Stealers Rob Warner, Cardinals

It was truly a Super bowl to remember. I remember telling myself last year “Wow, I’ll never see a Super bowl again as good as this one”, and twelve months later, I’m telling myself the same thing. They did a top 10 Super bowl plays on Sports Center that night, and 3 were from this very game. Just goes to show how special this game really was. However, the only thing I would change would be the officiating, because quite frankly, it was a poorly called game to say the least.

I noticed a common trend throughout the game as I sat and watched, my friends and I screaming “What kind of call is that?” or “Are you kidding me?” There weren’t just a few bad calls in this game, there were countless horrible calls.

It all began when the Kurt Warner and the underdog Cardinals were driving to end the half. Just yards away from taking the lead, Warner threw a horrible pass that lead to a touchdown going the other way. James Harrison brought the interception back for 100 record breaking yards. The touchdown should have been called back, for not one but two missed calls. Kurt Warner was blatantly held the whole run back and Tim Hightower was illegally blocked in the back by LaMarr Woodley as he was about to make the touchdown saving tackle 30 yards away from the end zone. Also very questionable as to whether or not Harrison got into the end zone, because it looked as if he was tackled at the half yard line. Did it end here?

The Steelers went into the second half with a commanding lead and Arizona looked all but out of it. Late in the third quarter on a crucial drive that put Pittsburgh up even more there was not one, but two very questionable personal foul calls. The facemask was not a facemask and Big Ben later gets tapped from the back by Karlos Dansby after releasing the ball which was of course an automatic first down for “roughing the passer.” By the way, that very same play, Ben Roethlisberger was inside the pocket when he threw the ball away, which should have been a penalty against the Steelers, Intentional Grounding.

The Cardinals went on to score and make it a six point game, and a safety later, a four point game. Only problem with this was before that safety was a previous safety, another missed call. Willie Parker got the handoff and what looked to be an obvious safety, apparently was not. Now one will say they got the safety the very next play anyways after the offensive holding, so at least they got it right in the end. An extra twenty seconds were wasted in-between those two plays. Tack on another 20 seconds at the end of the ball game and the outcome could be different.

After a huge Fitzgerald touchdown, The Arizona Cardinals were in line to win Super bowl 43. The Steelers came out with a little over two minutes left in the game and drove down the entire field. The ending was a miraculous catch by Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes. After review, the refs declared he got both feet in and it was a touchdown. After closer views of the play it looked to me as if his right foot never actually tapped the ground, but the way this game was going, you knew the officials were going to give him the touchdown. After the catch Holmes did his best impersonation of Lebron James. He used the ball as a prop in this celebration, which should be an automatic 15 yards on the kick off. Warner and the Cardinals did not get those much needed fifteen yards on there following possession.

With 35 seconds left, Warner needed to drive 80 yards of the field and got very close to doing so. With five seconds left Warner threw the ball, using all the momentum of his body to push the ball forward as he was hit while throwing. This should be a incomplete pass, and not only was the call missed, but it was not even reviewed. LaMarr Woodley then took off his helmet in celebration which should have been another 15 yard penalty. Keep in mind the previous 15 yards missed on the Holmes celebration, and after the should have been review and right call, all of a sudden the Cardinals are only yards away from the end zone with 5 seconds left on the clock. None of these calls were made, and The Cardinals went home disappointed losers.

Should have been an incomplete pass, but called a fumble.

"I was really surprised on that one because I was definitely moving my arm forward to throw the ball. I thought I'd almost gotten the ball off, so yeah, it does surprise you that in that kind of situation - five seconds to go to decide the Super Bowl - you would think it was something they'd do. But maybe somebody saw it clearly," said Kurt Warner after the game.

Are there any questions as to who the refs were told to make sure won that game? Not only were the Cardinals robbed of winning the Super bowl, but robbed at the chance at the end of the game to overcome all these calls and still come out victorious. It’s a shame to see arguably the most losing team in NFL history to come as far as they did in the span of one season and get screwed over in the biggest games of their lives. Normally I’m not one to blame the refs and it is not as if I’m a die hard Cardinals fan, but I feel from the start of the game till the clock reached 0:00, the refs made sure the Steelers won that game, and it’s a shame.

