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.

Madness Is In The Air!!

January 17, 2018January 17, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

trae young

It’s almost March.

Okay, maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, but Tuesday night definitely felt like March. With 2 upsets of top 20 teams, the best sports tournament of the year slid toward the front of my mind; March Madness.

Kentucky Wildcats Shrink Down The Stretch

Kentucky could have used some of their head coach’s shooting skills Tuesday night. Click here to see John Calipari drain a half court shot at practice. Kentucky, the 18th ranked team in the nation, led by as many as 14 against the South Carolina Gamecocks. But with 5:29 left in the game, Kentucky went ice cold, scoring just 3 points down the stretch. South Carolina closed the game on an 18-3 run, turning a 7-point deficit into an 8-point victory (76-68).

South Carolina’s comeback was charged by their leading scorer (14.9 points per game), Chris Silva’s, 27-point evening. Silva’s 27 points tied his career high, a mark he set just 10 days earlier against Vanderbilt. Frank Booker, senior guard, gave South Carolina a nice boost off the bench as well, scoring 9 of his 18 points in the final 10 minutes of the game. This upset marks the biggest win of South Carolina’s season, by far. They’ll look to continue their winning ways when they host the 21st ranked, Tennessee Volunteers, Saturday @ 6:00 P.M. EST.

Trae Young’s Dubious Record

Trae Young, superstar, freshman guard, has been playing out of his mind. He’s leading the nation in scoring (29.5 points per game) and assists (9.8 assists per game). The Oklahoma Sooners are the 4th ranked team in the nation and are seeking to make a run at a Final Four appearance (Last Appearance – 2016). With wins against 5 top 25 teams, all arrows were pointing up….until Tuesday.

Trae Young had a night to forget. His 12 turnovers are the most in a single game in the history of the Big 12. His 2-10 performance from beyond the arc didn’t help matters either. Kansas State, on their home floor, was able to capitalize on Trae’s mistakes. They routed Oklahoma, 87-69, behind Barry Brown’s 24 points. Brown, Kansas State’s leading scorer (17 points per game), is hitting his stride, dropping 20 or more points in 5 of his last 7 games. Brown will look to lead his team to victory against another top 25 team when they host the 24th ranked, TCU Horned Dogs, Saturday @ 4:00 P.M. EST.

I feel bad for Oklahoma State, Trae Young’s next opponent….

Will Trae Young be National Player of the Year?? Are you excited for March Madness in January?? Tell me what you think in the comment section below.

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Pirates Throw In The (terrible) Towel

January 16, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

MLB: Baltimore Orioles at Pittsburgh Pirates

The dirtiest, 4-letter word in professional sports has crept its way into Major League Baseball.

Cleveland Browns fans simply know it as the “T” word. This word is banned from schools in Philadelphia, as it makes 76ers fans quiver in fear. Parents, please shield your children’s eyes….

TANK.

To TANK is the act of losing intentionally. In the NFL and NBA, teams TANK in an attempt to secure the #1 pick in the draft. This can be a quick and effective way to turn a franchise around (if done right). In MLB, TANKING isn’t common. MLB teams generally become “sellers” at the midseason trade deadline by trading away expiring contracts and veteran players. This allows teams to restock their farm systems in order to rebuild for the future. However, it isn’t often that a team enters a season in full TANK mode.

Enter the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Over the past 3 days, the Pittsburgh Pirates have traded away 2 of their best players; Gerrit Cole and Andrew McCutchen. And something tells me they’re not done moving anything not nailed down.

Gerrit Cole

For real this time. After a fake report that Cole had been traded to the Houston Astros Wednesday, Cole was actually traded to the Houston Astros Saturday.

Astros Get: P Gerrit Cole

Pirates Get: P Joe Musgrove, P Michael Feliz, 3B Colin Moran, OF Jason Martin

Cole, 27, doesn’t become an unrestricted free agent until 2020. This is a great deal for the defending World Series Champion, Houston Astros, as they bolster an already formidable starting rotation (the Yankees’ fan inside me is screaming at the top of his lungs). The Pirates, however, elected for quantity over quality.

