Two weeks ago, Arkansas football had a surefire top-25 team for 2012 coming off a 21-5 record the past two seasons. Today, the Razorbacks have that same team, but Bobby Petrino is no longer there to lead them. In fact, his house in Fayetteville, Ark. is up for sale for $2.5 million, about $1 million less than the salary he was due to earn this year.
Right now, linebackers coach Taver Johnson, a former Ohio State assistant who was hired in the offseason, will serve as the interim coach for at least the rest of the spring. Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long, who took a huge stand in firing Petrino for his transgressions, now has the task of finding a new coach who can keep Arkansas near the top of an SEC West division that has Alabama and LSU.
Arkansas has the advantage of not conducting a head coaching search under the auspices of an NCAA investigation or sanctions like USC and Ohio State. The Razorbacks return a very strong team, including two of the best offensive players in the conference in quarterback Tyler Wilson and running back Knile Davis. Unfortunately, very few coaching searches occur during or after the spring, so it'll be hard to find a current coach willing to leave his program and jump into a new situation.
South Florida head coach Skip Holtz and new Arkansas State head coach Gus Malzahn are two of the top names being talked about to replace Petrino. Holtz has been a successful coach everywhere he's been, from Connecticut to East Carolina to USF, and his father, Lou Holtz, was the head coach at Arkansas from 1977-83. Though Skip Holtz hasn't been at South Florida very long, SEC jobs don't open up with the regularity of other conferences, and Arkansas would be a great situation to jump into. Malzahn was the Razorbacks' offensive coordinator in 2006 after being the head coach at Springdale (Ark.) High from 2001-05. It'd be hard for him to leave Arkansas State months after taking the job, but if Arkansas goes with an interim head coach for the entire season, Malzahn would probably be more interested.
Then again, there's John Daly's idea. Daly, the golfer and Arkansas dropout, tweeted earlier this week with his suggestion.
"My first loyalty is to the University of Arkansas. I trust that Jeff Long will do what's best for the program. Everyone ogs in the Razorback Nation is devastated! This is heartbreaking as Coach Petrino is a very good friend of mine! From here, I think we will need a great coach like him to continue our winning ways! I myself, would hold out for a great NFL coach---GRUDEN! #GoHogs"
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Another guy's baseball predictions
Baseball season is upon us, and everyone has predictions about who will make the playoffs. ESPN posted the predictions of 51 different analysts and writers earlier this week, and here are a few more:
National League
East champion: Atlanta Braves
Central champion: St. Louis Cardinals
West champion: San Francisco Giants
Wild cards: Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds
League champ: Braves
Sleepers: Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks
The prevailing wisdom is that the Phillies, by not losing much and adding closer Jonathan Papelbon, will be the best team in the NL this season. They still have Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, a top two that any team would love to have, but I believe the Braves have a better pitching staff from top to bottom than Philadelphia. A staff with Tommy Hanson, Tim Hudson (when he comes back from back surgery), Jair Jurrjens, Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy combined with the bullpen combination of Jonny Venters, Craig Kimbrel and Eric O'Flaherty should keep Atlanta in every game. Miami and Washington are both much improved, but the Braves and Phillies are still the class of the division.
In the Central, the Cardinals still have Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright and a lineup that features Matt Holliday, Lance Berkman, Carlos Beltran and World Series MVP David Freese.Cincinnati has the hitting and defense to last, but the Reds have to have consistent pitching to win the division. Acquiring Mat Latos from the Padres should really help their cause, but Johnny Cueto, who has never won more than 13 games in a season, needs to turn in ace-like numbers. Whatever Ryan Braun does coming off last year's MVP and subsequent offseason issues, Milwaukee will have a hard time making it back into the playoffs without Prince Fielder.
What the San Francisco Giants don't do at the plate, they make up for on the mound. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, baseball's newest $100 million man, make up one of the best one-two pitchers in the league. With the Dodgers and Padres not expected to make much noise, the NL West should be a two-team race between the Giants and Diamondbacks, who surprised many by making the playoffs last season.
American League
East champ: New York Yankees
Central champ: Detroit Tigers
West champ: Los Angeles Angels
Wild cards: Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers
Sleepers: Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox
Though the Red Sox have close to the same lineup that had them leading the AL East midway through last season, that lineup suffered one of the worst collapses in baseball history and not much has changed. The Yankees still have the edge in the division, and the Rays, with their wealth of young talent, aren't far behind. Though New York is still led by aging stars Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettite and Alex Rodriguez, younger All-Stars like Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson provide a lot of firepower. Tampa Bay introduced the league to young flamethrowers Jeremy Hellickson and Matt Moore last season, and combined with David Price and James Shields, the Rays have arguably the best pitching staff in the division. The progression of young outfielder Desmond Jennings will be key in Tampa Bay's pursuit of the AL East crown.
The Tigers were a clear favorite in the AL Central before they added Prince Fielder. Now, they should definitely run away with it. The Royals, with their impressive stable of young players, have been an intriguing team for the past couple of seasons. Is this the season Kansas City breaks through? Who knows, but the Royals are definitely a team to watch this year.
The West was a two-horse race before the Angels went on a spending spree this offseason, signing Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson. The Rangers have won the American League pennant the last two seasons, and they replaced Wilson with Japanese phenom Yu Darvish. If Darvish can give Texas anything close to Wilson's production, the Rangers could be well on their way to another league title.
World Series prediction: Braves over Angels
Friday, March 30, 2012
Nash to Miami? It could happen
Nash will be one of the most intriguing free agents this summer, and Phoenix would have to make some huge moves to keep him there. "I'm not coming back to the Suns if there isn't improvement," Nash told "The Dan Patrick Show" on Thursday.
In the interview, Nash mentioned Miami among the teams he would consider when he hits the market.
"I would listen," he said. "I love what they're doing there. A lot of people don't like them because they put all that talent there. But they're professional, they play hard, they play together. Their coaching staff has done a great job, so I have a tremendous amount of respect for them."
It's not hard to see why Nash would consider the Heat. They have James, Wade, Bosh and a strong collection of role players. Miami almost won a title last year and has a great chance of making it back to the Finals. For the 38-year-old Nash, the chance to be on a championship team is the one thing his resume is missing.
The Heat also have a point guard spot that could use an upgrade on offense. Mario Chalmers is serviceable and makes plays on the defensive end. Chalmers is eighth among point guards in defensive plays per 40 minutes (2.84) and sixth in steals (2.1). Nash continues to lead the league in assists (11.2 per game) and is third in true shooting percentage (63.4 percent).
On the other hand, Miami doesn't have much cap room for Nash. He could take the Heat's mid-level exception, which would be between $3 million and $5 million based on how the team fares with the luxury tax. Either of those salaries would be a long drop down from the $11.6 million Nash is making this season, but for a shot at a title, he may be willing to take a pay cut.
To make room for Nash, Miami could part ways with Chalmers, who makes $4 million this year and the next two years. He could be traded for a second-round pick or cash considerations that could be used to sign Nash.
The Heat have done just fine without a great point guard. With almost seven assists per game, James is the only player in the league's top 15 assist men who isn't a point guard. The potential addition of Nash, one of the great distributors the game has ever had, could make Miami even better.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Parcells shouldn't be the Saints' savior
Before Bill Belichick roamed the New England sidelines and led the Patriots to Super Bowls, it was his mentor Bill Parcells who made the franchise relevant in the 1990s.
Now another of Parcells's pupils--deposed Saints coach Sean Payton--is reaching out in hopes that he'll stand in for Payton in New Orleans as he serves out his year-long suspension. Sounds like a worthwhile solution? A big splash, right? Wrong.
In this case, the Big Tuna is a fish the Saints shouldn't reel in. Parcells hasn't been very successful recently. He hasn't been a head coach since 2006, and he hasn't won a playoff game since 1998.
New Orleans is a team that put itself in the crosshairs of Roger Goodell and is now facing the consequences. When you get hit with penalties like New Orleans has incurred, you go about your business quietly and try not to ruffle any more feathers. You don't need the spotlight on the team any more than it exists now.
From an organizational standpoint, why is this conversation even happening? You have a Super Bowl-winning head coach in Payton who will undoubtedly be the head coach when the suspension ends. Why would the Saints rent Parcells for a year?
Sean Payton has a strong personality, but he's nothing compared to Parcells. He's the coach who once referred to Terry Glenn as "she" while he was with the Patriots and called Terrell Owens "the player" during his time with the Cowboys.
Parcells is not only unafraid of calling out players; he's also publicly questioned management. When he felt he wasn't getting enough of a say in New England's personnel decisions, he took a shot at Robert Kraft, saying "They want you to cook the dinner; at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries."
When it comes to the Saints players, bringing in Parcells -- or anyone from the outside -- is a tricky proposition. No matter how much respect a coach like Parcells has garnered, it's hard to imagine that the players would welcome him with open arms.
Nobody likes a substitute teacher. A lot of the Saints will look at Parcells that way. When a team goes through adversity, players can become even more tight-knit and less likely to accept an outsider. It's also difficult to believe that Parcells would come in and be a caretaker for anyone.
Head football coaches, especially successful ones, are control freaks. They do things their way. Parcells is not going to stand in front of the Saints at their first team meeting and say, "Now, I don't want to change how things are done around here. I just want to help guide you guys through this rough patch."
No, he'll come in and try to remake the Saints in his image. Also, why would he even consider returning to the sidelines? Parcells will be 71 when the season begins, not necessarily a great age to be an NFL head coach, especially for a franchise in such turmoil. Another year of coaching would also put off Parcells' Hall of Fame chances for an additional five years.
Parcells is football's version of Larry Brown. Both are Hall of Fame-caliber coaches. The two specialize in reclamation projects, but they never stay with teams very long. They come into bad situations, shake things up and improve their teams' fortunes right away. Then the shine wears off and the coaches move on.
The Saints don't need the kind of help Parcells can give. They still have Drew Brees and a division-winning roster behind him. They were a defensive stand away from hosting the NFC Championship game.
New Orleans needs a caretaker this season, and there are qualified candidates. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, a Boston College grad from nearby Framingham, has worked closely with Brees over the past few years and deserves the opportunity to show what he can do as a head coach.
