2012 – The Cover 4

Battle: Los Angeles

December 30, 2012 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

Two former Cy Young winners, two former MVPs, two teams and one city suddenly exploding with baseball talent. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim recently broke the bank to snare the best free agents available on the market. With the financial backing of Magic Johnson and Guggenheim Baseball Management, the Dodgers continued their spending spree and bolstered their starting pitching by signing Zack Greinke to a six-year, $147 million contract. The spending spree appeared to be contagious. The Angels and Arte Moreno signed division rival slugger Josh Hamilton to a 5-year, $125 million contract just a few days later. Eyes are turning towards the gold rush going on out west and both the Dodgers and Angels enter the 2013 season with high expectations. The high payrolls and amount of talent on each team, invoke playoff expectations and World Series hopes. Most exciting for Southern Californians (unless you need to take I-5 to get somewhere quick in late October), it creates the potential for a Freeway World Series in the years to come.

With the Dodgers’ gross expenditure and addition of talent, anything less than a World Series berth can be called a failure of a season. The Los Angeles Dodgers have become the Yankees of the west. When you carry the highest payroll in baseball, you’re paying for championships. Good seasons and playoff berths simply won’t cut it. Magic’s mountain of cash has raised Dodger fans’ expectations high, but will free-fall if the Dodgers fail to win. One of the largest hurdles for the 2013 Dodgers will be to overcome the world champion San Francisco Giants and win the NL West crown. The off-season acquisitions of Greinke and South Korean pitcher Ryu Hyun-Jin bolsters the starting pitching of a team that already includes the best left-hander in the NL, Clayton Kershaw. While the starting rotation seems solid, the Dodgers will need more to match expectations. Dodger fans will need to hope for the health of all-star Matt Kemp and that the late acquisitions from the Boston Red Sox trade will perform better than last year. If Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Andre Ethier’s bats can be as big as their names and contracts, the Dodger’s lineup can have solid output in 2013.

While the Dodgers become a contender, Arte Moreno is making sure that Los Angeles is not solely a sea of Dodger blue. Even with the Angels’ addition of Los Angeles to their name, the city has always been Dodgertown. The Angels have been unable to penetrate the market to the degree that Moreno hoped. The Angels stole the spotlight by inking Albert Pujols last year, and again captured the nation’s attention by signing Josh Hamilton this offseason. The Angels have created a lineup that is not only terrifying to opposing pitchers, but also arguably the most marketable in baseball. Featuring Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and Mark Trumbo, the line-up resembles the Fantastic Four rather than reality. It’s only a matter of time until Trout, Pujols and Hamilton are plastered amongst billboards along I-5 and commercials throughout Los Angeles in a Moreno marketing campaign. In addition, he may want to make sure his star pitcher gets some coverage as Jered Weaver figures to have another great season. While Weaver can be relied upon to perform well, the starting rotation lacks some depth. C.J. Wilson is certainly solid but the rotation of Tommy Hanson, Joe Blanton and Jason Vargas leaves something to be desired. Regardless, the Angels can be expected to be more than just hype in the coming season.

Baseball’s Battle: Los Angeles transcends the traditional freeway series or a possible World Series. Wins and losses are not the only things that the Angels and Dodgers are competing for; there is immense competition for the Los Angeles market. With the ever-increasing growth of television deals and the enormous market of Los Angeles, both the Angels and Dodgers want to soak the market. Los Angeles has long been considered a city of fair-weather fans, with popularity correlating directly to wins. While recent signings by both teams show an emphasis to ‘win now’, the Angels’ additions display Moreno’s desire to expand their market. By signing Pujols and Hamilton to long-term deals, the Angels paid big money for big names and big bats. Moreno knows that guys like this get national attention. Surely Moreno hopes that their popularity will creep beyond Anaheim and Orange County, and into the profitable Los Angeles and national markets.

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Filed Under: Baseball Tagged With: 2013, Albert Pujols, Arte Moreno, Battle Los Angeles, Clayton Kershaw, Cy Young, Freeway World Series, Josh Hamilton, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Dodgers, Matt Kemp, nl, Ryu Hyun Jin, Southern Californians, starting, world series, year, Zack Greinke

Hockey Alert: Proposal to End Lockout

December 29, 2012 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

So it has come to this, hockey’s version of “High Noon”. After enlisting Donald Fehr as head of the NHLPA to spearhead the CBA negotiations, the Players knew that this may be a long, drawn out fight, and it has been just that. With over 50% of the season lost, and the Owners’ having no interest in anything less than a 48 game season, the so-called “Drop Dead Date” of January 11^th (rumored) for an agreement to be reached is looming in the very near future.

The timing is right for a deal to be struck, we are reaching the point of no return, and we are bearing down on a more pressing date, January 2^nd, which is the deadline that the Players have to disband the Players’ Union, which has been seen as their last resort option. If the Players were to disband, considering all the egos involved in this whole mess, you can nearly bet the farm that the entire season, and legitimately perhaps the NHL as a whole, could be lost.

With lower earning teams such as Anaheim, Florida, Phoenix, etc., DESPERATE to get the season started and revenue coming in again, and many other of the mid-tier teams sick of this whole fiasco, the NHL proposed a new CBA agreement to the NHLPA late Thursday night that, for the first time, truly shows the NHL making some concessions. This proposal is the first proposal that I personally feel could, and should be the proposal that puts an end to this embarrassment. Let’s take a look at some of the key points to this CBA proposal.

The Hockey Related Revenue will. Be split 50/50 between the Players and Owners

Although the Players’ share is dropping 7% from the last CBA, this was all but a fore-gone conclusion, and a battle the Players would have been better off to never fight.

The proposal calls for a 10-Year time period for the CBA with a mutual opt-out clause after 8 for both Owners and Players.

The Players have made it known that they do not want a 10-year term on the CBA and were nearly unwilling to go past 7 years, however with the opt-out clause at 8 years and the Owners making some concessions, the 10-year term may not be a deal breaker, and I personally feel that the longer the CBA the better for the fans before the next lockout (knock on wood that that doesn’t happen but history doesn’t lie).

Contract will be limited in length to 6 years, however if teams are resigning a player who plays out the last full year of his contract with a team, THAT team may sign him to 7 years.

This is the biggest concession that the owners have made to date, with NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly saying that he “would die on a hill before budging” from the NHL’s previously proposed 5-year contract limit. As of early Sunday morning Deputy Commissioner Daly is neither dead nor on a hill (at least that I know of). While this limits the Players ability to sign massive money deals that are spread out of 10-years to reduce the cap hit, this will help add to the competitive balance of the league by closing the salary cap loophole of long-term front loaded contracts that owners have been giving out like candy (Shea Weber, Zach Parise).

The “Make Whole” offer of $300 million is included in the proposal

The “Make Whole” stipulation is to honor already existing player contracts. Many players have felt that more than a few recent contracts were signed in bad faith, so this clause assures players that have signed contracts that they will receive the full amount owed. After talks broke down the last time, the NHL pulled the “Make-Whole” offer from the table, but from the Players’ side, a deal would not be struck without it, although I am sure Bettman is taking heat from a few Owners for putting it back on the table.

The 2013-2014 Salary Cap will be dropped to $60 million, with a transition Salary Cap for this season set at $70.2 million, with each team being afforded ONE Compliance Buy-out.

The Players will not be thrilled with this aspect as they were seeking a $67 million cap. This may be the aspect that could keep this deal from being signed. Hopefully if that is the case, the Players will be smart enough to negotiate off of this deal as a whole, and not pitch an entirely new counter offer. The Compliance buy-out is an interesting stipulation because, although teams would still have to pay 2/3 of the salary owed, they will be given complete forgiveness of that player’s Cap Hit.

Two more intriguing aspects of the proposed CBA is the addition of an unspecified “Interview Period” for all upcoming Unrestricted Free Agents, and the second addition is the adjustment to Player Discipline in which Players can appeal to a neutral third party. The latter aspect is a great addition for the players because it avoids an NFL-Type-Roger Goodell-Judge-Jury-Executioner approach to discipline.

With all this in mind, it is time for cooler heads to prevail. With this deal, the Owners will significantly increase their revenue share, and the league as a whole will be more competitive due to the Salary cap aspects and elimination of the cap hit loopholes. The Players, no-doubt are worse off (at least the top paid players) as far as their income RIGHT NOW, but with an increase to the financial health and CBA stability of the league, they will be ok in the long run. The time for posturing, PR battles, and ego-stroking is DONE.

With the two sides scheduled to meet in person later today (Sunday), I am expecting encouraging news. As a fan of the game if talks completely break down again, it would be devastating. I do not believe, necessarily, that a deal will be signed or even agreed in principle to today, but I do feel that with this proposal, that day is close, and certainly closer than it has been to date.

After this whole insane process, I will not be shocked in any way no matter how this turns out, as many in-the-know believe that Fehr will take this down to literally the last minute, but my gut is pushing me to the optimistic side.

*Follow @TheCover4 on Twitter for up-to-the-minute information on the in-person meetings*

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Filed Under: Hockey Tagged With: 2013, CBA, Compliance Buy, Hockey Related, Hockey Related Revenue, Interview Period, Make Whole, nfl, nhl, NHLPA, ONE, salary cap, time, Unrestricted Free Agents, year

Our Final Installment: Week 17 NFL Predictions

December 28, 2012 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

Like it or not, all eyes are on Tony Romo this week.

