Turning the Tide

*WSOP - I watched most of the final table and HU of the WSOP ME. The new ESPN feature on XBOX 360 is nice! I streamed the FT thru my 360. I feel that Duhamel was a deserving champion, he was very even keel and measured most of what I saw. Sure he was a card rack, that's what it takes to win the ME though. His JJ play vs Affleck was pretty suspect but overall Duhamel is not a donk or anything. My main problem is that he's not good for poker. I am tired of ballcap or hoodie wearing early 20's stoics winning tourneys. They do not attract anyone except others of their ilk to the game. Here is my dream WSOP final table for next year -

3 Dennis Phillips types (everyman working guy who thinks hes way better than he is, someone for middle america can root for)

2 women, preferably attractive

1-2 uber aggro asians who promote spewmonkeyism and reach the asian audience

1 trash talking buffoon (shawn sheikan for example) who tilts people and creates drama

1 urban african-american who can appeal to the hip-hop culture and black society (think tyrone wiggins or Teddy the Iceman monroe)

1 rich businessman like Silent Mike or Bob Safai who inspires other rich guys who catch the coverage at the country club bar.

* On to the NFL -

Parity sucks. And screw the Patriots.

Parity - There are no great teams in the league this year. Particularly the NFC is a mish-mash of underacheivers and unknown quantities. Even AFC stalwarts Indy and NE have issues and look weaker than past years. Basically we can eliminate the 10 worst teams, then pull 2 names out of a hat with the rest of them to pick a Super Bowl matchup.

The Patriot Effect - I remember in fantasy football's old days, drafting 2-3 RBs in succession to start every draft was the wiseguys's strategy. Nothing beat a workhorse back who would invariably put up 20+ carries a game, get all the goal line carries, etc. Then the Patriots came along with their 'screw the run' mentality and that ridic season where they were bombs away with the passing game, shattering records. They would throw in a token draw play or HB dive but they basically were spitting in the face of ages old NFL adages. I remember one game in particular they threw the ball 27 straight plays, completing 22 or so of them.

Now, I see this passing obsession washing over the NFL, reducing the smashmouth aspect of the game and hurting my fantasy teams at the same time. Teams that are traditionally known for running and defense are now pass happy. Chicago, Baltimore, Carolina, Green Bay, and many others are favoring the pass now. Not to mention the RB by committee syndrome that has diminished RB1 relevance and spawned 3rd down backs and goal line vultures, leading to much fantasy woe for RB1 lovers.  I've decided to blame this all on the Patriots, and take pleasure in their certain demise this year.