NFL Week 6 Betting Preview

Thursday Night Football, 1.20am, Sky Sports 
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) @ Tennessee Titans (1-4)
Line: PIT by 6
It took Tennessee 49 minutes to score in the thrashing by Minnesota last Sunday. RB Chris Johnson can't do anything (15 carries for 17 yards) and the otucome of this game will be irrelevant whether starting QB Jake Locker is back from injury or not. Pittsburgh won a tough, defensive battle against the Eagles, and their intermmediate passing game should rip the Titans apart. Steelers rusher Rashard Mendenhall returned to action last week and his physical running style will be ideal against a soft Tennessee run-defense. This game will get ugly - fast. I'll be fast asleep by halftime.
Pick: Steelers (31-12)
Bet: PIT -6
Value Bet: Titans U19

Sunday, 6pm, Sky Sports  
Oakland Raiders (1-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (5-0) 
Line: ATL by 9
This game will feature arguably the best receiving corps in the NFL going up against arguably the worst secondary in the NFL. Falcons QB Matt Ryan is having an MVP type season so far, and I can't see Oakland mounting any challenge whatsoever. Though the Raiders will be fresh off a bye, it really doesn't matter. The offense is a mess, QB Carson Palmer has lost considerable arm strength and the only place in the Atlanta defense that has any weakness is on deep-downhill throws. Without that available, the Raiders will ride RB Darren McFadden, but will have to revert to the passing game once they fall behind. In Atlanta, that won't take long.
Pick: Falcons (38-17)
Bet: ATL -9
Value Bet: Julio Jones (ATL) first touchdown scorer  

Cincinnati Bengals (3-2) @ Cleveland Browns (0-5)
Line: CIN by 1
Now this is a trap game. The Bengals bungled their way to a damning loss at home to the Dolphins as 3.5 point favourites last week, while the Browns were up by two touchdowns in New York against the Giants before being resoundly beaten to a pulp. If the Browns can stay away from errors, they should be in good nick to cause an upset here, especially with talented CB Joe Haden back to cover Bengals All-Pro receiver A.J. Green. We learned against Miami that the Bengals struggle against a dominant front-seven. The Browns front-seven isn't neccessarily dominant, but it could be enough to worry QB Andy Dalton. I think the key in this game is impressive rookie runner Trent Richardson, who has scored a touchdown in each of the last four games. With Browns QB Brandon Wheeden progressing, Richardson isn't seeing eight defenders gunning for him on every play, and his physical running style combined with his speed could see the Browns edge this one.
Pick: Browns (23-21)
Bet: CLE +1
Value Bet: Trent Richardson first touchdown scorer  

St. Louis Rams (3-2) @ Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Line: MIA by 3.5
I've picked the Dolphins to lose every game so far, and I've been proven wrong twice. That is mostly to do with their defensive line, which has been monstrous so far (Cameron Wake - 5.5 sacks), but also due to rookie QB Ryan Tannehill, who has really surprised me. Tannehill missed reps in training camp over a contract dispute, and he was hastily thrown in as starter after injuries to Matt Moore and David Garrard, all of which seemed the perfect concoxtion for a tough start. But Tannehill has played about as well as you could expect of him thus far, if not better. The Dolphins' victory in Cincy was just as good as the Rams' win over the then-undefeated Cardinals. Though Sam Bradford played terrible (7-for-21 completed passes), the St. Louis defense made up for it by battering Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb to the tune of nine sacks and a combined 32 hits and hurries. That's outrageous. The Rams lost their best receiver in Danny Amendola to a dislocated shoulder, and with him gone, Bradford's remaining targets are sub-standard (Brandon Gibson, Chris Givens). With the dominant D-line of the Dolphins shutting down the St. Louis run-game, this could be a very long day for Bradford and co. The Rams best chance to win is once again through their defense causing turnovers.
Pick: Dolphins (27-13)
Bet: MIA -3.5
Value Bet: Bian Hartline (MIA) first touchdown scorer  

Indianapolis Colts (2-2) @ New York Jets (2-3)
Line: NYJ by 3
The Jets surprised me this past Monday, losing by only six to the Texans. It's bad for the Jets when "only losing by six" is a positive. With QB Mark Sanchez yet again proving he's not a worthy starting quarterback (48.4% pass completion through five games), the Jets used backup Tim Tebow to minimal effect and CB Antonio Cromartie as a receiver. That is just awful. I know the Jets are without probably their best two players in WR Santonio Holmes and CB Darrelle Revis (maybe the best defender in the league), but it just shows how thin they are at every other position. The only player on the Jets right now that's worth anything is center Nick Mangold. And he can't win games by himself. If I'm a Jets fan, I'm praying for West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith in the draft next April. But I digress. The Jets are terrible, they are having to try wacky things on offense and pray they can score on defense and special teams. When you have to install gadget plays for your offense, it's not a good offense. The Colts rallied against the Packers and "won one for the coach" so to speak as HC Chuck Pagano is in hosptial being treated for luekemia. Rookie QB Andrew Luck had an impressive day, racking up 362yds passing and three total touchdowns (two pass, one run) and he has the potential like his predecessor Peyton Manning to do this every week. The Colts will be without RB Donald Brown and have a lack of depth at receiver, and if Antonio Cromartie covers Reggie Wayne as well as he covered Andre Johnson of the Texans last week, it may become a little difficult for Luck. However, the Colts defense is looking a lot stronger with the likes of Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis and Cory Redding rushing the passer. Mark Sanchez, be warned.
Pick: Colts (23-20)
Bet: IND +3
Value Bet: Duane Allen (IND) anytime touchdown scorer

Detroit Lions (1-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) 
Line: PHI by 3.5
It's a strange year for the Eagles, they're dominating on defense (only five passing touchdowns against) and in the run-game through Shady McCoy, but turnovers, mainly from QB Michael Vick are costing them dearly. The 16-14 defeat in Pittsburgh last week looks like a tough-luck loss, but really, the Eagles should have got the job done. Vick turned the ball over with a costly fumble at the Steelers two-yard line, and then coughed it up at midfield on the next possession. Vick is responsible for a whopping nine turnovers (6 interceptions, 3 lost fumbles) already this season. You have to think if this continues, then Philly will turn to backup Nick Foles, but that won't happen unless it gets REALLY bad. The Lions are a good team to get the Eagles back on track this week. Their porous secondary should provide plenty of points and the offense is out of sorts after so much expectation was placed on them in the offseason. After QB Matt Stafford threw for 5,000 yards and 31 touchdowns last season, everyone expected his form to continue, but with a banged-up run game and some costly drops (even from all-world receiver Calvin Johnson), the Lions have struggled to score. Against this Eagles defense, it's going to be a tough ask for the Lions to come away with anything. Stranger things have happened though, and these Eagles flip and flop on the predictability scale from week to week.
Pick: Eagles (28-20)
Bet: PHI -3.5
Value Bet: Brent Celek (PHI) anytime touchdown scorer

Kansas City Chiefs (1-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3)
Line: TB by 4
Now this is a change-the-channel game. Two teams that just suck right now. The Chiefs lost QB Matt Cassell to a concussion (which was actually cheered in Kansas City last week) so first-round draft bust Brady Quinn will start in his absence. Brady Quinn is a name that does not strike fear into a defensive player's heart. Honestly, this game could go either way. The Chiefs have looked good when they hand it off to RB Jamaal Charles and their defense has the potential to be really, really good, but the big problem is the quarterback, and in today's NFL, that's the paramount position. The Chiefs should have beaten the Ravens last week. Charles was gashing the Baltimore defense for eight yards a carry, but turnovers and bad QB play cost them dearly. The defense held the Ravens high-scoring offense to just three field goals, but when your offense is a mess, you only score six points. The Buccaneers are coming off a bye and should be able to win here. Their offense is out of sorts too, as they're struggling to form any sort of rhythm in the run-game. With the Chiefs quality in the secondary, it will likely be hard for WR Vincent Jackson to get any separation at all, and this will go down to the wire because of it. I'll be amazed if more than two offensive touchdowns are scored.
Pick: Buccaneers (17-12)
Bet: TB -4
Value Bet: U36.5pts  

Dallas Cowboys (2-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Line: BAL by 3.5
After their ugly MNF defeat at home to the Bears, the Cowboys now embarque on five very tough games, four of them on the road. After this, they travel to Carolina, host the Giants, and then travel to Atlanta and Philadelphia. I think Dallas will be very lucky to come away with two wins. The Cowboys offense is very lacklustre at the moment. RB DeMarco Murray was tipped for a great season, second-year receiver Dez Bryant was meant to overcome his off-field issues and be a better quality receiver, and QB Tony Romo was supposed to keep up his good play. But as always the Cowboys are good on paper just not in real life. The Cowboys receivers let Romo down against Chicago with drops and tipped balls that became turnovers and now they face an aggressive, turnover-happy Baltimore defense. Romo threw five interceptions against the Bears, and now he has to face future hall of fame safety Ed Reed. It's almost unfair. The Ravens were sloppy and out of control against the Chiefs last week, and the Cowboys defense could surprise if they get an early lead, but in QB Joe Flacco's house, this should be a relatively easy win for the Ravens. The Cowboys struggle mightily against teams that involve the running back in the passing game, and that's where Ray Rice excels. With a bye week to recover from the loss, the Cowboys might as well be playing this on a short week. The Ravens should manhandle them.
Pick: Ravens (28-17)
Bet: BAL -3.5
Value Bet: Ray Rice first touchdown scorer  

