These four things I know are true…
- I liked WWE’s current storylines the first time I saw them… in 1998.
- The NFL and NASCAR have something in common and it’s not good.
- Someone should not have a TD and DWI in the same week.
- And, I’m Aaron Goins. All my thoughts on those topics and so much more (including meeting Mickie James)… in The Highlight Reel!
NEWS and NOTES
**I recently looked at World Wrestling Entertainment and their top storylines. I know wrestling is filled with repetition of the same angles. It has been that way since the beginning of time. But, usually the repeated angles have some alterations and are less obvious and blatant rip-offs of the past. Not with what WWE is currently producing however. The truth is that watching WWE now is like watching WWE in 1998.
Case in point: SmackDown’s World Championship storyline. The Undertaker is fighting Kane for the World title. Paul Bearer has returned to WWE and is alongside The Undertaker again. These two are going to have a Hell in a Cell match this weekend and will soon have a Buried Alive match. It’s 1998 all over again. But, SmackDown isn‘t alone. On RAW, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is stunning everyone in his path while holding the WWE title. No wait, that’s “A Tad Chilly” Randy Orton RKO’ing everyone in his path. The Rock is pandering to the youths while beginning a Hollywood career. Wait, that’s John Cena who is reading scripts more than working in the ring. It was as if the booking staff recently got some DVDs from 1998 and are now copying everything word-for-word.
Yet, the thing that kills me most is that a majority of fans will still watch this over TNA. TNA, meanwhile, is preparing for their version of WrestleMania in October with the sixth annual Bound For Glory. Honestly, the event doesn’t have a WrestleMania feel to me but I’m a newbie to TNA in the grand scheme of things. What Bound For Glory seems to me though is a loaded pay-per-view card filled with great wrestling (and a couple of clunker spots). In this day and age, that kind of stability within a wrestling card is something to truly be celebrated as if it is a WrestleMania-quality of event because we all know WrestleMania itself doesn’t deliver anymore.
**One of the people who may possibly have a big night at Bound For Glory is Mickie James. While yet to be confirmed, rumor has it that Mickie James has signed with TNA Wrestling after unjustly being released by WWE in April. The potential for awesome matches in TNA are almost endless with Mickie James joining a roster of sexy and talented women’s wrestlers including Taylor Wilde, Hamada, Daffney, Sarita, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne, Tara (formerly Victoria in WWE), and current Knockouts Champion Angelina Love.
**The NFL regular season is three weeks old and, as usual, my preview has been proven once again to be the musings of a moron. Okay, while my picks were not that bad, I do admit I was wrong on a few assessments as the first three games of the season have offered a lot of surprises that even the experts did not see coming.
Nobody in their right mind would have predicted the final unbeaten teams would be a Ben Roethlisberger-less Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Jay Cutler-led Chicago Bears. Nobody would believe that Michael Vick would already have the Eagles’ starting job and look like Tom Brady while the Dallas Cowboys would be 1-2. The preseason-sexy San Francisco 49ers were not supposed to start the season 0-3 and Brett Favre-led Minnesota Vikings were not supposed to be 1-2. Yet, that has been the beginnings of the 2010 NFL season.
While the season has not been as predictable as I would have thought, the season has still be filled with great games and all of the excitement that is only found in America’s favorite sport.
Of course, I wonder how much longer the NFL will be able to claim they are America’s favorite sport. At the route things are going, I will say another three years tops. Why do I have doubt in the lasting popularity of football? The NFL is starting to make some of the same mistakes that NASCAR did in the last decade (and we all know how that turned out for cars going in circles). The NFL has overreacted to the overtime finish of the NFC Championship last season between the Vikings and Saints by creating a confusing new set of overtime rules that are postseason exclusive. Sound like the overreaction to Matt Kenseth’s 2003 Cup Championship that led to the Chase for the Championship? Yeah. Now, the NFL is planning on expanding the already-perfect 16-game schedule in favor of a new 18-game schedule. When NASCAR was at it’s best, the schedule was around 30-32 races. Now, the season is 36 races (not counting the exhibition races). Over-expansion deluded the importance of individual races and this will happen to football with the addition of two more games.
With the NBA already nipping at football’s heels with the emergence of new stars and the creation of a superpower that will either be loved by bandwagon jumpers or hated by purists but will be a constant source of interest, the NFL adding to their own demise by following NASCAR’s blueprint is only going to accelerate the NBA’s ascension to the top of the American sporting food chain. I’m calling it now. The NFL is going to be around forever. But, the glory days with football as America’s pastime has got three years left max.
**If anyone has ever doubted the NASCAR agenda of having Toyota get their first championship in 2010, look no farther than the Ballad of Clinton F. Bowyer. Much like the sad tale of Jeremy the unborn fetus (“Until we keeled him.”), Bowyer had aspirations and dreams of winning the 2010 Chase for the Championship. In fact, it all started with a victory in the opening race at New Hampshire. Bowyer passed all of the post-race inspections and he was within 40 points of Denny Hamlin, Toyota driver. Then, two days after the race, NASCAR said Bowyer failed inspection by the width of a quarter and saw his championship dreams go up in smoke with one of the largest fines in NASCAR history.
Clint Bowyer drives a Chevrolet. So, he paid the price for playing the game and waiting until the Chase to show up and win. While Jimmie Johnson was successful with a win in the second Chase race, I still have no doubt in my mind that Johnson will also pay the price if he passes Hamlin or Kyle during this season’s Chase because the corporate agenda in 2010 NASCAR is all about getting Toyota a championship. Everyone who thinks I’m crazy needs to remember that this is also the sport that fixed a race in Daytona for Dale Jr. to win because he was driving a Wrangler car. NASCAR fixes races more than Don King fixes boxing matches.
