Day of the Rising Stars

While Sunday may have seemed like any other week in the NFL, for a few young quarterbacks, it wasn't. Yes Sunday had an upset with the Bengals defeating the Super Bowl Champ Steelers and had a Cinderella fall when the 49ers lost to the Vikings on a last second play, but the big stories of the day was where history was made by young fellas at the quarterback position. 

It hadn't been since week sixteen of 2007 that the city of Detroit had seen the Lions win a football game, but Sunday that streak was ended. However the guy who dug them out of their hole was not the guy who got them in it, but rookie quarterback Matt Stafford. When the streak started and continued last season with an 0-16 record, Stafford was the quarterback of the Georgia Bulldogs. The Lions drafted him number one for the very reason of him to be the savior that brings them out of the worst losing streaks in NFL History. Stafford stepped up into the clutch and did something that hadn't been done for two years; he won as a quarterback for the Detroit Lions. 

When Donovan McNabb broke a rib during Philly's week 1 rout of the Carolina Panthers it made way for third year player Kevin Kolb. In his first start the Eagles suffered a tough 48-22 loss to the Saints, but Kolb however had a solid game with 2 touchdowns, three interceptions and 391 yards passing. On Sunday, Kolb in his second game threw for 327 yards and 2 more touchdowns and this time left no margin for error as he did not turn over the ball once, as the Eagles rolled over the Chiefs 34-14. When Kolb threw for 300 yards for the second week in a row, he became the first quarterback of all time to throw for 300 or more yards in their first two starts. Not Elway, Marino, Aikman, Brady, the list could go on forever, can say that they did that. 

The last of the young quarterback headlines was Mark Sanchez, the rookie out of the University of Southern California. Sanchez joined the Jets at the same time as first time Head Coach Rex Ryan and together they have created a New York Drama. At first Sanchez was fighting for the job with Kellen Clemens, but he proved in the pre-season that he was the man for the job. Now Sanchez comes into the league beats up on everyone's surprise team Houston Texans, beats divisional rival New England at home, and then on Sunday beats Tennessee at home throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for one. Welcome to the league Mark Sanchez, not only have you proved a lot of critics wrong but in the process you have become the first NFL quarterback of ALL-TIME to win your first three starts. Starting that Hall of Fame resume early?

While Sunday was just a normal week in the NFL, these three quarterbacks showed why they are already becoming household names. Chalk one up for them, and the future of pro football. 

JD

I Got His Autograph..Am I a Bad Person?

A friend of my family has luxury suite season tickets for the Eagles, so my dad and I made the hike to South Philadelphia to see the Eagles play their home opener against the Saints. After Sunday, I think it is safe to say that the Suite Level is full of "important people." My dad tapped a guy on the shoulder to ask how much a hat was at a souvenir stand, and the face that stared back at us was Sixer guard Willie Green, just minutes after we got off the elevator with former Sixer Aaron Mckie and his family. Even I was almost starting to feel important, almost. When we got to our suite, due to our lack of a sharpie, we were "autographless." After smiling, nodding, and shaking hands with people that I didn't know but had to act otherwise, I was handed a ticket by the suite holder that had Michael Vick's signature on it, wow. I thanked the guy for the autograph and retreated to my seat not really knowing how to feel. If I felt excited I could easily be labeled as a "dog-hater," and if I felt nothing I was not fulfilling my duties as a Philadelphia Eagles fan. But when I sat down to decipher on how I felt about the "dog killers" signature that I held in my hand, it took me into a much deeper thought on the subject.

Let's make this first part quick. I am all for Michael Vick playing football again. I am a person that believes in forgiveness, and as someone who has devoted their whole life to football Michael Vick deserves to play football again despite going to jail. He tortured and killed many dogs and I recognize that as a horrific crime, but he has paid his debt to society. Now in anticipation for Michael Vick's return to the football field on Sunday, I would like to address something that has gotten completely lost with the whole story; the fact that he is still a football player. 

