NFL- I might have to change my commercial odds from last weeks article due to the fact that Clay Mathews did get an endorsement deal from Suave. I’m going to have to hit the film room to go over Suave’s commercials to see if they are a real contender for best commercial during the Super Bowl. Besides this there was nothing too exciting in Super Bowl build up week, but the war of words on twitter between Matt Hasselbeck and Antonio Cromartie was entertaining to say the least. Hasselbeck would have been my clear-cut winner until he backed off following Cromartie’s threat. As it stands right now I’d call it a split decision. I can only hope that there are more rounds of this in the future. Add twitter wars, the Packers decided to spice up the week by fighting through twitter about a team picture. For those that don’t follow the NFL that closely this is always a good sign leading up to the most important game of the year. The only significant news that came out this past week was that Maurkice Pouncey will miss the Super Bowl due to his injured right ankle. This is a significant blow to the Steelers offensive line and definitely something to watch on Super Sunday. In other news the NFC prevailed over the AFC 55 to 41 in a game that had viewers across America captivated. Seriously did anyone watch this game? I’m actually kind of surprised that the player’s actually play in this game. This game occurs a couple weeks after their seasons end and then there expected to come back and play a serious game? As seen by the NFC leading at the half 42-7, no one cares at all. And in depressing news Chad Ochocinco has decided to switch his name back to Chad Johnson. I don’t think this will change the fact he’s past his prime, but you never know. Why this is newsworthy I don’t know but it shows how much is going on during the build up week.
NBA- I’m just going to not mention the small forward from Denver that remains on the trading block. In other news everyone finally came to their senses and voted the very deserving Yao Ming as the Western conference starting center. Where he got all of his voting support remains a mystery to many. After LeBron left Cleveland many wondered how the Cavaliers would remain relevant in the NBA landscape but thanks to a twenty game losing streak they are very much in the league news. The good news is that they play two winnable games this week; home games against the Pacers and Trail Blazers. Yes I realize the Blazers hold the eighth seed in the West but anytime you lose to the Kings at home by fifteen points you can lose to anyone in the league. If the Blazers do fall to the Cav’s it is officially time to wave the white flag on the season. Back to the Cavs impressive streak, the scary thing about this streak is that without an overtime victory over the Knicks they would be riding a thirty-one game losing streak (I’ll be rooting for them to get there). Dan Gilbert’s claim about winning a ring before LeBron definitely looks like a good bet to come true. The Celtics beat the Lakers in Los Angeles in a game that got way too much hype. Side note I’m not too sure there is a player I enjoy watching more than Kobe Bryant right now. Kevin Durant and LeBron also are a joy to watch but when Kobe is playing like he did against the Celtics I don’t think there is anything better to watch in basketball. Of course Kobe still rates behind watching the Cavaliers. On a serious note is Ron Artest making another rap album or what? The guy has basically disappeared, it’s either the rap album or he stopped going to his psychiatrist. It has to be one of the two I know it. Or maybe he’s just drinking before games again. All the talk about the Lakers falling apart is ridiculous. This team is way too talented to not make a run to at least the conference finals plus I’m not sold on the “elite teams” of the western conference. I realize the Spurs are dominating the league right now but eventually their going to get hit with the injury bug and even if the playoffs started today I’d stick with the Laker’s. The Thunder simply don’t have the height to deal with Odom, Bynum, and Gasol and Dallas just hasn’t been the same team since Dirk got hurt. Random question but it is one that has been on my mind as of late, who is the more athletic point guard Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook? I personally would vote for Westbrook but who knows there both absolute freaks. I’m not quite sure what is going down in Utah but is it just me that thinks Deron Williams is quitting on this team? He still puts up the stats but he is saying nothing positive about the Jazz and or his future with the team after his contract runs up. Something to watch in the future. I still wonder how good the Blazer’s would be with Williams or CP3 running the point but thankfully Martell Webster turned out to be the dominant swingman we all expected. Not that anyone will listen but will someone please save Steve Nash? Phoenix isn’t going to make the playoffs and won’t for the foreseeable future, time for them to move on and trade him to a team where he’s got a shot at the title. For a guy that doesn’t talk trash at all Kevin Durant’s quotes after their loss to Heat were hilarious and quite accurate. I’ve never been a big Bosh fan for whatever reason and listening to Durant’s quotes put a smile on my face. Plus the whole Durant vs. LeBron matchup during the game wasn’t too shabby. Anytime a seven footer (looking at you Brook Lopez) can play thirty minutes and only grab one rebound you have to wonder how that is possible. I think we have found the equivalent of Monta Ellis for forwards (finally!!!). Lopez only averages 5.7 rebounds in 34 minutes so it’s not like this is some crazy fluke game, he just has the opposite instincts of Kevin Love (repping that 503). I know Love plays for a miserable team (not at all his fault look at his supporting cast), but get this man an all-star berth (even if it comes at the expense of LaMarcus Aldridge #LA2LA). My last note on the NBA don’t let ABC fool you with this lineup of games they were able to throw together on Sunday (Heat vs. Thunder and Celtics vs. Lakers). I guarantee at least three out of the next five weeks will have bad games (trust me, I think every year they have learned how to pick out good games).
NHL- As has been stated before not a big NHL fan but there all-star game format is phenomenal. A player draft for the teams is a great idea and there skill competitions are on par with the NBA’s. Plus anytime you can get twenty-one goals in a game it pretty much has to be exciting (not that I watched but I’m assuming it was).
NCAA Basketball- The Big East is good. Is any team more athletic than St. Johns? I swear when I watch them there team consists of 6’5” to 6’9” forwards that try and break the rim every possession. The NCAA might as well have the NCAA tournament be the Big East tournament (I think I’d be ok with that). NCAA Basketball is the only sport where I’m fine with the East Coast bias; it’s well deserved. How does a top ten matchup not make national TV? I know its San Diego State vs. BYU but still this was a great game and a shame that it was only on CBS College Sports. For those that didn’t watch, both these teams are legit and should be looked at as contenders in March. Jimmer Fredette is awesome to watch, the guy has no conscious and can hit from anywhere in the gym. Continuing to go with the Mountain West love, my roommate, a Colorado State fan (yes they exist), is predicting a Colorado State victory over San Diego State on Wednesday (CBS College Sports).
P-Money’s Reserves 69 Wet Bandits 45- I’m not quite sure how we gave up 69 points in a two twenty minute half’s with a running clock but we did. Probably some sort of karma for bagging on the Knicks defense but I think it’s safe to say we will not be winning the free intramural champion t-shirts (very depressing). This game’s highlights would consist of P-Money’s Reserves (how good are P-Money’s starters?) players getting wide open lay-ups and nothing else. Our team consists of one point guard (not me) and one big that rebounds (not me) everybody else stands on the perimeter waiting to get the ball so they can isolate (me plus 5 others). Basically imagine a team with Jason Kidd, Ben Wallace, and everybody else being a Monta Ellis clone. I’m sure this is giving you a headache just imagining watching us play. Yours truly had six points on three of four shooting in fifteen minutes. You should now be dropping me from your fantasy team because I’m quite sure I contributed nothing else stat wise besides a turnover and a steal. As for the rest of our season I’m not sure where we go from here, but it’s safe to say our coach is under intense criticism after that debacle. I think the best course for the next couple games is to tank it for next years draft but I’m not too sure about the incoming University of Oregon freshman class for next year.
The Week Moving Forward
Steelers 31 Packers 28- To be honest I’m a little confused how the Packers were started as three point favorites but that’s for Vegas not me. Big Ben just doesn’t lose in the playoffs, time for me to accept that fact seeing as I’ve picked against him every step of the way. It may not always be pretty but Roethlisberger always finds a way to get the Steelers a victory. The Steelers’ best play I think is having the pocket break down and having Roethlisberger run around for five seconds and then find a wide receiver open for fifteen yards. Surprising to me that more teams don’t utilize this strategy but what do I know. Back to the actual game I expect this game to resemble the Steelers Cardinals Super Bowl in 2007. Hopefully the last play of the half ends up being as exciting as James Harrison’s touchdown prior to halftime in that game. This isn’t expecting too much is it? I’m picking the Steelers because they seem to have the better hair endorsement and because they have a quarterback that you would have to kill to get him off the field (Jay Cutler everyone). Anyway the real reasons I’m picking the Steelers would be the lack of a running threat for the Packers, the ability to get to Aaron Rodgers, and a couple of long play to Mike Wallace. Also wouldn’t hurt their chances if they can get Rashard Mendenhall going like he was going against the Jets. I was kind of tempted to pick against the Steelers just because of the footage of Mendenhall humping Big Ben near the conclusion of the Jets game, but thankfully I came to my senses. Unfortunately for Mendenhall the AFC Championship game was on national television (crazy right?). Of course making this all the more humorous was Big Ben being the recipient of Mendenhall’s actions. Is this the way teams celebrate in the locker room? Curious minds want to know. On second thought I’m not sure I really want to know. Last thought what do you think the odds are that Mike Tomlin accepts the trophy and doesn’t smile? One to one?
The Packers definitively have the ability to win the game (they didn’t get here based on luck besides “knee gate”) but I’m pretty confident in saying that I expect the Steelers to win. For the Packers to win Aaron Rodgers can’t play like he did against the Bears and they are going to have to get a couple turnovers from their defense. Of course I’m rooting for B.J. Raji to get in the end zone again to see what he pulls out as his celebration. It’s going to be pretty tough to top his last celebration but he does have a plethora of options due to the fact that he is a frequent touchdown scorer. Unfortunately I think that Raji will not get to reach the end zone in this one but we can hope. Also bringing the heat at Big Ben and containing him would greatly help their chances. I don’t see them as being able to do this but that’s why they play the game. Regardless this should be a great game and the NFL can’t be complaining about this matchup.
NBA- A player wearing number fifteen in Denver won’t be traded but will still be talked about way too much. If I’m his teammate why do I want to play with this guy again? The All-Star reserves will be named, unfortunately I have been notified that the coaches will not put me under consideration for a spot. I don’t know how many have noticed this but the last two spots on the East are going to be filled with players that wouldn’t get consideration from the Western Conference. No matter what a deserving forward from the West will be left off barring a trade of number fifteen on Denver to the Knicks. Luckily enough for the Cavalier’s the NBA has announced that their players are eligible for the D-League all-star game. Nothing has been mentioned about the D-League wanting any Cavaliers players though. In real news though I think the Cavaliers will break their streak (praying its not against the Blazers), hopefully LeBron will say something witty on twitter for this occasion and then blame it on somebody else. I’m really enjoying the whole athletes on twitter thing right now due to the almost daily trash talk between athletes and or teams. Fake tough guy Chris Bosh will say something really lame in response to Kevin Durant’s postgame interview (surprising no one). Lastly China will declare war on the NBA (yes the NBA) once they realize Yao Ming will not be playing in the all-star game.
Wet Bandits (-.333) over Unnamed Opponent- Still have yet to find out how to locate the intramural homepage so once again I’m referring to the other team as unnamed opponent. On second thought maybe this is a bad idea because I get the feeling that P-Money Reserve’s used the whole unnamed opponent thing as bulletin board material. Regardless unnamed opponent will have to do. Hopefully its not P-Moneys Starters, that thought will give me nightmares for the rest of the week. Don’t ask too many questions about the spread, I swear we will cover by more than a third of a point. How we plan to achieve this I don’t know but I guarantee we will do it. Sorry to those that lost money on last weeks game where I pegged us as twelve point favorites, I think we watched film of the wrong team. Also I feel pretty confident that someone on our team will finally cross the double-digit scoring barrier in a game (how this hasn’t happened really is mind boggling).
PS- I wrote most of this article on while listening to a YouTube Akon play list (why I don’t know) so I apologize if the article doesn’t make any sense. Highlights of the Akon play list, Tupac and a couple of Akon songs. Lowlights of the Akon play list, most Akon songs and all other artists besides Tupac. I promise in the future I will be smarter in picking out the play list. For those that haven’t done this already Wikipedia search Akon, he actually might be crazy. There are about as many strange things in his life as you could come up with. I would go into detail but that would take up way too much of your time. Definitely something to look at if you are bored beyond belief.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Portland Trail Blazers Mid-Season Report
First I’d like to start this article by saying that the best development so far in this season has been the transition from being known nationally as the Jail Blazers to the Frail Blazers. This is a transition that I’m sure most Blazer fans are ecstatic about. Also I’d like to say that it was much easier to write this article following the Blazer’s dominant performance over the Sacramento Kings. Seriously fifteen point loss at home to the Kings? Might as well throw up the white flag if the Blazers make the playoffs. At least the Trail Blazers medical staff has finally figured out how to handle the knee issues plaguing the team.
Pre-Season Expectations
Coming off an injury-plagued season last year (thankfully that hasn’t happened again) that led to a first round playoff exit expectations were high in Portland. A top four seed in the West was the goal heading into the season and this goal certainly seemed achievable. The big key to this happening was the health of Brandon Roy and to a lesser degree Greg Oden. Offseason acquisition Wesley Mathews was supposed to be the first guard off the bench-providing defense and outside shooting. This was supposed to be the year the Blazers finally made it out of the first round and some national analysts were touting the Blazers as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
Player Grades
A+ LaMarcus Aldridge- Really elevated his game once he realized that he couldn’t play the part of a 6’10” shooting guard the whole game. I don’t know if I can speak for all Blazer fans but to me whoever told Aldridge that getting deep post position wouldn’t kill him deserves something akin to the Nobel Prize. Aldridge’s growth as a player is the only reason that the Blazers can say that they currently own the 8th best record in the West, easy first half MVP of the Blazers. Really it will be a shame if Aldridge doesn’t make it to the All-Star game but unfortunately I think Aldridge will get left off but still I’ll try my best #LA2LA.
A Wesley Mathews- I for one thought the contract that Mathews received was ridiculous but his play so far has turned me into a fan of his (regardless of the fact that he could have been signed at roughly half the price). If anyone says they expected Wesley to be averaging 16.2 points congratulations on being able to lie to yourself. I wouldn’t have been surprised if his season high was sixteen points but he has also provided what he was signed for; defense, toughness, and great character.
