NFL Conference Championship Games Preview

NY Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts

Breakdown: If you wanted to see what Super Bowl 3 was like, this will the closest thing to that without the Super Bowl attached to it. The Jets were ruled out by everyone including their head coach Rex Ryan leading up to the playoffs. The Jets have put themselves in a good position, the underdog. They blew past the Bengals. Kept pace with the Chargers and are looking to right a wrong with the Colts. Everyone still thinks if the Colts had wanted to play in Week 16, the Jets wouldn't have won. This is their chance with a power running game lead by Thomas Jones and rookie Shonn Greene. The defense is a perfect mold of what Ryan built as defensive coordinator in Baltimore. Peyton Manning and the Colts have their work cut out for them, but as we've seen before, they are probably the best in this situation. The Colts don't have the power running or a tough smash mouth defense. What they do have is a prolific passing attack that has Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie for Manning to throw to. The Colts don't have to smash you in the mouth, but will swarm to the ball with lightning speed. Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney are the scariest defensive end combo in the league. Their linebackers and secondary are undersized, but know where to be in the right situation. The third time is the charm in picking against the Jets this postseason. Colts win thanks to Manning.

Matchup to watch for: Darrelle Revis Jets CB vs. Reggie Wayne Colts WR

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints

Breakdown: We all get our dream matchup in the NFC. We all said these were the two best teams before their lackluster finishes to the regular season. The Vikings are led by a resurgent keeping his wranglers off the ground forty year old quarterback Brett Favre. He seemingly can do no wrong. He gets clobbered, still completes a touchdown pass. He gets flushed out of the pocket and still manages to find the open man. I thought Adrian Peterson was going to need to have the big games, but it's clear that Favre has to. Their defense played a great game against the Cowboys. Tony Romo had no time to think as the line put pressure on him all day last week. They will need to keep it up against the vaunted passing attack of the Saints quarterback Drew Brees. He has found that the running game can be useful and when Reggie Bush plays with aggression, he can be a great asset. The Saints don't have much to go with defensively except when they force turnovers, they are hard to beat. Most of the time they do capitalize on mistakes and the Vikings have to be prepared for it. I'm expecting a shootout that hopefully won't end up in a one sided affair like many of the other games so far. The Saints win in what should have been the matchup in Super Bowl 41. Colts vs. Saints.

Matchup to watch for: Vikings defense vs. Reggie Bush Saints RB

NBA All-Star Selections (that doesn't include Iverson & McGrady)

I will show you how easy it is to select All-Stars for this exhibition game. Now, I do take into account stats and team success. But I also take into account injuries. If you're not playing now, your out. If you've been hurt for most of the year, your out. Unless, you are a truly great player. To which when you came back from injury, you continued right where you left off. Since this is going to be in Dallas, I'm going to start with the Eastern Conference roster.
PPG - Points per game
RPG - Rebounds per game
APG - Assists per game

Starters
C Dwight Howard Orlando Magic - 17.3 PPG 13 RPG 1.5 APG
F Chris Bosh Toronto Raptors - 24.2 PPG 11.1 RPG 2.1 APG
F LeBron James Cleveland Cavs - 29.6 PPG 7.2 RPG 7.8 APG
G Joe Johnson Atlanta Hawks - 21.2 PPG 4.9 RPG 4.9 APG
G Dwayne Wade Miami Heat - 26.9 PPG 4.8 RPG 6 APG

Bench
G Rajon Rondo Boston Celtics - 14 PPG 4.1 RPG 9.6 APG
G Derrick Rose Chicago Bulls - 19.1 PPG 3.8 RPG 6 APG
F Paul Pierce Boston Celtics - 18.7 PPG 4.9 RPG 3.7 APG
F Gerald Wallace Charlotte Bobcats - 18.6 PPG 11.3 RPG 1.9 APG
F Antawan Jamison Washington Wizards - 22.2 PPG 8.7 RPG 1.2 APG
F Danny Granger Indiana Pacers - 23.5 PPG 5.7 RPG 2.4 APG
C Brook Lopez New Jersey Nets - 19 PPG 9.6 RPG 2.2 APG

