DSS Picks of the Week

The results of week 16 should help the playoff picture clear up a little bit. Some teams are fighting for playoff births, while others are fighting just to stay alive. This week could become the most exciting week for some fans, while Christmas could be ruined for others. Here are the DSS picks of the week.
(Home Team In CAPS)

Saturday
Chiefs vs. RAIDERS- Although this game doesn’t really stand out to be a big one, an upset by the Raiders will knock the Chiefs out of playoff contention. With Larry Johnson already bad mouthing Herm Edwards, the performance of the Chiefs tonight will define their season. Look for the Chiefs to grind this one out in a close game against the Raiders in the black hole.
DSS PICK- CHIEFS

Sunday

GIANTS vs. Saints- There is a lot of talk between the Giants and the surrounding New York media. The Giants have not lived up to the hype they received all year , and many are disappointed with the team overall. On the other hand the Saints have done a wonderful job this season coming back from a 3-13 season last year. The Saints are also coming off a tough loss at home against the Skins, look for the Saints to prove they are for real.
DSS PICK- SAINTS

BILLS vs. Titans- Both of these teams have been playing very well down the stretch, and the playoffs are still a possibility, but they need a lot of help. Last week the Titans won thanks to the astonishing play of their defense, unfortunately for them Buffalo has a serious defense themselves.
DSS PICK- BILLS

FALCONS vs. Panthers- Mike Vick left last weeks loss to the Cowboys early, and now he needs to prove he is still the leader of the Falcons. Meanwhile the Panthers have underachieved all season long, and they really don’t have much left to play for besides pride. The Falcons on the other hand can still make it to the playoffs, but in order to do so they must win out. Look for the Falcons to take advantage of home field.
DSS PICK- FALCONS

RAMS vs. Redskins- Obviously this is a game that no longer matters, but for those of you who root for either of these teams, it could be a good game. St. Louis has had a tough season of injuries just like the Skins have has themselves. Oddly enough, last week the Skins showed me something, and I think they are starting to get on the right track, too bad its just a little too late.
DSS PICK- REDSKINS

Colts vs. TEXANS- This one should be an easy pick, but if Mario Williams has anything to prove this would be the game to do something, Peyton Manning is the reason they drafted him. Houston will forever be haunted for letting Reggie Bush go. Colts should have no problem handling Houston, at home or on the road.
DSS PICK- COLTS

STEELERS vs. Ravens- Boy have those Champs been playing recently, and with a small glimmer of hope for the playoffs they just might win out. Last time these two teams faced off it was an ugly match up for the Steelers, and the Ravens continue to look good. Playing in Pittsburgh just might help out the Champs in this on.
DSS PICK- STEELERS

BROWNS vs. Buccaneers- Yet again this is another ugly match up, with two teams going no where this season. The Bucs played very well against the Bears in Chicago none the less, and well, its been the same old story for the Browns week in and week out. Lets see what Tim Ratty can do for the Bucs this week.
DSS PICK- BUCS

Bears vs. LIONS- Now it shouldn’t take a rocket scientist to predict this one, but yet again this sports guy is still not very impressed with the Bears play recently. Last week the Bucs proved they didn’t have as strong of a pass defense thanks to key injuries. Yet again these guys are part of my upset of the week. My readers might think I’m on drugs, but I have a gut feeling here.
DSS PICK- LIONS (upset of the week, the Bears are just not what they seem to be.)

JAGUARS vs. Patriots- Now we have a game here with some serious playoff implications, if the Pats win they get their division, and if the Jags win they stay alive for one more week. Last week the Jaguars just had a tough loss to the Titans, and they will be looking to prove something, meanwhile the Pats really don’t want to become part of a tight AFC East pending if the Jets win on Monday. Things could get a little wild towards the final stretch here.
DSS PICK- JAGUARS

49ERS vs. Cardinals- If the 49ers take advantage of Seattle slacking it for the past month, they could win out and sneak into the playoffs! Heres the catch though, they need to win out, and Seattle needs to loose out. Don’t be surprised cause that just might happen.
DSS PICK- 49ERS

BRONCOS vs. Bengals- This is the game of the week for sure, both teams fighting for a chance at the AFC Wild Card, and both have a lot to prove still. Jay Cutler show me something, Carson Palmer how bad do you want it? Look for Cincinnati to separate themselves from the pretenders in a mile high upset.
DSS PICK- BENGALS

Chargers vs. SEAHAWKS- Seattle has had a tough stretch recently, and they are finding out that their just not the team from last year. Unfortunately for them they have to play the best team in football this week, and they couldn’t stop Frank Gore last week, and they certainly will have trouble with you know who this week.
DSS PICK- CHARGERS

Monday

COWBOYS vs. Eagles- What a match up we have here. No one thought the Eagles would be where they are, except for this guy (read some past articles) and let me tell you, this team is for real. T.O. might just get that Christmas present he never though he could, a beat down compliments of Jeff Garcia.
DSS PICK- EAGLES

DOLPHINS vs. Jets- Yet again here is another team in the Jets, that no one in the sports world thought would be here. Now being a Jets fan myself I might get a little bias here, well actually I am (but at least I am admitting it) I think if the Jets control the clock, and they don’t give the ball up (Chad, no fumbles or picks) they will make a good stand for a playoff pick. Monday night is their chance to shine, and this team is ready to break out watch out AFC the Jets could be the real deal.
DSS PICK- JETS


Last Week Results 8-5, could be better. This week should be a good one.

DSS NFL Rankings

This past week has some exciting games, the Chargers are still sitting pretty, and the Colts proved once again why they are the best, can you guess? Anyway here are this weeks DSS NFL Rankings, enjoy......

