The Conzz's Sports Lounge

Week 2 Picks

2008-09-13T15:58:00.002-04:00

Alright, I apologize for not posting my picks last week, but unfortunately The Conzz was out after some minor surgery. As for my picks last week, I went 9-7 (ask anyone in my Yahoo! Pick 'Em league for validity). I won with the Giants, Saints, Eagles, Bills, Jets, Patriots, Panthers, Packers, and Broncos; while I lost with the Lions, Texans, Jaguars, Bengals, Browns, 49ers, and Colts. Week 1 brought some shenanigans, I just hope to improve upon the performance because I feel lucky I am still in a tie for first with 9 wins. Without further ado my week 2 picks are as follows:

Titans (+1) over BENGALS

The Titans without Vince Young, people may say is a terrible pick. However, are you really convinced that a team that was in the playoffs a year ago can be stopped by that daunted Cincinnati Bengals defense? Also Kerry Collins I feel provides more stability to the passing game than Vince Young does. Vince Young adds a whole different dynamic to the game...just not in the pocket.

Packers (-3) over LIONS

A lot of people had the Lions as the best team in the NFC North last week. Those same people are starting to dust off those infamous Fire Matt Millen t-shirts now after last week's abysmal performance to Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, and the Falcons.

Saints (Pick 'em) over REDSKINS

This game should not be a pick 'em in my mind. The Saints started off the year with a great performance against a divisional rival last week, and the Redskins were lucking their defense kept the game as close as they did. I give to the Saints by a touchdown at least.

CHIEFS (-3.5) over Raiders

Brodie Croyle is not the answer for the Chiefs. Damon Huard is not the answer for the Chiefs either. However, watching Oakland basically get turned into a mop, soak up a beating by Denver's offense, and then get wrung out to dry on Monday night....I think a Damon Huard led offense that almost beat the Patriots could fare pretty easily against a poor Oakland Raiders' defense.

Bears (+3) over PANTHERS

Both of these teams had very surprising Week 1 victories last week over whom a lot of critics felt were far superior opponents. I was impressed by both of these teams, but I give the nod to the Bears this week because I feel their victory over the Colts last week was much more dominating. Matt Forte established himself as a significant threat in the Bears offense in the running game, something lacked last year, and Kyle Orton led this team to the playoffs a few years ago. Da Bears are a sleeping giant to be reckoned with.

Giants (-8.5) over RAMS

The Rams are in a lack of better words....pathetic.

Bills (+5.5) over JAGUARS

The Bills are probably the most underrated team in the league this season. Trent Edwards looked solid against the Seahawks who Chris Berman picked to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this year. Look for them to continue their success against a weakened Jacksonville team who are still reeling from some major injuries.

Colts (-2) over VIKINGS

The Colts really can't lose 2 in a row to start the season to the NFC North can they?

SEAHAWKS (-7) over 49ers

The Seahawks will be looking to recover from a weak Week 1 performance. All I have to say is J.T. O'Sullivan better be prepared to see the ground because the Seahawks defense will be angry and have a bullseye square on his back after their terrible performance in Buffalo.

Falcons (+7) over BUCCANEERS

I am not necessarily saying the Falcons will win this game, but I am saying I was impressed with what I saw last week versus the Lions. I say a late score will decide this game with a touchdown. Remember...for the last few years the last place team in the NFC South has come back to win the division the following year...Who knows what the Falcons have in store for us this year?

CARDINALS (-6.5) over Dolphins

This was a tough pick. I mainly took Arizona because I need to balance out my pick against home teams vs. away teams. I feel this game can go either way, but given Arizona covered last week...I will give them the benefit this week.

Chargers (-1.5) over BRONCOS

The Chargers got a reality check last week versus Carolina. It will probably work out for the best because they will have a bad taste in their mouths as they head up to Denver. San Diego will be looking to put that win up in the divisional column, but Denver will be no pushover in the fight. Look for a late score to put this game away in the Chargers favor.

JETS (-1.5) over Patriots

This just scares me all together. As a Jet fan, its not I am obliged to pick the Patriots, but Mr. Boston Sports Guy himself...Bill Simmons...picked the Jets as well. For certain, my pick for wild card of the season goes to Matt Cassel. If he performs well, this game will be close...if not, I can't even start to think about the possibilities this season has ahead.

Steelers (-6) over BROWNS

The Browns failed to impress me last week. They really did. My biggest question in all of my fantasy drafts was how much could I trust Derek Anderson? Well, he cost me my week one matchup in one league so I have a bad taste in my mouth. Also, after last week I think with Brady going down the Steelers will be looking to solidify itself as one of the favorites in the AFC. A win versus Cleveland goes a long way to helping that cause.