Steve Spagnuolo, the Saints' new defensive coordinator, might still be the Rams' head coach if Sam Bradford hadn't had an injury-plagued sophomore season. In any case, he has head coaching experience and could lead New Orleans. Even considering Brees as a player-coach is a better option than bringing in Parcells.
The indefinitely-suspended Gregg Williams reportedly used to tell Saints defenders, "Cut off the head, and the body will die." One can appreciate how the Saints brass is now trying to disprove that edict, but Bill Parcells is not the answer.
The Saints have enough self-inflicted wounds.
Now another of Parcells's pupils--deposed Saints coach Sean Payton--is reaching out in hopes that he'll stand in for Payton in New Orleans as he serves out his year-long suspension. Sounds like a worthwhile solution? A big splash, right? Wrong.
In this case, the Big Tuna is a fish the Saints shouldn't reel in. Parcells hasn't been very successful recently. He hasn't been a head coach since 2006, and he hasn't won a playoff game since 1998.
New Orleans is a team that put itself in the crosshairs of Roger Goodell and is now facing the consequences. When you get hit with penalties like New Orleans has incurred, you go about your business quietly and try not to ruffle any more feathers. You don't need the spotlight on the team any more than it exists now.
From an organizational standpoint, why is this conversation even happening? You have a Super Bowl-winning head coach in Payton who will undoubtedly be the head coach when the suspension ends. Why would the Saints rent Parcells for a year?
Sean Payton has a strong personality, but he's nothing compared to Parcells. He's the coach who once referred to Terry Glenn as "she" while he was with the Patriots and called Terrell Owens "the player" during his time with the Cowboys.
Parcells is not only unafraid of calling out players; he's also publicly questioned management. When he felt he wasn't getting enough of a say in New England's personnel decisions, he took a shot at Robert Kraft, saying "They want you to cook the dinner; at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries."
When it comes to the Saints players, bringing in Parcells -- or anyone from the outside -- is a tricky proposition. No matter how much respect a coach like Parcells has garnered, it's hard to imagine that the players would welcome him with open arms.
Nobody likes a substitute teacher. A lot of the Saints will look at Parcells that way. When a team goes through adversity, players can become even more tight-knit and less likely to accept an outsider. It's also difficult to believe that Parcells would come in and be a caretaker for anyone.
Head football coaches, especially successful ones, are control freaks. They do things their way. Parcells is not going to stand in front of the Saints at their first team meeting and say, "Now, I don't want to change how things are done around here. I just want to help guide you guys through this rough patch."
No, he'll come in and try to remake the Saints in his image. Also, why would he even consider returning to the sidelines? Parcells will be 71 when the season begins, not necessarily a great age to be an NFL head coach, especially for a franchise in such turmoil. Another year of coaching would also put off Parcells' Hall of Fame chances for an additional five years.
Parcells is football's version of Larry Brown. Both are Hall of Fame-caliber coaches. The two specialize in reclamation projects, but they never stay with teams very long. They come into bad situations, shake things up and improve their teams' fortunes right away. Then the shine wears off and the coaches move on.
The Saints don't need the kind of help Parcells can give. They still have Drew Brees and a division-winning roster behind him. They were a defensive stand away from hosting the NFC Championship game.
New Orleans needs a caretaker this season, and there are qualified candidates. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, a Boston College grad from nearby Framingham, has worked closely with Brees over the past few years and deserves the opportunity to show what he can do as a head coach.
Steve Spagnuolo, the Saints' new defensive coordinator, might still be the Rams' head coach if Sam Bradford hadn't had an injury-plagued sophomore season. In any case, he has head coaching experience and could lead New Orleans. Even considering Brees as a player-coach is a better option than bringing in Parcells.
The indefinitely-suspended Gregg Williams reportedly used to tell Saints defenders, "Cut off the head, and the body will die." One can appreciate how the Saints brass is now trying to disprove that edict, but Bill Parcells is not the answer.
The Saints have enough self-inflicted wounds.
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Pros and Cons of Broadway Tim
Tim Tebow is the most polite, unassuming hijacker that you'll ever meet. Any news relating to him hijacks all forms of media. The news that Tebow was traded from the Denver Broncos to the New York Jets almost broke Twitter. Fail whales for everyone!
Social media jokes aside, Tebow is one of the few figures that transcends sports. Everyone has an opinion on him, from the bros on the quad to suburban moms to your local clergyman. Here are some opinions to come out as a result of the Tebow trade.
"Tebow is cheap, a salary of about $1 million for next season. He is a winner, getting the flawed Denver Broncos to the playoffs. The Jets new offensive coordinator, Tony Sparano, thinks he can incorporate him into the offense in a way that will help a running game that struggled mightily last season." - Steve Politi, Newark Star-Ledger
"Let us be clear: Tim Tebow's arrival in New York is a complete joke. It's a move so ridiculous, one could laugh openly … if only it were anyone but the New York Jets." - Stephen A. Smith, ESPN columnist/analyst/radio host
“The more I studied him in an NFL setting, the more disturbed I was that he has no clue what he’s looking at. His IQ as a football player is not very good. That is why they have to come down and make it some of a college-form system that he’s comfortable with in Florida. He can’t execute, from a cerebral aspect, a pro-style system.” - ESPN analyst Merril Hoge
“I think New York is unique; if there’s anyone that can handle it, it’s Tim. He’s going to handle it the same way he’s handled everything since I first met him: up front and first class and humble about everything. It’s probably a whole different animal in New York, but he handles everything the same way.” - Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, who coached Tebow at the University of Florida
Positive opinions about Tebow going to the Jets were hard to find, but they exist. Then again, nobody thought Denver should have drafted him in the first place. A couple years later, the Broncos were back in the playoffs. Much crazier things have happened in the NFL, but since Tebowmania is heading to New (Jersey) York, here are some pros and cons to the move.
Pro: Tebow can push Mark Sanchez. Sanchez hasn't had any real competition for his job since he got drafted. Mark Brunell, Kellen Clemens and Greg McElroy were never going to start ahead of him. The presence of Tebow could help Sanchez, a guy who clearly took a step back last year, improve.
Con: Tebow is exactly what Mark Sanchez didn't need. The Jets were very interested in Peyton Manning, and when Manning didn't return the interest, the Jets gave Sanchez a contract extension. Tebow wants to start, and as they say, every fan's favorite player is the backup quarterback. A bad start to next season for Sanchez combined with Rex Ryan's hot seat would have fans clamoring for Tebow -- loudly.
Pro: Tebow can improve the Jets' running game. The Jets (and Sanchez) were at their best when they ran the ball successfully. Tebow is another weapon new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano can use to help Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson to pound the ball. He could be a better version of Brad Smith.
Con: The Jets are still in the same division as the Patriots. The only New York team that can stand toe-to-toe with New England these days is the Giants. The Jets lost a lot of their swagger last year and have never really beaten the Patriots consistently. Not to mention that the Bills have already made some big moves toward improving on defense, and the Dolphins were a tough out last year.
Pro: Tebow could help bring together a dysfunctional team. The guy definitely has a habit of galvanizing those around him. The combination of his play and strong performances by Willis McGahee and the Denver defense got the Broncos into the playoffs last season. You also can't argue what he did at Florida.
Con: The Jets may be beyond salvaging. I submit to you cornerback Antonio Cromartie's tweet from earlier this week: "We don't need Tebow. We sell out every home game let him go to Jacksonville Tampa or Miami. Our wildcat offense can b ran by J. Kerley or Joe McKnight we straight."
Tell us how you really feel, Antonio.
Social media jokes aside, Tebow is one of the few figures that transcends sports. Everyone has an opinion on him, from the bros on the quad to suburban moms to your local clergyman. Here are some opinions to come out as a result of the Tebow trade.
"Tebow is cheap, a salary of about $1 million for next season. He is a winner, getting the flawed Denver Broncos to the playoffs. The Jets new offensive coordinator, Tony Sparano, thinks he can incorporate him into the offense in a way that will help a running game that struggled mightily last season." - Steve Politi, Newark Star-Ledger
"Let us be clear: Tim Tebow's arrival in New York is a complete joke. It's a move so ridiculous, one could laugh openly … if only it were anyone but the New York Jets." - Stephen A. Smith, ESPN columnist/analyst/radio host
“The more I studied him in an NFL setting, the more disturbed I was that he has no clue what he’s looking at. His IQ as a football player is not very good. That is why they have to come down and make it some of a college-form system that he’s comfortable with in Florida. He can’t execute, from a cerebral aspect, a pro-style system.” - ESPN analyst Merril Hoge
“I think New York is unique; if there’s anyone that can handle it, it’s Tim. He’s going to handle it the same way he’s handled everything since I first met him: up front and first class and humble about everything. It’s probably a whole different animal in New York, but he handles everything the same way.” - Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, who coached Tebow at the University of Florida
Positive opinions about Tebow going to the Jets were hard to find, but they exist. Then again, nobody thought Denver should have drafted him in the first place. A couple years later, the Broncos were back in the playoffs. Much crazier things have happened in the NFL, but since Tebowmania is heading to New (Jersey) York, here are some pros and cons to the move.
Pro: Tebow can push Mark Sanchez. Sanchez hasn't had any real competition for his job since he got drafted. Mark Brunell, Kellen Clemens and Greg McElroy were never going to start ahead of him. The presence of Tebow could help Sanchez, a guy who clearly took a step back last year, improve.
Con: Tebow is exactly what Mark Sanchez didn't need. The Jets were very interested in Peyton Manning, and when Manning didn't return the interest, the Jets gave Sanchez a contract extension. Tebow wants to start, and as they say, every fan's favorite player is the backup quarterback. A bad start to next season for Sanchez combined with Rex Ryan's hot seat would have fans clamoring for Tebow -- loudly.
Pro: Tebow can improve the Jets' running game. The Jets (and Sanchez) were at their best when they ran the ball successfully. Tebow is another weapon new offensive coordinator Tony Sparano can use to help Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson to pound the ball. He could be a better version of Brad Smith.
Con: The Jets are still in the same division as the Patriots. The only New York team that can stand toe-to-toe with New England these days is the Giants. The Jets lost a lot of their swagger last year and have never really beaten the Patriots consistently. Not to mention that the Bills have already made some big moves toward improving on defense, and the Dolphins were a tough out last year.
Pro: Tebow could help bring together a dysfunctional team. The guy definitely has a habit of galvanizing those around him. The combination of his play and strong performances by Willis McGahee and the Denver defense got the Broncos into the playoffs last season. You also can't argue what he did at Florida.