What can we expect from Vick when the Eagles play the Chiefs on Sunday? We can expect boos, cheers, yes, whatever, who cares! Vick is not only a symbol of dog fighting and someone who you may see as lucky to get another chance, but in the end he is still a quarterback. I have always liked Vick as a football player. He is one of the pioneers of this new age type of scrambling throw on the run quarterback that I find interesting. My one problem is, I don't really see how he helps the Birds. With McNabb out, he will of course be good to have as a weapon who can pick up yards with his feet and through the air, but once McNabb is off the disabled list, I do not see much rationality in picking him up. When Vick was brought in during pre-season from time to time taking McNabb off the field in the process, it rattled Donovan. In the post game press conference McNabb was beating around the bush in saying that Vick being randomly shoved onto the field really wrecked the offenses rhythm. He wouldn't come straight out and say it, but us Eagles fans have known McNabb for years, we can certainly tell when he's upset, and an unhappy quarterback is an unhappy team. 

As to what Vick will bring to the table, most Eagles fans will quickly jump to saying, "The Wildcat!" Look, the wildcat is a cool type of offense that I enjoy watching; when the Dolphins use it. While a lot of teams have started to pick up this new age offense with a sprinter at the quarterback position, the Eagles are a team who are following the group but really don't need to. The offense under McNabb, the classic Eagles drop back west coast offense, is an offense that led us to the Conference Championship the year before. Why do we need Vick to an evolve an offense that is already successful. 

So when Vick takes the field on Sunday, I am not mad because he is an ex-con, or mad because I think what he did was wrong, but simply confused; because on terms of football, I just don't see the point. 

JD

Stories of Summer 2009

As yet another summer in sports is coming to a close, like every year it is safe to use the cliche, it was a memorable one. In my attempt to account for the happening happenings of the three steaming months of 2009, I bring you the first annual "Stories of Summer."

The Feel Sick Story

It has officially been proven that in Major League Baseball, money can buy happiness. When the season started Mark Texiera, A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, and Nick Swisher were all in evil pinstripes, it just wasn't clicking yet, and it seemed as though it would be just another year of wasted money for baseball's bad guys. Then the All-Star break rolled around and the Yankees started to live up to the name the Bronx Bombers once again, and the Evil Empire is officially back and better than they have been for years. Steibrenner one, sanity zero.

The Feel Pity Story

From one New York City burrow to the next, the story is sadder in Queens. The Mets have been god awful. As of September 1st they are in 4th place in the NL East, and 18.5 games behind the first place Phillies, but wait, that's not too shabby if you look at their lineup. The Mets injury list includes Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Delgado, Johan Santana, J.J. Putz, John Maine, and Oliver Perez. And David Wright has just returned to full health. Omar Minaya, that is the money you could be saving with Geico, or in this case could have saved if you could see into the futre. The Mets in one summer have gone from one of baseball's biggest spenders, to one of baseball's biggest jokes.

The Feel Relieved Story

When altercations with Derrick Rose's high school SAT scores became national news the NCAA decided to take action by completely terminating Memphis's 2007-08 record setting 38-2 campaign. Now when I heard this my first thought was, thank god Mario Chalmers hit that shot to force the Finals of the NCAA Tournament into overtime, that would later lead to a Kansas win over Memphis. If that shot would have rimmed out, we would not only be taking away a season from Memphis and its fans, but we would be taking away a title. If not for Chalmers, there would be a void in the 07-08 line for NCAA Champions, a void that would only be filled by the memory of the raising of their banner, and the memory of it being taken down.

The Feel Slightly Excited Story

I'm not really a soccer guy to any extent, but I was for some reason religously tuning in to the Confederations Cup earlier this summer. U.S.A. made it through group play then took it to National power house Spain in the semi-finals, handing them their first International tournament loss in thirty some games. They moved on to lose a heart breaker to Brazil in the finals, but the U.S.A. squad showed what I'm pretty sure was some promise. With the 2010 World Cup right around the corner in South Africa next summer, I can only maybe look forward to maybe cheering for the Americans, where I thought I never would.

The Feel Bad Story

When Plaxico Burress shot himself in the leg with a gun that he was not legally allowed to carry last year in a New York night club, he was later arrested for illegal gun possession. A charge which never really had offenders treated harshly, was figured to be no different for the New York Giants wide receiver. However, Plaxico's celebrity status seemed to hurt him in the case, when he got two years in prison, more than anyone ever has for that crime in the state of New York. When Burress shot himself last year, he did not only lose blood to the floor of the night club, but also the first year and a half of his soon to be newborn baby's life, and possibly his football career as well.

