Matt Ryan’s Bank Account Is Happy

May 8, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Matt Ryan is a rich man.

Sorry, wait, what I meant to say is, Matt Ryan is an INSANELY RICH MAN!!

Allow your eyes to read, process, and remember what I’m about to say. The second your child is born, put a football in his/her hand. While positions are limited for NFL QBs, the income potential is off the charts….

Duh!

As of Thursday, Matt Ryan became the highest paid player in NFL history. He signed a 5-year, $150 million contract extension, including an unprecedented $100 million in guaranteed money. Ryan surpassed Kirk Cousins ($28 million), Jimmy Garoppolo ($27.5 million), and Matthew Stafford ($27 million) for the highest annual payday in the NFL.

Ryan has been a top-10 QB since he entered the NFL in 2008, completing at least 61% of his passes every year except 2009. He also hasn’t missed a start since December of 2009.

“Matt is getting what he has earned, and we all know the marketplace for a great quarterback,” Atlanta Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, said Thursday. “League revenues are up, club revenues, new stadiums and the players are the heart of the game. They’re the ones on the field, and they certainly deserve their fair share.”

With this extension, Blank made good on his promise from 2016. Blank told ESPN Ryan would be “compensated well” when the time came. Ryan won the 2016 NFL MVP and led the Falcons to their 1st Super Bowl appearance since 1998.

Ryan, who turns 33 on May 17th, will try to return to the promised land while his window of opportunity is still open. QBs have proven they can play at a high level into their ‘late 30s’, so Ryan will attempt to put the 1st Lombardi Trophy in the Falcons’ trophy case.

Oh, you want my opinion????

Obviously NFL QBs are wildly overpaid, but the market is what it is.

Simply: You’re worth what someone is willing to pay you.

In today’s NFL, when you possess a top-10 QB, you hold on for dear life. You use your kung-fu, death grip to keep him under center for as long as possible, for without a QB, well, you’d be the Cleveland Browns….

What do you think of Matt Ryan’s contract extension?? Is it necessary, a mistake, or both?? Post the RIGHT answer in the comment section below.

You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!

Knicks Select Their Next Victim

May 4, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The search is over!!

The New York Knicks officially have another career to ruin. Since parting ways with Jeff Hornacek, on April 12th, the Knicks have conducted the wildest interview process known to man. But Thursday, the madness came to an end.

David Fizdale will be the next head coach of the New York Knicks.

David Fizdale’s coaching career began in 1998 at his alma mater, the University of San Diego. There, he was an assistant coach for four years before moving on to Fresno State. After calling Fresno State home for two years, Fizdale got his shot in the NBA. He worked as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat (with LeBron). That opportunity catapulted him to his 1st head coaching position, with the Memphis Grizzlies. Fizdale led the Grizzlies to the playoffs in his 1st season (2016) but was bounced in the 1st round. And just 19 games into the 2017 season, Grizzlies’ star, Marc Gasol, followed in the footsteps of the NBAs prima donna’s and had Fizdale fired. He’s been doing broadcast work for ESPN ever since and will be 44 at the start of the upcoming season.

And now, the ultimate challenge lay at his feet; turn the Knicks around. Turn the Knicks around could be the four scariest words in the English language. A concept that has spread fear internationally and has been passed down from generation to generation. It often sends grown men and women running for the hills. You laugh, but if you think I’m overstating the pressure, anxiety, and fear that comes with being the Knicks’ head coach, you’re sorely mistaken.

As you know, the list of coaching candidates was long, but distinguished….(let’s see if my movie buffs figure that one out):

David Fizdale, David Blatt, Mark Jackson, Mike Budenholzer, Mike Brown, Jay Larranaga, James Borrego, Mike Woodson, Jerry Stackhouse, Juwan Howard, and Kenny Smith.

Long, but perhaps not as distinguished as you’d think. The fact that Jerry Stackhouse, Juwan Howard, Mike Woodson, and Kenny Smith were interviewed is absurd. The rest are reasonable candidates, however, Fizdale is the right man for the job.

Fizdale has shown he can relate to players, as evidenced by his work with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. LeBron and Wade actually endorsed Fizdale when he was in consideration for the Grizzlies job.

The question is: Will James Dolan keep his greedy, stubby, little fingers off Fizdale’s leash, giving him ample time to turn this broken ship around??

Did the Knicks get this right?? Post your thoughts, feelings, and snarky remarks in the comment section below.

