One of my favorite movies from my teenage years was always "The Girl Next Door" and delivering the title of this post was none other than Timothy Olyphant when referencing the risks and pain associated with the decisions the lead actor was making (his name irrelevant). A few years ago we gave up similar assets for Randy Moss which led to the unfortunate 18-1 season and several years of amazing football in New England. Now, on this day, we celebrate another pair of wonder deals that have led us to the acquisition of Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth.
Chad Johnson, as he was formerly known, was the class clown of the NFL. One of my favorite seasons I can remember was highlighted by his series of new and original ways to celebrate touchdowns, and in some occasions get fined. Loud, obnoxious, and always hilarious, Chad Ochocinco has pissed off his fair share of opposing fans and defensive coordinators. Now with a truly elite quarterback (Carson Palmer was never truly "elite") we could be looking at the second coming of that magical season that brought us within minutes of a super bowl ring just a few years ago. Adding a valid vertical threat to an offense that is dangerous regardless of the situation (see the year of Matt Cassel). Personally I though Burress was the logical redemption project for Belichick and Company, but this is way better than that ever would have been.
The first acquired and the second most significant of the day, Albert Haynesworth, is going to wish he had Shannahan barking at him if he fails to be in shape. He won't have to play a true 3-4 and he will have an actual opportunity to compete for a championship. To say the Redskins were title contenders would be to say that Lebron had the best performance in this year's finals, not true at all. I probably would have had a hard time getting motivated too if I were playing in DC.
All in all, the Patriots yet again are going to prove that the right people can handle players no one else could. If we can avoid any major injuries to the core players, this season will surely be one to remember.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The NFL and NBA Labor Disputes, Inside the Numbers
Lets face the facts the NBA is messed up, to put it lightly. The average player salary last season was around $4.8 million. So if the entire league were to pay their players equally after taxes, based on the highest 35% tax bracket, they would make 3.11 million each, or slightly less than 60k each week. Can anyone tell me why this model is failing? I'm having a hard time seeing the error in their ways...
The median income for an American household is around 65k which is only 5k more per year than NBA players get paid weekly. That doesn't even seem right. For players like Kobe and Lebron it seems fair for them to make substantially more based on their abilities that 99.999999999% of normal human beings do not posses, but even if they were making the league average they could afford a car twice as nice as probably 80% of Americans will ever drive... weekly.
For the NFL the numbers are more reasonable. The average salary is consistently around 1.5 million and the median is about 750k. Still in the 35% tax bracket with those numbers, a salary of 750k becomes about 500k forcing the ordinary NFL player to live on around 9k a week. These poor, poor souls.
Now to put them in slightly less evil perspective... The average career of an NFL player lasts 3.5 years and the NBA is around 4.5 years. So total earnings for your average career in the NFL is around 1.75 million at the median salary, and in the NBA it is 21.55 million using the average salary and length.
So given these numbers, and the average total earnings of your high school graduate(1.2 million), an NFL player squeaks out with less than half a million more while the NBA player is close to 20 times either of them.
Both leagues should be able to set up retirement accounts, profit sharing, and above all else charitable minimums for players. This salary info alone proves how stingy the NFL is and how careless the NBA has been especially when you compare the profitability of each league's franchises. If the NBA were to institute minimum percentages that each player and team was to give to charity, retirement, and profit sharing then you could very easily improve the cities they are in and eliminate bankruptcy cases such as that of Antoine Walker.
In the NFL if they were to do the same but have the owner's absorbing most of the burden percentage wise they could very easily set up the systems needed to combat the affect of concussions in later life along with the unfortunate conditions some players end up in.
Still unaccounted for is the earning potential for retired players in each league. Old players never die, they just become analysts, coaches, or run their own foundations. But that's a different discussion for a different day... that always ends with my hatred for Tim Hasselbeck.
5 Good Reasons the NBA needs to change:
Rashard Lewis - 19.5m
Michael Redd - 18.3m
Gilbert Arenas - 17.7m
Yao Ming - 17.6m (If he ever played a full season maybe he's worth it)
Vince Carter - 17.5m
The median income for an American household is around 65k which is only 5k more per year than NBA players get paid weekly. That doesn't even seem right. For players like Kobe and Lebron it seems fair for them to make substantially more based on their abilities that 99.999999999% of normal human beings do not posses, but even if they were making the league average they could afford a car twice as nice as probably 80% of Americans will ever drive... weekly.
For the NFL the numbers are more reasonable. The average salary is consistently around 1.5 million and the median is about 750k. Still in the 35% tax bracket with those numbers, a salary of 750k becomes about 500k forcing the ordinary NFL player to live on around 9k a week. These poor, poor souls.
Now to put them in slightly less evil perspective... The average career of an NFL player lasts 3.5 years and the NBA is around 4.5 years. So total earnings for your average career in the NFL is around 1.75 million at the median salary, and in the NBA it is 21.55 million using the average salary and length.
So given these numbers, and the average total earnings of your high school graduate(1.2 million), an NFL player squeaks out with less than half a million more while the NBA player is close to 20 times either of them.
Both leagues should be able to set up retirement accounts, profit sharing, and above all else charitable minimums for players. This salary info alone proves how stingy the NFL is and how careless the NBA has been especially when you compare the profitability of each league's franchises. If the NBA were to institute minimum percentages that each player and team was to give to charity, retirement, and profit sharing then you could very easily improve the cities they are in and eliminate bankruptcy cases such as that of Antoine Walker.
In the NFL if they were to do the same but have the owner's absorbing most of the burden percentage wise they could very easily set up the systems needed to combat the affect of concussions in later life along with the unfortunate conditions some players end up in.
Still unaccounted for is the earning potential for retired players in each league. Old players never die, they just become analysts, coaches, or run their own foundations. But that's a different discussion for a different day... that always ends with my hatred for Tim Hasselbeck.
5 Good Reasons the NBA needs to change:
Rashard Lewis - 19.5m
Michael Redd - 18.3m
Gilbert Arenas - 17.7m
Yao Ming - 17.6m (If he ever played a full season maybe he's worth it)
Vince Carter - 17.5m
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Just a few recent thoughts...
Given the labor situation in two of four major American sports its hard to be hopeful for anything. The Bruins still have me giddy and the Sox are either cause for celebration or a cause for irritation. In the NBA the players need to give up money so that small market teams can survive, seriously Eddy Curry makes more money in a season than he should have in his career. In the NFL the owners are getting rich and honestly the younger players and those injured need some financial relief. There are no measures in place to help those who need it.
Speaking of overpaid, Vernon Wells comes to mind. So does about 100 other players in the major sports leagues, but I digress. Back to my rant:
In other crap, ESPN put the stupid Auburn tree story on their front page along with "Charlie Sheen did 'roids during the filming of Major League". Seriously?!? These are related to sports... very distantly. ESPN should be informing me of trades, scores, and things related to the actual playing of sports not movies and trees on a campus that people celebrate under. Give me a break, and some trade speculation please.
Comment, let me know what you think needs to be getting attention, whats getting too much attention, and what you think should happen in the labor disputes or who you think is overpaid.
Speaking of overpaid, Vernon Wells comes to mind. So does about 100 other players in the major sports leagues, but I digress. Back to my rant:
In other crap, ESPN put the stupid Auburn tree story on their front page along with "Charlie Sheen did 'roids during the filming of Major League". Seriously?!? These are related to sports... very distantly. ESPN should be informing me of trades, scores, and things related to the actual playing of sports not movies and trees on a campus that people celebrate under. Give me a break, and some trade speculation please.
Comment, let me know what you think needs to be getting attention, whats getting too much attention, and what you think should happen in the labor disputes or who you think is overpaid.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Bruins
So it feels good. I just got back from a hard weekend at Cigarfest in the Poconos and on top of everything the Bruins were up 1-0, the Sox won last night on my way home, and I was looking forward to watching the game. Tim Thomas gave up a couple quick goals and then had another called back. Then the Bruins came back and the third period was filled with action and no scoring. The Bruins have pulled off another overtime win to put themselves in control of this series. Barry Melrose picked the Flyers to win this series hands down... sorry Barry we got some fight in us and we're headed home with a 2-0 lead in the series.
Boston Sports... making a resurgence.
Boston Sports... making a resurgence.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sox and C's
No doubt much of the weight of the Sox inability to produce or perform on the mound falls on Francona. He has proven himself to be one of the best player's managers not to lose complete control of his team by year 2 but for some reason its not working, or it wasn't. I think today's game against the Jays when considered against yesterdays represents the awakening. They finally are scoring, Jed Lowrie is leading hitting statistics, Daisuke is starting to pitch well, and Crawford got a hit... A HIT!
These two games bode well for the future if we can continue to split series at the very least or even build off from these three games we'll be back to .500 before anyone forgets about the beginning of the season. Overall I think this team will start to look like '04 when they were 0-3 facing elimination and everyone said it couldn't be done... it happened and this year is a good chance for something similar to happen again.
CELTICS
This close win with so much emotion is exactly what this team needed to start the playoffs. This is an emotional team that thrives on pressure situations and big moments to find their stride. With half the team filing for social security within the next 3 years they needed a team of younger versions of themselves to come in a challenge their authority. And then there is Jermaine O'neal, yeah him, he showed up with the talent he used to have and put up a good stat line which is a necessity in Shaq's absence. I believe this is the first time we've seen this team truly click since we sent Perk into exile (Oklahoma is about as close to exile as you can get... Texas)Just kidding.
We got quality minutes from everyone that played in the second half and came back to battle back and forth with an emerging titan in New York. Like Doc said when that final shot went up I think we all thought it was over, but it wasn't. Billups is out for Game 2 so they just lost Mr. Big Shot in a pivotal game. We're going to finish this series in 5 at most and Spike Lee can suck it.
These two games bode well for the future if we can continue to split series at the very least or even build off from these three games we'll be back to .500 before anyone forgets about the beginning of the season. Overall I think this team will start to look like '04 when they were 0-3 facing elimination and everyone said it couldn't be done... it happened and this year is a good chance for something similar to happen again.
CELTICS
This close win with so much emotion is exactly what this team needed to start the playoffs. This is an emotional team that thrives on pressure situations and big moments to find their stride. With half the team filing for social security within the next 3 years they needed a team of younger versions of themselves to come in a challenge their authority. And then there is Jermaine O'neal, yeah him, he showed up with the talent he used to have and put up a good stat line which is a necessity in Shaq's absence. I believe this is the first time we've seen this team truly click since we sent Perk into exile (Oklahoma is about as close to exile as you can get... Texas)Just kidding.
We got quality minutes from everyone that played in the second half and came back to battle back and forth with an emerging titan in New York. Like Doc said when that final shot went up I think we all thought it was over, but it wasn't. Billups is out for Game 2 so they just lost Mr. Big Shot in a pivotal game. We're going to finish this series in 5 at most and Spike Lee can suck it.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sox Talk Continued...
