Saturday, December 25, 2010
Michael Vick Argument...
It's hard to argue against Brady at this point given the fact he has played all of the games this season. With Michael Vick missing portions of a couple games and three all together he is definitely behind Brady as of now. But if he were to have another performance similar to that of week 10 where he went off and scored a remarkable 50 fantasy points for yours truly, I'd have a hard time not calling him MVP. Having the week he did last week and leading a 28 point fourth quarter comeback against a division rival is hard to argue about. When he's playing well he is the biggest impact player in the league. He's a dual threat in a league of three step drop passers and has managed to bring an Eagles team, who traded Donovan Mcnabb (arguably the equal of the Yankees trading Jeter) to another division rival for the prospect of greener pastures with Kevin Kolb, to the forefront of the NFC playoff picture. There isn't a team in this league who looks forward to the possibility of facing the Eagles in any round. The other side is the Patriots, who also are feared nationwide. Tom Brady will probably be the MVP because they both will be benched for the last game of the season at least and that puts Vick 4 complete games behind Brady in playtime. This considered, if Michael Vick goes full blown Jihad on the the Minnesota defense this week it could be a much closer vote than it is now. Regardless of MVP outcome he will undoubtedly be the Comeback Player of the Year.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Tom Brady is the MVP and I don't want to hear Vick about it.
Tom Brady is the NFL MVP. Period. Taking the Patriots to first place in the AFC and sitting at 12-2 they are tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the NFL's best record with two games left. 31 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. Brady hasn't played this well since the infamous 2007 season, and in some ways he has played better. In the '07 season Brady not only had 50 touchdowns, but only threw 8 interceptions. Through 15 weeks Brady has only thrown a remarkable four; his last interception coming in week 6, which is good for a record-breaking pace. Yet Brady's most impressive performance is what he has done with his supporting cast. For starters, Deion Branch has returned to the Patriots and replaced Moss by catching 5 touchdowns in ten games, tying his career high giving him 6 total for the season. Wes Welker the year after his season ended with a torn ACL, two rookie tight ends, a starting running back who never had topped 275 yards coming into the year, and a 5'9 utility back who was cut by the Jets at the beginning of the year. Toss tom Brady into the mix and you have the NFL's most potent offense at 31.9 points per game. That is MVP like stuff.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Why the Magic Turned their lineup upside down
Chuck:Losing five of their last six, the Orlando Magic turned their lineup upside down. When the dust settled the Magic had traded Vince Carter, Michael Pietrus, Marcin Gortat, Rashard Lewis, a first round pick and cash considerations. In return they received Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Earl Clark. That is a lot of names. A total of eight players moved in the two trades in which the Magic essentially traded away their their starting shooting guard and small forward as well as their backup center and back up forward. When looking quickly at the names a person might wonder if the Magic are any better? Turkoglu hasn't been able to return to his 2007 form, Richardson is no better than average on defense, and Arenas.... is well Arenas and comes with a two year deal which is due to pay him 37 million dollar deal this season. The Magic did this trade for one reason: Dwight Howard.
It has spread like wildfire in the NBA that you cannot win a title with only one star. As the Celtics set the precedent making the big three; the Miami Heat followed. As trade talks with the Hornets for a Chris Paul deal failed and things fell through with the Knicks for Carmelo Anthony the Magic had to do something to keep their 25 year old center happy. Orlando cannot waste away the prime of Howard's career as the rest of the east stack up. Carter was aging, Pietrus is irrelevant on offense and there has been whispers about why Brandon Bass (13.9 ppg, 6.1rpg in December) doesn't start over Rashard Lewis as it is. The only real value lost was the 26 year old Goratat who was their backup center to their superstar anyways. The last thing the Magic want is Howard jumping on the next flight and going to team up with a buddy, or telling the media he is not happy with losing every game in the super-competitive, top-heavy eastern conference.
The winner of the eastern conference will come from the formula of getting every star you can on one roster (Miami or Boston). The Magic did this so Dwight knows they are trying and want to build their team around his presence. The problem is the new formula is better than the old one. Howard may only temporarily be happy, but at least it is better than nothing.
It has spread like wildfire in the NBA that you cannot win a title with only one star. As the Celtics set the precedent making the big three; the Miami Heat followed. As trade talks with the Hornets for a Chris Paul deal failed and things fell through with the Knicks for Carmelo Anthony the Magic had to do something to keep their 25 year old center happy. Orlando cannot waste away the prime of Howard's career as the rest of the east stack up. Carter was aging, Pietrus is irrelevant on offense and there has been whispers about why Brandon Bass (13.9 ppg, 6.1rpg in December) doesn't start over Rashard Lewis as it is. The only real value lost was the 26 year old Goratat who was their backup center to their superstar anyways. The last thing the Magic want is Howard jumping on the next flight and going to team up with a buddy, or telling the media he is not happy with losing every game in the super-competitive, top-heavy eastern conference.
The winner of the eastern conference will come from the formula of getting every star you can on one roster (Miami or Boston). The Magic did this so Dwight knows they are trying and want to build their team around his presence. The problem is the new formula is better than the old one. Howard may only temporarily be happy, but at least it is better than nothing.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Power in the MLB
BAM: Thankfully, this off season has left the New York Yankees in the position of "Biggest Loser". That being said, the preseason projection of a Phillies/Red Sox World Series match-up has me giddy to say the least. With the Sox making acquisitions that made George Steinbrenner turn in his grave, the reestablished relevance of a team fraught with injuries last season is undeniable. The Phillies, who silently managed to grab the most sought after pitcher on the market, also have improved their team immeasurably this off-season. If the consistency that both teams have shown on either side of the ball over the last few years continue, we can expect a match up for the ages.
With Cliff Lee choosing the Phillies over the wealth that New York and Texas were so willing to endow him with, he has created arguably the greatest rotation in recent history. Not that his 5 year, $120 million contract is anything to scoff at(If he pitches as many innings as last season he will make over 107k per inning). With the exception of the Braves' Smoltz, Maddox, Glavine rotation there has never been a paralleled assembly of talent in a pitching staff. With all but the 5th starter having an ERA 3.2 last season and a winning percentage over .500, there is little to debate. The idiocy of considering Cliff Lee a number 2 starter is beyond belief and in a 3 game series there is almost no way that a team will compete if the offense is there to support this pitching staff. The possibility of numerous teams facing Halladay, Lee, and either Oswalt or Hamels in a series is bad news for the National League along with anyone in their division who faces them on a frequent basis. As proven many times over you can't win a championship without pitching, the Phillies have got it.
This separation of power between the elite and the rest of the league is also apparent in the American league. The Red Sox, with potentially the best offensive line-up in baseball next season, are the clear favorites for the American League World Series bid. Any line-up that has 4 MVP candidates in it takes the pressure the Red Sox pitching staff, who can now afford to have an ERA north of 3.50 and still win the majority of games. With the combination of Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury on the base paths the Red Sox will look to steal early and often to give their big hitters opportunities to drive them in. With the line up being similar to that below, the Sox hitters will have more than their fair share of opportunities with RISP. The return of Pedroia and Youkilis, and arguabley the best 1st/3rd combo in the game of baseball on both sides of the ball, there are few holes to be exposed on the field or at the plate.
This World Series match up, being in essence inevitable, will place two teams with potency in every category at each others throats. The Sox with the advantage on offense and the Phillies in pitching will brew over the course of the season a battle that even the most casual of fans will be drooling over. Not to discount either team in these categories, with the Sox rotation still be among the strongest in baseball, and season veterans such as Howard and Utley for Phillies' offense, this is a season that will be remembered for years to come.
