NFL Comeback Player of the Year - Darren Sproles: The Beard And Stache Debate

Photo: Crystal LoGiudice/US Presswire

- Adam Parker

New Orleans Saints running back Darren Sproles is the clear-cut favorite to win the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year Award.

After not being re-signed by the Chargers, Sproles agreed to terms with the Saints, allowing him to rejoin his good friend Drew Brees and re-kindle one of the most electrifying backfield combinations in the league.

In his final season in San Diego, the Chargers believed they had gotten all they could out of Sproles, and were willing to part ways with him in favor of the young running back out of Connecticut - Jordan Todman.

Fast forward to the end of the season and Todman is no longer with the Chargers after Minnesota signed him off San Diego's practice squad while Sproles has gone on to New Orleans and become a pivotal piece in the Saints' record-setting offense.

Now, don't get me wrong, there are some other quality candidates for Comeback Player of the Year in the NFL; most notably 49ers quarterback Alex Smith.

I don't want to take anything away from Smith, but let's be honest with ourselves. The defense is what carried San Francisco this season. 

Yes, I know must give credit where credit is due to rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh for getting the most out of the 2005 1st overall pick, but do I believe Smith impacted his team enough to put him ahead of Sproles for this award?

Not a chance.

I'll admit that Smith has had a decent season, but it's a bit underwhelming at this point considering the lofty expectations he had when San Francisco rolled the dice on him in 2005. 

The 90.1 quarterback rating (10th in the NFL), and the 16 touchdowns to only 5 interceptions are very solid numbers and a great personal improvement, but like I said, Smith should have been performing like this all along for the 49ers; and the fact that he's just now, in his seventh season, starting to prove that he might not have been a bust like we all originally thought is a little worrisome and why I ultimately don't see him winning the award. 

As for why Sproles deserves it, that's simple.

No other player, not just on the list of finalists for this award, but in the entire NFL, is the kind of X-factor for his team in all three facets of the game.

He's contributed heavily as a runner, receiver, and returner, and Sproles' total body of work is turning out to be one of the best all-around seasons in NFL history. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Sproles is already the first player in league history to have 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 1,200 kick/punt return yards in a single season.

If that wasn't enough, Sproles also has a chance to break the NFL record for all-purpose yards in a season. He currently has 2,528 yards, placing him fourth in history. If Sproles manages 163 yards on Sunday against the Panthers, he'll break the previous record (2,690) set by wide receiver Derrick Mason in 2000.

There you have it folks, Alex Smith had a nice season, but Darren Sproles' record-setting versatility and unique skill set are why he's a lock to be this season's Comeback Player of the Year.

Check out why Troy Ballard believes San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith is most deserving to be Comeback Player of the Year!

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The Tim Tebow Effect: What Happens To Tebow If The Denver Broncos Miss The Playoffs in 2011?

Photo: Zimbio.com

- Troy Ballard


The Denver Broncos had a chance in week 16 to lock-up the AFC West, and a playoff appearance, with a win over the Buffalo Bills, but instead were blown-out and are now in crisis mode with one game remaining against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Denver is in a very straightforward situation, if the Oakland Raiders win this Sunday against the San Diego Chargers, and the Broncos lose, they are eliminated from the playoffs. If the Raiders lose, the Broncos are in regardless of the Chiefs game. If the Broncos win, they are automatically in the postseason.

What makes this game interesting for Denver is not that it is an elimination-type game, although that does add a good dynamic, it is Tim Tebow. The Florida phenomenon has exploded this season as the most intriguing player in the NFL. Despite posting miserable stats in nearly every game, Tebow has shown up in the clutch and delivered to get Denver wins, keeping his team in the playoff race.

Tebow has inspired a team that was thought to be locked into rebuilding mode, and has the Broncos duking it out for AFC West title. Looking past the heroic scrambles, clutch overtime wins, and energized rallys on the sideline, Tebow has brought the Broncos this far, but he hasn't sealed the season yet.

Last week, Tebow and the Broncos had a chance to lock their playoff spot and win the AFC West with a win over the spiraling Bills, but they blew it. Actually, to be more specific, Tebow blew it. Denver as a team had a decent game, but Tebow was out of comparison bad.

