The Sports Insanity Network

Allie’s Pick: Best 40 Wrestlemania Matches to Watch

To celebrate the 40th Wrestlemania this weekend, I have decided to create a personal list of 40 Wrestlemania matches you need to watch before Wrestlemania 40 (XL). Here is my list of 40 matches you need to see in no particular order

Kofi Kingston vs Daniel Bryan- WM 35
Boneyard match: AJ Styles vs Undertaker- WM 36
Rock vs Steve Austin- WM X7
Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels- WM 26
Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair- WM 24
Hulk Hogan vs Ultimate Warrior- WM 6
Daniel Bryan vs HHH- WM 30
Bianca Belair vs Sasha Banks- WM 37
Usos vs Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn- WM 39
Shawn Michaels vs Bret Hart-WM 12
Firefly Funhouse Match: Bray Wyatt vs John Cena-WM 36
Undertaker vs Brock Lesnar-WM 30
Gunther vs Sheamus vs Drew Mcintyre-WM 39
Cody Rhodes vs Seth Rollins-WM 38
Rey Mysterio vs Randy Orton vs Kurt Angle-WM 22
Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar-WM 31
HHH vs Sting-WM 31
Hardys vs Dudley Boyz vs Edge and Christian-WM X7
Shawn Michaels vs Steve Austin-WM 14
Macho Man vs Ricky Steamboat- WM 3
Razor Ramon vs Shawn Michaels- WM 10
Shawn Michaels vs Undertaker- WM 25
Owen Hart vs Bret Hart- WM 10
Charlotte Flair vs Rhea Ripley- WM 39
Kurt Angle vs Shawn Michaels- WM 21
Eddie Guerrero vs Rey Mysterio- WM 21
HHH vs Undertaker- WM 28
Daniel Bryan vs Batista vs Randy Orton- WM 30
Edge vs Mick Foley- WM 22
Shawn Michaels vs Chris Jericho- WM 19
Rock vs Hulk Hogan-WM X8
Undertaker vs HHH- WM 27
MITB 2005- WM 21
Bret Hart vs Steve Austin- WM 13
Evolution vs Rock n Sock Connection- WM 20
Kurt Angle vs Brock Lesnar-WM 19
Eddie Guerrero vs Kurt Angle- WM 20
John Cena vs The Rock- WM 28
Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant- WM 3
Rey Mysterio vs Dominik Mysterio- WM 39

A GOLDEN SOMBRERO TO OPEN THE SEASON (Not Good)

BY Mark Halpern

The term “Golden Sombrero” is used as a term in baseball for when a player strikes out in four at bats in a game. Now this happens way more than major league players want you to know about but, in this case the New York Mets open the season losing four straight games (three to the Brewers and one to the Tigers) and have earned this moniker.

For the first time since 2005 the Mets opened 0-4 to start the season but, if you remember the Mets went on a tear winning their next six. You can’t really compare that team to this current team because they actually had pitching. To the Mets credit the starting pitching with exception of Severino has been okay. I was beyond encouraged with Sean Manaea’s start against the Tigers Monday night. The Mets problem is that they can’t keep teams off the board whether its starting pitching or the bullpen. When you have a team that doesn’t really have one reliable starter (at the current moment) it’s hard to take this team seriously.

As for the lineup I am encouraged with Francisco Alvarez. He has been making solid contact. The Mets are using him right by letting him DH while getting a break here or there when they give Navarez the start behind the dish. The Mets are in desperate need of J.D. Martinez right now cause like last year there is no way to make sure Pete is seeing the pitches he needs. Martinez is progressing and there have a been a few different reports that he will be moved up by middle of next week or at the end of April. I have been happy with the play from Baty at third. Zach Short and Joey Wendle each have gotten a start and have made defensive blunders. Starling Marte is starting to resemble why the Mets got him 2 years ago. This lineup is capable of much better things and a slow start for Lindor and McNeil is not what the Mets need but we are only four games into the season.

