Author: Dave Ettinger

Dave is a Trending News Sports Writer for Athlon Sports, covering breaking and trending news across major sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, college football and basketball. With over 10 years of experience in sports media, Dave’s versatility extends to television, radio, and journalism. In addition to his role at Athlon Sports, Dave works in TV Production at ESPN, where he manages the production, editing, and processing of shows and events that re-air across ESPN's network of channels. Prior to joining ESPN, Dave served as an Executive Producer at WFAN and CBS Sports Radio, further solidifying his expertise in sports media. Dave earned his bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from SUNY College at Old Westbury, bringing both his education and extensive industry experience to his roles across various platforms.

Only Fools Rush In

February 9, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m a smart guy.

I like to think I have a pretty firm grip on the English language. I’m a fast learner. And I can reason through or understand pretty much everything that happens in the world.

But today, I’m stumped!!

For the life of me, I can’t understand the San Francisco 49ers’ latest decision.

Thursday afternoon, the 49ers signed quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, to a 5-year, $137.5 million contract extension ($27.5 million per year). Garoppolo, who was traded to the 49ers (for a 2018 2nd-round pick) by the New England Patriots on October 31st, is now the highest paid player in NFL history. There are varying reports as it pertains to the guaranteed money in the contract. Some have reported $74 million guaranteed, while others have reported $90 million. Either way, that’s a fine pay day!!

Allow me to express my confusion. I happen to like Jimmy Garoppolo. I think he has the potential to be a good quarterback for a decade or more. BUT, I wouldn’t make him THE HIGHEST PAID PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY!!!!

7. Garoppolo has started just 7 games in his career. Granted, he’s won every start, injecting hope into the 49ers franchise, but no one’s confusing him with Joe Montana.

See, this is how the NFL works. Quarterback is the most important position on the field. Without a “franchise quarterback”, you can’t win a Super Bowl. Yes, I know Nick Foles just won a Super Bowl, but check the list of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks since the turn of the century, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. As each top-15 quarterback heads toward free agency, they become the highest paid player in NFL history. First, it was Aaron Rodgers. Then Andrew Luck. Then Derek Carr. Then Matthew Stafford. While each have flaws, one can understand paying them the big bucks. It’s called track record. It’s called having a sample size bigger than 7 games.

Just ask the Seattle Seahawks how Matt Flynn’s contract worked out….

Side Note: If Garoppolo is worth $27.5 million per year, what is Kirk Cousins worth????

Apparently, 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, doesn’t care for track record:

“We want Jimmy to be a Niner for a long, long time,” Lynch said on January 2nd. “That process is going to take place here. We’re eager to get that done, to have the opportunity. You have our assurances, and the fans do, that we’d like nothing more than to make him (Garoppolo) a Niner for a long, long time.”

Lynch and head coach/offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, are excited to work with their 137.5 million dollar man….

Kyle, John, he’s all yours.

Like, Love, or Hate this contract?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

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BREAKING NEWS: Cavaliers Overhaul Roster

February 8, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

With just over an hour until the NBA trade deadline, the Cleveland Cavaliers made multiple, big, somewhat surprising moves. After only having played 15 games this season with the Cavaliers, Isaiah Thomas has been shipped out of town….

Lakers Get: Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and the Cavaliers’ 2018 1st-round pick

Cavaliers Get: Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson

Yesterday, Thomas was asked about how he felt playing for the Cavaliers. This question came in reaction to Thomas’ comments earlier in the week:

“That’s been our biggest problem all year, adjusting. Teams are going to make adjustments, and we have to do the same thing too, and we’re not that good at that right now.”

Yesterday’s response:

“I want to play where I’m wanted. I like it here. I’m tired of being traded.”

Apparently, LeBron and company weren’t too fond of Thomas’ original comments. That. Or his inability to play defense. Either one. In Thomas’ defense, he wasn’t afforded a lot of time to adjust to the Cavaliers’ system. Here’s a guy (Thomas), missing the 1st 38 games of the season due to injury, and after just 15 games, is sent packing.

