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.

I’m More Of A Rhombus Guy Myself, Phil

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

phil

Well, the New York Knicks lost again on Tuesday. The Knicks lost?? But I thought their season was over?? Oh, they might not be playing games anymore, but that hasn’t kept them from being losers. I bet you didn’t realize Squints from The Sandlot was actually talking about the Knicks….

l7

 

But seriously, the Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves finished tied this season with a record of 31-51 (stellar I know). And two days ago, the Knicks lost a ping pong ball tiebreaker (those are 4 words I didn’t think I was going to say today), leaving them 7th in the draft order, 1 spot behind the Timberwolves. This is assuming neither team lands a top 3 pick when they select the draft lottery on May 16th. But Dave, it’s only 1 spot, why are you making a big deal about it? First, 1 spot can mean the difference between Stephen Curry and Jordan Hill. Second, it represents the Knicks’ culture. The Knicks are, for lack of a better term, ‘stuck in the mud’.

This losing culture starts and ends with Knicks’ Owner, James Dolan. Little Jimmy Dolan, as I like to call him, inherited the Knicks from his daddy, Charles Dolan. And despite biting the hand that feeds him, Little Jimmy is still The Chairman of Madison Square Garden Company. This means he is only in charge of the things he couldn’t screw up if he tried (financially speaking that is). However, he has screwed up the Knicks’ franchise, mightily.

Dolan hired Phil Jackson to be President of the Knicks 3 years ago. Let me start by saying, I don’t care who you are or what you say, no one in the world thought this was a bad hire. But after 3 looooooooong years, there is only 1 header that can rest atop Phil Jacksons’ performance review; DUMPSTER FIRE!! Phil Jackson is regarded as one of the best coaches in NBA history, but unless he plans to scale down the 8,490 foot ladder from his golden pedestal to start coaching again, it’s time for him to pack his bags. Only problem there is, James Dolan refuses to fire him. Dolan, aka Einstein, has repeatedly stated he must honor his contract with Phil for 5 years. Yeah that’s great, but you had an opt-out written into the contract. This gives either side the legal right to part ways after 3 years (which last time I checked is NOW). Sooooooooooooo Jimmy, what are we waiting for? What if Phil literally set fire to the Garden? Would that be a fireable offense? Well, let me run through the things I call fireable offenses:

  • Don’t address the media for 2 and 3/4 years and when you finally do state the obvious that your best player would probably be better off elsewhere
  • Hire “your guy” Derek Fisher, and then unceremoniously fire him a year and a half into a 5-year contract even though you were clearly tanking
  • Everything you have done, said, or thought about saying as it pertains to Carmelo Anthony (Melo’ is who he is – a great scorer who gets rebounds by default because he’s 6’8″ and has no interest in playing defense; whatsoever)
  • Insane stubbornness to run a wildly out of date system known as “the triangle” even though numerous NBA players have publicly stated they have zero interest in playing it
  • Attending Shaq’s statue unveiling (even though I’m a big fan of The Diesel) while he should have been attending the Kentucky/UCLA Sweet Sixteen match-up. I mean, it’s not like there were 11 NBA prospects in that game….
  • And last but not least, signing Joakim Noah to an obscene 4-year, $72 million contract. Need I say more?!

 

 

 

There are way more things Phil Jackson has done wrong in the past 3 years, but I ran out of paper. The solution to this problem is simple: Fire Phil, hire someone competent (like me), collect draft picks rather than give them away, build through the draft, and once you have a base of 2 or 3 solid players attract free agents. Period, end of story.

Have a solution to the Knicks’ problems? Tell me in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

T-Minus 8 Days and Counting….

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Jets

The fate of the whole world hangs in the balance. In just 8 shorts days, on April 27th, 2017, the world you’ve come to know and love could change forever. That’s right, the NFL Draft is nearly upon us!! It’s time to warm up those vocal chords and practice those boos, because whether you like it or not your team will undoubtedly draft someone you don’t want. On a personal level, I am anticipating being one of those booing (possibly crying) fans. Since you read my About page, ahem, you know I’ve been a New York Jets fan my entire life.

