Reggie Bush « On Point w/ Sean Napfel

This Weeks Edition Of The Mad Dog Monday Mayhem Blog

By joshua.hall, on December 19th, 2011%

Happy Holidays to my readers out there who stop by every week and read my ridiculous rants. It is always a pleasure to dish out all the sports news, both good and bad. I wish nothing but happiness to you and your loved ones. Enough with the sappy Lifetime diatribe, let’s kick off the blog!

Here are my Top Three Performances from NFL Week 15:

1. Quarterback Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints): Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Marino and Johnny Unitas both have NFL records that are in major trouble, all thanks to New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Unitas’ 47 consecutive games with a passing touchdown will have to wait until 2012 but with the way Brees is gaining passing yards these days, Marino’s single season record of 5,084 passing yards may soon fall into silver medal status. Brees certainly had a field day through the air, as the Saints picked up a huge 42-20 road victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Brees completed 32 of 40 pass attempts (80%), threw for 412 yards, and five passing touchdowns.

2. Running Back Reggie Bush (Miami Dolphins): Every once in a while, he just turns into real life video game. This used to be a constant for Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush, who would light up the scoreboard, and rewrite the record books during his days as a USC Trojan. After his tenure with the New Orleans Saints in which writers deemed him a bust, Bush has seemed to be finding his groove again in South Beach, and yesterday was proof of that fact. Bush carried the ball 25 times for 203 yards and one touchdown, a 76 yard score in the fourth quarter, to help the Dolphins pick up the 30-23 win on the road against the Buffalo Bills.

3. Defensive End Tamba Hali (Kansas City Chiefs): Who would have thought that the Kansas City Chiefs would be the team to give the undefeated and defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers their first loss of the season? The Packers and their quarterback Aaron Rodgers have been making mince meat of most defenses on their schedule in the 2011 season, even having blow out victories on the road. Chiefs interim head coach Romeo Crennel and his defensive end Tamba Hali weren’t going to lie down that easily to the Packers or even think of losing for that matter. Hali sacked Rodgers three times, hit him twice, forced one fumble, and helped the defense hold the Packers to 315 offensive yards in a shocking 19-14 Chiefs home victory.

Congratulations should also be in order for the Indianapolis Colts, who picked up their first win of the season, beating the Tennessee Titans 27-13 at home. However, the quest for the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft becomes quite interesting in the next two weeks, as the St. Louis Rams and the Minnesota Vikings have two wins each. If the Colts choose to show up in the next two games and win at least one game, the chances of not landing Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck becomes too high for comfort. Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck both want be the starting quarterback in 2012, and if Dan Orlovsky continues to improve, he may start for a different team.

The ever controversial, media hating, possibly tainted, all-time home run leader Barry Bonds is currently serving hard time…in his mansion. Bonds, who gave misleading information to the federal grand jury in their investigation on steroid use in professional sports, was sentenced to thirty days of house arrest, and two years probation. Not a bad sentence for a guy who used to pay off his former trainer Greg Anderson to keep quiet and serve jail time in order to delay the investigation. If this proves anything, it is that Barry Bonds made a mockery of the system, and the federal jury along with the verdict, looked like a complete joke.

It looks like life as a Lakers fan isn’t faring so well in Los Angeles these days. After a failed trade for Chris Paul which ended up being approved for the Los Angeles Clippers and a trade which sent Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers are left with little to look forward to in the shortened 2012 NBA season. Lakers star player Kobe Bryant will be going through a messy divorce, Derek Fisher isn’t going to play any younger at 37, and Ron Artest, I mean Meta World Peace, is going to be his usual crazy self. New Lakers head coach Mike Brown is going to have his hands full in the Western Conference while other teams around his own continue to grow stronger by the day.

