It's March Madness time, one of the whackier couple of weeks in the sports year. This is the time of year when everyone, sports fan or not, thinks they can fill out the perfect bracket. It's when college basketball junkies can get their pants handed to them in pools by idiots who thought Xavier was just a character from 'X-Men', much less a university. I consider myself a member of the latter group; while you can probably count the number of players I can name on two hands, I always seem to come out with a pretty decent bracket. It's almost as if the more naive you are, the better your bracket will turn out.
To prove my theory, I'm going to predict this year's Cinderella, and this year's dissapointment. If you're as much of a rookie college hoops fan as I am, toss a couple teams out there too, you'll be spot on, trust me. And if you consider yourself a somewhat knowledgeble fan, then give it a shot as well so we can all laugh at you as your dignity gets swept away when your "this year's George Mason" gets pummeled by a 4 seed in the first round.
Ok, here's mine.....
Cinderella: Oklahoma State (They're coming off a big win over Oklahoma, and their first round game is against the always underachieving Tennessee.)
Flop: Wake Forest (I think they'll have no problem with Cleveland State, but after that they have to play the winner of Utah vs. Arizona. Utah is as strong as anyone out west right now, and Arizona is probably the strongest 12 seed in recent memory.)
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Haynes-worth it?
Welcome, Washington's newest $100 million man, Albert Haynesworth. You've been a godsend to Tennessee the past two seasons, but will you be the same guy for my Washington Redskins? You see, you've made my 'Skins the offseason champs once again and I'm anxious to see how you do here. Will you still be yourself when you step onto the grass Fedex Field or will the culture of underacheiving here get to you? Will you follow in the footsteps of Bruce Smith, or trip over your own feet like the dancing defensive end Jason Taylor? As much as I want to see you flourish here, I'm worried about you Albert. I'm worried about the fact that you didn't turn into the beast that you are until your contract was about to expire. I'm worried about the fact that you've been in one of the best defensive systems in all of football the past couple of years, and now you're starting over. I'm worried about a lot of things Albert, I just need to know that you're going to be the same guy you were down in Nashville.
Please don't stomp on my head,
Quinn Casteel
P.S.- What do you think about playing right tackle?
(commenters: Reply to this post from the point of view of Haynesworth.)
Please don't stomp on my head,
Quinn Casteel
P.S.- What do you think about playing right tackle?
(commenters: Reply to this post from the point of view of Haynesworth.)
A-Roid
When the first A-Rod story broke, I was, as most baseball fans were, heartbroken. As routine as it has become for big name players to have their careers tainted by performance enhancers, I've developed some pretty tough skin for that stuff, but this one is different. While I'm in no way shape or form a Yankee fan, I was very much looking forward to the day Alex Rodriguez broke Bonds' all time home run record. Obviously now it doesn't matter if he gets there or not, the record will be asterisked either way. And whether it was fair to A-Rod or not, I think the public deserved to know despite the fact that the test was supposed to be anonymous.
While I'm glad that we have the truth about A-Rod, I think everything should have stopped there. The Gammons interview was absolutely necessary because at that time we needed to know what was going on. A-Rod fessed up, told when and why he was juicing, and revealed basically everything we needed to know.
The next step was finding out exactly what he was doing, and how often he was doing it. I think that was also good to know. That press conference at the Yankees' spring training facility was another necessary step because it confirmed and cleared up some things that the public needed to know.
Since then though, things have gone downhill. To be honest, I couldn't care less who A-Rod's cousin is. We don't need to know who was sticking needles in the guy's butt, the only thing that matters is that A-Rod used steroids. I don't need to know all these random details that just drag the whole story out more. It's almost as if the media is trying to guilt trip baseball fans, and I'm not sure what to make of it. There's no doubt that what A-Rod and Tejada and all these guys was awful for the game, but criminalizing these guys to this degree isn't good for baseball either.