Call him CC, not C.C.

It's been a while since my last column, so I hope everyone had a happy Cuatro De Julio. I know i promised new rankings every month, and I promise I will get to those either during or after the All Star Break. A lot of player's stock has changed since my last rankings, but do some of the few include names like CC Sabathia and Rich Harden? I personally believe CC will be the same pitcher that he was in Cleveland. Yes he will have a better offense behind him, so you can go ahead and expect a few more wins, but he isn't exactly a buy low or sell high. Rich Harden is another guy that has recently been on the move to the NL Central. He's been healthy now for 11 starts in a row, so is his luck starting to run dry, or is he the real deal? It's hard to say that he has a better chance to get injured in Chicago when he has been on the DL 6 times in the past 4 years with Oakland, but I'm not buying him. I don't know what it is with pitchers getting injured in Chicago, or that 100 year-old World Series drought, but i can't trust him there. I believe he is a sell high guy.

Guys Under the Radar
Manny Parra is 7-0 with a 2.27 ERA in his last 11 starts.

I Love me the Manny Parra. I've always loved me my Brew Crew.
And Now I love me the CC Sabathia. This is the year fellow Brewers fans.
And Yes... it is CC, not C.C.

In his last month Aubrey Huff is batting .385 with 9 HR and 25 RBI.
Willy Taveras leads the MLB with 38 steals.
Adam Laroche has 8 runs and 10 RBI in his last 10 games.
Mike Pelfrey is 5-0 in his last 5 starts. and has posted a 2.62 ERA since May 26th.
Ubaldo Jimenez is 3-3 in his last 8 starts with a 2.79 ERA.
Carlos Delgado has 16 HR, and has a post all star break .290 BA in his last 3 years.
Justin Duchscherer has been the best pitcher in baseball the past month. His stats look something like this. 5-1 with a 1.16 ERA and a 0.66 WHIP.
And the 2nd best pitcher in baseball the past month? Try Ricky Nolasco. 5-0 with a 1.82 ERA and 0.78 WHIP.
Brandon Morrow has been arguably the best closer in baseball since being put in the role. His stats look something like this the past month: 1 Win and 7 saves. 0.00 ERA and an astounding 0.17 WHIP. his K/9 is 10.80.
Dustin Pedroia is batting .426 over his last month.
J.J. Hardy is the hottest hitter in baseball. His BA has went up 34 points in his last 13 games. He has 7 HR and 15 RBI in that time period.
And where as Evan Longoria isn't the Ryan Braun of this year, he has been pretty close. He is now batting .280 with 16 HR and 53 RBI. He even has 6 SB. Also keep in mind he was batting an abysmal .237 a little over a month ago. He also missed significant time at the beginning of the year.

76-100

Ive been hearing many complaints lately by the readers. "When are you going to get back to Baseball?" Well this is the big finale. Yes my 76-100.

76. Santana Moss-Redskins-WR
77. Selvin Young-Broncos-RB
78. Joey Galloway-Buccaneers-WR
79. Tony Scheffler-Broncos-TE
80. Marc Bulger-Rams-QB
81. Laveranues Coles-Jets-WR
82. Heath Miller-Steelers-TE
83. DeAngelo Williams-Panthers-RB
84. Chester Taylor-Vikings-RB
85. Chris Chambers-Chargers-WR
86. Eli Manning-Giants-QB
87. Todd Heap-Ravens-TE
88. Felix Jones-Cowboys-TE
89. Bernard Berrian-Vikings-WR
90. Vernon Davis-49ers-TE
91. Deuce McAllister-Saints-RB
92. David Garrard-Jaguars-QB
93. Jerricho Cotchery-Jets-WR
94. Ahmad Bradshaw-Giants-RB
95. Alge Crumpler-Titans-TE
96. Anthony Gonzalez-Colts-WR
97. Philip Rivers-Chargers-QB
98. Bobby Engram-Seahawks-WR
99. Javon Walker-Raiders-WR
100. Donte' Stallworth-Browns-WR

-It's David Garrard's job this preseason. He was a great fantasy QB last year and missed significant time.
- Eli Manning will be a little more confident this year.

Believe it or not, a lot of QBs wish they were him.