I agree Bam, this is an adjustment period for Crawford. Things can be ok, if we win four straight against the Blue Jays, or even three, 6-9 would places us above the Jays in the division and 5-10 is not the end of the world. The O's are facing the Yankees and have lost four straight bringing them back down to earth and turning them back into the Orioles we have come to know and love as Sox fans. The issue I want to talk about is Terry Francona.
We he has done in Boston will make him one of the greatest Red Sox mangers of all-time. We have won two championships with him at the helm and I don't think we had any business winning it in 04, but that team was special. It is almost blasphemy as a Sox fan to call out Francona, but this team was simply unprepared for the season. The sox have excelled in management throughout the recent years, and that is a big part of their success. Yet, this season, after eleven games, we have the worst record in baseball, sit at the bottom of the Al east, and as a team have the worst era in baseball. This team was not ready for the 2011 season, there is no other explanation. With a little inspiration we won 2 out of three against the Yankees but have no beat any other team in baseball. The team has no passion. They have no determination to win. Even sox dirt dog Youklis is hitting .182 after a horrible spring. Get the boys ready to go Terry!!
I really think the Sox will turn it around, I just hope that this little fiasco at the beginning of the year doesn't cost a playoff spot by a game and a half in October.
We he has done in Boston will make him one of the greatest Red Sox mangers of all-time. We have won two championships with him at the helm and I don't think we had any business winning it in 04, but that team was special. It is almost blasphemy as a Sox fan to call out Francona, but this team was simply unprepared for the season. The sox have excelled in management throughout the recent years, and that is a big part of their success. Yet, this season, after eleven games, we have the worst record in baseball, sit at the bottom of the Al east, and as a team have the worst era in baseball. This team was not ready for the 2011 season, there is no other explanation. With a little inspiration we won 2 out of three against the Yankees but have no beat any other team in baseball. The team has no passion. They have no determination to win. Even sox dirt dog Youklis is hitting .182 after a horrible spring. Get the boys ready to go Terry!!
I really think the Sox will turn it around, I just hope that this little fiasco at the beginning of the year doesn't cost a playoff spot by a game and a half in October.
Sox Talk, Continued
So far the best thing to happen this season is the rain out yesterday evening. For what it's worth maybe they'll actually win that game if it comes in mid June because as of now they are doing just about everything necessary to lose. Daisuke can't pitch a good inning which isn't uncharacteristic of previous years intermittent woes but now with a high-powered offense on paper it seemed like he would at least be able to win the occasional game with a reasonable ERA. We got enough runs to take the first series from the Yankees which is a small victory but unfortunately to compliment Daisuke, we have had some run support issues in several gems thrown by Beckett, Lester, and Lachey (2 Wins). We did start the season off against two teams that were hot and have continued to perform very well so we can at least write the first two series off as bad luck. That said, hopefully, we can recover from two crippling losses at the hands of the now Crawford-less Rays led offensively in game 1 by none other than Johnny Damon (insert expletive and Benedict Arnold reference).
As Chuck pointed out, most have hit the panic button far too soon but some frustration is warranted. The panic button will still be there blinking red until we rattle off a reasonable streak and get back to .500 baseball but let's give this team some time to adjust to the pressure placed upon them. The die hard fans of Boston, well reputed drinkers I might add, are not always the most receptive group for a new acquisition yet to adjust. Imagine going from a place where you had only about 100 people regularly in attendance (and about half of them staying awake) to 35,000 people watching intently and screaming the entire time. Tropicana does not compare to the bright lights of Fenway, let's allow Crawford a small adjustment period before we condemn him. Once Crawford finds a comfort zone and this line up clicks there wont be an issue in many of these tight games. The missing piece of this puzzle is the fun and grit of Sox teams of old (i,e. the "Cowboy Up" era). Once this team finds their stride and clubhouse balance there will be no question where the power lies in the AL East.
As Chuck pointed out, most have hit the panic button far too soon but some frustration is warranted. The panic button will still be there blinking red until we rattle off a reasonable streak and get back to .500 baseball but let's give this team some time to adjust to the pressure placed upon them. The die hard fans of Boston, well reputed drinkers I might add, are not always the most receptive group for a new acquisition yet to adjust. Imagine going from a place where you had only about 100 people regularly in attendance (and about half of them staying awake) to 35,000 people watching intently and screaming the entire time. Tropicana does not compare to the bright lights of Fenway, let's allow Crawford a small adjustment period before we condemn him. Once Crawford finds a comfort zone and this line up clicks there wont be an issue in many of these tight games. The missing piece of this puzzle is the fun and grit of Sox teams of old (i,e. the "Cowboy Up" era). Once this team finds their stride and clubhouse balance there will be no question where the power lies in the AL East.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sox Talk
Red Sox fans made unofficial history by hitting the panic button sooner than anyone else in history. Yet, it was hard to blame them after ever magazine and website picked them to be World Series Champions like it was nothing. As we went down to 0-6 and watched our pitchers give up homer after homer it seemed our exciting lineup couldn't cover our inability to get people out. When Josh Beckett took the hill today he did exactly what Sox fans needed. He pitched. The Sox struggled to score with RISP, and Crawford is yet to find his stroke, but the Sox played their best game of the VERY young season. Pedroia finished the series red hot, and taking two out of three from the Yankees will give the Sox confidence moving forward. With a struggling Tampa Bay team coming to Fenway (1-8) the Sox are in perfect position to turn the season around by winning two series in a row against their most hated rivals. April is too early panic. Let's GO
The Masters
Finally Tiger got his s*** together. Finishing at -10 and being within striking distance all day was a rejuvenating masters experience. I wanted so badly for a 5 player play-off with all those stuck at the -10 mark. Watching someone I've never seen or heard of was not what I had imagined when the day started.
Rory was another intriguing story considering he's only 21 and was on top of the leader board and in control. Unfortunate shots on the back 9 ended his day a bit early.
I believe golf and golf fans all want Tiger to finally win a tournament. Without him being the winner every other week I could care less. Watching today I wanted in my heart of hearts for Tiger to win. It just isn't the same without him. I like the Red shirt on Sunday and the oddly quiet confidence he exhibits. Most exciting shot of the day for me was on 15 when Tiger hit it and started walking expressionless and the ball landed within eagle distance, he would birdie the hole but it seemed like another little representation of his renewed presence.
Rory was another intriguing story considering he's only 21 and was on top of the leader board and in control. Unfortunate shots on the back 9 ended his day a bit early.
I believe golf and golf fans all want Tiger to finally win a tournament. Without him being the winner every other week I could care less. Watching today I wanted in my heart of hearts for Tiger to win. It just isn't the same without him. I like the Red shirt on Sunday and the oddly quiet confidence he exhibits. Most exciting shot of the day for me was on 15 when Tiger hit it and started walking expressionless and the ball landed within eagle distance, he would birdie the hole but it seemed like another little representation of his renewed presence.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Final Four Review
Butler vs. VCU
I don't care what your seeding is, there is no such thing as a fluke run to the final four. VCU got here by shooting three's, and against a stingy Butler defense they were held to only 36% on 8-22 shooting. You could see some shots rim in and out, but it just wasn't their night. The whole time watching that game I just had a gut feeling Butler was going to pull it out. Butler is just a good team with a great program that knows how to win tournament games. Now 14-3 under Brad Stevens in tournament play. 14-3! which makes them 10-1 in the last two years! You have to love a team that shoots free throws pretty well 20-26 (76.9%) has the winningest coach in his first four years, and is led by two senior stars in Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard. They are a gritty team, and they don't make very many mistakes.
Kentucky vs. Connecticut
The first half showing by Kentucky was disgusting. It was embarrassing to watch star Brandon Knight shoot short on shoot after shoot. They couldn't fall out of a boat and hit water. The announcer at one point even said at halftime the Huskies were twenty minutes away from playing for their third national chmapionship. Not so fast though, UK came flying out in the second half turning the game into the heavyweight battle we all anticipated. BUT, you have to make your free throws. Kentucky finished 4-12 from the line, that is pee wee basketball type percentages. You don't go to a national championship shooting like that. I don't know why Calipari teams can't shoot free throws, maybe it is because he recruits raw athletic street ballers, or because he is to busy yelling at Terrence Jones in practice to make them shoot free throws, but 33% percent from the line is the reason they lost. Everyone says they "should" have won the game, but I feel if you shoot like that from the strip you don't deserve to win.
I don't care what your seeding is, there is no such thing as a fluke run to the final four. VCU got here by shooting three's, and against a stingy Butler defense they were held to only 36% on 8-22 shooting. You could see some shots rim in and out, but it just wasn't their night. The whole time watching that game I just had a gut feeling Butler was going to pull it out. Butler is just a good team with a great program that knows how to win tournament games. Now 14-3 under Brad Stevens in tournament play. 14-3! which makes them 10-1 in the last two years! You have to love a team that shoots free throws pretty well 20-26 (76.9%) has the winningest coach in his first four years, and is led by two senior stars in Shelvin Mack and Matt Howard. They are a gritty team, and they don't make very many mistakes.
Kentucky vs. Connecticut
The first half showing by Kentucky was disgusting. It was embarrassing to watch star Brandon Knight shoot short on shoot after shoot. They couldn't fall out of a boat and hit water. The announcer at one point even said at halftime the Huskies were twenty minutes away from playing for their third national chmapionship. Not so fast though, UK came flying out in the second half turning the game into the heavyweight battle we all anticipated. BUT, you have to make your free throws. Kentucky finished 4-12 from the line, that is pee wee basketball type percentages. You don't go to a national championship shooting like that. I don't know why Calipari teams can't shoot free throws, maybe it is because he recruits raw athletic street ballers, or because he is to busy yelling at Terrence Jones in practice to make them shoot free throws, but 33% percent from the line is the reason they lost. Everyone says they "should" have won the game, but I feel if you shoot like that from the strip you don't deserve to win.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The NBA
The season is starting to wind down and its somehow becoming less clear to me who is really in control. The Heat go on losing streaks then follow those up with what appear to be their own version of perfect harmonious basketball. The Lakers got Bynum back just in time for him to get suspended as a result of an over zealous foul. The Bulls are still playing very well and with Joakim Noah back look to be championship worthy for the first time since Jordan left and finally my beloved Celtics look like they could be in trouble.
With all the trades right before the deadline most teams changed face completely. The Celtics specifically look like they have invested a lot of stock in the "we must win now" routine. Trading Kendrick Perkins could be a great move if they can get Shaq healthy but that could go awry considering his track record in the last few years. The Thunder however now have the inside force they needed to balance out their stellar perimeter play. Perk only puts up minimal numbers compared to the likes of Gasol, Bynum, and Howard but is among the best at the position for having a deterrent affect.
All in all it will be an exciting play-off season. The changes made and the performances lately have started to help clear the haze on the top 5 or 6 teams but now its just a matter of who will actually finish out the season on top.
With all the trades right before the deadline most teams changed face completely. The Celtics specifically look like they have invested a lot of stock in the "we must win now" routine. Trading Kendrick Perkins could be a great move if they can get Shaq healthy but that could go awry considering his track record in the last few years. The Thunder however now have the inside force they needed to balance out their stellar perimeter play. Perk only puts up minimal numbers compared to the likes of Gasol, Bynum, and Howard but is among the best at the position for having a deterrent affect.
