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by Digger

Wild Card Sunday looks great on paper. Baltimore (11-5) will be ready for Miami's (11-5) wild cat offense. Question is, will they get faked out by Chad Pennington play-action passes? Philadelphia (9-6-1) completely demolished a confused Cowboys team and with a little help qualified for the Playoffs. They'll be playing a well coached Vikings (10-6) team filled with confidence after upsetting the Giants on a last second game winning field goal.

Wild Card Prediction time........Sunday's AFC/NFC Games:

Baltimore (11-5) @ Miami (11-5): It's defense all the way for the Ravens. Their crew is one of NFL's best. QB Joe Flacco must be efficient for Baltimore to have any shot at winning Playoff games. Play calling will be key vs Dolphins swarming defense. If offense can score, defense will take care of the rest. Miami's hopes rest squarely on Chad Pennington's ability to read/handle Ravens various blitzing packages and changing coverages. RB's Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams need to pound the ball between the tackles as there isn't a back in the league capable of beating these guys with outside runs. Field position is key for both teams.
Pounding, grinding football game. Ravens barely win in a game which might come down to the final series, 17-16.

Philadelphia (9-6-1) @ Minnesota (10-6): Both teams advanced into post-season play in their final game. Most, including myself, had written off Philadelphia weeks ago. Many were shouting for QB McNabb to be run out of town along with Head Coach Andy Reid. Well, both are being shown some serious love nowadays. McNabb has been nothing short of amazing. His passes have been crisp with pin-point accuracy. Sometimes Philly is victim to wide receivers dropping passes... something which haunts this team from time to time over the years. Eagles running game hasn't been nearly impressive as Sunday's opponent. Westbrook hasn't been given many holes especially on short yardage downs. Ball control, or lack thereof, can be crucial in Playoff football. Minnesota stumbled out of the blocks then poured it on mid-season. RB Peterson (1760 rushing yards) plays huge at home. Eagles defense will be tested trying to slow him down which might open the door for big plays from Vikings passing attack.
Tough game to call. McNabb looks too good to be ignored. Peterson faces a defense designed to stop him.
Eagles prevail.. this one could come down to the final play... 31-27.

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by Digger

The time has come... NFL Playoffs 2008 kicks with Wild Card Weekend. Great matchups await us all. Ironic, one of the AFC's hottest teams is guaranteed to lose this weekend. Smoking hot Indianapolis travels to red hot San Diego (Saturday). Both have been carving up AFC opponents lately. Another superb AFC WC game (Sunday) has tough as nails Baltimore taking on a well balanced Miami team which had only one victory a season ago.

NFC isn't to shabby either. Exciting Atlanta takes on a struggling Arizona team lucky enough to have won the NFL's weakest division. Red hot Philadelphia takes their show to Minnesota for Sunday's game. Donavan McNabb is lazer sharp these days. Minnesota's RB Peterson has been nothing short of amazing lately.

Wild Card Prediction time........Saturday's AFC/NFC Games:

Atlanta (11-5) @ Arizona (9-7): Atlanta had a storybook season. Rookie Head Coach, rookie starting QB, new RB... young team. QB Ryan is cool and collected. RB Turner exploded as a starter this year after playing understudy in SD (17 TD's and 1699 rushing yards). Sound football team on defense. Arizona has been cold lately. Offense out of synch, defense nowhere to be found. They'll have to snap out of their funk to give Atlanta a run for their money. If they do... watch out. Cardinals offense is dangerous when clicking. QB Warner had a huge season and has plenty of weapons.
This game reads Atlanta victory... 33-24.

Indianapolis (12-4) @ San Diego (8-8): Colts NFL's hottest, winners of 9 in a row. Manning has been great and could add MVP hardware. Indy must put up points .. plenty of them to win this game vs a hot Chargers attack. Indy's D is vulnerable with big play capability. San Diego overcame multiple bad breaks earlier this year. Terrible officiating late in games turned victories into defeats. Mid-season injuries to key players seemed to have left this team for dead. They got hot at the right time... as AFC West leading Denver got cold. 3 wins later and SD won the West at 8-8. San Diego's offense is explosive and they're matched up against the right defense. Problem is .. will their D stop Indy's offense? Yes.
SD knocks off Indy in a thriller, 41-37.

Stay tuned for Sunday's Wild Card Predictions...........

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by Digger

(NFL.com News, Final Standings, Playoffs)

Three NFL Head Coaches were fired within 24 hours of their teams season ending snaps. New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and record setting 0-16 Detroit Lions all canned their field generals after disappointing results.

(Jets Fire Mangini - press conference).

1) New York media hyped Brett Favre's arrival so much nothing less than a Super Bowl would suffice. The Jets soon found themselves with an 8-3 record after back to back big game victories against arch rival New England (34-31) and previously unbeaten Tennessee (34-13). After beating the Titans, newspapers and sports radio were making Super Bowl party plans.

Until.......... The Jets imploded. High's and low's of New York's season rode on Hall of Fame to be Brett Favre's right arm. Favre struggled early on trying to learn the Jets offense and get in synch with his new wide receivers. Easier said than done especially with terrible playcalling. For much of this season, playcalling doomed the Jets. Failing to stick with a ground game against weaker run defenses put way too much pressure on a QB not quite familiar with the offensive scheme. Pass protection was horrendous leading to ill-advised passes often turned into interceptions.

Mancini was not inspirational. Basically, this season boiled down to the Jets only having to win one game against either San Francisco or Seattle to qualify for the Playoffs. Mancini's team was not prepared. It appeared as if no coherent game plan was put in place.. .and if one existed (?) it was quickly abandoned after opening kickoff. The stuggling Niners disposed of NY 24-14 and thanks to many many bad in game decisions by Mancini, NY lost to the lowly Seahawks in Week 16 13-3.

In the Seattle game, late in the 4th quarter the Jets had kicked a 45 yard field goal to close the gap 10-6. The kick was negated by a penalty. Instead of attempting a well within range 50 yard FG, Mancini decided to punt. Many Jets players on the sidelines were visibly upset... as were the thousands calling into Monday's talk radio sessions. Soon after not attempting a 50 yarder, NY had the ball again still trailing by 7. On 4th and short deep in their own territory with time to spare... Mancini instructs his team to go for it... they failed turning the ball over to Seattle in field goal territory. A few plays later, a one score game became a two score game... soon to be final 13-3.

The Jets were not without hope. The final game of the year was against Miami. Once again the Jets were not prepared as former NY QB Chad Pennington, cut after Favre's signing, won the AFC East title in the Meadowlands, 24-17. Miami had perfected the Wild Cat offense and NY wasn't ready for it. Jets defense was less than spectacular all season.

