Week 15 Thursday Night Football: What to Watch For

Football Player uniforms

Thursday Night Football returns to your television screens tonight, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to St. Louis to battle the Rams. It’s always a treat to get the NFL smack dab in the middle of the week, and this one even boasts some superstar talent and some mild playoff implications. Let’s go over the top things you’ll want to watch for tonight to get you revved up for the game:

Todd Gurley Running Wild

There’s not like an explosive running back when it comes to watching pro football. Gurley was a total sensation when he took over as the Rams’ full-time starter just a few weeks into the season, but he appeared to hit a bit of a wall over the last few weeks. That wasn’t the case at all last week, as he blew up for a huge performance and helped the Rams get their first win in the last six tries. Will Gurley dominate on the ground again tonight? That will naturally be one huge story-line everyone will want to check out.

Rams Trickery

The Rams are well known for their trickery and gadget plays, whether it’s just how they use speed receiver Tavon Austin or how they conduct special teams or various packages. Due to not really having much of a threat under center, St. Louis knows they may have to get crafty tonight to get a win. The “what will they do next” notion applies here big time.

Winston to Evans

While the Rams have a few things we’ll all want to check out, the real story could be in Tampa Bay, where rookie passer Jameis Winston tries to continue building his rapport with phenom wide receiver, Mike Evans. Veteran receiver Vincent Jackson won’t be playing due to a knee injury and the Bucs have little else at receiver, so Evans could see a ton of targets come his way. Just how many and how effective that connection is will be worth tuning in for.

Color Rush is Back

Remember those sweet custom football uniforms we saw on TNF games only a couple weeks ago? They’re back! The Rams will be donning an all gold uniform and the Buccaneers will be in all red. It’s the last scheduled Color Rush game of the week, so we should all enjoy it while it lasts. The NFL and Nike are expected to return with the themed uniforms in 2016, and they’ll probably switch up the teams a good amount. The Rams and Buccaneers have pretty cool uniforms to begin with, but the all gold and all red uni’s put their looks over the top.

Excited to watch Gurley or take in Color Rush one more time? Tell us what you’re amped up for in tonight’s NFL game in the comments below!

Anayzing Kevin Durants Top Potential Suitors

Kevin Durrant jersey

Kevin Durant has been making headlines for the wrong reasons for the second year in a row: due to injury. Unlike last year, however, his recent hamstring issue isn’t a serious issue and before NBA fans know it, he’ll be back to dominating on the hardwood, just like we’re used to seeing. And come next summer, he’ll be owning the NBA rumor mill for very different reasons.

That could mean a lot of things, but unless KD and the Oklahoma City Thunder agree to a new contract extension before the 2015-16 NBA season dries up, it could mean that Durant will be looking for someone else to call home in the near future. The Kevin Durant rumors won’t quiet from now until then, and they could even give way to trade rumors. However, with a healthy Durant, OKC knows they have a shot at an NBA title, while their fan base would probably never forgive them if they mailed it in and traded away such a big star.

More likely than not, KD will either be back with the Thunder on a long-term deal, but that’s not lock if he makes it to the summer as a free agent. Once there, the possibilities seem endless. But let’s keep it in a realistic scope and take look at the top three spots Durant would be most likely to land (outside of OKC) as a free agent:

Washington Wizards

John Wall has already said he’d lobby for KD to sign with the Wiz, while most of us are aware by now that Durant hails from D.C. A LeBron James-esque return home could make some sense, as does latching on with a team that appears built to one day rule the Eastern Conference. With Wall, Brad Beal and Marcin Gortat in place, the Wizards as constructed are a top 5 team in the conference. Adding Durant could put them neck and neck with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are surely saying good-bye to Kobe Bryant after this year. His contract dries up and the 37-year old shooting guard looks completely done. He’s said himself if something “doesn’t change soon, this is it”. With The Black Mamba out of the picture, the Lakers would be free to make a run at a prized free agent. Why not Durant? There has even been some serious speculation that Durant could join the Lakers, and even though the Thunder star seems to have shot that rumor down, we can’t help but wonder about it.

