Compton ain't what it used to be

Richard Sherman certainly sparked nationwide debate.  My Facebook and Twitter were chock full of differing reactions to Mr. Sherman's rant for a few days.  I honestly did not catch the whole game, we left to go see Lone Survivor at half time.  After seeing varying reactions and hearing mumbles at work, I finally got around to watching the clip.  My first reaction - what the heck is L.O.B.?  Guess that shows my Seattle fanhood.  For my fellow uninitiates, it stands for Legion Of Boom, a nickname for the Seahawks shutdown secondary. 
A lot of the reaction to Richard Sherman is that he is a thug, that he is what's wrong with America, and the "definition of _________" (insert racial slur there).  I went into watching the clip having heard and read all of these things.  The main reason I looked up L.O.B. is because I thought that HAD to be the thuggish part. Nothing else was. 
Let's put this in perspective.  Richard Sherman had made a gigantic play that sealed what was probably the biggest win in his career.  He was excited.  Who wouldn't be?  This was probably what he had dreamed of since he was a little boy. Not only was it a huge game-deciding play, it was a huge game-deciding play over someone that he had an established rivalry with.  Someone that he probably looks forward to beating.  After all that a reporter shoves a microphone in his face and asks him some questions.  His response consisted of a whole lot of yelling, particularly in Crabtree's direction. Erin Andrews was not an interviewer as much as a conduit for his excitement and anger.
Replay what he said.  He challenged Crabtree, rebuffed an earlier statement, and pumped himself up as the best at his position.  Not once did he swear, speak overtly violently, or say anything about the "thug life".  Honestly, I am impressed by his restraint.  How many 25 year olds aren't going to swear right after a play like that?  He had the composure to not do something like that, even if he was yelling. 
In my definition, Richard Sherman is not a thug. Nor a disgrace.  If I am being honest, I prefer the Barry Sanders type of player. Low key, respectful, workmanlike.  Richard Sherman did not gain me as a fan through his post game interview.  However, he did not shock or turn me way.  To me, he's like 99% of the NFL.  A guy whose name I know, but don't harbor any specific feelings for or against.
An athlete needs to be confident to the point of arrogance.  I can tell from my personal "athletic career" that one of the things I have been missing is that confidence.  In jiu jitsu, it takes gall to try some of the submissions.  Otherwise, you could very well end up in a bad spot.  You guessed it, I normally do not go for those submissions.  To be an athlete is to put every ounce of your being into yourself.  You have to believe that the long painful workouts, strict diet, time away from family and friends, will make you the best in your chosen sport.  Otherwise, what is it all for?  You need to believe that you are the best, even more so in a solo sport. 
My friend pointed out today that athletes are not historically judged based on their demeanor.  I can guarantee you that none of us would want to compete against Michael Jordan in anything.  However, he is idolized as one of the all time greats.  I am guilty of this too.  Floyd Mayweather Jr. bugs me with his arrogance.  And yet, I have a poster of Muhammad Ali up in my man cave. 
That same friend posed a question to me.  At the end of the day, would I take Richard Sherman on my football team if I was the head coach.  Let's see, he is one of the premier players at his position, is valued in his community, and has never had legal problems.  I'll take him every time.

2014 NFL Mock Draft

It's that time of year again for all Detroit Lions fans in the great State of Michigan - some turn on the Red Wings, some hop on the Tom Brady Express, and most resume their binge drinking ways and weep into the new Matthew Stafford Jersey they bought around Week 10.

Me on the other hand, I like to look ahead into the future and make countless predictions that would alter an NFL franchise's future for better or worse.  I'm hoping to have at least one "I-told-you-so" that is strong enough to mask the scent of the Honolulu Blue Kool-Aid I had been drinking all season long.

Even though a lot is bound to change when the playoffs end and the NFL combine occurs, I believe this to be a pretty well rounded prediction for what is bound to happen.

So without any further adieu, here is the First Round of the Sports Mitten's Mock NFL Draft.


1. Houston Texans

Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

Going from Super Bowl likely to blowing up the headsets, the Texans are probably the most talented team to ever earn the First Overall selection.  Bringing in new Head Coach Bill O'Brien from Penn State could be what this team needs to reach the next level and I think Houston should either trade down and receive multiple first round picks (Rams, Browns) or take OT Jake Matthews from Texas A&M.  Matthews is a huge, Pro Bowl caliber player that will start from the first snap of Week 1. He will provide a huge weak side presence giving whoever may quarterback the Texans next year (Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kirk Cousins, Mike Vick, Christian Ponder, Josh Freeman) a lot of time to find down-field threats Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins for six.

Even though Matt Schaub has been chased out of town (literally) and former hometown Houston Cougar NCAA National record setter Case Keenum turned out to be a flat tire, I do not think taking a quarterback first overall is smart.  Teddy Bridgewater and Johnny Manziel may be extremely talented but I think it would be smarter to shop free agency or trade for their Quarterback needs.

