Will Aaron Rodgers Win the 2014 NFL MVP Award?

There are a lot of factors that go into determining the MVP of the National Football League.  Yards, touchdowns, ratings, wins, and sometimes even popularity figure in to the award.  And while the MVP title is rather pointless in such a team sport as football, it does still carry a lot of merit and often helps label who the most impressive player has been in the league.  And while we still have a ways to go before anointing a true NFL MVP, my early vote (as well as my long term assumption) is for Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers to claim the award.

Rodgers has long been among the elite players and quarterbacks in professional football, and has already won the award in 2011.  That season he threw 45 touchdown passes and led the Packers to a 14-1 record before sitting out the finale.  This year he is playing at that same level.

His current QB rating of 119.3 is tops in the NFL, and so is his yards per attempt statistic at 8.65.  That value is often a reflection of just how potent a passer is.  His 30 touchdown passes are second in the league behind Peyton Manning.  The only areas of concern would be his 7^th ranked completion percentage and total yards ranking.  Some would argue that makes him the 7^th best quarterback in the NFL, hardly worthy of the MVP.

But such insight is terribly misguided.  Rodgers ranks just 16^th in the league in passing attempts!  Again looking at his remarkable touchdown and yards/attempt figures paints the more accurate picture.  He is doing more with fewer throws.  In fact, his 342 pass attempts is exactly 100 fewer than Manning.  The reason for this anomaly has been that the Packers have been winning a lot of their games early, and with blowouts.  Against the Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings (first game), Chicago Bears, and Philadelphia Eagles, Rodgers tore apart defenses and had the win wrapped up by halftime.  By the 3^rd quarter he’d largely be handing the ball off to Eddie Lacy and by the 4^th quarter backup Matt Flynn would be in.  His incredible play has actually put the Packers so far ahead that Rodgers hardly has to play.

Additionally, in tighter games Aaron Rodgers has been exceptional as well.  His memorable drive to win late in the game against the Miami Dolphins was exactly the type of stuff that MVP’s produce.  There is really no stopping this guy.  And while he has benefitted from an improved run game and a stronger defense in recent weeks, it just goes to show how strong a player Rodgers is when his team is clicking.

Lastly, I feel that the statistic that ends all the MVP discussion is his 3 interceptions.  This is by far the lowest of any starting QB and is the main reason his rating is so high.  To get a clear picture of the significance of this mark, Tom Brady has 6 and Peyton Manning has 9.  The only player who manages games close to Rodgers’ level is Alex Smith, who has just 4 interceptions.  But while that number is very solid, his 13 TD’s pale in comparison to the 30 thrown by Rodgers.

And so if the season ended today, I would fully expect the MVP to be awarded to Aaron Rodgers.  And based on how he and the Packers typically finish seasons, I would anticipate those great numbers to continue.  The only player who really has a good shot of beating him would be DeMarco Murray of the Dallas Cowboys, a running back.  But this is where the name factor comes into play and would largely lean in Rodgers’ favor.  It’s also worth noting that 6 of the last 7 MVP awards have been handed to quarterbacks.  But if Murray breaks 2,000 rushing yards he may take the award.  However, I think that Rodgers’ season has been more impressive and is likely to capture the 2014 NFL MVP!

AAA Sports Memorabilia has a great selection of Green Bay Packers sports memorabilia along with all the other NFL teams.  Aaron Rodgers' autographed memorabilia will increase in value again this year if he is selected the 2014 NFL MVP, so get your autographed Rodgers memorabilia today before the increase.  Our autographed memorabilia is obtained through paid private signings with the athletes and are guaranteed for life by the most trusted companies in the industry.  Visit our website often as we add new products weekly.

2014 World Series Preview: Momentum versus Experience

In stunning fashion, two wildcard teams have now reached the 2014 World Series.  The surprising Kansas City Royals and the budding dynasty of the San Francisco Giants will meet for the Fall Classic, and it has all the makings of an enticing competition to determine baseball’s world champion!  Neither team has exceptional superstars, and yet here we are in late October with these bunches of over-performing players ready to embrace immortality and a World Series title.

For the Royals, the team is built around a tremendous bullpen and a bunch of speedy runners capable of stealing bases in the blink of an eye.  Meanwhile the Giants have a more balanced squad and the experience of winning two World Series in the last several years.