- Stallworth got out of New England just in time.
- This will be the year Rivers steps up his game. Too much talent in San Diego. I mean, its bound to happen... right?
- Marvin Harrison I hate to say... is done. So who's going to be lined up on the other side of Wayne? Gonzalez was quietly very good at season's end.
- Something is clearly wrong with Javon Walker. I'm staying far away from him.
- Never EVER Trust a Broncos RB.


...AND LET'S GET BACK TO SOME FANTASY BASEBALL!

51-75

This is where you really win a draft. Yeah its easy to take an LT with the #1 pick. or a Terrell Owens in round 2. But when you get deeper into the draft you start to separate yourself from your opposition. Heres my 51-75.

51. Jason Witten-Cowboys-TE
52. Matt Forte-Bears-RB

He's no Cedric Benson! :)

53. Kellen Winslow-Browns-TE
54. Donovan Mcnabb-Eagles-QB
55. Santanio Holmes-Steelers-WR
56. Roy Williams-Lions-WR
57. Lendale White-Titans-RB
58. Tony Gonzalez-Chiefs-TE
59. Calvin Johnson-Lions-WR
60. Jay Cutler-Broncos-QB
61. Greg Jennings-Packers-WR
62. Marvin Harrison-Colts-WR
63. Dwayne Bowe-Chiefs-WR
64. Roddy White-Falcons-WR
65. Jonathon Stewart-Panthers-RB
66. Julius Jones-Seahawks-RB
67. Hines Ward-Steelers-WR
68. Dallas Clark-Colts-TE
69. Chris Cooley-Redskins-TE
70. Lee Evans-Bills-WR
71. Kevin Smith-Lions-RB
72. Donald Driver-Packers-WR
73. Justin Fargas-Raiders-RB
74. Matt Schaub-Texans-QB
75. Kevin Curtis-Eagles-WR

-Anybody that doesn't have the name Cedric Benson running the ball in Chicago puts a smile on my face. Chicago wants to run the ball. Cedric Benson is gone. Who's going to take the gig from him? Matt Forte's got this.
- Donovan Mcnabb? Because when hes healthy hes one of the best around.
- Why I like me the Kellen Winslow? Cuz we're both ******* soldiers out there at War. C'mon you cant mess with a soldier.
- This is simply the year Santonio Holmes breaks out.
-Big Fat Lendale White. I think he'll be going a little too high in drafts.
- Last year Calvin Johnson was wayy over hyped. Now he's going just where he should be. I think Calvin will have a nice little year in Detroit.
- I really liked this Bowe character last year. He showed some signs of greatness. Was only a rookie and still put up nice numbers. I expect those numbers to only get better.
- Roddy White is my hero.
- Whatever the reason may be, The Panthers really do not like DeAngelo Williams. This is why I'm buying into Jonathon Stewart.
- Kevin Smith is better then Tatum Bell.
- Why does nobody like to drink the Chris Cool(ey)-Aid. Continues to be an underrated Fantasy TE.
- When Schaub and Johnson were together they were one of the best connections in all the NFL.
They go together like Bill Beeeeeeeelichick and Cheating! (You would have to see the South
Park episode to get that 1)
- When Kevin Curtis was good last year, he was veryy good. When he was bad, he was veryy bad. We'll see some more consistency out of him this year.

26-50

I have been hearing some complaints over my 1-25. People think I'm crazy about Brady. People think AP is the second coming. People think I don't know what I'm talking about. Take what you want from these rankings you're the reader. Yes i could simply go to ESPN or Yahoo or wherever you can find Fantasy Football rankings and copy theirs ranking for ranking. But where's the fun in that? I have to have some bold predictions to separate myself from everyone else and I really do Believe in the rankings I put out. Here's my 26-50.

