NFL — The Sport That Never Sleeps!!

March 8, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Off-season?? What’s an off-season?!

The NFL knows no such word.

Just 32 days since the end of the 2017 season, the NFL is in full swing. The NFL Combine entertained the world from February 27th through March 5th. And the official “start” of the NFL season is just 6 days away. On March 14th, the free agency market will officially open for business, and numerous players will find new homes. Can’t wait that long???? Have no fear, random trades in March are here….

Alec Ogletree

The New York Giants, in what many would call a surprise move, have traded for Alec Ogletree. Ogletree, formerly of the Los Angles Rams, plays a position of need for the Giants; linebacker. Here’s a recap of the full trade:

New York Giants Receive:

Alec Ogletree and a 2019 7th-round pick

Los Angeles Rams Receive:

A 2018 4th-round pick and a 2018 6th-round pick

I LIKE this trade for the Giants. At 26-years old, Ogletree is a talented linebacker entering his prime. He doesn’t come with a tremendous financial burden, as the Giants will owe him just $38 million over the next 4 years ($10 million guaranteed). Most importantly, Ogletree fills a need for the G-Men.

The only downside to this trade for the Giants is giving away draft picks. No, 4th and 6th-round picks aren’t wildly valuable, but a team in the midst of a rebuild is better served receiving picks rather than giving them away (ahem..New York..cough cough..Knicks..ahem).

This was strictly business for the Rams. Just 4 days after trading DE Robert Quinn to the Miami Dolphins, the Rams shed a combined $60 million by moving Ogletree as well.

Michael Bennett

The Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks are heading in opposite directions. The Eagles, fresh off of their 1st ever Super Bowl victory, are looking to make it back-to-back. The Seahawks, on the other hand, hardly resemble the ‘Legion of Boom’ that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl XLVIII.

Philadelphia Eagles Receive:

Michael Bennett and a 7th-round pick

Seattle Seahawks Receive:

WR Marcus Johnson and a 5th-round pick

This move is simple. Beefing up their defensive line gives the Eagles a great chance of dominating the world again next season. Tearing it down is the route the Seahawks are taking. Don’t be surprised if Kam Chancellor, Cliff Avril, Richard Sherman, and Bobby Wagner are wearing different jerseys next season.

What do you think of these trades?? 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 6:10 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!!

Who Needs Defense When You Have Nick Foles??

February 5, 2018February 5, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

That was the greatest football game I’ve ever seen.

Despite NO defense being played by either side, Super Bowl LII was highly competitive and wildly entertaining (and the Patriots lost!!). 74 total points. 1,156 total yards (most in any NFL game — ever). And 1 trick play you have to see to believe.

Did I mention the Patriots lost?!

1st Quarter

The Philadelphia Eagles set the tone with a 67-yard, field goal drive that lasted just over 7 minutes. The Patriots followed suit, also driving 67 yards to tie the game at 3. The rest of the quarter didn’t go as well for the kickers. After the most impressive drive of the game by the Eagles, rookie kicker, Jake Elliot missed the extra point. The Patriots, continuously trying to 1-up the Eagles, missed a kick of their own….

2nd Quarter

Just 42 seconds into the 2nd quarter, the usually sure-footed, Stephen Gostkowski, banged a chip-shot field goal attempt off the left upright. In his defense, this was the holders fault (Ryan Allen). But then, the craziest thing happened. A PUNT!! The Eagles would go 3-and-out and execute the only punt of the game. The next play would end Brandin Cooks’ evening.

Watch the play here.

I hope Cooks makes a full recovery, but next time, catch the ball, run forward, and go down!! There’s a reason why Marvin Harrison played 1,432 years.

The football world knows Eagles’ head coach, Doug Pederson, is super aggressive. So, I wasn’t surprised when he went for 2, midway through the 2nd quarter, as he tried to turn 15-3 into 17-3. Chasing points in the 1st half, however, is never a good idea. And it almost cost him a Super Bowl.

And then, the game turned into a video game. 7 of the next 9 possessions resulted in a touchdown, including the aforementioned trick play at the end of the half. If I had a camera, this is the part when I’d take my glasses off, and stare into the world’s eyes.

Decisions and results are not the same thing.

Asking your backup tight end to throw a touchdown, on 4th & goal, to your quarterback, is not a good decision. In hindsight, it was one of the greatest play calls in Super Bowl history. But that doesn’t make it smart!!

The Eagles took a 22-12 lead into the locker room.

3rd Quarter

Touchdown. Touchdown. Touchdown. Like I said, video game.

