NFL Week 14 Power Rankings

Sorry this is later than usual but I had written on a piece of paper since Monday and have just been too lazy to type it up on the 'ol computer. No changes at the top but some movement in the middle. As for the bottom (a.k.a, the powerless), who really cares? Most of them are eliminated from playoff contention and in my opinion, should all tank to guarantee themselves a chance at a Big 12 QB to resurrect their teams.
1. Tennessee (12-1) - Well, they've already won the division. That's gotta feel good considering they have the Colts and Steelers still to play. (Next @ HOU)
2. Pittsburgh (10-3) - Another game, another ugly win. Steelers fan have to be happy to see Mike Tomlin picked up where Bill Cowher left off. (Next @ BAL)
3. Indianapolis (9-4) - They were 3-4 and some left them for dead. But never sleep on Dungy, Manning and company. They'll burn you. (Next vs. DET)
4. Baltimore (9-4) - If you combined their defense with the Saints or Cardinals offense, think about how amazing that team would be. (Next vs. PIT)
5. Denver (8-5) - Well, Mike Shanahan is down to his 7th runningback of the season. And I bet he runs for 100 yards and scores 2 TD anyways. (Next @ CAR)
6. Miami (8-5) - So who do you credit for this turnaround? Tony Sparano? Bill Parcells? I say neither. How about Chad Pennington's steady play? (Next vs. SF)
7. New England (8-5) - Gutsy play by them to get a win on the road in Seattle. But they need a running game to be relevant in the playoffs. (Next @ OAK)
8. NY Jets (8-5) - Uh oh Jets fans. Two losses in a row. Is Brett losing his touch or is this team finally playing like we all thought they would? (Next vs. BUF)
9. Houston (6-7) - Kudos to Gary Kubiak and his staff for turning this team around in the second half. Looking ahead to 2009, they'll be in the mix. (Next vs. TEN)
10. San Diego (5-8) - It was fun to see their offense put up some points against OAK. But that 5-8 record still sticks out like a black guy at a Cher concert. (Next @ KC)
11. Buffalo (6-7) - They once were good. But now, they are bad. As if living in Buffalo, NY wasn't bad enough, the football team stinks too. (Next @ NYJ)
12. Jacksonville (4-9) - The trendy Super Bowl pick is the most disappointing team in the NFL. Maybe now Fred Taylor will retire. Just maybe. (Next vs. GB)
13. Kansas City (2-11) - Team somehow stays in games and scores points despite a real lack of talent. Herm should keep his job despite the record. (Next vs. SD)
14. Cleveland (4-9) - Props to Ken Dorsey for not embarrassing himself too badly against TEN. And good news, they are 2-0 on Monday Night! (Next Mon @ PHI)
15. Oakland (3-10) - JaMarcus Russell already wasn't playing to his potential and now, he's injured. Black eye for the Black Hole. (Next vs. NE)
16. Cincinnati (1-11-1) - Word is Carson Palmer wants to come back before the season ends. That's not a good idea if they want the 2nd pick. (Next vs. WAS)
1. NY Giants (11-2) - Considering the Burress fiasco and the Eagles' desperation, the loss to Philly isn't that big of a deal. Plus, Dallas lost. (Next @ DAL)
2. Carolina (10-3) - The tandem of De'Angelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart is going to be a deadly ground game for years to come. (Next vs. DEN)
3. Tampa Bay (9-4) - The defense got humbled on Monday night. But no doubt, every NFC team knows that's not gonna happen again. (Next @ ATL)
4. Philadelphia (7-5-1) - It's about time people recognize that Brian Westbrook is one of the best tailbacks in the league, despite his injury history. (Next Mon vs. CLE)
5. Atlanta (8-5) - Tough loss to the Saints may have knocked out their division title chances. But still in the playoff mix for sure. (Next vs. TB)
6. Arizona (8-5) - Congrats to them for winning their first division title since 1975. Not like they had much of a fight from SF, STL and SEA. (Next vs. MIN)
7. Dallas (8-5) - Right when it looked like Romo was going to throw the Cowboys to a victory, he throws the game away. Ouch. (Next vs. NYG)
8. New Orleans (7-6) - Reggie Bush looked good but the better news may be that Pierre Thomas looked better. Now, about that defense... (Next Thu @ CHI)
9. Minnesota (8-5) - They have won 3 in a row but it's not been pretty. They barely got by the Lions. And who is gonna start at QB? (Next @ AZ)
10. Washington (7-6) - After a strong start, they are fading fast. The defense is breaking instead of bending and Santana Moss has been non-existent. (Next @ CIN)
11. Chicago (7-6) - Defense looked good against Jacksonville. But a true test comes on Thursday when Drew Brees comes to the Windy City. (Next Thu vs. NO)
12. San Francisco (5-8) - Well, looks like Mike Singletary is gonna keep his coaching gig. Plus, expect Shaun Hill to stay under center in 2009. (Next vs. NYJ)
13. Green Bay (5-8) - The Jaguars of the NFC. Despite a ton of talent, it hasn't translated into wins. Ironically, next game is versus the Jags. (Next @ JAX)
14. Seattle (2-11) - Came oh so close to a big upset over the Patriots. But just like they have all season, they rolled over and played dead...and lost. (Next @ STL)
15. St. Louis (2-11) - It's never good when the players throw up a middle finger to their fans. But, let's be honest, this team is terrible. (Next vs. SEA)
16. Detroit (0-13) - They came close to winning that elusive first game but lost...again. That's right folks, 13 down, 3 to go. Let's go Lions! (Next @ IND)

