Suspension coming for hit on Heath Miller?

How many people were watching Sunday Night Football last night when Ravens linebacker Jameel McClain had a helmet to helmet hit on Steelers tight end Heath Miller.  In case you missed the play check it out here:



The main problem with this hit was that it was on a defenseless receiver.  It's another scary head injury which almost made me cringe as much as the hit on Eagles corner back Ellis Hobbs a couple weeks ago.  How come NFL players don't understand that they can't lead with the head.  The other side to this story is that on the field a flag was not thrown for the helmet to helmet hit.  There have been hits over this season that have been far less violent which have resulted in a flag getting thrown.  So my question is why weren't the refs throwing a flag there?

The NFL has come out and said that their should of been a flag, but it's to late for that already.  Expect a fine in the range of 50-75k with in the next couple of days.  This would be a huge deal to McClain, who makes around four-hundred thousand a season  I would even expect a possible suspension, as the NFL looks to make McClain an example to all of its players.  The most ironic thing is that this helmet to helmet hit comes against the Steelers, who have had star linebacker James Harrison fined for similar hits.  Harrison has been fined over one-hundred thousand for illegal hits.  No matter what happens, I expect Harrison to come out after the fine or suspension is released to give his insight about the matter.

NFC Playoff Contenders

In the NFC I have the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints being at the top of this division.  I believe that the Saints will take the NFC South division.  Over the last couple of weeks the Saints have been on a roll, winning four in a row.  Right now the Saints sit behind the Falcons in the NFC South.  I believe that this division is going to be settled when the Saints play the Falcons near the end of the season.  I give the Saints the division with the Falcons grabbing up a wild card spot.

The Eagles are the other team who will have a bye for the playoffs.  Even after Chicago beat them last week, I still believe the Eagles are better then them.  The field conditions (Mainly the Sod) contributed to an Eagles loss.  I never understood why professional teams allow high school games to play on the field the day or two before an NFL game.  Going back to the Eagles, I see it nearly impossible for defense's to slow down every aspect of the eagles offensive.  Having all of that talent on one side of the ball is frighting.  The only problem with the eagles going forward is the defense.

The winner of the NFC North is going to be the Packers.  Aarron Rodgers is going to carry the Pac into the playoffs.  They still have a high powered offense along with a defense that is still solid, besides missing a couple of key defenders that were put on injured reserve.  I expect the Bears to give the Packers a run for the money, but right now I just don't believe in the Bears.  That doesn't mean that the Bears are not making it to the playoffs.  I believe that the Bears will sneak into the playoffs as a wild card.  If they end up being better, then I think they will be a dangerous team.  If the Bears defense plays as good as it has been in the last couple of weeks, they will be a team to watch out for.

For the NFC West I have the Rams taking this division over the 49ers.  This division is so weak I'm hoping that one of these teams  decides to show up and actually play football.  If a team goes 8-8 or less I won't be shocked because right now this is the worst division in football.  I would actually hope that the commissioner would step in and just make that division spot another wild card position, but we all know that isn't going to happen.

Just a recap:  This is how I see the NFC standings by then end of the season:

1.) Philadelphia Eagles
2.) New Orleans Saints
3.) Packers
4.) Rams
5.) Falcons
6.) Bears

AFC Playoff Contenders

I have never sat down and actually thought about who was going to be making it to the playoffs.  So today I have decided to sit down and tell you who is on their way to the playoffs.  Even though we are around seven weeks away from the end of the regular season, I'm going to try to predict who will be making it in the playoffs.  This should be a lot of fun so enjoy!!!

The way I see the AFC playoff bracket is with the Patriots and Ravens at the top of the division.  That means I have the Patriots winning the AFC East and the Ravens winning the AFC North.  The Patriots I have getting the best record with the Ravens fallowing behind them. 

The AFC South champion will be the Colts.  They have owned this division over the last couple of years so I don't see them not winning it again this year.  I thought the Texans were real at the beginning of the year, but it looks like they will fall short again.  The Titans might have a shot at it but, I just don't see them beating the Colts even with all of the injury's that they have had so far.  I also don't see the Colts making it to far in the playoffs because they have to many injuries on the offensive side of the ball and their defense isn't that great.  Manning can only carry a team so far and once they get into the playoffs they won't be facing bad teams anymore.

