Things That Will Happen During Super Bowl Sunday...

Oh, you thought I wasn't going to give you a Super Bowl post? Come on now...today I'll be identifying those things that will happen during Super Bowl Sunday, if I'm wrong...well, I really don't care. LOL.

- Someone will come to a Super Bowl party wearing a jersey of a team NOT in the actual Super Bowl..."Fam, you do realize that Dallas didn't even MAKE the playoffs right?" (I'm going to get in trouble for using the Cowboys as a reference...LMAO)

- Someone will come to a Super Bowl party saying that they've been Arizona Cardinals fans FOR LIFE! Really? You just have happened to live in Ohio all your childhood and adult life and your a die-hard Cardinals fan? Do me a favor and go run into oncoming traffic.

- Edgerrin James will not run for 100 yards. I'm pretty much willing to bet my life on this, however, since I value my life like none other how about I bet your life on it. If Edgerrin James runs for 100 yards, that means that half of the Steelers defense must've seen Reischa Canidate on the sidelines giving an update to the booth. Oh boy.

- Understand that the NBC telecast will gush on and on about Ben Roethlisberger, Larry Fitzgerald, Hines Ward, and Kurt Warner. I'm just preparing you for this ahead of time, remember that most of you that read this are more than just casual fans. Remember than your mothers will be watching this game and don't know that Warner's an old fogey and Hines Ward is half-Korean. Just deal with it.


- Realize that half of the Super Bowl commercials will be really funny. (I am really looking forward to the new Bud Bowl commercial. How can you not get excited over beer bottles playing a game of football?) Conversely, half of the Super Bowl commercials will really suck.

- If you attend a Super Bowl party, there will be people there not that interested in the Super Bowl. Or they will say ridiculous things like, "OMG, do you see that coach? He looks like Omar Epps??!?!?" or "Girl, do you see all that hair coming out of #43's helmet or #11's helmet? Can they pull that? I wish a b*tch would try and pull out my Yaki #2b." Kindly ask them to keep their conversations to a mild roar or escort them off the premises. I'm so serious.

- If you are a fan of the Steelers or the Cardinals and your team loses on Sunday. God help you. Pretty much, don't watch the SportsCenter or ESPN in general for the next 3 weeks and hope that the NBA All-Star Game gets here fast enough so Kenny Mayne and Stu Scott (frat) have something else to talk about.

- Someone not named Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, Kurt Warner, or Larry Fitzgerald will win the Super Bowl MVP. I'd go Willie Parker first, Karlos Dansby second, Anquan Boldin third.

- Do know that they will talk about Steelers DB Ryan Clark and the massive hits he has had on Willis McGahee and Wes Welker roughly 38 times during the game. I absolutely have no problem with this whatsoever.



- Its inevitable that almost every black person will tune out when Bruce Springsteen performs at the Super Bowl. As a matter of fact, black people haven't been excited about any performers at the Super Bowl since Janet's teet popping off and Prince sweating out his perm a couple of years ago.

- Finally, let it be duly noted that if for anything else have fun during Super Bowl 43, and lets hope that Arizona and Pittsburgh play a great game.

What's that? Prediction? Oh, you want a prediction huh...ok I'll give you one.

Arizona 34, Pittsburgh 30

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

Four-Point Play

ONE - Who Will Be Left Off of the NBA All-Star Team?

There’s truly only one person that I want to get a spot on the reserve team, and that is The Underrated and Underappreciated Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz. This year, it’s bound to be tough, because you have to find a spot for Tony Parker, and I’m inclined to think Chauncey Billups will get the other point guard spot. If he gets robbed again, I may end up boycotting this damn game, altogether.

TWO - Who is the Real Number One in College Basketball?

Duke is the fourth team this season to be ranked number one (the previous three were UNC, Pittsburgh, and Wake Forest). However, after taking the loss on Wednesday to Wake Forest, there will be another NEW #1 in the nation. There’s no telling who could be at the top of the polls, come Sunday. Now that Duke slipped, Wake Forest, UConn and Oklahoma is now waiting in the wings to take over the number one spot.

THREE - The Prototype: Who Are Some of the Baddest Women Covering Sports?

I got the chance to watch First Take this morning, and it was the first time I have seen Sage Steele on camera. Needless to say, I instantly fell in love again. She goes on the list with Lisa Salters, Pam Oliver, the lady on Fox NFL Sunday (Jillian Anderson, I wanna say), and a few others I’ve noticed over the years who cover sports. It takes much more than being a pretty face; you have to truly know what you’re doing, and these women certainly do (this will be a full-length article on this topic down the road).

AND 1 - Super Bowl Sunday: Where’s the Party At?

The Super Bowl is good for many things, one of which is to party. I’m the type that likes to be around a lot of people on Super Sunday, but I pay more attention to the game than anything else. At the moment, it looks like I’ll be watching it at one of the unofficial frat houses in my area. With that being said, there are bound to be people who will be there to engage in other activities as well. Whatever you decide to do, have a great time doing it, but remember what brought us all together. Besides, after the 1st, there will be no more football until September (I’m getting sick just thinking about it). Be easy.

-K. Masenda
www.edthesportsfan.com

ETSF's NBA Awards at the Half...

KD35 will RULE the 10's (that's 2010's), believe it...
Wow, we are past the halfway mark already in the NBA. Lets take a step back and reflect on the season thus far. Oh, and I'm pretty sure some of you will be mad at me again for this post, I'm used to it, I'll be ok :D

MVP: Dwyane Wade (From Kenny Masenda on 1/22) With all due respect to LeBron James, he is not the first-half MVP. That honor goes to none other than The Great Dwyane Wade (and yes, I am calling him great. When you channel your inner-Jordan, and lead a team to four straight wins in the Finals, you are great in my eyes, but we can elaborate on that another day). His supporting cast is nowhere near as good as LeBron’s, but not only are the Heat in the playoff hunt, they have already passed their entire win total from their God-awful previous season. He already has the complete package offensively, and has committed himself to playing defense this season. I’m not saying this Miami Heat team will win it all, but they’ll make it rough on anyone in the playoffs, and that has a great deal to do with the play of Wade.

Think about it this way, he and the Heat are doing it with a rookie PG and no center. Respect is due for Flash.

Runners-up: Kevin Durant (Ed's choice), Tim Duncan and Chris Paul.

Rookie of the Year: Russell Westbrook. Huh? Shouldn't this be Derrick Rose, or at least O.J. Mayo? Yeah, probably so. However, after a horrendous 3-29 start and a firing of P.J. Carl-is-a-hoe. The OKC Thunder are 7-6. Yes, you read that correctly, 7-6. You realize that the Thunder are playing their way out of getting Blake Griffin, right? Part of the reason is Westbrook, who while playing less minutes than Mayo and Rose (37 to 30) is averaging 14, 5, and 5 for the season, plus with new coach Scott Brooks he's averaging 17 per. His case is just as made as Rose's, who's team only has 18 wins, and Mayo's team only has 11 wins.

Runners-up: Rose, Mayo, Brook Lopez, Marc Gasol.

Coach of the Year: Mike Woodson. Stan Van Gunday should probably get this award at the half, but think about the Hawks...they were a horrible 8-seed who took the C's to the absolute brink last season. Then, they actually BUILT on that success. No one wants to see Atlanta in the first round as I think Boston, Cleveland, and Orlando would all struggle to beat Atlanta in 7.

Runners-up: George Karl, Stan Van Gundy.

Most Improved Player: Shaquille O'Neal - Big Shaq is hitting free throws. That in itself would get him the award from me. Over the last month, he's averaged 21.4 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.9 blocks, 62% FG, AND 69% FT!!! Good GOD! Is he playing for Orlando again? LA? What the hell is going on in Phoenix. Oh, and he's kissing cats again.

Runners-up: Devin Harris, Paul Millsap, and Chris Duhon.


Sixth Man: Jason Terry - Besides Dirk, he is the offense for the Mavs. Averaging 20 and 4 a game off the bench! Also, I'm probably a bit biased of Jet, since I'm a big Arizona fan. Plus, the cat does the "Jet Wings" when he makes big plays and wears the headband and high-knee socks like I used to. (Except he's much, MUCH smaller than me.)