Potential Batting Order of Boston
1. Pedroia
2. Crawford
3. Youkilis
4. Gonzalez
5. Ortiz
6. Drew
7 Lowrie
8. Saltamachia/Varitek
9. Ellsbury
With Cliff Lee choosing the Phillies over the wealth that New York and Texas were so willing to endow him with, he has created arguably the greatest rotation in recent history. Not that his 5 year, $120 million contract is anything to scoff at(If he pitches as many innings as last season he will make over 107k per inning). With the exception of the Braves' Smoltz, Maddox, Glavine rotation there has never been a paralleled assembly of talent in a pitching staff. With all but the 5th starter having an ERA 3.2 last season and a winning percentage over .500, there is little to debate. The idiocy of considering Cliff Lee a number 2 starter is beyond belief and in a 3 game series there is almost no way that a team will compete if the offense is there to support this pitching staff. The possibility of numerous teams facing Halladay, Lee, and either Oswalt or Hamels in a series is bad news for the National League along with anyone in their division who faces them on a frequent basis. As proven many times over you can't win a championship without pitching, the Phillies have got it.
This separation of power between the elite and the rest of the league is also apparent in the American league. The Red Sox, with potentially the best offensive line-up in baseball next season, are the clear favorites for the American League World Series bid. Any line-up that has 4 MVP candidates in it takes the pressure the Red Sox pitching staff, who can now afford to have an ERA north of 3.50 and still win the majority of games. With the combination of Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury on the base paths the Red Sox will look to steal early and often to give their big hitters opportunities to drive them in. With the line up being similar to that below, the Sox hitters will have more than their fair share of opportunities with RISP. The return of Pedroia and Youkilis, and arguabley the best 1st/3rd combo in the game of baseball on both sides of the ball, there are few holes to be exposed on the field or at the plate.
This World Series match up, being in essence inevitable, will place two teams with potency in every category at each others throats. The Sox with the advantage on offense and the Phillies in pitching will brew over the course of the season a battle that even the most casual of fans will be drooling over. Not to discount either team in these categories, with the Sox rotation still be among the strongest in baseball, and season veterans such as Howard and Utley for Phillies' offense, this is a season that will be remembered for years to come.
Potential Batting Order of Boston
1. Pedroia
2. Crawford
3. Youkilis
4. Gonzalez
5. Ortiz
6. Drew
7 Lowrie
8. Saltamachia/Varitek
9. Ellsbury
The Trip and Fall of the Jets
The Jets have finally proven that in a season that seemingly was destined to belong to Rex Ryan, not all that glitters is gold. Not only have they fallen two weeks in a row, but they ironically have their assistants trying to trip up the other team in hopes they might actually achieve a win. The line-up of the Jets is as riddled with superstars in varying stages of their careers as the Yankees pitching staff is with holes and recent losses to AFC East rivals proves that their early successes this season could not be sustained.
Revis, Holmes, Tomlinson, and a budding Mark Sanchez make up a line-up that screams success on both sides of the ball. Not only are there issues defensively (see week 13), but they have also only managed to score 9 points in 2 games. Now a team that "had it together" is even less potent on offense than the Tennessee Titans with Kerry Collins at the helm, and even they managed to score 28 points against the Colts last week.
These shortcomings, coupled with the large amount of penalty yards received on both sides of the ball and lack of clutch play lately, discredit any evidence of their Super Bowl contention. All signs point to the crushing defeat at the hands of the New England patriots as the catalyst for this seemingly sudden change. The receivers have been dropping passes more frequently and this inconsistency down the stretch leads me to believe the honey moon is over. They still will manage to limp into the playoffs but no one limps into a Super Bowl. A team that had found it's stride among the coy comments of Rex Ryan has lost its step as if tripped up on the sidelines. With only a couple weeks from the playoffs this leaves the expectation of an early exit. Sorry New York, but you can only hope the Knicks find a way to acquire Carmelo because none of your teams have a chance at a Championship otherwise. For now it seems that teams hailing from the "City that Never Sleeps" are being systematically put to bed.
Revis, Holmes, Tomlinson, and a budding Mark Sanchez make up a line-up that screams success on both sides of the ball. Not only are there issues defensively (see week 13), but they have also only managed to score 9 points in 2 games. Now a team that "had it together" is even less potent on offense than the Tennessee Titans with Kerry Collins at the helm, and even they managed to score 28 points against the Colts last week.
These shortcomings, coupled with the large amount of penalty yards received on both sides of the ball and lack of clutch play lately, discredit any evidence of their Super Bowl contention. All signs point to the crushing defeat at the hands of the New England patriots as the catalyst for this seemingly sudden change. The receivers have been dropping passes more frequently and this inconsistency down the stretch leads me to believe the honey moon is over. They still will manage to limp into the playoffs but no one limps into a Super Bowl. A team that had found it's stride among the coy comments of Rex Ryan has lost its step as if tripped up on the sidelines. With only a couple weeks from the playoffs this leaves the expectation of an early exit. Sorry New York, but you can only hope the Knicks find a way to acquire Carmelo because none of your teams have a chance at a Championship otherwise. For now it seems that teams hailing from the "City that Never Sleeps" are being systematically put to bed.
Paradise in Beantown
The winter meetings for the Boston Red Sox could not have gone any better. Not because they pulled off a deal for slugging stud Adrian Gonzalez without giving up their prospect of the future. Not because they stole Crawford from the Angels in free agency. But because for the first time in a long time, Cliff Lee proved to the Yankees it isn't just about money. Unlike C.C who didn't want to play in New York but couldn't turn down all those zero's, ditto Teixeria. Lee didn't want to be a part of what is turning out to be a bridge year for the Yankees. The left side of the infield is getting older and older. Jeter had a tumultuous off-season after a season in which he had his worst fielding percentage of his career and his worst batting average since his rookie debut in which he played only 15 games. As much as the Sox success makes Boston fans happy, nothing makes Red Sox fans smile ear to ear like watching the Yankees fail. Usually the Red Sox and the rest of the league watch Brian Cashman take his wallet out and ask who has got the biggest? Like a flock of rock groupies waiting to get into the VIP room; free agents ohh and ahh over Cashman's giant wad. Not Cliff Lee. It was more than money for Cliff, he loved Philadelphia the first time around and would take a pay cut to play there. Now the Yankees rotation is listed as Sabathia, Hughes, Pettite,and fourth pitcher Ivan Nova. Nova is 1-2 career with a 4.50 era, I think I would rather have Mr.Lee.
The off-season has almost made a Red Sox vs. Phillies world series match-up inevitable. The addition of Lee for the Phillies might give them the best rotation in the last 20 years. Their rotation includes the top right and left handed combo in all of baseball and maybe ever. It is strike out city with Doc Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hamels, and Happ. An unbelievable rotation. Yet, a lot can happen between now and October. There is one thing that is for sure, Cliff Lee won't be wearing pinstripes anytime soon.
Rejoice Sox fans, rejoice.
The off-season has almost made a Red Sox vs. Phillies world series match-up inevitable. The addition of Lee for the Phillies might give them the best rotation in the last 20 years. Their rotation includes the top right and left handed combo in all of baseball and maybe ever. It is strike out city with Doc Halladay, Lee, Oswalt, Hamels, and Happ. An unbelievable rotation. Yet, a lot can happen between now and October. There is one thing that is for sure, Cliff Lee won't be wearing pinstripes anytime soon.
