http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/GWrighster/home Recent GWrighster Posts en-us Thanksgiving Day games have not been good recently, but I expect different this year. There are three good match ups. TheLions, Packers, Cowboys, Dolphins, Ravens, and 49ers are all respectable teams. This week, divisional races will become more convoluted. Especially the NFC East. No one wants to win, so the Eagles will come and snatch it.Green Bay vs Detroit-  The unstoppable Packers roll into Detroit for Thanksgiving dinner. Aaron Rodgers is a human. Last week vs Tampa Bay he looked frustrated at times, but then he was spectacular when it counted. The Lions looked terrible in the beginning of the game but thanks to three Cam Newton interceptions they came back and won by 14. Detroit's offense is iffy at best. Stafford has to play better for this team to make the playoffs. The Packers will leave Detroit with two dinner plates. Their own and the Lions.Winner: PACKERSMiami vs Dallas- Do not adjust your television, the Miami Dolphins are a good football team. They play 10 differe... Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:30:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_12_playoff_push/8307865 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_12_playoff_push/8307865 Week 12: Playoff Push http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_12_playoff_push/8307865 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png This week in the NFL features some great games. One of the biggest questions is "Can Tebow beat the Jets?". A win would give the Broncos a chance to win the AFC West. If the Eagles beat the Giants who will win the NFC East? The Detroit Lions are on a slippery slope right now. A couple more losses and the season that started out with such promise will be lost. The Bills, Bengals, Falcons, Jets, and Cowboys all have question marks surrounding them and their season. It's time for teams and players to put up or shut up.As usual, don't be mad at me, the facts are the facts. I just simply state them. Leave a comment!New York Jets vs Denver- You can hate on Tim Tebow all you want, but the Broncos are 3-1 since he has taken over as the starter. It doesn't look pretty or traditional, but wins are wins. It is almost inexplicable that the Broncos won last week with Tebow only completing 2 passes. Now the Broncos will add another degree of difficulty to winning. Their top ... Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:47:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_winnerslosers_week_11/8158705 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_winnerslosers_week_11/8158705 NFL WInners/Losers: Week 11 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_winnerslosers_week_11/8158705 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/0/10134e8d136054d0f21dac2913d4f6df6414aa46/mini/pittsburgh-steelers-denver.jpg If you are a fan of the Cowboys, Jaguars, Ravens, Bears, or Jets be prepared to throw your hat on the ground in disgust. Week 10 will be headlined by upsets. Can Ben Roethisberger fend off the young Bengals? You cannot argue against facts, and these are the facts. Leave a comment!New York Giants vs San Francisco- I am still a huge skeptic of the 49ers. Alex Smith is playing like Trent Dilfer. He is not winning the games, but more importantly, he is not losing it. The 49ers are playing good offense, good defense, and good special teams. When you don't have an elite QB,you win football games by playing great defense, running the ball, and not turning the ball over. Eli Manning is having what could be his best season. With no Ahmad Bradshaw, the Giants won't run the ball well against this defense. Eli won't be able to pass his way out of this pickle. San Francisco is going manage the game to a tee. 49ersNew England vs New York Jets- What is going on with the New England pas... Sat, 12 Nov 2011 13:59:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_week_10_winnerslosers/8046292 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_week_10_winnerslosers/8046292 NFL Week 10 WInners/Losers http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_week_10_winnerslosers/8046292 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png When you hear the name Manny "Pacman" Pacquaio the first thing you think is; will he and Floyd "Money" Mayweather ever fight. Pacquiao has a fight on Saturday November 12 vs Juan Manuel Marquez. All this Mayweather talk needs to stop until this fight is over. Am I the only person who thinks Juan Manuel Marquez has a chance to beat Pacquiao? I will remind you , these two have fought two 12 round blood fests that could have gone either way on the score cards. The first fight they fought to a draw, and the second Pacquiao won by a narrow split decision. This fight will not be a cake walk.Manny has won his last 14 fights, and the last 7 he has been spectacular. He is at the top of his game, how could he lose? If you have tuned in to HBO's 24/7 about the fight, you will notice that a lot of training has changed in the Marquez camp. Marquez has added a strength and conditioning coach to improve his speed. Most notably, he has stopped drinking his own urine. When yo... Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:30:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/shocking_finish_pacquiao_vs_marquez_iii/8027836 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/shocking_finish_pacquiao_vs_marquez_iii/8027836 Shocking finish: Pacquiao vs Marquez III http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/shocking_finish_pacquiao_vs_marquez_iii/8027836 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Week 8 gave us some good games and allowed us to learn more about the teams that might make a run at the Super Bowl. This week features key divisional games in the AFC East, North, and West. The NFC also has big games, just not within their divisions. The cream will rise to the top in some divisions, while others like the NFC South and AFC West the waters will stay murky for another few weeks. Fans of two AFC teams be prepared to grab your tissues because the Super Bowl season you hoped for is on it's way down the tubes. As usual the Facts are the Facts. Leave your comments, I want to read them.New York Jets vs Buffalo- This game is a big for the over overachieving Bills. I said they have 9-7 written all over them. The division lead is at stake, and a chance to create a gap between themselves and the Jets. The Patriots will continue to win, so it will be a dogfight to win the AFC East. If Buffalo wants any chance of making the playoffs, these are games they have to win. The Jets... Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:17:00 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_week_9_facts_are_facts_again/7874299 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_week_9_facts_are_facts_again/7874299 NFL Week 9: Facts are Facts Again http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_week_9_facts_are_facts_again/7874299 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png In 2011, the company Electronic Arts (EA) who produces the Madden video game series, decided to take a new approach to choosing the cover athlete for Madden 12. There was a 32 man single elimination playoff that allowed the fans to vote on who they wanted to see on the highest selling sports game cover. Truth be told, EVERY NFL PLAYER WANTS TO BE ON THE COVER OF MADDEN. Anyone that tells you they don't is a lie. So why did LaDainian Tomlinson turn down the cover in  2008? Why would a player turn down being on the cover, and the big marketing dollars that come along with it? The answer is, the infamous "The Madden Curse". LT is the rare, superstitious  exception, not the rule. Every year us players actually talk about the curse like it is a real and living thing, but are willing to take the chance of being hit by the curse to grace the cover. As an athlete, one of the highest honors is to be on the cover of the most popular video game about your sport. The whole video g... Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:42:00 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/madden_curse_fact_or_fiction/7819612 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/madden_curse_fact_or_fiction/7819612 Madden Curse: Fact or Fiction http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/madden_curse_fact_or_fiction/7819612 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Finally, we are here, at the meat and potatoes of the NFL season. This is the point in the season where the cream rises to the top, and the rest fall by the wayside. In the first few weeks of the season, the standings are muddy. All the teams are separated by only a game or so. Now you will see glaring differences between contenders and pretenders. There is a lot of football left. I will let you in on the key match ups to watch out for, and players who will have a direct impact on the playoff picture. If everything about your team or favorite players is not flattering, don't be mad at me. Facts are Facts. Leave your comments below.New England vs Pittsburgh- The game of the day! This game will rest on the shoulders of both teams defense. There have been serious questions raised about both defenses. The much maligned New England run defense will get a test this week when they visit the steel city. Old, long toothed, aging, and gray haired are just a few of the adjectives used to d... Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:11:00 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_week_8_facts/7728571 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_week_8_facts/7728571 NFL Week 8 Facts http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/nfl_week_8_facts/7728571 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png A great running back does more than just runs the ball. He has to be a receiver and the QBs last line of defense in pass protection. You have to take who is the best in the league on a year by year basis? Players have great seasons and establish themselves elite, some have bad years and make us question their greatness. You will notice the league's 2000 yard man Chris Johnson is not on the list. The list is not built on potential. It is built on performance and he very well might finish the season under 1000 yards. Here is the list: Facts are Facts8.Darren McFadden- He started the season at a great pace and could be higher on the list, but this guy just can't stay healthy. You can't make the club in the tub. How long will he be out with this foot sprain?7. LeSean McCoy- When people talk about the best RBs in the league McCoy is not a name that first rolls off your tongue. However, he is one of the best. He has 8 total touchdowns and as long as he stays healthy will eclip... Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:30:00 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/who_is_the_best_rb_in_the_nfl/7728577 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/who_is_the_best_rb_in_the_nfl/7728577 Who is the Best RB in the NFL? http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/who_is_the_best_rb_in_the_nfl/7728577 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png As a NFL player one of the worst feelings is when you have a big game and the stadium is not full or when the other team has more fans than you. When I played for the Jaguars this was a frequent occurrence. Once the Pittsburgh Steelers came to town for Monday Night Football (MNF) and there were so many 'Terrible Towels' waving that it looked like we were in Pittsburgh. Even when we were winning and went to the playoffs (2005, 2007) there was still frequent blackout talk. Los Angeles is in the process of building a stadium to bring a NFL team to the city. The naming rights to the stadium have already been solidified by State Farm. There probably won't be any expansion from 32 teams due to the current divisional format, so someone has to move. Guess what Jacksonville, it's looking more and more like you every day!It's Friday, and if the team does not buy roughly 3000 tickets there will be a local blackout on MNF. A local blackout on Monday Night? That would be emba... Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:53:00 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/jaguars_possible_blackout_move_to_la/7728580 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/jaguars_possible_blackout_move_to_la/7728580 Jaguars possible blackout: Move to LA? http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/jaguars_possible_blackout_move_to_la/7728580 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png NFC Power RankingsAs the season goes on, there will be some movement on this list. Expect the Individuals (Eagles) and possibly the Buccaneers to enter the Top 5 at some point in time. The 49ers will stay simply based on their division. The teams to that are most likely to fall are the Saints and the Bears.1.Only an injury to Aaron Rodgers can take them out of the #1 spot.2.The Giants don't "WOW" you in any one area except the win column.3.This team could end up anywhere. Jay Cutler is a ticking time bomb for turnovers.4.Offense. Defense. Special Teams. Good Football.5.How will this offense play with their head coach and offensive coordinator in the booth? Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:47:00 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_7_nfc_power_rankings/7728583 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_7_nfc_power_rankings/7728583 Week 7: NFC Power Rankings http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_7_nfc_power_rankings/7728583 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/d/7d13c816004adc81adbd5883052a02381f1d0bff/mini/Packers_quarterback_Aaron_4378.jpg AFC Power Rankings1.I have two words for you... Tom Brady!2.Great defense and a running game will carry them.3.With the recent injury to Jason Campbell, the Chargers won't get much of a fight in the AFC West4.The Steelers are good but not great. They should stay on the list all season5.Don't expect them to remain on this list for long. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:49:00 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_7_afc_power_rankings/7728586 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_7_afc_power_rankings/7728586 Week 7: AFC Power Rankings http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_7_afc_power_rankings/7728586 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/6/46e009a639f2e45b4c80cf6f3a85e0c402f7166f/mini/New_England_Patriots_f725.jpg Well, well, well, what do we have here. The Eagles won ugly, Cowboys game didn't end well... for them, the Lions reality check has started, Bills lost, 49ers continue their run to the playoffs, and the AFC South is still weak. Don't be mad at me... Facts are Facts!The Giants are a dangerous teamHow do these guys keep winning? They had players dropping like flies in the beginning of the season but they have not missed a beat. Eli has been Eli... good but not great. With 3 TDs vs Buffalo, Ahmad Bradshaw has emerged as the featured back now that he has stopped fumbling. Nicks is clearly one of the best young wide outs in the league. He combines nice routes with an excellent pair of hands. While the Giants are winning they are not doing anything special. One player steps up each week and has an amazing game and they pull out wins. I still cannot buy them as Superbowl contenders. The G-mens defense gives up a lot of explosive plays. Buffalo had a couple LONG touchdowns. The Giant... Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:30:00 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_6_review_they_are_who_we_thought_they_were/7728589 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_6_review_they_are_who_we_thought_they_were/7728589 Week 6 Review: They are who we thought they were http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/week_6_review_they_are_who_we_thought_they_were/7728589 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png It's Week 6, and Facts are Facts!Eagles are still The Dream Team... In your dreams!There is no 'I' in team, and there's no 'D' in Philly either. This collection of Individuals called a defense "can't stop a nose bleed" (Bart Scott voice). Even with the horrendous play by The Individuals defense, Philly still could be 4-1, or 5-0. Dropped passes, poor pass protection leading to interceptions, fumbles, and bonehead plays are the headlines for Eagles highlights. With all this said, call me crazy but The Individuals still have a good chance to make the playoffs. They will scrape a couple ugly wins together and make a serious playoff run.The Eagles locker room is in disarray right now. There are a lot of people talking and not a lot of people listening. Everybody wants to stop the underachieving, but they have only been together a short period of time. With the whole off season missed due to the lockout, the leadership they need to pull themselves ou... Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:25:00 -0400 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/the_fact_is_week_6/7728592 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/the_fact_is_week_6/7728592 The Fact Is: Week 6 http://www.yardbarker.com/blog/gwrighster/article/the_fact_is_week_6/7728592 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png