Tag: Tom Brady

Any Given Sunday….Can Be The Craziest Sunday You’ve Ever Seen….Ever!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Jake-Elliott

This is why we will ALWAYS watch. Despite the “extracurricular” activites, and the controversy, and the injury risks, NFL fans will always be just that; fans. Week 3 has been a prime example of that.

The best word I can use to describe Week 3 in the NFL is — WOW!!!! Actually, the best way to sum up Sunday’s action would be, “HOLY CRAP!!”, but that wouldn’t maintain the level of sophistication you’ve grown accustomed to here at DaveTalksSports :).

While difficult, I’ve done you the favor of ranking Sunday’s insanity:

7.) Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Ravens and Jaguars took their talents across the pond on Sunday. No one, outside of die-hard, Jaguars’ fans, thought they would win. And NO ONE, could have predicted the way in which they won. This game can be summarized in one-line, Joe Flacco’s stat-line: 8 for 18 for 28 yards and 2 interceptions.

Hey Joe, I’ve never seen a QBR of 0.5 before, so thanks for that. Remember when the storyline was, ‘When will Blake Bortles get pulled from the game’?? That quickly turned into, ‘Joe Flacco actually got pulled from the game’. Final Score: Jaguars 44, – Ravens 7.

6.) Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears

In one of the many shocking results on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Chicago Bears in overtime, 23-17. Antonio Brown and company had to come charging back to force overtime, as they found themselves down 17-7 at halftime. The halftime score SHOULD have been 21-7, if it weren’t for Marcus Cooper doing his best Leon Lett impersonation. With 6 seconds left in the 1st half, the Steelers had a 35-yard field goal attempt blocked. Cooper picked up the ball and streaked toward the endzone. Rather than sprint his way in for the score, he inexplicably slowed to a tortoise pace at the 2-yard line. Vance Mcdonald of the Steelers tracked him down and swatted the ball from his hands. The ball travelled out of the back of the endzone, and the Bears were afforded 1 untimed down from the 1-yard line. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Click here to see the madness.

5.) Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

With 10:20 left in the 2nd quarter, Aaron Rodgers dropped back to pass. In atypical Aaron Rodgers’ fashion, he stared down his receiver, throwing a bad interception. This interception was returned 75-yards for a touchdown, giving the Bengals a 21-7 lead (in Green Bay). But, as any Bengals fan will tell you, they never felt less confident in their team in that moment. In typical Benagals’ fashion, they scored a whopping 3 points in the 2nd half, allowing Rodgers and the Packers to creep back into the game.

Throughout the 4th quarter and overtime, Aaron Rodgers did what Aaron Rodgers does. You never thought you’d hear the name Geronimo Allison so many times did you?? Rodgers hit Allison 3 times on the game-tying drive, as well as the all important 72-yard connection in overtime. This set up a chip-shot field goal, leading the Packers to a wild 27-24 victory and keeping my hopes alive in my ‘suicide pool’.

4.) New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

SAY WHATTTTTT?!?!?! The New York Jets won a football game?? And it wasn’t against the Browns?? Ohhhh, it was against the Dolphins. That makes sense. As maligned as the Dolphins franchise is, this may be a new low….

The New York Jets are trying to lose on purpose, and they can’t even do that right. As a Jets’ fan, I’m on board with this strategy, so thanks a lot Jay Cutler!! Believe it or not, the 20-6 score doesn’t do it justice. The Dolphins were completely and utterly dominated, and if it not for an ULTIMATE ‘GARBARGE-TIME’ touchdown (as time expired) to DeVante Parker, they would have been shutout. Why 6?? Because the Dolphins missed the extra-point. “HA-ha!” (Nelson’s laugh in the Simpsons). That’s why.

3.) New York Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The New York Giants travelled to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in as close to a must-win as can be in Week 3. Their offensive line, and offense as a whole, has looked putrid through 2 weeks. And until the 4th quarter, the Giants were laying a golden goose egg again (they were down 14-0). Then, Odell Beckham Jr. showed his worth. Beckham Jr. scored 2 touchdowns in the span of 1 minute and 46 seconds. He also managed to receive a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for his inane TD celebration, as well as lay down in the middle of the field, stopping play, when there was nothing wrong with him.

Hey everybody, LOOK AT ME!!

