Why We Love Sports; Week 4 Picks
Weeks like this are why I love sports so much.
I'm addicted to sports and I'll be the first one to admit it. Sports are a huge part of my life. I follow sports religiously and there are moments, like the one on Monday night in Miami, that remind me just how great sports are and how important they are to society.
Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident on Sunday. He was 24.
Jose Fernandez may have only been 24-years old, but he had Hall of Fame stuff. He was electric on the mound. So young and already one of the game's best pitchers and one of baseball's most likable players.
It's hard losing a teammate. I can only imagine what the Marlins are going through. To be at the end of the season, with Fernandez scheduled to pitch on Monday and suddenly he's not there. Miami cancelled their game on Sunday in honor of Fernandez, but they had to move on and play on Monday.
If you saw the game or watched the highlights, you know where I'm going.
The Marlins paid tribute to Fernandez on Monday by putting his No. 16 all over the ballpark, showing photos of him with teammates before the game, to every player and coach on the Marlins team wearing Fernandez's jersey as they took the field against the Mets. First class all the way. The Marlins did an unbelievable job in honoring Fernandez throughout the entire night.
The moment that everyone will remember though happened in the bottom of the first. Second baseman Dee Gordon leadoff for the Marlins and took the first pitch he saw from the right-handed hitters box and imitated Fernandez's batting stance. A tribute to his fallen teammate who loved to hit as much as he loved to pitch.
Gordon, a left-handed hitter, switched to the other side of the plate and two pitches later hit a 372-foot home run to right field. It was his first home run of the season and only the ninth of his five-year career, but the most meaningful hit of his life.
Gordon cried all the way around the bases and in the arms of his teammates who greeted him in the dugout. Pure emotion. Watching that play brings you chills and tears to your eyes. The Marlins went on to win the game 7-3, but the score doesn't really matter.
Watching that home run is a moment that makes me realize just how much I love sports. You could not have written Dee Gordon hitting a home run in the Marlins first at bat of the game even if you wanted too.
Here are a few more facts about Monday night's win against the Mets, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info, that make Monday that much more special:
-It was the first time the Marlins have scored seven runs since Sept. 14, a game started by Jose Fernandez
-The Marlins had 16 batters reach base safely, matching Jose Fernandez's uniform number
-It was the Marlins' first win at home over the Mets since July 23, which was a game also started by Jose Fernandez
-Perhaps it was fitting that to honor the all-time franchise leader in 10-K games, the Marlins needed nine pitchers to get 10 strikeouts
Again, you can't write that. The most unreal fact of all though, Dee Gordon hitting a home run for his fallen teammate. So special. Wow. Just wow.
Gordon said after the game, "I told the boys, 'If ya'll don't believe in God, you might as well start.' I ain't ever hit a ball that far, even in BP [batting practice]. For that to happen today, we had some help."
It's a tragedy what happened to Jose Fernandez. He could've been an all-time great pitcher, but he left a lasting legacy on the Marlins, the City of Miami, fellow Cubans, baseball and sports fans everywhere. He won't be forgotten. The Marlins have already announced they are retiring his No. 16 forever.
The moment that Dee Gordon gave us on Monday though are one of the many reasons why I love sports. The unscripted emotion, passion and unimaginable moments that transpire in the most difficult of circumstances never cease to amaze me.
Several other moments in sports of the magnitude of Dee Gordon's home run come to mind. Here are a few examples.
First, Mike Piazza's home run after 9/11. Watching Piazza hit that home run meant so much to not just the city of New York, but to the country. Piazza's home run provided hope and healing to Americans everywhere after their lives changed forever just 10 days earlier.
Another moment would be one that happened 10 years ago this past Sunday, one that I wrote about in last week's post, Steve Gleason's blocked punt in the Saints first game at the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Gleason not only blocked that punt for the Saints, but for the City of New Orleans as well. It signified a Rebirth in the city and that New Orleans was back. Such a cool moment that still gives me chills. Gleason now suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and seeing the Saints and the City of New Orleans rally around him is so special and goes to show just how much his play meant to them.
