Can A Pink Shirt End Breast Cancer?

I had a conversation with my blogger friend Jerod Morris over on Twitter. He asked the question, "The NFL is stepping up to help end breast cancer, why can't the sports bloggers do their part and step up?" I took him up on that and we decided that I am going to wear a pink shirt all month to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I am going to start at 9am October 1st and wear it through November 1st. I put a donation tab on the upper right-hand corner for donations. The donations will be going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Everything that you give me will go directly to them at the end of the month. How much can a single blogger wearing a pink shirt earn for breast cancer research?

I'm 6'2 and weigh around 240 lbs and needlesstosay, pink is not very flattering on me, but it's an extremely small price to pay to donate even a single penny to this cause. I have thought about this and wearing one single pink shirt is something that I can't do without smelling up the place at work and my own apartment. I have decided that I am going to rotate two pink shirts and wear them the entire month. I want the world to take notice as this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we should all take our part.

I am but one single sports blogger with a goal to help end breast cancer. My goal is to raise at least $5,000 dollars, but if I raise more than that, it will be a blessing. I will keep everyone updated on the site on the status of the shirts and the donations that we have received. Every penny counts and 100% of it will be going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Cancer in any form is a horrible disease, it has hit me close to home. My grandfather is fighting cancer and I have had friend lose their parents early and it is a shame. Early detection is the key and routine mammograms are necessary for a women, no matter what age. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, keep up with your mammograms and physicals, until we get a cure for this horrible disease, that is the best way to catch it early.

So please donate to the cause, spread the word, and help one single sports blogger help end breast cancer. If you do not have Paypal and wish to donate, please email me at cletus_t@hotmail.com

Florida Marlins' pitcher Ricky Nolasco recorded nine straight strikeouts against the Atlanta Braves tonight, in a 5-4 Florida win. According to the linked game article:

Nolasco's nine consecutive strikeouts in one game were one short of the big league record set by Hall of Famer Tom Seaver for the New York Mets on April 22, 1970, against San Diego.

Cleveland Had A "Steamer" Of A Day

All three major sports teams from Cleveland, OH made the news today. The Indians made changes in their management, the Browns made changes of leadership, and a certain player on the Cavaliers may need a change of scenery. It's been a long day in Cleveland, but I have some good news for the people in the area.

Let's start with the news about the Cleveland Indians. They finally fired, Fort Wayne native, Eric Wedge, after the last two disappointing seasons. It was only two seasons ago that the Indians were one win away from the World Series, but C.C. Sabathia, Fausto Carmona, or Jake Westbrook couldn't seal the deal and the Red Sox won the ALCS in seven games. Even during that season, the Indians got off to a horrible start, but was unable to sneak into the playoffs because of an incredible second-half. They have been known as a second-half team under Wedge, but the last two seasons they have looked bad. It didn't help that they traded away Sabathia, Casey Blake, Mark DeRosa, Cliff Lee, and Victor Martinez over the last 15 months. GM Mark Shapiro could be next if the next manager can't win in a hurry. The Indians just don't have the personnel to win right now, especially after some of those trades that they made trading away their stars. Usually teams load up on prospects, but the teams are trying to stash away their prospects in order to protect their future, so they got 40 cents on the dollar in return. I could be a rough couple seasons in Cleveland.

The Browns are already having a rough season and they have only played three games. The entire offense has looked horrible under new head coach Eric Mangini. He spent the entire off-season and pre-season trying to decide who was going to be his starting quarterback. Brady Quinn won the job, even if it was because no one really stepped up to take the job. He has not look very good so far this season, he has only one passing touchdown. He was pulled in the middle of the game last weekend for Derek Anderson. Anderson didn't take his time and his pass was picked off. He ended up throwing another interception later in the game and he looked worse than Quinn. Mangini named Anderson as his starting quarterback this weekend and the immediate future. I don't think this was the move that needed to be made, but what can a guy do that looks like he could be fired after only three games. This is a move of desperation and I doubt it will pay off. The Browns are bad and this move made them even worse.

Finally, this is the most bizarre story of them all. Earlier this month, Cleveland Cavaliers guard, Delonte West, was pulled over riding a three-wheeled motorcycle. After he was pulled over, he told the police officer that had had a gun on him, after a search, he had more than one gun. He had a gun in his waistband, one in his leg, and some guns in a guitar case. Yes, just like Antonio Banderas, "El Mariachi" style, that is insane! He already has had a history of mental illness and he said that he feared for his safety. Well, to make matters worse, he didn't show up to training camp. Little is known about the reasoning behind why he has been absent, but Lebron James came out today that he is still welcome on the team. I don't know man, sounds like this guy could be a mix between J.R. Rider and Ron Artest. The Cavs have a nice team lined up, but West is a nice post-up player, without him, they could be hurting.

