tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51152530885288851902024-03-05T03:38:58.281-05:00Gym Class All StarsCaleb Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115499475076588092noreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-73103043973897593282013-02-08T19:15:00.000-05:002013-02-08T19:15:05.734-05:00WIN (and then tie) OR GO HOME: 2012-2013 Champions League Preview Part II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Written by: Andy Chiang</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.6692330555524677" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Manchester United vs. Real Madrid</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leg 1: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu</span></b><br /><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Leg 2: Old Trafford</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let’s be honest. Manchester United got the worst draw of the UEFA Champions League 2012-2013 Knockout rounds. But it’s overcoming obstacles like this that make the stuff of legend. You become the best by beating the best. </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My last post was about how it won’t be the individuals that will be the key to this tie, but the performance of these 22 players as teams. Specifically, United’s midfield 5 (or 4) will need to rely on smart, organized, and unified team play to stifle Madrid’s counter attack and overcome their high pressure style. I fear that the usual Fergie tactic of turtle up and hit on the counter will not work against Madrid. As we saw recently against Tottenham, United must take the initiative. Madrid have too much speed and too many match winners on the field for United to be chasing the ball.
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today I am going to present the single exception. There are two individuals that do matter, but they aren’t Ronaldo or Van Persie... </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s going to be the two men standing between the sticks: De Gea and Adan/Lopez.
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">On paper, both these men face a daunting task. Something on the order of staving off an avalanche with a shovel. The amount of offense that will be on the field when the game starts makes a video game scoreline feel like a possibility. Both these keepers could make 6 or 7 saves a game and still give up 3-4 goals. I think everyone is looking forward to a goal-fest (even from a Mourinho team). So why do I say the crucial component to this tie is the keeper and not the offense?
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Neither of these keepers are particularly dominant. Adan has already been benched in the wake of Iker’s hand injury after a horror start. Lopez has started the last two games, but only made 3 saves against Barca and was bailed out twice: once by the woodwork after being left for dead on a Xavi free kick, and once by a goal line clearance by the excellent Raphael Varane. An inch here or there and his record in that game would have been 3 saves 3 goals leaked. Meanwhile he only faced 4 shots against relegation bound Granada, of which only one was on target.
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Meanwhile, De Gea has also had a rocky campaign. The young Spanish stopper with the up-sweeping-reverse-Bieber hair has finally enjoyed a run of consistent starts, featuring in the United’s last Champion’s League group loss to CFR Cluj and the last 10 United Premier League games. Unfortunately, his play has been erratic and, fair or unfair, has drawn much so much public criticism that his teammates have had to come out publicly to speak up for him. Trade rumors also abounded during the January transfer window. From where I am sitting, De Gea has played well over the last few games. His quickness and reactions are a major reason for United’s current comfortable league position. De Gea’s weakness is in his catching skills. Either he can’t catch, or he doesn’t trust himself to catch balls, and more than a few saves have rebounded to delighted opposition players. While he has improved in defending the cross and in set pieces (having Vidic back has also helped), he has not fully mastered the punch yet. In the end he will always be hounded by critics because he is not Van Der Sar and he is not Schmeichel. Pretty tough gloves to fill. As a youngster (he is just 22) I hope he will be mentally strong enough to continue to develop and perform into the world-class player he should and will one day be. My hope is that his piss poor English skills (I have never heard him speak a lick of English in interviews) prevent him from reading the papers and will protect his confidence.
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Given the context, the man that makes the least mistakes, who keeps his concentration the longest, who marshals the defense at the critical time, may ultimately decide the victor. De Gea will have to confront the weaknesses in his game head on when he faces long shot specialists Ronaldo Essien, and Di Maria. Will he be able to minimize the number of times he punches or parries balls to a lurking poacher like Khedira, Benzema, and Higuain? Given their recent run of form, I don’t rate Adan or Lopez against United’s attacking unit of Van Persie, Welbeck, Chicharito, and Rooney. But can Adan not get himself sent off? Can Lopez limit United to 2 instead of shipping 3 or 4?
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Doom and gloom aside, I think De Gea has a chance here to really shake the hater monkeys off his back if he can come up with solid performances against Madrid. De Gea is much more talented than either of the men on the other side of the pitch, and is the X factor for this tie without a doubt. Should he tame the Madrid attack, his place in the starting 11 and United lore will be assured and he can make a throw rug for his fireplace with the hides of the hater monkeys.</span></b></div>
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Pound for pound Real Madrid look to be the stronger side on paper, but as their La Liga record suggests they lack consistency and can be beaten. Some final thoughts on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the sides...
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Real Madrid’s strengths are in the Midfield and their major weakness is in Goal.
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I will be the first to admit I do not know a lot about Diego Lopez. But a glance at his statistics so far this year reveals an uninspiring record that started at Sevilla. In his 9 rated matches in La Liga 2012-2013, he has logged ratings over 6.5 twice, and logged ratings under 6.0 four times (per whoscored.com). One should also note that so far this season, he hasn’t played anyone. He was not a starter at Sevilla, and has played against top tier competition only 3 times this season. Besides the Barcelona Copa Del Rey meeting mentioned earlier (performance not rated) his ratings were ho-hum each time: (note: both these games were with Sevilla) 5.84 rating against Malaga where he faced 9 shots total, 2 on target and gave up 2 goals, 5.58 rating against Valencia where he faced 15 shots total, 4 on target, 7 blocked and gave up two goals. Apparently he is a big framed player strong in the air and was a part of the Spain Euro 2008 Squad. It was also reported that </span><a href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3277/la-liga/2013/01/29/3709216/casillas-no-longer-untouchable-as-diego-lopez-returns-to?ICID=HP_TS_10"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline;">he studied under the great Van Der Sar</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> in 2007. Pundits point to his size and experience in international and European competition, but most of the plaudits Lopez has won were in the 2006-2009 time frame. Whatever he might have been in 2009, he might be an upgrade to the shaken Adan, but De Gea takes the edge in this matchup.
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On Madrid’s midfield advantage...I don’t think I need to write much here to support this statement of fact. I mean Kaka and Modric sit on the bench. Essien is often used as a right back. That’s just silly. Even Benzema and Higuain, while occupying a “lone striker” position on the team sheet and TV infographic, have attacking midfield tendencies.</b></span></span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 48px;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">Manchester United have an edge going forward and are hoping for a Real Madrid dip in form.</span></b></span></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 48px;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="font-weight: normal; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;">While it is true that United have a better scoring record in their respective domestic league - having scored 60 goals so far this season, almost a third coming against top 10 EPL defenses based on total goals against numbers - Madrid (on paper) can field more game changing goal scorers at once. Ronaldo, Benzema, Ozil, Di Maria, Higuain, even Khedira and Ramos, and who can forget Essien’s </span><a href="http://youtu.be/RPL814WFMZo"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline;">memorable strikes</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"> once upon a time. In reality, Ronaldo scores all the goals. CR7 has scored almost 40% of all of Madrid’s goals so far this year in La Liga. No one else on the team has reached double digits in goals yet (Higuain has 8). To contrast, Rooney and Van Persie have double digit goals (Hernandez has 8). I give the edge here to United based on the fact that we have a more balanced attacking threat in the forward positions. I think the goal scoring exploits of Van Persie and Ronaldo about cancel each other out. I think Rooney blows Benzema/Higuain out of the water. (Of course I also realize that Madrid’s offense is mainly generated and executed by the midfield, so of course United’s forwards have better stats...</span></b></span></b></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the Giant’s and the Raven’s NFL success has shown us anything in the past few years it’s come playoff time it’s not about which team is the best but which team is playing the best at the moment. World football has known this for years, conceptualized by talks of a teams “form”. In this sense, I think United have had a great run of form as late and haven't lost a meaningful contest since November 20th of last year. On the flip side, United haven’t played a meaningful Champions League game since beating braga in November of last year and duly lost the last two “gimme” games. United will face a tough Everton squad this weekend, a tie which is increasingly becoming our “bogey” tie. On the brightside, Rooney has enjoyed a stellar run of form in the last few games and will hopefully be peaking against Real Madrid. United will also enjoy a spell of easy league games between the first and the second legs - all our opponents in between ties are fighting relegation. If United can find its rhythm and beat Everton on Sunday, the squad will be in good shape for the trip to Madrid. Meanwhile, Madrid face an easy Sevilla matchup before meeting United, but will have to play four games before the two sides meet again (United will only be playing three), and two of those games will be against Barcelona. These two games against Barca will be back to back, the last being played 2 days before United and Madrid meet again. Given the rivalry, it will be difficult for Mourinho to bench his starters for these games, and fatigue may become a critical factor for this matchup - and the edge United need to go through!
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The odds may be against us, but the game isn’t played on a sheet of paper. When the whistle blows United will have a chance to re-establish itself in Europe after recent disappointments. To the holder of the biggest scalp goes the greatest glory! COME ON YOU REDS!
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Leg 1: MUTD 2:2 RMA
Leg 2: MUTD 3:2 RMA</span></b></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Connect with Albert Nguyen!</span></u></b></div>
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Albert Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840136997224793696noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-31958795957070643882013-02-07T13:46:00.003-05:002013-02-07T13:54:51.440-05:00WIN (and then tie) OR GO HOME: 2012-2013 Champions League Preview Part I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Written by: Andy Chiang</span><br />
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6692330555524677" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Manchester United vs. Real Madrid</span></b><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">February 13, 2013</span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2:45pm Eastern</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leg 1: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Leg 2: Old Trafford</span></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><b id="internal-source-marker_0.6692330555524677" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline;">With the Knockout stages of the Champions League finally upon us, I and footy loving Americans everywhere are probably already planting the seeds for our impending Tuesday and Wednesday sickies. While one may opt for a more traditional “I woke up this morning and I don’t feel well” on a Tuesday, a more prudent fan may start quietly dropping hints of a cough or severe allergy/cold/flu/stomach virus throughout the week or so prior so that an innocuous Tuesday/Wednesday absence won’t seem out of the ordinary. Of course there is always the “morning traffic accident” that can buy you a half day, but that will really only work once, so you would have to choose. Regardless of which way you go, in my humble and biased opinion Manchester United vs. Real Madrid is by far the most intriguing matchup of the round followed closely by Porto vs. Malaga (two evenly matched and hungry sides with something to prove), and AC Milan vs. Barcelona (will Balotelli shine against a beatable Barca?).</span></b></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The storylines between these two sides would be fit for a Peter Jackson trilogy. Mourinho vs. Ferguson, The Return of Ronaldo, Van Persie the Reincarnation of Cantona. The clash of the two biggest and richest clubs on the planet playing out in two of the footballing worlds’ most storied stadiums against a backdrop of hundreds’ of years of prestigious history between them. What more can a fan ask for? It’s a matchup like this one and the promise of those magical “European nights” that makes me ache for a mega millions jackpot win to be able to experience this tie in person. With the Superbowl only a few days past, it is also striking how different the feel of the Champions League is in comparison. In my eyes the Superbowl, even when taken as a weeklong football fest, pales when compared to a UCL final...but maybe that’s just because I live in Dallas? But I digress - the romantics of the Champions League aside, lets get into the key matchups of the tie.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let me start by saying I will spare you all the historical matchup stats between United x Madrid or Fergie x Mourinho. I don’t know why European news outlets love to publish this information...but they are completely meaningless in giving us insight into next weeks’ match. Different time, different team, different players, different circumstances, etc. I don’t know why viewers would care about these stats. So...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Individuals and personalities steal headlines, but unit play is the key</span>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNj9XR2C_8EvE6R_x_RzEKDTLPeZRxgICFO8_XZFR5OTJlksISd8xRaM2ig0LqkxNilJhCMskycCj6JIYj3usniLm6oDB3aBalMkj9BTyeMTGeyts804o1fM7_HjytZI3m02avMTOTQ/s1600/realmadrid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGNj9XR2C_8EvE6R_x_RzEKDTLPeZRxgICFO8_XZFR5OTJlksISd8xRaM2ig0LqkxNilJhCMskycCj6JIYj3usniLm6oDB3aBalMkj9BTyeMTGeyts804o1fM7_HjytZI3m02avMTOTQ/s640/realmadrid.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even by Champions League standards, the 2013 United x Madrid matchup features some of the biggest current personalities and names in the game. Sir Alex is enjoying a happy 2012-2013 season that has seen his much criticized United squad defy many of the critics and build a comfortable lead atop one of the most competitive leagues in the world. In between he has found time to abuse match officials, wine and dine with <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1271119/sir-alex-ferguson:-pep-guardiola-has-no-interest-in-returning-yet?cc=5901" target="_blank">Pep Guardiola</a> </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in NYC, and grace the halls of <a href="http://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/item.aspx?num=43120" target="_blank">Harvard Business School</a>. </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just another year at the top for Fergie and United: more often than not finding ways to come back for the win, more often than not finding someone to step up.</span></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At the other end of the spectrum is the roller-coaster-telenovela world of Real Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo is sad, but he won’t say why and he still scores goals (why are there no good memes on this?!). Mourinho is a genius, then he benches Iker and is an egotistical maniac. </span><a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1312371/marca-madrid-plot-thickens-as-paper-claims-it-%27does-not-lie%27?cc=5901" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Iker and Sergio demand his ouster</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> says Madrid’s media friend Marca, but then the players refute this story and the club counter-attack their former friend like a mid-table La Liga opponent. All of a sudden Mourinho can’t control his dressing room, but they go on a 21 goal 8 game tear to open welcome 2013.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While individuals may be stealing the headlines leading up to this tie, the key battle of the game will most likely play out between how well each side’s midfield unit can play organized and play together. CR7 came out on Monday saying that he thought Real Madrid were better than United. Especially in the midfield, I would heartily agree. Tongue in cheek, EA sports and FIFA13 do too. Real Madrid’s midfield rating on the game is 4 points higher than United (as of 5 Feb 2013 - it was higher the week prior). Especially for United, organization and intelligence will be the key to control the middle third, stifle Madrid’s attack, and provide service to Van Persie, Chicharito, and Welbeck. </span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This will definitely be an uphill battle for United. Of all the teams they could have drawn, Real Madrid’s style may be one of the toughest for United to cope with. We have struggled this season when playing against teams with Real Madrid’s uptempo, speedy, pressing style. Like the last few times United have crashed out of Europe, teams have learned that pressing Michael Carrick is an easy way to disrupt United’s rhythm. Carrick is having a banner year, and the team relies on him more than ever to do a Xavi and pull the strings. Also, the safety net here is thin. We no longer have Scholes to bail us out and Cleverley and Anderson have been wildly inconsistent. Kagawa has been playing well, but has not been able to impact a game like he did at Dortmund. He is poor in defense, but his quickness will be important in getting into passing lanes and disrupting the Madrid defense-to-midfield transition. On the brightside Rooney has been on fire the last few games playing out of the midfield. Rooney’s willingness to track back and defend as well as his touch and vision will make him invaluable in the coming battle, but he can’t do it alone. It will take a true team effort.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Meanwhile, Madrid are one of the few teams on the planet that can boast a counter attack faster than Manchester United. Facing 4-5 players with world-class breakaway speed (Ronaldo, Ozil, Di Maria, Modric, Callejon?), United’s midfield will have to move up and down the field together, swarm the passing lanes, and be careful with their positioning, knowing that even a slight misstep can leave a teammate exposed and result in De Gea picking the ball out of his net.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That’s all for this edition. Feel free to smite me in the comments. Stay tuned for part 2 coming tomorrow!</span></b></span><br />
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Albert Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840136997224793696noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-30065748879657295122013-01-18T16:17:00.001-05:002013-01-18T17:03:12.677-05:00HOCKEY IS BACK!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
PEOPLE! After a long 119 days, the National Hockey League is back in business! Unlike the 2004-2005 lockout which cancelled the entire season, the new season is slated to start this Saturday with a 48-game season. Unfortunately, the game has lots of rebuilding to do. The already-shaky fanbase is at its all-time low. Many people don't even consider hockey as one of the major sports played in America anymore. No knock to the MLS (well sort of), but the NHL is headed to the bottom cellar unless there's a revival of sorts. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">40-year old Jaromir Jagr is still going strong!</td></tr>
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But, I will still stay loyal to a game I fell in love with while I was in elementary (thank you, antenna television). I'm excited to see the game return to many cities that desperately need some of sports action. I'm excited for the old veterans in the league that still have a passion to play the game. I'm excited for all the young up-and-comers who are aching to showcase something that people will be shelling out money for. In the end, I'm most excited for one thing....</div>
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So let's get it on, baby! May this season bring a sense of joy and excitement that once gripped me as a kid.</div>
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In the meantime, please enjoy the closest thing to hockey I had. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Photo and videos courtesy of dallasstars.com and youtube.com </span></span>ATLhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17126033803767528394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-14598839054028155662013-01-11T13:29:00.001-05:002013-01-11T14:57:54.764-05:00NFL 2013 Divisional Round Predictions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGpasGARfPVOlp54nnPhsIY0n_1JyI_IDvDkRyltvDcQXaUDHoE35jl24IrvP1A6nTiRXIfq_xGUtOkAgK2WMvfJHU2z8xcuQOsVdZj-NuekXDGcAU5xta23NMcku2OiS4Y3aN5leQg/s1600/Divisional+round+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGpasGARfPVOlp54nnPhsIY0n_1JyI_IDvDkRyltvDcQXaUDHoE35jl24IrvP1A6nTiRXIfq_xGUtOkAgK2WMvfJHU2z8xcuQOsVdZj-NuekXDGcAU5xta23NMcku2OiS4Y3aN5leQg/s1600/Divisional+round+2013.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>AFC</b></div>
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<b>Denver Broncos vs. Baltimore Ravens</b></div>
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Ravens won an emotional game in dominate fashion and
their reward is a short week and a game in one of the hardest stadiums to play
in. This isn’t Ray Lewis’ last home game, but it is Peyton Manning’s return to
the playoffs. Peyton seems to have the Raven’s number, Peyton has had faced the
Ravens 10 times and walked away victorious 8 of those times. The last match up
came up this season in week 15 when Peyton picked apart a banged up Raven
defense. This match up should be a little different; the Ravens are healthier and
there is much high stakes. Ravens are one of the most battle tested teams in
the playoffs, and no stage will be too big. They will need to run the ball and
control possession if they want a chance at winning this game.</div>
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I think this game will be more competitive than the first
game around, but Peyton will put the game away with a late touchdown to dash
the Raven’s hope of an upset. We saw last year how difficult it was to win in the
Mile High City of Denver, the heavy favored Steelers lacked the energy and
punch on a winter night in Denver. </div>
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<b>Prediction: Denver Broncos 31-20</b></div>
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<b>New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans</b></div>
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Last time Houston was in Massachusetts in week 14
they took a beating that changed many people’s perceptions of the untested
Houston Texans. Texans have been on a tail spin while the Patriots are in the
same position they seem to be every year. The Patriots are beatable at home in
the playoffs, the New York Jets proved that two years ago, and also showed us
that a regular season blow out can mean absolutely nothing. The Texans need to
remind themselves that they do have the talent to beat the Patriots. This
Patriot defense continues to improve, but is far from elite. Foster needs to
get a large amount of touches, while the rest of the offense must sustain long
drives. Houston Texan defense also needs to stop more than just the first option,
against top quarterbacks this year they are 2-1. They won a shot out with
Peyton Manning early in the season, in which Peyton still completed over 330
years passing. This defense seems to struggle against quarterbacks that can
spread it around to multiple options. This offense also doesn’t seem to be built
to win from behind.</div>
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I am going to go with the Patriots, but believe it will
be a close one for most of the game. I think Brady is still too good for this inexperienced
Texan team, and with the return of Gronkowski only means more mismatches
against the Houston defense. I also think Belichick has finally whipped this
young defense into shape, and we should see less mistakes and big plays given
up with each game they play. </div>
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<b> Prediction: New England Patriots 31-24</b></div>
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<b> NFC</b></div>
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<b>Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks</b></div>
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The last time the Atlanta Falcons were in this
situation we saw Aaron Rodgers put on a quarterbacking clinic in the Georgia
Dome. It prompted announcers to declare the game the biggest butt kicking the
city of Atlanta took since the Civil War. Maybe this is why none of the Gym
Class All Star writers but Albert picked Atlanta to advance past this Divisional round. Seattle
Seahawks are physical in nature and attitude, while the Falcons have a
reputation of not living up to the big stage. If this doesn't motivate the
Falcons to play the best football of their life, I don’t think anything else
could. By far the Falcons are the most disrespected one seed in NFL playoff
history. The key match up on this game has to be the large defensive backs of
the Seahawks against the two stud wide receivers of the Falcons. Richard
Sherman and Brandon Browner against Julio Jones and Roddy White should be exciting;
rarely would you see two defensive backs have a height advantage against two top
wide receivers. </div>
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I too am a doubter of the Atlanta Falcons, after seeing
them find regular season success and flop in the playoffs. Even Russell Wilson
a rookie has more playoff wins than Matt Ryan with his victory last week. I
believe that the hype around Seattle is deserved, and this might be the time
where the dark horse label is warranted. Seattle seems to have beaten down the
Redskins physically last week, and never showed panic after going down 14 in
the first quarter. Nor did they let momentum shift when Marshawn Lynch fumbled
on the goal line. As much as it pains me to say Seattle is for real, and the
league better take notice. </div>
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<b>Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 27-17</b></div>
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<b>San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers</b></div>
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The last of the 3 rematches in this round’s playoffs, yet
this one might have the least relevance. The Packers and 49ers faced off in
week one with the Packers losing a close one to a then Alex Smith led 49ers. Becoming
a Packer fan in 1995 the first four playoffs I watched included a Packer and
49ers match up. I thought the Packers could never lose to the 49ers, which didn’t
happen till the last of the four match ups in 1999. It has been awhile since
both franchises were Super Bowl contenders, but I have a feeling we will be
seeing another string of Packers and 49er playoff games in the years to come. 49ers
will need their quarterback to grow up quickly as the Packer defense starts to
look more comfortable and return to their 2011 playoff form. They will need
steady production from Frank Gore to free Colin Kapernick to be able to operate
without too much pressure. Another big storyline will have to be the fact
Rodgers is returning to the area his grew up in and played college ball. In
addition it’s against the team that over looked him and took now second string
quarterback Alex Smith. Aaron Rodgers might never admit it, but I am sure he
hasn’t forgotten.</div>
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The most important match up in this game is the 49er
defense verse Aaron Rodgers. The Packers run game has improved, but is still a
direct product of how much defenses respect Rodgers to use all of his weapons.
The packers have well over 7 guys that can make a difference catching the ball,
and it seems like every week Aaron Rodgers has been able to spread it around.