Mets fans are wondering what is the next step? Right now, the next step is to get Martinez up and playing games and a getting another solid bat into this lineup. Kodai Senga is improving and his most recent M.R.I. came back clean and he has been given permission to begin his spring training so to speak and build up his arm strength to be able to pitch. I would NOW think that Senga will be on some type of limits for this season to make sure he is 100% for next season. If the Mets find them in contention for a Playoff spot that could be arranged.

As for the rookies who are in the wings. Drew Gilbert is major league ready and I will expect to see him come up and help the Mets especially if Marte begins to falter a little. Luis Angel Acuna has rapidly moved his way through the Mets organization. I do not think he will be seen until September call ups or if there is series of injuries. Acuna reminds me of a young Lindor watching him play. His athleticism and determination will help spark the Mets clubs in the future. Mark Vientos was left off the roster because he was just beaten out by Zack Short. Vientos I still love and the more time he gets to play down there he might see a call up if the Mets need DH help or depth. Ryan Clifford has been another solid minor leaguer for the Mets and they also have Jett Williams, Kevin Parada, Roony Mauricio and Alex Ramirez all moving solidly through the minors and just getting better every day. This is why Steve Choen and David Sterns said the farm system is “Stacked.” For now, you have to support this team and things will get better for this Mets team when certain players return. Just remember YOU GOTTA BELIVE!

Spotlight Is On

By Mike Rifkin

When you’re an athlete in New York the spotlight is always on. It was a horrendous opening series for the New York Mets, getting swept by the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field. But for one player in particular might have had the worst weekend.

On Friday Brewers First baseman Rhys Hoskins slid hard into second base and Jeff McNeil was very unhappy. This caused the benches to clear and even though nothing of importance occurred, it was the beginning of two different weekends. Hoskins hit a homerun and drove in four runs, while McNeil had one hit in 11 at bats. McNeil is two seasons removed from winning the Batting Title, but this season might be very important for the second basemen.

Yes, Pete Alonso is in his free agency season, Starling Marte needs a bounce back after an injury riddled 2023, Brett Baty needs to show he belongs in the big leagues, but nobody has more pressure on them in my opinion than McNeil.

McNeil is under contract until 2026 (there’s a club option for 2027). But for McNeil it’s not about the money he makes, it’s about what’s coming through the pipeline. Luis Angel Acuna (acquired for Max Scherzer) is at Triple A Syracuse and Jett Williams (2022 first round pick) is at Double A Binghamton. Both are Shortstops, but that position is locked down for now with Francisco Lindor. Yes, Williams and Acuna can both play other positions, but might be more comfortable at second base. Then there’s Ronny Mauricio, who spent some time with the Mets last season. Mauricio had two homers, nine RBI and seven stolen bases with a slash line of .248/..296/.643. Mauricio tore his ACL playing Winter ball, so one has to wonder if he didn’t would he be in the everyday lineup this season? Like Williams and Acuna, Mauricio can also play other positions, but Mets President David Stearns has emphasized the team getting younger and more athletic.

I felt the 2023 Mets never recovered from the sweep at the hands of the Atlanta Braves in September of 2022. But if 2024 is anything like 2023, there will be changes made to the roster, and I believe one guy in peril this season is Jeff McNeil, so the spotlight is on.

Quick History

By Mike Rifkin

On Saturday night in Arizona Jonathan Quick made 27 saves in an 8 – 5 Rangers win. For Quick it’s his 392nd victory in the NHL, surpassing Ryan Miller for the most wins by an American born goalie.

370 wins for Quick came as an LA King. Quick also had a 2.46 GAA and a .911 save percentage as a King. Quick in the postseason was incredible with a 49-43 record with a 2.31 GAA and a.921 save percentage. Quick also led the Kings to two Stanley Cups and won the Conn Smythe in 2012. Quick has 29 career wins against the Anaheim Ducks, the most against any team.

Quick has had a great year for the Rangers with 17 wins a 2.44 GAA and a .916 save percentage. Quick’s play while Igor Shesterkin was struggling really kept the Rangers at the top of the Metropolitan Division. Quick, a Connecticut native, has a interesting case of being the Rangers’ MVP this season.