Joe Musgrove has bounced between the starting rotation and bullpen, struggling in his 2 years in MLB. Michael Feliz is a strikeout machine, reliever whose career e.r.a. (5.13) doesn’t match his talent. Colin Moran, the former #6 pick in the 2013 draft, has yet to be given a chance to prove himself. Colin, your chance is here. Jason Martin, a former 8th round pick, has showed flashes of a solid speed/power combo between Single-A and Double-A.

Andrew McCutchen

Monday afternoon, McCutchen followed Cole out the door, making his way to San Francisco.

Giants Get: OF Andrew McCutchen (Pirates will pay $2.5 million of $14.75 million owed in 2018)

Pirates Get: P Kyle Crick, OF Bryan Reynolds, $500,000 International Bonus Pool Space

Despite McCutchen’s talent, he is potentially a rental, as he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2019. The Giants hope he can return to his 2013 NL MVP form.

Kyle Crick is a hard-throwing, middle reliever. He carries potential to be a staple in the Pirates’ bullpen if he can work out his control issues. Bryan Reynolds, drafted in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft, is a solid average hitter with stolen base potential.

With the Pirates not picking up any star prospects in these trades, expect a slow, probably painful, rebuild in Pittsburgh.

What do you think of these trades?? How would you feel if your team decided to TANK?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Craziest. Game. EVER!!!!

January 15, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Last-second-Stefon-Diggs-touchdown-propels-Minnesota-Vikings-to-NFC-title-game

Wow.

Wait, I didn’t say that right.

WOW!!!!

That’s more like it.

I’ve graced planet Earth with my presence for 31 years, 8 months, and 21 hours, and that was easily the craziest thing I’ve ever seen on a football field — EVER!! I asked for better football, I received better football:

Minnesota Vikings 29, New Orleans Saints 24

Insane. Crazy. Wild. Complete stupidity. Total elation. There are countless ways to describe the improbable nature the Minnesota Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints….

The Vikings completely dominated the 1st half, taking a 17-0 lead into the locker room. Here are the Saints’ 1st half possessions:

Punt, Punt, Punt, Interception, Interception, Missed field goal. That’s not a recipe for success.

The 2nd half went slightly better for the Saints. Their 1st possession ended in a Michael Thomas touchdown. And after a horrible interception by Case Keenum, their 2nd possession ended in a Michael Thomas touchdown. 17-0 quickly became 17-14.

Sean Payton has been the head coach of the Saints for 12 years. He has a winning record. And he’s won a Super Bowl. However, he is NOT a good coach. Just minutes into the 4th quarter, when timeouts are crucial, Payton used TWO challenges over a span of 4 plays. Both plays were obvious, so Payton decided his TWO red flags were better served as toilet paper.

After a Kai Forbath 49-yard field goal, the Vikings took a 20-14 lead. Just 4 minutes and 44 seconds later, the Saints blocked a punt, setting Drew Brees up with great field position (the Vikings’ 25-yard line). Just 2 minutes and 20 seconds later, the Saints would take their 1st lead, 21-20, on a beautiful ‘wheel route’ by Alvin Kamara.

With just 3:01 left to play, it was time for Keenum to do what he’s been doing all season; prove his worth. He did just that, setting his team up in field goal range. Kai Forbath’s 53-yarder was as true a kick as you’ll ever see. Now trailing 23-21, Drew Brees was left with 1:29 and 1 timeout (thanks to his genius head coach). After 2 first down completions, followed by 3 straight incompletions, the Saints’ season came down to a 4th & 10 from the Vikings’ 46-yard line. Drew Brees dropped back and threw the most confident, perfect pass of the season, a 13-yard completion to Willie Snead. And with just 25 seconds left to play, Will Lutz drilled a 43-yard field goal, putting the Saints up 24-23. Case Keenum’s back must be getting used to that wall….

With just 18 seconds remaining and no timeouts, the Vikings had 4 downs, from the Saints’ 39-yard line, to pull off a miracle. And with 10 seconds left, on 3rd & 10, Case Keenum made believers out of many of us. Stefon Diggs rose for the reception with 5 seconds left. When his feet hit the ground, at the Saints’ 34-yard line, he was surprised as anyone he wasn’t being brought to the ground, so he took off. Diggs crossed the goal line as time expired, doing the impossible.

Watch the play here, then we’ll continue our conversation.

