Check It, You Know Who I Be...

Kobe hit another tell-me-how-my-ass-taste shot. That makes four game-winners this year. With 0:07 left, Kobe hit a tough, fall-away jumper in Ray Allen's face to take a one point lead.

The other three game-winners were buzzer-beaters. Miami, Milwaukee and Sacramento have gotten the ass face this year. Add the Boston to the list.

The Lakers were able to comeback on the Celtics in Boston to get an important win. Ray Allen got a good look at a three to win but couldn't connect.

Not the best game from either team, but Boston should have been able to put the game away. They'll continue to struggle unless KG and PP are able to turn back the clock a few years. Glen Davis, Sheed and Perkins are good at shoving people and getting pissed, but that won't get it done. Rondo is best guy they've got by a long shot.

My Beef: With about 1:20 left and LA leading by one, Perkins tipped a rebound that hit a camera attached to the back of the backboard. He gained possession, and called time-out. It should have been ruled out of bounds.

Phil made a stink about it to no avail. Of course ABC knew about it. They showed everyone the ball hitting the camera that doesn't need to be there.

Van Gundy: "How about ABC playing a major role in this game?"
Breen: "As always, our crew doing an outstanding job."

How were they doing an outstanding job, Breen? ABC doesn't need a camera jutting out there. If they were doing an outstanding job, the camera would be set up of top of the backboard, out of the way. And of course, the refs should have seen it.

Despite that mishap, ABC's NBA coverage on Sunday afternoon is great. I seamlessly transition to the NBA from the NFL without skipping a beat. Van Gundy and Hubie Brown are as good as it gets, in terms of color commentary.

Romo The Romeo

I've always wondered how Tony Romo dated famous women. "Cowboys quarterback" is a big draw, and he's the nicest guy in the world, according to reports. But, come to find out, his pick-up game is at a Pro Bowl level, too.

My fiance, Shannon, was looking on Facebook earlier this week when she said, "Hey, look, it's Tony Romo."

I went over to the computer and, sure enough, there was Romo in a picture on her friend's page. She went to high school with Shannon, and now lives in Arizona.

The picture featured this woman and her sister with Romo and his manager. Only a few details were available from the comments below the picture.

This woman and her sister were out a bar/club (location: n/a), and this man approached them. He said, "Do you guys like football?"

"Not really," they said.

"Well, do you want to meet Tony Romo?"

They responded, "Sure." They followed this guy, who turned out to be Romo's manager, over to the VIP section where Romo was hanging out.

Romo said to them, and this was quoted in the comments, "Hi, I'm Tony Romo, and I like to play football."

Smooth.

I wonder if that's the line that got Carrie Underwood and Jessica Simpson?

Rookie Challenge Set

If you enjoy the NBA at all then you'll want to check out game played on Friday night of All-Star Weekend. The Rookie Challenge, which features nine first-year players versus nine second-year players, packs as much excitement and entertainment as the actual All-Star game. It features the best young players in the league balling All-Star-style.

The Sophomores have won seven in a row against the rookies, which makes sense. This year looks to be another win for the sophomores, but a surprisingly impressive rookie class will hopefully make it a game.

Last year Kevin Durant set a record scoring 46 points. This game is never lacking scoring and high-flying dunks.  It's been played every year since 1994 (except for 1999*.)

I love the idea of this game. It gives fans a chance to see the brightest young stars in the league perform under bright lights, in front of the best players in the game. It provides a chance to put on a show, and to prove who's the best of the best.

The T-Mobile Rookie Challenge will air on TNT February 12 at 8 p.m.

*1999 was the strike-shortened season, and there was no All-Star game. That season, much like 1994 in MLB, is viewed by some as less than legitimate. Certain fans refuse to credit the Spurs for winning a title that year, after a 50-game regular season.

Typical Vikings

The Colts and Saints advance to the Super Bowl, but Favre is still the topic of the day. The late, ill-fated throw over the middle to Sidney Rice is getting the attention, but it wasn't just that mind-boggling play.

The Vikings are infamously known as a team that doesn't get it done in the clutch. Creatively crafting new and strange ways to lose games.

The Vikings nearly doubled the Saints in total yards. They held the league's highest-scoring team under its average, while giving Brees extra possessions.

Minnesota did a lot of good things, just not the most important ones. Protecting the ball and the quarterback are jobs 1A and 1B in the NFL. Favre wasn't sacked, amazingly, but took punishing shots all day.

The Vikings dropped its hopes and dreams of a Super Bowl run on the turf along with the ball. It was amazing Minnesota was still in position to have a chance to win the game.

