You’re Not Smart Enough To Outsmart Yourself

April 24, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s a simple formula.

No quarterback, no Super Bowl.

In today’s NFL, it’s nearly impossible to win without a top-15 quarterback. Just look at the Super Bowl winning quarterbacks over the past decade:

Foles/Wentz, Brady, Manning (Peyton), Brady, Wilson, Flacco, Manning (Eli), Rodgers, Brees, Roethlisberger.

Throw Nick Foles out the window since he started just six games (three regular season and three playoff), and you’re left with seven future hall of famers — and Joe Flacco.

Door opens, seamless NFL Draft transition enters….

With just two days and counting until the 2018 NFL Draft, the world anxiously awaits the Cleveland Browns’ decision. IF the Cleveland Browns DON’T take Sam Darnold with the 1st overall pick, well they’d be….the Browns. The Browns are in an advantageous position, owning two of the first four picks. Barring a major catastrophe, the Browns should end up with the best quarterback in the draft, and the best overall player in the draft. Anything else will cause heads to explode.

As for the New York Giants, new general manager, Dave Gettleman, better be smarter than he sounds. Okay, Dave, let’s go through this again.

It’s car, not cah. Smart, not smaht. Harvard, not Hahvuhd.

Over the past few weeks, Gettleman has publicly expressed that taking a quarterback is not a REQUIREMENT with the #2 pick. This had better be the biggest smoke screen in the history of smoke screens. Taking a quarterback, in a draft full of good quarterbacks, IS a requirement, DAVE!! Especially when your current quarterback has one foot on the beach (aka retirement). Listen, I’m no Giants fan, but if they take Saquon Barkley or Bradley freakin’ Chubb with the #2 pick, I may lose my mind for common sense’s sake.

And then, there’s the New York Jets. The circus of all circuses. This story is pretty much the same as the Giants, minus the smoke screen. Mike Maccagnan and company have been pretty tight lipped, and intelligent Jets fans appreciate that. The Jets traded up (from #6 to #3), guaranteeing one of the top three quarterbacks will be in green and white next season. They like the top three (or four) guys equally, and they’ll have the fortune of ruining one of their careers Thursday night.

Check out the full draft order here.

As simple as you need a quarterback to win in the NFL sounds, teams continue to try and outsmart the system (and themselves). And that’s why we watch. Catch all the “action” on Thursday, April 26th on ESPN or NFL Network @ 8:00 P.M. EST. Coverage will continue on both networks on Saturday and Sunday.

Check back with DaveTalksSports.com on Friday morning for a 1st round recap.

Will the Browns, Giants, and Jets ALL draft quarterbacks?? If not, who will they draft??

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Hey New York, Get Your S*** Together!!

April 23, 2018April 23, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

New York.

It’s literally the greatest place on earth. It’s science. A fact.

Ya know, I suddenly understand why the rest of the world hates us….

Over the past decade, New York’s elite status in the sports world has diminished. The championship drought New York is experiencing is unacceptable:

Jets – 1969

Knicks – 1973

Islanders – 1983

Mets – 1986

Rangers – 1994

Yankees – 2009

Giants – 2011

Like you, I’m unimpressed. **Photo Album is for nostalgic purposes only. You don’t need photographs of the 2009 Yankees and 2011 Giants!!

(And no, the Bills, Devils, and Nets don’t count!!)

Now I know Cincinnati (28 years), Minnesota (27 years), and Washington D.C. (27 years) will tell us to cry a river, but this is New York. New York shouldn’t go seven years, and counting, without a championship.

With the Knicks, Islanders, Rangers, Jets, and Giants missing the postseason by wild margins this year, all of New York’s eggs rest in the Yankees’ Easter basket.

With World Series or bust expectations for the Yankees, panic started to reverberate throughout the city when they got off to a 5-6 start. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Panic, in April, is as absurd as thinking the Cleveland Browns will win a Super Bowl in your lifetime. Yes, that goes for newborn babies too.

Fresh off a series win (three of four) against the Toronto Blue Jays, have the Yankees turned a corner??

They closed out their four-game series with a 5-1 victory over former Yankee, Jaime Garcia and now stand at 11-9. Luis Severino was fantastic — again. And Yankees’ top-prospect, Gleyber Torres, made his Major League debut.

They’ll look to carry this momentum into a four-game series (at home) against the Minnesota Twins. Another series win would be optimal, as their next 13 come against the Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians, and Boston Red Sox. Yikes.