There are no excuses for this play. Yes, we should all blame Marcus Williams for not tackling Diggs upon catching the ball. Seriously, Marcus, what were you thinking (or not thinking)?!?! However, this is ultimately on the head coach. If you’re the Saints, all you have to do is keep Diggs inbounds and the game’s over. Why weren’t the Saints in the most ridiculous prevent defense ever?? There should have been 3 Saints behind Diggs, not just Marcus Williams.

But I still need to talk to my man Marcus here….

Marcus, I don’t want to hear about how you were trying to avoid the defensive pass interference penalty. And I don’t want to hear ANYONE (ahem, Ryan Clark, ahem) justifying ducking under Diggs to avoid the penalty. All you had to do, Marcus, was wait 2 yards behind Diggs, and tackle him inbounds the second he touched the ball. Game over. Vikings finished. Saints move on to the NFC Championship.

Instead, the Vikings move 1 game closer to hosting the Super Bowl. They’ll travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles next Sunday. If the Vikings win, they’ll become the 1st team in NFL history to host a Super Bowl.

______________________________________________________________________________

Oh no, I didn’t forget about my gamblers. For those who bet the Vikings, I feel for you. The Vikings closed at 5.5 point favorites. With the Vikings up 17 points, this bet seemed like a lock. As the Saints mounted their comeback, Vikings bettors watched their winnings slip through their fingers. However, with the Vikings’ miracle, walk-off, touchdown, hope was sprung back into their lives. All the Vikings had to do was kick the extra point, and they’d win by 6 points, covering the 5.5 point spread. Unfortunately, after the dust settled from the Vikings’ on field celebration, they chose to kneel on the extra point. This was the moment when degenerates, who double as Vikings’ fans, experienced the most bittersweet moment — ever.

Was this the craziest football game you’ve ever watched?? If not, please tell me in the comment section below.

What Do You Mean ‘Double Check’ My Sources?!

January 12, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The world has been waiting….

Waiting for the dominoes to start falling in Major League Baseball. Who knew that first domino would be a fake report?! Wednesday morning, multiple sources reported Gerrit Cole had been traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Houston Astros. By Wednesday afternoon, we had learned this report was as make believe as the Easter Bunny. Sorry parents. Apparently, some journalists prefer being 1st and wrong over being 2nd and right.

See, this is a fun time for MLB; the offseason. The time when rumors fly, money gets tossed around, and players potentially relocate. Until Wednesday, this offseason had been notoriously slow. Just 30 of the 160 potential free agents had signed with their respective teams. Over the past 2 days, free agency has built up speed. It turns out, all it needed was a little nudge from a fake report.

These new deals are 1-year contracts in order to avoid arbitration:

Cody Allen – $10.575 Million (Indians)
Khris Davis – $10.5 Million (Athletics)
Patrick Corbin – $7.5 Million (Diamondbacks)
Miguel Gonzalez – $4.75 Million (White Sox)
Mike Zunino – $2.975 Million (Mariners)
Randal Grichuk – $2.6 Million (Cardinals)
Zach McAllister – $2.45 Million (Indians)
Jake Marisnick – $1.9 Million (Astros)
Tommy Kahnle – $1.3125 Million (Yankees)

Arbitration is a legal process used when a player (prior to becoming an unrestricted free agent) and team can’t come to terms on a 1-year contract. Both the player and team submit their proposed salary contracts to a 3rd-party, neutral arbitrator. The arbitrator then determines a fair salary based on the player’s statistics. Despite retaining the rights to said player, arbitration isn’t generally the 1st step in a long-term, healthy relationship.

While everyone’s attention turned to 1-year contracts, and a fake report, the New York Mets swooped in and ACTUALLY signed a contract paying out more than $12 per year. On Wednesday, the Mets came to terms with Jay Bruce on a 3-year, $39 million contract. While Bruce isn’t a hop on my back and ride to the playoffs type of guy, he’s a solid offensive outfielder. On a team (as cheap as the Mets) lacking offense, I like this deal for the Mets.

Only 2 bigger contracts have been signed, so far, than Bruce; Carlos Santana and Wade Davis. Santana signed a 3-year, $60 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on December 20th. This makes the Bruce deal look even better. As for Davis, his 3-year, $52 million contract with the Colorado Rockies makes him the highest paid relief pitcher (per year) of all-time. We’ll see how he enjoys the “comfort” of pitching in Coors Field.

