Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesDear Chris Bosh,I am a Warriors fan and humbly submit that you should consider Golden State as a possible destination. I know that you have some concerns, but hopefully I can address them quickly.First, free agents have been afraid to sign with us because we have one of the worst owners in sports.Good news on that front. Cohan is on the way out, with Larry Ellison possibly taking his place. Without the bad owner, we are just a place with plenty of nightlife and great weather,and we have a team with tons of Cleveland Browns jersey
talent.Secondly, people say we don't have the cap space.However, we do have the talent to swing a sign and trade. This way we can offer you more money for a longer time. Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright,and Monta Ellis (with a straight-up trade of CoreyMaggette for Hedo Turkoglu, since he has not fit in if the Raptors are interested).Why the Warriors?The Warriors can offer you more than any other team. We can give the Raptors enough for a sign and trade to give you more money. We can team you with a young big with enormous potential (Anthony Randolph). Chicago can offer the impressive young big, but who is going to spread the floor on Chicago?They have no shooters.We have Stephen Curry, Anthony Morrow, Reggie Williams, and Kelenna Azubuike. This is supposed to Dallas Cowboys jersey
be a stacked draft, Chicago may have to trade picks with Milwaukee, the Knicks' pick is held by Utah, and Miami is not in the lottery. We should get a top-five pick and we may even land John Wall.Finally, let me appeal to your legacy.If you go somewhere with Wade, Durant, or LeBron, you will be Robin to their Batman. The time is here for the Warriors to emerge; we just need a player of your caliber to get us over the edge. When the Warriors are good, you will get the credit for transforming our destiny.Imagine the endorsements you could get by transforming a major market. (Transforming the Clippers would be the biggest stage, but you saw what happened to Blake Griffin; do you really want to risk that?) I saw you emerging in the All Star Game. Let us provide the platform.Just imagine getting passes from Stephen Curry, who I like to think of as Nash Jr. Imaging having your assist numbers inflated because when you kick out your shooters will make such a high percentage. You will play with an energetic, athletic, Denver Broncos jersey
young big who can put his focus on outstanding D with you taking the scoring load. Transforming the Warriors would be just the thing Hall of Fame voters will take into consideration.Please consider all this during your impending free agency and we wish you the best of luck in recovering from your injury.Sincerely,A Warriors FanP.S.Have you heard our fans? We are loud when we suck. If you remember, we moved the building during the WE BELIEVE season.
2010年12月29日星期三
29 Dec 10 2010 NBA Playoffs: Let the Good Times Roll
The anthem "Let The Good Times Roll" by The Cars is the best song to start anything. So here we are on Friday, April 16and there is going to be a NBA playoff quadruple header tomorrow and suffice it to say that the good times are about to roll.I am going to add to the good times by combining pop culture quotes with a first round NBA playoff preview. If it doesn't work then I will quote Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy as to why:"Humans are the third smartest species on Earth."1. The "History Is Gonna Change" SeriesDid you know that the Cleveland Cavs have never beaten theChicago Bulls in the playoffs before? They had guys like Ron Harper, Craig Ehlo and Gerald Wilkens to guard Michael Jordan and even with those epic NBA stars, the Cavs still couldn't handle that two guard out of Minnesota Vikings
North Carolina.They say that only Dean Smith could stop MJ, whoever they are that is.The Cavs now have Lebron James, Mo Williams, JJ Hickson, Antawn Jamison and Shaquille O'Neal in the starting five and the deepest bench in the league led by Anderson Varejao and Delonte West.So like Marty McFly told Principal Stricklandin Back to The Future, "History is gonna change."The Bulls will win Game3 and lose the series infive.2. The "So Hot Right Now" SeriesKevin Durant is coming off a MVP caliber season and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder into a tilt with the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. Phil Jackson noticed that the youngster had a very good season and pulled some zen on him.Then everyone on the sports chatter side broke down whether Durant responding toJackson through the newspaper was a good idea.I thought quoting Zoolander would be a great dichotomy for the thoughtfulJackson and it was Durant that Mugatu told all who would listen that is "So hot right now."The Thunder will take two games and the Lakers take the series in six.3. The "Won't Get Fooled Again"SeriesCharlotte is in the playoffs for the first time and they get a series with the super deep and talented Orlando Magic. I do like the coaching matchup of Larry Brown over Stan Van Gundy but other than that, I like everything about the Magic.Orlando had trouble last year in the first round with Philly butthey "Won't get fooled again" this time around.The Who sang about the old boss being the new boss and as of right now, in the East, that is the Orlando Magic.I would like to say the Bobcats can win a game in this series but that probably won't happen as the Magic will run through them in four games.4. "The Dude Abides" SeriesIn a Texas sized match-up, I chose a quote from The Big Lebowski, a California movie. Dallas and San Antonio are an honest to goodness rivalry ina NBA that does not want to market team rivalries.The NBA has never known what to do with the Spurs. They have been one of the best teams assembled and haverings it backup.However, they do not have the star power of the MJ Bulls, the Magic Lakersor the Larry Celtics.The Mavs biggest star is their megalomaniac (I use this term in the nicest, fuzziest New England Patriots jersey
way possible in this case) owner Mark Cuban.Dirk Nowitzki is the best player in the series and the teams are very even. 'The Dude abides' a Maverick series win in six tough games.5. The "Man With No Name" SeriesThe good news is that the Hawks will not play Cleveland in the second round. Milwaukee is back in the playoffs and they have a good core of young talent led by Brandon Jennings.The bad news is that the Hawks will play Orlando in the second round. Andrew Bogut is out for the playoffs.Like Clint Eastwood walking through the Old West, the Hawks could be called a "Man with no name." Sure they have Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Mike Bibby but there whole is greater than the sum of their parts thanks to the great coaching of Mike Woodson.The ugly is that the Hawks will sweep the Bucks.6.The "Just A Bit Outside" SeriesPhoenix is playing better defense and is a surprise three seed out West. Portland has battled injuries all year and now Brandon Roy is out for the first round.This series could be a wild thing to behold. The Suns might just try to outscore the Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers might not have the depth to run with the Suns so they might try to keep the games under 100 points.If Harry Doyle was calling this series he would say that the shot was taken "Just a bit outside" of the three point line often.The Trail Blazers will win Game three at home and lose the series in Game five.7. The "Shot of Adrenaline to the Heart" SeriesLike Happy Gilmore said about his grandma, the Celtics are old. They started fast this year then they struggled through the last half of the season. The Heat are a team bereft of talent. They have some nice young pieces, they have Dwyane Wade but they are not a serioustitle contender.It is hard to call Boston a serious title contender right now.In a series where both teams are lying on the living room floor of Lance's house in Pulp Fiction with Vincent about to give a "Shot of Adrenaline to the heart" to one of them, I'm going to pick the Heat in seven lackluster games.8. The "I've Made A Huge Mistake" SeriesEvery playoff team in the Western Conferencehas 50 wins. The Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz both were around the two seed for most of the year and now they meet in the four-five match-up.So these two teams get to pound on each other for what looks like a seven game series then they get to face the Lakers in round two.Like every character in Arrested Development said at one time or another (and to put both teams intoa singular form), "I've made a huge mistake."Game seven will be in Denver and that is good enough for me to take the Nuggets.The NBA playoffs are a real long grind so any team, especially in the West, that can close New Orleans Saints jersey
out their first round series early will be in great shape for round two.I have a few weeks to think of a gimmick for the second round preview. I usually just make fun of my wrong picks but I might have gotten them all right this time around.The force is with me as you can tell.
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29 Dec 10 What Makes The NBA Playoffs So Special?
内容: Yes folks, this is that time of the year. The NBA regular season just wrapped up, and the playoffs are already looming large. The excitement is palpable and you can almost feel the electricity in the air as 16 teams, some luckier than others, but all equally deserving, embark on the quest for the Larry OBrien Trophy. 16 teams for title? Is it that wide open? Or is it a mirage (for most of them, obviously)?The NBA is the most predictable of all major American and European sports leagues. Just looking at the stats, the evidence suggests that if youre New York Giants jersey
seeded in the top three in your respective conference, the odds at winning it all are overwhelmingly favorable. Indeed, since the NBA expanded its playoffs to the current 16-team format in 1984, on only one occasion has a team ranked outside the top three of its conference gone on to win it all. The odd man out? The 1995 Houston Rockets, who were seeded sixth in the Western Conference. What about runner-ups, then?The only team not ranked in the top three in its conference to ever reach the NBA Finals in that span of nearly three decades is the 1999 New York Knicks who would become the first No. 8 seed to knock out a No. 1, the Miami Heat, on their way to the finals. However, one could argue that the seeding during the 1998-99 season was misleading at best, or irrelevant at worst, since it was a lockout-plagued campaign trimmed down to only 50 games.Therefore, the facts give further relevance to the NBA regular season and more credence to the scheme of home-court advantage. Yet, despite the predictability factor, you would be hard-pressed not to concede that the NBA playoffs are as exciting, dramatic and spectacular as those of any major American and European sports league. Why is that? This is the how that makes all the difference. One of the ingredients that make the playoffs special is the intensity. During the playoffs, NBA players give it all out on both ends of the floor. They play like there is no tomorrow as they understand that every possession counts. Youll see them heroically diving for a ball or fearlessly taking a charge with no regard for their body integrity, as bumps and bruises and sweats are to serve the greater good and inspire the team to the ultimate victory. The margin for error is also quite slim; as they say, Win or go home! (TNT playoffs coverage slogan)The tournament is also about matchups. In any battle, the side that can dictate the pace and impose its will has already done 50 percent of the task; the other half is only about execution. This is true in military strategy, and even more so in basketball. This is where X and O come into play. Anyone who seen the movie 300 knows what Im talking about. The only way the 300 Spartans were able to block the Persian army of more than one million soldiers, is through rational and efficient use of terrain, which translated into force multipliers. That is exactly what every coach strives to achieve in trying to dictate the pace of the game and create mismatchesto their advantage against New York Jets jersey
their opponents. Thereby, a coach of a young athletic team will try to push the ball and speed up the pace to get easy buckets in transition as opposed to the one who has an older more experience team who will try to slow the pace down and get into half-court set-ups where speed and athleticism are neutralized and where fundamentals and defense rule supremely. This constant quest for that competitive edge and the clash of contrasting styles just enrich the chess-like mind game. That confluence of fortunes only translates into smart basketball strategies and tactics.Moreover, the one or two days' rest is a game-changer. No back-to-back games or jet lag while the opponent was resting. Every team is on equal footing. This reduces the risks and hazards, and hence randomness, which are very influential in some inexplicable wins and losses during the regular season. Furthermore, the rest also allows coaches to make adjustments; that ability not only to identify and adapt to the opponent game plan, but also to develop a response to the sole purpose of thwarting and disrupting the opposition strategy. In other words, it the purest form of advanced tactics.Above all, the playoffs confer glory and immortality. More than a competitive sport, the NBA is an entertainment to which the playoffs are the climax. Therefore, as such, it is driven by star power. To begin to understand how paramount star power is to a sport, imagine how a once mainstream sport like heavyweight boxing has stumbled into the abyss of irrelevance. The chief reason is plain and simple: lack of star power. Since the infamous Dark Ages of the late 70s, the NBA has never lacked the zest and flair that capture the imagination of both dedicated and casual fans. There were Magic and Larry in the 80s and Michael in the 90s. With less flair but equal efficiency, Shaquille and Tim took over the noughties. Now this era belongs to Kobe and LeBron. The playoffs offer them the grandest stage to shine in front of a worldwide audience riveted to Oakland Raiders jersey
their every move. Think of it as a movie where the leading roles are already cast. The only thing missing here is the drama that is yet to unfold as we already know the best of the best shall prevail.As regular season brilliance builds an All-Star, playoffs success defines a superstar and NBA Finals achievement enshrines a legend.So let the journey begin!N.B.
North Carolina.They say that only Dean Smith could stop MJ, whoever they are that is.The Cavs now have Lebron James, Mo Williams, JJ Hickson, Antawn Jamison and Shaquille O'Neal in the starting five and the deepest bench in the league led by Anderson Varejao and Delonte West.So like Marty McFly told Principal Stricklandin Back to The Future, "History is gonna change."The Bulls will win Game3 and lose the series infive.2. The "So Hot Right Now" SeriesKevin Durant is coming off a MVP caliber season and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder into a tilt with the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. Phil Jackson noticed that the youngster had a very good season and pulled some zen on him.Then everyone on the sports chatter side broke down whether Durant responding toJackson through the newspaper was a good idea.I thought quoting Zoolander would be a great dichotomy for the thoughtfulJackson and it was Durant that Mugatu told all who would listen that is "So hot right now."The Thunder will take two games and the Lakers take the series in six.3. The "Won't Get Fooled Again"SeriesCharlotte is in the playoffs for the first time and they get a series with the super deep and talented Orlando Magic. I do like the coaching matchup of Larry Brown over Stan Van Gundy but other than that, I like everything about the Magic.Orlando had trouble last year in the first round with Philly butthey "Won't get fooled again" this time around.The Who sang about the old boss being the new boss and as of right now, in the East, that is the Orlando Magic.I would like to say the Bobcats can win a game in this series but that probably won't happen as the Magic will run through them in four games.4. "The Dude Abides" SeriesIn a Texas sized match-up, I chose a quote from The Big Lebowski, a California movie. Dallas and San Antonio are an honest to goodness rivalry ina NBA that does not want to market team rivalries.The NBA has never known what to do with the Spurs. They have been one of the best teams assembled and haverings it backup.However, they do not have the star power of the MJ Bulls, the Magic Lakersor the Larry Celtics.The Mavs biggest star is their megalomaniac (I use this term in the nicest, fuzziest New England Patriots jersey
way possible in this case) owner Mark Cuban.Dirk Nowitzki is the best player in the series and the teams are very even. 'The Dude abides' a Maverick series win in six tough games.5. The "Man With No Name" SeriesThe good news is that the Hawks will not play Cleveland in the second round. Milwaukee is back in the playoffs and they have a good core of young talent led by Brandon Jennings.The bad news is that the Hawks will play Orlando in the second round. Andrew Bogut is out for the playoffs.Like Clint Eastwood walking through the Old West, the Hawks could be called a "Man with no name." Sure they have Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Mike Bibby but there whole is greater than the sum of their parts thanks to the great coaching of Mike Woodson.The ugly is that the Hawks will sweep the Bucks.6.The "Just A Bit Outside" SeriesPhoenix is playing better defense and is a surprise three seed out West. Portland has battled injuries all year and now Brandon Roy is out for the first round.This series could be a wild thing to behold. The Suns might just try to outscore the Trail Blazers. The Trail Blazers might not have the depth to run with the Suns so they might try to keep the games under 100 points.If Harry Doyle was calling this series he would say that the shot was taken "Just a bit outside" of the three point line often.The Trail Blazers will win Game three at home and lose the series in Game five.7. The "Shot of Adrenaline to the Heart" SeriesLike Happy Gilmore said about his grandma, the Celtics are old. They started fast this year then they struggled through the last half of the season. The Heat are a team bereft of talent. They have some nice young pieces, they have Dwyane Wade but they are not a serioustitle contender.It is hard to call Boston a serious title contender right now.In a series where both teams are lying on the living room floor of Lance's house in Pulp Fiction with Vincent about to give a "Shot of Adrenaline to the heart" to one of them, I'm going to pick the Heat in seven lackluster games.8. The "I've Made A Huge Mistake" SeriesEvery playoff team in the Western Conferencehas 50 wins. The Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz both were around the two seed for most of the year and now they meet in the four-five match-up.So these two teams get to pound on each other for what looks like a seven game series then they get to face the Lakers in round two.Like every character in Arrested Development said at one time or another (and to put both teams intoa singular form), "I've made a huge mistake."Game seven will be in Denver and that is good enough for me to take the Nuggets.The NBA playoffs are a real long grind so any team, especially in the West, that can close New Orleans Saints jersey
out their first round series early will be in great shape for round two.I have a few weeks to think of a gimmick for the second round preview. I usually just make fun of my wrong picks but I might have gotten them all right this time around.The force is with me as you can tell.
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29 Dec 10 What Makes The NBA Playoffs So Special?