Speaking of the Red Sox, the only time you’ll find them in the loss column is via a no-hitter.

Warning: Objective Yankee fan moment coming….

The Red Sox got robbed during Sean Manaea’s no-hitter Saturday. Andrew Benintendi avoided a tag while running to first base, but was called out for being out of the base path (despite being originally called safe). Watch the play, courtesy of Baseball Rules Academy, here. Technically, a base runner can’t go three feet or more outside the base path, but technically, you can’t jaywalk….

Anyway, the moral of the story is, baseball is an incredibly long season. The Yankees dug themselves a nice size hole, but they have 142 more games to dig themselves out.

Everyone relax. Except Boston. You people panic. All day. Every day.

Have the Yankees turned a corner?? Or is this fools gold?? Tell me in the comment section below.

The NFL Schedule Release Is The MOST Exciting Day Of The Year!!

April 20, 2018April 26, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The NFL doesn’t understand the word off….sea….son.

Technically defined as the time period between the end of the Super Bowl and the start of training camp, NFL players, and hopefuls, aren’t exactly on vacation from February through July. The scheduling of the NFL’s offseason brings significant happenings virtually every month.

The 2017 NFL season officially came to a close when the clock struck 0:00, and the Philadelphia Eagles became Super Bowl champions. That was February 4th, 2018. Just 75 days ago. Since then, the following has happened:

February 27th (Combine)

March 14th (Free Agency)

April 19th (Schedule Release)

And the best, is yet to come:

April 26th (Draft)

Mid-July (Training Camp)

September 6th (Start of Season)

Thursday night at 8:00 P.M. EST, the full NFL schedule was released. That means it’s time for “geniuses” to predict team records. YAY!! Because that’s a rational thing to do before the draft and nearly 5 months prior to the start of the season….

The 2018 season will kick-off with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Atlanta Falcons (Thursday, September 6th @ 8:20 P.M. EST on NBC). Traditionally, the defending champions host the first game of every season.

As for the local trainwrec….I mean local teams, the New York Jets and Giants will both be seeking bounce back campaigns in 2018-19:

New York Jets

Check out the Jets’ schedule here.

Their out-of-division schedule consists of the NFC North, AFC South, Denver Broncos, and Cleveland Browns. Not the easiest schedule in the world, but their distance traveled will be in the bottom-five. That never hurts. The Jets kick things off, in Detroit, on Monday Night Football (September 10th).

Jets’ Record Prediction: Wait, you thought I was going to mock people for predicting team records in April….and then turn around and predict the Jets’ record?!

You’re silly.

Check back with DaveTalksSports.com for record predictions in August.

New York Giants

Check out the Giants’ schedule here.

Their out-of-division schedule consists of the AFC South as well, NFC South, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears.

My favorite part of the Giants’ offseason, so far, is Brandon Marshall being severely out of touch with reality. Marshall responded to Dez Bryant’s desire to play for the Giants following his release from the Dallas Cowboys by saying, “sorry baby bro, no room.” Marshall was promptly released from the Giants the next day.

HAHAHAHA!!!!

What a JACKWAGON!!

The NFL schedule release is yet another reason to get overly excited about football while it’s still months away.

Do you get excited about the NFL in April. Tell me in the comment section below.

The Jets Did Something SMART?!?!

March 20, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The NFL is simple.

You can’t win without a quarterback.

Rather than waste time we can never get back, just trust this is an indisputable fact. Skeptical?? The list of Super Bowl winning QBs is all the evidence one would ever need. Listen, if you still think the “Trent Dilfers” of the world are a sustainable option at the QB position, you probably still think jean shorts are socially acceptable….

Jean shorts. The perfect segue to the New York Jets.

This past Saturday, the New York Jets shook up the NFL Draft. They traded up from the #6 overall pick to the #3 overall pick:

New York Jets Receive:

2018 #3 overall pick

Indianapolis Colts Receive:

2018 #6 overall pick
2018 2nd round pick (37)
2018 2nd round pick (49)
2019 2nd round pick

From the Colts point of view, this trade makes sense. With Andrew Luck set to return, the Colts don’t plan to draft a QB in the 1st round. Also, they’re in the midst of a rebuild, and stockpiling draft picks during a rebuild is never a bad idea.

As for the Jets, this is a SMART TRADE. I’ve listened to countless Jets’ fans criticize this trade, claiming they gave up TOO MUCH. That’s idiotic. The name of the game is find a franchise QB. In this QB rich draft, the Jets have that unique opportunity. Therefore, they had to do whatever possible to land a top-3 pick in the draft.