MSN Sports recently wrote an article stating how Mancini was not to blame for any of NY's failures. It was all on Favre. Obviously written by someone not watching Jets games this season. Sure, Favre made plenty of mistakes trying to force the issue late in games. However, it was a total team collapse beginning with the coaching staff. Coaches did not have players ready to play. No motivation coming out of half time breaks. Very bad playcalling on both offense and defense. Defense was not good all year long. Linebackers were ineffective and defensive line was contained too often. Offensive line provided little pass protection and was beaten by blitzes all season. Offensive coordinator didn't design effective protection packages. Line did not open up running lanes for featured backs.

Mancini gone... great move by New York.

2) Cleveland's Romeo Crennel was canned after a very disappointing 4-12 year. The Browns had high hopes after 2007's 10-6 record. These hopes were soon crushed when Cleveland opened the year 0-3. Nine times they failed to score more than 10 points including season ending back to back shutouts. Extremely poor clock management and an inefficient offense soon weakened overplayed defense. It wasn't all Crennel's fault as both #1 & #2 QB's were shelved due to injuries. Plenty of players missed time as Cleveland never had a chance. Crennel was somewhat of a victim here but it was his inability to handle hard times which led to his firing. Talented team should have put up more victories. Season highlight was beating up the Super Bowl Champs on a national tv, 35-14.

Browns now searching for a new Head Coach.

3) 0-16 Detroit Lions!

Congratulations!

Not winning at least one game is quite an accomplishment.

(Rod Marinelli grilled interview)

It's been a terrible year in Detroit. Everything has gone wrong from economics to sports. The Lions made history with its' winless season. This team stunk... nothing else seems fitting. I can't believe an NFL team actually lost every game. But, when watching these guys on the field... it's very believable.

Inept. Coaching, players, front office, ownership, scouts... you name it.. a complete franchise debacle.

Detroit had a few chances for victories. They played Minnesota tough twice (12-10, 20-16) and almost knocked off Chicago (27-23). Otherwise, most games were not nearly as close as scores represented. You know there weren't any teams taking these guys for granted down the stretch either. No team wanted to be the joke of the year losing to these guys. No heart, no plan, no wins.

Not all hope is lost. 2007 Miami finished 1-15. 2008 Miami won AFC East (11-5). However, these Lions have very few similarities to Miami. Don't expect miracles anytime soon. What fans can expect is a new front office and coaching staff in place before the next NFL draft. Lions are slated to have two first round draft selections making this an interesting time for a struggling organization. Much can be done in the '09 draft. #1 overall pick could be traded for 2 lower 1st rounders (netting 3 total 1st round picks).

If the Lions play their cards right they can quickly turnaround this club. They've been in this position before and failed. Well... the failures are long gone. A new regime will soon be named. Plenty of talented NFL personnel are looking for employment. This is a perfect opportunity for a coach to mold a team from bottom up.

---------BREAKING NEWS----------------

While I was typing, the Denver Broncos (8-8) announced Head Coach Mike Shanahan has been fired! Shanahan had been affiliated with the Broncos for 21 years. He was cut loose after Denver's failure to secure the AFC West title by losing their final 3 games including a winner take all finale vs San Diego Sunday night.

Shanahan's first nail in the coffin might have been made against Buffalo (week 16). In a must win game which would have secured the AFC West division title, Denver failed. The Broncos final game was a massacre. San Diego was merciless 52-21.

Shanahan could be well sought after this winter. Many vacancies already on display with a few more soon to follow (Cincinnati, KC, STL).

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by Digger

(NFL.com news, standings, playoff possibilities)

This is it... Week 17... the last chance for NFL teams to qualify for post-season Playoffs. Many teams (Jets, Broncos, Cowboys, Eagles, Ravens) have lost key games down the stretch. Teams on the Playoff bubble will need help from others to qualify. 15 games played... one to go.

Time to pick'em.

St Louis (2-13) @ Atlanta (10-5): Falcons qualified for Playoffs, now looking to secure higher seed. If they're not taking the lowly Rams for granted...? Atlanta will win huge, 33-10.

New England (10-5) @ Buffalo (7-8): Patriots QB Cassel has found a groove. Pats on the bubble and need this game to advance. Buffalo (7-8) is playing for respect. They're season has been filled with near misses and a few last minute losses. Bills would love to be spoilers but come up short, 27-23.

Kansas City (2-13) @ Cincinnati (3-11-1): Week 17 couldn't have come soon enough for these two teams. Dismal season for both struggling franchises. KC wins as Gonzalez has a huge game, 26-21.

Detroit (0-15) @ Green Bay (5-10): Detroit should make history on Sunday becoming the NFL's 1st team to go 0-16. Only problem is Green Bay's soft defense might be just what Detroit's offense needs to score points. Packers coming off disappointing season but their future looks very bright. GB by a hair, 21-20.

Tennessee (13-2) @ Indianapolis (11-4): Titans own AFC's #1 Playoff seed. Indianapolis #1 Wild Card seed. Normally, this would appear as a great matchup. Tennessee might rest starters in 2nd half? Indy poses greatest test of the year for Titans D. Manning has another huge game, Colts 33-23.

Giants (12-3) @ Minnesota (9-6): Giants NFC's #1 Playoff seed. Vikings need this game or it could be lights out. A win wraps up NFC North. Giants to sit starters in 2nd half. Running game chews up Vikings early, defense does the rest, 24-17.

Carolina (11-4) @ Saints (9-7): Panthers one of NFC's top teams coming off epic battle (loss) vs Giants last weekend. Saints injuries derailed what was to be a promising season. QB Brees challenging Dan Marino's single season yardage record will be throwing at will. Saints prevail in wild game, 44-33.

Cleveland (4-11) @ Pittsburgh (11-4): Browns were horrible this season. Plenty of injuries to key players, poor playcalling and terrible clock management. Look for a new slew of coaches next year. Steelers lost in battle for AFC #1 last weekend to Titans. Steelers win clinches #2. Defense gobbles up weak Browns, 24-3.

Oakland (4-11) @ Tampa Bay (9-6): Oakland's Al Davis would like nothing more than to eliminate Tampa Bay and former Coach Gruden from the Playoff picture. Raiders blowing thru coaches and players don't have much to offer for 2009 either. Tampa Bay has stumbled down the stretch needs to win and others to lose for a shot at Playoffs. TB wins, 27-16.

Chicago (9-6) @ Houston (7-8): Bears survived last weekend to remain alive. A win Sunday with a Minnesota loss gives da Bears NFC North crown. They'll be facing a very good Houston team seeking respect. Expect a very physical game as Texans seek to make a point. Houston eliminates Chicago, 31-14.

Jacksonville (5-10) @ Baltimore (10-5): Buckle up Jags as this game will have plenty of crunching collisions. Ravens defense destroys opponents. One of AFC's most dangerous teams makes the Playoffs, 23-3.

