Dear LeBron James,Do you want to be immortal?Do you want to be king?Do you want to be the greatest of all time?Because if you do and I'm sure you do, then there is only one place to go: New York.Frank Sinatra once sang, "If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere, its up to you, New York, New York."Or what about your boy, Jay Z, wasn't he the one that said, "In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York, these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you, let's here it for New York, New York, New York."Now LeBron, I know your decision will certainly not be based on music, but if there is a song about Cleveland being the greatest city in the world, I've never heard it.Hint: Cleveland Washington Redskins jersey
can't hold a candle to New York City.LeBron, I'm sure you've been to New York before and is there any greater feeling then walking through Times Square,then past Broadway and hitting up the New York clubs?Well, I'll tell you what is better: doing all that as a star for one of our beloved New York teams.Don't want to take my word for it?Just ask Mark Messier, Willis Reed, or Derek Jeter.In fact maybe you should talk to Mark Messier. Ask him how greatly appreciated a star is in New York.Messier ended a 54-year drought for the Rangers as champions. Ask him what it was like to hold a championship in Madison Square Garden.Messier won six Stanley Cups in his career (five in Edmonton, one in New York) and he will tell you that he would trade his first five for the one he got in New York.What made it so great was that he brought the Rangers their first Stanley Cup in over half a century.Well, the Knicks haven't won a championship since 1973 and you better believe that if you lead the Knicks back to glory, your name will instantly be immortal.Your name would go with the likes of Namath, Messier, Reed and Jeter. How does that sound, LeBron?LeBron, you did once say, "To get a standing ovation in the greatest basketball arena in the world is a dream come true for me," after you had dropped 50 on the Knicks.Man, if that was a dream come true for you then just wait until yousee what would happen if you won a championship here.LeBron, do yourself a favor and go one YouTube and search "Rangers win 1994 Stanley Cup" and tell me if that celebration wouldn't be a "dream come true" for you.LeBron, this may come as a suprise to you, but New York is a basketball city. We have the best streetballers in the world and although it may seem like the Yankees own this place, they would take a backseat to the Knicks if you came.The Knicks unfortunately never won a championship in the 1990s, so if New York fans got behind the ring-less Patrick Ewing the way they did, just imagine how much they would love the ring-less LeBron (Well you probably wouldn't be ringless for long, but you get my point).You say you want to win a championship and you might be thinking that staying with the first place Cavs would be the best way to doReebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
that, right?Well that is wrong.Do you really think you have a great supporting cast in Cleveland?A 39-year old Shaq, Antwan Jamison and Mo Williams are not winning any Oscars.Don't fool yourself, LeBron, the only reason that team is even in the playoffs is because of you.Do the Cavs have a better team than the Knicks?Absolutely.Are they good enough to give you incentive to stay?Absolutely not.Lets face the facts, any team you join is an instant title contender.In fact, joining the Knicks would give you a better shot at a title than staying with the Cavs would.Knicks GM Donnie Walsh has freed up enough cap space to offer two maximum contracts this summer.Even if we can only get a guy like Carlos Boozer with our second contract, that would still be the best player you've ever played with, LeBron.Not to mention, we have a sharpshooter who can play defense in Danilo Gallinari, a point guard of the future in Toney Douglas, an up and coming swingman in Wilson Chandler, and a solid scorer off the bench in Bill Walker.Let's take a look at that lineup:PG: Toney DouglasSG: Wilson ChandlerSF: LeBron JamesPF: Danilo GallinariC: Carlos BoozerSixth Man: Bill WalkerThat certainly isn't far off from the Cavs right now in my opinion.Also in 2011 Eddy "I make $11 Million to sit on the bench" Curry comes off the books and Carmelo Anthony is a free agent.This is the same Carmelo Anthony who went to college in Syracuse, New York. Hint: Melo + LeBron = Automatic Championship.However, your decision this summer should be based on more than just your supporting cast, because a player of your skill will win a championship one day regardless.Your decision this summer should be based on how you want to live for the rest of your life.Do you want to stay in Cleveland and watch Jake Westbrook and the Indians or do you want to come to New York and watch C.C Sabathia and the Yankees?Do you want to be a hero in Ohio or do you want to be a hero in New York?Do you want to be Mike Bossy (theunappreciated star for the Islanders four-peat) or do you want to be Mark Messier (the man who ended the Rangers 54-year drought as champions and is now immortal in New York)?Do you want to live in the shadow ofReebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
the Buckeyes or do you want others to live in your shadow?Do you want to hang out with Grady Sizemore or do you want to hang out with Derek Jeter.Do you want to play at Quicken Loans Arena or do you want to play at Madison Square Garden?And as for the most important question of all: Do you want to be legendary or do you want to be immortal?The choice is yours, LeBron, but if you think about it, there is really no choice at all.Just remember, a legend dies, but an immortal lives forever.New York is the only city that creates immortals.Yours Truly,Mike A.
2010年12月30日星期四
2010年12月29日星期三
29 Dec 10 NBA Playoffs Preview Prediction: Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats
Orlando Magic vsCharlotte BobcatsSeason Series: Orlando 3-1* This is just one of the eight preview's for the first round, click below for all eight previews *NBA PlayoffsPreviews and PredictionsRound One Games Before the season started, theOrlando Magic picked up Vince "Cry Baby" Carter Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
and has he improved their team? I'd say yes, but last year they went 59-23 and this year they are 59-23. Hmm....Vince has definitely helped, though, by averaging over 16.0 points a game in just over 30 minutes a night, but the Magic are Dwight Howard's team. Dude is a freak. He leads the league in rebounds and blocks, averages over 13 and 2.5 respectively, and leads the Magic in points with just shy of 20 points per game. Much like Cleveland, the Orlando management has done a fabulous job at giving Howard all the pieces of the puzzle he needs to get back to the NBA Finals, and this time win it.Howard leads the team. Carter was brought into be the difference-maker, but Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson know they are just as pivotal to Orlando's success as any player on the team. If the Magic can stay healthy and sixth-man J.J. Reddick and Mickael Pietrus can come off the bench and give Orlando's starters the break they need while keeping them ahead of the Bobcats on the scoreboard, the Magic are going to be extremely hard to beat.Just because LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant all put up almost 30 points a game (10 points more than Howard), doesn't mean Dwight Howard is a freak and can't not only take over a game offensively but defensively better than anyone. The Magic went 3-1 against Boston, 3-1 against Atlanta, and 3-1 againstCleveland, and with how much stronger these four teams are than the rest of the Eastern Conference, you may verywell see Orlando back in the NBA Finals. They play their best basketball against their best opponents and I expect the Magic to go deep in the playoffs. The question is, Will Vince Carter be the wimp he's been in Toronto and New Jersey and complain about his toe, or foot, or shoulder, or back? Let's hope not, because the addition of "Vinsanity" should give the Magic the final piece to win the Championship.TheCharlotte Bobcats are in the the playoffs for the first time ever, congratulations to the Arizona Cardinals jersey
CharlotteHornets, uhh,the New Orleans Hornets, Bobcats. The Bobcats come from the Southeast, which is packed with Orlando, Atlanta, and Miami, who all made the playoffs (along with the abysmal Washington Wizards) and even though they have never finished better than fourth in the Southeast, for the first year ever they've clinched a playoff berth.It hasn't been with the play of their former big-name draft picks Emeka Okafor (now in New Orleans) and Adam Morrison (L.A. Lakers) but the steady and consistent players they've picked up (other than Felton). Steven Jackson, who is playing on his sixth NBA team, has led the Bobcats to where their fans have wanted them to be since the days of the Hornets. Jackson and Gerald Wallace lead the team, combining for almost 40 points per game and over 15 rebounds. Wallace has been on the team for the last six seasons after coming over from the Sacramento Kings and, as mentioned above, starting point guard Raymond Felton is really the only draft pick who has worked out for Charlotte.When Felton is not scoring points himself, he does a fabulous job of distributing the ball to whichever of his teammates have the hot hand that night. Even Boris Diaw and Theo Ratliff kick in their share, while Tyrus Thomas and Tyson Chandler (he suffered a injury in the last game of the season and won't be at 100%) add to what Diaw and Ratliff already do, and no matter who is out there Charlotte doesn't lose much offensively. Charlotte lost the first three games to Orlando earlier in the season (two games in November, one in January) but most recently in March, they knocked off Orlando, 96-89, as Jackson led the way with 28 points. The problem for the Bobcats (other than the fact they are playing the Magic), is that Atlanta Falcons jersey
they are a banged-up team. In the last couple games of the season, Thomas, Jackson, and Felton were all listed as day-to-day with either dislocated fingers, tweaked hamstrings, or flu-like symptoms. Whether it's from being banged up, or swept by the Magic, all that Charlotte is going to see is black and blue.The Coach's Pick:MAGIC in FOUR
and has he improved their team? I'd say yes, but last year they went 59-23 and this year they are 59-23. Hmm....Vince has definitely helped, though, by averaging over 16.0 points a game in just over 30 minutes a night, but the Magic are Dwight Howard's team. Dude is a freak. He leads the league in rebounds and blocks, averages over 13 and 2.5 respectively, and leads the Magic in points with just shy of 20 points per game. Much like Cleveland, the Orlando management has done a fabulous job at giving Howard all the pieces of the puzzle he needs to get back to the NBA Finals, and this time win it.Howard leads the team. Carter was brought into be the difference-maker, but Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson know they are just as pivotal to Orlando's success as any player on the team. If the Magic can stay healthy and sixth-man J.J. Reddick and Mickael Pietrus can come off the bench and give Orlando's starters the break they need while keeping them ahead of the Bobcats on the scoreboard, the Magic are going to be extremely hard to beat.Just because LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant all put up almost 30 points a game (10 points more than Howard), doesn't mean Dwight Howard is a freak and can't not only take over a game offensively but defensively better than anyone. The Magic went 3-1 against Boston, 3-1 against Atlanta, and 3-1 againstCleveland, and with how much stronger these four teams are than the rest of the Eastern Conference, you may verywell see Orlando back in the NBA Finals. They play their best basketball against their best opponents and I expect the Magic to go deep in the playoffs. The question is, Will Vince Carter be the wimp he's been in Toronto and New Jersey and complain about his toe, or foot, or shoulder, or back? Let's hope not, because the addition of "Vinsanity" should give the Magic the final piece to win the Championship.TheCharlotte Bobcats are in the the playoffs for the first time ever, congratulations to the Arizona Cardinals jersey
CharlotteHornets, uhh,the New Orleans Hornets, Bobcats. The Bobcats come from the Southeast, which is packed with Orlando, Atlanta, and Miami, who all made the playoffs (along with the abysmal Washington Wizards) and even though they have never finished better than fourth in the Southeast, for the first year ever they've clinched a playoff berth.It hasn't been with the play of their former big-name draft picks Emeka Okafor (now in New Orleans) and Adam Morrison (L.A. Lakers) but the steady and consistent players they've picked up (other than Felton). Steven Jackson, who is playing on his sixth NBA team, has led the Bobcats to where their fans have wanted them to be since the days of the Hornets. Jackson and Gerald Wallace lead the team, combining for almost 40 points per game and over 15 rebounds. Wallace has been on the team for the last six seasons after coming over from the Sacramento Kings and, as mentioned above, starting point guard Raymond Felton is really the only draft pick who has worked out for Charlotte.When Felton is not scoring points himself, he does a fabulous job of distributing the ball to whichever of his teammates have the hot hand that night. Even Boris Diaw and Theo Ratliff kick in their share, while Tyrus Thomas and Tyson Chandler (he suffered a injury in the last game of the season and won't be at 100%) add to what Diaw and Ratliff already do, and no matter who is out there Charlotte doesn't lose much offensively. Charlotte lost the first three games to Orlando earlier in the season (two games in November, one in January) but most recently in March, they knocked off Orlando, 96-89, as Jackson led the way with 28 points. The problem for the Bobcats (other than the fact they are playing the Magic), is that Atlanta Falcons jersey
they are a banged-up team. In the last couple games of the season, Thomas, Jackson, and Felton were all listed as day-to-day with either dislocated fingers, tweaked hamstrings, or flu-like symptoms. Whether it's from being banged up, or swept by the Magic, all that Charlotte is going to see is black and blue.The Coach's Pick:MAGIC in FOUR
2010年12月28日星期二
28 Dec 10 If Cleveland Cavaliers Lose in Semifinals Will It Change LeBron James' Fate?
: Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesThe ultimate nightmare has doomed upon the city of Cleveland.After suffering year in and year out, Cleveland has finally found their golden opportunity to actually win in a sport.And now this...an injured LeBron James.Honestly, what could be worse?In Game One of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
the Eastern Conference semifinals the Boston Celtics led for the majority of the game. It was quite apparent to anyone watching the contest that LeBron James was clearly not himself.James went 4-for-9 from the field in the first half, scoring 14 points, while missing four easy lay-ups in the first 12 minutes of action.From the looks of things it seemed as if James' elbow was hindering his ability to perform and that his bold statement to Cavs fans that they had nothing to worry about was of major concern.After leading by as many as 11 points, the Celtics blew their lead and King James resurrected, going 5-for-10 from the field, knocking down two clutch three-pointers and ultimately capturing the W.James didn't win this game, the Celtics lost it.In Game Two the Celtics managed to silence the Q Arena, entering the fourth quarter with a 23-point lead against the Cavaliers (a team that only lost six games at home during the regular season) and eventually securing the victory (only the second loss for the Cavaliers during their last 15 games at the Q in the postseason).Once again LeBron James seemed virtually unnoticed on the court, especially for a player that ranked fifth in the league in field goals attempted during the regular season.It now seems like more of a reality that James is indeed injured and that the Cleveland Cavaliers are in huge trouble from here on out.With the series now tied 1-1 and Boston gaining home-court advantage, is there a possibility that LeBron James' fate will change if the Cavaliers disappointingly lose in the second round of the playoffs?The King has yet to give the city of Cleveland his commitment in re-signing with the Cavaliers.If his team goes down against the Celtics they will have missed out in the NBA Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
Finals during the two seasons that they lead the league record-wise.While I have been one of those people that never expected LJ to depart from Cleveland, losing will certainly give James every reason to reconsider his current decision.I mean, why would he want to remain with a team that continues to fall short in the postseason?I don't want to get ahead of myself, but just remember that if Cleveland doesn't make it all the way to the NBA Finals (which doesn't seem very likely at this exact moment in time) Cavaliers fans have much more to worry about than just capturing their first championship ring
the Eastern Conference semifinals the Boston Celtics led for the majority of the game. It was quite apparent to anyone watching the contest that LeBron James was clearly not himself.James went 4-for-9 from the field in the first half, scoring 14 points, while missing four easy lay-ups in the first 12 minutes of action.From the looks of things it seemed as if James' elbow was hindering his ability to perform and that his bold statement to Cavs fans that they had nothing to worry about was of major concern.After leading by as many as 11 points, the Celtics blew their lead and King James resurrected, going 5-for-10 from the field, knocking down two clutch three-pointers and ultimately capturing the W.James didn't win this game, the Celtics lost it.In Game Two the Celtics managed to silence the Q Arena, entering the fourth quarter with a 23-point lead against the Cavaliers (a team that only lost six games at home during the regular season) and eventually securing the victory (only the second loss for the Cavaliers during their last 15 games at the Q in the postseason).Once again LeBron James seemed virtually unnoticed on the court, especially for a player that ranked fifth in the league in field goals attempted during the regular season.It now seems like more of a reality that James is indeed injured and that the Cleveland Cavaliers are in huge trouble from here on out.With the series now tied 1-1 and Boston gaining home-court advantage, is there a possibility that LeBron James' fate will change if the Cavaliers disappointingly lose in the second round of the playoffs?The King has yet to give the city of Cleveland his commitment in re-signing with the Cavaliers.If his team goes down against the Celtics they will have missed out in the NBA Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
Finals during the two seasons that they lead the league record-wise.While I have been one of those people that never expected LJ to depart from Cleveland, losing will certainly give James every reason to reconsider his current decision.I mean, why would he want to remain with a team that continues to fall short in the postseason?I don't want to get ahead of myself, but just remember that if Cleveland doesn't make it all the way to the NBA Finals (which doesn't seem very likely at this exact moment in time) Cavaliers fans have much more to worry about than just capturing their first championship ring
2010年12月27日星期一
27 Dec 10 NBA Finals 2010, Lakers vs. Celtics: What Both Teams Want To Say, But Can't
Jim Rogash/Getty ImagesThe Lakers are heading to Phoenix for Game Three and the Celtics are heading home for the same, but the NBA finals are set not because of the teams being up two a piece. They Lakers will play the Celtics in the Finals because history demands it.It is an old axiom, but it still stands true. Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
To be the best you have to beat the best. Nothing less will do.In 1988, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the rising Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. In 1999, there was a rematch in the Finals, with the Detroit Pistons taking the title from the Champion Lakers, and then defending it against them again in the next year.In 1991, the Chicago Bulls defeated the two-time NBA Champion Detroit Pistons to make it the Finals, a team that had defeated them in the Semi-Finals for two years straight. They demolished the Lakers in the Finals that year (4-1), a perennial threat in the West, and never looked back, winning three NBA Championships in a row.All great teams feel cheated when they don't get a chance to unseat the great team before them. Houston will always have an asterisk next to their championship because they never defeated the Michael Jordan led Bulls of the first three-peat.With one of the best centers of all time, Hakeem Olajuwon, surrounded by a team built to counter the Bulls with the likes of Clyde Drexler (vs. Jordan), Robert Horry (vs. Scottie Pippen),Otis Thorpe (vs. Horace Grant),Sam Cassell (vs. John Paxton), and with a cast of talent in Kenny Smith, Vernon Maxwell, and Mario Elie; as fans we were cheated of seeing the best talent in the league face off.Similar to the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao proposed fight, if the best doesn't face the best, we all lose.Though the players won't say it (the politically correct line is for the teams to say that they don't care who they face in the Finals), both the Lakers and the Celtics wants to face each other.Beyond the storied rivalry, the Lakers want to face the team that defeated them in the Finals two seasons ago and the Celtics want to prove that they are still the superior team.Since the Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
Lakers defeated the Magic in last year's Finals, and the Celtics will have to beat them to get to the Finals this year, it negates them from the equation.The 2008 NBA Champion Celtics versus the 2009 NBA Champion Lakers is the matchup the fans deserve and the players want to see, no matter what they say...and history agrees with them.
