It always seemed to be the worst of two worlds for Memphis head coach John Calipari. In the pro ranks, he simply couldn't win. A 72-112 overall record and no postseason wins marked two-plus failed years at the helm of the New Jersey Nets. In the collegiate ranks, Calipari was the coach who could always field strong teams yet never get them to the premier level. Despite entering this season with a career 373-134 overall coaching record in college, Calipari had only guided one team to the Final Four, his 1995-96 UMass squad. He has been a champion in the NCAA, but that was an NIT title with Memphis in 2002. His two previous best teams were his 2006 and 2007 Memphis clubs, which went a combined 66-8 in from 2005-07. Yet both of those teams were bounced in the Elite Eight, and one could only wonder if Calipari would ever deliver a championship.
But 2008 has arrived, and so have Calipari's Tigers. Finally.
Even entering the tournament at 33-1, many thought Memphis was the most vulnerable of the four number one seeds in this year's NCAA Tournament, especially with it's poor free-throw shooting. But with its rout of UCLA on Saturday, the Tigers are on the doorstep of destiny. As fate would have it, only another coach looking to shed the can't-win-the-big-one label, Bill Self, and the Kansas Jayhawks stand in the way.
Monday, April 07, 2008
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Please, not the Celtics too
As if not enough obnoxious humans are walking the streets flaunting Red Sox caps and Patriots jerseys, just imagine another major pro sports team from Boston making a run at a title. I don't claim to know enough about basketball to say the Celtics can't develop their own players, but I seem to remember Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett starting their careers elsewhere. Garnett, an offseason purchase, is an attempt by a losing franchise to try and restore glory. Thanks to recent New England karma, the move has made the Celtics the top dog in the weak Eastern Conference.
The Spurs, Patriot-like in winning four of the last nine NBA titles, have somehow fallen back to the pack in many people's minds, and have taken a backseat in the media. ESPN, a Connecticut conglomerate, have used their status to implant the name "Boston Three Party" in people's minds, making the newfound Boston hatred that much easier to stir up.
So when it comes time for most of us to ignore the NBA Finals in favor of the baseball season starting to heat up in the early summer months, yours truly can only hope the Celtics do not follow in the footsteps of last year's Red Sox or the Patriots' three asterisk-marked titles from earlier this decade. Such a gruesome image it would be, the Irish parading all over Beantown pretending to care about the Celtics, when the reality is its just another excuse to be obnoxious, drink heavily in the streets, and rub it in that their once-pathetic sports tandem is riding high.
The Spurs, Lakers, Hornets, Pistons, and maybe a few surprise entries ultimately may have something to say about that. Let's hope so.
The Spurs, Patriot-like in winning four of the last nine NBA titles, have somehow fallen back to the pack in many people's minds, and have taken a backseat in the media. ESPN, a Connecticut conglomerate, have used their status to implant the name "Boston Three Party" in people's minds, making the newfound Boston hatred that much easier to stir up.
So when it comes time for most of us to ignore the NBA Finals in favor of the baseball season starting to heat up in the early summer months, yours truly can only hope the Celtics do not follow in the footsteps of last year's Red Sox or the Patriots' three asterisk-marked titles from earlier this decade. Such a gruesome image it would be, the Irish parading all over Beantown pretending to care about the Celtics, when the reality is its just another excuse to be obnoxious, drink heavily in the streets, and rub it in that their once-pathetic sports tandem is riding high.
The Spurs, Lakers, Hornets, Pistons, and maybe a few surprise entries ultimately may have something to say about that. Let's hope so.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
1 and not done
March wasn't full of madness after all.
When Davidson's Jason Richards misfired on a 3-pointer at the buzzer Sunday, the last of the Cinderellas fell as Kansas escaped with a Final Four berth, 59-57. That means that all four of the tournament's number 1 seeds will battle for the national championship. It is a far cry from two years ago, when a 2, 3, 4, and 11 seed advanced to the Final Four (No. 3 Florida won it all).
As I mentioned previously, the madness generally fizzles after the first two rounds anyway. Even with Davidson making an improbable run, just as improbable was the possibility of someone not seeded number 1 having a legitimate shot at the title.
The two matchups next Sunday certainly will be entertaining and enjoyable for the hardcore college basketball fan (you know, the one that actually follows the sport the entire year and not just during March Madness). North Carolina figures to battle UCLA for the national title, but Kansas and Memphis will have something to say about that.
So there will be no George Mason-like success story this year, not even a slightly-under-the-radar team like Florida two years ago getting hot at the right time. Instead it will be the four teams that are cut above the rest duking it out. Good basketball, certainly. Worth watching? Maybe.
When Davidson's Jason Richards misfired on a 3-pointer at the buzzer Sunday, the last of the Cinderellas fell as Kansas escaped with a Final Four berth, 59-57. That means that all four of the tournament's number 1 seeds will battle for the national championship. It is a far cry from two years ago, when a 2, 3, 4, and 11 seed advanced to the Final Four (No. 3 Florida won it all).
As I mentioned previously, the madness generally fizzles after the first two rounds anyway. Even with Davidson making an improbable run, just as improbable was the possibility of someone not seeded number 1 having a legitimate shot at the title.
The two matchups next Sunday certainly will be entertaining and enjoyable for the hardcore college basketball fan (you know, the one that actually follows the sport the entire year and not just during March Madness). North Carolina figures to battle UCLA for the national title, but Kansas and Memphis will have something to say about that.
So there will be no George Mason-like success story this year, not even a slightly-under-the-radar team like Florida two years ago getting hot at the right time. Instead it will be the four teams that are cut above the rest duking it out. Good basketball, certainly. Worth watching? Maybe.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Message to NFL coaches: No need to run up the score
It's odd to think that in the NFL a team leading 31-7 in the 4th quarter might have a dilemma on its hands. The outcome of the game is inevitable, but the issue then remains how to handle the remainder of the game. Rest your regulars? Run the ball almost exclusively? Play prevent defense?
The debate is many times a non-issue because of the competitive nature of today's game, but in 2007 was brought back into focus mostly by the New England Patriots. A number of early-season games were early routs, and Bill Belichick, as is his nature, was drawing the ire of his opponents by leaving his regulars in, passing the ball with enormous leads, and generally sticking it to his critics who said he was a low-down dirty cheater. The result was ugly, with Wes Welker spiking the ball with a 45-7 lead, Tom Brady being brought back off the bench to throw his sixth touchdown pass of a game, and Ben Watson catching a touchdown pass on fourth down with a 35-7 lead.
But put aside the Patriots for a second. This trend is generally reserved for college football because often times the disparity in talent leads to many a rout throughout the course of a season. Steve Spurrier was one of the head honchos in that department for many years with Florida. Though blowouts are less common in the NFL, gamesmanship can still get distorted in cases like the aforementioned ones.