Can you believe it? We are already in week 17 of the NFL season and the new year is right around the corner. The smell of playoff football is in the air; who will be peaking at the right time to make it to the Super Bowl?

I will commend the NFL on doing the scheduling changes a few years ago, I love watching meaningful games in the last week of the season. Dallas v Washington for the division?! Two years in a row Cowboy fans. Is this year going to be different?

For fantasy reasons, I love watching players play meaningful games in week 15, 16 & 17 because it allows me to win my fantasy football league. Won 1 of 4 – not bad. Pay me Long Island Sound!

From the Cover 4 to our readers, thank you for following along this season; it has had its ups and downs and plenty of changes to meet the demands of our fans but we have enjoyed every minute of it.

THE COVER 4: PHI, CHI, GB, WAS

We hope that you continue to read our website and follow along for some of the best, and most interesting, sports articles out there right now. We aren’t your typical mainstream sports website ; we are for the fans, by the fans. Period!

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New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills (-3)

Jesse – NYJ – Both teams are terrible, so I’ll take the points.

Long Island Sound – NYJ – Sanchez will provide a good performance versus a below average defense to prove his worth.

Plumb – NYJ – With McElroy out and Sanchez back, this may be Sanchez’s last time to prove he can play in the big leagues.

James – NYJ – Mark Sanchez is going to play the best game of his life…… maybe?

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Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (-10)

Jesse – MIA – I expect Miami to play New England tough and cover the 10 points.

Long Island Sound – NE – Hate big lines, but Miami going to NE never works out well for them.

Plumb – MIA – Well last time around New England overlooked Miami and division games are always tough to win, let alone cover. Dolphins make one last push to cap off a decent season.

James – NE – I like Coach Billy in this matchup; coach always wants to send a message.

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Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals (-2½)

Jesse – BAL – Baltimore destroyed the Bengals back in their Week 1 meeting, and they should be playing for playoff momentum after their drudging of the Giants last week. Baltimore’s the better team & getting points.

Long Island Sound – CIN – Baltimore is a pretender that faced a Giants team that has been rolling over for the last 2 weeks.

Plumb – CIN – After coming off impressive wins and clinching playoff berths, Cincy is the only team in this matchup that has something to play for.

James – BAL – Maybe its my perception, and familiarity, with the AFC North but I know that when it matters Baltimore will beat the Bungals. I like AJ Green a lot but I think the Ravens cover in this one.

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Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers (No Line)

Jesse – PIT – Pittsburgh is out of the playoff hunt, but I don’t expect Tomlin’s team to quit. They should cover whatever number the casinos put up with Cleveland starting Thaddeus Lewis (who?) at QB & Montario Hardesty at RB.

Long Island Sound – PIT – Cleveland’s 3rd string QB versus a disgruntled Mike Tomlin.

Plumb – PIT – Tomlin will have the team ready for this week after last week disappointing loss. Expect Steelers blowout.

James – PIT – Steelers rarely lose to the Browns; it won’t happen twice in one year….

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Houston Texans (-7) @ Indianapolis Colts

Jesse – HOU – Houston NEEDS this win to lock up #1 in the AFC while Indy is locked into the 5th-seed no matter what. On top of that, Houston was flat-out embarrassed by the Vikings at home last week. If they want to prove to the nation that they’re a true contender, it starts this Sunday.

Long Island Sound – IND – Andrew Luck at home.

Plumb – IND – Both are jocking for seeding but Indy is tough at home and getting points makes it even more enticing. The Colts have Luck on their side.

James – HOU – I like Indy but I think Houston takes care of business this week and gets things rolling into the playoffs. If Houston doesn’t cover, it will be because the Colts get a garbage td or two.

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Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans (-4½)

Jesse – JAC – Jacksonville showed life last week vs. Patriots, while Tennessee wet the bed at Green Bay. I refuse to lay more than 4 points with this Tennessee squad after last week’s performance.

Long Island Sound – JAC – Henne has this team playing hard.

Plumb – JAC – Well the worst game on the schedule this week and someone’s gotta win. I’ll take the points just because Henne is showing he can still play and will be fighting for a job next season.

James – JAC – Toilet Bowl of Week 17.

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Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants (-7½)

Jesse – PHI – One of Philly’s 4 wins this season was against these NY Giants and came with Vick at the helm & McCoy in the backfield. Well, they’re back & there’s no reason they can’t keep this game close and cover the TD+ or even perhaps win.

Long Island Sound – PHI – Giants at home against a divisional opponent. Vick gives the Giants trouble.

Plumb – PHI – After Philly lost Nick Foles last week to injury, Vick is back which means two things: unpredictability and dog fighting (j/k PETA). Tough division matchup and the ½ is always a favorites kryptonite. This is a dog’s game (Corny Mike Vick humor). Eagles cover and Vick proves he is still a starter in the League.

James – PHI – This game scares me because the Giants are so unpredictable. I think Vick comes out and takes care of business in his last game in Phili.

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Chicago Bears (-3) @ Detroit Lions

Jesse – CHI – Chicago needs this win +MINN loss to make the playoffs as the 6^th-seed, so they’ll be ready for this contest. Pro-bowl CB Tim Jennings (shoulder) should be back & RB Forte (ankle) is optimistic about playing while Detroit is reeling having lost 7-straight.

Long Island Sound – CHI – Cutler and Marshall are in a groove that will not be stopped by the Lions D.

Plumb – CHI – Tough defense, must win game, and Brandon Marshall. Too many factors against the home team in this one.

James – CHI – MUST WIN. Time to put up or shut up Chicago.

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Green Bay Packers (-3) @ Minnesota Vikings

Jesse – GB – Green Bay is ready for their playoff run & earning a 1^st round bye would bode well for them. Since starting the season 2-3, Packers have only lost 1 game. They’ll get Minnesota’s best efforts, but they won’t be enough. Green Bay will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Long Island Sound – GB – Finally healthy and Rodgers is back to his unreal form.

Plumb – GB – A very important game for both teams in this matchup. Minnesota fighting for the last playoff berth alongside AP attempting to break the single season rushing record, and Green Bay attempting to clinch a first round bye with a W. Expect this to be a hard nose and close game. Deciding factor: Aaron Rodgers dominant play in domes.

James – GB – I really hope AP can break this record but my PRESEASON Super Bowl pick is looking pretty good right now. I think Rodgers gives the Viking defense his discount double check.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons (No Line)

Jesse – TB – There’s no line on this game because Atlanta might rest their starters. They’ve locked up home-field in the NFC and have no reason to play for anything. I’ll take Tampa, especially if they’re getting points.

Long Island Sound – ATL – Ryan and the Falcons at home. Don’t believe they will sit starts much based on previous playoff woes.

Plumb – ATL – Atlanta is tough at home as they are undefeated in the Georgia Dome.

James – ATL – I don’t care if Chris Chandler is going to be playing quarterback this week, I can’t take the shaky and free-falling Buccs. ATL will play its players for the majority of this one as they aren’t going to rest for two weeks.

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Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints (-5)

Jesse – CAR (ML +205) – I personally think these two teams are relatively even. Carolina’s actually been playing better of late –winners of 3-straight — so I’m getting value with the Panthers, as the spread should be NO -3. Carolina will win this game outright saving Ron Rivera’s job.

Long Island Sound – NO – Should be a shoot-out, but Brees should cover here.

Plumb – CAR – Panthers defense > Saints defense. Plus Carolina has won 3 straight.

James – CAR – Carolina may not get the W but they cover in this one.

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Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos (-16)

Jesse – KC – I cannot get myself to lay 16 points, even if it’s with the perceived “best team in the NFL.”

Long Island Sound – KC – Too big of a spread.

Plumb – KC – Wow this spread is high. I expect Peyton and Co. to play till halftime and call it a day. If this happens, expect KC to capitalize.

James – KC – I know the Chiefs are bad, and I mean bad. I realize the Broncos are really good. I just don’t wanna put 16 on this game. I’ll stay conservative and take KC.

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Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers (No Line)

Jesse – SD – Oakland has quit. Before beating KC two weeks ago, Oakland was losers of 6-straight. They didn’t score a single TD in their 15-0 win over KC in that aforementioned meeting & failed to score a TD last week vs. Panthers. To add insult to injury, Terrelle Pryor will be starting for the injured Palmer (ribs).

Long Island Sound – SD – Just a bad game with a bad team and a very undisciplined team. I’ll take the potential versus the bad.

Plumb – SD – Are you putting your hard earned money on the Oakland Raiders? Yeah, neither am I because I can’t trust them.

James – SD – Norv Turner and AJ Smith get a W in their last game with the organization; Turner has already said he is okay with being an OC again after this year. Smell Yah.

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Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers (-16½)

Jesse – SF – Ok, I lied; I will lay -16 in certain situations. Maybe this is me betting with my heart; maybe not. This season following a loss or tie, the 49ers have beaten their opponents by a combined score of 106-26.

Long Island Sound – ARI – Not taking that line in the NFL out of principle.

