Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesThe Oklahoma City Thunder are going to the playoffs this year, and the only surprise is that it happening this soon. The Thunder built their entire lineup through a series of wonderful draft decisions. We know that the Thunder were the Sonics for some of these decisions, but for the sake of simplicity well call them the Thunder from here on out.The linchpin for their success was having the good fortune of landing the second overall pick in the 2007 draft, which gave them the greatest consolation prize in the Denver Broncos jersey
last twenty years, Kevin Durant. Had the Thunder received the number one pick they would have had Greg Oden and we all know how that turned out. In his rookie season, Durant poured in over 20 points a game on his way to collecting the Rookie of the Year award. Now Durant is one of the faces of the league and battling with LeBron James for his first scoring title.The good fortune for the Thunder continued when they swapped aging shooting guard Ray Allen for Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, and the number five overall pick. The pick ended up being a combo forward out of Georgetown, Jeff Green. As a rookie, Green averaged 11 points a game, while building rapport with Durant and the rest of the Thunder. Green has developed a better outside jumper allowing him to improve his scoring to 15 points per game this season. He provides a great third scoring option for the Thunder and with his offensive repertoire expanding Green is poised to become an All-Star.For an encore, the Thunder selected UCLA Russell Westbrook fourth overall in 2008, when many thought they should select another guard, Jerryd Bayless out of Arizona. Yet again, GM Sam Presti made the perfect choice. Westbrook has become one of the most dynamic guards in the league posting career bests of 16 points, eight assists and five rebounds per game. Bayless has had a limited roll for the Blazers logging only 17 minutes per game. With Westbrook, every night there a good chance youll see him on SportsCenter Detroit Lions
Top Ten going coast to coast for a thunderous dunk or finding Durant or Green with a pass not many in the league could make.With the third overall pick in 2009 the Thunder made their first selection as the Thunder. They opted to add yet another offensive weapon with shooting guard James Harden from Arizona State. As a sophomore with the Sun Devil Harden averaged 20 points, six rebounds and four assists while being named the Pac-10 Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. As a rookie this season, Harden has been asked to come in and not get in Durant, Westbrook, or Green way. This was quite the change for Harden who was always a go-to scorer in college. In limited minutes (23 per game) James has scored ten points a game. He has shown flashes of brilliance like when he went for 24 and 25 points in back-to-back games against the Magic and Wizards early in the season.The youth movement will continue for the Thunder this year with five draft picks. Theyll select 21st and 22nd in the first round and Green Bay Packers jersey
49th in the second round, and will receive two 2nd round picks from Minnesota (32 and the later of the TWolves other two picks). If any player slips be sure that General Manager Sam Presti will scoop them up. Also, don be surprised if Presti packages the picks to move up and grab the player he thinks will help the team most.For more on the Northwest division and all things rookie visit The Rookie Wall!
2010年12月30日星期四
2010年12月29日星期三
29 Dec 10 Cavaliers Vs Bulls: Game 1 Preview
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesBulls Vs Cavaliers Game 1 starts April 17th at 3 p.m ET. Even though it seems pretty decided, remember last year's first round matchup between Boston Chicago that went to seven games. I'm not saying there will be another 7 game series but hey anything can happen.The Cavs and the Bulls regular season series are split 2-2. Really it seems like 2-1 if you consider the last game they played the Cavs didn't have Lebron James due to rest.The Cavs have the best record in the NBA even after a pretty slow start Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
to the season. They Acquired Shaq in a trade this season and he hasn't fit in as well as they hoped but they still have the best record in the NBA at 61-21. The only reason Shaq was brought in was to guard Dwight Howard ( Shaq JR) in the eastern conference finals. Lebron James and the Cavs hope to avoid an upset at home this Saturday vs the Bulls.The Bulls (speak of the devil) barely got in the playoffs at 41-41, and even though that may seem good for a bulls team without Michael Jordan Scottie Pippen, it has been a disappointing season for the Bulls because they were expected to be maybe the 5th best team in the conference, and that has not been the case. The Bulls probably made the dumbest NO signing in the NBA by not signing Ben Gordon in the off season. Chicago is Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
now 24th in the league in scoring and that is all part when they had let there leading scorer last season leave to Detroit. The Bulls have a tough task when they face Lebron James and the Cavaliers this Saturday at the Quicken Loans Arena.Keys for the BullsContain The supporting cast: The thing about Lebron James is that he is a great passer and he has the supporting cast that can make shots, if you can keep the ball in Lebron James hands then it will be hard for the supporting cast to get in rhythm and you will force Lebron James to try to score.Keep Lebron James from the Paint: Lebron James, is the best finisher in the game. If he get's near the rim, move out the way or your gonna get embarrassed. Lebron James has improved his 3 point shooting since he's been in the league but he hasn't exactly perfected it. Lebron James will shoot the three but he's not deadly, and more times then not he'll miss it. If you keep him away from the paint and make him shoot jump shots then he'll lose his focus and start to commit turnovers and those turnovers can mean more points.Keys for the CavsGet Joakim Noah in foul trouble: The Bulls are the #1 rebounding team in the NBA and the #2 in the league in blocks. Joakim Noah is there leading rebounder shot blocker, if the Cavs can get Joakim in foul trouble then they'll only have to worry about the 6-9 Taj Gibson and not the 6-11 Joakim Noah.Crash the offensive boards: The Cavs are 11th in the league in rebounding, which is great. But the Cavs are 27th in theReebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
league in offensive rebounding which is not great or good at all. Crashing the offensive glass creates second chance points and the Cavs could use the second chance points against a tough defensive team like the Bulls.Prediction: Cavs 103 Bulls 96 Cavs take 1-0 lead.
to the season. They Acquired Shaq in a trade this season and he hasn't fit in as well as they hoped but they still have the best record in the NBA at 61-21. The only reason Shaq was brought in was to guard Dwight Howard ( Shaq JR) in the eastern conference finals. Lebron James and the Cavs hope to avoid an upset at home this Saturday vs the Bulls.The Bulls (speak of the devil) barely got in the playoffs at 41-41, and even though that may seem good for a bulls team without Michael Jordan Scottie Pippen, it has been a disappointing season for the Bulls because they were expected to be maybe the 5th best team in the conference, and that has not been the case. The Bulls probably made the dumbest NO signing in the NBA by not signing Ben Gordon in the off season. Chicago is Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
now 24th in the league in scoring and that is all part when they had let there leading scorer last season leave to Detroit. The Bulls have a tough task when they face Lebron James and the Cavaliers this Saturday at the Quicken Loans Arena.Keys for the BullsContain The supporting cast: The thing about Lebron James is that he is a great passer and he has the supporting cast that can make shots, if you can keep the ball in Lebron James hands then it will be hard for the supporting cast to get in rhythm and you will force Lebron James to try to score.Keep Lebron James from the Paint: Lebron James, is the best finisher in the game. If he get's near the rim, move out the way or your gonna get embarrassed. Lebron James has improved his 3 point shooting since he's been in the league but he hasn't exactly perfected it. Lebron James will shoot the three but he's not deadly, and more times then not he'll miss it. If you keep him away from the paint and make him shoot jump shots then he'll lose his focus and start to commit turnovers and those turnovers can mean more points.Keys for the CavsGet Joakim Noah in foul trouble: The Bulls are the #1 rebounding team in the NBA and the #2 in the league in blocks. Joakim Noah is there leading rebounder shot blocker, if the Cavs can get Joakim in foul trouble then they'll only have to worry about the 6-9 Taj Gibson and not the 6-11 Joakim Noah.Crash the offensive boards: The Cavs are 11th in the league in rebounding, which is great. But the Cavs are 27th in theReebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
league in offensive rebounding which is not great or good at all. Crashing the offensive glass creates second chance points and the Cavs could use the second chance points against a tough defensive team like the Bulls.Prediction: Cavs 103 Bulls 96 Cavs take 1-0 lead.
2010年12月28日星期二
28 Dec 10 Phoenix Suns' Touching Cinco de Mayo Tribute
Happy Cinco de Mayo sports fans.We are happy to announce that, as part of the Mexican holiday that isn really celebrated by that many people in Mexico, but is widely celebrated by Americans who have no idea as to why theyre drinking 15 margaritas, the Phoenix Suns have once again decided to honor the Latino community by insulting their intelligence.The notable date along with the controversial immigration laws put in effect in Arizona recently made the timing ideal for Suns owner Robert Sarver to announce that, for tonight playoff game Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
against the Spurs, his team will once again break out their Los Suns jerseys.Spurs coach Gregg Popovich loved the idea and lamented the fact that his team couldn produce their revolutionary Los Spurs jerseys in time for the game. It a wonderful idea, Popovich said according to the AP story . It kind of shows what we all should be about.Perhaps were being too cynical in typical blogger fashion, but is essentially mangling the Spanish language in order to add the equivalent of the word the to the team name really what we all should be about?"Perhapsit would be more of a tribute if the team took a few minutes to look up the word Suns inSpanish andwent with the actual translation, Soles. (Full disclosurewe are often amongst the meatheaded Americans who are guilty of assuming that every word Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
becomes Spanish when you put an El or Los in front of it, but at least we don act like it a tribute to Mexico when we do.)It the equivalent of the Mexican community collectively deciding that, they would take off work on Patriots Day , get hammered on Budweiser and rally around the onebasketball team that threw the word The in front of their name to pay tribute to the United States.We have to believe that, if the NBA league officials nixed the Los Suns idea, Sarver next plan was to honor the Latino community by giving away Taco Bell coupons. Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
Basically our point ishow about our basketball teams just play basketball instead of using an Americanized Mexican holiday to push subtle political views and thenconvincing themselvesthat it isas Suns GM Steve Kerr put ita celebration of diversity?Im sure our neighbors to the South are touched.Subscribe (for free!!) to our weekly sports podcast, deemed "incredible" by two out of three of our moms. JoeSportsFan.com , 2010. | Permalink | Tweet This
against the Spurs, his team will once again break out their Los Suns jerseys.Spurs coach Gregg Popovich loved the idea and lamented the fact that his team couldn produce their revolutionary Los Spurs jerseys in time for the game. It a wonderful idea, Popovich said according to the AP story . It kind of shows what we all should be about.Perhaps were being too cynical in typical blogger fashion, but is essentially mangling the Spanish language in order to add the equivalent of the word the to the team name really what we all should be about?"Perhapsit would be more of a tribute if the team took a few minutes to look up the word Suns inSpanish andwent with the actual translation, Soles. (Full disclosurewe are often amongst the meatheaded Americans who are guilty of assuming that every word Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
becomes Spanish when you put an El or Los in front of it, but at least we don act like it a tribute to Mexico when we do.)It the equivalent of the Mexican community collectively deciding that, they would take off work on Patriots Day , get hammered on Budweiser and rally around the onebasketball team that threw the word The in front of their name to pay tribute to the United States.We have to believe that, if the NBA league officials nixed the Los Suns idea, Sarver next plan was to honor the Latino community by giving away Taco Bell coupons. Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
Basically our point ishow about our basketball teams just play basketball instead of using an Americanized Mexican holiday to push subtle political views and thenconvincing themselvesthat it isas Suns GM Steve Kerr put ita celebration of diversity?Im sure our neighbors to the South are touched.Subscribe (for free!!) to our weekly sports podcast, deemed "incredible" by two out of three of our moms. JoeSportsFan.com , 2010. | Permalink | Tweet This
2010年12月27日星期一
27 Dec 10 Despite Lottery Results, Nets Still looking 'Jerseylicious' for Next Season
Every off-season, sports writers around the globe are on the lookout for the next best thing.Last summer, roundball writers drooled over Oklahoma City's potential. This summer, the focus should be in Newark.OK, so John Wall isn't going to New Jersey, big deal! The Nets will still be an alluring destination team Washington Redskins jersey
this summer thanks to Mikhail Prokhorov, the self-made Russian billionaire owner with cap room and money to blow.Prokhorov should also be aided by the team's relocation plans for Brooklyn in 2012 and one of the best up and coming rosters in the league.Seriously, who wouldn't want to come to Jersey?Even though the Nets only won 12 games last season, their roster is stacked with young and attractive talent.A 7'0" center in Brook Lopez who is already one of the best big men in the league at just 22-years-old.A prototypical sized, lighting quick and fast-twitch point guard in Devin Harris (who probably benefited the most from Washington winning the lottery since many forget he was an All-Star in 2008.)A trio of athletic wings in Terrence Williams, Courtney Lee and Chris Douglas-Roberts.Throw in serviceable bigs, Josh Boone and Yi Jianlian, who averaged 13 points and nine rebounds to close the month of April, and New Jersey's roster is only a couple of spectacular pieces away from being dangerously nasty.While Lopez and Harris get most of the pub, Williams may be the most intriguing member of that group.A rookie last year who didn't start receiving consistent minutes until the last two months of the season when he averaged over 14 points, 5.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds a game in only 31.2 minutes of action.Consistent minutes and a year of seasoning could turn Williams into a certified player next year but the salivating doesn't stop there.Keep in mind this year's third pick in the draft should net New Jersey one of Evan Turner, Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins.While many would argue for Turner, if he's available, consider that Williams is already giving the Nets what Turner would but he's doing so with a few extra drops of Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
athleticism (check his youtube .)Besides, stacking up on athletic bigs is never a bad thing. Look no further than the Lakers and Celtics for an example of what two long and athletic front courters can do for a team's roster.Pairing Cousins or Favors with Lopez would give New Jersey a pretty stout and athletic front wall rarely possessed by teams in the NBA.Then there's free agency, where a few extra dollars could land the marquee player this team needs to be a true contender. LeBron James anyone?Guys like Chris Bosh, Amar'e Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer will likely wish to partner with James or Dwayne Wade (who's also a free agent) somewhere where they could run the league but James is the linchpin here.Unlike Bosh, Stoudemire and Boozer, James doesn't necessarily need to pair with a huge name to win and his a one-man band game is more than capable of leading a group of misfits (as he's already done) deep in the playoffs.Not that the Nets roster is any slouch but if any of the freebies could come to New Jersey solo and successfully run a group of highly-skilled talents, it's James.If it's not James, then maybe Prokhorov should throw his dollars at Memphis restricted free agent, Rudy Gay.The 6'9", 23-year-old, small forward is coming off averages of 19.6 points and six rebounds and adding him to an already capable squad could form Oklahoma City-like results in the East next year.Gay's Baltimore ties might force him to consider relocating somewhere closer to home Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
and the Grizzlies are going to let the market set a barometer for Gay but if Prokhorov throws some ridiculous figure out there, Memphis might likely decline to match.Regardless of which free agents or if any signs with the Nets, with the third pick in the draft and a move to Brooklyn on the horizon, the Nets are clearly a team on the rise in the NBA.
this summer thanks to Mikhail Prokhorov, the self-made Russian billionaire owner with cap room and money to blow.Prokhorov should also be aided by the team's relocation plans for Brooklyn in 2012 and one of the best up and coming rosters in the league.Seriously, who wouldn't want to come to Jersey?Even though the Nets only won 12 games last season, their roster is stacked with young and attractive talent.A 7'0" center in Brook Lopez who is already one of the best big men in the league at just 22-years-old.A prototypical sized, lighting quick and fast-twitch point guard in Devin Harris (who probably benefited the most from Washington winning the lottery since many forget he was an All-Star in 2008.)A trio of athletic wings in Terrence Williams, Courtney Lee and Chris Douglas-Roberts.Throw in serviceable bigs, Josh Boone and Yi Jianlian, who averaged 13 points and nine rebounds to close the month of April, and New Jersey's roster is only a couple of spectacular pieces away from being dangerously nasty.While Lopez and Harris get most of the pub, Williams may be the most intriguing member of that group.A rookie last year who didn't start receiving consistent minutes until the last two months of the season when he averaged over 14 points, 5.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds a game in only 31.2 minutes of action.Consistent minutes and a year of seasoning could turn Williams into a certified player next year but the salivating doesn't stop there.Keep in mind this year's third pick in the draft should net New Jersey one of Evan Turner, Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins.While many would argue for Turner, if he's available, consider that Williams is already giving the Nets what Turner would but he's doing so with a few extra drops of Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
athleticism (check his youtube .)Besides, stacking up on athletic bigs is never a bad thing. Look no further than the Lakers and Celtics for an example of what two long and athletic front courters can do for a team's roster.Pairing Cousins or Favors with Lopez would give New Jersey a pretty stout and athletic front wall rarely possessed by teams in the NBA.Then there's free agency, where a few extra dollars could land the marquee player this team needs to be a true contender. LeBron James anyone?Guys like Chris Bosh, Amar'e Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer will likely wish to partner with James or Dwayne Wade (who's also a free agent) somewhere where they could run the league but James is the linchpin here.Unlike Bosh, Stoudemire and Boozer, James doesn't necessarily need to pair with a huge name to win and his a one-man band game is more than capable of leading a group of misfits (as he's already done) deep in the playoffs.Not that the Nets roster is any slouch but if any of the freebies could come to New Jersey solo and successfully run a group of highly-skilled talents, it's James.If it's not James, then maybe Prokhorov should throw his dollars at Memphis restricted free agent, Rudy Gay.The 6'9", 23-year-old, small forward is coming off averages of 19.6 points and six rebounds and adding him to an already capable squad could form Oklahoma City-like results in the East next year.Gay's Baltimore ties might force him to consider relocating somewhere closer to home Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
and the Grizzlies are going to let the market set a barometer for Gay but if Prokhorov throws some ridiculous figure out there, Memphis might likely decline to match.Regardless of which free agents or if any signs with the Nets, with the third pick in the draft and a move to Brooklyn on the horizon, the Nets are clearly a team on the rise in the NBA.