Despite a valiant effort by the Giants, they coughed up a lead in the 4th quarter — twice. With the game tied at 24, overtime looked like a certainty. But the Eagles took a final shot from their own 38-yard line (thanks to an awful punt by the Giants), and 13 seconds left in regulation. After a 19-yard completion to Alshon Jeffrey, the Eagles sent rookie kicker, Jake Elliot, onto the field to try a 61-yard, miracle field goal. ELLIOT MADE THE KICK!! He skimmed the inside of the right field goal post with about 2 yards to spare. And as time expired, the Eagles put the Giants away 27-24.

2.) New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans

Deshaun Watson nearly did what no rookie quarterback has ever done before, win in Foxborough. But, yet again, if you’ve ever seen the Patriots play, you knew they weren’t losing this football game. When the Houson Texans failed to score a touchdown, settling for a field goal with 2:24 to play, you knew it was over. Tom Brady, down 5, from his own 25, is the surest bet in sports. They even spotted the Texans 10 yards, pushing their drive back to their own 15-yard line (thanks to a holding penalty). And not even when it was 3rd and 18, with 54 seconds left, from his own 48, should anyone have doubted the greatest QB of all-time. 2 plays, 52 yards and 31 seconds later, the game was over. I can’t actually stomach writing this, so while I vomit, watch the final drive by clicking here. The Patriots beat the Houston Texans 36-33 in dramatic fashion, but it’s only dramatic to the unaware. To the rest of us, it’s Tom Brady being Tom Brady.

1.) Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions

All I have to say is what in the hell was that?? Okay, maybe that’s not all I have to say, but I have never seen a game end like that. Matthew Stafford and the Lions had the ball, down 30-26 with 2:23 left to play. Starting at their own 26-yard line, they drove the ball all the way to the Falcons’ 1-yard line. So let’s set the table: 1st and Goal from the 1 with 19 seconds left. You have to score, don’t you?! Not if you’re the Detroit Lions. After 2 quick incompletions, Stafford found Golden Tate on 3rd down. He dove into the endzone with 8 seconds left, and the Lions had done it!! Until they didn’t. The play was reviewed and ultimately reversed. The official said Tate’s knee hit the ground prior to him crossing the goal line.

Lions huddle: “Alright guys, let’s re-group and score this touchdown on 4th down!!”

Referee: “Game over!”

According to the dumbest NFL rule in existence, there must be a 10-second run off due to the Lions having no timeouts left. Therefore, the game was over. That’s the most RIDICULOUS thing I’ve ever seen on an NFL field.

And that’s saying a lot….

 

What were you watching on Sunday?? Tell me the craziest thing you saw 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. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

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.

 

 

So Much For 16-0 Huh????

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 6 Comments

brady

Hey Tom, let me see your mad face….

 

I LOVE IT!!!!

Everyone in the world makes assumptions. Football fans assume the New England Patriots will win every game. It’s true. Everyday for the past 3 months, I’ve had to listen to “experts” tell me the Patriots could go 16-0 this season. How’s that workin’ out for ya?!?! 

Listen, the Patriots are a great franchise. They will be fine. They’ll still win the 12 games I predicted they’d win. Remember my AFC East Predictions?? But I must enjoy this moment. If you are like me, and fell asleep on the couch at halftime, you missed a thrilling game. Luckily, I DVR everything, so I was able to re-watch the Patriots “collapse”.

The Patriots gave up 21 points in the 4th quarter and lost 42-27.

Let’s start with some insane Patriots’ statistics to put this once-in-a-lifetime happening in perspective:

  • 42 points are the most a Bill Belichick coached Patriots’ team has ever given up — ever
  • Alex Smith became only the 2nd quarterback to post 350+ yards and 0 interceptions against the Patriots under Belichick (the other is Drew Brees)
  • The Patriots had won 9 consecutive home-openers
  • The Patriots gave up a record-setting 246 scrimmage yards to Chiefs’ running back, Kareem Hunt (a rookie record)
  • The Patriots had won 87 consecutive home games when leading at halftime

Yeah, love ’em or hate ’em, the Patriots are really really really good. That’s what makes the Kansas City Chiefs’ performance so impressive. Alex Smith did his best Aaron Rodgers impersonation (368 yards, 4 TD’s, and 0 INT’s). The aforementioned Kareem Hunt put on a show. After losing a fumble in his 1st NFL carry (he didn’t lose 1 in 4 years of college), Hunt was on a mission. He finished with 148 rushing yards and 1 TD and 5 catches for 98 yards and 2 TD’s. And we can’t forget the defense. The Chiefs’ defense held Tom Brady to 16 for 36 passing (44.4 completion %), just 267 yards, and NO TD’s. OH, and they sacked him 3 times.