Okay, the reason why Cleveland can rejoice is because there is a blogger convention called, Sports Media 360 during the weekend of October 23-25th being held at Progressive Field. I'll be there and so will many of the best in the Midwest and beyond. Tickets are reasonable and if you're a blogger, get your ticket and experience an amazing conference and meet your fellow bloggers.

NFL Week 4: Fantasy Football Sit/Start

My Fantasy Football Sit/Start picks from last week had some nice picks for you last week. I said to start Willis McGahee, Felix Jones, and Maurice Jones-Drew I told you to sit Chad Pennington, Byron Leftwich, and every Browns player. I hope everyone took my advice and here are this week's fantasy football sit/starts for Week 4.

I'm sitting pretty nice in every league that I'm in, but I'm hurting in a league where I lost Frank Gore. I plan on picking up a few reserve running backs this week to fill in holes. This is the first wave of teams with bye weeks, so you need to hit up your waiver wire and pick up some bodies to fill in. I'll try to help you with this with my fantasy football sit/start for this weekend.

START'EM

Ronnie Brown - He plays the Buffalo Bills and their run defense hasn't been very good this year. I like him to get in the end zone this week.

Glen Coffee - Frank Gore will be out a few weeks and they 49ers play the Rams this weekend. Coffee will get a lot of carries and should put up triple-digits in yards.

Michael Bush - I know that he hasn't looked very great the last two weeks, but the Texans have allowed tons of rushing yards so far and Bush is a banger.

Julius Jones - Bob Sanders will not be in the line-up for Indy and they will give up yards on the ground. Jones should have an amazing day out on the field this Sunday.

Cedric Benson - I would start any running back against the Cleveland Browns. Benson will be a factor and score points.

Jay Cutler - He hasn't had one of those "this is why I picked him" moments. It should happen this weekend against the Lions.

Ray Rice/Willis McGahee - I can't guess who will have the lion's share of yards, but I would take McGahee over Rice, but you never know with the Ravens.

Carson Palmer - see Cedric Benson

Vernon Davis - He had a great game last week and he faces the Rams this weekend. Davis could have a breakout season if he keeps this up.

Visanthe Shaincoe - He has barely sniffed the ball so far this year, but Favre should be throwing the ball against Green Bay on Monday Night Football. I like him to finally start producing.

Steve Smith - The New York Giants version of Steve Smith will have a good game this weekend. He faces Kansas City and their secondary is very suspect at best.

Pierre Garcon - He went from a deep sleeper to a possible 3rd WR in regular fantasy leagues within two weeks. He's speedy and can do damage if given the ball in the open field.

Tashard Choice - Even if Marion Barger gets back from his injury, Choice has looked great in the limited time he's had a chance to play. He will do just fine and get in the end zone against Denver.

Sammie Stroughter - DEEP LEAGUE START - He's one of the only healthy receivers in Tampa Bay, so he will at least get some targets.


SIT'EM

Darren Sproles - The Steelers are in town and they will not let Sproles beat them. LT may not play and he's not 100% anyways, stay away from Sproles.

Andre Johnson - Nnamdi Asomugha will be on him this weekend and no one has a very good game against the league's best corner.

Ben Roethlisberger - San Diego's secondary were made to make interceptions. He may not have very much time in the pocket to make many great throws. Big Ben will have a weak game this weekend.

David Garrard - I have never been sold on Garrard and he plays the Titans this weekend. The Titans secondary has been bad this year, but I'm not sold on him getting the ball down the field with his limited receiving corps.

Ryan Grant - Grant is a second-half type of player and has trouble early in the season. Minnesota has a great rush defense and there will be a lack of holes to run through.

Willie Parker - Pittsburgh's running game hasn't even got started this year. San Diego is a tough team to run against and Parker will be stuffed. Rashard Mendenhall will not be much luckier either.

Marques Colston - The Jets secondary, especially Darelle Revis, has shut down the opposing team's receivers this year. The Saints have other options if Colston is covered, so they will not try to force a ball in where it won't go.

Brandon Marshall - He will have a few good weeks this season, but he's still learning the offense and getting a relationship with Kyle Orton. It will be a few more weeks before Marshall plays like a #1 receiver.