Debate Of The Young Sports Minds: Should Romeo Crennel Be Fired?

Alright folks, it's time for another debate between my friend Luke and I. This week's topic is a simple one. Should Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel be fired?

Here are the quick facts. The Browns went 10-6 last season. They are 4-9 this season. Crennel is 24-37 in his 3+ seasons as head coach. This season's team has had its share of injuries, among them QB Derek Anderson, QB Brady Quinn, WR Joe Jurevicius, WR Dante Stallworth and TE Kellen Winslow.

And also, Luke is a lifelong Browns fan but also a realist. I have never liked the Browns but respect Browns fans and think they are the best NFL fans. As always, feel free to let us now what ya think in the comments section. Here we go...

LUKE

Should Romeo Crennel be fired? Is the earth round? Is the sky blue? Is grass green? Answers to all of those questions are the same, absolutely. There is no question that Romeo should be let go after this season. The reasoning is two-fold. One, his win-loss record speaks for itself. Two, the game moves too fast for Romeo, and he is clearly out of his element on the sideline attempting to make quick decisions.

Let's look at his record. Currently, with three games left in the 2008 season, Romeo is 24-37, well on his way to being 24-40, with ZERO postseason appearances. Based on his win-loss record ALONE, Crennel should be out the door. The NFL is a "what have you done lately" business, and the only thing Crennel has done is lose, on a consistent basis. Four years is more than enough time to put together a winner. It also is safe to say that after four years the Browns are no closer to being a postseason contender than they were when Butch Davis left town.

Lastly, anyone who says that Crennel should stay must not have watched too many Browns games. The game just moves too fast. He mis-manages his timeouts on a regular basis. He consistently fails to use his challenge flags properly. He also must have had Phil Dawson on his fantasy team the past four years because he certainly doesn't understand when to go for touchdowns instead of kicking meaningless field goals. Romeo is a well-liked guy within the clubhouse, and seems like a lovable character, but he is not head coach material. Romeo is like the grandfather who the entire family loves dearly, but you wouldn't want him driving a car, because it moves just a bit too fast for him.