Eagles (+7) over COWBOYS

The Eagles might not win this game, but they most certainly will not lose by less than a touchdown.

Will be back later next week with an assessment of the Jets in Week 2.

Peace,

The Conzz

Jets Week 1 Breakdown

2008-09-08T15:14:00.003-04:00

In Favre I Trust.

Alright, so the Jets did not play the perfect game against the Dolphins in Week 1, but some great things did come out of it. Here are a few of things I noticed:

Brett Favre did what he had to do out there. He didn't do anything over the top to make himself seem superhuman (Yet, that toss up prayer throw to Chansi Stuckey was amazing)

Thomas Jones will have a very solid fantasy year. And all the moves along the offensive line have seemed to pay off. Jones had a solid day of rushing with 101 yards on 22 attempts. Even though the line was called for a handful of penalties, they will easily provide Jones with the holes he needs to become a 1,000 yard rusher again.

When he was drafted in April, I said Dwight Lowery would win out the starting corner job by the end of the season...well with opening day done, I think he secured it up yesterday. All around, our secondary played solid. Most notable play of the game was obviously Revis' interception that saved the game in the end.

Finally, our front 7 played very well and gave Chad Pennington adequate pressure. It was sad seeing Chad go, but I still feel Favre can get us further than he ever could. It was nice to see Calvin Pace get involved, as well as Bryan Thomas realizing his job is on the line all season get two sacks for us. If we can keep this up, our defense should be a formidable unit for the entire season.

With that said, I do not count my chickens especially after week 1. Yes, Tom Brady might be out for the season but once again we must understand...this is the New York Jets. This is the team that breaks their fans hearts year after year after year. However, the buzz is out there. We are 1-0, and it seems like we were noticed. It will be an interesting year as we move forward.

I give the Jets performance all around a B+. There was plenty of room to improve with penalties and a near collapse late, but I was very impressed by what I saw in the first week.

Until next time,

The Conzz

Favre, FedEx Cup, Olympics

2008-08-25T18:51:00.003-04:00

I asked somebody the other day, a fellow Jets fan, I am sorry I have been sitting in a cave in Mars with my fingers in my ears and my eyes shut; Did the Jets get a new quarterback or something?

I think its time to finally give my opinion the Brett Favre trade. This deal was a STEAL for the Jets. We gave up a fourth round pick if he does not perform up to the way we hope he does. We give up a first round pick if we make the Super Bowl. Think about it...would you give up a first round pick to see your team in the Super Bowl? It makes perfect sense. He is far better than anyone else we had. I will miss Chad, he has brought many highs to our team, but he is still NO Brett Favre.

I actually shedded some tears for the acquisition. I was just so happy to finally see the Jets do something that they had never done. They finally decided to just act boldly and make the big headlines they have never made. It was almost surreal to see how much of the city was finally talking about the Jets...even after the Giants won the Super Bowl back in February. I am looking forward to this upcoming season because even if we don't do anything big...we finally took the chance to put ourselves in position.

Yesterday, the first leg of the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedEx Cup, The Barclays, ended on a very high note. Vijay Singh defeated Sergio Garcia and Kevin Sutherland on the second playoff hole to claim his fourth Barclays title. The players gave plenty of praise to the new course, Ridgewood Country Club, which hosted the tournament after 41 years in Westchester. The new format for FedEx Cup points also proved to be more successful in creating drama. Kenny Perry who came in as the highest ranked active player (Tiger Woods was #1 but is out due to injury) fall five places to #7. Vijay Singh is now the leader, followed by Sergio Garcia and Kevin Sutherland is second and third respectively. The FedEx Cup looks to bring a lot of drama to the TOUR over the next month. I can't wait to see who will bring home the $10 million.

Finally, the Olympics ended on a high note this week. This was the most watched Olympics ever in history. Thanks to Michael Phelps' dominating 8 gold medal performance, and Usain Bolt's 3 world record breaking gold medal races. Beijing put the spark back in the Olympics that had been missing since Atlanta in 1996. I am anxiously awaiting to see how Vancouver in 2010, and London 2012 can try and top this superb performance we saw. Also, rumors are circulating that Chicago is starting to be seen as the favorite to host the games in 2016 (Sports Business Daily 8/25).

More to come as the NFL season is right around the corner, and my preview to come shortly.

Keep on fighting the good fight,

The Conzz

Favre is a Jet!

2008-08-07T00:22:00.000-04:00

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp08/news/story?=id=3522971

More news to come as Brett Favre is traded to the Jets!!!

Favre era ends in Green Bay with trade to Jets

2008-08-07T00:19:00.001-04:00

Its a mad, mad, mad, mad, world.

