While the meeting between the 2010 versions of the Packers and Steelers has the potential to be a classic, one aspect of this matchup that is incredibly intriguing is the histories of these 2 storied franchises with a combined 18 championships, 49 hall of famers (not counting soon to be hall of famers like Favre, Troy, Ward, Woodson). I decided to look at what would happen if the best players from these two franchises met and break it down position by position.
Before I get to that I wanted to make one point that has been getting on my nerves for the past two years: Steelers fans bragging (and other people bringing up the fact) about winning the most super bowls (6) and when you bring up the fact that the Bears (9) and the Packers (12) have won more championships they act like anything pre super bowl doesnt count. Stop with that BS the Packers have the most championships all time, who really cares about most super bowls. That is like Bulls fans bragging that they have won the most NBA titles since 1990 (6) when the Celtics (17) have the most all time. The argument that only super bowls count is stupid. If Bud Selig came out and said the World Series is now called the MLB championship and for the sake of argument the Rangers win the 2011 MLB championship can they go up to Yankee fans and brag that they have won the most MLB championships while the Yanks have 26 world titles NO. This is another example of today's in the moment nothing pre 1965/1970 matters world of sports. Now back to the all Packers vs. All Steelers positional breakdown.
POSITIONAL BREAKDOWN
QB: Brett Favre (over Bart Starr) vs. Terry Bradshaw: While Favre might not be that popular in Green Bay and has 3 less Super Bowl wins then Bradshaw he is the greatest QB, statistically, of all time EDGE-Packers
RB: Jim Taylor, Paul Hornung, Tony Canadeo vs. Franco Harris, Jerome Bettis, Rocky Blier- These teams currently have 11 People in the Hall of Fame who were running backs for them (not including Canton Bound Jerome Bettis) but the Packers depth and the fact that most of the Steelers hall of fame backs played most of their career with other teams gives Green Bay the Edge- Packers
WR: Don Hutson, James Lofton, Donald Driver vs. Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Hines Ward- Two great "corps" while the Pack has the most dominant receiver in his era of all time in Hutson the trio of Swann, Stallworth, and Ward gives them the nod Edge-Steelers
OLine: Gregg, Ringo, Kramer vs. Dawson, Webster, Faneca- This is not even close the Packers line is clearly better Edge-Packers
DLine: Green, Greenwood, Stautner (Steelers) vs. White, Davis, Jordan (Packers)- A close matchup but Mean Joe Green's dominance gives Pittsburgh the slight edge: Edge- Steelers
Linebackers: Nitschke, Hendricks, Robinson vs. Ham, Lambert, Lloyd,etc- While Nitschke and Lambert are two of the most intimidating players in NFL History the Steelers depth at this spot gives them the leg up Edge- Steelers
Secondary: Charles Woodson, Adderley, Wood vs. Rod Woodson, Blount, Polamalu- Probably the closest matchup of any so close that I can't see a clear edge. Edge- Push
Special Teams: Special teams especially returnmen have not played that big a role in the history of the NFL so I see this as Even.
Coaching: Lombardi, Lambeau, Holmgren vs. Knoll, Cowher, Lebeau- Two great coaching staffs but the super bowl trophy is called the VINCE LOMBARDI Trophy Edge-Packers
Overall: While this would be a great matchup i think the Packers would have the slight advantage.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Super Bowl 45 Preview
Well after two close conference title game we have a match up of the most historic and successful franchise in the AFC (Pittsburgh) and in the NFC (Packers) with a combined 18 titles. I will break this game down position by position and give you my X-factor for each team.
Interesting Note: The Packers are the 10th different NFC champion in the last year while in the same time frame only 4 teams represented the AFC in the Super Bowl (only the Pats, Colts, and Steelers have won the AFC in the last 9 years).
