WATCH THIS: Best Touchdowns Of Recent Memory

            To commemorate the NFL regular season being just around the corner, I've compiled a hodge-podge of touchdowns that are simply awesome. Of course, these touchdowns are of recent memory and aren't from the 70's, 80's, or 90's. I don't think they're even in the 00's. Anyways, here are some pretty sick touchdowns to enjoy.

Why Isn't Kaepernick Signed Yet?

            Many people are surprised that Colin Kaepernick is still unsigned going into the middle of August. The quarterback had adequate stats as a backup for the 49ers last season, throwing for 2,241 yards, 16 touchdowns, and four interceptions in twelve games. He did fumble the ball seven times, however. Still, Kaepernick could make for a decent backup in the NFL.
            So why is Kaepernick still unsigned? Part of it is the fact that he isn't a top-tier quarterback. Yes, I just said that he has adequate stats. However, those are stats for a backup. He's also completed 59.8% of his passes in his career. He did run for 468 yards last season, making him a decent dual-threat quarterback.
            Another part of the equation is the NFL owners. However, it's not for the reason that you think. There have been plenty of coaches and players who would want Kaepernick on their team or are surprised he's still unsigned, ranging from Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to Richard Sherman. Still, there are owners like Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti who are reluctant to take him on.
            There is a reason behind this. No, it's not that the owners are "racist", are "forming a coalition against Kaepernick", or are "bigoted". Many NFL owners fear the reaction from their fanbase and how they'll react if Kaepernick signs with their team. If you want a perfect example, take a look at when the 49ers visited Buffalo last season. NFL fans aren't exactly the most tame when it comes to their sport. Like the sport itself, NFL fans can be barbaric.
            Were Kaepernick's actions and views last season controversial? Absolutely. It added fuel to the fire of the "Black Lives Matter" debate and many other political issues. Did his actions have consequences? Absolutely. That's a part of why he's currently unemployed in the NFL.

The Astros Could Use Justin Verlander

            The Houston Astros have slumped in the past couple weeks. Their rotation is in shambles with players like Lance McCuellers on the DL. Their lead in the AL is still strong, but it's slowly slipping due to teams like Cleveland and Boston winning.
            This is where Justin Verlander comes in. Don't be fooled by the 3.97 ERA; Verlander nearly no-hit the Pirates in his last start and has a 1.20 ERA for the month of August. He has allowed three earned runs or fewer in his last seven starts, striking out five or more batters in those last seven games.
            There are a couple deterring factors, such as Verlander's contract. Verlander is due $88 million in the next three seasons and there aren't many teams willing to take on that salary. Verlander is also 34 years old, so age is a big factor as well. The Tigers aren't willing to deal Verlander until the winter season rolls around. Still, the Astros need pitching. If they can make a push for Verlander, they should make a strong push for him now.

Photo courtesy of Sporting News

Can Sam Darnold Become A Successful NFL Quarterback From USC?

            The USC Trojans have an illustrious football program. It's rich with history involving national championships, Rose Bowl victories and various alumni becoming NFL legends. However, it seems that after Carson Palmer, the Trojans haven't produced a quality NFL quarterback. Matt Leinart burned out from all the partying he did, Matt Barkley became a de facto backup, and this happened to Mark Sanchez and his career:

Photo courtesy of NY Daily News

            But there seems to be a new hope in the air for USC quarterbacks in Sam Darnold. The sophomore had 3,086 passing yards, 31 passing touchdowns, and nine interceptions in his freshman year. Darnold completed 67.2% of his passes and had a rating of 161.1.

            So why is Darnold different from previous USC quarterbacks? For one, Darnold is touted as a quarterback with quality playmaking skills. He has a great arm and is a big quarterback as well. Scouts tout Darnold's ability to read the entire field and how he's extraordinarily well in red zone situations. His throwing ability includes being able to fit the ball into tight spots and adding a touch of explosion. s touted as a quarterback with quality playmaking skills. He has a great arm and is a big quarterback as well. Scouts tout Darnold's ability to read the entire field and how he's extraordinarily well in red zone situations. His throwing ability includes being able to fit the ball into tight spots and adding a touch of explosion.

            There are some concerns about Darnold's delivery, for it is a long one. Darnold also has ball security issues and can be careless at times. However, these mechanics can be worked on and aren't even that big of a deal (His release is quick).

            Carson Palmer was the No. 1 overall pick after his illustrious career with the Trojans. After that, the Trojans haven't produced a quality starting quarterback in the NFL. This has quietly floated around the NFL for quite a bit and not many people have noticed. Sam Darnold might be able to change that narrative some time in the future.