The Feel Disappointed...Again Story

The list of Major League Baseball players who have cheated with illegal substances grew this summer. Manny Ramirez recently used, and served a 50 game suspension. David Ortiz his wing man for many years was a member of the "anonymous" 2003 survey. This only means that the number of clean sluggers in Major League Baseball is shrinking by the second, and that possibly the 2004 Red Sox, the team that lead the fight to represent everything good that baseball stands for, is now just another fluke.

The Feel Undecided Story

Michael Vick served his time in prison, and is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Does he deserve the National spotlight after being so cruel to man's best friend? Well whether you think he does or not, ESPN is making sure he has it. The Worldwide Leader in Sports won't go more than five minutes on a segment of SportsCenter without mentioning his name, when the Eagles are playing next, and the time in which Vick is scheduled to get. Justice has been served, and whether you like it or not, Vick is a super star once again.

The Feel Confused Story

Is anybody else wondering why Michael Crabtree still hasn't signed with the 49er's? Somebody, his agent, his college coach, maybe himself, should know that the way he plays or in this case acts in his rookie season really defines his market value in the future. While all Crabtree is trying to do is give his market value some justice and get the money he thinks he deserves, he is just making it worse. If he sits out this year, like he has threatened to do countless times this 0ff-season, look for his new book on Oprah's book club list; "How to Ruin Your Career For Dummies", he is really building the life experience.

The Feel...Awkward? Story

After Alberto Contador won the Tour de France it was already known that Lance Armstrong would not be riding with Alberto or the team Astana in next year's Tour. Contador continued to sit down and give a much insulting interview regarding Armstrong. He said things along the lines of, I do not repsect Lance, and I am not impressed with Lance's story. I only felt uncomfortable debating to myself whether Contador was just being another egotistical athlete, or if he knew some dark secrets about the "True American Hero" we all think we know.

The Feel Humored Story

Never failling short of expectations, Shaquille O'neal has done it again. This time off the court, O'neal has created one of the most clever reality shows of all time; "Shaq Vs." It is a show where he challenges world class athletes to their sports, and then continues to train at that sport all the way up to the challenge. So far he has played volley-ball with Misty May-Treanor, competed in a Home Run Derby against Albert Pujols, and played in a game of football against Pittsburgh Steeler Ben Reothlisberger. While Shaq can be amusing on the basketball court to begin with, you can't help but laugh out loud watching the big guy go at it and smack talk with the world's best.

The Feel Annoyed Because Brett Favre Won't Retire Story

I tried like hell to stay away from this one, but it is always the top story of every summer. Favre is now a Viking, but this time I was actually surprised that he made his way back into the league. After his average peformance as a member of the New York Jets, I actually thought he would call it quits, but he couldn't. The question is now raised when will he actually retire? How much longer are we going to see Favre lift receivers on his shoulder after a touchdown pass, or as of late get fined thousands of dollars for illegal chop blocks; Brett thought the fifteen yards was enough, what a kid. But now a new question is raised for me, what would this game that so wants him gone, be without him? The man brings life to a football field, the man who has a full gray beard and is older than the Eagles new defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, is one of the few players left in the NFL who brings youth to the game. As I carelessly agree with everyone in saying that Brett should just retire already, and claim that I lose respect from him each time he fakes a retirement, a small part of me deep down inside wants to see number 4 out there again, for one more year, but just one more.

There you have it, the Stories of Summer 2009 has come to a close and will not be back until we have seen one more memorable summer of sports a year later. As a final shout out, I wish Adam "Pacman" Jones much luck in the Canadien Football League, I know he will do just fine.

JD

The New Crew

When the clock struck Midnight on July 31st, like every year it did not only signify the end of July and beginning of August but also the end of the period in which Major League franchises can trade players. Jake Peavy was now a member of the White Sox, Victor Martinez had become a Boston Red Sock, and Roy Halladay the deadline's diva had not been moved. Above all else that happened in the week leading up to the trade deadline, the most important acquisition was Cliff Lee becoming a Philadelphia Phillie. With that move, Phillies GM Reuben Amaro Jr. did not only give his team that much more of a shot to win a second straight World Series title, but also finished  a puzzle long in the making while doing so, inserting the final piece into what is now the best starting rotation in baseball. 