He was the Tebow that everyone thought he would be in the NFL.

In the 40-14 loss, Tebow threw three interceptions, and fumbled once, one of each was returned for a touchdown. Tebow finished the game with a 37.9 QB rating and two touchdowns, one rushing and one passing.

Not exactly a great premonition to Denver's season finale at home against the Chiefs.

We have all watched what Tebow can do. We all know that he can lead a team in the fourth quater, we all know that he struggles for most of the game, and we all know he can win. My question is, if Tebow does not make the playoffs this season, what happens?

A few weeks ago the often critical John Elway finally gave Tebow his vote of confidence, claiming that he thought the Bronco's quarterback was not only the future in Denver, but also that he thought that Tebow could win it all. But Elway did make these comments when the Broncos were on cloud-nine, and it looked like the AFC West was a lock in Denver.

Things have changed since then, and the Broncos face a very real situation of missing the playoffs, playing against a suddenly red-hot Chiefs. Although Elway's comments towards Tebow's future looked promising, they should be taken lightly, and his opinion could change by April's draft.

Tebow may have carried the Broncos this far, but if he failed with a late-season collapse, it would not make a strong case for Denver keeping him around.

Again, there are a lot of ifs, and Tebow could very well lead the Broncos to a convincing blow-out win to secure a playoff spot. Or he could show up on Sunday and have a game like he did against the Bills and Denver could miss the playoffs entirely.

However the Broncos' season ends up playing out, Tebow is going to be under heavy pressure, and this game could have serious implications with his future in Denver.

And Tim, watch out for Kyle Orton. I heard he is still upset that you stole his job.

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The Suns Seem to Be Setting In Phoenix; Time to Trade Steve Nash?

Photo: dc.sbnation.com

- Adam Parker

After getting blown out at home by an average at best Philadelphia 76ers squad, the Phoenix Suns are now off to an 0-2 start on the season and once again the Steve Nash trade rumors are on the horizon.

Now first let me just say that this is very tough for me to discuss being that I am a Suns fan and have been a Steve Nash fan since his Dallas days.

That being said, for the good of the organization, Phoenix should try to get the 'OK' from Nash to trade him before the trade deadline if they're not in contention and the right situation arises.

The 'rebuilding' process essentially started last year when the Suns elected to let Amare Stoudemire leave via free agency and sign a long-term deal with the Knicks.

That move left Nash as the lone bright star on an otherwise fading Suns team.

Now, I know Nash has been brought up in trade rumors countless times in recent years, but this might finally be the right time for the Suns to pull the trigger for the good of the franchise.

I hate to say it, but after seeing Phoenix struggle against a Chris Paul-less Hornets team and a 76ers team that, at best, will be a bottom seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, it's fairly evident that the Suns' chances of making the playoffs are slim to none.

Nash has made basketball in Phoenix relevant again, and his loyalty to the franchise is undeniably commendable, but if the Suns are in a situation where they'll likely be watching the playoffs from their couches, they should move the 37-year old point guard while the league wide interest in him is still high.

It's unclear at this point what sort of return the Suns can expect to receive for Nash, and there's almost no chance that they'll get the value they're looking for considering Nash's importance to the organization over the past seven years.

All signs point to Nash being worth the most to a contender that needs help at the point guard position. The problem with that is, outside of maybe the Lakers, Knicks, or Magic, most of those teams aren't in dire need of a point guard, and therefore likely wouldn't be interested in paying the Suns' asking price for Nash.

Phoenix needs to do something though, because their current roster will not get them anywhere, and in today's NBA, you need to get worse before you get better.

The Suns appear to be setting in Phoenix, and though it pains me greatly to say it as a diehard Suns and Nash fan, it might finally be time for Phoenix to move Nash to a contender and give him a most-deserved chance at a ring.

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Beard and Stache Podcast - Quick-Hits NBA Breakdown of Russell Westbrook and The OKC Thunder

Photo: Zimbio.com

In the midst of a miserable shooting game, Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook was caught engaging in a loud verbal argument with All-Star forward Kevin Durant during a team timeout. According to sources in OKC, the team is back to normal, everything has worked itself out, and there will be no fallout from the disagreement.