2. St. Louis Rams

Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

I think the Rams will give Sam Bradford one more shot as a starting Quarterback and continue to build their defense by picking this long, quick, and strong Outside Linebacker from UCLA.  He is the Lott IMPACT Award winner with 10 total sacks for 66 total yards and ended Matt Barkley's college career with a shoulder splitting sack in November 2012.  Opposite Alec Ogletree and behind the dynamic pass rushing duo of Robert Quinn and Chris Long, this Rams defense could be a sack-frenzy this upcoming season.  Although I doubt this pick will propel St. Louis to the top of the NFC West, it is the smartest and creates an entertaining combo to watch.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

I am in no way, shape, or form a Johnny Football fan boy but Jaguar's Owner Shad Khan is a fan of money and that is exactly what Manziel emulates.  He may not be the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or even 4th best quarterback in this years draft, but he will sell tickets, jerseys, and (irony intended) autographs.  I believe Johnny Football to have a Doug-Flutie-esque career at most but will be a temporary answer to Jacksonville's continuous Quarterback woes and get the fans excited again.

4. Cleveland Browns

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Clowney was a sure First Overall pick ever since he was on the front cover of ESPN The Magezine as a Senior in high school.  Yet this past season had shown a lack of drive, effort, and numbers which has caused many to question whether this Freak of Nature has what it takes to become the Hall of Fame defensive end he was one perceived.  But even with these questions he is still athletically dominant and a Week 1 starter.

5. Oakland Raiders

Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Even though many experts believe Bridgewater to be the runaway First Overall pick, I feel like his padded stats against a weak American Athletic Conference have masked many of his flaws.  Although Louisville won 12 games this year and 27 with Teddy under center, including last year's Orange Bowl, many of his incompletions were over thrown passes that any NFL defensive backfield would feed off of (i.e. Geno Smith).  But he is accustomed to the pro-style offense and very elusive to pressure which makes him a unique combo with enough potential for a team dying for a QB to take.

6. Atlanta Falcons

Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

Robinson is big, strong, and due to their security at QB, LB, WR, and CB, the safest pick for Atlanta.  He is a future Pro-Bowler and a leader of Auburn's dominant run game.  If I was Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff I would try to trade down and acquire more picks for depth, but it is hard to pass up on a big body like Robinson.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Evans is my favorite wide receiver in this year's Draft. With him opposite of Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay would have two of the biggest wide receivers in the NFL and a dangerous combo for young Mike Glennon to work with on his Sophomore stint.

8. Minnesota Vikings

Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

Bortles proved to be ready for the Big Stage after he lead UCF to a Fiesta Bowl victory over the heavily favored Balyor Bears.  Blake is big and elusive but questions concerning his lack of competition in college may be why he isn't regarded as the top overall QB.  The Vikes have busted and ready to move on from Christian Ponder, Matt Cassel, and Josh Freeman, so Bortles would be the easy choice as the next available QB on many's Big Boards.

9. Buffalo Bills

Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo

Mack may be relatively unknown coming from a Non-BCS school, but when you look at his numbers it is obvious he played well out of his league.  With a FBS record 75 tackles for loss and 16 forced fumbles, Mack caused havoc for his MAC competition.  Look for him to move around from OLB and DE and continue to put up big tackle numbers in the AFC East.

10. Detroit Lions

Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

The Lions need someone ANYONE on the outside of their secondary.  The leader of the "No Fly Zone" Michigan State defensive backfield is a good place to start but Lions GM Martin Mayhew will need to do serious moves in free agency to make the Lions able to win and defend the passing attacks of NFC North rival Packers and Bears.

11. Tennessee Titans

Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

This is a huge steal for the Titans if Watkins does fall down this far.  He is an incredible combination of hands and speed that would create a huge play tandem between him and franchise RB Chris Johnson.  Kendal Wright and Nate Washington proved to be adequate out wide last season but I think it is impossible to pass up of a talent like Watkins if he does drop as far as I predict.

12. New York Giants

Zack Martin, OG, Notre Dame

Martin is low on many expert's Big Boards because he is a left tackle being forced to play guard because of his lack of size.  But the Fighting Irish captain is smart, talented, and regarded as the best interior offensive lineman in the Draft and that is what the G-Men need most to keep Eli Manning on his feet.

13. St. Louis Rams

Cyrus Kouandijo, OT, Alabama

Kouandijo has a dream OT body - 6'5, 310 lbs, and only 16% body fat.  He utilizes his lack of flab with quick feet - something imperative to stop the pass rush in the NFC West.

