MOVE!!!

Happy New Year, change your bookmarks to http://ssreporters.wordpress.com.

Movin on Up!

I've moved to Wordpress! If I've missed anyone once I hand import the blogroll, let me know. Here's the link, this site will not be shut down, it will just have constant reminders to redirect to Wordpress. See ya later!

Five Spot

Note: This will be my last post on blogger, I'll start writing actual content on Wordpress beginning November 5th.


1. YAY! Big 12 Basketball! Courtesy of Complete Sports.

2. The Beautiful Game reports on a tragic story.

3. The Big Lead recaps college football action.

4. WBRS Sports with a bold prediction.

5. NCAA Basketball Scores lists the college b-ball pre-season rankings.

Thanks to everyone who linked to this site, and I'll see you on the other side. This site will not be shut down, but will continuously add reminders to switch to Wordpress.

The Cleveland Browns are Going to be Extra Busy

This came from the SI.com recap of the Rams/Hawks from 2 weeks ago. What's up with the Browns?

So are the Rams AND the Seahawks playing the Browns together? Or would that mean that the Browns would have to go to St. Louis to face the Rams (again), and then fly back to play Seattle on the same day?? Help me out here!

You'll Never Believe This (Okay, Maybe You Will)

Every week, Awful Announcing does his little college football announcer quotes, The Pam Ward Chronicles. Apparently, Ohio State Sports Network sideline reporter Marty Bannister took a peek. This is the quote that made it on AA's contest 3 weeks back.

"Buckeyes almost double the Spartans in yardage, 348 to 112."
- MB

Now I get this e-mail 2 days ago from the man himself:

"Mookie"....

thanks so much for pointing out my error in "math"
during the Ohio State/Michigan State game. I'm glad
you were listening ((closely)) I'll try and do a much
better job in the future so you won't see the need to
point anything else out I say. Out of curiosity, why
were you listening to us??....and what do you have
against sideline reporters?? lol

Marty Bannister
Ohio State Sports Radio Network

Very nice, I get an e-mail from a radio personality in Ohio. Too bad I didn't catch that mistake. Here was my follow up response:

Mr. Bannister,

Thank you for giving me credit for something I didn't catch. Sadly, I live in the Seattle Area (and am miserably subjected to now 3 years of watching the Washington Huskies stink up the place AND get pounded by OSU), so it would be virtually impossible for me to listen and catch that mistake.

Anyway, the comment system works under the poster's comment first, then the poster's name, not the other way around. The person you are looking for had written anonymously, so I cannot give out his/her e-mail address and give that person credit. I apologize for the confusion, and hopefully I've clarified this matter with you and the OSU Sports Network.

Oh, and trust me Mr. Bannister, it's not just the sideline reporters, it's a lot of other stuff in the TV world as well.

Sincerely,

Mookie


P.S: This didn't make it to any of the radio shows on the network did it?

I haven't had a response since, but it's always great to get credit for something I didn't catch.

0-82 Season for Sonics 1/41 COMPLETE!!!

Suns 106 Sonics 99

The quest for total futility is 1/41th there!

Sonics Quest for 0-82 off to Great Start

120-103, Nuggets over Sonics. Kevin Durant makes 8-22, Seattle turns it over. I'm laughing.

The quest for 0-82 is off to a great start, come on Seattle, lose against the Suns!

Seahawks Preview

Originally a Beat Writer Project on ArmchairGM.

Hard to believe this game is only 3 days away. If the Seahawks can win this, they are in great shape. They will have the stumbling 49ers at Qwest on November 12th, the hapless Chicago Bears on November 18th, and the currently JV league St. Louis Sheep on the 25th.

Matchup:

Seattle Seahawks @ Cleveland Browns

Where: Paul Brown Stadium

When: No one gives a damn if the Colts are playing at 1:15 PM PST

Why: Because the NFL said so.

