Dwyane Wade poured in 43 points and the surging Miami Heat prevailed over the Indiana Pacers in overtime Friday night, 105-96, for their seventh straight victory. The Heat completed a season sweep over the Pacers (4-0) for the first time in the franchise's 22-year history.More importantly, Miami moved into the fifth seed after the Milwaukee Bucks were defeated by Charlotte last night. They now hold a slim half-game lead over the Bucks with just six games remaining in the regular season.The Heat have been on fire lately, winning 13 out ofReebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
their last 16 games, which has helped them climb up the standings in the last month, rising from the eighth seed all the way to the fifth seed.With Miami winning its first three contests against the Pacers this season, they knew their opponents would be showing up with a vengeance. Unlike the first three games, this one was a dog fight that saw a back-and-forth fourth quarter head into overtime.The Pacers had huge runs in both the third and fourth quarters, but like usual, Wade was there to save the Heat.With Miami trailing by four late in the third, Wade scored 14 of the Heat's last 16 points to regain the lead.Then late in the fourth, Wade had a crucial assist and hit a free throw to give his team an 89-87 lead. However, Indiana was able to tie the game and send the game into overtime, Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
where Wade completely took over.The All-Star guard torched the Pacer defense for eight points in the extra period, including back-to-back three-pointers that ensured the victory for the Heat.Those two threes were a dagger at the end, Pacers coach Jim OBrien said. Wade showed us why he one of the top three players in the league. He a superb clutch basketball player that single-handedly won the game for them.Overall, Wade finished with 43 points, one point shy of his season high, on 14-for-22 shooting, to go along with nine rebounds, six assists, three steals, and three blocks. In addition, he went 13-for-17 from the free throw line and 2-for-3 from beyond the arc. His stellar play propelled Miami to their fifth straight road win.The Heat are now 20-18 away from home, which shatters their 15-26 road record from last season.Sophomore Michael Beasley chipped in with 12 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Dorell Wright contributed 11 points and seven boards, while Mario Chalmers had 10 points off the bench. Udonis Haslem also had 9 points and 11 boards off the bench.The Pacers were led by a strong effort from Troy Murphy, who posted 29 points and 15 rebounds. Murphy had a double-double at halftime with 20 points and 11 boards.Danny Granger also contributed big with 25 points, while Solomon Jones added 13 and Brandon rush had 10 points.Miami was able to match every run that the Pacers offered and they simply out-hustled their opponents. The Heat held the rebounding edge 52-38 and limited Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
Indiana to 37 percent shooting from the field.Miami will look to continue its winning streak tonight when they travel to Minnesota to face the lowly Timber Wolves. With just six games left, the Heat will need to continue its winning ways in order to hold on to their slim lead of the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference.
2010年12月30日星期四
2010年12月29日星期三
29 Dec 10 2010 NBA Playoffs: Chicago Bulls Could Give Cleveland Cavaliers Trouble
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThe Chicago Bulls secured the eighth and final playoff spot and a first round matchup with the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. History has shown the Bulls have next to no shot at upsetting the Cavs and moving on to the second round, however, that does not mean the Bulls will be an easy out.If the Bulls proved anything in last years playoffs against the then defending champion Boston Celtics it's that they will fight until the end. That same fight was evident in securing their playoff spot. After suffering a rash of Tennessee Titans jersey
injuries at the worst possible time the Bulls went through a 10-game losing streak that dropped them out of the playoffs. When the Bulls regained a full lineup they went on to finish the season 10-4. It took until the final day of the regular season for them to get into the playoffs.Now that they are in they should provide a tough series for the Cavs. The two teams split the season series 2-2, but the Cavs played the final game without LeBron James. The Bulls did win an early season game in Cleveland which should provide confidence in knowing they can beat the Cavs at full strength in Cleveland.Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah will be at the forefront for the Bulls. Both players have gone through injuries throughout the season but are now healthy and playing well. The X-factor for the Bulls could beWashington Redskins jersey
Kirk Hinrich. He has suffered through a poor shooting season, but over the last five games his shooting has started to climb towards 50 percent. If Hinrich can provide some outside scoring it will open things up on the inside for Noah and rookie Taj Gibson.Luol Deng will have the tough task of guarding James and it certaintly will take a team effort to try and slow down the King. However, Deng has shown flashes of being able to slow down James in the past. Forcing James into a jump shooter will be a key to the Bulls defense as he is at his most dangerous when he is driving to the basket and getting to the free throw line.The Bulls will need a lot of help from their bench. Brad Miller will provide a versatile scorer and should be able to stretch the Cavs' big men away from the basket and open things up for Rose attacking the basket. Flip Murray will need to come in and provide some scoring punch so Rose will not have to carry the load for the entire series.The Bulls have proved over the course of the season that no matter what type of Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
adversity is thrown their way they are able to overcome it and win and get into the playoffs. It will take that type of character to make a run at the Cavs and the experience of last years postseason will no doubt help them as well. They will have a tough task in round one but they have shown they have no fear and will stand up to the Cavaliers.
injuries at the worst possible time the Bulls went through a 10-game losing streak that dropped them out of the playoffs. When the Bulls regained a full lineup they went on to finish the season 10-4. It took until the final day of the regular season for them to get into the playoffs.Now that they are in they should provide a tough series for the Cavs. The two teams split the season series 2-2, but the Cavs played the final game without LeBron James. The Bulls did win an early season game in Cleveland which should provide confidence in knowing they can beat the Cavs at full strength in Cleveland.Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah will be at the forefront for the Bulls. Both players have gone through injuries throughout the season but are now healthy and playing well. The X-factor for the Bulls could beWashington Redskins jersey
Kirk Hinrich. He has suffered through a poor shooting season, but over the last five games his shooting has started to climb towards 50 percent. If Hinrich can provide some outside scoring it will open things up on the inside for Noah and rookie Taj Gibson.Luol Deng will have the tough task of guarding James and it certaintly will take a team effort to try and slow down the King. However, Deng has shown flashes of being able to slow down James in the past. Forcing James into a jump shooter will be a key to the Bulls defense as he is at his most dangerous when he is driving to the basket and getting to the free throw line.The Bulls will need a lot of help from their bench. Brad Miller will provide a versatile scorer and should be able to stretch the Cavs' big men away from the basket and open things up for Rose attacking the basket. Flip Murray will need to come in and provide some scoring punch so Rose will not have to carry the load for the entire series.The Bulls have proved over the course of the season that no matter what type of Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
adversity is thrown their way they are able to overcome it and win and get into the playoffs. It will take that type of character to make a run at the Cavs and the experience of last years postseason will no doubt help them as well. They will have a tough task in round one but they have shown they have no fear and will stand up to the Cavaliers.
2010年12月28日星期二
28 Dec 10 For New Jersey Nets, It's All about Forgetting This Year
Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesThe 2009-2010 season for the New Jersey Nets can be described as an unmitigated disaster.The Nets spent the vast majority of the very long NBA season fretting that they would win less games than the infamous 1972-73 Philadelphia '76rs, a team that only won nine games Seattle Seahawks jersey
behind Fred Carter 20 points per game.It a sad state of affairs when winning 12 games is a cause for celebration, but that exactly the situation facing the Nets organization.Now, on to the future, and hopefully, rebuilding.New Jersey wants to forget this season ever happened, but that means hard decisions about the future.Number one on the rebuilding list will be whether interim coach and GM Kiki Vandeweghe will stay on with the franchise. Vandeweghe is in the final year of his contract, and putting together one of the worst teams in NBA history is not much of a reason to keep someone on.But, honestly, most GMs in the NBA are lousy, and coaching is mostly non-existent.So, what, if anything, can the Nets do to keep from repeating this season?The Nets need to be careful not to try a complete overhaul of the roster, but instead look for significant changes. In a league made of of teams with interchangeable players, there are some starting points for the Nets.Rookie Terrence Williams has provided a bit of hope, although his 8.4 PPG St. Louis Rams jersey
and 4.5 RPG are hardly enough to carry a team. To be clear, Williams only started nine games this season, and may have been hampered by foot injuries as the season wore on. Still, his efforts are enough to consider him as a future contributor.Brook Lopez and Devin Harris are the leading scorers on a team that lacks a lot of offense.So where do the Nets look for more punch?The most obvious choice is that if they get the top lottery pick, they should take John Wall. If they don get the top pick, they might do well to land a wing player like Wes Johnson or Evan Turner.If they drop too far, they might have to settle on the best available players or grab players who can play the three and four like Al-Farouq Aminu or Patrick Patterson, even though there may be more highly rated pure bigs available.It all depends on where the Nets decide they want improvement.The Nets already have Lopez in the paint. Do they want to help him out by creating more scoring from the wing or add depth in the paint? Drafting Eric Monroe, DeMarcus Cousins, or Derrick Favors might not mean a significant boost to offense, just more depth at the post.In the second round, it important to grab whoever is the best available player.That means they could end up with someone like Tennessee Titans jersey
Willie Warren, Greivis Vasquez, or possible even Eric Bledsoe if he falls out of the first round.One thing is certain, any player drafted by the Netsregardless of positionhas a solid shot at making the team.
behind Fred Carter 20 points per game.It a sad state of affairs when winning 12 games is a cause for celebration, but that exactly the situation facing the Nets organization.Now, on to the future, and hopefully, rebuilding.New Jersey wants to forget this season ever happened, but that means hard decisions about the future.Number one on the rebuilding list will be whether interim coach and GM Kiki Vandeweghe will stay on with the franchise. Vandeweghe is in the final year of his contract, and putting together one of the worst teams in NBA history is not much of a reason to keep someone on.But, honestly, most GMs in the NBA are lousy, and coaching is mostly non-existent.So, what, if anything, can the Nets do to keep from repeating this season?The Nets need to be careful not to try a complete overhaul of the roster, but instead look for significant changes. In a league made of of teams with interchangeable players, there are some starting points for the Nets.Rookie Terrence Williams has provided a bit of hope, although his 8.4 PPG St. Louis Rams jersey
and 4.5 RPG are hardly enough to carry a team. To be clear, Williams only started nine games this season, and may have been hampered by foot injuries as the season wore on. Still, his efforts are enough to consider him as a future contributor.Brook Lopez and Devin Harris are the leading scorers on a team that lacks a lot of offense.So where do the Nets look for more punch?The most obvious choice is that if they get the top lottery pick, they should take John Wall. If they don get the top pick, they might do well to land a wing player like Wes Johnson or Evan Turner.If they drop too far, they might have to settle on the best available players or grab players who can play the three and four like Al-Farouq Aminu or Patrick Patterson, even though there may be more highly rated pure bigs available.It all depends on where the Nets decide they want improvement.The Nets already have Lopez in the paint. Do they want to help him out by creating more scoring from the wing or add depth in the paint? Drafting Eric Monroe, DeMarcus Cousins, or Derrick Favors might not mean a significant boost to offense, just more depth at the post.In the second round, it important to grab whoever is the best available player.That means they could end up with someone like Tennessee Titans jersey
Willie Warren, Greivis Vasquez, or possible even Eric Bledsoe if he falls out of the first round.One thing is certain, any player drafted by the Netsregardless of positionhas a solid shot at making the team.
2010年12月27日星期一
27 Dec 10 How the Orlando Magic Can Come Back and Win Eastern Conference Title
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesDespite being down 2-0 to Boston in their Eastern Conference Final series, the Orlando Magic are still very much alive. Game two was a close one and a solid improvement from the poor play of game one. One thing is for sure, the Magic aren't going to go down without a fight. Minnesota Vikings
They have the skill, they have the determination, and they have the depth to pull off a comeback in this series, and no one should count them out.Raptors fans such as myself know the pain that Orlando felt when shooting guard Vince Carter missed BOTH free throws with less than a minute on the clock, late in the fourth quarter. Carter's inability to step it up in the clutch is one of the main reasons the Magic didn't pick up the W.Orlando was with the Celtics all game: in the paint, on outside shooting, and they kept it close throughout. However, when the game was on the line, Carter couldn't finish. Wow, that sounds familiar.So, VC screwed up. The Magic aren't going to cry about it, and neither should their fans. I can still hate on Carter about his terrible departure from Toronto, but Orlando as a team cannot be blamed for nervous, late-game foul shooting. They were in the game from start to finish, and that's what is important.The Magic are still very much in this series.They lost game one by four points and game two by three, New England Patriots jersey
numbers that hardly reflect them not being able to come back in the series. Orlando knows they can beat Boston, as they have before, and come Saturday, things might be very different for the two teams.They have been doubted all along: playing bad teams in the playoffs, no talent beyond Howard and Nelson...and so on. The fact of the matter is, that the Magic are doing a hell of a lot better against the Celtics than the original Eastern favorites, the Cavs.When Cleveland was up 2-1 on the Celtics in the second round, everyone had written Boston off. Then the Celtics came back to win the next three games by an average score of 17 points.Cleveland was thought to be the number one team in the East to make it all the way, and they just couldn't cut it. Orlando, on the other hand, is playing toe to toeNew Orleans Saints jersey
with the Celtics and keeping it close. Being down 2-0 could be an insurmountable feat for some teams but not the Magic.Look for Orlando to come out strong in game three and not let this one get away from them. The Magic are for real, whether you believe in them or not.
They have the skill, they have the determination, and they have the depth to pull off a comeback in this series, and no one should count them out.Raptors fans such as myself know the pain that Orlando felt when shooting guard Vince Carter missed BOTH free throws with less than a minute on the clock, late in the fourth quarter. Carter's inability to step it up in the clutch is one of the main reasons the Magic didn't pick up the W.Orlando was with the Celtics all game: in the paint, on outside shooting, and they kept it close throughout. However, when the game was on the line, Carter couldn't finish. Wow, that sounds familiar.So, VC screwed up. The Magic aren't going to cry about it, and neither should their fans. I can still hate on Carter about his terrible departure from Toronto, but Orlando as a team cannot be blamed for nervous, late-game foul shooting. They were in the game from start to finish, and that's what is important.The Magic are still very much in this series.They lost game one by four points and game two by three, New England Patriots jersey
numbers that hardly reflect them not being able to come back in the series. Orlando knows they can beat Boston, as they have before, and come Saturday, things might be very different for the two teams.They have been doubted all along: playing bad teams in the playoffs, no talent beyond Howard and Nelson...and so on. The fact of the matter is, that the Magic are doing a hell of a lot better against the Celtics than the original Eastern favorites, the Cavs.When Cleveland was up 2-1 on the Celtics in the second round, everyone had written Boston off. Then the Celtics came back to win the next three games by an average score of 17 points.Cleveland was thought to be the number one team in the East to make it all the way, and they just couldn't cut it. Orlando, on the other hand, is playing toe to toeNew Orleans Saints jersey
with the Celtics and keeping it close. Being down 2-0 could be an insurmountable feat for some teams but not the Magic.Look for Orlando to come out strong in game three and not let this one get away from them. The Magic are for real, whether you believe in them or not.
