Sports Illustrated, Thanks for the Memories!

This week's issue of Sports Illustrated is on stands and its cover may be the greatest cover in the history of magazine covers.  Revel in it and take special notice of the fear in Tom Brady's baby blue eyes.  Priceless.  Definitely a collector's item for any hardcore Jets fan or true hater of the Patriots.  Cop it, frame it, and covet this moment forever.

For all of you local Jets fans, this week's rally is Thursday @ 5:30pm in Times Square.  Come out and support!

NY Yankees Pop Champagne! and more

I'm baaa-aaack and so are the Yankees!  But, before I get into that I have a short PSA:  Sports heads, please know that I've missed delivering the goods.  I've been a busy little bee the past month.  However, I'm finally getting a grasp on things (I think) and can return to blogging with some type of regularity (I hope).  

With that said, there's no better time to jump back in than the present!

My beloved NY Yankees are in the playoffs...AGAIN!!!  There was never a doubt in my mind that I'd see Yankees Stadium open for business in October.  Despite injuries to Andy Pettitte, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira, we managed to keep it together.  Our ace CC Sabathia reached 21 wins for the first time in his career (congrats!) and Robinson Cano is making a strong bid for MVP.  Nick Swisher has also been pretty consistent all year.  Newbie Curtis Granderson got off to a slow start, but was finally able to locate his swing.  And although Captain Derek Jeter's batting average isn't where we're used to seeing it, you know he'll step up when needed i.e. now.  So, expect Mr. November to produce like he usually does.

But I must admit, I'm not as confident as I was last year this time.  Last year, the Yankees were so dominant that it was a no-brainer that we'd get our 27th World Championship.  However, this year's suspect pitching rotation makes me slightly nervous.  I just hope that Joe Girardi makes the right decisions, the team starts hitting again, and our defense is on point.  Since our pitching is the biggest question mark (including Mariano Rivera's ability to get four outs), we need to make sure we're gelling everywhere else.

The other thing that makes me nervous is the possibility of facing the Texas Rangers.  Dare I say that I'm quietly hoping the Yankees land the wild card spot because I like our chances against the Twins more? The Rangers seem to have our number this season.  Plus, it's such a slap in the face to see us struggle against Cliff Lee when we were rumored to get him before the trade deadline.  I hope that doesn't come back to bite us!  No matter what though, I'll be focused during the postseason.  Go Yankees!  Let's win it for the Boss!

Another thing that I love about this time of year is the overlap between the NFL, NBA, and Yankees Postseason. Forget Christmas, for me, this is the most wonderful time of the year!  The NFL is always enjoyable, but when your team is playing well, that feeling is multiplied by 100.  With my Jets scheduled to face the Bills, Vikings, and Broncos before their bye week, I expect this blissful feeling to continue for a while.

Now the Knicks are a different story. Tonight my Dad and I talked about the Knicks and I'll tell y'all like I told him, don't believe the hype.  Knicks fans have suffered too long and I'm not convinced that the dark days are behind us.  In the past, I devoured reading material about the Knicks early in the season, but this year, I've decided it's not worth it.  I can't even tell you who their starting 5 is.  Admittedly, it's pretty pathetic, especially since I consider myself a ride or die fan.  But recent history has proven that I shouldn't invest too much time and energy in them this early in the season.  Yes the Knicks made some moves, but is it really enough to make a push toward the playoffs? I'm not sure.  And, my uncertainty is causing me to be proceed with caution.  I'd be more hopeful if I knew Carmelo Anthony or Chris Paul were on their way to form the NYC version of "Superfriends" with Amar'e Stoudemire, but that doesn't seem likely.  Now don't get me wrong, Amar'e Stoudemire is a good player, but he's injury prone and I just have nightmares of our other $100 million man, Allan Houston.  I'm definitely not wishing that on Stoudemire, but it's real.  Microscopic knee surgery is a beast.  Just ask Allan Houston, Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Tracy McGrady.

Since my Yankees and Jets are still holding me down, I prefer to ride that wave for as long as possible.  Truthfully, last season when the Jets lost to the Colts in the AFC Championship game, I wasn't only disappointed because the Jets' season was over.  The most painful part was facing the harsh reality of giving the Knicks 100% of my attention.  Since I've finally learned the hard way, I'm going to let the Knicks' regular season record do the talking. Show and prove Knicks.  Show. And. Prove.

P.S.  Yes, I'm aware that when referencing the Yankees and Jets it's all about "my", "we", and "us", but when referencing the Knicks, it's all about "them".  The Knicks will get back to "my", "we", and "us" status when they earn it.