The (Actual) 20 Most Dominant Athletes Of The Past 20 Years

March 21, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

It’s the worst list ever made — EVER!!

And it’s not even that close.

In celebration of ESPN the Magazine turning 20, Peter Keating put out a list of the 20 Most Dominant Athletes of the Past 20 Years. The concept; great. The execution; not so much.

Keep in mind, this list is the most DOMINANT athletes, not the BEST athletes:

Peter’s “List” DaveTalksSports’ List

20.) Tom Brady 20.) Marta

19.) Manny Pacquiao 19.) Barry Bonds

18.) Mike Trout 18.) Kobe Bryant

17.) Barry Bonds 17.) Allyson Felix

16.) Allyson Felix 16.) Diana Taurasi

15.) Novak Djokovic 15.) Rafael Nadal

14.) Cristiano Ronaldo 14.) Cristiano Ronaldo

13.) Lauren Jackson 13.) Michael Schumacher

12.) Serena Williams 12.) Lionel Messi

11.) Lionel Messi 11.) Jimmie Johnson

10.) Usain Bolt 10.) Annika Sorenstam

9.) Marta 9.) LeBron James

8.) Floyd Mayweather Jr. 8.) Tom Brady

7.) Michael Schumacher 7.) Floyd Mayweather Jr.

6.) Annika Sorenstam 6.) Usain Bolt

5.) Roger Federer 5.) Lance Armstrong

4.) Jimmie Johnson 4.) Roger Federer

3.) Peyton Manning 3.) Serena Williams

2.) LeBron James 2.) Tiger Woods

1.) Tiger Woods 1.) Michael Phelps

Honestly, I don’t know where to start. This is literally the worst list ever constructed by man, or woman. My head nearly exploded when I first saw Peter Keating’s list. I highlighted Peter’s most egregious errors.

I’m convinced Peter made this list strictly to garner attention (it’s working) because no one with a wealth of sports’ knowledge could possibly, rationally, reasonably, sanely, proudly publish this list.

The most dominant athlete of the past 20 years is Michael Phelps. He won multiple gold medals, in multiple events, spanning over 4 Olympics. His only competition for nearly 20 years was himself. He holds the record for most gold medals ever (23). For Peter not to have him on the list is unfathomable.

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning drew comparisons throughout their careers. They played in the same era, and they often met in the postseason. However, no one in their right mind would ever claim Peyton Manning was better, or more DOMINANT, than Tom Brady. Brady, simply, is the best football player that ever lived.

No disrespect to any of the following athletes, but they don’t belong on this list: Mike Trout, Novak Djokovic, Lauren Jackson, Peyton Manning, and Manny Pacquiao. It’s as simple as that.

Say what you want about him, but Lance Armstrong not being on this list is almost as egregious as Michael Phelps’ exclusion. Don’t start with me over the drug doping. EVERYBODY CHEATS. Armstrong won 7 Tour De France’s in a row. And if Peter is going to put Barry Bonds on the list, there’s no reason Armstrong can’t join him.

I hope this article lands in front of Peter Keating’s eyeballs: PETER, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!!

Did I leave anyone out?? Do I have someone who doesn’t belong?? Post your list 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!!

All Trilogies Are Not Made The Same

March 9, 2018March 9, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Some movie trilogies are awesome, like Batman (The Dark Knight).

Others, like I Know What You Did Last Summer, are so unbelievably bad, self-inflicted injury becomes a viable option. I know. I couldn’t believe they made three of those movies either!!

There’s one trilogy, Duke VS. UNC, that never disappoints. After splitting their regular season matchups (each holding serve at home), they’ll meet tonight in the semifinals of the ACC Tournament. A #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament potentially hangs in the balance….

“It’s a big-time game,” North Carolina senior Theo Pinson said. “Everyone and their mama gonna be watching the game tomorrow. I’m going to be ready. My teammates are going to be ready.”

Both teams advanced last night. UNC is fresh off of their 82-65 victory over Miami, while Duke took down Notre Dame 88-70.

UNC wasn’t as dominant as the score would dictate. With 3:50 to play, UNC led by just 4 points, however, Theo Pinson would add 5 of his 25 points, helping the Tar Heels pull away.

Duke, on the other hand, only trailed for 36 seconds in the entire game (when they were down 3-2).

If Marvin Bagley III plays like he did last night (33 points, 17 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal), and everyone’s least favorite player in the world, Grayson Allen, makes five 3-pointers, Duke will be tough to handle.