Finally, three years ago when the Boston Red Sox won the World Series six months after the horrific bombings at the Boston Marathon. The Red Sox mean so much to the City of Boston and after they won the World Series their victory parade ended on Boylston Street, right at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The World Series trophy was placed on the finish line with a Red Sox jersey draped over it and whose back read "Boston Strong 617." That World Series marked the restoration of the City of Boston and meant more to the people of Boston than we will ever know.
The moments like the one we saw on Monday night in Miami, or three years ago in Boston, or 10 years ago in New Orleans, or 15 years ago in New York won't change the awful tragedies that preceded them, but they do help us move on and bring us together.
Surreal moments, full of emotion, that make me realize just how much I love sports and how sports are more than just a game to so many people.
Hard to move on from that, but on to the games in Week 4.
Week 4 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
CINCINNATI over Miami (Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET, CBS/NFLN/Twitter): This is unfamiliar territory for the Cincinnati Bengals. Since Andy Dalton and A.J. Green were drafted in 2011, the Bengals have had nothing but success and have rarely been under the .500 mark. At 1-2, the Bengals need a win Thursday night against the 1-2 Dolphins. With games at the Cowboys and at the Patriots (Tom Brady will be back) the following two weeks, the Bengals need to avoid falling to 1-3. The Dolphins have a bunch of injuries and with this game being in Cincinnati, I like the Bengals. The defense must play better though. They got torched last week by Trevor Siemian and the Broncos and if the same happens this week against the Dolphins, the Bengals are in trouble.
JACKSONVILLE over Indianapolis (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, CBS, from London): I'm going with the Jaguars one more week before I give up on them. Perhaps a trip across the pond to London and Wembley Stadium will help them get their first win of the season.
HOUSTON over Tennessee (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Devastating loss for the Texans in placing defensive end J.J. Watt on injured reserve this week with a back injury. He won't be eligible to return until Week 12 and that depends if his back has healed by then or not. I do think the Texans will rebound from a pathetic performance last week against the Patriots with a win on Sunday, but they're going to miss Watt's presence for possibly the rest of the season.
WASHINGTON over Cleveland (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): The Browns almost got the win last week, but in typical Browns fashion, kicker Cody Parkey missed a potential game-winning field goal late in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime. Cleveland ended up losing in Miami to remain winless. They'll remain winless this week as their struggles continue against the Redskins in Washington.
Seattle over NY JETS (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick threw six, yes, six interceptions last week and the Jets turned the ball over a total of eight times! Hugh fantasy week if you had the Chiefs defense, they single handedly won me my fantasy game last week. Thanks, Fitzpatrick. Best of luck against a Seattle defense that's even better than Kansas City's. Also, the Seahawks listened to me and got TE Jimmy Graham the football. Finally! Only took three weeks. Graham had six receptions for 100-yards and a touchdown. Keep throwing him the ball and good things will happen.
NEW ENGLAND over Buffalo (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): I've decided I'm picking the Patriots to win every game the rest of the season. I've been burned twice already this season not picking them and I won't get fooled again. Patriots beat up on old pal Rex Ryan and guess who comes back next week, some guy named Tom Brady. His first opponent...the Cleveland Browns. The Browns cannot catch a break.
Carolina over ATLANTA (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Who had the Panthers starting the season 1-2? I sure didn't. It's still early and there's no cause for concern with the Panthers. They still will be in playoff contention if not out in front of the pack by several games for the NFC South crown. The Falcons will play well and make it tough on the Panthers, but I like Carolina to get the win in Atlanta.
