NHL First Round Playoff Matchups- Jojo Maass!

NHL First Round Playoff Matchups

With the regular season over and the playoffs set to start Tuesday let’s look at the first round matchups.

Eastern Conference

New York Rangers (1) vs Ottawa Senators (8)

Now since the Tampa Bay Lightning failed to qualify for the playoffs my next favorite team is the Rangers, so take this with a grain of salt. Ottawa is electric on offense, scoring plenty of goals but they also allow their fair share. The Rangers coached by a real mans man John Tortorella have one of the top two goalies in the league, Henrik Lundqvist. As well as proven winner and previous Conn Smyth winner Brad Richards. A great blend of scoring and gritt the Rangers should move on to the next round with relative ease.

Rangers in 6

Boston Bruins (2) vs Washington Capitals (7)

It’s true, I’m no fan of the Boston Bruins after they won razor thin heart breaker in the Eastern Conference Finals game seven last year but this series shouldn’t even be close. Washington unfortunately is missing the top two goalies on its roster. Unless one of the two make a recovery soon this series is over before it starts. Boston scores at will and physically abused opposing teams. Suck it, Ovechkin.

Bruins in 5

Florida Panther (3) vs New Jersey Devils (6)

The Panthers are having a bit of a goaltending controversy heading into the playoffs. Trying to decide whether to start Scott Clemmensen or Jose Theodore. On the other side New Jersey has Martin Brodeur on the back end of a HOF career. Considering the regular season series was split two-two it remains an interesting series. The Devils riding a hot streak and the Panthers limping in it should be fun to watch.

Devils in 6

Pittsburgh Penguins (4) vs Philadelphia Flyers (5)

This series should prove to be the most interesting if not the most anticipated. These teams hate each other no doubt about it. Pittsburgh’s offense is near unstoppable. Led by two of the top players in the league, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Flyers have their top tier players as well Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell both have been great all season long. The Penguins have an amazing offense that as far as I can tell can’t be contained but if any team is going to hope to do it it will be the edgy play of the Flyers who also have balanced scoring.

Pittsburgh in 7

Western Conference

Vancouver Canucks(1) vs Los Angeles Kings (8)

Vancouver is the better team on paper. This series comes down to if Jonathan Quick can steal enough games. I don’t think that will happen.

Canucks in 6

St Louis Blues (2) vs San Jose Sharks (7)

My love for Dan Boyle is well documented and also I need a sweep so here it goes. The Blues aren’t flashy on offense but boast a great defense and goaltending. The Sharks have plenty of playoff experience but haven’t made it to the big dance.

Sharks in 4

Phoenix Coyotes (3) vs Chicago Blackhawks (6)

I’m pulling for Mike Smith in this series. The guy was hot and cold in Tampa Bay but has played near lights out for Phoenix. Although Pheonix does have that SON OF A BITCH Radim Vrbata… The Blackhawks would like to have Jonathan Toews back for the playoffs but it won’t matter

Coyotes in 7

Nashville Predators (4) vs Detroit Red Wings (5)

This should be a fun series. Both have solid defense and goaltending. The Red Wings are obviously as playoff tested as any team in the league. It’s hard to bet against the Wings.

Detroit in 6

LeGarrette Blount by JoJo Maass

All it takes is a quick internet search or picking up a news paper to read Bucs fans and reporters in the Tampa Bay area hating on running back LeGarrette Blount for a number of reasons. Complaints such as he isn’t smart enough to learn the playbook or how to pass block, he can’t catch, he dances in the hole, fumbles too much and the list goes on. Now, I have no intention of defending these issues because I’ve made the same complaints. With that being said the guy can be a very productive back and has been.

People saying he can’t catch or be productive in the passing game are basing that on how he was used and not on what he can do. In 2011 Blount was able to catch 15 passes for 148 yards which isn’t going to turn any heads but of those 15 passes 6 were converted for first downs. That’s a better first down average than the Bucs main pass catching running back Kregg Lumpkin who converted 13 of his 41 receptions into first downs.

Another complaint about Blount is how bad he is in short yardage situations. He dances looking to bounce outside rather than blasting through the hole. It’s true and I’ve seen and complained about it as well. However, last season Blount averaged 2.9 yards per carry after contact, so he has the ability to break tackles and make people miss. It’s pretty clear that the previous coaching staff didn’t run a tight ship with the numerous reports of players arriving to meetings late (and some even sleeping) it’s possible with solid coaching Blount can become a better short yardage running back.

