2011年1月22日星期六

22 Jan 11 SEC Drama: Random Thoughts on The Season, Part I

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesAs opposed to putting out a full-body analysis of one game, I thought I'd throw out some readily-digestible chunks to spur some debate. I welcome any and all opinion and feedback on this format: What are the chances that certain teams are still "holding back" in terms of formations, sets, etc.? In the case of Alabama, there must certainly be a play in the books with Richardson and Ingram running some sort of ridiculous power sweep. What are the chances of Auburn or Arkansas having something similar, in terms of secret weapons? How Dallas Cowboys jersey
happy must the Commodores be right now? Yes, Ole Miss is about as well-built as a soup sandwich, but I've gotta think that the Vandy crew celebrated this win in a big way. Masoli must be ready to yank his face off out of frustration. I am certain a few people are calling Karma on this one... Auburn has talent, no question about it. But I saw a couple of things in the Clemson game that has me thinking that 11-12 wins (as some predict) is more than a stretch. If Auburn starts to have to win games by passing the ball, they are going to be in serious trouble. Watching Newton throw to DA in double coverage while the other cat was wide open shows me that he has a significant amount of growing to do. Florida seemed to get it together long enough to beat Tennessee. I was thinking an upset could happen, but since I didn't see the whole game, I can't provide detailed analysis of that match. I will say this, though: this is the kind of fire that great teams are forged in. When Alabama was going .500 in coach Saban's first year, that group was learning some valuable lessons on what it takes to win ballgames. I can't help but think that Dooley could have a real beast in Knoxville in the next two to three years. True Story: I picked the Gamecocks to win the East when they signed Lattimore in the offseason. USC has been one-dimensional for years now, and he takes care of exactly what they have been lacking. In my view, Garcia's mental issues have stemmed from a belief that he had to shoulder all of the offensive burden, on top of wondering if he was going to be yanked Denver Broncos jersey
at any second. That does not a happy QB situation make. Now that he has a stud RB, he has breathing room and some peace of mind in terms of offensive options. Teams can no longer sell out to stop the passing attack. The defense gets to rest a bit more since the g-cocks can actually sustain some long drives. Call me uninformed, but I had no idea Ryan Mallett was 0-fer-eternity in SEC road wins. My beloved Crimson Tide had better be ready for Petrino's team! Sidebar: Dre Kirkpatrick is going to be a lockdown, skull-cracking player before it's all over.Thanks for reading!