Recap: I know it seems like I'm taking a page from MLB with this roster. I honestly am not. The Nets Brook Lopez is having a great season despite the entire teams poor performance. Danny Granger has been hurt, but since his return he has been back to form for the Pacers. He is the Kevin Durant of the Eastern Conference. No doubt about it. I have two Celtics because there isn't anyone else at those positions that have better numbers than Pierce and Rondo. If you do find them, I'm all ears. Derrick Rose is a stud and will be here for quite a while. Jamison and Wallace can play both forward positions. Jamison is a true scorer in the sense that he always has a knack for getting the ball in the basket. Wallace is averaging over 11 rebounds playing the small forward for his team. I implore anybody to argue with the starters I have chosen for the East. Please, any of those voting for Iverson, tell why I'm wrong. Charles Barkley said this exhibition is not a popularity contest, but to congratulate those for a great season. I agree with Charles vehemently on this.

Western Conference

Starters
C Tim Duncan San Antonio Spurs - 19.8 PPG 10.4 RPG 3.2 APG
F Amare Stoudemire Phoenix Suns - 21 PPG 8.7 RPG 1 APG
F Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder - 29.2 PPG 7.2 RPG 3 APG
G Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers - 28.3 PPG 5.2 RPG 4.5 APG
G Steve Nash Phoenix Suns - 18.6 PPG 3.1 RPG 11.2 APG

Bench
G Deron Williams Utah Jazz - 19.3 PPG 3.9 RPG 9.6 APG
G Brandon Roy Portland Trail Blazers - 23.1 PPG 4.6 RPG 5 APG
G Chris Paul New Orleans Hornets - 19.6 PPG 4.6 RPG 11.3 APG
G Monta Ellis Golden State Warriors - 26.7 PPG 4.3 RPG 5.5 APG
F Carmelo Anthony Denver Nuggets - 29.8 PPG 6.3 RPG 3.3 APG
F Dirk Nowitzki Dallas Mavericks - 25.5 PPG 7.9 RPG 2.5 APG
C Chris Kaman Los Angeles Clippers - 20.4 PPG 9.3 RPG 1.9 APG

Recap: The Western Conference is always the most difficult, but in hind sight it really isn't. The starters you can't argue with. Please those of you voting for Tracy McGrady tell me where I'm wrong. Having four guards is a little much, but there weren't a lot of forwards that deserved the nod over these guys. Williams is a great point guard who will lead the league in assists some day. Paul who is the best point guard will always be averaging 20 and 10 a game, but he will also get plenty of triple double opportunities. Roy and Ellis are having career years that should be noted for this event. Even though the Blazers are still under the radar and the Warriors stink, they both should be here. Anthony is finally having a breakthrough season in which there is no doubt who is the best small forward in Western Conference. Dirk is always going to be here so long as he puts up those great numbers on a team that wouldn't be able to replace him. Yes, I put a Clipper on the team. Why? Numbers and he is finally living up to his potential. The Clippers gave him almost 60 million and that investment is finally coming through. They won't contend, but they at least having something to go with Baron Davis.

Follow me on twitter and let me know where I'm wrong in my selections. "Talkin' Sports" returns to KLBC tomorrow night 7-9:30pm (Pacific) with Wes & JR bringing you their take on sports like you've never heard before.

NFL Divisional Playoff Preview

Arizona Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints

Breakdown: I will be the first to admit when I'm wrong. Last week when I said, "The Packers win in a blowout." I was wrong. It was a close game that was the highest combined scoring game in NFL playoff history. It was also an exciting game. This week will be no different. The Saints are rested and looking to explode right out of the gate. Drew Brees is looking to get the Saints back on track after losing their last three games of the regular season. The Cardinals will be without Anquan Boldin for this game as well, but Steve Breaston and Early Doucet were more than ready to carry the load. Kurt Warner when he is on his game is one of the best quarterbacks in the playoffs. I don't see much defense in this one either and the running games will the second class citizens for both teams. Arizona wins in a semi-shootout/close game.

