Throwing Knives: Of Madden and Men

by BD, Sports Show On Mute

It's Friday, it was a rough night, and overall it's a pretty slow day in the sports world. That is, unless you want me to rehash and repeat on all the Vick and Donaghy stuff. No? Good, I don't want to do that either. Though, I will say it's being reported that Vick's lawyers and recommending he take the plea deal that includes up to 1-year in jail. We'll find out sometime today what he does and then I'll deal with it after the weekend. I promised a Madden semi-review today so I'll do that and offer a few things on Giambi, Alcoholics, and maybe Romo. Apparently, Hooters had their bikini pageant recently. At right, you have my winner, though I have no idea who actually won. Judge for yourself.

The Madden "Review"
First of all, everything you've seen regarding the fumbles, and well, turnovers in general. Is absolutely true. It's impossible to play a game without the two teams combining for at least 4-5 turnovers. Hell, I watched Kevin Jones fumble on three consecutive carries, (all of which were recovered by the other team) late in a close game. If not for my Lions retooled defensive backfield I'd have likely fallen to the Eagles. Basically, their are so many turnovers they almost offset. Do not pass in the red zone without a "Spectacular Catch" capable wide out or you'll be bringing your defense back out. While I'm not sure if the turnover issues spread into head-to-head play. I think it's a safe bet to say you and your buddy could combine for 10 in one game, easily.

The whole "Weapons" thing is a little overboard. I understand wanting to set great players apart. But, some of the defensive weapons are so dominant you cannot run the ball. If you happen to be playing someone who has two weapons on the D-Line I can only hope your QB can stay up right. Because he's going to be throwing all day. I do, however, like most of the offensive weapons. Especially the previously mentioned "Spectacular Catch" which enables specific receivers to make one handed grabs and elevate above defenders to make grabs. Often losing the handle due to huge hits, that send them face first into the turf. The best defensive weapon? Easily the lock down corner. That side of the field is untouchable. I've thrown plenty of picks to attest to it.

The game looks, and plays fantastic. The gang tackling, though a little goofy at times, is a nice touch. And as I adjust to everything, turnover included, the game will look even better. It is by far the closest thing to an RPG us sports fans will ever experience. The amount of pre-snap options alone would leave the most prominent World of Warcrafter confused. Now, while I realize this isn't much a review. It gives you a faint idea of the problems in this years Madden as well as a positive or two (Franchise Mode is much improved). If I've got to pass judgment after just two days...
Rating: 9/10

Giambi Will Not Be Punished
I'm fine with this. But, it feels like baseball is setting a dangerous precedent with juicers. Just cooperate and your free to go! Giambi claims to have offered no names to George Mitchell. Making their discussion pretty meaningless. If Bonds admitted his "stuff" use tomorrow just after dropping a few $100 thousand dollar checks on charity's and meeting with Mitchell. Wouldn't Selig have to let it go?

Tony Romo is a Douche
He allegedly turned down more money to play for the Broncos when he signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. The difference? $10,000, as the Broncos offered twice as much as Dallas did. Romo apparently chose Dallas because he saw a better chance to get on the field sooner, rather than later. It took a while, either way. But, how in the hell do you turn down that money? Especially when your Tony Romo and 99.9% of people don't think your going to become anything more than a backup quarterback. Not exactly sure why this was all of a sudden brought up. But, it made me laugh.

Yes, Technically Alcoholism is a Disability
Odell Thurman and Torrie Cox have filed claims of disability discrimination against the NFL. The two currently suspended athletes are claiming that the NFL is discriminating against them because their alcoholics. It looks like the commissioner has a few more issues on his hands outside of Mr. Vick.

And.... The Cubs have signed Carlos Zambrano to a 5-year, $90 million extension this morning.

Scoreboard - August 16th - 2007

NFL Preseason
Miami 11, Kansas City 10

MLB
National League
St. Louis 8, Milwaukee 0
Chicago 12, Cincinnati 4
Pittsburgh 10, New York 7
Philadelphia 4, Washington 2
Arizona 5, Florida 4
San Francisco 9, Atlanta 3
San Diego 11, Colorado 9
Los Angeles 8, Houston 2

American League
Oakland 8, Chicago 5 F/10
Detroit 8, New York 5
Los Angeles 4, Toronto 3
Kansas City 6, Texas 2