The Sports Insanity Network

Comeback Complete

By : Mike Rifkin and Mark Halpern

On Thursday night the New York Mets scored seven runs in the ninth inning to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-7. It was the largest ninth inning rally for the Mets in 25 years. The rally was started and ended by Starling Marte, who singled to start the ninth and completed with a go ahead RBI Double. Marte started the comeback with a homerun off of Aaron Nola in the sixth inning. In the ninth inning Francisco Lindor snapped an 0-18 skid with a 421 foot two run homerun. Mark Canha and JD Davis both had RBI base hits, Brandon Nimmo tied the game with a two run single before Marte’s go ahead double. The offense bailed out Taijuan Walker who gave up seven runs (six earned) in four innings of work, and afterwards Chasen Shreve, Adonis Medina and Edwin Diaz held the Phillies scoreless.

It wasn’t the first ninth inning comeback the Mets have had this season. On April 25th the Mets scored five runs in the top of the ninth to beat the Cardinals 5-2. This team plays hard until the 27th out is recorded and they show fight. There is a belief in this team that they can win on any night. That starts with Buck Showalter and it just feels like something could be brewing in Queens.

But last night’s comeback reminded us of a comeback of the past.

Let’s flashback to the year 2000 . It was a warm day at Shea Stadium, and the Mets were taking on another division rival the Atlanta Braves in a prime divisional matchup. Mike Hampton was on the mound and was shelled and gave up 3 runs in the first inning. In the next inning, Hampton gave up another 2 earned runs and then another on an error. Now it was 6-0, and things were looking bleak. In the 7th inning, the Mets got on the board after a series of hits got a single run in, making it 6-1. A home run by the Braves in the next inning made it 8-1, and Mets fans started to leave the park, and they were about to miss one of the greatest comebacks of all time.

We saw some life in the Mets bats at the bottom of the eighth inning. A series of hits from Derek Bell, Piazza, and Ventura brought in a run making it 8-2. Edgardo Alfonso had hit a long fly ball for the first out. Todd Zeile hit a line drive to left field that scored Piazza, and now the score is 8-3. Jay Payton worked a walk, and then Benny Agbayani loaded the bases with a walk. Another walk to Mark Johnson brought in Zeile, making it 8-4. Melvin Mora worked out another walk making the score 8-5. The stadium was electrified with what fans remained at the stadium. Derek Bell came to plate next, and he has been a batter known to work counts, and that he did by forcing another walk. Now the score is 8-6. Edgardo Alfonso came up next and hit a line drive to left-center and Mcewing and Mora scored, and now the Mets were tied with the Braves. However, Mike Piazza came up for his second time in the inning and what happened next was amazing. Mike Piazza hit a scorching line drive that hit above the old orange wall at Shea for 3 run Home Run. The ball was hit so hard and fast that Gary Cohen didn’t have time to yell, “It’s outta here” cause the ball got from home to the left-field wall that fast. The Mets were up 11-8, and Armando Benitez came in to pitch; and it took 4 batters, but he closed the game for the Mets. It was one of the greatest comebacks ever. That 2000 team went on to win the National League Pennant, only time will tell if the 2022 Mets will have the same results.

Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Predictions

By: Mike Rifkin

The best playoffs in all of sports the Stanley Cup Playoffs are here. Here are my first round predictions with stats from the regular season meetings.

FLAMES VS STARS

CGY 2-0-1 vs DAL

Matthew Tkachuck/ Andrew Mangiapane 2 goals/1assist each vs DAL
Markstrom 1-0-1 : 3.33 GAA/.878 Save percentage vs DAL
– Benn/Robertson 2 goals each

Pavelski : 2 assists

Hintz : 0 points in 3 games

Oettinger : 0-2-0 : 3.56 GAA/.908 save percentage

Flames in 6

Kings VS Oilers

EDM 3-1/LAK 1-2-1
McDavid 3 goals 6 points
Daraisaitl 1 goal/1assist
Kane 3 points in 3 games
Mike Smith : 2-0-0 : 2.00 GAA/ .938 save percentage. Playoff career : 11-17-0 2.34 GAA/.931 save percentage
Trevor Moore 2 goals 4 points
Kempe 2 goals
Kopitar 1 assist in 4 games. 21 goals 66 points playoff career.
Quick : 1-1-1 : 2.29 GAA/.918 save percentage. Playoff career: 46-39 2.23 GAA/.922 save percentage
Kings in 7

AVS VS PREDS

AVS 1-1-2/ PREDS 3-1
Roman Josi 2 goals 6 points
Filip Forsberg 2 goals: 28 career playoff goals
Matt Duchene 4 goals
Saros : 2-0-0 2.94 GAA/.914 save percentage
Cale Makar : 2 goals 7 points
Kadri 6 assists 0 goals
Mackinnon 1 goal
Kuemper 0-0-2 : 4.23 GAA/.870 save percentage
AVS in 4

