Odell Beckham Sets World Record

As if his incredible one handed catch and impressive rookie campaign wasn't enough Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. set a new Guinness world record by making 33 one handed catches in one minute; obliterating the old record of 10.  This was not only a showcase of a skill, it was conformation of the kind talent he can become.  Hall of fame wide-out Jerry Rice has said that Beckham's famous reception would not have been possible without the help of gloves.  While that may be true, how many football players can one think of who had the hand eye coordination to catch a football with one hand once let alone 33 times in 60 seconds.  Be that as it may, Beckham has shown us all that the sky's the limit for this gifted rookie.

Coach K Reaches Milestone

                                       
                                     

Yesterday, Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski earned his 1,000th win by defeating St. John's at the world's most famous arena Madison Square Garden.  His remarkable consistency and success is something that will be marveled and revered for many years to come.  Though there are may whom despise Duke and all of it's history, not a single person can share that same disdain for a man whom has brought so much to the game.  From his stoic demeanor, to his preaching of teamwork and togetherness Krzyzewski has proven that he is more than just a coach.  This historic milestone not only serves as the crowning achievement for a man who is perhaps the best to ever walk the sidelines, it serves as the foundation for all who dream to walk in the shoes he has walked in for 35 years.

Klay Thompson Goes Off

Last night Warriors guard Klay Thompson set a new NBA record by scoring 37 points while shooting 13 for 13 from the field in the 3rd quarter against the Sacramento Kings.  It was an feat that is sure to be both remembered and envied by everyone who laid their eyes on .  Who knows when we will ever see another performance quite like this one, so it's best we take in the amazing display of percolation shown by this young man.

Deflate-Gate Bruising Superbowl and Patriots

The hooplah of the big game is marred in the alleged controversy that the Patriots used deliberately deflated footballs to gain a competitive edge in the AFC title game.  It is unimaginable that a team that received such harsh criticism and punishment as a result of Spy-gate in 2007, would yet again stoop to dirty, underhanded tactics.  However, mere days from the most watched event of the year the criminal spotlight shines once again on Brady and company.  The slew of denials from coaches and players alike is doing the team no favors, creating the perception that they are attempting to cover-up any wrongdoing in order to shoo away those whom believe that something is amiss.  Cheating is something that should never be accepted in sports, it flattens the basic principles many learn as children to always be honest and fair.  Having this in mind will pin many against New England, hoping another Superbowl defeat and heavy sanctions serve as comeuppance.

Whatever the case may be, there is sure to be a lot of eyes on Roger Goodell and league officials as they await the results of the investigation.  How this plays out is unknown at this point so for now the focus will shift to Glendale and the game that has suddenly taken a much different turn that anyone would have thought just one week ago.

The Stage is Set

                                 



Championship Sunday has passed and Superbowl XLIX is now upon us, ready for a showdown of familiar faces, but unfamiliar foes.  The defending champion Seahawks, who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the NFC title game will take on the persistent and confident New England Patriots, whom had a dominant showing on the AFC side.  Both teams march into into Glendale with one goal, walking away with ultimate bragging rights.  Russell Wilson has the chance to build on his success and erect a legacy that will live in NFL folklore for years to come.  The opportunity to be a repeat champion never comes easy, especially for a young quarterback like Wilson.  For him to experience this so quickly is a very impressive and enviable accomplishment.  On the other side Tom Brady will be appearing in his record sixth Superbowl, looking to right the wrongs that were dealt to his seemingly invincible championship status at the hands of the New York Giants.  He will no doubt be determined to spoil the Seahawks dreams of back to back titles and recapture the glory that made him a household name. With so much to gin and lose on each side, this is sure to be an entertaining battle that should live up to the hype.  Who will come out on top? That is for America to tune in and find out.

Yankees Bring in Two Hitting Coaches

                     


For two seasons hitting has been a subject most touchy for the Yankees, and the concern over the disappearing bats a far too common theme.  Though their problems were exasperated by losing Robinson Cano to the Seattle Mariners in free agency, the team spent big money on heavy hitters and still lacked a consistent bat in the lineup.  Even more troubling was the absence of a 100 RBI player (Brian McCann lead with 75) for the first time since 1992, and a .300 hitter (Ichiro lead with .284) for the first time in a decade. Combine that with back to back missed postseasons and the sky might as well be falling in Bronx, so adjustments had to be made and made they were.

After firing Kevin Long who had been the hitting coach since 2007, the Yankees went on an extended search for who would be the best fit for the job in the post-Jeter era.  After interviewing several candidates which included Texas Rangers coach Dave Magadan and former Yankee Chili Davis, they eventually decided to hire former Dodgers hitting instructor Jeff Pentland.  However, they did not stop there as the team also elected to bring in Alan Cockrell, who had last been with the Mariners in 2010. This marks the first time ever that the Yankees will have two hitting coaches on the bench, which is a puzzling yet intriguing venture for an organization with such history.