A Patty Mills tweets- If you don’t follow him on twitter you need to start immediately.
A- Marcus Camby- Although Camby has just checked out for his yearly fifteen game absence, Camby has anchored the defense, rebounded well, and has been thriving in his unofficial role of Aldridge alley-ooper. For the record I don’t know if I’ll ever get sick of this play. I feel bad for Camby because this last contract could very well be his last and if he sticks with the Blazers it doesn’t appear likely that he will win a ring.
A- Coach Nate- He’s done a great job getting this team to play through injury and if this team can make it into the playoffs this would surely be one of his finest seasons as coach.
B+ Andre Miller- About as steady as you can get in terms of production (13 ppg and 7 apg) but for some reason most Portland fans I know point to Andre once something goes wrong with the Blazers. Once Andre leaves (whenever that is) I think Blazer fans will miss him and understand what he brings to this team. Andre would be better suited to be on a running team like the one he left in Philadelphia but he still is an above-average point guard in this league. On another note don’t be shocked to see him leave for the NFL as I heard scouts loved his hit on Blake Griffin.
B Nicolas Batum- Has struggled at times with consistency but lately he has started to get more aggressive on offense, which bodes well for the Blazers in the second half of the season. He doesn’t impress you too much in terms of his stats but I agree with the Blazers stance of making him untouchable in trade talks.
B Patty Mills- Charles Barkley about summed up my views on Patty Mills earlier in the season when he said something similar to this “I don’t know his name but I love the energy that the little guy on Portland’s bench brings.” Of course I knew his name but besides that I had only seen him play against Oregon when he was at Saint Mary’s. Mills has been doing a great job recently in the backup point guard role and brings a different style and energy to the point than Andre Miller. Plus he receives high marks for bringing the “3 goggles” to the Rose Garden.
B- Rudy Fernandez- Wildly inconsistent from game to game but still Rudy has bounced back from his no-show last year. I’m not quite sure what his role on this team should be because it seems to me that he would struggle to guard Mike Rice on defense (need this to happen at some point) but when he brings his flair and creativity on offense to the court the Blazers offense is completely different.
B- Dante Cunningham- You know what your going to get on a game to game basis, couple midrange jump shots, above average on the boards, and decent defense. Nothing too flashy, besides the occasional slam, but still a solid contributor.
C+ Armon Johnson- Had a decent run as back up point guard earlier in the season but hasn’t moved from the bench since sometime in December. Good prospect if he can ever figure out a decent long-range stroke.
C Joel Pryzbilla’s imitator- You have to love the effort from the big guy but he’s playing on one leg and it’s painful to watch. Once known for patrolling the lane he is just a shell of who he once was although he still has the attitude that Blazer fans have come to love.
C- Luke Babbit- Tough to grade on only thirteen appearances but he just looks plain lost out there on the floor for the most part. Never something you want to say about the 16th overall pick in the draft but the good news is there’s plenty of time for him to figure it out. Fantastic news for him is that he has apparently clinched the whitest active NBA player award snaring it from Brian Scalabrine (no word on how he’s handling the loss). Luke Harangody looks to be Babbit’s competition for the near future.
F Blazers Injury Luck- Seriously does it get any worse than five knee surgeries in the first half? If it does I’m not sure how I’ll be able to handle it.
Somewhere below an F Sean Marks- Nothing against the guy but how the Blazers thought he could play actual minutes is beyond me. His plus minus on the year is said to be approaching minus one trillion.
Incomplete Greg Oden, Elliot Williams and Brandon Roy- I know Roy has played this year but he hasn’t been one hundred percent so its tough for me to give him a grade. I appreciate his efforts to come back but until he can handle a weeks worth of games there is no point for him to return. Also anyone else see Greg Oden wearing a part-time athlete full time player shirt earlier? Someone tell Oden that he actually has to play more than one fourth of his games to even be considered a part-time athlete. Thanks for the memories Greg (all I can remember is him in dress suits on the end of the bench) I’ll wish you well wherever you end up next year.
Thoughts on the 2nd Half-
To tell you the truth I have no idea what the right move for this team is (this is where you wonder why you are reading this). Do you blow it up or continue to try and get the sixth through eight seed for the next five years? With Roy and Oden’s injuries you’ve effectively knocked two of the three cornerstones out in other words not looking good for deep playoff runs but you never know. The rest of this team was assembled to be role players to fill a certain need on this team with all three cornerstones carrying most of the weight. An Aldridge, Mathews, Batum trio doesn’t scare anyone and if you think it does stop talking yourself into it. I might be in the minority but I think you have to look into blowing this team up and making another run at the title in four or five years. The sad part of this is that I’m not sure you can even blow this team up because of Roy’s injury and contract. This team due to Roy’s contract and the other roster members seems to be locked into a path of mediocrity even with the emergence of Aldridge. Aldridge is now a star but you can’t make it past the first round with at least one strong sidekick. Mathews and Batum aren’t at this level yet and if the front office has faith that they can make it there then the move would be to try and strengthen the team in someway. Strengthening this team is going to be hard to do because all of the Blazer’s most tradable assets are vital to this team making the playoff’s right now. Andre Miller and Marcus Camby would be the players that contenders would want to make a play for but neither of these guys would fetch that much in return and by trading either this team would not make the playoffs guaranteed. Joel Pryzbilla’s expiring contract is perhaps the one asset that provides the most hope and maybe Rick Cho will be able to swing a deal that brings back something that bolster’s the Blazer’s roster for a playoff run. The Blazer’s also possess two first round picks so maybe Cho tries to send one pick away for another big.
I don’t envy Rich Cho’s job at all right now and in the future, this team has some serious issues for now and in the future. Ever since it was announced that Roy won’t be the same player and will struggle to stay healthy during the season I have been going over what I would do if I were GM and to be honest I still don’t have a clue. Maybe Roy does come back and can contribute next year at around eighty percent but this is a big question mark. Maybe Aldridge, Mathews, and Batum continue to grow, maybe Elliot Williams returns from injury and plays well in a sixth man role or Luke Babbit play’s like someone worthy of the number sixteen pick. You just don’t know there are way too many questions right now surrounding the Blazers and not nearly enough answers.
As of now I can see the Blazers holding on the eight seed but I could also see them sliding in the second half, regardless this team barring a miracle isn’t making it past the first round. From now until the trade deadline will determine in which the direction Blazer’s head for the future. Do they start a rebuilding project by trading Andre or Camby or do they stand pat/attempt to add a player for a playoff run this year and next. If it was up to me I would gauge the interest for Camby and Andre and if you can gain a few picks or promising young players I would go for it. The Blazers aren’t going to be able to add an impact player through free agency due to their money being tied up in Roy and Aldridge so they are going to have to add an impact player through the draft or through trades. If there isn’t enough of a market hold the players and try again this summer. I may be in the minority but I definitely think the right path is to start trying to rebuild at the latest this summer.
Could I be overreacting? Sure, but everything I see points to the Blazers struggling to just reach the playoffs in the next few years and this is not a sustainable model for titles in the NBA. I’m just not seeing the Blazers making it out of the first round unless something drastic happens. This could come in the form of Roy becoming healthier or great growth in Batum or Mathews but these aren’t things you can bank on. If Roy is healthy and good to go this is a different conversation but you have to face the facts Roy’s health is too big a question mark going forward to honestly say the Blazer’s can contend for a title in the west this year and in the next couple of years. This team has some good pieces, a legitimate star, Aldridge, quality starters, Batum, Miller, and Mathews, and solid bench players Fernandez, Cunningham, and Mills. But besides that there’s too much mystery for a serious contender. Nate’s a good coach but is he going to be sticking around, does Rich Cho know what he’s doing, is Paul Allen going to put some money back into the payroll? I just don’t see the future holding a legitimate contender with the chips that Blazer’s have, maybe I’m completely misreading it but I’m not liking what I do see. How I got to here from expecting a top four seed in the West pre-season is almost entirely caused by the injuries which isn’t what you want to see happen but those are the cards that were dealt. How the Blazer’s play the rest of this season and off-season out will certainly be something I’m watching and I personally can’t wait to see what they do because I’m not sure what I would do if in charge.
Five predictions for the remainder of the season
1.Blazers will hold onto the eighth spot in the West and be swept in the first round. Get excited Portland!
2.#LA2LA will not come to fruition. No one besides Portland residents will notice and or care.
3.Andre, Camby, and Pryzbilla won’t be traded.
4.I will continue to wonder what if Roy’s knees were right.
5.Sean Marks will anger me upon his checking into games. I’m convinced that he is the most used example that is used when someone says if your tall you have a shot in the NBA (always a great honor to have).
Pre-Season Expectations
Coming off an injury-plagued season last year (thankfully that hasn’t happened again) that led to a first round playoff exit expectations were high in Portland. A top four seed in the West was the goal heading into the season and this goal certainly seemed achievable. The big key to this happening was the health of Brandon Roy and to a lesser degree Greg Oden. Offseason acquisition Wesley Mathews was supposed to be the first guard off the bench-providing defense and outside shooting. This was supposed to be the year the Blazers finally made it out of the first round and some national analysts were touting the Blazers as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
Player Grades
A+ LaMarcus Aldridge- Really elevated his game once he realized that he couldn’t play the part of a 6’10” shooting guard the whole game. I don’t know if I can speak for all Blazer fans but to me whoever told Aldridge that getting deep post position wouldn’t kill him deserves something akin to the Nobel Prize. Aldridge’s growth as a player is the only reason that the Blazers can say that they currently own the 8th best record in the West, easy first half MVP of the Blazers. Really it will be a shame if Aldridge doesn’t make it to the All-Star game but unfortunately I think Aldridge will get left off but still I’ll try my best #LA2LA.
A Wesley Mathews- I for one thought the contract that Mathews received was ridiculous but his play so far has turned me into a fan of his (regardless of the fact that he could have been signed at roughly half the price). If anyone says they expected Wesley to be averaging 16.2 points congratulations on being able to lie to yourself. I wouldn’t have been surprised if his season high was sixteen points but he has also provided what he was signed for; defense, toughness, and great character.
A Patty Mills tweets- If you don’t follow him on twitter you need to start immediately.
A- Marcus Camby- Although Camby has just checked out for his yearly fifteen game absence, Camby has anchored the defense, rebounded well, and has been thriving in his unofficial role of Aldridge alley-ooper. For the record I don’t know if I’ll ever get sick of this play. I feel bad for Camby because this last contract could very well be his last and if he sticks with the Blazers it doesn’t appear likely that he will win a ring.
A- Coach Nate- He’s done a great job getting this team to play through injury and if this team can make it into the playoffs this would surely be one of his finest seasons as coach.
B+ Andre Miller- About as steady as you can get in terms of production (13 ppg and 7 apg) but for some reason most Portland fans I know point to Andre once something goes wrong with the Blazers. Once Andre leaves (whenever that is) I think Blazer fans will miss him and understand what he brings to this team. Andre would be better suited to be on a running team like the one he left in Philadelphia but he still is an above-average point guard in this league. On another note don’t be shocked to see him leave for the NFL as I heard scouts loved his hit on Blake Griffin.
B Nicolas Batum- Has struggled at times with consistency but lately he has started to get more aggressive on offense, which bodes well for the Blazers in the second half of the season. He doesn’t impress you too much in terms of his stats but I agree with the Blazers stance of making him untouchable in trade talks.
B Patty Mills- Charles Barkley about summed up my views on Patty Mills earlier in the season when he said something similar to this “I don’t know his name but I love the energy that the little guy on Portland’s bench brings.” Of course I knew his name but besides that I had only seen him play against Oregon when he was at Saint Mary’s. Mills has been doing a great job recently in the backup point guard role and brings a different style and energy to the point than Andre Miller. Plus he receives high marks for bringing the “3 goggles” to the Rose Garden.
B- Rudy Fernandez- Wildly inconsistent from game to game but still Rudy has bounced back from his no-show last year. I’m not quite sure what his role on this team should be because it seems to me that he would struggle to guard Mike Rice on defense (need this to happen at some point) but when he brings his flair and creativity on offense to the court the Blazers offense is completely different.
B- Dante Cunningham- You know what your going to get on a game to game basis, couple midrange jump shots, above average on the boards, and decent defense. Nothing too flashy, besides the occasional slam, but still a solid contributor.
C+ Armon Johnson- Had a decent run as back up point guard earlier in the season but hasn’t moved from the bench since sometime in December. Good prospect if he can ever figure out a decent long-range stroke.
C Joel Pryzbilla’s imitator- You have to love the effort from the big guy but he’s playing on one leg and it’s painful to watch. Once known for patrolling the lane he is just a shell of who he once was although he still has the attitude that Blazer fans have come to love.
C- Luke Babbit- Tough to grade on only thirteen appearances but he just looks plain lost out there on the floor for the most part. Never something you want to say about the 16th overall pick in the draft but the good news is there’s plenty of time for him to figure it out. Fantastic news for him is that he has apparently clinched the whitest active NBA player award snaring it from Brian Scalabrine (no word on how he’s handling the loss). Luke Harangody looks to be Babbit’s competition for the near future.
F Blazers Injury Luck- Seriously does it get any worse than five knee surgeries in the first half? If it does I’m not sure how I’ll be able to handle it.
Somewhere below an F Sean Marks- Nothing against the guy but how the Blazers thought he could play actual minutes is beyond me. His plus minus on the year is said to be approaching minus one trillion.
Incomplete Greg Oden, Elliot Williams and Brandon Roy- I know Roy has played this year but he hasn’t been one hundred percent so its tough for me to give him a grade. I appreciate his efforts to come back but until he can handle a weeks worth of games there is no point for him to return. Also anyone else see Greg Oden wearing a part-time athlete full time player shirt earlier? Someone tell Oden that he actually has to play more than one fourth of his games to even be considered a part-time athlete. Thanks for the memories Greg (all I can remember is him in dress suits on the end of the bench) I’ll wish you well wherever you end up next year.