2010年12月26日星期日
26 Dec 10 Steve Nash: The Busted Face Of Basketball
Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesIve always been a Steve Nash hater. Let just get that out there.Ive always thought that he a wormy, saccharine Canadian; a player whose abilities on the court are blown out of proportion by his statistics on paper. He the high school quarterback that scores the hot cheerleader, heads the class council, gets straight A, and petitions for more soda machines on campus.He is the kid who does more community service than the amount required for graduation. I mean, who does that!?We get it, Steve. Youre nice. Youre a do-gooder, Baltimore Ravens jersey
and youve won over the masses with your G-rated Disney pizazz. Just stop the act already.If you were to ask me, he didn deserve those MVPs. He got them because he was small, white, and did everything right. He answered questions politely, and smiled for the camera. He visited hospitals and painted houses. But his play didn justify the accolades, the fanfare, or the adoration. He has won nothing, accomplished nothing, proven nothing.I would have said he played us all for fools. And you know what? I would have been dead wrong. Because even though he playing against the Lakersmy LakersI keep finding myself rooting for Steven John Nash.***It kills me to say this, but Nash has revolutionized the game of basketball. His effect cannot be seen in a single game (though I guarantee you, like last night Game 5 thriller, he will make any game entertaining), nor can his effect on the basketball culture be quantifiably measured. This is true within Phoenix, Dallas, Santa Clara, Canada, and all throughout the NBA-watching globe. Just ask around.This wormy, saccharine Canadian has become an ambassador. Our ambassador. And, though it has taken me a while to come around on this fact, it is a privilege to have this class council president as our diplomat to the basketball-watching legions. His methods are highly successful, tremendously watchable, and brilliant to behold. May the Coke machines abound.First, let me break down what Nash brings to the court. In this, his 13th season, when his body should Buffalo Bills jersey
be/has been breaking down for at least five years, he is enjoying one of his finest seasons of all-time. (No small feat for a prior back-to-back MVP winner.) He averaged 16 points and 11 assists a game this year, 17.5 and 10 in the playoffs. He led his team to the Western Conference Finals when no one had them out of the first round. He re-activated Amare Stoudamire (not to mention the whole city of Phoenix), and in the biggest game of the year he hit big shot after big shot even as his coach was puking on the sidelines. True story.And I realize it is a pity that we have never seen what he can do in the Finals.True, he can beat players with his speed, provide lock-down defense, elevate, or play for over 35 minutes a game. But he never really could in the first place, could he? When he is on the court, he hides his every shortcoming in a way that it only rarely becomes apparent.I mean, let be honest. Every single player in the NBA yes, even Earl Boikins could post up Steve Nash if they were alone in a gym together. But it doesn happen. Why? Because Steve sees the play coming, switches off, and never gives them the opportunity.Steve maximizes his strengths at the offensive end to make up for his defense. If he needs to get by his defender, he goes into a succession of stutter-steps and hesitations, dipping his shoulder only when he has the man completely off-balance. If the defense switches, he lures the big men out to the 15-18 foot range, and either lofts a high shot over him (that he makes with great regularity) or burns by him for an unorthodox - yet thoroughly practiced - layup.For the opponent, it maddening. It like trying to share a sleeping bag with your sister - it should be easy, but you just can get in the right position.On drives, Nash gets behind the hoop - much like a hockey player and looks for cutters at angles the defense isn accustomed to. If the defenders stay at home on their players, it makes for an easy and uncontested layup. But if they switch off, they have to turn their back on Carolina Panthers jersey
Stoudamire or Grant Hill. And that never a smart idea.It brilliant basketball play, really. Like in fencing, he realizes that he is in power when he has the ball in attack mode. He makes the choices, dictating every move that the defense makes, and countering appropriately.Im beginning to realize Ive never seen a player like him.Steve Nash is proof that you don have to be able touch the top of the backboard in order to play in this league. He embodies the natural evolution of basketball; the game where a keen eye and smart thinking can make up for a lack of athletic talent.Now, Ill root for the Lakers until Im purple and gold in the face. But for basketball fans, Steve Nash is our savior. He is the hope of the slow, ground-ridden masses.And that quite an accomplishment, isn it?
and youve won over the masses with your G-rated Disney pizazz. Just stop the act already.If you were to ask me, he didn deserve those MVPs. He got them because he was small, white, and did everything right. He answered questions politely, and smiled for the camera. He visited hospitals and painted houses. But his play didn justify the accolades, the fanfare, or the adoration. He has won nothing, accomplished nothing, proven nothing.I would have said he played us all for fools. And you know what? I would have been dead wrong. Because even though he playing against the Lakersmy LakersI keep finding myself rooting for Steven John Nash.***It kills me to say this, but Nash has revolutionized the game of basketball. His effect cannot be seen in a single game (though I guarantee you, like last night Game 5 thriller, he will make any game entertaining), nor can his effect on the basketball culture be quantifiably measured. This is true within Phoenix, Dallas, Santa Clara, Canada, and all throughout the NBA-watching globe. Just ask around.This wormy, saccharine Canadian has become an ambassador. Our ambassador. And, though it has taken me a while to come around on this fact, it is a privilege to have this class council president as our diplomat to the basketball-watching legions. His methods are highly successful, tremendously watchable, and brilliant to behold. May the Coke machines abound.First, let me break down what Nash brings to the court. In this, his 13th season, when his body should Buffalo Bills jersey
be/has been breaking down for at least five years, he is enjoying one of his finest seasons of all-time. (No small feat for a prior back-to-back MVP winner.) He averaged 16 points and 11 assists a game this year, 17.5 and 10 in the playoffs. He led his team to the Western Conference Finals when no one had them out of the first round. He re-activated Amare Stoudamire (not to mention the whole city of Phoenix), and in the biggest game of the year he hit big shot after big shot even as his coach was puking on the sidelines. True story.And I realize it is a pity that we have never seen what he can do in the Finals.True, he can beat players with his speed, provide lock-down defense, elevate, or play for over 35 minutes a game. But he never really could in the first place, could he? When he is on the court, he hides his every shortcoming in a way that it only rarely becomes apparent.I mean, let be honest. Every single player in the NBA yes, even Earl Boikins could post up Steve Nash if they were alone in a gym together. But it doesn happen. Why? Because Steve sees the play coming, switches off, and never gives them the opportunity.Steve maximizes his strengths at the offensive end to make up for his defense. If he needs to get by his defender, he goes into a succession of stutter-steps and hesitations, dipping his shoulder only when he has the man completely off-balance. If the defense switches, he lures the big men out to the 15-18 foot range, and either lofts a high shot over him (that he makes with great regularity) or burns by him for an unorthodox - yet thoroughly practiced - layup.For the opponent, it maddening. It like trying to share a sleeping bag with your sister - it should be easy, but you just can get in the right position.On drives, Nash gets behind the hoop - much like a hockey player and looks for cutters at angles the defense isn accustomed to. If the defenders stay at home on their players, it makes for an easy and uncontested layup. But if they switch off, they have to turn their back on Carolina Panthers jersey
Stoudamire or Grant Hill. And that never a smart idea.It brilliant basketball play, really. Like in fencing, he realizes that he is in power when he has the ball in attack mode. He makes the choices, dictating every move that the defense makes, and countering appropriately.Im beginning to realize Ive never seen a player like him.Steve Nash is proof that you don have to be able touch the top of the backboard in order to play in this league. He embodies the natural evolution of basketball; the game where a keen eye and smart thinking can make up for a lack of athletic talent.Now, Ill root for the Lakers until Im purple and gold in the face. But for basketball fans, Steve Nash is our savior. He is the hope of the slow, ground-ridden masses.And that quite an accomplishment, isn it?
2010年12月25日星期六
25 Dec 10 Blake Griffin, The Great: Scary Dunks and Respect For a ROY-In-Waiting
Harry How/Getty ImagesLike a scary metamorphosis of Abdul Jabbar vaunted Skyhook, only a small handful of today players have the sheer strength, grace and leaping ability to literally throw the ball down at the hoop;and, make it look convincing. He who sits on the throne currently is Dwight Howard, Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Champ, whose exploits are in full-blown rotation in fan minds and this last decade collective dunk-highlight conscious. Blake Griffin is now primed to take that seat. After a 44 and 15 explosion versus the Knicks on Nov. 20th, including two dunk-of-the-year patents that sucked the air out of the arena, and an anomaly-crushing 35, 14 and 7 performance eight days later, Griffin is giving fans, staff and himself a long-awaited and exhilarating take-off. While his on-court, and above-court, presence is grabbing attention, it his championship attitude that bringing him respect around the L. Just check out his gutsy, standout play versus the then 11-1 Hornets on Nov. 23rd. With the losing-est team in professional sports facing a 1-14 start, and more dubious achievements, Griffin played like a veteran, spear-heading a late Clippers run and eventual 99-95 W, while protecting the rock with only two turnovers. Compared to other rookies, most notably John Wall;who leads the league with over four turnovers a game;the often-with-the-ball-in-his-hands Griffin has two-and-a-half turnovers per game are relatively modest yet noteworthy achievement. Also, considering the loss of top point guard Baron Davis and man-in-the-middle Chris Kaman absence, the ball has been seeing Griffin hands that much more. But besides his sure hands, perhaps the stat has more to do with just how imposing he is with the rock in his claws. I mean just look at Amare Stoudemire on-the-line expression and nod of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
approval toward Griffin during the Knicks meeting where the now infamous Superman-slam occurred. Here Stoudemire, who before his sophomore knee injury was a monster like Griffin, a complete gravity-be-damned dunking behemoth who was more than capable of the same vicious throw-down Griffin planted in 71 Timofey Mosgov hapless grill;and he giving in-game recognition. Respect earned. Griffin dropping close to 21 and 11 per night;close to his senior year college stats ;and that puts him in the upper echelons of power forward/center production in the League. Names like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Carlos Boozer come to mind, but Mr. Griffin puts it together like Doctor Dunkenstein-meets-the-Mailman. His back-to-the-basket skills aren too shabby either, with spin moves and step-backs that bring to mind why college is a necessary experience to polish a young pro game. At 610", Griffin handling skills are considerable. Check out his near coast-to-coast stuffs in the Knicks and Pistons games respectively, and then see his patience on the block, not forcing a play, but creating space and making the play. Also, Griffin in-air agility brings to mind a young Mamba slam over the Sixers eight years back, where he contorted way back to grab a Brian Shaw oop. Much like Blake the Great first game jam versus the Blazers in early November. Though it early, it appears that no player in the last seven-to-eight years, besides Boozer, has brought this type of physical intimidation and ferocity close to the basket. Knowing that a player can get up that high and cram it that strong puts the palpablenessof fear in any opponent, just ask Frederic Weiss, a laring; Vince Carter over-the-head jam, or any of Shaq dunk victims. Anyone who saw Griffin Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
Oklahoma career knew what was coming, but just like a cock-backed 84 Jordan, some players arrive once their proverbial chains are ripped off. After an entire year waiting and recovering from a scary knee-injury, watching Derrick Rose holding his rookie award, and remembering his coach father careful tutelage and heart speaking to him gave all the fuel he needed to step back on the court and dominate. Now number 32, barring injury or lockouts, will be an all-star, and, if he keeps playing like it, a champion in the years to come.
作者:
the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Champ, whose exploits are in full-blown rotation in fan minds and this last decade collective dunk-highlight conscious. Blake Griffin is now primed to take that seat. After a 44 and 15 explosion versus the Knicks on Nov. 20th, including two dunk-of-the-year patents that sucked the air out of the arena, and an anomaly-crushing 35, 14 and 7 performance eight days later, Griffin is giving fans, staff and himself a long-awaited and exhilarating take-off. While his on-court, and above-court, presence is grabbing attention, it his championship attitude that bringing him respect around the L. Just check out his gutsy, standout play versus the then 11-1 Hornets on Nov. 23rd. With the losing-est team in professional sports facing a 1-14 start, and more dubious achievements, Griffin played like a veteran, spear-heading a late Clippers run and eventual 99-95 W, while protecting the rock with only two turnovers. Compared to other rookies, most notably John Wall;who leads the league with over four turnovers a game;the often-with-the-ball-in-his-hands Griffin has two-and-a-half turnovers per game are relatively modest yet noteworthy achievement. Also, considering the loss of top point guard Baron Davis and man-in-the-middle Chris Kaman absence, the ball has been seeing Griffin hands that much more. But besides his sure hands, perhaps the stat has more to do with just how imposing he is with the rock in his claws. I mean just look at Amare Stoudemire on-the-line expression and nod of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
approval toward Griffin during the Knicks meeting where the now infamous Superman-slam occurred. Here Stoudemire, who before his sophomore knee injury was a monster like Griffin, a complete gravity-be-damned dunking behemoth who was more than capable of the same vicious throw-down Griffin planted in 71 Timofey Mosgov hapless grill;and he giving in-game recognition. Respect earned. Griffin dropping close to 21 and 11 per night;close to his senior year college stats ;and that puts him in the upper echelons of power forward/center production in the League. Names like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Carlos Boozer come to mind, but Mr. Griffin puts it together like Doctor Dunkenstein-meets-the-Mailman. His back-to-the-basket skills aren too shabby either, with spin moves and step-backs that bring to mind why college is a necessary experience to polish a young pro game. At 610", Griffin handling skills are considerable. Check out his near coast-to-coast stuffs in the Knicks and Pistons games respectively, and then see his patience on the block, not forcing a play, but creating space and making the play. Also, Griffin in-air agility brings to mind a young Mamba slam over the Sixers eight years back, where he contorted way back to grab a Brian Shaw oop. Much like Blake the Great first game jam versus the Blazers in early November. Though it early, it appears that no player in the last seven-to-eight years, besides Boozer, has brought this type of physical intimidation and ferocity close to the basket. Knowing that a player can get up that high and cram it that strong puts the palpablenessof fear in any opponent, just ask Frederic Weiss, a laring; Vince Carter over-the-head jam, or any of Shaq dunk victims. Anyone who saw Griffin Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
Oklahoma career knew what was coming, but just like a cock-backed 84 Jordan, some players arrive once their proverbial chains are ripped off. After an entire year waiting and recovering from a scary knee-injury, watching Derrick Rose holding his rookie award, and remembering his coach father careful tutelage and heart speaking to him gave all the fuel he needed to step back on the court and dominate. Now number 32, barring injury or lockouts, will be an all-star, and, if he keeps playing like it, a champion in the years to come.
作者:
2010年12月24日星期五
24 Dec 10 Can Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala Play Well Together?
Al Bello/Getty ImagesA No. 2 overall pick and a really athletic small forward: Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala.Thesetwo people I name you areplayers with similar approaches to the game.When you hear those words, your first thought is, "Hey, these guys could have some potential."This was Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
my first thought too, but after thinking about it more, can they really play well together?There's a chance that it just won't work out.When fansdefend this they say, "They are too much alike," however, I don't think that's the problem.I thinkthe problem is that they both need the ball in their hands to be productive.At Ohio State, Turner was named 2010 National Player of the Year averaging over 20 points per game, 9.2 rebounds and six assists.He was theheart and soulof theOhio State offense.On to Iguodala, he has been the No. 1 guy in Philly ever since Allen Iverson left. Last season, Iggy put up solid numbers posting 17.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.He's used to being the No. 1 guy, butif a No. 1 guy on a team is averaging just 17 points per game, then what can heReebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
do if someone else comes in and wants to be the No. 1?Turner has huge potential and wants to make an immediate impact for the franchise. However, the team has been ran by Iguodala the past couple years.They are both scorers and need the ball in their hands to be productive.There's a chancethat this duocould turn out to be almost selfish play.If one has the ball, he's going to the net while the other sits and watches. There's definitely a possibility that one will do really good and the other will not.They each want to score and have the ball Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
at all times. So if they won't share are offense won't be productive.The Sixers are attempting to enter the stage of rebuilding, and we have failed numerous times in the past.Now theyfound Turner and they think heis the answer toare problems, however, there's a chance we may have missed the call once again.
my first thought too, but after thinking about it more, can they really play well together?There's a chance that it just won't work out.When fansdefend this they say, "They are too much alike," however, I don't think that's the problem.I thinkthe problem is that they both need the ball in their hands to be productive.At Ohio State, Turner was named 2010 National Player of the Year averaging over 20 points per game, 9.2 rebounds and six assists.He was theheart and soulof theOhio State offense.On to Iguodala, he has been the No. 1 guy in Philly ever since Allen Iverson left. Last season, Iggy put up solid numbers posting 17.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.He's used to being the No. 1 guy, butif a No. 1 guy on a team is averaging just 17 points per game, then what can heReebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
do if someone else comes in and wants to be the No. 1?Turner has huge potential and wants to make an immediate impact for the franchise. However, the team has been ran by Iguodala the past couple years.They are both scorers and need the ball in their hands to be productive.There's a chancethat this duocould turn out to be almost selfish play.If one has the ball, he's going to the net while the other sits and watches. There's definitely a possibility that one will do really good and the other will not.They each want to score and have the ball Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
at all times. So if they won't share are offense won't be productive.The Sixers are attempting to enter the stage of rebuilding, and we have failed numerous times in the past.Now theyfound Turner and they think heis the answer toare problems, however, there's a chance we may have missed the call once again.
24 Dec 10 Can Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala Play Well Together?
Al Bello/Getty ImagesA No. 2 overall pick and a really athletic small forward: Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala.Thesetwo people I name you areplayers with similar approaches to the game.When you hear those words, your first thought is, "Hey, these guys could have some potential."This was Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
my first thought too, but after thinking about it more, can they really play well together?There's a chance that it just won't work out.When fansdefend this they say, "They are too much alike," however, I don't think that's the problem.I thinkthe problem is that they both need the ball in their hands to be productive.At Ohio State, Turner was named 2010 National Player of the Year averaging over 20 points per game, 9.2 rebounds and six assists.He was theheart and soulof theOhio State offense.On to Iguodala, he has been the No. 1 guy in Philly ever since Allen Iverson left. Last season, Iggy put up solid numbers posting 17.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.He's used to being the No. 1 guy, butif a No. 1 guy on a team is averaging just 17 points per game, then what can heReebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
do if someone else comes in and wants to be the No. 1?Turner has huge potential and wants to make an immediate impact for the franchise. However, the team has been ran by Iguodala the past couple years.They are both scorers and need the ball in their hands to be productive.There's a chancethat this duocould turn out to be almost selfish play.If one has the ball, he's going to the net while the other sits and watches. There's definitely a possibility that one will do really good and the other will not.They each want to score and have the ball Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
at all times. So if they won't share are offense won't be productive.The Sixers are attempting to enter the stage of rebuilding, and we have failed numerous times in the past.Now theyfound Turner and they think heis the answer toare problems, however, there's a chance we may have missed the call once again.
my first thought too, but after thinking about it more, can they really play well together?There's a chance that it just won't work out.When fansdefend this they say, "They are too much alike," however, I don't think that's the problem.I thinkthe problem is that they both need the ball in their hands to be productive.At Ohio State, Turner was named 2010 National Player of the Year averaging over 20 points per game, 9.2 rebounds and six assists.He was theheart and soulof theOhio State offense.On to Iguodala, he has been the No. 1 guy in Philly ever since Allen Iverson left. Last season, Iggy put up solid numbers posting 17.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.He's used to being the No. 1 guy, butif a No. 1 guy on a team is averaging just 17 points per game, then what can heReebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
do if someone else comes in and wants to be the No. 1?Turner has huge potential and wants to make an immediate impact for the franchise. However, the team has been ran by Iguodala the past couple years.They are both scorers and need the ball in their hands to be productive.There's a chancethat this duocould turn out to be almost selfish play.If one has the ball, he's going to the net while the other sits and watches. There's definitely a possibility that one will do really good and the other will not.They each want to score and have the ball Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
at all times. So if they won't share are offense won't be productive.The Sixers are attempting to enter the stage of rebuilding, and we have failed numerous times in the past.Now theyfound Turner and they think heis the answer toare problems, however, there's a chance we may have missed the call once again.