Washington (8-7) @ San Francisco (6-9): Redskins disappointing seasons ends Sunday. They were sitting pretty until imploding down the stretch. SF interim Coach Singletary will be back full time next year. Niners playing inspired football lately knocks off Skins, 20-17.

Miami (10-5) @ Jets (9-6): Game of the Week #1... If Miami wins they become AFC East Champs. Not too shabby for a team with only 1 victory last year. Many intriguing twists for this one. Former Jets QB Chad Pennington has restored honor to Miami football. He was cast aside by Jets right after NY signed Favre. Only a few weeks ago many bozo's got caught up in weak Jets wins and predicting Super Bowl for NY. Get real. The wheels have fallen off Jets... even with a win, they could lose... and lose big. If New England beats Buffalo and if NY is victorious over Miami, then arch enemy New England advances thanks to Jets... irony. Jets blew their season in last week's loss to a horrible Seattle club. Heavy showers expected at the Meadowlands. Fish thrive in water. Dolphins eliminate Jets, 30-23. Mancini fired by Wednesday.

Dallas (9-6) @ Philadelphia (8-6-1): Game of the Week #2... Cowboys control their destiny. Romo created more controversy this week by skipping practice due to an illness. Dallas attack still struggling. Cowboys in with a win. Eagles have come to life but couldn't get it done last week vs Washington. McNabb has been very sharp after early season struggles. Philly's wide receivers must catch the ball. Drops were plentiful last week. Eagles defense pumped and ready to knock out T.O. and pals. McNabb's Eagles prevail, 30-24.

Seattle (4-11) @ Arizona (8-7): Coach Mike Holgren's final game should have Seahawks pumped. They played spoiler roll last week vs Jets. Next up, struggling NFC West Champs Arizona. Cards not playing well. Offense is suddenly sputtering. Defense getting burned by big plays. If this keeps up they'll get bounced quickly in the playoffs. Somehow, they find a way to win this tuneup game.. 28-21.

Denver (8-7) @ San Diego (7-8): Game of the Week #3... Streaky Broncos have dropped back to back games preventing their clinching AFC West. Somehow, early season tough luck Chargers seem to be catching all the breaks. Sunday Night Football's final game decides AFC West. San Diego on 3 game winning streak. This game looks like a battle of QB's. Turnovers and special teams could be the difference. SD to win West with 8-8 record... wins 42-27... enters Playoffs as one of football's hottest teams.

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by Digger

The New York Yankees continue their aggressive team shakeup. Their latest addition is a whopper. Probably one of their best free agent signings in recent memory.

Mark Teixeira welcome to New York.

Wow! For a little while the Yankees never appeared optimistic of their chances for signing baseball's premier free agent firstbaseman. Rumors suggested the Angels were frontrunners in the Teixeira sweepstakes. Suddenly, the Red Sox seemed interested. I guess that's all the Steinbrenner clan needed to hear. News breaking as I type states Teixeira's deal is for 8 years, $170M+.

Putting the money issue on the back burner for the moment... this is a great signing by New York. Teixeira is only 29 and has improved each season. A top tier offensive & defensive 1B... something the Yankees haven't had since Tino Martinez prime. Added bonus, he's a switch hitter who will provide plenty of lineup protection and production.

Way to go Cashman! I've spent the better part of a year bashing his failure to charge hard after Johan Santana and others last winter. He's already made up for lack of aggressiveness and past mistakes.

CC Sabathia & Mark Teixeira represented the two most sought after free agent players. Let's not forget A.J. Burnett's addition to the Bronx Bombers rotation... and the inevitable re-signing of hometown favorite Andy Pettitte (currently negotiating).

So what's next for the Yankees? LF? RF? C? RP? Trade?

Thinking of Yankees baseball in '09 has taken on an entirely different look. Soon to be forgotten is how miserably the Yankees played in their final season in historic Yankee Stadium. New Yankees Stadium has the potential to be home to one of the finest Yankees' teams ever assembled. A few holes still remain and it's very clear Cashman is leaving nothing to chance heading into spring training.

Enjoy your holiday presents Yankees fans! For those thinking it can't get much better than this... hold onto your seats. More surprises are only moments away! Yank haters must be sick to their stomach's. New Yorker's.... keep smiling!!!

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by Digger

Super Bowl Champion New York Giants (12-3) ran over Carolina Sunday night to earn honors of becoming the 2008 NFC Regular Season Champion and #1 Playoff seed. Sunday night's football game might have been the greatest game of the season and it took an extra session (overtime) before a winner was crowned.

New York trailed early 21-10 after DeAngelo William's 2nd of 4 touchdowns. Momentum seemed all in favor of Carolina especially after the Giants were stopped on a 3rd and 1 thanks to a questionable play call. Somehow, instead of handing the ball to one of the Giants THREE featured running backs... they went with a handoff to fullback Hedgecock who hadn't run the ball in his entire Giants career. He was easily stuffed and the Giants punted. The way Carolina was gobbling up the Giants defense, I thought if the Panthers scored another quick touchdown then it would be near lights out for the Giants.

The game was won by the Giants offensive line tonight. It was great watching the Giants rush for 301 yards. How many times did Manning hand off to either Ward (215 yards) or Jacobs (87 yards, 3 td) while in shotgun formation? They burned Carolina time and time again. In overtime, it was shotgun runs by Ward to set up a 1 yard blast into the end zone by Jacobs.

Manning was sharp most of the game but had a few rough moments. The game plan this week was executed much better than in weeks past. The game in Dallas was an embarrassing loss. Winning the top NFC Playoff seed tonight makes up for a few blips on the radar.

As for the other New York team...........

The New York Jets (9-6) lost for the 3rd time in 4 games. An utterly pathetic performance with the season hanging in the balance. Head Coach Eric Mangini and Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheim will be listening to fans, newspapers and New York talk radio calling for their heads this week. Playcalling has wrecked the Jets once promising season and today was no different. There was no blocking scheme to protect Favre on passing plays. Jets abandoned what should have been an effective running attack against a terrible defense. Late in the game while trailing 10-3 Mangini decided against a 50 yard field goal after a delay of game penalty erased a successful attempt from 45 yards. Instead, Mangini chose to punt. Late in the ball game, with all timeouts remaining, Mangini went for it on 4th down from deep within Seattle territory on 4th and 4. Play failed... setting up Seattle for an easy put the game out of reach field goal a few moments later. 13-3.. Jets lose.