To be the best you have to beat the best. Nothing less will do.In 1988, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the rising Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. In 1999, there was a rematch in the Finals, with the Detroit Pistons taking the title from the Champion Lakers, and then defending it against them again in the next year.In 1991, the Chicago Bulls defeated the two-time NBA Champion Detroit Pistons to make it the Finals, a team that had defeated them in the Semi-Finals for two years straight. They demolished the Lakers in the Finals that year (4-1), a perennial threat in the West, and never looked back, winning three NBA Championships in a row.All great teams feel cheated when they don't get a chance to unseat the great team before them. Houston will always have an asterisk next to their championship because they never defeated the Michael Jordan led Bulls of the first three-peat.With one of the best centers of all time, Hakeem Olajuwon, surrounded by a team built to counter the Bulls with the likes of Clyde Drexler (vs. Jordan), Robert Horry (vs. Scottie Pippen),Otis Thorpe (vs. Horace Grant),Sam Cassell (vs. John Paxton), and with a cast of talent in Kenny Smith, Vernon Maxwell, and Mario Elie; as fans we were cheated of seeing the best talent in the league face off.Similar to the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao proposed fight, if the best doesn't face the best, we all lose.Though the players won't say it (the politically correct line is for the teams to say that they don't care who they face in the Finals), both the Lakers and the Celtics wants to face each other.Beyond the storied rivalry, the Lakers want to face the team that defeated them in the Finals two seasons ago and the Celtics want to prove that they are still the superior team.Since the Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
Lakers defeated the Magic in last year's Finals, and the Celtics will have to beat them to get to the Finals this year, it negates them from the equation.The 2008 NBA Champion Celtics versus the 2009 NBA Champion Lakers is the matchup the fans deserve and the players want to see, no matter what they say...and history agrees with them.
2010年12月26日星期日
26 Dec 10 Can The Houston Rockets Woo Chris Bosh?
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesAfter the February 18 NBA trade deadline, Daryl Morey (general manager of the Houston Rockets) Houston is now more likely to be a participant in the 2010 free agency bonanza than a observer after trading the $23 million expiring contract of Tracy McGrady. With Morey behind the wheel Houston has a legitimate shot at any non Lebron James free agent. The player most linked to joining the Rockets these past few weeks? All-Star power forward Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors. A sign and trade with the Raptors isReebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
the most likely method of acquiring Bosh considering all the assets on the Rockets roster. A quick look at all of the assets the Rockets have at their disposal.Aaron BrooksTrevor ArizaJordan HillKyle LowryChase BudingerJermaine TaylorDraft rights to Sergio LlullHilton ArmstrongRockets 2010 first (lottery pick?)Knicks 2011 (must be swapped with Rockets '11 first) + 2012 first round picksThat is A LOT of attractive assets and plenty of different scenarios for Daryl Morey to play with. It is tough to say what exactly Houston will give up with all the possibilities. However, a look back at the trade deadline in mid-February may give us some clues as to how Houston may proceed. According to ESPN.com J.A. Adande, the Rockets offered veterans Shane Battier and Luis Scola, multiple draft picks and the expiring contract of Brian Cook for Stoudemire(link the article to the whole trade thing). But Adande also reported that Phoenix denied Houston a physical for Stoudemire and Houston backed out because of Stoudemire well known injury history.Who initiated the talks is still unknown but the pieces are whats interesting, namely the multiple draft picks. Is Houston really willing to trade away two draft picks that in a best case scenario are the 2nd and 6th overall picks in 2011/2012? My guess is that Morey will dangle only one of the two and use the other pick later on in the year, perhaps near the trade deadline. The expiring contracts of Battier and Jeffries will most likely be included, but I wouldn't rule out Scola being involved in the trade because I doubt a player as skilled as he is wants to play backup to Bosh. And the final piece, the young prospect, Jordan Hill makes the most sense but Aaron Brooks is by no means out of the question. It really depends on how Morey Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
views Brooks, does he view him as a championship point guard or is he souring on his lack of defense and playmaking abilities? Considering that it will be difficult to replace a player like Aaron, Jordan will be the bait. You have to also consider the fact that Houston, not the Toronto Raptors, has the leverage in the trade talks (again if Bosh desires to go to Houston).I do feel that Bosh is not worth a max contract but I don think there is any way that Houston will pass on Bosh even if he demands the max, which he likely will.All in all I think a package of 2011 and/or 2012 Knicks first + Battier + Jared Jeffries + Hill will be the offer. Im reluctant about adding the second Knicks pick unless we absolutely have to in a trade. Houston may have to add a bit more to up to the ante due to tough competition with the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, but I don think well be throwing all our resources at Bosh.One issue I do worry about is that will Bosh still be interested in joining the Rockets with Yao, Kevin Martin and Brooks on the team? He has said in the past that he wants to be 'the man' and all three of those players will want their touches on a stacked roster. Bosh can probably make the most cash in Houston. We can give him the max and with him playing next to Yao, he would become HUGE in China. Imagine the endorsements and jersey sales and he could be competing with Yao, Lebron and co. for the fan favorite of Chinese fans. The same thing happened with McGrady.Houston's offer doesn't have to be the best, its more about where Bosh wants to go rather than Toronto's preference. If Bosh likes Houston enough and our offer is pretty solid then we could be one of the favorites.Now what if Bosh decides to pass on Houston and goes elsewhere or resigns with Toronto? Considering that Amar was nearly a Rocket two straight years in a row, Id say he our plan B. If Houston strikes out in free agency, then they can pursue a player currently under contract. Morey even has the assets to sneak into the top 5 or 6 picks in this year draft. There is also another option Houston hasstaying put, which would be perfectly fine. Houston has Yao coming back, a pair of all-star caliber players in our backcourt in Aaron Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
Brooks and Kevin Martin, solid veterans in Luis Scola and Shane Battier, an up and coming defensive specialist in Trevor Ariza, very promising rookies in Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger, and a best case scenario of the 2nd and 6th picks in the 2011 and 2012 drafts.No one knows what exactly Bosh is thinking at the moment. Hell, Bosh doesn even know where he is going in the offseason . We can only make assumptions based off the information given to us, and that information points to Houston being a solid candidate in the Chris Bosh sweepstakes.
the most likely method of acquiring Bosh considering all the assets on the Rockets roster. A quick look at all of the assets the Rockets have at their disposal.Aaron BrooksTrevor ArizaJordan HillKyle LowryChase BudingerJermaine TaylorDraft rights to Sergio LlullHilton ArmstrongRockets 2010 first (lottery pick?)Knicks 2011 (must be swapped with Rockets '11 first) + 2012 first round picksThat is A LOT of attractive assets and plenty of different scenarios for Daryl Morey to play with. It is tough to say what exactly Houston will give up with all the possibilities. However, a look back at the trade deadline in mid-February may give us some clues as to how Houston may proceed. According to ESPN.com J.A. Adande, the Rockets offered veterans Shane Battier and Luis Scola, multiple draft picks and the expiring contract of Brian Cook for Stoudemire(link the article to the whole trade thing). But Adande also reported that Phoenix denied Houston a physical for Stoudemire and Houston backed out because of Stoudemire well known injury history.Who initiated the talks is still unknown but the pieces are whats interesting, namely the multiple draft picks. Is Houston really willing to trade away two draft picks that in a best case scenario are the 2nd and 6th overall picks in 2011/2012? My guess is that Morey will dangle only one of the two and use the other pick later on in the year, perhaps near the trade deadline. The expiring contracts of Battier and Jeffries will most likely be included, but I wouldn't rule out Scola being involved in the trade because I doubt a player as skilled as he is wants to play backup to Bosh. And the final piece, the young prospect, Jordan Hill makes the most sense but Aaron Brooks is by no means out of the question. It really depends on how Morey Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
views Brooks, does he view him as a championship point guard or is he souring on his lack of defense and playmaking abilities? Considering that it will be difficult to replace a player like Aaron, Jordan will be the bait. You have to also consider the fact that Houston, not the Toronto Raptors, has the leverage in the trade talks (again if Bosh desires to go to Houston).I do feel that Bosh is not worth a max contract but I don think there is any way that Houston will pass on Bosh even if he demands the max, which he likely will.All in all I think a package of 2011 and/or 2012 Knicks first + Battier + Jared Jeffries + Hill will be the offer. Im reluctant about adding the second Knicks pick unless we absolutely have to in a trade. Houston may have to add a bit more to up to the ante due to tough competition with the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, but I don think well be throwing all our resources at Bosh.One issue I do worry about is that will Bosh still be interested in joining the Rockets with Yao, Kevin Martin and Brooks on the team? He has said in the past that he wants to be 'the man' and all three of those players will want their touches on a stacked roster. Bosh can probably make the most cash in Houston. We can give him the max and with him playing next to Yao, he would become HUGE in China. Imagine the endorsements and jersey sales and he could be competing with Yao, Lebron and co. for the fan favorite of Chinese fans. The same thing happened with McGrady.Houston's offer doesn't have to be the best, its more about where Bosh wants to go rather than Toronto's preference. If Bosh likes Houston enough and our offer is pretty solid then we could be one of the favorites.Now what if Bosh decides to pass on Houston and goes elsewhere or resigns with Toronto? Considering that Amar was nearly a Rocket two straight years in a row, Id say he our plan B. If Houston strikes out in free agency, then they can pursue a player currently under contract. Morey even has the assets to sneak into the top 5 or 6 picks in this year draft. There is also another option Houston hasstaying put, which would be perfectly fine. Houston has Yao coming back, a pair of all-star caliber players in our backcourt in Aaron Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
Brooks and Kevin Martin, solid veterans in Luis Scola and Shane Battier, an up and coming defensive specialist in Trevor Ariza, very promising rookies in Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger, and a best case scenario of the 2nd and 6th picks in the 2011 and 2012 drafts.No one knows what exactly Bosh is thinking at the moment. Hell, Bosh doesn even know where he is going in the offseason . We can only make assumptions based off the information given to us, and that information points to Houston being a solid candidate in the Chris Bosh sweepstakes.
2010年12月25日星期六
25 Dec 10 Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks Lighting Up NBA Scoreboards
Nick Laham/Getty ImagesMike DAntoni teams have never been known for their defensive play. They have been known to be high scoring squads. This year's New York Knicks team is no exception.The Knicks are third in the NBA with a scoring average of 107.7 points per game. The high-scoring tendencies have propelled the team into contention in the Eastern Conference.New York is 13-9, good enough for second place in the Atlantic Division, just four games behind the Boston Celtics. They are sixth in the entire Eastern Conference and well within playoff Oakland Raiders jersey
contention so far.Amar'e Stoudemire is leading the charge, averaging 25.3 points per game while shooting 53 percent. His 25.3 points per game is third in the entire NBA;Only Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant have averaged more points per game so far.It not just Stoudemire, though.Five Knicks are averaging at least 10 points per game. Along with Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari and Landry Fields all average double figures. Toney Douglas is right behind them with a 9.9 average.Continue readingthis articleat Double G Sports.
contention so far.Amar'e Stoudemire is leading the charge, averaging 25.3 points per game while shooting 53 percent. His 25.3 points per game is third in the entire NBA;Only Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant have averaged more points per game so far.It not just Stoudemire, though.Five Knicks are averaging at least 10 points per game. Along with Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari and Landry Fields all average double figures. Toney Douglas is right behind them with a 9.9 average.Continue readingthis articleat Double G Sports.
2010年12月24日星期五
24 Dec 10 L.A. Lakers: Sasha Vujacic's Concussion Adds To Lakers' Injury Woes
David Ramos/Getty ImagesAdd Sasha Vujacic's name to the list of early injuries that has the Los Angeles Lakers looking more like a hospital ward, rather than the defending NBA champions.Vujacic was struck in the head by an accidental elbow from Lamar Odom, and his indefinite St. Louis Rams jersey
return makes the regular season opener against the Houston Rockets even more of a mystery.At least we know injured center Andrew Bynum will not return until at least December.No one really has any idea whether or not Kobe Bryant will be available for the Oct. 26th season opener, and if his knee has improved from the previous 60 percent diagnosis, neither Bryant nor coach Phil Jackson seems inclined to say.The fact that concussions are tricky injuries and have garnered so much publicity lately, the Lakers will probably be very careful with Vujacic, which is definitely the right thing to do.The Lakers have a little less than two weeks before the season starts, and if Vujacic is unable to play, then Shannon Brown will likely see a heavy dose of minutes.Bryant, Brown and Vujacic are the only shooting guards on the Lakers roster, and any fill-in help would likely come from the combination of Steve Blake, Matt Barnes and rookie Devin Ebanks.Blake can play the shooting guard position, but the Lakers need him to focus his concentration on learning the point guard spot, because therein lies the majority of his responsibility.Barnes can also provide some relief in the absence of Vujacic and Brown, but it's highly doubtful any of them can come close to replicating Tennessee Titans jersey
Bryant's offensive production.Ebanks can play spot duty, but it's unlikely Jackson will take a chance on the rookie, despite the favorable circumstances caused by the rash of injuries.At times Jackson's attitude towards rookies is stubborn and irrational, but considering he has won 11 NBA championships, there is little room to question his motives.Brown proved last season that he could be effective in Bryant's absence, and he even scored a career-high 27 points in a game during that period.But, 27 points per game was Bryant's average last season, and whatever combination of players the Lakers have healthy and available will struggle to match that number on a consistent basis.The brunt of the scoring responsibility will likely fall on the shoulders of Pau Gasol and Odom, but their burden will be increased unless the Lakers perimeter players can hit some shots.If the guards are ineffective it won't take long for the opposition to pack the middle of the paint and dare the Lakers to hit some perimeter shots.If no one Washington Redskins jersey
on the Lakers roster can step up, a season that has began with an ominous tone could transform into something even worse.Vujacic is scheduled to be examined further today, and hopefully he is cleared to play by the time the regular season starts.In the past I would have never thought that the health of Vujacic would be essential to a good start for the Lakers, but during these uncertaintimes, even the importance of his play has been magnified
return makes the regular season opener against the Houston Rockets even more of a mystery.At least we know injured center Andrew Bynum will not return until at least December.No one really has any idea whether or not Kobe Bryant will be available for the Oct. 26th season opener, and if his knee has improved from the previous 60 percent diagnosis, neither Bryant nor coach Phil Jackson seems inclined to say.The fact that concussions are tricky injuries and have garnered so much publicity lately, the Lakers will probably be very careful with Vujacic, which is definitely the right thing to do.The Lakers have a little less than two weeks before the season starts, and if Vujacic is unable to play, then Shannon Brown will likely see a heavy dose of minutes.Bryant, Brown and Vujacic are the only shooting guards on the Lakers roster, and any fill-in help would likely come from the combination of Steve Blake, Matt Barnes and rookie Devin Ebanks.Blake can play the shooting guard position, but the Lakers need him to focus his concentration on learning the point guard spot, because therein lies the majority of his responsibility.Barnes can also provide some relief in the absence of Vujacic and Brown, but it's highly doubtful any of them can come close to replicating Tennessee Titans jersey
Bryant's offensive production.Ebanks can play spot duty, but it's unlikely Jackson will take a chance on the rookie, despite the favorable circumstances caused by the rash of injuries.At times Jackson's attitude towards rookies is stubborn and irrational, but considering he has won 11 NBA championships, there is little room to question his motives.Brown proved last season that he could be effective in Bryant's absence, and he even scored a career-high 27 points in a game during that period.But, 27 points per game was Bryant's average last season, and whatever combination of players the Lakers have healthy and available will struggle to match that number on a consistent basis.The brunt of the scoring responsibility will likely fall on the shoulders of Pau Gasol and Odom, but their burden will be increased unless the Lakers perimeter players can hit some shots.If the guards are ineffective it won't take long for the opposition to pack the middle of the paint and dare the Lakers to hit some perimeter shots.If no one Washington Redskins jersey
on the Lakers roster can step up, a season that has began with an ominous tone could transform into something even worse.Vujacic is scheduled to be examined further today, and hopefully he is cleared to play by the time the regular season starts.In the past I would have never thought that the health of Vujacic would be essential to a good start for the Lakers, but during these uncertaintimes, even the importance of his play has been magnified
2010年12月23日星期四
23 Dec 10New York Knicks' QB of the D: Team Depends on Ronny Turiaf To Lead the Defense
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesUpon being acquired from the Warriors, Ronny Turiaf was expected to be the Knicks’ starting center. Known for his intense defense, Turiaf had immediately garnered comparisons to other Knicks’ big men greats such as Charles Oakley and Anthony Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
Mason. The team was optimistic he would deliver such a presence.Instead, Coach D’Antoni went with a young prospect, naming Timofey Mozgov the team’s starting center to start the season. While Mozgov has proven to be highly ineffective thus far, Turiaf made his impact coming off the bench, self proclaiming himself as the “quarterback” of the Knicks’ defense.The ironic thing is, Turiaf is right. After lacking a defensive intensity for so many seasons, Turiaf enlists a different mentality for the Knicks. Besides simply being a big man who throws his body around (and that he does), Turiaf shot-blocking ability and rebounding constantly gives the team a boost.During Knicks’ recent six game losing streak, much of which Turiaf sat out of with an injury, the team certainly felt the void.Coach D’Antoni has since conveyed that he was unaware of the type of role Turiaf would have played entering the season, the fact of the matter is, Turiaf’s specialty is the type of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
impact he makes. He won’t score 20 points, nor is he a stat sheet stuffer. He will, however, be seen diving for a loose ball, lunging over an opponent to block a shot, or even pumping his fists and patting his teammates on the block after a score.After being inserted into the starting lineup for the first time this season, Turiaf played 30 minutes, recording 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, during the Knicks’ 113-106 victory over the Kings. The long losing streak was finally broken. Defense wins ballgames, and that’s what Turiaf is all about.Turiaf is sure to be in the starting lineup again Friday night as the Knicks visit his former team, the Golden State Warriors. The same cannot be said, however, for Turiaf's former Warriors teammates Anthony Randolph and Kelenna Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
Azubuike. Randolph is at risk of receiving a "DNP-Coach's Decision" after falling out of the rotation, and Azubuike is out nursing an injury.On a team that is similar to the Knicks in regards to how much offensive firepower they have, Turiaf is sure to lead the way in stopping such offensive prowess.For Keith's Knicks coverage and much more, visit Knicks Journal. Follow Knicks Journal on Twitter.