Plumb – ARI – This is probably the hardest game to pick this week. On one hand you have the Niners who must win to clinch the division as well as a potential second seed in the conference. My only question is how hard are they going to play the Cards without risking injury? Then you have the Cards who may or may not show up at home let alone score a point. The gut wants the Niners but the numbers say Cards.

James – ARI – 16+? What? Luckily its week 17 and this will be the first, and last, time I think the Cardinals will do something good.

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St. Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks (-10½)

Jesse – SEA – If Seattle wins this game and 49ers somehow slip up and lose vs. Cardinals, then Seattle wins the NFC West and the #3 seed in the NFC. They have everything to play for, and are playing extremely well especially down in the trenches.

Long Island Sound – STL – This team finds ways to cover.

Plumb – SEA – I made this mistake last week and it burned me. SEAHAWKS AT HOME = WIN.

James – SEA – I don’t think I can go any other way with the way this team has been playing.

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Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins (-3)

Jesse – WAS – Stop me when you’ve heard this before: Dallas in a must-win? I’ll take the other side.

Long Island Sound – WAS – Washington looking to capture a division title will be ready to play.

Plumb – WAS – Dallas Cowboys! Big Games! Tony Romo fumbling meaningful snaps! Means one thing: Choke artists. Skins win and take the Division.

James – WAS – Maybe this is the year the Cowboys finally win a meaningful game at the end of the season? Naw, I’m going RGIII.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ARI, ATL, CAR, CHI, GB, IND, JAC, KC, Long Island Sound, NE, NYJ, PHI, PIT, SD, SEA

Our Final Installment: Week 17 NFL Predictions

December 28, 2012 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

Like it or not, all eyes are on Tony Romo this week.

For fantasy reasons, I love watching players play meaningful games in week 15, 16 & 17 because it allows me to win my fantasy football league. Won 1 of 4 – not bad. Pay me Long Island Sound!

From the Cover 4 to our readers, thank you for following along this season; it has had its ups and downs and plenty of changes to meet the demands of our fans but we have enjoyed every minute of it.

THE COVER 4: PHI, CHI, GB, WAS

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New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills (-3)

Jesse – NYJ – Both teams are terrible, so I’ll take the points.

Long Island Sound – NYJ – Sanchez will provide a good performance versus a below average defense to prove his worth.

Plumb – NYJ – With McElroy out and Sanchez back, this may be Sanchez’s last time to prove he can play in the big leagues.

James – NYJ – Mark Sanchez is going to play the best game of his life…… maybe?

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Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (-10)

Jesse – MIA – I expect Miami to play New England tough and cover the 10 points.

Long Island Sound – NE – Hate big lines, but Miami going to NE never works out well for them.

Plumb – MIA – Well last time around New England overlooked Miami and division games are always tough to win, let alone cover. Dolphins make one last push to cap off a decent season.

James – NE – I like Coach Billy in this matchup; coach always wants to send a message.

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Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals (-2½)

Long Island Sound – CIN – Baltimore is a pretender that faced a Giants team that has been rolling over for the last 2 weeks.

Plumb – CIN – After coming off impressive wins and clinching playoff berths, Cincy is the only team in this matchup that has something to play for.

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Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers (No Line)

Long Island Sound – PIT – Cleveland’s 3rd string QB versus a disgruntled Mike Tomlin.

Plumb – PIT – Tomlin will have the team ready for this week after last week disappointing loss. Expect Steelers blowout.

James – PIT – Steelers rarely lose to the Browns; it won’t happen twice in one year….

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Houston Texans (-7) @ Indianapolis Colts

Long Island Sound – IND – Andrew Luck at home.

Plumb – IND – Both are jocking for seeding but Indy is tough at home and getting points makes it even more enticing. The Colts have Luck on their side.

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Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans (-4½)

Long Island Sound – JAC – Henne has this team playing hard.

James – JAC – Toilet Bowl of Week 17.

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Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants (-7½)

Long Island Sound – PHI – Giants at home against a divisional opponent. Vick gives the Giants trouble.

James – PHI – This game scares me because the Giants are so unpredictable. I think Vick comes out and takes care of business in his last game in Phili.

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Chicago Bears (-3) @ Detroit Lions

Long Island Sound – CHI – Cutler and Marshall are in a groove that will not be stopped by the Lions D.

Plumb – CHI – Tough defense, must win game, and Brandon Marshall. Too many factors against the home team in this one.

James – CHI – MUST WIN. Time to put up or shut up Chicago.

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Green Bay Packers (-3) @ Minnesota Vikings

Long Island Sound – GB – Finally healthy and Rodgers is back to his unreal form.

James – GB – I really hope AP can break this record but my PRESEASON Super Bowl pick is looking pretty good right now. I think Rodgers gives the Viking defense his discount double check.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons (No Line)

Long Island Sound – ATL – Ryan and the Falcons at home. Don’t believe they will sit starts much based on previous playoff woes.

Plumb – ATL – Atlanta is tough at home as they are undefeated in the Georgia Dome.

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Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints (-5)

Long Island Sound – NO – Should be a shoot-out, but Brees should cover here.

Plumb – CAR – Panthers defense > Saints defense. Plus Carolina has won 3 straight.

James – CAR – Carolina may not get the W but they cover in this one.

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Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos (-16)

Jesse – KC – I cannot get myself to lay 16 points, even if it’s with the perceived “best team in the NFL.”

Long Island Sound – KC – Too big of a spread.

Plumb – KC – Wow this spread is high. I expect Peyton and Co. to play till halftime and call it a day. If this happens, expect KC to capitalize.

James – KC – I know the Chiefs are bad, and I mean bad. I realize the Broncos are really good. I just don’t wanna put 16 on this game. I’ll stay conservative and take KC.

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Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers (No Line)

Long Island Sound – SD – Just a bad game with a bad team and a very undisciplined team. I’ll take the potential versus the bad.

Plumb – SD – Are you putting your hard earned money on the Oakland Raiders? Yeah, neither am I because I can’t trust them.

James – SD – Norv Turner and AJ Smith get a W in their last game with the organization; Turner has already said he is okay with being an OC again after this year. Smell Yah.

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Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers (-16½)

Long Island Sound – ARI – Not taking that line in the NFL out of principle.

James – ARI – 16+? What? Luckily its week 17 and this will be the first, and last, time I think the Cardinals will do something good.

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St. Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks (-10½)

Long Island Sound – STL – This team finds ways to cover.

Plumb – SEA – I made this mistake last week and it burned me. SEAHAWKS AT HOME = WIN.

James – SEA – I don’t think I can go any other way with the way this team has been playing.

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Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins (-3)

Jesse – WAS – Stop me when you’ve heard this before: Dallas in a must-win? I’ll take the other side.

Long Island Sound – WAS – Washington looking to capture a division title will be ready to play.

Plumb – WAS – Dallas Cowboys! Big Games! Tony Romo fumbling meaningful snaps! Means one thing: Choke artists. Skins win and take the Division.

James – WAS – Maybe this is the year the Cowboys finally win a meaningful game at the end of the season? Naw, I’m going RGIII.

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Thanks for checking out our picks. Dont forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.
James Kaikis
Chief Sports Activist for The Cover 4
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Filed Under: Football Tagged With: 16, 17, 4, 49ers, Accurate, AFC, American, Analysis, Arizona, Atlanta, Away, baller, Baltimore, Bay, Bears, Bengals, Bills, Bowl, Broncos, Browns, Buccaneers, Buffalo, Cardinals, Carolina, Center, Chicago, Chiefs, Cincinnati, City, Cleveland, coach, Colts, Corner, cover, Cowboys, Dallas, Defense, Denver, Detroit, Dolphins, Eagles, End, England, Falcons, fantasy, favorite, football, Francisco, Game, gamer, Giants, green, Guard, home, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Jaguars, Jets, Kansas, Key, league, Line, Linebacker, Lions, Lose, Louis, Matchup, Miami, Minnesota, National, New, NFC, nfl, Oakland, Offense, Orleans, Packers, Panthers, Patriots, Philadelphia, pigskin, Pittsburgh, Player, predictions, Quarterback, Raiders, Rams, Ravens, Receiver, Redskins, Runningback, Safety, Saint, Saints, San, Score, Seahawks, Seattle, Slot, special, St. Louis, Steelers, Stud, Super, Tackle, Tampa, teams, Tennessee, Texans, Thanksgiving, Tight, Titans, Touchdown, Twelve, Underdog, Vikings, Washington, Week, Wide, Win, York

All We Want for Christmas is Hockey: Top 10 Most Missed Players

December 24, 2012 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

Henrick Lundqvist makes a beauty of a save! Where is he on our top 10?

It is now mid-December and the NHL and NHLPA not only have yet to strike deal for a new collective bargaining agreement, but seem to be taking steps backwards as some of the biggest egos in professional sports continue to make this lockout about themselves and not the game. We are all frustrated as hell, and are sick to death of the daily public relations battles taking place in the media. So today, I’ve put together a list of the Top 10 players I miss watching play on a nightly basis.