BLUES VS WILD

BLUES 3-0-0 /WILD 0-1-2
STL 12-1-1 LAST 14 VS MIN
Blues Power Play 2nd/ WILD PK 25TH
Pavel Buchnevich 2 goals 5 points
Robert Thomas 1 goal 5 points
Kaprizov 3 goals 6 points
Ryan Hartman 3 goals 5 points
Marc-Andre Fleury With Wild : 9-2-0 2.74 GAA/.910 save percentage. Playoffs: 90-70 2.53 GAA/.912 save percentage.
Husso: 2-0-0 3.92 GAA/.892 save percentage vs MIN. 25-7-6 2.56 GAA/.919 save percentage.
Wild in 7

BRUINS VS HURRICANES

HURRICANES OUTSCORED BRUINS 16-1 in 3 reg season meetings
Svechnikov 3 goals 3 assists 6 points
Anderson 3-0-0 .990 save percentage 0.33 GAA 2 shutouts vs Bruins: Out for game 1
Bergeron 46 career playoff goals
Hurricanes in 6

Rangers Vs Penguins

Rangers 3-1/ Penguins 1-3
Shesterkin : 3-1-0 1.01 GAA/.960 save percentage
Kreider: 3 goals 6 points. ; Playoffs 24 goals 39 points
Panarin 1 goal 3 assists
Crosby: 1 goal 1 assist. 6 goals 21 points vs NYR in playoffs. 69 goals 191 points in playoffs
Malkin 64 playoff goals 174 points
Rangers in 6

Lightning vs Leafs

2 wins each
Matthews 3 goals 7 points. 13 goals 24 points in playoffs
Nylander/Kase 2 goals each
TOR hasnt won playoff series since 2004
Campbell 2-1-0 2.33 GAA/.918 save percentage
Stamkos 2 goals 9 points: Playoffs 32 goals 72 points
Killorn/Palat 5 goals 11 points combined : Playoffs 71 goals combined
Vasilevskiy : 2-1-12.97 GAA/.919 save percentage: Playoffs: 49-29 2.24 GAA/.924 save percentage
Lightning in 6

Panthers Vs Caps

FLA 2-1 WSH 1-1-1
Bobrovsky in playoffs : 13-23 record, 3.24 goals against average and a .899 save percentage. In his two playoffs with the Panthers Bobrovsky has a 2-5 record 3.80 goals against average and .880 save percentage.
Huberdeau 1 goal 4 assists
Barkov 2 goals
Ovechkin 4 goals: 43 in career vs florida. Playoffs 71 goals 135 ponts
Backstrom 36 playoff goals/ Oshie 28 goals
Panthers in 5

2022 NFL Draft – NY Giants

By Jeff Knapp

The 2022 NFL draft is over and Georgia’s Travon Walker went #1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, while QB Brock Purdy from Iowa State was Mr. Irrelevant and went to the San Francisco 49ers.

This year the NY Giants had 11 picks including 5 in the 1st three rounds. There were plenty of holes to fill along the offensive line, all along the defense and the need to add a few weapons to Daniel Jones, who had his 5th year option declined just before the draft.

The Giants had the 5th and 7th picks in the 1st round. Some were saying they might trade back with their 7th pick but that never happened and thankfully so.

The major glaring needs the Giants had were a great pass rusher and a solid stud up front to protect whomever is the QB in 2022 and beyond. They had many great players to choose from and with the 5th pick, the Giants took edge rusher from Oregon, Kayvon Thibodeaux, followed by one of the 2 top offensive linemen in the draft, Alabama’s Evan Neal.

In the 2nd round, the Giants traded back twice with the Jets and the Falcons and went from the 4th pick in the 2nd round to the 11th pick in the 2nd but picked up an extra 4th and 5th round pick. With the 2nd round pick, the Giants acquired Kentucky WR Wan’Dale Robinson.

In the 3rd round, the Giants had 2 picks and used them to fill holes on both sides of the ball and selected Guard Joshua Ezeudu out of North Carolina and with their next 3rd round pick with was from a trade last year with Miami, they picked up CB Cordale Flott from LSU

In the 4th round they had 2 picks and once again selected for both sides of the ball by acquiring TE Daniel Bellinger from San Diego State and Safety Dane Belton from Iowa.

On to the 5th round where the Giants had 3 picks, two in a row and selected Indiana LB

Micah McFadden, Arizona State DT DJ Davidson and North Carolina Guard Marcus McKethan.

With their final pick in the draft, the Giants took Cincinnati LB Darrian Beavers in the 6th round.