Despite everyone thinking Bill Belichick is impervious to criticism, allow me to blame him for something. Woah, woah, easy now Dave. When the Patriots were up 7-0, and the Chiefs turned the ball over, Belichick decided to go for it on 4th and 1 on the Chiefs’ 10-yard line. THIS IS WRONG!! I don’t care who you are, or what you’re trying to do. In the 1st quarter, you continue to put points on the board. If Belichick chose to go up 10-0, rather than turn the ball over and downs (and gift-wrap some confidence for the Chiefs), this game may have ended differently.

Allow me to rewind to the Pre-Game:

After the Patriots put on an absolutely nauseating pre-game ceremony, the game looked like it could get out of hand in a hurry. Speaking of that ceremony, I’m wondering how many people actually threw up before they were able to change the channel….

You’re the Patriots. You win Super Bowls every other year. This isn’t new. So did you really need to have Mark Wahlberg drive half of the country to suicidal thoughts?? Did you really need to wheel your 5 Super Bowl Trophies onto the field?? “Hey everybody, come see how good I look!!” Did you really need to post the time and score of last year’s Super Bowl (ATL 28, NE 3 with 2:12 left in the 3rd quarter), just prior to your epic comeback, on every scoreboard in the stadium?? “Yes Frank, we know you had a good time. I think the whole town knows you had a good time.”

Now, as much as I’m reveling in this Patriots loss, I’ve been a Jets/NFL fan long enough to know what’s about to happen. Just like the time the Patriots lost 41-14 to the Chiefs (Week 4 of 2014), and everyone and their mother pronounced that the beginning of the end for Brady and the Patriots, something happened. And that something was the Patriots rattling off 7 straight wins, en route to a Super Bowl Championship.

Expect something eerily similar.

Man do I feel bad for Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints….

 

Did you enjoy this Patriots’ loss as much as I did?? What do you think their record will be for the season now?? Admit you were wrong, and then post your new prediction 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.

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!!

 

 

 

 

Patriots’ World Domination (AKA AFC EAST Preview)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

afc-east

I’m so excited for football I may wet myself. With the NFL turning the corner toward Week 3 of the Preseason, teams are starting to take shape. Rookies are becoming acclimated with the speed of the NFL, while most veterans are simply going through the motions, attempting to avoid injury. Injuries, however, continue to mount, potentially changing the landscape of each division. Over the final 2 weeks of the Preseason, I will be dissecting each division, giving predictions for every team in the NFL. Today, we start with the most predictable division in the NFL; the AFC East.

Last Season’s Standings:

New England Patriots: 14-2

Miami Dolphins: 10-6

Buffalo Bills: 7-9

New York Jets: 5-11

 

Let’s start with my least favorite team in the NFL:

New England Patriots

I can respect and appreciate their dominance, even though they have been a thorn in my side for the past 16 years. Yes, I am a Jets fan. A dejected Jets fan who is impatiently waiting for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to retire. Everyone will have to wait AT LEAST 1 more year for that. 2017 will be no different than 2016, and 2015, and 20…well you get the point. The last time the Patriots didn’t win the AFC East was 2008 (they went 11-5 that year). Despite being 40 years old, Tom Brady will be at the helm, driving on cruise control to another AFC East Division Title.

Key Additions: Brandin Cooks, Stephon Gilmore, Dwayne Allen

Key Losses: Martellus Bennett, Chris Long, Rob Ninkovich (retirement)

Miami Dolphins

The revolving quarterback door is at it again in Miami. After Ryan Tannehill went down with a knee injury, the Dolphins pulled Mr. Jay Cutler out of retirement to call plays under center. Hey, Miami, just because Cutler will be reuniting with Adam Gase, doesn’t mean this will end well. Expect Cutler and the Dolphins to do what they do best, define mediocrity.

