CALLING THE SHOTS!

If you have all been wondering why this blog has been so inactive, it is because i have been keeping an active up-to-date blog over on AOL Red. I like the setup over there a lot more and it seems a lot more blogger friendly. So, here is the link to that blog  ---> http://red.blogs.aol.com/zbar88/calling_the_shots/ .  It too is called " Calling the Shots." I incorporate the same writing style etc. but I thought that I should gather any readers I had left on here and transfer them to that blog.

 

*EDIT* After seeing the new option to allow other members to write in your journal, I have decided that since I will no longer be active on this blog, I will open the option for EVERYBODY to be able to add entries to the blog. Be aware, I do check in once in awhile so I will delete any unrelated or inappropriate articles. Enjoy!

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After the Colts whooped up on the Panthers today (31-7) and the Patriots rolled over the Redskins (52-7) all the talk has been about the matchup of unbeatens next week. No matter what happens before, during or after the game there is one thing that we all know for sure, there will only be one undefeated team in the NFL. If you can find the time to analyze every small portion of each teams game plan you could find positives and negatives to each teams style. Fortunately, I have already been thinking about the outcome of this game and will save all of you the trouble. No need to thank me now, just comment back when the results play out next week. Anyway, I will simply come out and say that I predict the Colts to win. We all know that Tom Brady has gathered up the majority of the hype this year but that is only because undefeated streaks have become a regular occurence in Indianapolis. And not to mention the possibility of Brady having the chance to already break Peyton's record for most touchdown passes in a season. So, why the Colts you ask? Let me try to break it down so you can see the genius that is working inside my head....

When comparing quarterbacks, Brady and Manning are probably the most identical in the entire NFL. The only difference would be that in past years Manning has always had the better receivers to bail him out of tough situations. Well, ever since Randy Moss put on the blue and silver that scenario has changed. Now, Tom has a top-tier reciever in Moss and another big play maker in Wes Welker. When it comes to quarterbacks, neither team has the edge considering Manning and Brady are both on the same level when it comes to arm strength, wits, and competitive nature.    EDGE: EQUAL

Now, looking at the running backs can prove a little bit of a differnet story. I have to give the slight nod to the Colts considering they have the best running tandem in the NFL right now with Joseph Addai and Kenton Keith. The Patriots would have put up a little more of a fight in this category if Laurence Maroney never would have suffered an injury but an injury can slow up even the strongest of runners. Plus, the Colts use the short screen passes much more effectively than the Patriots which makes Addai a huge threat.  EDGE: COLTS

The last offensive unit I will judge is going to be the wide receivers and this one should be fun. In past years this category goes to Indianpolis without question. But with a quick glimpse at an updated roster and injury report all of a sudden ones mind can be filled with doubt. Not only will you see the Patriots sending Randy Moss and Wes Welker out wide, but you will see the Colts pro-bowl Marvin Harrison nursing an injury. Now, fortunately for Indianapolis they do have Dallas Clark who is one of the top tight ends in the NFL and the Patriots counter part to Clark, Ben Watson, has not been active. These are two teams that utilize the tight end position a lot so this category should have some asterisks surrounding it. I say, the Colts get the edge if Ben Watson is not playing but the Patriots get the edge if Marvin Harrison is still out. And if they are both out, then expect Dallas Clark to be a huge factor in this game. Not to mention how much it will help out Reggie Wayne if Peyton can get some passes off to the rookie slot receiver Anthony Gonzalez. EDGE: EQUAL

Now, for the one you all have been waiting for: defense. New England's defense has been very solid as they are usually known for but who have they really had to worry about? They have not faced a Peyton Manning or a Reggie Wayne yet and that can be a big factor. Now, the Patriots may have a little secret that I do not know about but trust me when I say you cannot simulate a Peyton Manning. Even if you are in practice with Tom Brady, you CANNOT simulate a Peyton Manning. I mean, this guy should be in a league of his own or a new position at least. A team could be made up of a quarterback, runningback, wide receiver and then a Peyton Manning. Indianapolis' defense has been playing fast and spreading the wealth (9 INT's this year by 8 different players). Led by safety Bob Sanders and defensive tackle Dwight Freeney, I am not too sure that there is any more solid of a defense than the Colts. They have done their job all year and kept opponents out of the endzone and has gotten their offense on the field as much as possible. After all, that is how you win football games is it not? But, if any defense can compete with the Colts' it would be the group of Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Asante Samuel and Rodney Harrison.  EDGE: EQUAL (with a slight Colts nod)

Please, feel free to leave your predictions for next week's Battle of the Titans....

