Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Evaluating The Top 10 Destinations for Randy Moss

With Randy Moss being ousted from Minnesota, the radar of contending teams throughout the National Football League with wide receiver vacancies suddenly skyrocketed.

While Moss is always a threat to "play when he wants to," there is no doubt in my mind that having been traded out of New England and now cut by his original team after just four games, Moss will want to prove to the rest of the league that both teams made a mistake. Moss is still a threat in the vertical passing game and could help a range of teams vying for playoff berths.

Here is an analysis of the top 10 fits for Moss after he claims waivers.

                                                                                                                                                         Source: zimbio.com
Philip Rivers Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers turns to hand the ball off against the Oakland Raiders on September 14, 2009 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.
1. San Diego Chargers                              


Could you imagine pairing the high-flying Moss with the NFL's leading passer? Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in on a reckless pass to surpass the single-season passing yard record. He's done all his work without his top wideout Vincent Jackson, and his leading receiver in 2010 Malcolm Floyd.

Rivers makes stars out no-names, so if you pair him with Moss, you could bet the Chargers could still make a play for the the AFC West title. Moss can provide a compliment to Antonio Gates in the passing attack, which should also open up things for Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews in the running game.

Now picture a Philip Rivers-led offense come December when Jackson returns from suspension, Floyd is finally healthy and Moss has developed chemistry with his new quarterback. I think general manager A.J. Smith needs to pull the plug to save his job (see: LaDainian Tomlinson to the Jets)





2. St. Louis Rams
If Randy is going to be Manny, then I would never suggest pairing him with a rookie quarterback. And because St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo stems from the Bill Parcells-Tom Coughlin coaching tree, I don't think he wants to add a potential eruption in the volcano that is Randy Moss to a team that is coming off a one-win season.

But Sam Bradford is thriving with the likes of Danny Amendola and Lorenzo Alexander at wide receiver; what kind of success could he have with a player of Moss's caliber? 








Source: midwestsportsfan.com





3. Oakland Raiders



Don't call it a comeback, please. What  a nightmare it would be to reunite Moss with his former team and owner Al Davis. I can see it now -- Davis slowly walking up to the podium in his fashionable black and silver jogging suit to announce to signing of Moss -- just another example of the commitment to excellence.


But the lack of quarterbacking in Oakland would only present more problems for Moss (Please, do not try to convince anybody that Bruce Gradkowski or Jason Campbell are sufficient enough options to please Moss). However, I don't think his presence would ultimately hurt the development or either quarterback, not to mention open up things for the Raiders' young collection of wideouts and their dynamic tight end. Oh yeah, and don't think Run DMC wouldn't break loose with Moss taking another defender out of the box. Oh, Al -- don't say you haven't considered it.


4. New England Patriots
Like The Hoodie would get away with trading his record-breaking wide receiver for a third-round draft pick and then resign him just a month later. Sounds like classic Belichick to me.

While Moss renounced his apparent man love for the Patriots when he faced them as a Viking, I am not sure the NFL could even allow the Patriots to reattain Moss's talents. But whoever says the Pats could not benefit from Moss Source: 365sportsnews.net                                returning to their offense is a straight up liar. I pity the fool.

The offensive juggernaut that was the Patriots offense has cooled off considerably since Moss departed for purpler pastures. In fact, they are more reminiscent of their early 2000s teams where they were actually winning Super Bowls on the reg. But anyone who believes the Pats' passing game is better off without Moss opposite of Wes Welker is delusional. Trust me -- go ask Welker's fantasy owners.




5. Kansas City Chiefs                                                             
  Source: arrowheadpride.com

Perhaps the biggest surprise team on the NFL season has been the resurgence of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, or New England West if you may, is led by former Patriot Matt Cassel and general manager Scott Pioli, both of whom have worked with Moss.

In 2008, when Cassel took over for an injured Tom Brady, the duo combined for over 1,000 yards and 11 scores.

With the Chiefs off to a hot start, one might suggest the addition to Moss alongside Dwayne Bowe would add another element to their passing game and another piece to their arsenal of weapons. This is one of the better fits for Moss.




6. Denver Broncos

Source: bostonherald.com


Yet another Belichick decipher, Josh McDaniels, was the man behind the 2007 Patriots' record-setting offense. Now, the Broncos head coach is on a Mile High hot seat. Would a move to snatch Moss be a step in the right direction?

