Just when I was about to go on my annual "The NBA Regular Season is Too Long" rant, I metaphorically take a peek up the wide-open skirt of the Western Conference. If the Western Conference were a lady, you'd have to agree that she's hot, tight, and replete with action. She's also sticky-dripping wet...with the raunchy sweat of playoff-seed jockeying. With five or six games left (depending on the teams) in the regular season, there's all of eight games separating the No. 1 seed and the No. 8 seed. For all intents purposes, the stumbling Washington Redskins jersey
Lakers have the No. 1 seed wrapped, but while all eight playoff slots are filled, not one of them is officially locked, seeding-wise. Even better evidencing how close the Western race is...there are only three games separating the No. 2 seed and the No. 8 seed. Four teams (Dallas, Denver, Utah Phoenix) are currently tied for second place. Three teams (OKC, San Antonio, and Portland) sit within a game and a half of each other for seeds six-eight.If any of these teams, not wearing purple gold, so much as sneeze...much less, bend-over...during this next week and a half, they could find themselves having dropped three or four...or SIX places. Even the Lakers had better not cough too loudly or too many more times or they could find themselves in second place. This conference is not only tight and hot, they're overall playing or have played good basketball. Contrarily, the Lakers have been sleep-walking since the All-Star break, but they still sport a .714 winning percentagethe second best in the NBA. The Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
Suns and Mavs both just came off double-digit win streaks.Even the currently eighth-seeded Blazers carry a .610 winning percentage. If the Blazers were in the Eastern Conference with that record, they'd be in fifth place. Compare and contrast that with the current eighth seed in the East, the Raptors, who are playing .500 ball...and they or whoever winds up as the eighth playoff seed could go in at under .500 (i.e. The gutsy but lowly Bulls lurk just a game back at .487). Greg Popovitch, admitted before the game against the Lakers on Sunday that his Spurs and (he believes) all six of the other playoff-bound Western teams were trying to avoid facing The Lakers in the first round. Some might argue, however, given the play of the Lakers lately, the objective instead should be to Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
fall into/stay in the eighth playoff seed so they could face The Lolli-GAGGING Lakers
2010年12月29日星期三
29 Dec 10 One NBA Star Considering Retirement?
Nick Laham/Getty ImagesNew York: Reporters were informed Wednesday that Tracy McGrady might retire. The former Western Conference All-Star reportedWednesday that if he does not regain his form from the past, he might have to end his career. McGrady has only played in 65 games Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
within the last two seasons due to major injuries and micro fracture surgery on his knee. Tracy averaged just over eight points a game during this short season.McGrady was traded from the Houston Rockets to the New York Knicks in a 3-way blockbusterdeal that included the Sacramento Kings.The swingman for the Knicks will become a free agent this summer. The question is who will take him? I donthink manyteams would want to invest in a injured Tracy McGrady but, here are the top 3teams thatmighthavean interest inT-Mac this summer.1) New York Knicks: McGrady already said he would love totake less money to return to New York ifhe would play alongside ofoneof the league bestplayers. Well we all know the Knicks have the money to bring in a superstarintotheir organization so, why not bring in T-Mac if he is able to regain the skills the all-star once had.I believe New Yorkwould be the perfectfit fora healthy McGrady.2) Chicago Bulls: Bulls would be a perfect fit for McGrady. T-Mac playing alongside Derrick Rose? Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
This would make one hell of a team for Chicago.Who knows who else they will pick up but even just Rose, Noah and T-Mac, that a playoff team already.3) New Jersey Nets:Even though the Nets have plenty of cap room, theydon have many players on the roster for next year. I believe theNets might sign McGrady late in the summer to fill the roster. He would be a very good 6th man for them. I see a bright future in Newark. -Matthew Cohen 15 Staten Island, New York
within the last two seasons due to major injuries and micro fracture surgery on his knee. Tracy averaged just over eight points a game during this short season.McGrady was traded from the Houston Rockets to the New York Knicks in a 3-way blockbusterdeal that included the Sacramento Kings.The swingman for the Knicks will become a free agent this summer. The question is who will take him? I donthink manyteams would want to invest in a injured Tracy McGrady but, here are the top 3teams thatmighthavean interest inT-Mac this summer.1) New York Knicks: McGrady already said he would love totake less money to return to New York ifhe would play alongside ofoneof the league bestplayers. Well we all know the Knicks have the money to bring in a superstarintotheir organization so, why not bring in T-Mac if he is able to regain the skills the all-star once had.I believe New Yorkwould be the perfectfit fora healthy McGrady.2) Chicago Bulls: Bulls would be a perfect fit for McGrady. T-Mac playing alongside Derrick Rose? Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
This would make one hell of a team for Chicago.Who knows who else they will pick up but even just Rose, Noah and T-Mac, that a playoff team already.3) New Jersey Nets:Even though the Nets have plenty of cap room, theydon have many players on the roster for next year. I believe theNets might sign McGrady late in the summer to fill the roster. He would be a very good 6th man for them. I see a bright future in Newark. -Matthew Cohen 15 Staten Island, New York
2010年12月28日星期二
28 Dec 10 More Flopping Than Skill? How The NBA Has Changed Throughout The Years
As NBA teams continue their quest through the 2010 NBA playoffs, one can't help but notice how much the game has changed.NBA games have turned into a battle of who can draw the foul. Underlying this concept is the "flop."The "art" of flopping has been around since basketball's existence, but has undoubtedly become more prevalent in the past 20 years.Manu Ginobili, Reggie Miller, Robert Horry, Dennis Rodman, Vlade Divac, Raja Bell, and many other notable players have contributed to the flop's emergence.The flop is defined as a player's Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
ability to draw a foul upon the opposing team with a dramatic, over-acted fall, trip, lunge, jump, leap, etc.In layman's terms, it is dramatic acting designed to deceive an official.Notice the word acting. To incorporate this term with basketball is to go against basketball's foundation that NBA players are in the league because of their skill and not their acting ability.So here's the question: Do NBA players focus more on the flop, and drawing fake fouls, than they do on their actual talents?There is no right answer to this question, as not all players flop, but it is safe to say that the majority of them practice it. Some players have it down to an art.These players are here for a reason: they have extraordinary basketball skills. Why not use these offensive and defensive gifts instead of flopping?Watching these grown men get a little nudge from an opponent, and then fly across the floor with limbs flailing in the air, is as comical as it is sad.As if the dramatic performance weren't enough, players often complain to the officials, like little children, if they did not get the call.Complaining over something they knew they acted out. Very mature.The theatrics are used on both sides of the ball. Offensive players purposely lean into an opponent, throw up a shot, and use their acting skills to draw a foul. Defensive players try to draw charges in an over-dramatic fall.Many people view the officials as instigators of flopping. They call fouls that were raised from clearly seen flops. This may hold true in many circumstances, but the players Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
are at fault.Rasheed Wallace voiced his opinion on flopping after the Pistons' loss to the Celtics in Game Five of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals.Wallace stated that the Celtics were "flopping all over the floor" and the officials were falling for it. He furthered with "that [expletive] ain't basketball. It's all [expletive] entertainment" and the officials should have known that.Wallace had it right, this isn't basketball. Entertainment should come from the players' ability to play the game, not from their sub-par acting.The National Basketball Association is not blind to these unsportsmanlike behaviors. In 1997, they added the four-foot dotted line area underneath the basket in hopes of eliminating defensive flops. Any flops that occurred within the dotted off area were charged as blocking fouls or no-calls.On March 28, 2008, the NBA also announced that player who displayed an excessive use of flopping would be subject to fines and even suspensions for repeat offenders. Although this sounds nice, it hasn't been very effective.In the end, there is no logical answer for the NBA in regards to flopping. They could add a new rule in which the player is penalized during the game for a so-called flop, but how would the officials differentiate what is and what is not a flop? The Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
rule would not solve the issue.The only way to eliminate flopping is for the players to play real basketball.Steal the ball from a defender, block a shot, or use fancy footwork instead of trying to draw a charge. Make a couple of difficult shots instead of trying to get to the foul line.Let's bring the skill part back into basketball.
ability to draw a foul upon the opposing team with a dramatic, over-acted fall, trip, lunge, jump, leap, etc.In layman's terms, it is dramatic acting designed to deceive an official.Notice the word acting. To incorporate this term with basketball is to go against basketball's foundation that NBA players are in the league because of their skill and not their acting ability.So here's the question: Do NBA players focus more on the flop, and drawing fake fouls, than they do on their actual talents?There is no right answer to this question, as not all players flop, but it is safe to say that the majority of them practice it. Some players have it down to an art.These players are here for a reason: they have extraordinary basketball skills. Why not use these offensive and defensive gifts instead of flopping?Watching these grown men get a little nudge from an opponent, and then fly across the floor with limbs flailing in the air, is as comical as it is sad.As if the dramatic performance weren't enough, players often complain to the officials, like little children, if they did not get the call.Complaining over something they knew they acted out. Very mature.The theatrics are used on both sides of the ball. Offensive players purposely lean into an opponent, throw up a shot, and use their acting skills to draw a foul. Defensive players try to draw charges in an over-dramatic fall.Many people view the officials as instigators of flopping. They call fouls that were raised from clearly seen flops. This may hold true in many circumstances, but the players Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
are at fault.Rasheed Wallace voiced his opinion on flopping after the Pistons' loss to the Celtics in Game Five of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals.Wallace stated that the Celtics were "flopping all over the floor" and the officials were falling for it. He furthered with "that [expletive] ain't basketball. It's all [expletive] entertainment" and the officials should have known that.Wallace had it right, this isn't basketball. Entertainment should come from the players' ability to play the game, not from their sub-par acting.The National Basketball Association is not blind to these unsportsmanlike behaviors. In 1997, they added the four-foot dotted line area underneath the basket in hopes of eliminating defensive flops. Any flops that occurred within the dotted off area were charged as blocking fouls or no-calls.On March 28, 2008, the NBA also announced that player who displayed an excessive use of flopping would be subject to fines and even suspensions for repeat offenders. Although this sounds nice, it hasn't been very effective.In the end, there is no logical answer for the NBA in regards to flopping. They could add a new rule in which the player is penalized during the game for a so-called flop, but how would the officials differentiate what is and what is not a flop? The Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
rule would not solve the issue.The only way to eliminate flopping is for the players to play real basketball.Steal the ball from a defender, block a shot, or use fancy footwork instead of trying to draw a charge. Make a couple of difficult shots instead of trying to get to the foul line.Let's bring the skill part back into basketball.
2010年12月27日星期一
27 Dec 10 I Speak Prematurely: Lakers-Boston Celtics in an Epic Theater for the Ages
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesBefore the NBA season comes to a closure, the people obsessed with sports are anxiously ready to see an epic showdown among two franchises with bad blood, andwishing to badmouth each other in a physical clash. This has been an uninteresting postseason of ills and very little excitement, besieged with all the uncertainty and uncompetitive series that lasted fewer than six games. So save the best for last in the NBA Finals, a contest that will last approximately seven games, based on all the talent and poise each teamReebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
presents. The world gazes at Kobe Bryant, arguably the preeminent shooting guard of this age, despite that he was teased previously in a Los Angeles Times photo for wearing a headband, bow tie, and a top hat, becoming the latest model in humiliating photos. The world also stares at the Boston Celtics, a reviving franchise with three aging star players finding ways to survive and outlast opponents by playing unstoppable defense and enduring the improbable pursuit. As of recently, the tradition and mystique has gradually resounded Celtic Pride, and the Celtics has endured the probable thoughts of winning its second championship in three seasons, en route to capturing its 18th championship possibly against the archrivals. It would be interesting to see if the Lakers can beat the Celtics, avenging and erasing the devastating loss in the Finals two years ago. To this day, the Lakers still have a bitter and ill-naturedpsyche after the series ended badly in adisheartening 131-92 loss in Game Six at Boston.Now, two years later, the Lakers have a personal vendetta against its archenemies, dating back to the 60s era when Wilt Chamberlain feuded with Bill Russell, then the 80s era when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird engendered the spotlight on the hardwood with non-stop, thrilling masterpieces. So now, in a modern generation, one of the greatest rivalries in sports lives on. Every now and then, the Lakers-Celtics battle ascends eternal rivalries, upon gazing at the physical bouts and feuds between a pair of franchises with much animosity. It fair to assume that the captivating scuffles and competitive series creates a dislikable sequence, and when the two encounter each other for an eye-popping matchup, the world stares at the Lakers-Celtics. Either way, for some, it good versus evil or evil versus good, whichever teamfans prefer. But it clear evidence that the Lakers are resentful over the way it ended, after they were humiliated and finished the season miserably, seeking revenge to remove the misery of a dreadful ending amid a winnable series. Two years ago, Boston, a long-time nemesis, dismantled Los Angeles in the entire series, winning in a lopsided fashion by out-playing, out-hustling, and out-coaching the Lakers. In a sluggish postseason, Bryant is verified as the toughest and greatest basketball player of a modern generation, enduring injuries and severe pain in all parts of his body. From a bad knee to a fractured index finger to back spasms and tweaked ankle, he has withstood a variety of pain, but isportrayed as thesterling finisher in the game. He a rare athlete nowadays, compared to the legendary great Michael Jordan, becoming a facilitator and the fiercest scorer in the game. Even though he hampered with injuries, he still dazzles and scores 30 to 40 points, leading the Lakers to a 2-0 lead against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals. As it stands, he aiming at a second consecutive NBA championship for his fifth ring and would ease closer towards validating a superlative legacy, one shy of Jordan in the rings category. Perhaps in this era hell become one of the most decorated players in the league, but will also transcend popularity as he currently has the topReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
selling jersey among NBA stars. It always good to beat the archrivals, especially when it contributes to adding another championship banner andtie the Celtics for the most titles in league history and reach a peekby winning it all. In what has the makings of an epic theater, the Lakers and Celtics are both top-level franchises, assembled with depth, willpower, firepower, and talent to ignite a heavyweight war. Truth is, this will only become bloodier in a few weeks, with one of these teams suffering mortals. But it unknown which team poses as the villainous and deadliness enemy, when all of us will finally see an infatuating rematch. It simple to predict that it will be the Lakers and Celtics in a collision course at the finals. This brings us to believe thatit willgo down as one of the most compelling series in sports, all while watching if the aging Celtics can outlast and compete against the younger Lakers or if the invigorated Celtics can obstruct the Kobe Show with constant double-teaming or defending the four-time champ of facilitating. But now, Boston is playing like an unbeatable force that can win another championship and toy with the minds of the Lakers, just as Phil Jacksonmocks opponents with his physiological mind games. This time, the Celtics may get the last laugh, especially if the Lakers enter the series sluggish and unalarmed, then the Big Three devours Team Hollywood like a JV high school team without enough talent or self-motivation. By now, theyve learned their lesson after getting defaced and belittled by the fans and media for a casual and unconscious performance in the finals two years ago. With much doubt, the Celtics weren even considered to advance to the finals this year, based on Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen's agingbodies breaking down mentally and physically. When skeptics dismissed the Celtics of returning back to championship form and were labeled as the oldest and slowest team, all people clearly forgot that they had depth, size, and experience, which is seen in the Eastern Conference Finals as Boston isn a match for the Orlando Magic. Months ago, the Celtics weren even in conversation of sustaining triumph, but there were speculations of early retirement for Garnett and Doc Rivers was consideringon takinghiatus to spend time with his kids. But make no mistake, if the Celtics win again, hell be given a long-term contract and Garnett will play for a few more years. We can argue about whether the Lakers can beat the Celtics, two teams overachieving and endeared for uplifting the souls within a spectacular sport. But the Lakers consist of the Kobe Show, airing nightly at Staples Center. He admired as a finisher, clutch superstar, an unstoppable shooter, and as the greatest player since Jordan retired and left his throne. With the supporting cast and contributions of the eccentric and weirdo Ron Artest finally making shots, the size and athleticism of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum and theReebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
resurgence of Lamar Odom, the Lakers are unbeatable, but understand that Boston will not surrender without a fight.My inclination is that the Lakers-Celtics is a final all basketball loyalist wishes to witness. Obviously, that the way it should turn out in the end. And if the Lakers win, it would be a shot of redemption, but if the Celtics win, it would be a proven theory that they weren so old after all.Either way, prepare for a bloody skirmish.It where amazing happens, remember
presents. The world gazes at Kobe Bryant, arguably the preeminent shooting guard of this age, despite that he was teased previously in a Los Angeles Times photo for wearing a headband, bow tie, and a top hat, becoming the latest model in humiliating photos. The world also stares at the Boston Celtics, a reviving franchise with three aging star players finding ways to survive and outlast opponents by playing unstoppable defense and enduring the improbable pursuit. As of recently, the tradition and mystique has gradually resounded Celtic Pride, and the Celtics has endured the probable thoughts of winning its second championship in three seasons, en route to capturing its 18th championship possibly against the archrivals. It would be interesting to see if the Lakers can beat the Celtics, avenging and erasing the devastating loss in the Finals two years ago. To this day, the Lakers still have a bitter and ill-naturedpsyche after the series ended badly in adisheartening 131-92 loss in Game Six at Boston.Now, two years later, the Lakers have a personal vendetta against its archenemies, dating back to the 60s era when Wilt Chamberlain feuded with Bill Russell, then the 80s era when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird engendered the spotlight on the hardwood with non-stop, thrilling masterpieces. So now, in a modern generation, one of the greatest rivalries in sports lives on. Every now and then, the Lakers-Celtics battle ascends eternal rivalries, upon gazing at the physical bouts and feuds between a pair of franchises with much animosity. It fair to assume that the captivating scuffles and competitive series creates a dislikable sequence, and when the two encounter each other for an eye-popping matchup, the world stares at the Lakers-Celtics. Either way, for some, it good versus evil or evil versus good, whichever teamfans prefer. But it clear evidence that the Lakers are resentful over the way it ended, after they were humiliated and finished the season miserably, seeking revenge to remove the misery of a dreadful ending amid a winnable series. Two years ago, Boston, a long-time nemesis, dismantled Los Angeles in the entire series, winning in a lopsided fashion by out-playing, out-hustling, and out-coaching the Lakers. In a sluggish postseason, Bryant is verified as the toughest and greatest basketball player of a modern generation, enduring injuries and severe pain in all parts of his body. From a bad knee to a fractured index finger to back spasms and tweaked ankle, he has withstood a variety of pain, but isportrayed as thesterling finisher in the game. He a rare athlete nowadays, compared to the legendary great Michael Jordan, becoming a facilitator and the fiercest scorer in the game. Even though he hampered with injuries, he still dazzles and scores 30 to 40 points, leading the Lakers to a 2-0 lead against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals. As it stands, he aiming at a second consecutive NBA championship for his fifth ring and would ease closer towards validating a superlative legacy, one shy of Jordan in the rings category. Perhaps in this era hell become one of the most decorated players in the league, but will also transcend popularity as he currently has the topReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
selling jersey among NBA stars. It always good to beat the archrivals, especially when it contributes to adding another championship banner andtie the Celtics for the most titles in league history and reach a peekby winning it all. In what has the makings of an epic theater, the Lakers and Celtics are both top-level franchises, assembled with depth, willpower, firepower, and talent to ignite a heavyweight war. Truth is, this will only become bloodier in a few weeks, with one of these teams suffering mortals. But it unknown which team poses as the villainous and deadliness enemy, when all of us will finally see an infatuating rematch. It simple to predict that it will be the Lakers and Celtics in a collision course at the finals. This brings us to believe thatit willgo down as one of the most compelling series in sports, all while watching if the aging Celtics can outlast and compete against the younger Lakers or if the invigorated Celtics can obstruct the Kobe Show with constant double-teaming or defending the four-time champ of facilitating. But now, Boston is playing like an unbeatable force that can win another championship and toy with the minds of the Lakers, just as Phil Jacksonmocks opponents with his physiological mind games. This time, the Celtics may get the last laugh, especially if the Lakers enter the series sluggish and unalarmed, then the Big Three devours Team Hollywood like a JV high school team without enough talent or self-motivation. By now, theyve learned their lesson after getting defaced and belittled by the fans and media for a casual and unconscious performance in the finals two years ago. With much doubt, the Celtics weren even considered to advance to the finals this year, based on Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen's agingbodies breaking down mentally and physically. When skeptics dismissed the Celtics of returning back to championship form and were labeled as the oldest and slowest team, all people clearly forgot that they had depth, size, and experience, which is seen in the Eastern Conference Finals as Boston isn a match for the Orlando Magic. Months ago, the Celtics weren even in conversation of sustaining triumph, but there were speculations of early retirement for Garnett and Doc Rivers was consideringon takinghiatus to spend time with his kids. But make no mistake, if the Celtics win again, hell be given a long-term contract and Garnett will play for a few more years. We can argue about whether the Lakers can beat the Celtics, two teams overachieving and endeared for uplifting the souls within a spectacular sport. But the Lakers consist of the Kobe Show, airing nightly at Staples Center. He admired as a finisher, clutch superstar, an unstoppable shooter, and as the greatest player since Jordan retired and left his throne. With the supporting cast and contributions of the eccentric and weirdo Ron Artest finally making shots, the size and athleticism of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum and theReebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
resurgence of Lamar Odom, the Lakers are unbeatable, but understand that Boston will not surrender without a fight.My inclination is that the Lakers-Celtics is a final all basketball loyalist wishes to witness. Obviously, that the way it should turn out in the end. And if the Lakers win, it would be a shot of redemption, but if the Celtics win, it would be a proven theory that they weren so old after all.Either way, prepare for a bloody skirmish.It where amazing happens, remember
