The Developing NFL Playoff Picture

As the #NFL regular season winds down, there is still plenty to be decided, in Week 16. The developing playoff picture will become a little more clear, with the conclusion of each game today. As we prepare for the early games, here's what we know.

We know the #Patriots #Broncos & #Colts, are all divison winners, in the #AFC. Only the jumbled AFC North, remains in doubt. The #Bengals, #Steelers, and #Ravens, all believe they can win the division!

AFC

Division Leaders	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
[y] Patriots	11	3	0	3-1	8-2
[y] Broncos	11	3	0	5-0	9-1
[y] Colts	10	4	0	5-0	8-3
Bengals	9	4	1	3-2	6-4

Wild Card	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
Steelers	9	5	0	3-2	7-3
Ravens	9	5	0	2-3	5-5

In The Hunt	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
Chargers	9	6	0	2-3	6-5
Chiefs	8	6	0	2-3	6-4
Bills	8	6	0	3-2	4-6
Texans	7	7	0	3-2	6-4
Dolphins	7	7	0	3-2	6-5
Browns	7	7	0	2-3	4-7

• [x] Clinched Playoff Berth

• [y] Clinched Division Title
• [z] Clinched First-Round Bye
• [*] Clinched Homefield Advantage in Playoffs

We also know the Buccaneers, and #Bears, can play spoiler, in the #NFC, making things rough on the #Packers,and #Lions, if they can manage to hold serve at home. We know the #Redskins have already pushed the #Eagles to the brink of elimination, with a 27 - 24 Saturday afternoon victory at home. We know the #Chargers are still alive, with a stunning, come back win over the 49ers last night, 38-35, in Overtime.

NFC

Division Leaders	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
[x] Cardinals	11	3	0	3-1	8-2
[x] Lions	10	4	0	4-0	8-2
Cowboys	10	4	0	3-2	7-4
Saints	6	8	0	2-2	5-5

Wild Card	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
Seahawks	10	4	0	3-1	8-2
Packers	10	4	0	4-1	7-3

In The Hunt	W	L	T	DIV	CONF
Eagles	9	6	0	3-2	5-6
Panthers	5	8	1	3-2	5-6
Falcons	5	9	0	4-0	5-5

• [x] Clinched Playoff Berth

• [y] Clinched Division Title
• [z] Clinched First-Round Bye
• [*] Clinched Homefield Advantage in Playoffs

We know that for the #Seahawks, #Cardinals, #Packers, and #Cowboys, the playoffs have already started. Everyone is playing for division supremacy, and for those coveted, home playoff games. Destiny will be discussed heavily today, and in the final week of the regular season. In the words of the late Al Davis, "Just Win Baby!" Win and you're in.

Finally, we know that Week 16 in the NFL, will lead to speculations of change, in many organizations. Who will be looking for new coaches? Who will be looking to add players? Who will draft first, in 2015? Will it be the #Raiders? #Buccaneers? Perhaps the #Titans?

Stay Tuned, and watch the playoff picture, and a lot of other NFL questions, come into focus!


#SPzY

The Yak Is Back!

 

 

Hello SPortz Fans!!!

The SPortz Yak is BACK, and writing for you again!

I want to take a moment, just to say Thanks! Thank You, to anyone out there, who has followed The SPortz Yak in the past. I was always, and still remain, truly Grateful for your support.

For lack of a better explanation, I think I've been trying to find myself. Trying to perfect my craft, if you will. I have ultimately decided, I can only improve if I keep writing, and keep putting it out there every day for you. As a hitting instructor, http://www.stlouisbandits.org, I tell my kids, "The best way to have success, the best way to become better hitters, is to hit, hit, and keep hitting. Then, hit some more." Logic has finally convinced me, the same must be true for writing.



It is not an exact science, and I'm no expert. I do, very much enjoy writing, especially about sports. Sports in this town, are a huge part of who I am, and who I have always been, long before I had the honor to wear the birds on the bat across my chest, for 3 seasons. Like all of you, I live and die with our St. Louis teams, and I love sharing thoughts and ideas on the #Cards, #Blues, #Rams, #Mizzou Tigers, #SLU, even #MMA, with my family, friends, and all of my fellow St. Louis SPortz Fans out there.