Sunday, 9.05pm, Sky Sports 
Buffalo Bills (2-3) @ Arizona Cardinals (4-1)
Line: ARI by 4.5
On paper, this should be the game where the expensive defensive line of the Bills crushes Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb. And in reality, it really should be. The Cardinals offensive line is easily the worst in football, and it's amazing that HC Ken Whisenhunt isn't doing anything about it fortmation wise. He's rarely putting in a tight end to help block or a running back to chip any rushers and RT Bobby Massie is getting killed one on one on almost every snap. This week he has to face the $50 million dollar man -- Mario Williams. Mario isn't your average pass-rusher, but has been playing like one as of late. Opposite end pass rusher Mark Anderson has been ruled out indefinitely. The Bills were destroyed by the ten point favourite San Francisco last Sunday, while the Cardinals lost in St. Louis ending their undefeated start to the season. I believe the Bills will get going early on with C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson in the run game, and should be able to hold a lead from there due to the aformentioned troubles with the Cardinals pass-blocking. This won't be a glamour tie, and Kolb might not be there to see it finish.
Pick: Bills (21-17)
Bet: BUF +4.5
Value Bet: C.J. Spiller first touchdown scorer  

New England Patriots (3-2) @ Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
Line: NE by 3.5
It's amazing how the Patriots can keep changing their offense yet still remain dominant. The last two seasons have seen them go from a team highly dependent on short-to-intermmediate throws to slot-receivers and tight ends, to multiple tight-end formations with the dominant Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, to a very balanced offense. The Patriots are riding three running backs, two of them rookies, and the offensive line is showing great strides in their run blocking. The pressure is off QB Tom Brady at the moment, as he and coach Bill Belichick can trust the run game to win matchups and get points on the board. That is where Seattle are struggling right now. They have a dominant defense, but their offense has been below average (save for a Cowboys defense that couldn't defend the Seahawks' run options) and QB Russell Wilson has struggled to produce much at all. Seattle have a Pro Bowl calibe receiver in Sidney Rice but he's barely been involved due to Wilson's inability so far. I think the Seahawks are in for a tough game here, and while their stadium is built to guarentee their fans are the loudest, I doubt it will be enough to slow down Tom Brady and co.
Pick: Patriots (30-14)
Bet: NE -3.5
Value Bet: Stevan Ridley (NE) first touchdown scorer  

Sunday, 9.25pm, Sky Sports 
New York Giants (3-2) @ San Francisco 49ers (4-1)
 Line: SF by 6.5
The 49ers are the most entertaining team in the league by far. Every snap has the potential for something fun. On offense, there's big plays in both the pass and run games, and on defense there's always a chance for the talented trio of Justin Smith, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman to level a receiver or destroy a quarterback. Throw in the Colin Kaepernick option stuff with defensive tackles lining up at full back, and this is just like a college team. A really talented college team. The Niners tricked and brutalized their way to a 45-3 win over Buffalo, and they did something they haven't done since the 1960s -- they had a 300yd passer, a 100yd rusher and two 100yd receivers. HOF QBs Joe Montana and Steve Young and Jerry Rice (the best receiver of all-time) never managed that feat! As for the Giants, they went down early to the Browns due to some poor defense and a turnover, but rallied through their running backs (243yds combined) and receiver Victor Cruz (3 touchdowns). Without Hakeem Nicks, the Giants have reverted to the run-game, and obivously it was very succesful, but they go up against probably the best defense in the NFL, certainly the best run-defense in the NFL, and they will have to change things up. Alex Smith is struggling with a finger injury but should play on Sunday. This rematch of last season's NFC title game will be just as close, but this time the Niners will come out on top.
Pick: 49ers (24-20)
Bet: NYG +6.5
Value Bet: Colin Kaepernick anytime touchdown scorer  

Minnesota Vikings (4-1) @ Washington Redskins (2-3) 
Line: WAS by 2
Two teams that have caused upsets and surprises, moreso Minnesota as they have compiled a 4-1 record so far and QB Christian Ponder looks like a totally different player. They say a good quarterback makes a considerable leap in their second year and Ponder is playing to a high level thus far. On the other side is Washington's number two overall draft pick, QB Robert Griffin III, who has played about as well as a Redskin fan could hope, but last week against Atlanta he suffered a concussion on a devastating shot from LB Curtis Lofton. Griffin was said to not know what the score was or the quarter they were in during his evaluation. Despite all of this, the injury has been reported as a "mild" concussion, which absoloutely baffles me. I want to know how you can mildly rattle your brain around in your skull. Griffin has said that he expects to play in this game but if he doesn't. fellow rookie Kirk Cousins will fill in as he did against the Falcons. Minnesota surprised me last week by pummeling the Titans. I expected the 6 point underdog Titans to cover, and they were terrible. The Vikings so far has been impressive with Ponder, RB Adrian Peterson and RB/WR/KR Percy Harvin, but more surprisingly their defense has been terrific. I don't think it matters who lines up under center for the Skins, this should be an away win. The Redskins defense did well against an unexpectedly groggy Atlanta offense, but with injuries to their pass rush I expect the speed combination of Peterson and Harvin to once again carry the Vikes.
Pick: Vikings (26-21)
Bet: MIN +2
Value Bet: Percy Harvin anytime touchdown scorer  

Sunday Night Football, 1.20am, Channel 4 Green Bay Packers (2-3) @ Houston Texans (5-0)
Line: HOU by 3.5
Despite being favoured by a touchdown last week in Indianapolis, the Packers could only muster two second-half field goals as the Colts caught up from an 11 point defecit and beat them with little time remaining. Now Green Bay has to travel to the AFC title favourites, but I don't think they should feel too disadvantaged. The Texans have shown little weakness so far, as their record would have you believe, but I think the Packers match up well with them. Even though Houston have stud receiver Andre Johnson, I think the rest of the passing game has taken a hit. Then again, they've barely had to go to the air at all. The Packers have struggled to limit quarterbacks, and gave up 212yds and a touchdown to just Reggie Wayne of the Colts. The Packers are better suited to defend the run, which is Houston's best attribute, so that side of the ball will be very interesting to watch. The other side could be ugly. Though the Packers have a brilliant offense, they are not playing to the standard they have set the past few seasons, and a lot of that is on injured receiver Greg Jennings, the lack of a run game, and a woeful offensive line. The latter two could turn out to the be the focal point for this game as the vaunted pass rush of the Texans will be on full-display, and defensive player of the year candidate J.J. Watt will be looking to add to his already staggering total of 8.5 sacks. With the threat of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers having to take a lot of hits, it won't surprise me if Green Bay keeps extra blockers on most plays, which will then hurt their attack as Texans CB Jonathon Joseph is outstanding in man-to-man coverage. With Packers RB Cedric Benson out for potentially the season, Green Bay will hope James Starks and Alex Green can revitalise their rushing offense and give Rodgers some much needed help.
Pick: Texans (31-28)
Bet: GB +2.5
Value Bet: Andre Johnson Over 90.5 receiving yards  

Monday Night Football, 1.30am, BBC Red Button/iPlayer 
Denver Broncos (2-3) @ San Diego Chargers (3-2)
Line: SD by 1
Down by a touchdown against the Saints with just seconds to go last week, Chargers LT Jared Gaither was visibly injured, barely ablt to move his back. As the Chargers quickly lined up to get another play off, NBC commentator Cris Collinsworth said the game would end here on a sack of QB Philip Rivers by Martez Wilson if they didn't get Gaither out of the game or give him help. And Collinsworth nailed it. Wilson stripped the ball from Rivers and the Saints recovered to end the game. A brilliant call at the time, but looking back - why didn't anybody do anything about it? Couldn't HC Norv Turner see there was something wrong with Gaither? In the NFL, you can't trust a player to say he should come out of the game the same way players have kept injuries quiet to make sure they don't lose their job to the backup or lose their job entirely. Either way, the Chargers lost a game they looked comfortable in for a long time, and turnovers (and a bad interference call on Antonio Gates) cost them dearly. The Broncos lost handily in New England, when they too should have been very much in it. RB Willis McGahee had a fourth down drop and a fumble in the red zone that wiped off some valuable points, and in this divisional game mistakes like that can't be repeated. A win for QB Peyton Manning and Denver here ties the lead for the division, but I believe the Chargers will come out on top. Though Denver's pass-rush of Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller are impressive, the Broncos have some gaping holes in their defense, and I'd look for Rivers to make some big players to his deep-ball receivers (Malcom Floyd and Robert Meachem). Manning shouldn't have too much difficulty against the Chargers defense, though their front seven could cause a few problems. I can't imagine McGahee doing too much either as the Chargers run defense is much improved as of late.
Pick: Chargers (27-24)
Bet: SD -1
Value Bet: Robert Meachem anytime touchdown scorer

Comparing Film Endings: HEAT & The Thing

On the surface, Michael Mann's 1995 heist film HEAT and John Carpenter's 1982 suspense thriller The Thing don't seem to have many similarities. You'd be wrong to assume that's the case though.

First and foremost, let's get things straight: HEAT is my absolute all-time favourite film, and The Thing is my favourite horror film so if it seems like I'm rambling on, chances are I am. I was watching The Thing the other night when I realised how similar the endings to the two films are. At the end of HEAT, Detective Hanna (Al Pacino) is forced to kill bank robber Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro). Throughout the film, a common bond, an almost friendship develops between the two as a mutual respect is held for the other. Both men are good at their job, but both despise what they do and would be rather doing something else. Hanna is tired of the dead prostitutes and the general sadness that comes with being a homicide detective, whilst McCauley is tired of running from the law and wants to settle down with his new grilfriend Eady (Amy Brennemen). Both however, are stuck doing what they are because they don't know how to do anything else (and each agrees that they don't want to do anything else). The respect comes to the forefront during a conversation the two have in a diner after Hanna pulls McCauley over. Knowing Hanna can't arrest him or charge him with anything since there isn't any evidence, McCauley takes him up on the offer and the two talk about life, their dreams and most importantly, that they'll do whatever it takes to get out alive.