Blount obviously has a fumbling issue. As a professional running back you can’t fumble the ball every 45 touches and expect to be trusted. Some of Blount’s fumbles come on the second effort where he has the ball stripped away. No fumble is acceptable and as Bucs Coach Greg Schiano has already said anyone who can’t protect the ball won’t get touches. Other running backs in the past have had fumbling issue and have found ways to correct the issue. For example Adrian Peterson over the first three years of his career fumbled every 49th time he touched the ball but since has fumbled only twice. That’s a fumble for every 272 touches. It’s conceivable if the proper attention he placed on ball security he could improve this area of his game. If Blount doesn’t cut down on the fumbles the Bucs could lose one of their best offensive weapons.

With Greg Schiano repeatedly saying he wants to run the ball and go over the top with play action passes it would be hard to imagine not having Blount get the majority of the carries for a Bucs team that lacks depth at the running back position. Maybe Blount will never be an every down back or the fantasy leader in running back receptions but he doesn’t need to be. If Blount can run full steam ahead and limit his fumbles he is clearly in for a big year running behind a good offensive line.

Picks Week 1

IT IS WEEK ONE AND WE ARE BACK!

New Orleans at Green Bay

JoJo- The Saints look to be improved but I think Green Bay takes the win at home.
Dr. Jamez-Packers, I dont usually buy in to “the champs are the favorites” but they look like the best team in the NFL.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore

JoJo- I’m taking Baltimore at home
Dr. Jamez- I’m not impressed with either team here but I expect the Ravens to win the North.... Or the browns

Atlanta at Chicago

JoJo– Haven’t seen either team in the preseason but I’ll take the Falcons.
Dr. Jamez- boring, Chicago

Cincinnatti at Cleveland

JoJo– Banking on an improved Colt McCoy, going Browns.
Dr. Jamez- Looks like Cincy will have the #1 overall next year. Browns by a bunch

Indianapolis at Houston
JoJo– I really wanna go Houston but sticking with the sure thing, Indy.
Dr. Jamez- Peyton Manning doing what he does. Colts big.

Tennessee at Jacksonville

JoJo – With Chris Johnson signed I’m going Titans
Dr. Jamez- This will probably the worst game of the week, Jags

Buffalo at Kansas City

JoJo– Buffalo
Dr. Jamez- I dont know whats wrong with JoJo, should be an easy win for K.C.

Philadelphia at St. Louis

JoJo- Philly
Dr. Jamez- I’m just going to pick and upset going with the Rams

Detroit at Tampa Bay

JoJo- Bucs.
Dr. Jamez- JoJo has no heart, this is going to be my blow out of the week Lions big.

Carolina at Arizona

JoJo– I don’t think Newton is ready, going Cards.
Dr. Jamez- I agree with JoJo, Newton isn’t special.

Minnesota at San Diego

JoJo- Phillip Rivers all day, going Chargers
Dr. Jamez- Philip Rivers all day, going Vikings.

New York Giants at Washington

JoJo- The Skins look to be a better team this year but I like the Giants.
Dr. Jamez- I’m super torn here cause I love me some God Slayer but the injuries are piling up.... I don't think Beck is the answer Giants.

Dallas at New York Jets

JoJo- Even though I hate it I’m going with the Jets
Dr. Jamez- Dallas.....eh, why not?

New England at Miami

JoJo- New England
Dr. Jamez- I don’t believe in this Pats team but picking Miami is like picking the Texans to beat the Colts.Pats it is.

Oakland at Denver

JoJo- Oakland
Dr. Jamez- Denver?

UFC 134 Predictions

The UFC is returning to the MMA Mecca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and they put together a great card to do so. Joe Maass and I will do our best to Break down this Saturdays match ups for you. IT IS TIME!

• Lightweight bout: Ross Pearson vs. Edson Barboza

Dr. Jamez- Pearson was on a tear before his shocking loss to Cole Miller but bounced back with a strong win over Spencer Fisher. Barboza may have the home town advantage but Pearson is a huge jump up in competition and the home crowd can’t help him once the cage door closes. I expect Pearson to Grind out a win.

Joe- I always hated Barboza in the Pirates movies so I’m not flipping here. Pearson all the way.

• Heavyweight bout: Brendan Schaub vs. Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira

Dr. Jamez- I just can’t pick Nogueira, he’s basically the Stephan Bonnar of the heavy weight division. I Know Big Nog might be able to submit him if it gets to the ground but I think its more likely he’s transitioning in to a Chuck Liddell phase where everyone is going to start viciously knocking him out now that hes not fighting in a company where the refs don't wear ear pieces.

Joe- I Googled both these guys and this is what I learned: Brendan Schaub looks kinda like a really white Kellen Winslow and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira’s forehead looks just like George W Bush’s. Going with Schaub.

