Tony Stewart Accident With Video

Here is the video of Tony Stewart running over Kevin Ward.  Warning: It is graphic.

My take on the crash:

I don't want to jump to any conclusions, but it seems far fetched that Tony Stewart purposely hit Ward.

1. First, Tony Stewart doesn't have motive.  He's a successful NASCAR driver and a millionaire.  He's been in wrecks before on much bigger stages.  Why would he feel so much anger towards Ward when it isn't even a big stage?
2. There was a car in front of Stewart, which would make it hard for him to see Ward.  Also, it would be nearly impossible for him to slow down and brake.  
3. Moreover, it looks like he was trying to avoid Ward.  He seems to hit Ward with the right side of his car.  It appears like he was trying to swerve out of the way.  If you purposely wanted to run someone over, you would hit them squarely.  

Again, I don't want to jump to conclusions.  The police will investigate and everything will become clear.  It just seems unlikely to me that Stewart would intentionally run over Ward.  Even if Stewart is completely innocent, it is still a tragic and horrible accident.  

LebronCenter: "The Indecision"

It's that time again... SportsCenter has turned into LebronCenter.

ESPN should see a doctor, because they've had an erection lasting more than 4 weeks for Lebron.

They cared more about Lebron's reaction to losing the NBA Finals than the Spurs' reaction to winning it.  Now, they have just about neglected all other sports news in order to make room for Lebron's indecision.

It's starting to get ridiculous.  Lebron, for the sake of my sanity, please just make a decision.

Lebron "Breaking News"

BREAKING NEWS into SportsCenter: Lebron James had scrambled eggs for breakfast.  We have NBA Analyst Brian Windhorst standing by to break this down for us.

Coming up next on SportsCenter, how US Men's soccer team's match against Germany tomorrow will affect Lebron's decision.

Chicago Cubs Season

This pretty much sums up the Cubs season. 

Jermichael Finley: Take the Money

Jermichael Finley has a tough decision ahead of him.

Last season, he suffered a serious neck injury, causing him to miss the remainder of the season and putting his career in jeopardy.

Now, he is testing free agency.  However, if he decides to retire and never plays again because of his neck, he will make $10 million dollars from his insurance policy.  If he decided to play, due to taxes, he would have to make approximately $20 million to make more than the insurance policy.

In today's NFL, most players never make close to the potential value of their contract.  Finley is 27 years old and there is no guarantee that he will return to his former self.

He should just take the money and run.  He can avoid further injuries and the wear and tear associated with football.

Manziel vs. Bridgewater— From the Packers Perspective

As a Packer fan, I was praying that the Vikings wouldn't take Johnny Manziel in last week's draft.  My dream was realized when the Vikings ended up with Teddy Bridgewater.  Here is my reasoning:

1. First, Manziel has the greater potential.  His playmaking ability reminds me of Brett Favre, and he has the ability to be a star.
2. In addition, Bridgewater's pro day was an utter embarrassment.  A pro day is essentially a job interview, and he completely screwed it up.  A lot of training money was poured into preparing for that one day, and his accuracy was about as good as a Cubs closer in a save situation.  His supporters blame it on the fact that he wasn't wearing a glove.  However, those people should keep in mind that he was throwing against air.  
3. Manziel played in the SEC.  He played against NFL caliber players on a weekly basis and excelled.  On the other hand, Bridgewater's toughest opponent last season was UCF.  He hasn't proven that he can succeed against difficult teams.  

Ultimately, I think that Manziel has a higher ceiling.  Now, I'm not saying that Bridgewater can't be a good NFL quarterback or that Manziel is a sure-fire success.  I just think that Bridgewater is more of a project and will take some time to develop.  From the Packers perspective, this is a good thing.  

More NFL Bad Lip Reading

My Thoughts on Richard Sherman

Many have attacked Richard Sherman for his conduct at the end of the NFC Championship.