**At Night of Champions, WWE started their latest in grand mistakes with the unification of the Women’s and Divas Championships. Of course, The Undertaker’s old lady Michelle McCool walked away with both titles (even though she was neither the Women’s or Divas Champion going into the event). With the unification of both titles, the WWE has continued the lineage of the title as the Divas Championship. This means that the Women’s Championship, dating back to 1956 with 54 years of lineage, has been replaced by a giant butterfly title. Disgusting.
The Women’s Championship had the names of some of the classiest and most athletic women in wrestling history behind it to give the title credibility. Hall of Famers The Fabulous Moolah and Wendi Richter along with legendary women like Trish Stratus, Lita, Victoria, Molly Holly, Ivory, Jacqueline, Beth Phoenix, and Mickie James all gave credibility through their blood, sweat, and tears spilt inside the squared circle for that championship. To see it replaced with a ridiculous butterfly championship with a lineage that is cemented through who The Undertaker is sleeping with at the moment absolutely sickens me.
“The retirement of the Women’s Championship breaks my heart. The nostalgia and the legacy built off the backs of every woman who paved the way for women like me… Who gave it credibility… Honor… Prestige… & Truth! For every woman who’s carried the championship through the generations… Who know the power & history you feel in holding it high above your head… That can never be replaced by anything in my mind… In my heart… I am truly honored and forever grateful to be among the women who have graced its presence… Thank you…”
Mickie James is a performer who understands the business. Her tweet about the retirement of the Women’s Championship showed to me that she gets something that current WWE management simply does not get. Fans want to respect titles. Fans want to respect the history of the business and recognize those who have wrestled before today’s stars more than just one weekend in late March. Yet, with the unification of the WWE titles, all of the history behind these titles will be replaced by whatever snazzy belt design some idiot in Stamford can come up with next because Vince McMahon and company don’t think fans care about anything but the here and now. Once again, Vince is wrong.
**The Atlanta Braves were leading the National League East the last time I wrote an edition of The Highlight Reel. Flash forward almost a month and they are still looking like a postseason team. Sadly, they are a postseason team still suffering from another Bobby Cox-led choke job. The Philadelphia Phillies are the NL East champs for a fourth straight season after Atlanta squandered the division lead and are now at least six games back. They still look prime to get the NL Wild Card but are going into the postseason injured and with the momentum of a stalled train. Hopefully Bobby Cox, the Marv Levy or Andy Reid of baseball, will finally retire and allow this talented franchise to have a chance at capitalizing on their skills in 2011.
**Since the last edition of The Highlight Reel, two of wrestling’s most infamous characters passed away as Bastion Booger and Giant Gonzales died in the month of September. While neither man will be a Hall of Fame performer, both will be forever remembered as the walking incarnation of WrestleCrap.
Mike Shaw died on September 11th at the age of 53 after a heart attack. Shaw will forever be remembered in the wrestling world by the horrendous gimmicks which he suffered. Shaw wrestled as Norman the Lunatic (a teddy bear-clinging escapee from a mental asylum) and Trucker Norm (a truck driver, duh) in the early 1990s for the NWA. Then, he would become Friar Ferguson (a wrestling monk) and Bastion Booger (a slob) in WWE in the early-to-mid 1990s. While Shaw wasn’t a great in-ring performer, he should be commended for not murdering anyone after having the indignities of those gimmicks thrust upon him. Still, none of those featured an airbrushed taint.
Jorge Gonzales passed away on September 22nd at the age of 44 after a long battle with diabetes. Gonzales, a legitimate 7’6”, was originally drafted by Ted Turner and the Atlanta Hawks to play basketball in 1988. When basketball fizzled for Gonzales, Turner moved his giant investment to NWA and he wrestled as El Gigante from 1990-92. Gonzales then moved to WWE in 1993 and was repackaged as Giant Gonzales, a caveman-like giant with an airbrushed bodysuit that was complete with an airbrushed taint that Vince McMahon had shown on television at least once during every Giant Gonzales appearance. The Giant Gonzales-Undertaker feud of that year set wrestling back 40 years and further added speculation that the booking of Vince McMahon is the booking of an idiot.
While I don’t have any fond memories of either Shaw or Gonzales for their in-ring performances, I think of them fondly because they come from a kinder and gentler time when wrestling’s terrible booking came in bad gimmicks and not the horrendous storytelling with nepotism, backstage politics, and pandering to non-wrestling audiences that have turned me off WWE today. RIP, Pillars of the WrestleCrap Community.
CHEERS and JEERS
Superstar of the Week: Denard Robinson
When the 2010 college football began, nobody believed the University of Michigan would be a winner. So far, the Wolverines are 4-0. When the 2010 college football season began, nobody mentioned the name Denard Robinson in the same conversation as potential Heisman Trophy winners. If the award was handed out today, chances are high that Robinson would win the award. Denard Robinson has set the college football world on fire through the first month of the season.
Nicknamed “Shoelace” because he refuses to tie his shoelaces, Robinson has thrown for 731 yards, rushed for 688 yards, scored four touchdowns, and is responsible for more yards by himself than over a third of the colleges in Division I football. Robinson is a one-man highlight reel and a joy to watch on Saturdays. Plus, if you are worthy enough to have the amazing Michelle Beadle rock your jersey during an episode of SportsNation, you are clearly a Superstar.
Denard Robinson is the best thing going in a wonderful beginning to the 2010 college football season.
Jerk of the Week: The New York Jets
On Tuesday, September 21st, New York Jets’ wide receiver Braylon Edwards was charged with a DWI in New York after being pulled over at 5AM and blowing twice the legal limit in a breathalyzer test. On Sunday, September 26th, Edwards caught a touchdown for the Jets in their 31-23 victory over the Miami Dolphins. While Edwards committed the crime, I am more disgusted with the way the New York Jets treated the matter than the criminal himself.