Rejoice Sox fans, rejoice.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Least Favorite Players in the NFL (On Going Conversation)
Last Post by Bam on 12/12
Bam: Chuck continues to mention whenever the Dolphins are the topic of conversation that his least favorite player in the NFL is Chad Henne. He refuses to look down field and checks down to whoever is closest to him it seems... but I leave the description to Chuck because in my opinion his careful play has left them weak on offense but may have kept them in games.
So, my official and first player in this category (working towards least favorite) is Shawne Merriman. I choose him first because a) its an obvious choice due to the steroid controversy but also b) because post-steroids he has been irrelevant. He's easy to hate and I don't feel bad putting a cheater on blast when he's essentially proven he is incapable of performing without the juice. Since his suspension the games he has played he has been a non factor and seems more content doing guest spots hosting the occasional radio show in the off season or after his team has been inevitably eliminated from the play-offs. Here's to you Shawne, congratulations on your steroid driven performances and your irrelevance as of late... I think it's safe to say the lights are out on your career.
Chuck: You know I don't like Chad Henne, or the mentally challenged version of Roethlisberger. Ill talk about him another time. I want to talk about another quarterback that grinds my gears. Jon Kitna. There was a time when Kitna was pretty good.....it was in college! There are a few things you can expect to get from Kitna no matter the year, and no matter his age; turns 39 this season. He will get a big win that no one expects making the whole room chuckle when they see Kitna lead the rally of the week, see week ten. The Cowboys are 0-8 and they knock off the Giants under the first game that Wade Phillips is fired. No matter how much we hope teams will just bury Kitna on their depth chart eventually releasing him until he gets picked up next season in week four. Games like week ten didn't make me mad because I hate the Giants, but because I knew I would have to watch the CFL talented Jon Kitna for at least another 4 games in the 2010-2011 season. I'm sorry I don't root for career backups, I'm sorry I don't like inconsistency, and I'm sorry I don't like people who have their best year's for the Detroit Lions. You can't represent the Lions any better than Jon Kitna. If Jon Kitna is on the field expect pictures of him with an unbuckled chin strap limping off the field, or ambulance lights as he placed on IR once again. Certainly don't expect success because if Kitna is on the field your season is defiantly in turmoil.
Bam: Good response, have to agree with that assessment. My next least favorite player is... Albert Haynesworth. I don't dislike him because he doesn't get along with his coaches or because he doesn't do as they say. I hate him because he is getting paid, or was, to play a game. Not just any game mind you, the beautiful game of football. The game we all love so dearly in the fall and have grown accustomed to watching on Sundays when maybe we should be repenting. He gets paid to do what any number of adolescents, college kids, young men would love to do and dream of frequently. Not only does he get paid, he gets paid extravagantly and since his huge contract he has contributed nothing and been completely unremarkable to watch. Players paid as he is are not only supposed to perform but should perform at a level where they are amazing to witness on the field. High School coaches should be able to use any game tape of his to demonstrate how the game should be played and the effort that it requires to be great. Instead he fails to pass a conditioning test in preseason, refuses to play in the 3-4, and will not accept the challenge to learn a new system or approach to the game that he to should love.
Bam: Chuck continues to mention whenever the Dolphins are the topic of conversation that his least favorite player in the NFL is Chad Henne. He refuses to look down field and checks down to whoever is closest to him it seems... but I leave the description to Chuck because in my opinion his careful play has left them weak on offense but may have kept them in games.
So, my official and first player in this category (working towards least favorite) is Shawne Merriman. I choose him first because a) its an obvious choice due to the steroid controversy but also b) because post-steroids he has been irrelevant. He's easy to hate and I don't feel bad putting a cheater on blast when he's essentially proven he is incapable of performing without the juice. Since his suspension the games he has played he has been a non factor and seems more content doing guest spots hosting the occasional radio show in the off season or after his team has been inevitably eliminated from the play-offs. Here's to you Shawne, congratulations on your steroid driven performances and your irrelevance as of late... I think it's safe to say the lights are out on your career.
Chuck: You know I don't like Chad Henne, or the mentally challenged version of Roethlisberger. Ill talk about him another time. I want to talk about another quarterback that grinds my gears. Jon Kitna. There was a time when Kitna was pretty good.....it was in college! There are a few things you can expect to get from Kitna no matter the year, and no matter his age; turns 39 this season. He will get a big win that no one expects making the whole room chuckle when they see Kitna lead the rally of the week, see week ten. The Cowboys are 0-8 and they knock off the Giants under the first game that Wade Phillips is fired. No matter how much we hope teams will just bury Kitna on their depth chart eventually releasing him until he gets picked up next season in week four. Games like week ten didn't make me mad because I hate the Giants, but because I knew I would have to watch the CFL talented Jon Kitna for at least another 4 games in the 2010-2011 season. I'm sorry I don't root for career backups, I'm sorry I don't like inconsistency, and I'm sorry I don't like people who have their best year's for the Detroit Lions. You can't represent the Lions any better than Jon Kitna. If Jon Kitna is on the field expect pictures of him with an unbuckled chin strap limping off the field, or ambulance lights as he placed on IR once again. Certainly don't expect success because if Kitna is on the field your season is defiantly in turmoil.
Bam: Good response, have to agree with that assessment. My next least favorite player is... Albert Haynesworth. I don't dislike him because he doesn't get along with his coaches or because he doesn't do as they say. I hate him because he is getting paid, or was, to play a game. Not just any game mind you, the beautiful game of football. The game we all love so dearly in the fall and have grown accustomed to watching on Sundays when maybe we should be repenting. He gets paid to do what any number of adolescents, college kids, young men would love to do and dream of frequently. Not only does he get paid, he gets paid extravagantly and since his huge contract he has contributed nothing and been completely unremarkable to watch. Players paid as he is are not only supposed to perform but should perform at a level where they are amazing to witness on the field. High School coaches should be able to use any game tape of his to demonstrate how the game should be played and the effort that it requires to be great. Instead he fails to pass a conditioning test in preseason, refuses to play in the 3-4, and will not accept the challenge to learn a new system or approach to the game that he to should love.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
NFL Picks for week 14
CHUCK
Thursday night- Colts at Titans
The Colts have the fourth worst rushing defense and Chris Johnson has been struggling of late. Expect Johnson to turn things around to the enjoyment of his fantasy owners for the fantasy playoffs (please, please, please Chris I need you). Manning, who has thrown 11 picks in the last three weeks, will be able to get back on track against the Titans. They don't cover well which doesn't bode well against Manning. It will be a shoot-out, but the Titans are a mess right now. It is Peyton Manning on a Thursday night.
Colts 31 Titans 24
Sunday
Raiders at Jaguars-The Jaguars win games at home (4-2) and the Raiders don't really win on the road (2-4). Jones-Drew is scorching hot and Raiders quarterbacks are as trustworthy as Edward Norton in Italian Job.
Jaguars 20 Raiders 10
Bengals at Steelers-People thought the Bengals would be good this year with their pre-madonna receivers. They must have forgot that Carson Palmer sucks.
Steelers 38 Bengals 10
Patriots at Bears-This is a very tough game. What Cutler will we get? Can the Peppers control the game on defense? A question of a Patriots hangover is out of the question with a focused Brady. Yet, Chicago is for real and their speedy receivers could cause huge problems for the third worst pass defense. I hate to do this because I love the Patriots but I don't think they win this game.
Chicago 23 Patriots 20
Browns at Buffaloe-The Bills will win three games this year, this will be the 3rd. I see a late Peyton Hillis fumble and a Fitzpatrick drive for a win after he throws his 55th pass of the game. The Bills could also lose this game by 30.