New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony dropped some potential hints about KD joining the Knicks, and even if they’re not actual crumbs of truth, Melo could have some lobbying in mind come next summer. New York has gotten a lot better in just one year, as they added future superstar Kristaps Porzingis to the mix, drafted point guard Jerian Grant, signed center Robin Lopez and still have Melo to hang their hat on. How Durant would fix in with those pieces (perhaps Porzingis would move to center and Melo would slide in at the four) is yet to be determined, but all the buzz suggests KD to NYC isn’t a crazy notion.

These are just three potential landing spots for KD. Outside of the Thunder, there are still 26 other NBA teams that could POSSIBLY have a hand in his final decision. Think it’s one we’ve discussed or a team no one is considering at all? Let us know in the comments below!

DeMarcus Cousins Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Could Trade For the Kings Star

NBA DeMarcus Cousin jersey

NBA rumors are a ton of fun, because unlike most sports leagues, the crazy trade chatter actually can lead to some blockbuster deals. Basically nobody is untouchable in the NBA, as we’ve seen guys like Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Rudy Gay traded over the years. There are probably even bigger names you can throw into the mix (Kevin Love, anyone?), but few can touch on DeMarcus Cousins, who has been engulfed in trade rumors pretty much ever since he was drafted.

It’s a little odd that DeMarcus Cousins trade rumors are so prevalent, but he’s a volatile star on a Kings team that has never been to the post-season during his time in Sacramento. The Kings are also questionably run in general, so it would make sense for the Kings to consider trading away their top talent. There is an argument that they may not have a choice, though. Considering the potential packages that could be offered, it could be in their best interest to get all the assets they can and just start from scratch.

Whether or not the Kings should or will trade Boogie is certainly open for debate. But if the trade rumors are real, the bigger question is where could he wind up? One team seems to be rising above the rest, but there are several options. Regardless of how realistic or what is involved, let’s take a look at the top 5 potential landing spots for DeMarcus Cousins, should the Kings decide to trade him this season:

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have long been tied to Boogie, as trade rumors heated up going into last summer’s draft. When L.A. opted to draft point guard D’Angelo Russell instead of a big man, the door stayed very much open to a huge deal that would net them DeMarcus Cousins. The Lakers’ lack of assets and the bloated deal of Kobe Bryant probably keeps this from happening, but if they’re willing to part with guys like Jordan Clarkson, Roy Hibbert and Julius Randle, it may not be out of the question.

Boston Celtics

Make no mistake about it – Boston leads the DeMarcus Cousins sweepstakes. There is no real evidence of a potential deal, but it doesn’t seem like any team is in better position in terms of draft picks and some solid young talent. Boston has a pile of big men to unload, numerous draft picks and would probably be willing to even part with Marcus Smart to get a deal done. Boston has a great young coach and a team that has bought in to playing tough defense and team-first offensive basketball. They just lack a true star, and Boogie could be it.

Houston Rockets

This would be unfair, but let’s consider the logic. Dwight Howard is breaking down on a yearly basis and is in a walk year, which means if the right deal comes, the Rockets may opt to send him off, rather than invest even more cash into him. Howard is still elite, but a 25-year old Boogie feels much more attractive as a long-term answer. Cousins paired with James Harden could be a real problem for the rest of the NBA, while the Kings could nab Ty Lawson, Howard and some picks in a fairly even deal.

New York Knicks

There have long been whispers about the Knicks wanting to move on from Carmelo Anthony, and what better way then to get rid of him to land the best young center in the game today? Melo could be reunited with former coach George Karl and the swap could include some picks and possibly Jose Calderon. Melo in Sac-town isn’t necessarily ideal at first glance, but this is a move the Knicks would/should make in a heartbeat.

Dallas Mavericks

You can’t have a high level trade rumor article without mentioning the Cubes. Mark Cuban tried prying DeAndre Jordan out of L.A. and also wanted LaMarcus Aldridge, so you know he desperately wants a young, talented big man. Dallas would be a very attractive destination for Boogie, as he’d be the focal point of the offense and he’d be on a good team that with his help, could contend almost immediately. The trick would be what the Mavs give up to get Cousins, as they’d almost certainly have to unload Chandler Parsons and some picks.

It’s anyone’s guess if Boogie gets dealt or if he does, where he goes. These five teams are as good a bet as any, though. Think he’s more likely to be traded elsewhere? Tell us where in the comments below!