Tennessee Titans Chris Johnson: The New Face of the NFL?

I recently received the latest issue of Sporting News with Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans featured on the cover with a headline that read, "The New Face of the NFL".  No question mark.  They are boldly declaring that title! 

Hmmm.  Interesting.  Well, my first thought was not if they don't pay this man that's currently in the middle of a contract dispute and threatening to miss training camp.  But more than that, this headline caused me to pause for a second and ask myself (outloud), "really?"  I understand he's a beast on the field, rushing for 2,006 yards last season.  And, anyone that plays Fantasy Football must agree that he's most definitely worthy of the first pick in this year's draft.  So, me questioning Sporting News' claim has zilch to do with his athleticism and more to do with his image or appearance.  

Yes, I'm speaking of the appearance of unkempt dreads, gold fronts, and a black leather bomber in blazing hot temps, which is how he was most recently spotted on the red carpet.  If you watched the ESPY Awards this week, then I'm sure you can at least see where I'm coming from, even if you don't agree.
 
The reason I was frozen in my footsteps upon reading the Sporting News headline is because I don't think we've evolved enough as a country or are progressive enough as a people to deem someone that looks like Chris the face of a multi-billion dollar brand.  Especially a business that is run by white men in custom suits.  Yes, we have a black president, but let's be real, President Obama and Chris Johnson come from and exist in two very different worlds. 

If Chris' phone suddenly started ringing off the hook and he was offered all of the endorsement deals that are reserved for Peyton Manning, the current face of the NFL, I'd be beyond shocked! 

Well, so far, Chris has managed to secure one major endorsement deal.  Powerade came calling and Chris answered. 

His Powerade campaign debuted during the World Cup.  When asked why they teamed up with Chris, Powerade went on record to say, "We really want to connect with high school athletes, with multicultural youth.  The only way to do that is to be genuine with the person you partner with, " Powerade brand director Frank Bracken says.  "Powerade has got a little bit of edge, a little bit of personality and rawness to it.  Chris embodies those as a player and with his personality and how he carries himself."

I can't disagree with that.  I actually commend Powerade for exploring uncharted territory.  As soft spoken as Chris may be, he is known for his in-your-face touchdown celebrations, superlative declarations, and his raw and gritty style of play.  He's also able to connect with the youth because he comes from a challenge-filled childhood which resulted in Chris getting kicked out of school in seventh grade after being falsely accused of stealing, only to get into a fight in the first week at his new school.  But, his devotion to football inspired him to do better and redirect his focus.  Qualities that young athletes will certainly admire and respect.  So for that, I love Powerade for partnering with Chris Johnson because they feel that his attributes are representative of their brand.  In my opinion, that should be the foundation of a any good partnership.  Although, not many brands would look beyond Chris' outward appearance and the stereotypes that come along with it; and fork over millions of dollars.  Because regardless of how successful you've been on the field, how many odds you've beaten to reach the top, you still share the burden of your peers that were less disciplined and unable to leave the past behind.

Chris Johnson knows the value he holds and the opportunities that await him.  He's already claimed to be better than Adrian Peterson and everyone else, likening his "new reign" as the face of the NFL to Obama becoming our first Black President.  Johnson's exact words were, "Obama was the first black president.  I could be the first black face of the NFL."  OK, I think he's reaching with regard to his first black face of the NFL reference.  There have been a few people to hold that spot down in the past....Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Bo Jackson, and OJ Simpson. But, I see the point he was making.  The boy next door isn't exactly the first thought that comes to mind when you think of Chris Johnson, so it would be noteworthy if he was offered the same mainstream marketing opportunities as Peyton Manning.

Personally, I would love for Chris to clean up his appearance a bit.  Nothing major...just lose the gold fronts that's he's been rocking since high school and tighten up the locs.   There's so much money to get, I don't want judgmental people (slowly raises hand) to overlook an incredible talent .  As the old saying goes, perception is reality.  And, if your appearance gives off the perception that you're easily distracted by vices from your past, you may never get the opportunity to prove otherwise, fair or unfair.

However, if Powerade is comfortable with cutting Johnson a check, then I should cut him some slack and let him do him.  I'm just extremely passionate about the perception of young black men in America and advocate for them.  Many athletes catch flack for living flashy, selfish, overindulgent lifestyles and are also criticized for how they look while doing so. If removing a few attention grabbing accessories will open more doors, line his pockets with money, and eliminate stereotypical chatter, then I'm all for it.  But, I also respect people that don't compromise who they are and stay true to themselves. 