For me the key will be Kansas City’s questionable starting pitching.  Both James Shields and Yordano Ventura haven’t quite played to their best while only Jason Vargas has been impressive.  If the Giants can get up early in games, they may be able to win this series.  However, if Shields finally plays to his true value, the Royals may just claim a title in their first postseason trip since 1985.

In many ways, most casual baseball fans will be hoping for the Royals to win this Series.  They’ve endured so many disappointing seasons and there really is the feeling that this will be their only chance for many years.  They’ve earned their place here with a late-season surge and have gone undefeated in these playoffs.  If momentum is any guide, the Royals should be well on their way.

But if anyone can overcome a hot team it’s the Giants.  They’ve won 9 straight postseason series and have won the World Series twice in the last four years!  Starters Madison Bumgarner, Tim Hudson, and Jake Peavy have pitched marvelously while their bullpen is no slouch either.

Hitting wise the teams are quite evenly matched.  While the Royals lacked power in the regular season, their big bats have come alive in the playoffs, especially that of Mike Moustakas, who has 4 postseason home runs.  The Giants have good hitters too, and anyone with a decent memory can recall the glorious blasts by Pablo Sandoval in the team’s recent championships.

All in all, this is a tremendously matched World Series and could very well go either way.  While my heart wants to see the Kansas City Royals win an unexpected title, I think the current dynasty of the San Francisco Giants will continue, largely due to their remarkable starting pitchers.  Everyone knows that pitching wins titles, not stolen bases.  It has been a remarkable run by the Royals, and their momentum could definitely push them ahead, perhaps even leading them to a sweep, but I think that the Giants are simply the better team.  Remember that they have only lost two games in these playoffs and are on quite a hot streak as well.  The 2014 MLB season certainly has been a special one and it’s coming to a tremendous close.  I think the Giants will get to have the last laugh though, and they will win it all in 7 games!

Doesn't matter which team you are rooting for to win the World Series, we have collectibles for both the Kansas City Royals and the San Francisco Giants.  Our autographed memorabilia is guaranteed for life to be authentic as they are obtained from the most trusted sports companies in the industry and our autographs are done during paid private signings with the athletes.  We also carry officially licensed sports collectibles and display cases for all MLB teams.  New products are added regularly so visit us often to see what is new.

Get Ready NFL Fans: Football Season Is Upon Us!

Late summer heat is in the air, and the early reports from football training camps have been making their way to eager fans of the NFL; football season is coming!  For nearly half a year since the blowout that was Super Bowl XLVIII, supporters of each team have been waiting and waiting for this moment.  With the NFL preseason just around the corner, we can thankfully say that it is time for football once again.

Like every other year, unknown questions, blind hope, and a sense of excitement are building around the country.  Will the Seattle Seahawks be unstoppable, just as they were towards the end of last season?  Will Johnny Manziel or any other rookies take the NFL by storm?  Which lousy team will experience the miraculous turnaround to the playoffs that seems to occur every year?  These questions will begin to be answered in the weeks ahead.

But first we must endure the preseason games featuring a lone series by our favorite stars before the fringe players and squad hopefuls take the field.  While the occasional touchdown bomb by Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers will excite the fans, we know that these games are completely meaningless.  While we did receive a hint about the Seahawks for their 4-0 preseason record in 2013, what can we say about the league’s other 4-0 team, the Washington Redskins?

But while all the roster cuts and occasional injuries will keep fans on their toes all August long, we can welcome back the regular season with open arms in just one month.  On September 4^th, we will witness the Green Bay Packers playing the Seahawks in a rematch of one of the NFL’s most infamous games:  The Fail Mary game.  How it will turn out this time around is anyone’s guess, but I’m hopeful that it will be a marvelous spectacle kicking off the great season ahead.

While many mouthwatering fixtures will draw intrigue in the opening months of fall, we know that the NFL season will gradually build in excitement until the incredible winter games of the playoffs, and the eventual celebration of Super Bowl XLIX next February.  We certainly don’t know which games will be the most exciting until at least 6 weeks in (though fortunately flexible scheduling should showcase the best games each week), but for a fan of any team, what does it really matter so long as your favorite team is playing?

