A Sneak Peek Into The World Of Sports in 2012

Photo Credit: Keith Allison

Another great year of sports has surpassed us. As people often say, “out” with the old and “in” with the new. 2011 was a great year filled with an abundant amount of sports memories. Would the year of 2012 be any different?

Of course it will! One reason. Sports are limitless. There are no boundaries present and it’s the only place we know where moments last only for a few seconds, however to some of us, these memories will always be remembered forever.

It is an undying beauty that will forever continue through time and we as fans have front row seats to the best shows on earth. Sports will definitely be different in 2012, not for the bad, but for the better. I cannot be anymore excited about what’s in store for 2012. Woo hoo! Everybody jump for joy with me… Ok don’t.

Let’s move on and take a closer look. Below are a few stories certainly worth the discussion. Let’s get right down to it.

Mark Sanchez, Peyton Manning and the New York Jets

Photo Credit: Ed Yourdon

Mark Sanchez, the Jets’ 2009 fifth overall draft pick started his career in great fashion leading the Jets to the AFC Championship in his first two years. To no one’s surprise, there were high expectations for Mark Sanchez in his third year and fans were ready for the young quarterback to take them to the promise land.

With the 2011-12 NFL regular season complete, it was a disappointing year to say the least for the New York Jets (8-8). Mark Sanchez, without a doubt, regressed this year compared to his first two seasons. Is it all Sanchez’ fault? Let’s go under the hood and find out.

If you take a quick peek at Mark Sanchez’ passing statistics below, the numbers were definitely positive. In 2011, the completion percentage was slightly higher, the passing yards increased, and the TDs were +9.

However, if you take a closer look at Sanchez’ turnovers, it’s evident that the young QB is still having problems adapting to the speed of the NFL. Mark Sanchez had a total of 28 turnovers (18 INTs and 10 fumbles).

Here’s a thought. Mark Sanchez also was sacked 39 times, 12 more than the previous year, which explains the high amount of turnovers. As Jets coach Rex Ryan would say, “this is unacceptable!” The offensive line must be blamed for this statistic as it accounted for many offensive turnovers throughout the season.

If you ask me what the Jets should do in the offseason regarding the O-line, the team needs to desperately sign a talented right tackle because it’s evident that Wayne Hunter is not the solution. I am sorry but the guy couldn’t block quick and talented defensive ends even if his life depended on it. Broncos Von Miller took Hunter to school and I am not even going to mention what Eagles DE Jason Babin did to the poor man.

Photo Credit: NFL.com

In any case, a quarterback shouldn’t be judged by his statistics alone. The leader of the team should be evaluated on his ability to play under pressure when NOTHING is working. Mark Sanchez was not only inconsistent and inaccurate, there was a lack of ability in Sanchez’ part when it came down to taking over big games throughout the season.

The New York Jets are not playing in the playoffs for the first time under coach Rex Ryan and there are definitely changes that need to be made. Fans are no longer calling Jets QB Mark Sanchez the “Sanchize.” Instead, the folks in New York are shouting out another quarterback’s name. That’s right, Colts’ QB Peyton Manning.

I honestly believe Mark Sanchez will still be the starting quarterback for the New York Jets next year. Sanchez seems to be more of a reality, while Manning is at best, just a dream.

Pacman vs. Money

Photo Credit: Robert Brizel/Wikimedia Commons

I’m seriously getting tired of speaking about this mega-blockbuster fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, but just like many of you, I can’t see myself not ever having to witness this “would-be” amazing battle.

There were rumors that Pacquiao and Mayweather would square off in May of 2012, but that most likely will not happen. Floyd Mayweather was sentenced to 90 days in jail due to a domestic violence case, which no one thought would happen, but did.

In a nutshell, this is the history of Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. However, I would not be a die-hard sports fan if I didn’t think this fight could ever happen. This would be the next Frazier vs. Ali (RIP Joe Frazier) and I will keep speaking about this fight until my fingers fall off. Not really, but you know what I mean.

So where’s the state of boxing? Well, Manny Pacquiao wants to fight Juan Manuel Marquez for a fifth time and Floyd Mayweather is trying to legally fight a battery charge. Go figure… whatever it is you’re thinking right now, I definitely agree. Unbelievable!

Is 2012 LeBron James’ year?

Photo Credit: Keith Allison

Another year of LeBron James and the quest for his championship ring. Well, I guess that’s nothing new. I must say though that the Miami Heat now will have a future point guard in Norris Cole. Don’t be surprised if this rookie takes the starting job from Mario Chalmers.

In any case, let’s look at the facts. LeBron James has been with the Miami Heat for one year and is 0-1 in terms of winning the NBA trophy. James is an absolute “beast” on the court, but he cannot seem to rise to the occasion in the most important situations. James will need to overcome this issue if he wants to have a chance to lift that glorious Larry O’Brien Trophy.

I was never a fan of James going to Miami. LeBron James is an unbelievable player that possesses unexplainable talent. James could’ve gone anywhere and would’ve still won a championship.

Sometimes, things that look and sound easy tend to be the most difficult. If James would’ve went to a team where he was mainly the focal point (similar to Cleveland), the pressure to win a championship would’ve been significantly lower. Instead, James took his talents to South Beach and the pressure to win it all rose until it exploded.

Due to the fact that it was James’ first year, people gave him a pass. Now, that pass is no longer available. We all know LeBron James will be dominant throughout the regular season, but who cares?

Can LeBron James dominate the same way in the playoffs and through the finals? Don’t call yourself the “King” until it’s done. Point, blank, period.

Is Anyone Going To Beat Bones Jones?

Photo Credit: Esther Lin

Jon “Bones” Jones has literally been demolishing the fighters in his UFC Light Heavyweight class. In speaking about his late 2011 fights alone with Shogun Rua, Rampage Jackson, and the Dragon Machida, Bones Jones is quickly emerging as one of the best young fighters to ever enter the cage.

Is there a fighter out there that could stop Bones Jones? Many fans would love to see Bones Jones and Anderson Silva rumble, but in order for this to occur, one of these athletes would need to either lose or gain weight depending on the weight class. Silva is currently taking care of business in the Middleweight class; therefore it would take a huge negotiation between both parties to get this done.

George St. Pierre has always been one of my favorites, however St. Pierre is in the Welterweight class, which almost makes this fight a non-reality.

Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis is another favorite of mine and is most likely the closest option out of all the fighters. Davis is currently still undefeated with a win against Nogueira (UFC Fight Night 24) and is considered an elite fighter.

Bones Jones displayed his UFC domination against Machida by using a standing guillotine. Crazy was not the word. Lyoto Machida was put to sleep and thrown to the mat like a fifty-cent rag doll. Is there any fighter in 2012 willing to test Bones Jones?

“Come out, come out wherever you are.”