I don't know if we're supposed to start boycotting baseball to punish the steroid users, or what. Personally, I think the steroid era is behind us and we should all move on; not forget about it, but move on. I think the public humiliation and Hall of Fame neglect is punishment enough. I'm tired of all the national media attention being devoted to the A-Rod story; this is the best time of year for baseball fans. It's when every team in baseball looks to be poised for a World Series run. Everyone thinks this is the special year for their team, and that's a beautiful thing. I just wish we could all be focused on that stuff rather than nitpicking A-Rod's every move from '01-'03.
While I'm glad that we have the truth about A-Rod, I think everything should have stopped there. The Gammons interview was absolutely necessary because at that time we needed to know what was going on. A-Rod fessed up, told when and why he was juicing, and revealed basically everything we needed to know.
The next step was finding out exactly what he was doing, and how often he was doing it. I think that was also good to know. That press conference at the Yankees' spring training facility was another necessary step because it confirmed and cleared up some things that the public needed to know.
Since then though, things have gone downhill. To be honest, I couldn't care less who A-Rod's cousin is. We don't need to know who was sticking needles in the guy's butt, the only thing that matters is that A-Rod used steroids. I don't need to know all these random details that just drag the whole story out more. It's almost as if the media is trying to guilt trip baseball fans, and I'm not sure what to make of it. There's no doubt that what A-Rod and Tejada and all these guys was awful for the game, but criminalizing these guys to this degree isn't good for baseball either.
I don't know if we're supposed to start boycotting baseball to punish the steroid users, or what. Personally, I think the steroid era is behind us and we should all move on; not forget about it, but move on. I think the public humiliation and Hall of Fame neglect is punishment enough. I'm tired of all the national media attention being devoted to the A-Rod story; this is the best time of year for baseball fans. It's when every team in baseball looks to be poised for a World Series run. Everyone thinks this is the special year for their team, and that's a beautiful thing. I just wish we could all be focused on that stuff rather than nitpicking A-Rod's every move from '01-'03.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A Dark Knight
In a sports town where the Redskins and football are king, the other sports are just kind of an afterthought as far as publicity (not that the Wizards or Nats deserve any publicity right now). And while the Redskins are great and all, they don't really have a guy who defines Washington sports; a face of D.C. if you will.
In my opinion, almost every great sports town has a face to go with it. In Cleveland, it's LeBron James. In Boston, for the last few years it's been Tom Brady. Los Angeles has Kobe. In Seattle, it's Ichiro. Philly has Donovan McNabb (whether they like it or not). San Diego has LT. St. Louis has Albert Pujols. The list goes on. These guys are the image of their city's sports, the pride and joy of their towns.
While Washington is definately a good sports town, it lacks a hero who personifies what the city is all about. Gilbert Arenas seemed like a promising candidate for a while until his torn knee ligaments tore the hearts right out of his teammates and fans. The Redskins have a few characters like Clinton Portis, but Portis isn't quite the superstar type player that a city can build itself around. And the Nationals don't even deserve to be in this conversation; so they won't be.
I think we need to look further than football, basketball, and baseball to find the face of D.C. sports. Look at the Washington Capitals right now. They're one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference of the NHL, and they have the potential to make a serious run in the playoffs. With the football season virtually over, and the exciting portion of the basketball season still around the bend, it's the time of year (that small window of the year) to get excited about hockey; and more importantly, Alexander Ovechkin.
Ovechkin has taken the hockey world by storm over the past three years. The dude is 23 and has more hardware (3 All Star Selections, Sporting News Player of the Year, and an MVP) than most players will get in a career. And watching him at All Star weekend showed me that he has as much personality as he does talent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTNBRz94Nvg
For the most part, I'm as apathetic about hockey as the next mainstream sports fan, but I can appreciate a gem like this when I see one. Alex Ovechkin, despite the fact that he's missing a few teeth is the perfect face for Washington sports.
In my opinion, almost every great sports town has a face to go with it. In Cleveland, it's LeBron James. In Boston, for the last few years it's been Tom Brady. Los Angeles has Kobe. In Seattle, it's Ichiro. Philly has Donovan McNabb (whether they like it or not). San Diego has LT. St. Louis has Albert Pujols. The list goes on. These guys are the image of their city's sports, the pride and joy of their towns.