Key Additions:  Jay Cutler, Lawrence Timmons, T.J. Mcdonald

Key Losses: Dion Jordan, Earl Mitchell, Jordan Cameron 

Buffalo Bills

It’s not a good sign when a kicker headlines your offseason additions. The Bills decided it was time to part ways with oft-injured, wide receiver Sammy Watkins, as they traded him to the Los Angeles Rams for cornerback E.J. Gaines. I’m sure this didn’t have quarterback Tyrod Taylor jumping for joy. The Bills did sign Anquan Boldin on August 7th….only to watch him retire 13 days later. Good stuff!! Maybe Bills and Jets’ fans will get along this season. Misery does love company — right??

Key Additions: Steven Hauschka, Vlad Ducasse, Micah Hyde 

Key Losses: Sammy Watkins, Stephon Gilmore, Mike Gillislee 

New York Jets

Boy, oh boy!! Where do I begin?! Taking this season in a vacuum, this will be the longest, most frustrating season Jets’ fans have ever endured — ever!! And that’s saying a lot. The offense the Jets will be running onto the field every Sunday is the result of a Tank Job for the ages. See, the Jets are like a car you want to rebuild. Any old, rusty parts that can be scrapped are taken to the junkyard. And any new, shiny parts will replace the old ones..only the new parts are on back order..for a YEAR. Buckle up Jets’ fans, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Key Additions: Demario Davis, Josh McCown, Kelvin Beachum 

Key Losses: Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker, Darelle Revis, Nick Mangold, David Harris, I could keep going, but let’s just agree the Jets are TANKING 

This Season’s Predictions:

New England Patriots: 12-4

Miami Dolphins: 7-9

Buffalo Bills: 5-11

New York Jets: 2-14

How do you think the AFC East will play out?? If you see it differently than I do, you may want to change your prescriptions. Just sayin’.

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.

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!!

 

One-Liner Fridays!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

espn 8 the ocho

Happy Friday sports fans!! It isn’t a mirage. Friday is actually here. I’m going to get your weekend started a little early with an oldie but a goodie. This is a segment I like to call, One-Liner Fridays. Today, I give my take on the week of sports in One Line and One Line only. “We’re gonna to skate to One song and One song only!” Enjoy!!

 

“Pudge” Rodriguez has taken his nickname, and apparently his eating contests, too seriously.

Voting Tim Raines into the MLB Hall of Fame, after 10 years, is like that bad decision you make right as the lights come on at last call — I get it, she was the only girl left in the bar.

Putting Bud Selig in the MLB Hall of Fame is like asking Adrian Peterson to babysit tonight.

Nothin’ says, “Welcome to New York Sonny Gray” like the Yankees committing 3 errors behind him, in the 1st inning.

I know Pete Rose isn’t in the running for Humanitarian of the Century, but did a woman really come out of the shadows, and accuse him of a crime from 30 YEARS AGO?!

Nice try lady.

Stephen Curry took some time out of his busy, make fun of Lebron James schedule, to play in his 1st professional golf tournament (Ellie Mae Classic).

It appears, Steph Curry (who shot a 74) is now better than Tiger Woods at golf.

House, no — Cars, no — Travel the world, no — Put my kids through college, no — Invest, no — Purchase Neymar Jr., YES!!

I literally couldn’t think of a better way to spend $262 Million either.

I love how Dolphins fans are distraught today after seeing Ryan Tannehill go down with a knee injury in practice yesterday — Yeah, because NOW your season’s over.

At least it’ll keep the Colin Kaepernick conversation going, so we’ve got that goin’ for us.

We saw more punches thrown on the 1st day of New England Patriot’s Training Camp than we will see in the entire Mayweather/McGregor fight.

Thank you Paul Malignaggi, for leaving the “Circus”, as you called it, of McGregor’s camp, and daring McGregor to go public with their sparring video — which would allegedly show what really happened.

And in case you somehow didn’t notice, yesterday was Tom Brady’s, not to be confused with Jesus’, 40th birthday….

At least ESPN didn’t replay every minute of every game of Tom Brady’s career….

Speaking of ESPN, fantasy will become reality when ESPN U morphs into ‘ESPN 8, The Ocho’ for one day, August 8th.

That’s awesome!!

Cotton McKnight:
“In 23 years of broadcasting I thought I’d seen it all, folks, but it looks like Peter La Fleur has actually blindfolded himself.

Pepper Brooks:
“He will not be able to see very well, Cotton.”

 

If you have a One-Liner of your own, please post it below in the comment section.