With just over a month until pitchers and catchers report, expect an avalanche of dominoes to fall in the near future. Here are the biggest, unsigned names:

J.D. Martinez, Jake Arrieta, Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas, and Yu Darvish.

MLB Free Agency, a time when wildly overpaying players has become America’s new pastime.

What do you think of the Jay Bruce contract?? Does Wade Davis deserve to be the highest paid reliever of all-time?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Alright NFL, Show Me What You’ve Got

January 11, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

drew-brees

I’m in a forgiving mood.

I’m going to give the NFL another chance. A chance to redeem itself after the least entertaining Wild Card Weekend I can remember. Despite the little voice inside my head screaming, “this is a bad idea!”, I’m going to prepare the couch for Divisional Weekend. Join me….

Atlanta Falcons (6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (1) – Saturday @ 4:35 P.M. EST (NBC)

The Philadelphia Eagles are about to do something that’s never been done before. No, not bring a Super Bowl to Philadelphia. Start the playoffs, as a #1 seed, as an UNDERDOG. The Eagles finished this season with a 13-3 record, in large part to a fantastic sophomore season from Carson Wentz. Thanks to Wentz’ Week 14, torn ACL, Nick Foles calls under center home. That’s why the peaking at the right moment, Atlanta Falcons are 3-point, road favorites.

This is the toughest game to call. Nick Foles is the ‘x-factor’. Will we see 2013 Nick Foles (64%, 27 TDs, 2 INTs), or 2015 Nick Foles (56%, 7 TDs, 10 INTs)?? Secret door #3 is probably the way Foles’ day will go. On the other hand, can the Falcons continue their strong play and get 1 step closer to returning to consecutive Super Bowls?? If they do, Falcons’ faithful will be thanking Matt Ryan’s right shoulder. However, I don’t think the Falcons are destined to follow in the footsteps of the 1990’s Buffalo Bills.

Prediction: Eagles 24, Falcons 21

Tennessee Titans (5) @ New England Patriots (1) – Saturday @ 8:15 P.M. EST (CBS)

There’s not much to talk about here. The Tennessee Titans didn’t deserve to be in the playoffs, and they certainly don’t deserve to be in the Divisional Round. With their annual, playoff bye week behind them, the New England Patriots are well rested and ready to put that scoreboard to work. Expect this game to get out of hand. Oh, and not that the Patriots needed any extra motivation, but Titans’ safety, Kevin Byard, thought it was a good idea to poke the beast. Byard said, “I want to make him (Tom Brady) look like Blake Bortles.”

That’s not the smartest thing I’ve heard this week.

Prediction: Patriots 45, Titans 17

Jacksonville Jaguars (3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2) – Sunday @ 1:05 P.M. EST (CBS)

Yes, the Jacksonville Jaguars demolished the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5 of the regular season, 30-9. Ben Roethlisberger threw NO touchdowns and 5 interceptions (2 were returned for TDs). But that was a dress rehearsal. This is show time. As good as the Jaguars’ defense is, returning 2 interceptions for TDs, in the same game, is an anomaly. Do you know what isn’t an anomaly?? Blake Bortles throwing for less than 200 yards and committing a turnover.

Bortles threw for less than 200 yards 7 times this season (including 87 yards last week). He also had 19 total turnovers in the 17 games he’s played. That’s not a recipe for success. A well rested Ben + a healthy Brown + Bell in the backfield = success.

Prediction: Steelers 27, Jaguars 19

New Orleans Saints (4) @ Minnesota Vikings (2) – Sunday @ 4:40 P.M. EST (FOX)

For consecutive weeks, the NFL has saved the best for last. Drew Brees, who turns 39 the day after this game, is looking to make 1 last Super Bowl push. He still has the arm. He has the offensive weapons. And for just the 2nd time in his life, he has a defense worth talking about (last time he had a good defense, he won the Super Bowl). But he must get past a tough, Minnesota Vikings defense, on the road, before he can set his sights on another Lombardi Trophy.

