Bowlapalooza! We halfheartedly pick every bowl game and wholeheartedly mock them. Also, the Lions continue to ruin our lives.
Sports Desk 60
Friday, December 20, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
How Week 15 Comforted A Lions Fan
This weekend, the Bears took care of the Browns, thus ending the hope of celebrating the Lions first divisional title in 20 years next Sunday at Ford Field. To make matters worse, the Packers completed an impossible comeback on the road with a fourth string quarterback at the helm, thus increasing the odds that Aaron Rodgers will return and mess everything up. These two results should, and do, make me quite nervous about the Motor City Kitties and their postseason chances.
However, several other teams managed to comfort me today.
Over the course of this season, the Lions have managed to snatch defeat from the clutching jaws of victory far too many times this season. First, it was week two against Arizona, then it was an awful fourth quarter against Pittsburgh, followed by a loss to a one win Tampa Bay team at home. Finally, last week Philly ran up the score in the final quarter during a blizzard. This is nothing new for Lions fans, they have been doing this for many years and we should be used to it.
Thankfully for us, this week proves that the Lions 2013 season is far from unique. Week 15 saw many good, even great, teams lose to far inferior opposition. It started right from the beginning on Thursday night. Not only did Denver lose to a sub .500 team, but they did it at home. It wasn't like they lost a heart breaker either. At no point did Denver ever look like winning that game. San Diego outplayed them in every aspect of the game, much like the Lions failure against Tampa Bay.
Next came the slate of games on Sunday afternoon, where we witnessed the New Orleans Saints, considered one of the best offenses in football, lay an egg against a last place St. Louis Rams team. The Philadelphia Eagles, the team that beat the Lions in last week's snowstorm, got planted by the putrid Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys, who the Lions beat in miraculous fashion in week eight, gave up 34 points in the second half and fell to Green Bay, who was operating with a quarterback who barely deserves to be in the NFL. Finally, on Sunday Night Football, we saw the Cincinnati Bengals fall with the chance to clinch the division against the Steelers, who are having a less than sub par season.
All of these results comfort me. Other teams have done exactly what the Lions are doing this year. This is the NFL, the separation between the best team in the league and the worst team in the league is not very much at all. On any given Sunday, or Monday, or Thursday, or Saturday, a team perceived as inferior can and will defeat a better team. Games like the Lions have had against Philly, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Arizona, and countless other times over the past 56 years happen. I just wish they would stop happening to my team.
However, several other teams managed to comfort me today.
Over the course of this season, the Lions have managed to snatch defeat from the clutching jaws of victory far too many times this season. First, it was week two against Arizona, then it was an awful fourth quarter against Pittsburgh, followed by a loss to a one win Tampa Bay team at home. Finally, last week Philly ran up the score in the final quarter during a blizzard. This is nothing new for Lions fans, they have been doing this for many years and we should be used to it.
Thankfully for us, this week proves that the Lions 2013 season is far from unique. Week 15 saw many good, even great, teams lose to far inferior opposition. It started right from the beginning on Thursday night. Not only did Denver lose to a sub .500 team, but they did it at home. It wasn't like they lost a heart breaker either. At no point did Denver ever look like winning that game. San Diego outplayed them in every aspect of the game, much like the Lions failure against Tampa Bay.
Next came the slate of games on Sunday afternoon, where we witnessed the New Orleans Saints, considered one of the best offenses in football, lay an egg against a last place St. Louis Rams team. The Philadelphia Eagles, the team that beat the Lions in last week's snowstorm, got planted by the putrid Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys, who the Lions beat in miraculous fashion in week eight, gave up 34 points in the second half and fell to Green Bay, who was operating with a quarterback who barely deserves to be in the NFL. Finally, on Sunday Night Football, we saw the Cincinnati Bengals fall with the chance to clinch the division against the Steelers, who are having a less than sub par season.
