tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56025673623661029182024-03-21T15:26:42.890-07:00The Athletic ProjectListen, our blog may not have the polish or skill level of other blogs. But we really stand out with our athleticism and potential. You know you shouldn't, but what if we're the next great blog and you were the one that passed over us. Screw it, we're gonna waste a lottery pick on him.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-54113696363183082552013-03-15T11:36:00.002-07:002013-03-15T11:36:59.214-07:00Why are the Knicks so Terrified of MRI’s?<span style="font-size: large;">First off, this is all purely speculation and opinion! Do not think that I have any insight into the thoughts of either the athletes or doctors or training staff of the New York Knicks!</span><br /><br />Now that we got that out of the way, my experience interning for the athletic training staff of a D1 program has led me to witness a few patient, doctor interactions that had nothing to do with my own body. This may help people understand the thinking that goes on behind the scenes in the training room with injuries that need to be managed. <br /><br />The human body has a miraculous way of accommodating for minor injuries suffered anywhere on its anatomy. Have a degenerative joint issue? You can rehab the surrounding muscles to strengthen the entire joint and take the percussive stress from jumping, running, etc. and distribute it along the musculature instead of the bone mass. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seth Rosenthal: stop cowering in fear! It's just a diagram.</td></tr>
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<br />This is where things get tricky. No two human bodies are exactly the same. A chronic tear in my medial meniscus may have no pain when I run, jump, cut, or anything of that sort. In addition, many people have what are called Osteochondral Defects, or OCD’s. This literally means a hole, bump, or imperfection to the bone surface that that person may never feel pain from. They can perform athletically at an elite level, live without arthritis, and never think twice about it for the rest of their life. <br /><br />Bringing us back to the doctoral side of things, any appearance of defect muscularly, in the bone, or any cartilaginous structure would require said doctor to recommend the proper treatment. By not doing so, the doctor would be liable for lawsuit if the player decided that the doctor should have forced a procedure or treatment against the player’s best wishes, and the player gets hurt further. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Damn, Melo! Already wearing a headband? What is a trainer to do now?!?!"</td></tr>
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<br />Still with me? Good. So we know Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler are high class athletes with a long history of pounding their knees and other joints around on a basketball court. Who knows what will show up if they get an MRI on their knees? It could be something that has to do with the problem, or it could simply be irritation from a bone bruise, or anything else. However, if they gets an MRI and ANYTHING shows up out of the ordinary, the doctor has a legal obligation to tell the patient/athlete and that holds some ramifications ethically as well. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Knee Solidarity, BRO"</td></tr>
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<br />Tyson Chandler had a problem with this in his voided trade from Charlotte to OKC with his toe. While there is cartilage damage (ASSUMPTION!!!!), he is able to play with no ill effects even though most players would not be able to adjust to the physical pain from that damage. Many years later, Chandler is rockin’ out with no ill effects from the toe.<br /><br />So in the end here, if the doctors and trainers are able to perform manual tests on the athlete to ensure no ligamentous, cartilaginous, or immediate bone damage, then if the athlete declines MRI, there is nothing they can do to force the athlete to get an MRI. Further, by forcing an MRI, they might uncover a problem that is not actually a problem at the current moment that will force a star player to sit out for a reason that is not even related to their current injury.<br />Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-23963355866820420492013-03-14T11:05:00.002-07:002013-03-14T11:05:12.405-07:00The Bad, The Terrible, and The Horrendous<i>Pulling some positives from the Knicks’ 3/13 loss to the Nuggets. </i><br /><br />While I sat at my kitchen table last night, slowly pulling out my hair to imitate the pain Tyson and Melo must have been feeling in their knee joints, I couldn’t help but ask myself if there was anything positive to take from this debacle of a performance against the fast-paced Nuggets squad. In short, not really much; however, if we dig deeper, the ultimate optimist can always find something good in the worst of situations. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Man, you really think you're finding positive from last night??"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />With that said, we must first acknowledge the horrific:<br /><br />Tyson Chandler’s knee was contused after smashing into Corey Brewer’s own knee during an off-ball maneuver performed to place him in better offensive rebounding position. Please, please, PLEASE may this only be a bone bruise and not a more significant ligamentous injury. It seemed as if he was able to place weight on it, but not produce locomotion with said weight, so hopefully the Knicks’ fear of MRI/x-ray machines is warranted and Tyson can play going forward.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melo's like, "You serious Tyson. Gotta out do this 'contusion' you claim to have."</td></tr>
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<br />Carmelo started off looking more spry and energetic than the game on Monday in Golden State. Unfortunately, all said fluidity of his knee joint seemed to cause some discomfort as he sat on the bench to start the 2nd, and worsened during the time he took for a break during halftime. I am not too concerned about the long term implications, but why is Melo not doing more work on the sidelines in between court time to keep his knee joint loose? ROGER HINDS?? Maybe I was not watching closely enough.<br />
<br />Finally, once the Knicks lost their two “healthy” stars to their separate knee issues, and without STAT already, they never had a shot at making this game close at all. Even worse, the big 21-1 run in the second quarter came when our two stars were still plodding along at a snail’s pace compared to the Nuggets Run-n-Gun attack. Time and time again, the interior of the defense was beaten by open cuts to the rim by bigs that beat our men down the court off missed AND made baskets. When that wasn’t enough, they would kick around the perimeter, pump fake, and drive and dish until they found an open dunk or three in the half-court. Basically, everything the Nuggets were advertised to do, they did. <br />
<br />Onto the bueno:<br /><br />Iman Shumpert (20 points, 8-10, 4-5 from 3) looked brilliant last night. Early in the game, I noted multiple times where his active hands on the ball and his energy in using help defense to disrupt a lesser ball-handler or passer created a loose ball opportunity for the Knicks. Once Chandler subbed out, the team defense declined so much, it is hard to pin any specific problems on Iman. On the offensive end, he displayed some improved handles and confidence in changing directions off the dribble, albeit without the finishing touch around the rim early on as he missed one early attempt. From there on out, he took well set jump shots that found the bottom of the net. Whether it was directly off the catch or set up off his own dribble, Shump made sure to set his feet, elevate strongly, and flick his wrist softly to create a good backspin into the net. If he can confidently stroke it like that going forward, I feel pretty good about him playing big minutes come playoff time. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GOTCHUUU GALLOOOO. Look at that knee trust!</td></tr>
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<br />Kenyon Martin (5 points, 4 boards, 4 blocks, 2 steals, 4 hard-ass fouls) showed that what he lacks for in athleticism and burst, he makes up for in attitude, tenacity, and positioning. He hit the deck a couple of times to make a hustle play and was generally good at being in the right spot to contest inside shots. The downside; he is no Tyson. Take away the 7’1 frame and gangly arms of an octopi and you are left with someone who can’t swat away many shots, but will at least throw some hard fouls out in the paint and not be named Kurt Thomas or possess Kurt Thomas’ awkward arm/belly/everywhere flab.<br /><br />Kurt Thomas was so much fun to watch in garbage time. Pretty much any time. That doesn’t mean he is a good player in the NBA at this stage of his career, however, FUNNY to watch. <br /><br />James White came out BLAZING! Dude finished with 10 points?! He got to dunk in garbage time, too! YAY! <br /><br />I guess this is a long enough comeback post. Point remains, game was overall sucky, just have to look hard enough to pull out a few positives; even if they are few and far between. Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-90008341555934465882012-01-14T14:40:00.000-08:002012-01-14T14:40:40.647-08:00Catching up on a few NBA RookiesNow that a few weeks of the NBA season are in the books, I want to take a look at some of the rookies who have caught my eye, good or bad. Unfortunately, I have not seen every rookie play with my own eyes so I will only comment on the ones which I have been able to study so far.<br />
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Ricky Rubio- <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/4011/ricky-rubio">Season Stats- ESPN</a><br />
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Right now, he is a top 5 distributor in the NBA. He sees passing lanes that nobody else sees and executes his passes equally well with either hand or both. One of my favorite parts about watching him is the flash he uses mixed in with perfect fundamentals. While he may make his passes looks overly flashy, he really is in complete control of the ball. Also, he is extremely adept at utilizing bounce passes to fit an assist into the tightest of windows. While this skill is stressed at the youth level, the majority of NBA players use chest passes when a bounce would lead to a safer attempt.<br />
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Aside from his distribution, Rubio has been a pleasant surprise in all other facets of the game as well. He plays a decent on-ball defense for an un-athletic PG and plays very well off the ball. He gets his hand into passing lanes and is willing to do work on that side of the floor. Also, while his shot isn't the prettiest, he is still shooting 46% from the field and 47% from 3 point land. He doesn't seem to force any attempts due to his pure love affair with the passing aspect of the PG position. As long as he isn't depended on for his scoring prowess, he should continue to develop into a top-5 all around PG, rather than just distributor.<br />
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Iman Shumpert- <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6468/iman-shumpert">Stats</a><br />
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His game against Memphis was downright ugly; there's no way around that. However, Shumpert has proven to provide a spark to a New York Knicks team that needed one on the defensive end. While sometimes over-aggressive, he provides some of the tightest man defense I've witnessed. This can lead to him getting beat off the dribble by quicker guards, which has happened, but also forces lesser ballhandlers into turnovers. He is one of the most athletic guards in the NBA and he certainly uses his 6'5" frame to his advantage on the defensive end.<br />
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On the offensive end, he has had an up and down showing so far. It is obvious that he struggles hitting his own shot off the dribble but certainly possesses the dribbling skills to create his own shot consistently. Not showing very much 3 point shooting ability, Iman has shown he can hit shots in the mid-range and finish at the rim. At times, he needs to work on getting the ball to the rack instead of settling for a questionable jumper. He is very strong coming off the pick and roll and driving into the lane. So far, he has been all over the place as a playmaker, but has shown a few flashes of brilliance. Right now, he is best suited at the 2 guard, but it is certainly not out of the question that he can develop the necessary vision and consistency hitting the open man.<br />
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Brandon Knight- <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6448/brandon-knight">Stats</a><br />
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Coming out of Kentucky, he was known to be an athletic specimen and a work in progress running the point. He is strong defending the pick and roll, usually getting over the pick before help is needed from a hedging big man. He has shown capable of getting to a spot for the shot he wants and finishing, but his selection could use work. He is very active on the boards and has a smooth handle on the ball. Would like to see him improve as a playmaker but otherwise a pretty well rounded athlete and player.<br />
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Derrick Williams- <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6480/derrick-williams">Stats</a><br />
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He has looked the part so far in his time off the bench. He is already a more efficient scorer than Michael Beasley and plays competent defense using his athleticism but can get bullied in the post. Smooth in transition and has shown explosiveness that scouts were drooling over before the draft. Also, his 3 point shot is very well real and alive at the NBA level. He's only shot 32% behind the arc so far but shows good form and confidence in the shot that you know more will start to fall. Definitely a player to be excited about.<br />
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Josh Harrellson- <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/6439/josh-harrellson">Stats</a><br />