The Vikings’ defense, overshadowed by the Jaguars, may actually be the best defense in the league. They rank 1st in total yards and points allowed per game. And they rank 2nd in passing and rushing yards allowed per game. And just like the Eagles, they have an ‘x-factor’; Case Keenum. While Keenum has had a consistently good season, regression to his previous 4 seasons mean seems likely at any moment.

If the Falcons beat the Eagles, the Saints and Vikings will be playing for the right to host the NFC Championship.

If the Vikings reach the Super Bowl, they’ll become the 1st team in NFL history to play the ‘big game’ on their home field. They’ll have to get past Brees and the 2-headed monster in his backfield first.

Prediction: Saints 23, Vikings 21

Who do you think will win this weekend?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

Listen Man, That Right There Is A Good Contract Man

January 10, 2018January 10, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

jon gruden

A lot has changed since Jon Gruden last coached in the NFL. iPhones have ridiculous, nonsensical adapters. Apparently you just swipe left and another picture comes up. And the Patriots are no longer a dynas….oh wait, that one hasn’t changed. But 1 thing remains constant: Raiders’ owner, Mark Davis’ freaky hairdo. I mean seriously, what is that thing?!

mark davis

Anyway….

Tuesday, Jon Gruden was introduced as the new Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders. This will be his 2nd stint with ‘Raider Nation’, as he was the head coach from 1998-2001. He went 38-26, including 2 trips to the postseason in his first tenure with the team. Hey opposing coaches, all you have to do is say “Tuck Rule”, and Gruden will cower into a corner somewhere.

In 2002, Gruden was traded to the Tampa Buccaneers, where he infamously beat his former team in Super Bowl XXXVII. Let’s fast forward to Tuesday….

Did you catch Jon Gruden’s introductory press conference???? You didn’t?! Ohhhhh boy.

You can check it out here. Watch the 1st 4 minutes, then come back so we can talk….

Does Mark Davis not make your skin crawl???? He looks like he’s 63 going on 6. And not the cute kind of 6. The creepy, no one hangs out with me kind of 6. He looked nervous. He took way more deep breaths than I’m comfortable with. And apparently, every woman in the Gruden family, is his biggest cheerleader. And then, there was the video montage. Ohhh the video montage. Was this supposed to give Raiders’ fans goosebumps?? Listen, I get that the Raiders want to return to their winning ways. They’ve only had 1 winning season in the past 15 years, and Jon Gruden was successful with the Raiders. But Davis is acting like the best coach in the history of sports is walking through the door.

Davis even went as far as saying, and I quote, “Raider Nation, this is a big effin’ deal!” Wow Mark. Just wow. In terms of dollars and cents, this is an enormous deal. In fact, Gruden’s 10-year, $100 Million contract makes him the highest paid coach in American professional sports history. And now, ‘Raider Nation’, the NFL, and the sports world will see if Gruden can live up to such expectations. I’m interested to see if Gruden, now 54, can adjust to the numerous rule changes that have taken place in his 9 years away from the sidelines.

Is this a good hire by the Oakland Raiders?? Will Jon Gruden win a Super Bowl in Oakland?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Tua Brings Bama Back From The Brink

January 9, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Alabama-National-Championship

I don’t doubt Nick Saban.

Throughout my years covering sports, I’ve learned many things: It’s all about the money, I don’t doubt Tom Brady, and I don’t doubt Nick Saban.

Nick Saban is the best college football coach of all-time — and it’s not even that close. What he’s accomplished at Alabama, winning 5 National Championships in 9 years, is eerily similar to the success Brady, Belichick, and the Patriots have had. And that’s what allows Saban to make questionable, bold, even controversial moves.

Monday night was no different.

Down 13-0 at halftime, Saban’s squad was struggling offensively. They had amassed 21 yards through the air and converted just 4 first downs. That’s when Saban handed the ball to true-freshman, Tua Tagovailoa. Until that moment, the Hawaiian native had only appeared in mop-up duty in lopsided Alabama victories. Pegged as a “gunslinger”, Tagovailoa played well in his 7 brief appearances, throwing 8 touchdowns and just 1 interception.