Matchup to watch for: Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals WR vs. Darren Sharper Saints FS

Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts

Breakdown: The Ravens come in to Indiana looking to upset another powerhouse in the AFC. Peyton Manning, now a four time MVP, will be looking to quell any criticism of his team for its less than inspired play to finish the season. The city of Baltimore won't be too upset if they lose to their old franchise. They will be ecstatic if they do beat them though. This is the Super Bowl for those fans that still remember when they had the Colts. The Ravens defense will be the key here. If they can put pressure on Manning like they did with Tom Brady, the game is theirs. The Colts don't have a running attack to speak of and without Manning they are helpless. The Ravens do need to score their fare share of points to win of course. Joe Flacco is banged up with a hip injury, but it didn't matter when you have Ray Rice and Willis McGahee to hand it off to. The Colts, however will do just enough to win another game against the Ravens. They simply don't lose to Baltimore. Colts win barely.

Matchup to watch for: Peyton Manning Colts QB vs. Ray Lewis Ravens LB

Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings

Breakdown: Tony Romo looks like a new quarterback. Heck, the Cowboys look like a team that wants to win now. They have perfect balance on the offensive side. The defense is attacking the ball with tremendous speed. The Eagles had two chances at them and never had an answer. The Vikings had plenty of rest now have the task of stopping the Cowboys hot streak. Brett Favre was brought in for this moment. He has to get them past this hurdle and it will probably be smooth sailing to the Super Bowl. Adrian Peterson had better have fixed his fumbling problem because he can't repeat what happened in the playoffs last year. This will be the best game of the weekend, no doubt. The Vikings defense has their work cut out for them too, but it will just enough with the dome crowd on their side to get one step closer to a title. Vikings win a great game.

Matchup to watch for: Brett Favre Vikings QB vs. DeMarcus Ware Cowboys LB

NY Jets vs. San Diego Chargers

Breakdown: The Jets are on coming off a great win against the Bengals in which everyone expected the Bengals to make a game out of it, but the Jets still hammered them like the week before. Mark Sanchez for a rookie QB isn't doing a whole lot, but does he have to? They have a great running attack and a defense that gives it right back to that running game. Unfortunately for the Jets, they are running into a Chargers team that has won 11 straight games this season. Philip Rivers has done a fantastic job leading the offense, while the defense is as good as I've ever seen it. The Jets have their work cut out for them if the Chargers get out to a two touchdown lead. There aren't many tricks in Rex Ryan's playbook to ignite a comeback. Chargers win decidedly.

Mathcup to watch for: Vincent Jackson Chargers WR vs. Darrelle Revis Jets CB

The Rooney Rule is Here to Stay

Rules are in place for a reason. To create order and prevent chaos. To right a wrong that's been in place for so long. That was the reason the NFL implemented the "Rooney Rule" as it's called today. It was established in 2003 and named after Steelers owner Dan Rooney (pictured left) to help with the hiring of minority candidates being interviewed for head coaching and front office positions. It is not to force teams to hire minority candidates, but to get their names in fold for the positions.

The stats don't lie. In 2003 there were only two minority head coaches. Tony Dungy (Colts) and Herman Edwards (Jets). As of today there are now six. There is a lot of speculation as to whether the rule should still be around or if it should be expanded. Many feel it is doing enough to satisfy its intention. I'm one to believe that the rule is doing good, but at the same time, it seems there are quite a few teams breaking this rule.

Now this year is not the first year the rule has been broken. In the rules first year, the Detroit Lions were fined 200,000 dollars for not interviewing a minority candidate when they hired Steve Mariucci. This year the Washington Redskins, who before firing Jim Zorn, interviewed assistant Jerry Gray for the head coaching position to satisfy the rule. Soon after, Zorn was fired and Mike Shanahan was hired. Does that satisfy the rule? No and no. Later on, the Seattle Seahawks fired Jim Mora Jr. and immediately it was reported they were after Pete Carroll of USC. Before they announced they had Carroll, they went to Minnesota to interview the Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. Frazier appeared to have no chance at the job, but they did interview him. Does that satisfy the rule? Yes and no.

To explain the Redskins case, to interview an assistant before you fire the head coach is pretty bad. To do it only to prevent the NFL from coming down on you for not interviewing a minority candidate is worse. They knew they pretty much had a deal in place with Shanahan, but according to the rule they did interview a minority candidate. The Seahawks knew who they wanted, but they interviewed someone from another team. They get more of a break here, but they still acted as if it was an inconvenience to interview Frazier.

