though. There are skill
competitions and a dodge ball tournament days before the game. In the game, it
doesn’t matter what position you play. If you want to catch a pass but you’re a
defensive lineman, you can go out there for a play or two; hell, you can even
catch the game-winning touchdown pass for all you care!
Did you watch the Pro Bowl? What did you think of it? Leave
a comment below with your thoughts on the game.
Sports in New Orleans is getting sadder and sadder as the
weeks go on it seems. After the New Orleans Saints lost to the Los Angeles Rams
in the NFC Championship game on Jan. 20, Bourbon Street has now been dealt
another big blow, this time in the basketball spectrum.
Anthony Davis, the New Orleans Pelicans superstar, has told
the organization that he is not looking for an extension and has requested to
be traded to another team, according
to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The news was broken by Davis’ agent, Rich Paul. The Pelicans
are set to make an official statement sometime Monday. Davis is eligible to
sign a maximum contract of 5-years, worth 240 million dollars.
So where can Davis land if he is traded before the Feb. 7
trade deadline? Throughout the season, the Los Angeles Lakers has been vocal
about acquiring Davis. Lakers star Lebron James, wjo has the same agent as
Davis, even spoke out earlier this season expressing interest in playing with
Davis. So, the Lakers seem to be the most likely place for Davis to land, which
considering the recent NFL game between LA and New Orleans, it would be
heartbreaking for the fans there.
There’s also the Boston Celtics. While Davis can’t
technically be traded there this season due to collective bargaining agreement
rules and such because of Kyrie Irving’s contract and Davis’, they could agree
to terms this season and finalize it on July 1, when Irving also becomes a free
agent. Davis would fit well with either team, the Celtics and Lakers, and would
make them championship contenders to rival the Golden State Warriors. There is
another team Davis could go to and who could pay him.
The New York Knicks could make a splash this offseason with
the amount of money they have to spend, and Davis could be one of those free
agents if he is traded to New York. The Knicks would have to trade away a lot
of their younger players and the first-round pick in this year’s draft, the
same goes to the Lakers. Davis has expressed wanting to go to a team that would
give him a chance to win, so maybe New York isn’t where he’s going. New York
would be the surprise team in this whole Davis situation.
But what do you think Davis will land? Leave a comment below
on where you think he’ll land and why.
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 11: Kicker Cody Parkey #1 of the Chicago Bears misses the field goal during the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on November 11, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
Following their heart-breaking loss in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game last than a month ago to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chicago Bears plan on working out 6-7 kickers ahead of the 2019-2020 season.
In an ESPN
report from Jeff Dickerson, among the kickers the Bears eye to work is
former New York Jets kicker Nick Folk. Folk was cut from the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers last February and has missed 60 field goals in his veteran career.
Bears kicker Cody Parkey hit the left upright at the end of
the fourth quarter against the Eagles and Chicago let Parkey hear it when he
was leaving the field. Boos rained down from the stands as Parkey just kept his
head down and ran into the tunnel back to the locker room.
Working out 6-7 kickers after a blocked field goal is over
doing it. Parkey did miss another field goal this season in a Week 10 win over
the Detroit Lions, but even one missed field goal shouldn’t immediately call
for Parkey’s head on a stake. The Bears should be looking at the guys blocking
for Parkey so that maybe the next time the Bears go to a very winnable playoff
game, they don’t lose at home in front of their fans and have Parkey under all
this fire and hate.
What do you think the Bears should do? Should they look for
another kicker or maybe give a look at their blockers for Parkey? Leave a
comment below!
The third episode of “The Shop” is set to premiere Friday, 12/21/18. LeBron James’s open platform talk show features entertainment’s most influential names, as they discuss social problems, culture and the breaking of barriers as entertainers. On this episode, LeBron is joined by Jimmy Kimmel, Nas, Ice Cube, Mary J. Blige and Todd Gurley. In a modern society that often over looks the importance of the voices in entertainment, “The Shop” aims to amplify those voices by setting the stage in a classic unscripted barbershop setting. Grab a seat in the shop, Friday at 10:00 PM on HBO as pop culture’s biggest names come together on today’s most popular social topics and culture.
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The MLB hot stove is off and running! With a number of MLB teams now jockeying to improve their teams while others opt to rebuild this winter, anticipation of blockbuster moves are abound.
Here’s a run down of the latest moves and news here.
New York Yankees Willing To Trade Rising Star Miguel Andujar
Rumors have surfaced that if the right deal came along, such as a blockbuster deal that would include acquiring New York Mets’ Ace right-hander Noah Syndergaard, that the Yankees would be interested in dealing Miguel Andujar.
Miguel Andujar had a strong rookie campaign with the Bronx Bombers in 2018, batting .297 with 27 home runs, 47 doubles and 97 RBIs in 149 games.