While you’re crying about three 2nd picks, I’m applauding aggressiveness.

The Jets HAD to jump ahead of the Denver Broncos. While they signed Case Keenum this offseason, they’re still in search of a REAL QB. Also, the Buffalo Bills were trying to acquire the #3 overall pick as well, so beating them to the punch was necessary. The Jets MUST love each of the top-3 QBs (Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, and Josh Allen) equally, for this trade can’t be made if they feel otherwise.

Dumb dumb fans should applaud general manager, Mike Maccagnan, for getting this deal done without including any future 1st round picks.

The Jets’ QB situation went from an absolute mess to pretty attractive overnight. Jeremy Bates is the Jets’ new offensive coordinator and has been a QB coach for years. Josh McCown may stink, but there are worse QBs to learn from. And Teddy Bridgewater, if healthy, will spark the competitive juices of the Jets’ newest QB.

Well done Mike Maccagnan!! Now, all you have to do is not screw this up. If Maccagnan drafts the Jets’ QB for the next 10-12 years, he’ll find his pot at the end of the rainbow; job security in New York.

Kirk Cousins Will Look Nice In Green

February 23, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m the most popular kid at school.

I wasn’t always SO popular, but all the smarter, better looking kids graduated, leaving all the popularity — to me!!

I’m….Kirk Cousins.

Kirk Cousins has been the biggest, offseason storyline in the NFL. Since Washington brought in Alex Smith, it’s all but assured that Cousins will call a new city home in the coming weeks. Free agents can officially sign on the dotted line on March 14th @ 4:00 P.M. EST, so until then, rumors, speculation, and fantasy land will persist.

Where will Kirk Cousins play next season?? That, is the $150 million question….

New York Jets

The early favorite in the clubhouse is the New York Jets. With nearly $100 million in salary cap space this offseason, the Jets are expected to make a serious run at Cousins. Of course, with nothing but time and money on their hands, fabricated stories become “reality”.

I don’t know which story is my favorite so far….

It could be $60 million guaranteed in the 1st year of the contract. It could be the 1st fully guaranteed contract in NFL history. Or it could be offering Cousins ownership stake in the Jets. Okay I made that last one up, but the direction these stories are heading, it’s not as far fetched as it’d seem.

I like Kirk Cousins. As a Jets’ fan, I want him under center this coming season. However, the Jets MUST be reasonable (hahahahaha). Jimmy Garoppolo is set to make $27.5 million per year, so offer Cousins $28, and negotiate up to your limit — if necessary. That limit should be $30 million.

Cleveland Browns

Kirk Cousins is not deciding, under his own volition, to play for the Cleveland Browns.

Denver Broncos

Many “experts” have tossed the Broncos’ name around as a potential landing spot for Mr. Cousins. Admittedly, being wined and dined by John Elway doesn’t hurt, but Cousins isn’t going to Denver. They’re likely to part ways with their top wide receivers, and they have just $26 million in cap space.

Minnesota Vikings

This is the team to worry about (as a Jets’ fan). The Vikings are literally only a quarterback away from winning a Super Bowl. And with $57 million in cap space (8th most in the NFL), they have a realistic chance here. Be afraid New York. Be very afraid.

Ultimately, I think the Jets are going to make Cousins an offer he can’t refuse:

Will Kirk Cousins be wearing a Jets jersey next season?? If not, where will he play?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

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.

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 .

Yes, That Rotting Smell IS The NFL

November 13, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

NFL: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers

There was a lot of stink radiating from the NFL this past Sunday.

The NFL is not what it used to be. We can blame rule changes, the most recent CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement), etc. Whatever the main culprit is, the level of play has simply taken a nosedive over the last decade. Here at DaveTalksSports, we enjoy a good list:

Nice Sack, Nice Sack, Nice Sa….Hey, Does Anyone Here Know How To Block?!

8.) I said it the second Ezekiel Elliot was (finally) suspended, “The world is going to recognize Elliot’s worth (on a football field).” One player does not make a football team, but one player can greatly effect a football team. With Elliot’s suspension hanging over the Dallas Cowboys like a black cloud, the rain finally came. And the Cowboys were ill prepared to weather the storm. After taking a 7-0 lead, it was all Falcons the rest of the way. The Falcons would score 27 unanswered points, sacking Dak Prescott 8 times in the process.

So much for having the best offensive line in the NFL.

Does He Know What Color Jersey He’s Wearing????

7.) Tom Savage.