I could sit here and pick 5 teams I fully expect to contend for the Super Bowl, but what’s the point?  Right now, every team sits as equals at 0-0, and their players are roughing it out in the summer training camps, bracing themselves for the tough games ahead, which are certain to test every bit of their strength and perseverance.  This is what football is all about, and it has just gotten underway in the most serious manner for every team in the NFL.

And so as preparations are made for the upcoming NFL season, let’s sit back and count down the days until our precious football returns to action and celebrate the growing anticipation of our favorite sport!

AAA Sports Memorabilia doesn't care which NFL team you root for cause we have a sports collectible for every team.  Doesn't matter if you are looking for an autographed collectible or one that is not signed, we have something for you.  Our autographed sports memorabilia comes with a lifetime guarantee and certificates of authenticity from the most trusted companies in the industry.  Our non-autographed collectibles are all officially licensed and some are limited editions.  Come find your next collectible at www.AAASportsMemorabilia.com.

2013 World Series Preview: Boston Red Sox vs. St. Louis Cardinals in Classic Matchup

As Halloween draws ever closer, the time has arrived to discuss the annual “Fall Classic”, better known as the World Series of baseball.  This year’s series will bring together two of the most historically prestigious Major League Baseball teams, who have both won multiple championships in the last decade.  Bringing experience and top quality to the big matchup, this could be a World Series for the ages!

The St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox finished the season tied for the best record with a 97-65 mark.  For the Cardinals, such a result was basically expected.  They have been one of the most exciting teams in baseball over the last few seasons.  In the 2011 World Series, the Cardinals won an incredible Game 6 in which they were facing final pitches on several occasions, but always managed to deliver.  They would win the Series in Game 7.  Last season, in the final NLDS Game 5, the Cardinals were down 6-0 before a stunning rally to win the game in the 9^th inning.  They progressed to the NLCS where they were beaten by the San Francisco Giants, but the Cardinals have proven that they can be toughest team to close out.  Heroes like David Freese, Carlos Beltran, Matt Holliday, Allen Craig, and Matt Carpenter repeatedly make the plays to save the day!

But the Boston Red Sox also have a marvelous history of comebacks.  Who could ever forget their 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees when they overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat their heated rivals in 7 games?  They would go on to sweep St. Louis in the World Series, winning their first title since 1918, back when Babe Ruth was still a pitcher.

The Red Sox would then win another championship in 2007.  And although we are several years removed from those heroics, several current players took part in that 2007 season; Clay Buchholz, John Lester, David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, and Jacoby Ellsbury.  The Red Sox may have had their disappointments in the last several years, missing the playoffs, dealing with aging veterans, and even having scandals regarding their pitchers drinking beer in the dugout during days off, but this season has seen a team rekindle the passion and desire so often associated with the Red Sox.  Big Papi is swinging strongly again and the beards are back on full display!

While both teams have had marvelous years, they have both been challenged since day 1 within their divisions.  The Cincinnati Reds and the surprising Pittsburgh Pirates made life challenging for the Cardinals, and the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and even the lowly Yankees pushed the Red Sox to the brink.  Nevertheless, both these clubs persevered through their challenges and rose to the top, fully earning their success with gritty wins and pulling through in clutch moments.

So how can a humble writer go about predicting the winner of this series?  The only thing I feel I can accurately call is that this could be the most entertaining and evenly matched World Series in years.  These teams are basically carbon copies of one another.  Both teams have great hitters that can put away home runs, and both teams have some excellent arms capable of dominating lineups.  Both teams have ravenous fan bases, fully capable of carrying their teams to unprecedented heights.  Both teams are fully loaded with championship-winning heroes.  This is quite clearly the most fully deserving teams in baseball to find themselves competing for a championship.  The World Series could be won on the rare error or stolen base.  Who will blink first?  I expect this series to go the full 7 games, but that the Boston Red Sox will win it all because they have home-field advantage.  That’s the only difference I can see in these teams!

This will be an exciting World Series as the Cardinals will be going for revenge!  No matter which team wins, we will have the first collectibles commemorating the winning team.  Our collectibles will show some of the highlights of the series, the series MVP, celebrations, and more.  These great collectibles will be officially licensed by the MLB.  Visit us at www.AAASportsMemorabilia.com to check them out!  For those fans whose team did not make it to the World Series, we have collectibles for your team also!