Fumbling six times, losing three, is a sure-fire way to lose any game. Especially a playoff game on the road. Those were the biggest reason for the loss.

Favre's interceptions were puzzling. He tried to cram the first one in between three Saints. The second one goes into the file marked "Season/Career-Enders," right next to his last pass in Green Bay. But I trust him slinging it around more than Peterson running the ball.

No. 1 sign you're going to lose: Botching a hand-off after recovering a muffed punt at the opponent's 5-yard line right before half.

No. 2: Committing a 12-men-in-the-huddle penalty on the brink of field-goal range following a timeout with 20 seconds left.

Despite the numbers, the Saints were the better team on Sunday. They roughed up Favre and didn't commit as many turnovers.

The Vikings missed the best shot at a Super Bowl they'll have for years to come.

(Photo Credit: onmilwaukee.com)

Championship Sunday

Featuring Josh Jevne

It's go-time. It's time to determine who's going to Miami for Super Bowl 44 and two weeks of hoopla.

New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts - Sunday, 2 p.m., CBS

No reason to even break this one down.

The Jets are on a fairy-tale run. Rex Ryan is hamming it up once again - "No one believes in us." "No one wants us here." You're right, Rex. No one does want you here, except for annoying Jets honks.

I know all the defensive stats. I know they dominated Phil Rivers and the Chargers. I know about Darrelle Revis. I saw a lot of analysts picking the Jets to win this game.

I'm taking Peyton Manning. I'll take him over the top defense in the league. Losing this game would be catastrophic to his legacy and career. He needs more Super Bowl wins to cement himself as the greatest ever. And don't sleep on the Colts D.

Josh's Take: The clock is striking midnight for the Jets. Nice run, but the Colts have Peyton Manning and the Jets don't. Colts win.


Winner: COLTS

            ------------------------------------------------

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints - Sunday, 5:40 p.m., FOX

This game is more challenging to pick. The Saints should win at home, but that's not the way it usually works.

Both teams are coming off impressive wins last weekend. I'm concerned that Favre was a little too happy after beating Dallas. I know he's just "a big kid, having fun" but that scene in the locker room was ridiculous.

The Vikings seem to have caught the injury bug, or they're just trying to play the "count us out" card. Kevin and Pat Williams missed practices, as did Ray Edwards. Those guys will all be suited up, but Percy Harvin coming down with another migraine is worrisome.

Each quarterback will be in charge of winning the game. I don't think Minnesota's defense will be as effective this week. Let's be honest: Tony Romo isn't Drew Brees. Minnesota will hope to get Peterson going to take some pressure off Favre.

The Saints defense led the league with 8 TDs. Darren Sharper will be looking to make a play against Favre, and I think he gets him once.

The home-field advantage will be a factor. The Vikings haven't played well at times on the road this season. I don't like picking against the Ol' Gunslinger, but I'm going with the Saints.

Josh's Take: I'm still wishing this was Rodgers v. Favre III. That would've been the best game of the season, but this is the next best thing. Even with the Saints at home, I think the Vikings will be able to make some big plays on offense (Sidney Rice) and defense (sacking and hurrying Brees) to neutralize the crowd. I am taking the Vikings.

Even though a Vikings win it will make it completely unbearable to live in the state of Minnesota for a non-Viking fan. Two weeks of Paul Allen screaming about Favre might kill me.

Winner:

Zach: SAINTS
Josh: Vikings

It's arguably the best Sunday of the year for NFL football. The best four teams remaining battling for a trip to the Super Bowl. Enjoy. May your team win.

Last Week: Zach 3-1, Josh 3-1
Playoffs: Zach 6-2, Josh 5-3

Head-Scratching Deals

Chan Gailey is the new man in Buffalo. Norv Turner signed a new 3-year extension. Wade Phillips is about to get a 2-year extension. Childress got an extension and Lovie is coming back.

All these deals scream: THERE'S NO ONE ELSE TO HIRE.

Seattle hired Pete Carroll. They took a gamble with him because the cupboard seems to be bare, in terms of head coaches.

Norval and Bum's Son have proven time and time again to not be able to lead good-to-great teams to playoff wins. Jerry Jones must like how he can manipulate Wade. Jerry has never been shy about spending money foolishly.

Norv finished with a great regular season so I'm not surprised San Diego quickly brought him back. Another fizzle in the playoffs will certainly send him packing.

Childress saved himself this year, but what about next year? What happens when Favre actually retires? Chili goes back to being a lowly head-coach, with a brutally gruff voice, bald dome and terrible beard, whom no one wants to listen to. The Vikings have to keep him for three years or pay him to go away.