14. Chicago Bears

Cedric Ogbuehi, OT, Texas A&M

Although he is regarded as a tackle because of his length, Ogbuehi played his first two seasons as a guard next to 2012 3rd Overall Pick Luke Joeckel and 2013 Top Pick Jake Mathews.  Da Bears need some help on the interior offensive line and should play Ogbuehi there - but his versatility and experience at different positions should be a great asset to any team in filling gaps on their line.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers

Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan

At this time last season Lewan was a projected Top 5 pick but he passed up an opportunity in the NFL for his Senior season at Michigan.  The Steelers' offensive line was extremely beat up this season and need an upgrade - Lewan's experience and leadership would be vital  for this aging Pittsburgh team.

16. Baltimore Ravens

Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Lee put up huge numbers his Junior year and was awarded Biletnikoff Award as the top reciever in the nation.  The Ravens need another weapon to compliment Torrey Smith and Dennis Pitta.  Joe Flacco is a very good quarterback but the Ravens need to fill the gap left by Anquan Bolden's departure to bring this team back to a Super Bowl caliber level.

17. Dallas Cowboys

Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

The Cowboys had the worst defense in the league and they need to fill a lot of gaps on their defensive line and secondary.  Tuitt is big and will make an immediate impact on the pass rush and run stop.  Dallas may have an atrocious defensive backfield but with all of the rules favoring receivers and other gaps on their defense, it would be smart to use a later pick or test free agency for a cornerback.

18. New York Jets

Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

The Jets really need more weapons out wide for Geno Smith but with Evans, Watkins, and Lee most likely gone by now and the drop off in talent to the next WR, Ebron is the next best choice.  He set records for receiving as a TE at North Carolina and could be utilized as a Jimmy Graham, Kellen Winslow, etc.

19. Miami Dolphins

Cameron Erving, OT, Florida State

Miami lost two very good offensive lineman in Richie Incognito and Jonathon Martin due to the bullying scandal earlier this year and the most sensible choice would be to fill that huge hole.  Erving is physically a prototype left tackle and the easy pick for the Dolphins.

20. Arizona Cardinals

Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State

The Cards' defense was quite the surprise this season with the 7th best scoring defense and 6th fewest yards allowed in the league.  Shazier would provide a huge boost to the edge opposite of John Abraham and/or replace the aging Vet when the time comes.  Shazier is high on the single season and career marks for solo tackles and tackles for loss at Ohio State and has the potential to be a surplus tackler for a long time.

21. Green Bay Packers

Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

Jermichael Finley was downed twice this season due to concussions and spine issues, which ended his season and possibly his career.  Despite Finley's will to return, picking up TE Eric Ebron would be ideal if he dropped this far.  Yet that is highly unlikely and the next best choice would be CB Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma State to help with Green Bay's horrendous secondary that forces Aaron Rodgers to continuously out-duel opposing offenses.

22. Philadelphia Eagles

Hasean Clinton-Dix, FS, Alabama

Philly was last in the league for passing defense and Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix is the best Safety available.  The Eagles are set on the offensive side of the ball, even if it is debatable whether due to talent or Chip Kelly's scheme, and that defense is so spotty that it is necessary to pass up on a few more talented players to fill the huge gaps.

23. Kansas City Chiefs

C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

Kansas City really could use another weapon out wide for Alex Smith but if C.J. Mosley is there, they need to take him.  ILB's are not in high demand for many teams but KC needs someone explosive next to Derrick Johnson in the middle of their 3-4.  Working along side an experienced Veteran like Johnson really would help Mosley grow and be a very productive player for the Chiefs.

24. Cincinatti Bengals

Calvin Pryor, FS, Louisville

The Bengals had serious injury problems with their secondary this year and it was obvious they were not deep enough.  Although I would love for them to take a cornerback because I believe Dre Kirpatrick to be a bust, I think Cinci will ride that draft pick a little while longer and fill the hole at safety.  On paper, the Bengals are very talented with few gaps and this will be the smartest pick for the organization.

25. San Diego Chargers

Jason Verrett, CB, TCU

Chargers are 22nd in the league for total defense and have been fortunate that Philip Rivers has reemerged as an effective weapon to out-duel other offenses.  Their biggest hole is at the cornerback position so they should get one early and if Verrett is there they should take him.  TCU used to regularly put Verrett on an island in coverage against the opposing team's best WR, something he wouldn't be afraid to do in the NFL.

26. Cleveland Browns

Derek Carr, QB, Fresno St.

Cleveland is lucky enough to have two first round picks this year after trading RB Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts. If the Browns pass on a Quarterback on their earlier pick like I believe, they will have to land one with their second.  Carr could go in the Top 10 but if he is passed up for Bridgewater, Manziel, and Bortles, Cleveland needs to get him.  He is built to be a starting NFL Quarterback and has the arm to back it up. (Yet so did his brother, David.)