Quick’s resume for the Hockey Hall of Fame was already written. So the most wins for an American born goalie is another note on his resume. Quick has signed a one year extension for 2024-25 and with eight more wins Quick can achieve the 400 win mark.

This Week In Wrestling – 3/29/2024

BY JEFF KNAPP

Jim Ross went back into the hospital this week to get three ports in his chest removed. Good luck to Mr. Ross and a speedy recovery.

This week on NXT, Ridge Holland announced that not being able to be the father and husband he needs to be as of late and announced that he has made a decision. One that is best for him and his own mental health, as well as the best future for his family. He then officially announced he is “stepping away from in-ring competition, indefinitely.”

Reports suggest that one of the great tag teams in TNA/Impact history are about to hit the free agent market on April 1, 2024. That being the Motor City Machine Guns – Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. No matter where they go, they will be a huge asset to whatever promotion signs them.

Jake “The Snake” Roberts announced on his podcast this week that he signed on for another year with AEW. That is amazing news and I hope every wrestler in that company takes the time to pick his brain.

Killer Kelly is apparently taking some time off from TNA and will be back at some point. Reports are that she is signed to the company into 2025. As a fan of her, this is great news to know she will be back at some point.

There are reports that NWA 76 will be held in Philly at the 2300 arena.

This week, Corey Graves announced that debuting April 3^rd on X will be the new show called “Speed” with there being a Speed Championship. Via the press release: “EVERY SECOND COUNTS, Corey Graves is here to introduce WWE Speed!”

The announcement continued, “Your favorite Superstars will go head-to-head in 3-minute matches, where the WWE Speed Championship is the ultimate prize. WWESpeed premieres April 3rd, exclusively on X!”

GCW announced on March 27 that Steve Corino will be inducted into the Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2024 during WrestleMania weekend. Along with Steve Corino, Trent Acid, The Briscoes, and Kevin Hogan will also be inducted.

The induction ceremony will take place in Philadelphia on Sunday, April 7, at noon and will stream live for free on YouTube.

It’s been announced that Ace Austin, a 3-time X Division Champion and 2-time World Tag Team Champion(with Chris Bey – ABC) has resigned with TNA Wrestling. At 27, he is a piece that TNA can and should use to build around for the next decade.

After the initial allegations were levied against Vince McMahon back in 2023, WWE established a “consensual relationship” policy – a three page document that was circulated to all staff and talent in June of that year. It details WWE’s stance on relationships in the workplace as well as responsibilities of those involved.

To promote a productive environment, free from conflicts, as well as favoritism and unfair advantage, whether perceived or real, WWE has implemented the following policy and guidelines related to consensual relationships in the workplace. This policy applies to all employees, regardless of rank or title.

All employees should recognize the possible negative consequences of romantic, intimate, or sexual relationships in the workplace. Consensual relationships can compromise the integrity of supervisory responsibility, create the potential for abuse of authority or cause problems due to perceptions of favoritism by others. This policy prescribes actions required to address conflicts, and further specifies the situations where consensual relationships are prohibited.

A consensual relationship refers to any relationship that is romantic, intimate, or sexual in nature and to which the parties consent. Consensual relationships that might be acceptable in other circumstances may not be appropriate if one of the parties has institutional responsibility, authority or influence over the other or is involved in evaluation of the other.

Situations covered by this Policy are distinguishable from sexual harassment, which is covered in WWE’s policy on Equal Opportunity and Non-Harassment which can be found on The Ring.

Requirements for Employees in a Consensual Relationship.

If an employee is entering, or in, a consensual relationship with another employee, both employees must:

Report the relationship to Human Resources; and

Cooperate in actions taken to address any conflict of interest.

It may be necessary for the executive or manager to assist Human Resources in assessing and addressing any conflict. Addressing conflicts may include:

Transferring one of the individuals to another position; or

Transferring supervisory, decision-making, evaluative, or advisory responsibilities; or

Providing an additional layer of oversight to the supervisory role.

After any conflict is addressed, the employee(s) who have entered a consensual relationship will certify that they have reviewed and understand the Consensual Relationship Policy and agree to the requirements and expectations of WWE as it pertains to professionalism. (See below.)