With all that is said about the rule and what teams do to either comply or avoid it, the rule does need to stay. To say that it needs to be expanded is ludicrous. The only way you can expand it is by making the interview process longer and more obvious than it already is. It would either force teams to interview a certain number of minority candidates or you must hire a minority candidate. To get rid of it would do a disservice to the idea that there are other names out there that are just as good as the prominent ones. I'm not referring to race, but coaching ability. It's to help the minority candidate, but it really helps everyone. The coordinators on offense and defense are stepping stones for a head coaching position in the NFL no matter race.

When you get interviewed and that GM/Owner thinks you did a good job, even if your not hired they will tell their friends and they will tell their friends and so on. People in management positions will hire those for which they know most of the time. If they don't know you, but were told by others they know of your skills, they will consider hiring you. It's not what you know, but who you know. That is said in today's job world constantly. The rule is here to stay, but it must be closely watched by the league when cases like Washington and Seattle use it in their favor to try and avoid scrutiny.

NFL Wild Card Preview

NY Jets vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Breakdown: The only difference in this game is that instead of playing in New York, they are playing in Cincinnati. That and the week before doesn't matter now. The Bengals had nothing to play for even though the Bengals played most of their starters. The Jets do have statistically the best rushing and total defense in the NFL. Stats don't always help you get to the Super Bowl though. The Bengals will have a fresh Cedric Benson. The home crowd in their favor. The Jets do have that swagger that was missing in the middle part of the season. However it won't help with a rookie quarterback in Mark Sanchez. Don't get me wrong he is gonna be good, just not this year. The Bengals don't have all the momentum, but they do have enough weapons and a good defense to offset the Jets statistical advantages. Bengals win a close one.

Matchup to watch for: Chad Ochocinco Bengals WR vs. Darrelle Revis Jets CB

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

Breakdown: This is what Cowboys fans have been waiting for. A winnable playoff game. Not to say the Eagles won't show up, but as much as I hate to say it, the Cowboys have looked pretty good. Quarterback Tony Romo has been phenomenal. He is being given all the credit for their December success as he should. I think more should be awarded to the defense. They beat the Saints in New Orleans and shut out the Redskins and Eagles to finish the season. Not an easy thing considering their history in December. The Eagles are a much younger team than their many predecessors. Andy Reid has his work cut out for him to figure out the Cowboys attack after being shut out last week. Quarterback Donovan McNabb needs to not rush the offense in a pass happy scheme. Running the ball will help you win more than trying to shoot it out with the Dallas offense. Alas it will be too much for the Eagles which were in striking distance of a first round bye. Cowboys win in a shoot out.

Matchup to watch for: Donovan McNabb Eagles QB vs. DeMarcus Ware Cowboys LB

Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots

Breakdown: Baltimore couldn't be happier with how the playoff seeding ended up. They get another shot at the Patriots. They met earlier in the year in New England that many would consider a one sided affair. Not by the score, but by the way the game was officiated. It was the most blatant attempt by the NFL's referees to protect one of the games premiere players, Tom Brady. The Ravens could care less this time around. It will be a different crew and a different mind set. They will look to play smash mouth football. The Patriots will be without leading receiver Wes Welker, who went down with a knee injury last week. The Ravens will look to exploit that with constant pressure and double teams of opposite receiver Randy Moss. The Patriots will have a lot to prove most of all on the defensive side. Whether or not they make a run at the Super Bowl will run heavily on the defense. If the Ravens score more than 20 points, the Patriots could be in trouble. Ravens win in a brawl.

Matchup to watch for: Ray Rice Ravens RB vs. New England front seven

Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals

Breakdown: The Packers are the hottest team in the NFC entering the playoffs. They won 7 of their last 8 games to clinch one of two wild card spots. Like with the the first playoff matchups this weekend, this one was played the week before. Can we take anything from it? No. Will the result be the same? No. Are these the same teams? Yes. Aside from Matt Leinart playing for Kurt Warner, these are the same teams playing each other. The result was disastrous for the Cardinals, who have played horribly at home this year. The Cardinals are in even more trouble with an injury to one of their wide receivers Anquan Boldin. The Packers know this of course and will double if not triple team Larry Fitzgerald and force Warner to rely on someone else. The Arizona run game, which has been slumbering all year needs to have a big game against a Packers defense that constantly attacks until the whistle blows. The Packers are just as frightening for the Cardinals on the offensive side. Aaron Rodgers is looking to continue his hot streak against a struggling Arizona defense. The Packers win in a blowout.

