AFC Playoff Picture (Week 11 Edition):

The American Football Conference has looked much different this year than in previous seasons. Why is this? The decline of the starting QB, the incline of backup QB's? Who knows. All I know is many of the four separate divisions in the AFC have looked a bit topsy-turvy through 11 weeks. Which six teams will reach the playoffs and which teams will be sitting at home watching it on the tube...That's the real question here. Read on to find out:

AFC North:

Pittsburgh Steelers 7-3

Baltimore Ravens 6-4

Cleveland Browns 3-6 (plays @ BUF tonight)

Cincinnati Bengals 1-8-1

The Steelers have come away in some close wins this season, thankfully, and that's what matters most. It wasn't pretty in last night's 11-10 win over the Chargers, but Ben Roethlisberger was mistake free (0 INT, 0 fumbles), and he remarkably threw for 308 yards. If head coach Mike Tomlin can get the offense going, the Steelers will cruise to another division title and possibly a first-round bye.

The Baltimore Ravens and rookie QB Joe Flacco have shown promise at times, but failure to finish games has been killing these Ravens. At this point, all John Harbaugh should be looking for from Flacco is mistake-free football. Keep the pressure off Flacco and this team has a shot at a wild card spot. Will they do it? No, Baltimore's remaining schedule is just too tough. Wait 'til next year, Flacco!

At this point, it's quite obvious the Browns and Bengals are out of the playoff picture. The only hope Cincy has shown was during yesterday's tie with the Philadelphia Eagles, 13-13. And, Browns coach Romeo Crennel has already replaced his starting QB, Derek Anderson, with the inexperienced Brady Quinn. That's a sign of desperation, and replacing Anderson was certainly not the answer to their struggles.

This division comes down to the Steelers and Ravens, and Pittsburgh is the team that knows what it takes to reach the playoffs.Division winner: Steelers

AFC East:

New York Jets 7-3

Miami Dolphins 6-4

New England Patriots 6-4

Buffalo Bills 5-4 (plays CLE tonight)

With a win over Cleveland tonight, the Bills could tie Miami and New England for second place in the division. This division could be the toughest to call at this point. Even with New York's 7-3 record, there really isn't a "powerhouse" favorite like there was last year. But I haven't given up on the Patriots just yet. In fact, Matt Cassel has shown he has what it takes to win games under Bill Belichick, and I personally am still leaning towards New England for the division title. This could be a real dangerous team if coach Bill can get the running game going, which will ultimately take the pressure off Cassel's shoulders.

I will just go back to that saying, "New England are the favorites until someone knocks them off." Tom Brady isn't the only reason this team went 16-0 last year. It's a team effort.

Well, Brett Favre is Brett Favre, of course. But, the Jets' defense doesn't equal the Pats' D, and the coaching is much better in Foxboro. Let's face the facts, New England is the better team, despite the 34-31 OT loss on Thursday. Patriots win division, Jets earn a wild card spot. Sorry Buffalo, but your great start was a fluke. Wait 'til next year!

Division winner: Patriots

AFC South:

Tennessee Titans 10-0

Indianapolis Colts 6-4

Jacksonville Jaguars 4-6

Houston Texans 3-7

I do not expect Jeff Fisher's success to dwindle to nothing at the end of the regular season. Come playoff time, the Titans will still be the number one team in the AFC, boasting a 14-2 record and an AFC South title. The duo of Chris Johnson and LenDale White has just been too much for opposing defenses, and the Steelers are the only tough defense remaining on their regular season radar.

Peyton Manning had another slow/tough start to the season, but he has the tendency to carry his team. It's not gonna be pretty, but Indy will get the fifth seed in the playoffs.

I am very disappointed in these 4-6 Jaguars. They were favorites coming into the season and they have disappointed pretty much everyone. But, I guess they aren't the only team to do that this year. This seems to be a pretty disappointing season, so far (yes, I'm looking at you Cleveland, New England, Dallas, Minnesota etc, etc, etc).

Houston remains the scum of the AFC South. Actually, the AFC for that matter. Wait 'til next year Houston!

Division winner: Titans

AFC West:

Denver Broncos 6-4

San Diego Chargers 4-6

Oakland Raiders 2-8

Kansas City Chiefs 1-8

This is what's holding the AFC back. An entire "suckish" division. This is ugly. What is up out west? Both west divisions have some of the worst teams in the entire NFL. What an embarrassment!