But Monday night, it was time to sink or swim, on the world’s biggest stage. Oh did he swim. Tagovailoa, aka Alabama’s savior, made the 3 biggest plays of the game:

1.) On his 2nd drive, Tagovailoa faced a 3rd & 7. He scrambled right, nearly getting sacked. After breaking not 1, not 2, but 3 tackles, Tagovailoa bounced back to the left, gaining 9 yards for a crucial 1st down. This changed the complexion of the entire game. It kept Alabama from going ‘3 & out’ on consecutive drives. It gave Tagovailoa confidence. And it led to an Alabama touchdown, pulling them within 1 score (13-7).

2.) Fast forward to 3 minutes and 56 seconds left in the game. Imagine being under center, down 7 points, on 4th & 4 from the opponents 7-yard line. Now imagine throwing an absolute strike to Calvin Ridley for the game tying touchdown (20-20). Now wake up, because that wasn’t you. It was Tua Tagovailoa, and he’s living the dream.

Watch the play here.

3.) And last, but CERTAINLY not least, the final play of the game. After Georgia’s kicker, Rodrigo Blankenship, nailed a 51-yard field goal, Tagovailoa and Alabama found themselves down 23-20. Fail to score and go home. Kick a field goal and head to a 2nd overtime. Score a touchdown and win the National Championship. After an atrocious sack, Alabama was staring 2nd & 26 in the face. Have no fear, Tua is here. As he dropped back, the world could see DeVonta Smith inexplicably get behind Georgia’s secondary. Tagovailoa hit Smith, in stride, for a 41-yard, game winning touchdown.

Watch the play here.

Tagovailoa only had to pull off that miracle because his kicker came down with a case of the ‘shanks’. With 3 seconds left in regulation, Andy Pappanastos had a game-winning, 36-yard field goal attempt. Trust me when I say this was the worst field goal attempt I’ve ever seen — ever. This was Pappanastos’ 2nd missed field goal of the night. Clearly he wasn’t on his game. Luckily for Nick Saban, and Alabama, Tagovailoa was.

Was this the best National Championship you’ve ever seen?? Did you even stay awake long enough to see it?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You Should Be Ashamed Of Yourself!!

January 8, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

sean-payton

It was all bad.

The quarterback play was bad. The coaching was bad. Even the referees were bad. Those who thought the level of play would rise because the word Playoffs was added to this machine were sorely mistaken. Oh no, I’m included in that. No need to throw stones at my glass house.

There are a handful of people that probably had a hard time sleeping this weekend. I figured I’d add fuel to the fire by constructing a list, in order, of those involved in Wild Card Weekend, who should be ashamed of themselves:

5.) Everyone Who Dropped A Pass

Have you ever seen so many dropped passes in your life?!?! I’m not talking about well-defended, tough catches. I’m talking about straight-up drops. What started with a drop by the Tennessee Titans, Eric Decker (possibly the worst drop of the weekend), ended with a dropped touchdown by the Carolina Panthers, Kaelin Clay. Last time I checked, wide receivers have 1 job; CATCH THE BALL!! It ceases to amaze me when professional athletes, making millions of dollars, drop wide open passes. It also makes me hurl things at my television because I can catch 100% of those passes — 8 deep in the parking lot after a game….

4.) The Jaguars And Bills’ Offenses

You know a game was hard to watch when the leading receiver had 48 yards (Dede Westbrook). Yup. That was the Jacksonville Jaguars Vs. Buffalo Bills game in a nutshell. Allow me to preface my next statement with concern for Tyrod Taylor’s health. Taylor has been placed in the concussion protocol after his head smashed into the ground, knocking him unconscious. With that said, the quarterback play in this game was as bad as it gets. Tyrod Taylor, (Nathan Peterman), and Blake Bortles’ combined stats were as follows:

30 for 63, 235 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception.

Last time I checked, completing 47% of your passes is not good. Maybe that’s why Blake Bortles rushed for more yards (88) then he threw for (87). But hey, who doesn’t enjoy a 10-3 game??

3.) Tony Romo

Tony Romo is REALLY annoying. Despite his insight into the NFL, and the quarterback position, he doesn’t possess the ability to shut up. This was never more evident when Tyrod Taylor was injured with just under 2 minutes left in the game. Tyrod Taylor was driven to the ground, slamming his head into the ground, by Dante Fowler. Taylor, was sprawled out on his back, unconscious, in the middle of the field. For 99% of human beings, this naturally brings a moment of silence. Not for Tony Romo. Instead, Mr. Romo felt that was the appropriate time to carry on, and on, and on, and on about a 10-second run-off.