Mason. The team was optimistic he would deliver such a presence.Instead, Coach D’Antoni went with a young prospect, naming Timofey Mozgov the team’s starting center to start the season. While Mozgov has proven to be highly ineffective thus far, Turiaf made his impact coming off the bench, self proclaiming himself as the “quarterback” of the Knicks’ defense.The ironic thing is, Turiaf is right. After lacking a defensive intensity for so many seasons, Turiaf enlists a different mentality for the Knicks. Besides simply being a big man who throws his body around (and that he does), Turiaf shot-blocking ability and rebounding constantly gives the team a boost.During Knicks’ recent six game losing streak, much of which Turiaf sat out of with an injury, the team certainly felt the void.Coach D’Antoni has since conveyed that he was unaware of the type of role Turiaf would have played entering the season, the fact of the matter is, Turiaf’s specialty is the type of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
impact he makes. He won’t score 20 points, nor is he a stat sheet stuffer. He will, however, be seen diving for a loose ball, lunging over an opponent to block a shot, or even pumping his fists and patting his teammates on the block after a score.After being inserted into the starting lineup for the first time this season, Turiaf played 30 minutes, recording 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, during the Knicks’ 113-106 victory over the Kings. The long losing streak was finally broken. Defense wins ballgames, and that’s what Turiaf is all about.Turiaf is sure to be in the starting lineup again Friday night as the Knicks visit his former team, the Golden State Warriors. The same cannot be said, however, for Turiaf's former Warriors teammates Anthony Randolph and Kelenna Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
Azubuike. Randolph is at risk of receiving a "DNP-Coach's Decision" after falling out of the rotation, and Azubuike is out nursing an injury.On a team that is similar to the Knicks in regards to how much offensive firepower they have, Turiaf is sure to lead the way in stopping such offensive prowess.For Keith's Knicks coverage and much more, visit Knicks Journal. Follow Knicks Journal on Twitter.
2010年12月22日星期三
NBA Free Agency: The Knicks Show They Are Serious Players
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesIf Lebron James is wondering just how serious the New York Knicks are about improving the franchise, then their latest signing should send a clear message of seriousness.On Monday, the Knicks agreed on a deal in principle with free agent Cleveland Browns jersey
forward Amar'e Stoudemire. Stoudemire has reportedly agreed to a five-year $99.7 million contract that hopefully will lure King James to New York City. The power forward will be reunited with Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni whom he flourished under while playing in Phoenix.While Stoudemire still has question marks on the defensive end, and with his ability to consistently rebound, this signing was indeed important for the Knicks. New York had to show James that they are serious about building a winner around him and the signing of Stoudermire surely did that.After Sunday's meeting between the Knicks and Lebron's representatives to "clear the air" it was apparent that Lebron was still interested in the Knicks and also was interested in playing with Stoudemire whom he had lobbied to play with in Cleveland. Once the Knickerbockers were aware that signing the 27-year-old forward would not hinder their chances of getting James they decided to step up to plate.Have the Knicks hit a home run?Well, the ball is still traveling and we are all patiently waiting to see where it lands when King James announces his decision potentially later this week. However, New York did the right thing by stepping up to the plate and taking their best shot since their meeting with James Dallas Cowboys jersey
last week to convince him to come to New York. With the Knicks becoming virtually irrelevant in New York over the past decade, they had no choice but to show that they would be serious players in this summer's free agency bonanza.Adding a player of All-Star talent like Stoudemire should be appealing to James considering he has never played with a sidekick even close to the talent of the Knicks' free agent addition. James, who is masterful with the ball in his hands, could form a deadly pick and roll combo with Stoudemire in New York for years to come.However, there is the possibility that James does not come to New York at all, but that does not take away from the Knicks making a solid move. Even without King James gracing the Garden next season, the Knicks have improved themselves immensely via free agency. The move to sign Stoudemire will be attractive to upcoming free agents as well that could potentially sign with the Knicks next summer.The bottom line here is the Knicks stepped up when they Denver Broncos jersey
needed to, which is something that could not be said about the organization for a long time. They changed the game by being the first team to really make a significant move in the Lebron sweepstakes. Hopefully, showing that they did not plan to sit around and wait goes a long way....the Lebron way
forward Amar'e Stoudemire. Stoudemire has reportedly agreed to a five-year $99.7 million contract that hopefully will lure King James to New York City. The power forward will be reunited with Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni whom he flourished under while playing in Phoenix.While Stoudemire still has question marks on the defensive end, and with his ability to consistently rebound, this signing was indeed important for the Knicks. New York had to show James that they are serious about building a winner around him and the signing of Stoudermire surely did that.After Sunday's meeting between the Knicks and Lebron's representatives to "clear the air" it was apparent that Lebron was still interested in the Knicks and also was interested in playing with Stoudemire whom he had lobbied to play with in Cleveland. Once the Knickerbockers were aware that signing the 27-year-old forward would not hinder their chances of getting James they decided to step up to plate.Have the Knicks hit a home run?Well, the ball is still traveling and we are all patiently waiting to see where it lands when King James announces his decision potentially later this week. However, New York did the right thing by stepping up to the plate and taking their best shot since their meeting with James Dallas Cowboys jersey
last week to convince him to come to New York. With the Knicks becoming virtually irrelevant in New York over the past decade, they had no choice but to show that they would be serious players in this summer's free agency bonanza.Adding a player of All-Star talent like Stoudemire should be appealing to James considering he has never played with a sidekick even close to the talent of the Knicks' free agent addition. James, who is masterful with the ball in his hands, could form a deadly pick and roll combo with Stoudemire in New York for years to come.However, there is the possibility that James does not come to New York at all, but that does not take away from the Knicks making a solid move. Even without King James gracing the Garden next season, the Knicks have improved themselves immensely via free agency. The move to sign Stoudemire will be attractive to upcoming free agents as well that could potentially sign with the Knicks next summer.The bottom line here is the Knicks stepped up when they Denver Broncos jersey
needed to, which is something that could not be said about the organization for a long time. They changed the game by being the first team to really make a significant move in the Lebron sweepstakes. Hopefully, showing that they did not plan to sit around and wait goes a long way....the Lebron way
NBA Free Agency: The Knicks Show They Are Serious Players
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesIf Lebron James is wondering just how serious the New York Knicks are about improving the franchise, then their latest signing should send a clear message of seriousness.On Monday, the Knicks agreed on a deal in principle with free agent Cleveland Browns jersey
forward Amar'e Stoudemire. Stoudemire has reportedly agreed to a five-year $99.7 million contract that hopefully will lure King James to New York City. The power forward will be reunited with Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni whom he flourished under while playing in Phoenix.While Stoudemire still has question marks on the defensive end, and with his ability to consistently rebound, this signing was indeed important for the Knicks. New York had to show James that they are serious about building a winner around him and the signing of Stoudermire surely did that.After Sunday's meeting between the Knicks and Lebron's representatives to "clear the air" it was apparent that Lebron was still interested in the Knicks and also was interested in playing with Stoudemire whom he had lobbied to play with in Cleveland. Once the Knickerbockers were aware that signing the 27-year-old forward would not hinder their chances of getting James they decided to step up to plate.Have the Knicks hit a home run?Well, the ball is still traveling and we are all patiently waiting to see where it lands when King James announces his decision potentially later this week. However, New York did the right thing by stepping up to the plate and taking their best shot since their meeting with James Dallas Cowboys jersey
last week to convince him to come to New York. With the Knicks becoming virtually irrelevant in New York over the past decade, they had no choice but to show that they would be serious players in this summer's free agency bonanza.Adding a player of All-Star talent like Stoudemire should be appealing to James considering he has never played with a sidekick even close to the talent of the Knicks' free agent addition. James, who is masterful with the ball in his hands, could form a deadly pick and roll combo with Stoudemire in New York for years to come.However, there is the possibility that James does not come to New York at all, but that does not take away from the Knicks making a solid move. Even without King James gracing the Garden next season, the Knicks have improved themselves immensely via free agency. The move to sign Stoudemire will be attractive to upcoming free agents as well that could potentially sign with the Knicks next summer.The bottom line here is the Knicks stepped up when they Denver Broncos jersey
needed to, which is something that could not be said about the organization for a long time. They changed the game by being the first team to really make a significant move in the Lebron sweepstakes. Hopefully, showing that they did not plan to sit around and wait goes a long way....the Lebron way
forward Amar'e Stoudemire. Stoudemire has reportedly agreed to a five-year $99.7 million contract that hopefully will lure King James to New York City. The power forward will be reunited with Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni whom he flourished under while playing in Phoenix.While Stoudemire still has question marks on the defensive end, and with his ability to consistently rebound, this signing was indeed important for the Knicks. New York had to show James that they are serious about building a winner around him and the signing of Stoudermire surely did that.After Sunday's meeting between the Knicks and Lebron's representatives to "clear the air" it was apparent that Lebron was still interested in the Knicks and also was interested in playing with Stoudemire whom he had lobbied to play with in Cleveland. Once the Knickerbockers were aware that signing the 27-year-old forward would not hinder their chances of getting James they decided to step up to plate.Have the Knicks hit a home run?Well, the ball is still traveling and we are all patiently waiting to see where it lands when King James announces his decision potentially later this week. However, New York did the right thing by stepping up to the plate and taking their best shot since their meeting with James Dallas Cowboys jersey
last week to convince him to come to New York. With the Knicks becoming virtually irrelevant in New York over the past decade, they had no choice but to show that they would be serious players in this summer's free agency bonanza.Adding a player of All-Star talent like Stoudemire should be appealing to James considering he has never played with a sidekick even close to the talent of the Knicks' free agent addition. James, who is masterful with the ball in his hands, could form a deadly pick and roll combo with Stoudemire in New York for years to come.However, there is the possibility that James does not come to New York at all, but that does not take away from the Knicks making a solid move. Even without King James gracing the Garden next season, the Knicks have improved themselves immensely via free agency. The move to sign Stoudemire will be attractive to upcoming free agents as well that could potentially sign with the Knicks next summer.The bottom line here is the Knicks stepped up when they Denver Broncos jersey
needed to, which is something that could not be said about the organization for a long time. They changed the game by being the first team to really make a significant move in the Lebron sweepstakes. Hopefully, showing that they did not plan to sit around and wait goes a long way....the Lebron way
2010年12月21日星期二
MLB Rule 5 Draft: Boston Red Sox Get Carl Crawford, New York Yankees Get Even
SATIRE — A whole new chapter was added to the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox bitter rivalry Thursday.The Red Sox signed all-star outfielder Carl Crawford to a 142 million dollar deal forcing the Yankees to make a move.Instead of just signing Cliff Lee, Brian Cashman came up with aningeniousplan.Signing Lee Kansas City Chiefs jersey
would only improve the Yankees. Cashman wanted to make a move that would improve the Yankees and hurt the Red Sox at the same time.Cashman's response: drafting Daniel Turpen in the MLB's Rule Five Draft.The rivalry of rivalries just got taken to a whole new level.Turpen is a 6'4" Goliath, a 215 pound tank that can mow down batters at the plate like a John Deer.Hehumblyboasts a fast ball that accelerates faster than aMaxximus G-Force at 94 miles per hour.Don't blink.Last season, he absolutely shut down opposing batters. No one could touch him as he produced a 4.3 ERA.Nolan Ryan who?At the young age of 24, he's not even at the top of his game yet. It's almost impossible to dream of him getting any better than he already is, but he has no ceiling.Will the Yankees lose a game next season with Daniel Turpen on Miami Dolphins jersey
the team?Will the Yankees lose a game next season with Daniel Turpen on the team?No55.6%No 44.4%Total votes: 81A few months into next season, C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez will all be jumped in terms of the greatest Yankees pick up of the past decade.The Yankees justslappedthe Red Sox organization right in the face Minnesota Vikings
.Babe Ruth left Boston a curse that lasted for 86 years. The curse Turpen leaves could, should, will last a life time.David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist and Writing Intern at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer
would only improve the Yankees. Cashman wanted to make a move that would improve the Yankees and hurt the Red Sox at the same time.Cashman's response: drafting Daniel Turpen in the MLB's Rule Five Draft.The rivalry of rivalries just got taken to a whole new level.Turpen is a 6'4" Goliath, a 215 pound tank that can mow down batters at the plate like a John Deer.Hehumblyboasts a fast ball that accelerates faster than aMaxximus G-Force at 94 miles per hour.Don't blink.Last season, he absolutely shut down opposing batters. No one could touch him as he produced a 4.3 ERA.Nolan Ryan who?At the young age of 24, he's not even at the top of his game yet. It's almost impossible to dream of him getting any better than he already is, but he has no ceiling.Will the Yankees lose a game next season with Daniel Turpen on Miami Dolphins jersey
the team?Will the Yankees lose a game next season with Daniel Turpen on the team?No55.6%No 44.4%Total votes: 81A few months into next season, C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez will all be jumped in terms of the greatest Yankees pick up of the past decade.The Yankees justslappedthe Red Sox organization right in the face Minnesota Vikings
.Babe Ruth left Boston a curse that lasted for 86 years. The curse Turpen leaves could, should, will last a life time.David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist and Writing Intern at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer
2010年12月19日星期日
20 Dec 10 ASU Football: NCAA Denies Sun Devils a Bowl Berth
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesNot even 24 hours after Arizona State's emotional victory over the Arizona Wildcats, the NCAA denied the Sun Devils access to the bowl season. After fighting and clawing to six wins, the Sun Devils still fell short, and the NCAA said, "No" to Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey their waiver appeal. This story began long before the 2010 season. Originally, ASU and San Jose State scheduled a non-conference game to be played in Tempe. Wisconsin offered San Jose State a significantly larger payout to play at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. As college football has turned out to be recently,SJSU spurned the Devils for more money and television exposure. Dennis Erickson and the Sun Devil's athletic department were left with an open date, and only 11 games on their schedule. The Sun Devils sought out a Division 1-A opponent, but none would budge. ASU's only option was scheduling a second FCS opponent, in addition to already scheduled Northern Arizona. This procedure is Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jerseysomewhat uncommon, but not unheard of. Per NCAA rules, seven wins would grant bowl access in this scenario. Entering the season, the Sun Devils were aware of the raised bar, but could not hurdle it with 12 opportunities. Although the games and competitive nature of Dennis Erickson's squad was a positive, especially after an excitement-filled rivalry win last night, the young squad could have benefited from three extra weeks of practice, and a 13th game (not to mention the bowl payout money), but it was not in the cards. Dennis Erickson and the Sun Devils now shift their focus to 2011 and the new Pac-12 conference.Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesAfter losing to Wisconsin, Stanford, and top-ranked Oregon, the Sun Devils played three of the nation's elite opponents to Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jerseythe wire, only to stub their toe, and fumble away each game. However, this should not overshadow the Sun Devil's accomplishment in Tucson last night. Brock Osweiler, Vontaze Burfict and Thomas Weber led ASU to one of the greatest Territorial Cup games of all-time, and that success will carry over to Spring football in 2011. Next Fall, the Sun Devils will be a force to be reckoned with in the inaugural PAC-12 South division, despite the NCAA's response today.