内容: Yes folks, this is that time of the year. The NBA regular season just wrapped up, and the playoffs are already looming large. The excitement is palpable and you can almost feel the electricity in the air as 16 teams, some luckier than others, but all equally deserving, embark on the quest for the Larry OBrien Trophy. 16 teams for title? Is it that wide open? Or is it a mirage (for most of them, obviously)?The NBA is the most predictable of all major American and European sports leagues. Just looking at the stats, the evidence suggests that if youre New York Giants jersey
seeded in the top three in your respective conference, the odds at winning it all are overwhelmingly favorable. Indeed, since the NBA expanded its playoffs to the current 16-team format in 1984, on only one occasion has a team ranked outside the top three of its conference gone on to win it all. The odd man out? The 1995 Houston Rockets, who were seeded sixth in the Western Conference. What about runner-ups, then?The only team not ranked in the top three in its conference to ever reach the NBA Finals in that span of nearly three decades is the 1999 New York Knicks who would become the first No. 8 seed to knock out a No. 1, the Miami Heat, on their way to the finals. However, one could argue that the seeding during the 1998-99 season was misleading at best, or irrelevant at worst, since it was a lockout-plagued campaign trimmed down to only 50 games.Therefore, the facts give further relevance to the NBA regular season and more credence to the scheme of home-court advantage. Yet, despite the predictability factor, you would be hard-pressed not to concede that the NBA playoffs are as exciting, dramatic and spectacular as those of any major American and European sports league. Why is that? This is the how that makes all the difference. One of the ingredients that make the playoffs special is the intensity. During the playoffs, NBA players give it all out on both ends of the floor. They play like there is no tomorrow as they understand that every possession counts. Youll see them heroically diving for a ball or fearlessly taking a charge with no regard for their body integrity, as bumps and bruises and sweats are to serve the greater good and inspire the team to the ultimate victory. The margin for error is also quite slim; as they say, Win or go home! (TNT playoffs coverage slogan)The tournament is also about matchups. In any battle, the side that can dictate the pace and impose its will has already done 50 percent of the task; the other half is only about execution. This is true in military strategy, and even more so in basketball. This is where X and O come into play. Anyone who seen the movie 300 knows what Im talking about. The only way the 300 Spartans were able to block the Persian army of more than one million soldiers, is through rational and efficient use of terrain, which translated into force multipliers. That is exactly what every coach strives to achieve in trying to dictate the pace of the game and create mismatchesto their advantage against New York Jets jersey
their opponents. Thereby, a coach of a young athletic team will try to push the ball and speed up the pace to get easy buckets in transition as opposed to the one who has an older more experience team who will try to slow the pace down and get into half-court set-ups where speed and athleticism are neutralized and where fundamentals and defense rule supremely. This constant quest for that competitive edge and the clash of contrasting styles just enrich the chess-like mind game. That confluence of fortunes only translates into smart basketball strategies and tactics.Moreover, the one or two days' rest is a game-changer. No back-to-back games or jet lag while the opponent was resting. Every team is on equal footing. This reduces the risks and hazards, and hence randomness, which are very influential in some inexplicable wins and losses during the regular season. Furthermore, the rest also allows coaches to make adjustments; that ability not only to identify and adapt to the opponent game plan, but also to develop a response to the sole purpose of thwarting and disrupting the opposition strategy. In other words, it the purest form of advanced tactics.Above all, the playoffs confer glory and immortality. More than a competitive sport, the NBA is an entertainment to which the playoffs are the climax. Therefore, as such, it is driven by star power. To begin to understand how paramount star power is to a sport, imagine how a once mainstream sport like heavyweight boxing has stumbled into the abyss of irrelevance. The chief reason is plain and simple: lack of star power. Since the infamous Dark Ages of the late 70s, the NBA has never lacked the zest and flair that capture the imagination of both dedicated and casual fans. There were Magic and Larry in the 80s and Michael in the 90s. With less flair but equal efficiency, Shaquille and Tim took over the noughties. Now this era belongs to Kobe and LeBron. The playoffs offer them the grandest stage to shine in front of a worldwide audience riveted to Oakland Raiders jersey
their every move. Think of it as a movie where the leading roles are already cast. The only thing missing here is the drama that is yet to unfold as we already know the best of the best shall prevail.As regular season brilliance builds an All-Star, playoffs success defines a superstar and NBA Finals achievement enshrines a legend.So let the journey begin!N.B.
2010年12月28日星期二
28 Dec 10 Rajon Rondo: The Boston Celtics' Little Big Man
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesIt is etched on the pantheon walls of the basketball gods: To become a legend, you must create your legacy in the playoffs.All the greats were doubted at one time or another in college or in the infancy of their pro careers. If they are partnered with future Hall-of-Famers, naysayers claim it isNew Orleans Saints jersey
because they have those players surrounding them.That is thedilemma Rajon Rondo found himself induring the first three years of his career.Each year he has helmed the point for the Boston Celtics, they have either won a championship or made it past the first round of the playoffs.Rondo's postseason success is due to his offseason workouts.It is well documented that last summer he spent his time with Mark Price, one of the best shooters at his position. Rondo struggled with thenewmechanics, but he now has it figured out, and it's paying off. He's displayed the knack tohit the three under duress.What is truly amazing about this gifted player is that he never watched basketball growing up. He lived for football instead; he played the quarterback position.Rondo's game comes from within, his New York Giants jersey
perceived shortcomings have been turned into a major strength.When he puts his mind to it, no one can stop him. His teammates feed off of his frenzied attacks and throw themselveswholeheartedlyinto the foray.Rondo displayed just that by dishing out 19 assists in his last playoff game, a win over the Cavaliers that knotted the series at one apiece.He makes lesser-skilled offensive players look like stars, and he helps superstars uphold their Hall-of-Fame status. Rondo knows his weapons' tendencies inside and out. He understands and respectsthe Big New York Jets jersey
Threeenough to balance his aggressiveness and knowingwhento feed them.He is the MVP in spirit, and that spirit is what makes the Big Three understand that this little big man, the smallest Rottweiler on the team, knows how to lead them.He is the present and future of the Boston Celtics. Celtic Nation wouldn't have it any other way.It is etched on the pantheon walls of the basketball gods: And the smallest shall lead them.
because they have those players surrounding them.That is thedilemma Rajon Rondo found himself induring the first three years of his career.Each year he has helmed the point for the Boston Celtics, they have either won a championship or made it past the first round of the playoffs.Rondo's postseason success is due to his offseason workouts.It is well documented that last summer he spent his time with Mark Price, one of the best shooters at his position. Rondo struggled with thenewmechanics, but he now has it figured out, and it's paying off. He's displayed the knack tohit the three under duress.What is truly amazing about this gifted player is that he never watched basketball growing up. He lived for football instead; he played the quarterback position.Rondo's game comes from within, his New York Giants jersey
perceived shortcomings have been turned into a major strength.When he puts his mind to it, no one can stop him. His teammates feed off of his frenzied attacks and throw themselveswholeheartedlyinto the foray.Rondo displayed just that by dishing out 19 assists in his last playoff game, a win over the Cavaliers that knotted the series at one apiece.He makes lesser-skilled offensive players look like stars, and he helps superstars uphold their Hall-of-Fame status. Rondo knows his weapons' tendencies inside and out. He understands and respectsthe Big New York Jets jersey
Threeenough to balance his aggressiveness and knowingwhento feed them.He is the MVP in spirit, and that spirit is what makes the Big Three understand that this little big man, the smallest Rottweiler on the team, knows how to lead them.He is the present and future of the Boston Celtics. Celtic Nation wouldn't have it any other way.It is etched on the pantheon walls of the basketball gods: And the smallest shall lead them.
2010年12月27日星期一
27 Dec 10 What Team Has a Better Chance for a Comeback? Phoenix or Orlando?
Doug Benc/Getty ImagesWhat team has a better chance for a comeback? Phoenix or Orlando?The NBA conference finals have been less than exciting. The LA Lakers are in control over the Suns as they lead the series 2-0 and have won both games very easily pulling away in the fourth quarter. In the Eastern conference finals the Boston Celtics have taken both games against the Orlando Magic in Orlando and have a 2-0 lead back to Boston. The reality of it all would suggest that we will see a final between the LA Detroit Lions
Lakers and the Boston Celtics. However stranger things have happened in the playoffs in the past so I thought I would ask the question. What team has a better chance for a comeback? The Phoenix Suns or the Orlando Magic?*****Bet the NBA Playoffs at Just Bet.com and get up a 60% bonus and be treated like a VIP!Why the Phoenix Suns still have a chance in this series.The Suns are down 2-0 but unlike the Magic they have lost both games on the road. This still means they have a home court advantage to fuel their desire to win a few games and turn this into a series after all. In the last game they were tied heading into the 4th quarter and proved they could play with the Lakers for at least three quarters. Jason Richardson has shown that he can score against the Lakers and if Channing Frye (1-for-13 for the series) can hit a few shots than the Suns can get a game in the series. Ron Artest will most likely not have another night like he did in game two and so that means it is the Suns that still have a better chance of making this into a series.*****Bet the NBA Playoffs at Just Bet.com and get up a 60% bonus and be treated like a VIP!Why the Orlando Magic still have a chance in this series.The Magic are down 0-2 and they lost two home games, but both games were close. The Boston Celtics are not the great home team they have been in the past and they have let leads slip all year long. The Magic are thoroughly embarrassed and the Celtics are mocking the Green Bay Packers jersey
Magic and talking about the series already being over and bragging in public. Although Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce are back pedaling from statements the Magic should have plenty of bulletin board material to get motivated for game three in Boston. Vince Carter is searching for retribution after missing two free throws and should be aggressive on the scoring end.Bet the NBA Playoffs at Just Bet.com and get up a 60% bonus and be treated like a VIP!
Lakers and the Boston Celtics. However stranger things have happened in the playoffs in the past so I thought I would ask the question. What team has a better chance for a comeback? The Phoenix Suns or the Orlando Magic?*****Bet the NBA Playoffs at Just Bet.com and get up a 60% bonus and be treated like a VIP!Why the Phoenix Suns still have a chance in this series.The Suns are down 2-0 but unlike the Magic they have lost both games on the road. This still means they have a home court advantage to fuel their desire to win a few games and turn this into a series after all. In the last game they were tied heading into the 4th quarter and proved they could play with the Lakers for at least three quarters. Jason Richardson has shown that he can score against the Lakers and if Channing Frye (1-for-13 for the series) can hit a few shots than the Suns can get a game in the series. Ron Artest will most likely not have another night like he did in game two and so that means it is the Suns that still have a better chance of making this into a series.*****Bet the NBA Playoffs at Just Bet.com and get up a 60% bonus and be treated like a VIP!Why the Orlando Magic still have a chance in this series.The Magic are down 0-2 and they lost two home games, but both games were close. The Boston Celtics are not the great home team they have been in the past and they have let leads slip all year long. The Magic are thoroughly embarrassed and the Celtics are mocking the Green Bay Packers jersey
Magic and talking about the series already being over and bragging in public. Although Doc Rivers and Paul Pierce are back pedaling from statements the Magic should have plenty of bulletin board material to get motivated for game three in Boston. Vince Carter is searching for retribution after missing two free throws and should be aggressive on the scoring end.Bet the NBA Playoffs at Just Bet.com and get up a 60% bonus and be treated like a VIP!
2010年12月25日星期六
26 Dec 10 Why Is Chris Bosh The One Who Has To Leave This Summer?
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesThis summer, there are a ton of good free agents. No kidding. They include Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Joe Johnson, and many more. Most people, sports analysts, commentators, you name it, have already made the decision for Chris Bosh.They have Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
said he's bolting out of Toronto, no questions asked. But what people don't really understand is that Bosh likes it here in Toronto. It's not easy to just leave the team that supported you and helped you your whole career. Bosh loves Toronto, and Toronto loves Bosh.What Chris Bosh will realize is that there aren't many teams willing to build around a power forward, but the Raptors are one of them. Bosh wants to be the number one option on a team, meaning he probably won't be teaming up with Dwyane Wade or LeBron James. So why not Toronto? Bryan Colangleo has always been an aggressive GM trying to make the team better and Bosh will realize that the Raptors aren't happy as a losing team.Who's to say that the Raptors don't get another all-star and Bosh stays? The only thing that Bosh cares about is winning, and if Bryan Colangelo plays his cards right, he could convince Chris Bosh to remain a Toronto Raptor.Hedo Turkoglu recently complained that he wanted to leave the Raptors, which I think is a blessing in disguise. Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
Bryan Colangelo would have never even considered trading the underachieving Turk if it weren't for him ranting to the Turkish media. Now, he looks to be on his way out of Toronto, and the Raptors might get somebody in return to help Bosh.Don't get me wrong, it's a possibility that Chris Bosh leaves, but Bosh staying isn't out of the question either. All I'm saying is stop with the Bosh is gone nonsense, and wait until he makes his decision, before making it for him.
said he's bolting out of Toronto, no questions asked. But what people don't really understand is that Bosh likes it here in Toronto. It's not easy to just leave the team that supported you and helped you your whole career. Bosh loves Toronto, and Toronto loves Bosh.What Chris Bosh will realize is that there aren't many teams willing to build around a power forward, but the Raptors are one of them. Bosh wants to be the number one option on a team, meaning he probably won't be teaming up with Dwyane Wade or LeBron James. So why not Toronto? Bryan Colangleo has always been an aggressive GM trying to make the team better and Bosh will realize that the Raptors aren't happy as a losing team.Who's to say that the Raptors don't get another all-star and Bosh stays? The only thing that Bosh cares about is winning, and if Bryan Colangelo plays his cards right, he could convince Chris Bosh to remain a Toronto Raptor.Hedo Turkoglu recently complained that he wanted to leave the Raptors, which I think is a blessing in disguise. Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
Bryan Colangelo would have never even considered trading the underachieving Turk if it weren't for him ranting to the Turkish media. Now, he looks to be on his way out of Toronto, and the Raptors might get somebody in return to help Bosh.Don't get me wrong, it's a possibility that Chris Bosh leaves, but Bosh staying isn't out of the question either. All I'm saying is stop with the Bosh is gone nonsense, and wait until he makes his decision, before making it for him.
25 Dec 10 NBA Free Agency: Jamaal Magloire Somehow Gets Re-Signed by Miami Heat
Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesSATIRE ; On July 19, Jamaal Magloire re-signed with the Miami Heat to the unanimous shrug of every NBA fan.Sure, Jamaal Magloire provides another body to a Miami Heat front court that can't be loaded with high-salary guys due to the enormity of the super-trio's contracts;I am not going to pretend like that isn't a huge positive. However, the signing still begs the question: how does Magloire, a player with few career accomplishments and skill keep getting re-signed?A near seven foot center out of Canada, Jamaal Magloire seemingly Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
ends up with a new team every offseason to the adoration of a spattering of fans who hear that he is a former all-star center and think their low-post prayers have been answered.They fail to realize that Magloire is a career eight point and four rebound player that has only made half of his baskets from the field twice in his career and couldn break into the New Jersey Nets rotation as a big man on a roster that featured Jason Collins. On a team that finished with 14 more losses than wins, a former All-Star center not only failed to make an impact, he failed to get on the court; this again makes one reiterate the question: how does Jamaal Magloire keep getting gigs as a player in the most talented basketball league in the entire World?The answer to this inquiry is the same reason Anderson Varejao is getting paid almost ten million dollars a year;he is VERY tall. In the NBA, it is often less about what you can do and more about how close your hands are to the basket when you reach straight in to the air. Marginal athletic ability and skills can be Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
circumvented when you can can stand in the paint and pretend to be a defensive presence with your hands in the air while simultaneously impress the masses with an uncanny propensity to hack any small guard that enters the lane (often giving you the tagline of an enforcer).It would also be fallacious to forget the topping on the mediocre cake that is an impressive ability to occasionally dunk the basketball.Clearly the two points and three rebounds Magloire valiantly gave the Heat as their fourth big man last year in the role of the seven foot enforcer made Magloire's Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
presence a top commodity to fill out the Heat bench.The ten-year veteran Magloire is going to be given another chance to prove that height can carry you to a long tenure in the National Basketball Association this upcoming season. Just remember the next time you tuck your kids in to bed not to pray for a college education or athletic prowess, but for a seven-foot frame;the millions and millions of dollars are sure to follow.
ends up with a new team every offseason to the adoration of a spattering of fans who hear that he is a former all-star center and think their low-post prayers have been answered.They fail to realize that Magloire is a career eight point and four rebound player that has only made half of his baskets from the field twice in his career and couldn break into the New Jersey Nets rotation as a big man on a roster that featured Jason Collins. On a team that finished with 14 more losses than wins, a former All-Star center not only failed to make an impact, he failed to get on the court; this again makes one reiterate the question: how does Jamaal Magloire keep getting gigs as a player in the most talented basketball league in the entire World?The answer to this inquiry is the same reason Anderson Varejao is getting paid almost ten million dollars a year;he is VERY tall. In the NBA, it is often less about what you can do and more about how close your hands are to the basket when you reach straight in to the air. Marginal athletic ability and skills can be Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
circumvented when you can can stand in the paint and pretend to be a defensive presence with your hands in the air while simultaneously impress the masses with an uncanny propensity to hack any small guard that enters the lane (often giving you the tagline of an enforcer).It would also be fallacious to forget the topping on the mediocre cake that is an impressive ability to occasionally dunk the basketball.Clearly the two points and three rebounds Magloire valiantly gave the Heat as their fourth big man last year in the role of the seven foot enforcer made Magloire's Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
presence a top commodity to fill out the Heat bench.The ten-year veteran Magloire is going to be given another chance to prove that height can carry you to a long tenure in the National Basketball Association this upcoming season. Just remember the next time you tuck your kids in to bed not to pray for a college education or athletic prowess, but for a seven-foot frame;the millions and millions of dollars are sure to follow.