Hello Playoffs!
1. San Diego (12-2) If their recent conquest of the Chiefs didn’t say enough, let me put it into terms one can understand with ease. This team is for real, and with no one stopping their rushing attack, a Super Bowl in 07’ can certainly happen.

2. Indianapolis (11-3) Peyton Manning showed why he’s the best in the business. Manning feasted on the poor pass coverage Cincinnati used in a sad attempt to stop this future hall of famer.

3. Chicago (12-2) With key losses to their defense due to injuries, as well as gun play third stringer Tim Ratty exposed a little kink in the mighty Bear’s armor. Pending next weeks defensive performance can one truly see if the Bears are slowly on the decline.

4. Baltimore (11-3) Interesting game against the Browns this past weekend. With McNair hurt many had a sigh of relief as Kyle Boller actually led this team to victory in a tight division game. Without a healthy McNair this team will only have it’s defense to count on.

5. New England (10-4) Tom Brady and company showed that last weeks hiccup against Miami was just a hiccup. Brady and the Pats unleashed one hell of a beating on the Texans. Remember football fans if the Pats are still in it the past has proven, they are a serious contender.

6. New Orleans (9-5) Hey, at least they won their division thanks to the sad play of the Carolina Panthers. Brees has nothing to worry about, they need to just brush this one off and move on. The Redskins, are you serious? At home? Lets hope this was just like a New England hiccup.

7. Dallas (9-5) Congratulations Tony Romo, you must be the first quarterback ever to not even play a whole season and be in the pro-bowl. Make sure to call some pals at ESPN and thank them for all the hype you have received, anyway on a good note at least it takes the spotlight away from you know who. DSS won’t even say his name, because we don’t feel the need to be another sporting outlet that pays attention to nonsense.

Wildcard.
8. Cincinnati (8-6) After Manning thrashed this team on national television, one must ask themselves, how did this team win eight games with such a poor pass defense? They have an offense, and that’s about it. Denver versus Cincinnati on Sunday should be an interesting one.

9. Philadelphia (8-6) Out with Iverson, and in with Garcia. What can one say about Jeff Garcia right now? He is with no doubt the best backup in the league, maybe if he got to play three more games he could have joined Romo in Hawaii.

10. Denver (8-6) Now that’s more like the Jay Cutler everyone was talking about. Poor Matt Leinart just didn’t have the game to upset his draft mate. Cutler-1 Leinart-0

11. Jets (8-6) Now I can’t get too giddy about this being that I am a Jets fan. That’s right DSS owner and publisher is a Jets fan, so pending that we don’t blow it like teams of the past. Oh what the heck……..JAYYYYY---------EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-----------TTTTTTTTTTTT--------SSSSSSSSS! JETS! JETS! JETS! Sorry I lost myself there, but on a serious note, this team will only go as far as Chad can take them, because the Jets seriously lack a running game. Hey, at least making it to the first round says something in the AFC, doesn’t it? Mangini is coach of the year hands down.

12. Jacksonville (8-6) If I were a Jags fan I would just hang my head. Giving up three touchdowns to the other teams defense, if that’s not a shot to the groin, I don’t know what is.

13. Seattle (8-6) Seattle has a lot to prove this week after getting their teeth kicked in by Gore and the 49ers during last weeks highly televised Thursday Night Game of the week. Seahawks better be ready for a long one this week, cause they play the Chargers (sigh) yep, could be a long rainy one in Seattle.

Still on a lifeline.
14. Pittsburgh (7-7) Where have the champs been all year? If this team played like this all year long, well Peyton Manning would be worried about seeing them in the playoffs again. Too bad the chances really look slim.

15. Atlanta (7-7) This team is currently still alive in the dull NFC, but after Vick showed such a lack of heart against the Cowboys towards the end, this sports guy questions if this team even wants to finish the season.

16. New York Giants (7-70 Big Blue is in Big trouble after the Eagles just took it to them. Here is my advice. Plax, Jeremy, and even you Mr. Strahan (if you even play) just shut up already, there’s nothing to brag about. The JETS are now the team of New York. That’s right the JETS!

17. Tennessee (7-7) With the results Vince Young and this young defense has been showing, one asks why wasn’t Vince Young starting in the beginning of the season? Bringing in Kerry Collins was not a very funny joke to start the season with. In the end the joke will be on you Mr. Fisher when you miss the playoffs by one game. Ouch that hurts.

18. Buffalo (7-7) Yet again it’s the same old story in Buffalo. I think the Bills should get a banner in the front of the locker room that says this. “The Season Starts in September” just as simple as that, because then, just then, might these guys do something such as a playoff birth. I’m tired of seeing decent Bills teams miss out because of a slow start.

19. Kansas City (7-7) Kudos Herm, I don’t even know what to say. Hmmm, well at least Kansas has some decent golf courses. Just a shame that the KC media isn’t as fun at the NY media. Makes for a slow off season.

20. San Francisco (6-8) Don’t count these guys out yet. They live in the NFC West where the Seahawks are looking deader as the weeks go by. Their fate will be answered in the final week of the season. They just need to win out.

Golf Anyone?
21. Carolina (6-8) Everyone was jumping on the Carolina bandwagon earlier this season. Man a Steelers and Panthers Super Bowl would be great, oh wait, it really wasn’t. What happened to Carolina?

22. Miami (6-8) After getting pasted all over Buffalo this team has one goal in mind. Ruin the Jets season of glory. Miami will be ready to play come Christmas night.

23. St. Louis (6-8) Congratulations Mr. Bulger, a fellow Mountaineer on your second pro bowl selection. Other than that, there’s always next season.

24. Green Bay (6-8) Bret Favre you truly are a legend. Its just sad that we might not see you in the playoffs ever again. At least not with Green Bay.

25. Minnesota (6-8) You might have a great run defense, but any quarterback with talent can really put it to that pass defense. Lets see what this kid Jackson’s got.