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Obviously a homer pick here but I've spent too much time watching Knicks' games to not mention him along with his fellow rookies. From the moment he stepped on the court for New York, he has provided interior toughness and help on the glass. He has an NBA body, built for anchoring in the post and maintaining position in the paint on rebounding opportunities. He has shown the ability to alter a shot without fouling and get his hands in on the ballhandler to create loose balls. On offense, he is limited to put backs, when he even makes those, and a surprisingly polished shooting stroke. He has hit 10-30 from 3 so far. Much better than anything the Knicks could have been expecting. He is obviously not gifted athletically, often looking like he has cement shoes, but makes up for it with savvy. He is not a player that will be a starter, but he looks to have a productive career off the bench as a glue guy for someone's frontcourt.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-56505968578583638842012-01-14T10:38:00.000-08:002012-01-16T09:41:56.883-08:00Pineda for Montero BreakdownWelp... this was unexpected, to say the least. After the Yankees swung and missed on Felix Hernandez, offering a pu pu platter of top prospects, they "settled" on the other young fireballer from Safeco in Michael Pineda. Of course, they were required to include their own blue-chip prospect, Jesus Montero, but they come out of this deal looking like winners. The other pieces in the deal, Hector Noesi to Seattle and Jorge Campos to New York, are nothing to be forgotten about but the main focus is on the two top pieces in the deal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLPn0zZVDMYIp8_iKvZO-nV1C0_TImpxaQ6Ox4keL19o_nv075N0NZjabUvESm1ItDthnnP9ub-wlEsdvTSdKadmKFUw5uzzbjd6GV6Tlmq2tli-dHlkh7U3qUM6uvif2piw3RKlcphr8/s1600/Michael+Pineda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLPn0zZVDMYIp8_iKvZO-nV1C0_TImpxaQ6Ox4keL19o_nv075N0NZjabUvESm1ItDthnnP9ub-wlEsdvTSdKadmKFUw5uzzbjd6GV6Tlmq2tli-dHlkh7U3qUM6uvif2piw3RKlcphr8/s320/Michael+Pineda.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I can never love you again...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pineda is a physical specimen, standing in at 6'5 and 245 pounds. He is almost primarily a FB, SL pitcher using those two pitches a combined 94% of the time. His CH is still a work in progress and probably a necessary weapon to reduce his fly ball rate as he moves from the best pitchers' ballpark in baseball to a New York launching pad. Pineda is a pitcher who relies on his velocity and movement more than sink to get outs. The large confines of Safeco field definitely help a pitcher who allowed a HR/FB of 9.0 and a GB/FB of .81. According to FanGraphs, the league average for HR/FB percentage in a given year is 10.6, but this year it was 9.5, showing he gets a large number of outs in the air. While that may be a good strategy in Seattle, it's one that will lend him to a little more trouble this year. However, he has shown to possess way above average stuff which will keep balls out of play or induce weaker contact. Including last year at the major league level, Pineda has never averaged less than 9.0 K/9 since 2008, his minor league rookie season. Keeping the ball out of play is a great indicator of success and he also does well in keeping the free passes down. His K/BB was 3.15 against major league competition last year and never below 4.0 in the minors. He definitely demonstrated good command for a young pitcher.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After performing beyond expectations prior to the All Star break, Pineda did fall back to Earth in the second half. His innings have increased at a normal rate since he was brought into the Seattle system, but he did make a jump from around 130 innings to 171. With any young pitcher, you must be concerned about the potential for injury. However, Pineda's size and safe handling being brought through the Mariners' system point towards him maintaining his health and success. While there are certainly concerns in trading for a young arm, the Yankees did their best to secure one that was not thought to even be on the market. As long as his arm holds up, he looks to be the perennial number 2 starter for the Yankees, offering plenty of innings and strikeouts as their offense provides him with more wins than Seattle could promise. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.446306!/img/httpImage/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.446306!/img/httpImage/image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In 2015, this may be the last evidence of Montero as a catcher</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As for the Mariners, they received one of the top hitting prospects in all of baseball. This would be considered a nice win in a vacuum but it looks as if Montero might be a bat without a position. With first base occupied by Justin Smoak and Mike Carp, to a lesser extent, the Mariners are forced to make a tough decision with Montero. In his time behind the plate in the Yankees system, scouts have come to a consensus that his future is not there. While they might be more optimistic than I, it will be a tough sell to keep Montero at catcher if all hell breaks loose when he tries to block a ball in the dirt. He is a stiff receiver and doesn't show the requisite athletic ability to shift his feet and consistently block balls in the dirt or throw out base stealers at the major league level. He seems destined to man first base or even just be relegated to full-time DH duties for the Mariners. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">However, the reason that Montero is so highly regarded is because of his offensive abilities. He has a fluid swing and is very adept at controlling the strike zone, something he has proven at every level. Presently, he provides fantastic contact with a high OBP due to his patience and plenty of present power. As he continues to mature, his power could provide a few 30 HR seasons. He generates plenty of hard contact with good loft in his swing, leading to a high percentage of line drives and fly balls, something that plays into his power potential. In his prime, we could be looking at a .280/.375/.480 with 30 HR. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So while Seattle receives one of the few MLB ready sluggers that the minors have to offer, New York grabbed a proven young starter with a big arm. Gotta think that the return for the Yankees will help them more in the present, but this also clears up money for the Mariners when Felix's contract runs up. Not having to pay Pineda big arbitration numbers certainly leaves space to extend their ace within their budget. I think that New York "wins" this deal because it fills a present need with a player that should be there for the long haul. Why Seattle wanted to trade Pineda now is curious from a talent standpoint, but they do add to their lineup a player that should be able to anchor an offense. The fact that Montero likely doesn't have a position pushes this towards a "win" for New York. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-30319373725533465582012-01-10T18:50:00.000-08:002012-01-10T18:50:37.279-08:00Am I Missing Something: Riffing on the BCS title gameFollowing the game on TV and Twitter last night, I couldn't help but be confused about the general disappointment with the quality of play between LSU and Alabama. After being treated to plenty of offense-first BCS Bowl Games, there were many complaints about being bored by the elite defensive effort offered up by the title contenders. I want to examine a few season statistics before giving my reasons why I found the game to be exciting to watch, aside from the BCS Bowl setup or the fact that it was a rematch.<br />
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The Alabama offense was 69th in passing yardage, 16th in rushing, 20th in points for, and 1st in total defense. LSU was 106th in passing, 22nd in rushing, 17th in scoring, and 2nd in total defense. Throughout the season, the speed and talent on both teams' offenses were too much for smaller schools to handle. However, the real reason they were both title contenders is on the defensive side of the ball. Les Miles and Nick Saban are two of the best defensive minds in recent memory in the college ranks. Add that to their positions at highly regarded football programs and it is easy to understand why any elite defensive prospect would want to join their team.<br />
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So the question remains: Why is elite defensive football boring? This wasn't due to offensive ineptitude on either side. How can Jordan Jefferson make a pass in the pocket when the interior of his offensive line is being collapsed by some of the greatest sized and talented defensive linemen that college has to offer? The Alabama linebacking core both stuffed the run the entire game and provided stifling coverage over the middle to limit any gains on dump offs. It seemed that after every LSU back or receiver touched the ball over the middle, there were at least four guys surrounding him ready to wrap him up. Dre Kirkpatrick and the secondary were containing any screen or pass after minimal gains. Sure, Les Miles could have been more inventive in play-calling, but sometimes, a great defense can't be beaten.<br />
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On the other side, LSU's defense was generally exceptional throughout the game as well. However, there was an obvious mismatch in height on the outside, which McCarron exploited multiple times. Honey Badger was tight in coverage, but the over the shoulder passes to the outside are impossible to defend at his size. This was how Alabama marched down the field the majority of the game. Because of LSU's inability to stay on the field on offense, their defensive unit wore out much quicker than Alabama's.<br />
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The overlying point here is that the game we all watched (some of you begrudgingly) featured defense like we hadn't seen in any other Bowl game. This wasn't supposed to be a game full of slants-turned-touchdowns or missed assignments leading to a 63-56 final. This was a game that featured NFL caliber defenses against mismatched offenses. You know, the same story with any team that played either of those defenses during the year. Instead of complaining the entire night about the low score, it would have been pertinent to enjoy the rarity of such discipline at the collegiate scale. That either coach could take a group of extremely athletic young men and turn them into a impenetrable unit is something that should be celebrated. Not every game can be sexy, so we should enjoy the ones that are played right.Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-22399009503099580612012-01-09T18:40:00.000-08:002012-01-09T20:50:40.781-08:00Time for a Playoff<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Everybody loves March Madness. On the night of Selection Sunday, or the Monday after, every sports fan prints out their brackets and make their predictions for the next three weekends of excitement. Everybody knows exactly what is going to happen, or so they think. And for the next month the world revolves around college basketball and 65 team's quests to be the national champion. <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The money raised by the NCAA from their Division 1 College Basketball Tournament is astounding. Over $500 million dollars is raised, and the NCAA uses the money to fund itself and many other tournaments, along with giving money from it to the conferences and the individual schools. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Now imagine another March Madness. One in say, mid-December to early January. Call it Holiday Madness. Another large amount of money in for the NCAA, another month of excitement and self-promotion for the NCAA. Another excuse for ESPN and other sports networks to turn a tournament into something bigger, a part of the national culture. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>It's time for the BCS to go. Not go all the way away, but it is time for the Bowl Championship Series to become just that- a Series. Not a bunch of exhibitions at the end of the season, with one counting as the National Championship. It's not fair, it's not right, and it's not fun. It's time for a new system to be put in place that will stop the questions that the BCS always creates. The BCS committee is meeting Tuesday about possible changes to the system, but wide-ranging changes, such as a playoff with more than 4 teams, are considered unlikely. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I'm not just saying it's time for a change, I have a proposal as well. It will be a sixteen team playoff bracket. The winner of each conference gets an automatic bid. If it was this year, this would give automatic berths to 11 teams, starting next year it will be 10 teams (Conference USA and the Mountain West Conference are combining into one conference next season). Independents would be eligible for automatic bids to this tournament in the same way that Notre Dame would currently be eligible for a BCS berth now- at least 10 wins and a top 8 BCS ranking, or as an at-large bid. The remaining spots would go to the highest ranked teams according to the BCS rankings. Seeds would be given out by the BCS rankings (which would need to be expanded beyond 25 teams). Each team would play one game per weekend, starting two weeks from the conference championship games. Games would keep their Bowl names and sponsors, and there would be other bowl games on the side for non-playoff teams, and traditional New Year's Day Games will still be held.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Let's use what this year would look like for an example. This would be the first round of the bracket. (If a team was unranked in the BCS poll, I went to the USA Today Coaches Poll)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>First Round</b></div><div>1 LSU (SEC Champions) vs. 16 Louisiana Tech (WAC Champions)</div><div>Armed Forces Bowl- Thursday December 15- 4:00</div><div><br /></div><div>8 Kansas State (At-Large) vs. 9 Wisconsin (Big 10 Champions)</div><div>Chick-Fil-A Bowl- Thursday December 15- 8:30</div><div><br /></div><div>5 Oregon (Pac 12 Champions) vs. 12 Southern Miss (C-USA Champs)</div><div>Sun Bowl- Friday December 16- 1:00</div><div><br /></div><div>4 Stanford (At-Large) vs. 13 West Virginia (Big East Champions)</div><div>Alamo Bowl- Friday December 16- 4:15</div><div><br /></div><div>3 Oklahoma State (Big 12 Champions) vs. 14 Northern Illinois (MAC Champions)</div><div>Champs Sports Bowl- Friday December 16- 8:30</div><div><br /></div><div>6 Arkansas (At-Large) vs. 11 TCU (Mountain West Champions) </div><div>Pinstripe Bowl- Saturday December 17- 1:00</div><div><br /></div><div>7 Boise State (At-Large) vs. 10 Clemson (ACC Champions)</div><div>Outback Bowl- Saturday December 17- 4:15</div><div><br /></div><div>2 Alabama (At-Large) vs. 15 Arkansas State (Sun Belt Champions)</div><div>Capital One Bowl- Saturday December 17- 8:30</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Second Round</b></div><div>1/16 vs. 8/9</div><div>Gator Bowl- Friday December 23- 4:15</div><div><br /></div><div>5/12 vs. 4/13</div><div>Cotton Bowl- Friday December 23- 8:30</div><div><br /></div><div>3/14 vs. 6/11</div><div>Orange Bowl- Saturday December 24- 4:15</div><div><br /></div><div>7/10 vs. 2/15</div><div>Sugar Bowl- Saturday December 24- 8:30</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Third Round</b></div><div>1/16/8/9 vs. 5/12/4/13</div><div>Rose Bowl- Monday January 2- 4:15</div><div><br /></div><div>3/14/6/11 vs. 7/10/2/15</div><div>Fiesta Bowl- Monday January 2- 8:30</div><div><br /></div><div><b>National Championship</b></div><div>Allstate BCS National Championship Game</div><div>Monday January 9- 8:30</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This proposal isn't without it's flaws. There are teams that seem more worthy than some conference champions are left out (Michigan, Virginia Tech, South Carolina). However, there will be bubble teams in any system. Another problem would be deciding which bowl and time slots would get which matchups, however they could be a committee created which would decide this. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>What do you guys think? Feel free to leave any comments, questions, or other problems or proposals in the comments section.</div>John McKeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854930834068897396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-17870583766943814592012-01-09T14:35:00.001-08:002012-01-09T14:35:35.250-08:00BCS Preview #4- BCS National Championship GameToday we have the final of our five BCS Bowls of the season. All debates about whether this system is better or worse then a playoff aside, these figure to be some of the best games of the year. Today we have the BCS National Championship Game.<div><br /></div><div><b>ALLSTATE BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (8:30 pm, ESPN)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The rematch of the century is happening. After their epic defensive struggle on November 5th, the #1 LSU Tigers will face off again versus the #2 Alabama Crimson Tide. This game promises to be another defensive struggle. In their first meeting, the Tigers defeated the Crimson Tide 9-6 in overtime, in a game which saw Alabama kickers Cade Foster and Jeremy Shelley combined to miss 4 out of 6 field goals.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both teams feature strong running games, and capable passing games. Alabama has Heisman Trophy finalist Trent Richardson at running back. Richardson, a power back, ran for 1583 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. He is also the Crimson Tide's second leading receiver. Quarterback AJ McCarron has thrown for 2400 yards and 15 touchdowns as well this yard, mostly looking toward Richardson and leading receiver Marquis Maze, who had 56 receptions. For LSU, they have employ two quarterbacks and four running backs. At QB, seniors Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson lead the way. Lee is a pocket passer, and leads the team with 1306 yards and 14 touchdowns against only 3 touchdowns. Jefferson, a dual threat quarterback who was suspended for the first four games of the season due to a bar fight and subsequent arrest, has taken over as the starter since LSU played Alabama. He has thrown for 684 yards and 6 touchdowns versus only 1 interception, and rushed for 248 yards and 3 touchdowns as well. He is a very good option quarterback, which will add to LSU's offensive arsenal. Except to see both quarterbacks tonight. Their main target will be Rueben Randle, a Junior who leads all LSU receivers with 50 catches for 904 yards and 8 touchdowns. The Tigers also have four running backs who have over 300 yards this season. Sophomore Michael Ford leads the way with 755 yards and 7 touchdowns, followed by Sophomore Spencer Ware, who has 700 yards and 8 touchdowns. Sophomore Alfred Blue is next, with 539 yards and 7 touchdowns, fourth is Freshman Kenny Hillard, who has 320 yards and 8 touchdowns. Combined, they have run for 2314 yards and 30 touchdowns.