Not to preach too much, but my thought process shouldn't be rocket science and should be followed by coaches. If you're team is leading by three or four touchdowns late in the game, there's no need to have your starters in. Why risk your top players getting injured when the win is already in the books? I don't think coaches have to run every single play -- the play-calling isn't so much the issue. But it's one thing to have Tom Brady airing it out with a 42-10 lead; it's another, less disrespectful thing to have Matt Cassel getting some throws in up 32 points. As for the fourth-down issue, this is perhaps the biggest gray area. Kicking a field goal is, in the opposition coach's opinion, adding three unnecessary points. Yet going for it is rubbing it in. Taking a knee is pure patronization. My opinion: run the ball. If you get it, more time to burn off the clock. If you don't, no extra salt-in-the-wound points, other team gets the ball back, other team's coach slightly less mad about his insurmountable deficit.
By in large, no fan wants to see an NFL game result in a blowout -- unless of course it's your team on the winning end. With parity the way it is, blowouts aren't as big a part of the game as they used to be. Remember some of the Super Bowls from the 80s and 90s? Only two Super Bowls in the last nine years have been decided by more than 12 points. That said, when a gruesome runaway does ensue, there is no need for coaches to massage their egos by adding insult to injury and pouring it on for the sake of personal records and perhaps personal vendettas (think Belichick for the latter). Tony Dungy won't have Peyton Manning under center with the game wrapped up, let alone throwing passes. The agenda for coaches when a game is that out of hand should not be the final margin of victory, but rather getting the game over with as quickly as possible with as few injuries as possible. After all, in today's NFL, no win is more important than the next one.
The debate is many times a non-issue because of the competitive nature of today's game, but in 2007 was brought back into focus mostly by the New England Patriots. A number of early-season games were early routs, and Bill Belichick, as is his nature, was drawing the ire of his opponents by leaving his regulars in, passing the ball with enormous leads, and generally sticking it to his critics who said he was a low-down dirty cheater. The result was ugly, with Wes Welker spiking the ball with a 45-7 lead, Tom Brady being brought back off the bench to throw his sixth touchdown pass of a game, and Ben Watson catching a touchdown pass on fourth down with a 35-7 lead.
But put aside the Patriots for a second. This trend is generally reserved for college football because often times the disparity in talent leads to many a rout throughout the course of a season. Steve Spurrier was one of the head honchos in that department for many years with Florida. Though blowouts are less common in the NFL, gamesmanship can still get distorted in cases like the aforementioned ones.
Not to preach too much, but my thought process shouldn't be rocket science and should be followed by coaches. If you're team is leading by three or four touchdowns late in the game, there's no need to have your starters in. Why risk your top players getting injured when the win is already in the books? I don't think coaches have to run every single play -- the play-calling isn't so much the issue. But it's one thing to have Tom Brady airing it out with a 42-10 lead; it's another, less disrespectful thing to have Matt Cassel getting some throws in up 32 points. As for the fourth-down issue, this is perhaps the biggest gray area. Kicking a field goal is, in the opposition coach's opinion, adding three unnecessary points. Yet going for it is rubbing it in. Taking a knee is pure patronization. My opinion: run the ball. If you get it, more time to burn off the clock. If you don't, no extra salt-in-the-wound points, other team gets the ball back, other team's coach slightly less mad about his insurmountable deficit.
By in large, no fan wants to see an NFL game result in a blowout -- unless of course it's your team on the winning end. With parity the way it is, blowouts aren't as big a part of the game as they used to be. Remember some of the Super Bowls from the 80s and 90s? Only two Super Bowls in the last nine years have been decided by more than 12 points. That said, when a gruesome runaway does ensue, there is no need for coaches to massage their egos by adding insult to injury and pouring it on for the sake of personal records and perhaps personal vendettas (think Belichick for the latter). Tony Dungy won't have Peyton Manning under center with the game wrapped up, let alone throwing passes. The agenda for coaches when a game is that out of hand should not be the final margin of victory, but rather getting the game over with as quickly as possible with as few injuries as possible. After all, in today's NFL, no win is more important than the next one.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
March Fad-ness: Tourney boring after first 2 rounds
I can't speak for everybody -- heck, I can barely speak for myself -- but put me in the sure-to-be-large grouping of those that simply loses interest in the NCAA Tournament after the first two rounds. Like most Americans (and I wouldn't dare discriminate against those elsewhere in the world who feign interest) I park myself in front of the television for most of the day on that Thursday and Friday when 32 teams advance and 32 teams go home. Saturday and Sunday are weekend days so I try and socialize somewhat, but the buzz is still there. That is, until the next work week rolls around and only 16 teams remain.
Perhaps the biggest buzzkill is simply the fact that viewers have to wait from Sunday until Thursday for the tournament to resume. A close second to that is that usually by the third round the clock has struck midnight for most, if not all, of the potential Cinderellas of the bracket.
Of course, I am not a basketball purist, nor do I claim to be one, and thus one can't deny that perhaps the best basketball games are the ones played in the later rounds featuring the nation's powerhouses. So it is not as if the Sweet 16, Elite 8, and Final Four are slouches. But by that time virtually all of your brackets are completely busted and thus you have no desire to see your friends or coworkers duke it out to see who takes home the prize in your tournament pool.
Maybe I'm just venting on the grounds of my own yearly bracket pitfalls. But be honest, tell me this doesn't at least describe you the reader at least partly.
Thought so.
Perhaps the biggest buzzkill is simply the fact that viewers have to wait from Sunday until Thursday for the tournament to resume. A close second to that is that usually by the third round the clock has struck midnight for most, if not all, of the potential Cinderellas of the bracket.
Of course, I am not a basketball purist, nor do I claim to be one, and thus one can't deny that perhaps the best basketball games are the ones played in the later rounds featuring the nation's powerhouses. So it is not as if the Sweet 16, Elite 8, and Final Four are slouches. But by that time virtually all of your brackets are completely busted and thus you have no desire to see your friends or coworkers duke it out to see who takes home the prize in your tournament pool.
Maybe I'm just venting on the grounds of my own yearly bracket pitfalls. But be honest, tell me this doesn't at least describe you the reader at least partly.
Thought so.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Baseball is here: 2008 Predictions
Why spend time reading the predictions of so-called "baseball experts" when you can get equally unreliable ones right here on this site? Though it wasn't rocket science to pick Boston last season, most experts will swing and miss with at least a third of the league's teams' fates. That said, here are my undoubted whiffs at what the 2008 Major League Baseball season will hold.