26. Washington (5-9) Campbell looked decent against the Saints this past week, its just a shame they moved up on the draft boards.

27. Cleveland (4-10) Not a bad outing against Baltimore.

28. Arizona (4-10) As I have said, this team needs an offensive line. Plain and simple. Just imagine if Leinart had time. They already have the weapons, now protect them!

29. Tampa Bay (3-11) I’m impressed. I did call for these guys to be my upset of the week, so close. One question, why not Ratty all along?

30. Oakland (2-12) Just draft Baby!

31. Detroit (2-12) Lets go Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons!

32. Houston (3-11) You may be wondering why Houston is last, when they do not have the worst record. It is simple, I like many other sports writers simply cant live down the fact that this team let Reggie Bush go. I mean c’mon REGGIE BUSH! How do you sleep at night?

Q&A With Pat White and Steve Slaton

The following is an interview that took place back in April with West Virginia University starting quarterback Pat White, and runningback Steve Slaton. For those of you that love the Mountaineers I hope you enjoy this.

1. Where are you from?
White- Daphne, Alabama
Slaton- Levittown, Pennsylvania

2. What are your majors?
White- Communications
Slaton- Sports Management

3. What’s your favorite thing to do on campus?
White- My favorite thing to do is to come to the stadium, it’s my life.
Slaton- My favorite thing is to come to the stadium; you develop a love for it. Besides being here, I like to hang out with my friends.

4. What would you like to do when you graduate?
Slaton- Id like to graduate and play in the NFL, but if the NFL is not for me, I would like to have a nice job to support my family.
White- If I don’t make it to the next level, I would like to have a job in the communications field.

5. If you do go pro, is there a certain team that you would like to play for?
White- It’s weird because I’m from Alabama, but for some reason the Steelers is all I have known, you can’t come to my house and talk to my father about anything else but the Steelers. My father is a big Steelers fan, so it would have to be the Steelers.
Slaton- For me I’ve always grown up being from Philly, loving the Cowboys, and that’s a little weird, I was a huge Emit Smith fan growing up. Just to be there would be a compliment in itself.

6. How long have you been playing football?
White- I’ve been playing since the age of four.
Slaton- I’ve been playing since I was ten; its kind of funny because I started playing baseball, and I use to think baseball was for me.

7. Pat, have you always been a quarterback, or have you played any other positions?
White- I got my first start as a quarterback in my junior year in high school. Before that I played receive and cornerback.

8. Steve are there any positions that you have played besides running back?
Slaton- I started out playing running back, until high school I played quarterback. I have always played running back. I have also played cornerback, safety and linebacker.

9. What was it like to step on to Mountaineer field for your first time, your first live game experience?

White- You try to think you have been doing this your whole life, so there is no difference when you step out of the tunnel. All you see is the football field because you try to just focus in on the game.
Slaton- It was a big difference, because I did not go to a very big high school. We had a lot of fans, but there is no comparison to this. After the first two carries I got use to it, and I looked at it just like any other football game.

10. How do you guys mentally prepare for a game?
Slaton- I don’t have a ritual but the same person tapes me up, it sometimes depends, but every game I like to take time to myself to relax. I like to be around my teammate as well, because they get my pumped up for the game.
White- mentally before the game I like to make plays in my head before I step onto the field.

11. Pat, the WVU offense is known to be a no huddle running offense. Do you find the WVU offense harder to run then the typical west coast offense you see at other schools?
White- I can’t really answer that question, because I haven’t seen many of the other offenses that the other schools have.

12. Do you find it difficult to call the plays in the no huddle during the game, how do you get into the zone to do that?
White- You have to have fun, you have to focus on the game itself. You need to get yourself mentally and physically ready for a game during the week before the game.

13. Steve, you are known for your speed, is they’re anything you have done specifically to work on your speed?
Slaton- First I have to say it’s a God given talent. There is not much you can do with speed; you can help it a little. I just feel truly blessed with the speed I have.

14. Now, a question many students wonder about is your time in the 40. What is your time in the 40?
Slaton- I run a 4.37 at an indoor field. I believe I’m faster, but that’s my time right now.

15. Now, Pat what do you run in the 40 since you are known to be a mobile quarterback?
White- I run a 4.41, thats what I ran in the indoor.
Slaton- I have to say that your 40 time and game speed is a completely different thing.

16. What is the toughest aspect of being a player at a big school on such a national level?
Slaton- Being sure of yourself. I have not been here for a full year, I know the plays but sometimes I do second-guess myself, remembering every play is probably the hardest thing.
White- You appreciate the things that are happening, but you have to also ignore the outside attention so that your game play is not affected by surrounding events.
Slaton- It takes a lot of maturity to handle yourself. You need to be mature.

17. How did the student body treat you guys after you won the Sugar Bowl, did you get a very warm reception going to class that first week?
White- It’s West Virginia football and they love it, so it’s great to see the smile on their faces and how excited they were about football. It makes you happy
Slaton- It’s one of the main reasons we play, to make people happy, to make ourselves happy. Its for the fans, I believe our fans truly just bleed gold and blue.

18.What was the most exciting part about playing in the Sugar Bowl is there something specific that stands out in your experience playing in a major bowl game?
White- I was just so excited to be playing an SEC, school because of the area I grew up in, SEC country.
Slaton-I was just very excited, Pat and I talked before the game, and listened to our doubters, and we were very excited to show that we were better than people thought?

19. Do you sometimes feel over looked or underrated because we play in the Big East, which is considered to be a weaker conference compared to some of the other major conferences in college football?

Slaton- I felt coming out of high school I would play running back. Not too many schools wanted me as a running back. I feel playing at WVU on the top of the Big east was a good fit for me.
White- I don’t think anyone up until the Sugar bowl had respect for West Virginia, people in the big east respect the big east, but as far as the big east a lot of people don’t respect it, and there is a lot of talent in the Big East.

