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1 Comment Posted on January 20, 2016January 20, 2016 sports

Brady vs. Manning 17: Why This One Matters

If Fast and the Furious ever gets this many sequels, I quit.

I understand if you’re exhausted from hearing about this. It’s a storyline that’s been shoved down your throat for 2 decades, and both quarterbacks have their detractors. There’s a reason you’ve heard all the narratives for as long as you have though.

The last time neither Peyton Manning nor Tom Brady were in the AFC Championship was in 2011. Before then, it was 2006. Brady and Manning will be facing off for the 17th time this weekend, but it will be the 5th time in the playoffs with both winning 2 games a piece. Manning actually has an edge on Brady, having won 2 of their 3 matchups in the AFC Championship. This time could (and should) be their last, and it will be for a shot at Super Bowl 50.

When you bring up Manning and Brady, you’re talking about two of the best to play their position, the most important position in the most watched sport in the country. One year separates the two in age (Manning 39, Brady 38), and they are both in the Top 6 of career touchdowns, yards and passer rating. Manning ranks 1st, 1st, and 5th, Brady is 3rd, 5th and 6th. Brady’s 4 Super Bowl rings compared to Manning’s 1 are pretty glaring, but it’s still too fitting to see either of these 2 get another chance to play on the biggest stage in sports. Just a year ago, the Super Bowl drew it’s largest audience with 114.4 million people watching.

The numbers for both quarterbacks in their 16 meetings make up that of a solid regular season. Manning has completed 410 of 657 passes (62.4%) for 4,809 yards, 33 TDs and 22 INTs (87.4 QB rating). Brady has completed 367 of 553 passes (66.4%) for 4,013 yards, 31 TDs and 13 INTs (96.5 QB rating). Brady leads the series 11-5, with an 8-2 record against Manning at Foxboro and split 3-3 in Indianapolis/Denver. In the last 10 years though, Manning is 2-0 in the playoffs against Brady. Neither one has won against each other on the road since 2007.

Who has the most to gain with a win this Sunday though, with legacies mostly cemented going? Brady holds the record for most playoff wins (22) and has a 73.3 win percentage while Manning holds the record for the most playoff losses (13). Regardless the result of Sunday’s game, Brady will go down as one of football’s all-time greats as a winner because of his post season hardware. Manning will unfortunately be remembered as the greatest “regular season” quarterback who only came home with the ultimate prize once out of 15 chances, with a younger brother holding a second ring over his head…unless he wins Sunday and February 7th.

It’s amazing Manning has reached this point following his worst statistical regular season of his career and having to sit out due to injury. He’s had transform his game from being the dominant quarterback to “game manager”, and it worked great against the Steelers. With a Super Bowl quality defense, all Manning has to do now is hand the ball off, make the right checks evaluating the coverage, not turn the ball over, and make a play when it’s needed.

There are only 11 quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl rings:

Eli Manning – 2

Ben Roethlisberger – 2

John Elway – 2

Jim Plunkett – 2

Roger Staubach – 2

Bob Greise – 2

Bart Starr – 2

Troy Aikman – 3

Terry Bradshaw – 4

Joe Montana – 4

If Brady wins one more, he joins club of his own with 5. If Manning wins one more, he joins the club and fans will remember that more than the 13 playoff losses. Ask Elway, who lost 8 times before winning his 2 rings back-to-back to end his career. Can Manning have his Elway moment?

I tried to think about where this rivalry stacks up in sports. It’s not quite Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird. Two all-time greats, yes, but there were 8 championships won between the two (Magic 5, Bird 3) and they had to do it against each other in the Finals. Ali/Frazier was a whole different level of competition, and disrespect for each other. Bill Russell vs. Wilt Chamberlain though…

Russell is the greatest winner in basketball history with 11 championships and Chamberlain was statistically one of the best to ever play his position while winning his second ring late in his career. A big difference is that Russell and Chamberlain had to actually man-up on each other, but the legacy comparisons between them and Brady/Manning are certainly there.

Vote for your pick to win this weekend and check out more on Facebook or Twitter!

7 Comments Posted on January 13, 2016 Movies

Top 25 Films of 2015 – The Final List

It took until 2016 to get this list done, but that’s the price of being thorough…and loving movies.

I released a list at the end of the summer and another before the holidays. Of course, studios waited till Christmas and after to release some of the most anticipated films of the year. Just in time for the announcement of this year’s Oscar nominees, here are my Top 25 – The films I liked, really liked, and loved.

25. Carol

It’s elegant and shot beautifully. Cate Blanchett has the title character but Rooney Mara is the one you’re invested in. I would have loved to see this film shot decades ago with Audrey Hepburn in Mara’s role. Kyle Chandler’s classic look would have fit in nicely. Also enjoyed the appearance from Cory Michael Smith who is currently The Riddler on FOX’s Gotham. It’s fitting.

24. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

It was a strong year for blockbuster franchises. There are two more represented further down this list. The Mission Impossible series seems to get better as time goes on and fortunately for them, Rogue Nation hit theaters before Spectre did with a similar plot and much better execution.

23. Beasts of No Nation

Idris Elba seems to show us in everything he does that he is one of the best actors of our time, and this Netflix Original film gets him closer to the acclaim he properly deserves. Beasts of No Nation is also a milestone for Netflix that shows they should be taken seriously as a film studio and not just for television…Just try to avoid the string of unfortunate Adam Sandler flicks they will be putting out for a while.

22. Creed

Creed is a very good sports movie. It reminded me a lot of the first Rocky film. I love how they filmed the fights and Sylvester Stallone deserves every “best supporting actor” nomination he gets. We’re reminded how great an actor he is, and how awesome a character Rocky Balboa is in this film. Michael B. Jordan is certainly in store for big things and this film is a clear sign of that. I just wished they held back on the cheese factor of a certain training scene and that his “big opponent” was a much more memorable character.