UNC faithful will hope for a bounce back performance by Luke Maye. DON’T COUNT ON IT!! Maye scored just 2 points on 1 of 15 shooting from the field last night. While he did lead the game in rebounds (13), he was effectively useless all night. If you’ve watched a healthy amount of UNC basketball this season, you know Luke Maye disappears against top-25 teams. Every single game he’s played against top-25 teams, he’s posted points and rebounds FAR below his season average.

UNC will have to be on their offensive game, as Duke’s zone-defense has befuddled the opposition all season. Expect Marvin Bagley III to show the nation, once again, why he’s the National Player of the Year. You can catch all the action tonight on ESPN @ 9:00 P.M. EST.

Score Prediction: Duke 76, UNC 74

Who’s going to win tonight?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

The NFL Playoffs Are Finally Here!!!!

January 5, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

kamara

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Titans 20

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

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

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

Prediction: Rams 34, Falcons 27

To Sunday we go….

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

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

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

Prediction: Jaguars 23, Bills 17

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

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

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

Prediction: Saints 30, Panthers 24

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

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 .

Giants Waste Little Time Finding Next General Manager

December 29, 2017 ~ 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.

Greatness Isn’t Given, It’s Earned

December 19, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers

20 Years Of Greatness

10. Kobe Bryant will become the 10th player in NBA history to have his number(s) retired by the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, Baylor, West, Worthy, Goodrich, and Wilkes. That’s what we call, good company. In a special, halftime ceremony, Kobe had both #8 and #24 immortalized. The ceremony included a tribute video, the jersey reveal, and a speech from Kobe.

Kobe’s speech was heartfelt and eloquent. He gave credit to the all-time greats who paved the way for his career. He thanked the fans and media for being there every step of the way. And he thanked his wife and children for their motivation and inspiration. Kobe closed with one last parting shot before dropping the mic:

“Mamba Out.”

ESPN President Resigns

ESPN President, John Skipper, is resigning after 20 years with the company. Skipper cited a substance abuse problem as his reason for leaving. George Bodenheimer, ESPN’s Executive Chairman, will act as President for a period of 90 days.

Skipper was extremely influential in his time at ESPN. He helped launch ESPN The Magazine in 1998, and 2 years later was promoted to oversee ESPN.com and all internet properties of ESPN. Skipper’s departure comes at an odd time. His trajectory within the company was headed in the right direction, Disney recently acquired 21st Century Fox (Fox carries 22 regional sports networks), and today….is his birthday.

Many ESPN employees were shocked by this development. Skipper had a profound impact on numerous on-air personalities. On his radio show, Dan Le Batard fought through tears to say this, “This person has created everything that exists here at ESPN for us.”

While this announcement comes as a surprise to many, Skipper must face his problem head on. He is taking personal responsibility for his actions and is owning his decision. Skipper said at a press conference Monday, “I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction. I have decided the most important thing I can do right now is take care of my problem.”

Holiday Spirit

Cole and Heidi Hamels embody the Holiday spirit. The spirit of generosity. Hamels and his wife recently donated their $9.4 million mansion to charity. Hamels, the longtime Philadelphia Phillies’ pitcher, now pitches for the Texas Rangers. In 2013, Hamels signed a 6-year, $144 million contract. He and his wife’s way of giving back is by leaving their mansion to the Barnabas Charity. The Barnabas Charity helps children in need all around the world. The Hamels’ family mansion, including 100 acres of land, will be used as a camp for children with special needs and chronic illnesses. The mansion is located in southwest Missouri.

In a news release, Hamels said, “Seeing the faces, hearing the laughter, reading the stories of the kids they serve; there is truly nothing like it,” he said in the statement. “Barnabas makes dreams come true, and we felt called to help them in a big way.”

During this Holiday season, think of stories like this. Not all people are bad. Not all people are greedy. Some simply want to help others. Allow this story to inspire you to help those in need.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

If you have a feel good story, please post it in the comment section below. Thank you.

And The Worst Team In New York Is……..

September 19, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

eli

The Giants are a really bad football team. Expectations were sky high leading into the season for the New York Giants. Some were calling it a “Super Bowl or Bust Season”. Experts and fans alike saw their 11-5 record from last year, combined with a ferocious defense, and expected improvement. Not so much.