However, we here at Beard and Stache aren't so quick to believe that Westbrook is totally safe with the Thunder.

- Are Westbrook and Durant no longer capable of playing with each other?

- Is Westbrook in danger of being traded?

- What should OKC do moving forward?

- Possible landing spots for Westbrook, and what should the Thunder get in return?

This and more, in a 10 minute lightning-fast B&S podcast!

NFL Week 17 Predictions: Beard And Stache Edition

Photo: gossiprumors.info

- Adam Parker

Another week of action on the NFL gridiron has wrapped up and now, we're on the horizon of the final week of the regular season when the final pieces of the playoff pigskin puzzle will finally be put into place.

Week 16 was filled with a plethora of crazy results, at least as far as my predictions went.

Tim Tebow and the Broncos were frostbitten by the Bills up in Buffalo. The Lions obliterated the Chargers en route to the team's first playoff berth since 1999. The Bengals are one win away from the playoffs in what was thought to be a rebuilding season.

The Colts knocked off the division rival Texans for their second win of the season, and have now put themselves in jeopardy of losing the first overall pick in April's draft.

In Week 15, I went (8-8), and though it wasn't a huge improvement by any stretch of the imagination, I managed a (10-6) record in Week 16. Hopefully, I can finish out the regular season even better.

My Pick 'Em Record: 51-25

Now, onto my picks for Week 17!


Lions (10-5) at Packers (14-1)
This game might have meant more if the Packers had not stumbled against the Chiefs in Week 15 and were still in pursuit of perfection. However, since that's not the case and both of these teams have all but locked up their current playoff seeds, this might be a game where you see more backup players than usual. Regardless, the Packers are deeper and more talented than the Lions and I expect them to win this one handily.

Prediction - Packers win, 30-20.


49ers (12-3) at Rams (2-13)
The Rams are terrible. There really is no other way to put it. Steve Spagnuolo is likely on his way out as head coach, and Steven Jackson once again has had to play a team sport by himself. It's still a divisional game, but not one that matters considering the 49ers locked up the NFC West quite some time ago. It's unclear who will actually be on the field for both teams, but either way I have to give the edge to the 49ers.

Prediction - 49ers win, 24-14.


Jets (8-7) at Dolphins (5-10)
The Dolphins have played great down the stretch, and Reggie Bush - the former Heisman Trophy winner out of USC - seems to have finally found the system that allows him to be successful as a runner at the NFL level. That being said, the Jets need this game to give them any shot at the playoffs, so I can't go against them here.

Prediction - Jets win, 20-17.


Bears (7-8) at Vikings (3-12)
This could very well prove to be the ugliest game of the week by far. It seems like the Bears are throwing out a new quarterback every other week and Adrian Peterson will be out of action the next 8-9 months while he rehabs a torn ACL and MCL. Both offense are anemic, so defense will likely decide this one. I'd take the Bears' D over the Vikings' D ten times out of ten. Give me the Bears in this one, possibly being decided by a defensive touchdown.

Prediction - Bears win, 13-7.


Bills (6-9) at Patriots (12-3)
The Bills are nothing without Fred Jackson, so don't let last week's destruction of Tim Tebow and the Broncos cloud your judgment. The Patriots are on a mission to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, so look for Bill Belichick to play his starters until he's comfortable that they have the game in hand.

Prediction - Patriots win, 31-14.


Panthers (6-9) at Saints (12-3)
The Saints are trying to improve their playoff seeding while the Cam Newton-led Panthers are playing for pride against a division rival and so Cam can pad his stats. Speaking of stats, Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke Dan Marino's record for most passing yards in a single season last week. Look for Brees to pile on the numbers against a poor Carolina secondary.

Prediction - Saints win, 34-20.


Redskins (5-10) at Eagles (7-8)
The Eagles were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs last week after the Cowboys lost the Giants. That being said, winning this game could be the difference-maker in whether Andy Reid retains his job next season. The Redskins are decent defensively, but there is no way they can muster the offensive firepower they would need to hang with the Eagles. Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy will be big in this one.

Prediction - Eagles win, 28-17.


