The Jacksonville Jam and Rochester Razorsharks kicked off the inaugural season of the Premier Basketball League Friday night, with the Razorsharks coming out on top, 102-83.
The PBL is a developmental basketball league created by several former American Basketball Association teams that were displeased with the ABA’s management. The league is commissioned by former Houston Rockets point guard and NBA analyst Kenny Smith.
Many of the fan-friendly aspects of the ABA have carried over to the PBL, including fan interaction with the players after the game.
PBL teams can be found in 10 cities across the United States, separated into two divisions, East and West.
Rochester and Jacksonville are joined by Maryland, Reading, and Wilmington in the East. Dallas, Rockford, Chicago, Arkansas, and the Quad Cities make up the West.
Each team plays 10 home games and 10 away games.
Two Canadian markets, Toronto and Montreal, are expected to join the PBL as expansion teams for the 2008-2009 season.
After 17 weeks, the NFL regular season is finally complete. For teams like the Miami Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons, the end couldn’t have come soon enough. For many other teams, this was a season of progress and pleasant surprises.
Despite not making the playoffs, it’s hard to be disappointed in the Cleveland Brown’s performance this season. No one could have predicted the Browns would find as much success as they did, especially not without first-round draft pick Brady Quinn at quarterback.
When Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio made the decision to cut quarterback Byron Leftwich at the start of the season, he put his job in the hands of David Garrard. Now, the Jaguars are headed to the postseason, tagged as the team “no one wants to play.” Byron who?
After a 4-12 season in 2005 and an 8-8 season in 2006, many thought Brett Favre would finally retire. He didn’t, and it certainly seems he made the right choice. Favre and head coach Mike McCarthy led the Green Bay Packers to a 13-3 record, their best since 1997, and the Packers are poised to go deep into the playoffs.
Most significantly, no one thought any team would ever go 16-0 in the regular season. It was considered an impossible feat in the era of salary caps and parity, but the New England Patriots proved the experts wrong. There is no doubt, they are number one.
1. New England Patriots (16-0)
You can’t ask for anything more from a team in the regular season. They went undefeated, and while they didn’t blow everyone out, they were able to run up the score more than a few times, and they set plenty of records along the way. Bill Belichick is the coach of the year, hands down.
2. Indianapolis Colts (13-3)
The Colts have proven, multiple times, that they can win in Foxboro. If they end up having to play the Patriots in the AFC Championship game, it doesn’t matter what the weather is. This is a dome team which can play in the worst of conditions. But who said the Colts and Patriots will both make it that far?
3. Dallas Cowboys (13-3)
With Tony Romo and Terrell Owens on the same offense, there would be something wrong if they didn’t have a good season. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, T.O. may still be ailing from his high ankle sprain. At least they have a week off for the ankle to rest a bit longer.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)
Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew are the best one-two punch at runningback in the league. The pair is going to be carrying the load for the Jaguars in the playoffs, though quarterback David Garrard is certainly capable of making plays on his own. This is a dangerous team, and they can beat anyone right now.
5. Green Bay Packers (13-3)
The Packers are easily the most improved team of 2007, edging out the Jaguars and Browns for the distinction. They will also be the sentimental favorite for many fans whose team didn’t make the postseason. Everyone wants to see Brett Favre go out on top, and this might just be his year.
6. San Diego Chargers (11-5)
Despite a 47-33 record after five years under Marty Schottenheimer, the Chargers fell short in where it counts, finding themselves 0-2 in playoff appearances during his tenure. Now, under new coach Norv Turner, the Chargers have a chance to win in the playoffs against the less-than-impressive Titans.
7. New York Giants (10-6)
Even though they didn’t beat the Patriots, they gave their all, played well, and went into halftime with a 21-16 on the Pats. The Giants are headed into the postseason as sharp as ever.
8. Washington Redskins (9-7)
The Redskins are the true wild card of the NFC. Despite being the conference’s sixth seed, they are playing their best football at the right time of the year, and they can beat anyone. It’s just a matter of sustaining the momentum they’ve gathered in recent weeks.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
Before playing the Patriots, the Steelers looked like a force to be reckoned with. After losses to New England and Jacksonville, and after losing Willie Parker and Max Starks to injury, they don’t look so threatening anymore.
10. Seattle Seahawks (10-6)
Runningback Shaun Alexander is no longer playing like the MVP he once was. Fortunately, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is playing like an all-pro, and the team has a defense to match.
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Now that the NFL regular season has drawn to a close, 12 teams are moving on to the playoffs while the other 20 teams must watch from home.
For the 12 teams that have earned a spot in the playoffs, the regular season is a distant memory. All that matters now is the next game. It’s one loss and done, so teams cannot afford a bad day.
Kicking off the postseason is wild card weekend. In each conference, the two division winners with the worst records will face off against one of the wild card teams, the best two teams from each conference that didn’t win their divisions.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
When the two teams met in week 15, the Jaguars physically dominated the Steelers throughout the duration of the game, rushing for 224 yards on the traditionally stout Steelers defense.