Positional Breakdown:
QB- Aaron Rodgers vs. Big Ben Roethlisberger: This is a great matchup as the hottest QB in the NFL Rodgers faces the most clutch QB in the NFL in Big Ben that is why see this as a push
RB- James Starks vs. Rashard Mendenhall: While Starks has been a pleasent suprise for the Packers over the past 3 weeks the clear edge in this matchup goes to the Steelers
WR/TE- Jennings, Driver, Nelson, Lee, Jones, etc vs. Ward, Wallace, Brown, Sanders, Miller- Both very deep receiving cores led by wiley veterans I think the difference is the sheer depth of the Packers core Edge- Packers
O-line: Colledge, Sitton, Spitz, Clifton vs. Adams, Scott, Kemoatu, Pouncey?- The Packers are healthy and gelling while the Steelers are injured and struggling Edge-Packers
D-Line: Pickett, Raji, Jenkins vs. Hood, Hampton, Keisel- Two very good Defensive lines but the emergence of BJ Raji and Cullen Jenkins gives Green Bay the slight edge. Edge- Packers
Linebackers: Matthews, Hawk, Bishop, Walden, Zambo vs. Harrison, Foote, Timmons, Farrior, Woodley- Two great cores that are extremly evenly match Edge- Push
Secondary- Woodson, Williams, Collins, Shields, Peprah vs. McFadden, Clark, Troy, Taylor. Gay: Two good secondary but the Packers depth especially at corner is the difference: Edge- Packers
Special teams- Crosby, Masthay, Bush, Williams vs. Fox, Suisham, Kapinos, Brown A key to this game but the Packers coverage teams led by Jarrod Bush puts them over the top: Edge-Packers
Coaching: Mccarthy, Phillbin, Capers vs. Tomlin, Arians, Lebeau: Two great staffs the super bowl experience gives Pittsburgh the nod. Edge-Steelers
Intangibles: The Steelers were in the super bowl 2 years ago the Pack has 2 guys on the whole team with Super Bowl experience Edge- Steelers
X-factors- For the Packers: James Starks (rushing and returning), For the Steelers: Their offensive line
Prediction: PACKERS 24 STEELERS 17 MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Interesting Note: The Packers are the 10th different NFC champion in the last year while in the same time frame only 4 teams represented the AFC in the Super Bowl (only the Pats, Colts, and Steelers have won the AFC in the last 9 years).
Positional Breakdown:
QB- Aaron Rodgers vs. Big Ben Roethlisberger: This is a great matchup as the hottest QB in the NFL Rodgers faces the most clutch QB in the NFL in Big Ben that is why see this as a push
RB- James Starks vs. Rashard Mendenhall: While Starks has been a pleasent suprise for the Packers over the past 3 weeks the clear edge in this matchup goes to the Steelers
WR/TE- Jennings, Driver, Nelson, Lee, Jones, etc vs. Ward, Wallace, Brown, Sanders, Miller- Both very deep receiving cores led by wiley veterans I think the difference is the sheer depth of the Packers core Edge- Packers
O-line: Colledge, Sitton, Spitz, Clifton vs. Adams, Scott, Kemoatu, Pouncey?- The Packers are healthy and gelling while the Steelers are injured and struggling Edge-Packers
D-Line: Pickett, Raji, Jenkins vs. Hood, Hampton, Keisel- Two very good Defensive lines but the emergence of BJ Raji and Cullen Jenkins gives Green Bay the slight edge. Edge- Packers
Linebackers: Matthews, Hawk, Bishop, Walden, Zambo vs. Harrison, Foote, Timmons, Farrior, Woodley- Two great cores that are extremly evenly match Edge- Push
Secondary- Woodson, Williams, Collins, Shields, Peprah vs. McFadden, Clark, Troy, Taylor. Gay: Two good secondary but the Packers depth especially at corner is the difference: Edge- Packers
Special teams- Crosby, Masthay, Bush, Williams vs. Fox, Suisham, Kapinos, Brown A key to this game but the Packers coverage teams led by Jarrod Bush puts them over the top: Edge-Packers
Coaching: Mccarthy, Phillbin, Capers vs. Tomlin, Arians, Lebeau: Two great staffs the super bowl experience gives Pittsburgh the nod. Edge-Steelers
Intangibles: The Steelers were in the super bowl 2 years ago the Pack has 2 guys on the whole team with Super Bowl experience Edge- Steelers
X-factors- For the Packers: James Starks (rushing and returning), For the Steelers: Their offensive line
Prediction: PACKERS 24 STEELERS 17 MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Ravens Review (pt 2)
In terms of Personnel moves the Ravens have a few things they must do if they want to be in Indy in February 2012 for Super Bowl 46 (assuming there is a Super Bowl 46 pending the labor situation which I will discuss later after the season). First and foremost they must must must resign Haloti Ngata by whatever means necessary. Resigning Cundiff, Koch, TJ, Carr, Wilson, Leron, and Donte are also important in that order.
However there are some places we must improve especially in the trenches. Either Oher must get better at the Left Tackle spot or we need to find someone to play the Left tackle spot so he can go back to the Right side where he excelled as a rookie. Also while Suggs returned to form we need to get a pass rusher to play the other side. It can be a guy like Sergio Kindle who's head injury that put him on IR this year put's his career in doubt or if it comes via the draft for a guy like Cameron Jordan of Cal or Cameron Heyward of Ohio State. They also need a speed WR to stretch the field possibly Torrey Smith from Maryland. While I know you say CB is a need I think with Dominique Foxworth returning from injury our corner situation is pretty solid. I am not saying they shouldnt try to add a corner in the middle to late rounds of the draft I am just saying it is not a pressing need.