Hanna finally finds McCauley with enough to charge him with after he kills an old rival in a hotel suite. McCauley has to leave Eady behind to escape Hanna, but Hanna eventually catches up with him at the end of a runway at a small airport. Hanna shoots McCauley, the bullets forcing McCauley back, making him rest on a stantion. Dying, McCauley extends his hand to shake Hanna's. Hanna barely looks McCauley in the eyes, and the lights from the airfield shine on Hanna's making it look like he has tears in his. Hanna holds McCauley's hand as he dies, and the credits roll.

It may seem hard to extrapolate this to ending of The Thing, but bare with me. In The Thing, an alien lifeform takes over a crew of scientists in Antarctica one-by-one. The Thing imitates whatever creature it can as to be undetected, it uses the imiation as a form of self-defense. The alien first arrives as a huskie dog, being shot at by two Norweigian men. The huskie mutates, eating members of the crew and imitating others. It leads each person to be totally untrusting of one another, as it can't be certain who is human and who is not. At the end of the film, only MacReady (Kurt Russell) and Childs (Keith David) are left standing. MacReady has killed the monster by blowing it up in an underground mine, and he returns to outside the camp where he finds Childs, who has been missing for the final act of the film. Childs claims he got lost in the storm that surrounded the finale. I say claims because how can anyone know he's telling the truth. He could be, or he could be an alien. With both of them knowing the uncertainties of who the other really is, they both decide to drink alcohol in the snow until the arctic freeze claims them. Earlier on, MacReady says that this "Thing" can't be let out otherwise everyone on earth would be at risk. The final lines of the film sum up the realisation that they have to sacrifice themselves for the greater good:

Childs: What do we do now?
MacReady: Why don't we just... wait here for a little while... see what happens...

The main similarity I'm going for here, is once again it's two men that are just aiming to survive, and they understand that either one or both of them will have to lose that battle. While we don't see a true finale like the shooting in HEAT, we are left to wonder if MacReady and Childs do turn on each other, or whether they let the cold take them. It's hinted that that is the case as MacReady says, "I don't think either one of us is in much shape to do anything about it."

While MacReady and Childs aren't true enemies throughout the film, their differences are highlighted as the tension builds. Childs doesn't trust MacReady's experiment when he burns samples of each person's blood to see in who The Thing is hiding. The only thing Hanna and McCauley can trust is that one of them will be dead when all is said and done. By the end of each film, through each person's lack of trust for the other, Hanna trusts he did the right thing in killing McCauley, and even McCauley know this to be true. MacReady and Childs trust the other knows they should wait to die, than to fight over who is who they say they are. In the end, both films end on a somber tone. Hanna will go back to his family a rather empty shell, knowing he had to kill someone he had a mutual respect for, and in some cases saw a little of himself in. MacReady and Childs sit in their somber state with the knowledge that death awaits. The tone is hightened by Ennio Morricone's excellent soundtrack, the main chilling theme playing over a wide shot of the camp, emphasising the loneliness in the situation.

I may be clutching at straws and seeing things that just aren't there, but the theme of a mutual respect between men and the realisation that death awaits one or both of them really got me thinking about how these films are similar. The relationships between the two men in each are not chosen, they are forced. Hanna and McCauley are playing cops and robbers whilst MacReady and Childs are co-workers. None of the characters have any reason to outwardly like the other, which makes the mutual respect aspect even more important as it's something that grows between each pair through extreme circumstances.

The Legacy of Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan shakes off Bryon Russell, takes a step, and delivers a signature jumper.

With five seconds to go in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, it couldn't have happened any other way. That was the way Jordan played.

The Jazz of course, had no comeback. In their five seconds to force a Game 7, the ball was gifted to their surest chance of a basket – John Stockton. The Point-Guard opted for one of his signature threes, but all he could manage was a bounce off the rim.

Nine times out of ten, that shot would have gone in for Stockton. The way Jordan played, you could only think it would go in all ten times.

The buzzer sounded and the Bulls completed their second “three-peat” in eight years.

So what was Jordan's legacy after these finals? His impact was undoubtedly missed as the next season the Bulls struggled mightily without Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. Jordan had of course retired for the second time, while Pippen and Rodman were traded for cups of coffee in an attempt to bring youth into the ageing squad.

Jordan's legacy is crystal clear. Every shining player in history is compared to him, and in most peoples eyes, including mine, all come up short. He had the total package needed to be not only the best of his generation, but the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). Looking at the best players in NBA history, the likes of Larry Bird, Bill Russell, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Irving, Magic Johnson, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal and possibly Kobe Bryant, all possessed something that made them special. What made Jordan special was that he had more than a handful of things that made him special. No one could match what he had, evidenced by the number of titles he won for the Bulls and the number of Finals MVP trophies he won – six, by the way (double that of Magic, Shaq and Duncan).

I see Jordan's game being played today. I don't see one particular player imitating his style and ability (the Bryant comparison is tired) , but rather several players that possess a single quality that Jordan had. No one has what his Airness had. I see Jordan's aggressiveness and cocksure drives to the basket in Dwyane Wade. I see Jordan's fade-away jumper in Kobe Bryant. I see Jordan's dunks imitated by LeBron James (not a true imitation, but who can actually dunk the way Jordan did?)

Wade, James and Bryant are three of the top six or seven players in the game today, and I only see a couple of MJ characteristics in them that define them as being in that upper-echelon. Of course, they're all fantastic players, but I can only imagine Jordan playing them like the stars of his era. The men he denied rings – men like Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing and Reggie Miller.

All NBA players strive to be the best. Jordan strived to be more than that.

In that Game 6 in '98, NBC announcer Bob Costas remarked that Jordan played every game like he had everything to prove, and he couldn't be more accurate. Jordan played the most intense, dialled-in, focused game of basketball ever seen. For opposing players to match his game and mindset, it was impossible. You could force a seven-game series to go the distance, but ultimately Jordan would come out on top.

Not everything was golden with Jordan. Just look at the way he interacted with opposing players. He talked smack after big dunks and baskets – because he could. If anyone ever had the right to do so, it was him. When we see a player do that these days, we tend to lambaste and look down on them, because at the end of the day, he's not the GOAT. We say, sure, take in the plaudits, talk up a big game, but you'll never be Jordan. The media react in the same way. Not many people criticised Jordan for it because they knew how special he was, but when a guy like LeBron, Kobe or Wade mouths off, they're labelled as arrogant and ego-centric.

Jordan was given a free-pass. Why? Because after the game was over, he'd happily talk to the media and give credit to his opponents – win or loss – and he would give credit to his team-mates for the win. He was the ultimate showman on the court, and the ultimate gentleman off it. Some of todays players should learn from him. Every year LeBron has been eliminated in the playoffs, or beaten in the finals, he's sulked. He's walked away from the cameras and media and even failed to congratulate his opponents. That's not what a sporting gentleman does. It's what a coward does. This sounds like an attack on “King James”, I know, but a little humility might help the man – especially after the way he handled his move to Miami. It's not just LeBron though, we all saw how childish and disrespectful Kobe Bryant can be in the same situation. Also, you don't shout gay-slurs to the referee when a call goes the other way, you take it like a man and keep playing.

The NBA was never a bigger entity than that of when Jordan played the game. It remained a hugely-followed sport in the wake of Jordan's second retirement thanks to emerging stars like Shaq, Duncan, Bryant, Allen Iverson and the 1999 MVP Karl Malone. But in 1999, it seemed like all of American sports was thriving. Football had the Super Bowl champions St. Louis Rams (dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf”), hockey had Jaromir Jagr tearing up the league, and baseball had Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire hitting 60-plus home-runs for the second consecutive season (not to mention an incredible New York Yankees team). Even professional wrestling was at its highest peak.

The shortened NBA season of 1999 was like a funeral for Jordan's career. It was as if the whole of the NBA decided the only way to commemorate his incredible career was to just not play anything resembling the sport. To some, it seemed like there was no basketball without Jordan. He meant that much. If you ever needed a bigger example of how much Michael Jordan meant to the NBA, then you had to look no further than Game Six.

Commissioner David Stern presented Jordan with the MVP trophy, thanking him for “gracing us with your presence”, like he was a God. The NBC crew repeatedly asked whether Jordan was coming back, and he and Pippen both dodged the question. I can only imagine the look on Stern's face, imagining an NBA he'd inherited in 1984 – Jordan's rookie year, without the man that single-handedly made the sport into a worldwide phenomenon. No wonder he was gushing when he gifted him the trophy.

Michael Jordan reached a level of popularity no other athlete has ever or will ever see. He transcended his talent into an enigma, and into a household name. His character and ability pushed him over the top to the status of icon.

There will never be another Michael Jordan, and I don't whether that makes me happy or sad.

Burn it to the Ground

June 14th, 1994: The Vancouver Canucks lose the Stanley Cup finals to the New York Rangers in Game 7. Riots ensue in downtown Vancouver. The mayhem causes $1.1CAN billion in damage, along with injuries to over 200 people.

June 15th, 2011: The Vancouver Canucks lose the Stanley Cup finals to the Boston Bruins in Game 7. Riots ensue in downtown Vancouver. The cost of the damages isn't known yet. Thousands of angry fans set cars on fire, smash windows of nearby buildings, and start fist fights with one another. When riot police are finally put in place, hooligans throw whatever they can find at them.