Now, it’ll be a miracle if Thomas can lock down a big contract at the end of the season.

With Thomas and Frye both becoming unrestricted free agents at season’s end, the Lakers have cleared enough salary cap space for 2-max contracts. Did LeBron just mastermind this deal in order to create cap space for himself???? And Paul George too????

The Cavaliers, however, received young talent in Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson.

The Cavaliers didn’t stop there. Evidently, they’re going for the record for trades at a single deadline.

The Cavaliers are also sending Dwayne Wade back to the Miami Heat for a heavily protected 2nd-round pick.

AND, the Cavaliers are ALSO sending Iman Shumpert to the Sacramento Kings, as well as Jae Crowder and Derrick Rose to the Utah Jazz. In return, the Cavaliers will receive Rodney Hood from the Utah Jazz and George Hill from the Kings.

Take a deep breath, and try to keep up….

The Kings will also receive Joe Johnson from the Jazz.

To recap….

Cavaliers Added: Cavaliers Subtracted:

Larry Nance Jr. Isaiah Thomas

Jordan Clarkson Channing Frye

George Hill Iman Shumpert

Rodney Hood Jae Crowder

Derrick Rose

Dwayne Wade

The Cavaliers tax bill will jump to $50 million with the acquisitions of Hood and Hill. Without a commitment from LeBron James beyond this season, this seems silly. They must think these moves gives them a shot against the Golden State Warriors. They would be wrong.

Once your head stops spinning, check back for more updates on the wild, 2018 NBA Trade Deadline….

What do you think of these trades?? Tell me in the comment section below.

LeBron. Buzzer-Beater. Boom!!

February 8, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

But I don’t wanna play defense!! Now, reread that in a whiny, 10-year old voice.

That was the inner monologue of every player involved in the Minnesota Timberwolves Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers game Wednesday night. 278. 278 total points were scored between these 2 teams. Granted, this game went to overtime, but the end of regulation found a tie at 129. I know the stigma of the NBA is, ‘nobody plays defense’, but isn’t it embarrassing to give up 140 points in a game?!

And that’s what the Timberwolves did en route to a 140-138 overtime loss to the Cavaliers. LeBron James played the part of the hero, nailing a game-winning, buzzer-beater from 17-feet. The team defense by the Timberwolves and individual defense by Jimmy Butler on the final play was atrocious, as they allowed a skip pass to LeBron, from 3/4 court, with 1 second left. 1 pivot, 1 step-back, and 1 perfect jump shot ended the game and added to the nearly incomparable resume of ‘King James’.

Check out the game-winner here.

As you’ll see, LeBron came up with a huge block on Jimmy Butler the play prior to the game-winner. LeBron was everywhere, doing everything, for a Cavaliers team that can use every win they can get. A career night for some, is just a Wednesday evening for LeBron:

37 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block (48 minutes)

This marked LeBron’s 9th triple-double of the season. The question is: At 33 years old, how much longer can LeBron maintain this level of play?? He’s played in every game this season, averaging just over 37 minutes per game. And, if you check his stats, he’s having 1 of the best statistical seasons of his career.

The Cavaliers are struggling to hold on to the 3-seed in the Eastern Conference, as just 3 games separate them from the 7-seed. Injuries are mounting, as Kevin Love is set to miss 5-7 more weeks with a fractured left hand. And turmoil is surfacing with Isaiah Thomas publicly criticizing head coach, Tyronn Lue. Can LeBron keep the Cavaliers united and make a run at the NBA Finals?? This would be his 8th consecutive NBA Finals appearance, and the 4th consecutive with the Cavaliers.

As they say, only time will tell….

Will the Cleveland Cavaliers play in the NBA Finals this season?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

Knicks Think It’s Opposite Day

February 7, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

Ask, and you shall receive.

Tuesday, New York Knicks’ Center, Willy Hernangomez requested a trade.