2010年12月26日星期日
26 Dec 10 Hey Lakers' Fans, Don't Celebrate Just Yet...
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesMost Lakers fans are thinking that they have a walkway to their back to back rings. But, the biggest challenge has yet to come. The Phoenix Suns gave them quite a sweat, but Ron Artest bailed out the Lakers with a clutch shot, and Kobe closed them out in Game Six.The Boston Celtics have Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
upset the two best teams in the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic. Now, they are looking stronger than ever and arguably better because of Rajon Rondo's improvement since their last title run.So what? The Lakers have a much better team and it should be an easy ring, right? Wrong. The Boston Celtics have been playing the underdog for the whole playoffs, with the exception of the first-round. Nobody thought they could take out Cleveland, nobody thought they could take out the undefeated Magic. But they did. And now they are looking better than ever.The biggest liability for the Lakers is the point guard spot. Steve Nash completely exposed the Lakers point guards, and look for Rajon Rondo to do the same. Nash is probably the better point guard, but Rondo has much more weapons to help him out. The Celtics' bench has been playing great, and will cause problems for the Lakers.How can they stop Kobe? Well, at times Kobe has looked unstoppable, but there have been times where he's been not that great. Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
They have to just get a body on him and make him give up the ball.Rebounding will be another huge key, but look for the tough Celtics' defense to frustrate LA.Lakers' fans, I know you are cocky and overconfident, but just wait until the series is over before the celebrations please.
upset the two best teams in the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic. Now, they are looking stronger than ever and arguably better because of Rajon Rondo's improvement since their last title run.So what? The Lakers have a much better team and it should be an easy ring, right? Wrong. The Boston Celtics have been playing the underdog for the whole playoffs, with the exception of the first-round. Nobody thought they could take out Cleveland, nobody thought they could take out the undefeated Magic. But they did. And now they are looking better than ever.The biggest liability for the Lakers is the point guard spot. Steve Nash completely exposed the Lakers point guards, and look for Rajon Rondo to do the same. Nash is probably the better point guard, but Rondo has much more weapons to help him out. The Celtics' bench has been playing great, and will cause problems for the Lakers.How can they stop Kobe? Well, at times Kobe has looked unstoppable, but there have been times where he's been not that great. Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
They have to just get a body on him and make him give up the ball.Rebounding will be another huge key, but look for the tough Celtics' defense to frustrate LA.Lakers' fans, I know you are cocky and overconfident, but just wait until the series is over before the celebrations please.
2010年12月25日星期六
25 Dec 10 NBA Predictions: Can Dirk Nowitzki Get a Ring in 2011?
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesThe year is 2006, Dirk Nowitzki's fourth seeded Mavericks are ahead two games to none against the second seeded Miami Heat. All they have to do is win twoof the next five games and they will be crowned NBA Champions.We all know the end to that story...Miami goes on to win New Orleans Saints jersey
the remaining four playoff games to come back from a 0-2 deficit and win the title. The heroics of a young gentleman by the name of Dwyane Wade left Dallas fans biting their nails as the series approached its ending.The Dallas Mavericks have not returned to the NBA Finals since then. In fact, they have had a run of unsuccessful playoff experiences(i.e. eighth seeded Golden State takes down top-seeded Dallas in first round upset)in their years since becoming the closest team ever to winning an NBA title.But the question remains, will Dirk Nowitzki ever get a ring?We cannot be certain, but one of the greatest foreign players in NBA history (and one of the most dynamic and unique skill-sets the game has seen) will certainly continue his quest for one.Alongside many NBA fans itching to get the 2010-2011 season under way, the people in Dallas share the same optimism.This offseason Dallas made a deal with the Charlotte Bobcats that sent Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll, Eduardo Najera, and cash considerations to North Carolina in exchange for Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca.Let's take a look at what that does for their depth chart:PG: Jason Kidd -- Rodrigue Beaubois -- J.J. BareaSG: Caron Butler -- Jason TerrySF: Shawn Marion -- DeShawn StevensonPF: Dirk Nowitzki -- Shawn MarionC: Tyson Chandler -- Brendan HaywoodDallas is one of the only teams that can say that they start four former All-Stars, to begin wi th. As you can see, they have a strong, athletic tandem at center able to matchup with any big man in the league.Their depth in the guard slots is also impressive. One of the top sixth men in the league, Jason Terry, is accompanied by young talents Beaubois and Barea.On paper, this team is as good as any other team in the NBA. But how do they compete for a title? Getting by the defending champions (LAL) and the preseason favorites (Miami) will be necessary, but they cannot overlook the other tasks along the way.Let's assume they take care of business in the regular season as usual with another 50-plus win season. Let's ignore seeding in the playoffs because in the Western Conference, the eighth seed (and beyond) may be just as good as the team seeded second.In the first round, say Dallas draws an opponent of New York Giants jersey
the Phoenix/San Antonio/Oklahoma City tier. All first-round games are going to be tough outings.But not only is this Dallas roster talented, it has experience. In fact, they hold the player with the most playoff games played without an NBA title: Jason Kidd. So not only is Nowitzki on a quest, but so are his teammates.Not to take assumptions too seriously, but for the sake of plausibility, assume Dallas gets by their round one opponent exploiting the team's weaknesses and taking advantage of their own assets. Blah blah blah.Round two, say they get an opponent of the Utah/Denver/Houston tier. This series is likely to require all seven games which they are allotted. It would not be a surprise for Dallas to lose in the second round in the tough Western Conference, it would just feel...well...redundant.So they come out with a chance to compete for a bid to the Finals. Up to this point, every task to Dallas has been reasonable andattainable. But a seven-game series with the Los Angeles Lakers presents a more daunting obstacle. So how do they stack up?Jason Kidd-- Derek FisherCaron Butler -- Kobe BryantShawn Marion -- Ron Artest (depending on which Shawn Marion andwhich Ron Artest shows up)Dirk Nowitzki -- Pau Gasol(debatable matchup, as good a debate as Kobe/DWade)Tyson Chandler -- Andrew Bynum*bold faced type denotes player favored in matchupOn paper (boy, does that sound redundant), Dallas has the ability to play with the Lakers. And in a seven-game series, you never know what could happen but it's likely to come down to the wire.Let's take a look at their potential obstacle in the finals: Miami HeatRematch of '06 Finals, Nowitzki and his new Mavericks have the motivation to play this series with confidence. Again, I like Jason Kidd in the point guard matchup with whoever the Heat decide to start. I like Wade/LeBron in the shooting guard and small forward slots, respectfully. Nowitzki takes the cake over Bosh nine times out of 10, and Chandler stacks up well against New York Jets jersey
Ilgauskas/Anthony.The year is 2011, five years have passed and now Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade meet in the NBA Finals again, both with resurgent teams seeking eminence. The end to this story we do not yet know...In reality, the Dallas Mavericks are well-equipped for a title run in 2011, there are just a couple steep mountains to climb to be able to get there.
the remaining four playoff games to come back from a 0-2 deficit and win the title. The heroics of a young gentleman by the name of Dwyane Wade left Dallas fans biting their nails as the series approached its ending.The Dallas Mavericks have not returned to the NBA Finals since then. In fact, they have had a run of unsuccessful playoff experiences(i.e. eighth seeded Golden State takes down top-seeded Dallas in first round upset)in their years since becoming the closest team ever to winning an NBA title.But the question remains, will Dirk Nowitzki ever get a ring?We cannot be certain, but one of the greatest foreign players in NBA history (and one of the most dynamic and unique skill-sets the game has seen) will certainly continue his quest for one.Alongside many NBA fans itching to get the 2010-2011 season under way, the people in Dallas share the same optimism.This offseason Dallas made a deal with the Charlotte Bobcats that sent Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll, Eduardo Najera, and cash considerations to North Carolina in exchange for Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca.Let's take a look at what that does for their depth chart:PG: Jason Kidd -- Rodrigue Beaubois -- J.J. BareaSG: Caron Butler -- Jason TerrySF: Shawn Marion -- DeShawn StevensonPF: Dirk Nowitzki -- Shawn MarionC: Tyson Chandler -- Brendan HaywoodDallas is one of the only teams that can say that they start four former All-Stars, to begin wi th. As you can see, they have a strong, athletic tandem at center able to matchup with any big man in the league.Their depth in the guard slots is also impressive. One of the top sixth men in the league, Jason Terry, is accompanied by young talents Beaubois and Barea.On paper, this team is as good as any other team in the NBA. But how do they compete for a title? Getting by the defending champions (LAL) and the preseason favorites (Miami) will be necessary, but they cannot overlook the other tasks along the way.Let's assume they take care of business in the regular season as usual with another 50-plus win season. Let's ignore seeding in the playoffs because in the Western Conference, the eighth seed (and beyond) may be just as good as the team seeded second.In the first round, say Dallas draws an opponent of New York Giants jersey
the Phoenix/San Antonio/Oklahoma City tier. All first-round games are going to be tough outings.But not only is this Dallas roster talented, it has experience. In fact, they hold the player with the most playoff games played without an NBA title: Jason Kidd. So not only is Nowitzki on a quest, but so are his teammates.Not to take assumptions too seriously, but for the sake of plausibility, assume Dallas gets by their round one opponent exploiting the team's weaknesses and taking advantage of their own assets. Blah blah blah.Round two, say they get an opponent of the Utah/Denver/Houston tier. This series is likely to require all seven games which they are allotted. It would not be a surprise for Dallas to lose in the second round in the tough Western Conference, it would just feel...well...redundant.So they come out with a chance to compete for a bid to the Finals. Up to this point, every task to Dallas has been reasonable andattainable. But a seven-game series with the Los Angeles Lakers presents a more daunting obstacle. So how do they stack up?Jason Kidd-- Derek FisherCaron Butler -- Kobe BryantShawn Marion -- Ron Artest (depending on which Shawn Marion andwhich Ron Artest shows up)Dirk Nowitzki -- Pau Gasol(debatable matchup, as good a debate as Kobe/DWade)Tyson Chandler -- Andrew Bynum*bold faced type denotes player favored in matchupOn paper (boy, does that sound redundant), Dallas has the ability to play with the Lakers. And in a seven-game series, you never know what could happen but it's likely to come down to the wire.Let's take a look at their potential obstacle in the finals: Miami HeatRematch of '06 Finals, Nowitzki and his new Mavericks have the motivation to play this series with confidence. Again, I like Jason Kidd in the point guard matchup with whoever the Heat decide to start. I like Wade/LeBron in the shooting guard and small forward slots, respectfully. Nowitzki takes the cake over Bosh nine times out of 10, and Chandler stacks up well against New York Jets jersey
Ilgauskas/Anthony.The year is 2011, five years have passed and now Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade meet in the NBA Finals again, both with resurgent teams seeking eminence. The end to this story we do not yet know...In reality, the Dallas Mavericks are well-equipped for a title run in 2011, there are just a couple steep mountains to climb to be able to get there.
2010年12月24日星期五
24 Dec 10 The Chicago Bulls 6th Pre-Season Game: An Analysis
Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesThe Orlando Magic handed the Chicago Bulls their most lopsided preseason loss in a 107- 67 rout that was marked a Bulls team that had little answers for the Magic’s offense. While a Bulls win against the Magic was unlikely, given that there starting power forward Carlos Boozer continued to be missed in the lineup due to injury compared to a relatively healthy Magic team, what seemed most apparent is that the team had little in the tank and it was evident from the opening tip off. Throughout the game, Bulls players almost universally shot poorly. After coming off a closely contested loss against the Dallas Mavericks, which probably drained the Bulls both emotionally and physically, the team reportedly flew into Orlando at 4am the next morning Houston Texans jersey
for their same day confrontation with Orlando. Regardless, there were some factors throughout the game that fatigued or not perhaps could have been managed better.The Bulls defense allowed perimeter scoring from Orlando to open up an early lead that the Bulls could not recover. As was exemplified in the Dallas game prior, the Bulls may have been better off utilizing a zone defense which was used effectively against the Bulls by the Mavericks. While the Bulls may have chosen not to do so against Orlando for fear of Dwight Howard beating them on inside feeds, given the back to back schedule, the Bulls might have considered going with a slower tempo game to conserve energy and challenge Howard to beat them. Orlando spread the floor so much that Bulls players were running around after balls and getting even more tired doing so. The lack of energy for the Bulls was pronounced as many players were late rotating to defensive assignments. On one play, Magic backup center Marcin Gortat got behind the Bulls defense for an easy score which was somewhat of a repeat of lapses seen in previous games. Towards the end of the third quarter, Orlando was almost scoring at will. On offense, while the Bulls got many good looks; execution was a problem. The Bulls bench players came into the game early and played heavy minutes.While hard to see, the Bulls did have some bright spots in the game and can hopefully utilize that as a learning experience that can lead to the team adding another dimension to their game. The Bulls were actually able to execute their offense, again, it seemed as though it was more a matter of converting as opposed to giving themselves opportunities to score, as the Bulls shot only 31% from the field. Also the projected bench players did provided solid post defense in the first half of the game as opposed to perimeter defense which was what put them in a deep hole by the end of the half. There was also still good hustle by the Bulls on defense, even if with less energy, it continues to be an improvement over last year. They were able to force turnovers.As for individual play, most of the team shot the ball poorly except for Derrick Rose who scored the only points for the starting lineup in the first half. Rose finished with seven points in limited minutes. C. J. Watson was perhaps the only Bull who had a good game providing the only real somewhat consistent offensive effort. Watson had a nice drive and layup to end the Indianapolis Colts jersey
first quarter. He also contributed on the defensive end especially late in the first quarter which led to a forced turnover and he took a hard charge at the beginning of the third quarter. He ended the game with 13 points and 4 assists. Luol Deng had a long night not connecting with his shots. He only found a bit of success driving to the hole and drawing fouls. James Johnson also struggled connecting but he ended the game with 10 points and 5 rebounds. There were some offensive successes that were somewhat effective, what was unclear is why they were not fully utilized. An area where the Bulls may refocus their effort includes the ability of several of their players to drive the ball. What the Bulls can build on is that on the occasions they took the ball strong to the basket, they found some pay dirt, getting to the foul line and even converting three point plays. Thus far the Bulls have seemed like a one dimensional team (although in fairness that is partly the result of injuries to key players). However, if the limited scoring was successful when they put the ball on the floor then it may make sense to explore using that more often. Some of these flashes of small victories came when Joakim Noah drove to the basket and drew a third personal on Dwight Howard; Ronnie Brewer driving to the rim got him to the free throw line; Luol Deng who struggled all night converted on a three point play on a drive in the third quarter and even Roger Powell’s drive and dunk at the end of the game provided a nice symbolic “refuse to quit” moment for the team. The Bulls seemed more consistent driving to the rim, which should be a message to the team to make this a more permanent part to their offensive repertoire. Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
While this loss to the Magic is embarrassing more so in a emblematic way, the Magic may have also provided the blueprint for how the Bulls can be successful, by mixing up their offensive sets and utilizing the additional talents of their players, specifically their ability to penetrate a defense which we have not seen much of thus far. This may be an instance where coaching should work to make the Bulls more than the one dimensional team they have been thus far in the preseason.For the game, I would grade the Bulls defense a C+, and the offense a C, coaching a B and the team overall a C.