2008-07-25T11:42:00.002-04:00

Over the last few days we have seen two major brawls in the world of sports. The WNBA brawl was fairly fascinating to watch. The biggest story to come out of it was the fact the WNBA was getting publicity, granted it was not good publicity. Telelvision host Jimmy Kimmel on his late night show even went so far to replay the tape with a different announcer voiceover saying "Oh my God! This is the most action in a game in WNBA history! Why isn't anybody watching this right now?"

The question I pose from this is: Is any publicity really good publicity?
I would in this case have to vote yes. The WNBA is in desparate need of publicity, and the way the fight went it almost seemed as if it was staged. I am not saying it was, but it was a great marketing ploy because all over the internet people have actually been googling the WNBA. It gives the exposure out of a popular sport in a not so popular league. Sure, the fight might have not been a great thing to happen but it is getting the WNBA out there more. This is probably the most SportsCenter has covered the league since its inception in 1997.

The brawl that was in the minor leagues the other night was just your typical baseball brawl, with just one twist. Julio Castillo decided it would be a great idea to hurl a baseball at full speed into the opposing team's dugout. Well, one thing Julio didn't take into play was his accuracy and he unfortunately beaned a fan who had to be taken out on a stretcher. This incident will most likely mean an immediate end to Castillo's career but the trouble doesn't end there. He was arrested after the game and is due in court this morning to face charges of assault. What a way to go out there pal, the Illinois Penal League awaits!

In other news,
Kudos to Padraig Harrington on winning his second straight British Open. It was a great day for the Irish once again, but it was also great to see Greg Norman playing well again. He said that Chris Evert has really inspired him to start playing more competitvely. Perhaps this marriage will mean that we will see Chris Evert make a dramatic run at the US Open next month in Flushing. Hey stranger things have happened.

Jets training camp has opened, and the early word is that Chad Pennington is ahead of Kellen Clemens in the race for the starting quarterback position. I like Chad, but remember he is 32 years old. People should not be waiting to 'see what he's got' at that age. This is Chad's last stand. If he does not win his job back from Clemens, its safe to say his career with the Jets does not stand to have much of a lifespan left.

Thanks again for visiting The Conzz's Sports Lounge, we look forward to seeing you again.

Cheers,
The Conzz

Keith: Alright we got Tom from Staten Island on the phone; Me: Keith, let me give you some thoughts on the call-in idea SNY has.

2008-07-09T21:40:00.002-04:00

Alright, I have been meaning to comment on this for over a week. Last week I was out eating dinner with my family, and there were two games on. Obviously, one was the Yankees and the other was the Mets. Even though I am a die hard Yankee fan, I could not keep my eyes off of SNY. The reason why: SNY is allowing fans to call into the booth to talk to the commentators. Do I like this idea? Actually, I think its great. It gives the Mets the feel of a small market ball club (which compared to the Yankees they practically are) and at the same time gives fans a chance to be like "this franchise is terrible (turrible for you Charles Barkley fans)". If you are so far off the mark with your franchise and television coverage that you need fans to call in and voice their opinions. I can only imagine it now:

Caller: This Mets team is pissing me off.

Keith: Well,, derrrr ughhh derrrrr (glug)

Caller: What?

Keith: Im Keith Hernandez, I don't need to respond.

Frankly, I give SNY props for being innovative, but you would never see Michael Kay talk to viewers during a broadcast...Thank God for the callers.

Other than that, had the chance to meet Dan Patrick and Keith Olberman the other day. The 'Big Show' returns from Sportscenter's hayday to NBC's Football Night in America this fall. Should be a lot of fun, just judging how these two guys interact on a personal basis. Not just good anchors, but good friends as well. Potential for some great chemistry.

Things are looking up, and my pick for television this weekend: The American Century Championship on NBC. A fun tournament with celebrities ranging in skill from Rick Rhoden (a semi-professional pro golfer now) to who else but...Charles Barkley (just turrible...what a knucklehead...is he in your five?) Look forward to having more good times with you all next week. For now I leave you.

Peace be with y'all,

The Conzz

US Open and CELTICS CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

2008-06-19T20:19:00.002-04:00

This has been a great week for sports for me. The US Open being a hit, the Celtics winning the NBA Championship to become the first one of my teams to win since the Yankees in 2000, and the Yankees are on a seven game winning streak. Times are good.

The US Open finish was spectacular. That playoff made anyone who questioned the 18 hole playoff system for the US Open shut up. Granted you are not going to get the goofy journeyman pro like Rocco Mediate in the playoff everytime but it was great television. Perfect timing too, weekday daytime. I am sure with all the storylines surrounding Tiger's knee, if he was going to win, and Rocco's comeback that NBC did not really throw a curveball to its soap opera viewers. Every hole was like a soap opera. Tiger grimaces in pain, Rocco goes three down to Woods, Rocco charges back, will Tiger pull it out? Great television. Great golf. Great US Open. Period. Unfortunately Woods will not be seen for the rest of the year as the PGA TOUR ratings will not plummet once again.