2010年12月26日星期日
26 Dec 10 Tapped by Kobe: Was Phoenix Suns Coach Alvin Gentry Joking, or Part of the Joke?
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesWith 34.2 left in the fourth quarter of an elimination game of the Western Conference Finals, Suns coach Alvin Gentry watched the Lakers Kobe Bryant double-pump a 22-foot jumper.As Kobe lurched and fired, turning to balance himself slightly to the right as his defender slung leftward to meet him, the shot fell neatly behind the front of the rim despite the frantic defense of Grant Hill, and provided a 107-101 lead for a Lakers team that would eventually succeed to a chance at the Celtics, and an NBA title.The New England Patriots jersey
weird part was that immediately after that shot, Kobe turned and tapped Suns coach Alvin Gentry on the leg as if to say, So, howd you like that!?The weirder part was that the coach seemed to be in on the joke.He laughed and smiled as Kobe turned downcourt, seemingly satisfied with the shotand the joke.My question?Is Coach Gentry reaction, which, remember, is happening in the final 30 seconds of the Western Finals, offensive, debasing, and debilitating to team moral for a group that is playing for its life?Or is it a good-natured reaction to a player that made a terrific shotwhich just happened to likely knock his team out of the playoffs?Does Gentry reaction to the Kobe tap look more like a country-club golf outing between boss and lackey?Hey, great shot boss! And, I totally did not see you scootch the ball over with your foot to get that three-foot putt!Or is it more like, Wow, that was awesome Kobe, we should definitely do lunch! Let discuss whether that shot is more reminiscent of West half-court shot or Hondo steal in 65. And I am not at all pissed off that your team has now taken a seven-point lead!To put it in perspective, the NBA universe can generally be divided between two hemispheres:On one hand is what well call the Russell sphere, and the other, diametricallyNew Orleans Saints jersey
opposed, well call the Wilt sphere.The Russell sphere cares about winningthere is nothing else.Players are not friends when they step on the court.Russellites will knock you down.They will step on your face.They are frequently rude.Michael Jordan was a Russellite.Then there are Wilts.Wilts care aboutwell, caring.They care that you notice they led the league in assists.The care about stats.They care about getting in the Hall of Fame more than they care about titles.They care that you notice they scored 40 points even though their team lost.They hope that you watch stats and not, well.actual games.They care about you thinking they are great players no matter how selfish or narcissistic they are.Which brings me to Coach Alvin Gentry.Since we are in the 21st century, you can see for yourself how the Suns coach reacted by easily checking YouTube.But there is no denying the easy demeanor or genial acceptance of Kobe trash-talk by the Suns coach in those last few seconds of his team playoff lifethe queasy acceptance; the New York Giants jersey
country-club handshake; the sleazy acquiescence that, no doubt, had its effect on the young Suns bench, who happened to be watching him betray their emotions for the thrill of a Kobe-ESPN moment.But I wonder three things:1) If the shots were reversed, could you see Phil Jackson joking like this?2) Would Jordan or Russellhave complimented his opponent during the last 30 seconds of a Finals?3) Would Red Auerbach have smiled?
weird part was that immediately after that shot, Kobe turned and tapped Suns coach Alvin Gentry on the leg as if to say, So, howd you like that!?The weirder part was that the coach seemed to be in on the joke.He laughed and smiled as Kobe turned downcourt, seemingly satisfied with the shotand the joke.My question?Is Coach Gentry reaction, which, remember, is happening in the final 30 seconds of the Western Finals, offensive, debasing, and debilitating to team moral for a group that is playing for its life?Or is it a good-natured reaction to a player that made a terrific shotwhich just happened to likely knock his team out of the playoffs?Does Gentry reaction to the Kobe tap look more like a country-club golf outing between boss and lackey?Hey, great shot boss! And, I totally did not see you scootch the ball over with your foot to get that three-foot putt!Or is it more like, Wow, that was awesome Kobe, we should definitely do lunch! Let discuss whether that shot is more reminiscent of West half-court shot or Hondo steal in 65. And I am not at all pissed off that your team has now taken a seven-point lead!To put it in perspective, the NBA universe can generally be divided between two hemispheres:On one hand is what well call the Russell sphere, and the other, diametricallyNew Orleans Saints jersey
opposed, well call the Wilt sphere.The Russell sphere cares about winningthere is nothing else.Players are not friends when they step on the court.Russellites will knock you down.They will step on your face.They are frequently rude.Michael Jordan was a Russellite.Then there are Wilts.Wilts care aboutwell, caring.They care that you notice they led the league in assists.The care about stats.They care about getting in the Hall of Fame more than they care about titles.They care that you notice they scored 40 points even though their team lost.They hope that you watch stats and not, well.actual games.They care about you thinking they are great players no matter how selfish or narcissistic they are.Which brings me to Coach Alvin Gentry.Since we are in the 21st century, you can see for yourself how the Suns coach reacted by easily checking YouTube.But there is no denying the easy demeanor or genial acceptance of Kobe trash-talk by the Suns coach in those last few seconds of his team playoff lifethe queasy acceptance; the New York Giants jersey
country-club handshake; the sleazy acquiescence that, no doubt, had its effect on the young Suns bench, who happened to be watching him betray their emotions for the thrill of a Kobe-ESPN moment.But I wonder three things:1) If the shots were reversed, could you see Phil Jackson joking like this?2) Would Jordan or Russellhave complimented his opponent during the last 30 seconds of a Finals?3) Would Red Auerbach have smiled?
2010年12月25日星期六
25 Dec 10 NBA Rumors: Sickening Rumors of Boston Celtics Interest in Larry Hughes
Mike Zarrilli/Getty ImagesFresh on the heals of the Shaquille O'Neal signing, there is a rumor started by Marc J. Spears' Twitter account that the Celtics are interested in obtaining free agent swingman Larry Hughes. If there is any truth to this rumor, I'm going to need a new trashcan. Larry Hughes is not a good NBA Atlanta Falcons jersey
player. No one says he's great (other than his agent), but I'm saying that he is literally not good. He is a gunner and slasher who doesn't play defense and has a terrible outside shot. This is who we want backing up Ray Allen and Paul Pierce? Marquis Daniels is supposed to be the first wing off the bench to give minutes for all three perimeter positions, but we all saw how well that worked last year. It is possible that the nasty thumb injury he suffered early last season threw him off the rails for the duration of the campaign, but it is also possible that he's simply not the man. Either way, an additional wing would be a great idea. Last I checked Ray and Paul failed to get younger. There is an outside chance that the Celtics will be able to acquire disgruntled Blazers shooting guard Rudy Fernandez, but that will be tough. This should obviously be priority number one, and it likely is. I love Rudy's game and would smile at the thought of him in Green. Assuming a Fernandez-free summer, the C's still need to get that swingman.Is Larry Hughes really the best available option? Whomever the Celtics sign will have to play for the veteran's minimum.Preferably, they will need to be delighted to receive such a sum and work their tail off. A bonus would be legitimate NBA skills. There is currently, to Baltimore Ravens jersey
my knowledge, just one player who fits the bill on all counts;Rashad McCants. As profiled in July 26th issue of ESPN the Magazine, McCants, 25, did not play a minute in the NBA last season for the simple reason that team executives around the league believe he has an attitude problem. I've not seen a singlecriticismof his ability, it just seems to be that he doesn't smile on the court or do the rah-rah stuff that teams like to see their youngsters do. This belies the fact that the kid can play. There is every reason to believe that he could be the answer off the bench at the shooting guard position. He's even strong enough to defend small forwards, despite giving up several inches most nights. There are two teams that should be calling McCants;smile or no smile;the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics. Both Buffalo Bills jersey
teams could use him, and both could offer him a stable environment dominated by strong veteran leadership and excellent coaching. The Celtics need to banish all thoughts of Larry Hughes from their heads. McCants can play. Hughes cannot. Pretty simple.This article is also featured onSmitty on Sports and Stuff
player. No one says he's great (other than his agent), but I'm saying that he is literally not good. He is a gunner and slasher who doesn't play defense and has a terrible outside shot. This is who we want backing up Ray Allen and Paul Pierce? Marquis Daniels is supposed to be the first wing off the bench to give minutes for all three perimeter positions, but we all saw how well that worked last year. It is possible that the nasty thumb injury he suffered early last season threw him off the rails for the duration of the campaign, but it is also possible that he's simply not the man. Either way, an additional wing would be a great idea. Last I checked Ray and Paul failed to get younger. There is an outside chance that the Celtics will be able to acquire disgruntled Blazers shooting guard Rudy Fernandez, but that will be tough. This should obviously be priority number one, and it likely is. I love Rudy's game and would smile at the thought of him in Green. Assuming a Fernandez-free summer, the C's still need to get that swingman.Is Larry Hughes really the best available option? Whomever the Celtics sign will have to play for the veteran's minimum.Preferably, they will need to be delighted to receive such a sum and work their tail off. A bonus would be legitimate NBA skills. There is currently, to Baltimore Ravens jersey
my knowledge, just one player who fits the bill on all counts;Rashad McCants. As profiled in July 26th issue of ESPN the Magazine, McCants, 25, did not play a minute in the NBA last season for the simple reason that team executives around the league believe he has an attitude problem. I've not seen a singlecriticismof his ability, it just seems to be that he doesn't smile on the court or do the rah-rah stuff that teams like to see their youngsters do. This belies the fact that the kid can play. There is every reason to believe that he could be the answer off the bench at the shooting guard position. He's even strong enough to defend small forwards, despite giving up several inches most nights. There are two teams that should be calling McCants;smile or no smile;the San Antonio Spurs and the Boston Celtics. Both Buffalo Bills jersey
teams could use him, and both could offer him a stable environment dominated by strong veteran leadership and excellent coaching. The Celtics need to banish all thoughts of Larry Hughes from their heads. McCants can play. Hughes cannot. Pretty simple.This article is also featured onSmitty on Sports and Stuff
2010年12月24日星期五
24 Dec 10 Indiana Pacers Flashback: What If Ron Artest Never Went Into The Stands?
Ron ArtestOn November 14, 2004, more than 22,000 people were in attendance of one of the most gruesome scenes the NBA has ever seen.Everyone knows what happened, but what nobody knows is what might have happened if Ron was actually able to keep his cool. What if the chubby white guy decided not to throw his cup? What if Ron didn't foul Ben Wallace with less than a minute to go? How might have the Indiana Pacers season gone had "The Brawl" not taken place?The repercussions of that night led to nine players being Baltimore Ravens jersey
suspended without pay for a total of 146 games, which led to $10 million in salary being lost by the players. Five players were also charged with assault, and all five were eventually sentenced to a year on probation and community service.The Pacers' were hit hard with the aftermath of this event. Ron Artest was suspended for the rest of the season (73 regular season games) while Stephen Jackson was suspended for 30 regular season games for his role in the brawl. Jermaine O'Neal was also given a 25 game suspension, which was later reduced to 15 games.All of the other suspensions were just for one game or five at the most.The Pacers had their sights set on the playoffs, as they aimed to make one or two more runs before their window closed. Reggie Miller was in his 17th season, and they knew the time was now. With the loss of Artest for the entire season including the playoffs, and Jackson and O'Neal missing significant time, the Pacers managed to get the sixth seed in the 2005 Playoffs.The Pacers managed to upset the third-seed Boston Celtics in the first-round, when they moved on to face the Detroit Pistons of course. The Pacers were able to take it to six games but eventually lost the series, 4-2. The season was over, the window essentially closed.Nobody can really say what would have happened had the brawl not taken place on that dark November night, but things would have been much different for the Pacers. They had a team capable of making a run back to the NBA Finals. Anytime you lose Artest, Jackson and O'Neal for that amount of time, it really makes things tough.Who knows if the Pacers would have made it to the Finals that year. The Spurs ended up defeating the Pistons in Game Seven of the Finals that Buffalo Bills jersey
year, in one of the most boring-style basketball series of the past decade. While the Spurs were able to win some convincing games, they were hardly a dominating team. They were definitely beatable, as was most every other team in the playoffs.The Pacers were able to get a taste of what the NBA Finals were like in 2000, where they faced a familiar face in head coach Phil Jackson. The Pacers essentially faced Jackson every year when he was with the Bulls. The Bulls and Pacers would almost always meet in the playoffs, providing exciting and intense games. Sadly, that would be the last time the Pacers would have that kind of success, for the immediate future anyway.What could have been a dream season for Reggie Miller and all Pacers fans alike, ended in the most abrupt way, less than a month into the regular season. If only Ron were able to keep his head on straight (that goes for Mr. Jackson and Mr. O'Neal as well) things could have been different.After bouncing around with a few teams, Ron Artest found himself with the Lakers, winning a championship last season with Kobe and Co. He has decided to auction off his ring for charity. How sweet of you Ron. While you are in the giving mood, how about you do something to give back to the franchise that you destroyed?Jermaine O'Neal also jumped on the caboose of the Boston bandwagon for this season. Some guys believe getting a ring any way you can get it is better than showing loyalty to a city and a franchise that gaveCarolina Panthers jersey
them an amazing opportunity.That night has set this franchise back even until today. The Pacers might still be in rebuilding mode, but they appear to have some nice assets with this current team. The future looks bright with young stars Darren Collison and Roy Hibbert at Danny Granger's side. They are all talented, and needless to say, we don't have to worry about any of them going into the stands.
suspended without pay for a total of 146 games, which led to $10 million in salary being lost by the players. Five players were also charged with assault, and all five were eventually sentenced to a year on probation and community service.The Pacers' were hit hard with the aftermath of this event. Ron Artest was suspended for the rest of the season (73 regular season games) while Stephen Jackson was suspended for 30 regular season games for his role in the brawl. Jermaine O'Neal was also given a 25 game suspension, which was later reduced to 15 games.All of the other suspensions were just for one game or five at the most.The Pacers had their sights set on the playoffs, as they aimed to make one or two more runs before their window closed. Reggie Miller was in his 17th season, and they knew the time was now. With the loss of Artest for the entire season including the playoffs, and Jackson and O'Neal missing significant time, the Pacers managed to get the sixth seed in the 2005 Playoffs.The Pacers managed to upset the third-seed Boston Celtics in the first-round, when they moved on to face the Detroit Pistons of course. The Pacers were able to take it to six games but eventually lost the series, 4-2. The season was over, the window essentially closed.Nobody can really say what would have happened had the brawl not taken place on that dark November night, but things would have been much different for the Pacers. They had a team capable of making a run back to the NBA Finals. Anytime you lose Artest, Jackson and O'Neal for that amount of time, it really makes things tough.Who knows if the Pacers would have made it to the Finals that year. The Spurs ended up defeating the Pistons in Game Seven of the Finals that Buffalo Bills jersey
year, in one of the most boring-style basketball series of the past decade. While the Spurs were able to win some convincing games, they were hardly a dominating team. They were definitely beatable, as was most every other team in the playoffs.The Pacers were able to get a taste of what the NBA Finals were like in 2000, where they faced a familiar face in head coach Phil Jackson. The Pacers essentially faced Jackson every year when he was with the Bulls. The Bulls and Pacers would almost always meet in the playoffs, providing exciting and intense games. Sadly, that would be the last time the Pacers would have that kind of success, for the immediate future anyway.What could have been a dream season for Reggie Miller and all Pacers fans alike, ended in the most abrupt way, less than a month into the regular season. If only Ron were able to keep his head on straight (that goes for Mr. Jackson and Mr. O'Neal as well) things could have been different.After bouncing around with a few teams, Ron Artest found himself with the Lakers, winning a championship last season with Kobe and Co. He has decided to auction off his ring for charity. How sweet of you Ron. While you are in the giving mood, how about you do something to give back to the franchise that you destroyed?Jermaine O'Neal also jumped on the caboose of the Boston bandwagon for this season. Some guys believe getting a ring any way you can get it is better than showing loyalty to a city and a franchise that gaveCarolina Panthers jersey
them an amazing opportunity.That night has set this franchise back even until today. The Pacers might still be in rebuilding mode, but they appear to have some nice assets with this current team. The future looks bright with young stars Darren Collison and Roy Hibbert at Danny Granger's side. They are all talented, and needless to say, we don't have to worry about any of them going into the stands.