Oakland over BALTIMORE (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): The Raiders really have racked up the frequent flyer miles so far this season. A trip to New Orleans, Nashville and now Baltimore and its only Week 4. The road has brought success so far for the Raiders as they're 2-0 away from Oakland. Baltimore is 3-0, but they have the three most unimpressive wins in the NFL, home against Buffalo, at Cleveland and at Jacksonville. Still not sure just how good the Ravens are, so I'm going with the Raiders and their road success in this one.
Detroit over CHICAGO (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): The one thing that the Cleveland Browns have going for them is the fact that they're not the worst team in the NFL, that honor goes to the Chicago Bears. The Bears have been awful this season and I don't see it getting much better. They've scored a pathetic 45 points in three games and head coach John Fox has said that when QB Jay Cutler has recovered from a thumb injury, his starting job is not guaranteed. Could this be the last season in Chicago for Cutler? It's going to be a very long season in the Windy City. Lions get the win in this one.
Denver over TAMPA BAY (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): I was super impressed with QB Trevor Siemian last week against the Bengals. He looked like John Elway out there. The Bengals had zero answers to the Broncos passing attack and if he continues to play well, along with that tremendous defense, Denver may be headed back to the Super Bowl. In case you're wondering, because I was, the Broncos play the Patriots in Denver on December 18th. Could they both be undefeated going into that game?
ARIZONA over Los Angeles (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): Time to push the panic button out in the desert? Not yet, but we're getting close. The Cardinals looked great against the Buccaneers in Week 2, but they lost to the Patriots without Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski in Week 1, then they lost to the previously 0-2 Bills last week. I still think the Cardinals have a playoff caliber team and I'm not saying this is a must win game, but a win would really help them. The Rams finally figured it out on offense last week, scoring 37 points and putting up 320-yards of offense, but the Cardinals have a much better defense than the Buccaneers. Arizona gets the much needed win.
SAN DIEGO over New Orleans (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): New Orleans has the worst defense in football. Alright, they're actually 31st in total yards allowed, but they still are giving up 448.3 YPG and the second most points at 32 Pts/G. Tough to win when your defense can't stop anybody. With that being said, I like the Chargers on Sunday. Also, a sort of homecoming for Saints QB Drew Brees. Brees was drafted by the Chargers and played his first five seasons in San Diego. Brees suffered a torn labrum at the end of the 2005 season and the Chargers along with the Miami Dolphins were unsure if his shoulder would completely heal. Brees, a free agent, ended up signing with the Saints and since then he has put together a Hall of Fame career throwing for 49,617-yards and 153 TD in New Orleans. Brees led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2009 and was named Super Bowl MVP all with a "bum" shoulder. Guess he showed them.
Dallas over SAN FRANCISCO (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): Head coach Jason Garrett and owner Jerry Jones are going to have a tough decision on their hands when QB Tony Romo comes back. Dak Prescott has played really well in the first three games and I believe he has earned the right to start. It'll be interesting to see what the Cowboys do, but in the meantime, Prescott plays well again and the Cowboys beat the 49ers.
PITTSBURGH over Kansas City (Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): Rarely do the Steelers lose two games in a row. After falling to the Eagles and rookie QB Carson Wentz last week in Philadelphia, 34-3, the Steelers return home with a new weapon in the backfield. RB Le'Veon Bell will be back on Sunday after being suspended the last three games. Bell, when healthy and not suspended, is one of the best running backs in the league. The Chiefs forced eight turnovers on defense last week, but they'll have their hands full this week against the Steelers potent offense. Steelers get the win on Sunday night.
MINNESOTA over NY Giants (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): If the Patriots weren't 3-0 without Tom Brady, the Coach of the Year award would without question belong to Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. Tremendous job. No Teddy Bridgewater. No Adrian Peterson for basically the entire season and yet, the Vikings are 3-0 and have one of the best defenses in football. Can a championship caliber defense carry the Vikings to the playoffs? Time will tell, but they're off to a great start. The Giants have a good team, but they'll have trouble with that Vikings defense on Monday night.