After the draft, the Giants signed the following undrafted free agents:

Tight End Austin Allen, Nebraska

Cornerback Darren Evans, LSU

Running Back Jeremiah Hall, Oklahoma

Defensive Tackle Tyrone Truesdell, Florida

Defensive Tackle Christopher Hinton, Michigan

Defensive End Jabari Ellis, South Carolina

Defensive End Tomon Fox, North Carolina

Safety Yusuf Corker, Kentucky

Running Back Jashaun Corbin, Florida State

Offensive Guard Josh Rivas, Kansas State

Safety Trenton Thompson, San Diego State

Cornerback Zyon Gilbert, Florida Atlantic

Defensive Tackle Antonio Valentino, Florida

Draft Analysis

Kayvon Thibodeaux is an absolute beast. There were concerns about his personality and other issues, but the Giants must have thought of that as just smoke and mirrors. This man has all the tools to become the next big thing on defense for the Giants. He has an explosive first step to go along with strength and his athleticism.

Evan Neal is one of the best linemen in the draft and has spent time on both the left and right side of center. His natural fit is on the right side. He has great hands and amazing footwork. His strength and agility will make him a mainstay on the O-Line for years to come

Wan’Dale Robinson isn’t the sexiest pick when it came to receivers in the draft, but Robinson is tough, competitive, can play in the slot and come out of the back field. Has great quickness and has incredible change of direction. The downside is his potential dropped passes, and possible lack of strength to get through press coverage, but that can improve with pro level strength training.

Joshua Ezeudu is large and athletic and can play both guard and tackle. His hands and technique will need work to keep lengthy blocks and to cut down on holding calls.

Cordale Flatt is tall with long arms. Has great quickness and plays every down and has great discipline. He will need to add some strength and weight during the offseason and training camp. He will have to work on anticipation when the receiver is going for breaks.

Daniel Bellinger has quick hands and can catch and run pretty fast. Tall and strong, but will need to work on his blocking ability.

Dane Belton has great size and is a very physical player. He is better when he’s closer to the line of scrimmage. Can be used to shoot the gap, but will need to work on his ability to track deep targets and his play awareness.

Micah McFadden has great field awareness and great technique. He has the ability to read misdirections and screens. He lacks size and has been knocked around on the field by bigger teams like Michigan and Ohio. Although he isn’t the most athletic and fastest player, he is well-prepared and can exploit many soft spots in blocks to make great tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He is a lunch box player and will be that working man’s player.

Many people are saying at this point that DJ Davidson, Marcus McKethan and Darrian Beavers will also battle for roster spots. Good luck everybody signed by the NY Football Giants.

DALLAS COWBOY DRAFT RECAP

By Mark Halpern

So another draft has come and gone. We saw a ton of teams make trades all over the place. However, for us Dallas fans looking for the Cowboys to move up and get one of the two linemen they originally wanted, that didn’t happen. Even though Jerry had said they wanted to move up, the cost was too high for them to go through with it. Let us take a look at the newly drafted Cowboys.

The reason why Dallas let two of their line go in free agency was due to holding penalties and they weren’t fitting the scheme. In the first round, Dallas drafted Tyler smith out of Tulsa. He has a big frame and can move well on the line. He will prob play and learn from Tyron Smith as he will probably be his replacement. The thing that concerns me is his Hands to the Face penalties and holding penalties. Tyler will have Smith and Zack Martin to learn from and hopefully take cues from them on how not to get penalized every down.

The Joneses knew they needed an edge rusher to try and replace Randy Gregory. Dallas selected Sam Williams from Ole Miss with their second-round pick. This was a great pick because Williams can play edge and interior line. He is fast and has good vision on the field. He also can drop back into cover for underneath passes as he is that quick. He will join Demarcus Lawrence and Dorance Armstrong as the other edge rushers.

Before the season ended, Dallas had a great wide receiver trio in Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb. At the end of the season, Gallup tore his ACL, Dallas then traded Cooper to the Browns for a 5th and 6th pick, and Cedrick Wilson, the fourth receiver, went to the Dolphins. Dallas needed to get a receiver, and they got a good one in the third round. Jalen Tolbert, who played at Alabama and had a great year fell into their lap just like Lamb did two years ago. Tolbert is a tall and aggressive receiver who isn’t afraid of catching a ball in traffic. Tolbert is being compared to a former Dallas receiver Alvin Harper. Harper was known for his speed, and he never was afraid to catch a ball even if he knew he was going to get hit. Tolbert is the same type of player, and with Gallup still on the mend, Tolbert could find himself on the starting roster.

With Dalton Schultz the only Tight End on the roster, they needed to bring in another. In the fourth round, Dallas drafted Tight End Jake Fergusson from Wisconsin. Fergusson can block on the line as he did in college, but he is also a great route runner and has good hands. Dallas has a good upgrade with this draft pick.

The fifth-round pick is one of my favorites. Dallas was still looking for help on the offensive line, and they got a giant player in Matt Waletzko from North Dakota. He is a monster at 6 foot 8 and 315lbs. Right now, I see his only weakness is Kryptonite. His arm length and center of balance and size made the Joneses drool. He is a little raw but will be learning from the best.