19 Dec 10 Philadelphia Eagles: Holy Vick!
At this point in the 2010 NFL season, there is no doubting that the MVP is Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who has still not thrown an interception.Vick came out shooting bullets, connecting on the first play of the game for an 88-yard touchdown pass to DeSean Jackson to Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
give the Eagles an early lead. Afterward, the fireworks came as the Eagles accounted for 59 points—the most in the history of Monday Night Football.Vick continues to set the league on fire and has continued his excellence against the Redskins, passing for 333 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns.In the history of the NFL, no one has ever passed for 300 yards, rushed for 50, scored four passing touchdowns and had two rushing touchdowns until tonight.Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles exploded for an NFL record 28 points (for a road team) in the first quarter. Those 28 points included two Vick touchdown passes, one Vick rushing touchdown and we might as well throw in a partridge in a pear tree.It seems like only an injury can slow Vick, as every time he is out on the field, he continues to dominate and perform unlike any Michael Vick we have ever seen.While many will say this is the Michael Vick from the past, this is not. This is a Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
Vick who can take his time in the pocket and spin/run out of trouble when needed.Will Vick Lead The Eagles To A Super Bowl?Will Vick Lead The Eagles To A Super Bowl?Yes86.4%No13.6%Total votes: 110The trust that he is showing in his receivers is something we never saw in Atlanta, and these accurate bullet passes are unstoppable. How do you even think about stopping him?After serving an 18-month prison sentence for his role in leading a dog-fighting ring, Michael Vick has given observers mixed emotions, and many continue to doubt him. But there is no doubting the statistics that he is putting up right now.Everyone is entitled to a second chance, and regardless of what anyone says, Michael Vick has served his time and his debt to society.The Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
problem is that a man or woman who has done something wrong in the eyes of the public is never actually free or has never paid his debt.Let the haters continue to bash Vick, because now they are just jealous he isn’t the starting quarterback of their team.
give the Eagles an early lead. Afterward, the fireworks came as the Eagles accounted for 59 points—the most in the history of Monday Night Football.Vick continues to set the league on fire and has continued his excellence against the Redskins, passing for 333 yards and four touchdowns, while also rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns.In the history of the NFL, no one has ever passed for 300 yards, rushed for 50, scored four passing touchdowns and had two rushing touchdowns until tonight.Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles exploded for an NFL record 28 points (for a road team) in the first quarter. Those 28 points included two Vick touchdown passes, one Vick rushing touchdown and we might as well throw in a partridge in a pear tree.It seems like only an injury can slow Vick, as every time he is out on the field, he continues to dominate and perform unlike any Michael Vick we have ever seen.While many will say this is the Michael Vick from the past, this is not. This is a Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
Vick who can take his time in the pocket and spin/run out of trouble when needed.Will Vick Lead The Eagles To A Super Bowl?Will Vick Lead The Eagles To A Super Bowl?Yes86.4%No13.6%Total votes: 110The trust that he is showing in his receivers is something we never saw in Atlanta, and these accurate bullet passes are unstoppable. How do you even think about stopping him?After serving an 18-month prison sentence for his role in leading a dog-fighting ring, Michael Vick has given observers mixed emotions, and many continue to doubt him. But there is no doubting the statistics that he is putting up right now.Everyone is entitled to a second chance, and regardless of what anyone says, Michael Vick has served his time and his debt to society.The Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
problem is that a man or woman who has done something wrong in the eyes of the public is never actually free or has never paid his debt.Let the haters continue to bash Vick, because now they are just jealous he isn’t the starting quarterback of their team.
2010年12月18日星期六
18 Dec 10 Dallas Cowboys Electrify New York Giants in Big Victory
Cowboys rookie Dez Bryant was perhaps the most electrifying thing in the Meadowlands on SundayJim McIsaac/Getty ImagesThe lights might have gone out for a while at the Meadowlands this past Sunday, but they seemed to come on for the Dallas Cowboys.Just one week after taking a total shelling in a 45-7 loss in Green Bay, the Dallas Cowboys and newly-named interim head coach Jason Garrett marched into New York Giants territory and won, 33-20.The game snapped a Cowboys losing streak that has caused a great deal of Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
shock in Dallas and a five-game winning streak that had many calling the Giants the best team in the NFC.“I thought the intensity was there in all three areas,” Garrett said in a post-game interview. “Guys were fighting for each other. We were challenged in all areas and I think we stepped up.”The Cowboys did appear to have a long-missing spark with Garrett as coach, looking more like the team that many people expected to contend for a Super Bowl rather than the team that started 1-7 and were forced to make a mid-season coaching change.Jon Kitna went 12-for-22 for 327 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, as young talent made the rest of the Cowboys headlines.Felix Jones was finally used as a main offensive weapon, starting at running back and gaining 51 yards on 14 carries and three catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. Most notable was a 71-yard catch and run by Jones that featured blocking the Cowboys had been unable to do in recent weeks.Felix Jones had his Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
best game of 2010, including a 71-yard TD catch and runJim McIsaac/Getty ImagesRookie Dez Bryant continued to rise, with three catches for 104 yards and a touchdown and an additional 86 yards on special teams. Bryant appears to taking over as a main offensive weapon for Dallas, outperforming even Miles Austin in recent games.Austin had two catches for 68 yards and a touchdown, his first score since Tony Romo's injury.When all was said and done, the Dallas Cowboys, a team called dead and lifeless just one week ago, ran up 427 total yards of offense against the top-ranked defense in the NFL.Rookie corner Bryan McCann also saw a chance to shine, using it to set a Dallas Cowboys team record as he intercepted Eli Manning and ran it back 101 yards for a score. This was just one of three New York turnovers.“I’ll tell you what, they played well,” Giants player Osi Umenyiora said. “They hit us with a lot of big plays. And we can’t afford to let an offense do that against us. All the credit goes to them.”Indeed the Dallas Cowboys showed life and looked like the team expected on the field this season. The energy brought in by changes at head coach and defensive coordinator and the play of their young Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
stars was the only light found in the Meadowlands for much of the evening.Dallas comes home to host the Detroit Lions on Sunday and the New Orleans Saints on Thanksgiving. Will this youthful spark carry the Cowboys through two games in five days? Discuss below.
shock in Dallas and a five-game winning streak that had many calling the Giants the best team in the NFC.“I thought the intensity was there in all three areas,” Garrett said in a post-game interview. “Guys were fighting for each other. We were challenged in all areas and I think we stepped up.”The Cowboys did appear to have a long-missing spark with Garrett as coach, looking more like the team that many people expected to contend for a Super Bowl rather than the team that started 1-7 and were forced to make a mid-season coaching change.Jon Kitna went 12-for-22 for 327 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, as young talent made the rest of the Cowboys headlines.Felix Jones was finally used as a main offensive weapon, starting at running back and gaining 51 yards on 14 carries and three catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. Most notable was a 71-yard catch and run by Jones that featured blocking the Cowboys had been unable to do in recent weeks.Felix Jones had his Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
best game of 2010, including a 71-yard TD catch and runJim McIsaac/Getty ImagesRookie Dez Bryant continued to rise, with three catches for 104 yards and a touchdown and an additional 86 yards on special teams. Bryant appears to taking over as a main offensive weapon for Dallas, outperforming even Miles Austin in recent games.Austin had two catches for 68 yards and a touchdown, his first score since Tony Romo's injury.When all was said and done, the Dallas Cowboys, a team called dead and lifeless just one week ago, ran up 427 total yards of offense against the top-ranked defense in the NFL.Rookie corner Bryan McCann also saw a chance to shine, using it to set a Dallas Cowboys team record as he intercepted Eli Manning and ran it back 101 yards for a score. This was just one of three New York turnovers.“I’ll tell you what, they played well,” Giants player Osi Umenyiora said. “They hit us with a lot of big plays. And we can’t afford to let an offense do that against us. All the credit goes to them.”Indeed the Dallas Cowboys showed life and looked like the team expected on the field this season. The energy brought in by changes at head coach and defensive coordinator and the play of their young Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
stars was the only light found in the Meadowlands for much of the evening.Dallas comes home to host the Detroit Lions on Sunday and the New Orleans Saints on Thanksgiving. Will this youthful spark carry the Cowboys through two games in five days? Discuss below.
2010年12月17日星期五
17 Dec 10 Eagles Are Easily the Best Team in the NFC After Win Over Giants
Michael Heiman/Getty ImagesWith Sunday's 27-17 win over the Giants, the Eagles are easily and hands down the best team in the NFC and possibly all of football. Not the Jets, not the Patriots, not the Falcons, not the Steelers nor the Saints. The Philadelphia Eagles are the best team and the most dynamic as well. The game wasn’t pretty by any accounts, but the Eagles have now shown that they can win by any fashion and how dangerous they are. They forced the Giants into five turnovers, while only committing two of Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
their own. The defense was more than opportunistic and preyed on the Giants' mistakes. The defense looked like it was about to fold its tent and take the night off to start the second half, allowing two touchdowns in the third quarter, but proceeded to hold the Giants to only 78 yards the rest of the way. DeSean Jackson didn’t have a big game, but Jeremy Maclin and Shady McCoy more than stepped up in his off-night and carried the offense. There are a couple things to be concerned with. Michael Vick is now going to see a lot of blitzes coming at him. The Giants gave him fits all night when they blitzed up the middle and to his left, forcing the left-hander to run to his right. Vick though was extremely smart and didn’t make any stupid throws across his body Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
into traffic, takikng the short yardage that the Giants defense gave him. Vick also committed his first turnover tonight after keeping the ball loose and down around his waist. I’m sure Andy Reid will hammer into his head to keep the ball up. Philadelphia also had a case of the drops tonight as the receivers dropped some key first-down catches and also two easy touchdown grabs. That took eight points off the board at the very least and maybe more. If the Eagles made all the catches that they normally would have, this game would have been a big blowout. It seemed like it was only Maclin out there making the big catches tonight. Every time there was a first down, it was Maclin. Every time there was a big catch and run it was Maclin. He was everywhere tonight. One more take away from this win is the way Reid called the final drive to set up McCoy's 50-yard touchdown run. The Giants were set up inside and showing that they were going to bring everything middle. The perfect pitchout call to McCoy would have Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
easily picked up a couple of yards, but because Shady is so shifty and so fast, he turned a four-yard run into a 50-yard touchdown. McCoy, Maclin and the defense were the MVPs for the game. It’s going to be very fun to see what this defense does to Jay Cutler and the Bears next week. For more on things other than sports visit www.kdn4.com and check out my personal blog.
their own. The defense was more than opportunistic and preyed on the Giants' mistakes. The defense looked like it was about to fold its tent and take the night off to start the second half, allowing two touchdowns in the third quarter, but proceeded to hold the Giants to only 78 yards the rest of the way. DeSean Jackson didn’t have a big game, but Jeremy Maclin and Shady McCoy more than stepped up in his off-night and carried the offense. There are a couple things to be concerned with. Michael Vick is now going to see a lot of blitzes coming at him. The Giants gave him fits all night when they blitzed up the middle and to his left, forcing the left-hander to run to his right. Vick though was extremely smart and didn’t make any stupid throws across his body Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
into traffic, takikng the short yardage that the Giants defense gave him. Vick also committed his first turnover tonight after keeping the ball loose and down around his waist. I’m sure Andy Reid will hammer into his head to keep the ball up. Philadelphia also had a case of the drops tonight as the receivers dropped some key first-down catches and also two easy touchdown grabs. That took eight points off the board at the very least and maybe more. If the Eagles made all the catches that they normally would have, this game would have been a big blowout. It seemed like it was only Maclin out there making the big catches tonight. Every time there was a first down, it was Maclin. Every time there was a big catch and run it was Maclin. He was everywhere tonight. One more take away from this win is the way Reid called the final drive to set up McCoy's 50-yard touchdown run. The Giants were set up inside and showing that they were going to bring everything middle. The perfect pitchout call to McCoy would have Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
easily picked up a couple of yards, but because Shady is so shifty and so fast, he turned a four-yard run into a 50-yard touchdown. McCoy, Maclin and the defense were the MVPs for the game. It’s going to be very fun to see what this defense does to Jay Cutler and the Bears next week. For more on things other than sports visit www.kdn4.com and check out my personal blog.
17 Dec 10 Eagles Are Easily the Best Team in the NFC After Win Over Giants
Michael Heiman/Getty ImagesWith Sunday's 27-17 win over the Giants, the Eagles are easily and hands down the best team in the NFC and possibly all of football. Not the Jets, not the Patriots, not the Falcons, not the Steelers nor the Saints. The Philadelphia Eagles are the best team and the most dynamic as well. The game wasn’t pretty by any accounts, but the Eagles have now shown that they can win by any fashion and how dangerous they are. They forced the Giants into five turnovers, while only committing two of Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
their own. The defense was more than opportunistic and preyed on the Giants' mistakes. The defense looked like it was about to fold its tent and take the night off to start the second half, allowing two touchdowns in the third quarter, but proceeded to hold the Giants to only 78 yards the rest of the way. DeSean Jackson didn’t have a big game, but Jeremy Maclin and Shady McCoy more than stepped up in his off-night and carried the offense. There are a couple things to be concerned with. Michael Vick is now going to see a lot of blitzes coming at him. The Giants gave him fits all night when they blitzed up the middle and to his left, forcing the left-hander to run to his right. Vick though was extremely smart and didn’t make any stupid throws across his body Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
into traffic, takikng the short yardage that the Giants defense gave him. Vick also committed his first turnover tonight after keeping the ball loose and down around his waist. I’m sure Andy Reid will hammer into his head to keep the ball up. Philadelphia also had a case of the drops tonight as the receivers dropped some key first-down catches and also two easy touchdown grabs. That took eight points off the board at the very least and maybe more. If the Eagles made all the catches that they normally would have, this game would have been a big blowout. It seemed like it was only Maclin out there making the big catches tonight. Every time there was a first down, it was Maclin. Every time there was a big catch and run it was Maclin. He was everywhere tonight. One more take away from this win is the way Reid called the final drive to set up McCoy's 50-yard touchdown run. The Giants were set up inside and showing that they were going to bring everything middle. The perfect pitchout call to McCoy would have Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
easily picked up a couple of yards, but because Shady is so shifty and so fast, he turned a four-yard run into a 50-yard touchdown. McCoy, Maclin and the defense were the MVPs for the game. It’s going to be very fun to see what this defense does to Jay Cutler and the Bears next week. For more on things other than sports visit www.kdn4.com and check out my personal blog.
their own. The defense was more than opportunistic and preyed on the Giants' mistakes. The defense looked like it was about to fold its tent and take the night off to start the second half, allowing two touchdowns in the third quarter, but proceeded to hold the Giants to only 78 yards the rest of the way. DeSean Jackson didn’t have a big game, but Jeremy Maclin and Shady McCoy more than stepped up in his off-night and carried the offense. There are a couple things to be concerned with. Michael Vick is now going to see a lot of blitzes coming at him. The Giants gave him fits all night when they blitzed up the middle and to his left, forcing the left-hander to run to his right. Vick though was extremely smart and didn’t make any stupid throws across his body Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
into traffic, takikng the short yardage that the Giants defense gave him. Vick also committed his first turnover tonight after keeping the ball loose and down around his waist. I’m sure Andy Reid will hammer into his head to keep the ball up. Philadelphia also had a case of the drops tonight as the receivers dropped some key first-down catches and also two easy touchdown grabs. That took eight points off the board at the very least and maybe more. If the Eagles made all the catches that they normally would have, this game would have been a big blowout. It seemed like it was only Maclin out there making the big catches tonight. Every time there was a first down, it was Maclin. Every time there was a big catch and run it was Maclin. He was everywhere tonight. One more take away from this win is the way Reid called the final drive to set up McCoy's 50-yard touchdown run. The Giants were set up inside and showing that they were going to bring everything middle. The perfect pitchout call to McCoy would have Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
easily picked up a couple of yards, but because Shady is so shifty and so fast, he turned a four-yard run into a 50-yard touchdown. McCoy, Maclin and the defense were the MVPs for the game. It’s going to be very fun to see what this defense does to Jay Cutler and the Bears next week. For more on things other than sports visit www.kdn4.com and check out my personal blog.