26. Larry Fitzgerald-Cardinals-WR
27. T.J. Houshmandzadeh-Bengals-WR
28. Ben Roethlisberger-Steelers-QB

Many additions to this potent offense can
only help Big Ben

29. Drew Brees- Saints-QB
30. Plaxico Burress- Giants-WR
31. Steve Smith-Panthers-WR
32. Ronnie Brown-Dolphins-RB
33. Marques Colston-Saints-WR
34. Reggie Bush-Saints-RB
35. Michael Turner-Falcons-RB
36. Chad Johnson-Bengals-WR
37. Torry Hold-Rams-WR
38. Wes Welker- Patriots-WR
39. Darren Mcfadden-Raiders-RB
40. Edgerrin James-Cardinals-RB
41. Thomas Jones-Jets-RB
42. Carson Palmer-Bengals-QB
43. Matt Hasselback-Seahawks-QB
44. Antonio Gates-Chargers-TE
45. Fred Taylor- Jaguars-RB
46. Earnest Graham-Buccaneers-RB
47. Derek Anderson-Browns-QB
48. Brandon Marshall-Broncos-WR
49. Anquan Boldin-Cardinals-WR
50. Rudi Johnson-Bengals-RB

- Big Ben was a top 4 Fantasy QB Last year. Not many people could have predicted this. This was not a fluke year and the Pittsburgh offense has only made additions to its offense. They are going to be spreading out the field a lot more this year which means big numbers to come from Ben. They gave Ben everything he needed through the draft, and expect a healthy Santonio Holmes.

- I know Burress is having some contract problems as we speak, but that will all take care of itself. Plaxico basically hobbled his way last year to a monster season. He played the whole year injured and constantly did not practice ONCE the whole week, came into the game and would catch a TD a game. His stats did slowly diminish after catching 8 TD in the first 6 weeks, but a healthy Burress means big numbers this upcoming season. And did I mention he had a pretty darn good Post season.

Remember when Burress predicted a 23-17 win. And then
Brady laughed and said "We're only going to score 17 points."
Then ended up losing 17-14. Good Times Pats fans.

- I'm not too high on Palmer this year. He was pretty much a disappointment last year with the exception of 1 big game. Only threw for 5 TD his last 5 games and with two top receivers in Johnson and T.J., this is simply not good. Wouldn't go out of my way to get him.
- Derek Anderson has had even more weapons surrounding him. So expect a better year out of D.A. this season right? Wrong. Last year was a career year for Derek Anderson, but I believe where you would be getting him in drafts you would be expecting the same production. I'm not saying Anderson will fall off the map and Quinn will be taking snaps away, but don't expect the same kind of season as last year.
- Michael "The Burner" Turner can flat out run the ball. He's a great RUNNING back, but won't get you any receptions. In Fantasy catching the ball is a big deal. I saw this stat and could not believe it. In a 4 year career Turner only has 11 CAREER receptions. Not to mention he will still be splitting time with Jerious Norwood.
- Steve Smith's stats seem to be getting worse each and every year. Also never stays healthy for a full 16 game season.

51-75 Will be posted Monday.

Fantasy Football in June

Its never too early to talk Fantasy Football is what I like to say. Yes it may only be June. Yes mini camps are still in progress. Yes Pats fans still think they went 19-0 and won the Superbowl. And Yes every one other then Dan Patrick and myself are still in shock Eli Manning and the Giants upset The "Unbeatable" "Best Team Ever" Patriots team. But where there is reality, there is fantasy. I need a break from fantasy baseball as does every other dedicated fan. So what other way is there to take a break from fantasy baseball? Talking Fantasy Football.

Mock Drafts are already in progress and I have already done my share of reviewing of the latest rankings. Fantasy football is closer then you may expect, and it's never too early to start preparing. I will be doing a top 100 with 25 each post. The top 100 will be completed by next week. Here is my Top 100 June Rankings. There will be a quick breakdown present after every 25 (each post).

Yeah LT's my #1. Surprise Surprise.

1. Ladainian Tomlinsom-Chargers-RB
2. Brian Westbrook-Eagles-RB
3. Joseph Addai-Colts-RB
4. Adrian Peterson-Vikings-RB
5. Steven Jackson-Rams-RB
6. Marshawn Lynch-Bills-RB
7. Clinton Portis-Redskins-RB
8. Randy Moss-Patriots-WR
9. Willis Mcgahee-Ravens-RB
10. Frank Gore-49ers-RB
11. Marion Barber-Cowboys-RB
12. Larry Johnson-Chiefs-RB
13. Peyton Manning-Colts-QB
14. Tom Brady-Patriots-QB
15. Terrell Owens-Cowboys-WR
16. Braylon Edwards-Browns-WR
17. Ryan Grant-Packers-RB
18. Reggie Wayne-Colts-WR
19. Willie Parker-Steelers-RB
20. Maurice Jones-Drew-Jaguars-RB
21. Jamal Lewis-Browns-RB
22. Andre Johnson-Texans-WR
23. Tony Romo-Cowboys-QB
24. Brandon Jacobs-Giants-RB
25. Laurence Maroney-Patriots-RB