Speaking of Mediate, how could you root against this guy? He had this attitude of an "aww shucks, I don't know how I got here" country boy from South Florida, he smiled every hole I think and his round goes up and down and never stayed steady. I compared him to watching the New York Jets on Monday. As mentioned in previous entries, the Jets just can't let you have a definitive ending. Neither could Rocco. The Jets will be down 20 at halftime, charge back to come within a touchdown or even take the lead, only to blow it real late. Rocco was 3 down to Tiger, and came back to take the lead by one, lost the lead when Tiger sent the playoff into 'overtime', and then lost on the first possession of OT. My heart was in my stomach rooting for this guy. Its not that I dislike Tiger, I just couldn't root against Rocco. Granted also, at The Barclays I had to give him his umbrella during the final round last year that he left in his locker which would have made golfers I came in direct contact with at the tournament 2 for 2 at the majors this year (drove Trevor Immelman back after the Pro-Am). If that happened I was putting my money on Steve Stricker, Paddy Harrington, Jim Furyk, and Zach Johnson at the remaining majors.

Anyway, Rocco brought out the heart of the average golf fan. He was David going up against Goliath. My emotions were on a rollercoaster watching this guy and I couldn't help but not root for him. When he didn't sink that putt on 18 it was like the point in the Jet game my dad looks over and says...Tommy, nothing good can come out of this game anymore, lets go home. You knew it was over. He had fought valiantly, but it was time to just throw in the towel. Great Open though. It had everyone talking, offices stopping work to watch, just the USGA should pat themselves on the back for a job well done.

I would like to congratulate Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and the rest of the Boston Celtics for winning the NBA Championship. Well done! I just want to make a quick comment that even though KG provided an excellent sound bite with "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE", I felt Michelle Tafoya was a little too aggressive in her post-game interview. She wanted to keep KG there as long as she could, kept saying Kevin one more question, Kevin one more question. The man just won his first NBA Championship, Michelle. How about you let him celebrate it and stop trying to force the sound bite out of him when he almost incomprehensible with tears of joy. Other than that, decent coverage of my Celtics championship.

Its been a good week, lets hope the Yanks can keep on rolling.

Till the next time,

The Conzz

Forgive me

2008-06-12T23:02:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know I started this page with the intentions of updating it regularly, but computer difficulties were at a premium this past semester.

Its US Open week and we got people wondering who the hell are these guys at the top of the leaderboard? Personally, do not write off Kevin Streelman right away. Back in February he was in second place at the Buick Invitational through two rounds. The course the tournament was played at: Torrey Pines. Streelman's third round playing partner? Tiger Woods.

For a guy like Kevin Streelman, a guy who played on basically every tour except the AST Dew Tour (airing on NBC next weekend), his journey to the PGA TOUR is almost like that of an immigrant coming to Ellis Island. He fought and fought and had to go through screening after screening (Q-School) until he qualified for his exemption or "citizenship" rights on the TOUR.

So Streelman is now 2 months into his official first stint as a card carrying member of the TOUR, and you get paired with the best player...or at least the most dominant player...in the world ever. This is almost like being invited to dinner in your honor to accept an award then being told hey...your picking up the bill on this one. Playing with Woods obviously is no easy task (just ask Davis Love III who just seems to see his scores balloon when he does). Streelman would go onto shoot 75-77 on the weekend and finished tied for 29th.

However, he has seen success on this golf course this season. I am not saying that Kevin Streelman will win this tournament...but don't count him out of it just because you don't know his name. Every immigrant came to Ellis Island in search of the American Dream. Well, maybe the golf equivalent of Kevin Streelman's journey through Q-school to the TOUR has a decent finish at the US Open in the cards.

Hope to post more often now that I have my own laptop again.

To US Open week,

The Conzz

Week 17 Picks

2007-12-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

By far this has to be the wackiest week for NFL spreads in history. At first glance, I was blindsided then you realize a lot of teams (more than usual for this week) are resting their starters for the playoffs. Its also sad that there are really only two games that matter this week for the playoff chase, and neither opposing team of the team in the drivers' seat are really go full throttle. So more or less, the playoffs are decided inevitably. At least the Patriots and Giants agreed to someoddly play a real game. The state of the union address of football games, because in NYC the game will be on channels 2, 4, 9, and NFL Network for those who have it. Four channels are carrying the game. If the Giants just roll over or the Patriots take a dive...Sen. John Kerry will look very foolish for forcing the NFL to putting this game on. I mean, the Patriots fans across America...come on, please. Give me a break. Patriots fans are confined to one area, New England. The rest of the country for the most part hates them. Yeah, you get your casual frontrunner and all, but still...they are not the Cowboys, they are not the 49ers, they are not the Packers, and they are not the Steelers....thousands upon thousands of these teams' fans travel to every game and live all throughout the nation. Sure, there will be a lot of Patriots fans at Giants Stadium tomorrow night, but they would probably not travel if the team were playing in oh lets say....San Diego.

