Sports debate

Why Michael Vick is Done

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Vick's career is over because of his health

Vick’s career is over because of his health

At the age of 33, Michael Vick’s career is coming to an abrupt end. The 2013 season has been a disaster for number seven. Despite a good start, Vick’s turnover problem and more specifically his injuries are pushing him out of football. Unlike most quarterbacks, Vick’s most valuable asset is his leg’s not his arm. When Vick looks back at his career his biggest regret will be not developing his passing game. Instead, Vick focused on breaking breathtaking runs in Atlanta rather than learning the playbook and throwing mechanics. After the dog-fighting incident the Eagles brought in Vick to back up Mcnabb. One year later, he led the Eagles to the playoffs. Now, in 2013, the Eagles realize that instead of investing in a quarterback that could run, they invested in a running back who could throw. Unlike many quarterbacks who can play late into their 30’s, Vick is unique in the sense that he has the mileage of an NFL running back, while other quarterbacks stay in the pocket and not risk injury by running. Whenever you rush for over 5,000 yards in your career, your legs are going to take a beating. The infamous 30 year old wall where NFL running backs start to decline seems to have smacked Vick in the face. With the injuries and turnovers piling up, it only makes sense for the Eagles to move on from Vick after the 2013 season. The Eagles have finally learned it’s almost impossible to build a team around a quarterback who is injury prone and not on the field.  Vick hasn’t started in more than 13 games in a single season since joining Philadelphia and has only started 16 games in the past two seasons combined. Let’s face it, he’s not the long-term answer in Philly. Come to think of it, the Eagles aren’t better off with Vick right now. He’s been turning the ball over too much and he is not healthy. When healthy, Vick can be a dynamic player but he hasn’t been completely healthy for a longtime. At this point, Vick can never be truly healthy. Even if he can play a few games, it’s now when not if he’ll get hurt. If Chip Kelly wants to get the Eagles going  forward not only this year, but beyond, he needs to bench Michael Vick. Instead, Kelly needs to see if Barkley or Foles have the potential to be the Eagles starting quarterback for the next five years. If not, the 2014 Draft offers a deep quarterback class that could have the quarterback that’s the best fit  for Kelly’s offense. Despite the trend of very athletic quarterbacks in the NFL today, I don’t see any team offering Vick a starting position next season. At best, he’s a sold backup that if need be can start for a few games. That maybe Vick’s only choice next season. At this point in his career, like most running backs, a secondary role is the best fit moving forward. Looking back at Vick’s potential, it’s unfortunate that we never got to see a fully developed player. Had he developed throwing the ball to go with his explosive legs, Vick could have been one of the most unstoppable quarterbacks in NFL history. I guess now we can only wonder what could have been?

Re-grading the Jets 2013 Draft halfway through season

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  • Dee Milliner C-
    Milliner's 2013 hasn't started off great

    Milliner’s 2013 hasn’t started off great

    It’s never easy to fill Darrelle Revis’ shoes. It’s been a mixed bag in 2013 for Milliner where injuries and inconsistent play have hurt the first round pick.  In five games this season only has 18 tackles, and one pass defended. However, the New Orleans game was his best showing, and could be the confidence boost that Milliner desperately needs. If he can remain healthy and on the field Milliner could finally show us more of his potential. One thing is for sure, Milliner needs to improve his coverage or else teams will continue to pick on him. At the moment he seems to be more of a long-term project, but could be a great corner in the future. While a tight-end could have been more beneficial, compared to the other picks around him, Milliner still has the most upside.

  • Sheldon Richardson A+
    In 2013, Richardson maybe the biggest steal of the draft

    In 2013, Richardson maybe the biggest steal of the draft

    When Richardson was picked 13th overall, many Jets fans were pissed. Who is this guy? This is who we got for Darrelle Revis? Blasphemy! However, in 2013 Richardson has been the most dominant rookie from the 2013 Draft class. An instant impact would be an understatement. One reason the Jets Defense has dominated this year, its number 91. Richardson has made the Jets defensive front one of the most ferocious and dominant in the NFL, and has given Jets Nation only a taste of what this defensive could be able to do over the next decade. This year Richardson has been an elite run stuffer with 41 tackles and a forced fumble. While he is still developing as a pass rusher with only 2.5 sacks, he’s been in the face of quarterbacks consistently and will only continue to develop his pass rushing skills as he continues developing. Sheldon Richardson and Mohammed Wilkerson? Tom Brady’s going to have nightmares for the rest of his career in Foxboro.