27. New Orleans Saints

Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson

The Saints had one of the top defenses in the NFL but lack talent and were extremely shallow at outside linebacker.  Beasley would fill a hole and provide a dominant pass rusher that would further excel New Orleans' already dominant defense.

28. New England Patriots

Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame

The Pats have two fairly unknown big men at the center of their D-line when Vince Wilfork went down for the season and Nix would perfectly fill that gap.  The ND tackle is 6'2, 350+ lbs and bizarrely quick on his feet - something unheard of in the NFL.  I somewhat doubt Nix will be available by the 28th pick, but I believe he would be a perfect match in New England and hope it does come true.

29. San Francisco 49ers

Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri

San Francisco is pretty well rounded on both sides of the ball but many of their star players are aging.  Justin Smith is still a dominant player but will be 35 years old a couple weeks into the season and Aldon Smith has had his off the field problems that has kept him from playing.  Having an explosive DE like Ealy would add depth and compliment players like Brooks, Bowman, and Willis to continue the 49ers dominance in the NFC.

30. Carolina Panthers

Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State

This 6'5 wide receiver would give Cam Newton a huge target opposite of Steve Smith.  His size compliments the speed of Smith and Ginn perfectly and will further develop Newton as an Elite QB in the NFL.  Benjamin makes big plays, as evident in the BCS National Championship, and would be an immediate impact.

31. Denver Broncos

Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas

Denver's #1 priority is making sure the bionic Peyton Manning is healthy and upright in the pocket.  The Broncos are old and weak at the interior line and picking up a consistent player like Swanson would be an immediate impact.  He started all 50 games of his four year career at Arkansas and would be a ready, Week 1 starter as he has faced elite, NFL-esque competition in the SEC.

32. Seattle Seahawks

Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech

Amaro broke the single season recieving yards record for a TE in the NCAA and would be a prime weapon for Russel Wilson.  The Texas Tech record setter would be an immediate weapon catching the ball but may need to develop his blocking to be an elite player.  Yet his potential is too high for Seattle not to pick him up.

Leyland's Exit Marks the End of an Era

Monday marked the end of an era here in Detroit as Jim Leyland stepped down as manager of the Tigers after the team was eliminated from the American League Championship Series by the Boston Red Sox.  Although he had a relatively short tenure, the eight years Leyland spent as the Tigers' skipper were extremely successful and he left very big shoes to fill.

Leyland took over the Tigers in 2006 as part of an ongoing rebuilding project led by Owner Mike Ilitch and GM Dave Dombrowski.  Ilitch had the money to spend and Dombrowski had an elaborate plan to turn a team that lost 119 games a few years prior into a World Series contender.  The Tigers had already acquired veterans like Ivan Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez, Kenny Rogers, Carlos Guillen, and Placido Polonco as well as up-and-coming stars like Justin Verlander and Curtis Granderson all prior to Leyland's hiring - but Jim was the gelling agent that came in and turned this "talent into a team."  In his very first season, Leyland led the Tigers to their first postseason appearance since 1987 and their first World Series appearance since 1984 - that was almost 20 years of playoff-less, October-less, and winning-less baseball in the Motor City!

Over his 8 year tenure, Jim led the Tigers to a 700-597 regular season record with only one losing season in that time.  He transformed the Tigers from a last place regular to yearly contenders in the AL Central, winning the division the last three seasons.  Not only have the Tigers never won three consecutive divisional pennants in franchise history but before Leyland became skipper, Detroit had only won three in the past 34 years!

Now don't get me wrong - a lot of his wins are due to the fact that the front office finally decided to be a large payroll club and hand out the big bucks to superstars like Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, Prince Fielder, etc., but it has been evident that without an excellent clubhouse leader like Leyland, a team can have all the talent in the world and still fail.  Just look at last year's Red Sox - poor clubhouse presence led to their worst season in almost 50 years.  This season a new manager comes in and BOOM! - the Red Sox turn it around, win the ALCS and are World Series favorites.  I believe baseball is more of a team sport than any other on this planet - it is a lot more difficult for one player to individually win a game for his/her team in the MLB compared to the NBA or NFL and that is why it is so important to have that adhesive leader like Leyland to assure all cylinders are running full blast.

As a 22 year old Tigers fan, Jim Leyland means so much to me because he gave the generation of fans born after '87 something they never experienced - a winning baseball club.  I grew up going to games because it was a historic American past time for a young boy to be at a major league ball park with his dad rather than an actual entertaining event to watch.  I used to be more excited for the wave to come back around rather than anything actually happening on the field!

Leyland has managed to give the young fans today at Comerica Park something I would have envied to experience - a winning tradition.  Kids are excited for their team and always expect to come out on top.  They know that every time the Tigers walk out onto the field that a W is more than likely to happen and are on the edge of their seat for every pitch.  They will grow up to be a much better fan than I would ever consider myself because of the championship culture they've grown a custom to that I wasn't fortunate enough to experience.

