He's Baaaaaaaaccccccckkkk

Memo to golfers across the world: WATCH OUT. Tiger is back and ready for action. The Accenture Match Play tournament begins today and Mr. Tiger Woods tees off at 2:02 PM ET. Tiger isn't using this tournament as a test to see if that knee is okay...he is using it to show the world that he is healthier than ever and to be on alert. Think about this for a second. He just took off eight months...and he is STILL the number one ranked golfer in the world.

What was golf without Tiger like? Was the competition better? Did others step up? Were people glad he was gone? I would answer boring and no for the following three. It was like basketball, when Jordan got suspe....I mean retired....from the NBA for two years to play baseball. It was still there to watch, life went on, but it just wasn't the same. What was the biggest moment in golf since Tiger left? It was probably the USA winning the Ryder Cup. Great to watch, but something was still missing. You didn't have the same feeling watching tournaments. Does anyone else think the U.S. recession started with Tiger being injured? I DO!!!

All joking aside, Tiger is probably in the best shape he has ever been in with a fully repaired and functional knee. He had eight months to refresh himself and that probably even made him hungrier. I'm not going to say he is going to win the Match Play this week, because you shoot a great round and still lose. But, I would still take Tiger over the field.

With that being said...I am going out and predicting it...you heard it hear first ladies and gentlemen:

TIGER WOODS WILL WIN THE 2009 GRAND SLAM

Mark it down. He looks ready, he looks focused, he looks to be in great shape, and he looks ready to deliver a message to the rest of the world: "I'm back and better than ever."

Judgment Week...

Here is the updated version of who is in and who is looking out for the NCAA Tournament come March!

AUTOMATIC BIDS (31 Teams)

1. American East---Vermont
2. Atlantic 10---Xavier
3. ACC---North Carolina
4. Atlantic Sun---East Tenn St.
5. Big East---Conneticut
6. Big Sky---Weber State
7. Big South---Radford (Previous Pick - VMI)
8. Big Ten---Michigan State
9. Big 12---Oklahoma
10. Big West---Long Beach State
11. CAA---VCU
12. C-USA---Memphis
13. Horizon---Butler
14. Ivy---Cornell
15. MAAC---Siena
16. MAC---Buffalo
17. MEAC---Morgan State
18. MVC---Creighton (previous pick: UNI)
19. Mountain West---Utah
20. Northeast---Robert Morris
21. Ohio Valley---Tennessee-Martin
22. Pacific 10---Washington
23. Patriot---American
24. SEC---LSU
25. Southern---Davidson
26. Southland---Stephen F. Austin
27. SWAC---Alabama State
28. Summit---North Dakota State
29. Sun Belt---Western Kentucky
30. West Coast---Gonzaga
31. WAC---Utah State

'LOCK TEAMS'

1. Atlantic 10---Dayton
2. ACC---Duke, Wake Forest, Clemson, Florida State
3. Big East---Pittsburgh, Louisville, Marquette, Syracuse, Villanova
4. Big Ten---Illinios, Purdue, Ohio State
5. Big 12---Kansas, Missouri
6. Pac 10---Washington, California, Arizona State
7. SEC---Tennessee

'BUBBLE TEAMS'

1. Atlantic 10---Temple
2. ACC---Boston College, Maryland
3. Big East---West Virginia, Cincinnati, Providence
4. Big Ten---Minnesota, Wisconsin, Penn State
5. Big 12---Texas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State
6. Mountain West---BYU, UNLV
7. MVC---Illinois State
8. Pac 10---Arizona
9. SEC---Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida
10. West Coast---St. Mary's

'BUBBLE BURSTING'

1. ACC---Miami (FL), Virginia Tech
2. Big East---Georgetown, Notre Dame
3. Big Ten---Michigan, Northwestern
4. Big 12---Texas A&M, Nebraska, Baylor
5. C-USA---UAB
6. Mountain West---San Diego State
7. MVC---UNI
8. Pac 10---USC
9. SEC---Mississippi State, Auburn

"It was a stupid mistake"

Let me tell you a couple things about a stupid mistake. A stupid mistake is a college athlete getting who is underage getting caught drinking. A stupid mistake is a college athlete skipping class 'occasionally'. A stupid mistake is hanging out with the wrong people and ending up in a bar fight or worse. A stupid mistake is being the most prolific Olympic swimmer and being seen with a bong. These are stupid mistakes. It happens to everyone. It happens from ages 8 to 80. We can easily forgive people who make one or two stupid mistakes. However, what is NOT a stupid mistake?

"That's again part of being young and stupid." That's a good answer to give if you did something wrong once or twice....but NOT FOR THREE YEARS! That's exactly what A-Roid, or is it A-Fraud...sorry...A-Rod said today. Here is the other part...Rodriguez wasn't exactly YOUNG when he did this either. If he is honestly telling the truth about using this PED (Performance Enhancing Drug), that he only used from 2001-03, then that would have been when he was 25-27 years old. He had been playing in Major League Baseball for SEVEN years before that. Not exactly a "young" or "rookie" mistake.