MATT

So, should Romeo Crennel be fired? Last year, Browns fans were singing his praises. But now, ask any Browns fan and the answer is yes. But as a neutral party, I disagree. That's because the reason this Browns team is 4-9 is not because of Romeo Crennel. It's because of Phil Savage and upper management. Just think about it. It was Savage that signed Derek Anderson to a long-term contract. It was Savage that brought in hot-headed Winslow and butterfingers Braylon. Oh, and the Jurevicius and Stallworth signings have worked like a charm so far.

No, the problem with the Browns is not Crennel. In fact, he's a positive part about the team. Despite their lack of talent in some key positions, this team fights hard under Crennel. 6 of their 9 losses have come by 10 points or less and that's against the likes of the 10-3 Steelers, 9-4 Ravens, 8-5 Broncos, and 9-4 Colts. Plus, they beat the 11-2 NY Giants 35-14. What is working against Crennel is that after last year's 10-6 season (in which none of the 10 wins came against a playoff team), Browns fans came into this season with incredibly high expectations. So now, when they face one of the toughest schedules in the NFL and struggle slightly, Browns fans call for Crennel's throat.

Give him a break. I have no problem firing a coach because he has lost his team. But that's not the case here. The Browns fight in every game, as seen every game. I mean, they stuck with Tennessee with Ken Dorsey at QB! This is an injury-plagued team with subpar players playing a superior schedule (only 1 team with less than 6 wins). I know what Browns fans want is some consistency from their team. Well, firing Crennel won't help bring that in 2009. And since Marty and Cowher don't seem interested in trying to be Cleveland's coaching savior, I think it's time Browns fans put the blame where it belongs. Not on Crennel. Let him keep his job and prove his worth with a healthy quarterback, players that perform like they're paid, and a fan base that actually supports him, not demand he be fired.

Week 14 NFL Picks

Alright, only four weeks left in the NFL season. And as sad as that makes me, I'm also really pumped because that means soon enough, the playoffs will be upon us.

One of these days, I will tally up my season record again. Maybe today is the day...but I doubt it. Regardless, I know I have a healthy lead on my picking nemesis Jake Young. his picks will be in his blog here.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4TH

Oakland @ San Diego - SD

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH

Jacksonville @ Chicago - CHI
Minnesota @ Detroit - MIN
Houston @ Green Bay - GB
Cincinnati @ Indianapolis - IND
Atlanta @ New Orleans - ATL
Philadelphia @ New York Giants - PHI
Cleveland @ Tennessee - TEN
Miami vs. Buffalo (in Toronto) - MIA
Kansas City @ Denver - DEN
New York Jets @ San Francisco - NYJ
St. Louis @ Arizona - AZ
Dallas @ Pittsburgh - PIT
New England @ Seattle - NE
Washington @ Baltimore - BAL

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8TH

Tampa Bay @ Carolina - TB

Debate Of The Young Sports Minds: Oklahoma or Texas?

Luke and I have come back with a new debate...but also a new format. Instead of debating back and forth (which became troublesome for both of us), we will simply provide our belief on a subject, without knowing what the other said. That's right, no response. No chance to jump on what the other has said. Of course, we may do it later in the comments or on the phone but not in the actual debate. So here's the latest installment.

WHO SHOULD REPRESENT THE BIG 12 SOUTH IN THE BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME? OKLAHOMA OR TEXAS?

Luke

Texas or Oklahoma? Only one to choose from, but which one is the correct choice? The correct answer is that you shouldn't have to choose, but that's a different question for a different day. With the system we have in place, only one can play in the Big 12 Championship game, and control their own destiny for the National Championship. My pick is the same as the BCS. The Oklahoma Sooners.