21. Trumbo

The acting in Trumbo is outstanding. The hype was real regarding Bryan Cranston’s performance. Both Helen Mirren and John Goodman play their parts very well. The correlation between how members of the American communist party were treated and some of our society’s current issues today strikes a chord. I just wish I hadn’t seen so many of the big scenes in the trailer already and that the directing was better.

20. The Big Short

The more I think about The Big Short, the more I think I liked it. Christian Bale, Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling are all awesome in the film and it’s incredibly smart. Hamish Linklater is also an excellent complement, similar to his role in The Crazy Ones with Robin Williams. The constant explaining of every economic term (which might have been necessary) gets distracting and the comedic approach takes away some of the necessary emotional investment. Had I not seen 99 Homes, I probably would have appreciated this film a lot more while watching it.

19. 99 Homes

Like The Big Short, 99 Homes takes place during the financial and housing crisis but it’s way much more of a punch to the gut. You get the perspective of people who lost their homes from the crisis, and it’s even more of a thriller because you have no idea how these people will react to those who have to break the news to them. Michael Shannon is also as good as anyone in supporting actor categories from this film.

18. Straight Outta Compton

The music, the acting, the “Bye Felicia” scene…

Straight Outta Compton was an awesome biopic and it told a story that I think a lot of younger hip hop fans needed to hear, considering how influential members of NWA really are to the genre. The only reason I don’t have it ranked higher is because it did feel long by the end.

17. Love & Mercy

Love and Mercy was another biopic (also with Paul Giamatti as a jerk manager) that I enjoyed, but this one stuck with me a lot longer after. Paul Dano is great as young Brian Wilson and for once John Cusack is a lot less “John Cusack”-ish than he is in most of his roles. Elizabeth Banks also gives one of the more underrated performances in film from this year. If you’re like me, you probably listened to “Pet Sounds” for a week after seeing it.

16. The Walk

I’m a little disappointed The Walk isn’t getting more chatter during awards season. Obviously I think there are better films, but Robert Zemeckis did a brilliant job utilizing 3D, especially for the climax of the film. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ben Kinglsey were both remarkably charming as well.

15. The Hateful Eight

It’s not Quentin Tarantino’s best, but “Not Tarantino’s Best” is still better than most. The second half of the film was up there with some of his most entertaining…and bloodiest. For me, this was Walton Goggins’s coming out party on the big screen. Loved him in Justified and The Shield. I think it’s obvious Tarantino did too.

14. Mississippi Grind

It was too appropriate that I watched this film while waiting to hear my lottery numbers called. Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn has the All-American Asshole role down between this and Bloodline, yet knows just how to make you feel for him. Sure, Ryan Reynolds plays another good-looking fast talker, but his whole “who, what, and why” deal keeps you as intrigued as the constant gambling…which is enough drama by itself.

13. Ex Machina

This was a big year for all 3 stars of Ex Machina. Oscar Isaac continued his path to Pacino-status with his roles in Show Me A Hero and Star Wars, which Domhnall Gleeson also stars in (as well as Brooklyn and The Revenant). Alicia Vikander has a good chance of getting both Best Actress and Supporting Oscar nominations for her roles in The Danish Girl and Ex Machina. Her character, Ava, still haunts my dreams as well. It’s an unreal suspense film.

12. The End of the Tour

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again…I can’t recall a time where I’ve seen two actors be so natural interacting with each other for a film. That’s all this film is…a long weekend conversation from Bloomington-Normal to Minnesota and back, with honest thoughts and feelings. I’m happy to see Jason Segel is getting some acclaim as well for his portrayal of David Foster Wallace.

11. Steve Jobs

Yes, I’m a HUGE Sorkin fan, but I found the approach to this biopic to be incredibly original. It wasn’t your typical “start-to-end” story, but just 3 different periods in time and how each person has evolved in that time. It also helps that everyone involved nails it with their parts, especially Michael Fassbender.

10. Brooklyn

If anyone is challenging Brie Larson for Best Actress, it’s Saoirse Ronan. She and Brooklyn do an amazing job of making you feel all the emotions you can muster. It also helps that two of my TV crushes, Emily Bett Rickards (Felicity Smoak, Arrow) and Jessica Paré (Megan Draper, Mad Men), have solid roles in the film. The contrast in two worlds during the 1950s and how Eilis (Ronan) evolves is what makes the film.

09. Inside Out

A movie about feelings makes you feel feelings…and even more than the typical Pixar feelings (which is saying a lot, considering the first 3 minutes to Up). It also helps that they casted all the right people for all the right feelings.

08. The Martian

I came across a Facebook friend listing his “Top 10” and he said he hadn’t seen The Martian because “It looked like Castaway in space.” He is very wrong…unless he values Jeff Daniels, Donald Glover, Kristen Wiig, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Bean, Michael Pena, Jessica Chastain, and Kate Mara to all be a volleyball named Wilson. There’s also a Lord of the Rings reference that probably won the film “Best Comedy” at the Golden Globes by itself.

07. The Revenant

I have a very difficult time seeing anyone other than Leonardo DiCaprio winning Best Actor at the Oscars. Maybe Bryan Cranston, but Leo will be SO pissed if he doesn’t because of everything he went through for this film…It’s pretty evident.

06. Room

The Best Actress category at any awards show is Brie Larson’s to lose because of Room. Jacob Tremblay is amazing as well…just be prepared to have your heart strings pulled hard.

05. Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max: Fury Road is a 2 hour long roller coaster of action, explosions, and rock’n’roll. I don’t recall taking a breath between the start and end. The twisted and beautiful mind of George Miller is on full awesome display.

04. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl

I think we all have our personal movies that connect with us in more ways than most and matches our personalities. Me and Earl and The Dying Girl was that movie for me, my favorite from the summer. There’s also something about Nick Offerman as a sociology professor, robe-wearing, cat-obsessed dad that still tickles me funny.

03. Bridge of Spies

Bridge of Spies is about as good a film as you could ask for from a combination of Steven Spielberg and the Coen Brothers…I was pleasantly surprised to see that the latter wrote the movie once the closing credits rolled. It was all meant for someone like Tom Hanks to lead in. There is one scene toward the end that I found to be as powerful as any in 2015.

02. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The best way I’ve heard The Force Awakens described is that it hit all the right spots in all the right ways…It really did. Nostalgia and newness brilliantly combined. Fantastic well-timed humor that the past films lacked. If you waited for something to disappoint you, you’d only be disappointed by the fact that you’re still waiting. It’s also the only other film, besides #1, that I went back to see in the theater again and appreciated more for it.

01. Spotlight

I really don’t think there was a better performance by an ensemble this year. It was a refreshing take on journalism, not over-glorifying the industry but simply presenting how a paper goes about getting a story. All the comparisons to All The President’s Men are warranted. I will also stump hard for Mark Ruffalo getting Best Supporting Actor recognition, even when the category is heavy enough as is.

What does your list look like? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter!

1 Comment Posted on January 13, 2016 Movies

Who Is the Best Fit on the ‘Han Solo Spinoff’ Shortlist?

Although shooting doesn’t even start for another year from now, Disney and Lucasfilm are close to naming their new Han Solo for the spinoff Star Wars film series. Similar to how Disney and Marvel plan to introduce their new Spider-Man, Tom Holland, with a small role in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War before his own feature film, a young Han Solo may appear in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story due out December 16th, 2016. The spinoff films take place between Episodes III and IV, so the target Solo actor is between the ages of 20 and 29.

Variety is reporting that “after seeing thousands of actors”, the list is down to Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Dave Franco, Jack Raynor, Scott Eastwood, Logan Lerman, Emory Cohen, and Blake Jenner. There may be more in consideration, but Variety knows the names have made the cut and that an announcement should be made within the next couple weeks.

The two names I don’t want to hear announced for the role are…

…Miles Teller and Dave Franco. The bad press around last summer’s Fantastic Four failure were as much Teller’s fault as anyone. He’s also just not that damn likable. Sure, it worked for Whiplash, but even then I found myself hoping every bad thing possible would happen to his character. And unless Franco has non-“Frat Guy Party”film on the horizon, I don’t need his smug grin flying the Millennium Falcon.

So who does fit, if the two more recognizable names don’t? Who pulls off the perfect combination of charm, cockiness, rough-around-the edges, and warmth that will make the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs?

Rather than brainstorm actors that could be potentially better, let’s work with the 3 best names on the list.

1. Emory Cohen

When I first read the list, Emory Cohen stuck out the most to me. Maybe it’s because I just saw him in Brooklyn, but the heart and humor in his performance were convincing enough. He has the smirk, the charm, the mannerisms, and he’s coming off a very successful film with Oscars buzz.

(Also in The Gambler, Beneath the Harvest Sky, and The Place Beyond The Pines)

2. Scott Eastwood

The son of Clint Eastwood is the oldest of the actors in the running at 29 years old. Scott Eastwood has the pedigree and yes, the looks. Eastwood is also setting himself up to breakout in action/adventure films with a mysterious role in the upcoming Suicide Squad film. Rumors have him pegged as either Deathstroke or Dick Grayson but nothing is confirmed. Eastwood will be starring alongside Walton Goggins (Hateful Eight, Justified) in the upcoming western, Diablo. Han Solo is the closest thing Star Wars has to a space cowboy, so…

(Also in Gran Torino, Fury, and The Longest Ride)

3. Blake Jenner

Blake Jenner is young and a Glee alum, and feels like a dark horse pick. Most of his short resume is TV related, but he has some projects on the way that could lead to bigger things. Growing with Star Wars in spinoff franchise could be cool to see. He’ll be appearing in upcoming Supergirl episodes and could breakout in Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some. It looks like what happens when Dazed and Confused goes to college.

4. Logan Lerman

Certainly not my favorite in the bunch, considering I like 3 more ahead of him, but Logan Lerman’s filmography section on his IMDB page is a bit more impressive than most on the shortlist. His starring role in Fury a year ago showed he’s matured from the Percy Jackson franchise. The babyface might hold him back from being the right fit, or maybe that’s exactly what Lucasfilm is looking for…I’ve also been rooting for him ever since Perks of Being a Wallflower.

(Also in The Three Musketeers, 3:10 To Yuma, and The Patriot.

Who would you like to see cast as young Han Solo? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter!

Leave a comment Posted on January 11, 2016January 11, 2016 music

A Day Remembering Bowie

I woke up from a bad dream this morning, around 3:30 AM. I checked my phone, opened Facebook to get my mind off whatever scared me and caught this from WXRT Chicago DJ Jason Thomas.

What does that mean?!

Was the new stuff bad? Did something happen? Then I open Twitter and it’s there in front of my face. The man whose music hit me in a way when I was younger, that forced me to explore and find more like it.

gone.

I thought my nightmare was still going, that I was stuck in the weird place between being conscious and unconscious. Nope. Wide awake. I shared it with the person who I connected with the most on things like this, without any regard for the time…then eventually fell asleep with the Ziggy Stardust riff in my head. It’s still there.

Instead of writing a long and exhausting tribute, which I totally could, I want to just update this page with thoughts, memories, moments, trivia and links that I come across throughout the day…to share with fans who feel the same way.

This page will be updated throughout the day, so feel free to keep checking back.

The transformative GIF that you’ll see across the internet all day. Coincidentally saw it make the rounds all last week as well.

Explore David Bowie's 20 biggest Billboard hits: https://t.co/ed7kxq6N9k (📷🎨: @HelenGreeen) pic.twitter.com/gtjWfKq1g8

— billboard (@billboard) January 11, 2016

David Bowie and his young upstart backup singer, Luther Vandross pic.twitter.com/98NwrkshSH

— Rembert Browne (@rembert) January 11, 2016

David Bowie on Dick Cavett in 1974, with a young Luther Vandross singing backup.

93XRT and morning host Lin Brehmer hit the right spots with Bowie music and interviews all morning. I imagine it will be great to hear all day, so tune in here.