Runners-up: Manu Ginobili, Andrei Kirilenko, J.R. Smith, Charlie Villanueva

Most Outstanding Player: Tie, Danny Granger & Kevin Durant - I would say this is different that the MVP, and with that being said, this honor easily could've went to LeBron. However, with all due respect, you talk about balling out of control with no help? These two are doing it the most. Al Jefferson probably finished 3rd in this vote, but these dudes are doing it all. Granger's been on a tear all season, averaging 26 & 5 per game, with the additional steal and block per as well. All while Dunleavy was out, no post game in sight, and virtually no bench. To me, he plays how Pippen did when Jordan retired for a year and a half. Great defender (Granger's averaging 1.4 blocks/per and 1 steal/per) with deadly range on his jumper (2.6 3's/per). He's clearly defined himself as THE man in Indy, if they can get a legitimate post presence, then he could be All-World, an Olympian, and pushing the Pacers to greater heights.

Then, there's Durant. Kevin Durant is 20 years old. He's younger than OJ Mayo. Think about that. He's serving cats right now in relative obscurity in OKC. Yet, he's averaging 25 and 6 per, and has great shooting percentages (47% FG, 43% 3pt, and 86% FT). What's his peak? Bill Simmons on ESPN touched on it yesterday, and he's dead on. Most athletes reach their peak at 25-29. He's 20!!! Where does he go from here? 30 per game? 33? 38? Does he end up shooting 50%, 52%, 55% FG? 50% from 3pt? 90+% from FT? I'll tell you this, the Thunder need to shut him down for the season so they can get Blake Griffin. The Thunder might be for real in 2010, its scary to think about.


Best Team: The Los Angeles Lakers - If you know ETSF by now, you know that he doesn't like Kobe. However, Kobe and Co. have led this team to playing the best in the first half. They have played a large amount of games at home, but they've been winning the big games against the best teams in the league. Celtics, Cavs, Magic, Spurs. Victories against all of them. However, I think what makes this team great are the big men, with Gasol leading the way. He takes so much pressure of Kob its ridiculous. Throw in the hyper-active big man Andrew Bynum and multi-faceted Odom and they're loaded. Their frontline is what makes LA very good, and the shot-making ability of Kobe makes them great. Am I wrong?

YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE? AM I NUTS? EMAIL US OR LEAVE A COMMENT, THANKS!

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

Could the G-Men Replace Plax with Anquan?

(From ESPN Insider) While some players explicitly stated it and others just hinted at it, the New York Giants certainly missed wide receiver Plaxico Burress during the final few weeks of the 2008 season and in their playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. According to Gary Myers of the New York Daily News, they might find a solution by looking to Burress' offseason workout buddy.

Anquan Boldin had been upset with the Arizona Cardinals leadership since the team reneged on upgrading his contract before the 2008 season, and his well-publicized escapades during the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship game and afterwards certainly did nothing to endear him to the team or its fans. Boldin is due $2.75 and $3 million over the next two seasons, a figure the Giants could easily cover.

At 6'1", Boldin lacks the vertical size that Burress brings to the game at 6'5", but he is known around the league as one of the most physical wide receivers and earned quite a bit of respect by returning to game action just three weeks after suffering two facial fractures against the New York Jets.

In spite of the speculation as to his future in 2009 and beyond, Boldin was unwilling to comment on the rumors, saying, "Thinking about what somebody else needs and what somebody else wants doesn't help me at all. I'm here to win a Super Bowl and that's it."

I wonder if Anquan isn't the only WR option that would be a great fit for the Giants. I could easily see TJ "Who's Ya Mama?" Houshmandzadeh donning the red, white, and blue. Or, what about this...KEEP PLAXICO BURRESS??? There's no one that can guard #17 except for a gun holster. LMAO! Ok I'll stop...I kid, I kid.

WHAT SHOULD THE GIANTS DO? RESIGN #17, OR GO GET AN ANQUAN, TJ, CHAD, OR JUST DRAFT A TOP END RECEIVER?

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

Unsportsmanlike Conduct - 12 Men On The Field...

Mama said knock you out...
12 Men On The Field - Every Monday, Ed The Sports Fan brings you the 12 biggest names over the past week so that you can be thoroughly entertained like when Ed makes a top 10 best RB list of all-time (based on stats only) and Ed gets actual hate mail! LOL! (no i'm serious, someone sent me a letter...)

1. Allen Iverson makes the All-Star team – WTF? I know some of these cats got fans like none other (see Carter, Vince & McGrady, Tracy) but come on man. Ivo ain't even getting 4th quarter minutes at this point. The sad thing is, BRUCE BOWEN almost started for the West. He was only 30,000 votes behind. Trust, that would've been the worst All-Star game of all-time. Somebody woulda got check-hooked ala Money Mayweather.

2. To Maryland PG Greivis Vasquez...STFU! – Before getting ready to have the Maryland Terrapins square up in their annual battle with the now #1 Duke Blue Devils. Vasquez decides to tell the nation that Cameron Indoor (where Duke plays) is "his house." Good god...I hate Duke and I ain't that dumb. Final Score: Duke 85, Maryland 44. YO GREIVIS, STFU!

3. Sugar Shane Mosley got sweet on 4. Antonio Margarito Man, this was an annihilation. Defending WBA Champion Antonio Margarito was on top of the world, he had defeated the previous #1 title holder in the world in Miguel Cotto (my dude) and was now getting the respect he craved. Then two things happened, Shane Mosley and a great trainer. Shane's trainer (longtime B-Hop trainer Nazeem Richardson) spotted something unusual in Margarito's wrapping of his hands. They found a hard plastic pad and a plaster paris concoction that when wet, would essentially turn his hands into bricks. WTF! So, they had to re-wrap his hands and get him legal. What then ensued was Mosley wiping the floor with Margarito. Makes you wonder if he's been doing this in the past. Mosley is the new champion at 147.

5. Learn the name, Fedor Emelianenko - I'm not the biggest fan of MMA, I'm a boxing loyalist to a fault. But as the saying goes, kicking ass and taking names has never went outta style. Andrei Arlovsky was his foe, who got dropped almost in disturbing fashion. Emelianenko's 36-second destruction of Tim Sylvia in July left many people wanting to see more, but after Emelianenko's domination of Arlovsky, he left no doubt that might be the best heavyweight in MMA. Don't say I didn't let you know first.

6. The Smash & Dash Battle. Carolina vs. Tennessee – If you didn't see this on the Best Damn! LenDale White went toe to toe with Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart (evidently Chris Johnson couldn't make it) to battle on who is the real Smash & Dash. Evidently, LenDale (my dude) felt he got "swagger-jacked..." oh LenDale lol...check it out...


7. Bucks G Michael Redd, out for the season. - For the Bucks, this is a major blow, as the face of the franchise and #1 scorer have been lost till 2009-10. The Olympian will now face a serious rehab just to make it back for the start of the season, and Milwaukee's slim playoff chances are pretty much dashed at this point. Can we say, lottery bound?

8. Duke vs. Wake Forest, Wednesday night – Game of the week, make sure you get in front of a TV and watch it. You know I hate Duke, lets go Demon Deacons. (What kind of name is that by the way?)

9. Manny Pacquiao signs deal to fight Ricky Hatton - Lot of fight information in the "12 Men" post this week, but this is a good thing for boxing. After initially being whiny about not getting the bigger split, Pacquiao signed the deal to fight Ricky "I bring half of the UK to Las Vegas" Hatton to fight May 2nd. Its gonna be a slobberknocker, might just have to go to Vegas myself. Oh boy.

10. Joe Torre blasts the Yankees - Just the fact that they quoted him saying, "Yeah, the guys in the locker room used to refer to Alex Rodriguez as "A-Fraud" is sheer hilarity to me. Will be buying that book, lol.