While Washington is definately a good sports town, it lacks a hero who personifies what the city is all about. Gilbert Arenas seemed like a promising candidate for a while until his torn knee ligaments tore the hearts right out of his teammates and fans. The Redskins have a few characters like Clinton Portis, but Portis isn't quite the superstar type player that a city can build itself around. And the Nationals don't even deserve to be in this conversation; so they won't be.
I think we need to look further than football, basketball, and baseball to find the face of D.C. sports. Look at the Washington Capitals right now. They're one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference of the NHL, and they have the potential to make a serious run in the playoffs. With the football season virtually over, and the exciting portion of the basketball season still around the bend, it's the time of year (that small window of the year) to get excited about hockey; and more importantly, Alexander Ovechkin.
Ovechkin has taken the hockey world by storm over the past three years. The dude is 23 and has more hardware (3 All Star Selections, Sporting News Player of the Year, and an MVP) than most players will get in a career. And watching him at All Star weekend showed me that he has as much personality as he does talent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTNBRz94Nvg
For the most part, I'm as apathetic about hockey as the next mainstream sports fan, but I can appreciate a gem like this when I see one. Alex Ovechkin, despite the fact that he's missing a few teeth is the perfect face for Washington sports.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Who do the Cardinals think they are, the Giants?
Kurt Warner is washed up. So is Edge James. They have no defense. No offensive line. Their style of play will never work in the playoffs. They can't win without Boldin. They're horrible on the road, especially the East Coast. They backed into the playoffs anyway, the NFC West was less competitive than the Pac 10. All of these things have been said a million times about the Arizona Cardinals in the past couple weeks. And at the time, they all seemed very reasonable. I'm not saying I didn't say any of that stuff either because I'm sure I did.
Warner and the boys have done nothing but prove us all wrong this postseason with convincing wins against two awesome teams from the NFC South, the best division in football in terms of number of wins. In fact, the Cardinals victory in Charlotte this weekend over the Panthers was Carolina's first loss at home all year (and who says they can't travel?). Of course there's no doubt as to who the hottest team still alive right is now; the lovable Red Birds. After a hot start, locking up the division title ridiculously early, they limped into the playoffs playing probably their worst football of the season. They lost three of their final five regular season games being outscored 41-130 in a trio of "Ram-like" contests.
Right now, Arizona is doing it just like the Giants did last year. Every game they win is "just a fluke; they'll lose for sure when they play (insert NFC juggernaut here)." And the playoff Cardinals are actually a spitting image of the '07 playoff Giants. Like Eli did last year, Warner has handled the ball well, limiting his turnovers and letting his playmakers do the heavylifting. Larry Fitzgerald has looked an awful lot like Plaxico Burress did last year, making huge plays whenever his is numbered called (which is alot. 14 catches in 2 postseason games). The offensive line has played way beyond their talent level, paving the way for the well-rested Edgerin James and rookie Tim Hightower en route to 115.5 yards per game on the ground which is up from just 73.6 a game during the regular season. And how about that defense? The lethal combination of Dockett and Berry is starting to look an awful lot like Strahan and Umenyiora.
I think the Cardinals have what it takes to do what the Giants did last year. They have all the tools; not to mention they're going up against Philadelphia, the "NFC Championship Choke Artists" as Cole Hamels would put it. So, why not the Cardinals? What's stopping them from beating Pittsburgh or Baltimore in the Super Bowl?
Warner and the boys have done nothing but prove us all wrong this postseason with convincing wins against two awesome teams from the NFC South, the best division in football in terms of number of wins. In fact, the Cardinals victory in Charlotte this weekend over the Panthers was Carolina's first loss at home all year (and who says they can't travel?). Of course there's no doubt as to who the hottest team still alive right is now; the lovable Red Birds. After a hot start, locking up the division title ridiculously early, they limped into the playoffs playing probably their worst football of the season. They lost three of their final five regular season games being outscored 41-130 in a trio of "Ram-like" contests.