Keep in mind, that story was posted back in July, and as we all saw, Andujar played a significant role for the New York Yankees throughout the entire season with his bat.
Although he’s somewhat of a defensive liability at third base and doesn’t take many walks, it likely will take a great offer to move him.
Ivan Nova Traded To Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox made a low leverage move in acquiring Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Ivan Nova from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday.
The White Sox parted with right-handed pitching prospect Yordi Rosario in the deal.
Nova finished last season with a 4.19 ERA in 26 starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2018.
Andrew McCutchen Signs With Philadelphia Phillies
The former NL MVP is headed back to the state of Pennsylvania, but this time he’ll be wearing red pinstripes.
Andrew McCutchen agreed to a three-year/$45 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old five-time All-Star outfielder batted .255 with 20 home runs and 65 RBIs in 155 games last season with the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees.
Troy Tulowitzki Released By Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays parted ways with the oft’ injured Troy Tulowitzki on Tuesday, making Tulowitzki a free agent.
He’ll be owed the $38 million that was still left on the remaining two years of his contract, including a $4 million buyout in 2021.
Tulowitzki spent three plus seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, initially acquired from the Colorado Rockies back in 2015.
While in Toronto, the five-time All-Star never played to the level that earned him his reputation as one of the best shortstops in the MLB. He experienced down years in terms of batting average, along with bone spur injuries in both of his heels that caused him to miss all of 2018.
It’s unclear if Tulowitzki will be cleared before the regular-season next year.
What are your thoughts on the latest moves? Leave your comments below!
This is the time of the year when teams are sharpening their toolbox before attempting to make a Super Bowl run, yet, it’s hard not to ponder that New England’s devastating 34-33 loss last week won’t have a long lasting effect.
The Patriots defense, for what it’s worth, is not very good at all. They’ve taken a step back in 2018 from last year’s defense that allowed only 18.5 PPG, which would be ranked first in the NFL today.
The Patriots are 22nd overall in total defense (372.5), 12th in PPG (22.5), 15th in rushing yards allowed (113), and 29th in sacks (24).
The sacks department is most concerning considering how the team finished tied for seventh in sacks (42) last season and even that unit couldn’t lay a finger on Nick Foles in the Super Bowl.
New England’s secondary has looked good at times, but when the team uses it’s heavy nickel package they are vulnerable against the run. We saw that last Sunday in their unbelievable loss in Miami, as the Dolphins rushed for 189 rushing yards in the game.
The point I’m getting to here is this, Dont’a Hightower — a team captain and the mic linebacker — has regressed mightily in his return from a season lost due to injury, and it’s making the Patriots defense worse.
He’s a liability in pass coverage and questionable against the run because of his lack of speed. On one particular play last week he was faked out by Ryan Tannehill on a read option run that Tannehill went for 13 yards and a first drive.
New England entered 2018 as a heavy Super Bowl favorite, but with their defense getting torched by offenses like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins and Tom Brady regressing in terms of on-target throws to wide open receivers, it very well will be a quick postseason for the Patriots.
Losing in Pittsburgh this Sunday could all but confirm it.
Here we will be looking at each team’s championship quality (Spoiler: Not every team gets one here, duh!). The Kansas City Chiefs are the NFL’s top offensive team, but that’s not particularly a quality that what will get them to a Super Bowl. What will?
Let’s get started.
1. New Orleans Saints (11-2)
New Orleans’ offensive line has helped the team be one of the best at protecting the football. The Saints have committed only 12 turnovers in 2018, with Drew Brees throwing only four interceptions in 13 games.
2. Los Angeles Rams (11-2)
The Rams have arguably the NFL’s top running back in Todd Gurley, which gives Los Angeles an advantage over most teams. Los Angeles likes to play with tempo, but don’t be surprised if January brings about changes.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (11-2)
Getting after the quarterback will always be a key ingredient, and while Patrick Mahomes is special, we saw him lose a game throwing six touchdowns. It’s Kansas City’s pass rush that will lead them to a Super Bowl. They are second in the NFL in sacks with 42.
4. Los Angeles Chargers (10-3)
A red-hot quarterback will always come in handy come playoff time and that’s what Philip Rivers is right now, just ask Aaron Rodgers from the 2010 season or Joe Flacco from the 2012 season.
5. Chicago Bears (9-4)
Defense wins championships, and the Chicago Bears certainly have everything checked off in that category regarding it. The Chicago Bears are third in yards allowed (309.9), third in points allowed (19.0), fourth in sacks (40), and first in takeaways (34)
6. New England Patriots (9-4)
Being balanced on offense in January is the name of the game, and New England’s fifth ranked offense is one of the most balanced in the NFL.
7. Houston Texans (9-4)
The Houston Texans nine-game winning streak ended last Sunday, but there’s a great chance they’ll win out with their remaining schedule, meaning they’d be going into the playoffs with 12 wins out of their past 13, and there’s no better indication of a Super Bowl contender than a hot one.