2010年12月16日星期四
16 Dec 10 Vince Young, Brett Favre, NFL Picks Week 12 and Tuesday's Late Sports News
Grant Halverson/Getty ImagesVince Young, Brett Favre and NFL Power Rankings are the leading sports topics today. There's controversy in Tennessee as head coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Vince Young are butting heads. It may have to come to a front office decision of who to keep: Young or Fisher? Brett Favre will have a tough task this season as his team is 3-7 and he'll have to deal with a new interim head coach with Brad Childress fired. How much longer will the Vikings keep relying on the 41-year-old Favre with their Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
season looking to be lost? While NFL Week 12 Power Rankings are cooking and almost ready for viewing. Which team is going to be on top? We'll find out soon. Stay right here for the latest news and hottest topics online. 10:06 PM ETBrett Favre Jenn Sterger Scandal: The Latest On Sterger's Request For MoneyBrett Favre doesn't want to pay Jenn Sterger any money, according to a statement by his agent Bus Cook to the Associated Press. Cook says he believes that money has been the main motivation for Sterger, the former Jets sideline reporter who allege...Read more » 09:49 PM ETNFL Picks Week 12: Lions vs. Patriots, Who Will Win Thanksgiving Day?NFL Picks Week 12: Lions vs. Patriots, Who Will Win Thanksgiving Day?Thursday, November 25, 12:30 EST.The Detroit Lions are a Thanksgiving constant. This year they will play host to the New England Patriots, arguably the best team out of the...Read more » 09:30 PM ETKobe Bryant: To Wear Grinch Nike Shoes For Christmas Kobe Bryant will be breaking out a new pair of kicks for Christmas this year.And they're neon green!The sneakers were inspired by Theodore Geisel's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"Christmas day will field a matchup between the two-time defending ...Read more » 07:15 PM ETVincent Jackson: Added To Roster, Ready To Help Lead Chargers To PlayoffsVincent Jackson, the controversial wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers is set to make his first appearance of the season this weekend against the Indianapolis ColtsAfter ending his contract holdout to start the season on October 29, Jackson s...Read more » 06:39 PM ETNFL Picks Week 12: Childress Fired, Will Brett Favre Lead Vikings Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
Over Redskins?NFL Picks Week 12: Minnesota Vikings vs. Washington RedskinsEarlier this season, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones cited that as a student of football history in season coaching changes don't really work out.Well, he fired coach Wade Phillips and t...Read more » 06:20 PM ETAL MVP: Josh Hamilton Overcomes Drug Addiction To WinAL MVP has been awarded to Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers.The Rangers outfielder helped lead his team all the way to the World Series this season for the first time in franchise history but eventually fell to the San Francisco Giants in five g...Read more » 05:59 PM ETBrett Favre: Is He Still The QB of Choice For Interim Coach Leslie Frazier?Brett Favre is playing in his 20th season in the NFL but all signs are pointing to a failed season for his Minnesota Vikings.On Monday, the Vikings owner Zygi Wilf fired head coach Brad Childress and replaced him with Leslie Frazier who was the de...Read more » 05:48 PM ETMarco Belinelli: Hornets SG Slumping Since Peja Stojakovic Trade Marco Belinelli is playing the majority of minutes at shooting guard for the New Orleans Hornets and his emergence in the team's starting rotation even forced the trade of sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic to Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
the Toronto Raptors.But now that Stojakovic...Read more » 05:27 PM ETVince Young: Fisher Says He Quit On Team, Exiled by From Practice FacilityVince Young made an appearance at the Tennesee Titans practice facility on Monday and was promptly asked to leave by a member of the Titans coaching staff.According to an ESPN report, Fisher acknowledged to ESPN's Chris Mortensen that he told his ...Read more »
season looking to be lost? While NFL Week 12 Power Rankings are cooking and almost ready for viewing. Which team is going to be on top? We'll find out soon. Stay right here for the latest news and hottest topics online. 10:06 PM ETBrett Favre Jenn Sterger Scandal: The Latest On Sterger's Request For MoneyBrett Favre doesn't want to pay Jenn Sterger any money, according to a statement by his agent Bus Cook to the Associated Press. Cook says he believes that money has been the main motivation for Sterger, the former Jets sideline reporter who allege...Read more » 09:49 PM ETNFL Picks Week 12: Lions vs. Patriots, Who Will Win Thanksgiving Day?NFL Picks Week 12: Lions vs. Patriots, Who Will Win Thanksgiving Day?Thursday, November 25, 12:30 EST.The Detroit Lions are a Thanksgiving constant. This year they will play host to the New England Patriots, arguably the best team out of the...Read more » 09:30 PM ETKobe Bryant: To Wear Grinch Nike Shoes For Christmas Kobe Bryant will be breaking out a new pair of kicks for Christmas this year.And they're neon green!The sneakers were inspired by Theodore Geisel's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!"Christmas day will field a matchup between the two-time defending ...Read more » 07:15 PM ETVincent Jackson: Added To Roster, Ready To Help Lead Chargers To PlayoffsVincent Jackson, the controversial wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers is set to make his first appearance of the season this weekend against the Indianapolis ColtsAfter ending his contract holdout to start the season on October 29, Jackson s...Read more » 06:39 PM ETNFL Picks Week 12: Childress Fired, Will Brett Favre Lead Vikings Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
Over Redskins?NFL Picks Week 12: Minnesota Vikings vs. Washington RedskinsEarlier this season, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones cited that as a student of football history in season coaching changes don't really work out.Well, he fired coach Wade Phillips and t...Read more » 06:20 PM ETAL MVP: Josh Hamilton Overcomes Drug Addiction To WinAL MVP has been awarded to Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers.The Rangers outfielder helped lead his team all the way to the World Series this season for the first time in franchise history but eventually fell to the San Francisco Giants in five g...Read more » 05:59 PM ETBrett Favre: Is He Still The QB of Choice For Interim Coach Leslie Frazier?Brett Favre is playing in his 20th season in the NFL but all signs are pointing to a failed season for his Minnesota Vikings.On Monday, the Vikings owner Zygi Wilf fired head coach Brad Childress and replaced him with Leslie Frazier who was the de...Read more » 05:48 PM ETMarco Belinelli: Hornets SG Slumping Since Peja Stojakovic Trade Marco Belinelli is playing the majority of minutes at shooting guard for the New Orleans Hornets and his emergence in the team's starting rotation even forced the trade of sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic to Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
the Toronto Raptors.But now that Stojakovic...Read more » 05:27 PM ETVince Young: Fisher Says He Quit On Team, Exiled by From Practice FacilityVince Young made an appearance at the Tennesee Titans practice facility on Monday and was promptly asked to leave by a member of the Titans coaching staff.According to an ESPN report, Fisher acknowledged to ESPN's Chris Mortensen that he told his ...Read more »
2010年12月15日星期三
Josh McDaniels the Link Between the Patriots and Broncos' Spygate?
Perhaps Todd Haley knew something the rest of us had yet to learn. Denver Broncos and itsHead Coach Josh McDaniels wereboth fined $50,000 by the NFL for engaging in what has already been dubbed Spygate II.
The origin of theNFL's latest scandal occurred overseas.When the Broncos matched up against the San Francisco 49ers in London on October 31, the Broncos video operations director Steve Scarnecchiaallegedly video tapedsix minutes of the 49ers walk-through practice and presented it to McDaniels.
A mere six minutes of video hasswitched the NFL's public relations damage control operation into full gear.
McDaniels claimed he neither told cheap nfl jerseys
Scarnecchia to make the tape, nor did he watch it after it was presented to him.The final score of the Broncos-49ers game seems to verify the truth in those statements as the 49ers won 24-16.
But is McDaniels telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Let's face it. McDaniels time as head coach of the Denver Broncos seems to be waning. Perhaps the idea of cheating wouldn't be far from his mind, especially when his mentor, New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick, engaged in it for years.
Yes, let's make that absolutely clear. Belichick and the Patriots were breaking the NFL's rules by videotaping their opponents coaching signals.Both Belichick and the Patriots were fined record amounts for these repeated violations, and the team was even stripped of a first round draft pick. For those Patriots fans who want to deny this reality, this is how NFL.com wrote of it on November 27, "The league's investigation determined New England had violated rules over several seasons."
The interesting connection here is that both McDaniels and Scarnecchia worked for the Patriots, while the original Spygate was taking place.
Scarnecchia worked for the Patriots between 2001 and 2005. As NFL.com wrote, "He [Scarnecchia] was found to have participated in the videotaping when he worked for the Patriots in the early 2000s." Because of this, Scarnecchia is facing expulsion from the NFL for a second offense.He may be barred from the league for life.
Let us go back a brief moment to early in the 2007 season, when the Spygate scandal originally broke. If you recall, the NFL (and by default, the Patriots) proclaimed that the videotaping of the Jets' signals was an "isolated incident."In fact, the "one and only tape" was securely in the NFL's possession. Of San Francisco 49ers jersey
course, a short time later, that "one and only tape" was aired on the Fox Sports NFL pre-game show.
Obviously, the NFL was lying. The Patriots were cheating for at least seven seasons by illegally videotaping their opponents, and the league had complaints from several teams prior to 2007, proving this to be true. The Patriots stillwon three Super Bowls during that era.Yet no one hints that these aretainted victories. Butif both the NFL and the Patriots spun the story in such a way as to downplay the truth and depth of the cheating occurring, then who's to say similar conduct is not on-going in Denver today?
The wagons have already been circled by both the league and the Broncos.
On the Broncos end, they conducted an "internal investigation" to make sure this wasn't more than an "isolated incident." Of course, they knew both McDaniels and Scarnecchia worked for the Patriots during the Spygate era, and that Scarnecchia had been reprimanded for his part in Spygate.
Despite being punished once, we're supposed to believe that Scarnecchia acted as a rogue agent in taping six minutes worth of the 49ers walk-through practice for apparently his own reasons. Why would he do this? What were his motives? Was it to garner more attention within the organization?Who knows, as he won't talk...yet.
As for McDaniels, he could've been fired outright for this incident (among other reasons).But he hasn't. Instead, McDaniels had to publicly apologize for something he claims to have had no part of. An odd admission for an innocent party. What's alsointeresting is that the NFL went out of nfl jerseys
its way to add that McDaniels had no part in the original Spygate scandal, and therefore wasn't facing the same fate as Scarnecchia.
The NFL clearly wants to squash this "isolated incident" immediately. It's investigation on the heels of the Broncos own(which reportedly included the confiscation of laptop computers)also "proved" there was nothing more to the story than the six minutes of tape that seemed to be worthless to all involved.
Commissioner Goodell issued the "all clear" signal, and otherNFL spokesmen have done their duty in putting a quick end to any questions of Spygate and its sequel.
The question is, should fans really believe it?
The origin of theNFL's latest scandal occurred overseas.When the Broncos matched up against the San Francisco 49ers in London on October 31, the Broncos video operations director Steve Scarnecchiaallegedly video tapedsix minutes of the 49ers walk-through practice and presented it to McDaniels.
A mere six minutes of video hasswitched the NFL's public relations damage control operation into full gear.
McDaniels claimed he neither told cheap nfl jerseys
Scarnecchia to make the tape, nor did he watch it after it was presented to him.The final score of the Broncos-49ers game seems to verify the truth in those statements as the 49ers won 24-16.
But is McDaniels telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Let's face it. McDaniels time as head coach of the Denver Broncos seems to be waning. Perhaps the idea of cheating wouldn't be far from his mind, especially when his mentor, New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick, engaged in it for years.
Yes, let's make that absolutely clear. Belichick and the Patriots were breaking the NFL's rules by videotaping their opponents coaching signals.Both Belichick and the Patriots were fined record amounts for these repeated violations, and the team was even stripped of a first round draft pick. For those Patriots fans who want to deny this reality, this is how NFL.com wrote of it on November 27, "The league's investigation determined New England had violated rules over several seasons."
The interesting connection here is that both McDaniels and Scarnecchia worked for the Patriots, while the original Spygate was taking place.
Scarnecchia worked for the Patriots between 2001 and 2005. As NFL.com wrote, "He [Scarnecchia] was found to have participated in the videotaping when he worked for the Patriots in the early 2000s." Because of this, Scarnecchia is facing expulsion from the NFL for a second offense.He may be barred from the league for life.
Let us go back a brief moment to early in the 2007 season, when the Spygate scandal originally broke. If you recall, the NFL (and by default, the Patriots) proclaimed that the videotaping of the Jets' signals was an "isolated incident."In fact, the "one and only tape" was securely in the NFL's possession. Of San Francisco 49ers jersey
course, a short time later, that "one and only tape" was aired on the Fox Sports NFL pre-game show.
Obviously, the NFL was lying. The Patriots were cheating for at least seven seasons by illegally videotaping their opponents, and the league had complaints from several teams prior to 2007, proving this to be true. The Patriots stillwon three Super Bowls during that era.Yet no one hints that these aretainted victories. Butif both the NFL and the Patriots spun the story in such a way as to downplay the truth and depth of the cheating occurring, then who's to say similar conduct is not on-going in Denver today?
The wagons have already been circled by both the league and the Broncos.
On the Broncos end, they conducted an "internal investigation" to make sure this wasn't more than an "isolated incident." Of course, they knew both McDaniels and Scarnecchia worked for the Patriots during the Spygate era, and that Scarnecchia had been reprimanded for his part in Spygate.
Despite being punished once, we're supposed to believe that Scarnecchia acted as a rogue agent in taping six minutes worth of the 49ers walk-through practice for apparently his own reasons. Why would he do this? What were his motives? Was it to garner more attention within the organization?Who knows, as he won't talk...yet.
As for McDaniels, he could've been fired outright for this incident (among other reasons).But he hasn't. Instead, McDaniels had to publicly apologize for something he claims to have had no part of. An odd admission for an innocent party. What's alsointeresting is that the NFL went out of nfl jerseys
its way to add that McDaniels had no part in the original Spygate scandal, and therefore wasn't facing the same fate as Scarnecchia.
The NFL clearly wants to squash this "isolated incident" immediately. It's investigation on the heels of the Broncos own(which reportedly included the confiscation of laptop computers)also "proved" there was nothing more to the story than the six minutes of tape that seemed to be worthless to all involved.
Commissioner Goodell issued the "all clear" signal, and otherNFL spokesmen have done their duty in putting a quick end to any questions of Spygate and its sequel.
The question is, should fans really believe it?
