From Maddening to Madden

June 6, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

From Cover Corner to Coverman

It’s official Richard Sherman will grace the cover of Madden 15. After weeks of fan voting, Sherman beat out Cam Newton to win the prestigious honor of Madden cover player. Madden curse? If anything Sherman would dismiss this and probably go in a rant about how the a sorry curse couldn’t beat him. After proving he was the best cover corner in the NFL and winning a Super Bowl Ring, this is just the cherry on top of an amazing year for the Seattle cornerback. Can Sherman beat the curse? Will he back this up too? How dominant will he be when I try to throw a go route against my buddy on Xbox One? We will have to wait till later this year to find out.

Girl Power: College Football’s First Female DB

June 6, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

Shelby Osborne will look to be a trendsetter as the first female defensive back in college football

Football. The macho sport in America. When we hear the word football muttered most of us conjure images of large behemoths of men slamming into each other like battering rams. Men with battle scars, weather-beaten faces, and who have a nasty demeanor. Many believe Michael Sam will be a trendsetter in football in 2014 for being the first openly gay player in the NFL. However, he won’t be the only one changing the perception of football in 2014.

We’ve all been on the playground before. A group of boys standing around about to play a game when a female classmate comes up and wants to join. Almost out of instinct the boys will say girls don’t play (insert sport here). However, this might not be the case for long. Women have been defying masculine stereotypes and have become great athletes in their own right in sports across the board. One sport that women have yet to conquer was football, until now.

Shelby signs here letter of intent

Meet Shelby Osborne, college football’s first defensive back to be recruited. Shelby has agreed to play for the NAIA Campbellsville University in 2014. While most of her friends maybe cheerleaders on the sidelines, Osborne decided to strap on a helmet and play. This all started when Shelby, frustrated by Jeffersonville High’s football team, yelled during a game “Come on I can play better than that”! This thought out of frustration turned into a roster spot and now into a chance to play in college. Osborne plans on studying to be a physical therapist in order to be around sports, why she adamantly says is here biggest passion. That way she can be around the sport she loves the most, football.

Shelby Osborne is a trailblazer. With this signing, it could be the beginning of women getting more involved in college football. Who knows? Maybe we will look forward into the future and ask when not if a female player will play not only in top college football competition, but also in the NFL.

Kings Vs. Rangers: Stanley Cup Preview

June 4, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Kings Vs. The King

It’s finally here! The Stanley Cup Final is upon us. From the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Kings have battled through the defending Cup champions and look for their second championship in three years. From the Eastern conference, the New York Rangers have been the perennial underdogs who find themselves in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in twenty years. With talented rosters and very different roads to reach the Cup Finals, the question is who has the edge? Both teams have been up and down this postseason and have been on the brink of elimination. Now we have the battle between Los Angeles and New York City to see who will be the Cup City. Let’s see how these two teams matchup.

Offense: The Rangers have relied on their speed and aggressiveness to manufacture goals this postseason. With clutch goal scoring at crucial times, the New York offense has scored when it needs it the most. However, despite their speed and ability to use their defense as a fourth forward in the zone, the Rangers still do not have the Kings fire power. The Rangers may distribute the scoring, but scoring leader Martin St. Louis has six goals while LA has four players with more than six goals. The Rangers have also struggled mightily on the power play while the Kings have been one of the best teams on the power play this postseason. The Rangers have been clutch, but with LA’s firepower including Marian Gaborik’s team leading 12 goals, the Kings are the better offensive team. Edge: Kings

Defense: Defense can win championships. LA has some of the most physical defensemen in the NHL. LA will have the physical edge over New York, but the Rangers defense is one of its biggest strengths. Not only does the Rangers defense have incredible speed, but their ability to block shots this postseason is a major reason why they are here. This defense has been great taking the pressure off of Lundqvist when it counts. In game six they held the Canadiens offense, one of the best in the league, to eighteen shots on goal for the whole game. With the fewest goals allowed this postseason the Rangers are hoping that the old saying that “defense wins championships” will work for them. Edge: Rangers

Goaltending: This is what will make or break the series for either team. . There is no question that both Quick and Lundqvist are two of the best if not the two best goaltenders in the NHL. With this being such a close call it is in my opinion that whoever has the best goaltending in this series will win the Cup. With that said, I am giving just the slightest edge in this competition to the Rangers. What? Is probably what most of you are saying. It’s understandable you’ll argue that Quick is younger, has a better post season record, and oh by the way a championship ring already. So why does Lundqvist get the edge? One word, consistency. When Quick is on he is the best goalie in hockey, no question. The problem? He has been maddeningly inconsistent. His 2.86 GAA and .906 save percentage is still far behind Lundqvist’s 2.03 GAA and .928 save percentage. Lundqvist did have that terrible game 5 in Montreal, but when the Rangers have needed him most, he has answered the call. Quick has also played his best hockey when the Kings have been backed into a corner too, but part of the reason for that is his poor play in the beginning of some of those series. Jonathan Quick has given up more than four goals in a game five times this postseason. compared to Lundqvist’s four times. This battle is neck and neck and if Quick plays his best, he is better than Lundqvist. However, Lundqvist has more at stake than Quick and is more reliable than Quick this year. Edge: Rangers (Slight)

Conclusion: Rangers in Seven

This will be a close series. One lucky bounce or bad penalty could decide the who will be champ. The Kings do have home ice advantage, but the Rangers have played well on the road with a 6-4 away record. This will be a great series that will go at least six or seven games. While I won’t be surprised if the Kings win, especially with their experience and if Quick is on, the Rangers are my pick. With their clutch scoring, defense, and Lundqvist in the net I believe the Rangers have the slightest edge and will bring back the cup to New York for the first time in twenty years.