20. Pat Forde of ESPN.com recently had an article, and in that article he had you guys coming out number one in the country, and he also predicted that you would make a run for the national title, how does that make you feel, and does that effect the pressure or the feelings you have towards this upcoming season?
White- Every time I step on the field I’m playing for a championship, I’m playing to win a championship, it doesn’t matter if I am playing baseball, football, or even pool. I just want to win. People predictions, I don’t pay much attention to that. I am out there to just win.
Slaton-I think a lot of teams and some people jumped on our bandwagon. I think some people might want to hype us up to put us down, but I think we practice very hard, and we work very hard to win a championship. Not too many guys have gone into the season thinking about our ranking. We play to win every time we go out there on the field.

21. What do you think the main focus of the team this season is?
Slaton- Show the big east goes through Morgantown, show that we deserve the spotlight, and show that we really truly are number one.
White- Go undefeated playing Mountaineer football.

22. Is there any specific game that you go into looking forward to the most?
White- First game of the season, that is the only game I think about.
Slaton- I would have to say first and last, that national title game, because I feel that we really have the potential to get there.

23. How has coach Rodriguez helped you develop individually as a player?
White- He is a coach that loves the game. He puts a lot of effort into his coaching. He pushes you to be the best. You cannot be a Mountaineer and not actually love this game; to come to this facility everyday and play the way we do you have to love the game.
Slaton- He is a good critic and a bad critic, he tells you the good things that you are doing, and the bas things that you are doing as well.

24. What would you say was the turning point of your season last year? What point in the season really gave you guys the extra push to win out and make it to the Sugar Bowl game?

White- I think from the beginning we were working towards that goal, but if I had to pick a game I would have to say Louisville. Everyone was picking Louisville to win the Big East, and they haven’t even played a game in the Big East. Making that comeback sparked a lot of eyes in the stands as well as the sidelines. The people that didn’t believe all of a sudden became believers.
Slaton- I would have to say the Louisville game, particularly the last eight minutes of the game.

25. Where is the toughest place to play on the road?
Slaton- Mountaineer field for me I don’t really care where we play. But I know how our fans are and I would have to say Mountaineer field is the toughest place to play on the road.

26. With all the hype, and high expectations, is there anything you would like to say to the Mountaineer nation about the upcoming season, is there any chance of a Heisman trophy for either of you?’
White- I could care less about the Heisman, I want that national championship. I believe that you will see Mountaineer football played for sixty minutes a game.
Slaton- For me the Heisman is not an individual award. I think is shows great team playing ability. I think that with our offense we have a great chance to succeed this year.

DSS Weekly Picks

Entering week 15 of the NFL season many team's playoff hopes hang in the balance. After this week the playoff picture should clear up, and pending some upsets it could also become even crazier than it already is. Here are the Daily Sports Star's picks for week 15.

Dallas at Atlanta

After coming off a tough loss to the New Orleans Saints the Dallas Cowboys will be looking to rebound in a tough road game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons currently find themselves in the hunt for a wild card spot. With talks of Atlanta using both it's quarterbacks in some featured packages Dallas' defense could be in trouble. After being exposed last week by the Saints the Dallas defense could struggle against this athletic Atlanta team.

DSS Pick- Atlanta

Cleveland at Baltimore

The Ravens have already locked up a playoff spot, and they should easily put themselves in position to get that first round bye this week when they take on a struggling Browns team at home.

DSS Pick-Baltimore

Detroit at Green Bay

This game really has no more value this season, although many Packers failtful might tune in to see number 4 play the Lions for what could be the last time.

DSS Pick-Packers

Houston at New England

After loosing to the Dolphins last week Tom Brady and company will be looking to punish the Texans in front of the Boston faithful. Look for Tom Brady to have a big day against a struggling Texans defense.

DSS Pick-Patriots

Jacksonville at Tennessee

Vince Young has already shown signs of being a young Randal Cunningham, interestingly enough a win at home against an inconsistant Jaguars team, and a couple of key looses could put this Titans team into a spot for a long shot at the playoffs.

DSS Pick-Titans

Miami at Buffalo

Considering that both of these teams have been playing very well recently, and both are coming off big division wins this should be a good game. With the winter weather not being as cold as it should be this time of the year Buffalo's usually December advantage is no longer there.

DSS Pick-Miami

N.Y. Jets at Minnesota

The Jets will only go as far as Chad Pennington can take them. The Jets find themselves going up against the best run defense in the league on the road, Tom Brady has huge numbers against the pass defense Minnesota has, and that is the only key to success for the Jets. Look for Chad to rebound this week pushing the Jets even closer to the playoffs

DSS Pick-Jets

Pittsburgh at Carolina

Currently the Panthers have been struggling, and without their starting quarterback they are pretty much cooked. Pittsburgh has won six in a row, and have been playing some real good smash mouth Steeler football lately. Look for the Champs to ruin the Panthers playoff hopes.

DSS Pick-Steelers

Tampa Bay at Chicago

On paper this games doesn't seem to be much to many people, Chicago has been picked by many to run the table for the rest of the season. Unfortunatley for Chicago this Tampa defense is still really good. Look for Rex to have a tough day.

DSS Pick-Tampa Bay (Upset of the Week)

Washington at New Orleans

Its been a sad year for Washington fans after watching their team spend money like the Yankees only to end up 4-9 and last in their division. On the other hand Reggie Bush and the Saints prooved they are for real last week dominating the Cowboys. The Saints should proove to be too much to handle for the Skins.