Here is another part, "All these years I never thought I did anything wrong." NO KIDDING? Of course you didn't...it was "loosey goosey" and guys were trying things. But, no, it wasn't anything wrong. Then why are you saying sorry? Why are you saying you were young and stupid? If you didn't think you did anything wrong then why are you apologizing? Why did you 'stop' taking the PED's? Is it because you realized you weren't eating Tic-Tac's?

I'm not blaming everything on A-Rod...I just think there is more to the story and more will eventually come out. Have you seen that Rangers team he was on? Ready for these names? Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez, Ken Caminiti, Juan Gonzalez....ouch! How about Herb Perry, who magically hit twenty-two home runs in 2002? His career average one home run in every 37.5 at bats...that year it was one in twenty. You can't just knock A-Rod...there are supposedly 104 names on that list of who tested positive in 2003. Let's see what happens when some other names come out. But, I would like a clearer picture of what exactly was going on.

Think about this for a minute. Baseball is about records and numbers. No other sport has the number stand out like baseball does. 755. 61. 2,141. Ask any fan of baseball and he/she can tell you what the number means. But, what about the record holders? The all-time hits leader is banned from baseball. The all-time home run and single season record holder might be headed to jail on perjury charges. One of the most dominant power pitchers in the history of the game might be facing charges as well. Mark McGwire, the former icon of St. Louis, has been seen or heard of since the congressional hearing.

If baseball thought it got a black-eye during the congressional hearings or thought everything was over when the Bonds/Clemens fiasco's would be done, they are dead wrong. There are some very troubling times ahead for baseball. How will they get out of this? How will baseball get its reputation back? How can the game be saved and what will bring the fans back into the picture? Who will be the light on an otherwise dark day?

Updated Brackets!

Here is the updated version of who is in and who is looking out for the NCAA Tournament come March!

AUTOMATIC BIDS (31 Teams)

1. American East---Vermont
2. Atlantic 10---Xavier
3. ACC---North Carolina
4. Atlantic Sun---East Tenn St.
5. Big East---Conneticut
6. Big Sky---Weber State (previous pick: Portland State)
7. Big South---VMI
8. Big Ten---Michigan State
9. Big 12---Oklahoma
10. Big West---Long Beach State
11. CAA---VCU
12. C-USA---Memphis
13. Horizon---Butler
14. Ivy---Cornell
15. MAAC---Siena
16. MAC---Buffalo
17. MEAC---Morgan State
18. MVC---UNI
19. Mountain West---Utah
20. Northeast---Robert Morris
21. Ohio Valley---Tennessee-Martin
22. Pacific 10---Washington (previous pick: UCLA)
23. Patriot---American
24. SEC---LSU (previous pick: Florida)
25. Southern---Davidson
26. Southland---Stephen F. Austin
27. SWAC---Alabama State
28. Summit---North Dakota State
29. Sun Belt---Western Kentucky
30. West Coast---Gonzaga
31. WAC---Utah State

'LOCK TEAMS'

1. Atlantic 10---Dayton
2. ACC---Duke, Wake Forest, Clemson, Florida State
3. Big East---Pittsburgh, Louisville, Marquette, Syracuse, Villanova
4. Big Ten---Illinios, Purdue, Ohio State
5. Big 12---Kansas, Missouri
6. Pac 10---Washington, California, Arizona State
7. SEC---Tennessee

'BUBBLE TEAMS'

1. ACC---Boston College, Virginia Tech
2. Big East---West Virginia, Cincinnati, Providence
3. Big Ten---Minnesota, Penn State, Wisconsin
4. Big 12---Texas, Kansas State
5. Mountain West---BYU, San Diego State, UNLV
6. MVC---Creighton, Illinois State
7. Pac 10---Arizona
8. SEC---Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida
9. West Coast---St. Mary's

'BUBBLE BURSTING'

1. ACC---Miami (FL), Maryland
2. Big East---Georgetown, Notre Dame
3. Big Ten---Michigan, Northwestern
4. Big 12---Baylor, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State
5. C-USA---UAB
6. Pac 10---USC
7. SEC---Mississippi State, Auburn

Mock Draft 4.0

With the football season over, it is time for another Mock Draft. This time it is version 4.0. Newest updates listed first.

1. Detroit Lions -- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

--Unless something dramatic happens, the Lions should go with Stafford. Think about the following...last year they passed up Joe Flacco (Gosder Cherilus), 2006 it was Jay Cutler (Ernie Sims), 2005 had Aaron Rodgers (Mike Williams), 2004 there was Ben Roethlisberger (Roy Williams). 2007 they got one right with Calvin Johnson...but still...we all know the Joey Harrington experiment failed. But, they need to move on and take a QB that they can build on.
--Nothing new has changed here. The Lions need a franchise quarterback and they need one right now! There are plenty of options for offensive lineman and they can grab one with their second pick. Stafford has all of the tools and looks like he could develop into a great quarterback.