The Steelers will be looking for vengeance while the Jaguars aim to win their first playoff game since 2000.
But with runningback Willie Parker out for the Steelers, and the Jaguars possessing a one-two punch on the ground with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jags are set to repeat their previous offensive performance.
Prediction: Jaguars 31, Steelers 24
San Diego Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans
The Chargers have been lighting up the scoreboard in recent weeks, scoring at least 23 points in each of their last five games. The Titans made a late-season push to get past the Browns for the AFC’s sixth seed.
With Titans quarterback Vince Young injured, the Titans barely managed to beat the Colts’ backups.
This one should be an easy victory for the Chargers.
Prediction: Chargers 34, Titans 17
Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Redskins
The Redskins head into Seattle riding a four-game winning streak that got them into the playoffs. The Seahawks have stumbled in recent weeks, losing two of their last three games, both to teams under .500.
During the Seahawks’ final game, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck hurt his wrist, and was pulled from the game. Hasselbeck told reporters he’ll be fine, but the injury could potentially affect his performance against the Redskins.
Riding the wave of momentum, the Redskins are poised to pull off an upset.
Prediction: Redskins 22, Seahawks 20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants
The New York Giants, coming off their loss to the New England Patriots, will travel to Tampa Bay to try and knock off the Buccaneers.
In that loss, the Giants played all of their starters. The Buccaneers, on the other hand, have been resting various players since clinching the division title in week 15.
The Giants will be ready to play, while the Bucs must shake off rust, meaning the Giants have a slight edge in what should be a close match.
Prediction: Giants 35, Buccaneers 28
The two division champions in each conference with the best records have wild card weekend off. In both conferences, the number one seed will play against the lowest remaining seed, and the number two seed will play against the highest remaining seed.
First Quarter
- Finally watching the much-hyped Patriots/Giants game. It’ll be a shame if the Giants decide to roll over and die…
- Touchdown, Giants!
- The Giants did a good job through the air on the opening drive, but they’re going to have to find a way to run the ball if they want to win.
- The Patriots offense came out ready, immediately converting two first downs. Shootout, anyone?
- On 4th and 2, the Pats opted to go for the first down and were successful. That’s what good teams do between the opponent’s 35 and 50.
- There’s a simple formula for stopping quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Get pressure on them from the defensive line.
- The Patriots score a field goal. 7-3, Giants. Who would’ve thought it’d start like this?
- Amani Toomer just dropped a perfect pass from Eli Manning. Now, the Giants are forced to punt. You can’t do that against the Patriots.
- The Giants’ defense is fired up. They’re getting into the Pats’ backfield. That’s what the Ravens and Eagles did.
- The illegal contact penalty on the Giants was killer. They had the Patriots stopped. Now, they’re in the red zone.
- Randy Moss got his HARD. He walked off, so he’ll be back, but that’s the way to play the Patriots: physical.
- I read an article this week on how the Patriots could run the ball. Well… where’s that running game tonight? Six carries, zero yards.
Second Quarter
- Touchdown, Patriots! Randy Moss made the catch. 10-7, Pats.
- This is still a game, ladies and gents. The Giants returned the kickoff for a touchdown! 74 yards. That celebration penalty hurt the Pats.
- The Pats finally gained some yards on the ground. That’ll open up the short passing game if they can keep it up.
- The Patriots are 0/3 on third-down conversions. Talk about uncharacteristic. The Pats scored another field goal, 14-13 Giants.
- Peyton Manning must be playing in his brother’s place. Eli is playing well for once.
- Scratch that, it’s Eli.
- Deep play-action pass to Moss. Perfect example of the running game opening up the passing game.
- The Giants dodged a bullet by holding the Pats to a field goal. The d-line didn’t pressure Brady and didn’t stop the run. 16-14 Pats.
- That’s what the Giants were afraid of. Losing a starter in a meaningless game. He walked off on his own power, at least.
- The Patriots just started a fight. What happened to being a humble, classy team? The refs managed it correctly.
- Touchdown, Giants! The penalty was on the Patriots. That was huge. With 13 seconds left, and one timeout, the Pats will get the ball.
Halftime
- Halftime. The Giants lead 21-16. This has been an extremely exciting game. I can’t wait to see the ratings.
- I love the blatant NFL Network ads. It’s the network’s way of getting back at the government and cable companies.
Third Quarter
- The formula continues to work for the Giants. Pressure Brady with the defensive line and stop the run, and you’ve got the Pats’ number.
- Touchdown, Giants! Manning threw a perfect pass to Burress on the edge of the endzone. 28-16 Giants.
- Interestingly, the picture on the NFL Network is MUCH clearer than it is on NBC and CBS.
- The Patriots are getting first down after first down and taking the crowd out of it. That’s exactly what they needed to get momentum back.
- Pass interference in the endzone by the Giants. You can’t make contact without playing the ball. Huge mistake.