The WWE made a stop at First Mariner Arena in Baltimore last night for its “WWE TLC” pay per view. If you were a fan of surprises and delightful outcomes, last nights wrestling event was the place to be. C.M. Punk retained his WWE Championship in a triple threat ladder match, Daniel Bryan cashed in his “Money In The Bank” contract and won the World Heavyweight Championship, and the WWE’s own internet sensation, Zack Ryder won his first WWE singles title as he defeated Dolph Ziggler in a surprisingly good match to win the United States Championship. And the best part of the event: No John Cena in the main event!

I would like to thank you all for reading my blog this week! In the next two weeks, I will give you my own selections for the 2011-12 Pro Bowl teams, and my NFL 2011 Awards. Be sure to check me out on Facebook (Joshua Collins Hall) or e-mail me at y2joshua85@yahoo.com for any information regarding my blog and future projects. Enjoy your Monday night, I am out.

Can the Philadelphia Eagles survive the hype?

By Sean Napfel, on August 11th, 2011%

Everyone knows there are few guarantees in life. Except for the whole death-and-taxes thing.

When it comes to sports, the NFL in particular, such certainties are even more rare. I mean, teams routinely rise from worst-to-first in a one-year span and injuries and other uncontrollable variables can destroy the plans of even the seemingly most bulletproof of expected contenders. Raise your hand if you foresaw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning four more games than the Dallas Cowboys in 2010 last August.

With that premise in mind, it may be best not to get too sucked in over the incessant buildup of the Philadelphia Eagles, this season’s designated trendy choice to achieve Super Bowl glory, even as difficult as may be to downplay the enviable ensemble of talent the team has collected during its recent spending splurge.

There’s no debating the job head coach Andy Reid and general manager Howie Roseman did during the belated and frenzied signing period. The duo was able to stealthily move and land the biggest prize on this year’s free-agent market — cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha — and brought in two other quality pieces to an overhauled defense with the signings of linemen Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin. And that doesn’t include the addition of proven corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, part of an admirable haul the Eagles were able to obtain in exchange for disposable second-string quarterback Kevin Kolb.
Philadelphia was even able to lure brand-name performers to fill in backup roles, snaring Titans castoff Vince Young and former No. 2 overall pick Ronnie Brown to provide strong depth at quarterback and running back, respectively.

Clear winners of this year’s offseason, now the Eagles’ challenge may be withstanding the challenge of sky-high presumptions, a hefty burden that has befallen other supposed championship-caliber clubs in the not-so-distant past. The Cowboys crumbled under those same conditions last season. The Vikings came close before ultimately failing as consensus NFC favorites the previous year. Dallas was expected to run the conference table in 2008, but fell prey to a toxic combination of injuries and infighting.

With an organization renowned for its stablility and a superior coach in Reid, Philadelphia does appear better equipped to prepare for those pitfalls that did in those predecessors, and with the exception of the mercurial Young, none of the newcomers are potential chemistry-killers like the ones that had a hand in the Cowboys’ 2008 demise. Still, to say the Eagles will have an easy path in a well-stocked NFC that houses the last two Super Bowl winners is as preposterous as it is premature.

A side effect of Philadelphia’s all-in mentality is that it’s caused some of its chief competition to up the ante as well.

New Orleans’ offseason moves didn’t produce nearly the amount of punch, save for the team’s shipment of an unhappy Reggie Bush to Miami. However, ex- Charger Darren Sproles is as good — if not better — a replacement for the high-profile running back, while a defense that was one of the league’s stingiest against the pass last season got tougher to run on as well after adding 670 pounds of bulk along the interior line in the form of beefy tackles Aubrayo Franklin and Shaun Rogers.

Atlanta was able to solve one of its most glaring needs by signing former Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards, giving the defending NFC South champs an established pass-rushing complement to sack-master John Abraham, while successfully retaining the core group of a team that won a conference-best 13 games in 2010, two more than the Saints and three greater than the Eagles.