Benjamin Watson - You don't want to throw to your tight end when you're playing Baltimore. Their linebacking corps is one of the best in the league and he will be covered.

New England Patriots Defense - Joe Flacco has looked great and their running game has an edge on New England defensive line. The Patriots will be giving up some points this weekend.

Thomas Jones - The Jets running back seems to have lost a step and the Saints run defense has improved from last season. Jones will have trouble getting past the linebackers. Leon Washington will have a better game.

Pierre Thomas - Just like Jones won't be lighting up the scoreboard this weekend, Pierre Thomas will not have much success either. The Jets defense is very good, Thomas will be very frustrated.

The Minnesota Twins' recent hot play has gotten them back into contention for the American League Central Division title. In a crucial double-header today against the first-place Detroit Tigers, Minnesota got within one game of first by taking the opener, but then fell in the nightcap to restore the Tigers' two-game lead.

Floundering with a 70-72 record after a September 12 loss to Oakland, Minnesota put together a stretch of winning 11 out of 12 games (Twins game-by-game log). Detroit also helped make the race competitive by losing 9 of 12 in mid-September (Tigers' log).

NCAA Football - Week 5 Betting Picks

Week 4 was a great week and a lot of upsets happened. I went 9-3 last week with my betting picks against the spread for Week 4. This week I have a lot of teams that cover and a few underdogs that I pick to win the game. Here are my college football picks against the spread for Week 5.

I once again leave off the Notre Dame game from my picks. I don't think that they could be in trouble against Washington, but they only play well at home. South Bend could have a decent game going on, but I'm staying away from it.

I want to add another game that I am staying away from and it's taking place in Bloomington, Indiana. Ohio State is going to play Indiana, which was supposed to be bad. They have impressed me a few times this season and I just don't know which way to go in that game. If you would have asked me two months ago about this game, Ohio State would win easily and the line would open up at around -20, but it's a different now and I'm staying away.

Pittsburgh (-6.5) at Louisville (+6.5) - My pick is Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a good team and Louisville didn't even win with the points last week against Utah. Pittsburgh is going to win this game by a few touchdowns, but the over/under could be nice, since this game will have a lot of points.

South Florida (-6.5) at Syracuse (+6.5) - My pick is South Florida

I like this line, since it's under a touchdown. Syracuse have only looked great in flashes and has barely put an entire game together. South Florida and that new quarterback should take care of business in Syracuse.

Northwestern (+7) at Purdue (-7) - My pick is Purdue

Neither of these teams have really impressed me, but Purdue is fairing better than expected. This line open at Purdue -6.5, but has moved. I would get in on this before it moves to -7.5, and a touchdown win would leave you in the loss column.

Toledo (-4.5) at Ball State (+4.5) - My pick is Toledo

I hate to pick against my alma mater, but Ball State is bad. They won against the spread in the Auburn game, but they the Cardinals scored some points in garbage time. Toledo played Purdue well, but laid up a goose egg against Ohio State. Toledo will score points against the bad Ball State defense..

Michigan (+1.5) at Michigan State (-1.5) - My pick is Michigan

I love the Wolverines in this game. This game opened at a pick'em, but moved towards the Spartans. Michigan will bounce back from a rough outing against Indiana.

Central Michigan (-8) at Buffalo (+8) - My pick is Central Michigan

Central Michigan has a star quarterback and should shred the Buffalo defense up. Buffalo has not looked very good at all this season and are much worse than their team from last season. Turner Gill can't work miracles, Central Michigan wins this game easily.

Penn State (-7) at Illinois (+7) - My pick is Penn State

I have had success picking against Illinois all season and I'm not going to stop this week. Penn State is still a good team, they lost to a good Iowa team and Illinois is very, very bad. I still feel that Penn State is a better team than Ohio State and they killed the Illini last weekend.

UNLV (+3.5) at Nevada (-3.5) - My pick is UNLV

Nevada's betting lines are still being swayed by last season's team. They are bad this year and I'm not buying them at home or on the road. UNLV may not be impressive either, but Nevada can't do anything right this year.

Wyoming (+3.5) at Florida Atlantic (-3.5) - My pick is Wyoming

No matter if it is FIU or FAU, both of them stink. Wyoming have looked good so far this season and I think that they travel to Florida Atlantic and take care of business.

Mississippi (-8) at Vanderbilt (+8) - My pick is Mississippi

I was hosed last week when Mississippi played South Carolina. I wasn't sold on the Gamecocks defense, but I'm officially sold, they're good. Mississippi will bounce back against the Commodores and Snead will light them on fire.