Also I would like to apologize to Chuck Pagano the new d-coordinator because not only do the players love him but he is returning to the old way of wreaking havoc with the defense that Lewis, Nolan, and Ryan used. I guess I will just have to wait and see.
If they make some or all of these changes the Ravens could deliver some poetic justice and win the super bowl in Indianapolis where the old Baltimore team plays nearly 20 years after they moved out of Baltimore.
For those of you that are interested here is the Ravens 2011 opponents. Their strength of schedule for next year (based on 2010 records) is the 2nd easiest in the NFL:
Home: Cincy, Browns, Pittsburgh, Colts, Texans, Jets, Cardinals, Niners
Away: Cincy, Browns, Pittsburgh, Titans, Jags, Chargers, Rams, Seahawks
However there are some places we must improve especially in the trenches. Either Oher must get better at the Left Tackle spot or we need to find someone to play the Left tackle spot so he can go back to the Right side where he excelled as a rookie. Also while Suggs returned to form we need to get a pass rusher to play the other side. It can be a guy like Sergio Kindle who's head injury that put him on IR this year put's his career in doubt or if it comes via the draft for a guy like Cameron Jordan of Cal or Cameron Heyward of Ohio State. They also need a speed WR to stretch the field possibly Torrey Smith from Maryland. While I know you say CB is a need I think with Dominique Foxworth returning from injury our corner situation is pretty solid. I am not saying they shouldnt try to add a corner in the middle to late rounds of the draft I am just saying it is not a pressing need.
Also I would like to apologize to Chuck Pagano the new d-coordinator because not only do the players love him but he is returning to the old way of wreaking havoc with the defense that Lewis, Nolan, and Ryan used. I guess I will just have to wait and see.
If they make some or all of these changes the Ravens could deliver some poetic justice and win the super bowl in Indianapolis where the old Baltimore team plays nearly 20 years after they moved out of Baltimore.
For those of you that are interested here is the Ravens 2011 opponents. Their strength of schedule for next year (based on 2010 records) is the 2nd easiest in the NFL:
Home: Cincy, Browns, Pittsburgh, Colts, Texans, Jets, Cardinals, Niners
Away: Cincy, Browns, Pittsburgh, Titans, Jags, Chargers, Rams, Seahawks
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Amsterdam/Ravens Review (pt 1)
I am back from an amazing trip to Amsterdam. While the set up of the trip may sound like a great idea for documentary: The only single guy, and a frat boy at that, going to Amsterdam and all other guys are going with their significant others. Yet my trip was amazing for reasons that you may not expect I got to know the people on my trip a lot better and gained a new perspective on some of them as well as a new nickname.
This trip showed me how beautiful people are all over the world. From the people at the hostel who tried to help me and my roommates get into our locked rooms and set up a bed for us at 1 Am to a random drunk Irish guy at a bar there were so many people who were willing to help us. Also, I got to learn about myself and see that what makes me happy is my friends and my family no matter what the sorroundings. I also saw that I can truly get along with almost anyone regardless of personality. Lastly, I was able to watch the first half of the Ravens game and get updates from my parents about the disappointing 2nd half. While I was disappointed in the result I realized tha I was in Amsterdam and have so many other things going for me which allowed me to put that loss in perspective.
Now that being said I am disappointed in this loss by a team that many , including myself picked to win it all in the preseason. While there were some highs like the reemergence of Todd Heap and the growth of players like Jarrett Johnson and Flacco as well as a spectacular performance by Koch and Cundiff. There were also many lows like the blown fourth quarter leads and the god awlful play calling through out the year as well as the handcuffing of Flacco by Cameron
Those developments all come back to one man Cam Cameron, the Offensive Coordinator, who needs to be fired or the ravens will not break through to the next level. One play come to mind when I think about the poor playing calling: December 5th Ravens leading the Steelers 10-6 2nd and 5 late in the 4th (3:30-4 minutes left)from around their own 40 after Ray Rice broke some of his biggest runs of the night and without our best blocking Tight End (Heap) and Back (Leron Mcclain). This situation screams run two straight times at best you get a first down and can practically run the clock out at worst you don't get the first and either the steelers are out of timeouts or save their timeouts but have to drive 80+ yards in 2 minutes to win with a hobbled Big Ben. Instead we have a pass play and Troy strips Flacco leading the Steelers to a victory which gave them the division, the bye, and homefield for the playoff game. In a similar situation the next week 3rd and 2 a pass play is called incomplete Houston drove 90 yards for a game tying TD against a tired defense.
