A Look At The NFL Pro Bowl

Christine O'Connor

@christineeeeO

​Image Credit: nflcommunications.com

The NFL held its coin toss leading up to the 2015 Pro Bowl on Tuesday, and NFL Media's Michael Irvin won.

Following Tuesday’s press conference and initial captain selections, 26 players (13 per team) were subject to pre-draft selection from the position groups: guards, centers, fullbacks, interior defensive linemen, placekickers, punters, return specialists, and special team players. 

The second-ever Pro Bowl Draft will continue with 56 players yet to be selected during a nationally televised primetime broadcast on NFL Network at 8:00 PM ET on Wednesday, January 21. The 2015 Pro Bowl Draft is being held at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix. All 88 Pro Bowl players are expected to be in attendance for Wednesday’s live show. won the coin toss and chose the pair of Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray and Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden as his captains. Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter in turn has Texans star defensive end J.J.Watt and Steelers receiver Antonio Brown.

The captains are determined by being the players receiving the most votes among those no longer playing after the Divisional Round who are also healthy and participating. In this instance, J.J Watt, the defensive player receiving the most votes, was paired with the offensive player receiving the second most votes and meeting the above criteria, which was Antonio Brown. The offensive player receiving the most votes and meeting the requirements (DeMarco Murray) was paired with Joe Haden.

​Image Credit: timesunion.com 

TEAM CARTER (THROUGH DAY 1 PRE-SELECTION)

WIDE RECEIVERS 

Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh (Captain)

GUARDS  

Evan Mathis, Philadelphia

Mike Pouncey, Miami

Josh Sitton, Green Bay

CENTERS

Jason Kelce, Philadelphia

Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh

FULLBACK 

John Kuhn, Green Bay

DEFENSIVE ENDS

J.J. Watt, Houston (Captain)

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Marcell Dareus, Buffalo

Dontari Poe, Kansas City

Kyle Williams, Buffalo

SPECIALISTS

Justin Bethel, Arizona

Devin Hester, Atlanta

Pat McAfee, Indianapolis

Cody Parkey, Philadelphia

TEAM IRVIN (THROUGH DAY 1 PRE-SELECTION)

RUNNING BACKS

DeMarco Murray, Dallas (Captain)

GUARDS

Kyle Long, Chicago 

Zack Martin, Dallas 

Marshal Yanda, Baltimore

CENTERS

Travis Frederick, Dallas 

Nick Mangold, New York Jets

FULLBACK

Marcel Reece, Oakland

CORNERBACKS

Joe Haden, Cleveland (Captain)

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Geno Atkins, Cincinnati

Aaron Donald, St. Louis

Sheldon Richardson, New York Jets

SPECIALISTS

Kevin Huber, Cincinnati

Darren Sproles, Philadelphia

Darrell Stuckey, San Diego

Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis

Nike unveiled the jerseys for Sunday:

​Image Credit: bleacherreport.com

The Disappointing Brooklyn Nets and the Disgraceful New York Knicks.

Image Credit: EliteDaily.com

By: Kai Jones

Edited by: Dana P. (E.I.C.) 

New York City, the city of big lights, big dreams, and big expensive underperforming basketball teams. Anyone that follows basketball knows that the New York Knicks are in the words of Charles Barkley, “TURRIBLE!” The Brooklyn Nets aren’t quite as bad as the Knicks, because they are in the Eastern Conference. They are still one game under .500. Brooklyn is currently in the 8th spot of the eastern conference. Let’s not get into the despair of the Eastern Conference, where one win the Philadelphia 76ers are 7 games back of the 8th spot! Can either team get back to the near top of the Eastern conference,  where both of them were just 2 seasons ago?

Can the New York Knicks? Probably not. Willis Reed is not walking through those doors. On the brighter side, if the Knicks start to understand the Triangle offense and are able to get healthy, they could make the playoffs. 

Experienced veterans JR Smith, Samuel Dalembert, and Jose Calderon have not played up to their career averages. Calderon is especially surprising as he’s been a great point guard wherever he has been. 

Carmelo Anthony has been performing well. The Knicks do have young talent, but if they are going to make the playoffs, Derek Fisher needs to find the right lineups ASAP! 