The saddest part in all of this is that three people actually died during the riots. And what did they die for exactly? Because their hockey team didn't win a game? To quote Yahoo Sport's Doug Farrar, "what a waste."

The biggest question is "why". What primal instinct causes some people to act in such stupid ways? When Sheffield United were relegated to League One last month did I go tearing through Sheffield, looting shops and starting fights? No, I took it like a man and moved on with my life. Are some people just stupid beyond belief?

What's disappointing is that these people don't understand what they're doing. In that moment they're not worried about the consequences for their actions. As the video below shows, many are smiling, dancing around, taking pictures of themselves in front of fires they've started. The blame doesn't all go on the men though. Young women were seen looting a cosmetic store for makeup.

I'm trying my best not to come off as being hollier than thou and/or a psychologist, but the anger that comes with your sports team losing a critical game has to be dealt from within. Man up. Take the pain. Use it to fuel your support for the next game or season. Think of the families that have lost a loved one because of such senseless crimes.

Just last year, Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics in a resounding success. At the time the city's mayor and police chief exerted their proudness of how the city had matured and moved on from the riots in 1994.

The only silver lining to these riots is that thousands of volunteers have already signed up to help clean up the city. Those are the kind of people that Vancouver is known for, not the drunken miscreants that populated it last night.

The Rotation of a Lifetime

Pitching wins championships.

That notion was lost in the steroid-fuelled nineties, but last year's Giants proved the saying is well and truly back. Working with three pitchers who could be aces on a number of teams, the Giants beat the Rangers with their pitching (and some fluke clutch-hitting from Edgar Renteria of course). Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez (the three aces) had help from the surprisingly impressive rookie Madison Bumgarner, and the four teamed up to allow just eight runs in five games, clinching the Series with Lincecum tossing eight innings of one-run ball.

Pitching wins everytime. You can have a beefy offense, you can have that home-run king who'll knock fifty out of the park every season, but bats don't clinch playoff-berths, nevermind championships. Adam Dunn has hit at least 38 home runs every year since 2004, and he has no rings to show for it. Tim Lincecum has won two Cy Young awards, and he just claimed his first ring last year. Of course, Dunn and Lincecum are not the blueprints for the league, but it shows what is needed to win a championship. It sure helps to have a big-hitter, but it's the lockdown pitcher you need.

Pitching is more than half the game. Of course it is. If a pitcher does his job and gives up no runs, it leaves the offense with just one run to have to score to win the game. This is all obvious I know, but the pitcher sets everything up. You could say the hitters set the game up. That they jump ahead with a big lead and give the pitcher less to worry about, but I say the pitcher holding the opposition to a hit or two only sets up the offense as his opponent has to pitch like-for-like. That pressure forces the lesser pitchers to crack, and gives the offense the window to get their run.

Pitching is what will drive the Phillies this season. One of the Fightins will win the Cy Young this season. How can one of them not? Without throwing a collective pitch, this is the greatest rotation to ever bestow the city of Brotherly Love.

This offseason the Phillies added Cliff Lee. The 2008 AL Cy Young had a cup of coffee in Philadelphia in 2009, culminating with a pitching masterpiece in game one of the World Series against the Yankees. Lee threw three complete games in just 12 starts, and the city took to him like a long lost son. Lee was then shipped off to Seattle for another cup of coffee (where better?), before being traded to Texas last summer. A free agent to be after the World Series, Lee spurned long-time friend CC Sabathia and the Yankees to join the Phillies for a reported $120 million over five years. What's funny is that despite the number of dollars in that contract, he'll be the Phillies second starting pitcher this season.

It's pretty obvious who's first. It's the guy that tossed a perfect game, posted a 2.34 ERA, won the 2010 NL Cy Young and threw the first postseason no-hitter since Don Larsen in 1956. It's Roy Halladay.

Acquired in the trade that sent Cliff Lee to the Mariners, Halladay had a remarkable impact with the Phillies in his first season. He's the ace of this team, and no one can take that from him. I think it's fair to say he's earned it. Halladay is 1. Cliff Lee is 1A (or two).

Number three is Cole Hamels. The 2008 World Series MVP had a bounceback year after struggling in 2009 and complaining of tiredness. Despite poor run support, Hamels went 12-11 last season (like a less dominant Felix Hernandez), achieving a career low ERA of 3.06, and a career high in strikeouts with 211.

Number four is Roy Oswalt. The longtime Astro joined the Phillies last year after veteran Jamie Moyer went on the disabled list. Oswalt played to his hype and more, posting a 7-1 record with a 1.74 ERA in 12 starts. He started last season with Houston as an ace, and now he's the fourth starter. That tells you everything you need to know about this rotation.

Finally, number five. The average Joe. Joe Blanton to be precise. But will he be throwing the first pitch on 6th April (the fifth game of the season) against the Mets? I have my doubts. Blanton has been centre of any trade talks the Phillies have been rumoured to be in as the the club will be paying him $8.5m for each of the next two seasons. The Phillies could still move him if they find a potential suitor, but that's the difficult part. Blanton was up and down in 2009, finishing with an unimpressive 4.82 ERA. Not many clubs will want to pay $17m to a middle of the rotation type guy. The Yankees are most likely to bite if Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia don't work out in Spring Training. If the Phils do manage to move Blanton, they'll likely give Vance Worley the number five slot. Kyle Kendrick hasn't shown enough in recent seasons and likely won't get many starts (if any at all).

While I've hyped this rotation as much as any other writer, I'm not saying the Phillies are destined to win 120 games. The all-time record is 116 wins (by the 1906 Cubs), and I think the Phillies will fall short of that. I do however see them clinching triple digits in the W column. The increase in talent, provided it plays the way it has up to this point, should mean easier matchups every step of the way. Cole Hamels will be facing number three starters, and Roy Oswalt will be facing number four starters. You have to think those are automatic victories every-single-time.

Time will tell though.

The Phillies offense will likely be less impressive as last year as Jayson Werth has departed to the nearby Nationals. His shoes are left to be filled by Domonic Brown. The 23 year-old was okay last season in limited play. He hit .210 with 13 hits and two home runs in 35 games. On the bright side however, is that Brown has added 15lbs of muscle this offseason and considerably lowered his batting stance. And really, can Brown strikeout 147 times like Werth did last year? Possibly, but with any impressive rookie, you expect early success before pitchers can figure him out.

If the Phillies win the World Series, it will be their pitching that wins it for them.

Pitching wins championships, right?

Andy Carroll and Moneyball

"It's every young Geordie lad's dream to be a Newcastle United number nine and I'm so lucky to be given that chance."
- Andy Carroll, 20th July 2010

Six months later, Carroll is now with Liverpool. For £35 million, the Reds snapped up the England international, and depending on who you hear it from, he either handed in a transfer request or was forced out. I'm sure you can guess which story is Carroll's.

This is the state of football these days. There is never a transfer fee which can't be paid. The clubs simply have too much money, and the players can't resist the high wages that come with the pricetag. In 1996, Alan Shearer showed his colours as he turned down the bright lights of the red half of Manchester to join his hometown club Newcastle United (albeit for a world record of £15 million at the time). Though Newcastle bid the most for him, I bet Manchester United could have paid Shearer more in wages.

How can Carroll leave his hometown club? He claims he was forced out by coach Alan Pardew, but Pardew insists Carroll handed in a transfer request after Newcastle rejected Liverpool's first bid of £30 million. If Carroll did that, he clearly has no loyalty, and it was all for the money. Dane Whitehouse, a boyhood fan of Sheffield United, played his entire career for the Blades during the 1990s. He was sought after by many Premier League clubs throughout his tenure and not once did he ever consider leaving. That's a player staying faithful, something if Carroll handed in a transfer request, is the polar opposite of.

If Carroll was so proud to be wearing the number nine shirt for Newcastle, how can any old club come in, wave some money at him, and pry him away so easily? Carroll is reportedly now earning £80k a week.

If Andy Carroll was forced out, then my humble apologies, but his chequered past and his demeanor off the field just makes me think he was all for this move.

"Alan Shearer was my idol as a young lad and who would have thought I'd be following in his footsteps?"
- Andy Carroll, in the same interview last July

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Now, for the Liverpool side of the story. What on earth drove them to pay £35 million for a player whose only promise is his potential? He's unproven in the Premier League. Carroll managed to score 19 goals in the Championship last season, and has tallied 11 this term, but it doesn't mean he's going to set Liverpool alight and propell them to 'another title.'

Liverpool's argument for the their efforts on transfer day is simple. They only spent £2 million. They sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea for £50 million and Ryan Babel to Hoffenheim for £5.8 million. They bought Carroll for £35 million and Uruguayan international Luis Suarez from Ajax for £22.7 million. When you look at it like that, money wise, it doesn't seem so bad. But that isn't what sticks out. What sticks out is the ludicrously high price they paid for Carroll.

Prices for English football players are always hiked up these days. Why? There probably isn't one answer. I'd say it's because every big club wants to own the 'next big British talent'. Look at the likes of Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott, each snapped up after brief playing time for their first clubs (Everton and Southampton respectively). Manchester United paid £25.6 million for the eighteen year old Rooney, and Arsenal paid an eventual £9.1 million for the sixteen year old Walcott. This is the way it works, and it will continue for years to come. If the big clubs can't nurture their own kids in their academies, they'll pay the big bucks for someone elses.

This Carroll transfer strikes me as ridiculous for the most part because when Liverpool were taken over by Boston Red Sox owner John Henry, he installed his men to control the club using the teachings of Moneyball.