Oklahoma (-7.5) at Miami (+7.5) - My pick is Oklahoma

Miami has beaten some over-rated teams and somehow they shot up the rankings. Oklahoma lost a game when their quarterback was injured and the entire was in shock. The Sooners have looked great since and they will smoke the Hurricanes.

USC (-4.5) at California (+4.5) - My pick is USC

It's a shame that Stafon Johnson was injured in a weight room accident, but USC has depth at running back. Joe Mcknight will run all over and Cal could be over-rated after getting smoked by Oregon last week. Give me USC by at least a touchdown.

LSU (+3) at Georgia (-3) - My pick is LSU

Georgia can put up plenty of points, but LSU can stop them a few times this game. Georgia's defense is bad and it will be a shootout. Give me LSU in this high-scoring game.

I hope you enjoy our picks. They are for entertainment purposes and please bet responsibly.

2009 Un-All-Star Team - Revisited

Back in the middle of June, I made a list of players who should have better numbers, but off to a bad start. My 2009 Un-All-Star Team had all of the usual suspects, Ortiz, A-Rod, Lidge, etc. Check to see who made the team and see how they fared since I posted this in June.

Some of these players helped their team make the playoffs, while others are the reasons their teams didn't live up to their potential. I vote the few Chicago Cubs that made the list as my person Least Valuable Players on my Un-All-Star team.

The Batting Average next to the players names were as of June 21st, 2009.

Catchers
Kelly Shoppach .194 - currently at .223 - He never got it together this season
Dioner Navarro .218 - currently at .219 - Seems like he's been consistently bad
Geovany Soto .222 - currently at .219 - He's been on the DL on and off all season

First Base
Conor Jackson .182 - currently at .182 - He been on the DL all 2nd-half of the season
Carlos Guillen .200 - currently at .258 - He's the definition of a 2nd-half player
Chris Davis .200 - currently at .229 - He's a strikeout machine
Jason Giambi .212 - currently at .206 - Giambi is now on the Rockies, but eating some bench
Lance Berkman .241 - currently at .269 - He turned his season around, a bit

Second Base
Alexi Casilla .180 - currently at .196 - Not good, not at all
Dan Uggla .216 - currently at .238 - He has power, but swings at anything
Howie Kendrick .231 - currently at .298 - Has had a great August, finally found his swing
Kelly Johnson .227 - currently at .220 - He lost his starting job

Third Base
Garrett Atkins .205 - currently at .222 - Lost his starting job and barely plays
Alex Rodriguez .212 - currently at .285 - His hip has healed up nicely

Shortstop
Mike Aviles .183 - currently at .183 - Has been on the DL since June
Khalil Greene .213 - currently .204 - Seldomly used on the St. Louis bench
Jimmy Rollins .223 - currently at .247 - His power came back with his swing
Orlando Cabrera .235 - currently at .276 - Has had a fantastic 2nd half with Minnesota

Outfield
Ken Griffey Jr. .220 - currently at .214 - It might be time to hang it up, Junior
Grady Sizemore .223 - currently at .248 - The Indians have already shut him down
Alfonso Soriano .229 - currently at .241 - Back on the DL again for Fonzie
B.J. Upton .229 - currently at .238 - Has started off bad and never got it
Ryan Ludwick .234 - currently at .270 - Once Holliday arrived, he started to hit
Pat Burrell .236 - currently at .225 - Overpaid and Underwhelming

Designated Hitter
David Ortiz .207 - currently at .235 - At least his power came back

Starting Pitchers
Chien-Ming Wang 12.30 - currently at 9.64 - He came down with a "mysterious injury"
Oliver Perez 9.97 - currently at 6.82 - He was really, really bad this season
Scott Kazmir 7.69 - currently at 5.06 - Pitched much better since trade to Angels
Fausto Carmona 7.42 - currently at 6.62 - He's better, but still bad
Ricky Nolasco 7.15 - currently at 5.28 - Nolasco has been good at random times
Andy Sonnanstine 6.60 - currently at 6.94 - He amazingly got worse
John Lackey 6.10 - currently at 3.77 - He returned to his regular form
Francisco Lirano 5.91 - currently at 5.88 - Pretty consistently bad

Bullpen
Brad Lidge 7.27 - currently at 7.51 - Bad, plus factor in 11 blown saves
Troy Percival 6.35 - currently at 6.35 - He has been on the DL
B.J. Ryan 5.71 - currently unemployed - His career could be over
Manny Corpas 5.40 - currently at 5.88 - Bounced between minors and Colorado
J.J. Putz 5.22 - currently at 5.22 - Injury hit him as well

Can Carolina Pull Off An Upset In Dallas?