Yes Tony, in the NFL, when play is stopped in the final 2 minutes due to an injured player, the referees are required to take 10 seconds off the game clock (WHICH THEY DID). However, reminding millions of viewers of this inane rule at the most inopportune time isn’t what I’d call becoming of a man, Mr. Romo.

2.) Jeff Triplette

Jeff Triplette has been an NFL referee since 1999. However, Triplette hasn’t officiated a playoff game since 2013. The world can see why….

Known around the NFL as the worst referee in the league, Triplette officiated his final game Saturday. Well, I guess if you’re gonna go out, you might as well go out on bottom(?). Shame on the NFL for allowing Triplette’s final game to be of this magnitude.

The Kansas City Chiefs were potentially robbed of a playoff victory by Triplette. Of the 5 glaring mistakes made by Triplette and his crew, none was bigger than the final blunder. After taking a 22-21 lead, Marcus Mariota and the Titans attempted a 2-point conversion. Mariota was sacked, and fumbled at the Titans’ 42-yard line. Daniel Sorenson picked up the ball and ran 58 yards for what should have been a 2-point conversion for the Chiefs. However, Triplette inexplicably whistled the play dead, claiming Mariota’s forward progress had been stopped. Trust me, it hadn’t been.

If I’m the Chiefs, I’m playing this game under protest.

1.) Sean Payton

Sean Payton is 1 of the better coaches in the NFL. He’s been the head coach of the New Orleans Saints since 2006, winning Super Bowl XLIV (2009). Despite his success, and reputation, he did something REALLY IDIOTIC on Sunday. The Saints found themselves with possession, with a 31-26 advantage, with just 2 minutes left in the game. With 4th and 2 looming, from the Panther’s 47-yard line, all the Saints had to do was pin the Panthers within their own 20-yard line. This would have required Cam Newton and company to drive 80+ yards, in under 2 minutes, with no timeouts. That’s a tall order for any quarterback. Instead, Payton forewent conventional wisdom, and sanity, and went for it on 4th and 2.

This is the dumbest decision I’ve seen on a football field in a looooooong time.

Drew Brees’ pass attempt, fortunately, was intercepted. The Saints’ defense stood tall, and the Saints clung to victory. While the majority will remember a Saints’ victory, I will remember Payton’s brain fart.

Not that it can get any worse, but let’s hope next weekend’s games don’t make me want to gauge my eyes out….

Was this the worst weekend in NFL Playoff history?? If not, please enlighten me in the comment section below.

The NFL Playoffs Are Finally Here!!!!

January 5, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

kamara

After enduring 17 weeks of mediocrity, the real stuff is finally upon us. Saturday afternoon, the NFL Playoffs commence with Wild Card Weekend. Despite the large “spreads” in each of the 4 impending games, expect entertaining, competitive football. And if all 4 games turn into blowouts, it beats the hell out of shoveling snow….

Tennessee Titans (5) @ Kansas City Chiefs (4) – 4:20 P.M. EST on ESPN

The Kansas City Chiefs’ season started on as high of a note as possible. They beat up the defending Super Bowl Champion, New England Patriots (42-27), in Foxborough, sending a message to the rest of the league. They started the season 5-0, and climbed to the top of the NFL Power Rankings. And then, the wheels started to fall off. They lost 6 of their next 7, including a loss to my wretched New York Jets. And then, the Chiefs flipped another switch, winning their final 4 games. You figure it out….

All you need to know about the Tennessee Titans is Marcus Mariota threw more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (13) this season. Also, Demarco Murray has been ruled out for this game. While the Chiefs aren’t a blow-you-out kind of offense, this is the 1 game that may get out of hand this weekend.

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Titans 20

Atlanta Falcons (6) @ Los Angeles Rams (3) – 8:15 P.M. EST on NBC

If going out in -2° is your thing, enjoy!! For the rest of the normal people out there, Saturday Night Football will keep you warm. Expect a high scoring affair between the ‘new look’ Rams and the defending NFC Champion, Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have had a weird season. Some call it a Super Bowl Hangover. I call it regression to the mean. At no point throughout this season did I think the Falcons were a good team. Matt Ryan certainly didn’t play anywhere near his 2016 MVP level, and their backfield was littered with injuries all season.