Catch a Sneak Peak at the Titans and Jaguars Color Rush Uniforms

Titans and Jaguars Color Rush Uniforms

The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets launch Nike’s and the NFL’s cool Color Rush campaign tonight on Thursday Night Football. In an effort to liven up the game a bit, the league has a sweet color on color scheme for these special TNF games, with the Bills donning an all red look and the Jets going full blown green in front of the nation.

But they’re not the only ones. In fact, there are several TNF games set to feature extra color, and we already get a sneak peak at week 11’s battle between the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars, thanks to Uniswag on Twitter.

While not the uber-hyped game this Thursday’s battle is, next week’s game still features two young, dynamic passers in Marcus Mariota and Blake Bortles. The Titans and Jags are also still alive when it comes to the AFC playoffs, too. That’s largely thanks to the AFC South being one of the worst divisions we’ve ever seen, but both of these teams could take one step closer to eyeing first place with a big win in week 11.

We needn’t get that far ahead of ourselves, though. We’re mostly excited to see these awesome custom football uniforms unleashed so early, even before this week’s Color Rush campaign truly goes live.

Yahoo even recently had a little fun with the color scheme, comparing the Titans and Jaguars uni’s to familiar looks based on the shades they’ll be donning. We think it’s a tad extreme, but it’s still funny to check out.

Which uniform is better – Titans or Jags? Let us know in the comments below!

LeBron James Not a Fan of New Cavs Jerseys

LeBron James Cavaliers jerseys

LeBron James is not a big fan of the new Cleveland Cavaliers alternate basketball jerseys. We actually pointed this out just a week ago when discussing Cleveland’s new custom basketball uniforms, as the black alternates include sleeves around the shoulder and the top of the arm. We knew this could be a problem because James said as much back when the NBA issued Christmas Day uni’s that had sleeves. James wasn’t alone, either, as several other players complained that the jerseys were too restrictive and uncomfortable.

James declared himself to be “not a big fan” when these types of jerseys first popped up in the 2013-14 NBA season, especially after a particularly bad shooting performance in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

That was definitely the case again when the Cavs debuted their black alternate jerseys on Wednesday night, and it’s possible it had a negative impact on the team, as a whole. It certainly seemed that way early on, as Cleveland simply wasn’t hitting good looks as they fell behind at home to the New York Knicks, 32-18 in the first quarter.

James turned to the jersey to unleash his anger in the first half, as he ripped open both sleeves from the armpit out. James was surprisingly not issued a penalty or asked to put a new jersey on, and later on after the game suggested his acting out was more about frustration with the game. James then did admit again it could have had something to do with the jerseys, but suggested he liked the look and that it was nice for the franchise to have a cool black jersey.

The funny part about this is that, while watching the game live, this writer knew exactly what was going through LeBron’s mind. He hated these jerseys two years ago, and he was probably hating every second of warming up for this game. That anger leaked into the second quarter, as James and the rest of the Cavs were struggling offensively and losing to a rival.

No other Cleveland player appeared to “customize” their black alternate jerseys, but after James touched his up he went on to have quite a solid game. Ultimately, James took over the game with 23 points and the Cavs prevailed with a strong fourth quarter, taking down Carmelo Anthony and co., 96-86.

James has already suggested he’ll need to plan ahead and “figure something out” as to not let the tightness of the sleeves impact his game. It will be interesting to see that when it happens. Cleveland is scheduled to don James’ least favorite custom basketball uniforms a couple more times this year, but the star forward should be a little more prepared next time around.

What do you think of the restrictive jerseys? Do you think King James has a point? Debate it in the comments below!

Can the Blue Jays Still Make the 2015 World Series?

Blue Jays uniform

The Toronto Blue Jays haven’t enjoyed the best run in the 2015 MLB playoffs. It’s always nice to get to where they’re at – a series away from the World Series. But falling into a 3-1 hole against the Kansas City Royals – a team looking to get back to their second straight World Series – was probably never part of the plan. Still, with a win on Wednesday, Toronto heads into Friday night with slim hopes of executing an improbable comeback. The question is, naturally, can they actually do it?

The short answer is probably not. It’s only been done 10 times at this stage in the playoffs, and we haven’t seen it happen since 2007. So, probable? No, absolutely not.