The New York Giants took on the Detroit Lions in their home opener on Monday Night Football. How can I put this nicely?? The Giants looked TERRIBLE — again. Click here to see the box score. They have a multitude of problems, none of which can be fixed mid-season. Let’s go to the video tape! Okay, I don’t have video tape, but I did make a list:

They have the worst offensive line in the NFL
They have the worst rushing attack in the NFL
They have 13 total points through 2 games
Eli Manning is old

Offensive Line Is Offensive

This may be the worst offensive line ever. But it’s not their fault. To return the exact same starting offensive line from last year (when they were dreadful!) is criminal. Giants’ General Manager Jerry Reese should be arrested. This offensive line’s ineptitude was on full display last night, giving up 5 sacks. Psst….you do know the Lions have 1 of the worst defensive lines in the NFL right?? I’m just sayin’.

Ghosts Can’t Play Running Back

And that segues perfectly into the nonexistent rushing attack. A team’s rushing attack, when effective, is a combination of a stout offensive line and a talented running back. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. 1 doesn’t often go without the other. However, even if this offensive line was good, I doubt you’d be able to run the ball with the three-headed-kitten of Paul Perkins, Orleans Darkwa, and Shane Vereen. This ‘bad ass’ trio has combined for a lowly 97 total rushing yards through 2 games (worst in the NFL).

That’s Not Gonna Cut It

13. 13 points. How is it possible the New York Giants only have 13 points through 2 games?! It’s the franchise’s worst 2-game stretch since 1947, when the team only scored 7 points. The Giants’ 13 total points ranks 3rd worst in the NFL (only the 49ers and Bengals have less). I don’t care who you’re playing, you’re not going to win averaging single-digit points per game. Odell Beckham Jr. may have played last night (in limited action), but he’s only 1 guy. And last time I checked, he’s not the Lord and Savior.

Eli Manning Is Old And Slow

Eli Manning has always been slow. But now, he’s old AND slow. And he’s playing like he really, Really, REALLY doesn’t want to get hurt. I don’t blame him, but this is a bad combination for a team relying heavily on their passing attack. Even if Odell Beckham Jr. was at full strength, and Brandon Marshall wasn’t dropping more passes than Sprint drops phone calls, Eli Manning simply isn’t willing to stand in the pocket and take a whoopin’ like he used to.

The Giants’ schedule doesn’t get any easier either, as they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in Week 3.

Strap in and get comfy. This is going to be a lonnngggg ride.

And I thought life as a Jets’ fan was rough….

Are the Giants the worst team in the NFL?? Convince me in the comment section below.

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 called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Ugly Football/MLB History — Whatever Will We Watch??

September 14, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

cleveland indians

It’s a great time to be alive!! The NFL season is in full swing. MLB is nearing the home stretch. NBA is just 1 month away. And, NHL is only 3 weeks from the drop of a puck. Today, NFL games are the ‘talk of the town’.

Thursday Night Football

Yup, it’s Thursday already. The day you wake up and say, man I’m exhausted, I don’t know how I’m going to make it through this day. And then you remember there’s a football game tonight. Awesome!! I’m looking forward to fighting with my eyelids this evening.

Tonight, the Cincinnati Bengals host the Houston Texans. Both teams will look to bounce back from awful performances in Week 1. The Houston Texans got blown out 29-7 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Texans quarterback, Tom Savage, was unimpressive to say the least. The Texans have been silent on their starting quarterback decision for tonight’s game, but one with a brain would assume it’s going to be Deshaun Watson. If not, Bill O’ Brien should be placed in the hot seat.

The Cincinnati Bengals literally can’t play worse than they did last week. They were the only team to be shutout, as they lost to the Baltimore Ravens 20-0. Is it possible Andy Dalton thinks it’s still Preseason?? Dalton threw 4 interceptions Week 1. Thursday Night Football doesn’t seem to enhance the level of play, due to the short week, so don’t expect an offensive masterpiece to appear in front of your eyes around 8:30 P.M. on NFL Network.

Prediction: Texans 21, Bengals 17

MLB Record Book

The Cleveland Indians swept the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, making history. They also swept the Orioles, White Sox, Yankees, Royals, and Tigers again on their way to winning 21 consecutive games. This feat ties the 1935 Chicago Cubs for the most consecutive wins in the regular season in MLB history. The Indians have vaulted themselves from decent playoff team, to World Series’ favorite in just 3 short weeks. While I’m not sure they’ll win the World Series, they’ve been extremely impressive during this streak. The most runs they’ve given up in the past 21 games is 6, and they’ve posted 7 shutouts.