Con: The Jets may be beyond salvaging. I submit to you cornerback Antonio Cromartie's tweet from earlier this week: "We don't need Tebow. We sell out every home game let him go to Jacksonville Tampa or Miami. Our wildcat offense can b ran by J. Kerley or Joe McKnight we straight."
Tell us how you really feel, Antonio.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Lloyd isn't the answer
Not good enough, Patriots.
Sure, you’ve made some moves in free agency, but when the big names came along, you let them go.
Mario Williams is going to Buffalo to help form one of the best defensive lines in the league with Kyle Williams, Marcell Dareus and Chris Kelsay. Yes, that’s the same Bills team that split with the Pats last season.
Vincent Jackson could have been catching passes from Tom Brady. He’s now heading to Tampa Bay.
Mike Wallace is still sitting in Pittsburgh, without a franchise tag. He could be had with a daring contract and one of the Pats’ first-round picks.
No, New England is going to roll the dice with Brandon Lloyd, a guy who’s playing on his sixth team in nine seasons. For a team that was dying for an outside receiver who could stretch the field, $4 million a year for a guy who’s only topped 1,000 yards in a season once isn’t going to cut it.
You’ve got to do better than that, Pats.
Yes, you spent some money to add depth to a team that needed it last season. You made sure you had special teams guys like Matthew Slater and Tracy White signed, and you added Robert Gallery to an offensive line that has a recovering Logan Mankins and Matt Light, who may retire.
By sheer volume, you've made the most moves of any team in the league so far. But the real value of those moves remains to be seen.
I can already hear the mantra now. "Trust us. We've been to five Super Bowls in 11 years and have won three of them. We have Brady and Belichick. We'll make it work." I get it.
The trouble is the Patriots haven't actually won a Super Bowl since 2004, when Donovan McNabb was (allegedly) vomiting in the fourth quarter in Jacksonville. I realize that's a potentially crazy distinction to make, that just getting to Super Bowls isn't enough, but New England set the bar that high. This is the point where fans of teams like the Browns and Jaguars proceed to cause themselves bodily harm.
This problem is one that successful teams have. Getting to the playoffs isn't enough anymore. Getting to the Super Bowl is cool, but if you don't have the Lombardi when it's all said and done, you've failed.
Every team in the NFL has the goal to win the Super Bowl every season, and the Patriots have been one of the very few franchises that have actually had the capacity to do that over the past decade. They've done it by being shrewd, but it wouldn't hurt to go out on a limb, especially for a proven commodity like Wallace, who's more explosive and younger than Lloyd.
Shrewdness is a good strategy to win regular season games, but the Patriots can't just get to the Super Bowl and hope the Giants aren't on the other sideline. They need to get players who will help them win championships.
The Jets traded for Tim Tebow today. Whatever you think about him as a player, New England's main division rival just added a potential weapon by giving up a fourth- and sixth-round pick. That's a move.
The Patriots are hitching their wagons to young players who may return to form (cornerback Ras-I Dowling and linebacker Jermaine Cunningham for instance) and some good draft picks, but who knows what Bill Belichick will do with his picks?
There are plenty of defensive playmakers in April's draft. Will the Pats get a few of them or will they just continue to build depth?
The 2012 Patriots are a long way from being a fully formed entity, but if they don't make some big moves soon, they'll be exactly where they were at the end of last season: not good enough.
Friday, March 9, 2012
A very selfish view of Peyton Manning's release
I'm 25 years old. I know a lot about football now, but my knowledge and love of the game began with watching Peyton Manning play for the Indianapolis Colts.
I realize my profession asks me to evaluate teams and athletes in an objective light, but that's nearly impossible for most. All of us in the media have biases for or against players and organizations. I can't be impartial about No. 18. I just can't.
To this point, I haven't brought myself to watch Wednesday's press conference. I heard Manning was emotional, even tearful. I won't shed tears for him, but the whole business is saddening.
Make no mistake, folks, sports is a business. There's very little sentimentality involved, and this situation makes me wish for a lot of things.
I wish the Colts hadn't been so bad this year. A record of 4-12 or 5-11 would've secured Indianapolis a pick anywhere from fourth to seventh in this year's draft. That may have been high enough to get a top-flight player that could have helped Manning in his final two or three years.
I wish Andrew Luck had left Stanford last spring. Luck is as complete a quarterback prospect as we've seen in recent years, so much so that scouts are now trying to fabricate reasons why a team shouldn't take him No. 1 overall. The Colts had to take him with the first pick, even if Manning was healthy. Robert Griffin III is a lot easier to pass on than Luck.
I wish Jim Irsay hadn't agreed to the $28 million roster bonus. As soon as it was ruled Manning wouldn't be able to play this season, the March 8 deadline became the fork in the road. No one means more to one franchise than Manning means to the Colts, and it's hard for me to imagine giving him $28 million just for being on the team, even if he was healthy.
I wish Bill Polian had had a little more luck. To build a successful franchise, you need to be shrewd and lucky. Polian made some great draft picks over his time in Indy (Manning, Reggie Wayne, Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison and Dwight Freeney to name a few), but most of them didn't pan out. Through Manning, Polian built an outstanding offense, but he couldn't do the same on defense. How many more titles could the Colts have won with a stifling defense? We'll never know.
I wish Alex Smith has completed more passes in the NFC Championship and the 49ers had gone on to beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl. As much as I enjoyed seeing the Giants beat New England again, I don't need anyone even considering an argument that Eli Manning could end up with a better career than Peyton.
I wish Peyton Manning would retire. Necks are really hard to repair or replace.
If any of my wishes had come true, we'd probably still be talking about Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. He's going to sign with another team soon, unfortunately. I don't care if it's Miami, Washington, Seattle or Arizona. It'll all be too weird for me.
I'm 25 years old. I essentially don't know anything else in my football fandom other than Peyton Manning leading the Colts to the playoffs every year. I don't want to know anything else.
Friday, March 2, 2012
No. 2 for RG3
It's pretty much a sure bet that the Indianapolis Colts will take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in April. What will happen after that is still up in the air. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier this week that the St. Louis Rams will stick with Sam Bradford and plan to trade the No. 2 pick, a spot presumed to be reserved for Baylor quarterback and Heisman winner Robert Griffin III.
So who's going to trade up? Of the 30 teams left, three don't have first-round picks because of previous trades (Falcons, Saints and Raiders). Thirteen of them have franchise quarterbacks (Giants, Patriots, Ravens, Packers, Texans, Steelers, Lions, Bengals, Bears, Buccaneers, Chargers, Eagles, Cowboys and Panthers) and nine have highly-paid and/or highly-drafted quarterbacks they can't just give up on for the unproven Griffin (49ers, Broncos, Titans, Cardinals, Jets, Jaguars, Vikings, Bills and Chiefs).
That leaves four teams that should be in the mix for RGIII. Here are the reasons each team should go all in or stand pat.
Cleveland Browns
Go all in: The Browns have an extra first-round pick that they got in the Julio Jones trade in last year's draft, and they may have decided that Colt McCoy isn't the guy to lead them. Tim Couch ain't walking through that door. Right now, nobody on Cleveland's offense scares anyone in the league. Griffin would immediately make the Browns more explosive and could be the franchise quarterback the team has lacked for decades, especially in a division with Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton.
Stand pat: Maybe McCoy would be better if the Browns surrounded him with talent, especially on offense. If they took Alabama tailback Trent Richardson with the fourth pick (especially if Peyton Hillis leaves in free agency) and Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd with the 22nd pick, that offense would be instantly better.
Washington Redskins
Go all in: Four words-- Rex Grossman, John Beck. Washington can't have another season with those two as the only viable quarterback options. The Redskins have an improving defense, but they can't score. If Mike Shanahan is the quarterback guru he thinks he is, getting Griffin and coaching him up will go a long way to prove Shanahan should be around after next season.
Stand pat: The Redskins have a lot of holes, especially on offense, and they need all the picks they have to improve the team. If Washington thinks Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill is worthy of the sixth pick, it should pick him and use the rest of the draft to improve the rest of the team.
Miami Dolphins
Go all in: Griffin has the skill set and charisma to be a star in Miami, a place that's undergoing a transformation as a sports city with the face-lifts of the Heat and Marlins these days. A backfield of Griffin and Reggie Bush could be very potent combined with the abilities of Brandon Marshall at receiver, and the Dolphins could make waves in the AFC East.
Stand pat: Miami went 6-6 last season once Matt Moore took over. If the Dolphins don't think he's the long-term answer at quarterback, they could sign a free agent like Matt Flynn, who new coach Joe Philbin coached in Green Bay.
Seattle Seahawks
Go all in: In the NFC West, there are no guarantees San Francisco is at the top to stay. Finishing at 7-9 last season, the Seahawks were probably a good quarterback away from the playoffs. Griffin could come in and be possibly the best quarterback in the division. He'd certainly be an upgrade over Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst.
Stand pat: Seattle's a lot like Washington in that it needs a lot of things. The 'Hawks could focus on defense with the 12th pick (Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw, perhaps?) and get a guy like Arizona State's Brock Osweiler or Michigan State's Kirk Cousins in the second round to compete for the starting job at quarterback.
The Browns seem to be the most viable option to go get Griffin at No. 2, but with so much in flux before late April, anything could happen.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The time is now for the Patriots
The New England Patriots are like your smart, sensible friend, the one who proudly says after winning the lottery, “I’m investing all of it.”
Sure, the Patriots make a splash every once in a while--Randy Moss, Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth among them--but even those things are done on the cheap.
Doing things “the Patriot Way” isn’t good enough anymore. Not after the Super Bowl, where the Giants were clearly the more talented team, built through the draft and--wait for it--big free-agent signings like Antrel Rolle, Michael Boley and Chris Canty.
Not when Tom Brady, who’s still playing at an MVP level, turns 35 before next season starts. Not when Julian Edelman is playing cornerback.
The Patriots can still spend smart, but they have to spend big.
According to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, New England is projected to have about $27 million of cap room thanks to the new CBA, which allows teams to carry over cap surpluses from one year to the next.
The only 2011 playoff teams who have more cap space are Cincinnati ($58.9 million), Denver ($48.5 million) and San Francisco ($35.9 million).
