First Pick Blog

I’m just kidding, the Cubs are not going to win the World Series this year. To make myself feel better about every sad,depressing, and demoralizing season I always say “Next year will be the year” every single year, to no avail. Many know us as the “lovable losers”, in reality we are a sad and rare people, the Cubs fans. Fun food for thought: Did you know some people have lived long (not quite fulfilled) lives and died not seeing the Cubs win a World Series? Now, some might call it quits, and hop on the Josh Hamilton band wagon. Maybe even give NASCAR a shot, but true Cubs fans embrace this adversity. Not willingly of course, it takes copious amounts of alcohol at games and more soul food than the Food Network can show. This bonds us together, makes every win feel like the last goal from the movie Miracle. I am a Cubs fan, I am still bitter at my best friend for turning me into one at a young age, and I will make sure that my kid will never know this pain. Just a heads up America; when we win, which we will, You will have a riot in Chicago the likes of this world have never seen. Followed by so, so much crying.

By Dalton Barker

TV Show: Luther

Target Audience: Detective show fans/gritty drama fans

Time to start our weekly segment of Netflix Instant Watch pick of the week! Each week a show or movie will be picked, one that may be flying “under the radar.” For this week the Netflix show “Luther” gets my recommendation. Luther stars a fantastic television actor in Idris Elba (Stringer Bell from The Wire, also in the new flick Prometheus) as a troubled black detective, DCI John Luther, in London. The cop drama has been redone and remastered over and over again the past few decades, from “snarky 0ne-liner detective”  (Sean Spencer from Psych) to the “defective-detective” (Adrian Monk from Monk) to even more modern and recent the BBC’s Sherlock (another fantastic show, Season 1 is also available on Netflix) Basically what I am trying to say is clearly a troubled detective is nothing new. Also I am a sucker for these types of shows.

What separates this show from any other, the basic reason to watch, is not only the intense cases and killers covered but the relationship between the always-angry Luther and Alice Morgan (played by Ruth Wilson, Princess Betsy in the new Anna Karenina movie coming out this year). Morgan *Spoiler Alert* is believed to have killed her family in the first episode of the series, which Luther is able to deduce relatively quickly. The two continue the rest of the series to have one of the most complicated and compelling relationships I have seen in television. Many times I found myself yelling at my computer screen, “Why are you talking to her dude?! She’s a murderer!” But the two form a pretty deep bond which I can’t really go into without spoiling more of the show. Also Alice is slightly attractive, in a weird sexy serial killer type of way.

Season 1 spans six episodes, with each running about an hour and a half. Season 2 is finally up there as well, which lasts a short but action-packed four episodes. Those with short attention spans may want to stay away, especially with the British accents sometimes making it difficult to understand what is going on. I find that after a few episodes of going, “What the hell did he say?” the accents will become less hard to understand and soon will not faze you one bit. Other characters include Luther’s ex-wife Zoe (played by Indira Varma, who played a big role in the failed Fox thriller Human Target, as well as many Indian flicks) who is getting involved with a new lover Mark North (Paul McGann of Doctor Who fame). Also Luther’s trusty partner DS Justin Ripley (Warren Brown, who actually played one of the mercenaries in The Dark Knight Rises) is a fun character to root for. Loyal to a fault, Luther’s respect for Ripley grows as the show goes on.

In summary, if you enjoy dramas such as Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, or Boardwalk Empire you should enjoy this show. The formula may not be different, but the execution is quite successful.

Ben’s Rating: Four and a Half Stars out of Five

By Ben Simpson

Week 2 is in the books…time to rank each team!

1. San Francisco 49ers (2-0) San Fran looked unstoppable against Detroit this week, the run game has been impressive now 3rd ranked in the league. Should be 3-0 after playing Minnesota next week.

2. Atlanta Falcons (2-0) Peyton who? Atlanta kept Manning and company uneasy all game long. When you make one of the greats flinch, you deserve the number two spot.

3. Houston Texans (2-0) Two underwhelming opponents in Miami and Jacksonville…but their schedule is pretty easy all around. Number 1 team in passing yards so far this year.

4. New England Patriots (1-1) Let’s be honest, the Pats were a field goal away from being 2-0 to start the season. Give credit to the Cardinals for the win, but Brady and New England still look strong.