The Jets underachieved their way to the #6 overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft. That’s a solid pick, so why am I preemptively planning tears?? I’ll tell you why…….enter very long-winded deep breath here ——>                           .

For those who have been Jets fans for more than 10 years, like myself, you already understand everything I’m about to say, but for the rest of you, I am going to give you a peak behind the systematically dysfunctional curtain. The Jets are a circus, which technically makes Jets’ owner Woody Johnson the ringmaster. Johnson, also known as Robert Wood Johnson IV, purchased the Jets at the turn of the century for a whopping $635 million. This purchase was made possible by the hard work of his great-grandfather Robert Wood Johnson I, also known as the co-founder of Johnson and Johnson. Anyway…….

The mess that is the Jets starts and ends with Woody Johnson. He needs to go, but unless billionaires all of a sudden stop loving money, I don’t see that happening. Enter the current state of the Jets. They fumbled and stumbled their way to a 5-11 record last season, earning the #6 pick in this year’s NFL Draft. So far this off-season, the Jets have done ALL the right things. They cut anyone older than me (30), they cut anyone making more than me (….), and they’ve set the wheels in motion for a spectacular tanking. Again, you’re probably wondering why the apprehension, well, here it is.

The Jets give you hope. They set you up with an amazing trailer, they put out the best advertisements and commercials to get you into the movie theater, and then they show you Gigli (no offense Batman, but ‘C’Mon Man!’). In today’s NFL, you can not win without a franchise quarterback. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the last 10 quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl. The worst you’ll find is Joe Flacco or Eli Manning. So while I am hopefully optimistic that the Jets won’t chase the ‘carrot on a stick’, I am realistically pessimistic that they will draft another flawed quarterback at #6. Subsequently, I will lose my freakin’ mind!! None of the quarterbacks in this draft are worth the #6 pick. With such a valuable draft pick, the process is simple: DRAFT THE BEST PLAYER AVAILABLE. With countless holes to fill, the Jets need to build a roster, while tanking, and set themselves up for the 2018 NFL Draft. College and NFL experts have unanimously stated that the 3 quarterbacks coming out next year will likely be the top 3 overall picks. That sounds a lot like music to my ears. The question is: Will they follow this plan?

I certainly hope so. This would set up their 3-5 year plan, which coincidentally is approximately when that schlub Brady up in Foxborough will finally be retiring.  Everything Jets General Manager Mike Maccagnan has done since the end of last season has been perfect, so I will reserve judgment for at least 8 more days. Until then I say tank on Josh McCown, Bryce Petty, and Christian Hackenberg.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

 

Hybrid College Courses: The Wave of the Future!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The more connected we become, the more disconnected we are.  The fully integrated, accomplish anything online world, puts everything  at our fingertips.  I mean, that’s how we got here; isn’t it?  A few clicks and voilà!  Anything you ever wanted to learn can be yours.  Whether you are on your sofa, at the park, or on an airplane, every corner of the world can be reached via the internet.  Which brings us to the topic of conversation; participating in a collegiate course that is being held solely online.  Is this form of education more or less beneficial than attending a course in person?  Can students truly absorb all they are being ‘taught’?  What are the pros and cons of taking a course completely online opposed to in person, or in a hybrid setting (one where a student can attend half the course in person and the other half is done online)?