for their same day confrontation with Orlando. Regardless, there were some factors throughout the game that fatigued or not perhaps could have been managed better.The Bulls defense allowed perimeter scoring from Orlando to open up an early lead that the Bulls could not recover. As was exemplified in the Dallas game prior, the Bulls may have been better off utilizing a zone defense which was used effectively against the Bulls by the Mavericks. While the Bulls may have chosen not to do so against Orlando for fear of Dwight Howard beating them on inside feeds, given the back to back schedule, the Bulls might have considered going with a slower tempo game to conserve energy and challenge Howard to beat them. Orlando spread the floor so much that Bulls players were running around after balls and getting even more tired doing so. The lack of energy for the Bulls was pronounced as many players were late rotating to defensive assignments. On one play, Magic backup center Marcin Gortat got behind the Bulls defense for an easy score which was somewhat of a repeat of lapses seen in previous games. Towards the end of the third quarter, Orlando was almost scoring at will. On offense, while the Bulls got many good looks; execution was a problem. The Bulls bench players came into the game early and played heavy minutes.While hard to see, the Bulls did have some bright spots in the game and can hopefully utilize that as a learning experience that can lead to the team adding another dimension to their game. The Bulls were actually able to execute their offense, again, it seemed as though it was more a matter of converting as opposed to giving themselves opportunities to score, as the Bulls shot only 31% from the field. Also the projected bench players did provided solid post defense in the first half of the game as opposed to perimeter defense which was what put them in a deep hole by the end of the half. There was also still good hustle by the Bulls on defense, even if with less energy, it continues to be an improvement over last year. They were able to force turnovers.As for individual play, most of the team shot the ball poorly except for Derrick Rose who scored the only points for the starting lineup in the first half. Rose finished with seven points in limited minutes. C. J. Watson was perhaps the only Bull who had a good game providing the only real somewhat consistent offensive effort. Watson had a nice drive and layup to end the Indianapolis Colts jersey
first quarter. He also contributed on the defensive end especially late in the first quarter which led to a forced turnover and he took a hard charge at the beginning of the third quarter. He ended the game with 13 points and 4 assists. Luol Deng had a long night not connecting with his shots. He only found a bit of success driving to the hole and drawing fouls. James Johnson also struggled connecting but he ended the game with 10 points and 5 rebounds. There were some offensive successes that were somewhat effective, what was unclear is why they were not fully utilized. An area where the Bulls may refocus their effort includes the ability of several of their players to drive the ball. What the Bulls can build on is that on the occasions they took the ball strong to the basket, they found some pay dirt, getting to the foul line and even converting three point plays. Thus far the Bulls have seemed like a one dimensional team (although in fairness that is partly the result of injuries to key players). However, if the limited scoring was successful when they put the ball on the floor then it may make sense to explore using that more often. Some of these flashes of small victories came when Joakim Noah drove to the basket and drew a third personal on Dwight Howard; Ronnie Brewer driving to the rim got him to the free throw line; Luol Deng who struggled all night converted on a three point play on a drive in the third quarter and even Roger Powell’s drive and dunk at the end of the game provided a nice symbolic “refuse to quit” moment for the team. The Bulls seemed more consistent driving to the rim, which should be a message to the team to make this a more permanent part to their offensive repertoire. Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
While this loss to the Magic is embarrassing more so in a emblematic way, the Magic may have also provided the blueprint for how the Bulls can be successful, by mixing up their offensive sets and utilizing the additional talents of their players, specifically their ability to penetrate a defense which we have not seen much of thus far. This may be an instance where coaching should work to make the Bulls more than the one dimensional team they have been thus far in the preseason.For the game, I would grade the Bulls defense a C+, and the offense a C, coaching a B and the team overall a C.
2010年12月23日星期四
Anyone who considers the comparison laughable did not watch Bonner drill seven consecutive treysin Oklahoma City a week ago
The Spurs owe that paramount road victory to second-half defense and his shooting.Lakers starting center Andrew Bynum has not played in a game since June 17, and when healthy, he can demolish pillow-soft frontlines by himself. The Hornets overcame uncertainty and a front office upheaval in speeding to an 11-1 record. Did anyone expect a lineup with Emeka Okafor, who looked washed up and disengagedat times last season, and Smith, Belinelli and Willie Green to win at a pace that portends more than 55 victories?The Nuggets limped into Houston Oct. 30with key big menChris Anderson and Kenyon Martin out until January. Harrington, who dropped 28 points, had been playing through discomfort and some minor injuries.The Rockets, much like the Portland Trail Blazers, could Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
compare their luck over the last five years to Hurley from the now defunct TV dramaLost. No matter how many times Morey seems to win the lottery in a trade or with a draft pick, the house keeps falling down just after his pants do. Forgive him if he feels like the emperor with no clothes or Clarice Starling battling a sicker, cruelerenemy than Hannibal Lecter.Beyond the caustic defense, other obvious issues have plagued this last-place outfit. Chase Budinger, the team's best spot-up shooter and dunker, is hitting just 15 percent of his three-pointers and has thrown it down just four times. He was scoreless Friday in his return from injury. What is it with the Rockets and left ankle sprains?Kyle Lowry established himself as one of the league's best change-of-pace point guards last season. He took charges and made remarkable hustle plays. Now, he's just taking bad shots and making 29 percent of them. Back spasms and similar ankle issues do not excuse his paltry selection.Fans groaned when referees removed his lateoff-balance trey and leaner in Wednesday's loss. Replays showed the ball was still in his hands when the shot clock expired and the red light appeared. Instead of berating blatant calls, the Rockets' faithfulshould have bemoaned an offense that could not muster better attempts.Good luck winning with those numbers.Shane Battier and Chuck Hayes can still administer brutish, intelligent and admirable defensive performances, but they still can't score with a pencil. Budinger would merit more praise Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
for thetime hespent working on defensive fundamentals if he was not abusing the rims. Then again, Raptors forwardLinas Kleiza beat him to a pulp and treated himlike a rag doll in Friday's loss. Courtney Lee's minute ration is not the only thing in fluctuation. His game alsocomes and goes. Adelman needs a lot more from Lee than he's getting.Jordan Hillhaslooked like a lost mountain climber in need of a Sherpa. Ishmael Smithhasheart and grit, not to mention superb court vision,but he would not have gone undrafted if he was destined to take over fourth quarters the way Rose did during the Bulls 18-0 spurt toopen Wednesday's final period. Brad Miller has given Adelman everything he could want as a role player who can pass and knock down uncontested jumpshots, butgiving himstarter's minutes exposes his flaws. His ability to protect the rim has not aged gracefully.Martin earns nine free throw attempts a game, a fabulous number on paper, but hecannot manufacture enough points when the pressure-packed moments arrive. If Kobe Bryant is the NBA's best looking bride in the clutch, Martin is its mostperplexing example of a bridesmaid posing as the wedding'sstar attraction.Heimpresses during the rehearsal dinner andinterlude, but when it comes time to walk down the aisle and say "I do," you might as well sing "Here comes the brick."Scola, who still has not located Harrington, gets by on effort much more than talent. He has been the best and most consistent Rocket thus far, and that is another problem. The best teams boast No. 1 options who can slack off and still rank asplus players. Scola would be nothing more than a benchwarming body if hiscompetitive juices did not fuel him so.Sheer talent beats depth in a head-to-head race. Morey thought he had assembled a roster with plenty of both. Instead, the guys with the finest physical gifts too often appear sluggish and disinterested, and the workhorses cannot jump any higher or move any quicker.Few in Houston, including this writer, ever imagined the Rockets would start 3-9. Now, many once jubilant fanswonder if the team will ever win again. Houston did not roar out of the gates when Brooks and Yao started. No one can expect the future re-additions to the lineup to transform this defense into an adequate one, especially when Yao's peak abilities following reconstructive foot surgery remain unknown.Brooks and Yao, 20 points-per-game scorers at their best, can help the offense late in Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
games, but can either approximate a superstar?So much for liftoff.The Rockets were supposed to fall into the NBA's abyss in the 2009-2010 campaign sans Yao's interior presence. They would take that 6-4 start in a heartbeat now.The atrociousdefense has beenthe worst of the myriadproblems. If they want to stop a painful slide tonight, they must first stop somebody on the Sunswith the game on the line.After that, all Morey and Adelman have to do is worry about everything else. Forget lift-off. Mere engine noise in Houston might pass for beautiful music these days.
compare their luck over the last five years to Hurley from the now defunct TV dramaLost. No matter how many times Morey seems to win the lottery in a trade or with a draft pick, the house keeps falling down just after his pants do. Forgive him if he feels like the emperor with no clothes or Clarice Starling battling a sicker, cruelerenemy than Hannibal Lecter.Beyond the caustic defense, other obvious issues have plagued this last-place outfit. Chase Budinger, the team's best spot-up shooter and dunker, is hitting just 15 percent of his three-pointers and has thrown it down just four times. He was scoreless Friday in his return from injury. What is it with the Rockets and left ankle sprains?Kyle Lowry established himself as one of the league's best change-of-pace point guards last season. He took charges and made remarkable hustle plays. Now, he's just taking bad shots and making 29 percent of them. Back spasms and similar ankle issues do not excuse his paltry selection.Fans groaned when referees removed his lateoff-balance trey and leaner in Wednesday's loss. Replays showed the ball was still in his hands when the shot clock expired and the red light appeared. Instead of berating blatant calls, the Rockets' faithfulshould have bemoaned an offense that could not muster better attempts.Good luck winning with those numbers.Shane Battier and Chuck Hayes can still administer brutish, intelligent and admirable defensive performances, but they still can't score with a pencil. Budinger would merit more praise Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
for thetime hespent working on defensive fundamentals if he was not abusing the rims. Then again, Raptors forwardLinas Kleiza beat him to a pulp and treated himlike a rag doll in Friday's loss. Courtney Lee's minute ration is not the only thing in fluctuation. His game alsocomes and goes. Adelman needs a lot more from Lee than he's getting.Jordan Hillhaslooked like a lost mountain climber in need of a Sherpa. Ishmael Smithhasheart and grit, not to mention superb court vision,but he would not have gone undrafted if he was destined to take over fourth quarters the way Rose did during the Bulls 18-0 spurt toopen Wednesday's final period. Brad Miller has given Adelman everything he could want as a role player who can pass and knock down uncontested jumpshots, butgiving himstarter's minutes exposes his flaws. His ability to protect the rim has not aged gracefully.Martin earns nine free throw attempts a game, a fabulous number on paper, but hecannot manufacture enough points when the pressure-packed moments arrive. If Kobe Bryant is the NBA's best looking bride in the clutch, Martin is its mostperplexing example of a bridesmaid posing as the wedding'sstar attraction.Heimpresses during the rehearsal dinner andinterlude, but when it comes time to walk down the aisle and say "I do," you might as well sing "Here comes the brick."Scola, who still has not located Harrington, gets by on effort much more than talent. He has been the best and most consistent Rocket thus far, and that is another problem. The best teams boast No. 1 options who can slack off and still rank asplus players. Scola would be nothing more than a benchwarming body if hiscompetitive juices did not fuel him so.Sheer talent beats depth in a head-to-head race. Morey thought he had assembled a roster with plenty of both. Instead, the guys with the finest physical gifts too often appear sluggish and disinterested, and the workhorses cannot jump any higher or move any quicker.Few in Houston, including this writer, ever imagined the Rockets would start 3-9. Now, many once jubilant fanswonder if the team will ever win again. Houston did not roar out of the gates when Brooks and Yao started. No one can expect the future re-additions to the lineup to transform this defense into an adequate one, especially when Yao's peak abilities following reconstructive foot surgery remain unknown.Brooks and Yao, 20 points-per-game scorers at their best, can help the offense late in Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
games, but can either approximate a superstar?So much for liftoff.The Rockets were supposed to fall into the NBA's abyss in the 2009-2010 campaign sans Yao's interior presence. They would take that 6-4 start in a heartbeat now.The atrociousdefense has beenthe worst of the myriadproblems. If they want to stop a painful slide tonight, they must first stop somebody on the Sunswith the game on the line.After that, all Morey and Adelman have to do is worry about everything else. Forget lift-off. Mere engine noise in Houston might pass for beautiful music these days.
2010年12月22日星期三
Fresh Link Tachos
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesI've been trying to come up with a better name for a links post than the excellent "Pick and Scroll " in use by our man CHOBB (pronounced like "GOB ," ask him for details) over at Portland Roundball Society.In my impossible (?) quest I ended up using the name for Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
a particularly disgusting dish that tore up my digestive system for a week. Tachos are a menace and they must be stopped. I also love eating them, but am finding that they are rare outside of Portland. Minneapolis, you of all people should be on board with this.To those that entered our little free agent contest , you are playing for this spectacular prize:The three people who get the reference might smile a little. In a couple months nobody will understand it at all, but at least you will have a shirt to wear while working out, painting the house, or eating burritos. You can buy it on the cheap here . Thanks to Squirrelevant for setting that up.Now, here are some tachos:CHOBB got jobbed by a Danny Ferry imposter .Ben with a little context on Portland GM candidateKiki Vandeweghe . Dave tells us what to expect and look out for during summer league, yet I'm still somehow excited about the thing. I'll be in Las Vegas soaking up the Luke Schenscher. If you want to go see Fat Elvis contact me immediately.Coup walks us through his and Martell Webster's time together . Also, on principle I would like to remind you that Rip City Project owes a debt to Bust a Bucket that has yet to be paid. The juice is running boys.The genius blog DeceptivelyQuick has an exclusive with Jamaican National Team point guard and Finnish League superstar Akeem Scott.Super old by internet standards, but I hope you won't mind checking out this Billy Ray Bates story again.KneeJerkNBA has some thoughts on Rasheed WallaceKansas City Chiefs jersey
that are worth your time.Timberwolves fans are trying to be optimistic . If you want to feel better about Portland's situation all you have to do is spend some time over at TWolves Blog. I've been checking them out a lot lately.*****sethjonstn[at]gmailmy twitter
a particularly disgusting dish that tore up my digestive system for a week. Tachos are a menace and they must be stopped. I also love eating them, but am finding that they are rare outside of Portland. Minneapolis, you of all people should be on board with this.To those that entered our little free agent contest , you are playing for this spectacular prize:The three people who get the reference might smile a little. In a couple months nobody will understand it at all, but at least you will have a shirt to wear while working out, painting the house, or eating burritos. You can buy it on the cheap here . Thanks to Squirrelevant for setting that up.Now, here are some tachos:CHOBB got jobbed by a Danny Ferry imposter .Ben with a little context on Portland GM candidateKiki Vandeweghe . Dave tells us what to expect and look out for during summer league, yet I'm still somehow excited about the thing. I'll be in Las Vegas soaking up the Luke Schenscher. If you want to go see Fat Elvis contact me immediately.Coup walks us through his and Martell Webster's time together . Also, on principle I would like to remind you that Rip City Project owes a debt to Bust a Bucket that has yet to be paid. The juice is running boys.The genius blog DeceptivelyQuick has an exclusive with Jamaican National Team point guard and Finnish League superstar Akeem Scott.Super old by internet standards, but I hope you won't mind checking out this Billy Ray Bates story again.KneeJerkNBA has some thoughts on Rasheed WallaceKansas City Chiefs jersey
that are worth your time.Timberwolves fans are trying to be optimistic . If you want to feel better about Portland's situation all you have to do is spend some time over at TWolves Blog. I've been checking them out a lot lately.*****sethjonstn[at]gmailmy twitter
2010年12月21日星期二
Philadelphia Phillies Top Prospect Domonic Brown Setback in Winter Ball
Domonic Brown takes batting practice.The Philadelphia Phillies top prospect Domonic Brown has suffered a peculiar setback in winter ball in the Dominican Republic. The outfielder was not hurt, he is not in a slump, he hasn't even struggled against left-handed pitchers. His setback comes from San Francisco 49ers jersey
sitting on the bench.The Phillies sent Brown to winter ball in hopes that he would get at bats and make up for the time he spent on the bench after he was promoted and Shane Victorino returned from his injury. That has not happened. The Phillies and his agent, Scott Boras (say it isn't so), both wanted Domonic to play for the Escogido Lions. Still, he has seen no action.The team is managed by...read more
sitting on the bench.The Phillies sent Brown to winter ball in hopes that he would get at bats and make up for the time he spent on the bench after he was promoted and Shane Victorino returned from his injury. That has not happened. The Phillies and his agent, Scott Boras (say it isn't so), both wanted Domonic to play for the Escogido Lions. Still, he has seen no action.The team is managed by...read more
2010年12月19日星期日
20 Dec 10 Cleveland Browns by the Numbers: Get TE Evan Moore the Ball More
Matt Sullivan/Getty ImagesThe Cleveland Browns are the talk of the NFL after defeating two top-tier teams in two straight games against the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots. They have done this with a combination of trickery, a solid running game behind Peyton Hillis and Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
consistent quarterback play by Colt McCoy. One thing that still stands out is their passing game. Tight end Benjamin Watson leads the team in receptions and yards followed closely by Hillis in second. Their top wide receiver is not even a starter in Chansi Stuckey. Consistent quarterback play by McCoy should help the receivers develop throughout the remainder of this season, but as of right now the Browns only have one deep threat at receiver and that is backup tight end Evan Moore. Moore is a converted college receiver due to his size at 6'6" and 247-pound frame. Receivers are not traditionally that big, but Moore's size poses a heavy advantage over the average height of defensive backs, which is 5'11". McCoy can literally just throw the ball up in the year and let Moore use his height to his advantage as was seen on Moore's lone reception in the victory over the Patriots where he went up for a sideline pass and came down with it inside the opposing 5-yard line. In his first game back from sustaining a concussion in Week 6 against the Steelers, Mohamed Massaquoi hauled in four passes for 58 yards and looks to be benefiting from consistent QB play with Colt McCoy.Matt Sullivan/Getty ImagesCurrently, Moore has 10 receptions for 219 yards and one Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
touchdown. That is a blistering 21.9 yard per catch average which ranks second in the NFL among all other receivers who have 10 catches or more. Also, of his 10 receptions, eight of those have gone for over 20-plus yards which means that 80 percent of his catches have stretched the football field vertically. The Browns do not have much of a vertical threat on offense right now, but Moore is their best weapon in that department and that should be utilized more often in order to keep the defense honest and to not stack the box trying to prevent Hillis from running the ball. With what seems to be a consistent quarterback, in McCoy, in place perhaps receivers like Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs (who was just announced to be starting opposite of Massaquoi now) can Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