2010年12月24日星期五
24 Dec 10 From Being a Former MVP to The Unemployed Line: Allen Iverson Deserves Better
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesIt comes to no surprise that future Hall of Famer Allen Iverson has yet to sign with a NBA team for this upcoming season. Last season, Iverson retired while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and then returned to the Philadelphia 76ers. After a brief stint with the 76ers, Iverson Tennessee Titans jersey
left the team due to family issues.There have been several reports that Iverson may play in China or Turkey. Yes, you read that right and it is not a typo. No disrespect to the players in those leagues, but this is the Allen Iverson we are talking about.Iverson boasts career averages of 26.7 ppg, along with 6.2 assist a game. Not only has he been selected to 11 All-Star games, he is also a former NBA MVP. Iverson also has four scoring titles, along with being selected All-NBA First Team three times.During the earlier part of Iverson's career, he may have been arrogant and all of the above, but he does not deserve the treatment he is getting now. "AI" may be the greatest small guy in NBA history.Iverson's impact was bigger than basketball; he was a cultural icon.There were millions Washington Redskins jersey
of people across the world wearing No. 3 jerseys with cornrows and tattoos. NBA executives are taking out their personal feelings on Iverson, because during his 14-year career, he raised hell on the court.In the past, Iverson stated that he would not be comfortable coming off the bench unless it was for a contender. If a player had the basketball resume' that Iverson has, they would probably say the same thing. Sometimes being real can come off as being selfish, and that's what it looks like in Iverson's case.Iverson deserves a farewell tour during his last NBA season. Every other Hall of Famer had the opportunity to play and get cheers from the opposing teams' crowds, because they knew it was the final curtain call. There are a few teams that can use Iverson. I know fora fact if Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
Tyrone Lue can latch ona team Allen Iverson, should be on a NBA roster.From a basketball fan's standpoint, it would be sad to see A.I. play his final basketball games across the water. Memo to younger players who are playing in the game today: Never take anything for granted and enjoy your success in the NBA. If not, you may have a chance at becoming a Turkish millionaire. Just ask your former NBA icon Allen Iverson
left the team due to family issues.There have been several reports that Iverson may play in China or Turkey. Yes, you read that right and it is not a typo. No disrespect to the players in those leagues, but this is the Allen Iverson we are talking about.Iverson boasts career averages of 26.7 ppg, along with 6.2 assist a game. Not only has he been selected to 11 All-Star games, he is also a former NBA MVP. Iverson also has four scoring titles, along with being selected All-NBA First Team three times.During the earlier part of Iverson's career, he may have been arrogant and all of the above, but he does not deserve the treatment he is getting now. "AI" may be the greatest small guy in NBA history.Iverson's impact was bigger than basketball; he was a cultural icon.There were millions Washington Redskins jersey
of people across the world wearing No. 3 jerseys with cornrows and tattoos. NBA executives are taking out their personal feelings on Iverson, because during his 14-year career, he raised hell on the court.In the past, Iverson stated that he would not be comfortable coming off the bench unless it was for a contender. If a player had the basketball resume' that Iverson has, they would probably say the same thing. Sometimes being real can come off as being selfish, and that's what it looks like in Iverson's case.Iverson deserves a farewell tour during his last NBA season. Every other Hall of Famer had the opportunity to play and get cheers from the opposing teams' crowds, because they knew it was the final curtain call. There are a few teams that can use Iverson. I know fora fact if Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
Tyrone Lue can latch ona team Allen Iverson, should be on a NBA roster.From a basketball fan's standpoint, it would be sad to see A.I. play his final basketball games across the water. Memo to younger players who are playing in the game today: Never take anything for granted and enjoy your success in the NBA. If not, you may have a chance at becoming a Turkish millionaire. Just ask your former NBA icon Allen Iverson
2010年12月23日星期四
23 Dec 10Miami Heat: Will Heat's Bi-Polar Play Continue through the Regular Season?
Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesNeedless to say, this has been a tumultuous season so far for the Miami Heat.The biggest problem is that this wasn't supposed to be a tumultuous season for the Miami Heat. By this time, most of us expected the Heat to already be in the double-digits in the win column.Not to be the type of team that still struggles against the elite teams of the league.Where teams like the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Hornets were originally thought to be road blocks, have now turned into numbers in the loss column.Of the Heat's New Orleans Saints jersey
eight wins, six have been by double-digit margins, with the other two wins being by nine and eight points. Two of the largest wins by the Heat this season were against two quality opponents in the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns, who were defeated by 26 and 27 points respectively.The wins could be a direct result of how each team plays offense, seeing as how the Suns and Magic both heavily rely on shots from the perimeter. Miami has established themselves as a terrific defensive team from beyond the arc, while telling another story against teams that see most of their points come from the paint.As far as losses go, two losses to the Boston Celtics is definitely disappointing. But it isn't that surprising.The Celtics have an established chemistry that far exceeds that of the Heat's and was the main reason why Miami fell both times this season against Boston. The team's other losses have been far more inexcusable, as they fell behind Memphis and New Orleans in the first quarter by double-digits and were forced to play catch-up the entire way.The loss against the Utah Jazz? It's one of the more impossible feats in the NBA to stop a player who's hot.The Heat have some problems on and off the court.Chris Bosh is rebounding as if he was a foot shorter. Coach Erik Spolestra is receiving the most abuse from the community, as bloggers and critics are already asking for his pink slip 13 games into the season.They have plenty of room to criticize the coaching and the team, as 8-5 does not exactly reach the expectations they had thought prior to the season.One of the main reasons for these early struggles has been the inconsistency that has reigned upon the team thus far. Just this past week, the Heat beat the Suns by 26, proceeded to struggle against the Charlotte Bobcats two nights after before pulling away and then lost to a Memphis Grizzlies team on the road that was in the midst of a five-game losing streak.Miami is 5-4 in November; they are 1-3 against teams with a record above .500.Miami has handled their business when it comes to lower-tier teams—aside from Memphis—but have needlessly struggled against the above-average and elite teams of the league. Aside from the game against Orlando, teams like Boston, Utah and New Orleans have all had their ways with Miami.If you notice each team and their strengths, it is clear to see why the Heat lost those games.Boston has an elite point guard, Utah has an elite point guard and size, and New Orleans has an elite point guard and size as well. The inconsistencies that the Heat have suffered from are due to the fact that teams are taking advantage of positions that the Heat have clear deficiencies at.The Celtics Rajon Rondo took advantage of Carlos Arroyo, Utah's Paul Millsap took advantage of Chris Bosh and New Orleans Emeka Okafor took advantage of Joel Anthony and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.We have seen the best and worst of New York Giants jersey
this team. We were stunned by the show they were putting on against Phoenix when they won 123-97, and we have been disappointed by their lack of intensity in their most recent loss, when they fell 97-95 to the Memphis Grizzlies.A team with three pure scorers should not be struggling against a team like Memphis or Charlotte and should be in competitive games with the likes of an elite team, instead.They can maintain these inconsistencies by running a more solid offensive system. If a team runs a half-court offense, they are usually set to have a majority of their shots be from mid-range or farther.The problem for the Heat is that there aren't many players on the roster that see most of their points come from jump shots. In fact, the two most dangerous offensive threats in Dwyane Wade and LeBron James are average to above average, at best, when it comes to shooting.While Bosh can have field days when it comes to the mid-range shot, Wade and James are slashers and see most of their offensive production come from driving and drawing fouls. Because they are limited in the half-court, they usually struggle to find an easy opportunity to score.In fact, many offensive possessions have resulted in 24-second clock violations. Most of the time, the ball is being passed along the perimeter where each player is met by multiple defenders.With two of the most athletic players in the league, you would suspect that the Heat would allow their superstars to run-and-gun while giving teams more of a shock-and-awe treatment rather than the slow-paced, methodical treatment that they are giving teams right now. If the Heat were to run a more fast-paced offense, they would not only have easier scoring chances, but they'd intimidate their opponents as well.The team does have it's fair share of problems under the glass. But it's a problem that is up to Chris Bosh to solve.With Udonis Haslem now sidelined until February, he is set to become the sole rebounder on this team. Much like Pau Gasol did in his transition from Memphis to Los Angeles, Chris could do the same from Toronto to Miami and build up a stronger mentality when it comes to rebounding.Size is hardly an issue. Kevin Garnett, who might even be skinner, has made a career out of rebounding.Bosh being pushed around by the likes of Zach Randolph and Paul Millsap is a mentality issue that only he can solve, and is not up to the coaching to completely figure out. Unless they can find some help—Erick New York Jets jersey
Dampier is still waiting—then the rebounding situation is up to Bosh to solve himself.With a few minor adjustments and tweaks to the system the Heat currently run, this bi-polar play we have seen from the team thus far will be ended. The coaching staff needs to realize that restricting two slashers from driving is the last thing you want to do.Offensive lulls have killed the Heat numerous times this season. For a team that has three players that averaged over 24 points per game last season, that should have been the last of their worries.There's still plenty of time to adjust. Why not do it now?
eight wins, six have been by double-digit margins, with the other two wins being by nine and eight points. Two of the largest wins by the Heat this season were against two quality opponents in the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns, who were defeated by 26 and 27 points respectively.The wins could be a direct result of how each team plays offense, seeing as how the Suns and Magic both heavily rely on shots from the perimeter. Miami has established themselves as a terrific defensive team from beyond the arc, while telling another story against teams that see most of their points come from the paint.As far as losses go, two losses to the Boston Celtics is definitely disappointing. But it isn't that surprising.The Celtics have an established chemistry that far exceeds that of the Heat's and was the main reason why Miami fell both times this season against Boston. The team's other losses have been far more inexcusable, as they fell behind Memphis and New Orleans in the first quarter by double-digits and were forced to play catch-up the entire way.The loss against the Utah Jazz? It's one of the more impossible feats in the NBA to stop a player who's hot.The Heat have some problems on and off the court.Chris Bosh is rebounding as if he was a foot shorter. Coach Erik Spolestra is receiving the most abuse from the community, as bloggers and critics are already asking for his pink slip 13 games into the season.They have plenty of room to criticize the coaching and the team, as 8-5 does not exactly reach the expectations they had thought prior to the season.One of the main reasons for these early struggles has been the inconsistency that has reigned upon the team thus far. Just this past week, the Heat beat the Suns by 26, proceeded to struggle against the Charlotte Bobcats two nights after before pulling away and then lost to a Memphis Grizzlies team on the road that was in the midst of a five-game losing streak.Miami is 5-4 in November; they are 1-3 against teams with a record above .500.Miami has handled their business when it comes to lower-tier teams—aside from Memphis—but have needlessly struggled against the above-average and elite teams of the league. Aside from the game against Orlando, teams like Boston, Utah and New Orleans have all had their ways with Miami.If you notice each team and their strengths, it is clear to see why the Heat lost those games.Boston has an elite point guard, Utah has an elite point guard and size, and New Orleans has an elite point guard and size as well. The inconsistencies that the Heat have suffered from are due to the fact that teams are taking advantage of positions that the Heat have clear deficiencies at.The Celtics Rajon Rondo took advantage of Carlos Arroyo, Utah's Paul Millsap took advantage of Chris Bosh and New Orleans Emeka Okafor took advantage of Joel Anthony and Zydrunas Ilgauskas.We have seen the best and worst of New York Giants jersey
this team. We were stunned by the show they were putting on against Phoenix when they won 123-97, and we have been disappointed by their lack of intensity in their most recent loss, when they fell 97-95 to the Memphis Grizzlies.A team with three pure scorers should not be struggling against a team like Memphis or Charlotte and should be in competitive games with the likes of an elite team, instead.They can maintain these inconsistencies by running a more solid offensive system. If a team runs a half-court offense, they are usually set to have a majority of their shots be from mid-range or farther.The problem for the Heat is that there aren't many players on the roster that see most of their points come from jump shots. In fact, the two most dangerous offensive threats in Dwyane Wade and LeBron James are average to above average, at best, when it comes to shooting.While Bosh can have field days when it comes to the mid-range shot, Wade and James are slashers and see most of their offensive production come from driving and drawing fouls. Because they are limited in the half-court, they usually struggle to find an easy opportunity to score.In fact, many offensive possessions have resulted in 24-second clock violations. Most of the time, the ball is being passed along the perimeter where each player is met by multiple defenders.With two of the most athletic players in the league, you would suspect that the Heat would allow their superstars to run-and-gun while giving teams more of a shock-and-awe treatment rather than the slow-paced, methodical treatment that they are giving teams right now. If the Heat were to run a more fast-paced offense, they would not only have easier scoring chances, but they'd intimidate their opponents as well.The team does have it's fair share of problems under the glass. But it's a problem that is up to Chris Bosh to solve.With Udonis Haslem now sidelined until February, he is set to become the sole rebounder on this team. Much like Pau Gasol did in his transition from Memphis to Los Angeles, Chris could do the same from Toronto to Miami and build up a stronger mentality when it comes to rebounding.Size is hardly an issue. Kevin Garnett, who might even be skinner, has made a career out of rebounding.Bosh being pushed around by the likes of Zach Randolph and Paul Millsap is a mentality issue that only he can solve, and is not up to the coaching to completely figure out. Unless they can find some help—Erick New York Jets jersey
Dampier is still waiting—then the rebounding situation is up to Bosh to solve himself.With a few minor adjustments and tweaks to the system the Heat currently run, this bi-polar play we have seen from the team thus far will be ended. The coaching staff needs to realize that restricting two slashers from driving is the last thing you want to do.Offensive lulls have killed the Heat numerous times this season. For a team that has three players that averaged over 24 points per game last season, that should have been the last of their worries.There's still plenty of time to adjust. Why not do it now?
2010年12月22日星期三
NBA Free Agency: If LeBron James, Dwyane Wade Move On, NBA Will Be More Exciting
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesThe NBA will be far more exciting if LeBron James and Dwayne Wade leave their current teams. Seeing a superstar in a new jersey creates excitement and answers a lot of questions. Was this player overrated? Did they benefit from the system they previously playedin or previous teammates? When a franchise player moves, it not only rejuvenates the fan base of the new teambutalso makes the NBA more competitive. Ever seen Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon? Beautifully shot film but an eventual let down because theheroes' Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
kung fu was unrivaled same with every Steven Seagal films. You need balance and right now the Lakers are destined to repeat next year. In the summer of 2007, the Boston Celtics obtained Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, two players that struggled to advance their respective teams to their conference finals on their own. Add the two to Paul Pierce it created a juggernaut in the league that led to a championship. Sadly this came about too late in their careers and they were unable to repeat their championship due to injuries. It is not very common to see great players change teams early in their careers due to the salary cap. The top rookies get a three-year deal and after that they normally get a four-year contract with that team. After three years, a player becomes a restricted free agent and their current team can match any other offer that player receives and keep them. It is hard to watch a player like Dwayne Wade work so hard only to exit in the first round through no fault of his. Same for LeBron James and, to a lesser extent, Chris Bosh. That is why this year is such a pivotal year, and if the top free agents end up back on their respective teams, they will have missed an opportunity to sell the game. Worse yet is if they do not team up. Ever since Michael Jordan retired, the NBA has not had that one consistently dominant team. The Lakers won three straight but trailed off for six years then won two consecutive championships. The San Antonio Spurs won three championships, but none Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
were back to back. Nothing gets fans more excited than two dominant teams meeting in the finals. The Lakers and the Celtics met this year, but they were only running on fumes. They brought back memories of legends like Magic Johnson and the Showtime Lakers. Larry Bird’s steal for the Celtics! Kevin McHale's footwork, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and the sky hook. The grace of Bill Walton and the crafty elbows of Robert Parish It is very rare to have any one team this loaded in the current NBA. On a good team, players play to their strength and this can only encourages great basketball. On a bad team, players are forced to play out of their depth and overextend themselves. Take Joe Johnson. When he was on the Phoenix Suns, he was great shooter. Then the Hawks made him their main man and are wondering why they keep just barely getting out of the first round. It is good for the game if great players play with each other. Dennis Rodman was under-utilized in San Antonio , but flourished with the Bulls, playing with Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Kevin McHale would have been the man on any other team, but was a pivotal sixth man on those loaded Celtics teams. Bill Walton led Portland to a championship and if it were not for injuries, he may have stayed with them his entire career. The Celtics were lucky to have him as a back-up center. Pau Gasol is one of the greatest pivot men to enter the NBA in the last decade, but you would have never realized this watching him Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
play for the Memphis Grizzlies. It is also great when these teams get upset, like in 2003 when the Lakers brought in All-Stars Gary Payton and Karl Malone only to be beaten by a Chauncey Billups-led Detroit Pistons in the finals. What if in the summer of 2004 Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, and Tim Duncan had signed with the Orlando Magic and Hill never suffered that broken ankle? Never mind, let's just hope we never have to ask these questions of these free agents of 2010
kung fu was unrivaled same with every Steven Seagal films. You need balance and right now the Lakers are destined to repeat next year. In the summer of 2007, the Boston Celtics obtained Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen, two players that struggled to advance their respective teams to their conference finals on their own. Add the two to Paul Pierce it created a juggernaut in the league that led to a championship. Sadly this came about too late in their careers and they were unable to repeat their championship due to injuries. It is not very common to see great players change teams early in their careers due to the salary cap. The top rookies get a three-year deal and after that they normally get a four-year contract with that team. After three years, a player becomes a restricted free agent and their current team can match any other offer that player receives and keep them. It is hard to watch a player like Dwayne Wade work so hard only to exit in the first round through no fault of his. Same for LeBron James and, to a lesser extent, Chris Bosh. That is why this year is such a pivotal year, and if the top free agents end up back on their respective teams, they will have missed an opportunity to sell the game. Worse yet is if they do not team up. Ever since Michael Jordan retired, the NBA has not had that one consistently dominant team. The Lakers won three straight but trailed off for six years then won two consecutive championships. The San Antonio Spurs won three championships, but none Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
were back to back. Nothing gets fans more excited than two dominant teams meeting in the finals. The Lakers and the Celtics met this year, but they were only running on fumes. They brought back memories of legends like Magic Johnson and the Showtime Lakers. Larry Bird’s steal for the Celtics! Kevin McHale's footwork, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and the sky hook. The grace of Bill Walton and the crafty elbows of Robert Parish It is very rare to have any one team this loaded in the current NBA. On a good team, players play to their strength and this can only encourages great basketball. On a bad team, players are forced to play out of their depth and overextend themselves. Take Joe Johnson. When he was on the Phoenix Suns, he was great shooter. Then the Hawks made him their main man and are wondering why they keep just barely getting out of the first round. It is good for the game if great players play with each other. Dennis Rodman was under-utilized in San Antonio , but flourished with the Bulls, playing with Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Kevin McHale would have been the man on any other team, but was a pivotal sixth man on those loaded Celtics teams. Bill Walton led Portland to a championship and if it were not for injuries, he may have stayed with them his entire career. The Celtics were lucky to have him as a back-up center. Pau Gasol is one of the greatest pivot men to enter the NBA in the last decade, but you would have never realized this watching him Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
play for the Memphis Grizzlies. It is also great when these teams get upset, like in 2003 when the Lakers brought in All-Stars Gary Payton and Karl Malone only to be beaten by a Chauncey Billups-led Detroit Pistons in the finals. What if in the summer of 2004 Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, and Tim Duncan had signed with the Orlando Magic and Hill never suffered that broken ankle? Never mind, let's just hope we never have to ask these questions of these free agents of 2010
Why Phoenix Should Sign David Lee
There’s a different swagger on Steve Nash’s gestures lately. It has been 6 years since he formed a different kind of friendship that transcends towards a unique partnership on the court with Amare Stoudemire and now Steve will be running the Suns up tempo offense without Amare’s 23.1 points per game with 9 rebounds and a defensive presence on the paint.I don’t blame the Suns for not giving Amare the last two years full guaranteed contract on a 5 year deal. It’s just that Amare has been through a lot of Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
wear and tear on his career going through operations on both knees and a repaired retina. Stoudemire who jump from high school to the NBA at age 18 could have been beneficial for him to go to college and play 30 games for his body to gradually adjust rather than playing 80 full games. It has been like that with Jermaine O’neal and Kevin Garnett and the Suns wouldn’t risk such action especially with their franchise anchored on a 36 year old point guard that will eventually retire two years from now.This is a different challenge for Steve Nash as the aging veteran will once again dig deeper on his pockets to produce the 23.1 points and 9 rebounds vacated by Stoudemire. Hakim Warrick the Suns new edition is only a fraction of the solution and the 37 year old Grant Hill is a good help but for how long does his old legs would take him? Losing Amare is inevitable and finding the right fit without breaking the chemistry is still a question. So David Lee enters the picture. I know Amare is way too talented to be compared to Lee but Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
Lee’s 20.2 ppg and 11.7 rebounds is not that bad at all in fact it’s fairly the same with Amare. David is a perfect fit for the Suns run and gun show having played with the same system under Mike D’Antoni in New York and is a more team player who is really good in setting screens and cutting to the basket. He is a hardworking center who gets most of his points in offensive rebounds and hassle plays and a much fresher legs at 27 years old.Steve Nash would never entertain thoughts of demanding a trade. He had meticulously mold Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
this team to his own mentality defying every odds and playing every game as a unit and with one lost sheep he wouldn’t sacrifice the herd. He wouldn’t trade his bond and loyalty even for his dream of winning a championship ring. This is a new challenge for Nash and it’s a challenge for him to prepare his team for bigger battles ahead but they need all the help they can get and first step is to sign David Lee.