The NFL doesn’t allow a team to suspend a player for a first-time offense and this was Edwards’ first DWI. However, the Jets could have deactivated him or simply sat him for a week as a punishment for his immature and idiotic act; an act that could have killed himself or an innocent bystander. Instead, Edwards played and scored for the Jets in an important divisional game and looked like a hero to many Jets fans. That is why I’m more disgusted by owner Woody Johnson, coach Rex Ryan, and the management of the Jets than Edwards himself. They put winning over doing the morally responsible thing and that is why Edwards won’t be the last star athlete who breaks the law without any sense of remorse.
POWER RANKINGS - Best Shows on Primetime Television
5. Glee (Tuesdays at 8PM on FOX)
4. The Amazing Race (Sundays at 8PM on CBS)
3. How I Met Your Mother (Mondays at 8PM on CBS)
2. Modern Family (Wednesdays at 9PM on ABC)
1. The Office (Thursdays at 9PM on NBC)
BIG A RECOMMENDS…
Luigi’s Real Italian Ice - available in freezer sections everywhere
These are crazy delicious. Enough said.
WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK…
There is an old saying that I’ve carried with me since the first time I heard it: “You should never meet your heroes. They will only disappoint you and let you down.”
I carried that saying with me because of the fear it installed in me; a fear of wasting my devotion into someone to only be let down by them. In most cases thankfully, I have been able to meet heroes (or simply people I admire) of mine and find them to be truly as wonderful as I hoped. Shawn Michaels and Kevin Nash were both really awesome when the Beavis and I met them in 2003 in Roanoke, Virginia before a house show. Jenna Fischer, Pam from The Office, was so cool when she took the time to respond to an email (something so simple but rarely done by a Hollywood star) twice in 2008 along with sending me an autographed photo. Plus, while I’m not a huge fan of his, I will always have a fondness for Jimmy Spencer after meeting him twice in the 90s and having Spencer be an absolute joy.
Now, while Ole Anderson, Road Warrior Animal, Ron Killings, and Virgil were less-than-stellar experiences, I have been very lucky for the most part to leave an encounter with as much respect for the person as I came with. On September 18th, 2010, I had the chance to meet someone I have admired and loved for years when I met Mickie James in Eden, NC at Riverfest. After holding her in such esteem for years, I feared I might have a let down. Instead, I left loving her even more.
By the time we got to meet Mickie, I was already a bit of a wreck. Everyone who knows me well knows that I worry about every little detail. So, of course, I had ran the encounter through my mind and, of course, I expected the worst. I expected the worst the same way that characters expect the worst when playing out scenarios in their mind on television. I was full of questions while working my way through the line. Would she be stuck up? Would she not make eye-contact? Would she ruin every bit of the love I had for her as a fan? Would she not be as pretty in person as on TV? However it went, I was nervous, excited, and still in disbelief that I was going to meet Mickie James.
Shaking her hand, Mickie’s smile immediately melted away every bit of doubt and worry I had in meeting her. Mickie said “Thank you” when I mentioned how much I supported her and she genuinely appreciated it when I let her know how she is one of the few people in the business that I still watched and loved in the way I loved my favorites as a child. She never spoke without making eye contact and, for a brief moment in time, made me feel like I was the only other person in the world. Okay, I may be over-selling it just a bit but it was a magical moment for me.
There is an old saying that I’ve carried with me since the first time I heard it: “You should never meet your heroes. They will only disappoint you and let you down.”
After meeting Mickie James, I think I’m ready to stop putting stock in that saying. I had a chance to meet a woman I admire, respect, and cheer for without question and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Meet your heroes when you get the chance. Let them know how much they mean to you. While it is just one in millions of fan encounters for them, it will be a once in a lifetime moment for you that you’ll never want to forget.
- Aaron Goins
The NFL is the biggest entity in all of sports. It is the most popular sport with more Americans watching football and calling the NFL their favorite sport than the next three major leagues (MLB, NASCAR, and the NBA) combined. So, of course, there is so much anticipation for the start of the 2010 NFL season. As I have done since the beginning of The Highlight Reel, I am ready to give my loyal readers the only preview of the upcoming NFL season that they will need. All 32 teams briefly previewed with predictions that you can take to the bank. Here is my preview of the 2010 NFL season.