We all saw what the Rams are capable of when they walloped the Seahawks 42-7 (Week 15). I don’t anticipate a whooping of those proportions, however, I do think they win handily. Todd Gurley will prove why he SHOULD be this season’s MVP.

Prediction: Rams 34, Falcons 27

To Sunday we go….

Buffalo Bills (6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (3) – 1:05 P.M. EST on CBS

The Buffalo Bills are hoping to continue their celebration from Week 17. After not having made the playoffs since 1999, advancing to the Divisional Round, aka the get routed by the Patriots round, would be the overachievement of the century. With Lesean McCoy’s health in question, I see little chance of that happening.

The only way the Bills win this game is if Blake Bortles throws 3 interceptions and Lesean McCoy hits 100 yards rushing. Yes, Bortles is a walking interception, but I think the combination of the Jaguars’ defense and Leonard Fournette will ultimately be too much for the Bills too handle.

Prediction: Jaguars 23, Bills 17

Carolina Panthers (5) @ New Orleans Saints (4) – 4:40 P.M. EST on FOX

3rd time’s the charm?? The Carolina Panthers certainly hope so. The New Orleans Saints swept the season series with the Panthers. Yes, Cam Newton’s ceiling is WAY higher than most, but this isn’t his year. His own team traded away his top receiver (Kelvin Benjamin). Greg Olsen hasn’t been right all year. And their usually strong secondary, isn’t what it used to be.

On the other side of the line of scrimmage, the Saints aren’t what they used to be either — in a good way. The Saints actually have a defense worth writing home about. I guess firing Rob Ryan was a good idea. WHO KNEW?! They have the best rushing attack in the NFL. And Drew Brees is still, well, Drew Brees.

Prediction: Saints 30, Panthers 24

Who do you think will win this weekend?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

The Knicks Continue Their Losing Ways

January 4, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

porzingis vs wizards

The Knicks suck!!

No need to sugar coat it. However, you may want to shield your child’s eyes when they’re on TV.

The Knicks spent Wednesday evening in Washington D.C. Playing in the 2nd of back-to-back games, the Knicks predictably left their talent, skill, energy, and will to win at home. The Washington Wizards dominated the Knicks, 121-103. The Knicks are now a putrid 3-13 on the road and 18-20 overall on the season.

For the 2nd consecutive game, Michael Beasley led the Knicks in scoring, off the bench. Beasley dropped 20 points to go along with his 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. While he continues to impress, it’s not a good sign for the health of the Knicks. To succeed, the Knicks will need Kristaps Porzingis to step up his game. They’ll also need to figure out how to win on the road. With 12 of their next 15 games on the road, buckle up, it’s going to get bumpy!!

I said this last night on my radio show, and I’ll say it again here:

The Knicks will not be above .500 again, at any point this season. That ship has sailed. There’s another ship sailing right alongside the .500 ship; the playoff ship. There is no chance the Knicks make the playoffs this year. And I will stick with my original prediction of 34 wins this season. You can find me right here, everyday, as I’ll be waiting for apologies from the misguided souls who thought this was a playoff team capable of winning 44 or more games.

The Knicks next test will be another road game, against the Miami Heat. You can watch the Knicks lose again on Friday @ 8:00 P.M. EST.

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Lebron Vs. Kyrie Part II. Eastern Conference Finals Preview. Whatever you call it, it was a struggle for Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, as a whole, played really poorly. They shot just 34.8% from the floor, 25% from 3-point range, and scored just 88 points. Apparently, even the “King” and company have off nights. Ironically, they were PERFECT from the free throw line (18-18).

Kevin Love thought it was a good idea to have the worst game of his career:

2 points on just 1 of 11 from the field. Nice work Kev-O!!

No panic button necessary. The Cavaliers will be just fine. I feel bad for the Magic, as the Cavaliers roll into Orlando Saturday @ 7:00 P.M. EST.

Will the Knicks finish .500 or better this season?? Will they make the playoffs?? Will the Cavaliers represent the Eastern Conference in the Finals again?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

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