I don't think that he should have taunted Crabtree after the interception, but then again, we do not know the history between them.

However, I don't have a problem with his post-game interview with Erin Andrews.  The interview was just moments after Sherman made the biggest play of his career.  His team had just beaten their division rivals and was headed to the Super Bowl.  Furthermore, he had a history of trash talking.  Did anyone really expect him to be anything other than emotional?

He didn't swear, and he didn't threaten Crabtree.  All he did was show some emotion, which is what we  want to see.

Some people argue that he is setting a bad example for our children.  If this is true, then parents should use this to teach their kids the correct way to behave.  It is ultimately the job of the parents to teach their kids right from wrong.

I'm not saying that Sherman handled the situation perfectly, but I don't think we should attack him for his actions.  

Don't Blame Dom Capers

On Sunday, the Packers made an early exit from the playoffs at the hands of the 49ers for the second straight year.  As a Packers fan, I was mad...very mad.  However, as many Cheeseheads called for the firing of defensive coordinator Dom Capers, I put the blame on someone else—Ted Thompson.

I think that Capers called a great game.  He kept Kaepernick and Gore in check and limited the big plays.  He was not the reason that the Packers lost the game.  They lost the game due to lack of talent on defense.

Below is the coverage on the 3rd and 8 in which Kaepernick rand for 11 yards and a first down.  It is a perfect call.  If Jarrett Bush keeps contain like he is supposed to, then the 49ers don't convert and the Packers get the ball back.

(@PriscoCBS)

The entire season, the secondary has been blowing assignments, missing tackles, and giving up big plays.  Morgan Burnett and M.D. Jennings are arguably the worst safeties in the NFL.  Who brought them in?  Ted Thompson.

Thompson has been drafting for defense for the past few years, and the defense is still having the exact same problems that it has been having since they won the Super Bowl.  They can't get to the quarterback and they can't cover.

The Packers play in a division with Calvin Johnson (6' 5"), Brandon Marshall (6' 4"), Alshon Jeffery (6' 3''), Martellus Bennett (6' 6"), and Cordarrelle Patterson (6' 3").  In a league where the new, prototypical NFL receiver is tall and strong, 5' 11" cornerbacks aren't going to be able to compete.  Thompson needs to realize this and start drafting taller defensive backs.

Furthermore, he needs to bring in more athletic linebackers that are good in pass coverage.  Sure, A.J. Hawk makes a lot of tackles, but most of them are five yards down field.  He is slow and can become a liability at times.

Whether he gets them through the draft or free agency, Ted Thompson needs to start bringing in some defensive talent.  Aaron Rodgers is in his prime, and only one Super Bowl is unacceptable.

The Custom White T-Shirt I designed on CafePress.com

The Custom White T-Shirt I designed on CafePress.com

NFL Wild Card Picks

Here are my picks for NFL Wild Card weekend:

Kansas City will beat Indianapolis

• Indianapolis has been too streaky all year, and I think that Kansas City has more talent overall.

Philadelphia will beat New Orleans

• New Orleans has struggled on the road all year, and I think that they will have trouble in the cold weather.

Cincinnati will beat San Diego

• The Bengals are the better team and will win the game.

San Francisco will beat Green Bay

• The 49ers are the better team and will win.  Their offense is suited for the cold weather and their defense is physical.  

My thoughts on Johnny Manziel

Watching Johnny Manziel last night reminded me a lot of Brett Favre.  Like Favre, Manziel has that playmaking ability and is fun to watch.  He is mesmerizing at times.  Even though he isn't the tallest guy, I think that he can still be successful in the NFL.  Just look at Russell Wilson and Drew Brees.

Manziel has large hands and is an accurate passer.  Furthermore, he has the mobility and escapability that Aaron Rodgers has.  In addition, I think that he has matured during the course of this season.  All of this makes him an appealing option in the draft.  It will be interesting to see where he goes in the draft and how he adjusts to the NFL.