Sunday, September 30, 2012

Tribute to #20

There are football players, and then there is Brian Dawkins.
To sit here and attempt to summarize the passion Dawkins brought to the field every Sunday is futile. As the face of the Philadelphia Eagles defense for the past deacde, Dawkins was what Ray Lewis is to Baltimore. Only these two men could lead me into battle against Titans.
Dawkins played the game the way parents only dream their children could. The type of player that every coach wanted. Integrity, hard work and a leader bottled into one. He was in your face every second.
During the halftime of tonight's Eagles vs New York Giants game, the 9x Pro Bowl safety will have his jersey retired. And I can assure you that every fan will be on their feet to applaud his contributions to the NFL and the city of Brotherly Love.
Players like this only come around once every decade.
Congratulations again to arguably the greatest football player to play under Andy Reid.


Friday, September 28, 2012

NBA officials will soon feel vilified

After the perpetual befuddlement that transpired in the NFL due to the replacement referees, it appears that the NBA officials will be stuck in their own sort of jam.
According to NBA spokesman Tim Frank Thursday, the league is close to settling an agreement to deal with flopping.
The art of flopping has certainly calcified over the past few years, especially in a league where superstars constantly get calls in their favor. Flopping originally was controllable and rare, but rapidly evolved into every facet in the game from rebounding in the paint to hand-checking an offensive player.
Although details have not been finalized, I'm under the presumption that the NBA will be much more chaotic if players are fined for flopping. The game is already has enough hiccups, and penalizing players for flops can be added to the list of controversy. Jeff Van Gundy may be ecstatic of the recent news, as he unflinchingly expresses in his weekend broadcasts on ABC, but I'm not.
Players in every sport are always going to try and sway an official. It's a part of the game. Instead of fining, train officials not to be so gullible.
It'll be interesting to see how the NBA manages this rule. Will offensive flopping be implemented as well? Will this rule only pertain to the defensive side and charges? Among the litany of red flags, those are a just a few concerns I have, but I'll make further assessments once details are released.
The refs already have enough onus, and this procedure doesn't make their job any easier.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

TBT: Bart Scott rant (Video)

This is exactly how I felt when I heard the news about the Referee's Association reaching an agreement with the NFL.
Cant Wait!!!
Now I can enjoy my Sundays in peace. Woosahhhh.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Top 5 after Week 3 (Video)


1. Houston Texans
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Arizona Cardinals
5. New York Giants

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Everything isn't black and white (Video)



"The eyes sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend."

The ball never lies, but the officials do

This whole week, I've been asking my friends and colleagues to lay off of the referees. "Give the guys a chance...The players just need to play their games...Some of the plays would be hard to call for anyone," are just a few examples I would utter in defense of the replacement referees.
But after this Seattle Seahawks vs Green Bay Packers melee, I will no longer vouch for those guys in white and black. Your "Get Out of Jail Card" has officially expired. Vamoose!
The outcome of Monday's game should actually be a crime. Let the hating commence.
Hate, hate, HATE! 
I was under the impression that the Football Gods wouldn't let a team win that didn't deserve to win. After two blunder penalties for passing interference and roughing the passer, I presumed there was no way a Hail Mary could be pulled off. But it seems as if the NFL Gods were on vacation with the Referee's Association.
It's disgusting to see how these Sunday and primetime games have transpired. The onus by no means doesn't fall completely on the replacement referees. But what in God's name was that referee looking at. You can see who didn't catch the ball, but not the 'crazy' push off to make the play in the first place. Crickets...
There was no reason to be impatient and make a egregious error. The eager beaver could be the collapse of a dam, you know.
Green Bay should be given this win. I don't really care how Seattle fans feel. I'm foreshadowing riots. The correct thing to do is to change the ruling and give the victory to Green Bay. Period! Under these circumstances, there should be an overturn. But knowing the NFL, I don't see it happening.
Golden Tate did not catch that ball. It was a horrible call. The dubious faults throughout each game need to stop, but as the game gets deeper, the more they arise.
Mike McCarthy and his unit didn't deserve this.
We as viewers will still stay glued to the television to watch our favorite teams and players, but I have a trepidation that we haven't seen anything yet.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Ray Lewis pump up (Video)

His words raise players to new levels, and his fearless attitude on the gridiron is unparalleled. For 17 years, Ray Lewis has been one of the best linebackers in the game, and will go down as one of greatest to ever do it. Although his numbers have gravitated slightly, his impact on the game hasn't changed a bit.
Monday, certainly is one of those days that no one looks forward to, so I thought I would share this video to help everyone kick off their week.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Fun Fact: 600 club


Due to Philadelphia Phillies' Ryan Howard hitting his 300th career homerun today (second fastest player to reach the milestone), I figured I would enlighten everyone with some history this evening. 
Ergo, on this day in 1963, Willie Mays blasted his No. 600 homerun against San Diego. I'm sure this name isn't foreign to any of  my baseball followers, but just in case your memory is a bit foggy, Mays is that guy who currently sits fourth on the all-time list with 660.
The thought of Howard surpassing Mays would never float across my mind, but I'm curious where the Philly slugger will stand at the end of his career. Will he even enter into the 500 club? What are your thoughts on Mr. Howard?