As a fan I have too much faith in this Packer offense to not pick them. Like
always this pick is very bias, so please keep that in consideration.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Prediction: Green Bay Packers 24-19</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Point totals from NFL 2013 Bracket Predictions:</b><br />
Wild Card Point Potential: 4 Points<br />
Divisional Round Point Potential: 8 Points<br />
AFC/NFC Championship Point Potential: 6 Points<br />
Super Bowl Point Potential: 4 Points<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Albert Nyguyen: 2 points - </b><b>Potential total: 20</b><br />
<b>Jonathan Lau: 1 points -</b><b> Potential total: 17</b><br />
<b>Steven Wang: 3 points -</b><b> Potential total: 21</b><br />
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<b>Phil Vuong: 1 points</b><b> - Potential total: 10</b></div>
<b>Norman Leung: 2 points -</b><b> Potential total: 18</b><br />
<b>Jonathan Mok: 4 points</b><b> - Potential total: 22</b><br />
<b>Peter Wang: 3 points</b><b> - Potential total: 19</b><br />
<b>Andrew Chow: 2 points</b><b> - Potential total: 13</b><br />
<b>Andrew Leu: 4 points -</b><b> Potential total: 22</b><br />
<b>Caleb Li: 4 points - Potential total: 22</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
Caleb Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115499475076588092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-55451106099743619852013-01-07T11:56:00.001-05:002013-01-07T13:01:56.694-05:00NFL 2013 Wild Card Prediction Recap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wild Card weekend ended up pretty boring in my opinion, most of the games were never that competitive or had a real chance of going either way as the game came to a close. <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2013/01/wild-card-weekend-predictions.html" target="_blank">When it comes to my predictions I got a solid 3 of 4</a>, or actually a perfect 4* in my <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2013/01/the-huddle-2013-nfl-playoffs.html" target="_blank">official Gym Class All Star NFL playoff bracket,</a> I made a last minute change after Ray Lewis’ announcement that he was retiring. It made Sunday’s game Ray’s last game in Baltimore.<br />
<br />
<b>AFC </b><br />
<br />
<b>Houston Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals</b> <br />
<br />
This had to be one of worst display of quarterback play in postseason history. No one could get their offense going, and with 6 field goals and only one offensive touchdown between the two teams this game was hard to watch. Bengals offense was embarrassing, Dalton seemed to be missing open receivers all night, and Jermaine Gresham seemed to be dropping every decent pass Dalton made. I believe Houston will end up playing better next week, but they left a lot to be desired this past Saturday. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjHFSyys9Tl1TedjofqaSbhJmG5zFXmOOGO62PmroMj5edybQ9RdptTHaLPAOm4k0k2sjmmA5THvJaWoHUwa3177zCIPNs3UIJtSwgEpUpFsAClKfr-GVUivGlVzIst706XroUCszxA/s1600/arian+Foster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjHFSyys9Tl1TedjofqaSbhJmG5zFXmOOGO62PmroMj5edybQ9RdptTHaLPAOm4k0k2sjmmA5THvJaWoHUwa3177zCIPNs3UIJtSwgEpUpFsAClKfr-GVUivGlVzIst706XroUCszxA/s400/arian+Foster.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Houston will need to continue relying on Arian Foster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Prediction: Houston Texans 27-10 </b><br />
<b>Actual: Houston Texans 19-13 </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts </b><br />
<br />
Ray Lewis. I am not here to make an argument for momentum, or the emotional mind game. The fact is this team hasn’t been playing well without Ray Lewis. He came back, excited the fans and his teammates and dominated the Indianapolis Colts. It is hard to image that the Ravens could survive two fumbles by Ray Rice, although Rice may have outweighed his mistakes with a few spectacular runs. Flacco proved he has the ability to win in the big game once again. The question now is if the world will give him any respect? My guess is no. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6AWN0nv4q-k_RrBPy1lzq5n7-Klk3J-fA2tMoGwG9v6LR-wGRqJin8bEX1AF_xEPiS_tW4x1e2jo8mNYJKIHpqPRUZwNtIbW4tKWpgr4utfd0Jcc1wXtzsnL5MjP48W02PbtUNKQ8Q/s1600/Ray+Lewis+Pregame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6AWN0nv4q-k_RrBPy1lzq5n7-Klk3J-fA2tMoGwG9v6LR-wGRqJin8bEX1AF_xEPiS_tW4x1e2jo8mNYJKIHpqPRUZwNtIbW4tKWpgr4utfd0Jcc1wXtzsnL5MjP48W02PbtUNKQ8Q/s400/Ray+Lewis+Pregame.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray Lewis' pregame entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Prediction: Indianapolis Colts 24-16</b><br />
<b>Actual: Baltimore Ravens 24-9 </b><br />
<br />
<b>NFC </b><br />
<br />
<b>Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings </b><br />
<br />
I thought this was going to be closer, but looking back I think I was just a paranoid fan. Saturday was an example of the same ole Vikings. Phil Vuong said it the best to me this weekend, “Everyone in the NFC North except the Packers shoot themselves in the foot (i.e. Bears, Vikings, and Lions).” In the end losing Ponder ended up being a big deal. Webb looked overwhelmed and incapable to lead his team. I was disappointed that the Vikings didn't try running the option read with Webb and Adrian Peterson more in the game. It would have been great practice just in case the Packers end up getting to face the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game, but clearly I am getting ahead of myself. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXiD-pukZuAd0FZaG7S-TB8TjYrBCfpCzYAWhpCBBmWYJSe9jPbbVaJ8w2oZ2s_ON0zudiEV8aY52GgHoyHo-A0VsbAX-zQMGJo0V2OU-fdLA3AcjVPrMUbLPfOpuO-nPkKc6q9Kx0Q/s1600/John+Kuhn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXiD-pukZuAd0FZaG7S-TB8TjYrBCfpCzYAWhpCBBmWYJSe9jPbbVaJ8w2oZ2s_ON0zudiEV8aY52GgHoyHo-A0VsbAX-zQMGJo0V2OU-fdLA3AcjVPrMUbLPfOpuO-nPkKc6q9Kx0Q/s400/John+Kuhn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Kuhn was Saturday's unsung hero</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Prediction: Green Bay Packers 31-27</b><br />
<b>Actual: Green Bay Packers 24-10</b><br />
<br />
<b>Washington Redskin vs. Seattle Seahawks </b><br />
<br />
This game was the most entertaining game this past weekend, but by no means was it that great. Things seemed to go south quickly as RGIII continued to break down after two impressive early drives in the game. Seattle was too big, strong, and consistent for the Redskins to keep up. If you didn't realize before, now you know the Seahawks are for real. They didn't panic when they were down two touchdowns in the first quarter, and continued to stick to their game plan of running the ball and letting Russell Wilson make smart decisions. Marshawn Lynch was the clear MVP and more than made up for his fumble by recovering Russell's fumble and turning it into a huge gain.If you want to believe in teams getting hot for the playoffs this would be this year’s version of the 2011 Giants.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagPin_Uhzr6VsCVxoe8sAQkZcx3YWVdGEQ2rFnQwpjmIAfcOfJ9H_e5cQl5EDztjd0l4k4VHq2G8-U6FqVxVIBaTag7SXVcIiuBxzZ1yPdHFVjALhwUn87SMJ-__ha6oVnUzMwu0sBA/s1600/marshawn+lynch+scopes+up+fumble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgagPin_Uhzr6VsCVxoe8sAQkZcx3YWVdGEQ2rFnQwpjmIAfcOfJ9H_e5cQl5EDztjd0l4k4VHq2G8-U6FqVxVIBaTag7SXVcIiuBxzZ1yPdHFVjALhwUn87SMJ-__ha6oVnUzMwu0sBA/s400/marshawn+lynch+scopes+up+fumble.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Scope" by Marshawn Lynch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 24-21 </b><br />
<b>Actual: Seattle Seahawks 24-14</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photos courtesy of USA Today, Mike Roemer/AP, Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun, and Getty Image.</i></span></div>
Caleb Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115499475076588092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-87589848424419525542013-01-04T11:58:00.000-05:002013-01-07T13:00:05.917-05:00The Huddle: 2013 NFL Playoffs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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NFL Playoffs are here, and 10 of the GCAS writers make their picks and answer a few simple questions about the upcoming playoffs.</div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Full Playoff Bracket Predictions.</b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px;"><b>Albert Nguyen:</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jonathan Lau:</span></b></div>
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<b>Steven Wang:</b></div>
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<b>Phil Voung:</b></div>
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<b>Norman Leung:</b></div>
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<b>Jonathan Mok:</b></div>
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<b>Peter Wang:</b></div>
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<b>Andrew Chow:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z5OkczfkTO-APG-X8qHWmT_eVz_ui2UhmInkCL93D3imZW5aPCWLfxrTXQUBBu6pC8L0rzihs3P6KoB9ZSo2b1rlz97yWvSmI0SshM6uGF29TDIW0j5UJknHKYzNsGtBcU9FKPitvA/s1600/2012-2013-playoff-bracket+Chow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z5OkczfkTO-APG-X8qHWmT_eVz_ui2UhmInkCL93D3imZW5aPCWLfxrTXQUBBu6pC8L0rzihs3P6KoB9ZSo2b1rlz97yWvSmI0SshM6uGF29TDIW0j5UJknHKYzNsGtBcU9FKPitvA/s400/2012-2013-playoff-bracket+Chow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Andrew Leu:</b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><b>Caleb Li:</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNppNsS0zTk1yIZc3mZX93Ft4AhJn-46pvU3rux0shTV8TAfajM2IaiSrYT8Hkt5XgtS86i3jz2JBLeobiWZgBMLehIgRUVrHqWosytxyuLnQzxwSNUxp4s7ig1LIKKcEvkmrm5JMBKg/s1600/2012-2013-playoff-bracket+Caleb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNppNsS0zTk1yIZc3mZX93Ft4AhJn-46pvU3rux0shTV8TAfajM2IaiSrYT8Hkt5XgtS86i3jz2JBLeobiWZgBMLehIgRUVrHqWosytxyuLnQzxwSNUxp4s7ig1LIKKcEvkmrm5JMBKg/s400/2012-2013-playoff-bracket+Caleb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Who will win the Superbowl and why? </span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Albert Nguyen:</b> Denver will win because the NFL is fixed and there is no way Eli will have more rings than Peyton. The defense is very opportunistic and playing well. The weapons that Peyton has at his disposal are talented -- but more importantly, they are disciplined and have bought into the system.<br />
<br />
<b>Jonathan Lau: </b>New England will win because I am a homer. It would be nice to beat the Packers to exact some revenge for Super Bowl XXXI. <br />
<br />
<b>Steven Wang:</b> Houston some what has history on its side. Indy and NO both won their Super Bowls going into the playoffs having lost their last 2 or 3 games. While the playoffs its all about matchups, all you need is a team to get hot and Houston is more than capable of doing it. I will put Houston on upset alert tho against Cincy. More below<br />
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<b>Phil Vuong: </b>Seattle, because they are cheaters. </div>
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<b>Norman Leung:</b> Green Bay will pull it out.</div>
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<br />
<b>Jonathan Mok:</b> I got the Texans winning the Super Bowl because the entire city of Houston is relying on this team ala the Rockets in 1994. Everybody is repping that red, white, and that blue, and championship windows don't stay open forever. I have never been a huge fan of Kubiak, but I am hoping that our skid into the playoffs will cause him to rethink his playcalling and open up the playbook a tiny bit so that everyone in the stadium won't know exactly when he'll draw up his patented draw play. The league knows all about JJ Watt now, but keep an ear out for Whitney Mercilus in the playoffs. As far as the offense is concerned, I hope Matt Schaub and Owen Daniels got together over new year's to run some routes because that connection will be key going forward. </div>
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<b>Peter Wang: </b>The only way to complete the storyline is for Peyton to win it all this year. Also, it's only fitting that we get another Manning v Brady in the AFC championship game.</div>
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<b>Jen Tsou:</b> Is this like the one office chick who picks based on team colors or better weather... I predict San Francisco vs New England in Super Bowl. I can't walk through the reasons. Call it woman's intuition.<br />
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<b>Andrew Chow:</b> Denver will win the super bowl to complete the whole Peyton returns arch/story line.<br />
<br />
<b>Andrew Leu: </b>The two hottest teams ending the season (Denver and Seattle) but I gotta go with the resurgence of Peyton. Guy knows how to lead the troops and looks healthy. </div>
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<b>Caleb Li:</b> Since I completely made my bracket as a bias fan, I am going to remove the Packers as a possible choice for this question. I think the team with the most upside has to be Seattle, but I think they will find it hard to win four tough games in a row. I believe winning home field advantage was huge for the Broncos, it forces New England to have to play in the high altitude in Denver. Because of that I have them making it to the Superbowl, and really can you have Peyton lose in his hometown of New Orleans?! I doubt it. So I would have to pick the Broncos if i couldn't do my fan boy pick of the Packers.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Who was the biggest surprise team to make the playoffs? </span></b><br />
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<b>Albert Nguyen:</b> Biggest surprise team = Indianapolis Colts. They were 2-14 last year. With the addition of Andrew Luck, the Colts had a 9-game turnaround. That is absurd.<br />
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<b>Jonathan Lau: </b>Vikings - Christian Ponder?! Also, they probably should've been eliminated by the Texans in Week 16. <br />
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<b>Steven Wang: </b>Biggest surprise team = Washington Redskins. Playing in the NFC East can be quite challenging. You got the defending champs, enigmatic cowboys and eagles and not to mention you are starting a rookie QB and RB and backup QB. Indy is close second but Washington coming out on top surprised me more. Luck will win ROY in my opinion though<br />
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<b>Phil Vuong: </b>Seattle, because they are cheaters.<br />
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<b>Norman Leung: </b>Vikings, Washington, Indianapolis. Didn't expect this crop of rookies and 2nd years to turnaround teams this quickly<br />
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<b>Jonathan Mok: </b>Biggest surprise team has to be the Seattle Seahawks. I was a big fan of Russell Wilson in college, but for him to enter the NFL, win a starting job in training camp, and propel this team back to the playoffs has been a joy to behold. I'm not taking anything away from the Seattle defense, but this kid has displayed a maturity well beyond his years.<br />
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<b>Peter Wang: </b>Biggest surprise team = Minnesota Vikings. All Day has been carrying the whole team's offense, and for him to do it after knee surgery has been nothing short of amazing.<br />
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<b>Andrew Chow: </b>Biggest surprise team = Indianapolis Colts. Because they sucked last year.<br />
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<b>Andrew Leu: </b>Biggest surprise - Minnesota. Didn't hear much hoopla before the season. Even the first quarter of the season, the talk was about the packers and bears. The vikes played the most consistnent w Ponder at the helm. He has been solid and AP did his thing.<br />
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<b>Caleb Li:</b> Biggest surprise team has to be the Colts, everyone thought this year was going to be a tough one for Andrew Luck. Even the great Peyton Manning didn't come close to making the post season his first year in the league. The Colts looked awful last year, clearly the surprise of the year.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Which player is going to break out this postseason? </span></b><br />
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<b>Albert Nguyen:</b> Break out player = Any Green Bay wide receiver.<br />
<br />
<b>Jonathan Lau: </b>Stevan Ridley - assuming my bracket holds, Ridley could have some nice matchups against Indianapolis (29th ranked rushing defense) and Green Bay (17th ranked rushing defense). I think the Pats are going to need some balance on offense instead of being fully dependent on Brady like the last two Super Bowl failures.<br />
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<b>Steven Wang: </b>Upset Alert - Rather than a breakout player, I'm going to focus on a Cincy and their matchup with Houston. Having home field helps but having lost 3 out of 4 games and their lone win barely over Indy does not bode well. Cincy has also gone 7-1 since starting 3-5 and their lone loss was to the cowboys on a last second FG. If there is one team I don't want Houston to play, its Cincy. They have zero expectations and primed for upset. Would not see be surprised if they make it to AFC title game<br />
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<b>Phil Vuong: </b>Those cheaters on Seattle, Browner and Sherman </div>
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<b>Norman Leung: </b>RGIII - it's going to be a rough next few years watching him play (from a Giants fan perspective) </div>
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<b>Jonathan Mok: </b>Put your horns up for this year's break-out player: Earl Thomas. RG3 may be the storyline, but ET may be the ending of this weekend's Redskins/Seahawks matchup. Look for Earl to be flying all over the field in both run support up at the line and pass defense in the secondary. And if/when Seattle makes it to the next round to face Atlanta, you know Matt Ryan will leave a couple passes up for grabs. Hook 'em.<br />
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<b>Peter Wang: </b>Break out player = If there are still people out there who don't believe in Russell Wilson, then his postseason run should remove all doubts of him being a tier 1 quarterback.<br />
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<b>Andrew Chow: </b>Break out player = AP dominates til the very end<br />
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<b>Andrew Leu: </b>Breakout postseason player - Russell Wilson. He'll be cool calm and collective throughout the playoffs (I really hope Seattle gets past the wildcard...). But I'm a fan of wilson. The offense suits him well and he's been making great decisions. Seattle is in good hands for the next decade.<br />
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<b>Caleb Li:</b> I am going to have to go with Casey Hayward, the defensive back on the Green Bay Packers. Not many people know who he is, but he is the reason this team was even able to turn the season around after losing Charles Woodson to injury. Like Sam Shields in 2010, I see Casey being the key to giving the Packer defense the flexibility to move Woodson around and bring him on different blitz packages.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Which team(s) should have made the playoff? </span></b><br />
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<b>Albert Nguyen:</b> Teams who should have made the playoffs = Bears, Giants, Cowboys. Chicago won 10 games, but finished 3rd in their division. New York went 1-3 against the AFC North and 3-5 on the road overall. That is not going to cut it. <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2012/12/americas-team-2012-season-review.html" target="_blank">Dallas, enough said</a>.</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Jonathan Lau: </b>Bears - should've held off Seahawks at home in Week 13, which probably would've sealed up the playoff spot.</div>
</div>
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<br />
<b>Steven Wang: </b>Teams who should have made the playoffs = Bears just got unlucky and ran into Minnesota and GB, twice unfortunately. Lions no joke either. Tough draw for Lovie this year. </div>
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<br />
<b>Phil Vuong: </b>Cowboys, but they got Romo'ed. </div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Norman Leung: </b>Bears (injuries), Giants and Steelers (couldn't pull out the close games)<br />
<br />
<b>Jonathan Mok: </b>With the NFC East in disarray, this was the year that the Cowboys could have snatched the opportunity to make a postseason run. But yet again, when it was all said and done, the Boys left their millions of fans with millions of what-ifs. </div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Peter Wang: </b>Teams who should have made the playoffs = Pittsburgh Steelers. Losing Ben in week 12 and 13 proved too much for the team to overcome, not to mention their running back dilemma and defense injuries to stars Polamalu and Ike. </div>
<div>
<br />
<b>Andrew Chow: </b>Teams who should have made the playoffs = Dallas Cowboys. Injuries can't be a real excuse since all teams lose starters, but injuries ruined the Cowboys chances. Jerry Jones has promised changes....Cowboys will make the playoffs next season for sure. </div>
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<br />
<b>Andrew Leu: </b>Teams that should have been in the playoffs - giants and bears. Both fizzled at the end after a solid first half.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Caleb Li:</b> Giants, short and simple they are a championship quality team that is too lazy to care in the regular season. This time they woke up too late, or maybe it was just the fact that the Redskins were able to just win more. 9-7 should never be good enough for the playoffs and the 2011 Giants just got lucky.</div>
</div>
Caleb Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115499475076588092noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-52389715004673541692013-01-01T17:02:00.000-05:002013-01-01T17:02:25.197-05:00Wild-Card Weekend Predictions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-MVwnlagKmqe84nfooUuOdfwoAPsyyZXUXTd9ukWOnl-yBEuAGHOsDaapHi184DPigpjISPuex6CYOWuhLJHDZprnZcTBkBL3dm4Bye1Nw_fa-LGoYGMZ6G746HBAK2eUtrzvJ7cnA/s1600/NFL+Playoffs+12-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-MVwnlagKmqe84nfooUuOdfwoAPsyyZXUXTd9ukWOnl-yBEuAGHOsDaapHi184DPigpjISPuex6CYOWuhLJHDZprnZcTBkBL3dm4Bye1Nw_fa-LGoYGMZ6G746HBAK2eUtrzvJ7cnA/s640/NFL+Playoffs+12-13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>AFC</b></div>
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<b>Houston Texans vs.
Cincinnati Bengals <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This is a rematch of last year’s wildcard game, and should
pan out to be a decent game. The Texans are playing their worst football of the
year, while the Bengals are coming in hot after two impressive division wins
against the Ravens and Steelers. Houston still has a ton to prove even with the
playoff win last year. The Texans have yet to win a big game that matter this
year, with losses to both the Packers and Patriots in primetime statement
games. Also they could have locked in the bye and avoid having the possibility
of going to New England for round two. Bengals have years of failed results to
overcome, and this team may have already overcome too many demons in one season
with a huge win to knock the Steelers out of playoff contention. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG9CtP_a2EKhBn8LB8_WPQXZTlLxDC0_bvt2vxwC94HC42gajRIpmrPQZ8-5pOBRfV_QEKj3l9bwaSK5-DwPpGARMlSKyvpnvsXV71S9xKDcKL0gWn7zcgO-GOBNHzg_rhxheHK3nLQ/s1600/JJ+Watt+verse+Bengals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG9CtP_a2EKhBn8LB8_WPQXZTlLxDC0_bvt2vxwC94HC42gajRIpmrPQZ8-5pOBRfV_QEKj3l9bwaSK5-DwPpGARMlSKyvpnvsXV71S9xKDcKL0gWn7zcgO-GOBNHzg_rhxheHK3nLQ/s400/JJ+Watt+verse+Bengals.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dalton better be ready for a high dose of JJ Watt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. I
picked the Bengals last year, and I will not be making that mistake again. Houston
is clearly missing Brian Cushing and it is beginning to show. Also Matt Schaub
is still has much to prove, especially with weapons like Andre Johnson and
Arian Foster. There is just nothing special about the Bengals, besides AJ Green
I don’t see any game changers on this roster. I believe J.J. Watt will be a
difference maker in this game and propel the Texans to the next round.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Prediction: Houston
Texans 27-10<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Baltimore Ravens vs.
Indianapolis Colts<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Colts return to where it all began, to face a less
intimidating Baltimore defense compared to years past. Colts have to be the
feel good team of the year, and Andrew Luck has proven to be ready for the big
stage. No one that isn’t a Colts fan thought the Colts would make it this far,
but they continue to find ways to win. On the other side the Ravens have
struggled of late, and have no quality wins against a playoff team since week 3
against the Patriots. Ravens have limped into the playoffs, but still have the experience
most teams don’t. I think if Ray Lewis can go for this game, it could have a
huge impact, even if he is limited in what he can do. Football is a very
emotional game, and I believe both teams will bring that to this game.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXmHdn0YrlxKkqTB6Qbf8_qWEY8tY4fbzzCyzwwGwJVwep3Gl_oUvw_VdWz0Kskt4553HE_f2HO23RY9v1MA_ctfPZPpoFUE88KeSIalaT8o_X3ukgG55-Rn4MgYyl2sXSyvkIu6ZoA/s1600/Chuck+Pagano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoXmHdn0YrlxKkqTB6Qbf8_qWEY8tY4fbzzCyzwwGwJVwep3Gl_oUvw_VdWz0Kskt4553HE_f2HO23RY9v1MA_ctfPZPpoFUE88KeSIalaT8o_X3ukgG55-Rn4MgYyl2sXSyvkIu6ZoA/s400/Chuck+Pagano.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck needs to figure out how to stop the defense he coached last season.</td></tr>
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Right now it is hard to pick against a team that just got
their coach Chuck Pagano back after a battle with cancer. The Colts are riding high after
winning against Houston last week in a game that the Texans actually needed
more than they did. Colts can be beat; I just think the Ravens are a little too
banged up this year to get it done. It will fall on the shoulders of the Raven
offense to keep up and I just don’t see Joe Flacco rising to the occasion.</div>
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<b>Prediction: Indianapolis
Colts 24-16<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>NFC<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Green Bay Packers vs.
Minnesota Vikings<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Playing the same team back to back is never ideal for either
team. The only difference now is that the game will be played outdoors in the
cold weather of Green Bay. This just might be a bigger advantage for the
Minnesota Vikings. Aaron Rodgers has still never won a playoff game at Lambeau
Field and has struggled in the only two playoff games he has played in the cold
(game verse Giants at Green Bay 2012 and verse the Bears in Chicago 2011). The
Packers offense is clicking, but the defense still seems suspect at times. I am
hoping for a solid return from Charles Woodson that will stabilize the young
secondary. On the other side we can expect a ton of Adrian Peterson “All Day”
throughout the game. It is a shame Adrian Peterson fell short of the record by
nine yards, and I expect him to take that frustration out on the Packer
defense. Minnesota has been on a must win run since week 14 and is similar to
what the Giants and Packers did the last two year.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgSH21RhWSCB2jo0dzJvsQ_H_F7Xm0CoWUvRzXxGEapSTUv4qWwUuoBdU7F4X7iU_IwAUoLsjMDXYZqYUKLi3FmQ3HhYake4iOXVPLCRbfP9zKYZuSH6vZSok9DJ7J2q5TVL4HpnStw/s1600/Packers+tackle+AP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgSH21RhWSCB2jo0dzJvsQ_H_F7Xm0CoWUvRzXxGEapSTUv4qWwUuoBdU7F4X7iU_IwAUoLsjMDXYZqYUKLi3FmQ3HhYake4iOXVPLCRbfP9zKYZuSH6vZSok9DJ7J2q5TVL4HpnStw/s400/Packers+tackle+AP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packers will need to figure out how to stop AP.</td></tr>
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As a Packer fan I have no choice to pick the Green Bay
Packers, although I think this is going to be much </div>
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closer than many think. The
only difference the Vikings won’t be able to continue their late season success
like the last two Super Bowl winners is the fact that their quarterback
Christian Ponder is downright awful. Packers need to figure out how to contain
Adrian Peterson, and learn to have that high power offense click outdoors. In
the end I have to go with the Packers to once again break hearts in Minnesota.</div>
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<b>Prediction: Green Bay
Packers 31-27<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Washington Redskin
vs. Seattle Seahawks <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is going to an intense battle between rookie
quarterbacks, with both playing at a very high level late into the season. Quality
coached teams, with creative play calling, and a solid and powerful running
game on both sides. In many ways these teams are very similar; both of their
quarterbacks are mobile but also have the accuracy and strength to throw the
ball effectively. Alfred Morris and Marshawn Lynch are two the most consistent running
backs this season. The key difference is going to be the Seattle defense. From
top to bottom this just might be the best defense playing this weekend. Their
defensive backs are physical and have the height of most top receivers. Their
front seven find ways to bring pressure, which will be the key in stopping RG3.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhwkAq9BIJe3NYgxQSHyYnH6ubHM9IzamtgZfFkEa2uh1mOg5RQXpjfT3NcF2XRqIeapkox2VrQIJvmQi_ZaR6zB0h4GwLcLyYXIOHgQO2OuJj4ZUU4nJgk1QBxWQJM59BbxpHAbohQ/s1600/Rookies+qbs+in+playoffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhwkAq9BIJe3NYgxQSHyYnH6ubHM9IzamtgZfFkEa2uh1mOg5RQXpjfT3NcF2XRqIeapkox2VrQIJvmQi_ZaR6zB0h4GwLcLyYXIOHgQO2OuJj4ZUU4nJgk1QBxWQJM59BbxpHAbohQ/s400/Rookies+qbs+in+playoffs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least one of these rookies will get their first playoff win.</td></tr>
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I personally can’t stand Seattle after the fail Mary, and I
find it frustrating how they have become the darlings of this year’s playoffs.