The Nets are a little closer to the top considering they’re in the playoffs as of right now. This is a team of overpaid, aging veterans. Jarrett Jack and Kevin Garnett have not played up to their contracts. While Deron Williams and Joe Johnson have played well, they are going to have to continue their winning ways of the past few days when they beat the defending champs. 

It sure is sad to be a New York sports fan lately. The Jets and Giants are eliminated from the playoffs, the Mets and Yankees aren’t splashing in free agency, the Knicks can't win, but there is potential hope with the Nets. Brooklyn, we go hard!

NFL, MLB PostSeason, Plus Pre Season NBA & NHL; THE WEEKEND WRAP UP aka PANIC! PANIC! PANIC!

Image Credit: JimFeist.com

by: Sean McCaffrey

Twitter: @NYCTheMiC

BULLSMC@aol.com

In this world we live in, where we can put rocket ships in outer space, perform life changing surgeries and master baking cheese inside the crust of a pizza slice, it still baffles me how we can not create a phone that has a battery life of more than one hour. 

Yesterday, Sunday, October 12th, was a huge sports day for the NY area. Not only did the Giants & Jets play key games, the New York Rangers had their home opener. Carrying over from last season’s unexpected success, where even the most hardcore Ranger fan, like myself, has to admit the team overachieved a bit (Goalie injuries in both the Philly & Montreal series & avoiding the Bruins), the Rangers hosted “RANGERS BLUESHIRT BOULEVARD”. For the event, the Rangers shut down all of 33rd street from 7th to 8th Ave, and had numerous fan activities, live bands on a nice set and was just a great day to bond & enjoy laughs with other Ranger fans. The event started at 12pm and ended an hour before game time, at 6pm. While this was going on the Jets took the field as well.

For Jet fans, and as talked about in previous columns here, at HipHopShortstop.com, the Jets are just a mess. Jets fans have no reason to panic because there are really no expectations. It’s been the same cycle for 45+ years. The only difference between the Jets and a wife is that the Jets will always fuck you. It’s just what Jet fans are used to. How can you panic when you know the Jets will be rolled time and time again?

However, for the NY Giants & The NY Rangers, the two teams with the most success in recent years, as the Giants are the only team in the NFL to have won 2 Superbowls in the last 6+ years and the Rangers fresh off a Stanley Cup appearance, panic has set in. Or at least that’s the feeling I got when I finally got home from the Rangers game on Sunday night.

I should mention I got home an hour earlier than I expected, due to Hank laying a big fart & questionable officiating, so it was time for me to head to the LIRR after the second period. If the Rangers were in such a fan friendly mood, as evident by their “BLUESHIRT BLVD”, they should’ve gave a refund to every fan that attended last night’s crapfest. But we’re fans, win or lose, and you take the good with the bad.

Due to my phone battery lasting as long as a Walker extra on “The Walking Dead”, I couldn’t keep up with live play-by-play and fan reaction on social media at the game in between periods. To note, it’s amazing that no matter where we go in life, whether it’s a bar, restaurant, a bathroom, or where ever, our first thought is “WHERE ARE THE MOTHER FUCKING OUTLETS?” We live in a world where we crave and need to steal electricity where ever we are. Our precious phones consume our lives, and you are probably nodding your head, as you read this column on your phone.

My rant on these watt sucking contraptions aside, when I finally got home & rushed to my nearest outlet, I caught up on all the Giants & Ranger fan reaction. Being a diehard fan of both teams, and perhaps borderline obsessed, I read countless articles and fan comments on social media as the Eagles were blowing away the Giants.

Image Credit: NYDailyNews.com

It was nothing but doom and gloom, but fans of both squads need to remember several things. Going to the hockey first, the Rangers never have hot starts. Last year they were 3-7. The Rangers are also missing their starting center in Derek Stepan, their biggest free agent of the off-season, defensemen Dan Boyle & the straw that stirs the drink of the Rangers, Mats Zuccarello, was held out due to his physical play the night before. Being 1-2 is not the end of the world. You play 82 games.