wear and tear on his career going through operations on both knees and a repaired retina. Stoudemire who jump from high school to the NBA at age 18 could have been beneficial for him to go to college and play 30 games for his body to gradually adjust rather than playing 80 full games. It has been like that with Jermaine O’neal and Kevin Garnett and the Suns wouldn’t risk such action especially with their franchise anchored on a 36 year old point guard that will eventually retire two years from now.This is a different challenge for Steve Nash as the aging veteran will once again dig deeper on his pockets to produce the 23.1 points and 9 rebounds vacated by Stoudemire. Hakim Warrick the Suns new edition is only a fraction of the solution and the 37 year old Grant Hill is a good help but for how long does his old legs would take him? Losing Amare is inevitable and finding the right fit without breaking the chemistry is still a question. So David Lee enters the picture. I know Amare is way too talented to be compared to Lee but Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
Lee’s 20.2 ppg and 11.7 rebounds is not that bad at all in fact it’s fairly the same with Amare. David is a perfect fit for the Suns run and gun show having played with the same system under Mike D’Antoni in New York and is a more team player who is really good in setting screens and cutting to the basket. He is a hardworking center who gets most of his points in offensive rebounds and hassle plays and a much fresher legs at 27 years old.Steve Nash would never entertain thoughts of demanding a trade. He had meticulously mold Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
this team to his own mentality defying every odds and playing every game as a unit and with one lost sheep he wouldn’t sacrifice the herd. He wouldn’t trade his bond and loyalty even for his dream of winning a championship ring. This is a new challenge for Nash and it’s a challenge for him to prepare his team for bigger battles ahead but they need all the help they can get and first step is to sign David Lee.
2010年12月21日星期二
Texas Rangers: A Couple of Nice, Small Moves for the Team
Elsa/Getty ImagesComing off a season in which the Rangers went to the World Series for the first time in franchise history, the team has made a couple of small moves that should improve, if only slightly, the 2011 squad.Specifically, they signed catcher Yorvit Torrealba for two years for a total of $6.25 million, and they also signed right-hander Japanese reliever Yoshinori Tatekama to an undisclosed one-year deal with club options for 2012 and 2013.These are small moves, indeed, but they are good moves. The Rangers improve at two positions (catcher and bullpen) where they need Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
improvement, and neither move cost them much.You pretty much know what you can expect from Torrealba: A veteran presence, decent defense and acceptable offense for a catcher. He won’t win any pennants by himself, but the odds are good that he will be well worth the money he’ll get under this contract.The biggest knocks on Tateyama are that he’s old (35 in 2011) and he’s been inconsistent in his Japanese NPB career: 1.80 ERA in 2010, but a distinctly unimpressive 3.43 career ERA. Nevertheless, I like his chances for 2011 sucess.First, no one in MLB has seen him pitch, which is almost always an advantage for a pitcher. Second, his peripheral numbers the last three seasons in Japan suggest he’s a better pitcher than his ERAs necessarily indicate and he’s also got MLB-worthy command.Finally, mid-30′s Japanese relievers have had more success in the U.S. than mid-30′s Japanese starters, most likely because the relievers don’t face any hitter in the line-up more than once. I Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
don’t know what Tateyama cost the Rangers, but I suspect the guaranteed amount is more than reasonable, given his potential upside.Deals like these won’t build a pennant winner, but assuming the Rangers retain most of the true stars who got them to the postseason in 2010, these moves make the 2011 Rangers just a little bit stronger
improvement, and neither move cost them much.You pretty much know what you can expect from Torrealba: A veteran presence, decent defense and acceptable offense for a catcher. He won’t win any pennants by himself, but the odds are good that he will be well worth the money he’ll get under this contract.The biggest knocks on Tateyama are that he’s old (35 in 2011) and he’s been inconsistent in his Japanese NPB career: 1.80 ERA in 2010, but a distinctly unimpressive 3.43 career ERA. Nevertheless, I like his chances for 2011 sucess.First, no one in MLB has seen him pitch, which is almost always an advantage for a pitcher. Second, his peripheral numbers the last three seasons in Japan suggest he’s a better pitcher than his ERAs necessarily indicate and he’s also got MLB-worthy command.Finally, mid-30′s Japanese relievers have had more success in the U.S. than mid-30′s Japanese starters, most likely because the relievers don’t face any hitter in the line-up more than once. I Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
don’t know what Tateyama cost the Rangers, but I suspect the guaranteed amount is more than reasonable, given his potential upside.Deals like these won’t build a pennant winner, but assuming the Rangers retain most of the true stars who got them to the postseason in 2010, these moves make the 2011 Rangers just a little bit stronger
MLB's No. 4 Worst Trade in History: When the Detroit Tigers Lost Their Bite
Before his Hall-of-Fame caliber career with the Braves, John Smoltz was a prospect in the Detroit Tigers' minor league systemDonald Miralle/Getty ImagesThe reason fans take such pride in their team having a hometown hero is rooted in their childhood memories.Ask any baseball fan what their childhood dream was growing up, and their answer will be that they wanted to be the star player for their favorite team.Thus, when a particular team has a player on their roster that grew up rooting for them, the fans embrace him so warmly because, in a sense, they’re allowed to live their childhood dream through him.This relationship is the reason why Minnesota Twins fans may cheer a little harder for Joe Mauer or why Atlanta Braves fans did the same for Jeff Francoeur at one point.Sometimes, the presence of Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
these players alone is enough to light a spark that ultimately ends with the team contending for a playoff spot. However, some of these hometown heroes end up leaving home, sometimes unwillingly.It was an instance of this in the 1980s that put one team on the path to greatness and another on the road to perennial mediocrity.The 1985 baseball amateur draft was one that featured a crop of sure-fire future Hall of Famers. Players selected included outfielder Barry Bonds and pitcher Randy Johnson, among other future stars.Mixed in with these young athletes was a young pitcher from Waverly High School in Lansing, Michigan—just a stone’s throw away from Detroit, where his favorite team, the reigning World Series champion Tigers, played.Ever since trading John Smoltz, the once-powerful Detroit Tigers have consistently struggled to contendHe also played basketball at school, and despite having a wide variety of pitches that most high school athletes had difficulty hitting (let alone seeing), a basketball scholarship being offered by Michigan State University kept him from going in the higher rounds.His name was John Smoltz, and his childhood dream of playing for his beloved Tigers appeared to have finally come true.Twenty years later, Smoltz would have a myriad of accomplishments on his baseball resumé—all achieved without throwing one pitch as a member of the Detroit Tigers.In the summer of 1987, while Smoltz pitched in the minor leagues, the Tigers were in a three-way race for first place in their division. The key to the team making the postseason was effective pitching, so the front office decided to trade for an experienced arm rather than rush Smoltz by calling him up. Thus, on August 12, the Tigers traded Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves for 36-year-old Doyle Alexander.At first, the trade appeared to be a good move as Alexander went undefeated in all his starts for Detroit, helping the team clinch the division title in the last few days of the season. Yet the Tigers were defeated in the playoffs by the Minnesota Twins and spent the next 20 years as seemingly constant cellar-dwellers, even losing 119 games in 2003 before finally returning to the postseason in 2006.Would the Tigers have been better off Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
keeping John Smoltz?Would the Tigers have been better off keeping John Smoltz?Yes81.5%No18.5%Total votes: 287On the other side of the deal, the acquisition of Smoltz has proven to be one of the best trades in Atlanta Braves history. Twenty years after the trade, Smoltz has established himself as one of the most versatile pitchers in baseball.After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2000 after 12 years as a starting pitcher, he returned to the team a year later and spent four seasons as the Braves’ closer before returning to the rotation again in 2005. Along with over 200 wins, he has accumulated 154 saves. He has been to the postseason 14 times, reaching the World Series five times, including helping his team win a championship in 1995.While the trading of Smoltz in 1987 may have seemed like a good idea at the time to the Detroit Tigers front office, it can still be considered one of the worst trades in baseball history.Rather than have confidence in the roster that had kept the team in the playoff race all that season, greed got the better of the team executives and made them foolishly trade the potential future “face” of the franchise for an aging veteran who was way past his prime.It is sad to think that they gave up a player who could have won them multiple Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
championships in exchange for a player they hoped could bring them a championship just a bit quicker.Experts will say that the key to a successful team is the perfect combination of youth and experience, without sacrificing one to get the other. I guess that the 1987 Detroit Tigers forgot to read that part of the memo when they were going over their five-year plan, which I’m almost positive didn’t include consecutive last-place finishes.
these players alone is enough to light a spark that ultimately ends with the team contending for a playoff spot. However, some of these hometown heroes end up leaving home, sometimes unwillingly.It was an instance of this in the 1980s that put one team on the path to greatness and another on the road to perennial mediocrity.The 1985 baseball amateur draft was one that featured a crop of sure-fire future Hall of Famers. Players selected included outfielder Barry Bonds and pitcher Randy Johnson, among other future stars.Mixed in with these young athletes was a young pitcher from Waverly High School in Lansing, Michigan—just a stone’s throw away from Detroit, where his favorite team, the reigning World Series champion Tigers, played.Ever since trading John Smoltz, the once-powerful Detroit Tigers have consistently struggled to contendHe also played basketball at school, and despite having a wide variety of pitches that most high school athletes had difficulty hitting (let alone seeing), a basketball scholarship being offered by Michigan State University kept him from going in the higher rounds.His name was John Smoltz, and his childhood dream of playing for his beloved Tigers appeared to have finally come true.Twenty years later, Smoltz would have a myriad of accomplishments on his baseball resumé—all achieved without throwing one pitch as a member of the Detroit Tigers.In the summer of 1987, while Smoltz pitched in the minor leagues, the Tigers were in a three-way race for first place in their division. The key to the team making the postseason was effective pitching, so the front office decided to trade for an experienced arm rather than rush Smoltz by calling him up. Thus, on August 12, the Tigers traded Smoltz to the Atlanta Braves for 36-year-old Doyle Alexander.At first, the trade appeared to be a good move as Alexander went undefeated in all his starts for Detroit, helping the team clinch the division title in the last few days of the season. Yet the Tigers were defeated in the playoffs by the Minnesota Twins and spent the next 20 years as seemingly constant cellar-dwellers, even losing 119 games in 2003 before finally returning to the postseason in 2006.Would the Tigers have been better off Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
keeping John Smoltz?Would the Tigers have been better off keeping John Smoltz?Yes81.5%No18.5%Total votes: 287On the other side of the deal, the acquisition of Smoltz has proven to be one of the best trades in Atlanta Braves history. Twenty years after the trade, Smoltz has established himself as one of the most versatile pitchers in baseball.After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2000 after 12 years as a starting pitcher, he returned to the team a year later and spent four seasons as the Braves’ closer before returning to the rotation again in 2005. Along with over 200 wins, he has accumulated 154 saves. He has been to the postseason 14 times, reaching the World Series five times, including helping his team win a championship in 1995.While the trading of Smoltz in 1987 may have seemed like a good idea at the time to the Detroit Tigers front office, it can still be considered one of the worst trades in baseball history.Rather than have confidence in the roster that had kept the team in the playoff race all that season, greed got the better of the team executives and made them foolishly trade the potential future “face” of the franchise for an aging veteran who was way past his prime.It is sad to think that they gave up a player who could have won them multiple Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
championships in exchange for a player they hoped could bring them a championship just a bit quicker.Experts will say that the key to a successful team is the perfect combination of youth and experience, without sacrificing one to get the other. I guess that the 1987 Detroit Tigers forgot to read that part of the memo when they were going over their five-year plan, which I’m almost positive didn’t include consecutive last-place finishes.