First of all, the 6-4 Broncos are extremely inconsistent. Second of all, Jay Cutler needs a little help in the backfield (and offensive line, as well). Injuries have decimated the Broncos on both sides of the ball. Third of all, the defense is horrific. The injury to All-Pro CB Champ Bailey hasn't helped that matter too much. The upside to the season? Young WR, Eddie Royal, looks promising, and has been a must in fantasy leagues around the Nation. Other than that, this is an embarrassment.

After the Broncos, the rest of the three teams have a combined record of 7-22. Whatever happened to all those Chargers fans in the beginning of the season? You know, all those AF's commenting on Galligan's NFL Preview...They were badmouthing him for picking Denver to win the division and look where LT and the Bolts are. I can't believe they are only two games back with a horrifying 4-6 record.

Don't even get me started on the Raiders and Chiefs! Wait 'til next year...Uh, can I just say the entire AFC WEST?!?!?

Division winner: Broncos (But, in order for this to happen, the Broncos D must actually play football).

MMBBQ (11/17/08) - Peter King Gobbled Down Collinsworth

Am I the only one on the planet who thinks Cris Collinsworth sucks. Its even worse when Petey gobbles down Collinsworth's word like the gospel.

Todays MMBBQ, was the particularly usual fare, where King talks about how awesome the Giants are, falls head-over-heels for a (losing) Patriots squad and him talking up fellow King-ite Collinsworth:

"Ty Law now is gonna back off Randy Moss and give him a free release. I don't know about that one.''
-- Cris Collinsworth, on NFL Network's 34-31 New York Jets win over New England on Thursday night, talking with eight seconds left in the fourth quarter, as the Patriots lined up for a fourth-and-one at the Jet 16.

Law had Moss, split wide right, in coverage. Law backed off all the way back near the goal line, didn't bump Moss in the five-yard bump zone like he'd been doing all game, and Moss boxed him out near the goal line to make a great touchdown catch, sending the game to overtime. As Collinsworth presaged, it was a poor decision by the Jets. (Even if Law had played bump with Moss, I bet Cassel would have thrown a fade to Moss in the corner of the end zone, and who knows, he could have caught a jump ball for the tying touchdown too. But I'm with Collinsworth. If the bump slows Moss down long enough to let the rush get to Cassel, it would have been worth it.)

Now, I work with Collinsworth, as you may know. And you could clearly take this as me just supporting my guy. But I can assure it's more than that. Collinsworth had a very good game Thursday night. Did you catch him saying near halftime that the Jets might be smart to take a better cover man, Law, and put him head-up on Jabar Gaffney instead of using Dwight Lowery there, because as long as the Jets were going to keep a safety in place to double Moss downfield, why not use the better cover-corner, Law, in single-coverage, even if it's against a lesser receiver? And that's what the Jets did at the start of the third quarter. Collinsworth does stuff like this two or three times in most games, and Thursday was a classic example.

Frankly, this is what kills me:

And you could clearly take this as me just supporting my guy. But I can assure it's more than that.

Really Petey? Should we just take your word for it? Collinsworth is the soothsayer of the NFL...All hail the Great Cris Collinsworth

And the best part? No Petey, no one caught Collinsworth talking (or his numerous gaffes) because...well...no of us could watch it...

What else ya got?

Well, there's this one: The Eagles have had two ties in the last 20 years. Both came on Nov. 16 ... yesterday, 13-13, in Cincinnati; and in 1997, a 10-10 cliffhanger in Baltimore.

-Makes me wonder how much it must suck to be his intern and/or the guy at Elias Sports Bureau who has to talk to him...

Coup-De-Grace?

Here's what Peter spent 13 paragraphs or 768 words on:

What I Learned About Football This Week That I Didn't Know Last Week

It is mid-November, and I didn't know this could happen: At least one NFL locker room does not smell.

Right. He also spent two paragraphs explaining how they stopped pads from smelling.

This man is arguably the most famous football writer in America...

To quote Petey: "What a Country"

Cuban Busted

Dallas Mavericks owner and media tycoon has just been charged with insider trading according to a Yahoo/CNN Money Report.