Thoughts on the 2nd Half-
To tell you the truth I have no idea what the right move for this team is (this is where you wonder why you are reading this). Do you blow it up or continue to try and get the sixth through eight seed for the next five years? With Roy and Oden’s injuries you’ve effectively knocked two of the three cornerstones out in other words not looking good for deep playoff runs but you never know. The rest of this team was assembled to be role players to fill a certain need on this team with all three cornerstones carrying most of the weight. An Aldridge, Mathews, Batum trio doesn’t scare anyone and if you think it does stop talking yourself into it. I might be in the minority but I think you have to look into blowing this team up and making another run at the title in four or five years. The sad part of this is that I’m not sure you can even blow this team up because of Roy’s injury and contract. This team due to Roy’s contract and the other roster members seems to be locked into a path of mediocrity even with the emergence of Aldridge. Aldridge is now a star but you can’t make it past the first round with at least one strong sidekick. Mathews and Batum aren’t at this level yet and if the front office has faith that they can make it there then the move would be to try and strengthen the team in someway. Strengthening this team is going to be hard to do because all of the Blazer’s most tradable assets are vital to this team making the playoff’s right now. Andre Miller and Marcus Camby would be the players that contenders would want to make a play for but neither of these guys would fetch that much in return and by trading either this team would not make the playoffs guaranteed. Joel Pryzbilla’s expiring contract is perhaps the one asset that provides the most hope and maybe Rick Cho will be able to swing a deal that brings back something that bolster’s the Blazer’s roster for a playoff run. The Blazer’s also possess two first round picks so maybe Cho tries to send one pick away for another big.
I don’t envy Rich Cho’s job at all right now and in the future, this team has some serious issues for now and in the future. Ever since it was announced that Roy won’t be the same player and will struggle to stay healthy during the season I have been going over what I would do if I were GM and to be honest I still don’t have a clue. Maybe Roy does come back and can contribute next year at around eighty percent but this is a big question mark. Maybe Aldridge, Mathews, and Batum continue to grow, maybe Elliot Williams returns from injury and plays well in a sixth man role or Luke Babbit play’s like someone worthy of the number sixteen pick. You just don’t know there are way too many questions right now surrounding the Blazers and not nearly enough answers.
As of now I can see the Blazers holding on the eight seed but I could also see them sliding in the second half, regardless this team barring a miracle isn’t making it past the first round. From now until the trade deadline will determine in which the direction Blazer’s head for the future. Do they start a rebuilding project by trading Andre or Camby or do they stand pat/attempt to add a player for a playoff run this year and next. If it was up to me I would gauge the interest for Camby and Andre and if you can gain a few picks or promising young players I would go for it. The Blazers aren’t going to be able to add an impact player through free agency due to their money being tied up in Roy and Aldridge so they are going to have to add an impact player through the draft or through trades. If there isn’t enough of a market hold the players and try again this summer. I may be in the minority but I definitely think the right path is to start trying to rebuild at the latest this summer.
Could I be overreacting? Sure, but everything I see points to the Blazers struggling to just reach the playoffs in the next few years and this is not a sustainable model for titles in the NBA. I’m just not seeing the Blazers making it out of the first round unless something drastic happens. This could come in the form of Roy becoming healthier or great growth in Batum or Mathews but these aren’t things you can bank on. If Roy is healthy and good to go this is a different conversation but you have to face the facts Roy’s health is too big a question mark going forward to honestly say the Blazer’s can contend for a title in the west this year and in the next couple of years. This team has some good pieces, a legitimate star, Aldridge, quality starters, Batum, Miller, and Mathews, and solid bench players Fernandez, Cunningham, and Mills. But besides that there’s too much mystery for a serious contender. Nate’s a good coach but is he going to be sticking around, does Rich Cho know what he’s doing, is Paul Allen going to put some money back into the payroll? I just don’t see the future holding a legitimate contender with the chips that Blazer’s have, maybe I’m completely misreading it but I’m not liking what I do see. How I got to here from expecting a top four seed in the West pre-season is almost entirely caused by the injuries which isn’t what you want to see happen but those are the cards that were dealt. How the Blazer’s play the rest of this season and off-season out will certainly be something I’m watching and I personally can’t wait to see what they do because I’m not sure what I would do if in charge.
Five predictions for the remainder of the season
1.Blazers will hold onto the eighth spot in the West and be swept in the first round. Get excited Portland!
2.#LA2LA will not come to fruition. No one besides Portland residents will notice and or care.
3.Andre, Camby, and Pryzbilla won’t be traded.
4.I will continue to wonder what if Roy’s knees were right.
5.Sean Marks will anger me upon his checking into games. I’m convinced that he is the most used example that is used when someone says if your tall you have a shot in the NBA (always a great honor to have).
Monday, January 24, 2011
Recapping the Week 1/17-1/23
NFL Playoffs- Call me crazy but I’m a little confused why they didn’t put one game on Saturday and the other on Sunday. It’s not like there was anything really worth watching on Saturday besides of course the Shrine game, which had football fans captivated throughout its entirety. Anyways onto the action.
Packers 21 Bears 14- I picked the Packers based on the fact that Jay Cutler would implode and throw four interceptions. I’d like to say I got the implosion part right but I never thought it would be an injury. To show how well he is liked around the league I figured I would give you a couple tweets from fellow NFL players. From Maurice Jones-Drew “Hey I think the urban meyer rule is effect right now... When the going gets tough........QUIT..” and “All I'm saying is that he can finish the game on a hurt knee... I played the whole season on one...”. From Derrick Brooks “FOX HAVENT SHOWED ANY TRAINERS LOOKING AT CUTLER, UMMM”. And my personal favorite from Anthony Armstrong “Knee-gate in Chicago”. Seriously I think a Bears vs. Steelers matchup would have matched up the two most hated quarterbacks in the league besides Brett Favre who is a landslide winner in this category. Fortunately for both Cutler and Roethlisberger the top spot appears to be up for grabs for the next NFL season (whenever that is). Of course all this will be ruined once Favre realizes there can’t be a SportsCenter without him being mentioned. Back to the game I’m quite sure Todd Collins is the worst Quarterback in the league right now, having him as the backup is a disgrace to playoff football and Caleb Hanie. Looking back on it the Bears wasted two possessions with Collins at the helm. Once Collins was shown warming up I told anyone that would listen that this game was effectively over. Little did I know that the Bears followed the standard procedure of having their best quarterback at number three on their depth chart.
Great comeback effort by Hanie which was helped by the Packers playing defense like any gain under twenty yards was a success. In another viewing of why defensive tackles can’t be trusted with the ball B.J. Raji intercepted a Hanie pass and then rumbled into the end zone while fumbling just inches past the pylon. Instead of doing the smart thing and recovering the ball Raji proceeded to turn around and make sure the official signaled a touchdown before starting either the best or worst touchdown celebration of the postseason (we miss you Ochocinco). There’s no in-between on this matter. Meanwhile two of his teammates that actually have some common-sense made sure that they recovered the ball before it rolled out of the back end of the end zone. Mike Martz of course had his one baffling play of the day when he called for a reverse on a 3rd and three with roughly fifty seconds left on the clock. Mark it down Cutler will not win a Super Bowl and I really doubt he ever gets this far again. They basically lucked themselves into the NFC Championship this year when they drew the Seahawks as their matchup. The Packers defense won them this game with Aaron Rodgers struggling in the elements. If I’m a Bears fan the one thing that will haunt me about this game is Brian Urlacher getting tackled by Rodgers after his goal line interception. Not trying to be harsh on the guy but anytime you have a quarterback between you and the end zone I expect the defensive player to win. Who would have thought this would have been Rodgers best play of the game? San Francisco fans can be heard saying the only difference between Rodgers and Alex Smith is that Smith misses those tackles. As long as the Packers aren’t up by more than fourteen their defense can shut any one down in the league right now. Side note is there any worse division for Rodgers to play in the guy is dynamite in domes/warm weather environments. Luckily for Rodgers and the cheeseheads the Super Bowl is getting played in Jerry’s world, bigger factor than you would think.
Steelers 24 Jets 19- Time for the Rex Ryan offseason foot jokes to begin. I don’t know about you guys but not having Rex Ryan quotes for the next two weeks feels like the biggest loss of the post-season. To the Jets this was viewed as the Pro-Bowl as they had already won the Super Bowl last week by defeating the Patriots. Side note who decided it was a good idea to have the Pro-Bowl the week before the Super Bowl? Really doesn’t affect me as I never watch it but just the idea sounds bad. On to the game any one who predicted a 24 to 19 final score is an idiot or has no idea how the football scoring system works. This is twice in the past couple weeks that a team has lost with 19 points (Ducks) so memo to other teams; don’t score 19 points bad things happen. Two plays determined this game; the Mark Sanchez fumble that was recovered for a touchdown and LaDainian Tomlinson getting stuffed on fourth and goal. I might be in the minority on this one but the decision to go for points by Ryan and the Jets with under two minutes left in the half was a stupid. Their offense had absolutely nothing going for it and I mean absolutely nothing, they only had fifty total yards at the half with the majority on the last drive that led to a field goal. I understand the need to get some points on the board but when your offense is playing that poorly there is always going to be the chance that you end up digging yourself a bigger hole. This is exactly what the Jets did (questionable call on the fumble) and it ended up being the difference. Tomlinson getting stuffed on the one was the other big play and who knows what would have happened if he is to punch it in. I have a couple problems with the play-calling/personnel that was used in this situation. The first down run was fine but then it gets a little strange the next pass plays had about zero chance of being completed. Your offensive motto is “Ground and Pound” give Shonn Greene the rock four times and he’s getting in the end zone. Side note as a disappointed fantasy owner of Greene this year I will still say this Greene is going to blow up next year (don’t remember anyone saying that this year). Giving the rock to Tomlinson on the fourth down run was also ill-advised in my opinion because he couldn’t get anything going at all throughout the game (9 carries for 16 yards). Greene was the only one that could get anything on the ground going plus I’m not to sure if he can be tackled backward (dude is a tank). Also if you’re going to throw a pass why not dial up the play that had Cotchery wide open by thirty yards later in the game. I understand I’m being a Monday morning quarterback but really not that big a fan of what they tried to do there.
As for the Steelers another impressive effort that gave them just enough to get the victory. Couple of things that caught my eye were the Maurkice Pouncey injury, the Steelers blitz packages, and Rashard Mendenhall running through the Jet defense at will. If Pouncey is unable to go in the Super Bowl this would be a considerable loss for the Steelers as evidenced by some questionable snap exchanges but also how much starting centers mean to both the quarterback and the rest of offensive line. Even though the Steelers only registered two sacks it is clear that they can and will bring pressure at Aaron Rodgers from every angle. This to me is going to be the match-up of the game as the Packers at times have some issues protecting the quarterback and for those of you who didn’t see Matt Flynn guiding the Packers, be glad I still am scarred from watching that. Lastly if Mendenhall is able to run like he was today the Steelers will be your Super Bowl winners. The ability to run gives the Steelers great balance and when you can get teams biting on Big Ben’s play-action the most likely end result is getting to watch Mike Wallace jog into the end-zone. The Packers have good corners but there has been at least one play every game where Wallace is open deep its just a question of whether Roethlisberger is going to make the pass (under threw the one this past game).
NBA- Someone finally told Mike Miller that he can’t just watch Wade, Bosh, and James. Apparently Miller thought it was perfectly reasonable to wave his towel on the bench and then receive his championship ring. Miller is a great player as fourth option although I’m not to sure where he exactly fits as for those that didn’t notice (many of you) the Heat have James and Wade at the two and three spots. If the Clippers realized that starting one and thirteen was unacceptable for playoff teams they would be right in the thick of the playoff hunt. Who can blame them though they just wanted to make it more challenging for themselves by starting so poorly because they are regular playoff entrants. Unfortunately for all viewers that hate SportsCenter being held hostage by Carmelo Anthony and his desire to play for Knicks, Anthony remains untraded. Can we all just say that there is no chance Anthony is playing for anyone besides the Knicks next year? Apparently the Nets came to their senses and realized having Melo and Chauncey Billups would basically be the Nuggets East, an exciting team that can’t win a title. Somewhere in New Jersey Troy Murphy continues to rot. I feel for the guy he goes from the Pacers to the Nets who then tell him he can’t play, good news for him his rumored trade to Detroit was nixed. I’m not to sure if going from New Jersey to Detroit is really an upgrade though. Power forwards everywhere are still eagerly waiting the day that him and his no-defense policy return.
Also I may be missing something but doesn’t the NBA need some rivalries? I would love to see the Clippers and Lakers begin one but that’s going to take a couple years because the Clippers need to continue to establish themselves as a legitimate NBA team instead of the D-League team that no one watched for the last couple of years. Side note is there a more intimidating front-court than Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan? Both those guys are absolute freak athletes and one day both will go up for an alley-oop and the rim will break prior to impact due to fear. You can’t go back to a Griffin and Chris Kaman lineup after watching Jordan and Griffin can you? I know it’s the Clippers and they will screw this up but this is team that seems to have all the bases covered and just needs a year or two before it becomes a legitimate title contender (think Thunder two years back). In news that no-one noticed or cared about the Hornets defense threw up back to back games in which they allowed 59 and 72 points. Anytime you play defense this well (it’s no fluke either they are number one in the league only giving up 91 pts a game) your going to succeed with Chris Paul running the show. Somewhere in Madison Square Garden the Knicks continue to practice their offense so they can offset their average of giving up 91 points through three quarters. It’s a little sad because the Hornets are absolutely awful at the shooting guard and small forward positions. If Chris Paul had another legitimate scorer running the wing besides him this team would be downright scary. I’m not to sure that the Hornets have the resources to swing a deal but even Richard Hamilton would be an upgrade (Stephen Jackson would make them a title contender).
NCAA Basketball- Really don’t have much to contribute for this sport (don’t really expect anything not Pac-10 related or March Madness related) but how is Kyrie Irving out indefinitely with a toe injury? I don’t know much about the situation but he might be out for the year with a toe injury? I always think I miss something but his status stays the same week after week. I saw him play the Ducks at the Rose Garden and this guy is dynamite but the whole toe injury thing has me a little miffed.