Bills 28 Browns 20
Giants at Vikings- Why don't the Vikings take out grampy Farve and just play Tarvaris Jackson? Because who has seen Jackson do well? In 2007 the only season he really played, granted he was young, he finished with a qb rating of 70 and threw 9 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. There is a reason Jared Allen flew to meet Farve to beg him to come back.
Giants 24 Vikings 14
Packers at Lions-Maybe the most cozy of Lion's dens for Mr.Rodgers and his neighborhood. There looking to week 15 and the showdown in Foxboro.
Packers 38 Lions 20
Falcons at Panthers-Umm...Carolina who do you want with the first pick?
Falcons 30 Panthers 7
Buccaneers at Redskins- Is Mcnabb old or does he just miss the genius of Andy Reid like a baby misses his mommy? The Bucs are legit because Josh Freeman is the future. They should have beat the Falcons last week.
Buccaneers 20 Redskins 13
Rams at Saints-Who Dat! The Saints are over the superbowl hangover are on a fast track back, scary team to face in the playoffs if the offense is on all cylinders.
Saints 30 Rams 17
Seahawks at 49ers- If I have learned anything it is don't bet on the Seahawks on the road. Yet, after week three it was common knowledge that Mike Singletary wants to go Bobby Knight on Alex Smith and that the 49ers are here for press conferences not football games. It is the NFC west, they can only beat each other.
49ers 17 Seahawks 13
Dolphins at Jets- Jets are pissed off at home. Henne is my least favorite player to watch in football. Stop checking down! Learn how to throw a post! You have Brandon Marshall just throw it his direction Henne! Just because you look like Roethelisberger doesn't mean you like play him. The best player on the Dolphins is kicker Dan Carptener.
Jets 30 Dolphins 9
Broncos at Cardinals-There is nothing funny about this game so don't laugh!!! Derek Anderson is listed as questionable for this game lol why? Emergency therapy session on Sunday dealing with the fact that pro-bowl years do come as a fluke and there actually is nothing funny about a 65.9 quarterback rating.
Broncos 31 Cardinals 30
Chiefs at Chargers-The Cheifs have the easiest schedule in the NFL and they won easy games. They may not be very good but you can't fault them for an easy schedule. It doesn't matter who Rivers is throwing to he can put up 400 yards with his best receiver being Seyi Ajirotutu (that is not a typo). Sorry Rodgers, Rivers is the best quarterback under 30. I think the Chargers could still make the playoffs despite last week's hiccup.
Chargers 31 Chiefs 20
Eagles at Cowboys-"We came out like pitbulls" said Desean Jackson after the win against the Redskins on Monday night. Poor word choice my man, but expect the Eagles to put the Cowboys back in their place, there were more problems in big d than that pussy of a coach Wade Phillips.
Eagles 27 Cowboys 14
Ravens at Texans- The Texans play games with nine players on defense, there safeties are irrelevant. Flacco should have a big day against the worst passing d in the NFL. Without Arian Foster the Texans would have finished this year with 4 wins.
Ravens 28 Texans 13
Thursday night- Colts at Titans
The Colts have the fourth worst rushing defense and Chris Johnson has been struggling of late. Expect Johnson to turn things around to the enjoyment of his fantasy owners for the fantasy playoffs (please, please, please Chris I need you). Manning, who has thrown 11 picks in the last three weeks, will be able to get back on track against the Titans. They don't cover well which doesn't bode well against Manning. It will be a shoot-out, but the Titans are a mess right now. It is Peyton Manning on a Thursday night.
Colts 31 Titans 24
Sunday
Raiders at Jaguars-The Jaguars win games at home (4-2) and the Raiders don't really win on the road (2-4). Jones-Drew is scorching hot and Raiders quarterbacks are as trustworthy as Edward Norton in Italian Job.
Jaguars 20 Raiders 10
Bengals at Steelers-People thought the Bengals would be good this year with their pre-madonna receivers. They must have forgot that Carson Palmer sucks.
Steelers 38 Bengals 10
Patriots at Bears-This is a very tough game. What Cutler will we get? Can the Peppers control the game on defense? A question of a Patriots hangover is out of the question with a focused Brady. Yet, Chicago is for real and their speedy receivers could cause huge problems for the third worst pass defense. I hate to do this because I love the Patriots but I don't think they win this game.
Chicago 23 Patriots 20
Browns at Buffaloe-The Bills will win three games this year, this will be the 3rd. I see a late Peyton Hillis fumble and a Fitzpatrick drive for a win after he throws his 55th pass of the game. The Bills could also lose this game by 30.
Bills 28 Browns 20
Giants at Vikings- Why don't the Vikings take out grampy Farve and just play Tarvaris Jackson? Because who has seen Jackson do well? In 2007 the only season he really played, granted he was young, he finished with a qb rating of 70 and threw 9 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. There is a reason Jared Allen flew to meet Farve to beg him to come back.
Giants 24 Vikings 14
Packers at Lions-Maybe the most cozy of Lion's dens for Mr.Rodgers and his neighborhood. There looking to week 15 and the showdown in Foxboro.
Packers 38 Lions 20
Falcons at Panthers-Umm...Carolina who do you want with the first pick?
Falcons 30 Panthers 7
Buccaneers at Redskins- Is Mcnabb old or does he just miss the genius of Andy Reid like a baby misses his mommy? The Bucs are legit because Josh Freeman is the future. They should have beat the Falcons last week.
Buccaneers 20 Redskins 13
Rams at Saints-Who Dat! The Saints are over the superbowl hangover are on a fast track back, scary team to face in the playoffs if the offense is on all cylinders.
Saints 30 Rams 17
Seahawks at 49ers- If I have learned anything it is don't bet on the Seahawks on the road. Yet, after week three it was common knowledge that Mike Singletary wants to go Bobby Knight on Alex Smith and that the 49ers are here for press conferences not football games. It is the NFC west, they can only beat each other.
49ers 17 Seahawks 13
Dolphins at Jets- Jets are pissed off at home. Henne is my least favorite player to watch in football. Stop checking down! Learn how to throw a post! You have Brandon Marshall just throw it his direction Henne! Just because you look like Roethelisberger doesn't mean you like play him. The best player on the Dolphins is kicker Dan Carptener.
Jets 30 Dolphins 9
Broncos at Cardinals-There is nothing funny about this game so don't laugh!!! Derek Anderson is listed as questionable for this game lol why? Emergency therapy session on Sunday dealing with the fact that pro-bowl years do come as a fluke and there actually is nothing funny about a 65.9 quarterback rating.
Broncos 31 Cardinals 30
Chiefs at Chargers-The Cheifs have the easiest schedule in the NFL and they won easy games. They may not be very good but you can't fault them for an easy schedule. It doesn't matter who Rivers is throwing to he can put up 400 yards with his best receiver being Seyi Ajirotutu (that is not a typo). Sorry Rodgers, Rivers is the best quarterback under 30. I think the Chargers could still make the playoffs despite last week's hiccup.
Chargers 31 Chiefs 20
Eagles at Cowboys-"We came out like pitbulls" said Desean Jackson after the win against the Redskins on Monday night. Poor word choice my man, but expect the Eagles to put the Cowboys back in their place, there were more problems in big d than that pussy of a coach Wade Phillips.
Eagles 27 Cowboys 14
Ravens at Texans- The Texans play games with nine players on defense, there safeties are irrelevant. Flacco should have a big day against the worst passing d in the NFL. Without Arian Foster the Texans would have finished this year with 4 wins.