TV: FOX

Commentators: Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan

When the Seahawks Have to Pass: In all likelihood, Matt Hasselbeck will have his starting receivers in Deion Branch and DJ Hackett back after their recent injuries. Look for the Hawks to utilize that 4 receiver set, with Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, Deion Branch, and either DJ Hackett or Ben Obomanu. Hasselbeck has thrown 11 TD's with just 6 interceptions (2 of them were dropped passes) so far. Also, notice the Hawks are using the fullback or halfback screen pass more often, and get this, it's actually working!!!! Maybe that's how Shaun Alexander can get yards. Another key is Leonard Weaver, who is also dangerous on the screens.

When the Seahawks Have to Run: The good news, the Browns defense sucks to 238 levels, the bad news, Shaun Alexander still can't run. Not a problem when you can use Maurice Morris, the speedster, and Leonard Weaver, the power runner for Seattle. The one problem for Seattle, is their constant retarded 4th and 1 stretch play. Coach Walrus must start using Matt for QB sneaks, it can't kill him. It's 36 inches!

Key offensive player: Matt Hasselbeck. If he can't go, the offense is crapola.

When the Seahawks are on defense:

1. Stop the friggin 3rd and 78 plays. Jim Mora and defensive coordinator John Marshall must be out of this world if you either play your safeties 20 yards down the field, when you know there are some tackling problems, or continue to get caught by draw plays to the running back. That's the biggest flaw in their defense, and it virtually cost them the last 2 losses.
2. Contain Derek Anderson. He's big, he's strong, and he's mobile. Last time a QB faced Seattle who had all 3 attributes, they messed up and lost 21-0 to the Steelers. Anderson seems to have months to throw back there, and the Hawks are one of the top sack leaders in the league this year. Expect Julian Peterson to make a large impact on that offensive line.
3. Stop the run. They haven't won a single game in which one running back had for at least 90 yards. If they take out the run, then the DB's can concentrate on coverage, instead of stopping RB's from going 60 yards.
4. Contain the receivers. They've done a very good job with that so far, but Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Joe Jurevicious (former Seahawk may I add), are top guns.

Key defensive players: Julian Peterson and Marcus Trufant. Both men have had great seasons, and they need to continue their performance.

Special Teams Player: Kick the ball to Nate, he will score from 98.

I'll be back tomorrow with a Browns preview and a final prediction.

I FOOLED YOU!!

I didn't take the day off, I've been setting up a surprise to all of my readers. I suggest you change some stuff come 11/5/07.

October 31st

It's Halloween, meaning a lame excuse to take the day off. We'll see you tomorrow.

Find the Typo

Sportsline recaps the 49ers/Seahawks game from September 30th. Can you spell pivotal?

Happy Halloween

15 laterals, 2 announcers, thousands of fans, the fun begins.

2007 NBA Twisted Preview: Eastern Conference

Anyone with a beating pulse knows that the Eastern Conference is so boring for the NBA. This year's first annual SSR NBA preview will feature a sneak peek of the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference, and then proceed to make it a joke.

Atlantic Division:


1. Toronto Raptors (47-35 in 2006)

Good: They made the playoffs under Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell for the 1st time since 2001.

Bad: Even the Raptors players can't name the starting five.

Projected finish: 51-31.


2. New Jersey Nets (41-41 in 2006)

Good: Jason Kidd knows how to get the party started.

Bad: Fans officially known as the quietest 20,000 fans ever

Projected finish: 40-42.


3. New York Knicks (33-49 in 2006)

Good: Isiah Thomas knows how to get the party started.

Bad: He can't coach for crap.

Projected finish: 29-53


4. Boston Celtics (24-58 in 2006)

Good: Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce

Bad: Human cloning of these three is still not permitted.

Projected finish: 27-55


5. Philadelphia 76ers (35-47 in 2006)

Good: They still exist.

Bad: They still exist.

Projected finish: 26-56



Central Division


1. Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32 in 2006)

Good: So close to winning the NBA Finals, too bad the Spurs bored them to death.