2. St. Louis Rams -- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

--I still think offensive line is the biggest need for the Rams. Crabtree should get some consideration too, but who will throw to him if the quarterback is laying on his back?
--Another pick with no change. The Rams clearly need help on the line and Smith, in my opinion, is the best prospect in the country. He will be a dominant force for years to come.

3. Kansas City Chiefs -- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

--I am a believer that in some way, the Chiefs are going to end up with Matt Cassel. With that the next biggest need is the defensive line. Brown seems to be higher on the want list than Orakpo at the moment (and even more after the combine). Previous Pick: Brian Orakpo
--If I am the Kansas City Chiefs, I am sticking with Tyler Thigpen...at least for one more year. I think this is too high to take Sanchez and with McCoy and Bradford both going back to college, the Chiefs would be better off with Thigpen and getting a solid position player instead. Kansas City needs somebody that can generate pressure on the quarterback. With new GM, Scott Pioli, I think they will turn to a 3-4 defense. If they draft Aaron Curry, chances are they move him inside, therefore I see a DE. Orakpo didn't have a great game against Ohio State and isn't participating in the Senior Bowl. I will probably change this pick when I see a better option, but right now I say Orakpo.

4. Seattle Seahawks -- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

--This is still too perfect for the Seahawks, who desperately need a playmaker. Crabtree could and should develop into a Fitzgerald/Andre Johnson type.
--Unless something goes wrong in the top three (like the Lions taking Crabtree number one), I see him ending up in Seattle. No wide receiver had more than 50 catches last year, and the leader, Bobby Engram is 36 years old. Outside of Deion Branch, the cabinet is bare.

5. Cleveland Browns -- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

--With McGinest and Davis both expected to leave via free agency, Curry makes the most sense with this pick...especially if they go with a 3-4 defense.
--The Browns definitely need help on their front seven. Most notably at linebacker and defensive end. If Curry goes before the number five spot, Orakpo or Brown would be the next choice for the Cleveland. Malcolm Jenkins could also be an option here depending on what happens with the first four picks.

6. Cincinnati Bengals -- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

--The Bengals need people to protect for Carson Palmer. There should be plenty of choices for them here to make a good pick.
--The reason for the Bengals struggles. They can't protect the passer and they can't run the ball. It all starts with the offensive line and they need this unit to improve vastly. Monroe would solidify the tackle spot and be a key component.

7. Oakland Raiders -- Jason Smith OT, Baylor

--Oakland still needs a couple of playmakers on offense. Jeremy Maclin would be an option here as well, but the offensive line struggled the past couple years and Smith is as good of choice as any. Previous Pick - Michael Oher
--The Raiders need offensive line help almost as bad as the Bengals. My guess here is that Monroe goes first, which would leave the Raiders to select Oher. If Crabtree somehow fell here or the Raiders could move up, he would be a perfect fit.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars -- Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

--This would be a tough spot for the Jaguars if all three of the top lineman are gone. I would have a feeling that they would try to move down a few picks, but if not, I don't think they would mind this pick. Previous Pick -- Jason Smith
--I can't believe I have three lineman in a row...especially in the top 10. But, the Jaguars are yet another team who needs help on the line and guess which position has the most prospects? You guessed it, offensive tackle.

9. Green Bay Packers -- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

--I think the only other option for the Packers at this point would be Orakpo. Raji continues to climb the draft board, especially after dominating the Senior Bowl.
--The Packers need some beef in the middle of their defense. Raji fits the bell and is a very good player. His stock continues to move up and with a good Senior Bowl performance, might even go higher.

10. San Francisco 49ers -- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

--This is probably still the best option for the 49ers. Sanchez can take a year or two to develop if Shaun Hill can continue to be a moderate quarterback.
--With Bradford back at Oklahoma and Stafford off the board, and the 49ers biggest need being a QB, Sanchez makes the most sense. Shaun Hill is not the long term answer and Sanchez could sit a year or two and develop. This would be a good situation for both teams.

11. Buffalo Bills -- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

--Buffalo has more glaring needs, but none fit the bill to be drafted this high. Orakpo can rotate at end for a couple of years before becoming a 3-down player. Previous Pick -- Everette Brown
--The Bills need some help to get pressure on opposing QB's. Brown would fit that need perfectly and would be a solid pick at number 11. His stock is also rising and with some good outings, could move into the top 10.

12. Denver Broncos -- James Laurinitis, ILB, Ohio State

--The Broncos need an upgrade at lineback in the worst way. If Maualuga is off the board, Laurinitis would be the next selection. Previous Pick -- Rey Maualuga

--If Maualuga makes it here, the Broncos should be estatic. The defense needs a major upgrade and the Broncos could always grab a running back in the second round. They would be hard pressed to pass on him.

13. Washington Redskins -- Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

--I think Maybin is more of a fit than Johnson is for the Redskins. Maybin can provide some instant pass rush and works well against the run. Previous Pick -- Michael Johnson
--Washington definitely needs help on the defensive line. Raji would have been the perfect choice, but he continues to move up with each performance. I still think Johnson would be the correct choice here.