Enjoy your weekend everybody!!

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.

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!!

 

SPORTS — The Gift That Keeps On Giving

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

tom-brady-happy-face

Don’t be a sheep. Sheep blend in with the herd and follow what everyone else is doing. I will never be a sheep. I will always be a fox. A leader, who walks his own path. A path covered in clean, white snow, sans footprints. See, I keep hearing the same thing from seemingly everyone, “It’s August. We have nothing to talk about!!” Yes, you do, you’re just lazy. There’s always something to talk about it in the world of sports. Now use that real estate between your ears to find the gifts August 3rd has brought us this year.

Tom Brady

What do you get the man who has everything?? I have no clue!! But according to Rob Gronkowski, you get him ‘Touchdowns’. Tom Brady’s 40th birthday is today. And “The Gronk” said, “I’m going to catch that man some touchdowns.” Wow. So profound Gronk. Thank you so much!!

Tom Brady continues to play at an extremely high level. For now, Father Time has taken a back seat in Tom Brady’s SUV. I’m sure Brady wouldn’t mind the fountain of youth for his birthday though, for Father Time is undefeated for a reason. Today is going to be SUPER annoying. Sports networks are going to jam Tom Brady’s accomplishments down our throats. Enjoy throwing up everybody!!

Wladimir Klitschko 

His name may start with an inexplicable W, but his career did not end with a W. After an 11th round knockout by Anthony Joshua back in April, Klitcschko has decided to hang up his boxing gloves for good. While his last fight was competitive, it ultimately led to the decision for the 41 year old to retire. Klitschko enjoyed a very successful career, going 64-5 and in his 69 professional fights. This news leaves the heavyweight division even thinner than it already was. Good luck boxing….

Neymar Jr.

Hey, you got $222 Million Euro ($262 Million Dollars) sittin’ around?? You do?? Oh great! Let’s spend that on Neymar Jr. I can’t actually think of a better way to spend money. This is the current state of affairs in soccer. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will pay the largest transfer fee EVER to Barcelona to attain the rights to Neymar Jr. This is insane!!

Shutout City

Yesterday was an odd day in Major League Baseball. Of the 14 games that were played, 6 were shutouts. This is the 2nd most shutouts in one day in the past 11 years. The even crazier part is 4 of the 6 starting pitchers have E.R.A.s of 5.00 or more. And the CRAZIEST part is the teams these crappy pitchers blanked:

  • Washington Nationals
  • Houston Astros
  • New York Yankees
  • Chicago Cubs
  • Kansas City Royals
  • Philadelphia Phillies

Outside of the Phillies, those are REALLY GOOD hitting teams. For all of them to put up goose eggs on the same day, there must be some weird, cosmic energy floating around the universe.

 

What was the most exciting part of Wednesday for you?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

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!!

 

Roger Federer Wins Wimbledon Without Breaking A Sweat

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 5 Comments

Roger-Federer-Win-Mens-Singles-Beats-Marin-Cilic-in-Wimbledon

This was the most impressive thing you’ve ever seen at Wimbledon. That’s saying a lot, considering the all-time greats who have graced the All England Club. Roger Federer set the bar even higher Sunday, accomplishing something that hasn’t been done in 41 years. Not only did Roger Federer capture his record-breaking, 8th Wimbledon title, but he did it without losing a single set. This hasn’t been done since Bjorn Borg in 1976. Hold on, hold on..you mean he didn’t lose a set throughout the entire tournament?! Yes, that’s exactly what I mean. That is RIDICULOUS!!

Roger Federer now holds 19 Grand Slam Singles Titles, having won 2 this year (Australian Open and Wimbledon). This is 2017, not 2007 right???? Roger Federer is playing arguably the best tennis of his career. Sunday’s final saw Federer breeze through Marin Cilic, the 7th ranked player in the world, 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 in just 1 hour and 41 minutes.

Why is this so impressive?? Because he’s 35 years old!! As far as tennis goes, he qualifies for the senior citizen discount. Ya know, the early-bird, dinner at 4:30 pm special. Federer’s Wimbledon victory on Sunday, in which he didn’t have his serve broken, made him the oldest Wimbledon champion of all-time. The guy defines effortless. He seemingly never ages, sweats, or exerts himself. He’s essentially a robot. Which begs the question, how many more Grand Slams can Roger Federer win?? It is an extremely difficult question to answer, for every victory, every trophy hoisted, is accompanied by history.