Photo courtesy of OC Register

The Angels Aren't Doing Mike Trout Any Favors

            Mike Trout is a once-in-a-generation player. The six-time MLB All Star is a five-tool player who can give almost any team he plays on a fighting chance. He's a two-time MVP with a .308 BA, 992 hits, 188 home runs, 544 RBIs, and 155 stolen bases. He's also a five-time recipient of the Silver Slugger Award and was the first player in MLB history to hit 30 homers, steal 45 bases, and score 125 runs in a single season. With all the talk around Bryce Harper wanting $300 million and more, Trout is the only MLB player who deserves that kind of money.
            There seems to be one problem with Trout; he doesn't look to be in a position to win a World Series anytime soon. That's not Trout's fault, mainly due to many issues that the Los Angeles Angels have as an organization right now. However, if he wants to avoid becoming the hitter equivalent of Felix Hernandez, it'd be in his best interest to either take his talents elsewhere or for the Angels' organization to change their ways.
             One big problem the Angels have as an organization is a barren farm system. The Angels only had one prospect ranked in http://www.baseballprospectus.com/'s Top 101 prospects near the beginning of spring training (Outfielder Jahmai Jones) and don't have any ranked in MLB.com's current Top 100. They also don't have any Top Ten international prospects ranked according to Baseball America. There doesn't seem to be any help on the horizon for Trout, whose team seems to be stuck in win-now mode despite not having a winning team.
            Another major problem is the bad contracts. The Angels were saddled with not one, but two bad contracts. They gave an aging Albert Pujols a ten-year, $240 million contract loaded with perks and paid Josh Hamilton $26 million to play for the Texas Rangers. Loading up on payroll for just two players (More importantly, the wrong players) can hurt a team like the Angels from doing anything significant with the likes of Trout.
            It seems that there's no end in sight for the Angels regarding their current situation. Barring a dramatic shakeup in the front office, the Angels will be wasting Mike Trout's most valuable years. A player like Mike Trout deserves to have his career capped off with at least one World Series title and the Angels aren't helping out a lot.

Photo Courtesy of LATimes.com

WATCH THIS: Upper Deck Shots

            The home run is an impressive feat of power. One mighty swing of the bat can send the ball sailing over the fence. But what happens when a ball is sent into higher places? Pure power and magic. Here's some highlights of some massive home runs.

Best NFL Names

            What goes in a name? That's a good question. There are some unusual names out in the world, some of which make you wonder what the hell that child's parents were thinking. Granted, that's not the case; some names are from different origins (But their names still sound cool). Some of them share the same names as other celebrities! Anyways, here are some of the best names out there in the NFL. Every team is represented in this.

Arizona Cardinals:

Ironhead Gallon

Cap Capi

Atlanta Falcons:

Mohamed Sanu

Baltimore Ravens:

Tyus Bowser

Boseko Lokombo

Buffalo Bills:

Bacarri Rambo

Carolina Panthers:

Captain Munnerlyn

Chicago Bears:

Prince Amukamara

Cincinnati Bengals:

Bene Benwikere

C.J. Uzomah

Cleveland Browns:

Larry Ogunjobi

Dallas Cowboys:

EZ Nwachukwu

Xavier Woods (NEW! DAY ROCKS!)

Denver Broncos:

Aqib Talib

Detroit Lions:

Golden Tate

Green Bay Packers:
Herb Waters

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Houston Texans:
Dee Virgin

Eddie Pleasant

Indianapolis Colts:

Barkevious Mingo

Jacksonville Jaguars:

I'Tavius Mathers

Tueni Lupeamanu

Paul Posluszny

Kansas City Chiefs:

Damien Mama

Tanoh Kpassagnon

Los Angeles Chargers

Forrest Lamp

Charmeachealle Moore

Los Angeles Rams:

Pharoh Cooper

Miami Dolphins:

Damore'ea Stringfellow

Storm Johnson

Minnesota Vikings:

Chunky Clements

New England Patriots:

James O'Shaughnessy

New Orleans Saints:

Max Unger

Michael Hoomanawanui

New York Giants:

Orleans Darkwa

Nigel Tribune

New York Jets:

Lucky Whitehead

Oakland Raiders:

Pharoah Brown

Eddie Vanderdoes

Philadelphia Eagles:

Halapoulivaati Vaitai

Pittsburgh Steelers:

Juju Smith-Schuster

San Francisco 49ers:

C.J. Beathard

Noble Nwachukwu

Pita Taumoepenu

Prince Charles Iworah

Seattle Seahawks:

Jordan Roos

Mike Tyson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Bryan Anger

Tennessee Titans:

Adore'e Jackson

Washington Redskins:

Ziggy Hood

Jeremy Sprinkle

Brian Quick

James Quick