Mangini will hear it loud and clear this week. Terrible clock management. Horrible pass protection for Favre. Poor playcalling all the way around including a failure to improvise for snow conditions. Defense only surrendered one touchdown but they were largely ineffective. This was a 9-3 team talking of Super Bowl dreams until falling apart. Losing in San Francisco and Seattle could prove to be fatal. Jets take on former QB Chad Pennington next weekend as Miami (10-5) comes to town. What a story Pennington has been leading a Dolphins team which suffered thru a 1-15 season only a year ago. Now, they're one victory away from winning the AFC East. Great opportunity for Pennington to stick it to his former team.

Giants are back to playing like champions. Jets have been playing like......

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by Digger

15 weeks down, 2 to go. That's how many games remain for NFL teams in the 2008 regular season. Head Coaches are busy installing game plans for this weekend's games. The fate of many teams could be determined in Week 16.

Three featured biggie's on Week 16... Saturday night showcases Ravens (9-5) @ Dallas (9-5) fight for the Playoffs (loser eliminated). Daytime Sunday pits Steelers (11-3) vs Titans (12-2) with AFC regular season title on the line. Sunday Night Football from the Meadowlands decides NFC regular season Champ as Carolina (11-3) squares off against New York's Giants (11-3). All will be heavy hitting games.

Digger's Power Rankings Top 10:

1) Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3): Steelers defense has battered opposition all season long while ranking near the top in every major statistical category. Offense comes to life with game on the line time after time. If Pittsburgh's attack can start scoring more 1st half points, then this team may never lose again. They could enter Playoffs as AFC's #1 seed by defeating Titans. Winners of five in a row, it's hard to name any team capable of beating the Steelers at this moment.

2) Carolina Panthers (11-3): Panthers offense is clicking, scoring 30 or more points in 4 of their last 5 victories. Sunday, their attack heads to NY to battle the Champs to decide NFC's regular season title.

3) New York Giants (11-3): Plaxico Burress is not the cause of New York's recent 2 game skid. It's been the offensive line failing to get the job done clearing running lanes and shutting out pass attackers. Manning sacked 8 times last week should raise big concerns. However, this is a Coughlin coached team and he's bound to wake up these suddenly sleeping Giants. Sunday's game vs Carolina decides NFC top dog.

4) Indianapolis Colts (10-4): It isn't often a Wild Card team out ranks a team with the leagues best record. Colts leapfrog over Tennessee as Peyton Manning has been leading the way. Indy started the year slowly and skeptics were quick to bash. Now everyone's back on the bandwagon expecting these guys to challenge as AFC's rep in this years Super Bowl. There's still a long way to go until then... as for now... these guys have been on a roll winning seven straight.

5) Tennessee Titans (12-2): Titans early season success elevated them to Cinderella status. The clock is about to strike midnight and a few concerns could crumple what has been a tremendous season. Defensive Tackle Albert Haynesworth and end Kyle Vanden Bosch are done in '08 due to injuries. Opposing teams will be sure to exploit this new void. Titans understudies need to play bigger than life to keep this ship sailing.

6) Atlanta Falcons (9-5): It's been the Ryan-Turner-White show for the soaring Falcons. Atlanta has made highlight reels from week to week. Defense "bend but don't break" style played huge in last weeks 13-10 win over Tampa. This could be a dangerous team in the Playoffs. First things first, they need to win final two games.

7) Baltimore Ravens (9-5): Ravens suffered a gut wrenching defeat vs Pittsburgh 13-9. Playoff fate rests on the shoulders of rookie QB Joe Flacco. Flacco's play has been efficient for Ravens ball control style play until recently. He must rebound from last weekends battering to guide this club or they'll be sitting on the sidelines. Defense has been outstanding all season long.

8) Minnesota Vikings (9-5): Vikings riding a four game wave. QB Jackson is back and shined torching Arizona with 4 td passes. Vikings looking very strong lately. It'll be up to Jackson to stay hot. He'll be tested vs Atlanta & Giants. A win this weekend locks up NFC North.

9) Miami Dolphins (9-5) What a season it's been for Miami. 1-15 last year, possibly on the verge of winning AFC East this year. QB Chad Pennington has been the most overlooked player in the league. His steady methodical play (completed 66.3%, 95.1 rating) has led to ball control clock grinding drives. Defense has played very steady. Final two games are far away from the sunny skies of South Florida. Their mettle will be tested in 20 degree December weather at Kansas City and then Chad takes on his former team in New York (Jets). December's have not been kind to the Dolphins in recent history. Their final game of the year vs Jets could decide AFC East title.

10) Philadelphia Eagles (8-5-1): The football world wrote off the Eagles when McNabb was benched during a blowout loss to Baltimore. Since then, the Eagles have been on fire reeling off three straight wins (two vs Playoff bound teams). This is make or break week. Philly travels to Washington to face a Redskins team in disarray. A win this weekend sets up a potential showdown at home vs Cowboys to end the year. McNabb has been razor sharp lately completing 67% with 7 td's in last 3 games. Here come the Eagles.

I know there must be some Cowboys fans out there wondering why their team was left of my list. Same goes for fellow New Yorkers wearing Green.

Dallas (9-5) is on the bubble here. It's their tough games vs Baltimore and Philly leaving me thinking this is going to be another Cowboys December debacle. Eagles have a better matchup for victory vs Washington. Baltimore's defense will hit Romo at every opportunity. Blitzes will come from all directions. Dallas will crack the top 10 if they survive this weekend. It's do or die time in Big D.

Brett Favre and the Jets (9-5) have kept New Yorkers on the edge of their seats on every down. Last year, fans were throwing seats after suffering thru 4-12 misery. Problem with the Jets right now is two fold. Favre has been erratic... often forcing passes best tossed out of bounds. Defense plays erraticaly too. For brief moments during games, Gang Green looks invincible. No lead is safe, no deficit too steep. It's been a see-saw season from game to game. Play calling has killed what should have been a 12-4 season. Very bad decisions especially when Favre has been learning a new system. Soft game this weekend vs Seattle... "easy" win games have a history of being lost. The division title might be won or lost vs Miami in a potential showdown Week 17.

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by Digger

NFL 2008 regular season is winding down. Only two games remain (standings) before Playoff football begins. Huge games with major implications are slated for week's 16 & 17. Just win is the slogan while a few teams will need help from others. A Denver victory this weekend wraps up AFC West. Tennessee & Pittsburgh are in... however, the Steelers could overtake the once invincible Titans for AFC's #1 seed. Wild Card and division races feature Jets, Miami, New England, Baltimore and Indianapolis.

Over in the NFC... Atlanta, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, Tampa Bay and Minnesota have been bouncing up and down the playoff ladder much of the year. Arizona wrapped up the NFC West. The Giants (11-3) could lose #1 slot to a surging Carolina (11-3) squad in one of my four Games of the Week matchup selections.

Let's get to it... Week 16:

(Thursday)
Indianapolis (10-4) @ Jacksonville (5-9): Interesting scenario. If Indy wins out and Tennessee loses out, Colts take division title. Manning should have no problems dissecting Jaguars secondary. Jacksonville players suiting up for respect and 2009 contracts. Colts in a one sided game, 36-7.