Predicted American League Standings:
AL East
1) Boston
2) New York*
3) Toronto
4) Tampa Bay
5) Baltimore
AL Central
1) Detroit
2) Cleveland
3) Chicago
4) Kansas City
5) Minnesota
AL West
1) Seattle
2) Los Angeles
3) Texas
4) Oakland
Playoffs:
ALDS -- Seattle over Boston; Detroit over New York
ALCS -- Detroit over Seattle
Predicted National League Standings (*-Denotes Wild Card team)
NL East
1) New York
2) Philadelphia
3) Atlanta
4) Washington
5) Florida
NL Central
1) Milwaukee
2) Chicago*
3) Houston
4) St. Louis
5) Cincinnati
6) Pittsburgh
NL West
1) Arizona
2) Los Angeles
3) Colorado
4) San Diego
5) San Francisco
Playoffs:
NLDS -- New York over Chicago; Arizona over Milwaukee
NLCS -- Arizona over New York
World Series:
Detroit over Arizona, 4 games to 2
Predicted American League Standings:
AL East
1) Boston
2) New York*
3) Toronto
4) Tampa Bay
5) Baltimore
AL Central
1) Detroit
2) Cleveland
3) Chicago
4) Kansas City
5) Minnesota
AL West
1) Seattle
2) Los Angeles
3) Texas
4) Oakland
Playoffs:
ALDS -- Seattle over Boston; Detroit over New York
ALCS -- Detroit over Seattle
Predicted National League Standings (*-Denotes Wild Card team)
NL East
1) New York
2) Philadelphia
3) Atlanta
4) Washington
5) Florida
NL Central
1) Milwaukee
2) Chicago*
3) Houston
4) St. Louis
5) Cincinnati
6) Pittsburgh
NL West
1) Arizona
2) Los Angeles
3) Colorado
4) San Diego
5) San Francisco
Playoffs:
NLDS -- New York over Chicago; Arizona over Milwaukee
NLCS -- Arizona over New York
World Series:
Detroit over Arizona, 4 games to 2
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Green Bay now Mr. Rodgers' neighborhood
With Brett Favre's retirement Tuesday, the reins of the Green Bay Packers will, in all likelihood, be handed to a 24-year-old California kid who has never started an NFL game. Aaron Rodgers, a first-round selection out of Cal in the 2005 draft, has essentially had one significant NFL showing in three seasons as the backup to the NFL's Iron Man. Rodgers completed 18 of 26 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown in Green Bay's 37-27 loss to Dallas in Week 13 after Favre left the game due to injury. But now Rodgers will finally get his shot. So is he ready?
There is no reason to believe he isn't capable of leading the Packers back to the playoffs. He was highly touted coming out of college and didn't disappoint in his relief outing against the Cowboys last year. In a game with home-field advantage implications Rodgers stepped up and kept the Packers in the game the whole way through. But in becoming the first person other than Favre to start a game for Green Bay since 1992, Rodgers will face different sorts of hurdles. Like the media pressure of filling Favre's shoes. It was a similar situation faced by Brian Griese after John Elway's retirement. 10 years later, the Broncos have just one playoff win to show for it. Rodgers also will have a first-round pick status to live up to. But at least the very least, he appears a far better suitor than, say, the quarterback that was chosen first overall in '05, Alex Smith, who has struggled mightily in San Francisco.
Working in Rodgers' favor is an extremely talented wide receiving core and one of the league's better offensive lines. With weapons like Donald Driver and Greg Jennings to throw to, and Pro Bowl-caliber linemen like Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher protecting him, there won't be much room for excuses if Rodgers can't keep the Packers offense at a high level.
It would be hard to imagine anyone viewing Rodgers as a failure if he, at the least, keeps Green Bay in playoff contention next year. He naturally will always be comapred to Favre as his first successor, and because Rodgers has been a Packer for three seasons there shouldn't be much of a learning curve in 2008.
As No. 4 used to say it was "Super Bowl or bust" for the Packers. With No. 16 stepping in, that sentiment is probably far-fetched at best. But all eyes will be on Rodgers now as he attempts to lead the Packers back to the postseason.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Free agency not always precursor to success in today’s NFL
It’s easy to look back at what the New England Patriots did in the realm of free agency following the 2006 season and say that big spending in the free agent market is the key to success in today’s NFL. But it’s even easier to realize that three of the final four teams this past season, including the world champion New York Giants, were hardly factors in the free agent market prior to their tremendous 2007 campaigns.
The two conference finalists, the Green Bay Packers and San Diego Chargers, each essentially made one free agency move, and neither shook the earth off its axis. Green Bay’s only notable free agent signing was nickel defensive back Frank Walker from the Giants. Walker was hardly an impact player, recording just 17 tackles and no interceptions in 12 games. Meanwhile, the Chargers’ lone move was retaining guard Kris Dielman to keep their offensive line intact. Yet despite their lack of activity in the market, both the Packers and Chargers came within one game of the Super Bowl in large part because their core players, mostly all of whom they acquired through the draft or as undrafted free agents, produced on a consistent basis.
The Giants, they of perhaps the greatest upset in NFL history, made only one significant move in free agency in bringing in linebacker Kawika Mitchell from the Kansas City Chiefs. While Mitchell was a solid contributor, it was the growth of quarterback Eli Manning and the overachievement of their unheralded draft class that propelled the Giants’ incredible playoff run.
So what does this all mean? Does it mean that the Patriots didn’t need to purge their wallet to get back to the Super Bowl? Not necessarily. Players like Adalius Thomas and Donte Stallworth were important pieces, and receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker (acquired through trades) were a large reason why the Patriots shattered all sorts of offensive records in 2007. But like the other successful teams in the league, the Patriots didn’t go 16-0 in the regular season without tremendous success from their own players. It’s not as if quarterback Tom Brady, a sixth-round pick in 2000, or Asante Samuel, a third-round selection in 2003, were big names coming out of college. Yet they are just two examples of excellent scouting and what being in the right system can do for young players.
If you need further proof that free agency isn’t what many people expect, just look at the previous two Super Bowl winning teams. The Indianapolis Colts’ lone free agent acquisition, albeit a big one, was a kicker. Adam Vinatieri was a huge part of their postseason success, but virtually all of their offensive and defensive starters came through either the draft or as castoffs from other organizations.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ formula for success was almost identical for the 2005 championship team. Ben Roethlisberger was a first-round pick yet the third quarterback taken in the 2004 draft, while other key players like Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward, and Ike Taylor came through the draft. Running back Willie Parker, who broke a Super Bowl-record 75-yard touchdown run, was an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina who worked wonders assuming the starting role from Jerome Bettis. Bettis, while not originally drafted by Pittsburgh, had been with the team for 10 seasons and his leadership was just as important as his play on the field.
Free agency certainly is not as impactful as it is in baseball in large part because of the salary cap, but also because the draft is often where great teams are made. You don’t have to have a high pick, either, as many of today’s stars were late-round gems or even undrafted players. Scouting and player development is as critical now as it has ever been, and with the recent success of teams who have scored big with young players, that doesn’t figure to change any time soon.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A Giant Upset, A Giant Relief
The writing on the wall was as clear as day. 19-0. Perfection. History. Words alike scrawled out, paying homage to the conclusion of the New England Patriots' perfect season. Their fourth Super Bowl win in seven seasons, the one that bought them a share of property in Perfectville alongside the cherished 1972 Miami Dolphins. Not in a million years were the New York Giants going to stand in their way.
But apparently, Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning, and the rest of Big Blue didn't get the message. Instead, they traveled to Perfectville to deliver a gift card to Mercury Morris and his gang. "Enjoy it for one more year."
And indeed they will.
The Patriots' quest for perfection never came full circle. The Giants delivered one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history, knocking off the 18-0 Pats, 17-14, on the strength of an epic, 83-yard game-winning touchdown drive by the younger Manning. David Tyree, known mainly for his stellar work on special teams, made one of the greatest catches in recent memory to keep the drive alive. Four plays later, Manning lofted an on-target -- perfect, actually -- pass to outspoken wide receiver Plaxico Burress to cap the comeback. The unheralded Giants defense officially sealed the deal shortly after that, sacking Tom Brady and forcing three incompletions to bring the Lombardi Trophy home to the Big Apple.