Affiliated Individuals

WWE has relationships with “affiliated individuals” meaning independent contractors (including but not limited to WWE Talent, Vendor Contractors and Freelancers), interns, temporary workers, vendors, and others with whom it contracts. Any employee who has a consensual relationship with an affiliated individual must abide by the Consensual Relationship Policy with respect to the affiliated individual.

Prohibitions Regarding Consensual Relationships

Consensual relationships are prohibited when effective arrangements to address the conflict cannot be made.

An employee shall not conduct performance evaluations, or make decisions regarding salary, promotion, tenure, or continuation of employment for a person with whom he or she has or had a consensual relationship.

An employee shall not exercise responsibility (instructional, evaluative, or supervisory) for any affiliated individual with whom the employee has or had a consensual relationship.

WWE strongly discourages consensual relationships involving any WWE Board Member, or executive team member such as the CEO, President, CFO, Chief Content Officer, Chief Legal Officer, or Chief Human Resources Officer.

These relationships in particular can compromise the integrity of supervisory responsibility and create the potential for abuse of authority or perceptions of favoritism. In the event an executive team member is involved in such a consensual relationship, it must be disclosed in writing to the Lead Independent Director of the Board, in addition to the Chief Human Resources Officer. In the event a WWE Board member is involved in such a consensual relationship, it must be disclosed in writing to the CEO and Chief Legal Officer, in addition to the Chief Human Resources Officer.

Employees are encouraged to report any concerns about anything contained in this policy, any violation of law or WWE policies, or any ethical concerns. You can reach our hotline via a secure website anytime at I or through a dedicated telephone number available 24/7/365, I

Retaliation against employees who report concerns about consensual relationships is prohibited and constitutes a violation of this policy.

Failure to Comply

Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Rollcall of current Champions across the wrestling world

WWE

WWE Universal Championship – Roman Reigns

World Heavyweight Champion – Seth Rollins

WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions – Judgement Day

WWE Women’s Champion – Iyo Sky

Women’s World Champion – Rhea Ripley

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions – The Kabuki Warriors

WWE US Champion – Logan Paul

WWE Intercontinental Champion – Gunther

NXT

NXT Championship- Ilja Dragunov

NXT Women’s Champion – Lyra Valkyria

North American Champion – Oba Femi

Tag Team Champions – The Wolf Dogs (Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin)

Heritage Cup – Charlie Dempsey

AEW

AEW World Champion – Samoa Joe

TNT Champion – Adam Copeland

Women’s Champion – Toni Storm

TBS Champion – Julia Hart

Tag Team Champions – VACANT

Trios Champions – The Acclaimed and Billy Gunn

AEW International Champion – Roderick Strong

AEW Continental Champion – Okada

TNA Wrestling

World Champion – Moose

X Division – Mustafa Ali

Tag Team Champions – The System (Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers)

Digital Media Champion – Crazzy Steve

Knockouts Champion – Jordynne Grace

Knockouts Tag Champions – Spitfire (Dani Luna and Jody Threat)

ROH

ROH World Champion – Eddie Kingston

ROH TV Champion – Kyle Fletcher

ROH Pure Champion – Wheeler Yuta

ROH Tag Champions – The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Mike Bennett)

ROH Women’s Champion – Athena

ROH Six Man Tag Champions – Bullet Club Gold (Jay White & Austin & Colton Gunn)

NJPW

IWGP World Champion – Tetsuya Naito

IWGP Global Heavyweight – Nick Nemeth

IWGP Junior Heavyweight – Sho

Strong Openweight Champion – Eddie Kingston

IWGP Television Champion – Matt Riddle

IWGP Tag Team Champions – Bullet Club (Kenta & Chase Owens)

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions – Bullet Club War Dogs (Drilla Moloney and Clark Connors)

Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions – Guerrillas of Destiny (Hikuleo and El Phantasmo)

NEVER Openweight Champion – Evil

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions – Vacant

KOPW 2023 – Great O Khan

IWGP Women’s Champion – Maya Iwatani (Shared with Stardom)