All of these results comfort me. Other teams have done exactly what the Lions are doing this year. This is the NFL, the separation between the best team in the league and the worst team in the league is not very much at all. On any given Sunday, or Monday, or Thursday, or Saturday, a team perceived as inferior can and will defeat a better team. Games like the Lions have had against Philly, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Arizona, and countless other times over the past 56 years happen. I just wish they would stop happening to my team.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Sports Desk Podcast Episode 59
Greg gets rather upset when I talk about how outlawing home plate collisions is a good thing. That should be fun. Also, remember when Dave D said no more free agents after Joe Nathan, well he didn't exactly live up to that. Finally, Sparty is in the Rose Bowl, and do you can The Schwartz at the end of the year?
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Going Group By Group Through The World Cup
Let's face it folks, Greg doesn't know squat about soccer (football, as I call it). So I feel really bad about making him talk about it during the podcast. So, to do him a favor, I won't make him until he actual beginning o the World Cup Finals in Brazil. In order to me to get my fix, I'll have to take things into my own hands and walk you guys through the draw for the upcoming global football championship.
For any soccer newbies out there, each team plays three games in the group stage, one against each other team. A win is worth three points, a tie worth one, and a loss zero. After the round robin, the top two teams in each of the eight groups advance to the knockout stages.
By now, everyone knows that the United States has been royally boned out of a chance at World Cup success. They were thrown into a group with two of the best nations in the world and the one that knocked them out in 2010. Things look quite grim for the Americans, but we will elaborate on that later. For now, we begin at the top with...
Group A
Brazil
Croatia
Mexico
Cameroon
The hosts have quite an easy track into the knockout rounds, as if they needed one. This is no vintage Brazil side, but they don't really have to be to make a run at the title here. Home field advantage throughout the tournament will go a long, long way towards winning matches. Throw them in a group with Croatia, a second tier European team, Mexico, who has all sorts of issues right now, and Cameroon, a fairly formidable African nation and they will cruise to the top of the table.
Second place is where things get interesting. Croatia looked pretty solid in their playoff tie with Iceland. They figure to be the odd man out here, however. Mexico can consider themselves lucky to be heading to Brazil after their woeful qualifying campaign. Cameroon were once an upstart African nation that could possible make a George Mason like run through the knockout rounds, but that no longer is the case. I will put my money on Mexico advancing, assuming they will have recovered from their nightmares over the last year.
Advancing: Brazil and Mexico
Group B
Spain
Netherlands
Chile
Australia
This is the tertiary group of death. The 2010 finalists Spain and The Netherlands will meet up in the first match for this group. Regardless of the result, I expect both of them will move along. Chile could stand a chance with an easier draw, but put them up against two of Europe's best and I don't give them a fighting chance. Australia might lose out and find themselves heading home early.
The minor question make here will be the Dutch and their ability to recover from an awful European championship two summers ago where they failed to win a game. If they stumble the same way they did in 2012, then Chile can sneak into the second place spot, but don't count on it.
Advancing: Spain and Netherlands
Group C
Columbia
Greece
Ivory Coast
Japan
If there was a group of death for non-superpowers, this would be it. Each of the four teams has a shot to make it into the top two, with Columbia leading the charge. They are an attacking first side that struggles defensively, but they certainly can outscore anyone. Ivory Coast have been one of those upstart African teams that Cameroon used to be. They don't have the scoring power that they used to have, but they are still probably the best Africa has to offer. Greece is one of the weakest sides of Europe, their strong defense gives them a chance, though. Japan are Asia's best country and can certainly sneak by with this draw.
I would put my money on Columbia and Ivory Coast, but a Japanese or Greek coup wouldn't shock me.
Advancing: Columbia and Ivory Coast
Group D
Uruguay
Costa Rica
England
Italy
England's draw is almost as bad as their colonial brethren. They get one of the best in Europe with Italy, the always overachieving Uruguay, and Costa Rica, who is really screwed here. Uruguay will have a strong home field advantage as they will not be playing far from home. Italy is an always skilled team that would challenge to win any group. England has all the talent in the world but has a knack for shooting themselves in the foot. Costa Rica, well, good luck and have a safe trip home. No way you are winning a game here.
It will probably end up being a dark World Cup for the English. They are just too outmatched in this group for me to pick them to move on.