DSS Pick-New Orleans

Denver at Arizona

Cutler versus Leinart should be an interesting matchup. Denver recently has not been playing all so well, and Cutler has really looked like a rookie. Arizona on the other hand doesn't have much to play for, but with Leinart looking to proove hes better than draft classmate Cutler Arizona will be ready to spoil Denver's season. Denver will unfortunatley have to realize that sitting Jake "The Snake" was a bad idea.

DSS Pick-Arizona

Philadelphia at Giants

This is easily the game of the week with many playoff implications. The Giants got lucky last time against the Birds, coming back in the fourth quarter after being dominated most of the game. With Strahan out and Garcia playing as well as he has been, look for the Birds to pull it out in a close one in New York. Setting up Chrismas day to be a memorable one as the division title will be on the line when the Birds fly to Dallas.

DSS Pick- Eagles

St. Louis at Oakland

Its sad that they even have to play this game. St. Louis is coming off a but kicking courtsey of the Bears, and Oakland, well at least they show up to games. Look for Mark Bulger to have a big day against the Raiders.

DSS Pick- St. Louis

Kansas City at San Diego

L.T. versus L.J. and unfortunatley for L.J. his coach is Herman Edwards. Chiefs fans will have to watch Herm and his conservative offense just won't get it done in San Diego, and on the other side of the ball the Chiefs defense will be dominated by a very serious Charger team. L.T. should have a big day, this guys callin for two touchdowns and well over one hundred and fifty yards rushing. Chargers end Chiefs playoff hopes.

DSS Pick-San Diego

Cincinnati at Indianapolis

Last years game was high scoring, and with the defenses these teams have, this game will be high scoring as well. Peyton Manning should have a big day, but in the end it will be Indianapolis' run defense that seperates these teams. Cincinnati will pull it out in a high scoring affair.

DSS Pick-Cincinnati

GOLD RUSH

It's been a long time coming and last night that time finally arrived. With San Francisco's shocking 24-17 upset in a soggy Seattle showdown, 49er fans finally can dust off those jerseys hanging in their closets and wear them with pride.

Now although the niners need a little help to make the playoffs this year, its really not a long shot. With the way Alex Smith is palying and the impressive retun of Miami's former monster Frank Gore, this Niner team is certainly going to make some noise in the future.

Seattle who currently leads the NFC West with an 8-6 record still has two tough games left to play. They are against the Chargers(loss), and at Tampa(easily a spoiler). If Seattle happens to continue stumbling down the stretch loosing its next two games then pending if they win out San Francisco could win that division! Heck with the way the NFC has been they could even make a run.

With the addition of Frank Gore the Niners now have a running game to depend on. No wonder they sent Barlow to the Jets with no problem. Barlow hasn't produced anything, and since week ten Gore has been leading the league carrying the pig skin for over eight hundred yeards, pretty impressive for a guy who during his injury plagued college career seemed to be fading away.

Names like Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, and even Jared Payton owe alot to Frank Gore, because if he never went down in Miami, those guys wouldn't even be where they are today. McGahee and Portis who were both on the same roster as Gore got much more playing time then they would have if Gore didn't go down. McGahee also deserves a round of applause for his suprising comeback after having his knee smashed in against Ohio State in a memorable National Championship game.

Anyway, now that the Niners have a running game, which was established last night during a monsoon in Seattle, Alex Smith who is the real future of this team has more room to develop. It's hard to just stack the box and blitz the young quarterback when there is a dependable and also versatile back lining up behind him. Last night Smith went 14-25 for 162 yards, and not to mention one of the most impressive boot legs this guy have ever seen. Smith certainly got the monkey off his back prooving he is going to be a quarterback in this league.

As the season closes out the fate of this well improved 49ers team will be answered. If they don't make the playoffs that ok, right now compared to many other "rebuilding" teams in the NFC the 49ers are several steps ahead. This season has been a good one with two wins against the current NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks.

At 6-8 Niners fans should be happy, because as the season has gone on the team has gotton better. If they do happen to sneak into the playoffs pending they win out against Arizona and at Denver (who is currently slipping) and Seattle looses out, then thats just desert.

Keep this in mind, if this Niners team does make it to the post season this year, watch out they just might make a run. If they don't, next year they will certainly be contenders. A thought Niner fans haven't had for a while.

Boston gets their Godzilla

From day one of Hideki Matsui's MLB career, the Boston Red Sox have been haunted with the fact that Godzilla is a New York Yankee, and who would of thought that when it came time to get Matsuzaka, that the Red Sox would luck out in the end! Is it just me or does it seem like the hype between Boston and New York will just never ever end?

With the signing of Matsuzaka people have been questioning if the ammount of money Boston paid will be worth it? I say why not, if anything the Red Sox can easily make that back. If you think about the marketability of this new addition to the Yankee, Red Sox rivalry, not only can the Red Sox make money, but the Yankees can cash out too.

Since Matsuzaka decided to take the money train to the states, many people in Japan who follow Matsuzaka are now going to follow the Red Sox. Remember the following Matsui got when he first arrived? Or the monsterous one he still has. With this knowledge you can easily assume that alot of money will be made because of this. I can already see the hype, Boston's Matsuzaka vs The Yankees Godzilla.

With the birth of Red Sox nation Japan, and plenty of Yankee fans currently in Japan. I'm sure people in Japan are already taking sides, it's fun to the Japanese, and it's pretty interesting because this rivalry is literally going international with many financial possibilities to be taken adantage of. Now the two teams will basically have another country watching them to see which son of Japan is having more success. You can bet anything that the first timeMatsuzaka and Matsui face of millions will be tuned in from Japan, because to that country its like Babe Ruth against Nolan Ryan. Pretty cool notion eh? The addition of Matsuzaka is not just money to Boston either.