Need I say more?

The Los Angeles Rams continued their winning ways (4 in a row), stomping out the Houston Texans 33-7. Tom Savage showed us, yet again, why he’s not fit to play quarterback at the professional level. Because nothing says victory like a 50% completion percentage and 2 interceptions….

How Is It That You’re Employed?!

6.) Speaking of quarterbacks who don’t belong in the NFL, Brock Osweiler still has a job. To answer your question, I’m not sure. Last time I checked, 18 for 33 with an interception isn’t going to cut it against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. This one got so out of hand (41-16), Brian Hoyer took 9 snaps under center for the Patriots. The Broncos are now losers of 5 straight.

You Embarrass Yourself!!

5.) When the team you’re facing is 2-6, and is without their 2 best players, you should win. But you wouldn’t be the New York Jets. The Jets, looking to get to .500, travelled to Tampa, to take on the Buccaneers. And in predictable fashion, the Jets ‘pooped the bed’. Against a middling Buccaneers defense, the Jets mustered just 3 points. Yes, Josh McCown threw a garbage-time touchdown with 28 seconds left, but that doesn’t count.

My favorite part of the game was the back-to-back interceptions thrown by the 2 most journeymen quarterbacks in the history of the NFL.

The Jets are who we thought they were, only slightly better. While the #1 pick is out of reach, and Jets’ fans should enjoy the young players’ progress, they’re still the good ol’ Jets.

Beat Downs Like This Should Be Illegal

4.) Holy Water Buffalo!! The Buffalo Bills have now been blown out in consecutive weeks. Their week 9 loss to the Jets was bad, but they took LOSS to a whole new level in week 10. 47-10. No need to adjust your glasses, that’s the right score. The Buffalo Bills allowed the New Orleans Saints to come into their house, and rush for 298 yards and 6 touchdowns!!!!

If I can sprinkle some good into this article, the Saints are winners of their last 7. Watch out NFC….

It’s Hard Finding New Ways To Lose EVERY Week

3.) Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Los Angeles Chargers prove you wrong. Intercepting a Blake Bortles’ pass, with 2 minutes left and a 3-point lead, is usually a recipe for success. Not if you’re the Chargers. ONLY the Chargers can fumble the ball trying to run out the clock. ONLY the Chargers can intercept another Blake Bortles’ pass, seemingly icing the game, but then go 3 and out giving the ball back to the Jaguars. ONLY the Chargers can let the Jaguars gain 36-yards in 47 seconds, allowing their former kicker, Josh Lambo, to kick a game-tying field goal to send the game to overtime. ONLY the Chargers can throw an interception in overtime, leading to a game-winning field goal by the Jaguars. 20-17 F/OT. Yikes!!

The Giants Would Be the Worst Team In the NFL If The Browns Didn’t Exist

2.) The New York Giants season has been filled with turmoil, drama, and dissention. Injuries + a poorly constructed roster + anonymous players ripping their own coach = 1-8. Only a dumpster fire of epic proportions could get blown out by the winless San Francisco 49ers. 31-21 doesn’t do it justice. But hey, Giants’ fans, look at the bright side. The Giants will probably draft a franchise quarterback who will end up in the Hall of Fame. If only the Jets could figure that out….

Oh Cleveland, Poor, Sweet Cleveland….How Could You Be So Stupid?!

1.) Allow me to create imagery. There’s 15 seconds left in the 1st half. It’s 2nd down. And the Cleveland Browns have the ball on the Detroit Lions’ 2-yard line. THE BROWNS HAVE NO TIMEOUTS. The score is inconsequential, but it’s 17-17. If you’re the Browns, what do you do?? My 10-year old daughter knows the answer to this question by the way. You throw the ball twice, while avoiding a sack, in hopes of scoring a touchdown. If you don’t score a touchdown, you kick a field goal. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WHATSOEVER DO YOU RUN THE BALL, BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T SCORE, THERE IS NOT ENOUGH TIME TO RUN ANOTHER PLAY!!!!

So obviously the Browns ran the ball….

The score was still 17-17 at the half. And they lost 38-24.

Which disaster of a football game did you watch on Sunday?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

Nothing Better Than Game 7!!

November 1, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

dodgers-force-decisive-game-7-with-narrow-win-over-astros-1

Okay. So, you all got what you wanted: Game 7. Well, all except the Houston Astros and their fans. But everyone else, everyone else got what they wanted. Another do-or-die situation. It’s the best term in sports; Game 7.