Mets break record! Most cheesesteaks eaten!

June 2, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Now we know where Colon’s belly came from

The Mets are victorious! They are record breakers! They are cheese steak connoisseurs? On April 30th the Mets broke the record for most cheese steaks devoured by a team in one day at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Mets ate 103, yes 103 cheese steaks during the rain delay and postponed game that day. They may not win in the standings, but watch out for these Mets in the buffet line. I guess we now the mystery of one of the biggest Mets questions of 2014. What is in Bartolo Colon’s tummy? If anyone was wondering why the Metropolitans maybe moving slower these days, I think we can thank the cheese steaks for that. Maybe that’s why they played so many innings this past weekend. To have more time to chow down. The Mets broke the unofficial record of 80 by a wide margin, but this might have only been the appetizer. Who knows? If the team is out of contention in August they might forget about the game on the field and try to reach to 120 mark. One thing is for sure, if Terry Collins takes his team to Pizza Hut after the game, that’s going to be one New York size bill.

America’s Grade: Dallas Cowboys Draft Grade

May 23, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 4 Comments

Round 1: Zach Martin

Protecting Tony Romo

With the first pick, much to the dismay of Cowboys fans, Dallas selected offensive lineman Zach Martin. Despite the pleas to draft Johnny Football, the Cowboys made the right pick. Trust me, it would have been entertaining to see Jerry World have Manziel in the center ring, but with the enormous contract of Tony Romo that would never happen. In order to protect their muli-million dollar man at quarterback, the Cowboys made the smart selection of Martin. He started every game in college and can play every position on the line. He will be a day one starter at tackle or guard and was the safest pick for Dallas at this point. Could become staple on their offensive line for next decade.

Grade: A

Round 2: Demarcus Lawrence

Demarcus Ware’s Replacement?

Without question the Cowboys defense was abysmal last season. Not only did the team struggle on the field, but with arguably their best playmaker in Demarcus Ware heading to Denver, this defense has problems everywhere. To address the rebuilding, the Cowboys are relying on Lawrence to be the foundation. An outside pass rusher who can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt, his flexibility means that he can moved all round in the Cowboys defense. He maybe lacking in run defense, there is no question that Lawrence can get to the quarterback. He has some big shoes to fill in Ware’s absence, but could be a consistent double-digit sack artist if utilized correctly. Dallas needs to get after the quarterback and believe that Lawrence will be happy to oblige.

Grade: A

Round 4: Anthony Hitchens

A big reach

With 5 picks in the seventh round, it’s puzzling why the Cowboys would pick a player who projected to be there. Hitchens was a productive player in college but at 6’0 and 240 pounds Hitchens will at best be a backup in the Cowboys new 4-3 defense. He fits the mold for an outside backer, but with Bruce Carter already at the weak linebacker position, Hitchens will probably be just a backup and only see a few snaps this season. With other needs and talent still available, the Cowboys stretched for a backup next season.

Grade: D+

Round 5: Devin Street

Another weapon for Romo

The Cowboys made a nice pick with Street here in the fifth round. Despite lacking elite speed, Street’s 6’3 size and great hands make him a nice red zone target for Tony Romo. With Dez Bryant the clear number one receiver on the depth chart, Street could work his way up into the number two or three spot by the end of the season. Terrance Williams will be opposite Bryant opening day, but don’t be surprised if Street becomes a solid third receiver for Cowboys. A good pick, but the Cowboys offense is not the problem. Would have been better off improving their terrible defense but at least they get a nice offensive piece.

Grade: B

Round 7: Ben Gardner

Building up D-Line

A puzzling pick. Despite their needs on the defensive line the main problem for the Cowboys is rushing the passer. Gardner is an above average run stuffer who struggles rushing the passer. If anything the only reason this pick makes sense is if the Cowboys still are unsure about what base defense to use. While they are transitioning to a 4-3, Gardner would be a solid 3-4 end and could be a backup plan if the 4-3 does not pan out. Either way, if the Cowboys do decide to stick with the 4-3 the 264 pound Gardner can’t play inside. Will have to play well on special teams or could be cut be end of training camp. Could be the case of square peg trying to fit into round hole.