What is cause for concern is how Henrik Lundqvist’s game has been exposed in recent games. No doubt about it, when it’s all said and done, King Henry or Hank, as he’s called by True Blue fans, is going to the Hockey Hall of Fame. He’s a great goalie. He’s just not the best goalie. Hank has had the fortune of having dedicated shotblockers (especially in the Coach Tort years) & superior defensemen, with the likes of McDonagh, Girardi & Staal. I am one of the Ranger fans that believe Jonathan Quick just flat outplayed him in the Stanley Cup. Hank is known to give up leads time and time again. In crunch time, I would rather Rask from Boston or Quick as my netminder.

That being said, hockey fans need to realize that the goaltending isn’t as elite as it was in previous generations, where defense was a strength. The NHL is always trying to increase scoring. The game gets harder and harder for goalies. This will always be the way, as high scoring games is how NHL executives think they can convert casual and new fans to their product. 

For the Ranger fans going crazy right now, relax. It’s only 3 games. The NHL is all about just making the playoffs, because once you’re in, anything can happen. Just look at the LA Kings two cup runs. Let the injuries, lines gelling and time pass, and you will see, the Rangers will be a top 3 seed.

Moving along to the NY Giants. The NY Giants talked more shit than any other game they’ve ever played, and in return, got a nice big heaping pile of crow to eat for their efforts. I can’t imagine how red Couglin’s face was during his closed doors meeting with the players after that pile of shit. This was the ugliest Giants game in a while, but the Giants are known for this. In recent Superbowl years, they’ve had piss-poor starts, only to make Tom Brady cry at the end of the season.

The old adage in football is “ANY GIVEN SUNDAY”. And it’s true. How many times have we seen under dogs win? Anything can happen. Just this past week alone, the mighty Steelers got rolled by the lowly Browns while the Cowboys, primed for their usual December collapse, handed the Superbowl defending champions, the Seattle Seahawks, a rare home loss.

Image Credit: Matt Rourke; Associated Press

Things aren’t looking good in Giants land, especially in the wake of Victor Cruz’s potential season-ending injury, but it’s hard to forget that last year, the Giants started 0-6 and if they could’ve beat Dallas in the latter weeks of the season, they could’ve potentially won the division. Up next on the docket, those same Dallas Cowboys.

For the Giants, you have to hope that this Philly ass raping, a raping that looked like it came straight out of “OZ”, is the raping they need to wake the fuck up. However, I do believe Eli Manning needs to be bitch-slapped unmercifully every time he does that stupid shoulder shrug or throws his hands up in the air after every bad play. But he has two Superbowl rings, which is 2 more than the Eagles have, so who am I to question his methods?

Calm down Giant fans, we’re in for a roller coaster. We have seen glimpses of greatness and know that this team can win on any given day. We’ve seen it before. Never doubt Tom Coughlin, a rare breed who despite his old age, always changes & adapts to the times. I would never bet against him. A win against Dallas, and everyone is puffing out their chests again. But, don’t forget, one win or one loss doesn’t define one team.

Image Credit: Brian Monzo/WFAN

QUICK NOTES:
- Happy to see the Alex Rodriguez of the NY Rangers, Rick Nash, starting off strong. People forget he was out 6 weeks and had post-concussionsymptoms last year. This is his first true healthy season with the blueshirts. It’s time to live up to that contract. So far, he’s been the player we all thought he would be.

- Anthony Duclair, who I wrote a piece about on here, at HipHopShortstop.com, has played 3 excellent games, already notching two assists. I’ve seen the kid play 4 times live. I think he’s the real deal. Let’s hope he continues at this level and isn’t a flash in the pan. The Rangers need to get young, and could use a legit bonafide young blood superstar. The second coming of Manny Maholtra would be a travesty.

- Poor, poor, poor Don Mattingly. The guy can’t catch a break. I must wonder if it rains where ever he goes too. He will probably lose his job over this latest collapse. Despite having the highest payroll in all of MLB, his teams can’t get into the World Series. This latest playoff blunder shouldn’t rest squarely on his shoulders, as his bullpen was terrible & his offense let him down, but it’s just business to fire a manager after a letdown like the Dodgers had.