Excuse me while I bust-out my art “skills”….

I’m going to draw a big circle over here to my left. Then I’m going to draw stick-figure representations of athletes I will NEVER doubt (no matter their age).

  • Roger Federer (35)
  • Tom Brady (39)
  • Lebron James (32)
  • Ichiro (42)
  • Jaromir Jagr (45)
  • Venus Williams (37)
  • Serena Williams (35)

Lebron James is not that old, but he has played the minutes of a 40 year old, plus he’s bald, so he just looks old. Everyone on this list continues to excel at their sport at an advanced age. And Venus Williams put forth an incredibly impressive performance in this year’s Wimbledon, making it to her 9th Wimbledon Final, before falling to Garbine Muguruza.

While it may feel like we’ve jumped in our DeLorean and gunned it to ’88, this really is 2017. And Roger Federer is still playing like Roger Federer. Federer will soon have a chance to capture 3 Grand Slam Titles in the same year. A feat he hasn’t accomplished since 2007. The U.S. Open, a.k.a. the most fun you’ll ever have at a tennis venue, starts on August 28th, 2017. It’s in New York, so you know it’s fun. And with Roger Federer playing at a high level, tennis fans will have yet another chance to witness history.

 

How many more Grand Slam Titles do you think Roger Federer will win?? Post your prediction 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. – 7:00 P.M EST.

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!!

 

 

The New York Knicks Can’t Give Jobs Away

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 5 Comments

alg-knicksgrade-jpg

Who am I?? What am I doing?? Where am I going?? How am I going to get there?? These questions are normal — standard — when you are 18. Those seeking direction in life will pose such questions. These questions, however, are not normal when you are a sports franchise in the biggest marketplace in the world. The door opens..and the New York Knicks enter.

The Knicks are a mess. They lack the basic skills a teenager would need to bathe themselves, dress themselves, and feed themselves. Which brings us to today. The Knicks are sitting in their own filth, trying to figure out how to work the microwave. They have, however, figured out how, in New York City, to become the least attractive destination in the NBA. Oh no, I’m not talking about attracting players anymore. Clearly that ship has sailed. I’m talking about employees. Imagine a world, where people get a job offer from the Knicks, and they say, “Naaa, I’m good, this sidewalk is comfy.”

That’s what David Griffin did yesterday. Griffin, the former General Manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, removed himself from the running for the Knicks’ General Manager position. And I don’t blame him. He probably got about 30 feet into Madison Square Garden before making a U-turn and sprinting toward the exit. Following his meeting with James Dolan, Griffin said, “the Knicks couldn’t make it work.” MAKE WHAT WORK?!?! The pen to sign on the dotted line?! Did it run out of ink?? All Dolan had to do was give Griffin control of player personnel. Ya know..let him make decisions. Apparently, that’s asking too much.

James Dolan is a moron. He continues to employ Steve Mills, who is clearly not qualified to make sound personnel decisions (hi Tim Hardway Jr.). And for those who are planning to wait out Dolan until he sells the team, don’t hold your breath. I’ve yet to meet a multi-millionaire who dislikes money. Allow me to repeat myself. The New York Knicks can’t find someone who wants to be their General Manager. I mean, I would take the job, so they can call me if they want…

But that’s the point. The Knicks will not sign an experienced General Manager. They will be forced to sign someone with minimal or no experience. In other words, they will hire someone who is desperate for work. Then, we will collectively cross our fingers and hope this mystery GM turns into the next Tom Brady (6th round draft pick turned greatest of all-time).

Oh boy, we’re crossing fingers now….

 

I want to hear from my Knicks fans. How much longer will you put up with this ineptitude?? Will you be a loyal Knicks fan for life, no matter the level of dysfunction?? Please help me understand 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!!

 

I Think We’ll Call This One….ConcussionGate

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

gisele

 

Apparently being a 5-time Super Bowl Champion, a multi-millionaire, and the best quarterback of all-time doesn’t qualify you to wear the pants in the family. Tom Brady is married to retired Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen. Oh yeah, she kept her maiden name. Despite having a net worth of approximately 180 million dollars, Brady is also NOT the bread winner in their household. Gisele’s net worth is an estimated 360 million dollars. Think they have enough money? Anyway, the point is, Tom couldn’t keep Gisele from ‘spilling the beans’ on national television.