The winner of the AFC West is going to be the Oakland Raiders.  The reason that the Raiders are going to win it is because they finally have a quarterback that isn't losing them games.  Last season, Russel was throwing picks to end the game and this year the quarterbacks are helping their pretty good defense.  The Raiders will pass the test this weekend if they beat the Steelers.

Since you know who I picked for the winners of the division, that only leaves us with the wild card spots.  I have the Jets being in the wild card just because the AFC East is the Patriots division.  The Jets down fall is going to be at quarterback because Mark isn't as accurate as he needs to be.  The last playoff spot I have going to the Steelers.  Now this one could get flip flopped but I'm almost positive that the Steelers are going to be limping into the playoffs.  They have already suffered a ton of injuries to some of their top players on defense.  Their defense isn't going to be were it needs to be to make a deep playoff run.

Remember to fallow my blog so you can get updates of all of my latest stories.  Also look out for my NFC Playoff Contenders article that will be coming out with in the next couple of days.  Any other questions don't hesitate to comment on my post because I enjoy feedback!!!


Just a recap:  This is how I see the AFC standings by then end of the season:

1.) New England Patriots
2.) Baltimore Ravens
3.) Indianapolis Colts
4.) Oakland Raiders
5.) New York Jets
6.) Pittsburgh Steelers

The Quidditch World Cup

The Quidditch World Cup held in Dewitt Clinton Park in NYC

If you would have asked me two or three weeks ago what Quidditch means to me.  I would of told you that Quidditch is a sport in a fantasy world that only takes place in a movie.  But, after spending three days over the weekend with a Quidditch team from Chestnut Hill College, the word Quidditch has an entirely different meeting to me now.  

I was part of a group from Rowan University that was doing a documentary film on the Chestnut Hill College Quidditch team.  When I first found out what we were going to be doing a couple of thoughts were going threw my head.  I thought it was neat because watching these movies as a kid I wanted to play this intense sport.  I was also wondering how they would change the game because right now you can't get a broomstick that fly's.

The International Quidditch Association did a good job creating the game and mimicking the sport that was on the big screen.  One of my favorite ideas was how they made the snitch work for this game.  The snitch was a ball that fly's around and the seekers on each team try to catch it.  Of course there isn't anything like this in real life, but making actual people the snitch was a bright idea.  The snitch was my favorite part of the Quidditch World Cup.  The reason I enjoyed them so much is because of all the crazy stuff they were doing.  I saw one snitch jump into a tent to hide while he was being chased.  Another snitch cut in line at the bathrooms and hid in there for awhile.  Though for future snitches, I would say hiding in a tent would lead to a better experience then hiding in a porta-potty.  Some of their other tricks included sitting down in the crowd, wearing someones sweatshirt, and hiding between two buses parked on the street.  The snitches found some perfect hiding spots that kept the seeker's from getting them.

First Aid Station in the middle of the Quidditch World Cup

The other misconception I kept on hearing about this sport all weekend was how only nerds play this sport.  The best quote of the weekend had to be Devin Devoue who told CBS in an interview "I don't know what a nerd looks like, but if you looked up nerd in the dictonary it wouldn't be me".  Devin is one of the biggest members on the Chestnut Hill College Quidditch team.  He also looks to be one of the more physical players out on the pitch.

Quidditch which is a cross between Lacrosse, Basketball, Soccer, Football, Cross Country, and any other sport I left out is really physical.  I found that out the first game I was filming.  The teams were running towards the balls in the center and two of the players collide in the center of the field.  One player was laying there not moving and I could see blood coming out of the girls forehead.

 

 Some game play from the Quidditch World Cup

Later that day I heard another player had broken her leg and another guy had his ankle broken.  Even though this is a magical sport based on a movie, the EMT's don't have the magic to heal injuries in a matter of minutes like the wizards in the movies.  So for those of you who thought this sport was easy to play you might want to reconsider.

Chestnut Hill's Banner

Now lets focus on the reason that I was at the World Cup this year.  We were fallowing Chestnut Hill College from Philadelphia.  My first impression of this team was that they didn't look that physical.  But, that was only because I didn't see them practice or play the sport yet.  But, one of the things that you should know about Quidditch is that it isn't about how big or strong the person is, its how much they love this game.  Chestnut Hill College had a real passion for this game which really showed in their game.  They even proved me wrong because they were really good at this game.  Each person on this team was loving every moment of the World Cup, from the player who was at their first World Cup to the veterans on the team.  There was a lot of excitement on everyone's face because they have been waiting for this day all year long.