The world is changing.  That is a fact.  To think one can live in today’s world while refusing to conform or evolve is ludicrous.  The future is online, and that is evident in many walks of life.  However, to follow every new fad online blindly is not the most productive way to live one’s life.  Participating in online college courses is the new fad.  Everywhere you look, there is a new commercial promoting online college that shows how anyone can graduate from college; no matter how busy they are or where they live.  In my opinion, while these courses are good when taken sporadically, they shouldn’t comprise an entire college career.

distance_learning_degree

Online courses aren’t all bad though.  The positives of an online course are evident: they are convenient, less time consuming, and generally save money.  However, the essentials of a college education are missing when taking a course completely online.  Nothing can replace sitting in a classroom and taking notes during a professors’ lecture.  Nothing can simulate a conversation with a classmate in person.  And there is no professor looking over your shoulder to ensure you are completing your assignments.  However, as I said earlier, if you don’t evolve with the times, it is difficult to get ahead in the world.  With that in mind, I believe ALL college courses around the world should be offered in the hybrid format.

This practice would allow students to experience the ‘best of both worlds’ as it pertains to their education.  In the hybrid format, students attend half of the course in person while submitting half of the course work online.  This allows students to meet their professor in person and have face-to-face interactions with their professor on a weekly basis.  Students are required to take notes in class and take exams in class.  At the same time, regular, weekly online assignments along side interactive, online readings and discussions must be turned in.  In my college career, I have taken courses in all three formats.  I find the hybrid format to be the most rewarding and beneficial.  As of today, I have taken three hybrid courses, one online, and countless in person.  I received the best grades in the hybrid courses and always walked away feeling I had gained as much as possible through this style of teaching.  I was also able to make new friends, network, and make positive connections with the people I had met in person.  There is no way to shake a hand online.  And that is the biggest downside of online courses; the lack of social interaction.

One of the biggest problems in the world today is our children living sedentary lifestyles.  They are becoming increasingly lazy (and potentially obese), isolated, and disconnected.

fat-kid-eating-chips-watching-tv

Online courses exacerbate these problems.  The child who plays Madden on their X-Box rather than play football at school is part of the problem.  The child who rides a hoverboard rather than go for a walk is part of the problem.  And the child who doesn’t know how to hold a pencil or write in cursive because everything is done on a smart board is part of the problem.  In the ever changing, online world, these basic functions are being cast aside and are being replaced.  The result of these trends is society is producing more and more children who are unprepared for the world.  And those who are unprepared for the world have a harder time succeeding, not only in online courses, but in life.  Studies have been done comparing the grades of students taking courses completely online versus traditional courses in person.  According to a 2013 study by Columbia University’s Community College Research Center, nearly twice as many students fail or withdraw from online courses compared to traditional courses.  It seems the majority of students lack the maturity and responsibilty needed to succeed in an online format.  The biggest factor in maintaining good grades is the accountability a professor places on the student in person opposed to online.  Students are also easily distracted when attempting to complete assignments or study online.

distraction

With instant access to Social Media and numerous other distractions online, taking courses online has also become increasingly difficult.  The hybrid format allows students to submit work online while also being held accountable in person that same week.  Also, this affords students the opportunity to ‘speak their case’.  I find the biggest disadvantage to taking courses online is students don’t get to explain their answers.  Every answer is cut and dry, and there is no room for explanation.  In person, a professor tends to be more understanding and can resolve any mistakes made on their part.

If all college courses were offered in a hybrid format, I believe college grades would improve siginificantly.  Students who are unfamiliar with online education would remain knowledgeable in the age of the internet.  And students who otherwise would lose the basic skills required in succeeding in a traditional course, would remain knowledgeable in all facets of society.

Holy Hail Mary!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

hail mary

 

Week 13 in the NFL kicked off Thursday Night with an NFC North battle between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.  The Lions were looking to sweep the season series against the Packers for the first time since 1991 and looked to build on their 3-game winning streak.  If you turned the game on anytime around halftime, you probably turned it right off.  If you did, I feel sorry for you because you missed one of the greatest finishes to a football game we’ve seen in years.  Yes, the Lions were winning  20-0 in the 3rd quarter, but the Aaron Rodgers led Packers stormed back into the game in the 2nd half.  And with 6 seconds left in the game, the Packers were down by 2 (23-21), on their own 21-yard line, and had time for seemingly one more play.  Rodgers threw a 19-yard pass that got laterelled back and forth a few times until the ball ended up back in his hands.  A Lions defender caught up to Rodgers and brought him down with no time left on the clock.  But wait, what is this?!  That’s right a penalty flag for a facemask against the defense.  Devin Taylor was called for an EXTREMELY QUESTIONABLE facemask penalty while bringing Rodgers down to the ground.  This allowed the Packers to run one last, untimed play from their own 39-yard line.