On Wednesday, Gisele was interviewed on “CBS This Morning”. To see the cringe worthy portion of the interview, click here. Gisele blurted out that her husband had a concussion last year. She went on to say that he’s had multiple concussions in his career. Riiiigghhttt….Only problem there is Tom Brady has never been diagnosed with a concussion before, nor have the words head injury and Tom Brady ever collided on an injury report. If you follow the NFL or the New England Patriots, you know they are a big fan of filling up the injury report. Julian Edelman..you stubbed your toe? You’re on the injury report. Rob Gronkowski..you spiked a gallon of milk on ESPN again and some milk splattered on your thumb? You’re on the injury report. The Patriots have also been known to bend the rules from time-to-time, so this is a very intriguing revelation.

So, did Gisele just blow the doors off a concussion cover-up?! Yup, you guessed it, I’m going to tell you what I think. Here are the 3 possibilities for what this means:

1.) The most likely scenario is Gisele accidentally dropped the concussion bomb on live television. This will likely lead to a lengthy investigation by the NFL and could bring us flashbacks of ‘DeflateGate’ by introducing ‘ConcussionGate’. Yayy!!

2.) This next one is for all you conspiracy theorists out there. Is it possible that Tom and Gisele did this on purpose? Because the only thing better than attention….is more attention.

3.) And finally, there is the possibility that she just doesn’t know what she’s talking about. This is the least likely possibility (as well as the most insulting), but how could she possibly let the c-word fly?? That’s the holy grail of curse words in the NFL. Tom Brady probably saw that interview and was like, you gotta be kidding me….you don’t let me pee standing up, and now you do this?!?! ‘C’mon Man!

The initial question asked of Gisele was in response to Tom Brady’s ESPN interview earlier in the week. Brady said that Gisele wants him to retire, but he went on to say that he still feels great at 40 years old. And if he feels this good at 45 years old, why wouldn’t he still be playing football? Well Tom, nobody beats father time. And apparently neither Tom or father time will decide when it’s time to retire: “She makes decisions for our family that I’ve got to deal with. Hopefully she never says, ‘Look, this has to be it,'” Brady said “My wife and my kids, it’s a big investment of their time and energy too.”

Listen, I am a huge supporter of women’s rights, equal pay, and the empowerment of women. But, I also don’t believe relationships should be run or controlled by one person. That goes for men and women. Relationships and marriages only work if there is open communication and compromise. But I guess Tom Brady is living proof of ‘happy wife, happy life’.

Do you think Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are covering up concussions?? Tell me what you think in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

 

 

 

Spurs Win Overtime Thriller!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

manu

Whoever said ‘Father Time’ is unbeaten clearly hasn’t met Manu Ginobili. Or Tom Brady I’m assuming. Or Roy Jones Jr. for that matter. Did you know Jones Jr. is still fighting professionally at the age of 48?! That’s awesome!! Man, how did I get off topic already?! Anyway….Ginobili, the former 6th Man of the Year, turned back the clock Tuesday night, leading his San Antonio Spurs to victory (110 – 107 F/OT). They became his Spurs when Kawhi Leonard tweaked his ankle in the 3rd quarter after stepping on James Harden’s foot. Leonard would return to the game, but the injury forced him to watch the final 5:34 from the sidelines. With the series tied at 2-2, the atmosphere was tense inside AT&T Center. The fans, who seemingly stood the entire game, were rewarded with the best game of the 2017 playoffs. Exciting games have been few and far between in these playoffs, but Game 5 did not disappoint.

James Harden’s stat-line looks fantastic. He posted a triple-double with 33 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, numbers only tell part of the story. Harden was BRUTAL when it mattered most. Don’t believe me?? That’s okay, just check out James Harden’s final 5:54 of the game:

  • He went scoreless on 0-2 shooting
  • He had 4 turnovers (9 total for the game)
  • He committed a silly foul on Danny Green on a made basket with :30 left in overtime
  • And last but certainly not least, his 3-point attempt at the buzzer was blocked from behind by Manu Ginobili

Game 5 was not about Harden’s ugly beard, however, it was about the Spurs resilient performance. While their best player was resigned to the bench, the Spurs embodied the motto ‘Next Man Up’. Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, Patty Mills, and Jonathan Simmons put forth memorable performances. Mills played a team high 43 minutes, contributed 20 points, and hit a game high five 3-pointers (none bigger than the one that brought them within 2 with 2:12 left in regulation). Simmons brought the energy. After every big play, Simmons could be seen screaming and pumping his fists passionately. Simmons was also the culprit in 3 out of Harden’s 4 turnovers down the stretch. Danny Green singlehandedly outscored the Houston Rockets in overtime (7-6). He actually scored all 7 of those points in the final :56 of overtime (impressive right?). And then there’s soon-to-be 40, Manu Ginobili. Ginobili posted 12 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and most importantly 1 MONSTER BLOCK (as pictured above)!!