Colts (2-13) at Jaguars (4-11)
The Colts haven't won away from Lucas Oil Stadium all season, and they're only one loss away from locking up the top overall pick in April's draft. Whether they decide to take Andrew Luck or auction the pick off, there is no time like the present for the Colts to throw a game if they must to secure this pick. Jacksonville will receive a gift in this one.

Prediction - Jaguars win, 17-10.


Titans (8-7) at Texans (10-5) 
The Texans have clinched the AFC South, their first playoff berth in franchise history, and are locked in as the No. 3 seed in the AFC. It wouldn't surprise me to see them rest a few players since the results of this game won't make any difference for them. That being said, Houston's defense is still one of the best in the league, and now that defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is back on the sidelines, I think the defense and a few nice plays from Ben Tate and T.J. Yates should seal this one.

Prediction - Texans win, 20-13.


Buccaneers (4-11) at Falcons (9-6)
The Falcons need to win this one, not only so they can get the momentum back before the playoffs, but also to get some pride back after they were embarrassed by the Saints in New Orleans. The Falcons will win this one in a big way to send a message that they're not finished yet.

Prediction - Falcons win, 34-14.


Ravens (11-4) at Bengals (9-6)
If the Bengals win, they could potentially make the playoffs as a wild card, which is why they have a buy one-get one free ticket deal to try and fill the stadium to support this young and exciting bunch. If the Ravens win, they clinch the division and a first round bye, so there's a lot at stake for both teams. I can't see Ray Lewis allowing the Ravens to lose this game. He's hungry for his second Super Bowl ring, and if he has to hunt some Bengals to get it, then so be it.

Prediction - Ravens win, 24-17.


Steelers (11-4) at Browns (4-11)
The last time these two teams met, it was a one score win for the Steelers. It's unclear whether Ben Roethlisberger will play this week since Pittsburgh has already clinched a playoff spot, and after how Charlie Batch played last week, it might be better to rest Big Ben anyway.

Steelers win, 23-14.


Chiefs (6-9) at Broncos (8-7)
There are quite a few interesting story lines leading up to this game. Chiefs quarterback Kyle Orton returns to Denver where the Broncos let him go in favor of Tim Tebow. Even though the Chiefs aren't in the playoffs, you know interim head coach Romeo Crennel will have his players fired up about 'winning it for Orton', but since the Broncos still have a chance to clinch the division and make the playoffs, I feel like they just want and need this game more.

Prediction - Broncos win, 20-17.


Chargers (7-8) at Raiders (8-7)
The Raiders in a 15-round title fight with Denver for the division crown, and they need to get through the Chargers to give themselves a chance. I look for Richard Seymour and the rest of Oakland's defense to play some inspired football on Sunday and carry the Raiders to a win.

Prediction - Raiders win, 23-20.


Seahawks (7-8) at Cardinals (7-8)
Neither of these teams really have much to play for outside of divisional bragging rights. Marshawn Lynch has been running hard for Seattle all season, including surpassing 100 yards last week against San Francisco's league-leading rush defense. I expect more of the same here.

Prediction - Seahawks win, 20-14.


Cowboys (8-7) at Giants (8-7) on Sunday Night Football
The stakes don't get much higher than this. The winner of this game wins the division and heads to the playoffs while the loser watches from home. The Giants have seen a resurgence in their pass rush led by second year player Jason Pierre-Paul. Tony Romo is likely to play despite his bruised hand, but I think the G-Men's pass rush will ultimately prove too tough to handle. The Giants win the game and the division.

Prediction - Giants win, 27-20.

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2012 NFL Pro-Bowl Snubs: 10 Players Who Deserve To Be In Honolulu

Photo: Getty Images, Patrick McDermott

- Troy Ballard 


I have a serious gripe with the NFL's Pro-Bowl, as players who really don't deserve to go are nominated strictly off face value, and others who work all season and are total studs get left out of that warm Hawaii sun.

Here are 10 players that should have been elected to the Pro-Bowl, but just got flat out snubbed:

Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants 


I have a buddy who goes to U-Mass, (the same school Cruz attended), and he says there really is only three things to do, 1. Cheer on a failing sports program, 2. Drink, 3. Drink.

