The NFL's Biggest Surprise

As we head into week 7 of the NFL season there’s currently a team sitting at 5-1 that everyone thought would be 1-5 by now.

The Dallas Cowboys are 5-1 right now…

What?

Yes, after losing the season opener to the 49ers they are currently riding a five game win streak. One of those wins were beating the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks.

The Cowboys were the NFL’s this underdogs this season coming into the season with one of the leagues worst defenses last year losing Sean Lee, Ware, and having a beat up 34 year old quarterback.

Fast Forward to week 7 and the team has a lot to be happy about.

Demarco is literally running through defenses and setting records

Romo is still playing amazing and making defenders miss. I’m looking at you JJ Watt.

The defense is playing just fine with out their leader Sean Lee.

The offensive line is playing spectacular.

And of surprisingly Terrence Williams is leading the Cowboys in touchdowns.

At this point some Cowboys fans are think what could possibly go wrong? One word. Eight letters.

DECEMBER!

This season has been a surprise to most and personally I’m even impressed by the teams success. But we can’t forget that somehow, some way the Cowboys self destruct in the month of December. It’s almost as if the team is allergic to the playoffs and want to avoid it all costs. The past three seasons the Cowboys are 0-3 in games that will get them into the post season. So to all of the Cowboys fans keep calm right now and stop handing out Super Bowl predictions.

The Cowboys we are witnessing right now have the ability to make a deep playoff run. Let’s see if they look the same a month and a half from now.

What to Watch for This NBA Season

The NBA season is still more than a month away but I’m getting sick of waiting. Here’s a quick list of what I can’t wait to see this NBA season.

1. How will Kobe look this year? At the age of 36 father time is catching up to the Black mamba so how effective will he be. You also have to factor in that nasty injury he’s coming back from.

2. I want to see this years rookie class. This years class was deep with talent Shabazz Napier, Julius Randle, Wiggins, Parker this list can go on for awhile.

3. Will the Spurs be able to step up and defend that championship? Every year we always say that the spurs are too old, but somehow someway that continue to shock the world every season.

4. How bad are the Pacers going to be this season? The Pacers lost the only man who can generate his own offense. This team relies on Paul George heavily and without him I can’t imagine them even getting 30 wins.

5. Will the Thunder FINALLY get back to the finals? The Thunder have been dominant throughout the season, but they can’t make it out of the west. The last time OKC were in the finals was in 2011 hopefully they can make a comeback.

6. Same old Knicks just a different day. Besides adding Phil Jackson in the front office and Derek Fisher as the coach nothing much has changed in the Big Apple. The goal is to get Melo a ring. Will it happen this year? Probably not but still fun to watch.

7. It’s still a shock when you think about it. Lebron isn’t in Miami anymore. As a result Miami snatched up Granger, Deng, and McRoberts. Then they made Bosh the go to guy. I am dying to see how this plays out.

Last but not least…

8. Lebron is back in Cleveland. He arguably has a better team than he did in Miami with Love and Kyrie. The media has definitely built up this team and I am itching to see Lebron take the court with his new squad.

Is RGIII done

RGIII leaving Fedex yesterday

The Redskins star QB Robert Griffin the third is hurt! Sounds familiar right? Yeah, it’s extremely familiar. This time RGIII is out with a dislocated ankle. There is speculation that this could be another season ending injury. Don’t fret yet Skins fans because I have a question…

Is it time for Washington to cut their loses and let Kirk Cousins be the starter?

Let’s be real here RGIII hasn’t been the same since his first season ending injury. In the preseason he was still looking rusty while Kirk Cousins was receiving praise from all around the league. Even legendary Redskins QB Joe Theismann suggested in preseason that Cousins deserved to start.

Personally I understanding why the Skins don’t want to give up on RGIII just yet.  They gave up 3 first round picks AND a second rounder. They made that boy the face of a franchise and he did nothing but have one good season and it’s been downhill ever since.

With Griffin possibly being out for the rest of the season it’s up to Cousins to prove that he deserves the job. Although he got off to a great start against the Jags throwing for 250 yards, and 2 TDs and walking away with the Skins first W of the season.

Readers I’ll tell you this, if Captain Kirk plays an amazing season RGIII won’t be in DC anymore. You will catch Mr. Griffin in the unemployment line. Robert will be nothing but a memory in the nations capital.