With that we go on to the picks. Last week: 7-9 Season:119-110-11 (Lets get this over 130!)

GIANTS (+13.5) over Patriots

Yeah, the Patriots more likely than not will get their 16-0. Tom Brady will lead yet another crappy drive down the field, and Steve Gotskowski will kick a mediocre game-winning field goal that will go down as the greatest field goal ever made, on the greatest drive ever concocted. This reminds me of Pats-Panthers Super Bowl. Carolina was in control that 4th quarter, if that game went to overtime they had it. Then John Kasay kicks it out of bounds. Brady drives the ball 40 yards in a minute and a half. Pats win the Super Bowl. Its not that hard to do for a good NFL quarterback. The Panthers lost that Super Bowl on the kickoff. Not Vinatieri's field goal. Once again, God forbid sports fans ever criticize Tom Brady's clutch performances. I tell you I will laugh if they lose to Jacksonville, Indy, or San Diego in the playoffs. I mean, I literally think I might fall out of my seat and onto the floor if it happens.

Bengals (-3) over DOLPHINS

We go from the best team in the league to the worst team in the league. I just feel if your going to be craptacular go for the gold!

EAGLES (-7.5) over Bills

Well Donovan, I guess you heard that I was questioning your manhood here the last few weeks. Kudos, you still look like some gas (1/4) left in the tank. Other than that, the Bills have to be demoralized after that loss to the Giants last week. Eagles win big here.

Seahawks (+1) over FALCONS

I think that if I went out on the field with 22 of my friends split between offense and defense, that we could beat the Falcons. So why shouldn't the Seahawks second team be able to do so as well?

Saints (-2) over BEARS

Wow! You mean we get to see these two great teams...wait this isnt last year. NBC has to hate that this game has no meaning after last season. The Saints have come along quite nicely during the end of this season. I think I am more impressed with Drew Brees this year than I have with him in any other year of his career because he has no real running game and has been doing it with his arm by itself. He stepped up a notch this year. A notch just below truly elite (where he was last year, but he solidified himself there now).

Panthers (-3) over BUCS

Jon Gruden basically conceded the rest of the regular season last week against the 49ers. However, it was a win for the whole league because the 49ers now have almost gotten the Patriots out of the top of the draft.

BROWNS (-10) over 49ers

You tell me that nutcase Derek Anderson doesn't want to overcome last week's choke performance? Or perhaps its just signs of "Hey Brady Quinn is right behind me! I have to give him some sort of chance to start next season! Its the right thing for the franchise."

PACKERS (-4) over Lions

Sad that a team locked into a playoff spot is favored against a team that at one point should have been in the playoff picture. By the way, I think you would have to chain Brett Favre to the bench in order to keep him out of the game on Sunday. And still you would probably have to keep a security detail present with him to keep him there.

JAGUARS (+6.5) over Texans

The Texans are playing good ball, I just feel this game is closer than 6.5 because Quinn Gray is not half that bad.

Chargers (-8.5) over RAIDERS

Philip Rivers trash talks his way past a weak Raiders team. He will look at JaMarcus Russell and say to him "Hey kid...I was traded for the first pick overall, Im the man! You will never be me!" At this point, if Russell's arm is as strong as we think it is, an 80 mph right hook will land on Rivers' temple giving him a slight concussion.

JETS (-6.5) over Chiefs

This just seems right. Herm Edwards costs the Jets there shot at Reggie Bush in 2005 as Jets coach with a meaningless win over Buffalo in week 17, and now he will ruin our chance at getting Darren McFadden in 2008 as Chiefs head coach with letting us beat them in week 17. I really, really hate Herm.

Rams (-6) over CARDINALS

God will draft a new quarterback next season, and he will be the variety of a Catholic school product known as Matt Ryan. He will thank Kurt Warner though, by offering him a front office job in the Heaven football franchise organization.

COWBOYS (+9) over Redskins

Even the scrubs keep this rivalry brewing. Cowboys might not win, but they will keep it close.

Vikings (-3) over BRONCOS

The Vikings are just feening to get in, and don't think Coach Brad Childress won't keep the Redskins from watching the scoreboard if there game is close, and he lets Adrian Peterson loose to try and pass LT for the rushing title.

Steelers (-6) over RAVENS

Steelers slide into fourth slot in the AFC just in time to face the Jaguars and be one and done.

