Jacked Up!

You just got Jacked Up!

Any football fan remembers this iconic segment from ESPN brought to us by Tom Jackson and Chris Berman. The media has idolized these hard hitting defensive plays and they have become a staple in the NFL. Now, the NFL is changing it up, these hard hits are now being seen as hazardous and harmful to players receiving them. Really? The NFL is just realizing this now? How do you think Ray Lewis and Rodney Harrison became household names? I'm sure it wasn't their kind hearted tackling and nice demeanor.

James Harrison, Sports Illustrated

The NFL has a major issue on their hands now though. The only way these defensive players will learn is suspending them and not only for one game. They tried the fines and obviously that did not work. So now they sit out two or three games. Great, you're trying to clean up the game. But at the same time, you're telling these "hard-hitters" that they have to change the way they play. James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who laid out two vicious hits in Sundays game and received a hefty fine, said he wasn't sure if he could continue playing. Football is a violent game and you're taught to go out and hit somebody. But now, you have to take time to think about your hits and where you are going to deliver them.

Do I think the suspensions will work? Yes, but they will have some repercussions, mainly vicious hits on the legs. If players can't go high with their helmet, they are going to go low. So look out running backs and wide receivers because now you're going to have the likes of James Harrison coming at your legs. Good luck.   

Postseason Prediction

When the temperature starts to get cooler and the leaves start to change colors it reminds me of one thing, the Fall Classic. This years match-ups are enticing, there is no clear-cut favorite and many teams have stumbled into the playoffs. A grueling regular season has set the table for a great postseason and has left many fans wondering what to expect. If pitching takes center stage then the Phillies have a great chance of making it three straight NL Pennants, but the Giants may have something to say too. If its offense, then the Yankees can be looking at back to back World Series wins, but who can say what will happen. Maybe the Reds and Twins make their run and silence the experts. Well heres how I think the Division Series will play out:

Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays:

I'm going with the Rangers in four games. Cliff Lee will return to his dominating postseason form, where the Rays  will most likely face him twice, and that offense can hit with anyone. Josh Hamilton will be key in this match-up, he has returned from a rib injury and will be a spark plug for the Rangers offense. Although their lack of playoff experience leaves me concerned, I still think they pull of the series win. 

New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins:

The Yankees have stumbled into the playoffs to say the least. Their last month of baseball has been shaky and their pitching rotation leaves everyone on the edge of the seats. I believe Joe Girardi made a great decision by leaving A.J. Burnett out of the rotation and going with Sabathia, Pettitte, and Hughes. The Twins will give the Yanks a run for their money but I see the Yankees pulling out a series win in five games. 

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies 

The Phillies entire season was turned around with a trade that brought Roy Oswalt to Philadelphia, and since then their pitching has been lights-out. They have a big three headed monster that no one in their right mind would like to face. They have represented the NL the past two years and look poised to do it again with offensive fire power and lights out pitching. All that considered I'm picking the Reds in five. Don't ask me why, the Reds have been a surprise team all year and I just think they still have some more shocking to do.   

San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves

I feel like this series could go either way but the Braves have left me scratching my head. They had to pitch their way into the playoffs, so that means that Tim Hudson will start in game three. Leaving Derek Lowe and Tommy Hanson going in game one and game two. I like the Giants to step up in the playoffs and for their pitching staff to carry them in this series. I'm picking the Giants in four games.  

    

Stumbling into the Playoffs

In this article from today's New York Daily News, journalist John Harper explains how the Yankees have fizzled down the stretch, settling for a Wild Card spot rather than the Division crown. The Yankees have had a forgettable last month of the season, going 9-17 since Sep. 5th, but they look to start fresh in the postseason.

Clich here to read the whole article.