Tag: Carolina Panthers

DRIVES with DAVE Podcast #36: Bye Bye Sam Darnold

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Before Sam Darnold was set to enter the NFL Draft out of USC, he was considered a CAN’T-MISS NFL PROSPECT. Yeah, okay.

And now, just 3 years later (and a QB Record of 13-25) Darnold has been sent packing to Carolina for 2nd, 4th, and 6th round picks. 

And while I’m trying to convince myself to be mad about this….I’m just not. 

I kinda like it….What do you think??

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DaveTalksSports Podcast – Episode #10: “Today Was My 1st Day Off….EVER!!”

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

John Sterling takes his 1st day off in 30 years (yes that headline is real).

Nick Kyrgios loses his damn mind (what else is new).

And Yankees’ fans everywhere hope Michael Kay’s vocal cord surgery goes well.

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What’s Your Name Again??

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Who are you??

I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of you before. Can I see some identification please??

In the wide world of sports, many athletes fly under the radar. Some ride the bench, so they go unnoticed for good reason. Others, however, are “unknown superstars”. Today, we’ve comprised a list of the best athletes most people didn’t know existed.

Justin Thomas

justin thomas

Casual golf fans, if such a group exists, have heard of Tiger Woods. They’ve also probably heard of Phil Mickelson. But that’s about it. They probably haven’t heard of Justin Thomas. Thomas is currently the 3rd ranked golfer in the world. He’s already won two PGA Tour events this year, after winning five last year (including a Major). Oh, and he’s currently in 1st place in the FedEx Cup Standings. Not bad for a 5’10”, 145 pound, 24-year old man who could blend into a crowd easier than Where’s Waldo.

Whit Merrifield

whit

If you know who Whit Merrifield is, I’ll be impressed. Merrifield currently plays second base for the Kansas City Royals. At 29 years old, he’s looking to duplicate his success from last season. Merrifield was one of only two players to hit at least 15 home runs and steal at least 30 bases. The other; Jose Altuve. Colliding in the same sentence with the reigning AL MVP isn’t what I’d call a bad thing.

Nikita Kucherov

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning

I’ll give you a hint. His team has the best record in his sport. Give up?? Nikita Kucherov plays in the NHL for the Tampa Bay Lightning. They currently hold the best record in the league at 44-17 (92 points). Kucherov, despite never having entered a conversation in your living room, is leading the NHL in points (82). Yeah, the 24-year old is that good.

Megan Rapinoe

megan-rapinoe-1024

How is that you’ve never heard of one of the best soccer players in this country?! Megan Rapinoe is an international superstar. Rapinoe plays for the Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League and is part of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Rapinoe was a crucial part of their gold medals at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics. And she scored the lone goal in the U.S.’ victory over Germany yesterday. Shame on you for not knowing Megan Rapinoe!!

David Goffin

david goffin

If you were ranked 7th in the world, in an individual sport, you’d think people would know your name, no?! Well I’m betting most of you wouldn’t recognize David Goffin if you bumped into him on the street. Goffin won 2 single’s titles last year, and has been in the top-25 in the world tennis rankings since October of 2014.

Mario Addison

mario addison

I will be shocked if you know this next one. Who is Mario Addison?? Don’t go to the Google, that’s cheating. Okay, time’s up. Mario Addison is a defensive end the NFL. Addison has spent the past six seasons with the Carolina Panthers and may be the most overshadowed defensive player in the NFL. Addison is one of just seven players to average 10 or more sacks over the past two seasons.

Khris Middleton

khris-middleton

This one you may know, but his talent doesn’t match his name (or face) recognition. His celebrity status if you will. Khris Middleton is an extremely talented small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. Middleton is one of only nine NBA players averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists this season.

 

Had you heard of any of these athletes prior to today?? Don’t lie in my comment section!!

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.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Spring Cleaning In February!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s time for some Spring cleaning!!

Yes, I know it’s not Spring yet, but it’s time to organize that mess and take out the garbage. Some NFL teams couldn’t wait until March to throw away their unwanted trash, so they started cleanin’ house yesterday.

New York Jets

You have to know when to move on. We all make mistakes, but not everyone has the courage to put the past behind them. The New York Jets did that on Wednesday. By cutting Muhammad Wilkerson prior to March 16th, the Jets will save $11 million in salary cap space and $16.75 million overall.

After signing Wilkerson to a 5-year, $86 million deal in 2015 ($37 million guaranteed), the Jets thought they’d solidified one of the most important positions on the field. They thought wrong. VERY WRONG!!