Gailey brings a resume to Buffalo that includes: Ineffective Cowboys coach - 2 years - 0 playoff wins. Middle of the road ACC coach - 6 years. Fired by the Chiefs after one year. It's not a hire that inspires confidence in Buffalo, nor should it.

Gailey is a strange hire but so was the 70-year-old geezer they just hired as GM, Buddy Nix.

The Bears stayed the course and kept Lovie Smith but fired every other coach they had. That's a money-saving play by the Chicago front office.

There just doesn't seem to be anybody out there. Cowher and Gruden sitting in a studio or broadcast booth doesn't help any of these teams either.

Leslie Frazier, Minnesota's defensive coordinator, seems to be getting a lot of interviews the last couple of years. It seems he's just there to satisfy the Rooney Rule. And because he's in the same position Mike Tomlin was before Tomlin won a Super Bowl.

Brian Billick wants to coach. I thought the Bills might go there, but Nix clearly made up his mind that Gailey is the guy.

BONUS: College Classes Cancelled

• Simpson College cancelled classes yesterday for the second time in just over a month. During five years at Northern Iowa I don't recall one day being cancelled. According to this, it must be the worst winter in recent memory. Or Simpson goes too easy on students during bad winter weather. The snow storm in December was epic and everything was covered in ice yesterday, but with the amount of dough handed over for tuition I want to attend every class on the schedule.

(Photo Credit: Duprey/AP)

Cowboys Embarrassed

The Cowboys got their first playoff win last week. As predicted, that would prove to be satisfactory for this season as they were embarrassed by Minnesota Sunday.

Dallas went from looking like "the best team remaining in the playoffs" (quoted from a lot of "experts" at ESPN and NFL Network) to looking like the bumbling team that went 13 years without a playoff win.

The game barely started and Romo lost a fumble. Never gave them a chance. When Fozell "The Hotel" went down with a leg injury, which allowed Jared Allen to get loose, the game was over. When they got in FG range, Suisham missed.

Favre connected early on a deep pass to Sidney Rice that fired him up, which is what everyone in the whole state feeds off. If Favre isn't into the game, the Vikings chances are slim.

Romo looked like Aaron Rodgers did versus Minnesota. He looked confused, he couldn't get rid of the ball, he was fumbling and taking a lot of sacks. The difference is Rodgers still produced numbers and kept his team in the game. The Cowboys rolled over. Romo was sacked six times, the most ever in his career.

The most bothersome thing of the game: Keith Brooking trying to start a fight after Favre's 4th TD. Brooking said after the game that play call was "classless." How about you stop them, Keith? How about you "hit 'em in the mouth" like you say before each game? Running up the score doesn't exist in the NFL. Especially in the playoffs. Take your beat down like a man.

Norval Gets Tripped Up

I came out to a flat tire this morning. No big deal, I need the exercise walking to campus.

People are clamoring that most of the games in the playoffs have been "boring." Not really the case. The top seeds were the better team across the board and all of them played like it except for the Chargers, who looked like hot garbage. I'll give credit to the Jets. The best teams playing well isn't boring to me.

Norval Turner is back on the hot seat after that performance. Pro Bowler and "most accurate kicker in NFL history", Nate Kaeding, blew three attempts on Sunday. It'd be foolish to blame him entirely, but this isn't the first time he's missed big kicks in the playoffs against the Jets. Iowans need to step up in those situations, and when they don't, they must bounce back.

Rivers and company couldn't move the ball effectively and the Jets continued their improbable run deep into the playoffs. If you win at this point it's because you are the better team. The Jets proved that. San Diego was the only team on the bye that the media wasn't asking serious questions about coming into this weekend.

The Saints, Vikings and Colts all came out with something to prove. The Chargers looked complacent and content. They thought they could just show up and win, which has been their problem in the past.

GM A.J. Smith will have to decide what he wants to do with LT and his Electric Glide. Norv will return unless Cowher wants the gig. There isn't anybody else out there. For the same reason, Wade "Son of Bum" Phillips will also return.

Divisional Round Picks

By Zach Jevne featuring Josh Jevne

A combination effort here at JSJ for the Divisional Round. Another tough weekend to pick games. You never know how well the teams who were on a bye are going to look. There are some clear favorites out there, but there's got to be one upset, right?

Arizona at New Orleans

I'm taking the Saints, who will come out strong after looking bad the last three games. I don't like going against Warner, but he just had one of the best games of his career. I expect a drop-off from last week. Arizona's playing on a short week, and the defense got worn out versus Green Bay. Arizona can't do it two weeks in a row. Not with that D. Brees will come out gang-busters after having three weeks off.