2010年12月19日星期日
20 Dec 10 Eagles-Redskins Preview: Wasn't the QB Controversy Supposed To Be in Philly?
How much time does McNabb have? In the pocket, and in D.C.Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThe NFC East, and indeed the whole NFC, is wide open this year. In fact, the whole NFL appears to be. With that as one of the backdrops, the 5-3 Philadelphia Eagles travel to the 4-4 Washington Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
Redskins for an intriguing Monday Night Football NFC East showdown. The Eagles, coming off an exciting home win over the Indianapolis Colts, can solidify their playoff and NFC East title hopes with a victory; a loss would keep them in contention, but make their job a whole lot tougher with the New York Giants (6-2) playing so well. The Redskins, realistically, need this win to stay in playoff contention, even though they would still be in easy mathematical reach with a loss: 4-5, with seven games remaining. They also need to stop the bleeding after their controversial loss at lowly Detroit prior to their bye week. Of course, all eyes will be on No. 5 of the Redskins...(it still feels weird to say that, after seven months of practice)...Donovan McNabb. All eyes would have been trained there anyway, but thanks to coach Mike Shanahan's decision to pull McNabb in favor of Rex Grossman with roughly two minutes left and his team down by only five points, and his futile (at best) explanations for it, the nation's capital now has a quarterback controversy. One that will have festered for 15 days until the much-awaited Monday night kickoff. To which I ask: Weren't the Eagles supposed to be the team with the quarterback controversy this year? Vick: Coming up 7's...Doug Benc/Getty ImagesMcNabb had left after 11 highly successful, if not parade-full, seasons in Philly, and the keys were famously turned over to Kevin Kolb. A lot of Philly fans were celebrating someone new, if not someone better, at the helm. Not that many Philly fans had ever really moved on from all things Donovan. And then there was Michael Vick, whose very name and previous heinous deeds made his very name controversial. Vick had spent a relatively innocuous, controversy-free season as McNabb's backup last year, and he played infrequently—and less than impressively—when given the opportunity to trade his Eagles baseball cap for a helmet. Does it seem like five years ago that an offseason shooting incident at Vick's own birthday bash threatened to either end Vick's second-chance Eagles career or at least suspend him? Well, thanks to divine intervention in the human forms of guys like Roger Goodell, Andy Reid, Joe Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
Banner and Jeff Lurie, Vick got less than a wrist slap and resumed his good citizenship act as the just-happy-to-be-here second-stringer. Well, some twists, turns, rib injuries and concussions later, and Vick appears to be solidly entrenched as the Eagles starting quarterback. In fairness, he has played extremely well this year when healthy, and is in serious contention for a Pro Bowl berth, and MVP consideration is not totally out of the question. As for Kolb, he has shown glimpses of greatness and periods of rather pedestrian play. He waits for Daddy Reid to entrust him with the car keys again, but for now, the QB controversy talk is quiet in Philly. Now, back to DC, Shanahan and a guy named Rex. Things appeared to be going pretty well in Redskins land heading into that Lions game. The Skins were 4-3, and if their new franchise quarterback did not have gaudy personal stats, that record was a great improvement over the 4-12 mark accumulated by Zorn and Campbell last year. With No. 5 under center, the Redskins have been in every game, and had even won the previous showdown in Philly, when McNabb returned to the Linc. But then, Detroit, Mike and Kyle Shanahan and Rex Grossman (poor guy) happened, and, now what? Suffice it for me to say that I was more than surprised by Shanahan's decision to let Grossman lead a supposed comeback with the game well within reach, despite McNabb having an off game. Suffice it for me to also say that 99.9 percent of even good quarterbacks in the history of the NFL would be having off games with the collection of flotsam and jetsam that passes for the offensive line, receivers and running backs (even when healthy) in Redskins land. And then, the new controversy raged even louder because of three other factors: 1. Shanahan's inane and somewhat inflammatory comments "explaining" his move 2. The fact that it preceded the 'Skins bye week 3. The coincidental fact that it preceded a Redskins-Eagles game I'm not sure if Shanahan is plain crazy, crazy like a fox or a total jerk, but his handling of the move and explanation made LeBron James’ televised "Decision" to leave Cleveland look deft and classy by comparison. So, onward we fans march to McNabb vs. The Eagles, Part Two, with enough subplots to rival a Grisham novel. Or would you believe Tolstoy? McNabb, who by all indications lives his life and conducts himself in a classy, non-controversial way, is bathed in yet another controversy that is not of his making. His friend Mike Vick, the insanely talented and ultra-controversial figure, seems to be rolling all 7's (hmmm) and will endear himself to a great majority of the Philly Phaithful if he wins this showdown and Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
outshines his mentor in the process. Of course, the Eagles and Redskins O-lines being what they are these days, is it that far-fetched that we may see Kevin Kolb (who relieved Vick in Revenge Bowl One) and/or Rex Grossman? And if Grossman emerges from the bullpen once again for McNabb—and if McNabb is otherwise ready to go—brace yourselves for the nuclear fallout. For more information on Matt Goldberg’s new books, other writings and appearances,
Redskins for an intriguing Monday Night Football NFC East showdown. The Eagles, coming off an exciting home win over the Indianapolis Colts, can solidify their playoff and NFC East title hopes with a victory; a loss would keep them in contention, but make their job a whole lot tougher with the New York Giants (6-2) playing so well. The Redskins, realistically, need this win to stay in playoff contention, even though they would still be in easy mathematical reach with a loss: 4-5, with seven games remaining. They also need to stop the bleeding after their controversial loss at lowly Detroit prior to their bye week. Of course, all eyes will be on No. 5 of the Redskins...(it still feels weird to say that, after seven months of practice)...Donovan McNabb. All eyes would have been trained there anyway, but thanks to coach Mike Shanahan's decision to pull McNabb in favor of Rex Grossman with roughly two minutes left and his team down by only five points, and his futile (at best) explanations for it, the nation's capital now has a quarterback controversy. One that will have festered for 15 days until the much-awaited Monday night kickoff. To which I ask: Weren't the Eagles supposed to be the team with the quarterback controversy this year? Vick: Coming up 7's...Doug Benc/Getty ImagesMcNabb had left after 11 highly successful, if not parade-full, seasons in Philly, and the keys were famously turned over to Kevin Kolb. A lot of Philly fans were celebrating someone new, if not someone better, at the helm. Not that many Philly fans had ever really moved on from all things Donovan. And then there was Michael Vick, whose very name and previous heinous deeds made his very name controversial. Vick had spent a relatively innocuous, controversy-free season as McNabb's backup last year, and he played infrequently—and less than impressively—when given the opportunity to trade his Eagles baseball cap for a helmet. Does it seem like five years ago that an offseason shooting incident at Vick's own birthday bash threatened to either end Vick's second-chance Eagles career or at least suspend him? Well, thanks to divine intervention in the human forms of guys like Roger Goodell, Andy Reid, Joe Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
Banner and Jeff Lurie, Vick got less than a wrist slap and resumed his good citizenship act as the just-happy-to-be-here second-stringer. Well, some twists, turns, rib injuries and concussions later, and Vick appears to be solidly entrenched as the Eagles starting quarterback. In fairness, he has played extremely well this year when healthy, and is in serious contention for a Pro Bowl berth, and MVP consideration is not totally out of the question. As for Kolb, he has shown glimpses of greatness and periods of rather pedestrian play. He waits for Daddy Reid to entrust him with the car keys again, but for now, the QB controversy talk is quiet in Philly. Now, back to DC, Shanahan and a guy named Rex. Things appeared to be going pretty well in Redskins land heading into that Lions game. The Skins were 4-3, and if their new franchise quarterback did not have gaudy personal stats, that record was a great improvement over the 4-12 mark accumulated by Zorn and Campbell last year. With No. 5 under center, the Redskins have been in every game, and had even won the previous showdown in Philly, when McNabb returned to the Linc. But then, Detroit, Mike and Kyle Shanahan and Rex Grossman (poor guy) happened, and, now what? Suffice it for me to say that I was more than surprised by Shanahan's decision to let Grossman lead a supposed comeback with the game well within reach, despite McNabb having an off game. Suffice it for me to also say that 99.9 percent of even good quarterbacks in the history of the NFL would be having off games with the collection of flotsam and jetsam that passes for the offensive line, receivers and running backs (even when healthy) in Redskins land. And then, the new controversy raged even louder because of three other factors: 1. Shanahan's inane and somewhat inflammatory comments "explaining" his move 2. The fact that it preceded the 'Skins bye week 3. The coincidental fact that it preceded a Redskins-Eagles game I'm not sure if Shanahan is plain crazy, crazy like a fox or a total jerk, but his handling of the move and explanation made LeBron James’ televised "Decision" to leave Cleveland look deft and classy by comparison. So, onward we fans march to McNabb vs. The Eagles, Part Two, with enough subplots to rival a Grisham novel. Or would you believe Tolstoy? McNabb, who by all indications lives his life and conducts himself in a classy, non-controversial way, is bathed in yet another controversy that is not of his making. His friend Mike Vick, the insanely talented and ultra-controversial figure, seems to be rolling all 7's (hmmm) and will endear himself to a great majority of the Philly Phaithful if he wins this showdown and Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
outshines his mentor in the process. Of course, the Eagles and Redskins O-lines being what they are these days, is it that far-fetched that we may see Kevin Kolb (who relieved Vick in Revenge Bowl One) and/or Rex Grossman? And if Grossman emerges from the bullpen once again for McNabb—and if McNabb is otherwise ready to go—brace yourselves for the nuclear fallout. For more information on Matt Goldberg’s new books, other writings and appearances,
19 Dec 10 Pittsburgh Steelers Breaking News: Jeff Reed Cut, Shaun Suisham Signed
Karl Walter/Getty ImagesIt is not often that a team cuts their franchise player. Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers did just that.The Pittsburgh Steelers have waived kicker Jeff Reed, and replaced him with Shaun Suisham.Reed has had many off the field issues since joining the Pittsburgh Steelers, butReebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
his inability to consistently put the ball through the uprights has assisted in costing the Steelers three games this season.Over the past two years, Reed has consistently not been able to kick the ball deep enough on kick offs to push the starting field position inside the 20 yard line, he has not done even a decent job at tackling the opposing kick off returner, and not making kicks was apparently the straw the broke the camels back.Reed will have to clear waivers before being able to sign with any other team, and it is believed that the Cincinnati Bengals Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
and New England Patriots may have interest. They would have to then pay him the balance of the franchise tag contract Reed signed this past off season.Reed has made 15 out of 22 kicks this season.Suisham joins the Steelers, but contract details are not yet known. It is believed to be a one year Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
contract.Suisham was originally signed by the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent from Bowling Green in 2005. He has since kicked for the Dallas Cowboys (2005-2006, 2009) and Washington Redskins (2006, 2009).Suisham is a career 79.1 percent accurate on Field Goals (87 of 110) and 98.1 percent on Extra Points (101 of 103).His career long is 52 yards, while kicking for the Dallas Cowboys in 2006.You can read the article on Steelers.com HERE
his inability to consistently put the ball through the uprights has assisted in costing the Steelers three games this season.Over the past two years, Reed has consistently not been able to kick the ball deep enough on kick offs to push the starting field position inside the 20 yard line, he has not done even a decent job at tackling the opposing kick off returner, and not making kicks was apparently the straw the broke the camels back.Reed will have to clear waivers before being able to sign with any other team, and it is believed that the Cincinnati Bengals Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
and New England Patriots may have interest. They would have to then pay him the balance of the franchise tag contract Reed signed this past off season.Reed has made 15 out of 22 kicks this season.Suisham joins the Steelers, but contract details are not yet known. It is believed to be a one year Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
contract.Suisham was originally signed by the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent from Bowling Green in 2005. He has since kicked for the Dallas Cowboys (2005-2006, 2009) and Washington Redskins (2006, 2009).Suisham is a career 79.1 percent accurate on Field Goals (87 of 110) and 98.1 percent on Extra Points (101 of 103).His career long is 52 yards, while kicking for the Dallas Cowboys in 2006.You can read the article on Steelers.com HERE
2010年12月18日星期六
18 Dec 10 Road Struggles Continue For The St. Louis Rams: OT Loss To The 49ers
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesNovember 1st, 2009—that was the date of the last Rams' win on the road. Ironically, it was also St. Louis' only win last season.Steve Spagnuolo's boys from St. Louis defeated the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Um, not exactly the best of road wins, but they would obviously take it.The Rams were legitimately this close to a win at Candlestick Park in San Francisco yesterday. They had the 49ers on the ropes.Well, at least that's what we thought.San Francisco, led by second string quarterback Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
Troy Smith (filling in for injured starter Alex Smith), managed to convert a first down after having 3rd and 32 followed by 4th and 18 in the final four minutes of regulation.Both plays went to workhorse Frank Gore, one of the best receivers out of the backfield in the NFL.The 49ers went on to score with a pass to wideout Michael Crabtree, putting them in the lead 20-17. The Rams would answer, however.Rookie QB Sam Bradford, who has been solid all season, was successful on his first two minute drill in the NFL (maybe even his first two minute drill ever;OUrarely had to travel the length of the field for a score ina short amount of time).Sam The Ramcompleted seven of nine passes for 70 yards, and should have completed another;tight end Daniel Fells dropped a 2nd down pass inside the 49ers' red zone that probably could have resulted in a touchdown.Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesUnfortunately, when the Rams won the toss in overtime,Bradford and his offense failed to produce. They settled, instead, for a measly three and out.Bradford's emotions were mixed after the game:"You can always take value out of things," he said."I'm really proud of the way we hung in there and fought. We had struggled in the fourth quarter. It would have been really easy for us as an offense to come out and take another three and out, but that's not what we did."We had confidence in ourselves. We knew that once we got the ball back, we were going to march it down the field and score. And that's what we Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
did."You would have liked to have gotten a touchdown there to end it in regulation, but to get a field goal and send it to overtime, you can always look at that as a positive."Bradford continued, "I felt great about our chances. We had put pressure on their defense. They were probably a little tired after that two minute drill. I thought we had a great chance to come out and gash them right off the bat. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the first down. It's tough."It is tough, Sam. Having an NFL team's offense placed in your hands as a rookie is tough.Leading a 1-15 team to a 4-5 start is tough. Winning on the road is...tough. But if you want to be a playoff team, it has to be done."A game is a game," O-linemen Adam Goldberg said after Sunday's loss. "I don't know about you (media) guys, but the players, we really don't care if we're at home or on the road. Obviously it's nice when you are at home playing in front of your fans but it's not like we think playing on the road is a huge disadvantage. It's not something that we put much thought or concern into."That's interesting, because, you see, the Rams are 4-1 at home and 0-4 on the road this season. Clearly, it's not simply "a game."This is the second game of the season that the Rams have legitimately given away. As I said earlier, the Rams' D had the 49ers with 3rd and long, followed by 4th and 18, which they converted, leading to a score.If they get a stop there, the game ends instead of heading to OT where San Fran kicked a field goal to win it.Earlier in the Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
season, the Rams blew a 17-3 lead in Tampa Bay.Really, the Rams record should look more like 6-3.Unfortunately, the NFL does not appoint a committee to choose teams for the playoffs based on potential and close games. No, you have to win games to move on.The Rams will simplyhave to win on the road in order to make the postseason.
Troy Smith (filling in for injured starter Alex Smith), managed to convert a first down after having 3rd and 32 followed by 4th and 18 in the final four minutes of regulation.Both plays went to workhorse Frank Gore, one of the best receivers out of the backfield in the NFL.The 49ers went on to score with a pass to wideout Michael Crabtree, putting them in the lead 20-17. The Rams would answer, however.Rookie QB Sam Bradford, who has been solid all season, was successful on his first two minute drill in the NFL (maybe even his first two minute drill ever;OUrarely had to travel the length of the field for a score ina short amount of time).Sam The Ramcompleted seven of nine passes for 70 yards, and should have completed another;tight end Daniel Fells dropped a 2nd down pass inside the 49ers' red zone that probably could have resulted in a touchdown.Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesUnfortunately, when the Rams won the toss in overtime,Bradford and his offense failed to produce. They settled, instead, for a measly three and out.Bradford's emotions were mixed after the game:"You can always take value out of things," he said."I'm really proud of the way we hung in there and fought. We had struggled in the fourth quarter. It would have been really easy for us as an offense to come out and take another three and out, but that's not what we did."We had confidence in ourselves. We knew that once we got the ball back, we were going to march it down the field and score. And that's what we Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
did."You would have liked to have gotten a touchdown there to end it in regulation, but to get a field goal and send it to overtime, you can always look at that as a positive."Bradford continued, "I felt great about our chances. We had put pressure on their defense. They were probably a little tired after that two minute drill. I thought we had a great chance to come out and gash them right off the bat. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the first down. It's tough."It is tough, Sam. Having an NFL team's offense placed in your hands as a rookie is tough.Leading a 1-15 team to a 4-5 start is tough. Winning on the road is...tough. But if you want to be a playoff team, it has to be done."A game is a game," O-linemen Adam Goldberg said after Sunday's loss. "I don't know about you (media) guys, but the players, we really don't care if we're at home or on the road. Obviously it's nice when you are at home playing in front of your fans but it's not like we think playing on the road is a huge disadvantage. It's not something that we put much thought or concern into."That's interesting, because, you see, the Rams are 4-1 at home and 0-4 on the road this season. Clearly, it's not simply "a game."This is the second game of the season that the Rams have legitimately given away. As I said earlier, the Rams' D had the 49ers with 3rd and long, followed by 4th and 18, which they converted, leading to a score.If they get a stop there, the game ends instead of heading to OT where San Fran kicked a field goal to win it.Earlier in the Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
season, the Rams blew a 17-3 lead in Tampa Bay.Really, the Rams record should look more like 6-3.Unfortunately, the NFL does not appoint a committee to choose teams for the playoffs based on potential and close games. No, you have to win games to move on.The Rams will simplyhave to win on the road in order to make the postseason.
2010年12月17日星期五
17 Dec 10 Browns Loss to Jaguars Has Fingers (and Paws) Pointing Everywhere
No animals were harmed in the creation ofReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
this opinion piece. Only people are tossed into THE DAWGHOUSETHE DAWGHOUSE November 22, 2010Ouch! This one hurt...like a preseason nose tackle stepping on a dawg's tail...incleats.My Monday morning Browns loss blues aresinking in, numbing me, like the season's first enduring snowfall, yet the fan blame game for who's responsible is red-hot, with scolding fingers pointing in many directions.When last checked, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's readers' poll lists offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's inability to solve the Jags' defense as the overwhelming reason for the loss with 64 percent of the votes.The next highest vote getter in this ignominious poll was the wide receivers' inability to get separation, with 14 percentof thevote. Not even listed is the poor performance of the offensive line.Because these three aspects of the game are so intertwined, let's take a closer look.It was evident as early as the first quarter that the Jags' defense could put pressure on Colt McCoy, was stacked and determined to stop Peyton Hillis and that the Browns' offensive line would not be able to withstand the onslaught through four quarters. Also, McCoy injured his ankle later in the game.Given this situation, and with the Browns defense presenting the offense withmany golden turnover opportunities, THE DAWGHOUSE was surprised to see Daboll's strategy that overly reliedon running Hillis and dropping McCoy back into a collapsing pocket that he couldn't limp out of.Evan Moore should be used more in Browns offense.Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesWith Jacksonville's defense coming on strong, where were the screen passes, where were the quick slants over the middle, where were the precision-timed sideline routes? Force the Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
defense to pay for its attack. Don'tdrop back an injured QB for long-developing pass patterns when the wall is caving in on him.Quick hitters, fast strikes and the finesse trumping of the pass rush would be the strategic cards to play. However, I agree with the polling results: Daboll is not playing with a full deck.This brings us to the receiving corps. There are many who insist our receivers cannot get open. I think the Browns must draft and trade and kidnap whatever receiving talent can be found in and near the NFL, but THE DAWGHOUSEwonders why our receivers got open and consistently caught the ball againstthe Saints, Patriots andJets.Yes, we do not have the best receivers in the world. But they do a professional job andhelp win big games when the right strategiesare employed. Again, Daboll draws the short stick on this one.But I understand the controversy, and I'd like to make a recommendation on which I hope readers will provide feedback. I'd like to see the networks use an overhead, coaches' view camera that follows every playfrom a bird's-eye view.The networks could then appropriately and occasionally provide television viewers with replays that would show whether and how receivers got open or were covered, whether they were not seen by the QBand therefore not passed to, whether they slipped or were fouled or the defense was on to it all along or they prematurely went for a Gatorade break.Would you like to see an overhead, birds-eye view camera regularly used by networks?Would you like to see an overhead, birds-eye view camera regularly used by networks?Yes78.9%No18.4%I watch all games at the stadium so see it all0.0%Why's that dawg chasing that bird?2.6%Total votes: 76I live on the West Coast. I'm a proud member of the Bay Area Browns Backers (San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland area), andI watch just about all my games on television.Television gives me shots of the cheerleaders, the Dawg Pound, the sidelines, the corridor to the locker room,the tobacco-engorged cheek of Mangini (Eric, nicotine diets kill), but what I want and think this nation of football fans deserve is theomniscient overhead shot that will help answer controversies such as whether our receivers Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
can get open or if McCoy did not see them or if Daboll is running the wrong play. What do you think?IN THE DAWGHOUSE for the Jaguars gameOffensive coordinator Brian Daboll will spend yet another week in the dark, dank decay of the doggie dungeon. We need to see better adjustments...to the defensive looksand at halftime. Pass the ball to Evan Moore more more more...maybe move him out to receiver. He's tall, smart and catches just about everything thrown to him. Bow-wow, baby.
this opinion piece. Only people are tossed into THE DAWGHOUSETHE DAWGHOUSE November 22, 2010Ouch! This one hurt...like a preseason nose tackle stepping on a dawg's tail...incleats.My Monday morning Browns loss blues aresinking in, numbing me, like the season's first enduring snowfall, yet the fan blame game for who's responsible is red-hot, with scolding fingers pointing in many directions.When last checked, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's readers' poll lists offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's inability to solve the Jags' defense as the overwhelming reason for the loss with 64 percent of the votes.The next highest vote getter in this ignominious poll was the wide receivers' inability to get separation, with 14 percentof thevote. Not even listed is the poor performance of the offensive line.Because these three aspects of the game are so intertwined, let's take a closer look.It was evident as early as the first quarter that the Jags' defense could put pressure on Colt McCoy, was stacked and determined to stop Peyton Hillis and that the Browns' offensive line would not be able to withstand the onslaught through four quarters. Also, McCoy injured his ankle later in the game.Given this situation, and with the Browns defense presenting the offense withmany golden turnover opportunities, THE DAWGHOUSE was surprised to see Daboll's strategy that overly reliedon running Hillis and dropping McCoy back into a collapsing pocket that he couldn't limp out of.Evan Moore should be used more in Browns offense.Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesWith Jacksonville's defense coming on strong, where were the screen passes, where were the quick slants over the middle, where were the precision-timed sideline routes? Force the Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
defense to pay for its attack. Don'tdrop back an injured QB for long-developing pass patterns when the wall is caving in on him.Quick hitters, fast strikes and the finesse trumping of the pass rush would be the strategic cards to play. However, I agree with the polling results: Daboll is not playing with a full deck.This brings us to the receiving corps. There are many who insist our receivers cannot get open. I think the Browns must draft and trade and kidnap whatever receiving talent can be found in and near the NFL, but THE DAWGHOUSEwonders why our receivers got open and consistently caught the ball againstthe Saints, Patriots andJets.Yes, we do not have the best receivers in the world. But they do a professional job andhelp win big games when the right strategiesare employed. Again, Daboll draws the short stick on this one.But I understand the controversy, and I'd like to make a recommendation on which I hope readers will provide feedback. I'd like to see the networks use an overhead, coaches' view camera that follows every playfrom a bird's-eye view.The networks could then appropriately and occasionally provide television viewers with replays that would show whether and how receivers got open or were covered, whether they were not seen by the QBand therefore not passed to, whether they slipped or were fouled or the defense was on to it all along or they prematurely went for a Gatorade break.Would you like to see an overhead, birds-eye view camera regularly used by networks?Would you like to see an overhead, birds-eye view camera regularly used by networks?Yes78.9%No18.4%I watch all games at the stadium so see it all0.0%Why's that dawg chasing that bird?2.6%Total votes: 76I live on the West Coast. I'm a proud member of the Bay Area Browns Backers (San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland area), andI watch just about all my games on television.Television gives me shots of the cheerleaders, the Dawg Pound, the sidelines, the corridor to the locker room,the tobacco-engorged cheek of Mangini (Eric, nicotine diets kill), but what I want and think this nation of football fans deserve is theomniscient overhead shot that will help answer controversies such as whether our receivers Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
can get open or if McCoy did not see them or if Daboll is running the wrong play. What do you think?IN THE DAWGHOUSE for the Jaguars gameOffensive coordinator Brian Daboll will spend yet another week in the dark, dank decay of the doggie dungeon. We need to see better adjustments...to the defensive looksand at halftime. Pass the ball to Evan Moore more more more...maybe move him out to receiver. He's tall, smart and catches just about everything thrown to him. Bow-wow, baby.