Chris Johnson will be a fun and interesting player to watch over the next few years.  ESPN has already crowned him the Breakthrough Athlete of the Year.  There's no doubt he'll continue to do his thing on the field, but I'm curious to see if he'll also breakthrough barriers off the field. 

The NY Jets' Newest Defensive Weapon: Kyle Wilson aka KDUB20

It's June, which means everyone is probably thinking about the NBA Finals...except for me.  When Cleveland was on the brink of elimination, I knew it was going to be a repeat of the 2008 NBA Finals, and decided I would not be participating.  As a Knicks fan I can't support the Lakers or Celtics.  I'm sitting this one out. 

Instead, I'm looking beyond the NBA Finals and am more focused than ever on my NY Jets.  The reports aka tweets from OTA have taken my fandom to the next level.  It may still be a little early for some, but I figured you could use a distraction from all the Celtics, Lakers, Armando Galarraga, Jim Joyce talk.  I refuse to believe that I'm only one that can't wait for things to get popping on the gridiron.

So, without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to the NY Jets' newest defensive weapon, Kyle Wilson aka KDUB20!! The New Jersey native was drafted in the first round by the home team and will prove to be a great addition to what is already being hailed as the #1 defense in the league.  In fact, Rex Ryan has already penciled him in as the starting nickelback and punt returner.  And, since OTA started, all of the reports on KDUB20 have been positive.  The consensus is that Kyle's athletic and talented enough to make an immediate impact.  I cosign this.

Plus, he's surrounded by Pro Bowl talent which is only going to make his football IQ shoot through the roof.  Darrelle Revis + Antonio Cromartie + Bart Scott will not let him fail.  Trust and believe that.

Check out the Boise St. DB's highlight video below and look out for him this season.  Hint:  He'll be the dude in the #20 jersey with the locs.  Get familiar. 

PUSH PLAY:  KYLE WILSON (ALREADY HOME)

The Jets Continue to Make Moves!

Spotted on Twitter:  Cincinnati Bengal Chad Ochocinco (@ogochocinco) and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (@nflcommish) confabbing.

@ogochocinco:  Roger, the NY JETS are out of control with these off season additions, is George Steinbrenner the owner now?

@nflcommish replied:  No. Woody is the man. get back 2 work on ur dancing.

Love this!  The Commish is right.  No, George Steinbrenner isn't the Jets' owner.  Yes, Woody Johnson is the man. And, yes 85 needs to work on his footwork and find a solution for all of the Jets' offseason moves.  If teams thought finding an answer for Revis Island was their only problem, say hello to our new friends:  CB Antonio Cromartie, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, WR Santonio Holmes, and the newest Jet, LB Jason Taylor.  Woooweee!  These new additions are looking something kinda, sorta, like a Pro Bowl roster! 


For the longest, the Jets have been the redheaded stepchildren of NY football teams.  My, look how the tables have turned!  Last month, when the Jets picked up Antonio Cromartie, I blogged about it.  My cousin (hey Kenny!), read that post and asked me to show the Giants some love every now and then.  Hmmm, let's think...what exactly have the Giants done that would warrant me giving them any shine (ducking for cover as shots are fired). 

No, but seriously, it feels pretty nice to see the Jets finally get some well deserved respect.  I love them  hogging the national spotlight and sports pages for moves ON the field.  From the media hanging on to every single word uttered by Coach Rex Ryan + Mark Sanchez's Saturday Night Live appearance  + the Jets being featured on HBO's Hard Knock series + today's announcement that the NY Jets will kickoff ESPN's Monday Night Football season vs. the Baltimore Ravens, it's all Jets, all the time. 

Big Blue fans, stand up!  Are you feeling a little (Gang) green with envy about the Jets' upgrades? If so, clap back and leave a comment below. 

P.S. click here to follow me on Twitter!
P.P.S. The NFL released the full schedule today.  Check it out.

TJ Out. LT In.

Did we really just release Thomas Jones and pickup LaDainian Tomlinson?  That didn't really happen did it?  If you read my entry about the Cromartie pickup, then you know that I struggled with how I felt about letting Jones go.  Well, it's no longer a struggle.  It's official, I don't like it. 

Let me tell you why....

1.  Age most definitely couldn't have been a factor.  Thomas Jones will turn 32 this year, while LT will turn 31.  Despite the 10 month age difference, they're both considered liabilities by NFL standards.  On paper, Jones should be a bigger threat because he's older, but if you look at their numbers, Tomlinson is the bigger risk. 