11. Is Andrew Bynum really that good? - I think that's going to be the biggest factor in the 2nd half, as he's been balling out of control lately. I still don't see them, the LA Lakers that is, winning it all. I've got my money out East on the Celtics and the Cavaliers winner taking home the 'chip. Am I nuts?


12. Unsportsmanlike Conduct, to the obscene amount of media coverage that will begin this week, SUPER BOWL XLIII – I'm just saying, this past week has been kinda slow. SportsCenter does one or two features per show, nothing over the top for real. But this week here, this week right here? This is gonna be information overload. Larry Fitzgerald this, Ben Roethlisberger that, Kurt Warner here, Troy Polamalu there. On and on and on it shall go, but it'll all be worth it on February 1st. Cardinals vs. Steelers, who you got?

It should be a great week this week, stay tuned for the 1st half NBA review, preparing for All-Star weekend in Phoenix, and Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa. Get at me!

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

A Note From ETSF About The Top 10 RBs and More...

Wow...

Who knew...who knew you could get so many people mad at me by writing 2,000 words of research-based information on a website. LOL. I want to apologize to anyone older than 55 years old who happens to read ETSF, and I knew better, but Lenny Moore should've DEFINITELY made the top 10. 4.8 yards per carry, 16.6 yards per reception are a couple of interesting stats to bring up of the all-purpose tailback for the then Baltimore Colts. This has been an interesting experience...

If you don't know, just scroll down to the "Real Top 10 RB's of All-Time" list just below this post. Its a ball-buster. I just wanted to reiterate that the article was based on performance per game on the field. It was tough, in my heart I didn't want to leave OJ Simpson off the list. I did want to leave Emmitt Smith off the list because I've always felt he was overrated. Why? Well look at Edgerrin James and Terrell Davis. They were in similar highly productive offenses who's "offensive lines" and "quarterback play" were at a very high level. All of those teams, the mid to late 90's Broncos & the early 00's Colts had a great balance on offense, just like Emmitt in Dallas, and I believe that had an adverse affect on their rushing totals. In fact, their numbers would suggest that they were MORE productive, thus the placing on the list.


The factor of touchdowns on the list - It was hard to factor touchdowns on the list, and in retrospect I probably should've factored it in more (I'm a man I'm 40...I mean, I'm 25! I make mistakes occasionally) but the touchdown is interesting to rate. In fantasy football, it makes all the difference. LenDale White (my dude) was great in fantasy football this year, but he's not even the best back on his team (Chris Johnson) yet he's the "beneficiary" of the touchdown. Mike Alstott was the same way, yet Warrick Dunn put in all that work to get Tampa Bay down the field. Even Bettis in his later years had Fast Willie putting in that work. Shaun Alexander anyone???

I will put out an additional list on ETSF's 10 most talented backs, because there is a difference. What you saw posted on Friday was sheer yardage (per carry, rushing & scrimmage yards/game) what you'll see below is, "If you could pick 10 backs for your all-time team, who would you take?"

10. Emmitt Smith
9. Gayle Sayers
8. Eric Dickerson
7. Bo Jackson
6. OJ Simpson
5. Walter Payton
4. Adrian Peterson
3. LaDainian Tomlinson
2. Barry Sanders
1. Jim Brown

I say all this and over the last couple of years my thoughts over the running back position has changed. I honestly think the running back position is in talent overload, there are too many athletically-gifted backs in the NFL who can get the job done and I'm not sure if I value them the same way as before. When Pierre Thomas can be a better back than Reggie Bush, period, then that makes me scratch my head. When Mewelde Moore can be just as productive as Willie Parker, it makes me scratch my head. When Tashard Choice can be equally productive as Felix Jones and Marion Barber...you get my point. I'm gonna get back to you on that topic.

Oh, and I'll tell you right now...I wouldn't take Jerry Rice #1 at WR (Randy Moss) and I think Deion Sanders is the best defensive player of all-time. Yeah...I said it.

AM I NUTS? IS THERE SOMEONE I LEFT OFF TOTALLY? WHAT ELSE MAKES YOU SCRATCH YOUR HEAD?

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

The Real 10 Best NFL Running Back's of All-Time

This is what happens when someone challenges you (Antone) and your girlfriend is working all night and can't go to sleep...

Now, I will preface this by saying that I have used all statistical calculations and as little bias as possible (like, me hating the Dallas Cowboys would be an issue) when making this list. For argument's sake, you must've played 5 years in the league, eliminating 1-year wonders and random fluke seasons. Bonus points will be given for longevity, and records held. Note that the key stats used for this list are rushing yards per game, rushing yards per carry, and total yards from scrimmage (excluding kick and punt returns). I put about 3 hours of research into this, so be mindful that I didn't just draw names out my ass. This list is to cause a stir, but I felt that I could put together a fact-based, non-biased, statistical analysis on the best backs in the NFL. Here are the top 10, if NFL was never played again, the best ever. Here we go.....

10. Marshall Faulk (Colts, Rams)

• #8 All-Time in Yards Per Scrimmage/Game (108.8)
• #1 Total Scrimmage Yards in a single season (2,429)
• 2-Time NFL MVP
  

Faulk will forever be remembered as the "Do-It All" Back for the Rams, but don't forget the quality pro-bowl years he put up with the Colts. Per game, he got it done rushing and receiving, and the total yards per game proves it, finishing #8 all-time. Sorry if you don't like it, its the truth.

9. Curtis Martin (Patriots, Jets)

• #9 All-Time in Rushing Yards/Game (83.9)
• #10 All-time in Total Scrimmage Yards/Game (103.8)
• 1995 Offensive Rookie of the Year

Martin rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first 10 professional seasons, a feat previously accomplished only by Barry Sanders. He is the all-time Jets leader with 10,302 rushing yards with the team. In earlier years, he was linked romantically to singer Toni Braxton. I should put him way higher on the list just because of this.

8. Edgerrin James (Colts, Cardinals)

• #8 All-Time in Rushing Yards/Game (86.0)
• #7 All-Time in Total Scrimmage Yards/Game (109.7)
• 1999 Offensive Rookie of the Year

James led the league in rushing during his rookie and sophomore season. He's currently the record holder for most total yards from scrimmage per game in a regular season career. At 9,226 total yards as a Colt, James holds the Colts' team record for most career total yards rushing. Who knows what's next for Edgerrin, if he would've stayed in Indy, he might be higher on the list. However, the offense you are in doesn't dictate this list, production and numbers does. That's why your favorite #22 won't make this list. (More on this later...)

7. Eric Dickerson (Colts, Rams, Falcons, Raiders)

• #6 All-Time in Rushing Yards/Game (90.8)
• #9 All-Time in Total Scrimmage Yards/Game (105.5)
• 1986 Offensive Player of the Year

Fans and commentators consider him one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, known for his effortless, fluid style of running. He is the only running back in the history of the NFL who is known to have webbed feet. (WTF) Dickerson became the seventh back to gain more than 10,000 yards and the fastest ever to do so, reaching the milestone in just 91 games. This is the dude that Adrian Peterson is compared to, so he gotta be on this list. (In 10 years AD will be on here too...)

6. Walter Payton (Bears)

• #7 All-Time in Rushing Yards/Game (88.0)
• #5 All-Time in Total Scrimmage Yards/Game (111.9)
• 1977 Offensive Player of the Year & MVP

Payton was known around the NFL as "Sweetness". He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of American football. Payton, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, once held the League’s record for most career rushing yards, touchdowns, carries, and many other categories. One of Payton's signature maneuvers was the "stutter-step," a high-stepping, irregularly paced run. He developed this as a way to distract his pursuers during long runs, saying that it startled them into thinking and gave him some advantage over players who were actually faster runners. Plus, he popularized the "stiff-arm" as he killed cats for many years with the moves.