Right now, Arizona is doing it just like the Giants did last year. Every game they win is "just a fluke; they'll lose for sure when they play (insert NFC juggernaut here)." And the playoff Cardinals are actually a spitting image of the '07 playoff Giants. Like Eli did last year, Warner has handled the ball well, limiting his turnovers and letting his playmakers do the heavylifting. Larry Fitzgerald has looked an awful lot like Plaxico Burress did last year, making huge plays whenever his is numbered called (which is alot. 14 catches in 2 postseason games). The offensive line has played way beyond their talent level, paving the way for the well-rested Edgerin James and rookie Tim Hightower en route to 115.5 yards per game on the ground which is up from just 73.6 a game during the regular season. And how about that defense? The lethal combination of Dockett and Berry is starting to look an awful lot like Strahan and Umenyiora.
I think the Cardinals have what it takes to do what the Giants did last year. They have all the tools; not to mention they're going up against Philadelphia, the "NFC Championship Choke Artists" as Cole Hamels would put it. So, why not the Cardinals? What's stopping them from beating Pittsburgh or Baltimore in the Super Bowl?
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Schmeltics
One of the few NBA games I was able to watch over winter break was the game in which the Lakers snapped the Celtics 19 game winning streak on Christmas day. (It was actually quite a Christmas day doubleheader for ESPN; San Antonio beat Phoenix with a three at the buzzer yet again in game one) Anyway, the Celtic-Laker game was by no means a blowout; in fact, both teams looked pretty good. To me it seemed like a heavyweight battle between arguably the two best teams in the NBA and the Lakers simply outplayed Boston in front of a stadium full of fans who wanted nothing for Christmas except a little revenge on Beantown.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I lost no respect for the Celtics after the loss; I mean, losing to the defending Western Conference champion by 9 on their home court is nothing to hang your head about. Even if you are the defending champ.
After the game, I thought about doing a post asking about when the next loss would be. I'm sure I would have been in the majority when I said like 8-10 games from then. Boy am I glad I didn't follow through with that post because I would have looked like a complete idiot. (Boston lost to Golden State the following night, 99-89)
Since the Laker game, the Celtics have only beaten two teams; Sacramento and Washington (which doesn't take much these days) And while they have lost to a couple of quality teams like the Rockets and the Cavs just last night, they have a couple horrific losses in that stretch as well in the Knicks and Bobcats (Ew).
Point is, the champs are struggling right now and there are a lot of 'explanations' out there, but no one can really figure out what is going wrong?
Some say the Big Three (or as Scott Van Pelt would say, "The Boston Three Party") are getting old, so they're burnt out right now. I say nay to that argument; I mean, these guys are pros, they've been doing this forever. They know how to take care of their bodies, and all three of them are notorious iron men. If anything, it's the young guys who are used to playing 35 games a year rather than 82+ that would be getting burnt out in my opinion. Pierce, Allen, and Garnett have 10+ years of experience each so I figure by now, they know how to get through an NBA season.
In my humble opinion, Rajon Rondo is the kiss of death for the Celtics; when he plays well, they hit on all cylinders; they have essentially a big four when he's on. But when he's off, he's simply a liability. He turns the ball over a lot, and is not a scorer by any stretch of the imagination. In the eight games since the loss to L.A, Rondo has scored less than five points in four of them; and he averaged over 30 minutes in those contests. Now, point guards don't have to do a lot of scoring, especially on a team like the Celtics but being that feeble a shooter allows defenses to leave him alone and simply key on the Big Three. That's why guys like Jason Kidd and Steve Nash are so great; they're always looking to distribute but if teams play off of them, they'll hit the open three until the opponent puts someone on them. Rondo just hasn't been able to do that; he has no jump shot, and he's shooting 64% from the free throw line which isn't very good for a guy his size.
To me, it's Rondo's struggles that have put a damper on the Celtics. Sure, KG and Pierce have been off their games too but who wouldn't struggle when you have two guys on you because your point guard can't hit an open jumper. I never thought I'd say this but Stephon Marbury wouldn't be a bad pickup; if he feels like playing that is.
Commenters of the Lasso sports blog, why has Boston gone from 20something-2 to losing six of eight games? Is it the Big Three getting old? Rondo? They're depressed because the Patriots didn't make the playoffs? Enlighten me.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I lost no respect for the Celtics after the loss; I mean, losing to the defending Western Conference champion by 9 on their home court is nothing to hang your head about. Even if you are the defending champ.