Tom Brady began to spread the ball around. Rob Gronkowski, Chris Hogan, and Danny Amendola all went over 100 yards receiving. Anyone who’s watched the NFL over the past 17 years has seen this movie before….

4th Quarter

After Brady and the Patriots scored 21 points in 14 minutes and 53 seconds, they took their 1st lead of the game. Down 33-32, with under 10 minutes to play, it was time for backup turned starter, Nick Foles, to bring his team to the promised land.

Foles remained poised throughout the entire game.

After a methodical, 7 minute and 1 second drive, Foles hit Zach Ertz for an 11-yard touchdown. Despite announcer, Cris Collinsworth’s, best attempt at talking the world into believing this obvious touchdown was a fumble, or incompletion, or something else, the touchdown stood. And the Eagles took a 38-33 lead.

Down 5, with 2 minutes and 21 seconds to play, is familiar territory for the great, Tom Brady. However, Brandon Graham, would force a fumble, effectively ending the game.

Tom Brady did not win another Super Bowl. The world can rejoice!!

Let the madness in the streets of Philadelphia commence!!

Final Thought: Bill Belichick coached a piss poor game. There were no in-game adjustments, and Malcolm Butler, one of the Patriots’ better defenders, was benched. No explanation. Just Belichick claiming he does what gives his team the best chance to win. Nice work Bill!! As for Matt Patricia, Patriots’ defensive coordinator, enjoy the bearded “genius” Detroit. His defense was repeatedly thrashed all season. The only reason the Patriots made it to the Super Bowl was because of Tom Brady’s greatness (Brady threw for 505 yards yesterday).

And now, the world should stay at least 30 miles from the city of Philadelphia for at least a week. Ya know, for the sake of the human race’s survival….

Was this the best NFL game you’ve ever seen?? If not, please 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.

The Best Day Of The Year Is ALMOST Here!!

February 1, 2018February 1, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I feel like a little kid.

You remember that feeling….

Something special would come up, like your birthday, making those last 3 days impossible to sleep — or sit still. With just 3 days until Super Bowl LII, that feeling is coursing through my veins. Just in case you live under a boulder, kick-off is set for 6:30 P.M. EST on Sunday, February 4th, on NBC.

The Philadelphia Eagles, in search of their 1st Super Bowl victory, will look to tackle the Tom Brady led, New England Patriots. Some “experts” are hoppin’ on the Eagles’ bandwagon, touting their knowledge of the Eagles’ defensive game plan. They believe the Eagles will follow the only game plan known to man to stop, or slow, Tom Brady. Pressure up the middle. Early, and often.

The Eagles front-4 may get pressure on Tom Brady. Hell, they may even sack him 3 times. But they won’t be the over the edge the Eagles are looking for. Brady will still complete his 12-yard crossing patterns all night. And, he will drive the field when it matters most. And if all else fails, he can always rely on his safety blanket, Rob Gronkowski.

“But Dave, Gronkowski is in the concussion protocol. What if he doesn’t play?!”

If you think there’s even a 1% chance Gronkowski isn’t playing in this game, I have a bag of garbage to sell you. Yes, the Eagles possess a top-10 defense, but that’s because they ranked 1st overall in rushing yards allowed per game (79.2). Through the air, not so much. They finished the regular season ranked 17th against the pass (227.3 yards per game). The ONLY WAY the Eagles win is if Nick Foles duplicates his performance from the NFC Championship (352 yards and 3 TDs). While the Patriots’ defense is nothing to bring home to mama, they’re not going to be systematically dismantled by Nick Foles.

Come Sunday night, if you’re still awake, you’ll have the displeasure of watching Tom Brady and Bill Belichick hoist the Lombardi Trophy — for the 6th time. Gross!!

For all my degenerate gamblers out there, the spread, which opened at 5.5, is now 4.5. The line has moved due a handful of grandiose, 7-figure bets placed in favor of the Eagles. The Patriots will win. I have little doubt in that. However, I don’t know if they’ll cover. IF I was a gambler….I’d bet the Patriots on the Money Line (-198). In layman’s terms, bet 300 bananas to win 151 bananas.

Score Prediction: Patriots 27, Eagles 24

Who wins Super Bowl LII?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

I’m The Greatest — No, I’m The Greatest!!

January 29, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

I am the greatest athlete of this generation.

No, not me. There are 4 gentlemen who’d have a legitimate argument if they said that aloud, and 3 of them were in action Sunday. The 4th, is preparing to launch himself to an unprecedented level of greatness this coming Sunday….

1.) Roger Federer

2.) Tiger Woods

3.) Lebron James

4.) Tom Brady

Roger Federer

The accomplishments of Roger Federer, at 36 years, 173 days old, are like nothing we’ve seen before. After experiencing a Grand Slam title drought of 18, Federer has now won 3 of the past 5 (2 Australian Opens and 1 Wimbledon). That’s just flat out ridiculous.