Wednesday, his wish was granted.

Hernangomez has been traded to the Charlotte Hornets for Johnny O’Bryant III and two 2nd-round picks. Yeah, because I need a 24-year old who’s about to play on his 4th team. Hernangomez was drafted in the 2nd-round in 2015 by the Philadelphia 76ers but was traded to the Knicks during the draft. Inexplicably, he’s been buried on the Knicks’ bench all season, averaging just 9 minutes per game.

Last season, Hernangomez showed promise, averaging nearly a double-double in under 20 minutes per game. He was named to the All-Rookie Team last season. Following Kristaps Porzingis’ season ending injury, this trade makes no sense whatsoever. Hernangomez has an unbelievably friendly contract, as he’s locked into the league minimum for the next 2 seasons. And at 23 years old, you’d think the powers that be would build around players like Hernangomez, rather than Kyle O’Quinn (27 years old).

The Knicks, as usual, leave me dumbfounded. With the NBA trade deadline approaching (Thursday, February 8th @ 3 P.M. EST), check back to see who else the Knicks ship out of town.

What do you think of this trade?? If you like it, please have your head examined, and then explain yourself in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Worst. Day. EVER!!

February 7, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Tuesday was a bad day.

On one hand, your franchise player goes down with a season ending injury. The other, your new head coach backs out of the deal at the last second.

Who had a worse day: The New York Knicks or Indianapolis Colts??

Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis is the best thing to happen to the New York Knicks since Patrick Ewing. At just 22 years old, Porzingis’ future looked bright, until Tuesday night. With just under 9 minutes to play in the 2nd quarter, Porzingis cut to the basket, receiving a bounce pass from Kyle O’ Quinn. Porzingis threw it down over Giannis Antetokounmpo. After landing, on what looked like a routine play, Porzingis crumbled to the floor, clutching his left knee.

Watch the play here.

Porzingis would be assisted off the court, unable to put pressure on his left leg. Following the game, an MRI confirmed a torn ACL in his left knee. Injuries of this nature don’t often carry high levels of optimism for 7-footers. Normal recovery time is approximately 1 year.

This injury is LeBron James’ fault. Hear me out….

Since the selection of the NBA All-Star Teams, 4 All-Stars have gone down with significant injuries. All 4 (DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Kevin Love, and Kristaps Porzingis), were selected by LeBron James.

Josh McDaniels

She loves me, she loves me not. She loves me, she loves me NOT!! Can’t you picture Josh McDaniels, on Tuesday, dropping flower petal after flower petal on the floor??

Tuesday afternoon, McDaniels had agreed to contract terms to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. By Tuesday night, he flipped an illegal U-turn, in rush hour traffic, ala Bill Belichick in 1999. McDaniels backed out of his agreement with the Colts, leaving them high and dry.

Listen, you can spin this however you’d like, but the bottom line is:

No one turns down a head coaching job in the NFL, unless they’re promised another one.

So, while Bill Belichick will coach the New England Patriots in 2018, McDaniels will take over in 2019.

I agree with the critics. This makes McDaniels a dishonorable guy. But this is what happens when you hire someone from a Super Bowl team. By the time you can officially hire McDaniels, all other worthwhile candidates have been hired elsewhere.

To answer my previous question, although the Colts had a rough Tuesday, the Knicks clearly had the worse day. Losing your franchise building block, to a season ending injury, isn’t how you’d plan your Tuesday.

Time will tell if Porzingis’ 7’3″ frame can rebound from such a serious injury. For now, the Knicks will enter a mode they’re all too familiar with….

TANK MODE!!

Who had a worse day, the Knicks or Colts?? Tell me in the comment section below.

T.O. Finally Put In His Place!!

February 6, 2018February 6, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The 3rd time’s the charm.

While that expression may not always apply in business, or marriage, it applies to the NFL Hall of Fame.

When you’re in, you’re in.