The report stems from activity that took place in June of 2004, when Cuban instructed his broker to sell 600,000 shares of "Mamma.com" just one day before it took a 9.3% dive in value, saving Cuban approximately $750,000.00.

"As we allege in the complaint, Mamma.com entrusted Mr. Cuban with nonpublic information after he promised to keep the information confidential...Less than four hours later, Mr. Cuban betrayed that trust by placing an order to sell all of his shares."

-Scott W. Friestad, Deputy Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement. (Source:CNN Money)

Cuban has yet to be reached for comment.

The Wall Street Journal explains that Cuban was entrusted with the information that Mamma.com was "raising money through a private investment in a public entity, or PIPE." The following day, (after Cuban sold his shares) Mamma.com announced their move, resulting in the share price decline. PIPE transactions typically result in shares being sold at a reduced price (compared to the trading price) and result in a lowered trading price (as the information hits the market) as shares become diluted (more shares in the market) and the pricing of some shares is reduced (suggesting their actual value is lower).

Since Cuban's frustrated post in which he thanks the fans for hanging in their, we've yet to see any type of response, though we doubt there would be any...on his blog...before he gets arrested and receives the Martha Stewart treatment.

UPDATE 12:48 PM: Check out the text of the complaint from the SEC. Of note is that Cuban will be required to pay back the $750,000 he "gained" by selling his shares (by gained, we mean avoided losing), a prejudged amount of interest on said gain and a civil penalty (in accordance to the rule, not to exceed roughly $2.25 million)

The SEC obtained fairly specific e-mail and phone records. Of note: an e-mail entitled "Call me pls" from the CEO of Mamma.com which Cuban responded to roughly 4 minutes later, where he had an 8 minute and 35 second phone call. During said phonecall, Cuban was told by the CEO of the PIPE offering to which Cuban became purturbed and ended the call exclaiming: "Well, now I’m screwed. I can’t sell."

After investigating the PIPE withthe investment bank, Cuban called is broker and stated "sell what you can tonight and just get me out the next day.”

His broker managed to sell 10,000 shares that night (in afterhours trading) at roughly $13.50 per share. The following day his broker sold the remaining 590,000 at roughly $13.30 per share. That evening, Mamma.com announced the PIPE offering (at 6pm, after the market close). Mamma.com opened the following morning at $11.89, down 9.3%. The SEC also maintains that Cuban publically stated that he sold his shares as a direct result of the PIPE offering to Mamma.com

UPDATE II: Cuban has Responded on his blog

Facism at Agganis

I've decided to forgo my Daily "Linkin' Logs" (at least for the time being) to bring to you my experiences as Agganis Arena last night.

First, the game. Northeastern battled B.U. hard in the first period, but Boston University out shot N.U. 12-5, a telling sign as the game progressed. B.U. managed numerous scoring opportunities in the first, but thanks, in large part, to goalie Brad Thiessen's efforts, they could manage nary a goal.

The same couldn't exactly be said for Terrier goalie Kieran Millan, who turned away 18 shots to earn his first career shutout. However, Millan was facing an inept Husky offense that not only could not get out of its own way throughout the game, but poorly returned to defense, allowing two fluky B.U. goals in the second.

By the third period, with Andrew Glass's legit icing-on-the-cake goal it was too little too late for the Huskies, even as they outshot BU 7-6 in the final period.

But beyond the game is the rivalry. Something that has really blossomed (again) with the resurgence of Husky Hockey on Huntington Ave. It was chipper, it was rude, it was fun and it was pretty typical of a BU-NU game (except many more NU fans at Agganis than I've ever seen).

And with that, I have no issues (respectfully) with the fans, who cheer loudly for their team and take part in the banter between fans (which admittedly can get stupid and take away from the hockey game).

What I took issue with (along with about 150 fellow Husky Hockey Fans) was the treatment we received at Agganis from the staff and personnel who felt it was their responsibility to ensure our experience (as paying customers) at Agganis was simply not as enjoyable as it would be for Terrier fans.

We were initially (as in 20 minutes before the start of the game) spoken to by an Arena official who warned us to "mind or P's and Q's" or we would be ejected from the game. Seemed fine. Husky fans are known to get a little rowdy and should be reminded that this is indeed an arena where respect is essential. Still, the idea that an official would seek our an opposing group of fans seems a bit questionable and slightly inflammatory to begin with.