I am definitely a "Homer," when it comes to St. Louis sports, but I try to always be fair, and honest. If it's good, I love to say it's good. If it's not so good, I don't mind saying that either. Then share my perspective, about why it's not so good. I know some of you will disagree, and I encourage you to disagree. That leads to healthy debates. The truth is, I simply appreciate you taking the time to read my work, and hope you enjoy what you're reading, even if you disagree.

In addition to re-kindling my affair with sports writing, I have also been very fortunate recently, to have a new opportunity in Radio. Thanks to my friend, +Steve Runge, I've been doing some game analysis with him, on AM1280 KYRO, www.westplexnewstalk.com, while he calls Troy Trojans football games. Last week, in his absence, I was blessed with the chance to finally call my first game. There isn't even time to explain how much fun that was, and I look forward to the next shot, when it presents itself. I don't know how I sounded, and I don't even care. I was more concerned with just getting through it. Mission Accomplished!

It has been a long and bumpy road. A lot of it is still under construction, so we simply proceed with caution, try to avoid the potholes, and continue to move things forward. I'm so happy for every new opportunity, and I believe there will be more on the horizon, if I keep working.

With that, I am very proud to re-launch, The SPortz Yak. With your support and feedback, I plan to keep this ship afloat, and there is plenty of room for new passengers.

Welcome Aboard.

SPzY

Please Protest Peacefully.

This isn't a typical SPortz Yak blog today. Right now, St. Louis Mo is in a state of emergency. Michael Brown was shot, and killed on Saturday Aug. 9, 2014, by a Ferguson Mo. police officer. Since that incident occurred, there has been very high tension between law enforcement and citizens.

I have really tried to remain objective, as the unrest has continued to mount in my city. But I can no longer hold back my disappointment. From the police, to the media, the situation has gone beyond unruly, and all sides are responsible. I will not even comment on the Ferguson police dept., or their Chief, other than to say this. When this is all over, I hope the citizens of Ferguson demand, and get, his resignation. Moving on.

Let's get one thing straight. The people who continue to loot & pillage businesses, in and around Ferguson, and confront police, ARE NOT PROTESTERS!!! PLEASE Stop reporting that Police are deploying tear gas on "Protesters." Those people are criminals, & the vast majority of those criminals, aren't even residents of Ferguson.

The REAL Protesters, have been peaceful and compliant, from the beginning. They want answers. They want justice for Michael Brown. They do not want the violence and destruction, taking place in the streets every night.

The looters and agitators, throwing flaming cocktails, destroying businesses, and shooting at police, are NOT protesting the Mike Brown situation. They are out for PERSONAL gain only. Again, I say the media should stop calling them protesters, and start calling them what they are. Criminals.
I think its an insult to the Brown family, and the citizens of Ferguson, who have been seen side by side with police, trying to prevent the violence. They have pleaded with everyone to protest PEACEFULLY.

They, (the criminals), don't understand how much their actions are giving the police justification to use gas, and rubber bullets. Perhaps they just don't care. They want to see themselves on TV, out there robbing places, before they blend in with those who are out for Justice. Then it appears to the world, on camera, that police are drawing down on the innocent citizens of Ferguson. They are NOT! Police are trying to protect those citizens and businesses.

These criminals turn peaceful, positive protest vigils by day, into an unruly situation, by night. Even with a curfew imposed, they continue to taunt, threaten, and even attack the police. Then they wonder why canisters are deployed?

"Why are we being treated this way by the people sworn to protect us? If we can't trust police, who can we trust?"

Sorry criminals! You cannot have it both ways. I have YET to see police lines move against the PEACEFUL Protesters. In fact, I have seen officers walking hand in hand, with the citizens of Ferguson. Unfortunately, the criminals are blending in with the majority of peaceful demonstrators, and making the situation much worse. It all needs to stop.

Everyone is issuing challenges these days. Here's a challenge for the criminals and looters out there, making the whole city look bad around the World.

Stop It!

I challenge everyone to protest this murder, yes I believe Michael Brown was executed, peacefully. I know the outrage reaches beyond the Ferguson, and beyond the St. Louis City limits. This is a national epidemic. Still criminals, you are NOT being part of the solution. You may be fanning the flames, and drawing attention, but you are not solving any of your issues, with your actions. BE SMART!!

I challenge everyone to protest peacefully, and channel the anger into something positive. Stop destroying the businesses that choose to operate in the community. Stop giving the police a reason to become aggressive, because they have shown all week, that they will move on you. They are simply doing an unpleasant job. A job they are sworn to do, and they WILL do, when provoked.