But it’s not impossible.

I know, you’ve got Lloyd Christmas in the back of your mind now – “so, you’re saying there’s a chance” and hey, maybe there is. There’s somewhat of a precedent here already. While 10 times isn’t an insanely large number, 10 times is still a heck of a lot more than zero times. That, and this Toronto team kind of just doesn’t die. They looked down and out earlier in these very MLB playoffs against the Texas Rangers, yet they stormed back and won that series.

Now here they are, just two more intense wins away from reaching their first World Series since 1993 (they won in 1992 and 1993). The other thing is they could have caved on Wednesday. Instead, they came out and played spirited baseball, running away with a big 7-1 win.

That brings us to the specifics. The Jays got a heck of an offense. It was already a cast full of mashers before they landed shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, but ever since bringing him in from Colorado they’ve been an unstoppable force.

But we knew that. We saw the offense before and after the trade and we’ve seen it in the playoffs, too. It’s the defense we haven’t been able to trust just yet, especially with would-be ace David Price having a less than impressive playoff career.

Price takes the mound tonight, though, and you couldn’t ask for a better scene for him to finally come through in the clutch. Toronto doesn’t get the greatest matchup on the other side with Yordano Ventura tossing strikes for the Royals, but this is set up to give the Jays a chance.

Winning game six is obviously crucial, but if Toronto can make it happen, they absolutely would have a realistic shot at pulling off just the 11th ever comeback from a 3-1 hole. They’ve felt like a team of destiny to this point (then again, so did the Cubs) and it wouldn’t really be all that surprising for them to pull off some more magic and sneak into the World Series.

It’s not logical or probable, but the possibility is there. Let’s just hope Toronto doesn’t randomly wear their cream grey alternate jerseys. They didn’t find much success in those particular custom baseball uniforms.

Think Toronto gets it done and advanced to the World Series? Tell us in the comments below!

Packers Bust Out Acme Uniforms, Stay Undefeated

Packers bust out acme uniforms

The Green Bay Packers are no stranger to winning in style. They’ve done it a few times already en route to a perfect start in 2015, and this past Sunday that made sure they were looking good in a tight 27-20 win over the San Diego Chargers.

Green Bay’s success while donning throwback-type uniforms is worth noting, as is their hot 6-0 run to get this year going. They looked especially good in their custom football uniforms this week, which were technically an homage to the uniforms they wore back in Brett Favre’s time in 1994. Green Bay as quite successful that time around, as the Packers stomped all over the rival Bears in one meeting.

Years later the green and gold would pay respects to the old Green Bay uniforms from 1929, where they used brown helmets and had their numbers inserted into tiny circles on the chest of their jersey.

No matter the throwback, the Packers uniforms all looked good and the other key aspect as Green Bay found a way to have success with them for the most part.

true throwback would have Green Bay sporting the “Acme Packers” across the front of their blue jersey with long sleeves and old school brown pants. We know that won’t ever happen thanks to NFL and Nike regulations, but it’s still fun to point out. The old leather helmets are gone for good, too.

Even so, Green Bay enjoys going back to various types of throwback uniforms, and why shouldn’t they? It’s fun for the team and fans, but most importantly, the team plays well when they do it. Green Bay’s blue jersey with either the brown or yellow helmets has translated to an impressive 5-0 run, while the team gets to take advantage of the league’s “third jersey” initiative this year.

The third jersey allows every NFL team to decide what to wear as an alternate, and the Packers have decided a throwback variation is their jersey for 2015. Packers fans can brace for it again at some point in 2015, especially since the Pack play on Thursday Night Football two times this year, and all TNF games permit both competing teams to wear any color jersey they wish.

Love or hate Green Bay’s alternate jersey this year? Let us know in the comments below!

Spurs Unveil New Black Alternate Uniforms

Spurs new black alternate uniforms

The San Antonio Spurs knew they needed to make some changes going into the 2015-16 NBA season. They were one and done in the playoffs last year, and they either needed to start over with a youth movement or re-tool their championship roster.

That led to two massive signings this summer, as the Spurs landed stud big man LaMarcus Aldridge, as well as savvy veteran forward David West. While San Antonio added some serious muscle down low to help their title odds, their two freshly signed players aren’t the only new thing in town.