Chestnut Hill getting ready for the start of a game.

Chestnut Hill had a very strong first day with a 3-0 record and easily advanced to day number two.  The second day though didn't turn out as well as the first one.  There first game was around 1-1:30 and they ended up losing when the other team caught the snitch.  The first controversy of the tournament came up during this match.  Beater Kaycee Flore hit the seeker for Tuffs with a bludger, but before he made it all the way back to the goal he was subbed out by another seeker who within a couple of seconds caught the snitch.  Chestnut Hill brought it up with a member of the International Quidditch Association but, was turned down because they said that "four seconds wouldn't of made any difference".

Even though Chestnut Hill came up short this year they have learned a couple of things.  They are one of the most physical teams out there and that makes them one of the best teams in the tournament.  Also, since they only had a couple of seniors, this team will be one of the most experienced teams at next years World Cup.  I along with the entire Chestnut Hill Quidditch team had a interesting and fun weekend.  Who knows, maybe next year I might be playing in this tournament!!

The Chestnut Hill College Quidditch Team.

You Can't Catch Me

According to my roommates, the type of quarterback I like, shouldn't be even considered a quarterback.  The type of quarterback that is my favorite to watch is the running type.  My favorite position in the NFL has to be quarterback, because that position always handles the ball.  But if the quarterback can run why should you hate on them for that.  So as we are heading into week 8 I'm going to break down some of the running quarterbacks that are looking to get the start this week or in the upcoming weeks.

My number #1 favorite running quarterback of all time has to be Mike Vick.  I'm a huge Vick fan mostly because of his on the field talents.  What is better then watching him run around and then bomb the ball down the field forty or fifty yards.  I'm not the only one who loves this guy either.  The reason that the Atlanta Falcons sold out their stadium every Sunday was because Vick was playing in it.  Mike Vick is one of the most electrifying players in the NFL.  Even though he might be a little bit slower after serving some time in prison, he still looks really fast. After rethinking his approach to his position, Vick has become a more dangerous player.  Not only can he move around with his feet, he can throw the ball down field accurately, which is really important.  This makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL.

My second favorite quarterback has to be Vince Young.  Out of all the quarterbacks that we have seen over the last couple of years, the only one that has come close to Mike Vick would be Vince.  He is a pretty fast runner and has a cannon for an arm just like Vick.  They only problem with Vince is he was having problems starting for the Titans.  Last year he didn't start the first six games because of Kerry Collins, and this year he injured his leg.  This guy can't catch a break but, I'm pulling for him to come back this week and have a very strong game.

Now my third quarterback hasn't been playing much recently but, it looks like he might be getting a shot again soon.  Tarvaris Jackson who could have some talent, might be lining up under center if Bret Favre can't go on his broken ankle.  Jackson who has started before just hasn't gotten any breaks.  He also could be a legitimate franchise quarterback but we have no idea because he has only played in ninteen games with a 10-9 record.  I just hope for Jackson that he finishes out this season, because I really believe that Bret Favre is done with, and I'm a huge Bret Favre fan.

Who's the most relevant Smith in a 49er's jersey going forward?  Nope its not Alex Smith its former Heisman Trophy Winner Troy Smith who will get the ball this weekend in England.  Troy is another really good college player that hasn't gotten a chance to excel in the NFL.  Troy who was never really given a chance to succeed in Baltimore because of a up and coming guy named Joe Flacco.  Gets his first real chance in a game against the awful Jacksonville Jaguars in London, England.  He has the chance to turn around a 1-6 team that is already starting to peer ahead to the 2011 season.  I'm hoping that he will be showing us what he had in college and that it wasn't just a fluke.  Everyone knows that you can be fast in college but, when you get to the pro's everyone is the same speed as you.


As I'm looking forward to another football weekend.  We are going to be treated to wacky costumes because Sunday is Halloween.  This could lead to a another article next week that highlights the coolest costumes of the weekend.  Well that's all for now, enjoy your Halloween Weekend.

Too bad this is what Raider fans wear to every game

Cliff Lee bound for Philadelphia

You might be asking your self, what is Cliff Lee thinking about?  Well, he might be thinking about how the Texas Rangers pulled off a game 5 win against the Tampa Bay Rays.  Though what he is really thinking about is how the he is only one series away from playing the team that traded him away.