The Ace

Cliff Lee is one of the newest members of the Phillies rotation and in only four starts has already made himself the Ace of the staff. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner has dazzled opponents in every start he has made since putting on red pinstripes. In his first start he threw a complete game on the road in San Fransisco only surrendering one run on four hits to the Giants. He followed suit in his next two starts only giving up one run in Phillies wins. In his most recent start he beat the Arizona Diamondbacks giving up an earned run throwing a complete game and only giving up two hits. Cliff is the ace that the fans have been itching for since Curt Schilling left the club years ago. He works fast and his command on the mound can only be matched by the league's best, the ones whom are grazed with his presence. 

The Movie Star

The story has it that when Cole Hamels first walked up to big league camp he was wearing his big sun glasses, khaki shorts, and polo shirt just like a California boy, earning him the nick name Hollywood. While he is almost an outcast in a sea of blue collar players in the Phillies clubhouse, Hamels' work ethic and performance makes him fit in the with the bunch, no one is harder on Cole than Cole. Hamels, the once ace of the staff is struggling a little bit in '09 but he is a pitcher who knows how to throw down the stretch and certainly when the pressure is on in the playoffs, as he was the recipient of the NLCS and World Series MVP Awards in '08. While Cole hardly seems to be pitching like it he completes the rotation's 1-2 punch with Cliff Lee as the Phillies two pitcher.

The Work Horse

Pat Gillick brought Joe Blanton to the Phillies at the '08 deadline and he has hardly faltered since. He had a rocky start to the '08 season, but has really settled in as the year has worn on. Joe has not given up more than three runs in a game since June 18th and he has pitched seven or more innings in seven of his last eight starts, truly a work horse. Blanton has substantially lowered his ERA to 3.86, and his 8-6 record doesn't speak for itself, while Joe on occasion has not gotten run support, as hard as that is to believe with the Phillies lineup. Big Joe has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since the All-Star break, and has really padded his case as one of the league's most underrated players. 

The Young Gun 

J.A. Happ has been the pleasant surprise for the Phils pitching in '09. Happ in his first full season won over the starting position when Chan Ho Park was struggling and cemented himself into the rotation when Brett Myers went to the DL. He has been nothing short of brilliant since. He has a 9-2 record and a 2.66 ERA and his making himself a strong case for the NL Rookie of the Year. His two complete game shutouts (one on the road in Toronto) showed Philly fans what he is capable of doing when he is really on, amidst his consistency. Having a pitcher who will give you a legitimate shot to win every time he goes out there is so valuable, especially in the form of a twenty seven year old rookie. 

The Daddy

Who can forget when Pedro Martinez said the words "Who's your Daddy?" in that infamous interview regarding his then rivals New York Yankees. That alone illustrates the personality and charisma that Pedro can bring to a ball club. The Phillies signed Martinez for 1 million dollars for one year taking a small risk with him as he was one year removed from baseball. Pedro beat the Cubs in his first start, and was settling into his second start when rain struck and ended his day in just three innings. His pitches seem to be on point and his two Cy Young Awards along with his "down the stretch" experience makes him very suitable to hold down the fort as the fifth starter. 

A combination of Ruben Amaro Jr. and Pat Gillick has built this mammoth of a pitching staff, something that the Phillies have not had in a long time. Combining with possibly the league's best lineup, this pitching has to make you like the Phillies chances, they can just smell October, and it smells like repeat.  

JD

Who Let The Dogs Out?

I'm a vegetarian who owned a dog most of his life, so you would think I would be a PITA nut... I'm not. I believe more in the justice system which sentenced Michael Vick to two years in jail and put him in bankruptcy. I also believe he did his time and deserves his right to return to the job he has trained for, because just like a lawyer an NFL football player trains 4 years in college to try and obtain a job afterwards.

Now here's my problem, he's on my team. The team that represents my city, the team that cheer for proudly. That's right, Philadelphia. The place where over 350 murders were committed last year, and this year to many cops have lost their lives, has brought in their symbol of change, oh wait no, Michael Vick, a thug who hung, electrocuted, and bred dogs to fight to the death is our newest acquisition. I would have loved it if the Eagles won their first Super Bowl and brought this city together just like the Phillies. But now I just don't know. The thought of that guy having a ring telling him he is the best makes me want to puke.