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With all the talk of the sudden surge of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and mixed martial arts, I took it upon my self to do a little constructive research. After a short time I found hardcore proof that mixed martial arts has been around since the prehistoric age!

 

 

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As this year's World Series approaches, the Colorado Rockies of conjured up an enormous amount of hype. This championship will be the measuring stick for the Rockies entire season and rightfully so considering they made the playoffs thanks to a forced one-game playoff with the San Diego Padres. After making the playoffs, everything seemed to go the Rockies way. Colorado came into every game and series playing like they were favored to win it all from the very beginning. And if you ask any professional or minor league manager for that matter, that is the kind of mentality you must have if you expect to win. But winning 21 of their last 22 games?! That is strictly unheard of! Well, enough of the old praise of the Rockies magical season (so far) and onto my thoughts on each team and the final outcome...

Boston Red Sox-  After surviving a late season scare by the New York Yankees and pulling off a come from behind series victory over the Cleveland Indians, the stars seem to align just right for the BoSox. It seems that after the Sox most recent World Series victory that they have become the most liked and popular team in the entire MLB which allows them to draw in huge fan support. This in turn gets a lot of hype built up around Boston but the difference between the Red Sox and many other teams is that they can live up to expectations. With one of the most intimidating rotations in all of baseball and a powerhouse of a lineup, one would think it lunacy for the Sox to not win this series. But, with Tim Wakefield not making the World Serieslineup and Jacoby Elllsbury starting for Coco Crisp in center field, the Red Sox are handing Colorado a slight crutch. Wakefield may be older (41) but he has the experience necessary to pull out the big innings. Unfortunately, persistent back problems will keep Wakefield watching from the dugout.

Colorado Rockies- The biggest thing that Rockies have going for them coming into this series is obviously winning 21 of their last 22 games. But that is a fact that can also work against Colorado in the aspect that the streak must eventually end. And what better timing than in the most crucial series of the entire season? Colorado's lineup lacks a lot of experience compared to the 9 players on Boston who have played in the World Series before (3 who have won the MVP). Fortunately, the Rockies rotation has been catching fire which has been working very well with their power lineup. As long as the Rockies pitching can keep the runs low the Rockies should have no problem racking up some runs with the help of Garrett Atkins, Todd Helton, Brad Hawpe and MVP hopeful Matt Holliday.

Prediction: Red Sox in 6. I have a strong feeling that the Rockies streak has met its match in the high powered Boston offense. Not to mention the solid rotation of Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling and Daisuke.

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After one of the greatest weeks of college football upsets, this is what the newly updated BCS standings will look like. Is that USF, South Carolina and Kentucky I see in the Top 10?! With big losses on the parts of LSU and California this past week the National Championship matchup is still up in the air.

1. Ohio State
2. South Florida
3. Boston College
4. LSU
5. Oklahoma
6. South Carolina
7. Kentucky
8. Arizona State
9. West Virginia
10. Oregon
11. Virginia Tech
12. California
13. Kansas
14. USC
15. Florida
16. Missouri
17. Auburn
18. Hawaii
19. Virginia
20. Georgia

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~Four years after the record for most touchdown's by a tight end was set at 62 by Shannon Sharpe, it is finally broken by a man who very much deserves it. Kansas City tight end and 8-time pro-bowler Tony Gonzalez set the NFL record for most touchdown's by a tight end today by reeling in his 63rd. This future Hall-of-Famer also sits at #2 for receptions by a tight end (750) and yards (9,048). Congratulations Tony, this honor was well earned!

~Is there anything Brett Favre can't do? Well, he can throw more interceptions than anyoen in the NFL that's for sure! Earlier today Favre threw his 278th interception which pushes him past George Blanda for the most interceptions thrown in NFL history. uhm, congratulations Brett?!

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Hey everyone, Zach checking in for a brand new entry! I'm going to get straight to the point and talk about Philadelphia sports.

1. Phillies- Thanks for a great year guys. That is all that a true Philadelphia Phillies fan can say. There should be no aggression towards these guys for choking in the NLDS because just the fact that they kept the Mets out of the playoffs was huge! New York has an all-star lineup and had the NL East lead all year long until it came down to crunch time and Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard and Aaron Rowand stepped up big time. They should go into next year very strong but look to mix it up a little pitching wise. The starting rotation is okay but I think Moyer has to go and hopefully they can bring back Curt Schilling from Boston. There has also been talks of getting Mariano Rivera which would leave Brett Myers as the setup man (would be the top tandem in the MLB) but I doubt that happens. Jimmy deserves the MVP and all I can say is....2007 NL East Champs!