Pentland and Cockrell will have their work cut out for them as the Yankees lineup will look a bit different than years past.  There is hope that having multiple coaches can work as an advantage, but it will be up to the production of the players make this unusual strategy successful.

Spagnuolo Returns To Giants

                                           

In an inevitable move, Steve Spagnuolo returned to the Giants, the team that helped make his name and career.  Having him back as defensive coordinator not only gives fans something to hope for, but also gives the players a new voice and system to learn and potentially succeed in.  Spagnuolo brings back the attacking approach to defense that he learned from his mentor and coaching great Jim Johnson, something this team sorely needs to re-utilize.  The Giants have been far too passive in the read style defense employed by Perry Fewell, which left them vulnerable to be picked apart by even the most struggling offenses.  It will be interesting to see what his plans will be for the current roster and how the Giants plan to accommodate his style.  His familiarity with Coughlin and management however, should make all of that pretty simple.

Islanders Keep On Rolling

                                    


The Islanders defeated a red hot Rangers team with an impressive 3-0 shut out, sending a statement to the east and the rest of the NHL.  They have far exceeded the expectations many had for them coming into the season and don't look as if they are going to let up anytime soon.  Lead by strong net minding and timely scoring, the Islanders have the confidence to meet all challenges head on, something that has been missing from this time for quite some time.  Though the play from the team itself has been very impressive, a large amount of the credit has to go to head coach Jack Capuano. He has instilled a culture of belief and togetherness which has cemented the foundations of a contender for years to come.  The patience and perseverance of both the Islanders and their fans is paying off in a big way and there is hope that the teams final season in the Coliseum will be truly something special.

NFC Playoff Game ends with Overturned Call

The Cowboys/Packers NFC Divisional game ended with a crucial call deciding the outcome. Last week, it was a controversial no call that broke the back of the Detroit Lions and ultimately ended their season.  This time, karma seemed to strike back with a fervor as Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant's game altering catch was overturned by the now infamous "Calvin Johnson rule".  The rule, while mystifying to some, was fully implemented after 2010 to make sure that all wide receivers maintain control of the football all the way to the ground on any catch.

This is sure to spark many debates among athletes, fans, and analysts alike, with some wanting amendments made to Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 1.  The reversal of Bryant's catch will certainly have wide out coaches all across the league teaching the full process of a catch many times over, that way it won't cost their teams a game of similar magnitude.




And here is the play that started it all

Carrington Suspended

                                       

Oregon's big play receiver Darren Carrington has been suspended for the national championship game after failing a mandatory drug test.  It is indescribable as to why he did not show better judgement with his actions, especially before the biggest game of his life. Though he is young and prone to making foolish mistakes, getting yourself banned from a nationally televised event is something even youth cannot explain away.  Hopefully he has learned a valuable lesson and will show much more prudence the next time he is tempted to do anything that will affect his football future.

Best Candidates for Giants Defensive Coordinator

                              

Perry Fewell is out as the Giants defensive coordinator after 5 seasons that were sub par at best. Now begins the daunting task of finding a suitable replacement whom can not only restructure the Giants broken defense, but also recapture the spirit of a unit that once struck fear into the minds of opposing offenses.  Here are a few candidates I feel are best fit for the job:




Raheem Morris - The former Buccaneers head coach and current defensive back coach for Washington has the tools, leadership, and success for the job.  Under Morris, Tampa Bay had a secondary that was among the best in the league and that would surely benefit the Giants whose defensive backs and safeties have been burned for far too many big plays over the past 5 seasons.



Pepper Johnson - Johnson is a former Giants second round draft pick and played on two Superbowl winning teams (1986, 1990).  With their tendency to have an affinity towards their own, it would make sense for the organization to leave the door open for him.  It also helps that Johnson spent 13 season under Bill Bellichick and the ever consistent New England Patriots, aiding with keeping that team well tuned and in contention each year.  Add that with being a teammate of Hall of Fame linebacker and Giants great Lawrence Taylor, and it should be more than enough to bring him aboard.



Mike Nolan - Nolan was once the Giants defensive coordinator under Dan Reeves from 93-96 and has a long history of coaching defenses.  Though he may not have the pizzazz most fans want, his veteran know how would help him transition smoothly into the role.  The one qualm that many will have with Nolan is that the defenses he coached were not the most successful and that there could be more of the same with the Giants.  However, his voice and leadership would be gladly accepted after years of the old familiar sameness.




Steve Spagnuolo - In my opinion he is the most favored candidate for the position.  In his two seasons as Giants defensive coordinator, Spagnuolo saw great success as the team lead the league in sacks during that span.  He departed the team in 2009 for the head coaching vacancy in St. Louis, where that same aggressive style helped the Rams become a top ranked defense in the NFL.  The Giants have struggled to get to the quarterback in the years since he left and things have only gone further down hill.  A reunion with the coordinator who helped defeat the unbeaten New England Patriots in Superbowl XLII would be a no-brainer.