Lynch’s Apathy Exposes Cracks in Modern Journalism

Lynch won’t play ball with the media and it’s driving them over the edge

I’m just here so I don’t get fined.”

“You know why I’m here.”

Those fairly innocuous quotes from Marshawn Lynch have the national media crying foul over the grave injustices that are being heaped upon them by the diabolical Seattle running back.

This is the same media that has long been guilty of showing disrespect and spitting venom at all those who dare to disagree with them. These “journalists” can really dish it out, but it’s obvious that they can’t take it.

This has produced a journalistic subculture of bullies who are always waiting to spring the next nasty question that triggers a negative or inflammatory response.

The fact that Marshawn Lynch has decided to stand up to them, has understandably set off a media firestorm. How dare someone ignore ignorant or petulant questions because they are finally fed up.

These are the same reporters who droned on about “Deflategate” so often that sports fans had to shut off their televisions and radios for a full week before they could actually hear about the game again.

Yes, Lynch makes millions of dollars and is expected to deal with the simple-minded questions. But the fact that he doesn’t answer them the way the bullies actually want to is actually quite entertaining.

Lynch is a phenomenal player, but is he really that interesting? Even when he did speak this week, it barely got any play at all:

“So y’all can go make up whatever y’all want to make up because I don’t say enough for y’all to go and put anything out on me.”

The fact that Lynch has become the focal point of the Super Bowl because he won’t play ball with the media circus is sheer comedy. I’m not a Seattle fan, but wouldn’t it be great theater if Lynch won the Super Bowl MVP? Imagine the non-answers the poor media would have to endure. You don’t have to like Lynch at all, but it’s refreshing to see someone who can so easily frustrate the minions that make up the revered 4^th estate.

Packers and 49ers Clash on the Frozen Tundra

This frigid matchup gives the edge to no one

With the Packers claiming the NFC North title last week in thrilling fashion, the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field will be hosting yet another bitterly cold January playoff game. In what will be a rematch of a thrilling Week 1 matchup, the Green Bay Packers will be taking on a red-hot San Francisco 49ers squad.

While the Packers are glad to have their MVP quarterback back in action, the 49ers are just as confident with Colin Kaepernick at the helm. Getting into a groove during the 49ers 6 game winning streak (10 TDs to 1 INT over last 6 games), the 49ers signal caller has been a nightmare for the Packers defense in recent matchups. In two career starts against the Packers, Kaepernick has accounted for 895 total yards and 7 touchdowns.

In the most recent game between these two NFC teams back in Week 1, the 49ers pulled out a thrilling 34-28 victory. In that game, Kaepernick threw for a career high 412 yards and connected with wide receiver, Anquan Boldin, 13 times for 208 yards.  The game was also the beginning of a disappointing season for a once dominant Green Bay Packers defense. The unit has struggled all season long and finished 25^th in total defense.

However, Sunday’s weather will be a lot different than the teams’ Week 1 matchup in sunny San Francisco. With forecasts calling for negative temperatures all day long, this game could go down into the record books for the weather alone. Hard footballs and numb hands could limit both passing attacks so starting running backs Eddie Lacy and Frank Gore may become huge factors in this game.

Health has also been a factor for the Packers for much of the last two months as Randall Cobb joined Aaron Rodgers in returning from injury last week. Lining up alongside Jordy Nelson, Cobb should provide a boost to the passing game as the two receivers lit up the 49ers secondary in Week 1 (238 yards and 2 TDs). Fully healthy, the Packers are a lot more dangerous than their record may indicate.

With both offenses at full strength, this wild card game will come down to which team can make the big plays on offense and limit the big plays with their defense. While the Packers do have Aaron Rodgers back, a San Francisco defense which ranked 5^th in total defense may be able to slow the quarterback down. Meanwhile, the 49ers offense is fueled by the dual threat ability of Colin Kaepernick, but can rely on an effective power running game as well. Getting hot at the right time, the 49ers look poised for a win at Lambeau on Sunday.

Game Prediction: 49ers win, 27-17

Wild Card Game Analysis: Cincinnati Bengals vs San Diego Chargers

Chargers have a tough matchup in Cincy

When the playoffs arrive, every player knows that a brand new season is about to begin. Many more factors play more significant roles in who wins a playoff game and continues on and who loses and packs up for the season. One of the most important aspects a team can bring into the playoffs is momentum. When the San Diego Chargers travel to cold Cincinnati to take on the Bengals, they will look to derail a team with a lot of momentum.

The Chargers are currently riding a thrilling four game win streak, highlighted by their most recent win against the talented Kansas City Chiefs and a 27-20 win over the top seeded Denver Broncos. If any team were to be riding the most momentum going into this weeks wild card games, San Diego would top that list.

The Bengals are coming off a big win over their divisional rival Baltimore Ravens, winning convincingly 34-17. While the Bengals offense has been inconsistent this season, their defense has held strong, finishing the regular season ranked fifth in the NFL. When the Chargers come to town on Sunday, one of the biggest factors playing for the Bengals will be their home field advantage, as they are undefeated at home this season.