• Light Heavyweight bout: Maurício Rua vs. Forrest Griffin

Dr. Jamez- I’ve never been impressed with Shogun, Forrest finished him the first time they fought and I don’t care if Shogun claimed he was injured he should have pulled out if that was the case like he did when he belt jacked the UFC for nearly a year. If Forrest and can finish this fight and make it out without serious injury he should be in line for a title fight if Rashad’s thumb keeps him out longer than expected. If not I would say a title eliminator with Machida would make the most sense. I say this because I can’t see an area where Shogun can best Forrest. Forrest might not have the KO power Shogun does but I also dont think Shogun’s KO power is enough to stop Forrest. I think Forrest will just over power Shogun and win a decision.

Joe- I cant stand people that have like six names..what do I call them Maruicio, Shogun, Milani? I don’t really like Forrest unless we’re talking about Gump but I’m left with no choice going Forrest.

• Middleweight Championship: Anderson Silva (c) vs. Yushin Okami

Dr. Jamez- I’m in a pickle here cause I absolutely will not pick Anderson Silva because he and Philip Rivers are probably the people I dislike more than just about anyone on the planet. That being said Silva has already knocked Okami out once (although it was an illegal strike) so it shows he has the abilty to stop Okami. The other side is Okami has been working with the one man to truly beat Andy, Chael Sonnen. At the end of the day I wouldn't put money on Okami but he does have the tools to win this fight he just needs some luck.

Joe- If he can’t shoot wed or climb up walls he shouldn’t be called the Spider it’s too confusing. I’m going with Okami

Preseason Power rankings version 2

Dr Jamez

As Promised here is round two of the preseason power rankings with free agency almost done.

1. Colts- This team will win the Superbowl this year.
2. Packers- I’m hesitant to say this team is better than Superbowl champion form but the will be healthier than last year.
3. Eagles- This team has oddles of talent but Vick isn’t going to get it done. I expect Vick to not be very good and he and Desean Jackson to not finish the season. Adding Asomugha was great for them and everyone in the AFC but the corner situation is no better than the Jets.
4. Jets- I hate the Jets as much as someone outside of Boston can as much as I love the idea of The Pats having to stare the harbinger of perfect failure in the face twice a year I think Plax going to the Jets will make the least impact he possibly could have. God, Sanchez sucks.
5. Patriots- I don’t know what to say, they aren’t very good and Bellichick is a joke. “An all Road Kill defense doesn't make you a good team” -Warren Sapp
6. Falcons- I don’t want to look like a fool so I’m going with the smart money but this division really depends on if Talib plays or not.
7. Ravens- Ed Reed will be there at the start of the season hopefully they will fix the play calling issues and Boldin should be more comfortable this year. Some Key losses could change this team though.
8. Giants- This year was as much of a tossup as last year between The Giants and Eagles until the Eagles made some big preseason moves while the Giants are having trouble getting people back to the team facility.
9. Raiders- They looked good last year didn’t lose a division game. The Chiefs took a few personnel hits. WHY THE HELL IS THE GUY WHO PLAYED WOLVERINE THE COACH OF THE RAIDERS?! Man! Al Davis is nuts.
10. Chiefs- see above
11. Bucs- This team baffles me. Could win the NFC south, could be one of the worst in the league. Looks like Talib will play this year so we’ll see just how legit the Bucs are.
12. Steelers- This team has a history of missing the Playoffs after a Superbowl appearance and is going absolutely nuts in the off season I dont feel good about them as a team.
13. Bears- You know who should have gotten Julio Jones? The Bears. Signing Roy Williams and Marion Barber could be huge for the Bears.
14. Rams- Apparently I hate the NFC West. This is the only team from the west outside of the bottom 10 and they are Fourteen. To put that in context 12 teams make the playoffs and one team from the west has to go.
15. Lions- One year away from the best defense in the league. Could make serious noise if Stafford can stay healthy (AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAHAHAHAAH HA. I SAID IF STAFFORD CAN STAY HEALTHY LIKE ITS POSSIBLE.)
16. Saints- I hate them.
17. Cowboys- Offense should be banging. I just don’t like Jason Garret.
18. Browns- I Love me some Colt McCoy, I hope they do better then I think.
19. Broncos- I still don’t understand how they finished so bad last year.
20. Dolphins- I’m not exactly sure what their problem is.
21. Vikings- Aging defense isn’t good, but best running back in the league and best rookie qb in this class is good. We’ll see how it evens out. I know they said theyre playing McNabb but I see this as the start of the Ponder era.
22. Seahawks- Will have a place in my heart forever for what they did to the Saints last year but
23. Redskins- I…don’t….know …. What to say. Shanahan …..SO…..crazy.
24. Jaguars- what do they got? a Coach that’s going to get fired in season, a Rookie QB taking all the snaps? MJD is coming off knee surgery and as of now looks 40 lbs over weight...Yes, I’m still stung they got Session.
25. Bengals- Seriously, Even Carson Palmer is done with this team.
26. 49ers- Do they have a QB? I thought Harbaugh was the coach of the Ravens.
27. Cardinals- I said they could make a jump when they get Kolb but...they didnt....
28. Texans- So, they didnt get Asomugha. Cushing and Foster aren’t practicing. They lost leach and they are going to convert to a 3-4 with 2 weeks of off season practice. They are going to be awful but they will always be slinging the ball so Andre Johnson’s Fantasy Value on my team has skyrocketed.
29. Chargers- Suck
30. Bills- probably better than last year?
31. Titans- ….Ahem… Do they have a coach?! a QB? They are going to be awful.
32. Panthers- Boo!