As for what the Patriots should do with the money, let's start with Wes Welker. It's not a matter of whether Brady's recent vacation buddy will be back, it's a matter of how.
Putting the franchise tag on Welker will cost the Patriots about $9.5 million, then they can use some money to go get a receiver who can actually play on the outside, especially considering the team's record with drafting wideouts.
Does the name Chad Jackson ring a bell? Where's Taylor Price these days?
Signing a guy like Mike Wallace or Brandon Lloyd would give New England the inside-outside offense that it needs to continue to compete for the next few years. On defense, ends Mario Williams and Robert Mathis are two players who could be the pass rusher the Pats have been coveting for years.
The other place the Patriots need to gamble a little bit is the draft. Their offense, especially Bill Belichick, is very fond of trading down in April and acquiring picks for later in the draft and for future years.
That has to stop. You can have as much depth as you want, but this team needs playmakers, especially on defense.
New England has two first-round picks (27th and 31st) and two second-round picks (48th and 63rd). Instead of trading down, the team has to use those two picks on guys who can play now and play well.
Dontari Poe, the defensive tackle from Memphis, is in the Vince Wilfork mold. He's big (346 pounds) and athletic (ran a 4.98 40-yard dash at the combine). Chandler Jones out of Syracuse is an athletic defensive end who could add quickness and a pass rush.
The Patriots could also trade up in the first round and get a guy like defensive end/linebacker Courtney Upshaw of Alabama, someone who could improve the youth and playmaking ability of the front seven right away.
So much of what New England has done over the past decade has been predicated on noticing what other teams don't (late-round picks and undrafted free agents) and doing what other teams won't (putting wide receivers on defense and tight ends in the backfield).
It's time that the Patriots acted a little more normal. Spend big money on proven players. Move up or stand pat in the draft instead of trading down.
Those kinds of moves can do wonders for New England because they have the kind of people in the organization who can make smart decisions. They're the smart, sensible ones who could stand to take a few risks this offseason.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Boston-area schools in the NCAA tourney
Boston is a pro sports town. I get it, but what about the college sports?
Lost in the Red Sox spring training adventures and the Celtics' troubles are the efforts of the local college basketball teams trying to make the NCAA tournament. Last season, Boston University was the only team to make the men's bracket after dramatically winning the America East tournament. This season, more than one team has a chance to make it. Let's evaluate the local teams' chances from best to worst.
Harvard (23-3, first in Ivy League)- It's possible that the Crimson could get an at-large bid, even if they don't win the Ivy League tournament. Harvard has an RPI of 25 and non-conference wins against Florida State and Vermont. Unless they have another breakdown like they did against Princeton a couple weeks ago, the Crimson should be in easily.
UMass (19-8, third in Atlantic 10)- The Minutemen are three games back of Xavier in the A-10 with three games to go. Joe Lunardi of ESPN.com has UMass just outside of the tournament field, but a strong finish (including a win at Temple next Wednesday) and a strong conference tourney could be the key to a NCAA bid.
Boston University (15-15, third in America East)- Going into the final regular season game against Hartford, BU's chances of making the tourney are non-existent as an at-large. The team would have to win the America East Tournament again, which is possible. The Terriers beat the conference's top team, Stony Brook, earlier this season and came within a point of beating the second-place team, Vermont, in their last meeting.
Northeastern (13-15, seventh in CAA)- Possible, but not likely. The Huskies are 4-6 in their last 10 games, and teams like Drexel, VCU and George Mason will be too strong in the conference tournament.
Boston College (8-19, 10th in ACC)- Not anytime soon. The Eagles have lost 10 of their last 11, with the one win being an upset at home against Florida State. The gauntlet that is the ACC tournament is too big a challenge for Boston College.
Lost in the Red Sox spring training adventures and the Celtics' troubles are the efforts of the local college basketball teams trying to make the NCAA tournament. Last season, Boston University was the only team to make the men's bracket after dramatically winning the America East tournament. This season, more than one team has a chance to make it. Let's evaluate the local teams' chances from best to worst.
Harvard (23-3, first in Ivy League)- It's possible that the Crimson could get an at-large bid, even if they don't win the Ivy League tournament. Harvard has an RPI of 25 and non-conference wins against Florida State and Vermont. Unless they have another breakdown like they did against Princeton a couple weeks ago, the Crimson should be in easily.
UMass (19-8, third in Atlantic 10)- The Minutemen are three games back of Xavier in the A-10 with three games to go. Joe Lunardi of ESPN.com has UMass just outside of the tournament field, but a strong finish (including a win at Temple next Wednesday) and a strong conference tourney could be the key to a NCAA bid.
Boston University (15-15, third in America East)- Going into the final regular season game against Hartford, BU's chances of making the tourney are non-existent as an at-large. The team would have to win the America East Tournament again, which is possible. The Terriers beat the conference's top team, Stony Brook, earlier this season and came within a point of beating the second-place team, Vermont, in their last meeting.
Northeastern (13-15, seventh in CAA)- Possible, but not likely. The Huskies are 4-6 in their last 10 games, and teams like Drexel, VCU and George Mason will be too strong in the conference tournament.
Boston College (8-19, 10th in ACC)- Not anytime soon. The Eagles have lost 10 of their last 11, with the one win being an upset at home against Florida State. The gauntlet that is the ACC tournament is too big a challenge for Boston College.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Five reasons the Braves will rebound better than the Red Sox
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| Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez has a lot to smile about this spring. (AP) |
The Atlanta Braves gave up a 10.5-game lead with 30 games to play last fall, and the team they let in, the St. Louis Cardinals, ended up winning the World Series. The great Jayson Stark wrote a great piece yesterday highlighting the differences in how the Braves and Red Sox handled their collapses.
You could argue that the Red Sox needed to make sweeping changes to change the culture of the team, and you could also say that management gave in to the pressure-cooker that is the Boston sports scene. The Braves did neither of those things, partly because Atlanta's not that kind of pro sports town.
Elder statesman Chipper Jones said as much in Stark's article:
"You've got a franchise here that's not going to buckle to pressure from the fan base or pressure from the media," said Chipper Jones, a man starting his 22nd spring training with this franchise. "I'm by no means comparing the two -- the fan base or the media, because I know it's multiplied by 50 up there. And I don't know what it's like up there on a daily basis. But I do appreciate that here, we don't go out and make a move just to make a move."
The other main reason the Braves didn't do much this season--aside from trading Derek Lowe and cutting Alex Gonzalez--is because they believe that they have the pieces to again be one of the best teams in the National League. Atlanta went 80-55 before September, and it has the players to be even more effective in 2012, even more so than the Red Sox. Here are five reasons why.
- Duh, the AL East is a monster. The American League East is baseball's version of the SEC West, with the Red Sox and Yankees playing the roles of LSU and Alabama. The Rays are Arkansas, considered the third-best team, but clearly they're capable of beating the Sox and Yanks, as they've shown in recent years. The Orioles and Blue Jays are Ole Miss and Mississippi State, and it doesn't matter which. Both are a little irrelevant. The point is three of these teams are capable of making the playoffs every year, which makes each season a gauntlet.
- The NL East is more interesting this season, but not necessarily more difficult. There's a lot of hand wringing among Braves fans concerning what other teams did in the offseason, but it's not necessary. Yes, the Phillies added Jonathan Papelbon. True, the Nationals added pitchers like Gio Gonzalez, Edwin Jackson and Brad Lidge to go along with Stephen Strasburg's return and possibly Bryce Harper's debut. Indeed, the Marlins got Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buerhle. To all that, I say this: the Phillies are a year away from their window closing, and the Marlins and Nats have to prove on the field that they're actually better.
- The bullpen can get better. Throughout last season, the Braves' trio of Jonny Venters, Craig Kimbrel and Eric O'Flaherty were arguably the best group in the league at closing out games. The problem was they were used too often, and it caught up with them in September. Atlanta played in 55 one-run games last season, tied with the Giants for the most by any NL team that finished with a winning record. The Braves also played in 26 extra-inning games, the most by any team since the 1992 Cardinals. A better offense will help spell a terrific young bullpen.
- Jason Heyward and Dan Uggla will be better. It's hard to believe that Heyward will have a worse year than he did in 2011. Injuries and inconsistent play contributed to drops in all major categories, including batting average (.277 to .227), OPS (.849 to .708) and walks (91 to 51). A team-record 33-game hitting streak helped Uggla get above the Mendoza line, but he hit .223, not very good for a guy with a $60 million contract. Both Heyward and Uggla should be more consistent this season.
- The young pitching is on the way. Atlanta has one of the better starting rotations in the NL with Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson, Tim Hudson (slated for a May return), Brandon Beachy and Mike Minor. Youngsters Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado are competing with Minor for the No. 5 slot. The Braves also get back Kris Medlen, who was 5-0 with a 3.86 ERA in 14 starts in 2010 before blowing out his elbow. Medlen, 26, will be in the bullpen along with Atlanta's top overall prospect, righty Arodys Viscaino. Needless to say, a franchise known for pitching is as stocked with live arms than it's ever been.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Celtics Report Card: Few make the grade
You're not only concerned about how you did in your classes; you're also worried about taking your report card home to your parents. Basketball players aren't nearly as concerned with report cards as grade-school children (millions of dollars have something to do with that), but considering some of the grades I gave to the Celtics, they should consider staying after school.
(in descending order)
Rajon Rondo- Grade: B+. Rondo has missed almost of a third of the Celtics' games this season, but he's having the best season of his career offensively. He's averaging career highs in points (15.2), field goal attempts (12) and free throw attempts (5.1). Rondo's also third among point guards this season in total rebound rate.
Paul Pierce- Grade: B. Pierce's age is really beginning to show. His averages in points, field goal percentage, free throw attempts and minutes are all the lowest they've been in the past six seasons. The Captain's 5.5 assists per game are a career high, though. Most of his stats show that Pierce is still a top-five small forward in the league, but those same stats also signify a decline in his play compared to his own standards.
Brandon Bass- Grade: B. Bass is getting the most playing time of his career and making good use of it. He has career highs in points (11.6) and rebounds (6.1) per game. Bass not only gives the Celtics an inside presence off the bench. He is also the third-best shooter from 16-23 feet among power forwards this season (51 percent).