- Who would’ve thought that the St. Louis Cardinals & The San Francisco Giants would be the most successful franchises in all of baseball in recent years? I think whoever comes out of this series wins the whole thing. Both fanbases are loyal too, so it’s hard to root against them, as a fan with no bias either way. They have built top-flight organizations. Maybe the lowly Mets should take notes.

- It’s time for Odel Beckham Jr. to break out. This injury to Cruz could make Beckham, well, the next Victor Cruz.

- The whole Forg1ve3 and Re2pect stuff needs to stop. It’s already jumping the shark. People are using it for everything. Just stop. Enough. Let Jeter have his thing and stop bastardizing and trivializing it.

- Kevin Durant could be out 6-8 weeks. I wonder how many times in Oklahoma, the front office just keeps banging their heads over letting James Harden walk for nothing.

Aaaaaaaand, that’s a wrap.
Feedback, comments, questions, hate mail can all go to:
Sean McCaffrey
BULLSMC@aol.com
@NYCTHEMIC
HipHopShortstop.com

The Dire State of New York Sports

Image Credit: workinsports.com

New York, New York, big city of dreams. The city I call home, and the city I love more than any other I’ve had the pleasure of going to. One thing about this city that never ceases to amaze me is the love its inhabitants have for their sports teams. New Yorkers love their sports and they are not afraid to tell you about it. The city and surrounding tri-state area of New Jersey and Connecticut will root for their teams through the darkest times and brightest hour because in the end, sports is life. Sports are in the fabric of the people in this city and that will never change. Unfortunately for sports fans of New York Teams, winning is not something that has become synonymous with the greatest city on Earth. It’s to the point where the city’s sports scene has become somewhat of a laughing stock on the national level, and it’s embarrassing to watch. What’s happened to New York sports and what can possibly be done to fix it?

Management Is A Lost Art In The Big Apple…

Image Credit: www.freep.com

There are 8 professional sports teams in New York City or in the surrounding areas of Long Island and New Jersey. But for arguments sake, let’s just say NYC has 8 sports teams. The Rangers, the Islanders, the Jets, the Giants, the Knicks the Nets, the Yankees and the Mets. Before we continue, let’s do a little math. From 2001 to 2013 there was the opportunity for 96 championships to be won between all 8 teams. Out of 96 opportunities, New York City claimed just 3 titles. The New York Giants in 2007 and 2011, and the New York Yankees in 2009; that’s it. Meanwhile in Boston, the sports town New Yorkers hate the most next to Philadelphia, their four sports teams won 8 championships. They have half the teams but almost triple the championships. But why? New York has money, the prestige, the fans, and everything else Boston has. The difference between the two cities is how the teams are run and by whom.

The only organization that I can truly look at and say they’ve had a good plan on how to get things done would be the Giants. The Giants aren’t a franchise that’s concerned about winning the back-pages of New York papers. Year after year New York media and even some fans always call for Tom Coughlin’s head coach. And twice Coughlin has gone on to stop the New England Patriots from adding to their Boston sports titles while adding to New York’s. Imagine had the Patriots won at least one of the match-ups between the Giants. Boston would have quadrupled the amount of trophies NYC had with half the teams. But the Giants window seems to have closed and the era of Eli Manning as star quarterback and Tom Coughlin as two-time winning head coach seem to be over. Other than the Giants every other front office has been pretty much inept. The Yankees have one ring in the last 12 years, but their process of just over-paying past their prime players as not bore any fruit. The Mets owners have seemed clueless since the last time the Mets went to the World Series in 2000 where they lost to the Yankees. The Nets just got to the city but between Mikhail Prokhorov using the Nets as a toy and GM Billy King seemingly operating with careless disregard for draft-picks, the Nets won’t be good for years to come. The Jets have been a joke in recent memory with signings like Tim Tebow, and Rex Ryan Promises couple with Mark Sanchez shenanigans have made the Jets look foolish on multiple levels. No one knows what the Islanders are doing and it’s safe to say most of the tri-state other than Long Island even cares to find out. And the Knicks and Rangers are both owned by one of the worst owners in sports who has no idea what he’s doing and hasn’t know what’s he’s doing for years in James Dolan. Owners of New York teams want to win but have gone about it the way that used to work in the past, just throw money at the best players and let them rise to the top. But the landscape of sports has changed. Players have options when it comes to money and endorsements now that they didn’t in the past. As long as the player is great no one cares about where he plies his trade, as long as he can sell product. Leaving New York to fight it out with other markets and over-paying immensely for older past their prime sports stars. But has New York come out of the worst of it? There are some signs of hope on the horizon.