8. Dallas Cowboys (8-5)
The Dallas Cowboys have allowed the second fewest points in the NFL this season at 18.9 PPG. They have held seven of their 13 opponents this season under 20 points.
9. Seattle Seahawks (8-5)
The No. 1 rushing team in pro football is the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle can go to their three-headed monster at running back to wear down opponents, and they’ve also got a quarterback who’s rushed for 849 yards in a season as well.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5-1)
The Pittsburgh Steelers pass rush is ferocious, as they lead the NFL in sacks with 45 this season. That’s also led to teams converting only 36.8 percent of their third downs against them.
11. Baltimore Ravens (7-6)
Leaning on the run over the past four weeks has changed Baltimore’s season, and their league-leading 115 rushing first downs gives you a clear indication of what type of team they want to be come playoff time.
12. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)
The Indianapolis Colts get it done on third down about as good as anyone offensively. They are second in the NFL in conversion rate at 47.2 percent.
13. Miami Dolphins (7-6)
Never underestimate the importance of a good punter. Matt Haack has been one of the best in the NFL this season, responsible for 31 punts inside the opponent’s 20 yard line, second best in the NFL.
14. Minnesota Vikings (6-6-1)
The Minnesota Vikings defense is nearly as stingy on third down as they were in 2017. They are allowing a league-low 29.7 percent of third downs converted against them.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)
The Philadelphia Eagles have not been particularly great at any category, but they have been one of the least penalized teams in the NFL this season, tied for fifth in that category.
16. Tennessee Titans (7-6)
The Tennessee Titans are one of the best teams in the NFL at returning kicks, averaging an NFL-high 34.4 yards per game on kickoff returns.
17. Carolina Panthers (6-7)
The Carolina Panthers are second in the NFL in rushing, and lead the next team behind them by eight yards despite rushing the ball 72 times less than them. They lead the NFL with 5.4 yards per carry.
18. Denver Broncos (6-7)
The Denver Broncos have tried to be a balanced offensive team, but if this team makes a run, it’ll be due to their rushing attack. Denver is seventh in the NFL in rushing, averaging the second most yards per carry at 5.2.
19. Cleveland Browns (5-7-1)
The Cleveland Browns are second in the NFL in turnovers forced with 28 this season, recovering a league-high 13 fumbles this season.
20. Washington Redskins (6-7)
Washington’s injuries at quarterback as well as on the offensive line and defense, have turned what was once a contending 5-2 Washington Redskins team into a team that will be lucky to finish .500. Gruden may not survive yet another season like that. His seat is warm.
21. Green Bay Packers (5-7-1)
Green Bay doesn’t give their opponents extra possessions with turnovers as they are tied with New Orleans for the second fewest turnovers this season at 12.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-8)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are explosive offensive unit, as they are second in the NFL in total yards ( and first in the NFL in passing yards per game at 331.4.
23. Detroit Lions (5-8)
The Detroit Lions have a reliable leg in Matt Prater, who has made 24 of 25 field goals this season, including three from 50+ yards.
24. Atlanta Falcons (4-9)
Matt Ryan won’t be playing in the postseason this year, but if he was, he’d be one of the hotter quarterbacks in the playoffs. Ryan has thrown for 4,076 passing yards, 28 touchdowns to only six interceptions while completing 70.5 percent of his passes.
25. New York Giants (5-8)
There isn’t much of a championship quality for the New York Giants, but it’s hard not marvel at Saquon Barkley, who right now is on his way to the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in a landslide.
26. Cincinnati Bengals (5-7)
Where’s Boomer Esiason when you need em?
27. Buffalo Bills (4-9)
The Buffalo Bills defense is ranked No. 1 in total defense, and it’s their work against the pass that’s a big reason why. The Bills are allowing an NFL-low 185.8 passing yards per game.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)
Despite not being anywhere close to the team they were last year, Jacksonville is still ranked sixth in the NFL in defense and are allowing only 203.7 passing yards per game, which is second in the NFL.
29. New York Jets (4-9)
The New York Jets defense has been great on third down, allowing only a 33.7 conversion rate, which is the second lowest in the NFL behind the Minnesota Vikings.
30. San Francisco 49ers (3-10)
Robbie Gould is one of the NFL’s best kickers ever, and he’s continuing that here in 2018. Gould has knocked threw 25 of 26 field goals this season, including two from 50+ yards.
31. Oakland Raiders (3-10)
They fired general manager Reggie McKenzie, so there’s a start.
32. Arizona Cardinals (3-10)
The Arizona Cardinals front seven doesn’t make life easy on their opponents. The Cardinals have gotten to the quarterback 39 times this season, the seventh most in the NFL.
What are your thoughts on this week’s NFL power rankings? Leave your comments below!
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