2011年1月18日星期二

18 Jan 11 Hogs Host The Crimson Tide: Arkansas Has No Chance Against Alabama?

Brian A. Westerholt/Getty ImagesThis Saturday will mark the biggest game in the state of Arkansas since the last top 10 match-up in 1979, when No. 6 Houston came to Fayetteville to face the No. 3 Arkansas Razorbacks.A lot has changed in 31 years.The Hogs are now ranked 10th in the nation, the Houston Cougars Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
season is in what appears to be a downward spiral, after losing both their starting and second string QBs.Last but not least, the University of Alabama Crimson Tide is No. 1 in the country.One thing is for sure, this will be a huge game.University of Arkansas students began camping outside DW Reynolds Razorback Stadium late Monday night/early Tuesday morning for a game that has been sold out for two weeks.Shortly thereafter, Arkansas students pleaded via Facebook and Twitter, for a "Red Out."However, I do not believe that this will be necessary. The Crimson Tide come to Fayetteville boasting the No. 1 ranking in the nation, so I believe that they would like to keep that intact.The Hogs go into Saturday remembering how they felt after the game a year ago in Tuscaloosa, the trip back, and having to sit and watch the game on film.That game has been on the Razorback players minds throughout last season, leading into this season.Arkansas doesn't need a gimmicky "Red Out" to remind them how big this game is; they don't need a thing with Ryan Mallett in the locker room.If you ask Arkansas' field general about Alabama, he changes his tone.His boyish smile goes away.His chipper happy go lucky attitude fades and a serious, strictly business demeanor comes over him.He remembers completing only 12 of his 35 pass attempts last year, he remembers the pass rush, he remembers looking up at the scoreboard after the game at the 35-7 final.If you would have asked him at the beginning of the season how many wins he predicted his Hogs to win this year, his answer was quick and simple: 14.If you ask him right now, his answer: 14.Ryan Mallett not only wants to change the way the fan base feels about the Arkansas Razorbackshe wants to change the way the nation perceives the Hogs.He brings a winning attitude to Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
a team that has had its share of disappointments and letdowns.He was a Razorback fan in 1998 when an undefeated Arkansas squad took on undefeated Tennessee and lost after Clint Stoerner fumbled in the waning moments, allowing the Volunteers to make a game winning drive.He brings the passion of a life long fan to this Arkansas Razorbacks team.But it's not just him: This entire team has shown that, although they may be down, such as last week's game against SEC foe Georgia, they are certainly not out.The improvement that this Arkansas team has made is quite evident to people around the state.A year ago, Arkansas loses that game. There is no dramatic comeback. Only a defensive fold and another painful loss.All the critics said in the preseason, "Arkansas won't be improved enough on defense."The Hogs D begs to differ.During the Ark-UGA game, the defense forced three and outs, bad passes, and came away with 6 sacks.They currently sit in the top 10 in most every category nationally. But they are looking to build on that and keep on improving.The past few days, this Arkansas Razorback team has sat back and listened to the entire country tell them that they don't stand a chance.Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThat this game will be "deja vu."I sincerely hope that the Crimson Tide football team shares the same view of most the their fans.I hope that they waltz into DW Reynolds Razorback Stadium thinking: "We got this one in the bag."But we all know that won't be the case.Nick Saban is a phenomenal coach, who will have his team ready to play come Saturday.But don't think for a second that the Arkansas Razorbacks don't stand a fighting chance.After all, this Crimson Tide defense has yet to face an offense like this.Through the first three games this season for Alabama, it has been there. Noticed by opposing coaches, who were unable to exploit it due to lack of player experience and talent.Alabama's young secondary has shown the Arkansas coaching staff all they need to see to at least make this a competitive game. When Alabama played Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
then No. 18 Penn State, true freshman Rob Bolden saw creases in the coverage but didn't have the accuracy or arm strength to make Bama pay for their defensive flaws.That is a different story with Ryan Mallett on deck.Sure, you might sit back and say that the Arkansas Razorbacks don't stand a chance.But I'm sure that Jacksonville State and James Madison were told something similar. Ask Houston Nutt and Frank Beamer how that worked out.