All in all it will be an exciting play-off season. The changes made and the performances lately have started to help clear the haze on the top 5 or 6 teams but now its just a matter of who will actually finish out the season on top.
Monday, March 21, 2011
March Madness
The tournament is in full swing and little can be debated about it's awesomeness, it's just as exciting as always. With quality quotes from every analyst from Charles Barkley to Jimmy V the action is nonstop and the teams are performing... except for Louisville who decided not to show up to the first round. Ohio State looks dominant, Duke got Kyrie Irving back and Barkley dubbed the term the "Big Least" referring to the wackness that is the Big East conference. With Villanova getting bounced among almost all the other teams they put up that isn't even a good topic for debate. However, Jimmer is.
He continues to perform. He performed all year and now is showing his talents on the big stage in a big way. Teams set up with him in mind on the defensive end and still there is little to keep him from putting up the numbers characteristic of his season. When BYU aquares off on Florida come Thursday there will be two factors; Florida's bigs and Jimmer's big play. He is not just real, he is the deal. When Florida inevitably dominates BYU inside the only real option is for Jimmer to take this game on his shoulders as he has done all year and lead BYU into the final four. If he scores less that 30 they are looking at defeat, but can Florida shut him down? No one has so the outlook is not good.
Besides this match up of BYU and Florida the other big story is Chuck's Wildcats are going to catch a beat down at the hands of my Duke Blue Devil's. Kyrie Irving is playing like he never skipped a game and most of his production against Michigan came from the line or as a distraction for the rest of the team.
He continues to perform. He performed all year and now is showing his talents on the big stage in a big way. Teams set up with him in mind on the defensive end and still there is little to keep him from putting up the numbers characteristic of his season. When BYU aquares off on Florida come Thursday there will be two factors; Florida's bigs and Jimmer's big play. He is not just real, he is the deal. When Florida inevitably dominates BYU inside the only real option is for Jimmer to take this game on his shoulders as he has done all year and lead BYU into the final four. If he scores less that 30 they are looking at defeat, but can Florida shut him down? No one has so the outlook is not good.
Besides this match up of BYU and Florida the other big story is Chuck's Wildcats are going to catch a beat down at the hands of my Duke Blue Devil's. Kyrie Irving is playing like he never skipped a game and most of his production against Michigan came from the line or as a distraction for the rest of the team.
Friday, March 11, 2011
18 Game Schedule
Drew Brees tweeted that not once has a player asked for money in the NFL labor negotiations. The obvious concern is that ten years after playing in the NFL players brains turn into Hellen Keller. It is a violent game. Yet, I believe an 18 game schedule would be better for the NFL.
When Aaron Rodgers got his concussion he came back and played two games later. He got crunched over and over in that game including a head to head hit that looked like it would give any man a concussion. Yet, after the game Rodgers said that his new helmet protected him. It baffles me that I can watch a game on my blackberry, but we can't figure out a way to prevent concussions for the people playing the actual game. Who wants to be the genius who steps into the court room and presents a helmet that is safe? For God's sake I'll let Ray Lewis hit me to test it if it gets me football next season.
Assuming there is football and players feel safe, which is a very large assumption, why wouldn't you want 18 games? 16 is to short, remember the year of Matt Cassell Patriot fans when we went 11-5 but didn't get into the playoffs? Ask the San Diego Chargers if they want 18 games. Pre-season football kind of sucks. Take away two pre-season games, and lets play two more real ones. It would give us a better playoff picture, and just as many players get hurt in the pre-season they just may not be as meaningful. The NFL would make more money from having regular season games, and NFL fans would have two more games to watch. Makes to much sense to me.
-Chuck
When Aaron Rodgers got his concussion he came back and played two games later. He got crunched over and over in that game including a head to head hit that looked like it would give any man a concussion. Yet, after the game Rodgers said that his new helmet protected him. It baffles me that I can watch a game on my blackberry, but we can't figure out a way to prevent concussions for the people playing the actual game. Who wants to be the genius who steps into the court room and presents a helmet that is safe? For God's sake I'll let Ray Lewis hit me to test it if it gets me football next season.
Assuming there is football and players feel safe, which is a very large assumption, why wouldn't you want 18 games? 16 is to short, remember the year of Matt Cassell Patriot fans when we went 11-5 but didn't get into the playoffs? Ask the San Diego Chargers if they want 18 games. Pre-season football kind of sucks. Take away two pre-season games, and lets play two more real ones. It would give us a better playoff picture, and just as many players get hurt in the pre-season they just may not be as meaningful. The NFL would make more money from having regular season games, and NFL fans would have two more games to watch. Makes to much sense to me.
-Chuck
Monday, March 7, 2011
The 16 or 18 Game Schedule
So I think that Bill Simmons has succinctly summed up and addressed the perspective of the owner in this column (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons%2F110304). The greedy and indifferent owner. That issue aside I agree with the plight of the player.
The 18 game schedule is a horrendous idea. Rather than find a way to profit off the monopoly on Sundays they already own they want to expand what has already dominated our conscious. I for one think injuries are the least of the problems an 18 game season would face. Considering the reduced attendance in some markets its almost obvious that the longer season would force some teams out of the league or worse increase the prevalence of TV Blackouts.
As it stands now the blackout represents the greediest act of any owner or team. As opposed to allowing fans who either cant afford or choose not to brave the traffic and irritations of attending a game to watch the games from the privacy of their own home they choose to attempt a mandate on attendance. Many of these fans who prefer the comforts of their home support the advertisers in the form of their flat screen TVs, cars, beverages, and more importantly in merchandise. I've never met a fan of a team who failed to purchase at least one article of clothing with the team's insignia. These purchases support the teams, the owners, and seems to be unaccounted for when a game is blacked out to the home market.
To address the injury issue its not a matter of being worn down necessarily that worries me its just the pure risk of exposure. When defensive players like Clay Mathews and James Harrison are your opponents its inevitable that people will get injured. By expanding the season you add to more 60 minute sessions of punishment to what already is a 17 week regular season.
With these things in mind I doubt the players can sustain and the fans can pay attention for another two weeks. I'll be willing to watch but it wont mean that my attendance increases any more.
The 18 game schedule is a horrendous idea. Rather than find a way to profit off the monopoly on Sundays they already own they want to expand what has already dominated our conscious. I for one think injuries are the least of the problems an 18 game season would face. Considering the reduced attendance in some markets its almost obvious that the longer season would force some teams out of the league or worse increase the prevalence of TV Blackouts.
As it stands now the blackout represents the greediest act of any owner or team. As opposed to allowing fans who either cant afford or choose not to brave the traffic and irritations of attending a game to watch the games from the privacy of their own home they choose to attempt a mandate on attendance. Many of these fans who prefer the comforts of their home support the advertisers in the form of their flat screen TVs, cars, beverages, and more importantly in merchandise. I've never met a fan of a team who failed to purchase at least one article of clothing with the team's insignia. These purchases support the teams, the owners, and seems to be unaccounted for when a game is blacked out to the home market.
To address the injury issue its not a matter of being worn down necessarily that worries me its just the pure risk of exposure. When defensive players like Clay Mathews and James Harrison are your opponents its inevitable that people will get injured. By expanding the season you add to more 60 minute sessions of punishment to what already is a 17 week regular season.
With these things in mind I doubt the players can sustain and the fans can pay attention for another two weeks. I'll be willing to watch but it wont mean that my attendance increases any more.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Recent Trend Good For NBA
It has been a weird time for me. I packed my things up and moved to the other side of the world. Here in Australia the nature of sport is quite different. The alcohol and beautiful women may be plentiful, but it can't heal the sizable wound my withdrawals from American sports has left me. My sports knowledge comes from what I read, ESPN.com, and streaming as much video as I can. Miss you Sportscenter. I'll adjust and get back to my comfort zone by getting on my blog I miss so much.
The first thing I must talk about is the latest NBA transactions. I hope people don't feel this is a bad thing for the NBA. The question I ask you is would you rather have two dominant teams and a bunch of .500 squads? Or would you rather have 6-8 teams with a legitimate shot at an NBA title and 6-8 teams that have d-league like talent. Overall, I prefer the superstars teaming up with each other. It makes it rough for the cities that dwell on the bottom each year, but with good management one day they will get their chance to combine superstars. As a Celtics fan I was worried when Carmelo came to the Knicks. I was so excited at the start of the season when the Knicks and Celtics started to have a rivalry and had the best game of the NBA season when Amare made a crazy three-pointer after time had expired. Yet, the rivalry could only last so long with the Knicks hovering around .500 for most of the season. Now, the Knicks have two starting all-stars on their team and pose quite a scare. Teams will battle in the playoffs not with only one superstar, but at times two and three. What is not to love about that? With the right chemistry it is smarter to combine stars. The Celtics trio set a trend that Lebron followed and the rest of the league will continue to do the same. Embrace it, it's exciting fans. With an uncertain future, teams made moves they would have normally made giving the NBA the most "hot stove" like feeling it has had in a long time.
The first thing I must talk about is the latest NBA transactions. I hope people don't feel this is a bad thing for the NBA. The question I ask you is would you rather have two dominant teams and a bunch of .500 squads? Or would you rather have 6-8 teams with a legitimate shot at an NBA title and 6-8 teams that have d-league like talent. Overall, I prefer the superstars teaming up with each other. It makes it rough for the cities that dwell on the bottom each year, but with good management one day they will get their chance to combine superstars. As a Celtics fan I was worried when Carmelo came to the Knicks. I was so excited at the start of the season when the Knicks and Celtics started to have a rivalry and had the best game of the NBA season when Amare made a crazy three-pointer after time had expired. Yet, the rivalry could only last so long with the Knicks hovering around .500 for most of the season. Now, the Knicks have two starting all-stars on their team and pose quite a scare. Teams will battle in the playoffs not with only one superstar, but at times two and three. What is not to love about that? With the right chemistry it is smarter to combine stars. The Celtics trio set a trend that Lebron followed and the rest of the league will continue to do the same. Embrace it, it's exciting fans. With an uncertain future, teams made moves they would have normally made giving the NBA the most "hot stove" like feeling it has had in a long time.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
A Little Respect For Lebron
Lebron is a polarizing figure. Whether it be his on court performance or his affliction with talking in the third person there is no choice but to hate him or love him. You may respect his play, but few can truly defend a respect for the man or his recent decisions regarding locale.
On Friday night Lebron was involved in yet another "event" but this time it was not with the media, but as always in it's ever watching eye. Lebron lashed out with seconds remaining in the first quarter during a dead ball at a fan for comments allegedly made regarding Lebron's mother within earshot of his sons sitting near the Heat bench. Some may think he should be above the pointed words of a common fan but to me this represents a true example of his imperfection.