2010年12月23日星期四
23 Dec 10Tom Thibodeau: Can He Become the Chicago Bulls' Next Phil Jackson?
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesIn 1989, the Chicago Bulls gave an unproven assistant coach by the name of Phil Jackson his first opportunity to be a head coach. It was a decision the Bulls never regretted, as the team went on to win six NBA titles under his guidance. Since his departure, they haven't done much of anything. This year they're trying to repeat the magic, giving Tom Thibodeau his first opportunity. The way the season has started, it's looking like they made the right decision.There's no question that the Bulls are an improvement over Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
last year's team. They have started the season 7-4, and have wins against some of the best teams in the West, including Portland, Denver, and just last Friday, a come from behind win against the Mavericks in Dallas. In the Hollinger rankings, they are currently eighth, fourth in the East. This is where they were supposed to be—if they had their key offseasonacquisition, CarlosBoozer. What makes their start impressive is that they've done it without him. Boozer broke his hand tripping over a gym bag answering the door this summer and has yet to play a game for the Bulls.The reason that the Bulls have done so well in his absence can be summed up in a single word: Thibs. Derrick Rose has emerged as a superstar, Joakim Noah has elevated his game to another level, averaging career highs in scoring, rebounding, and assists, all while committing half a foul less per game. Luol Deng has started looking like he is worth his contract. Taj Gibson is making people think twice about talking about trading him. All the holdovers from last season are looking better than they did last year.Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesFurthermore, all the new acquisitions are starting to fit in. CJ Watson had his best game last Friday, contributing to the Bulls come-from-behind win. Ronnie Brewer is getting healthier and becoming the key player off the bench. Keith Bogans is not the most important on their offense, but he's been key on the defense. Rookie Omar Asik has offered surprising contributions. Kyle Korver is actually Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
shooting better from the three-point line than his NBA record 53.6 percent at 56.3 percent.When you see across the board improvement like that, it all points to one thing: coaching. Tom Thibodeau had long earned his reputation as a defensive guru, but an undervalued aspect of his game was his tremendous talent for player development. Among players who have credited him for improvement in their games are the likes of Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Latrell Sprewell, Marcus Camby, Rajon Rondo, and even Kobe Bryant. When Bryant was in high school, Thibs was an assistant with the 76ers and Bryant would come by for tutelage. He still credits the new Bulls head coach with developing his offensive game.In post game interviews with the players, it's almost impossible to get through a minute without each of them saying "Coach said..." and then following it up with some coaching advice that helped them in their play. After Derrick Rose finally got some foul calls in the Bulls' November 16 comeback win over the Rockets, he was asked about getting the calls. He explained how "Coach told [him] to go harder to the basket." When Taj broke out of his slump he remarked that "Coach knows I've been working on my jumper, but he said don't rely on jump shots. Attack the glass and hit the boards. I've struggled the last two games, so he challenged me." When asked about his improvement this season Deng said, "The system with Coach Thibs now is really allowing me to be a basketball player." It seems that to a man, the players on his team have a genuine affection for their coach.Elsa/Getty ImagesIn a time where X's and O's seem to be all that's discussed when conversing about a coach, the actual act of coaching can get lost. Thibs isn't a "players coach" in the conventional sense, but he is a coach who coaches players, and as a result the players love him. It was evident in his return to Boston when his old team greeted him. Even Kevin Garnett looked pleasant when they chatted after the game. However, don't think for a second he doesn't have a handle on those X's and O's. There's so much basketball crammed in his head it's hard to believe there's room for anything else.His postgame press conferences have the flavor of Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
a college lecture, with the press his students. Instead of dismissing the questions about his decisions, he not only answers them, he teaches them. It's almost as though you can hear whichever reporter asked a particular question nodding his head as he learns what the professor is teaching. You can't hear him talk about basketball without realizing immediately that he has a tremendous grasp of the game. You can even hear it in his team as they are starting to talk logistics in their postgame interviews as well.And although they are newly assembled, they are in fact a real "team." As the players came together, a common theme became apparent. Young, athletic, high energy, coachable players with good attitudes. Now that we're starting to see the finished project on the court, we can see what Thibs had in mind from the beginning. It's what Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle called "the highest motor in the league."Who deserves the most credit for the Bulls improvement?Who deserves the most credit for the Bulls improvement?Tom Thibodeau58.2%Derrick Rose37.2%Joakim Noah3.1%Taj Gibson1.5%Total votes: 586People were surprised to learn that Thibs, a noted defensive guru, got the job based on his outlining of his plans for the offense, but not anymore. Not now that we're seeing it come to fruition. The offense is characterized by a lot of crisp passing, and is led by young superstar Derrick Rose. When Rose has the ball, he's always a threat to score. If you blink, he is going to be dropping the ball in the net by the time you're finished. If Rose is double-teamed or well-guarded, the Bulls' crisp passing game has the ball moving to the open man who makes the shot. While the Bulls right now are absent another player who can create their own shot, they more than compensate for that with quick passing and the play away from the ball of Luol Deng.Defensively the team is led by Deng, who has been outstanding against many of the league's top players this year, including Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony (whose scoring came with Deng on the bench). It's characterized by high energy and a lot of hands. It's a work in progress, but the improvement is apparent. Through the Bulls' first five games, they yielded 105 points per game and had people wondering, "What happened to the defense?" Since then, they've only yielded 92.67 points per game, four of those games coming against the top offenses in the league. Thibs' defensive genius is starting to Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
prove itself.And all of this has come without their key offseason acquisition. One can only anticipate what happens once Boozer returns. Clearly, this is a team that is greater than the sum of its parts, and we haven't even seen all of the parts in play yet. Despite having played the East's toughest schedule and without Boozer, they are presently third in the Eastern Conference standings. It's beginning to look like the Bulls are legitimate contenders for the Eastern Conference finals, especially when you factor in the lackluster start of the Miami Heat. If they continue on this way, don't be surprised if Coach Thibs is Coach of the Year. The only Bulls fan with a valid complaint might be the poor guy who bought the season tickets right behind him. The man never sits down.
last year's team. They have started the season 7-4, and have wins against some of the best teams in the West, including Portland, Denver, and just last Friday, a come from behind win against the Mavericks in Dallas. In the Hollinger rankings, they are currently eighth, fourth in the East. This is where they were supposed to be—if they had their key offseasonacquisition, CarlosBoozer. What makes their start impressive is that they've done it without him. Boozer broke his hand tripping over a gym bag answering the door this summer and has yet to play a game for the Bulls.The reason that the Bulls have done so well in his absence can be summed up in a single word: Thibs. Derrick Rose has emerged as a superstar, Joakim Noah has elevated his game to another level, averaging career highs in scoring, rebounding, and assists, all while committing half a foul less per game. Luol Deng has started looking like he is worth his contract. Taj Gibson is making people think twice about talking about trading him. All the holdovers from last season are looking better than they did last year.Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesFurthermore, all the new acquisitions are starting to fit in. CJ Watson had his best game last Friday, contributing to the Bulls come-from-behind win. Ronnie Brewer is getting healthier and becoming the key player off the bench. Keith Bogans is not the most important on their offense, but he's been key on the defense. Rookie Omar Asik has offered surprising contributions. Kyle Korver is actually Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
shooting better from the three-point line than his NBA record 53.6 percent at 56.3 percent.When you see across the board improvement like that, it all points to one thing: coaching. Tom Thibodeau had long earned his reputation as a defensive guru, but an undervalued aspect of his game was his tremendous talent for player development. Among players who have credited him for improvement in their games are the likes of Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Latrell Sprewell, Marcus Camby, Rajon Rondo, and even Kobe Bryant. When Bryant was in high school, Thibs was an assistant with the 76ers and Bryant would come by for tutelage. He still credits the new Bulls head coach with developing his offensive game.In post game interviews with the players, it's almost impossible to get through a minute without each of them saying "Coach said..." and then following it up with some coaching advice that helped them in their play. After Derrick Rose finally got some foul calls in the Bulls' November 16 comeback win over the Rockets, he was asked about getting the calls. He explained how "Coach told [him] to go harder to the basket." When Taj broke out of his slump he remarked that "Coach knows I've been working on my jumper, but he said don't rely on jump shots. Attack the glass and hit the boards. I've struggled the last two games, so he challenged me." When asked about his improvement this season Deng said, "The system with Coach Thibs now is really allowing me to be a basketball player." It seems that to a man, the players on his team have a genuine affection for their coach.Elsa/Getty ImagesIn a time where X's and O's seem to be all that's discussed when conversing about a coach, the actual act of coaching can get lost. Thibs isn't a "players coach" in the conventional sense, but he is a coach who coaches players, and as a result the players love him. It was evident in his return to Boston when his old team greeted him. Even Kevin Garnett looked pleasant when they chatted after the game. However, don't think for a second he doesn't have a handle on those X's and O's. There's so much basketball crammed in his head it's hard to believe there's room for anything else.His postgame press conferences have the flavor of Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
a college lecture, with the press his students. Instead of dismissing the questions about his decisions, he not only answers them, he teaches them. It's almost as though you can hear whichever reporter asked a particular question nodding his head as he learns what the professor is teaching. You can't hear him talk about basketball without realizing immediately that he has a tremendous grasp of the game. You can even hear it in his team as they are starting to talk logistics in their postgame interviews as well.And although they are newly assembled, they are in fact a real "team." As the players came together, a common theme became apparent. Young, athletic, high energy, coachable players with good attitudes. Now that we're starting to see the finished project on the court, we can see what Thibs had in mind from the beginning. It's what Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle called "the highest motor in the league."Who deserves the most credit for the Bulls improvement?Who deserves the most credit for the Bulls improvement?Tom Thibodeau58.2%Derrick Rose37.2%Joakim Noah3.1%Taj Gibson1.5%Total votes: 586People were surprised to learn that Thibs, a noted defensive guru, got the job based on his outlining of his plans for the offense, but not anymore. Not now that we're seeing it come to fruition. The offense is characterized by a lot of crisp passing, and is led by young superstar Derrick Rose. When Rose has the ball, he's always a threat to score. If you blink, he is going to be dropping the ball in the net by the time you're finished. If Rose is double-teamed or well-guarded, the Bulls' crisp passing game has the ball moving to the open man who makes the shot. While the Bulls right now are absent another player who can create their own shot, they more than compensate for that with quick passing and the play away from the ball of Luol Deng.Defensively the team is led by Deng, who has been outstanding against many of the league's top players this year, including Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony (whose scoring came with Deng on the bench). It's characterized by high energy and a lot of hands. It's a work in progress, but the improvement is apparent. Through the Bulls' first five games, they yielded 105 points per game and had people wondering, "What happened to the defense?" Since then, they've only yielded 92.67 points per game, four of those games coming against the top offenses in the league. Thibs' defensive genius is starting to Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
prove itself.And all of this has come without their key offseason acquisition. One can only anticipate what happens once Boozer returns. Clearly, this is a team that is greater than the sum of its parts, and we haven't even seen all of the parts in play yet. Despite having played the East's toughest schedule and without Boozer, they are presently third in the Eastern Conference standings. It's beginning to look like the Bulls are legitimate contenders for the Eastern Conference finals, especially when you factor in the lackluster start of the Miami Heat. If they continue on this way, don't be surprised if Coach Thibs is Coach of the Year. The only Bulls fan with a valid complaint might be the poor guy who bought the season tickets right behind him. The man never sits down.
2010年12月22日星期三
NBA Free Agency: Much Ado About Nothing?
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesFor two years now, basketball fans all over the country have been waiting for the free agency period that we are currently in.They braced themselves for the max-exodus of seemingly every major player in the NBA and that it would surely mean that the power in the league would be turned upside-down as a result.However, now that we are actually in the midst of it, the one question that is starting to form in many minds is whether or not anything will actually change.So much time has been given to LeBron Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
James leaving Cleveland and joining the like of the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls or even the New Jersey Nets, but here we are in July and most analysts are saying he will stay in Cleveland because of loyalty.Dwayne Wade has also flirted with the Bulls, but as of right now, ESPN’s Chris Broussard has him returning to Miami.When you add those names to the list of stars that have already resigned with their respective teams (Dirk Nowitski, Paul Pierce, Rudy Gay and Joe Johnson), the question I ask is whether or not this free agency period was completely blown out of proportion.Yes it is true that Chris Bosh and Carlos Boozer are still on the market and that Amare Stoudemire signed with the Knicks, but are any of those guys the type to put a team over the likes of the Lakers, Celtics or the Magic?Chicago, Miami, New York, and New Jersey all blew up their teams in preparation for this month and it is possible that New York is the only team that got any better by doing it. (Even if the Knicks can’t lure anybody else to them, they can resign David Lee and have a great front court with Eddy Curry’s contract coming off the books at the end of next season).That all-or-nothing strategy is going to get someone fired…especially in Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
Chicago where the Bulls actually made the playoffs with a fairly young team.The only scenario where a shift in power could happen is if Cleveland and Toronto work out a sign and trade to unite Bosh and LeBron for the Cavaliers. LeBron would have the Pippen to his MJ and could overthrow the Lakers (maybe) as the NBA supreme.Other than that, I honestly don’t see the status quo of the NBA changing all that much.Even if Miami were to get Wade and Bosh, they wouldn’t have the funds to sign a decent supporting cast around Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
them and beating a deep team like Boston in a seven game series would be a joke.In conclusion, let me help make the rest of this week very anti-climactic for you; there will be no max-exodus of superstars, the balance of power will not be shifted, and all of this excitement was for nothing.Sorry to be Debby-Downer.
James leaving Cleveland and joining the like of the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls or even the New Jersey Nets, but here we are in July and most analysts are saying he will stay in Cleveland because of loyalty.Dwayne Wade has also flirted with the Bulls, but as of right now, ESPN’s Chris Broussard has him returning to Miami.When you add those names to the list of stars that have already resigned with their respective teams (Dirk Nowitski, Paul Pierce, Rudy Gay and Joe Johnson), the question I ask is whether or not this free agency period was completely blown out of proportion.Yes it is true that Chris Bosh and Carlos Boozer are still on the market and that Amare Stoudemire signed with the Knicks, but are any of those guys the type to put a team over the likes of the Lakers, Celtics or the Magic?Chicago, Miami, New York, and New Jersey all blew up their teams in preparation for this month and it is possible that New York is the only team that got any better by doing it. (Even if the Knicks can’t lure anybody else to them, they can resign David Lee and have a great front court with Eddy Curry’s contract coming off the books at the end of next season).That all-or-nothing strategy is going to get someone fired…especially in Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
Chicago where the Bulls actually made the playoffs with a fairly young team.The only scenario where a shift in power could happen is if Cleveland and Toronto work out a sign and trade to unite Bosh and LeBron for the Cavaliers. LeBron would have the Pippen to his MJ and could overthrow the Lakers (maybe) as the NBA supreme.Other than that, I honestly don’t see the status quo of the NBA changing all that much.Even if Miami were to get Wade and Bosh, they wouldn’t have the funds to sign a decent supporting cast around Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
them and beating a deep team like Boston in a seven game series would be a joke.In conclusion, let me help make the rest of this week very anti-climactic for you; there will be no max-exodus of superstars, the balance of power will not be shifted, and all of this excitement was for nothing.Sorry to be Debby-Downer.
2010年12月21日星期二
Philadelphia Phillies Sign Cliff Lee and Fix Mistakes of the 2009 Offseason
Lee got to wear Mariner and Ranger Blue in 2009, but it appears enough green will have him wear red for years to come.Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesNearly one year ago, the Philadelphia Phillies ownership and general manager Ruben Amaro were making tough decisions regarding the future of their team and superstar pitcher Cliff Lee, whom Carolina Panthers jersey
they had acquired from the Cleveland Indians.Despite some unbelievable performances against the New York Yankees in the 2009 World Series, the Phillies decided to turn the page by trading Lee to the Seattle Mariners and acquiring superstar ace Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays.Facing the anger of their fans, Phillies management seemed to immediately regret their decision, going so far as to trade for another star pitcher, Roy Oswalt. Like Lee, Oswalt succeeded with the Phillies, and certainly was not the cause for their disappointing defeat to the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS.Their defeat was blamed on their hitting, which could not come through in the clutch.Entering the offseason, it could be argued the major concern for the Phillies was improving their offense, especially when outfielder Jayson Werth signed a lucrative deal with the Washington Nationals.Meanwhile, the entire baseball world watched as the Texas Rangers and Yankees fought for Lee's services offering contracts of upwards of $160 million dollars.What people were not watching however, was that the Phillies were preparing to pull one of the bigger swerves in recent sports memory. As the news continues to leak, it appears the Phillies brass was lurking in the shadows, plotting a surprise attack on both the Rangers and Yankees.Cliff Lee is probably wondering why the Phillies traded him in the first place.Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesAnd boy did they succeed!With the world believing it was a two team race, the Phillies shocked everyone and signed Lee to a five year, $120 million contract.What's interesting is the contract is for only five years when many baseball analysts believed that Lee wanted seven. It's a bit of a gamble for Lee if he struggles; however, if he keeps the form he's shown theChicago Bears jersey
past several years, he'll still be young enough where he could land one more major deal in 2016.The signing will create shock waves in the American League not only for 2011, but potentially for years to come. It's been an awful past few months for the Yankees, who lost to the Rangers in the ALCS and now failed to sign not only Lee, but also Carl Crawford, who signed with their bitter rival the Red Sox.It would seem that a major shift of power has occurred in the AL East as the Yankees were seemingly beaten at their own game.But this story isn't about the Yankees. It's about the fact that the Phillies have made good on fixing the mammoth mistake they made last year, by trading away Lee in the first place.It's really amazing to think how last season could have played out if Lee had never left Philadelphia. The Phillies would have had possibly the two best pitchers in baseball, but Roy Oswalt would be on another team and the Rangers almost certainly would not have played in the World Series.The signing of Lee will go a long way to making sure the roles seen above are reversed next year.Jeff Zelevansky/Getty ImagesWhile Philly fans may be upset they lost to the Giants in the NLCS, they now can salivate at the prospects of 2011.The Phillies have possibly the best pitching rotation this league has seen in decades with Lee, Halladay, Oswalt and Cole Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP. Add to the fact they did acquire three prospects when they traded Lee to Seattle last year and $six million in cash from Toronto, the Phillies have to be enjoying life.With the signing of Lee, the Phillies have made the 2011 season perhaps very boring in the national league.No team has a pitching staff that comes remotely close to the new arsenal the Phillies will be deploying. Of course, it's pretty hard to Cincinnati Bengals jersey
find any team that has literally an entire All-Star team in their starting rotation.There will be some fans who will be worried that the team may want to deal Oswalt and save some money, as they will have over $60 million tied up to just three pitchers. Not even the Yankees can claim that.Some others will talk about the fact that they have not addressed the absence of Werth, considering their offense was the reason they did not go to the World Series for a third straight year.But for the vast majority of fans, while they might wake up to 20 degree windy weather and flurries this morning, they may very well believe that the title of a popular FX television show is true.It indeed is always sunny in Philadelphia
they had acquired from the Cleveland Indians.Despite some unbelievable performances against the New York Yankees in the 2009 World Series, the Phillies decided to turn the page by trading Lee to the Seattle Mariners and acquiring superstar ace Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays.Facing the anger of their fans, Phillies management seemed to immediately regret their decision, going so far as to trade for another star pitcher, Roy Oswalt. Like Lee, Oswalt succeeded with the Phillies, and certainly was not the cause for their disappointing defeat to the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS.Their defeat was blamed on their hitting, which could not come through in the clutch.Entering the offseason, it could be argued the major concern for the Phillies was improving their offense, especially when outfielder Jayson Werth signed a lucrative deal with the Washington Nationals.Meanwhile, the entire baseball world watched as the Texas Rangers and Yankees fought for Lee's services offering contracts of upwards of $160 million dollars.What people were not watching however, was that the Phillies were preparing to pull one of the bigger swerves in recent sports memory. As the news continues to leak, it appears the Phillies brass was lurking in the shadows, plotting a surprise attack on both the Rangers and Yankees.Cliff Lee is probably wondering why the Phillies traded him in the first place.Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesAnd boy did they succeed!With the world believing it was a two team race, the Phillies shocked everyone and signed Lee to a five year, $120 million contract.What's interesting is the contract is for only five years when many baseball analysts believed that Lee wanted seven. It's a bit of a gamble for Lee if he struggles; however, if he keeps the form he's shown theChicago Bears jersey
past several years, he'll still be young enough where he could land one more major deal in 2016.The signing will create shock waves in the American League not only for 2011, but potentially for years to come. It's been an awful past few months for the Yankees, who lost to the Rangers in the ALCS and now failed to sign not only Lee, but also Carl Crawford, who signed with their bitter rival the Red Sox.It would seem that a major shift of power has occurred in the AL East as the Yankees were seemingly beaten at their own game.But this story isn't about the Yankees. It's about the fact that the Phillies have made good on fixing the mammoth mistake they made last year, by trading away Lee in the first place.It's really amazing to think how last season could have played out if Lee had never left Philadelphia. The Phillies would have had possibly the two best pitchers in baseball, but Roy Oswalt would be on another team and the Rangers almost certainly would not have played in the World Series.The signing of Lee will go a long way to making sure the roles seen above are reversed next year.Jeff Zelevansky/Getty ImagesWhile Philly fans may be upset they lost to the Giants in the NLCS, they now can salivate at the prospects of 2011.The Phillies have possibly the best pitching rotation this league has seen in decades with Lee, Halladay, Oswalt and Cole Hamels, the 2008 World Series MVP. Add to the fact they did acquire three prospects when they traded Lee to Seattle last year and $six million in cash from Toronto, the Phillies have to be enjoying life.With the signing of Lee, the Phillies have made the 2011 season perhaps very boring in the national league.No team has a pitching staff that comes remotely close to the new arsenal the Phillies will be deploying. Of course, it's pretty hard to Cincinnati Bengals jersey
find any team that has literally an entire All-Star team in their starting rotation.There will be some fans who will be worried that the team may want to deal Oswalt and save some money, as they will have over $60 million tied up to just three pitchers. Not even the Yankees can claim that.Some others will talk about the fact that they have not addressed the absence of Werth, considering their offense was the reason they did not go to the World Series for a third straight year.But for the vast majority of fans, while they might wake up to 20 degree windy weather and flurries this morning, they may very well believe that the title of a popular FX television show is true.It indeed is always sunny in Philadelphia