Matchup to watch for: Charles Woodson Packers CB vs. Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals WR

The Modern Athlete Will Never Get It

A picture is worth a thousand words. Athletes now a days have it all. Fame, fortune and notoriety. We are quick to judge them on a bad game. A stupid comment. Or perhaps when they break the law. In Gilbert Arenas' case, he has apparently done all of the above minus the bad game and replacing it with being an idiot.

Commissioner David Stern suspended Gilbert yesterday indefinitely without pay until the conclusion of the NBA's investigation into his alleged incident in the Wizards locker room with teammate Javaris Crittenton. Now how this story all came about took more turns than Tiger Woods did in his driveway on Thanksgiving. Gilbert says that he received permission from the Wizards to keep his four guns (notice I said four) at the Verizon Center locker room. After that, he and Crittenton were having an argument over a gambling debt Gilbert owed him. Crittenton allegedly pulled out his own gun, chambered a round, but did not point it at Gilbert. Now after the reports were revealed, a criminal investigation had started. That's when Gilbert started to do what only "Agent Zero" knows how to do. Be funny.

Now he went on his twitter account (which I do not follow) to laugh off the event and make fun of the media storm that had started over it. I do not care what he says on his twitter account, but what I do care about is the arrogance he has shown over the event. It wasn't more than eight months ago that WR Plaxico Burress shot himself with a hand gun that wasn't registered in the state of New York. He has since been sentenced to two years in prison. We thought that was the greatest example for the modern athlete. This statement should be played through their heads before they go somewhere:

"If I have to take my gun with me, do I really need to go?"

My biggest problem is that Arenas never got it. He released a lawyered apology for the incident. Then proceeded to make fun of it (pictured above) before the Wizards game Tuesday night. After the game, he said that his teammates were telling him to do the finger pistol display. He of course had to apologize for it and was still joking with reporters saying he is more scared of Commissioner Stern than the police investigators because the commissioner is "mean." The following morning Stern came down on Arenas with the only form of punishment suitable for the situation. Stern said something very poignant in his statement:

"Although it is clear that the actions of Mr. Arenas will ultimately result in a substantial suspension, and perhaps worse, his ongoing conduct has led me to conclude that he is not currently fit to take the court in an NBA game."

"Perhaps worse." Does that mean possibly Gilbert's contract could be voided? Who knows. That possibility is there and for what. A stupid incident that could have been avoided. Is it really worth it to throw everything away for storing your guns at your employers facility? If I asked my boss:

"Is it all right if I store my shotgun in the storage closet? I don't want my newborn to be sleeping next to it because I kept it in the crib."

I can imagine what the reaction would be and I can assure you I probably wouldn't be working there anymore. If it is true that the Wizards were asked and agreed to let Arenas store his guns in his locker. There should be some layoffs galore at that franchise. I mean this is a slap in the face to owner Abe Polin's memory. Abe changed the nickname of the team from the Bullets to the Wizards because of gun violence. Now in a terrible sense of irony, the threat of it has entered the teams locker room. For Gilbert to try and laugh it off is an outrage. He does need to sit for a while and hope this is the most severe punishment he gets out of it.

Now this isn't the end of this story by a long shot. Until the police and NBA are done with their investigations, it will still be a top story. We still don't know about Crittenton's involvement if it is true about him bringing his own gun. New Jersey Nets guard Devin Harris said that 70-75 percent of NBA players carry guns. That is a staggering number. Question you need to ask yourself is, are you really surprised? This is not a knock on owning a gun. It is your inalienable right to own a gun. It is also your responsibility to know the laws in your state about owning a gun. I understand the need for the people who are constantly in the public view to protect themselves and their family. I get that. What I don't get is how you think you are invincible to your actions. Crittenton deserves the same wrath if what he did is true. The Wizards need to clean house (not roster related) and root out the retards allowing this. Gilbert can think of a new nickname while he is away. Agent Zero doesn't suit him anymore.