Collecting the Perfect Sporting Memorabilia

Whatever the sport, if you’re a fan and a collector, you’ll want to get your hands on as much as you can. However, if you aren’t careful in your collecting, you could just end up with a pile of junk instead of cabinet full of priceless memorabilia.

When collecting your memorabilia, you should probably decide on what kind of memorabilia you want to collect to avoid just collecting any old thing. One example is to only collect memorabilia from a particular team, player or from a particular sport. Collecting specific items from a particular team is a popular option as it not only looks impressive to have a cohesive set of sporting goods, but it also adds value to your collection as you are likely to collect prized team items in an effort to have a complete set of whatever it is you are collecting. To asses an item’s value is pretty easy; all you have to do is inform yourself on what items are rare and unique, thus more valuable.

Obviously the most important issue when collecting sporting memorabilia is to ensure that an item is authentic. One way of doing this is to ensure that you purchase an item directly from a licensed dealer, the club themselves or even the player. All memorabilia products should come with a Certificate of Authenticity; otherwise their value will be diminished when you try to resell. There are so many stores and dealers out there now who specialize in dealing with sports memorabilia, like HTFM Framing and Memorabilia, these kinds of organizations with a reputation are a trusted source of authentic memorabilia.

Certain athletes and sports are in higher demand, so naturally the product becomes higher in value, and certain products will always be a safe bet, like signed footballs and baseballs, boxing gloves, basketballs; just make sure that it is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. If you are dedicated to a particular player or team it is likely that certain items are going to be quite expensive because there are other people with the same collecting ideas as you, so be prepared with a budget; if you can’t pay for the memorabilia, then it isn’t worth a thing.

When it comes down to it though, no matter what you collect, your collection should say something about you and your passion. Just collecting for the sake of having stuff is just silly, collect strategically, but only collect the items that you really want, ones that will make a statement about your collection and passion for the sport.

Quarterback Controversy - Tony Romo vs Joe Flacco

Tony Romo Autographed Dallas Cowboys Photo

NFL fans all know the huge contracts that Tony Romo and Joe Flacco received this year. Flacco got a big contract after his team won the Super Bowl and he was named the Super Bowl MVP. However, some NFL fans are wondering why Tony Romo got a huge contract when the Dallas Cowboys have not done much with him at the helm.

 

So the Dallas Cowboys gave Tony Romo a six-year contract worth $108 million with $55 million of that guaranteed. This is just slightly below the Baltimore Ravens contract with Joe Flacco who is also getting a six-year contract but it's worth is $120.6 million and $52 million is guaranteed. So even though Flacco's is more overall, Romo comes out ahead with the guaranteed money.

 

Let's compare the two and see how they rate neck to neck since 2008 when Flacco came into the league (and winning the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year Award). Here are the numbers:

 

Tony Romo (Since 2008)

 

Passing Yards: 18,623
Passing Touchdowns: 122
Pass Completions: 1,542
Pass Attempts: 2,383

Completion Percentage: 64.7%
Passes Intercepted: 59
Passes Over 20 Yards: 240
Times Sacked: 133

 

Joe Flacco (Since 2008 Rookie Year)

 

Passing Yards: 17,633
Passing Touchdowns: 102
Pass Completions: 1,507
Pass Attempts: 2,489

Completion Percentage: 60.5%
Passes Intercepted: 56
Passes Over 20 Yards: 225
Times Sacked: 44

So, based on these numbers, is Tony Romo's new contract really out of line. Why is it that he is the guy that everyone loves to hate. He has been sacked 3x's more than Flacco, so is it the Cowboy's offensive line that is at fault, or does Romo not throw it quickly enough? Either way, their numbers are very comparable.

 

Now the question is this, what will quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers going to receive since he is a much better quarterback then both Flacco and Romo. The Green Bay Packers will be paying huge when his contract is up in a couple of years.

 

No matter which quarterback or NFL team you root for, AAA Sports Memorabilia has an autographed collectible waiting for you. We have collectibles for all NFL team and all of your favorite athletes. Visit us regularly as new items are added daily.