It’s funny how some players’ stats rapidly decline the instant they sign on the dotted line. Wilkerson earned his $86 million contract with a career-high 12 sacks in 2015. But over the past 2 years, Wilkerson missed 4 games while only totaling 8 sacks. He showed up late 4 times (that we know about), and he genuinely looked like he lacked interest in playing football. Thanks for absolutely nothing Muhammad!! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!!

Chicago Bears

mike-glennon-600

Speaking of wasting money, the Chicago Bears know what we’re talking about. After signing Mike Glennon to an unbelievably bad 3-year, $45 million contract, the Bears have released Glennon. He was paid $18.5 million for his “services” this past season while only appearing in 4 games. That’s $4.625 million per game. That’s a lot of moola.

By cutting Glennon, the Bears will save $9 million in salary cap space and $12.5 million overall. This was clearly a smart move, as Glennon is fit to be a 3rd-string quarterback for the rest of his career.

Matt Forte

matt forte

In combined Jets and Bears news, Matt Forte is hangin’ em up. Forte is calling it quits after 10 years in the NFL (8 with the Bears, 2 with the Jets). In his prime, Forte was one of the best dual-threat running backs in the game. In 2014, he rushed for 1,038 yards while also catching 102 passes for 808 yards. Even though, as a Jets’ fan, I didn’t receive his prime, I always liked Matt Forte. He played the game the right way.

Carolina Panthers

jonathan stewart

It’s absolutely amazing Jonathan Stewart lasted this long in the NFL. Who knew you could get paid millions to be bad at something (insert Blake Bortles joke here)?? Stewart has played his entire 10-year career with the Carolina Panthers and is their all-time leading rusher. That’s sad. Stewart’s release will save $3.7 million in salary cap space and $5.2 million overall.

I can’t believe it took this long to cut Stewart. This doesn’t need to turn into a Jonathan Stewart bash session, but WOW. One. Jonathan Stewart had one thousand-yard season in 10 years. I’ll be shocked if he’s working in the NFL next season.

As the “start” of the NFL season approaches (March 14th), stay tuned for ALL of the Spring cleaning moves that are going to be put out to the curb.

 

 Do you agree with these moves?? If you don’t, I’m not sure I can help you….

You Should Be Ashamed Of Yourself!!

~ 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.

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 .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

The NFL Playoffs Are Finally Here!!!!

~ 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.

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 .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Giants Waste Little Time Finding Next General Manager

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Dave Gettleman

The end is near.

The end of a disastrous season can’t come fast enough for the New York Giants. With just 1 more loss in the way this Sunday, the Giants will soon have time to exhale and think about the future of their franchise. Giants owners, John Mara and Steve Tisch, will be able to discuss the direction they’d like to go with a new head coach and general manag….

Wait, they already hired their next general manager?!?! Yup. Just 24 days after parting ways with Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo, Mara and Tisch didn’t spend much time as eligible bachelors. I guess Elvis Presley’s “Fools Rush In” doesn’t only apply to love. So, who is this mystery man?? He would be, Dave Gettleman. Gettleman isn’t actually a mystery. He worked as the director of pro personnel for the Giants for 15 years before being named general manager of the Carolina Panthers. At 66, Gettleman will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience back to the Giants. Clearly, Mara and Tisch are impressed with Gettleman’s resume:

“Dave’s experience is unparalleled. He did an outstanding job as general manager in Carolina, and he was vital to our success during his tenure here. Given where we are as a team, we thought it was important to bring in someone with experience as a general manager and a proven track record.”

I don’t dislike this hire. I just figured the Giants would take a little longer to hand pick the person who needs to put out this dumpster fire. At the very least, I thought they’d wait until the season ended. I guess not….

After interviewing just 4 candidates, Mara and Tisch were convinced Gettleman was the man for the job. The other candidates were interim general manager Kevin Abrams, vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross, and ESPN’s Louis Riddick. The Giants went chalk here. That is the Giants way. They’re creatures of habit. They don’t like trying new things. That’s probably why Gettleman will be just their 4th general manager since 1979.

Gettleman will have little time to waste, as he has multiple crucial decisions to make:

1.) A New Head Coach

2.) Eli Manning’s Future

3.) Odell Beckham Jr.’s Contract Extension

4.) 2018 Free Agency

5.) 2018 NFL Draft  

Good luck!!

 

What do you think of this hire?? Like it, Love it, or Hate it?? 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 6:00 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 .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Pull Up A Chair — An Epic NFL Weekend Is Upon Us!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Pittsburgh Steelers v New England Patriots

Take the night off.