Did I mention Federer is old?! 36, in men’s professional tennis, is ancient. In fact, upon winning the Australian Open, Federer became the 2nd oldest man to win a Grand Slam (Ken Rosewall – 1972 Australian Open). Still not impressed?! The only 2 sets Federer lost the entire tournament were against Marin Cilic on Sunday. Federer would drop the 2nd and 4th sets, forcing a sudden-death, 5th set for the Australian Open Title. Federer, steam rolled, winning 6-1. And with every Grand Slam victory, Federer continues to break his own record. He’s now won 20 Grand Slams.

The question isn’t if he’ll win #21, but when??

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is back!! For real this time. Playing in his 1st PGA Tour event in a year, and just his 5th in 2-and-a-half years, Tiger Woods impressed. He didn’t win the tournament, nor will he win a tournament anytime soon, but he made the cut and played through the weekend.

He finished 23rd (-3), playing 4 consecutive rounds without injury (which should be Tiger Wood’s main focus). So, while he won’t compete with Jason Day and Alex Noren in Monday’s playoff of the Farmers Insurance Open, Tiger Woods should have a smile on his face.

He should also spend his free time at the driving range, because he hit a career low 17 of 56 fairways (30%), including 3 of 14 on Saturday. No, I can’t shoot 3-under over 4 consecutive rounds, but I can hit more than 3 fairways.

Lebron James

Lebron James went about his business Sunday:

25 points, 8 rebounds, 14 assists, and 1 steal in 38 minutes.

The Cleveland Cavaliers won 121-104 over the Detroit Pistons. As crazy as this sounds, the Cavaliers can use every win they can get. At 29-19 on the season, they are currently the 3-seed in the Eastern Conference, however, they’re closer to the 7-seed than the 2-seed. This also sounds crazy, but another NBA Championship would do Lebron James’ legacy wonders.

As talented and accomplished as he is, Lebron is chasing a ghost. And ghosts tend to be hard to catch. As with every all-time great, I will never doubt Lebron James. Not until the clock hits double-zero and his team is on the wrong side of history.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady doesn’t often land on the wrong side of history. I don’t foresee that changing this coming Sunday. As Nick Foles continues to figure out how he got here, Tom Brady sleeps soundly. Super Bowl Sunday has become as regular an occurrence for Tom Brady, as a trip to the food store is for you and I.

With his (12) stitches removed, Brady is set to capture his 6th Super Bowl Ring. And like Roger Federer, will look to break his own record. When 2nd place is so distant, I guess you become your only competition.

Who is the greatest athlete of this generation?? Tell me in the comment section below.

All Roads Lead To The Super Bowl

January 22, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Many different paths often lead to the same place. For some, that place is familiar. For others, it’s folklore. That place is the Super Bowl. To understand how the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles’ paths led to Super Bowl LII, we must look to Championship Sunday: 1 part same old story, 1 part shock and awe….

What Else Is New?!

No Gronk, no problem.

The New England Patriots deserve praise. Hell, they deserve their own holiday on the calendar. What the Patriots continue to do, against the toughest of odds, is incredible. The Jets fan inside dies a little bit every time I compliment the Patriots.

Tom Brady received stitches on his throwing hand just days prior to the AFC Championship. It didn’t matter. The Patriots were down 14-3 in the 1st half. It didn’t matter. The Patriots lost Rob Gronkowski (concussion) for the game just before halftime. It didn’t matter. The Patriots were down 10 points, with 9 minutes to play. It didn’t matter. No matter the adversity, they persevere.

In any significant Patriots’ victory, there’s always a play that stands out. A play you can point to, and say, there it is, NOW they’re going to win. Most teams wouldn’t understand. 3rd & 18, down 10, with 10:49 to play, Brady connected with Danny Amendola for a 1st down (21 yards). It sounds simple, but it embodies the Patriots’ spirit. This is why scoring a game-winning touchdown, with 2:10 to play, is not as dramatic as it sounds. A Patriots’ victory was never in doubt.

The Jaguars, however, deserve credit (sort of). They played a near perfect 1st half, carrying a 14-10 lead into the locker room. The offensive play calling was perfect, easy throws for Blake Bortles and plenty of rushing attempts. Bortles impressed, completing 17 of 23 passes (73.9%) in the 1st half. But then, Bortles turned back into a pumpkin, going 6 for 13 (46.1%) in the 2nd half. And that, as they say, was all she wrote.

