Feeling Blue? Don't Worry Big Blue's Been Here Before...

Eli Manning frustrated. We've all seen the sad side of #10 but that doesn't mean there isn't a happy ending in store. Let me put it to you this way: The New York Football Giants are now 6-4 in their 2012-13 campaign. Two Sundays ago the G-Men were a cozy 6-2 sitting firmly atop the toughest division in football: the NFC East. Now after two tough losses where Eli didn't throw a touchdown in either effort, nor did he surpass 225 passing yards (or 200 for that matter in the two starts before yesterday, Week 8 and 9) things may seem to be looking bleak for the 2-Time Superbowl MVP. Right?

 What if  I said that the New York Football Giants were 6-2 all nice and cozy in 2007? How about last year 2011? Both years I think... yes... they went on to win the Superbowl. So what do you have to say now? Well I say in 2007 the G-Men after being 6-2 went on to go 0-4 at Home the rest of the way including a finale of the season where they lost to the Patriots. Ring a bell? Maybe last year is more recent for you. How about going from 6-2 to losing four straight to 6-6? How'd that end? I recall two Cowboy beatdowns, a clash with Gang Green where Cruz goes 99 yds to the House, and another Patriot whooping for a Lombardi Trophy and a happier looking Eli than in the picture above. 

Don't feel blue just yet Giants fans because its how you finish just ask Mr. 4th Quarter Eli Manning. 

I'm not calling a repeat but don't be surprised to see some Salsa dancing and fist pumping past Week 17.

                                      - Woody

Tebow Time in N.Y?

     If you haven't heard there's trouble in paradise. The tandem of quarterbacks that was so heavily talked about in the off season has been anything but productive. The Jets offense has been very stagnant as they failed to score an offensive touchdown for the second time this season.  The Jets offense is ranked 30th in total offense this season due to their lack of running game. Shonn Greene has only had one game this season where he cracked the 100 yard barrier but still the Jets are ranked 16th in the league. The offense has been struggling to say the least but to pinpoint it on one specific person is wrong. Trust me there is enough blame to go around. The line has allowed 22 sacks through 10 weeks but when Sanchez has had the time and finds an open receiver and gets it to them without sailing the ball(a big problem Sanchez has had all season) the ball is dropped by the young inexperienced wide receivers. 

        The job of on Offensive Coordinator is to call plays that fits the offensive scheme and within the talent realm of the team. Somebody should tell that to Tony Sparano because knowing the abilities on your roster is essential. Being a coach that coached against this QB twice a year when the Dolphins and Jets squared off, he should know that Sanchez isn't a QB who can throw the ball 50 times a game and expect a win. Sparano needs to hit the drawing board and find ways to open up holes for his running backs so they can take a little pressure off of Sanchez. 

       Tebow mania is striking Jet fans as it has them chanting for Tebow after consecutive three and outs or the huge blunders by Sanchez such as throwing 4 picks in the red zone this season. But sorry to tell you folks Tebow isn't the answer, there is no question what he did last year couldn't even be explained by the most brilliant minds in football but he doesn't give this team the best chance at winning. 

      I think the Jets should leave Mark Sanchez at quarterback because their chances of making the playoffs is very very slim but not impossible. With one more loss the Jets will be taking the advice of Mike Shanahan and looking at their talent to see who will make their club next year. Unfortunately Jet fans Sanchez is mediocre at best right now but he's the best you got. Sorry guys gonna take a little bit more then Tebowing to see your team in the playoffs this year.


        -Ace

R.A. = NL CY?

Does Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey deserve the top pitching prize in the NL? I'm going to tell you why he does, and why the Mets need to hold on to the 20 game winner...

R.A. Dickey after his 20th victory.

R.A. Dickey: 20-game winner and perennial 2012 Cy Young frontrunner? Who saw this coming? No one. 

I remember walking down the aisles to the Mets dugout to try and get a ball signed during batting practice in 2011 at Citi Field. No one wanted to be bothered. Finally R.A. came along and after pleading with him and kissing some butt saying his story was good for baseball he finally gave in. I tossed him the ball and he signed it. Fortunately he did not throw me a knuckleball back. 

R.A. has become kind of a mystical creature here in NY for us Met Fans. This guy simply comes out of nowhere to win 20 games with the most unpredictable pitch in baseball history. It's almost impossible to fathom how it could be done. The 38 year old wonder. Does he deserve a contract extension? I say Yes. Does he deserve the Cy? I say Yes. Here's why. 

230 Strikeouts. Tops in the NL. 5 Complete Games and 3 Shutouts. Each tops in the NL. Back-to-Back 1 hitters. Impressive. 20 wins. 2nd in the NL. And all for a sub .500 2012 New York Mets team. Need I say more? 

Why should the Mets resign him? Simple. What's to lose? 38 years old is young for a knuckleballer who can pitch until he's at least in his mid-40's. And what do the Mets have left? David Wright, who's Mets future is up in the air? Ike Davis? "What Outfield?" according to Sandy Alderson yesterday. This isn't like contemplating re-signing Oliver Perez. No one wanted him! At least now Dickey is coveted as trade bait if the Mets were to explore that option. 

But why explore trading Dickey? He's the first Mets 20 game-winner since Frank Viola in 1990! Give the man his due! But then again the last Met to even achieve 19 wins was traded immediately after the season's end (after a 3-hit shutout in his last start nonetheless!)... Have we all forgotten 1991, and former Met, future Yankee and 1998 perfect game pitcher David Cone???    

 

                                                                                                           -     Woody

Welcome To Apples & Oranges: NY Sports from Two Opposite Sports Fans

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Hi I'm Woody and me and my pals Ace & Stretch will be bringing you no nonsense news and opinions on the day's hottest NY Sports and general Sports Topics from around the country. We are truly Apples and Oranges when it comes to our alliances, but you'll learn that soon enough! Each week along with news and opinions we will dedicate one post to spirited debate where Ace and I take a strong, and often opposite viewpoint on an issue in the NY Sports world... More info is to follow. Stay Tuned!!!

                                                         - Woody