Tag Archives: Victor Cruz

Feb 5 2012

Noonan: Super Bowl XLVI Prediction – New England vs. New York

Can Tom Brady earn his fourth Super Bowl ring on Sunday? (Photo Credit: Zimbio.com)

By Matt Noonan 

Well, it’s time for me, (Matt Noonan) to deem a NFL champion for Noontime Sports.

It’s been a LONG season, and 32 teams have dwindled down to just two, New England and New York, and once the clock strikes zero in the fourth quarter, we’ll officially have a winner, right?

OK… there might be overtime or a second or third, but you get my drift.

Although, how bizarre is it that pigskin lovers get to watch a rematch of Super Bowl XLII?

Doesn’t it seem like yesterday that New Englanders were crossing their fingers for Tom Brady to recover from his awful performance against the San Diego Chargers in the 2007 AFC title match?

Well, he didn’t do that well against the Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago, so should we expect déjà vu all over again? Who knows!

The Giants are a mediocre squad. Seriously, they’re 9-7, which means they’re OK, but not great, and as someone who is a true Dallas Cowboys supporter, it pains me to see Eli Manning leading his troops in the “big game” instead of Tony Romo. However, Manning certainly has taken a step forward toward the upper echelon of “elite quarterbacks” in the NFL, but now the question remains … can he beat Brady and the Patriots on Sunday, again?

I certainly think it’s possible, especially since New York has a variety of offensive weapons that can stretch the field, and attack Bill Belichick’s questionable and fragile secondary.

Also, I believe the Giants front seven will attempt to mimic their actions from four years ago when they recorded five sacks in Arizona. However, they never forced Brady to throw an interception, but this past November when the two teams met in Foxborough, the G-Men tallied two sacks and two interceptions, as well as a win, too.

New England hasn’t defeated New York since that epic clash in December of 2007, which was when the Patriots registered their 16th victory, and ended the regular season with a perfect record. Yet, ever since that night in New Jersey, the Giants have had their number in the championship and regular season matches, which probably means they’re better, right?

Hard to answer that particular question, but overall, I think these two teams are even. And yes, I know I labeled the Giants as “mediocre,” but all in all, I think we’re going to be watching a true heavyweight bout.

Super Bowl XLVI Prediction: The Giants rallied to beat the Patriots earlier this season, and it’s certainly possible that Manning could lead a last minute drive and hook up with Jake Ballard or Victor Cruz for the game-winning touchdown.

However, I believe in the motto, “In Bill, We Trust.” New England’s defense has ratcheted up their intensity over the past few weeks, and certainly defied the odds against Baltimore and Denver in the playoffs.

Although, shouldn’t every defense be able to stop Tim Tebow and the Broncos offense? I think so!

If New England can establish the run and maintain the time of possession, then I’m expecting the Patriots to win. Although, if Manning and his offense to can beat up the Patriots front seven and tear apart the secondary, then the Giants should win.

Overall, it’s a tough decision, but I going to stick with my gut and say… New England 20, New York 17

Jan 31 2012

Daily Noontime – January 31, 2012

Are you ready for Super Bowl Media Day? (Photo Credit: Zimbio.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s Tuesday, which means it’s just another day in paradise. Here are some headlines and news from the city of Boston, as well as the six states of New England.

* Tuesday marks the official Super Bowl “Media Day.” The New England Patriots will talk with reporters at 10AM, while the New York Giants will discuss the upcoming championship contest at 12PM. And according to reports, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is expected to take part in Tuesday’s festivities. The tight end has been spotted sporting a boot these past few days due to an injury he sustained during the AFC Championship game.

* According to Tom E. Curran of Comcast Sports New England – Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz predicted on Monday that New York is going to beat New England in the Super Bowl. However, he didn’t have a score prediction, but assured the media, as well as the fans that Big Blue will return to the Big Apple with a “W.”

* The Boston Bruins will return home from their All-Star festivities on Tuesday to host the Ottawa Senators, while the Boston Celtics will head to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers.

* According to reports – Nathan Horton is still experiencing the effects of a mild concussion, which he sustained a few weeks ago against the Philadelphia Flyers. He’s not expected to return to the ice on Tuesday, but hopes to be back with the team soon.

