Author: Chris Ostrander

Bush returns 2005 Heisman

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Without saying so, Reggie Bush confirmed that he received improper benefits during his time at USC. He returned his copy of the 2005 Heisman Trophy this week in hopes to alleviate the scrutiny he is getting due to his wrongdoings.

I say good for you Reggie. It isn’t as if the NCAA didn’t drop the hammer on the USC football program already, although I don’t think Bush could have prevented that. In addition, Bush still hasn’t admitted that he, and his family, received improper benefits that were in violation of NCAA rules.

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Fantasy fully underway

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Week one of the regular season is fully in the books. That also means that fantasy football is off and running.

I eked out a victory in week one but hope to have a larger cushion in week two, we shall see. But that is not why I am writing this piece. After one week of NFL fantasy football you are likely scrambling to fix the glaring weaknesses you failed to address at your draft. Or, you need to make up for an injury (Ryan Grant and Kevin Kolb owners).

Legedu Naanee appears to be a worthy pick-up as he was targeted numerous times by Phillip Rivers, Monday.

So, who are the hot waiver wire pick-ups heading in to week two? Continue reading →

One loss closer to Jake Locker

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The prospect of facing the Dolphins is certainly not what it used to be. Mike Harrington’s column highlights the sentiment perfectly.

No snow and no talent certainly make the game tougher to watch. However, the Bills defense looked outstanding. Beginning in the second quarter they locked down the Dolphins offense, it did little aid for my fantasy team though.

Trent Edwards failed to throw the ball downfield on a consistent basis against the Dolphins.

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The NFL season is upon us

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Today marks the first day of regular season play in the NFL. The Saints and Vikings will replay last year’s NFC Championship. Personally, I like the Vikes tonight.

As for the other 30 teams, here is where I think they end up in order of division finish.

AFC East

 

 

New England Patriots: Tom Brady has had over a year of recovery time, apparently Wes Welker has Wolverine’s healing powers (or HGH) and the Pats continue to carry 4,569 running backs. The defense isn’t pretty but Bill Belichick will find a way to get the group in the top-10.

New York Jets: I think Mark Sanchez is still too shaky as a starter in the NFL. Maybe he will prove me wrong and blow up for 5,000 yards. Or maybe he and LaDanian Tomlinson will have sub-par years that don’t live up to their hype. Either way, the Jets ‘D’ will carry them. If Dustin Keller can be an adequate security valve for Sanchez and Shonn Green runs for a million yards, the Jets will do fine.

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins did quite a bit of retooling in the offseason. However, I don’t think they are good enough to top New York and New England. That’s ok, they will improve. Especially Chad Henne, his career arc is key for the long-term viability of this franchise.

Buffalo Bills: I love this team. Unfortunately, they aren’t going to be very good. No matter how much time he gets, Trent Edwards will just be o.k. Add to that the fact that his line isn’t much better than last year – yeah, I figured you could do the math. C.J. Spiller is exciting and the secondary is sick. I still think they will yield a lot of rushing yards but that is to be expected with the change in scheme. I just hope to God they are willing to spend the money on Jake Locker next summer. Continue reading →

Sabres threads leaked

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The Sabres new road and alternate jerseys have been leaked. It was only a matter of time before someone got their hands on an early shipment and sent a picture text out to all of their friends.

Icethetics has more on the story.

The alleged Sabres third jersey (click for full size)
The alleged Sabres road jersey (click for full size)

I have to say I love both jerseys, I want to buy both of them. The third gets cooler every time I look at it and the original Sabres white jersey has always been my favorite. So, this reincarnation is truly awesome. Now we just have to hope the NHL makes white the home uniform again so all will be right with the world.

I’m also happy to say that my guess at the third jersey wasn’t too far off, although I left out the logo on the front.

Either way, it looks like I will be out a few hundred dollars because I will want to buy both of these jerseys to add to my collection. Tough call on which one I want first though.

One Man Wolfpack is ready for 2010

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I have returned to the world of fantasy football under the team name of One Man Wolfpack.

I need a big year from Adrian Peterson if I hope to succeed in my return to fantasy football.

I had some trouble with my name. While One Man Wolfpack won out I was tossing around the names Johnny’s Bananas, Sex Panthers and Channel 4 News Team. Feel free to steal my team names. Continue reading →

Nike Pro Combat – just awful

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Last year the Nike Pro Combat uniform series was unveiled. In addition to having numerous aerodynamic and performance enhancing qualities, they were the ugliest things in the world.

This website has up close views of each facet of the 2009 series. Each uniform has some interesting features, not necessarily attractive, but interesting. There are some really cool, attractive features too.

The Miami unis, TCU helmets and pants and the entire OSU set up were terrible. But the Florida State pants and Florida helmets were pretty cool.

Unfortunately, Nike liked what they did with the series last year and the brutal uniforms are back for 2010. Check out the site, it is cool. They have a capsule on each team’s look and a close-up view of the uniforms. A nice job by Nike with the site and descriptions.

The 2010 Nike Pro Combat line-up (right-click for a closeup).

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Annnnd we’re off

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The college football season is in full swing. Finally.

I love college football. I can watch college football for hours. Pro football, not so much.

The first weekend was as expected. Most teams scheduled cream puffs and walloped them. There were a couple of surprises (I’m talking to you Ole Miss) and a few real tests between equal opponents.

Boise State triumphed over Virginia Tech on Monday. The Broncos are likely going to remain in the National Title picture for a while.

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Big Ben suspension reduced

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Not surprised to hear this news come down from the NFL.

Every major sports league has been on their soap box hollering that they are going to crack down on any inappropriate behavior on, or off, the playing field – no matter how big of a star they are talking about.

Big Ben will be back after a four-game suspension this season. The original ruling was for a six-game ban.

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Antti Niemi signs with San Jose

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One of Chicago’s Stanley Cup heroes has found a new home. Antti Niemi agreed to a one-year deal with San Jose. Sportsnet has the details.

Antti Niemi will be playing out on the left coast this season after hoisting the Cup with Chicago in 2009-10.

This is an interesting signing considering the Sharks brought in Antero Niittymaki early in free agency. With Thomas Griess waiting in the wings for the past few years, there seemed to be little need for another goaltender on the roster. Albeit, Griess doesn’t seem to have IT – if you ask me.

I am a big Niittymaki fan and he and Niemi will be great in tandem and the Fins will likely have great rapport in the locker room as well.

Look for San Jose to move either Griess or, although unlikely, Niittymaki before the start of the season. They have invested far too much into Griess to waste him in the AHL for yet another season.