(Saturday)
=>Baltimore (9-5) @ Dallas (9-5): Baltimore dropped a heartbreaker, and the division, to Pittsburgh week 15. Ravens in deep trouble if they get clipped in Dallas. AFC has four 9-5 teams, plus Wild Card leading Indy at 10-4. Ravens on outside looking in with a loss. Dallas dominated Giants to stay alive. A must win for Jerry Jones' team. Ravens D gobbles up Romo, Witten & T.O. Ravens win Game of the Week #1, 23-16.

(Sunday)
Cincinnati (2-11-1) @ Cleveland (4-10): Both teams on life support after a season marred by disappointment and negative press. Ohio residents will be waiting to hear which coach gets axed first. Both have been miserable. Cincinnati wins 3rd game, 24-20.

San Francisco (5-9) @ St Louis (2-12): SF's Singletary has earned a job for 2009 as Head Coach. He's helped to wake up a slumbering club. As for the Rams, they do nothing right. 49ers keep Rams winless in NFC West, 27-20.

New Orleans (7-7) @ Detroit (>:XX): Saints have been banged up all year. QB Brees no longer seems capable of breaking Dan Marino's single season yardage record. That won't stop him from trying against the NFL's lone winless team. Detroit hasn't figured out a way to win and will become the 1st NFL team to go 0-16. Saints win big, 38-20.

=>Pittsburgh (11-3) @ Tennessee (12-2): AFC North Champ Pittsburgh squares off vs AFC South Champ Tennessee in a game set to feature plenty of heavy hitting action. If Pittsburgh wins out, then they're AFC seed #1. Titans win top seed with a home victory over fired up Pitt. The Steelers are hot... seeming to invent new ways to win in games final moments. Defense will tear apart QB Collins. Steelers knock off banged up Titans, move closer to #1 seed. Game of the Week #2, Steelers 23-9.

Miami (9-5) @ Kansas City (2-12): From 1-15 to 9-5, Miami has surpassed even their own wildest expectations. 3 AFC East teams battling with 9-5 records. A win in KC boost Dolphins before final game confrontation with arch rival Jets. Kansas City needs to re-examine their rebuilding plans, quickly. Miami wins hard fought game, 23-21.

Arizona (8-6) @ New England (9-5): Warner was also challenging for Marino's single single passing record before becoming erractic. Arizona imploded this weekend and no longer seems strong enough in any potential playoff matchup. Things can always change for the better if Cards offense starts clicking. Patriots have played gritty football this season after losing MVP Brady. Cassell now plays with confidence. New England stays in the hunt, 33-26.

San Diego (6-8) @ Tampa Bay (9-5): SD has been bleeding all year. They can be put out of their misery with a loss to Tampa this weekend. However.... a SD win, and a Denver loss to Buffalo would mean the Chargers could still win the AFC West. Their final game is against Denver. Tampa Bay's 2 consecutive losses has them scrambling. Smoked by Carolina and lost in OT to Atlanta, Tampa must win out to advance. SD stun Bucs, 23-13.

Houston (7-7) @ Oakland (3-11): It's fun watching Houston play football this season. Andre Johnson has 103 receptions. Everyone knows he's the main passing target.. yet, he still beats double teams, bumps, traps. Want to run? No problem, Slaton averages nearly 5 yards per carry. Texans organization has done very well. 2009 is promising. Oakland's silver & black has been black & blue for many years. Very poor personnel decisions. Houston romps, 33-17.

Buffalo (6-8) @ Denver (8-6): Buffalo handed the Jets an early holiday present last weekend by way of bonehead playcalling resulting in a fumble returned for the game winning touchdown. Bills players can save face by denying Denver the AFC West crown. If the Broncos win, they're AFC West Champs. A loss and SD win sets up final game showdown vs Chargers. Denver's offense wakes up, 34-24.

Jets (9-5) @ Seattle (3-11): Jets tied for AFC East thanks to a gift fumble from Buffalo. They're not strong when traveling west and better take weak Seattle seriously. A must win game for Jets. Thomas Jones could be in for his biggest stat game of the year. Seattle playing to secure jobs in '09. Jets win ugly again, 31-26.

=>Atlanta (9-5) @ Minnesota (9-5): Game of the Week #3. Falcons football keeps rolling along. Tie-breakers could decide their playoff fate. Turner vs Peterson is one heck of a RB showdown. Both will play large rolls in how this game unfolds. Minnesota is hot, winners of 4 in a row and 6 of 7. It's a pick'em game in my book. Atlanta in a squeeker, 36-34 in the Game of the Year.

Philadelphia (8-5-1) @ Washington (7-7): Eagles are red hot. McNabb has been razor sharp of late. Defense is inspired. Eagles now back in the hunt. Redskins were 6-2. Coach Zorn now wonders if recent losses happened on the field or on the sidelines. Eagles survive, remain contenders... 33-14.

=>Carolina (11-3) @ Giants (11-3): Game of the Week. Carolina is currently playing the best football in NFC. Giants two losses, post-Plaxico suspension, has Manning's offense out of whack. Dallas beat the daylights out of Eli with 8 sacks. Giants running game couldn't get going. Worse news, Carolina's monster running game comes to town. WR Smith presence stretches defenses. Giants will need to re-establish their dominating running game or it will be a long night. Winner of this contest wins #1 NFC Playoff seed. Carolina embarrasses Giants, 41-24.

(Monday)
Green Bay (5-9) @ Chicago (8-6): Rodgers 1st season as Green Bay's starting QB began with an impressive 2 game win streak. Lately, it's been 4 defeats in a row and 6 of 7. Keep your heads up GB fans, your team will be good again soon enough. This is a must win game for the Bears who need help to stay alive. Bears Forte carves up Pack, 27-20.

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by Digger

2006: Carlos Beltran strikes out looking on a bases loaded, two out, 3-2 pitch ... Mets lose NL Championship Series Game 7. Season Over.

If anyone believed the hype in New York, then the past two NL East crowns should have been won by the Mets after a heartbreaking NLCS '06 defeat. As the baseball world knows... the Mets choked in consecutive September's and failed to qualify for post-season play in '07 & '08.

For 2009, NY GM Minaya made a couple of bold moves to bolster one big weak spot by trading for JJ Putz and signing prized Free Agent Closer, Francisco Rodriguez. Two good deals. Ok, now what? How about solidifying the starting rotation? How about everyday players in left and right fields? How about a dp partner for Reyes at 2B?