MLB- Really won’t focus on this until Spring Training commences and all the free agency dust has settled but I would like to remark that I thought that the Angels made a smart move by realizing the way to go was to overpay a player through trading and not through free agency. They passed on giving Carl Crawford a couple million more than he deserved so they could instead turn and give that to Vernon Wells. Trust me this move is as bad as it sounds I’m really not to sure that Vernon Wells is that much better than Juan Rivera who he basically replaces through this trade (at a price of more than 15 million more per year). The Rangers will win this division for at least five straight years unless the Athletics suddenly decide to spend money.
The news that everyone has been waiting to hear
Wet Bandits 38 Three Legged Greg 35- For those wondering who the Wet Bandits are this is my intramural team (trust me I was not in charge of the name) and we were able to pull out the victory in a game that had fans running for the exit. On second thought there were no fans to begin with. I think we had a range of scores from our players of three to seven. I know balance is a good thing but this was a little too ridiculous. It didn’t help that the refs thought every time a shot was attempted there had to be a foul called. Sad but true I think an opposing player fouled out in four minutes (Greg Oden is jealous). For those that didn’t catch SportsCenter I only scored three points, which puts my average at a robust three points per game for the year. Right now you should be checking if I’m still available in your fantasy leagues.
The Week Moving Forward
NFL- Nothing much will happen during this week but one thing to watch will be what the lines are for best commercial during the Super Bowl (I wish this actually existed). For this to be truly epic Clay Mathews needs to be signed to a shampoo deal to go against Troy Polumalu and Head and Shoulders shampoo. For my enjoyment I will act like some mysterious shampoo company follows my advice.
2-1- Beer commercials
They seem to have the funniest commercials every year and I think this year will be no different. I’m expecting big things from Bud Light personally.
3-1 Soft Drinks
Pepsi vs. Coke enough said.
7-1 Chips commercials
They always seem to have one or two that is absolutely hilarious but the rest are just awful. Cheetos are my chips to watch.
10-1 Mysterious Shampoo Competitor
I’m a guy I don’t know shampoos so this will have to be mysterious shampoo competitor (I had to Google who Troy Polumalu was signed with for those who wondered how I knew this) but this competitor whoever it may be is going to have to go big to knock off Head and Shoulders.
12-1 Head and Shoulders
They have to maintain their alpha-dog status, I’m not expecting too much though.
15-1 The field
If these were actual lines I’m really not to sure whom I would pick because you just don’t know, no matter what the so-called experts say.
100,000-1 GoDaddy.Com
Vegas will laugh while they take your money, don’t fall for the crazy odds, these ads always suck.
NBA- The NBA weekly outlook will remain the same for this week as it has been for the last month in that Carmelo Anthony will be on the verge of going somewhere only to have the deal somehow fall through at the last moment. There’s only three ways that this situation is going to play out; he stays in Denver for the rest of the season and then bolts for the Knicks, gets traded to the Knicks before the deadline and gets his contract extension from the Knicks, or gets traded to the Mavericks for half a season and then signs with the Knicks (this has a roughly zero percent chance of happening anyway). I really have no idea how this will end up playing out but one thing I can guarantee is that Melo will be playing for the Knicks next year (gut feeling Melo really keeps his feelings to himself). I’m not to sure what the Nuggets are supposed to do hear because Melo has basically ruined any chance for them to receive a fair trade offer by making it known that he won’t resign with any team not playing their home games in Madison Square Garden. This really leaves the Nuggets in a bad spot similar to the Cavaliers and Raptors of last year, you have a star that isn’t going to resign no matter what you do. The Cavaliers situation is different because LeBron was actually thought to seriously consider resigning in Cleveland but the Bosh situation is nearly identical in that the Raptor’s foolishly thought they had a shot at resigning Bosh right up until the moment that he left, leaving them with nothing. The Nuggets have to look at these two examples and realize no matter how badly they want to believe Melo will resign with them its time to move on. Unfortunately moving on for them means they aren’t going to get full value for Anthony, but they have to get something of value in return.
A trade package headlined by Danilo Gallinari and two trillion late first round picks really doesn’t do it for me either but you have to get something out of this. Side note Gallinari might be the single most confusing player to watch play I know he’s coming off an injury but he can somehow seem athletically explosive on offense and then on defense he appears to fit my definition of a stiff (someone that is white and cannot move in a way that can be called athletic). This actually might be the only reason I can watch the Knicks play defense. As for the Mavericks angle of this they don’t have the resources to pull this off but they would be the only team willing to take on Melo for half of a year. It’s really too bad that they decided to grossly overpay Brendan Haywood because if they had some cap space they could probably make a halfway decent offer for Melo. In other news the Eastern Conference will change their playoff system by either removing their last two playoff spots or taking two Western Conference teams. I’m in favor of the second idea personally because the Clippers, Warriors, Grizzlies, or Suns are infinitely better to watch than whomever takes the last two spots in the East (76ers, Pacers, Bucks, Bobcats). I’d also be fine with them just giving the top two teams in the East a bye instead of wasting television watching the Celtics and Heat lead each game by twenty plus points at the half.
Wet Bandits (-12) over Unnamed Opponent- I have forgotten how to check our intramural schedule so therefore we are playing unnamed opponent. This however hasn’t stopped Vegas from putting us as heavy favorites because of our incredible team chemistry (Henderson Hall representing). This game hinges on whether the Wet Bandits will be receiving the services of their star player (the one averaging a robust three points a game) who at times can be extremely forgetful. This star player might also pull a Cutler and become “injured” if the going gets tough (I had to say it).
NCAAB- Someone will finally locate the center court line at new Matt Knight arena.
Packers 21 Bears 14- I picked the Packers based on the fact that Jay Cutler would implode and throw four interceptions. I’d like to say I got the implosion part right but I never thought it would be an injury. To show how well he is liked around the league I figured I would give you a couple tweets from fellow NFL players. From Maurice Jones-Drew “Hey I think the urban meyer rule is effect right now... When the going gets tough........QUIT..” and “All I'm saying is that he can finish the game on a hurt knee... I played the whole season on one...”. From Derrick Brooks “FOX HAVENT SHOWED ANY TRAINERS LOOKING AT CUTLER, UMMM”. And my personal favorite from Anthony Armstrong “Knee-gate in Chicago”. Seriously I think a Bears vs. Steelers matchup would have matched up the two most hated quarterbacks in the league besides Brett Favre who is a landslide winner in this category. Fortunately for both Cutler and Roethlisberger the top spot appears to be up for grabs for the next NFL season (whenever that is). Of course all this will be ruined once Favre realizes there can’t be a SportsCenter without him being mentioned. Back to the game I’m quite sure Todd Collins is the worst Quarterback in the league right now, having him as the backup is a disgrace to playoff football and Caleb Hanie. Looking back on it the Bears wasted two possessions with Collins at the helm. Once Collins was shown warming up I told anyone that would listen that this game was effectively over. Little did I know that the Bears followed the standard procedure of having their best quarterback at number three on their depth chart.
Great comeback effort by Hanie which was helped by the Packers playing defense like any gain under twenty yards was a success. In another viewing of why defensive tackles can’t be trusted with the ball B.J. Raji intercepted a Hanie pass and then rumbled into the end zone while fumbling just inches past the pylon. Instead of doing the smart thing and recovering the ball Raji proceeded to turn around and make sure the official signaled a touchdown before starting either the best or worst touchdown celebration of the postseason (we miss you Ochocinco). There’s no in-between on this matter. Meanwhile two of his teammates that actually have some common-sense made sure that they recovered the ball before it rolled out of the back end of the end zone. Mike Martz of course had his one baffling play of the day when he called for a reverse on a 3rd and three with roughly fifty seconds left on the clock. Mark it down Cutler will not win a Super Bowl and I really doubt he ever gets this far again. They basically lucked themselves into the NFC Championship this year when they drew the Seahawks as their matchup. The Packers defense won them this game with Aaron Rodgers struggling in the elements. If I’m a Bears fan the one thing that will haunt me about this game is Brian Urlacher getting tackled by Rodgers after his goal line interception. Not trying to be harsh on the guy but anytime you have a quarterback between you and the end zone I expect the defensive player to win. Who would have thought this would have been Rodgers best play of the game? San Francisco fans can be heard saying the only difference between Rodgers and Alex Smith is that Smith misses those tackles. As long as the Packers aren’t up by more than fourteen their defense can shut any one down in the league right now. Side note is there any worse division for Rodgers to play in the guy is dynamite in domes/warm weather environments. Luckily for Rodgers and the cheeseheads the Super Bowl is getting played in Jerry’s world, bigger factor than you would think.
Steelers 24 Jets 19- Time for the Rex Ryan offseason foot jokes to begin. I don’t know about you guys but not having Rex Ryan quotes for the next two weeks feels like the biggest loss of the post-season. To the Jets this was viewed as the Pro-Bowl as they had already won the Super Bowl last week by defeating the Patriots. Side note who decided it was a good idea to have the Pro-Bowl the week before the Super Bowl? Really doesn’t affect me as I never watch it but just the idea sounds bad. On to the game any one who predicted a 24 to 19 final score is an idiot or has no idea how the football scoring system works. This is twice in the past couple weeks that a team has lost with 19 points (Ducks) so memo to other teams; don’t score 19 points bad things happen. Two plays determined this game; the Mark Sanchez fumble that was recovered for a touchdown and LaDainian Tomlinson getting stuffed on fourth and goal. I might be in the minority on this one but the decision to go for points by Ryan and the Jets with under two minutes left in the half was a stupid. Their offense had absolutely nothing going for it and I mean absolutely nothing, they only had fifty total yards at the half with the majority on the last drive that led to a field goal. I understand the need to get some points on the board but when your offense is playing that poorly there is always going to be the chance that you end up digging yourself a bigger hole. This is exactly what the Jets did (questionable call on the fumble) and it ended up being the difference. Tomlinson getting stuffed on the one was the other big play and who knows what would have happened if he is to punch it in. I have a couple problems with the play-calling/personnel that was used in this situation. The first down run was fine but then it gets a little strange the next pass plays had about zero chance of being completed. Your offensive motto is “Ground and Pound” give Shonn Greene the rock four times and he’s getting in the end zone. Side note as a disappointed fantasy owner of Greene this year I will still say this Greene is going to blow up next year (don’t remember anyone saying that this year). Giving the rock to Tomlinson on the fourth down run was also ill-advised in my opinion because he couldn’t get anything going at all throughout the game (9 carries for 16 yards). Greene was the only one that could get anything on the ground going plus I’m not to sure if he can be tackled backward (dude is a tank). Also if you’re going to throw a pass why not dial up the play that had Cotchery wide open by thirty yards later in the game. I understand I’m being a Monday morning quarterback but really not that big a fan of what they tried to do there.
As for the Steelers another impressive effort that gave them just enough to get the victory. Couple of things that caught my eye were the Maurkice Pouncey injury, the Steelers blitz packages, and Rashard Mendenhall running through the Jet defense at will. If Pouncey is unable to go in the Super Bowl this would be a considerable loss for the Steelers as evidenced by some questionable snap exchanges but also how much starting centers mean to both the quarterback and the rest of offensive line. Even though the Steelers only registered two sacks it is clear that they can and will bring pressure at Aaron Rodgers from every angle. This to me is going to be the match-up of the game as the Packers at times have some issues protecting the quarterback and for those of you who didn’t see Matt Flynn guiding the Packers, be glad I still am scarred from watching that. Lastly if Mendenhall is able to run like he was today the Steelers will be your Super Bowl winners. The ability to run gives the Steelers great balance and when you can get teams biting on Big Ben’s play-action the most likely end result is getting to watch Mike Wallace jog into the end-zone. The Packers have good corners but there has been at least one play every game where Wallace is open deep its just a question of whether Roethlisberger is going to make the pass (under threw the one this past game).
NBA- Someone finally told Mike Miller that he can’t just watch Wade, Bosh, and James. Apparently Miller thought it was perfectly reasonable to wave his towel on the bench and then receive his championship ring. Miller is a great player as fourth option although I’m not to sure where he exactly fits as for those that didn’t notice (many of you) the Heat have James and Wade at the two and three spots. If the Clippers realized that starting one and thirteen was unacceptable for playoff teams they would be right in the thick of the playoff hunt. Who can blame them though they just wanted to make it more challenging for themselves by starting so poorly because they are regular playoff entrants. Unfortunately for all viewers that hate SportsCenter being held hostage by Carmelo Anthony and his desire to play for Knicks, Anthony remains untraded. Can we all just say that there is no chance Anthony is playing for anyone besides the Knicks next year? Apparently the Nets came to their senses and realized having Melo and Chauncey Billups would basically be the Nuggets East, an exciting team that can’t win a title. Somewhere in New Jersey Troy Murphy continues to rot. I feel for the guy he goes from the Pacers to the Nets who then tell him he can’t play, good news for him his rumored trade to Detroit was nixed. I’m not to sure if going from New Jersey to Detroit is really an upgrade though. Power forwards everywhere are still eagerly waiting the day that him and his no-defense policy return.
Also I may be missing something but doesn’t the NBA need some rivalries? I would love to see the Clippers and Lakers begin one but that’s going to take a couple years because the Clippers need to continue to establish themselves as a legitimate NBA team instead of the D-League team that no one watched for the last couple of years. Side note is there a more intimidating front-court than Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan? Both those guys are absolute freak athletes and one day both will go up for an alley-oop and the rim will break prior to impact due to fear. You can’t go back to a Griffin and Chris Kaman lineup after watching Jordan and Griffin can you? I know it’s the Clippers and they will screw this up but this is team that seems to have all the bases covered and just needs a year or two before it becomes a legitimate title contender (think Thunder two years back). In news that no-one noticed or cared about the Hornets defense threw up back to back games in which they allowed 59 and 72 points. Anytime you play defense this well (it’s no fluke either they are number one in the league only giving up 91 pts a game) your going to succeed with Chris Paul running the show. Somewhere in Madison Square Garden the Knicks continue to practice their offense so they can offset their average of giving up 91 points through three quarters. It’s a little sad because the Hornets are absolutely awful at the shooting guard and small forward positions. If Chris Paul had another legitimate scorer running the wing besides him this team would be downright scary. I’m not to sure that the Hornets have the resources to swing a deal but even Richard Hamilton would be an upgrade (Stephen Jackson would make them a title contender).