With that I have to say I fear this team more than any other, they have an arrogant
nature around them that gives them the swagger needed to win in this league.
That same arrogance rubs me the wrong way and grows my dislike for Pete Carroll.
With that all said, I believe that Seattle’s defense makes the difference and
ends Robert Griffin III’s amazing season.</div>
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<b>Prediction: Seattle
Seahawks 24-21<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photos courtesy of NFL, <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle, </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">AP Photo/AJ Mast</span></i></span></div>
</div>
Caleb Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115499475076588092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-79229109595863070572012-12-31T01:15:00.000-05:002012-12-31T11:29:14.783-05:00America's Team: 2012 Season Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is the third and final installment of America's Team this year. (<a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2012/09/americas-team-2012-2013-dallas-cowboys.html" target="_blank">2012 Season Preview</a>, <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2012/11/americas-team-2012-midseason-report.html" target="_blank">2012 Midseason Report</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1vYdTyG8mIu35kspGkcGA5Ev99hyphenhyphenj0dCBAPShAefRM-oZ2nUEfReo4OR7DJHSijHLxy2OwnQ_uetJwP9D2yNaSxOLYVN03aIj28GyoL0fC-cNUhr7njPUNJTXJ222T0witD_MwhqWA/s1600/Jerry1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1vYdTyG8mIu35kspGkcGA5Ev99hyphenhyphenj0dCBAPShAefRM-oZ2nUEfReo4OR7DJHSijHLxy2OwnQ_uetJwP9D2yNaSxOLYVN03aIj28GyoL0fC-cNUhr7njPUNJTXJ222T0witD_MwhqWA/s400/Jerry1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For Dallas Cowboys fans, the 2012 NFL season was another roller coaster year that featured plenty of ups and downs. But at the end of the day, it was simply one of sheer disappointment. Finishing with a record of 8-8, America's Team is truly the epitome of mediocrity.</div>
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Again.</div>
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The Cowboys finished with the same record in 2011.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">According to www.google.com:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>Mediocrity</b></u></span></div>
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<b>Noun</b></div>
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1. The quality or state of being mediocre.</div>
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2. A person of mediocre ability.</div>
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<u><b>Mediocre</b></u></div>
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<b>Adjective</b></div>
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Of only moderate quality; not very good: "a mediocre actor".</div>
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<b>Synonyms</b></div>
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middling - moderate - indifferent - ordinary - mean</div>
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With the fickle nature of fandom or fanship, there will undeniably be countless subjective analytical statistics and arguments in regards to the shortcomings in coaching, the defense, and mostly of Tony Romo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7h3KJ1zpfTlokQijY4qkse32_m4rQT6BnU2odlZmVL4WoMcv538745dqfYoxvBsn5G8fYFkvI9k6Obs5RubNT5YjR38-EzJaLcc97tF7sN6b0dx0ax7Sr2bqdvhqIfruOUq-eakotQQ/s1600/Romo3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7h3KJ1zpfTlokQijY4qkse32_m4rQT6BnU2odlZmVL4WoMcv538745dqfYoxvBsn5G8fYFkvI9k6Obs5RubNT5YjR38-EzJaLcc97tF7sN6b0dx0ax7Sr2bqdvhqIfruOUq-eakotQQ/s400/Romo3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Romo is the quarterback of the team -- and the cliche about being the quarterback is that he will receive too much praise when the team wins and too much criticism when the team loses. I want to make things clear. I do not hate or even dislike Tony Romo. He is the quarterback of the football team I cheer for, so I will always support him strictly because of the star on his helmet. However, facts are facts.</div>
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Tony Romo is 1-6 in win-or-go home games in Week 17 or the postseason.</div>
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If you look at the story of Tony Romo, he has beaten the odds time and time again. He was a great athlete in high school, but still didn't earn a spot on a division I football team in college. He broke all the records at Eastern Illinois University and had his jersey retired, but still went undrafted in 2003. He was signed as a free agent and sat on the bench for 4 years before checking into a game against the New York Giants in 2006. An unbelievable journey. Anyone who discounts what Romo has accomplished is just being disrespectful. Fast forward to today, and he is one of the most marketable and highest paid players in all of sports.</div>
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Being the NFL superstar that Romo is, there is arguably nobody else in the league that is nitpicked under the microscope as much as he is. It comes with the territory. When you play for the same team and the same position as Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman -- both football legends -- you will be measured not by regular season wins or passing yards or quarterback rating or even playoff appearances. For Cowboys fans, you will solely be judged (and justifiably so) by how many championship parades you bring to the city of Dallas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqamzEAhV_C-AW0Ux-2jE4Lu6i6yvTqJVwlpzrpXJm9Q7Md3pbyj8kPuQZ4TdKkCm-MBBZ5nb4VyP_z_Diy9WBtAvjF60vYIAzwkNgZTeuyY7ABFzLCtkXI6ddzK_tPIzRuUp74cXUQ/s1600/Dallas2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqamzEAhV_C-AW0Ux-2jE4Lu6i6yvTqJVwlpzrpXJm9Q7Md3pbyj8kPuQZ4TdKkCm-MBBZ5nb4VyP_z_Diy9WBtAvjF60vYIAzwkNgZTeuyY7ABFzLCtkXI6ddzK_tPIzRuUp74cXUQ/s400/Dallas2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For all of his well documented late season struggles, Romo was unquestionably having the best December of his career. He was giving all his naysayers the subliminal middle finger as the team traveled to Washington for their deciding game. Before throwing <i>three </i>devastating interceptions against their most hated rival, Romo had thrown for 10 touchdowns and only 1 pick in the month of December. He put the team on his back and got them into a position to win the NFC East division. A remarkable feat considering the team was 3-5 midway through the 2012 campaign.</div>
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The first interception was vintage Romo. He was backpedaling, didn't get his feet set, and floated a ball over the receiver. I can live with that. It was early in the game and it was just a poorly thrown ball. It was more of a physical mistake rather than a mental one.</div>
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The second one was a clear display of Romo's lack of arm strength, severely under throwing the ball right into the hands of the defender. This one made me cringe a little bit. I understand his thought process. It was one on one coverage on the outside so he wanted to give his receiver a chance. But in that situation, you must throw it to the sidelines and not to the middle of the field. Mental mistake.</div>
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The third one basically sums up Romo's career after he burst onto the scene in 2006. He had just thrown a beautiful back shoulder pass for a touchdown, the defense got a critical stop, and everything was shaping up for a storybook ending. Momentum was clearly shifting towards Dallas's favor. <b>Then Romo happened</b>. Instead of throwing the football away to live and play another down, he decided to lob it to the left flat without taking notice of the defender that was dropping back into coverage. Mental mistake.</div>
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The game was basically over at that point. </div>
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Passionate supporters of Romo may scream offensive line! Or all of the wide receivers were hurt! Or Coach Jason Garrett can't manage a game! Or the defense was completely depleted! Or RGIII is too good! </div>
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Three interceptions is three interceptions.</div>
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1-6 in deciding games is 1-6.</div>
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8-8 for the year is 8-8.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDVXjpH5J4nwEaV4ZjAtscOgXFiAO7-cs-t8_UFXhNVB4JKCfWWJot-A9nmfteDb-cIDOHVeXKutjzkh0_Han71rDjvtJ5hbIX4wWxUSn6ZnPYyZmIH1zWWxCInmfKaDQhgCSLooU-g/s1600/Morris2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDVXjpH5J4nwEaV4ZjAtscOgXFiAO7-cs-t8_UFXhNVB4JKCfWWJot-A9nmfteDb-cIDOHVeXKutjzkh0_Han71rDjvtJ5hbIX4wWxUSn6ZnPYyZmIH1zWWxCInmfKaDQhgCSLooU-g/s400/Morris2.jpeg" width="310" /></a></div>
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I realize that Alfred Morris is the first running back to rush for over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Cowboys in history. I realize that Dallas is 2-11 in Week 17 since 2000, the worst in the NFL. I realize that Dez Bryant and Miles Austin were out of the game. I realize that half the defense was made up of guys who were literally in the streets a few weeks ago. I realize that our offensive line is horrible. I realize that Washington's execution with the read-option is unguardable. I realize that Jason Garrett makes no in-game adjustments. I realize that Jerry Jones is senile.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVehK1pyKQCS8F8QoiLfHefa8PZ3mujW6OXopiSTd4AK5mE7NesTtkvxNL_3sSV783a99lGK-i5AJP4pmhZjmW39-ln0E1aN5R82R4RHVETG0lxRyDvUJN2qBYWccS-63u5VboOa-RQ/s1600/Romo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVehK1pyKQCS8F8QoiLfHefa8PZ3mujW6OXopiSTd4AK5mE7NesTtkvxNL_3sSV783a99lGK-i5AJP4pmhZjmW39-ln0E1aN5R82R4RHVETG0lxRyDvUJN2qBYWccS-63u5VboOa-RQ/s400/Romo5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I realize all these things, but it doesn't change anything. It's still another year that was lost for Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys. For those who don't know, Romo will be 33 years old and entering the last year of his 2007 contract extension when they kick it off again next season. If the front office has any foresight at all, they would be wise to look at a couple quarterbacks during the upcoming draft and off-season. It only takes one play to usher in the Anthony Wright, Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson, Ryan Leaf, Clint Stoerner, and Drew Henson era. Trust me.</div>
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Scary thought: Robert Griffin III is 22 years old and Alfred Morris is 24 years old.</div>
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2012 was a fun ride, but the injuries were just too much to overcome. The loss of Sean Lee was huge -- it took away the defensive play making ability that the team needed to overcome their deficiencies and mistakes. Unfortunately, Dallas is stuck in the worst position it can be in. Not bad enough to garner a high draft pick. Not good enough to make the playoffs.</div>
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The Cowboys will have the 18th pick in the 2013 draft. A talented, young player on either the offensive line or defensive line seems like the smart choice. </div>
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It's clear that Rob Ryan has to go, the offensive line needs a major overhaul, and the team needs a completely different personality in general. It will be interesting to see what Owner and GM, Jerry Jones, has in store over the long summer. I for one truly believe America's Team will be back one day. I just hope it will be sooner, rather then later.</div>
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<i style="color: #878787; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo and video content courtesy of sports.yahoo.com, cbssports.com, dallasnews.com</i></div>
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Albert Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840136997224793696noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-34809757622775243882012-12-09T01:58:00.000-05:002012-12-09T08:23:24.589-05:00Party Foul: Boxing - Manny Pacquiao v. Juan Manuel Marquez<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKWbD3wtjoem-E53GIMz6-jcJsHFwwAY1ign4izetQwnGtBzvjrBzGhmCZG6-OYm8Fg2R3RT0DLxeeYonVpTiuVaxY0utDUGg7MKfKUhoHnSKhuvyb6dG_wwwdrtLuTBijQKqwwDASw/s1600/pacquiaojmm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKWbD3wtjoem-E53GIMz6-jcJsHFwwAY1ign4izetQwnGtBzvjrBzGhmCZG6-OYm8Fg2R3RT0DLxeeYonVpTiuVaxY0utDUGg7MKfKUhoHnSKhuvyb6dG_wwwdrtLuTBijQKqwwDASw/s400/pacquiaojmm1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back in June, when <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2012/06/party-foul-boxing-manny-pacquiao-v.html" target="_blank">Manny lost to Timothy Bradley</a> in a controversial decision by the judges, everyone was mad at the sport of boxing. Talks of fixing fights and corruption became rampant and the sport was taking a huge hit. Tonight on the other hand, when Manny lost to Juan Manuel Marquez in a shocking knock out, there is no one to blame other than Manny Pacquiao himself. There was no need to go to the judges for this one.<br />
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At his core, Marquez is a counter puncher -- with that being said, JMM caught Manny with absolutely the perfect shot. Manny moved in right as Marquez was cocking his right hand. The vicious blow not only stunned the crowd, but it literally put Pacquiao to sleep for a good minute where he was laying face down on the canvas. Not only did Marquez get the revenge he sought after due to what happened to him during their previous three bouts, but tonight may have punctuated the end of both of their careers.<br />
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In a fight where Manny was actually winning, he simply got caught with the picture perfect counter punch. That happens in fighting. The three judges all had Manny leading the fight 47-46 as the 6th round was concluding.<br />
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I am still in shock as I type this up. Wow.<br />
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There was only <i><b>2 seconds</b></i> left in the round.<br />
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Manny has never been knocked out like that. Ever.<br />
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----> Check out this great GIF of the knock out: <a href="http://d3j5vwomefv46c.cloudfront.net/photos/large/699349861.gif?key=320180&Expires=1355036841&Key-Pair-Id=APKAIYVGSUJFNRFZBBTA&Signature=eDCZLVAlgZfF9x4TB-6hHRKIBNOAqiPvb8ZtsZj918lpETVu2sQQ1N14ltZ-YeYQySWD-ONMpAlb7Ww35-p3TRbcG3VKG3BwXMt3~~qKfEjsD6fOl9rDbVcKRgXPw15CbNL0D5hWk097ekzsIRKHTxvG7EfQwwL~Nxg0IdiVsrM_" target="_blank">Down. Goes. Manny.</a><br />
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<b>Total Punches Landed</b><br />
Pacquiao - 94<br />
Marquez - 52<br />
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<b>Power Punches Landed</b><br />
Pacquiao - 68<br />
Marquez - 41<br />
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Juan Manuel Marquez landed only 21% of the punches he threw during the 6-round fight.<br />
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Manny Pacquiao falls to 54-5-2, losing consecutive fights for the first time in his career.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nJayeZoSP3JqPfFs2-Cix5Evo4MqqgJKJb1PlH1imyXQCJkvtS01FX8NMcrVfF93FD_Wzrx8uCrx1Sura-n4S3hAYlRCO3k0_7Vew8X-GFWIPNftpbgJcF0Ew7Eq2sk1YI-EPScvPQ/s1600/pacquiaojmm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nJayeZoSP3JqPfFs2-Cix5Evo4MqqgJKJb1PlH1imyXQCJkvtS01FX8NMcrVfF93FD_Wzrx8uCrx1Sura-n4S3hAYlRCO3k0_7Vew8X-GFWIPNftpbgJcF0Ew7Eq2sk1YI-EPScvPQ/s400/pacquiaojmm2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pacman is done.<br />
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Mayweather v. Pacquiao is done.<br />
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<b>Boxing is done.</b><br />
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<i style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo and video content courtesy of latimes.com</i><br />
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Albert Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840136997224793696noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-63383896128441833922012-11-30T19:16:00.003-05:002012-11-30T19:16:53.889-05:00Beware the WildKaep<br />
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The WildKaep will prowl the Edward Jones Dome as the San
Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback this Sunday.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0SA-M12oGgnDMmbeVmGCJKzLH_VrRnBvcRawDsTOyT69oGHPnQ0cRQR0FBm904TqUhJKb32wBUEEIH07EfVZvU3gss4QPkoZO-RmZG_c4RLbibs00M-nyWTMzIqbs_X_kDA5ipjd9PM/s1600/colin+kaepernick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0SA-M12oGgnDMmbeVmGCJKzLH_VrRnBvcRawDsTOyT69oGHPnQ0cRQR0FBm904TqUhJKb32wBUEEIH07EfVZvU3gss4QPkoZO-RmZG_c4RLbibs00M-nyWTMzIqbs_X_kDA5ipjd9PM/s1600/colin+kaepernick.jpg" /></a></div>
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Kaepernick, the current toast of the town and the ONLY
reason why you hear about the 49ers on ESPN, will be given another shot to
prove to everyone he has the coveted "hot hand."<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s obvious that Harbaugh was tippy-toeing the Alex Smith
vs. Colin Kaepernick high-wire act and attempting to quash any talk of a quarterback
controversy. (Interestingly enough, Steve Young replaced Joe Montana <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Young#Montana.27s_backup:_1987.E2.80.931990">25 years ago</a>
against the Bears.) Though Smith would
have dealt with the media in his nonchalant, ‘team first’ attitude, Coach
Harbaugh would not bring shame upon his pal (and one-time caddy) like that.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh665ETdNVdCsBVFtzkS_4Q_pPnlIN3hcQjpQPCTtEDmH-Eod1GoO7n7F-W3rXwX29MM02phBO5lZZuv3nFdB_9GAS6UA1j15egNb90JxRtF09IMJJxVjtPC8gYdgH0x5p8gL8otGUroO8/s1600/alex-smith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh665ETdNVdCsBVFtzkS_4Q_pPnlIN3hcQjpQPCTtEDmH-Eod1GoO7n7F-W3rXwX29MM02phBO5lZZuv3nFdB_9GAS6UA1j15egNb90JxRtF09IMJJxVjtPC8gYdgH0x5p8gL8otGUroO8/s1600/alex-smith.jpg" width="320" /></a><o:p></o:p><br />
To the blind eye, it seems like the 49ers coach is taking it
on a week-to-week basis, giving each of his signal callers a fair shot. For all intents
and purposes, though, Harbaugh’s emptying out the backfield.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We all know the story: Kaepernick tames the Bears with Alex
in concussion limbo, then beats a Saints defense that averaged 27.3 points
allowed per game with a healthy Smith on the sidelines.<br />
<br />
Coincidence? I think not.<br />
<br />
Jim Harbaugh’s
skills as a tactician go well beyond the chalked sidelines. He knows what he’s doing, despite fumbling
language at press conferences and providing embarrassing fodder such as “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTVldokS2oo">Gobble Gobble Turkey from Jive Turkeys</a>.” Call me a
conspiracy theorist, but this seems like an all-too-perfect swing for a young
kid that the coach moved up for to draft in 2011. He’s no fool.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEzNw67orxl4330WbZq7ZLyD-gXrdMD3oCmfjaH5VZ8acYGCVnIwcNOB2Qvn1Gaag5TDJOq6QtoTPO1ogfkzjSIULrsibYn7qquhyphenhyphenWHyrH6vrtuXwTSvBNxgD0-lLEK3YlEvpYqNvWHk/s1600/250px-DataTNG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEzNw67orxl4330WbZq7ZLyD-gXrdMD3oCmfjaH5VZ8acYGCVnIwcNOB2Qvn1Gaag5TDJOq6QtoTPO1ogfkzjSIULrsibYn7qquhyphenhyphenWHyrH6vrtuXwTSvBNxgD0-lLEK3YlEvpYqNvWHk/s1600/250px-DataTNG.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Smith's emotionless role model</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite all the media gushing over him, did anyone else
notice that he was the first guy to get fired up about Ahmad Brooks’ pick six? Yeah, you saw what I saw: the interception return was the white-out over
Kaepernick’s errant pass thrown to that same vaunted Saints defense. While there’s nothing wrong with
congratulating a teammate, Brooks’ pick six absolved the quarterback’s
mistake. He was noticeably dejected after
the play and needs to channel his inner Smith, who shows all the emotion of an android when given face time, if he's going to make it as a starting quarterback.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Like any QB miscues, they can be easily swept under the rug
of a vaunted defense. (See: his predecessor,
one Alex Smith and 49er great Trent Dilfer). And that’s why I’m not as
quick to anoint him. </span>I’ll be the first to admit that his stuff is electric and
exciting. No question about that. It's something fans haven't seen for the better part of a decade and a half. To
that point, I have to ask: How many young signal callers have ended up in the
refuse bin after being elevated to a similar “game-changing” status after two
starts? I’ll wait…</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Just two games removed from an 18 of 19
performance against another highly respected defense in the Arizona Cardinals,
Smith has questionably been placed neatly in Kaepernick’s shadow. Lest we forget he’s a man that endured the likes of Mike Nolan and Mike Singletary, dropping into deep valleys (abysses may be more pertinent), only
to emerge victorious over the same Saints Kaepernick just dusted. And, oh yeah, he was the man who almost led the team to a Super Bowl birth (I’ll just leave the heartbreak at that. The wounds are still fresh in the casual 49ers fan’s mind.).<br />
<br />
Holding all things constant, I would say that we have one good game and a relief appearance that ended in a tie to judge the young buck. That isn't exactly the proving ground I picture when ushering in a new quarterback era.<br />
<br />
Whatever the case may be, Harbaugh may have picked his horse (without picking him), and he'll have to live with it. <br />
<br />
The turkeys are quiet, holding their collective breaths while they mull around the circus.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03156567826512713044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-2925403891950439552012-11-15T22:41:00.000-05:002012-11-15T22:45:04.450-05:00Standing Ovation: Guan Tianlang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I was in 8th grade, I was busy worrying about my image and trying to fit in with the popular kids. Guan Tianlang, on the other hand, is currently preparing to compete in the 2013 Masters. At 14 years old, Tianlang will become the youngest player ever to participate in the game's greatest championship at Augusta National next April.<br />
<br />
When I first heard of this unbelievable feat, the first thing that popped into my head was that he's just probably a physical freak. Someone like Michelle Wie who was over 6 foot tall when she was just a teenager, giving her the length to compete with men twice her age.<br />
<br />
Wrong.<br />
<br />
Guan Tianlang weighs a measly 125 pounds -- but the kid still has the ability to not only hang with the big boys, but beat them as well. Simply put, he is an exquisite striker of the golf ball, who started playing the game of golf at the tender age of 4. In addition, he may be making the belly putter "cool" for the next generation of players. He recently converted to the belly putter (even though he doesn't have a belly) and subsequently won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship to earn a spot in the Masters.<br />
<br />
With most kids his age, Tiger Woods is his favorite player. He's had the opportunity to meet Tiger a couple times and plans on playing a practice round with the game's biggest star to prepare for the major tournament.<br />
<br />
Good work, kid. Keep it up.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Photo and video content courtesy of newyorktimes.com, espn.go.com</i></span></div>
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Albert Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840136997224793696noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-15992982846377173192012-11-07T10:20:00.000-05:002012-11-07T17:23:18.325-05:00Lindecision Watch: First Impressions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
Last season here on <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/" target="_blank">Gym Class All Stars</a> we shared our thoughts on Jeremy Lin's <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2012/02/great-asian-american-hope-jeremy-lin.html" target="_blank">surprising success</a> in the NBA and his <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2012/02/profiled-race-gender-and-age.html" target="_blank">impact on race and stereotypes</a> in our nation. I even started a column about the New York Knicks and deemed them <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/search/label/Asian%20America%27s%20Team" target="_blank">Asian America's team</a>. Much has changed since the end of the season, including <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/4299/jeremy-lin" target="_blank">Jeremy Lin</a> leaving for a lucrative contract in Houston. The Knicks replaced him with three new point guards, with two of them in the tail ends of their basketball careers. Yet some things still remained the same: the Rockets still got the better of the Knicks again, the Knicks' success still lies on the shoulders of <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1975/carmelo-anthony" target="_blank">Carmelo Anthony</a>, and James Dolan is still the worst owner in all of professional sports.<br />
<br />
I personally was frustrated and bitter over the <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2012/07/linsanity-gone-in-new-york-minute.html" target="_blank">departure of Jeremy Lin</a> from my beloved Knicks. What didn't make it any better was that it was the Rockets who used the poison pill strategy to pry him away, which led me to write a post about my<a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2012/07/why-new-york-knick-fans-should-dislike.html" target="_blank"> dislike for the Houston Rockets</a>. In the "Lindecision Watch," I will be following both Jeremy Lin's progress in Houston as well as the Knicks ability to succeed without him.<br />
<br />
As the first week of the NBA season comes to an end, it is clear that both Houston and New York are off to a fast start.<br />
<br />