And in case anyone forgot, there’s also the Green Bay Packers to deal with.
The reigning world champs were customary silent in free agency, but remember that last season’s historic run was made without the services of several injured players, including such prominent ones as emerging star tight end Jermichael Finley and dependable running back Ryan Grant. An already formidable offense would become even more dangerous if those two can reclaim their form, and the Pack shouldn’t lack the motivation needed to combat the dreaded Super Bowl hangover after having to witness Philly’s deluge of press clippings.

With an abundance of skilled playmakers on offense and a defense that should be an upgrade on last year’s disappointing unit following the influx of new faces, there’s no question the Eagles possess the goods to make a serious run at an elusive Lombardi Trophy and reclaim their lost standing as the toast of a city that’s been bleeding Phillies red for the last few years. But just like the other upper-echelon inhabitants of the NFC, and the rest of the league as well, there will be ifs.

If a defense that may have a rookie (Casey Matthews) calling signals at the pivotal middle linebacker position and an unproven new coordinator (Juan Castillo) running the show can make considerable progress. If valuable wide receiver Jeremy Maclin isn’t slowed down by a mysterious illness that’s kept him out of camp thus far. If disgruntled wideout DeSean Jackson and cornerback Asante Samuel, possibly relegated to a reduced role with the additions of Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie, don’t become needless distractions.

And what if Michael Vick, who hasn’t played a full 16-game season since 2006, sustains a serious injury that keeps him out for a significant amount of time? While Young’s an excellent insurance policy, will he show the aptitude, leadership and most importantly — the maturity — to win games in January and February if need be?

No guarantees.

Top 10 sports stories of 2010

By Sean Napfel, on December 31st, 2010%

According to the Chinese calendar, 2010 was the “Year of the Tiger.” According to the American calendar, it was anything but.

In fact, 2010 was a rough year for a lot of athletes, not just Tiger Woods. Both Ben Roethlisberger and Brett Favre were involved in sexually-charged controversies of their own, and Favre followed up one of his most impressive seasons in 2009 with one of his worst in 2010 – likely his final NFL season.

But 2010 might be remembered most for the players who overcame their demons.

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick literally went from the doghouse to the penthouse in Philadelphia, rising from a backup to Donovan McNabb and then Kevin Kolb, to an MVP candidate.

And LeBron James, who was crucified in 2010 for his “Decision” to go from Cleveland to Miami, is putting together another MVP season of his own.

Which player will wind up with the MVP and potentially capture their first ring remains to be seen in 2011, but they certainly headlined the list of top stories in 2010.

Here’s a closer look at the top stories of 2010, as told by yours truly:

1. LeBron James takes his talents to South Beach

“This fall I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.” –LeBron James–

It was that quote that started it all. The LeBron James hate parade has marched across the country since ‘The Decision’ aired on ESPN in July. Clevelanders, NBA fans, and people who have never watched a basketball game in their lives united under one massive banner to smite down the man that has become a national symbol of narcissism.

The viral vendetta against LeBron is unprecedented in scope and size for the sports world. Even the most hated professional athletes haven’t felt the web’s wrath like this fallen icon. The Tiger Woods sex scandal drew anger from fans, instantly sparked thousands of jokes and sent some of his sponsors sprinting away, but he wasn’t demonized throughout online media. Michael Vick’s dog-fighting ring set his image on fire, outraged fans and animal rights activists, and inspired countless Halloween costumes, but his recent comeback on the Philadelphia Eagles hasn’t been marred by a nation-wide campaign against him.

Sure, LeBron quit, and he left his city to rot. But others have done the same and it didn’t incite national hatred.

2. Michael Vick goes from the doghouse to the penthouse

It was basically a fact heading into Week 15 that the top two candidates for the MVP are New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady and Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Michael Vick.

Almost everybody had Brady first and Vick second. (A few threw in guys like Philip Rivers or Matt Ryan.)

And almost everybody agreed that Brady had the MVP race all but wrapped up, myself included. A debate is really not necessary because Tom Brady should indeed be the MVP.