14. New Orleans Saints -- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

--The Saints need to load up on defense so the offense doesn't have to score 40 points for the team to win. Jenkins has the talent to become a shut down corner. Previous Pick -- James Laurinitis
--Another pick that stays the same. Laurinitis is hurting himself by not being in the Senior Bowl, but I still think the Saints can't afford to pass him up, especially if Vilma leaves.

15. Houston Texans -- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

--The Texans need some help at the safety position, but this would be too high to grab anyone. If Johnson could play opposite of Super Mario, the Texans would boast a great pass-rushing combo. Previous Pick -- Malcolm Jenkins
--If Jenkins happens to slip this far, the Texans would more than gladly take him. They need help in the secondary and Jenkins can be a shutdown corner.

16. San Diego Chargers -- Chris 'Beanie' Wells, RB, Ohio State

--This is just a matter of who the Chargers like more. Knowshon or Beanie. With so many questions at the running back position, either one works right now.
--With LT starting to slow down and Darren Sporles heading towards free agency, the Chargers need to find a running back and find one fast. They really need a linebacker and help on the defensive line, but I don't think they can pass on the chance to take Wells or Knowshon Moreno.

17. New York Jets -- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

--Even though Favre retired, I don't like the pick of a QB here. Josh Freeman has the best arm, but the Jets still have Kellen Clemens and Erik Ainge. I would guess they get a veteran QB that they can use for another year or two to see if either of those guys can develop.
--It wasn't complete Brett Favre's fault that the Jets collapsed. Their pass defense was horrible towards the end of the year and Davis could step right in and play.

18. Chicago Bears -- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

--The Bears need somebody to throw the ball to so they can take off pressure from Matt Forte and Devin Hester. Maclin has decent size and the speed to fit the billing. Previous Pick -- Aaron Maybin
--All the talk was that Maybin was going to stay in school. Well, he didn't. The Bears like to upgrade on their offensive and defensive lines and Maybin would be a good fit. They really need a receiver to go along with Hester...but the two best on the board are Maclin and Harvin. I think they would want more of a possession guy.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

--The new coaching staff has a couple of decisions to make. They could go after Josh Freeman to be the quarterback of the future, or they could find somebody already on the roster. If the do the latter, a Bryant/Harvin combination would be deadly. Previous Pick -- Jeremy Maclin
--With the emergence of Antonio Bryant last year, the Bucs need one more play-maker. Joey Galloway is not getting any younger and Maclin would be a good threat. I could also see them going after Moreno if he was still here, but Maclin is still the choice.

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas Cowboys) -- Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

--With so many holes to fill, it is tough to gauge what the Lions would do with this pick. The biggest needs (after QB) are offensive line and linebacker. If Oher is around, it would be very hard to pass him up. Previous Pick -- Eben Britton
--Taking Stafford first is the smart move, the second smart move would be to grab an offensive lineman. Britton has been up and down, but remains the best tackle on the board.

21. Philadelphia Eagles -- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

--This would give McNabb another viable option in the passing game. If they can sign or trade for a play-making receiver, watch out!
--Donovan McNabb finally found a deep threat in DeSean Jackson. LJ Smith isn't a great tight end and certainly doesn't have the abilities of Pettigrew.

22. Minnesota Vikings -- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

--With a pass rush of Tyson Jackson and Jared Allen, the secondary might not have to stay in coverage as long. This would be very intimadating for opposing quarterbacks! Previous Pick -- Alphonso Smith
--Sticking with Smith for this spot. Vikings need to upgrade their secondary to keep teams from throwing left and right, up and down, and everywhere else on them.

23. New England Patriots -- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

--The other option here would be a cornerback. I think one can be found in the second round and Cushing would be hard to pass up.
--The Patriots linebackers are getting old. The secondary needs help as well. Cushing looks like a perfect fit for Patriots system and can inject some youth into the team.

24. Atlanta Falcons -- William Moore, S, Missouri

--Atlanta has three needs that they need to address, and safety is one of them. Moore is the best one in the draft and the Falcons should go on that route. Previous Pick -- Terrance Cody
--The Falcons have a big need for DT. Cody would be the perfect fit for this team and he would be able to force two blockers on him at all times.

25. Miami Dolphins -- Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois

--Joey Porter had a great year, but how much more does he have left? English would be a nice option for the DE/LB hybrid role and could move to OLB after Porter retires. Previous Pick -- D.J. Moore
--The secondary needs a face lift and Moore can provide at least part of that. This would be a good starting point for this up and coming team.

26. Baltimore Ravens -- Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

--It's hard to say that the Ravens need help on defense, but if they really want to shore up, drafting a top cornerback would be that step. The corners are getting old and the young guys just don't have starter stuff. Previous Pick -- Percy Harvin
--The Ravens desperately need help at cornerback and receiver. With most of the top corners gone, Harvin would be a good weapon for Flacco to use.