2011年1月15日星期六

15 Jan 11 "St. Louis Rams set to rival, relive Greatest Show on Turf"

The Greatest Show on Turf era's St. Louis Rams boasted a cast of characters whose collection of offensive talent was unlike anything the NFL has ever enjoyed. Unfortunately, age, defections and coaching controversy eventually eroded the greatness of that team. But, for a too brief three-year period, it was sublime fPittsburgh Steelers jersey
or NFL fans.The Rams of today have made some compelling offensive acquisitions thus far this offseason. Already among the top offenses in the league, St. Louis has acquired the services of proven veterans Drew Bennett and Randy McMichael. Adding these weapons to the already impressive offensive toy box means the Rams could now potentially possess an offense that, in terms of talent, rivals the Greatest Show on Turf era (1999-2001). Let's compare the Rams' offense of that glorious era gone by to the 2007 incarnation to see if today's team can truly stack up:Quarterback: Kurt Warner vs. Marc BulgerNow get this straight, Rams fans: For the basis of our comparison we are using the Warner of yesteryear with the uncanny accuracy. Remember him? We're using the QB who would stand resolute in the pocket, take a Jevon Kearse clothesline to the larynx just to get the ball off, magical late '90s Warner. We are not using the backward-bent-thumbs, my-spiky-shorn-wife-wears-the-jockstrap-in-the-family, God-got-me-benched quarterback who is a shell of his former self as a backup with the Arizona Cardinals.Bulger seems to finally be receiving the accolades he so richly deserves and is one of the elite QBs in the game. However, Warner was a touchdown-throwing machine, and Bulger, despite his impressive play, can't stack up to the otherworldly numbers amassed by Warner during that three-year span (12,612 yards, 67.2 average completion percentage, 98 TDs). Advantage: Greatest Show.Number one receiver: Isaac Bruce vs. Torry HoltIf nothing else, Rams fans, you can't complain about the quality of starting wideouts over the last 20 years. From Henry Ellard and Flipper Anderson to Holt and Bruce, the Rams have enjoyed some of the best receivers the game has ever known. It's a difficult proposition at best choosing one Hall of Famer over another in this case, and during the era in question it can be argued that Holt assumed the title of "number one" at some point. Therefore, in light of these facts and as the Bruce of that era and the Holt of today are/were nothing short of incredible, we'll take the coward's way out. Advantage: Wash.Second receiver: Torry Holt vs. Isaac Bruce Holt began his career relatively slow by his standards (788 yards and 6 touchdowns in his rookie season), then proceeded to go on a tear unlike anything the NFL had ever seen, posting 1,300-plus yards for six straight seasons until injuries last year limited him to a "mere" 1,188 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, for the basis of San Diego Chargers jersey
this comparison, we are looking at Holt as the number two during the Greatest Show era and Bruce as the number two of today. Make no mistake: Bruce could be a number one on countless NFL squads even today. He is still among the better route runners in the league and added yet another 1,000-yard season to his collection last year. However, Holt was putting up best-receiver-in-the-league-type numbers when he was a number two, and while still potent, the Bruce of today can't compare. Advantage: Greatest Show.Running Back: Marshall Faulk vs. Steven Jackson Jackson is a rare combination of strength and speed. Like a bull sporting "Predator" dreadlocks, he is equally adept at running around or over an opponent. Faulk was a smaller package, not as strong but quicker with uncanny intelligence and agility. Faulk averaged well over 5 yards per carry in the Greatest Show days and was constantly finding the endzone.Jackson has proven himself to be more than a capable receiver, but Faulk could have just as easily been a wideout in the league. Jackson may get there yet, but Faulk was deservedly the league's MVP. In short, Jackson is spectacular, but Faulk was unreal. Advantage: Greatest Show.Third receiver: Az-Zahir Hakim vs. Drew BennettHakim was exciting in his time with the Rams and made his share of big plays. Bennett is a much larger target but nowhere near as fast as the nimble Hakim. Bennett proved he could be a number one receiver in his time in Tennessee and should be a nightmare to cover when matched against an opponent's third cornerback or linebacker. The difference maker is that Bennett has one turnover in his entire career and Hakim never met a ball he didn't fumble. Advantage: 2007 Rams.Tight end: Ernie Conwell/Roland Williams vs. Randy McMichaelConwell was a willing blocker and Williams was a capable receiver, but neither had a truly significant impact in the Greatest Show years. While only an average blocker, McMichael is an adept receiver who is already proven due to his production in Miami. He could further flourish with the Pro Bowl-caliber Bulger throwing to him. McMichael is the real deal and has the quality role players from the Greatest Show beat. Advantage: 2007 Rams.Offensive Line: Let's see, there's the young, hungry, best tackle in the league inSan Francisco 49ers jersey
Orlando Pace against the still-talented, oft-injured, money-hungry Pace of today. Back then, it was a young veteran line consisting of players like Tom Nutten and Pro Bowler Adam Timmerman against the wet-nosed pups of today. And don't forget the right tackle brothers from different false-starting mothers in Alex Barron and Fred Miller. While today's line shows promise and was instrumental in assisting Steven Jackson to his 1,500-yard breakout season, Bulger still ends up on the turf in a crumpled heap with alarming consistency. The Super Bowl era Rams line was a model of teamwork and usually kept Warner upright despite not getting a lot of help because of their coach's penchant for running four-wide sets and using Faulk so often as a receiver. Advantage: Greatest Show.Fourth receiver: Ricky Proehl vs. ? If not for Proehl's famous acrobatic touchdown grab in the 1999 season's NFC Championship against Tampa Bay, we may never have heard of the Greatest Show at all. It is uncertain whether Dane Looker will assume the number four role or if the Rams will fulfill that need in the draft. Proehl's tangible, quality contributions versus a player to be named later is a no-brainer. Advantage: Greatest Show.Head Coach: Mike Martz vs. Scott Linehan The brazen, near-omnipotent machinations of Mike Martz' "Max Q" offense, or the toned down, methodical approach employed by Scott Linehan? While most fans are happy that Martz was tossed out of Rams Nation on his ear, one thing is certain concerning his time with the club: The former coach's offense is directly responsible for two Super Bowl appearances and one world championship. Even the most ardent Martz detractors must admit to this fact.While the comparison to Linehan may be unfair (considering his body of work consists of only a single season), of the Rams' current head coach we can at least say one thing: that, despite his reputation for offense, he is much more conservative when compared to Mad Mike (although, truth be told, Martz makes Don Coryell look like Chuck Knox). Linehan hasn't exactly been a model of consistency either. Errant coaching decisions must take at least a portion of the blame for both Seattle losses last season. However, Linehan's game management skills show signs of improvement, and unlike Martz, he doesn't burn timeouts because his shoe is untied.When it comes down to it, Martz was the brain behind the golden age of Rams football, and you just can't argue with the Lombardi Trophy (people would think you were crazy). Advantage: Martz Madness.It appears as if the 2007 Rams offense doesn't quite stack up to that of the Greatest Show on Turf, being outclassed 6-2 according to the given criteria. But that doesn't mean they don't belong in the conversation; and while this Seattle Seahawks jersey
comparison doesn't take defense in to account, it seems as if the Rams are one or two competent defensive tackles away from being a contender next year. Perhaps the offense won't be revisiting the glory days of the Greatest Show on Turf, and perhaps there will instead be a need for an entirely new moniker. If the new pieces can jell, though, it's certainly possible. We'll find out in September.**You can e-mail Steve Reynolds at sreynoldsOriginal NFL coverage, courtesy of RealFootball365.com (10)