I challenge all of St. Louis, and all of the Nation, to do better than what we have seen for the last 10 days. I also challenge the police to stop killling unarmed young blacks. We have GOT to do better than this America. We have GOT to do better than this St. Louis.

Praying for Peace in Ferguson Tonight.

SPzY

‪#‎ChallengeforPeace‬ ‪#‎Ferguson‬ ‪#‎JusticeforMichaelBrown‬

It's Week 4 of High School Football in St. Louis & St. Charles Mo, as well as across the state. The High School Sports Caravan will broadcast the GAC Game of the Week on 100.7 The Viper. Troy Buchanan Trojans vs Frances Howell Central. You will also hear the game on KYRO, News Talk 1280AM with Paul Runge and Dennis Dunn. Pregame at 6pm. We will preview Troy vs Howell Central, and we will talk about all of the great action across the area tonight.

WEEK 4 of High School Football in the GAC looks like this!! Catch all the action on the High School Sports Caravan Game of the Week, tonight starting at 6pm on 100.7 THE VIPER with Kevin Paulus & Rodney Eldridge The SPortz Yak. Super Joe Cochran will make us sound GREAT working his magic in the studio.

9/20 7pm St. Charles Pirates (0-1), (1-2) at Warrenton Warriors (0-0), 0-3)
9/20 7pm St. Charles West Warriors (1-0), (2-1) at Winfield Warriors (2-1)
9/20 7pm Montgomery County (2-0), (3-0) at Orchard Farm Eagles (0-0), (1-2)
9/20 7pm Holt Indians (0-0), (0-3) at Washington Blue Jays (0-0), (2-1)
9/20 7pm Ft. Zumwalt East Lions (0-0), (3-0) at Cape Central (1-0), (1,2)
9/21 1pm Ft. Zumwalt S. Bulldogs (0-0), (0-3) at Ft Zumwalt N. Panthers (0-0), (3-0)
9/20 7pm Frances Howell N Knights (0-0), (1-2) at Frances Howell Vikings (0-0), (2-1)
9/20 7pm Ft. Zumwalt West Jaguars (0-0), (2-1) at Wentzville Timberland Wolves (0-0), (3-0)
9/20 7pm Troy Buchanan Trojans (0-0), (2-1) at Frances Howell Central Spartans (0-0), (1-2)

 https://www.facebook.com/rodney.eldridge.5/posts/10201163194854535?notif_t=like

 

SPzY

Hard 16

If any baseball club ever needed a dramatic extra innings win to jump start their season, it was the St. Louis Cardinals, Wednesday in Cincinnati. The Cardinals were riding a mild 3 game skid, and they had dropped 5 of their last 6 games. With time running out in the 2013 season, and the Pennant race heating up, the Cards' starting pitching has been suspect, and the bats have cooled. They're struggling to get back the big piece of chicken, known as 1st place in the NL Central.

Winning the division, as we are all aware, would definitely have certain advantages. It would keep the #Redbirds out of a one game, Wild Card playoff, most likely against the same #Reds they needed 16 innings to beat last night. The Washington #Nationals are barely treading water the Wild Card chase, but they will need an epic run in Sept., and a lot of help, if they are going to catch both the #Cards and the Reds. Everyone is currently chasing the #Pirates, who won their 81st game Tuesday night. The 1st place Pirates were defeated by the spoiler Milwaukee #Brewers last night 9-3, lifting the #Cardinals back to within 1 game of the division lead.

As the Cards plated 2 runs in the 4th inning, tying the game at 2, first baseman Allen Craig, crumbled to the ground while rounding 1st, after errant Joey Votto throw. It was called a base hit and an RBI, and a throwing error on Votto, but it would be the last positive thing for Craig on the evening. Craig, suffered what the organization is calling a "left foot sprain." He will be re-evaluated today, and will likely be day-to-day if the injury isn't too severe. The replay showed Craig badly twisting his ankle on the play, unable to even crawl back to 1st base. He would be tagged out, but more importantly, the Cards would have to finish the game without his bat in the line up. Craig (.315/13/97) has hit safely in 8 of his last 10 games, including 1-2 last night, before his untimely exit. Never fear Cardinal Nation, you've got a guy named Matt Adams on the roster.

