DRIVES with DAVE Podcast #33: Aaron Rodgers Isn’t Going Anywhere!!

January 26, 2021 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Listen up Packers fans:

I know you’re upset, distraught, and depressed after another brutal loss in an NFC Championship Game. But remember, you still have Aaron Rodgers, which means you still have a chance. And despite his Eeyore like press conference following their loss to the Bucs, RODGERS ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE!!!!

TRUST ME!!

BUT, if Deshaun Watson can find his way to the New York Jets….THAT WOULD BE AWESOME!!!!

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Andy Reid, FINALLY, Got His….CHEESEBURGER!!!! (DTS Podcast – #89)

February 3, 2020 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

The Kansas City Chiefs are your Super Bowl LIV Champions!!

Patrick Mahomes is the best football player in the world (Damien Williams should have been the MVP).

Andy Reid is really, really FAT!

The commercials were good.

The Halftime Show was, as my kids called it, “Caliente”.

That is all.

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“Mike Florio….Shut Up!!” (DTS Podcast #86)

January 24, 2020 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk encouraged the San Francisco 49ers to injure Patrick Mahomes.

He then tried to backtrack and claim, “That’s not what I meant.”

Yeah, okay big guy.

Tell your story walking.

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“ZION Giveth, ELI Taketh Away.” (DTS Podcast – #85)

January 23, 2020 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Zion Williamson made his along awaited NBA debut Wednesday night.

HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!

Eli Manning is retiring after 16 seasons (all with the NY Giants) in the NFL.

Eli may suck at football, but he’s still a 1st ballot Hall of Famer.

BOTH THINGS CAN BE TRUE.

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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!!

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!!

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.

Only Fools Rush In

February 9, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m a smart guy.

I like to think I have a pretty firm grip on the English language. I’m a fast learner. And I can reason through or understand pretty much everything that happens in the world.

But today, I’m stumped!!

For the life of me, I can’t understand the San Francisco 49ers’ latest decision.

Thursday afternoon, the 49ers signed quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, to a 5-year, $137.5 million contract extension ($27.5 million per year). Garoppolo, who was traded to the 49ers (for a 2018 2nd-round pick) by the New England Patriots on October 31st, is now the highest paid player in NFL history. There are varying reports as it pertains to the guaranteed money in the contract. Some have reported $74 million guaranteed, while others have reported $90 million. Either way, that’s a fine pay day!!

Allow me to express my confusion. I happen to like Jimmy Garoppolo. I think he has the potential to be a good quarterback for a decade or more. BUT, I wouldn’t make him THE HIGHEST PAID PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY!!!!

7. Garoppolo has started just 7 games in his career. Granted, he’s won every start, injecting hope into the 49ers franchise, but no one’s confusing him with Joe Montana.

See, this is how the NFL works. Quarterback is the most important position on the field. Without a “franchise quarterback”, you can’t win a Super Bowl. Yes, I know Nick Foles just won a Super Bowl, but check the list of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks since the turn of the century, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. As each top-15 quarterback heads toward free agency, they become the highest paid player in NFL history. First, it was Aaron Rodgers. Then Andrew Luck. Then Derek Carr. Then Matthew Stafford. While each have flaws, one can understand paying them the big bucks. It’s called track record. It’s called having a sample size bigger than 7 games.

Just ask the Seattle Seahawks how Matt Flynn’s contract worked out….

Side Note: If Garoppolo is worth $27.5 million per year, what is Kirk Cousins worth????

Apparently, 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, doesn’t care for track record:

“We want Jimmy to be a Niner for a long, long time,” Lynch said on January 2nd. “That process is going to take place here. We’re eager to get that done, to have the opportunity. You have our assurances, and the fans do, that we’d like nothing more than to make him (Garoppolo) a Niner for a long, long time.”

Lynch and head coach/offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, are excited to work with their 137.5 million dollar man….

Kyle, John, he’s all yours.

Like, Love, or Hate this contract?? Tell me in the comment section below.

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.

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