NCAA Basketball- Really don’t have much to contribute for this sport (don’t really expect anything not Pac-10 related or March Madness related) but how is Kyrie Irving out indefinitely with a toe injury? I don’t know much about the situation but he might be out for the year with a toe injury? I always think I miss something but his status stays the same week after week. I saw him play the Ducks at the Rose Garden and this guy is dynamite but the whole toe injury thing has me a little miffed.
MLB- Really won’t focus on this until Spring Training commences and all the free agency dust has settled but I would like to remark that I thought that the Angels made a smart move by realizing the way to go was to overpay a player through trading and not through free agency. They passed on giving Carl Crawford a couple million more than he deserved so they could instead turn and give that to Vernon Wells. Trust me this move is as bad as it sounds I’m really not to sure that Vernon Wells is that much better than Juan Rivera who he basically replaces through this trade (at a price of more than 15 million more per year). The Rangers will win this division for at least five straight years unless the Athletics suddenly decide to spend money.
The news that everyone has been waiting to hear
Wet Bandits 38 Three Legged Greg 35- For those wondering who the Wet Bandits are this is my intramural team (trust me I was not in charge of the name) and we were able to pull out the victory in a game that had fans running for the exit. On second thought there were no fans to begin with. I think we had a range of scores from our players of three to seven. I know balance is a good thing but this was a little too ridiculous. It didn’t help that the refs thought every time a shot was attempted there had to be a foul called. Sad but true I think an opposing player fouled out in four minutes (Greg Oden is jealous). For those that didn’t catch SportsCenter I only scored three points, which puts my average at a robust three points per game for the year. Right now you should be checking if I’m still available in your fantasy leagues.
The Week Moving Forward
NFL- Nothing much will happen during this week but one thing to watch will be what the lines are for best commercial during the Super Bowl (I wish this actually existed). For this to be truly epic Clay Mathews needs to be signed to a shampoo deal to go against Troy Polumalu and Head and Shoulders shampoo. For my enjoyment I will act like some mysterious shampoo company follows my advice.
2-1- Beer commercials
They seem to have the funniest commercials every year and I think this year will be no different. I’m expecting big things from Bud Light personally.
3-1 Soft Drinks
Pepsi vs. Coke enough said.
7-1 Chips commercials
They always seem to have one or two that is absolutely hilarious but the rest are just awful. Cheetos are my chips to watch.
10-1 Mysterious Shampoo Competitor
I’m a guy I don’t know shampoos so this will have to be mysterious shampoo competitor (I had to Google who Troy Polumalu was signed with for those who wondered how I knew this) but this competitor whoever it may be is going to have to go big to knock off Head and Shoulders.
12-1 Head and Shoulders
They have to maintain their alpha-dog status, I’m not expecting too much though.
15-1 The field
If these were actual lines I’m really not to sure whom I would pick because you just don’t know, no matter what the so-called experts say.
100,000-1 GoDaddy.Com
Vegas will laugh while they take your money, don’t fall for the crazy odds, these ads always suck.
NBA- The NBA weekly outlook will remain the same for this week as it has been for the last month in that Carmelo Anthony will be on the verge of going somewhere only to have the deal somehow fall through at the last moment. There’s only three ways that this situation is going to play out; he stays in Denver for the rest of the season and then bolts for the Knicks, gets traded to the Knicks before the deadline and gets his contract extension from the Knicks, or gets traded to the Mavericks for half a season and then signs with the Knicks (this has a roughly zero percent chance of happening anyway). I really have no idea how this will end up playing out but one thing I can guarantee is that Melo will be playing for the Knicks next year (gut feeling Melo really keeps his feelings to himself). I’m not to sure what the Nuggets are supposed to do hear because Melo has basically ruined any chance for them to receive a fair trade offer by making it known that he won’t resign with any team not playing their home games in Madison Square Garden. This really leaves the Nuggets in a bad spot similar to the Cavaliers and Raptors of last year, you have a star that isn’t going to resign no matter what you do. The Cavaliers situation is different because LeBron was actually thought to seriously consider resigning in Cleveland but the Bosh situation is nearly identical in that the Raptor’s foolishly thought they had a shot at resigning Bosh right up until the moment that he left, leaving them with nothing. The Nuggets have to look at these two examples and realize no matter how badly they want to believe Melo will resign with them its time to move on. Unfortunately moving on for them means they aren’t going to get full value for Anthony, but they have to get something of value in return.
A trade package headlined by Danilo Gallinari and two trillion late first round picks really doesn’t do it for me either but you have to get something out of this. Side note Gallinari might be the single most confusing player to watch play I know he’s coming off an injury but he can somehow seem athletically explosive on offense and then on defense he appears to fit my definition of a stiff (someone that is white and cannot move in a way that can be called athletic). This actually might be the only reason I can watch the Knicks play defense. As for the Mavericks angle of this they don’t have the resources to pull this off but they would be the only team willing to take on Melo for half of a year. It’s really too bad that they decided to grossly overpay Brendan Haywood because if they had some cap space they could probably make a halfway decent offer for Melo. In other news the Eastern Conference will change their playoff system by either removing their last two playoff spots or taking two Western Conference teams. I’m in favor of the second idea personally because the Clippers, Warriors, Grizzlies, or Suns are infinitely better to watch than whomever takes the last two spots in the East (76ers, Pacers, Bucks, Bobcats). I’d also be fine with them just giving the top two teams in the East a bye instead of wasting television watching the Celtics and Heat lead each game by twenty plus points at the half.
Wet Bandits (-12) over Unnamed Opponent- I have forgotten how to check our intramural schedule so therefore we are playing unnamed opponent. This however hasn’t stopped Vegas from putting us as heavy favorites because of our incredible team chemistry (Henderson Hall representing). This game hinges on whether the Wet Bandits will be receiving the services of their star player (the one averaging a robust three points a game) who at times can be extremely forgetful. This star player might also pull a Cutler and become “injured” if the going gets tough (I had to say it).
NCAAB- Someone will finally locate the center court line at new Matt Knight arena.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Oregon Season Recap
So were moving towards two weeks since Oregon ended its season with a National Title lost and I think I’ve reached the point were its safe to move on. If you don’t hear from me for a couple weeks I think its safe to say the people of Eugene have silenced me while they deal with their loss. I’m not just talking about “the Natty loss” but also the loss of defensive back Javes Lewis. His departure surprises no one as he didn’t start a single game this year and almost led the team with twenty-five tackles. Seriously people thought LeBron James got bad advice I don’t think there is anyway to justify declaring early if there is very little chance that you even get drafted.
Top-10 Plays of the Year
1.Oregon’s Final Drive in the National Title and Ensuing Two Point Conversion
This had all the elements of a fairy tale ending, fumble recovery leading to fourth and goal touchdown to two point conversion leading to overtime win for the Ducks. Unfortunately Cam Newton and the Tigers failed to play to the plot as they stormed back down the field but still this last drive has to be my top play of the year due to its obvious significance and clutch factor.
1.5 Any Play Following the Students Chanting Big Balls Chip
2. Oregon’s Final Drive vs. California
For an Offense known for its quick pace this was an absolute beauty to watch as Oregon’s offensive line willed the team to the finish by running eighteen plays to ice the final 9:25 of the game. Running the ball seventeen out of eighteen plays is truly remarkable and kind of surprising because you think at some point Oregon would break one but instead steady three and four yard gains broke Cal’s back.
3.LaMichael James 72 Yard Touchdown Run vs. Tennessee
Welcome back LaMichael James, this also proved to be his “Heisman Moment” of the year. I’m not sure how many times LaMike tried this run one way cut back the other way run but I don’t think there was once that I was thinking it was a good idea until after the run. Is there really anyway LaMichael really helps his draft stock that much in the next year? He’s not going to return any punts or kicks, I doubt he ends up with more catches next year than this year, and I doubt he runs for more yards next year due to the depth coming back at RB next year.
4. Eddie Pleasant’s Fumble Recovery vs. Stanford
This play has two things going for it; first it was the play that started Oregon’s second half rampage vs. Stanford, and second it turned into one of the coolest sports posters I’ve seen. The photograph showing Pleasant and a blocking convey is simply awesome. In other news fans hope Pleasant learns the art of pass coverage this offseason.
5.Michael Clay’s 64 Yard Run vs. Oregon State
Oregon State had just forced Oregon into a rare three and out and lined up in a punt formation only to run the ball 64 yards up straight up the middle. Not to sure about everyone else but my first reaction was ******* our long snapper did it again. Good news moments later my eyes readjusted to see Michael Clay turning on the jets as he headed into the red zone which led to a crucial touchdown.
6. Jeff Maehl’s Deflection Catch vs. USC
In terms of individual efforts I think this would rate as the best play of the year due to Meahl’s diving deflection effort while maintaining possession of the ball. I mean for crying out loud LeBron even gave him a shout out on Twitter.
6.5 Any Chip Kelly Interview Pre-Game, During Game, After Game
Only thing missing was getting him miked up during games.
7. Cliff Harris Punt Return vs. California
One of only two Oregon touchdowns in the game this was also the moment that Cliff Harris proved to me that no matter how reckless he may be with the ball you have to leave him back there to return every punt. Side note was there any better special teams unit than Oregon this year? Besides for a slight slip up at the end of the year in field goal kicking I don’t think there was (slightly biased view).
8. Darron Touchdown Pass to David Paulson vs. Tennessee
Darron Thomas showed that Chip Kelly made the right choice, had the arm for a downfield passing game and nothing could faze him.
9.Josh Huff 85 Yard Touchdown Run vs. Arizona
Pure speed that helped relieve the nerves of 60,000 nervous Autzen fans. Also Huff ranks up here for helping pioneer the phrase “The Natty”.
10.Darron Thomas Kneel Down vs. Oregon State
Oregon finally made it and survived the final six weeks as the number one or two team in the country. It’s a shame that this didn’t happen against a team that meant anything to Oregon fans.
11.5 Oregon’s Jersey Selections
Not a big fan of the selections this year they weren’t bad but personally I missed not seeing the throwbacks that were worn last year vs. Cal and Oregon State. National Title game jerseys would have been rated much lower but really couldn’t figure out a number to assign to them.
Side note this whole top play section really doesn’t help the notion that Oregon’s defense was behind its offense but lets face it offensive plays are usually more exciting. But still don’t forget the countless deflections by Brandon Bair, tackles by Casey Mathews and John Boyett, the QB hurries by Kenny Rowe, or coverage’s by Talmadge Jackson III.
Offensive MVP
1. Darron Thomas- LaMichael gets all the hype but without Darron Thomas I think that the Ducks are looking at another 10-3 season. The downfield passing that DT was able to provide really opened things up for the Ducks. Masoli was a winning quarterback but Thomas really elevated what the Ducks were able to throw at opponents.
2. LaMichael James- Everyone else’s MVP but his stats don’t really seem to indicate MVP status to me. I mean he just rushed for your standard 1,731 yards and 21 touchdowns that’s pretty average in football. Seriously a very worthy candidate but personally I feel Darron Thomas was the difference that led to the Ducks making the Natty.
3. Jeff Maehl- Not sure if you have ever seen Maehl in person but I would almost guarntee your first thought would not be that he is a dominant wide reciever. Somehow Darron Thomas was able to overcome this initial reaction which led to record-breaking season for Maehl. Does anyone else wonder how good Maehl might have been at safety?
Defensive MVP
1. Brandon Bair- The selection for the top three defensive players was really tough but Brandon Bair ability to get to the quarterback, numerous tackles in the backfield, and batted down passes led to me picking him as MVP of the defense.
2. Casey Mathews- Really could flip-flop either of these guys and be fine with it. Mathews stats between this year and last year are virtually the same but Mathews made great leaps in pass coverage and without a doubt I believe Mathews will succeed in the NFL. Many believe he should win MVP just for his hair unfortunately for Mathews I disagree with that sentiment.
3. Cliff Harris/John Boyett/Talmadge Jackson III- I realize I’m cheating the system but these guys anchored the secondary. Harris and Boyett were the ballhawks but Jackson also did a great job of locking down recievers just didn’t have the impressive stats of the other two. The unit stats for the secondary might not be that impressive but you have to remember teams are constantly throwing at them due to deficits.
The Next Year (Already)
I realize its way to early to start thinking about the next year so soon but its not like Oregon has a basketball team to cover do they? Side note is it possible to red-shirt a basketball stadium until the team is ready? Back to next August/September Oregon will most likely start the season in the top five based on Thomas and LaMichael coming back but the reality is that this team loses tons of talented players on both sides of the ball. The offensive line loses three starters (Bo Thran, C.E. Kaiser, and Jordan Holmes) and the only other two losses are at wide receiver (Jeff Maehl and DJ Davis). The O-line is particularly worrisome because the Ducks open up next season against LSU in Dallas. If anybody hasn’t erased the memory of the Boise State debacle you will also remember that we were breaking in a new offensive line against a top fifteen team. Scary thought right there. I’m not saying that the offensive line will be that bad (at least that’s what I’m hoping) but its going to be tough for a new line to gel against what should be at worst a very good defense. There are capable players that are waiting in the rank and perhaps the best OL coach in the business so not all hope is lost. I think that this unit will be fine it might just take a couple games for them to start rolling again. The backfield behind these guys is set and hopefully can remain healthy so LaMike doesn’t have to run the rock thirty-five plus times again. I don’t think its too far out there to say LaMichael might run for another 1,500 while Kenjon Barner runs for another 800 yards. Tight End doesn’t need to be talked about this is a group that no Duck fan should lose sleep over. Paulson is as solid as it gets, Brandon Williams is a good blocker who next year will show off what a great receiver he can be, and Curtis White is waiting in the wings after a redshirt. Wide Receiver is a different matter as Maehl and DJ Davis graduate and there really isn’t any game proven wide receiver’s behind Josh Huff and Lavasier Tuinei. What made the outgoing receivers so special were not only their playmaking ability but also their perimeter blocking. This is something that I think most Duck fan’s take for granted but it is not something that wide receivers are naturally good at and takes time and most of all effort to master. The Ducks do have some depth in Keanan Lowe, Justin Hoffman, Eric Dungy, and Blake Cantu but none of these players besides Hoffman have played a down of NCAA football. Another thing to keep in mind the Ducks do have some highly regarded recruits coming in at wide receiver (Devon Blackmon and Tacoi Sumler) but Sumler is undersized at this moment (5-7, 155 according to ESPN). Blackmon on the other hand I think will make some noise next year in more of a reserve role similar to Josh Huff.