2010年12月16日星期四
16 Dec 10 NFL Week 12: Picks and Predictions
Can the Patriots spoil Detroit's Thanksgiving Day extravaganza?Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesNFLSoup.comis your home for all things fantasy football, but our writers also publish their picks for each week.Think you can beat the "experts"?If so, send your picks for week 12 to NFLSoupgmail.com. If you wind up with a better record than all four of the writers for the week, then you'll win a free copy of the brand-new book, America's Team: The Official History of the Dallas Cowboys.On to the picks.New England Patriots Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
(8-2) at Detroit Lions (2-8)The first game on the Thanksgiving Day docket pits the surging New England Patriots against the struggling Detroit Lions.NFL Soup Verdict: Patriots (Patriots: 4, Lions: 0)New Orleans Saints (7-3) at Dallas Cowboys (3-7)The defending champion Saints will celebrate Turkey Day in Arlington, Texas, where the resurgent Cowboys will be waiting for them.NFL Soup Verdict: Push (Saints: 2, Cowboys: 2)Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) at New York Jets (8-2)The Bengals are struggling mightily, while the Jets have been making a habit of pulling out wins in the final seconds on a weekly basis.NFL Soup Verdict: Jets (Jets: 4, Bengals: 0)Tennessee Titans (5-5) at Houston Texans (4-6)The Titans, riding a three-game losing streak, will turn to third-string QB Rusty Smith as they head south to take on division rival Houston.NFL Soup Verdict: Texans (Texans: 4, Titans: 0)Green Bay Packers (7-3) at Atlanta Falcons (8-2)The premier game of the week has the red-hot Packers riding into Atlanta to take on the equally red-hot Falcons.NFL Soup Verdict: Falcons (Falcons: 3, Packers: 1)Carolina Panthers (1-9) at Cleveland Browns (3-7)The hapless Panthers were shredded by the Ravens last week, while the Browns are coming off a tough loss at the hands of the Jaguars.NFL Soup Verdict: Browns (Browns: 4, Panthers: 0)Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) at Buffalo Bills (2-8)Pittsburgh rebounded nicely from the loss to the Patriots by manhandling the Raiders, while the Bills have suddenly won two straight games in impressive fashion.NFL Soup Verdict: Steelers (Steelers: 4, Bills: 0)Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) at New York Giants (6-4)The Jags have surged to 6-4, while the Giants have faded to 6-4.NFL Soup Verdict: Giants (Giants: 3, Jaguars: 1)Minnesota Vikings (3-7) at Washington Redskins (5-5)The Leslie Frazier era gets underway for the Vikings, as they travel to the nation's capital to take on the yellow-panted Redskins.NFL Soup Verdict: Push (Vikings: 2, Redskins: 2)Miami Dolphins (5-5) at Oakland Raiders (5-5)The Dolphins are struggling to find a rhythm on offense, while the Raiders will look to bounce back from their brutal loss to the Steelers.NFL Soup Verdict: Raiders Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
(Raiders: 3, Dolphins: 1)Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) at Seattle Seahawks (5-5)A matchup of unlikely first-place teams pits the young Chiefs against the inconsistent Seahawks.NFL Soup Verdict: Chiefs (Chiefs: 4, Seahawks: 0)St. Louis Rams (4-6) at Denver Broncos (3-7)Sam Bradford and the Rams look to keep their playoff hopes very much alive as they head to Denver to take on the Broncos and their prolific passing offense.NFL Soup Verdict: Push (Rams: 2, Broncos: 2)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) at Baltimore Ravens (7-3)If the Bucs can march into Baltimore and take down a tough Ravens team, then they're the real deal.NFL Soup Verdict: Ravens (Ravens: 3, Buccaneers: 1)Philadelphia Eagles (7-3) at Chicago Bears (7-3)Can the Bears (third in the league in total defense) slow down the speedy Eagles?NFL Soup Verdict: Eagles (Eagles: 3, Bears: 1)San Diego Chargers (5-5) at Indianapolis Colts (6-4)San Diego has been impressive against Peyton Manning throughout the years, but the Colts rarely lose two straight games.NFL Soup Verdict: Push (Chargers: 2, Colts: 2)San Francisco 49ers (3-7) at Arizona Cardinals (3-7)Despite their records, these two teams are actually still alive in the playoff hunt.NFL Soup Verdict: Push (49ers: 2, Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
Cardinals: 2)Have a fantasy football question? Send your question to NFLSoupMailbag1gmail.comto have it answered live on the air during the NFL Soup Weekly Dish!Head over to NFLSoup.comfor all things fantasy football as well as breaking NFL news.
(8-2) at Detroit Lions (2-8)The first game on the Thanksgiving Day docket pits the surging New England Patriots against the struggling Detroit Lions.NFL Soup Verdict: Patriots (Patriots: 4, Lions: 0)New Orleans Saints (7-3) at Dallas Cowboys (3-7)The defending champion Saints will celebrate Turkey Day in Arlington, Texas, where the resurgent Cowboys will be waiting for them.NFL Soup Verdict: Push (Saints: 2, Cowboys: 2)Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) at New York Jets (8-2)The Bengals are struggling mightily, while the Jets have been making a habit of pulling out wins in the final seconds on a weekly basis.NFL Soup Verdict: Jets (Jets: 4, Bengals: 0)Tennessee Titans (5-5) at Houston Texans (4-6)The Titans, riding a three-game losing streak, will turn to third-string QB Rusty Smith as they head south to take on division rival Houston.NFL Soup Verdict: Texans (Texans: 4, Titans: 0)Green Bay Packers (7-3) at Atlanta Falcons (8-2)The premier game of the week has the red-hot Packers riding into Atlanta to take on the equally red-hot Falcons.NFL Soup Verdict: Falcons (Falcons: 3, Packers: 1)Carolina Panthers (1-9) at Cleveland Browns (3-7)The hapless Panthers were shredded by the Ravens last week, while the Browns are coming off a tough loss at the hands of the Jaguars.NFL Soup Verdict: Browns (Browns: 4, Panthers: 0)Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) at Buffalo Bills (2-8)Pittsburgh rebounded nicely from the loss to the Patriots by manhandling the Raiders, while the Bills have suddenly won two straight games in impressive fashion.NFL Soup Verdict: Steelers (Steelers: 4, Bills: 0)Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) at New York Giants (6-4)The Jags have surged to 6-4, while the Giants have faded to 6-4.NFL Soup Verdict: Giants (Giants: 3, Jaguars: 1)Minnesota Vikings (3-7) at Washington Redskins (5-5)The Leslie Frazier era gets underway for the Vikings, as they travel to the nation's capital to take on the yellow-panted Redskins.NFL Soup Verdict: Push (Vikings: 2, Redskins: 2)Miami Dolphins (5-5) at Oakland Raiders (5-5)The Dolphins are struggling to find a rhythm on offense, while the Raiders will look to bounce back from their brutal loss to the Steelers.NFL Soup Verdict: Raiders Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
(Raiders: 3, Dolphins: 1)Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) at Seattle Seahawks (5-5)A matchup of unlikely first-place teams pits the young Chiefs against the inconsistent Seahawks.NFL Soup Verdict: Chiefs (Chiefs: 4, Seahawks: 0)St. Louis Rams (4-6) at Denver Broncos (3-7)Sam Bradford and the Rams look to keep their playoff hopes very much alive as they head to Denver to take on the Broncos and their prolific passing offense.NFL Soup Verdict: Push (Rams: 2, Broncos: 2)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) at Baltimore Ravens (7-3)If the Bucs can march into Baltimore and take down a tough Ravens team, then they're the real deal.NFL Soup Verdict: Ravens (Ravens: 3, Buccaneers: 1)Philadelphia Eagles (7-3) at Chicago Bears (7-3)Can the Bears (third in the league in total defense) slow down the speedy Eagles?NFL Soup Verdict: Eagles (Eagles: 3, Bears: 1)San Diego Chargers (5-5) at Indianapolis Colts (6-4)San Diego has been impressive against Peyton Manning throughout the years, but the Colts rarely lose two straight games.NFL Soup Verdict: Push (Chargers: 2, Colts: 2)San Francisco 49ers (3-7) at Arizona Cardinals (3-7)Despite their records, these two teams are actually still alive in the playoff hunt.NFL Soup Verdict: Push (49ers: 2, Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
Cardinals: 2)Have a fantasy football question? Send your question to NFLSoupMailbag1gmail.comto have it answered live on the air during the NFL Soup Weekly Dish!Head over to NFLSoup.comfor all things fantasy football as well as breaking NFL news.
2010年12月15日星期三
San Francisco 49ers and Coach Mike Singletary Attempt To Stay Alive on MNF
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesTonight on ESPN's Monday Night Football, the San Francisco 49ers line up against the Arizona Cardinals in a game that's sure to put the nation to bed early.The matchup features two, 3-7 teams and figures to be one of the worst games in the NFL this year.While both Chargers jersey
organizations are enduring sub .500 seasons, the feeling within each locker-room is decidedly different.For the Arizona Cardinals, this has been a rebuilding year from the get-go.The retirement of Kurt Warner left Arizona with no realistic option at quarterback.Journeyman Derek Anderson and rookie Max Hall have yet to produce anything remotely close to good or consistent football.Former Heisman Trophy winner and 2006 first-round draft pick Matt Leinart? He's not even on the team anymore.Although the Cardinals still retain some key playmakers including WR Larry Fitzgerald and RB Tim Hightower, the lack of a legitimate starter under center has left Arizona with the league's 31st ranked offense and, consequently, a mediocre defense that spends far too much time on the field.So while a 3-7 record is nothing to be proud of, one could say these troubles were to be expected.The Cards are performing admirably considering their circumstances and should feel somewhat good about themselves—besides, they're only two games out of first place in the dismal NFC West.Julian Finney/Getty ImagesQuite the opposite is true in San Francisco, where "disappointment" doesn't quite surmise the sentiments in the "City by the Bay."The San Francisco 49ers were supposed to not just win, but walk away with the NFC West in 2010.Coach Mike Singletary lead the 2009 Niners to their first non-losing season—they finished 8-8—in the better part of a decade, and had everyone 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
across the country feeling like the once-fabled franchise was ready to turn the corner in 2010.Well, the 49ers turned the corner all right, they just turned in the wrong direction.San Francisco opened 2010 with an embarrassing 33-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and proceeded to lose their next four games in a row, including another two in humiliating fashion to Kansas City and Atlanta.Their three wins have come against teams with sub-.500 records and during the span of those wins the Niners lost an additional two games—a 21-0 shutout at home against Tampa Bay and a depressing loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Panthers only win of the season thus far.The 49ers offense, formerly led by quarterback Alex Smith, and now led by third-string Troy Smith, has looked anemic at best throughout the season.Coach Singletary cannot decide whether he wants a run-first or pass-first offense and his ineptitude has already led to the dismissal of last year's offensive coordinator, Jimmy Raye.Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThe offensive line—supposedly bolstered by two first-round draft picks in guard Mike Iupati and tackle Anthony Davis—has struggled mightily to get any push up front for running back Frank Gore and has been laughable in its attempts to provide pass protection.Potential superstars Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree have been quiet all year, failing to produce even average results, much like the team's 26th ranked offense.The lone bright spot in this otherwise forgettable season 43 Polamalu white jersey
has been the play of the defense, currently ranked 12th overall in the NFL.Yet even the defense, anchored by team captain Patrick Willis, has faltered at crucial moments throughout the year, and is directly responsible for at least two—Atlanta and Carolina—of the team's losses.Under the microscope lies head coach Mike Singletary, who will undoubtedly stand on the chopping block if the Niners fail to mount an impressive rally to close the season and win the NFC West.Fortunately for Singletary, the NFC West is such a horrible division that the 49ers are still very much in it.Win tonight, and San Francisco will be just one game out of first place at 4-6—shocking, I know.
organizations are enduring sub .500 seasons, the feeling within each locker-room is decidedly different.For the Arizona Cardinals, this has been a rebuilding year from the get-go.The retirement of Kurt Warner left Arizona with no realistic option at quarterback.Journeyman Derek Anderson and rookie Max Hall have yet to produce anything remotely close to good or consistent football.Former Heisman Trophy winner and 2006 first-round draft pick Matt Leinart? He's not even on the team anymore.Although the Cardinals still retain some key playmakers including WR Larry Fitzgerald and RB Tim Hightower, the lack of a legitimate starter under center has left Arizona with the league's 31st ranked offense and, consequently, a mediocre defense that spends far too much time on the field.So while a 3-7 record is nothing to be proud of, one could say these troubles were to be expected.The Cards are performing admirably considering their circumstances and should feel somewhat good about themselves—besides, they're only two games out of first place in the dismal NFC West.Julian Finney/Getty ImagesQuite the opposite is true in San Francisco, where "disappointment" doesn't quite surmise the sentiments in the "City by the Bay."The San Francisco 49ers were supposed to not just win, but walk away with the NFC West in 2010.Coach Mike Singletary lead the 2009 Niners to their first non-losing season—they finished 8-8—in the better part of a decade, and had everyone 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
across the country feeling like the once-fabled franchise was ready to turn the corner in 2010.Well, the 49ers turned the corner all right, they just turned in the wrong direction.San Francisco opened 2010 with an embarrassing 33-6 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and proceeded to lose their next four games in a row, including another two in humiliating fashion to Kansas City and Atlanta.Their three wins have come against teams with sub-.500 records and during the span of those wins the Niners lost an additional two games—a 21-0 shutout at home against Tampa Bay and a depressing loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Panthers only win of the season thus far.The 49ers offense, formerly led by quarterback Alex Smith, and now led by third-string Troy Smith, has looked anemic at best throughout the season.Coach Singletary cannot decide whether he wants a run-first or pass-first offense and his ineptitude has already led to the dismissal of last year's offensive coordinator, Jimmy Raye.Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThe offensive line—supposedly bolstered by two first-round draft picks in guard Mike Iupati and tackle Anthony Davis—has struggled mightily to get any push up front for running back Frank Gore and has been laughable in its attempts to provide pass protection.Potential superstars Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree have been quiet all year, failing to produce even average results, much like the team's 26th ranked offense.The lone bright spot in this otherwise forgettable season 43 Polamalu white jersey
has been the play of the defense, currently ranked 12th overall in the NFL.Yet even the defense, anchored by team captain Patrick Willis, has faltered at crucial moments throughout the year, and is directly responsible for at least two—Atlanta and Carolina—of the team's losses.Under the microscope lies head coach Mike Singletary, who will undoubtedly stand on the chopping block if the Niners fail to mount an impressive rally to close the season and win the NFC West.Fortunately for Singletary, the NFC West is such a horrible division that the 49ers are still very much in it.Win tonight, and San Francisco will be just one game out of first place at 4-6—shocking, I know.
2010年12月13日星期一
Carolina Panthers DE Charles Johnson Providing Bright Spot for NFL's Worst Team
Charles Johnson is having a career year in 2010. It has been a dismal year for the Carolina Panthers.
At 1-10 and showing few signs of life, head coach Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
John Fox is likely out after this year and there are questions as to what direction that franchise will go.
One things is for sure, though: Charles Johnson will be around.
The 24-year-old defensive end is having the best season of his young career.
In his fourth NFL season, the former third-round pick has 46 total tackles in 11 games. That’s nearly twice his career-high of 25 set in 2008 in 16 games and duplicated in 2009 in just 11 games.
After starting just four games in his first Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
three years, Johnson has started all 11 in 2010 and shows more promise than ever with 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
“The game is slowing down for him,” said Fox. “He has worked very hard. He's gotten more opportunities, so he's gotten more plays this year than most other seasons, and he's taking advantage of those opportunities.”