<b>Harden's arrival has already had a huge impact.</b> After the huge trade for <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3992/james-harden" target="_blank">James Harden</a> shocked the NBA world, Harden was given an $80 million contract. I am not going to talk about if I think the Rockets got the better end of the trade or if I think Harden is worth the 80 million -- I will let the Rocket fans interject on that topic -- instead I will say that this trade was maybe the second-best thing to happen so far in Jeremy Lin's young NBA career, second only to getting playing time in Mike D'Antoni's offensive system. Harden has taken on a lot of the burden that fell on Jeremy Lin. James is now the star player, and Jeremy is more than capable of supporting him. Also the "713" connection as they are calling it in Houston has been clicking so far. All I have to say is I didn't realize that the Thunder traded Michael Jordan to Houston, because James Harden has been ridiculous so far.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzeyGn4fPSlCvB2OHhpqm76lIlMY0HuB3YLKu99-AOouMEgwinS-jsgUZRNhzljSC7qO_0YtLNaJVwwbj5wqtM6lZiqYp8h8N2DeoMGOi-fQSmJDCU6nIPy13v4Sj9iyAfWjrjNhj9w/s1600/Prigioni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzeyGn4fPSlCvB2OHhpqm76lIlMY0HuB3YLKu99-AOouMEgwinS-jsgUZRNhzljSC7qO_0YtLNaJVwwbj5wqtM6lZiqYp8h8N2DeoMGOi-fQSmJDCU6nIPy13v4Sj9iyAfWjrjNhj9w/s320/Prigioni.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp08kNVZ3S2FmsmV7C4WpsEUtSlm89MeQQFDnicSvWFVEd4XRLtRGSMW8Qb3iGYDj4ZhlxXCqH9pDWF7yFyLDB4OIzkkAjA-qyqKRaMkQf1QbP45ZPtR3omRcJ2HMtLvEKIB2yykKjEw/s1600/KiddandFelton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp08kNVZ3S2FmsmV7C4WpsEUtSlm89MeQQFDnicSvWFVEd4XRLtRGSMW8Qb3iGYDj4ZhlxXCqH9pDWF7yFyLDB4OIzkkAjA-qyqKRaMkQf1QbP45ZPtR3omRcJ2HMtLvEKIB2yykKjEw/s320/KiddandFelton.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>New York point guards have proven more than capable.</b> New York now has three new players running the point: <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/429/jason-kidd" target="_blank">Jason Kidd</a>, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2753/raymond-felton" target="_blank">Raymond Felton</a>, and <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/4182/pablo-prigioni" target="_blank">Pablo Prigion</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/4182/pablo-prigioni" target="_blank">i</a>. Kidd</span> is no stranger to NBA success, yet many people felt that his production would fall off this year due to Father Time. Kidd is the most important addition to the Knicks roster. Some may disagree, but everywhere Kidd goes, that team gets better. There is no doubt in my mind that Kidd will continue to adapt to any role he is in; Raymond has already come out to say how much Kidd's mentoring has helped his development this year. Felton might still look short and round, but one thing that's different from last year is that Felton is in shape. Raymond clearly took it personally when everyone in the media criticized his ability to play basketball and is currently putting up 13.7 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1.67 steals a game in only 28 minutes of playing time. These numbers are quite comparable to Jeremy Lin with about 9 minutes less in playing time. Felton played great for the Knicks before he was included in the Carmelo trade two years ago. He plays better in New York City because he enjoys playing here, and he's the main reason letting Jeremy Lin walk last summer wasn't as big of a blow as most people thought it would be. Lastly we have Pablo Prigioni, the 35-year-old rookie from Argentina. Pablo might be the oldest rookie in over 40 years, but this guy is as crafty as any veteran in the league. Pablo was the starting point guard that won the gold during the 2004 Olympics and has achieved every award in the Euro league. At times it does seem like Prigioni is allergic to shooting, but his ability to set up his teammates is supreme. While only averaging 4.3 points in 19 minutes, what is impressive is that he averages the same 4.3 in assists per game. Pablo helps Kidd stay fresh and gives Woodson the flexibility to play Kidd at shooting guard.<br />
<br />
<b>Improvement in the Knicks defense after a full training camp with Mike Woodson</b>. The number one priority for the Knicks this year is defense. The team is aggressive and swarming all over the court. As a life-time Knicks fan, it is a pleasure to finally see defense again in MSG. I always felt that the biggest weakness of having Jeremy Lin, Carmelo Anthony, and <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1727/amar'e-stoudemire" target="_blank">Amar'e Stoudemire</a> on the court together was how defensively inept they were. Now the current Knicks unit only has a few guys who lack on the defensive side of the ball; in that category I would include only Amar'e and Novak, as even Melo has figured it out after playing with team USA this summer. Carmelo has come back slimmer, stronger, and quicker. The best part of that is he is using these improvements on the defensive end and is setting a great example for guys like<a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2444/j.r.-smith" target="_blank"> J.R. Smith</a> and Felton. I hope this doesn't change with the return of Amar'e, but I will address that later on in this article. In their first game against Miami, the Knicks forced 21 turnovers. In their second game against the 76ers, they forced another 18 turnovers. In their third game also against the 76ers, Philly only shot 33% from the field.<br />
<br />
<b>Jeremy Lin's consistent output has been positive for the Rockets. </b>So far so good, as Lin seems to be earning his worth after receiving a contract close to $25 million over three years. Lin has been overshadowed by James Harden's brilliance, but his numbers have been solid. Lin's stat line reads 15.3 points, 7.3 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 steals. Also so far he only is committing 3.3 turnovers a game. Of course the season is still very young, but this is a promising sign and shows that Jeremy can contribute to this team in many different ways. I believe his steals and rebounds will dip, but I wouldn't be surprised to if points and assists see a small lift moving forward. I hope that Jeremy Lin will still find way to make a cultural impact like he did last year, but I still think that will be harder to do in Houston as opposed to New York City.<br />
<br />
<b>Omer Asik is the wild card for Houston's ability to compete.</b> Harden and Lin will obviously be the main reasons why the Rockets have success this year and in years to come, but <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3414/omer-asik" target="_blank">Omer Asik</a> is critical in providing things for this team that Harden and Lin can not. Omer gets rebounds and plays solid interior defense, and his ability to do both of these things will give Harden and Lin the chance to take this team to the next level. It will be interesting to see if he can develop a low post offensive game which would open up things for the rest of the team as well, or run the pick and roll effectively with either Lin or Harden. If Asik can do these things, I believe Lin will benefit the most and will enjoy a successful career in Houston. Currently Omer is only averaging 5.3 points a game, but his 14.3 rebounds per game speaks volumes for how important he is to this team.<br />
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<b>Stat's return is still the biggest question mark for the New York Knicks. </b>Amar'e Stoudemire's absence in the Knicks lineup is easily forgotten; nevertheless Stat will be back before you know it, and the Knicks will need to figure out how he can fit into what they are doing. I want to believe that Carmelo and Stoudemire will be able to play together, but so far the numbers don't lie. The Knicks are a better team when only one of the two Knicks stars is on the floor. With Stat playing the four, Melo will be moved to the three, and either Brewer or Kidd will not be in the starting unit. This will drop their ability to defend and create mismatches on the offensive end. Woodson needs to find a way to make this work, unless by some miracle the Knicks could trade the untradable in Amar'e Stoudemire.<br />
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Overall, both Jeremy Lin and the New York Knicks are doing just fine without one another. You could make an argument that the Knicks look better than ever while Jeremy Lin is just holding steady to his production last year. Or one could say that Jeremy Lin has not reached the same highs he had last year where for a 7-game stretch he was the focal point in New York City. The verdict is still out, but so far it seems like everyone came out a winner after the summer of 2012. The Knicks, Jeremy Lin, Carmelo, Morey, and even James Dolan.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><i style="background-color: white;">Photos courtesy of takingbadschotz.com, <span style="line-height: 13px;">Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE, </span><span style="line-height: 17px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17px;">Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE, and </span><span style="line-height: 12px;">Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images</span> </i></span></div>
Caleb Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115499475076588092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-19115802634253199612012-11-05T01:41:00.001-05:002012-11-05T10:36:17.203-05:00America's Team: 2012 Midseason Report<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Heading into the season (<a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2012/09/americas-team-2012-2013-dallas-cowboys.html" target="_blank">Dallas Cowboys 2012 Season Preview</a>), I was admittedly pretty optimistic with the direction of the franchise and the strides the team appeared to be taking. My prediction of 9-7 is not a particularly great record, but I understood it was ultimately another transition year for the team. With that being said, I believed that the Cowboys were going to be smarter, tougher, and more disciplined under the leadership of both Jason Garrett and Tony Romo in 2012.<br />
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I was wrong. Very, very wrong.<br />
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After eight games, Dallas is nothing more than a mediocre ball club that has actually taken steps backwards in some areas. Sitting at 3-5, the season may arguably already be lost -- and in the best interest of the team and its fans, I believe it should continue to lose. I was extremely upset and disappointed in 2010 when the team went 1-7 in their first 8 games (mainly because of Romo's injury) but proceeded to "finish the season strong" and lose out on drafting Patrick Peterson -- a dynamic, game-changing playmaker at the cornerback position.<br />
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Fast forward to today and this is the current state of the Dallas Cowboys:<br />
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Tony Romo has 10 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Coach Garrett's inexperience and poor time management has repeatedly cost the team. Dez Bryant suddenly has alligator arms and is dropping balls. The expensively revamped secondary can't produce any takeaways. There are still way too many pre-snap penalties. The rushing attack has been nonexistent (sans the Baltimore game). There is nothing special about the return game (when was the last time the ST scored a touchdown anyway?).<br />
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I could go on and on, but I'm trying to not get too negative.<br />
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With early injuries to Jason Witten (Romo's favorite target), Jay Ratliff (the team's best interior defensive lineman), Barry Church (starting safety), Demarco Murray (starting running back), and Sean Lee (one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL), it has simply been too much for the team to overcome.<br />
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But at the end of the day, making excuses is a loser-ish way of thinking. You either perform or you don't, and unfortunately there are too many disappointments in every facet of the team -- management and coaching staff included.<br />
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Cowboys fans, it's been <i><b>17 years</b></i> since our last championship. We may still be America's Team in title, but the current generation of kids who are growing up and watching football today honestly has no idea of those dominant Cowboy teams of the mid 90s. We competed in four Super Bowls in the 70s, and that's why we became the face of the league. Then another three in the aforementioned 1990s, which ended up being timed perfectly for the proceeding generation of NFL fans. Thus, the momentum just continued to build and build from there. This is the reason the franchise became the most popular team in the league (<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtbadenhausen/2012/07/16/manchester-united-tops-the-worlds-50-most-valuable-sports-teams/" target="_blank">and currently the 4th most valuable sports franchise in the world</a>). Unfortunately, if the Cowboys don't win soon, the brand will eventually lose its luster.<br />
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I could have named many more than three busts, but I don't want to get too depressed.<br />
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<b><u>Top 3 Performers:</u></b><br />
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<b>1. N/A</b><br />
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Nobody is worthy of this spot. Sean Lee was definitely on his way to becoming the defensive leader and playmaker the team sorely needs, but his season-ending injury in week 6 took him out of the running. To me, he was the one guy the Cowboys couldn't afford to lose on the defensive side of the ball.</div>
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<b>2. DeMarcus Ware</b></div>
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DeMarcus constantly sees double teams week in and week out (because of the Rob Ryan-led defense's ineptitude in producing quarterback pressure), but he is still on pace for 15+ sacks. You can basically pencil him in for a sack every game. That is consistency.</div>
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<b>3. Jason Witten</b></div>
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Witten had a miserable start to the season partly because of his spleen injury, confidence issues, and forgetting how to block his man without having to hold. But, he quickly turned it around and has broken the team's all-time receptions record in the process. Congratulations.</div>
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<b><u>Top 3 Busts:</u></b><br />
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<b>1. Tony Romo</b><br />
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A. You can't have more interceptions than touchdowns. You just can't. Especially since you're in your <i>8th season</i> as a full-time starter. Romo is not that young guy with a ton of potential anymore... he's 32 years old and has already peaked.<br />
B. But when you do throw an interception, they can't be pick 6's. At least give your defense a f-ing chance.<br />
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<b>2. Doug Free</b><br />
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After getting PAID in the offseason, he has proceeded to thank the organization by committing as many false starts and holding penalties as he can. No doubt, Doug Free has been the biggest disappointment on both the offensive and defensive lines.<br />
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<b>3. Dez Bryant</b><br />
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I would like to start by saying that I am a huge Dez fan. I think he is one of the most talented players in the league. But his inability to focus throughout the entire game and his recent drops problem has really hurt his confidence. Basically, he has lost the swagger that makes him a special player. I just don't see the guy that fights for balls or makes people miss anymore. I used to blame his lack of production on coaching, play calling, and Romo, but maybe he just doesn't get it. Maybe he doesn't get how good he can be, and most importantly, he doesn't understand how hard you have to work to get there.<br />
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Looking to the second half of the year, it doesn't get any easier. Dallas still has two games against Vick and the Eagles (who are also underperforming), two games against the explosive RGIII and the Redskins, a tough game on the road in Cincinnati, and home games against Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and New Orleans. I wouldn't be surprised if there are more Steelers and Saints fans in Cowboys stadium during those two games.<br />
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With that schedule, a 4-4 finish would be considered a successful 2nd half to the year. But like I mentioned earlier, I would rather go 0-8.<br />
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I am definitely feeling those Cowboys blues.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Photo and video content courtesy of mysanantonio.com, sportsillustrated.cnn.com</i></span></div>
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<b><u>Connect with Albert Nguyen!</u></b></div>
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<b>Bio</b>: <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/p/albert-nguyen_26.html">http://www.gymclassallstars.com/p/albert-nguyen_26.html</a></div>
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Albert Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840136997224793696noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-30655949315672495842012-10-31T11:51:00.000-04:002012-11-07T11:10:57.570-05:00Eddy Curry: The Return<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been 3 years since Eddy Curry played more than 10 minutes in a meaningful game. The previous time was Miami Heat's season finale which had no impact on playoff seeding and ended up in a 34-point loss. The stage was finally set for Curry to get playing time against one of the top front lines in the league, and he played 17 meaningful minutes in an opening day victory against the highly-hyped, new-look Lakers. He looked energized, and for the first time in years, he was enjoying playing basketball in the NBA again.<br />
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Dallas Mavericks are clearly in a time of transition with 9 new players to their roster. With injuries to Dirk Nowitzki and veteran center Chris Kaman, Dallas was forced to bring in more front court depth. Who knew Mark Cuban would take a chance on Eddy Curry, who was just released by the San Antonio Spurs. Last night Eddy Curry showed up and reminded the national audience of a time when he was the 4th pick in the 2001 draft full of promise and potential. 7 points and 4 rebounds in 17 minutes might not seem like much, but Curry was one of the most physical players on the court while going against Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol. <br />
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A year and a half ago I wrote a story about the<a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2011/04/eddy-curry.html"> fall of Eddy Curry</a>. I was hopeful that one day he would finally get his life together and find success. Curry has taken the first step, and although Dallas Mavericks could release him shortly after Kaman and Nowitzki return, I think it’s safe to say that everyone watching last night’s game took notice. It’s been 11 years since Eddy Curry was drafted by the Chicago Bulls, but sometimes we forget that Curry is still only 29 with very little mileage on that oversized body. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how far he's come.</td></tr>
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In the end, Eddy Curry passed the eye test -- he looked strong and agile for the first time in 5 years. Of course I am the first to admit that Eddy has a long way to go, but I will end with the words of Mark Cuban, "The Curri-nator!" Maybe, just maybe, the Curri-nator is finally back.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Photos courtesy of <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, and </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13px;">Noah Graham/Getty Images</span></span></i></div>
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Caleb Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115499475076588092noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-27924664867738353522012-10-29T15:57:00.000-04:002012-10-29T21:26:02.154-04:00Ball So Harden University<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6788164174649864" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I loved James Harden in college. Even while donning that tacky maroon and gold Arizona State uniform, he played with the smoothness and savvy of a 10-year veteran instead of just an underaged sophomore. Though his Sun Devils team exceeded expectations, they never made any serious noise in the madness that is March, but I had a sneaking suspicion that his game would translate perfectly into the NBA.</span></b><br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.6788164174649864" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hated James Harden last year. The Miami Heat are my most hated team in all of sports, and I spent the first week of the 2012 playoffs crunching numbers trying to figure out which Western Conference team had the best shot at making sure LeBron James stayed crownless. The Mavericks and the Jazz weren’t making it out of the first round. The Nuggets were coached by George Karl. The Clippers had no post presence and were coached by Vinny Del Negro. The Lakers had no offensive identity, and the Thunder had zero offensive-minded bigs to attack Miami’s greatest weakness (and not to mention that OKC also had Russell Westbrook as a key decision-maker). So all my hopes and dreams in the 2012 NBA season rested on the shoulders of the San Antonio Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies. The Spurs had the best coach in the league in Gregg Popovich, a young, lengthy defender in Kawhi Leonard, shooters at every position, and the often-overlooked Tim Duncan down low. The Grizzlies had a pair of big men that would’ve thrown Chris Bosh around like a velociraptor chew toy. Long story short, the Grizzlies lost a nail-biting series to the Clippers, and James Harden hit the biggest shot in the WC Finals against the Spurs with a cold-blooded three-pointer in the waning moments of game 5.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, Harden went on to struggle mightily in the NBA Finals, but the defeat wasn’t his fault -- it was inevitable. It definitely wasn’t his fault that he was often given the defensive assignment of LeBron. For as much as I hate flopping, I can’t even blame Harden for trying, as it was truly his only option guarding the monster MVP in the post. The Thunder had zero chance of beating the Heat; it was just a matter of how many games it would take before they folded.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But the writing was already on the wall, championship or not. The timer was ticking down. The Thunder had invested heavily in Westbrook and Durant, and you didn’t need a mathematician to tell you that GM Sam Presti would have to choose between James Harden or Serge Ibaka. I started asking anyone who would respond for their thoughts on the matter. If you were Presti and could only pay one, who would it be?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WmxUJ7nmFM3983WhQBCfrZd0VUQxfEwHPhbn4so7TTbYkSNusGd6sMV_oaNSKAZd6EaAT2_YU5t6Zy7SRIlGO6EFV1gOviHw87xVZIjCkwMKGH9zcQkikTkS7MX37Q4dB3yCbnXwi5Q/s1600/ibaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WmxUJ7nmFM3983WhQBCfrZd0VUQxfEwHPhbn4so7TTbYkSNusGd6sMV_oaNSKAZd6EaAT2_YU5t6Zy7SRIlGO6EFV1gOviHw87xVZIjCkwMKGH9zcQkikTkS7MX37Q4dB3yCbnXwi5Q/s400/ibaka.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I said Serge Ibaka. In a world where quality big men are so far and few between, I-blocka is only 23 and still raw. The man only started playing basketball a few years ago. Read that sentence again. Most importantly, Serge fulfills a role on the Thunder that is harder to replace. Don’t get me wrong, this is not taking anything away from James Harden as he was the best playmaker on the team, but it’s no secret that his playing style did not fit perfectly with OKC’s other two stars. Harden excelled coming off the bench because he could run the show, and the bottom line for the Thunder was that it would be much more difficult to replicate everything that Serge brings to the table. (Note: not a blanket statement for every team, just specifically the Thunder.)</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Naturally, the Oklahoma City would have loved to keep both players, but where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, and the team showed its true colors by giving Serge Ibaka a 4-year, $48 million extension.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is the part of the story where people chime in and blame James Harden for his selfish lack of loyalty to the team that drafted him. Westbrook, Harden, and Durant were the most tight-knit trio of teammates in the NBA, so he should have sacrificed for the team, right?</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t make James Harden out to be the bad guy. This is the abbreviated sequence of events:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. The Thunder made it rain for everybody else on the team first, including the aforementioned deal for Ibaka and a 5-year, $79 million deal for Westbrook. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. The Thunder approached Harden with a 4-year extension in the $54 million vicinity, knowing full well that he would get a max offer worth over $20 million more from multiple teams if he were to get traded or hit the open market. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Harden turned down the offer because it was less than his market value. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. The Thunder traded Harden to Houston for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and picks.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s important to note that we’re not just talking about a discount of a couple million dollars here. We’re talking over $20 million. And I hate to be repetitive, but that OKC team did not have a shred of a hope to ever beat the Heat, assuming they even made it back to the Finals again.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My thoughts on the trade? Well, I’m a numbers guy, so let me try to explain it the way I see it. Looking ahead to the 2013 summer free agent market, I am convinced that Daryl Morey and the Rockets would have offered James Harden a max deal regardless. On the court, he should be a great fit with Jeremy Lin, as the two of them are two of the best pick-and-roll players in the game. In addition to his offensive prowess is his defensive talent -- the Rockets were prepared to begin the season with a Lin/Martin backcourt; think about how every other team must have been salivating at that matchup. Harden is not big enough to guard LeBron (who is?), but he holds his own against other wing players his size.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So let’s pretend it’s next summer, and the Rockets offer James Harden a max deal. What are the odds he actually chooses Houston over the other suitors, notably the Phoenix Suns or the Dallas Mavericks? Given our recent track record, I would say I’m being generous with a 30% probability, with a 50% chance of him landing in Dallas.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And now let’s rewind to the present day. Morey has until the Wednesday deadline to sign Harden to a contract extension, which hopefully is in the 95% probability range.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The million dollar question: Is that extra 65% likelihood of James Harden being a long-term Houston Rocket worth losing Jeremy Lamb, a Toronto lottery pick, and a Dallas first round pick? My mind wants to say yes, but my heart still longs for some Lamb. The cynical side of me is thinking that the Thunder had all the leverage here. They could have easily tried to make another deep playoff run this season with Harden and still had the same opportunities to sign-and-trade him next year, so the fact that Presti pulled the trigger on this deal days before the start of the regular season must mean that it was, in fact, a hell of a deal that the Thunder couldn’t pass up.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But then I remember my mantra when it comes to all things Houston Rockets: IN MOREY I TRUST. Acquiring James Harden now should lock him up for years to come, and if all goes as planned, next summer Houston will still have enough money left over for a big splash in free agency. It stings losing Jeremy Lamb, but like my elementary school PE teacher used to always say during a game of “around the world” on the blacktop: no guts, no glory.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Daryl Morey obviously has the guts. Let’s hope that the glory will follow.