10. Jordan Eberle – forward, Edmonton Oilers

Jordan Eberle is a fantastic young player and the captain-In-waiting for the young upstart Edmonton Oilers. The 22-year-old winger has put up some pretty good numbers throughout his brief NHL career, playing in 147 games and posting 52 goals and 67 assists for 119 points. More impressive than his stat line is actually watching this kid play. He is truly one of the smartest hockey players in the league today. I have said it once, and I will say it a thousand more times, Eberle is going to give the Crosby- Malkin- Ovechkin- Stamkos – Giroux group a run for their money as best player in the world sooner rather than later. Eberle has a knack for scoring big goals and always seems to be one step ahead of the play. His on-ice demeanor is reminiscent of Steve Yzerman…. perhaps one of the best compliments you can pay to a player.

9. Shea Weber – defenseman, Nashville Predators

If I am starting a franchise tomorrow, Weber would be the first defenseman I pick up if I have the chance. He is one of those players who dominates in nearly every facet of the game. He is big, strong, fast and skilled. Weber is the type of player that you create on your favorite video game to just dominate everyone. Weber has a supersonic shot, a snarly style of physicality and deservedly-so wears the “C” on his sweater in Nashville. He IS their franchise, especially since signing that massive blockbuster free agency deal in the offseason. You pretty much have to have the NHL Center Ice package to ever see him play as Nashville is the NHL equivalent to the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. They’re the team you always forget exists because they are never on TV and national newsworthy news rarely comes out of there, but Shea Weber is reason enough to tune in to Preds games if you have the opportunity. He is the prototypical defenseman in the league today, and the measuring stick for all others at his position

8. Pavel Datsyuk – forward, Detroit Red Wings

Entering the twilight era of his career, Datsyuk is still a treat to watch. By far the slickest player in the NHL, his hands are a gift from the hockey gods. I miss seeing Pavel trapped in a corner and tiptoe out through the defenders by putting a couple quick moves on his man, turning them inside out, then proceeding to generate a prime scoring chance.Lets face it, he finishes the play more times than not. The creativity with the puck that Datsyuk shows in one-on-one situations and shootouts is unparalleled in the league today. Quite honestly, he makes some of the best defenders and goalies in the league look ridiculous. Datsyuk and fellow Red Wing Henrik Zetterberg are the reigning faces of Hockeytown, which is reason enough to tune in to watch them play. But the flash that Datsyuk has mixed with his flare for showing how skilled he is should make any hockey fan miss watching him. In addition to the skill, he is often times nominated for the Lady Byng trophy for most gentlemanly player, so you don’t have to deal with a Sidney Crosby-esque yapping at the officials or Sean Avery-esque shenanigans.

7. Alex Ovechkin – forward, Washington Capitals

Despite The Great 8’s drop in production over the last couple seasons, there are few players as fun to watch as Ovechkin. His combination of size, speed and skill is truly unique. He has a laser beam of a shot that has the accuracy of Bruce Lee’s nunchucks and can be one of the most in-your-face players in the league. He is one of the few players in the league that keeps the crowd on the edge of their seat, no matter what arena in which he’s playing. Another aspect of Ovechkin’s game that makes him fun to watch is how physically involved he gets in games, which is rare for a star player of his caliber. He does not back down from anyone and can even take on the role of agitator, just ask Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Scott Hartnell. Ovechkin at his best is the most entertaining player to watch in the league but unfortunately over the past few seasons, Ovi at his best seems to come out only occasionally and he has had trouble consistently playing at a level that saw him pot 60 goals in a season.

6. Erik Karlsson – defenseman, Ottawa Senators

The smooth-skating Karlsson is another member of the up-and-comers club in the NHL and is coming off of his breakout season. The 22-year-old Swede finished third in the 2011-2012 season in assists with 59, and tenth in the NHL in points with 78 points in 81 games. His efforts were acknowledged with a Norris Trophy nomination for best defenseman in the league. Karlsson is a treat to watch because of his skating. He can move up and down the rink nearly effortlessly. Karlsson also has a mad offensive prowess and is a nightmare for penalty killers to defend on the power play. His shot won’t overwhelm goalies but his accuracy is surgeon-like. He can put a pass on his teammates tape from 150 feet away, or he can skate the puck out of trouble if needed. Although he is not physically dominant in his own zone, he sees the game well enough to play sound positional defense. When this youngster is playing, he jumps out at you and is a standout on a nightly basis.

5. Zdeno Chara – defenseman, Boston Bruins

“Big Z”, as he is known to teammates and friends, is a monster in multiple ways. Towering above the league at 6 feet 9 and 255 pounds, Chara is an imposing force on the back end for the Bruins. A full display of his physical strength was on display when he nearly killed Montreal’s Max Pacioretty when he checked him into the stanchion between the two teams’ benches. In addition to his freakish physical specs, Chara is a dangerous player and fun to watch because of his skill. He has the hardest slap shot in the league and he uses it quite often. He is an anchor on the Bruins power play and has the numbers to justify all the ice time he gets. I also enjoy watching Chara skate up and down the ice. With his long swooping strides, he may not be the most graceful player, but he certainly is effective.

4. Henrik and Daniel Sedin – forwards, Vancouver Canucks

The twins have been running the show in Vancouver ever since they were drafted second and third overall in the 1999 entry draft. For those of you who have never had a chance to watch these two play together, do yourself a favor and hit up YouTube and watch the mastery that the twins have in the offensive zone. Perhaps as a duo, the Sedins are the most creative and inventive playmakers in the league, tending to leave defenders befuddled and looking foolish. The two have been playing on the same line their ENTIRE life and it shows. They know where each other are at all times on the ice and together generate at least a couple tic-tac-toe or give-and-go plays per game. The Canucks pushed Boston to Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final before falling to the Bruins, so in their 40-year existence , the Canucks have yet to capture a Cup. The brothers are in starting the downside of their careers, even though one of the brothers is always in the hunt for a scoring title and any hopes that Vancouver has rests on the shoulders of the Sedins and whichever goalie is in-between the pipes. I really wish we could watch them on their quest for glory in North America instead of the Swedish Elite League.

3. Claude Giroux – forward, Philadelphia Flyers

Giroux is coming off a fantastic season in which he emerged as one of the true superstars in this league, finishing third overall in scoring with 93 points, despite missing five games with a concussion last season. Giroux was partly responsible for the re-emergence of former superstar Jaromir Jagr when he played with Giroux and Scott Hartnell last season. Philadelphia is perhaps one of the most hostile environments in all of sports and Giroux flourishes there. He brings the mob to their feet on a nightly basis with his incredible display of skill and brains. Over the past couple seasons, Giroux has emerged as Philadelphia’s heart and soul, and a great antithesis to Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Giroux can play with those guys and once the puck drops again on an NHL season, Giroux will once again insert himself into the conversation of world’s best player, as long as the Crosby-like concussion issue that he currently is dealing with clears up. Having been injured playing in Germany during the lockout, Giroux has returned to the States to seek similar treatment as Crosby had with his well-documented concussion issues.

2. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin – forwards, Pittsburgh Penguins

Two of the games utmost elite talents, entering the prime of their careers and both having played the best hockey of their careers recently, what’s not to love about these two? We all remember the other-worldly tear that Sidney Crosby was on before his concussion problems derailed the better part of the next two seasons. We also remember Evgeni Malkin putting on GameShark for the 2009 playoffs and leading the Penguins to the Stanley Cup. Last season, Malkin had the goal of the year (which was one of 50 that he scored all year) and won the scoring title and MVP. At the ages of 25 and 26, Crosby and Malkin have won every noteworthy award between the two of them; Stanley Cup, Conn Smythe, Rocket Richard Trophy, Lester B. Pearson award and so on and so forth. Pundits of the game have had one of these two as the best player in the game for the past three seasons or so. Both are one of a kind talents and bring different aspects to each game for the Penguins. Malkin has a blistering shot and has won the accuracy shooting at the All Star game, while Crosby is a cerebral assassin, and uses his brain as a weapon, always seeming to be in the right spot. These two are separately worth the price of admission each night, but together, it is the best deal in hockey.

Henrik Lundqvist – goaltender, New York Rangers

King Henrik, for my money, is the most exciting player to watch in the NHL. He plays the toughest position in professional sports, in one of the toughest and most historic arenas in history, for one of the most demanding coaches in the league and he excels. Fresh off his Vezina Trophy victory last season for best goaltender in the league, Lundqvist will be looking to get off to a hot start next season. His play last season was truly MVP-worthy and his dominance in the playoffs helped the Rangers push the Devils to six games in the Eastern Conference Finals, only being bested by the best netminder of my generation, Martin Brodeur. There is nothing in the game more fun to watch than a goaltender put on a brilliant display in a game, and Lundqvist does it nightly. The Rangers are an Original Six team having had many great players throughout their existence, and Lundqvist is surely up there with some of the best. Henrik is one of those rare goalies that could easily be his teams captain, and garners the respect of his coaches, teammates, fans and media alike.

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Pat Davis
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Filed Under: Hockey Tagged With: back, Edmonton Oilers, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan, Jordan Eberle, MVP, nhl, Pittsburgh, puck, Shea Weber, Sidney Crosby, Stanley Cup, starting, Vancouver Canucks, year

Christmas Money: NFL Week 16 Picks

December 21, 2012 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

Russell Wilson and the Seahawks play one of the biggest games of the year against the 49ers.