2010年12月13日星期一
NFL Week 13 Odds: Green Bay Packers Big Favorites Over San Francisco 49ers
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesThe Green Bay Packers host the San Francisco 49ers Sunday in a critical game for both teams.Each is trying to keep pace within their respective divisions and both are one game back. The 49ers (4-7) trail both the St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks who are 5-6 in the NFC Jets 6 Sanchez Jersey
West, while the Packers (7-4) are behind the 8-4 Chicago Bears in the NFC North. NFL odds for this showdown at Lambeau Field show us a line of Green Bay -9 over San Francisco with a total set of 41 points.The 49ers will try and end a long regular-season drought against the Packers on the road. They have not beaten Green Bay at Lambeau Field in 20 years during the regular season, and the Packers have won seven straight in this series overall.San Francisco last beat the Packers on the road 24-20 back in 1990, and their last win overall came with a home playoff victory in 1999.These teams met up last season at Lambeau, with he Packers winning 30-24 behind a great game from Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay’s quarterback completed 32 of 45 passes for 344 yards and two touchdowns to really stick it to Alex Smith.If you remember, the 49ers chose Smith with their No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft while passing up on Rodgers. These two have clearly gone in opposite directions. Rodgers is now an elite quarterback in this league, while Smith is basically and afterthought and is on his way to becoming one of the biggest busts of all-time.The 49ers have replaced Alex with Troy Smith, who is 3-1 as a starter for San Francisco.Though the 49ers won Monday night’s meeting with the Arizona Cardinals 27-6 overall, they suffered a big loss.Frank Gore will be out for the rest of the season due to a fractured right hip. Brian Westbrook came in and did an admirable job, rushing for 136 yards and a touchdowns on 23 carries. Westbrook will remain the featured back this week, while Anthony Dixon gives him a breather and likely takes the goal-line carries.But Gore will be missed, as he was 40 percent of the 49ers offense coming into their game against the Cardinals.“Frank is a big part of what we do—heart, soul, everything he brings is what you want,” coach Mike Singletary said. “But thankfully, Brian 4 Brett Favre White jersey
Westbrook is a mature, experienced leader and we just have to be careful about how we use him and how much exposure we allow him to see. I think there will be a good mixture between Brian Westbrook and Dixon. We’ll just have to see how we do that.”While the 49ers still have a running game, the Packers are still in search of one. Green Bay has only rushed for over 100 yards just once in their last six games, and a big reason has been the play of starting running back Brandon Jackson. He has compiled just 54 rushing yards on 24 carries, and this team clearly misses Ryan Grant.They have had to rely on Aaron Rodgers kind of like the Colts lean on Peyton Manning.Rodgers ranks fifth in the league in passing yards with 2,945, and he threw for 344 in a 20-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday.Rodgers drove them 90 yards and found Jordy Nelson on 4th-and-10 for a touchdown to tie the game at 17-17.But there were 56 seconds remaining, and a 15-yard penalty on special teams gave Atlanta the ball at midfield.The rest was history, as Matt Ryan drove them down and set up the game-winning field goal from Matt Bryant. Rodgers will be seeking his third straight game with at least 300 passing yards, a feat he has not accomplished in his young career.Green Bay is still playing well, and all four of their losses this season have come by three points each. So that’s how close they are to being undefeated, and they came into the Atlanta contest on a three-game winning streak where they had outscored their last three opponents 85-10.This team has been overcoming injuries all season and they simply show up every Sunday. The 49ers had every reason to pack it in after starting 0-5, Dallas Cowboys jersey
but have managed to win four of their last six overall to get right back in the division race.It helps that no team in the NFC West has a winning record, though.Projected Score: Packers 25, 49ers 16Jack Jones is red hot with his NFL picks, currently on a 66-41 (62%) NFL Sides run.
West, while the Packers (7-4) are behind the 8-4 Chicago Bears in the NFC North. NFL odds for this showdown at Lambeau Field show us a line of Green Bay -9 over San Francisco with a total set of 41 points.The 49ers will try and end a long regular-season drought against the Packers on the road. They have not beaten Green Bay at Lambeau Field in 20 years during the regular season, and the Packers have won seven straight in this series overall.San Francisco last beat the Packers on the road 24-20 back in 1990, and their last win overall came with a home playoff victory in 1999.These teams met up last season at Lambeau, with he Packers winning 30-24 behind a great game from Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay’s quarterback completed 32 of 45 passes for 344 yards and two touchdowns to really stick it to Alex Smith.If you remember, the 49ers chose Smith with their No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft while passing up on Rodgers. These two have clearly gone in opposite directions. Rodgers is now an elite quarterback in this league, while Smith is basically and afterthought and is on his way to becoming one of the biggest busts of all-time.The 49ers have replaced Alex with Troy Smith, who is 3-1 as a starter for San Francisco.Though the 49ers won Monday night’s meeting with the Arizona Cardinals 27-6 overall, they suffered a big loss.Frank Gore will be out for the rest of the season due to a fractured right hip. Brian Westbrook came in and did an admirable job, rushing for 136 yards and a touchdowns on 23 carries. Westbrook will remain the featured back this week, while Anthony Dixon gives him a breather and likely takes the goal-line carries.But Gore will be missed, as he was 40 percent of the 49ers offense coming into their game against the Cardinals.“Frank is a big part of what we do—heart, soul, everything he brings is what you want,” coach Mike Singletary said. “But thankfully, Brian 4 Brett Favre White jersey
Westbrook is a mature, experienced leader and we just have to be careful about how we use him and how much exposure we allow him to see. I think there will be a good mixture between Brian Westbrook and Dixon. We’ll just have to see how we do that.”While the 49ers still have a running game, the Packers are still in search of one. Green Bay has only rushed for over 100 yards just once in their last six games, and a big reason has been the play of starting running back Brandon Jackson. He has compiled just 54 rushing yards on 24 carries, and this team clearly misses Ryan Grant.They have had to rely on Aaron Rodgers kind of like the Colts lean on Peyton Manning.Rodgers ranks fifth in the league in passing yards with 2,945, and he threw for 344 in a 20-17 loss to the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday.Rodgers drove them 90 yards and found Jordy Nelson on 4th-and-10 for a touchdown to tie the game at 17-17.But there were 56 seconds remaining, and a 15-yard penalty on special teams gave Atlanta the ball at midfield.The rest was history, as Matt Ryan drove them down and set up the game-winning field goal from Matt Bryant. Rodgers will be seeking his third straight game with at least 300 passing yards, a feat he has not accomplished in his young career.Green Bay is still playing well, and all four of their losses this season have come by three points each. So that’s how close they are to being undefeated, and they came into the Atlanta contest on a three-game winning streak where they had outscored their last three opponents 85-10.This team has been overcoming injuries all season and they simply show up every Sunday. The 49ers had every reason to pack it in after starting 0-5, Dallas Cowboys jersey
but have managed to win four of their last six overall to get right back in the division race.It helps that no team in the NFC West has a winning record, though.Projected Score: Packers 25, 49ers 16Jack Jones is red hot with his NFL picks, currently on a 66-41 (62%) NFL Sides run.
2010年12月12日星期日
Broncos Scoop: Why McDaniels Was Fired Now, Elway To Return, Head Coach To Be...
The future of your Denver Broncos is in the hands of Pat Bowlen and John Elway.Harry How/Getty ImagesLets be perfectly clear: Josh McDaniels fate was pretty much sealed up following the egregious smack down the Raiders dropped at Invesco Field back on October 24. Sure, the McSpygate incident added reasons, but fans had turned on McDaniels before that; if you were going to point to a specific day that really meant Josh's demise, it had to be then.But the first question fans are asking has to be: Why now?Josh McDaniels was2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
likely fired now as a shrewd management decision by Pat Bowlen to make a rather unattractive head coaching job look more attractive in the future. The owner doesn't need Josh McDaniels out there trying to get a few wins (which he might have gotten over the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans) and hurting the Denver Broncos draft stock. And by that, I mean the Broncos are better off losing out.Why else would Pat Bowlen name Eric Studesville, the running back coach from the league's worst rushing attack, as interim head coach?The names "Wink" Martindale and Eric Studesville hardly strike fear into the hearts of other NFL teams. They sound more fit for roles in 1970s adult films than at the high perch of an NFL franchise.But the Broncos job, highly sought after upon Mike Shanahan's firing, has lost a lot of its luster. Josh McDaniels drove the high profile players out of town, and the team isn't within 10 miles of sniffing playoffs, or even a perpetual .500 record. In order to attract the next head coach, Bowlen is sowing the seeds for a high draft pick.Were you surprised the Josh McDaniels was fired during the season?Were you surprised the Josh McDaniels was fired during the season?Yes. I thought he would be around for another year at least.24.1%Yes. I thought Pat Bowlen would wait until the end of the season.24.1%No. This was the right time to fire him.17.2%What?! I would have fired him a long time ago.34.5%Total votes: 58It wouldn't be surprising if Studesville was instructed to start Tim Tebow, Demaryius Thomas (if healthy) and Eric Decker for the rest of the year. The rookies might as well get some playing time.It isn't coincidental that Josh McDaniels was fired the day after the Broncos were officially eliminated from the playoffs. Pat Bowlen could see the season was officially lost; there was no opportunity for recovery.The next question fans are asking is how much more housecleaning can be expected?Most of the coaching staff will be remolded, but that won't become official until a new, permanent head coach is installed. I expect a new GM to be brought in for the team; who that will be exactly is a bit up in the air.However one thing fans can get excited about is the high probability that John Elway will now return to the team in some sort of official capacity (other than occasional, "when I feel like it" adviser). Pat Bowlen and John Elway have a good relationship, and there have been rumors about his interest in getting involved with the team heating up over the past few weeks (as the McDaniels ship crashed into an iceberg).While Elway has always wanted to get back with the team, he refused to work with Mike Shanahan. Now that Shanny is 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
out of town and the franchise is in desperate need of righting, expect Elway to take a big position with the team in some capacity.What position would you like to see John Elway in with the Denver Broncos?What position would you like to see John Elway in with the Denver Broncos?Part Owner13.3%General Manager34.3%Head Coach34.3%Assistant Coach7.6%Some other role5.7%I don't want him officially with the team4.8%Total votes: 105It was, after all, Elway who spoke to the team before they went out and throttled the Kansas City Chiefs coming out of the bye week. Josh McDaniels being fired now only seems to strengthen the probability that Elway's return is imminent.The final question fans are asking is who will the next head coach of the Denver Broncos be?The answer, without giving a specific name (which isn't possible right now), is a big name defensive guru.The Denver Broncos have been struggling on defense for far too long. Pat Bowlen was going to hire a defensive master after Mike Shanahan but he was struck by McDaniels, feeling he was the second coming of the mastermind.Now, since the Broncos have struggled through five consecutive seasons of different defensive coordinators, none of whom could put the right defense together, expect Bowlen to wise up. Despite what many people think, the Denver Broncos have a functional NFL offense (and a spectacular passing game).All they really need on that side of the ball is consistency. And even that won't lead to sure wins.Pat Bowlen won't take a chance on another unknown coaching prospect. Sure, Josh McDaniels was a hot name back in early 2009, and there will be other tempting names, but Bowlen is going to be paying three head coaches in 2011.He 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
won't be comfortable shelling out the extra bills on another coaching project.There are a lot of questions floating around in Denver right now, but fans can be happy about one thing: the team has hit the bottom, and firing this head coach was the first step towards recovery.The other major questions will sort themselves out in time.
likely fired now as a shrewd management decision by Pat Bowlen to make a rather unattractive head coaching job look more attractive in the future. The owner doesn't need Josh McDaniels out there trying to get a few wins (which he might have gotten over the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans) and hurting the Denver Broncos draft stock. And by that, I mean the Broncos are better off losing out.Why else would Pat Bowlen name Eric Studesville, the running back coach from the league's worst rushing attack, as interim head coach?The names "Wink" Martindale and Eric Studesville hardly strike fear into the hearts of other NFL teams. They sound more fit for roles in 1970s adult films than at the high perch of an NFL franchise.But the Broncos job, highly sought after upon Mike Shanahan's firing, has lost a lot of its luster. Josh McDaniels drove the high profile players out of town, and the team isn't within 10 miles of sniffing playoffs, or even a perpetual .500 record. In order to attract the next head coach, Bowlen is sowing the seeds for a high draft pick.Were you surprised the Josh McDaniels was fired during the season?Were you surprised the Josh McDaniels was fired during the season?Yes. I thought he would be around for another year at least.24.1%Yes. I thought Pat Bowlen would wait until the end of the season.24.1%No. This was the right time to fire him.17.2%What?! I would have fired him a long time ago.34.5%Total votes: 58It wouldn't be surprising if Studesville was instructed to start Tim Tebow, Demaryius Thomas (if healthy) and Eric Decker for the rest of the year. The rookies might as well get some playing time.It isn't coincidental that Josh McDaniels was fired the day after the Broncos were officially eliminated from the playoffs. Pat Bowlen could see the season was officially lost; there was no opportunity for recovery.The next question fans are asking is how much more housecleaning can be expected?Most of the coaching staff will be remolded, but that won't become official until a new, permanent head coach is installed. I expect a new GM to be brought in for the team; who that will be exactly is a bit up in the air.However one thing fans can get excited about is the high probability that John Elway will now return to the team in some sort of official capacity (other than occasional, "when I feel like it" adviser). Pat Bowlen and John Elway have a good relationship, and there have been rumors about his interest in getting involved with the team heating up over the past few weeks (as the McDaniels ship crashed into an iceberg).While Elway has always wanted to get back with the team, he refused to work with Mike Shanahan. Now that Shanny is 10 Santonio Holmes White jersey
out of town and the franchise is in desperate need of righting, expect Elway to take a big position with the team in some capacity.What position would you like to see John Elway in with the Denver Broncos?What position would you like to see John Elway in with the Denver Broncos?Part Owner13.3%General Manager34.3%Head Coach34.3%Assistant Coach7.6%Some other role5.7%I don't want him officially with the team4.8%Total votes: 105It was, after all, Elway who spoke to the team before they went out and throttled the Kansas City Chiefs coming out of the bye week. Josh McDaniels being fired now only seems to strengthen the probability that Elway's return is imminent.The final question fans are asking is who will the next head coach of the Denver Broncos be?The answer, without giving a specific name (which isn't possible right now), is a big name defensive guru.The Denver Broncos have been struggling on defense for far too long. Pat Bowlen was going to hire a defensive master after Mike Shanahan but he was struck by McDaniels, feeling he was the second coming of the mastermind.Now, since the Broncos have struggled through five consecutive seasons of different defensive coordinators, none of whom could put the right defense together, expect Bowlen to wise up. Despite what many people think, the Denver Broncos have a functional NFL offense (and a spectacular passing game).All they really need on that side of the ball is consistency. And even that won't lead to sure wins.Pat Bowlen won't take a chance on another unknown coaching prospect. Sure, Josh McDaniels was a hot name back in early 2009, and there will be other tempting names, but Bowlen is going to be paying three head coaches in 2011.He 10 Santonio Holmes black jersey
won't be comfortable shelling out the extra bills on another coaching project.There are a lot of questions floating around in Denver right now, but fans can be happy about one thing: the team has hit the bottom, and firing this head coach was the first step towards recovery.The other major questions will sort themselves out in time.
2010年12月11日星期六
Pittsburgh Steelers "Woodley in great position to break out in 2008"
With veteran OLB Clark Haggans still on the 2010 pro bowl 4 Brett Favre Blue jersey
free agency market, and a quietly impressive rookie season behind him, LaMarr Woodley is ready to step into a marquee player role with the Steelers. And he has every reason to carry the same chip on his shoulder that Steelers MVP James Harrison did before the 2007 season. Harrison, an undrafted LB from Kent State four years prior to the 2007 season, was cut multiple times before earning a roster spot behind former Steeler Joey Porter - a third-round pick in 1998, he developed behind Jason Gildon, the team's all-time sacks leader. Harrison got a smaller extension to stay in Pittsburgh before the 2006 season, mostly with the idea in mind that he would replace Porter when he left. Porter signed a $20 million guaranteed contract with Miami, and proceeded to do nothing in 2007. Harrison was paid considerably less, and was a starter at OLB for the AFC in the Pro Bowl. Woodley's start is similar to that. The Steelers chose Woodley in the second round of the 2007 Draft after they took Florida State's Lawrence Timmons, a projected OLB, in the first round. That injection of youth in the position clearly indicated Haggans was going to be shown the door at the end of the year. The question became, which one, Woodley or Timmons, would replace him? Woodley grabbed the limelight as Haggans faded away quietly. Timmons spent nearly all of training camp with a groin injury, and played only on special teams, and a few times as the roving linebacker in nickel packages. Woodley exploded immediately, picking up sacks in two of his first three games. That start didn't increase his playing time, though. With Steelers coach Mike Tomlin seemingly giving the edge to the veteran in any inkling of a position battle, Haggans was not in the team's future plans going into 2007, but he barely left the field all year. Woodley was more productive on a per-play basis, yet, was a situational player at most. The Steelers' nickel package included a look that had only two down linemen (usually NT Travis Kirschke and DE Aaron Smith) with DE Brett Keisel standing up, showing blitz. Haggans stayed in there, even though Woodley was instant chaos off the bench. He finished the regular season with four sacks and several pressures. He sacked Jaguars QB David Garrard twice in Jacksonville's 31-29 win over Pittsburgh in the playoffs. Now, with a year of experience behind him, Woodley will go into camp in 2008 as the starter at LOLB, and with Harrison - who led the team 2010 pro bowl Vikings 4 Brett Favre jersey
with 8.5 sacks - drawing all the pass rushing attention, Woodley will have every opportunity to help the Steelers improve on an uncharacteristically low 36 sacks as a team in 2007. Haggans has not signed with anyone yet, and has been dubbed by some as a product of the system in Pittsburgh. Even if the Steelers seriously entertained the idea of bringing him back (and barring the restructuring of a few contracts, they won't have the cap room), he would likely be on the second team behind Woodley, and it's far more likely the Steelers simply fill the depth at that position in the draft. First it was Porter, then Harrison. Now, it's Woodley's turn to be the newest Steelers OLB to lead the team in sacks.