COLTS (-9) over Titans

I don't know why I picked this. There is something about Jim Sorgi that makes me feel like he is a cool guy and I just shouldn't pick against him.

COMING MONDAY: State of the Jets address. Review of the season and the sports year in general.

Till the flip side commeth,
The Conzz

My Teams

2007-12-20T20:13:00.000-05:00

Okay, we all saw my picks in the last entry for the NFL. I would now like to provide my readers with a view of the teams I root for in sports and why. My teams are the New York Jets, the New York Yankees, the Manhattan Jaspers, the Boston Celtics, the West Virginia Mountaineers, and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

I will initially begin with my team of most recent allegiance: The Pittsburgh Penguins. My roommate in sophomore and junior year of high school had firm cheering teams. He became a Patriots fan in 2001 when Tom Brady became the starter (claiming he rooted for Tom Brady while he was the University of Michigan...this was after he abandoned his Cowboys allegiance), he became a San Antonio Spurs fan when they drafted Tim Duncan for the reasons he became a Patriots fan (followed Duncan at Wake Forest), and the only legitimate fan hood I would give him would be the Yankees...but his favorite player is A-Rod. A-Rod is nobody's favorite player. So all in all you can see that my roommate is what we call....a frontrunner. So having all these teams to root for and no sturdy hockey allegiances I decided to root for the Pittsburgh Penguins after they drafted Sidney Crosby. I mean think about it, Sidney Crosby is one year younger than me and is probably more successful than I will ever be in my life. The kid is just nasty as a player. The big question lies though that if Sidney leaves the Penguins do I still root for him or do I root for the franchise...I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

My next team, the Boston Celtics, dates way back to the days of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish, and Dennis Johnson. I just remember growing up and hating the Lakers, hating the Bulls, and hating the Pistons. My dad told me that Larry Bird was the greatest player the game had ever seen. Suprisingly, fifteen years later I told my dad I was a Celtics fan and he didn't have the slightest clue as to why I would be. My dad turned out to be a Knick fan and hates the Celtics. That left me scratching my head for awhile. After many years of disappointment from the NBA, its nice to see the Celtics might finally regain that championship form that had abandoned them since the 80s. My favorite NBA player...Kevin Garnett...was traded to them during the offseason. It has restored hope to Celtic Nation. However, its just unfortunate that this team has to play in Boston. If they go on to win the NBA Championship you can only imagine how even more obnoxious that city will be.

Manhattan College is my alma mater. I am currently a senior there right now, so the term alma mater is actually a few months away for me. I used to be the voice of the crowd, being that obnoxious...but tasteful fan in the bleachers. Manhattan should have been close to being considered a top 25 team this year. Bobby Gonzalez ruined that one for us. Our All-MAAC guard Jeff Xavier now plays for Providence, our suspended power forward C.J. Anderson transferred to Xavier and is starting for them, and our starting center Arturo Dubois...well I dont know where Party Artie went, but wherever he is....he's not play Division I college basketball. It was supposed to be a year of promise, and now I am here in my senior year watching not a single player who was here during my freshman year. Its hard at times to get excited for them. Its the school pride that flows within your veins though that keeps you going out there. That and our win streak versus Iona. Iona is terrible. I have a good story about a Manhattan-Iona game a couple of years ago.

The West Virginia University is my excuse to root for a school that has a college football team. Also, my dad's best friend Frank sent all three of his kids to the fine institution. So I got adopted into a college football community. In my teen years, I received crash courses in Couch Burning 101, Tales of the Pre-game Pit 213, and Major Harris History 354. It kills me to not have gone to a school with a good college football team. Hell, I didnt even apply to one. I also follow them in basketball which kills my sister and father, the girl who graduated from Villanova, and the man who wants to be Mr. Villanova. My logic is simple...Manhattan vs. Villanova in basketball...my dad spent more money on a Villanova education so he wears the $35,000 hat over the $28,000 hat. So I take a neutral side and root for the Mountaineers. Imagine being at the Big East tournament with a die hard Villanova fan wearing a West Virginia hat. Imagine that Villanova fan after Mike Gansey got fouled with 00.1 seconds left on the clock, and he hitting the foul shot to win the game. Now imagine that Villanova fan walking past a group of WVU fans singing Country Roads. Yeah, she wasn't happy and my WVU fanhood was complete at that point. I made it a point to at some point in my life experience the Mountaineer Stadium gameday.