Another issue I have with Cameron is his refusal to lean on the running game throughout the year and refusal to let Flacco to audible out of plays. The one game he did both of these things was arguably our best game of the year a huge December win over the red hot Saints. This is not a new thing for Cameron he was known to Handcuff both Drew Brees and Philip Rivers in San Diego and both of their careers have taken off since being seperated from Cameron.
Look at the playoff loss last saturday the Steelers face a key 3rd and 19 and Big Ben AUDIBLES out of a short pass play and hits a 50+ yard pass play to set up the game winning score something Flacco is not allowed to do. Also Cameron struggles on Red zone play calling he loves running on 1st and 2nd down and then making Flacco throw for a TD in a known passing situation instead of taking a shot on 1st down and keeping their defense on their heels.
A perfect candidate to replace Cameron is Brad Childress, while he is a horrible Head coach, he was a great offensive coordinator with the Eagles when they went to 4 Conference title games in a row including Super Bowl 39. During this time he worked with Harbaugh the special teams coach for the Eagles at that time. Also the Ravens made a rare coaching mistake when they replaced Greg Mattison with Defensive Backs coach Chuck Pagano who led the weak link of our defense th DB's. We should have looked at guys Like Dean Pees who was the Pats D coordinator during their perfect season or outside the organization for current Defensive Assistants.
I will look at personnel moves the Ravens must make tomorrow.
This trip showed me how beautiful people are all over the world. From the people at the hostel who tried to help me and my roommates get into our locked rooms and set up a bed for us at 1 Am to a random drunk Irish guy at a bar there were so many people who were willing to help us. Also, I got to learn about myself and see that what makes me happy is my friends and my family no matter what the sorroundings. I also saw that I can truly get along with almost anyone regardless of personality. Lastly, I was able to watch the first half of the Ravens game and get updates from my parents about the disappointing 2nd half. While I was disappointed in the result I realized tha I was in Amsterdam and have so many other things going for me which allowed me to put that loss in perspective.
Now that being said I am disappointed in this loss by a team that many , including myself picked to win it all in the preseason. While there were some highs like the reemergence of Todd Heap and the growth of players like Jarrett Johnson and Flacco as well as a spectacular performance by Koch and Cundiff. There were also many lows like the blown fourth quarter leads and the god awlful play calling through out the year as well as the handcuffing of Flacco by Cameron
Those developments all come back to one man Cam Cameron, the Offensive Coordinator, who needs to be fired or the ravens will not break through to the next level. One play come to mind when I think about the poor playing calling: December 5th Ravens leading the Steelers 10-6 2nd and 5 late in the 4th (3:30-4 minutes left)from around their own 40 after Ray Rice broke some of his biggest runs of the night and without our best blocking Tight End (Heap) and Back (Leron Mcclain). This situation screams run two straight times at best you get a first down and can practically run the clock out at worst you don't get the first and either the steelers are out of timeouts or save their timeouts but have to drive 80+ yards in 2 minutes to win with a hobbled Big Ben. Instead we have a pass play and Troy strips Flacco leading the Steelers to a victory which gave them the division, the bye, and homefield for the playoff game. In a similar situation the next week 3rd and 2 a pass play is called incomplete Houston drove 90 yards for a game tying TD against a tired defense.
Another issue I have with Cameron is his refusal to lean on the running game throughout the year and refusal to let Flacco to audible out of plays. The one game he did both of these things was arguably our best game of the year a huge December win over the red hot Saints. This is not a new thing for Cameron he was known to Handcuff both Drew Brees and Philip Rivers in San Diego and both of their careers have taken off since being seperated from Cameron.
Look at the playoff loss last saturday the Steelers face a key 3rd and 19 and Big Ben AUDIBLES out of a short pass play and hits a 50+ yard pass play to set up the game winning score something Flacco is not allowed to do. Also Cameron struggles on Red zone play calling he loves running on 1st and 2nd down and then making Flacco throw for a TD in a known passing situation instead of taking a shot on 1st down and keeping their defense on their heels.