2.  It can't be about money.  According to ESPN.com, LT's 2-year deal is worth $5.1 million with an escalator that could boost his salary to $5.6 million.  Kansas City and Thomas Jones agreed to $5 million, which is $800k less than what Jones was owed from the Jets.  He was due a $3 million roster bonus on top of his $2.8 million base salary.  It's a $200K difference.  It's been reported that the Jets asked Jones to take a pay cut.   He declined, which I don't blame him for doing.  He put up the best numbers of his career (1402 yards, 14 TDs, 331 carries, 4.2 yards per carry) and they expect him to accept less money.  What part of the game is that?!?!

Meanwhile, LT had the worst season of his career...730 yards, 12 TDs, 223 carries, and 3.3 yards per carry.  You do the math...

So, since those aren't the reasons why they signed LT, maybe these are:

1.  Perhaps there was some behind-the-scenes drama between Jones and the team.  I can't imagine the Jets and Jones not being able to reach an agreement that would've satisfied both parties.  Or, maybe the fact that the Jets even thought about cutting Jones' salary made him feel some type of way.  Possibly Jones wasn't trying to hear anything besides what was due to him.  If that was the case, I respect that, especially after he was paid $900K in 2009, coming off of a 1300 yard season.

2.  Maybe they feel that LT's style of play is a better fit for Brian Schottenheimer's offense.  Jones and LT do have different strengths.  LT is known as a great pass catcher out of the backfield, while Jones is a workhorse that hits the hole.  If the Jets do intend on giving Shonn Greene the majority of the carries, it might not be such a bad look, after all.  If they limit LT's touches and let the young boy do most of the dirty work, they'll be able to preserve LT in a hope to get the best out of him.  Pause.  Where does Leon Washington fit into all of this?  Assuming he's rehabbing according to schedule, where will he fall on the depth chart?

3.  Back to Schottenheimer.  The Jets could also be hoping that LT's familiarity with Schottenheimer's offense will allow him to adjust to the offense pretty easily.  After all, Schottenheimer was the Charger's QB coach for four years during the height of LT's career.  

4.  LT will be hungry.  He's been destroyed by the media, due to a consistent decline in his numbers since 2006, when he captured the rushing title and was named MVP.  Everyone gave him the benefit of the doubt heading into the 2009 season, and he was a disappointment.  Instead, he got injured during Week 2.  Come September, LT should be ready to show-n-prove. 

Now that I've weighed the pros and cons, I don't hate it as much, but I'm still not a fan.  When thinking about us being Super Bowl contenders, I just don't feel that we've upgraded our offense by cutting Jones and signing LT.  Not to mention that we need a wide receiver!  

I'm a New York sports fan.  I'm demanding and spoiled.  I expect greatness.  If we made it to the AFC Championship game in 2010, we better be going all the way in 2011.  Anything else is unacceptable.

LT is a class act and a Hall of Famer.  He's had a hell of a career, but I can't help but think that his best days are behind him.  It happens to all of the greats.  Hopefully, he'll prove me wrong.  I beg that he proves me wrong!  As you've seen with Stephen Curry,  when I'm wrong, I have no problem admitting it.  Cheers to me being wrong!

Upgrade!

Breaking News!!  The Jets acquired cornerback Antonio Cromartie, from the Chargers, for a 2011 draft pick.  Word.

And, earlier today the Jets released cornerback Lito Sheppard.  When I read that, I was like damn, we're releasing everybody!  I'm still not sure how I feel about Thomas Jones being released, but that's another entry for another day.  Anyway, Cromartie + Darrelle Revis in the secondary = beastly!  We already know how Revis gets down.  I still get upset that he wasn't selected as Defensive Player of the Year.  Can I get a recount!?!?  Just ask T.O., Marques Colston, Roddy White, Reggie Wayne, Randy Moss, Steve Smith, and the player formerly known as Chad Ochocinco about Revis Island.  They'll tell you who should've won!

Sorry, I lost focus for a second but I'm back now.  So, let's talk stats.  I'll admit, Sheppard and Cromartie's stats were pretty comparable for the '09-'10 season.  But when you look at '07-'08, Cromartie's breakout season with 10 interceptions, and '08-'09 with 61 tackles, there's no comparison.   Sheppard hasn't been as productive as Cromartie since '04-'05.  This is a major upgrade!

I'm amped about this move.  Just like that, we got three years younger.  You know that's major in football!  The Jets brass will just have to make sure that Cromartie stays focused.  Throughout his four year career, he's had a lot of baby mama drama swirling around him.  If he keeps his head in the game... game over!