Offensive Breakout Player Eric Dungy- The easy pick here would have been Josh Huff but that’s too obvious as we have all seen what a special talent he is and I along with many other Duck fans expect big things from him in 2011. Besides Huff and Tuinei the third wide out spot remains unclaimed so I figured I would take a chance on Dungy who seems to have the best body suited for the outside blocking required in Oregon’s scheme. Plus from all accounts he didn’t do a bad job catching the rock on the Scout team. Brandon Williams was a close second as I expect his receiving skills to be utilized more next year out of the two tight end set.
On to Oregon’s defense which will almost always live in the shadow of Oregon’s offense unfortunate because this past year the Oregon defense more than held its own out there and was at the top of the Pac-10 in many important categories. On the defensive side of the ball Oregon loses three defensive line starters (Zac Clark, Brandon Bair, and Kenny Rowe), two starting linebackers (Casey Mathews and Spencer Paysinger), and a starting cornerback (Talmadge Jackson III). The obvious question mark (once again) is on the defensive line luckily for Oregon they got a bit of good news earlier in the week with the news that Ricky Heimuli will be returning for next year. Still it is going to be tough to replace three starters around Terrell Turner. Defensive tackle looks to be the major weakness with scholarship upperclassmen with experience. Wade Keliikipi, Ricky Heimuli, and Taylor Hart look like they will battle it out for the two starter spots with Isaac Remington hopefully able to contribute coming off a redshirt year. There does appear to be a little help coming in at least as the Ducks have signed JUCO DT Jared Ebert, it wouldn’t hurt to sign a couple other defensive tackles though. Defensive end is in better shape with the return of Turner and two other defensive ends that played a significant amount of snaps in Dion Jordan and Brandon Hanna. Linebacker loses two multi-year starters in Paysinger and Mathews but there is a great amount of depth and two of the most highly contested spring battles will be for whom will replace Paysinger and Mathews. It really doesn’t matter who will end up starting because the Ducks rotate so many players but I would give the early edge to Boseko Lokombo and Michael Clay. Only one real battle to watch in the secondary as there is a starting cornerback job up for grabs opposite of Cliff Harris. This will also be hotly contested between Anthony Gildon, Terrance Mitchell, Avery Patterson, and Troy Hill among others. I would give the slight edge to Gildon due to his experience but who comes out with the job is any ones guess. John Boyett and Eddie Pleasant return which should be a good duo if someone tells Pleasant that he also has some pass coverage responsibilities. This should be a good defense once again but I think its fair to say that a slight drop-off compared to this year can be expected.
Defensive Breakout Player Dion Jordan- There was hype about Jordan becoming an impact defensive end this past year and while he showed flashes he never quite burst onto the scene. I think this next year will be different as he can hopefully can become a terror to opposing QB’s. This will be important because of the loss of Kenny Rowe and if you didn’t notice the Pac-12 next year is filled with some QB’s that know how to throw the ball (Especially UCLA). Also under consideration was Kiko Alonso who is coming off of a year off due to off the field issues.
What to Expect in 2011
10-2, (8-1) (Losses to LSU and Stanford) 2nd in Pac-12 North
Pac 12 Conference Championship- Stanford over ASU
North Standings
1. Stanford
2. Oregon
3. Oregon State
4. Washington
5. California
6. Washington State
South Standings
1. Arizona State
2. USC
3. Arizona
4. Utah
5. UCLA
6. Colorado
Five thoughts/Predictions for 2011
1. Why Missouri State? Was Portland State becoming too good or did I miss something?
2. Kenjon Barner will line up in the slot/tazer position much more too offset the lack of proven WR’s.
3. Andrew Luck will get called up to the NFL midseason (maybe that’s just me dreaming).
4. Cliff Harris will consistently say something outrageous (really going out on a limb here).
5. The Pac-12’s most anticipated game will be Colorado vs. Washington State in the battle for worst team.
Top-10 Plays of the Year
1.Oregon’s Final Drive in the National Title and Ensuing Two Point Conversion
This had all the elements of a fairy tale ending, fumble recovery leading to fourth and goal touchdown to two point conversion leading to overtime win for the Ducks. Unfortunately Cam Newton and the Tigers failed to play to the plot as they stormed back down the field but still this last drive has to be my top play of the year due to its obvious significance and clutch factor.
1.5 Any Play Following the Students Chanting Big Balls Chip
2. Oregon’s Final Drive vs. California
For an Offense known for its quick pace this was an absolute beauty to watch as Oregon’s offensive line willed the team to the finish by running eighteen plays to ice the final 9:25 of the game. Running the ball seventeen out of eighteen plays is truly remarkable and kind of surprising because you think at some point Oregon would break one but instead steady three and four yard gains broke Cal’s back.
3.LaMichael James 72 Yard Touchdown Run vs. Tennessee
Welcome back LaMichael James, this also proved to be his “Heisman Moment” of the year. I’m not sure how many times LaMike tried this run one way cut back the other way run but I don’t think there was once that I was thinking it was a good idea until after the run. Is there really anyway LaMichael really helps his draft stock that much in the next year? He’s not going to return any punts or kicks, I doubt he ends up with more catches next year than this year, and I doubt he runs for more yards next year due to the depth coming back at RB next year.
4. Eddie Pleasant’s Fumble Recovery vs. Stanford
This play has two things going for it; first it was the play that started Oregon’s second half rampage vs. Stanford, and second it turned into one of the coolest sports posters I’ve seen. The photograph showing Pleasant and a blocking convey is simply awesome. In other news fans hope Pleasant learns the art of pass coverage this offseason.
5.Michael Clay’s 64 Yard Run vs. Oregon State
Oregon State had just forced Oregon into a rare three and out and lined up in a punt formation only to run the ball 64 yards up straight up the middle. Not to sure about everyone else but my first reaction was ******* our long snapper did it again. Good news moments later my eyes readjusted to see Michael Clay turning on the jets as he headed into the red zone which led to a crucial touchdown.
6. Jeff Maehl’s Deflection Catch vs. USC
In terms of individual efforts I think this would rate as the best play of the year due to Meahl’s diving deflection effort while maintaining possession of the ball. I mean for crying out loud LeBron even gave him a shout out on Twitter.
6.5 Any Chip Kelly Interview Pre-Game, During Game, After Game
Only thing missing was getting him miked up during games.
7. Cliff Harris Punt Return vs. California
One of only two Oregon touchdowns in the game this was also the moment that Cliff Harris proved to me that no matter how reckless he may be with the ball you have to leave him back there to return every punt. Side note was there any better special teams unit than Oregon this year? Besides for a slight slip up at the end of the year in field goal kicking I don’t think there was (slightly biased view).
8. Darron Touchdown Pass to David Paulson vs. Tennessee
Darron Thomas showed that Chip Kelly made the right choice, had the arm for a downfield passing game and nothing could faze him.
9.Josh Huff 85 Yard Touchdown Run vs. Arizona
Pure speed that helped relieve the nerves of 60,000 nervous Autzen fans. Also Huff ranks up here for helping pioneer the phrase “The Natty”.
10.Darron Thomas Kneel Down vs. Oregon State
Oregon finally made it and survived the final six weeks as the number one or two team in the country. It’s a shame that this didn’t happen against a team that meant anything to Oregon fans.
11.5 Oregon’s Jersey Selections
Not a big fan of the selections this year they weren’t bad but personally I missed not seeing the throwbacks that were worn last year vs. Cal and Oregon State. National Title game jerseys would have been rated much lower but really couldn’t figure out a number to assign to them.
Side note this whole top play section really doesn’t help the notion that Oregon’s defense was behind its offense but lets face it offensive plays are usually more exciting. But still don’t forget the countless deflections by Brandon Bair, tackles by Casey Mathews and John Boyett, the QB hurries by Kenny Rowe, or coverage’s by Talmadge Jackson III.
Offensive MVP
1. Darron Thomas- LaMichael gets all the hype but without Darron Thomas I think that the Ducks are looking at another 10-3 season. The downfield passing that DT was able to provide really opened things up for the Ducks. Masoli was a winning quarterback but Thomas really elevated what the Ducks were able to throw at opponents.
2. LaMichael James- Everyone else’s MVP but his stats don’t really seem to indicate MVP status to me. I mean he just rushed for your standard 1,731 yards and 21 touchdowns that’s pretty average in football. Seriously a very worthy candidate but personally I feel Darron Thomas was the difference that led to the Ducks making the Natty.
3. Jeff Maehl- Not sure if you have ever seen Maehl in person but I would almost guarntee your first thought would not be that he is a dominant wide reciever. Somehow Darron Thomas was able to overcome this initial reaction which led to record-breaking season for Maehl. Does anyone else wonder how good Maehl might have been at safety?
Defensive MVP
1. Brandon Bair- The selection for the top three defensive players was really tough but Brandon Bair ability to get to the quarterback, numerous tackles in the backfield, and batted down passes led to me picking him as MVP of the defense.
2. Casey Mathews- Really could flip-flop either of these guys and be fine with it. Mathews stats between this year and last year are virtually the same but Mathews made great leaps in pass coverage and without a doubt I believe Mathews will succeed in the NFL. Many believe he should win MVP just for his hair unfortunately for Mathews I disagree with that sentiment.
3. Cliff Harris/John Boyett/Talmadge Jackson III- I realize I’m cheating the system but these guys anchored the secondary. Harris and Boyett were the ballhawks but Jackson also did a great job of locking down recievers just didn’t have the impressive stats of the other two. The unit stats for the secondary might not be that impressive but you have to remember teams are constantly throwing at them due to deficits.
The Next Year (Already)
I realize its way to early to start thinking about the next year so soon but its not like Oregon has a basketball team to cover do they? Side note is it possible to red-shirt a basketball stadium until the team is ready? Back to next August/September Oregon will most likely start the season in the top five based on Thomas and LaMichael coming back but the reality is that this team loses tons of talented players on both sides of the ball. The offensive line loses three starters (Bo Thran, C.E. Kaiser, and Jordan Holmes) and the only other two losses are at wide receiver (Jeff Maehl and DJ Davis). The O-line is particularly worrisome because the Ducks open up next season against LSU in Dallas. If anybody hasn’t erased the memory of the Boise State debacle you will also remember that we were breaking in a new offensive line against a top fifteen team. Scary thought right there. I’m not saying that the offensive line will be that bad (at least that’s what I’m hoping) but its going to be tough for a new line to gel against what should be at worst a very good defense. There are capable players that are waiting in the rank and perhaps the best OL coach in the business so not all hope is lost. I think that this unit will be fine it might just take a couple games for them to start rolling again. The backfield behind these guys is set and hopefully can remain healthy so LaMike doesn’t have to run the rock thirty-five plus times again. I don’t think its too far out there to say LaMichael might run for another 1,500 while Kenjon Barner runs for another 800 yards. Tight End doesn’t need to be talked about this is a group that no Duck fan should lose sleep over. Paulson is as solid as it gets, Brandon Williams is a good blocker who next year will show off what a great receiver he can be, and Curtis White is waiting in the wings after a redshirt. Wide Receiver is a different matter as Maehl and DJ Davis graduate and there really isn’t any game proven wide receiver’s behind Josh Huff and Lavasier Tuinei. What made the outgoing receivers so special were not only their playmaking ability but also their perimeter blocking. This is something that I think most Duck fan’s take for granted but it is not something that wide receivers are naturally good at and takes time and most of all effort to master. The Ducks do have some depth in Keanan Lowe, Justin Hoffman, Eric Dungy, and Blake Cantu but none of these players besides Hoffman have played a down of NCAA football. Another thing to keep in mind the Ducks do have some highly regarded recruits coming in at wide receiver (Devon Blackmon and Tacoi Sumler) but Sumler is undersized at this moment (5-7, 155 according to ESPN). Blackmon on the other hand I think will make some noise next year in more of a reserve role similar to Josh Huff.
Offensive Breakout Player Eric Dungy- The easy pick here would have been Josh Huff but that’s too obvious as we have all seen what a special talent he is and I along with many other Duck fans expect big things from him in 2011. Besides Huff and Tuinei the third wide out spot remains unclaimed so I figured I would take a chance on Dungy who seems to have the best body suited for the outside blocking required in Oregon’s scheme. Plus from all accounts he didn’t do a bad job catching the rock on the Scout team. Brandon Williams was a close second as I expect his receiving skills to be utilized more next year out of the two tight end set.
On to Oregon’s defense which will almost always live in the shadow of Oregon’s offense unfortunate because this past year the Oregon defense more than held its own out there and was at the top of the Pac-10 in many important categories. On the defensive side of the ball Oregon loses three defensive line starters (Zac Clark, Brandon Bair, and Kenny Rowe), two starting linebackers (Casey Mathews and Spencer Paysinger), and a starting cornerback (Talmadge Jackson III). The obvious question mark (once again) is on the defensive line luckily for Oregon they got a bit of good news earlier in the week with the news that Ricky Heimuli will be returning for next year. Still it is going to be tough to replace three starters around Terrell Turner. Defensive tackle looks to be the major weakness with scholarship upperclassmen with experience. Wade Keliikipi, Ricky Heimuli, and Taylor Hart look like they will battle it out for the two starter spots with Isaac Remington hopefully able to contribute coming off a redshirt year. There does appear to be a little help coming in at least as the Ducks have signed JUCO DT Jared Ebert, it wouldn’t hurt to sign a couple other defensive tackles though. Defensive end is in better shape with the return of Turner and two other defensive ends that played a significant amount of snaps in Dion Jordan and Brandon Hanna. Linebacker loses two multi-year starters in Paysinger and Mathews but there is a great amount of depth and two of the most highly contested spring battles will be for whom will replace Paysinger and Mathews. It really doesn’t matter who will end up starting because the Ducks rotate so many players but I would give the early edge to Boseko Lokombo and Michael Clay. Only one real battle to watch in the secondary as there is a starting cornerback job up for grabs opposite of Cliff Harris. This will also be hotly contested between Anthony Gildon, Terrance Mitchell, Avery Patterson, and Troy Hill among others. I would give the slight edge to Gildon due to his experience but who comes out with the job is any ones guess. John Boyett and Eddie Pleasant return which should be a good duo if someone tells Pleasant that he also has some pass coverage responsibilities. This should be a good defense once again but I think its fair to say that a slight drop-off compared to this year can be expected.