Kyle Orton has shocked us all with his powerful right arm, as he ranks among the best in passing yardage this season. Orton's top receiver is Brandon Lloyd -- yes, the same Lloyd that once was traded for two draft picks and received a $10M contract with the Skins before producing a 25-catch season with not a single trip to the end-zone. Now Lloyd is tops in the league, so what kind of damage could Orton do with a player of Moss's caliber?


7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Source: fantasyknuckleheads.com

Josh Freeman has performed beyond anyone's wildest expectations in 2010, becoming notorious for come-from-behind game-winning drives. At this point, his offensive weapons include rookie wideout Mike Williams and tight end Kellen Winslow, both of whom have had questionable pasts with their former teams.

Coming out of Syracuse, Williams's character was questioned because of his sudden departure for the Orange football program, despite leading the Big East in receiving and becoming a viable candidate for the Biletnikoff Award.

While Winslow was a Cleveland Brown, there was no doubt regarding his immense abilities and skill set at the tight end position. However, off-the-field issues plagued Winslow, which led to the Browns shipping off their stud receiver to the Bucs.

However, the Bucs regime under second-year head coach  Raheem Morris seems to be handling this character issues well. Williams, Winslow and even the problematic rookie out of Oregon, LaGarrette Blount are all becoming exceptional team players under Morris's coaching, so why not Moss?

8. Seattle Seahawks


Source: nfltouchdown.com


Pete Carroll likes big, athletic wide receivers; can you blame him? The Seahawks head coach has already made an attempt to acquire disgruntled Chargers wideout Vincent Jackson, and was in the hunt for Brandon Marshall during the offseason.

With Deon Branch gone and traded to New England, Carroll has a wide receiver core consisting of Deon Butler, rookie Golden Tate and his former USC star Mike Williams. Tell me Randy Moss couldn't help out this team.

And in the wide open NFC West, Moss could be the difference between making and not making the postseason.

9. Carolina Panthers
Source: zimbio.com
You do not have to tell me the Carolina Panthers have only one win on the season; I know they are not going to make the playoffs. But there is a plethora of talent on this team -- DeAngelo Williams, Jonathon Steward, Steve Smith -- the biggest question mark forever on this team is who can play opposite of Smith to improve this air attack?

Matt Moore may not be the answer at quarterback; and neither may Jimmy Clausen for that matter. But whichever one of these signal-callers takes  control of this offense could benefit from Moss's presence. 

Right now, rookie Brandon LaFell and some dude named  David Gettis are playing opposite of Smith -- yeah, the double-teams are not leaving the sight of number 89 anytime soon. It may not be the move to turn around the Panthers this season, but it is definitely a step in the right direction for 2011.



10. Tennessee Titans
Source: sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Wouldn't you love to see the Tennessee Titans with an elite wide receiver? I know Kenny Britt is an emerging star, but I don't think we can pull his talents in the Hall of Fame just yet.

Vince Young or Kerry Collins could really benefit from having Moss lining up in their offense; as would Chris Johnson, who would see another defender out of the box.

The problem is Jeff Fisher is a strong-minded, discipline-preaching head coach. He would not tolerant Moss's antics, and would not want to take a chance disrupting his team's chemistry by adding a possible cancer to his locker room.

It also works the other way, though, as maybe the presence someone like Fisher could keep Moss under control. Never say never, Titans fans.




Honorable Mentions: 

  • 49ers: Moss and Michael Crabtree -- maybe there is some hope in San Fran, Jed York.
  • Bears: Remember when Jay Cutler wasn't turning the ball over every other possession? Maybe the presence of Brandon Marshall had something to do with it. I think Moss could be a big target, too?
  • Packers: Aaron Rodgers can make any wide receiver look good; imagine what he could do with Moss?

Monday, November 1, 2010

A Cutler-McNabb Swap Could Be The Best Move

A few years ago, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the game became a regular headline in NFL news. Jay Cutler, then the quarterback of the Denver Broncos, was unhappy with the organization's decision to cut ties with head coach Mike Shanahan. The result: a trade to the quarterback-starved Chicago Bears for a blockbuster deal, including multiple draft picks and Kyle Orton, who succeeded Cutler in Denver.