If you haven’t seen this unbelieveable play yet, follow the link below to YouTube to watch it.

As you can see, Aaron Rodgers ran around to avoid tacklers and launched a pass from his 35-yard line.  This Hail Mary landed in the hands of his brother from another mother Richard Rodgers for a game winning, 61-yard touchdown.  Obviously, allowing a Hail Mary is inexcusable, but there is always more than one play that contributes to blowing a 20-point lead in the 2nd half.

The Lions defense fell apart in the 2nd half.  The Packers four scoring drives only took a combined 9 minutes and 6 seconds.  That may not sound impressive, but if you think about it, that’s 4 pretty quick touchdowns.  And, in my opinion, the turning point in the game was the Matthew Stafford fumble in the 3rd quarter.  The Packers had just scored a touchdown and then you hand all the momentum over to the Packers with a costly turnover.  You can’t do that Mr. Stafford!

In the end, the Rodgers-to-Rodgers connection was the difference, and the Packers’ NFC North title chances remain alive and well (standing at 8-4).  As for the Lions, well they look a lot like the Lions.

Was this the craziest ending to a football game you’ve ever seen??  Let me know in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

A-Rod Celebrates His 40th Birthday With What Else….An A-Bomb From A-Rod!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

arod

DaveTalksSports: What do you want for your birthday this year Alex Rodriguez?

Alex: I don’t know Dave.  I feel like I have everything I’ve ever wanted.

DaveTalksSports: How about another home run?  You don’t have enough of those yet.

Alex: Oh yeah, that sounds like a great id……

DaveTalksSports: Oh wait, have you been a good boy?

Alex: No, not really.

DaveTalksSports: Oh who am I kidding?!  It doesn’t matter!  You’re playing so well you are completely overshadowing all the mean, nasty, hurtful, despicable, dishonest, and deceitful things you’ve done, and you’ll probably get exactly what you want anyway.

Alex: Yay!!

Alex Rodriguez turned 40 years old yesterday.  In honor of himself, he hit his 678th career home run in a 6-2 victory over his former team; The Texas Rangers.  A-Rod is now hitting .276 on the season with 24 home runs and 59 runs batted in.  He has WILDLY exceeded everyone’s expectations this year (possibly even his own), and after serving a 162-game suspension last season, A-Rod has returned completely rejuvenated.  Being the New York Yankees’ primary DH has helped A-Rod solely focus on hitting, as he has only played 6 games in the field (4 at 3B and 2 at 1B).  It has also allowed him to stay healthy while playing in 91 of the Yankees’ 98 games this season.

As with anything attached to Alex Rodriguez’s name there is always suspicion.  Is his success this season tainted or has he found the fountain of youth in a back alley somewhere in The Bronx?  No matter what your opinion of A-Rod, we must admit his season has been spectacular, and he is one of the biggest reasons the Yankees stand atop the American League East.

After A-Rod’s hot week of home run hitting (hitting 5 home runs in as many days), the ‘Live In The Moment’ question of the day is: Will A-Rod pass Barry Bonds and how many home runs will he end his career with (so what if that’s 2 questions)?  All I can do is laugh.  As much as A-Rod enjoys shoving his success in the face of his doubters, father time waits for no man.  I’ll simplify it: Today, A-Rod has 678 hr’s and would need 85 more to pass Bonds.  Even at an ultra-gernerous pace of 20 hr’s per year, A-Rod would need to RE-SIGN ANOTHER CONTRACT after his age 41 season of 2017 (when he’ll turn 42), and then continue this torrid pace.  I’m sorry to disappoint all you dreamers out there, but enjoy A-Rod while he’s still dropping ‘A-Bombs’ because before you know it he’ll only be dropping Informant Tips on his PED Supplier.

