America's Best Sports City

Just this past week, ESPN.com released its first regional site, or city to be more specific.

The city they chose? Chicago. Which, needless to say, got me thinking. Why?

Of all the markets ESPN could have chosen, what made Chicago stand out and ultimately how does it stand up amongst the best sports towns in America?

After looking at it all, Chicago is up there no doubt. However, ESPN, they are not even in the top-5. I am positive that ESPN will get sites like Chicago’s for all or most of the major sports cities in America. Well, I decided to make it easy for them with my top-10 sports cities in the U.S. list.

This has almost nothing to do with opinion, so don’t hate me when I release this list. I did it based on a formula. You must note that this list has nothing to do with a team’s history… it is all current. New York City has almost 50 Championships in all, but that means almost nothing.

The formula is set on a few things. The city will get points for how many TEAMS it has. A city has four teams, four points. The city will get points for how many SPORTS the team represents. We are only basing this on the main four sports – pro baseball, basketball, football, and hockey... NO collegiate sports. A city has three sports, three points. The city will also receive points for the star system I made up. I rank each team in each city and give them stars (1-5). After that, I took all of the teams’ rank and average them to get a city rank. I doubled that number and give the city those points too. If a city gets three out of five stars, I doubled that to give the city six more points.

If there is a tie, it goes to the city’s star rating. After that it goes to number of sports, then teams. It isn’t really as confusing as it seems, so let’s just look at the teams.


10. St. Louis, Missouri
Teams: Cardinals (4 stars), Rams (1), Blues (4)
If there was anyway I could import a system to put the fans into the equation, St. Louis would be WAY up there. STL’s fans are the best in America, bar none. The Rams killed them if you look at it. When the Rams were good, this was the best sports city in America. They were given that title in 2000, but since then the Rams have fallen. The Cards and Blues are doing what they need to do, but the Rams are certainly weighing the city down here.
# of teams: 3
# of sports: 3
# of stars x 2: 6
TOTAL: 12

9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Teams: Pirates (1), Steelers (5), Penguins (4)
Pittsburgh got the tiebreaker over St. Louis on the fourth one. Both teams have same number of teams and sports, and even have the same rating. After that, we go to which city has the best team. Pittsburgh has a five-star team in the Steelers, so they get the bump. Just like the STL, there has to be a team to ruin it. The Steelers and Pens are near the top of their respective sport, and really save this city.
# of teams: 3
# of sports: 3
# of stars x 2: 6
TOTAL: 12

8. Denver, Colorado
Teams: Rockies (2), Broncos (3), Nuggets (4), Avalanche (1)
If Denver did not have any one of these teams, they wouldn’t even be on this list. There teams are not better than St. Louis’ or Pitts’, but they have four teams and four sports… which picks them up two more points than the previous two cities received. The Nuggets are in the NBA playoffs right now and are the highlight of this city. Thank Chauncey for that one though.
# of teams: 4
# of sports: 4
# of stars x 2: 6
TOTAL: 14

7. Detroit, Michigan
Teams: Tigers (3), Lions (1), Pistons (4), Red Wings (5)
Detroit isn’t called “Hockeytown” for nothing. The people of Detroit go absolutely crazy over hockey. The whole city embraces the Red Wings. But, don’t think that it ends there, as the Pistons and Tigers are both pretty decent. The Pistons may be on the decline, but they can still play with the best of them. During the past several years, Detroit has built a hard-working, blue collar basketball team, which reflects the people of Detroit. The Lions have been a poor team for a long time, but Lion fans are still common throughout the city.
# of teams: 4
# of sports: 4
# of stars x 2: 6
TOTAL: 14

6. Chicago, Illinois
Teams: Cubs (4), White Sox (2), Bears (3), Bulls (4), Blackhawks (4)
Despite what ESPN thinks, Chicago stands at No. 6 mainly because they do not have a dominant team… just a few good teams. Now, you may say the Cubs deserve that fifth star, but it isn’t happening. They are off to a little bit of a slow start this year (few games behind my Cards) and are playing well below expectations. Not to mention the fact that they choke every September, including last year. Right now, the main focus of Chicago is actually not on the Flubbies. The Blackhawks and Bulls are in the playoffs right now, which helps the city on this list.
# of teams: 5
# of sports: 4
# of stars x 2: 6
TOTAL: 15

5. Los Angeles-Anaheim, California
Teams: Dodgers (4), Angels (4), Lakers (5), Clippers (1), Kings (2), Ducks (3)
Unfortunately for LA, this is based on the current world of sports. Therefore, they don’t get the Rams who were once based Hollywood. If this list took history into affect, they would probably be No. 2. However, who says this town needs the NFL? Los Angeles is home to some of the most successful sports franchises in the game today. The Los Angeles Lakers are on their way to the NBA Finals, and are favored to win the entire thing. They are the most complete team in the NBA, and will likely take on The King for the Championship.
# of teams: 6
# of sports: 3
# of stars x 2: 6
TOTAL: 15