While playing for Da Bears, Cutler continues to find himself among the daily headlines. No, it's not because he has finally emerged as the prolific passer the Chicago fans have been long awaiting. Instead, Cutler finds himself on the list of most disappointing sports figures in the city.

In 22 games with the Bears, Cutler's stat line reads 34 touchdown passes and 33 interceptions -- not exactly what the team thought they were getting when they traded the house to attain him. 

 source: Chicagonow.com

While franchise (or who we think are franchise) quarterback trades are not the reg in the NFL, we saw a somewhat similar trade go down last offseason when the Philadelphia Eagles traded their 11-year starter to a divisional rival for a second-round draft pick.

In Philly, McNabb led his team to multiple NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl, in which he fell to the decade's dynasty, the New England Patriots. And while much has been made about McNabb's success with the Eagles, an equal amount has been devoted to him hitting a wall.

McNabb's move to the Washington Redskins came due to the organization's move to bring in two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Shanahan, who is notorious for developing quarterbacks. 

 source: NYdailynews.com

But yeah, we both know these stories -- what gives? Despite a hot start by the Bears in 2010, Cutlers' Bears have suddenly fallen back to reality. Many expected Cutler to thrive in a Mike Martz-coordinated offense, but so far that has not been the case. Cuter is inclined to turning the ball over, and that just does not sit well in a game plan that focuses on throwing that many times during a game. And the last time Martz had success with this offense -- the St. Louis Rams and the Greatest Show on Turf -- had the likes of Hall of Famers Marshall  Faulk, Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Kurt Warner.  Last time I checked, Cutler is no Kurt Warner. Johnny Knox, Devin Hester and Matt Forte...need I say more?

McNabb, on the other hand, was brought in to ignite a Redskins offense that ranked among the league's worse in 2009. While the team has improved to 4-4 this year, they sport just 20th-ranked offense, two spots better than when the offense was led by Jason Campbell. Their passing attack ranks right in the middle of the pack in the NFL.

So neither big move has had the effect that everyone wanted or expected them to have. The Bears and Skins both straddle that thin line of pretenders versus contenders in the league this year, both standing in the middle of their division races. But how much confidence can you have in the Bears with Cutler throwing interceptions in an attempt to get the ball out while defensive ends are jumping down his throat? And how do you expect the Skins to fare if the head coach thinks Rex Grossman gives his team the best shot to win with two minutes remaining in a close game against the Lions?

But as I mentioned earlier, there are some relationships that can still be revisited. Cutler thrived under Shanahan's tutelage in Denver, and if he favors Grossman over McNabb when the game in on the line, how inclined do you believe Daniel Snyder is to award McNabb a new deal when his contract expires at the conclusion of the season?

What's more interesting is McNabb helms from a little town where polish sausage is infamous, and they root for a little team called Da Bears. Every year, with the Philadelphia Eagles, trade speculation identified the Chicagoan roots as a possible reason to why McNabb would join the Bears, perhaps emerging as the quarterback they have always wanted and have continued to be live without (to this day).

All of the pieces to the puzzle are there, and yet another change of scenery for the two quarterbacks may be the best move of all. Let Shanny and Cutler reunite and recreate the magic they started with the Broncos; let McNabb run the Bears offense -- he clearly cannot thrive where he is not comfortable. 

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

New York Jets vs. Ines Sainz vs. Clinton Portis: Who's to Blame?

            In the film “The Replacements,” wide receiver Clifford Franklin scores a game-winning touchdown. Afterwards, a reporter chases him down in the locker room for a post-game interview, which turned into an opportunity for Franklin to hit on her.
Source: dipity.com
            Sound familiar?
            According to reports, Ines Sainz, a reporter for TV Azteca, was treated improperly by New York Jets players and coaches while attending their practice, waiting to interview quarterback Mark Sanchez. Sainz described the experience as “uncomfortable.”
            But as the days go by, more and more details emerge from the situation, and we are left only to question how valid Sainz’s account of the story is, and if perhaps we are to take her words with a grain of salt.
            Sainz said that the Jets’ secondary coach, according to reports, was tossing passes in her direction so players could get closer to her – something completely out of line. The behavior worsened when she entered the locker room, where some players began to make sexual inferences.
            But don’t be too quick to judge the Jets players just yet. Jane McManus, an ESPN New York reporter, has been covering the Jets for years. So why doesn’t this immature, perverted group of athletes attack McManus like this?
source: espn.com
            For one, McManus chooses to take a more professional approach at work each day. After all, I haven’t seen McManus as the top story for Men’s Health recently? And no – I tried, but I couldn’t find too many Google images of her. But Sainz, on the other hand – that’s a different story.
Source: menshealth.com