LISTEN: @LinBrehmer's 2004 interview with @DavidBowieReal https://t.co/FGumylZBoD

— WXRT Chicago (@93XRT) January 11, 2016

A tribute concert that was already planned at Carnegie Hall will now be a memorial. March 31st, featuring The Roots, Cyndi Lauper, Ann Wilson, Perry Farrell and Jakob Dylan.

We remember @DavidBowieReal who made his Carnegie Hall debut on September 28, 1972: https://t.co/DWqeFmxr2N pic.twitter.com/HWiZgdxyBF

— Carnegie Hall (@carnegiehall) January 11, 2016

Hear 30 essential David Bowie songs, spanning his iconic career https://t.co/YeMVr93OwL pic.twitter.com/U9nG8DSQ0s

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) January 11, 2016

Paul on Bowie.

Paul on @DavidBowieReal https://t.co/KVxmjBdYT1 pic.twitter.com/aNJi3BjAuv

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) January 11, 2016

The Rolling Stones

Win Butler from Arcade Fire

Goodbye friend. So many tears, and so lucky to have passed in the same solar system.

A photo posted by djwindows98 (@djwindows98) on Jan 10, 2016 at 11:25pm PST

Iggy Pop

MESSAGE FROM IGGY: "David’s friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is. - Iggy Pop"

— Iggy Pop (@IggyPop) January 11, 2016

Nile Rodgers

#RIP @DavidBowieReal Your life changed my life. Love forever. https://t.co/yQ3NsCesTH pic.twitter.com/sLH2ZyFSE5

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) January 11, 2016

Jimmy Page

Bowie was an innovator, a unique artist with a vision that changed the face of popular music. He is greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/bfBXfItDMa

— Jimmy Page (@JimmyPage) January 11, 2016

An excerpt from a 2012 Rolling Stone cover story on Bowie regarding Page.

U2

Planet Earth is blue – Bono

A photo posted by U2 Official (@u2) on Jan 11, 2016 at 5:12am PST

Queens of the Stone Age

See you in Valhalla Black Star

A photo posted by QOTSA (@queensofthestoneage) on Jan 11, 2016 at 12:05am PST

Queen

"This is our last dance…" https://t.co/RoBTZtePoz #Bowie

— Queen Official (@QueenWillRock) January 11, 2016

Pete Yorn

"If ur evr sad, jst remembr the world is 4.5billn yrs old & u somehow managed 2exist at the same time as DavidBowie" pic.twitter.com/TX8rVcjyXY

— Pete Yorn (@peteyorn) January 11, 2016

Laura Jane Grace, Against Me!

I'd argue that punk rock owes nearly everything to Bowie…"Ziggy played for time, jiving us that we were voodoo. The kids were just CRASS!"

— Laura Jane Grace (@LauraJaneGrace) January 11, 2016

Broadway’s Reaction

Broadway community pays respects to the legendary #DavidBowie: https://t.co/01jv8oefdA pic.twitter.com/pI2NSfAHwv

— broadway.com (@broadwaycom) January 11, 2016

Michael C. Hall from Dexter is starring in “Lazarus”, based on the music from Bowie’s latest album. He performed the new single on Colbert.

10 David Bowie Songs That Made Films Better: https://t.co/IC8vL65jWV pic.twitter.com/sl8qLxYBIs

— Consequence of Sound (@coslive) January 11, 2016

I’m glad CoS included “Starman” from recent Oscar contender The Martian.

The Michael Beschloss Treatment

David Bowie, Garfunkel & Simon, Ono & Lennon, Roberta Flack, 1975: #Gruen pic.twitter.com/a2fnrjDFkV

— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) January 11, 2016

Ricky Gervais (being vulnerable)

I just lost a hero. RIP David Bowie.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) January 11, 2016

Where their relationship began…

…and what it led to.

“Bowie was a step ahead of Cool.” – Kristen Schaal

This was written by @caitlinmoran about Bowie. pic.twitter.com/JbAxQLeA51

— Kristen Schaal (@kristenschaaled) January 11, 2016

Rick Nielsen, Cheap Trick

David Bowie, a Creative Musical Genius. With Respect, "Words Can Never Say It" In Heaven with Mick Ronson. pic.twitter.com/0ih3dVBEmB

— Rick Nielsen (@CheapTrickRick) January 11, 2016

Bruce Springsteen

Over here on E Street, we’re feeling the great loss of David Bowie. David was a visionary artist and an early supporter of our music.

— Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) January 11, 2016

Bowie on the first time he saw Springsteen perform…

Kendrick Lamar

What a honor, what a soul. David Bowie, Spirit of Gold. RIP.

— Kendrick Lamar (@kendricklamar) January 11, 2016

Bowie was inspired by Kendrick when recording his latest album.

Weird Al

I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me – I was not ready for this. RIP Bowie.

— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) January 11, 2016

HAIM

can't believe it. we will forever be inspired by/love u, bowie 💙 pic.twitter.com/oXMq6HuhWY

— HAIM (@HAIMtheband) January 11, 2016

Pixies

RIP David Bowie. A true InspIration pic.twitter.com/My0BrfSqgS

— PIXIES (@PIXIES) January 11, 2016

Germany

Good-bye, David Bowie. You are now among #Heroes. Thank you for helping to bring down the #wall. https://t.co/soaOUWiyVl #RIPDavidBowie

— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) January 11, 2016

pic.twitter.com/lS6KoaZlPi

— Metro (@MetroChicago) January 11, 2016

NASA

'And the stars look very different today.' RIP David Bowie. In Honor, @Cmdr_Hadfield's version of Space Oddity: https://t.co/tVUTooNr3m

— NASA (@NASA) January 11, 2016

Perfect. #DavidBowie pic.twitter.com/b2V8lA6oLF

— Rob Thomas (@RobotThomas) January 11, 2016

Check back for more throughout the day! Pass any thoughts and memories of your own to either Facebook or Twitter.