Ray Allen- Grade: B-. Nobody is shooting the three better than Allen. His 48.3 percentage from deep is the best in the league and the best in his illustrious career, but his points per game (14.3) are the lowest since his rookie year. Allen's free throw percentage is also tops in the league among players who play at least 30 minutes a game. Problem is he's only getting to the line 2.3 times per contest, the lowest of his career.
Kevin Garnett- Grade: C+. KG is no longer The Big Ticket, and he hasn't been for years. He's still very important to the Celtics, as his absence in Wednesday's loss to the Pistons showed. Garnett still leads the team in rebounds, but his total rebound rate is middling among power forwards, right between defensive juggernauts David Lee and Amare Stoudemire. He's also in the bottom half of power forwards when it comes to defensive plays per game.
Jermaine O'Neal- Grade: C+. O'Neal's almost played in more games than he played all of last season, and he's been more productive. He's not nearly the scorer he once was, but he's making contributions on the defensive end. He leads centers in charges taken per game, and he's seventh among centers in defensive plays per game (2.77), all while playing fewer minutes than the players ahead of him.
Mickael Pietrus- Grade: C+. Pietrus is giving the C's valuable minutes off the bench. He's arguably the team's second-best three-point shooter, and he's averaging the most attempts from long range (4.8) of his career.
Avery Bradley- Grade: C. Bradley's playing time has tripled from his rookie year (5.6 minutes to 16.7), and he's gotten the chance to start eight games. Though his offensive game needs work, he can finish at the rim, and he's one of the better on-the-ball defenders the Celtics have. Plenty of room for improvement.
E'Twaun Moore- Grade: C. Moore's only getting about 10 minutes of playing time per game as a rookie, and he hasn't been bad (3.1 ppg).
Sasha Pavlovic- Grade: C. Since his second year in the league (2008-09 with Cleveland), Pavlovic hasn't averaged more than 4.6 points per game in a season. He isn't a spark off the bench, but he isn't glued to it either.
JaJuan Johnson- Grade: C. The rookie's only played in 15 games, but he's had some standout games, most recently a 12-point, four-rebound performance against Chicago last Sunday.
Chris Wilcox- Grade: C-. Wilcox was brought in to provide a tough inside presence off the bench, and after some early injury troubles, he's been close to that. He's given the Celtics about five points and four rebounds in 15 minutes per game. (Side note: The 2002 draft was pretty bad, but this is interesting: Wilcox got drafted eighth overall--between Nene and Amare Stoudemire.)
Greg Stiemsma- Grade: C-. He's a D-League guy on the end of the bench, getting eight minutes a game. Low expectations and low returns. He's also no Scalabrine.
Marquis Daniels- Grade: D. Daniels is having the least relevant year of his career. He has career lows in points and minutes. He's missed a lot of time the past couple of seasons, and when he's played, he's been ineffective.
Keyon Dooling- Grade: D. After playing in 80 games for Milwaukee last season, Dooling has only appeared in 13 games for the Celtics this season. He had a season-high 18 points in the second game of the season and hasn't scored more than 10 in any game since.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Bulldogs at the Combine
The NFL's version of American Idol is about to begin. The NFL Combine starts on Wednesday in Indianapolis, as most of college football's best players will have their first off-field auditions for pro scouts. They'll lift, run, measure up and interview, and for some reason, it'll be televised on the NFL Network (for those lucky few who have the time).
For the top players, the combine is a place to show up and be seen. Most quarterbacks don't even throw until pro day. For the rest, the combine is an opportunity to stand out among the best at your position in a neutral setting and possibly raise your draft status.
Eight Georgia players were invited to the combine. Here are their biggest issues going into Indianapolis:
(in alphabetical order)
Justin Anderson, OL- Athleticism- Anderson played both guard and tackle solidly, but not spectacularly. Anderson was the most-penalized member of the offensive line the last couple of seasons. He can improve his draft stock with good tangible numbers (40 time, bench press, shuttle run, etc).
Brandon Boykin, CB- Speed- Boykin was one of the team's most reliable performers throughout his Bulldog career, both in coverage and the return game. He projects as a second- or third-round pick now, but fast numbers in the 40-yard dash combined with his game tape could get him taken higher.
Drew Butler, P- Not much- The 2009 Ray Guy Award winner is the top-ranked punter in the class, which means he's probably a late-round pick. He'll go through lifting and drills, but kickers' main auditions are usually during pro days. Butler could wow some scouts with his interview, though. He graduated cum laude with a telecommunications degree from UGA.
Orson Charles, TE- Strength/size - Charles is the most athletic tight end in the draft, but that's not the only thing that matters in the NFL. Tight ends have to hold up their blocks. If Charles can put together some strong bench press numbers and show he's put on some weight to combine with his speed, he may put himself into the first round.
Cordy Glenn, OL- Athleticism/weight- Glenn is roundly viewed as a first-round pick. He's the second-ranked guard in the draft class according to ESPN, and he showed versatility by playing left tackle at UGA as well. At the combine, Glenn has to show in drills that he can move fluidly at 345 pounds. He also can't show up overweight and out of shape. Hard to imagine an athlete doing that, but it happens every year.
Ben Jones, OL- Tangibles- Jones was one of the emotional leaders of the team and gave the O-line consistent play from the center position. If he can separate himself from the other centers in his group, he could raise his stock to perhaps the third round.
DeAngelo Tyson, DL- Durability/athleticism- Tyson has to show he's recovered from the ankle injury that ended his season. He came to Athens as a defensive tackle and left as a 3-4 defensive end. He should signify through his drill performance that he can play both on the next level.
Blair Walsh, PK- Intangibles- Same as Butler, except Walsh had a miserable season by his own standards. He has to be able to look scouts in the eye and say what happened during the season is behind him. Kickers have a good time getting drafted as-is, especially those who miss double-digit field goals in their senior season.
Luckily, these players won't have Randy Jackson or Steven Tyler to deal with. Unfortunately, Bill Belichick will be there.
For the top players, the combine is a place to show up and be seen. Most quarterbacks don't even throw until pro day. For the rest, the combine is an opportunity to stand out among the best at your position in a neutral setting and possibly raise your draft status.
Eight Georgia players were invited to the combine. Here are their biggest issues going into Indianapolis:
(in alphabetical order)
Justin Anderson, OL- Athleticism- Anderson played both guard and tackle solidly, but not spectacularly. Anderson was the most-penalized member of the offensive line the last couple of seasons. He can improve his draft stock with good tangible numbers (40 time, bench press, shuttle run, etc).
Brandon Boykin, CB- Speed- Boykin was one of the team's most reliable performers throughout his Bulldog career, both in coverage and the return game. He projects as a second- or third-round pick now, but fast numbers in the 40-yard dash combined with his game tape could get him taken higher.
Drew Butler, P- Not much- The 2009 Ray Guy Award winner is the top-ranked punter in the class, which means he's probably a late-round pick. He'll go through lifting and drills, but kickers' main auditions are usually during pro days. Butler could wow some scouts with his interview, though. He graduated cum laude with a telecommunications degree from UGA.
Orson Charles, TE- Strength/size - Charles is the most athletic tight end in the draft, but that's not the only thing that matters in the NFL. Tight ends have to hold up their blocks. If Charles can put together some strong bench press numbers and show he's put on some weight to combine with his speed, he may put himself into the first round.
Cordy Glenn, OL- Athleticism/weight- Glenn is roundly viewed as a first-round pick. He's the second-ranked guard in the draft class according to ESPN, and he showed versatility by playing left tackle at UGA as well. At the combine, Glenn has to show in drills that he can move fluidly at 345 pounds. He also can't show up overweight and out of shape. Hard to imagine an athlete doing that, but it happens every year.
Ben Jones, OL- Tangibles- Jones was one of the emotional leaders of the team and gave the O-line consistent play from the center position. If he can separate himself from the other centers in his group, he could raise his stock to perhaps the third round.
DeAngelo Tyson, DL- Durability/athleticism- Tyson has to show he's recovered from the ankle injury that ended his season. He came to Athens as a defensive tackle and left as a 3-4 defensive end. He should signify through his drill performance that he can play both on the next level.
Blair Walsh, PK- Intangibles- Same as Butler, except Walsh had a miserable season by his own standards. He has to be able to look scouts in the eye and say what happened during the season is behind him. Kickers have a good time getting drafted as-is, especially those who miss double-digit field goals in their senior season.
Luckily, these players won't have Randy Jackson or Steven Tyler to deal with. Unfortunately, Bill Belichick will be there.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Handicapping next year's top NFL teams (according to Vegas)
It stinks, doesn't it? The Super Bowl--and football season-- has been over for five days, and fans are in mourning. No more football for seven months.
Though the NFL has transformed itself into a year-round entity through the combine, draft and OTAs, all football fans have right now are memories and hypotheticals. Take, for instance, the fact that next year's Super Bowl odds have already been posted by the MGM Grand's sports book. According to those odds, nine teams (four from the AFC, five from the NFC) have better than a 18-to-1 chance to make it to New Orleans.
Looking at these teams, they all have reasons to be optimistic.
New England Patriots, 5-1: The Patriots were a couple misfires away from winning the Super Bowl, but they were also a couple plays away (Lee Evans, anyone? Billy Cundiff in the house?) from not being in the game at all. New England goes into the offseason with almost the same needs it had going into the end of last year. The Patriots need a wide receiver and a pass rusher, and both will be available through the draft. Their secondary should be better with 2011 pick Ras-I Dowling back in the fold. If they can be more balanced, they have the best chance of winning it all next year.
Green Bay Packers, 11-2: How soon we forget that the Packers were 15-1 this season? They got caught in the buzzsaw that was the New York Giants, but they should have another strong year in 2012. Green Bay's defense was the issue, giving up too many yards and points. They'll have plenty of competition in the NFC North with Detroit and Chicago, but as long as Aaron Rodgers is still behind center, the Packers should be title contenders.
Pittsburgh Steelers, 6-1: This is a tough situation. All the headlines are about the offense (Todd Haley's now the offensive coordinator), but it's the defense that needs work. Ben Roethlisberger is still fairly young, but the leaders of the defense are getting old. Baltimore is in the same boat, but Cincinnati (30-to-1) is a team of youth that could give the Steelers real problems. The defense needs youth, and if Pittsburgh finds it, the Steelers will be as good as any team in the league.