Josh's Take: I don't believe in the Saints, even at home, and Warner is playing at the highest level since winning MVP trophies. However, the Saints will pressure Warner and get some hits on him, which will lead to turnovers. I am picking the Saints to win.


Winner: Saints

Baltimore at Indianapolis

I've been riding the Colts as the best team since about Week 4. I didn't like Caldwell's decision, but they'll be ready to go this week. The Ravens will be a tough match-up, but Manning will be sharp. He'll get it out quickly and avoid hits. Manning is tired of hearing all this "rest vs. rust" and "he sucks in the postseason" stuff. Indy's defense is rested and healthy. The Ravens have never won in Indy.

Josh's Take: Ravens defense looked great last week, but Flacco looked bad. The Colts will score against the Ravens, and the Ravens will have to keep up. The one thing that scares me is that the Colts are 0-3 after getting a first round bye, proving once again that sitting down starters for 2 or 3 weeks is silly. I am still picking the Colts.


Winner: Colts

Dallas at Minnesota

A very tough game to pick. Dallas is playing as well as anyone, maybe the Chargers. The Vikings have struggled against a tough defense and pressure. Home-field will certainly help Minnesota, but not if their offense stalls early in the game. That will anger the fans.

Minnesota will have to rely on Favre. I don't expect Peterson to do that much. Dallas hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in over a year. If he doesn't fumble, I would consider that a productive day from him. Minnesota has to protect Favre and give him time. That's the only chance they have. I'm also betting against Romo this week. One playoff win is good enough for this year. Dallas can try and make a Super Bowl run next year.

Josh's Take: Are the Cowboys really suddenly the best team left in the field? They look like it. The Vikings did not finish the season very strongly and were disrupted by teams with a strong pass rush (Pittsburgh, Carolina) which Dallas definitely has. I still think the Vikings will be able to win at home.

Winner: Vikings

NY Jets at San Diego

The fairy-tale ends here for the Jets. Phil Rivers will keep the passing attack going and the Chargers will march into the conference championship game. San Diego has too many offensive weapons, and some playmakers on defense. The Jets won't be able to sustain on the run game alone, and Sanchez will be intercepted.

Josh's Take: This looks like no contest on paper. San Diego is hot and the Jets have won ugly. San Diego has lots of weapons on offense and the Jets just try to run the ball down the opponent's throat. As Jim Rome says, the Jets are "Likes to Fight Guy" and they will brawl with anyone. San Diego will be able to take some shots and come out on top.

Winner: San Diego

No upsets this week. Seems unlikely, right? More unlikely than all the top seeds make the conference championship game? Not according to us. I was very close to going with Dallas. I thought about Warner. Picking the Jets seemed so crazy it might work. The Ravens looked like a Super Bowl team last week. Oh, well. Favorites advance.

Last week: Zach 3-1, Josh 2-2

For the hell of it, Zach's picks against the spread:

New Orleans (-7)
Baltimore (+6.5)
Minnesota (-2.5)
San Diego (-7)

Enjoy this weekend's action. A great couple of days for NFL fans.

Bad News for Griffin

Blake Griffin is out for the year. He hasn't played one game. Uh-oh! That isn't good for anybody. Not for him, not for the Clippers and certainly not for the fans.

 

The non-contact injury to his knee-cap is troublesome. A career that starts this way typically never takes off. Griffin answered questions during last week's Clippers/Lakers game on ESPN. He said he felt fine, but was just doing what the doctors told him. I guess it wasn't going as planned and they decided it wasn't worth playing this year and opted for surgery now.

I'm hoping for a complete recovery. I was excited for Griffin to get into the NBA and hope to see him reach at least some of his potential.

•  Dirk Nowitzki passed 20,000 career points Wed. night against the Lakers. Without a doubt, the most accomplished European player in NBA history. 
• Kobe grinded through back spasms during that game.  Played sparingly in the first half, but finished with 35 minutes. Hit the go-ahead jumper with :28 seconds left. The Lakers have beat the Mavs twice in the last 10 days.
• Corey Brewer hit an amazing shot to send the game at Houston into overtime. The Rockets prevailed in triple overtime, 120-114.

Kiffin Jumps Ship to Go Hollywood

It certainly isn't surprising to see Lane Kiffin abandon Tennessee and head back to SoCal as USC's new head coach. Looking like an asshole  foolish is all to familiar to him.

Kiffin riled everyone up over the past 14 months as the Vols' coach, taking pot shots and committing NCAA violations. He fooled everyone into thinking he cared about UT's program. He doesn't, never did.