What do you think?  Is A-Rod’s success this season natural?  Or is he back on the juice?

Let me know in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

Are the Knicks the Worst Franchise in Sports? (aka New York Knicks 2015 Draft Review)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

porzingis

I don’t know where to start.  I spent all of last night trying not to break things in my house.  And this morning, I am still not sure what to do.  Let’s start with the New York Knicks 1st round pick.  His name is Kristaps Porzingis.  Yes you heard that right; PORZINGIS.  He was selected with the #4 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.  He is 19 years old, and he hails from Latvia.  He is listed at 7’1″, and his weight remains a mystery, but he is approximately 210 pounds.  I don’t know him outside of what I’ve heard on television, radio, and the internet, but I have spent some time watching his film.  I am here to tell you that it is not his fault.  It is not his fault that he’s going to be a bust.  Enter brainwashed “optimistic” Knicks fan: “But you don’t know he’ll be a bust!”  Oh yes I do!!  Listen, nothing would make me happier than to say I was wrong about this kid.  If he turns into the next Dirk Nowitzki in 5 years that would be the best thing that ever happened to the Knicks franchise.  However, I am going to stick with the statistics that tell me this kid won’t make it in the NBA.

A very small percentage of international players drafted in the NBA become good players.  The last international player drafted in the lottery to become an all-star is Yao Ming (Ming was drafted 1st overall in the 2002 NBA Draft).  There is only 1 Dirk Nowitzki for a reason.  On the other hand, there are too many busts to list here, but in the past 40 years, less than 10% of international players drafted were still on an NBA roster after only 5 years.  So, the media and knowledgeable basketball personnel can tell me how much potential Porzingis has until they’re blue in the face.  I don’t care.  The odds tell me he will not pan out, especially in today’s instant gratification generation.  Notable NBA General Managers have said Porzingis has tremendous upside, however, he may need 3 or 4 years to develop because he is a project.  Do you honestly believe in this day and age a player will be given 4 years to develop?  2015 is not 1975.  Hell it’s not even 2005.  No one has patience anymore.  I want my championship, and I want it now!!  The other problem with Porzingis is he needs to gain 40 or 50 pounds to even think about banging with the big boys down in the post.  Until he does that, big power forwards and centers will have their way with him around the basket.  The reason Porzingis has been successful playing internationally is because the level of physicality is nowhere near the same as the NBA.  Stretch 4’s grow on trees in international basketball (there is also only 1 Marc Gasol for a reason).  Oh, Porzingis, it is not your fault you’re going to be the next Darko Milicic, but by all means, prove me wrong.

As for the rest of the Knicks draft, I actually like the first trade Phil Jackson made.  Jackson traded Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Hawks for Jerian Grant.  Grant is an athletic point guard who played at Notre Dame, and by all accounts seems NBA ready.  Hardaway Jr. is a decent young player, but he only knows how to do one thing; score.  Last time I checked the Knicks already have someone who does that.  Grant could become the smart, gritty point guard the Knicks have been looking for.  The Knicks apparently made another small splash later in the draft.  They traded 2 future 2nd-round picks to the Philadelphia 76ers for a center out of Spain named Guillermo Hernangomez.  Hernangomez and Porzingis were actually teammates overseas, which can’t hurt.  Swinging on 2 international centers and missing can hurt though.  With all that being said, we should stay positive and hope for a bright future right?  Let’s Go Kni…….ah whatever.

What are your thoughts on the New York Knicks 2015 NBA Draft?  Are you as upset as I am, or do you have faith in Phil Jackson?

Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

Lebron James Makes History in Game 2 Victory

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

dellavedova

There is an inexplicable aura around Lebron James.  For Lebron to do what he did last night and still be criticized is hard to understand.  In case you fell asleep on the couch at halftime, here is a quick recap of what happened.  Last night, Lebron James took the cast of characters that is known as the Cleveland Cavaliers into Oracle Arena, and came out with an enormous victory (Cleveland 95 – Golden State 93 F/OT).  This series is now headed back to Cleveland tied at one game a piece.  If you didn’t see Lebron’s performance, allow his stat line to enter the room: 39 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists.  Oh hey history, how ya doin??  Does anyone know how many times those numbers have been accomplished in the playoffs, let alone in the finals?!  That’s right.  The answer would be 0 times.  Yes, Lebron seemed to “lose” his touch in the second half (missing 14 of his final 18 shots), and yes, he did get stuffed a few times driving the lane down the stretch, but there is NO denying his greatness.  The craziest part is Lebron CAN actually play better.

We should all understand the Cavaliers would not be in this position without Lebron, but the real MVP of game 2 was Matthew Dellavedova.  The tenacious, hounding defense he played on Stephen Curry was the real reason the Cavaliers stole home court advantage in the series.  When being guarded by Dellavedova, Curry was 0 for 8 from the field.  Curry was the MVP of the regular season, and is an amazing player, but he could not handle the physical nature of Dellavedova’s defense last night.  It would not be wise to write off any team that has Lebron James’ name on the roster, but I still don’t believe his demi-god like performances will be enough to win this series.  Side Note: This series can obviously go either way though.  This is the first NBA Finals Series to have its first two games decided in overtime.

Game 3 will be played in Cleveland on Tuesday night @ 8:30 P.M.  You can tune in to ABC to watch the drama unfold.  What do you think will happen?  Can Lebron James continue his historic play and bring the city of Cleveland its first championship in 51 years?  Or will the Golden State Warriors’ team effort prove to be too much for the Cavaliers to handle?

Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

Joe Girardi….The Innovator?!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

girardi

Two.  That is the total number of career saves potential New York Yankees closers Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller have COMBINED.  Friday morning, Yankees manager Joe Girardi announced that he will not designate an official closer for the upcoming season.  To some, this appears that Girardi simply can’t decide between Miller and Betances.  To me, I believe Girardi is hiding behind Betances’ horrid spring in order to break tradition.  Girardi wants to become the first Manager to do away with the ‘closer’ title.  He wants to put the pitcher that best fits a given situation in the game to give his team the best chance to win; period.  I’ve never been a big fan of Girardi, but this ground breaking move would impress me.  There is a possibility that this situation corrects itself if one man out duels the other, however, I think Betances is pitching hurt.  Usually when a pitcher’s velocity suddenly drops significantly, there is a lingering injury waiting to show itself.

What do you think of Girardi’s decision?  Do you think every team should designate one official closer, or should we do away with the title ‘closer’ all together?

Let me know in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

Championship Weekend Is Upon Us

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

championship weekend

Something spectacular is about to happen.  After four grueling months, only four of the NFL’s best teams remain.  And with the Lombardi Trophy in their grasp, it is going to take an incredible feat, by a still unknown hero, to earn a trip to Glendale, Arizona and an appearance in Super Bowl XLIX.  We could see the ‘passing of the torch’ from a hall of fame quarterback to a future hall of famer.  Or we could see an opportunity for the first back-to-back championships in 10 years.  No matter what happens, history is about to be made.  I think we are going to witness two unbelievable football games, and I wouldn’t be surprised by any outcome, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

NFC Championship

Green Bay Packers vs. *Seattle Seahawks – Sunday @ 3:05 P.M. (FOX)

* – Indicates Home Team

The Packers and Seahawks will meet for the second time this season in the NFC Championship.  The first meeting didn’t go so well for the Packers, as they were blown out 36-16 in Week 1.  Revenge should play a slight factor, but the outcome of this game rests primarily on the calf of Aaron Rodgers.  If he is healthy enough to keep the Seahawks’ tenacious defense in check, they have a shot, however, if he is only 70% of himself, the Packers are in for a long afternoon.  Another key to this game is Marshawn Lynch versus the Packers run defense.  The Packers were 23rd in the league in rushing yards allowed this season (119.9 ypg), while the Seahawks were the number one rushing team (172.6 ypg).  Despite all the evidence to support a Seahawks victory, I think Aaron Rodgers is going to give us one of the grittiest performances we’ve ever seen.  Also, expect Jordy Nelson to wake up after a lackluster performance in the Divisional Round, and show Richard Sherman a thing or two.  Home/Road splits be damned.  Give me the Packers, in the upset, squeezing out a 1 point victory.