When I think of Kansas City the first thing that comes to my mind is the Chiefs. A place like St. Louis, my mind first goes to the arch and then to the Rams. When people think of Philadelphia, there going to think Vick, the Liberty Bell, and then the Constitution center, and so on. But for this whole season, Vick comes before the birthplace of the United States of America, before all of the fallen officers. All news centers will talk about Vick not about the murders or the poor defenseless children who have been caught in the cross-fire. A football season I was looking forward to is now ruined, because I cringe at the thought of seeing a stadium full of people cheer for him scoring a touchdown to win the game.

I love that Philly fans spit, push, and heckle opposing fans to tears. That is what home field advantage should be, and I myself have done some of the above to make it that way. Our own govenor threw snow balls at Santa with pride, and I say that Philly fans did it with my own heart. Things like that show that we love our teams. But now with Vick, the fan base is going to be torn apart, and people on T.V. aren't going to think that were tough and physical, Philly fans are going to become dirty. During my days of travel sports we were all told to play bigger, play more physical, but when a kid played dirty he was taken out and taught a lesson. Bonds is remembered for playing dirty, and Diego Maradonna, who had so many sensational goals in his soccer career is remembered for the one that he scored with his hand.  You don't play dirty!

The minute a fan cheers for that monster, Philadelphia fans will no longer be admired. The second Michael Vick steps onto Lincoln Financial Field it is no longer going to be a tough place to play, it's going to be a dirty place to play.

DF

NFL Preview- Divisions and Wild Cards

NFC East

1.    Eagles

2.    Cowboys

3.    Redskins

4.    Giants

While losing Owens seemed like the loss of a distraction, it is also the loss of one of the league’s premiere weapons, and it makes Dallas lose their edge a little bit in the NFC East. The Redskins just don’t cut it yet, and the Giants have lost both of their starting receivers Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress, leaving “little” Manning just about no one to throw to. That leaves the Eagles, a team that has had quite the off-season. Losing their on field defensive leader Brian Dawkins to the Broncos, and their off the field defensive leader Jim Johnson to cancer, the Eagles will find their losses on the D side as a source of inspiration to really prove themselves as a unit. With fresh leg on the offensive line with Jason Peters and Stacy Andrews, and fresh legs in the skill positions with rookies Lesean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin, along with ultimate weapon slash convict Michael Vick, the Birds will have their usual consistent offense and will have a slightly easy time taking the division title.

NFC North

1.    Bears

2.    Vikings

3.    Packers

4.    Lions

This is a division that is not as clear cut as the NFC East or NFC West. There is no power in the North and that is mainly because each team in this division has a hard time putting points on the board. The Vikings should be the favorite to take the division, but the whole Brett Favre deal had to have taken a toll on the team’s off-season, and now the quarterback situation still isn’t cleared up. While the Lions are still hopeless, the Packers are in what I would call somewhat of a rebuilding year, leaving Jay Cutler and the Bears to back up Cut’s off-season division smack talk. Cutler along with second year running back sensation Matt Forte (let’s pray for no sophomore slump Windy City), will be the one two punch that combines with a well above average defense to take the NFC North.

NFC South

1.    Falcons

2.  Panthers

3.    Saints

4.    Buccaneers

The Saints and Bucs for me start the season out of the picture, although I could see the Saints making a push later in the year if Reggie Bush can get his act together, Brees can’t do it alone. This division really comes down to two really good offensive teams in the Panthers and Falcons. The Falcons list of weapons grew with the addition of TE Tony Gonzalez, just another toy for young Matt Ryan to play with. The Panthers found their stride as a team last year, getting a first round bye in the playoffs and really figuring out how to use all of their weapons Deangelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and of course Steve Smith. Both teams made the playoffs last year, and I see that happening again, with a first round bye most likely coming from this division as well.

NFC West

1.    Cardinals

2.    San Francisco

3.    Seahawks

4.    Rams

For the last few seasons just about every win that each of these teams get is within their own division. That was until the Cardinals blossomed last season, having a great year under Ken Wisenhut, with ageless Kurt Warner at the helm. The Cardinals will certainly not have the same fate as last year while they represented the NFC in the Super Bowl, but there is no doubt that they will take the NFC West, with the best receiving core in football, and a strong defensive unit.