2010年12月23日星期四
23 Dec 10Report: Toronto Raptors Set for Five-Player Swap With New Orleans Hornets
Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesAccording to Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com, the Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Hornets are set to complete a five-player trade that will see the Raptors trade point guard Jarrett Jack, center David Andersen and seldom-seen point guard Marcus Banks to the Hornets for Peja Stojakovic and Jerryd Bayless.The acquisition of Stojakovic and his roughly $15 million expiring contract means the Raptors, if anything, acquire a very attractive expiring contract as part of the deal, along with the best prospect in the Oakland Raiders jersey
deal.Jack has started for the Raptors this season, but Jose Calderon has shown to be the more consistent guard this season despite his defensive shortcomings.Andersen was playing backup center duties with the Raptors behind Andrea Bargnani. However, with the return of Ed Davis expected soon, the club deemed Andersen expendable. Banks really has not seen the floor much this season, and is essentially just an expiring deal the Hornets would be acquiring—nothing more, nothing less.This deal has some question marks, however, as the Hornets acquired Bayless from the Portland Trail Blazers in October and cannot trade him as part of a trade package until December 23rd according to NBA rules (60 days).Bayless can be traded as part of a one-for-one trade though. This proposed deal could be done in two steps instead of one as a result.Jerryd BaylessChris Graythen/Getty ImagesBayless, who is playing backup point guard to Chris Paul, is averaging 4.5 points per game and 2.5 assists per game with the Hornets this season. Taken 11th overall by the Pacers in 2008, Bayless has yet to reach his potential he had coming out of Arizona.Stojakovic is mired in one of his worst seasons as a pro this year, only averaging 7.5 points a game and one rebound a game. One important thing to note, he is seeing about half the court time he usually does this season, so you could essentially double those numbers.He's shooting an 11-for-25 from beyond the arc this season, good for a 44.5 percent three point Philadelphia Eagles jersey
field goal percentage while only playing 89 total minutes in six games. He's basically only played two full games with the Hornets.The deal on the surface benefits both sides here. Jack gives the Hornets a backup point guard they sorely need as well as getting out from under a terrible contract in Stojakovic.For the Raptors, they end the point guard debates they've been having for years, as Calderon will be the starter and the backup point guard will more than likely go to Leandro Barbosa. Meanwhile Peja Stojakovic will likely be the backup small forward for the Raptors.Calderon/Barbosa/BaylessJose Calderon, with this move, becomes Toronto's starting point guard.Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesDeRozan/WeemsKleiza/Stojakovic (Expiring)/Wright (Expiring)Evans (Expiring)/DavisBargnani/JohnsonThat would be the likely rotation the Raptors will settle on.If anything, this deal also gives the Raptors quite a trade chip in Stojakovic. Along with a nearly $14.5 million traded player exemption, the Raptors boast quite the trading package for teams looking to unload salary.The Raptors have holes just about everywhere now on this roster. The team could use a shot blocking, rebounding center who can defend along with a legit Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
starting point guard, and maybe a wingman who can create their own shot.Those positions remain to be filled, but all in all, this trade should be a good thing for the Raptors. It won't make them that much better, but it certainly won't make them worse.
deal.Jack has started for the Raptors this season, but Jose Calderon has shown to be the more consistent guard this season despite his defensive shortcomings.Andersen was playing backup center duties with the Raptors behind Andrea Bargnani. However, with the return of Ed Davis expected soon, the club deemed Andersen expendable. Banks really has not seen the floor much this season, and is essentially just an expiring deal the Hornets would be acquiring—nothing more, nothing less.This deal has some question marks, however, as the Hornets acquired Bayless from the Portland Trail Blazers in October and cannot trade him as part of a trade package until December 23rd according to NBA rules (60 days).Bayless can be traded as part of a one-for-one trade though. This proposed deal could be done in two steps instead of one as a result.Jerryd BaylessChris Graythen/Getty ImagesBayless, who is playing backup point guard to Chris Paul, is averaging 4.5 points per game and 2.5 assists per game with the Hornets this season. Taken 11th overall by the Pacers in 2008, Bayless has yet to reach his potential he had coming out of Arizona.Stojakovic is mired in one of his worst seasons as a pro this year, only averaging 7.5 points a game and one rebound a game. One important thing to note, he is seeing about half the court time he usually does this season, so you could essentially double those numbers.He's shooting an 11-for-25 from beyond the arc this season, good for a 44.5 percent three point Philadelphia Eagles jersey
field goal percentage while only playing 89 total minutes in six games. He's basically only played two full games with the Hornets.The deal on the surface benefits both sides here. Jack gives the Hornets a backup point guard they sorely need as well as getting out from under a terrible contract in Stojakovic.For the Raptors, they end the point guard debates they've been having for years, as Calderon will be the starter and the backup point guard will more than likely go to Leandro Barbosa. Meanwhile Peja Stojakovic will likely be the backup small forward for the Raptors.Calderon/Barbosa/BaylessJose Calderon, with this move, becomes Toronto's starting point guard.Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesDeRozan/WeemsKleiza/Stojakovic (Expiring)/Wright (Expiring)Evans (Expiring)/DavisBargnani/JohnsonThat would be the likely rotation the Raptors will settle on.If anything, this deal also gives the Raptors quite a trade chip in Stojakovic. Along with a nearly $14.5 million traded player exemption, the Raptors boast quite the trading package for teams looking to unload salary.The Raptors have holes just about everywhere now on this roster. The team could use a shot blocking, rebounding center who can defend along with a legit Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
starting point guard, and maybe a wingman who can create their own shot.Those positions remain to be filled, but all in all, this trade should be a good thing for the Raptors. It won't make them that much better, but it certainly won't make them worse.
2010年12月22日星期三
NBA Free Agency: Knicks Get Amar'e Stoudemire, but Need LeBron James at Garden
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesIt’s a no-brainer within a doleful sporting community that the biggest and cleverest makeover happening on Fifth Avenue is the New York Knicks reducing all the ridiculous signings and additions that tragically dragged down the richest franchise for all the ill-advised Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
upgrades. There’s a brighter chance the Knicks will intensify the volume in New York, louder than the typical opera heard daily on Broadway, the active location in an urban environment that will soon welcome Amar’e Stoudemire, an aspired superstar ready to contendin a high-market business and hoist a champion. It’s virtually clear that he’s a needful prize amidst free-agency frenzy, when all the focus swirls around the recruiting bid revolving around LeBron James, the megastar name during the most anticipated free-agent class in NBA history. And while it’s the biggest class for sale in the market, not to mention the most hype generating much speculations and mystery, the Knicks cleared a bundle of salary-cap space last winter and were intending to reach an agreement with James. But it figured that New York was more intrigued in signing a big man to mend the interior game and build a massive post game. For a very long time, the Knicks lacked a powerful roster and hadn’t been thrilled with much success since the 1990s when they were deeply artistic and effectual when it had the beneficial pieces such as Patrick Ewing, Allen Houston, and John Starks. The local residents in the Big Apple are gushing over Stoudemire, who can sign an enormous contract for five years and worth $100 million no later than Thursday, breathing a sigh of relief and having much gratitude in the recent upgrading. He delivered remarkable dunks in the desert, aggressively ran the floor, and had self-awareness, an energized and useful necessity formerly uplifting the Phoenix Suns when he was a resident in the desert the last eight seasons. For those of you not familiar with his productivity and scoring ratio over Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
eight years, he had polishing numbers and averaged a staggering 21.4 points per game with a 54.4 field-goal percentage, though he had an easier task sharing the ball with an elite point guard Steve Nash, who dishes off quality passes and stockpiles assists. While some are worried whether his prosperous post presence and scoring would descend, Stoudemire can rise and be a remedy on an unlucky franchise that had issues and were delayed by draining misfortunes. Surely, he heightens the profit in Madison Square Garden, despite that he’s not the captivating attraction all New Yorkers admire watching in the world’s most famous venue. It’s unveiling that he will draw a national audience and expand ticket sales in a depleted crowd within a high-market region, a location where temptations and expectations are immense. No disrespect to Amar’e, but he’s not King James. However, he’s the new addition and a marquee player to earn significant stardom without even Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
officially signing his signature on documents. It was only a matter of time before the Knicks and Stoudemire reached an agreement, when executives were leaning towards grabbing the 27-year-old center/forward during his tour in the lively town and spending hours at owner James Dolan’s party last night. All indications were that he was close to finalizing a deal with the Knicks. As the basketball lords wait anxiously for James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to decide their futures, Stoudemire toured the sites of the Big Apple and began his pleasant afternoon having brunch with Mike D’Antoni and glanced at fireworks at Dolan’s summer estate.
upgrades. There’s a brighter chance the Knicks will intensify the volume in New York, louder than the typical opera heard daily on Broadway, the active location in an urban environment that will soon welcome Amar’e Stoudemire, an aspired superstar ready to contendin a high-market business and hoist a champion. It’s virtually clear that he’s a needful prize amidst free-agency frenzy, when all the focus swirls around the recruiting bid revolving around LeBron James, the megastar name during the most anticipated free-agent class in NBA history. And while it’s the biggest class for sale in the market, not to mention the most hype generating much speculations and mystery, the Knicks cleared a bundle of salary-cap space last winter and were intending to reach an agreement with James. But it figured that New York was more intrigued in signing a big man to mend the interior game and build a massive post game. For a very long time, the Knicks lacked a powerful roster and hadn’t been thrilled with much success since the 1990s when they were deeply artistic and effectual when it had the beneficial pieces such as Patrick Ewing, Allen Houston, and John Starks. The local residents in the Big Apple are gushing over Stoudemire, who can sign an enormous contract for five years and worth $100 million no later than Thursday, breathing a sigh of relief and having much gratitude in the recent upgrading. He delivered remarkable dunks in the desert, aggressively ran the floor, and had self-awareness, an energized and useful necessity formerly uplifting the Phoenix Suns when he was a resident in the desert the last eight seasons. For those of you not familiar with his productivity and scoring ratio over Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
eight years, he had polishing numbers and averaged a staggering 21.4 points per game with a 54.4 field-goal percentage, though he had an easier task sharing the ball with an elite point guard Steve Nash, who dishes off quality passes and stockpiles assists. While some are worried whether his prosperous post presence and scoring would descend, Stoudemire can rise and be a remedy on an unlucky franchise that had issues and were delayed by draining misfortunes. Surely, he heightens the profit in Madison Square Garden, despite that he’s not the captivating attraction all New Yorkers admire watching in the world’s most famous venue. It’s unveiling that he will draw a national audience and expand ticket sales in a depleted crowd within a high-market region, a location where temptations and expectations are immense. No disrespect to Amar’e, but he’s not King James. However, he’s the new addition and a marquee player to earn significant stardom without even Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
officially signing his signature on documents. It was only a matter of time before the Knicks and Stoudemire reached an agreement, when executives were leaning towards grabbing the 27-year-old center/forward during his tour in the lively town and spending hours at owner James Dolan’s party last night. All indications were that he was close to finalizing a deal with the Knicks. As the basketball lords wait anxiously for James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh to decide their futures, Stoudemire toured the sites of the Big Apple and began his pleasant afternoon having brunch with Mike D’Antoni and glanced at fireworks at Dolan’s summer estate.
2010年12月21日星期二
Free Agents Miguel Olivo and Jack Cust to the Seattle Mariners
Jack CustEzra Shaw/Getty ImagesOn December 8ththe Seattle Mariners signed free-agent catcher Miguel Olivo to a two-year contract worth $7 million with a club option for a third year. Just a few days prior to the agreement with Olivo, Seattle signed free-agent DH Jack Cust to a one-year $2.5 million deal. Personally I am in favor of neither deal.Jack Cust is a prototypical DH. He is a hack anywhere in the field and the only value he can generate is with his left-handed bat. The defensive metric UZR, which measures defense in the extra runs saved (or cost) by Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
having the player in the field rates Cust poorly. Cust cost’s his team over 20 runs a season when in the outfield.At the plate Cust is a “three true outcomes” hitter. The three true outcomes are walks, strikeouts and home runs. The last two years Russell Branyan has been the team’s resident “three true outcomes” player. In 112 games in 2010 for the Oakland Athletics, Jack Cust hit 13 home runs, walked 68 times and struck out a 127 times.On the outside of the deal, Cust looks like a solid addition; he walks a lot, he batted .272 last year and he is only a few years removed from a season in which he hit 33 home runs. Additionally, he was worth a decent 2.4 WAR, which measures the wins a player provides over a replacement-level player. Despite these factors, Cust has all the signs of being terrible next year. Even though he is only 31 years old, Cust may be on the rapid decline in much the same way Richie Sexson was his last two years here.Will these guys make the Mariners better in 2011?Will these guys make the Mariners better in 2011?Yes, both will.27.2%Yes, Cust will, but not Olivo.28.1%Yes, Olivo will, but not Cust.11.4%No, neither player will make them better.33.3%Total votes: 114The last four years Cust has seen his HR/FB drop, the statistic (in form of a percent) is used to measure how many of the hitter's fly balls resulted in home runs. In 2007, 31.7 percent of Jack Cust’s fly balls left the yard, however last season only 14.9 percent did. This is quite alarming for a guy who gets most of his value from smashing long balls. In Sexson’s time with the Mariners he faced a similar fate, going from 24.5 percent HR/FB down to a lowly 17.4 percent.One other alarming thing about Cust: He hits most of Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
his home runs to left field, which is especially bad when it comes to hitting in Safeco. In 2010, Cust hit seven of his 13 home runs to left, one to center and five to right field. His slugging percentage backed this up because he slugged .679 when he pulled the ball (to right field) and he slugged .787 when he hit the ball to left field. You can look at his home run chart for 2010 here.The other free agent Seattle added also seems to be a bad move, although this time it is a player who has spent time in a Mariners uniform before. Miguel Olivo, a catcher, came to Seattle in 2004 with two other players as part of the trade that sent Freddy Garcia to the Chicago White Sox. Olivo was jettisoned by Seattle during the 2005 season and has played in Florida, Kansas City and Colorado since then.He is exactly the type of hitter who fails in Seattle, a right-handed hitter who doesn’t walk or hit for average, and can only pull the ball to left field. Safeco is particularly hard on right-handed hitters, and Olivo’s only offensive upside is from pulling a few home runs every now and then. Olivo hit 14 home runs in 2010, and topped out at 23 in 2009. Olivo is a career .246 hitter as well, which is not very good. There is reason to believe he will be worse in 2011 too.Miguel Olivo in 2005 when he was on the MarinersJed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesIn 2010 he played in the very hitter-friendly Coors field and hit .318 with 10 of his 14 home runs. Away from the high altitude he only managed to hit .211 with four home runs in almost as many games. So, Olivo could really fall off the map as a hitter for the Mariners. Especially since he hit every home run last year to left field or center.Another problem with the Olivo deal is that it is for two years even though the Mariners have a young catcher in Adam Moore Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
who does have some potential left despite a bad first year in the majors. The Mariners are obviously saying that they have no faith in Moore by giving Olivo two years, which is sad because Moore never really got a chance to prove himself. He was once considered a pretty good prospect with the chance to be a catcher who hit above average for the position at the MLB level.The only attribute Olivo has that is a plus would be his arm. Last year he threw out 42 percent of people attempting to steal bases, which is very good. Olivo will certainly be a better defender than any of the Mariners catchers last season.To me, both of these deals look bad. Cust despite being a useful DH over the last few seasons may be on the decline and has a very real possibility to struggle hitting next year because his tendency to hit the ball to left field, and the fact that over the years his home runs have been coming less and less frequently due to a drop in his FB/HR rate. In fact, Cust is a worse player than former Mariner Russell Branyan, because he should hit fewer home runs, and strike out more.Olivo, on the other hand, is a bad move because he is taking the spot of a promising young player, and the fact that he is likely to completely fall off the map with the bat while hitting at Safeco. Both of these contracts also seem like Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
the type of players that get signed right before spring training traditionally because of their obvious flaws. However, Jack Zduriencik chose to sign these guys early in the game when better options were still on the market, making me wonder if the Mariners have less money to spend than the reported $16-plus million. Whatever the reason, it would be wise not to draft either of these guys for your fantasy baseball team.