When Al Davis the Raiders released a statement about Kiffin in June 2009 it said he was "a flat-out liar" and would "try to destroy that program like he tried to destroy the Raiders." Correct on both accounts.

I can assume that Tennessee's AD could say the same thing Al Davis said when he fired Kiffin. "He's not the man I hired." Kiffin some how keeps getting better jobs and I can't tell why.
Who crowned him this "brilliant" young coach? Because he was on the staff when USC had NFL talent all over the field? A dim-witted monkey could have called plays for those USC teams and won.

I can't blame Kiffin for taking a better job than the one he had, but the decisions he makes portray him as a slime ball who is not to be trusted.

USC was scrambling after Carroll bolted. When no one they asked wanted the gig, they went to the former assistant who would jump at the chance.
Kiffin held a 60-second presser before hopping on a bird out of town. The fans in Knoxville are pissed, rightfully so. And just like the Raiders, UT is wishing it never hired him. USC will join that list soon enough.

Shocker: McGwire Used Steroids

Mark McGwire admitting using steroids when he was breaking records is like Dr. Dre admitting he smoked bud when he made The Chronic.

And crying about it and saying he wishes he "didn't play in the steroid era"? Please. It wouldn't have been the steroid era without McGwire launching 70 home runs. That display, along with Sosa, got everybody else into PEDs, those who weren't already using them.

I'm fine with him doing this for personal reasons; to get the weight off his shoulders. But it does seem strange that it's happening right before he gets back into baseball as a Cardinals hitting coach. Why not last year?  Why not in 2005 on Capitol Hill? Why at all?

His act before Congress hurt him worse than any steroid allegation or even the fact that he took steroids could.

He said how painful it was for him to reveal this to his family. If his family didn't know about his use, then they just didn't care. Everybody else knew and was asking questions.
And no one believes he used just because of injury. His PR team came up with that garbage and we're not buying it.

I do believe he's in a better place now, but it's almost like the Pete Rose admission. He finally did it on his own terms, when he needed something. Rose got paid by writing a book. McGwire hopes to get back into baseball on good terms.

Some will forgive because of this admission. I didn't need to hear it, but some did.

This isn't going away. Not until the media and fans get an admission from everybody who used something. Even then it won't stop. Speculation will continue. Some will never admit it. It's nauseating.

I wish Big Mac the best in the future. The focus will now shift to others to admit using steroids. I doubt he will get into the Hall of Fame, but I would vote for him. And this admission has nothing to do with it. That '98 season did bring the fans back.

Packers Come Up Short

Wildcard weekend wasn't all that compelling until Sunday afternoon when Warner and the Cards battled Rodgers and the Pack.


Cardinals 51 Packers 45 - OT

The only excellent game of the weekend. It set records for points and yards. Warner was damn near perfect. He finished with the second-highest passer rating in playoff history. 29-33, 389 yds, 5 TDs, 0 INT.

Rodgers nearly equaled Warner and almost had enough to pull out the win, but an early interception, on his first attempt, and late fumble were factors in the loss. A great performance in his first playoff game. He still needs to get it out quicker on some plays.

The Packers won a couple of decent games this year, beating Dallas and Baltimore, but lost to teams with elite quarterbacks, like Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Arizona. Big Ben threw for 503 yards and wasn't intercepted. Favre's dominance over Green Bay was well-documented. Warner picked apart Dom Capers' 3-4 defense that was ranked second in the league in yards allowed, the most misleading stat in the league.

The Packers defense faltered again in the most meaningful game of the year. It was up-and-down all year, dominating one week then looking like a JV team the next. Losing Kampman and Al Harris earlier in the year certainly hurt, but giving up 51 points in the playoffs is atrocious.

Packer honk - please don't complain about the no-calls for offensive pass interference on Fitzgerald. For a DPOY candidate, Woodson went down like a house of cards on those two plays.

Reasons for the Packer loss:

• Early deficit - Interception and fumble lost led to a 17-0 hole.
• Defense didn't blitz effectively or frequently enough to get to Warner. He will kill you without pressure.
• Forced only one turnover.

Reasons for Cardinals win:

• Warner. Played one of the best games of his storied career. Doesn't matter who he's throwing to.
• Receiving corp. With Boldin out, Breaston, Doucet and other no-names stepped up.
• Rushing attack. Wells ran the ball effectively against the NFL's No. 1 team against the run.
• Defense made just enough plays. Didn't play well, credit Rodgers for that. Made a couple plays to get the W.

 Funniest moment: The back judge falling over while back-peddling when Rodgers missed Jennings deep down the field in overtime. Second place: Rackers attempt at a game-winning field goal. Yikes.