These past eight years have been magical not only for Tigers fans but for the city as a whole.  In a time when Detroit looked like it was going to crumble to non-existence, Jim Leyland led these Tigers to win after win and instilled hope in a city that was rebuilding from the edge of destruction.  As a current resident of Detroit I can easily say there is nothing more enchanting than seeing this city come alive for Tigers' baseball.  Downtown is flooded in patrons donning the Old-English D, from a business man's ball cap to a homeless -man's coat - it can be seen no matter where you look.

In conclusion, replacing Jim will not be an easy feat.  There is a winning culture here in Detroit and whoever fills Leyland's shoes will not only have to win games but also the division, the league, and eventually a World Series - and anything less will be a monumental disappointment.

Week 7 NFL Predictions

I am a little late posting my picks this week but I swear I am too enveloped in the Tigers vs Red Sox ALCS game to watch what is happening on Thursday Night Football.  Last week I went 8-7 and am not too happy about that.  Lets see what I have this week..

Thursday Night Football

Seattle Seahwaks at Arizona Cardinals

The last time these two teams met on December 9th of last year the Sea Birds stomped the Cards 58-0 thanks to their defense that forced 8 turnovers, two of which returned for TD's.  Even though this is a much better Arizona team than last year with Carson Palmer under center and Larry Fitzgerald on the field, Seattle's defense will prove to be too dominant and beat-up on this Cardinal offense again.  I think Arizona will keep it close at home but late turnovers will put the kabob on their chances for an upset.

Seattle 27 Arizona 20

Sunday 1:00PM Games

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

This is my "Toilet Bowl" Game of the Week.  The Dirty Birds are without Julio Jones for the rest of the season which is a huge loss for Matt Ryan and the league's 2nd best pass offense, and the Bucs' ship is sinking all the way to the First Overall Pick in next years Draft.  Look for back-up WR Harry Douglas to flourish in the newly opened starting spot as Roddy White is stranded out on Revis Island.  Tampa Bay may have looked a little better with Rookie Mike Glennon at QB, but Atlanta is at home and the Bucs as a whole are just too bad. Give me the Falcons and Matty Ice going 300+ 3TDs

Atlanta 31 Tampa Bay 16

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

The Bills almost pulled off the OT upset against the Bengals last week with practice squad superstar Thad Lewis under center but came up a little short.  Miami looks like one of the worst offensive teams in the league on paper but somehow has managed to grind out wins at Cleveland and at Indianapolis.  I think the Bills two headed run game will prove to be too dominant and the Dolphins defense will give up 100-yard rushing days to both CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson.  Bills win pretty easily.

Buffalo 28 Miami 16

New England Patriots at New York Jets

I don't know how Tom Brady keeps doing it and honestly I don't think anyone cares as long as he keeps getting W's.  This Jets defense is at home and will force an abundance of 3-and-Out drives but Geno Smith and this Jets offense turn the ball over too much to stand a chance in this game against a Patriot defense that can make game-changing plays.  Gronk still isn't going to suit up but Brady will get enough big plays from utility man Julian Edleman and rookie wide out Kenbrell Thompkins to score on this tough New York Defense and win.

New England 20 New York 12

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles

Back-up QB Nick Foles is in and injured Mike Vick is out for the Eagles and they actually look a little better.  Dallas' Tony Romo will throw for 3 TD's against this league worst defense and get a lot of Fantasy Owners a W but it won't be enough for the 'Boys to win in Philly.  LeSean McCoy has 100+ rushing and 50 + receiving, DeShaun Jackson has 150+ receiving and 2 TD's, and Jerry Jones gets grumpy in the owners box as the Eagles barely out-duel Dallas.

Philadelphia 38 Dallas 35

Chicago Bears at Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III looked like his old-mobile-self against the Cowboys last week but couldn't complete a pass and put up any points.  This Bears defense is a lot better and will put a hurtin' on this weak Redskin O-line.  Bears shut it down easily.

Chicago 24 Washington 10

St. Louis Rams at Carolina Panthers

The Rams looked pretty good against the Texans last week but that isn't saying too much.  Carolina has a good enough defense to shut down this weak St. Louis offense and Cam Newton cam score enough to get a W.  Look for plays of 50+ yards from Steve Smith catching passes and Ted Ginn Jr returning punts.

Carolina 24 St. Louis 20

San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville is the worst team in the NFL and would probably lose to a couple College teams (Alabama, Oregon) if they ever played.  Sure they stuck around last week against Peyton Manning and the Broncos but look for Philip Rivers to throw all over the Jags' defense and rack up 350+ yards through the air.