The biggest argument going for Texas is their head-to-head victory against Oklahoma back in October. Unfortunately, recent history shows us that this point is moot. Let me take you back to 1993 when #2Notre Dame beat #1Florida St, then lost to #9 Boston College the week after. Florida State jumped the Irish in the polls and went on to win it all. Sound familiar? It should. Texas beat #1 Oklahoma but then lost to #7 Texas Tech. The nature of the NCAA beast is to lose early. Oklahoma lost earlier than Texas. The Longhorns had their chance but couldn't seal the deal against Texas Tech, a team Oklahoma later beat 44.

Once that argument is crushed, let's look a bit closer. Oklahoma has beaten Texas Tech (something Texas couldn't do), AT Oklahoma State (something no team had done this year), Cincinnati (the Big East Champ), AND TCU (currently ranked #11). Now the Sooners play Missouri in the Big 12 Championship. Win and they will have beaten all the big teams Texas has PLUS Cincy and TCU. If they lose, then Texas is in. Complain about the system all you want, but they got it right this year. As Jim Mora put it, PLAYOFFS??

Matt

Texas is 11-1. Oklahoma is 11-1. So who deserves to be in the Big 12 championship game? Well, both of them do. But since only one can go, I'm going with Texas. And remember this during my argument, we're talking about a conference championship game, NOT the national title game.

Texas beat both Missouri and Oklahoma but yet are not in the title game? Seems wrong doesn't it? It's because it is. Texas' only loss came to Texas Tech on the road in Lubbock. A great game in which the Red Raiders won on an amazing touchdown with less than 10 seconds left. And this after Texas had beaten 3 straight ranked Big 12 opponents, including Oklahoma. That's right, Oklahoma's one loss is to the same team it beat out for the spot in the conference title game, Texas. And the Sooners were beat on a neutral field by 10 points, not by some game-winning TD or FG at the horn. Hmmmm, seems like the 'Horns should be there right?

But they're not and it's just wrong. Some may say it's because Oklahoma is playing better football right now. Too bad that doesn't mean they are the better team. If they were, they would have beaten Texas on that neutral field. Some may say they played a tougher non-conference schedule. Again, shouldn't matter since we are strictly talking Big 12 South champion and the 8 Big 12 games. In a perfect world, these two would get a rematch in Kansas City and this would be settled on the field. But since it's not, it leaves people like me wondering how bad of a system we must have when a team that has the same W-L record but a much better case to be in a conference title game doesn't get in. What a joke.

NBA By The Month - October/November

Well, we are a little more than a month into the NBA season and so far, it's been pretty exciting. A blockbuster trade just 2 weeks in seeing Allen Iverson and Chauncey Billups swap sqauds. Also, 10% of the coaches getting fired less than 25% into the season. Oh, and then there's the strong and sluggish starts from various teams.

Again, I am not the biggest NBA fan. In fact, I normmaly don't watch a regular season game unless my Pacers are playing. But since I try to be "all-knowing" in all sports, I have paid better attention this season and have some thoughts on the first full month of play.

(W-L records as of 12:00am December 5th)

MOST IMPRESSIVE

Portland (14-6) - We all knew they would be better this season with the additions of Rudy Fernandez and Greg Oden. But at 14-6 and the lead in the Northwest Division, that may be more than we thought. And it's even more impressive considering Oden missed 6 games. This is going be a tough team to take out in the playoffs with their youth. I look at them as the Tampa Bay Rays of the NBA.

Atlanta (11-6) - After taking the Celtics to 7 games in the playoffs last season, teams should have realized the potential of this team. Well so far, so good in proving that their playoff performance was no fluke. They have simmered since their 6-0 start but no doubt, they are moving into the discussion of legit Eastern Conference teams.

Miami (10-9) - When Pat Riley resigned as head coach coming off a 15-win season, I didn't see much hope for this team. Yeah, they had Dwayne Wade and an aging Shawn Marion, but I thought it would take at least a few seasons before they became relevant again. Well, maybe not. Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers have been quite a supporting cast and the Heat are above .500 with 10 wins. And they didn't get win #10 last season until February 26th.