Carolina were 12-4 last season and it would be unfathomable for the team to start out the year at 0-3. They relied on the running game and defense to win games, but this season nothing has been working. Jake Delhomme's play has not helped them at all, he's been a turnover machine. Carolina are huge underdogs in tonight's Monday Night Football showdown against Dallas, but could they pull off the upset and send Jerry Jones 0-2 in his new stadium? Here are some reasons why Carolina is going to win tonight's game.

The Cowboys Have Yet To Score A Turnover So Far This Year - I know that Dallas won't go an entire season without getting an interception or fumble recovery, but if Carolina refrain from doing so, they can win this game. Dallas hasn't even notched a sack either. Their defense hasn't been very good, since they allowed Tampa Bay to score 23 points in Week 1, and the Giants scored 33 last week on Sunday Night Football. Dallas needs a few turnovers if they plan on winning this game.

Carolina's offensive line will push Dallas' defensive line back every play - DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be seeing the ball all night. Tampa Bay ran the ball all over Dallas and the Giants had a decent game last week. They will give up yards on the ground and Carolina can build with some play action and give Delhomme some time to hit Steve Smith on a few occassions.

Tony Romo has been known to give up some games on Monday and Sunday Nights - Romo had three interceptions last week and he tries to thread the needle, just like Delhomme. They are the same kind of quarterback, but people forget that because Romo can date Jessica Simpson and Delhomme looks like he was an extra in "The Waterboy." Delhomme and Romo will both throw around 50% tonight, but with Marion Barber hurt, the Cowboys will have to rely on him more than Carolina will rely on their QB.

The Cowboys will feel the pressure, Carolina has nothing to lose - I know this seems kind of off, because if the Panthers hit 0-3, John Fox could be feeling the heat, but this is a road game. If this same game was in Carolina, it would switch, but the Panthers want to go in to the "Death Star," which is more commonly known as Cowboys Stadium, and upset the party in Dallas. They don't want the Cowboys to get their first win at home, and the stadium could prove to be the anti-home field advantage. Fans are stuck watching the game on the giant screen and not paying attention to the game. I think this is an advantage for Carolina.

Carolina are 8.5 point underdogs and if you bet the moneyline, you can get 3:1 odds in your favor. I'm not guaranteeing a win for Carolina, but this game is going to be a lot closer than people expect. You will see more of the 2008-09 Carolina team than what you have witnessed so far this season. Are we forgetting that Dallas cracks under pressure and they will until they get a win at home. Wade Phillips is a lame duck coach and Jason Garrett can't feel too great about his standings as the "coach-in-waiting" at this point either. Their offense has been inconsistent and the defense have regressed every season since Phillips has been head coach. This Dallas team isn't the one that was favored to win the NFC a few years ago, this team will probably go 10-6 or 9-7 this year. Can Carolina win tonight? Absolutely. Will they win? We'll see, but don't count them out just yet.

Is Matt Forte In A Sophomore Slump?

Matt Forte was 2/3rds of the Bears offense last season and he has been a ghost of himself this year. He was non-existent in the first two games against Green Bay and Pittsburgh. He was expected to have a great game against Seattle, but he barely averaged three yards per carry. Frank Gore ran all over the Seahawks last week and this could be a huge red flag for the Bears. Forte wasn't expected to be a huge part of the passing game, but they need him to be a force in the running game. Is Forte in a sophomore slump or is this just a case of him facing good teams?

It doesn't matter what team you play for in the NFL, if you only have 150 yards and averaging 2.5 yards per carry in the first three games of the season, people will start talking. Forte averaged 3.9 last season, but he also had 63 receptions, which may have been due to Kyle Orton dumping the ball off in a hurry. He does have 11 receptions so far this season, so he is near his usual pace. He didn't catch any balls the first came, so you have to give props to Ron Turner for recognizing that he needs the ball in his hands.

I know Forte's performance hasn't been what the Bears have wanted, but they still need to keep feeding him the ball. He is their playmaker on offense and they can't give up on the running game. When the Bears offense becomes one-dimensional, Jay Cutler will become predictable. He already tries to force passes in where he has no right to throw them. If you take away the running game, safeties will be spying the quarterback and the defense can play nickel and deep dime all game long.