5. Green Bay Packers (1-1) Poor, poor Chicago. Cutler and the O-line felt the wrath of Green Bay this week. The Packers were most people’s preseason favorites, they need to earn their worth to get any higher than 5 in our Power Rankings

6. Baltimore Ravens (1-1) The AFC North will be the Raven’s to lose. The loss to Philly hurts, but trust in Ray Rice and Baltimore should be fine.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) Why are they ranked lower than the Ravens, the team they just beat? Week 1’s almost loss to the Browns. Don’t worry Eagles fans, another win could propel them up the leaderboard.

8. New York Giants (1-1) Eli’s gutsy comeback was really quite amazing, but New York could also easily be 0-2 to start the season. 

9. Denver Broncos (1-1) I still believe in Peyton Manning’s impact on Denver, give them time.

10. San Diego Chargers (2-0) I have a feeling after next week’s game against Atlanta the Chargers will be undefeated no more…but for now give them props

11. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) Ranked 30th in rushing yards, and only 19th in passing yards, let me know when the real Steelers show up

12. Arizona Cardinals (2-0) The Miracle in Foxboro was impressive, pulling for the Cards to go 3-0

13. Chicago Bears (1-1) Please help Jay Cutler….please….

14. Detroit Lions (1-1) It hurts me to rank my beloved Lions so low, but I can spot a Bad Lions team as well as anybody. Matt Stafford must improve or the Lions will fail.

15. Seattle Seahawks (1-1) Grantland.com’s Bill Simmons has Seattle as his “Super Bowl Sleeper” pick…only if he puts the team on his back doe..

16. Washington Redskins (1-1) Losing to the Rams is never good for cred, but RGIII looked impressive once again. Could the Skins sneak into a playoff spot?

17. Dallas Cowboys (1-1) Great first win of the season, bad first loss. 

18. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) Ranked 30th defense? 

19. Carolina Panthers (1-1) Cam Newton is the man! Putting up 35 on New Orleans with ease.

20. New York Jets (1-1) Put in Tebow…please

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) Close loss to the Giants, Big game against Dallas next week.

22. Buffalo Bills (1-1) Remember last year Bills fans?…yea hold on to those memories…

23. New Orleans Saints (0-2) Saints will turn it around starting with this week’s game against Carolina

24. St. Louis Rams (1-1) Shut down RGIII, cause a big penalty at the end of the game, come away with a win, solid week for the Rams

25. Indianapolis Colts (1-1) RGIII>Luck, but Andrew still looks solid

26. Tennessee Titans (0-2) Will the real Chris Johnson please stand up?

27. Miami Dolphins (1-1) Solid start for a mediocre team

28. Minnesota Vikings (1-1) AP is back ladies and gentlemen!

29. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) I hope the Chiefs can work out the kinks, too much talent to let go to waste

30. Oakland Raiders (0-2) Tough schedule coming up for Oakland

31. Cleveland Browns (0-2) Give the ball to T-Rich!!

32 Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) Lol…

By Ben Simpson

This comes from Yahoo Sports:

On Monday, Bear’s Defender D.J. Moore was asked by Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune what he thought of Cutler’s actions. The third-year nickel back didn’t hold back at all.

“Is it unfair to criticize Jay right now? Shoot, it’s unfair for him to be like that toward J’Marcus. In every game in every sport, there’s always somebody who has a tough day. For you to come off on the sideline, once you holler at him it makes it seem like [Webb] is the only reason.”

“I don’t talk to him. He knows. But if I was J’Marcus, shoot … it wouldn’t have went down like that. You just can’t … then when [Cutler] shoved him stuff, man. I don’t know.

“I don’t feel for Cut. He knows what he was doing. I don’t think you do that. I think if you have a problem with [Webb], maybe do that in the locker room or something.

 

The Redskins have found a phenom at the running back position in the form of Alfred Morris.

Morris was a sixth round draft pick of the Redskins in this years draft from Florida Atlantic University. He was a standout runner there and is a standout runner for Washington, too.

In two games this season, Morris has rushed 44 times for 185 yards and two touchdowns. Against the Saints in week one, Morris took the handoff 28 times for 96 yards and two scores. He’s a solid back weighing in at 218 pounds and can really lay the wood when running with the ball. One thing I like about him is that he’s always running downhill. Morris always finishes going forward.

Over the summer, I got the chance to interview Alfred Morris. Below is our conversation.

First off, looking back at your career for Florida Atlantic University, what is the fondest memory you have of playing for them?

“I would have to say the connections I made and the relationships that were built. They say you make lifelong friends in college and I definitely can attest to that.”