Leave a comment Posted on January 8, 2016 sports

The 2015 AP NFL All-Pro Team

Just before the postseason begins with Wildcard Weekend, the Associated Press named its All-Pro First Team. The offense looks very similar to the MichaelPiff.com Fantasy “Best Lineup”.

Adrian Peterson and JJ Watt were unanimous choices. Khalil Mack became the first player voted to two different spots. The Pathers led all teams with 6 All-Pros.

Offense

QB: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

RB: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

RB: Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

FB: Mike Tolbert, Carolina Panthers

WR: Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers

WR: Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

TE: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

T: Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati Bengals

T: Joe Thomas, Cleveland Browns

G: David DeCastro, Pittsburgh Steelers

G: Marshal Yanda, Baltimore Ravens

C: Ryan Kalil, Carolina Panthers

Defense

DE: JJ Watt, Houston Texans

DE: Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders

DT: Aaron Donald, St. Louis Rams

DT: Geno Atkins, Cincinnati Bengals

LB: Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers

LB: Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers

LB: Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders

LB: Von Miller, Denver Broncos

LB: Navorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers

CB: Josh Norman, Carolina Panthers

CB: Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals

S: Tyrann Mathieu, Arizona Cardinals

S: Eric Berry, Kansas City Chiefs

Special Teams

K: Stephen Gostowski, New England Patriots

P: Johnny Hekker, St. Louis Rams

KR: Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks

For more, follow along on Facebook and Twitter!

Leave a comment Posted on January 7, 2016 Movies

‘The Revenant’ Gets ‘Park and Recreation” Theme Treatment

Tonight’s the night. (Dexter Morgan voice)

The first showings for Leonardo DiCaprio and Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s highly anticipated revenge flick, The Revenant.

Thankfully, the internet has concocted something amazing for you before you go check it out! Mashup artist and comedian Demi Adejuyigbe put together this bad boy, since Pawnee apparently gets a lot of love in the movie.

pic.twitter.com/hNeJADueh5

— demi adejuyigbe (@electrolemon) January 6, 2016

If I were to recast Parks and Recreation characters with Revenant actors, I’d have Tom Hardy as April Ludgate.

For more, follow along on Facebook or Twitter…or The Bear gets you!

Leave a comment Posted on January 7, 2016January 10, 2016 Movies, TV

Golden Globes Picks 2016

Award Show season is here and Ricky Gervais will be keeping everyone in check Sunday, January 10th at the Golden Globes on NBC, starting at 7 PM CT.

If you’re caught up on all your film and TV watching for the last year, you are probably like me and feel that they will be spreading the wealth…at least they should be. Whomever the Hollywood Foreign Press decides to recognize on awards night isn’t always indicative of how the rest of the season will go, but it is a fun start (and extremely entertaining on Twitter).

Here are my picks for Sunday. Let me know who you’re rooting for to win some hardware after!

Best Motion Picture – Drama

Carol
Mad Max: Fury Road
The Revenant
Room
Spotlight

My Pick: Spotlight

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

Cate Blanchet, Carol
Brie Larson, Room
Rooney Mara, Carol
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn
Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl

My Pick: Brie Larson

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

Bryan Cranston, Trumbo
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl
Will Smith, Concussion

My Pick: Leonardo DiCaprio

Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

The Big Short
Joy
The Martian
Spy
Trainwreck

My Pick: The Martian

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
Melissa McCarthy, Spy
Amy Schumer, Trainwreck
Maggie Smith, The Lady in the Van
Lily Tomlin, Grandma

My Pick: Lily Tomlin

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Christian Bale, The Big Short
Steve Carell, The Big Short
Matt Damon, The Martian
Al Pacino, Danny Collins
Mark Ruffalo, Infinitely Polar Bear

My Pick: Matt Damon

Best Motion Picture – Animated

Anomalisa
Inside Out
The Peanuts Movie
Shaun The Sheep

My Pick: Inside Out

Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language

The Brand New Testament
The Club
The Fencer
Mustang
Son of Saul

My Pick: Son of Saul

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture

Jane Fonda, Youth
Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight
Helen Mirren, Trumbo
Alicia Vikander, Ex Machina
Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs

My Pick: Alicia Vikander

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

Paul Dano, Love & Mercy
Idris Elba, Beasts of No Nation
Mark Rylance, Bridge of Spies
Michael Shannon, 99 Homes
Sylvester Stallone, Creed

My Pick: Michael Shannon

Best Director – Motion Picture

Todd Haynes, Carol
Alejandro G. Iñárritu, The Revenant
Tom McCarthy, Spotlight
George Miller, Mad Max: Fury Road
Ridley Scott, The Martian

My Pick: George Miller

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

Emma Donoghue, Room
Tom McCarthy & Josh Singer, Spotlight
Charles Randolph & Adam McKay, The Big Short
Aaron Sorkin, Steve Jobs
Quentin Tarantino, The Hateful Eight

My Pick: Aaron Sorkin

Best Original Score

Carter Burwell, Carol
Alexandre Desplat, The Danish Girl
Ennio Morricone, The Hateful Eight
Daniel Pemberton, Steve Jobs
Ryuich Sakamoto & Alva Noto, The Revenant

My Pick: The Hateful Eight

Best Original Song – Motion Picture

“Love Me Like You Do” – Fifty Shades of Grey (Ellie Goulding)
“One Kind of Love” – Love & Mercy (Brian Wilson)
“See You Again” – Furious 7 (Wiz Khalifa)
“Simple Song #3” – Youth (David Lang)
“Writing’s on the Wall” – Spectre (Sam Smith)

My Pick: “One Kind of Love” – Brian Wilson

Best Television Series – Drama

Empire
Game of Thrones
Mr. Robot
Narcos
Outlander

My Pick: Game of Thrones

Best Actress in a TV Series- Drama

Caitriona Balfe, Outlander
Viola Davis, How To Get Away With Murder
Eva Green, Penny Dreadful
Taraji P. Henson, Empire
Robin Wright, House of Cards