Terrell Owens is finally in!! As of Saturday, Owens will join Randy Moss, Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Brian Dawkins, Jerry Kramer, Robert Brazile, and Bobby Beathard in the 2018 Hall of Fame Class.

Terrell Owens, WR, 49ers, Eagles, Cowboys, Bills, Bengals (1996-2010)

There’s no doubt Terrell Owens is overjoyed to be in the Hall of Fame, but he refuses to use this accolade as validation of a tremendous career. Listen in here. Like, love, or hate T.O., his accomplishments on a football field are undeniable:

Receiving Yards: 15,934 (2nd All-Time)

Receiving TDs: 153 (3rd All-Time)

Receptions: 1,078 (8th All-Time)

You don’t have to know anything about football to know those are Hall of Fame numbers. The NFL Hall of Fame Voting Committee should be ashamed of themselves. To keep T.O. out because he didn’t play nice in the sandbox was ludicrous.

T.O., however, should probably thank Randy Moss. I believe, as much as the committee doesn’t like T.O., they recognized they couldn’t simultaneously elect Moss and leave T.O. on the outside looking in — again.

Randy Moss, WR, Vikings, Raiders, Patriots, Titans, 49ers (1998-2012)

Randy Moss was an electrifying, deep-threat receiver, who glided behind defenses with his long legs. While he made a name for himself with the Vikings, he etched his name in history with the Patriots. In 2007, he broke Jerry Rice’s record for most TD receptions in a single season (23). Moss became the 1st receiver to be elected in his 1st year of eligibility since Jerry Rice (2010).

Ray Lewis, LB, Ravens (1996-2012)

If you’re at the gym, and you can’t seem to find energy for a workout, just throw some Ray Lewis on. Have you ever listened to Ray Lewis hype up his team?! It’s something to behold. Click here to relive one of Ray Lewis’ pregame speeches. He played a little football too….

Lewis led the Ravens to 2 Super Bowls, in 2000 and 2012. He was named Super Bowl MVP in 2000 and also won Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 2000 and 2003. Lewis’ induction is no surprise, as he stands as one of the best defensive players of all-time.

Brian Urlacher, LB, Bears (2000-2012)

The rock. The staple. The foundation of the Chicago Bears. That’s how Brian Urlacher will be remembered. The Bears ranked in the top-5 in defense 5 times during Urlacher’s 13-year career. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2000, as well as Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. Like Moss and Lewis, Urlacher was inducted in his 1st year of eligibility.

Brian Dawkins, S, Eagles, Broncos (1996-2011)

Brian Dawkins had to wait 1 year to achieve his dream. Known as “Weapon X”, Dawkins’ versatility set him apart from other defenders. Dawkins was a ball hawk from the safety position. Ray Lewis may be infamous for his motivational speeches, but Dawkins’ pre-game ritual was nothing to sneeze at. Click here to check out Dawkins’ raw emotion.

Jerry Kramer and Robert Brazile were inducted to the Hall of Fame by the Senior Committee. Kramer will be remembered as one of the best guards in NFL history, as he helped lead the Green Bay Packers to back-to-back Super Bowls in 1967 and 1968. Brazile played his entire 10-year career with the Houston Oilers from the linebacker position. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1975 and never missed a game throughout his career. Bobby Beathard was inducted as a contributor to the game. He helped orchestrate the Washington Redskins’ Super Bowl Victories in 1982 and 1987.

Did the NFL Hall of Fame Committee get it right this year?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Who Needs Defense When You Have Nick Foles??

February 5, 2018February 5, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

That was the greatest football game I’ve ever seen.

Despite NO defense being played by either side, Super Bowl LII was highly competitive and wildly entertaining (and the Patriots lost!!). 74 total points. 1,156 total yards (most in any NFL game — ever). And 1 trick play you have to see to believe.

Did I mention the Patriots lost?!