Imperfection is what gives us the opportunity to love a player. We need to recognize a quality within them that we see within ourselves and that is what this has granted us. Until we see that there is a chink in the armor we can only stand in awe but at the moment we realize there is a human being within the shells of our professional athletes they give us the opportunity to either love them or hate them.
Lebron unfortunately remained unscathed by common preconceptions until he truly exposed his own narcissism amidst "The Decision" and since there has been little but stellar performances to garner our attention. This instance however gives us a second view into the inner working of the man. We finally see an action done out of spontaneous emotion. Not a coordinated and choreographed performance engineered in a studio or the commercialized presence that he has become. We saw for a brief second a flash of human nature.
Few things are sacred in the war that is sports. If the players aren't talking trash rest assured the fans are. In this instance Lebron showed some devotion to a moral or social standard. You don't talk about a man's mother. Expletives aside the message was clear and concise, respect. Whether you believe Lebron made the right decision or not making a public spectacle of his departure from Cleveland, this is the first time we've seen a candid reaction.
In the heat of the moment he did what any of us would do in a similar circumstance and stood up for one he holds dear. Family superceeds everything. As any man can attest no one insults a wife, sister, mother, or girlfriend and gets away with it. This is something you don't let slide and neither did Lebron. He is far from deserving any celebrations in his honor but he finally may have demonstrated that he has limits and that is one step in the right direction.
On Friday night Lebron was involved in yet another "event" but this time it was not with the media, but as always in it's ever watching eye. Lebron lashed out with seconds remaining in the first quarter during a dead ball at a fan for comments allegedly made regarding Lebron's mother within earshot of his sons sitting near the Heat bench. Some may think he should be above the pointed words of a common fan but to me this represents a true example of his imperfection.
Imperfection is what gives us the opportunity to love a player. We need to recognize a quality within them that we see within ourselves and that is what this has granted us. Until we see that there is a chink in the armor we can only stand in awe but at the moment we realize there is a human being within the shells of our professional athletes they give us the opportunity to either love them or hate them.
Lebron unfortunately remained unscathed by common preconceptions until he truly exposed his own narcissism amidst "The Decision" and since there has been little but stellar performances to garner our attention. This instance however gives us a second view into the inner working of the man. We finally see an action done out of spontaneous emotion. Not a coordinated and choreographed performance engineered in a studio or the commercialized presence that he has become. We saw for a brief second a flash of human nature.
Few things are sacred in the war that is sports. If the players aren't talking trash rest assured the fans are. In this instance Lebron showed some devotion to a moral or social standard. You don't talk about a man's mother. Expletives aside the message was clear and concise, respect. Whether you believe Lebron made the right decision or not making a public spectacle of his departure from Cleveland, this is the first time we've seen a candid reaction.
In the heat of the moment he did what any of us would do in a similar circumstance and stood up for one he holds dear. Family superceeds everything. As any man can attest no one insults a wife, sister, mother, or girlfriend and gets away with it. This is something you don't let slide and neither did Lebron. He is far from deserving any celebrations in his honor but he finally may have demonstrated that he has limits and that is one step in the right direction.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Rivalries; Keeping History Alive
When we think of sports we remember the rivalries more than anything. The legendary battles between the Celtics and Lakers in the 80's or even the Pistons and Celtics in the Eastern conference finals of old. We think of the Yankees and Red Sox or the Cowboys and 49ers in football. The games that were played between these opponents are what ingrains a hatred for each side. As the new players emerge and the old ones retire these preconceptions remain. In college football storied programs that have since fallen into irrelevance allow for the rivalry games that were once all that mattered to diminish. Michigan and Ohio State come to mind first with Michigan being without a victory in what seems like a century.
Like Vinatieri leaving New England and joining Indianapolis or Damon heading for the Bronx, these teams thirst to grab the players held in reverence by the faithful fans of each. Without these feuds we lose interest, and further more we lose hope. Would we watch these games with the same fire if both teams were bottom of the barrel and clinging to the reputation of old? (COUGH*Notre Dame*COUGH)The answer is no. That is the reason Notre Dame continues to fall short year after year. The interest is gone and the new generation faintly remembers what once was.
As a Duke fan the biggest rivalry games each year are played against the Tar Heels. The meetings between ACC opponents almost always breed the deepest of hatred especially when the conference tournament is almost a blood sport on hardwood. Tonight the Heels enter Cameron Indoor with a budding freshman guard by the name of Harrison Barnes, visited by both programs on the same night during recruitment, and settling on North Carolina as his initial stop on the way to the NBA there is more to this game than mere X's and O's. These teams hunger for the opportunity to defeat each other and tonight is no exception.
Deeper than this singular game the instance of such a rivalry is what grants a meaning to regular season games. The need for the teams involved to be perennial powerhouses (i,e. Patriots and Colts) is inarguable. Without winning teams there are no rivalries. Whether it be recruits or players lost in free agency nothing is sacred, only the games to be played. To the casual fan a Wednesday game with a ranked team playing the unknown is just a step towards March but this game is the Main Event. Whether these teams meet in the conference championship or later in the midst of Madness, this game sets the tone. The constant rumble of the fans and the squeak of rubber on the floor is the soundtrack to the opening credits of the movie that is this season in the ACC.
Once a rivalry becomes a one sided affair it is no more. With both Duke and North Carolina having won NCAA titles in the very recent past this game still rages on as the clearest representation of a pure rivalry. Undiluted by marquee contracts and players with reputations preceding them, this game is America. The clash of the titans if you will, that reminds us that competition breeds success and success breeds the will to return to the battlefield.
Like Vinatieri leaving New England and joining Indianapolis or Damon heading for the Bronx, these teams thirst to grab the players held in reverence by the faithful fans of each. Without these feuds we lose interest, and further more we lose hope. Would we watch these games with the same fire if both teams were bottom of the barrel and clinging to the reputation of old? (COUGH*Notre Dame*COUGH)The answer is no. That is the reason Notre Dame continues to fall short year after year. The interest is gone and the new generation faintly remembers what once was.
As a Duke fan the biggest rivalry games each year are played against the Tar Heels. The meetings between ACC opponents almost always breed the deepest of hatred especially when the conference tournament is almost a blood sport on hardwood. Tonight the Heels enter Cameron Indoor with a budding freshman guard by the name of Harrison Barnes, visited by both programs on the same night during recruitment, and settling on North Carolina as his initial stop on the way to the NBA there is more to this game than mere X's and O's. These teams hunger for the opportunity to defeat each other and tonight is no exception.
Deeper than this singular game the instance of such a rivalry is what grants a meaning to regular season games. The need for the teams involved to be perennial powerhouses (i,e. Patriots and Colts) is inarguable. Without winning teams there are no rivalries. Whether it be recruits or players lost in free agency nothing is sacred, only the games to be played. To the casual fan a Wednesday game with a ranked team playing the unknown is just a step towards March but this game is the Main Event. Whether these teams meet in the conference championship or later in the midst of Madness, this game sets the tone. The constant rumble of the fans and the squeak of rubber on the floor is the soundtrack to the opening credits of the movie that is this season in the ACC.
Once a rivalry becomes a one sided affair it is no more. With both Duke and North Carolina having won NCAA titles in the very recent past this game still rages on as the clearest representation of a pure rivalry. Undiluted by marquee contracts and players with reputations preceding them, this game is America. The clash of the titans if you will, that reminds us that competition breeds success and success breeds the will to return to the battlefield.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Aaron Rodgers; a league of his own.
If the NFL ended today the highest quarterback rating of all-time would belong to Aaron Rodgers. What's not to love about Aaron Rodgers? He is cool, accurate, uber-talented,playing for a super bowl in his third year as a starter, and hasn't been accused of rape. Rodgers is the real deal.
I had to dedicate a column to Aaron Rodgers love after the continuous talk about the Steelers advantage from Roethlisberger's experience. His praise is well deserved, 10-2 as a playoff starter and two super bowl rings is Brady type language, but in his small playoff career Rodgers has been stellar as well. In his second season in the legendary 51-45 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Rodgers went 28 for 42 throwing for 423 yards and four touchdowns to one interception. This season he has made it clear he is going for the belt. Thus far Rodgers is 66-93 with 6 touchdowns and 2 picks and 790 yards. Those two picks came in a tough second half against a tough Bears defense. He was the first quarterback ever to throw for ten touchdowns in his first three playoff games.
Rodgers is like the young Samurai who learned from his master, His master being Brett Farve. In this case, dare I say it, Rodgers may be Zorro, and is on pace to become better than his teacher. After the 1997 super bowl win for Green Bay against San Francisco, Favre went 3-7 in his next 10 playoff games. Eli Manning won more post-season games in a 29 day span (gulp). In his last 12 post-season starts Farve only had a 77.8 passer rating. In his last five wild-card games he went 2-3 with interceptions and only seven touchdowns. Farve can't even be considered the greatest quarterback in Packers history, the most durable yes, but the greatest, not accurate. Bart Starr himself won five Superbowls and has a career post-season passer rating of 104.8. Rodgers certainly gained an advantage playing under Farve, but maybe he learned a few things not to do from Farve. There is no shadow on Aaron Rodgers, he has made his own name.
The Steelers on Sunday could be in real trouble. A true testament to Rodger's skill has been his consistency no matter the opponent. Against teams that finished in the lower half of the league in passer rating Green Bay quarterbacks posted a 109.3 quarterback rating. Against teams that finished in the upper half of the league they finished with a 100.6 rating, almost no difference. It doesn't matter who they are playing, Rodgers will finish his business.
I don't believe that you have to be a cow to know what milk is. Translation: just because Roethelisberger has won before doesn't mean he is the better quarterback. Rodgers is looking for his belt on Sunday and a place among the elite quarterbacks of all-time.
I had to dedicate a column to Aaron Rodgers love after the continuous talk about the Steelers advantage from Roethlisberger's experience. His praise is well deserved, 10-2 as a playoff starter and two super bowl rings is Brady type language, but in his small playoff career Rodgers has been stellar as well. In his second season in the legendary 51-45 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Rodgers went 28 for 42 throwing for 423 yards and four touchdowns to one interception. This season he has made it clear he is going for the belt. Thus far Rodgers is 66-93 with 6 touchdowns and 2 picks and 790 yards. Those two picks came in a tough second half against a tough Bears defense. He was the first quarterback ever to throw for ten touchdowns in his first three playoff games.
Rodgers is like the young Samurai who learned from his master, His master being Brett Farve. In this case, dare I say it, Rodgers may be Zorro, and is on pace to become better than his teacher. After the 1997 super bowl win for Green Bay against San Francisco, Favre went 3-7 in his next 10 playoff games. Eli Manning won more post-season games in a 29 day span (gulp). In his last 12 post-season starts Farve only had a 77.8 passer rating. In his last five wild-card games he went 2-3 with interceptions and only seven touchdowns. Farve can't even be considered the greatest quarterback in Packers history, the most durable yes, but the greatest, not accurate. Bart Starr himself won five Superbowls and has a career post-season passer rating of 104.8. Rodgers certainly gained an advantage playing under Farve, but maybe he learned a few things not to do from Farve. There is no shadow on Aaron Rodgers, he has made his own name.