To Boston the addition of Matsuzaka makes the starting rotation for the Sox look a little something like this come spring time: Schilling, Beckett, Matsuzaka, Papelbon, and Wakefield. Which is very impressive on paper. Being that Schilling and Beckett both won over fifteen games each last season. While Papelbon was excellent dishing out 35 saves as a closer. The only shakey spot in the roation seems to be Wakefield, but if Matsuzaka plays well enough Wakefield won't be depended on as much.

The Yankees starting rotation doesn't look too bad, but its a little questionable. The Yankees roatation would look something like this. Mussina, Wang, Pettite, Johnson, and Jeff Karstans (rookie). Last year Mussina won 14, Wang won 19, Pettite won 14, and Jonson won 17. You might see nothing wrong with that, but when it comes down to it, Wang is the only young blood with experience on this staff. Mussina, Pettite, and Johnson are all older guys, and older guys are known to break down during a long season. If Pettite and Johnson go down, Wang and Mussina can't carry that staff. Simply the Yanks may look like contenders on paper,but the pitching they have is just not as good as Boston's.

More than likey you will see a veteran sign with the Bombers, its not like Zito is out of the price range, no one ever is, but he might not be worth the money. Clemens might come back, but there is no guarantee there. Yanks could go for Leiber from the Phillies, if they are willing to loose a bat, but it's starting to look like the Yankees could be in a jam, with a limited market on pitching.

Boston bulked up for that legendary Yankee lineup this year, and now the Yankees need to respond. Because Boston's line up isn't too bat shy either, so if the Yanks don't get some backup in case a vet goes down, the Yanks could be in for a long one.

The ball is now in Steinbrener's court, and if the bossman lives up to his reputation, a response will be made to Boston's new man, hopefully for Boston it's not Barry Zito.

DSS Baller of the Week

First Ever Baller of The Week Goes To:
Devin Hester
For his outstanding performace against the Rams
200+ Return Yards and Two Touchdowns
6 returns for TD on the Year

Philly will miss A.I.

It has been a sad week, not to mention year for any Philadelphia fan. The Flyers are floundering, The Phillies recently broke many hearts and the Eagles currently arent living up to expectations. Unfortunatley for those tormented Philly faithful, theres some more salt to pour on those wounds.

I know that everyone has talked about this happening year in and year out, but come on who honestly thought the Sixers would really trade away a player that has been the heart and soul of their organization for the past ten years? Well apparently its happening, Mr. Snider has had enough and its time to move on, and in order for this sad team, in a sad conference to move on. Trading Allen Iverson is sadly the only answer. It is such a shame he could never win the big one in Philadelphia. A town he played his heart out for.

Recently whispers around the league have said that Iverson turned down a trade to the Bobcats, which I could understand I mean, Iverson wants to go to a contender cause hes done with pretenders (Sixers past ten years), and The Bobcats have some room to grow still, meanwhile Allen Iverson deserves better. I mean were talkin about a guy here who is definatley going to the hall of fame, ring or not. A true basketball legend, his name will be mentioned with the likes of Bird, Jordan, Barkley, Maravich, Dr. J, Shaq. Iverson currently is a player that although hes gettin a little long at the tooth, the man can still put up at least 25 a night maybe even 30 or 40, and if your a basketball fan then you know what I am talking about.

Me, I am not really the biggest NBA fan, not because of the game play, but because I think the game lacks passion. College basketball is much better, the players have heart and have not been corrupted yet. Although if there is one man who I thought always played with passion in the NBA, that man is A.I. He had enough hart to supply an entire team, a true little giant, but its terribly sad that talent beats heart, and one guy can have all the talent, but basketball is a team game.

Being from the Greater Philadelphia area I saw many athletes get run out of town for many different reasons, Eric Lindross, Scott Rolen, Terrell Owens, even now several athetes are currently in the proccess: Pat the Bat, Chris Webber, heck fans are even calling for the head of Andy Reid. Lets also not forget that if Donovan McNabb comes back next year and plays poorly, he could get shuned away as well. Remember if theres anything to really know about true Philly fans its this, the tar and feathers are always waiting for any athlete outside of the stadium in South Philly. No matter who you are, thats right Ryan Howard you better keep hitting dingers or they will boo you too.

To me the city of Philadelphia has always had passionate fans, sometimes they can be a little too much, but as a Philadelphia fan myself I ask my fellow fanatics to handle the situation differently this time. I am saying let Iverson go, but don't boo him or treat him like he hurt the city or the team. He had no team to hurt, he was the team, essentially he was the Sixers for the past decade, and if you believe that guys like Eric Snow, or McKee, or even Ratliff were, then you need to put the pipe down.

It has been established that I am not a huge basketball guy, but anytime I did watch, which suprisingly when I went off to college I watched the Sixers alot, not because I was into who they were playing or anything, but because they were the home team and I knew Iverson would play his heart out, just like he will for whatever new team is lucky enough to get him. I loved watching Iverson play, to be quite honest there were times I didn't even know names of other guys on the team, I only knew A.I. and thats all that mattered. Its just sad to see this day, but hopefully in the end maybe the Sixers and A.I. can forgive one another, but with King as a GM I doubt that will happen, and one can never forget that Mr. Snider is also no joke, when he steps in, its serious, and when it comes to Mr. Sniders teams The Flyers, and the Sixers theres no messing around. He already shook up the Flyers this year.

When Iverson goes I honestly doubt anyone the Sixers get will really be worth Allen Iverson, sure they might get a couple of kids, or a washed up has been, but thinking back was it so hard to just get someone else on the team who could shoot? I mean, nice try with Chris Webber, but it's like five years to late for him, and I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to see that all the Sixers had was A.I. ,who mind you is currently the leagues leading scorer, and you wonder why? Thats simple he is or "was" the Sixers!

