Dallas Forces Game 7 Back In Canada

Marty Turco and the Dallas stars avoided elimination once more, beating Vancouver 2-0 to force a 7th and deciding game.

Turco should silence his critics with back to back shutouts against a high powered Vancouver offense (although you wouldn't know it by this series).

The road teams had won 4 straight going into this game, and after an overtime victory in their last matchup, Dallas needed to break the trend. They did in dynamic fashion and Turco has now gone more than two games without allowing a goal.

Both teams now head back to Canada to see who advances to round two! I will keep you posted, lets go Canucks!

Until next time,

Raiders Shopping Multiple WR's?

According to Adam Schefter on the NFL network, the Oakland Raiders are shopping both Porter AND Moss, two of their best WR's.

This is very interesting, given the Raiders have the number 1 overall pick in the draft.

I have also heard the Raiders are in talks with the Detroit Lions for QB Josh McCown.

Does this mean the Raiders are not completely sold on JaMarcus Russell or is this some kind of smokescreen and they have full intentions of making him their franchise QB.

The difference with the Raiders (compared to a team like the Browns) is Lane Kiffin is a first year coach and a very young one at that. He has time to groom a QB, and wont be on the hot seat for a couple more seasons. Crennel I could understand not taking a QB because he probably only has one year left.

So the only remaining option I can think of, is the Raiders are VERY high on Calvin Johnson and perhaps this is Al Davis's man all along. We all know how he likes to rebel, and most mock drafts have Oakland taking Russell. Thing is, if they aren't sold on him, why not take the best player available in the draft which is arguably Calvin Johnson and draft a QB with their second pick. By that time they could get either Drew Stanton or Trent Edwards to run the show.

What do you guys think about this situation? Im very curious to see this year's draft, it could be one of the most exciting drafts in recent memory.

Until next time,

Ottawa Eliminates Pittsburgh

The Ottawa Senators JUST eliminated Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Final score was 3-0.

After having the series tied 1-1 leaving Ottawa, the Senators took 2 on the road, only to return home to eliminate the feisty Penguins.

Pittsburgh is the second team to be eliminated from the NHL postseason, with the Rangers eliminating the Atlanta Thrashers yesterday evening.

Report: Calvin Johnson Admits to Smoking Marijuana

According to ESPN, Calvin Johnson as well as a few other projected top ten picks (Gaines Adams and Okoye) have admitted to smoking pot when they were 16.

Seriously, is this even news?!? Are we grasping at straws here to find a headliner on ESPN?

I won't even get into the whole debate on whether pot is "good" or "the devils plant", most people who know me, knows my view on it... my biggest question is, who cares?? The fact that they admitted it should be plenty. This should be a GREAT thing for GM's, at least they know their future star is honest and don't really care what the critic's think about the situation.

I totally understand that smoking pot is totally against the NFL and their rules, and I respect that. For that reason alone, pro-football players should think and not partake, given the millions of dollars they are about to make. In this case, they don't really have a choice. You must respect the rules of the league, and if you don't, you get suspended. But seriously, do you think this would be a good reason for CJ NOT to be drafted in the top 5??

Honestly, I think since the NFL bans pot, they should ban alcohol too. I realize the argument is pot is illegal and alcohol isn't, but that doesn't mean it is right. It just means America hasn't found a way to market, tax, and most importantly gain money (and benefit) for such a thing being legal. And until that happens it probably won't be. Still, that being said, I think this is really blown out of proportion. It makes me laugh when I read the comments on ESPN and I see stuff like "If you smoke pot, you are a looser who will grow up to be a 35 year old manager at Burger King, with 7 ex-wives and 16 homeless children who you cannot support or feed".

Seriously, who let these monkeys out of their cages? :)

I'd love to hear other people's opinions on this, no matter what side of the fence you're on! Facts about marijuana need to be identified so people know EXACTLY what it is about. Yes, if you want to go into this league, you have to respect their rules, but don't punish a guy for being honest about something that happened over 5 years ago.

Until next time,

Thrashers Flying - Right OUT of the Post Season

After winning their division, the Atlanta Thrashers just got swept by the NY Rangers.