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b>Jonathan Mokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05261055051822921115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-28097280586526060212012-10-10T02:19:00.000-04:002012-10-10T02:46:29.857-04:00Standing Ovation: Tracy McGrady<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would like to give a standing ovation to Tracy McGrady as he leaves for China. T-Mac is one of my favorite players of all-time. Even as a diehard Mavericks fan, I have no problem admitting that.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've always admired his physical gifts and talents on the basketball court. McGrady, in his prime, was a 6' 8" forward with the court vision of a top point guard and the finishing ability of a dominant big man. I've always felt that his biggest attribute was his extremely high basketball IQ -- respectable basketball minds such as Jeff Van Gundy even alluded to the fact that it may have been too high for his own good and was ultimately, a detriment to his success.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To this day, I still firmly believe that his versatility is unmatched. He could either face you up out in the perimeter, where he had the ability to rise up and shoot over you, or back you down in the post, using his supreme footwork and knowledge of angles. He was unstoppable in the pick and roll game and his length allowed him to be an above average defender (when he wanted to be) and rebounder.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the peak of his powers, you couldn't guard him with single coverage nor could you guard him by sending a double team because he would pick you apart with his anticipation and passing ability. Schematically on defense, he left coaches in a bind. Plus, his jab step power dribble to a reverse pivot to a spinning fadeaway jumper from 20 feet is still one of the most physically ridiculous go-to moves ever.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Undoubtedly, injuries robbed him from having one of the best careers in league history, but I don't want him to be remembered for "what could have been." I want people to focus on his off the court accomplishments as well as what he's meant for the game of basketball.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I leave you with his own words from his <a href="http://www.t-mac.com/tmac/blogDetail/3321" target="_blank">blog</a>:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Goodbye NBA, Hello China</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are times in life that a new road presents itself and it appears this time has come for me now. I am so proud of what I have accomplished these past 15 years playing in the <span class="caps">NBA</span>. It was a dream entering the league as I just turned 18 years old. I worked hard and poured my heart and soul into this game. I consider myself a student of the game as I have watched, studied and played with and against the best players in the world. The <span class="caps">NBA</span> was my University and I learned so much. The gratitude I feel is really immeasurable. I have experienced the best moments a player can experience and have had some dark ones too. Both equally important in helping shape me into the man I am today.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I leave the league for now, there have been so many profound people who inspired me along my way. I have to say thank you for guiding me and having an enormous influence on the way I played basketball. Isaiah Thomas, Rich Devos, Leslie Alexander and John Gabriel, you believed in me and I thank you. Jeff Van Gundy, you exemplified the brilliance of what a great coach is. Steven A. Smith, you gave us players a voice and for that I thank you. Doug Christy, Charles Oakley, Dee Brown, Mugsy Bogues, Antonio Davis, Dell Curry, Kevin Willis, you all showed a young kid from Auburndale Florida how to be a better player. Kobe, you made me work harder and it was an honor to play against you. And Yao, we shared an experience together that will always be with me, thank you. Sonny & Pam Vaccarro showed me how there is loyalty and genuine friendship in this business. Arn Tellem and Tim Hoy, 15 years and you are still my agents. Thank you for guiding me throughout my career. When all is said and done, there is so many that made an impact on my life. I am one blessed man to have the love and never ending support of my wife CleRenda and the best 4 kids a man can ask for. But most important, I give glory and thanks to God. It is thru Him that I have been so blessed and I am forever thankful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I enter this next chapter, I am excited to play for Qingdao Eagles in China. I have been to China several times in the last few years and I love the people and the country. It will be an honor to play for them. Thank you to every fan that has followed me and believed in me. Injuries and all, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I am proud of the mark I left on this game and am grateful to have been a part this league. It was a dream to play in front of all of you, each night, in every stadium. Thank you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tmac</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">Photo and video content courtesy of: images.google.com</i></span></div>
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Albert Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840136997224793696noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-39720900166325738092012-10-02T10:48:00.001-04:002012-10-02T11:09:19.383-04:00Jersey Shore: Cabs Are Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After watching a couple of the trailers for the final season of the Jersey Shore with Boyz II Men playing in the background, it really hit me that this was the final time we would see the gang.<br />
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While I know the show is not Emmy Awards material or even remotely close to anything similar, this show brought on a ton of laughs and a ton of shame. Take 7-8 ordinary Italian-Americans (yes I know Snooki is actually Chilean, but whatever), throw them into a house and make them work with each other -- you are bound for a series of laughs. Guidos/Guidettes, whatever you want to call them, make for hilariously stupid television.<br />
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Mike the Situation brought nothing but "what the hell" moments and thoughts of how is one person so vain? The lovable Pauly D, who managed to spin off into his own show, inspired us all with his calls for T-Shirt time and Cabs are HERE! And you can't leave out asinine moments of glory with Snooki. You had to wonder, was she really this stupid?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUcaATnSQaW9mxFZfUHKNPnNyVruQ6TuqZjW0YTMPgF9hVtTuAhDjBs7Zptl0MeWwkRQ-aGHSLaArsJX9B3C43FKZ3zSD-oenPiY9e6kUVdq6g3268zPCv4QD13stS_ix7hEZfe8zmLY/s1600/tumblr_la1j7yZ0mS1qzjziro1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUcaATnSQaW9mxFZfUHKNPnNyVruQ6TuqZjW0YTMPgF9hVtTuAhDjBs7Zptl0MeWwkRQ-aGHSLaArsJX9B3C43FKZ3zSD-oenPiY9e6kUVdq6g3268zPCv4QD13stS_ix7hEZfe8zmLY/s400/tumblr_la1j7yZ0mS1qzjziro1_500.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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All and all, I'm sad to see this show go. It had a great run while it lasted. Now it has spawned new shows across the world, from England with Geordie Shore to Spain with Gandia Shore. An endless supply of debauchery and shame is at our finger tips. Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing Brighton Beach (New York's Coney Island) and Wicked Summer (Boston) if they make it to MTV. Isn't this what we all need more of? Loud-mouthed New Yorkers spewing their pride and Bostonians with wicked accents telling us how to "pahk a cah in Hahvahd Yahd"? <a href="http://donmartelli.squarespace.com/blog/2010/4/12/wicked-summer-casting-call-for-morons.html">Here's a link for a casting call and what Wicked Summer is gonna be all about</a>.<br />
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Last call, everyone. The cabs are here to take us to the end. No more GTL. No more smushing in the smush room. Thanks Jersey for everything.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>photos courtesy of www.thequickanddirtydirty.com, imbringingbloggingback.com, retrospectvintage215.blogspot.com, memegenerator.com</i></span>steven wanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15916667260349127946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-78688970919228291642012-09-28T16:18:00.000-04:002012-09-28T16:18:23.190-04:00NFL Quarterbacks: BANG! Characters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After seeing this meme, a thought popped into my mind: "If Brett Favre was a character in Bang!, he would be Calamity Janet."<br />
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Calamity Janet is a character in the popular card game, Bang!, who can use "Bang!" cards as "Missed!" cards and vice versa. She is still subject to "Bang!" limitations: If she plays a Missed! card as a "Bang!", she cannot play another "Bang!" card that turn (unless she has a Volcanic in play). (4 life points)<br />
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Why would I say this? Well in Brett Favre's mind, TD's and Interceptions are interchangeable, and that is why he leads the NFL in both categories. In the same way, Calamity Janet can interchange the use of her bang and miss cards. <br />
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This got me thinking about all the current 32 quarterbacks in the league and who they would be if there were characters from the card game Bang!.<br />
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<b>Arizona Cardinals: Kevin Kolb (Vulture Sam)</b> whenever a character is eliminated from the
game, Sam takes all the cards that player had in his hand and in play, and adds
them to his hand. (4 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhcpOcjegWShqn23PAvE35xICtmnfOkcwICgoSj3QYXEYR5vqa4yAhSmuGC6gWkyqLVQpQ4RpqfVvjaxgGMy4TVBMkJgWXrEs2_Xgt_wcgYgkmcMghmsZo4Cvor3IIsNl82HhnMtHkA/s1600/Kevin-Kolb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhcpOcjegWShqn23PAvE35xICtmnfOkcwICgoSj3QYXEYR5vqa4yAhSmuGC6gWkyqLVQpQ4RpqfVvjaxgGMy4TVBMkJgWXrEs2_Xgt_wcgYgkmcMghmsZo4Cvor3IIsNl82HhnMtHkA/s200/Kevin-Kolb.jpg" width="143" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i6fW7RYS0KvIH5XJKgTEyjjAGxWH9P17fO_mr0XTVdSBahn-gXMtlgDH6eMTxoVLxo4wEyk0YrbVYR-1kVdzMa_Po-L86P7MlokklZ7vhnaIOERtNicK8RZhZ_6RcTp303CqgCWRPw/s1600/vulture-sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4i6fW7RYS0KvIH5XJKgTEyjjAGxWH9P17fO_mr0XTVdSBahn-gXMtlgDH6eMTxoVLxo4wEyk0YrbVYR-1kVdzMa_Po-L86P7MlokklZ7vhnaIOERtNicK8RZhZ_6RcTp303CqgCWRPw/s200/vulture-sam.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, and John Skelton were all starting quarterbacks that had to get hurt in order for Kevin Kolb to start. This make him the classic Vulture Sam. When the QB goes down, Kolb puts down the clipboard and finds his helmet. <br />
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<b>Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan (Jose Delgado)</b> Twice in his turn, he may discard a blue card
from the hand to draw 2 cards. In the first edition of the expansion, he could
use his ability as long as he had blue cards in hand. (4 life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6TqGLvX4sKLm6AJ9S4cH1XTSmgijwAhddFkSvRWEne14JUhSialqf0B_k5p6ESx1-AsnejHwQnGoLS1d967C2egpSbCS9cuZU8EdbFhY2phZCPIDn_NBS9V6F8ja9JVQZVzUTyEhvw/s1600/matt_ryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6TqGLvX4sKLm6AJ9S4cH1XTSmgijwAhddFkSvRWEne14JUhSialqf0B_k5p6ESx1-AsnejHwQnGoLS1d967C2egpSbCS9cuZU8EdbFhY2phZCPIDn_NBS9V6F8ja9JVQZVzUTyEhvw/s200/matt_ryan.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtawjU0l65TwsSgfEoofA4DPuwNY-t1rkjuEel4Ph3ypsAepSTqS6QUszVDteMPkZGDRGeJgfZ1Cf9ATVnvHDtpC6A1uC7GhN5Nz7oAzus8WNJLYadj6OqJygnGdzCMBujCJpAZ3BpAw/s1600/Jose__Delgado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtawjU0l65TwsSgfEoofA4DPuwNY-t1rkjuEel4Ph3ypsAepSTqS6QUszVDteMPkZGDRGeJgfZ1Cf9ATVnvHDtpC6A1uC7GhN5Nz7oAzus8WNJLYadj6OqJygnGdzCMBujCJpAZ3BpAw/s200/Jose__Delgado.jpg" width="120" /></a></div>
<br />
Arriving in Atlanta with little talent around him, Matt Ryan has seen steady weapon upgrades until the Falcons ran out of draft picks to trade. Management has done well trading in their blue cards for key pieces like Michael Turner and Julio Jones. Now with nothing left to trade, can Matt Ryan take his team further into the playoffs? </div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco (Molly Stark)</b> Each time she uses a card from her hand out of
turn, she draws a card. (4 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq669fcmNphVWHof2_LUwvuopmynER_6dPXkQiBSIpSSXb87xEK5qClkbd7R7O2d5J6MLeGvhcXlzkQpSJuuVw8mKLfF6QWhlDBIfbb4q1csnWE7fwIKwd9cteB00Ftzj9p53Is3QD4g/s1600/joe_flacco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq669fcmNphVWHof2_LUwvuopmynER_6dPXkQiBSIpSSXb87xEK5qClkbd7R7O2d5J6MLeGvhcXlzkQpSJuuVw8mKLfF6QWhlDBIfbb4q1csnWE7fwIKwd9cteB00Ftzj9p53Is3QD4g/s200/joe_flacco.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnt85W5Wgr4TPB7_HgvHzzTEBCJ6HWhnluuuctl1nfCrHovBKHmmN6cN34cwwThN3mHymu7VgJMe-Ewjz-lv6ICCpXUvsEm4egeFg66KpYMOb16bB_49avUDzHJMv5SNI6Hc8OpOoZg/s1600/Molly_stark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnt85W5Wgr4TPB7_HgvHzzTEBCJ6HWhnluuuctl1nfCrHovBKHmmN6cN34cwwThN3mHymu7VgJMe-Ewjz-lv6ICCpXUvsEm4egeFg66KpYMOb16bB_49avUDzHJMv5SNI6Hc8OpOoZg/s200/Molly_stark.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>
<br />
Nothing is more annoying that someone drawing out of turn, and that's exactly what Molly Stark's power entails. In the same way, Joe Flacco has been running his mouth out of turn. Seriously, best quarterback in the league?! I would say top 15 if he's lucky. Even Eli just put himself in the top 5, and that was well after he had won his first ring and took home a second ring to boot. </div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Buffalo Bills: Ryan Fitzpatrick (Pedro Ramirez)</b> During phase 1 of his turn, he
may choose to draw the first card from the top of the discard pile or from the
deck. Then he draws the second card from the deck. (4 life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpHjWK4HV-FDmhWqmgw0_VYQ6Ya50WUrLtk20inq0y3DZJJrd4R2sR7DIprIeXcWMCG_GnRaPiiXvdvQoh8K5BM8cDH5F1499vtPZ8LWrvCelpY3ibIqIbP8BFPZ5QhVca3HZ1JuQnw/s1600/ryan-fitzpatrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpHjWK4HV-FDmhWqmgw0_VYQ6Ya50WUrLtk20inq0y3DZJJrd4R2sR7DIprIeXcWMCG_GnRaPiiXvdvQoh8K5BM8cDH5F1499vtPZ8LWrvCelpY3ibIqIbP8BFPZ5QhVca3HZ1JuQnw/s200/ryan-fitzpatrick.jpg" width="145" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YzmrRXgEC1h2E1hX-oYdzDdWVJDoE7TYS1yquTGwxFpBBK4dFkMJ_UwiXXdXRSh625L7pKbADa8Ch0zUBqLaq54Y1tmMTJ15iCMVpAYN58X14y2KhC01PxdFqFuBQdncwOGJlt8zEQ/s1600/Pedro_Ramirez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YzmrRXgEC1h2E1hX-oYdzDdWVJDoE7TYS1yquTGwxFpBBK4dFkMJ_UwiXXdXRSh625L7pKbADa8Ch0zUBqLaq54Y1tmMTJ15iCMVpAYN58X14y2KhC01PxdFqFuBQdncwOGJlt8zEQ/s200/Pedro_Ramirez.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
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Getting to pick from the discard pile might be seem like an advantage at first, kind of like going to Harvard and having the whole league underestimate you. But soon the rest of the league figures you out and the only advantage you are getting is drawing from the junk heap.</div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton (Slab the Killer) </b>Players trying to cancel his BANG!
cards need to play 2 Missed!. The Barrel effect, if successfully used, only
counts as one Missed! (4 life points)</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8kQIT9YVJOal4mfnUVcQYylJLRIR2018uO6TigQ5CWsIFKgzIC_Rxgu6XhBYzMQZgpTux2rm1Fmi5iYvCte0m41y0RhfmUosI1KRagyLQ3XEFVF5rWNRXkTJP8lf1zJ_lsxSKev1bg/s1600/Cam-Newton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8kQIT9YVJOal4mfnUVcQYylJLRIR2018uO6TigQ5CWsIFKgzIC_Rxgu6XhBYzMQZgpTux2rm1Fmi5iYvCte0m41y0RhfmUosI1KRagyLQ3XEFVF5rWNRXkTJP8lf1zJ_lsxSKev1bg/s200/Cam-Newton.jpg" width="158" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKggxUtIEKZjllIAlql0WIpLHJCppIPToIEl5zlrz-jInRZW3-rdV6bKWDaSoPGgH_NlKJDJoirFXNMySbN7QqhFqavLuejsrOD-HiluBA0jqoC-yKt7-mT6bZ-W96LmWj6_F7167hw/s1600/slab-the-killer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKggxUtIEKZjllIAlql0WIpLHJCppIPToIEl5zlrz-jInRZW3-rdV6bKWDaSoPGgH_NlKJDJoirFXNMySbN7QqhFqavLuejsrOD-HiluBA0jqoC-yKt7-mT6bZ-W96LmWj6_F7167hw/s200/slab-the-killer.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<br />
Cam can hurt you in on the ground and through the airs, and defenses better be ready to stop both. Just like Slab the Killer, opponents better have two misses in their hand if they want to survive his attack. When you choose Slab, you get a huge target on your back and Cam has the same target.<br />
<br />
<b>Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler (Black Jack)</b> During phase 1 of his turn, he must show the
second card he draws: if it's a Heart or Diamond, he draws one additional card
that turn (without revealing it). (4 life points)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRx0FFE8xmg5CODMjUUPe_hiB3eU8sSI47r3p7fSakEh7ei3e9NpSgLOFbLQyAMBy_bL-kppQm8Hg0rdxgGRE0ADzlULUsz0mHuPG0YN0bGkJ67zfPHwY1QDc-XrCOEI-50XxxPKVGw/s1600/Jay+Cutler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRx0FFE8xmg5CODMjUUPe_hiB3eU8sSI47r3p7fSakEh7ei3e9NpSgLOFbLQyAMBy_bL-kppQm8Hg0rdxgGRE0ADzlULUsz0mHuPG0YN0bGkJ67zfPHwY1QDc-XrCOEI-50XxxPKVGw/s200/Jay+Cutler.jpg" width="145" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkITf47S50xSROUXbOByUJvZgXQoA-7pDChfPYfE4jblSDulSrNsCpEurSTmrqiDVIcWF4-Tnso8iy09u4xtJNzLnb2vGxwSkj_4aC9RL8lggOttsWL_5Sr9Nu6hNeYIKeS2lfJKplVg/s1600/black-jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkITf47S50xSROUXbOByUJvZgXQoA-7pDChfPYfE4jblSDulSrNsCpEurSTmrqiDVIcWF4-Tnso8iy09u4xtJNzLnb2vGxwSkj_4aC9RL8lggOttsWL_5Sr9Nu6hNeYIKeS2lfJKplVg/s200/black-jack.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
Jay Cutler loves to gamble and sometimes that means coming up empty. Black Jack hits 50% of the time, and it is safe to say that's about the same success rate as Jay Cutler. There are days he wins big and there are days you wish he never came to work.<br />
<br />
<b>Cincinnati Bengals: Andy Dalton (Madam Yto)</b> Each time a BEER card is played,
she immediately draws a card. (4 life points)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYx7hQ8V5dntiHHxV1QmE31ZZz5wzdKwbDtjqz_NEmeIy6Xz9u2T6O3Neq5ZTItgthTkzwJnWXrNQUKAHQWATXv_wMbZNtX4_zYRsSShZkztjfe3SBwWGi318FxPG2LqbwwFCH2YUHA/s1600/Andy+Dalton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYx7hQ8V5dntiHHxV1QmE31ZZz5wzdKwbDtjqz_NEmeIy6Xz9u2T6O3Neq5ZTItgthTkzwJnWXrNQUKAHQWATXv_wMbZNtX4_zYRsSShZkztjfe3SBwWGi318FxPG2LqbwwFCH2YUHA/s200/Andy+Dalton.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFpAnaUoXWSz0jbN7UGuBbgLisXHq6OIrn5QQwKh8Ld6T3QG50J2R3UyCjqeGsdafSFJMGg4TNEZp5WdJSesJlvPklmpdAUdaqqHZTlMyuxBSlu4Dyugqqpstyk6bdNLixvGAI4qZGA/s1600/Madam+Yto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjFpAnaUoXWSz0jbN7UGuBbgLisXHq6OIrn5QQwKh8Ld6T3QG50J2R3UyCjqeGsdafSFJMGg4TNEZp5WdJSesJlvPklmpdAUdaqqHZTlMyuxBSlu4Dyugqqpstyk6bdNLixvGAI4qZGA/s200/Madam+Yto.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
Andy Dalton has been flying under the radar his entire career, starting with dominating college football for a non-BCS school and never getting the credit he deserved. Now in the NFL it's no different. While people focus on big names like RG3, Andrew Luck, and Cam Newton, Andy keeps improving and getting back his life points under the radar.<br />
<br />
<b>Cleveland Browns: Brandon
Weeden (Jesse Jones)</b> During phase 1 of his turn, he
may choose to draw the first card from the deck, or randomly from the hand of
any other player. Then he draws the second card from the deck. (4 life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OZhPlQnfMxxS-Zz6jLV6mg7ZlrL8QMZPVd6VLPEjQttyh8M80fGqXU6Phb2GVQCDYJTU69JKbUtxvHArrmlzC3xmo3oZ7tW6KmW_b3g0A90a1QmOYrs9CBdKYmhTmohI5tBiTm-JTw/s1600/Brandon+Weeden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OZhPlQnfMxxS-Zz6jLV6mg7ZlrL8QMZPVd6VLPEjQttyh8M80fGqXU6Phb2GVQCDYJTU69JKbUtxvHArrmlzC3xmo3oZ7tW6KmW_b3g0A90a1QmOYrs9CBdKYmhTmohI5tBiTm-JTw/s200/Brandon+Weeden.jpg" width="142" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBpnPmoqIab0Ws26lF_arN6inmu82-kqzLdYO0xxvcdmSubuDP2JAuIIRmUH6zeyPXtGHcKwtnRtGGNHxKvLT0NEnSDlLSWjZjcJ14-Y2DrSeyVAfbrxF5yr1bqG9JOHeX2vMGbYAwg/s1600/jesse-jones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBpnPmoqIab0Ws26lF_arN6inmu82-kqzLdYO0xxvcdmSubuDP2JAuIIRmUH6zeyPXtGHcKwtnRtGGNHxKvLT0NEnSDlLSWjZjcJ14-Y2DrSeyVAfbrxF5yr1bqG9JOHeX2vMGbYAwg/s200/jesse-jones.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
Getting labeled as a man with potential at 28 is like stealing youth, in the same way Jesse Jones has the ability to steal a card from another player every turn. Brandon Weeden also had the worse first start in NFL history, yet there is little to no chatter about giving Colt McCoy another chance (who, by the way, is two years younger). If this isn't straight up robbery, I don't know what is.</div>
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<b>Dallas Cowboys: Tony Romo (Rose Doolan) </b>She is considered to have an Scope in play at all times; she sees the other players at a
distance decreased by 1. If she has another real Scope in play, she can count
both of them, reducing her distance to all other players by a total of 2. (4
life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz36S3RiBCQ2lO0bz3dYVX_K_eeOnalAhyWu7fsfSeiRPmRiU2w-Pm7Eit2COaZOGzQO1Uo81ww9UfXQkoNR73R_cvY1JoACfcormOTrQ_Hw5WxwWRjR68XdGbuOG0bkm-ykSPaexAFQ/s1600/tony+romo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz36S3RiBCQ2lO0bz3dYVX_K_eeOnalAhyWu7fsfSeiRPmRiU2w-Pm7Eit2COaZOGzQO1Uo81ww9UfXQkoNR73R_cvY1JoACfcormOTrQ_Hw5WxwWRjR68XdGbuOG0bkm-ykSPaexAFQ/s200/tony+romo.jpg" width="153" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmd0PLSrPhZCYcpQyBDXdIA8o2HIJPbzihT4CJSlU77Yob7zsurdg6ypOGZg2heAUM4Eo4JsByrM3Zv9BYTtLUoB1NTneL5BJPs-p-cm5hvSYgQkP5iPKy6jRDMRxW3exOSXwtkZqw2w/s1600/rose-doolan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmd0PLSrPhZCYcpQyBDXdIA8o2HIJPbzihT4CJSlU77Yob7zsurdg6ypOGZg2heAUM4Eo4JsByrM3Zv9BYTtLUoB1NTneL5BJPs-p-cm5hvSYgQkP5iPKy6jRDMRxW3exOSXwtkZqw2w/s200/rose-doolan.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
Tony Romo has great accuracy and stats to die for, and clearly plays extremely hard in the first few months of the seasons, just like Rose Doolan has a great advantage early in the game. But as the game progresses, Rose's advantage seems to become less of a factor. In the same way, Romo has struggled in December and has had very little playoff success. He might have the ability and the stats, but will need to prove late season success before he can shake off the Rose Doolan connection.</div>
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<b>Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning (Kit Carlson)</b> During the phase 1 of his turn, he looks at
the top three cards of the deck: he chooses 2 to draw, and puts the other one
back on the top of the deck, face down.( 4 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj570dIOlUeOipAfTvG4xG9fzuMnC9YhKa5YPj7lqj0_Tyv-YaTHZwyhH-PPk3lh1jHitKOjXhLBhrD2k_Ri6zpXYEF5AH7BO5ERv4Y8QFymGKcEaTbEvhKYEBBYlNPYcS8W7m-y8AT1A/s1600/peyton+manning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj570dIOlUeOipAfTvG4xG9fzuMnC9YhKa5YPj7lqj0_Tyv-YaTHZwyhH-PPk3lh1jHitKOjXhLBhrD2k_Ri6zpXYEF5AH7BO5ERv4Y8QFymGKcEaTbEvhKYEBBYlNPYcS8W7m-y8AT1A/s200/peyton+manning.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ERdiHK-n0-LKKbmNh1Q0WFB99MPEVNDATUQASMeMwclogXvUj2yTUPwfbBfsRzYSnhOEQegRZ93ay1U2iTe3p8aucYXhMkON0XSNV2Kd89NeW3Lj4xS39WNzV6A940R4JhY6YtHLmw/s1600/kit-carlson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ERdiHK-n0-LKKbmNh1Q0WFB99MPEVNDATUQASMeMwclogXvUj2yTUPwfbBfsRzYSnhOEQegRZ93ay1U2iTe3p8aucYXhMkON0XSNV2Kd89NeW3Lj4xS39WNzV6A940R4JhY6YtHLmw/s200/kit-carlson.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
King of the audible, Peyton is always one step ahead of the defense. Kit Carlson's ability gives him the edge on getting better cards, and also setting up the next player in line. Peyton might have missed a season, but its only a matter of time before he starts reading the defenses and calling the right plays.</div>
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<b>Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford (Pixie Pete)</b> He draws 3 cards instead of 2. In the first
edition of the expansion, Pixie Pete draws 4 cards. (3 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAyTrKoRZTNirmNdaqNZV9BEOObVItoYJgb6hftMZpAiF0dIb5FpqaNZCdI1I2jKtWFsXAmVieXMoIxWbMS_5dRlZyUup3Fn5h6rG5IQvzTjcvfaNSdLyXA4T4eJS7_bEMmj1KmigVg/s1600/Matthew+Stafford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLAyTrKoRZTNirmNdaqNZV9BEOObVItoYJgb6hftMZpAiF0dIb5FpqaNZCdI1I2jKtWFsXAmVieXMoIxWbMS_5dRlZyUup3Fn5h6rG5IQvzTjcvfaNSdLyXA4T4eJS7_bEMmj1KmigVg/s200/Matthew+Stafford.jpg" width="145" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZIp489WEZrhaDd2VQPHqOAvBffBuaL6q_4c9fxg3iaGK2pf8qPfnpOetZkRAWC6lloMSNjDRVkrljD2lbTzNNXkQ3qqRv2o4AvNtsBb5fjE_caQTfDhvgCWiNgt4YsWC3G3i8I8_ow/s1600/Pixie_Pete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZIp489WEZrhaDd2VQPHqOAvBffBuaL6q_4c9fxg3iaGK2pf8qPfnpOetZkRAWC6lloMSNjDRVkrljD2lbTzNNXkQ3qqRv2o4AvNtsBb5fjE_caQTfDhvgCWiNgt4YsWC3G3i8I8_ow/s200/Pixie_Pete.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<br />
Getting an additional draw card might be the biggest advantage in the game, and Matthew Stafford might have the most talented supporting cast and has the best WR in the game in Calvin Johnson. Like Pixie Pete, Matthew has one huge drawback and that is the amount of injuries he has experience, or in Pete's case, the lack of life points. The enemy knows that and will exploit that to their best ability.</div>
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<b>Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers (Bart Cassidy)</b> Each time he loses a life point, he immediately draws a card from the
deck. (4 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVNss0ZGymbMRan8NRNWgeMQHVPj0rFpg0KzhZEN4sww93NyYqWQTUh4JW4geO5R4jG1jrT2VsqtMxKu1xCuGMrQN_8hau7yCG5PhYZlnGHmZ30byerArwhPHbGUqVdgQO6mAoNH6uw/s1600/Aaron+Rodgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVNss0ZGymbMRan8NRNWgeMQHVPj0rFpg0KzhZEN4sww93NyYqWQTUh4JW4geO5R4jG1jrT2VsqtMxKu1xCuGMrQN_8hau7yCG5PhYZlnGHmZ30byerArwhPHbGUqVdgQO6mAoNH6uw/s200/Aaron+Rodgers.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWDSWKK1efUyAh93lOyRjr25m-UKtnpGl-q3FOpBdJHyqG0ETSLx2MYgE-3ByHFFhVaMi5XS9cZOFSedexxDdvnft1sQYLAZgEyJywKxCG_o3F73okVOnh5agoAir8I3U9Yq8E2uphw/s1600/Bart+Cassidy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWDSWKK1efUyAh93lOyRjr25m-UKtnpGl-q3FOpBdJHyqG0ETSLx2MYgE-3ByHFFhVaMi5XS9cZOFSedexxDdvnft1sQYLAZgEyJywKxCG_o3F73okVOnh5agoAir8I3U9Yq8E2uphw/s200/Bart+Cassidy.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<br />
Rodgers thrives on 3rd down conversions, in the same way Bart gets additional ammunition when you take away his life points. Of course, it's never a good idea to wait till 3rd down to try to get that 1st down, but it's good to know that Aaron Rodgers has proven himself time and time again. </div>
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<b>Houston Texans: Matt Schaub (Pat Brennan)</b> Instead of drawing normally, he may draw only one card in play in front of
any one player. (4 life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R-kI3oBA8bVSu_y5D5BUkbXcDrCDUxC0T1q_Gd13PPeNdjGZiTFHaIu2Vjs0eH6ppFKxY6CrwsEpCAFM2pPW6YH87bcfKGMH2WAcsmwfXAVYm-BYrDtinwhQPvJOTgNTfMjsGihlBg/s1600/Matt+Schaub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5R-kI3oBA8bVSu_y5D5BUkbXcDrCDUxC0T1q_Gd13PPeNdjGZiTFHaIu2Vjs0eH6ppFKxY6CrwsEpCAFM2pPW6YH87bcfKGMH2WAcsmwfXAVYm-BYrDtinwhQPvJOTgNTfMjsGihlBg/s200/Matt+Schaub.jpg" width="145" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-BfCGaFxoQG7pkFZpoIdJua5FkjRsuEg5zroC4NLz5LSSP_Jm4to3fj5AD1vWs69rPJDPQbkZv6s01aFo0qjRAevAckmBQBQl_irVFf4_h3x3FY4T2JLuqF1FQxjeKQfVNV41EOfxg/s1600/Pat+Brennan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-BfCGaFxoQG7pkFZpoIdJua5FkjRsuEg5zroC4NLz5LSSP_Jm4to3fj5AD1vWs69rPJDPQbkZv6s01aFo0qjRAevAckmBQBQl_irVFf4_h3x3FY4T2JLuqF1FQxjeKQfVNV41EOfxg/s200/Pat+Brennan.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Matt's career has been up and down, and has really be dependent of those around him. Now that he finally has the weapons around him, like Pat Brennan, he is going to take full advantage of that. With Foster and Johnson to support Schaub, the rest of the league better take notice because the Texans are ready to play.</div>
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<b>Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck (Paul Regret)</b> He is considered to have a Mustang in play at
all times; all other players must add 1 to the distance to him. If he has
another real Mustang in play, he can count both of them, increasing all
distance to him by a total of 2. (3 life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl0OF7CuWWL0tP1Pe9Zck9InsnnjZKZYYkDCaWyb0B6ipCfre0QJaZx5dIj2DLG49gwFsI42Hg2qJltEmUTVSni-XCpCZQYfkvjMGjaRhYmdHXW2_-0E8COctx6F_I8Wol_AfRMSddQ/s1600/Andrew+luck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl0OF7CuWWL0tP1Pe9Zck9InsnnjZKZYYkDCaWyb0B6ipCfre0QJaZx5dIj2DLG49gwFsI42Hg2qJltEmUTVSni-XCpCZQYfkvjMGjaRhYmdHXW2_-0E8COctx6F_I8Wol_AfRMSddQ/s200/Andrew+luck.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhef2uTk5ZVnCxQuDlSJPs2JR7iAFW2T867KZ-DusYzstNSLFEom610ZjqImKXVMzFerTvBSosY51yuekHncTzgw-eFmamoB4R7EG-iIKkXwsSfVRy7xb7TIfnWgJLlvs09I1E7z98w/s1600/paul-regret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhef2uTk5ZVnCxQuDlSJPs2JR7iAFW2T867KZ-DusYzstNSLFEom610ZjqImKXVMzFerTvBSosY51yuekHncTzgw-eFmamoB4R7EG-iIKkXwsSfVRy7xb7TIfnWgJLlvs09I1E7z98w/s200/paul-regret.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
Growing up as the son of an NFL quarterback, Andrew Luck has had all the advantages. Some might say he had a leg up, or in Paul Regret's case a Mustang. Although only at the start of his career, Luck will have every edge of being the top pick of the draft, but eventually he will have to earn everything himself. That Mustang won't have much relevance once the big guns come out. </div>
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<b>Jacksonville Jaguars: Blaine Gabbert (Jourdonnais)</b> He is
considered to have Barrel in play at all times; he can<i>"draw!"</i> when
he is the target of a <i>BANG</i>!, and on a Heart he is missed. If he has
another real <i>Barrel</i> card in play he can count both of them,
giving him two chances to cancel the <i>BANG</i>! before playing a <i>Missed</i>!