Moneyball is a term coined by Boston Red Sox front-office man Bill James, who argued that clubs should use sabermetrics to evaluate players (like on-base percentage), rather than through typical stats (like runs-batted-in and batting average). The complicated look at evaluating players meant the teams that generated little revenue like the Oakland Athletics could compete with the big spenders like the New York Yankees. How this can be extrapolated to football? I'm not sure. I'm sure there are in-depth statistics PAID EMPLOYEES at Liverpool can look into. Maybe stats of how many succesful headers a centre-half wins, or the number of crosses by a winger led to a scoring opportunity. There has to be some kind of stat these new guys at Liverpool are looking into.

So they sell Torres and Babel for a combined £55.8 million and buy Carroll and Suarez for £57.7 million. How can a proven Premier League striker like Torres be replaced by someone like Andy Carroll. Since his move from Atletico Madrid, Torres has notched 65 goals, scoring once every 121 minutes -- a Premier League record. Chelsea have paid a lot of money for a quality player, something I can't knock, but Liverpool in my opinion have overpaid by far for Carroll.

Couldn't they have found a cheaper option, perhaps abroad? A similar pricetag to the one they paid for Suarez? Apparently not.

The Final Four

Four teams remain, and the off-season is (sadly) on the horizon. This season has gone too fast for my liking. But it always does. When the Super Bowl is over, then comes possibly the most boring seven weeks of the year. No NFL and no baseball shift my focus to basketball and hockey, and they can only provide me with only so much excitement. The NFL is a different entity. Every game is different, for the better or worse, and there's always something to talk about (quiet, Panther fans).

Luckily for the NFL, the off-season pretty much only lasts two months. Soon enough you've got the college prospects holding their pro days, the draft, mini camps and training camps, and before you know it, the pre-season has come back around.

The only hitch this off-season is whether the NFL and NFLPA can formulate a new collective bargaining agreement so we don't have a lockout on our hands (what on earth will I do without the NFL for a year?)

Anyway, we have four teams left, so let's get to the games...

NFC Championship
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
They split their two divisional games this season, most recently with the Packers winning 10-3 to get into the playoffs in week 17 against a Bears team with nothing to play for. The media have spent most of the week talking about two things:

1) Soldier Field. We all know the field is ridiculously high-school-level and shouldn't be played on, but it's the NFL. These guys are pros and should be able to play on sand if called to. I think Aaron Rodgers could play on gravel and put up four touchdowns at this rate with his recent form (well, maybe not). The field has been said to be in 'better shape' this week, but you can't drastically improve a field in just over a week. If it's dry in Chicago tonight, there shouldn't really be a problem, but if the weather turns and the field becomes muddy, this could be a very defensive game.

2) Referee Terry McAulay. The first matchup between these two in week three was officiated by McAulay's crew, who called the Packers for 19 penalties (18 accepted). The media have yammered on all week about how this will impact the game, but it's a moot point. In the playoffs, head referees don't officiate with their usual crews. The best back judges, line judges, etc. get the nod and their rightful place in the playoffs. Terry McAulay didn't throw all 19 flags in that game, did he?

I think it's a difficult game to predict, obviously it's between two of the NFL's best teams, and games like this are always tough to pick. I think the Packers edge out the Bears. I just see the Packers offense and Jay Cutler's weekly brain fart to hamper the Bears. The Packers passing attack is vastly superior to the Bears' and Cutler will be throwing at Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams, who are playing like lockdown-corners right now.

Prediction: Packers 24 Bears 20

AFC Championship
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The Jets have been here before. They beat Pittsburgh in the snow in week 15. Two major factors in that game favoured the Jets considerably though:

1) Brad Smith's kickoff return touchdown to open the game. You can't bank on a KR TD every time you play the Steelers. Maybe in 2009, when their special teams unit gave up four KR TDs. Smith had no other impact in the game, rushing once for two yards being his only other contribution.

2) The absence of Troy Polamalu. With no Polamalu, there was a massive hole in the Steeler D. Mark Sanchez was sacked only once, something I expect the Steelers to do repeatedly tonight. The addition of Polamalu changes the game so much. Don't expect to see Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards team up for 14 catches and 140 yards again. Polamalu will be blitzing a lot in this game to begin with, and dropping back when the Steelers take the lead (which they will). Mark my words, Polamalu will have a huge impact on the outcome of this game.

So what do the Jets do to combat the Steelers? On offense they can't stick with the run-game, because eventually they will just end up going three-and-out constantly. The Steelers run defense gave up a staggering 62.8 yards per game, 27.3 yards less than the second-ranked Bears (the Jets were third with 90.9 ypg), and that's a wall that just isn't going to break. Dustin Keller might have to take the game on his shoulders and go up and get some balls he might not want to -- when Polamalu could be gearing up to knock his head off.

On defense, the alignment of all-world cornerback Darrelle Revis is an issue. Where do you play him? In week 15, Mike Wallace and Emmanuel Sanders combined for 180 yards, while Revis, who was covering Hines Ward, had two catches for 34 yards. I don't see Ward as the main threat in this game. I'd line up Antonio Cromartie with Ward, and have Revis playing man on Mike Wallace. Drop safety Brodney Pool to shadow Ward/Sanders and have Eric Smith blitzing regularly. Then again, I'm not Rex Ryan, and he could surprise us with his selections.

I think this game comes down to who can sack the other team's quarterback the most, and with Troy Polamalu back on board, I can't pick against Pittsburgh.

Prediction: Jets 13 Steelers 17

Here's a reminder of what tonight is all about, courtesy of NFL.com

Divisional Round is Literal This Year

This round of the NFL playoffs is not your normal divisional escapade. Of the four matchups, we have two bitter rivalries between same-division foes (BAL-PIT, NYJ-NE), the third features the two QBs of the future (GB-ATL), and the fourth features one of the nastiest defenses in the league (SEA-CHI).

The games, in order of awesomeness.

1. Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The nastiest game of the weekend is this one right here, though I'm sure Hines Ward will still be smiling at the end of it. The key to this game of course, is to score. But it's so important here, especially for the Ravens to get an early lead. I'm basing this on the differences between all-pro safeties Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. If the Ravens can get a lead, they can expect to see Polamalu in the box more often -- and on some occasions blitzing. Now in the second game between these two, Polamalu sacked Joe Flacco, forcing a turnover, and three plays later the Steelers took the lead for good. Now, if the Ravens get the lead here, you have to think they will keep extra blockers in to combat the pass-rush of Polamalu specifically, either that, or offensive coordinator Cam Cameron needs to draw up plenty of two-step and three-step drop passes for Flacco so he can get rid of the ball as soon as possible. If he does neither, you can expect the same outcome, a Steelers win.

On the other side of the ball, if the Ravens do in fact have a lead, you can expect Ed Reed to play center field. Reed doesn't go after the QB like Polamalu does -- he watches. One errant pass, one lack of disregard, one momentary lapse of concentration by Ben Roethlisberger, and the ball will land in Reed's lap. The play of these two safeties will likely shape the game.

Prediction: Ravens 13 Steelers 16

2. Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons host a playoff game for the first time since 2004, and it couldn't come against a worse opponent. Atlanta must have been praying for an Eagles victory last week, handing them the Seahawks, but it wasn't to be. I honestly have no idea who's gonna win this. The key man for the Falcons is Matt Ryan. A lot is resting on his shoulders, because the Packers aren't just any other team. Dom Capers is gonna throw plenty of confusing looks at him. The key to the game is converting third downs. When Ryan looks to his typical third-down target in Tony Gonzalez, he might have to look elsewhere as the all-pro Tight End will likely be covered by Charles Woodson. On those plays, Tramon Williams will be on Roddy White. So taking away his top two targets (like last week with the Eagles -- taking away DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin), it's important that Ryan looks to his lesser guys. Players like Harry Douglas, Mike Jenkins, Brian Finneran and Eric Weems need to be open for the Falcons to win this.

As for the Packers, the key is to improve the run-game with James Starks and utilise the slot-game in passing downs. Why the slot-game? Nickel corner back Brian Williams is doubtful for Atlanta, and the slot-receivers will be going against the inexperienced Chris Owens. Starks big game last week can be credited in part to the Eagles, who had no game-plan for a Packers running back to be actually competent (and why should they have been? Rodgers led the team in rushing in multiple games this season.) The Eagles should have adjusted, and they did somewhat, but Starks' 23 attempts for 123 yards is still impressive. With a week of watching the film of that game, Falcons coach Mike Smith will have plenty to work with, considering Starks rushed only 29 times all season prior to last week. With the Packers new three-headed running formation, the Eagles film will be all that he needs.

Prediction: Packers 30 Falcons 27

3. New York Jets @ New England Patriots
It's easily the most hyped game of the week, and not just because of Antonio Cromartie's choice words about Tom Brady, but it's not going to be competitive. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect the Patriots drop 45 points on them like they did in week 13, but I don't see it being close either. The key man for the Patriots is of course Tom Brady. He's easily the MVP this season, and he's led New England into a new era, an era of balance. Not one skill player sticks out. But all together, they're by far the most dangerous team in the league. If Brady plays half as well as he did in week 13, the Patriots win this handily.

With the Jets, it's a lot more complicated. They need the run-pass balance they had last week against the Colts. LaDainian Tomlinson was a revelation last week, with an efficient 82 yards on 16 carries (and two scores). That 5.1 yards-per-carry is incredibly important in a game like this. The Jets have to play keep-away from the Brady Bunch, and not stray from it. Then again, it's likely the Patriots will jump out to an early lead, and the Jets won't be able to afford to just run the ball, so it could be a tough day for Mr. Mark Sanchez. Santonio Holmes needs to earn his paycheck in this game (for once).