 

Whatever nickname you choose, "Big City," "Big Country," "Big Nasty," or something else, the "Big guy" put the Cardinals on his back last night, and carried them to victory with not one, but two extra inning home runs.

Adams' night did not start off in such spectacular fashion. Stuck in an 0-14 slump entering the game, Adams was 0-3 last night before he launched his 14th inning homer, putting the Cards up 4-3. After striking out in the 8th, Adams let his frustration show, slamming his bat and helmet to the ground, shattering his bat to splinters. That move may actually have been the best thing that ever happened to the St. Louis Cardinals, as his new bat was loaded with two long range bombs in it's barrel.

Usually reliable closer Edwin Mujica, who had been strategically saved to that point, with solid work from the rest of the bullpen, gave up the lead in the home half of the 13th inning, uncharacteristically blowing the save, and prolonging the suspense in Cincy. The Reds had an excellent chance to close the game out in the 15th inning. They had runners on 1st and 3rd, with 2 outs, when an ill advised bunt attempt was botched by Chris Heisey, hanging Shin-Soo Choo out to dry between 3rd and home. Heisey has owned the mistake, taking the heat off of Reds manager Dusty Baker, who simply said after the game, "You're not going to try a safety bunt with two outs. Heisey thought the third baseman was back, he was bunting for a hit. Choo was going to try to score."

Dusty could only gnaw on his toothpick and watch what would happen next. The game stretched into the 16th inning, and hero Matt Adams once again stepped into a long home run, putting the Cards back on top 5-4. Excitement was obvious in the Card's dugout, but there were still 3 outs to record, before anyone could truly celebrate. Rookie Carlos Martinez took the mound in the bottom of the 16th, for his second inning of work, and he was able to close out the game, earning his second win of the season.

The Cardinals play one final game in Cincinnati today, followed by a weekend series back in St. Louis against the 1st place Pirates. The next four games could ultimately decide how the NL Central will shake out, and who will be the Wild Card teams. Last night's huge win, kept the Cardinals in striking distance of 1st place, and hopefully lit a fire under the team, which has been something less than the team once considered the best in baseball. When they were hitting on all cylinders, the Cards had a superior mix of pitching and hitting, that was unmatched until the pesky Pirates surpassed them shortly after the All-Star break. It will take a supreme effort the next four days, for the Cards to regain 1st place in the NL Central, and position themselves to avoid a Wild Card game. First things first, the Cards will send struggling Lance Lynn to the mound tonight, to try and salvage a split of this four game set with the Reds.

Lets Go Cards!

SPz Y

High School Football Is Back!

Whether you like rapper Eminem or not, I think we're all familiar with one of his most famous hits. Lose Yourself, from the sound track of his semi-autobiographical movie 8-Mile. When you hear the faint scratch of one pick rip across the strings of a guitar, you instantly know what's coming. You can feel it in every fiber of your being. It starts to build up inside, slowly at first, but then the momentum builds and your heart rate increases. Eminem definitely has a flair for the dramatic. There's a raw, inexplicable gut feeling that something big is about to happen. Something very special.

One rip is all it takes, to raise the level of suspense, and make goosebumps pop on your arms. A shiver runs down the back of your neck, and before you know it, a sense of urgency surrounds you. The moment you have worked and prepared for, even dreamed about, has finally arrived. Whatever it is, a huge moment is happening right now, and there's no looking back. Nothing can stop it. It's "Go time." Next, you hear what I feel are some of the most poignant words ever spoken:

"Look, if you had, one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted - one moment
Would you capture it? Or just let it slip?

Yo..."

There is no time for excuses. It's time to show the world what you're made of, and you've got to fight through the fear and uncertainty, if you're going to have success. You've spent your whole life wondering if you've got what it takes to be the best, and finally it's your time to shine in the spotlight. "Will you capture it? Or just let it slip?"

That is the essence of opening night in high school football. It all boils down to one incredible moment in time. Every player has something to prove to his coaches and teammates. Seniors will begin to feel a sense of finality, as they step out onto the field for the last few times, as leaders of men. Juniors know they have to make things happen, or risk letting down the upper class-men who are counting on them to help make their final season, their best season. Sophomores & freshmen who are lucky enough, or gifted enough, to get playing time on Friday nights, know they are one mistake away from being back on the sidelines watching, and possibly waiting another year for their next shot.