Since the NFL decided to put the worst football game in the history of football games on Thursday night, take the night off. Go finish your Christmas shopping. Go cook a nice meal. Go to bed early. And gear up for a FANTASTIC weekend of football.

Week 15 is poised to be historic. The amount of games with major playoff implications is staggering. Don’t forget, Saturday football starts this week as well. Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Yes, the NFL is taking over the calendar.

Here are the top 4 games of Week 15:

4.) Los Angeles Chargers (7-6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (7-6), Saturday @ 8:25 P.M.

Can I get some Saturday Night Football here?? Not only can you stay home and watch football on Saturday night, but you’ll be blessed with an AFC West showdown. That’s 1 part serious, 1 part sarcasm. Bad or not, this game may determine the winner of the AFC West. Philip Rivers is playing some of the best football of his career. Melvin Gordon is on his way to the 1st 1,000 yard season of his career. And the Chargers pass rush is as good as it gets. I don’t care that the Chiefs finally won a game, I’ll stick with the team playing as well as anyone in the league; the Chargers.

Prediction: Chargers 27, Chiefs 24

3.) Green Bay Packers (7-6) @ Carolina Panthers (9-4), Sunday @ 1:00 P.M.

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. The Baaaaad Man is back!! Aaron Rodgers has been medically cleared to play, and will be under center this coming Sunday. Rodgers hasn’t played football since he broke his collarbone against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6. Let’s give Brett Hundley credit for the job he did over the past 8 games. He led the Packers to a 3-5 record. It’s not easy to fill Aaron Rodgers shoes, but Hundley kept the Packers afloat. Now, Rodgers must do the improbable — run the table. I think we’ll see some rust from Rodgers, but ultimately he’ll be the best player on the field.

Prediction: Packers 24, Panthers 18

2.) Los Angeles Rams (9-4) @ Seattle Seahawks (8-5), Sunday @ 4:05 P.M.

Talk about an important game. A potential playoff berth, and the lead in the NFC West hangs in the balance. Despite the level Russell Wilson is playing, football is not a 1-man sport. The Rams are a more complete team. One of Jared Goff’s favorite weapons, Robert Woods, will return to the field this week after missing 3 straight games with a shoulder injury. This will be a close, hard fought game. But Jared Goff, Todd Gurley III, Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp will prove too much for this stripped down, Seahawks’ defense.

Prediction: Rams 28, Seahawks 24

1.) New England Patriots (10-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2), Sunday @ 4:25 P.M.

You wanted the game of the week. You got the game of the week. Sunday afternoon, the class of the AFC, will throw down at Heinz Field. The Patriots and Steelers are the only 2 teams in the AFC with double-digit wins. The Steelers offense is firing on all cylinders. Big Ben has turned back the clock, and Leveon Bell and Antonio Brown are the best, at their respective position, in the league. But the Patriots play well everywhere. Duh! It’s noteworthy when you handle the 2nd best team in the AFC (for the past 15 years), year in and year out. The Patriots are 5-2, including playoffs, at Heinz Field since 2002.  Plus, since the start of the 2003 season, the Patriots are 40-5 following a loss. THAT’S INSANE!! That means they’ve only lost consecutive games 5 times in nearly 15 seasons.

Prediction: Patriots 27, Steelers 20

 

What is the most exciting game of Week 15?? Post your predictions 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 .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Favorites Are Favorites For A Reason

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

mccown fumbles

Week 12 was not a good week for underdogs. Of the 15 games played, so far, only 2 “upsets” have occurred.

Bills Vs. Chiefs

Personally, I didn’t consider this game an upset. The Kansas City Chiefs are playing as poorly as anyone in the league (losers of 5 of their last 6). Inexplicably, they were favored by 8.5 points against the Buffalo Bills. Yes, they were at home (Arrowhead Stadium is a tough place to play). And yes, the Bills weren’t exactly trending in the right direction either. But, that spread assuredly cost Las Vegas a lot of ‘Monopoly Money’. The Bills won the game 16-10.

The Buffalo Bills run defense had turned into Swiss cheese prior to their trip to Kansas City. In the Bills’ previous 3 games, they had allowed an average of 212.6 yards per game and 11 total rushing touchdowns. Guess how many yards the Chiefs rushed for on Sunday….Seriously, guess.

55.

Their leading rusher was quarterback, Alex Smith (35 yards).