further develop their games. In the meantime, Moore should be placed on the outside as a receiver to give the Browns a vertical threat mismatch for the last half of the NFL season. Follow Bleacher Report's 2010 NFL coverage on Twitter by clicking here.(Also posted on Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog)
consistent quarterback play by Colt McCoy. One thing that still stands out is their passing game. Tight end Benjamin Watson leads the team in receptions and yards followed closely by Hillis in second. Their top wide receiver is not even a starter in Chansi Stuckey. Consistent quarterback play by McCoy should help the receivers develop throughout the remainder of this season, but as of right now the Browns only have one deep threat at receiver and that is backup tight end Evan Moore. Moore is a converted college receiver due to his size at 6'6" and 247-pound frame. Receivers are not traditionally that big, but Moore's size poses a heavy advantage over the average height of defensive backs, which is 5'11". McCoy can literally just throw the ball up in the year and let Moore use his height to his advantage as was seen on Moore's lone reception in the victory over the Patriots where he went up for a sideline pass and came down with it inside the opposing 5-yard line. In his first game back from sustaining a concussion in Week 6 against the Steelers, Mohamed Massaquoi hauled in four passes for 58 yards and looks to be benefiting from consistent QB play with Colt McCoy.Matt Sullivan/Getty ImagesCurrently, Moore has 10 receptions for 219 yards and one Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
touchdown. That is a blistering 21.9 yard per catch average which ranks second in the NFL among all other receivers who have 10 catches or more. Also, of his 10 receptions, eight of those have gone for over 20-plus yards which means that 80 percent of his catches have stretched the football field vertically. The Browns do not have much of a vertical threat on offense right now, but Moore is their best weapon in that department and that should be utilized more often in order to keep the defense honest and to not stack the box trying to prevent Hillis from running the ball. With what seems to be a consistent quarterback, in McCoy, in place perhaps receivers like Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs (who was just announced to be starting opposite of Massaquoi now) can Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
further develop their games. In the meantime, Moore should be placed on the outside as a receiver to give the Browns a vertical threat mismatch for the last half of the NFL season. Follow Bleacher Report's 2010 NFL coverage on Twitter by clicking here.(Also posted on Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog)
19 Dec 10 NFL Fantasy Football Week 11 RB Rankings: Rashard Mendenhall Headlines List
Matthew Sharpe/Getty ImagesMy Week 11 Running Back Rankings 1. Rashard Mendenhall vs. Oakland2. Frank Gore vs. Tampa Bay3. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Cleveland4. Arian Foster New York Jets5. Adrian Peterson vs. Green Bay6. Chris Johnson vs. Washington7. Michael Turner St. Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
Louis8. Ray Rice Carolina9. Cedric Benson vs. Buffalo10. Jamaal Charles vs. Arizona11. Peyton Hillis Jacksonville12. LeSeanMcCoy vs. New York Giants13. Ahmad Bradshaw Philadelphia14. Darren McFadden Pittsburgh15. Jahvid Best Dallas16. Steven Jackson vs. Atlanta17. LeGarrette Blount San Francisco18. Fred Jackson Cincinnati19. LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Houston20. Matt Forte Miami21. Felix Jones vs. Detroit22. BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. Indianapolis23. Thomas Jones vs. Arizona24. Keiland Williams Tennessee25. Shonn Greene vs. Houston26. Tim Hightower Kansas City27. Knowshon Moreno San Diego28. Brandon Jackson Minnesota29. Marshawn Lynch New Orleans30. Michael Bush Pittsburgh31. Ryan Mathews vs. Denver32. Ronnie Brown vs. Chicago33. Mike Tolbert vs. Denver34. Mike Goodson vs. Baltimore35. Justin Forsett New Orleans Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesInside the Numbers Oakland ranks 25th with 124.8 rushing yards allowed. After Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
Mendenhall's relatively quiet game against New England, look for him to explode against the Raiders. Tampa Bay is better, but they are still yielding 143.8 yards per game on the ground. Frank Gore should dominate. The concerns about MJD’s knee are a thing of the past after three consecutive great performances. Adrian Peterson averages 126.3 total yards with five touchdowns in seven games against Green Bay. Michael Turner and Ray Rice make exceptional plays after the extra rest from not playing in the Thursday game. Cedric Benson could top the 100-yard mark for the second time this year as he faces Buffalo’s league-worst run defense (166.9 ypg). Keiland Williams had a coming-out party against the Eagles, but Ryan Torain and Clinton Portis could get Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
some work next week. Also Check Out Sneaky Week 11 Fantasy Football Pick-Ups Week 11 Get ‘Em or Don’t Sweat ‘Em Waiver Wire Advice Week 11 Fantasy QB Rankings Week 11 Fantasy WR Rankings Week 11 Fantasy TE RankingsWeek 11 Fantasy K RankingsWeek 11 Fantasy DEF RankingsWeek 11 Fantasy IDP RankingsWeek 11 Start/Sit AdviceWeek 11 Fantasy Sleepers
Louis8. Ray Rice Carolina9. Cedric Benson vs. Buffalo10. Jamaal Charles vs. Arizona11. Peyton Hillis Jacksonville12. LeSeanMcCoy vs. New York Giants13. Ahmad Bradshaw Philadelphia14. Darren McFadden Pittsburgh15. Jahvid Best Dallas16. Steven Jackson vs. Atlanta17. LeGarrette Blount San Francisco18. Fred Jackson Cincinnati19. LaDainian Tomlinson vs. Houston20. Matt Forte Miami21. Felix Jones vs. Detroit22. BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. Indianapolis23. Thomas Jones vs. Arizona24. Keiland Williams Tennessee25. Shonn Greene vs. Houston26. Tim Hightower Kansas City27. Knowshon Moreno San Diego28. Brandon Jackson Minnesota29. Marshawn Lynch New Orleans30. Michael Bush Pittsburgh31. Ryan Mathews vs. Denver32. Ronnie Brown vs. Chicago33. Mike Tolbert vs. Denver34. Mike Goodson vs. Baltimore35. Justin Forsett New Orleans Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesInside the Numbers Oakland ranks 25th with 124.8 rushing yards allowed. After Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
Mendenhall's relatively quiet game against New England, look for him to explode against the Raiders. Tampa Bay is better, but they are still yielding 143.8 yards per game on the ground. Frank Gore should dominate. The concerns about MJD’s knee are a thing of the past after three consecutive great performances. Adrian Peterson averages 126.3 total yards with five touchdowns in seven games against Green Bay. Michael Turner and Ray Rice make exceptional plays after the extra rest from not playing in the Thursday game. Cedric Benson could top the 100-yard mark for the second time this year as he faces Buffalo’s league-worst run defense (166.9 ypg). Keiland Williams had a coming-out party against the Eagles, but Ryan Torain and Clinton Portis could get Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
some work next week. Also Check Out Sneaky Week 11 Fantasy Football Pick-Ups Week 11 Get ‘Em or Don’t Sweat ‘Em Waiver Wire Advice Week 11 Fantasy QB Rankings Week 11 Fantasy WR Rankings Week 11 Fantasy TE RankingsWeek 11 Fantasy K RankingsWeek 11 Fantasy DEF RankingsWeek 11 Fantasy IDP RankingsWeek 11 Start/Sit AdviceWeek 11 Fantasy Sleepers
2010年12月18日星期六
18 Dec 10 Donovan McNabb: 5 Very Strong Opinions About McNabb's Career
Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesMake no mistake, I have the utmost respect for Donovan McNabb. I have spent countless hours arguing on his behalf on Bleacher Report and other sports websites, as well as with friends and fans of other teams.I was also a little biased because I am a passionate Eagles fan. Now that Donovan is gone, I understand his career more completely. I've learned a lot about his career that was difficult to comprehend during his time with the Eagles.1. He was a very good but not great quarterback in the regular season throughout his career.McNabb played 12 seasons, including 2010, and turned in six Pro Bowl seasons.He ranks third in NFL history in interception percentage and is one of the ten best scramblers ever.But he was never a great quarterback for more than a year or two. McNabb's biggest strength--his ability to not throw interceptions--was also one of his biggest weaknesses. His tendency to bounce passes is well documented, and he frequently threw passes so receivers would have to dive for the catch instead of leading them for a potential touchdown.McNabb was consistently good throughout his career. He'd get you 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions, with a passer rating in the mid 80s. But he wouldn't toss 26 touchdowns Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
with a passer rating in the mid 90s.Will Donovan McNabb make the Hall of Fame?Will Donovan McNabb make the Hall of Fame?Yes35.9%No48.7%Needs a few more seasons15.4%Total votes: 392. He had no idea what he was doing in the final two minutes of a game (or a half). I can't deny this. Nobody can.He hasn't thrown a game-winning touchdown pass in the final two minutes of a game since 2003, when his six-yard touchdown pass to Todd Pinkston gave the Eagles a 17-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.When the Eagles trailed by four with three minutes left in the game, you knew McNabb wasn't going to get it done. He usually wouldn't throw an interception. He rarely did. But he'd lead the Eagles for 20 yards and then the drive would stall with two incompletions, a sack, and a fourth down incompletion.He's had his share of fourth quarter comebacks, but they're the type where the Eagles trail 17-14 entering the fourth and win 28-17. He never put the Eagles on his back with the game on the line. Never.People wonder why McNabb wasn't more popular during his time in Philly. This is a large reason why.3. He played his heart out during Super Bowl XXXIX.In Super Bowl XXXIX, Brian Westbrook was shut down. He rushed 15 times for 44 yards.The offensive line was terrible. Center Hank Fraley was abused all game.Star wide receiver Terrell Owens was recovering from a broken ankle and wasn't fully healthy. Number two receiver Todd Pinkston had to leave the game at halftime with an injury. He caught four passes for 82 yards in two quarters of play.McNabb was asked to rally the Eagles from a ten-point deficit in the second half of the fourth quarter. He came close. The Eagles scored a touchdown with 1:48 left in the game to cut the Patriots' lead to 24-21.McNabb is often remembered for vomiting during the game. An article written by Philadelphia Inquirer writer Peter Mucha in March of 2010 goes to great lengths to prove that McNabb did not vomit during the game. He interviewed former teammates of McNabb. He watched video of the game. Nobody actually saw McNabb vomit. Gasp for air? Yes. Vomit? No.Then again, that's not what's relevant. McNabb stayed in the game. If Favre puked during the game, he would be called a warrior, a hero. McNabb is a bum, a choke artist.The Eagles also felt that McNabb received a great deal of abuse from the New England Patriots' defenders during the game. So much abuse, in fact, that they met with NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira during the offseason to discuss the hits in the game. Were the Eagles just poor sports? Maybe. But they clearly felt that the abuse McNabb received was enough to warrant a visit with the NFL.And there are also allegations of the Patriots cheating in Super Bowl XXXIX. After all, they were busted by the NFL for cheating during the 2007 season. I'm sure the cheating had been going on throughout Belichick's whole tenure, Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
or most of his tenure with the Patriots.Did this cheating impact the game? Well, the Eagles lost by three points. A single 20-yard play could easily have changed the outcome of the game in a three-point loss. I'll be a good sport and say I think we still would have lost...but do I think the Patriots cheated? Yes, I do.McNabb's stats for the game: 30-51, 357 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 75.4 passer rating.His final interception bounced off the hands of tight end L.J. Smith and was caught by safety Rodney Harrison to clinch a Patriots' victory.I don't think McNabb played well in this game. Three interceptions is never acceptable. But for a quarterback asked to throw 56 times (51 passes, four sacks, one scramble) against just 16 runs, McNabb didn't do bad at all.One thing is for sure. In the biggest game of his career, he left everything he had on the field. He played his heart out.4. He will never win a Super Bowl.There is no denying that McNabb performed at a lesser pace throughout the postseason. I tried.For years, I argued that it wasn't him. It was the futile combination of James Thrash and Todd Pinkston, lovingly known as Trash and Stinkston by Eagles' fans. Or it was Jim Johnson, outcoached in every big game. Or it was a poor coaching decision by head coach Andy Reid.While all of those are probably true, McNabb never helped. More times than not, he harmed the Eagles.He threw interceptions in the most crucial moments of the 2001 NFC Championship Game, the 2002 NFC Championship Game, and the 2004 Super Bowl. He was unable to finish the 2003 NFC Championship Game after the Panthers knocked him out midway through (It's worth noting that he threw three interceptions and we wouldn't have won anyway.)Even when McNabb did something right in the postseason, it usually didn't end pretty. "4th and 26" could have been so much more if the Eagles had advanced to the Super Bowl. The 2001 NFC Championship Game will never be regarded as one of his better games, simply because the Eagles lost. And the 18-point comeback in the 2008 NFC Championship Game means nothing because he couldn't get it done on the game's most important drive.I wrote an article last year in which I conducted extensive research on the importance of a quarterback's defensive support in the postseason throughout his career.Donovan McNabb won nine of 16 postseason games during his tenure with the Eagles. Based on his defensive support in the postseason, he should have won 9.3 games.Among the 18 quarterbacks who won at least seven postseason games in their career, he is the only one to win fewer games than he should have, based on his defensive support.When the Eagles' defense allowed fewer than 20 points, McNabb was 9-1. When they allowed 20 or more, he was 0-6.McNabb could never pick up the team if anything went wrong for the defense. The great ones do.5. He is not a Hall of Fame quarterback unless he wins a Super Bowl. Guaranteed.Dan Marino didn't need a ring. But Dan Marino had 420 touchdown passes and 61,361 passing yards during his 17-year career.Fran Tarkenton didn't need a ring. But Tarkenton was the greatest combination Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
of passing and running until Steve Young came along.Jim Kelly didn't need a ring. But Kelly led the Bills to four straight Super Bowls and threw 237 touchdowns in 11 seasons.Donovan McNabb isn't going to make the Hall of Fame without a ring.The Hall of Fame isn't for very good quarterbacks without a Super Bowl ring. McNabb certainly doesn't have the regular season statistics to make the Hall. He has a lot of postseason victories and appearances.But unless he carries a team throughout a postseason and wins a Super Bowl, he is not going to join a list of the game's greatest in Canton.
with a passer rating in the mid 90s.Will Donovan McNabb make the Hall of Fame?Will Donovan McNabb make the Hall of Fame?Yes35.9%No48.7%Needs a few more seasons15.4%Total votes: 392. He had no idea what he was doing in the final two minutes of a game (or a half). I can't deny this. Nobody can.He hasn't thrown a game-winning touchdown pass in the final two minutes of a game since 2003, when his six-yard touchdown pass to Todd Pinkston gave the Eagles a 17-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.When the Eagles trailed by four with three minutes left in the game, you knew McNabb wasn't going to get it done. He usually wouldn't throw an interception. He rarely did. But he'd lead the Eagles for 20 yards and then the drive would stall with two incompletions, a sack, and a fourth down incompletion.He's had his share of fourth quarter comebacks, but they're the type where the Eagles trail 17-14 entering the fourth and win 28-17. He never put the Eagles on his back with the game on the line. Never.People wonder why McNabb wasn't more popular during his time in Philly. This is a large reason why.3. He played his heart out during Super Bowl XXXIX.In Super Bowl XXXIX, Brian Westbrook was shut down. He rushed 15 times for 44 yards.The offensive line was terrible. Center Hank Fraley was abused all game.Star wide receiver Terrell Owens was recovering from a broken ankle and wasn't fully healthy. Number two receiver Todd Pinkston had to leave the game at halftime with an injury. He caught four passes for 82 yards in two quarters of play.McNabb was asked to rally the Eagles from a ten-point deficit in the second half of the fourth quarter. He came close. The Eagles scored a touchdown with 1:48 left in the game to cut the Patriots' lead to 24-21.McNabb is often remembered for vomiting during the game. An article written by Philadelphia Inquirer writer Peter Mucha in March of 2010 goes to great lengths to prove that McNabb did not vomit during the game. He interviewed former teammates of McNabb. He watched video of the game. Nobody actually saw McNabb vomit. Gasp for air? Yes. Vomit? No.Then again, that's not what's relevant. McNabb stayed in the game. If Favre puked during the game, he would be called a warrior, a hero. McNabb is a bum, a choke artist.The Eagles also felt that McNabb received a great deal of abuse from the New England Patriots' defenders during the game. So much abuse, in fact, that they met with NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira during the offseason to discuss the hits in the game. Were the Eagles just poor sports? Maybe. But they clearly felt that the abuse McNabb received was enough to warrant a visit with the NFL.And there are also allegations of the Patriots cheating in Super Bowl XXXIX. After all, they were busted by the NFL for cheating during the 2007 season. I'm sure the cheating had been going on throughout Belichick's whole tenure, Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
or most of his tenure with the Patriots.Did this cheating impact the game? Well, the Eagles lost by three points. A single 20-yard play could easily have changed the outcome of the game in a three-point loss. I'll be a good sport and say I think we still would have lost...but do I think the Patriots cheated? Yes, I do.McNabb's stats for the game: 30-51, 357 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 75.4 passer rating.His final interception bounced off the hands of tight end L.J. Smith and was caught by safety Rodney Harrison to clinch a Patriots' victory.I don't think McNabb played well in this game. Three interceptions is never acceptable. But for a quarterback asked to throw 56 times (51 passes, four sacks, one scramble) against just 16 runs, McNabb didn't do bad at all.One thing is for sure. In the biggest game of his career, he left everything he had on the field. He played his heart out.4. He will never win a Super Bowl.There is no denying that McNabb performed at a lesser pace throughout the postseason. I tried.For years, I argued that it wasn't him. It was the futile combination of James Thrash and Todd Pinkston, lovingly known as Trash and Stinkston by Eagles' fans. Or it was Jim Johnson, outcoached in every big game. Or it was a poor coaching decision by head coach Andy Reid.While all of those are probably true, McNabb never helped. More times than not, he harmed the Eagles.He threw interceptions in the most crucial moments of the 2001 NFC Championship Game, the 2002 NFC Championship Game, and the 2004 Super Bowl. He was unable to finish the 2003 NFC Championship Game after the Panthers knocked him out midway through (It's worth noting that he threw three interceptions and we wouldn't have won anyway.)Even when McNabb did something right in the postseason, it usually didn't end pretty. "4th and 26" could have been so much more if the Eagles had advanced to the Super Bowl. The 2001 NFC Championship Game will never be regarded as one of his better games, simply because the Eagles lost. And the 18-point comeback in the 2008 NFC Championship Game means nothing because he couldn't get it done on the game's most important drive.I wrote an article last year in which I conducted extensive research on the importance of a quarterback's defensive support in the postseason throughout his career.Donovan McNabb won nine of 16 postseason games during his tenure with the Eagles. Based on his defensive support in the postseason, he should have won 9.3 games.Among the 18 quarterbacks who won at least seven postseason games in their career, he is the only one to win fewer games than he should have, based on his defensive support.When the Eagles' defense allowed fewer than 20 points, McNabb was 9-1. When they allowed 20 or more, he was 0-6.McNabb could never pick up the team if anything went wrong for the defense. The great ones do.5. He is not a Hall of Fame quarterback unless he wins a Super Bowl. Guaranteed.Dan Marino didn't need a ring. But Dan Marino had 420 touchdown passes and 61,361 passing yards during his 17-year career.Fran Tarkenton didn't need a ring. But Tarkenton was the greatest combination Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
of passing and running until Steve Young came along.Jim Kelly didn't need a ring. But Kelly led the Bills to four straight Super Bowls and threw 237 touchdowns in 11 seasons.Donovan McNabb isn't going to make the Hall of Fame without a ring.The Hall of Fame isn't for very good quarterbacks without a Super Bowl ring. McNabb certainly doesn't have the regular season statistics to make the Hall. He has a lot of postseason victories and appearances.But unless he carries a team throughout a postseason and wins a Super Bowl, he is not going to join a list of the game's greatest in Canton.