And so, as Vegas oddsmakers lost approxmiately $2.6 million, most of the world got exactly what they wanted. The hated Patriots, attempting to bring Massachusetts its second championship in four months, not only lost a game, but perhaps got a dose of karma. Up until Super Sunday the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick made it known that they wanted to stomp every opponent, most likely to erase any doubts over the "Spygate" scandal that arose after a week 1 matchup with the Jets that created some doubt over their recent success. As if the Patriots hadn't terrorized the NFL enough this decade, the possibility of them going 19-0 was downright sickening to many, including yours truly. After coughing up an 18-point lead to Indianapolis last January in the AFC title game, the Patriots went on a spending spree that landed them star wide receiver Randy Moss and two stellar complements in Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth, as well as plucking linebacker Adalius Thomas from the Ravens. Through the season's first 18 games, it looked as if the "sign up for a ring" policy was going to come to fruition for the Patriots newest additions, as well as Junior Seau, the grisled veteran linebacker who has gone through his share of lean years in San Diego and Miami. But in the end, it was the likes of Michael Strahan, Amani Toomer and Shaun O'Hara, to name just a few of the Giants own grisled vets, who brought home the hardware.
Perhaps the whole thing was made even sweeter by two factors. The fact that New England achieved the first-ever 16-0 regular season and failed to win the title is quite satisfactory. Then add in yet another chapter of New York ousting Boston in a major sporting event, and the spoiled Beantown sports fans start to think back to the old days of Bill Buckner and the many Red Sox heartbreakers, as well as the old Foxborough Stadium days that hardly were filled with lore.
To look deeper at the Giants and their run to glory, it is hard to believe a 10-6 regular season team could turn it on and become such a force in the postseason, but Eli Manning proved why he was the first overall pick in the 2004 draft. His numbers were solid if not spectacular, and in the end he had the poise to do the unthinkable and knock off the seemingly-invincible Patriots.
Who says the Cowboys are America's Team? The Giants just made a pretty strong case.
But apparently, Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning, and the rest of Big Blue didn't get the message. Instead, they traveled to Perfectville to deliver a gift card to Mercury Morris and his gang. "Enjoy it for one more year."
And indeed they will.
The Patriots' quest for perfection never came full circle. The Giants delivered one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history, knocking off the 18-0 Pats, 17-14, on the strength of an epic, 83-yard game-winning touchdown drive by the younger Manning. David Tyree, known mainly for his stellar work on special teams, made one of the greatest catches in recent memory to keep the drive alive. Four plays later, Manning lofted an on-target -- perfect, actually -- pass to outspoken wide receiver Plaxico Burress to cap the comeback. The unheralded Giants defense officially sealed the deal shortly after that, sacking Tom Brady and forcing three incompletions to bring the Lombardi Trophy home to the Big Apple.
And so, as Vegas oddsmakers lost approxmiately $2.6 million, most of the world got exactly what they wanted. The hated Patriots, attempting to bring Massachusetts its second championship in four months, not only lost a game, but perhaps got a dose of karma. Up until Super Sunday the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick made it known that they wanted to stomp every opponent, most likely to erase any doubts over the "Spygate" scandal that arose after a week 1 matchup with the Jets that created some doubt over their recent success. As if the Patriots hadn't terrorized the NFL enough this decade, the possibility of them going 19-0 was downright sickening to many, including yours truly. After coughing up an 18-point lead to Indianapolis last January in the AFC title game, the Patriots went on a spending spree that landed them star wide receiver Randy Moss and two stellar complements in Wes Welker and Donte Stallworth, as well as plucking linebacker Adalius Thomas from the Ravens. Through the season's first 18 games, it looked as if the "sign up for a ring" policy was going to come to fruition for the Patriots newest additions, as well as Junior Seau, the grisled veteran linebacker who has gone through his share of lean years in San Diego and Miami. But in the end, it was the likes of Michael Strahan, Amani Toomer and Shaun O'Hara, to name just a few of the Giants own grisled vets, who brought home the hardware.
Perhaps the whole thing was made even sweeter by two factors. The fact that New England achieved the first-ever 16-0 regular season and failed to win the title is quite satisfactory. Then add in yet another chapter of New York ousting Boston in a major sporting event, and the spoiled Beantown sports fans start to think back to the old days of Bill Buckner and the many Red Sox heartbreakers, as well as the old Foxborough Stadium days that hardly were filled with lore.
To look deeper at the Giants and their run to glory, it is hard to believe a 10-6 regular season team could turn it on and become such a force in the postseason, but Eli Manning proved why he was the first overall pick in the 2004 draft. His numbers were solid if not spectacular, and in the end he had the poise to do the unthinkable and knock off the seemingly-invincible Patriots.
Who says the Cowboys are America's Team? The Giants just made a pretty strong case.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Jaguars face unthinkable task
The Jaguars are one of six franchises never to participate in a Super Bowl, a fact that doesn’t appear likely to change next Saturday night. Not that the Jaguars lack the talent or moxie to make it to
The unknown, gritty squad from the Sun Belt will assume the role of
The Jaguars will have to pound Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew on the ground, which is a distinct possibility considering the one vulnerable spot on the Patriots defense appears to be their run defense. But ultimately it will come down to David Garrard, because Bill Belichick will try and take away what the Jags do best: run the ball. That said, Garrard’s legacy can grow in massive proportions if he can pull the upset of the year.
As much as I would love to see the Jags knock off the smarmy Pats, the prediction stands as follows: Patriots, 27-13.
It’s not that I don’t believe the Jags can’t win. But divine intervention won’t let the Patriots’ record-setting season take such an ugly turn. Maybe the Colts or Cowboys or Packers will knock them off down the road, which I (and would imagine most others) would be just fine with. But wouldn’t it be nice if
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Strong 'pens written with youthful exuberance
In this day and age in baseball, when the complete game is almost non-existent, the teams built to last are the ones with strong bullpens. Generally, that entails steady middle relief, complemented by a 1-2 punch of a setup man and closer to finish out games. A prime example for the 2007 season would be the Boston Red Sox, who knew they had a strength in their middle relief and in closer Jonathan Papelbon but truly hit the jackpot by lucking out on Japanese-import-turned-setup man Hideki Okajima. Okajima is 31 but technically a Major League rookie, while Papelbon is 26. In looking back at recent successful teams, the key seems to have been a strong yet young bullpen. Last year's World Series featured a pair of teams carried by tremendous bullpens. The Tigers were sparked by flame-throwing then-21-year-old Joel Zumaya, while the Cardinals found a gem in interim closer Adam Wainwright, 25. This year's Yankees seemed to have taken a similar path, promoting youngsters Joba Chamberlain (21) and Edwar Ramirez (26) to set up games for aging closer Mariano Rivera. Chamberlain has taken fans aback with his 98-mph heater and devastating slider, and the Yankees suddenly have a much stronger bullpen to help bolster their postseason hopes.