1st Quarter

The Philadelphia Eagles set the tone with a 67-yard, field goal drive that lasted just over 7 minutes. The Patriots followed suit, also driving 67 yards to tie the game at 3. The rest of the quarter didn’t go as well for the kickers. After the most impressive drive of the game by the Eagles, rookie kicker, Jake Elliot missed the extra point. The Patriots, continuously trying to 1-up the Eagles, missed a kick of their own….

2nd Quarter

Just 42 seconds into the 2nd quarter, the usually sure-footed, Stephen Gostkowski, banged a chip-shot field goal attempt off the left upright. In his defense, this was the holders fault (Ryan Allen). But then, the craziest thing happened. A PUNT!! The Eagles would go 3-and-out and execute the only punt of the game. The next play would end Brandin Cooks’ evening.

Watch the play here.

I hope Cooks makes a full recovery, but next time, catch the ball, run forward, and go down!! There’s a reason why Marvin Harrison played 1,432 years.

The football world knows Eagles’ head coach, Doug Pederson, is super aggressive. So, I wasn’t surprised when he went for 2, midway through the 2nd quarter, as he tried to turn 15-3 into 17-3. Chasing points in the 1st half, however, is never a good idea. And it almost cost him a Super Bowl.

And then, the game turned into a video game. 7 of the next 9 possessions resulted in a touchdown, including the aforementioned trick play at the end of the half. If I had a camera, this is the part when I’d take my glasses off, and stare into the world’s eyes.

Decisions and results are not the same thing.

Asking your backup tight end to throw a touchdown, on 4th & goal, to your quarterback, is not a good decision. In hindsight, it was one of the greatest play calls in Super Bowl history. But that doesn’t make it smart!!

The Eagles took a 22-12 lead into the locker room.

3rd Quarter

Touchdown. Touchdown. Touchdown. Like I said, video game.

Tom Brady began to spread the ball around. Rob Gronkowski, Chris Hogan, and Danny Amendola all went over 100 yards receiving. Anyone who’s watched the NFL over the past 17 years has seen this movie before….

4th Quarter

After Brady and the Patriots scored 21 points in 14 minutes and 53 seconds, they took their 1st lead of the game. Down 33-32, with under 10 minutes to play, it was time for backup turned starter, Nick Foles, to bring his team to the promised land.

Foles remained poised throughout the entire game.

After a methodical, 7 minute and 1 second drive, Foles hit Zach Ertz for an 11-yard touchdown. Despite announcer, Cris Collinsworth’s, best attempt at talking the world into believing this obvious touchdown was a fumble, or incompletion, or something else, the touchdown stood. And the Eagles took a 38-33 lead.

Down 5, with 2 minutes and 21 seconds to play, is familiar territory for the great, Tom Brady. However, Brandon Graham, would force a fumble, effectively ending the game.

Tom Brady did not win another Super Bowl. The world can rejoice!!

Let the madness in the streets of Philadelphia commence!!

Final Thought: Bill Belichick coached a piss poor game. There were no in-game adjustments, and Malcolm Butler, one of the Patriots’ better defenders, was benched. No explanation. Just Belichick claiming he does what gives his team the best chance to win. Nice work Bill!! As for Matt Patricia, Patriots’ defensive coordinator, enjoy the bearded “genius” Detroit. His defense was repeatedly thrashed all season. The only reason the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl was because of Tom Brady’s greatness (Brady threw for 505 yards yesterday).

And now, the world should stay at least 30 miles from the city of Philadelphia for at least a week. Ya know, for the sake of the human race’s survival….

Was this the best NFL game you’ve ever seen?? If not, please tell me in the comment section below.

Sports — It Should Be A 4-Letter Word

February 2, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The sports world is full of surprises. Breaking news, notes, drama, and shocking revelations. Some stories create smiles. Others, induce vomit. I prefer the former.

The NBA Is A Joke

We’ll get the ‘projectile vomit story’ out of the way. The NBA season, barring MAJOR injury, is predetermined. No one has a fighting chance against the Golden State Warriors. Last season, with the addition of Kevin Durant, the Bay Area Dynasty went from really freakin’ good to absolutely unstoppable. And it’s made the NBA virtually unwatchable.