Oct 31 2011

NFL Week Eight – Rapid Reactions/Thoughts

Ray Rice rushed for three scores against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, and helped his team rally to score 24-points in the second half!

By Matt Noonan 

It’s been a rather interesting season.

No one would have imagined that after roughly eight weeks, (excluding Monday’s game between Kansas City and San Diego), Buffalo, Cincinnati, and Detroit would be in contention for playoff spots.

Did anyone expect the Indianapolis Colts or Miami Dolphins to be winless, especially after eight weeks of the regular season?

Finally, who truly believed that Matt Hasselbeck and the Tennessee Titans were going to be a good team?

Again, it’s been quite an up-and-down season, but here are some rapid reactions and thoughts from Sunday’s slate, enjoy.

Philadelphia Runs Past Dallas’s Defense: Against the Cowboys defense, which was ranked first in the league against the run, the Eagles rushed for 239-yards and two scores thanks to LeSean McCoy, who finished the game with 185 yards on 30 carries, and quarterback Michael Vick, who added 50 yards on seven carries.

Indeed, Rob Ryan’s defense has experienced a great deal of success this season against the run, but perhaps a game like Sunday’s against the Eagles might help sure up the front seven for the remainder of the season.

Both squads are currently in a three-way tie for second place with Washington, and two games behind New York.

Blame Game – Bill Belichick:Against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick once again proved that he’s human.

In the fourth quarter, Belichick chose not to challenge a Rob Gronkowski catch, which appeared to be a touchdown. He also elected to attempt an onside-kick that completely failed.

In some ways, many fans might consider this the second coming of 4th-and-2 from ’09 against the Colts, but all in all, there’ll certainly be a lot of questions directed toward the field general on Monday at Gillette Stadium when he meets with the media.

Great Endings: Sunday featured some bizarre, yet interesting endings.

In Baltimore, running back Ray Rice finished the game with three touchdowns, and 63 yards on 18 carries, as the Ravens beat the Arizona Cardinals, 30-27. Quarterback Joe Flacco completed 31-of-51 passes for 336 yards, but didn’t toss a single touchdown.

In Carolina, Christian Ponder led the Minnesota Vikings down the field, and set up a Ryan Longwell field goal, which helped the “Purple People Eaters” defeat the Panthers, 24-21, as well as end snap a two-game losing streak.

In New Jersey, the New York Giants rallied to score 10-points during the final quarter to beat Miami, 20-17. Quarterback Eli Manning connected with wide receiver Victor Cruz on a 25-yard pass late in the final quarter, which secured the win for Big Blue.

Finally, in St. Louis, the Rams snapped their six-game losing streak by upsetting the New Orleans Saints, 31-21. Running back Steven Jackson rushed for 159 yards and two scores, while quarterback A.J. Feeley completed 20-of-37 passes for 175 yards and tossed one touchdown too. Saints quarterback Drew Brees finished the game with one touchdown and two interceptions.

Oct 31 2011

Daily Noontime – October 31, 2011

Vick looked pretty darn impressive on Sunday, as well as led his Eagles to an important win against the Cowboys!

Happy Monday to everyone, and of course, Happy Halloween too! Here’s our Trick or Treat edition of the Daily Noontime, enjoy! 

Headlines: 

* The Philadelphia Eagles looked like a true “dream team” on Sunday evening, as they steamrolled the Dallas Cowboys in the city of “Brotherly Love.”

* After Sunday’s win against the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers may have proved that they’re indeed the best team in the AFC.

* Eli Manning lifted the New York Giants to their fifth victory of the season, as a late touchdown pass to Victor Cruz seemed to be the difference in a 20-17 decision against the winless Miami Dolphins.

* After losing to the Eagles, Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan told reporters that he was “out-coached.”

* According to a recent report, CC Sabathia plans to opt out of his New York Yankees contract.

* Against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow appeared human, as his team lost 45-10.

Games to Watch: 

* San Jose at New York Rangers (NHL) – 7:00pm eastern 

* San Diego at Kansas City (8:30PM eastern) 

Video of the Day: 

How about that touchdown? Woo!