Strong Women’s Champion – Stephanie Vaquer (Shared with Stardom)

NWA

NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion – EC3

NWA World TV Champion – Max The Impaler (unified men’s and women’s)

NWA World Jr Heavyweight Champion – Colby Corino

NWA National Champion – “Thrillbilly Silas Mason

NWA World Tag Team Champions – Blunt Force Trauma – (Carnage & Damage)

NWA US Tag Team Champions – The Immortals (Kratos & Odinson)

NWA World Women’s Champion – Kenzie Paige

NWA World Women’s TV Champion – Max The Impaler

NWA World Women’s Tag Team Champions – The King Bees (Charity King & Danni Bee)

AAA – Triple A Worldwide

AAA Mega Champion – El Hijo Del Vikingo

AAA Latin American Champion – Octagon Jr

AAA World Cruiserweight Champion – Komander

AAA World Tag Team Champions – Nueva Generacion Dinamita (Sanson & Forastero)

AAA World Trios Champions – Los Vipers (Abismo Negro Jr, Psicosis & Toxin)

AAA Reina de Reinas Champion – Flammer

CMLL – Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre

CMLL World Heavyweight Champion – Gran Guerrero

CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion – Niebla Roja

CMLL World Middleweight Champion – Templario

CMLL World Welterweight Champion – Titan

CMLL World Lightweight Champion – Stigma

CMLL World Tag Team Champions – Los Nuevos Ingobernables (Ángel de Oro & Niebla Roja)

CMLL World Trios Champions – Los Bárbaros (Dragon Rojo Jr., Bárbaro Cavernario & El Terrible)

CMLL World Women’s Champion – Stephanie Vaquer

CMLL World Women’s Tag Team Champions – Stephanie Vaquer and Zeuxis

Stardom

World of Stardom Champion (main title) – Maika

Wonder of Stardom Champion (secondary title ie IC title) – Saori Anou

Goddess of Stardom Champions (tag) – AphroditE – (Saya Kamitani & Utami Hayashishita)

Artist of Stardom Champions (trios) – Abarenbo GE (Syuri, Mirai and Ami Sohrei)

High Speed Champion (lightweight or x type of title) Mei Seira

WHAT CAN WE DO?

BY MARK HALPERN

It’s definitely hard being a Dallas Cowboys fan these days. For the better part of the last three decades, Cowboys’ fans have been promised glory and there have been glimmers of hope over the years but, we haven’t been able to grab that brass ring or in this case a Super Bowl Trophy. I mean come on Sheldon Cooper won a Nobel Prize and we can’t even win a Wild Card Game. So the question is since the Cowboys have really screwed themselves cap wise over the years and are told “We are all in this season” and then not one major signing. I feel like Oliver with my bowl saying “Please sir can I have some more” but not because I am hungry but, because I am glutton for punishment every year.

The Cowboys have options left out there and one that actually makes sense and would not cost Dallas much is to call Houston and see what Dameon Pierce would cost. I would assume a 6^th round pick would be more than enough. Yes, I know Pierce has been on a downward trend over the years and Houston just traded for Joe Mixon and could use the pick. Right now, it’s looking as Dallas might look towards the draft to replace a running back and not with their first pick either.

This draft is more Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers and Offensive lineman and will occupy most of the first round. Dallas can find themselves in a unique position in the second round at #56. Jaylen Wright from Tennessee would be an immediate upgrade to their situation and would team well with the Cowboys offensive play. The case also could be made for Jonathon Brooks from Texas. By all his grades he is poised for the NFL and will probably be the first of the running backs off the board and if that happens the Cowboys can still upgrade with a draft pick.

What did Jones mean when he said he was “Going all in” to Cowboys fans. Well, the best people close to the situation don’t even know the answer. The one RUMOR that has been circling has been the name DIGGS. Could the Cowboys pull off a deal with Buffalo to bring the brothers together? It would be very hard to think so but Diggs has been saying he would entertain a trade but, Buffalo would need one hell of a package and where would this money come from? Well, I have absolutely no idea but, Once Prescott’s contract is fully redone and Cowboys fans realize that Dak is here to stay. Even at $60million per year sounds unreal but in reality, it isn’t. Out of the top ten paid quarterbacks in the league less than 30% have a Superbowl ring or even appearance. So, when you have invested so much you don’t throw it out the window and start over when your just inches or yards in this case to being even better.