One thing to note about Agganis Arena is their "Guest Conduct Policy." Ambiguous to say the least...

"Guest Conduct

To help make Agganis Arena a safe and enjoyable environment for all Guests, we request that all Guests be courteous to those around them and abide by all building policies and regulations. Guests who do not conduct themselves in a proper manner and do not abide by building policies and regulations will be removed from the Arena.

Boston University athletic events are for the enjoyment of all in attendance and should be safe and fun. Fans are asked to behave responsibly at all games and to cheer loudly for the Terriers.

Boston University, the Hockey East Conference, America East Conference, and the NCAA promote good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators. Please support the participants and officials in a positive manner. Throwing objects of any type and any profane, racial, sexist or other abusive comments or actions directed at officials, student-athletes, visiting team fans, spectators, coaches or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from AGGANIS ARENA."

So let me get this straight, its a prerequisite to "...cheer loudly for the Terriers." - I guess that explains a lot to begin with, when part of your Conduct Policy includes cheering for the home to (and we're to assume only for the home team based on my experiences).

Its important to note that this policy is basically a nice way of saying, "No swearing, no booing, no entertainment, no fun and we'll kick you out if we consider you doing any of the following" Frankly its worse than the "negative cheering" policy that infected PSU a few years ago. What that meant for the game was no chanting of "asshole" or "bullshit" during bad calls, non-calls, or displays that merit such a chant. Free speech? - Need not apply.

Of course this does not apply to the tradition BU Chant of (and I'm quoting here) "Fuck 'em up Fuck 'em up, BC Sucks!"

The game began and fans on both sides showed their support, but cheering loudly and most noticeably; standing. Within 15 minutes into the first period, both team's fans becoming incredibly loud and raucous (but controlled in that the game was not adversely affected) the NU fans were asked to sit down. Immediately NU fans pointed to BU fans on both ends of the Arena and decried "they're standing up, why can't we?" And they were immediately told that said section (108) was a "special section," the NU crowd is distraught. They ruefully sat down, but continued to cheer loudly. Chants of "Bullshit" were quelled immediately by section "leaders" acknowledging that fans would indeed be shown the door quickly.

Things quickly grew to a head as an already frustrated NU crowd stood after two BU goals in the 2nd period. Soon enough security guards and Arena officials were lining up in response to the issue...of standing up during a hockey game. Nevermind the raucous action of the BU crowd, which included profane and abusive comments (towards both the fans and the teams).

Finally, officials caught up with the leaders of the Husky crowd and explained that not only would they be ejected from the Arena, but also arrested for such "disrespect." They again despondently sat down never to stand again until the final buzzer.

An unfortunate result at Agganis, perhaps the nicest Arena in Hockey East, but one with the most uptight and rude officials and Arena Staff in the entire conference as well. To not be allowed to stand up during a game is almost sacrilege. Then again, an Arena with all but a no "negative cheering" policy (as well as no swearing policy...like your little boy hasn't heard that word before...from you), I guess this isn't surprising.

So let me be the first of many disappointed Hockey East fans to exclaim:

Agganis Arena...Sucks to B.U.

DSRTSV! 11/16/08

Well. It's been pretty much a total loss for me today, so in order to make myself feel better, I've been alternating between 3 videos.

1. World F'n Champions
2. A special goal with 2 seconds left (a future DSRTSV)
3. and this one:

You might remember it, but even as an Eagles hater, you can probably appreciate this play:

Lazy Sunday Daily "Linkin' Logs" (11/16/08)

Ugh. I'm still recovering from a 1+ day hangover. After Friday night's shitshow, I needed a solid Saturday of recovery and still am a little wobbly after that. Maybe its just age catching up to me?

Anyway, tonight I get to experience a blogging rarity (simply because no one talks about it), but I will be in attendance as cross-town rivals Northeastern University (#7) and Boston University (#1) will face off for what will probably be the title of Boston's best hockey team (at least until the teams meet again) after NU stunned former #1 Boston College.

What has (again) turned into a great rivalry (though BC-BU fans would disagree) should provide tons of entertainment for all in attendance. BU's squad features a ton of finesse, talent and scoring power but NU's group features toughness, grit and determination to prove they belong.