San Diego 38 Jacksonville 14

Cincinnati Bengals at Detroit Lions

I went against my boys in Honolulu Blue last week and they made me look as stupid as Roger Goodell dropping "Targeting Fines" in his hopes of one day making this the NFFL, National Flag Football League.  Calvin Johnson is expected to play which will stretch this dominant Bengal secondary out and open up the field for big plays from Reggie Bush on the screen and Big Joe Fauria in the red zone.  The Bengals' offense isn't close to what it could be and won't keep up with Detroit's firepower.

Detroit 30 Cincinnati 24

Sunday 4:00PM Games

San Francisco 49ers at Tennessee Titans

I'm not a fan of the 49ers at all but the Titans aren't good enough to beat this strong San Fran' defense.  Ryan Fitzpatrick is filling in for injured QB Jake Locker and he is going to wish he was back on the bench after this game.  49ers get 4+ takeaways and hold Tennessee to less than 150 yards total offense.

San Francisco 27 Tennessee 6

Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers

The Cheese Heads lost Randall Cobb and possibly James Jones to injuries last week which really hurts Aaron Rogers out wide.  But I have lost all faith in what hope the Browns had with Brian Hoyer under center and there is no way they can win in Lambeau.

Green Bay 24 Cleveland 10

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs

Houston is starting third string QB Case Keenum which is pretty much their way of saying "Yeah, we're not gonna win this one."  The unbeaten Chiefs stay that way.

Kansas City 20 Houston 6

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers

This AFC North battle is definitely the one to watch out of the four o'clock games.  Two notorious defenses will grind the opposing offenses to the ground for a classic low scoring affair.  Both team's run games are borderline non-existent so I think this one will come down to the QB's.  Joe Flacco may be the reigning Super Bowl MVP but Ben Roethlisburger will hit Antonio Brown on a corner fade on the final drive of the game for the Steelers second W of the season.

Pittsburgh 16 Baltimore 13

Sunday Night Football

Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts

Peyton returns to Indianapolis to make Jim Irsay and friends look stupid.  This is the best chance for Denver to lose this season but its not going to happen (yes, that means I think they will go undefeated.)  Manning goes for 400+ 4TDs and Andrew Luck is exposed as a downgrade from Peyton and his giant forehead.

Denver 41 Indianapolis 27

Monday Night Football



Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants

This is just going to be bad.  The Vikes look like they are going to start the exiled-Buc Josh Freeman but I don't think it will be enough to beat the G-men.  Eli Manning will have a little pressure taken off of his shoulders with Brandon Jacobs performing well in the backfield which will reduce the QB's turnovers.  It will stay close and seem like a good game but there will be an abundance of mistakes and the Giants have the play-makers to capitalize.

Giants 24 Vikings 23

All Day

Sports can be larger than just some game.  They can bring us together or divide us.  They can bring joy or heartache.  And sometimes, they can just bring normalcy.
Adrian Peterson's son passed away after apparent abuse this past week.  Mind you, this abuse did not come at Peterson's hands and the man that is allegedly responsible is in police custody. Adrian has also asked for privacy in this very painful matter.
Peterson spoke with the media briefly on Friday, stating that he planned to play in today's game against the Panthers.  Hopefully the normalcy of preparing and playing a football game and the camaraderie of his Vikings teammate will help to console Peterson in this unimaginably hard time in his life.
The Sports Mitten sends our thoughts and prayers to the Peterson family as they face this painful, confusing, and tumultuous time in their lives

ALCS Preview/Battle of the Bands

Tonight starts the League Championship series in Major League Baseball.  The Los Angeles Dodgers head into St. Louis to take on the Cardinals, who are in their third straight National League Championship series.  

Tomorrow in Boston, the Detroit Tigers face off against the Boston Red Sox just two days after a thrilling game five victory over the Oakland Athletics.  Justin Verlander finally remembered he is just better than everyone and pitched a gem like we haven’t seen him pitch in a while.  8IP, 2H, 1BB with 10Ks.   Somewhere in America, Kate Upton is thinking she chose the wrong baseball players (Upton was last seen on the cover of Sports Illustrated with Atlanta Braves strikeout kings, BJ and Justin Upton).  

Picking the winners for these games is almost as hard as hitting a Justin Verlander fastball; you may get lucky and hit one, but odds are you will go 1-4 and embarrass yourself more often than not.  I decided to go a different route and pick which band relates the most to each team, and then narrow the champion down by which band I like the most.

First up we have the Detroit Tigers and this was the easiest choice for me to decide.  If the first band you thought of when thinking of the Tigers wasn’t Bob Seger then you should seriously reconsider your Tiger fandom.  If the fact that Seger grew up in the burbs of Ann Arbor isn’t enough, Seger made millions singing to the working class citizens of Detroit.  I wouldn’t even be surprised if JV had “The Fire Inside” blaring in his headphones before the game.  