(<i>4 life points</i>)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8kWDm_gReQZRNcVSl3Eim4bU9B44v_NKj0wsWfj4AjERNrzm8EdLWrUJ5iQtYoQMoi2HHdwmmYbJDp58rZNspqoetKhCBcruiDBzvj6ytYgx8KC-RrdIKc3HaE0J-A0DWFMBAXaUWg/s1600/Blaine+Gabbert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8kWDm_gReQZRNcVSl3Eim4bU9B44v_NKj0wsWfj4AjERNrzm8EdLWrUJ5iQtYoQMoi2HHdwmmYbJDp58rZNspqoetKhCBcruiDBzvj6ytYgx8KC-RrdIKc3HaE0J-A0DWFMBAXaUWg/s200/Blaine+Gabbert.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lcoudwYrcA2IcjQGZkESPeWU4iMevhxkI7w9ZIl0jXGmP4SeU1mhGhFoj7lDxpUkvqfzL_Bna2hc45oAqTw_SkkAjD9Ueo5b1soAQRxFgaO-luvocyeepAGYbfuYNiKr_Au52jHBgw/s1600/Jourdonnais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3lcoudwYrcA2IcjQGZkESPeWU4iMevhxkI7w9ZIl0jXGmP4SeU1mhGhFoj7lDxpUkvqfzL_Bna2hc45oAqTw_SkkAjD9Ueo5b1soAQRxFgaO-luvocyeepAGYbfuYNiKr_Au52jHBgw/s200/Jourdonnais.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
Blaine Gabbert clearly has a guardian angel by his side. Or maybe he's just Jourdonnais with his human barrel drawing heart after heart. Blaine was statistically the worse quarterback of all time last year, yet he still has avoided being benched and seems to have the full trust of a bad organization. Lucky for him, MJD made it back for game one of this season.</div>
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<b>Kansas City Chiefs:
Matt Cassel (Tequila Joe)</b> Each time he plays a Beer, he regains 2 life
points instead of 1 (4 life points).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEs-EFKLkC1HNym_uJLtTdnpfBjbWM3CvKGEeX9vuFZYpgwHOfKU0n3sYERspMC9fh09ikUQXA-SGl1DvmyOOH7L3VESreB1lkEW36PxmTTZ8q_OUvVUnt1i7eLikxlLN7OFcx8642w/s1600/Matt+Cassel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEs-EFKLkC1HNym_uJLtTdnpfBjbWM3CvKGEeX9vuFZYpgwHOfKU0n3sYERspMC9fh09ikUQXA-SGl1DvmyOOH7L3VESreB1lkEW36PxmTTZ8q_OUvVUnt1i7eLikxlLN7OFcx8642w/s200/Matt+Cassel.jpg" width="147" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qfP24YH7iWev3hZI4QmDxGHCoh-d0S4VpSP8EJ_MgpsQGZe1q5YmGvoGX13vS9tekXaagd9xtDCQ9DZYqtZ1ayLgARaBCTqW3aX6AQAQ-qJUNz0ogcXcD8IiqKH4kdCBc5cOABcfjA/s1600/TequilaJoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qfP24YH7iWev3hZI4QmDxGHCoh-d0S4VpSP8EJ_MgpsQGZe1q5YmGvoGX13vS9tekXaagd9xtDCQ9DZYqtZ1ayLgARaBCTqW3aX6AQAQ-qJUNz0ogcXcD8IiqKH4kdCBc5cOABcfjA/s200/TequilaJoe.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Matt Cassel has been on life support and lucky for him he is Tequila Joe. Getting chance after chance and even a huge pay day after subbing in for Tom Brady for a year. Matt Cassel has got twice the amount of chances other quarterbacks have been getting of late, or maybe he's just lucky no one in Kansas City can throw the ball.</div>
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<b>Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill (Lucky Duke)</b> Each time he is required to "draw!",
he flips the top two cards from the deck, and chooses the result he prefers.
Discard both cards afterward. (4 life points)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ywstTArgiwo0CwHMrXxCWml75lDs0DbSwdYweHxo8PgyjEpu4EWkZBpBISWF0eUCT4uQpEAXMkLKbClxhpFsvGH-GshSy1FADu0217uadbP5XcTAn7zTCNaavr5-YW6tUdfBfBof6w/s1600/Ryan+Tannehill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ywstTArgiwo0CwHMrXxCWml75lDs0DbSwdYweHxo8PgyjEpu4EWkZBpBISWF0eUCT4uQpEAXMkLKbClxhpFsvGH-GshSy1FADu0217uadbP5XcTAn7zTCNaavr5-YW6tUdfBfBof6w/s200/Ryan+Tannehill.JPG" width="151" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPPVwgBawXfiRphQHLQOQ86IUs0boCXu08BQY31Yg_-xhxRfDyDtNyMXMCHbEzZ0bbN9gy1QdgggMP5TBznLq9i5yRzDcZ6s4RBfR8PZcGzU-cW3EQVvas3ahe4IdgKp8FNmjH8MaXw/s1600/lucky-duke.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPPVwgBawXfiRphQHLQOQ86IUs0boCXu08BQY31Yg_-xhxRfDyDtNyMXMCHbEzZ0bbN9gy1QdgggMP5TBznLq9i5yRzDcZ6s4RBfR8PZcGzU-cW3EQVvas3ahe4IdgKp8FNmjH8MaXw/s200/lucky-duke.jpe" width="128" /></a></div>
<br />
Ryan Tannehill seems to always know what's coming. Not only was he well overrated in the draft after a poor season at Texas A&M. His old coach was fired and only to find a job as the offensive coordinator of a team that has questions at quarterback. That's like getting to flip two cards over to find a heart card to get out of jail. Ryan's luck just keeps coming, but eventually it will run out, or will it? </div>
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<b>Minnesota Vikings: Christian Ponder (Herb Hunter)</b> Each time another player is eliminated, he
draws 2 extra cards. (4 life points)<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIv_ezCagzxFapCTWH9sxLa8aEkYCzCRAqRpRzcR8OACTXB0IPwyBrwKRubuMsGwiQNyOaG1IHYQgz4XhuB8zEf41RKQ9z7k2ZHFwXBCFU9stLpgiqfLAO8l8Lgy13bXQ_ay6U_2sBA/s1600/Christian+Ponder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimIv_ezCagzxFapCTWH9sxLa8aEkYCzCRAqRpRzcR8OACTXB0IPwyBrwKRubuMsGwiQNyOaG1IHYQgz4XhuB8zEf41RKQ9z7k2ZHFwXBCFU9stLpgiqfLAO8l8Lgy13bXQ_ay6U_2sBA/s200/Christian+Ponder.jpg" width="141" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIFmvBaGHp8lsAHvMYi3WyxJp_z1NOCkvWHPhNa5xTVBsntbTdHNX7TfxvotyJAPyEfXXCUpumF7eBiMl6XUjKnQtX_p9s0wlJBu31NYaxVXZp3agEcs7YioLN24aNK0MeopzarQS5g/s1600/herb+hunter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIFmvBaGHp8lsAHvMYi3WyxJp_z1NOCkvWHPhNa5xTVBsntbTdHNX7TfxvotyJAPyEfXXCUpumF7eBiMl6XUjKnQtX_p9s0wlJBu31NYaxVXZp3agEcs7YioLN24aNK0MeopzarQS5g/s200/herb+hunter.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>
<br />
Christian Ponder is another quarterback that took advantage of the fate of others. After the Brett Favre experiment blew up in the Vikings face and McNabb turned out to be totally washed up. In stepped rookie Christian Ponder!<br />
<br />
<b>New England Patriots: Tom Brady (Belle Star) </b>During her turn, cards in play in front of
other players have no effect. (4 life points)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaNp1-fkrxWxIT82YMyRm7eQLhNSClLIRjy-gQImOTnbhYueJAUxuKSXvcQ7_Wgyeve1LCWkP2lJWfi0yUY1OXP5WzllTukyU21M-7O-xorXemrrXR_e42BAkbk1UQPpzskQI08OCGw/s1600/Tom-Brady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaNp1-fkrxWxIT82YMyRm7eQLhNSClLIRjy-gQImOTnbhYueJAUxuKSXvcQ7_Wgyeve1LCWkP2lJWfi0yUY1OXP5WzllTukyU21M-7O-xorXemrrXR_e42BAkbk1UQPpzskQI08OCGw/s200/Tom-Brady.jpg" width="138" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRPsVhqDXPVH0HA2eRAyBQsBM8baHys0VSHpiyvwW7_gZMYYLY1OpbQjLJbAbNWZ90cZzqllIjXKZDkxqUbhtoZvuGOzFne6slU-859BufhAGsHjLtbcjvAlTlJEtnh5OQUnoSCnEtQ/s1600/Belle_Star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRPsVhqDXPVH0HA2eRAyBQsBM8baHys0VSHpiyvwW7_gZMYYLY1OpbQjLJbAbNWZ90cZzqllIjXKZDkxqUbhtoZvuGOzFne6slU-859BufhAGsHjLtbcjvAlTlJEtnh5OQUnoSCnEtQ/s200/Belle_Star.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>
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Tom Brady has been playing the same way for over a decade now, and during that time none of his teammates have really stuck around. Every few years he has a new wide receiver and another set of running backs. It doesn't really matter what you put in front of him, his results remain solid and his team just keeps on winning.<br />
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<b>New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees (Willy the Kid)</b> He can play any number of
"Bang!" cards. (4 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFduajkf2n4NF9E8hvHAbB9DwADwW7Gw6T-fNmNryd0NPViB8XRGB-jtyVcHWCQrdno4ksF6zS9w6LYN1_O1iVnByCKS1u7RGn2AYH7NmvDt3ndDZa5cLyVE104br8Y92JO2EmIQ4Fw/s1600/drew_brees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFduajkf2n4NF9E8hvHAbB9DwADwW7Gw6T-fNmNryd0NPViB8XRGB-jtyVcHWCQrdno4ksF6zS9w6LYN1_O1iVnByCKS1u7RGn2AYH7NmvDt3ndDZa5cLyVE104br8Y92JO2EmIQ4Fw/s200/drew_brees.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEAiEJVb1bDef5awS8BeGmWRI1hGub9VfDd8qIVgYAJw8UGDlH16nMYXJuu1k5qaLp0SoIJBbQ7tPR3okPfa07QjEZ0SMVTlA43Z7agn0bGnXorH0mqVtFfx33n_AUmckVBsNYGtQSw/s1600/willy-the-kid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxEAiEJVb1bDef5awS8BeGmWRI1hGub9VfDd8qIVgYAJw8UGDlH16nMYXJuu1k5qaLp0SoIJBbQ7tPR3okPfa07QjEZ0SMVTlA43Z7agn0bGnXorH0mqVtFfx33n_AUmckVBsNYGtQSw/s200/willy-the-kid.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
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Drew Brees is always ready to pull the trigger again. It takes many complete passes to break the season record for passing yards. If you give Drew the opportunity he will go out and unload on your defense, in the same way Willy the Kid could end your turn on his first turn.</div>
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<b>New York Giants: Eli Manning (Vera Custer)</b> For a whole round, she gains the same ability
of another character in play of her choice. (3 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WiSh4hAF7_CU9x9KfdkpKYOvlhL5X1olOeNX22s7wLIN5yxgIWLsFIUaIpW1o4AdN24rWYMMj-gU1h2WvcRgG7xfJoqCiDkgsC1IK1zu1u45JIBsg7psLQIF_Yn0AHedW4xr2z_54Q/s1600/eli+manning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WiSh4hAF7_CU9x9KfdkpKYOvlhL5X1olOeNX22s7wLIN5yxgIWLsFIUaIpW1o4AdN24rWYMMj-gU1h2WvcRgG7xfJoqCiDkgsC1IK1zu1u45JIBsg7psLQIF_Yn0AHedW4xr2z_54Q/s200/eli+manning.jpg" width="151" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNqB4ar_98g9pHegRED4sRXNc3nlEoF6qIWElU0msJF4tgsT1dDMBU7oYtzGfT83Bbzbi8mqsBcWXbpKKJhI6t7_yNceZxoP-98U0XliTLi7JedCqr_FDMeH-kwQ3P7EwPjbSp_sbGA/s1600/Vera+Custer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNqB4ar_98g9pHegRED4sRXNc3nlEoF6qIWElU0msJF4tgsT1dDMBU7oYtzGfT83Bbzbi8mqsBcWXbpKKJhI6t7_yNceZxoP-98U0XliTLi7JedCqr_FDMeH-kwQ3P7EwPjbSp_sbGA/s200/Vera+Custer.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<br />
There is no quarterback that plays up or plays down to the competition more than Eli Manning. In the same way Vera Custer is only going to be as good as the other players in the game. Eli Manning will always make things interesting, from throwing 25 interceptions to winning 2 Superbowls. In the end picking Vera Custer is never a boring round of BANG!</div>
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<b>New York Jets: Mark Sanchez (Suzy Lafayette)</b> = As soon as she has no cards in her hand,
she draws a card from the draw pile. (4 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-Q1V4S385p_ninwG8CnWLkDJ5hVBZyXcegaTye3wm5XSFTlyvoj_xdroIkNdYpfn7yteLl5wHjT6zzCcFeYdfqqzHRHrRgsqV2cIXwLtYqteLpeZU8CL8H3im827SDgy9tbJ5YRuPw/s1600/mark-sanchez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-Q1V4S385p_ninwG8CnWLkDJ5hVBZyXcegaTye3wm5XSFTlyvoj_xdroIkNdYpfn7yteLl5wHjT6zzCcFeYdfqqzHRHrRgsqV2cIXwLtYqteLpeZU8CL8H3im827SDgy9tbJ5YRuPw/s200/mark-sanchez.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZkRkfgot7M3HTcGm-SPmysnMbcIifJuvoPbmZym3of0lRYB_0kS60eqZcRbeS_dgZnkzyeLhQy9tqQqXLGgfy1pFHQdIyfO6fZvKeBU7P9mTXXddqlxfw8-0cUDUrA39T-TTL0pVKA/s1600/suzy-lafayette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZkRkfgot7M3HTcGm-SPmysnMbcIifJuvoPbmZym3of0lRYB_0kS60eqZcRbeS_dgZnkzyeLhQy9tqQqXLGgfy1pFHQdIyfO6fZvKeBU7P9mTXXddqlxfw8-0cUDUrA39T-TTL0pVKA/s200/suzy-lafayette.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
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Mark Sanchez seems to be out of luck in the city that has no patience, yet he just keeps getting second chances. You would think Tebow and a few weak starts would lead to a benching, but Sanchez still has the backing of his coach and team. No cards left? no problem...</div>
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<b>Oakland Raiders: Carson Palmer (Elena Fuente)</b> She may use any card as Missed!. (3 life
points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yPyMDa9Y9AVxmkpX9yPj7wjwqhPrPMpwQrbiCaJh1j3d4kp2DPnbdLJMyKEpzBpxDLysQRgzN4I7uvoDmGcwpbnG4MJtHm5Hm65g3DYkkyRrDv0epSthZAMf_g15FN5xipREhSEBow/s1600/carson+palmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yPyMDa9Y9AVxmkpX9yPj7wjwqhPrPMpwQrbiCaJh1j3d4kp2DPnbdLJMyKEpzBpxDLysQRgzN4I7uvoDmGcwpbnG4MJtHm5Hm65g3DYkkyRrDv0epSthZAMf_g15FN5xipREhSEBow/s200/carson+palmer.jpg" width="124" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ-p7nx33Rshzx8ROPk5HLVnr0YqHsiRg4eUN9H9IZR1LTTkJfHeelZ05TjytgawmgmFJalVRQw3U1SkIjBsoM9n9EtaaSxgbrwhwHzZNYV7OMTq9R6QjCoLu7tYG7jP8xsGxYplMaw/s1600/Elena_Fuente.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZ-p7nx33Rshzx8ROPk5HLVnr0YqHsiRg4eUN9H9IZR1LTTkJfHeelZ05TjytgawmgmFJalVRQw3U1SkIjBsoM9n9EtaaSxgbrwhwHzZNYV7OMTq9R6QjCoLu7tYG7jP8xsGxYplMaw/s200/Elena_Fuente.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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Carson Palmer has proven to have longevity in this league, what he has failed to do is win any meaningful games. Sometimes its just not good enough to stay alive in this league, eventually you will have to go on attack and always using cards as misses won't cut it.</div>
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<b>Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Vick (Chuck Wengam)</b> During his turn, he may choose to lose 1 life
point to draw 2 cards. (4 life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6RzLZ5HFM8BX9hEW7IKeKGhQi928KdO-HYZSBpZBHH7VBpfoYuk3KX6ijx3MOEid5jxfjG67uq6kNSWx9ejL1WFdQvY4W__CvYxMpzyaxsNColJH9pdihfP-TqeyhF1jgsm2GToQuA/s1600/michael+vick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6RzLZ5HFM8BX9hEW7IKeKGhQi928KdO-HYZSBpZBHH7VBpfoYuk3KX6ijx3MOEid5jxfjG67uq6kNSWx9ejL1WFdQvY4W__CvYxMpzyaxsNColJH9pdihfP-TqeyhF1jgsm2GToQuA/s200/michael+vick.jpg" width="155" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRrPST2u91hzswYzS88GQsUxSJe5VDkyrIIy6OlaYKcwn2K5CDUYATALO9_fkwQJ3GWL75oh1Xd3QAwVPJZapcwzNDb_mCTSx-JHxCVoIaOB7qYJJeRqFdQ520JiN-tEpoLsZsNJy5Q/s1600/Chuck_Wengam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRrPST2u91hzswYzS88GQsUxSJe5VDkyrIIy6OlaYKcwn2K5CDUYATALO9_fkwQJ3GWL75oh1Xd3QAwVPJZapcwzNDb_mCTSx-JHxCVoIaOB7qYJJeRqFdQ520JiN-tEpoLsZsNJy5Q/s200/Chuck_Wengam.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>
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High risk, high reward, that is how I would describe both Michael Vick and Chuck Wengam. Sometimes it means getting that much needed card or touchdown, or you might just end up with nothing good and bad fumble. The same people taking Vick in fantasy are the same one's willing to sacrifice a life point for two more cards.</div>
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<b>Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger (Bill Noface) </b>He draws 1 card, plus 1 card for each wound he
has. (4 life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaA3QNcteAiOdQEyF0tx3nzjBKUWYUyhjKT_njmNZRHkswqLC5snRA0J82RSHKiRQHdUIc9CFC0zfFiRbHmr_rkAg5b1QAvVt1LLDF3y3z7JOGIAsjxE743Pqv6rwtFV3NNurLGl9bg/s1600/ben_roethlisberger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaA3QNcteAiOdQEyF0tx3nzjBKUWYUyhjKT_njmNZRHkswqLC5snRA0J82RSHKiRQHdUIc9CFC0zfFiRbHmr_rkAg5b1QAvVt1LLDF3y3z7JOGIAsjxE743Pqv6rwtFV3NNurLGl9bg/s200/ben_roethlisberger.jpg" width="146" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcFnZhomt3yPMg-B41F0ORpCBboo1RsLdLOOLvAALJqq4Xaagb3f_GgRrn2_UYNNmu0NzFjqj-KMTdn-y4SiMNfKt43klUbn1kanMAhzeJVzZvvDLjUquvL1jIAdQ1h5ZyH348OC5ng/s1600/Bill+Noface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcFnZhomt3yPMg-B41F0ORpCBboo1RsLdLOOLvAALJqq4Xaagb3f_GgRrn2_UYNNmu0NzFjqj-KMTdn-y4SiMNfKt43klUbn1kanMAhzeJVzZvvDLjUquvL1jIAdQ1h5ZyH348OC5ng/s200/Bill+Noface.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
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For some quarterbacks seem to wilt under the physical toll of a long game, Big Ben seems to only get stronger where other players wear out. Bill Noface's ability to draw an extra card for every missing life point is exactly how defenses must feel when they have their arms draped over Roethlisberger in the forth quarter to only see him complete a big pass.</div>
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<b>San Diego Chargers: Philip Rivers (Doc Holyday)</b> Once during his turn, he may discard 2 cards
from the hand to shoot a Bang!. (4 life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMLKsmh517Qg4SnbOs8VgnJm-QyBDVaEnqjCO79M3N0wWumrfMIi-LZhpPyX0kSrz32JB5cQwFo2pzzmcLUTABAHR7txLrJKfjlhGDqIPIFgLL33VbToIYQdGtOj3ne7rVmK9MkSsWw/s1600/philip_rivers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMLKsmh517Qg4SnbOs8VgnJm-QyBDVaEnqjCO79M3N0wWumrfMIi-LZhpPyX0kSrz32JB5cQwFo2pzzmcLUTABAHR7txLrJKfjlhGDqIPIFgLL33VbToIYQdGtOj3ne7rVmK9MkSsWw/s200/philip_rivers.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAK7384Pr1kabl4BFS1LETgF29QD6EXhfIA9Tr7ag49FCkr6I9ZzmO3XfMXea0pd-EgkoIMZg7syIUe0hEKDDKidNCyf3LhCwJ4XoRvMp9HZSd-0C3LqzYlWnb1Wg1gxLYXahL44wPhg/s1600/Doc+Holyday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAK7384Pr1kabl4BFS1LETgF29QD6EXhfIA9Tr7ag49FCkr6I9ZzmO3XfMXea0pd-EgkoIMZg7syIUe0hEKDDKidNCyf3LhCwJ4XoRvMp9HZSd-0C3LqzYlWnb1Wg1gxLYXahL44wPhg/s200/Doc+Holyday.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
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Always has the ability to shoot an opponent, but as the game goes on the cost of a desperate BANG! might just be too high, especially if your short on cards. Rivers has always proven to be a successful regular season player, but when things get tight in the post season, he usually come up empty.</div>
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<b>San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith (El Gringo) </b>Each time he loses