Philadelphia Eagles, 6-1: After a year of playing together, the Eagles could be the class of the NFC with all the talent they have. If they let DeSean Jackson go in free agency, however, it'll be hard to get past the Giants and Cowboys in the NFC East.
New York Giants, 8-1: Hard to believe the Super Bowl champions could be this low. The Giants struggled through injuries and inconsistent play during the season, but they have as much balance as any NFC team. A playmaker at linebacker would make them even better.
New Orleans Saints, 10-1: The Saints run as efficient an offense as there is in the NFL, but their defense, however talented, was just bad this season. A new system may help, but if New Orleans can't force turnovers (which it did in abundance during its Super Bowl run), they won't get far in the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers, 10-1: The anti-Saints, the Niners got to the NFC Championship with defense, running the ball and not turning it over. It's definitely a formula that can continue to work, but San Francisco could use a upgrade at receiver (Alshon Jeffery wouldn't hurt) to make their offense more explosive.
San Diego Chargers, 12-1: Maybe if Philip Rivers turns it around, they'll contend, but what's going to put the Chargers back in the hunt? I'm not sure. San Diego hasn't won a playoff game in three years, and the team has lost more talent than it's added. In my opinion, they should be lower.
Houston Texans, 12-1: The Texans won a playoff game for the first time in their history, but how much better would they have been with Matt Schaub and Mario Williams? Especially in the weak AFC South, Houston has a bright future with a strong defense and the offense, with better options at receiver after Andre Johnson, can give them the best balance in the AFC.
Though the NFL has transformed itself into a year-round entity through the combine, draft and OTAs, all football fans have right now are memories and hypotheticals. Take, for instance, the fact that next year's Super Bowl odds have already been posted by the MGM Grand's sports book. According to those odds, nine teams (four from the AFC, five from the NFC) have better than a 18-to-1 chance to make it to New Orleans.
Looking at these teams, they all have reasons to be optimistic.
New England Patriots, 5-1: The Patriots were a couple misfires away from winning the Super Bowl, but they were also a couple plays away (Lee Evans, anyone? Billy Cundiff in the house?) from not being in the game at all. New England goes into the offseason with almost the same needs it had going into the end of last year. The Patriots need a wide receiver and a pass rusher, and both will be available through the draft. Their secondary should be better with 2011 pick Ras-I Dowling back in the fold. If they can be more balanced, they have the best chance of winning it all next year.
Green Bay Packers, 11-2: How soon we forget that the Packers were 15-1 this season? They got caught in the buzzsaw that was the New York Giants, but they should have another strong year in 2012. Green Bay's defense was the issue, giving up too many yards and points. They'll have plenty of competition in the NFC North with Detroit and Chicago, but as long as Aaron Rodgers is still behind center, the Packers should be title contenders.
Pittsburgh Steelers, 6-1: This is a tough situation. All the headlines are about the offense (Todd Haley's now the offensive coordinator), but it's the defense that needs work. Ben Roethlisberger is still fairly young, but the leaders of the defense are getting old. Baltimore is in the same boat, but Cincinnati (30-to-1) is a team of youth that could give the Steelers real problems. The defense needs youth, and if Pittsburgh finds it, the Steelers will be as good as any team in the league.
Philadelphia Eagles, 6-1: After a year of playing together, the Eagles could be the class of the NFC with all the talent they have. If they let DeSean Jackson go in free agency, however, it'll be hard to get past the Giants and Cowboys in the NFC East.
New York Giants, 8-1: Hard to believe the Super Bowl champions could be this low. The Giants struggled through injuries and inconsistent play during the season, but they have as much balance as any NFC team. A playmaker at linebacker would make them even better.
New Orleans Saints, 10-1: The Saints run as efficient an offense as there is in the NFL, but their defense, however talented, was just bad this season. A new system may help, but if New Orleans can't force turnovers (which it did in abundance during its Super Bowl run), they won't get far in the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers, 10-1: The anti-Saints, the Niners got to the NFC Championship with defense, running the ball and not turning it over. It's definitely a formula that can continue to work, but San Francisco could use a upgrade at receiver (Alshon Jeffery wouldn't hurt) to make their offense more explosive.
San Diego Chargers, 12-1: Maybe if Philip Rivers turns it around, they'll contend, but what's going to put the Chargers back in the hunt? I'm not sure. San Diego hasn't won a playoff game in three years, and the team has lost more talent than it's added. In my opinion, they should be lower.
Houston Texans, 12-1: The Texans won a playoff game for the first time in their history, but how much better would they have been with Matt Schaub and Mario Williams? Especially in the weak AFC South, Houston has a bright future with a strong defense and the offense, with better options at receiver after Andre Johnson, can give them the best balance in the AFC.
Other interesting bets: Detroit Lions (18-1), Baltimore Ravens (20-1), Cincinnati Bengals (30-1), Denver Broncos (50-1)
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The All-Star reserves: some Celtics and who else?
It seems like just yesterday that the Celtics tipped off their season in Madison Square Garden. Actually, yesterday isn't that far off. The NBA has been back less than two months, and All-Star voting is already over. The NBA All-Star Game is happening, whether it makes sense or not.
The Eastern Conference's starters--picked by the fans--are Chicago's Derrick Rose, Miami's Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, Orlando's (for the time being) Dwight Howard and New York's Carmelo Anthony. The seven reserves, selected by coaches, will be announced Thursday, and some Celtics should be included. Here are my picks for the Eastern Conference reserves:
Guards:
Rajon Rondo, BOS- Yes, Rondo missed eight of the team's 24 games, but he's been a force when healthy. Rondo leads the conference in assists per 40 minutes (10.6), and his free throw attempts (4.9 per game) are the highest of his career.
Joe Johnson, ATL- The Hawks looked dead in the water when Al Horford tore his pectoral muscle Jan. 11, but Johnson's 21.5 points per game since the injury helped Atlanta go 9-2 in that span. The Hawks are 11-1 when Johnson scores at least 20 points, and he's fifth in the conference among guards from beyond the arc (38.3 percent).
Forwards:
Paul Pierce, BOS- When it comes to small forwards in the NBA, Pierce is in the class of James and Anthony. He is third among small forwards in the East in points per 40 minutes (22.2) and free throw attempts (7.3). Pierce is also dishing the ball as good as anyone at his position. His 6.6 assists per 40 minutes is second in the league behind James.
Chris Bosh, MIA- Bosh has been the constant for the Heat this season when both Wade and James missed time. During Wade's nine-game absence, Bosh helped lead the team to an 8-1 record. He has scored 20 points or more 11 times, including four games of at least 30. His 21.6 points per 40 minutes are tops among Eastern Conference power forwards.
Center
Roy Hibbert, IND- He has career highs in points (13.8), rebounds (9.8) and blocks (1.9) per game, and his shooting percentage from 3-9 feet (53.5 percent) is the best among East centers. Hibbert's been a big reason the Pacers are fourth in the conference standings.
Wild Cards
Kyrie Irving, CLE- This year's top draft pick has been the best player (18 ppg, 5.1 apg) on a Cleveland squad that's a half game out of a playoff spot. Irving's efficiency rating is second to Rose in terms of East point guards. Per 40 minutes, Irving's true shooting percentage (57.7) is behind only Mario Chalmers and Steve Nash for tops among all NBA point guards.
Andre Iguodala, PHI- The 76ers have been one of the big surprises in the league this year, and they're only two games out of first place in the East. If anyone on the team deserves an All-Star spot, it's Iguodala. His offensive numbers (13.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 5.0 apg) are pedestrian, but they're balanced. He makes his mark on the defensive end. His 2.68 defensive plays per game (blocks, steals and charges) are second to James among East small forwards, and his 1.76 steals per game are the most among East swingmen.
If we'd had a normal half-season to evaluate, this list may have been completely different, but this is the season we have. On Thursday, the All-Star teams will be rounded out with players, whether they deserve it or not.
The Eastern Conference's starters--picked by the fans--are Chicago's Derrick Rose, Miami's Dwyane Wade and LeBron James, Orlando's (for the time being) Dwight Howard and New York's Carmelo Anthony. The seven reserves, selected by coaches, will be announced Thursday, and some Celtics should be included. Here are my picks for the Eastern Conference reserves:
Guards:
Rajon Rondo, BOS- Yes, Rondo missed eight of the team's 24 games, but he's been a force when healthy. Rondo leads the conference in assists per 40 minutes (10.6), and his free throw attempts (4.9 per game) are the highest of his career.
Joe Johnson, ATL- The Hawks looked dead in the water when Al Horford tore his pectoral muscle Jan. 11, but Johnson's 21.5 points per game since the injury helped Atlanta go 9-2 in that span. The Hawks are 11-1 when Johnson scores at least 20 points, and he's fifth in the conference among guards from beyond the arc (38.3 percent).
Forwards:
Paul Pierce, BOS- When it comes to small forwards in the NBA, Pierce is in the class of James and Anthony. He is third among small forwards in the East in points per 40 minutes (22.2) and free throw attempts (7.3). Pierce is also dishing the ball as good as anyone at his position. His 6.6 assists per 40 minutes is second in the league behind James.
Chris Bosh, MIA- Bosh has been the constant for the Heat this season when both Wade and James missed time. During Wade's nine-game absence, Bosh helped lead the team to an 8-1 record. He has scored 20 points or more 11 times, including four games of at least 30. His 21.6 points per 40 minutes are tops among Eastern Conference power forwards.
Center
Roy Hibbert, IND- He has career highs in points (13.8), rebounds (9.8) and blocks (1.9) per game, and his shooting percentage from 3-9 feet (53.5 percent) is the best among East centers. Hibbert's been a big reason the Pacers are fourth in the conference standings.
Wild Cards
Kyrie Irving, CLE- This year's top draft pick has been the best player (18 ppg, 5.1 apg) on a Cleveland squad that's a half game out of a playoff spot. Irving's efficiency rating is second to Rose in terms of East point guards. Per 40 minutes, Irving's true shooting percentage (57.7) is behind only Mario Chalmers and Steve Nash for tops among all NBA point guards.
Andre Iguodala, PHI- The 76ers have been one of the big surprises in the league this year, and they're only two games out of first place in the East. If anyone on the team deserves an All-Star spot, it's Iguodala. His offensive numbers (13.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 5.0 apg) are pedestrian, but they're balanced. He makes his mark on the defensive end. His 2.68 defensive plays per game (blocks, steals and charges) are second to James among East small forwards, and his 1.76 steals per game are the most among East swingmen.