And the latest rumor, ends with a clean up on aisle 7….

Lebron James can become a free agent after this season. The world will wait with bated breath when he decides where to play. Someone couldn’t wait that long. Allegedly, Lebron James is willing to play for the Golden State Warriors.

Wait, WHAT?!?!?!?!

I understand the concept, “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” But, what value would a championship have if your starting 5 consists of the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 12th, and 16th ranked players in the league?? It was bad enough when Kevin Durant joined ’em, but this would take pathetic to a new level. For everyone’s sake, hopefully this is a silly rumor by an attention seeking “sports journalist”.

NBA Trade Deadline Approaches

Entrenched in the playoff picture, the New Orleans Pelicans bolstered their frontcourt on Thursday. After losing All-Star center, DeMarcus Cousins, for the season, the Pelicans needed to recoup some size, scoring, and rebounds. While you can’t replace Cousins, Nikola Mirotic is not the worst consolation prize in the world.

Pelicans Get: Nikola Mirotic

Bulls Get: Omer Asik, Tony Allen, Jameer Nelson, and a 2018 1st Round Pick (Top-5 protected)

Surrendering a 1st round pick was the only way New Orleans could get out from under Omer Asik’s contract (owed $20.7 million through 2019). With this move complete, the Pelicans can now make a run at Greg Monroe, who was recently bought out by the Phoenix Suns.

The question is: Will it be enough to keep the Pelicans in the Western Conference Playoffs?

MLB Protective Netting

Eureka!! Major League Baseball has finally decided to take fan safety seriously. As of Opening Day of the 2018 season, all 30 MLB teams will have protective netting extended past the dugouts. After MLB made a league wide suggestion in 2015 that all teams extend their netting, it is no longer optional.

Although I’m not happy a handful of fans were injured in 2017 due to foul balls and flying bats, I’m glad no one was killed due to MLB’s shortsightedness. Now, fans can go back to ignoring the action on the field. Because, ya know, whatever’s on their cell phone is very important.

If Lebron James signs with the Warriors, will you continue watching the NBA?? If so, please visit the Psych Ward, then explain yourself in the comment section below….

The Best Day Of The Year Is ALMOST Here!!

February 1, 2018February 1, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I feel like a little kid.

You remember that feeling….

Something special would come up, like your birthday, making those last 3 days impossible to sleep — or sit still. With just 3 days until Super Bowl LII, that feeling is coursing through my veins. Just in case you live under a boulder, kick-off is set for 6:30 P.M. EST on Sunday, February 4th, on NBC.

The Philadelphia Eagles, in search of their 1st Super Bowl victory, will look to tackle the Tom Brady led, New England Patriots. Some “experts” are hoppin’ on the Eagles’ bandwagon, touting their knowledge of the Eagles’ defensive game plan. They believe the Eagles will follow the only game plan known to man to stop, or slow, Tom Brady. Pressure up the middle. Early, and often.

The Eagles front-4 may get pressure on Tom Brady. Hell, they may even sack him 3 times. But they won’t be the over the edge the Eagles are looking for. Brady will still complete his 12-yard crossing patterns all night. And, he will drive the field when it matters most. And if all else fails, he can always rely on his safety blanket, Rob Gronkowski.

“But Dave, Gronkowski is in the concussion protocol. What if he doesn’t play?!”

If you think there’s even a 1% chance Gronkowski isn’t playing in this game, I have a bag of garbage to sell you. Yes, the Eagles possess a top-10 defense, but that’s because they ranked 1st overall in rushing yards allowed per game (79.2). Through the air, not so much. They finished the regular season ranked 17th against the pass (227.3 yards per game). The ONLY WAY the Eagles win is if Nick Foles duplicates his performance from the NFC Championship (352 yards and 3 TDs). While the Patriots’ defense is nothing to bring home to mama, they’re not going to be systematically dismantled by Nick Foles.