Johnson was voted second-team All-SEC in 2006 while at Georgia. He recorded 73 tackles and 14.5 sacks (tied for 10th in school history), forced six fumbles, recovered three and had 12 passes defended in his career. He also scored one touchdown on a fumble return.
There will be changes in Carolina this offseason. 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
That is a given. Just expect Johnson to be among the new regime’s holdovers from 2010’s underachieving squad.
At 1-10 and showing few signs of life, head coach Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
John Fox is likely out after this year and there are questions as to what direction that franchise will go.
One things is for sure, though: Charles Johnson will be around.
The 24-year-old defensive end is having the best season of his young career.
In his fourth NFL season, the former third-round pick has 46 total tackles in 11 games. That’s nearly twice his career-high of 25 set in 2008 in 16 games and duplicated in 2009 in just 11 games.
After starting just four games in his first Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
three years, Johnson has started all 11 in 2010 and shows more promise than ever with 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
“The game is slowing down for him,” said Fox. “He has worked very hard. He's gotten more opportunities, so he's gotten more plays this year than most other seasons, and he's taking advantage of those opportunities.”
Johnson was voted second-team All-SEC in 2006 while at Georgia. He recorded 73 tackles and 14.5 sacks (tied for 10th in school history), forced six fumbles, recovered three and had 12 passes defended in his career. He also scored one touchdown on a fumble return.
There will be changes in Carolina this offseason. 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
That is a given. Just expect Johnson to be among the new regime’s holdovers from 2010’s underachieving squad.
2010年12月12日星期日
Fantasy Football Debate: Is Arian Foster the No. 1 RB Entering 2011?
We asked our readers at FFSpin.com to tell us whether or not Arian Foster had cracked the ranks of the elite. The answer was that Foster had not only cracked the rankings, but that he was the top fantasy football running back entering 2011.
The poll question:Arian Foster is posting elite numbers which begs the question; is Foster among the elite? How do you rank Foster right now for the 2011 draft?
The poll results... We found it interesting that Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
voters generally thought Foster was either number on, ahead of both Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson, or the third best back behind both of them. Only 18% of voters thought that Foster was the number two back. It will come as a surprise to some that of the votes for Foster as the number two back, more voters favored Peterson as the lone back ahead of Foster than Johnson. Let's take a look at why the voting went the way have gone the way it did and try to come to a conclusion as to who should be the top ranked fantasy football running back entering 2011. Here are the current stats for each player;
Note: You can see the full chart and article here. Please return to debate with other Bleacherreport.com members.
Last season, Chris Johnson amassed a staggering 2,509 total yards. He made it look easy, averaging 5.6 ypc and finding the end zone 16 times. This year has been a different story. Running room has been much harder to find for Chris Johnson, who ranks just seventh among running backs in fantasy points on the season. Quarterback instability has been a factor and his offensive line,ranked 17th by Yahooentering the season, has not done him any favors. Johnson has been stuffed at or behind the line of scrimmage on 25% of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
his carries, only Seattle and Detroit have worse run blocking efficiencies.
The Titans have struggled to develop any other weapons. Kenny Britt has been brilliant at times, but just as he was maturing and beginning to realize his huge potential he suffered an injury which has sidelined him since week 8. Randy Moss has been a non-factor and the complimentary players in Tennessee are blatantly average. Defenses are essentially preparing to stop Chris Johnson and daring the Titans to find a way, any other way, to beat them.
Chris Johnson is the smallest of the three backs we are examining and his 408 total touches from a year ago may also enter the equation. We have seen time and time again that running backs on the receiving end of 400 plus touches see diminishing returns the following season. As an undrafted free agent who was not given much of a shot in his rookie season, Arian Foster has comparatively little mileage on his legs. The 6’1, 227 lb rusher’s professional touches add it up to a grand total of 358. Contrast that number with Chris Johnson's total of 967 touches over his three year career and Adrian Peterson's workload of 1,264 combined carries and catches and you can see how he may be less banged up. Hits from the massive, stellar athletes that man NFL defenses have a cumulative effect.
Adrian Peterson's offensive line has not been as strong as the front men of the Houston Texans, but they have provided more push that the group in Tennessee. In 2009, the Vikings were surprisingly ineffective at run blocking, finishing twentieth in rush blocking efficiency. Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
FootballOutsiders.com maintains a very interesting, and revealing stat, calledAdjusted Line Yardswhich assigns responsibility to the offensive line based on a proprietary formula which weights runs by different yardage "buckets". According to their stats, Peterson's offensive line is better than average at number twelve overall on the season, but not close to the Texans big men who come in at number three. Chris Johnson labors behind a group that pulls up the read at thirty.
Continue the article by clicking here.
The poll question:Arian Foster is posting elite numbers which begs the question; is Foster among the elite? How do you rank Foster right now for the 2011 draft?
The poll results... We found it interesting that Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
voters generally thought Foster was either number on, ahead of both Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson, or the third best back behind both of them. Only 18% of voters thought that Foster was the number two back. It will come as a surprise to some that of the votes for Foster as the number two back, more voters favored Peterson as the lone back ahead of Foster than Johnson. Let's take a look at why the voting went the way have gone the way it did and try to come to a conclusion as to who should be the top ranked fantasy football running back entering 2011. Here are the current stats for each player;
Note: You can see the full chart and article here. Please return to debate with other Bleacherreport.com members.
Last season, Chris Johnson amassed a staggering 2,509 total yards. He made it look easy, averaging 5.6 ypc and finding the end zone 16 times. This year has been a different story. Running room has been much harder to find for Chris Johnson, who ranks just seventh among running backs in fantasy points on the season. Quarterback instability has been a factor and his offensive line,ranked 17th by Yahooentering the season, has not done him any favors. Johnson has been stuffed at or behind the line of scrimmage on 25% of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
his carries, only Seattle and Detroit have worse run blocking efficiencies.
The Titans have struggled to develop any other weapons. Kenny Britt has been brilliant at times, but just as he was maturing and beginning to realize his huge potential he suffered an injury which has sidelined him since week 8. Randy Moss has been a non-factor and the complimentary players in Tennessee are blatantly average. Defenses are essentially preparing to stop Chris Johnson and daring the Titans to find a way, any other way, to beat them.
Chris Johnson is the smallest of the three backs we are examining and his 408 total touches from a year ago may also enter the equation. We have seen time and time again that running backs on the receiving end of 400 plus touches see diminishing returns the following season. As an undrafted free agent who was not given much of a shot in his rookie season, Arian Foster has comparatively little mileage on his legs. The 6’1, 227 lb rusher’s professional touches add it up to a grand total of 358. Contrast that number with Chris Johnson's total of 967 touches over his three year career and Adrian Peterson's workload of 1,264 combined carries and catches and you can see how he may be less banged up. Hits from the massive, stellar athletes that man NFL defenses have a cumulative effect.
Adrian Peterson's offensive line has not been as strong as the front men of the Houston Texans, but they have provided more push that the group in Tennessee. In 2009, the Vikings were surprisingly ineffective at run blocking, finishing twentieth in rush blocking efficiency. Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
FootballOutsiders.com maintains a very interesting, and revealing stat, calledAdjusted Line Yardswhich assigns responsibility to the offensive line based on a proprietary formula which weights runs by different yardage "buckets". According to their stats, Peterson's offensive line is better than average at number twelve overall on the season, but not close to the Texans big men who come in at number three. Chris Johnson labors behind a group that pulls up the read at thirty.
Continue the article by clicking here.
2010年12月11日星期六
Fan Pulse: Pittsburgh Steelers "fans discuss the idea of a billionaire owner"
The team with only one emblem on its helmet has only seen one family own it. Pittsburgh fans on Steelers Fever are coming to grips with the idea that the Rooney family may not be the exclusive owners of the team for much longer. News came out Monday that majority owner Dan Rooney is Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
attempting to buy out his four brothers; the five of them make up 80 percent ownership of the team. Another family based in Pittsburgh, the McGinleys, owns the other 20 percent. The four younger Rooney brothers have racing track ventures in Florida and New York, and the Rooneys stated that they wish to remove themselves from ownership in compliance with NFL rules separating ownership and gambling enterprises. While information is passing back and forth, it seems Duquesne Capital Management chairman Stanley Druckenmiller could emerge as early as next week as an owner of the Steelers. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Tuesday night that Druckenmiller would have Rooney continue running the team. It already has at least one poster a bit concerned. "Has anyone started an over/under on how long it will take for Druckenmiller to cry poverty and that he's headed for bankruptcy if he's forced to stay in Pittsburgh in order to get the team moved into a larger market?"Change isn't something Steelers Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
fans are used to. After all, Mike Tomlin is just the third coach the team has had in three decades. Dan Rooney has been the owner since Art Rooney, the original owner, gave him control 33 years ago. One poster:"As a fan I am always proud to call the Rooneys 'my' owners - will I feel that same pride with Mr. Druckenmiller? (I doubt it)"
attempting to buy out his four brothers; the five of them make up 80 percent ownership of the team. Another family based in Pittsburgh, the McGinleys, owns the other 20 percent. The four younger Rooney brothers have racing track ventures in Florida and New York, and the Rooneys stated that they wish to remove themselves from ownership in compliance with NFL rules separating ownership and gambling enterprises. While information is passing back and forth, it seems Duquesne Capital Management chairman Stanley Druckenmiller could emerge as early as next week as an owner of the Steelers. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports Tuesday night that Druckenmiller would have Rooney continue running the team. It already has at least one poster a bit concerned. "Has anyone started an over/under on how long it will take for Druckenmiller to cry poverty and that he's headed for bankruptcy if he's forced to stay in Pittsburgh in order to get the team moved into a larger market?"Change isn't something Steelers Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
fans are used to. After all, Mike Tomlin is just the third coach the team has had in three decades. Dan Rooney has been the owner since Art Rooney, the original owner, gave him control 33 years ago. One poster:"As a fan I am always proud to call the Rooneys 'my' owners - will I feel that same pride with Mr. Druckenmiller? (I doubt it)"
2010年12月9日星期四
San Francisco 49ers The Good Alex Smith Walt Harris Manny Lawson
We focused on the negativity yesterday, so today we're going to discuss the positive aspects of San Francisco's seven-point victory over the Rams of St. Louis. Dead horses be damned. Let's get the whips out.The GoodAlex SmithAfter a wretched rookie season, Smith finally seems to get it. His stats so far are not mind-boggling, but they are very efficient. His numbers? 34 completions on 62 attempts for 521 yards, along with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Those numbers add up to a 93.8 quarterback rating.Had I told you six months ago that, upon completion of Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
Week 2, Alex Smith would have a higher efficiency rating, as many touchdown passes and two less interceptions than Carson Palmer, would you have believed me? Didn't think so.In 2005, Smith was the NFL's version of a busboy. Not only did he bring nothing to the table, he actually took things off it. He threw 11 interceptions in 2005 before he finally recorded his first touchdown. That was mostly due to his tendency to stare down his primary receiver and the fact that he seemed to be lost when he stepped on the field...at least from what I saw of him last year.Now? Smith is recognizing what the defense is doing pre-snap, as evidenced by him checking down at the line and throwing quick slants to his receivers over blitzing linebackers. He is standing firm in the pocket and waiting for his receivers to get into their break rather than throwing the ball too early. And most importantly, Smith is recognizing holes in the defense and taking advantage of them much more than he was last season.Of course, I'm not going to sit here and claim that Smith is going to lead the 49ers to the playoffs, then strap the team to his back and carry it to a Super Bowl victory. Absolutely not. The hyperbole police would arrest me and throw me in a dank, football-less cell for the next six months. Smith is still waiting a bit too long to throw the ball on occasion, but only because he hasn't quite developed the feel for when a receiver is about to come open. What I mean is, he (like all young quarterbacks) wants to see a receiver is open before throwing the ball, but that just doesn't fly in the NFL. (Excuse me while I turn into Joe Theismann and talk in the second person for the remainder of this paragraph.) As a pro quarterback, unless there is a blown coverage you rarely see receivers who are wide open on their break. You must anticipate when and where to throw the ball on any given play. Learning that takes time. In order to be effective, you have to know what type of defense you're going up against and where the weaknesses in it are located. You also have to know the speed of your receivers, the speed and range of the defenders in the area, how hard and where to throw the football, and, finally, how quickly you can get the pass to the person you want to throw it to. The quarterback who is able to do all that early in his career is a very rare commodity. Smith isn't quite there yet, but he is improving, and that's really all you can ask for.Take, for instance, his 72-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Bryant. Anyone Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
who watches football knows it was a good pass, but the best part of it were the subtle things Smith did correctly that helped produce the big play.St. Louis was in a Cover 2 zone, meaning the corners bump their receivers off the line (either inside or outside depending on the type of Cover 2 it is...on this play Bryant was bumped outside). The two safeties then split out and each is responsible for their half of the field.Bryant was running a go route (running straight down the field). In a Cover 2, the go route is open in the area between the corner and safety...unless, of course, the safety cheats toward the sidelines. Had Smith stared Bryant down that's exactly what would have happened. However, if you go back and watch the tape, you can see Smith stare at the safety on Bryant's side, then turn his head slightly inside to lure him to the middle of the field. Needless to say, it worked like a charm. The safety was influenced by Smith's eyes and shifted to cover the inside receiver and Smith fired a bullet through the area the safety should have been covering.But that's not all. The pass was a thing of beauty. Not only was it thrown with the correct amount of velocity, it was also placed in perfect position to allow Bryant to make the catch in stride and continue sprinting downfield for the touchdown. Smith did everything right on that play.Frank GoreI have to be honest, I'm a little sick of typing the same thing about this man over and over, so I went ahead and created a template for his place on the Good list that I can use week after week to save myself 30 seconds. It looks something like this:Frank Gore put on another ___ performance, rushing for ___ yards on ___ carries against the ___ and making their ___ look like a(n) ___. Gore continues to ___ the 49ers offense, having accumulated ___ yards on ___ carries. The young man out of "The U" is an absolute ___ and is likely bound for the ___ ___ in ___.(Please note: This template can also be used if Gore's prduction falls off, but I really don't think that's going to happen.)Offensive lineZero sacks allowed and 127 yards rushing by the starting running back is an impressive performance by an offensive line regardless of the opponent. But the Niners were missing their starting left tackle and left guard and still accomplished this feat. Wow. The rushing yards are impressive, but not allowing a sack? That's nearly impossible to achieve with two starters out. Heck, most teams with all five starters in can't even do this. The bottom line is, the Niners' O-line has much more depth than I gave them credit for last week. They are a fantastic unit and their depth and overall chemistry is outstanding.Manny LawsonTwo sacks and a possible touchdown-saving tackle on Steven Jackson in the fourth quarter by the rookie linebacker out of N.C. State earns him a place on my Good list. The youngster provided a big-time spark throughout the game, and was a constant presence in the St. Louis backfield. Walt HarrisIt seemed like every time there was a big play in the secondary, Walt Harris' name was the one being called. To go along with his seven tackles, he also racked up three pass deflections. So far this season Harris has 13 tackles, a sack, a forced 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
fumble and five pass deflections...not bad for a player few people expected much out of this season. I believe Mike Nolan's quote regarding Harris pretty much sums it up:"I believed we were signing a starter. But, to the extent to which he is playing right now, he's playing very well. That's a good thing. It's a little bit embarrassing to say that you don't expect a guy to play well, but there are degrees of how well you play, and Walt is playing well. They tried to put some balls over his head, and he did a nice job. He's got gas in his tank
Week 2, Alex Smith would have a higher efficiency rating, as many touchdown passes and two less interceptions than Carson Palmer, would you have believed me? Didn't think so.In 2005, Smith was the NFL's version of a busboy. Not only did he bring nothing to the table, he actually took things off it. He threw 11 interceptions in 2005 before he finally recorded his first touchdown. That was mostly due to his tendency to stare down his primary receiver and the fact that he seemed to be lost when he stepped on the field...at least from what I saw of him last year.Now? Smith is recognizing what the defense is doing pre-snap, as evidenced by him checking down at the line and throwing quick slants to his receivers over blitzing linebackers. He is standing firm in the pocket and waiting for his receivers to get into their break rather than throwing the ball too early. And most importantly, Smith is recognizing holes in the defense and taking advantage of them much more than he was last season.Of course, I'm not going to sit here and claim that Smith is going to lead the 49ers to the playoffs, then strap the team to his back and carry it to a Super Bowl victory. Absolutely not. The hyperbole police would arrest me and throw me in a dank, football-less cell for the next six months. Smith is still waiting a bit too long to throw the ball on occasion, but only because he hasn't quite developed the feel for when a receiver is about to come open. What I mean is, he (like all young quarterbacks) wants to see a receiver is open before throwing the ball, but that just doesn't fly in the NFL. (Excuse me while I turn into Joe Theismann and talk in the second person for the remainder of this paragraph.) As a pro quarterback, unless there is a blown coverage you rarely see receivers who are wide open on their break. You must anticipate when and where to throw the ball on any given play. Learning that takes time. In order to be effective, you have to know what type of defense you're going up against and where the weaknesses in it are located. You also have to know the speed of your receivers, the speed and range of the defenders in the area, how hard and where to throw the football, and, finally, how quickly you can get the pass to the person you want to throw it to. The quarterback who is able to do all that early in his career is a very rare commodity. Smith isn't quite there yet, but he is improving, and that's really all you can ask for.Take, for instance, his 72-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Bryant. Anyone Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
who watches football knows it was a good pass, but the best part of it were the subtle things Smith did correctly that helped produce the big play.St. Louis was in a Cover 2 zone, meaning the corners bump their receivers off the line (either inside or outside depending on the type of Cover 2 it is...on this play Bryant was bumped outside). The two safeties then split out and each is responsible for their half of the field.Bryant was running a go route (running straight down the field). In a Cover 2, the go route is open in the area between the corner and safety...unless, of course, the safety cheats toward the sidelines. Had Smith stared Bryant down that's exactly what would have happened. However, if you go back and watch the tape, you can see Smith stare at the safety on Bryant's side, then turn his head slightly inside to lure him to the middle of the field. Needless to say, it worked like a charm. The safety was influenced by Smith's eyes and shifted to cover the inside receiver and Smith fired a bullet through the area the safety should have been covering.But that's not all. The pass was a thing of beauty. Not only was it thrown with the correct amount of velocity, it was also placed in perfect position to allow Bryant to make the catch in stride and continue sprinting downfield for the touchdown. Smith did everything right on that play.Frank GoreI have to be honest, I'm a little sick of typing the same thing about this man over and over, so I went ahead and created a template for his place on the Good list that I can use week after week to save myself 30 seconds. It looks something like this:Frank Gore put on another ___ performance, rushing for ___ yards on ___ carries against the ___ and making their ___ look like a(n) ___. Gore continues to ___ the 49ers offense, having accumulated ___ yards on ___ carries. The young man out of "The U" is an absolute ___ and is likely bound for the ___ ___ in ___.(Please note: This template can also be used if Gore's prduction falls off, but I really don't think that's going to happen.)Offensive lineZero sacks allowed and 127 yards rushing by the starting running back is an impressive performance by an offensive line regardless of the opponent. But the Niners were missing their starting left tackle and left guard and still accomplished this feat. Wow. The rushing yards are impressive, but not allowing a sack? That's nearly impossible to achieve with two starters out. Heck, most teams with all five starters in can't even do this. The bottom line is, the Niners' O-line has much more depth than I gave them credit for last week. They are a fantastic unit and their depth and overall chemistry is outstanding.Manny LawsonTwo sacks and a possible touchdown-saving tackle on Steven Jackson in the fourth quarter by the rookie linebacker out of N.C. State earns him a place on my Good list. The youngster provided a big-time spark throughout the game, and was a constant presence in the St. Louis backfield. Walt HarrisIt seemed like every time there was a big play in the secondary, Walt Harris' name was the one being called. To go along with his seven tackles, he also racked up three pass deflections. So far this season Harris has 13 tackles, a sack, a forced 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
fumble and five pass deflections...not bad for a player few people expected much out of this season. I believe Mike Nolan's quote regarding Harris pretty much sums it up:"I believed we were signing a starter. But, to the extent to which he is playing right now, he's playing very well. That's a good thing. It's a little bit embarrassing to say that you don't expect a guy to play well, but there are degrees of how well you play, and Walt is playing well. They tried to put some balls over his head, and he did a nice job. He's got gas in his tank
San Francisco 49ers should relax. It's just the preseason.