Where were you when you received the call from the Redskins saying they were drafting you?

“I was back home in Pensacola sitting outside patiently waiting for the call while enjoying my family.”

What was the moment like when it was announced that the Redskins had drafted you and it became official?

“I didn’t actually get to see my name pop up on the screen, but when I received the call with Coach Shanahan on the other end it was like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulder.”

How were you received when you first arrived at Redskins Park to be introduced?

“I was received just as everyone else. They treated us all the same and I know as rookies we will have to pay our dues, so I’m curious what’s to come.”

What are your expectations or goals that you have for yourself this season?

“My main goal right now is to make sure I make the 53 man roster. Without reaching that goal, none of my other goals will even be possible.”

How are you going to contribute to and help improve the Redskins offense?

“I will do my best to learn under the vets the ins and outs and do my best to compliment the ground attack with my hybrid style of running.”

How do you plan to get involved in the Redskins community?

“I love doing charity and reaching out to others. I’ve helped with Special Olympics, Autism programs, and habitat for humanity, just to name a few. I will definitely by finding who’s in charge of community outreach with the ‘skins’ and volunteering as soon as I get a chance.”

Once you get that first pay check, what is your first big purchase going to be?

“I don’t have any big purchase planned. I don’t see a need in buying some extravagant toy that I don’t need. If anything I would probably donate to a cause of choice.”

What excites you the most about becoming a Washington Redskin?

“To me it’s like the ultimate fan experience. I was a fan of the Redskins for quite some time and to actually get drafted by them is a dream come true.”

Morris is the ultamite team player. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He and Robert Griffin III have been the leaders of the offense. Whether it’s running the option or Morris blocking for Griffin, the offense revolves around these two key players.

By Brian Skinnell

Here’s a few quotes after the Skins/Rams game, from The Washington Post’s DC Sports Bog

“Never have I been involved in a game like this.” — Mike Shanahan.

“You wait for the second [punch] to be thrown before you throw a flag? They were doing a lot of dirty stuff after every play.” — Santana Moss, after the game.

“This is the dirtiest game I’ve ever played in. Hitting after the play. A guy ripped my helmet off one time. I didn’t know that was legal.” — Darrel Young, For the record, not legal.

“They were doing a lot of dirty stuff after the play. In those situations, sometimes your emotions get the best of you.” — Fred Davis

“I think the game was out of hand from early on. It was tough to try to keep your composure. It was real chippy.” — DeAngelo Hall

“Obviously everybody wants the officials back. Hopefully it can happen in the near future.” — Shanahan

“The Rams/Redskins officiating crew is 50 shades of lame.” — Colin Cowherd. At least he didn’t use “chippy.”

“I’m officially over it. The regular refs need to get back on the field. Enough is enough.” — Mike Pereira FOX Sports rules analyst.

Now the real question is…who will budge first?

Okay, we started one week late. But let’s just call that our “bye” week. Here are the First Pick Blog Staff standings after week 2. Included are everyone’s Monday Night Football pick as well.

Tied for 1st:

Ben Simpson, 8 correct picks: Buffalo, Indy, Carolina, Houston, Giants, Seattle, Pittsburgh, and Chargers

Monday Night Pick: Denver Broncos

Mujtaba Elgoodah, 8 correct picks: Same as Ben

Monday Night Pick: Denver Broncos

2nd Place

Brian Skinnell, 7 correct picks: Buffalo, Cincy, Giants, Houston, Pittsburgh, San Diego, and San Fran

Monday Night Pick: Denver Broncos

3rd Place

Matt Fehr, 6 correct picks: Cincy, Indy, Houston, Seattle, Pittsburgh, and San Fran

Monday Night Pick: Atlanta Falcons

Tied for 4th place

Alex Millon, 5 correct picks: Cincy, Houston, Giants, San Diego, and San Fran

Monday Night Pick: Atlanta Falcoons

Jimmy Luehrs, 5 correct picks: Cincy, Philly, Seattle, San Diego, and San Fran

Monday Night Pick: Denver Broncos

WHERE DID THIS COME FROM?! Odds in this game to be anything close were way out the window coming in. The Cardinals? Yeah they looked alright in their first game, but that was against a weak NFC West opponent.  How about going into New England, one of the most hostile environments to play on the road in all of the NFL and play a game that most everyone in their right mind is picking against you. The match-ups are just not there. No one can cover the 2 tight-end tandems of Hernandez and Gronkowski. Brady’s poise seems to be in full-effect even if the game is not going his way. He and Belichick just find a way to win games, especially at home. Last time the Patriots dropped a home opener…2001. That’s more than 10 years ago; back in the days of Drew Bledsoe’s famed injury and the magic that was Adam Vinatieri. Needless to say the Cardinals had a lot going against them before the ball was placed on the tee for kickoff Sunday.