Prediction: Packers 28 – Seahawks 27 

AFC Championship

Indianapolis Colts vs. *New England Patriots – Sunday @ 6:40 P.M. (CBS)

* – Indicates Home Team

Oh Bill Belichick, as much as I dislike your sweatshirt and your general attitude towards everyone, I have to give you credit.  You are the best coach in the NFL.  You and Tom Brady are Greg Popovich and Tim Duncan.  Thirteen years have gone by, you haven’t aged, your productivity is still top notch, and just when everyone counts you out, you remind them why you’re still the best.  I guess cranky, surly head coach plus humble superstar is a decent combination.  I digress.  Just like the NFC, the AFC Championship is a repeat matchup of a lopsided affair (NE 42 – Indy 20) from earlier in the year.  You will remember, however, that was the game where Jonas Gray ran for 201 yards and 4 touchdowns, so expect this Sunday’s game to be a lot closer.  Andrew Luck’s game also took another step forward this season, as he led the league in touchdowns, but Luck will need to come up with a performance for the ages if the Colts are going to take down Goliath.  The other key to this game will be limiting “The Gronk”.  He can’t be stopped completely, but if the Colts can keep him out of the end zone, that’ll give them a fighting chance.  Unfortunately for all of us bitter Jets fans out there, I expect Tom Brady and the Patriots to make their 6th Super Bowl appearance in 14 years.

Prediction: Patriots 31 – Colts 28

Who do you have in this year’s Super Bowl??  Let me know in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

The Search is Over

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

bowles

Tuesday was a busy day for the NY Jets.  First, they found their new General Manager.  His name is Mike Maccagnan.  Try saying that three times fast.  Maccagnan has worked for the Houston Texans since their inception.  Then, four hours later, they found their new Head Coach.  His name is Todd Bowles.  He is the former defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals, and his deal is reportedly for 4 years and just north of $4 million per year.

In choosing Maccagnan, the Jets are taking the opposite approach they took with former General Manager, John Idzik.  Idzik was supposed to be a number crunching, ‘Salary Cap Genius’, instead, he flopped right on his face.  This time around, they are going with a former talent scout.  Maccagnan had moved up the ranks of the Texans organization over the last 14 years until he arrived at the title of Director of College Scouting.  It is an understandable but interesting hire by the Jets, and I’d say the jury will have to reserve judgment until Maccagnan has a crack at free agency and the draft.  Then we will see what the wolves of NY have to say for themselves.

As for Bowles, it’s par for the course, as the Jets bring in another great defensive mind.  Bowles helped lead the quarterbackless Cardinals to an 11-5 record last season.  I enjoy me some defense, but is that really what the Jets need?  Jets fans everywhere better hope and pray that Maccagnan and Bowles come up with a magic spell to conjure a creative offensive coordinator out of thin air.  Oh, and they need a quarterback, a wide receiver, a running back, a tight end, and 2 cornerbacks….but hey, that’s just details, details.  Maccagnan and Bowles have a tall order in front of them.  Hopefully Woody Johnson and company will be patient, and give them two or three years to rebuild (such an ugly word that rebuild is).  Normally, rebuilding is unacceptable in New York, but the Jets aren’t the only team starting from scratch around here.  They will be following in the Knicks footsteps.  Oh, how the times have changed.

What do you think about these two hires??  Do you like them, love them, or hate them??

Let me know what you think in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. Also you can follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!