I have been rooting for the Yankees from the day I was born. I am what you say a non-bandwagon Yankees fan. I call out fans for stupid opinions. My favorite Yankee was Donnie Baseball...anyone who says a post-96 Yankee besides Pettitte, O'Neill, or Williams I automatically question. Yankee fans are probably the most fake fans in the Major Leagues. We just expect to win the World Series every year. We cry over losing in the first round of the playoffs. Please, after this season and after the 2005 season we were just lucky to even be there. The Yankees fans are like the USA of baseball. We are greedy. We expect the best and when the best doesnt happen it destroys us. Then you have fans of the Pirates, the Devil Rays, and for lack of a better team the Milwaukee Brewers. These fans would kill for even a playoff berth. The Yankees are the greatest sports franchise in history. I love them for it. I just hate how obnoxious and stupid our fans are at times. I hate how these fans call me a fake Yankee fan for hating the Mets more than the Red Sox. They use the 'oh its New York' argument. The hell with that. In the 1950s that wouldn't have flied with any Yankee fan. The Red Sox were a rival, not the main enemy. The enemy was the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Yankee-Red Sox rivalry is only good if both teams are playing well. Thats why you didn't hear anything about it until 1999 when they played each other in the ALCS. I hate Boston too, I am not letting them off the hook. They are another bane of my existence. The Mets being halfway decent is good though. You now see the Yankee bandwagon getting smaller and the real fans coming back out. Its about time, we've missed you over the last decade.

Rooting for a team with such great success needs to be balanced out by a team with such great disappointment. The New York Jets are the love of my life. They are the reason I wake up from September through January. Every year, this team breaks my heart time and time again. You want a good psychoanalysis project...dissect the mind of a Jets fan. We won the most important football game of all time, and haven't had anything to show for it since. It seems like when we have 'the team' that something always has to go wrong. Its so painful, but I always have used the same mantra...wait till next year. My friends are taking bets on my reaction to the Jets winning the Super Bowl. If they ever do. I really don't know what I would do. Part of me feels I might just sit in my seat and cry a little bit, because I almost feel I might not ever be that happy again in my sports fan life. I mean this team has given me such heartache in my life. I was ridiculed by my friends for sticking through it with them in 1995 and 1996, the Kottite years. They might have been the two worst years of my life to date. I live for the names of Martin, Chrebet, Mawae, Coles, Victor Green, Mo Lewis. Great Jets players. Kerry Rhodes, Al Toon, Marvin Jones. I could go on for hours just talking about this team. I love them. There is so much that goes on with being a Jets fan. You guys will soon find out what that is very quickly.

Those are my teams. Over the years, you will become even more attached to my mind and why I root for them. We have good times ahead, hopefully my teams can just get better and I can have some peace in my life.

Biggest fan of the best 3-11 team of all time (-Jeff Fisher),
The Conzz

Welcome

2007-12-19T17:32:00.000-05:00

To all my readers who have followed me from my xanga, welcome to The Conzz's Sports Lounge. This site will cover everything and anything from my NFL weekly picks, to just my general opinion on various matters in sports. I look forward to entertaining you with my opinions on the world of sports, and hope this starts out well.

Without further ado, lets get this blog started with the Week 16 NFL Picks.

According to xanga.com/tommyconzz , we all saw that I went 8-8 in my first week of making my picks public. With my Yahoo picks I am 50% correct with my picks on the season with the spread, but I have a win percentage of .526 and a total record of 112-101-11. As for this week:

Steelers (-7.5) over RAMS

Marc Bulger and the Rams have shown some spunk over the last few weeks. To be honest, I like what I see and they play in what I feel is a relatively weak division. Everybody jumped on the 49ers bandwagon early this year, and everybody will be doing the same with the Cardinals next season. I am not saying St. Louis will be in the playoffs next season, but they should at least contend. Seattle is head and shoulders above everyone in the NFC West anyway. The Steelers desperately need this game, I feel Roethlisberger and that offense comes out and put the pedal to the metal early and often.

Cowboys (-10.5) over PANTHERS

It is interesting to think what the Panthers could have been like this year with a real quarterback. They have gone through this season parading out David Carr and Vinny Testaverde and a quick 4-2 start has now faltered into a 6-8 late season swoon. Give them some respect though, they lost games to playoff contenders like Indianapolis, Tennessee, Green Bay, a resurgent New Orleans squad, and Jacksonville. Its been a tough road for them since that 25-10 win over Arizona. However, there is no excuse for dropping one to Atlanta. This is why I say Tony Romo and the 'Boys rebound Saturday night and show people why they are the best team in the NFC.

JAGUARS (-13.5) over Raiders

I really like this Jacksonville team. They are young, they have a chip on their shoulder, and I think they are potentially dangerous in the playoffs. It is hard to lose to the same team three times in one season, and this is why you can bet Indy is hoping they do not run into them in the second round.