On Thursday they Spurs unleashed their new “Black Signature Spur” jersey, which is an all black version of their all gray custom basketball uniforms. It gives them a sharp, edgy look for a team that got stronger and deeper in the paint. It also gives them a solid four Spurs uniforms to use during the new season as they try to return to the NBA Finals after a one-year hiatus.

San Antonio fans can expect to see the new all black Spurs jerseys rather quickly, as they’re supposed to don them for their homer opener on October 30th.

Which Spurs uniforms are best? The all greys, all white, traditional black or the new black alternates? Let us know in the comments below!

Bucks Sport Cool New Hats Designed by Players

Bucks sport cool new hats designed by players

The NBA rarely is lacking in the fashion department. We know that from watching guys like Russell Westbrook in post-game interviews. We know that from some of the sweet custom basketball uniforms that take the court. And we also know that based on shoes and various gear some of the more expressive players decide to don for games.

Bow ties and shoes, move aside. The Milwaukee Bucks are dropping some serious style with a different accessory – hats.

The best part? The team is letting their own players do it. The NBA and New Era made this project possible, as they’ve put the creative minds of Bucks players John Henson, Jabari Parker, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damien Inglis to the test. Each player worked with New Era to submit a unique design for the “Bucks x New Era Player Edition” project and the ultimate winner (the best hat) will be decided upon based off of a fan vote.

Jabari Parker, Milwaukee’s top rookie of a year ago, said that he enjoyed the creative process, in which he worked with New Era’s design team to create his own signature style.

“I enjoyed that a lot. I’m a creative guy”, said Parker.

Parker, Henson, Inglis and “Alphabet” (because let’s be honest, that name is a nightmare) all got their inspiration for their Bucks hat designs from different places, but the end goal for all four was the same: to produce four special designs that Bucks fans could appreciate and ultimately decide which one was best.

Along with getting NBA players involved, this New Era project also gets the fans involved. Fans obviously get to vote to help decide which hat stands tall above the rest, and of those fans that vote, five will be randomly selected to get an autographed hat by the Bucks player that designed it.

Head over to NBA.com to vote for your favorite Bucks hat and your chance to win!

Bucks Announce Fear the Deer Themed Uniforms and Court

Bucks fear the deer uniforms

The Milwaukee Bucks debuted the “Fear the Deer” campaign a few years back when the Bucks made the NBA playoffs but were massive underdogs to the mighty LeBron James-led Miami Heat. Miami ended up not “fearing the deer” at all, but the Bucks at least developed a running theme that was both catchy and funny. Now they’re bringing the intimidation factor out in the open.

The team announced the debut of “Fear the Deer” nights for the upcoming 2015-16 NBA season, where the Bucks will don alternate NBA uniforms and even switch up their court designs as part of their ongoing promotion with Pick’N Save at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Fear the Deer uniforms go along with Milwaukee’s third annual Bucks Fan Fest and will be featured at four different homes games on the year.

“We’re always looking for ways to be innovative as an organization, and our new Fear the Deer nights are another example of how we’re continuing to build world-class experiences for our fans,” Milwaukee Bucks President Peter Feigin said. “The Fear the Deer uniforms and first-ever alternate court are a unique way to celebrate the new attitude of Bucks basketball, and an exciting showcase for our young, talented team.”

The timing is spot on for this killer release of custom basketball uniforms, as Milwaukee’s uniforms had been borderline stagnant in year’s past and the franchise had yet to take advantage of the witty theme that had been spawned several years ago. Running full speed ahead with the “Fear the Deer” notion, Milwaukee instills a new type of edge for a new type of team.

Big man Greg Monroe signed on with the Bucks last year because he wanted to be part of something special, and as Milwaukee’s young talent grows in front of it’s fan base, that’s precisely what the Bucks hope to have. Special events and jersey alterations like this are certainly a step in the right direction.

Milwaukee will debut the new edgy look for the first time on December 9th against the Los Angeles Clippers at home. Going up against Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan, the Bucks will surely need all the edge they can get.

What do you think about Milwaukee’s Fear the Deer campaign? Is it cheesy or awesome? Tell us in the comments below!

*photo credit – Stuffpoint.com