a life point due to a card played by another player, he draws a random card
from the hands of that player (one card for each life). If the player has no
more cards, he does not draw. (3 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAYmvmoBYxV2_f_Ea6AtFEn1plRVGxAh5S97CkOHCLEkdDUC5tUmbG6FVXIwQBZP-Y1Sxg1Kw4KNjgFa4VcwSbkCBlLTx9QIKD4PO0Xr0UY-OOuMkHQhAy-8_jGyalnCGVZ-TWtWgjg/s1600/alex-smith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAYmvmoBYxV2_f_Ea6AtFEn1plRVGxAh5S97CkOHCLEkdDUC5tUmbG6FVXIwQBZP-Y1Sxg1Kw4KNjgFa4VcwSbkCBlLTx9QIKD4PO0Xr0UY-OOuMkHQhAy-8_jGyalnCGVZ-TWtWgjg/s200/alex-smith.jpg" width="157" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW4qhtvlxfG658DSpmoSI99XsIFpdrRMDnOigfu7ayiuKaB0i2DDa8Ia3d-QTeFRk7z_q_qTpgz3lXi2I72VAJLO4PKl00THeIIQMzLmC78IEm3VQ04IQqiZjdqJuK6dhBbt3sP3y7w/s1600/El+Gringo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDW4qhtvlxfG658DSpmoSI99XsIFpdrRMDnOigfu7ayiuKaB0i2DDa8Ia3d-QTeFRk7z_q_qTpgz3lXi2I72VAJLO4PKl00THeIIQMzLmC78IEm3VQ04IQqiZjdqJuK6dhBbt3sP3y7w/s200/El+Gringo.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<br />
As an opponent, there is nothing more annoying to see a sub par quarterback continue to find success in this league. Alex is a game manager, nothing more, but he doesn't put his team in a bad position and before you know it, you are losing in the 4th quarter and can't score on the Niners' defense. Don't sleep on Alex though, with his new coach he seems to be connecting with Vernon Davis for touchdowns every week.</div>
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<b>Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson (Sid Ketchum)</b> At any time, he may discard 2 cards from his
hand to regain one life point. If he is willing and able, he can use this
ability more than once at a time. (4 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5URqiBvaH_YR73YNrYSi8cKsNprWtARhc4Fr1PX3MKg8P5PzXvvNj20EDtsjNl918e9xljf4-dVrlQBExZLHwyig1LJ36A8jQgvgp8_u5rcFZM2HE1fTP4u2xCjeetOci6wVasJC-Q/s1600/russellwilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5URqiBvaH_YR73YNrYSi8cKsNprWtARhc4Fr1PX3MKg8P5PzXvvNj20EDtsjNl918e9xljf4-dVrlQBExZLHwyig1LJ36A8jQgvgp8_u5rcFZM2HE1fTP4u2xCjeetOci6wVasJC-Q/s200/russellwilson.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8WiBJq48rT1dkGUFbB44yvkRUQRqHRatI4UGhXC0sTWa5ub1M3JNT3zR4VTT8_TDUdG4n207XNcz0L_eVPNKam-MWVBK_yl64vQPQJtWAAFhB2ihMNsRrBmNUAMOfuoiyQmlUi5BrA/s1600/sid-ketchum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8WiBJq48rT1dkGUFbB44yvkRUQRqHRatI4UGhXC0sTWa5ub1M3JNT3zR4VTT8_TDUdG4n207XNcz0L_eVPNKam-MWVBK_yl64vQPQJtWAAFhB2ihMNsRrBmNUAMOfuoiyQmlUi5BrA/s200/sid-ketchum.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
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Russell has given up one big advantage in life, and that is his height. In the same way Sid Ketchum can give up cards to gain back life points. Although Russell should have been passed up on, he just keeps coming back and proving us wrong. </div>
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<b>St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford (Apache Kid)</b> Cards of Diamond played by other players do not
affect him. (3 life points)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ_YkGw67_VgrWE0sNU7vBUf1IJuvhLIpF0nIGSftZyoXn91jMEtzKdLUqUfs9R2zmMaJo3qVOO1K91JCGH0K9Z4wVejMdD4N3UlO_oIu8NGms7CxIU7Fmnv3Rh5dkoyCsv_ql0h3nw/s1600/Sam+Bradford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQ_YkGw67_VgrWE0sNU7vBUf1IJuvhLIpF0nIGSftZyoXn91jMEtzKdLUqUfs9R2zmMaJo3qVOO1K91JCGH0K9Z4wVejMdD4N3UlO_oIu8NGms7CxIU7Fmnv3Rh5dkoyCsv_ql0h3nw/s200/Sam+Bradford.jpg" width="139" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEO85-5y4kI334reG2jwKKrHIr8JXDZyC7OCu4RNhMTCkvr32S-aGZoiNFBwMuWbd6jgitzVDPColMHD_2x_b8R9n2KoS-xotUrGs1F_YdgkR9sN-tRamLkNRzuwb6Zk63Al-aGTp7w/s1600/Apache+Kid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvEO85-5y4kI334reG2jwKKrHIr8JXDZyC7OCu4RNhMTCkvr32S-aGZoiNFBwMuWbd6jgitzVDPColMHD_2x_b8R9n2KoS-xotUrGs1F_YdgkR9sN-tRamLkNRzuwb6Zk63Al-aGTp7w/s200/Apache+Kid.jpg" width="143" /></a></div>
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Alright, I admit it, I am clearly racist on this one. But to be fair this was way too easy of a pick, with Sam being part Native American and from Oklahoma too, he is obviously Apache Kid. Also with the way his career is going, it is clear Bradford is only good 1/4 of the time, just like Apache Kid's ability. Let's just hope next year the defenses is playing a diamond card.<br />
<br />
<b>Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman (Sean Mallory)</b> He may hold in his hand up to 10 cards. In
the first edition of the expansion, he had no limit at all to the cards in his
hand. (3 life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNjr0X4Ua19QKZ-8F_KZihXXnNp2hT460KwOuJ4ZjVGVYKwmbf2zQJenjEdJUk9NPSVtXhzyZ84aDEZoGVLpolmj1E__kE_2DD-9vPnJGgHXU6-HCwk-aR7JvBLatacyipIUp1rCzPg/s1600/josh-freeman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNjr0X4Ua19QKZ-8F_KZihXXnNp2hT460KwOuJ4ZjVGVYKwmbf2zQJenjEdJUk9NPSVtXhzyZ84aDEZoGVLpolmj1E__kE_2DD-9vPnJGgHXU6-HCwk-aR7JvBLatacyipIUp1rCzPg/s200/josh-freeman.jpg" width="142" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGbrnEu44uZ1rsvEw2IdC6FekJI_ekuMLFY0vaJrrEreHHQ6gtTlRMiqG5XXell3pKJbnxdj_1FFBa-VzLFiamaiZBRfkAm6ozHhQxWC48OBms_mWBnWi6BRtWjLs9j2urj00k3b7nA/s1600/Sean_Mallory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGbrnEu44uZ1rsvEw2IdC6FekJI_ekuMLFY0vaJrrEreHHQ6gtTlRMiqG5XXell3pKJbnxdj_1FFBa-VzLFiamaiZBRfkAm6ozHhQxWC48OBms_mWBnWi6BRtWjLs9j2urj00k3b7nA/s200/Sean_Mallory.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>
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The possibilities are endless when there isn't a limit to the amount of cards you can have. In the same way, that is like Josh Freeman's potential. Yet potential doesn't always lead to results, and we have seen Josh succeed and fail in his short career. In the same way, playing as Sean Mallory could being a huge advantage, or no advantage at all.</div>
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<b>Tennessee Titans: Jake Locker (Greg Digger)</b> Each time another player is eliminated, he
regains 2 life points. (4 life points)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDcBoPSiE8L76OXkXSPDxFP6ame5YHpoaKIaxDURrQfoFJGZkyc2D4rmvtmNMO_9jXnUMTZZ0E_y0EueJEI2BFM9RxFWB1W36oRD0dcRbBH3g9CBhmKGHUdjITtv4xnYTS10GBTcP0w/s1600/JakeLocker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDcBoPSiE8L76OXkXSPDxFP6ame5YHpoaKIaxDURrQfoFJGZkyc2D4rmvtmNMO_9jXnUMTZZ0E_y0EueJEI2BFM9RxFWB1W36oRD0dcRbBH3g9CBhmKGHUdjITtv4xnYTS10GBTcP0w/s200/JakeLocker.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJMsOkyxfixZ2jFEJQGCY61-aA2e8FK4hrlt6O5foCtItsxOwIr9SAz0R8YDQfCE1sapUb1MJMcrrv9tiFAZcSb4T4gjLF5v8gNwrTxMPbIKJLiozFw_Y0jXiWlvJs-N_vXFuryXe7w/s1600/Greg_Digger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJMsOkyxfixZ2jFEJQGCY61-aA2e8FK4hrlt6O5foCtItsxOwIr9SAz0R8YDQfCE1sapUb1MJMcrrv9tiFAZcSb4T4gjLF5v8gNwrTxMPbIKJLiozFw_Y0jXiWlvJs-N_vXFuryXe7w/s200/Greg_Digger.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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Jake Locker is an opportunist, just like Greg Digger. It took the mismanagement of Vince Young and the injury of Matt Hasselback for Jake to get the start. Jake Locker thrives in the chaos of failure, I guess that explains how he survived playing for the University of Washington for 4 years.</div>
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<b>Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III (Big Spencer)</b> He starts with 5 cards. He
cannot play Missed! cards. (9 life points)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p1vksHHQzGC7g8afZ3hXOgap7-89UTHgJ4QNoRdQTW47TVujIM4mFpZ0DD4x2MDesMawivFyyt8tSTeH-ljbhQdvbe7ijpxNaVg9Wm-CTPOfi1l0IsKpm-EmJoAlawHWhYEjB-7hqw/s1600/RG3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4p1vksHHQzGC7g8afZ3hXOgap7-89UTHgJ4QNoRdQTW47TVujIM4mFpZ0DD4x2MDesMawivFyyt8tSTeH-ljbhQdvbe7ijpxNaVg9Wm-CTPOfi1l0IsKpm-EmJoAlawHWhYEjB-7hqw/s200/RG3.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjooHkg5eGSBhucw6LgX2L5tNp-CEPaJiZMtMz0q1EU8I3b5QjWVV_9NZFA06oveB1pUbGv9sKAMny0S5wW9_hwWJnApscvhGOx5hoA1hiSd12ALLZhmFvI0MMch7zRacjY2j90B5q_Q/s1600/Big+Spencer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjooHkg5eGSBhucw6LgX2L5tNp-CEPaJiZMtMz0q1EU8I3b5QjWVV_9NZFA06oveB1pUbGv9sKAMny0S5wW9_hwWJnApscvhGOx5hoA1hiSd12ALLZhmFvI0MMch7zRacjY2j90B5q_Q/s200/Big+Spencer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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New character from one of the more recent expansions brings whole new dynamic to the game. In the same way RG3 is doing exactly that to the NFL. With a fast start and advantages like accuracy with mobility is just like starting a game with 5 cards and 9 life points. The question is, how long can RG3 continue to take the hits he took in week 3 before he regrets having no misses.<br />
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Let me know what you think and if other characters are better fits for any of the starting QBs in the league!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photos courtesy of Getty images, Bang!, and NFL.com</i></span></div>
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Caleb Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115499475076588092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-52665083327364732332012-09-28T09:54:00.004-04:002012-09-28T09:54:36.672-04:00Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">By: Andy Chiang<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Obligatory Salute to the Hillsborough 96<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Much
was made about the Hillsborough Tragedy in the run-up to the storied Manchester
United v Liverpool derby this past Sunday. On September 12<sup>th</sup> the
Hillsborough Independent Panel released a report pointing the finger at the
Government for the 96 fans who lost their lives on that fateful April day in
Sheffield in 1989. Until then, the official blame had fallen on the shoulders
of the fans themselves. All around the EPL fans and teams showed solidarity
with those affected and left behind with various tributes (i.e. minutes of
silence, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” banners, etc.). Already the EPL’s most
storied rivalry, this weekend’s game lived up to its billing by featuring
plenty of hard tackles, contentious refereeing, a pivotal red card, and a
winning PK awarded to Man United. Plenty of reading material and commentary if
your interested in the Hillsborough Tragedy – <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/sep/23/liverpool-manchester-united-hillsborough-munich">Commentary from The Guardian</a>, <a href="http://www.thesoccerinsiders.com/2012/09/hillsborough-independent-panel-report.html">a summary of the panel’s findings</a>, <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/peter_berlin/09/23/epl-five-things/">a more cynical view of this weekends tributes</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
have watched the Man Utd v. Liverpool fixture for the last ten years. I have
never heard the Kop rock as much as it did in the first 15 minutes of this
game. Against the backdrop of “The Truth” and “Justice” as spelled out in the
terraces of Anfield, even my Red Devil blood was stirred by the sounds of “You’ll
Never Walk Alone” (<a href="http://youtu.be/ecG2xkc0O4A">skip to 3:00</a>).
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SzYeuEoyEaE2BvaRUgUYkMIfYROUPx2T1rsSl4d8TJ2bGldjOxCHGsseeEeIioLvC-YX-DyBVAkV580Paf1xmZYyneMtO2MjDycfDnBjXG-yIGcYt9rbvnofOYdECERRIyJsEGtBEQ/s1600/Liverpool-v-Manchester-Un-008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SzYeuEoyEaE2BvaRUgUYkMIfYROUPx2T1rsSl4d8TJ2bGldjOxCHGsseeEeIioLvC-YX-DyBVAkV580Paf1xmZYyneMtO2MjDycfDnBjXG-yIGcYt9rbvnofOYdECERRIyJsEGtBEQ/s400/Liverpool-v-Manchester-Un-008.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From
where I’m sitting however (across the pond), while the deaths of 96 fans is
tragic I still think the tributes this weekend pale in comparison to tributes
that the NFL, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLS, etc. do for U.S. servicemen/women…of course
I am an American, and many of my friends have served overseas in “The Suck” so
my perspective is biased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Those
sentiments aside, United played terribly. Though victorious in the end, words
like “laborious” and “lucky” come to mind upon even shallow reflection. Looking
at the final stats, Liverpool held only a 52 to 48 edge in possession…but this
is playing with ten men for the majority of the match, with Jonjo Shelvey sent
off in the 39<sup>th</sup> minute. (A tough call as both players involved left
their feet in the <a href="http://youtu.be/uHriNoRmIKA">challenge</a>.) No
bones about it, Liverpool’s midfield of Shelvey, Gerrard, Joe Allen, and flop master Suarez completely outnumbered
and dominated Carrick, Giggs, and Kagawa. As a result, Liverpool completed over
100 passes in the first half<a href="file:///C:/Users/Caleb%20Li/Downloads/GCAS_Mama%20Said%20There%E2%80%99d%20Be%20Days%20Like%20This.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[1]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.
<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/sep/23/liverpool-midfield-dominate-manchester-united?newsfeed=true">Great breakdown from a tactical pro on how they did it</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That’s
not even what I most disappointed about in this game. When United bought Shinji
Kagawa from Dortmund this summer, I won’t lie, I was ecstatic. I think the
general feel in world football today is that world-class creative AMF’s only
come from Brazil, Argentina, Spain, The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France, basically
all your traditional continental and South American footballing powerhouses.
Asia is always left out of the elite class conversation, with the exceptions of
Shunsuke Nakamura and Hidetoshi Nakata in the 90’s and early 2000’s. And to be
honest, they were only really talked about every four years. And to be brutally
honest, Nakamura played in the Scottish Premier League. A few years ago Keisuke
Honda rose to prominence with a big money move to CSKA Moscow (a transfer
record for an Asian player at the time), but has since fallen out of the
headlines. I had high hopes that Kagawa would blow up and hopefully help spur
the next generation of Asian playmakers. On Sunday, when the world was
watching, on the EPL’s biggest stage, in what will probably be one of the
biggest games of the season for footballing reasons and others, Kagawa’s
performance fell woefully flat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Watching
the game, I waited for Kagawa lead the break, make runs to pull defense’s out
of shape, to make incisive passes to befuddle and emasculate Liverpool’s
defenders. What I saw was a timid
performance, too conservative and too nervy to be effective. To be honest, I
would have hauled him off for Chicharito much earlier than 81”. Kagawa played
the vast majority of his passes back to Scholes or the backline. The key word
there is “backward”. Safe. Conservative. Make the safe pass, then turn around
and make a run. Best way to look like your contributing when your really not.
He made almost no passes forward, and very rarely did he try and take anyone on.
Of his few passes forward, some were to no one and point to a continued lack of
understanding with his fullbacks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>[I wish The Guardian still offered their Chalkboard
service so I could back up these contentions with some numbers, but that is no
longer available. If anyone wants to help an android brother out (and has an
iphone) pick up the excellent </i><a href="http://fourfourtwo.com/statszone/"><i>fourfourtwo statszone app</i></a><i> and pull up
Kagawa’s passing chart for me. ]<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every
time Kagawa made a back pass to Scholes (who would then make an incisive pass
up field, or switch the angle of attack with a pin point cross field ball) I
cringed. In my head, I envisioned Salaryman Kagawa deferring responsibility to
his elders in fine Confucian fashion. Where is the boldness?! Where is the
risk-taking?! You’re in England, Who Dares Wins! It is clear that Kagawa is
still not adjusted to the EPL and his teammates. Most of his give and go
attempts end after his give. Much of United’s attacking impetus is now
concentrated at the flanks, with Rafael/Valencia/Evra/Buttner all playing
brightly as of late. At the end of his runs. Kagawa seems to have a tendency to
end up right in the 8-yd box in front of the keeper, to do what, attack a cross
with a thumping header? It’s probably the worst place on the field to put a 5
ft. 7 inch man that wins 0.3 aerial duels a game<a href="file:///C:/Users/Caleb%20Li/Downloads/GCAS_Mama%20Said%20There%E2%80%99d%20Be%20Days%20Like%20This.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference">[2]</span><!--[endif]--></span></a>.