Wildcard Picks

Saturday - 1-9-10

  Jets v. Bengals - 3:30 p .m. NBC

• The least intriguing match-up of the weekend. Last Sunday's beat down makes me very skeptical the Bengals can win this game. As much as I hate picking the Jets and Rex Ryan, the Bengals can't turn it on that much, even at home.
• Nick Mangold came on JRIB yesterday and Calvin Pace went on Rome's radio show today. They're loading up on Jungle Karma.

       Winner: Jets

  Eagles v. Cowboys - 7:00 p.m. NBC

• I've never believed that Romo could win a meaningful game. That changes here. Third time won't be the charm for the Eagles.
• Romo must play well and have time to deliver the ball, but this year the Cowboys get that elusive playoff win. Dallas' defense will be the major factor in the game. Must get pressure on McNabb.
• It's tough to pick against Andy Reid and McNabb, who are 6-0 in playoff openers since 2000. The Cowboys are 0-5 since 1996. If Romo and 'Son of Bum' Phillips don't get a playoff win this year, they will be buried. Especially by me.

     Winner: Cowboys

Sunday- 1-10-10

  Ravens v. Patriots - 12:00 p.m. CBS

• The Ravens could win, but I'm not going against Belichick and Brady at home in the first round. Even without Welker, they will find a way to advance.
• Everyone is wondering how they'll manage without Welker and the Patriots typically feed off that kind of doubt.
• The Ravens are a good team and Ray Rice is one of the league's top backs, but have had trouble closing out close games this year.

      Winner: Patriots

  Packers v. Cardinals - 3:30 p.m. FOX

• All the "experts" are predicting the Packers are the team to make noise in the NFC playoffs. They have looked good, won 7 of last 8. Handled the Cards last week.
• I'm going the other way. I've got Warner coming up big in a game people don't think he will win. That's how it works with Warner. He loses the games he should win and wins the games he should lose. (ex.- beat Minnesota, lose to San Fran.) Warner is known as a big game QB. If he can stay upright and not fumble six times I like Arizona's chances.
• Another reason: I don't trust McCarthy. Possibly went too hard last week while Whisenhunt shut it down. Rodgers is very consistant, but is playing in his first playoff game.

     Winner: Cardinals

I've asked Jevne Sports Journal consultant Josh Jevne to submit his playoff picks for comparison. Not much difference, but makes the Packers game more interesting.

                                                    Zach                                 Josh

Jets/Bengals                             Jets                                    Jets
Eagles/Cowboys                  Cowboys                         Cowboys
Ravens/Patriots                      Patriots                             Patriots
Packers/Cardinals                 Cardinals                           Packers

All Times Central

Notes Around the League

Shanahan

• The Redskins turned their whole organization over to Mike Shanahan. He signed a 5-year/$35 million deal to coach and have final say on all football decisions.
• The Skins got a couple major pieces that were missing at the start of the season: 1) A new GM- Vinny Cerrato got canned before Zorn. That's how bad he was doing. 2) New coach - Zorn was a joke. Should have never been hired.
• Next step: New quarterback. Jason Campbell is to quarterbacks as Jim Zorn is to head coaches. Portis got loose on Campbell during a radio show yesterday.
• Good move by Snyder and Washington to bring in an established coach. Shanahan will try to rebuild his image that took a hit in his last years with Denver.

Charlie Weis

• No surprise that Weis immediately signed with an NFL team. The Chiefs are betting on him return to glory as an offensive coordinator.
• The Chiefs moved very quickly to get Weis. Haley and Pioli were most likely planning this once he was canned at Notre Dame because of past working relationships. Haley worked with Weis with the Jets.
• Time will tell if Weis will be successful. Chiefs need better receivers and a much better defense. Chazz won't be helping with that. Cassell still has to prove himself. Still a lot of questions in Kansas City, but Jamaal Charles looks like a solid back. 
• First step for KC: Get Charlie a snot-rag. No one wants to see boogers and slime running down his face every game.

Rex Ryan

• Blowhard-of-the-year is at it again. In yesterday's press conference, Ryan said the Jets should "be the favorites" for the Super Bowl. Get over yourself, Rex. I'm all for confidence, but don't be stupid.
• That's the dumbest thing that's come out of his mouth since he said the Jets were "obviously out of the playoffs" three weeks ago.
• As much as Ryan trumpets is own horn, I'm leaning towards the Jets for an upset wild-card weekend.

Chris Henry

• Charlotte police will not charge Chris Henry's fiancee with any crime following an investigation into the accident that killed the Bengal receiver.
• This has to be a case of lack of evidence and witnesses. How can someone die from falling out of a truck you were driving and nothing happen? Vehicular manslaughter, anyone?