Dallas’s secondary last year was lethal, and now it just got better. Dallas had been doing very well in filling in needs, and they got one of the final needs in the sixth round. Dallas selected DaRon Bland from Fresno state. Bland ran a 4.4 in the 40yrd dash at the combine and showed that he has good vision and hands. He will join the best cornerback in the league to learn from Treyvon Diggs.

In the fifth round, Dallas added Damone Clark, a linebacker out of LSU. Dallas liked his ability to cover tight ends and can rush the passer. He does have some trouble with players and quick feet getting out of his way, so that’s something he will work on in training camp.

Dallas found another piece of their defensive line in the fifth round. John Ridgeway out of Arkansas will join a newly formed Dallas defensive line. He is a significant and robust player at 6 foot 5 and 321lbs. He is a former wrestler and knows how to control a block and make a hole for the linebackers to get in after the Quarterback.

With their last pick, Dallas selected inside linebacker Devin Harper from Oklahoma. Dallas fixed their linebacker problem with Harper, and he will be working with the best linebacker in football, Micha Parsons. Harper has plenty of room for improvement, and with Vander Esch and Parsons, he will get the valuable help he needs to become better at his position.

Overall, I think the Cowboys did what they needed in this draft by filling in holes on offense and defense. Suppose I were to give them an overall grade, I give them a B+. This team still has a hole or two that needs filling, but there are still plenty of free agents that they can add.

TWIW – This Week In Wrestling (4/25 – 4/29)

By Jeff Knapp

In yet another name change, former NXT-UK Women’s Champion Kay Lee Ray will now be known as Alba Fyre. Just because.

NWA President Billy Corgan has announced that the NWA will have their next PPV called Alwayz Ready at the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, TN followed by a TV taping the next day.

Following the events at the Impact PPV “Rebellion” congratulations are in order for the NEW AAA Reina de Reinas Champion, Taya Valkyrie who defeated Deonna Purrazzo, Ace Austin on becoming the 3X X-Division champion by pinning Trey Miguel and finally, to The Walking Weapon Josh Alexander on finally getting his hands on Moose and becoming the 2X Impact World Champion.

Former IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts World Tag Team Champions The Inspiration, Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay confirmed that they will be indefinitely stepping away from in-ring action. As a fan of both ladies, I’ve enjoyed watching them over the years, and hope the reasons, if serious, work themselves out sooner than later. Now, If it’s an issue with Impact, that’s a different story that Impact needs to correct. Time will tell.

Next week on Dynamite, IMPACT Wrestler Deonna Purrazzo, the reigning ROH Women’s World Champion, will face Mercedes Martinez, the interim ROH Women’s Champion in a match that will crown the undisputed champion.

WWE – RAW

After having the Raw Women’s Championship match restarted twice by Sonya Deville, to help benefit her, Bianca Belair still came out on top

Finn Balor loses again to Damien Priest via some type of distraction from Edge, but we do know of his stable name and that is Judgment Day

Raw saw the returns of Asuka, who came out to taunt Becky Lynch and Mustafa Ali who came to challenge Theory for the United States Championship, but ended up wrestling, and defeating The Miz.

Tonight was also Randy Orton celebration night for his 20 years in the WWE.

With the setup to the Tag Title Unification match offer Backlash, the main event was an 8-man tag team match: RK-Bro, Cody Rhodes and Ezekiel (Elias’ younger brother lol) vs The Usos, Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens. Orton gets the pin after RKOing everybody in the ring (outta nowhere)

NXT

Nikkita Lyons continues her winning streak by defeating Lash Legend again

It looks like a feud is building between Tony Gabagool and Legado Del Fantasma, when they caused Tony to lose to Von Wagner and then attacked him after the match

Solo Sikoa gets back on his winning ways by pinning Trick Williams

The NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament is announced and as of now newcomers Arianna Grace (Santino Morella’s daughter) & Kiana James along with Lash Legend have been announced as participants in the tournament.

AEW – DYNAMITE

Dax Harwood advances to the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament by pinning his tag team partner Cash Wheeler in their Qualifying Match

On May 29^th at Double or Nothing, AEW World Champion Adam Page will be defending his championship against CM Punk

Ricky Starks & Powerhouse Hobbs confront The Jurassic Express backstage during an interview and request an AEW World Tag-Team Title Shot. Any place and any time

In Wardlow’s toughest test to date, he faces another pick from MJF, Lance Archer. Very physical, but Wardlow get the win after hitting his powerbomb symphony

An in-ring promo with the JAS and Santana, Ortiz and Kingston got heated. Jericho says he will take out Kingston, but Eddie informs him what that means where he comes from. Gets in Jericho’s face and Chris turns white as a ghost

MJF tells Wardlow that he has another surprise from him next week against a man who is stronger than him and taller than him and you can’t teach that. Seemingly insinuating that W. Morrisey will be his next opponent

Rey Fenix is back, and so is Death Triangle, who attack the House of Black

Scorpio Sky Challenges Sammy Guevara for the TNT Championship in a Ladder Match and after Paige VanZant and Tay Conti get involved, Scorpio knocks Sammy off the ladder, grabs the title and becomes the new TNT Champion for the 2^nd time

IMPACT

The Briscoe Brothers arrive at Impact and defeat Heath and Rhino. We also find out that they will challenge VDB for the Impact World Tag Team Championships at the next Impact PPV, Under Siege.