It’s the Friday before Christmas and The Cover 4 is giving away free gifts. Yup, we are giving you the weekly dosage of NFL picks. While some of us have been in the money, others (cough Long Island Sound cough cough) lost his whole trust fund after a disastrous week 15. Thats why I love football because anyone can win any week; I think I say that all the time.

I am sad that the NFL regular season will be over and we won’t be bringing you all of the NFL picks and predictions BUT we will be coming out with a number of awesome articles. We want to be different and we are going to show you why The Cover 4 is different!

This weeks Cover 4: PIT, KC, WASH, NYG

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Atlanta Falcons (-3½) @ Detroit Lions

General Peppers – DET +3½ – With the NFC South locked up, and the 49ers two games back, I see no reason for Atlanta to go all in like they did against the Giants.

Jesse– DET (ML) – I’ll take the home-dog on Saturday night. Detroit coming off an embarrassing loss (right, Kake?) will bounce back in a big way vs. #1 seed in the NFC. Detroit wins outright.

Long Island Sound – ATL -3½ – DET makng too many mistakes and ATL looking to finalize at home.

Plumb – ATL -3½ – Atlanta proven they’re a top tier team this year, why not show it in a blow out over Det.

James – ATL –3½ – I bet against ATL last week and for DET. Both moves making me look ridiculous thus I am taking ATL.

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Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers (- 3½)

General Peppers – PIT -3½ – Simple: both teams have to win this game. Pittsburgh is a better team.

Jesse – PIT -3½ – This was a tough game to handicap. I just don’t see Cincy getting over the hump, and Pittsburgh wins their 6th straight meeting.

Long Island Sound – PIT -3½ – Now or never for the Steelers.

Plumb – PIT +3½ – Love PIT especially when they have their backs against the wall. Cincy will be tough but Steelers have won 72% of the time against the Bengals and control their destiny at home. Numbers say Bengals but can’t go against the home team with everything on the line. Caution Big Ben at work.

James – PIT -3½ – The ½ point scares me as this game may be a three point game but I really think the Steelers take care of business here.

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New Orleans Saints @ Dallas Cowboys (-3)

General Peppers – DAL -3 – Dallas is making the playoffs and winning the NFC East. Their playoff run starts here.

Jesse – NO +3 – Dallas finally has momentum heading into a must win game. If you can trust this team, good luck.

Long Island Sound – DAL -3 – Porous D veruss offense with all the potential.

Plumb – NO +3 – My trap game of the week. Saints play spoiler in this one.

James – DAL -3 – I usually bet against the Dallas in any big game but the Saints have struggled plenty this year. Dallas getting hot at the right now.

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Tennessee Titans @ Green Bay Packers (-12½)

General Peppers – GB -12½ – Green Bay getting healthy at the right time. Hello Jennings/Matthews/Nelson.

Jesse – TEN +12½ – Green Bay, after battling hated division rival Chicago last week, must get ready for a bad Titans team who needed 5 turnovers to beat the spiraling Jets. Following this week’s game, Packers must game plan to try to stop AP and his record breaking mentality in Minnesota. What does all this mean? Your classic sandwich game.

Long Island Sound – TEN +12½ – NFL and that many points? CJ will be able to work veruss the Packer D.

Plumb – TEN +12½ – I honestly hate NFL spreads over 10 pts. However, GB gets Matthews back which is a huge defensive boost, but they don’t have anything to play for so Titans in this one.

James – TEN +12½ – The Packers have all the weapons and will probably win but they have clinched the division. Expect Tennessee to cover.

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Indianapolis Colts (-7) @ Kansas City Chiefs

General Peppers – KC +7 – Indianapolis is a mediocre road team.

Jesse – KC +7 – Andrew Luck has 18 INTs on the year, 13 of which came on the road. I expect both teams to make mistakes and the Chiefs to cover the TD.

Long Island Sound – KC +7 – Andrew Luck away.

Plumb – KC +7 – Andrew luck has really proven his worth this year but 7 is a lot of points to lay on the road. Numbers say this is a 5 point game. KC pulls the backdoor cover in this one.

James – KC +7 – Shall I even echo what everyone else is saying? Luck has to prove he can play well on the road; tough environment in Arrowhead.

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Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins (-4½)

General Peppers – BUF +4½ – Miami is in a free fall and looking more for a higher draft pick. Buffalo better than you think.

Jesse – MIA -4½ – Miami, who beat Seattle at home 4 weeks ago, will contain C.J. Spiller and cover the spread.

Long Island Sound – MIA -4½ – Buffalo D is horrible.

Plumb – MIA -4½ – Miami is in win or go home mode. They have a slim chance to make the playoffs but there is a chance which can make them dangerous, and what a better team to push around than the volatile Bills. Tannehill gets it done in this one and fins too tough at home.

James – BUF (ML) – How many times will I get Miami wrong. At this point, I’m going Buff ML on the road. Dumb? Maybe but I am taking a risk.

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San Diego Chargers @ New York Jets (-2½)

General Peppers – SD +2½ – Greg McIlory. That is all.

Jesse – SD +2½ – Well the Jets benched Mark Sanchez; that should solve all their problems. I don’t have a strong lean but this Jets team is bad and favored.

Long Island Sound – SD +2½ – Charger seem to go against conventional wisdom with traveling across the country.

Plumb – SD +2½ – Man do I hate the Jets this season. One week they look good, the next Sanchez throws 4 INTs. McElroy get the start which means Christmas comes early for the Chargers. My Game of the week.

James – SD +2½ – Too many unknowns for the Jets and their qb situation for me to take them this week.

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Washington Redskins (-6½) @ Philadelphia Eagles

General Peppers – WAS -6½ – Philly has no need to win. Washington must win.

Jesse – WAS -6½ – RGIII fully participated in practice and is expected to start & I’m not betting against him.

Long Island Sound – WAS -6½ – The Eagles gained steam 2 weeks ago in TV, but lost it all last week.

Plumb – PHI +6½ – Nick Foles is proving to me that he can play QB in the NFL on a team that has given up. I might be the only one who hasn’t given up on the Eagles this season. Skins win with RGIII back but I think Philly can cover.

James – WAS -6½ – Like I said last week, RGIII is the key to the Redskins playoff hopes. They take care of business.

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St. Louis Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)

General Peppers – TB -3 – Tampa Bay elite run defense shuts down Steven Jackson leaving the Rams offense stagnant.

Jesse – STL +3 – I wouldn’t bet this game with your money, but if I had to pick a side, I’ll take the points. Tampa Bay has lost 4 straight and is now a home favorite.

Long Island Sound – STL (ML) – Rams will keep this close.

Plumb – STL +3 – Tampa is allowing 300+ passing yards a game this year and with Bradford coming off a career game last week, I don’t expect anything less from him in this one. St. Louis has something to play for in this game while the Bucs do not. Rams get back on track and getting points only sweetens the pot.

James – TB -3 – The Buccs need to rebound and this week they will get it done at home.

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Oakland Raiders @ Carolina Panthers (-8½)

General Peppers – OAK +8½ – Bad teams with spreads over 7 = bad idea. Garbage time TDs will cover for Oakland.

Jesse – CAR -8½ – I know laying more than a TD with a 5-win team seems ludicrous, but I don’t trust Oakland traveling across country to play an early game.

Long Island Sound – OAK +8½ – Carolina doesn’t put teams away.

Plumb – OAK +8½ – Carolina has been hot as of late looking for their 3rd straight win. Oakland has been a rollercoaster of a team this year but with McFadden healthy and coming off a decent week, I see him keeping it close against Carolina. Also from my point of view, spreads over 7 for teams with mediocre offenses always favors the dog.

James – OAK +8½ – Im with Bru on this one. I think garbage time allows this team to cover the spread.
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New England Patriots (-14½) @ Jacksonville Jaguars

General Peppers – JAX +14½ – I refuse to take a spread this big.

Jesse – NE -14½ – Man, I feel sorry for Jacksonville this week.

Long Island Sound – JAX +14½ – Too many points.

Plumb – JAX +14½ – As hard as it is for me to write this analysis, 14 points is a lot for a road team to give even if they are the #1 offense in the NFL. This spread scares me but I think NE overlooks JAX as they did MIA a few weeks ago.

James – NE -14½ – A lot of points here but NE knows how to step on the gas.
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Minnesota Vikings @ Houston Texans (-7½)

General Peppers – MIN +7½ – Purple Jesus is determined to run for 150 on everyone. Keeps this game close single-handedly.

Jesse– MIN +7½ – I made the mistake of betting against AP last week.

Long Island Sound – MIN +7½ – Ponder wil be key with attention focused on AP.

Plumb – MIN +7½ – AP has been lights out and goes against a tough Houston front 4. However, if Vick Ballard can do it, AP should have a field day in this one.

James – HOU -7½ – I have been on the AP train more than anyone lately but I am taking Houston this week.

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Cleveland Browns @ Denver Broncos (-13)

General Peppers – CLE +13 – Cleveland better than you think. Denver not as good as you think.

Jesse – DEN -13 – Denver is just much more well-rounded & still playing for a first round bye.

Long Island Sound – CLE +13 – Sneaky decent team.

