Episode 57 – Major Fail

Bryan Patton    Podcast Episode     Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, DeAngelo Hall, Jay Beagle, Kyle Shanahan, Michael Vick, MLB, NFL, Podcast Episode, Washington Capitals, Washington Redskins

Bryan rants and raves about the Redskins loss to the Cowboys, The Capitals preseason, and the MLB playoffs. Jake, Matt, and Mark join to talk bout the Buffalo Bills and Michael Vick.

Topics:

MLB Playoffs

Skins/Cowboys

MMA

Washington Capitals

Washington Sportsjam MMA Pound-for-Pound Rankings: September 2011 Edition

Mark Kalriess    Articles, MMA     Anderson "the Spider" Silva, Bellator, Cain Velasquez, Cole Konrad, Dominick Cruz, Frankie Edgar, Georges St-Pierre, Gilbert Melendez, Hector Lombard, Jon "Bones" Jones, Jose Aldo, MMA, Pound-for-Pound Rankings, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Strikeforce, UFC, Washington Sportsjam Pound-for-Pound MMA Rankings April 2011

Yet again, the top of the rankings remain the same. Jon “Bones” Jones looked dominant in his win but he’s far away from a ruling his weight class the way Silva or St-Pierre do. One month after entering the “In Consideration” rankings “Dangerous” Dan Henderson leaves it as he leaves Strikeforce.  Cole Konrad gains entry based on his spotless record.

1. Anderson Silva (UFC Middleweight Champion, Record 28-4)

In the Yushin Okami fight Silva avenged his most recent loss and extended his title-defense streak to an astounding nine times. He beat one of his most qualified challengers yet both mentally and physically. His in-ring mind-games showed how he can force an opponent into his gameplan. Unfortunately, it also showed why he is losing fans despite his massive talent. Love him or hate him, he’s the most dominant fighter in the world right now.
Next Fight – TBA

2. Georges St-Pierre (UFC Welterweight Champion, Record 22-2)

GSP was not able to dominate Jake Shields the way he dominated his six previous challengers. However he once again held off a red-hot challenger by not playing into their game and exploiting their weaknesses. It may not have been exciting but it was the smart move. He still looks unbeatable in the Welterweight division.

Next Fight – vs.  Carlos Condit @ UFC 137 10/29/11

3. Jon Jones (UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Record 14-1)

Jones proved he was for real in his first title defense. He beat Rampage Jackson thoroughly and in all aspects of the fight. He kept Rampage at range with varied striking, forced him to defend from submission attempts, and was never predictable. His critics say he’s never been tested; the truth is no one has been able to find a chink in his armor. Jones is so good in so many ways and is always improving. Right now his only weakness is his ego.

Next Fight – TBA vs. Rashad Evans

4. Cain Velasquez (UFC Heavyweight Champion, Record 9-0)

After the reigns of the hulking Shane Carwin and Brock Lesnar, Velaszquez proved that winning in the UFC required more than strength, power, and wrestling top-control. When Velasquez defeated Lesnar he proved that he was better all-around fighter than Brock and that he could contest with anyone in any aspect of a fight. There are a few UFC Heavyweights in his same class, but he’ll be a hard guy to take a belt from.

Next Fight – vs. Junior Dos Santos @UFC on Fox 11/12/11

5. Jose Aldo (UFC Featherweight Champion, Record 19-1)

Aldo may have gutted out a win against his most game challenger yet, but he did not look like his usual self in his first UFC title defense. His ground game and cardio were terrible, especially in a the final round where he allowed the challenger Mark Hominick to stay in top-position for the final few minutes. Hominick ground-and-pounded away while Aldo just laid there. He wasn’t his usual exciting self in the standup either, relying on more technical striking. He may have mashed up Hominick’s face and won his first UFC title defense, but he didn’t look anything like the dominant WEC champion he once was.

Next Fight – vs. Kenny Florian @UFC 136 10/8/11

Other fighters in consideration: Dominick Cruz, Frankie Edgar, Cole Konrad, Hector Lombard, Gilbert Melendez

Episode 56 – We Want Dallas

Bryan Patton    Podcast Episode     Buffalo Bills, Cam Newton, Kyle Shanahan, Mike Shanahan, Peyton Manning, Podcast, Rex Grossman, Sidney Crosby, Tim Hightower, Washington Capitals, Washington Redskins

Bryan, Matt, and Mark discuss the Redskins Win over the Cardinals and look ahead to the Cowboys. The guys then break down the other big week two NFL story lines. Plus, Bryan checks in on the Capitals preseason.

Why Rampage can beat Jon Jones.

Mark Kalriess    Articles, MMA     Chuck Liddell, Dana White, Jon "Bones" Jones, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, UFC, UFC 135

Jon “Bones” Jones is a phenomenal athlete, an exciting fighter, and clearly UFC’s next big star. Dana White and the other UFC brass believe with good reason that he could have a Jordan-like effect on the sport. He’s charismatic outside the ring and on a whole other level from his foes inside it.

But he’s not a legend yet. He hasn’t cleaned out the light-heavyweight division. He’s looked unbeatable but he also hasn’t fought a lot of fights.  People are presumptuously crowning him the greatest light-heavyweight of all time. I believe when all is said and done, he’ll be in that conversation, but right now I think a lot of people are overlooking something, and that something is Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Looking at the top contenders in the light-heavyweight class and none of them look like much of a threat to Jones. He looks great in all aspects. His record wingspan, sharp knees and elbows, and unorthodox style make him almost unbeatable in the stand-up game. His takedown defense is superb. He has a wrestling background and has shown his jujitsu skills in submission victories. Like Anderson Silva, his reach makes it almost impossible for an opponent to try anything against him without opening themselves up for TKO.

xploitme flickr

This is where Jackson comes in. Rampage KO’d Chuck Liddell, the greatest counter-puncher to ever fight in the UFC. He’s got heavy hands, a strong chin, and one of the best stand-up games in the division. Rampage is huge, with a physique more like true heavyweight, it was rumored that he once cut from 300 pounds for fight. While he won’t have the reach advantage, he is one of few fighters in the division who could come into a fight bigger and stronger then Jones. He also has a stronger wrestling background than the Brazilians at 205.

That is how Rampage can beat Jon Jones. He could rush forward; put Jones on his back, and ground and pound away. With his size and his chin he can charge in more recklessly than other fighters. Then, he is the one guy big enough to keep Jones down. He could also keep it standing and wait for the right moment for a KO punch. He is the only one in the weight class whose hands are heavy enough to catch Jones with just one shot.

I do think Jones will win on Saturday night. If someone at light-heavyweight can beat him though, that someone is Rampage Jackson. So before we crown Jones the Tyson or Ali of MMA let’s see him get past his toughest test yet – and maybe the toughest of his career.

Episode 55 – A Giant Step Forward?

Mark Kalriess    Podcast Episode     Arizona Cardinals, Chris Neild, New York Giants, Novak Djokovic, Podcast Episode, Rafael Nadal, Rex Grossman, Roger Federer, Ryan Kerrigan, Tennis, Trent Williams, U.S. Open, Washington Redskins, Washington Sportsjam

Matt and Mark review the Skins big Week 1 win and preview Week 2 against the Cardinals.  Mark also discusses the US Open and its ramifications on the new tennis hierarchy. If you like the show makes sure to subscribe and rates on iTunes and fan us on Facebook!

Topics:

Giants Game Recap

Game MVP

Game LVP

Week 2 vs Cardinals Preview

NFL Week 2 Picks

US Open Tennis