  • Geno Smith B+
    Smith is proving that he could be the quarterback Jets fans have been waiting for

    Smith is proving that he could be the quarterback Jets fans have been waiting for

    Looks like the Jets got their franchise quarterback in the second round. Talk about a steal. The reason this is an A- is because Geno has been turning over the ball a little bit too much. However,  this is due to the lack of weapons rather than Geno’s talents. So far he is the best quarterback of this class and if he can cut down on the turnovers, he will be great. As the season has progressed Geno has shown great poise and improvement. His arm strength and athleticism could make him even more dangerous if the Jets can surround him with the right weapons over the next few years. He’s already shown a poise and ability to play under pressure that Mark Sanchez never did. If not for Geno’s clutch performances the Jets wouldn’t be a playoff contender. Let’s not forget that Geno is also a second round pick. With the value of a second round pick being a franchise quarterback os one reason this grade is so high. I know the 8 Touchdowns and 13 picks aren’t exactly gaudy numbers, but when Geno actually gets some weapons to throw to then we will finally see what he is truly capable of. By the end of this year, this could be an A+ grade. Looks like some franchises may have passed on a great quarterback in the 2013 draft.

  • Brian Winters B –
    Winters has been solid, but the Jets missed out on some good playmakers

    Winters has been solid, but the Jets missed out on some good playmakers

    Since being inserted into the starting lineup four weeks ago, Brian Winters has helped to boost the offensive line. While he may not be doing anything spectacular yet, he has been excellent in pass protection and an average run blocker. As he continues to develop he could become a very good lineman in the NFL. While Winters has been a good pick for the Jets terrible offensive line, the reason the grade is this low is because of other players the Jets could have drafted. Receivers Keenan Allen and Terrance Williams have become very good playmakers for their respective teams. and would have helped Geno’s development. With the Jets mess at wide receiver, one of these players may have  given the Jets offense a playmaker they’ve desperately been lacking.  It was a good pick, but the Jets missed out on some great offensive weapons.

  • Oday Aboushi D
    A pick that could provide future value

    A pick that could provide future value

    Now we start getting into difficult territory. With no players around him that the Jets could have drafted, outside of maybe a tight end, Aboushi is a pick that wasn’t supposed to impact the 2013 season. Instead look for him to be a project moving forward and eventually become a starter or reliable backup. Time will tell, but at the moment this is a decent developmental pick for a time that needs offensive line depth.

  • William Campbell-D
    A project that hasn't gone anywhere, it may have been a wasted pick

    A project that hasn’t gone anywhere, it may have been a wasted pick

    The Jets tried to convert Campbell from a defensive tackle to an offensive lineman. After a less than stellar camp, Campbell is now on the practice square and looks to be a wasted pick. With other players available such as safety Bacarri Rambo, tight end Mychal Rivera, and cornerback Demetrius McCray the Jets missed players how have been giving solid production to their respective teams. Especially after drafting two offensive linemen in a row, it really didn’t make sense for the Jets to go out there and waste a pick on another one. Instead they should have focused on another area of need to provide more depth. While the offensive line depth is a big plus, the lack of depth at receiver and tight end have made the Jets offense sputter when they need a big play

  •  Tommy Bohanon A-
    Bohanon's versatile makes him a great fullback for the Jets future

    Bohanon’s versatile makes him a great fullback for the Jets future

    Talk about getting great value. As a seventh round pick Bohanon has been the Jets starting fullback since opening day. Since then he’s been a versatile player in the Jets offense. While his run blocking has been good, it is something that Bohanon can improve moving forward. He’s proven he can round the ball effectively, especially in short yardage situations. He can catch the ball effectively out of the backfield and has been great when protecting Geno Smith in passing situations. Bohanon shows a lot of promise and if he continues to develop could be a versatile weapon in the Jets offense. Do you agree with these grades? How would you grade the Jets draft and who should they have drafted? Comment and like below!!