Tonight, they’ll go for sole possession of the record against the Kansas City Royals. I have no clue where you can find this game on TV, unless you live in Kansas City or Cleveland, but I’m sure ESPN or MLB Network will give Live Look-Ins to the game if they’re winning. First pitch is set for 7:10 P.M. EST, and Josh Tomlin will take the mound against Jake Junis.

Prediction: Indians 6, Royals 4

Do you think the Indians will break the record tonight??

Who do you think will win Thursday Night Football??

Post your predictions in the comment section below.

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 called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Get Used To Me Couch, The NFL Is Back!!!!

September 11, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

jets stink

That was fun!! We should do that every week. What do you say, we get together next Sunday, around 1 o’ clock?? Yeah, you can come over, and we’ll watch football for 11 straight hours while we eat guacamole and drink beer. It’ll be great!!

After being forced to wait 7 months for football, the NFL finally returned, and it did not disappoint. My team, however, is another story:

New York Jets

1 down, 15 to go. As a lifelong Jets’ fan, this is going to be the weirdest season I’ve ever experienced. Today, I am glad they lost. Their performance was encouraging. It showed me they are capable of losing to anyone. Although their defense is decent, they will be on the field too often to impact the game positively. They lost 21-12 to the 1st place Buffalo Bills (man that sounds weird).

New York Giants

Few teams looked worse than the Jets yesterday. The Giants were one of them. They lost to the Dallas Cowboys 19-3. 3. 3 points.

“7. 7 miles per hour. And usually when I pull someone over they pull over to the side of the road!”

Last time I checked it’s hard to win a football game when you only score 3 points. Did I mention the Giants only scored 3 points?? People can talk about Odell Beckham Jr. not playing all they want, but it all boils down to the Giants’ offensive line. They can’t protect Eli Manning. They can’t provide running lanes for their running backs. I’m surprised they don’t get penalized more often. Last night, they made the Cowboys defense look like the ‘Steel Curtain’.

The Giants have the worst offensive line in the NFL.

Stinky QB Play

Two quarterbacks were pulled from their respective games yesterday, Tom Savage and Scott Tolzien. I’m not sure who was worse….

Scott Tolzien: 9/18 for 128 yards, 2 INT’s, and 1 fumble

Tom Savage: 7/13 for 62 yards and 2 lost fumbles

Tolzien was pulled from the game for newly acquired Jacoby Brissett. Brissett has only been on the Indianapolis Colts for 8 days, so he will be given a longer leash than Tolzien. It’s safe to say the Colts can’t wait for Andrew Luck to return to the field. For my eyeballs’ sake, I can’t either.

Despite having the emotional Houston crowd behind him, Savage was only able to muster 62 yards passing against a mediocre Jacksonville Jaguars defense. Oh, and the Jaguars had 10 sacks. Savage was replaced with rookie Deshaun Watson. Watson looked good, scoring a touchdown on his opening drive, but it was too little, way too late. The damage had been done. Hopefully, the Texans are smart enough to start Watson next week.

Too Smart For Their Own Good

The Philadelphia Eagles looked good yesterday. Carson Wentz looked good yesterday. And most would say head coach, Doug Pederson, looked good yesterday. The Eagles beat the Washington Redskins 30-17. Pederson’s mathematical blunder went unnoticed because they were winning, but bonehead decisions like these will cost you games in the future. The Eagles returned a Kirk Cousins’ fumble for a touchdown, going up 28-17 with 1:29 left in the 4th quarter. Pederson and the Eagles proceeded to go for a 2-point conversion.

I’ll give you a second to let that sink in….

Now, if you know anything about football, or numbers, you’d know going for 2-points in this situation is the wrong decision. There is no difference in being up 12 (kicking the extra point) versus being up 13 (going for 2). The only risk is not converting the 2-point conversion, only being up 11, and allowing the Redskins to climb back into the game. If you didn’t notice this mistake, don’t feel bad. The professional commentators announcing the game didn’t notice either.

There are still 2 Monday Night Football games left to close out Week 1. The New Orleans Saints will visit the Minnesota Vikings @ 7:10 P.M. EST, and the Los Angeles Charges will visit the Denver Broncos @ 10:20 P.M. EST. Both games can be seen on ESPN. I will be sound asleep before the 2nd game starts.

What was your biggest take away from the 1st Sunday of the NFL season?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

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 called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

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