Bad: Larry Hughes is somehow still on the team.

Projected finish: 52-30


2. Detroit Pistons (53-29 in 2006)

Good: Not making the NBA Finals two years in a row has done great wonders from more exciting teams.

Bad: Still boring.

Projected finish: 51-31


3. Chicago Bulls (49-33 in 2006)

Good: A very surprising season in 06 may be their jump start for the future.

Bad: Ben Wallace's afro must be cut down before the arena explodes.

Projected finish: 48-34


4. Indiana Pacers (35-47 in 2006)

Good: ....

Bad: Everything

Projected finish: 30-52

5. Milwaukee Bucks (28-54 last year)

Good: They finally figured out the name of their coach.

Bad: Michael Redd cannot play every position.

Projected finish: 22-60




Southeast Division


1. Miami Heat (49-33 in 2006)

Good: Experienced team.

Bad: Will walk with a cane during game.

Projected finish: 47-35


2. Orlando Magic (40-42 in 06)

Good: Fans know of their existence. Grant Hill is healthy.

Bad: Grant Hill has planned his injury for the 1st game.

Projected finish: 42-40

3. Washington Wizards (41-41 in 06)

Good: They made the playoffs

Bad: Gilbert Arenas can't make 90 foot shots all the time.

Projected finish: 39-43


4. Charlotte Bobcats (33-49 in 06)

Good: Improved with Michael Jordan being a part of the team

Bad: Michael isn't playing.

Projected finish: 34-48


5. Atlanta Hawks (30-52 in 06)

Good: Michael Vick has gone past the Hawks as worst thing in Atlanta.

Bad: WNBA still doesn't accept men playing.

Projected finish: 23-59



So I finished late, and the Western Conference will come a day late, but it's only game 1 of the season.

Soundbites From Week 8

Sunday is over, the games are done, here are some announcing quotes to report today from the games I was subjected to for the day.

"Good gracious, this game sucks" - Mookie, SSReporters founder and writer, who became annoyed with the Giants/Dolphins game in Wembley.

Now for some real ones.

"The Panthers run unique, different plays" - Phil Simms, CBS.

Hate to break it to ya buddy, but unique and different virtually mean the same thing.

"They have to get to the 47 of the Patriots for a first down" - Jim Nantz, CBS

That was the game between the Panthers/Colts. Whatever Jim, stick to golf.

"We are in Wembley Stadium in London" - Thom Brennaman, FOX Sports

For those who were punished to watching this, Thom tries to sound as quiet and uninterested in the game as possible.

"Jon Bison, er Bason, er Beason" - Phil Simms getting it right the 3rd time on Jon Beason's name.

"This crowd has been into it all game"- Daryl Johnston in the Giants/Dolphins game trying to make people not switch to CBS, while failing to realize that several fans left after the 3rd quarter.

"My usual partners Tony Siragusa and Daryl Johnston were sent to England, while I was sent to New England" - Kenny Albert, FOX Sports

Frank Caliendo you are not.

"Some booing in London from the fans" - Curt Menefee, FOX Sports Host

Well duh! It ended 13-10, the field was bad, the teams sucked, what were you EXPECTING??!!!

That's it from me, and this week is a twisted look at the NBA premiere.

Top Soccer (Own) Goals

As I try to avoid talking about UW blowing a 41-26 lead to Arizona, I give you some of the best (or worst) own goals scored in soccer.

Consequences Regarding the Toronto Bills Possibility

The Buffalo Bills are in danger of moving to Toronto likely once Ralph Wilson croaks. The likely move will be to Toronto, the largest city in Canada. Let's go on a little discussion on the possible outcomes on revenue, tourism, and fans.

Where Would the Bills Play?

This is the Rogers Center in downtown Toronto, and the likely location for Buffalo should they move there. It seats 53,000 for football, and it would be the smallest stadium based on attendance, with Ralph Wilson Stadium currently seating 73,000.