This is in no way to say that veteran relievers are out of style. But the last several years have been an indicator that it never hurts to have fresh young arms in your bullpen to take some of the heat off of the older guys during the stretch run. Francisco Rodriguez, a.k.a. "K-Rod" started something of a trend by taking the league by storm after a September call-up by the Angels in 2002. Rodriguez became Troy Percival's primary setup man as the Angels won their first ever World Series title. He has since emerged into one of the game's premier closers. Dating back even further, it is a similar path the Yankees went down with Rivera, who started out as a 26-year old setup man for John Wetteland during the Yankees' 1996 championship season. When Wettleland departed for Texas as a free agent in 1997, Rivera took over as the closer, and has evolved into a Hall Of Fame-caliber pitcher.
It may not be out with the old, but it's certainly in with the new.
This is in no way to say that veteran relievers are out of style. But the last several years have been an indicator that it never hurts to have fresh young arms in your bullpen to take some of the heat off of the older guys during the stretch run. Francisco Rodriguez, a.k.a. "K-Rod" started something of a trend by taking the league by storm after a September call-up by the Angels in 2002. Rodriguez became Troy Percival's primary setup man as the Angels won their first ever World Series title. He has since emerged into one of the game's premier closers. Dating back even further, it is a similar path the Yankees went down with Rivera, who started out as a 26-year old setup man for John Wetteland during the Yankees' 1996 championship season. When Wettleland departed for Texas as a free agent in 1997, Rivera took over as the closer, and has evolved into a Hall Of Fame-caliber pitcher.
It may not be out with the old, but it's certainly in with the new.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Orioles improved, but not quite ready yet
Not to diminish an 11-9 start for a franchise that has endured 9 consecutive losing seasons, but if you watched the Orioles brief two-game set against perennial playoff contender Oakland, you probably were able to pick up a few things, things that lead you to believe that while the Orioles are much improved from a 70-92 2006 campaign, they are not quite at a playoff level just yet.
Start with Monday night's 6-5 loss. After falling behind 5-0 against A's ace Dan Haren, the O's battled back to within 5-4 after 8 innings, getting a huge lift from Aubrey Huff's 3-run homer. But the ninth inning was an indicator that they are not there yet. Nick Swisher hit a crucial homerun to give the A's a 2-run cushion in the top of the 9th before young closer Huston Street came on in the bottom half to close it out. Jay Payton's walk was followed by a Corey Patterson double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with no outs. With a golden opportunity presenting itself, the Orioles crumbled when it mattered most. Chris Gomez took a called third strike for the first out. Then, Brian Roberts lined a single into center field that should've tied the game. Instead, Corey Patterson inexplicably broke back towards second base and failed to score the tying run. Still, the O's had runners at the corners with just one out trailing by just a run. Then, in an even more befuddling turn of events, Melvin Mora dropped a bunt down that failed to score Patterson, as Mora was retired and Roberts advanced to second. After an intentional walk to Nick Markakis, Miguel Tejada swung at the first pitch and hit a harmless grounder to second to end the game and thwart what was an almost improbable comeback against one of the league's best teams.
Sadly, more proof would follow in the following afternoon's game that the Orioles are still a cut below the top-tier teams in baseball.
The Orioles got a strong outing in the first career start for Jeremy Guthrie, yet trailed 2-1 after 5 innings against Dallas Braden, the A's starter also making his first start. In the top half of the 6th, John Parrish came on to relieve Guthrie, and promptly retired Eric Chavez to start the inning. But a hit and two walks later, the A's had loaded the bases with 2 outs for the pesky Jason Kendall. After getting ahead 0-2 on Kendall, Parrish induced what looked to be a harmless ground ball to second baseman Brian Roberts. But Roberts went for the force at second, only to have Miguel Tejada fail to cover the bag, allowing Mark Ellis to reach safely at second. Kendall reached on the fielder's choice, and a run scored to make it 3-1. Parrish then compounded matters by walking No. 9 hitter Danny Putnam, and when the inning finally ended it was a 4-1 game. The hole was too deep for the Orioles against a strong Athletics bullpen, and they suffered a 4-2 loss and a 2-game sweep to Oakland.
After winning 8 of 9, the Orioles have been brought back to reality somewhat, and now host the first-place Boston Red Sox for two games before heading to Cleveland. These two games will be yet another daunting task, as the Orioles get to face Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett. The A's series taught us something, and now it's up to the O's to dispel these notions against the Red Sox. We'll see.
Start with Monday night's 6-5 loss. After falling behind 5-0 against A's ace Dan Haren, the O's battled back to within 5-4 after 8 innings, getting a huge lift from Aubrey Huff's 3-run homer. But the ninth inning was an indicator that they are not there yet. Nick Swisher hit a crucial homerun to give the A's a 2-run cushion in the top of the 9th before young closer Huston Street came on in the bottom half to close it out. Jay Payton's walk was followed by a Corey Patterson double to put runners at 2nd and 3rd with no outs. With a golden opportunity presenting itself, the Orioles crumbled when it mattered most. Chris Gomez took a called third strike for the first out. Then, Brian Roberts lined a single into center field that should've tied the game. Instead, Corey Patterson inexplicably broke back towards second base and failed to score the tying run. Still, the O's had runners at the corners with just one out trailing by just a run. Then, in an even more befuddling turn of events, Melvin Mora dropped a bunt down that failed to score Patterson, as Mora was retired and Roberts advanced to second. After an intentional walk to Nick Markakis, Miguel Tejada swung at the first pitch and hit a harmless grounder to second to end the game and thwart what was an almost improbable comeback against one of the league's best teams.
Sadly, more proof would follow in the following afternoon's game that the Orioles are still a cut below the top-tier teams in baseball.
The Orioles got a strong outing in the first career start for Jeremy Guthrie, yet trailed 2-1 after 5 innings against Dallas Braden, the A's starter also making his first start. In the top half of the 6th, John Parrish came on to relieve Guthrie, and promptly retired Eric Chavez to start the inning. But a hit and two walks later, the A's had loaded the bases with 2 outs for the pesky Jason Kendall. After getting ahead 0-2 on Kendall, Parrish induced what looked to be a harmless ground ball to second baseman Brian Roberts. But Roberts went for the force at second, only to have Miguel Tejada fail to cover the bag, allowing Mark Ellis to reach safely at second. Kendall reached on the fielder's choice, and a run scored to make it 3-1. Parrish then compounded matters by walking No. 9 hitter Danny Putnam, and when the inning finally ended it was a 4-1 game. The hole was too deep for the Orioles against a strong Athletics bullpen, and they suffered a 4-2 loss and a 2-game sweep to Oakland.
After winning 8 of 9, the Orioles have been brought back to reality somewhat, and now host the first-place Boston Red Sox for two games before heading to Cleveland. These two games will be yet another daunting task, as the Orioles get to face Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett. The A's series taught us something, and now it's up to the O's to dispel these notions against the Red Sox. We'll see.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Ring was nice, but it didn't validate Manning's career
Charles Barkley called it the S**t List. Call it what you want. You know, the list of professional sports greats never to win a championship. Barkley knows about it. So do Dan Marino and Alex Rodriguez. But Peyton Manning no longer has to worry. He’s off of it following the Colts’ 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
Some out there may believe this is the game that finally elevates Manning to elite status, that it validated his Hall of Fame credentials. But that is a foolish notion. The man who has started all 157 games of his career (including postseason) already holds the NFL record for most seasons with 4,000-plus yards (7), consecutive seasons with 25-plus TD passes (9), and most TD passes in a single season (49, breaking Dan Marino’s coveted record of 48 set in 1984). Throw in a 92-52 record and five division titles, and Manning’s pedigree sans Super Bowl speaks for itself.