If we'd had a normal half-season to evaluate, this list may have been completely different, but this is the season we have. On Thursday, the All-Star teams will be rounded out with players, whether they deserve it or not.
Friday, February 3, 2012
A look at Georgia's recruiting class
Anyone who tells you recruiting doesn't matter in college football doesn't know what they're talking about. Anyone who tells you National Signing Day doesn't matter is about half right. Getting a player to sign on the dotted line is half the battle; what they do once they're enrolled is the more important part.
The University of Georgia had another big haul this winter, bringing in the fifth-best class in the nation, according to ESPN.com. Coming off a 10-4 season in which the Bulldogs were one half away from playing in a BCS bowl, it was important that they replenish a team that will lose key players such as tight end Orson Charles, cornerback Brandon Boykin and offensive linemen Cordy Glenn, Ben Jones and Justin Anderson.
Here are some observations about UGA coming out of the recruiting season:
- Two words: Keith Marshall. The No. 2 running back in the 2012 class is already enrolled in Athens and will practice this spring for the Bulldogs. Not only does Marshall provide game-breaking speed, he graduated high school with a 4.2 GPA and should provide sophomore Isaiah Crowell some strong competition for playing time next season. While Crowell is extremely talented (850 yards, five touchdowns), he spent a lot of 2011 nursing injuries and was suspended a game for reported marijuana use.
As football goes these days, you can never have too many running backs. Crowell, Ken Malcome and Richard Samuel combined with Marshall and Todd Gurley joining up this season should give Georgia plenty of weapons out of the backfield.
- JHC joins Grantham's defense. It's always a good thing when you can add the top-rated outside linebacker in the country. Josh Harvey-Clemons of Valdosta is another cog in defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's 3-4 defense, which was one of the best in college football last season. Nine starters are returning. At outside linebacker, All-American Jarvis Jones and senior Cornelius Washington will start and sophomore Ray Drew will command playing time. Harvey-Clemons may end up redshirting because of the depth of the position, but that's a good problem for Grantham to have.
- Building in the trenches. Especially in the SEC, line play is important, and Georgia makes a point each year of getting as many talented lineman as possible. Nine of the 19 new Bulldogs play in the trenches, led by OT John Theus, DT Jonathan Taylor, DE Jordan Jenkins and DT John Atkins. Georgia brought in several offensive linemen last year, and building depth on the defensive side of the ball will be key going into the next couple of seasons.
- Special teams, special teams. Bulldog fans saw how important special teams were last season. Kicker Blair Walsh and punter Drew Butler were supposed to lead one of the best units in the country, but Walsh was inexplicably inconsistent in 2011. With Walsh graduated, Georgia brought in two kickers, Marshall Morgan and Collin Barber, the fifth- and ninth-rated kickers in the 2012 class. For the most part, UGA has had a great track record with kickers in the Mark Richt era, and the Bulldog faithful are hoping one of the incoming freshmen can keep it going.
The University of Georgia had another big haul this winter, bringing in the fifth-best class in the nation, according to ESPN.com. Coming off a 10-4 season in which the Bulldogs were one half away from playing in a BCS bowl, it was important that they replenish a team that will lose key players such as tight end Orson Charles, cornerback Brandon Boykin and offensive linemen Cordy Glenn, Ben Jones and Justin Anderson.
Here are some observations about UGA coming out of the recruiting season:
- Two words: Keith Marshall. The No. 2 running back in the 2012 class is already enrolled in Athens and will practice this spring for the Bulldogs. Not only does Marshall provide game-breaking speed, he graduated high school with a 4.2 GPA and should provide sophomore Isaiah Crowell some strong competition for playing time next season. While Crowell is extremely talented (850 yards, five touchdowns), he spent a lot of 2011 nursing injuries and was suspended a game for reported marijuana use.
As football goes these days, you can never have too many running backs. Crowell, Ken Malcome and Richard Samuel combined with Marshall and Todd Gurley joining up this season should give Georgia plenty of weapons out of the backfield.
- JHC joins Grantham's defense. It's always a good thing when you can add the top-rated outside linebacker in the country. Josh Harvey-Clemons of Valdosta is another cog in defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's 3-4 defense, which was one of the best in college football last season. Nine starters are returning. At outside linebacker, All-American Jarvis Jones and senior Cornelius Washington will start and sophomore Ray Drew will command playing time. Harvey-Clemons may end up redshirting because of the depth of the position, but that's a good problem for Grantham to have.
- Building in the trenches. Especially in the SEC, line play is important, and Georgia makes a point each year of getting as many talented lineman as possible. Nine of the 19 new Bulldogs play in the trenches, led by OT John Theus, DT Jonathan Taylor, DE Jordan Jenkins and DT John Atkins. Georgia brought in several offensive linemen last year, and building depth on the defensive side of the ball will be key going into the next couple of seasons.
- Special teams, special teams. Bulldog fans saw how important special teams were last season. Kicker Blair Walsh and punter Drew Butler were supposed to lead one of the best units in the country, but Walsh was inexplicably inconsistent in 2011. With Walsh graduated, Georgia brought in two kickers, Marshall Morgan and Collin Barber, the fifth- and ninth-rated kickers in the 2012 class. For the most part, UGA has had a great track record with kickers in the Mark Richt era, and the Bulldog faithful are hoping one of the incoming freshmen can keep it going.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Celtics progress report: C's need consistency
Before this lockout-shortened season began, the Celtics were expected to be one of the top four teams in the Eastern Conference. After 20 of 66 games, Boston is 10-10 and would be the No. 7 seed if the playoffs started today. That's not what anyone was expecting. A 10-10 record is barely cutting it in the East and wouldn't cut it in the West (the eighth-place team in the East, Houston, has a 12-9 record).
Let's take a look at the good, the bad and whether Boston's prospects will improve:
The Good
- Bass off the bench - The Celtics brought in Brandon Bass to give them a spark off the bench, and he may be giving them even more than they imagined. In just over 29 minutes per game (the most of his career), he's getting 14.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Bass is producing inside and outside. According to Hoopdata, Bass is the third-ranked power forward in the league when it comes to field goal percentage at the rim (49 percent) and second behind the Spurs' Matt Bonner when shooting from 16 to 23 feet from the basket.
Not to mention the Celtics are only paying about $4 million for him this season.
- A better look at Avery Bradley - The Rondo injury has forced the Celtics to play both Bradley and E'Twaun Moore. Bradley has already played more than twice the minutes than he played all of last season. Though his offense needs a lot of work (3.8 ppg, 38 percent from the field), he can score at the rim (64 percent) and he's fit in with Boston defensively. Bradley's defense against Jameer Nelson set the tone in last Monday's drubbing of Orlando.
The Bad
- Oh, the injuries - Any evaluation of the Celtics thus far has to take injuries into account. Only Kevin Garnett and Bass have played in all 20 games this season, and Rajon Rondo has missed the last seven games with a wrist injury. Whatever fans thought of Jeff Green last season, not having him at all this season has hurt Boston. Neither Chris Wilcox nor Keyon Dooling have been nearly as available as the Celtics hoped going into the season. Not good for a team that had depth as a major issue going into the season.
- Inconsistent play - Throughout this season, the Celtics haven't played with the kind of veteran focus fans are accustomed to seeing out of them. Nowhere was that more apparent as it was in the recent home-and-home with Cleveland. Boston gave up an 11-point lead in the final four minutes against the Cavaliers on Sunday and nearly let a 22-point advantage slip away Tuesday night in Cleveland. The Celtics are also 3-6 against teams with winning records so far this season.
What's next?
The Celtics are 4.5 games behind the surprising 76ers for first place in the Atlantic Division, and they may be able to gain some ground in their next few games. They could win at least four of their next six games (Toronto, New York, Memphis, Charlotte, LA Lakers and at Toronto), especially if Rondo returns to the lineup as coach Doc Rivers hinted at on Tuesday.
There are a lot of games left in the season, and the Celtics have veteran players who know how to win. A worthwhile goal at this team is to get back into the Eastern Conference's top four and earn a home playoff series. Boston will have to play with more consistency if it's going to live up to expectations.
Let's take a look at the good, the bad and whether Boston's prospects will improve:
The Good
- Bass off the bench - The Celtics brought in Brandon Bass to give them a spark off the bench, and he may be giving them even more than they imagined. In just over 29 minutes per game (the most of his career), he's getting 14.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Bass is producing inside and outside. According to Hoopdata, Bass is the third-ranked power forward in the league when it comes to field goal percentage at the rim (49 percent) and second behind the Spurs' Matt Bonner when shooting from 16 to 23 feet from the basket.
Not to mention the Celtics are only paying about $4 million for him this season.
- A better look at Avery Bradley - The Rondo injury has forced the Celtics to play both Bradley and E'Twaun Moore. Bradley has already played more than twice the minutes than he played all of last season. Though his offense needs a lot of work (3.8 ppg, 38 percent from the field), he can score at the rim (64 percent) and he's fit in with Boston defensively. Bradley's defense against Jameer Nelson set the tone in last Monday's drubbing of Orlando.
The Bad
- Oh, the injuries - Any evaluation of the Celtics thus far has to take injuries into account. Only Kevin Garnett and Bass have played in all 20 games this season, and Rajon Rondo has missed the last seven games with a wrist injury. Whatever fans thought of Jeff Green last season, not having him at all this season has hurt Boston. Neither Chris Wilcox nor Keyon Dooling have been nearly as available as the Celtics hoped going into the season. Not good for a team that had depth as a major issue going into the season.
- Inconsistent play - Throughout this season, the Celtics haven't played with the kind of veteran focus fans are accustomed to seeing out of them. Nowhere was that more apparent as it was in the recent home-and-home with Cleveland. Boston gave up an 11-point lead in the final four minutes against the Cavaliers on Sunday and nearly let a 22-point advantage slip away Tuesday night in Cleveland. The Celtics are also 3-6 against teams with winning records so far this season.
What's next?
The Celtics are 4.5 games behind the surprising 76ers for first place in the Atlantic Division, and they may be able to gain some ground in their next few games. They could win at least four of their next six games (Toronto, New York, Memphis, Charlotte, LA Lakers and at Toronto), especially if Rondo returns to the lineup as coach Doc Rivers hinted at on Tuesday.