A perfect candidate to replace Cameron is Brad Childress, while he is a horrible Head coach, he was a great offensive coordinator with the Eagles when they went to 4 Conference title games in a row including Super Bowl 39. During this time he worked with Harbaugh the special teams coach for the Eagles at that time. Also the Ravens made a rare coaching mistake when they replaced Greg Mattison with Defensive Backs coach Chuck Pagano who led the weak link of our defense th DB's. We should have looked at guys Like Dean Pees who was the Pats D coordinator during their perfect season or outside the organization for current Defensive Assistants.
I will look at personnel moves the Ravens must make tomorrow.
Monday, January 3, 2011
2010 NFL Playoff preview
Well after 17 weeks of games 12 teams remain in the hunt for the Lombardi trophy. I will not only give you my picks and analysis for each game but I will also compare all 12 teams to a recent super bowl participant or winner. I will start off my picks for the post season awards.
AWARDS
MVP: Tom Brady, QB Patriots
OPOY: Arian Foster, RB Texans
DPOY: Clay Matthews, LB Packers
OROY: Sam Bradford QB Rams
DROY: Ndomukong Suh DT Lions
Coach: Todd Hayley Chiefs
Comeback Player: Mike Vick, QB Eagles
Playoff team comparison
AFC
1. Patriots- 2004 Patriots: Tom Brady with a bunch of no names as a 14-2 team
2. Steelers- 2008 Steelers: A lot of the same players (Mike Wallace=Santonio Holmes)
3. Colts- 2006 Colts: Peyton Manning leads an under the radar group of players and a fast Defense
4. Chiefs- 2003 Panthers: Both teams had an unsung hero at QB and a 2 headed monster at RB
5. Ravens- 2002 Bucs: A good defense, great special teams, and a QB who doesnt make many mistakes (This D is no where close to 2000 Ravens D no D this year is)
6. Jets- 2000 Giants An overrated team from New York that could catch fire but doubtful
NFC
1. Falcons- 2001 Patriots: A young QB and a solid supporting cast
2. Bears- 2006 Bears: A good D good running game and inconsistent QB
3. Eagles- 2002 Rams: A super fast team with a comeback story at QB and an average D
4.Seahwaks- 2008 Cardinals: A bad team from outwest with a great homefield
5. Saints (shocker) 2009 Saints- a lot of the same players
6. Packers 2003 Patriots- An up and coming QB leads a great D and no running game
Playoff predictions: Reminder- There are New OT rules for the playoffs if the team who wins the toss and receives the kick kicks a FG the other team gets the chance to tie or win the game but if the first team scores a TD or the defense scores the game is over.
Wild card
Saints 31 Seahawks 20- Brees and Saints Outclass seattle team after close 1st half
Packers 27 Eagles 17- Packers' D and Rodgers stay hot, beat Vick and Eagles rather easily
Colts 24 Jets 13- Manning picks apart overrated Jets D in comfortable home win
Ravens 20 Chiefs 10- Ravens D shuts down Chiefs running game Flacco makes enough plays
Divisional Round
Bears 27 Saints 20- Bears D, Hester end Saints run at repeat
Packers 20 Falcons 17- Packers edge out win against young, inexperienced Falcons
Steelers 24 Colts 17- Steelers D forces key turnover leads Pittsburgh back to AFC title game
Patriots 27 Ravens 24 (OT)- 2nd OT game in as many meetings Tom Brady just too clutch (Game of the Playoffs)
Conference championships
Patriots 31 Steelers 17- Tom Brady continues dominance of Steelers
Packers 20 Bears 13- Rodgers makes big play, Cutler makes big mistake Pack back to SB 45
SUPER BOWL
Packers 31 Patriots 27- Rodgers announces himself by beating Brady, Pats in Super Bowl MVP: AARON RODGERS (don't the niners wish they drafted him over Alex Smith)
AWARDS
MVP: Tom Brady, QB Patriots
OPOY: Arian Foster, RB Texans
DPOY: Clay Matthews, LB Packers
OROY: Sam Bradford QB Rams
DROY: Ndomukong Suh DT Lions
Coach: Todd Hayley Chiefs
Comeback Player: Mike Vick, QB Eagles
Playoff team comparison
AFC
1. Patriots- 2004 Patriots: Tom Brady with a bunch of no names as a 14-2 team
2. Steelers- 2008 Steelers: A lot of the same players (Mike Wallace=Santonio Holmes)
3. Colts- 2006 Colts: Peyton Manning leads an under the radar group of players and a fast Defense
4. Chiefs- 2003 Panthers: Both teams had an unsung hero at QB and a 2 headed monster at RB
5. Ravens- 2002 Bucs: A good defense, great special teams, and a QB who doesnt make many mistakes (This D is no where close to 2000 Ravens D no D this year is)
6. Jets- 2000 Giants An overrated team from New York that could catch fire but doubtful
NFC
1. Falcons- 2001 Patriots: A young QB and a solid supporting cast
2. Bears- 2006 Bears: A good D good running game and inconsistent QB
3. Eagles- 2002 Rams: A super fast team with a comeback story at QB and an average D
4.Seahwaks- 2008 Cardinals: A bad team from outwest with a great homefield
5. Saints (shocker) 2009 Saints- a lot of the same players
6. Packers 2003 Patriots- An up and coming QB leads a great D and no running game
Playoff predictions: Reminder- There are New OT rules for the playoffs if the team who wins the toss and receives the kick kicks a FG the other team gets the chance to tie or win the game but if the first team scores a TD or the defense scores the game is over.