Advancing: Italy and Uruguay
Group E
Switzerland
Ecuador
France
Honduras
The French were a miraculous second leg comeback away from failing to qualify for the tournament altogether, and now here they are with the second easiest draw of any of the traditional powers. The French have been notorious for failing in the World's biggest stage, but I doubt they will have that problem this time around. They got the weakest of the seeded teams in Switzerland, a second tier South American team in Ecuador, and the lowest ranked team fro North America in Honduras.
Another example of where second place could be interesting, Switzerland stand the best chance, but they will have no easy battles with Ecuador and Honduras, both sides had strong showings in qualifying.
Advancing: France and Switzerland
Group F
Argentina
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Iran
Nigeria
Argentina has things easier than France does, if for no other reason that they are a far superior team. Any team with the consensus best player in the world, Lionel Messi, should have no problem moving along. The battle for second place will be a struggle between African power Nigeria and Bosnia. Nigeria is a team with many players playing throughout Europe. Bosnia are a team with some serious firepower as well.
I like Bosnia here, but Nigeria coming into the fold would be no shock. Iran, thanks for playing, because you probably won't last long here.
Advancing: Argentina and Bosnia Herzegovina
Group G
Germany
Portugal
United States
Ghana
Here it is folks, the United States and their painful outlook for Brazil 2014. They have to overcome the likes of tournament favorites Germany and perennial power Portugal. To make things worse, they get to play Ghana, the ones who ended them in 2010. With all the success the Americans have had since Jurgenn Klinsman took over, this is a true disappointment.
Sad to say, there is just too much in the USA's way to see them through to the group stages. My first reaction when seeing the draw was "I don't think they can beat any of those teams." And further review supports this. They might take down Ghana, but don't expect an upset against Germany or Portugal.
Advancing: Germany and Portugal
Group H
Belgium
Algeria
Russia
South Korea
This could be quite the competitive group. Belgium are clearly the best, but the other three all have strong merits. Russia hasn't enjoyed much success internationally, but won't let many goals in. South Korea has qualified for two of the last three knockout rounds, and Algeria is an up and coming team.
I like Russia to join Belgium in the next stage. Mostly because I can't say I trust Algeria or South Korea to come through.
Advancing: Belgium and Russia
So, there you have it, my take on each of the eight World Cup groups. I'll give more detailed looks at each nation's teams and tactics as the tournament approaches. Meaning some time in May and June. That is also when I force Greg to join most of the world and talk some football. Should be a hootin' time.
For any soccer newbies out there, each team plays three games in the group stage, one against each other team. A win is worth three points, a tie worth one, and a loss zero. After the round robin, the top two teams in each of the eight groups advance to the knockout stages.
By now, everyone knows that the United States has been royally boned out of a chance at World Cup success. They were thrown into a group with two of the best nations in the world and the one that knocked them out in 2010. Things look quite grim for the Americans, but we will elaborate on that later. For now, we begin at the top with...
Group A
Brazil
Croatia
Mexico
Cameroon
The hosts have quite an easy track into the knockout rounds, as if they needed one. This is no vintage Brazil side, but they don't really have to be to make a run at the title here. Home field advantage throughout the tournament will go a long, long way towards winning matches. Throw them in a group with Croatia, a second tier European team, Mexico, who has all sorts of issues right now, and Cameroon, a fairly formidable African nation and they will cruise to the top of the table.
Second place is where things get interesting. Croatia looked pretty solid in their playoff tie with Iceland. They figure to be the odd man out here, however. Mexico can consider themselves lucky to be heading to Brazil after their woeful qualifying campaign. Cameroon were once an upstart African nation that could possible make a George Mason like run through the knockout rounds, but that no longer is the case. I will put my money on Mexico advancing, assuming they will have recovered from their nightmares over the last year.
Advancing: Brazil and Mexico
Group B
Spain
Netherlands
Chile
Australia
This is the tertiary group of death. The 2010 finalists Spain and The Netherlands will meet up in the first match for this group. Regardless of the result, I expect both of them will move along. Chile could stand a chance with an easier draw, but put them up against two of Europe's best and I don't give them a fighting chance. Australia might lose out and find themselves heading home early.
The minor question make here will be the Dutch and their ability to recover from an awful European championship two summers ago where they failed to win a game. If they stumble the same way they did in 2012, then Chile can sneak into the second place spot, but don't count on it.