2010年12月17日星期五
17 Dec 10 NFL Patriots At Lions: Lions Feast on the Patriots on Thanksgiving Day
Leon Halip/Getty ImagesIn the first game of the Thanksgiving football slate, the Detroit Lions will host the New England Patriots. The latest NFL odds released by online sportsbook BetMania have the Patriots listed as seven point favorites. Although the Lions are getting seven points in this game, the Lions will win this game on the field. The Lions are much better than their record would indicate and they have lost some close games to some very good teams. Five of the Lions’ eight losses have been by five points or Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
fewer. They lost by three points to the Eagles, two points to the Packers and just three points to the New York Jets. They are playing good football despite losing quarterback Matthew Stafford to an injured shoulder. There is no doubt that the New England Patriots are playing some pretty good football too. The Patriots beat the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and are 8-2 on the season tied atop the AFC East with the New York Jets. Quarterback Tom Brady is having a stellar season and is leading the Patriots to another post season berth. So how can anyone believe that Brady and the Patriots would lose to the lowly Lions? First, it is a huge letdown game for the Patriots. They just finished a two game set against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Colts, two of the premiere teams in the NFL. What Will be the Outcome of this game?What Will be the Outcome of this game?Patriots win by double digits36.6%Lions win in a close game34.7%Patriots win in the last minute15.0%Lions shock the Patriots in a blow out10.7%Who Cares? I will be eating Turkey!2.9%Total votes: 513Secondly, the Patriots will be looking past this game. After the holiday stop in Detroit, the Patriots will play a revenge game against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football for the division lead. For those of you that think head coach Bill Belichick will not allow his team to look past this game will just have to be reminded of how hard they fell against the Cleveland Browns before a big game against the Steelers. Finally, the Patriots Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
defense is vulnerable against this offense. The Patriots defense rose to the occasion against Peyton Manning with three interceptions, but that is deceiving. The majority of those interceptions were poorly run routes by wide receivers getting adjusted to Manning. The pass defense still allowed almost 400 yards through the air and is ranked 30th in the NFL in total defense, and 31st against the pass, which plays into the strength of the Lions offense. The Lions have the sixth-most passing yards in the NFL this season and rank sixth in the league in passing. The Patriots' defense is among the league's worst in points allowed and passing yards allowed and will have no answer for Calvin Johnson at wide receiver. The Lions will play in front of a sold out stadium and will move the ball on offense. The Lions defense is decent against the pass, ranking 13th in the NFL and will provide a decent pass rush. The Lions rank 6th in sacks in the NFL and will put Brady under pressure all day long. The Lions will beat the Patriots on Thanksgiving and pull of the biggest upset in the NFL this week. Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at mregawgmail.com.More Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
Football Articles: Arkansas vs LSU: Winner to a BCS Bowl? Alabama vs Auburn: Iron Bowl Outcome Wisconsin, Michigan State, or Ohio State: Who wins the Big Ten?NFL Picks for Every game in Week 12 Against the Spread New England Patriots at Detroit Lions: Upset For The Lions?Thanksgiving Football Pick 'em Free Contest
fewer. They lost by three points to the Eagles, two points to the Packers and just three points to the New York Jets. They are playing good football despite losing quarterback Matthew Stafford to an injured shoulder. There is no doubt that the New England Patriots are playing some pretty good football too. The Patriots beat the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and are 8-2 on the season tied atop the AFC East with the New York Jets. Quarterback Tom Brady is having a stellar season and is leading the Patriots to another post season berth. So how can anyone believe that Brady and the Patriots would lose to the lowly Lions? First, it is a huge letdown game for the Patriots. They just finished a two game set against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Colts, two of the premiere teams in the NFL. What Will be the Outcome of this game?What Will be the Outcome of this game?Patriots win by double digits36.6%Lions win in a close game34.7%Patriots win in the last minute15.0%Lions shock the Patriots in a blow out10.7%Who Cares? I will be eating Turkey!2.9%Total votes: 513Secondly, the Patriots will be looking past this game. After the holiday stop in Detroit, the Patriots will play a revenge game against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football for the division lead. For those of you that think head coach Bill Belichick will not allow his team to look past this game will just have to be reminded of how hard they fell against the Cleveland Browns before a big game against the Steelers. Finally, the Patriots Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
defense is vulnerable against this offense. The Patriots defense rose to the occasion against Peyton Manning with three interceptions, but that is deceiving. The majority of those interceptions were poorly run routes by wide receivers getting adjusted to Manning. The pass defense still allowed almost 400 yards through the air and is ranked 30th in the NFL in total defense, and 31st against the pass, which plays into the strength of the Lions offense. The Lions have the sixth-most passing yards in the NFL this season and rank sixth in the league in passing. The Patriots' defense is among the league's worst in points allowed and passing yards allowed and will have no answer for Calvin Johnson at wide receiver. The Lions will play in front of a sold out stadium and will move the ball on offense. The Lions defense is decent against the pass, ranking 13th in the NFL and will provide a decent pass rush. The Lions rank 6th in sacks in the NFL and will put Brady under pressure all day long. The Lions will beat the Patriots on Thanksgiving and pull of the biggest upset in the NFL this week. Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at mregawgmail.com.More Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
Football Articles: Arkansas vs LSU: Winner to a BCS Bowl? Alabama vs Auburn: Iron Bowl Outcome Wisconsin, Michigan State, or Ohio State: Who wins the Big Ten?NFL Picks for Every game in Week 12 Against the Spread New England Patriots at Detroit Lions: Upset For The Lions?Thanksgiving Football Pick 'em Free Contest
2010年12月16日星期四
16 Dec 10 NFL Thanksgiving: Things I Am Thankful For
Thankful he is on his way out SATIRE ; Thanksgiving is here—can't believe it. It kinda crept up this year. Even more shocking to me is that we are in Week 12 already. Seems like just yesterday I was counting down the days until opening day. But here we are, so here are things Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
I am thankful for this NFL season:
1. I’m thankful that there are three games on Thanksgiving because otherwise we would have nothing else to do but talk to our relatives. This year when the Detroit Lions game is on and we use the excuse, “Hey this game is getting good, I want to watch it” to get out of a conversation with someone we see once a year, we may actually mean it.
2. Thanking coaches for their time. Brad Childress, I'm surprised he lasted as long as he did, and thankful because I don’t think any owner ever again will hire this man to coach his football team.
Would it surprise anyone if he were a high school football coach next year? That or he will portray Mr. Burns in the real-life movie version of the Simpsons. Also, I'm thankful that we won’t have to hear him talk anymore. Every time he opened his mouth it sounded like he was giving a eulogy.
Marvin Lewis, Terrell Owens has done it again. At this point last year the Bengals were 8-2, and now by adding Owens and not losing anyone else they are 2-8.
The 49ers are probably the worst coached team in the NFL...eh, they are the worst. If there is a record for calling timeouts and delay of game penalties and no one having any idea of what they are doing after any kind of dead ball, the 2010 San Francisco 49ers have it. What’s even Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
worse is that at 3-7 they still have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.
You're still alive, Mike Singletary. Maybe if you keep saying we need more effort, you’ll get to 5-11.
Gary Kubiak, has any team ever stolen more victories while giving away even more in any one season than the Texans? He is as good as out. And watching the craziness that is Mike Shanahan, having Kubiak be a direct disciple of Shanahan probably won’t help him, either.
John Fox, to be fair, has almost no talent to work with. Plus, I think they are making him start Jimmy Clausen, who gives the Panthers less than a zero percent chance of winning any game.
3. I am thankful that this is Brett Favre’s last season…I hope. I don’t know why, but I see him playing for the Arizona Cardinals next year. Good thing I’m usually wrong about everything.
4. I am thankful for Icy Hot and alcohol. Flag football is a tradition on Thanksgiving morning, and if you play one flag football game a year like I do (usually hungover, too) you need both of these the rest of the day, all day, and probably even more the next day.
5. Thankful for leftovers and not just turkey sandwiches on Friday, but these guys on draft night…Kyle Orton, Peyton Hillis, Darren McFadden, Steve Johnson, Brandon Lloyd, Mike Williams. That’s a championship squad right there of mostly undrafted guys.
6. At this point of the season you either love fantasy football or hate it. Either way, if you’re involved, you are thankful for it. Thankful for Arian Foster, if you own him—I bet you whoever has him in your league is in contention for a playoff spot, at the very least.
7. Also, is there anything worse than having someone talk to you about the fantasy league that you’re not in? I'm also thankful I didn’t draft Randy Moss in any league (see how annoying it is to have people talk about their own league, especially if you have Moss and continue to start him?).
8. Thankful that the Cincinnati Bengals are losing. Imagine how much more Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco would be on TV if they had a winning team?
9. Thankful that there is a white running back starting in the NFL and that he is actually good. Peyton Hillis, it’s just fun to see.
10. Thankful the Raiders finally once again resemble an NFL team. Yeah, they looked brutal on Sunday, but really they had no shot at winning. They were playing at Pittsburgh, who was coming off a bad loss, and playing at 10 a.m. Pacific time. They probably won’t make the playoffs, but at least they are justifying the Richard Seymour trade, so thankfully they won’t be giving up that high of a No. 1 pick.
The biggest turkey award goes to Brad Childress. This team was one play away from the Super Bowl and now is a 3-7 team loaded with turmoil. Not only was Brett Favre’s last NFL season (again we hope) a forgettable one, one of Adrian Peterson’s prime football Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
years was lost in fantasy football land.
The pumpkin pie awards (or whatever is the best part of the meal) goes to all the QBs out there. Granted, they get all the credit as it is, but is there any scenario where a QB won’t get the MVP award this year? Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Phillip Rivers, Matt Ryan and why not Josh Freeman? It’s gotta be some QB winning it, as usual.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
TheSportsGospel.com
I am thankful for this NFL season:
1. I’m thankful that there are three games on Thanksgiving because otherwise we would have nothing else to do but talk to our relatives. This year when the Detroit Lions game is on and we use the excuse, “Hey this game is getting good, I want to watch it” to get out of a conversation with someone we see once a year, we may actually mean it.
2. Thanking coaches for their time. Brad Childress, I'm surprised he lasted as long as he did, and thankful because I don’t think any owner ever again will hire this man to coach his football team.
Would it surprise anyone if he were a high school football coach next year? That or he will portray Mr. Burns in the real-life movie version of the Simpsons. Also, I'm thankful that we won’t have to hear him talk anymore. Every time he opened his mouth it sounded like he was giving a eulogy.
Marvin Lewis, Terrell Owens has done it again. At this point last year the Bengals were 8-2, and now by adding Owens and not losing anyone else they are 2-8.
The 49ers are probably the worst coached team in the NFL...eh, they are the worst. If there is a record for calling timeouts and delay of game penalties and no one having any idea of what they are doing after any kind of dead ball, the 2010 San Francisco 49ers have it. What’s even Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
worse is that at 3-7 they still have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.
You're still alive, Mike Singletary. Maybe if you keep saying we need more effort, you’ll get to 5-11.
Gary Kubiak, has any team ever stolen more victories while giving away even more in any one season than the Texans? He is as good as out. And watching the craziness that is Mike Shanahan, having Kubiak be a direct disciple of Shanahan probably won’t help him, either.
John Fox, to be fair, has almost no talent to work with. Plus, I think they are making him start Jimmy Clausen, who gives the Panthers less than a zero percent chance of winning any game.
3. I am thankful that this is Brett Favre’s last season…I hope. I don’t know why, but I see him playing for the Arizona Cardinals next year. Good thing I’m usually wrong about everything.
4. I am thankful for Icy Hot and alcohol. Flag football is a tradition on Thanksgiving morning, and if you play one flag football game a year like I do (usually hungover, too) you need both of these the rest of the day, all day, and probably even more the next day.
5. Thankful for leftovers and not just turkey sandwiches on Friday, but these guys on draft night…Kyle Orton, Peyton Hillis, Darren McFadden, Steve Johnson, Brandon Lloyd, Mike Williams. That’s a championship squad right there of mostly undrafted guys.
6. At this point of the season you either love fantasy football or hate it. Either way, if you’re involved, you are thankful for it. Thankful for Arian Foster, if you own him—I bet you whoever has him in your league is in contention for a playoff spot, at the very least.
7. Also, is there anything worse than having someone talk to you about the fantasy league that you’re not in? I'm also thankful I didn’t draft Randy Moss in any league (see how annoying it is to have people talk about their own league, especially if you have Moss and continue to start him?).
8. Thankful that the Cincinnati Bengals are losing. Imagine how much more Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco would be on TV if they had a winning team?
9. Thankful that there is a white running back starting in the NFL and that he is actually good. Peyton Hillis, it’s just fun to see.
10. Thankful the Raiders finally once again resemble an NFL team. Yeah, they looked brutal on Sunday, but really they had no shot at winning. They were playing at Pittsburgh, who was coming off a bad loss, and playing at 10 a.m. Pacific time. They probably won’t make the playoffs, but at least they are justifying the Richard Seymour trade, so thankfully they won’t be giving up that high of a No. 1 pick.
The biggest turkey award goes to Brad Childress. This team was one play away from the Super Bowl and now is a 3-7 team loaded with turmoil. Not only was Brett Favre’s last NFL season (again we hope) a forgettable one, one of Adrian Peterson’s prime football Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
years was lost in fantasy football land.
The pumpkin pie awards (or whatever is the best part of the meal) goes to all the QBs out there. Granted, they get all the credit as it is, but is there any scenario where a QB won’t get the MVP award this year? Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Phillip Rivers, Matt Ryan and why not Josh Freeman? It’s gotta be some QB winning it, as usual.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
TheSportsGospel.com
2010年12月15日星期三
Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints Thanksgiving Post-Film Study Review
If you haven’t read my initial post-game notes/observations, please do. I uncovered a lot of interesting information after reviewing the Cowboys-Saints film this week, so enjoy. . .
Marion Barber is out for at least a week or two. I never want players to get injured, but this is one of the best things that could happen to the Cowboys. Barber looked awful again on Thanksgiving, stumbling on an incredible three handoffs before even getting touched. He tries to run around Vikings Brett Favre jersey
defenders now instead of through them, but he doesn’t possess the agility to do that effectively. His only above-average quality is his pass protection ability.
Tashard Choice will be the recipient of an increased workload during Barber’s absence. I can say with full confidence that you’ll observe a noticeable difference between Choice’s explosion, balance, and vision and that of Barber. Choice may not be “incredible” at anything, but he’s really solid at everything. This is his chance to prove he deserves a larger role in 2011, and I expect him to perform well.
The Cowboys lined up with an unbalanced offensive line on three plays against the Saints.
As you can see, the “Unbalanced Right Strong Right” formation above employs Martellus Bennett as the left tackle and Doug Free as the tight end. Bennett is obviously not an eligible receiver on the play, but I still love the look. For one, Bennett is one of the team’s best blockers, regardless of position. Any drop in blocking ability from Free to Bennett is made up for by the fact that the look is confusing to the defense. It can cause alignment problems and just gives a defense more to think about pre-snap.
One knock on this formation is that it gives away too much information before the snap. Bennett must stay in to block, and it’s unlikely the Cowboys would ask him to protect Jon Kitna’s blind side by himself. Thus, whatever play the ‘Boys call will almost certainly be a run. Secondly, do you think the team is more likely to run behind Bennett and Kyle Kosier, or Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo, Doug Free, and Jason Witten?
So how did the Cowboys overcome these issues? Jason Garrett did an excellent job of using the first two plays from the formation as “set up plays” early in the game. On these plays, the Cowboys ran just where you’d think they would: in the “4 hole” behind all of the big boys. On the third and final play, however, the Cowboys faked the lead to Felix Jones and handed the ball off to Miles Austin on an end-around. The result? A 60-yard touchdown run. Tremendous design and execution.
The illegal shift penalty called on Dez Bryant (the one over which he was fuming) was the correct call. He mistakenly lined up off of the line of scrimmage, leaving the right tackle uncovered. When he noticed it and moved up, Sam Hurd was already in motion and never came to a stop (if he had, Bryant’s movement would have been a legal shift).
The Cowboys ran a season-high 74 offensive plays on 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
Thanksgiving.
Dallas had 14 plays in the red zone–five passes for 26 yards and nine runs for 12 yards and two touchdowns.
33 of the Cowboys’ plays came out of Shotgun, although many of those were out of necessity (the team’s final 11 plays were from Shotgun).