Prediction: Jets 17 Patriots 31

4. Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
The Seahawks had no chance to win last week, but they did. The Seahawks have no chance to win this week, and they won't. The Bears defense isn't as soft as the Saints. the Front-7 features absolute beasts like Julius Peppers, Tommy Harris, Israel Idonije, Lance Briggs, and of course Brian Urlacher. Don't expect to see Marshawn Lynch stiff-arming any of those guys. With that front-7, the Seahawks will be throwing alot, right into a strict cover-2 defense that will pray upon Matthew Hasslebeck. I can't see how Seattle scores many points in this game, and against this defense.

The hope for Seattle is probably their own defense and special teams. They have one of the best special team units in the league (despite giving up a punt-return touchdown to Devin Hester earlier this season) and should be able to pin Jay Cutler and the Bears offense deep in their own territory. The Seahawk defense needs to do what any other defense would do against the Bears. Blitz. Blitz like mad. When Cutler is rattled, we all know what happens. He throws interceptions, and takes way too many sacks. Obviously, sometimes he can't help it, he is behind a tremendously bad offensive line, but some blame has to be taken on his part.

Prediction: Seahawks 13 Bears 24

Media: Hit the Showers

After watching last night's BCS Title game, all I could think was "GET OUT OF THE WAY." Who was I talking to? The players? No. The coaches? No. They both had their right to be on the field to celebrate/congratulate.

I'm talking to the media.

I'm fine with cameramen getting on the field, showing the viewers at home what the people in attendance can see. That's fine. What isn't fine is the hoard of media members who immediately swarmed the field, grabbing at coaches and players so they could get their soundbytes. Oregon coach Chip Kelly and Auburn coach Gene Chizik had to fight through photographers and ESPNers just to shake hands and have a friendly word after the Auburn Tigers 22-19 National Championship victory in Arizona. It was pathetic.

Seconds later, an audible "CAM! CAM! CAM!" was heard -- an interviewer vying for Auburn Quarterback Cam Newton's attention. Newton responded by brushing the guy off as he went to talk with Oregon Quarterback Darron Thomas.

I understand that the media need to do their job. The photographers need their front page snap. The interviewers of the tv and radio stations need their soundbytes. But they should have to wait. Let the people who actually participated in the game do their business. Let the losers congratulate the winners, and vice-versa. We have to remember, it's just a game. Sure, a lot of money is made on this particular game, just like any other major sporting final, but give the participants some respect.

Can you imagine being Cam Newton last night? He's just won a National Championship, the newest best-thing-ever for him (after the Heisman trophy win), he wants to talk with Darron Thomas, Chip Kelly, etc. and he has to fight his way through photographers and interviewers just to do so. Sure enough, thirty seconds later, he was giving a live interview on ESPN.

It seems American fotball is used to this though. Maybe it's because the sidelines are blanketed by an army of media to begin with. It's easy to have an invasion when there's a lack of barriers to get through. Basketball suffers from the same too. I think that's what makes the celebrations at the end of the Stanley Cup and the World Series so great.

When the buzzer sounds at the end of the Stanley Cup, and the final out is made of a World Series, all you can see is the players celebrating with one another. That's perfect in my opinion. Let the players celebrate with each other, not with Johnny Microphone from Radio GTFO. My favourite American sports memory is the Philadelphia Phillies winning the World Series in 2008. After Brad Lidge struck out the final Tampa Bay batter, catcher Carlos Ruiz jumped into his arms and then the rest of the players piled on top of each other as fireworks lit up the sky. No media, no clutter -- Just pure elation of the players on the field, and the fans in the stands. Beautiful.

Looking across seas, you would think soccer would suffer the same fate of American football. But it doesn't. Watch the end of any major final. The FA Cup, the Champions League, the World Cup -- it just doesn't happen. When Spain defeated Holland in the World Cup final, the only people to run on the field at the end of the game were the rest of the Spanish squad and their coaches.

The bottom line is, sports are sports. They're recreational games. They make alot of money and are watched by millions, but I think sometimes the main point of the game gets lost in the hype. There will always be a winner and always be a loser, so let the winners celebrate their victory, and let the losers congratulate them.

Johnny Microphone can get his soundbyte in five minutes.

Wildcard Weekend

It's playoffs time.

AFC
Jets @ Colts
A repeat of last year's AFC Championship game, Jets coach Rex Ryan will be looking to settle the score. In that game, the Jets led 17-6, before Manning fired three touchdown passes and the Colts ran out 30-17 winners. As expected in that game, Darrelle Revis shut down Reggie Wayne (3rec, 55yds) but it didn't matter as Garcon and Collie combined for 18 catches, 274 yards and two touchdowns. With Antonio Cromartie added to the mix this season, and likely to be shadowing Garcon in this game, it leaves the Colts with a hole to fill. A hole named Austin Collie. Collie went on IR a couple of weeks ago, meaning backups Jacob Tamme and Blair White are going to have to shine for the Colts to win here.

The key to the Jets winning this game is simple – play keep-away from Manning. The Jets need to run the ball with LT, Greene and McKnight against the Colts porous run defense if they're gonna stand a chance of advancing to the divisional round. You can't expect Sanchez to lead the Jets, not after the way he's collapsed this season (save for the Pittsburgh game).

Prediction: Jets 17 Colts 24

Ravens @ Chiefs
With the way the Chiefs crashed at home to the Raiders last week, it's gonna be hard to install confidence in their fans for this match-up. If any confidence is going to surface, it's through Jamaal Charles and the resurgence of a connection between Matt Cassel and Dwayne Bowe. The only trouble is, Ed Reed has been playing out of his skin lately (four interceptions in two games) and the Ravens D will be double covering Bowe. The hope for the Chiefs runs through Jamaal Charles breaking off big gains and Tony Moeaki playing like Tony Gonzalez (which he's accomplished at times this year).

I don't see any reason why the Ravens shouldn't win this game. Anquan Boldin will be covered by Brandon Flowers with Eric Berry shadowing behind, but it won't matter. The Ravens have too many weapons – Rice, Heap and Mason being the stand-outs in my opinion for this game.

Prediction: Ravens 31 Chiefs 21

NFC
Saints @ Seahawks
The Seahawks are the first team in NFL history to reach the playoffs with a losing record (7-9), which just shows how bad the NFC West is. On the flip side, there's the Saints (11-5), who look unbeatable right now. Reggie Bush is back and he and Brees have connected 21 times in the last four games, but that's not the big story here, that would be what the Saints are going to do on the ground. Pierre Thomas just landed on IR and Chris Ivory is done for the year, leaving the Saints backfield being run by Bush, Julius Jones and the newest addition, Joique Bell. While the backfield is beat up, just like the Colts has been this season, it likely won't matter. No one is more accurate than Brees (68.1% pass completion this season) and he's one of a small group of QBs who can operate with no run-game.

The Seahawks need a prayer. Aside from their opening drive against the Rams in the win-and-in game last Sunday (six plays, 87 yards, touchdown) they were terrible. Their hope in this game comes in playing keep-away with Justin Forsett, and not Lynch. Forsett is a much better option than Lynch, hell, even Leon Washington is a better option. Speaking of Washington, his impact in the return game will be huge if he can consistently give the Hawks good field position.

Prediction: Saints 38 Seahawks 17

Packers @ Eagles
Along with Colts-Jets, arguably the marquee game of the week. Everybody's talking about how the Packers will win based on the performance of the Vikings' Antoine Winfield two weeks ago. Winfield was sent on corner-blitzes many times against the Eagles, successfully sacking Michael Vick twice, with one resulting in a forced fumble being returned for a touchdown. Like many have said, this is the blueprint for the Packers success here. The Packers corner-blitz a lot with Charles Woodson, but it's not a foregone conclusion that his blitzes will quieten Vick. After all, it was on corner-blitzes that Vick ripped off gains of 35 and 33 against the Giants in week 15. If any defensive coordinator is gonna have a shot at shutting Vick down, stopping him from scrambling for these massive gains, it's Dom Capers. When the Eagles met the Packers in week one, and Kevin Kolb went down with a concussion, Vick stepped in and promptly ran for 103 yards on 11 carries. It's hard for a team to prepare for a running Quarterback like Vick, nevermind adjust to one within a game. With preparation, I expect the Packers to be able to stop Vick, maybe even using Clay Matthews as a spy. If he isn't a spy, I imagine he'll blitz on 90% of his snaps.

A plus for the Packers is their secondary. Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson have played expertly this season, and Williams' Pro Bowl snub is just ridiculous. With those two covering DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, it forces guys like Brent Celek and Jason Avant to step up. LeSean McCoy is my x-factor for the Eagles however. Last week, Matt Forte ripped off big gains on the Packers D on runs around right-tackle and in the screen game (8 rec, 60 yards). The Eagles maybe the best team that play the screen game in the NFL.

On the other side of the ball, Aaron Rodgers will likely have a massive game. Asante Samuel is back, and will cover Greg Jennings, but the rest of the Eagles secondary is beat up and struggling to cover anyone. Donald Driver and James Jones will shine in this game.

Prediction: Packers 34 Eagles 31

Predictions
Back in early September, I attempted an experiment where I ranked each team by evaluating each position, their coaching and their schedule. Only six of the top ten made the playoffs (Saints, Jets, Colts, Ravens, Steelers, Patriots). I whiffed on the Chiefs (23) by those evaluations, but the Seahawks ranking (28) is probably still accurate.