            In the first amendment – you know, that piece of paper that tells us what freedoms we’re granted as citizens of the United States – if you didn’t know, it gives us the right to freedom of expression. So, if Sainz wants to wear her belly shirt to an NFL game or practice – be my guest. She has the right to. Just don’t expect much of a change for the after party.
            Regardless of attire, Sainz presents herself as a professional reporter. She’s a journalist simply gunning for a great lead. She’s a cutthroat writer looking to make a name for her work.
            Not so fast.
            Last year, during the Super Bowl, you would have found Sainz riding high during media day – on the shoulders of the Indianapolis Colts players. And if you were quick enough, you’d catch her measuring the biceps of NFL stars in her personal “strongest arm” contest – typical for a reporter, right?
            With that in mind, maybe it’s not the Jets who are to blame here. Sainz, with a strong reputation to uphold, could easily have given the wrong idea to the players, who may have thought it was their lucky day – maybe even their own chance at entering the strongest arm contest.
            But despite what the players thought, or the message Sainz was sending, Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis was surely out of bounds. On a weekly radio session, Portis said, in my own interpretation, that a woman in an NFL locker room with 53 athletes is definitely going to get turned on.
            Apparently Portis isn’t too familiar with Christine Brennan, current USA Today columnist and former Redskins reporter.
            Brennan, who really paved the way for women in sports journalism, never “got her interest sparked” by 53 male football athletes – I guess she was the exception when Portis claimed: “I don’t know what kind of woman won’t.”
            Portis was completely out of line when he made those comments, and he immediately apologized after the NFL responded to the news. It’s always good to make light of a situation like this, but talking about male genitalia and female reporters trying to get jiggy with it – maybe think twice, Clinton.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Amare Stoudemire-witz

If it is on Twitter, you know it's official. And according to Amare Stoudemire's recent Tweets, he is a Knick. Oh, and a Jew.

It's not everyday that you hear a player is all of a sudden practicing a new religion, but for the newest basketball star in the Big Apple, well, he's rocking a new look. And no, it's not his new blue and orange uniform or Yankees fitted...it's more like a yamaka. 


Stoudemire, or STAT, recently learned his mom is part Jewish, according to a Tel Aviv newspaper. And in the Jewish religion, it is only proper to take on the mother's religion.

You can only imagine the despair Amare felt, realizing at 27 years of age that he missed out on all the perks of Judaism -- the Bar Mitzvah, Yom Kippur and Hannukah.

In an attempt to make up for all that he's missed out on, Stoudemire showed up in Las Vegas for Knicks summer league with a "star of David" tattooed on his arm. According to the New York Post, Stoudemire replied that "yes" -- it meant he was a Jew.

In his mission, Stoudemire has taken on the daunting task to learn all about the religion, including the Hebrew language, all during a short trip in Israel.

"You know, a lot of people don't quite get what it's like to be a Jew. There were definitely none in Phoenix [Ariz.]. I'm thankful there's more here in New York," Stoudemire said. "I've realized that Judaism isn't all eight days of presents, bagels and lox or that weird 'chhh' sound after every word. Nah, man. It's deep. You wouldn't know unless you spent a mini-vacation in the Holy Land."

When STAT landed back in his new home, New York City, he began preparing for more obstacles in his quest for Judaism.  

Newly signed Nets point guard, Jordan Farmar, formerly of the world champions Los Angeles Lakers, is helping STAT learn his Torah portion for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah. The date and venue for the celebration of Amare's manhood have yet to be released, but it's been speculated that it will not interfere with the New York Knicks' probable playoff run, and there will most definitely be matza ball soup (a favorite of STAT's). 


According to Stormfront.org, 20,000 Israelis leave their country to immigrate to the United States, and they actually have dollar signs appear in their eyes.