4. Atlanta, Georgia
Teams: Braves (3), Falcons (4), Hawks (4), Thrashers (3)
In years past, everybody crowned Atlanta as the WORST sports city in America… but things have changed. Atlanta has always been good, but Falcons have sucked – before last season – for a while. The Hawks were once the worst team in the NBA, and the Thrashers had no identity what-so-ever. However, the Falcons and Hawks are both playoff teams with great futures. The Thrashers are also on the rise, ending the year on a high note and totaling almost 80 points in the standings. People have been hating on ATL for a while now, but the Braves are no longer the only good team in the city.
# of teams: 4
# of sports: 4
# of stars x 2: 8
TOTAL: 16

3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is going to end up being the only state with two cities in the top ten, and I think that says a lot for the state. Different from the cities on the back end of this list, Philly is one of the only cities that simply does not have a bad team. With the baseball season still very young, you have to look at last year… and the Phillies won it all. Donovan McNabb is getting old and does not have many days left as the starting QB in Philly, but he can still get it done and the Eagles are still a pretty good football team. Just like Chicago, Philadelphia currently has two teams in the playoffs. The city is on a serious high when it comes to sports, and why should we be surprised? They just have four really good teams. Period.
# of teams: 4
# of sports: 4
# of stars x 2: 8
TOTAL: 16

2. New York, New York
Teams: Yankees (5), Mets (4), Giants (3), Jets (2), Knicks (1), Nets (2), Rangers (3), Islanders (1)
New York is the only city in the U.S. to be home to two teams in each of the major American professional sports leagues. Without a doubt, baseball is the city's most popular sport with the success of the New York Yankees and New York Mets. The Yankees are predicted by most to win the World Series with the acquisitions of Sabathia, Burnett, and Tex. When it comes to basketball the Knicks embarrass NY. They are not as bad as they were the past two years, they have a new coach, but they still suck. While most people think Knicks with NBA and NY, the New Jersey Nets have also developed a strong fan-base. The Nets have a stud PG running the show right now and have potential to be a serious playoff team. The NFL still remains as the Jets and Giants still garner the city’s attention, but each fall having to compete with the Yankees each October for media coverage. The Giants are pretty good, with a solid team all-around, but the Jets are in big trouble.
# of teams: 8
# of sports: 4
# of stars x 2: 6
TOTAL: 18

1. Boston, Massachusetts
Teams: Red Sox (5), Patriots (5), Celtics (5), Bruins (5)
Well this is completely ridiculous if you think about it. I’m not sure if any city, at any point in time, has ever had the dominance that Boston currently has. The Red Sox are the best all-around team in the MLB. The Patriots are the best team in the NFL when they have Brady hooking up with Moss. You may think they are a four-star team right now, but they won 11 games last year with the best player in the NFL watching instead of playing as the Pats’ QB. The Celtics are battling it out with the Bulls right now, and up 2-1. With Kevin Garnett, they may be challenging the Lakers again in the Finals. The Big-FOUR (Rondo) is amazing, and when they are all out there… they are simply dominant. The Bruins are also in the playoffs right now as the No. 1 team in the East. I don’t think there is any room for argument with this. If so, comment or email me because I would LOVE to hear it. When the four teams in your city are the best teams in their respective sport… you get this honor. Hands down.
# of teams: 4
# of sports: 4
# of stars x 2: 10
TOTAL: 18



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Justin Hulsey
StLDieHard24@gmail.com
FANdemoniumsSports.blogspot.com

NFL Free Agent Market

Now that the Super Bowl is over and the Pro Bowl has been played, it is time to start the NFL off-season. On Feb. 27, players will be able to declare free agency and every team in the league is looking to improve no matter if you are the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Dallas Cowboys. Here is my list of the top players who will be available free agents in a few short weeks.

1. Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina Panthers
Peppers has stated on more than one occasion that he wants out of Carolina. He has a wide range of skills that allow him to be an end in a 4-3 scheme or an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Peppers is strongest in pass-rush situations but he is no slouch against stopping the run and even dropping back into pass coverage every now and again. Do not be surprised to see Peppers sign with a team such as the Denver Broncos who are looking for a pass rusher or the Seattle Seahawks who could use him opposite Patrick Kerney.

2. Terrell Suggs, OLB/DE, Baltimore Ravens
There is not enough money to go around in Baltimore. Several players on the dominant Raven's defense will be free agents this off-season and without each players taking a pay cut, not everyone will be able to stay. Suggs has talked about keeping the defense together but there is no realistic way to make that happen. He is the best of the group and one of the youngest so I expect Baltimore to make him their top priority to sign him to a long-term deal.

3. Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee Titans
Haynesworth is one of the few defensive tackles who can dominate a game. He can excel in a three- or four-man front, and he has the quickness and athleticism to attack from the edge off stunts and twists. The only reason Haynesworth is third on this list and not first his because of his tendecy to have the injury bug bite him at least once every season. Some say that this season is a fluke due to several subpar seasons, but look for him to have similar seasons with whatever team he lands on.

4. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders
Considered the NFL's best cover corner, Asomugha's remarkable speed, quickness, and ball skills. He is so highly regarded around the league that offensive coordinaters often avoid his side of the field. The guy is a game-changer from so many perspectives. Many teams in the NFL are looking for a shutdown corner to turn their defense into a consistent contender including the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints.

5. Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants
Jacobs is the key to making the offense work in New York and they know that. With Derrick Ward also on the market, look for the Giants to focus on resigning Jacobs to a long-term deal. With the future for Plaxico Burress in question in New York, the Giants must sign Jacobs and make sure their key offensive weapon stays with them. However, the Giants have two solid running backs that take the back seat to Jacobs. I wouldn't be surprised if they went with the cheaper guy in Ward or Bradshaw.

6. Jordan Gross, T, Carolina Panthers
Though he sufered through injury and a bit of inconsistency this season, Gross is quick, agile and can play anywhere on the line. He has a mean streak so I could see him fitting in with a team such as the Steelers who need a major upgrade on the offensive line in order to protect their franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

7. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Houshmandzadeh is by far the best wide receiver on the free agent market. He is rumored to be a target for every team from Seattle to Jacksonville. I would not be surprised if he returned to the Bengals since a healthy Carson Palmer will be back under center next season. If he bolts, it will be for warmer weather in either Miami or Jacksonville.

8. Ray Lewis, ILB, Baltimore Ravens
There have been rumors of Lewis landing with the Cowboys or Jets and those are both possiblities. As I stated earlier, the Ravens do not have enough money around and Lewis does not want to take a pay cut to stay with the team. Look for him to be somewhere else next season playing behind a big defensive line that can protect him and allow him to pursue the ball.

9. Karlos Dansby, OLB, Arizona Cardinals
Dansby has already had the franchise tag placed on him once by Arizona and he was the most productive part of the defense in 2008. He has spoke about returning to the Cardinals but I would not be surprised if the right amount of money lured him away from the desert. Miami's Bill Parcells is a fan, and former Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley, the new head coach in Kansas City, is a fan as well.

10. Chris Simms, QB, Tennessee Titans
He is a tough quarterback with smarts and experience as a starter. Simms is able to fit into any system and be a solid starter or a quality backup. With Kansas City and Detroit both looking for a quarterback, Simms could be a top target. He may not have the appeal of other QBs out there, but I assure you, Simms knows what he is doing. I believe he is extremely underrated but will land a starting spot soon.

Cory Guinn

cryguinn@yahoo.com

http://www.thejaystick.blogspot.com/

NFL Rookies Under Review

Every April the National Football League, better known to most as the NFL, hosts a draft where each team selects a few select players from the college ranks to join their professional team. Most teams have areas of concern that they feel can be fixed through getting the top talent through the draft. As I sat around on my couch after thinking about this past season I began to realize how many rookies made an immediate impact. The following players, some drafted sooner than others, show signs of having promising careers in the NFL.

-Quarterback Matt Ryan, 3rd overall pick, Atlanta Falcons

Ryan was brought in to revitalize an offense that was torn apart after former quarterback Michael Vick was arrested in the off season. The NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year played mistake free football while leading the Falcons into the playoffs with a 11-5 record. Ryan completed 61.1 percent of his passes while throwing for 3,440yards and 16 touchdowns.

-Linebacker Jerod Mayo, 10th overall pick, New England Patriots

The Patriots had an aging defense that was in need of a major youth movement. They drafted Mayo out of Tennessee to give them youth and energy. He made 128 tackles on the season in helping the New England defense return to dominating form. Mayo was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year after his strong season.

-Quarterback Joe Flacco, 18th overall pick, Baltimore Ravens

When Baltimore drafted Flacco they were hoping for him to be their quarterback of the future. Flacco, a little known quarterback from Division II Delaware, showed why the Ravens used a first round pick to draft him throwing for 2, 971 yards and 14 touchdowns while compiling 11-5 record and leading the team within one win of the Super Bowl.

-Running back Chris Johnson, 24th overall pick, Tennessee Titans

Johnson was the biggest surprise pick of last year's NFL Draft. The Titans have used him as their primary running back and it has paid off big. The first year Pro Bowler compiled 1, 488 totals yards and scored 10 total touchdowns for the team with the best record in the NFL this year at 13-3.