After the game, I thought about doing a post asking about when the next loss would be. I'm sure I would have been in the majority when I said like 8-10 games from then. Boy am I glad I didn't follow through with that post because I would have looked like a complete idiot. (Boston lost to Golden State the following night, 99-89)
Since the Laker game, the Celtics have only beaten two teams; Sacramento and Washington (which doesn't take much these days) And while they have lost to a couple of quality teams like the Rockets and the Cavs just last night, they have a couple horrific losses in that stretch as well in the Knicks and Bobcats (Ew).
Point is, the champs are struggling right now and there are a lot of 'explanations' out there, but no one can really figure out what is going wrong?
Some say the Big Three (or as Scott Van Pelt would say, "The Boston Three Party") are getting old, so they're burnt out right now. I say nay to that argument; I mean, these guys are pros, they've been doing this forever. They know how to take care of their bodies, and all three of them are notorious iron men. If anything, it's the young guys who are used to playing 35 games a year rather than 82+ that would be getting burnt out in my opinion. Pierce, Allen, and Garnett have 10+ years of experience each so I figure by now, they know how to get through an NBA season.
In my humble opinion, Rajon Rondo is the kiss of death for the Celtics; when he plays well, they hit on all cylinders; they have essentially a big four when he's on. But when he's off, he's simply a liability. He turns the ball over a lot, and is not a scorer by any stretch of the imagination. In the eight games since the loss to L.A, Rondo has scored less than five points in four of them; and he averaged over 30 minutes in those contests. Now, point guards don't have to do a lot of scoring, especially on a team like the Celtics but being that feeble a shooter allows defenses to leave him alone and simply key on the Big Three. That's why guys like Jason Kidd and Steve Nash are so great; they're always looking to distribute but if teams play off of them, they'll hit the open three until the opponent puts someone on them. Rondo just hasn't been able to do that; he has no jump shot, and he's shooting 64% from the free throw line which isn't very good for a guy his size.
To me, it's Rondo's struggles that have put a damper on the Celtics. Sure, KG and Pierce have been off their games too but who wouldn't struggle when you have two guys on you because your point guard can't hit an open jumper. I never thought I'd say this but Stephon Marbury wouldn't be a bad pickup; if he feels like playing that is.
Commenters of the Lasso sports blog, why has Boston gone from 20something-2 to losing six of eight games? Is it the Big Three getting old? Rondo? They're depressed because the Patriots didn't make the playoffs? Enlighten me.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hardware
For the first time in a while, there is not a unanimous choice for the NFL's MVP award. In 2007, Tom Brady had it locked up since the first effortless bomb to Randy Moss in week one. In '06, LT led his team to a 14-2 while breaking the single season rushing touchdown record with 28; a record that had been set the previous season by the 2005 MVP, Shaun Alexander.
This year, no one player has set themselves apart from the pack, leaving the race for MVP wide open. Kurt Warner, Kerry Collins, and Brett Favre were the cute picks a few weeks ago, but as their teams have cooled off, so have they. Despite leading his team to their first division championship in decades, the Cardinals sit at a pedestrian 8-6 in the worst division in football making Warner's bid a little less legit. Over the past couple weeks Collins is looking more like the mistake prone, immobile quarterback we all know and love, and the novelty of Brett Favre in a Jet uniform has worn off ever since those back-to-back losses to Denver and San Fransisco.
Since the veteran quarterback craze has died down, the new front runners have become Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning..... boring...
Since no one is obligated to the award this year, I say give it to a guy who doesn't play QB or running back; someone who has been valuable to their team without throwing for the most yards or running for the most touchdowns. Here are my 'cute' picks for MVP:
1. Albert Haynesworth (DT, Tennessee): Okay, so he's not a hidden gem anymore but what he does from the defensive tackle position is amazing. Tennessee has the 3rd ranked defense in the NFL this year, and Haynesworth deserves a lot of the credit for that. He draws a double team on every play, creating opportunities for his linebackers and defensive backs in addition to putting up some pretty monstrous numbers of his own (8.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 51 tackles from the DT spot through 15 weeks). Haynesworth hurt his MCL this week, and will miss the last two games of the regular season; watch Tennessee's game this week against the Steelers and you'll see how valuable this guy is when the Titans let fast Willie Parker go right through the middle of their defense.