World Series Champions, and arch rival, Philadelphia has proven they're coming out swinging once again preparing for '09. Phillies signed LF Ibanez, RP's Chan Ho Park (transformed into good middle reliever) and Mike Koplove, resigned ageless vet Jamie Moyer plus a few key role players. Unless someone gets traded, they won't be losing any star power other than the man Ibanez replaces, Pat Burrell.

So what's the holdup for a team desperate for a World Series Championship? One bit of heavy news released today had to do with NY Mets owner Fred Wilpon. Evidently, he's a victim's of the ponzi scheme perpetuated by former Wall Street guru Bernard Madoff. We'll see how this affects Mets operations, if at all.

GM Minaya made a couple of nice headline moves shoring up a leaky bullpen. What's his plan for a weak Mets lineup? Hopefully he's smart enough to build a team best suited for the dimensions at new Citi Field. Sometimes I wonder about this guy being all too wrapped up in making headlines (a-la signing Pedro Martinez) instead of piecing together a workable winning ballclub. At this stage of the game, if it's headlines he seeks, then go hard after Manny Ramirez. Otherwise, go under the radar and assemble a fine squad. Quality available starting pitching will be gone from the market very shortly.

My first two suggestions would be to waste no more time... sign Orlando Hudson (2B) & Bobby Abreu (RF). Hudson/Reyes would make an excellent double play combo and top of the order 1-2. Abreu's OBA is what's needed batting 3rd. They'd be followed by Beltran/Delgado/Wright... and that's a nice lineup! Add a solid LF and the Mets are in business.

Mets' plans seem to be on hold for the moment after rapid succession addressing late relief. The Phillies are full steam ahead building on their Championship season. Atlanta has been fishing without any bites, but they're out trolling nonetheless.

Time is ripe for making a move. Get with the game New York. Build a winner!

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by Digger

New York Yankees and Mets General Manager's are all smiles after signing the top three big name free agent pitchers.

Yankees: Brian Cashman bet the house and lost big a year ago by favoring young unproven starters (Hughes/Kennedy) instead of signing one of baseball's best (Johan Santana). 2008 was to be a memorable year as Yankee Stadium hosted its' final season. Injuries and lack of starting pitching was only part of the story. The bullpen became over burdened in April. By the time August rolled around relievers were spent.

2009 will certainly be different (at least on paper heading into spring training). CC Sabathia was the most coveted free agent starting pitcher on the market. AJ Burnett was a close number two. Cashman was given a green light to do whatever it takes.

Sabathia's contract is 7 years, $161 million. Burnett was signed Friday for 5 years, $82.5 million.

Cashman reportedly is now looking to resign Andy Pettitte. Most likely for a more modest contract (plus incentives). Suddenly, the Yankees starting rotation is looking superb. Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Pettitte, Joba will give batters fits from game to game. All pitch with different styles and challenge hitters at every opportunity (a.k.a. strike throwers). No more pitching around batters leading to deep hitter's counts. All should win no less than 15. This staff can easily end up with at least 2 20 game winners.

Up next? Here's where it gets interesting for the Yanks. Rumor mill has Melky Cabrera heading to Milwaukee for super star defender CF and ex-Met Cameron. His defensive range is exactly what the Yanks need, and have been missing, in center. Mark Teixeira could be entertaining to think of but he's not in a NY state of mind. Yanks don't need to spend big bucks for hitters just yet. Get to work on another starter & relievers. The smart move is to gobble up pitching. Imagine a Kerry Wood (could be Cleveland bound) or Brian Fuentes as a setup guy for Mariano?

Many options remain for choosing free agent hitters. Manny Ramirez rumors seem to be dead for the moment. Playing coy could be a great move to drive down Manny's contract. RF is a must for this team. Plenty of options remain on the market. And a good catcher. Posada's is entering the twilight of his career so a strong signal caller with a cannon is a must. Pudge could be brought back but only if he's willing to take a major pay cut. Otherwise, there's talent to be found elsewhere. Yanks did lose out on one major offensive weapon with today's signing by Philadelphia of Ibanez.

Mets:
Mets did a great job addressing a major issue from the past two September's... bullpen. Francisco Rodriguez set a major league record in '08 with 62 Saves. Hope there's room left in his cannon arm after signing a 3 year $37 million contract last week. NY immediately followed this up by taking part in a 3 way, 12 player trade. The star of the crop for NY was Seattle's former closer JJ Putz. Putz is expected to be K-Rod's setup guy. A good move on paper but a risk considering JJ is coming off a season filled with arm problems. When healthy these two will be lights out in 8th/9th innings.

General Manager Minaya has many tough decisions to make. Snatched up free agent Sabathia, Burnett, Ibanez are gone. Mets starting rotation is not looking strong at all right now and it's probably a safe bet assuming teams with hands on cash will soon gobble up the remaining starters... quickly.

Citi Field (often referred to now as Bailout Park or Taxpayer Field) replaces Shea next year. Mets need many players to round out this roster if they plan on challenging for NL East honors. Rotation is very thin after Santana. Bullpen is thin even with JJ and KRod. Corner OF's have been weak spots for two seasons running. Mets hoping it's not three. Perhaps the lack of a true signal caller has been most damaging. Much of the blame to last season's monumental bullpen collapse has to rest on absolutely pathetic pitch selection. For most of the year pitchers were not in synch with catchers. A ton of in game battery conferences didn't seem to help. In addition to good pitch calling.. whoever they decide on must be able to keep Jimmy Rollins in check.

Minaya has thrown money around in the past at the wrong types of players. Pedro Martinez, to nobody's surprise, was a complete bust due to injuries. Moises Alou's absence by multiple injuries and lack of replacement was a tremendous void during '08. Jake Peavy talks between San Diego and Chicago broke down (for now). How about stepping it up Omar and offering some top notch talent and/or draft picks to land the best 1-2 in the game!!

The smart play for Mets of '09 will be to grab up top remaining starting pitchers, a solid catcher, and good defensive corner outfielders. A brilliant move would be to then assemble a very deep bench and bullpen. Big bucks aren't needed... only shrewd decisions. Then again... these are the Mets... and they've been known to make a bad deal here and there.

It's free agent frenzy time for MLB teams. A select few will celebrate prized gifts while some get left out in the cold. New York teams drew 1st blood with big name signings. Phillies quickly countered Mets.

Who's next?

Expect to hear a few more signings as teams intensify negotiations. Odds are New York fans will be celebrating key additions over the next several days.

ALL WORLD ALL SPORTS (www.allworldallsports.com)

by Digger

Here we go again.

The Dallas Cowboys can't seem to distance themselves from controversy.
Jerry Jones, Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Pacman Jones, Wade Phillips, Jason Garrett, Jayson Witten, Jessica Simpson....
It's the same old story when it comes to Cowboys football in December. Something always seems to stir the pot.