So when all the smoke clears, and Allen sadly puts on another teams logo, I won't boo him, he doesnt deserve it. That man played his heart out for Philly not just for himself, I mean he did get a check too, don't get me wrong, but he knew what a Championship ment to this city, and I think he really did try his hardest every night, and if fans couldnt see that, well..... then we never did deserve him in the first place. I mean the guy is certainly no T.O., he would never abandoned his team or show such a lack of class like that, sure a couple of years ago when Larry Brown was the coach they had to deal with the whole "practice" thing, but no one and I mean no one will convince me that at that time true basketball fans didn't know A.I. was right about the whole "practice" thing.

Allen Iverson changed basketball as we know it, some say for the good, others blame him for alot of the hip hop flair brought to the game, but what can never be taken away is the fact that he did it all while wearing that number three Sixers jersey with alot of pride, and Philly fans should be proud of that.

I say next time Allen Iverson walks out on that court to play in the Wachovia Center, he should get a round of applause, but what is sad about the situation is that bitter Philadelphia fans don't and won't appreciate great things when they see them. Belive me there will not and I guarantee will not under any circumstance ever be another player like "The Answer" Allen Iverson. More than likley you will see him get booed in Philly when he makes his return, and its such a shame.

Lets not forget that although Allen Iverson was a little bit of a tough guy in the beginning of his career, and sure he was a confused kid that had many problems, he never under any situation forgot where he was from, and he tried to do alot for the community of Philadelphia, a city that needs more people like him willing to do such charitable things, and I know your response to that will be oh well, he didnt go to the last one because of back "spasms" but lets not forget that Iverson recently also did one of the classiest things I have ever seen an athlete do. He just paid for a funeral of a young boy who was willing to die rather than give up his number three jersey. Your gonna tell me that action alone doesnt represent class? Cause if not I don't know what does anymore.

What I am trying to say to the Sixers fans that read this is that Iverson is just as lost in this situation as those die hard Sixer fans, hoestly he is probabley happy, he finally has the chance to chase his childhood dream of being a champ, are you gonna say he doesn't deserve that? Remember this, in the end when he goes a part of that team is going to die, and a part of Iverson will die with it, if that hasn't happened already.

Philadelphia will miss you A.I., even though it may take time for the bitterness to go away, it's just a shame that in the end like many other athletes, you won't miss Philly.

The Daily Sports Star NFL Rankings

Leading the Way.




1. Chargers (11-2) With the way LT is playing one would argue that any team could win with him, but it's the suprising play of Philip Rivers, who mind you was taken as a replacement for an unhappy Eli Manning. Ask Charger fans now if they would rather have Eli, and I doubt you could find a taker. This will be Rivers team for a while, and the future looks good.

2. Saints (9-4)What more can you ask for from a team in the situation The Saints found themselves in earlier this year? Reggie Bush may not only be the savior to the Saints organization, he could also be considered the motiovational savior to the city of New Orleans itself.

3. Ravens (10-3) With a team that is just averaging 98 yards a game on the ground, Baltimore will only go as far as Steve McNair can go, remember Ravens fans, Steve has alot of milage, and he has got to get through December to make it to the playoffs. The only thing stopping this team is the questionable offense.

4. Bears (11-2)What can I say Devon Hester is an unbelieveable playmaker, and the Bear defense did what it usually does week in and week out against the Rams, the only question mark is which Rex Grossman will show up on Sunday, so far 13-23 200yds and 2 TD against the Rams, thats a start.

5. Patriots (9-4)Its hard to say whats up with the Patriots these days. Tom Brady and company usually don't seem to struggle as they did against Miami, but with alot of holes at wide reciever, a running game won't get you all the way. Patriots might be an early out in the playoffs this year.

6. Bengels (8-5)This team has the best wide reciever corps in football. Look for Palmer to really step up his game as the last quarter of the season goes on. Bengels could make a run, only if these guys stay out of trouble. Chris I'm talkin to you.

7. Colts (10-3)Peyton Manning just might be the next Dan Marino, its unfortunate but realistically when you let teams run all over you like that no matter how many times you can score, you wont win when your offense is not on the field. This Colts defense is definatley the worst they have been in the past four years.

8. Jaguars (8-5)The Jags are still a mystery to some, but with tough games left on their schedule between Cincinatti and Denver. Depending on which Jaguar team shows up, Jack DelRio might be wearing his new reebook suit to the country club come playoffs.

9.Seahawks (8-5)Can they go the distance again? It is obvious they certainly miss their former offensive linemen Steve Hutchinson this year, maybe he should have been on the Madden cover instead of Alexander? Those offensive linemen just never get enough credit.............Seahawks could stumble during the final stretch.

Playoffs Anyone?

10. Cowboys (8-5)Ah how the Dallas Cowboys got sucked back into a very wild division. Three weeks ago one would have thought that it was all locked up, but now that Eagle game on Christmas Day is a little more important than it once seemed. Garcia vs. Owens, how bittersweet could it be? Should be a fun one, I expect a ton of media hype. Also don't forget that Romo's inexperience could catch up to them to, yea hes been on a team for four years, but starting six games doesn't mean your ready for playoff football, Romo's inexperience could be this teams downfall.

11. Jets (7-6)The New York Jets, the suprise team of the league so far. Eric Mangini certainly has a future ahead of himself with this team. It clear that The Jets obviously need a running game, and with the way Kellen Clemens is playing in practice, Chad better step it up, cause he might just run out of time in New York. If the Jets make the playoffs this year don't count them out too early, this could be a dangerous team. Pending they don't stumble down the stretch like so many other Jet teams, but their running game certainly won't take them to the promised land this year. Adriean Peterson do you like New York?

12. Giants (7-6)The Giants seem to just play on Sundays they want to play. Tikki is leaving next year, he wants to be a reporter, and Coughlin might be out of a job. Giant fans don't wanna hear it, but this squad is litterally one disaster away from a rebuilding year next year.