Ray Rice Ain't Nice

Photo Credit: "Ray Rice" by Wallstreethotrod at English Wikipedia - Own work

Ray Rice just might have thrown the punch that has ended his NFL career.Today TMZ released the video with the altercation between Rice and his then Fiance. That punch was excessive and absolutely uncalled for. No man should ever put his hands on a woman. Allegedly he punched her because he felt threatened. Are you telling me a 5'8 206 pound star NFL running back couldn't get out of the way of a model framed woman rushing him? Rice is known for shaking defenders but he couldn't shake a woman?

This video either ended his career or made it 1000 times more difficult. Because as reported by ESPN the Ravens have actually released the running back. His only chance of getting back in the league is if another team takes a chance on him and brings him in. Although that would be highly unlikely because in doing that the team would take a lot of heat from the press. Another team picking up Ray Rice is like the team saying "We are totally fine with having a woman beater on our team as long as he scores those touchdowns." NFL players and ESPN analysts are all saying that they are disgusted with what they saw. Twitter is currently buzzing slandering Rice and his actions.

This just goes to show that no matter WHO you are one mistake can cost you everything. 

 

Link to video: http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_ekaflcqq/

Jerry "Sneak Disser" Jones

Ladies and gentlemen it has come to my attention that Dallas Cowboys owner, president, and GM has a problem with his "@" button. (For those who don't get that, he has a problem addressing people directly.)In a recent interview with ESPN Jerry Jones sneak dissed ex Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson.

I have one question to ask. How dare Jerry disrespect a man who gave the now struggling Cowboys 2 of the 5 Super Bowl trophies they have?

The back and forth between the two rose again after Jerry said that Jimmy Johnson will not go into the Cowboys Ring of Honor. Jerry went on to say, the Ring of Honor is only for people who were on the field. So did Jerry not expect anyone to notice that Tom Landry (ex Cowboys coach with 2 Super Bowl wins) and Tex Schramm (Ex Cowboys GM) are in the Ring of Honor?

"DallascowboysRoH". Via Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F

To add to the disrespect Jerry said that the Ring of Honor is only for men with "honor." I didn't know Jimmy didn't have honor. I didn't even know that Jerry had it. Then again even if Jimmy lacked honor why be mad at a man bringing in back to back Super Bowl wins?

If Jones and Johnson could have put their petty differences to the side the Dallas Cowboys could have been the greatest NFL dynasty. But sadly for Cowboys fans it wasn't meant to be.


When asked to comment on the situation Jimmy Johnson said "about like I expected. Jerry comes across as a rich [expletive]."Well, at least someone here knows how to use that "@" button.

ANYONE can be replaced

Photo Credit: "Rams quarterback Sam Bradford at the coaching clinic" by US Embassy London - https://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassylondon/8116379985/. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

No one man is bigger than a team. No matter if it's football or basketball. Recently Rams QB Sam Bradford has just tore his ACL. Although he will be out for the remainder of the season the show still goes on.

Getting injured can cost you your job. Honestly after this injury I think the Rams have had enough of Sam Bradford because they are in the super competitive division NFC West. Lastly and most importantly the Rams want to win NOW.

Here are some examples to refresh everyone's memory:

Tony Romo took over for Drew Bledsoe.

Photo Credit: "Tony Romo" by Summertx of flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/summertx/954976489/. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-

 Colin Kaepernick took over for Alex Smith.

Photo Credit: "Colin Kaepernick - San Francisco vs Green Bay 2012" by Mike Morbeck - Flickr: Colin Kaepernick. Licensed under Creative Commons

Even Tim Tebow took over for Kyle Orton.

Photo Credit: "Tim Tebow (Broncos)" by Jeffrey Beall - Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons

And most recently Nick Foles has taken over for Micheal Vick.

Photo Credit: "Nick Foles calling play in 2012" by Matthew Straubmuller - http://www.flickr.com/photos/imatty35/8200732202/. Licensed under Creative Commons

So as you can see this isn't something that happens here and there, this is a common occurrence. I'm not saying that Bradford's replacement Shaun Hill will take over as the St Louis Rams starting QB but he will keep that spot warm for the Rams next quarterback.

 Like I mentioned earlier Bradford's tenure with the Rams is most likely over. He's been in the league for four seasons and has missed a total of 15 games. He's almost missed a whole NFL season due to injuries. This total is not including the whole upcoming season he is about to miss.

In conclusion ladies and gentlemen in football or maybe in sports in general talent doesn't mean everything. Talent means a lot but a player must be able to stay healthy. Look at some of the greats, Brett Farve had a record of 297 consecutive starts! Up until his 2011 neck surgery Peyton Manning never missed a game his whole career. Although it's easier said than done in the vicious sport of football, to be the best (and stay employed) you have to stay healthy.