Garrett obviously tried to confuse the Saints before the snap. The Cowboys motioned on exactly half (37) of their offensive plays, a rate much higher than the 30.3 percent clip at which they came into the game. That included 21 of the first 31 plays.
Kitna again showed he can recognize a defense’s weaknesses and check into the proper play. He did so four times—two runs for eight yards and two passes for 27 yards.
The Cowboys got lucky with Reggie Bush. Even though his production was nil, he was open a few times and either didn’t get targeted or dropped the ball. Perhaps Dallas knew something I didn’t, but placing Sean Lee on Bush never seems like a good idea.
Dallas attacked the middle of the Saints’ defense on the ground. One of the guards (either Kosier or Davis) was at the point-of-attack on 22 of the team’s 26 designed runs (84.6 percent). It isn’t uncommon for a guard to be at the point-of-attack, but that rate is unusually high.
In my pre-game notes, I predicted the Cowboys would run a lot of draws, counters, playaction passes, and screens to take advantage of the aggressiveness of New Orleans defense. They did all four quite often. They dialed up eight draws for 24 yards and four counters for 67 yards. Kitna also faked a handoff on an incredible 11 passes (for 90 yards) and threw a screen eight times for 42 yards. All in all, 29 of the Cowboys’ offensive plays (39.2 percent) were either a draw, counter, playaction pass, or screen.
We saw the return of the dreaded “Double Tight Right Strong Right” formation (or a variation of it, such as “Double Tight Left Strong Left” or “Double Tight Right I”). Garrett called it 12 times, and all but three were strong side dives. Those nine plays went for 12 total yards. Meanwhile, the three non-strong side dives from the formation (two passes and a toss) went for 23 total yards. Unfortunately, the toss play was the early fourth down attempt to Barber that went for no gain.
Read my full analysis on the formation here.
With the abundance of screens and playaction passes came few downfield throws. Remember, the Cowboys rarely throw the ball downfield following a playaction fake (of their 83 playaction passes last year, only FOUR were thrown 20-plus yards). Of Kitna’s 42 passes against the Saints, only FIVE traveled 10-plus yards, and only one went 20-plus yards. Meanwhile, 26 of the passes traveled five yards or less. I’m by no means an expert on NFL offenses, but I think the Cowboys should probably throw the ball 10-plus yards more than 11.9 percent of their passes (and 6.8 percent of all plays).
Kitna really had an up-and-down game. He only had 12 incompletions, but nine of those were the result of off-target passes. Nine off-target passes are way too many when you’re asked to throw the ball downfield only five times all game. He also failed to throw a touchdown.
Of the team’s 47 called passes, Witten was in a route on 34 of them (72.3 percent), which is about average for him. Dallas gained only 53 total yards on the 13 plays he stayed in to block, and 24 of those yards came on one play.
Garrett obviously made a conscious effort to “protect” struggling right tackle Marc Colombo. Of the 66 plays with a tight end lined up next to one of the offensive tackles, 44 of them (66.7 percent) were “right-handed,” i.e., the tight end(s) was next to Colombo. I realize Dallas is a right-handed team, but it’s clear an effort is being made to “hide” Colombo.
A reader pointed out that, after the game, Drew Brees stated he was able to beat Terence Newman deep because the Cowboys played the same coverage a bunch of times in a row and he knew it was coming. His claim seems truthful since the Saints had the courage to throw the ball deep on a crucial 3rd-and-1 play. Although Paul Pasqualoni has done a nice job of employing some unique looks and more zone coverage to help the secondary, I thought his play-calling on Thursday was unoriginal and predictable. The Saints obviously agree.
I was shocked that the Saints didn’t blitz Dallas early in the game. Of the Cowboys’ first 64 offensive plays, New Orleans blitzed only eight times. I was even more stunned by their strategy late in the game, as they blitzed on the final 10 plays. They weren’t just simple A-gap blitzes either, but unique, exotic blitzes in which defenders came from unexpected places. I’m positive the Saints had a “two-minute defense” installed for this game that was radically different from 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
their approach in the first 58 minutes of the game, as they weren’t running the same play, even as Dallas was in a no-huddle offense. What an incredibly innovative and unexpected move.
Despite the blitzes, I thought Garrett’s play-calling on the final three plays was horrible. Bryant was targeted on all three passes despite not recording a reception all game. Further, the Cowboys had just burned the Saints over and over by slipping Witten into the flat. With the offense needing only five yards or so to give David Buehler a realistic field goal look, why not go to Witten again? I watched Buehler’s missed field goal again and again, and I think it would have been good if it was from 54 yards instead of 59.
Dallas Cowboys Times is on Twitter.
Subscribe to our free e-mail updates.
Marion Barber is out for at least a week or two. I never want players to get injured, but this is one of the best things that could happen to the Cowboys. Barber looked awful again on Thanksgiving, stumbling on an incredible three handoffs before even getting touched. He tries to run around Vikings Brett Favre jersey
defenders now instead of through them, but he doesn’t possess the agility to do that effectively. His only above-average quality is his pass protection ability.
Tashard Choice will be the recipient of an increased workload during Barber’s absence. I can say with full confidence that you’ll observe a noticeable difference between Choice’s explosion, balance, and vision and that of Barber. Choice may not be “incredible” at anything, but he’s really solid at everything. This is his chance to prove he deserves a larger role in 2011, and I expect him to perform well.
The Cowboys lined up with an unbalanced offensive line on three plays against the Saints.
As you can see, the “Unbalanced Right Strong Right” formation above employs Martellus Bennett as the left tackle and Doug Free as the tight end. Bennett is obviously not an eligible receiver on the play, but I still love the look. For one, Bennett is one of the team’s best blockers, regardless of position. Any drop in blocking ability from Free to Bennett is made up for by the fact that the look is confusing to the defense. It can cause alignment problems and just gives a defense more to think about pre-snap.
One knock on this formation is that it gives away too much information before the snap. Bennett must stay in to block, and it’s unlikely the Cowboys would ask him to protect Jon Kitna’s blind side by himself. Thus, whatever play the ‘Boys call will almost certainly be a run. Secondly, do you think the team is more likely to run behind Bennett and Kyle Kosier, or Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo, Doug Free, and Jason Witten?
So how did the Cowboys overcome these issues? Jason Garrett did an excellent job of using the first two plays from the formation as “set up plays” early in the game. On these plays, the Cowboys ran just where you’d think they would: in the “4 hole” behind all of the big boys. On the third and final play, however, the Cowboys faked the lead to Felix Jones and handed the ball off to Miles Austin on an end-around. The result? A 60-yard touchdown run. Tremendous design and execution.
The illegal shift penalty called on Dez Bryant (the one over which he was fuming) was the correct call. He mistakenly lined up off of the line of scrimmage, leaving the right tackle uncovered. When he noticed it and moved up, Sam Hurd was already in motion and never came to a stop (if he had, Bryant’s movement would have been a legal shift).
The Cowboys ran a season-high 74 offensive plays on 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
Thanksgiving.
Dallas had 14 plays in the red zone–five passes for 26 yards and nine runs for 12 yards and two touchdowns.
33 of the Cowboys’ plays came out of Shotgun, although many of those were out of necessity (the team’s final 11 plays were from Shotgun).
Garrett obviously tried to confuse the Saints before the snap. The Cowboys motioned on exactly half (37) of their offensive plays, a rate much higher than the 30.3 percent clip at which they came into the game. That included 21 of the first 31 plays.
Kitna again showed he can recognize a defense’s weaknesses and check into the proper play. He did so four times—two runs for eight yards and two passes for 27 yards.
The Cowboys got lucky with Reggie Bush. Even though his production was nil, he was open a few times and either didn’t get targeted or dropped the ball. Perhaps Dallas knew something I didn’t, but placing Sean Lee on Bush never seems like a good idea.
Dallas attacked the middle of the Saints’ defense on the ground. One of the guards (either Kosier or Davis) was at the point-of-attack on 22 of the team’s 26 designed runs (84.6 percent). It isn’t uncommon for a guard to be at the point-of-attack, but that rate is unusually high.
In my pre-game notes, I predicted the Cowboys would run a lot of draws, counters, playaction passes, and screens to take advantage of the aggressiveness of New Orleans defense. They did all four quite often. They dialed up eight draws for 24 yards and four counters for 67 yards. Kitna also faked a handoff on an incredible 11 passes (for 90 yards) and threw a screen eight times for 42 yards. All in all, 29 of the Cowboys’ offensive plays (39.2 percent) were either a draw, counter, playaction pass, or screen.
We saw the return of the dreaded “Double Tight Right Strong Right” formation (or a variation of it, such as “Double Tight Left Strong Left” or “Double Tight Right I”). Garrett called it 12 times, and all but three were strong side dives. Those nine plays went for 12 total yards. Meanwhile, the three non-strong side dives from the formation (two passes and a toss) went for 23 total yards. Unfortunately, the toss play was the early fourth down attempt to Barber that went for no gain.
Read my full analysis on the formation here.
With the abundance of screens and playaction passes came few downfield throws. Remember, the Cowboys rarely throw the ball downfield following a playaction fake (of their 83 playaction passes last year, only FOUR were thrown 20-plus yards). Of Kitna’s 42 passes against the Saints, only FIVE traveled 10-plus yards, and only one went 20-plus yards. Meanwhile, 26 of the passes traveled five yards or less. I’m by no means an expert on NFL offenses, but I think the Cowboys should probably throw the ball 10-plus yards more than 11.9 percent of their passes (and 6.8 percent of all plays).
Kitna really had an up-and-down game. He only had 12 incompletions, but nine of those were the result of off-target passes. Nine off-target passes are way too many when you’re asked to throw the ball downfield only five times all game. He also failed to throw a touchdown.
Of the team’s 47 called passes, Witten was in a route on 34 of them (72.3 percent), which is about average for him. Dallas gained only 53 total yards on the 13 plays he stayed in to block, and 24 of those yards came on one play.
Garrett obviously made a conscious effort to “protect” struggling right tackle Marc Colombo. Of the 66 plays with a tight end lined up next to one of the offensive tackles, 44 of them (66.7 percent) were “right-handed,” i.e., the tight end(s) was next to Colombo. I realize Dallas is a right-handed team, but it’s clear an effort is being made to “hide” Colombo.
A reader pointed out that, after the game, Drew Brees stated he was able to beat Terence Newman deep because the Cowboys played the same coverage a bunch of times in a row and he knew it was coming. His claim seems truthful since the Saints had the courage to throw the ball deep on a crucial 3rd-and-1 play. Although Paul Pasqualoni has done a nice job of employing some unique looks and more zone coverage to help the secondary, I thought his play-calling on Thursday was unoriginal and predictable. The Saints obviously agree.
I was shocked that the Saints didn’t blitz Dallas early in the game. Of the Cowboys’ first 64 offensive plays, New Orleans blitzed only eight times. I was even more stunned by their strategy late in the game, as they blitzed on the final 10 plays. They weren’t just simple A-gap blitzes either, but unique, exotic blitzes in which defenders came from unexpected places. I’m positive the Saints had a “two-minute defense” installed for this game that was radically different from 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
their approach in the first 58 minutes of the game, as they weren’t running the same play, even as Dallas was in a no-huddle offense. What an incredibly innovative and unexpected move.
Despite the blitzes, I thought Garrett’s play-calling on the final three plays was horrible. Bryant was targeted on all three passes despite not recording a reception all game. Further, the Cowboys had just burned the Saints over and over by slipping Witten into the flat. With the offense needing only five yards or so to give David Buehler a realistic field goal look, why not go to Witten again? I watched Buehler’s missed field goal again and again, and I think it would have been good if it was from 54 yards instead of 59.
Dallas Cowboys Times is on Twitter.
Subscribe to our free e-mail updates.
2010年12月13日星期一
NFL Lines: New York Jets Getting 3.5 Points at New England Patriots on Monday
Chris Trotman/Getty ImagesIt doesn’t get any better than this. The New York Jets and New England Patriots are all set to do battle for AFC East supremacy on the Monday Night Football stage.Both teams improved to 9-2 with Thanksgiving wins and share the best record in the league. Colts jersey
The Patriots kicked off Thanksgiving with a 45-24 victory at Detroit and the Jets closed it out with a 26-10 win over Cincinnati.Round one went to the Jets back on Sept. 19, when they handed the Pats a 28-14 loss at the Meadowlands. Pulling off the season sweep will be no easy task considering the Patriots have won 25 in a row at home with Tom Brady under center. New York, however, has won eight in a row on the road dating back to last season.NFL lines makers have listed the Patriots as 3.5 points favorites, with the total set at 46.New England appears to be playing the better football of the two heading into Monday’s showdown. The Jets have won four in row, but two of those victories came in overtime at Detroit and Cleveland. The Jets also needed a touchdown pass with 10 seconds remaining to hold on against Houston.The Jets needed two big plays from Brad Smith, a 53-yard touchdown scamper and an 89-yard kickoff return or they could have been in for another close call Thursday.While New York hasn’t put together a complete game in recent weeks, it continues to find ways to win and that’s the only thing that matters.The Jets especially have to be encouraged by the way the defense put the game away against Cincinnati, recording three sacks, including a safety. It may be up to the defense and special teams again, if quarterback Mark Sanchez doesn’t play better this week.Sanchez finished just 16 of 28 for 166 yards with a nfl jersey
touchdown and an interception. It was a step back for the second-year signal caller after throwing for 937 yards with six touchdown strikes and three interceptions in his previous three games.Sanchez should be able to put together a better game against a New England defense that is ranked dead last against the pass. The Patriots are allowing 288.5 passing yards per game.In the season’s first meeting, Sanchez completed 70 percent of his passes for 220 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions for a season-best passer rating of 124.3. If Sanchez plays that well again, the Jets will be awfully tough to beat.It is worth noting that the Jets are 9-2 against the number in their last 11 road games.While the New England defense has given up big yards all season, Tom Brady and the offense have been able to outscore the opposition. The Patriots lead the NFL in scoring offense at 30.4 points per game.Brady appears poised for another MVP season. He has thrown for 1,101 yards with 11 Vikings jersey
touchdowns and no interceptions the last four games.While the Jets boast one of the best defenses in the league, defending the pass has been a weakness at times.Jimmy Boyd is a perfect 3-0 on the Monday Night Football stage the last three weeks with blowout winners on the Eagles, Chargers and 49ers. Make sure you check out his NFL picks this week for a fourth straight Monday Night Football winner!
The Patriots kicked off Thanksgiving with a 45-24 victory at Detroit and the Jets closed it out with a 26-10 win over Cincinnati.Round one went to the Jets back on Sept. 19, when they handed the Pats a 28-14 loss at the Meadowlands. Pulling off the season sweep will be no easy task considering the Patriots have won 25 in a row at home with Tom Brady under center. New York, however, has won eight in a row on the road dating back to last season.NFL lines makers have listed the Patriots as 3.5 points favorites, with the total set at 46.New England appears to be playing the better football of the two heading into Monday’s showdown. The Jets have won four in row, but two of those victories came in overtime at Detroit and Cleveland. The Jets also needed a touchdown pass with 10 seconds remaining to hold on against Houston.The Jets needed two big plays from Brad Smith, a 53-yard touchdown scamper and an 89-yard kickoff return or they could have been in for another close call Thursday.While New York hasn’t put together a complete game in recent weeks, it continues to find ways to win and that’s the only thing that matters.The Jets especially have to be encouraged by the way the defense put the game away against Cincinnati, recording three sacks, including a safety. It may be up to the defense and special teams again, if quarterback Mark Sanchez doesn’t play better this week.Sanchez finished just 16 of 28 for 166 yards with a nfl jersey
touchdown and an interception. It was a step back for the second-year signal caller after throwing for 937 yards with six touchdown strikes and three interceptions in his previous three games.Sanchez should be able to put together a better game against a New England defense that is ranked dead last against the pass. The Patriots are allowing 288.5 passing yards per game.In the season’s first meeting, Sanchez completed 70 percent of his passes for 220 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions for a season-best passer rating of 124.3. If Sanchez plays that well again, the Jets will be awfully tough to beat.It is worth noting that the Jets are 9-2 against the number in their last 11 road games.While the New England defense has given up big yards all season, Tom Brady and the offense have been able to outscore the opposition. The Patriots lead the NFL in scoring offense at 30.4 points per game.Brady appears poised for another MVP season. He has thrown for 1,101 yards with 11 Vikings jersey
touchdowns and no interceptions the last four games.While the Jets boast one of the best defenses in the league, defending the pass has been a weakness at times.Jimmy Boyd is a perfect 3-0 on the Monday Night Football stage the last three weeks with blowout winners on the Eagles, Chargers and 49ers. Make sure you check out his NFL picks this week for a fourth straight Monday Night Football winner!