Manu Ginobili has been an essential part of the Spurs last 4 championships. And with Tony Parker already out for the remainder of the playoffs, and Kawhi Leonard now hobbled, Ginobili will need to channel the 2006-2007 version himself if he wants to wear ring number 5. Assuming the Spurs do outlast the Rockets, I can’t see them stealing more than 2 games from the Golden State Warriors. I’ll be rooting for Ginobili and the Spurs (even though I’m a loyal Knicks fan), but I think Curry and company will be too much to handle for old man river.

How far do you think the Spurs will go in the playoffs?? Let me know in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

 

 

 

 

Serena Williams Redefines Dominance

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

serena

We may never see dominance like this ever again. Over the last 22 years, we have seen Serena Williams transition from a 14-year old Phenom to the Greatest Female Tennis Player of All-Time. Serena won her first Grand Slam Title at the 1999 U.S. Open, at the ripe old age of 17!! Believe it or not, she is not the youngest woman to win a Grand Slam (making it about the only record she doesn’t hold). That distinction belongs to Martina Hingis, who won the 1997 Australian Open at the age of 16. Serena beat Hingis (then Number 1 in the world) in the finals of the 1999 U.S. Open. The list of Serena’s accomplishments would take days (possibly weeks) to write, so if you’d like to learn more about Serena’s career, please click here. Today, I am going to highlight why Serena Williams is the Greatest Female Tennis Player of All-Time and the 2nd most dominant athlete in the history of sports. Who’s the most dominant athlete of all-time?? Oh, you’ll have to keep reading to find out….

Serena Williams has landed in news headlines this past week. Mostly for amazing reasons, however, she unfortunately had to defend herself from the blatantly racist comments made by Ilie Nastase (a former tennis professional from Romania). Serena, as always, remained Serena: “This or anything else will not stop me from pouring love, light and positivity into everything that I do. I will continue to take a lead and stand up for what’s right.”

On the lighter side of things, this past week Serena shared her utmost joy with the world. Serena is pregnant!! This is a beautiful moment, and I want to wish her and her family health and happiness in the next chapter of their lives. This isn’t just an ordinary pregnancy (not that any pregnancy is ever ordinary), but Serena accomplished something I don’t think any other pregnant woman ever has before. Serena won the 2017 Australian Open while she was approximately 8 weeks pregnant. Let us all take a second to let that sink in………………………………………………………okay, still not wrapping your brain around that one? Yeah me neither. Allow me to put into perspective just how impressive her 2017 Australian Grand Slam Title was:

  1. She won her 7th Australian Open (An Open-Era Record)
  2. She became the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam Singles Title, breaking her own record (Age 35)
  3. She passed Steffi Graf for most Grand Slam Singles Titles in the Open-Era (23)
  4. She beat her own sister in the Australian Open Final (marking the 28th time they’ve played against each other – Serena holds a 17-11 advantage)
  5. She regained the World Number 1 Ranking
  6. And oh yeah she was anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks pregnant throughout the tournament

Serena Williams is beyond a shadow of a doubt the Greatest Female Tennis Player of All-Time. She is also the 2nd most dominant athlete of all-time. The most dominant athlete of all-time is Wayne Gretzky. Yes, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, and Babe Ruth were/are amazing athletes. But the separation from these athletes and the 2nd best athletes in their respective sports doesn’t compare to that of The Great One.

Don’t worry sports fans, Serena will be back. In a letter she penned to her unborn child she wrote, “I can’t wait for you to join the players box next year”. Serena, congratulations, best of luck, and we look forward to seeing you on the court again soon.

Who do you think is the Greatest Female Tennis Player of All-Time? Who do you think is the most dominant athlete of all-time? Let me know in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!