2011 divisional winners- Dr. Jamez Edition

Dr. Jamez
This is going to be the toughest part of our preseason rankings and predictions and is most likely to have to be redone based on free agency. Alas we’re trying to stay current and keep Churning out things as best we can so for now enjoy our predictions for preseason division winners.
AFC East
New York Jets- Maybe I’m pulling “Texans” but this team has all the talent you would expect from a Ravens team. Sanchez is the worst quarterback in the league but they’ve spilt with the Pats and then outperformed them in the playoffs two years in a row now. I think the crown is the Jets as long as they take care of the free agency issues they have.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens- This team is like the Falcons of the AFC all the talent in the world but still can’t seem to do it. With the Steelers seemingly imploding in the offseason along with the trend of missing the playoffs the year after a Superbowl appearance I think this is the Ravens year…..sure as hell isn’t the Bengals.
AFC West
Oakland Raiders- ...Heads
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts- They’re going to win the Superbowl too.
NFC East
New York Giants- probably the hardest to pick of all, The Redskins seem to be the only unlikely candidate to win the division but I never count out the nerve damaging ‘Skins. I can see all the teams in this division winning it but when in doubt I always count on a Manning.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers- How do you beat’em? I can say all the trite things most analysts say about them being the champs but there’s no need they’re virtually the same team I picked to go to the Superbowl last year.
NFC West
St. Louis Rams- The Rams seem like the team to beat in the west unless Arizona picks up Kolb and he plays very well for a first year in a new system. This one may be a horse race though.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons- You don’t know how many times I wrote Tampa Bay Bucs and erased it and the same with the Falcons. I went with the Falcons based on the fact that we know what will be there unlike with Tampa. If Talib is suspended that defense will allow 35+ a game most likely. If the Bucs make some big moves like signing Asomugha and resigning some key free agents this Bucs team could contend for the conference but they also have the potential to not address any of them and win 3 games again. The offense looks solid but is still young and had a very easy road last year. So yes, my whole explanation for why the Falcons will win the south is the Bucs wild uncertainty that and the fact that the Saint defense should be pretty bad next year. Suck it, Porter.

Preseason Quarterback Power Rankings- Joe Maass edition

Joe Maass
1. Tom Brady- Based on last years numbers he is sitting at the top right now.
2. Aaron Rogers- Has been fantastic and more than anyone thought he would be.
3. Peyton Manning- Word is that he isn’t the player he was….people are dumb.
4. Drew Brees- Just overall fantastic, but he turned the ball over too much last year.
5. Philip Rivers- Has he done enough to be in the top five? I think so.
6. Matt Schaub- Seems always to just fall short.
7. Eli Manning- I don’t know what to say, I feel like he should be better.
8. Josh Freeman- A near record improvement from his rookie season.
9. Michael Vick- Electric playmaker.
10. Tony Romo- I just really don’t like him.
11. Jay Cutler- This will be his breakout year.
12. Ben Roethlisberger- Old smelly.
13. Matt Cassel- Kansas City seems to have a franchise quarterback.
14. Matt Ryan- Needs to take the next step..has amazing talent around him.
15. Joe Flacco- Something about a next step here too….
16. Sam Bradford- The real deal.
17. Kevin Kolb- Should be starting somewhere..
18. Colt McCoy- Showed promise but he is no Tim Tebow ;)
19. Jason Campbell- Pisses me off, he throws four Interceptions and wins a game… fuck you, Campbell.
20. Matt Stafford- Even only playing 1/4 a game he still is better than Mark Sanchez.
21. Mark Sanchez- Josh Freeman..
22. Chad Henne- Sometimes I think he is good.
23. Ryan Fitzpatrick- I don’t think he is a long term solution.
24. David Garrard- He is a probowler…really
25. Tim Tebow- Probably will start?
26. Alex Smith- I just don’t know about him.
27. Donovan McNabb- Fell apart and I guess doesn’t have the endurance to handle the two minute offense?
28. Matt Hasselbeck- Poor Matt…
29. Christian Ponder- I’m pretty much stacking the rookie passers down here.
30. Cam Newton- At least he has Steve Smith..wait…
31. Jake Locker- huh?
32. Andy Dalton- I don’t even know who he is…