A New and Improved Way of Thinking?...

As poor as management as been for NYC teams in recent memory, I think we are starting to see a shift in the right direction with at least a few of the teams. The Rangers and Knicks who are both owned by James Dolan are in the beginning stages of sport makeovers if you will. Dolan brought in the Zen Master Phil Jackson to be the president of basketball operations and has claimed he is going to stay out of Phil’s way and let him re-shape the team into a contender like they were throughout the entire 1990’s. I’m already seeing Jackson pulling string behind the scenes and making little changes here and there to quietly get this team back to where they should be. They have Carmelo Anthony as their franchise player, they have a coach in Derrick Fisher that Jackson trusts, and in the summer of 2015 they’ll have cap space to add more pieces around Carmelo. It’s a start.

The Rangers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals last years and had they played smart hockey in the first two games, the Blueshirts could have been Stanley Cup Champions. Unfortunately things didn’t go the Rangers way but it’s definitely a good sign. The Rangers signed their own franchise star Henrik Lundqvist to a long-term deal which shows intent. They have a good roster of old players and younger players with a lot of potential like Chris Kreider that can help them build on last year’s playoff run as well. Head coach Alain Vigneault operates completely different than 99% of the people in the city he’s coaching in. He’s always calm and reserved, not brash, just always there watching and paying attention and tweaking where need be. He’s a stark contrast to former coach John Torterlla who eventually wore out his welcome in NYC. The Rangers are in a good place so let’s hope this continues.

Image Credit: DailyNews.com

It’s far too soon to say the Jets are headed in the right direction but last season they were a far better football team than people expected them to be. This past off-season has been relatively quiet and they made some pretty good acquisitions in Erik Decker, Chris Johnson and Michael Vick to help bolster their rosters. They have Geno Smith that still has a lot to prove, but unlike the Mark Sanchez debacle, Rex Ryan is putting weapons around Smith for him to grow. The Jets have done far too much dumb in recent times for anyone to immediately give them the benefit of the doubt, but it seems that maybe things are definitely changing in the culture of the Jets; and in a season or two they can really start making some noise. No more flashy signings, just really good ones to keep progressing.

The Jury is still out on the rest of the NY sports teams in my opinion. The Mets have some good young arms so lets see what Mets management does to help them. But the three aforementioned NYC teams are the ones that all look headed in the right direction. New York is far too great a city for its sports teams not to be in contention every single year in every single sport. But nothing changes if nothing changes. Only the men with the power and the checkbooks can affect change. Hopefully as a collective NYC’s power player owners wise up and return NY to sports prominence. The City will be waiting. 

By Frantz Paul

Twitter: @LSN_Frantz

Mike Goodson, let go by the New York Jets.

The New York Jets have released running back, Mike Goodson, after he failed to report to the first day of mini camp, early on Wednesday.

Via NYDailyNews.com: "The Jets may be finished with Goodson, but his own issues will linger. Goodson was arrested 13 months ago after police said he was the passenger in a stopped vehicle in a middle lane along Interstate 80 West in Denville, N.J. while intoxicated. Police said they found a loaded handgun with a hollow-point bullet in the glove compartment."

New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan expressed his concerns for Goodson, as he "hasn't heard from him in months." Apparently, his releases was expected. Goodson has been seen out and about partying throughout last years season, after injuring his knee. Others have speculated he might need help for a substance abuse problem. No word yet on if any other NFL teams are interested in signing him, just yet. Goodson signed a 3 year deal in March 2013 with the New York Jets, worth 6.9 million dollars. 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Bizzaro Zaun!