Every player has something to prove. Perhaps to his parents, or even an older brother that he watched on Fridays when he was younger. It could be an aunt, uncle, a cousin, or a grandparent sitting in the stands beaming, as the team rushes onto the field to the roars of the crowd. Maybe it's a buddy on the other team, who grew up on the same block, but went to the rival high school. There could be a loved one who can't be there to see this moment happen, but their love and memory lives and flows within. Maybe it's just the school they get the privilege to represent, when they pull that jersey over those pads, and strap on the helmet that bears their school logo. It doesn't matter who or what it is, every player has something to prove when that clock starts ticking, and the game begins.

Ultimately, each player has the most to prove, to the guy looking back at him in the mirror. He will soon learn if all the blood, sweat, and tears were worth the effort. If the countless hours in the weight room, and on the practice field running sprints and conditioning, are going to pay off. If he learned anything from those extra workouts with Dad in the back yard.

A new chapter will be written on Friday Aug. 30, 2013 in St. Louis Mo, as the high school football season kicks off across the area. Mother Nature will have her say, as she brings the kind of heat that has compelled some high school officials to delay start times, only adding to the butterflies flapping in the bellies of these young athletes who simply want to get it on. Patience gentlemen, patience. It's going to happen, and if you've earned it, you're going to have your chance. Only one question remains unanswered, "Will you capture it? Or just let it slip?"

Good luck and God's speed to every high school athlete living out this sheer excitement today, including one very special young man who I love with all my heart. I know without a doubt, his heart is pounding out of his chest today, and his feet are barely touching the ground. I know this because I'm feeling it too. That young man is my son, #79 Connor Eldridge. He will get his chance to experience every ounce of high school football tonight. He takes the field with the weight of defending a 5A State Championship on his shoulders, and on those of his teammates. I have tried to explain it to him, but there are really no words to prepare him for it. He has to live it for himself. I would give anything to share every second inside the helmet with him, but I know my time has passed. This is his shot, and his opportunity, to seize everything he's ever wanted. Capture it son! I Love You, and I love high school football. Now Go Hit Somebody!!

SPz Y

No Excuses Just a Bad Day.

Before all the baseball "talk" gets started in the STL today, I'm going to let Cardinal Nation in on the truth about what happened last night at Busch Stadium. Adam Wainwright just didn't have it. He left a lot of pitches up in the strike zone, and he got lit up by Major League hitters, who get paid a lot of money to smash mistakes. Add the fact that the Reds had simply played embarrassing baseball the two previous games, it was inevitable that somebody had to pay. That somebody turned out to be Waino. He threw a ton of pitches in his last start, well over 100, and maybe his arm was still a bit fatigued. Maybe he didn't warm up properly last night. It's unclear why he didn't have his best stuff last night, but one thing is certain. It had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Yadi wasn't catching for one night.

Yadi is GREAT. He's the best catcher in baseball right now, without question. That said, Waino is also a Major League pitcher. Heck, he's an Ace these days. He should be able to pitch to Ham Porter, if he's back there in the gear. It really shouldn't matter who is catching him. It's not as if he's a knuckleballer like R.A. Dickie. There are only a hand full of catchers out there who can catch a guy like that, which is why those pitchers typically pitch to one catcher every outing. Not to mention, Rob Johnson is a Major League catcher too. No, he's not Yadi, but he wouldn't be in the Major Leagues, if he couldn't catch good pitchers, and if he hadn't earned the position. There is too much money involved.

So as you listen to the talk shows today, and as you listen to the excuses for Waino's implosion, just understand that the guy had a bad night. We have all had a bad day at work. We don't blame our bad day on the fact that a co-worker called in sick. It had nothing to do with Yadi getting a day off. Mike Matheny played that card very well in fact, giving him 2 days rest with Thursday being a travel date. At some point, you may hear someone imply that Matheny just gave that game away, because he didn't play Yadi. Please understand that Major League Managers do not give games away. Every day they make a lineup, and they believe those 9 guys can go out there and win the game. People seem to think there are games that don't matter in a 162 game season. While there is no way to win all 162, fans need to understand that they are trying to win them all. There are no throw away games.

Don't believe the hype, and don't buy the excuses. Just accept it for what it was. Simply a bad day for Adam Wainwright. Enjoy your day off Cardinal Nation. The biggest test of the season begins Friday night in Pittsburgh, and we can only hope the Cardinals bats stay as hot as this St. Louis weather.

SPz Y