Advancing: Spain and Netherlands
Group C
Columbia
Greece
Ivory Coast
Japan
If there was a group of death for non-superpowers, this would be it. Each of the four teams has a shot to make it into the top two, with Columbia leading the charge. They are an attacking first side that struggles defensively, but they certainly can outscore anyone. Ivory Coast have been one of those upstart African teams that Cameroon used to be. They don't have the scoring power that they used to have, but they are still probably the best Africa has to offer. Greece is one of the weakest sides of Europe, their strong defense gives them a chance, though. Japan are Asia's best country and can certainly sneak by with this draw.
I would put my money on Columbia and Ivory Coast, but a Japanese or Greek coup wouldn't shock me.
Advancing: Columbia and Ivory Coast
Group D
Uruguay
Costa Rica
England
Italy
England's draw is almost as bad as their colonial brethren. They get one of the best in Europe with Italy, the always overachieving Uruguay, and Costa Rica, who is really screwed here. Uruguay will have a strong home field advantage as they will not be playing far from home. Italy is an always skilled team that would challenge to win any group. England has all the talent in the world but has a knack for shooting themselves in the foot. Costa Rica, well, good luck and have a safe trip home. No way you are winning a game here.
It will probably end up being a dark World Cup for the English. They are just too outmatched in this group for me to pick them to move on.
Advancing: Italy and Uruguay
Group E
Switzerland
Ecuador
France
Honduras
The French were a miraculous second leg comeback away from failing to qualify for the tournament altogether, and now here they are with the second easiest draw of any of the traditional powers. The French have been notorious for failing in the World's biggest stage, but I doubt they will have that problem this time around. They got the weakest of the seeded teams in Switzerland, a second tier South American team in Ecuador, and the lowest ranked team fro North America in Honduras.
Another example of where second place could be interesting, Switzerland stand the best chance, but they will have no easy battles with Ecuador and Honduras, both sides had strong showings in qualifying.
Advancing: France and Switzerland
Group F
Argentina
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Iran
Nigeria
Argentina has things easier than France does, if for no other reason that they are a far superior team. Any team with the consensus best player in the world, Lionel Messi, should have no problem moving along. The battle for second place will be a struggle between African power Nigeria and Bosnia. Nigeria is a team with many players playing throughout Europe. Bosnia are a team with some serious firepower as well.
I like Bosnia here, but Nigeria coming into the fold would be no shock. Iran, thanks for playing, because you probably won't last long here.
Advancing: Argentina and Bosnia Herzegovina
Group G
Germany
Portugal
United States
Ghana
Here it is folks, the United States and their painful outlook for Brazil 2014. They have to overcome the likes of tournament favorites Germany and perennial power Portugal. To make things worse, they get to play Ghana, the ones who ended them in 2010. With all the success the Americans have had since Jurgenn Klinsman took over, this is a true disappointment.
Sad to say, there is just too much in the USA's way to see them through to the group stages. My first reaction when seeing the draw was "I don't think they can beat any of those teams." And further review supports this. They might take down Ghana, but don't expect an upset against Germany or Portugal.
Advancing: Germany and Portugal
Group H
Belgium
Algeria
Russia
South Korea
This could be quite the competitive group. Belgium are clearly the best, but the other three all have strong merits. Russia hasn't enjoyed much success internationally, but won't let many goals in. South Korea has qualified for two of the last three knockout rounds, and Algeria is an up and coming team.
I like Russia to join Belgium in the next stage. Mostly because I can't say I trust Algeria or South Korea to come through.
Advancing: Belgium and Russia
So, there you have it, my take on each of the eight World Cup groups. I'll give more detailed looks at each nation's teams and tactics as the tournament approaches. Meaning some time in May and June. That is also when I force Greg to join most of the world and talk some football. Should be a hootin' time.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Sports Desk Podcast Episode 58
The Hall of Fame ballot is out and Greg and I are voting for Deadspin's bought vote. We also discuss the long and expensive contracts being handed out it baseball before wishing the Lions and MSU luck this weekend.
Sports Desk 58
Sports Desk 58
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