As for my predictions, I perfectly predicted the standings in only the AFC East but wasn't too far out in many of the records. I missed big on the Cowboys (11-5), 49ers (11-5) and Chiefs (5-11).

Quick Thoughts on Changes
- The Texans hired Wade Phillips as defensive coordinator. Houston will move to a 3-4 and Mario Williams will get AT LEAST 14 sacks next season. He'll take the DeMarcus Ware beast role.

- The Browns fired Eric Mangini. GM Mike Holmgren shouldn't take the job himself, he should know better after he admitted to being burnt out when he left the Seahawks. I'd be shocked if they don't hire someone on agent Bob LaMonte's client list (Holmgren is also on there).

- The Titans are dumping QB Vince Young in favour of coach Jeff Fisher. A surprising move, considering Titans owner Bud Adams 'really liked' Young. What's next for the Titans at the QB position then? The Titans have the eighth pick in the draft, and could go with a rookie like Jake Locker or Cam Newton, or pick up a veteran FA like Donovan McNabb. Matt Leinart could be a dark horse.

- Everyone is talking about Jim Harbaugh. The Stanford coach is destined to earn the big bucks of the NFL, and the Dolphins have emerged as favourites. Most people (Panthers fans) are clamouring for a Harbaugh and QB Andrew Luck reunion (Luck is the projected number one overall pick if he declares for the draft), but I can see Harbaugh taking more money to go to Miami.

- The Raiders fired Tom Cable. A baffling decision considering the Raiders turnaround this season (6-0 vs. AFC West), but I guess it's just Al (Davis) being Al. Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson is the top candidate.

- The Vikings made interim Head Coach Leslie Frazier the permanent selection. Definitely the right decision.

Week 17 is Here.

This NFL season has gone by way too quickly. It doesn't seem like we've been watching every Sunday since early September. It's just not fair. Soon enough, the playoffs will blow by and we'll be left with the worst six weeks of the year until baseball starts again. In a few days I'll preview the NFL playoffs, and look out how my predictions from the start of the season fared. To the picks!

Week 17 Picks
Dolphins @ Patriots
Patriots will bench Brady at the half and up 10, but the Dolphins SHOULD beat the Patriots backups... not that it's a lock or anything. Chad Henne has to perform well here to get a shot at starting next season.

Bills @ Jets
Bills are seeing what they have with Brian Brohm, whilst the Jets are sitting some key starters for the playoffs. However, Matt Sanchez isn't among the inactives, so I have to go with the Jets.

Bengals @ Ravens
The Ravens often struggle with Cincy, but this is Carson Palmer without T.O., Ochocinco (neither mattered last week) and Jermaine Gresham (who did). The Ravens need the win to stand a chance at getting a first round bye, so there's my pick sorted. Motivation.

Steelers @ Browns
Big Ben owns Ohio again, and they just need to win this to achieve a bye.

Raiders @ Chiefs
No McFadden (so barely a run game) and no Richard Seymour (so the Chiefs will stampede all over the Raiders D) make this an easy decision. Saying that, the Chiefs should take out their starters as early as they can as they likely face the Jets in the playoffs.

Vikings @ Lions
Complete toss up.

Panthers @ Falcons
Falcons win and they get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Also, the Panthers are terrible. #breakingnews

Buccaneers @ Saints
The Saints are going without Thomas, Colston and Shockey, but they can be just as effective with Ivory, Moore and Graham filling in for them. I think it'll be close, but the Saints should win here.

Jaguars @ Texans
Due to injuries, Trent Edwards and Rashard Jennings will lead the Jags today against the worst defense in the league. I'd go Jacksonville had it been David Garrard and MJD, but I'll take the explosive Texans offense to rout the Jags.

Cowboys @ Eagles
Stephen McGee vs. Kevin Kolb.

Giants @ Redskins
This could be an upset for the Redskins, but the Giants have a wildcard spot to play for. They have to respond to the horrible defeats they've suffered in the past two weeks.

Chargers @ Broncos
A pissed off Philip Rivers vs. a gleeful Tim Tebow. Anger will win.

Cardinals @ 49ers
Oh come on. I feel sorry for fans of each. 49ers win.

Bears @ Packers
Even though Bears coach Lovie Smith has talked up how much it means to beat Green Bay, I guarentee Jay Cutler doesn't reach the fourth quarter.

Titans @ Colts
It's a foregone conclusion.

Last week: 10-6
Overall: 157-83

Picks

Been busy with work this week. Hope to have a proper column up on Tuesday.

Week 14
Colts @ Titans - Picked this on Twitter on Thursday
Browns @ Bills
Buccaneers @ Redskins
Packers @ Lions
Falcons @ Panthers
Raiders @ Jaguars
Bengals @ Steelers
Rams @ Saints
Seahawks @ 49ers
Patriots @ Bears
Dolphins @ Jets
Broncos @ Cardinals
Chiefs @ Chargers
Eagles @ Cowboys
Giants @ Vikings
Ravens @ Texans

Last week: 11-5
Overall: 126-66

PICKS!

Yes, more picks.

A look at the Cardinals issues at Quarterback to come tomorrow.

Texans @ Eagles - Picked this on Twitter on Thursday.
Bills @ Vikings
Saints @ Bengals
49ers @ Packers
Bears @ Lions
Redskins @ Giants
Browns @ Dolphins
Broncos @ Chiefs
Jaguars @ Titans
Raiders @ Chargers
Falcons @ Buccaneers
Rams @ Cardinals
Panthers @ Seahawks
Cowboys @ Colts
Steelers @ Ravens
Jets @ Patriots

Brady Makes Turkeys of Lions; Feasts on Alphonso Smith

Oh yes, I went there.

With several injuries to their front-seven, the Patriots overcame a stubborn Lions team today, 45-24. Down by seven at the half, the Patriots stormed back, scoring three unanswered touchdowns to hand the Lions their seventh straight loss on Thanksgiving.

The Lions showed their trickiness on the Patriots first drive as Ndamukong Suh picked up a sack on Tom Brady. The sack was strange as Suh lined up at linebacker, and not in his usual position at defensive tackle. The play showed his versatility and showed viewers that his freakish athleticism. He's built like a house, but can play like a pass-defending outside linebacker. The Patriots settled for a short field goal to go up 3-0.

Shaun Hill, filling in at quarterback once again for the injured Matthew Stafford, led the Lions down the field with intermediate throws and even using his own legs when needed, before launching a throw to Calvin Johnson for a touchdown. Though the pass was under thrown, it turned out to be the perfect length as Johnson lost Kyle Arrington and fought to make the catch. What helped more than anything however, was the fact the throw came on play-action, which caused safety Brandon Merriweather to bite on the run, leaving him out of position, and Johnson one-on-one with Arrington for the easy score.

With the Patriots down, the Lions momentum carried to their defense. They forced the Patriots into miscues, stuffed their runs at the line, and got plenty of pressure on Brady, as Kyle Vanden Bosch knocked him down twice in vicious manner. The former Titan abused left-tackle Matt Light twice, leaving a defenceless Brady ripe for the kill.

The Lions took advantage of the Patriots inefficiency, commanding a long, 13-play drive culminating in a fourth-and-inches conversion on a sneak by Hill, and then a one-yard touchdown run by the long-time Seahawk Maurice Morris to make it 14-3.

After a horrible drop by Brandon Tate in single coverage, the Patriots stepped up a gear, and fired back with a touchdown of their own - BenJarvus Green-Ellis with a rumbling 15-yard scamper. 'The Law Firm' steam-rolled through Lions cornerback Alphonso Smith and pushed him all the way to the end-zone to make it a one-score game.

The Lions tacked on a field goal before the end of the half to make it 17-10.

Kid Rock played a half-time show, blatantly ripping off Springsteen's 'Born to Run' with a tired and plagiarising song called 'Born Free'. The crowd couldn't have looked more bored.

After going three-and-out to start the second half, the Patriots D finally made a statement. On a first-and-ten from their own 28, Hill lofted a pass for Johnson once again, but this time rookie cornerback Devin McCourty leapt beautifully to intercept in front of him. Hill didn't exactly try to throw off the Patriots D as he stared at Johnson the entire time before throwing in his direction.

With a short field in front of him, Brady made quick work of the Lions D. Brady went play-action before throwing to Wes Welker, running a slant and out to his left, who powered through a missed tackle by Alphonso Smith for the touchdown to tie the game up.

After long passes to tight-end Brandon Pettigrew and Johnson, Hill and the Lions offense sifted through the Patriots D with relative ease. After a three-and-out at the New England one-yard line, Morris ran off left-tackle on fourth-and-one to re-take the lead for Detroit.

Challenged with third-and-two at his own 21, Brady got aggressive, unleashing a deep strike to Deion Branch for a 79-yard touchdown. Though under thrown, Branch managed to out-duke Alphonso Smith on his way to the end-zone to put the Pats ahead, 24-17. Once again, the throw was on play-action, a move that seemed to burn the Lions time and time again.

From then onwards, the Lions offense grounded to a stop. After missing a 46-yard field goal, Brady and company took over, working their way down the field comfortably. The drive ended with Brady and Branch hooking up once again for a 22-yard touchdown. It was a perfect throw by Brady, in between the cornerback and the safety as Branch went in untouched. Who was the cornerback? You guessed it, Alphonso Smith.

Another failed Lions drive, another touchdown for the Patriots. This time a screen-pass to Welker, who ran in to score from 16 yards. What was amazing however, was the fact that Welker had no one covering him. Welker's arguably the best screen receiver in the league, and no one had tabs on him? What's going on there? At least we know it wasn't Alphonso Smith's fault.