With their 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New England Patriots will play in their 8th Super Bowl in the last 17 years (10th appearance in their history). They’ll look to win back-to-back Super Bowls for the 1st time since 2004, when they defeated the Eagles (24-21). For New England, the cast of characters are practically the same. As for Philadelphia, it’s a lifetime ago.

I Did Not See That Coming!!

The Philadelphia Eagles entered the NFC Championship as underdogs. They left as champions. Despite being underdogs in consecutive games, the Eagles have overcome. Doubt. Injury. Public perception. They overcame it all and find themselves in their 3rd Super Bowl in franchise history.

If you tried to adjust your television set during yesterday’s game, you weren’t the only one. I thought there was a Tom Brady sighting in both games too. Yes, Nick Foles played that good of a game. Foles, who finished with 352 yards passing and 3 touchdowns, tore up a stringent, Vikings defense. This was a Vikings defense who ranked top-5 in nearly every statistical category during the regular season.

After a dramatic win over the Saints in the Divisional Round, it appeared the Vikings were simply happy to be here.

The Vikings marched down the field on the opening drive for a touchdown. Then continued to force a punt on the Eagles’ 1st possession. The city of Philadelphia was probably collectively hurling things at their TVs. But after an interception returned for a touchdown, it was all Eagles. With 14:10 left to play, the Eagles took a 38-7 lead, and I, turned off my TV.

Did you doubt the Patriots yesterday?? Did Nick Foles play the best game of his career?? Tell me the truth in the comment section below.

Welcome To Tom Brady’s Playground (Aka Championship Sunday)

January 19, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

tom brady 2

And then there were 4.

Wellllll, there’s really only 1, but technically 4 teams can still win the Super Bowl. With just 2 days left until Championship Sunday, final preparations are being made by 3 guys still trying to figure out how they arrived at this moment — and Tom Brady. Blake Bortles, Nick Foles, and Case Keenum are living proof you can ride someone else’s coattails to the promised land.

(3) Jacksonville Jaguars @ (1) New England Patriots – 3:05 P.M. EST (CBS)

All those who were excited to watch the Steelers take on the Patriots, we have an excellent consolation prize for you….

Blake Bortles.

No, you can’t return your prize!

Blake Bortles is getting ready to play in the biggest game of his life. Hopefully he bought his coaching staff, defense, and running game something nice, for without them Bortles wouldn’t be in the NFL anymore, let alone in the AFC Championship. The question this Sunday is:

Can this Jaguars defense follow the “beat Tom Brady blueprint”??

Listen, the Patriots are not losing, at home, to the Jaguars. But, if, and that’s a big IF, they lose, it’ll be under very specific conditions.

Here are the conditions (all of the below must happen):

1.) The Jaguars must sack Tom Brady at least 5 times

2.) The Jaguars must intercept Tom Brady at least once

3.) The Jaguars’ defense must score at least 7 points

4.) Blake Bortles must throw 0 interceptions

If the world finds itself in an alternate universe on Sunday, and ALL of these things occur, Blake Bortles will play in a Super Bowl.

Until then, I’ll confidently pick Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the Patriots to play in their 8th Super Bowl in the past 17 years. And for all my gullible fans, Tom Brady IS NOT HURT!! His hand is fine. This is a typical, very simple, Belichick mind game. We’ve been watching this same channel for nearly 2 decades now.

Prediction: Patriots 30, Jaguars 20

(2) Minnesota Vikings @ (1) Philadelphia Eagles – 6:40 P.M. EST (FOX)

The Minnesota Vikings are still riding high after the most dramatic playoff victory in NFL history. The question is:

Will that help or hurt them come Sunday??

The Vikings are looking to become the 1st team in NFL history to host a Super Bowl. But first, they must escape from a hostile Philadelphia environment with a victory. This is a very even matchup. Both teams play very solid defense. Both teams have an above average rushing attack. And both teams are well coached.

While both quarterbacks aren’t being confused with MVP candidates anytime soon, it’s safe to say the Vikings have an advantage under center. The Vikings also have the edge on defense, as this is as good a defense as the NFL has seen since the Seattle Seahawks “Legion of Boom”. The Eagles’ home field advantage offsets all of the above, making this game a “pick ’em” in my mind. Sit back, relax, and enjoy another tight one.

Prediction: Vikings 20, Eagles 19

Final Thought: Why the hell do these games have to start so late?!?! What, because it’s Championship Weekend, the games need to be played at “special” times?!?! I don’t understand. It’s Sunday. I’ve been watching football games at 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. EST all year. Why must I stay awake until 11:00 P.M. to watch this game?!?!

On that note, enjoy the games!!

Who do you think will play in the Super Bowl?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.