The Steelers on Sunday could be in real trouble. A true testament to Rodger's skill has been his consistency no matter the opponent. Against teams that finished in the lower half of the league in passer rating Green Bay quarterbacks posted a 109.3 quarterback rating. Against teams that finished in the upper half of the league they finished with a 100.6 rating, almost no difference. It doesn't matter who they are playing, Rodgers will finish his business.
I don't believe that you have to be a cow to know what milk is. Translation: just because Roethelisberger has won before doesn't mean he is the better quarterback. Rodgers is looking for his belt on Sunday and a place among the elite quarterbacks of all-time.
Ray Allen: A dying Breed
It takes time and dedication to become a shooter. It can be boring at times, but a shooter masters his craft. It is a sacrifice, one that Ray Allen has made. At age 35, Ray Allen is still the best shooter in the NBA, and is about to be statistically the best in history.
After going 4-7 from three on Tuesday night against Sacramento, Ray Allen has moved 9 three's away from breaking Reggie Miller's all-time record of 2,560.
Reggie Miller was renowned for his ridiculous pre-game routine. The hours he spent, arriving before the game to master his stroke proved his dedication to greatness. This type of dedication has only been mirrored by Ray Allen, but Reggie feels Ray may be the end of a dying breed and could end up as the greatest shooter who ever lived, without much competition in the future.
On a TNT broadcast, Reggie Miller commented on the art of shooting and the type of player Ray Allen is. "Shooting is boring. It takes time and you have to spend hours working on your craft. That's why I applaud Ray Allen, at 35 years old, getting ready to break my (NBA record for 3-point field goals) in the next month and a half. He's the best shooter in this league and that's sad, because there should be some young gunslinger coming up saying, I'm going to shatter Ray Allen's record. There's no one alive that's going to break his record."
Reggie Miller may have a point. As the NBA has entered the youtube highlight mixtape era, the art of shooting has gone with the wind. Every play viewed above the rim is ten more minutes a young kid spends on his hops instead of his jump shot. The NBA has become obsessed with drafting NBA type bodies and potential based on athleticism instead of pure shooters. Maybe it is fact that I can't jump over a phone book, and don't get me wrong, I get just as excited about the Blake Griffin alert as the next person, but there is nothing like watching the beauty of a shooter shoot the light's out. Ray Allen truly is miles ahead of the competition. Jason Kidd is in third place for 3 point field goals made with 1,738 making him 822 away from the current record, probably not a threat at age 37.
So when Ray inevitably breaks Miller's record, stand and cheer. Appreciate it as a basketball fan. We may be watching the best shooter who ever lived and the last of his kind.
After going 4-7 from three on Tuesday night against Sacramento, Ray Allen has moved 9 three's away from breaking Reggie Miller's all-time record of 2,560.
Reggie Miller was renowned for his ridiculous pre-game routine. The hours he spent, arriving before the game to master his stroke proved his dedication to greatness. This type of dedication has only been mirrored by Ray Allen, but Reggie feels Ray may be the end of a dying breed and could end up as the greatest shooter who ever lived, without much competition in the future.
On a TNT broadcast, Reggie Miller commented on the art of shooting and the type of player Ray Allen is. "Shooting is boring. It takes time and you have to spend hours working on your craft. That's why I applaud Ray Allen, at 35 years old, getting ready to break my (NBA record for 3-point field goals) in the next month and a half. He's the best shooter in this league and that's sad, because there should be some young gunslinger coming up saying, I'm going to shatter Ray Allen's record. There's no one alive that's going to break his record."
Reggie Miller may have a point. As the NBA has entered the youtube highlight mixtape era, the art of shooting has gone with the wind. Every play viewed above the rim is ten more minutes a young kid spends on his hops instead of his jump shot. The NBA has become obsessed with drafting NBA type bodies and potential based on athleticism instead of pure shooters. Maybe it is fact that I can't jump over a phone book, and don't get me wrong, I get just as excited about the Blake Griffin alert as the next person, but there is nothing like watching the beauty of a shooter shoot the light's out. Ray Allen truly is miles ahead of the competition. Jason Kidd is in third place for 3 point field goals made with 1,738 making him 822 away from the current record, probably not a threat at age 37.
So when Ray inevitably breaks Miller's record, stand and cheer. Appreciate it as a basketball fan. We may be watching the best shooter who ever lived and the last of his kind.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Reasons to Love the Celtics This Year... In Case You Didn't Already
First off, read Bill Simmons' column from today (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/110128&sportCat=nba) which backs up reasons to love Ray and Pierce. The Celtics this year are playing well. We have a few people to thank for that, namely, Semih Erden, Shaquille O'neal, Von Wafer, and the rest of the Celtics rotation outside of Rondo, Pierce, Garnett, and Allen. Why do I thank them and not the big 4? Because we expect them to perform. And they have.
When Garnett has been healthy he's made a case for himself as the best power forward on the east coast. He rebounds, he scores, he makes players like Charlie Villanueva cry. He is everything Boston is embodied in a person. He's pissed off, like Boston usually is, because if we aren't winning championships all the time than nobody should be. Aside from Stoudemire, there is no one who holds a candle to him. If Bosh had half the winning drive that Garnett has he might be in the conversation but for now he seems content to just be a subheading to the Lebron/Wade show.
Now the bench, and it's wondrous glory. Won Wafer came out of nowhere. Erden came out of Turkey. Luke Harrangody came out of South Bend. Somehow we managed to put together a team that not only plays well, but makes it look like they have been doing it for awhile. Through injuries to both the relevant O'Neal and the other one, Kendrick Perkins, Garnett, and Rondo this team has maintained it's spot on top of the league. The bench is deep, the starters play like a championship is inevitable not just an option, and Nate Robinson keeps flapping his arms the entire time.
Defense wins championships. If I had a quarter for every time I heard that growing up. This team plays defense. They are 2nd in opponent PPG and 4th in opponent FG %. That could win a championship this year.
Honestly there are many reasons to love the Celtics. Historically there have been some of the best players in league history grace the parquet floor in both the former Boston Garden and now the TD Banknorth Garden. From Bird and Parish to Garnett an Pierce the fortune of being a Boston Sports fan is unparalleled. Other places have won championships but in the past 10 years nowhere can say 3 teams hailing from their city have won it all. Aside from the Bruins who have been good but not good enough and the Revolution that no one watches, Boston is a City of winners.
When Garnett has been healthy he's made a case for himself as the best power forward on the east coast. He rebounds, he scores, he makes players like Charlie Villanueva cry. He is everything Boston is embodied in a person. He's pissed off, like Boston usually is, because if we aren't winning championships all the time than nobody should be. Aside from Stoudemire, there is no one who holds a candle to him. If Bosh had half the winning drive that Garnett has he might be in the conversation but for now he seems content to just be a subheading to the Lebron/Wade show.
Now the bench, and it's wondrous glory. Won Wafer came out of nowhere. Erden came out of Turkey. Luke Harrangody came out of South Bend. Somehow we managed to put together a team that not only plays well, but makes it look like they have been doing it for awhile. Through injuries to both the relevant O'Neal and the other one, Kendrick Perkins, Garnett, and Rondo this team has maintained it's spot on top of the league. The bench is deep, the starters play like a championship is inevitable not just an option, and Nate Robinson keeps flapping his arms the entire time.
Defense wins championships. If I had a quarter for every time I heard that growing up. This team plays defense. They are 2nd in opponent PPG and 4th in opponent FG %. That could win a championship this year.
Honestly there are many reasons to love the Celtics. Historically there have been some of the best players in league history grace the parquet floor in both the former Boston Garden and now the TD Banknorth Garden. From Bird and Parish to Garnett an Pierce the fortune of being a Boston Sports fan is unparalleled. Other places have won championships but in the past 10 years nowhere can say 3 teams hailing from their city have won it all. Aside from the Bruins who have been good but not good enough and the Revolution that no one watches, Boston is a City of winners.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
NFC Championship Thoughts
The Packers Bears game ended with some familiarity, almost deja vu. I just pictured the game ending with Jay Cutler walking off the field after starting slow then making a near come back until he ended the game with an interception. I still saw a Bears quarterback leaving the game with his helmet unbuckled and half off his head, but this Bears quarterback shouldn't hang his head.
Caleb "handy man" Hanie did everything he could as a third string quarterback. A little background info on my man Hanie. Thanks to sports nation we know this: Hanie is 25. He's a three-year NFL veteran out of Colorado State, and went to high school in Texas. He had completed eight of his 14 passes as an NFL quarterback entering today for no touchdowns. He had thrown one interception.
He has a little over 6,000 Twitter followers. He was 19th nationally in pass efficiency in his senior season at Colorado State. He was the Bears only hope as Cutler played like absolute sh*t.
Hanie played well for the Bears as he got a rhythm, and most impressively led a quick touchdown drive when everyone though it was over at 21-7 and the big man, BJ, got a little "Raji" with it in the end zone.
Despite the valiant effort by a third string quarterback, the Bears are going to want Cutler's head. Unless his leg needed to be amputated, he had to stay in the football game. Announcers openly criticized Cutler's injury. They didn't even know when he got hurt! The Bear's offense was frustrating to watch with Cutler, disgusting with Collins, and at least relevant with Hanie. I though that Hanie played like a man. He came into the game after the Bears had done nothing on offense (2 first downs before he came into the game) and actually gave them a chance to go into OT. Job well done kid. He never expected to get into this game. Back to Cutler. He has ruined his reputation and played scared. Whenever there was pressure he lost his mechanics and did the notorious Cutler "throw off the back foot thing." Cutler did everything right for the Bears to lose, and I thought the Packers would win by 14. That said, you have to tip your hat to the rest of the Bears.
Rodgers came into this game red hot. He worked the Bears defense on their first possession like it was a practice squad. But, as the second half continued the Bears played better coverage and almost funneled Packers receivers into the middle of the field where Bears linebackers waited. Quick note, for anyone who said Urlacher couldn't play football anymore can eat their words. Urlacher was every bit of the player and leader he was 5 years ago. An impressive performance for the veteran, 10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 2 tackles for a loss. Urlacher wanted this game and he showed it. The Bears D held Rodgers to only 244 yards (73 on the first drive), 2 INT, and 39 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown. The Bears contained Rodgers enough to win the game. Yet, as a 6th seed and a road team the Packers had so much momentum they still were favored by 3 and half points coming into the game. The momentum showed in the first half and it was to much to overcome. The Packers are looking for the championship belt.
Caleb "handy man" Hanie did everything he could as a third string quarterback. A little background info on my man Hanie. Thanks to sports nation we know this: Hanie is 25. He's a three-year NFL veteran out of Colorado State, and went to high school in Texas. He had completed eight of his 14 passes as an NFL quarterback entering today for no touchdowns. He had thrown one interception.
He has a little over 6,000 Twitter followers. He was 19th nationally in pass efficiency in his senior season at Colorado State. He was the Bears only hope as Cutler played like absolute sh*t.