When the two face off, it will be hard to bet against the hometown favorites. With a top tier defense highlighted by the league’s fifth best pass defense, and home field advantage the Cincinnati Bengals will look to ride their own momentum into the next round of the playoffs by never allowing quarterback Philip Rivers to get comfortable.

The Unfolding Saga of Geno Smith

The New York media loves to pick on the Jets, printing numerous headlines that are certainly SNL worthy. Their latest victim: quarterback Geno Smith. After being drafted number 39th overall, Smith has come under serious heat for his attitude and performance. Is this criticism warranted or is New York desperate for some drama?

The Smith takedown began even before he was drafted by the New York Jets. He was projected to go as a top five pick and was visibly disappointed when this didn’t happen. Critics were harsh on the fact that he was constantly checking his phone and was thinking about leaving before the second round.

Then Smith fired his agents shortly after being drafted by the Jets and the media tagged him with full “diva” status. Many pundits blamed Smith’s attitude for why he went so late in the draft.

It only seems fitting that Smith would go to the most dramatic team in the NFL. The Jets took on Smith to add him to a five person competition for the quarterback position. Even though Smith seems like a front runner, Mark Sanchez is definitely getting the most reps in. Smith still has a lot to learn before he can be the starting quarterback.

While he was at West Virginia University, Smith was surrounded by a supporting cast that really helped him to succeed. In New York, the offensive line isn’t exactly the cream of crop and he will need time to readjust to the type of athletes he is working with. Smith must learn how to play to their strengths as well as hide their weaknesses. His footwork has also come into question during his combine as well as his first practice.

This is something that is easily fixable over the needs time to learn the West Coast Offense run by offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. The Jets made the mistake of letting Sanchez on to the field before he had truly been comfortable in the offense. It looks like they won’t be making this mistake again.

If the Jets choose to sit Smith this upcoming season, he will reap the benefits of learning from a veteran quarterback as well as know the playbook inside out. Since Smith went so late in the draft, it seems as though many teams thought he wasn’t ready to be an instant star.

All of this negativity surrounds Smith and he hasn’t had his first start. His combine proved to be sensational, with 60 of 64 passes completed and the quickest time out of all the quarterbacks for the 40-yard dash. His current teammates have nothing but good things to say about him and he handles the press like a pro. If anything, Smith is his own worst critic, giving himself an F for his first work out performance.  While he did get yelled at a couple of times for not running the offense correctly, he definitely did not earn an F.

The Jets should be looking to get rid of Sanchez in a couple of years now that they have Smith in their hands. His arms strength and athleticism surpass the other four quarterbacks, including Sanchez. Smith should do well for the Jets and when his time comes, it’s a real possibility that he can lead them to bigger and better things. We can only hope that he doesn’t become the ringleader of the Jets’ circus.

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Cedric Benson Ready for Return to Green Bay

RB – Cedric Benson –

Packer’s runningback, Cedric Benson says he is almost 100% recovered following a season ending Listfranc foot sprain during week 5. The 9-year veteran has been doing intense running drills at his college alma mater, University of Texas.

The Green Bay Packer’s offense is one of the most explosive passing offenses in the league. Pro-Bowl Quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the fast flying offense with more than 4,000 yards passing yards ranking the team ninth in passing yards.

The Packers recently lost Green Bay’s gifted wide receiver Greg Jennings to free agency. The Packers will need to rely heavily on the run game if they want to make it far into the 2013-2014 playoffs. The run game will help to throw off linebackers, pull safeties and set-up successful play action situations.

Benson will be crucial for the Green Bay organization this season because of his experience. Most likely the Packers will use a higher level draft pick on a running back such as Eddie Lacy from Alabama or Giovani Bernard from UNC.

Benson has already played for 3 different teams and will be instrumental in rookie development for the Packers if the team drafts a running back.

Fantasy Buzzer – NFL News from around the league

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Cedric Benson Ready for Return to Green Bay

RB – Cedric Benson –

Packer’s runningback, Cedric Benson says he is almost 100% recovered following a season ending Listfranc foot sprain during week 5. The 9-year veteran has been doing intense running drills at his college alma mater, University of Texas.

The Green Bay Packer’s offense is one of the most explosive passing offenses in the league. Pro-Bowl Quarterback Aaron Rodgers led the fast flying offense with more than 4,000 yards passing yards ranking the team ninth in passing yards.

The Packers recently lost Green Bay’s gifted wide receiver Greg Jennings to free agency. The Packers will need to rely heavily on the run game if they want to make it far into the 2013-2014 playoffs. The run game will help to throw off linebackers, pull safeties and set-up successful play action situations.

Benson will be crucial for the Green Bay organization this season because of his experience. Most likely the Packers will use a higher level draft pick on a running back such as Eddie Lacy from Alabama or Giovani Bernard from UNC.

Benson has already played for 3 different teams and will be instrumental in rookie development for the Packers if the team drafts a running back.

Fantasy Buzzer – NFL News from around the league

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