having the player in the field rates Cust poorly. Cust cost’s his team over 20 runs a season when in the outfield.At the plate Cust is a “three true outcomes” hitter. The three true outcomes are walks, strikeouts and home runs. The last two years Russell Branyan has been the team’s resident “three true outcomes” player. In 112 games in 2010 for the Oakland Athletics, Jack Cust hit 13 home runs, walked 68 times and struck out a 127 times.On the outside of the deal, Cust looks like a solid addition; he walks a lot, he batted .272 last year and he is only a few years removed from a season in which he hit 33 home runs. Additionally, he was worth a decent 2.4 WAR, which measures the wins a player provides over a replacement-level player. Despite these factors, Cust has all the signs of being terrible next year. Even though he is only 31 years old, Cust may be on the rapid decline in much the same way Richie Sexson was his last two years here.Will these guys make the Mariners better in 2011?Will these guys make the Mariners better in 2011?Yes, both will.27.2%Yes, Cust will, but not Olivo.28.1%Yes, Olivo will, but not Cust.11.4%No, neither player will make them better.33.3%Total votes: 114The last four years Cust has seen his HR/FB drop, the statistic (in form of a percent) is used to measure how many of the hitter's fly balls resulted in home runs. In 2007, 31.7 percent of Jack Cust’s fly balls left the yard, however last season only 14.9 percent did. This is quite alarming for a guy who gets most of his value from smashing long balls. In Sexson’s time with the Mariners he faced a similar fate, going from 24.5 percent HR/FB down to a lowly 17.4 percent.One other alarming thing about Cust: He hits most of Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
his home runs to left field, which is especially bad when it comes to hitting in Safeco. In 2010, Cust hit seven of his 13 home runs to left, one to center and five to right field. His slugging percentage backed this up because he slugged .679 when he pulled the ball (to right field) and he slugged .787 when he hit the ball to left field. You can look at his home run chart for 2010 here.The other free agent Seattle added also seems to be a bad move, although this time it is a player who has spent time in a Mariners uniform before. Miguel Olivo, a catcher, came to Seattle in 2004 with two other players as part of the trade that sent Freddy Garcia to the Chicago White Sox. Olivo was jettisoned by Seattle during the 2005 season and has played in Florida, Kansas City and Colorado since then.He is exactly the type of hitter who fails in Seattle, a right-handed hitter who doesn’t walk or hit for average, and can only pull the ball to left field. Safeco is particularly hard on right-handed hitters, and Olivo’s only offensive upside is from pulling a few home runs every now and then. Olivo hit 14 home runs in 2010, and topped out at 23 in 2009. Olivo is a career .246 hitter as well, which is not very good. There is reason to believe he will be worse in 2011 too.Miguel Olivo in 2005 when he was on the MarinersJed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesIn 2010 he played in the very hitter-friendly Coors field and hit .318 with 10 of his 14 home runs. Away from the high altitude he only managed to hit .211 with four home runs in almost as many games. So, Olivo could really fall off the map as a hitter for the Mariners. Especially since he hit every home run last year to left field or center.Another problem with the Olivo deal is that it is for two years even though the Mariners have a young catcher in Adam Moore Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
who does have some potential left despite a bad first year in the majors. The Mariners are obviously saying that they have no faith in Moore by giving Olivo two years, which is sad because Moore never really got a chance to prove himself. He was once considered a pretty good prospect with the chance to be a catcher who hit above average for the position at the MLB level.The only attribute Olivo has that is a plus would be his arm. Last year he threw out 42 percent of people attempting to steal bases, which is very good. Olivo will certainly be a better defender than any of the Mariners catchers last season.To me, both of these deals look bad. Cust despite being a useful DH over the last few seasons may be on the decline and has a very real possibility to struggle hitting next year because his tendency to hit the ball to left field, and the fact that over the years his home runs have been coming less and less frequently due to a drop in his FB/HR rate. In fact, Cust is a worse player than former Mariner Russell Branyan, because he should hit fewer home runs, and strike out more.Olivo, on the other hand, is a bad move because he is taking the spot of a promising young player, and the fact that he is likely to completely fall off the map with the bat while hitting at Safeco. Both of these contracts also seem like Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
the type of players that get signed right before spring training traditionally because of their obvious flaws. However, Jack Zduriencik chose to sign these guys early in the game when better options were still on the market, making me wonder if the Mariners have less money to spend than the reported $16-plus million. Whatever the reason, it would be wise not to draft either of these guys for your fantasy baseball team.
2010年12月19日星期日
20 Dec 10 Ohio State Football Goes Legacy: Jacoby Boren is a Buckeye!
Another New Buckeye, just like some old Wolver...er...Buckeyes...Jamie Sabau/Getty ImagesThe Ohio State Buckeyes picked up their fifth recruit for the 2012 season yesterday when Jacoby Boren from Pickerington (OH) Central officially committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes. For those wondering, Boren IS from that family of Borens. Boren is a bit of an undersized offensive linemen/defensive end for the Buckeyes, coming in at 6'3" and 275 pounds. Don't let the size fool you though, since his style of play may help him overcome any size issues. Both of Jacoby's brothers describe him as having a bit of a "nasty streak," which would be a solid description for all of the Borens. According to the patriarch of the family, Mike, "Jacoby has got a chip on his shoulder. He's a really tough kid." Boren was the starting center as a freshman at Pickering. He currently plays right guard on offense, and plays both tackle and end on the defensive line, as well as middle linebacker. He's the only lineman for Pickering that's a two-way starter. It's unknown where Boren will play when he joins the Buckeyes, since we really can't be sure how Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jerseybig the kid is going to be. As a freshman, Boren was 6'1" and 250 pounds. He's already grown two inches and 25 pounds. His size could ultimately dictate his position, although he does seem destined to bring his mean streak to the offensive side of things. Jacoby becomes the third Boren brother to join the Buckeyes over the past 2 1/2 seasons, and has to be one of the strangest legacies in the history of college sports. Oldest brother Justin Boren is currently the starting right guard, while middle brother Zach Boren is the starting fullback. Three brothers that play for the same major college isn't unheard of, but it's a rare occurrence. The Buckeyes haven't had three brothers since the Griffins: Archie ('72-'75), Ray ('74-'77) and Duncan ('75-'78). As strange as it sounds, that's about as normal as the legacy goes. Father Mike Boren was born and bred in Columbus, OH, but as a highly Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jerseysought after recruit in the late 1970's, he chose to play for Bo Schembechler and the Michigan Wolverines. Boren finished up his days as a Wolverine as the second all-time leader in tackles (currently sixth), and an infamous Michigan Man. So much so, that his family became rabid Wolverine fans, including his sons. Of course, he still moved back to Columbus when his playing days were over. Eldest son Justin Boren chose Michigan in 2005, and started for two years for the Wolverines. One of Boren's biggest moments in his life was sitting in the locker room and listening to Bo Schembechler's speech the day before he passed away during Michigan week in 2006. Lloyd Carr retired in 2007 and the Wolverines hired Rich Rodriguez. In an unprecedented move, Justin Boren decided to transfer...to THE Ohio State. It had never happened before (a Michigan starter transferring to OSU) in the entire history of the rivalry. Boren's reasoning? “Michigan football was a family, built on mutual respect and support for each other from (former) Coach (Lloyd) Carr on down. We knew it took the entire family, a team effort, and we all worked together. I have great trouble accepting that those family values have eroded in just a few months. That same helmet, that I was raised on and proudly claimed for the last two years, now brings a completely different emotion to me, one that interferes with practicing and playing my best and mentally preparing for what is required."Who is the best recruiter at THE Ohio State?Who is Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey the best recruiter at THE Ohio State?Jim Tressel52.1%Thad Matta47.9%Total votes: 117Zach Boren committed a week after brother Justin's transfer. Even thought the events will always show Zach coming to the Buckeyes second, it's believed that Zach was going to choose the Buckeyes from the get-go. Why so interesting? According to brother Justin, “We all rooted for Michigan as kids because of our dad (Mike) playing there and all,” OSU senior left guard Justin Boren said. “But Zach took it to another level. He was a die-hard Michigan fan.”Jacoby talked about Ohio State possibly not being a given over the past two seasons, but it's widely believed that it was a one-horse race from the start. I mean, c'mon, where was he going to go, Michigan?Don't forget to visit Bleeding Buckeye Scarlet for more Ohio State information!
19 Dec 10 Michael Vick Experience Is Back and It's Better Than Ever
Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesWhen I was in high schoolmy buddies and Ihadonerule when we'd play Madden.Our rule was that you couldn't be Michael Vick. You weren't allowed to beVick because no matter what your skill level was, youwere going to throw for300, runfor at least 100, and he'd account for anywhere from 5 to 8 touchdowns himself.Mike Vick put on a show this evening that would even make the virtual version of himself blush.Tonightthe Eaglespounded the Redskins 59-28, and in the process MichaelVick had the game of his life. Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
On the first play of scrimmage he threw an 88 yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson, and that was just the beginning of what would be the greatest episode of the Mike Vick show.Vick threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for two more...... In the first half. He is the only quarterback to ever pull this feat off. By the end of the night Mr. Vick's box score line read: 20/28 333 yards 4 touchdowns, 8 carries for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns.We've seen glimpses and pieces of what he could do earlier in the season, but tonight he gave us the whole show. Do you want to see his long ball? He threw two bombs for touchdowns tonight. Do you want to see him run? He ran for two touchdowns in that department. Well how'd he do in the rest the game? If you didn't see it then I hope someone Tivo'd it because you missed out.The evolution of Michael Vick at the quarterback position has come full circle.There was once a time whenVick would take off and run whenever he sawtrouble. Tonight he looked reluctant to run. Don't get me wrong, VickReebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
still ran when he needed too.The biggest difference in Vick's game is that henow uses his legs as his last resort and is relying on his arm to do most of the damage.A prime example of this came in the third quarter. The Eagles were inside the ten and about to score and on this particular play Vickdropped back and nobodywas open.Iwas sitting on the couch yelling "run, run, run, yougot it," but he didn't. Instead, Vickscrambled around, bought time,and thenfired a bullet to Jason Avant in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. This was just one of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
many plays that Vick picked apart Washington's defense; we'd be here all night if I tried to go through each spectacular play that he made.It appears that Vick truly has a grasp on his other worldly talents, and we all may be witnesses to something truly amazing. Today Vickfinds himselfon a Super Bowl caliber team and in the middle of a MVP race. Not bad for a guy who was in a prison cell two years ago.Go get 'em Mike Vick, don't be denied.
On the first play of scrimmage he threw an 88 yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson, and that was just the beginning of what would be the greatest episode of the Mike Vick show.Vick threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for two more...... In the first half. He is the only quarterback to ever pull this feat off. By the end of the night Mr. Vick's box score line read: 20/28 333 yards 4 touchdowns, 8 carries for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns.We've seen glimpses and pieces of what he could do earlier in the season, but tonight he gave us the whole show. Do you want to see his long ball? He threw two bombs for touchdowns tonight. Do you want to see him run? He ran for two touchdowns in that department. Well how'd he do in the rest the game? If you didn't see it then I hope someone Tivo'd it because you missed out.The evolution of Michael Vick at the quarterback position has come full circle.There was once a time whenVick would take off and run whenever he sawtrouble. Tonight he looked reluctant to run. Don't get me wrong, VickReebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
still ran when he needed too.The biggest difference in Vick's game is that henow uses his legs as his last resort and is relying on his arm to do most of the damage.A prime example of this came in the third quarter. The Eagles were inside the ten and about to score and on this particular play Vickdropped back and nobodywas open.Iwas sitting on the couch yelling "run, run, run, yougot it," but he didn't. Instead, Vickscrambled around, bought time,and thenfired a bullet to Jason Avant in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. This was just one of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
many plays that Vick picked apart Washington's defense; we'd be here all night if I tried to go through each spectacular play that he made.It appears that Vick truly has a grasp on his other worldly talents, and we all may be witnesses to something truly amazing. Today Vickfinds himselfon a Super Bowl caliber team and in the middle of a MVP race. Not bad for a guy who was in a prison cell two years ago.Go get 'em Mike Vick, don't be denied.
2010年12月18日星期六
18 Dec 10 Fantasy Football Week 10: Jon Kitna, Fred Jackson and Other Pleasant Surprises
Jackson had a nose for the football throughout all 60 minutes.Rick Stewart/Getty ImagesWhile Lions' rookie RB Jahvid Best failed to exploit a tasty matchup against the Buffalo Bills, veteran Fred Jackson was busy piling up the yardage.QB Chad Pennington lasted just two plays before his season ended, Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
WR Mike Thomas made an improbable grab that propelled his team to victory, and there were plenty of other surprises for owners throughout all of the action in Week 10.QBJon Kitna, DallasThe veteran had his best game in a Dallas uniform as he set the pace from the very onset of this one. Better known for his proclivity to throw interceptions rather than touchdowns, Kitna torched the solid Giants secondary for 327 yards and threescores.Although he did throw a pick, Tony Romo's backup will undoubtedly be one of the hottest names on the waiver wire this week.Matt Cassel, Kansas CityThis game was over early as Denver got out to a 35-0 start before the Chiefs even scored, but the second half belonged to the former New England Patriot.Doing his best Tom Brady impression, Cassel amassed an incredible 469 yards passing and four touchdowns. While he did lose a fumble (that was returned for a TD), there's not much to complain about here and those who had the insight to start him against a porous Denver defense are smiling from ear to ear.RBFred Jackson, BuffaloThe Bills got their first win of the season largely in part to the effort from Jackson. Sunday's highest-scoring fantasy running back had his best day of the season, eclipsing the 100-yard barrier for the first this season.The scat back also had six catches for 37 yards and another touchdown, and Detroit had no answer for him at any point. With rookie CJ Spiller sidelined indefinitely, it's Jackson's show to steal.Felix Jones, DallasPerhaps the talent in Big D will become a little more fantasy relevant with a new coach at the helm, and Felix Jones' performance serves as a prime example.Although he was only starting because Marion Barber chose not to follow the newly installed dressReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
code, Jones certainly made the most of his opportunity, with most of his damage coming on a beautifully executed screen pass that went for a touchdown. It's clear that the Arkansas product will be more involved in the game plan moving forward.WRMike Thomas, JacksonvilleThe play that everyone can't stop talking about, it was Mike Thomas who made the improbable grab that led the Jags to a thrilling victory over the Texans. In his first 100-yard game of the season, Thomas made a very lasting impression.Even Thomas couldn't believe he caught it.Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesWith teammate Mike Sims-Walker having a subpar season by most owners' standards, perhaps now Thomas will begin to see a bigger role in the offense and finally fill the hype that surrounded him as a popular draft day sleeper. Wes Welker, New EnglandIt's been a rather disappointing season for Welker and his owners as the veteran continues to rehab from reconstructive knee surgery, but if his performance against the Steelers is a sign of things to come, things are beginning to look up.By far his best game of the season, the veteran looked as healthy as he has all year with eight catches for 89 yards. A vintage WW game by his standards, expect Brady to look his way more and more as we enter the stretch run.TEAnthony Fasano, MiamiAlthough Fasano has been sort of hit or miss this season, the big tight end had a monstrous game this week against the Titans. Another player on the list with his first 100+ yard game of the season, Fasano stands to benefit from the uncertainty that clouds the QB position for the Dolphins after losing both Henne and Pennington (most likely) for the season.Although he doesn't have a ton of upside, it seems that good things happen for the team when Fasano is involved from the get go, and with the TE position spreading itself rather thin, he's looking like a prime guy to target if you're in need of some help at the position.Rob Gronkowski, New EnglandArguably the most hated man in Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
New England after Week 9's blowout loss to the Browns, Gronkowski really endeared himself to Pats fans this week with an absolutely extraordinary showing.At 6'6", Gronk is a beast in the red zone as evidenced by his three touchdown performance. If the rookie can prove that he can hold onto the ball, his ceiling is limitless as there simply isn't a defender big enough to stay with him in pass coverage.