5. Clinton Portis (Broncos, Redskins)

• #5 All-Time in Rushing Yards/Game (92.0)
• #6 All-Time in Scrimmage Yards/Game (111.1)
• 2002 Offensive Rookie of the Year

In interviews, when Portis refers to himself in the third person, he always calls himself by his last name. Portis was known for often wearing various costumes at Thursday press conferences that represent fictional characters he has developed, including personas such as "Southeast Jerome", "Coach Janky Spanky", "Bro Sweets", "Choo-Choo", "Sheriff Gonnagetcha", "Dr. Do-itch Big," "Dolemite Jenkins," and "Bud Foxx." This alone, gets him in the top 5! Plus, his consistency since leaving the Broncos has been amazing, netting over 110 yards from scrimmage/game for his career.

4. Terrell Davis (Broncos)

• #3 All-Time in Rushing Yards/Game (97.5)
• #4 All-Time in Total Scrimmage Yards/Game (113.9)
• `96 Offensive Player of the Year, '97 Super Bowl MVP, '98 Offensive MVP

Among the 24 modern-era Hall of Fame halfbacks and fullbacks, only Earl Campbell (6,457, 4.6 yards per carry) and Eric Dickerson (6,968, 4.8 yards per carry) had more rushing yards during their first four seasons; no member of the Hall of Fame matched Davis’ first-four-season 56 rushing touchdowns. "TD" stood for more than his initials, and he was the inventor of the mile-high salute (ok, stole it from Mike Anderson) and might've been the #1 or #2 hardest player to stop on Madden. Yeah, I said it.

3. LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers)

• #4 All-Time in Rushing Yards/Game (92.6)
• #2 All-Time Total Scrimmage Yards/Game (122.5)
• 2006 Offensive Player of the Year & MVP

Holds the all-time NFL record for single season touchdowns (31). Became the only player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and receive 100 passes in a single season. LT earned his nickname as he is the model of top-level consistency. Now at the ripe old age of 29, he still ran for 1,110 yards (lowest of his career, yet also received the lowest carries of his career) and 11 TDs. Currently 14th on the all-time rushing list, is there a better all-purpose back? I dunno...

2. Barry Sanders (Lions)

• #2 All-Time in Rushing Yards/Game (99.8)
• #3 All-Time in Total Scrimmage Yards/Game (118.8)
• 1994 & 1997 Offensive Player of the Year

Barry Sanders' greatest season came in 1997. After a start in which he gained 53 yards on 25 carries in the first two games of the season, Sanders ran off an NFL record 14 consecutive 100 yard games, including two 200 yard performances, en route to rushing for 2,053 yards. In reaching the 2,000 yard plateau, he became the first since O. J. Simpson to rush for 2,000 yards in a span of 14 consecutive games. He was the first running back to rush for 1,500 yards in five seasons and the only one to do it four consecutive years. AND HE WENT TO OKLAHOMA STATE!! (For the crib) Mr. Razzle Dazzle would've had all the records, but he stepped away when he felt was right after 1998 season when he rushed for 1,491 yards!

1. Jim Brown (Browns)

• #1 All-Time in Rushing Yards/Game (104.3)
• #1 All-Time in Total Scrimmage Yards/Game (125.5)
• '57, '58, '63, and '65 NFL MVP

In 2002, he was named by The Sporting News as the greatest professional football player ever. EVER. He has also made his mark as an actor and social activist, something that the majority of players in the NFL cannot claim. At Manhasset High School, Brown earned 13 letters playing football, lacrosse, baseball, basketball and running track. (WTF) Brown announced his retirement on July 14, 1966 after Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell insisted that Brown report to training camp instead of finishing his work on the movie The Dirty Dozen. He departed as the NFL record holder for both single-season (1,863 in 1963) and career rushing (12,312 yards), as well as the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns (106), total touchdowns (126), and all-purpose yards (15,549). He was the first player ever to reach the 100-rushing-touchdowns milestone, and only a few others have done so since, despite the league's expansion to a 16-game season in 1978 (Brown's first four seasons were only 12 games, and his last five were 14 games). YET HE NEVER PLAYED PAST THE AGE OF 29...ETSF's choice for the #1 RB of all-time. Hell, maybe one of the top-5 men of all-time. (In 1988 Brown founded the Amer-I-Can Program. He currently works with bloods and crips caught up in the gang scene in Los Angeles, California and Cleveland that delivers life management skills to the patrons.)

OMISSIONS

Jamal Lewis - 11th all-time in rushing/game (82.8)
Fred Taylor - 14th all-time in rushing/game (80.5)
Ricky Watters - 11th all-time in total scrimmage yards/game (103.4)
Tiki Barber - 12th all-time in total scrimmage yards/game (101.5)

Emmitt Smith - 13th all-time in rushing/game (81.2), 18th all-time in total scrimmage yards/game (95.5)

Now, I gotta defend this because it seems absurd to leave off the all-time leading rusher. However, his 4.2 YPC average is lower than almost everyone in the top 10. Most of his great statistical numbers came by the touchdown, and LT is only 36 TDs behind while playing in HALF as many seasons. Jim Brown is 49 behind also played in less games per season and 7 less seasons. Jamal Lewis rushed for more yards in a season than Emmitt Smith, and its arguable that he's the best runningback in either Florida history (Emmitt 81.2 rushing/game, 95.5 total yards/game or Fred Taylor 80.5/game, 97.4 total yards/game) or Dallas history (Tony Dorsett 73.6 rushing/game, 94.2 total yards/game while in a two-back offense) Emmitt was a GREAT back, but I've said it before and I'll say it again, he ain't top ten.

LET THE DEBATE BEGIN...

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

The Four-Point Play

1. From Ashy to Classy: Who has the edge between Whisenhunt and Tomlin?

Something needs to be said for the fact that Ken Whisenhunt has resurrected a football hellhole and turned them into a Super Bowl contender. Even while I’m typing this, I am still amazed that the Arizona Cardinals are one win away from hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy. Is anyone else outright flabbergasted by this???? Whisenhunt is pretty familiar with the Steelers, since he worked for Pittsburgh for six years before going to Arizona. The only reason it doesn’t matter (too much), is because it was on offense, and the Steelers aren’t exactly known for blowing people away on that side of the ball. On the other hand, I love what Mike Tomlin is doing right now in Pittsburgh. Their swagger is on par with the many of the great teams of the past; they just flat-out intimidate their opponents, and that’s a reflection of their head coach, who is live, 24/7. He’s a player’s coach, gets on their asses as soon as they mess up (Dallas, are you reading this????), and keeps his players humble. Tomlin was brought in to replace Bill Cowher, and that contributed to Whisenhunt (who was the offensive coordinator under Cowher) going to Arizona to replace Denny Green. Believe me when I say both of these coaches know exactly what they’re doing.

2. Surprise Pick: Who is the dark horse in college basketball right now?

My dark horse to win the tournament right now is the Louisville Cardinals. I’ve seen this team a few times this season (recently against #1 Pittsburgh), and they got it all. Please do yourselves a favor and watch them play. Their numbers don’t scream superstar (their leading scorer averages 14 points a game), but they have tremendous balance, solid players (namely Earl Clark and Terrence Williams), and Rick Pitino as the orchestrator of it all.


3. My First-Half MVP is Dwayne Wade: Who’s Yours?

With all due respect to LeBron James, he is not the first-half MVP. That honor goes to none other than The Great Dwyane Wade (and yes, I am calling him great. When you channel your inner-Jordan, and lead a team to four straight wins in the Finals, you are great in my eyes, but we can elaborate on that another day). His supporting cast is nowhere near as good as LeBron’s, but not only are the Heat in the playoff hunt, they have already passed their entire win total from their God-awful previous season. He already has the complete package offensively, and has committed himself to playing defense this season. I’m not saying this Miami Heat team will win it all, but they’ll make it rough on anyone in the playoffs, and that has a great deal to do with the play of Wade.

AND ONE - Brother President: What did this moment mean to you?

January 20, 2009 was a great day for all Americans. I, along with many other citizens, feel this country is headed in a new direction, one with promise, hope, and better days. This man is smart, calculating, bright, level-headed, and has surrounded himself with people with tons of experience on Capitol Hill. On top of that, our new commander-in-chief is fly, and he’s got a BAD first lady.

Be easy.