Bob Seger is all Detroit and his music personifies this team perfectly... filthy rich owner/team/players gritting out victories to inspire the almost destitute Detroit.  Nothing is better for 9-5 factory workers to get out of work and head to Comerica Park and see Miguel Cabrera gut through at-bats or Max Scherzer work his way out of a bases loaded, no out jam to send the series into a decisive game 5.  

Seger made his money singing to the same group that affectionately support the Tigers, just like owner, Mike Ilitch makes his money of that group who eats his pizza and buys his baseball tickets.  

If we were going to give players song titles I have a few that go great with their style of play.  First, we have the slick fielding Jose Iglesias and night moves.  That goes without saying.   Do me a favor, go to Youtube and look up a collection of Iglesias highlights and put on Night moves in the background.  There is a direct correlation of Iglesias’ fielding, night moves and love making.  

Next would be Jhonny Peralta and Turn the Page.  Any questions about a player who got popped for juicing, served his suspension and then came back to hit a series changing home run and how the song “Turn the Page” relate I can’t help you.  Jhonny did wrong, Turned the Page and moved on.  

Any Tigers list would not be complete without reigning MVP and probable Cy Young award winner, Miguel Cabrera and Max Scherzer, respectively.  I had a hard time thinking of any Seger songs that accurately depict Miguel Cabrera so I decided on “The Mountain. “  The song lyrics aren’t so much descriptive as the title is.  Have you ever actually seen Miguel Cabrera in person?  He is huge.  Hulking.  Massive.  Mountainous.  The Mountain works just fine for him.

Max Scherzer gets the song Roll Me Away.  Not necessarily because he rolls people away, but because it would be really easy to change the lyrics to blow me away, which would describe the American League leader in wins perfectly.  Scherzer finished second in the A.L. with 240 Ks behind Texas’, Yu Darvish.  Scherzer was most recently seen in game four relief in a bases loaded jam with zero outs.  It would be the first time in A.L. history where a team faced a bases loaded jam with zero outs, a slight lead and they escaped unscathed.  With that one inning, Scherzer has inspired me to change the lyrics to one of my favorite Seger songs lyrics for the rest of my life.  

The next team in the song eliminator is the Boston Red Sox.  I had to think of a band that was just a group of players that were kicked out of their old towns and sent to a team that finished last in their division.  My theory isn’t that its the beards that make the Red Sox the favorite to win the World Series...it’s the testosterone they have been taking to grow these beards.  Seriously...look at them.  Half of those beards are what college freshman dream of in their first ‘No Shave November”.   (I really don’t think these guys are juicing, I am a huge Boston fan, just super jealous of their beards).

Anyway, for Boston I chose the band Dropkick Murphys.  Why?  Because who else?  Boston is known for their connections with Irish heritage and what better band to pick than an angry Celtic punk band from Massachusetts?  It just so happens that the Dropkick Murphys have four (that I found) songs that contain Boston somewhere in the title. This band even seems like they are begging to be on the team.  

The Dropkick Murphys also have their own version of the song ‘Tessie’ that is played after victories at Fenway park.  The song Tessie is originally from an old, old screenplay that was sung way back when the Red Sox were the Boston Americans.  Being a fan of the Red Sox, the Murphys were sick of that damned Bambino curse and they sang, drank and punched their way in the song to the 2004 World Series.  

So we have a song that is sung after victories and a group of bearded gamers who play in Beantown?  You have issues if that doesn’t scream Irish/Celtic punk music.  The way the Dropkick Murphys play their music is also very similar to how the Red Sox play ball...with a beautiful combination of ferocity and fun.  Watching Dustin Pedroia dive across the dirt to make plays at second base or Jacoby Ellsbury completely take center field out of the equation was just meant to be watched while listening to “I’m shipping off to Boston” (yet another Boston connection).  

These players have the rockstar attitude; the “I don’t care who you are or what your stats are, lets go” flare.  It’s the perfect type of baseball for a bunch of 27 year olds ,who have some Irish blood in them, to get drunk on Killians and cheer for David Ortiz to smack a home run over the green monster.  

John Lackey is the first player that comes to mind when I’m thinking of songs.  Lackey didn’t have the greatest year in the wins column, he unfortunately had terrible run support, but the song Johnny Law comes to mind.  A pitcher who came back from Tommy John surgery to post a 3.52 ERA and an impressive 1.16 automatically qualifies for a player known for laying down the law.  His 10-13 record may not have been the greatest, but Lackey kept the Red Sox in the game almost every single time he pitched.  