WR Mike Thomas made an improbable grab that propelled his team to victory, and there were plenty of other surprises for owners throughout all of the action in Week 10.QBJon Kitna, DallasThe veteran had his best game in a Dallas uniform as he set the pace from the very onset of this one. Better known for his proclivity to throw interceptions rather than touchdowns, Kitna torched the solid Giants secondary for 327 yards and threescores.Although he did throw a pick, Tony Romo's backup will undoubtedly be one of the hottest names on the waiver wire this week.Matt Cassel, Kansas CityThis game was over early as Denver got out to a 35-0 start before the Chiefs even scored, but the second half belonged to the former New England Patriot.Doing his best Tom Brady impression, Cassel amassed an incredible 469 yards passing and four touchdowns. While he did lose a fumble (that was returned for a TD), there's not much to complain about here and those who had the insight to start him against a porous Denver defense are smiling from ear to ear.RBFred Jackson, BuffaloThe Bills got their first win of the season largely in part to the effort from Jackson. Sunday's highest-scoring fantasy running back had his best day of the season, eclipsing the 100-yard barrier for the first this season.The scat back also had six catches for 37 yards and another touchdown, and Detroit had no answer for him at any point. With rookie CJ Spiller sidelined indefinitely, it's Jackson's show to steal.Felix Jones, DallasPerhaps the talent in Big D will become a little more fantasy relevant with a new coach at the helm, and Felix Jones' performance serves as a prime example.Although he was only starting because Marion Barber chose not to follow the newly installed dressReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
code, Jones certainly made the most of his opportunity, with most of his damage coming on a beautifully executed screen pass that went for a touchdown. It's clear that the Arkansas product will be more involved in the game plan moving forward.WRMike Thomas, JacksonvilleThe play that everyone can't stop talking about, it was Mike Thomas who made the improbable grab that led the Jags to a thrilling victory over the Texans. In his first 100-yard game of the season, Thomas made a very lasting impression.Even Thomas couldn't believe he caught it.Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesWith teammate Mike Sims-Walker having a subpar season by most owners' standards, perhaps now Thomas will begin to see a bigger role in the offense and finally fill the hype that surrounded him as a popular draft day sleeper. Wes Welker, New EnglandIt's been a rather disappointing season for Welker and his owners as the veteran continues to rehab from reconstructive knee surgery, but if his performance against the Steelers is a sign of things to come, things are beginning to look up.By far his best game of the season, the veteran looked as healthy as he has all year with eight catches for 89 yards. A vintage WW game by his standards, expect Brady to look his way more and more as we enter the stretch run.TEAnthony Fasano, MiamiAlthough Fasano has been sort of hit or miss this season, the big tight end had a monstrous game this week against the Titans. Another player on the list with his first 100+ yard game of the season, Fasano stands to benefit from the uncertainty that clouds the QB position for the Dolphins after losing both Henne and Pennington (most likely) for the season.Although he doesn't have a ton of upside, it seems that good things happen for the team when Fasano is involved from the get go, and with the TE position spreading itself rather thin, he's looking like a prime guy to target if you're in need of some help at the position.Rob Gronkowski, New EnglandArguably the most hated man in Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
New England after Week 9's blowout loss to the Browns, Gronkowski really endeared himself to Pats fans this week with an absolutely extraordinary showing.At 6'6", Gronk is a beast in the red zone as evidenced by his three touchdown performance. If the rookie can prove that he can hold onto the ball, his ceiling is limitless as there simply isn't a defender big enough to stay with him in pass coverage.
2010年12月17日星期五
17 Dec 10 Brett Favre: I Hate To Say It, but it Might Be Time To Bench No. 4
Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesAftera very poor performance once again, it may indeed be time to bench Brett Favre. This is a hard thing to say after he had such a great season last year. And the whole idea ofbenching Brett Favre is even moreunfortunate when one thinks of his long, accomplished Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
career.But coach Brad Childress has been backed into a corner. Sitting Favre may be the only thing he can do at this point. After all,an angry Minnesotafan basehas shown that theyprefer to blame the coach instead of facing the fact that their star quarterback is struggling badly.Some fans try to blame Favre's troubles on the defensive pressure he's getting. But the Packers only sacked him once. And the Bears only had one sack last week as well. By way of comparison, Aaron Rogers was sacked three times Sunday, and Jay Cutler was sacked twice last week. So pressure can't be the main culprit.Last season was perhaps Brett Favre's best overallseason of his career. And we are only oneyear removed from then, so it doesn't make sense to blame Favre's age. And Adrian Peterson is having a pretty solid season, with a better per carry average than last season,so it's hard to blame the lack ofa running game.The teams troubles certainly don't stop at Favre.Visanthe Shiancoe and Jared Allen were quite outspoken in interviews following the game. Theyleft no doubt that it's the players who aren't getting the job done. They stated flatly that the players have to step up, as they are the ones on the field. The coaches can't make the plays for them.Should Brett Favre be Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
benched?Should Brett Favre be benched?Yes69.6%No30.4%Total votes: 527Vikings owner, Zygi Wilf, apparently stormed out of the stadium without taking questions. This may not bode well for Childress, as Wilf appears to be a somewhat flighty owner.He may be swayed by theangry fans, instead of being able to step back and look at thebig picture.But, in any case, the fact needs to be faced thatBrett Favre is not playing well and yet the fans are blaming Childress.This threatens his future as the Vikes coach. So I'm afraid Childress may Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
have to do something quick to save his job.He therefore needs to act as soon as he can—which, again,probably means benching Brett Favre and trying to get the team to rally for a couple quick victories behind Tavaris Jackson.But will Childress get this chance, or will Wilf make amidseason coaching change?And have we seen the end of the Favre era? It all remains to be seen.
career.But coach Brad Childress has been backed into a corner. Sitting Favre may be the only thing he can do at this point. After all,an angry Minnesotafan basehas shown that theyprefer to blame the coach instead of facing the fact that their star quarterback is struggling badly.Some fans try to blame Favre's troubles on the defensive pressure he's getting. But the Packers only sacked him once. And the Bears only had one sack last week as well. By way of comparison, Aaron Rogers was sacked three times Sunday, and Jay Cutler was sacked twice last week. So pressure can't be the main culprit.Last season was perhaps Brett Favre's best overallseason of his career. And we are only oneyear removed from then, so it doesn't make sense to blame Favre's age. And Adrian Peterson is having a pretty solid season, with a better per carry average than last season,so it's hard to blame the lack ofa running game.The teams troubles certainly don't stop at Favre.Visanthe Shiancoe and Jared Allen were quite outspoken in interviews following the game. Theyleft no doubt that it's the players who aren't getting the job done. They stated flatly that the players have to step up, as they are the ones on the field. The coaches can't make the plays for them.Should Brett Favre be Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
benched?Should Brett Favre be benched?Yes69.6%No30.4%Total votes: 527Vikings owner, Zygi Wilf, apparently stormed out of the stadium without taking questions. This may not bode well for Childress, as Wilf appears to be a somewhat flighty owner.He may be swayed by theangry fans, instead of being able to step back and look at thebig picture.But, in any case, the fact needs to be faced thatBrett Favre is not playing well and yet the fans are blaming Childress.This threatens his future as the Vikes coach. So I'm afraid Childress may Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
have to do something quick to save his job.He therefore needs to act as soon as he can—which, again,probably means benching Brett Favre and trying to get the team to rally for a couple quick victories behind Tavaris Jackson.But will Childress get this chance, or will Wilf make amidseason coaching change?And have we seen the end of the Favre era? It all remains to be seen.
2010年12月16日星期四
16 Dec 10 New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys: How Dallas Can Stop New Orleans
Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesA few weeks ago the Cowboys were down and out. Standing at 1-7, an injured quarterback, a newly minted lame duck head coach and a season full of broken dreams pretty much defined the Cowboys season.In a last ditch effort to try and right what was Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
wrong with the ‘Boys, Dallas owner Jerry Jones fired Wade Phillips, promoting offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to replace him.All of a sudden the Cowboys have new life and have won both games that Garrett has coached. This Thursday the ‘Boys prepare to face off against possibly the biggest test of Garrett’s young coaching career, the New Orleans Saints.Last year’s Super Bowl champs head to town to try and end Garrett’s honeymoon and keep pace with the surging Atlanta Falcons in the tough NFC South.The Cowboys first challenge will be to stop Drew Brees, who has already tossed 22 touchdowns and thrown for almost 3,000 passing yards in just 10 games. Star wide receiver Marques Colston is having a Pro Bowl type of season and New Orleans expects to have Reggie Bush back from injury.So, how in the world will the Cowboys stop such an offensive powerhouse? It starts with their pass rush and secondary.In the ‘Boys two victories under Garrett and new defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni Dallas has allowed a combined 662 passing yards. The team’s bend but don’t break strategy has worked for two weeks, but I’m not sure if that strategy will work against Drew Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
Brees.Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesYet even with the grand number of passing yards given up by Dallas, they caused three interceptions in those two victories. If Dallas can force New Orleans to turn the ball over as they did against the Giants, then there is a chance that the Cowboys can pull off the upset.In last year’s contest against the Saints down in New Orleans, the Cowboys pass rush was able to disrupt Drew Brees enough to force him into making errant throws and mistakes. Ware was all over him and the Cowboys pass rush was unstoppable that night.While the stakes are different in this game there is no reason to believe that the results can’t be the same. DeMarcus Ware is still the same player and has 8.5 sacks this season.But I think what concerns Cowboys fans the most is the team’s shaky secondary. Dallas is 21st against the pass and their young secondary looks like it belongs in the FBS instead of the National Football League.Cornerback Mike Jenkins, who made his first Pro Bowl last season, seems to have fallen off of a cliff this season, and projects Alan Ball and Orlando Scandrick have been nothing short of disappointments.Turnovers, containment and an offense who controls the clock by pounding the ball is Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
how the Cowboys can win the game and improve their record to 4-7.Jason Garrett, you’re up.Join Jason every Monday night at 8pm ET for Monday Night Quarterback on www.blogtalkradio.com/cowboyjay.You can follow Jason on twitter THenProject
wrong with the ‘Boys, Dallas owner Jerry Jones fired Wade Phillips, promoting offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to replace him.All of a sudden the Cowboys have new life and have won both games that Garrett has coached. This Thursday the ‘Boys prepare to face off against possibly the biggest test of Garrett’s young coaching career, the New Orleans Saints.Last year’s Super Bowl champs head to town to try and end Garrett’s honeymoon and keep pace with the surging Atlanta Falcons in the tough NFC South.The Cowboys first challenge will be to stop Drew Brees, who has already tossed 22 touchdowns and thrown for almost 3,000 passing yards in just 10 games. Star wide receiver Marques Colston is having a Pro Bowl type of season and New Orleans expects to have Reggie Bush back from injury.So, how in the world will the Cowboys stop such an offensive powerhouse? It starts with their pass rush and secondary.In the ‘Boys two victories under Garrett and new defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni Dallas has allowed a combined 662 passing yards. The team’s bend but don’t break strategy has worked for two weeks, but I’m not sure if that strategy will work against Drew Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
Brees.Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesYet even with the grand number of passing yards given up by Dallas, they caused three interceptions in those two victories. If Dallas can force New Orleans to turn the ball over as they did against the Giants, then there is a chance that the Cowboys can pull off the upset.In last year’s contest against the Saints down in New Orleans, the Cowboys pass rush was able to disrupt Drew Brees enough to force him into making errant throws and mistakes. Ware was all over him and the Cowboys pass rush was unstoppable that night.While the stakes are different in this game there is no reason to believe that the results can’t be the same. DeMarcus Ware is still the same player and has 8.5 sacks this season.But I think what concerns Cowboys fans the most is the team’s shaky secondary. Dallas is 21st against the pass and their young secondary looks like it belongs in the FBS instead of the National Football League.Cornerback Mike Jenkins, who made his first Pro Bowl last season, seems to have fallen off of a cliff this season, and projects Alan Ball and Orlando Scandrick have been nothing short of disappointments.Turnovers, containment and an offense who controls the clock by pounding the ball is Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
how the Cowboys can win the game and improve their record to 4-7.Jason Garrett, you’re up.Join Jason every Monday night at 8pm ET for Monday Night Quarterback on www.blogtalkradio.com/cowboyjay.You can follow Jason on twitter THenProject
2010年12月15日星期三
Oakland Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski Done For Season. Is He Done As a Raider?
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesBruce Gradkowski's 6 Sanchez White Jersey
return as the starting QB didn't go as planned and now appears unlikely to last any longer than one game. On his final pass attempt, Bruce Gradkowski re-injured the shoulder that kept him out of action for five weeks. Maybe he wasn't fully healed in the first place. His arm looked weak today. There were plays out there to be made but he simply didn't have the "arm" to get it done.After the game Gradkowski said thatit felt a lot like the way it did when he first injured his shoulder against the Chargers. Actually, it was against the Texans when he first got popped. Bernard Pollard smacked him prettygood a couple of times. He tried to play the following week but was ineffective and eventually knocked out of the game. Jason Campbell took over and rallied the Raiders on two scoring drives and a win over the Chargers.With only five games left, I think Bruce Gradkowski is done for the season. He might also be done as a Raider. He doesn't have the arm that Al Davis wants his QBs to have. Now that he injured his throwing shoulder twice you have to believe that Al Davis will not retain him heading into next season.Jason Campbell will now have the opportunity to prove that he should be the man in Oakland going forward. The last five weeks will 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
tell us a lot about what kind of team we have. Jason Campbell needs to finish strong. If he can have a solid finish to the season he may convince Al Davis that he is the future.If Campbell plays just average football we could have yet another starting QB in 2011.
return as the starting QB didn't go as planned and now appears unlikely to last any longer than one game. On his final pass attempt, Bruce Gradkowski re-injured the shoulder that kept him out of action for five weeks. Maybe he wasn't fully healed in the first place. His arm looked weak today. There were plays out there to be made but he simply didn't have the "arm" to get it done.After the game Gradkowski said thatit felt a lot like the way it did when he first injured his shoulder against the Chargers. Actually, it was against the Texans when he first got popped. Bernard Pollard smacked him prettygood a couple of times. He tried to play the following week but was ineffective and eventually knocked out of the game. Jason Campbell took over and rallied the Raiders on two scoring drives and a win over the Chargers.With only five games left, I think Bruce Gradkowski is done for the season. He might also be done as a Raider. He doesn't have the arm that Al Davis wants his QBs to have. Now that he injured his throwing shoulder twice you have to believe that Al Davis will not retain him heading into next season.Jason Campbell will now have the opportunity to prove that he should be the man in Oakland going forward. The last five weeks will 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
tell us a lot about what kind of team we have. Jason Campbell needs to finish strong. If he can have a solid finish to the season he may convince Al Davis that he is the future.If Campbell plays just average football we could have yet another starting QB in 2011.
2010年12月13日星期一
NFL Week 13 Fantasy TE Rankings: The Most In-Depth Analysis in the Industry
Week 13 TE Player Rankings
Brought to you by pyromaniac.com.
Rankings for QBs, RBs, and WRs.1. Jacob Tamme (vs Dal)
The Cowboys actually do pretty well at nfl jerseys
covering the tight end, but tight ends aren’t the same animal with Peyton Manning at the helm as they are with other teams. Play him at all costs. 2. Antonio Gates (vs Oak)
Gates is back, but to what extent will his injury hamper him? This remains to be seen. He came up with four catches for 46 yards in his return, so at least he’s off to a good start. ALWAYS take the chance on him when he steps out on the field. 3. Joel Dreessen (@ Phi)
Dreessen has been outstanding in relieving Owen Daniels, and I expect the trend to continue this week. The Eagles have a real tough time covering the tight end.
Look for Schaub and Dreessen to connect five-plus times for some good yardage and possibly, a TD this week. 4. Tony Gonzalez (@ TB)
Gonzo had 11 targets, eight catches and 72 yards in Week 9 against Tampa. Maybe he repeats the performance with a TD this time. 5. Kevin Boss (vs Was)
Boss should be the one Manning will depend on to pick up the slack this weekend. After his 74-yard and one TD last game, don’t be scared to start him once more. 6. Marcedes Lewis (@ Ten)
Not only is Lewis huge (6’6”, 275 pounds), but he’s relatively fluid as a receiver. The Titans are in the bottom quarter of the league in allowing fantasy points to tight ends, so Lewis looks to be a good play this week. 7. Dustin Keller (@ NE)
Keller had a MONSTER game against the Pats in the first contest, going off for seven catches, 115 yards and a TD.
Will he repeat those numbers?
Not bloody likely, but he could be in line for his best outing in two months. 8. Vernon Davis (@ GB)
Vernon is not the same Vernon that we saw last year. However, he’s still one of the most talented tight ends in the league.
If the Packers have any sort of weak spot on D, it might be in their coverage of opposing tight ends. 9. Aaron Hernandez (vs NYJ)
This could end up being a battle of Steelers jersey
the tight ends once again, like it was in Week 2.
Like Dustin Keller did in the first game, Hernandez went off for career-highs of six catches and 101 yards. My guess is that the Pats will run out a two tight end set for most of the game, with Rob Gronkowski acting as the blocker for most of the game.
Hernandez could be in line for a bunch of targets in this one. 10. Visanthe Shiancoe (vs Buf)
With Childress gone, Shiancoe put up the second most yards he’s had in the last nine games against the Redskins (three catches, 54 yards), and it looks like Favre is trying to get him going again as Shank garnered the most targets, six, of any Vikings receiver last week. 11. Brent Celek (vs Hou)
The Texans are awful in every aspect of defending the passing game, and that includes covering the tight end. Celek may have been a disappointment so far this year, but this game could be a whole different animal for the young tight end. 12. Tony Moeaki (vs Den)
Moeaki caught just one pass in his return last week, but that one catch happened to go for a TD. Expect more out of him in this game, as the Donkey’s allow the third-most fantasy points to tight ends this year. 13. Todd Heap (vs Pit)
Heap has been a real nice force for the Ravens this year, considering the Steelers rank toward the lower end of the league in allowing fantasy points to tight ends. He might turn out to be a great play this week. 14. Brandon Pettigrew (vs Chi)
I’m interested to see how Shaun Hill's injury affects Pettigrew’s growing tight end status.
It could really go either way as Stanton could either end up depending on him even more for dump-offs, or neglect him in search for Megatron and possible status-enhancement. Take a chance if you have to, but if you don’t, wait and see what happens for a week. 15. Jason Witten (@ Ind)
Witten put up 10 catches and 99 yards against the Saints last week, but don’t expect numbers anywhere close to that against a Colts D that has allowed the second fewest fantasy points to tight ends this year. 16. Chris Cooley (@ NYG)
Cooley continues to see a ton of football jersey
targets from McNabb, leading the team with eight last week. Although, his production is still a little on the light side.