There are a lot of games left in the season, and the Celtics have veteran players who know how to win. A worthwhile goal at this team is to get back into the Eastern Conference's top four and earn a home playoff series. Boston will have to play with more consistency if it's going to live up to expectations.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Colts in a state of flux
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| The relationship between Colts owner Jim Irsay, left, and quarterback Peyton Manning appears fractured. (Photo- AP/Michael Conroy) |
The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts (and the Philadelphia Eagles to some extent) have been the model teams in the league, thanks to great quarterbacks (Tom Brady and Peyton Manning), great coaches (Bill Belichick and Tony Dungy) and shrewd owners (Robert Kraft and Jim Irsay). While the Patriots are on the way to their fifth Super Bowl of the Brady-Belichick era, the Colts are on their way to rebuilding, and it's not going smoothly.
Indianapolis's 2-14 season showed just how much Manning means to the team, but it also revealed how much he held things together. The team is littered with Pro Bowl-caliber players such as wide receiver Reggie Wayne, defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis and safety Antoine Bethea, but without No. 18, the Colts couldn't score in 2011 and were hardly competitive.
Irsay, in response, has made sweeping changes. He fired vice chairman Bill Polian, general manager Chris Polian and head coach Jim Caldwell. Ryan Grigson, the former director of player personnel for the Eagles, has been installed as the new GM, and former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano was hired as the new head coach. The big piece in all this, unsurprisingly, is Manning. In about six weeks, he's due a $28 million bonus (essentially taking away his tradeability) or the Colts can cut him. The 35-year-old quarterback is still rehabbing a neck injury, and the team is poised to take Stanford QB Andrew Luck with the first pick in April's draft.
There's a strong possibility Manning's time as a Colt could be over, but nobody's saying exactly that. In an interview with Bob Kravitz of The Indianapolis Star earlier this week, Manning commented on how things around the team felt different:
"I mean, it's 20 degrees, it's snowing, the building is absolutely empty except when you see coaches cleaning out their offices," he said. "I guess it's the reality of the football world, just not something I've had to deal with very often. But I'm in there every day, so I have to sit there and see it. Everybody's being evaluated and I'm no different. It's not the best environment.
"I just want to pay tribute to all those guys. It's unfortunate because so many of them have been such a big part of so many big wins here, and this is so ... sudden. Their keys didn't work the next day. There's no other way to do it? I don’t know. That's hard to see, all these people leaving.
"And I may be behind them. Who knows?"
After the Colts introduced Pagano on Thursday, Irsay had some harsh words for Manning's comments, wishing that the quarterback had kept his comments in-house:
"I have so much affection and appreciation for Peyton. I mean we're family. We always will be and we are," Irsay said. "He's a politician. I mean look at, when it comes to being competitive, let's just say on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, we're both 11s, OK? So there's been plenty of eggshells scattered around this building by him with his competitive desire to win."
Within hours, both men put out conciliatory statements, saying the decision of whether Manning will stay in Indianapolis will be handled civilly. The consensus of writers and analysts points to Manning being gone. The Colts have major cap issues and decisions to make in regards to re-signing players like Wayne and Mathis. Having Manning's bonus and salary off the books would go a long way in stabilizing Indy's bottom line. The matter of whether Manning will retire or play for another team next season is dependent on his health. Nobody wants a quarterback with a bad neck standing in the pocket against today's defenses, but a healthy Manning could really boost a contending team.
Whatever happens, it appears the Patriots are now in a class by themselves in terms of model teams in the league, one finger on the hand (you can probably guess what finger it is). What a difference a year can make.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Davis-for-Bass trade paying dividends for Boston
So far this season, Bass has been the better addition, putting up 11.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Davis has averaged 8.1 points and 5.5 rebounds. In Monday's win over Orlando in Boston, Bass (19 points, eight rebounds) also had the upper hand against Davis (six points, 11 boards).
Both players were traded after their best statistical seasons with their previous teams. Davis averaged 11.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game for the Celtics, and Bass averaged 11.2 points and 5.6 rebounds as part of the Magic. Those are surprisingly similar stat lines considering how much the two have in common. The two players are both 26-year-old Baton Rouge, La. natives who played their college ball at LSU and came into the league as second-round picks (Bass in 2005, Davis in 2007).
There are two things that set Davis apart from Bass, however, and both of them could be construed negatively. First, Davis's maturity has been an issue throughout his time in the NBA. Though his funny antics made him a fan favorite, the player known as "Big Baby" had many run-ins with head coach Doc Rivers over his four seasons with the team about his behavior and effort. In 2009, Davis broke his thumb in an offseason fight with a childhood friend and missed almost two months of the season. This season, Davis has already had his mentality questioned by his new coach, Stan Van Gundy.
Second, the bottom line will always matter. Big Baby is in the first year of a four-year, $25.7 million contract. Bass, on the other hand, is in the first year of a two-year contract worth $8.5 million that has a player option for the second year. Basically, if Bass likes it in Boston, he can stay another year at a cheaper price than Davis would have commanded, then the Celtics can get him off the books.
The Celtics are getting better production off the bench from Bass and at a lower price. They're also creating cap space for the future, a commodity for any team. Sure, the Magic have played much better so far this season, but if Monday's game was any indication, the Celtics may be turning their season around, and Bass could be a big part of the revival. This trade was and is an eyebrow raiser, but it may turn out to be one that makes Celtics fans nod their heads in agreement.
(Bass photo credit: AP/Elise Amendola)
Friday, January 20, 2012
AFC Championship Game Preview: Three Keys to a Patriots Win
Championship Sunday is upon us once again, and the New England Patriots have a chance to win that elusive fourth Super Bowl. Standing in the way of a trip to Indianapolis are the always-formidable Baltimore Ravens, led by two future Hall of Famers: linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed, who called out quarterback Joe Flacco earlier this week.
Pats fans should remember -- probably not fondly -- the last time Baltimore came to Foxborough in the postseason. The Ravens trounced New England 33-14 in a 2009 Wild Card matchup that saw Baltimore outscore Tom Brady and company 24-0 in the first quarter. Sunday's game is important for two reasons, the obvious one being that a trip to Super Bowl XLVI is on the line. The less obvious reason is the Patriots have still not beaten a team that finished with a winning record this season.
Here are three keys to New England punching its ticket to Indy:
1. Score 30 points or more.
The Patriots have the best offense of the final four teams. New England has scored 30 or more points in 13 of its 17 games this season. By contrast, Baltimore has accomplished that feat five times in 2011 and only once since Week Eight of the regular season. The Ravens' defense hasn't allowed more than 16 points in a game since Week 11, but if Brady can get the offense off to a fast start on Sunday, that could change.
New England makes its living working the middle of the field, with Brady getting to the ball to Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in space. The up-the-middle combo of Haloti Ngata, Lewis and Reed will have their hands full.
2. Don't give up big plays on defense.
Baltimore's offense is slow and methodical most of the time, but it can explode if the Patriots aren't careful. Flacco can throw the deep ball as well as any quarterback in the league, and he has a guy who can go get that ball in rookie speedster Torrey Smith.
Rice can make plays on the edges and between the tackles, and the Ravens' two tight ends (Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta) are athletic enough to get open down the field. New England's defenders have to stand firm and keep everything in front of them or it could be a long afternoon.
3. Make Flacco win the game.
The Ravens' quarterback has won throughout his short career, but he hasn't been spectacular. In the 2009 playoff win against the Patriots, Flacco wasn't a factor at all, completing just four of 10 passes for 34 yards with an interception. He threw for 176 yards and two touchdowns against Houston last week, but it wasn't enough to keep Reed from saying that Flacco was "rattled" by the Texans.
Baltimore's offense runs through Ray Rice. According to ESPN.com, Rice rushed for 1,209 of his 1,364 yards this season in the Ravens' wins. Rice had 159 yards rushing in the 2009 win in Foxborough, including an 83-yard score to start the game. The Patriots have to shut down Rice and make Joe Flacco win the game in the air against an improved New England pass defense.
Pats fans should remember -- probably not fondly -- the last time Baltimore came to Foxborough in the postseason. The Ravens trounced New England 33-14 in a 2009 Wild Card matchup that saw Baltimore outscore Tom Brady and company 24-0 in the first quarter. Sunday's game is important for two reasons, the obvious one being that a trip to Super Bowl XLVI is on the line. The less obvious reason is the Patriots have still not beaten a team that finished with a winning record this season.
Here are three keys to New England punching its ticket to Indy:
1. Score 30 points or more.
The Patriots have the best offense of the final four teams. New England has scored 30 or more points in 13 of its 17 games this season. By contrast, Baltimore has accomplished that feat five times in 2011 and only once since Week Eight of the regular season. The Ravens' defense hasn't allowed more than 16 points in a game since Week 11, but if Brady can get the offense off to a fast start on Sunday, that could change.
New England makes its living working the middle of the field, with Brady getting to the ball to Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in space. The up-the-middle combo of Haloti Ngata, Lewis and Reed will have their hands full.
2. Don't give up big plays on defense.
Baltimore's offense is slow and methodical most of the time, but it can explode if the Patriots aren't careful. Flacco can throw the deep ball as well as any quarterback in the league, and he has a guy who can go get that ball in rookie speedster Torrey Smith.
Rice can make plays on the edges and between the tackles, and the Ravens' two tight ends (Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta) are athletic enough to get open down the field. New England's defenders have to stand firm and keep everything in front of them or it could be a long afternoon.
3. Make Flacco win the game.
The Ravens' quarterback has won throughout his short career, but he hasn't been spectacular. In the 2009 playoff win against the Patriots, Flacco wasn't a factor at all, completing just four of 10 passes for 34 yards with an interception. He threw for 176 yards and two touchdowns against Houston last week, but it wasn't enough to keep Reed from saying that Flacco was "rattled" by the Texans.
Baltimore's offense runs through Ray Rice. According to ESPN.com, Rice rushed for 1,209 of his 1,364 yards this season in the Ravens' wins. Rice had 159 yards rushing in the 2009 win in Foxborough, including an 83-yard score to start the game. The Patriots have to shut down Rice and make Joe Flacco win the game in the air against an improved New England pass defense.
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