Quick Prediction: Texas over Alabama. I'm going with McCoy. A lot of the experts like Alabama.

Gilbert Isn't Funny

Finally David Stern did something about the Gilbert Arenas situation. An indefinite suspension, without pay, is a start, but it needed to be sooner.

Stern wanted to get all the facts and let D.C. police sort out their investigation, but Arenas should have been suspended as soon as he admitted he brought guns to the arena.

His "misguided joke" wasn't funny. His act before last night's game wasn't funny.

It's hard to say what exactly happened in the locker room. But it's undisputed he had guns at the Verizon Center. And used them as a prop in his comedy routine.

That happened two weeks ago. He's continued to play. And the image of gun-toting thugs playing in the NBA continues.

If D.C. police don't bring charges against him, Stern needs to pick up the slack and send a message. Suspend him the rest of the year - 50 games. Make him an example.You wouldn't have people bringing guns, unloaded or otherwise, to work.

The Wizards should use this as a reason to get rid of him. He's been nothing but a $100 million problem.

(Photo Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images)

TV Highlights

Wednesday, Jan. 6

ESPN

• GMAC Bowl - Central Michigan v. Troy - 6:00 p.m.
• NBA - Clippers v. Lakers - 9:30 p.m.

ESPN 2

• CBB - Memphis v. Syracuse - 6:00 p.m.
• CBB - Duke v. Iowa State (at Chicago) - 8:00 p.m.

ESPNU - Northern Iowa v. Southern Illinois - 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 7

FOX

• Citi National Championship - Texas v. Alabama - 7:30 p.m.

NBA TV

• Bobcats v. Knicks - 6:00 p.m.

ESPN 2

• 2009 World's Strongest Man Competition - 8:00-11:00 p.m.

Big Unit Calls It a Career

Randy Johnson retired today after a 22-year career. The Unit will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2015. His career numbers are mind-boggling.

The competitiveness and fire on the mound were as legendary as his fastball, stature and mullet.

Only Nolan Ryan struck out more than Johnson's 4,875, but Johnson leads everyone with 10.6 K/9 innings. He started 603 games. Over 4,135 innings pitched and a 3.23 ERA. Five Cy Youngs, including four straight from 1999-2002. Opponents hit a mere .221 against him throughout his career.

Became 24th pitcher to join the 300-win club last year with the Giants. It may have been a "joyless pursuit of 300" as Jim Rome observed, but was necessary. You can't retire with 295 wins.

Intimidation and preseverance were Unit's greatest strengths. With control problems early, he led the league in walks his first three years. Ten years later in 2002 he won the pitching triple crown with 24 wins, 2.32 ERA and 334 K.

Led the league nine times in strikeouts, six times in opp. batting avg. and four times in ERA. Two no-hitters, including a perfect game in 2004 at 40. Won more games in his 40s than in his 20s.

Randy Johnson finished with the best career of any left-handed pitcher in history. Numbers, longevity, consistency - Unit did it all.

A nice 6-minute video on his career by MLB Tonight.

TV Guide for Jan. 5

Top games to watch in RED - All times Central

FOX

• FedEx Orange Bowl -  Georgia Tech v. Iowa - 7:15 p.m.

ESPN Networks

• ESPN - CBB - Minnesota v. Purdue - 6:00 p.m.
• ESPN 2 - CBB - Texas v. Arkansas - 6:00 p.m.
• NBA Coast-to-Coast - 8:00-10:00 p.m.
• ESPNU - CBB - Notre Dame v. South Florida - 6:00 p.m.

League Networks

• NBATV - Orlando Magic v. Indiana Pacers - 6:00 p.m.
• Houston Rockets v. Los Angeles Lakers - 9:30 p.m.
• NFL Network - NFL Replay - Baltimore v. Oakland - 7:00 p.m.
• NFL Replay - New England v. Houston - 8:30 p.m.
• Big Ten Network - CBB - Iowa v. Illinois - 8:00 p.m.

NBA League Pass- Seven additional games

• Chicago v. Charlotte - Comcast Chicago - 6:00 p.m.
• Washington v. Philadelphia - 6:00 p.m.
• Milwaukee v. New Jersey -  6:30 p.m.
• Detroit v. Dallas - 7:30 p.m.
• Golden State v. Denver - 8:00 p.m.
• Memphis v. Portland - 9:00 p.m.
• Phoenix v. Sacramento - 9:00 p.m.

Versus

• NHL - Minnesota v. Chicago - 7:00 p.m.

Lovie to Return

The Bears are reportedly keeping Lovie Smith around for next year. Chicago is planning on firing offensive coordinator Ron Turner and promoting Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator.