My Pick: Robin Wright

Best Actor in a TV Series – Drama

Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Rami Malek, Mr. Robot
Wagner Moura, Narcos
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
Liev Schreiber, Ray Donovan

My Pick: Jon Hamm

Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy

Casual
Mozart in the Jungle
Orange is the New Black
Silicon Valley
Transparent
Veep

My Pick: Transparent

Best Actress in a TV Series – Musical or Comedy

Rachel Bloom, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Jamie Lee Curtis, Scream Queens
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Gina Rodriguez, Jane The Virgin
Lily Tomlin, Grace and Frankie

My Pick: Gina Rodriguez

Best Actor in a TV Series – Musical or Comedy

Aziz Ansari – Master of None
Gael Garcia Bernal – Mozart in the Jungle
Rob Lowe – The Grinder
Patrick Stewart – Blunt Talk
Jeffrey Tambor – Transparent

My Pick: Aziz Ansari

Best TV Limited Series or Movie

American Crime
American Horror Story
Fargo
Flesh & Bone
Wolf Hall

My Pick: Fargo

Best Actress in a Limited TV Series or Movie

Kirsten Dunst, Fargo
Lady Gaga, American Horror Story: Hotel
Sarah Hay, Flesh & Bone
Felicity Huffman, American Crime
Queen Latifah, Bessie

My Pick: Kirsten Dunst

Best Actor in a Limited TV Series or Movie

Idris Elba, Luther
Oscar Isaac, Show Me A Hero
David Oyelowo, Nightingale
Mark Rylance, Wolf Hall
Patrick Wilson, Fargo

My Pick: David Oyelowo

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series or Movie

Uzo Aduba, Orange is the New Black
Joanne Froggatt, Downton Abbey
Regina King, American Crime
Judith Light, Transparent
Maura Tierney, The Affair

My Pick: Regina King

Best Supporting Actor in TV Series or Movie

Alan Cumming, The Good Wife
Damian Lewis, Wolf Hall
Ben Mendelsohn, Bloodline
Tobias Menzies, Outlander
Christian Slater, Mr. Robot

My Pick: Ben Mendelsohn

Follow along for Live-Tweet Fun TONIGHT on Twitter!

1 Comment Posted on January 5, 2016 sports

Stop Blaming Millennials For Your Problems, Especially in Sports

I am tired of the lazy “Millennials are soft” narrative.

Monday night, sports fans were treated to one of 2016’s early instant classics as #1 Kansas University went 3 overtimes to fend off Buddy Hield and #2 Oklahoma 109-106 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence. It was one of the better regular season basketball games in a long time. Brent Musburger and Dick Vitale nearly lost their voices. It was a great time had by all, thanks to millennial athletes.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver was busy doing his best Grandpa Simpson impression by blaming “Millennial Culture” for his team’s second to last place record in the Western Conference.

“My whole view of the millennial culture is that they have a tough time dealing with setbacks,” Sarver told the Arizona Republic. “I’m not sure if it’s the technology or the instant gratification of being online. But the other thing is, I’m not a fan of social media. I tell my kids it’s like Fantasyland. The only thing people put online are good things that happen to them, or things they make up. And it creates unrealistic expectations.”

It’s cool though, because local journalists are Sarver’s version of a Facebook wall to rant on, and his “instant gratification” are hot take sports talk shows like FOX Sports Live (I thought this was supposed to be a highlight show) with panelists echoing his sentiments…because none of them are millennials themselves.

On this particular FSL panel from Monday night, moderator Randy Travis led off the discussion with the typical “We all know Millennials are the most coddled generation…”, and I felt more compelled to change the channel than ever. Ironically, everyone on this panel was screaming “Let Johnny Manziel be Johnny Manziel” just beforehand.

I appreciate Sports Illustrated’s media reporter Richard Deitsch for pointing out exactly where I wanted to take this on Twitter.

Michael below is exactly the viewer (a millennial w. sports interests) that FS1 needs. Why alienate a group here? https://t.co/HDZVEZVEnR

— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) January 5, 2016

The group in question is exactly the audience Fox Sports 1 is fighting for with ESPN too. Fox Sports Live was originally packaged to us as the “fun” sports show with entertaining highlights, anchors who get it (like Jay Onrait and Dan O’Toole), and smart analysis. Instead, the network adds former ESPN First Take executive producer Jamie Horowitz – who brings Colin Cowherd and Jason Whitlock with (reasons millennial audiences wanted an alternative) – and we’re back to searching for something else again. ESPN then capitalizes by handing the late night SportsCenter reigns to their most millennial friendly talent, Scott Van Pelt.

In case you weren’t aware, the millennial generation covers people born between the early 80’s to the early 2000’s. These are impactful business owners (Mark Zuckerberg), soon-to-be college grads (Jack Gleeson aka Prince Joffrey from Game of Thrones), teenagers standing up for important causes (Malala Yousafzai), and kids who never saw Michael Jordan play live. They love nostalgia (reminiscing about 90’s Nickelodeon shows and NES cartridge games) and can’t wait for what’s next (standing in line around the block for the new iPhone).

Millennials are another young generation, shaped as much by previous generations as they are criticized by them. The people who can’t stand anyone younger than them actually gave birth to them and had the opportunity to raise them the way they wanted to. The irony is hilarious. Yet for every Phoenix Suns team, there’s a Golden State Warriors roster dominated by 20-somethings on top of the basketball world. The best player in the league currently and millennial athlete, Stephen Curry, had his game influenced by a specialist from the previous generation…his dad.

"HI DAD, GOOD TO SEE YOU. GOTTA GO, BYE!" pic.twitter.com/bplfHVYjnG

— GoldenStateWarriors (@warriors) January 5, 2016

Obviously the disconnect isn’t limited to basketball, as Mr. Sarver generalizes. The old folks write pointed letters when Cam Newton dances in the end zone. They take to social media and sports talk radio when Jose Bautista flips his bat. Alas, when a millennial has something to say to defend their generation, they tell you to shut up and stop being so sensitive.