What they did on Sunday was more then incredible. It dramatically reshaped the way we see two franchises.  The Cardinals have a new defensive identity. After finishing a pedestrian 18^th in total defense last year, they have found a way to shut down THE Tom Brady. The Patriots are a team as vulnerable as ever. Well…not really. They made a couple of mistakes, but in all honesty they could have won that game a number of ways.  If Brady looked at his second read on the 2 point conversion instead of forcing it into a tough play for Gronk, if Gronk didn’t hold that guy when Woodhead was way down the field, or if ‘Goatskoski’ didn’t miss his first kick of the season on a potential game winner, things might be a little different in Foxboro. More importantly I wouldn’t even be talking about this game. It is what it is though, and as the quote goes “the numbers don’t lie”.

Back to the Cardinals defensive performance: The way that they got after Brady with the mixed blitz packages today reminded me of the 2007 Giants defense that literally stole the show in the Super Bowl, or maybe even the Browns taking hard shots on Brady in 2010 causing them to upset them 34-14. Call me crazy, but I see this team making a run for the division title.  Patrick Peterson on the edge, made plays of a shutdown cornerback almost reminiscent of Champ Bailey. And Calias Campbell is a force that cannot be stopped. His motor keeps running even with double teams. 10 tackles, 3 assists, 2 sacks, and a number of hurries on Brady made him arguably the MVP of that game. He was the reason that the Patriots were out of rhythm with their offensive progression. Some people might point fingers at the fact that Aaron Hernandez was injured early on in the game. So what? Brady still had plenty of options to throw the ball to.

The one play that really got me was the 3^rd and 9 on about the 48 of the Cardinals (or something like that) with about 30 seconds to go before the half.  Patriots have 2 timeouts left and the Patriots have been driving down the field looking for a score to help open up what has been so far a closely fought match. Brady from the gun gets pressured right up the middle and forces a short throw to the right side. He lands up on his back and just walks off the field, shakes his head, and plops down sulking on the bench. That, my friends is a defense getting into a quarterback’s head. I cannot even count the amount of times Brady was in the exact same position and points were up on the board before you could turn the channel to check how the other game is going.  Even though there were games with Manning throwing 500 yards, Vick overcoming another poor performance and winning, or even the “Lucky” win of the day. My friends, this is the game of the day.

By Jimmy Luehrs

With all the talk on NFL this Sunday I would like to take this time to change the subject and look at College Football. In the last season of the BCS ranking system, this year is as crazy as ever with the upsets of Virginia Tech, Michigan State, and USC this week has stirred the pot for what has already been a fairly exciting NCAA football season so far.  With the rankings as they are here are my 3 picks for the national title.

*note BCS rankings do not start ’till Week 8, so these are AP Polls*

#1. Alabama: I am not just saying this because they are number 1. I am saying this because they made Arkansas, a team that had SEC West supremacy hopes, and made them look like a high school team. Yes they did lose their star QB…but 55-0? That’s just sad. Saban knows how to get it done when it matters too.

#4 Florida State: My God is this team explosive, yeah they have played mostly cupcake teams. Even Wake Forest, a solid in conference opponent looked lost trying to chase around Heisman hopeful Chris Thompson. Yeah, this team is for real.

#11 Notre Dame: My inner Lou Holtz (Dr. Lou for many) was yearning to make this pick. They honestly have the toughest schedule out of anyone in the country I don’t care what you say.  If their defense keeps playing like they are playing, we might just see a BCS buster in their last year of independence. I honestly can’t wait to see the Stanford game October 13^th. Game of the week!?!?

 By Jimmy Luehrs

Never again…never…ever….again. What possessed me to draft Chris Johnson again this year? The stat line from the first two weeks of the NFL season:

Week 1 vs. New England: 11 carries, 4 yards

Week 2 vs. San Diego: 8 carries, 17 yards

Now granted he did catch 6 passes for 47 yards in that Pats game this is not the Chris Johnson I fell in love with. Instead I wake up every morning, roll over in my bed, and see this face staring back at me..Damn you Chris…