</div><div><br /></div><div>This game will be about the defense though. Alabama leads the nation in defensive yards allowed per game at 191.3. LSU is second at 252.1. LSU has a pair of All-American cornerbacks in Morris Claiborne and Heisman finalist Tyrann "The Honey Badger" Mathieu. Mathieu, a sophomore, had an amazing season, with 71 tackles, 2 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 punt returns for touchdowns. Claiborne, not to be outdone, also had 6 interceptions. LSU also got great pressure on the quarterback, recording 37 sacks as a team. Alabama is led on defense by linebackers Courtney Upshaw, who had 8.5 sacks, and Dont'a Hightower, who led Alabama with 81 tackles. Both were All-Americans.</div><div><br /></div><div>The defenses will decide this game. If one offense is able to break the other, then this game won't even be close. But with the way both defenses have played this season, this is unlikely. The team that makes the most big plays and wins the field position battle will win the game and the national championship tonight.<br /><br /></div><div><i>Prediction- LSU 17, Alabama 12</i></div>John McKeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854930834068897396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-7432549754802741512012-01-04T13:22:00.000-08:002012-01-04T14:33:43.749-08:00BCS Preview #3- Orange BowlToday we have the fourth of our five BCS Bowls of the season. All debates about whether this system is better or worse then a playoff aside, these figure to be some of the best games of the year. Today we have the Orange Bowl.<div><br /></div><div><b>ORANGE BOWL (8:30 pm, ESPN) </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>This year's Orange Bowl has the #23 West Virginia Mountaineers, champions of the Big East, facing the #14 champions of the ACC, the Clemson Tigers. Both teams feature high powered offenses with a bunch of players who have the potential to be impact players. Both teams average north of 33 points per game, and rack up the offensive yards as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Clemson's offense set school records this year in passing yards, total yards, and scoring. Their high octane attack is led by Sophomore Quarterback Tajh Boyd, who threw for 3578 yards this year and completed 60% of his passes. He is a very good young quarterback who is just mobile enough to keep a defense honest. Boyd's main target is Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins, the dynamic freshman who caught 77 passes this year for 1153 yards and 11 touchdowns. Watkins does much of his damage in the YAC category, with 60.5% of his yards coming after he gets the ball. Watkins was an All- American, and was joined on that squad by teammate TE Dwayne Allen, who has 8 tocuhdowns from Boyd himself. Allen won the John Mackey Award, which is given each season to the nations best tight end. Clemson also has a 1,000 yard rusher at running back in Junior Andre Ellington. </div><div><br /></div><div>West Virginia's offense is equally explosive. Geno Smith is the star under center. The junior from Miami is the architect of the Mountaineers' offense, which is based highly on timing and yards after the catch. Smith has thrown for almost 4000 yards this year, and competes his passes at a 65% clip. His favorite target is Junior Tavon Austin, who has 89 catches for 1063 yards. Much like Clemson's Watkins, Austin has a high YAC average. Smith also has deep threat in WR Stedman Bailey. Bailey, a sophomore, had 11 touchdowns and a school record 1197 yards .One potential problem for West Virginia, however, is the injury to star freshman running back Dustin Garrison, who tore his ACL and MCL in a non-contact drill in preparations for this game. Garrison was on the Big East All-Freshman team and had 742 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Mountaineers will rely on Shawne Alston and Andrew Buie to carry the load at running back. </div><div><br /></div><div>This game will feature a lot of offense, just like the Monday BCS games. This game will be a shootout, and whoever has the better quarterback play will be the team to win the game.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Prediction- West Virginia 42, Clemson 38</i></div>John McKeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854930834068897396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-147241205092839532012-01-03T16:12:00.000-08:002012-01-03T17:15:33.419-08:00BCS Preview #2- Sugar Bowl<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">Today we have the third of our five BCS Bowls of the season. All debates about whether this system is better or worse then a playoff aside, these figure to be some of the best games of the year. Today we have the Sugar Bowl. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>SUGAR BOWL (8:30 pm, ESPN)</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">Although this year's Sugar Bowl lacks the traditional SEC Conference Champion playing in it (as LSU is in the National Championship Game), this years matchup figures to be a good game pitting #11 Virginia Tech vs. #13 Michigan. Although many fans are upset about these two teams being selected with at large bids over the higher ranked Boise St. Broncos and Kansas St. Wildcats, this game will not being lacking in star power with Denard 'Shoelace' Robinson leading his Wolverines in a bounceback season and a return to national prominence under first year head coach Brady Hoke. Hoke's Wolverines have losses versus Iowa and Michigan State this year, but also are riding high after defeating archrival Ohio State for the first time since 2003. On the Virginia Tech side, Frank Beamer returns his 11-2 Hokies to a bowl game for the 19th consecutive year, but both of VT's losses came at the hands of ACC Champion Clemson, by a combined score of 61-13. His team is led this year by Junior RB David Wilson and Sophomore TE-turned-QB Logan Thomas.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">When the Hokies have the ball, expect to see a heavy dose of Wilson. The RB is only 29 yards away from breaking the school's single season rushing record. Logan Thomas is a dual threat at quarterback, but relies more on his arm, using his legs mostly just to get himself out of trouble. One x-factor for this game could be the Hokies' special teams. Frank Beamer historically has had his teams play with very strong special teams. However this year, the Hokies only have one blocked punt, and have serious issues at kicker. Beamer suspended first-team Kicker Cody Journell following his arrest on home invasion charges. Journell did not make the trip to New Orleans. Then Beamer sent home backup Kicker Tyler Weiss after Weiss missed the team's curfew. The Hokies are down to third string Kicker Justin Myer, their kickoff specialist who is 0-2 on field goals this season. We will see if this affects Beamer's decisions once the Hokies begin to get into scoring territory, or if Beamer has something up his special teams coaching sleeve. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">When Michigan has the ball, the Wolverines attack will be focused on Denard Robinson. Robinson, a well know dual threat at QB, can make spectacular plays with his feet, however Brady Hoke has limited his ability to do so in order to keep Robinson, who has struggled with injuries in past years, healthy. Although Robinson is still not the most skilled passer, his ability to keep defenses honest allows him to still be a very good quarterback. Helping him on offense will be Sophomore Running Back Fitzgerald Toussaint, who has emerged as a threat late in the season. Toussaint has almost 700 yards in Michigan's last five games, has has helped Brady Hoke take much of the load off of Robinson. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;">This game should be a good one to watch as well, although it will be tough to live up to the standard set by last night's two games. Denard Robinson is one of college football's stars, and Frank Beamer is the longest tenured and winning-est active coach in Division 1. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Prediction- Michigan 34, Virginia Tech 21</i></span></span></div>John McKeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854930834068897396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-66841502949382026522012-01-02T12:15:00.001-08:002012-01-03T18:00:40.435-08:00BCS Preview #1- Rose and Fiesta BowlsToday we have the first two of our five BCS Bowls of the season. All debates about whether this system is better or worse then a playoff aside, these figure to be some of the best games of the year. Today we have the Rose Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><div><br /></div><div><b>ROSE BOWL (5 pm, ESPN)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>In a traditional battle of Big 10 champions versus Pac 12 champions, Wisconsin's Russell Wilson and Heisman Finalist Montee Ball will face off against the high powered, high paced attack of Oregon's Darron Thomas and LaMichael James. Ball is only one TD away from tying the single season touchdown mark of 39 set by the legendary Barry Sanders of Oklahoma State, and has at least 2 touchdowns in every game this season. Wisconsin will need to lean on Ball and their power running attack to control the ground game in order to allow their defense to stay off the field and be well rested to keep up with Oregon's fast paced attack. With Oregon's defense being a bit undersized, it is not out of the realm of possibility.<br /><br />When Oregon has the ball, the Badger's defense could be run right off the field. The Ducks will use Darron Thomas' and LaMichael James' speed to wear down the Badgers' Defense. They don't often huddle, and take great pride in having the fastest team in the country. Oregon has a faster pace then anyone Wisconsin has seen all year by a lot, and have the weapons to be able to wear down an underrated defense. </div><div><br /></div><div>This game will be a battle of offenses, but a defense will win the game for its team. The pace will be phenomenal. If you like offense, you will like this game. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Prediction- Oregon 42, Wisconsin 28</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>FIESTA BOWL (8pm, ESPN)</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Likely #1 overall pick Andrew Luck will quarterback Stanford for the last time tonight against Oklahoma State's high powered offense, led by Senior QB Brandon Weeden and Junior WR Justin Blackmon, another likely high first round draft pick. The Cardinal (11-1) had their only loss at the hands of Pac 12 champion Oregon, while the Cowboys were kept out of their title game due only to their upset loss to Kansas State, who finished second in the Big 12 to OSU <i>(editors' note- Oklahoma State's loss was to Iowa State, not Kansas State, my bad)</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>When the Cardinal are on offense, expect Andrew Luck and a strong ground game to pick apart a Cowboy defense ranked 107th in the country in total defense. However, OSU's defense is not a pushover- they lead the nation with 42 turnovers. However, the Cardinal have turned the ball over only 15 times all year. Something will have to give, and if the Cardinal are in the game, expect it to be because their offense has held onto the ball. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Oklahoma State is on offense, look for Brandon Weeden to air it out in his last game. The senior has over 4000 yards passing and 34 touchdown. Justin Blackmon will also likely be playing in his last game, and expect another big game from him. He has 1336 yards and 15 touchdowns, and is a big time playmaker. Stanford's defense will need to shut down the air attack to win this game.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oklahoma State's only loss came on the heels of a school tragedy, with OSU's woman's basketball team losing two coaches in a plane crash that afternoon. Aside from that the Cowboys have been amazing. But Andrew Luck will not want to head to the NFL with the taste of a big loss to end his college career. Expect another game with lots of offense. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Prediction- Oklahoma State 41, Stanford 38</i></div>John McKeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854930834068897396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-54612522598728117132012-01-02T12:01:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:14:42.885-08:00Florida State 18 Notre Dame 14That was rough. I became a fan of Notre Dame in 2002, and I think that was the hardest game to watch since then. The offense was disgusting all night, and the defense was like watching a slow speed train wreck in the second half. Turnovers again killed the Irish as well, as they had three, including two in the endzone, and each were very costly. They were penalized five time, and missed a field goal. It was the same problems they had all year- they made bad mistakes and missed opportunities to score points. Let's break down what went wrong for the Fighting Irish last night.<div><br /></div><div>The offense was abysmal. Plain and simple. They only scored 7 points, and they gave away at least 9 points (assuming they only would have gotten field goals) on the two turnovers in Seminole territory and the missed Ruffer field goal. In my game preview, I said the Irish needed to protect Rees and establish the run game to be successful on offense. They did neither. Rees was sacked 3 times and had pressure in his face all night, and Cierre Wood ran for only 60 yards on 18 carries, and a quarter of those yards came on one run. Even Michael Floyd dropped what would have been a long completion in the second quarter that would have turned the field position battle around and possibly allowed the Irish to score. The Irish did appear to come out of the locker room at halftime with some swagger and confidence, driving down the field and scoring. It appeared as though Michael Floyd was ready to take over, after his two catches, including a phemonimal circus touchdown catch in which he bailed out Tommy Rees after the QB made a terrible throw on a jump ball. Floyd juggled the ball back and forth for a few moments before finally pulling it in, showing the hands, quickness, and concentration to be a star in the NFL. However, he was limited the rest of the game with an injury suffered during that drive, and the Irish offense went dormant yet again. Tommy Rees spent the entire night looking like he was waiting to be pulled by Kelly, and made some throws that made me want to scream (If Rees has ever been this bad in practice, I understand why Brian Kelly does scream like that all the time now). Hendrix was not much better in his time on the field, throwing what was possibly the worst interception I've ever seen, and for a minute I wondered if Hendrix was just really confused as to which team he played for. That interception/completion to FSU OLB Nigel Bradham set up a Seminole touchdown, thrown by EJ Manuel on the very next play, proving the turnovers to be costly yet again. Cierre Wood and his mates on the offensive line were unable to handle the load in a big game versus a top run defense. There was nothing good about this offense yesterday. </div><div><br /></div><div>The defense played much better. They got pressure on FSU QB EJ Manuel, as Freshman DE Aaron Lynch had a monster game, and even scored the games first points on Zeke Motta's scoop and score. However, in the second half the Irish had a combination of bad field position, and getting tired, and a halt in the aggressive play that made the Irish defense so lethal in the first half led to the end of their dominance. The Irish offense got off the field too quickly, and left the FSU offense with a too short of a field for the Irish defense to hold every time. To complicate matters, ND defensive coordinator Bob Diaco seemed to dial down the pressure in the second half. Although the Irish D still shut down FSU's ground game, Manuel was able to have time to find open receivers and give his offense enough of a rhythm to rally to beat the Irish. </div><div><br /></div><div>A game that could have given the program a lot of momentum going into a big offseason for Brian Kelly and his boys instead leaves Notre Dame with a lot of questions. This game was a perfect example of what the season was for the Irish, lots of costly turnovers and painful, close losses. Kelly will have to spend this offseason searching for the answers to these questions.