Much have been made of Michael Turner's large number of carries and the affect on the running back the next season. If you add Forte's carries and receptions last season, it equals the amount of work that Turner received last year. I guess if you have the mindset that Turner will have a down year, you're not surprised that Forte's numbers have taken a hit. The Bears rode him last year and it has took its toll on him. He may turn it around and for the Bears sake, I hope he does.

The Season Is Not Lost In Pittsburgh

The Steelers are sitting at 1-2 after three weeks of football and the Steeler Nation is on edge. Troy Polamalu has been out and may not play for another couple weeks, but all is not lost in Pittsburgh. They have some tough games ahead, but if they tighten things up and get the running game established, Pittsburgh will be okay. What does Pittsburgh need to do to resurrect the season? I'll explain.

The Steelers may have a little Super Bowl hangover right now and they were a coin flip away from possibly being 0-3. They miss Polamalu, but this team reminds me of the Colts Super Bowl season when Bob Sanders went down early that year. They were below .500 after five games, but once Sanders came back, they got their swagger back. Here are some things that the Steelers need to do.

The Steelers need to stay with the running game and work the swing passes to Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall. The first two games of the year, their running back corps was shutdown and the Steelers didn't stick with them. The Titans and Bears both have great run defense, but they didn't rely on the swing pass to make their outside linebackers cheat to the outside and establish the run in-between the tackles. They did use Parker well against the Bengals, but they still couldn't win the game. I think Cincinnati has a better defense, thanks to the last two draft classes and focusing their picks on linebacker.

They must protect Roethlisberger better. The Steelers offensive line is in a state of flux, trying to get young players to mix their veterans. You will not change Big Ben's tendency to hold the ball too long and I'm not sure that you will want. He has made some big plays when he has held the ball too long, but he needs time to get the ball to his receivers. Hines Ward isn't what he used to be and Santonio Holmes isn't as good as Ward in his prime. Nate Washington was nice to have when he was on the team, but the team still haven't found a consistent #3 receiver.

San Diego comes to town this week and Norv Turner is easy to out-coach. I believe Coach Tomlin is a better coach, but Steelers have playmakers on both sides of the ball. It is still unknown if Polamalu will be ready to play, I'm guess that he will not, so that will hurt. LaDanian Tomlinson is banged up and Darren Sproles is not LT, but Phillip Rivers could be able to throw against the Steelers secondary. It will be a tough game, but Steelers fans needs to relax. If they lose against San Diego, the season is still not over. They have games against Detroit and Cleveland, they will end up 3-3 when they face Minnesota before their bye week. I say that Pittsburgh will be in great position to win a wild-card spot or you never know, Baltimore could implode.

This post means a lot because I really don't like the Steelers, but I like when they are good. The Colts have lost some big playoffs games against Pittsburgh in the past and I do hold grudges. I live in Columbus, OH now and it's bad enough that I get every Browns and Bengals games on television on Sundays. If the Steelers were bad, I couldn't stomach one more bad AFC North game. I still have to watch two Browns/Bengals games a year, I need to move out of this state.

Must Read: DC Comics "Blackest Night"

I used to be into comics about ten years ago, but I recently found myself face first back into the world of mystery and super-powers. I have started reading the "Blackest Night" saga from DC Comics and I am hooked. The saga draws in The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman, Batman, and of all people, Hawkman. It's an interesting storyline that is suited to bring me back. I'm all in people, I'm a comic book nerd once again. Lock up your Magic: the Gathering cards and Risk, I'm officially off the wagon!

I don't want to spread a lot of spoilers in this post, since I'm sure what they call "fanboys" would probably burn me at the stake. I just wanted to fill you in why you should be reading this series.

I guess it all started with Green Lantern, yes the title is good again. Writer Geoff Johns has breathed life back into DC and made Green Lantern one of the best titles. He has also took over The Flash and made it easy for me to read. Ethan Van Sciver and Ivan Reis are the artists for those titles and they look really nice.

Basically, here is the back story for all of this. Everyone who has died from the DC Universe is coming back from the dead as "Black Lanterns." Their powers get energized by any emotion at all, which is quite the laundry list. I like this, since a lot of the characters that I knew back when I was reading, is coming back in some weird zombie-like form. A lot of characters that I didn't even know that died, is coming back. Am I the only person that didn't know that Bruce Wayne died? I'm just saying.