I don't know if Cruz has been slamming back magical shots this season, but he has been lights out. Cruz has actually worked his way above Hakeem Nicks in New York as the top receiver, despite coming into the season as a special teams player. It seems that every time he gets the ball in his hands he is a threat to go to the house, and he is also an excellent third down weapon.

Cruz should have been cruising the streets of Honolulu.

Aldon Smith, LB, San Francisco 49ers 


Smith is a Mizzou product that bust onto the scene with a red-hot San Francisco team and has been a key piece to one of the best defenses in the NFL. Generally Smith can get off the corner untouched with excellent instincts and acceleration, and this season has had quarterbacks pulling dirt out of their face mask's 14 times. 

As far as pass-rushing linebackers go, Smith is one of the best. He was totally robbed from a Pro-Bowl with a 49ers team that sent eight of their players to Hawaii.  

Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks 


Lynch has totally resurrected his career in Seattle, and I actually went as far as to say that he is the most underrated running back in the NFL, earlier this season. The fact is, Skittles or no Skittles, Lynch is a tough hard-nosed runner and is the very life of the Seahawks offense.

I suppose I forgot to mention that he is nearly impossible to bring down, and can make something out of nothing on every handoff.

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals 


If for some reason Cam Newton was not in the NFL, Dalton would have all but locked up the Rookie of The Year award. For being a second-round pick, the TCU kid has lit-up NFL defenses, and has also kept the Bengals competitive in a tough division. His efforts should not go unnoticed, and deserves more recognition this season.

Plus, Cincy's other rookie AJ Green is going, and the last time I checked, Dalton-Green was a package deal.

London Fletcher, LB, Washington Redskins 


About the only good things coming out of Washington right now are lower taxes and veteran linebacker London Fletcher. For a team that is totally inept in nearly every category, Fletcher still manages to succeed, and is leading the NFL in tackles. Fletcher is the centerpiece to a young and developing Redskins defense, and his effort as both a leader and player, is some of the best in the NFL.

I suppose we might as well just lock Fletcher's name on this list, as he seems to get snubbed every single season.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers 


The Panthers may not be winning games, but that has little to do with Newton's performance this season. The first-overall pick has not disappointed, as he has broken just about as many records as he has tackles, and has been a lightning bolt to most NFL defenses. Through the air or on the ground, the Newton-Offense is nearly impossible to stop. He has even made Steve Smith a relevant and dangerous receiver again.

Newton has doubted in college, doubted at the draft, and doubted in Carolina, but he has delivered on every level, but he still was snubbed from the Pro-Bowl.

Willis McGahee, RB, Denver Broncos 


In regards to a player saving his career, Willis McGahee's name should be at the top of that list. Since leaving Baltimore, McGahee has exploded in Denver as an all-purpose back. Call it Tim Tebow, call it luck, but McGahee has been a monster this season and the Broncos wouldn't be where they are without him.

Then again, even I had a hard time looking through the Tim Tebow hype.

Darren Sproles, RB/KR New Orleans Saints 


It's really easy for quality talent to be over-looked in New Orleans, mainly because there seems to be so much of it. But Sproles, who is often not mentioned in the Saints top players, has been total money this season. With the way that Drew Brees has been killing it, it would be easy to overlook a solid running back and an excellent returner like Sproles.

But he is there, and he is good.

Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers 


Don't get me wrong, I love Greg Jennings, who was the receiver elected from Green Bay to the Pro-Bowl. But I also believe that a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers can make any receiver look good, but Nelson is a unique talent. There are few receivers in the league that can make big plays like Nelson can, and he has totally stepped up in the absence of Jennings these past few weeks.

Over the top, under, to the left, to the right. It doesn't matter where Rodgers slings the ball, Nelson it always there to catch it.

Cliff Avril, DE, Detroit Lions 


Many are going to be crying that I should have put Matthew Stafford on this list, but to be honest, I just don't think he deserves it. However, Avril, a very underrated defensive end, is having a mind-blowing season, but not getting much attention at all. Count 11 sacks, six forced fumbles, and 36 tackles, to a player who was thought to be middle of the road going into the year.

The Lions defense has played well this season, and a large portion of the credit should be given to Avril, who has emerged as a real threat on the Lions defensive line.