Follow me on twitter: @TalkinSportsLB

NFL Season in Review

The NFL season is officially over. The playoffs will begin in a few days and we will have a new champion to crown. The defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers are not in the playoffs. They are the sixth Super Bowl winner that didn't make the playoffs the following season. There were many great stories this year and many disappointing teams that didn't live up to their potential. Either way it was a great season. Aside from the embarrassing showing of a few teams in the last two weeks, uhhem...the Colts...cough, cough. To go off topic for a second, how do you bench everyone when your winning in Week 16 and keep them out there in a blizzard to pad some stats in Week 17? If you have the answer please let me know. I haven't been on the radio for almost a month, so I had to get that out. I give you the ones worthy of personal hardware for the 2009 NFL season.

Awards

MVP: Peyton Manning Colts
4,500 Passing yards, 33 TD's Record 14-2

I know. I just criticized them, but it wasn't his decision to sit. I'm sure of it. His body language told me all I needed to know. However, it can't be denied how important he is to this team. Just look what happens when you put someone else out there. It doesn't even have to be Curtis Painter (Who?). The Colts are not the same without Manning. Eight of their wins were come from behind wins. Yes, eight. Remember the Monday night game against the Dolphins. The Sunday night game against the Patriots. Granted Belichick helped, but Manning still had to get the Colts the go ahead score. Also the Thursday night game at Jacksonville to go 14-0. A classic shootout that showed there is no one that can stop the Colts when Manning is on his game. Do I really have to keep going? I could you know.

Defensive Player of the Year: Charles Woodson Packers
74 Tackles, 9 INT, 3 TD's Record 11-5

I originally had Darren Sharper of the Saints as the Defensive Player of the Year. That was when there was still 4-6 weeks left in the season. In that time Woodson really took off. Literally, he and the Packers defense were winning games not Aaron Rodgers and the offense. Winning 7 of their last 8 games to storm into the playoffs as a Wild Card representative. That is thanks in large part to the defense. Woodson no longer has the speed, but is a crafty veteran who knows how to read the quarterback and jump the receivers route. That helps especially when the starter opposite him, Al Harris, went down with a knee injury just when the streak started. Funny how great players show up when they're needed most.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Percy Harvin Vikings
60 Rec., 790 yards, 6 TD's Record 12-4

Harvin is and will always be the steal of the 2009 draft. Everyone knew the potential of him when he was entering the draft. They were all afraid of the stability of his foot. Well, it looks fine to me. He ran all over defenses this year with impressive numbers for a rookie wide receiver. He also ran two kickoffs for touchdowns. Running the ball was a cinch racking up 135 yards on 15 attempts this year. He turned out to be the best performer in a class that had two rookie quarterbacks playing from the start and a slew of running backs that didn't separate themselves from the pack.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Brian Cushing Texans
134 Tackles, 5 Sacks, 4 INT Record 9-7

Yes, he was named Defensive Rookie of the Year today, but I would've given it to him regardless. He led all rookies in tackles. Was third in sacks and second in interceptions. The USC linebacker was the best of the trio in the draft, but Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga were just as important to their teams success as Cushing. The Texans did miss the playoffs, but Cushing, Ryans and Williams will be the backbone of that defense for years to come.

Coach of the Year: Marvin Lewis Bengals
Record 10-6

Again, who thought the Bengals would win all their division games? Marvin ceases to amaze me. When it looks like he has lost all control of the team and franchise for that matter, he manages to turn it around. He has a great offense that didn't live up to expectations for the most part. However, he turned around that defense with the help of coordinator Mike Zimmer who dealt with personal tragedy in the middle of the season. The entire team had to deal with more tragedy with the death of wide receiver Chris Henry. They rallied to make the playoffs for only the second time in 19 years. Amazing indeed. If the Bengals can win one or two playoff games, Marvin will have another three years to work with in Cincinnati.

Stay tuned for the NFL Wild Card Preview later in the week.