The Cowboys will have some decisions before next months draft and maybe we will be pleasantly surprised by what happens but let’s face it we don’t expect it. Also Jerry need to know what all in means.

DOME!!!!!!!!

BY MARK HALPERN

Baseball returns today and most of America is happy that their teams will be kicking off the season today. However, for the New York Mets had to postpone their day to Friday March 28th due to inclement weather. Mets fans and fans in the Northeast have become accustomed to this problem and the chant for a Retractable Dome to be put over Citi Field and potentially every other ballpark.

In 2021 the Mets fans endured over 10 rainouts and over a dozen rain delays, in 2022 the number increased on both rain developments. When you have games that are rained out the fans have the advantage for getting a rain event ticket for when the game is made up (that’s if they can go) or you just have to eat the final cost. For a team like the Mets who are owned by Billionaire and brilliant businessman Steve Cohen you have to wonder why it hasn’t even been mentioned or even considered.

Obviously, a Retractable Dome would cost in the hundreds of Millions of Dollars and no matter how much money you have that’s still a swift kick to the gonads. That being said Steve Cohen is in the current process of the complete re-beatification of Flushing Park in Queens New York. He is investing over $2billion dollars to make it a real destination for tourists and athletic attraction. This is all great of course but, the one thing he needs to add is a Retractable roof over Citi Field. It would be an advantageous move for him on a lot of fronts. First with no rainouts the Mets play as predicted and don’t have to make up games from a home standpoint. Obviously if games get rained out when they are on the road there is nothing we can do. Second the fewer double headers that they will have to to play (again on a home field basis) and again taking more stress off players and finally, the Fans won’t have to worry about having to reschedule any of their plans and possibly be put a lot of money because they can’t come back on the rain date.

I know this whole idea makes sense and probably would make sense to Steve Cohen as well but when it comes down to Brass Tax the all-mighty Dollar wins all and if the cost is too cost perspective we will have to just endure. This isn’t just a Mets problem, but a problem across Baseball.

Potential Dak Prescott Landing Spots

By Mike Rifkin

Being the Quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys has to be a difficult job. They are always under a certain microscope and compared to legends such as Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach.

Current Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott is entering the final year of his contract, and was carrying almost a 60 million dollar cap hit (the team did restructure part of the deal). But most people believed that Prescott would land a contract extension, after his sensational season where he led the league in touchdowns and was third in yards and leading the Cowboys to the NFC East Division title. But our lasting image of Dak and the Cowboys last year was getting run out of their own building by the Green Bay Packers and Dak was a major reason why despite the numbers the game was over by halftime. Dak’s lack of postseason success puts him under the microscope and with no extension coming the 2024 season for Dak and the Cowboys is Super Bowl or bust. And if it’s bust Dak and head coach Mike McCarthy will be elsewhere. So let’s say the Cowboys bust where will Dak Prescott play football in 2025, well here are some options.

NEW YORK GIANTS : Let’s start with a bang. If Dak Prescott is under the microscope in 2024, Daniel Jones is under the New Year’s Eve ball. The Giants Quarterback regressed in 2023 prior to injury, but another down year and the Giants will have to make a change.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS : Now this one might change just based on what the Vikings could potentially do in the draft, but Dak Prescott would certainly be an upgrade over Sam Darnold, who ironically enough was not Sam I am from Green Eggs and Ham.

DENVER BRONCOS : The Russell Wilson experiment failed pretty quickly. Could the Broncos start Jarrett Stidham for a year and maybe go all in on Dak next offseason? Can Dak and Sean Payton build a similar chemistry to Sean and Drew Brees.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS : The Raiders missed out on Kirk Cousins and Russell Wilson and might miss out on one of the top quarterbacks in the draft. Dak Prescott to Davante Adams might have a nice ring to it.