Defensive Breakout Player Dion Jordan- There was hype about Jordan becoming an impact defensive end this past year and while he showed flashes he never quite burst onto the scene. I think this next year will be different as he can hopefully can become a terror to opposing QB’s. This will be important because of the loss of Kenny Rowe and if you didn’t notice the Pac-12 next year is filled with some QB’s that know how to throw the ball (Especially UCLA). Also under consideration was Kiko Alonso who is coming off of a year off due to off the field issues.
What to Expect in 2011
10-2, (8-1) (Losses to LSU and Stanford) 2nd in Pac-12 North
Pac 12 Conference Championship- Stanford over ASU
North Standings
1. Stanford
2. Oregon
3. Oregon State
4. Washington
5. California
6. Washington State
South Standings
1. Arizona State
2. USC
3. Arizona
4. Utah
5. UCLA
6. Colorado
Five thoughts/Predictions for 2011
1. Why Missouri State? Was Portland State becoming too good or did I miss something?
2. Kenjon Barner will line up in the slot/tazer position much more too offset the lack of proven WR’s.
3. Andrew Luck will get called up to the NFL midseason (maybe that’s just me dreaming).
4. Cliff Harris will consistently say something outrageous (really going out on a limb here).
5. The Pac-12’s most anticipated game will be Colorado vs. Washington State in the battle for worst team.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Recapping the Week 1/10-1/16
Recapping the Week
BCS Championship- Does anyone else think that there should be more time between the end of the season and the Championship Game? I mean seriously it must be impossible to get a team ready in the span of thirty-seven days. Contrary to the belief of a high scoring shoot-out fans were instead treated to a defensive battle in a game that seemed to feature a little bit of everything. For those that didn’t watch I’m not quite sure you should be reading this blog. It might not have been the prettiest game at times but still you have to think that most college fans are pleased to see a Championship game come down to the wire. I think many Auburn fans actually would view the biggest play in this game as a negative but to me it turned out to be the difference in the game. A track down tackle of Lavasier Tuinei at the three-yard line would eventually lead to Oregon turning it over on downs at the one-yard line. After the catch it looked like Tuinei was end zone bound but he was tracked down and a few plays later the Ducks got stuffed on the one-yard line. For all the speed of LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner the Ducks running game would be unstoppable if they had a bruising power back. The games final score came as a surprise as both teams were known for their defenses. Seriously big props to both defenses both were opportunistic and beared down when they needed to. I think both teams when looking at the final score can legitimately say that they should have won even though Oregon getting back in the game occurred as a fluke. Really that might have gone down as the choke of the century if the Ducks had been able to force overtime after Newton’s fumble. Fortunately for Newton he got another chance and led the Tigers downfield for the winning score and their will always be Troy Smith’s unforgettable choke job in the 2007 National Title (4-14, Interception, Fumble). As a Duck fan (prepare for Duck Rant, sorry for those who aren’t Duck fans skip to the NFL) I can’t say there was much I would have done differently I thought the game plan was good and really this game could have gone either way (probably a biased statement but who cares). Chip Kelly never ceases to amaze me a punter kicker two point conversion, standard, fake punt pass from the negative side of the field, nothing new, going for it all on fourth down, the usual (there’s a reason he’s known as Big Balls Chip). The one thing many here in Eugene find puzzling was LaMike’s lack of carries (13) but really I don’t think there was much for him to run at Auburn was very fast on the edges and Nick Fairley consumed the interior. I would argue though that LaMichael has to be the one getting the rock on fourth and one from the one. I’ll do a shameless plug for Cliff Harris, the man can flat out ball. Harris is a playmaker and he will be one to watch on Sunday’s he is bound to make at least one or two big plays every game. Side note I’m almost certain (bias speaking) that Harris should have had two picks but the booth missed one as well as that Dyer run on the last drive. Somewhere in the vast Midwest Oklahoma fans are telling anyone that will listen, “what goes around comes around”. Looking forward the future is obviously bright but it’s hard not to look back on this season and see that last L on the schedule. I fully expect Oregon to contend every year for a BCS Bowl but I don’t think Oregon will be back playing for a National Title for a couple of years lets face it you have to obviously be very skilled to make it to the National Title but it requires so much more than that to make it there. You either have to have a remarkable player (looking at you Cam Newton) or a team with phenomenal chemistry (your Oregon Ducks) and above all else you have to be very lucky to go undefeated throughout the regular season. Oregon and Auburn both caught some breaks throughout the year and that’s bound to even out at some point in the next season or two as a result Oregon will lose a game or two knocking itself out of “The Natty” as its referred to around here. I mean really how many times do you have a kicker false start himself out of a field goal, once in millennia? Side note I think I might get in trouble for even mentioning this game in Eugene this early. Fearless prediction for 2011/2012 (if were still alive that is) an SEC team will not win the Title or so all non-SEC fans hope.
Sports details for the rest of the article might be sketchy as ESPN and all other sports websites/channels mysteriously vanished after the National Title. Funny how that happens right?
NFL- Has there ever been a better lineup of games in the Divisional Round? I’m sure there has been but I for one was jacked for all the games but did anyone really think the Seahawks were going to win? For those paying attention now’s your time to say that I picked them to win (shame on me).
Steelers 31 Ravens 24- Was anyone else convinced there was going to be a full on backyard brawl during the game ala Anchorman? Side note best Will Ferrell movie had to plug it in the day after the National Title to fulfill my daily sports watching allotment since ESPN and all other sports channels disappeared. Back to the game after that unnecessary side-track, this game at times was just strange and if I were to describe it I would say it was finesse football at it’s finest. Somehow these guys are professional but they leave the balling rolling on the field for six seconds like that’s pretty standard. Side note was watching the game with some friends and immediately after that happened we were yelling for them to pick it up but they seemed content to stare at it like it was fine art and readjust their jock straps (obviously you have to look nice for the TV cameras). Athletes these days. But really I think that the two best teams in the AFC were playing this game and as of now the Steelers have to be considered favorites to win the Super Bowl. This will not stop me from picking the Jets later in the column (have to ride those gut instincts, my 1-3 record from last week picks notwithstanding). For all Seahawks fans here in the Northwest (kind of sad that there is only one option) we now finally understand why T.J. Houshmandzadeh was cut. The dude can’t catch when it matters, I don’t think you can ask for a better play on fourth and a mile. Still Joe Flacco is not a Super Bowl quarterback and proved it during the second half.
Packers 48 Falcons 21- Is there a better quarterback in the league right now then Aaron Rodgers? I think that has to be your first thought following this game I don’t think Rodgers made a single mistake. Granted the Falcons aren’t the worlds strongest defense but he turned them into the Texans back seven or he actually might have made Texans back seven look good compared to the Falcons back seven (scratch that I have come to my senses and realized that’s impossible). If Ryan Grant were healthy, no disrespect to Starks, Kuhn, and other no-names in the Packer backfield, this team would have the potential to go games without punting. Upon further review they accomplished this last game so I will shut-up. As it is they will have to settle for 48 points.
Bears 35 Seahawks 24- A. Yes I was dumb enough to pick the Seahawks and B. this game was nowhere close to an eleven-point game no matter what the scoreboard might say. I remain convinced that Cutler is going to lose the Bears the Championship and I fully expect it to occur against the Packers next weekend. Of course he will have a helping hand from Mike Martz who dialed up a Wild Cat pass while up 25 in the fourth quarter. I mean really who does this? Not to be lost in the bad play calling I actually think this was the first time they have ever run this play because no one looked at all like they knew what they were doing and that pass by Forte was pitiful never ever want to see that again. As for the Seahawks you had one fluke week and this is what everyone expected from you but congratulations you did prevent every single one of your losses from occurring by fifteen plus points. Don’t really no if that’s any consolation I tried Seahawks fans really not too much else out there. This game also insured that I would be getting NFL Sunday Ticket instead of watching 16 Seahawks games because they’re the “regional team”. This I’m quite sure would be the best advertising pitch for Sunday Ticket, “You no longer will be forced to watch the Seahawks offense featuring Matt Hasselbeck.” Catchy isn’t it?
Jets 28 Patriots 21- Someone let Bart Scott know that I actually picked the Jets as well. Side note I actually don’t think I want him to know the guy is crazy. I felt bad for Sal Paolantonio I think I would have run away from Scott he seemed to think the game was still going. Sad to see Oregon legend Pat Chung turn the game around by muffing the fake punt snap but if I’m Bill Belichick is there any need to go for it there? Punt the ball away for heavens sake Mark Sanchez is the opponents QB. You got to love the Jets they don’t stop talking about how they are the better team but once the final whistle blows they all act like they were one hundred point underdogs. For the future you have to be one or the other can’t play up to both. Side note Braylon Edwards backflip, leave that on the soccer pitch, but really does anything else say freak athlete other than that move?
NBA- Amid all the rumors about Carmelo Anthony there actually was basketball being played headlined by the Clippers taking care of the Lakers. Someone needs to get Clipper games on TV and no not when there playing the Kings no one wants to watch Blake Griffin play a D-League team. That might be the first time someone has ever suggested more Clipper games on TV but really more Blake Griffin can’t be a bad thing. Also I have always liked Baron Davis and am glad to see he once again cares more TV means Baron Davis will get in shape (Davis has always been known to have his priorities straight). Hope I don’t jinx it but Blake Griffin cannot get hurt he has to be the most exciting player in the league. Is it just me or do all star basketball players have a bad “inner circle”. Does Melo have any idea that New Jersey is not a good place to play basketball? The only shot he has at winning a title in Jersey is if (trying to come up with some ideas here, maybe it will come to me by next week)… Plug for Lamarcus Aldridge to the All-Star team since no one even knows who he is.
The Week Moving Forward-
Jets 31 Steelers 21- Still going to ride the underdog Jets even though I already said the Steelers have to be Super Bowl favorites (I’m really not stupid believe me). I like the way the Jets played and their defense was on point yesterday giving up only 14 points (not counting the garbage time TD) to the supposed best offense in the league. Still anything can happen and I expect this to be another bruising painful to watch football game. Can you just imagine how the Steelers Ravens felt the next day every play either involved a big hit or a massive pile followed by a near fight good football if you ask me. And yes I am picking a team led by Mark Sanchez a little scary.
Packers 35 Bears 17- Jay Cutler will throw four picks enough said.
No really I’m quite confident that the Packers will win this the only way I really see the Bears hanging tough is if the Packers can’t keep Peppers, Briggs, and company off Rodgers and if Cutler doesn’t implode. I’m betting on Cutler imploding. And yes I am picking two six seeds on the road to win playoff football everybody.
I will stop watching the NBA until Carmelo Anthony gets traded or disappears. He actually is turning into the new Brett Favre (shocker he just turned in his retirement papers).
BCS Championship- Does anyone else think that there should be more time between the end of the season and the Championship Game? I mean seriously it must be impossible to get a team ready in the span of thirty-seven days. Contrary to the belief of a high scoring shoot-out fans were instead treated to a defensive battle in a game that seemed to feature a little bit of everything. For those that didn’t watch I’m not quite sure you should be reading this blog. It might not have been the prettiest game at times but still you have to think that most college fans are pleased to see a Championship game come down to the wire. I think many Auburn fans actually would view the biggest play in this game as a negative but to me it turned out to be the difference in the game. A track down tackle of Lavasier Tuinei at the three-yard line would eventually lead to Oregon turning it over on downs at the one-yard line. After the catch it looked like Tuinei was end zone bound but he was tracked down and a few plays later the Ducks got stuffed on the one-yard line. For all the speed of LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner the Ducks running game would be unstoppable if they had a bruising power back. The games final score came as a surprise as both teams were known for their defenses. Seriously big props to both defenses both were opportunistic and beared down when they needed to. I think both teams when looking at the final score can legitimately say that they should have won even though Oregon getting back in the game occurred as a fluke. Really that might have gone down as the choke of the century if the Ducks had been able to force overtime after Newton’s fumble. Fortunately for Newton he got another chance and led the Tigers downfield for the winning score and their will always be Troy Smith’s unforgettable choke job in the 2007 National Title (4-14, Interception, Fumble). As a Duck fan (prepare for Duck Rant, sorry for those who aren’t Duck fans skip to the NFL) I can’t say there was much I would have done differently I thought the game plan was good and really this game could have gone either way (probably a biased statement but who cares). Chip Kelly never ceases to amaze me a punter kicker two point conversion, standard, fake punt pass from the negative side of the field, nothing new, going for it all on fourth down, the usual (there’s a reason he’s known as Big Balls Chip). The one thing many here in Eugene find puzzling was LaMike’s lack of carries (13) but really I don’t think there was much for him to run at Auburn was very fast on the edges and Nick Fairley consumed the interior. I would argue though that LaMichael has to be the one getting the rock on fourth and one from the one. I’ll do a shameless plug for Cliff Harris, the man can flat out ball. Harris is a playmaker and he will be one to watch on Sunday’s he is bound to make at least one or two big plays every game. Side note I’m almost certain (bias speaking) that Harris should have had two picks but the booth missed one as well as that Dyer run on the last drive. Somewhere in the vast Midwest Oklahoma fans are telling anyone that will listen, “what goes around comes around”. Looking forward the future is obviously bright but it’s hard not to look back on this season and see that last L on the schedule. I fully expect Oregon to contend every year for a BCS Bowl but I don’t think Oregon will be back playing for a National Title for a couple of years lets face it you have to obviously be very skilled to make it to the National Title but it requires so much more than that to make it there. You either have to have a remarkable player (looking at you Cam Newton) or a team with phenomenal chemistry (your Oregon Ducks) and above all else you have to be very lucky to go undefeated throughout the regular season. Oregon and Auburn both caught some breaks throughout the year and that’s bound to even out at some point in the next season or two as a result Oregon will lose a game or two knocking itself out of “The Natty” as its referred to around here. I mean really how many times do you have a kicker false start himself out of a field goal, once in millennia? Side note I think I might get in trouble for even mentioning this game in Eugene this early. Fearless prediction for 2011/2012 (if were still alive that is) an SEC team will not win the Title or so all non-SEC fans hope.