Hanie played well for the Bears as he got a rhythm, and most impressively led a quick touchdown drive when everyone though it was over at 21-7 and the big man, BJ, got a little "Raji" with it in the end zone.
Despite the valiant effort by a third string quarterback, the Bears are going to want Cutler's head. Unless his leg needed to be amputated, he had to stay in the football game. Announcers openly criticized Cutler's injury. They didn't even know when he got hurt! The Bear's offense was frustrating to watch with Cutler, disgusting with Collins, and at least relevant with Hanie. I though that Hanie played like a man. He came into the game after the Bears had done nothing on offense (2 first downs before he came into the game) and actually gave them a chance to go into OT. Job well done kid. He never expected to get into this game. Back to Cutler. He has ruined his reputation and played scared. Whenever there was pressure he lost his mechanics and did the notorious Cutler "throw off the back foot thing." Cutler did everything right for the Bears to lose, and I thought the Packers would win by 14. That said, you have to tip your hat to the rest of the Bears.
Rodgers came into this game red hot. He worked the Bears defense on their first possession like it was a practice squad. But, as the second half continued the Bears played better coverage and almost funneled Packers receivers into the middle of the field where Bears linebackers waited. Quick note, for anyone who said Urlacher couldn't play football anymore can eat their words. Urlacher was every bit of the player and leader he was 5 years ago. An impressive performance for the veteran, 10 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 2 tackles for a loss. Urlacher wanted this game and he showed it. The Bears D held Rodgers to only 244 yards (73 on the first drive), 2 INT, and 39 yards on the ground with a rushing touchdown. The Bears contained Rodgers enough to win the game. Yet, as a 6th seed and a road team the Packers had so much momentum they still were favored by 3 and half points coming into the game. The momentum showed in the first half and it was to much to overcome. The Packers are looking for the championship belt.
Important Playoffs for Roethelisberger's Reputation
As a Patriots fan the wind was taken out of my playoff sails when I watched a completely different team collapse at home for the second straight year. What happened? The trash talk of the Jets was in the Patriots head's and Brady simply choked. One pass completed for more than twenty yards. It was hard to swallow, but whats worse is Brady may not even be the best playoff quarterback in the league anymore. The loss to the Jets dropped Brady's playoff record to 14-5 while Roethelisberger enters his Jets showdown Sunday as 9-2 with two super bowls and a potential third on the way.
Big Ben just wins football games, at a time when they matter most. A 90.0 passer rating is better than Peyton Manning's 87.1 and that includes a couple tough stretches. Ben had a bad performance against Seattle in their Super Bowl win, a poor performance against the Patriots in 2004 and a bad first half in a playoff loss to Jacksonville. Those games included and he still possesses a 90.0 quarterback rating.
When it matters he has been great. He was great in 2005 Super Bowl season before the Seahawks game and who could forget the 2008 run and the masterful drive against Arizona to capture his second Superbowl. Two years later he is the same position in only his sixth NFL season. People may have their own opinions about him for his off-field issues, but when it comes to winning football games Roethelisberger could solidify himself as the best with Manning and Brady already watching from the sidelines.
Big Ben just wins football games, at a time when they matter most. A 90.0 passer rating is better than Peyton Manning's 87.1 and that includes a couple tough stretches. Ben had a bad performance against Seattle in their Super Bowl win, a poor performance against the Patriots in 2004 and a bad first half in a playoff loss to Jacksonville. Those games included and he still possesses a 90.0 quarterback rating.
When it matters he has been great. He was great in 2005 Super Bowl season before the Seahawks game and who could forget the 2008 run and the masterful drive against Arizona to capture his second Superbowl. Two years later he is the same position in only his sixth NFL season. People may have their own opinions about him for his off-field issues, but when it comes to winning football games Roethelisberger could solidify himself as the best with Manning and Brady already watching from the sidelines.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Yankees Schmankees
Baseball, America's pastime and my second favorite sport(College Basketball is king). The approaching onset of the 2011 season is a mere 2 months away and there is almost no way to describe the feeling of excitement building inside me. We got Adrian Gonzalez, then we got Carl Crawford, then the Yankees got... some other guy named Soriano. Now, well, the Yankees are "talking about" Andruw Jones, according to Buster Olney. I love hearing the words "Yankees" and "Andrew Jones" together, it's almost harmonic, of course it would be if every time I heard anything about the Yankees I didn't puke in my mouth a little.
This "interest" proves something that has long escaped us. The Yankees are in desperation mode. With their captain enjoying a notable contract despite reduced range and sub standard offensive production last season, who wouldn't be? This team is aging at a less than graceful pace and what better way to compliment it than the ever growing balloon that is Andruw Jones. He used to be good, really good, then he gained some weight and became a paper weight for a hot dog wrapper blowing around center field.
Last season with only a .230 average and no sizable stats offensively there is little to love on either side of the ball. He used to be a perennial gold glover, now he has the outfield range equivalent of Derek Jeter, god I love it when the Yankees over pay for reputation.
I mean the Yankees are still a dangerous team every game. They have a few decent pitchers... right? NOT, with Pettitte likely to move on to greener pastures in retirement it is likely their rotation will be a mess. They couldn't land any of the top free-agents and now look to sign the rotting bottom of the barrel so they can save face. Ohh yeah, and Cashman isn't so stoked on this Soriano signing demonstrating just how up in arms this entire organization is. I guess the Sox will just have to fight it out with the Rays in the AL East. And to the Yankees, it's only preseason, but you can adopt the former mantra of the Red Sox as your own now- "There's always next year".
This "interest" proves something that has long escaped us. The Yankees are in desperation mode. With their captain enjoying a notable contract despite reduced range and sub standard offensive production last season, who wouldn't be? This team is aging at a less than graceful pace and what better way to compliment it than the ever growing balloon that is Andruw Jones. He used to be good, really good, then he gained some weight and became a paper weight for a hot dog wrapper blowing around center field.
Last season with only a .230 average and no sizable stats offensively there is little to love on either side of the ball. He used to be a perennial gold glover, now he has the outfield range equivalent of Derek Jeter, god I love it when the Yankees over pay for reputation.
I mean the Yankees are still a dangerous team every game. They have a few decent pitchers... right? NOT, with Pettitte likely to move on to greener pastures in retirement it is likely their rotation will be a mess. They couldn't land any of the top free-agents and now look to sign the rotting bottom of the barrel so they can save face. Ohh yeah, and Cashman isn't so stoked on this Soriano signing demonstrating just how up in arms this entire organization is. I guess the Sox will just have to fight it out with the Rays in the AL East. And to the Yankees, it's only preseason, but you can adopt the former mantra of the Red Sox as your own now- "There's always next year".
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Players that Should be on TV, Pay attention David Stern (Ongoing Conversation)
BAM: So thus far this year the East coast has missed out on some of the good young talent on the other side of the country. Thank you David Stern, shielding me from whatever it is that's over there has really helped me. Not seeing Monta Ellis or Blake Griffin has helped me better appreciate the truly talentless teams. The Rockets on national television is awesome considering Yao is out and the rest of the team is pretty unremarkable. I don't care one bit about Kevin Martin. He's been in the league long enough and is not the electric player that these others are. And on top of all this I never want to see the Nets. Give me single player teams long before I have to deal with no player teams like the Cavaliers. Why on earth is Lakers/Cavaliers a televised game. After the first time that an elite team smashed them into the ground I don't need to see it happen again. Not only was it uninteresting but Kobe and Pau scored less than 20 points each. Unless you get Jack Nicholson out on the floor for the half time show to start filming a new "Departed" I'm not even close to interested.
After that Rant these are players that we want to see weekly. Not monthly, or every now and then, but weekly. Blake Griffin and Kevin Love are both on historic Double-Double streaks and I have yet to see either of them play. The fact that Griffin spends more time on the ESPN Top 10 than on national broadcasts is absolute bull.
1. Blake Griffin. Period.
Blake Griffin is the Top 10 on ESPN. He isn't just part of it anymore, he owns it. He is in the middle of the second longest active double-double streak in the league and a historic one for a rookie. Last night he scored 47 points, the highest single game point total this year and his second game of more than 44 points. 6'9", can handle the ball and apparently has a decent mid range game as well. Tell me why he isn't on TV every night of the year. Not only is Griffin interesting to watch but the clippers have won 10 of the last 14. This includes wins against the Lakers, Heat, Suns, and Bulls. That is TV worthy. Not only that but you also will see Eric Gordon, another young player having a good season on a bad team that no casual fan really pays any attention to. This may be the only time anyone has ever said this... I want to watch the Clippers.
2. (Chuck) Chris Paul
That's right, Chris Paul. Somebody tell me how many Hornets games they have seen this year. Unless you pay for NBA league pass the answer is 0. The New Orleans Hornets have one nationally televised game for the season. Blake Griffin may already be the most exciting player in the Association, but the Clippers are ten games under .500 at 15-25. The Hornets are a different story. At 27-16 the Hornets currently hold the 6th spot in the West. There is one more thing about the Hornets, they have Chris Paul! Arguably the best point guard in the league, Paul has been key to Hornets resurgence from their disappointing 37-45 the year before; Paul only played in 45 games. This season Paul has returned to form averaging 16 points, 10 dimes, and almost three steals per game. I have to pay 200 dollars a year to watch Chris Paul! C'mon man! To the delight of the fans like the NFL evolving into a passing league, the NBA has turned into a point guards league, but we don't get to see the best of the best. Chris Paul has his own website for crying out loud.
3. (Bam) Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry
A little more televised than the other two but still deserving to be on this list. The Lakers and Thunder are deserving of national broadcast, I wont argue that, but the Sacramento Kings are on 4 nationally televised games in the month of January to Golden States 1. WHY? Tyreke Evans, their leading scorer, ranks 39th. That is not nearly as impressive as Monta Ellis at 3rd. Not only does televising Golden State show us Ellis, but Stephen Curry who is as of now looking like the next great shooter. Averaging 1.8 3's per game at just north of 42% and splitting time at PG with Ellis, is another noteworthy young'n in the league. Combined this duo is among the top 2 man combos in the league, isn't that worth the spot on TV?
After that Rant these are players that we want to see weekly. Not monthly, or every now and then, but weekly. Blake Griffin and Kevin Love are both on historic Double-Double streaks and I have yet to see either of them play. The fact that Griffin spends more time on the ESPN Top 10 than on national broadcasts is absolute bull.
1. Blake Griffin. Period.
Blake Griffin is the Top 10 on ESPN. He isn't just part of it anymore, he owns it. He is in the middle of the second longest active double-double streak in the league and a historic one for a rookie. Last night he scored 47 points, the highest single game point total this year and his second game of more than 44 points. 6'9", can handle the ball and apparently has a decent mid range game as well. Tell me why he isn't on TV every night of the year. Not only is Griffin interesting to watch but the clippers have won 10 of the last 14. This includes wins against the Lakers, Heat, Suns, and Bulls. That is TV worthy. Not only that but you also will see Eric Gordon, another young player having a good season on a bad team that no casual fan really pays any attention to. This may be the only time anyone has ever said this... I want to watch the Clippers.