When a reporter approached Stoudemire with these thoughts, he put back on his protective glasses and walked away.


The same reporter questioned his signing with the Knicks, too, stating that he took top dollar and a max deal for those same Israeli motives. He replied, "Nah. It was just that the [Miami] Heat were all out of cap space."

Satire


Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Breaking News: Terrell Owens Signs One-Year Deal With Cincinnati Bengals

Sources have confirmed that Terrell Owens has signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Owens, the wide receiver who has made a splash everywhere he has went (including Buffalo...BUFFALO!), will join forces with Chad Ochocinco.

After playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Bills wide receiver was rumored to be joining to the Bengals earlier in the offseason, but the likelihood of it was shot down soon after the team decided to sign Antonio Bryant, formerly of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Bryant, who is coming off an injury plagued season in Tampa, is likely to end up beginning the season of the PUP list for the Bengals.

Enter, Terrell Owens.

What will Owens bring to the Bengals?

Maybe he can revive his career with Carson Palmer at the quarterback position? Maybe his production will skyrocket now that Ochocinco is lining up opposite him? Or maybe he'll simply be just another wide receiver that goes by a nickname instead of his actual name?

All wrong. Well, minus the last thing. That's actually true.

With T.O. and Ochocinco headling the receiving corps for the Bengals, Cincinnati is now the dynamic monopoly of the national television.

Say what?



Come on, man. Don't you guys watch the T.O. Show? Chad Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch?

VH1, the network that brilliantly paired the two wideouts on Sunday evenings for families around the world to watch together, now can begin its next project: The Cincinnati Bengals: Where Do We Go From  Here?


The show will feature what only Ochocinco's show has provided on a limited basis - both divas. Owens and Ochocinco. The hot spot that is Cincinnati. A team that can only make good decisions.

With both wideouts in the mix, the new program will combine the drama of the T.O. show - Owens going on dates, yelling at his agents, sitting in a hyperbaric chamber, eating popcorn and doing sit-ups.

As for Ochocinco's element, the show will not be cheap when it comes to forcing women to doing random exercises, getting drunk and going to sleep and trashy white females. Did I mention a tournament-style bracket will somehow be mixed in?

Cincinnati Bengals fans and VH1 viewers alike can only hope for one more thing: B-Twice.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and deep threat, Bernard Berrian, has made a weekly appearance on The Ultimate Catch, providing Ochocinco with terrific insight and shedding knowledge on all situations.

Breaking News: Ochocinco on ESPN's SportsCenter: "The games will be on Pay-Per-View."

One can only hope that at least the program can remain on cable television for us all to watch and enjoy, and wait to erupt.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

The Big Three: Catching On Everywhere

By now, the whole world is well aware of the NBA free agency signees, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, all landing in Miami to play for the Heat. Everyone knows that my putting a starting five consisting of three of the top 10 players in the entire league is the first step in creating a dynasty.

What everyone doesn't know is that this philosophy does not only apply to the NBA; it's catching on everywhere.



In the NFL, Tom Brady, who is amid a contract dispute in New England, has expressed a desire to play alongside superstar Peyton Manning.

"If you have to decide between staying in New England your entire career, where basically you have to carry your entire team every week, and the whole region solely relies you, it gets old. You know what I'm saying?" Brady said. "Basically, by going to Indy with Peyton [Manning], I get a chance to play with the best in the league. Finally, let someone else take some of this pressure off my shoulders. I mean, really, who decided to let Matt [Cassell] leave? I never gave that the okay!"



In other developing news, Brett Favre began to hype up the retirement/return press conference, also known as, "The Other Decision," scheduled on ESPN for Thursday, July 29, the night before Vikings training camp commences. Sources close to Favre have stated he is choosing between Minnesota, the Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions and of course, the Indianapolis Colts.

ESPN's Adam Schefter had shed the following insight on the Favre situation:

"[Brett] Favre has decided to hold a one-hour special on his ranch in Hattiesburg, Miss. to announce his decision to the football world. While Favre has texted with me stating his possible destinations, it is most likely that he will choose to join Peyton Manning and possibly Tom Brady in Indianapolis to form what is potentially the "Big Three" of the NFL."