It’s announced that Jonah will face PCO next week in a Monster’s Ball Match

Impact World Champion Josh Alexander defeated Moose to retain his IMPACT World Championship and after the match, Scott D’Amore’s handpicked challenger for Under Siege will be NJPW’s Tomohiro Ishii. “The Walking Weapon” vs. “The Stone Pitbull” at IMPACT Under Siege is going to be amazing.

WWE – SMACKDOWN

Ricochet retained his WWE Intercontinental Championship when he defeated Shanky

Raquel Rodriguez (aka Raquel Gonzalez made her Smackdown debut and defeated Cat Cardoza

Ronda Rousey won the beat the clock challenge by 2 seconds over Charlotte Flair

We also found out that at Backlash that RK-Bro and the Usos will not only face each other to unify the tag team championships, but RK-Bro will team with Drew McIntyre to face The Usos and Roman Reigns

AEW – RAMPAGE

In an Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Qualifier, Darby Allin defeated Shane Strickland to advance to the tournament

In a 6 woman tag team match, Jade Cargill, Kiera Hogan & Red Velvet defeated Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale & Trish Adora when Jade pinned Trish Adora for the 1-2-3

We find out that Jeff Hardy will face Bobby Fish next Wednesday on Dynamite in a Owen Hart Foundation Tournament qualifying match.

In the main event, Samoa Joe successfully defended his ROH Television championship when he defeated Trent Baretta with a muscle buster.

After the match Jay Lethal made his way down and started to brawl with Joe.

Vegas Golden Knights Statement Address

By : Mike Rifkin

For the first time in their franchise’s history the Vegas Golden Knights have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Vegas was considered a Stanley Cup favorite prior to the season. They went from expansion team to going all in.

Vegas made a lot of interesting decisions throughout the season the first was trading Vezina trophy winner Marc – Andre Fleury. Fleury last season was 26-10-0 with a 1.98 Goals Against Average, .928 save percentage and six shutouts. Fleury was traded to Chicago as a salary dump. Robin Lehner last season went 13-4-2 with a 2.29 Goals Against Average and a .913 save percentage. This year Lehner was 23-17-2 with a 2.83 GAA and a .907 save percentage. Lehner’s numbers aren’t bad and he is not totally at fault for all the failures but Marc-Andre Fleury had been the face of the Vegas Golden Knights since being taken in the expansion draft. A major question heading into the offseason will be what to do with Lehner who is signed through 2025-26 at five million dollars a season. After what just transpired between the team and Lehner due to his shoulder surgery I think there is a very good percentage that Vegas shops their goalie. Now another reason Lehner can be moved was the emergence of Logan Thompson who posted a 9-5-3 record with a 2.60 Goals Against Average, .918 save percentage and a shutout. Pairing Thompson with a cheaper veteran option could be in the cards for Vegas.

In November Vegas traded for disgruntled Sabres star Jack Eichel. Vegas traded away Alex Tuch, Peyton Krebs, 2022 first round pick (top 10 protected), and a 2023 second round pick. Eichel, who played in 33 games due to artificial disk replacement surgery had 12 goals and 22 points for Vegas. The Eichel trade wasn’t just for this season, it’s about the future. Eichel is still 25 years old and is signed through 2026-27.

In my opinion the biggest reason the Golden Knights missed the playoffs for the first time was injuries. Captain Mark Stone was limited to 36 games, Max Pacioretty played in 38, Reilly Smith played in 56, and Alec Martinez played in 25. In 2020-21 Stone and Pacioretty were the top two leading scorers, Reilly Smith is an excellent two way forward who is big on the penalty kill, and Alec Martinez is a very good defenseman. These injuries took its toll on Vegas special teams. The Power Play clicked at 18.1 percent and the Penalty Kill was at 78.1 percent. The penalty kill was at 86.8 percent last season, while the power play was 17.8.

The big thing for Vegas is they have to figure out their cap situation. So here is how I would handle it.

Trade Robin Lehner and replace with a cheaper free agent/ trade. Free agents to look at : Jaroslav Halak (VAN), Joonas Koripsalo (CBJ) , Braden Holtby (DAL), Thomas Greiss (DET) . Trade : Alexandar Georgiev (NYR), Jake Allen (MTL)
Try to trade Reilly Smith and Mattias Janmark at draft/ let them walk in free agency.
Trade Evgeni Dadonov or William Karlsson. Karlsson put up 67 goals the first two seasons in Vegas, and over the last three has put up 40 including 11 in 66 games this season. Dadonov was on fire after his non trade at the trade deadline but which 5 million dollar player they want to keep. Also need some of that money to re-sign Nicolas Roy who will be an RFA.