2. (Chuck) Chris Paul
That's right, Chris Paul. Somebody tell me how many Hornets games they have seen this year. Unless you pay for NBA league pass the answer is 0. The New Orleans Hornets have one nationally televised game for the season. Blake Griffin may already be the most exciting player in the Association, but the Clippers are ten games under .500 at 15-25. The Hornets are a different story. At 27-16 the Hornets currently hold the 6th spot in the West. There is one more thing about the Hornets, they have Chris Paul! Arguably the best point guard in the league, Paul has been key to Hornets resurgence from their disappointing 37-45 the year before; Paul only played in 45 games. This season Paul has returned to form averaging 16 points, 10 dimes, and almost three steals per game. I have to pay 200 dollars a year to watch Chris Paul! C'mon man! To the delight of the fans like the NFL evolving into a passing league, the NBA has turned into a point guards league, but we don't get to see the best of the best. Chris Paul has his own website for crying out loud.
3. (Bam) Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry
A little more televised than the other two but still deserving to be on this list. The Lakers and Thunder are deserving of national broadcast, I wont argue that, but the Sacramento Kings are on 4 nationally televised games in the month of January to Golden States 1. WHY? Tyreke Evans, their leading scorer, ranks 39th. That is not nearly as impressive as Monta Ellis at 3rd. Not only does televising Golden State show us Ellis, but Stephen Curry who is as of now looking like the next great shooter. Averaging 1.8 3's per game at just north of 42% and splitting time at PG with Ellis, is another noteworthy young'n in the league. Combined this duo is among the top 2 man combos in the league, isn't that worth the spot on TV?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Weekend NFL Preview
Wild card weekend was wild to say the least. A stunning upset by the Seahawks over the Saints started the weekend, as well as showed us what "beast mode" really meant courtesy of Marshawn Lynch. A field goal in Indy to send Petyon packing and Vick's season ending on an interception made the upcoming divisional round that much harder to wait for. If you didn't know this already, the NFL is awesome.
Saturday 4:30 eastern, Ravens at Steelers: The Ravens dominated the Chiefs last weekend and showed they were deserving of facing the Steelers. After splitting with the Steelers in the regular season, this match-up has some familiarity. Yet, the Steelers are almost a lock to win this game. Despite the thrashing on the Chiefs, Jamal Charles had a stellar first half rushing for over 80 yards and a touchdown. Quietly this has been Baltimore's worst rushing defense since 1996 giving up 3.9 yards per carry. The Steelers will pound the ball with work horse Mendenhall giving opportunities to the speedy Mike Wallace on the outside. The bye week gives the Steelers a chance to rest their star safety Troy Polamalu. Over the last two seasons the Steelers are 14-4 with him and 5-7 without; he is a stud. And I have a gut feeling Joe Flacco can't win a big playoff game, I don't trust him. Steelers get the nod.
Steelers 16 Ravens 10
Saturday 8:00 p.m, Packers at Falcons: This is a tough game. The Falcons don't do anything flashy or spectacular, but they are efficient and well-coached. The Falcons were the least penalized club in the NFL and had the third best turnover ratio. That being said, the Packers and Aaron Rodgers are red hot. If the NFL ended today the best quarterback rating of all-time would belong to Aaron Rodgers. He is that good. The best corner back in the duo will be enough to slow down Falcon's receiver Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez. Matt Ryan is having nightmares of Clay Matthews. Packers win this game in a dogfight.
Packers 20 Falcons 17
Sunday 1:00 Seahawks at Bears: Wouldn't it be crazy if the Seahawks pulled this off? Knock off the super bowl champions then go into Chicago and end their season. The reality is the Seahawks are 2-6. But, there is always a but, one of those road wins came in week 6 at Chicago in a 23-20 win. Cutler could throw a couple picks, Hester could be contained, and the Lynch could be in "beast mode" once again. It just can't happen two weeks in a row though. The Bears defense causes turnovers, and when the Bears are rolling they really are a special football team. In Chicago they won't lose to the Seahawks, who despite winning last week, still are a sub 500 football team.
Chicago 30 Seahawks 20
Sunday 4:30 Jets at Patriots: Rex Ryan has pegged this game as Rex vs. Belichick. Bold move after the 45-3 beat down the Patriots gave the Jets last time they visited Foxboro. Ryan does his mind games with the media, but calling out Belichick, the best coach in the league seems like a bad idea. Ryan said Manning worked harder than Brady. Yes, Ryan beat Manning the week before, but the Colts are missing half their time due to injuries. Brady is playing '07 good and maybe better considering the supporting cast around him. Two rookie tight ends, number one receiver nine months removed from knee surgery, a scat back cut by the Jets at the beginning of the year, and a return of Deion Branch equals 36 touchdowns and a historically low 4 interceptions. The Patriots are silly good right now. It looks like Rex will get back to rubbing feet instead of watching film a few weeks earlier than planned.
Patriots 28 Jets 17
Saturday 4:30 eastern, Ravens at Steelers: The Ravens dominated the Chiefs last weekend and showed they were deserving of facing the Steelers. After splitting with the Steelers in the regular season, this match-up has some familiarity. Yet, the Steelers are almost a lock to win this game. Despite the thrashing on the Chiefs, Jamal Charles had a stellar first half rushing for over 80 yards and a touchdown. Quietly this has been Baltimore's worst rushing defense since 1996 giving up 3.9 yards per carry. The Steelers will pound the ball with work horse Mendenhall giving opportunities to the speedy Mike Wallace on the outside. The bye week gives the Steelers a chance to rest their star safety Troy Polamalu. Over the last two seasons the Steelers are 14-4 with him and 5-7 without; he is a stud. And I have a gut feeling Joe Flacco can't win a big playoff game, I don't trust him. Steelers get the nod.
Steelers 16 Ravens 10
Saturday 8:00 p.m, Packers at Falcons: This is a tough game. The Falcons don't do anything flashy or spectacular, but they are efficient and well-coached. The Falcons were the least penalized club in the NFL and had the third best turnover ratio. That being said, the Packers and Aaron Rodgers are red hot. If the NFL ended today the best quarterback rating of all-time would belong to Aaron Rodgers. He is that good. The best corner back in the duo will be enough to slow down Falcon's receiver Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez. Matt Ryan is having nightmares of Clay Matthews. Packers win this game in a dogfight.
Packers 20 Falcons 17
Sunday 1:00 Seahawks at Bears: Wouldn't it be crazy if the Seahawks pulled this off? Knock off the super bowl champions then go into Chicago and end their season. The reality is the Seahawks are 2-6. But, there is always a but, one of those road wins came in week 6 at Chicago in a 23-20 win. Cutler could throw a couple picks, Hester could be contained, and the Lynch could be in "beast mode" once again. It just can't happen two weeks in a row though. The Bears defense causes turnovers, and when the Bears are rolling they really are a special football team. In Chicago they won't lose to the Seahawks, who despite winning last week, still are a sub 500 football team.
Chicago 30 Seahawks 20
Sunday 4:30 Jets at Patriots: Rex Ryan has pegged this game as Rex vs. Belichick. Bold move after the 45-3 beat down the Patriots gave the Jets last time they visited Foxboro. Ryan does his mind games with the media, but calling out Belichick, the best coach in the league seems like a bad idea. Ryan said Manning worked harder than Brady. Yes, Ryan beat Manning the week before, but the Colts are missing half their time due to injuries. Brady is playing '07 good and maybe better considering the supporting cast around him. Two rookie tight ends, number one receiver nine months removed from knee surgery, a scat back cut by the Jets at the beginning of the year, and a return of Deion Branch equals 36 touchdowns and a historically low 4 interceptions. The Patriots are silly good right now. It looks like Rex will get back to rubbing feet instead of watching film a few weeks earlier than planned.
Patriots 28 Jets 17
Where WIll He Go From Here?
Cam Newton had a good game, not a dominant game, but a good game. In my opinion this is the best player in this draft, if he decides to be a part of it. Undoubtedly his dad will want a donation to a local charity or a no-show salary like that of Tony Soprano for Barone Sanitation for anything that Cam does.
If he does go pro he can look forward to possibly playing with Steve Smith in Carolina because little confidence has been placed in the hands of Jimmy Clausen. This is a 6'6". 250lb QB. If he doesn't work out taking snaps he could play defensive end, tight end, or almost any other position with a little bit of coaching. He is mobile, has a strong arm, and appears to have the leadership qualities necessary to lead a team. What team wouldn't draft him given the opportunity?
There are numerous other players ranked higher on Mel Kiper's draft board but will they be drafted ahead of Newton? I think when it comes down to it the top 8 teams are candidates to take a QB in the first round. Pending a trade the Cardinals have no QB and the 5th spot is where I would say he most likely comes off the board. Further down the list are the Vikings at 12th, the spot where Newton is rated against the other players in this draft according to Kiper. Tavaris Jackson has had little trust from the Vikings and the budding Joe Webb seems to be number 1 on the depth chart for now, but I doubt they're in love with that scenario.
The conclusion, Cam Newton goes top 10. No doubt about it. With the CBA still not negotiated he may be tempted to stay in school and go for another National Championship but with the greed that has been demonstrated by his father I doubt he'll be at Auburn next year especially with the size of the signing bonus hes bound to get.
If he does go pro he can look forward to possibly playing with Steve Smith in Carolina because little confidence has been placed in the hands of Jimmy Clausen. This is a 6'6". 250lb QB. If he doesn't work out taking snaps he could play defensive end, tight end, or almost any other position with a little bit of coaching. He is mobile, has a strong arm, and appears to have the leadership qualities necessary to lead a team. What team wouldn't draft him given the opportunity?
There are numerous other players ranked higher on Mel Kiper's draft board but will they be drafted ahead of Newton? I think when it comes down to it the top 8 teams are candidates to take a QB in the first round. Pending a trade the Cardinals have no QB and the 5th spot is where I would say he most likely comes off the board. Further down the list are the Vikings at 12th, the spot where Newton is rated against the other players in this draft according to Kiper. Tavaris Jackson has had little trust from the Vikings and the budding Joe Webb seems to be number 1 on the depth chart for now, but I doubt they're in love with that scenario.
The conclusion, Cam Newton goes top 10. No doubt about it. With the CBA still not negotiated he may be tempted to stay in school and go for another National Championship but with the greed that has been demonstrated by his father I doubt he'll be at Auburn next year especially with the size of the signing bonus hes bound to get.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Packers at Eagles
Packers at Eagles
For the Packers, there is one thing more scary than number 7, the fact everyone is picking them. It seems every lay men is picking the Packers, and Sports Illustrated pick them as their favorite to go to the Super Bowl. They need to get out of Philadelphia first. Vick's quadriceps are 100% and people are claiming that the blueprint on stopping superman was exposed by Minnesota. Yet, Vick seems to visually dazzle us and do things we didn't know possible from the quarterback position up against the most overwhelming odds. Remember in 2003 in the frigid air of Lambeau field he came in and beat the Packers in spectacular fashion at a time when the Packers hadn't lost a home playoff game. The Packers have the best cornerback duo in the NFL in Woodson and Williams which will cause problems for the Eagles. But Andy Reid is a great x's and o's coach, better than Mike McCarthy. The Packers are one dimensional and I think Reid will think of a way to slow down Aaron Rodgers as well as giving Vick chances to make plays. Block Clay Matthews, let Vick loose, and contain Aaron Rodgers. A tall task, but one Reid is ready for. Eagles win this game at home in a slug fest.