13. Falcons (7-6)Mike Vick can certainly make a name for himself this week when they take on the Cowboys. If the Falcons win you can't count them out either, but Mike Vick can't do it all alone anymore. They go as far as the recievers can take them now.

14. Eagles (7-6)Could the Eagles have the best backup in the league? I say yes, Garcia has come in and played very well. After getting hounded with boos against Carolina and holding the ball against Washington to finish the game, something McNabb never did this year the Eagles can't ask for much more, and with Garcia throwing for over three hundred everygame hes been in, and haing 8 TD and 0 INT, the Eagles don't have to worry about scoring points, they need to worry about the other team scoring points. Dont be shocked if these boys make a run, remember if Andy Reid can make Jay Feely look like the next Joe Montana running the table to the NFC Championship, why not Jeff Garcia?

15. Chiefs (7-6)Chiefs fans will slowly understand why Jets fans didn't feel bad seeing Herm go. Defensivley the man knows what he is doing, but on offense it's the same old story, poor utilization of his premier weapons. Look for the Chiefs to flounder down the stretch.

16. Titans (6-7)Vince Young will win a Superbowl with this team one day.

17. Broncos (7-6)Selecting Cutler to go over the experience of Jake "The Snake" down the toughest stretch of the schedule might have been a bad idea, and Denver fans might find that out the hard way. Then again, he could be a stud, but he certainly has to pick it up compared to the other two quarterbacks in his draft class.

Some of these NFC Teams might make it, as for these AFC teams, it's last call...........

18. Bills (6-7)Bills fans might see this team go 8-8 maybe 9-7 but with Loesman as the quarterback thats not gonna happen. God if they had a decent QB with some command, Willis McGahee wouldn't have to carry this team on his own every Sunday.

19. Steelers (6-7)It's sad to see the Superbowl XL Champs down here with the teams most people thought they would be much better than, but when your franschise quarterback is one hit away from retirement, someone should ask, why didn't Batch start the season? Maybe they would be in contention still...........

20. Vikings (6-7)Brad Childress has done a decent job with the Vikings, and in the NFC this teams still got a chance. The running defense is amazing, but the passing certainly is not. If they can stop Chad Pennington this up coming week from doing to them what he did to Green Bay's bad pass "D" we might see them make a run.

21. Panthers (6-7)Time to think about the future. Weinkee is definatley not the guy, and with a draft class that has maybe a handful of solid quarterbacks, its time to think about replacing Delhomme. Jake ya did great man, but it just wasn't ment to be.

22. Dolphins (6-7)This team is just an inconsistant team. Starting the season slow is the same old story in Miami. Who do you blame? Coaching, with the talent they have this team should have been prepared to compete this year. Yet again they will certainly miss the playoffs. Look for them to spoil the Jets season on New Years Eve.

Waiting for the nightmare to end............

23. Packers (5-8)Brett Favre to me is a legend, but as I get older, and his career lags on, I have slowly forgotton the legend, and I am starting to remember the old man thats gonna get hurt badly one day. Brett your one of a kind, and I'm sure your family wants you home in one piece. Please just let it go. You got a ring and your number will for sure be retired in Green Bay, Green Bay of all places! Brett just let it go man, don't you wan't to be able to walk with your grandkids one day?

24. Rams (5-8)I am dissappointed with the Rams this year. Marc Bulger was off to a hot start in the beginning of the season, but with injuries this team just couldn't hold it together. The line needs work. At least they should get a decent pick, maybe even trade up for a wide reciever. Calvin Johnson out of Georgia Tech? Imagine that show on turf, Bugler has the arm.

25. Browns (4-9)With the way this team played against the Steelers this past week, I wonder if they will even win anymore games. If Kellen Winslow really want's to do something, he should shut his mouth and be a leader. Just playing the game of football with acctuall results speaks by itself. Lets face it kid your no Mark Bravaro, he was a true "soilder."

26. Texans (4-9)It was mean enough what Vince Young did to them this past week. Running the game winning touchdown to really rub it in to his hometown team that chose Mario Williams over him, but hey at least the Texans will have a high pick in the draft again, too bad theres no Reggie Bush this time. Time to get a new QB, we all know the David Carr era is comin to an end.

27. 49ers (5-8)Frank Gore is certainly back. Once Alex Smith gets it, this team will be a decent team. As Seattle's window slowly closes, the Niners slowly opens. I say San Fran wins their division next year. They just need that one specialty player, maybe a wide reciever.

28. Cardnials (4-9)The future looks pretty good in Arizona, Leinhart will soon come into his own, and the team will develop around him. The running game has struggled still, and that is because the offensive line needs some help. Ever heard of Dan Mozes out of WVU? Don't be suprised if they pick up the All Big East center.

29. Redskins (4-9)I don't even know what to say. Just give me your money instead. With all that spending the Redskins managed to do in this offseason they look like the New York Yankees of football, except the Yankees atleast make the playoffs. Seriously though just send me the check next time.

30. Buccaniers (3-10)John Gruden probabley would love to move on to next season right about now. But even next season there will be many questions with this team. The draft should be interesting, look for them to maybe try to improve offensivley, a QB might be a must. Gradakowski has played well, but he is lacks command of this team.

31. Raiders (2-11)Troy Smith is the only answer for this team. LaMont Jordan prooved he wasn't. He has obviously showed he can't handle being the featured back, then again they have no quarterback, and Art Shell lets his team do whatever they want. Is Randy Moss still on the team? Is this Raider footbal Al? I'm sure good old Weeb Ewbank is gettin a chuckle at this one.

32. Lions (2-11) Just think Brady Quinn, and nothing else. At least the pitchers report to camp in a couple of months for the Tigers. Maybe the Red Wings or the Pistons can make a run to, but seriously there is no football team in Detroit. More people will show up for Wrestlemania in April than for anymore Lions games.