NEWS and NOTES -- NFL Team Previews
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens - Entering his third season at quarterback, Joe Flacco has emerged as one of the league’s best game managers. This season the Ravens have given Flacco some weapons so he can emerge as more than just a manager of the game; he can be a star. Ray Rice is a stud at running back and the additions of Anquan Boldin and TJ Houshmandzadeh at wide receiver are boosts to this offense. Meanwhile, Ray Lewis just doesn’t seem to age as he continues to lead one of the league’s premiere defenses. The Ravens won’t be good in 2010; they will be great. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals are the favorite team of VH1 because the star receivers are the former music/current reality drivel network’s Sunday night lineup. Chad Ochocinco is joined by Terrell Owens as the primary weapons for Carson Palmer. The real major weapons for Palmer may be rookie WR Jordan Shipley and rookie TE Jermaine Gresham as both come from major conferences and have big game experience. Cincinnati is filled with studs. If they can overcome the TO-Ocho drama that surely will come, the Bengals could have a playoff berth in them. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)
Pittsburgh Steelers - No Ben Roethlisberger for the first four games. No Santonio Holmes at wide receiver or Willie Parker at running back. An aging offensive line and defense that sees Troy Polamalu, their top player, injured more often than naught. The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming into this season looking over-the-hill and in a lot of trouble. Frankly, I think Pittsburgh will be lucky to see .500 this season. Too old, too many distractions, and not enough fresh weapons to keep opposition on their toes. Mike Tomlin is going to have to prove his worth as a head coach this season and work a miracle for the Steelers to look as good as the Super Bowl champs of a few seasons ago. (Estimated number of wins: 6-8)
Cleveland Browns - The Cleveland Browns finally upgraded at QB from Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson. Sadly, now they have Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace. The Cleveland Browns don’t have much to offer. With a young and talented offensive line, breakout offensive performer Joshua Cribbs, and not a lot more, the Cleveland Browns will be able to play spoiler a few times this season but ultimately won’t do much. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)
AFC East
New York Jets - Rex Ryan is the league’s most entertaining coach. But, I think he’s been lucky to get to where he has so far. Ryan is an outstanding defensive mind but the New York Jets were hot at the right time during that AFC Championship Game run they made last season; not good but hot. The Jets are going to play a tougher schedule this season and will have to be good as well as hot in order to make the playoffs this year. They have one of the premiere defenses and the addition of Antonio Cromartie only makes it better. Mark Sanchez has a year of experience and new weapons in running back LaDanian Tomlinson and receiver Santonio Holmes will only make the offense better. The New York Jets will be one of the league’s best as this year’s playoff run will not just be because of a hot streak. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
New England Patriots - The New England Patriots just keep winning. Tom Brady remains one of the NFL’s premiere quarterbacks while Randy Moss and Wes Welker just continue having 80-100 reception seasons. I think 2010 could be a make-or-break season for the New England Patriots. Moss is entering a contract year, Welker is coming off an injury, and the defense is filled with a lot of inexperience that could be taken advantage of by some of the better offenses in the league. But, Bill Belicheck is still the Patriots’ coach and Tom Terrific is still at QB so I can’t count out New England. The Patriots are among the league’s elite until they implode. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)
Miami Dolphins - Getting wide receiver Brandon Marshall from Denver is a huge addition to the Dolphins’ offense. But, without a strong quarterback, Marshall is going to be as wasted in Miami as he was in Denver. I don’t have faith in Chad Henne. But, with Tyler Thigpen and the often-injured Chad Pennington as the other quarterbacks, Henne is the best option for the Dolphin offense. Miami’s defense is steady but nothing special even with the addition of linebacker Karlos Dansby. Miami has a chance at a playoff berth; a slim chance. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)
Buffalo Bills - The Bills stink. They don’t have a star quarterback or receiver and their defense is filled with weaknesses. Rookie running back CJ Spiller is going to be good in time. But, Spiller won’t be able to carry the entire team on his back this season. Also, when Chan Gailey is your new coach, you should already known it is going to be a long season. Just ask Dallas fans; he’s nothing special. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts - Jim Caldwell is the luckiest coach in the history of coaches. Inheriting this team from Tony Dungy a few years’ back was the biggest gift he could have even gotten. Peyton Manning remains simply amazing while the Colts’ defense will benefit from a healthy (hopefully) Bob Sanders returning. Even though last season ended with a Super Bowl defeat, the Colts are more of a lock than the Saints to return to the big game. There are few sure things in the NFL but the Colts winning the AFC South is one of them. (Estimated number of wins: 12-14)
Houston Texans - If Houston does not make a playoff run this season, I think the team should simply implode. Coach Gary Kubiak has a team filled with pro bowlers that have flirted with the postseason for two seasons. Quarterback Matt Schaub has the best receiver in the league at his disposal in Andre Johnson while Owen Daniels is a premiere tight end. Plus, Mario Williams and Brian Cushing helm one of the leagues’ top young defenses. It is put up-or-shut up for the Texans in 2010. I think this is the season they break through to the promised land: the postseason. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)
Tennessee Titans - Tennessee has the league’s best running back in Chris Johnson. That is all. Vince Young is a proven winner and he does seem to pull out victories more often than not. But, his mental stability remains an issue. Meanwhile, the Titans’ defense is like Swiss cheese as it is full of holes. Losing Kyle Vanden Bosch and Keith Bulluck will only make a bad defense worse in 2010. The Titans are a long way away from that 13 win season in 2008. (Estimated number of wins: 5-7)
Jacksonville Jaguars - Maurice Jones-Drew would be heralded as one of the league’s biggest stars if he played anywhere else. Sadly, the talented Jones-Drew is trapped in Jacksonville with a perennial disappointment. The Jaguars’ defense is weak, the offense is nonexistence (except for Jones-Drew), and coach Jack Del Rio has gone from rising star to permanent resident on the hot seat. Jacksonville lost more than they gained in the off-season and it will show with the Jaguars being one of the league’s bottom feeders in 2010. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)
AFC West