2010年12月19日星期日
20 Dec 10 Oakland Raiders and the Bye Week: Good to Get Healthy, Bad for Momentum?
Jacoby Ford put on a clinic against Flowers, can he keep up the pace?Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesAs the kick sailed through the uprights on the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders game Sunday, most fans were breathing a sigh of relief. A three-game winning streak, paired up with an impressive Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
defense had the team looking at the bye week as a chance to improve on an already well-working offensive machine.To say the team needs this bye is understated. With the likes of Nmandi Asomugha, Zach Miller, Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens and others out, the Raiders were starting to run on bits and pieces.Sure, Jacoby Ford stepped off the sidelines and etched his name into the Raider Nation lore with his actions, but without Zach Miller, Jason Campbell wouldn't have had to rely on hoping Darrius Heyward-Bey would be able to catch a pass. As it was, Bey was shut out—not by defense, but his inability to catch.For Oakland, seeing what this team will be like, at full power should be a fun sight to see. With the full contingent of WR options (Schilens, Jacoby Ford, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Louis Murphy and if needed, Johnnie Lee Higgins) plus the occasional TE theatrics from Zach Miller, Oakland should see some good numbers.Maybe.One has to wonder how the week off will affect the Raiders, given the time off between two key games. Oakland's next contest, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, could be with the Raiders officially in first place, should the Denver Broncos win against the Chiefs.At 5-4, Oakland now rests one-half game back from Kansas City. How do the Raiders finish?At 5-4, Oakland now rests one-half game back from Kansas City. How do the Raiders finish?Hits the wall, loses out, 5-11.0.4%picks up a couple wins, breaks the double digit streak, 7-9.1.3%grabs three wins, 8-8, but fails to make the playoffs.13.3%Four wins, including in KC to end the season, wins the AFC West, but loses to either Indy or Baltimore in the playoffs.29.7%Goes 10-6, AFC West title, loses to the Patriots in the playoffs in the AFC title game.12.2%Oakland goes 11-5, AFC West title, reaches the Super Bowl, loses to Giants, Packers or Saints3.2%Oakland wins out, and gives Al Davis a fourth trophy. He also caters a flock of crows to ESPN and company.13.3%Any combination of Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
the above that ends with a Super Bowl ring is fine by me.24.2%I just like polls.2.5%Total votes: 715Likewise, the Raiders after their two-week winning streak at the end of the 2008 season did nothing for the Raiders coming out of the gate in 2009.I know there's a wide difference between a week off and a full offseason.One thing that should bode well for the Raiders favor is who takes the snaps from the center. With Jason Campbell, you have a quarterback who has slowly but more recently responded to the needs of the Raiders offensive scheme. In Bruce Gradkowski, you have a quarterback who is willing to take the risks that are sometimes needed to win.Who really wins out of that combination? Tom Cable does...Hue Jackson, who gets to play gunslinger in the NFL and the Raider Nation.Another part of intrigue that comes out of the last couple weeks is how should the Raiders address the talent pool within the team? Jacoby Ford, a speed-demon with good sense of ball control just passed Darrius Heyward-Bey Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
on the talent level, while Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens (when healthy) both are above-level talent.Does Hue Jackson continue to give him looks and hopes that eventually Darrius comes around, or does it reach a point in the season when Cable will pull the plug and let the kid learn by watching?With over a half of the season in the books, Oakland has their path laid out for them. It's their choice if they play past the Week 17 matchup with KC.
defense had the team looking at the bye week as a chance to improve on an already well-working offensive machine.To say the team needs this bye is understated. With the likes of Nmandi Asomugha, Zach Miller, Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens and others out, the Raiders were starting to run on bits and pieces.Sure, Jacoby Ford stepped off the sidelines and etched his name into the Raider Nation lore with his actions, but without Zach Miller, Jason Campbell wouldn't have had to rely on hoping Darrius Heyward-Bey would be able to catch a pass. As it was, Bey was shut out—not by defense, but his inability to catch.For Oakland, seeing what this team will be like, at full power should be a fun sight to see. With the full contingent of WR options (Schilens, Jacoby Ford, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Louis Murphy and if needed, Johnnie Lee Higgins) plus the occasional TE theatrics from Zach Miller, Oakland should see some good numbers.Maybe.One has to wonder how the week off will affect the Raiders, given the time off between two key games. Oakland's next contest, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, could be with the Raiders officially in first place, should the Denver Broncos win against the Chiefs.At 5-4, Oakland now rests one-half game back from Kansas City. How do the Raiders finish?At 5-4, Oakland now rests one-half game back from Kansas City. How do the Raiders finish?Hits the wall, loses out, 5-11.0.4%picks up a couple wins, breaks the double digit streak, 7-9.1.3%grabs three wins, 8-8, but fails to make the playoffs.13.3%Four wins, including in KC to end the season, wins the AFC West, but loses to either Indy or Baltimore in the playoffs.29.7%Goes 10-6, AFC West title, loses to the Patriots in the playoffs in the AFC title game.12.2%Oakland goes 11-5, AFC West title, reaches the Super Bowl, loses to Giants, Packers or Saints3.2%Oakland wins out, and gives Al Davis a fourth trophy. He also caters a flock of crows to ESPN and company.13.3%Any combination of Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
the above that ends with a Super Bowl ring is fine by me.24.2%I just like polls.2.5%Total votes: 715Likewise, the Raiders after their two-week winning streak at the end of the 2008 season did nothing for the Raiders coming out of the gate in 2009.I know there's a wide difference between a week off and a full offseason.One thing that should bode well for the Raiders favor is who takes the snaps from the center. With Jason Campbell, you have a quarterback who has slowly but more recently responded to the needs of the Raiders offensive scheme. In Bruce Gradkowski, you have a quarterback who is willing to take the risks that are sometimes needed to win.Who really wins out of that combination? Tom Cable does...Hue Jackson, who gets to play gunslinger in the NFL and the Raider Nation.Another part of intrigue that comes out of the last couple weeks is how should the Raiders address the talent pool within the team? Jacoby Ford, a speed-demon with good sense of ball control just passed Darrius Heyward-Bey Reebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
on the talent level, while Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens (when healthy) both are above-level talent.Does Hue Jackson continue to give him looks and hopes that eventually Darrius comes around, or does it reach a point in the season when Cable will pull the plug and let the kid learn by watching?With over a half of the season in the books, Oakland has their path laid out for them. It's their choice if they play past the Week 17 matchup with KC.
19 Dec 10 Michael Vick's Crushing of Washington Enough To Overshadow His Past?
Michael Vick points to the heavens during his history-making performance Monday nightChris McGrath/Getty ImagesMichael Vick was incredible on Monday Night Football.In perhaps the greatest single night of play by a quarterback in NFL history, Vick put up numbers normally reserved for Madden NFL 11 mismatches. He should send a tape of this performance into Twin Galaxies.After starting the game with an 88-yard score to DeSean Jackson, Vick finished 20-of-28 for 333 yards, four passing touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also ran for 80 yards on eight attempts for two more touchdowns.All but 10 of his passing yards were done in the first three quarters of the game as the Eagles crushed the Redskins, 59-28.Fantasy owners rejoiced. I know I did. I own Vick in both of Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
my fantasy leagues and his historic play took me from 18 points down pre-game to a 25-point victory in one of them.It was simply one of the most incredible displays by an athlete I've ever seen in any sport. At times, he almost didn't seem human.But he is. Like all humans, he has made mistakes and carries regret.I caught some heat for picking up Vick off my fantasy league waiver wires earlier this year. I was asked how I could "own a dog killer" on my fantasy football rosters.Vick couldn't be stopped in Washington, making the most of his second chanceChris McGrath/Getty ImagesI hate what he did. I've made my fair share of remarks and judgments of Vick for the dog fighting charges that took him out of the NFL and into a prison cell for two years. I made it clear that my fantasy roster moves were strictly business.As this season as gone on, I've caught myself forgetting more about his past and becoming far more interested in his present. His legs are back, making him once again one of the best scrambling Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
quarterbacks in NFL history.Somewhere, he's also found an arm. Vick was not known for his accuracy in his pre-prison days, but now has a poise and timing few quarterbacks have ever displayed while demonstrating a maturity at the position that shows a perfection of his craft.This is not the same person that killed those dogs. This Michael Vick is mature. This Michael Vick is humble. This Michael Vick is putting his heart and soul into his profession, pointing toward the heavens during his already legendary Monday Night Football game.The man served his time, regrets his actions and mistakes, and really does appear to
be a changed man. He got a second chance and is making the most of it.I'll never be able to forget what he did in the past, but I'll also never forget Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
what he is doing in the present day. Vick is a man making the most of a second chance, and I have to respect that.I certainly enjoyed watching it.
my fantasy leagues and his historic play took me from 18 points down pre-game to a 25-point victory in one of them.It was simply one of the most incredible displays by an athlete I've ever seen in any sport. At times, he almost didn't seem human.But he is. Like all humans, he has made mistakes and carries regret.I caught some heat for picking up Vick off my fantasy league waiver wires earlier this year. I was asked how I could "own a dog killer" on my fantasy football rosters.Vick couldn't be stopped in Washington, making the most of his second chanceChris McGrath/Getty ImagesI hate what he did. I've made my fair share of remarks and judgments of Vick for the dog fighting charges that took him out of the NFL and into a prison cell for two years. I made it clear that my fantasy roster moves were strictly business.As this season as gone on, I've caught myself forgetting more about his past and becoming far more interested in his present. His legs are back, making him once again one of the best scrambling Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
quarterbacks in NFL history.Somewhere, he's also found an arm. Vick was not known for his accuracy in his pre-prison days, but now has a poise and timing few quarterbacks have ever displayed while demonstrating a maturity at the position that shows a perfection of his craft.This is not the same person that killed those dogs. This Michael Vick is mature. This Michael Vick is humble. This Michael Vick is putting his heart and soul into his profession, pointing toward the heavens during his already legendary Monday Night Football game.The man served his time, regrets his actions and mistakes, and really does appear to
be a changed man. He got a second chance and is making the most of it.I'll never be able to forget what he did in the past, but I'll also never forget Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
what he is doing in the present day. Vick is a man making the most of a second chance, and I have to respect that.I certainly enjoyed watching it.
2010年12月18日星期六
18 Dec 10 NFL San Francisco 49ers: Smith The Savior? Sorry Alex I Am Talking About Troy
There is a new Sheriff in TownJed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesTroy Smith is hotter than the Sahara desert after his remarkable game against the St. Louis Rams.Troy threw for 356 yards one touchdown and zero turnovers. This was one the best quarterback performances displayed by a 49er quarterback in a very long time.Quarterback controversies are nothing new to Troy Smith.While in his early days at Ohio State he was in a quarterback battle with Justin Zwick who was heralded as the "next" big thing, but due to a weak arm and injury Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
Smith took his spot and never looked back. As a Baltimore Raven he was supposed to start the 2008 season, but an illness sidelined him and that led to the Joe Flacco era.No matter what the situation was Troy worked diligently on his skills on analyzing the playbook. Now that he has his chance to start in the NFL he has done everything right to stay on the field.Being fromColumbus, OhioI witnessed Troy's talents during his tenure as a Buckeye. Troy has always been a dual threat quarterback with amazing arm strength. "Experts" always knocked his accuracy and height to become a prototypical quarterback. Despite the negatives Smith was always praised for this heart and leadership.The 49ers lacked heart and leadership as a team during the first seven games of the season. It didn't help that the 49ers had the cowardly lion playing quarterback better known as Alex Smith. Alex Smith has yet to live up the lofty expectations as a first overall pick. Smith has shown flashes, but he never put together a consistent enough season.Alex Smithhasall of the measurables that fit the mold of a prototypical NFL quarterback. Alex Smith has what Troy doesn't have and Troy has a few things that Alex Smith does not have. Troy may lack size, but he makes up for his mishaps Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
with great intangibles, leadership, and heart.Smith has the size and accuracy, but he does not have the "it" factor.If I were running a flag football league Alex Smith would be the guy. Sorry this is the NFL and measurables does not automatically lead to victories. Alex Smith tenure has a 49er has been about as successful as a Terrell Owens reality show.Passing on Aaron Rodgers has haunted this team for several years now.Troy Smith is playing lights out and chances are that his play will dwindle down a bit due to the tough schedule coming up. The 49ers have a chance at winning the division with Troy at the helm. Under Troy's two game experiment Michael Crabtree and Delanie Walker have emerged into threats on the field. The San Francisco 49ers offense has all of the weapons a quarterback could dream of.Mike Singletary may not have to upload his resume' on careerbuilder.com if the 49ers continue their hot streak.The confidence that the 49ers are bringing on both sides of the ball is something that has been missing for years. Smith's confidence is rubbing off on the whole team and his teammates love it.Troy's two games have had a positive impact on 49er nation and he should remain the starting quarterback for the rest of the season barring any injury. Alex Smith may Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
better suited for holding the clipboard after he returns from injury. This is the second week ina row where Mike Singletary did not have to thank the opposing coach fora butt whipping. I think the trend may continue as long as the right Smith is at quarterback.
Smith took his spot and never looked back. As a Baltimore Raven he was supposed to start the 2008 season, but an illness sidelined him and that led to the Joe Flacco era.No matter what the situation was Troy worked diligently on his skills on analyzing the playbook. Now that he has his chance to start in the NFL he has done everything right to stay on the field.Being fromColumbus, OhioI witnessed Troy's talents during his tenure as a Buckeye. Troy has always been a dual threat quarterback with amazing arm strength. "Experts" always knocked his accuracy and height to become a prototypical quarterback. Despite the negatives Smith was always praised for this heart and leadership.The 49ers lacked heart and leadership as a team during the first seven games of the season. It didn't help that the 49ers had the cowardly lion playing quarterback better known as Alex Smith. Alex Smith has yet to live up the lofty expectations as a first overall pick. Smith has shown flashes, but he never put together a consistent enough season.Alex Smithhasall of the measurables that fit the mold of a prototypical NFL quarterback. Alex Smith has what Troy doesn't have and Troy has a few things that Alex Smith does not have. Troy may lack size, but he makes up for his mishaps Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
with great intangibles, leadership, and heart.Smith has the size and accuracy, but he does not have the "it" factor.If I were running a flag football league Alex Smith would be the guy. Sorry this is the NFL and measurables does not automatically lead to victories. Alex Smith tenure has a 49er has been about as successful as a Terrell Owens reality show.Passing on Aaron Rodgers has haunted this team for several years now.Troy Smith is playing lights out and chances are that his play will dwindle down a bit due to the tough schedule coming up. The 49ers have a chance at winning the division with Troy at the helm. Under Troy's two game experiment Michael Crabtree and Delanie Walker have emerged into threats on the field. The San Francisco 49ers offense has all of the weapons a quarterback could dream of.Mike Singletary may not have to upload his resume' on careerbuilder.com if the 49ers continue their hot streak.The confidence that the 49ers are bringing on both sides of the ball is something that has been missing for years. Smith's confidence is rubbing off on the whole team and his teammates love it.Troy's two games have had a positive impact on 49er nation and he should remain the starting quarterback for the rest of the season barring any injury. Alex Smith may Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
better suited for holding the clipboard after he returns from injury. This is the second week ina row where Mike Singletary did not have to thank the opposing coach fora butt whipping. I think the trend may continue as long as the right Smith is at quarterback.