 

2. Eagles- What the hell happened? Wasn't this the Eagles team that many predicted to go to the Super Bowl? This season is already a disaster and we are only 6 weeks through. They just pulled out a close win againt the Jets and the birds look like crap. The one bright spot is in Kevin Curtis in hopes that McNabb is benched (a realization that noone is willing to welcome) and Curtis can play a huge role for Feeley or Kobb. I hate to face facts but McNabb is bringing us down. I cannot recall how many times he wastes chances in the pocket and eventually scrambles to be sacked instead of throwing the ball away. That is one of the very first thigns you learn as a quarterback; it is okay to throw the ball away. It is a much better alternative to losing 10 more yards and putting even more pressure on an already stumbling offense. And truthfully, I believe the offense is stumbling because of Donovan. Westbrook is once again proving to be an elite back and Reggie Brown can be so much more productive when the ball is actually thrown his way. Whether the majority of the blame goes on Donovan or the coachign staff is your decision but it is not playing out so well right now.

 

3. Flyers- Their season has been everything I have hoped for so far. With such a crushing performance last year I barely watched any games on TV and for the first time in awhile made it out to no games. But so far this year the orange and black are 3-1 and atop their division. Daniel Briere has proven to be everything we hoped for and Marty Biron must be a gift from heaven because he is answering our prayers. The Flyers have let up 10 goals so far this season which is the least in the entire NHL except for the Minnesota Wild (2). The overall attitude and gameplay on the ice has totally changed and now we are seeing the fast paced, hard hitting hockey that Flyers fans are used to. Let's hope this is just a preview of what the rest of the season has in store.

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I could care less if my UNC Tar Heels got the last seed in the March Madnees tourny, I'm sticking with them until the end. And for those of you that think I am a bandwagoner, you can just go search through my archives if you care that much and find my March Madness entries from when the Tar Heels last won the tourny and I predicted them to do so. Why the Tar Heels you ask? Well, I don't have an incredibly strong arguement to back up my "fandom" but then again, I have the right to like whatever team I want, right?

I guess you could call me a big fan of the old Tar Heels. I love Michael Jordan and what he obviously brought to the game of basketball so I enjoy following his college team. I also loved to watch UNC when they were being led more recentley by the likes of Sean May and Rashad McCants. And even more recentley like this very season, I am a huge fan of Tyler Hansbrough. I mean, who couldn't like a sophomore forward at 6'9" who averages 18.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game? I guess a Duke fan but come on...do you think I care what a Duke fan thinks?

From what I have seen of the brackets the Tar Heels will be the number one seed in the East Division which also contains a fan favorite in Kansas who is the #2 seed. BYU is the #5 seed who I think can possibly make some noise in this bracket if they really wanted too. So, I see UNC beating Delaware St. in their first game and probably moving on to face Villanova who will play the #9 seeded Stanford.

I will have another entry up later some time with most of, if not all of my bracketology picks...

^DUKE STINKS HAHAHA^

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Does any state in the entire country have enough order or respect for that matter to control Tennessee Titans cornerback Pacman Jones? When Jones isn't on the field displaying the incredible talent that he has, he is most likely at some nightclub causing some kind of a stir.

Of his most recent antics, Jones had $81,000 seized by police after the promoter of Minxx Gentleman's Club was caught with a bag of money that belonged to the Tennessee corner back. Supposedly, Jones had showered the dancers in the club with money as an "intent for visual effect" but didn't really expect them to take his money. Because when Chris Mitchell, the promoter of the club ordered the girls to pick up the money and they didn't, he took it upon himself to load up the cash into a plastic bag and head out the front door. Moments after Pacman realized that the money he was throwing around was missing, a huge brawl broke out in the club.

When all was said and done, Mitchell was found in his hotel room with the bag of money as well as two expensive watches in a safe. But after the melee, it is being reported that gunshots were fired in the front of the club. Police say that they saw a black man with cornrows in his hair holding a black semi-automatic handgun. One female and two security guards were hit in the shooting, one of whom unfortunately will be paralyzed for life.

Jones has not been questioned by authorities as a suspect but rather as a witness to the crime. All of this took place in Las Vegas since Pacman was in the area attending the NBA All-Star game.

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