Again, McNabb will have to pass the ball to win this game, so Cooley should have another chance to prove himself this week.Week 13 rankings for QBs, RBs, and WRs
There are no teams with TEs on a bye this week.
Brought to you by pyromaniac.com.
Rankings for QBs, RBs, and WRs.1. Jacob Tamme (vs Dal)
The Cowboys actually do pretty well at nfl jerseys
covering the tight end, but tight ends aren’t the same animal with Peyton Manning at the helm as they are with other teams. Play him at all costs. 2. Antonio Gates (vs Oak)
Gates is back, but to what extent will his injury hamper him? This remains to be seen. He came up with four catches for 46 yards in his return, so at least he’s off to a good start. ALWAYS take the chance on him when he steps out on the field. 3. Joel Dreessen (@ Phi)
Dreessen has been outstanding in relieving Owen Daniels, and I expect the trend to continue this week. The Eagles have a real tough time covering the tight end.
Look for Schaub and Dreessen to connect five-plus times for some good yardage and possibly, a TD this week. 4. Tony Gonzalez (@ TB)
Gonzo had 11 targets, eight catches and 72 yards in Week 9 against Tampa. Maybe he repeats the performance with a TD this time. 5. Kevin Boss (vs Was)
Boss should be the one Manning will depend on to pick up the slack this weekend. After his 74-yard and one TD last game, don’t be scared to start him once more. 6. Marcedes Lewis (@ Ten)
Not only is Lewis huge (6’6”, 275 pounds), but he’s relatively fluid as a receiver. The Titans are in the bottom quarter of the league in allowing fantasy points to tight ends, so Lewis looks to be a good play this week. 7. Dustin Keller (@ NE)
Keller had a MONSTER game against the Pats in the first contest, going off for seven catches, 115 yards and a TD.
Will he repeat those numbers?
Not bloody likely, but he could be in line for his best outing in two months. 8. Vernon Davis (@ GB)
Vernon is not the same Vernon that we saw last year. However, he’s still one of the most talented tight ends in the league.
If the Packers have any sort of weak spot on D, it might be in their coverage of opposing tight ends. 9. Aaron Hernandez (vs NYJ)
This could end up being a battle of Steelers jersey
the tight ends once again, like it was in Week 2.
Like Dustin Keller did in the first game, Hernandez went off for career-highs of six catches and 101 yards. My guess is that the Pats will run out a two tight end set for most of the game, with Rob Gronkowski acting as the blocker for most of the game.
Hernandez could be in line for a bunch of targets in this one. 10. Visanthe Shiancoe (vs Buf)
With Childress gone, Shiancoe put up the second most yards he’s had in the last nine games against the Redskins (three catches, 54 yards), and it looks like Favre is trying to get him going again as Shank garnered the most targets, six, of any Vikings receiver last week. 11. Brent Celek (vs Hou)
The Texans are awful in every aspect of defending the passing game, and that includes covering the tight end. Celek may have been a disappointment so far this year, but this game could be a whole different animal for the young tight end. 12. Tony Moeaki (vs Den)
Moeaki caught just one pass in his return last week, but that one catch happened to go for a TD. Expect more out of him in this game, as the Donkey’s allow the third-most fantasy points to tight ends this year. 13. Todd Heap (vs Pit)
Heap has been a real nice force for the Ravens this year, considering the Steelers rank toward the lower end of the league in allowing fantasy points to tight ends. He might turn out to be a great play this week. 14. Brandon Pettigrew (vs Chi)
I’m interested to see how Shaun Hill's injury affects Pettigrew’s growing tight end status.
It could really go either way as Stanton could either end up depending on him even more for dump-offs, or neglect him in search for Megatron and possible status-enhancement. Take a chance if you have to, but if you don’t, wait and see what happens for a week. 15. Jason Witten (@ Ind)
Witten put up 10 catches and 99 yards against the Saints last week, but don’t expect numbers anywhere close to that against a Colts D that has allowed the second fewest fantasy points to tight ends this year. 16. Chris Cooley (@ NYG)
Cooley continues to see a ton of football jersey
targets from McNabb, leading the team with eight last week. Although, his production is still a little on the light side.
Again, McNabb will have to pass the ball to win this game, so Cooley should have another chance to prove himself this week.Week 13 rankings for QBs, RBs, and WRs
There are no teams with TEs on a bye this week.
2010年12月12日星期日
Ndamukong Suh Fine Is a Travasty: the NFL Is Sending a Message, But What Is It?
Detroit's Ndamukong SuhJonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesNdamukong Suh was fined $15,000 for a hit that was legal in the NFL we all grew up watching. Jay Cutler, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, was in-bounds, there were no illegal body parts used and no blows to the head. Granted this hit was extremely violent. In a previous article I wrote that the hit was "like a meteor shooting millions of miles through space, plummeting to earth at immeasurable speeds and slamming into a puppy." But Cutler is not a puppy, he just played one on TV. Cutler is nfl jerseys
a football player, albeit a quarterback, who cut back on to the field of play to pick up extra yards and a possible first down when, in the immortal words of ESPN football analyst Tom Jackson, he got JACKED UP! Are they criminalizing JACKING people UP in the NFL? Are you not allowed to JACK UP anyone or are quarterbacks a special case, again? Are 305 pound defensive tackles suppose to monitor and regulate how hard they hit people while they are running full speed half way across the field in pursuit? Commissioner Goodell said that they were going to "change the culture" of the sport. OK, change it to what? Are there not going to be young men, brimming with testosterone, who busted there butts there whole lives to become these physical marvels with extremely bad intentions? Are they no longer going work themselves into a frenzy and then proceed to take out every frustration they ever had on the guys on the other side of the ball, just because they are wearing a different color? Isn't that the brand organized mayhem that we all tune in to see? Is the NFL really concerned about it's players or is there more to it than that? There's a part of the game that the fans don't see. The part that no 20-year-old, with high levels of testosterone coursing through his veins and dreams of playing in the NFL believes can ever happen to him. Fans never see the young man with the walker, the "altered" thought process and the disability check from the NFL. He uses the walker to hold himself up when the intermittent paralysis in his legs hits him. His thoughts are altered by the blow he took to the head, the constant migraine headaches, and the pain killers he's been addicted to since his playing days. He's not the star player, but the guy you never heard of that was injured, then carted off the field during a commercial break, and you never saw him again. There are literally hundreds of these guys and the NFL is supporting all of them. We never think about these guys when we tune in Steelers jersey
to get our winter weekly fix of legalized violence on Sunday afternoons. We only think about the week Michael Vick couldn't throw to DeSean Jackson because somebody knocked Jackson out. Should Ndamukong Suh have been fined for the hit in the video aboveShould Ndamukong Suh have been fined for the hit in the video aboveYes4.1%No95.9%Total votes: 74We'd like to think we care about Jackson, but we are desensitized because we saw the hit that did Jackson 83 times on replay and 47 more times on the highlight show along with 75 other bone crushing hits. The NFL is in a quandary. There are the guys who make money, the great players that we all tune in to see. If they are hurt, the fan experience is altered and nobody wants that. Then there are the guys like Eric Shelton who the NFL pays $9,167 a month, which is approx. $110,000 annually, and he never played a down. Shelton was drafted in the second round by Carolina and then signed a contract with the Redskins. He was disabled by a helmet-to-helmet blow during an intrasquad scrimmage. Shelton is currently suing the NFL because he would like to be placed on the highest level of disability which would pay him $18,670 a month or close to $225,000 a year. Who knows how many shattered NFL dreams the NFL has to pony up for. Cutting down on the amount of injuries is a business decision because injured players cost the NFL money. The message the commissioner is sending by fining Suh is that he is changing our game because it is too expensive to continue playing it in the traditional fashion. I do not suggest that we turn a blind eye to Shelton and his ilk. Changes must be made to protect these warriors who put their lives on the line to entertain us. The overwhelming majority get no glory and fame. They get to be in pain for the rest of their lives. Twenty year old college football players with NFL aspirations believe they'll be ten feet tall and bulletproof in 30 years, they won't. This just in, "Football is bad for you." Changes definitely need to be made, but not by punishing players for doing what they learned to do their whole lives. Suh did everything right according to the rules and it cost his team the game and cost him 15 large. When the game football jersey
is changed in the middle of a season with no retraining and no setting of expectations—the culture is not changed, it's just muddled. Perhaps next time Suh should rip Cutler's helmet off and pummel him senseless. It will only cost him 10 grand more, but it would be infinitely more satisfying.
a football player, albeit a quarterback, who cut back on to the field of play to pick up extra yards and a possible first down when, in the immortal words of ESPN football analyst Tom Jackson, he got JACKED UP! Are they criminalizing JACKING people UP in the NFL? Are you not allowed to JACK UP anyone or are quarterbacks a special case, again? Are 305 pound defensive tackles suppose to monitor and regulate how hard they hit people while they are running full speed half way across the field in pursuit? Commissioner Goodell said that they were going to "change the culture" of the sport. OK, change it to what? Are there not going to be young men, brimming with testosterone, who busted there butts there whole lives to become these physical marvels with extremely bad intentions? Are they no longer going work themselves into a frenzy and then proceed to take out every frustration they ever had on the guys on the other side of the ball, just because they are wearing a different color? Isn't that the brand organized mayhem that we all tune in to see? Is the NFL really concerned about it's players or is there more to it than that? There's a part of the game that the fans don't see. The part that no 20-year-old, with high levels of testosterone coursing through his veins and dreams of playing in the NFL believes can ever happen to him. Fans never see the young man with the walker, the "altered" thought process and the disability check from the NFL. He uses the walker to hold himself up when the intermittent paralysis in his legs hits him. His thoughts are altered by the blow he took to the head, the constant migraine headaches, and the pain killers he's been addicted to since his playing days. He's not the star player, but the guy you never heard of that was injured, then carted off the field during a commercial break, and you never saw him again. There are literally hundreds of these guys and the NFL is supporting all of them. We never think about these guys when we tune in Steelers jersey
to get our winter weekly fix of legalized violence on Sunday afternoons. We only think about the week Michael Vick couldn't throw to DeSean Jackson because somebody knocked Jackson out. Should Ndamukong Suh have been fined for the hit in the video aboveShould Ndamukong Suh have been fined for the hit in the video aboveYes4.1%No95.9%Total votes: 74We'd like to think we care about Jackson, but we are desensitized because we saw the hit that did Jackson 83 times on replay and 47 more times on the highlight show along with 75 other bone crushing hits. The NFL is in a quandary. There are the guys who make money, the great players that we all tune in to see. If they are hurt, the fan experience is altered and nobody wants that. Then there are the guys like Eric Shelton who the NFL pays $9,167 a month, which is approx. $110,000 annually, and he never played a down. Shelton was drafted in the second round by Carolina and then signed a contract with the Redskins. He was disabled by a helmet-to-helmet blow during an intrasquad scrimmage. Shelton is currently suing the NFL because he would like to be placed on the highest level of disability which would pay him $18,670 a month or close to $225,000 a year. Who knows how many shattered NFL dreams the NFL has to pony up for. Cutting down on the amount of injuries is a business decision because injured players cost the NFL money. The message the commissioner is sending by fining Suh is that he is changing our game because it is too expensive to continue playing it in the traditional fashion. I do not suggest that we turn a blind eye to Shelton and his ilk. Changes must be made to protect these warriors who put their lives on the line to entertain us. The overwhelming majority get no glory and fame. They get to be in pain for the rest of their lives. Twenty year old college football players with NFL aspirations believe they'll be ten feet tall and bulletproof in 30 years, they won't. This just in, "Football is bad for you." Changes definitely need to be made, but not by punishing players for doing what they learned to do their whole lives. Suh did everything right according to the rules and it cost his team the game and cost him 15 large. When the game football jersey
is changed in the middle of a season with no retraining and no setting of expectations—the culture is not changed, it's just muddled. Perhaps next time Suh should rip Cutler's helmet off and pummel him senseless. It will only cost him 10 grand more, but it would be infinitely more satisfying.
2010年12月11日星期六
Steelers sign Cedrick Wilson to 4 year, $8 million deal March 10 2005
PITTSBURGH, PA - The Steelers signed wide receiver Cedrick Wilson to a 4 year, $8 million contract, a move that appears to signal Plaxico Burress' departure from Pittsburgh. Wilson will receive a $2 million signing bonus. Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert said Pittsburgh is 4 Brett Favre White jersey
not done shopping for free agents and didn't rule out bringing back Burress, a former first-round draft pick. "A lot of strange things can happen in free agency," Colbert said. "We never want to say never."The 5'10" and 183 lbs. Wilson gives the Steelers a group of receivers similar in size to those on the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. "If you watch the guys on this team, Hines Ward and (Antwaan) Randle El, and the guys in New England, those guys have been pretty successful so far," Wilson said. "So the faster guys have really become a threat in this league and that's why I feel I can be successful."The 26 year old Wilson played 4 years
with the San Francisco 49ers after being drafted out of Tennessee in the sixth round in 2001. Wilson started 3 games for the 49ers in his first 3 seasons, but started 15 games last season before breaking his left leg. He had career highs in catches (47), yards (641) and touchdowns (3) last season, but the 49ers made no attempt to keep him. "They wanted to go in a different direction," Wilson said. "They're doing some rebuilding, new coaching staff, new general manager. There were a lot of reasons of mine. I wanted to be on a winning team. I wanted to have an opportunity to win a Super Bowl."Wilson will Dallas Cowboys jersey
compete with Randle El for the open split-end position opposite Ward. His versatility is his best asset. "He's played outside, he's played a lot in the slot," Colbert said. "There are also the additional abilities to be a return guy, and you can never have enough return guys in your arsenal."
not done shopping for free agents and didn't rule out bringing back Burress, a former first-round draft pick. "A lot of strange things can happen in free agency," Colbert said. "We never want to say never."The 5'10" and 183 lbs. Wilson gives the Steelers a group of receivers similar in size to those on the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. "If you watch the guys on this team, Hines Ward and (Antwaan) Randle El, and the guys in New England, those guys have been pretty successful so far," Wilson said. "So the faster guys have really become a threat in this league and that's why I feel I can be successful."The 26 year old Wilson played 4 years
with the San Francisco 49ers after being drafted out of Tennessee in the sixth round in 2001. Wilson started 3 games for the 49ers in his first 3 seasons, but started 15 games last season before breaking his left leg. He had career highs in catches (47), yards (641) and touchdowns (3) last season, but the 49ers made no attempt to keep him. "They wanted to go in a different direction," Wilson said. "They're doing some rebuilding, new coaching staff, new general manager. There were a lot of reasons of mine. I wanted to be on a winning team. I wanted to have an opportunity to win a Super Bowl."Wilson will Dallas Cowboys jersey
compete with Randle El for the open split-end position opposite Ward. His versatility is his best asset. "He's played outside, he's played a lot in the slot," Colbert said. "There are also the additional abilities to be a return guy, and you can never have enough return guys in your arsenal."