</div>John McKeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854930834068897396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-37220959081670741582011-12-29T10:06:00.000-08:002011-12-29T12:24:05.259-08:00Champs Sports Bowl PreviewFor college football fans, its the most wonderful/controversial time of the year. Even in this age where there is a need for a playoff system in Division 1 college football, everybody enjoys a good bowl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">matchup</span>. One of this years more interesting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">matchups</span> is in the Champs Sports Bowl today, as AP #25 Florida State (8-4) takes on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Notre</span> Dame (8-4) at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando tonight at 5:30 (ET) on ESPN. <div><br /></div><div>Unlike many bowl games that have two teams with little or no history playing against each other, the Seminoles and the Irish have a background. This game is a rematch of the 1993 "Game 0f the Century" between the two schools, which was hyped up to the point that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ESPN's</span> College <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gameday</span> had their first ever live broadcast on the campus of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Notre</span> Dame prior to that day. In that famous game, the #1 Seminoles, lead by eventual Heisman winner Charlie Ward, traveled to South Bend to face the #2 Irish. The Irish controlled the game all day, and led 31-17 with only 1:39 to play, when Ward threw a touchdown on 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span> and 20 that a ND defender tipped right into a Seminole <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">WR's</span> hands. With the score now 31-24, the Irish offense sputtered and when 3 and out. Ward led the Seminoles down to the ND 14 with only 3 seconds remaining, but the Irish defense stood their ground and held on for the win. However, the Seminoles would get the last laugh. After the Irish lost the next week to BC, the Seminoles retook the #1 spot in the polls and would go on to win the national championship. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Notre</span> Dame would finish as #2. </div><div><br /></div><div>This years <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">matchup</span> features a pair of teams that had high hopes going into the season met with mediocre results for a pair of second year coaches in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">FSU's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Jimbo</span> Fisher and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">ND's</span> Brian Kelly. Both teams feature offenses that can put up points, but also defenses that can shut down good offenses. </div><div><br /></div><div>On offense, the Irish have but their quarterback controversy to bed until the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">offseason</span> by naming Tommy Rees starter despite being pulled in the season finale versus Stanford. Rees has shown flashes of brilliance this year, with big games versus Air Force, Purdue, and Maryland, but has also shown the ability to be terrible, as shown versus Stanford and most of the Pitt game. However he has a quarterback rating of at least 100 in all but two games this year, and throughout the year has shown a great chemistry with leading Irish receivers Michael Floyd and Tyler <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Eifert</span>. This will be a tough test for the sophomore quarterback, with Florida State boasting the fourth best point against per game average in the country, led by Senior <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">OLB</span> Nigel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Bradham</span>. The Seminoles have 36 sacks on the season, but the Irish have only allowed 13. The Irish offensive line must protect Tommy Rees, and to make sure the Seminoles can't just go after Rees all day, the Irish will need to get 1,000 yard rusher <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Cierre</span> Wood rolling early. If the Irish can establish a run game and continue to protect Rees as well as they have all year, I expect Brian Kelly to put together a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">gameplan</span> that will give the Irish a chance to win. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the Seminole offense, it has been a mixed bag of a season. They have more than 30 points in 8 of 12 games, but in their last two, a 14-13 loss to Virginia and a 21-7 win over Florida, they have struggled. Versus Florida the Seminoles only mustered up 95 yards of offense, and Quarterback <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">EJ</span> Manuel was sacked four times. Virginia also kept the pressure on Manuel and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">FSU</span> the game before. They sacked Manuel three times, and only allowed the Seminoles offense in the end zone once. To win, the Irish defense must continue to pressure Manuel. Big games must be had from Freshman DE Aaron Lynch and Junior LB <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Manti</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Te'o</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Te'o</span>, who recently announced he would return for his senior season next year, has the ability to shut down a run game by himself, and the Florida State running attack is not all that dynamic. Aaron Lynch has been fantastic in short bursts as a pass rushing specialist this year, and Brian Kelly will want to find places to get the talented freshman on the field to pressure Manuel this evening. If the Irish keep the pressure on Manuel, as was shown by Florida and Virginia.</div><div><br /></div><div>These two teams are ranked very close together, as the Seminoles are at #25 in the AP polls, while the Irish are the top 'also receiving votes' team. They have similar structure in terms of their strong defenses and rising expectations under relatively new head coaches. These are two teams that could, with a little luck and some good recruiting and coaching, be in the National Championship talks in a few years. Today however, I pick the Irish to win a close, 24-20 game. I will post my reactions to the game and outlook for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Notre</span> Dame's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">offseason</span> tomorrow.</div>John McKeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854930834068897396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-54829569077133918602011-12-27T15:29:00.000-08:002011-12-27T21:31:42.454-08:00McKeon's Early Season NBA MusingsThe NBA Season is upon us at long last. Although I have yet to watch as much of the league as I wished to have at this point, a couple things are abundantly clear already...<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><div><br /></div><div>- Norris Cole is to 2011-2012 Miami Heat what Rajon Rondo was to the 2007-2008 Celtics. Both are point guards who were picked later in the first round to support a team with a superstar at the shooting guard and both forward positions. Granted Rondo was not a rookie that year, as Cole is this year, but was largely considered an unknown. He had started 25 games for Boston the year before as a rookie, but wasn't very good or consistent (and neither was that team). Many people, especially in Boston, worried that Rondo would be the undoing of the newly formed Big Three of KG, Pierce, and Allen. He proved to be a very good starter, and now is the best player currently on the Celtics. Cole, who was the 28th pick out of Cleveland State in this year's draft, comes into a situation where he is not expected to be the starter (Mario Chalmers is), but as was proven tonight versus Boston, he will be getting big minutes. I don't think he's about to take over LeBron or DWade for the best player on the team anytime soon, but he will be a big factor in exactly how far this Miami Heat team goes this year, and into the future. </div><div><br /></div><div>- Keyon Dooling has the worst shooting form of any professional basketball player I have ever seen. I want to vomit every time he shoots the ball. I will never understand how it ever goes in. Just ew.</div><div><br /></div><div>- The Celtics are 0-2, but they will be just fine. Their two losses are by a combined 10 points versus two of the top 5 teams in the Eastern Conference (Knicks and Heat). And they are doing all of this without Paul Pierce, who has for years been their go-to guy in the clutch situations, and newly signed Mickael Pietrus, who will in all likelyhood be one of the Celtics' key reserves once his knee is healthy. You cannot expect Pierce's heel injury to nag him throughout the season, as it is only a bruise, however one must wonder about the continued health of Pietrus and KG's knees, and Jermaine O'Neal's everything. If they all stay healthy, this team will be as good as any in the east, and even without Pierce, they are still a competitive team.</div><div><br /></div><div>- There is a direct correlation in the NBA between strong defensive centers and championships. Andrew Bynum and the 2009 and 2010 Lakers, Kendrick Perkins and the 2008 Celtics, Shaq and the 2006 Miami Heat and 2000, 2001, and 2002 Lakers. Even going back farther, Bill Russell and the 11 championship in 13 season Celtics of the late 50's-60's, and the 80's Lakers and Celtics with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Robert Parish. A defensive center can be the kryptonite of any great scorer in the league. This is why the Dallas Mavericks will not repeat as champions this year. Last year, with Tyson Chandler holding down the paint, they were dominant. They stopped teams on defense, because they had Chandler as the last line of defense before the basket. Without him, the Mavericks, although victims of a tough early season NBA schedule as well, are 0-2. Although the Mavericks will still be competitive, without their defensive star they will be more like the Mavericks of the 2000's then the Mavericks of 2011. </div><div><br /></div><div>- Which brings me to my next point. DEANDRE JORDAN. Literally drooling everywhere. What he did in Lob City's first game of the year was fantastic. This Clippers team will get better as the season wears on, and the youth of the team combined with the growing chemistry will allow this team to be at its strongest come playoff time, but they will go as far as two players will take them. Player one is Chris Paul, because, as he has proven in the past and proved in the fourth quarter of the game versus Golden State, he can take over a game when he wants to. The other player? Not Blake Griffin, lest in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, he is a fantastic player. But what DeAndre Jordan showed in that first game is that he has the potential to change games with his defense. I mean 8 FREAKING BLOCKS?!?!?!?!?! I don't get 8 blocks in a game with a whole team in NBA 2K12. He is my (very) early upset pick to unseat Dwight Howard as defensive player of the year. Lookout Superman, there's a new superhero in town. </div>John McKeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854930834068897396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-89984145310329204602011-12-27T10:45:00.000-08:002011-12-27T15:33:06.568-08:00NBA notes and observations: What I Saw<div><div class="p1">We might be sleeping on this Kings team, or the Lakers aren’t who we thought they were (Yes, they’re missing Bynum and Kobe’s hurt... shut up). While I didn’t get to watch the entire game, I was struck by the energy the Kings played with in the 4th quarter. Watching their lead begin to dwindle behind the masterful post-work of Pau Gasol, the Kings’ offense was out of sync. </div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=311226023">LAL 91 - SAC 100</a></div><div class="p2"><br />
<span class="s1"></span></div><ul><li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="s1">The Kings might have done some maturing in the offseason. DeMarcus Cousins absolutely abused Pau Gasol on the offensive glass at the end of regulation. With the game still up for grabs after a late Lakers run, Cousins was a pest on 3 straight missed FT’s or shots as Gasol could do little to keep him from securing the board. Of course, he followed up with a performance from Bad Cousins by getting a double technical after cocking his fist at Gasol. This led to his swift benching by Westphal to preserve his cool for future games. </span></li>
</ul><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><ul><li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="s1">Marcus Thornton is a grown-ass man. He did his best Kobe impression on the court as Kobe had himself a selfish game. Thornton was a scary efficient (9-13) overall and (4-7) from 3 point land. He took over and created his own shots when his shoot first point guards couldn’t do it for him. He hit an array of off the dribble and catch and shoot opportunities. He looks like the real deal and a possible All-Star candidate soon as long as Tyreke allows him to get his. </span></li>
</ul><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><ul><li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="s1">Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace (I actually enjoyed hearing, “World Peace for the score.” Kinda cool and I thought it wouldn’t be) were the reasons that the Lakers were able to make a late run. Beautiful work in the high post led to off ball movement from World Peace and easy buckets in the paint or off jump shots. Unfortunately, Kobe decided to try too much as the game started slipping away from them. </span></li>
</ul><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=311226027">NJ 90 - WSH 84</a></div><div class="p1"><br />
</div><ul><li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="s1">Deron Williams will be the singular reason that the Nets beat out inferior teams throughout the year. He is a top 3 PG and a top flight competitor in this league. Such a shame they lose Lopez, who would benefit from a “full” season with Deron. For now, he sets up Anthony Morrow beautifully from deep. Should be a nice pairing for the year. </span></li>
</ul><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=311226016">OKC 104 - MIN 100</a></div><ul><li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="s1">Ricky Rubio is already a top 10 PG. There is simply no one else in the league right now that sees what he does on the floor aside from Chris Paul, Steve Nash, and Deron Williams. He ran the fast break seamlessly and threw passes that no other play could dream of completing. Shit, he might turn Anthony Randolph into a real player and I’ll have to change our avatar! He is the quintessential PG; someone who makes all of his teammates better by being extremely unselfish and giving them the easiest buckets possible. His presence, along with Love, Beasley, Williams, Barea, a possible Randolph awakening, and Wes Johnson should make them a tough beat for the West’s contenders. </span></li>
</ul><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><ul><li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="s1">KDTrey is taking the scoring title again. His length and quick release make him impossible to stop and I can’t see anyone out-producing him this year, James Harden or not. Gonna be talk about the Hall of Fame for him when all is said and done. </span></li>
</ul><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div></div>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-20221598797682891772011-12-18T09:15:00.001-08:002011-12-18T10:26:14.850-08:00Week 15 NFL PicksFirst blog post for me ever... Let's make some picks for week 15 in the NFL.<br />
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Redskins +6.5 at Giants<br />
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</div><div>Alex: Giants - JPP is ready to maintain his adrenaline after his field goal block for the win last week. OK so Tuck is questionable and Osi is out but the Redskins offensive line is still overmatched by the Giants defensive line. </div><div><br />
McKeon: Giants - Depends which Rex comes out for the skins. I play it safe and expect bad Rex.<br />
<div class="p1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></div><br />
</div><div>Packers at Chiefs +13.5</div><div><br />
</div><div><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</div>Alex: Packers - Do I have to go into it? The matchup of the untouchable Aaron Rodgers against a brand new quarterback (Kyle Orton) and a new coach (Romeo Crennel) for the Chiefs is just asking for a blowout.<br />
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McKeon: Packers - Classic mismatch. This will get ugly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="270" id="il_fi" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bl7eRv8E65NH/439x.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right boy, get in there nice and deep like.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Saints at +8 Vikings<br />
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Alex: Saints - After a Falcon's win on Thursday and Drew Brees at the helm of the offense, there will be no chance for the Vikings. I mean come on, Drew Brees compiles more yards than the entire Vikings team in one game.<br />
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McKeon: Saints - Will be interesting to see how ponder plays and if he gets a long leash. I'm not willing to bet he plays well.<br />