2010年12月17日星期五
17 Dec 10 Vince Young's Childish Tantrum Has No Place in the NFL
Vince Young's post-game actions on Sunday were neither professional nor matureGrant Halverson/Getty ImagesAs the holiday season comes into full swing, there is always a great deal of focus on children.The toy stores fill up with customers, hard to find toys line the pockets of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
quick eBay sellers, Santa somehow appears in every mall in every city at the same time and children's screams are heard across the land on Christmas Day.Vince Young apparently couldn't wait.The Tennessee Titans quarterback already seems to feel like a kid again as he has made headlines for his shameful and childish tantrum after the Titans' 19-16 overtime loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday.Young injured his thumb during the game and was replaced for the rest of the afternoon by rookie Rusty Smith.Reports state that Young, apparently frustrated at not being put back into the game, threw his shoulder pads and jersey into the stands after the game, mumbled profanities under his breath during coach Jeff Fisher's postgame press conference and then stormed out of the stadium, blowing off former college teammate Michael Griffin on his way out.Later that evening, Young posted on his Twitter account that he "Just want(s) to play.”This sounds familiar. My five-year-old son also throws temper tantrums when he just wants to play, too. Sometimes it's not time to play, though, and that's not his call. It's mine.Young reportedly tossed his pads and jersey into the stands. His childish rant should see him sitting in the stands with them.Grant Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
Halverson/Getty ImagesSame thing here. Fisher made his call. He is the coach, and he wasn't convinced that Young's thumb injury would allow him to grip or throw the ball well enough to return.Vince Young acted like a child on Sunday. His immature tirade is not fitting behavior for any grown man, much less an NFL player. It was more akin to that screaming kid at the grocery store, upset that his mom won't buy him a candy bar.Young seemed more mature in college. His University of Texas days were fun to watch, and his 2006 Rose BowlReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
performance for the Longhorns was one of most fun games to watch in football history.Sad that it now seems like a distant memory. In the place of that glorious leader is a grown man acting like an entitled punk kid who plays when he wants.NFL players are professionals. They call football a man's game.Vince Young is apparentlyno longerprofessional or a man.He should stay where he went after he stormed out as the Titans move on.
quick eBay sellers, Santa somehow appears in every mall in every city at the same time and children's screams are heard across the land on Christmas Day.Vince Young apparently couldn't wait.The Tennessee Titans quarterback already seems to feel like a kid again as he has made headlines for his shameful and childish tantrum after the Titans' 19-16 overtime loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday.Young injured his thumb during the game and was replaced for the rest of the afternoon by rookie Rusty Smith.Reports state that Young, apparently frustrated at not being put back into the game, threw his shoulder pads and jersey into the stands after the game, mumbled profanities under his breath during coach Jeff Fisher's postgame press conference and then stormed out of the stadium, blowing off former college teammate Michael Griffin on his way out.Later that evening, Young posted on his Twitter account that he "Just want(s) to play.”This sounds familiar. My five-year-old son also throws temper tantrums when he just wants to play, too. Sometimes it's not time to play, though, and that's not his call. It's mine.Young reportedly tossed his pads and jersey into the stands. His childish rant should see him sitting in the stands with them.Grant Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
Halverson/Getty ImagesSame thing here. Fisher made his call. He is the coach, and he wasn't convinced that Young's thumb injury would allow him to grip or throw the ball well enough to return.Vince Young acted like a child on Sunday. His immature tirade is not fitting behavior for any grown man, much less an NFL player. It was more akin to that screaming kid at the grocery store, upset that his mom won't buy him a candy bar.Young seemed more mature in college. His University of Texas days were fun to watch, and his 2006 Rose BowlReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
performance for the Longhorns was one of most fun games to watch in football history.Sad that it now seems like a distant memory. In the place of that glorious leader is a grown man acting like an entitled punk kid who plays when he wants.NFL players are professionals. They call football a man's game.Vince Young is apparentlyno longerprofessional or a man.He should stay where he went after he stormed out as the Titans move on.
2010年12月16日星期四
16 Dec 10 Packers 31 Vikings 3 Game Notes: Shields, CM3, Williams, the Big 5 and No. 85
Aaron Rodgers runs away from Vikings Kevin Williams and Jared Allen at Mall of America Field Nov. 21st. The Packers ran away from the Vikings on the score broad as well winning 31-3.Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesThe Packers are fresh off a convincing 31-3 victory over their division rival Minnesota Vikings. Improving their record to 7-3 on the year and firmly placing themselves back in the Super Bowl contender conversation in the NFC heading into a big week 12 road match-up against the NFC leading 8-2 Atlanta Falcons. Here's Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
five things I noticed during the Vikings game: 1. Sam Shields is already effecting the way teams kickoff to the Packers and maybe punt After former Packer Ryan Longwell kicked a 24 yard field goal in the first quarter to give the Vikings what would be their only lead of the day at 3-0. He popped up the subsequent kickoff landing it at the 19 yard line where John Kuhn was forced to field it he returned it 8 yards to the 27. So, after returning just one kick in his NFL career be it for 49 yards against the Cowboys, the Vikings choose to concede the 30 yard line rather than allow Shields an opportunity to take it back for six. The Vikings apparently noticed his speed on film and weren't sure they wanted to see it on the field that early in the game. Although Shields gained just 22 yards on his only return of the day, on the opening kickoff to start the second half he is already effecting the way teams play the Packers on kickoff returns because of his speed. Sam Shields will end the Packers drought at 9 seasons without a kickoff return for a touchdown.Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesHe might also start effecting the way teams play the Packers on punt returns as well. After forcing a three and out on the games opening series Shields lined up outside to block one of the Vikings gunners in the punt. At the snap he sprinted back toward return man Tramon Williams who fielded the ball at the 32 and quickly pitched it back to Shields in what ended up being kind of an awkward version of a reverse. The play ended up netting -1 yards but it showed upcoming opponents the Packers are willing to find creative ways to get the ball into their most explosive players hands. The coaches are not quite confident enough in Shields' hands to let him field punts because of a pre-season in which he struggled catching the ball. Punts are much more difficult to field than kickoffs because they are fielded amongst heavy traffic. The solution have Williams catch the punt for Shields, not a bad idea. As the season progresses and Shields becomes more confident and the coaches more confident in him. Expect him to really give the team a boost with some long returns and better overall starting field position to start drives as the weather gets colder and yards Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
on offense become harder to come by. 2. Clay Matthews the third is a compassionate beast or maybe just a Brett Favre fan After finishing with 1 sack, 5 tackles-2 for loss, and 2 QB hits against the Vikings, dropping Favre for a one yard loss on the Vikings opening series which ended in a three and out. Clay Matthews III has a NFL leading 11.5 sacks on the season. He is a beast on the field relentless in his effort to get to the opposing teams quarterback and punish him violently. Clay Matthews will finish with 20 sacks on the year and win the defensive player of the year award.Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesHe is the front runner to win the defensive player of the year award becoming thesecond straight Packer to do so as cornerback Charles Woodson is the reigning DPOY. Through 10 games although Matthews missed one due to a hamstring injury he has 36 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 32 hurries, 3 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defensed, and 1 interception which he returned for a 62 yard touchdown. But, did you see him help Brett Favre up off the Mall of America Fieldturf late in the fourth quarter after knocking the former Packer to the ground following a short completion. Matthews the Packers newest legend reached down and pulled their crumpled former legend off the turf it was a nice moment. Maybe even the beast felt bad for Brett after his team had just dominated the Vikings. 3. Tramon Williams is a Pro Bowl cornerback Although Charles Woodson is still the best cornerback thePackers have, he forced a fumble against the Vikings stripping rookie running back Toby Gerhart in the second quarter and was second on the team in tackles with seven. Former rookie free agent Tramon Williams is playing better this season and soon might be the Packers top playmaker in thesecondary. Tramon Williams will get some respect around the league and make the Pro Bowl.Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesHis interception of Brett Favre in the second quarter was essentially a clinic. Williams baited the future Hall of Famer into throwing the slant route he was sitting on waiting until the last second to make his break knifing in front of Percy Harvin to make the pick ending the Vikings drive just before it entered the red zone. As it turned out that play was the turning point in the game as the Packers turned it into a 3 yard James Jones touchdown and a 17-3 lead heading into halftime before going on to score another 14 unanswered points. Williams now has 4 interceptions tied for sixth in the league to go with 39 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 recovered fumbles, and 18 passes defensed. Opponents just haven't been able to complete passes on him he has given up only 1 pass of 20 yards or more, no touchdowns, and has been penalized only once. A Pro Bowl worthy line indeed, no wonder the Packers are working to sign him to a longterm contract despite the uncertainty of a new collective bargaining agreement. 4. The Big Five is Back The Packers have gone back to using the five receiver empty set that became affectionately known as the big five during the 2007 season when Brett Favre had a lot of success throwing to Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Ruevell Martin, and Koren Robinson out of the formation. Brett Swain will make big plays down the stretch for the Packers out of the Big Five formation.Joe Murphy/Getty ImagesEmerging star tight end Jermichael Finley had been on the field in five wide situations meaning the Packers were using 4 WR and a TE. Now with Finley on injured reserve with a knee injury they have begun to give WR Brett Swain some playing time. The 2010 version of the Big Five is even stronger than the original consisting of Greg Jennings now in his 5th season, an ageless Donald Driver, James Jones now in his 4th season, Jordy Nelson a more explosive version of Martin, and Swain. Although Swain has only 2 catches for 14 yards on the year if given opportunities he will produce. On one particular play he went in motion ending up in line he streaked up the center of the field wide open for a touchdown. Rodgers didn't even glance at him on the play as he Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
completed a pass to the right side for a first down. However when they see that play on film they will think about throwing it to Swain as he ran uncovered from the snap. 5. Greg Jennings is a top 5 NFL receiver when he's targeted like one After getting off to a relatively pedestrian start through the first five games as Jermichael Finley emerged as quarterback Aaron Rodgers favorite target, Jennings has been on a tear since Finley went down on the second play from scrimmage week six against Miami. Greg Jennings will finish the regular season with at least 1200 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns.Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesIn the first 5 games Jennings had 14 catches for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns an average of 13.1 yards a catch. Not terrible numbers but certainly not what Jennings expects of himself or what the Packers would like to get out of a player who is their number one receiver and they are paying 8.75 million a year. After the Redskins game in which Jennings had 2 catches for 22 yards and he let his emotions uncharacteristically get the best of him on the sideline erupting into a tirade. In reality Jennings just wanted to help the team win and the Packers suffered a tough overtime loss against Washington. He needed the ball more to be able to help the team like he is capable of helping a team like a top 5 NFL receiver does, like Greg Jennings does. So, in his next five games after the Washington game and coincidently or not after Finley went down against the Dolphins he made 32 catches for 520 yards and 6 touchdowns an average of 16.2 yards a catch. These are the numbers the Packers were envisioning when they gave him a big contract extension before the 2009 season. The Packers have gone 4-1 since Jennings' reemergence as the first option in their offense, after going just 3-2 in the first five games when he was a bit of an after thought in the offense as its second option. He now has 46 catches 703 yards 9 touchdowns a 15.3 yards a catch. Jennings should remain the number one option for the offense next season even after Finley returns. He is a complete receiver able to play outside the numbers as well as over the middle and his run after the catchabilities unrivaledin the league Jennings is just so silky smooth in the way he seemingly effortlessly glides past defenders. How will the Packers finish the final six games of the regular season?How will the Packers finish the final six games of the regular season?6-021.3%5-140.4%4-234.0%3-32.8%2-40.4%1-51.1%Total votes: 282Prediction: Expect the Packers to make a statement to the rest of the NFC against the Falcons on their own field. Falcons head coach Mike Smith is 18-3 at home and quarterback Matt Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
Ryan is 18-1. After Sunday they will be 18-4 and 18-2 respectively Packers win 27-10. Beating the Falcons the Packers will be 8-3 and at the top of the NFC, a position they won't relinquish with just five games to play. The message, the road to the Super Bowl will be cold because it will go through Green Bay, Wisconsin.
five things I noticed during the Vikings game: 1. Sam Shields is already effecting the way teams kickoff to the Packers and maybe punt After former Packer Ryan Longwell kicked a 24 yard field goal in the first quarter to give the Vikings what would be their only lead of the day at 3-0. He popped up the subsequent kickoff landing it at the 19 yard line where John Kuhn was forced to field it he returned it 8 yards to the 27. So, after returning just one kick in his NFL career be it for 49 yards against the Cowboys, the Vikings choose to concede the 30 yard line rather than allow Shields an opportunity to take it back for six. The Vikings apparently noticed his speed on film and weren't sure they wanted to see it on the field that early in the game. Although Shields gained just 22 yards on his only return of the day, on the opening kickoff to start the second half he is already effecting the way teams play the Packers on kickoff returns because of his speed. Sam Shields will end the Packers drought at 9 seasons without a kickoff return for a touchdown.Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesHe might also start effecting the way teams play the Packers on punt returns as well. After forcing a three and out on the games opening series Shields lined up outside to block one of the Vikings gunners in the punt. At the snap he sprinted back toward return man Tramon Williams who fielded the ball at the 32 and quickly pitched it back to Shields in what ended up being kind of an awkward version of a reverse. The play ended up netting -1 yards but it showed upcoming opponents the Packers are willing to find creative ways to get the ball into their most explosive players hands. The coaches are not quite confident enough in Shields' hands to let him field punts because of a pre-season in which he struggled catching the ball. Punts are much more difficult to field than kickoffs because they are fielded amongst heavy traffic. The solution have Williams catch the punt for Shields, not a bad idea. As the season progresses and Shields becomes more confident and the coaches more confident in him. Expect him to really give the team a boost with some long returns and better overall starting field position to start drives as the weather gets colder and yards Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
on offense become harder to come by. 2. Clay Matthews the third is a compassionate beast or maybe just a Brett Favre fan After finishing with 1 sack, 5 tackles-2 for loss, and 2 QB hits against the Vikings, dropping Favre for a one yard loss on the Vikings opening series which ended in a three and out. Clay Matthews III has a NFL leading 11.5 sacks on the season. He is a beast on the field relentless in his effort to get to the opposing teams quarterback and punish him violently. Clay Matthews will finish with 20 sacks on the year and win the defensive player of the year award.Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesHe is the front runner to win the defensive player of the year award becoming thesecond straight Packer to do so as cornerback Charles Woodson is the reigning DPOY. Through 10 games although Matthews missed one due to a hamstring injury he has 36 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 32 hurries, 3 TFL, 1 forced fumble, 3 passes defensed, and 1 interception which he returned for a 62 yard touchdown. But, did you see him help Brett Favre up off the Mall of America Fieldturf late in the fourth quarter after knocking the former Packer to the ground following a short completion. Matthews the Packers newest legend reached down and pulled their crumpled former legend off the turf it was a nice moment. Maybe even the beast felt bad for Brett after his team had just dominated the Vikings. 3. Tramon Williams is a Pro Bowl cornerback Although Charles Woodson is still the best cornerback thePackers have, he forced a fumble against the Vikings stripping rookie running back Toby Gerhart in the second quarter and was second on the team in tackles with seven. Former rookie free agent Tramon Williams is playing better this season and soon might be the Packers top playmaker in thesecondary. Tramon Williams will get some respect around the league and make the Pro Bowl.Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesHis interception of Brett Favre in the second quarter was essentially a clinic. Williams baited the future Hall of Famer into throwing the slant route he was sitting on waiting until the last second to make his break knifing in front of Percy Harvin to make the pick ending the Vikings drive just before it entered the red zone. As it turned out that play was the turning point in the game as the Packers turned it into a 3 yard James Jones touchdown and a 17-3 lead heading into halftime before going on to score another 14 unanswered points. Williams now has 4 interceptions tied for sixth in the league to go with 39 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 recovered fumbles, and 18 passes defensed. Opponents just haven't been able to complete passes on him he has given up only 1 pass of 20 yards or more, no touchdowns, and has been penalized only once. A Pro Bowl worthy line indeed, no wonder the Packers are working to sign him to a longterm contract despite the uncertainty of a new collective bargaining agreement. 4. The Big Five is Back The Packers have gone back to using the five receiver empty set that became affectionately known as the big five during the 2007 season when Brett Favre had a lot of success throwing to Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Ruevell Martin, and Koren Robinson out of the formation. Brett Swain will make big plays down the stretch for the Packers out of the Big Five formation.Joe Murphy/Getty ImagesEmerging star tight end Jermichael Finley had been on the field in five wide situations meaning the Packers were using 4 WR and a TE. Now with Finley on injured reserve with a knee injury they have begun to give WR Brett Swain some playing time. The 2010 version of the Big Five is even stronger than the original consisting of Greg Jennings now in his 5th season, an ageless Donald Driver, James Jones now in his 4th season, Jordy Nelson a more explosive version of Martin, and Swain. Although Swain has only 2 catches for 14 yards on the year if given opportunities he will produce. On one particular play he went in motion ending up in line he streaked up the center of the field wide open for a touchdown. Rodgers didn't even glance at him on the play as he Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
completed a pass to the right side for a first down. However when they see that play on film they will think about throwing it to Swain as he ran uncovered from the snap. 5. Greg Jennings is a top 5 NFL receiver when he's targeted like one After getting off to a relatively pedestrian start through the first five games as Jermichael Finley emerged as quarterback Aaron Rodgers favorite target, Jennings has been on a tear since Finley went down on the second play from scrimmage week six against Miami. Greg Jennings will finish the regular season with at least 1200 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns.Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesIn the first 5 games Jennings had 14 catches for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns an average of 13.1 yards a catch. Not terrible numbers but certainly not what Jennings expects of himself or what the Packers would like to get out of a player who is their number one receiver and they are paying 8.75 million a year. After the Redskins game in which Jennings had 2 catches for 22 yards and he let his emotions uncharacteristically get the best of him on the sideline erupting into a tirade. In reality Jennings just wanted to help the team win and the Packers suffered a tough overtime loss against Washington. He needed the ball more to be able to help the team like he is capable of helping a team like a top 5 NFL receiver does, like Greg Jennings does. So, in his next five games after the Washington game and coincidently or not after Finley went down against the Dolphins he made 32 catches for 520 yards and 6 touchdowns an average of 16.2 yards a catch. These are the numbers the Packers were envisioning when they gave him a big contract extension before the 2009 season. The Packers have gone 4-1 since Jennings' reemergence as the first option in their offense, after going just 3-2 in the first five games when he was a bit of an after thought in the offense as its second option. He now has 46 catches 703 yards 9 touchdowns a 15.3 yards a catch. Jennings should remain the number one option for the offense next season even after Finley returns. He is a complete receiver able to play outside the numbers as well as over the middle and his run after the catchabilities unrivaledin the league Jennings is just so silky smooth in the way he seemingly effortlessly glides past defenders. How will the Packers finish the final six games of the regular season?How will the Packers finish the final six games of the regular season?6-021.3%5-140.4%4-234.0%3-32.8%2-40.4%1-51.1%Total votes: 282Prediction: Expect the Packers to make a statement to the rest of the NFC against the Falcons on their own field. Falcons head coach Mike Smith is 18-3 at home and quarterback Matt Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
Ryan is 18-1. After Sunday they will be 18-4 and 18-2 respectively Packers win 27-10. Beating the Falcons the Packers will be 8-3 and at the top of the NFC, a position they won't relinquish with just five games to play. The message, the road to the Super Bowl will be cold because it will go through Green Bay, Wisconsin.