LIONS (-4.5) over Chiefs

Rumor has it that the Jets and the Chiefs are negotiating a trade for Chad Pennington and Lavernues Coles for a first round pick next year and a few other draft picks. I guess Herm Edwards is getting bored with watching a dismal Chiefs offense and wants to relive the days of an even more dismal Jets offense.

COLTS (-7) over Texans

Houston has proven a lot to the NFL this year. They have shown they weren't idiots for drafting Mario Williams for starters. Secondly, 7-7 is probably more than anyone ever thought they could have accomplished this season. Give it to Gary Kubiak, Matt Schaub, and the Houston Texans franchise. If it wasn't for the fact that playing .500 football is good enough for last place in the AFC South, I'd say they would be perrenial playoff contenders.

Eagles (+3) over SAINTS

Fly Eagles Fly! The Eagles did quite a number on the Cowboys last week. They look like they are fighting for their jobs since they have no realistic playoff shot...Well, in the case of Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid they might actually be fighting for their jobs.

BILLS (+3) over Giants

This is a real fun game to keep an eye on. Buffalo has got to be angry about the situation that occurred over the last week. First, you have to play in a blizzard on the road. Second, your plane gets snowed in Cleveland. Third, you have to take a 13 hour bus ride home. And finally, the worst part has to be you get off that bus and realize your are in Buffalo, New York. You think the Bills are going to come out angry? Yeah, my money is on the Bills circling the wagons around the Giants, forcing the G-Men to fight for their playoff lives in week 17.

BEARS (+8.5) over Packers

I am going to pick The Pack to actually win the game here, but Chicago showed some spunk against Minnesota last week. I say Favre dominates this game, but the Bears keep within a touchdown. As long as the Bears avoid the turnovers the game shall be close.

Browns (-3) over BENGALS

At the beginning of the season did we really think that these two teams would be in the positions they are now? Even after the 51-45 shootout, it didnt seem possible. The Bengals are once again starting to look more like the Bungles of yesteryear. Their season has been brutal to watch, and even their victories are ugly. Bengals management should basically deliver Marvin Lewis the ultimatum next season of making the playoffs or your fired. The Bengals at least did the NFL a favor last week, because the 49ers win gives the Patriots a worse shot at getting Darren McFadden in the draft.

Falcons (+10) over CARDINALS

Atlanta just has to be due for a good game. This might have to be the worst time possible for Atlanta sports. The Braves went another year without winning the NL East, the Michael Vick situation, and the fact that nobody...it even seems like Arthur Blank too....does not want to fix this mess the Falcons are entrenched in. Lets give Atlanta sports fans a close game here at least against Arizona.

Buccanneers (-6) over 49ERS

Jeff Garcia is proving he might be one of the most underrated quarterbacks in recent times in the NFL. He has led the Bucs to being the last place team to a first place team. I give them a lot of credit. If Cadillac Williams can stay healthy next season, this team might cause some real damage in the playoffs next season despite what might appear to be a one-and-done performance this year. Also, the 49ers should be punished for being this bad because they have allowed the potential of New England becoming even stronger.

TITANS (-8.5) over Jets

I am really getting ticked off at Jets fans who say Chad Pennington should still be starting. Lets look at this...Games Chad won: 1 Games Kellen Clemens won: 2. Big woop I know, but I also think if Clemens stays in the game last week against the Patriots the game might be closer than it was. Chad starting the rest of the way basically will ensure that the Jets receive the 2nd or 3rd draft choice. Kellen Clemens is the future Jets fans, let go of Chad for the love of God.

PATRIOTS (-22) over Dolphins

The Bellichick-Parcells feud might light up again now that Parcells is close to signing with his third AFC East squad. I wonder if he leaves Miami and goes to Buffalo if Roger Goodell will rename the AFC East, the Bill Parcells division? Other than that Miami got off the schneid last week. It will be the only hilight of this season, so Dolphins fans just don't even bother watching this one. It will be ugly early and often.

SEAHAWKS (Pick' Em) over Ravens

Easiest game of the week to pick. Seattle will have full control and the Ravens' front office might start reconsidering the idea of bringing Brian Billick back. It should not take close to a decade to build an offense.

VIKINGS (-6) over Redskins

Great NFC battle. Both of these teams are fightinig for playoff spots, and if Washington pulls it out and Buffalo beats the Giants, the Redskins will still be alive. It will be a hard fought battle, and look for none other than Adrian Peterson to make the difference in this one.

Broncos (+8.5) over CHARGERS

Chargers are playing well, but these two teams always play each other hard. It will be a close one, but I still feel the Chargers will pull this one out. It should be a fun game to watch, but LT will probably have the deciding factor in this one.

Thats it for now. Once again, Welcome to The Conzz's Sports Lounge. Look forward to bringing you more news as we go along.

Peace playas,
The Conzz