     

Why Peyton Manning will never be as great as Tom Brady

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Two of the greats, but there can only be one!

Two of the greats, but there can only be one!

  • In 2013, Peyton Manning has been the story in the NFL. With an offense rolling over opponents by scoring  more points than a Madden video game, Manning has played some of if not his greatest football ever. While he will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, unfortunately, he will not be the best quarterback in the NFL when he played. That distinction goes to only one man, Tom Brady. While he may have a slight edge in passing stats, when you look at these two legends as the complete package, Brady is clearly the best. Don’t believe me? Here are the reasons why Brady is greatest quarterback of this generation.
  • How they started– When you look at how these quarterbacks started, it is clear that Brady has not only the better story, but the harder journey to stardom. In 1998, Manning was the first pick in the NFL Draft. No surprise there, he had been a star at Tennessee and looked ready to be an immediate NFL starter. In his first season though, Manning went 3-13 with 28 interceptions. Meanwhile, Tom Brady was selected in the sixth round at 199th overall in the 2000 Draft. He had to prove to everyone that he could play, while Manning was just given the keys to a franchise. How did Brady do in his first season as a starter? He just won the Super Bowl and was the MVP of the game. Not a bad way to finish your first season.
  • Supporting Casts– Many people will look at the statistics of these quarterbacks and just declare Manning the winner based on overall numbers. True, Manning has over 60,000 passing yards and over 450 touchdowns in his career compared to Brady’s 46,000 and 350. To be fair, Manning’s also had three more seasons than Brady while also having superior casts of talented players. In Indianapolis, Manning had weapons in the forms of Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Brandon Stokley, Edgerrin James, and Pierre Garcon, just to name a few. He had some of the best weapons in football which allowed him to set the single season touchdown record with 49 touchdowns. Now in Denver Manning has a vast array of weaponry. In his arsenal are Wes Welker, Demaryius Thomas, Knowshon Moreno, Eric Decker, and Julius Thomas. Meanwhile in New England, Brady has had to deal with an ever revolving roster of castaways and misfits. This year he lost Gronkowski to injury for the majority of the season and now postseason, Wes Welker to free agency,  and Aaron Hernandez to prison. Not to mention all the injuries to his receiving core and still had the second best record in the AFC. The season he did have similar weaponry to Manning? He broke Manning’s record with 50 touchdowns in 2007 and was one game away from the perfect season.
  • Playoff record– In the regular season Manning may have more total regular season wins, but this is not important when measuring truly great quarterbacks. Sure regular season wins are important, but it’s winning in the playoffs that make great quarterbacks into legendary quarterbacks. Manning is brutal in the playoffs. Despite being the greatest regular season quarterback in NFL history, Manning has come up short in the playoffs time and time again. His record? 10-11. Brutal. Meanwhile Tom Brady has established himself as one of the greatest postseason quarterbacks ever. Despite struggles in recent years, Brady has an amazing 18-7 record in the postseason. That’s even better than Joe Montana, widely considered the greatest quarterback ever. His postseason record 16-7.
  • Postseason touchdowns- Tom Brady has more post season touchdowns then Peyton Manning. Brady has 42 compared to Manning’s 34.
  • No sibling rivalry- So Brady may not be a member of The Brady Bunch, but Peyton is a Manning. What’s the problem with that? Nothing, unless you have a younger brother with more rings then you. Ouch. While it’s a long-shot that Eli Manning will break his brother’s records, it’s really Peyton who needs to catch up. With an 8-3 playoff record and two Lombardi trophies compared to Peyton’s one, it’s hard to call Peyton the greatest when his little brother has more hardware. Talk about competing for shelf space at Archie’s house. Not only does Eli have a longer career to win more Super Bowls then his older brother, but he’s also beaten Brady twice for those Super Bowls. That means that the wrong Manning is beating Brady. Sorry Peyton, younger siblings are a pain in the you know what am I right?
  • Head to head– Ric Flair once said “To be the man you have to beat the man”! Apparently Manning didn’t get that message. Brady is 8-3 in regular season meetings while also 2-1 in AFC title games. Hey if I had to put my money on it, I’m putting it on Brady to win. That is, until Manning can beat the man.
  • Lombardi Trophies– Pretty obvious huh? In the NFL the so-called “Lord of the Rings” resides in Foxboro. Brady’s three Super Bowl victories, in what was the last football dynasty, and five Super Bowl appearances is incredible. Manning only has one Super Bowl win in his two Super Bowl appearances. Unfortunately for Manning, his greatness will be measured by how many rings he will have at the end of his career. Heck, even Eli has more rings then Peyton right now. It’s unfortunate for Manning, but when you are as good as he is, your expected to win  Super Bowls. Right now the clock is ticking for Manning to win another ring. For Brady, he already has three rings. He could retire today and his legacy would be one of the greatest based on those three Super Bowls. If he can win more, then he will probably be accepted as the greatest quarterback to ever play in the NFL. Sorry Peyton, you may have the stats, but until you get the rings the best quarterback of this generation will always be Tom Brady.