Anyways, it's a cool series and even if you were a casual comic book fan at some point, you should pick up the titles. There is the Blackest Night: Green Lantern Corps, Blackest Night: Superman, Blackest Night: Batman, and Blackest Night short-run series. I believe Blackest Night: Flash will be out soon and that title is pretty interesting since Barry Allen is back.

Anyway, I didn't want to show that I am a complete nerd now, but I think everyone will like this. Check it out.

Lions win! Lions win!

Detroit ended its 19-game NFL losing streak today, by knocking off Washington 19-14.

Jim Zorn Should Be Out In Washington

We have been on the anti-Zorn bandwagon since his first game as coach last season. He looked lost and I don't think he has completely found his niche in any aspect as a head coach in Washington. He was supposed to turn Jason Campbell into, well, Jim Zorn, and turn the offense into a threat. Neither has happened for the Redskins and they did the unthinkable today, they lost to the Lions.

The Detroit Lions lost in 19 straight games, but they came out playing very well, but let the Redskins back into it in the 4th quarter today. Jason Campbell had a shot at a throw in the endzone, but ended up trying the "always works and never miss" short pass and lateral play. Needless to say, the play didn't work and the Lions won the game.

If you're Daniel Snyder, there are some huge questions that need to be asked.

Is Jason Campbell your future quarterback? I don't think so. I don't think Colt Brennan is your answer either. But good news Redskins fans, you will have a high pick next year and have your pick of Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, or even Tim Tebow.

Is Albert Haynesworth worth all of that money when you can't even sniff the playoffs? Again, I don't think so. He will earn you an extra win or two, if your offense can produce, but that isn't happening either.

Is Santana Moss and Antwan Randle-El a good #1 and #2 receiver tandem? Pick five or six teams in the NFL, now would either of these receivers be a #1 or #2 on those teams? I think they are both good #3 receivers, possible slot-receivers, but they lack size and the Steve-Smith-esque quality to just make unbelievable plays. The teams that they would be #2 receivers won are the teams that won't be winning many games this season.

Could this be the end of the road for Clinton Portis? I know this was asked last season, but he had a good 2008-09 season, when they realized that they couldn't pass the ball. Some new blood is needed on the offense on every level. The offensive line is decent, but everything else, except Chris Cooley, needs to be over-hauled. The players that will turn this offense around, aren't on this roster right now.

Finally, How much longer can you keep Jim Zorn as your head coach? This guy is useless. In my pre-season predictions, I had the Redskins firing him by Week 6. I feel pretty comfortable with my prediction, especially since they just looked bad against the Lions. You play the Buccaneers at home next week, but then you play in Carolina, where you will not win. Do you wait until after next week and see if you can beat a bad Tampa Bay team, but will probably lose? Daniel Snyder pays big money for older players, but hired an inexperienced coach. I don't get it, it should be the other way around. An experienced coach could get the most out of inexperienced players, but an inexperienced coach will get walked on by veterans. It's a horrible combo and Zorn needs to go. He will probably be a decent quarterbacks coach somewhere in this league, but he's over-matched in the NFL.

I don't it a habit to call out coaches and call for their heads, I have only done this one other time. Dusty Baker is still the coach of the Reds, so I'm currently 0-1, so we'll see if I can go .500, but I doubt that Zorn will last the season.

NFL Football - Week 3 Betting Picks

There are some nice NFL games out there to bet on this week. I see a few must-bet games out there and even a few upsets in Week 3's games. Can the Jets keep up their winning ways? Are the Panthers really that bad? Are the Lions ready to win a game? Here are my picks against the spread for the NFL games in Week 3 of the season.

I don't think home-field advantage is as important so far this season as it has been in the past. It will change later on in the season when snow and heavy winds may sway the momentum of the game. This early in the season, teams are still tweaking with the offense and many lack an identity. The good teams will win on the road and the bad teams will lose at home.

Tennessee Titans (+3) at New York Jets (-3) - My pick is Tennessee

The Titans have lost two close games against potential playoff teams this season and they have a very potent offense. The Jets have beaten two potential playoff teams, but won those games. If the Titans lose this game, their season could seem to be over, so they are desperate for a win. The Jets beat the Patriots and they will not be as pumped up as last week. The Titans will win this game in a close one.

Cleveland Browns (+13) at Baltimore Ravens (-13) - My pick is Baltimore

I know that 13 points are a lot for a game between two NFL teams, but at this point, the Browns barely qualify as an NFL team. Baltimore have looked great and they have an offense this season. Joe Flacco will have a big game and cover the spread.