Ravens 28 Texans 13
Patriots and NFL Thoughts...I think I think
CHUCK
The win was a statement game for the Patriots there is no doubting that. They embarrassed the Jets and showed that when they are in Foxboro they are the best team in the NFL. That is 26 wins in a row at home for Brady, that is more than three years in the regular season without a loss at home; ridiculous. There were a few things that standout for the Patriots success and the Jets looking forward.
The most anticipated game in week 13 was Patriots vs. Jets. Yet, the most telling about the AFC playoff picture was the Sunday night slug fest between the Steelers and Ravens. Those team scare the shit out of me. I don't trust Mark Sanchez, and I'm not saying that just because of his poor display against the Patriots, but because I don't trust him. Can Mark Sanchez win a super bowl? He is good, real good, but Quarterbacks win games in the playoffs. Will he come in re-born and knock off the Patriots or Steelers in the playoffs in Pittsburgh or Foxboro, no way.
That brings me to my next point. The best quarterbacks are Ben Roethelisberger and Tom Brady in the playoffs and that is why they are the best teams. The two best teams in the NFL have two things in common: quarterbacks that win and respected coaching. The Steelers listen to Mike Tomlin and his team is always jacked up for games, but disciplined more than anything (not you James Harrison). The Steelers have a winning mentality and despite the Ravens ferocious defense it comes full circle to quarterbacks. These teams may meet again, and expect the Steelers to win again. Everyone that watched Sunday night saw Roethelisberger escape from the caged animal that is Terrell Suggs and win that ball game while Flacco spiked a fourth down pass to a wide open receiver to end the game. For team's that play almost exactly the same, the Steelers have the advantage at quarterback. Expect a Steelers and Patriots AFC matchup with whoever is at home playing for the Lombardi. Brady has turned into Braveheart and you can't stop him, players lean and believe in Brady so much because his decision making is unmatched. 27 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, this is one of Brady's best season ever. If people thought he was just banging Giselle and eating ice cream in the off season you were obviously wrong. Fellow Patriots love Brady because of his work ethic. Don't forget he was drafted as a backup at the end of the sixth round; rumor is if you saw Brady at the combine he shouldn't have even been drafted. He worked his ass off to get where he is.
I think....
When Cutler is on, he is on. I think the Bears play in the NFC championship after Cutler goes off in the playoffs throwing for three touchdowns and looking like a stud. Contrary to most players, when Cutler starts yelling at refs and his players he improves his play. He will always take chances and if he connects he can be unstoppable.
I think the Packers get into the playoffs in the NFC behind Aaron Rodgers, he and Greg Jennings go together like Pastrami and swiss.
I think Brett Farve will leave an NFL stadium for the last time in an ambulance as the Giant's Justin Tuck actually tears his arm off making him the 6th quarterback to not return to action against the Giants this season.
The win was a statement game for the Patriots there is no doubting that. They embarrassed the Jets and showed that when they are in Foxboro they are the best team in the NFL. That is 26 wins in a row at home for Brady, that is more than three years in the regular season without a loss at home; ridiculous. There were a few things that standout for the Patriots success and the Jets looking forward.
The most anticipated game in week 13 was Patriots vs. Jets. Yet, the most telling about the AFC playoff picture was the Sunday night slug fest between the Steelers and Ravens. Those team scare the shit out of me. I don't trust Mark Sanchez, and I'm not saying that just because of his poor display against the Patriots, but because I don't trust him. Can Mark Sanchez win a super bowl? He is good, real good, but Quarterbacks win games in the playoffs. Will he come in re-born and knock off the Patriots or Steelers in the playoffs in Pittsburgh or Foxboro, no way.
That brings me to my next point. The best quarterbacks are Ben Roethelisberger and Tom Brady in the playoffs and that is why they are the best teams. The two best teams in the NFL have two things in common: quarterbacks that win and respected coaching. The Steelers listen to Mike Tomlin and his team is always jacked up for games, but disciplined more than anything (not you James Harrison). The Steelers have a winning mentality and despite the Ravens ferocious defense it comes full circle to quarterbacks. These teams may meet again, and expect the Steelers to win again. Everyone that watched Sunday night saw Roethelisberger escape from the caged animal that is Terrell Suggs and win that ball game while Flacco spiked a fourth down pass to a wide open receiver to end the game. For team's that play almost exactly the same, the Steelers have the advantage at quarterback. Expect a Steelers and Patriots AFC matchup with whoever is at home playing for the Lombardi. Brady has turned into Braveheart and you can't stop him, players lean and believe in Brady so much because his decision making is unmatched. 27 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, this is one of Brady's best season ever. If people thought he was just banging Giselle and eating ice cream in the off season you were obviously wrong. Fellow Patriots love Brady because of his work ethic. Don't forget he was drafted as a backup at the end of the sixth round; rumor is if you saw Brady at the combine he shouldn't have even been drafted. He worked his ass off to get where he is.
I think....
When Cutler is on, he is on. I think the Bears play in the NFC championship after Cutler goes off in the playoffs throwing for three touchdowns and looking like a stud. Contrary to most players, when Cutler starts yelling at refs and his players he improves his play. He will always take chances and if he connects he can be unstoppable.
I think the Packers get into the playoffs in the NFC behind Aaron Rodgers, he and Greg Jennings go together like Pastrami and swiss.
I think Brett Farve will leave an NFL stadium for the last time in an ambulance as the Giant's Justin Tuck actually tears his arm off making him the 6th quarterback to not return to action against the Giants this season.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Patriots
Bam: The Colts have faltered and don't appear to be a threat to make the playoffs but the Patriots on the other had seem to be the favorite to win it all this year... again. With Tom Brady at the helm it seems that there is only one outcome for them and that is the playoffs. Beating who many thought to be a title contender by 42 points, or 15 times their score, the Jets no longer seem to be the impermeable force that they were as late as last week. No fourth quarter magic, No scoring at all really, and the Patriots defense emerges looking like that of old holding what many thought to be a dangerous offense to only 3 points. This is not just a big victory for the regular season, this is the start of a rekindled blood feud that raged long before Mark Sanchez ever put on pads for USC and the cheating college powerhouse known as the Trojans.
Among the best parts of the victory was that there was no jovial press conference after from Rex Ryan who has had a lot to smile about. Coming into this game were two teams with identical records both of which looking to prove their validity as the AFC favorite. Given the outcome we know who the clear favorite is and that though the Jets remain a powerhouse in the conference there is no match for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. This domination by the Patriots will set up one of the best post season games in history if the Jets are able to fend off the Ravens for the Wild Card spot in the AFC.
Among the best parts of the victory was that there was no jovial press conference after from Rex Ryan who has had a lot to smile about. Coming into this game were two teams with identical records both of which looking to prove their validity as the AFC favorite. Given the outcome we know who the clear favorite is and that though the Jets remain a powerhouse in the conference there is no match for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. This domination by the Patriots will set up one of the best post season games in history if the Jets are able to fend off the Ravens for the Wild Card spot in the AFC.
Kevin Garnett
Chuck: The success of the Celtics starts with the healthiness of Kevin Garnett. Celtics enter the week at 16-4 and despite other injuries to big men Jermaine O'Neal and Kendrick Perkins, Garnett's ability to rebound has kept this team number one. Last year he played a whole season at about 70% with that knee. People thought he was just getting old. The Garnett effect is what changed the Celtics mentality. He is their glue, their emotion, and most importantly their defensive leader. Garnett is averaging 16 points a game and ten rebounds in about thirty minutes of play. Garnett averaged only seven boards I game last year compared to his 10.8 career average. With Garnett's strong play you could make a case for all five Celtic starters to make the all-star team. Rondo is a shoo-in, Pierce should get in Allen, continues to play well because of his ridiculous shape and the Big Aristotle, Daddy Shaq is averaging 11 and 7 in only twenty minutes a game.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Deron Williams: best point guard in the league (ongoing conversation)
Last Response on 12/5 by Chuck
Bam, when you are ready to debate this topic I'm ready. Deron Williams, best point guard in the NBA right now, potential MVP this season. Dare you to debate.