Why me? Steve Bartman 10 years later

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Steve Bartman went to support his Cubs, afterward he would feel the wrath of a city

Steve Bartman went to support his Cubs, afterward he would feel the wrath of a frustrated city.

We’ve all been there. Sitting in the crowd, hoping that a foul ball will come our way. A physical memory from our favorite pastime. However, for one fan he din’t catch a memory, he caught  hell. Being a Cubs fan is about dreaming. Dreaming that your team, a ball club that hasn’t won a championship since 1908 will win the World Series. Then you wake up. Your team is not in the playoffs, they’re still cursed by a billy-goat, and all you can think is “maybe next year”. Steve Bartman was one of those fans. A lifetime Cubs fan who thought he had bought a ticket to the long awaited exorcism of the Cubs’ curse. Finally the Cubs would go from the Lovable Losers to champions. He had a front row view, aisle 4, row 8, seat 113. Little did he know, this would be the spot where his life would change forever.

In 2003, the Cubs were on the verge of history. That year they dominated baseball with an 88-74 record and looked like they would finally overcome their franchise’s demons. After losing game 5 to the Marlins, The Cubs returned home to Wrigley Field with a 3-2 series lead. Cubs fans packed the friendly confines and the streets around the ballpark realizing that their salvation was 9 innings away. They had Mark Prior, the leading candidate for the CY Young Award on the hill, they were at home, it all appeared to be destiny. After jumping out to a 3-0, Cubs fans were still filled with an anxious excitement. They were six outs from glory, then five. Then, it happened. Luis Castillo fouled off a pitch that headed toward the left field foul line. A lazy pop up that was begging to be caught. Moises Alou drifted over, leaping into the air glove outstretched and then, confusion. The ball bouncing into the stands, Alou throwing his glove, screaming at the top of his long, and a fan slumped over. Then the air was filled with silence. No one knew what happened, it all happened so fast.

Bartman wasn't the only fan going for the ball

Bartman wasn’t the only fan going for the ball

In a sea of outstretched arms Bartman’s were  the ones that hit the baseball. At the time it didn’t seem like a big deal. Alou couldn’t make a difficult catch, it was a foul ball. But for some reason, Cubs fans thought that this was the end. Reaffirmation that they were cursed. On the field, the Cubs were coming apart. After walking Castillo, Prior induced a perfect double play ball to Alex Gonzalez, the best fielding shortstop in baseball, who closed his glove and dropped the ball right in front of him, error. Why doesn’t anyone remember this? How was Gonzalez not the scapegoat when he cost the Cubs the chance to get out of the inning with the lead? Then, the Marlins erupted. With there new life the Marlins just keep hitting and hitting and hitting. When the dust finally settled after the barrage of hits the Marlins were winning 8-3. Eight runs, one inning, game over. The attention though wasn’t focused on how one of the best teams in baseball gave up eight runs in an inning, but with the fan with the headphones. The image of the young man wearing the glasses, black sweatshirt, green turtle neck, headphones, and Cubs hat was the picture that Cubs’ fan would vent their frustration on.