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Ricky Rubio Dazzles in NBA Debut Despite Timberwolves' Loss - What it Means for the T'Wolves Going Forward

Photo: timesunion.com

- Adam Parker

The Timberwolves may have lost their season opener 104-100 to the Oklahoma City Thunder last night, but there was one bright spot that shined through the darkness - Ricky Rubio.

The rookie Spanish sensation, who is known around basketball circles for his flashy passing and resemblance to Hall of Famer "Pistol" Pete Maravich, had a great all-around game in his NBA debut against the Thunder Monday night.

Rubio looked fantastic against the Thunder; tallying six points, six assists, five rebounds, and most importantly, zero turnovers in his first game as a member of the Timberwolves.

The arrival of Rubio could mean great things are on the horizon for City of 10,000 Lakes.

You know that I'm not a big believer in moral victories, but in Minnesota's case, I think they can take comfort in the fact that they hung with a young Thunder squad that is clear cut top-tier team in the Western Conference until the waning moments of the game.

I always joke around about how T'Wolves general manager David Kahn runs that team, but after seeing how the insertion of Rubio seemed to change the culture in Minnesota after only one game, my laughter has ceased.

This young Spaniard is for real folks, and Kahn is now making all of his doubters, including me, eat their words for criticizing him on taking (and then waiting for) Rubio with the 5th overall pick in 2009.

The infusion of youth and the Spanish Pete Maravich doppelganger has the Timberwolves looking like a team that, in the short term, will turn some heads, and in the long term (my guess would be within the next two seasons) be making noise in the playoffs - something they haven't done since 2004.

What once was thought to be a logjam scenario at the point guard and small forward positions for the T'Wolves is now described more like having 'great depth' at the positions. It's amazing how the culture changes when you're winning, or in this case, show the potential for winning.

The hype around the Timberwolves hasn't been this high since the Kevin Garnett era.

Rubio has been compared to many NBA greats since he first burst onto the scene, but I personally liken him to a young Jason Kidd.

He's not a guy who will blow you away with his shooting like a Steve Nash or with his athleticism like a Derrick Rose or a Russell Westbrook, but what he will do is be like Jason Kidd - a jack of all trades who contributes anything and everything he can to help your team win.

It's only a matter of time now, the future is looking very bright for this young Minnesota squad, and I have no doubt that the T'Wolves will be hollowing at the playoff moon again very soon.

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St. Louis Cardinals Looking To Life After Pujols; Agree to 2-Year Deal with Carlos Beltran

Photo: vivaelbirdos.com

- Adam Parker

The World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a two-year deal with veteran outfielder Carlos Beltran.

The deal is reportedly worth $26 million over the life of the contract and includes a full no-trade clause.

With this signing, it appears that the Cardinals have finally come to terms with the loss of former franchise centerpiece Albert Pujols, and are moving on.

This deal couldn't have come at a better time for both parties.

St. Louis needed to bring in a quality bat to replace Pujol's production in the middle of the lineup alongside Matt Holliday and Lance "The Big Puma" Berkman, and Beltran will get a chance to join a team that will give him the best opportunity to pursue a championship.

Beltran, 34, is coming off one of his best statistical seasons in recent memory after finishing with a .300 batting average, 22 home runs, 84 RBIs, and a .385 on-base percentage while playing pre-dominantly in two pitcher-friendly parks as a member of the Mets and Giants last season.

The six-time All Star is a great fit in St. Louis' lineup, especially since he - along with Lance Berkman - can be switch-hitters, thereby giving new Cardinals' skipper Mike Matheny that much more lineup flexibility.

Beltran, who over the years has been referenced as a 'Cardinal killer', faced the Cardinals in a pair of National League Championship series, in 2004 with the Houston Astros and 2006 with the Mets. St. Louis ended up winning both series despite several big hits by Beltran.

"Beltran is a proven outfielder who obviously has been a tough opponent against the Cardinals for many years," St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said in a statement. "It is going to be nice to have his bat and competitive nature working for us instead of on the other side of the field for the next couple of years."

Is Beltran to answer to the Cardinals' fans prayers? That's still up for debate, but one thing's for sure; he's a good place to start.

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