3. Tiger Woods’ fall from grace

What seemed unthinkable until El Tigre was a gray haired overweight golfer on the Senior Tour has happened 15 years too soon – he has lost his #1 World Ranking.

The fall of Tiger Woods is complete.

4. New Orleans Saints win first Super Bowl, Moore of the same this season

Last season, a dynamic offense and a bend but don’t break defense led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl championship, but this season a stingy defense is keeping the Saints in contention as the offense is struggling for an identity while missing their top two running threats in Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush.

5. Lakers win 16th championship

Champions should never, ever be counted out. Ever!

But the Lakers didn’t look good from the get-go. The offense was miserable almost the entire night, but enough guys stepped up to hit big shots after big shots. Who would’ve thought that the Lakers would rely on the shooting of Ron Artest on a Game 7 to keep them in the game? Who would’ve thought that Kobe Bryant would shoot just 25% on the biggest game of his entire career? Who would’ve thought that Pau Gasol’s toughness down the stretch would be a key cog in the Lakers’ 16th championship banner?

But above all, who would’ve thought that the Lakers’ on-and-off again defense will be the one that will save them all?

6. Cam Newton overcomes controversy, wins Heisman and BCS?

Cam Newton, the top offensive player in college football, not only gives opposing defensive coordinators a case of the willies, but also causes Heisman voters to shake in fear of placing his name on a ballot.

But this has nothing to do with whether or not Auburn‘s phenom quarterback is worthy of the award based on his performance on the field.

7. San Francisco Giants win first World Series

Celebrating with Cody Ross near the on-deck circle as the ball curved over the wall, Andres Torres said to his fellow San Francisco Giant, “He told me he was going to do it.” And it should come to no one’s surprise that Edgar Renteria did. The 35-year old Columbian shortstop who won the World Series for the Florida Marlins thirteen years ago as a baby-faced 21-year old delivered again in what might have been the final at-bat of his career.

8. Roy Halladay tosses no-hitters, wins Cy Young

In July, you probably read a stat-filled column by Philadelphian Jayson Stark with a title very similar to that one.

But you can expect national columns about “Old Hoss Halladay” Consider yourself warned.

9. Brett Favre’s rollercoaster ride of a season

You may have noticed that I have remained relatively quiet on the whole Brett Favre streak-ending saga up until now. That wasn’t unintentional. We figure you can find your fill of Favre news pretty much everywhere else on TV and the web. In fact, you probably can’t really escape it right now.

But during the Vikings-Giants game, with the NFL’s ironman watching from the sidelines in street clothes for the first time since the Clinton administration, we couldn’t help but notice something.

With all due respect for what he’s accomplished over the course of his career, Brett just looks old. With his hand purpled and his face and body showing the wear and tear of 297 starts, for the first time ever, the guy actually looks his age. It’s painfully clear – surprisingly, even to Favre himself – that it’s time to hang ‘em up.

10. Lady Huskies win streak ends at 90

Top-ranked Connecticut’s record 90-game winning streak in women’s basketball ended Thursday night when Stanford outplayed the Huskies from the start in a 71-59 victory. What the lady Huskies were able to accomplish was unprecedented and deserves every accolade given to them. Unfortunately for them, it’s a big deal when they lose. After winning 90 straight games, their first loss warrants being a top story of 2010.

Happy New Year to everyone. Please be safe. Thank you for your continued support and I can promise you that great things are in store for the blog in 2011. It’s very hard to believe that it has been almost a year for this blog. I couldn’t have imagined it would’ve gone this well. Thank you to everyone for reading and who believed in me enough to launch this blog. I couldn’t have done it without you!

This Weeks Edition Of The Mad Dog Monday Mayhem Blog

Can the Philadelphia Eagles survive the hype?

Top 10 sports stories of 2010

1. LeBron James takes his talents to South Beach

“This fall I’m going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat.” –LeBron James–