Granted, Manning already was a 99.9% sure bet for Canton and he is now a lock. But not even his six previous playoff failures were enough to have kept him from NFL immortality. Given that he likely has at least eight more years, his final numbers could be downright scary. But Manning will tell you all those records just became a lot more meaningful now that he has joined an even more elite club: Super Bowl champion quarterbacks. Number 18 is number 26 on that list, one that doesn’t include Marino, Frank Tarkenton, or Dan Fouts.
In making final reflections upon the 2006 season, Manning probably couldn’t have scripted it any better. Unlike in previous years, where expectations were high for the Colts, they entered the playoffs as one of the biggest question marks thanks in part to their 32-ranked rush defense and a No. 3 seed in the playoffs. And perhaps in the best scenario possible, Manning was able to orchestrate the biggest comeback in conference championship game history, leading his team back from a 21-3 deficit to beat his tormentors from years past, the New England Patriots. That was the game some labeled as the real Super Bowl, but the win over the Bears helped Manning accomplish something that even Tom Brady has yet to do, win four games in a single postseason.
Super Bowl or no Super Bowl, though, Manning is a Hall of Famer.
Some out there may believe this is the game that finally elevates Manning to elite status, that it validated his Hall of Fame credentials. But that is a foolish notion. The man who has started all 157 games of his career (including postseason) already holds the NFL record for most seasons with 4,000-plus yards (7), consecutive seasons with 25-plus TD passes (9), and most TD passes in a single season (49, breaking Dan Marino’s coveted record of 48 set in 1984). Throw in a 92-52 record and five division titles, and Manning’s pedigree sans Super Bowl speaks for itself.
Granted, Manning already was a 99.9% sure bet for Canton and he is now a lock. But not even his six previous playoff failures were enough to have kept him from NFL immortality. Given that he likely has at least eight more years, his final numbers could be downright scary. But Manning will tell you all those records just became a lot more meaningful now that he has joined an even more elite club: Super Bowl champion quarterbacks. Number 18 is number 26 on that list, one that doesn’t include Marino, Frank Tarkenton, or Dan Fouts.
In making final reflections upon the 2006 season, Manning probably couldn’t have scripted it any better. Unlike in previous years, where expectations were high for the Colts, they entered the playoffs as one of the biggest question marks thanks in part to their 32-ranked rush defense and a No. 3 seed in the playoffs. And perhaps in the best scenario possible, Manning was able to orchestrate the biggest comeback in conference championship game history, leading his team back from a 21-3 deficit to beat his tormentors from years past, the New England Patriots. That was the game some labeled as the real Super Bowl, but the win over the Bears helped Manning accomplish something that even Tom Brady has yet to do, win four games in a single postseason.
Super Bowl or no Super Bowl, though, Manning is a Hall of Famer.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
General comparison: baseball's economics are poor
Without getting too deep into legal jargon, most casual fans would find it hard to disagree that football is, and will continue to be, a more popular sport than baseball. There may be a million and one different reasons why, but perhaps the most prominent is the salary cap. In baseball's case, the lack thereof. Think about preseason football versus spring training for baseball. There are 32 NFL teams and 30 MLB teams. Each year, about 75% of NFL teams go into the season with legitimate hope of making the playoffs. Baseball? Try about half -- if that. Now I don't want to turn this piece into a complete Yankees/Red Sox-bashing, as fun as that might be. But with combined payrolls topping $300 million dollars, how can one not? Consider this disturbing fact -- four Yankees are currently making more than the ENTIRE Florida Marlins team. Need a double-check? This is not a misprint. It's cold, hard, sad fact. Then consider this: Alex Rodriguez, making roughly $25 million a year, could tear his ACL tomorrow and be lost for the season, yet continue to earn that money. Conversely, Peyton Manning does not earn paychecks for games that he misses (save for signing bonus money, the only guaranteed money in the NFL). There is always talk about the big market clubs versus the "small-market" clubs. In football, league officialls generally consider the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, owned by Ralph Wilson and Mike Brown, respectively, to be the two lowest-revenue teams in football. But the difference in football is poor seasons result in a couple of things: high draft position and an "easier" schedule the next season. The former "Bungles", a one-time laughingstock, were 2-14 in 2002 and earned the first pick in the '03 draft. They used it on Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer. Two years later, they were back in the playoffs for the first time since 1990. The Bills, though scuffling of late, made four straight Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990's and have continued to field competitive teams over the years despite geographic anonymity and a crummy stadium.
Okay, I think you see where I'm going with this. But let me just pad this article with a few more keys that make football more competitively balanced that Bud Selig's MLB. 16 games versus 162. Hence, more significance in each game. More than half-full stadiums (try consistent sellouts), as opposed to MLB, where you'd be hard pressed to find any stadium (save for perhaps New York and Boston) more than two-thirds full. In many cities (i.e. Tampa, Kansas City), more than 2/3 of the stadium comes disguised as empty seats. And what, prietel, could that be attributed to? It couldn't be because those teams have no chance in you-know-what of competing on a yearly basis, could it? Hmm...
I'm going to hold off on telling you that in football, scheming, coaching, and gameplanning actually matter, as opposed to oversized, juiced players like Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds hovering over home plate scaring the Bejesus out of the pitchers, who in turn are too afraid to throw a strike. Did we mention baseball had a faulty drug-testing system? Oh, well, maybe another time. Anyways, that's all she wrote for now. Meanwhile, you baseball fans (sadly, I remain one of them) sit back and watch the Yankees and Red Sox square off for the 76th time in the ALCS, then the winner goes on to buy (excuse me, win) another championship. Or, just let these three-hour yawners tide you over until September 7, when the 2006 NFL season finally kicks off -- at long last.
Okay, I think you see where I'm going with this. But let me just pad this article with a few more keys that make football more competitively balanced that Bud Selig's MLB. 16 games versus 162. Hence, more significance in each game. More than half-full stadiums (try consistent sellouts), as opposed to MLB, where you'd be hard pressed to find any stadium (save for perhaps New York and Boston) more than two-thirds full. In many cities (i.e. Tampa, Kansas City), more than 2/3 of the stadium comes disguised as empty seats. And what, prietel, could that be attributed to? It couldn't be because those teams have no chance in you-know-what of competing on a yearly basis, could it? Hmm...