2011年1月13日星期四

14 Jan 11 Saints defense comes through in win

The Dallas Cowboys might have to rethink their plans for the rest of the season. It's tough to consider yourself a playoff contender after scoring only one penalty-aided touchdown at home against the league's worst defense. Deuce McAllister ran for two touchdowns, John Carney kicked two field goals and Joe Horn added a 31-yard touchdown catch in the closing minutes, carrying the New Orleans Saints to a 27-13 victory that seriously dampened the Cowboys' wild-card chances. Dallas (5-8) had won consecutive games, including a thrilling New York Giants jersey
43-39 victory over Seattle on Monday night. With running back Julius Jones reviving the offense, Cowboys coach Bill Parcells said his team was peaking at the right time. Instead of continuing the momentum, Dallas lost at home to a team that had lost three straight and was more curious about its coach's status than its playoff possibilities. The Saints (5-8) also wound up with their first road win over the Cowboys in 10 tries. While Dallas has lost five games by at least 18 points this season, including drubbings by Philadelphia and Green Bay, this one will hurt more because of what was at stake -- and because it was so winnable. The Cowboys led 10-0 after one quarter, but managed only one field goal the rest of the game. An offense that put up 22 points in the fourth quarter against the Seahawks six days earlier hardly spent any time across midfield over the final three quarters. Most of the boos were for Vinny Testaverde, who was 14-of-35 for 167 yards with an interception that set up New Orleans' first touchdown and a fumble that ended a Dallas drive withNew York Jets jersey
1:40 left and the Cowboys trailing by a touchdown. Two plays later, Aaron Brooks hit Horn on the right sideline. He leaped over cornerback Terence Newman and went into the end zone, then celebrated by running to a sign and running a finger under the words "Remember Our Troops." What the Cowboys will remember is all the blown opportunities. They could've been up 21-0 after their first three drives, but wasted the first one with a missed field goal after getting to the 19, then got just a field goal after reaching the 18 next time. Dallas will have to win its final three just to break even and hope that's good enough to keep up Parcells' streak of always making the playoffs in his second season with a team. It won't be easy: next up is Philadelphia. The Saints were shut out in the first quarter for an 11th straight game, then tied it at 10 just before halftime. They matched Dallas at 13 midway through the third quarter and went ahead on a 5-yard TD run by McAllister with 5:21 left. McAllister ran a season-high 30 times for 83 yards and caught four passes for 37. Horn Oakland Raiders jersey
had 84 yards on five catches and Donte Stallworth had 113 yards on five catches. Brooks was 18-of-31 for 252 yards with two interceptions, the first coming in the end zone when New Orleans trailed 10-0. Dallas' Jones gained 88 yards on 23 carries, ending his NFL record-tying streak of three straight games with at least 30 rushes.