Plumb – CLE +13 – Being from Pittsburgh, this hurts me to say, Browns actually look good. After that being said, I still hate the Browns but their defense keeps this game close. Denver giving too much in this one.

James – CLE +13 – The Browns won’t quit in this one.

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Chicago Bears (-5½) @ Arizona Cardinals

General Peppers – ARI +5½ – Bears keep free-falling. Battered offensive line gets pressured by blitzing Cardinal defense.

Jesse – CHI -5½ – Bears will create turnovers and take advantage of Cardinals, who finally won a game last week (right, Kake?).

Long Island Sound – CHI -5½ – Bears force turnovers and the Cardinals turn the ball over.

Plumb – CHI -5½ – Chicago offense has been abysmal and facing a decent Arizona defense (minus the Seattle game). Arizona might be able to slow down the Bears, however I feel Chicago needs this game and will look to run it up.

James – CHI -5½ – Last week AZ made me look dumb. Two weeks in a row? Not happening.

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New York Giants (-2½) @ Baltimore Ravens

General Peppers – NYG -2½ – Ravens too banged up. Joe Flacco too average and Giants still elite team.

Jesse – NYG -2½ – In this virtual pick’em game, it came down to one thing for me: Which team do I trust more? I also fully expect this game to be a shootout, so I’ll sprinkle a little cheese on OVER 47½.

Long Island Sound – NYG -2½ – Must win for the Giants.

Plumb – BAL +2½ – This is an even match-up here. Baltimore needs to show some life going into the playoffs, and I feel this is the game that will get them back on track.

James – NYG -2½ – Ravens in free fall and the inconsistent Giants know how and when to turn it on. Winners this week.

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San Francisco 49ers (-1) @ Seattle Seahawks

General Peppers – SEA +1 – Seattle is unbeatable at home. Russell Wilson is Rookie of the Year.

Jesse – SF -1 – The last team to go up to Seattle and come away with a victory? Yeah, shoulda been the Packers, but it wasn’t. You guessed it, the Niners.

Long Island Sound – SEA +1 – Seahawks at home.

Plumb – SF -1 – Seattle is lights out at home this season but Harbaugh has unfinished business with Pete Carroll stemming back from the Stanford days. SF will look to run it up.

James – SEA +1 – Best home team in the league.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: ATL, CHI, CLE, DAL, JAX, KC, MIA, MIN, NYG, OAK, PIT, SD, SEA, STL, Ten

Why Larry Fitz Needs To Be Like KG

December 16, 2012 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

After a 58-0 loss to division rival Seattle, the Arizona Cardinals have lost nine consecutive games, dropping their record to 4-9. Yes, that means they began the season 4-0, a record that had a few people believing that placed them amongst the elite teams in the league. Those few who were so willing to look past the glaring hole the Cardinals have at the most important position in all of sports are now eating crow. Just as another writer for the site touched on Mark Sanchez possibly being the most “unfortunate” quarterback in the league, Larry Fitzgerald is so “unfortunate” he’d probably be happy to take either one of the Jets two shaky QBs.

Larry Fitzgerald is THE best receiver in the NFL. Yes, better than A.J. Green, Andre Johnson and Megatron. His work ethic is unparalleled (watch his pre-game warm-up drills), combined with his size, strength, speed and hands. Factor in his physicality and blocking ability and you have a skill set possessed by no other receiver in the League.

The last time Fitzgerald had a decent NFL QB was the Cardinals’ NFC Champion 2009 season with Kurt Warner at the helm and Anquan Boldin on the other side of Fitzgerald. That year, Fitz had 97 receptions for almost 1,100 yards and 13 TDs. The following year with Derek Anderson, John Skelton and Max Hall throwing him the ball, he caught 90 for 1,137 but only 6 Tds. Last year with Kevin Kolb and Skelton he posted a career-high 17.6 yards per catch on 80 receptions. These numbers are all in spite of having terrible quarterback play amplified by an even worse offensive line. Trading for Kolb was supposed to be the answer but he hasn’t been able to stay on the field and even if he could, it still doesn’t appear that he’s a starting QB in the NFL.

Fitzgerald signed an 8-year $120 million extension prior to 2011 season to remain loyal to his one and only team, so he will be there for the foreseeable future. It is that loyalty that may be his Achilles heel. Many may remember when Kevin Garnett was in Minnesota; it was his team, no doubt. He was one of the top five players in the league and he and Tim Duncan went back and forth as the best power forward in the NBA. Garnett wanted desperately to win in Minnesota but they were at their max potential and would never get past the likes of the Duncan’s Spurs or Kobe’s Lakers. KG realized this and before the 2007 season he did what was best for himself as a player and requested a trade.

In the NFL, trades are far less prominent and I don’t foresee Fitzgerald requesting a trade but, it is every player’s goal to win their respective championship. Garnett requested a trade and was able to win a couple of titles. As someone who values loyalty and appreciates Fitzgerald for it, I hope he takes a page from KG.

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Thank you for reading The Cover 4! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

Oh yeah, tell your friends too!

Jonathan Van Ness
Sports Activist for The Cover 4
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Filed Under: Football Tagged With: anquan boldin, Arizona Cardinals, back, cover, Derek Anderson, Jonathan Van Ness, Kevin, kg, Kobe, Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, nfl, QB, sports activist, year

Week 15 NFL Predictions – Spread ’em

December 14, 2012 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

The Redskins playoff hopes hinge on the health of RGIII.

You know what time it is! The favorite part of everyone’s week is here as The Cover 4 is posting Week 15 Predictions.

This week you will get predictions and analysis from five Cover 4 Sports Activists giving you a number of options to go with your picks on Sunday. As much as I love picking winners, the fans have spoken and want the spread!

The Cover 4 is dedicated to bringing the fans the ultimate experience; this is headlined by our slogan of “for the fans, by the fans”. Looking back to last week, let’s just say it wasn’t pretty for any of us, mostly myself. There are good weeks, bad weeks, and sometimes just down right ugly weeks. But, like any successful person, when you get knocked down, you get right back up and that is certainly what we will be doing.

The NFL is truly an ANY GIVEN SUNDAY league. This year especially, there is a lot of parody and inconsistency among teams. Look at the Cardinals who started 4-0 and have lost 9 in a row. Those same Cardinals beat the Patriots, who just throttled the top of the AFC Texans. Does it get any better?

A little fantasy advice for those in their playoffs or near their league championships this year: trust your gut and don’t read all of those funny websites about “who to start/sit”. Every site has their own opinion but go with your gut because this is when its time to win some money! Am I bitter? Yes as I decided to change a player in my starting lineup last minute and lost my playoff game. For all you wavier wire all-stars, great job making it this far with a terribly drafted team. We know all your picks sucked, but you were able to hunt the waiver wire in an effort to make it into the playoffs. This one’s for you.

Who doesn’t love money? I certainly do, and that’s why I’ll be following The Cover 4 this weekend for my football bets. Each week The Cover 4 will give to you our “Cover 4” parlay picks for the week. These are our must bet picks!

The Cover 4: Giants +1½, Pit -1½, Jaguars +7½, Jets +2

Now onto the picks and analysis! (All lines from the LVH as of 12/14/12 at 8:30 pm PST)

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Green Bay Packers -3 @ Chicago Bears

General Peppers – GB -3

Jesse – GB -3 – GB owns Chicago in this rivalry of late, although I expect a battle.

Long Island Sound – GB -3 – Woodson & Mathews are back.

Plumb – CHI +3 – Green bay coming off a big Mnf win looking to get back on track face a stout bears defense lookin to rebound from last week.

James – GB -3 – Tough game to play in Soldier Field but GB is bringing back some key starters while Chicago is losing some. __________________________________________________________________________

New York Giants @ Atlanta Falcons -1½

General Peppers – ATL +1½

Jesse – NYG +1½ – Giants beat good teams; ATL close calls to OAK, CAR, ARI, all at home

Long Island Sound – NYG +1½ – Take the G-Men as a road underdog.

Plumb – NYG +1½ – Atlanta is coming off abysmal loss to Carolina an now face a hot giants teams gmen defense too tough

James – NYG +1½ – Just can’t take ATL in this one. The Giants show up to play big games. __________________________________________________________________________

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints -4

General Peppers – NO -4

Jesse – TB +4 – Worst passing D in the league vs. Drew Brees spells disaster, but I dunno if we’re dealing w/ the same Brees as past years.

Long Island Sound – TB +4 – Vincent Jackson field day.

Plumb – TB +4 – Tampa bay loves blowing leads in the 4th quarter but New Orleans defense is pretty awful. Ill take the points in this one.

James – NO -4 – The Saints D is brutal and should be torched for a few this week but I think Brees makes up for it on the backend.

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Minnesota Vikings @ St. Louis Rams -3

General Peppers – MIN +3

Jesse – STL -3 – STL posts a 9-4 record ATS and gets the inept Ponder coming to town. AP will get his, but it won’t be enough.

Long Island Sound – STL -3 – Jeff Fisher vs bad Qbs. I like the cover.