San Diego Chargers - Another divisional championship. Another high seed in the playoffs. Another early dismissal for the Chargers. 2010 is going to be a lot like 2009, 2008, 2007, etc. for the San Diego Chargers as Norv Turner is one of the best regular season and worst postseason coaches in the league. Phillip Rivers will have another tremendous season while running backs Darren Sproles and rookie Ryan Matthews will have to fully carry the load with the departure of LaDanian Tomlinson. Antonio Gates continues to be one of the best tight ends in the game while the Chargers’ defense still is among the best units in the NFL. However, San Diego lacks the edge needed to succeed in the playoffs and I don’t think they’ve acquired it this off-season. Great regular season and more postseason disappointment for the Chargers. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
Oakland Raiders - The crypt keeper and the cable guy lead the NFL’s most devoted fans to another season of bitter defeats and tragic disappointment for a once-proud Raider Nation. JaMarcus Russell’s tenure in Oakland as quarterback as ended with Russell looking like one of the biggest busts in league history. Jason Campbell of Washington Redskins’ infamy is now at the helm in Oakland. The Raiders’ defense remains strong as ever but can’t carry the entire team. Oakland might surprise a few people with the amount of wins they grab but I’m not one of them. I see Oakland actually making a run for mid-pack in the AFC West. Sadly for Oakland, that’s still a long way from a playoff berth. (Estimated number of wins: 5-7)
Kansas City Chiefs - The Kansas City Chiefs are young, hungry, and a sexy pick by a lot of analysts to have a surprising season in 2010. I just don’t see it. Todd Haley is going to continue to coach up his team of underachievers and the Chiefs will benefit from being in the weak AFC West. But, Kansas City doesn’t have anything about them that says playoff team. Matt Cassel will be descent and they may have the defensive rookie of the year in free safety Eric Berry. But, they should be happy with six wins max in 2010. I don’t think they’ll get that many. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
Denver Broncos - They will be perfect. Denver gained the almighty Tim Tebow and nobody will hang with the Broncos now. Whatever. Denver lost their best offensive weapon in Brandon Marshall, lost their best defensive player with the season-ending injury to linebacker Elvis Dumervil, and their quarterback situation depends on the success of Kyle Orton, Brady Quinn, or Tim Tebow. Josh McDaniels has taken a perennial playoff team and turned it into a walking disaster in two seasons. Denver will struggle greatly in 2010. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
NFC North
Green Bay Packers - After years of dogging him, I’m eating my words. Aaron Rodgers is a damn fine quarterback. He is deadly accurate and has some of the league’s best receivers in Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and tight end Jermichael Finley at his disposal. Plus, the Packer defense is loaded with so much talent that it is reminiscent of their Super Bowl run in the mid-90s with the late Reggie White. Only now, cornerback Charles Woodson and linebackers AJ Hawk and Clay Matthews are at the helm. The Green Bay Packers are loaded on both sides of the ball and are primed to make a run at a Super Bowl. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
Minnesota Vikings - I’m going to say something I never thought I would say: Brett Favre should have stayed retired. He completed his mission when he beat the Packers twice and almost got to another Super Bowl to boot. Brett should have called it a career and left the Vikings in the hands of Tarvaris Jackson. Sure, Favre is better than Jackson. But, the Vikings are not better this year than last year. Favre is playing on a twig of a surgically repaired ankle while key receiving weapons Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin are already injured with a hip injury and migraines respectively. Still, Minnesota boasts one of the top backfields in the game with Adrian “Fumbles” Peterson and rookie Toby Gerhart while there isn’t a stronger defensive front four in the entire game than the “modern day purple people eaters.” Minnesota is a playoff team. But, I don’t think they are the almost-Super Bowl team from a year ago. (Estimated number of wins: 10-12)
Detroit Lions - I may be losing my mind but I just don’t think the Detroit Lions are going to be as bad as they usually are. Matthew Stafford appears to be a legit talented quarterback while Calvin Johnson is one of the best receivers in the league. The additions of running back Jahvid Best and defensive end Ndamukong Suh through the NFL Draft and receiver Nate Burleson and defensive tackle Kyle Vanden Bosch through free agency will only help a young and hungry Lions team get better. I don’t think they will be a playoff team by any means. But, the Lions could play spoilers to some other teams in the hunt. Considering where they were two seasons ago, this is a big improvement for the Lions. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
Chicago Bears - The Bears have added Julius Peppers to their defense and will get linebacker Brian Urlacher off the disabled list. Jay Cutler now has offensive coordinating guru Mike Martz helping guide the offense. Sadly, the Chicago Bears seem like they have no bite behind their mighty growl. Chicago doesn’t look impressive on any front and could actually replace Detroit in the NFC North cellar. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys - The Dallas Cowboys want to be the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their home stadium. On paper, the Cowboys look like they can do it. Tony Romo is coming off his best year at QB while Miles Austin has rookie Dez Bryant to help him, Roy Williams, and tight end Jason Whitten in the receiving corps. The Cowboys’ defense is still fierce with DE DeMarcus Ware leading a squad including standout linebackers Bradie James and Keith Brooking and cornerback Terrence Newman. However, Dallas’ major weakness lies in head coach Wade Phillips (a.k.a. the Human Jellyfish). Phillips has no backbones, allows the inmates to run the asylum, and folds under big game pressure. Dallas will win the NFC East once again and have it amount to an early playoff exit because Phillips can’t lead this team to the Super Bowl. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
New York Giants - The New York Giants have one of the most overrated quarterbacks in the league in Eli Manning, a coach who’s job safety must be in jeopardy in Tom Coughlin, no big wide receivers, and a defense that is old and suspect to most offenses. Yet, the New York Giants always seem to stay in the hunt and usually find some level of success. I think the Giants are in a must-win season after last season’s disappointing 8-8 record. While on paper, the safe money would be to bet against New York, the Giants have proven time and time again that they are hard to keep down. Coughlin coaches the G-Men up enough to save his job for another season. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)
Philadelphia Eagles - The Philadelphia fans finally got their wish as Donovan McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins during the off-season. Now, the Eagles are under the Kevin Kolb era at quarterback. Honestly, I believe this could be the final season for Andy Reid as Eagles head coach. Unless Kolb does something drastic and looks like the leader they drafted him to be, Philadelphia is going to be one of the major disappointments in the NFC. DeSean Jackson is one of the league’s fastest receivers and Brent Celek is a great receiving tight end. Plus, the Eagles defense is still among the league’s best even filled with veterans past their prime. However, without a true quarterback to lead the offense, the Eagles will be unable to fly high in 2010. I just don’t get Kevin Kolb yet. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)