Wednesday night’s Game 7 will stand as the 38th in World Series history, and the 2nd in as many years. The question is, will we get a clunker like 1956 or an unforgettable masterpiece like 1960??

To understand where we are, we must look at how we get here….

“Oh, now he’s a philosophizer.”

I feel bad for those who fell into a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup induced coma in the 5th inning. You missed yet another comeback by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Justin Verlander, with a 1-0 lead, had a 1-hit gem going.

Then, the 6th inning happened: Single, Hit By Pitch, Double, Sacrifice Fly.

And just like that, a 1-0 lead became a 2-1 deficit.

Verlander got through the inning but would be the end of his evening. Joe Musgrove was brought in to cough up a solo home run to Joc Pederson. 3-1 is where it would stay. Following Dave Roberts’ quick hook of starter, Rich Hill, the Dodgers went to the familiar combination of Brandon Morrow, Tony Watson, Kenta Maeda, and Kenley Jansen to slam the door on the Astros. This 4-man wrecking crew would allow just 1 hit and 1 walk through 4 and 2/3 innings. Jansen, aka Super-Closer, will be available for Game 7 despite a 2-inning save. All I have to say is, 2 innings, 19 pitches, and 18 strikes. Boom!

Game 7 will be played tonight at 8:20 P.M. EST on FOX. Lance McCullers Jr. will face off against Yu Darvish for all the marbles. I look forward to having a fist fight with my eyelids.

Who wins tonight?? Post your prediction, with the score, in the comment section below.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Halloween was a busy day in the sports world. 4 P.M. EST marked the trade deadline in the NFL. A handful of names were on the move. Some trades were good, some were bad, and some may effect your fantasy football team. However, we must take this moment in history to make fun of the Cleveland Browns. I know, I know. They’re an easy target. But some things can’t be ignored.

Did you ever do something….but not actually do it?? Yeah I know that doesn’t make sense, but the Cleveland Browns figured out how to accomplish whatever it is I’m saying. The Browns traded for Cincinnati Bengals’ backup quarterback, A.J. McCarron on Tuesday. The Bengals would receive a 2nd and 3rd round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and McCarron would receive a slow, painful death sentence otherwise known as the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.

The Bengals sent all the necessary paperwork to the Browns as well as the NFL approximately 20 minutes prior to the deadline. The Browns sent paperwork to the Bengals, but left out the only part that matters….SENDING PAPERWORK TO THE NFL!!

No trade is official until it’s signed, sealed, and delivered to the NFL. Yeah, I went there. As dumb as my New York Jets are, I am confident that ONLY the Cleveland Browns can figure out how to make a trade without actually making a trade….

Notable Trades:

Carolina Panthers traded Kelvin Benjamin to the Buffalo Bills for a 3rd and 7th-round picks (2018)

Miami Dolphins traded Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 4th-round pick (2018)

Buffalo Bills traded Marcell Dareus to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 6th-round pick (2018)

Are the Cleveland Browns the most poorly run franchise in sports history?? If not, please tell me in the comment section below.

AFC North Preview

August 24, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

afc-north-preview

Prepare to shield your eyes ladies and gentlemen, this could get ugly!! Listen, football is football. If the Cleveland Browns and the Jacksonville Jaguars are playing, I’m watching, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be pretty. And that leads us seamlessly into Dave’s AFC North Preview….

Last Season’s Standings:

Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5

Baltimore Ravens: 8-8

Cincinnati Bengals: 6-9-1

Cleveland Browns: 1-15

To the bottom of the barrel we go….

Cleveland Browns

I’ve run out of ways to make fun of the Cleveland Browns (says the Jets’ fan), so I’m going to skip right to the meat and potatoes. Seriously though — the Browns are so historically bad, sometimes I wonder if they’re doing this on purpose (?). The Browns haven’t had a winning record since 2007 (10-6). They haven’t made the playoffs since 2002 (lost in the Wild Card Game). And they haven’t won the AFC North Division since 1989!! That’s a BAD meatball!! Despite having the #1 overall pick in the draft, again, the Browns will continue their streak of last place finishes (6 years running) in the dreadful AFC North.

Key Additions: Myles Garrett (Draft), Calvin Pryor, DeShone Kizer (Draft)

Key Losses: Demario Davis, Josh McCown, Gary Barnidge

Baltimore Ravens

Did I mention this division will be bad?? Just 3 short years ago, the AFC had the honor of sending 3 teams to the playoffs. This year..not so much. The Baltimore Ravens are going to regress this year. Their wildly overpaid quarterback, Joe Flacco, is dealing with a back injury and could miss anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks of the regular season. Considering their back-up quarterback (Ryan Mallett) is the worst quarterback in the NFL, I don’t like their chances. If it’s any consolation prize, at least you’re not the Browns….