-K. Masenda
www.edthesportsfan.com

The Rumor Mill on Inauguration Tuesday...

Hope you enjoy January 20th, 2009 as much as I will. Here's a couple of rumors that are circulating the news circuit (courtesy of ESPN.com Insider) so ponder these bullets while our NFL season trickles down to our final game. (sniff sniff)

Ray-Ray to wear the Star?
Mike Preston has reported on the Baltimore Sun's Ravens Insider blog that soon-to-be free agent linebacker Ray Lewis has drawn a great deal of interest from the Dallas Cowboys.

While the Cowboys could certainly use a player of Lewis' magnitude on the field, it is believed that owner Jerry Jones would also be bringing in the veteran leader to enact a seismic change in the team's attitude in the locker room. A report by the Dallas Morning News said that the team was plagued by tardiness and other discipline issues in 2008. This report expands on the public perception that the team's lack of leadership was the flaw that led to its failure to make the postseason in 2008.

The Ravens would certainly not give up the face of their team easily, and could place the franchise tag on Lewis if necessary. Preston reports that the potential contract offer from the Cowboys to Lewis would be three years and between $27 and $30 million.

Sheppard-ed out of Philly?
During 2008, Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Lito Sheppard lost his starting cornerback job to free agent Asante Samuel, and later was phased out of his nickelback role as well. If Sunday's loss in the NFC Championship game was Sheppard's last for the Eagles, he has taken the developments in stride, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer.

"It was pretty humbling actually not being able to do something you really love," Sheppard told the Inquirer on Monday. "That's almost like when a guy's injured. He wants to be out there when he knows he can help his team, and for whatever reason he's not out there. So I had to kind of humble myself and put the team first and not let myself get in the way of that." As for 2009, Sheppard says his goal is "to be back on the field playing."

Sheppard had his two best seasons in 2004 and 2006, and was named to the Pro Bowl for his play in those two campaigns. 2004 saw Sheppard make 52 solo tackles and five interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns whereas in 2006 he had 25 solo tackles with six interceptions, one of which was taken back for a score.

Lions not interested in a QB at No. 1?
Despite previous speculation that had the team drafting a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in this April's draft based on new Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz' statements during the hiring process, Brian VanOchten of MLive.com reports that the team will instead target a player who can make a difference at the line of scrimmage.

While both Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez have been given high grades from Scouts, Inc., the Lions offensive line gave up 52 sacks in 2008, and without a significant improvement on that unit, throwing a rookie quarterback into that situation would be unkind. In addition, Schwartz comes from a team whose offensive strategy was quite conservative, which could work well with Jon Kitna or Dan Orlovsky at the helm.

If the Lions do elect to draft an offensive or defensive lineman with the first overall pick, they would likely draw their selection from Andre Smith, Eugene Monroe, Aaron Maybin or Brian Orakpo.

Ray-Ray to Dallas? Should Philly have taken the trade for Chad Johnson for Lito? Who goes #1? Let us know!

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

Unsportsmanlike Conduct - 12 Men On The Field

Who knew it could be so cold in Arizona...
12 Men On The Field - Every Monday, Ed The Sports Fan brings you the 12 biggest names over the past week so that you can be thoroughly entertained like when Eagles fans cry because they thought they actually had a chance to overcome...

1. The 1st Half Performance of Larry Fitzgerald – That performance by Fitz against the hapless Eagles defense was priceless. I remember basically sitting there in disbelief as Kurt Warner miraculously pulled off that pass-back throw from JJ Arrington to Fitzgerald. #11 came down with 3 TDs in the first half. Anquan Boldin might become expendable in the desert...especially with him fussing with the O-Coordinator Todd Haley. The star shined the brightest on #11, with a little help from #13...

2. Donovan McNabb... – I don't know how to explain what McNabb did on Sunday. So I won't. (Ed lets out an extremely loud sigh...)

3. Big Ben headed to Tampa... Just realize that you could be looking at a hall-of-fame QB matchup in Tampa with Roethlisberger and Warner. But realize that the game you watched will now be known as...

4. The Bodybag Game - Folks, that game was ridiculous. If you didn't watch the Ravens vs. Steelers game, you missed out. Yet, at the same time, the game was so gruesome...I couldn't blame anyone from NOT watching that game. I really think Willis McGahee almost died last night...


Limas Sweed dang near killed Corey Ivy. Hines Ward actually got hurt. Someone got hurt on the first play of the game. The game was ridiculous. Yet, a classic.

5. Ed's Madden game is real strong – So, I'm actually typing this during a lock-in that I am helping host/mentor with the Alpha Esquire & Delta Beauxs youth groups that I work with. On January 31st, I will be entering my 1st Madden team in about 3 years. $500 prize. I said why not...I figured that I'd bring my PS3 and help entertain the youngins. Also figured I'd get some live competition from these high-school kids who have way more free time than I do. Ed went like 11-0 and slayed every kid in the game. Maybe I need to find some better competition...(Get at me online at CoolBreeze5 for the PS3)

6. Joe Flacco's all grown up... - Joe, just realize that there will be better days for you my dude.

7. Wake Forest in #1 in the college basketball world... – I know we highlighted them before, but realize that they are now undefeated and have beat some of the best teams in the nation. The ACC might be able to claim a better top-3 than the Big East too, with UNC and Duke also sitting high in the rankings. We'll see who lasts in the end...

8. The Next Great Welterweight, Andre Berto - If you are a boxing fan, look him up. After beating former champion Luis Collazo this weekend, running his record to 24-0. He could be in line to get a shot after Mosley vs. Margarito and maybe Hatton vs. Pacquiao. Don't say I didn't warn you.

#9. The Trade Rumor That Won't Go Away...Shawn Marion - (From ESPN.com) The idea that Miami would send Shawn Marion to Toronto before the Feb. 19 trading deadline is a natural on multiple levels and, according to one insider, has been "circulating for awhile." But ongoing discussions toward a possible Marion-for-Jermaine O'Neal trade, according to NBA front-office sources, are not the only talks Pat Riley is having these days.

Two obvious factors that favor Toronto:

1. Marion could slot in between Raps cornerstones Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani and provide the clear upgrade at the wing position that Toronto president Bryan Colangelo -- who drafted Marion in Phoenix in 1999 -- has been seeking via trade for weeks.

2. O'Neal, if healthy, could address one of Riley's biggest needs, since the Heat have no dependable center. Better yet, O'Neal carries a hefty contract that expires after the 2009-10 season, whether or not he can shake his persistent knee troubles. The contract expires just in time for the summer, when Riley will be trying to re-sign Dwyane Wade and put a marquee player next to him. (Sacramento, for the record, could swing this sort of Marion deal as well, by sending Miami pass-happy center Brad Miller and little-used Kenny Thomas, both of whom possess contracts expiring after the '09-10 season.)

10. To The New Head Coach of the Detroit Lions, Jim Schwartz - Good luck fam.

11. Happy Martin Luther King Day - People, try and do more than having an off-day from work. Do something in the community, help someone less fortunate, or just call someone that you haven't heard from in a long time.

12. Sportsmanlike Conduct, Lifting the hopes and dreams of men and women across the nation, the inauguration of Barack Obama – Congrats and good luck to our upcoming 44th-president of the United States. We will pray for you sir. Godspeed.

Enjoy the day people, tell me what you all have planned for MLK/Inauguration...

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

The X-Factors on Championship Sunday

Run-DRC and the Cardinals have bigger dreams, beginning with Super Bowl 43 in Tampa...
This is Championship Sunday in the NFL, and as we approach the NFC Championship and the AFC Championship, whoever makes the most big plays are going to win. The 'known' playmakers for all the teams are pretty recognizable. Brian Westbrook, Larry Fitzgerald, Ed Reed, and Troy Polamalu. However, you know that this is ETSF, and I'm going to dig much deeper than those easy selections. Keep an eye on these 4 players, I guarantee they make a difference in the game on Sunday.