Impact

• Canada, especially Toronto, is well known for mass transit, and with railroads and buses, going to the Rogers Center is quite easy.
• The Bills would have to share their field with The Toronto Blue Jays, the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL, and potentially new soccer club Toronto FC of the MLS.
  
• Rogers Centre uses field turf instead of AstroPlay, as used in Buffalo.

Will one team currently using the Rogers Centre? Will there be a new stadium built, or a team moving to a different stadium?


To my knowledge, no new stadium will be built in Toronto. As for the question of moving to a new stadium, there have been rumors of the Argos moving to BMO Field, currently occupied by Toronto FC and the Canadian Rugby teams. Now in the CFL, playing on a Sunday during the regular season, so the Argos playing on a Saturday while the Bills play on a Sunday would likely be fine. The CFL season ends in November, and the NFL could very well be capable of scheduling around their Canadian counterparts.

Comparing the Two Cities

Population:

Buffalo: Less than 300,000 population.

Toronto: Approx. 6,000,000.



Football Success:

Toronto Argonauts: 15 Grey Cups.

Buffalo Bills: 0 Super Bowls.

Professional Sports Teams:

Toronto: 9

Buffalo: 6

Is Football a Popular Sport in Canada?

It is right behind soccer, hockey, and lacrosse as widely played sports. The CFL averages around 30,000 people per game (only 3 teams in the CFL have stadiums over 40,000).


Toronto: The Best Place for the Bills?

I'm not so sure. Canada loves their sports, but Toronto is a city that sticks to the Leafs no matter how much they plan to suck. Now Toronto FC, in it's 1st year in the MLS, set attendance records for the league. They are a soccer and hockey town, but based on infrastructure and the tourism dollars that will also be affected (thus improving the economy), Toronto would be the best place to hold a new franchise.


Should they even move?

That's up to them, but for me, I'd say keep them in Buffalo, it's a proud franchise for their fans, and it would be sad to see them move away. For the guys in suits, they probably see a larger market, a potentially larger fan base, the league sees more money coming in, and tickets would be snapped up quickly for Canada's first NFL team.



I've done my part, what's your opinion?

Editor's Note: The font size is screwed up, so bear with me here. At least I'm helping near sighted people.

College Basketball Headlines in the Year 2020

Short hiatus, but it's back for another edition.


1. Dick Vitale demands world's 18 year olds enroll in Duke.

2. West Virginia wins NIT, company still can't get spelling down.

3. Duke finishes 18-12, lose ACC title game, get #2 seed in Charlotte region.

4. Billy Packer complains that Princeton shouldn't be in tourney, Princeton wins national title.

5. Don Imus on Rutgers men: "Those are some nappy headed robbers".

6. Pat Summitt takes it a little too far, performs strip tease for student section.

7. CBS wonders why James Brown is still announcing NCAA Basketball.

8. Bill Raftery and Gus Johnson team up to yell as loud as possible.

9. Washington goes 30-0, wins #1 seed, loses in 2nd round.

10. SEC gets a life, lets fans run onto court.

11. Mel Kiper Jr. goes to college b'ball, lists top players for year 2457.

12. Jay Bilas says something intelligent.

13. 15-0 Penn State vs. 2-13 Oral Roberts in London, England.

14. Brent Musberger yells "GOAL!!" everytime part time soccer player Julio Davis dunks the ball for Clemson.

ArmchairGM Beat Writer

As you know, I cross publish articles from ArmchairGM, and from here to the Chair. Well I'm proud to announce that I am the Seattle Seahawks "beat writer" for AGM. So it is with great pleasure, that I will disappoint you with this article...

The Seattle Seahawks have not been known for their defense. As a matter of fact, I don't know everyone on the Seahawks defense. But let me show you this side.