Ok, First off in average points+rebounds+assists Deron Williams is 6th behind the obvious Kobe, Lebron, and Kevin Durant. On top of the list though are Westbrook and Derrick Rose. Derrick Rose is not an MVP candidate to me this season because MVP seems to be an award that goes to a proven player. Deron Williams is that player but the Jazz will have to maintain the success that they are having now in order for him to win the MVP race. I think as of now (4 game slide ignored) Kobe Bryant will be the MVP, Lebron won't get the points necessary to win it and the Heat will continue to struggle but as of now Kobe leads his team in assists and points per game and will continue to dominate games the way he always does.
-Bam
That is cute that you chose Kobe Bryant. Yet the statistic that sticks out to me is efficiency. Deron Williams is fourth in the NBA with 25.2 right behind Chris Paul at 25.83. (Efficiency is ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers)). Translation: Control and management of a game. Deron is the most efficient player in the league. Deron is averaging 38 minutes a game to Paul's 35, that three minutes is a big difference when measuring such a precise stat. He controls games like no other players do on a team that is red hot winning seven straight. The showdown with the Mavericks will determine who has the second best record in the West. Kobe will get hot, and LeBron and the Heat may turn it around, but with the Lakers taking the Celtic approach to the regular season, just breezing through until playoff time, and Lebron being with Wade causing his stats to go down, Deron emerges as number one.
~Chuck
Than if we're going to use that stat rather than the fact that Kobe flat out controls games we'll have to say Pau Gasol is the best player in league. He averages more minutes per game than Deron, Has a higher efficiency, and is by far the best center in the league. If you lead those two categories and are far and away the best player at your position shouldn't you be a shoe in for MVP? On top of that Russel Westbrook leads Deron in both the aforementioned (points+rebounds+assists) average and efficiency, as well as averages more minutes a game so in either case by your own argument Pau Gasol and Russel Westbrook are the clear front runners for the 2010-2011 MVP campaign.
-Bam
Russell Westbrook is having a heck of a season. But you and me both know you don't think he is motherflipping MVP, he isn't even the best player on his team. Same goes for Gasol; though they may be efficient players. My true reasoning for believing Deron Williams is deserving of MVP is his ability to make players better. A sign of a great player. It doesn't matter who is running the pick and roll as long as Deron is half of that equation it works. He has turned Paul Milsap into a star his first year starting, he has raised his scoring average by seven points this season playing with Williams. And Currently the Jazz have a better record than the Lakers and Thunder.
~Chuck
I don't but by your previous statistical argument both of those players are better statistically than Deron Williams. Yes, Deron Williams has made his team better and Yes, he is currently the best point guard in the NBA but he is not the best player in the NBA and there are many point guards that could be inserted into the Jazz lineup with similar results. Right now the point guard position in the NBA is by far the strongest with very few teams if any not having a legitimate point guard. There is only one Kobe Bryant and one Pau Gasol. If either of those two players is removed from that team they become a bottom feeding team with little or no potential for a successful postseason the same goes for Westbrook and Durant but Westbrook falls into that over saturated point guard position. There are three players in the ranks of Kobe positionally and statistically, Lebron, Wade, and Durant. With Wade and Lebron on the same team there is no way that either becomes the MVP but I still believe the debate is between Kobe and Durant. If there was a secondary MVP debate for the second best player on a team crucial to their success it becomes about Westbrook and Pau Gasol but there is no such award so you inevitably go back to the most dominant players in the game reaching no other conclusion than Kobe and Durant. Lebron will in time see his stats inflate with the attention being split between he, Wade, and Bosh but is not as valuable in that equation when you have two other all-stars (even though only one, Wade, is playing well enough to be one this year and Bosh is a pansy). Between Durant and Kobe I still think Kobe is superior though Durant will be more than worthy of the award after Kobe starts declining.
-Bam
This discussion is not about who the best player is in the NBA, it is by definition the most valuable. I consider it a moot point for you to say that without Gasol or without Kobe or the thunder without Durant their teams are not as good, well no shit. So considering that, think about the secondary players on those teams and how good those players really are. The second best player on the Jazz is Paul Millsap who averages 18 a game, but his development has been because of the leadership of a player like Williams. Now consider this, take away Deron Williams and where is the Utah Jazz? All speculation, but there is no thing that cannot be debated and that is that they suck. The most VALUABLE player is Deron Williams when you consider his value to his team when contributing to their success. Karl Malone won MVP twice in his career during the 90's do you think he was the best player in the NBA that year? Absolutely not, but he was the most valuable. There was another player named Michael Jordan that most would consider better. In 2000's Nash has won the award twice, was he the best player in the NBA? no way, but the most valuable for his team's success, yes he was. Deron for MVP!
~Chuck
Bam, when you are ready to debate this topic I'm ready. Deron Williams, best point guard in the NBA right now, potential MVP this season. Dare you to debate.
Ok, First off in average points+rebounds+assists Deron Williams is 6th behind the obvious Kobe, Lebron, and Kevin Durant. On top of the list though are Westbrook and Derrick Rose. Derrick Rose is not an MVP candidate to me this season because MVP seems to be an award that goes to a proven player. Deron Williams is that player but the Jazz will have to maintain the success that they are having now in order for him to win the MVP race. I think as of now (4 game slide ignored) Kobe Bryant will be the MVP, Lebron won't get the points necessary to win it and the Heat will continue to struggle but as of now Kobe leads his team in assists and points per game and will continue to dominate games the way he always does.
-Bam
That is cute that you chose Kobe Bryant. Yet the statistic that sticks out to me is efficiency. Deron Williams is fourth in the NBA with 25.2 right behind Chris Paul at 25.83. (Efficiency is ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers)). Translation: Control and management of a game. Deron is the most efficient player in the league. Deron is averaging 38 minutes a game to Paul's 35, that three minutes is a big difference when measuring such a precise stat. He controls games like no other players do on a team that is red hot winning seven straight. The showdown with the Mavericks will determine who has the second best record in the West. Kobe will get hot, and LeBron and the Heat may turn it around, but with the Lakers taking the Celtic approach to the regular season, just breezing through until playoff time, and Lebron being with Wade causing his stats to go down, Deron emerges as number one.
~Chuck
Than if we're going to use that stat rather than the fact that Kobe flat out controls games we'll have to say Pau Gasol is the best player in league. He averages more minutes per game than Deron, Has a higher efficiency, and is by far the best center in the league. If you lead those two categories and are far and away the best player at your position shouldn't you be a shoe in for MVP? On top of that Russel Westbrook leads Deron in both the aforementioned (points+rebounds+assists) average and efficiency, as well as averages more minutes a game so in either case by your own argument Pau Gasol and Russel Westbrook are the clear front runners for the 2010-2011 MVP campaign.
-Bam
Russell Westbrook is having a heck of a season. But you and me both know you don't think he is motherflipping MVP, he isn't even the best player on his team. Same goes for Gasol; though they may be efficient players. My true reasoning for believing Deron Williams is deserving of MVP is his ability to make players better. A sign of a great player. It doesn't matter who is running the pick and roll as long as Deron is half of that equation it works. He has turned Paul Milsap into a star his first year starting, he has raised his scoring average by seven points this season playing with Williams. And Currently the Jazz have a better record than the Lakers and Thunder.