2022-23 will be a major pressure year in Vegas and nobody will feel more pressure than Pete DeBoer. DeBoer should be fine heading into the offseason but if the Golden Knights start slow next season DeBoer will be fired because Vegas has gone ALL IN.

NFL DRAFT WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR THE DRAFTEES

By Mark Halpern

In two days, the NFL returns with the NFL Draft. It is a big night for the college players who registered and declared themselves eligible to be drafted. With the pandemic still in full swing, we see fewer possible draft picks attending live for the draft. Many players want to be home with friends and loved ones.

The draft makes these players so uneasy because they are picked to go a specific number, doesn’t mean that will happen. The draft is like playing a game of keno. So many different possibilities, and one wrong number loses you your prize. So, take a player like Randy Moss. He was projected to go in the top 3 picks in his year; however, off-field troubles caused him to drop to #20. One wrong pick screws up the prizes for other teams. The players don’t know until a few minutes before they will be drafted to and by which team. The players get a call from the owner and head coach usually. The tension is so thick in that room from the first minute to the last that you need a chainsaw to cut through it.

Some draftees are getting ready to head to Nevada, and others will be seen from their homes or even colleges they played at. It will be a fun night, and I expect to have as many as four possible trades this first round, with the Jets being the center of the talks. I wish the draftees good luck and great success in the NFL, and that is how the old man sees it.

Meet The Me-gill

By: Mike Rifkin

On Sunday the New York Mets defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-2. Once again Tylor Megill was excellent in the start going 6.⅔ innings giving up two runs on five hits and seven strikeouts, Megill threw 92 pitches and 65 were strikes. Megill in four starts so far is 3-0 with a 2.35 ERA and 22 strikeouts and walked only 3 hitters in 23 innings of work. In his 18 starts last year 27 in 89.2 innings pitched. Megill who got the opening day nod due to Jacob deGrom’s injury looks like a different pitcher. Megill in his start last Tuesday against the Giants gave up four runs in six innings, but even on a day where he didn’t have his best stuff he was able to give his team length and a chance to win the game which they eventually did. DeGrom is scheduled to undergo an MRI today on his shoulder and the Mets will proceed from there and Taijuan Walker is scheduled to return from Injury this weekend. Right now there is no way Buck Showalter can take the ball from Megill. He has been tremendous and is off to a great start.

2022 NFL MOCK DRAFT

By : Mike Rifkin

Draft season is upon us and here is how I see the first round going down.