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Seahawks + 3.5 at Chicago<br />
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Alex: Seahawks - The Bears have accumulated 13 points in each of their last two games and the Seahawks have scored more than 20 in each game this season except two and have held opponents to two scores in the past two games. They aren't out of the playoff picture yet and that gives them an edge along with the back to back big wins over the Eagles and the Rams. I'm sure Caleb Hanie won't be too much of a challenge and Forte is "definitely not 100%" so we should see a Seattle upset at Soldier Field.<br />
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McKeon: Seahawks -<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="303" id="il_fi" src="http://cbskzok.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/107344249_10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marshawn Lynch in Beast Mode</td></tr>
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Dolphins +2 at Bills<br />
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Alex: Bills - I would have picked the Dolphins but I remember they may be starting J.P. Losman. It could go either way. Bills need a win because frankly they have regressed dramatically since giving Fitzpatrick that contract. The running game of the Bills has collapsed and they are now averaging 12.8 points over their six game losing streak. It is simple, if Losman starts, Bills win; if Moore starts, Dolphins win.<br />
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McKeon: Dolphins - Bills continue to reel. I'll take the relatively warm phins.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/800/510/82903853_display_image.jpg?1300685844" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/800/510/82903853_display_image.jpg?1300685844" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sucked with the Bills....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.miamiherald.com/smedia/2011/12/11/18/52/5bHDz.St.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" id="il_fi" src="http://media.miamiherald.com/smedia/2011/12/11/18/52/5bHDz.St.56.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will suck against the Bills....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Panthers + 6.5 at Houston<br />
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Alex: Panthers - Cam Newton is fed up with how his defense has played and finds himself in a perfect situation to get a much needed upset. T.J. Yates is a fifth round pick for a reason and I am a firm believer that the Texans will collapse. Cam Newton is the man to show them that they will not succeed in the playoffs.<br />
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McKeon: Panthers - Cam Newton will keep the panthers in it, Too close of a game to not take the points.<br />
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Titans at + 6.5 Colts<br />
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Alex: Titans - Colts will lose every game so long as Peyton Manning is on the sidelines. It just means they will find their next Peyton Manning in this years draft. The Titans will have Hasselback today and he wants another shot at the playoffs so a loss to the winless is very unlikely today for the Titans.<br />
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McKeon: Titans - The colts continue to sucks. Badly. This one, like the other colts games, could get ugly<br />
<div class="p1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="246" id="il_fi" src="http://www.terezowens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/luck-manning.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step aside former first overall pick, Andrew Luck, likely the next first overall pick, wants to start a new era.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Bengals at +7 Rams<br />
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Alex: Bengals - They are a good team and need a rebound game and a perfect matchup to regain confidence. The Rams defense is suicidal and Sam Bradford is struggling to find open receivers. AJ Green should win rookie of the year because I think he is already an elite receiver in the NFL. Once he and Dalton have excellent chemistry their offense should consistently click.<br />
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McKeon: Bengals - no Bradford, no winning for the rams<br />
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Lions at +1 Raiders<br />
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Alex: Lions - The Raiders are not playoff contenders and they never were. Carson Palmer has been less than efficient and the defense has been awful the past two games against the Dolphins and Packers being outscored 80-30. The Lions are emerging as a contender and have to fire power to win in the playoffs this year.<br />
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<br />
<div class="p1">McKeon: Lions - an ice cold raiders team plus the lions return of suh, plus a team that is penaltized more then the lions? Lions all day.<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></div><br />
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Patriots at +7.5 Broncos<br />
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Alex: Patriots - I understand that Tebow is perpetually stubborn and refuses to lose but Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will not allow a fourth quarter collapse to let the Tebowmania from continuing. Patriots pass defense is awful but it doesn't matter because Tebow will not capitalize when it is needed in the first three quarters. If Tom Brady doesn't outscore Tim Tebow, I'd be surprised. Either way we got some sensitive quarterbacks on our hands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://latenightdebates.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/tebow-crying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" id="il_fi" src="http://latenightdebates.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/tebow-crying.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why don't you believe in Jesus?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wrapupp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tom-brady-crying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="127" id="il_fi" src="http://www.wrapupp.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tom-brady-crying.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why is everyone making fun of me?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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McKeon: Broncos -<br />
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<img height="217" id="il_fi" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/822226/Tebow_Bears.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="384" /><br />
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Jets +3 at Eagles<br />
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Alex: Eagles - I am not just saying this! I actually believe that the Eagles will carry over their energy from last week where they had 9 sacks, forced 3 turnovers and allowed just 204 yards. The Jets are 25th in total offense and they did have a great game but it was against the Chiefs; I'm not sold that they can win consistently.<br />
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McKeon: Jets -Battle of good defenses. I'll take the better d with more to play with.<br />
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Browns +6.5 at Cardinals<br />
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Alex: Cardinals - Colt McCoy is out and Peyton Hillis is a no show this season. They have Seneca Wallace throwing to a receiving core with.... Does anyone know any of their receivers? On the other side, the Cardinals have turned it around because Larry Fitzgerald has finally seen the ball with Skelton at the helm. He is the 8th player to have 1,000 in each of his first 8 seasons. Cardinals defense is better than the Browns offense and that is going to be where the game is decided. If Fitz gets the ball, the offense will open up.<br />
<img height="420" id="il_fi" src="http://chzupnextinsports.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/129115246794503534.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="492" /><br />
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<div class="p1">McKeon: Cardinals - Skelton-mania! Guys as hot as Tebow without the following. Ill ride this wave too.</div><br />
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Ravens at Chargers +2.5<br />
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Alex: Chargers - Philip Rivers has looked a lot more like Philip Rivers and I don't expect the Ravens secondary to stop his momentum after Rivers lit up the Bills last week. The Chargers have outscored opponents 75-24 in the past two games and the Ravens are looking forward to the playoffs instead of this game. I see Flacco having to throw too much and not coming through. If Ray Rice runs 25+ times, the Ravens will win this game. Otherwise, I don't think they can continue their win streak.<br />
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<div class="p1">McKeon: Ravens - Chargers are choke artists. Ravens d will smother them.</div><br />
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Steelers +3 at 49ers<br />
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Alex: Steelers - This is the game of the week and it comes down to whether or not Big Ben plays. His presence has proven to be a game-changer against elite teams. The 49ers have a stellar defense and balance the pass and run very well. However, Gore has not been running as well as earlier weeks being held to below 90 yards the past five games. The red zone troubles of the 49ers is a huge factor against a defense as tough as the Steelers. If Big Ben plays they win and if he is out I don't think the 49ers defense will let Charlie Batch come away with the upset in San Francisco.<br />
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McKeon: 49ers- This should be a great battle between 2 great defenses. I call this one a toss up, so I take the 49ers in case roethlisberger doesn't play or isn't 100%</div>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-971900473473268292011-12-18T06:55:00.001-08:002011-12-18T08:52:32.885-08:00Week 15 NFL Picks<div>Redskins +6.5 at Giants<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Alex: Giants - JPP is ready to maintain his adrenaline after his field goal block for the win last week. OK so Tuck is questionable and Osi is out but the Redskins offensive line is still overmatched by the Giants defensive line. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Packers at Chiefs +13.5</div><div><br />
</div><div>Alex: Packers - Do I have to go into it? The matchup of the untouchable Aaron Rodgers against a brand new quarterback (Kyle Orton) and a new coach (Romeo Crennel) for the Chiefs is just asking for a blowout.<br />
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Saints at +8 Vikings<br />
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Alex: Saints - After a Falcon's win on Thursday and Drew Brees at the helm of the offense, there will be no chance for the Vikings. I mean come on, Drew Brees compiles more yards than the entire Vikings team in one game.<br />
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Seahawks + 3.5 at Chicago<br />
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Alex: Seahawks - The Bears have accumulated 13 points in each of their last two games and the Seahawks have scored more than 20 in each game this season except two and have held opponents to two scores in the past two games. They aren't out of the playoff picture yet and that gives them an edge along with the back to back big wins over the Eagles and the Rams. I'm sure Caleb Hanie won't be too much of a challenge and Forte is "definitely not 100%" so we should see a Seattle upset at Soldier Field.<br />
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Dolphins +2 at Bills<br />
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Alex: Bills - I would have picked the Dolphins but I remember they may be starting J.P. Losman. It could go either way. Bills need a win because frankly they have regressed dramatically since giving Fitzpatrick that contract. The running game of the Bills has collapsed and they are now averaging 12.8 points over their six game losing streak. It is simple, if Losman starts, Bills win; if Moore starts, Dolphins win.<br />
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Panthers + 6.5 at Houston<br />
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Alex: Panthers - Cam Newton is fed up with how his defense has played and finds himself in a perfect situation to get a much needed upset. T.J. Yates is a fifth round pick for a reason and I am a firm believer that the Texans will collapse. </div></div>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-20139665370791939262011-12-10T21:23:00.000-08:002011-12-10T21:31:08.758-08:00The Return of Westy- UpdateAs previously reported, Ryan Westmoreland has returned to live action this past weekend in the Dominican Instructional League. The 21 year old, who was returning to baseball for the first time since having a cavernous malformation removed from his brain stem in March 2010, had five at bats over the course of two days. Westmoreland went 0-3 with a walk, a HBP, a strikeout, and two groundouts. By doing this, Westmoreland completed his goal of seeing action in a live game by the end of 2011.John McKeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854930834068897396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-68740152128734350082011-12-10T20:08:00.001-08:002011-12-10T21:19:35.815-08:00Week 14 NFL Picks<div class="p1"><span class="s1">Week 14 NFL Spreads and Picks</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Chiefs +10.5 at Jets</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Jets- The Chiefs offense has struggled mightily all year. Against the strong defense of the Jets, I’ll be surprised if they score a touchdown.</span><br />
<span class="s1"><br />
</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Tyler- Jets- As bad as Palko is, It will be tough for the Jets to cover two scores against a good Chiefs defense. Luckily their defense will make sure they do. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Giants +3.5 at Cowboys</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Giants- Even in defeat the past few weeks, the Giants haven’t looked bad. They need this game more then the Cowboys do. </span><br />
<span class="s1"><br />