Eagles 24 Packers 20
For the Packers, there is one thing more scary than number 7, the fact everyone is picking them. It seems every lay men is picking the Packers, and Sports Illustrated pick them as their favorite to go to the Super Bowl. They need to get out of Philadelphia first. Vick's quadriceps are 100% and people are claiming that the blueprint on stopping superman was exposed by Minnesota. Yet, Vick seems to visually dazzle us and do things we didn't know possible from the quarterback position up against the most overwhelming odds. Remember in 2003 in the frigid air of Lambeau field he came in and beat the Packers in spectacular fashion at a time when the Packers hadn't lost a home playoff game. The Packers have the best cornerback duo in the NFL in Woodson and Williams which will cause problems for the Eagles. But Andy Reid is a great x's and o's coach, better than Mike McCarthy. The Packers are one dimensional and I think Reid will think of a way to slow down Aaron Rodgers as well as giving Vick chances to make plays. Block Clay Matthews, let Vick loose, and contain Aaron Rodgers. A tall task, but one Reid is ready for. Eagles win this game at home in a slug fest.
Eagles 24 Packers 20
Friday, January 7, 2011
AFC Wildcard Preview
First off lets assume that there will be a surprise this weekend... which there wont be. I'll break it down for you real quick...
Jets @ Colts
The Colts will win. Rex Ryan is going to run his mouth until the post game conference and Manning is going to use his no-name receiving core as a means to advance to Pittsburgh. There is no way that Manning let's his team lose especially when his legacy is on the line every moment of every season. Inevitably, either the Jets lose to New England next week or the Colts will lose to Pittsburgh. That's whats at stake in this game, one week of bragging rights before either team loses to their opponent next weekend.
Ravens @ Chiefs
Ravens win. No one runs on Baltimore and Ed Reed is a freak. He missed half a season and still led the league in interceptions, who does that? Honestly? Matt Cassel is no match for this secondary and the Chiefs alleged running attack is a mere mirage. Joe Flacco is going to have a decent game and Ray Rice will do what he does and this game will be decided by the Ravens defense. When the Chiefs fail to put more than 10 points on the board no one will be surprised. This game will be lopsided and though the Chiefs have done well this season they wont this weekend.
Jets @ Colts
The Colts will win. Rex Ryan is going to run his mouth until the post game conference and Manning is going to use his no-name receiving core as a means to advance to Pittsburgh. There is no way that Manning let's his team lose especially when his legacy is on the line every moment of every season. Inevitably, either the Jets lose to New England next week or the Colts will lose to Pittsburgh. That's whats at stake in this game, one week of bragging rights before either team loses to their opponent next weekend.
Ravens @ Chiefs
Ravens win. No one runs on Baltimore and Ed Reed is a freak. He missed half a season and still led the league in interceptions, who does that? Honestly? Matt Cassel is no match for this secondary and the Chiefs alleged running attack is a mere mirage. Joe Flacco is going to have a decent game and Ray Rice will do what he does and this game will be decided by the Ravens defense. When the Chiefs fail to put more than 10 points on the board no one will be surprised. This game will be lopsided and though the Chiefs have done well this season they wont this weekend.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Ten Things we learned from the 2010-2011 regular season.
1. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are the best quarterback-coach combo of all-time; literally and statistically.
2. Turnovers are what decides football games and turnover differential is the best representation of a good team. Top three: Patriots (14-2) +28, Steelers (12-4) +17, and Falcons (13-3) +14.
3.Anyone can beat anyone if it is one of those years. See Browns over Patriots, Lions over Packers, or a 1-7 Cowboys team beating the then 6-2 Giants. Or talk to anyone who tried to bet on the NFL this season. I made it to week five in a double elimination suicide pool.
4. Despite killing dogs and spending over 730 days in jail, Michael Vick is still the most exciting player in the NFL.
5. Chad Henne is the least exciting player in football. STOP CHECKING DOWN AND THROW THE BALL TO BRANDON MARSHALL!!
6.Dan Snyder is officially the worst owner in all of football. Did he actually offer McNabb an extension worth over 50 million guaranteed during the middle of his worst season ever?
7. The NFL has evolved into a passing league, not because of better quarterbacks, but because of the changing rules protecting quarterbacks. 15 yard penalty for giving a quarterback a titty twister.
8. The most talked about division at the end of the year was the NFC west because of its poor play.
9. There are a few unblockable bad-ass men on Sundays: Clay Matthews, Terrell Suggs, and Julius Peppers.
10. People don't feel safe in Minnesota's Metrodome.
2. Turnovers are what decides football games and turnover differential is the best representation of a good team. Top three: Patriots (14-2) +28, Steelers (12-4) +17, and Falcons (13-3) +14.
3.Anyone can beat anyone if it is one of those years. See Browns over Patriots, Lions over Packers, or a 1-7 Cowboys team beating the then 6-2 Giants. Or talk to anyone who tried to bet on the NFL this season. I made it to week five in a double elimination suicide pool.
4. Despite killing dogs and spending over 730 days in jail, Michael Vick is still the most exciting player in the NFL.
5. Chad Henne is the least exciting player in football. STOP CHECKING DOWN AND THROW THE BALL TO BRANDON MARSHALL!!
6.Dan Snyder is officially the worst owner in all of football. Did he actually offer McNabb an extension worth over 50 million guaranteed during the middle of his worst season ever?
7. The NFL has evolved into a passing league, not because of better quarterbacks, but because of the changing rules protecting quarterbacks. 15 yard penalty for giving a quarterback a titty twister.
8. The most talked about division at the end of the year was the NFC west because of its poor play.
9. There are a few unblockable bad-ass men on Sundays: Clay Matthews, Terrell Suggs, and Julius Peppers.
10. People don't feel safe in Minnesota's Metrodome.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Sorry for Sam
It was kind of weird to see poor teams in prime time on Sunday night. I mean, it was better than watching American Dad. The game had a playoff spot on the line and still drew little interest. Despite being the last start of Sam Bradford's rookie season it is doubtful that it was a DVR worthy event in many households. It was too bad to see his last pass attempt intercepted as Chris Collinsworth said "this is his time to step and make a name for himself."
In the first half he was not making the throws he could. Checking down to often, and missing routine completions. This considered, think about where the Rams have come from. At this time last season there were thinking about whether to draft Bradford number one overall after finishing the previous season with one win. At 7-8 entering Sunday's night contest Bradford had a chance on national television to truly assert his presence; and he did just that.
The management and organization of the Rams has been in turmoil since the firing of Mike Martz in 2006. In 2007 they won three games under Scott Lineham. He would be fired in 2008 after an 0-4 start. The Rams won two games in '08. The only positive from all the losing is that road lead to Sam Bradford.
The Rams are simply a bad team, without Bradford this season they win no more than three games. Their receiving core is the worst in football. Their number one receiver is Brandon Gibson. A 6th round draft pick in '09 who has not scored a touchdown or gone over 70 yards since week 11. When Bradford starting going down the field there were three perfect balls that can be considered easy catches in the NFL. On the road, as a rookie, and without a consistent set of hands Bradford couldn't lead the Rams into the playoffs. Not only did Sunday night spotlight Bradford's talents, but it showed how bad the Rams are and just how valuable Bradford is to them. The Rams got an encroachment call on a 4th and 3 with 2:45 left on the clock and two timeouts left. The center didn't even move the ball for the Seahawks. A poor teams mistake.
It was to much for Bradford to overcome. He did everything he could in Sunday's game and is the cornerstone to build this franchise around. Manning, the one in the playoffs, didn't throw less than 14 interceptions until his sixth season. I'm not sorry for the Rams loss which led to another missed post season, but I did feel a little tinge of sadness for Sam Bradford.
In the first half he was not making the throws he could. Checking down to often, and missing routine completions. This considered, think about where the Rams have come from. At this time last season there were thinking about whether to draft Bradford number one overall after finishing the previous season with one win. At 7-8 entering Sunday's night contest Bradford had a chance on national television to truly assert his presence; and he did just that.
The management and organization of the Rams has been in turmoil since the firing of Mike Martz in 2006. In 2007 they won three games under Scott Lineham. He would be fired in 2008 after an 0-4 start. The Rams won two games in '08. The only positive from all the losing is that road lead to Sam Bradford.
The Rams are simply a bad team, without Bradford this season they win no more than three games. Their receiving core is the worst in football. Their number one receiver is Brandon Gibson. A 6th round draft pick in '09 who has not scored a touchdown or gone over 70 yards since week 11. When Bradford starting going down the field there were three perfect balls that can be considered easy catches in the NFL. On the road, as a rookie, and without a consistent set of hands Bradford couldn't lead the Rams into the playoffs. Not only did Sunday night spotlight Bradford's talents, but it showed how bad the Rams are and just how valuable Bradford is to them. The Rams got an encroachment call on a 4th and 3 with 2:45 left on the clock and two timeouts left. The center didn't even move the ball for the Seahawks. A poor teams mistake.
It was to much for Bradford to overcome. He did everything he could in Sunday's game and is the cornerstone to build this franchise around. Manning, the one in the playoffs, didn't throw less than 14 interceptions until his sixth season. I'm not sorry for the Rams loss which led to another missed post season, but I did feel a little tinge of sadness for Sam Bradford.
Rams vs. Seahawks
If the Seattle Seahawks win Sunday night they will become the first 7-9 team to ever host a playoff game. The NFC west is the laughing stock of the NFL and yet, if you win you your division, no matter how bad it may be, you deserve to host a playoff game. Despite the poor play of the NFC West there is one reason to watch the Sunday night matchup: Sam Bradford.
Bradford is becoming a star in the NFL. 3,357 yards and 18 touchdowns as a rookie, if nothing else, justifies the Rams use of their first overall pick. You may not care about the Rams or Seahawks, but any average football fan should become a fan of Bradford. In Bradford's first season they are now in position to earn their first playoff birth in seven years, if they can win tonight. Bradford will make throws down field with unbelievable accuracy for a first year quarterback, with such a pocket presence there is little to debate about his future in the league.
Bradford is becoming a star in the NFL. 3,357 yards and 18 touchdowns as a rookie, if nothing else, justifies the Rams use of their first overall pick. You may not care about the Rams or Seahawks, but any average football fan should become a fan of Bradford. In Bradford's first season they are now in position to earn their first playoff birth in seven years, if they can win tonight. Bradford will make throws down field with unbelievable accuracy for a first year quarterback, with such a pocket presence there is little to debate about his future in the league.
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