2010年12月12日星期日
Week 14 Fantasy TE Rankings & Analysis: A Good Playoff Tight End Is Hard To Find
Week 14 TE Player Rankingsbrought to you by pyromaniac.comRankings for QBs, RBs and WRs1. Jason Witten (vs Phi)Witten has put together a nice little second half of the season with Kitna as his QB. Now with Dez Bryant down for the season, you can bet he’ll be depended on even more. With the Philly D giving up the fourth most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this year, I feel a great game at home coming from Witten this Sunday night.2. Jacob Tamme (@ Ten)Tamme is still getting the targets from Manning—seeing another seven balls football jersey
come his way last week—though his production has been a little on the light side of late. Still, the Titans are amongst the bottom quarter of the league in allowing fantasy points to opposing tight ends, so drop-off or not, Tamme is a must play in all fantasy formats this playoff week.3. Antonio Gates (vs KC)Gates almost looked like his normal self last weekend, which was pretty much heaven to the eyes of fantasy owners across the country. The Chiefs are actually the second stingiest team when it comes to allowing fantasy points to tight ends this year, but Gates doesn’t quite play by the same rules as normal folk.4. Vernon Davis (vs Sea)Vernon looks like he’s back on the warpath again after his 126 yard, one TD outburst last weekend, and now he has his buddy Alex Smith back under center this week as well. Earlier this season, the two of them were really starting to make some noise together hooking up for TDs in each of the last four weeks Smith was healthy (Weeks 4-7).5. Brandon Pettigrew (vs GB)Drew Stanton was definitely looking Pettigrew’s way last game tossing him a team-high nine targets while connecting with him for five catches and 36 yards. Those numbers came against a Bears team that rarely gives up a thing to opposing tight ends, while this week’s game comes against a Packers team that just gave up a 126 yard outing with a TD to Vernon Davis and ranks amongst the worst in the league in guarding tight ends.6. Ben Watson (@ Buf)Watson is coming off a 10 catch, 100 yard performance with a TD last week and now goes up against a defense that gives up the second most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Get him in there if you can.7. Tony Gonzalez (@ Car)Gonzo hasn’t been nearly as dependable in the past, but against one of the worst defenses in the league in covering tight ends, you have to take a shot on him returning to form.8. Kevin Boss (@ Min)Manning will depend on Boss once again this week as he waits for his Buffalo Bills jersey
starting receivers to return from injury. This isn’t the greatest match-up for the big tight end to roll, but in a league left with slim pickings at the position, you could definitely do worse.9. Marcedes Lewis (vs Oak)Lewis is huge (6’6”, 275 pounds), but he’s also completely devoid of a pattern when it comes to his fantasy production. The Raiders aren’t very good at defending the tight end, so there’s some room for something to happen with him here.10. Greg Olsen (vs NE)The Patriots are in the lower third of the league in allowing fantasy points to tight ends. So even though Olsen is a non-factor most weeks in the Bears’ offense, he also has those weeks where his natural talent wins out… and it’s usually against teams like the Pats.11. Chris Cooley (vs TB)Cooley is a target-machine gathering in another 12 last week from McNabb to put him ahead of the pack in that category for tight ends on the season. However, he’s also only had two TDs and just two games where he’s put up 70 yards or better.12. Ed Dickson (@ Hou)The talented third-round pick out of Oregon will take over for the injured Todd Heap this week, and he couldn’t find a better game to come out in than against the league’s worst defense in pretty much every category you can think of. Watch out for this kid.13. Aaron Hernandez (@ Chi)Like last week, I can easily see the Pats using a two-tight end set for most of this game with Julius Peppers and the ferocious Bears D in front of them. If that’s the case, Hernandez will act as the pass-catcher with Gronkowski being the blocker once again.14. Tony Moeaki (@ SD)The Chiefs might have to go with Brodie Croyle this week, and if they do, Moeaki will be a consistent dump-off as the Chargers will look to take advantage of Croyle’s ineptitude.15. Kellen Winslow Jr. (@ Was)Winslow is fifth in the league in targets for tight ends, and with two TDs in the past cheap nfl jerseys
four weeks, he could be worth a shot despite his down-year.16. Jermaine Gresham (@ Pit)The Bengals will have to pass the ball to win this game, and against a tireless Steelers pass rush, Palmer might have to look for his ultra-talented tight end early and often in this one.Week 14 rankings for QBs, RBs and WRs
come his way last week—though his production has been a little on the light side of late. Still, the Titans are amongst the bottom quarter of the league in allowing fantasy points to opposing tight ends, so drop-off or not, Tamme is a must play in all fantasy formats this playoff week.3. Antonio Gates (vs KC)Gates almost looked like his normal self last weekend, which was pretty much heaven to the eyes of fantasy owners across the country. The Chiefs are actually the second stingiest team when it comes to allowing fantasy points to tight ends this year, but Gates doesn’t quite play by the same rules as normal folk.4. Vernon Davis (vs Sea)Vernon looks like he’s back on the warpath again after his 126 yard, one TD outburst last weekend, and now he has his buddy Alex Smith back under center this week as well. Earlier this season, the two of them were really starting to make some noise together hooking up for TDs in each of the last four weeks Smith was healthy (Weeks 4-7).5. Brandon Pettigrew (vs GB)Drew Stanton was definitely looking Pettigrew’s way last game tossing him a team-high nine targets while connecting with him for five catches and 36 yards. Those numbers came against a Bears team that rarely gives up a thing to opposing tight ends, while this week’s game comes against a Packers team that just gave up a 126 yard outing with a TD to Vernon Davis and ranks amongst the worst in the league in guarding tight ends.6. Ben Watson (@ Buf)Watson is coming off a 10 catch, 100 yard performance with a TD last week and now goes up against a defense that gives up the second most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Get him in there if you can.7. Tony Gonzalez (@ Car)Gonzo hasn’t been nearly as dependable in the past, but against one of the worst defenses in the league in covering tight ends, you have to take a shot on him returning to form.8. Kevin Boss (@ Min)Manning will depend on Boss once again this week as he waits for his Buffalo Bills jersey
starting receivers to return from injury. This isn’t the greatest match-up for the big tight end to roll, but in a league left with slim pickings at the position, you could definitely do worse.9. Marcedes Lewis (vs Oak)Lewis is huge (6’6”, 275 pounds), but he’s also completely devoid of a pattern when it comes to his fantasy production. The Raiders aren’t very good at defending the tight end, so there’s some room for something to happen with him here.10. Greg Olsen (vs NE)The Patriots are in the lower third of the league in allowing fantasy points to tight ends. So even though Olsen is a non-factor most weeks in the Bears’ offense, he also has those weeks where his natural talent wins out… and it’s usually against teams like the Pats.11. Chris Cooley (vs TB)Cooley is a target-machine gathering in another 12 last week from McNabb to put him ahead of the pack in that category for tight ends on the season. However, he’s also only had two TDs and just two games where he’s put up 70 yards or better.12. Ed Dickson (@ Hou)The talented third-round pick out of Oregon will take over for the injured Todd Heap this week, and he couldn’t find a better game to come out in than against the league’s worst defense in pretty much every category you can think of. Watch out for this kid.13. Aaron Hernandez (@ Chi)Like last week, I can easily see the Pats using a two-tight end set for most of this game with Julius Peppers and the ferocious Bears D in front of them. If that’s the case, Hernandez will act as the pass-catcher with Gronkowski being the blocker once again.14. Tony Moeaki (@ SD)The Chiefs might have to go with Brodie Croyle this week, and if they do, Moeaki will be a consistent dump-off as the Chargers will look to take advantage of Croyle’s ineptitude.15. Kellen Winslow Jr. (@ Was)Winslow is fifth in the league in targets for tight ends, and with two TDs in the past cheap nfl jerseys
four weeks, he could be worth a shot despite his down-year.16. Jermaine Gresham (@ Pit)The Bengals will have to pass the ball to win this game, and against a tireless Steelers pass rush, Palmer might have to look for his ultra-talented tight end early and often in this one.Week 14 rankings for QBs, RBs and WRs
2010年12月11日星期六
Pittsburgh Steelers Joey Porter James Harrison
To hear the Pittsburgh Steelers tell it, there's nothing wrong with Joey Porter that violent contact with a couple of NFL quarterbacks wouldn't cure.That arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last week?"He could play right now if he hadn't had the surgery," said defensive coordinator 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
Dick LeBeau. "This is more to make the long haul better for Joey."Those four spring practice sessions Porter missed, coupled with rumors that he'd like to parlay his 10.5 sacks last season into a fatter contract?"None of it is right," Porter growled when asked about published reports along those lines. "None of it."He then said he might stop talking to the media.Earlier, Porter implied he might share some opinions with President Bush "on the state of the country" when the Steelers visit the White House in June, then said he'd been "misinterpreted."Knowing Steeler coach Bill Cowher, he's probably glad to see Porter in ill humor. Perhaps it will carry over onto the field. "He just took time off to be with his family," Cowher said of Porter's spring practice absences. "That's his status right now."As for the knee, Porter had apparently played with slightly damaged cartilage throughout most of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2005 Super Bowl season. And the fact that he had "debris" cleaned out of his left knee only nine months earlier doesn't seem to bother the Pittsburgh training staff. Or so they say. Perhaps Steeler fans shouldn't read too much into the recent signing of former free agent linebacker James Harrison -- Porter's backup -- to a four-year deal worth $5.5 million.Still, Harrison's progress has to be encouraging. The 6-0, 242-pound Kent State grad had three 2005 sacks of his own, has proven to be a sure tackler, and scored on a 25-yard interception return last season during which he hurdled San Diego 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
running back LaDainian Tomlinson.Harrison had a monster season as a Kent State senior in 2001 -- 98 tackles, 20 of them for loss, three interceptions and 15 sacks. Then he was cut by the Steelers before they brought him back two years later to sub for the injured Clark Haggins."It's no big deal," said Harrison of his increased exposure in Porter's absence. "It's just like he missed a game or something."And, indeed, things could be worse. Two years ago, on the eve of the regular season, Porter was shot outside a Denver nightclub. By the second game in 2004, he was playing again.Get more Pittsburgh Steelers news and information
Dick LeBeau. "This is more to make the long haul better for Joey."Those four spring practice sessions Porter missed, coupled with rumors that he'd like to parlay his 10.5 sacks last season into a fatter contract?"None of it is right," Porter growled when asked about published reports along those lines. "None of it."He then said he might stop talking to the media.Earlier, Porter implied he might share some opinions with President Bush "on the state of the country" when the Steelers visit the White House in June, then said he'd been "misinterpreted."Knowing Steeler coach Bill Cowher, he's probably glad to see Porter in ill humor. Perhaps it will carry over onto the field. "He just took time off to be with his family," Cowher said of Porter's spring practice absences. "That's his status right now."As for the knee, Porter had apparently played with slightly damaged cartilage throughout most of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2005 Super Bowl season. And the fact that he had "debris" cleaned out of his left knee only nine months earlier doesn't seem to bother the Pittsburgh training staff. Or so they say. Perhaps Steeler fans shouldn't read too much into the recent signing of former free agent linebacker James Harrison -- Porter's backup -- to a four-year deal worth $5.5 million.Still, Harrison's progress has to be encouraging. The 6-0, 242-pound Kent State grad had three 2005 sacks of his own, has proven to be a sure tackler, and scored on a 25-yard interception return last season during which he hurdled San Diego 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
running back LaDainian Tomlinson.Harrison had a monster season as a Kent State senior in 2001 -- 98 tackles, 20 of them for loss, three interceptions and 15 sacks. Then he was cut by the Steelers before they brought him back two years later to sub for the injured Clark Haggins."It's no big deal," said Harrison of his increased exposure in Porter's absence. "It's just like he missed a game or something."And, indeed, things could be worse. Two years ago, on the eve of the regular season, Porter was shot outside a Denver nightclub. By the second game in 2004, he was playing again.Get more Pittsburgh Steelers news and information
2010年12月9日星期四
San Francisco 49ers Willie Middlebrooks Denver Broncos
His road through the NFL might have ended with the 49ers, but his only just begun to navigate his path through the legal labyrinth.Earlier this month, former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Willie Middlebrooks pleaded guilty to chargers stemming from an altercation with a lady friend on New Years of 2005. He was handed an 18-month deferred jail sentence and order to attend nine months worth of domestic violence education courses. The misdemeanor assault occurred while Middlebrooks was still a member of Denver Broncos.As if his legal troubles weren't enough, the 27-year-old is dealing with the idea that his NFL playing days may be over. Middlebrooks was cut by the 49ers this past December after suffering a severe leg injury. He only played in two regular season games in 2005 after logging 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey black jersey
significant game action, mostly as a special teamer, for the Denver Broncos from 2001-2004.Now he faces the prospect of a long and arduous rehab in order to return to the NFL, and if he so chooses, he may very well return with the last team to give him a chance. The 49ers traded DE John Engelberger for his rights, with the hopes that he would upgrade their beleaguered secondary. Obviously, that didn't happen, but it doesn't mean that Middlebrooks won't be given another chance to catch on in San Francisco.He just needs to get healthy and stay out of trouble to get that chance.
significant game action, mostly as a special teamer, for the Denver Broncos from 2001-2004.Now he faces the prospect of a long and arduous rehab in order to return to the NFL, and if he so chooses, he may very well return with the last team to give him a chance. The 49ers traded DE John Engelberger for his rights, with the hopes that he would upgrade their beleaguered secondary. Obviously, that didn't happen, but it doesn't mean that Middlebrooks won't be given another chance to catch on in San Francisco.He just needs to get healthy and stay out of trouble to get that chance.
San Francisco 49ers "Draft Prospectus: D-line possibilities"
There's no question that the defensive line is an area of need for the San Francisco 49ers. Although the Niners have a solid nucleus intact, they could still use a few more players to provide depth. After all, one of the keys to a good run defense, especially in a 3-4 scheme, is a fresh line. At Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
the risk of sounding like John Madden doing his Captain Obvious routine, exhausted linemen are much less effective on the field, and the less effective they are, the harder it is for the linebackers to make plays. Because of this, I would not be surprised to see the 49ers snatch up two or three D-linemen in the first few rounds of the upcoming draft. In anticipation, I have written columns profiling linemen Alan Branch, Adam Carriker, Jamaal Anderson, Ikaika Alama-Francis and Paul Soliai over recent weeks. Yet that still isn't enough. As mentioned earlier this week, I was asked to profile some of the defensive linemen whom the Niners could find in the later rounds of the draft, and this is Part Two of my acquiescence to that request.1. Walter Thomas (NT) Northwest Mississippi Community College:I briefly mentioned Thomas in the previous column, and I was asked to do a writeup of him, so here it is. Thomas is a 375-pound mountain of a nose tackle. He originally went to Oklahoma State but was kicked off the team after his freshman season. He has played in just 13 games after graduating from high school, has very little football knowledge, and is about as raw as the fish in a sushi joint. With his weight at 375, you know Thomas is going to have major stamina issues. Worse still, he's almost assured to develop knee and ankle problems due to the weight he's carrying, and he could end up out of football by the time he's 30.Still, Thomas is an intriguing player simply because of his size, so he might be an anchor on a 3-4 defensive line if he gets the right coaching. His upside is enough for him to be drafted, probably in the fifth or six round, but realistically, Thomas probably will not be expected to contribute much more than helping out for 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
a play or two in goal-line and short-yardage situations his first few years in the NFL. To be honest, that might be the only role Thomas ever has in an NFL defense if he can't shed several pounds.2. Ray McDonald - DE/DT - Florida:McDonald weighs in at 276 pounds, but he has a big enough frame to add more weight. He could legitimately play tackle in a 4-3 or on the end in a 3-4, perhaps doing very well in either. The former Gator is an excellent player, and he is surprisingly fast and agile for someone his size. He will probably last only through the midway point of the second round; however, if McDonald somehow slips down to the third, he would be one of the biggest steals of the draft.3. Ryan McBean - DE/DT - Oklahoma State:At 290 pounds, McBean is another player who projects as a tackle in a 4-3 or an end in a 3-4 in the NFL. Even though he is not a fast player on paper (4.98 40-yard dash), he plays fast on the field and is extremely athletic with excellent feet and a quick initial burst. He'll likely still be on the board in the middle to late third round, though there is a chance he could be taken a bit earlier because of his versatility and potential.4. Baraka Atkins - DE - Miami:Baraka is a character in Mortal Kombat who serves the Outworld emperor, Shao Kahn, and has long, razor-sharp blades extending from his forearms. Baraka Atkins is defensive end from the University of Miami. I just wanted to make that distinction to avoid any confusion now or during the draft.All foolishness and video game references aside, Atkins has all the skills and measurables a coach could ask for. He's big (6-4, 270), he's fast (4.69 40-yard dash), and he's strong, but he never really lived up to his potential. In fact, Atkins was actually benched for a lack of production during his senior season. In his defense, though, the Miami coaching staff had no idea what to do with him. First he was a tackle, then he was an end, then he was a tackle, again. This went on four all four years of his Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
career, and Atkins' production suffered because of it. Atkins will probably be available in the fourth round, and he could be a big-time steal if he lasts that long. With the right coaching and a set position on a defense, he could turn into a fantastic player in the NFL. Question? Comment? Complaint? E-mail Thomas at tsorrell .
the risk of sounding like John Madden doing his Captain Obvious routine, exhausted linemen are much less effective on the field, and the less effective they are, the harder it is for the linebackers to make plays. Because of this, I would not be surprised to see the 49ers snatch up two or three D-linemen in the first few rounds of the upcoming draft. In anticipation, I have written columns profiling linemen Alan Branch, Adam Carriker, Jamaal Anderson, Ikaika Alama-Francis and Paul Soliai over recent weeks. Yet that still isn't enough. As mentioned earlier this week, I was asked to profile some of the defensive linemen whom the Niners could find in the later rounds of the draft, and this is Part Two of my acquiescence to that request.1. Walter Thomas (NT) Northwest Mississippi Community College:I briefly mentioned Thomas in the previous column, and I was asked to do a writeup of him, so here it is. Thomas is a 375-pound mountain of a nose tackle. He originally went to Oklahoma State but was kicked off the team after his freshman season. He has played in just 13 games after graduating from high school, has very little football knowledge, and is about as raw as the fish in a sushi joint. With his weight at 375, you know Thomas is going to have major stamina issues. Worse still, he's almost assured to develop knee and ankle problems due to the weight he's carrying, and he could end up out of football by the time he's 30.Still, Thomas is an intriguing player simply because of his size, so he might be an anchor on a 3-4 defensive line if he gets the right coaching. His upside is enough for him to be drafted, probably in the fifth or six round, but realistically, Thomas probably will not be expected to contribute much more than helping out for 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
a play or two in goal-line and short-yardage situations his first few years in the NFL. To be honest, that might be the only role Thomas ever has in an NFL defense if he can't shed several pounds.2. Ray McDonald - DE/DT - Florida:McDonald weighs in at 276 pounds, but he has a big enough frame to add more weight. He could legitimately play tackle in a 4-3 or on the end in a 3-4, perhaps doing very well in either. The former Gator is an excellent player, and he is surprisingly fast and agile for someone his size. He will probably last only through the midway point of the second round; however, if McDonald somehow slips down to the third, he would be one of the biggest steals of the draft.3. Ryan McBean - DE/DT - Oklahoma State:At 290 pounds, McBean is another player who projects as a tackle in a 4-3 or an end in a 3-4 in the NFL. Even though he is not a fast player on paper (4.98 40-yard dash), he plays fast on the field and is extremely athletic with excellent feet and a quick initial burst. He'll likely still be on the board in the middle to late third round, though there is a chance he could be taken a bit earlier because of his versatility and potential.4. Baraka Atkins - DE - Miami:Baraka is a character in Mortal Kombat who serves the Outworld emperor, Shao Kahn, and has long, razor-sharp blades extending from his forearms. Baraka Atkins is defensive end from the University of Miami. I just wanted to make that distinction to avoid any confusion now or during the draft.All foolishness and video game references aside, Atkins has all the skills and measurables a coach could ask for. He's big (6-4, 270), he's fast (4.69 40-yard dash), and he's strong, but he never really lived up to his potential. In fact, Atkins was actually benched for a lack of production during his senior season. In his defense, though, the Miami coaching staff had no idea what to do with him. First he was a tackle, then he was an end, then he was a tackle, again. This went on four all four years of his Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
career, and Atkins' production suffered because of it. Atkins will probably be available in the fourth round, and he could be a big-time steal if he lasts that long. With the right coaching and a set position on a defense, he could turn into a fantastic player in the NFL. Question? Comment? Complaint? E-mail Thomas at tsorrell .