Washington Redskins - The Washington Redskins 2010 lineup would have been the best team in the NFL in 2002. Donovan McNabb is now at quarterback for new head coach/dictator Mike Shanahan. Larry Johnson and Clinton Portis are at running back while Joey Galloway and Santana Moss head up the receiving corps. Shanahan’s war of words with top defensive player Albert Haynesworth have Haynesworth on the trading blocks and Shanahan looking petty instead of inspiring. The Redskins are going to need every bit of greatness left in the tank of their aging stars to muster more than four wins on the season. I think Washington’s “Expendables” have the potential for one last run. But, it is a slim amount of potential. (Estimated number of wins: 5-7)
NFC South
New Orleans Saints - The defending champions certainly celebrated all off-season long. But, will that partying lead to a hangover? I think so. But, I don’t think that hangover will be enough to seriously dampen New Orleans’ chances at another Super Bowl. Drew Brees is one of the league’s top passers while the Saints young group of receivers and back just continue getting better with experience. There are very few trios of wide receivers as good as Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, and Marques Colston in the league. Meanwhile, the Saints’ defense continues to remain strong and physical as the same unit that was underrated and under appreciated all the way to the Lombardi Trophy. I think New Orleans will lose a step this season but won’t have it affect their swagger as they return to the playoffs. (Estimated number of wins: 11-13)
Atlanta Falcons - The Atlanta Falcons are one of the those teams under the radar in the NFL. Matt Ryan is a strong quarterback who continues to get better every year while running back Michael Turner is tremendous when healthy and tight end Tony Gonzales remains ageless. The Falcons’ defense is solid but nameless. Their anonymity sums up how the Atlanta Flacons are in the NFC. There are plenty of sexier names and teams in the league but there are few who are actually better in the league. The Falcons may not win their division but I think they could be a threat in the playoffs. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)
Carolina Panthers - Carolina has one of the best running back tandems in the league as DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are a scary one-two punch in the backfield. Plus, Steve Smith is still an elite wide receiver. That is all that I can say good about the Carolina Panthers. Matt Moore showed he could win in late 2009 but has looked terrible in the preseason while draft pick Jimmy Clausen will most certainly create a QB controversy if Moore isn’t lights out immediately because Clausen is from Notre Dame (like that means something). The defense lost Julius Peppers but still has looked strong in the preseason. Plus, the removal of Jake Delhomme means John Fox could be leaving soon too. A new coach would be a great move and, after this season, an expected one. (Estimated number of wins: 3-5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - They stink. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Tampa Bay has nothing about their teams that looks remotely like a winning franchise right now. They have a lot of young pieces and will pull off a victory or two. But, Tampa Bay has nothing close to a playoff team or even a good rebuilding team. (Estimated number of wins: 2-4)
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers - I like head coach Mike Singletary. He’s old school in a new school era. Plus, he’s taken a team that Dennis Erickson and Mike Nolan drove into the ground and turned them into a team on the verge of success. The 49ers strength lies in their defense as linebackers Patrick Willis and Manny Lawson, cornerback Nate Clements, and rookie safety Taylor Mays will lay into many this season. If quarterback Alex Smith can show the leadership skills he did in college and running back Frank Gore can stay healthy, the 49ers’ offense will surprise a lot with how potent it can be. San Francisco will be a playoff team in 2010 without any major injuries and that is something not said in a long time. (Estimated number of wins: 9-11)
Arizona Cardinals - The retirement of Kurt Warner and the end of the Matt Leinart experiment have left the Cardinals with Derek Anderson at quarterback. Meanwhile, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston are without Anquan Bolden in their receiving corps. Young running backs Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells will help keep defenses from strangling the receiving part of the offense. But, Arizona’s other major weakness besides quarterback will be a defense lacking leadership and individual talent. Arizona is coming off a successful playoff year and, while they will fall, it won’t be a complete drop to the cellar. (Estimated number of wins: 7-9)
Seattle Seahawks - Pete Carroll is a great coach… in college. The Seattle Seahawks might could win the Pac-10 but they will not be a threat in the NFC West. Matt Hasselbeck is a good quarterback but time is showing on this once-great QB. Julius Jones does not look like the running back he was in Dallas and Seattle’s defense is nowhere near as good as they were in the Seahawks’ Super Bowl trip five years ago. I just don’t see anything likeable in the Seattle Seahawks. (Estimated number of wins: 4-6)
St. Louis Rams - The Rams are going to throw number one draft pick Sam Bradford to the wolves as he will be starting QB behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Steven Jackson is a great running back trapped on a terrible team and he is the only help Bradford has on that hideous offense. The sad reality for the Rams is that the offense, as bad as it is, is their best quality. St. Louis is already out of the hunt and the season hasn’t began yet. (Estimated number of wins: 2-4)
Division Predictions (w/ Division Winners and Wild Card Teams in Bold)
AFC North - Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns
AFC East - New York Jets, New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills
AFC South - Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West - San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos
NFC North - Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears
NFC East - Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins
NFC South - New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West - San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis Rams
POWER RANKINGS - Top 20 NFL Quarterbacks of All-Time
20. Len Dawson
19. Donovan McNabb
18. Boomer Esiason
17. Dan Fouts
16. Bart Starr
15. Kurt Warner
14. Roger Staubach
13. Fran Tarkenton
12. Warren Moon
11. Jim Kelly
10. Steve Young
9. Troy Aikman
8. Terry Bradshaw
7. Dan Marino
6. Tom Brady
5. Johnny Unitas
4. John Elway
3. Brett Favre
2. Joe Montana
1. Peyton Manning
BIG A RECOMMENDS…
I recommend everybody putting their money on the following match-up occurring on February 6th, 2011 in Dallas, Texas at Super Bowl XLV: the Baltimore Ravens vs. the Green Bay Packers. And, I think it is a Baltimore Ravens championship season on the horizon.
WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK…
I didn’t learn anything. But hopefully you learned who are going to be the winners, losers, and surprises of the 2010 NFL season. If you’ve followed my previews since the beginning of The Highlight Reel, you know that my prediction of Baltimore vs. Green Bay means both franchises are doomed to mediocrity this season. But, I think this is the year I turn it around and make accurate predictions. Only time though will truly tell.
- Aaron Goins
These four things I know are true…
- Michelle Beadle is wicked awesome at everything she does.
- Randy Couture had a fantastic August.
- Stephen Strasburg didn’t have a fantastic August.
- And, I’m Aaron Goins. All my thoughts on these topics and more (including a WWE double standard)… in The Highlight Reel!
NEWS and NOTES
**One of my main criticisms with World Wrestling Entertainment in the last two years has been the mismanagement and destruction of uniqueness within the WWE Divas. The company seems hell-bent on pushing the ideal that all successful girls should be tall, blonde, anorexic, uncoordinated, and with fake teats. Plus, of these generic blondes, only the ones with notoriety for sleeping with backstage brass or top-tier stars could actually become champions and/or would be forced down fans’ throats until the end of time. Gone are the days of beautiful women who can wrestle as well as turn heads like no other. Instead of Trish Stratus, Mickie James, Lita, Victoria, Jacqueline, Ivory, and Molly Holly, we now have to settle with Michelle McCool, Kelly Kelly, Layla, Maryse, Tiffany, and Melina. This is a major downfall in terms of beauty and talent. As WWE Management is finding out also, it is a major downfall in terms of class too.
In 2010, WWE has fired three Divas for “perceived” behavioral problems. At least, that is the excuses used to describe the dismissal of Mickie James, Maria, and most recently Serena Deeb. All three were popular with fans, beautiful beyond belief, didn’t sleep their way to the top, and in the case of Mickie and Serena tremendously talented in-ring competitors. Of course, Mickie and Maria had musical endeavors outside the WWE and Mickie and Serena were both voluptuous women in a company that lusts for Olive Oil. But, they were fired for “behavioral problems” and nothing petty at all because petty is not how WWE rolls.
Recently, token blonde Tiffany was arrested for a domestic situation with her husband Drew McIntyre; a real behavioral problem. Yet, Tiffany remains employed. Meanwhile, rumors are abundant that there are other issues among the Divas involving public incidents that have made the company look bad in recent weeks. Yet, the three non-conformist with “behavioral problems” not seen are the ones released. Again, can’t be petty at all.
All of this is a precursor to the announcement of Season Three of WWE NXT. For the first time ever, NXT will be an all-Diva edition with six of the girls from Florida Championship Wrestling getting called up to the main roster.
Now, you would think this would be a great time for the WWE Divas as they will have an entire hour weekly to shine, right? Wrong. Instead, this is a message to the current Divas roster that they are expendable unless they are a blonde favorite of management. What better way to let the girls know how important they are than to have a show with six rookies for the simple point of showing that they can be replaced in the snap of a finger. It’s sad to think this is the same company that had, and at one time properly used, Trish Stratus, Mickie James, Lita, Victoria, Jacqueline, Ivory, and Molly Holly. Now, the WWE Divas are nothing but sad jokes. Of course, the biggest and most unfunny joke comes in the sexism of the company with the statement below:
“Officials are very strict regarding the public image of its talent because of promises to corporate sponsors that World Wrestling Entertainment is a wholesome company.”
Of course, if you’re Randy Orton, Mark Henry, Chris Jericho, Wade Barrett, Santino Marella, Ted DiBiase, or another male performers though, your mugshot is looked at as a badge of honor and your employment and push are safe. Randy Orton has crapped in luggage, spit in faces, and destroyed Holiday Inns. Mark Henry has physically assaulted autograph-seekers. Chris Jericho, Wade Barrett, Santino Marella, and Ted DiBiase all have mug shots for public drunkenness/DUI. None have even been rumored of having their job in danger. And, the reality is that any blonde Diva popular with management is also safe. But, if you are the least bit unique and female, you should consider yourself working for WWE on borrowed time because being unique and popular is definitely a “behavioral problem.”
**Michelle Beadle seriously just gets more awesome with every day. This week, she totally killed it on Late Show with David Letterman while more articles come out every week profiling the fastest rising star on ESPN. She’s sexy as can be but is getting ahead in the business with a winning personality, a sports knowledge second to none, and a carefree attitude that is refreshing in an age of yelling sports commentators who take things way too seriously. Michelle Beadle is charming, sassy, intelligent, and… oh-my-gawd sexy.
Michelle Beadle is obviously my crush of the moment and this moment is going to last for a while. I’m an addict and the only thing that can quench my fix is more Beadle!
**The 2010 Emmy Awards came and went with a whimper. Modern Family was one of the big winners of the evening, taking home Best Comedy and Best Supporting Actor for Eric Stonestreet. I like Modern Family and actually feel it deserved the nod over The Office and 30 Rock. However, I still don’t see how Jenna Fischer, John Krasinski, Rainn Wilson, and Ed Helms can go without being nominated for anything. But, that is the Emmy Awards making a mistake by not recognizing great talents. Jane Lynch being named Best Supporting Actress for her work on Glee was an obvious nod and I’m glad the committee didn’t make a mistake. Other than the comedy categories, I really did care enough to notice. Mad Men won again but it still doesn’t make me want to rent the DVDs and watch the series and I was puzzled at how Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie could win for Best Children's Program when it was a movie and not a TV program. But, I digress.