~Chuck
I don't but by your previous statistical argument both of those players are better statistically than Deron Williams. Yes, Deron Williams has made his team better and Yes, he is currently the best point guard in the NBA but he is not the best player in the NBA and there are many point guards that could be inserted into the Jazz lineup with similar results. Right now the point guard position in the NBA is by far the strongest with very few teams if any not having a legitimate point guard. There is only one Kobe Bryant and one Pau Gasol. If either of those two players is removed from that team they become a bottom feeding team with little or no potential for a successful postseason the same goes for Westbrook and Durant but Westbrook falls into that over saturated point guard position. There are three players in the ranks of Kobe positionally and statistically, Lebron, Wade, and Durant. With Wade and Lebron on the same team there is no way that either becomes the MVP but I still believe the debate is between Kobe and Durant. If there was a secondary MVP debate for the second best player on a team crucial to their success it becomes about Westbrook and Pau Gasol but there is no such award so you inevitably go back to the most dominant players in the game reaching no other conclusion than Kobe and Durant. Lebron will in time see his stats inflate with the attention being split between he, Wade, and Bosh but is not as valuable in that equation when you have two other all-stars (even though only one, Wade, is playing well enough to be one this year and Bosh is a pansy). Between Durant and Kobe I still think Kobe is superior though Durant will be more than worthy of the award after Kobe starts declining.
-Bam
This discussion is not about who the best player is in the NBA, it is by definition the most valuable. I consider it a moot point for you to say that without Gasol or without Kobe or the thunder without Durant their teams are not as good, well no shit. So considering that, think about the secondary players on those teams and how good those players really are. The second best player on the Jazz is Paul Millsap who averages 18 a game, but his development has been because of the leadership of a player like Williams. Now consider this, take away Deron Williams and where is the Utah Jazz? All speculation, but there is no thing that cannot be debated and that is that they suck. The most VALUABLE player is Deron Williams when you consider his value to his team when contributing to their success. Karl Malone won MVP twice in his career during the 90's do you think he was the best player in the NBA that year? Absolutely not, but he was the most valuable. There was another player named Michael Jordan that most would consider better. In 2000's Nash has won the award twice, was he the best player in the NBA? no way, but the most valuable for his team's success, yes he was. Deron for MVP!
~Chuck
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Clevland Cavaliers and the future of Doc Rivers
It is easy to hate on Lebron James. I will take my shots another time after watching his return to Cleveland tonight. For a man who's actions have been under constant judgment and scrutiny Thursday nights match up will be the measuring stick. All i'm saying now is instead of giving the first 200 fans free anti-Lebron clothes I hope they give them free paintball guns to blast Lebron when he comes onto the court. This is game is a big of a deal is it is made out to be. Not for the obvious reasons but for the Cavaliers and the teammates Lebron basically said I'm to good for, I can't win with you. Think about Antwan Jaminson he came to Cleveland thinking he was coming to a potential championship team, look at the Cavs now. If it wasn't for Byron Scott they would be one of the worst teams in the east. Mo Williams contemplated retirement after Lebron took his talents to south beach. The only defense I have for Lebron is don't blame him for the Heat not getting out to a scorching hot start. The Heat gave Chris Bosh 100 million dollars thinking they would get 20 and 10 numbers. Instead they basically got Lemarcus Aldridge and 14 and 7. Bosh can't rebound and is the biggest 100 million dollar pussy that you can't fuck I have ever seen, all he is done is the fuck the Heat instead.
From a Celtics perspective something worries me about the Heat struggles. As the question Spolstera and his poor coaching methods and offensive sets a new coach will be hired. The number option is Doc Rivers. Doc is respected by players, has experience, and has proven he can handle ego's and coach stars. The new big 2 and a half are in a different part of their career than Boston's tea party, but Doc can earn their respect. You ask why he would leave the Celtics? Well he almost retired this year to watch his kids play basketball. ps His son Austin is a future star and will be playing for Duke next season. And his whole family lives in Orlando. It is just something to ponder that makes me lose sleep at night. Appreciate Doc Boston fans, he is slowly becoming one of the most respected coaches in the NBA.
From a Celtics perspective something worries me about the Heat struggles. As the question Spolstera and his poor coaching methods and offensive sets a new coach will be hired. The number option is Doc Rivers. Doc is respected by players, has experience, and has proven he can handle ego's and coach stars. The new big 2 and a half are in a different part of their career than Boston's tea party, but Doc can earn their respect. You ask why he would leave the Celtics? Well he almost retired this year to watch his kids play basketball. ps His son Austin is a future star and will be playing for Duke next season. And his whole family lives in Orlando. It is just something to ponder that makes me lose sleep at night. Appreciate Doc Boston fans, he is slowly becoming one of the most respected coaches in the NBA.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Joy of Watching the Lakers and Heat Lose
The Heat have regrouped after their minor slide and losses to the Dallas Mavericks and second tier teams such as the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies. The struggle is far from over especially when there continue to be rumors of Erik Spoelstra being replaced and the lack of chemistry between Wade and James on the court.
The Lakers now see themselves in an equally unfortunate position having just received their 4th straight loss at the hands of the Houston Rockets. The loss of Andrew Bynum and the lack of production from Pau Gasol will be the plague that continues to consume games that should be in the win column for the Lakers.Kobe continues to put up numbers that have become just the usually when talking of his play but the need for him to set aside his will to force his team to win in place of a will to help his team win is rather obvious. In all but one of the losses this season Kobe Bryant has been the leading scorer easily proving that him getting his points isn't enough for them to win. Even more shocking Kobe leads his team in assists thus far at 4.7apg which is 31st in the league while the rest of the top teams in the league have a APG leader somewhere in the top of this category.
Later today as it is about 1:30am EST Lebron returns to Cleveland. Undoubtedly he will emerge victorious against a team that lacks a star caliber player such as the one that left during free agency last year. Having a record on 3 games above .500 means that there is still a long way to go before they reach the promised land of a 70 win season or even the playoffs. But the cold reaction of the fans in Cleveland will put joy in my heart which hated Lebron long before he took a huge dump all over the city and team that loved him.
Both the Lakers and Heat remain a dangerous adversary to any team but behind Kobe's game highs in scoring in all four of their losses mean that the Lakers specifically and both teams in general need to find scoring outside of the star(or stars in Miami's case). In only one of the losses Miami has had this year has either Wade or Lebron led scoring and had more than 30 points. In all their other losses they have either scored less than 30 or not had the leading scorer
As a Celtics fan, watching the Lakers and Heat lose is the most excitement in the regular season. We know that the veteran leadership of the Celtics is enough for them to easily coast into the post season, as they have done in the past couple seasons. But when the Lakers and Heat hit their stride come late March and April will the veteran status of the Celtics be enough to remain at the end of the NBA Playoffs and Finals. Or will these teams ever find it. It's safe to say with Phil Jackson at the reins it will be a cold day in hell when he doesn't lead his team to success but as for now the need to right the ship and get back on course is inarguable and how long will it be before Pat Riley makes his way from the desk chair in the front office to the seat next to the scorer's table at the end of the bench.
The Lakers now see themselves in an equally unfortunate position having just received their 4th straight loss at the hands of the Houston Rockets. The loss of Andrew Bynum and the lack of production from Pau Gasol will be the plague that continues to consume games that should be in the win column for the Lakers.Kobe continues to put up numbers that have become just the usually when talking of his play but the need for him to set aside his will to force his team to win in place of a will to help his team win is rather obvious. In all but one of the losses this season Kobe Bryant has been the leading scorer easily proving that him getting his points isn't enough for them to win. Even more shocking Kobe leads his team in assists thus far at 4.7apg which is 31st in the league while the rest of the top teams in the league have a APG leader somewhere in the top of this category.