Plumb – MIN +3 – St. Louis has proven to me they have a tough defense but they haven’t faced a back like ap before. Minn barley edges rams

James – MIN +3 – I am taking Peterson and crew. I like the Rams defense but it won’t be enough to win by 3+ points. __________________________________________________________________________

Washington Redskins @ Cleveland Browns – NO LINE

General Peppers –

Jesse – CLE (NO LINE) – Washington is in a tough spot. After battling hated rival Giants to a 1-point victory two weeks ago on MNF, and going to OT vs. close-rival Baltimore, they have to travel to the lowly Browns who are playing well as of late.

Long Island Sound – CLE (NO LINE) – Hitting their stride.

Plumb – CLE (NO LINE) – Skins browns in a pickem? RGIII must be out for me to take the browns. So if his is gimme Cleveland if he isn’t gimme wash.

James – Washington (NO LINE) – I might be the only one on the Kirk Cousins bandwagon.

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Jacksonville Jaguars @ Miami Dolphins -7½

General Peppers – JAX +7½

Jesse – JAX +7½ – Miami is a TD favorite? I’ll take the Jags who’re 5-1 ATS on the road this season.

Long Island Sound – JAX +7½ – Miami isn’t reliable to bury a team.

Plumb – JAX +7½ – The battle of Florida is this week and what better time is it for henne to come back to Miami and steal on from his old team. Miami is giving to much in this game

James – JAX +7½ – I am with the rest of The Cover 4 team as I can’t pick the Dolphins to win this game by a touchdown.

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Denver Broncos -3 @ Baltimore Ravens

General Peppers – DEN -3

Jesse – DEN -3 – This is a well-oiled machine poised for a deep playoff run. After this game, Denver finishes up vs. CLE & KC, both at home. I expect this to be a tough game, though. As of right now, NONE of Denver’s last 8 opponents have winning records save for 7-6 Cincy.

Long Island Sound –BAL +3 – Coming off a bad loss, and need to regain their form.

Plumb – DEN -3 – Denver and Balt clash this week in a huge Afc showdown. After Balts embarrassing loss last week after giving up all those points to wash they need a win to sustain top dog in Afc north but Peyton is too tough in this one.

James – DEN -3 – I understand Baltimore is at home but I think Denver abuses that secondary as no one can cover Thomas.

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Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans -10

General Peppers – HOU -10

Jesse – IND +10 – Houston’s D (specifically passing D) has been bad as of late. Indy’s got D problems of their own, but they can put points on the board. I’ll take the TD+. This team is a legitimate 9-4.

Long Island Sound – IND +10 – Luck finds ways to cover.

Plumb – IND +10 – After Houston gettig blown out on Mnf they home to play a hot Indy try to make playoffs under for luck sake (haha).

James – HOU -10 – The line jumping from 8 to 10 is a large difference. Indy won’t have enough Luck in this one (it never gets old).

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Carolina Panthers @ San Diego Chargers -3

General Peppers – SD -3

Jesse – CAR +3 – I can’t lay points with SD. Newton has something to build on as he’s thrown 7TDs & 0INTs in the last 3 games (9.2 YPA).

Long Island Sound – CAR +3 – Cam found his form again. Bolts off a big away win – expect a letdown.

Plumb – SD -3 – Big win for car last week. I don’t see a repeat against a tough San Diego D.

James – CAR +3 – Both teams have alternated having good games and bad games this year. I am taking Carolina with the points.

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Seattle Seahawks -5½ @ Buffalo Bills

General Peppers – BUF +5½

Jesse – BUF +5½ – I like the points here. Seattle will be preparing for their Sunday night battle vs. Niners the following week.

Long Island Sound – BUF +5½ – Too many big wins lately, and one of the longest trips in the league.

Plumb – SEA -5½ – After massacring the cards Seattle goes on the road to a disappointing bills team can’t go against hawks on this one

James – BUF +5½ – Lets ride the dogs!

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Detroit Lions -6½ @ Arizona Cardinals

General Peppers – ARI +6½

Jesse – ARI +6½ – John Skelton has been demoted (again) and Lindley will start. Arizona has a ton of problems, but its rare that teams get blown out in back-to-back weeks in the NFL. These dudes are pros. AND WHY THE EFF IS A 4-9 TEAM A 6-POINT ROAD FAV ANYWAY?

Long Island Sound – DET -6½ – I could play QB for the Cardinals right now.

Plumb – DET -6½ – This looks like a trap game with the eye but then I realized Arizona doesn’t have an offense and Detroit can capitalize on that. If they cards score its because of the defense. The numbers say cards cover but I think other wise

James – DET -6½ – How can you not go this route after last week? Also, I will never let Jesse convince me that Arizona +10 is the “best play of the week”! haha SMH __________________________________________________________________________

Pittsburgh Steelers -1½ @ Dallas Cowboys

General Peppers – PIT –1½

Jesse – PIT –1½ – I cannot publicly back the schizophrenic Cowboys. Who knows which team we’ll see? Pitt is holding on dearly to that 6th seed and need this W especially if the Bengals win on Thursday. I also like Tomlin + Big Ben coming off a loss.

Long Island Sound – PIT –1½ – Ben will be ready, and Cowboys Stadium is no real advantage.

Plumb – PIT –1½ – Pittsburgh got a break last week with all the other Afc north losing and might have another one this week. Dallas is depleted and steelers have something to play for.

James – PIT –1½ – Tomlin won’t let them lose two in a row. __________________________________________________________________________

Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders -3

General Peppers – OAK -3

Jesse – OAK -3 – Both of these teams are awful. Just bad, bad teams. Chiefs just lost Dwayne Bowe for the season, Oakland had 10 days to prepare for Brady Quinn & co. I’ll take the host.

Long Island Sound – OAK -3 – KC is looking towards the draft.

Plumb – OAK -3 – Probably one of the worst games on this weeks schedule but someone has to win so the number say raiders so I guess ill take that!

James – OAK -3 – The Chiefs aren’t on their high horses after an emotional few weeks.

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San Francisco 49ers @ New England Patriots -4½

General Peppers – SF +4½

Jesse – SF +4½ – New England played a near perfect game to beat the Texans in their “most important game in history.” Believe it or not, I expect the Niners to jump out on the flat-Pats and keep this game close.

Long Island Sound – NE -4½ – Big test for Kaep to hang with the best. Doubt he passes the first test.

Plumb – SF +4½ – Even match up this week San Fran plays NE tough.

James – NE -4½ – Did everyone just forget what New England did to the Texans? __________________________________________________________________________

New York Jets @ Tennessee Titans -2

General Peppers – NYJ +2

Jesse – NYJ +2 – I’ll take the points in the game that no one will watch this coming Monday. Jets, believe it or not, could still potentially snag the 6th seed. Titans suck.

Long Island Sound – NYJ +2 – Jets find their way to make playoff pushes.

Plumb – NYJ +2 – Jets barley beat jax and Tennessee can be tough at times however tenn is giving points so the pressure is off Sanchez.

James – NYJ +2 – If the Jets can continue to run the ball and get back to the team they were a few years ago, they can sneak into the playoff picture.

Alright. Thanks for reading The Cover 4. Keep telling your friends about our site. Now go make that $ this weekend.

Filed Under: Football Tagged With: BUF, CAR, CLE, DEN, GB, IND, JAX, LINE, no, NYG, NYJ, OAK, PIT, SF, TB

Week 15 NFL Power Rankings: Is Anyone Really Good Besides New England?

December 13, 2012 by James Kaikis 1 Comment

Can anyone stop Tom Brady?!

Who doesn’t like end of the season power rankings? Everyone wants to know who is the top dog right now and how would you rank the teams after 14 games of the season. Heres how General Peppers of The Cover 4 ranks them:

1. New England Patriots

And it isn’t even close. After a slow start, including a loss at home to the NFL Record Holding Worst Blowout Ever Arizona Cardinals, the New England Patriots have distanced themselves from the rest of the NFL. They’ve beaten the other best teams in the AFC, The Broncos and Texans, by an average of nearly 20 points. They’ve dropped 50+ twice. They lead the league in both yards and points, and this with both of their elite tight ends missing extensive time on the field. They can run the ball efficiently, beat you deep, short, over the middle, in the red zone. This offense has no weaknesses and is lead by quite possibly the greatest quarterback of all time. What makes them scary is that their defense is finally clicking on all cylinders. Their first round picks, Dante Hightower and Chandler Jones, have given the Patriots their most athletic defense in nearly a decade. Fun stat: Did you know the Patriots are 21-0 over the past 2 and a half years in the second half of the season. Belichick’s ability to improve a team is legendary.

2. New York Giants

Colin Cowherd said it best, “I Trust the Giants.” It’s the greatest compliment one can give a football team. I know they’re gonna lose ugly games to bad teams. I also know they’ll probably lose to the Falcons on the road this week. But with everything on the line, do you think the Falcons are within 10 points of the Giants? Me neither.

3. Denver Broncos

Fact: This is the best defense Peyton Manning has ever had.
Opinion: Demaryius Thomas ight be the most athletically gifted player Peyton Manning has ever had on offense.
Fact: The Denver Broncos have beaten 2 teams with a winning record.
Fact: Both those teams are 7-6 and in the AFC North.
Fact:The Broncos 3 losses all came against teams leading their divisions
Fact:The Broncos were down by 14+ points in all three games.
Opinion: I have no clue how good the Broncos really are but it’s Peyton Manning and that’s better than 95% of the league.