Come Sunday night, if you’re still awake, you’ll have the displeasure of watching Tom Brady and Bill Belichick hoist the Lombardi Trophy — for the 6th time. Gross!!

For all my degenerate gamblers out there, the spread, which opened at 5.5, is now 4.5. The line has moved due a handful of grandiose, 7-figure bets placed in favor of the Eagles. The Patriots will win. I have little doubt in that. However, I don’t know if they’ll cover. IF I was a gambler….I’d bet the Patriots on the Money Line (-198). In layman’s terms, bet 300 bananas to win 151 bananas.

Score Prediction: Patriots 27, Eagles 24

Who wins Super Bowl LII?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

Who Knew Tuesday Could Be So Exciting?!

January 31, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

Who said the only thing to talk about is the Super Bowl??

As players, coaches, and fans arrive in Minneapolis for Super Bowl LII, teams around the NFL are making their own Super Bowl push….

Dominoes Are Fun

Once the first piece goes, the rest fall into place. Tuesday night, Alex Smith was traded to the Washington Redskins. Instantly, Kirk Cousins’ muddled future in Washington D.C. became a lot clearer.

Redskins Get: QB Alex Smith

Chiefs Get: CB Kendall Fuller and a 3rd round pick

This trade can’t become official until March 14th (start of the NFL year). This secures Patrick Mahomes’ future as the starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, and assures that Kirk Cousins will don a different jersey next season. The question is: Which one??

Reportedly, Alex Smith (33 years old) will sign a 4-year extension worth $94 million, including $71 million guaranteed. The $94 million part is believable. The $71 million part can’t possibly be accurate. The Redskins would be really, REALLY DUMB to give a 33-year old quarterback that much guaranteed money….

I Want To Be Part Of History

We’re all part of history, just not equally. James Harden’s role in history is slightly different than ours. Harden, without the services of Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza, and Eric Gordon (for nearly 3 quarters), literally put the rest of his team on his back. Okay, not literally, but he scored more than half of his teams points en route to a 114-107 victory over the Orlando Magic. And broke 2 records along the way.

Harden’s 60 points broke the Houston Rockets’ record for most points in a single-game (Calvin Murphy, 57 points). That record stood for 40 years. Harden also became the 1st player in NBA history to record a triple-double with 60 points:

60 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block

Ummmm, holy crap!

The Injury Bug Is Real

Injuries are contagious. In the past week, not 1, not 2, but 3 All-Stars have gone down with significant injuries. First, DeMarcus Cousins’ season ended with a ruptured Achilles. Then, John Wall needed a knee scope, putting him on the shelf for 6-8 weeks. And now, Kevin Love will also miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured left hand.

Today, I plead with the players of the NBA. Be extra careful when you cross the street. Don’t run down the stairs in socks. And don’t go skydiving. For you never know when the injury bug is coming for you.

The Knicks Actually Won A Game?!

It’s hard to believe, but yes, the New York Knicks won a basketball game last night. It’s a lot easier when you’re at home, against the Brooklyn Nets, but as they say, a win is a win.

I attended this game and had a great time!!

If you haven’t been to Madison Square Garden since Patrick Ewing played for the Knicks, make an effort to go. The renovations have improved the fan experience, and concession lines have greatly improved. As for television sets lining each section’s front row, I’ll never understand that. Why would you pay for tickets and then watch the game on TV from your seat?!?!

As for the game, Kristaps Porzingis was on, dropping 28 points while shooting 6 for 8 from 3-point range. Enes Kanter had the quietest 20 point/20 rebound game you’ll ever see. And the Knicks took down the Nets 111-95.

The Knicks have now won 2 games in a row.

“If they win tonight, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.”

Were you surprised the Redskins traded for Alex Smith?? Where do you think Kirk Cousins will play next season?? Tell me in the comment section below.

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