27. Indianapolis Colts -- Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

--Unless the Colts can sign Haynesworth, Jerry looks like the selection of choice, assuming he is still here.
--When Darren Sproles can through the MIDDLE of your defense, you know you have problems. Jerry would be a good fit and maybe will cause someone besides Bob Sanders to make tackles.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina) -- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

--Who knows when Brian Westbrook is healthy or not. And when he is, they still can't gain a couple of inches when they need it. Moreno could definately change that. Previous Pick -- Duke Robinson
--The next need for Eagles is someone that can push the line forward so they can get a couple first downs when it is third and short. Robinson could fill that need on the interior.

29. New York Giants -- Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

--Same here as before. A play-maker is needed to help out. Unless the Giants somehow get Chedder Plex back, Nicks would be the choice.
--We all saw what happened to the Giants when Chedder Plex left. The Giants need a big receiving threat and Nicks fits it perfectly.

30. Tennessee Titans -- Alex Mack, C, California

--If the Titans are smart, they take Mack here. Kevin Mawae has to be getting closer to retirement and Mack probably only needs one or two years to really develop into a great center. Previous Pick -- Victor Harris
--The Titans don't draft receivers, even though they really need them. The next biggest need is probably at corner. Harris stays at this spot for now.

31. Arizona Cardinals -- LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

--I am assuming Moreno and Wells will be off the board and that Edgerrin James will no longer be in Arizona. McCoy is the best option if all of that happens! Previous Pick -- Knowshon Moreno

32. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

--The Steelers biggest need is that offensive line. They need to spend a couple of draft picks to address this need and Britton would be the first step in helping to solve the problem! Previous Pick -- Alex Mack

Bracket Busting Time!

With Selection Sunday rapidly approaching, I have decided to project the field of 64...I mean 65 on every Monday. The first part is who I think will end up with the automatic bids from each conference, followed by conference locks. The last part will be the bubble teams, followed by teams whose bubble is starting to burst if it hasn't already!

AUTOMATIC BIDS (31 Teams)

1. American East---Vermont
2. Atlantic 10---Xavier
3. ACC---North Carolina
4. Atlantic Sun---East Tenn St.
5. Big East---Conneticut
6. Big Sky---Portland State
7. Big South---VMI
8. Big Ten---Michigan State
9. Big 12---Oklahoma
10. Big West---Long Beach State
11. CAA---VCU
12. C-USA---Memphis
13. Horizon---Butler
14. Ivy---Cornell
15. MAAC---Siena
16. MAC---Buffalo
17. MEAC---Morgan State
18. MVC---UNI
19. Mountain West---Utah
20. Northeast---Robert Morris
21. Ohio Valley---Tennessee-Martin
22. Pacific 10---UCLA
23. Patriot---American
24. SEC---Florida
25. Southern---Davidson
26. Southland---Stephen F. Austin
27. SWAC---Alabama State
28. Summit---North Dakota State
29. Sun Belt---Western Kentucky
30. West Coast---Gonzaga
31. WAC---Utah State

'LOCK TEAMS'

1. Atlantic 10---Dayton
2. ACC---Duke, Wake Forest, Clemson, Florida State
3. Big 12---Kansas, Missouri
4. Big East---Pittsburgh, Louisville, Marquette, Syracuse, Villanova
5. Big Ten---Illinios, Purdue, Ohio State, Minnesota
6. Pac 10---Washington, California, Arizona State
7. SEC---Tennessee

'BUBBLE TEAMS'

1. ACC---Miami (FL), Virginia Tech, Boston College
2. Big East---West Virginia, Cincinnati
3. Big Ten---Penn State, Michigan
4. Big 12---Texas
5. Mountain West---BYU, San Diego State, UNLV
6. MVC---Creighton, Illinois State
7. Pac 10---USC, Arizona
8. SEC---LSU, South Carolina
9. West Coast---St. Mary's

'BUBBLE BURSTING'

1. ACC---Maryland
2. Big East---Georgetown, Providence, Notre Dame
3. Big Ten---Northwestern
4. Big 12---Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Baylor
5. SEC---Kentucky

Oh...it is also RIVALRY week in CBB, so check out some great games throughout the week!!

Let's compare the QB's

Okay, after winning Super Bowl XLIII, Ben Roethlisberger has now won TWO Super Bowl rings and he is still 26 years old. Granted, he didn't do much in the first game, but his team still won. The argument is usually against him for being considered an 'elite' quarterback. Why is this? Is it because he doesn't put up video game numbers? Is it because he doesn't make everything look pretty? Is it because he doesn't play in a spread offense? Look, the facts are facts. He has the most wins by any quarterback in their first five seasons of play. He has EIGHT playoff wins. Guess what! Peyton Manning only has SEVEN! No, no, no...I am not comparing Roethlisberger to Manning...we all know Manning is an elite passer and has his ONE ring...wait a second, Roethlisberger is sound better...we better just look at the numbers.