I remember that “wambulance” joke from Modern Family. It was funny the first dozen times the kindergartner on the show used it.

If the Suns are victims to “Millennial Culture”, then why are the current Chicago Cubs 7/1 World Series favorites with a projected lineup whose average age is 26? What the Suns are victims of is an organization and leadership that spends more time blaming everything but themselves for their own losing culture…and bad scouting.

Rather than sit back and criticize a generation for your problems, be proactive and either adapt or provide a productive solution. If you don’t like what you’re hearing, change the channel. Otherwise, this will be you someday.

For more, follow along and react on Facebook or Twitter!

1 Comment Posted on January 4, 2016January 4, 2016 Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football Awards 2015

Has your Fantasy Football withdrawal kicked in already? Are you already thinking about next year’s draft? Yeah, me too…That’s why I’ll be frequently updating my draft boards on MichaelPiff.com starting next week.

But first…

We have some awards to hand out from the 2015 season!

We see you @gregolsen88! pic.twitter.com/eY2nur3acu

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 4, 2016

This season was wild. Injuries, suspensions, surprises, Gary Barnidges, backup quarterbacks, drama and more drama…We’ll look at all the impact players, and some of the worst, that dictated your fantasy season this past season.

MVP

Cam Newton, Panthers

Every year you do your Fantasy draft, who usually goes off the board first?…Running backs. Then someone drafts Aaron Rodgers (probably Andrew Luck this year too) ridiculously high and some wide receivers will round out your first round. Quarterbacks don’t typically start to go in bulk until the 4th round and Cam Newton wasn’t even being considered until the 8th. His average draft position was 77.1 overall, average round was 8.4.

Those who rolled with Newton, and weren’t afraid of the lack of hype around his wide receivers, reaped ALL the benefits of #1 scoring quarterback in football. He finished the season leading the league in total touchdowns with 45 (35 passing, 10 rushing) and added 4,473 yards from scrimmage (3,837 passing, 635 rushing). Newton’s stretch from Week 11-15 (19 total touchdowns) likely helped carry you to your league’s championship too.

Next Best: Carson Palmer

Hard not to consider Carson Palmer as an MVP as well since he regularly gave you at least 290+ yards and 2-3 touchdowns through the air.

Biggest Bust of the Year

Eddie Lacy, Packers

I can’t fault players who miss time or underperform due to injury. The top tier of the running backs almost all suffered this, besides Adrian Peterson. Eddie Lacy wasn’t hurt though. Lacy was a Top 5 pick in most leagues, and he gave you just 3 rushing touchdowns and 758 yards on the ground in 15 games. He was out of shape, missing curfews, and just simply…bad. If any of his 3 games of 100+ yards helped you, I imagine it was because you were desperate at running back. It took Lacy until Week 11 to do so.

Next Worst: Dez Bryant

I’m probably breaking my injury rule here, but you likely picked Bryant late 1st or early 2nd round, held on to him while he was injured, and got just 3 touchdowns and 401 yards in 9 games for your patience. Tony Romo or not, Bryant is supposed to be a game changer…not THAT.

Draft Steal

Devonta Freeman, Falcons

If you paid close attention to the Falcons in the offseason, you were weighing your options of taking rookie Tevin Coleman or 2nd year RB Devonta Freeman as one of your flier picks. If you picked Freeman, you CHOSE WISELY. Freeman went 119th overall on average, 2 rounds or so after Coleman, and he gave you 1,639 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns (most in the league). He also helped you stack up some wins from Weeks 2-6 with 10 touchdowns (9 rushing, 1 receiving).

Next Best: Tom Brady

If you picked Tom Brady before his suspension was lifted, you got him at backup value in later rounds. If you took him after, you still enjoyed his #RevengeTour with 36 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions.

Waiver Wire Pickup of the Year

DeAngelo Williams, Steelers

While Le’Veon Bell served his 2 game suspension to start the year, DeAngelo Williams filled in with 204 yards and 3 touchdowns (all in one game). After Bell went on IR following Week 8, Williams gave you high-end RB1 production, averaging 125 yards from scrimmage and finishing tied with Freeman for the league’s lead in rushing TDs.

Next Best: Gary Barnidge

Might gut went with Gary Barnidge initially, but Williams’s value after Bell went down was just too strong…Barnidge was certainly the breakout player of the year, posting 1,043 yards and 9 touchdowns on 79 catches at the age of 30. Before this year, Barnidge’s career totals were 604 yards, 44 catches and 3 touchdowns over 7 years.

Comeback Player of the Year

Doug Martin, Buccaneers

I’ll admit it. I wrote off the Muscle Hamster. After recording nearly 2,000 yards yards from scrimmage his rookie season, the guy barely hit half of that total over the next 2 years because of injuries, bad offensive lines and worse offensive coordinators. Bucs OC Dirk Koetter figured it all out though and made Doug Martin into the league’s 2nd leading rusher, picking up 1,402 yards on the ground. For someone who went in the 9th round on average in most fantasy drafts, I think you’d take that.

Next Best: Ryan Fitzpatrick

Ryan Fitzpatrick is the definition of a journeyman quarterback. 6 teams in 10 years, never making the playoffs and a career high of 24 touchdown passes in both the seasons he started all 16 games…until this year. Surround his beard with 2 excellent possession receivers, a quality offensive line, and 2 viable running backs and Fitzpatrick turns into FitzMagic throwing 31 touchdowns. He threw multiple touchdowns in 12 of his 16 starts…Who figured Geno Smith getting punched in the face would benefit them so well?

Rookie of the Year

Todd Gurley, Rams

It’s hard not to picture Todd Gurley being drafted in your first round next season. In 12 starts, the rookie out of Georgia 1,106 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground (2nd highest in the league). Gurley was the Rams’ only source of offense, which explained some of the slow down in production down the stretch as opposing defenses keyed in on him. Expect Gurley to just get stronger and scarier now that he’ll have a full offseason without rehabbing an injury.

