New York NFL Teams: Both Pretenders

In my opinion, unless they suddenly get hot, both New York NFL franchises will make early exits from the playoffs, if they make it at all.

The Giants have committed 41 turnovers during the season. Mostly Eli Manning throwing interceptions. That is way too many turnovers and just puts too much stress on a team's defense and special teams. Eventually they crack. Which is why the Giants are not in the playoffs now, and will need help from the Bears to get in.

The Jets have significant parts of their football team disappear for long stretches. Sometimes it's the offense and inconsistent QB Mark Sanchez. Sometimes it's the defense, giving up way too many points and yards. The Jets are in, but in real danger of losing in the first round. I do think the Chiefs would be a real challenge for the Jets, especially at Arrowhead.

The class of the AFC is without a doubt the Patriots. The best of the NFC may be the Falcons, Saints or Eagles. They are a little bit closer together than the AFC, where New England is clearly the class of the league.

UConn Women's Team Loses After 90 Wins

It was Stanford, another power in women's college basketball that finally ended UConn's win streak with a convincing 71-59 win over the Huskies in California.

That may have been the only way someone finally beat Connecticut--Stanford has a 50+ winning streak in their home building.

90 games--still very impressive.

Chiefs AFC West Champs!

I'm happy but not so happy that I am writing the same post twice--so head over to the mother ship for a post on the Chiefs!

http://southkansascityobserver.blogspot.com/2010/12/well-how-about-that.html

The Giants Are Killing Me!

I am so glad I did not see the Giants game live on TV. I probably would have hurt the TV.

But still, gacking up a 21 point lead?

That punt?

Oh, please. No more.

They had a players meeting and they are keeping the poor punter. You know, Hunter Smith is available...

Greinke IS Gone

While the Chiefs were the dominant news on Sunday, especially after the win, the trade of Zack Greinke to the Milwaukee Brewers for four young players attracted some attention too. Lots of people were critical, disappointed, dismayed. Many think the Royals will not win 60 games next year.

Let's take a look at what we got for Zack and Yuni Betancourt...

Three of the four players have had at least a cup of coffee in the majors.

Two are position players and two are pitchers.

One has been suspended for pot use twice. If he pops another positive drug screen, he's done. That is pitcher Jeremy Jeffress.

They all have potential--it was once said that potential was French for "not worth a damn."

Naming names, besides Jeffress, we have Alcides Escobar a strong defense no offense shortstop. Lorenzo Cain, speedy center fielder, who also is not yet hitting at a major league level.

Jake Odorizzi is the most intriguing of the lot, a power/control pitcher but he is the least experienced of the group, and has not played higher than A ball.

Truly only time will tell if we have made a trade that will help the Royals build a winner, or we have sent yet another superstar away for a stew of just average players.

In the meantime, a lot of Royals fans are feeling blue, and it is not from the chilly winter weather.

Photos, from Google image searches, from top to bottom: Alcides Escobar, Jake Odorizzi, Jeremy Jeffress and Lorenzo Cain.

Chiefs Win

Well, one down two to go!

The Chiefs came out tight and out of synch, but the defense held the Rams to field goals in the first quarter. That 6-0 could have just as easily been 14-0.

After that, the Chiefs offense got into gear, and the Rams were unable to cope. Kansas City winners!

Next up the Titans, who won yesterday, at Arrowhead. Lets go Chiefs!

Rams-Chiefs: Very Important Game

This game...well, I am glad I don't bet on sports, because this game is a very tough game.

You have two young, young teams who are on the upswing after several years of stinkiness.

One team's QB is 10 days out from laproscopic surgery--I believe Matt Cassel will play, but the memories of how badly Ben Rothlesberger played after his appy are in my head. Matt Cassel does not have time for two bad games. However, Brodie Croyle just isn't good enough for us to have in there at this point.

Both are in first place now, but the race for each would be much much easier if they won this game. The Chiefs divisional competition is quite serious with the San Diego Chargers. So there will be pressure.

How will the teams and coaches react? Who will perform best under pressure?

That team, the team that is the least tight or gets rid of the jitters first, will be the winner. The team that avoids stupid penalties, turn overs and plays good defense. That's the winning team.

I hope it's the Chiefs. This is a pick'em to me. See you 1200 at the Jones Dome.