Sports details for the rest of the article might be sketchy as ESPN and all other sports websites/channels mysteriously vanished after the National Title. Funny how that happens right?
NFL- Has there ever been a better lineup of games in the Divisional Round? I’m sure there has been but I for one was jacked for all the games but did anyone really think the Seahawks were going to win? For those paying attention now’s your time to say that I picked them to win (shame on me).
Steelers 31 Ravens 24- Was anyone else convinced there was going to be a full on backyard brawl during the game ala Anchorman? Side note best Will Ferrell movie had to plug it in the day after the National Title to fulfill my daily sports watching allotment since ESPN and all other sports channels disappeared. Back to the game after that unnecessary side-track, this game at times was just strange and if I were to describe it I would say it was finesse football at it’s finest. Somehow these guys are professional but they leave the balling rolling on the field for six seconds like that’s pretty standard. Side note was watching the game with some friends and immediately after that happened we were yelling for them to pick it up but they seemed content to stare at it like it was fine art and readjust their jock straps (obviously you have to look nice for the TV cameras). Athletes these days. But really I think that the two best teams in the AFC were playing this game and as of now the Steelers have to be considered favorites to win the Super Bowl. This will not stop me from picking the Jets later in the column (have to ride those gut instincts, my 1-3 record from last week picks notwithstanding). For all Seahawks fans here in the Northwest (kind of sad that there is only one option) we now finally understand why T.J. Houshmandzadeh was cut. The dude can’t catch when it matters, I don’t think you can ask for a better play on fourth and a mile. Still Joe Flacco is not a Super Bowl quarterback and proved it during the second half.
Packers 48 Falcons 21- Is there a better quarterback in the league right now then Aaron Rodgers? I think that has to be your first thought following this game I don’t think Rodgers made a single mistake. Granted the Falcons aren’t the worlds strongest defense but he turned them into the Texans back seven or he actually might have made Texans back seven look good compared to the Falcons back seven (scratch that I have come to my senses and realized that’s impossible). If Ryan Grant were healthy, no disrespect to Starks, Kuhn, and other no-names in the Packer backfield, this team would have the potential to go games without punting. Upon further review they accomplished this last game so I will shut-up. As it is they will have to settle for 48 points.
Bears 35 Seahawks 24- A. Yes I was dumb enough to pick the Seahawks and B. this game was nowhere close to an eleven-point game no matter what the scoreboard might say. I remain convinced that Cutler is going to lose the Bears the Championship and I fully expect it to occur against the Packers next weekend. Of course he will have a helping hand from Mike Martz who dialed up a Wild Cat pass while up 25 in the fourth quarter. I mean really who does this? Not to be lost in the bad play calling I actually think this was the first time they have ever run this play because no one looked at all like they knew what they were doing and that pass by Forte was pitiful never ever want to see that again. As for the Seahawks you had one fluke week and this is what everyone expected from you but congratulations you did prevent every single one of your losses from occurring by fifteen plus points. Don’t really no if that’s any consolation I tried Seahawks fans really not too much else out there. This game also insured that I would be getting NFL Sunday Ticket instead of watching 16 Seahawks games because they’re the “regional team”. This I’m quite sure would be the best advertising pitch for Sunday Ticket, “You no longer will be forced to watch the Seahawks offense featuring Matt Hasselbeck.” Catchy isn’t it?
Jets 28 Patriots 21- Someone let Bart Scott know that I actually picked the Jets as well. Side note I actually don’t think I want him to know the guy is crazy. I felt bad for Sal Paolantonio I think I would have run away from Scott he seemed to think the game was still going. Sad to see Oregon legend Pat Chung turn the game around by muffing the fake punt snap but if I’m Bill Belichick is there any need to go for it there? Punt the ball away for heavens sake Mark Sanchez is the opponents QB. You got to love the Jets they don’t stop talking about how they are the better team but once the final whistle blows they all act like they were one hundred point underdogs. For the future you have to be one or the other can’t play up to both. Side note Braylon Edwards backflip, leave that on the soccer pitch, but really does anything else say freak athlete other than that move?
NBA- Amid all the rumors about Carmelo Anthony there actually was basketball being played headlined by the Clippers taking care of the Lakers. Someone needs to get Clipper games on TV and no not when there playing the Kings no one wants to watch Blake Griffin play a D-League team. That might be the first time someone has ever suggested more Clipper games on TV but really more Blake Griffin can’t be a bad thing. Also I have always liked Baron Davis and am glad to see he once again cares more TV means Baron Davis will get in shape (Davis has always been known to have his priorities straight). Hope I don’t jinx it but Blake Griffin cannot get hurt he has to be the most exciting player in the league. Is it just me or do all star basketball players have a bad “inner circle”. Does Melo have any idea that New Jersey is not a good place to play basketball? The only shot he has at winning a title in Jersey is if (trying to come up with some ideas here, maybe it will come to me by next week)… Plug for Lamarcus Aldridge to the All-Star team since no one even knows who he is.
The Week Moving Forward-
Jets 31 Steelers 21- Still going to ride the underdog Jets even though I already said the Steelers have to be Super Bowl favorites (I’m really not stupid believe me). I like the way the Jets played and their defense was on point yesterday giving up only 14 points (not counting the garbage time TD) to the supposed best offense in the league. Still anything can happen and I expect this to be another bruising painful to watch football game. Can you just imagine how the Steelers Ravens felt the next day every play either involved a big hit or a massive pile followed by a near fight good football if you ask me. And yes I am picking a team led by Mark Sanchez a little scary.
Packers 35 Bears 17- Jay Cutler will throw four picks enough said.
No really I’m quite confident that the Packers will win this the only way I really see the Bears hanging tough is if the Packers can’t keep Peppers, Briggs, and company off Rodgers and if Cutler doesn’t implode. I’m betting on Cutler imploding. And yes I am picking two six seeds on the road to win playoff football everybody.
I will stop watching the NBA until Carmelo Anthony gets traded or disappears. He actually is turning into the new Brett Favre (shocker he just turned in his retirement papers).
Monday, January 10, 2011
Recapping the Week 1/2-1/9
Recapping The Week
BCS Bowls- Following the weeks events in the Orange Bowl Pac-10 (going be weird to start saying Pac-12) fans must be feeling shocked and scared at the news that Andrew Luck is coming back for at least one more year. How do you turn down a guarantee of 60 million and the number one pick of the Carolina Panthers? I'm really hoping for a repeat scenario next year Panthers pull a 1 and 15 and Andrew Luck doesn't pull a Jake Locker, does Luck really hate the Panthers that much where he would go back to Stanford again? Absolutely cannot wait for that to play out. In other news Jimmy Clausen has not stopped smiling. Back to the game Stanford without a doubt is the best one loss team and is on par with anyone in the country. At least Pac-10 fans can breathe a little easier knowing that Harbaugh will not be roaming the sidelines in Palo Alto. You know Harbaugh has to at least be thinking about tanking next year just to not have to deal with the fearsome Smith tandem at quarterback and get Luck back there at qb once again.
In a game that featured more hype about Terrelle Pryor somehow managing to be eligible to play than the actual game Arkansas lost to The Ohio State University. Which is tough to believe because according to the SEC and its fans SEC teams are unbeatable. Didn’t turn out to be a bad game due to Pryor being eligible, thank you BCS (not sure I'll ever say that again). Ohio State tried to secure the worst way to lose a bowl game award this year by getting its punt blocked but Arkansas was having none of it forcing Mallet to throw an interception to ice the game. Fans in Manhattan, Kansas (Kansas State) are overjoyed that they can seemingly keep the award based on the referees flagging of over celebration.
NFL Playoffs- To think that in the near future the Regular Season will still be slogging away is one sure to make fans giddy but for the time being a 16 game schedule will have to suffice. So onwards to breaking down the first weekend of playoffs. Side note are their many better weekends of sports than this one first weekend of playoffs leading up until the BCS National Championship? I get the feeling that many football fans will disagree with me on this one. In one that was predicted by many the mighty Seahawks coming from the dominant NFC West defeated the measly New Orleans Saints. Good news for the Saints is that they seem to have found a top safety in Roman Harper he really came up big throughout the entire game. If they hadn’t been coming off a Super Bowl win I would argue that this would be the time to go back to referring them to the Aints. After this game I came to the realization that watching the rest of the NFL playoffs is a waste of my time due to the certainty that everything will go as scripted each week and there will be no better plays than Marshawn Lynch’s I Will Destroy the Entire Saints Defense Every Last One of You Touchdown Run (IWDESDELOYTD for those scoring at home). But to my disbelief I was able to overcome this and found myself watching the Jets and Jim Caldwell beating the Colts. Side note would it really hurt anyone besides the Patriots to give Peyton Manning an average to good defense? Really never thought I would give this much props to a kicker but Adam Vinatieri could make a legit case for best closer. The man doesn’t miss in the clutch something that few other teams like the, Washington Redskins, can say about their kickers. Unfortunately for Peyton Manning he forgot that he left way too much time (53 Seconds) to Mark Sanchez and the unstoppable Jets offense. If you haven’t seen the videos/pictures of Peyton Manning’s face following the Caldwell timeout take the time to observe you will see a player with complete faith in his coach. Maybe the timeout would have worked if he was spotted eating grass on the sideline that seemed to somehow help the publics opinion about a certain coach in Baton Rouge. Last unimportant side note of the NFL playoffs please give me Les Miles vs. Jim Tressel I cannot wait to see Jim Tressel’s face when Michigan somehow beats Ohio State on a fake field goal on fourth and 15 with Michigan down by two and fifteen seconds left in the game. Moving on the weird thought of NFL football on a Sunday we begin with the Ravens defeating the Chiefs and their television friendly offense. Seriously the Ravens have a good defense but Matt Cassel 70 yards 3 interceptions? I think your AFC west rival up in Colorado has a more capable qb but then I realize my friends used to and still refer to this qb as Virgin Air. Ravens have a scary squad and their offense while not remarkable in any one way is good enough to win any game here on out if their defense forces a couple of turnovers like they did on Sunday. Philadelphia unfortunately learned that their best title hopes until next year have been dashed as the eagles early loss forces these miserable fans into a winter filled with missing Allen Iverson (do they actually miss him?) and Sixers losses and Phillies rotation that scares no one. I was kind of hoping for a Michael Vick return to Atlanta but at the same time I really hope that this doesn’t happen. Somewhere out there Donovan McNabb still claims he is the best quarterback for the Eagles.
NBA- Nothing too exciting here not going to lie the NBA will not have my full attention until the NFL stops playing all the way in June (Wait Roger Goodel hasn’t made that happen yet). But from what I did see Blake Griffin and Greg Oden continue to maintain their similar career path following season long knee injuries, Carmelo Anthony cannot imagine playing for a different NBA team than the Denver Nuggets, and the Heat are legitimate. Really not that in the know about the Anthony situation but what is the rush to get out of Denver? I know you could instantly win a title with the Nets but really what’s the rush to get dealt. You just now realize that New Jersey/New York have perhaps a larger media market or what? I was able to catch the Portland Blazers (playing at full strength once again never seem to get injured knock on wood) against the Miami Heat and came away impressed with the Heattles (I’m quite sure that there are actually better nicknames out there). Their team minus the big three would have scored 11 points but regardless still came away impressed. If LeBron plays motivated like that I like there chances against almost anyone in a seven game series. Although I’m really not too sure why LeBron was so motivated against Portland whatever it was absolutely beautiful to watch. Also their defense at times is stifling granted it was against the Blazers. Since we have moved past the NFL I’m allowed to insert a side note and say Lamarcus Aldridge is on fire get this man an All-Star berth sad he could never play like this with B-Roy but still scary good. Sometimes a part of me wonders if B-Roy hurt the Blazers growth sounds crazy but the way Aldridge has taken off makes me wonder.
NHL- Sadly 24/7 Penguins Capitals has ended. That is all. Seriously.
The Week Moving Forward-
A month later A BCS championship will be played- Nike 37 Under Armor 31
Seahawks 24 Bears 20- Thank god I’m not a betting man because I really am not sure how to bet on any of these playoff games upcoming. The mighty Seahawks already beat the Bears in Chicago plus the Bears have Jay Cutler and Mike Martz so for now I’m going to ride the Seahawks finally getting their record up to .500.
Falcons 28 Packers 24- Really could go either way here as well for now I’ll pick Matt Ryan and his home field advantage over the Packers and their newly discovered running game (crazy right?). I will say this the Packers really surprised me with their defense against the Eagles really came up big. Plus they somehow intimidated David Akers I’m sure Philadelphia fans will be very forgiving to Akers as they usually are.
Ravens Heads Steelers Tails- Really once again no idea here if you couldn’t figure that out by my prediction (I swear I do know something about the NFL give me time to prove it). Really what has me leaning towards the Ravens is I’ve never really felt that the Steelers have Big Ben’s back this year when he got punched by Seymour did anyone on his team make an aggressive move towards Seymour? Side note great chance to watch the two best safeties in the business Ravens- 23 Steelers- 17
Jets 31 Patriots 28- Call me crazy but I really think that the Jets are going to pull it off. Plus I’m really just rooting for the Jets to see the postgame press conferences for both coaches. Plus these two teams split their two games by a small margin in each one right?
Carmelo Anthony will resign with the Nuggets I mean who would really want to play with Avery Johnosn over George Karl
The Pac-10 will continue to reign supreme in college hoops (side note Washington and Arizona really should go 15 and 3 in conference despite the fact that they are really not that great of teams)
MLB- There will be some free agent signings that no one cares about. I will still struggle to understand how Money Ball can be made into a movie (If anyone can explain how this will sell at the box office please let me know).
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