Seattle has a 4-3 record heading into their bye week. The key to their winning record is not just the teams they are facing, but it's their defense. In 3 of their 4 wins, they did not allow a touchdown in that game (even the Bengals win, they allowed 2 touchdowns). In their 3 losses, they've allowed point totals of 23, and 21 twice (the Saints scored 28 points, but 7 came on special teams). Lets look at the strengths of this side at the halfway point of the season.

Strengths:

1. The secondary has been solid this season. They have not allowed a passing play of 50 yards or more all season, and that includes QB's like Drew Brees, Ben Rotseiljftsdljfsdljgberger Carson Palmer. Marcus Trufant leads the team in interceptions with 3, while new additions Brian Russell and Deon Grant have made big impacts, with Russell picking 1 off, while Grant has picked 2.
2. Linebackers Julian Peterson and Darryl Tapp have been sensational. Peterson has one interception, to go with his 7 sacks, second in the league to Osi Umenyiora of the New York Giants. Darryl Tapp had a career high 4 sacks last Sunday against the Rams (then again, everyone can have a career day against the Rams), and a forced fumble. Overall, Tapp has 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles this year. Expect both of these men to be Pro Bowlers at season's end.
3. The pass rush for Seattle has improved from last year. The team has sacked the QB 23 times, earning a top 10 ranking in the NFL.

Pretty good for Seattle. But.......

Weaknesses:

1. The pass rush is inconsistent. Save for the Steelers game, all of their losses have resulted in the lack of a pass rush on the QB.
2. Stopping the run is still a problem. Again, in their losses, they have not been able to stop the run. They are 4-0 without allowing a RB to run over 90 yards.
3. 3rd and 40. In virtually every game, they continue to allow 3rd and 10 or more to be converted. They continue to expect the deep ball, have their DB's way too far down the field, and allow a first down. That is inexcusable for a supposed contender. The 3rd downs in general have been awful for Seattle. They cannot continue to let their defense stay on the field, which was the reason why Pittsburgh pulled away.

So who is the current defensive MVP for Seattle? Julian Peterson without a doubt.

Overall Grade: B-

Look for some more reviews over the next few days for the offense and special teams.

Toronto's Bald Hero

Way out of the playoffs, 2-0 down, then Toronto FC get a goal in the 59th minute. Season looks like it will end in a home loss in the inaugural MLS season. Well the man who scored the first goal in their young history, Danny Dichio, provided a moment Toronto fans will never forget.

Breaking News: Rick Reilly to ESPN

Why Rick? Why did ya do it? Sports Illustrated writer of over 2 decades Rick Reilly will join ESPN starting June 1, 2008. The deal involved with Reilly is a bi-weekly article on ESPN: The Magazine, as well as ESPN.com. Reilly will also contribute essays for ESPN TV programs. According to the ESPN report, the executive vice president stated:

"Rick has been a premier voice of sports commentary for more than 20 years and we are thrilled and honored to add his considerable talents to ESPN's outlets," said ESPN executive vice president John Skipper in a news release. "The outstanding insights, reporting, and humor of his weekly column will continue, and fans will now be able to enjoy Rick's work through television."

Reilly replied to the news by saying:

"This is an itch I've wanted to scratch for a long time. For a guy who loves sports, ESPN is the ultimate. I feel like a mouse locked in a cheese store. I don't know where to start first. I'm thrilled with the opportunity to speak to a whole new audience in a whole new way."



"For a guy who loves sports, ESPN is the ultimate"

Yes Rick, I do agree, if you want golf, poker, hot dog eating contests, NASCAR, and the Yankees and Patroits the whole time, then it's perfect.

This announcement comes just days after Dan Patrick announced he would write for SI.

Best of luck to Reilly, and maybe this will force me to read ESPN: The Magazine, and visit ESPN.com.

Source: ESPN

Dan Patrick signs with SI (Awful Announcing)

Seahawks Obliterate Sheep

There is bad, and then there is really bad. The Rams, looked horrific.

Seahawks 33 Rams 6: The 2 game losing skid is over for Seattle, as the Hawks romped over St. Louis 33-6 to send the Rams to 0-7.