A couple months ago the Phillies were hearing about all of the complaints from the media and fans about how they shouldn't of traded Cliff Lee.  Cliff Lee was throwing complete game after complete game and everyone was worried that maybe the trade was a mistake.  Fan's were also comparing Cliff Lee against Roy Halladay.  The other thing that didn't help the situation was that the Phillies hit a rut with the team not playing well.  Not only was their offense not doing well they also had a lot of injury's.  The only starter from opening day that wasn't on the DL was Jason Werth.

Fast forward to a couple months later, when the Phillies brass decided to pull the trigger and bring in Roy Oswalt.  All of a sudden all of the people that were jumping off the bandwagon were starting to trail behind it to see if one guy could bring this team around.  Roy Oswalt combined with the return of injured players helped turn this team around.  These factors were a major force in helping the Phillies lead the push to the top of the National League East.

We head to the end of September, and all of a sudden the media and fans are jumping back on the wagon as we are streaking towards the playoffs.  Everyone is forgetting about how the Phillies traded away one of the best pitchers in baseball.  Who needs Cliff Lee when we have Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt.  We have the "H2O" factor, and no one in baseball has better starting pitching then us.

We are now a few days away from the start of the National and American League Champion Games.  On one side of the spectrum we have the Phillies with our amazing pitching.  On the other side we have the pitcher that the Phillies didn't feel like paying money to.  Even though we have put the Cliff Lee trade in the back of our minds. I'm pretty sure that a Phillies and Rangers World Series will bring that trade back into our minds.

I don't want to see the media circus that is going to result in a Cliff Lee return to Philadelphia.  Not only are people going to be talking about how Cliff Lee helped the Rangers get into the post season.  They are going to be talking about how bad of a trade it was for the Phillies to trade him away.  Not only will this be the worst case scenario for the Phillies who thought they were rid of Lee when they traded him to the American League.  He might end up pitching against his former team and might even get a win against them in the World Series.

But lets not jump to conclusion, we still have to make it through the NLCS and the Rangers have to beat the Yankees in the ALCS, before we can crown the them league champions and speculate about whats going to happen.  But if that does happen, I believe that we will find out who the number one pitcher is in baseball.  Roy Halladay v.s. Cliff Lee in game one looks like a pretty exciting match-up and a way to decide that.  My money is on the Doc because that is what month we are in any way right?  I love DOCTOBER!!

TO Getting Fined Again ??

Is anyone else getting annoyed at the NFL for fining players for ridiculous stuff.  It looks like its happening again after Terrell Owens tweeted within 90 minutes of a game.  According to the NFL's one year old law, it is illegal to use social media within those time restraints.
I don't have any idea why it is illegal to tweet before a game.  Why should player's not be able to use Twitter, Facebook, or Myspace that close to a game.  This is almost as stupid as the no celebration rule after a touchdown.  As a fan, one of my favorite things to do was watch Chad Johnson a.k.a. "Ocho Cinco" do his dance after scoring a touchdown.  This is the second time this season that Owens violated the leagues bogus law.  The first time was in a preseason game which ended up setting the wide receiver back $25,000.  So if that was for preseason tweeting, what will the fine be for breaking the law during a regular season game.
The other side of this was that his tweet wasn't even something bad, it was something that is good for the fans and good for the NFL.  Owens was tweeting to let his followers know that if they wear his jersey to the game today and they could get a signed football from him and Ocho Cinco.  How does a player giving away a gift ruin what the NFL is trying to do.  I just don't get it.  This is why the NFL stands for the "No Fun League".

Good Luck Facing H2O

 
As we are currently less then five minutes away from the Phillies v.s. Reds game 2 I can only think about how sorry I am for this team.  Yesterday they faced the best pitcher in the majors in Roy Halladay, and now they have to go back out their and face Roy Oswalt, who could be a number one pitcher on any other team.  Now as we all know their is still one more pitcher remaining in this group.  Yes, I'm talking about Cole Hamels who was kind of the 2008 World Series MVP.  So not only do the Reds have "H20" working against them, they still have the entire phillies offense to worry about.

The Phillies get back Placido Polanco who will definitively give a boost to this phillies line up.  I don't know about you, but I feel more comfortable with Polanco at third base then having Wilson Valdez their.  Not saying that Valdez is awful, I think that Valdez has filled in good at shortstop, but I would much rather have Polanco.  Now that the game is started time to sit back and enjoy the game.

Back to the Good Old Days?

Randy Moss mooning Packers fans at Lambeau Field