My favorite player in baseball is Dustin Pedroia, so it’s only fitting he gets the song “My Hero”.  Now the song is about the singers dad, and Dustin Pedroia is not my dad.  But when it comes to baseball, Dustin Pedroia is my hero.  He gives short, balding white men hope.  His play says “If you come to work every day, grind out every at bat, get your jersey dirty in pretty much the first inning of every game, then damnit you can get paid millions upon millions of dollars.”  Pedroia is the cult hero of many Red Sox fans, but his ‘hero’ status definitely went up when he decided to show the world he can grow just about the best beard in baseball.  When it comes to baseball, Dustin Pedroia is “My Hero”.

*I should also add that “Hey there little rich boy” would be a great song for Pedroia, because he is, fact rich and little.*

For David Ortiz I had a hard time picking between “10 years of service” and “Going out in style”.  I decided to go with both because Ortiz is going out in style after his 16 years of service.  David Ortiz should be considered the greatest DH in the history of the game.  Not just because of his eye-popping stats, but how he did them.  At 37 years of age Ortiz is having a renaissance season and is a huge reason the Boston lineup is the most dangerous in the major leagues.  He hit 30 home runs and drove in 100 RBIs for the 7th time...at age 37.  At age 37 ARod is lucky to be in the league AND he wishes he could grow half the facial hair Ortiz does.  

The majority of the songs by the Dropkick Murphys are about doing something violent or attacking, which is exactly how the Boston lineup plays.  They have a relentless attack on opposing pitchers until they completely wear them down until “Tessie” plays.  

Now comes the time to choose which band I like more, which is is an easy choice.  As much as I love the Red Sox and as much as I would love to see them win the World Series for 1) My own selfish reasons and 2) what happened at the Boston Marathon.  I can’t go away from Bob Seger.  Seger can grow a beard like any Boston player and can play Detroit Rock & Roll with the best of them.  I’m picking Bob Seger over the Dropkick Murphys in 6 games.  Although I would not be upset if I got to hear Tessie in game 7.  

NO! Bad Toquinho! Naughty Boy!

I will NEVER roll with Rousimar Palhares.  never.  Even if he's teaching a free seminar in my garage.  Even if he's offering me money for it.  I like my legs where they are.  Sure, they could be less white and hairy,  but they've gotten me around for nearly 30 years and have even helped me run races.  What Palhares (or Paul Harris on MMA forums and blogs) did to Mike Pierce last night was simply unacceptable.  He has lost me as a fan and as a supporter.
Podcaster Dan Carlin calls history the autobiography of a madman.  Palhares' career has another study in lunacy.  You always know something weird is going to happen.  Whether it be a pre-emptive celebration including climbing the cage before a fight is over or getting knocked out while looking at the ref to whine. Palhares is either diving for a leg lock and holding a submission too long or just having mental lapses.  The utter definition of having a screw loose.  However, you never want to be locked in a cage with an elite grappler that has a screw loose and looks like this:

Palhares is a leg lock specialist.  For those of you who have never been caught in a leg lock, I wouldn't suggest it.  They go from no pain to not being able to walk for months in a split second.  If someone holds on to a choke for a couple seconds too long, the worst that can happen is you wake up with everyone standing over you and then can keep going.  (Unlike the movies where people die after being locked up in a rear naked for ten seconds.) Arm and should locks usually require a build up that lets you know that you're about to tap.  Leg locks are instantaneous pain.  As a BJJ white belt, I am not allowed to use them, neither in competition nor in practice. They do not trust novices with such a damaging move.  However, as a combat hapkido brown belt, I've carefully dabbled with toe holds, heel hooks, figure fours, and knee bars.  Those were the days that the instructor kept the closest eye on us. 

Maybe I'm unfairly biased.  I was not surprised or this mad at Paul Daley when he pulled his "movie bad guy" punch after the bell.  Maybe it's because Daley's always been known to be a punk.  Maybe it's because I've always wanted to punch Josh Koscheck as well.  I'd really like to think it's because I hold martial artists to a higher standard.  Any good school will teach you about respect as your first lesson.  Respect is interwoven into every lesson afterward. It does not matter how many years you train or what style you are in, the basis of martial arts is respect.  When someone submits, it means that they can do more.  They are completely in your control.  You are the Roman patrician with the power to give thumbs up or down.  99.9999999% of the time it's a thumbs up.  My instructors, when rolling with me, spend more time making me fight out of bad positions and try out new techniques rather than tap me out every 15 seconds. Guys like Toquinho (aptly meaning tree stump) make the Cobra Kai fighters from Karate Kid plausible.  While the rest of us are out there to better ourselves and enjoy healthy competition, he seems to be in it for the sheer joy of hurting people. 

The UFC cut and banned Palhares after the fight.  Good.  I don't want him back.  He disrespects and insults something that many of us have dedicated our lives too.

Here's a wonderful example of Toquinho at his "best," holding on to a lock while clearly out of bounds and with the ref attempting to stop him and then smacking his opponent in apparent apology while clearly confused by the whole situation.