Grade: D+

Round 7: Will Smith

Not that Will Smith

No, not Will Smith the actor, although you never know with Jerry Jones in his constant quest to be in the spotlight. Smith is a better prospect here in the seventh round then Hitchens was in round four. Good size and speed has the tools to develop into a versatile outside linebacker. Fits 4-3 mold and despite average run stopping skills and raw pass rushing ability, Smith is great in coverage. If he develops could be a nice role player on defense and special teams. Has more upside then Hitchens and could be a dark horse to be a late season starter and compete for a starting job next season.

Grade: B

Round 7: Ahmad Dixon

Cowboys finally address woeful secondary

Is it just me or is Jerry Jones sticking to Texas prospects? Maybe trying to make up for not drafting Johnny Manziel by drafting players his fellow Texans will know. The safety position was a disaster in Dallas last season. While the team could have addressed this in round one, Dallas waited to the seventh to add depth to the safety position. Dixon is a stout run stopping safety, whose limitations in pass coverage mean he is better suited for strong safety position. Wilcox and Heath maybe in front on the depth chart right now, but if Dixon can learn the playbook and work on his coverage, then he maybe a backup for 2014. Unlikely to start this year, but could be a nice project in two to three years if given time to develop.

Grade: B –

Round 7: Ken Bishop

Run stopper

Cowboys could see Bishop developing into a future run stopper in their 4-3 scheme. Small school prospect who will be better off in rotational role, will have to prove his worth to make 53 man roster. Could be destined to make practice squad in order to develop or could be a training camp casualty. Despite drafting two linebacker already, Yawin Smallwood was available and could have been a steal here. Missed opportunity for the boys.

Grade: C

Round 7: Terrance Mitchell

Steal in seventh round

How Mitchell was available in the seventh round I will never know. Good size makes up for lack of explosive speed and burst. Very raw player with a decent ceiling. Could make a strong case to be third cornerback on the depth chart next season or at very least fourth corner. Provides very good depth and young prospect. Left school too early, but if developed correctly could become a very good corner.

Grade: A –

Overall Grade: B –

Some hits and missed, but overall a solid draft considering lack of picks

With only four picks in the first sixth rounds, the Cowboys were under a lot of pressure to get it right. While it would have benefitted them to probably move up by trading some of their five seventh round picks, the Cowboys were limited in the top end of this draft. Zack Martin may not have been the pick Cowboys fans wanted but he was the pick they needed. A safe pick that will shore up the offensive line and help Demarco Murray and Tomy Romo instantly. The loss of Demarcus Ware is a big one on an already depleted defense but Lawrence will be a nice addition and whose pass rushing ability will fit either the 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. After two great picks, the Cowboys whiffed in round four. The problem? Not only did they select better linebacking prospects in the seventh round, but also missed out on some good receivers and safeties available. Street is a nice edition in round five, but receiver wasn’t a primary need for this team. Despite eventually filling all of their needs, Dallas waited until the very end of the seventh round to it. There were some nice developmental picks in the seventh round, but it’s hard to imagine all five making the fifty-three man roster or even the practice. The good news is that the Cowboys did not completely screw up this draft and take Manziel in round one. The bad news is, their will be minimal impact by these prospects this year as these players will probably make their impact down the road after some development. They may have a lot of holes, especially on defense, but the silver lining is the Cowboys are still in the NFC East. No team significantly improved in the draft or free agency in this division and I still believe Dallas is the second best team in the division. I predict 8-8 in 2014, but at least this draft is keeping the Cowboys heading in the right direction instead of heading for a complete disaster.

The Return of the King?

May 22, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

The King returning to his former kingdom

The Cleveland Cavaliers have hit the jackpot. For the third time in four years the dismal franchise will have the number one pick in the NBA Draft. With the most talented draft class in probably the last decade, the Cavaliers could be poised to be a playoff team in the near future. However, the true jackpot may not be in this draft, but possibly in the homecoming of their former savior.

With a strong young nucleus, this years number one pick could be the final key to luring back Lebron James from South Beach. Many Clevelanders might not want their former king to return to Cleveland as the wounds from his departure are still fresh and deep. Still, if Lebron James was to come back the Cavaliers would be favorites to win the title.

It may only be speculation at this point, but Cleveland has put themselves in a great position to entice James. Miami may win a third title this year, but their future is in question. Despite great ownership and a talented roster, the Heat are getting older and may only have one or two true title runs left. Despite this, James may choose to stay in Miami because of the lifestyle it has to offer and the larger market available there rather than Cleveland. Los Angeles and New York are long shots to get James in the future, but at least they provide the market for the Lebron James brand. Even though the end goal will be to attract James back to Cleveland, it will still depend on what Lebron James wants to do. Either way, the Cavaliers have made themselves as attractive a destination as possible. If they can add a legitimate coach, it will be hard to imagine that James could turn down a young talented nucleus with a great head coach. He’s in the business of winning, and that’s a winning formula.

King James may not return to his former empire, but even without James the Cavaliers now have the young pieces to become a competitive basketball team. With a young and upcoming roster they could soon become a perennial contender and maybe even a championship contender. However, in a perfect world the King will return to his people and bring them the championship they so rightfully deserve.