2010年12月9日星期四
San Francisco 49ers Stadium Study Lennar
Plans to build a new facility for the San Francisco 49ers are beginning to take shape. In late December the team chose Lennar Corp. to conduct a study to pinpoint the best development opportunities available for building a mixed use facility that will include a new stadium for the 49ers at or near Candlestick Point.No building plans have been 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
confirmed, but Lennar is working with city and state officials to determine the effects of such a structure on traffic, housing, and the general quality of life in the area.The San Francisco 49ers have been playing at Candlestick Park (now named "Monster" Park due to a corporate sponsorship) since 1960. The current facility is one of the oldest in the NFL. Sunday, the 2-10 San Francisco 49ers took on the 9-4 Jacksonville Jaguars in North Florida. It was supposed to be a blowout, a game where the struggling, young 49ers were dismantled by a Jaguars team that has all but solidified a wild card position in the upcoming post-season. Instead, the 49ers fought valiantly only to suffer yet another defeat.The first quarter was a battle of two defenses that refused to give the opposition much to work with on offense. The 49ers' first possession spanned 56 yards and took nine plays. The end result was a Joe Nedney 35-yard field goal. San Francisco used some nice passing plays from Alex Smith and some efficient, hard running by starter Frank Gore. After the field goal, not much happened for the remainder of the first quarter. The 49ers' final two possessions of the quarter ended in punts and the Jaguars' offense didn't fare any better. Their three first quarter drives ended in two punts and a failed fourth down conversion. Surprisingly, the 49ers ended 15 minutes of football with a 3-0 lead.The second quarter was crucial for both sides. The Jaguars looked better than they did in the previous stanza and the Niners continued to fight, but didn't look quite as sharp. The Jags' first possession of the second quarter was a 71-yard, 12 play drive that culminated with a 13-yard dash to the end zone from quarterback David Garrard. It was Jacksonville's first lead as they pulled ahead 7-3. The 49ers' next three possessions gained them just 21 yards of net offense. Jacksonville's final two possessions gained them just 20 yards. Fortunately for the 49ers, they got the ball at the end of the half and thanks to Alex Smith, marched 51 yards in just 18 seconds and set up a field goal try for Nedney. The veteran kicker nailed the 47-yard attempt and ended the second quarter with the 49ers trailing just 7-6.The first half was over and the 49ers were fighting as hard as they have all season. Not many would have expected a team that may end up with the top pick in April's draft to be battling a probable playoff team so hard. The 49ers' rookie tandem of Alex Smith and Frank Gore helped guide the team to a decent output offensively. The defense for the 49ers was tremendous as they held Garrard, and the running backs of the Jaguars down. Undoubtedly, both teams went to the locker room believing that they could improve upon their first half output. The third quarter was somewhat eventful since neither team managed to put any points on the board. The Jags' first drive managed to net them 46 yards of offense but ended in a punt. After a punt from the 49ers, Jacksonville got the ball back again and managed to march 53 yards downfield. Unfortunately, usually reliable kicker Josh Scobee missed from 52 yards and failed to increase the Jags' lead. The final drive of the third quarter belonged to the 49ers and they headed into Jacksonville territory and awaited a field goal attempt to start the third quarter. After 45 minutes of play, the Jaguars still maintained their one point lead but the 49ers had an immediate chance to regain the lead in the final quarter.Nedney made good on his 33-yard field goal attempt and managed to put San Francisco up 9-7 at the beginning of the fourth quarter. It was their second lead of the game and their first since early on in the second quarter. Quite frankly, it was stunning to see the Niners holding a lead against a solid Jags team at this juncture of the game. Jacksonville's first possession of the final quarter was an exhibition in passing as Garrard was able to hit three different receivers and march the team 47 yards. Josh Scobee came on and nailed his 32-yard field goal attempt. The Jags retook the lead as they pulled ahead 10-9. That would be the final score as both teams got more drives that failed to10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
result in any points. Alex Smith and the 49ers' last gasp effort was cut down as he had a pass intercepted by Jags defensive back Kenny Wright. The Jaguars survived this game and their victory pulled them to 10-4. They may have won ugly but they still manage to hold on to the first wild card spot in the AFC playoff picture. The 49ers' loss puts them at 2-11 and in the driver's seat for the first pick in the 2006 NFL draft. It was a tough loss for 'Frisco but their young players truly came to the fore in this game. Smith, the young QB, played his finest game as a pro as did running back Frank Gore. The much-maligned defense managed to hold the Jags to just 10 points and keep the Niners in the thick of things. Undoubtedly, there were many positives to take away from this loss if you're 49ers head coach Mike Nolan. At 2-11, moral victories may be all that San Francisco has left.
confirmed, but Lennar is working with city and state officials to determine the effects of such a structure on traffic, housing, and the general quality of life in the area.The San Francisco 49ers have been playing at Candlestick Park (now named "Monster" Park due to a corporate sponsorship) since 1960. The current facility is one of the oldest in the NFL. Sunday, the 2-10 San Francisco 49ers took on the 9-4 Jacksonville Jaguars in North Florida. It was supposed to be a blowout, a game where the struggling, young 49ers were dismantled by a Jaguars team that has all but solidified a wild card position in the upcoming post-season. Instead, the 49ers fought valiantly only to suffer yet another defeat.The first quarter was a battle of two defenses that refused to give the opposition much to work with on offense. The 49ers' first possession spanned 56 yards and took nine plays. The end result was a Joe Nedney 35-yard field goal. San Francisco used some nice passing plays from Alex Smith and some efficient, hard running by starter Frank Gore. After the field goal, not much happened for the remainder of the first quarter. The 49ers' final two possessions of the quarter ended in punts and the Jaguars' offense didn't fare any better. Their three first quarter drives ended in two punts and a failed fourth down conversion. Surprisingly, the 49ers ended 15 minutes of football with a 3-0 lead.The second quarter was crucial for both sides. The Jaguars looked better than they did in the previous stanza and the Niners continued to fight, but didn't look quite as sharp. The Jags' first possession of the second quarter was a 71-yard, 12 play drive that culminated with a 13-yard dash to the end zone from quarterback David Garrard. It was Jacksonville's first lead as they pulled ahead 7-3. The 49ers' next three possessions gained them just 21 yards of net offense. Jacksonville's final two possessions gained them just 20 yards. Fortunately for the 49ers, they got the ball at the end of the half and thanks to Alex Smith, marched 51 yards in just 18 seconds and set up a field goal try for Nedney. The veteran kicker nailed the 47-yard attempt and ended the second quarter with the 49ers trailing just 7-6.The first half was over and the 49ers were fighting as hard as they have all season. Not many would have expected a team that may end up with the top pick in April's draft to be battling a probable playoff team so hard. The 49ers' rookie tandem of Alex Smith and Frank Gore helped guide the team to a decent output offensively. The defense for the 49ers was tremendous as they held Garrard, and the running backs of the Jaguars down. Undoubtedly, both teams went to the locker room believing that they could improve upon their first half output. The third quarter was somewhat eventful since neither team managed to put any points on the board. The Jags' first drive managed to net them 46 yards of offense but ended in a punt. After a punt from the 49ers, Jacksonville got the ball back again and managed to march 53 yards downfield. Unfortunately, usually reliable kicker Josh Scobee missed from 52 yards and failed to increase the Jags' lead. The final drive of the third quarter belonged to the 49ers and they headed into Jacksonville territory and awaited a field goal attempt to start the third quarter. After 45 minutes of play, the Jaguars still maintained their one point lead but the 49ers had an immediate chance to regain the lead in the final quarter.Nedney made good on his 33-yard field goal attempt and managed to put San Francisco up 9-7 at the beginning of the fourth quarter. It was their second lead of the game and their first since early on in the second quarter. Quite frankly, it was stunning to see the Niners holding a lead against a solid Jags team at this juncture of the game. Jacksonville's first possession of the final quarter was an exhibition in passing as Garrard was able to hit three different receivers and march the team 47 yards. Josh Scobee came on and nailed his 32-yard field goal attempt. The Jags retook the lead as they pulled ahead 10-9. That would be the final score as both teams got more drives that failed to10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
result in any points. Alex Smith and the 49ers' last gasp effort was cut down as he had a pass intercepted by Jags defensive back Kenny Wright. The Jaguars survived this game and their victory pulled them to 10-4. They may have won ugly but they still manage to hold on to the first wild card spot in the AFC playoff picture. The 49ers' loss puts them at 2-11 and in the driver's seat for the first pick in the 2006 NFL draft. It was a tough loss for 'Frisco but their young players truly came to the fore in this game. Smith, the young QB, played his finest game as a pro as did running back Frank Gore. The much-maligned defense managed to hold the Jags to just 10 points and keep the Niners in the thick of things. Undoubtedly, there were many positives to take away from this loss if you're 49ers head coach Mike Nolan. At 2-11, moral victories may be all that San Francisco has left.
San Francisco 49ers "Quality quintet is key for Frank Gore & Alex Smith"
The San Francisco 49ers' Frank Gore was the NFL's best breakout player in 2006, and Alex Smith took appropriate strides toward becoming a productive starting quarterback -- and for that both can thank the seven men up front: Jonas Jennings, Larry Allen, Eric Heitmann, Justin Smiley, Kwame 36 Bettis White Jersey
Harris, Adam Snyder and Tony Wragge.The front five, which because of injuries at times included Snyder and Wragge, were key to Gore finishing third in the NFL in rushing with a franchise-record 1,695 yards. And the generally consistent play of the big guys helped Smith gain confidence as the season progressed and upgrade his play from his rookie campaign; Smith's completion percentage went from 50.9 to 58.1, his interception percentage decreased from 6.7 to 3.6, and his passer rating improved from 40.8 to 74.8. In order for Gore to repeat his numbers, which included an average of 5.4 yards per carry, and for Smith to take the next step into the top half of league quarterbacks (he ranked 22nd in passer rating last season), the 49ers need to maintain their quality quintet up front. The question is: Will they do it?Although coach Mike Nolan denies he wants to get rid of them, the team has been fielding offers for right guard Justin Smiley and right tackle Kwame Harris, who were the only two linemen to start every game last season.The contracts of Smiley and Harris are up after the 2007 season, and the 49ers haven't seemed eager to re-sign either one. In fact, they drafted Central Michigan tackle Joe Staley ostensibly to replace Harris, and they have offered Smiley in trade. Four teams - Baltimore, Chicago, Denver and Seattle - reportedly were interested leading up to the draft, but none would bite for the second-round pick the 49ers wanted."Before the draft, about four or five teams were courting me, and Nolan said he wasn't going to give me away," Smiley told reporters earlier this month. "They were strong on asking for a second-round pick for me."Even now, teams continue to express interest in Smiley and Harris, but Nolan appears content to let them play out their contracts and replace them after the 2007 season."I have a lot of respect for both players," Nolan said of his right-side starters. "I'm in no hurry to get rid of those guys. There have been some guys who we've had here where their days were numbered, but not those two guys."He said he's in no hurry to get rid of them, but he said nothing about letting them leave via free agency after 2007.The team obviously drafted Staley, a late first-rounder, to replace 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
Harris, if not this year then in 2008. And the 49ers seem to be balking at the idea of paying Smiley the going guard rate of $7 million per year, which is surely what he will command in 2008. "I'm not asking to big-time anybody or over-the-top them," Smiley said. "I just want what's fair. We'd make it worth their while and discount them to be here. Right now, we're far apart."As for the rest of the line, the 49ers seem set at left tackle with Jonas Jennings and at center with Eric Heitmann, who is coming off a broken leg suffered last December. Left guard Larry Allen probably doesn't have much left; the 35-year-old missed five games last season with a knee injury and will probably yield to Snyder or Wragge, who both filled in for him last season. With Smiley, Harris and Allen all expected to leave in free agency after 2007, the 2008 line figures to look a lot different than the 2006 version. But the fact that the 49ers have played seven guys the past two years and probably will work Staley in this season means the transition shouldn't be that much of a problem. Jennings and Snyder are signed through 2011, Baas through 2009 and Heitmann and Wragge for two more seasons. Heitmann, a seventh-round pick in 2002 who took over for injury-plagued center Jeremy Newberry, seems to have earned a second contract extension. And Wragge should be on the list for a re-up as well. If the 49ers can do that, they will be set up front for at least three more seasons.Behind that group, Gore and Smith could move to the front of the line at their positions.The 49ers used five line combinations in 2006, with their starters (Jennings, Allen, Heitmann, Smiley, Harris) playing together in nine games:Week 1: Jennings, Allen, Heitmann, Smiley, HarrisWeek 2: Snyder, 36 Bettis Black Jersey
Wragge, Heitmann, Smiley, HarrisWeeks 3-5: Jennings, Snyder, Heitmann, Smiley, HarrisWeek 6: Snyder, Wragge, Heitmann, Smiley, HarrisWeeks 8-15: Jennings, Allen, Heitmann, Smiley, HarrisWeek 16: Jennings, Allen, Wragge, Smiley HarrisWeek 17: Snyder, Allen, Wragge, Smiley, HarrisGot an idea or a topic that you would like to see explored? Tell us all about it by e-mailing us at feedback . Keep track of the San Francisco 49ers and the rest of the NFL
Harris, Adam Snyder and Tony Wragge.The front five, which because of injuries at times included Snyder and Wragge, were key to Gore finishing third in the NFL in rushing with a franchise-record 1,695 yards. And the generally consistent play of the big guys helped Smith gain confidence as the season progressed and upgrade his play from his rookie campaign; Smith's completion percentage went from 50.9 to 58.1, his interception percentage decreased from 6.7 to 3.6, and his passer rating improved from 40.8 to 74.8. In order for Gore to repeat his numbers, which included an average of 5.4 yards per carry, and for Smith to take the next step into the top half of league quarterbacks (he ranked 22nd in passer rating last season), the 49ers need to maintain their quality quintet up front. The question is: Will they do it?Although coach Mike Nolan denies he wants to get rid of them, the team has been fielding offers for right guard Justin Smiley and right tackle Kwame Harris, who were the only two linemen to start every game last season.The contracts of Smiley and Harris are up after the 2007 season, and the 49ers haven't seemed eager to re-sign either one. In fact, they drafted Central Michigan tackle Joe Staley ostensibly to replace Harris, and they have offered Smiley in trade. Four teams - Baltimore, Chicago, Denver and Seattle - reportedly were interested leading up to the draft, but none would bite for the second-round pick the 49ers wanted."Before the draft, about four or five teams were courting me, and Nolan said he wasn't going to give me away," Smiley told reporters earlier this month. "They were strong on asking for a second-round pick for me."Even now, teams continue to express interest in Smiley and Harris, but Nolan appears content to let them play out their contracts and replace them after the 2007 season."I have a lot of respect for both players," Nolan said of his right-side starters. "I'm in no hurry to get rid of those guys. There have been some guys who we've had here where their days were numbered, but not those two guys."He said he's in no hurry to get rid of them, but he said nothing about letting them leave via free agency after 2007.The team obviously drafted Staley, a late first-rounder, to replace 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
Harris, if not this year then in 2008. And the 49ers seem to be balking at the idea of paying Smiley the going guard rate of $7 million per year, which is surely what he will command in 2008. "I'm not asking to big-time anybody or over-the-top them," Smiley said. "I just want what's fair. We'd make it worth their while and discount them to be here. Right now, we're far apart."As for the rest of the line, the 49ers seem set at left tackle with Jonas Jennings and at center with Eric Heitmann, who is coming off a broken leg suffered last December. Left guard Larry Allen probably doesn't have much left; the 35-year-old missed five games last season with a knee injury and will probably yield to Snyder or Wragge, who both filled in for him last season. With Smiley, Harris and Allen all expected to leave in free agency after 2007, the 2008 line figures to look a lot different than the 2006 version. But the fact that the 49ers have played seven guys the past two years and probably will work Staley in this season means the transition shouldn't be that much of a problem. Jennings and Snyder are signed through 2011, Baas through 2009 and Heitmann and Wragge for two more seasons. Heitmann, a seventh-round pick in 2002 who took over for injury-plagued center Jeremy Newberry, seems to have earned a second contract extension. And Wragge should be on the list for a re-up as well. If the 49ers can do that, they will be set up front for at least three more seasons.Behind that group, Gore and Smith could move to the front of the line at their positions.The 49ers used five line combinations in 2006, with their starters (Jennings, Allen, Heitmann, Smiley, Harris) playing together in nine games:Week 1: Jennings, Allen, Heitmann, Smiley, HarrisWeek 2: Snyder, 36 Bettis Black Jersey
Wragge, Heitmann, Smiley, HarrisWeeks 3-5: Jennings, Snyder, Heitmann, Smiley, HarrisWeek 6: Snyder, Wragge, Heitmann, Smiley, HarrisWeeks 8-15: Jennings, Allen, Heitmann, Smiley, HarrisWeek 16: Jennings, Allen, Wragge, Smiley HarrisWeek 17: Snyder, Allen, Wragge, Smiley, HarrisGot an idea or a topic that you would like to see explored? Tell us all about it by e-mailing us at feedback . Keep track of the San Francisco 49ers and the rest of the NFL
2010年12月2日星期四
Tennessee Titans "Pacman Jones saga beyond old"
I’ve strived so much to avoid writing a piece on troubled Tennessee Titan Pacman Jones for so long, mostly because every other member of the sports literati has covered it ad nauseum, but I’ve finally given into the temptation.I don’t want to get into the specifics of Jones’ issues, his suspension, or the potential trade Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
with Dallas, but I do think I should take it upon myself to be one of the very few writers out there to voice what 99 percent of all NFL fans are thinking: The Pacman Jones epic is exhausted.Not merely tired -- that's not accurate enough. But outright exhausted.I understand the suspension, which was because of Jones’ involvement in a Las Vegas shooting back in 2007. But the keys to Jones’ freedom lie in the hands of NFL commisioner Roger Goodell, who should not be conservative in his decision-making regarding the reinstatement of the three-year veteran.Jones’ agent, Worrick Robinson, recently stated, "Both sides are savvy business people and they both have experience in these matters, and they are moving at their own pace. They are not going to let the pace of this be dictated by anyone else...But the draft is going to influence everything."If that's the case, the Titans and the Cowboys need to pick up their pace. Do they not want to resolve this as soon as possible? And do they really want this mess clouding up the upcoming draft that's less than two weeks away?Even Jones himself is working hard toward a solution, as he is willing to give up a performance bonus ($1.2 million) to help negate the signing bonus ($1.275 million) the Titans want back.Sure, both teams are back to 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
communicating, which was not happening last week. But a Pacman-to-Dallas deal can't come soon enough.When Jones reapplies for NFL reinstatement Tuesday, Goodell must waste no time in approving it. This will only be good for the league, the draft, the teams involved, the fans, not to mention Jones and his agent. Because continuing to do what's already been done (which is nothing, really) doesn't get anyone anywhere.
with Dallas, but I do think I should take it upon myself to be one of the very few writers out there to voice what 99 percent of all NFL fans are thinking: The Pacman Jones epic is exhausted.Not merely tired -- that's not accurate enough. But outright exhausted.I understand the suspension, which was because of Jones’ involvement in a Las Vegas shooting back in 2007. But the keys to Jones’ freedom lie in the hands of NFL commisioner Roger Goodell, who should not be conservative in his decision-making regarding the reinstatement of the three-year veteran.Jones’ agent, Worrick Robinson, recently stated, "Both sides are savvy business people and they both have experience in these matters, and they are moving at their own pace. They are not going to let the pace of this be dictated by anyone else...But the draft is going to influence everything."If that's the case, the Titans and the Cowboys need to pick up their pace. Do they not want to resolve this as soon as possible? And do they really want this mess clouding up the upcoming draft that's less than two weeks away?Even Jones himself is working hard toward a solution, as he is willing to give up a performance bonus ($1.2 million) to help negate the signing bonus ($1.275 million) the Titans want back.Sure, both teams are back to 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
communicating, which was not happening last week. But a Pacman-to-Dallas deal can't come soon enough.When Jones reapplies for NFL reinstatement Tuesday, Goodell must waste no time in approving it. This will only be good for the league, the draft, the teams involved, the fans, not to mention Jones and his agent. Because continuing to do what's already been done (which is nothing, really) doesn't get anyone anywhere.