In a ballpark known as “the friendly confines”, nothing was friendly about game 6. Instead of rallying behind their Cubs, the fans instead vented almost a hundred years of frustration on one of their own. They didn’t even pause for a second to think, “hey that could have been me”. Fans began to hurl obscenities, food, and beer at their fellow Cubs’ fan until he was escorted from his seat. When his identity was finally revealed Bartman received thousands of death threats and had to go into hiding. The next day was filled with Bartman death threats, and disgusting internet jokes about how fans wanted to kill him. However, there was still a game seven left to be played. Cubs fans went from being ecstatic that the team could clinch at home to there might as well not be a game 7. Despite another opportunity, the Cubs would fall the Marlins in game 7, blowing a 3-1 series lead and the opportunity to play in the World Series. With the Cubs finished fans decided that the blame rested with an innocent fan, rather than a team that choked away three opportunities to go to the World Series. Much like Bill Buckner in Boston, both of these men were given all of the blame for losses that weren’t solely their fault, or not their fault at all. Unlike Bartman, Buckner’s demons were exorcised in 2004 when the Red Sox won the World Series. As long as the World Series drought continues, fans will blame Bartman because he reminds them of the “curse” on the Cubs that has plagued the team since 1908.

It's not what Bartman did to the Cubs, it's what Chicago did to him and the people of Chicago that owe Bartman an apology

It’s not what Bartman did to the Cubs, it’s what Chicago did to him and the people of Chicago that owe Bartman an apology

10 years later the biggest question surrounding the Bartman game to me isn’t if the Cubs would have won, but what happened to Steve Bartman? In an age with technology and media where  if we sneeze people know about it, how has Steve disappeared?Like many great conspiracies there are a number of theories. Some say he moved, some say he changed his name, but none knows for sure. Despite being offered thousands of dollars to appear at shows or in commercials, Bartman has declined to show his face. Meanwhile, the man who got the “Bartman ball” sold it for 100,000 dollars. Think about that. For all of Bartman’s suffering some other Cubs fan made 100,000 dollars. One thing that is certain, the event cost Bartman the chance for a normal life. Today, he still lives in hiding because a whole fan base is against him. While ten years have passed and most have probably forgiven Bartman, he probably realizes that if he reveals himself that some nut might take a swing at him because he’s Steve Bartman. I personally feel terrible for Steve Bartman. He went to a game as a fan, he made a mistake, and asked for forgiveness. Usually, I’m the first to point out the positives that sports provides individuals in their lives, but this is not one of these cases. This is the unfortunate incident where a sporting event hurt an innocent person and their life. For all the negativity and chaos surrounding him, Steve Bartman is one of the bravest men I can think of. While most people would use this fame for material benefits or as a chance to get back at the Cubs fan base, Bartman has instead decided to move on. While we may not know where he is today, Bartman is continuing with his life as best he can despite having to live in secrecy.  It’s unfortunate but until the Cubs win a World Series, Bartman will still be the unfortunate scapegoat. This fan base has associated Bartman with the team’s World Series drought, which until it’s over means that the Cubs fans will never fully forgive Steve. However, they should be the ones apologizing. I  hope that somewhere out there that Steve Bartman is living a happy life, because if anyone deserves it, it is him. Maybe Steve Bartman might even read this article one day and I hope he does. He is one of us, a legion of loyal sports fans who could have been in that seat. 10 years later, Steve Bartman has become the most famous fan in sports history. Hopefully, this will never happen to another fan again.