In order to judge a quarterback, you must do so in different categories. Since we know that teams such as the Cardinals and the Saints rely on the pass more so than the Steelers and Chargers, we can't use exact Touchdown and Interception numbers. Instead, we will use percentages.

Here are the eight categories that I have used in determining how a quarterback rates:

1. Win %
2. Completion %
3. Touchdown %
4. Interception %
5. Yards/Attempt
6. Yards/Completion
7. Yards/Game
8. QB Rating



Now, in order to properly judge a quarterback based strictly on statistics, I can't give out the names. You all already have a pre-concieved notion of who is better. So, with that in mind, I will use player A, B, C, etc. The first number represents the regular season, the second number represents the playoffs. All of these are current quarterbacks in the NFL



Player A

1. 64.57---60.00 Winning %
2. 58.90---59.60 Completion %
3. 4.5---4.3 Touchdown %
4. 2.1---3.0 Interception %
5. 6.8---6.5 Yards/Attempt
6. 11.6---10.9 Yards/Completion
7. 218.8---234.8 Yards/Game
8. 85.9---80.8 QB Rating

Player B

1. 78.18---82.35 Winning %
2. 63.00---62.50 Completion %
3. 5.4---4.4 Touchdown %
4. 2.4---2.0 Interception %
5. 7.2---6.6 Yards/Attempt
6. 11.5---10.6 Yards/Completion
7. 234.0---232.6 Yards/Game
8. 92.9---88.0 QB Rating

Player C

1. 68.75---50.00 Winning %
2. 62.30---56.60 Completion %
3. 5.5---3.7 Touchdown %
4. 2.5---3.7 Interception %
5. 7.5---8.1 Yards/Attempt
6. 12.0---14.2 Yards/Completion
7. 205.7---253.7 Yards/Game
8. 92.9---79.7 QB Rating
   

Player D

1. 71.83---80.00 Winning %
2. 62.40---61.90 Completion %
3. 5.3---5.4 Touchdown %
4. 3.6---4.3 Interception %
5. 7.9---8.1 Yards/Attempt
6. 12.6---13.0 Yards/Completion
7. 208---223.9 Yards/Game
8. 89.4---87.2 QB Rating

Player E

1. 66.48---46.67 Winning %
2. 64.40---61.60 Completion %
3. 5.6---3.9 Touchdown %
4. 2.8---3.0 Interception %
5. 7.7---7.4 Yards/Attemp
6. 11.9---12.1 Yards/Completion
7. 259.3---280.5 Yards/Game
8. 94.7---84.9 QB Rating

Player F

1. 59.15---57.14 Winning %
2. 55.90---58.50 Completion %
3. 4.3---4.2 Touchdown %
4. 3.2---3.6 Interception %
5. 6.4---6.7 Yards/Attempt
6. 11.5---11.5 Yards/Completion
7. 200.3---185.7 Yards/Game
8. 76.1---77.6 QB Rating

Player G

1. 56.44---72.73 Winning %
2. 65.40---64.80 Completion %
3. 5.1---6.5 Touchdown %
4. 3.2---3.2 Interception %
5. 6.4---6.7 Yards/Attempt
6. 12.3---12.9 Yards/Completion
7. 259.9---306.2 Yards/Game
8. 93.8---98.9 QB Rating

Player H

1. 56.31---44.44 Winning %
2. 60.10---58.20 Completion %
3. 2.8---2.5 Touchdown %
4. 3.2---3.2 Interception %
5. 7.0---6.8 Yards/Attempt
6. 11.7---11.7 Yards/Completion
7. 214.1---245.7 Yards/Game
8. 84.5---79.9 QB Rating

Now, here are a few more player without enough experience in the post-season, so I have just included their regular season numbers:

Player I

1. 49.23 Winning %
2. 63.70 Completion %
3. 4.9 Touchdown %
4. 3.1 Interception %
5. 7.2 Yards/Attempt
6. 11.3 Yards/Completion
7. 240.5 Yards/Game
8. 88.9 QB Rating

Player J

1. 69.23 Winning %
2. 63.60 Completion %
3. 6.2 Touchdown %
4. 3.5 Interception %
5. 8.1 Yards/Attempt
6. 12.7 Yards/Completion
7. 251.5 Yards/Game
8. 94.7 QB Rating

Player K

1. 51.89 Winning %
2. 63.90 Completion %
3. 4.6 Touchdown %
4. 2.7 Interception %
5. 7.2 Yards/Attempt
6. 11.3 Yards/Completion
7. 245.4 Yards/Game
8. 89.4 QB Rating

So, now, based on statistics, you can make the assumptions that you want on each player without knowing which each one is. What do you think? Who stands out? Who struggles?

After you figure out which guy is Roethlisberger, you can compare him to a couple other guys after their first five years in the league.