Key Additions: Danny Woodhead, Jeremy Maclin, Brandon Carr

Key Losses: Elvis Dumervil, Dennis Pitta, Kamar Aiken

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are a hard team to figure out. In 2015, they were 12-4 (1st in the AFC North). In 2016, they were 6-9-1 (3rd in the AFC North). With consistency at the quarterback position, and a good defense, it’s odd to see a team fluctuate this much. Even when the Bengals showed flashes of sustainable success, they underachieved. For 5 consecutive seasons (2011-2015), they lost in the 1st round of the playoffs. This is a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since 1990 and has never won a Super Bowl. 2017 will not shatter either of those streaks. Sorry Bengals fans. Man, I feel like I’m sending out condolence letters left and right here.

Key Additions: Joe Mixon (Draft), Andre Smith, Kevin Minter

Key Losses: Domata Peko, Rex Burkhead, Karlos Dansby

Pittsburgh Steelers

We’ll call them, Patriots Lite. For those who haven’t noticed because they were counting Tom Brady’s Super Bowl rings, the Pittsburgh Steelers have quietly dominated the AFC North. The Steelers have not finished under .500 since 2003 (6-10). They have made the playoffs 9 times over that span, and have won 2 Super Bowls (in 3 appearances). Big Ben, Antonio Brown, and hopefully Le’Veon Bell will coast to another AFC North division title this year. The question is, can they beat the New England Patriots come January??

Key Additions: Knile Davis, Justin Hunter, Coty Sensabaugh

Key Losses: DeAngelo Williams, Lawrence Timmons, Jarvis Jones

This Season’s Predictions:

Pittsburgh Steelers: 11-5

Cincinnati Bengals: 8-8

Baltimore Ravens: 5-11

Cleveland Browns: 4-12

Today felt like a history lesson in mediocrity. I’d say tomorrow will be better, but we’re travelling to the AFC South, so I can’t make any promises. I promise you’ll laugh though.

So tune in tomorrow for Dave’s AFC South Preview.

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

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Legendary Sportscaster Bob Wolff’s Unrivaled Legacy

July 18, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

Unmatched. Unparalleled. Unbelievable. The impact legendary sportscaster Bob Wolff made, not only on the sports world, but on society, will live on for generations. Wolff passed away Saturday night in his Nyack home, leaving behind a legacy that is second to none. The iconic sportscaster was 96 years old.

Wolff stood as the record holder for longest running broadcaster (78 years). His work dates back to 1939, when he was on WDNC Radio as a student at Duke University. His most recent work, in 2017, sports commentary for News 12 Long Island. Over the last 78 years, Wolff accomplished more than most could ever dream of, compiling the most impressive broadcasting resume in the history of sports.

Every accomplishment of Wolff’s is more impressive than the last, so I will list the major ones in no particular order:

Called the only perfect game in World Series history (Don Larsen in 1956)
Did TV play-by-play for both New York Knicks’ championships (1970 and 1973)
Called “The Greatest Game Ever Played” (1958 NFL Championship Game — Baltimore Colts vs. New York Giants)
Called Jackie Robinson’s last major league hit (game winning hit in Game 6 of the 1956 World Series)
Interviewed Babe Ruth

The list is endless, as Wolff seemingly did every broadcasting job known to man. He is the only sportscaster to call play-by-play of championships in all 4 major sports (MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL). Throughout his career, he even found time to become the TV play-by-play voice for 8 different teams across 5 sports:

Baltimore Colts, Washington Redskins, and Cleveland Browns
New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons
New York Rangers
Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins
Tampa Bay Rowdies (Soccer)

How is this even possible?? Broadcasters are fortunate to become the voice of 1 team, in 1 sport. Wolff managed to conquer multiple sports, in multiple cities, across the country. Wolff also served his country. He served as a supply officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

All of his hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Wolff was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995 as well as the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, becoming only the 2nd sportscaster to be inducted into both Halls of Fame (Curt Gowdy). Bob Wolff’s life and career should be endlessly applauded. He was a pioneer, and without his efforts, it is unlikely you’d be reading this article right now. Thank you Bob Wolff, for paving the way.

What is your favorite Bob Wolff memory?? Please share it in the comment section below.

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