LEAST IMPRESSIVE
San Antonio (9-8) - I know they are getting older and that Manu Ginobili has been injured but 9-8 for this team is disappointing. They still have Tim Duncan and Tony Parker and one of the best coaches in Gregg Popovich. But instead of dominating, this team has limped out of the gate, despite the fact their strength of schedule is .470 and 10 of the 17 games have been played at home.

Toronto (8-9) - Though I disagree with the firing of Sam Mitchell, I do agree that this team has not been good. In a weak Eastern Conference, they are easily in the top 6 when it comes to talent. But at 8-9, they aren't playing like it. They have played a tough early schedule and injuries haven't helped but again, they're too good to be playing this bad.

Washington (3-13) - So what Agent Zero isn't playing? There's no way this team is worse than the likes of Minnesota and Memphis? Eddie Jordan has already been canned so can't blame the coaching. Now it's just time for Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler to bring this team back to being respectable.

TEAMS OF THE MONTH

LA Lakers (15-2) - The only question mark about this team is are they good enough to get to 70 wins. Kobe is playing like Kobe, Pau is providing some big time points and boards, and Andrew Bynum is healthy, giving the Lakers just another scoring threat. This team is scary good.

Cleveland (15-3) - Not only are they winning, but they are winning by a healthy margin. 12.3 points in fact, best in the conference. And the philosophy of winning hasn't changed either with the Cavs giving up a little more than 92 PPG, second in the conference. Oh, and that Mo Williams pickup may be the best offseason move in the Eastern Conference.

Boston (18-2) - It's really not a surprise to see them at 18-2. The conference is not good and their schedule so far hasn't been too strenous. Right now, they are in the midst of a 10-game winning streak. Can we just put the Cavs and Celts in the conference championship series now?

INDIANA PACERS THOUGHTS

So far, I'm pretty happy with my Pacers. Yeah, the record of 7-11 is nothing to get excited about but considering the tough schedule they've played, it may look a bit misleading. Mike Dunleavy is still injured but when he returns, it will be a welcome addition for a team who could use a spark off the bench. Danny Granger has been an all-star in every sense of the word and T.J. Ford has been a steady PG, something the team hasn't had since Mark Jackson. The wins against the Celtics, Rockets and Lakers prove to me this team can play with the big boys. Now, they just need to win some more of the games that they are losing by 10 or less.

MVP WATCH

1. Lebron James, CLE
2. Kobe Bryant, LAL
3. Dwayne Wade, MIA
4. Dwight Howard, ORL
5. Chris Paul, NO

ROOKIE WATCH

1. Derrick Rose, CHI
2. O.J. Mayo, MEM
3. Michael Beasley, MIA
4. D.J. Augustin, CHA
5. Russell Westbrook, OKC

BEST GAMES OF DECEMBER

Portland @ Boston (Dec. 5th) - Good matchup of youth vs. veterans. Not sure how well Garnett will matchup against Oden but that may be the matchup to watch. Should be a fun one to watch no matter what.

Memphis @ Oklahoma City (Dec. 10th) - Right now, the Thunder are on pace to be the worst team in NBA history. If they want to avoid that distinction, they need to win games like this at home.

New York @ Phoenix (Dec. 15th) - Mike D'Antoni returns to the city that he had such success in. Unfortunately, he brings in his new team to be embarrassed.

Boston @ LA Lakers (Dec. 25th) - Merry Christmas everyone! After opening up your gifts and chugging down some egg nog, sit back and enjoy this dandy of a game, featuring the two best teams in the NBA so far record-wise.

Chicago @ Miami (Dec. 26th) - Battle of the top 2 picks of the draft. Derrick Rose has been better so far but Michael Beasley is starting to show flashes of greatness.

PACER SPECIAL: New Orleans @ Indiana (Dec. 28th) - Chris Paul and company travel to Conesco Fieldhouse where the likes of the Celtics and Lakers have fallen victim to the Pacers.