Peyton Manning

1. 52.50---0.00 Winning %
2. 60.90---48.00 Completion %
3. 4.8---1.3 Touchdown %
4. 3.5---0.0 Interception %
5. 7.2---5.6 Yards/Attempt
6. 11.8---11.7 Yards/Completion
7. 257.7---210.5 Yards/Game
8. 84.3---69.9 QB Rating

Tom Brady

1. 77.42---100.00 Winning %
2. 61.60---60.54 Completion %
3. 4.8---2.7 Touchdown %
4. 2.6---1.4 Interception %
5. 6.9---6.1 Yards/Attempt
6. 11.2---10.1 Yards/Completion
7. 221---227.3 Yards/Game
8. 87.5---85.1 QB Rating

Look, all I am saying is that before you base all of your arguments based on fantasy football numbers, you should take a look at the real NFL numbers first. As Colin Cowherd says, "The NFL is NOT fantasy football!"

Take your pick...Kobe vs. LeBron

Anything you can do, I can do better....






I can do anything better than you....


Let's compare the two...


Current career stats:


LeBron James--27.5 P/G, 7.0 Reb, 6.6 A, 1.8 Stl, 0.9 Blk, 46.9 FG%, 32.1 3Pt%, 73.4 FT%, 3.3 TO

Kobe Bryant--25.1 P/G, 5.3 Reb, 4.6 A, 1.5 Stl, 0.6 Blk, 45.5 FG%, 34.1 3Pt%, 84.0 FT%, 2.9 TO


Okay...we know stats don't always tell the truth. Kobe is a better shooter than LeBron, I don't think that has ever been argued. LeBron does so much more for his team. Kobe is the definition of a scorer. LeBron is a scorer as well, but most of his points come inside because he might be the best player at getting to the rim. Kobe also has something that LeBron doesn't...rings. However, LeBron also has never played with anyone remotely close to that of Shaq.


You also have to remember...LeBron is in his SIXTH year!

Here is Kobe's stats after his first six years.


19.8 P/G, 4.6 Reb, 3.8 A, 1.3 Stl, 0.6 Blk, 45.8 FG%, 31.4 3Pt%, 82.7 FT%, 2.5 TO



So....take your pick....LeBron or Kobe?

As for me...I'm taking the King....

SIX-PACK BABY!!!

Make that SIX Lombardi trophies that now resonate in Pittsburgh thanks to a 27-23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. What a win and what a game. The discussion has already come up about whether this could be the 'greatest Super Bowl game ever', while I won't go that far, I will say it has to be one of the top 5. But, it probably did have the greatest play in Super Bowl history. In all reality, the first 48 minutes of the game didn't produce too much besides a 20-7 score in favor of Pittsburgh. What do you when you are playing a game or anything else? YOU SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST! And that is exactly what the Steelers and Cardinals did. The last 12 minutes might have been the best 12 minutes in Super Bowl history.

First, let's go to the greatest play in Super Bowl history. What makes a play great? I mean REALLY great. You have to make it at the right time, it has to be a big play, it has to make a difference in a game, it has to have momentum and be a game changing play. Okay, so let's dissect each part.

Part I: Timing

• Ball at one yard line with the Cardinals threatening to score just before half-time.
• Score 10-7 in favor of the Steelers.
• At this point, the best situation the Steelers can hope for is a 10-10 tie going into the half or for the Cardinals, a 14-10 lead.
  

Part II: Big Play

• Interception at the goal-line...I think that defines a 'big play'!
• 100 yard return...HUGE!
  

Part III: Difference in the Game

• As I mentioned, worst case scenario for the Cardinals a 10-10 tie. This play makes it 17-7, Steelers advantage.
• The play was AT LEAST a 10 point swing.
  

Part IV: Momentum and Game Changing

• Points off the board for one team, on the board for the other.
• A possible tie-game turns into a 10 point lead.
• Gee...ya think?
  
  
  Oh yeah...it was ALSO a defensive touchdown and the LONGEST play in Super Bowl history. You know, after thinking about it....this might be the greatest play to EVER happen in the history of the National Football League. If you want to show me a better play that has ever happened, I would like to see it!!! I would also accept the Music City Miracle as one of the greatest ever and the Immaculate Reception...but, what else would be on that short list?

Back to the last 12 minutes of the game. This was classic. The Cardinals finally said, "Hey, maybe we should try some no huddle instead of pretending like we can run the ball." And it worked. Warner blazed down the field and threw one up to Fitzgerald that only Yao Ming or LeBron James could have defended. By the way, did you also know that Warner audibled to that quick slant? Why wasn't a lob to Fitz called on that play? Or was it?

After a couple change of possessions and a dumb, dumb, dumb penalty on James Harrison, the Steelers had the ball at the half yard line. First down = Incomplete pass, clock stops. Second down= no gain with Willie Parker barely sneaking out of the end zone and a timeout stops the clock. Third down = another pass! WHAT?!? Santonio Holmes makes a great catch and it looks like the Steelers would just need one more first down to end the game. Hold on...penalty...in the end zone, automatic SAFETY...20-16 Steelers lead.