Later today as it is about 1:30am EST Lebron returns to Cleveland. Undoubtedly he will emerge victorious against a team that lacks a star caliber player such as the one that left during free agency last year. Having a record on 3 games above .500 means that there is still a long way to go before they reach the promised land of a 70 win season or even the playoffs. But the cold reaction of the fans in Cleveland will put joy in my heart which hated Lebron long before he took a huge dump all over the city and team that loved him.
Both the Lakers and Heat remain a dangerous adversary to any team but behind Kobe's game highs in scoring in all four of their losses mean that the Lakers specifically and both teams in general need to find scoring outside of the star(or stars in Miami's case). In only one of the losses Miami has had this year has either Wade or Lebron led scoring and had more than 30 points. In all their other losses they have either scored less than 30 or not had the leading scorer
As a Celtics fan, watching the Lakers and Heat lose is the most excitement in the regular season. We know that the veteran leadership of the Celtics is enough for them to easily coast into the post season, as they have done in the past couple seasons. But when the Lakers and Heat hit their stride come late March and April will the veteran status of the Celtics be enough to remain at the end of the NBA Playoffs and Finals. Or will these teams ever find it. It's safe to say with Phil Jackson at the reins it will be a cold day in hell when he doesn't lead his team to success but as for now the need to right the ship and get back on course is inarguable and how long will it be before Pat Riley makes his way from the desk chair in the front office to the seat next to the scorer's table at the end of the bench.
This is why Duke Sucks
As it being my first entry on the "Biased Perspectives" blog I feel the guys above me can you tell how I feel about about the Duke Blue Devils better than anything I can write. F*** Duke! They are the New York Yankees of college basketball. Not because they are the most dominant team in their respected sport (kills me to say to that) but because hillbilly's who know nothing about the sport and can remember two players from the only two games they saw in the 90's, good NBA career Christian Laettner. Despite always being able to watch Duke on ABC when our family didn't make the move to cable until I was in eighth grade! Duke games were always available. Don't get me wrong they won games, and who doesn't love a wild student section but there was a a traumatic moment in my life that makes my hate for the Blue Devils grow with every AP vote for first place. I was watching a high school basketball game with my buddies when we ran into an old football coach. I was anxious as my friends and I made a four person bro date for an anticipated number 1 vs. number 2 college basketball game between Memphis and Tennessee. It was the 2006-2007 when Chris Lofton went captain insano averaging 20 points a game and making Bruce Pearl's crazy mannerisms funny, now he is just a cheater hahaha (Burn Bruce Pearl) Back to the story. Small chat continued and my coach asked me what I had planned for the night. I told him of our exciting matchup and he said "O who is playing, Duke and North Carolina? I love Duke probably my favorite team" Even at my young age I showed frustration and anger towards his love for the Blue Devils. Why do you love Duke? because everyone else does? because there the fucking Yankees of college basketball? or because it is only team you know the f****** mascot for. Because if it is the only team you know, don't say you like them just because you know them. Everyone knows who the Arizona Cardinals are but no one f****** likes them. At least the Yankees have cool hats.
So Bam, you now know why I hate Duke, you can love them for your reasons that is fine I won't judge you. But, never ask me why I hate Duke, please don't.
As far as your stats I got nothing, Duke received every first place vote and just knocked off Michigan State. But I still f****** hate them.
Coach K vs. Tom Izzo (aka the only person who could have kept Lebron in Cleveland)
Tom Izzo is about to wish he had taken the Cleveland Cavaliers coaching job. His team will be successful this season but not tonight. Duke following it's first 6 wins with yet another will continue to reiterate it's dominance to the rest of Division 1 and little will change for them besides the number left of the dash in their record from 6 to 7.
Tonight Duke faces its first of many teams by which they will be gauged. With the recent loss to U Conn Michigan state enters Cameron Indoor Stadium hungry to prove that they will be a valid title contender come March. Unfortunately for them Duke is at home, in the happiest place on earth and will not lose.
With their rowdy fans seated above Coach K court painted faces and chests will speckle the crowd and the most devote fan base in college basketball will erupt for every play. Duke is 10-1 in games during the ACC/Big Ten challenge and I doubt very highly they will be 10-2 following the conclusion of this game. Beating their opponents on average this season by 28 points and most significantly Kansas State by 14 the Spartans who have recently found themselves stricken with turnovers and will have a hard time remaining within single digits if they give Duke an opportunity to put the away early.
Kalin Lucas the most significant name on the Michigan State roster enters his senior season with high hopes to seal his name among point guards taken early in the NBA draft. His opposition tonight, Kyrie Irving, a freshman point guard will get his first opportunity to play against a truly elite college point guard and will also be hoping to seal a spot high in the draft order. Lucas having been described as slow but quick will have limited looks from teams in the first round but looks to be building a resume as a quality shooter and may possibly find himself molded into a passer rather than an off the dribble, drive and dish type player. Kyrie Irving is almost the polar opposite and has been called the next John Wall by many. He does have the same shooting ability as Lucas but seems much more content running the floor and driving to draw pressure off from the shooters he has so eagerly camped on the three point line.
For Duke the focus will be to continue to play their game. Duke rarely goes into autopilot especially this early in the season and continuing to put teams away early will keep them atop the weekly rankings. For Michigan State keeping any of Duke's perimeter players from getting open looks will be key. Singler will be looking to find his stroke which has been absent as of late and Nolan Smith will be splitting time on Lucas defensively and looking to help duke repeat and earn Coach K his 5th NCAA title.
Tonight Duke faces its first of many teams by which they will be gauged. With the recent loss to U Conn Michigan state enters Cameron Indoor Stadium hungry to prove that they will be a valid title contender come March. Unfortunately for them Duke is at home, in the happiest place on earth and will not lose.
With their rowdy fans seated above Coach K court painted faces and chests will speckle the crowd and the most devote fan base in college basketball will erupt for every play. Duke is 10-1 in games during the ACC/Big Ten challenge and I doubt very highly they will be 10-2 following the conclusion of this game. Beating their opponents on average this season by 28 points and most significantly Kansas State by 14 the Spartans who have recently found themselves stricken with turnovers and will have a hard time remaining within single digits if they give Duke an opportunity to put the away early.
Kalin Lucas the most significant name on the Michigan State roster enters his senior season with high hopes to seal his name among point guards taken early in the NBA draft. His opposition tonight, Kyrie Irving, a freshman point guard will get his first opportunity to play against a truly elite college point guard and will also be hoping to seal a spot high in the draft order. Lucas having been described as slow but quick will have limited looks from teams in the first round but looks to be building a resume as a quality shooter and may possibly find himself molded into a passer rather than an off the dribble, drive and dish type player. Kyrie Irving is almost the polar opposite and has been called the next John Wall by many. He does have the same shooting ability as Lucas but seems much more content running the floor and driving to draw pressure off from the shooters he has so eagerly camped on the three point line.
For Duke the focus will be to continue to play their game. Duke rarely goes into autopilot especially this early in the season and continuing to put teams away early will keep them atop the weekly rankings. For Michigan State keeping any of Duke's perimeter players from getting open looks will be key. Singler will be looking to find his stroke which has been absent as of late and Nolan Smith will be splitting time on Lucas defensively and looking to help duke repeat and earn Coach K his 5th NCAA title.
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