Recap: Matt Hasselbeck started great, cooled off, then finished strong as Seattle took a 10-3 halftime lead, and turned it into a blowout. Hasselbeck finished 18-35, with 2 touchdowns to backup tight end Will Heller, and one interception. After St. Louis went three and out on their opening possession, Seattle drove right down the field on a 11 play, 71 yard drive that lead to the easy one yard Heller TD catch. St. Louis responded, but could only contribute 3 points 2 drives later. Hasselbeck and Bulger each had a pick in the 2nd quarter, Seattle kicked a FG and the Hawks, who dominated the 1st half, had just a slim 7 point lead. That gave me that "We're going to throw away another easy game at home" feeling.

Opening kick of the 2nd half, Nate Burleson, who returned a punt for a TD last year in their 24-22 win over the Rams, returned the ball 91 yards for his 1st career KO return for a touchdown. So it's 17-3, game seems to be shifting further away from the Rams. They march down the field, kick a field goal.....those were the last points they would get. The Rams turned it over 4 times in the 2nd half, and 5 in the game, and that prevented any comeback. So Seattle continues this field goal binge, until another interception, this one by Julian Peterson, keyed another TD pass to Heller, to seal the game, and make it 33-6.

Shaun Alexander Watch: Uhhhhhh....

By the numbers:

• 5 turnovers by St. Louis (3 picks, 2 fumbles), and all of them were caused by Marc Bulger.
• 7 sacks on Bulger. Seattle had 16 sacks all season, and they get 7 in a game.
• 4 sacks by Darryl Tapp. The 2nd year player out of Virginia Tech had to wear a cast because of an injured right hand, but he had 4 sacks, a forced fumble, and a deflected pass.
• 47 rushing yards by Shaun Alexander on 19 carries.
• 42 rushing yards by backup Maurice Morris on 10 carries.
• 2nd in the league in sacks is Julian Peterson, who added to his total with one today.
• 4 inches that Seattle couldn't make on an early 4th and inches play. Walrus calls a stretch play, loses a yard with Morris, St. Louis kicks FG after that.

Offensive player of the game: Matt Hasselbeck. The Seahawks defense really won that game, but he has 11 touchdowns versus 6 picks (2 were deflected in the Bengals game) on the season.

Defensive player of the game: Darryl Tapp. 4 sacks, 1 deflected pass, 1 forced fumble, he was just brilliant.

Special teams player of the game: Nate Burleson. Need I say more?

What's Next: Seattle @ Cleveland (11/4), St. Louis vs. Cleveland (10/28)

HOLY CRAP!!! DUMBLEDORE IS GAY!! Five Spot

Why that is news is beyond me, now let's link some people.

1. AA has confirmed that Pam Ward has emotions.

2. Awesome, The Beautiful Game reports that the US won a soccer game.

3. Signal to Noise also found out that Joe Torre has given the finger to the Yankees.

4. The Sports Hernia with Tom Brady's dislikes.

5. THN reports the loss of a legend.

Picks for Dummies

Last week I went 6-7, while my dad went 7-6, and he has a remarkable 6 game lead on me. I feel ill.

Cardinals @ Redskins: Tough loss for the Skins, but who is the QB for Arizona? Warner is hurt, Leinart is done for the year, heck, I'm convinced Steve DeBerg is pondering a comeback.
Redskins 30 Cardinals 20

49ers @ Giants: Gosh, I don't know where to start. Trent Dilfer will start for San Francisco, which is all the explaining I need.
Giants 34 49ers 7

Patriots @ Dolphins: 16-0 vs. 0-16 perhaps?
Pats 38 Dolphins 20

Falcons @ Saints: Good news, Byron Leftwich is starting for Atlanta. Bad news, they're still going to lose.
Saints 17 Falcons 7

Titans @ Texans: Okay, tough one here. If Vince Young (game time decision), plays, Titans 20-16. If the Titans have Kerry Collins starting, Texans 23-14.