Wild card
Saints 31 Seahawks 20- Brees and Saints Outclass seattle team after close 1st half
Packers 27 Eagles 17- Packers' D and Rodgers stay hot, beat Vick and Eagles rather easily
Colts 24 Jets 13- Manning picks apart overrated Jets D in comfortable home win
Ravens 20 Chiefs 10- Ravens D shuts down Chiefs running game Flacco makes enough plays
Divisional Round
Bears 27 Saints 20- Bears D, Hester end Saints run at repeat
Packers 20 Falcons 17- Packers edge out win against young, inexperienced Falcons
Steelers 24 Colts 17- Steelers D forces key turnover leads Pittsburgh back to AFC title game
Patriots 27 Ravens 24 (OT)- 2nd OT game in as many meetings Tom Brady just too clutch (Game of the Playoffs)
Conference championships
Patriots 31 Steelers 17- Tom Brady continues dominance of Steelers
Packers 20 Bears 13- Rodgers makes big play, Cutler makes big mistake Pack back to SB 45
SUPER BOWL
Packers 31 Patriots 27- Rodgers announces himself by beating Brady, Pats in Super Bowl MVP: AARON RODGERS (don't the niners wish they drafted him over Alex Smith)
Friday, December 31, 2010
2010 Year in Review
I am back again with a look back at my 2010, one of the greatest years in my life in so many ways. This year has been full of some lows and many highs as well as many life changing, once in a lifetime experiences.
The year started out rather uneventfully until my 20th birthday where I got to spend times with my close friends and kick off the semester. Then came the infamous Snopocalypse where I spent time with my friends and got closer to them. In the beginning of March I went to Koach Kallah at Pearlstone which allowed me to meet and become friends with Jewish college kids from all across the nation as well as reconnect with some old friends.
Then I had Spring Break Miami where we renovated a local park and worked at an after school program at a local elementary school. We each had a kid to be a friend and mentor to and my kid was full of energy and truly made my experience memorable. On top of this I had the opportunity to meet more college kids from different schools all over the country as well as strengthen the relationship I had with people from Towson. The highlight of the trip for me was successfully running a trip to a Miami Heat-San Antonio Spurs (my favorite team) game at which everyone had fun, that made me feel amazing.
All the while I was planning to run for Vice President of Towson Hillel, I found out one of my friends was running against me. I ended up losing the first election and later was told my best friend voted against me. After some constitutional issues there was a 2nd election which I won and my fraternity brother won President. The spring semester ended on a high when I won the Emerging Student Leader Award for Towson University, I was really looking forward to the summer and working at my local camp (milldale) for the 9th straight summer.
My Summer lived up to and surpassed my expectations, for only the 2nd time in 9 years I got the age I wanted (the same kids I had the year before) I was also a bus counselor in the afternoon and a late stay counselor. My kids were awesome each in their own way, I made some new friends, and reconnected with some old ones. The best part was getting a hand written note from one of my campers which said I was his favorite counselor. There were so many memorable moments (CTC, SZH, swimming, sleepover, O's Game and much more) and I will never forget the summer of 2010 or the children in Bunk 4D, bus 12, or OM JCC late stay.
When my fall 2010 semester started I was very nervous about moving into my new apartment, being VP of Towson Hillel, and balancing that with my fraternity and academics. Although I had the roommate from hell it was a tremendous semester for a number of reasons. I had an extremly successful first semester as VP, I kept my grades up, and my fraternity had an amazing semester which was topped off with a extremly strong new group of brothers and a super successful crush party. The best part of the semester was that I started to feel more comfortable in my own skin, became more outspoken and outgoing, as well as made many new friends and became closer with my older friends.
In general this blog post is just the tip of the iceberg of what was a truly special and amazing year for me. I would like to thank all my friends, family, and anyone who had an effect on my 2010, I aboslutly can't wait for what 2011 has in store for me.