The Bears should have been in talks with Cowher throughout this year and allowed him to take over this year's most-disappointing team. Chicago seems like a good fit for Cowher: a hard-nosed team built on defense and a solid run game.

Now the Bears will try to bring in a new play-caller to placate Cutler. Chicago will try to build the team around the whiny quarterback who led the league in interceptions and bad decisions.

In order to be successful with Cutler, one must use him simply as a piece to the puzzle, not the piece. He doesn't play well when all the pressure is on him.

And in a pressure cooker like Chicago, he must blend in with the rest of the team. Fit in behind the defense and running back. That's the only recipe for success. Keep Cutler out of the limelight. He isn't comfortable there.

Week 17 Recaps

• Minnesota looked like a contender against a Giants team that quit on Coughlin. 44-7 is embarrassing for the Giants organization.
  
• The Jets locked up a playoff appearance by killing the Bengals who rested starters, 37-0. Sets up #4/#5 rematch in Cincinnati next week. Will the Bengals be able to turn it on that much in one week with a few different players?
  
• Packers continue to look like a scary team as the Cardinals rested. Another #4/#5 rematch on Sunday, again in Arizona. I'm leaning toward the Cardinals because Warner can be that good and defense will play tougher with regular guys.
  
• Dallas' defense dominated the high-powered Eagles for a 24-0 home shutout. The Eagles have a lot of work to do in order to beat them Saturday night in Dallas. Dallas' pass-rush is the key to beat the Eagles: Don't give Donavon time to get it 60 yards downfield to Jackson for the home run.
  
• The Colts and Caldwell made some interesting choices again this week. Played starters until Wayne and Clark got 100 catches then rested everybody as the Bills rolled them up. Manning is good enough to win at least one playoff game by himself. I look for the Colts to win their first game.
• Big shout to Bills' Fred Jackson, attended Coe College. First player to rush for 1000 yards and have 1000 yards on kickoff returns. Also, 4th all-time with 2,516 combined total yards.
  
• Niners beat the lowly Rams, who finished 1-15 and assures them the first pick in the 2010 draft. Singletary isn't quite there yet and Spagnuolo has a long way to go. Niners will hope for playoffs next year, Rams hope for 6 wins.
  
• Cutler's season is finally over. 7-9 is not what Chicago had in mind, considering nearly all Bears fans foresaw 10+ wins and playoffs. They need to get Cowher in for Lovie. Start there. Lions got two wins. Better than none.
  
• Carolina finished strong with John Fox and Matt Moore deserving credit. Got to 8-8 and were out of it very early. The Saints continued to struggle, but started Mark Brunell and rested other key players. Still can win in the playoffs, but will depend on opponent. Don't see the Super Bowl for the Saints.
  
• Atlanta finished 9-7 for the first back-to-back winning seasons EVER. A noteworthy stat for wrong reasons. Glad to see they finally got some consistency with Mike Smith and Matt Ryan, who needs to stay healthy. Bucs showed flashes a couple times but have a long way to go. I wonder about possible coaching changes.
  
• The Ravens did enough to get the wild-card and beat the Raiders.
  
• The Chiefs pulled out the upset on the road as the Broncos ended the season on a tumultuous note. 6th team to miss the playoffs after starting 6-0. Keep McDaniels around, but Marshall might not fit there.
  
• The Titans climbed out of 0-6 to finish 8-8. Best season of 2009: Chris Johnson . Finished with 2006 rushing yards (5th all-time) and 2,509 yards from scrimmage (new NFL record). Vince Young played well, 8-2 in his starts. Fisher kept them playing hard, solid head coach.
  
• The Browns continued auditions for the Holmgren regime. Got the Jags 23-16, who finished a disappointing 7-9 and missed the playoffs for the 2nd straight year. Questions about Del Rio are in order. The Jags need to move the team.
  
• Steelers will be sitting at home. Again. They missed the playoffs the year after winning the Super Bowl in 2006. Dolphins should have made the playoffs. Beat the Jets twice and still finished behind them.
  
• The Zorn era is over. Redskins never had a chance this year. Spent $100 million on one player and got 4 wins. They need a new head coach, a new quarterback and more quality lineman. Portis is on the decline and will need to be replaced as #1 back - great career, love the guy and his game.
  
• Houston got over .500 for the first time EVER. An even more dubious stat than the Falcons. A decent year from Kubiak, Schuab. Andre Johnson might be the league's top receiver. Worst news of the day: Wes Welker tore knee ligaments and is out. One of my favorite players and I fear this will hurt the rest of his career.