New York Giants (-6.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+6.5) - My pick is New York Giants

It doesn't seem like home-field advantage means a lot this season so far, if you take away the Patriots/Jets game last week, I can't think of a game that it mattered. The Giants are a better team than the Bucs and Leftwich will be on his back most of the game. The Giants will get their running attack going and cover the spread.

Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5) at Houston Texans (-3.5) - My pick is Houston

Jacksonville aren't anything near the team that made the playoffs two seasons ago and the Texans looked great against the Titans last week. Jones-Drew may have a good game, but I like the spread in this game and think Houston will win by at least a touchdown.

Sam Francisco (+6.5) at Minnesota Vikings (-6.5) - My pick is Minnesota

The Vikings can stop the run and at this point the 49ers can only run the ball. It sounds like a simple pick, the Vikings will ride Adrian Peterson to a victory and cover the spread.

Atlanta Falcons (+4) at New England Patriots (-4) - My pick is Atlanta

Tom Brady is skittish in the pockets and their defense lacks playmakers, it could be a long season in New England. Matt Ryan went to Boston College and it is a little homecoming for him. I see him have a big game and targeting Tony Gonzalez all game long. I like the Falcons not only to take the points, but to win the game.

Washington Redkins (-6.5) at Detroit Lions (-14) - My pick is Detroit

It has been 19 games since Detroit has won a game and this one could be winnable for the Lions. Washington looks confused out there and their offense is stagnant. If the Lions can get a couple turnovers, they can win the game. If they can't win the game, the Redskins barely squeak by, but give me the points and the Lions.

Green Bay Packers (-6.5) at St. Louis Rams (+6.5) - My pick is Green Bay

St. Louis looks like they could be this year's Detroit Lions. I haven't seen one good thing about that team. The Packers have revamped their defense and Marc Bulger will have a long day. The Packers will win this game easily and cover the spread.

Chicago Bears (-2) at Seattle (+2) - My pick is Chicago

It's official, I have picked the entire NFC North to win against the spread this week. Frank Gore ran all over Seattle last week and it looks like they will be without Matt Hasselbeck this week. Qwest Field is an extremely tough place to play, but Matt Forte will carry this team and win this game by at least a field goal.

New Orleans Saints (-6) at Buffalo Bills (+6) - My pick is New Orleans

The Saints have put up some ridiculous offensive numbers the past two weeks and the Bills have looked good. This line is pretty close to where I believe the score may be, but I feel that the Saints will be able to win this game by more than 6 points. They will be one-dimensional, with their running backs banged up, but Brees is a special player and it won't matter.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (+4) - My pick is Pittsburgh

The Steelers own the Ohio teams and it doesn't matter that this game is being play in Cincinnati. The stadium will be filled with Steeler fans and I see Willie Parker finally have a good game against the Bengals defense. The Steelers win this game easily and cover the spread.

Denver Broncos (-1.5) at Oakland Raiders (+1.5) - My pick is Oakland

Denver is 2-0, but they played the Browns and Bengals, while Oakland is 1-1 and could have beaten the Chargers if they didn't lose their minds the last 5 minutes of the game. I believe Oakland will win this game and they will keep feeding the ball to Darren McFadden and Michael Bush.

Miami Dolphins (+5.5) at San Diego Chargers (-5.5) - My pick is San Diego

The Chargers will be out for blood this weekend after losing to the Ravens last week and squeaking out a win against Oakland. The Dophins ran the wildcat, but it wasn't enough to win against Indianapolis. The wildcat will not work against the Chargers defense and they will have a hard time scoring points. The Chargers will win this game big and could embarrass the Dolphins.

Indianapolis Colts (+2.5) at Arizona Cardinals (-2.5) - My pick is Indianapolis

The Colts are 2-0, but the games have been close. Arizona lost to a possibly good 49ers team, but bounced back and embarrassed Jacksonville last week. The Cardinals are good at home, but they have trouble with non-divisional teams. I like the Colts to go to Arizona and win this game, Boldin isn't 100% and Tim Hightower is not an every-down back.

Carolina Panthers (+8.5) at Dallas Cowboys (-8.5) - My pick is Carolina

Dallas is on Monday Night Football and Tony Romo have had some rough games on Mondays. "The Death Star," the Dallas Cowboys stadium's nicknamed by Bill Simmons, could be a bad luck charm, since Carolina will be desperate and show up to play. Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams will have big games and make this game close. Give me Carolina and the points in this game.

I hope you enjoy our picks. They are for entertainment purposes and please bet responsibly.