No sooner than half a day after I posted this did the Thrashers get eliminated by the Rangers.

Honestly, the way the Rangers are playing, it didn't take a psychic to see that Atlanta was on their way out.

The Rangers will now look forward to who they will be facing in the next round. Until then, they have a break, and will take a "Wait and see" approach.

The way the Rangers are playing as of late, they probably don't care WHO they play.

Until next time,

Buehrle hurls no-hitter to lead ChiSox over Rangers

Mark Buehrle became the first White Sox pitcher in over a decade to throw a complete game, no hitter. The last person to do this was Wilson Alvarez when he threw one at Baltimore on Aug. 11, 1991.

Buehrle, who becomes an UFA at the end of the year was almost perfect. He allowed one walk over his 9 innings and ended up picking off the runner at first before anything could come of it.

This was an absolutely incredible performance, and if he keeps pitching like he did today, the ChiSox might indeed find themselves in the post season once more.

Great job, you have to tip your hat to a player who can pitch such a gem.

2007 NFL Draft Predictions - 21 Through 32

Last time I wrote about my 2007 nfl draft predictions (11 through 20) in this years up and coming draft! With less than just a quick 10 days away, I am posting the end of round 1 projections.

Without further a due, here are my picks for 21-32.

21. Denver Broncos Selects Lawrence Timmons, Florida State

Why?: With the departure of Al Wilson, the Bronco's want a 1st round talent to replace him. Timmons give them this option and would be a great fit at middle LB for Denver.

22. Dallas Cowboys Selects Dwayne Jarrett, Southern California

Why?: With a new head coach and a fast aging group of WR, getting Jarrett (one of the better WR in the draft) makes the most sense for the Cowboys. No one really knows if T.O's off-field issues and his "cancerous" locker-room situation will hurt this team. It's best to be prepared, and Jarrett was a star in college and will hopefully do the same in the NFL. Remember... everyone thought Jerry Rice was a bit slow when he was first drafted too and we all know the ending of that chapter.

23. Kansas City Chiefs Selects Dwayne Bowe, Louisanna state

Why?: There is no surprise here given the mediocre talent the Chiefs has at the WR corp. They will have a new starting QB this year (whether its Huard or Brodie) and they need a guy who can catch and run with the ball. Bowe is a great player and should fit well with Herm Edward's Chiefs.

24. New England Patriots Selects Revis Darrelle, Pittsburgh

Why?: With Asante Samuel requesting a trade, the Patriots should address their CB situation here. It will be a hard decision between Revis, Houston or Ross but I feel Revis would fit more with the Patriots. Either way, I'd expect them to take a CB.

25. NY Jets Selects Chris Houston, Arkansas

Why?: Yep, second CB in a row off the board. The Jets need some Corners to help avoid getting burned by the deep ball. Houston is a quality starter who should be a top notch corner in the league. His college stats could be a bit of a worry to make him a 1st rounder (He has had 0 int and 0 FF in college) but I think he'll be a great player in the league none the less.

26. Philadelphia Eagles Selects Brandon Meriweather, Miami

Why?: The Eagles need a solid S, and although they already increased their D with Takeo Spikes I feel they'll still address it here. They have a pretty solid offense, and they may be tempted to take a WR here but with such a deep core in that area they could use their second pick on a WR instead.

27. New Orleans Saints Selects Aaron Ross, Texas

Why?: The Saints would be THRILLED to land a CB of Ross's caliber. They desperately need secondary help and if Ross is gone before now look for them to take someone like Houston, Revis, or the top secondary help available.

28. New England Patriots Selects Joe Staley, Central Michigan

Why?: The Patriots have two first round picks due to their trade sending Branch to the Seahawks. Look for them to address their Oline with some youth. Staley is one of the better OT in the draft (at least top 3) so look for them to nap him here. They also could be tempted in taking the best Center in the league, Ryan Kalil.

29. Baltimore Ravens Selects Anthony Spencer, Purdue

Why?: The Ravens just lost Adalius Thomas to the Patriots via Free Agency, and they need a guy who can rush or stay back (like Thomas can). This makes sense for a team who relies on Defense as their bread-and-butter and their offense is pretty well in tact with Air McNair running the show.