**Washington Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg entered the major leagues earlier this year with all the hype and momentum worthy of either a Hall of Fame pitcher or the second coming of Christ himself. After a couple of months though, I feel very confident in saying the Stephen Strasburg Era in Major League Baseball is over before it truly began. Strasburg went 5-3 this season (which makes him the most successful Washington National ever). However, those numbers were hardly what was expected of the almighty Strasburg. Now, Strasburg is scheduled for Tommy Johns surgery and will be sidelined for 12-18 months. A lot of pitchers have came back from Tommy Johns surgery to have good careers. However, considering Strasburg was supposed to revolutionize the game, a good career would be a disappointment for baseball’s “chosen one.”
**A few weeks ago Kyle Busch made history at the Track Formerly Known as Bristol Motor Speedway when he won the Trucks, Cup Light, and Cup Series races on the same weekend. According to Kyle Busch fans and the brainwashed members of NASCAR’s media still supporting the sport, this was a tremendous accomplishment. However, to certain smart members of the sports media and society as a whole, Kyle Busch’s three-peat was nothing to celebrate.
“Would the professional sports world give two hoots if a Phil Mickleson or Tiger Woods went out and won a seniors golf tournament on Wednesday, a Nationwide tournament on Friday and a PGA event in Sunday? The answer is a resounding no. In fact, guaranteed, there would have been widespread condemnation in the stick-and-ball sports media that Mickleson or Woods was hustling the elderly and the kids for the sake of a record.”
I couldn’t have said it better than Dean McNulty of the Toronto Sun. Meanwhile, this NASCAR story even made SportsNation and was put in its place quickly. During the Pop Culture game, Michelle and Colin asked: Who was the weekend’s Bigger Winner - Kyle Busch’s three-peat or Neil Patrick Harris’ two Emmys at the Creative Emmy Awards. My beloved Michelle, somewhat-liked Colin, and 84% of the Nation (which I’m indifferent to) all made the right choice: NPH! NPH! NPH!
This three-peat, the first of probably many, and Kyle Busch’s success in the Trucks and Cup Light series are nothing to celebrate. Neither is the success of Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, or Joey Logano in these series. These men are racing these series without respect for the competitors who can these divisions of NASCAR home. How would they have felt if their development had been hindered by the late Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, and the stars of a decade ago doing what they are doing now? I bet they’d be pretty mad and disgusted despite the facade drivers always put on when the cameras are rolling.
**Rest in Peace, Luna Vachon. Best known as Bam Bam Bigelow’s main squeeze in the early 90s WWE New Generation era, Luna passed away last week at the age of 48. While not confirmed, it is believed that Luna will be another drug-related wrestling death.
Sometimes it is a tough thing; being a wrestling fan. Watching people perform and evolve before your eyes before Vince McMahon casts them aside and takes their fame along with their youth, leaving only a shell filled with memories and desires for more. Many turn to drugs to keep up with the rigors of McMahon’s scheduling and many lose fights to those demons. All because they wanted to entertain us: the fans.
CHEERS and JEERS
Superstar of the Week: Randy Couture
UFC Hall of Famer Randy Couture had an awesome August. First off, “the Natural” was one of the many to star in one of the biggest films of 2010: The Expendables. After being part of the $90 million film alongside so many cinematic and professional ass-kickers, it was time for Couture to go back to what he does best: kicking ass. In a first of its kind “boxer vs. MMA” match at UFC 118, Couture defeated James Toney 1:41 into the first round by submission. Inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2006, Couture is still winning fights and looking good as ever at 47 years old. Awesome few weeks for “the Natural” Randy Couture.
Jerk of the Week: Jay Mariotti
I was a huge fan of Around the Horn once and Jay Mariotti was one of the reasons why. I respected some of his opinions. However, I really respected Jay Mariotti because he expressed his opinion regardless of what fellow journalists, fans, and sports personalities thought of him. With that kind of brash personality though comes those looking to knock one off his pedestal. In the case of Jay Mariotti, he knocked himself off his pedestal with a knockout shot to his girlfriend on August 21st in Los Angeles.
Mariotti was arrested and booked on suspicion of a felony after a domestic altercation with his girlfriend. As a result, he was suspended from Fanhouse.com, where he was a top writer, and ESPN, where he still appeared on Around the Horn, until the matter is closed.
While I respect Jay Mariotti: the columnist, I really don’t like Jay Mariotti: the man. The saying “those who live in glass houses shall not throw stones” really applies to Mariotti. He has adamantly blasted athletes who have done far less than he has if these suspicions are proven true. I respect the passion in his strong opinions. But, to have those opinions, you must also have the strong personal morals to back them up. Jay Mariotti clearly does not have those morals.
POWER RANKINGS - Top 5 ESPN Personalities
5. Colin Cowherd - ESPN SportsNation and The Herd / Tony Kornheiser - Pardon the Interruption
4. Bob Ryan - Around the Horn and Pardon the Interruption
3. Skip Bayless - ESPN’s 1st and 10
2. Jim Rome - Jim Rome is Burning
1. Michelle Beadle - ESPN SportsNation and Winners Bracket
BIG A RECOMMENDS…
The Killer Inside Me - Now available for rental at Blockbuster Express; available on DVD on September 28th
Based on the 1952 novel, The Killer Inside Me stars Casey Affleck as Lou Ford, a West Texas deputy sheriff who is also a serial killer. Kate Hudson is wonderful as Amy Stanton, Ford’s girlfriend, while Jessica Alba seriously has one of the best performances of her career as prostitute Joyce Lakeland. The film shows Ford’s mental stability slowly deteriorate as the dark side of her personality gradually takes over at the expense of others. The violence, especially violence on women, in this film has drawn controversy while the story and first-person narrative coming from a cold blooded killer is chilling at times. The Killer Inside Me is one of the best films of 2010 and definitely a must-see for anyone who enjoys great storytelling, especially from the colder side of the psyche.
WHAT I LEARNED THIS WEEK…
Not much. I’ve learned little to nothing I haven’t already known. I’ll try better next time. Promise.
- Aaron Goins
