Sporting Rants & Raves: December 19, 2009

Happy 35th birthday both to Mr. Jake Plummer, an NFL quarterback, and Joe Jurevicius, an NFL wide receiver. Plummer played for both the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos. Jurevicius played for the New York Football Giants, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Cleveland Browns during his 10-year career.

Today also saw the birth of Mr. Reggie White, the incredible defensive end who played for both the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers, and the Carolina Panther, AND Mr. Bobby Layne, a Hall of Fame quarterback during the pre-Super Bowl NFL years.

Trivia of the Week
Jake Plummer received his nickname from this wrestler. Extra Credit: The wrestler with the nickname took the nickname from this NFL player.

Trivia of the Week 2
Bobby Layne won three NFL championships for this team during the 1950s. Extra Credit: Name the only 3 teams to have been playing in the NFL since 1970 that have NOT been in a Super Bowl.

Answers to December 12's Trivia of the Week
For which team did Randle play after leaving Minnesota until his retirement in 2003.
Seattle Seahawks
Extra Credit: With 137.5 all-time sacks, Randle is tied with this MVP of Super Bowl XX. Richard Dent

Cliff Lee: Trade to Seattle complete & Bradley to Seattle, Silva to Cubs
Seattle is busy. And for some reason, I think it might be a move in the right direction. Jack Zduriencik did some good work in Milwaukee; we'll see if he can duplicate it with the M's. As for all those Bradley doubters, we'll see.

If Ochocinco Honors Henry, Union To Pay Fines
Anyone not living under a rock knows that Chris Henry died this past week. The story of his death is at this point unimportant. It is now about remembering his life and mourning his death. Though I think Chad is generally loco, I respect his decision to honor his teammate. And I also respect the union's decision. Rest in peace, Chris...

TD's NFL Picks - Week 15
For those of you who read my Thursday post about Thursday's and tonight's games, you know that I did not, at that time, have the picks that I made back in August. I chose Indianapolis. And I chose Dallas. But keep in mind that I had New Orleans going 4-12 before the season. Called that one...

Chicago @ Baltimore
I've seen the first Facebook group calling for Lovie to be fired. Cutler hasn't helped the situation. A 5-8 record is a rather sad thing. Baltimore, meanwhile, still seeks a playoff spot. Many pundits think it will be theirs. I tend to agree. August choice: Baltimore Ravens. Present choice: Baltimore Ravens

New England @ Buffalo
It's still New England's division to lose. Will Moss dog it? Will the wheels keep falling off the truck? I think they'll get it done against the Bills. August choice: Buffalo Bills. Present choice: New England Patriots

Arizona @ Detroit
Arizona has been known to play clunkers. See last week's game. But they don't usually play 2 clunkers in a row. August choice: Arizona Cardinals. Present choice: Arizona Cardinals

Cleveland @ Kansas City
Who will get the higher draft pick? Perhaps that isn't a fair assessment as both teams have shown some life towards the end. Not enough life not to be disregarded this year, but enough to make me think twice about the game. Oh, and I wouldn't want to play in Arrowhead in December. Ever. August choice: Kansas City Chiefs. Present choice: Kansas City Chiefs

Atlanta @ New York Jets
An interesting game. And downright intriguing if both Sanchez, Ryan, and Turner all play. New York can still get that last AFC spot. Atlanta can serve as a back breaker. August choice: Atlanta Falcons. Present choice: New York Jets

San Francisco @ Philadelphia
Is it just me or is Philly coming on at the right time? I don't think I'd want to play them in the playoffs. August choice: Philadelphia Eagles. Present choice: Philadelphia Eagles

Green Bay @ Pittsburgh
Let's see, would I want to be the team that had to play Pittsburgh at home after they were embarrassed twice? No. But that's just what the Packers have to do. And what's more interesting is that I think the Packers have it in them to beat a reeling Steelers team. August choice: Pittsburgh Steelers. Present choice: Green Bay Packers

Houston @ St. Louis
The Rams shut down practice this week because of the swine flu. And moving on... August choice: Houston Texans. Present choice: Houston Texans

Miami @ Tennessee
It's amazing to me that Miami can still win the AFC East. What a difference a couple years makes in that division. (Yes, I know they won it last year, but the Pats didn't have Brady.) Tennessee, however, can play spoiler. I had a hard time choosing this one because the Titans have shown that they are a strong team. But, I like the fact that Miami keeps plugging even after losing Pennington and Brown. August choice: Tennessee Titans. Present choice: Miami Dolphins

Oakland @ Denver
This isn't a gimme. Denver best not be thinking it is. If they don't think it is, then they'll probably win. August choice: Denver Broncos. Present choice: Denver Broncos

Cincinnati @ San Diego
This won't be an easy game for the Bengals. But the Chargers better watch out for that emotional boost. I think they can handle it, but then again I'm not certain how much boost there will be for an already good team. August choice: San Diego Chargers. Present choice: San Diego Chargers

Tampa Bay @ Seattle
Seattle generally kills teams that are worse than they. The problem is that they get killed by most that are better. In the end, no one really cares about this game. August choice: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Present choice: Seattle Seahawks

Minnesota @ Carolina
This is the first Sunday game that I feel is kinda eh. Sure, Minnesota belongs. But Carolina? Not so much. I suppose the networks can't get everything right. August choice: Carolina Panthers. Present choices: Minnesota Vikings

New York Football Giants @ Washington
The Jints need this one - and every other one - from here on out. Unfortunately, they're getting an improved division opponent that can give them a run for their money. We'll see if the G-Men are worth their meddle. August choice: New York Football Giants. Present choice: New York Football Giants

There you have it, sports fans. If I don't speak to you - or write - prior to next Saturday, have a very Merry Christmas. And until next I write, happy sporting...