Speculation has it that by combining the three former MVPs, the Colts will be an unstoppable force in the upcoming season. If you want to take Manning out of the game, all you need to do is put the ball in Brady's or Brett's hands, and you're set. Any one of them can definitely beat you with their arms.

Manning had this to say on the potential threesome: "If Tom [Brady] and Brett [Favre] can bring their talents to Indy, then we already have not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, not seven but eight MVP awards. I woke up this morning and realized this was the best possible way to win. If we need to get rid of some linemen or receivers to make room for them, do it."

Although the Big Three seem to enjoy their new super-team in the making, others have frowned on the subject. New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, released a letter on the Patriots' website after hearing about the new Colts roster.

"I hate that team. I hate [Tom] Brady. I hate his girlfriend who has kept him out in Cali all summer. I hate the old guy from the [Wrangler] jeans commercial. And boy do I hate that Peyton fellow. Tommy will see how this will end up. We have Brian Hoyer if he chooses to go, and he's been our secret weapon for months. The guy knows how to play the quarterback position - Tom can learn a thing or two from him if you ask me. And yeah, Patriots fans, don't worry - just because 'someone' is a coward doesn't mean we won't win the Super Bowl this year. In fact, I would guarantee a Lombardi before the Colts any day. 'Someone' chose to be a jack ass this summer and fool around with Gisele [Bundchen]. I haven't even 'witnessed' 'someone' win anything, really."

Kraft later held a press conference following this letter, and apologized to Brady and did beg him to return to the team. His attempt was unsuccessful.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Like Anybody Needs Instant Replay Anyways

Game Seven of the NBA Playoffs. The United States' do-or-die elimination match against Algeria. The not-so-perfect game for Armando Galarraga.

These three games exemplify the dire need for instant replay in the today's sports. While the NFL all ready has implemented a thorough instant replay policy, the other sports leagues are still behind.

The main worry for soccer and baseball is that they would slow down the game. Interesting argument. Baseball is widely criticized for taking as long as it does, and in the process boring the minds of fans everywhere. But for Galarraga, the Detroit Tigers starting pitcher who was an out away from claiming the 21st perfect game in MLB history, I'm sure if he had to wait an extra five minutes he would have been okay.



Or what about the Boston Celtics? During the 2010 NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the C's, many controversial calls caught the eyes of fans, players and coaches. I can recall Game Three when Kobe Bryant was called for an offensive foul after Ray Allen performed an Oscar-winning flop. Or what about the decisive Game Seven? The fourth quarter featured so many fouls that it challenged King Kong's movie ending; the entire audience just wondering, "When will it be over?"



And in the World Cup, where scoring and simply winning games is at a premium, the chance for the United States to have a goal be discounted out of a bogus call is simply too much. Clint Dempsey's disallowed goal should only highlight the need for instant replay in soccer (as well as other sports) as it was on a worldwide stage where everyone could clearly see the mishap.

So while us fans think instant replay, it's the commissioners of all these leagues who still oppose it.

Bud Selig said it was against the unspoken baseball code to overturn a miscalled call in Galarraga's imperfect game even after the umpire Jim Joyce admitted his mistake. Yeah? Well, Bud has done it again. Galarraga said he was fine with it, but he cannot be happy that his spot in history was disrupted by a blown call.

Should there have been an MLB instant replay policy regarding anything other than just home runs, this may not be the case. But Selig does not want to interfere with the game. Classic Selig.



Granted if there was a discussion for replay for balls and strikes, he may have a point. No one wants every other pitch challenged and then reviewed. But in terms of fair-fail or safe-out, in addition to home runs, there is really no downside.

So what could soccer really be risking if it decided to implement a replay review process element to the game? For one, accuracy. And two, legitimacy A World Cup game is  on broadcast for two hours and 30 minutes, the same as the an regular season NBA game. In fact, the match up this morning between the U.S. and Algeria did not even start until 10 a.m., so the game was about two hours. This is still less than the average NFL game, MLB game, NHL game and NBA game (especially a three-hour playoff game, got to love the half-hour halftime shows).

It all comes down to those extra few minutes it takes to run over to the camera and quickly check a call on the field. If you're telling me that a maximum of five minutes added to the game is too much time to risk in order to make sure the game is fair and precisely called, then you win.

Besides, I can DVR it.