Blessing in Disguise

Photo Credit:"20130403 MCDAAG Andrew Wiggins dunking B (9)" by TonyTheTiger - Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-

Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins has been the talk of the NBA for the past two years. For those of you who did the math, yes Wiggins was still in college drawing attention from NBA teams. The team that drafted him was loaded with Lebron James, Kyrie Irving and other young talent.

That chance to work under and learn from Lebron quickly disappeared. The Cleveland Cavaliers loved Kevin Love more than Wiggins.

So where does Wiggins find himself now? In the cold state of Minnesota working with Ricky Rubio, fellow rookie Zach Lavine, Thaddeus Young, and a reformed Anthony Bennett.

That trade was the best thing that ever could have happened to Andrew Wiggins. Even he himself said that he wanted to be traded. No, he isn't getting tips from Lebron but he's getting something better. Wiggins is getting hands on experience. Let me say this CLEARLY the Minnesota Timberwolves are his team now. Nothing beats hands on experience people. I can give you advice on how to drive all day long, but it means nothing until you're in the driver's seat.

Andrew Wiggins is in the driver's seat now. In one year at Kansas Wiggins put up 17 points a game and showed that he has the tools to score. On a team that lacks scorers Wiggins can come in and take over. He has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Who needs Lebron's tutelage when you can learn on your own?

Photo Credit:"LeBron James 3408968580" by Keith Allison from Baltimore, USA - LeBron James. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 

I think this goes without saying but Andrew Wiggins is a special player. Not only do I believe that, but so do other fans, analysts and even some players believe it. The most important player of all believes it. Kobe commented saying that "the Cavs are making a huge mistake by trading Wiggins." Kobe only gives credit when its needed so you know Wiggins has got "IT". Now it's just time for him to put the keys in the ignition and start driving.

How 'bout them Cowboys?

Photo Credit:"Dallas Cowboys helmet 1964" by Original uploader was Dukesta22 at en.wikipedia 

How are the Cowboys America's team, but it seems as though everyone hates them? How are the Cowboys America's team, but have had three straight 8-8 seasons? The Cowboys haven't even won a Super Bowl since 96, but somehow they are America's team. If we're being completely honest, I don't know the answers to these questions. Although what I will say is, give Jerry Jones credit for keeping this mediocre team relevant.

I am the worlds biggest Cowboys fan, but I think realistically. The Cowboys will be lucky if they even reach 8-8 this season. The boys roster has way too many holes in it, for it to even resemble a Super Bowl contender. Holes made by letting certain people go *cough cough* DEMARCUS WARE! and injuries.

Photo Credit: "Demarcus ware" by Bigcats lair (talk).Original uploader was Big Cowboy Kev at en.wikipedia.Later version(s) were uploaded by Andrewlp1991 at en.wikipedia.

The Cowboys don't have an injury bug, they have the injury curse. The Cowboys can't stay healthy to save their lives. In training camp alone the boys lost Sean Lee, who is the leader of the defense. Also they lost rookie Demarcus Lawrence who was bought in to replace Ware. The biggest injury of all though is Tony Romo.

Romo is now 34 years old and coming off a huge back surgery. He might not be the same Romo Cowboys fans have become accustomed too. Romo is known for extending plays with his legs but what if its father time who sacks him this season? A bigger question is what if he gets hurt again? Do you honestly think Brandon Weeden can deliver the Cowboys to the promised land?

It's becoming more and more obvious that America's team needs some rebuilding. I feel like the Cowboy fans who aren't blinded by pure passion and love of the team have stepped back and realized this. The person who needs to see it the most hasn't though. That man is Jerry Jones.

Jerry Jones doesn't see a problem with the Cowboys roster. Every season Jerry thinks that the Cowboys are one move away from a Super Bowl ring. Sadly that isn't the case and since he can't see this he has to step down from the GM position.

I'm prepared for the worst this season. I don't see the Cowboys competiting for a Super Bowl let alone winning the division. Although I would love to be surprised by what unfolds this season I highly doubt it. 

Are The Skins a Threat?

As a Dallas Cowboys fan I never thought that I would say this, think this, or even tell the internet this, but the Washington Redskins might be a threat now. The Washington Redskins might rise from the pit of despair, disappointment, and three win seasons! It's funny because two years ago RGIII took over and delivered the Skins to the playoffs then he delivered three wins the following season. As much as it pains me, I'm predicting a Redskins comeback.