Tennessee Titans "Sherman Smith to Washington likely"
"It is what we're leaving, not so much of what we're going to is what we're thinking about," Tennessee Titans assistant head coach/running backs Sherman Smith stated recently. Smith, who's been with head coach Jeff Fisher and Tennessee for 13 years, was referring to an interview Tuesday with former 4 Brett Favre White jersey
Seattle Seahawks teammate and new Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn for an undetermined position."I think it is mine to turn down, that is my belief," the 53-year-old continued.If that's the case, don't be shocked if Smith takes the job if an offer is made.The catalyst in all this is the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger last month, replacing Norm Chow. Heimerdinger was brought on board to open up one of the worst offenses in the NFL, one in which highly touted quarterback Vince Young threw almost twice as many picks as touchdowns last season.."[Heimerdinger] was very good at exploiting things in the secondary and opening up the passing game," guard Benji Olson said last month.Opening up the passing game is code for taking away some of the running game, which Smith coaches.However, the failure of the running game can't be laid at Smith's feet. Regardless of LenDale White's "success," the Titans' running game was less than explosive last year, to put it nicely. Smith simply doesn't have the talent to work with. He will, however, have slightly better rushing talent at Washington with Clinton Portis, who gets almost 10 yards more a game than White. He will also have a much better passing game to work with.Given the lack of high-caliber talent coupled with sharing time with the passing game at Tennessee, it stands to reason Smith may want to explore a new frontier inside the Beltway, even if it means he won't be calling plays if hired as offensive coordinator.Sure, he would be leaving a 4 Brett Favre White jersey
club that's been good to him. Thirteen years with the same team is rather unheard of in most cases, so it'll be a difficult decision to pack up and leave what he's known for so long. But Smith would also be leaving a situation where his position will be diluted in lieu of a more pass-oriented offense, something the Titans need direly.
Seattle Seahawks teammate and new Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn for an undetermined position."I think it is mine to turn down, that is my belief," the 53-year-old continued.If that's the case, don't be shocked if Smith takes the job if an offer is made.The catalyst in all this is the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger last month, replacing Norm Chow. Heimerdinger was brought on board to open up one of the worst offenses in the NFL, one in which highly touted quarterback Vince Young threw almost twice as many picks as touchdowns last season.."[Heimerdinger] was very good at exploiting things in the secondary and opening up the passing game," guard Benji Olson said last month.Opening up the passing game is code for taking away some of the running game, which Smith coaches.However, the failure of the running game can't be laid at Smith's feet. Regardless of LenDale White's "success," the Titans' running game was less than explosive last year, to put it nicely. Smith simply doesn't have the talent to work with. He will, however, have slightly better rushing talent at Washington with Clinton Portis, who gets almost 10 yards more a game than White. He will also have a much better passing game to work with.Given the lack of high-caliber talent coupled with sharing time with the passing game at Tennessee, it stands to reason Smith may want to explore a new frontier inside the Beltway, even if it means he won't be calling plays if hired as offensive coordinator.Sure, he would be leaving a 4 Brett Favre White jersey
club that's been good to him. Thirteen years with the same team is rather unheard of in most cases, so it'll be a difficult decision to pack up and leave what he's known for so long. But Smith would also be leaving a situation where his position will be diluted in lieu of a more pass-oriented offense, something the Titans need direly.
2010年12月1日星期三
Considering the Fassel Era
The source at Football Inc. has spoken again, this time informing privileged members of mainstream media of the inside dope that Jim Fassel had appealed to Al Davis, via handwritten letter, for the team's head coaching position in 2009.Now if it weren;t for the fact that Tom Cable is the default holder of Vikings Brett Favre jersey
the position, Fassel;s query would be laughable at best, mutinous at worst. Instead, by an eerie sort of logic, attempting to land this job this early would be exactly the proper thing to do, what with the quagmire of 2000s Raiders personnel and coaching staff to clean up and sort out. So, with but a token reference to Fassel;s excellently done sycophantry in reportedly ;expressing his respect and admiration for Davis,; thereby achieving the prose equivalent of kissing the godfather;s hand, a brief look at the Fassel highlight reel. Roll the tape!A former USC quarterback himself, Fassel;s professional coaching career goes back to 1972, when he scored a job as an assistant coach at Stanford after getting drafted that year by the Chicago Bears but not sticking. So began a career that has continued to the present day, interrupted by only the briefest of stints with the World Football League;s Honolulu Hawaiians in 1974. And his current state of unemployment.Fassel first became a head coach with the University of Utah, four seasons best described as subpar for an overall record of 25-33. Fassel;s history with the Raiders goes back to 1990: Davis; team was the first NFL franchise to hire the man, making him offensive coordinator under Art Shell, in ;90 in his first full season as head coach. Truly the last great silver-and-black team until the Jon Gruden era, in 1990, the Raiders finished fourth in passing offense.Onto the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals went Fassel as O-coordinator, producing nothing special there; Fassel found himself ejected after three seasons right around .500 before the second year of Mike Shanahan;s tenure. His lone campaign with the Cards may best be remembered (or not) as the season Boomer Esiason was the Arizona QB. Yet despite Fassel;s career of hit-and-miss seasons as an offensive coordinator, someone in New York was inspired enough to hire him as head coach! And Fassel prospered with the Giants! Well, sort of. In six-plus years as head coach ; Fassel was fired during the 2003 season and in fact has twice been canned before season;s end; danger, Raider Nation! Danger! ; he compiled a 58-53-1 record, but there is always that one unforgettable year of 2000 based on shutdown defense which culminated in a sneak-in-the-back-door Super Bowl appearance.Unfortunately, Fassel would be fired midway through 2003 despite a pretty darned decent showing by the team in 2002. Back to the offensive coordinator ranks for Fassel it was, and he landed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2004, which ultimately sounds about as prestigious and fruitful as the Arizona Cardinals post in the 1990s. (Hey, wait a minute...)Alas, Fassel was dismissed by the Ravens; Brian Billick six games into a quite offensively impotent Ravens regular season in 2006; his back departing out the Baltimore door is the last we;ve seen of Fassel in the NFL to date.The report coach? Put Fassel at about average overall, just like his career record. However, the r;sum; seems to indicate that a team can typically get one or two good years out of Fassel. Looking back, the majority in Fassel;s stream of NFL gigs appear to be jobs for Scotty -- i.e., scotch-tape together this warp drive of 4 Brett Favre White jersey
an offense and get us ready for the home game against the Klingons. Fassel has typically achieved more for less and is in the short-term a decent organizer and motivator, all tools of which the 2009 Raiders will sure be in short supply without the proper choice at head coach. Plus, Fassel has a nice few requisite going-down-in-flames firings just perfect for the likes of Uncle Al to repeat, inducing chronic d;j; vu among many a Raider backer.Oddly enough, this bizarre opportunistic maneuver by Fassel may have been a correct career move. Even stranger, this may be a rare (if not golden, at least silver) opportunity in a bleak season on-field: A Fassel hire could see a competent (if not brilliant) hand organize some of the mess on the roster as much as is humanly possible in the short term. As the old and oddly illogical saw goes, this is so crazy it just might work.The Fassel era in Oakland: Are you ready, Raider Nation? (33)
the position, Fassel;s query would be laughable at best, mutinous at worst. Instead, by an eerie sort of logic, attempting to land this job this early would be exactly the proper thing to do, what with the quagmire of 2000s Raiders personnel and coaching staff to clean up and sort out. So, with but a token reference to Fassel;s excellently done sycophantry in reportedly ;expressing his respect and admiration for Davis,; thereby achieving the prose equivalent of kissing the godfather;s hand, a brief look at the Fassel highlight reel. Roll the tape!A former USC quarterback himself, Fassel;s professional coaching career goes back to 1972, when he scored a job as an assistant coach at Stanford after getting drafted that year by the Chicago Bears but not sticking. So began a career that has continued to the present day, interrupted by only the briefest of stints with the World Football League;s Honolulu Hawaiians in 1974. And his current state of unemployment.Fassel first became a head coach with the University of Utah, four seasons best described as subpar for an overall record of 25-33. Fassel;s history with the Raiders goes back to 1990: Davis; team was the first NFL franchise to hire the man, making him offensive coordinator under Art Shell, in ;90 in his first full season as head coach. Truly the last great silver-and-black team until the Jon Gruden era, in 1990, the Raiders finished fourth in passing offense.Onto the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals went Fassel as O-coordinator, producing nothing special there; Fassel found himself ejected after three seasons right around .500 before the second year of Mike Shanahan;s tenure. His lone campaign with the Cards may best be remembered (or not) as the season Boomer Esiason was the Arizona QB. Yet despite Fassel;s career of hit-and-miss seasons as an offensive coordinator, someone in New York was inspired enough to hire him as head coach! And Fassel prospered with the Giants! Well, sort of. In six-plus years as head coach ; Fassel was fired during the 2003 season and in fact has twice been canned before season;s end; danger, Raider Nation! Danger! ; he compiled a 58-53-1 record, but there is always that one unforgettable year of 2000 based on shutdown defense which culminated in a sneak-in-the-back-door Super Bowl appearance.Unfortunately, Fassel would be fired midway through 2003 despite a pretty darned decent showing by the team in 2002. Back to the offensive coordinator ranks for Fassel it was, and he landed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2004, which ultimately sounds about as prestigious and fruitful as the Arizona Cardinals post in the 1990s. (Hey, wait a minute...)Alas, Fassel was dismissed by the Ravens; Brian Billick six games into a quite offensively impotent Ravens regular season in 2006; his back departing out the Baltimore door is the last we;ve seen of Fassel in the NFL to date.The report coach? Put Fassel at about average overall, just like his career record. However, the r;sum; seems to indicate that a team can typically get one or two good years out of Fassel. Looking back, the majority in Fassel;s stream of NFL gigs appear to be jobs for Scotty -- i.e., scotch-tape together this warp drive of 4 Brett Favre White jersey
an offense and get us ready for the home game against the Klingons. Fassel has typically achieved more for less and is in the short-term a decent organizer and motivator, all tools of which the 2009 Raiders will sure be in short supply without the proper choice at head coach. Plus, Fassel has a nice few requisite going-down-in-flames firings just perfect for the likes of Uncle Al to repeat, inducing chronic d;j; vu among many a Raider backer.Oddly enough, this bizarre opportunistic maneuver by Fassel may have been a correct career move. Even stranger, this may be a rare (if not golden, at least silver) opportunity in a bleak season on-field: A Fassel hire could see a competent (if not brilliant) hand organize some of the mess on the roster as much as is humanly possible in the short term. As the old and oddly illogical saw goes, this is so crazy it just might work.The Fassel era in Oakland: Are you ready, Raider Nation? (33)
doing everything to assure JaMarcus Russell;s failure
Cleveland Browns second-year passer Brady Quinn fell 21 spots deeper than quarterback JaMarcus Russell in the 2007 NFL draft.On Monday night, Quinn took his team down the field in 46 seconds to set up a game-winning, 56-yard field goal to top the Buffalo Bills on national television.Raider 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
fans had to feel a bit of envy. Maybe some regret.The Browns quarterback, despite failing to put up big numbers, managed to help his team score 29 points in just his second NFL start. Russell;s Raiders, meanwhile, haven;t put up more than 20 points since Sept. 21. In fact, if you add up Russell;s last three starts, Oakland has just barely topped 29 points, putting up 31.Well, here;s some defense for Russell (and any other future QB Oakland may draft in the Al Davis era) ;If the Raiders took Quinn first overall in that 2007 draft, he;d being having an awful season right now. Russell, wherever he landed, would be having a better one. In short, any QB drafted by Oakland is destined to fail.The Raiders are currently brewing up the ideal recipe to make the 23-year-old Russell;s career one huge disaster.Here are the six major ingredients:; Three coaches in three years: Russell;s in his second season, and NFL pundits are currently in the process of projecting who;ll be his third head coach. Lane Kiffin didn;t work out; Tom Cable is no good; certainly, then, Jim Fassel is the savior. Get used to the coaching carousel, JaMarcus. This is just the beginning.; Three play-callers in one season: Have to love the consistency. Russell is hearing all types of voices in his head this year. The Raiders have managed to pass the offensive headset three times in two regimes since the start of the season. Actually, there has been a bit of consistency: All three play-callers have been awful. Kiffin: 19 points per game, Greg Knapp: 7 points per game, Cable: 10.5 points per game.; Wide receiver;less;ness: Not quite sure how to say it, but something about Chaz Schilens emerging as the midseason receiver savior on Oakland;s roster appears as a major problem. Javon Walker (now out for the season) was a $55 million investment who doesn;t like football anymore; Ronald Curry is currently being treated like he pick-pocketed Davis; and, not so surprisingly, Schilens, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Ashley Lelie don;t make for good starting NFL wideouts.; No mentor zone: Ahhh! The old, wily quarterback every young NFL gunslinger looks up to ; Marques Tuiasosopo. Yes, that;s the veteran presence on the Raider sideline this year when it comes to QBs. Can you imagine the conversations Russell, Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter have on the sidelines? ;Man, this franchise has screwed up my career.; ;Me too.; ;Yep, same here.; Is Kerry Collins a free agent next year?; An unabashed Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
commitment to O-line stupidity: ;Kwame will remain the starter.; ;He;s the left tackle of the .; Those are some of Cable;s (messenger boy to Davis) most recent comments regarding the team;s left tackle, Kwame Harris. The fifth-year lineman (another great offseason pickup), leads the league in false starts with nine and the team in sacks allowed with seven. In total, Harris has pushed back the Raider offense 117 yards this year. Really? There;s not a single better option for the team at this point? ; Al Davis: I;m attempting to end every article of blame with the dysfunctional owner;s name. So, Al Davis. (29)
fans had to feel a bit of envy. Maybe some regret.The Browns quarterback, despite failing to put up big numbers, managed to help his team score 29 points in just his second NFL start. Russell;s Raiders, meanwhile, haven;t put up more than 20 points since Sept. 21. In fact, if you add up Russell;s last three starts, Oakland has just barely topped 29 points, putting up 31.Well, here;s some defense for Russell (and any other future QB Oakland may draft in the Al Davis era) ;If the Raiders took Quinn first overall in that 2007 draft, he;d being having an awful season right now. Russell, wherever he landed, would be having a better one. In short, any QB drafted by Oakland is destined to fail.The Raiders are currently brewing up the ideal recipe to make the 23-year-old Russell;s career one huge disaster.Here are the six major ingredients:; Three coaches in three years: Russell;s in his second season, and NFL pundits are currently in the process of projecting who;ll be his third head coach. Lane Kiffin didn;t work out; Tom Cable is no good; certainly, then, Jim Fassel is the savior. Get used to the coaching carousel, JaMarcus. This is just the beginning.; Three play-callers in one season: Have to love the consistency. Russell is hearing all types of voices in his head this year. The Raiders have managed to pass the offensive headset three times in two regimes since the start of the season. Actually, there has been a bit of consistency: All three play-callers have been awful. Kiffin: 19 points per game, Greg Knapp: 7 points per game, Cable: 10.5 points per game.; Wide receiver;less;ness: Not quite sure how to say it, but something about Chaz Schilens emerging as the midseason receiver savior on Oakland;s roster appears as a major problem. Javon Walker (now out for the season) was a $55 million investment who doesn;t like football anymore; Ronald Curry is currently being treated like he pick-pocketed Davis; and, not so surprisingly, Schilens, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Ashley Lelie don;t make for good starting NFL wideouts.; No mentor zone: Ahhh! The old, wily quarterback every young NFL gunslinger looks up to ; Marques Tuiasosopo. Yes, that;s the veteran presence on the Raider sideline this year when it comes to QBs. Can you imagine the conversations Russell, Tuiasosopo and Andrew Walter have on the sidelines? ;Man, this franchise has screwed up my career.; ;Me too.; ;Yep, same here.; Is Kerry Collins a free agent next year?; An unabashed Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
commitment to O-line stupidity: ;Kwame will remain the starter.; ;He;s the left tackle of the .; Those are some of Cable;s (messenger boy to Davis) most recent comments regarding the team;s left tackle, Kwame Harris. The fifth-year lineman (another great offseason pickup), leads the league in false starts with nine and the team in sacks allowed with seven. In total, Harris has pushed back the Raider offense 117 yards this year. Really? There;s not a single better option for the team at this point? ; Al Davis: I;m attempting to end every article of blame with the dysfunctional owner;s name. So, Al Davis. (29)
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