2010年12月2日星期四
Fantasy Football Rosters
OK, maybe you've already had your fantasy draft, maybe you haven't. Either way, you should consider your draft strategy for the players on the -- a team that has had lots of fantasy football success in the past few years.We'll assume the most common fantasy league settings here -- 12 teams, no points per reception and team defense points.So who's worth drafting and when should you target them?Let's start with quarterback.Peyton Manning should have another above-average statistical year in 2006 but I don't think he'll be the No. 1 fantasy QB 4 Brett Favre White jersey
this season. Top five? Definitely. Last year he ranked fourth among NFL quarterbacks as his fantasy numbers came back to Earth following that terrific 2004 season.Unlike some, I don't think the loss of Edgerrin James means the team will go back to the pass-happy ways of that season. I tend to believe that as the Colts' defense improved last year, the offense didn't have to step on the gas pedal and pile on points as much. Head coach Tony Dungy's growing confidence in the defense's ability to contain the opponent has yielded a more conservative offensive strategy. And, though the team lost a couple of key starters, the 2006 defense should be dominant again. The core players (Dwight Freeney, Cato June, Bob Sanders) are young and All-Pro-caliber.Advice: Pass on Manning unless he's available in the third or fourth round -- which is very unlikely. Stock up on running backs early instead and get a bargain passer after round five (Mark Bulger, Daunte Culpepper, Donovan McNabb, Drew Bledsoe).Speaking of running backs, let's examine the Colts' big two. With James Mungro lost for the year due to injury, it's looking very much like Dungy will go with a platoon of Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai to start the season.But the 5-foot-9, 203-pound Rhodes was used last year more in a traditional third-down role and has only averaged 3.1 carries per game the past three years. Combine that with his history of injuries and my advice is to pass on the 27-year-old this year -- unless you find yourself in need of a third starting running back in round six.Joseph Addai is one of many rookie running backs this preseason getting lots of love in fantasy drafts, generally being taken between rounds five and seven, before Rhodes.Although the Colts haven't had success getting either of their top running backs on track in their first three preseason games, Addai has already gained the confidence of the coaching staff in only four months with his new team.Advice: Draft Addai as third or fourth RB based on his potential. I think the Colts envisioned him as a starter when they used their only first-round draft pick on the former LSU Tiger and it's likely he'll wrestle the role of every-down back from Rhodes sometime this season.Moving on to receivers, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne should each have another very good year in '06 as Indianapolis' top two. But the 27-year-old Wayne has increased his reception total each of the last five years while Harrison's has consistently decreased. This year it's not unreasonable to think their respective touchdown totals will do the same. Like Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt of the St. Louis Rams, it appears the torch is slowly being passed from Harrison to Wayne.Advice: Pass on Harrison unless he falls past round four, and grab Wayne instead if you can with your third pick.Mike Vanderjagt capitalized on tons of kicking chances over the past few years. If healthy, Adam Vinatieri will do the same. I don't usually draft a kicker before the final round, but if available say one or two rounds from the end, you can't go wrong with the former New England Patriot.The team's defense was already discussed earlier, and check this out -- after the Colts open the season against a tough New York Giants team, their next four opponents are Houston, Jacksonville, the New York Jets and Tennessee. Advice: Take the Colts' team defense after the first five defenses are drafted and you should score Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
big on the other side of the ball this fantasy season.What Colts are not worth drafting in 2006? Brandon Stokley, who sat out the entire preseason with injury, and Dallas Clark, who has never been a consistent fantasy scorer.Good luck on your draft and your season. And don't forget to include one or two Colts on that roster of yours.
this season. Top five? Definitely. Last year he ranked fourth among NFL quarterbacks as his fantasy numbers came back to Earth following that terrific 2004 season.Unlike some, I don't think the loss of Edgerrin James means the team will go back to the pass-happy ways of that season. I tend to believe that as the Colts' defense improved last year, the offense didn't have to step on the gas pedal and pile on points as much. Head coach Tony Dungy's growing confidence in the defense's ability to contain the opponent has yielded a more conservative offensive strategy. And, though the team lost a couple of key starters, the 2006 defense should be dominant again. The core players (Dwight Freeney, Cato June, Bob Sanders) are young and All-Pro-caliber.Advice: Pass on Manning unless he's available in the third or fourth round -- which is very unlikely. Stock up on running backs early instead and get a bargain passer after round five (Mark Bulger, Daunte Culpepper, Donovan McNabb, Drew Bledsoe).Speaking of running backs, let's examine the Colts' big two. With James Mungro lost for the year due to injury, it's looking very much like Dungy will go with a platoon of Dominic Rhodes and Joseph Addai to start the season.But the 5-foot-9, 203-pound Rhodes was used last year more in a traditional third-down role and has only averaged 3.1 carries per game the past three years. Combine that with his history of injuries and my advice is to pass on the 27-year-old this year -- unless you find yourself in need of a third starting running back in round six.Joseph Addai is one of many rookie running backs this preseason getting lots of love in fantasy drafts, generally being taken between rounds five and seven, before Rhodes.Although the Colts haven't had success getting either of their top running backs on track in their first three preseason games, Addai has already gained the confidence of the coaching staff in only four months with his new team.Advice: Draft Addai as third or fourth RB based on his potential. I think the Colts envisioned him as a starter when they used their only first-round draft pick on the former LSU Tiger and it's likely he'll wrestle the role of every-down back from Rhodes sometime this season.Moving on to receivers, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne should each have another very good year in '06 as Indianapolis' top two. But the 27-year-old Wayne has increased his reception total each of the last five years while Harrison's has consistently decreased. This year it's not unreasonable to think their respective touchdown totals will do the same. Like Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt of the St. Louis Rams, it appears the torch is slowly being passed from Harrison to Wayne.Advice: Pass on Harrison unless he falls past round four, and grab Wayne instead if you can with your third pick.Mike Vanderjagt capitalized on tons of kicking chances over the past few years. If healthy, Adam Vinatieri will do the same. I don't usually draft a kicker before the final round, but if available say one or two rounds from the end, you can't go wrong with the former New England Patriot.The team's defense was already discussed earlier, and check this out -- after the Colts open the season against a tough New York Giants team, their next four opponents are Houston, Jacksonville, the New York Jets and Tennessee. Advice: Take the Colts' team defense after the first five defenses are drafted and you should score Steelers 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey
big on the other side of the ball this fantasy season.What Colts are not worth drafting in 2006? Brandon Stokley, who sat out the entire preseason with injury, and Dallas Clark, who has never been a consistent fantasy scorer.Good luck on your draft and your season. And don't forget to include one or two Colts on that roster of yours.
Joseph Addai New England Patriots Laurence Maroney
This year's best NFL matchup may very well be the against the New England Patriots this Sunday night. In fact, you could say it's got the feel of a midseason Super Bowl game, only without five hours of pregame hype and an overly ambitious halftime show. What's more, it pits two of the most successful rookie running backs of 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
2006 against each other for the first time as pros.On draft day last April, the Patriots took Laurence Maroney with the 21st overall pick. Some say the Colts were high on the University of Minnesota standout and would have grabbed him nine selections later if he was still on the draft board. Instead, Indianapolis "settled" for LSU's Joseph Addai. Understand that Maroney and Addai were two of the top four running backs drafted.So which of the two is making a bigger impact in the league this year as their teams meet in an AFC showdown?Addai impressed the Indianapolis staff enough during training camp to earn a share of the No. 1 job with veteran Dominic Rhodes. And the rookie from Houston, Texas has proven to be a complete back this season. He catches the ball well out of the backfield, finishes his runs hard and has been praised for picking up the blitz.From the first game of the season, Addai and Rhodes have alternated possessions when the offense has the ball. Their workload was virtually the same through six games, though Addai averaged 5.05 yards per carry against Rhodes' 3.25.Then came the game against the Denver Broncos. The Colts gave Addai 17 carries to Rhodes' three. He also caught five passes to Rhodes' three. What this seemed to indicate was the coaching staff's shift toward using Addai as the main back. Though coach Tony Dungy said after the game that the team will continue using a committee approach in the backfield, it's hard to imagine him not calling Addai's number more often in key situations going forward.Maroney, on the other hand, has proven to be a great complementary player for his team so far this season. He splits time in New England's backfield with Corey Dillon and contributes on special teams as a kick returner. His strengths are quickness and agility - which complement Dillon's size and power. And if you saw his 74-yard kick return in the game Monday night against the Vikings, it's obvious Maroney has game-breaking ability as a runner.Unlike Addai, however, he doesn't seem to be on the verge of becoming the lead back on his team any time soon -- at least not this season (barring an injury to his running mate). Coach Bill Belichick appears content using Maroney part time to keep opposing defenses off balance. In fact, his carries have decreased the past few weeks, averaging only eight rushing attempts the past two games after racking up 15.6 in the previous five contests.Maroney probably gets the edge as the 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
more explosive running back of the two, possessing more game-breaking athleticism than Addai. But the Colts' rookie is making a bigger impact in the league this season because he has been a more consistent part of his team's offense.This Sunday night in Foxboro we'll get the chance to see them both as their teams go head-to-head in a super matchup featuring two of the AFC's best. analysis,
2006 against each other for the first time as pros.On draft day last April, the Patriots took Laurence Maroney with the 21st overall pick. Some say the Colts were high on the University of Minnesota standout and would have grabbed him nine selections later if he was still on the draft board. Instead, Indianapolis "settled" for LSU's Joseph Addai. Understand that Maroney and Addai were two of the top four running backs drafted.So which of the two is making a bigger impact in the league this year as their teams meet in an AFC showdown?Addai impressed the Indianapolis staff enough during training camp to earn a share of the No. 1 job with veteran Dominic Rhodes. And the rookie from Houston, Texas has proven to be a complete back this season. He catches the ball well out of the backfield, finishes his runs hard and has been praised for picking up the blitz.From the first game of the season, Addai and Rhodes have alternated possessions when the offense has the ball. Their workload was virtually the same through six games, though Addai averaged 5.05 yards per carry against Rhodes' 3.25.Then came the game against the Denver Broncos. The Colts gave Addai 17 carries to Rhodes' three. He also caught five passes to Rhodes' three. What this seemed to indicate was the coaching staff's shift toward using Addai as the main back. Though coach Tony Dungy said after the game that the team will continue using a committee approach in the backfield, it's hard to imagine him not calling Addai's number more often in key situations going forward.Maroney, on the other hand, has proven to be a great complementary player for his team so far this season. He splits time in New England's backfield with Corey Dillon and contributes on special teams as a kick returner. His strengths are quickness and agility - which complement Dillon's size and power. And if you saw his 74-yard kick return in the game Monday night against the Vikings, it's obvious Maroney has game-breaking ability as a runner.Unlike Addai, however, he doesn't seem to be on the verge of becoming the lead back on his team any time soon -- at least not this season (barring an injury to his running mate). Coach Bill Belichick appears content using Maroney part time to keep opposing defenses off balance. In fact, his carries have decreased the past few weeks, averaging only eight rushing attempts the past two games after racking up 15.6 in the previous five contests.Maroney probably gets the edge as the 6 Super Bowl Champions jersey White jersey
more explosive running back of the two, possessing more game-breaking athleticism than Addai. But the Colts' rookie is making a bigger impact in the league this season because he has been a more consistent part of his team's offense.This Sunday night in Foxboro we'll get the chance to see them both as their teams go head-to-head in a super matchup featuring two of the AFC's best. analysis,
2010年12月1日星期三
And Wesley makes four: Ex-Chief shores up Raiders at safety (hopefully)
Over the weekend, " target="_new">safety Greg Wesley reportedly visited with the ; it turns out that team and player liked one another so much that Wesley has signed a one-year contract.Aside from just general principles of swiping an underappreciated vet from an AFC West rival (in this case, the Kansas City Chiefs), the Wesley signing represents a perceptive and well-taken move by the silver and black.Wesley was an unfortunate victim of the Chiefs’ youth movement, having been essentially assured that he’d lose his job to draft pick DeJuan Morgan; a bit 4 Brett Favre White jersey
mysterious is the other 31 teams’ hesitance to make a trade for the 30-year-old Wesley. (On the other hand, who makes trades in the NFL anymore? Oh yeah, Washington and Miami. And New Orleans. And ... ah, forget it.)As late as 2005, Wesley was a top-level safety starting all 16 games for the Chiefs and bagging six interceptions while recording eight passes defensed. In fact, in his first six years with the club after being a third-round pick in 2000, Wesley’s average season featured five interceptions, 66 tackles and one sack. In the high-expectation season of 2006, though, Wesley was another disappointment on a frustrating Kansas City team, suddenly a shadow of his '05 self repeatedly getting burned deep for whatever reason.About a week ago, Wesley was released, leaving behind his nine years, 29 picks and nearly 500 tackles with Kansas City. Fortunately for Raiders fans, again, the man’s only 30 and still has some time to turn his career around and produce for at least a season.Unfortunately for Raiders fans, Wesley has played the attitude monster all this year in expressing his disgruntlement with the Kansas City front office. He self-proclaimed himself “done with the Chiefs” in May, laid out the old “trade me or release me” demand and ultimately took his case to the media, ranting that: "They told me they were going to let me go right when the season was over. This is my livelihood. My career took a little bit of a hit last year. I've been a starter, and then last year they gave a guy my position. There was no competition. They just gave it to him. So it's obvious they don't want me. So why not let me go on my way? Let me get my career back on track. Let me go play. I'm not a backup."Red flags? Sure. What’s that about “my career took a little bit of a hit last year”? A player admitting he lost a step? Perhaps, but probably Wesley is referring to the simple fact that 2007 saw him go his first season as a backup. Bernard Pollard instead got the call at Wesley’s spot while Wesley was used sparingly. "They could have traded me last year,” said Wesley. “They chose not to. I was good about it, didn't cause distractions or problems during the season.”The Raider Nation had better hope that Wesley’s reticence to come off the bench evaporates quickly, because there’s no way Michael Huff and Gibril Wilson are budging from the first 11 on the Oakland ‘D’.On the other hand, if Wesley is happy in the silver and black, he should make the team by dint of necessity alone. In competing for playing time, the names being bandied around for Wesley to overcome include the likes of Rashad Baker, John Bowie, Jarrod Cooper, Darrick Brown and Michael Waddell. In fact, with the secondary Oakland’s building up for Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
2008, the Raiders could probably stand pat at safety with Huff, Wilson, Wesley and Tyvon Branch.All in all, then, a decent pickup for the Raiders (if Wesley sticks, that is). A bit of veteran savvy, particularly from a guy with lots of hatred for the Chiefs is always welcome for the Raiders, particularly as a quick-fix solution for a somewhat thin secondary.Huff, Wilson, Wesley and Branch, eh? Not bad.Always appreciating the old guys throughout the year at (21)
mysterious is the other 31 teams’ hesitance to make a trade for the 30-year-old Wesley. (On the other hand, who makes trades in the NFL anymore? Oh yeah, Washington and Miami. And New Orleans. And ... ah, forget it.)As late as 2005, Wesley was a top-level safety starting all 16 games for the Chiefs and bagging six interceptions while recording eight passes defensed. In fact, in his first six years with the club after being a third-round pick in 2000, Wesley’s average season featured five interceptions, 66 tackles and one sack. In the high-expectation season of 2006, though, Wesley was another disappointment on a frustrating Kansas City team, suddenly a shadow of his '05 self repeatedly getting burned deep for whatever reason.About a week ago, Wesley was released, leaving behind his nine years, 29 picks and nearly 500 tackles with Kansas City. Fortunately for Raiders fans, again, the man’s only 30 and still has some time to turn his career around and produce for at least a season.Unfortunately for Raiders fans, Wesley has played the attitude monster all this year in expressing his disgruntlement with the Kansas City front office. He self-proclaimed himself “done with the Chiefs” in May, laid out the old “trade me or release me” demand and ultimately took his case to the media, ranting that: "They told me they were going to let me go right when the season was over. This is my livelihood. My career took a little bit of a hit last year. I've been a starter, and then last year they gave a guy my position. There was no competition. They just gave it to him. So it's obvious they don't want me. So why not let me go on my way? Let me get my career back on track. Let me go play. I'm not a backup."Red flags? Sure. What’s that about “my career took a little bit of a hit last year”? A player admitting he lost a step? Perhaps, but probably Wesley is referring to the simple fact that 2007 saw him go his first season as a backup. Bernard Pollard instead got the call at Wesley’s spot while Wesley was used sparingly. "They could have traded me last year,” said Wesley. “They chose not to. I was good about it, didn't cause distractions or problems during the season.”The Raider Nation had better hope that Wesley’s reticence to come off the bench evaporates quickly, because there’s no way Michael Huff and Gibril Wilson are budging from the first 11 on the Oakland ‘D’.On the other hand, if Wesley is happy in the silver and black, he should make the team by dint of necessity alone. In competing for playing time, the names being bandied around for Wesley to overcome include the likes of Rashad Baker, John Bowie, Jarrod Cooper, Darrick Brown and Michael Waddell. In fact, with the secondary Oakland’s building up for Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
2008, the Raiders could probably stand pat at safety with Huff, Wilson, Wesley and Tyvon Branch.All in all, then, a decent pickup for the Raiders (if Wesley sticks, that is). A bit of veteran savvy, particularly from a guy with lots of hatred for the Chiefs is always welcome for the Raiders, particularly as a quick-fix solution for a somewhat thin secondary.Huff, Wilson, Wesley and Branch, eh? Not bad.Always appreciating the old guys throughout the year at (21)
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