2010年12月15日星期三
Week 13 NFL Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Advice: Get 'Em or Don't Sweat 'Em
Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesThere were some unusual heroes on Sunday. There always are. Let’s take a look at them and see if they are worthy of your fantasy rosters.QuarterbackSam Bradford, St. Louis RamsBradford had a monster game, throwing for 308 yards and three nfl jersey
touchdowns against Denver. With Arizona on deck, he’s going to be a popular player in the leagues that he’s available in.Ruling: Get ‘em.Running BacksRashad Jennings, Jacksonville JaguarsJennings ran for 53 yards and a score on seven carries. If you want to carry a handcuff, he does face Oakland and Indianapolis in Weeks 14 and 15, but it seems pointless unless Maurice Jones-Drew goes down.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.Toby Gerhart, Minnesota VikingsGerhart filled in admirably when Adrian Peterson hurt his ankle, running for 76 yards and a touchdown. I expect Peterson to return next week, so this was likely a one-week burst for the rookie.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em. Wide ReceiversJordy Nelson, Green Bay PackersNelson had a pretty touchdown catch as he caught five passes for 61 yards. He doesn’t do enough to add to your fantasy roster, though.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.Davone Bess and Brian Hartline, Miami DolphinsBoth Bess and Hartline stepped it up this week with Brandon Marshall out. Bess caught six passes for 111 yards, while Hartline caught four for 75. With Henne under center, they both are decent options to add to fantasy rosters. Of the two, I prefer Bess.Ruling: Get ‘em Both.Jacoby Ford, Oakland RaidersFord caught four passes for 108 yards and a score. He’s had some moments this year, but isn’t a good option.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.Ben Obomanu, Seattle SeahawksWe also endorsed Obomanu and he came through with flying colors. After catching five passes for 159 yards and a touchdown, he has scored in consecutive games and three of his past four. With Mike Williams’ status in question, Obomanu looks like a good play.Ruling: Get ‘em.Earl Bennett, Chicago BearsBennett had a nice game, catching four passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his performance, he doesn’t make Saints jersey
a great add.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.Danario Alexander, St. Louis RamsAlexander had four catches for 95 yards, but is not the type of player you should gamble on at this crucial point of the season.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.Blair White, Indianapolis ColtsWhite caught four passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. He has three scores in the past two weeks, and it looks like he’s got a grip on the Colts’ third receiver gig. He’s not a must-start, but he should be owned.Ruling: Get ‘em. Al Bello/Getty ImagesTight EndsKevin Boss, New York GiantsWe predicted that he would get additional looks with Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith out, and he delivered, leading the way with eight targets. He caught three passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. He should remain a more featured option going forward.Ruling: Get ‘em.Joel Dreessen, Houston TexansWe liked Dreessen this week and he came through. So he didn’t wow anybody with his three catches for 15 yards, but he scored for the second straight week. If Owen Daniels remains out, he’s a decent option going forward.Ruling: Get ‘em.Brent Celek, Philadelphia EaglesIf you gave up on Celek, I don’t blame you. Before his three catches for 50 yards and an incredible touchdown, he had 16 yards over the past four games. With Houston on deck, it might be a good time to give him another chance.Ruling: Get ‘em.Billy Bajema and Michael Hoomanawanui, St. Louis RamsBajema caught three passes for 32 yards and two touchdowns. Hoomanawanui scored for the second straight week. Neither are good fantasy options, though.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em. Also check nfl jerseys
out: Sneaky Week 13 Fantasy Football Pick-ups Week 13 Fantasy QB Rankings Week 13 Fantasy RB Rankings Week 13 Fantasy WR Rankings Week 13 Fantasy TE Rankings Week 13 Fantasy K Rankings Week 13 Fantasy DEF Rankings Week 13 Fantasy IDP Rankings Week 13 Start/Sit AdviceWeek 13 Fantasy Sleepers Click here to enter this week's contest to win a cool fantasy football t-shirt.
touchdowns against Denver. With Arizona on deck, he’s going to be a popular player in the leagues that he’s available in.Ruling: Get ‘em.Running BacksRashad Jennings, Jacksonville JaguarsJennings ran for 53 yards and a score on seven carries. If you want to carry a handcuff, he does face Oakland and Indianapolis in Weeks 14 and 15, but it seems pointless unless Maurice Jones-Drew goes down.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.Toby Gerhart, Minnesota VikingsGerhart filled in admirably when Adrian Peterson hurt his ankle, running for 76 yards and a touchdown. I expect Peterson to return next week, so this was likely a one-week burst for the rookie.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em. Wide ReceiversJordy Nelson, Green Bay PackersNelson had a pretty touchdown catch as he caught five passes for 61 yards. He doesn’t do enough to add to your fantasy roster, though.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.Davone Bess and Brian Hartline, Miami DolphinsBoth Bess and Hartline stepped it up this week with Brandon Marshall out. Bess caught six passes for 111 yards, while Hartline caught four for 75. With Henne under center, they both are decent options to add to fantasy rosters. Of the two, I prefer Bess.Ruling: Get ‘em Both.Jacoby Ford, Oakland RaidersFord caught four passes for 108 yards and a score. He’s had some moments this year, but isn’t a good option.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.Ben Obomanu, Seattle SeahawksWe also endorsed Obomanu and he came through with flying colors. After catching five passes for 159 yards and a touchdown, he has scored in consecutive games and three of his past four. With Mike Williams’ status in question, Obomanu looks like a good play.Ruling: Get ‘em.Earl Bennett, Chicago BearsBennett had a nice game, catching four passes for 56 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his performance, he doesn’t make Saints jersey
a great add.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.Danario Alexander, St. Louis RamsAlexander had four catches for 95 yards, but is not the type of player you should gamble on at this crucial point of the season.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em.Blair White, Indianapolis ColtsWhite caught four passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. He has three scores in the past two weeks, and it looks like he’s got a grip on the Colts’ third receiver gig. He’s not a must-start, but he should be owned.Ruling: Get ‘em. Al Bello/Getty ImagesTight EndsKevin Boss, New York GiantsWe predicted that he would get additional looks with Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith out, and he delivered, leading the way with eight targets. He caught three passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. He should remain a more featured option going forward.Ruling: Get ‘em.Joel Dreessen, Houston TexansWe liked Dreessen this week and he came through. So he didn’t wow anybody with his three catches for 15 yards, but he scored for the second straight week. If Owen Daniels remains out, he’s a decent option going forward.Ruling: Get ‘em.Brent Celek, Philadelphia EaglesIf you gave up on Celek, I don’t blame you. Before his three catches for 50 yards and an incredible touchdown, he had 16 yards over the past four games. With Houston on deck, it might be a good time to give him another chance.Ruling: Get ‘em.Billy Bajema and Michael Hoomanawanui, St. Louis RamsBajema caught three passes for 32 yards and two touchdowns. Hoomanawanui scored for the second straight week. Neither are good fantasy options, though.Ruling: Don’t Sweat ‘em. Also check nfl jerseys
out: Sneaky Week 13 Fantasy Football Pick-ups Week 13 Fantasy QB Rankings Week 13 Fantasy RB Rankings Week 13 Fantasy WR Rankings Week 13 Fantasy TE Rankings Week 13 Fantasy K Rankings Week 13 Fantasy DEF Rankings Week 13 Fantasy IDP Rankings Week 13 Start/Sit AdviceWeek 13 Fantasy Sleepers Click here to enter this week's contest to win a cool fantasy football t-shirt.
2010年12月13日星期一
Updated Fantasy Football Rankings at Week 13: Top 50 QBs for the Rest of 2010
Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesDrew Brees continues his slow slide down the fantasy rankings this week, down to 6th among quarterbacks. Once considered the top fantasy quarterback in the league, Brees remains an every-week starter on almost every roster that has him, but his interceptions remain Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
a big issue. He has now thrown 15 interceptions in his past nine games and while he continues to throw for touchdowns and nice yardage, he has only had two 20-plus fantasy point days in his past eight games due to the interception issue.Following two monster fantasy weeks in a row, Ben Roethlisberger fell back to fantasy reality in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills. He is now nursing an injured foot and has been wearing a walking boot in practice as he prepares for this Sunday’s game against the Ravens. Roethlisberger is an inconsistent fantasy player to begin with, but now he becomes an even bigger concern with his injury.On the rise this week is Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel as he moves up four spots to 15th among quarterbacks. Cassel has been on an absolute tear over the past seven weeks. Cassel has thrown for a ridiculous 18 touchdowns with only one interception during that span as he and Dwayne Bowe have surprisingly become perhaps the league’s most lethal touchdown combination. Cassel’s ranking would be higher if he didn’t have a fairly difficult schedule coming up, but especially if he had some sort of history to show us that he can possibly continue at this absurd pace.Which AFC West Quarterback is the best fantasy option going forward?Which AFC West Quarterback is the best fantasy option going forward?Matt Cassel, KC23.1%Philip Rivers, SD62.4%Kyle Orton, DEN14.5%Total votes: 117Another player on the rise is the Bears’ Jay Cutler, who is coming off of a gigantic four touchdown performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cutler looked like the star that the Bears were hoping for when they traded for him, as he had his biggest 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
fantasy day of the 2010 season. If Cutler continues to spread the ball around and not focus on any one receiver, he can really be an asset for his fantasy owners as we approach the playoffs.The biggest risers and fallers this week all come from the Detroit Lions. The quarterback situation in Detroit is up in the air with Matt Stafford getting healthier, Shaun Hill nursing a freshly broken thumb on his throwing hand, and Drew Stanton looking like he may be the team’s starter this week. Whoever it is will have the benefit of throwing to perhaps the league’s most physically gifted receiver in Calvin Johnson so there is always the possibility for a big game.View All of the Updated Fantasy Football Rankings at Week 13:Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight EndsRANKPLAYERTEAMPREVIOUS RANKMOVEMENT1Peyton ManningIND102Philip RiversSD203Aaron RodgersGB304Mike VickPHI405Tom BradyNE616Drew BreesNO5-17Kyle OrtonDEN708Matt RyanATL919Eli ManningNYG10110Joe FlaccoBAL11111Ben RoethlisbergerPIT8-312Matt SchaubHOU12013Josh FreemanTB13014Ryan FitzpatrickBUF14015Matt CasselKC20516Donovan McNabbWAS15-117Jay CutlerCHI21418Jon KitnaDAL19119Carson PalmerCIN16-320David GarrardJAC17-321Mark SanchezNYJ18-322Sam BradfordSTL23123Matt HasselbeckSEA22-124Troy SmithSF25125Kerry CollinsTEN26126Chad HenneMIA27127Colt McCoyCLE29228Brett Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
FavreMIN28029Bruce GradkowskiOAK30130Derek AndersonARI31131Jimmy ClausenCAR39832Shaun HillDET24-833Drew StantonDET532034Tim TebowDEN33-135Tarvaris JacksonMIN32-336Jason CampbellOAK34-237Kevin KolbPHI36-138Tyler ThigpenMIA37-139Alex SmithSF38-140Rusty SmithTEN35-541Matt StaffordDET50942Max HallARI42043Tony RomoDAL48544Seneca WallaceCLE40-446Brian St. PierreCAR41-547Trent EdwardsJAC43-449Jake DelhommeCLE44-550Charlie WhitehurstSEA46-4
a big issue. He has now thrown 15 interceptions in his past nine games and while he continues to throw for touchdowns and nice yardage, he has only had two 20-plus fantasy point days in his past eight games due to the interception issue.Following two monster fantasy weeks in a row, Ben Roethlisberger fell back to fantasy reality in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills. He is now nursing an injured foot and has been wearing a walking boot in practice as he prepares for this Sunday’s game against the Ravens. Roethlisberger is an inconsistent fantasy player to begin with, but now he becomes an even bigger concern with his injury.On the rise this week is Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel as he moves up four spots to 15th among quarterbacks. Cassel has been on an absolute tear over the past seven weeks. Cassel has thrown for a ridiculous 18 touchdowns with only one interception during that span as he and Dwayne Bowe have surprisingly become perhaps the league’s most lethal touchdown combination. Cassel’s ranking would be higher if he didn’t have a fairly difficult schedule coming up, but especially if he had some sort of history to show us that he can possibly continue at this absurd pace.Which AFC West Quarterback is the best fantasy option going forward?Which AFC West Quarterback is the best fantasy option going forward?Matt Cassel, KC23.1%Philip Rivers, SD62.4%Kyle Orton, DEN14.5%Total votes: 117Another player on the rise is the Bears’ Jay Cutler, who is coming off of a gigantic four touchdown performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cutler looked like the star that the Bears were hoping for when they traded for him, as he had his biggest 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
fantasy day of the 2010 season. If Cutler continues to spread the ball around and not focus on any one receiver, he can really be an asset for his fantasy owners as we approach the playoffs.The biggest risers and fallers this week all come from the Detroit Lions. The quarterback situation in Detroit is up in the air with Matt Stafford getting healthier, Shaun Hill nursing a freshly broken thumb on his throwing hand, and Drew Stanton looking like he may be the team’s starter this week. Whoever it is will have the benefit of throwing to perhaps the league’s most physically gifted receiver in Calvin Johnson so there is always the possibility for a big game.View All of the Updated Fantasy Football Rankings at Week 13:Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight EndsRANKPLAYERTEAMPREVIOUS RANKMOVEMENT1Peyton ManningIND102Philip RiversSD203Aaron RodgersGB304Mike VickPHI405Tom BradyNE616Drew BreesNO5-17Kyle OrtonDEN708Matt RyanATL919Eli ManningNYG10110Joe FlaccoBAL11111Ben RoethlisbergerPIT8-312Matt SchaubHOU12013Josh FreemanTB13014Ryan FitzpatrickBUF14015Matt CasselKC20516Donovan McNabbWAS15-117Jay CutlerCHI21418Jon KitnaDAL19119Carson PalmerCIN16-320David GarrardJAC17-321Mark SanchezNYJ18-322Sam BradfordSTL23123Matt HasselbeckSEA22-124Troy SmithSF25125Kerry CollinsTEN26126Chad HenneMIA27127Colt McCoyCLE29228Brett Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
FavreMIN28029Bruce GradkowskiOAK30130Derek AndersonARI31131Jimmy ClausenCAR39832Shaun HillDET24-833Drew StantonDET532034Tim TebowDEN33-135Tarvaris JacksonMIN32-336Jason CampbellOAK34-237Kevin KolbPHI36-138Tyler ThigpenMIA37-139Alex SmithSF38-140Rusty SmithTEN35-541Matt StaffordDET50942Max HallARI42043Tony RomoDAL48544Seneca WallaceCLE40-446Brian St. PierreCAR41-547Trent EdwardsJAC43-449Jake DelhommeCLE44-550Charlie WhitehurstSEA46-4
2010年12月12日星期日
2010 Fantasy Football Playoffs: Top 10 Sleepers For Your Championship Run
Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesIn fantasy football there are always sleepers, and that doesn’t stop in the fantasy football playoffs. We’re always looking for that diamond in the rough that’s hiding in the waiver wire or resting at the bottom of our team’s bench that can lead us to a championship.In 2009 it was Jonathan Stewart, Jerome Harrison and Jamaal Charles. Pierre Thomas was a solid fantasy option to finish 2008. But who are the guys to watch out for this year? With players going down every week, 4 Brett Favre White jersey
there always seems to be somebody who steps up in a star’s absence.Here are 10 fantasy playoff sleepers that may be on your fantasy waiver wire, or have been on your bench that you should consider starting during the fantasy playoffs.Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina PanthersStewart is back in action, and with DeAngelo Williams on IR, Stewart should get most of the carries. His opponents aren’t going to be easy however, going against Atlanta twice and Pittsburgh in Week 16. Fortunately, Atlanta has been prone to big backs producing against them.Kerry Collins, QB, Tennessee Titans With Vince Young on IR, Collins will get the remaining four starts barring injury. Collins gets the weak Colts defense twice in the next four weeks and faces the Texans in Week 15. He also will get Kenny Britt back. Britt was a solid fantasy performer before going down with a hamstring tear.Brian Westbrook, RB, San Francisco 49ersDespite battling injuries, Westbrook gets the lead role in the San Francisco backfield. He gets to face Seattle and Arizona in two of his last four games, but has a tough road matchup against the Chargers and another road matchup against an improving Rams run defense. But his versatility and ability to make plays in the passing game make him a worthwhile Flex going forward.Ben Watson, TE, Cleveland BrownsWatson has flown under the radar all season, but he’s making his presence felt more over the last few weeks. Jake Delhomme will continue to find Watson—as he’s the only Browns pass catcher that seems to get open—and he can make plays after the catch. Look for him to keep playing well, although he does have a few tough matchups going forward.Ben Obomanu, WR, Seattle SeahawksMatt Hasselbeck hasn’t given up on the season and is still finding his receivers. Obomanu has evolved into one of the better Seahawk receivers, and with Mike Williams battling injuries, you have to like Obo’s chances of seeing continuous targets. All four teams he'll face to finish the season struggle in the passing game and he could have a few big games leading you to a victory.Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesEarl Bennett, WR, Chicago BearsWith Devin Hester proving to be useless, Jay Cutler has turned to Earl Bennett to compliment Johnny Knox. Both Knox and Bennett have excellent downfield ability and Bennett has made a few big plays Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
in recent weeks. He does not, however, have the most favorable schedule for your playoffs. Cutler should still continue to target him.Felix Jones/Tashard Choice, RB, Dallas CowboysBoth running backs are seeing more touches with Marion Barber ailing, and Jason Garrett being named interim head coach has made Jones a solid Flex option most weeks. He’s making plays on the ground and in the air. Choice will see more carries as well after his Week 13 performance and may end up making Barber essentially useless.Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore RavensMason has scored three touchdowns in his last five games and has seen an increased role with teams attempting to focus more on stopping Anquan Boldin. Mason has a very favorable schedule going against Houston, Cleveland and Cincinnati. He does face New Orleans in Week 15 which could cause problems, but they have struggled against No. 2 receivers.Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesSidney Rice, WR, Minnesota VikingsRice is healthy and he looks ready to go. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, Rice is a play maker and a reliable wide receiver. He should continue to see many targets and is always a threat to score a touchdown. Other than his Week 14 matchup against the New York Giants, he has a pretty favorable schedule the rest of the way.Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks Hasselbeck has come into his own in recent weeks. Despite Seattle’s injury riddled team, he’s been making plays with guys like Mike Williams, Justin Forsett, Ben Obomanu and Deon Butler. Hasselbeck may have the easiest match-ups in the remaining four weeks, going up against the 49ers, Falcons, Buccaneers and Rams, all teams 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
who struggle against the pass. He could be a solid QB2 for the rest of the season.Have a fantasy football question? Send your question or concern to NFLSoupMailbag1@gmail.com and have your question answered live on the NFL Soup Weekly Dish Radio Show!Don't forget to check out our 2011 NFL Draft coverage as well!