2. Anquan Boldin (WR, Arizona): If you busted your face open and had to get metal plates and screws put into your head in addition to hours of surgery to essentially re-insert your jaw after it had been almost completely dislocated, how many weeks of football do you think you would have to miss? Anquan Boldin missed two. Boldin's recovery from what was probably the most vicious hit of the season gave new meaning to the word resilient, and there's no doubt it gave a huge spark to the Cardinal's, especially Kurt Warner who contemplated retirement right after the injury. In addition to Boldin's emotional value, he was also one of the team's most reliable players; especially in the red zone. Despite missing the two games, through 15 weeks Boldin leads all NFL receivers in touchdowns with 11, ranks fourth in receptions with 89,and tenth in yardage with 1038.
3. Alan Faneca/Steve Hutchinson (OG, New York Jets, Minnesota): Since these two guys are so similar, Hutchinson and Faneca could share the award like Steve McNair and Peyton Manning did in '03. These are hands down the best run blockers in all of football; wherever they go, a great running game follows. Hutchinson cleared holes for the aforementioned Shaun Alexander for years before bringing his game to Minnesota where Adrian "All Day" Peterson has emerged as one of the best running backs in the game. Faneca paved the way for Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker en route to a Super Bowl win for the Steelers before heading to New York where Thomas Jones (the same Thomas Jones who struggled for years in Arizona and Chicago) has been selected as the starting running back for the AFC Pro Bowl squad. Coincidence? I think not.
4. Troy Polamalu (S, Pittsburgh): Polamalu is the heart and soul of the #1 ranked Pittsburgh defense. All he does is make plays; to the tune of four straight games with an interception (7 total interceptions). The only Steeler getting any consideration for MVP right now is Ben Roethlisburger because he apparently 'wins games'. Frankly, if it weren't for Polamalu and the defense keeping Pittsburgh in games, Big Ben would never even have the chance to be the 'hero'. I mean, how heroic is a guy who doesn't even find the end zone until he's in the two minute drill in a 9-6 game? Polamalu > Roethlisburger
5. Michael Turner (RB, Atlanta): Okay, yeah, he's a running back but he's arguably the best free agent signing of the off season, "Turner the Burner" has lived up to his name; actually not really, it should be more like "Turner the Churner" (or maybe not). But the point is, he went from being one of the best backups in the league behind LaDainian Tomlinson to one of the premier workhorses. Turner is just one of many great stories happening in Atlanta right now (Matt Ryan, John Abraham, Mike Smith just for starters) and he is currently leading the NFL in touchdowns with 15. He plays a full game better than anyone (to the dissapointment of Jerious Norwood) and has the ability to carry the Falcons on his back when needed. Without Turner taking all the pressure off, there is no way Matt Ryan would be having the type of season he is, thus making him VALUABLE.
As far as coach of the year, I would have to be boring and say Tony Dungy. Not a lot of guys can stay calm after that bad of a start (the Colts started 3-4 before reeling off seven straight wins). Dungy deserves all the credit in the world for the win streak they're on right now, and I think it will carry over to the playoffs. The Colts of old seem to be back.
Who are your 'cute' MVP choices? How about what coach has done the best job this season?
This year, no one player has set themselves apart from the pack, leaving the race for MVP wide open. Kurt Warner, Kerry Collins, and Brett Favre were the cute picks a few weeks ago, but as their teams have cooled off, so have they. Despite leading his team to their first division championship in decades, the Cardinals sit at a pedestrian 8-6 in the worst division in football making Warner's bid a little less legit. Over the past couple weeks Collins is looking more like the mistake prone, immobile quarterback we all know and love, and the novelty of Brett Favre in a Jet uniform has worn off ever since those back-to-back losses to Denver and San Fransisco.