I'm going to hold off on telling you that in football, scheming, coaching, and gameplanning actually matter, as opposed to oversized, juiced players like Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds hovering over home plate scaring the Bejesus out of the pitchers, who in turn are too afraid to throw a strike. Did we mention baseball had a faulty drug-testing system? Oh, well, maybe another time. Anyways, that's all she wrote for now. Meanwhile, you baseball fans (sadly, I remain one of them) sit back and watch the Yankees and Red Sox square off for the 76th time in the ALCS, then the winner goes on to buy (excuse me, win) another championship. Or, just let these three-hour yawners tide you over until September 7, when the 2006 NFL season finally kicks off -- at long last.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Jags' Smith leaves game, mark on franchise
It wasn't always a smooth ride for Jimmy Smith, but the leading receiver in Jacksonville Jaguars history was a class act throughout. Smith, 37, announced his retirement Thursday following a 13-year career spent primarily in Jacksonville, where he made his mark as one of the game's all-time great receivers. Smith ends his tenure 7th on the all-time receptions list with 862 and 11th with 12,287 yards. But what Smith may be remembered for best was his quiet leadership on a team that garners very little fanfare.
Smith began his career in Dallas, where he played just seven games in three years, when the Cowboys won two Super Bowls. But in 1995, he caught on with the then-expansion Jaguars and began his legacy. In 1999, Smith led the NFL with 116 receptions for a career-high 1,636 yards while helping lead Jacksonville to its second AFC title game in four seasons. In 2001, Smith caught 112 balls for 1,373 yards and tied a career-best with 8 touchdowns while starting all 16 games for the sixth time in seven seasons. He was the only remaining member from the inaugral '95 team.
Smith, though, encountered his fair share of rough spots along the way. In November 2001, Smith was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, when tests later reveal Smith had cocaine in his system. Smith denied ever using the drug. Then, Smith was suspended for the first four games of the 2003 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, when he admitted that he had previously spent time in rehab for a drug addiction. And early in his career he was derailed by leg and stomach injuries, when it was thought he may not even play again. But Smith overcame the odds, and became of the all-time greats, all the while keeping a professional attitude.
(The Associated Press contributed to this article)
Smith began his career in Dallas, where he played just seven games in three years, when the Cowboys won two Super Bowls. But in 1995, he caught on with the then-expansion Jaguars and began his legacy. In 1999, Smith led the NFL with 116 receptions for a career-high 1,636 yards while helping lead Jacksonville to its second AFC title game in four seasons. In 2001, Smith caught 112 balls for 1,373 yards and tied a career-best with 8 touchdowns while starting all 16 games for the sixth time in seven seasons. He was the only remaining member from the inaugral '95 team.
Smith, though, encountered his fair share of rough spots along the way. In November 2001, Smith was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, when tests later reveal Smith had cocaine in his system. Smith denied ever using the drug. Then, Smith was suspended for the first four games of the 2003 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, when he admitted that he had previously spent time in rehab for a drug addiction. And early in his career he was derailed by leg and stomach injuries, when it was thought he may not even play again. But Smith overcame the odds, and became of the all-time greats, all the while keeping a professional attitude.
(The Associated Press contributed to this article)
Monday, May 08, 2006
Titans should start '06 with Volek, not Young
Think back a few years to when the Bengals made Carson Palmer the first overall pick in the draft. The Bengals entered 2003 coming off the worst season in franchise history, not to mention 12 straight non-playoff seasons, and the assumption was that the Heisman Trophy winner would start right off the bat. But Marvin Lewis resisted the temptation to throw the rookie to the wolves, instead allowing veteran Jon Kitna to play the entire season. Kitna responded with a Pro Bowl year, but the Bengals failed yet again not he make the playoffs. Palmer finally earned the starting job in 2004 and struggled through the first half of the year before turning the corner, leading the Bengals to a second-straight 8-8 record. In 2005, the move paid dividends as Palmer led the Bengals to an 11-5 record and a division title while Cincinnati has finally re-established themselves as legitimate playoff contenders.
In 2006, the Tennessee Titans will be facing a similar dilemma. With Steve McNair likely on his way out, the Titans selected Texas quarterback Vince Young with the number 3 overall pick in this year's draft. Young is undoubtedly the most talented quarterback in the rookie class, but that talent is mostly raw at this point. The Titans, meanwhile, are coming off two seasons in which they have a combined record of 9-23. So the big question is, when does the Vince Young era officially begin the Music City?
The logical choice for the Titans would be to start the season not with young, but with sixth-year backup Billy Volek. Volek joined the Titans in 2001 as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State, where he backed up current Houston Texans starter David Carr. Although he has only started 10 games in his NFL career, he has posted impressive numbers. In ten games, including eight starts, in 2004, Volek completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 2,486 yards and 18 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions. That season included a two-game span in which Volek threw for a combined 918 yards, both Titans losses.
Volek may not be the future in Nashville despite his relatively young age (30), but he gives the Titans stability and veteran leadership while the Titans groom Young. Odds are that Vince-anity (sorry for the corny label) will begin some time around mid-season in Tennessee, barring injury to Volek of course. But don't be surprised if the Titans offense shines under Volek, as the team has brought in several reinforcements to an already solid offensive unit. The worse-case scenario for the Titans would in fact be a Volek injury, but if he is healthy, there is no need to throw Young into the ring of fire and salvage the 2006 season.
In 2006, the Tennessee Titans will be facing a similar dilemma. With Steve McNair likely on his way out, the Titans selected Texas quarterback Vince Young with the number 3 overall pick in this year's draft. Young is undoubtedly the most talented quarterback in the rookie class, but that talent is mostly raw at this point. The Titans, meanwhile, are coming off two seasons in which they have a combined record of 9-23. So the big question is, when does the Vince Young era officially begin the Music City?
The logical choice for the Titans would be to start the season not with young, but with sixth-year backup Billy Volek. Volek joined the Titans in 2001 as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State, where he backed up current Houston Texans starter David Carr. Although he has only started 10 games in his NFL career, he has posted impressive numbers. In ten games, including eight starts, in 2004, Volek completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 2,486 yards and 18 touchdowns compared to 10 interceptions. That season included a two-game span in which Volek threw for a combined 918 yards, both Titans losses.
Volek may not be the future in Nashville despite his relatively young age (30), but he gives the Titans stability and veteran leadership while the Titans groom Young. Odds are that Vince-anity (sorry for the corny label) will begin some time around mid-season in Tennessee, barring injury to Volek of course. But don't be surprised if the Titans offense shines under Volek, as the team has brought in several reinforcements to an already solid offensive unit. The worse-case scenario for the Titans would in fact be a Volek injury, but if he is healthy, there is no need to throw Young into the ring of fire and salvage the 2006 season.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Browns already making a splash in free agency
Free agency for the upcoming 2006 NFL season is finally underway, and the Cleveland Browns are wasting no time trying to build on a disappointing-yet-progressive 6-10 season. The Browns entered free agency with approximately $27.1 million to spare under the salary cap, and immediately went to work, signing LeCharles Bentley, arguably the best offensive lineman on the market, right off the bat. They also added four others, including two with Super Bowl experience. WR Joe Jurevicius, who has participated in three of the past six Super Bowls, returns to his hometown, while the Browns also acquired mammoth DT Ted Washington, who was a member of the Patriots' second world championship team in 2003. Also in the mix are punter Dave Zastudil and offensive lineman Kevin Shaffer.