- Touchdown, Patriots! Maroney broke a tackle on his way to the endzone. Let’s see how the Giants respond. 28-23 Giants.
- The Giants need to keep their drives going and the clock moving. If the Patriots get the ball back soon, they can take control.
- That’s not going to do it. Now, the Pats have a chance to regain the lead.
Fourth Quarter
- Big third down stop by the Giants. They’re getting to Brady, he’s off.
- And, just like that, the Patriots are getting the ball back again. That was too easy for the Pats.
- Randy Moss was wide open deep downfield and dropped the ball. That was another dodged bullet for the Giants.
- The Pats ran the same play again, and Moss caught it this time. The Pats have the lead and are going for two to make it a three-point game.
- Interception for the Patriots. That’s the first turnover of the night, and a potentially killer blow to the Giants’ spirits.
- The Giants defense can’t seem to stop the Patriots on this drive. The Pats are inside the Giants’ 5-yard-line.
- Touchdown, Patriots! Maroney ran it in again. That’s 22 unanswered points. 38-28 Pats, with 4:36 left on the clock.
- First down Giants, three minutes left.
- Two-minute warning. The Giants have a first down at the Pats’ 16 and need two scores.
- It’s 2nd and goal at the 4 for the Giants. There’s only 1:16 left on the clock.
- Encroachment, defense. third down for the Giants at the 3.
- Touchdown, Giants! Manning to Burress. With the extra point, it’s 38-35. 1:04 remains.
- With only one timeout left for the Giants, the game will be over if the Pats recover the onside kick.
- Patriots recover. Game over.
Quote of the Night
“Of course, I’m not inside the helmet, so it didn’t hurt me.” - Bryant Gumbel
The perfect 16-0 season. It’s never been done, and the New England Patriots are just one win away from achieving the feat once considered impossible.
It’s easy to hate the Patriots. Their coach rarely displays much of a personality, and usually seems abrasive in interviews. The Patriots run up the score whenever possible. The players exude cockiness. The fans are worse. The bandwagon grows larger everyday, and it seems “Egotism for Dummies” is required reading for those who wish to jump aboard.
The Patriots are, essentially, the New York Yankees of professional football, which is ironic, considering the nearby Boston Red Sox are the Yankees’ biggest rival.
But you have to respect what the Patriots have accomplished. Even having the opportunity to go 16-0 with only one game left is something no other team has done. This Patriots team will be all over NFL record books for years to come.
Good for them.
1. New England Patriots (15-0)
Football fans everywhere will be watching them attempt to accomplish the historic feat of going 16-0. With CBS and NBC simulcasting the game across the U.S., no fan will be unable to watch the game, NFL Network or not.
2. Indianapolis Colts (13-2)
The Colts are primed and ready for January football. While their final game means everything to the team they’re playing, the Titans, it has no bearing on the Colts’ playoff seeding. Expect the Colts to sit numerous starters before halftime.
3. Dallas Cowboys (13-2)
The Cowboys’ starters will take a well-deserved break in the team’s final regular season game. They have the top seed in the NFC locked up thanks to the Packers’ upset loss to the Bears. But, will Terrell Owens be able to make it back in time for the playoffs?
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4)
Regardless of their upcoming game against Houston, the Jaguars have locked up the fifth playoff seed in the AFC. Cutting Byron Leftwich in favor of David Garrard a week before the season began was a great gamble for head coach Jack Del Rio, who put his job on the line with the quarterback switch.
5. Green Bay Packers (12-3)
All of a sudden, the Packers don’t look very tough. Cheeseheads everywhere are hoping the team’s embarrassing 35-7 loss to the Chicago Bears was nothing but a fluke. We’ll see.
6. San Diego Chargers (10-5)
If the Chargers beat the hapless Oakland Raiders, they’ll be the third seed in the AFC. That means avoiding both Jacksonville and New England for at least two weeks.
7. New York Giants (10-5)
Everyone is asking the same question about the Giants: do they give it their all or roll over and die? After all, their game against the Patriots doesn’t effect their postseason seeding, and the worst possible scenario is to get someone hurt by going all-out in an otherwise meaningless game. But, everyone’s watching. Do you want them to watch you give up? Coach Tom Coughlin has a tough decision to make.
8. Seattle Seahawks (10-5)
It’s hard to believe the Seattle Seahawks are in the playoffs. No one is talking about them. Part of the reason, aside from their recent loss to Carolina, is that the Seahawks have played just three teams with winning records all season, and they only won one of the three games.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-5)
The Steelers are hurting. Runningback Willie Parker is done for the season and Big Ben looks beat up. With the Chargers playing strong, the Steelers will probably see the Jaguars come back to Pittsburgh in the first round of the playoffs.
10. Tennessee Titans (9-6)
If the Titans beat the Colts Sunday, they will take the last remaining AFC playoff spot. Should that be the case, the Titans will be the third team from the AFC South division in the playoffs, alongside the Colts and Jaguars. The AFC South is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.
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