-Adrian Peterson is not my solidified #2 like everyone else because he is always an injury risk. The consistency level also is not there. I had AP last year, when he was good he single handedly won me games, but the minimum average you would expect out of a #2 fantasy player was not always there.

- Marshawn Lynch only played in 11 games and was still a top 10 back. No Sophomore slump here.

Saw this image and could not help but laugh. Football's
so easy a caveman can do it! (Pause for Laughs)

- Frank Gore drops with an iffy season season last year, New coach in Martz (does not like to run the ball), and always an injury risk.
- Call me crazy but I don't think Brady throws 50 TDs again. In all seriousness tho I do not think the Patriots rebound and have another great season as expected. I actually think Manning is back to being the #1 QB.
- Owens and Romo will compete for the #1 connection.

Terrell Owens won't be needing to steal a fan's popcorn this
year. A happy Terrell Owens means many touchdowns to come.

- Grant was a stud last year, and the Packers only plan on running the ball even more this year to take some pressure off of Rodgers.
-I Love me some Braylon Edwards. Michigan Fan until the day i die, but with the bias part of me aside, I really do believe Braylon Edwards has a legit shot at finishing the year as the #1 WR.
- Patriots will run more this season, I'm liking Boney Maroney to rack up more points this year.

26-50 will be posted this Friday.

Home Field Advantage

Some players just love the fact that they're playing in their own backyard. They have their friends and families with them, crowd cheering for you... and not against you. There are many benefits that come with playing at home. But does playing at home really change the whole stature of a player? Let's play with some numbers.
Randy Wolf
the Wolf Pack
@ Home: 4 W 1 L 2.45 ERA 1.00 WHIP 8.59 K/9
-Very Very good numbers. Matter of fact, these are CY Young like numbers.
On the Road: 1 W 3 L 5.31 ERA 1.48 WHIP 7.30 K/9
-ehh not so good of numbers anymore. You see where I'm going with this...
Lets look at some other similar players.
Matt Garza
or the real Matty Ice as I like to call him
@ Home: 4 W 0 L 2.19 ERA 1.11 WHIP 5.59 K/9
On the Road: 1 W 3 L 6.25 ERA 1.55 WHIP 3.98 K/9
Dustin McGowan
D-Mac
@ Home: 4 W 1 L 1.73 ERA 1.15 WHIP 6.91 K/9
On the Road: 1 W 3 L 6.02 ERA 1.57 WHIP 7.27 K/9
Scott Kazmir
This kids good everywhere... but i just found these numbers to be Cliff Lee in April like, so the mention seemed necessary.
@ Home: 4W 0 L 0.35 ERA 0.81 WHIP 8.65 K/9
Don't worry his numbers on the road are just fine.
Erik Bedard
@ Home: 3 W 2 L 2.30 ERA 1.21 WHIP 8.58 K/9
On the Road: 1 W 2 L 7.40 ERA 1.60 WHIP 7.77 K/9

Seattle may have the worst record in Baseball,
But Erik Bedard loves pitching at home.

Are Hitters the same way?
Mark DeRosa
@ Home: .371 AVG
On the Road: .222 AVG
Kosuke Fukodome
These Cubs players really love the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field
@ Home: .376 AVG
On the Road: .205 AVG
Josh Hamilton
Yeah hes not bad on the road
On the Road: .285 AVG 7 HR 30 RBI
Wait until you see him at home
@ Home: .349 AVG 11 HR 43 RBI
Luke Scott
@ Home: .364 AVG
On the Road: .213 AVG
Carlos Guillen
@ Home: .358 AVG 5 HR 22 RBI
On the Road .243 AVG 1 HR 10 RBI
Hideki Matsui
I <3 New York!
@ Home .362 AVG
On the Road: .289 AVG