</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Tyler- Cowboys- They will cover but still lose. Gonna be extremely tight game and you know that the ‘Boys will lose to make the NFC East more interesting.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Colts +16.5 at Ravens</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1">MCKEON- Ravens- The Colts really do suck this bad. The only reason they covered last week was garbage time. If they cover this week, it will be because of the same reason. Dan Orlovsky’s teams are also 0-16 when he throws a pass. </div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Ravens- Slight chance of the backdoor cover like last week against the Pats but, for now, need to bet against Colts whenever you can. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Texans +3.5 at Bengals</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Texans- Their defense is fantastic, their quarterbacks can do no wrong, and Arian Nation Foster and Ben Tate just keep running. They’ll pull it out versus a young Bengals team.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Bengals- Andy Dalton has looked very comfortable in his first NFL year. His deep threats might prove too much for the Texans. Don’t think Yates does enough to help them win. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Raiders +11.5 at Packers</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Packers- Aaron Rodgers is amazing. The Packers O will be too much. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Packers- Easy pick. Raiders are floundering, Packers are proving their mettle. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Vikings +8.5 at Lions</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Lions- The Vikings are turrible. If the Lions can avoid getting 39764 personal fouls, they’ll win easily. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Lions- No AP means no chance. A divisional game means that the Lions will show up with fire. No one on the Vikings can cover Calvin Johnson, who’s been awfully quiet and due for a breakout. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Saints at Titans + 3.5</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Saints- Drew Brees has a chance to break Dan Marino’s single season passing yards record, and the Titans don’t hve anyone who will get in the way of that.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Titans- I feel like this could be a trap game for the Saints. They are cruising but Chris Johnson has come alive as he has gotten into football shape once again. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Eagles +3.5 at Dolphins</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Dolphins- The nightmare team has shown nothing that makes me think the dream will end anytime soon. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Eagles- Oh they’ll still lose, but they’ll give up the lead in the 4th quarter and lose by a field goal just so that they can cover. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Patriots at Redskins +8.5</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Patriots- The Redskins have fallen apart after a good start. Meanwhile the Patriots are going the other way, getting stronger week by week. However I still hate Tom Brady.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Patriots- The Skins are disgusting. Sexy Rexy loves the deep balls but Shanahan can’t coach them to a win against an offense that has looked surgical the entire 2nd half. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Falcons at Panthers +3.5</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Falcons- They need this game to stay alive in the playoffs hunt. Cam Newton has this team heading in the right direction, but they’re not that good yet. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Panthers- Cam Newton is a grown-ass-man but his teammates haven’t quite gotten there yet. I still don’t completely buy the Falcons and I think the Panthers D will give Turner and Ryan fits. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Buccaneers at Jaguars +1.5</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Buccaneers- Jaguars have looked absolutely terrible all year. The Buccaneers haven’t looked much better, but someone has to win this game.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Jaguars- New coach, good RB, and a remade defense will keep Jags competitive the rest of the year. Buccaneers have looked like a mess. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>49ers at Cardinals +4.5</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- 49ers- The 49ers have a dominating defense and Kevin Kolb has not looked that good as of yet. The 49ers shouldn’t have too much trouble with these guys.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><b></b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><b></b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- 49ers- The Cardinals suck. Kevin Kolb’s pocket awareness sucks. Fitz isn’t getting the ball nearly enough. The 49ers should help keep those trends alive. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><b></b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"><b></b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Bears +3.5 at Broncos</b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Broncos- </span></div><div class="p1"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.espn980.com/upload/Tim-Tebow-Praying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://www.espn980.com/upload/Tim-Tebow-Praying.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="s1">That is all.</span><br />
<span class="s1"><br />
</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Tyler- Broncos- That too </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">(Originally McKeon’s idea)</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">(Yes he made me put that)</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">(Don’t I run this fucking site?)</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><b><br />
</b><br />
MCKEON- Do I care? Next question.<br />
<span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Bills +7.5 at Chargers</b></span><br />
MCKEON- Chargers- Both teams are in a tailspin, but the Chargers have a history of late season runs, and the Bills tailspin has been more dramatic. </div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Chargers- Really just a tossup and I don’t think the final score will have that high of a differential. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>Rams +6.5 at Seahawks</b></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">MCKEON- Seahawks- Marshawn Lynch has been in beast mode, and the Rams look absolutely horrible. Marshawn will have some skittles and put the team on is back. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="s1">Tyler- Seahawks- Shut up, Drew Brees. Marshawn got so much determination, do. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="s1"><b>McKeon Season Record- 100-92</b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Last Week- 9-7</b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Tyler Season Record- 0-0</b></span></div>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-23130879672719534762011-12-10T06:21:00.001-08:002011-12-10T06:21:31.911-08:00NBA Free Agency Running Diary<div class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>9:00 AM 12/9/11</b></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><b>Tyler Berman</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Today marks the beginning of the actual NBA free agency period. After the Chris Paul trade veto last night and the talk of Dwight Howard asking for a trade to the Nets, there will certainly be plenty of news to discuss and react. Before more news starts coming out, what are your guys few thoughts and predictions before the day gets started?</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=583673364"><span class="s2"><b>Brian Perry</b></span></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">What’s the deal with Keyon Dooling? Is he any good?</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><span class="s2"><b>Tyler Berman</b></span></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Maybe had potential 8 years ago.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=583673364"><span class="s2"><b>Brian Perry</b></span></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Yeah, I’d say DeAndre has to stay with the Clippers, they don’t wanna piss off Blake... do you think the celtics have any shot of getting equal value back for Rondo?</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><span class="s2"><b>Tyler Berman</b></span></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">At this point? No. They have been shopping him at a disgusting rate and there's no way they can have a HAPPY Rondo in Boston. Not definite that he's jettisoned but high possibility. Dooling might have been backup insurance for Avery Bradley and whoever else they have to man the point if they trade Rondo. Don't see them getting a PG back, rather a scorer to help Pierce. Would be cruel, but why aren't they trying to move KG? Dude is gonna die during the condensed season. At least amnesty once his knees give out for good, I guess</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=583673364"><span class="s2"><b>Brian Perry</b></span></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">I do think they need to get a lot younger fast. This team is rapidly aging. They are undersized and flat out just not good enough anymore. celtics are supposed to be contenders not a home for the elderly. It sucks that they are in a situation where they have to trade their best player, but they have no other choice<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1043435679"><span class="s2"><b>Corey Aronson</b></span></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Dooling is a serviceable backup but nothing special. Rondo now HAS to be traded like Tyler said. It seems like the celtics have killed their relationship with him which is a shame considering he was their only young player. I don’t think he gets moved today but probably next week and not for equal value since the Hornets will not be able to trade CP3 without a ridiculous backlash from the entire league and fan base, especially to a different big market like Boston.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">I'm curious what happens when all of these guys who were supposed to be traded now have to show up to training camp. Should be really awkward. Also apparently CP3 won’t show up to training camp and is considering legal action. Conflict of interest there for sure. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Knicks wise they get Tyson Chandler. It seems like a done deal and will have a sick frontcourt next year. They will amnesty billups (please don’t go to the heat) and trade Turiaf and Balkman to free up space to get the deal done. They better not trade Shumpert. Then I predict they sign Michael Redd to the veterans minimum for a year since Grant Hill seems like he’s going back to the Suns.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Also Brandon Roy just saved the Blazers the hardest decision they would have had to make, whether to amnesty him or not. Now they can save it and don’t have to finish his contract. I personally hate this cause in the playoffs he showed just how good he was and if it wasn’t for injuries he would have had an unbelievable career</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Also as unfair as it was for the NBA to block the trade the lakers would have gotten Dwight too. Paul-Kobe-Dwight... that’s scary. How were they not giving up any picks or BYNUM and getting a trade exception as well?! That is crazy good negotiating. Now it looks like Dwight is pushing for a trade to the nets which sucks for the magic cause Lopez is terrible.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><span class="s2"><b>Tyler Berman</b></span></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Going from the best rebounding center to the worst. Then you know Brook Lopez is terrible. He's only OK offensively. If he was a real building block, the Nets would have been good by now. The Magic did it with Howard<br />
</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">12:00-3:00</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=621010062"><b>John McKeon</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Just woke up to get in on the discussion. Tyler the Celtics won't amnesty Garnett because his contract expires at the end of the year, Ray Ray’s does as well I believe.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">The main reason the Clippers are trying to win is to please Blake Griffin. Blake is a money maker and that's all their douchebag of an owner cares about. So to keep Blake and keep him happy they have to win, but not at the expense of Blake's best friend DeAndre Jordan</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=583673364"><b>Brian Perry</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">I agree with McKeon about the Clippers.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1043435679"><b>Corey Aronson</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Yea and the Clips just signed Caron Butler which could be pretty good. Also Garnett wouldn't have much trade value except to a contender and they wouldn't trade him to a contender</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=621010062"><b>John McKeon</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">There's no way the Hornets, Celtics, or Magic will get equal vale for CP3, Rondo, or Howard. Now the Hornets and Magic have to trade their guys. If they don't, Howard and CP3 will walk for nothing and both franchises will be even more screwed. They need to get something in return. Meanwhile the Celtics don't necessarily have to trade Rondo right away. They can hold out for the best deal because Rondo's contract isn't expiring. They can make sure Avery Bradley is ready to run the point and then hold out for the best deal. However I think Rondo ends up staying put, at least for now.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">And Corey I agree the signing of Caron Butler could work out well for the Clips, if his knee is healthy. They desperately needed a SF, I think Ryan Gomes started games there for them last year.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1043435679"><b>Corey Aronson</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">They have Aminu. But it puts him on the beach in a sixth-man role where I think he can develop and take the job from him eventually</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><b>Tyler Berman</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">McKeon, I think the Celtics should be looking at a Garnett trade for now. Didn't realize his contract was up, but that makes sense. So if he stays and is injured, just good to have him around. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Butler doesn't make sense, sorry. You're blocking Aminu from even trying for playing time by paying 8 fucking million to Caron Butler? Dude hasn't been good in 2 years and he's 32. No way. Him and Ryan Gomes are gonna take all the available minutes that you could give to a prospect with a higher ceiling and much lower salary. Dumb deal. The injuries will take away athleticism from Butler. Knees are never the same after surgery on a hard court.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span><br />
</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><b>Tyler Berman</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">12:13 pm: The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic are talking a Glen Davis for Brandon Bass sign-and-trade deal, reports the Boston Herald.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Thoughts, Celtics Fans?</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=621010062"><b>John McKeon</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">What are the dollars and years on Bass?</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Just found it myself. $4 million for 2 years, 2nd year is a player option. He's Big Baby without the touch... For a million less.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=583673364"><b>Brian Perry</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Just.... ehhhhh</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Personally not a big Glen Davis fan, not really a fan of the undersized husky player, but i guess we will have to see. It appears early on that the Celtics are trying to improve their bench</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=621010062"><b>John McKeon</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Celtics could’ve done worse. They didn't really want Baby back, and they got a solid replacement I guess.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">On the other hand, Charlie bell has proven himself to be a class act. Arrested yesterday after showing up to his DUI hearing drunk. Always a way to make a good case for yourself.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">3:00-5:00<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><span class="s2"><b>Tyler Berman</b></span></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Bass is a lot more athletic than Big Baby. Also can space the floor and hit the mid-range jumper. Important thing that Baby didn't do. Also a solid rebounder. Never really got a chance no matter where he's been so far. Great 6th man potential for the Celtics frontcourt.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1043435679"><b>Corey Aronson</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Pretty much same thing i told McKeon. Main difference is he’s more athletic and a better rebounder but he does not have the same energy that baby brought off the bench from what I’ve seen</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><b>Tyler Berman</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">May have mentality to be better suited as a starter. Guys spend all their careers from when they're little starting because they're the best. Not everyone can adjust to the bench role and bring that energy. Good observation Corey</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=583673364"><b>Brian Perry</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Nene to nets</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><b>Tyler Berman</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">I think, looking at Nene's rebounding and blocking stats, that he might be better suited for a move to the 4. If the Nets can't land Howard now, they have two centers who can't </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">rebound. Otherwise, nice signing.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1043435679"><b>Corey Aronson</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">haha yea two guys who are not good rebounders and both play center... only the nets. If they get howard i can see them being a twin towers and complimenting eachother I just dont see nene and lopez playing well with eachother... just more rebounds for humphries to grab I suppose... although both of them have very good offensive games and could do well on that end</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1043435679"><b>Corey Aronson</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">The Magic have amnestied Gilbert Arenas</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><b>Tyler Berman</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Could that be a name for the Knicks? I say no because our depth at combo guard. Where do you think he ends up?