What once looked like as uneven a matchup as the NFL could find (in Week 13), is now a battle of mediocrity: Kansas City Chiefs @ New York Jets

Cardinals Vs. Jaguars

Heading into Week 12, the Jacksonville Jaguars were leading the AFC South with a record of 7-3. That doesn’t look, or sound right does it?! The Jaguars’ early season success has been predicated on stellar defense and a strong running game. Rookie sensation, Leonard Fournette has had a tremendous season, however, since he tweaked his ankle in Week 7, hasn’t had the same explosiveness. And Blake Bortles isn’t to be relied on — ever.

In case you haven’t guessed yet, the Jaguars lost 27-24.

Let’s take a look at how Blake Bortles stacks up against the competition:

Passing Yards: 21st (2,244)

Touchdowns: T-22nd (12)

Completion Percentage: 31st (58.3%) 

As you can see, he’s really REALLY bad. He should buy his defense the best Christmas present ever, because they are saving his job, 1 sack at a time.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Ah yes, and then there’s my Jets. They don’t disappoint me — anymore. I am a seasoned veteran as it pertains to New York Jets’ letdowns. At no point during Sunday’s game did I think the Jets would win. No, not even when they were winning 20-18 heading into the 4th quarter.

And right on cue, Josh McCown inexplicably attempted a pass, while in a defenders grasp, and lost the ball. Panthers’ linebacker, Luke Kuechly, promptly scooped up the ball and pranced into the end zone.

Lead blown.

As if that wasn’t enough torture for one afternoon, the Jets surrendered a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown just 2 minutes and 11 seconds later. YAY!!

Only the Jets (yes I know the Browns still have a team), can lose in such horrific fashion.

Final Score: 35-27 (not the Jets)

If there’s a silver lining, Jets’ wide receiver, Robbie Anderson, has scored a touchdown in 5 consecutive games. At least we have that going for us….

 

Which football game(s) were you watching on Sunday?? Tell me all about it 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 .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

 

Porzingis Leads 4th Quarter Comeback At The Garden!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

porzingis

It’s a miracle!!

The New York Knicks have a winning record (5-4)!!

We can thank 1 man for that. No, not James Dolan. Not Phil Jackson. Not Jesus.

KRISTAPS PORZINGIS!!

Thanks to the Latvian wonder boy, the Knicks are winners of 5 of their last 6 games. Most notably, a road, blowout win over the Cleveland Cavaliers last Sunday (114-95). While impressive, Porzingis took his early season achievements to new heights last night. Down 12 to the Indiana Pacers entering the 4th quarter, Porzingis put on a show. He scored 17 of his 40 points in the 4th quarter, claiming a 108-101 victory. Yes, you heard that right — 40!!

Porzingis’ Stat-Line: 40 points (15-24), 8 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 1 assist

At the ripe old age of 22, Kristaps Porzingis is carrying the weight of an entire city on his shoulders. And this isn’t any old city. This is the Big Apple. Many have succumb to the pressure of succeeding in New York. Not Porzingis. He’s taken the reigns as the centerpiece of the Post-Melo Knicks, and he’s steering the ship in the right direction. The question is, can the Knicks surround Porzingis with enough talent to compete, and ultimately, stay in New York??

Knowing my Knicks, they’ll figure out how to screw this up. Until then, let’s enjoy Mr. Latvia.

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There is little doubt who the best team in the NFL is; The Philadelphia Eagles. As for teams 2 through 12, I have no freakin’ clue. The Eagles now stand at 8-1, after a dominating 51-23 victory over the hapless Denver Broncos. Hey Denver, how did you think starting Brock Osweiler at quarterback was going to go?!

We saw something in the Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers game, we may never see again — ever. Julio Jones, one of the most talented, sure-handed wide receivers in the NFL, dropped the easiest touchdown in the history of touchdowns. If you didn’t see it, check it out here.

Dropping a wide open touchdown hurts all the time, but down 10, with 8:23 to play, on 4th & 7 adds salt to the wound. “I’m sure this won’t haunt you forever.”

Apparently yesterday was boxing day. No, not the day after Christmas in places that don’t matter. There were a lot of fights in the NFL….

AJ Green showed the world his best UFC style choke slam on Sunday. Jacksonville Jaguars’ cornerback Jalen Ramsey was his victim. Check out brawl #1 of many here. Both players were promptly ejected.

Mike Evans thought it was a good idea to blindside Marshon Lattimore. Brawl #2 ensued. Click here to watch the stupidity. Inexplicably, no one was ejected.

And last but not least, the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers got into a straight up brawl. Following a late hit to 49ers’ quarterback, C.J. Beathard, fisticuffs happened. Click here to watch the melee.

 

What did you watch on Sunday?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below. Just don’t try to fight me please.

 

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