NFC Championship - Eagles at Cardinals, 3pm ET

Eagles' RB Correll Buckhalter - The other runningback not named Brian Westbrook in Philly's backfield. #28 is as resilient as they come, and my boy Craig is going to love me shouting out a Nebraska alum. Buckhalter's NFL career has been marred by injuries. He missed the 2002 season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and both the 2004 and 2005 seasons due to a torn patellar tendon in his right knee. However, he's always been capable of making big plays. He'll be key in chipping on pass protection for McNabb, and with the "Human Decoy #36" taking the focus from the defense, he'll need to come up huge.

Projected ETSF Stat Line: 6 carries, 44 yards, 3 receptions, 52 yards, TD

Cardinals' DB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - Falcons Pro Bowl WR Roddy White...check. Panthers Pro Bowl WR Steve Smith...check. Compliments of Run-DRC (copyright me, this nickname will blow up) aka Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, those all-pro wide receivers were slowed down considerably by DRC's defense, and now the flock of Eagles' receivers land down in AZ. I expect DRC to lock up on another rookie, DeSean Jackson, which should make up for a dynamic matchup. The Cardinals need him to make probably 2 big plays, we'll see what happens...

Projected ETSF Stat Line: 6 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1 INT

AFC Championship - Ravens at Steelers, 6:30pm ET

Ravens DE Terrell Suggs - T. Suggs (shoulder) is not a lock to play in Sunday's AFC Championship game, the Associated Press reports. I think he's milking it personally, he's gonna play. You think Ray Lewis won't threaten him...I mean, inspire him to get ready for the field on Sunday. 5-5 is the only D-End on the Ravens who can consistently get to Big Ben either in the pocket or while scrambling, if he's a no go, then Baltimore has to rely on the blitz even more than normal.

Projected ETSF Stat Line: 8 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

Steelers WR Nate Washington - With Ravens DB Samari Rolle listed as tentative to play this Sunday, look for the Steelers to spread the Ravens out to get better one-on-one matchups. One key player will be Washington, who I swear seems to get 1-2 long throws his way where he's either super wide-open or draws a 45-yard pass interference call. #85 has top-end speed and has Big Ben's trust in clutch situations. I would bet a $20 he gets 6 on a downfield throw.

Projected ETSF Stat Line: 3 catches, 82 receiving yards, 1 TD

AM I FORGETTING ANYONE? MY SUPER BOWL WINNER IS STILL IN IT! WHERE'S YOURS?

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

Happy 101 to AKA Athletics

If you haven't figured it out by now, Ed and Ken are also members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. We also happen to be big fans of the K's, also known as, the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. They would be our sorors. Today, their organization just turned 101 years old. Congrats to you ladies, in ETSF fashion we highlight some of the baddest AKA athletes of all-time.

Alice Coachman - Was a former track & field athlete from Tuskegee University. She specialized in high jump, and was the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, in the 1948 Olympics in London, England.

Vonetta Flowers - Flowers was a star sprinter and long jumper at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and originally aspired to make the U.S. Summer Olympic Team. However, after not qualifying, she turned to bobsledding, and found success as a brakewoman almost immediately. At the 2002 Winter Olympics, she won the gold medal in the two-woman event, becoming the first black person to win a gold medal in the Winter Olympics.

Zina Garrison-Jackson - Former professional tennis player from Houston, Texas. During her career, she was a women's singles runner-up at Wimbledon in 1990, a three-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion, and a women's doubles Gold Medalist at the 1988 Olympic Games.

Althea Gibson - A tennis player from Harlem, she became the first African-American woman to be a competitor on the world tennis tour and the first to win a Grand Slam title in 1956. She is sometimes referred to as "the Jackie Robinson of tennis" for breaking the "color barrier."

Chamique Holdsclaw - One of the most legendary female basketball players of all-time. She was as big as Cheryl Miller, Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Diana Taurasi, AND Candace Parker. Led Tennessee to 3 consecutive national championships, including a 39-0 season. Also suited up in the NBA with the Washington Mystics and L.A. Sparks.

Since we're talking about fine women...do yourself a favor and checkout an older article with our 2008 Fine Female Athletes List, and don't worry we will update this in April 2009. GOT ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR FINE FEMALE ATHLETES???

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

The Four-Point Play (Slam Dunk Edition)

The Four-Point Play by Kenny Masenda is a weekly Q&A that intends to spark converstaion, laughter, and all out chicanery amongst our readers. Sit back, and enjoy the And One like Styles P rapping in KG's original commerical.

ONE - What is the legacy of The Great Tony Dungy?

I’ve heard plenty of opinions regarding Tony Dungy, and after listening to as much as I could, I came to the conclusion that there are few people who have been as successful (in my era of watching football) as Dungy. In 13 seasons as a head coach, 11 of them included trips to the playoffs. He resurrected Tampa Bay from a football hell, and pretty much gift-wrapped a Super Bowl for Jon Gruden, upon his departure. Then he went to Indianapolis and turned their joke of a defense into a competent unit, and won a Super Bowl. On top of that, he was able to make sure Jim Caldwell was named the next coach (that’s JUICE), and he did it without being demonstrative, and drawing attention to himself. Dare say, instead of calling him great, I may have to start referring to him as The Underappreciated Tony Dungy. He’s a great coach, and an even greater man.

TWO - Who will represent the AFC and the NFC in the Super Bowl?

Last week, I went on record, on this site, and picked the Steelers to face the Eagles. Right now, that match-up can still take place; however, I don’t like how it may have to turn out. I truly am one of those people that think it’s pretty much impossible to beat a team three times in one season (as Pittsburgh will have to do this weekend), but after hearing Mike Tomlin (doesn’t he look like Omar Epps???) say “I personally don’t subscribe to that type of hocus-pocus,” it calmed my nerves. I LOVE the Ravens defense, especially Ed Reed and Ray-Ray, but I think the buck stops here Sunday night, and Pittsburgh advances. As for the NFC, this matchup truly scares the hell out of me. The Arizona *bleeping* Cardinals are one win away from the Super Bowl, and I’m hearing all sorts of “destiny” talk, which I have to admit, has some validity to it. Plus, the game is in Arizona, so that concerns me even more. HOWEVER, I don’t think Andy Reid is allowing his “Fear the Beard” movement to be in vain. He’ll coach ‘em up, Jim Johnson will bring the pain on D, and the Eagles will advance. Speaking of Philly…

THREE - Is it a violation of fandom to wear the jersey of your favorite player if he’s a part of a bitter rivalry?

Anyone who knows me knows I’m arguably the biggest Donovan McNabb fan on the planet (Ed will probably disagree). With that being said, I’m also a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan. Now, is it a violation to wear a McNabb jersey, even though I am a Cowboys fan? I used to have the Syracuse joint, and have contemplated getting the authentic McNabb jersey. I’m telling you right now: if the Eagles make the Super Bowl, there is a strong possibility that I’ll be purchasing that authentic joint.

AND ONE - How do you plan on ringing in the coronation of Brother President?

Next Tuesday marks the beginning of a new era; for now, I won’t elaborate on how much this moment means to me personally, but I do hope everyone rings in The Coronation somehow. For me, it may end up being at the plantation, but best believe my monitor will be locked on CNN.com; worst comes to worst, I can always take a half-day off.
Be easy.

**20-second timeout by Ed**
Ken and I were recently contacted by the "higher-ups" to do a feature on this years crop of Slam Dunkers in the 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. This year fans can choose from three rookies -- Rudy Fernandez, Joe Alexander and Russell Westbrook -- to compete as the 4th dunker against Dwight Howard, Rudy Gay, and Nate Robinson. Fans can vote at the following link (ends next Wednesday, Janurary 14): http://www.nba.com/dunk

With time running out, these young players are doing whatever it takes to the support of their fans -- check out these videos below.

Rudy Fernandez Shares a Bilingual Dunk Ballad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPgo9feKJxY

Joe Alexander Tells You Why He's the Flying Buck: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHGV9FMUK4I

Russell Westbrook Shares His Get-Out-And-Vote Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY80hvJ0vFE

Check out the complete NBA Sprite Slam Dunk playlist for more videos of the rookies: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=4EA849417E2A5752

Ed is officially endorsing Russell Westbrook (OKC stand up!) to not only be the final contestant, but to win the Slam Dunk contest, Ken who do you got? ETSF Readers, who you got to win it all?