Byes: Green Bay, Philadelphia
Last Week: 6-10 (appalling record, one of the worst weeks in my history of picking games)
Overall: 25-23 (.521)
I'm addicted to sports and I'll be the first one to admit it. Sports are a huge part of my life. I follow sports religiously and there are moments, like the one on Monday night in Miami, that remind me just how great sports are and how important they are to society.
Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident on Sunday. He was 24.
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| The Marlins left their hats on the mound after Monday's game to honor their fallen teammate, Jose Fernandez. (Rob Foldy/Getty Images) |
It's hard losing a teammate. I can only imagine what the Marlins are going through. To be at the end of the season, with Fernandez scheduled to pitch on Monday and suddenly he's not there. Miami cancelled their game on Sunday in honor of Fernandez, but they had to move on and play on Monday.
If you saw the game or watched the highlights, you know where I'm going.
The Marlins paid tribute to Fernandez on Monday by putting his No. 16 all over the ballpark, showing photos of him with teammates before the game, to every player and coach on the Marlins team wearing Fernandez's jersey as they took the field against the Mets. First class all the way. The Marlins did an unbelievable job in honoring Fernandez throughout the entire night.
The moment that everyone will remember though happened in the bottom of the first. Second baseman Dee Gordon leadoff for the Marlins and took the first pitch he saw from the right-handed hitters box and imitated Fernandez's batting stance. A tribute to his fallen teammate who loved to hit as much as he loved to pitch.
Gordon, a left-handed hitter, switched to the other side of the plate and two pitches later hit a 372-foot home run to right field. It was his first home run of the season and only the ninth of his five-year career, but the most meaningful hit of his life.
Gordon cried all the way around the bases and in the arms of his teammates who greeted him in the dugout. Pure emotion. Watching that play brings you chills and tears to your eyes. The Marlins went on to win the game 7-3, but the score doesn't really matter.
Watching that home run is a moment that makes me realize just how much I love sports. You could not have written Dee Gordon hitting a home run in the Marlins first at bat of the game even if you wanted too.
Here are a few more facts about Monday night's win against the Mets, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info, that make Monday that much more special:
-It was the first time the Marlins have scored seven runs since Sept. 14, a game started by Jose Fernandez
-The Marlins had 16 batters reach base safely, matching Jose Fernandez's uniform number
-It was the Marlins' first win at home over the Mets since July 23, which was a game also started by Jose Fernandez
-Perhaps it was fitting that to honor the all-time franchise leader in 10-K games, the Marlins needed nine pitchers to get 10 strikeouts
Again, you can't write that. The most unreal fact of all though, Dee Gordon hitting a home run for his fallen teammate. So special. Wow. Just wow.
Gordon said after the game, "I told the boys, 'If ya'll don't believe in God, you might as well start.' I ain't ever hit a ball that far, even in BP [batting practice]. For that to happen today, we had some help."
It's a tragedy what happened to Jose Fernandez. He could've been an all-time great pitcher, but he left a lasting legacy on the Marlins, the City of Miami, fellow Cubans, baseball and sports fans everywhere. He won't be forgotten. The Marlins have already announced they are retiring his No. 16 forever.
The moment that Dee Gordon gave us on Monday though are one of the many reasons why I love sports. The unscripted emotion, passion and unimaginable moments that transpire in the most difficult of circumstances never cease to amaze me.
Several other moments in sports of the magnitude of Dee Gordon's home run come to mind. Here are a few examples.
First, Mike Piazza's home run after 9/11. Watching Piazza hit that home run meant so much to not just the city of New York, but to the country. Piazza's home run provided hope and healing to Americans everywhere after their lives changed forever just 10 days earlier.
Another moment would be one that happened 10 years ago this past Sunday, one that I wrote about in last week's post, Steve Gleason's blocked punt in the Saints first game at the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. Gleason not only blocked that punt for the Saints, but for the City of New Orleans as well. It signified a Rebirth in the city and that New Orleans was back. Such a cool moment that still gives me chills. Gleason now suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) and seeing the Saints and the City of New Orleans rally around him is so special and goes to show just how much his play meant to them.