The Redskins are loaded with talent right now. Although if you don't believe me allow me to paint this picture for you. Imagine Pierre Garcon lining up on one side of the field. And on the other side of the field you have Desean Jackson. Now in the backfield you have RGIII who is always a threat to run or throw and Alfred Morris who is almost impossible to tackle alone. Add in the fact that they have new coaching and that sounds like a playoff contender.

Photo Credit:"Rg3 Redskins" by Keith Allison

Not only can the Redskins get in the playoffs, they can actually win the division. The NFC East couldn't be more wide open. The Cowboys have huge holes in the roster. The Giants have a interception throwing machine for a QB. And this is Nick Foles first full season. The Redskins have the most battle tested roster despite the new coach.

Although I bleed Cowboys blue I think realistically. For the first time in a while, the Redskins might not be an underdog. The Redskins won't be considered an easy win by majority of the league. The Redskins have an opportunity to go from laughing stock to powerhouse, if they play their cards right and everyone stays healthy.

The Washington Redskins haven't won a Super Bowl since 1992. Yet their loyal fans will talk to you like they are reigning Super Bowl champions. It pains me to say this everyone, but the Skins will do well. I'm predicting an 9-7 season and a NFC East division title. I'm also predicting a quick exit out of the playoffs. What do you think the Skins season is going to look like?  

Protecting Your Investment

By joshuak8 (Flickr: NBA: Indiana Pacers at Charlotte Bobcats) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

About a week ago, NBA superstar Paul George was injured playing in a scrimmage for Team USA. George had one of the nastiest injuries the sport has seen since the Kevin Ware injury. But my sole question is, was it really worth it? Should NBA superstars be playing in these pointless competitions? Absolutely not! Allow me to elaborate on this point.

The United States of America is a basketball powerhouse. The US is where the best basketball players in the world come to play! We blow out almost every team we play in the FIBA World Cup. Have you ever played NBA 2K on rookie mode? At first it’s fun because all you do is win but after a while, it begins to get boring. No one wants to win 24/7, you want a challenge. If we are so good, why are the best players in the NBA playing? Why is it that players like Kevin Durant, James Harden, Stephen Curry, and Paul George are playing and risking their careers? This is the United States of America people! If any thing let the college basketball players and mid level to lower level NBA talent play in events like these so they can make more of a name for themselves. Would you rather see KD drop 40 points on horrible competition or an unknown kid from Nebraska, play his heart out and put up 30 against professional basketball players from Spain? KD and other NBA stars have made it, lets give other people a chance to shine.

Kevin Durant dunk" by Keith Allison

NBA owners shell out ridiculous amounts of money to their star players. Although players deserve every penny, if I'm paying a guy millions of dollars to go out there and win me games, do you think I want him doing anything else besides what I paid him to do? If I'm the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, I want LeBron thinking about all Cavaliers all the time. And if any of you noticed, LeBron isn't even playing in the FIBA World Cup. LeBron is at home resting, gearing up for another title run. I understand that injuries can happen any and everywhere but I don't want them happening while you have on a team’s uniform that isn't mine.

In the case of Paul George, he was the Indiana Pacers best player. He was a huge piece of their offense especially with Roy Hibbert putting up zero point games. With their best player injured for a significant amount of time, what about the Pacers? No NBA team is going to show mercy because the only person on your team who could score is gone. If I were a NBA owner, my players wouldn’t be playing. I would probably pay my players extra money to not play.

Remember Reggie Miller, arguably one of the best shooters to ever play the game? He never won a ring. Remember Charles Barkley? How many rings does he have? Zero! How about Allen Iverson? Yes AI, the man to cross MJ and almost shake him out of his playoff 12s! HE NEVER WON A RING! NBA championships mean everything to a player’s legacy and to the team he plays for. Rings differentiate the Lakers from the Bobcats. So if I'm an NBA owner, my players aren't doing anything but counting the millions I pay them and playing for me. NBA championships are far more important than a FIBA gold medal. Hopefully, the NBA owners realize this and start making changes.

"Stephen Curry defends Allen Iverson" by Kevin Burkett. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Welcome to FBSN

 Welcome everyone to my newest creation, FBSN or the Football and Basketball Sports Network. This blog will cover the biggest events in both sports with original stories. I would like to post every Sunday, but I might expand in the future. I'm really excited to begin taking the first steps into building my career. If you have any questions or want me to write a story on a particular topic just email me.