-Safety Kenny Phillips, 31st overall pick, New York Giants

Phillips was brought into New York to give the defense a big hitter in the secondary. He has made 67 tackles and one interception while helping the Giants’ defense prove deserving of last year’s Super Bowl ring and helping them return to playoffs once again.

-Wide receiver Eddie Royal, 42nd overall pick, Denver Broncos

The Broncos needed help on offense this season and got it in big way when they drafted Royal in the second round. He caught 91 passes for 980 yards and five touchdowns.

-Running back Matt Forte, 44th overall pick, Chicago Bears

Forte was drafted in the second round to give the Bears a much needed running game. Chicago got more than they expected when they plugged him into the starting running back role. While the Bears have struggled, none of the problems should be attributed to Forte who lead the team in rushing and receiving amassing 1,715 total yards and 12 touchdowns.

-Running back Steve Slaton, 89th overall pick, Houston Texans

Having played in a high-powered offense in college, Slaton had big expectations in the NFL. Most teams looked past him in the early rounds because of his size but the Texans needed a running game to stabilize their weak offense. He proved to be the most valuable part of the Houston offense while accumulating 1,679 total yards and 10 touchdowns.

If these few players continue to work hard and play up to their potential we should all expect to see them around for a long time in the National Football League.

We always love your thoughts and comments here at The Jay-Stick. It is so simple, no subsciption is required.

Cory Guinn

cryguinn@yahoo.com

http://www.thejaystick.blogspot.com/ General Sports Writer

Another Chapter to the Plaxico Burress Story

After a huge 21-14 victory for the New York – football – Giants, Plaxico Burress trots off the field happy. When talking to reporters he expresses that he is thrilled with his team’s big win, as well as his reunion with the team that drafted him 8th overall in the 2000 draft. The one thing that he did not do was apologize.

Tom Coughlin decided to bench Plax for the beginning of the Giants game on Sunday due to treatments the Burress skipped earlier in the week. The short version is that he was supposed to show up for treatments regarding his injured neck on Saturday morning. He never showed up, saying that his neck was fine and he didn’t see the treatments as necessary. New York’s Wide Receiver didn’t make a huge contribution while he was playing; only recording 15 yards in three receptions.

This seems to be an issue that the Giants, simply, cannot resolve. Their best offensive player is also their biggest heartache heading into Week 9. Burress has a total of 356 yards this year (59/game), 3 touchdowns, on 28 receptions. The part that New York is upset with is that he has zero remorse for the conflicts, and he continues to violate team and NFL rules. He just doesn’t care.

He has a track record of screwing up this year. He was suspended for 2 weeks earlier in the season for breaking even more rules and was fined a total of $45,000 by the NFL (criticized refs). Looking at the bigger picture, Plaxico Burress has been punished 5 different times in the past 4 weeks by either his team, or the NFL. Now, the Giants can live with the league hammering Burress for his comments about the refs. What they can't deal with is a star player who continually acts as if he can do anything he wants as long as he produces on the field.

With Plax continuing to think that he is above the law, his relationship with Tom Coughlin worsens and worsens. Burress says after the game that his job is to catch passes and that everybody will not always see eye-to-eye. He would later also state that it was a “simple miscommunication.”

It is obvious that Coach Coughlin and Plax do not get along. When asked about the situation after the game, Tom acted like the questions were not valid. On Sunday, after the game, Plaxico said that, “Coughlin doesn’t know me. I typically work with the WR’s Coach and the Offensive Coordinator and not Coach Coughlin. He doesn’t know how I do things,” and when asked about their relationship, Burress just says, “I would say it’s a working relationship.”

Though it's very easy to misread people when they talk around questions, that isn't the case in this situation. Burress has never been high on Coughlin's rules -- and there have been published reports that Burress has violated more of those than we'll ever know -- and this seems very much like a clash of wills. In fact, Burress has been making headlines off the field for months now, going all the way back to the offseason when he was lobbying for a new contract that he eventually received. My view on it? I think that Plaxico knows he can now do whatever he feels on doing because the Giants are stuck with him for another 5 years.

The thing that New York really needs to worry about is keeping this team together. Teammates such as Amani Toomer and Shaun O’Hara have publically said that they are sick of the whole Burress-situation. Sick of talking about him over the team’s success. A huge factor to last year’s Championship run was the team’s chemistry and it is obvious that the chemistry might be in jeopardy. Not only do they lose chemistry but if Plax is sitting on the sidelines, they lose a ton of big-play capability and young bucks (like Smith and Moss) are forced to step up and pick up slack. I would say that they are without-a-doubt the best team in the NFC but this whole thing leads to an enormous downfall. The question I ask you is... Can the Giants repeat as Super Bowl Champs while dealing with this mess?


Please tell me what you think in the comment section below.

Justin Hulsey
StLDieHard24@gmail.com
http://www.thejaystick.blogspot.com/