-K. Masenda
www.edthesportsfan.com

Unsportsmanlike Conduct - 12 Men On The Field

"What? You said that I can save a lot of money by switching my insurance to Geico? OK!"
12 Men On The Field - Every Monday, Ed The Sports Fan brings you the 12 biggest names over the past week so that you can be thoroughly entertained like when Ray Lewis destroys the fullback and his face falls off.

1. Mr. Underappreciated - Donovan McNabb and the Eagles Defense – If you've been reading ETSF long enough, you'll know a couple of things. Ed & Ken are huge McNabb backers. I called Ken late in the 3rd quarter and here was the conversation after McNabb threw the TD pass to Cincinnati's own Brent Celek...

Ed: Ken...
Ken: I know man, I don't want to say anything. Not trying to jinx it...
Ed: But Ken, I haven't seen Mac-5 play like this in 2-3 years.
Ken: You right, but you never know...
Ed: I feel you but...
(Manning is stuffed on 4th & 1)
Ken: I...I...gotta call you back.

That game was priceless and vindicating for so many reasons. Philly's defense was on 10-mode, and they gave the Giants fits. Think about this, in the last 3 games the Giants have not sacked Donovan McNabb one time. Yes, you read that correctly. Not once. The Eagles have now been in the NFC Championship in 5 of the last 8 years. They are on the brink of leaving Buffalo Bills territory and entering Atlanta Braves territory. Mac-Five and Co. are a game away from a ticket to Tampa.

2. Tony Dungy steps down as head coach – I might get in trouble for what I'm about to say so let me say this first, there isn't a better personification of a coach than Tony Dungy. As good of a role model as there is in the NFL. But you have to wonder, did Tony Dungy under-achieve as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts? I mean, you came into the job with the best QB in football and a ready-made offense. He didn't have to touch the offense. He was a defensive coach, and he did mold that defense into an elite pass-rushing defense who makes plays in the secondary (Dungy was a DB for the Steel Curtain Steelers of the 70s) yet, they only won ONE championship? The defense was always vulnerable unless Bobby Sanders was in the game. I might come back to this one...

3. Tim Tebow returns for his senior year at Florida - As an Oklahoma Sooner football fan, I wish this man would just go away, but I'm bigger than that. I'm a man first, and as a man I can respect Tebow's gangsta to the fullest. He's the role-model that all student-athletes should be judged by. I'm not saying you've got to do it this way, but his dedication and spirit are second to none. And lets be real to a degree, would you rather have the media pump out constant news about the hood athletes who carry guns (Plaxico) get shot (Sean Taylor) and get caught with drugs (everyone else) or have a God-fearing Christian, born leader of a Quarterback who does it the right way? I'd rather have Tebow than Lawrence Phillips.


4. Jeff Teague & The Wake Forest Demon Deacons - Folks, get to know Jeff Teague. I know this man because he cost me my 5-game streak on ESPN's Streak for the Cash (more on this later) as UNC succumbed to the Demon Deacons last night 92-89. Teague has been special this season, scoring 34 points against Roy Williams' vaunted defense. He got his shots when he wanted, drove to the lane, got fouled (hitting 13-of-15 from the line) and played nearly every minute (39). UNC's Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough both struggled, and we have to now reconsider Hansbrough being a lock for player of the year and All-American (Ed's choice for PoY - Blake Griffin) as he's gone 9-27 in his last two games. He's a big man people and that ain't gonna cut it.

5. Larry Fitzgerald could be a 99 in Madden next year – Anquan Boldin, I wouldn't be surprised if Arizona doesn't re-up your deal for 2009 (not saying they shouldn't, they should resign him immediately) after seeing Larry Fitzgerald get his Herman Moore on against the Panthers. After we highlighted him last week for his play against Atlanta he outdid his performance with a 8 catch, 166 yard performance highlighted by his touchdown catch and run into the endzone when he stretched for the pylon. Bill Cowher says that Andre Johnson is better, I dunno. Maybe Andre's the next T.O. but Fitzgerald looked like a young Randy Moss out there in the playoffs. Arizona vs. Philly this Sunday, choose up!

6. Plaxico Burress, where art thou? - Trust me, Eli Manning wants to know. If #17 was in that game yesterday, I'm almost sure they make that game much, much closer. You could see it in a lot of the deep throws Eli made, he's never been the most accurate, and the largest, big-play receiver not named Moss or Fitzgerald would be Burress. He makes those catches. I said it before, no #17, no fear on Philly's behalf. Giants GM Jerry Reese has made it clear that if the legal proceedings go well, #17 will be back in action for the G-Men in '09.

7. Chris Johnson, what happened bruh? – We found out later, but Johnson, left Saturday's playoff loss to the Ravens with his right ankle wrapped late in the first half, finished the game with 11 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown. He also added a catch for 28 yards. Tennessee's offense didn't look the same, and everyone knows I'm a big LenDale White game, but he's ill-suited to go up against a stout Baltimore defense. Didn't they have another back? Where's Chris Henry? The Ravens front 7 is very instinctive, but you can burn them with shiftiness and speed on occasion (watch this from Fast Willie in the AFC Championship) and that's what Johnson brought. Tough day for Titan-ville, interesting to see what happens with Vince and Kerry Collins.

8. The Pimpification of Obama's Induction - (Scratching head) Okay, so I understand this is a HUGE moment in American history, but people are really trying to make this an actual holiday, and throwing happy hours and club events with "Inauguration Celebrations" and such. I do not have a problem with that, because conversation, celebration, and libation come together and that's a beautiful thing. However, I hope these promoters, club owners, and such contribute some of that money back to Obama and the political parties that they support. Same with the t-shirts with Obama, hope you "street vendors" tossed a portion of that money to the campaign. Okay, I'm done. Like I said, I'm probably gonna get in trouble for what I say. Whatever. Its about being truthful with yourself and others in '09. That's Ed's campaign.


#9. Rickey Henderson enters Baseball's Hall-of-Fame - If you don't know about Rickey Henderson then you need to re-evaluate your love for sports. Henderson stands, maybe forever, as the greatest leadoff hitter of all-time. Maybe even one of the top 10-15 players of all-time. Orioles manager Frank Robinson determined that his pitcher and catcher were incapable of stopping Henderson from stealing, so they didn't attempt a throw as he stole second and third. "We might have thrown the ball into center field, or down the left field line," Robinson said. "We couldn't stop him. He is just too good." That's how good Henderson was: He was too good. He was one of the greatest players of all time, the greatest leadoff man ever, one of the best left fielders, and a physical freak whose combination of speed and power was basically unmatched in major league history. He is the career leader in stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295), ranks second in walks (2,190), finished with 3,055 hits and won the American League MVP in 1992. Plus, for all his speed, Henderson's 297 home runs are in the top 125 all time. In Henderson's first full year in the major leagues in 1980, he stole 100 bases, the third player in history to do that. He has three of the top eight stolen bases seasons in history, including a record 130 in 1982. Oh, and he talked sh*t too and had a major ego, just my type of player. Example? Rickey framed, but didn't cash, a $100,000 signing-bonus check because, he said, "I was waiting for the interest rate to go up." Just my type of player.

10. Eric Weddle & The Chargers can't catch a break - I say this to be as fair as possible, but don't let that score fool and the pub for the Steelers fool you. Yes, Pittsburgh is very good, but come on...San Diego's first play comes off a pass that hits off a helmet and the Steelers drive down the field but can't score. Then, they get the Steelers to punt and the ball hits off Weddle's head. They ran one play in the 3rd Quarter. They didn't have a chance after that. I still think San Diego needs a new coach, but lets see what a healthy Tomlinson, Merriman, Shaun Phillips, and Antonio Gates brings to a talented Chargers team.