The year started out rather uneventfully until my 20th birthday where I got to spend times with my close friends and kick off the semester. Then came the infamous Snopocalypse where I spent time with my friends and got closer to them. In the beginning of March I went to Koach Kallah at Pearlstone which allowed me to meet and become friends with Jewish college kids from all across the nation as well as reconnect with some old friends.
Then I had Spring Break Miami where we renovated a local park and worked at an after school program at a local elementary school. We each had a kid to be a friend and mentor to and my kid was full of energy and truly made my experience memorable. On top of this I had the opportunity to meet more college kids from different schools all over the country as well as strengthen the relationship I had with people from Towson. The highlight of the trip for me was successfully running a trip to a Miami Heat-San Antonio Spurs (my favorite team) game at which everyone had fun, that made me feel amazing.
All the while I was planning to run for Vice President of Towson Hillel, I found out one of my friends was running against me. I ended up losing the first election and later was told my best friend voted against me. After some constitutional issues there was a 2nd election which I won and my fraternity brother won President. The spring semester ended on a high when I won the Emerging Student Leader Award for Towson University, I was really looking forward to the summer and working at my local camp (milldale) for the 9th straight summer.
My Summer lived up to and surpassed my expectations, for only the 2nd time in 9 years I got the age I wanted (the same kids I had the year before) I was also a bus counselor in the afternoon and a late stay counselor. My kids were awesome each in their own way, I made some new friends, and reconnected with some old ones. The best part was getting a hand written note from one of my campers which said I was his favorite counselor. There were so many memorable moments (CTC, SZH, swimming, sleepover, O's Game and much more) and I will never forget the summer of 2010 or the children in Bunk 4D, bus 12, or OM JCC late stay.
When my fall 2010 semester started I was very nervous about moving into my new apartment, being VP of Towson Hillel, and balancing that with my fraternity and academics. Although I had the roommate from hell it was a tremendous semester for a number of reasons. I had an extremly successful first semester as VP, I kept my grades up, and my fraternity had an amazing semester which was topped off with a extremly strong new group of brothers and a super successful crush party. The best part of the semester was that I started to feel more comfortable in my own skin, became more outspoken and outgoing, as well as made many new friends and became closer with my older friends.
In general this blog post is just the tip of the iceberg of what was a truly special and amazing year for me. I would like to thank all my friends, family, and anyone who had an effect on my 2010, I aboslutly can't wait for what 2011 has in store for me.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
NFL Home stretch report
Sorry for the delay, I have been really busy but here is my take on the NFL with 4 games left including my predictions for the regular season standings, postseason awards, and playoff predictions. (Editors note these standings are accurate for only teams 2 games out of their division and wild card races, the standings are tiebreaker accurate)
Standings
NFC EAST
1. Philly 11-5 (#3)
2. Giants 10-6
3. Cowboys
4. Redskins
NFC NORTH
1. Packers 11-5 (#2)
2. Chicago 11-5 (WC # 6- lose divisional record tie breaker)
3. Vikings
4. Lions
NFC SOUTH
1. Falcons 13-3 (#1)
2. Saints 11-5 (#WC #5)
3. Bucs 10-6
4. Carolina
NFC WEST
1. Seattle 9-7 (#4)
2. St Louis 8-8
3. San Fran
4. Arizona
AFC EAST
1. Pats 13-3 (#1)
2. Jets 11-5
3. Dolphins
4. Bills
AFC NORTH
1. Pittsburgh 12-4 (#2-Win strength of victory tiebreaker, which they currently have so I gave it to them)
2. Ravens 12-4
3. Browns
4. Bengals
AFC SOUTH:
1. Jags 10-6
2. Colts 9-7