Northeastern 5, BU 4

• Alex Kovalev is a dick...but I guess Karma is a bitch...
• PFT suggests an interesting scenario that could have the NFL powers scratching their heads. I think it could be a fascinating scernario and might actually make the fans happier, but providing both a Sunday and Monday night Championship game entertainment fest in the dead of winter.
  
• We tip our caps to John Lynch, one of the heaviest hitters in the league.
• Darrell Rasner is going Japanese...seriously, the Yankees sold him to a Japanese team for $1 million dollars. And to think this guy (I believe) was once part of a possible Johan Santana package.
  
• The NY Daily News suggests that the entire FA market may in fact rest on the Yankees and C.C. Sabathia. I guess we're all waiting with baited breath...
• And finally, EC's DMtShooter gives us the 10 worst moments in a Sports Blogger's life.
  

DSRTSV - 11/14/08

Sorry, busy day today.

Tons of trade action and FA rumors to keep up on. MLBTradeRumors is the place to keep up on all the scoops. BNB endorses them wholeheartedly. They've got the updates on Sabathia as well as the Peavy-To-Braves talk and Kerry Wood's comments in regards to the Gregg Trade.

Anyways, this video has become a classic in recent years. The USA and Russian junior squads were battling over 20 years ago and while the video is grainy and the players are mostly unknown the fight is simply epic...

Ending You Didn't See Edition - Daily "Linkin' Logs" (11/14/08)

Brett and the Jets helped Eric Mangini to his first win over his former employer, the New England Patriots, last night with a dramatic overtime field goal after a Randy Moss time expiring touchdown catch.

You probably didn't see it unless you live in the Northeast(Boston/NY) or have NFL Network...

That's ok, you had 49ers-Cardinals Monday...pffff

The Jets now sit alone atop the AFC East with a 1 game lead and a win over the Patriots will force other tiebreaking implications beyond head-to-head.

Again, you probably missed it. Big F.U. from the NFL to the fans right there...

• Jerruh Jones has said (and I'm quoting here) the Dallas Cowboys will "absolutely" make the playoffs. Maybe he meant the Cowboys were making a run at the NFL NIT? For those who don't remember, the Browns defeated the Eagles last year.
• MLBTradeRumors is reporting the Mets possible involvement in the C.C. Sabathia chase. Metsblog Douche-in-Chief refutes the idea.
  
• Cerrone, if you read this, I'm only posting again because you can't handle the rub: World F'n Champions!
• Paul Domowitch (Philadelphia Daily News) and Mike Florio (PFT) will now be at odds. Now, I like Domo and I think he's very good at his job, but Florio is right. You see, PFT is giving people want they want. They want the little tid bits, the news, the rumors (dare I say, the pro-football talk). PFT has reported some false items and broken news as well, but in reality, they've only broken news (and that's a relative term...not meant as a sleight) that someone else has reported or some other official has stated. But more importantly, people want to read this. And moreover, when something is incorrect or was a rumor that never came to fruition, Florio let's you know as soon as he knows (For example, the Billick-to-Lions talk, that was suggested yesterday and squashed today). So Domo, get over yourself, Florio is just providing a service people want. When Chris Mortensen reports that the Eagles are in negotiations with a certain FA and it never happens (*cough* Randy Moss *cough*), do you rip him?
  
• A little late: The Cubs have landed Kevin Gregg, thus ending the Kerry Wood Era in Chicago.
• Faketeams.com is suggesting that based on a curious number of events in Arizona, perhaps a firesale is on?
• Of all teams interested in Mark Teixiera, this one is certainly the most interesting (and one Braves fans might scoff at)
• Attention: Manny Ramirez will now accept "Serious Offers." In other news, there's a run on dueling gloves to slap eachother with in L.A.
• Real Time Fantasy pontificates on the Cowboys status post-Romo bwoken-ittle-fingey. Haines Report provides Charlie Casserly's (the guy who was fired for drafting Mario Williams over Reggie Bush) thoughts.
• And finally, as I learned on thefightins.com this AM, Fire Joe Morgan will be closing its doors...err...stop paying its domain fees (?) as they are now closing shop. Now, while I personally found FJM to be entertaining if not a bit too narcassistic and self-serving, they were hilarious and very good at calling out douchebags in journalism (Bill Plaschke is in nirvana today). So as a fellow blogger, I bid them adieu. Nice work guys.