Jaguars – Aidan Hutchinson – DE Michigan : Hutchinson is the best player in this draft according to everyone. Pairing him with Josh Allen can give the Jags a dynamic duo rushing the passer.
Lions – Kayvon Thibodeaux – DE – Oregon : Lions could go a lot of different directions here including trade down but they get the Oregon defensive end with high upside
Texans – Ickey Ekwonu – OT NC ST – Houston like Detroit could go in a lot of different directions. Here they take Ekwonu and protect Davis Mills.
Jets – Ahmad Gardener -CB – Cincinnati – fills a need for the first of two Jets top 10 picks.
Giants Evan Neal – OT – Alabama – Things could change if Gardener were to be here. But the Giants have a lot of questions along the offensive line.
Panthers Charles Cross – OT – Mississippi ST – YES the Panthers need a QB but trading for either Jimmy Garropolo or Baker Mayfield makes more sense. Cross gives them a tackle they could really use.
Giants – Jermaine Johnson – EDGE – FSU – A lot depends on what the Giants do at 5, but at some point the Giants need to address the pass rush that had 34 sacks last season.
TRADE : Commanders : Kyle Hamilton Safety – Notre Dame – Atlanta gets multiple picks for their rebuild (which was desperately needed) Washington takes the best safety in the draft to replace Landon Collins who they released earlier this offseason. Also could be a spot where a team looking to add a receiver could move up into this pick.
Seahawks : Malik Willis : QB : Liberty – Willis is a dual threat quarterback who could be the long term solution after Seattle traded Russel Wilson.
Jets : Garrett Wilson : WR : Ohio State – good speed and good route runner should help the development of Zach Wilson.
Falcons : Travon Walker : DL : Georgia – Falcons need to address pass rusher after finishing last in the NFL in sacks with 18 a year ago. Walker didn’t have great numbers at Georgia but was heavily involved on the best defense in the country.
Vikings : Derek Stingley Jr.: CB LSU: When LSU won the National Championship Stingley was sensational. The past couple of years he hasn’t but pairing him with another LSU alumni Patrick Peterson could be what the doctor ordered.
Texans : Trent Mcduffie : CB : Washington : Mcduffie isn’t a long cornerback but he is very good at everything and can help that Lovie Smith Defense.
Ravens : Jordan Davis : DT Georgia: Not going to lie this would be my favorite pick of the first round. Watch Davis highlights from the combine and he was in the middle of that great Georgia defense.
Eagles : Drake London – WR USC : Jalen Hurts was inconsistent at times last year but he definitely needs more weapons London gives him a target with size.
Saints : Trevor Penning : OT : Northern Iowa : Terron Armstead left for Miami. Penning has high upside and played both tackle spots on the offensive line.
Chargers : Chris Olave – WR -Ohio ST: Keenan Allen will be 30 soon and Olave is very similar to Allen, great footwork and excellent route runner and gives Justin Herbert another weapon.
Eagles – Andrew Booth – CB – Clemson – Booth is a very good corner who will learn a lot playing with All Pro Darius Slay on an Eagles secondary that needs help.
Saints – Desmond Ridder – QB -Cincinnati : The Saints usher in their next franchise qb they hope. All Ridder did at Cincinnati was win. Once Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton are ready to pass the torch Ridder will be ready.
Steelers – Matt Corral – QB – Ole Miss – Steelers signed Mitch Trubisky this offseason but they should draft any QB remaining here. All of them give them mobility which is something Mike Tomlin said he wanted.
Trade : Lions : Kenny Pickett : QB : Pittsburgh: The Lions want in on the quarterback fun and trade with New England to acquire Pickett. Pickett could give Jared Goff a run for his money as starting qb.
Packers : Treylon Burks – WR- Arkansas : Packers need to address receiver after trading Davante Adams and losing Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency. Burks is big and fast and possess great hands. Just watch the Alabama game.
Cardinals – Zion Johnson – OL – Boston College : If the Cardinals are going to pay Kyler Murray the money they want him, Johnson can be very helpful in protecting Murray, on the interior of the Offensive line.
Cowboys – Kenyon Green – OL – Texas A&M – Tyron Smith is getting older and hasn’t played a full season since 2015. Connor Williams left for Miami so Dallas bolsters their offensive line.
Bills – Kyler Gordon – CB – Washington – The Bills have a need at corner right now and Gordon possesses great athletic ability and is versatile enough to play outside or nickel.
Titans- Tyler Linderbaum – Center – Iowa : Ben Jones has an out in his contract after the season and is 33 years old. Linderbaum is the best center in the draft and is extremely effective in run blocking which would help Derrick Henry.
Bucs – Kaiir Elam – CB – Florida – Tom Brady is back for the Bucs. Elam gives the Bucs depth at corner they need with three corners up after the season and Todd Bowles can get the most out of Elam who is extremely talented.
Packers : George Karlaftis – Edge – Purdue : The Packers need to replace Za’darius Smith who left for Minnesota. Karlaftis has a great motor but needs to work on his run defense.
Chiefs – Jahan Dotson WR- Penn State – This is the pick the Chiefs got when they traded Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins ( couldn’t help myself). I am not saying Dotson will be Hill but he is fast and has great catch and run ability for the Chiefs offense.
Chiefs – Daxton Hill – Safety – Michigan : Hill can play either Safety or corner and the Chiefs need bodies in their secondary.
Bengals – Perrion Winfrey – DT – Oklahoma – Larry Ogunjobi is still unsigned. Winfrey can create chaos in the middle of a Bengal defense that almost won the Super Bowl.
Patriots – Devin Lloyd – Linebacker – Utah – This is the pick Detroit moved up to get Kenny Pickett. Lloyd can play multiple linebacker positions. He is a very good tackler who can also rush the passer. Kind of feels like a Patriot.

TWIW – This Week In Wrestling (4/18 – 4/22)

By Jeff Knapp

Tony Khan’s Big Announcement on Wednesday during Dynamite, to me was the biggest story of the week. Although Tony and the NJPW’s President, Takami Ohbari were out there to make the announcement, Adam Cole interrupted and made the announcement for them.

On June 26, 2022, AEW and NJPW will co-promote a show named “The Forbidden Door.” This brings out the current leader of the Bullet Club leader, “Switchblade” Jay White who boasts about selling out Madison Square Garden by himself and that the Bullet Club is ready for a new era.

Speaking of AEW, Tony Khan mentioned that the upcoming AEW video game coming to Playstation and Xbox will be called AEW: Fight Forever

It appears that Kushida is no longer with NXT & WWE. No word on the reason, but his pushed came to a stop once NXT transitioned to 2.0

Jack Evan’s AEW contract is set to expire at the end of April and all signs point to the fact that he will not be re-signed. He formed a fun and excited tag team with Angelico back as far as Lucha Underground. Best of luck to Jack

Lately there has been some IWC uproar over the name changes to current roster member, including Pete Dunne to Butch, Raquel Gonzalez to Raquel Rodriguez, Austin Theory to Theory and WALTER to Gunther. It looks like VKM sent out a memo stating that he doesn’t want talent using their real names or using the names that they used in the indies. With that said, Walter, Austin, Pete and Gonzalez were all their real names. This rule isn’t enforced entirely, with the likes of Brock, Rhonda, Randy and Cody for instance. We will see about Gable Steveson.