Next Best: Jameis Winston

It’s easy to compare Jameis Winston with Marcus Mariota, both rookie QBs with Heisman trophies in their mantles. Winston separated himself from Mariota with big play ability, ranked 2nd in yards per completion (13), and was more consistent for scoring in the 2nd half of the season.

Best Lineup

QB: Cam Newton, Panthers – 3,837 yards, 35 TD passing / 636 yards, 10 TD rushing

WR: Antonio Brown, Steelers – 1,834 yards, 136 catches, 10 TD

WR: Julio Jones, Falcons – 1,871 yards, 136 catches, 8 TD

WR: DeAndre Hopkins, Texans – 1,521 yards, 111 catches, 11 TD

RB: Adrian Peterson, Vikings – 1,485 yards, 11 TD rush / 30 catches, 222 yards receiving

RB: Devonta Freeman, Falcons – 1,061 yards, 11 TD rush / 73 catches, 578 yards 3 TD receiving

FLEX: Odell Beckham Jr, Giants – 1,450 yards, 96 catches, 13 TD (15 games)

TE: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots – 72 catches, 1,176 yards, 11 TD

K: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots – 33/36 FG, 52/52 PAT

DEF – Denver Broncos – 52 sacks, 14 INT, 16 fumble recoveries, 5 TD

Rising Lineup

QB: Kirk Cousins, Washington

WR: Allen Robinson, Jaguars

WR: Doug Baldwin, Seahawks

WR: Brandin Cooks, Saints

RB: Todd Gurley, Rams

RB: David Johnson, Cardinals

FLEX: Lamar Miller, Dolphins

K: Brandon McManus, Broncos

DEF: Minnesota Vikings

Who are your picks for our Year-End Fantasy Awards? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter! Stay tuned for year-round Fantasy Football info for next year’s draft!

Leave a comment Posted on January 1, 2016 Fantasy Football, Food, sports

Coming Soon To MichaelPiff Dot Com in 2016

For everyone who has followed along or checked in over the last year and a half, thank you so much for doing so. If people didn’t read, I wouldn’t write…Your encouragement for me to to keep doing so is more appreciated than you know.

The plan in 2016 is to continue covering everything in movies, music, sports, TV and food, but to generate more and more fun and entertaining content for all the topics this blog has become known for. Below is a list of things I look forward to featuring on the site and hope to get your input on. I am also always open to ideas and collaboration, so please feel free to reach out on Facebook, Twitter, or email me at piff.michael@gmail.com. I would like to include guest posts as well, so PLEASE let me know if you’re interested.

The Burger Challenge

Just like the Pizza Challenge a year ago, I’m looking for the Chicago area’s best burger! So far I have visited 10 burger joints and plan to have 40 ranked before summer. Above are some of the awesome items that I’ve tried and I’m always looking for recommendations. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram as the list grows, and let me know if you’d like to team up for an upcoming burger adventure.

Note: A Wings Challenge has been suggested as the next project. Stay tuned for that.

Movie/TV Madness Tournament

An annual tradition for those who have followed my work for the past few years, I’ve conducted a multi-week bracket tournament for both TV shows and movies. In the spirit of the NCAA Tournament, we list 68 competitors and break them up by region with appropriate seedings. Readers vote round-by-round on the winners of each matchup. The madness happens in March, but stay tuned to see if you’ll be voting on movies or TV shows this year.

Ballpark Foodie

Something I look for when visiting stadiums across the country is a unique and awesome food item I can’t get anywhere else. Starting this Spring, I’ll be reaching out to Major League Baseball organizations to see what baseball fans can look forward to at the concession stands for the 2016 season. I’ll be checking out as many ballparks as possible but if you happen to find something yourself, please send a photo my way on Twitter with the hashtag #BallparkFoodie and I’ll feature it here!

TV Show and Movie Power Rankings

I wrote up a few lists regarding my favorite TV Shows and movies from the past year (The 2015 Movie List will be complete after The Revenant finally hits theaters). Rather than wait months at a time for new lists, I’ll have an updated Power Rankings for new movies and favorite TV shows as I watch them every couple weeks. Look forward to how Batman v Superman stacks up against Captain America: Civil War, and House of Cards with Game of Thrones…There will also be a pre-season 6 ranking of all surviving (or speculated to be surviving) Thrones characters.

The 2016 Fantasy Football Draft Board

ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper will be updating their NFL Draft boards up until the first pick is called…I’ll be doing the same this year with all Fantasy Football positions. If you’re like me, you’re already thinking about your first round pick for next year’s Fantasy draft. From the end of this season until draft time next year, I’ll have a regularly updated version of my Fantasy “Cheat Sheet” for you to prepare.

More Mixtapes!

The college radio DJ in me LOVES sharing music and giving people a look into what I’m listening nowadays. It also encourages me to check out new artists and tracks and see if they’re worth including in upcoming playlists. Here are the mixtapes from 2015, and lookout for what’s to come in 2016. Maybe we’ll finally get new Radiohead and Tool that we keep hearing about.

The #Twitter101

In 2015, I started a new tradition of keeping a list of my favorite follows on Twitter. I plan to update the list every year with new accounts and some of old reliables that make Twitter fun to be on. If you recommend anyone to follow or would like to nominate yourself for consideration, just say so here!

The New Piffcast 2.0 (Finally)

When I started writing this blog, I fully intended to relaunch my podcast and feature it here. This year I’m fully committed to bringing it back, discussing all the topics I write about here, getting YOUR thoughts and opinions on-air, interviews with people and experts who know way more than I do, etc. If you’re interested in contributing to the podcast or would like to even sponsor it, contact me via Facebook, Twitter or email me at piff.michael@gmail.com

These are just a few of the plans I have for this year, along with the columns and articles that help make this blog what it is. Looking forward to getting things rolling and to make big things happen in 2016! Follow along for all the fun on Facebook and Twitter!