Finally, three years ago when the Boston Red Sox won the World Series six months after the horrific bombings at the Boston Marathon. The Red Sox mean so much to the City of Boston and after they won the World Series their victory parade ended on Boylston Street, right at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. The World Series trophy was placed on the finish line with a Red Sox jersey draped over it and whose back read "Boston Strong 617." That World Series marked the restoration of the City of Boston and meant more to the people of Boston than we will ever know.
The moments like the one we saw on Monday night in Miami, or three years ago in Boston, or 10 years ago in New Orleans, or 15 years ago in New York won't change the awful tragedies that preceded them, but they do help us move on and bring us together.
Surreal moments, full of emotion, that make me realize just how much I love sports and how sports are more than just a game to so many people.
Hard to move on from that, but on to the games in Week 4.
Week 4 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
CINCINNATI over Miami (Thursday, 8:30 p.m. ET, CBS/NFLN/Twitter): This is unfamiliar territory for the Cincinnati Bengals. Since Andy Dalton and A.J. Green were drafted in 2011, the Bengals have had nothing but success and have rarely been under the .500 mark. At 1-2, the Bengals need a win Thursday night against the 1-2 Dolphins. With games at the Cowboys and at the Patriots (Tom Brady will be back) the following two weeks, the Bengals need to avoid falling to 1-3. The Dolphins have a bunch of injuries and with this game being in Cincinnati, I like the Bengals. The defense must play better though. They got torched last week by Trevor Siemian and the Broncos and if the same happens this week against the Dolphins, the Bengals are in trouble.
JACKSONVILLE over Indianapolis (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, CBS, from London): I'm going with the Jaguars one more week before I give up on them. Perhaps a trip across the pond to London and Wembley Stadium will help them get their first win of the season.
HOUSTON over Tennessee (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): Devastating loss for the Texans in placing defensive end J.J. Watt on injured reserve this week with a back injury. He won't be eligible to return until Week 12 and that depends if his back has healed by then or not. I do think the Texans will rebound from a pathetic performance last week against the Patriots with a win on Sunday, but they're going to miss Watt's presence for possibly the rest of the season.
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| The Browns had a win slip right past the uprights last Sunday in Miami. (Eric Espada/Getty Images) |
Seattle over NY JETS (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick threw six, yes, six interceptions last week and the Jets turned the ball over a total of eight times! Hugh fantasy week if you had the Chiefs defense, they single handedly won me my fantasy game last week. Thanks, Fitzpatrick. Best of luck against a Seattle defense that's even better than Kansas City's. Also, the Seahawks listened to me and got TE Jimmy Graham the football. Finally! Only took three weeks. Graham had six receptions for 100-yards and a touchdown. Keep throwing him the ball and good things will happen.
NEW ENGLAND over Buffalo (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): I've decided I'm picking the Patriots to win every game the rest of the season. I've been burned twice already this season not picking them and I won't get fooled again. Patriots beat up on old pal Rex Ryan and guess who comes back next week, some guy named Tom Brady. His first opponent...the Cleveland Browns. The Browns cannot catch a break.
Carolina over ATLANTA (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Who had the Panthers starting the season 1-2? I sure didn't. It's still early and there's no cause for concern with the Panthers. They still will be in playoff contention if not out in front of the pack by several games for the NFC South crown. The Falcons will play well and make it tough on the Panthers, but I like Carolina to get the win in Atlanta.
Oakland over BALTIMORE (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, CBS): The Raiders really have racked up the frequent flyer miles so far this season. A trip to New Orleans, Nashville and now Baltimore and its only Week 4. The road has brought success so far for the Raiders as they're 2-0 away from Oakland. Baltimore is 3-0, but they have the three most unimpressive wins in the NFL, home against Buffalo, at Cleveland and at Jacksonville. Still not sure just how good the Ravens are, so I'm going with the Raiders and their road success in this one.