3. Texans
4. Titans
AFC WEST
1. KC 11-5
2. SD 9-7
3. Oak 8-8
4. Den
For you Ravens fans out there here is how the Ravens Win the division: Win 2 more games then Pittsburgh over the next 4 (Ravens- @Hou, Vs. NO, @CLE, Vs. Cin, Pit-vs. Cin, vs. Jets, Vs. Car, @ CLE) OR
win out and Have Pittsburgh lose to the Browns and have Houston finished ahead of Tennessee and have Denver finish within 4 Games of Oakland (Source: ESPN's playoff machine)
Postseason Awards:
NFL MVP: Tom Brady, QB NE
NFL OPOY: Philip Rivers QB SD
NFL DPOY: Clay Matthews LB GB
NFL OROY: Sam Bradford QB Rams
NFL DROY: Ndamukong Suh DL Lions
NFL COY: Todd Hayley Chiefs
Comeback Player: Mike Vick QB Eagles
Suprise: BUCS
Disappointment: Cowboys/Vikings
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
WILD CARD ROUND
Bal over Jax 27-17 (Ravens control MJD win 4th road playoff game in 3 years)
KC over Jets 24-17 (Charles and Jones lead KC to victory over Jones' old team)
Chi over Phi 20-17 (Bears control Vick, Win on the road)
Saints over Seahawks 34-24 (Brees and Saints Offense too much for Seattle)
DIVISIONAL ROUND
Pittsburgh over KC 24-13 (Steelers Defense dominates Leads Steelers to victory)
Bal over Patriots 31-27 (Ravens take advantage of Pats' suspect D, avenge Regular season loss)
ATL over Chicago 20-17 (Ryan leads another late game winning drive to beat Bears)
GB over NO 34-27 (Matthews, Rodgers overwhelm Saints ending repeat bid)
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
GB over ATL 27-24 (Rodgers leads Packers into Atlanta, win rematch, to Super Bowl)
Baltimore over PIT 17-13 (Classic Ravens-Steelers game ends with Ravens winning Round 3)
SUPER BOWL
RAVENS over PACKERS 24-20 (Rice, Flacco, Lewis lead Ravens to 2nd super bowl title)
MVP: FLACCO
Standings
NFC EAST
1. Philly 11-5 (#3)
2. Giants 10-6
3. Cowboys
4. Redskins
NFC NORTH
1. Packers 11-5 (#2)
2. Chicago 11-5 (WC # 6- lose divisional record tie breaker)
3. Vikings
4. Lions
NFC SOUTH
1. Falcons 13-3 (#1)
2. Saints 11-5 (#WC #5)
3. Bucs 10-6
4. Carolina
NFC WEST
1. Seattle 9-7 (#4)
2. St Louis 8-8
3. San Fran
4. Arizona
AFC EAST
1. Pats 13-3 (#1)
2. Jets 11-5
3. Dolphins
4. Bills
AFC NORTH
1. Pittsburgh 12-4 (#2-Win strength of victory tiebreaker, which they currently have so I gave it to them)
2. Ravens 12-4
3. Browns
4. Bengals
AFC SOUTH:
1. Jags 10-6
2. Colts 9-7
3. Texans
4. Titans
AFC WEST
1. KC 11-5
2. SD 9-7
3. Oak 8-8
4. Den
For you Ravens fans out there here is how the Ravens Win the division: Win 2 more games then Pittsburgh over the next 4 (Ravens- @Hou, Vs. NO, @CLE, Vs. Cin, Pit-vs. Cin, vs. Jets, Vs. Car, @ CLE) OR
win out and Have Pittsburgh lose to the Browns and have Houston finished ahead of Tennessee and have Denver finish within 4 Games of Oakland (Source: ESPN's playoff machine)
Postseason Awards:
NFL MVP: Tom Brady, QB NE
NFL OPOY: Philip Rivers QB SD
NFL DPOY: Clay Matthews LB GB
NFL OROY: Sam Bradford QB Rams
NFL DROY: Ndamukong Suh DL Lions
NFL COY: Todd Hayley Chiefs
Comeback Player: Mike Vick QB Eagles
Suprise: BUCS
Disappointment: Cowboys/Vikings
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
WILD CARD ROUND
Bal over Jax 27-17 (Ravens control MJD win 4th road playoff game in 3 years)
KC over Jets 24-17 (Charles and Jones lead KC to victory over Jones' old team)
Chi over Phi 20-17 (Bears control Vick, Win on the road)
Saints over Seahawks 34-24 (Brees and Saints Offense too much for Seattle)
DIVISIONAL ROUND
Pittsburgh over KC 24-13 (Steelers Defense dominates Leads Steelers to victory)
Bal over Patriots 31-27 (Ravens take advantage of Pats' suspect D, avenge Regular season loss)
ATL over Chicago 20-17 (Ryan leads another late game winning drive to beat Bears)
GB over NO 34-27 (Matthews, Rodgers overwhelm Saints ending repeat bid)
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP
GB over ATL 27-24 (Rodgers leads Packers into Atlanta, win rematch, to Super Bowl)
Baltimore over PIT 17-13 (Classic Ravens-Steelers game ends with Ravens winning Round 3)
SUPER BOWL
RAVENS over PACKERS 24-20 (Rice, Flacco, Lewis lead Ravens to 2nd super bowl title)
MVP: FLACCO
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