Okay, still over two and a half minutes left...who is the ONE player you don't want to let beat you if you are a Steeler? Maybe some guy named Larry Fitzgerald? Quick slant, safeties jump the out routs, Fitzgerald outruns the entire defense and boom the Cardinals have a 23-20 lead. Ouch...

However...there is still over two minutes on the clock for Pittsburgh. After the kickoff, they have to 78 yards to the end zone. Are we about to witness history with a Cardinals win or even the first EVER overtime game in the Super Bowl? First down...penalty...offensive holding...The Achilles Heel of the Steelers all season...88 yards to go. Pass to Santonio Holmes for 14 yards. Second and six...clock running, ball snapped, deep pass to Nate Washington...incomplete, two minute warning. Third and six. Ball at the 26 yard-line. Cardinals attack Roethlisberger, he steps up and completes another pass to Santonio Holmes for a first down. Another quick pass, this time to Nate Washington for a first (get out of bounds!). Back to the line, Roethlisberger scrambles for four yards and a timeout is called.

As a Steelers fan, at this point, I am thinking about moving the ball another 25-30 yards to set up a field goal attempt. However, the Steelers team has a different idea. Back from the timeout, Roethlisberger pumps once, pumps twice, finds Santonio Holmes who dodges to defenders and runs to the six yard line. Now, a touchdown is within sights. But, hold on for one second. Why did they call a timeout so quickly? After the catch and run, Holmes got up to celebrate as did other players and weren't ready for the next play. Okay, not a big deal, because you still have three attempts before sending out the field goal unit and you should be looking in the end zone on all three tries.

First and goal from the six. Roethlisberger looks around and slings one in the back of the end zone to an open Holmes and it just slips through his fingers...would have been a great catch. Throw was a little high, but you put it in a place where only your guy can grab it. Second down. Roethlisberger drops back, read one covered, read two covered, buys some extra time and lets it go....

...and Santonio Holmes makes one of the best catches in the history of the Super Bowl! They review it and confirm a touchdown for a 27-23 lead with 42 seconds left!

We all know what happens after that...the Cardinals get a couple of first downs and use their remaining timeouts. Warner steps up into the pocket and gets the ball hit by Woodley and the fumble/incomplete pass ends up in the hands of Brett Keisel. 72 seconds later, Roethlisberger takes a knee and that SIX yard touchdown pass turns out to be the game winning play and Super Bowl trophy number SIX for the Steelers.

Thoughts on officiating. This wasn't the greatest called game in the world. Was it the worst called game? Not even close. Was it bad? Probably. Was it bad on both sides? YES, it was! Did it cost the Cardinals the game? No, it didn't. It may have cost them an opportunity to win, but not the game.

• The penalties for the Cardinals was 11-106. For the Steelers 7-56. The Cardinals also declined a penalty and two of the Steelers penalties (Harrison UR and Hartwing Hold) combined for ONE total yard. So, if you add in those factors, it should have been 8-85, which is not a big discrepancy.
• The most questionable call of the night had to the roughing the passer on Roethlisberger. I have seen him take hits much later than that. However, I have also seen flags thrown on plays that are much closer. So, you can't really make an argument either way. Some also say that Roethlisberger should have been called for grounding. I will prove otherwise.
• The other big one I have heard, is that on the Harrison touchdown, was that LaMaar Woodley blocked Tim Hightower in the back. Well, if you want to complain about that one, there were a couple missed calls on the Cardinals as well...and I will show you them as well. Also on that play...Larry Fitzgerald ran out of bounds when he was trying to catch Harrison. If you want to get technical, that should have been a flag too.
• After the first 'fumble/incomplete pass' that Warner had in the night, he took his helmet off on the field. That is a 15 yard penalty and wasn't called either.
• Everyone things that the last 'fumble/incomplete pass' was not reviewed. However, IT WAS REVIEWED. The replay booth reviewed it and did not buzz down to the on-field officials, because they agreed with the fumble call.

Here are some examples:

Either way, we can't go back to review anything now, so it is done and over with. The only people that should have a legitimate gripe about the game is the Arizona Cardinals. And guess what? THEY AREN'T TALKING! Everyone else, except for the Cardinals is upset about the calls!

Back to the game...in my opinion, Warner closed his case for the Hall of Fame. He should be in five years after he calls it a career. As for Roethlisberger...two Super Bowl victories, eight career playoff wins and he is only 26. I wouldn't call him Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, but he has to be considered one of the best. HE HAS MORE RINGS THAN MANNING DOES! Whether you like him or not, you can't deny that fact or that he led six drives this year in the fourth quarter that were game winning drives. Not everything he does looks pretty. But guess what? HE WINS GAMES! What more can you ask for? You can have Tony Romo, Drew Brees, Jay Cutler, etc....I will take Roethlisberger and not look back.

With everything being said, I know facts are facts. Santonio Holmes is the Super Bowl XLIII MVP. Ben Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl rings and the most victories of any quarterback in their first five seasons in the league. The Steelers had the number one defense this year. And finally, there are now SIX Vince Lombardi Trophies in Pittsburgh and no other team in the NFL can say that!