Brett Favre comeback? Don’t be surprised

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We've all been down this road before, don't be surprised if we see Favre again

We’ve all been down this road before, don’t be surprised if we see Favre again

I know what most of you must be thinking. Stop! No more! Lalalala I’m not listening! We are so sick of hearing about Brett Favre. Really? Much like Tim Tebow, Brett Favre will not go away for one simple reason. You guys. Whether you love him, or most likely hate him, football fans have an infatuation with Favre. Despite being out of the league since 2010 and being 42 years old, the Brett Favre rumor mill is rampant once again. It all started with Favre’s agent saying this week that Favre is better right now than 5 current starting NFL quarterbacks. I’m no Jerry Mcquire, but it sounds like someone is trying to pitch their client. With numerous teams with terrible quarterback situations this year don’t be surprised if one of them takes a shot on old man river. How about the Vikings? Favre’s last team whose subpar quarterback play has resulted in a 1-3 start and who are slowly realizing that Christian Ponder is not the answer. Sounds like an easy gig, hand the ball to Adrian Peterson, throw it maybe 25 times a game, oh and it’s the offense that Brett Favre knows. How about the Texans? With an elite running game and defense they’re a quarterback away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Favre would be a better quarterback then Matt Schaub who has had three games in a row with a pick six. Tampa Bay? Another team that was supposed to be stacked finds itself in a quarterback mess with Josh Freeman already being benched a quarter of the way into the season. Want a real dark horse? How about the Bengals? With  a weak AFC North and a loaded roster this is the year for the Bengals to make a run. With Big play makers at the wide receiver, running back, and tight end positions Cincinnati could make Favre feel like a kid in a toy store with the weapons they have, especially A.J. Green. Maybe the Bengals feel Andy Dalton isn’t ready yet or he might not be the quarterback to lead them to the promise land. Another dark horse? Very well what about the Tennessee Titans?

Favre may not be the same player he used to be, but he might be a missing piece for a team in the hunt

Favre may not be the same player he used to be, but he might be a missing piece for a team in the hunt

They’re going to miss Jake Locker for a major portion of the season, maybe Favre could keep them in the hunt? They’re already off to a 3-1 start why throw in the towel with Ryan Fitzpatrick. With Favre, you never know what he’s thinking. While he denies that he would comeback, how many times has he “retired” only to come back a few months later. We know he’s a competitor and that he’s got the itch to play. Come on he still has plenty of years to mow the grass or coach high school in Mississippi. Plus, look at Peyton Manning. He’s having his best season ever at the age of 37. You don’t think Favre must be thinking in the back of his mind that he could still be great even at 42. But Nolan, he’s 42, there’s no way he’s in football shape! Tell that to Favre’s agent who has been saying that Favre works out everyday, still has a rifle arm and has a body fat of content 7%. Favre is country strong. He’ll always be in great shape because he was raised to be “country strong”. All those years of bailing hay, chopping wood, and pulling tractors has given him strength that will never go away. Let’s put it this way, Favre will always have the ability to throw the ball 60 yards without a problem. Sure Favre may come off as the diva prom queen who doesn’t want to leave dance even though the janitor’s sweeping the floor, but shouldn’t we admire Favre a little bit? Sure we know that he’s past his prime and should be retired, but shouldn’t we respect him for trying? He’s the Peter Pan of football. No he doesn’t have twinkle toes, but he doesn’t want to grow up and just play football forever. Any of us who have played still wish we could play. We all grow up or out of sports eventually. Some are told at a young age some are told latter in life, but eventually we are all told. Can’t we just look past the diva whose back and forth decision-making  drives us crazy and just pay Favre some respect that he doesn’t want to stop playing? He’s not doing it for us, or for more glory, if he comes back he’s doing it because he loves playing the game of football. Sure it’s a long shot that he comes back, but just a few years ago we thought he would always retire a Packer or fathom him in another jersey. Well those have both happened and as this season continues to unfold don’t be surprised if Favre trades in his Wranglers for shoulder pads once again. There is just too many good opportunities for him to play quarterback and a franchise that may decide he is there best chance to win in 2013. Now we all just have to wait to see what number 4 will do next.