</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1043435679"><b>Corey Aronson</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">I don’t know I personally rather the Knicks get Baron Davis if he falls through waivers... but Arenas i think will fall through waivers or to a team under the cap but is in the playoffs. I don’t think any young team would want him in their locker room. Except maybe the kings</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Tyler, great article on the addition of Tyson Chandler</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.hoopsworld.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-knicks-decision-to-add-chandler/">http://www.hoopsworld.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-knicks-decision-to-add-chandler/</a></span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><b>Tyler Berman</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Just finished reading. I'm upset we had to amnesty Chauncey, but it does protect Amar'e and we're protected from Chandler's injury through the stretch clause, if need be. Who do the Knicks sign to play point?</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1043435679"><b>Corey Aronson</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">No clue but he makes a good point as to how much they really need one.</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">TJ Ford, Mike Bibby, Telfair, Antonio Daniels, Earl Watson, or Ronnie Price... seem like the only veteran guys on the market. there could be someone else i missed too but not many good options</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">5:00-6:00</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><b>Tyler Berman</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Quick! Rip Hamilton was just WAIVED. Who do you think he goes to? The Knicks seem like an obvious match, but the Bulls, Celtics, and other contenders will surely have a hand in where he goes. Also, Gasol stays in Memphis, where he should, and CP3 talks are back on. According to Chris Broussard, CP3 demanded a suitable trade by Monday or litigation. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1043435679"><b>Corey Aronson</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">I think Knicks or Bulls get him but well see. Both could use him and he’d start. He wouldn’t on the Celtics.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">As much as i would want the Knicks to get him i think he goes to the Bulls. They can probably pay him more than just the veterans minimum since i don’t think they’ve used their MLE yet.<br />
</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><b>Tyler Berman</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Heat?</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1043435679"><b>Corey Aronson</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Yea, it’s always a possibility... Also what about the possibility of Billups doing a buyout like Rip Hamilton? That way he can choose his team and the Knicks can save the Amnesty. Works for everyone<br />
</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s2"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/tyler.berman"><b>Tyler Berman</b></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Yea I'd enjoy that. Unfortunately can’t because we are actually trying to clear cap space. </span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br />
</span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Well that’s a wrap. Not much more happened through the night, aside from a few deals and movement towards a few major ones. <br />
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</span></div>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-53423060795405314692011-12-08T18:38:00.001-08:002011-12-08T18:38:37.862-08:00Mind... Blown<div><p>I mean... What? I don't even know exactly how to feel about the nullification of the CP3 deal. Me and Corey will be chatting via text and email for a running diary of the insanity set to ensue tomorrow.</p>
</div>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-12808565173098629872011-12-08T10:59:00.000-08:002011-12-08T10:59:22.070-08:00What now: The Philadelphia Eagles, Part 2<i>This is continued from the first part look at what the Eagles should do this offseason. In this installment, we will focus on the defensive side of the ball and the coaching staff</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Tony+Romo+Dallas+Cowboys+v+Philadelpia+Eagles+vwgZiClP_RIl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Tony+Romo+Dallas+Cowboys+v+Philadelpia+Eagles+vwgZiClP_RIl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the only bright parts of our season</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The ever steady presence of Trent Cole over the blind side of the quarterback has been something for offenses to fear the past few years. The addition of his bookend Jason Babin has given offensive tackles fits this season as well as the solid rotational production from Juqua Parker and Daryl Tapp. It has been disappointing to see Brandon Graham deactivated after playing in a few games after coming off the PUP list. I still don't think he'd contribute much this year but I wanted him to see more field time to continue his "rookie" adjustment. If Philip Hunt can't show NFL caliber potential this training camp, he is as good as gone. Parker is probably on his way out as well. That leaves one or two rotation/roster spots which can be filled through the later rounds of the draft or free agency. Perhaps another ex-Titan sans Babin to reunite with Jim Washburn, the truly integral part to our success pass rushing this year. Only 3 sacks all year have come from a position other than DL. At the DT spot, we have a project in Cedric Thornton who probably deserves a shot to see game action towards the end of the year. Trevor Laws still hasn't quite panned out as expected and Mike Patterson could be let go due to age, health concerns stemming from his training camp scare, and, most of all, his decently sized contract. He could probably net the Eagles a mid-round pick but nothing definite. I'd love for Cullen Jenkins to stay. He is probably a top 3 pass rushing force from the interior position on the line in the NFL and has grown to be our vocal leader on defense. You never see the guy give up on a snap either. Someone with a similar motor, Derek Landri, is the key role player on the depth chart. One of their last roster cuts, he has proven that to be a mistake with his extremely above average play since being re-signed. Maybe not meant for a full time role, I'll take a guy like this on my team anytime and I'm sure the Eagles feel that way too (I know Tommy Lawlor of <a href="http://igglesblitz.com/">Igglesblitz</a> does). The return of Antonio Dixon from injury should leave the Eagles content at the DT position minus a minor move come offseason.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://hotdogandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Marshawn-Lynch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://hotdogandfriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Marshawn-Lynch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Darren Sharper, Hold-ma-diiiiiick</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Different from the DL, the Eagles' LB core sucks. Brian Rolle, a 7th round rookie draft choice, is the player with the most tenacity, tackling ability, and probably the only LB that will be here in 2 years in any role. Jamar Chaney has lost any feel he might have ever possessed for tackling and his boneheaded plays in coverage don't help his case either. Akeem Jordan has been around too long for having never made a real impact. He has had his nice moments occasionally, but for the most part, his smarts do not make up for his limited size and strength. Moise Fokou has proven too stupid for the NFL, maybe a good FB like Ernie Sims would have been. Casey Matthews was seen as our MLB savior and really might be better suited at the WLB position to back up next year. He was pushed to early following a lockout because of his name (no seriously, go look at all of Juan Castillo's quotes about him) and he never got comfortable enough to show his smarts and tenacity. Lately, he has been making a name on ST. While he could end up being a decent starting WLB, its not known whether a new DC would give him a chance to stick around after another year. ST could end up saving him from being cut.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our cornerbacks were labeled as the best in the NFL before a pass was thrown. Unfortunately for the Eagles, their idea ended up blowing up in their face. To net Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd round pick for a pocket-shaky Kevin Kolb was a steal. Not a fit in the slot, DRC has looked mismatched in earlier games this season. Right before his high ankle sprain, however, he showed his potential in the Cardinals game. He looked explosive returning kicks and was covering much better. I'd love to see what he can do here on the outside after Asante is traded for a 3rd round pick. There are a glutton of teams that need good, ballhawking cornerback play but his salary is high and he is a prima donna. Regardless, I will miss his antics and playmaking but the Eagles are more than likely to show him the door. Nnamdi had humongous expectations placed on him when he came through FA, and rightfully so. Asked to play a hybrid, Charles Woodson role, he struggled early on in the year. Before his knee injury and concussion, he had become a true weapon against elite tight ends and extremely good in coverage on the outside. I hope he gets put in Asante's spot next year and gets asked to play his version of coverage; tight and man-to-man. Curtis Marsh could potentially be the starter in two years if all plays out well. A true athletic specimen, he has the height and speed combination to impact an offense's deep pass gameplan. Better suited for press coverage, he has time to mature and grow into the position. Joselio Hanson's days in the slot might be done after this year where he has struggled. Brandon Hughes, an undersized prospect, looks to be able to man the slot as he has seen some playing time this year and the Eagles seem to be high on him.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">At Safety, Nate Allen should look a lot better next year after he fully recovers from his patellar tendon tear and a full offseason to recover from his concussion. He has been out of place on the field ever since he took a knock to the melon. Kurt Coleman should be the 3rd safety and quality special teams player for a few years at least. Not sure his smarts are quite at the NFL level to make up for his lack of size. Could be a good leader in the future due to his past at OSU. Jaiquawn Jarrett has not looked out of place during his limited time on the field this year. I think he should be given the reins at SS for the rest of the year to evaluate if he can be our starter for the next few years alongside Nate Allen as the Eagles were planning. Colt Anderson might start next year on the PUP list and Tom Nelson, signed this week, are both strictly ST players at the moment. Could end up being starting safetys at some point but not very likely. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As for the coaches, Andy Reid needs one more real offseason with Vick and everyone else before we can cut ties. He put together a team of elite playmakers who need to gel as a team. Hopefully he can add the right pieces at LB and CB to vault this defense to the next level. Marty Mornhinweig might see interest as a HC candidate and might be shown the door regardless. Juan Castillo should be demoted from DC to LB coach or Assistant to DC. Just not ready for the NFL. He can't adjust his scheme mid-game. That's why the Eagles are putting up historically terrible numbers when it comes to holding leads. Howard Mudd, and most of the other offensive coaches should be safe but the defense should be rehauled. Don't bring in Steve Spagnuolo. Bring in someone who is up and coming like a young Andy Reid. Someone who knows other young staff that will give Andy Reid a coaching tree like no other. At OC, bring in someone who will dedicate to running the ball with Shady, and using that and short intermediate routes, to set up the home run play. The offense has become stagnant, waiting for the big play and part of that is the reliance on DeSean. We could see a completely different Eagles team next year, and dammit, that's fine by me. </div><i><br />
</i>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-31945503772279822232011-12-07T10:52:00.000-08:002011-12-07T08:53:56.491-08:00Big Things for the Big East<a href="http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/wibx950.com/files/2011/03/Big-east-logo3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/wibx950.com/files/2011/03/Big-east-logo3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in">Yesterday it was announced that the Big East Conference would be adding 5 new teams for football. Boise State and San Diego State are joining Big East football along with new full time members Houston SMU and Central Florida. There are other reports saying that Navy is on the verge of joining the Big East, a formal announcement could be made later on in the week. This is huge news for the college football world because up until this announcement, it was feared that the Big East was going to continue to lose all its teams and dissolve. In wake of Syracuse, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia announcing that they were leaving the Big East for other conferences, 'Cuse and Pitt to the ACC and West Virginia to the Big 12, the conference has been in turmoil over the last few weeks.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in"><br />With these six additions the Big East looks to be right back in contention as a power conference in football. With 11 members, they would only be one team shy of being a 12 team league, which would allow them to host a conference championship game. In an attempt to follow in the footsteps of other conferences who have recently added championship games, the Big-10 and the Pac-12, adding a conference championship would mean big things from a revenue standpoint for the Big East. It is rumored they are looking into adding Air Force to fill that 12<sup>th</sup> spot.</p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in"> Aside from obvious geographic issues these 6 additions make a lot of sense for both sides. Houston and Boise St. have been itching to move into a BCS conference for years now. With this move both teams have legitimate shots to make it to future national championship games. Boise St has been a perennial powerhouse under coach Chris Petersen, which means this move should be very beneficial for them. Look out for the Broncos to make some noise in the BCS now more than ever.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in">I think on the whole adding teams such as Boise State and Houston is going to help make the conference stronger on the whole. The Big East is bringing in a couple of teams with some big time talent that have been able to rise to the highest levels of the college football without the backing of a BCS conference. The additions that the Big East has made are going to help motivate the other teams in the conference to get better in order to compete with teams like Boise State. Also, more fans are going to want to go to games if their teams are playing more quality opponents, which in turn will generate more revenue for the conference. With the revenue sharing system that the conference has in place, everyone school in the conference will benefit from the new additions.</p>Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00805916298933866301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-14349685082851579372011-12-07T08:32:00.000-08:002011-12-07T09:01:03.721-08:00Chris Paul and Dwight Howard Sweepstakes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i31.tinypic.com/30sk96u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i31.tinypic.com/30sk96u.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As we all sit here hitting F5 on <a href="http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/">probasketballtalk</a> waiting for the latest Chris Paul and Dwight Howard rumblings, I want to recount the latest on the two superstars and offer my "educated" opinion on what just might happen. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">First, Dwight Howard is, hands down, a top 5 player, due to his position, and the best defensive center, if not player, since a young Shaq or Dikembe Mutombo roamed the paint. The Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith is not afraid to make a big move. He has proved this before just within the past two years. before the '09 season, they added Vince Carter, Ryan Anderson, Matt Barnes, and others while losing Hedo Turkoglu and Courtney Lee in the Carter trade. Next year, he pulled the trigger on a mid-season deal, landing Turkoglu, again, Earl Clark, Jason Richardson, and Gilbert Arenas (in a separate swap for Rashard Lewis' turrable contract) while giving up Vince Carter (gone so soon?!), Marcin Gortat, and Mickaël Piétrus. His history goes even further back. The important thing is that he will not hesitate once he knows what the market is, and what Howard's intentions are.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2010/5/19/129187703920729450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2010/5/19/129187703920729450.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The tricky part is that Dwight has still not made his intentions public, or even may not know what he wants to do. He is conflicted, he loves playing in Orlando and for the Magic franchise. Unfortunately, while Otis has been a quick-trigger GM, it is not always for the better. They have only had one Finals appearance under Howard's leadership. Certainly, over this many years of possessing one of the best centers in the NBA, they would have added a second true building block to be Dwight's Robin. A past-their-prime Carter, Richardson, or Arenas do not exactly suffice. So he has a tough decision to make, one that will ultimately lead him to being traded to the Celtics, Lakers, or, my darkhorse, the Warriors. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Clippers, Knicks, and Heat are out. So are most other teams. The Nets are unlikely since they can only offer Brook Lopez and some 1st rounders somewhere since they gave up a bunch for Deron. They are a good bet to be players if Howard gets to free agency but I can't see them being able to swing a trade in the end. The Celtics can offer Rondo, who has fallen out of favor, Jeff Green (ew), Avery Bradley, and one of their rotting corpses. Probably not going to happen for them. The Lakers can offer Andrew Bynum, the best replacement available for Howard, Lamar Odom or Pau Gasol, and some picks or a few other players. They are a great trade partner for the Magic but it remains to be seen if Howard wants to spend the rest of his career in Shaq's shadow like he has done his early years. Something tells me he wouldn't want to play in LA. Wouldn't be shocked if he ends up there but I just don't think he wants to. Finally, the Warriors are a darkhorse. They are in the lead for the CP3 sweepstakes (more on that later), but without an extension, they may be hesitant. If they turn their attention to Howard, they would have a defensive stalwart behind their undersized backcourt. It would allow Curry or Ellis to go for steals knowing that a mammoth was behind them ready to swat away guards' shots in the lane. At the end of the day, still a longshot but something I would love to see. They could offer Udoh/Lee/Biedrins, Curry/Ellis, Klay Thompson, and a 1st. A great deal for the Magic. </span><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As for Chris Paul, there has been much talk and a deal is expected as early as this Friday. A Monday sit-down between Paul and the Hornets front office confirmed what we knew all along; He is not going to re-sign with the Hornets and wishes to be traded. His ultimate destination of choice is in the Big Apple, there is no way around it. However, after the Carmelo trade last year, the Knicks are hesitant to part with </span>any of their newly added depth. They could offer Chauncey, Iman Shumpert/Toney Douglas, Jerome Jordan, and another piece or pick. Worse than any other offer the Hornets could make. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Right now, the three teams in the lead for his services are the Celtics, Clippers, and Warriors. The Celtics offer would resemble the Howard offer shown above with Rondo and Green being the centerpieces. I don't think that will get it done for New Orleans. The Clippers offer stands at Eric Bledsoe, DeAndre Jordan, Al-Farouq Aminu, and the T-Wolves unprotected 1st round pick. If they would put Eric Gordon instead of Aminu and Bledsoe, this deal gets done. The only concern is that Donald Sterling's demeanor may prevent Paul from wanting to stay with the Clippers, Blake Griffin and winning, or not. Also, Blake might be upset at losing his best friend Jordan and might not re-sign with the Clippers after 2 more years if that were the case. Finally, the Warriors are offering Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, two sweet stroking guards who could transform the Hornets back to a winner. This may be the best fit for Paul; an upbeat system where he has a plethora of options to dish to along with a guard-friendly first-time coach in Mark Jackson. If the Warriors sign Tyson Chandler in FA as well, there is a chance Paul would re-sign there after opting out of his contract in the offseason.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">See, the crux in both these situations is that in order to obtain the most money on their next contract, the new CBA forces CP3 and DH12 to opt out of the final year of their deal. The contract extension when they're traded is less than if they opt out and re-sign with the same team. CP3 could get a $100 million/5 years deal if he stays with who he's traded to or refuse an extension and leave to sign with the Knicks for $74 million/5 years. A large difference, but nothing that couldn't be made up on the next contract or through marketing his brand in New York City. For this reason, I feel that the Knicks will end up with Chris Paul no matter where he is traded this year. He HAS TO opt out at the end of the year. There will be a chance for the Knicks to give their pitch, and unless he wins a title this year,</span> he will end up a New York Knick to form the next big three.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.vaporsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.vaporsnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/large.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Let's just picture CP3 there instead of Chauncey...</span></i></div>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-44635939433415195082011-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:002011-12-07T08:54:12.455-08:00What now: The Philadelphia Eagles<div><div class="p1"></div><div class="p1"><i>This is the first of a two part series examining the future of the rooting interest of yours truly</i><br />
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</i></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">The scene at Lincoln Financial Field following the Patriots loss was depressing. Having attended my first game at the Linc, I left feeling like I had been punched in the stomach following a beating that the Patriots are making routine this season. Even now, still not mathematically eliminated thanks to the overall poor play in the NFC East, it is obvious that we are looking at a very interesting offseason. As the, “Fire Andy!” cheers came down from around the stadium, I can say I was the only person in my section challenging others around me to give me good reasons for a Reid firing. Of course there were no real replies, but this has become a much discussed option for the Eagles this offseason.</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qTbGifzeFrvC5zer4LGVJZCwv2c7_Tw6bFHuXdKpEFphXHHh1xDpBi_Cl58uBrlvYbnVvPS0RjCoAYZkq0eiqYh5Xa2s9Q9DAWBuf3cFrfwAITo7P1NdlsewOdATXySAOb9dHFHZlN0/s1600/381740_10151003626170063_534035062_21608030_302431428_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qTbGifzeFrvC5zer4LGVJZCwv2c7_Tw6bFHuXdKpEFphXHHh1xDpBi_Cl58uBrlvYbnVvPS0RjCoAYZkq0eiqYh5Xa2s9Q9DAWBuf3cFrfwAITo7P1NdlsewOdATXySAOb9dHFHZlN0/s320/381740_10151003626170063_534035062_21608030_302431428_n.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Today’s NFL operates under 3 principles. Controlling the line on offense, controlling the line on defense, and, most importantly, having a great to elite quarterback. Generally, the last point can outweigh the other two but for a Super Bowl team, you need to be above average in each facet. Looking at the Eagles’ roster, you see a top 10 quarterback and top 5 athlete in Michael Vick, the best LT in the NFL with Jason Peters, an extremely solid run and pass blocking scheme thanks to the acquisition of Howard Mudd, and a defensive line that is racking up sacks at a higher percentage by position than ever thanks to Jim Washburn’s wide-9 scheme. That alone speaks to the job Reid has done building this roster. This isn’t the article to go in depth arguing why the Eagles should keep Andy Reid, but to examine what moves need to be made to get back to being a SB contender in 2012. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://phillysportsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/mike-vick-ap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://phillysportsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/mike-vick-ap.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div class="p2"><br />
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</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">The first evaluation needs to be made at the QB position. With a true summer as the number one and a full offseason of OTA’s and training camp, Michael Vick should enjoy a season similar to his 2010 breakout. The Eagles’ success in contingent on Vick avoiding the turnovers, especially in the red zone. Under McNabb, the offense was efficient and turned the ball over at an extremely low rate. Protecting the ball becomes pertinent inside the 20 because it is essentially taking points off the board. His TD%/INT% went from 3:1 last year to 1:1 this season. Regaining elite play from Vick would reignite the offense to hopefully build insurmountable leads instead of blowing them in the 4th quarter. Also, with Vince Young being gone before the door hits his ass, it is time to decide if Kafka can truly be your number two quarterback behind an oft-injured Vick. If its decided he can be a suitable replacement for 2-4 games a year, draft a developmental guy with your glutton of picks. If not, find a veteran not named Donovan to man the position with Kafka remaining a project. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p2"><br />
</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">At the RB and WR positions, there is some truly elite talent at the top with interesting projects towards the bottom. LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin should be locked up to long term deals immediately following the season. As for Ronnie Brown, let him go somewhere for an opportunity. DeSean needs to be taken care of. Either give him a long term contract or trade him for a first or second round pick in this draft. They can’t handle another in between contracts year from DeSean; he just hasn’t been the same player this year. These last few games should be to see whether, Dion Lewis and Riley Cooper will be ready to contribute on a role player basis next year. Signing a veteran might be a possibility at RB but I feel that the Eagles will draft a WR and let Steve Smith go; what a horrible offseason signing. If they trade DeSean, try to take Blackmon, if available. If not, evaluate the difference between starting Riley Cooper, drafting another WR, or signing a veteran in FA. Finally, just cut ties with Chad Hall, Andy. The cute games work when you have a special athlete like Welker is. Whatever explosion Chad had in college is gone, so find a different project in the later rounds this year. </span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cheddardvd.com/images/0rick-ross-jason-peter-bn-credit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://cheddardvd.com/images/0rick-ross-jason-peter-bn-credit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="p2"><br />
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</div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">First off, DAMN! Doesn't Jason Peters resemble Ricky Rozay? Anyways, at TE, I believe we are set for a few years with Clay Harbor maybe taking over Brent Celek’s starting role at some point. OL will be interesting to follow. Presumably, Mudd stays at least another year, but his time with us is short. We should also have an in house replacement on Mudd’s replaced hip so that we can keep a scheme that seems to fit Shady McCoy (Tommy Lawlor over at <a href="http://igglesblitz.com/">IgglesBlitz.com</a> informed me that the coach currently learning from Mudd is Eugene Chung. Good to hear). LT is anchored by Peters or a few years and hopefully Herremans can do the same at RT. They will probably look to re-sign Mathis once FA hits, due to a rule where you can't extend 1 year signees (thanks Eric), as long as they stay in the same OL blocking scheme. Kelce has settled into his C position nicely and looks to be a Jeff Saturday type blocker for many years if he progresses as planned. The ever talked about Danny Watkins has looked slightly below average to slightly above average at different points this year. Not the play we expected out of the first rounder but there are high hopes that he will turn out to be a Pro Bowl caliber guard in the next 2 years. </span><br />
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</span></div><div class="p2"><span class="s1"></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">In the next article, I will touch on defensive changes and coaching moves that should be made. </span></div></div>Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05445706531662809812noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5602567362366102918.post-86613032074855644692011-12-05T12:51:00.001-08:002011-12-05T12:57:25.468-08:00Return of Westy<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In this time of sports news, there is a whole lot of big stories going on. Baseball’s winter meetings are beginning, and all the big name stars like Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and CJ Wilson will be vying for big dollar deals. The NFL and NBA have just finished with labor situations where they were complaining about getting more money than most of us will ever get in our lives, and one could be on the way again for the NHL. So it was refreshing to finally hear a good news story coming out of Fort Myers. Red Sox prospect Ryan Westmoreland will return to live game action on Thursday and Friday, playing in the Dominican Instructional League, one of the number of baseball’s winter leagues. To most of you, this really isn’t news at all. But if you don’t know Westmoreland, then you might want to read on. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 323px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3QmejX_O6QQqtp_coo-_T-IRakspYYQosmd5u4ALbQdEIyNoZlTC67NzJRdiBC97ZBqu3SuEH-r_G2opE-Zf4lgXxsqw3Rg00WqVVuplCr0xZL56F_7vDvqQW3Vdiy7oJVp36bj-5wBY/s400/ryan+westmoreland.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Westmoreland was a top prospect coming out of high school. The outfielder from Portsmouth, Rhode Island was drafted by his hometown team, the Boston Red Sox, in the 5<sup>th</sup> round of the 2008 MLB draft and immediately shot up the organizations ranks in his one season playing with short season-A affiliate Lowell, eventually being named the top prospect that the Red Sox had by Baseball America. Everything was going great for the 5-tooled outfielder as he headed into Spring Training in 2010. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In March 2010 while in Fort Myers for spring training, Westmoreland began having incredibly painful headaches that blurred his vision. He was sent to Boston to be examined and was found to have a cavernous malformation on his brain stem. On March 16, the then 19 year old underwent surgery that was termed as “life-threatening” to remove the cavernous malformation. Westmoreland spent the next year and a half relearning how to do all the things we take for granted, like talk, walk, and eat. The Sox organization helped him in each step along the way, making sure that Westmoreland had the best care at every step of the way. During the summer of 2011, the baseball rat began to pick up a bat again and resumed baseball activities, going step by step in gaining the clearance of the doctors to do more and more. He began taking batting practice, than started facing live batting practice, then running out of the box. Finally after over one and a half years, Ryan Westmoreland will be returning to a real baseball game. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Although it will only be one at at-bat in a DIL game, but to Ryan Westmoreland it will be so much more. Best of luck to one of the best little know stories in baseball. </p>John McKeonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03854930834068897396noreply@blogger.com0