there always seems to be somebody who steps up in a star’s absence.Here are 10 fantasy playoff sleepers that may be on your fantasy waiver wire, or have been on your bench that you should consider starting during the fantasy playoffs.Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina PanthersStewart is back in action, and with DeAngelo Williams on IR, Stewart should get most of the carries. His opponents aren’t going to be easy however, going against Atlanta twice and Pittsburgh in Week 16. Fortunately, Atlanta has been prone to big backs producing against them.Kerry Collins, QB, Tennessee Titans With Vince Young on IR, Collins will get the remaining four starts barring injury. Collins gets the weak Colts defense twice in the next four weeks and faces the Texans in Week 15. He also will get Kenny Britt back. Britt was a solid fantasy performer before going down with a hamstring tear.Brian Westbrook, RB, San Francisco 49ersDespite battling injuries, Westbrook gets the lead role in the San Francisco backfield. He gets to face Seattle and Arizona in two of his last four games, but has a tough road matchup against the Chargers and another road matchup against an improving Rams run defense. But his versatility and ability to make plays in the passing game make him a worthwhile Flex going forward.Ben Watson, TE, Cleveland BrownsWatson has flown under the radar all season, but he’s making his presence felt more over the last few weeks. Jake Delhomme will continue to find Watson—as he’s the only Browns pass catcher that seems to get open—and he can make plays after the catch. Look for him to keep playing well, although he does have a few tough matchups going forward.Ben Obomanu, WR, Seattle SeahawksMatt Hasselbeck hasn’t given up on the season and is still finding his receivers. Obomanu has evolved into one of the better Seahawk receivers, and with Mike Williams battling injuries, you have to like Obo’s chances of seeing continuous targets. All four teams he'll face to finish the season struggle in the passing game and he could have a few big games leading you to a victory.Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesEarl Bennett, WR, Chicago BearsWith Devin Hester proving to be useless, Jay Cutler has turned to Earl Bennett to compliment Johnny Knox. Both Knox and Bennett have excellent downfield ability and Bennett has made a few big plays Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
in recent weeks. He does not, however, have the most favorable schedule for your playoffs. Cutler should still continue to target him.Felix Jones/Tashard Choice, RB, Dallas CowboysBoth running backs are seeing more touches with Marion Barber ailing, and Jason Garrett being named interim head coach has made Jones a solid Flex option most weeks. He’s making plays on the ground and in the air. Choice will see more carries as well after his Week 13 performance and may end up making Barber essentially useless.Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore RavensMason has scored three touchdowns in his last five games and has seen an increased role with teams attempting to focus more on stopping Anquan Boldin. Mason has a very favorable schedule going against Houston, Cleveland and Cincinnati. He does face New Orleans in Week 15 which could cause problems, but they have struggled against No. 2 receivers.Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesSidney Rice, WR, Minnesota VikingsRice is healthy and he looks ready to go. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, Rice is a play maker and a reliable wide receiver. He should continue to see many targets and is always a threat to score a touchdown. Other than his Week 14 matchup against the New York Giants, he has a pretty favorable schedule the rest of the way.Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks Hasselbeck has come into his own in recent weeks. Despite Seattle’s injury riddled team, he’s been making plays with guys like Mike Williams, Justin Forsett, Ben Obomanu and Deon Butler. Hasselbeck may have the easiest match-ups in the remaining four weeks, going up against the 49ers, Falcons, Buccaneers and Rams, all teams 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
who struggle against the pass. He could be a solid QB2 for the rest of the season.Have a fantasy football question? Send your question or concern to NFLSoupMailbag1@gmail.com and have your question answered live on the NFL Soup Weekly Dish Radio Show!Don't forget to check out our 2011 NFL Draft coverage as well!
2010年12月11日星期六
Pittsburgh Steelers Jerome Bettis Willie Parker
After being sidelined by a sore calf suffered in the Pittsburgh Steelers preseason loss to the Washington Redskins on August 26th, running back Jerome Bettis' recovery has been slow and he will be forced to miss the team's regular season opener on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.Since Bettis' backup Duce Staley has also been sidelined by a knee injury and won't be available, head coach Bill Cowher will call upon second-year man Willie Parker to carry the bulk of the rushing load. Parker played 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
sparingly in his rookie year in 2004, gaining 186 yards on 32 carries. He has been impressive in the preseason, averaging over ten yards per attempt.He had his best game this past January in the regular season finale against Buffalo, when he gained 102 yards. The Steelers had already clinched home-field in the playoffs and played mostly backups in that game.The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping to have Bettis, and possibly Staley, available for their second game on September 18th at the Houston Texans. Staley underwent surgery to his MCL a month ago, and the team has been careful with his rehabilitation. He has only practiced once since then and didn't appear in any of the Steelers' exhibition games.
2010年12月9日星期四
San Francisco 49ers Norv Turner Mike Nolan
Former head coach of the , Norv Turner found himself a new job this week, moving across the Bay to sign with the San Francisco 49ers as their offensive coordinator. The signing allowed 49ers head coach Mike Nolan to keep to his word of signing a coordinator prior to the Senior Bowl – where the Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
49ers coaching staff will lead one of the collegiate teams. Turner will be at the Senior Bowl as well, as the latest member to the 49ers coaching staff he wants to build chemistry as fast as possible, so despite Nolan giving Turner permission to skip the Bowl, he will indeed be there working along side the rest of the coaching team.Turner has bounced around the league plenty. He's been a coordinator for Cowboys during two of their Super Bowl victories, the head coach of the Redskins where ironically enough Mike Nolan worked under him. He was also the coordinator for the Chargers and Dolphins, then head coach of the Raiders, and now he is once again a coordinator, this time for the San Francisco 49ers. Talk about having nine lives.The BetterTurner brings a plethora of experience from his position and has worked successfully with quarterbacks like Troy Aikman, Trent Green, Doug Flutie and others. Turner has had most of his success in the coordinator role not as a head coach.Turner and Nolan have a good working relationship.Turner is regarded as a bright offensive mind.Turner appears to be committed to the organization for some time, which will be critical as the team develops a young group of players – most notably quarterback Alex Smith.Turner typically develops an offensive system around the abilities of his players, he does not expect players to fit into ‘his system' he expects ‘his system' to be altered to fit the players.The Worse Although Turner has had success with quarterbacks he really has only had a hand in developing Troy Aikman, and arguably Trent Green.Turner's success in Dallas which he used as a spring board for the rest of his coaching career may have had more to do with Jimmy Johnson the then head coach of the Cowboys, or Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin's abilities, than Turner's offensive ingenuity. Turner is not a West Coast Offense, offensive mind. So while Turner may fit some of those tendencies into the system he will run with the 49ers, we may not see the type of offense that defines the 49ers.Although Turner will work to mitigate the adaptations Alex Smith will have to make, Turner is bringing some of his own terminology to the 49ers which will no doubt slow the development of Smith.Overall, this is one coaching change that we will just have to see play out. The 49ers' hands were forced when Mike McCarthy took the head coaching role of the Packers, Nolan hopes he has improved the team 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
by replacing McCarthy with Turner. I am not convinced this was the right man for the job, then again, I do not think he was the wrong man either. As can be seen above there are plenty of pros and cons so it will be a matter of time before I am convinced one way or the other.For all the latest news and resources about the 49ers
49ers coaching staff will lead one of the collegiate teams. Turner will be at the Senior Bowl as well, as the latest member to the 49ers coaching staff he wants to build chemistry as fast as possible, so despite Nolan giving Turner permission to skip the Bowl, he will indeed be there working along side the rest of the coaching team.Turner has bounced around the league plenty. He's been a coordinator for Cowboys during two of their Super Bowl victories, the head coach of the Redskins where ironically enough Mike Nolan worked under him. He was also the coordinator for the Chargers and Dolphins, then head coach of the Raiders, and now he is once again a coordinator, this time for the San Francisco 49ers. Talk about having nine lives.The BetterTurner brings a plethora of experience from his position and has worked successfully with quarterbacks like Troy Aikman, Trent Green, Doug Flutie and others. Turner has had most of his success in the coordinator role not as a head coach.Turner and Nolan have a good working relationship.Turner is regarded as a bright offensive mind.Turner appears to be committed to the organization for some time, which will be critical as the team develops a young group of players – most notably quarterback Alex Smith.Turner typically develops an offensive system around the abilities of his players, he does not expect players to fit into ‘his system' he expects ‘his system' to be altered to fit the players.The Worse Although Turner has had success with quarterbacks he really has only had a hand in developing Troy Aikman, and arguably Trent Green.Turner's success in Dallas which he used as a spring board for the rest of his coaching career may have had more to do with Jimmy Johnson the then head coach of the Cowboys, or Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin's abilities, than Turner's offensive ingenuity. Turner is not a West Coast Offense, offensive mind. So while Turner may fit some of those tendencies into the system he will run with the 49ers, we may not see the type of offense that defines the 49ers.Although Turner will work to mitigate the adaptations Alex Smith will have to make, Turner is bringing some of his own terminology to the 49ers which will no doubt slow the development of Smith.Overall, this is one coaching change that we will just have to see play out. The 49ers' hands were forced when Mike McCarthy took the head coaching role of the Packers, Nolan hopes he has improved the team 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
by replacing McCarthy with Turner. I am not convinced this was the right man for the job, then again, I do not think he was the wrong man either. As can be seen above there are plenty of pros and cons so it will be a matter of time before I am convinced one way or the other.For all the latest news and resources about the 49ers
San Francisco 49ers Mike Nolan, Adam Carriker, Gaines Adams
When Mike Nolan took over the reigns as the Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator in 2002, he inherited one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL. In his three years as DC, his units averaged a seventh place finish in total defense and ranked in the top six in points allowed and yardage twice.The base 3-4 that the Ravens employed at the time is what Nolan has been attempting to convert the 49ers' defense to over the previous two years, but without much success. However, with personnel upgrades on defense via free agency, and 6 Sanchez Green Jersey
with the impending selections in this month's draft, the 49ers' defensive roster is becoming increasingly similar to the Ravens' during Nolan's tenure in Baltimore.Defensive line:The Ravens really didn't have a dominant DT to rely on in the post-Tony Siragusa era under Nolan. Instead, he preferred space eaters like Kelly Gregg, Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Marques Douglas to occupy dual blockers, freeing up ends like the speedy Michael McCrary and blitzing outside linebackers like Terrell Suggs who occasionally lined up at DE.Speaking of Douglas, he and newly signed Aubrayo Franklin played in Baltimore under Nolan and have seen his system work before. Their previous experience, combined with the presence of veteran Bryant Young, make the Niners' interior line look very comparable, and perhaps better than the group Nolan assembled in Baltimore. The same cannot be said for the defensive end position, however, unless the team drafts a player like Nebraska's Adam Carriker or Clemson's Gaines Adams in Round 1. Roderick Green, another former Raven, could excel over the course of a full season if the way he played at the end of '06 is any indication.Linebackers:It could be argued that the personnel at linebacker is what makes or breaks a successful 3-4 defense. Looking at the Ravens' depth at LB in the Nolan years, it becomes pretty obvious why the team was so successful. Anchored by Ray Lewis in his prime, the star-studded unit also consisted of Adalius Thomas, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott and then-healthy versions of Edgerton Hartwell and Peter Boulware. With the exception of Hartwell, each of the other four players have made the Pro Bowl at least once. The Ravens easily overwhelm the 49ers' current talent at linebacker; then again, though, it may have been one of the best LB groups ever assembled. Secondary:The Niners moves in free agency make their unit a near-mirror image of the Ravens', if only on paper. The role of Baltimore's Chris McAlister is played by the Niners' Nate Clements, and second CB Gary Baxter is matched by Walt Harris. Former Raven Corey Fuller is played by San Francisco's Shawntae Spencer, and Ed Reed's equal at safety is Michael Lewis. To expect a similar level or production doesn't seem like a stretch, but there is no guarantee the players will develop the same kind of chemistry as the Ravens' unit did. But the 49ers' secondary will certainly be improved by comparison to last season.The one glaring area where the Niners need to find a playmaker is on the outside edge, whether it's a defensive end or a linebacker. Brandon Moore is solid, and Manny Lawson showed promise in his rookie year, but the unit needs a playmaker if 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
it is to become as dominant as the past defenses in Baltimore.How a team looks on paper doesn't necessarily transfer onto the field, but nevertheless, it's interesting to see Nolan is finally implementing his system. In what will be his third season as the head coach in San Francisco, Nolan finally has the pieces in place to make the 49ers' defense one of the NFL's most improved in 2007. Questions? Comments? E-mail the writer at peide
with the impending selections in this month's draft, the 49ers' defensive roster is becoming increasingly similar to the Ravens' during Nolan's tenure in Baltimore.Defensive line:The Ravens really didn't have a dominant DT to rely on in the post-Tony Siragusa era under Nolan. Instead, he preferred space eaters like Kelly Gregg, Ma'ake Kemoeatu and Marques Douglas to occupy dual blockers, freeing up ends like the speedy Michael McCrary and blitzing outside linebackers like Terrell Suggs who occasionally lined up at DE.Speaking of Douglas, he and newly signed Aubrayo Franklin played in Baltimore under Nolan and have seen his system work before. Their previous experience, combined with the presence of veteran Bryant Young, make the Niners' interior line look very comparable, and perhaps better than the group Nolan assembled in Baltimore. The same cannot be said for the defensive end position, however, unless the team drafts a player like Nebraska's Adam Carriker or Clemson's Gaines Adams in Round 1. Roderick Green, another former Raven, could excel over the course of a full season if the way he played at the end of '06 is any indication.Linebackers:It could be argued that the personnel at linebacker is what makes or breaks a successful 3-4 defense. Looking at the Ravens' depth at LB in the Nolan years, it becomes pretty obvious why the team was so successful. Anchored by Ray Lewis in his prime, the star-studded unit also consisted of Adalius Thomas, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott and then-healthy versions of Edgerton Hartwell and Peter Boulware. With the exception of Hartwell, each of the other four players have made the Pro Bowl at least once. The Ravens easily overwhelm the 49ers' current talent at linebacker; then again, though, it may have been one of the best LB groups ever assembled. Secondary:The Niners moves in free agency make their unit a near-mirror image of the Ravens', if only on paper. The role of Baltimore's Chris McAlister is played by the Niners' Nate Clements, and second CB Gary Baxter is matched by Walt Harris. Former Raven Corey Fuller is played by San Francisco's Shawntae Spencer, and Ed Reed's equal at safety is Michael Lewis. To expect a similar level or production doesn't seem like a stretch, but there is no guarantee the players will develop the same kind of chemistry as the Ravens' unit did. But the 49ers' secondary will certainly be improved by comparison to last season.The one glaring area where the Niners need to find a playmaker is on the outside edge, whether it's a defensive end or a linebacker. Brandon Moore is solid, and Manny Lawson showed promise in his rookie year, but the unit needs a playmaker if 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
it is to become as dominant as the past defenses in Baltimore.How a team looks on paper doesn't necessarily transfer onto the field, but nevertheless, it's interesting to see Nolan is finally implementing his system. In what will be his third season as the head coach in San Francisco, Nolan finally has the pieces in place to make the 49ers' defense one of the NFL's most improved in 2007. Questions? Comments? E-mail the writer at peide
2010年12月2日星期四
Jacksonville Jaguars "Byron Leftwich must get receiving help"
After a disappointing 8-8 season in 2006, Jack Del Rio knows that his future as Jacksonville Jaguars head coach is in jeopardy. When he named Byron Leftwich as his 2007 starting quarterback earlier this week, he took the first step toward saving his job. Nobody's sure why it took Del Rio 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
so long to decide what was obvious, but then again, he never should have benched Leftwich in the first place.But after a 3-3 start last season, Del Rio did what many coaches reflexively do when things aren't going exactly as planned -- he changed quarterbacks. And while Del Rio used his gimpy ankle as the reason for the benching of Leftwich and crowning of David Garrard, Leftwich let it be known that he was willing to play through the pain. So it was clear that the head coach had simply lost faith in the quarterback who had led his Jaguars to the playoffs in 2005.And while Garrard wasn't horrible, it was clear that Leftwich was and is the superior player. More than anything that had to do with Leftwich, the Jaguars' troubles last season stemmed from ill-timed injuries, some heartbreaking losses, and an absolutely brutal schedule.While Jacksonville's schedule will be easier in '07, if the team is going to make the playoffs, it must upgrade its one glaring weakness -- the wide receiver position. Face it, the Jaguars have never recovered from Jimmy Smith's retirement.They had arguably the worst receiving corps in the NFL last season. The trio of Matt Jones, Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford combined for just over 1,700 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns -- hardly stellar numbers. Not only were those statistics subpar, but it often looked like somebody sprayed the wideouts' fingers with butter. Dan Marino probably wouldn't have fared much better with this group. So whether it's through free agency or the draft, the Jags must acquire a top-flight receiver. Donte' Stallworth and Drew Bennett are the two best unrestricted free agents with big-play ability. Joe Horn and Eric Moulds just became available after being released by the New Orleans Saints and the Houston Texans, respectively. Any of the aforementioned players would be major upgrades to the Jags' present group of pass catchers. Leftwich is an old-school pocket passer and needs receivers who will run precise routes 6 Sanchez White Jersey
and hold onto the ball. Without that, it doesn't matter whom the Jaguars start at quarterback -- the results won't be pretty. Naming Leftwich as the starting QB was the right call by Del Rio. Now, the Jags' front office needs to get Leftwich some help. Did you know th is one of the few national football portals that churns out daily NFL and NCAA coverage during the offseason? Tell your friends about us.