30. San Diego Chargers Selects Steve Smith, Southern California

Why?: The Chargers need a solid, deep threat and although Smith is a little small (just under 6 feet), he is quick and would be a deep threat Philip Rivers would love to see added. This guy is going to be a star and has catapulted himself to be a late first rounder (or early second rounder)

31. Chicago Bears Selects Justin Harrell, Tennesse

Why?: Harrell is projected as a 1st round selection and he would fit the Bears D perfectly. He can play both 3-4 and 4-3, is very versatile and would fit Lovie Smith's system very well.

32. Indianapolis Colts Selects Michael Griffin, Texas

Why?: The Colts could go a number of ways. They need to get a RB to replace Rhodes but they used their first round pick last year on Addai. Griffin is simply the best player left on the board at this time, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Colts grab a Offensive Tackle like Staley if he's available.

This pretty much wraps up my first round projections. In less than 10 days we will see which potential up and coming stars goes where. I am really looking forward to draft day, this might be one of the better drafts in recent years with plenty of talent.

Until next time,

Lions/Bucs Draft Trade NOT Official

All day yesterday, there was a buzz online that the Lions traded their #2 draft pick to the Bucs for their #4 pick.

This likely could STILL happen but I figure it wouldn't until at least draft day (to see who the Raiders select with their top pick). The Bucs REALLY want to grab Calvin Johnson, and if he is available look for this trade to happen then.

As of right now, this is NOT official. No trade has formally happened. I was just watching Adam Schefter on the NFL network and by no means has this trade happened, at least not YET!

As I do, Schefter things this deal will go down if CJ is available. This is the guy Gruden wants, and is talked about as the best overall player in this years draft.

Rangers Trash Thrashers

The NY rangers are 1 game away to moving along in the post season and by the looks of the way Atlanta is playing this will be sooner than later.

Atlanta simply looks outmatched. Which is odd given the star-studded cast on Atlanta's roster. The Rangers just DESTROYED them last night with a 7-0 final.

It appears Atlanta will be the first team eliminated from the NHL Post-season. Let's see who the Rangers will play (talk about counting chickens before they hatch) :)

Until next time,

Brady Quinn vs JaMarcus Russell

There has been a HUGE debate on the forums as to WHO is the top QB in this years draft.

Brady Quinn or JaMarcus Russell

A lot of people Quinn will be a bust before he even takes a snap, while Russell gets all the praise for his huge game potential, cannon of an arm and is also a very accurate passer.

Everyone things Brady Quinn cannot win the big game and is going to be another Joey Harrington.

Well... like usual, I have to completely disagree.

In my opinion, Brady Quinn is MORE NFL ready than what JaMarcus Russell is.

Quinn played for Charlie Weis at ND and played in a very advanced NFL style offense. He is also very smart and didn't have a ton of talent around him. I strongly feel he will succeed in the NFL even though many people will likely disagree. I remember a few years ago, that Peyton Manning "could never win the big game" and "don't have the know-how to succeed in the NFL". Sounds pretty familiar.

There is no denying the physical tools that Russell has... but whos to say he won't be the next Culpepper or Leftwich? Both of these guys are often injured and their careers put in jeopardy, despite being very young. I've watched the video's of Russell and his passes look INCREDIBLE! Really dead-on.

The other options, whos to say BOTH of these QB's won't be stars in the NFL. I am always a big believer of innocent till guilty.... and these two gentleman hasn't even taken a professional (NFL) snap and there is already a big controversy.

I'm just going to go ahead and say BOTH of these guys succeed and both become NFL stars for whoever they end up with. The talent is there, the know-how is there and as long as the coaching is there at the next level, these kids will be fine!

I'd love to hear your opinions on Quinn and Russell... who you think will go where and why! Just as a stab in the dark (or from my Mock drafts) :) I'll say Quinn goes to the Browns and Russell drops to 6th (and the Dolphins trade up and snag him).

You can check my 2007 NFL draft predictions here.