I think I would be relieved if I thought
that Kagawa’s only problem was his size or strength. Of course some in the
media have already begun mutter about Kagawa’s small stature, saying he is too
“<a href="http://www.emirates247.com/sports/football/kop-flop-kagawa-too-weak-for-man-utd-2012-09-24-1.476695">weak</a>” for
the EPL, this of course is a load of crap (see 5’5” Santi Cazorla). I am hoping
the issue is one more one of team chemistry and confidence that should be
addressed with time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whatever
ails Kagawa (maybe its because he has only had 5 games?), it’s clear that Sir
Alex has not yet solved United’s midfield conundrum as evidenced by the number
of Paul Scholes appearances this season (started 3, subbed in in 2). With injuries
continuing to plague United’s defenders (Vidic, Jones, Smalling), the midfield
battle becomes that much more important in covering for what will be a
makeshift defensive line. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Other United midfield
disappointments for me: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">· Tom Cleverly –
Started for England against Ukraine in early September (Yay!). His performance
featured turnovers and errant passes galore, and three missed goal
opportunities that the 70-yr old Sir Alex Ferguson could have converted (Boo!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">· Nani – The
Portuguese Black Hole loves to stall United’s attack flow by striking a pose
over the ball in front of opposing defenders only to make the easy pass out. He
is also obviously practicing for his future NFL kicking career by blazing all
his shots as high up in the stands as possible.</span><a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo courtesy of www.guardian.co.uk</i></span></div>
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Caleb Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115499475076588092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-62052184772152246742012-09-25T10:21:00.002-04:002012-09-26T09:34:07.258-04:00Party Foul: NFL Replacement Refs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNX7gSlTQVcG9i2r74B_J1t1LyQ9q-h9tQu-4UfUy69DhxvQJHN4DY3KTg1mZWJnFOqCaU1whe4b7uBO3zbWr5k75YVjFlpa2qb401CN_aKP_gD0noHZgUkP7oKKFUa_Hnwo4EmuO7g/s1600/PackersSeahawksFinalPlay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNX7gSlTQVcG9i2r74B_J1t1LyQ9q-h9tQu-4UfUy69DhxvQJHN4DY3KTg1mZWJnFOqCaU1whe4b7uBO3zbWr5k75YVjFlpa2qb401CN_aKP_gD0noHZgUkP7oKKFUa_Hnwo4EmuO7g/s400/PackersSeahawksFinalPlay.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you love it when refs make opposite calls and then don't talk it over?</td></tr>
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<b style="color: #353635; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-decoration: underline;">Violation</b><span style="color: #353635; font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">: NFL Replacement Refs continue to make inconsistent calls that have left the integrity of the game in question.</span></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #353635; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #353635; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><u>Explanation</u></b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #353635; font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">: Last night might have finally pushed us over the edge in frustration. Another week of replacement refs, and another week of bad quality calls. Every team has a right to be frustrated especially Seattle and Green Bay. No matter how that game ended last night, both teams had a case that the refs won the other team the game. There were questionable pass interference calls all night on both the defense and offense. One gave the Packers a critical first down on their only touchdown drive, while another gave the Seahawks a 30+ yard spot foul on a pass interference that clearly wasn't there. Actually you can argue that the receiver kept Sam Shields from making a key interception. What got everyone's attention was the failure of the refs to call the last play. There was a clear push by Golden Tate, but I understand that on a Hail Mary you let that go. But to call that catch a touchdown without even talking it over is ridiculous. As a Packer fan I was shocked/numb after last night's game. So many what ifs and how did that happen? I personally felt that Jennings caught that ball, and although people may disagree it doesn't change the fact that these refs are ruining the game. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353635; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #353635; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353635; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><u>Punishment</u></b>: NFL is now being compared to the NBA for having bad calls that impact the result of the game. Fans are upset, but to be honest the NFL is too powerful to truly face any punishment that would be worthy of the crime of putting out a bad product for 3 weeks already.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353635; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #353635; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo courtesy of Getty Images</i></span></span></div>
Caleb Lihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09115499475076588092noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-2930925314924507852012-09-06T11:13:00.004-04:002012-09-06T11:13:40.698-04:00Happy Trails, Andy Roddick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.vtennis.co.uk/Images/Tennis/andy-roddick/andy-roddick-photos/andy-roddick-photos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://www.vtennis.co.uk/Images/Tennis/andy-roddick/andy-roddick-photos/andy-roddick-photos.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I think of Andy Roddick, the first thing that comes to mind is his mind-blowing serve. At one point, he held the record of a 155mph serve during a Davis Cup match against Vladamir Voltchkov. Basically, Andy can blast a tennis ball faster than you can drive your car down the freeway.</div>
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With 612 wins, a 74% winning record, and 32 titles, he is easily one of the greatest tennis players of this generation. Unfortunately, he had to be born in the same era as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Because of the aforementioned three tennis greats, Roddick can only claim the 2003 US Open as his own. Such a shame that he had to run into them so many times, or perhaps we would be speaking of Andy breaking Samparas's record of 14 Grand Slams.</div>
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At times, the media would show him as petulant with his notorious outbursts and angry tirades. But we need to remember this man as one of the good guys of the sport. His foundation contributes to help at-risk kids by providing them with educational and other opportunities that otherwise would never be given to them.</div>
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So to you Mr. Roddick, happy trails and enjoy your retirement. Spending time with Brooklyn Decker is not such a bad retirement option. </div>
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<a href="http://showstalker.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/brooklyn-decker-si-swimsuit-010-398x600.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://showstalker.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/brooklyn-decker-si-swimsuit-010-398x600.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>photos courtesy of showstalker.net, vtennis.co.uk</i></span></div>
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steven wanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15916667260349127946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-88403299563314380142012-09-05T09:53:00.000-04:002012-11-05T02:18:58.657-05:00America's Team: 2012 Dallas Cowboys Season Preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqXMVGgqAFjPNPcUyiGgwqb5vCJF9MwSvClFI2dZPgAj0XWr2w0yi0igK7Tx5h5aHdHwnLBEaWPu030HvsW702J5c_giY2NVKgbb1Odo4qlqr6kB1hBOqscCTmRNTGnDm3m9kNiCT9g/s1600/dallascowboys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqXMVGgqAFjPNPcUyiGgwqb5vCJF9MwSvClFI2dZPgAj0XWr2w0yi0igK7Tx5h5aHdHwnLBEaWPu030HvsW702J5c_giY2NVKgbb1Odo4qlqr6kB1hBOqscCTmRNTGnDm3m9kNiCT9g/s400/dallascowboys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS!?<br />
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<b><u>Offense</u></b><br />
Tony Romo -- overrated locally, but underrated nationally. With that being said, there may not be anyone else in the league that is analyzed or put under the microscope as much as Romo is on a daily basis. I consider myself to be on Team Romo; not only because he is the quarterback of my team, but I genuinely believe that he is good enough to take this team where it wants to go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQawh9DLfq5sKgnjz5YXVb_Cp8spzqk7sremPxK_mq3slB8Ewe37PRsTWtYnaK9tv1FHW2cFBpLpcQzAAv0cPDMncsimdtAwe35XpWH4Fguhw_Qj4fqKl9YeELask52xcOcZg_KGiIw/s1600/Romo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQawh9DLfq5sKgnjz5YXVb_Cp8spzqk7sremPxK_mq3slB8Ewe37PRsTWtYnaK9tv1FHW2cFBpLpcQzAAv0cPDMncsimdtAwe35XpWH4Fguhw_Qj4fqKl9YeELask52xcOcZg_KGiIw/s400/Romo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In the past, the Cowboys arguably had TOO many weapons at their disposal, which can potentially create a very fine line between keeping everyone happy or not having enough balls to go around. However with the development of DeMarco Murray, the question marks at wide receiver, and the pre-season injury to Jason Witten, this forces the Cowboys to simplify things and just play smash mouth football. Instead of having the offensive mindset to win games by scoring 40 points, Dallas should be relying on ball control offense and limiting turnovers.<br />
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Romo proved last year that he is fully capable of taking care of the ball. With a makeshift offensive line that couldn't protect the quarterback from any type of pass rush, Romo still managed to play all 16 games, threw for 31 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions, compiled over 4100 yards through the air, and had a quarterback rating of 102.5. For those who are not in the know, Tony Romo has the second highest quarterback rating for his career in NFL history. (1 - Aaron Rodgers, 2 - Tony Romo, 3 - Steve Young, 4 - Tom Brady)<br />
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Tony has quietly developed into a quarterback that no longer has that 'gunslinger' mentality, but there are still times where he is unable to lead and inspire his team when they need it the most. This is something that can't really be taught; it has to be earned, and I feel like Tony Romo has made huge strides in this respect. As Cowboys fans, let's appreciate what we have and give him the benefit of the doubt. Go Romo.<br />
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The offensive line will still be an issue for the Cowboys this year, but this just places more of the onus on the game plan (coaching) and the on-the-field leadership (Romo). As long as the Cowboys aren't beating themselves and are in a position to win each week, I'm happy.<br />
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<b><u>Defense</u></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgM27JooG9s_okSEpsQlZLm0C7dJtW8hejp3oVrEZUPERTu5Pd2uM9D_AJx3ylghWcLiOL0AnEeoPzxzj1FetIgBeiSAsleM6EE5FLhxvbCC8dibjsGJNO4oU4bIYBkpB1eqXzRfB0w/s1600/claiborne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgM27JooG9s_okSEpsQlZLm0C7dJtW8hejp3oVrEZUPERTu5Pd2uM9D_AJx3ylghWcLiOL0AnEeoPzxzj1FetIgBeiSAsleM6EE5FLhxvbCC8dibjsGJNO4oU4bIYBkpB1eqXzRfB0w/s400/claiborne.JPG" width="400" /></a>This defense is young, fast, and inexperienced. Dallas will be relying on young'ns such as LB Victor Butler (25), LB Bruce Carter (24), LB Dan Connor (26), LB Sean Lee (26), DB Brandon Carr (26), DB Morris Claiborne (22), DB Orlando Scandrick (25), and DB Barry Church (24) in addition to the staples of DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, Anthony Spencer, and Gerald Sensabaugh.<br />
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Personally, this is really exciting to see because Dallas hasn't had a defense that could really fly to the ball in years. Unfortunately, inexperience also means that the team will be more prone to making mistakes, but the play-making ability will more than make up for that. In other words, Jerry Jones has clearly given Rob Ryan the defensive freedom that is needed to allow his system to be successful. This is a culture change that should not be overlooked.<br />
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<b><u>Special Teams</u></b><br />
Dez Bryant needs to be returning punts. (<a href="http://youtu.be/2jM-rx4vo3I" target="_blank">Exhibit A</a> & <a href="http://youtu.be/2lCo9uUtwRs" target="_blank">Exhibit B</a>).<br />
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<b><u>Coaching, Leadership, and Intangibles</u></b><br />
I will admit I am not the biggest Jason Garrett fan out there. I believe that his offensive schemes are too basic, and opposing defenses can go through their reads too easily. Dallas doesn't implement enough quick slants, screens, and other plays that would negate a weak offensive line.<br />
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But at the same time, I will relegate to the fact that the culture at Valley Ranch is better now than where it was prior to his promotion to head coach. Wade Phillips is a great coaching specialist, but the team lost the sense of accountability with him at the helm, and it was time for him to go. As a result, Garrett was given a team that was 1-7 heading into the second half of the 2010 season -- yet he was able to finish the year winning 5 of the last 8 games. There is no question that he is a bright guy, and I fully expect the Cowboys to continue their improvement.<br />
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I've seen great strides when it comes to leadership, especially during this last offseason. Romo and company all decided to stay in the Dallas area and work out together. This is a clear indication that they realize team chemistry is just as important as talent.<br />
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<b><u>My Prediction</u></b><br />
<b>Week 1</b>: @ New York Giants - 1-0<br />
<b>Week 2</b>: @ Seattle Seahawks - 2-0<br />
<b>Week 3</b>: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 3-0<br />
<b>Week 4</b>: Chicago Bears - 4-0<br />
<b>Week 5</b>: Bye<br />
<b>Week 6</b>: @ Baltimore Ravens - 4-1<br />
<b>Week 7</b>: @ Carolina Panthers - 4-2<br />
<b>Week 8</b>: New York Giants - 5-2<br />
<b>Week 9</b>: @ Atlanta Falcons - 5-3<br />
<b>Week 10</b>: @ Philadelphia Eagles - 5-4<br />
<b>Week 11</b>: Cleveland Browns - 6-4<br />
<b>Week 12</b>: Washington Redskins - 7-4<br />
<b>Week 13</b>: Philadelphia Eagles - 8-4<br />
<b>Week 14</b>: @ Cincinnati Bengals - 8-5<br />
<b>Week 15</b>: Pittsburgh Steelers - 9-5<br />
<b>Week 16</b>: New Orleans Saints - 9-6<br />
<b>Week 17</b>: @ Washington Redskins - 9-7<br />
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Record against NFC East: 4-2<br />
Record against NFC South: 1-3<br />
Record against AFC North: 2-2<br />
Record against the rest: 2-0<br />
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<b>Overall Record: 9-7</b><br />
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I see the Cowboys finishing 2nd in the NFC East and earning a wildcard spot, which will give them the opportunity to play in the playoffs. The 2007 and 2011 Giants showed the NFL that all you need is to get into the tournament because it becomes all about the matchups and how hot your quarterback is playing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsFfHRNcV_qH75vQoByBmWl0WJQN5nOeOzQto7-ehptXL7XTyHV8p5u_s79zoNZ5TbcdlOfYzeJyIK3qrJF2Iotl1YUvSTTjeFiSNck-CIXhHE53kGhB_Mgyh0MX74bLfFkLOTpx2Nw/s1600/Stadium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsFfHRNcV_qH75vQoByBmWl0WJQN5nOeOzQto7-ehptXL7XTyHV8p5u_s79zoNZ5TbcdlOfYzeJyIK3qrJF2Iotl1YUvSTTjeFiSNck-CIXhHE53kGhB_Mgyh0MX74bLfFkLOTpx2Nw/s400/Stadium.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Overall Assessment</u></b><br />
The Cowboys' defense is still young, and the offensive line still has a couple gaping holes. The team will be much improved from a year ago, but there are still too many question marks to really compete for a championship unless they get lucky and all the pieces fall their way. A playoff berth and hopefully a playoff victory is not bad for year 2 of the Jason Garrett era. Transition periods usually last a couple years anyway. Don't forget the year before Jason Garrett was the full-time head coach, the Cowboys went 6-10. A steady improvement is all you can really ask for. Therefore barring any major injuries, I fully expect the Cowboys to legitimately contend for a Super Bowl in the 2013/14 season.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Photo and video content courtesy of: espn.com and youtube.com</i></span></div>
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Albert Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840136997224793696noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-25307094967195814102012-08-30T14:39:00.003-04:002012-08-31T09:47:33.355-04:00UEFA Champions League Draw 2012-2013, Part II<b>[Continued from <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/2012/08/uefa-champions-league-draw-2012-2013.html">UEFA Champions League Draw 2012-2013, Part I</a>]</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl62lgmQvbPqShF5-eq8nGJnWGgABpr7IXDcSZNTExuI1L32sRevbfT0rcRYaArSxcDK6tVK7CNZxx7ThhDuBtDZ8oKJfc3ODyreWJRqWD9kRye2k6BocSArgb4tvzHEdP3ct_YxWOYE/s1600/part2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkl62lgmQvbPqShF5-eq8nGJnWGgABpr7IXDcSZNTExuI1L32sRevbfT0rcRYaArSxcDK6tVK7CNZxx7ThhDuBtDZ8oKJfc3ODyreWJRqWD9kRye2k6BocSArgb4tvzHEdP3ct_YxWOYE/s400/part2b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Group of Death</b><br />
Came back from lunch and saw the results of the draw. No question about it, Group D is the Group of Death, with 4 winners of their respective leagues, with representation from the 3 toughest leagues (Real, Man City, Ajax, and Dortmund). About the only possible combination that would have been harder was if Juventus (Serie A champion) and Ajax switched places from the Pot 3 draw.<br />
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<b>Group of Life</b><br />
At first glance, I thought the corresponding Group of Life - that is the group where anyone could advance, but they're weak - might have been Group A, with no teams from the any of the Top 4 leagues, i.e., Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A. However, I'd say that Porto, as the Primeira Liga champion, and PSG, which pulled a Man City last year with an influx of oil money, probably have the inside track to advance. So the Group of Life might actually be Group H, where Man U are guaranteed Group winners, but each of the other 3 have a shot at getting through.<br />
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Luckily, my beloved Gunners escaped the most difficult pairing possibilities, although there is some stiff competition from Schalke, which can play with highly technical German teams and Montpellier, the Ligue 1 champ.<br />
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<b>The 2012-2013 UCL Group Draw & Predictions:</b><br />
Top 2 teams in each group advance.<br />
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Group A</u><br />
1. FC Porto<br />
2. Paris Saint Germain<br />
3. Dynamo Kyiv<br />
4. Dinamo Zagreb<br />
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<u>Group B</u><br />
1. Arsenal<br />
2. Schalke 04<br />
3. Montpellier<br />
4. Olympiakos<br />
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<u>Group C</u><br />
1. AC Milan<br />
2. Zenit St Petersburg<br />
3. Malaga<br />
4. Anderlecht<br />
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<u>Group D</u><br />
1. Real Madrid<br />
2. Manchester City<br />
3. Borussia Dortmund<br />
4. Ajax Amsterdam<br />
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<u>Group E</u><br />
1. Chelsea<br />
2. Juventus<br />
3. Shakhtar Donetsk<br />
4. FC Nordsjaelland<br />
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<u>Group F</u><br />
1. Bayern Munich<br />
2. Valencia<br />
3. Lille<br />
4. BATE Borisov<br />
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<u>Group G</u><br />
1. Barcelona<br />
2. Benfica<br />
3. Spartak Moskva<br />
4. Celtic<br />
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<u>Group H</u><br />
1. Manchester United<br />
2. Galatasaray<br />
3. SC Braga<br />
4. CFR Cluj<br />
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<br />normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383672618892213724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-58504623884825510652012-08-30T12:25:00.003-04:002012-08-31T09:47:19.117-04:00UEFA Champions League Draw 2012-2013, Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr valign="top"><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></td><td style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span id="txt811466992">Every year, the world watches as UEFA kicks off the Champions League season with a draw determining the makeup of the Group Stage of the competition. The intent is to create balanced groups that permit the best teams from across Europe to advance to the knockout stages.</span><br />
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<li>There are 32 teams seeded and divvied up into 4 "pots" of 8 teams each</li>
<li>Which pot a team is classified in is based on a combination of national league strength and UCL record over the last five years, with Pot 1 holding the strongest teams and Pot 4 the weakest</li>
<li>They are randomly placed into 1 of 8 Groups - each group gets 1 team from each Pot</li>
<li>Only exception is that each group cannot have more than 1 team from the same national league</li>
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Because the seedings don't necessarily reflect the actual, current strength of the team, there are inevitably mismatches that create a lot of the drama and hype leading up to group play. Somehow, every year has a "Group of Death" that will include teams like Man City (Group 2??), Juventus (Group 3??).<br /><br />UEFA should really scrap the "last 5 years' performance" metric that completely don't take reality into account. Like Man City's meteoric rise from Qatari money. Or Juventus' suspension hurting them in this ranking. I suppose this is all part of soccer's drama. In any case, I'll be rating the chances of advancing in a follow up post once the draw is over in 'Part 2.'<br /><br />Here are the Pots:<br /><br />Pot 1<br />Chelsea<br />Barcelona<br />Manchester United<br />Bayern Munich<br />Real Madrid<br />Arsenal<br />FC Porto<br />AC Milan<br /><br />Pot 2<br />Valencia<br />Benfica<br />Shakhtar Donetsk<br />Zenit St Petersburg<br />Schalke 04<br />Manchester City<br />SC Braga<br />Dynamo Kiev<br /><br />Pot 3<br />Olympiakos<br />Ajax Amsterdam<br />Anderlecht<br />Juventus<br />Spartak Moscow<br />Paris Saint Germain<br />Lille<br />Galatasaray<br /><br />Pot 4<br />Celtic<br />Borussia Dortmund<br />BATE Borisov<br />Dinamo Zagreb<br />CFR Cluj<br />Malaga<br />Montpellier<br />FC Nordsjaelland</span></td></tr>
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normanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05383672618892213724noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5115253088528885190.post-44276717261514349472012-08-29T16:49:00.001-04:002012-08-31T14:56:20.659-04:00What's Poppin': Movie Trilogies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It's been a while since I wrote a feature for my "<a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/search/label/What's%20Poppin'" target="_blank">What's Poppin'</a>" column. The last couple of months have been somewhat hectic to say the least -- I finally graduated from law and grad school (<i>Rant: I left school with a student loan debt that totals nearly $200 grand. If you are thinking about going back to school, please feel free to contact me. I may not talk you out of it, but I will definitely give you information admission boards, employers, and loan companies conveniently leave out</i>), moved to Dallas, was best man at one of my closest friend's wedding, and found a job.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Fortunately for the movie studios in Hollywood, all of that didn't deter me from going out to the theaters. In fact, I watched The Dark Knight Rises (TDKR) at a 5AM showing on the Saturday morning of opening weekend. It ruined my sleep schedule and made me completely worthless for a few days, but it was definitely worth it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(I watched the movie a total of three times in the first week, but let's not get into that.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As many of you may/should already know, TDKR is the last installment of Christopher Nolan's brilliant remake of the Batman story. In my opinion, the aforementioned set of three movies will go down in history as our generation's defining cinematic trilogy -- similar to what Star Wars was for our parents' era.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So to further elaborate on the ever-popular idea of creating and watching movie trilogies, I've narrowed my list down to its most basic and true forms. For those who may not know me well, I was born in the mid 80s, so these movie titles are directly correlated to that specific time frame.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><b>My Personal Top 5 Trilogies</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1. Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In my opinion, each movie was so good individually that they may be even somewhat underrated as stand-alone films. Batman Begins is often overlooked because of the late Heath Ledger's Joker in part II, but it was the perfect opening chapter to the series. It had the right blend of character development and action and could be my favorite out of the three. The Dark Knight, 'nuff said. Ledger's performance has to go down as the best antagonist of all time -- just imagine if he played Lord Voldermort in Harry Potter. At the outset, TDKR was destined to not be good enough in people's eyes. I think when we all look back at Nolan's Batman movies, we're going to appreciate the brilliance that is Bane and *spoiler alert* Robin in the last movie. You know you are the GOAT when all people complain about is the inflection in characters' voices.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. Toy Story 1, Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first Toy Story is still my favorite animated movie ever. It catapulted this particular genre to the heights they are currently at today. It was the first feature film to be created entirely by CGI. Think about that. Also, how did Toy Story 3 not win an Academy Award for best comedy in 2010? I'm cracking up just thinking about Buzz Lightyear, the Latin lover.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3. The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pure epicness. I realize that is not a real word, but it basically sums of the Lord of the Rings series. All three movies were aesthetically beautiful, even taking your breath away at times. To be honest, the graphics may be a little dated now, but let's remember the Fellowship of the Ring was released over a decade ago (2001)! The Return of the King finished off the series with a bang -- the battle scenes seemed to last for hours, which is exactly how I imagined them when I read the novels.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>4. The Mighty Ducks, D2, D3</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I've polled a bunch of my friends on the subject of movie trilogies, and for some reason, the Mighty Ducks films are always left out. How can people forget the amazingly cheesy character development that just screamed 1990s? Basically, all of the decade's corniness is lumped into this one movie franchise. You hated Gordon Bombay at first, but then you find out he's just been smothered by the game of hockey and the pressures that come with it. We instantly relate and cheer for Charlie because he represents the average Joe. Not everyone can be the most talented (Adam Banks), the most charismatic (Goldberg), the fastest (Luis Mendoza), or the strongest (Fulton Reed).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To add to all of the amazing characters, the way the plots were created simply made you want to stand up and cheer for the Ducks. People often overlook the fact that it was a co-ed team (do they even have those?), there were figure skaters who were converted into hockey players because not many people knew how to skate, there was a goalie who could catch everything with her glove, and there was the amazing Flying-V that made you quack in anticipation. Wow.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>5. Infernal Affairs I, Infernal Affairs II, Infernal Affairs: End Inferno 3</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I still don't understand the name change. Why wasn't the third movie just Infernal Affairs III? Anyways, if you are a fan of The Departed, then please watch the IA series. The Departed is essentially a copycat of Infernal Affairs, which is incredible in every way.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Honorable Mention</b>: The Man With No Name trilogy (A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly) and the Back to the Future trilogy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I would have included the Terminator triology, but they just HAD to make a fourth one, which of course was downright horrible (sorry, Christian Bale). Just Terminator 2 alone would have vaulted the would-be trilogy into legendary status. What a waste.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And on the other side of the spectrum, if Hollywood had the audacity to ruin not only the Terminator trilogy, but the Indiana Jones one as well, why can't they find a way to make a third Bad Boys?! Will Smith and Martin Lawrence -- let's not wait until you guys are 50. And no, I do not want to watch a Bad Boys starring Will Smith's son (it's going to happen). While we're on the subject, I'm still waiting for a third installment of Shanghai Noon and Shanghai Knights.</span></span><br />
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<u style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What Could Have Been</b></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>- The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When The Matrix first came out in 1999, it completely revolutionized the movie industry. But the rest of the movies just never lived up to the first one. In the summer of 2000, I watched and re-watched The Matrix no less than 30 times.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><b>Underrated</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>- The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal, Red Dragon</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is coming from someone who absolutely despises scary movies. Anthony Hopkins played this role perfectly. He depicts the character as twisted, misunderstood, and just hungry. I don't know about you guys, but I can definitely relate to that.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><b>Overrated</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>- Austin Powers: The International Man of Mystery, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Austin Powers: Goldmember</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Am I the only person that doesn't think Austin Powers is funny? Mike Meyers was awesome in Wayne's World and Shrek, but I think it was just too much in Austin Powers. I realize that's what they were going for, but I liken Mike Meyers to someone like Will Ferrell. Hilarious, but not good enough to carry a movie by himself. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><b>Don't Waste Your Time With These</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1. The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Maybe the expectations were too high, but you CANNOT screw up Star Wars!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jar Jar Binks, really?!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. Big Momma's House, Big Momma's House 2, Big Momma: Like Father, Like Son</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I love Martin Lawrence, but these movies were just plain horrible.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3. The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Many people don't know this, but the trilogy starring Brendan Fraser is actually a remake from a six-installment series that dates from the 1930s to the 1950s. I'm pretty sure those movies are better. Attention, Mummy lovers! Hollywood is completely rebooting the franchise in 2014.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What are some of the movies I failed to mention? What are your personal favorites? Do you completely disagree with my list? </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please comment in the section below and you may be featured in the next <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/search/label/GCAST%20" target="_blank">GCAST</a>.</span><br />
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<b><u>Connect with Albert Nguyen!</u></b></div>
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<b>Bio</b>: <a href="http://www.gymclassallstars.com/p/albert-nguyen_26.html">http://www.gymclassallstars.com/p/albert-nguyen_26.html</a></div>
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<b>Email</b>: <a href="mailto:albertn@gymclassallstars.com">albertn@gymclassallstars.com</a></div>
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<b>Twitter</b>: <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/alnguyen84">https://twitter.com/#!/alnguyen84</a></div>
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Albert Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13840136997224793696noreply@blogger.com11