Back once again, with yet ANOTHER exclusive interview! I recently got a chance to sit down with none other then "Bizzaro Zaun." If you are a Mike Francesa fan, you probably know who he is. If not, let me tell you a little bit about him. Bizzaro Zaun is the man behind the infamous YouTube Mike Francesa mock videos. 

With a wig, fat suit, SUNGLASSES, and even Francesa's voice and accent down pat, he has got this impersonation to the T!

If you haven't seen his videos, take a look at his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/WaitUhSeckin

And when you're done, check out my interview with him as we talk about HOW and WHEN he came up with this brilliant idea. We also discuss Francesa Con, his favorite sports, and more!

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

Jets sign Vick, release Sanchez, Eagles release Jackson, pick up Sanchez, and more.

On March 22nd, 2014, the Jets picked up free agent, quarterback Michael Vick, to a one year deal, worth 5 million dollars.

Vick is set to be the teams backup QB, as Geno Smith will continue to be their starting QB. 

Via espn.go.com

"As of now, Geno is the starting quarterback for this football team," Vick said in a conference call with reporters. "From this point on, we're going to compete every day."

After finishing last season on the Philadelphia Eagles' bench, Vick said recently he wants to be a starter again, so he obviously thinks he will have that shot with the Jets at some point. For now, he wasn't about to make headlines with a bold proclamation. He vowed to support Smith and help him develop.

"I wouldn't say I'd necessarily be OK with sitting on the bench, but I know what I signed up for," said Vick, who described Smith as a good friend. "I know what I came to New York to do. First and foremost, I came to compete and be there for Geno. I know he has a long way to go, but we both talked and we both agree we're going to push one another and make each other better."

As far as who's going to wear #7, well expect Smith to keep his number. TMZ reported that Vick is more then willing to find a new number to wear as a New York Jet. Vick stated, "I want to pick a new number for the Jets, Number 7 is Geno's number."

This has been quite a controversial story lately, as many Jet fans are unhappy about the new addition to their team. This is going back to Vick's dog fighting days, as most fans don't want to forgive and forget. I've seen a lot via social media lately, even diehard Jet fans stating they are now boycotting the team, since signing Vick. 

The Jets new backup QB is most likely not going to receive a nice welcome. However, if he can do justice and help improve the team, fans will likely forget about his dog fighting days, and he may eventually become a fan favorite.

The Vick signing came just one day after the Jets released their former starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez. Sanchez has now signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, to a one year deal worth 4 million dollars. 

Not a good swap. I'm seeing a LOT of VERY frustrated Philly fans on social media over this signing. Oh, and let's not forget their beloved DeSean Jackson! 

The Eagles released receiver DeSean Jackson, early Friday afternoon. Speculations of Jackson being an affiliated gang member have reportedly been a factor in his release. However. Jackson has denied being affliliated to a popular gang, "The Crips."

Via beta.sportingnews.com

"Jackson was reportedly interviewed by police about what knowledge he may have had about the murder. Investigators reached out to inform the Eagles of their plans to talk to Jackson, but reportedly never heard back from the organization."

"In 2012, another gang-related murder occurred at a party held in a building owned or leased by one of Jackson's family members, police told NJ.com. While searching the building, investigators found documents belonging to Jackson, including his car title, a gun permit issued in New Jersey and credit card receipts. Again, Jackson was not considered a suspect."

Jackson released the following statement following his release. "First I would like to thank the Eagles organization, the Eagles fans and the city of Philadelphia for my time in Philly.  I would also like to thank coach Andy Reid for bringing me in. Secondly, I would like to address the misleading and unfounded reports that my release has anything to do with any affiliation that has been speculated surrounding the company I keep off of the field. I would like to make it very clear that I am not and never have been part of any gang. I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity off the field is reckless and irresponsible. I work very hard on and off the field and I am a good person with good values. I am proud of the accomplishments that I have made both on and off the field. I have worked tirelessly to give back to my community and have a positive impact on those in need. It is unfortunate that I now have to defend myself and my intentions. These reports are irresponsible and just not true. I look forward to working hard for my new team. God Bless" — DeSean Jackson

The Jets reportedly are interested in possibly scooping up the former Eagles receiver. Way to turn an already sloppy team, into a team consisting of a few criminals! 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)