4. Houston Texans

Two blowout losses to two high powered offenses. The Texans have distinct problems, but a majority of them are chalked up to injuries. The one truth is this: Texans cannot get behind early. They need to be able to run the ball and achieve big plays through play action. No play action and this offense shuts down.

5. San Francisco 49ers

The AFC’s Houston Texans. With a lead this team is nigh unbeatable. But if you are able to beat or stalemate them at the line of scrimmage you can bring this offense to a stand still. Still, elite players at every defensive position and depth at all offensive skill positions.

6. Green Bay Packers

Do not be shocked when the Packers make it to the Super Bowl. This is, without a doubt, the most injured team in the NFL. These players are slowly coming back. Aaron Rodgers will not forget how quickly you buried him.

7. Seattle Seahawks

There are 4 things we know about the Seattle Seahawks:
1. Pete Carroll, despite his flaws, knows how to coach a defense. His teams tackle in space, don’t give up big plays, and are efficient at all 3 levels.
2. The Seahawks have the best secondary in the NFL. Ask New England. Ask Green Bay. They also have a top 5 special teams. This combination has a history of working well.
3. The Seahawks have the best home field advantage in all of sports. In a league where parity rules, the Seahawks, no matter how bad they may be, always win at home. If they get a home game in the playoffs they will win it. Ask the Saints.
4. Russel Wilson has gotten better every week and so has the Seattle Offense. Sidney Rice is recovering from his knee(finally) and Golden Tate has exploded in his third year(the typical break out year for WRs). Lynch looks stronger than ever.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Giants v. Falcons. In Atlanta. 2nd Round of the Playoffs. Atlanta -2. Who here isn’t taking New York on the Money Line? Exactly. This is the worst best team I’ve ever seen. They are average to below average in all facets excluding throwing the ball, and even that has slipped recently. They’re gonna win this weekend and I won’t move them an inch.

9. Baltimore Ravens

There isn’t more talent on any team in the NFL outside of New England. For the Ravens it’s about putting it together. Oh yeah, and Flacco not throwing up ducks in the playoffs. Good luck with that.

10. Indianapolis Colts

If I have to hear one more person talk about how RGIII has thrown fewer picks than Andrew Luck I’m going to start breaking things again. Andrew Luck has been given the entire playbook. No babysitting, no holding back. They didn’t craft a college offense around him and ask him to throw bubble screens and safe passes. He’s asked to throw it 50 times a game down the field to rookie receivers and tight ends. He is, without a doubt the greatest rookie I’ve ever seen. Rookie of the Year shouldn’t even be a close vote.

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Thank you for reading The Cover 4! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter. Oh yeah, tell your friends too!
General Peppers
Sports Activist for The Cover 4
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http://www.twitter.com/thecover4

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Filed Under: Football Tagged With: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, England, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New England, New England Patriots, New York, New York Giants, nfl, Peyton, San Francisco, Seattle Seahawks

Mark Sanchez: The NFL’s Most Unfortunate Quarterback.

December 8, 2012 by James Kaikis Leave a Comment

Playing quarterback in the NFL is a lot like being the President of the United States. I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right, playing quarterback is probably more difficult. All jokes that are only funny because a lot of people think they’re true aside, both jobs come with a distinct view on their output by the American people. When things go accordingly to plan we grant both quarterbacks too large a piece of the pie: Obama doesn’t really hunt terrorist, the well-trained super soldiers of our military do. And, in the most obvious vice-versa known to man, Obama has no real control over the economy, fiscal cliff, or how terrible your job is. Our government was written with a unique set of checks and balances to prevent such things, as is our favorite gladitorial past time. When our favorite NFL teams win, we rush to dole out a vast array of superlatives upon the crown of said team’s quarterback, and with each loss we heap just as much, if not more, vitriol upon their broad shoulders. How many times has Eli Manning gone from a Bum to Elite in the past 4 years? Are we even sure what to call Joe Flacco anymore? As a rookie, Andrew Luck has transformed an egregiously poor Colts team seemingly over night, escorting them single-handedly(if Sportscenter tells it right) from last place to the playoffs. But what about the Brady Quinn’s and Tim Couch’s off the world? Were they any less impressive in college? Did their skills somehow fade? Why is it we call the NFL “the ultimate team sport” and then collectively agree to forget the “team” part when it comes to this one position? More importantly, what does any of this have to do with Mark Sanchez?

Simple, Mark Sanchez is the most under-rated, unfortunate quarterback in the NFL and no one is talking about it.

Team A: 1st in the league in rushing, 1st in the league in points given up, 1st in the league in total defense

Team B: 4th in the league in rushing, 6th in the league in points given up, 4th in the league in total defense

Team C: 22nd in the league in rushing, 20th in the league in points given up, 11th in the league in total defense
Who are these 3 teams you ask? These are the New York Jets from 2009, Mark Sanchez’s rookie year, until 2011. If you noticed one thing it’s that the team that built itself on rushing and defense has, over the course of 3 years, gotten significantly worse in both categories. It is a substantial decline to say the least. You would expect that for a team to slide this progressively over 3 years that they would have to either spend money to improve their deficiency or be inefficient enough to draft high and upgrade at lacking positions. Well, in the Jets case, you’d be wrong…twice. In fact, since 2009, the New York Jets are in the bottom half of league in both “Points Scored” and “Drafted Players Still With Team”. The players drafted by the Jets are either high end busts(Kyle Wilson, Shonn Greene, Muhammad Wilkerson) or low end back ups. In fact, in a great state of irony befitting this team, Greg McElroy, Jeremy Kerley, and Bilal Powell, all drafted in the 4th round or later of the 2011 draft, have been the highlights of this Jets season. So what about upgrading this pedestrian offense through free agency? The Jets idea of improving their offense has been to import every 30 year old skill player past their prime (Ladanian Tomlinson, Plaxico Burress), an oft hurt hothead other championship teams can’t stand (Santonio Holmes), and exporting the figurehead behind their rushing success (Thomas Jones).
You still might be asking yourself “How does all of this make Mark Sanchez both under-rated and unfortunate, he landed on a pretty good team.” Exactly. In the modern NFL, there might not be a greater curse than landing on a “pretty good” team”. Not only is more expected of you, but your team is good enough to make your failures unrewarded. Charles Barkley said it best when talking about the Phoenix Suns, “In this world you either need to be really good or really bad. Being in the middle is for suckers”. The Jets with Mark Sanchez haven’t been good enough to beat the best teams and not bad enough to get high draft picks. If this wasn’t unfortunate enough for Mark Sanchez, he was drafted by a defensive minded head coach who doesn’t believe in throwing the ball downfield, or spending money and draft picks on skill position players. He’s cursed with a General Manager whose overseen an offense that has devolved at every level. Where the Jets offensive line was once the league’s best, it’s now a poultry sum of journeymen surrounding All Pro Nick Mangold. Thomas Jones was replaced. Santonio Holmes has missed more games in 2012 than he’s played and there are only 6 people on Earth who can name the rest of the Jets receivers. As if this wasn’t enough, Darrelle Revis, the core of the entire Jets defense, is out for the year with an ACL tear, exchanging a once feared blitz-heavy defense with a mediocre “bend don’t break” replacement.

Returning to Andrew Luck and our opening salvo as to the credit placed with a winning quarterback, think of what the Indianapolis Colts did to place him in a winning position. They retained a Pro Bowl receiver in Reggie Wayne, spent 5 draft picks on skill players, and catered the offense to his style of play. The Seahawks signed Sidney Rice, drafted Golden Tate, grabbed Marshawn Lynch in free agency, and then drafted their rookie QB Russel Wilson. The Redskins incorporated RGIII’s college offense, drafted a running back, and signed a plethora of receivers .Having great skill position players doesn’t guarantee a great quarterback, as Matt Leinart can attest to, but it certainly increases your chances. Of the past 5 quarterbacks to win NFL MVP, all 5 of them have been accompanied by Pro Bowl receivers. But the Jets have turned a blind eye to the modern game and insisted on an style more befitting the upcoming Alabama/Notre Dame game—-if only said game was being played in 1966. This is the unfortunate circumstance of the modern NFL quarterback. In the ultimate group game, they are asked to put the I in Team. While no sport requires more of a specific player, no player needs so much from not just his fellow players, but his coach, general manager, and owner.

When Braylon Edwards tweeted, “Don’t blame Sanchez. I played there. Blame the idiots calling shots. Mark is a beast and will prove it when given a proper chance.” he could’ve been speaking for a dozen other quarterbacks in NFL history whose teams never gave them a chance to succeed. But right now, in 2012, on the team smack dab in the middle of the ravenous New York Media, and even more carnivorous fans, on a team whose best player is out for the season and whose team has gotten worse with each year, who brought in Tim Tebow for…religious purposes (LOL), Mark Sanchez might just be the most unfortunate quarterback in the history of the NFL.
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Thanks for checking out our picks. Dont forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.
General Peppers
Sports Activist for The Cover 4
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Filed Under: Football Tagged With: 2012, Andrew Luck, back, coach, draft, Mark Sanchez, New York, New York Jets, nfl, Pro Bowl, quarterbacks, Santonio Holmes, sport, Thomas Jones, year

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