11. The Inventor of ESPN's Streak for the Cash Ok, this is due props to the inventor for this game on ESPN. It seems like the easiest thing in the world, pick 25 games in a row for ONE MILLION DOLLARS. Dude in NYC who was a FedEx truck driver won it. Seems easy enough. Yeah, until you think UNC is a lock to beat Wake Forest and it ends my measly 5-game winning streak. Dammit! I suggest everyone test they're meddle and who knows you could win $1M, and when you do, can Ed get $20?


12. Unsportsmanlike Conduct, Killing the hopes and dreams of young men across the nation, 15-yard penalty...Pregnant Superstar Candace Parker – Got damn. My boy Jarrell is infatuated over the XX-Chromosome CP3, and for good measure. Except for the fact you realize that she's marrying Shelden Williams. I mean, I ain't hating on Shelden, he's an Oklahoma kid (Midwest City in the building) and he tried to dunk on me back in the day (I got out the way, that article is coming, with pictures...) but come on, before I heard he was getting at Candace, I'd swear he couldn't pull a better chick than me even with millions from the NBA. Boy was I wrong. This dude gets to let Candace post him up whenever he/she feels like it. Really need to re-evaluate my life at this point...sigh. By the way, does this mean that the WNBA is essentially dead? Who knows...

Did I forget anything? You mad at me? Let me know!

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

Ray Lewis is a Grown-Ass Man - Video of hit on Ahmard Hall

You know I don't usually post on the weekend, I got ish to do. But got-dayum...



The funny thing about this is...Ahmard Hall wanted to yap back at him and Ray was mad like, "Damn this weak dude still got the 1st..."

Steelers and Chargers better watch out.

Oh, and this message is for the Carolina Panthers management...GO DRAFT A QB IN THE DRAFT! Jake Delhomme (Kenny's guy) was a retread 3 years ago. If you can get Mark Sanchez, then get him. You can thank me later.

-Ed.
http://www.edthesportsfan.com/

UF 24, OU 14 - Tebow is Mr. Perfect

I'm going to make this short and sweet, usually I write articles late at night or early in the morning. I knew that I had to put something out, and I've got work to do so I'll be brief.

OU laid an egg, I thought Bradford played really well, fact of the matter is this, OU didn't convert on TWO redzone possessions with the 5-yard line, and the two picks were fluky, they both bounced of the receivers hands.

Florida played really well, but they were beatable last night. Watching Chris Brown run made me wonder what would've happened if Demarco Murray was toting the rock as he has better playmaking ability versus CB29 getting the steady 5-6 yards. Plus, OU had their 4th string middle linebacker in the game (Balogun #10) and missed D. Granger, who would've made a few more plays from DT.

I dunno, you don't miss your thoroughbreads against Baylor, you miss 'em against Florida and Texas, and it showed up in the game. No one will ever bring it up for Oklahoma from this standpoint, but its the truth. Harvin was the man, even at 95%, and I think it would've benefitted the Sooners to have Murray at the same level.

And can we please stop talking about Tim Tebow now, we get it, he's perfect, nephew of Jesus. Superman. At one point in the broadcast they went thru a laundry-list of everything that Tebow's has done, it took like 4 minutes. Look, I'm a God-fearing Christian man, me and JC have a great relationship, so I totally respect his missionary work, and everything. However, let me say this, we are playing football, and to hear the announcer say, "This is the greatest football competitor ever!" I mean jeez, come on. Tim Tebow will have a long career in the NFL and I think he'll be a decent QB. Maybe not great, but he'll be decent. Ok I'm done.

I'm going back to work, there are a lot of Gator fans in Ohio and they somehow all know me! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE GAME? WHAT ABOUT UTAH? TEXAS? USC?

-Ed.
www.edthesportsfan.com

The Four Point Play

On their way to the 1999 Finals, the Knicks benefited from what some people still call one of the worst ref calls in basketball history. In the closing seconds of Game 3 of the conference finals, Larry Johnson knocked down a game-tying triple over Antonio Davis, who was whistled for a foul that was questionable to say the least. Knicks win in 6. Ken and Ed wanted to ask the questions that will really make you think. Believe it or not, we don't always know what the hell we're talking about either. Remember, this website IS NOT ESPN. We love and worship ESPN, but that's not who we aspire to be. (however, please put us on Around The Horn, Pardon the Interruption, Cold Pizza, etc.) We are here to DELIVER ORIGINAL, THOUGHT-PROVOKING CONTENT and hopefully leave you entertained in the process. What that said, enjoy the 4-point play by Kenny Masenda.

ONE - Who will be the real unsung heroes Thursday night? The OU Wide Receivers...
All week long, I’ve heard the typical talk about The Heisman winners Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford, the Florida defense, the OU running backs, and the two head coaches, but what’s been missing is the potential impact the OU wide receivers could end up having on this game. Juaquin Iglesias, Manuel Johnson, and Ryan Broyles were three of the best receivers in the XII (not named Crabtree, Bryant, and Macklin), and they have all had standout performances in games this season. I know, I know; people want to be quick to remind me about Florida’s huge threat, Percy Harvin. He’s good, don’t get me wrong, but do not take the Sooners receivers lightly at all. They could end up giving Florida’s secondary all sorts of hell, and end up making a huge impact in this game.


TWO - Did you see Lil Wayne on First Take? Oh God...How'd he do? Not bad...
Initially, I didn’t too much care to look at this, but then I got to thinking: how many rappers have had the opportunity to go on ESPN for an extended period of time, and debate sports with one of the best journalists in the field, The One and Only Skip Bayless? (from Oklahoma City, thank you. -Ed.) I looked at a couple of segments and came away impressed with Wayne’s performance on First Take. He made good, valid points, elaborated on them, and stood by them. For cats who have ever visited any type of barbershop (really hope you go the barbershop one in awhile), we’ve heard it before, because Wayne's just delivering the point of view that middle-aged white America doesn't necessarily jive with. I might not agree with everything Mr. Carter said, but I still give Wayne the ETSF Seal of Approval (pending final say from Ed).

THREE - Is that the 40 Minutes of Hell? Arkansas basketball is back...
Nolan Richardson (the original mascot look-a-like) ain't walking through that door, but they don’t need him to, after the Razorbacks thumped Texas on Tuesday night 67-61. Earlier this season, they knocked Oklahoma out of the ranks of the unbeaten as well. I don’t understand how this team still isn’t ranked, but it should change in a hurry. Do yourselves a favor, and watch them play ball, and watch out for Michael Washington. He WILL DUNK ON YOU with no warning (ask Damion James). He gets extra hood points for wearing #00, not everyone can pull that off effectively. Check out the gunner on the outside, Oklahoma's Mr. Basketball Rotnei Clarke as well, how he got out the Sooner State is beyond belief to me.


AND 1 - What should I look for this weekend in the NFL Playoffs? Pick all the upsets...
I think if Baltimore can jump on Tennessee’s ass early, they will win. Kerry Collins would have to start throwing the ball, and there’s no need for me to even elaborate on what will happen if it’s anywhere near The Great Ed Reed, or any of the secondary. Baltimore's run game (both offensively & defensively) is on par to Tennessee, and it might be a detriment to get two weeks off. Also, this stems from the fact that I simply do not believe in the Titans at all. Take the Ravens. In the other matchup, Pittsburgh will prevail over San Diego. Ed thinks otherwise, as Ben's concussion and San Diego's hot streak make it tough not to take the Bolts. Ed asks the question, can the offense really practice on all cylinders while #7 is out? Ken says Steelers, Ed says Chargers. On the other side, Ken says Carolina will KILL Arizona, Ed says Arizona squeaks another one out. Who would you rather have, Smash and Dash? (Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart) or Turn and Burn? (Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin) In the final game, the games will hinge on which QB can play their 'A' game. We both like Mac-5, Eagles prevail over the Giants.

WHO YOU GOT? FLORIDA or OKLAHOMA? IS ARKANSAS LEGIT? DOES WAYNE HAVE A NEW CAREER? WHAT ABOUT THE NFL? LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK...

Be Easy.

-K. Masenda
www.edthesportsfan.com