2010年12月9日星期四
San Francisco 49ers Bryant Young Mike Adams Keith Lewis
San Francisco 49ers all pro defensive lineman Bryant Young is making good progress in his recovery since injuring his MCL in his right knee, and is hopeful that he could return this week against the Seahawks, or next week against the Jaguars. Young suffered a leg injury earlier in his career that resulted in him having titanium rods implanted in his legs. When he went down with this injury about a month ago, many, including Young himself were worried that his career was over.All things considered, he news on Young's knee was fortunate. The 4 Brett Favre White jersey
progress he is making in his recovery is ahead of schedule and a testament to his perseverance. Young is widely respected around the league, and when he went down even the opposition offered words of encouragement. Young was having one of his best seasons as a 49er and benefited quite greatly from shifting from defensive tackle to defensive end.Since Young's injury, the San Francisco 49ers' line has struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team has been battling injuries all season, and the return of Young would certainly increase the morale on the team, as well as improve the defensive play. Extra Point49ers safety Mike Adams is the latest member to be added to the injury report. Adams joins fellow defensive backs Mike Rumph, Tony Parrish, and Ahmed Plummer as injured. Keith Lewis, a stand out special teams player who blocked a punt last week, will make his first NFL start in Adams' place.
progress he is making in his recovery is ahead of schedule and a testament to his perseverance. Young is widely respected around the league, and when he went down even the opposition offered words of encouragement. Young was having one of his best seasons as a 49er and benefited quite greatly from shifting from defensive tackle to defensive end.Since Young's injury, the San Francisco 49ers' line has struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The team has been battling injuries all season, and the return of Young would certainly increase the morale on the team, as well as improve the defensive play. Extra Point49ers safety Mike Adams is the latest member to be added to the injury report. Adams joins fellow defensive backs Mike Rumph, Tony Parrish, and Ahmed Plummer as injured. Keith Lewis, a stand out special teams player who blocked a punt last week, will make his first NFL start in Adams' place.
Alex Smith, Frank Gore, David Baas, Ronald Fields, Adam Snyder, Mike Nolan
The inaugural draft class of the Mike Nolan era in San Francisco laid the foundation for the team's upward trend last season. The first five players selected in the 2005 NFL Draft have become pivotal and dependable assets to the organization. Assured of the first overall pick because of Steelers 36 Bettis Jersey
a horrendous 2004 campaign, the 49ers chose to make Utah quarterback Alex Smith the face of their franchise. In his first two seasons at the helm, Smith has shown continued growth and development in leading the team. Last season, he completed 58 percent of his passes and amassed nearly 2,900 yards in the air. However, his touchdown-to-interception rate needs improvement (he threw 16 TDs and 16 INTs in 2006). Heading into his third year under center, Smith is expected to take a big leap in terms of production and protecting the football. The Niners' second-round pick that year was David Baas, a versatile offensive lineman from the University of Michigan. The big fellow from Ann Arbor can play either center or guard and has been a solid contributor upfront. Baas played in all 16 games last year without committing a single penalty, and his contributions to the team should continue to increase this upcoming season. With the first pick in the third round, the 49ers struck gold with running back Frank Gore. The former Miami Hurricane had a breakout year in 2006, grinding out nearly 1,700 yards on the ground at an average of 5.4 yards per carry. Needless to say, Gore is being counted on to duplicate last season's performance in 2007. Considering less successful RBs Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams were top five overall picks in '05, the addition of Gore in Round 3 should be considered legalized theft and a good indicator of Nolan's eye for talent. Later in the third round, San Francisco chose guard Adam Snyder, who has made 14 starts in two seasons. Impressed by his play, the 49ers rewarded Snyder with a four-year contract worth about $10.5 million, including a $4 million signing bonus.The team got good value with its fifth-round selection, too, drafting defensive lineman Ronald Fields out of Mississippi State. He started the last nine games of the '06 season, compiling 28 tackles. Fields is expected to be a regular on the D-line this season. The success of the 49ers' 2005 Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
draft class has been crucial to the team's return to respectability. If this year's draftees can even come close to the contributions made by the '05 selections, then the team's prospects for the future will be even brighter.Got a bone to pick with a newspaper columnist, talk show personality or television analyst? E-mail us at mediawatch . For more information, visit our Media Watch info page.
a horrendous 2004 campaign, the 49ers chose to make Utah quarterback Alex Smith the face of their franchise. In his first two seasons at the helm, Smith has shown continued growth and development in leading the team. Last season, he completed 58 percent of his passes and amassed nearly 2,900 yards in the air. However, his touchdown-to-interception rate needs improvement (he threw 16 TDs and 16 INTs in 2006). Heading into his third year under center, Smith is expected to take a big leap in terms of production and protecting the football. The Niners' second-round pick that year was David Baas, a versatile offensive lineman from the University of Michigan. The big fellow from Ann Arbor can play either center or guard and has been a solid contributor upfront. Baas played in all 16 games last year without committing a single penalty, and his contributions to the team should continue to increase this upcoming season. With the first pick in the third round, the 49ers struck gold with running back Frank Gore. The former Miami Hurricane had a breakout year in 2006, grinding out nearly 1,700 yards on the ground at an average of 5.4 yards per carry. Needless to say, Gore is being counted on to duplicate last season's performance in 2007. Considering less successful RBs Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams were top five overall picks in '05, the addition of Gore in Round 3 should be considered legalized theft and a good indicator of Nolan's eye for talent. Later in the third round, San Francisco chose guard Adam Snyder, who has made 14 starts in two seasons. Impressed by his play, the 49ers rewarded Snyder with a four-year contract worth about $10.5 million, including a $4 million signing bonus.The team got good value with its fifth-round selection, too, drafting defensive lineman Ronald Fields out of Mississippi State. He started the last nine games of the '06 season, compiling 28 tackles. Fields is expected to be a regular on the D-line this season. The success of the 49ers' 2005 Steelers 10 Santonio Holmes jersey
draft class has been crucial to the team's return to respectability. If this year's draftees can even come close to the contributions made by the '05 selections, then the team's prospects for the future will be even brighter.Got a bone to pick with a newspaper columnist, talk show personality or television analyst? E-mail us at mediawatch . For more information, visit our Media Watch info page.
2010年12月2日星期四
Tennessee Titans Billy Volek Steve McNair Vince Young Jeff Fisher Baltimore Ravens Drew Bennett David Givens
The Tennessee Titans traded their former franchise quarterback, Steve McNair, to the Baltimore Ravens late last week, leaving many to ponder which way the organization would go to fill the 11-year veteran's shoes. Of course, the top two quarterbacks on the Titans' roster right now are experienced backup Billy Volek and 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
rookie Vince Young, who was the third overall selection in April's draft. Head coach Jeff Fisher made no bones about it, immediately naming Volek as McNair's successor for next season. Volek is no amateur, as he's shown on multiple occasions in the past the ability to step in for McNair and guide the Titans' offense to success. Volek, a six-year veteran, has 10 career starts under his belt. The ex-Fresno State starter has a great ratio of touchdown passes to interceptions in his pro days, with 26 and 13, respectively. To go along with that, Volek has a bona fide career quarterback rating of 86.3.In 2004, Volek's best season, he appeared in 10 games for the Titans, starting in eight. He completed 61.1 percent of his passes for a whopping 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also compiled an 87.7 efficiency rating that season, while completing 34 passes of over 20 yards, which averaged out to exactly 3.4. per appearance. Clearly, those numbers demonstrate his ability to lead an explosive offense. Despite that, offensive coordinator Norm Chow likes to play it safe and go with short passes to pick apart opposing secondaries.Now that he's officially the opening day starter, Volek will have a better opportunity to utilize the summer months as a time to get acquainted with his receiving weapons. The wide receiver duo of David Givens and Drew Bennett should help Volek, who used Bennett a great deal when he filled in for McNair in '04. Other than the two wideouts, Volek has a chance to use last year's most prolific tight end trio as a security blanket in tough situations. That triumvirate consists of Erron Kinney, Ben Troupe and Bo Scaife, who combined for 149 receptions in 2005.Although Fisher named Volek as the opening day starter for Tennessee, it doesn't mean he'll be the team's full-time quarterback. In fact, the only way the veteran will start every week is if the Titans are somehow contending for a playoff spot. The Titans have a good amount of young talent, but the postseason seems unrealistic for them, until their youthful roster collectively gains experience and develops.Assuming Tennessee is where everyone expects it to be next season, it'll mean Young will get a decent amount of playing time. That time will likely come late in the year, when the Titans are simply trying to be competitive every week. Since GM Floyd Reese and Fisher decided to invest such a high pick on Young, he'll have to get some starts under his belt as a first-year player. At the University of Texas, Young ran a simple offense in which the play and targets were already set when the young quarterback arrived at the line of scrimmage. Because Chow's offense is more complicated and pro Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
defenses throw all sorts of difficult blitz packages at quarterbacks, the only way Young will get better is to actually play. Volek likely won't play all of next season, so he should make each and every one of his starts count. After all, 2006 could be an audition of sorts for the 30-year-old, who might become trade bait next offseason for the Tennessee Titans, provided he puts up his usual solid numbers.--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at Get more on Billy Volek
rookie Vince Young, who was the third overall selection in April's draft. Head coach Jeff Fisher made no bones about it, immediately naming Volek as McNair's successor for next season. Volek is no amateur, as he's shown on multiple occasions in the past the ability to step in for McNair and guide the Titans' offense to success. Volek, a six-year veteran, has 10 career starts under his belt. The ex-Fresno State starter has a great ratio of touchdown passes to interceptions in his pro days, with 26 and 13, respectively. To go along with that, Volek has a bona fide career quarterback rating of 86.3.In 2004, Volek's best season, he appeared in 10 games for the Titans, starting in eight. He completed 61.1 percent of his passes for a whopping 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also compiled an 87.7 efficiency rating that season, while completing 34 passes of over 20 yards, which averaged out to exactly 3.4. per appearance. Clearly, those numbers demonstrate his ability to lead an explosive offense. Despite that, offensive coordinator Norm Chow likes to play it safe and go with short passes to pick apart opposing secondaries.Now that he's officially the opening day starter, Volek will have a better opportunity to utilize the summer months as a time to get acquainted with his receiving weapons. The wide receiver duo of David Givens and Drew Bennett should help Volek, who used Bennett a great deal when he filled in for McNair in '04. Other than the two wideouts, Volek has a chance to use last year's most prolific tight end trio as a security blanket in tough situations. That triumvirate consists of Erron Kinney, Ben Troupe and Bo Scaife, who combined for 149 receptions in 2005.Although Fisher named Volek as the opening day starter for Tennessee, it doesn't mean he'll be the team's full-time quarterback. In fact, the only way the veteran will start every week is if the Titans are somehow contending for a playoff spot. The Titans have a good amount of young talent, but the postseason seems unrealistic for them, until their youthful roster collectively gains experience and develops.Assuming Tennessee is where everyone expects it to be next season, it'll mean Young will get a decent amount of playing time. That time will likely come late in the year, when the Titans are simply trying to be competitive every week. Since GM Floyd Reese and Fisher decided to invest such a high pick on Young, he'll have to get some starts under his belt as a first-year player. At the University of Texas, Young ran a simple offense in which the play and targets were already set when the young quarterback arrived at the line of scrimmage. Because Chow's offense is more complicated and pro Steelers 43 Polamalu jersey
defenses throw all sorts of difficult blitz packages at quarterbacks, the only way Young will get better is to actually play. Volek likely won't play all of next season, so he should make each and every one of his starts count. After all, 2006 could be an audition of sorts for the 30-year-old, who might become trade bait next offseason for the Tennessee Titans, provided he puts up his usual solid numbers.--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at Get more on Billy Volek
Tennessee Titans Defensive Preview Keith Bulluck Albert Haynesworth
After finishing 29th in points allowed and 19th in total yards given up last season, the Tennessee Titans' defense is aiming toward improvement in 2006. The rebuilding unit has plenty of work to do. Thus, it must take baby steps for the future. Without the "D" getting significantly better this year, don't look for the 4 Brett Favre White jersey
Titans do much better than their 4-12 record from a season ago.Tennessee's current starting defensive ends consist of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Travis LaBoy. Last season the formerly less-than-mediocre Vanden Bosch shocked the NFL world, accumulating career-highs in both tackles (65) and sacks (12 ?). Prior to 2005, the 27-year-old had just four lifetime sacks in as many seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Clearly, his move to Nashville energized the former Nebraska Cornhusker, but expecting the same kind of production this year is probably not realistic. The 6-foot-4, 278-pounder needs to prove himself again this campaign before anyone truly buys into him as a top-notch end.Much like Vanden Bosch, the 260-pound LaBoy took major steps last year. It was only the former Hawaii star's second season, but he nearly doubled his sack total from his rookie slate, jumping from 3 ? to 6 ?. In the process, LaBoy convinced many in Tennessee that he can someday be the real deal. If the former second-rounder continues on the same path, expect him to near the double-digit sack plateau in his third year.At the tackle position, the Titans bring plenty of upside, exactly like the DE position.The first starter of the duo is Randy Starks, an absolute menace up front capable of making plenty of game-changing plays. In '05, his second year, he improved from 28 tackles to 47 and racked up 3 ? sacks. Starks, an ex-third-rounder out of Maryland, has the tools to continue improving.Tennessee's second DT is one of its foremost leaders on the defensive side of the ball, Albert Haynesworth. The 6-6, 320-pounder finally lived up to his first-round potential last year, piling up career-bests in total tackles (52) and sacks (three). Haynesworth has gone from locker room distraction to strong veteran presence since entering the league in 2002. Still only 25 years old, Haynesworth is becoming a wise sage on the Titans' young defense.The Titans think they bolstered their linebacking corps during the offseason by adding four-year veteran David Thornton. The former Indianapolis Colt still has more than enough to prove, but he should become a better player in a group with solid MLB Peter Sirmon and weak-side 'backer Keith Bulluck, who is one of the absolute finest in the NFL.Cornerback seems like the area of highest concern for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Second-year man Reynaldo Hill will once again join fellow pro sophomore Pacman Jones at the position. Surprisingly, Hill, a seventh-rounder, tallied a trio of interceptions in his first season, showing plenty of young promise along the way. However, he still needs to work on becoming a better cover corner. Jones, the sixth overall pick in the '05 draft, was somewhat of a disappointment on the defensive side of the ball, forcing no turnovers in 15 games (13 starts).Free safety has clearly improved for Tennessee, as it said goodbye to average starter Tank Williams in the offseason and welcomed in 206-pounder Chris Hope from the Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers. The hard-hitting 25-year-old broke out last year, recording personal bests in tackles (96) and interceptions (three). Hope's game tends to be inconsistent at times, but he's quite an improvement over the departed Williams. More importantly, he's missed just two games in four NFL seasons, demonstrating wonderful durability.Teaming with Hope at safety is SS Lamont Thompson, a 28-year-old with the ability to perform at high levels on any given Sunday. The ex-Washington State standout followed a four-interception '04 campaign with just one pick last season, letting down himself and the Titans' defense in the process. However, Thompson does have what it takes to rebound and gain back his playmaking status. Whether or not he will is going to be played out over the course of this season.Depth-wise, the Titans' defense doesn't have many players worthy of filling in and playing to an at least decent level in the starting lineup. Ends Bo Schobel and Antwan Odom are the top duo in the front seven, with corner Andre Woolfolk emerging as the best from the Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
secondary.Final prediction: When it's all said and done, expect the Tennessee Titans' defensive unit to improve slightly from its lower-echelon '05 mark. Will the group approach the top half of the league? Most likely, no. However, the defense will have some games during the year that it will be responsible for winning on this improving team. Ultimately, the unit has turned the page on last season's debacle, but will still have plenty of lessons to be learned this year.--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at .Stay tuned to Realfootball365.com for the Tennessee Titans' upcoming 2006 offensive preview.