Thursday, September 20, 2012

TBT: Do it live



This clip is still by far one of the funniest tirades to take place in a studio.
I can assure my readers now, that you'll never see an outburst like that from me when I get on-air. But when it comes to getting caught for doing frivolous pranks and making jokes behind the scenes, I plead the fifth.
Furthermore, I hope this throwback rant helps you get through your day.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Do you really care?



See the way my bank account is set up....
After delivering this explosive hit on Sean Lee, Golden Tate was fined 21 stacks by the NFL. Rather than bore you and take a stance on this massive block, I'll cut straight to point and make my point.
Tate was fined a lot more because of his actions after the crack-back hit. It's not always the crime that gets you in trouble, but the coverup or in this instance, the aftermath. It was a nice block, but nothing to vaunt about. Blindside hits don't require skill.
The league has been adamant about making the NFL a safer league. Ever wonder why there ESPN discontinued their "Jacked Up" segment.
Football is a perilous sport, and player's health, ostensibly is now the number one concern. So they say...Why the Baltimore Ravens are scheduled to compete in four games over 17 days is still a riddle to me. I'm not that gung-ho about Thursday night games, but maybe I'm in a small fraternity that ends up watching highlights the next morning.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

NFL Week 2 Analysis (Video)



Week 2 is in the books, and the replacement referees are still here. Tune in as I grade their performance, while breaking down the NFC East.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Peyton flips out on teammate



Even the nicest guys have their "moments", and this Peyton Manning clip is just another instance.
I wonder if the Denver Broncos' offensive linemen have seen this side of Manning yet. My advice, don't ever suggest run plays in the red zone.
Furthermore, check out Manning and the Broncos take on the Dirty Birds of Atlanta in a few on ESPN.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Dunce of the Week: Josh Morgan

Although Week 2 technically isn't finished, I think it's safe to say that Washington Redskins Josh Morgan will unanimously win the Blockhead of the Week award.
Josh, clearly wasn't aware of Cortland Finnegan's habits. Ask Andre Johnson how he dealt with his problems (not that it means anything, but at least the Texans won lol). If you need a refresh, the video is posted below.
Think before you act next time Josh. Did you really think you were going to get away with that? C'Mon son!




Thursday, September 13, 2012

TBT: Touchdown Dances (Video)

Everyone has a different take on touchdown dances. I personally love them. Do as you must to express your feelings is my take, but respectfully of course.
If a defense doesn't like them, then don't let them score.
Obviously with the recent rule changes of excessive celebrations, the league doesn't see nearly as many braggadocios taunts or dances. But once a week, players will cut corners and bust a move.
In a game that your life is constantly on the line, I'm fine with letting players "show out." So if you were wondering, yes my coaching style would be very similar to Jimmy Johnson.


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

NFL Week 1 Exam (Video)



Tune in as Justin Walters breaks down Week 1 of the 2012-13 NFL season.
For more information, please visit justinrwalters.wordpress.com.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

9/11 Tribute (Video)



It's been said that the best speeches are unrehearsed, and this video by all means, nails that maxim on the head.

NBA 2K13 Trailer (Video)



Although my mindset is fully manipulated by football, the NBA season will be here before we know it. And 2K Sports seems to have presented us with another classic trailer for their new video game, NBA 2K13.  
Besides getting a chance to see Ray Allen compete in a red uniform (Miami Heat that is) and Dwight Howard play for one of the most storied franchises in the league, I'm fired up to watch Brandon Roy make a comeback.
Call me malleable, but I feel inclined to hit the court to go shoot some hoops.  

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Roddick's final bow

In lieu of the usual throwback classics I offer on Thursday, I chose to dedicate this post to Andy Roddick's retirement.
The former No. 1 ranked tennis player received a undying round of applause yesterday, after losing in four sets to Juan Martin del Potro in the fourth round of the U.S. Open. Although Roddick had already announced his retirement six days ago, many were pulling for the American to finish his career poetically in the U.S. Open finals.
Roddick's unparalleled character and passion for the game is indescribable. Known for his supreme, booming serves and silly personality, Roddick can assure himself that his signature can be edged permanently on this playing ground.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

NFL Week 1 Preview (Video)

Tune in as Justin Walters lets you know what to keep an eye out for this 2012-13 NFL season.
Don't forget to visit http://justinrwalters.wordpress.com/ for more info.