The NFL preseason acts sort of like a month-long pregame show for the regular season ; it can get you excited for the upcoming football season but it ;s still tough to get an accurate assessment of where a team is and how for it can go. Basically, although the 49ers had the bright spots and Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
some question marks in their 17-16 win against the Denver Broncos in the preseason opener for both teams, it ;s important not to get too up or too down about any aspect of the 2009 San Francisco 49ers. In fact, this should be the same for the entire preseason. The NFL preseason is a tough book to read because it ;s hard to find out what it all means. If a team has a strong preseason and it carries over to the regular season, ;It showed it could play and had the potential to win early on. ; But if that team that did well in the preseason goes on to struggle the rest of the way, ;The preseason meant absolutely nothing. ; Although the standout statistics from Friday night ;s win are the three interceptions by the 49ers ; secondary, San Francisco also didn ;t get one sack against the Broncos. After sacking the quarterback 30 times in 2008 (good for 16th in the NFL), the 49ers need get pressure this season. The Niners showed what their defensive backs can do behind players like Nate Clements and Dre ; Bly, imagine how effective the secondary will be if the front seven can put consistent heat on an opposing quarterback. But, like I said, it ;s the preseason and just because the 49ers couldn ;t get to the quarterback against the Broncos, a greater sample size is needed to judge whether this will be a problem in 2009. In the preseason, the starters don ;t play a lot and the 49ers ; coaching staff doesn ;t want to through the kitchen sink at a team during the preseason. On offense, the much anticipated quarterback competition between Shawn Hill and Alex Smith didn ;t spark any fireworks or great talking points. Although Smith got some reps with the first team, Hill played as if he already had the job. Hill came in, threw two pass (both completed to Vernon Davis), didn ;t try to force anything and led a drive that ended in a field goal. Even though Smith didn ;t play bad and head coach Mike Singletary said neither quarterback really separated himself from the other, it looks at this point that it ;s Hill ;s job to lose. Frank Gore and Isaac Bruce didn ;t play and I don ;t imagine both players getting too much playing time before game one of the regular season, so we probably won ;t find out the true potential of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
the offense during the next three games. Plus, that guy the Niners drafted in the first round hasn ;t even signed yet. His name is Crab ;something or other. But it looks as if the 49ers might have a solid running back to give Gore a rest from time to time in Glen Coffee.
some question marks in their 17-16 win against the Denver Broncos in the preseason opener for both teams, it ;s important not to get too up or too down about any aspect of the 2009 San Francisco 49ers. In fact, this should be the same for the entire preseason. The NFL preseason is a tough book to read because it ;s hard to find out what it all means. If a team has a strong preseason and it carries over to the regular season, ;It showed it could play and had the potential to win early on. ; But if that team that did well in the preseason goes on to struggle the rest of the way, ;The preseason meant absolutely nothing. ; Although the standout statistics from Friday night ;s win are the three interceptions by the 49ers ; secondary, San Francisco also didn ;t get one sack against the Broncos. After sacking the quarterback 30 times in 2008 (good for 16th in the NFL), the 49ers need get pressure this season. The Niners showed what their defensive backs can do behind players like Nate Clements and Dre ; Bly, imagine how effective the secondary will be if the front seven can put consistent heat on an opposing quarterback. But, like I said, it ;s the preseason and just because the 49ers couldn ;t get to the quarterback against the Broncos, a greater sample size is needed to judge whether this will be a problem in 2009. In the preseason, the starters don ;t play a lot and the 49ers ; coaching staff doesn ;t want to through the kitchen sink at a team during the preseason. On offense, the much anticipated quarterback competition between Shawn Hill and Alex Smith didn ;t spark any fireworks or great talking points. Although Smith got some reps with the first team, Hill played as if he already had the job. Hill came in, threw two pass (both completed to Vernon Davis), didn ;t try to force anything and led a drive that ended in a field goal. Even though Smith didn ;t play bad and head coach Mike Singletary said neither quarterback really separated himself from the other, it looks at this point that it ;s Hill ;s job to lose. Frank Gore and Isaac Bruce didn ;t play and I don ;t imagine both players getting too much playing time before game one of the regular season, so we probably won ;t find out the true potential of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
the offense during the next three games. Plus, that guy the Niners drafted in the first round hasn ;t even signed yet. His name is Crab ;something or other. But it looks as if the 49ers might have a solid running back to give Gore a rest from time to time in Glen Coffee.
2010年12月2日星期四
Their place assured, team still dominates Texans
The Colts could have had an off-week and everyone would have understood. The players knew that they are going to be the AFC's second-seeded team no matter the result against the Texans, and, while those attending the game might have been displeased, Indianapolis could have reduced the time its starters saw or just generally slacked. But they went the other way and decided to keep stomping ahead into the playoffs, led by stars putting forth outstanding efforts. As usual, the Texans barely got in the way as the 4 Brett Favre White jersey
Colts rolled to a blowout.Many of the big names had big days, as they were both professional and proficient in the inconsequential game. Most notably as usual, there was Peyton Manning missing only seven of his 35 attempts, getting to 311 yards, throwing for three scores, and not tossing an interception. Houston should hire a panel of cartographers and geography experts to petition to the NFL that Indianapolis does not belong in a division with "South" in its name; it might be the only way the Texans will ever keep Manning from having two games per season against them that are outstanding even by his standards.The quarterback wasn't the only one putting up fantastic statistics for the Colts, either: Reggie Wayne, who has demonstrated he can either complement the primary receiver or be the primary receiver himself, acted like the latter, as his spectacular catch total of 10 and yardage mark of 143 indicated that he was virtually unstoppable on the day.Also unstoppable in his own tight end-style way was Dallas Clark, who found his way into the end zone after two of his six catches. He got to 60 yards, as usual serving as a valuable underneath target in this offense. It's the kind of day that will give defensive coaches of the Colts' postseason opponent or opponents a stress headache as they try to figure how to simultaneously take away the deep threat and the tight end. In that regard, this was a meaningful game for Indianapolis: The Colts put nightmares on film for teams they may face in January.They didn't need much on the ground, but both Kenton Keith, who ran for 60 yards on 10 attempts, and Joseph Addai, who got to 26 yards from only six carries, at least got themselves nice averages.On the other side, at first glance Bob Sanders didn't have a largely flashy day, either, with four total tackles; what did stand out was his second-quarter interception, setting up his offense at the Houston 26 and allowing them to get a touchdown four plays later. It was 24-7 for the home team after that, and the pick didn't so much start the momentum swing as it did push it further in the Colts' favor.Game-turning plays at crucial moments are a common occurrence for this team, but brilliant showings with Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
nothing at stake indicate that the Colts are greased for the playoffs. This team has been on an upswing ever since its only two losses, and the Colts continue to rise despite the fact that their record meant they could have loafed through this one.Instead of collecting a paycheck and heading home to celebrate Christmas Eve's Eve, Indianapolis' playmakers set a good example and kept this team focused. It's a good attitude to hold in the face of both a guaranteed two seed and holiday.
Colts rolled to a blowout.Many of the big names had big days, as they were both professional and proficient in the inconsequential game. Most notably as usual, there was Peyton Manning missing only seven of his 35 attempts, getting to 311 yards, throwing for three scores, and not tossing an interception. Houston should hire a panel of cartographers and geography experts to petition to the NFL that Indianapolis does not belong in a division with "South" in its name; it might be the only way the Texans will ever keep Manning from having two games per season against them that are outstanding even by his standards.The quarterback wasn't the only one putting up fantastic statistics for the Colts, either: Reggie Wayne, who has demonstrated he can either complement the primary receiver or be the primary receiver himself, acted like the latter, as his spectacular catch total of 10 and yardage mark of 143 indicated that he was virtually unstoppable on the day.Also unstoppable in his own tight end-style way was Dallas Clark, who found his way into the end zone after two of his six catches. He got to 60 yards, as usual serving as a valuable underneath target in this offense. It's the kind of day that will give defensive coaches of the Colts' postseason opponent or opponents a stress headache as they try to figure how to simultaneously take away the deep threat and the tight end. In that regard, this was a meaningful game for Indianapolis: The Colts put nightmares on film for teams they may face in January.They didn't need much on the ground, but both Kenton Keith, who ran for 60 yards on 10 attempts, and Joseph Addai, who got to 26 yards from only six carries, at least got themselves nice averages.On the other side, at first glance Bob Sanders didn't have a largely flashy day, either, with four total tackles; what did stand out was his second-quarter interception, setting up his offense at the Houston 26 and allowing them to get a touchdown four plays later. It was 24-7 for the home team after that, and the pick didn't so much start the momentum swing as it did push it further in the Colts' favor.Game-turning plays at crucial moments are a common occurrence for this team, but brilliant showings with Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
nothing at stake indicate that the Colts are greased for the playoffs. This team has been on an upswing ever since its only two losses, and the Colts continue to rise despite the fact that their record meant they could have loafed through this one.Instead of collecting a paycheck and heading home to celebrate Christmas Eve's Eve, Indianapolis' playmakers set a good example and kept this team focused. It's a good attitude to hold in the face of both a guaranteed two seed and holiday.
"Jim Caldwell's ascension raises the question: who's Jim Caldwell?
We now know that Jim Caldwell will at some point replace Tony Dungy as the chief Colt. The question, then, is not what title he'll hold but who he is. A name that wouldn't have been on the radar for casual fans outside of Indianapolis before the Dungy retirement rumors is now in direct line for a head coaching job. If nothing else, it means this team will have constancy, not to mention the benefit of the experience the coach in waiting brings as a result of the sundry jobs he's held in the sport.At 53, actually almost nine months 4 Brett Favre White jersey
older than Dungy, Caldwell currently serves as the team's quarterbacks coach. Some might consider him to be Phil Jackson's football equivalent: Fantastic talent can make any leader look like a genius. Still, regardless of how significant his contribution has been to the success of the somewhat prominent Colt who usually mans that spot, the fact is that the passing game has been exceptionally proficient with Caldwell as coach. That means, if nothing else, he's not hurting things.A truer measure of his skill might be the 2001 season that he spent holding the same rank with the Buccaneers. There, he got a decent performance out of Brad Johnson, as the quarterback threw for 3,406 yards and completed over 60 percent of his passes; it was a fair season for a fair quarterback.Before he came with Dungy from Tampa to Indiana, Caldwell spent his years teaching in the college game. He began as a graduate assistant at his alma mater Iowa in 1977, the year after he graduated following a university football career spent, surprisingly, as a member of the defensive secondary.Caldwell bounced around schools before landing at Penn State in 1986, where he performed several tasks over the seasons on the offensive side of the ball. The high point was undoubtedly the work he did as positional coach for Kerry Collins. A quarterback who's had a remarkably checkered pro career looked to be a sure thing leaving Happy Valley; the coach's impressive work with his most renowned student at PSU is further evidence that Caldwell is not merely along for the ride in his present station.The most noteworthy line on Caldwell's résumé points out that he was Wake Forest's head coach from 1993 to 2000. The red flag for those in blue in white would be his 26-63 record there, but it wasn't as if he led an ACC powerhouse to ruin: Despite their recent improvement, the fact that the Demon Deacons have appeared in eight total bowls lets everyone know that he was at a basketball school that also happened to field a football team.He even got them to one of those postseason contests, namely the Aloha Bowl, in his penultimate season, a game in which they prevailed 23-3 over Arizona State to finish with a 7-5 record; while that's not exactly the same as Steve Spurrier getting Duke to win, it's still fair to say that Caldwell managed to attain at least a marginal amount of progress.Most importantly, this seems like a natural move where the Colts will be left in the hands of a trusted assistant. It's entirely unlike another recent case where an NFL subordinate was given a swimming pool filled with money in anticipation of his eventual assumption to the head slot, namely Jason Garrett's elevation to assistant head coach in Dallas.Aside from the fact that Caldwell was technically just promoted from assistant to associate head coach is the fact his franchise made a move that, instead of creating chaos and tension, enhances stability. Wade Phillips might be selling his Cowboys apparel on eBay at this time next year with a hotshot coordinator ready to take his place, while Indianapolis' case seems like one where continuity has just been ensured after the current leader leaves at the time of Dallas Cowboys jersey
his choosing.A smooth transition seems exactly on par for a squad that not only manages to retain its superstars but is also helmed by an unassuming, tranquil gentleman. Having a line of succession in place for when Dungy exits built around a specialized coach who will be entering his seventh season with the Colts and who clearly works well with Peyton Manning is a situation that must be considered advantageous to not only Caldwell but also the organization.
older than Dungy, Caldwell currently serves as the team's quarterbacks coach. Some might consider him to be Phil Jackson's football equivalent: Fantastic talent can make any leader look like a genius. Still, regardless of how significant his contribution has been to the success of the somewhat prominent Colt who usually mans that spot, the fact is that the passing game has been exceptionally proficient with Caldwell as coach. That means, if nothing else, he's not hurting things.A truer measure of his skill might be the 2001 season that he spent holding the same rank with the Buccaneers. There, he got a decent performance out of Brad Johnson, as the quarterback threw for 3,406 yards and completed over 60 percent of his passes; it was a fair season for a fair quarterback.Before he came with Dungy from Tampa to Indiana, Caldwell spent his years teaching in the college game. He began as a graduate assistant at his alma mater Iowa in 1977, the year after he graduated following a university football career spent, surprisingly, as a member of the defensive secondary.Caldwell bounced around schools before landing at Penn State in 1986, where he performed several tasks over the seasons on the offensive side of the ball. The high point was undoubtedly the work he did as positional coach for Kerry Collins. A quarterback who's had a remarkably checkered pro career looked to be a sure thing leaving Happy Valley; the coach's impressive work with his most renowned student at PSU is further evidence that Caldwell is not merely along for the ride in his present station.The most noteworthy line on Caldwell's résumé points out that he was Wake Forest's head coach from 1993 to 2000. The red flag for those in blue in white would be his 26-63 record there, but it wasn't as if he led an ACC powerhouse to ruin: Despite their recent improvement, the fact that the Demon Deacons have appeared in eight total bowls lets everyone know that he was at a basketball school that also happened to field a football team.He even got them to one of those postseason contests, namely the Aloha Bowl, in his penultimate season, a game in which they prevailed 23-3 over Arizona State to finish with a 7-5 record; while that's not exactly the same as Steve Spurrier getting Duke to win, it's still fair to say that Caldwell managed to attain at least a marginal amount of progress.Most importantly, this seems like a natural move where the Colts will be left in the hands of a trusted assistant. It's entirely unlike another recent case where an NFL subordinate was given a swimming pool filled with money in anticipation of his eventual assumption to the head slot, namely Jason Garrett's elevation to assistant head coach in Dallas.Aside from the fact that Caldwell was technically just promoted from assistant to associate head coach is the fact his franchise made a move that, instead of creating chaos and tension, enhances stability. Wade Phillips might be selling his Cowboys apparel on eBay at this time next year with a hotshot coordinator ready to take his place, while Indianapolis' case seems like one where continuity has just been ensured after the current leader leaves at the time of Dallas Cowboys jersey
his choosing.A smooth transition seems exactly on par for a squad that not only manages to retain its superstars but is also helmed by an unassuming, tranquil gentleman. Having a line of succession in place for when Dungy exits built around a specialized coach who will be entering his seventh season with the Colts and who clearly works well with Peyton Manning is a situation that must be considered advantageous to not only Caldwell but also the organization.
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