so long to decide what was obvious, but then again, he never should have benched Leftwich in the first place.But after a 3-3 start last season, Del Rio did what many coaches reflexively do when things aren't going exactly as planned -- he changed quarterbacks. And while Del Rio used his gimpy ankle as the reason for the benching of Leftwich and crowning of David Garrard, Leftwich let it be known that he was willing to play through the pain. So it was clear that the head coach had simply lost faith in the quarterback who had led his Jaguars to the playoffs in 2005.And while Garrard wasn't horrible, it was clear that Leftwich was and is the superior player. More than anything that had to do with Leftwich, the Jaguars' troubles last season stemmed from ill-timed injuries, some heartbreaking losses, and an absolutely brutal schedule.While Jacksonville's schedule will be easier in '07, if the team is going to make the playoffs, it must upgrade its one glaring weakness -- the wide receiver position. Face it, the Jaguars have never recovered from Jimmy Smith's retirement.They had arguably the worst receiving corps in the NFL last season. The trio of Matt Jones, Reggie Williams and Ernest Wilford combined for just over 1,700 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns -- hardly stellar numbers. Not only were those statistics subpar, but it often looked like somebody sprayed the wideouts' fingers with butter. Dan Marino probably wouldn't have fared much better with this group. So whether it's through free agency or the draft, the Jags must acquire a top-flight receiver. Donte' Stallworth and Drew Bennett are the two best unrestricted free agents with big-play ability. Joe Horn and Eric Moulds just became available after being released by the New Orleans Saints and the Houston Texans, respectively. Any of the aforementioned players would be major upgrades to the Jags' present group of pass catchers. Leftwich is an old-school pocket passer and needs receivers who will run precise routes 6 Sanchez White Jersey
and hold onto the ball. Without that, it doesn't matter whom the Jaguars start at quarterback -- the results won't be pretty. Naming Leftwich as the starting QB was the right call by Del Rio. Now, the Jags' front office needs to get Leftwich some help. Did you know th is one of the few national football portals that churns out daily NFL and NCAA coverage during the offseason? Tell your friends about us.
Jacksonville Jaguars Preview Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Expect........to see the ball travel in Matt Jones' direction frequently with the first team on the field. Jones is looking quicker off the line of scrimmage than he did at the end of last season, and appears to finally be displaying the 4.37 speed that scouts raved about at last year's scouting combine. According to the coaching staff, Jones' route-running has improved by leaps and bounds during training camp. Compare Jones' first-year statistics to those of players like Antwaan Randle El, Hines Ward or Drew Bennett, and it's obvious that Jones performed above the curve Vikings Brett Favre jersey
for a rookie receiver entering the league while making a positional transition. History has shown that college quarterbacks who switch to receiver during their maiden season in the NFL have a tough time running routes and displaying the physicality that makes a great receiver. In his first year, Jones' statistics trumped those of the aforementioned QB/WRs in every significant category, especially touchdowns. With five TD grabs in his first year, Jones has solidified himself as a bona fide red-zone threat. Last week, although, he spent some time in the slot, Jones was featured as the Jaguars' X receiver. If that designation carries on to Saturday's game against the Panthers, look to see him running long routes and threatening the deep ball the way he did with a 50-yard touchdown reception last week.....to see a decreased number of drops this week. Coaches Mike Tice and Steve Walters have reportedly lost a lot of patience in a receiving corps that was at the top of the NFL in drops last year. After last week's dropping bonanza against the Dolphins, Tice let players know (very vocally) that a lack of concentration does not pay dividends on the field and will not be tolerated. Hopefully, this "culture shock" is the beginning of a new offensive attitude accompanied by higher standards set by the players for themselves. As former Jaguar Tony Boselli pointed out earlier this week, the disparity in mentality between offense and defense is evidenced by the sideline interviews of defensive leader Mike Peterson and offensive leader Byron Leftwich during the Dolphins game. Leftwich had a more lackadaisical attitude toward the deficient offense seen in the first few series' than Mike Peterson did toward the defense's inefficiency, saying that, "The team is notorious for slow starts. I don't know why."Though there are a myriad of reasons "why", ultimately, a lot of blame has to fall on receivers that are unable to keep their hands on well-thrown passes. Last year, Leftwich's QB rating was a rock solid 89.3 - ninth in the league among starting quarterbacks of 32 teams. Though Leftwich's completion percentage was slightly below that of backup David Garrard, his passer rating (against much tougher opposition) was six points ahead, and with a QB squad where all three quarterbacks have an 80+ passer rating, the man behind center obviously isn't the problem. Someone needed to light a fire under these receivers, and hopefully that someone has.....to see a fade pass into the end zone with almost every early red-zone opportunity. The Jaguars have a first-string receiving group that averages almost 6-foot-5, making jump balls thrown into the end zone almost a requirement for offensive play caller Carl Smith. Jones and Ernest Wilford both benefited significantly from their height in the end zone last year, with five and seven touchdowns, respectively. This Harlem Globetrotters-like trait is a real advantage, especially in a league where starting cornerbacks rarely have a height advantage against receivers much shorter than Jones, Reggie Williams and Wilford. Mike Tice made a living in Minnesota throwing Randy Moss the jump ball in the corner of the end zone. Expect to see those sorts of 4 Brett Favre White jersey
plays called quite a bit on Saturday.....to see David Garrard take a few snaps with the first-string offense. No, this isn't a continuation of the perceived "quarterback controversy" that Jacksonville has had to laughingly endure over the last few years. Both Jack Del Rio and Garrard have made it clear that the job is Leftwich's to lose, not Garrard's to gain. Del Rio has been quoted, stating as definitively as possible, that Leftwich is the starting quarterback for this team. Period. Earlier this week, Del Rio mused that he may give Garrard and Quinn Gray some time with the first-string offense to get a better evaluation of their burgeoning talent. Is he trying to showcase one of these quarterbacks for a possible trade? Maybe. ....to see Chad Owens get some time working with the first-string offense. In only his first game (albeit preseason) since last year's debacle in Indianapolis, Owens has already come a long way. The nervousness and doubt that dominated that disastrous initial experience appears to have been completely erased from his psyche. When Owens opted not to accept Del Rio's challenge to play in NFL Europe earlier this year, to "spend time with his family", the common belief around the Jacksonville community was that Owens had licked the seal on his fate and was destined for another year on the practice squad, or perhaps, the waiver wire. Chad quickly and methodically put those rumors to rest after ending the Dolphins game with 86 yards - fourth most in the NFL. Owens hooked up with Garrard for two huge gains: one was a 24-yard deep middle pass that required a backward adjustment, and the other was a 62-yard touchdown pass on a perfectly-run route that ended with a waltz into the end zone.....to see local high school standout and former Clemson star Jamaal Fudge get a lot of action. Fudge was very impressive last week. He notched eight tackles, three assists and a sack against the Dolphins. Though he earned All-Conference honors and picked off 10 passes during his tenure as a safety at Clemson, Fudge was overlooked in the draft due to his diminutive size. At 5-9, Fudge is probably too short to be an effective safety, but if he's able to make a smooth transition to cornerback or shine on special teams, he'll have a good shot at making the practice squad and moving up to the active roster next year. Still, don't count him off of the 53-man roster this year. Fan favorite Nick Sorenson is going to have to fend Fudge off if he wants to maintain his spot on the team.....to see the Jaguars play musical chairs with their offensive line. The "Line Dance" should be in full force on Saturday, as Del Rio and co. try to get a thorough evaluation of the linemen. The offensive line was often isolated last year as an area of heightened concern, and quite a few offseason moves have validated that opinion.Down-on-their-luck former first-rounders Mike Williams and Stockar McDougle were brought in to compete with some of the starters who finished with subpar seasons last year. Troubled lineman Wayne Hunter and UDFA guard Richard Collier were also signed to the tentative roster to push starters or push for unlikely starting spots of their own. Rounding out the changes to the offensive line are new coaches Andy Heck and Mike Tice. Heck is a former offensive lineman himself, and Tice was among the best offensive line coaches in the league before his promotion to head coach in Minnesota. Hopefully these stalwarts can right the ship that seems, so far, to be sailing in the same direction as last year. Vince Manuwai was wildly inconsistent at left guard against the Dolphins, and Mo Williams offered little protection on the right side. Out of 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
the starting crew, only Brad Meester and Chris Naeole looked solid. If you are among the vocal few who believe that Leftwich should be the sole scapegoat for the first team's stagnant play last week, make it a point to watch the protection he gets from the offensive line this week.Next Week: vs. Bucs....Stay with Realfootball365.com for more on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
for a rookie receiver entering the league while making a positional transition. History has shown that college quarterbacks who switch to receiver during their maiden season in the NFL have a tough time running routes and displaying the physicality that makes a great receiver. In his first year, Jones' statistics trumped those of the aforementioned QB/WRs in every significant category, especially touchdowns. With five TD grabs in his first year, Jones has solidified himself as a bona fide red-zone threat. Last week, although, he spent some time in the slot, Jones was featured as the Jaguars' X receiver. If that designation carries on to Saturday's game against the Panthers, look to see him running long routes and threatening the deep ball the way he did with a 50-yard touchdown reception last week.....to see a decreased number of drops this week. Coaches Mike Tice and Steve Walters have reportedly lost a lot of patience in a receiving corps that was at the top of the NFL in drops last year. After last week's dropping bonanza against the Dolphins, Tice let players know (very vocally) that a lack of concentration does not pay dividends on the field and will not be tolerated. Hopefully, this "culture shock" is the beginning of a new offensive attitude accompanied by higher standards set by the players for themselves. As former Jaguar Tony Boselli pointed out earlier this week, the disparity in mentality between offense and defense is evidenced by the sideline interviews of defensive leader Mike Peterson and offensive leader Byron Leftwich during the Dolphins game. Leftwich had a more lackadaisical attitude toward the deficient offense seen in the first few series' than Mike Peterson did toward the defense's inefficiency, saying that, "The team is notorious for slow starts. I don't know why."Though there are a myriad of reasons "why", ultimately, a lot of blame has to fall on receivers that are unable to keep their hands on well-thrown passes. Last year, Leftwich's QB rating was a rock solid 89.3 - ninth in the league among starting quarterbacks of 32 teams. Though Leftwich's completion percentage was slightly below that of backup David Garrard, his passer rating (against much tougher opposition) was six points ahead, and with a QB squad where all three quarterbacks have an 80+ passer rating, the man behind center obviously isn't the problem. Someone needed to light a fire under these receivers, and hopefully that someone has.....to see a fade pass into the end zone with almost every early red-zone opportunity. The Jaguars have a first-string receiving group that averages almost 6-foot-5, making jump balls thrown into the end zone almost a requirement for offensive play caller Carl Smith. Jones and Ernest Wilford both benefited significantly from their height in the end zone last year, with five and seven touchdowns, respectively. This Harlem Globetrotters-like trait is a real advantage, especially in a league where starting cornerbacks rarely have a height advantage against receivers much shorter than Jones, Reggie Williams and Wilford. Mike Tice made a living in Minnesota throwing Randy Moss the jump ball in the corner of the end zone. Expect to see those sorts of 4 Brett Favre White jersey
plays called quite a bit on Saturday.....to see David Garrard take a few snaps with the first-string offense. No, this isn't a continuation of the perceived "quarterback controversy" that Jacksonville has had to laughingly endure over the last few years. Both Jack Del Rio and Garrard have made it clear that the job is Leftwich's to lose, not Garrard's to gain. Del Rio has been quoted, stating as definitively as possible, that Leftwich is the starting quarterback for this team. Period. Earlier this week, Del Rio mused that he may give Garrard and Quinn Gray some time with the first-string offense to get a better evaluation of their burgeoning talent. Is he trying to showcase one of these quarterbacks for a possible trade? Maybe. ....to see Chad Owens get some time working with the first-string offense. In only his first game (albeit preseason) since last year's debacle in Indianapolis, Owens has already come a long way. The nervousness and doubt that dominated that disastrous initial experience appears to have been completely erased from his psyche. When Owens opted not to accept Del Rio's challenge to play in NFL Europe earlier this year, to "spend time with his family", the common belief around the Jacksonville community was that Owens had licked the seal on his fate and was destined for another year on the practice squad, or perhaps, the waiver wire. Chad quickly and methodically put those rumors to rest after ending the Dolphins game with 86 yards - fourth most in the NFL. Owens hooked up with Garrard for two huge gains: one was a 24-yard deep middle pass that required a backward adjustment, and the other was a 62-yard touchdown pass on a perfectly-run route that ended with a waltz into the end zone.....to see local high school standout and former Clemson star Jamaal Fudge get a lot of action. Fudge was very impressive last week. He notched eight tackles, three assists and a sack against the Dolphins. Though he earned All-Conference honors and picked off 10 passes during his tenure as a safety at Clemson, Fudge was overlooked in the draft due to his diminutive size. At 5-9, Fudge is probably too short to be an effective safety, but if he's able to make a smooth transition to cornerback or shine on special teams, he'll have a good shot at making the practice squad and moving up to the active roster next year. Still, don't count him off of the 53-man roster this year. Fan favorite Nick Sorenson is going to have to fend Fudge off if he wants to maintain his spot on the team.....to see the Jaguars play musical chairs with their offensive line. The "Line Dance" should be in full force on Saturday, as Del Rio and co. try to get a thorough evaluation of the linemen. The offensive line was often isolated last year as an area of heightened concern, and quite a few offseason moves have validated that opinion.Down-on-their-luck former first-rounders Mike Williams and Stockar McDougle were brought in to compete with some of the starters who finished with subpar seasons last year. Troubled lineman Wayne Hunter and UDFA guard Richard Collier were also signed to the tentative roster to push starters or push for unlikely starting spots of their own. Rounding out the changes to the offensive line are new coaches Andy Heck and Mike Tice. Heck is a former offensive lineman himself, and Tice was among the best offensive line coaches in the league before his promotion to head coach in Minnesota. Hopefully these stalwarts can right the ship that seems, so far, to be sailing in the same direction as last year. Vince Manuwai was wildly inconsistent at left guard against the Dolphins, and Mo Williams offered little protection on the right side. Out of 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
the starting crew, only Brad Meester and Chris Naeole looked solid. If you are among the vocal few who believe that Leftwich should be the sole scapegoat for the first team's stagnant play last week, make it a point to watch the protection he gets from the offensive line this week.Next Week: vs. Bucs....Stay with Realfootball365.com for more on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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