2011年1月12日星期三

13 Jan 11 Will Rudy Fernandez Play Tonight?

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesAccording to oregonlive.com: In the latest news today, January 13, 2010, Rudy Fernandez is announced probable for tonight's game against the Bucks.Rudy underwent a microdiscectomy on December 8 and has not played since December 1. OnTuesday he saidthat he hopes to play between 10 and 15 minutesagainst the Bucks.How will Rudy help Portland tonight and throughout the season?Rudy's clutch three-point shot is a blessing from above; he can and will greatly contribute to the Blazers tonight. He has the ability to shoot, pass, andReebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
score, score, score. His defense is not bad either. Even though he will be fresh off an injury, I hope to see him play. He may be so-so at first, but most likely will be the same Rudy we truly missed by the second quarter.Patty Mills has been sent back to the D-League to play for the Idaho Stampede. He averaged 30 points in the two games he played for the Stampede earlier this season.A few Blazer summaries of the season...Brandon Roy is averaging 23.5 points per game this season, in 39.1 minutes a game. Andre Miller has an average of 12 points per game and 4.9 assists in 28.7 minutes.LaMarcus Aldridge has an average of 15.7 points per game and 7.9 rebounds. He plays about 35 minutes a game.Juwan Howard is averaging 5.3 points per game with 3.8 rebounds. Jerryd Bayless is putting up 8.7 points per game with 2.2 assists this season.The Blazers are currently sixth in the west; they are above .500 with a record of 23-16. They are second in the Northwest Division, behind fourth in the West, the Denver Nuggets. Portland is likely to make the playoffs for the second year in a row, Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
despite their injuries.Portland will still be missing Travis Outlaw, Nicolas Batum, Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla. Hopefully Rudy will be back and getting his minutes. The Blazers aim to make a run to the end. RIP City fans are the best and will encourage and support the Blazers through the fight to the playoffs.

13 Jan 11 Will Rudy Fernandez Play Tonight?

Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesAccording to oregonlive.com: In the latest news today, January 13, 2010, Rudy Fernandez is announced probable for tonight's game against the Bucks.Rudy underwent a microdiscectomy on December 8 and has not played since December 1. OnTuesday he saidthat he hopes to play between 10 and 15 minutesagainst the Bucks.How will Rudy help Portland tonight and throughout the season?Rudy's clutch three-point shot is a blessing from above; he can and will greatly contribute to the Blazers tonight. He has the ability to shoot, pass, andReebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
score, score, score. His defense is not bad either. Even though he will be fresh off an injury, I hope to see him play. He may be so-so at first, but most likely will be the same Rudy we truly missed by the second quarter.Patty Mills has been sent back to the D-League to play for the Idaho Stampede. He averaged 30 points in the two games he played for the Stampede earlier this season.A few Blazer summaries of the season...Brandon Roy is averaging 23.5 points per game this season, in 39.1 minutes a game. Andre Miller has an average of 12 points per game and 4.9 assists in 28.7 minutes.LaMarcus Aldridge has an average of 15.7 points per game and 7.9 rebounds. He plays about 35 minutes a game.Juwan Howard is averaging 5.3 points per game with 3.8 rebounds. Jerryd Bayless is putting up 8.7 points per game with 2.2 assists this season.The Blazers are currently sixth in the west; they are above .500 with a record of 23-16. They are second in the Northwest Division, behind fourth in the West, the Denver Nuggets. Portland is likely to make the playoffs for the second year in a row, Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
despite their injuries.Portland will still be missing Travis Outlaw, Nicolas Batum, Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla. Hopefully Rudy will be back and getting his minutes. The Blazers aim to make a run to the end. RIP City fans are the best and will encourage and support the Blazers through the fight to the playoffs.

12 Jan 11 NBA All Star Reserves Revealed

Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesWhile the official 2010 NBA All-Star reserves will not be made until later today, Yahoo Sports has reportedly acquired the list of reserves, and there are some major snubs in both the East and Western Conferences, but lets start with the guys who made the cut.EASTERN CONFERENCE:Guards: Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo will make their All-Star game debuts February 14.Guard/Forwards: Paul Pierce, Joe Johnson, Gerald WallaceForward/Center: Chris Bosh, Al Horford.Left off the Chicago Bears jersey
the team is New York Knicks standout David Lee who has 26 double-doubles this season and is leading all centers in the east in scoring and assists per game. Lee also ranks third in rebounds.WESTERN CONFERENCE:Guards: Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Brandon RoyForward: Kevin Durant, Dirk NowitzkiForward/Center: Pau Gasol, Zack Randolph.Guards Chauncey Billups and Monta Ellis were left off this years roster, as well as Clippers' center Chris Kaman.