Terrell Owens had bit his tongue most of this season while talking with reporters. He's been baited and set up to deliver incriminating comments against fellow teammates. To his credit, at least publicly, T.O. has remained drama free.

However........

His history of taking aim at team quarterback's is nothing new. From Jeff Garcia (SF) to Donovan McNabb (Philly) and now his current signal caller, Tony Romo.

Anyone paying attention while watching Dallas games this year has noticed T.O. often yelling at teammates and coaches. He finds time (or nerve) to smile when dropping passes. Then, yells at Romo when the ball is delivered elsewhere.

Owens is a walking time bomb. It's December, and he's ready to explode.

Apparently, Owens is now miffed at Romo because Dallas QB and TE have been studying game film and improvising plays to better enable their team to win games. Owens, feels left out... and according to anonymous sources (from an article appearing on ESPN.com).. T.O. has been created a rift.

Players, coaches and fans are all tired of this guys antics. Owens is a gifted wide receiver on the football field. On the sidelines and clubhouse.. he's a disaster. It's always ME, ME, ME with this guy. Garcia wasn't throwing him the ball often enough. McNabb wasn't throwing him the ball often enough. Now, it's Romo's turn to get picked on by someone in need of psychiatric counseling.

The problem isn't with Owens not getting the ball from Romo. The untold story is evident to those watching live games.
T.O. doesn't run every play hard.
T.O. cuts off routes leading to turnovers or lost downs.
Dropped passes while showing off his pearly whites.
Screaming at teammates when annoyed on sidelines.
Talking behind teammates backs to other teammates.

It's always something with T.O. He wants to be the featured attraction.. then when he gets the attention... POOF.. his magic turns to dust.

Dallas is fighting for survival entering the final three games of 2008. According to the referenced ESPN article, some players realize they need T.O.'s talents to advance. So they're content not to rock the boat. Coach Phillips, just like Owens former coaches, seems reluctant or powerless to control this free spirited guy. That's the problem.

Take a look at successful teams with headcases. Super Bowl Champion Head Coach Coughlin is a no nonsense guy. As soon as someone steps out of line... Coughlin steps in and sets things straight. He did not allow team distraction TE Shockey on the sidelines during the Giants Super run last year. Self inflicted gun shot victim and star WR Plaxico Burress was suspended for the rest of this year. Retired Tiki Barber and a host of others have been released or admonished without a moments delay.

One of the problems in Dallas has been tolerence by team owner and coach wannabe Jerry Jones. Jones is the puppet master continuously chasing after troubled players, rewarding them with big bucks, coddling them when they do wrong... and... a basic lack of discipline (suspensions) only fuels the fire.

Dallas was picked by many to represent the NFC as Super Bowl contenders. Now, they're clinging to playoff hopes while playing subpar football. The Champs come to Dallas. Both teams coming off disappointing defeats last weekend. Romo will be under heavy pressure on and off the field. Some are calling him a choke artist based on lackluster career December passing & team records.

No single player causes late season failures.... it's a complete organizational effort (thanks in large to ignoring troubling situations).

It's time for Dallas to stop whinning and start playing.

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by Digger

It's crunch time in the NFL. Teams fighting for playoffs have to put up or shut up. Many teams remain in contention. Here we go... Week 15:

New Orleans (7-6) @ Chicago (7-6): Loser of this one could be done for the season. Both teams on playoff bubble. Both have their ups & downs from week to week. Chicago wins... barely... 21-20.

Tampa Bay (9-4) @ Atlanta (8-5): Both coming off huge losses to division rivals. Must win for both clubs. Atlanta prevails, 24-22.

Washington (7-6) @ Cincinnati (1-11-1): Washington has gone from hot to ice cold. Their season will be over if lowly Cincy can muster up a victory. Skins survive, 17-16.

Detroit (0-13) @ Indianapolis (9-4): Detroit's record speaks for itself. Only a few games left to stay out of the record books. Indy has won 6 straight and is AFC's hottest team. Colts bully Lions, 38-13.

San Diego (5-8) @ Kansas City (2-11): Chargers ready to close out disappointing season. Chiefs rebuilding process will last for years. SD wins, 23-17.

Seattle (2-11) @ St Louis (2-11): Who cares game of the week. Rams win, 20-16.

San Francisco (5-8) @ Miami (8-5): Singletary has Niners playing smarter football. Dolphins have been one of the few positive surprises this season. Phins win, 27-14.

Buffalo (6-7) @ Jets (8-5): Bills going backwards after tremendous beginning. Jets, losers of 2 straight, win at home... 31-17.

Tennessee (12-1) @ Houston (6-7): Titans playing great offensively & defensively. Houston plays inspired football even with many players hurting all year. Titans win a close one, 27-23.

Green Bay (5-8) @ Jacksonville (4-9): It's a learning season for Pack QB Rodgers. Jacksonville needs winning lessons. Both defenses vulnerable. Pack wins, 28-20.

Minnesota (8-5) @ Arizona (8-5): Vikes Vet QB Frerotte has guided his squad to an 8-3 record after being named starter in Week 3. Cards QB Warner is challenging for the single season passing yards record. Arizona wins shootout, 38-27.

Denver (8-5) @ Carolina (10-3): Denver can officially wrap up AFC West. Carolina is one of NFL's best. Panthers win high scoring game, 36-31.

Pittsburgh (10-3) @ Baltimore (9-4): Game of the Week. Pittsburgh stunned Dallas last weekend. Ravens D 2nd only to Steelers. Both offenses will have a tough time scoring. Field position and Special Teams play huge rolls in this contest. Ravens win defensive thriller, 13-10.

New England (8-5) @ Oakland (3-10): QB Cassell's father died this week creating an uncertain QB status for Sunday. Oakland is horrible and getting worse. Pats roll, 24-10.

Giants (11-2) @ Dallas (8-5): Super Bowl Champs gearing up to repeat. Cowboys must win or season is in jeopardy. Dallas has been terrible in recent December's. Giants defense pressures Romo all game long. Champs win, 34-20.

Cleveland (4-9) @ Philadelphia (7-5-1): QB problems continue for battered Browns. Eagles looking sharp lately after mid-season stumble. Philly leaves Browns black & blue, 27-3.

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Week 14:

San Diego (4-8) at Oakland (3-9): SD Romps in one sided matchup, 33-14.

Jacksonville (4-8) at Chicago (6-6): Bears fighting for playoffs, win at home 23-13.

Minnesota (7-5) at Detroit (0-12): Vicious when wounded Lions search for 1st win. Keep looking. Vikes 34-26.

Houston (5-7) at Green Bay (5-7): Texans playing tough. Pack looking for answers. GB 27-26.

Cleveland (4-8) at Tennessee (11-1): Titans in a laugher, 24-3.

Cincinnati (4-8) at Indianapolis (8-4): Manning picks apart Bengals, 41-7.