Titans do much better than their 4-12 record from a season ago.Tennessee's current starting defensive ends consist of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Travis LaBoy. Last season the formerly less-than-mediocre Vanden Bosch shocked the NFL world, accumulating career-highs in both tackles (65) and sacks (12 ?). Prior to 2005, the 27-year-old had just four lifetime sacks in as many seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Clearly, his move to Nashville energized the former Nebraska Cornhusker, but expecting the same kind of production this year is probably not realistic. The 6-foot-4, 278-pounder needs to prove himself again this campaign before anyone truly buys into him as a top-notch end.Much like Vanden Bosch, the 260-pound LaBoy took major steps last year. It was only the former Hawaii star's second season, but he nearly doubled his sack total from his rookie slate, jumping from 3 ? to 6 ?. In the process, LaBoy convinced many in Tennessee that he can someday be the real deal. If the former second-rounder continues on the same path, expect him to near the double-digit sack plateau in his third year.At the tackle position, the Titans bring plenty of upside, exactly like the DE position.The first starter of the duo is Randy Starks, an absolute menace up front capable of making plenty of game-changing plays. In '05, his second year, he improved from 28 tackles to 47 and racked up 3 ? sacks. Starks, an ex-third-rounder out of Maryland, has the tools to continue improving.Tennessee's second DT is one of its foremost leaders on the defensive side of the ball, Albert Haynesworth. The 6-6, 320-pounder finally lived up to his first-round potential last year, piling up career-bests in total tackles (52) and sacks (three). Haynesworth has gone from locker room distraction to strong veteran presence since entering the league in 2002. Still only 25 years old, Haynesworth is becoming a wise sage on the Titans' young defense.The Titans think they bolstered their linebacking corps during the offseason by adding four-year veteran David Thornton. The former Indianapolis Colt still has more than enough to prove, but he should become a better player in a group with solid MLB Peter Sirmon and weak-side 'backer Keith Bulluck, who is one of the absolute finest in the NFL.Cornerback seems like the area of highest concern for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Second-year man Reynaldo Hill will once again join fellow pro sophomore Pacman Jones at the position. Surprisingly, Hill, a seventh-rounder, tallied a trio of interceptions in his first season, showing plenty of young promise along the way. However, he still needs to work on becoming a better cover corner. Jones, the sixth overall pick in the '05 draft, was somewhat of a disappointment on the defensive side of the ball, forcing no turnovers in 15 games (13 starts).Free safety has clearly improved for Tennessee, as it said goodbye to average starter Tank Williams in the offseason and welcomed in 206-pounder Chris Hope from the Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers. The hard-hitting 25-year-old broke out last year, recording personal bests in tackles (96) and interceptions (three). Hope's game tends to be inconsistent at times, but he's quite an improvement over the departed Williams. More importantly, he's missed just two games in four NFL seasons, demonstrating wonderful durability.Teaming with Hope at safety is SS Lamont Thompson, a 28-year-old with the ability to perform at high levels on any given Sunday. The ex-Washington State standout followed a four-interception '04 campaign with just one pick last season, letting down himself and the Titans' defense in the process. However, Thompson does have what it takes to rebound and gain back his playmaking status. Whether or not he will is going to be played out over the course of this season.Depth-wise, the Titans' defense doesn't have many players worthy of filling in and playing to an at least decent level in the starting lineup. Ends Bo Schobel and Antwan Odom are the top duo in the front seven, with corner Andre Woolfolk emerging as the best from the Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
secondary.Final prediction: When it's all said and done, expect the Tennessee Titans' defensive unit to improve slightly from its lower-echelon '05 mark. Will the group approach the top half of the league? Most likely, no. However, the defense will have some games during the year that it will be responsible for winning on this improving team. Ultimately, the unit has turned the page on last season's debacle, but will still have plenty of lessons to be learned this year.--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at .Stay tuned to Realfootball365.com for the Tennessee Titans' upcoming 2006 offensive preview.
Tennessee Titans Defensive Preview Keith Bulluck Albert Haynesworth
After finishing 29th in points allowed and 19th in total yards given up last season, the Tennessee Titans' defense is aiming toward improvement in 2006. The rebuilding unit has plenty of work to do. Thus, it must take baby steps for the future. Without the "D" getting significantly better this year, don't look for the 4 Brett Favre White jersey
Titans do much better than their 4-12 record from a season ago.Tennessee's current starting defensive ends consist of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Travis LaBoy. Last season the formerly less-than-mediocre Vanden Bosch shocked the NFL world, accumulating career-highs in both tackles (65) and sacks (12 ?). Prior to 2005, the 27-year-old had just four lifetime sacks in as many seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Clearly, his move to Nashville energized the former Nebraska Cornhusker, but expecting the same kind of production this year is probably not realistic. The 6-foot-4, 278-pounder needs to prove himself again this campaign before anyone truly buys into him as a top-notch end.Much like Vanden Bosch, the 260-pound LaBoy took major steps last year. It was only the former Hawaii star's second season, but he nearly doubled his sack total from his rookie slate, jumping from 3 ? to 6 ?. In the process, LaBoy convinced many in Tennessee that he can someday be the real deal. If the former second-rounder continues on the same path, expect him to near the double-digit sack plateau in his third year.At the tackle position, the Titans bring plenty of upside, exactly like the DE position.The first starter of the duo is Randy Starks, an absolute menace up front capable of making plenty of game-changing plays. In '05, his second year, he improved from 28 tackles to 47 and racked up 3 ? sacks. Starks, an ex-third-rounder out of Maryland, has the tools to continue improving.Tennessee's second DT is one of its foremost leaders on the defensive side of the ball, Albert Haynesworth. The 6-6, 320-pounder finally lived up to his first-round potential last year, piling up career-bests in total tackles (52) and sacks (three). Haynesworth has gone from locker room distraction to strong veteran presence since entering the league in 2002. Still only 25 years old, Haynesworth is becoming a wise sage on the Titans' young defense.The Titans think they bolstered their linebacking corps during the offseason by adding four-year veteran David Thornton. The former Indianapolis Colt still has more than enough to prove, but he should become a better player in a group with solid MLB Peter Sirmon and weak-side 'backer Keith Bulluck, who is one of the absolute finest in the NFL.Cornerback seems like the area of highest concern for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Second-year man Reynaldo Hill will once again join fellow pro sophomore Pacman Jones at the position. Surprisingly, Hill, a seventh-rounder, tallied a trio of interceptions in his first season, showing plenty of young promise along the way. However, he still needs to work on becoming a better cover corner. Jones, the sixth overall pick in the '05 draft, was somewhat of a disappointment on the defensive side of the ball, forcing no turnovers in 15 games (13 starts).Free safety has clearly improved for Tennessee, as it said goodbye to average starter Tank Williams in the offseason and welcomed in 206-pounder Chris Hope from the Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers. The hard-hitting 25-year-old broke out last year, recording personal bests in tackles (96) and interceptions (three). Hope's game tends to be inconsistent at times, but he's quite an improvement over the departed Williams. More importantly, he's missed just two games in four NFL seasons, demonstrating wonderful durability.Teaming with Hope at safety is SS Lamont Thompson, a 28-year-old with the ability to perform at high levels on any given Sunday. The ex-Washington State standout followed a four-interception '04 campaign with just one pick last season, letting down himself and the Titans' defense in the process. However, Thompson does have what it takes to rebound and gain back his playmaking status. Whether or not he will is going to be played out over the course of this season.Depth-wise, the Titans' defense doesn't have many players worthy of filling in and playing to an at least decent level in the starting lineup. Ends Bo Schobel and Antwan Odom are the top duo in the front seven, with corner Andre Woolfolk emerging as the best from the Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
secondary.Final prediction: When it's all said and done, expect the Tennessee Titans' defensive unit to improve slightly from its lower-echelon '05 mark. Will the group approach the top half of the league? Most likely, no. However, the defense will have some games during the year that it will be responsible for winning on this improving team. Ultimately, the unit has turned the page on last season's debacle, but will still have plenty of lessons to be learned this year.--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at .Stay tuned to Realfootball365.com for the Tennessee Titans' upcoming 2006 offensive preview.
Titans do much better than their 4-12 record from a season ago.Tennessee's current starting defensive ends consist of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Travis LaBoy. Last season the formerly less-than-mediocre Vanden Bosch shocked the NFL world, accumulating career-highs in both tackles (65) and sacks (12 ?). Prior to 2005, the 27-year-old had just four lifetime sacks in as many seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Clearly, his move to Nashville energized the former Nebraska Cornhusker, but expecting the same kind of production this year is probably not realistic. The 6-foot-4, 278-pounder needs to prove himself again this campaign before anyone truly buys into him as a top-notch end.Much like Vanden Bosch, the 260-pound LaBoy took major steps last year. It was only the former Hawaii star's second season, but he nearly doubled his sack total from his rookie slate, jumping from 3 ? to 6 ?. In the process, LaBoy convinced many in Tennessee that he can someday be the real deal. If the former second-rounder continues on the same path, expect him to near the double-digit sack plateau in his third year.At the tackle position, the Titans bring plenty of upside, exactly like the DE position.The first starter of the duo is Randy Starks, an absolute menace up front capable of making plenty of game-changing plays. In '05, his second year, he improved from 28 tackles to 47 and racked up 3 ? sacks. Starks, an ex-third-rounder out of Maryland, has the tools to continue improving.Tennessee's second DT is one of its foremost leaders on the defensive side of the ball, Albert Haynesworth. The 6-6, 320-pounder finally lived up to his first-round potential last year, piling up career-bests in total tackles (52) and sacks (three). Haynesworth has gone from locker room distraction to strong veteran presence since entering the league in 2002. Still only 25 years old, Haynesworth is becoming a wise sage on the Titans' young defense.The Titans think they bolstered their linebacking corps during the offseason by adding four-year veteran David Thornton. The former Indianapolis Colt still has more than enough to prove, but he should become a better player in a group with solid MLB Peter Sirmon and weak-side 'backer Keith Bulluck, who is one of the absolute finest in the NFL.Cornerback seems like the area of highest concern for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Second-year man Reynaldo Hill will once again join fellow pro sophomore Pacman Jones at the position. Surprisingly, Hill, a seventh-rounder, tallied a trio of interceptions in his first season, showing plenty of young promise along the way. However, he still needs to work on becoming a better cover corner. Jones, the sixth overall pick in the '05 draft, was somewhat of a disappointment on the defensive side of the ball, forcing no turnovers in 15 games (13 starts).Free safety has clearly improved for Tennessee, as it said goodbye to average starter Tank Williams in the offseason and welcomed in 206-pounder Chris Hope from the Super Bowl-winning Pittsburgh Steelers. The hard-hitting 25-year-old broke out last year, recording personal bests in tackles (96) and interceptions (three). Hope's game tends to be inconsistent at times, but he's quite an improvement over the departed Williams. More importantly, he's missed just two games in four NFL seasons, demonstrating wonderful durability.Teaming with Hope at safety is SS Lamont Thompson, a 28-year-old with the ability to perform at high levels on any given Sunday. The ex-Washington State standout followed a four-interception '04 campaign with just one pick last season, letting down himself and the Titans' defense in the process. However, Thompson does have what it takes to rebound and gain back his playmaking status. Whether or not he will is going to be played out over the course of this season.Depth-wise, the Titans' defense doesn't have many players worthy of filling in and playing to an at least decent level in the starting lineup. Ends Bo Schobel and Antwan Odom are the top duo in the front seven, with corner Andre Woolfolk emerging as the best from the Jets 6 Sanchez AFL50th jersey
secondary.Final prediction: When it's all said and done, expect the Tennessee Titans' defensive unit to improve slightly from its lower-echelon '05 mark. Will the group approach the top half of the league? Most likely, no. However, the defense will have some games during the year that it will be responsible for winning on this improving team. Ultimately, the unit has turned the page on last season's debacle, but will still have plenty of lessons to be learned this year.--Connor J. Byrne can be reached at .Stay tuned to Realfootball365.com for the Tennessee Titans' upcoming 2006 offensive preview.
2010年12月1日星期三
For Raiders, moral victory or Pyrrhic loss?
Poor Lane Kiffin. Everything was in the bag in this one with five minutes left. Oakland Raider game balls were in the making for recently much-maligned guys like Johnnie Lee Higgins, Tommy Kelly and DeAngelo Hall, and the silver and black not only kept it close despite a publicly anticipated blowout, but nearly took down the playoff-bound (mark my words; you’ll see) Buffalo Bills.This week, then, all it seems Raider Nation will have to look forward to are more stories about Kiffin’s inevitable departure and reminders that their 2008 Vikings Brett Favre jersey
season is over way prematurely. The disrespected young coach will surely be held accountable – rather than, ironically enough, the defensive coordinator greedily awaiting his superior’s departure – for Buffalo’s fourth-quarter comeback.And yet in Week 3, as perhaps in each of the last seven or eight regular-season games (OK, maybe not the Week 1 Denver Broncos debacle), Kiffin provided his boss ample enough reason to keep himself employed. Fighting off detractors from without and even an anonymous in-house “Raiders source” who dissed Kiffin last week in favor of Rob Ryan, Kiffin came up with a game plan to deceive the Bills that worked beautifully.Sure, Kiffin still had Darren McFadden and Michael Bush running the ball on third-and-long more often than not, but gone Sunday was the plethora of three-back sets the Raiders were supposed to be showing. And even when JaMarcus Russell couldn’t get it done on a particular play for an incomplete pass, the discipline of NFL existence finally seems to be settling in with the second-year man, who has finally learned the importance of throwing the ball away when the play breaks down.And hey, how about that zone blocking displayed by the offensive line against Buffalo's Marcus Stroud-led defense? Sure, Stroud and fellow star Paul Posluszny got their half-dozen tackles each, but both these Pro Bowl-level players were kept off their game the entire time on the field; Russell was rarely rushed effectively and was sacked but once.Speaking of defense, how about the Raiders’ own pass rush? The Raiders on Sunday reminded NFL observers just how green Trent Edwards is, as the third-and-out on the first Bills drive set the tone. Edwards was a pitiful 8 of 16 for 45 yards with three sacks taken in the first half. Of course, he also rallied the Bills to their late-game comeback with a heroic fourth-quarter performance.And how about more on that defense? Sure! The secondary, led by DeAngelo Hall, played solidly for the first three quarters, while the likes of Kirk Morrison and Nnamdi Asomugha also pitched in.And how about those special teams? You've gotta like Higgins setting the pace early, Sebastian Janikowski doing his fantasy owners proud (and even showing nice hustle when knocking Leodis McKelvin out of bounds on a second-quarter kick return), and Shane Lechler booming one well-placed punt after another. So what has the Raider Nation on Monday morning? Another loss officially, but how could even the fuzzy-visioned Al Davis not have observed what Kiffin has managed to extract from this patchwork group of high draft picks, pricey free agents and thin bench? That despite the distractions and detractors, that Kiffin got Davis' 4 Brett Favre White jersey
club to within three seconds of a 2-1 record. Heck, if Edwards and Marshawn Lynch were human when the game was on the line, Oakland would have won.How about it, Davis? Can Kiffin stick around for another week or two? We know you lost and all, but he deserves it? (54)
season is over way prematurely. The disrespected young coach will surely be held accountable – rather than, ironically enough, the defensive coordinator greedily awaiting his superior’s departure – for Buffalo’s fourth-quarter comeback.And yet in Week 3, as perhaps in each of the last seven or eight regular-season games (OK, maybe not the Week 1 Denver Broncos debacle), Kiffin provided his boss ample enough reason to keep himself employed. Fighting off detractors from without and even an anonymous in-house “Raiders source” who dissed Kiffin last week in favor of Rob Ryan, Kiffin came up with a game plan to deceive the Bills that worked beautifully.Sure, Kiffin still had Darren McFadden and Michael Bush running the ball on third-and-long more often than not, but gone Sunday was the plethora of three-back sets the Raiders were supposed to be showing. And even when JaMarcus Russell couldn’t get it done on a particular play for an incomplete pass, the discipline of NFL existence finally seems to be settling in with the second-year man, who has finally learned the importance of throwing the ball away when the play breaks down.And hey, how about that zone blocking displayed by the offensive line against Buffalo's Marcus Stroud-led defense? Sure, Stroud and fellow star Paul Posluszny got their half-dozen tackles each, but both these Pro Bowl-level players were kept off their game the entire time on the field; Russell was rarely rushed effectively and was sacked but once.Speaking of defense, how about the Raiders’ own pass rush? The Raiders on Sunday reminded NFL observers just how green Trent Edwards is, as the third-and-out on the first Bills drive set the tone. Edwards was a pitiful 8 of 16 for 45 yards with three sacks taken in the first half. Of course, he also rallied the Bills to their late-game comeback with a heroic fourth-quarter performance.And how about more on that defense? Sure! The secondary, led by DeAngelo Hall, played solidly for the first three quarters, while the likes of Kirk Morrison and Nnamdi Asomugha also pitched in.And how about those special teams? You've gotta like Higgins setting the pace early, Sebastian Janikowski doing his fantasy owners proud (and even showing nice hustle when knocking Leodis McKelvin out of bounds on a second-quarter kick return), and Shane Lechler booming one well-placed punt after another. So what has the Raider Nation on Monday morning? Another loss officially, but how could even the fuzzy-visioned Al Davis not have observed what Kiffin has managed to extract from this patchwork group of high draft picks, pricey free agents and thin bench? That despite the distractions and detractors, that Kiffin got Davis' 4 Brett Favre White jersey
club to within three seconds of a 2-1 record. Heck, if Edwards and Marshawn Lynch were human when the game was on the line, Oakland would have won.How about it, Davis? Can Kiffin stick around for another week or two? We know you lost and all, but he deserves it? (54)
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