LOS ANGELES RAMS : This is probably the longest shot of them all, but if Matthew Stafford retires the Rams will have more money off their books. Dak going to a team with Sean Mcvay, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua could keep the Rams a threat in the NFC.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS : While Dak and McCarthy are under pressure in Dallas, so are Derek Carr and Dennis Allen in New Orleans. Would the Saints dump Carr for Dak? Neither one has had playoff success, but if the Saints miss the playoffs again they might just start from scratch instead of going all in on a quarterback again.

DALLAS COWBOYS : As I said earlier I believe it’s Super Bowl or bust for the Cowboys, but I feel that way most years. But isn’t the devil you know better than the one you don’t know? Yes, Jerry Jones will have to pay Cee Dee Lamb and Micah Parsons, but who is throwing Lamb the ball if Dak’s not there? What options will Jerry Jones have?

Beware Of Gonzaga

By Mike Rifkin

On Saturday the Gonzaga Bulldogs outscored the Kansas Jayhawks 46-24 in the Second half on their way to an 89-68 victory. For Gonzaga this win propels them into the Sweet 16 for the ninth straight season, which is the longest in the country.

Friday night Gonzaga will play the top seed in the Midwest Region the Purdue Boilermakers. This will be the second meeting of the year between the Boilermakers and Bulldogs. The two teams played in November during the Maui Invitational, Purdue outscored Gonzaga 43-28 on their way to a 10 point victory.

One of the things people should admire about Gonzaga is that they aren’t in a Power Five conference, yet every year they find themselves competing for a National Championship. Despite not winning a National Championship, Coach Mark Few always has his team battle tested by the time the tournament starts. This season alone Gonzaga’s out of conference schedule included games against San Diego St., UCONN, Kentucky, Washington, and a trip to the Maui Invitational where they played Purdue, Syracuse, and UCLA. Now, while not all these games resulted in wins for the Bulldogs they got them prepared for the tournament run.

While they haven’t won a Championship everyone should respect the power Gonzaga has turned into. It’s tremendous that a non power five school is as consistent as Gonzaga. In 2020-21 Gonzaga was one game away from having a perfect 32-0 record, but what everyone remembers is that they lost the National Championship to Baylor.

Gonzaga is one of the best programs in the country, so don’t be surprised if they’re able to defeat Purdue and advance to the Elite Eight. Win or lose everyone should respect the power Gonzaga has become and we need to appreciate the greatness because it is not something we witness all the time.

Rock Bottom

By Mike Rifkin

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Penguins blew a 4-0 lead over the Colorado Avalanche and lost 5-4 in overtime. The loss makes the Penguins 2-6-2 over their last ten games, and they sit nine points out of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference and 11 points out of third place in the Metropolitan division with 12 games left in the season.

Last season was the first time the Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time since 2006-07. The organization fired President of Hockey Ops Brian Burke and GM Ron Hextall. Former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas replaced them. Dubas has made two significant moves as the GM. The first was acquiring former Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson from the Sharks in the offseason. Karlsson has 46 points in 70 games played and has not helped a power play that has been abysmal this season. The other at the trade deadline was trading away Jake Guentzel to the Carolina Hurricanes. The reaction across social media was underwhelming for Guentzel. I felt the trade deadline was a crossroads for the organization.

Sidney Crosby, who would be a Hart Trophy candidate if the Penguins were in contention, is having another great season. The organization has promised Crosby to be a Stanley Cup contender as long as he’s around. But something has to change because this team is getting older, and they haven’t won a playoff series since they won the Cup in 2017.

Here is where things are arduous for Kyle Dubas. 13 players on the roster have at least a modified no-trade clause, and as of now, the Penguins don’t have a first-round pick. ( If the pick is outside the top ten, it belongs to the Sharks) unless the Hurricanes get to the Stanley Cup Final. Having an aging roster and no real big prospects coming will make Dubas’ job very difficult. The most interesting question will be what he does with Head Coach Mike Sullivan? Dubas is going to have some tough decisions to make, but on Sunday the Penguins may have hit rock bottom.