Atlanta (8-4) at New Orleans (6-6): Falcons win shootout, 37-35.

Philadelphia (6-5-1) at NY Giants (11-1): Plenty of hard hitting action. Giants win late, 23-20.

Kansas City (2-10) at Denver (7-5): Cutler & Co. 33-20.

Miami (7-5) at Buffalo (6-6): Fish out of water. Buffalo survives, 21-17.

NY Jets (8-4) at San Francisco (4-8): Jets inch closer to division title, 26-14.

New England (7-5) at Seattle (2-10): Patriots keep pace with NY, 44-14.

St. Louis (2-10) at Arizona (7-5): Warner picks apart old team, 36-10.

Dallas (8-4) at Pittsburgh (9-3): Key injuries to Dallas only helps Pit. Steelers roll, 27-23.

Washington (7-5) at Baltimore (8-4): Must win for Skins. Ravens win nailbiter, 20-17.

Tampa Bay (9-3) at Carolina (9-3): Game of the Week... AFC South up for grabs on MNF. Loser could drop into 3rd. Panthers win thriller, 26-24.

Teams, Stats, Standings

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by Digger

Orenthal James Simpson: once NFL star running back, once an actor, once accused of murdering his ex-wife (Nicole Brown) and her friend (Ron Goldman)... and now... convicted felon sentenced earlier today to serve 15-33 years behind bars (9 before parole hearing).

Sentencing Judge Glass commented: "Earlier in this case, at a bail hearing, I said to Mr. Simpson, I didn't know if he was arrogant, ignorant or both," Glass said. "During the trial and through this proceeding, I got the answer, and it was both." (CNN.com)

Good riddance O.J.

O.J. was another classic example of an athlete with the world at his fingertips... instead, he self destructed numerous times. His latest antics, as if being found liable for wrongful death and battery wasn't enough, were to hold people hostage at gun point in what he called an attempt to regain memorabilia. A million dollar celebrity with a ten cent head.

It's a relief to finally see this thug behind bars... 14 years too late. Better late than never in this case.

What makes certain athletes snap? Loss of stardom? Spending all their money before it's counted? O.J. isn't the only former star to fall hard. Some have committed rape, armed robbery, murder, muder for hire, racketeering, drug dealing, drug addicts, money laundering, illegal gambling, tax evasion, RICO etc.

OJ's arrogance for everything not OJ was his downfall. A star on the field and big screen... psychotic off. Trouble never followed OJ... he created it all. Right up until getting busted in Las Vegas this fool was still taunting the families of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman.

In his private life doing petty things such as beating up new girlfriends, stealing satellite transmissions, tax evasion and a few other minor offenses. He even authored "If I Did It" ... a first-person fictional account of the murder had he actually committed it.

Now off he goes to serve some hard time. Eligible for parole hearings in 9 years, sentenced to serve no less than 15 with a max of 33.

Bye-bye OJ. Maybe you can regain some celebrity status with your new shower buddies!

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by Digger

College Basketball 2008-09 has begun. North Carolina is the early season unanimous #1 in major roundball polls.

All World All Sports NCAA Men's Top 20:
(click on links to view individual team websites)

1) North Carolina
2) UConn
3) Pittsburgh
4) Duke
5) Oklahoma
6) Gonzaga
7) Texas
8) Notre Dame
9) Tennessee
10) Purdue
11) Xavier
12) Wake Forrest
13) Syracuse
14) Villanova
15) UCLA
16) Michigan State
17) Louisville
18) Memphis
19) Arizona State
20) Georgetown

Stay tuned for our college hoops player evaluator and coach reviews.

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by Digger

1979 Challenge Cup Series: NHL All Stars vs USSR National Team

The Challenge Cup Series was a one time event back in 1979. I remember hoping this series would continue for years to come. USA vs USSR had a rich history of various competitions from Olympic Basketball to Gymnastics. In '79, the NHL cancelled their annual All Star Game (Wales vs Campbell) to play the Soviets in an exhibition showcased at New York's Madison Square Garden.

NHL All Stars included Guy LaFleur, Mike Bossy, Brian Trottier, Larry Robinson, Ken Dryden, Bobby Clarke and Marcel Dionne. A few Soviet stars were big time names in international circles: Vladislav Tretiak, Sergei Kapustin, Boris Mikhailov & Sergei Makarov.

The first two games were classic contests. I was 14 at the time and went to MSG with my Dad for Game 2. The Garden was electric. A sold out crowd was chanting and screaming throughout. NHL Stars seemed to have the game in hand leading 4-2 until surrendering three unanswered goals to blow it 5-4.

The Soviets speed was unmatched by North American hockey players. NHL style play in those days was largely dump the puck into corners and let the big guys get physical and dig out the puck. Soviets were too fast and above this style of play. Overall, they were quicker and NHL players who normally pounded opposing skaters played relatively hit free hockey. I remember wondering why NHL players were on best behaviour (light checking) instead of playing their normal heavy checking style... especially defensemen. Perhaps part of the problem was NHL players being too slow and outclassed by a more disciplined Russian squad.

I had always hoped for repeat series but the Challenge Cup was a one time deal. I keep waiting to view one of these games on ESPN Classic (never re-broadcast). Canada's stars and various NHL teams played head to head matchups vs many Russian teams during the 70's.

Hockey soon changed once European players arrived to play North American hockey. 70's era hockey is still my favorite. Hard hitting, heavy checking games featuring the likes of Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, NY Rangers etc. The good old days.

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by Digger

"Hey Plaxico!"

What gives?

New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress accidently shot himself in the leg early Saturday morning while attending a Lexington Ave nightclub with teammate Antonio Pierce.

What an idiot.

Of course specific details haven't been released yet but it's pretty safe to say Burress will never wear a Giants jersey again. His antics from skipping practices, refusing to participate in practices, previous AWOL's, contract squabbles and clubhouse distractor... and now... a self inflicted gunshot victim... will not sit well with Giants ownership.

It's amazing how talented athletes can be in control while playing a game... and lose their marbles when mingling with civilians. What the heck was this guy thinking carrying a gun in New York City? Simplest of points... if safety was an issue then he never should have put himself in harms way.

Burress' team is dominating the NFL this season. Super Bowl Champs last season... odds on favorite to repeat. So why mess it all up? Mr. Pierce will be answering some questions for NYPD too.

Coach Tom Coughlin's team is no stranger to controversy. He keeps this group very well disciplined on the field. No injury, fathead or fumble has slowed this group of battle tested players.

Have fun limping around for the next few months Plax. Odds are your Giants career has just suffered a self inflicted shot too.

Let me not forget to mention a few potential felony charges stemming from possession of an illegal concealed firearm, discharging an illegal weapon and whatever else NYPD can throw in for kicks.