So.....
Titans 20 Texans 16

Ravens @ Bills: What exactly is the point of Buffalo's existence? To choke away games right? Not this time, I like Trent Edwards, upset special here.
Bills 16 Ravens 13

Bucs @ Lions: Crap, the Lions are 3-2, the Bucs are 4-2. Detroit has a great offense, but they give up too many turnovers and sacks for my liking. Tampa's defense is much improved.
Bucs 19 Lions 14

Bears @ Eagles: I heard that the Eagles can only play well when one team is wearing ugly jerseys. So Philly will wear some clothes thrown in the trash tomorrow.
Eagles 33 Bears 24

Vikings @ Cowboys: Vikes have Adrian Peterson and uh....um......
Cowboys 28 Vikings 20

Chiefs @ Raiders: Larry Johnson seems to have his running game back. The Raiders defense has been decent so far, but they couldn't stop LT, so they won't stop LJ.
Chiefs 17 Raiders 10

Jets @ Bengals: Cincy can't possibly lose this one.
Bengals 23 Jets 16

Steelers @ Broncos: Broncos got whipped last game, but they have come out from the bye ready for an upset. The Steelers are good, but I have this feeling that we'll have an upset here.
Broncos 22 Steelers 20

Colts @ Jags: The Jaguars are actually good. Great defense, Maurice Jones Drew is a great running back, David Garrard is playing well...but the Colts have Peyton Manning and a better defense than the last one that gave up almost 400 rushing yards in a 44-17 loss last year.
Colts 30 Jags 21

Previewing Seahawks/Sheep

Who: St. Louis Rams (0-6) vs. Seattle Seahawks (3-3)

When: 4:15 PM EST/1:15 PM PST

Where: Qwest Field

TV: FOX Sports, Matt Devlin and JC Pearson are your commentators

Rundown: The Seahawks are reeling from back to back losses to Pittsburgh and the once winless New Orleans Saints. This will be their last game before the bye week for Seattle, while the Rams will face the 3-3 Browns on the 28th of October.


Why the Rams Could Win: Earthquake, Mount St. Helens, some natural disaster Mike Holmgren's predictable playcalling. Other than that, they have nothing. Torry Holt and Issac Bruce are old, Marc Bulger is hurt, and because that offensive line is crapola, Gus Fuerotte better be ready. The only danger I see in them is rookie Brian Leonard from Rutgers.

Why the Rams Could Lose: They haven't won a game, they have no defense, they turn the ball over all the time, no offensive weapon, this list is so long that I could write a novel about it.

Key player to look for: Brian Leonard, RB, Rutgers. With Stephen Jackson out, Leonard has been a good replacement for the Rams, and recorded his first one hundred yard game against the Cardinals in a losing effort to the Arizona Cardinals.

Why the Seahawks Could Win: They have sputtered, but the Rams are so bad, that this defense will dominate St. Louis. The one thing with Seattle, is that Matt Hasselbeck has had a good start so far, and the Rams defense is allowing even the Ravens to score. DJ Hackett is reportedly coming back from his ankle injury, which could help the depleted wide receiver spot. As for that running game, that's a piece of work.

Why the Seahawks Could Lose: Mike Holmgren.

Shaun Alexander Watch: This guy is doing an awesome job of tackling himself. He will not be a factor in any game until he stops being so soft.

Key Player to Look For: Julian Peterson has been phenomenal since making his trip to the Pacific Northwest. Expect him to be a big part in that Seattle defense.


Final Thoughts: The Rams suck, we all know that, but the Hawks haven't been great by any means. Seattle doesn't make anything easy so....

Seahawks 24 Rams 13.



Other predictions will come up next post.

Only on ESPN

A simple hot dog eating contest in Coney Island. These announcers treat it as if Joey Chestnut would be shot by the mafia if he lost. An AMERICAN HERO???? And why do we need an announcer for hot dog eating (let alone televising it)?