Since the veteran quarterback craze has died down, the new front runners have become Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning..... boring...
Since no one is obligated to the award this year, I say give it to a guy who doesn't play QB or running back; someone who has been valuable to their team without throwing for the most yards or running for the most touchdowns. Here are my 'cute' picks for MVP:
1. Albert Haynesworth (DT, Tennessee): Okay, so he's not a hidden gem anymore but what he does from the defensive tackle position is amazing. Tennessee has the 3rd ranked defense in the NFL this year, and Haynesworth deserves a lot of the credit for that. He draws a double team on every play, creating opportunities for his linebackers and defensive backs in addition to putting up some pretty monstrous numbers of his own (8.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 51 tackles from the DT spot through 15 weeks). Haynesworth hurt his MCL this week, and will miss the last two games of the regular season; watch Tennessee's game this week against the Steelers and you'll see how valuable this guy is when the Titans let fast Willie Parker go right through the middle of their defense.
2. Anquan Boldin (WR, Arizona): If you busted your face open and had to get metal plates and screws put into your head in addition to hours of surgery to essentially re-insert your jaw after it had been almost completely dislocated, how many weeks of football do you think you would have to miss? Anquan Boldin missed two. Boldin's recovery from what was probably the most vicious hit of the season gave new meaning to the word resilient, and there's no doubt it gave a huge spark to the Cardinal's, especially Kurt Warner who contemplated retirement right after the injury. In addition to Boldin's emotional value, he was also one of the team's most reliable players; especially in the red zone. Despite missing the two games, through 15 weeks Boldin leads all NFL receivers in touchdowns with 11, ranks fourth in receptions with 89,and tenth in yardage with 1038.
3. Alan Faneca/Steve Hutchinson (OG, New York Jets, Minnesota): Since these two guys are so similar, Hutchinson and Faneca could share the award like Steve McNair and Peyton Manning did in '03. These are hands down the best run blockers in all of football; wherever they go, a great running game follows. Hutchinson cleared holes for the aforementioned Shaun Alexander for years before bringing his game to Minnesota where Adrian "All Day" Peterson has emerged as one of the best running backs in the game. Faneca paved the way for Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker en route to a Super Bowl win for the Steelers before heading to New York where Thomas Jones (the same Thomas Jones who struggled for years in Arizona and Chicago) has been selected as the starting running back for the AFC Pro Bowl squad. Coincidence? I think not.
4. Troy Polamalu (S, Pittsburgh): Polamalu is the heart and soul of the #1 ranked Pittsburgh defense. All he does is make plays; to the tune of four straight games with an interception (7 total interceptions). The only Steeler getting any consideration for MVP right now is Ben Roethlisburger because he apparently 'wins games'. Frankly, if it weren't for Polamalu and the defense keeping Pittsburgh in games, Big Ben would never even have the chance to be the 'hero'. I mean, how heroic is a guy who doesn't even find the end zone until he's in the two minute drill in a 9-6 game? Polamalu > Roethlisburger
5. Michael Turner (RB, Atlanta): Okay, yeah, he's a running back but he's arguably the best free agent signing of the off season, "Turner the Burner" has lived up to his name; actually not really, it should be more like "Turner the Churner" (or maybe not). But the point is, he went from being one of the best backups in the league behind LaDainian Tomlinson to one of the premier workhorses. Turner is just one of many great stories happening in Atlanta right now (Matt Ryan, John Abraham, Mike Smith just for starters) and he is currently leading the NFL in touchdowns with 15. He plays a full game better than anyone (to the dissapointment of Jerious Norwood) and has the ability to carry the Falcons on his back when needed. Without Turner taking all the pressure off, there is no way Matt Ryan would be having the type of season he is, thus making him VALUABLE.
As far as coach of the year, I would have to be boring and say Tony Dungy. Not a lot of guys can stay calm after that bad of a start (the Colts started 3-4 before reeling off seven straight wins). Dungy deserves all the credit in the world for the win streak they're on right now, and I think it will carry over to the playoffs. The Colts of old seem to be back.
Who are your 'cute' MVP choices? How about what coach has done the best job this season?
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