Detroit over CHICAGO (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): The one thing that the Cleveland Browns have going for them is the fact that they're not the worst team in the NFL, that honor goes to the Chicago Bears. The Bears have been awful this season and I don't see it getting much better. They've scored a pathetic 45 points in three games and head coach John Fox has said that when QB Jay Cutler has recovered from a thumb injury, his starting job is not guaranteed. Could this be the last season in Chicago for Cutler? It's going to be a very long season in the Windy City. Lions get the win in this one.
Denver over TAMPA BAY (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): I was super impressed with QB Trevor Siemian last week against the Bengals. He looked like John Elway out there. The Bengals had zero answers to the Broncos passing attack and if he continues to play well, along with that tremendous defense, Denver may be headed back to the Super Bowl. In case you're wondering, because I was, the Broncos play the Patriots in Denver on December 18th. Could they both be undefeated going into that game?
ARIZONA over Los Angeles (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): Time to push the panic button out in the desert? Not yet, but we're getting close. The Cardinals looked great against the Buccaneers in Week 2, but they lost to the Patriots without Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski in Week 1, then they lost to the previously 0-2 Bills last week. I still think the Cardinals have a playoff caliber team and I'm not saying this is a must win game, but a win would really help them. The Rams finally figured it out on offense last week, scoring 37 points and putting up 320-yards of offense, but the Cardinals have a much better defense than the Buccaneers. Arizona gets the much needed win.
SAN DIEGO over New Orleans (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): New Orleans has the worst defense in football. Alright, they're actually 31st in total yards allowed, but they still are giving up 448.3 YPG and the second most points at 32 Pts/G. Tough to win when your defense can't stop anybody. With that being said, I like the Chargers on Sunday. Also, a sort of homecoming for Saints QB Drew Brees. Brees was drafted by the Chargers and played his first five seasons in San Diego. Brees suffered a torn labrum at the end of the 2005 season and the Chargers along with the Miami Dolphins were unsure if his shoulder would completely heal. Brees, a free agent, ended up signing with the Saints and since then he has put together a Hall of Fame career throwing for 49,617-yards and 153 TD in New Orleans. Brees led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2009 and was named Super Bowl MVP all with a "bum" shoulder. Guess he showed them.
Dallas over SAN FRANCISCO (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX): Head coach Jason Garrett and owner Jerry Jones are going to have a tough decision on their hands when QB Tony Romo comes back. Dak Prescott has played really well in the first three games and I believe he has earned the right to start. It'll be interesting to see what the Cowboys do, but in the meantime, Prescott plays well again and the Cowboys beat the 49ers.
PITTSBURGH over Kansas City (Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC): Rarely do the Steelers lose two games in a row. After falling to the Eagles and rookie QB Carson Wentz last week in Philadelphia, 34-3, the Steelers return home with a new weapon in the backfield. RB Le'Veon Bell will be back on Sunday after being suspended the last three games. Bell, when healthy and not suspended, is one of the best running backs in the league. The Chiefs forced eight turnovers on defense last week, but they'll have their hands full this week against the Steelers potent offense. Steelers get the win on Sunday night.
MINNESOTA over NY Giants (Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN): If the Patriots weren't 3-0 without Tom Brady, the Coach of the Year award would without question belong to Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. Tremendous job. No Teddy Bridgewater. No Adrian Peterson for basically the entire season and yet, the Vikings are 3-0 and have one of the best defenses in football. Can a championship caliber defense carry the Vikings to the playoffs? Time will tell, but they're off to a great start. The Giants have a good team, but they'll have trouble with that Vikings defense on Monday night.
Byes: Green Bay, Philadelphia
Last Week: 6-10 (appalling record, one of the worst weeks in my history of picking games)
Overall: 25-23 (.521)
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