Down 38-24, and looking for a spark with just six minutes to go, Hill tried to force the ball deep, but was picked off once again by McCourty, who ran the ball down to the Detroit 12. Green-Ellis killed off the game for good as he scored his second touchdown of the day on a one-yard run. Not to be a graceful loser, Lions safety Louis Delmas picked up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for trying to pick a fight with a Patriots blocker after the extra point.

That was all she wrote for the Lions, who could only hang with the big boys for one half of football. The Patriots move into first in the AFC East with a 9-2 record (the Jets play later tonight) while the Lions lay at the basement of NFC North at 2-9.

Player of the Game
Tom Brady
Brady completed 21 of 27 passes for 341 yards and four touchdowns, earning a perfect 158.3 quarterback rating. You can't get much better than that. Brady has played at the top of his game lately, and has shown the Patriots don't need Randy Moss. With no obvious deep-threat, Brady has utilised tight-ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez with great effect, moving the Patriots from a quick-strike offense to a unit that chips away at the opposition defense with short throws and plenty of running. If Brady can play like this in upcoming games against the Jets and Packers, two teams with great pass-defenses, he will surely be the recipient of plenty of MVP nominations in the new year.

Week 12 Picks

Patriots-Lions report coming up later today...

Week 12 Picks
Patriots @ Lions
Saints @ Cowboys
Bengals @ Jets
Jaguars @ Giants
Packers @ Falcons
Panthers @ Browns
Steelers @ Bills
Titans @ Texans
Vikings @ Redskins
Chiefs @ Seahawks
Dolphins @ Raiders
Eagles @ Bears
Rams @ Broncos
Buccaneers @ Ravens
Chargers @ Colts
49ers @ Cardinals

Last week: 11-5
Overall: 104-56

Just the Picks Again...

Week 11 Picks
Bears @ Dolphins (Picked this on Twitter on Thursday)
Bills @ Bengals
Cardinals @ Chiefs
Packers @ Vikings
Redskins @ Titans
Browns @ Jaguars
Texans @ Jets
Ravens @ Panthers
Lions @ Cowboys
Raiders @ Steelers
Falcons @ Rams
Buccaneers @ 49ers
Seahawks @ Saints
Colts @ Patriots
Giants @ Eagles
Broncos @ Chargers

New Look France Outshine Inconsistent England

A “sell-out” crowd saw France completely outplay England and hand them their first defeat at Wembley Stadium under Fabio Capello. The Frenchmen ran out 2-1 winners in a largely dull affair between two teams looking to forget their World Cup miseries.

England rung the changes, handing débuts to the likes of Andy Carroll (Newcastle United), Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) and Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff City), no doubt to inject some fresh blood into the team. Capello also selected Micah Richards, despite the fact he'd spent the last three Manchester City games on the bench.

With no clear choice at right-back, Fabio Capello slot Phil Jagielka there. It was a baffling decision, considering Jagielka has rarely played the position in his career, as he's spent most of his time at centre-half and centre-midfield. His lack of experience was exposed early on as France attacked down the left repeatedly with Florent Malouda. It didn't help that right-winger Theo Walcott kept drifting inside either, as Jagielka would often have to come forward and then be left for dead by Malouda on counter attacks. Capello had better hope Glen Johnson can keep healthy, because the only cover for him seems to be Richards.

France started the better team, and for them, the only way was up. Malouda and Yoann Gourcuff tested England goalkeeper Ben Foster early, and on 16 minutes they broke the deadlock through Karim Benzema. The Real Madrid forward played a pair of neat one-twos with Malouda around the proverbial headless chicken, Jagielka, before Benzema took the ball forward and struck from ten yards out past Foster's right. Ferdinand attempted to tackle him before he shot, but as is the case with Ferdinand these days, he wasn't there in time.

The goal only helped to knock England down a notch. Their nervy start was highlighted by stray passes and a general lack of communication which provided hardly anything going forward. It took until the 28th minute for England to produce something that resembled a positive move. Joleon Lescott lofted a ball over the middle to Andy Carroll, who glanced it down to James Milner, who in turn shot wide. The idea was there, but the practice was flawed by the disappointing finish.

The French, continually attacking down the left, played some neat passes between themselves throughout the first half and they looked by far the more composed and comfortable of the two teams. Every attack was struck through fluid passing and great link-up play from defence to midfield to attack.

England finally had another attempt, this time from a Keiran Gibbs free kick. The target-man Carroll heading it down to Gerrard who then sliced over from inside the area. A wasted opportunity that Gerrard would likely blame on the slippery surface.

The partisan crowd expressed their dissatisfaction, performing perhaps the world's first ironic Mexican wave before showering the team with boos as the half was brought to a close.

England started the second half by mixing things up. Micah Richards replaced Rio Ferdinand, moving Jagielka to centre-half, and Walcott and Gareth Barry made way for Ashley Young and Adam Johnson. The moves failed to have any immediate impact, and the French continued to attack.

It was France who struck next, of course, doubling their lead through Mathieu Valbuena. Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna charged down the right wing before crossing into the middle where Nasri completely missed the ball, but right next to him was Valbuena, who slotted home past the on-looking Foster.

Now 2-0 down, England seemed to actually pick up the pace. Gibbs became more involved going forward, showing promise and ease against Sagna. Once again, England's next chance would come through Gerrard, who hid at the back post on a Johnson free-kick. French players left the ball, thinking it would go straight out of play, but Gerrard's header looped up and fell onto the bar, much to their surprise.

Wasted chances highlighted England's second half. Be it a shot or soft header straight at goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, or a strong effort gone wide or over, it just wasn't their day. Nasri cracked the post after making Stephen Warnock look silly, and in the build-up Gerrard injured himself trying to tackle Gourcuff.

Peter Crouch replaced Gerrard, and he scored with his first touch, jostling with Diarra on a corner before side-footing a volley at the back post into the goal. It was Crouch's 22nd goal in 42 international games, and while many champion his great England form, you can't help but think, when has he ever scored a goal that meant anything? He has an impressive record for England, but the majority of his goals have come against international minnows like Jamaica, or in friendlies like this one.

With barely five minutes to go, it was a matter of too little, too late as débutante Jay Bothroyd wasted his only chance – a soft header straight at Lloris. Milner skied over the bar, before England's last chance at producing anything was killed by Ben Foster, whose long ball went sailing out of play for a throw-in. The punt forward summed up England's play – a mix of sloppy passing and wasted opportunities and a general lack of consistency. Danish Referee Claus Bo Larsen blew the full time whistle as the Wembley crowd voiced their disapproval once again.

Speaking after the match to ITV, Rio Ferdinand told Gabriel Clarke: “We didn't really pass the ball. We didn't get going until the last 20 minutes. We didn't play to our strengths.” I found the last comment interesting, as I thought France simply denied England the chance to play to their strengths. Clarke then added a typical inane ITV question: “Is there room for improvement?” Ferdinand's reply was “definitely.” Well of course there is room for improvement, if it was a draw there would be room for improvement, and I'm sure Ferdinand would have said the same had it been a narrow victory.

Fabio Capello praised his younger players, specifically singling out Andy Carroll. “He's a fighter, but he has quality. He has an England future for sure, and he's one of the most interesting young players in Europe.” Capello described how his younger players dealt with playing at International level, highlighting the faster pace of the senior game. “The speed is difficult, and when you play with a lot of young players, there's a lot of pressure too.”

Florent Malouda kept his side grounded after the victory, he said: “It's a great result, and it's great to turn the page and look forward. You have to be positive. [The win] was nice, but it doesn't mean anything until you win the big game.”

Man of the Match
Florent Malouda
It has to be Malouda. An ever-present in France's attacks, every positive action seemed to move through him. His link-up play with Nasri and Benzema was pivotal to their success and his hand in the first goal showed his creativity and vision to play Benzema in.

Final Thoughts
England have a long way to go. Of course, this was just a friendly, and it featured new players getting their first shot at senior level. The likes of Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, Joe Hart and Glen Johnson were missing, and it looks like their presence was sorely missed.

This shouldn't be the last time we see Andy Carroll in an England shirt. He played as the lone-striker and the Newcastle forward performed well in the difficult role, winning every ball that came to him, and forcing Lloris into a few saves. Jordan Henderson however did not impress me. He was invisible as Nasri, Gourcuff and Malouda passed circles around him and Barry. Jay Bothroyd didn't provide the spark that I thought he might, either.

Despite conceding, England looked a lot better defensively in the second half. It's obvious that Jagielka's true position is at centre-half, and Gibbs became a lot more active with Ashley Young in front of him. Walcott showed me nothing, but his replacement Adam Johnson played very well, as he always seems to do in an England shirt. If I had to give Johnson some advice, it would be to get out of Manchester. A growing talent like Johnson needs to be getting first team action, something he isn't getting at Eastlands. The boy could do wonders at Arsenal.

Teams
England: Foster, Jagielka, Ferdinand (Richards 45), Lescott, Gibbs (Warnock 72), Henderson, Barry (Young 45), Walcott (Johnson 45), Gerrard (Crouch 85), Milner, Carroll (Bothroyd 72).
Unused subs: Green, Cahill, Smalling.

France: Lloris, Sagna (Reveillere 87), Rami, Mexes (Sakho 45), Abidal, M'Vila, Valbuena (Diarra 67), Nasri, Gourcuff (Hoarau 85), Malouda (Payet 77), Benzema (Remy 67).
Unused subs: Mandanda, Carrasso, Clichy, Cabaye, Gameiro,

Attendance
85,495