NFC Wild Cards- Panthers and Cowboys

While the Cowboys had key losses on both sides of the ball with Roy Williams and Terrell Owens leaving the team, I cannot see there being a season for a while where there aren’t to be two NFC East teams in the playoffs, and they are that next team in 2009. The Panthers will in the end get beat out by the Falcons in a close race, either heads up or a let down loss to a team that will be out of the picture, but their record will carry them into the playoffs regardless, maybe Simpson will show up when Romo is winning again.

AFC East

1.    Patriots

2.    Dolphins

3.    Bills

4.    Jets

This season the AFC East teams are going to be brought back to reality because the Pats one year sabbatical is over, and Brady is back. The Patriots will run away with this division with almost as much ease as they did when going 16-0. The Dolphins will fall from last year’s results because the “wild cat,” the staple of their offense will now be in every team’s scouting report, resulting in them losing a creative edge that they had when they won the division in ’08, less people will be surprised. The Bills gained a weapon in Owens, but are losing their running back Marshawn Lynch to a three game suspension to start the year and Pro Bowl linemen Jason Peters to free-agency. A slow start will haunt the Jets for the remainder of the season, as I believe they won’t have their true starting quarterback by at least Week 5. The Pats will prosper whether or not Brady is still ailing or not, they will beat up on their own division, making it a hard time for the rest to get a spot in the playoffs with a wild card.

AFC North

1.    Steelers

2.    Ravens

3.    Bengals

4.    Browns

My philosophy is that you can never doubt the defending champs. The Steelers won it in ’08 behind possibly the league’s best defense, and a above average offense with a lot of weapons. Therefore they have a legitimate shot to do it again, and I can’t see anyone in this division challenging them too much. The Ravens will have another solid year with Flacco at the helm, and their strong defense will make them the team that will challenge the Steelers. The Bengals got stronger because the departure of Housh will mean a better Ocho Cino, and Lavreneus Coles will not need as much attention as the two guy. They also added play-maker Roy Williams to help out the back of their defense substantially. I don’t feel as though Cleveland needs to be mentioned, prove me wrong Brady Quinn. 

AFC South

1.    Colts

2.    Texans

3.    Titans

4.    Jaguars

I understand Marvin is gone, but Joseph Addai will be back and will have a much better season than last year. Harrison makes room for Anthony Gonzalez who I have liked since he came into the league. The Colts will de thrown the Titans, but who didn’t see that coming. Call me crazy but for the first time in a while, Houston we don’t have a problem. Behind play makers Steve Slaton and Andre Johnson, and a defense that will suffice in this division, the Texans will be the team that will make a run at the Colts not the Titans. The Titans will be figured out by now, and their ability to “run” away with victories will end starting in ’09. The Jags need help on offense and on defense, I wish them luck, but grant them no chance.

AFC West

1.    Chargers

2.    Broncos

3.    Raiders

4.    Chiefs

The quarterback is the most important position in football, and without one a team will struggle, alot. Jamarcus Russell, Kyle Orton, and Matt Cassel just don’t  cut it yet, and therefore my logic says they just don’t cut it as teams. That leaves the Chargers with Philip Rivers, who will take this division and maybe get home field advantage solely because of the fact that they will most likely get 6 within this division. The Raiders ground game showed promise with Michael Bush’s week 17 coming out party, and a young Darren McFadden that still has time to develop, the Chiefts signed a still young and in my mind unproven Cassel and added Amani Toomer to be aside Dwayne Bowe in the receiving, and the Broncos have new management and new additions with rookie playmaker Knoshown Moreno and Brian Dawkins. Despite, the Chargers are the team to beat in the worst division in football, its like being the smartest of the dumb, but they’ll get a playoff berth.

AFC Wild Cards- Ravens and Texans

Houston’s first good year in franchise history will not end with a second place finish, but a wild card berth to top it all off. The Ravens will be the shoo in Wild Card team, taking it for two years in a row. Flacco will be a sophomore but already showed that he has the ability to play like a veteran in the NFL in his rookie season. The Texans are to say the least due, and the Ravens are an experienced team (counting out Ray Rice and Joe Flacoo), that knows what its like to play down the stretch for a playoff spot. Miami will challenge each of them for a spot, but will fall short, leaving way for the Birds of Baltimore and the Texans of…Texas.

JD