Speaking of name changes, Kacy Catanzaro will now be known as Katana Chance I’m guessing for the reason above.

D’Lo Brown made a hysterical comment this week saying, “From the Knockouts World Champ to even people we bring in to get looked at, the absolute talent level that we have in that Knockouts division is better than any out there.” “They’re all willing to go out there and prove they’re the best and help each other become the best. So that’s what I mean. It’s awesome.”

“I mean, you can put their names in a hat, pick two of them, and they’re going to have a great match. You can’t do that anywhere else in the world with a woman’s division. So, I think top to bottom, just talent describes everyone, and that’s what makes us far superior, and they all want to be the best.”

No offense to the women of Impact, but the depth of the roster isn’t deep at all.

This weekend is the Impact Rebellion PPV and with some of the shortcomings of Impact, the Main Event of the show should be a really great one. Josh Alexander will face Moose for the World title in what is one of the best long-standing feuds in all of pro wrestling.

WWE – RAW

This week we saw the wedding of Akira Tozawa to Tamina and Dana Brooke to Reggie. Thankfully R-Truth was there to save the segment.

We also witnessed Rhea Ripley turning on Liv Morgan after Liv gets pinned in a tag match against Sasha and Naomi,

Austin Theory, now just going by Theory, won the WWE United States Championship when he pinned Finn Balor and the main event saw Cody get a count out win over Kevin Owen when he walked out after Seth Rollins called him fat.

NXT

Former ROH Women’s Champion Roc-C made here debut at Roxanne Perez and defeated Jacy Jayne of Toxic Attraction when Wendy Choo distracted Jacy

In the main event, Pretty Deadly retained their NXT Tag Team Titles when they defeated Dexter Lumis & Duke Hudson.

It also appears that Tony D’Angelo has wise guys joining his new stable. No name yet, but what about the gabagools?

AEW – DYNAMITE

CM Punk continues his undefeated streak continue by defeating Dustin Rhodes

Wheeler Yuta tags for the 1^st time with Moxley and Danielson and pick up a victory over Lee Moriarty, Brock Anderson and Dante Martin. Yuta is on his way. I was impressed with him when I 1^st saw him a while back in MLW

We witness Kyle O’Reilly qualify for the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament when he defeated Jungle Boy Jack Perry

Hook made his Dynamite debut and finished off Anthony Henry in quick fashion

Danhausen requests a match with Hook when his curses have no effect on him. Funny stuff

Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Qualifier

Britt Baker qualifies for the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament when she submits Danielle Kamela quickly

IMPACT

This is the go home show for the upcoming Impact PPV, Rebellion in Poughkeepise, NY.

This week’s show was at the 2300 Arena in Philly, but known to older guys like me, as the ECW Arena, and speaking of ECW, Little Guido and Tony Mamaluke made an appearance against the Major Players, Cardona, Myers and Greene. The FBI get attacked, but W. Morrisey and Jordynne Grace make the save.

In what was a 1^st for Impact, we had an 8-man tag between the Bullet Club (Good Brothers, Chris Bey and “Switchblade” Jay White) and Honor No More (Matt Taven, Mike Bennett, Vincent and Kenny King) in which Bennett fell victim to the Magic Killer.

WWE – SMACKDOWN

There was a contract signing for the “I Quit” match for the Smackdown Women’s Championship between Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey which, like all contract signings ends in bedlam.

Pete Dunne, I mean Butch continues to lose his cool, this time after a loss to King Woods.

In leading up the tag title unification match at Backlash, Jey Uso loses to Riddle, which doesn’t sit well with Roman Reigns.

Angel Garza is another wrestler who loses his name and is just Angel, and not only loses his name, but he also loses to Madcap Moss, who looks like they are starting to give a push to, and to an eventual match against Corbin

Sami Zayn was about to face Drew in a Lumberjack match, but runs away. He doesn’t get too far when WWE official Adam Pierce announces that they will wrestle in a steel cage next week.

AEW – RAMPAGE

In an Owen Hart Foundation Tournament qualifying match Adam Cole defeated NJPW’s Tomohiro Ishii after some distraction from “Switchblade” Jay White.

Danhausen gets Hook’s attention, while Danhausen tries to pass as a vendor salesman

In the main event the 29-0 TBS Women’s Champion, Jade Cargill retained her championship in her hardest matchup to date when she defeated Marina Shafir to go to 30-0.

Will Marina get a rematch sooner rather than later? Who will be the one to humble the champion? Could Jade go undefeated in 2022?