The Bounty Continues

With the recent Bounty allegations arising, I feel it is appropriate to address the issue.  Firstly, I understand that it has been a part of the sport for longer than the news shows, however, it puts the league in a bad light.  It has gotten to a point where players are even setting bounties to protect themselves!  That's right.  Cris Carter, future hall of fame Viking, just released information stating he would set bounties against other players who threatened him.  Carter played during the 90's and into the 2000's, and surely this has been going on for longer.  Thankfully, Roger Goodell has handled this issue admirably.  He has stuck to his guns and is taking this issue very seriously.  It's not good for the sport and hopefully those who are guilty will be made examples of to detract future players from participating.

Boston Starts My Day

I'm taking a break from the normal "sports" theme because this song certainly deserves it!  Perfect song to start the day to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTFD5DZwK7g

Bulls Plagued By Turnovers

With the absence of Derrick Rose, many lost hope for the Bulls run at a title.  However with the depth they have, there is no reason to be down 3 games to 1 to the 76ers.  From watching this series, it is apparent that the turnovers have been Chicago's achilles heal.  The recent injury to Joakim Noah as well has put another uphill battle in front of the Bulls.  With game five closing in, the Bulls need to play poised and utilize the weapons they have, and maybe they will be able to avoid elimination.

Bench Puts Bulls Into No. 1 Spot

Derrick Rose has missed 24 games this season and yet the Chicago Bulls continue to rack up wins. So what's the explanation? Simply put, their bench. Throughout much of last season and certainly this one, the Bulls have had arguably the best bench in the NBA. Whether it be the rebounding machine Omer Asik, or the great defensive play of Taj Gibson, it seems as though the Bulls can beat any team without a single starter on the floor. They proved it against Miami when Rose scored only 2 points. I don't think there is any doubt that Tom Thibodeau should receive Coach of the Year honors. He's only been with the team for a few years, but has turned this organization into a championship contender.

Steelers Offseason Needs

Todd Haley is the new offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers and thus far it doesn't look like him and Big Ben have developed a relationship. This could certainly be a problem if it continues ad Roethlisberger really liked his former coordinator Bruce Arians. There's nothing to panic about now, but it needs to happen soon. Haley had some offense success as the OC for the Arizona Cardinals. In 2008, he helped lead the Cardinals to a Super Bowl, and coached an offense where Kurt Warner threw for 4,674 yards. I think Ben can have great success under Todd Haley given they fix the offensive line issues. Injuries on the offensive line have been the Steelers' achilles heal for some time. Maurkice Pouncey will be back which is a good sign as well as Willie Colon with a new contract. Some young talent in this year's draft would be essential for Pittsburgh. Also, Brett Keisel and Aaron Smith have seen better years. Injuries have plagued them recently and they have played in the league for quite some time. A pickup at defensive end, such as Quinton Coples out of North Carolina could have a great outcome. If the Steelers have a productive offseason, and Ben and Todd Haley establish a relationship, I don't see any reason they won't be a Super Bowl contender next year.

Jordan's Legacy

With today being Michael Jordan's birthday, I have heard a lot of debates about whether his legacy has been tarnished due to his poor GM skills. Jordan has been less than spectacular as a general manager, however, to suggest that this will ruin his legacy is asinine. The man is the best to ever play the sport and his years as a player will never be forgotten. I have heard a lot of comparisons to Isaiah Thomas as well as Matt Millen. Both had great careers as players but failed on the business side of their sport. First off, these comparisons are completely invalid because as I previously stated, Michael is the best. Neither Millen nor Thomas, despite being great players, were at Jordan's level. Comparisons between two careers should have no impact on a legacy. Phenomenal player, bad general manager. That is what it should be left at. Ill leave with this: 30.1 ppg in regular season, 10 scoring titles, and most importantly, 6 rings. These accolades simply cannot be erased nor forgotten.

Can't Spell Elite Without Eli

Throughout his entire career, Eli Manning has been compared to his big brother Peyton. But with yesterday's win against the Patriots, Eli got his second ring and has silenced the critics. 16 fourth quarter touchdowns this season speaks for itself. The man is a competitor and when his team needs him the most, he shows up time and time again. I'm not a Giants fan by any means, but Eli most certainly should be considered one of the greats. Just look at the pass to Mario Manningham late in the fourth quarter. That was a great example of how calm this quarterback is in clutch situations. I would say it's safe to say that Eli Manning has secured himself a one way ticket to Canton.

The Manning Situation

In the History of the National Football League, few individuals have meant more to their team than the Indianapolis Colts' Peyton Manning. With the neck injury that placed the future hall of fame quarterback on the bench this season, rumors about the end of Manning's career sprouted. And if that wasn't enough, the Colts organization announced they intend to select Stanford's Andrew Luck with the first overall pick. It seems like the beginning of a new era in Indianapolis, which might mean number 18 won't be suiting up as a Colt next year. But with this news, comes a positive side. Recent news about Peyton's recovery has come about and it looks good for a return next year. Peyton, if fully recovered, clearly has a couple of years left in him, so is Indy really the right place for him? I say no. This team is in a rebuilding stage, and most likely won't return to the playoffs for at least a few years. By that time, Manning will be retired, and without another ring. To give him the best opportunity to succeed would be to send him to a team with a possibility of a title. Not to mention the front office changes including head coach Jim Caldwell being released, would just not be an ideal situation for Peyton. If all goes the way it seems, Andrew Luck will be the new face of a refurbished organization.