For the Browns, there should be a sense of renewed optimism heading into '06. In 2005, they found their quarterback of the future in Charlie Frye, and got their first 1,000-yard rusher since 1985 in Reuben Droughsns. Add in a pair of potent receivers in wideout Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow, even though both have serious injury concerns, and the Browns may be able to make a move in a rock-solid AFC North that includes the Super Bowl-champion Steelers. It certainly is too early for predictions, but the beleaguered Browns now appear headed in the right direction -- finally. Credit Romeo Crennel, architect of the Patriots' fierce defense during their Super Bowl, with getting things turned around so quickly for an organization that has had more than their fair share of disappointment and heartbreak.
For the Browns, there should be a sense of renewed optimism heading into '06. In 2005, they found their quarterback of the future in Charlie Frye, and got their first 1,000-yard rusher since 1985 in Reuben Droughsns. Add in a pair of potent receivers in wideout Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow, even though both have serious injury concerns, and the Browns may be able to make a move in a rock-solid AFC North that includes the Super Bowl-champion Steelers. It certainly is too early for predictions, but the beleaguered Browns now appear headed in the right direction -- finally. Credit Romeo Crennel, architect of the Patriots' fierce defense during their Super Bowl, with getting things turned around so quickly for an organization that has had more than their fair share of disappointment and heartbreak.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Super Bowl quick hits
Super Bowl XL is now only a day away, as the Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers get set to square off in Detroit. While some feel this game lacks the intrigue of games past, it figures to be a hard-hitting, physical affair. Some fast facts about this year's game: Both of these teams lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the regular season, meaning this year will mark the first time a team has lost to the Jaguars and gone on to win the Super Bowl. Only the Buccaneers, Panthers, Texans, and Ravens have yet to beat an eventual Super Bowl champion -- but the Ravens could come off that list if Pittsburgh wins tomorrow ... Ben Roethlisberger looks to become the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, supplanting nemesis Tom Brady, who did it in 2001 ... Despite success in recent years, Pittsburgh has only one player with previous Super Bowl experience: former Seahawks' CB Willie Williams, who went to the Super Bowl in 1995 in his first stint with Pittsburgh. The Seahawks have five active players with previous Super Bowl experience: WR Joe Jurevicius (2000 NYG, 2002 TB), DE Grant Wistrom (1999, 2001 STL), Chuck Darby (2002 TB), John Howell (2002 TB), and P Tom Rouen (1997, 1998 DEN). LB Jamie Sharper, who is on IR, won a ring in 2000 with Baltimore ... 2005 marked the ninth consecutive season that at least one of the two road teams has won on Championship Weekend ... Only six teams (Arizona, Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, and New Orleans) have failed to reach a Super Bowl, but five of them (all except Cleveland) have at least hosted Super Bowls in their cities ... Opinion: the "dark week" needs to go. Having two weeks between the championship games and the Super Bowl is too much; the media overhypes the game, and I personally get antsy waiting an extra week for the season's premier game.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Emerging from under the radar, 'Hawks finally going Bowling
Mike Holmgren has done this before. It was just nine seasons ago that Holmgren and Brett Favre helped lead the Packers to a world championship. One year later, the Packers captured their second straight NFC title. But after a heartbreaking loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the 1998 NFC playoffs, Holmgren parted ways with Green Bay and headed to the pacific northwest to coach the Seattle Seahawks, 15 years removed from their last playoff win. But after a division title in his first year, the Seahawks went three straight years without a postseason berth, then suffered through two more disappointing playoff losses in 2003 and 2004. After a home playoff loss to the Rams last January, many people began to question whether Holmgren was still the man to lead Seattle. 12 months later, no one is questioning Holmgren or his coaching abilities. The Seahawks' 34-14 win over Carolina in Sunday's NFC championship game helped propel the 'Hawks to the first Super Bowl berth in franchise history. Yet despite a 13-3 season (including an 8-0 home mark) and sporting the league's MVP in running back Shaun Alexander, who set an NFL record with 28 touchdowns, the Seahawks have still toiled in relative anonymity playing in the state of Washington. While Alexander and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck have become household names, the Seahawks have also gotten major contributions from the likes of savvy veteran receiver joe Jurevicius, who has played in two Super Bowls in the past five six years with New York and Tampa Bay, defensive end Grant Wistrom (who also has been a part of two NFC title teams in St. Louis), and one of the most unheralded offensive lines in football. Prior to the 2004 season, the 'Hawks were the chic pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, only to go 9-7 and yet again fail to even with a playoff game. But heading into 2005, the expectations seemed to be somewhat mellowed, as many experts predicted Arizona to contend for the division crown. After a less-than-stellar 2-2 start, Seattle reeled off a franchise-record 11-game winning streak to secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, then followed with two more playoff wins to finally reach the Big Game. Now, the Seahawks will finally get the attention that has been lacking for many years in the Pacific Northwest. And although they may not have quite the following that the Steelers do in terms of fanbase, the Seahawks have thrived at home in large part because of their own fans, something they will count on two weeks from now in Detroit.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Colts, like others prior, waste terrific season
It was a lock. Finally, at long last, Peyton Manning would take his Colts to the Super Bowl. After all, they established themselves as the NFL's most dominant team in 2005, winning a league-best 14 games. And with New England out of the picture, nothing would stop the Colts from finally reaching the Big Game. But apparently the Pittsburgh Steelers never got the message. Yes, the same Pittsburgh Steelers team that Indy thrashed, 26-7, on a Monday night in Week 12. But perhaps the Steelers can sympathize in one sense with the team they beat, 21-18, in Sunday's Divisional round game at the RCA Dome. Last season, the Steelers won an AFC-record 15 games, including 14 straight after a Week 2 loss. But when the smoke cleared after the AFC Championship Game, the Steelers were left scratching their heads as New England celebrated a 41-27 romp at Heinz Field. But both teams are classic examples of how it isn't always the best team that wins the Super Bowl, but rather the team that simply plays its best football down the stretch.
Just ask the 1998 Minnesota Vikings, who also went 15-1 in the regular season, not to mention scored a league-record 556 points. Like the '04 Steelers, the Vikings made it 16 wins with a victory in the Divisional round, only to fall short on their home field in the championship game. The heavily favored Vikings lost, 30-27, in overtime to the Atlanta Falcons, coming up one game short of Super Bowl XXXIII.
This year's Colts team looked like it was the real deal. After flirting with perfection through the first 13 games, Indianapolis had clinched home-field advantage was well-rested with the Steelers coming to town. Yet they were rusty, falling in a 21-3 hole that proved to be too much to overcome. And now, at 30 years old, the pressure is mounting on Manning to finally reach the Super Bowl after almost unparallel regular-season success over the past three years.
Just ask the 1998 Minnesota Vikings, who also went 15-1 in the regular season, not to mention scored a league-record 556 points. Like the '04 Steelers, the Vikings made it 16 wins with a victory in the Divisional round, only to fall short on their home field in the championship game. The heavily favored Vikings lost, 30-27, in overtime to the Atlanta Falcons, coming up one game short of Super Bowl XXXIII.
This year's Colts team looked like it was the real deal. After flirting with perfection through the first 13 games, Indianapolis had clinched home-field advantage was well-rested with the Steelers coming to town. Yet they were rusty, falling in a 21-3 hole that proved to be too much to overcome. And now, at 30 years old, the pressure is mounting on Manning to finally reach the Super Bowl after almost unparallel regular-season success over the past three years.
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