Smokey hopes to grab Mikey by the tail on Saturday.Brian Bahr/Getty ImagesTennessee and LSU meet on Saturday afternoon for the 31st time in the series, dating back to 1925.Tennessee leads the all-time series with a record of 20-7-3Here's a summary of all the stats and everything you need to know about the Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
two SEC combatants as you settle in for the kickoff set for 3:30 ET.If anything jumps out at you while you're reading through the stats, sound off about it in the comments section below.MISCELLANEOUSCategoryTennessee LSUNickname VolunteersTigersMascot Smokey MikeySpread +16.5 -16.5AP Rank NR12Overall Record 2-2 4-0SEC Record 0-1 2-0COACHESPosition Tennessee LSUHead Coach Derek Dooley Les MilesOffensiveCo. Jim ChaneyGary CrowtonDefensive Co. Justin Wilcox John ChavisOFFENSEStatisticTennesseeLSUPoints Scored PG 28 26.5Total Offense 361 ypg 300 ypgRushing 146 ypg 190 ypgPassing 215 ypg110 ypg3rd Down Conversion 19% 41.5%4th Down Conversion 33.3% 100%Orange Zone Scoring 77.8% 73.3%Sacks Allowed 14 5Time Of Possession 27:55 30:24DEFENSEStatisticTennesseeLSUPoints Allowed PG 27 12Total Defense 362 ypg254 ypgRushing 141 ypg 75 ypgPassing221 ypg 179 ypg3rd Down Conversion 36.4% 27.4%4th Down Conversion 66.7% 75%Sacks 311Interceptions 3 Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
6SPECIAL TEAMS, PENALTIES AND TURNOVERSStatisticTennessee LSUKick Return Average17.7 yds 26.2 ydsPunt Return Average 3.4 yds 23.9 ydsField Goals 7-7 9-10Punt Average42.1 yds40.4 ydsPenalties PG 6 7Penalty Yards PG 40 59Turnover Margin EVEN +2Now that you have all the stats, there's nothing left but to play the game. As you know, the games aren't played on paper.Sit back, relax, grab a cold one, and enjoy the game!
2011年1月24日星期一
24 Jan 11 ACC Football: Thursday Morning One-Liners
Elsa/Getty ImagesBoston College head coach Frank Spaziani on starting quarterback Dave Shinskie: He still frustrates us in some areas. This weekendmatch with No. 16 Auburn will be Clemsonfirst test of the season. Some Duke fans are excited about having Alabama come over to Durham because of the Blue Devils offensive showing last week in a 48-54 loss to Wake Forest. But the bad news is that the Crimson Tide will have Mark Ingram back. One Florida State cornerback is still adjusting after making the transition from wide receiver. Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson is expecting to shuffle his starting roster before this SaturdayACC matchup with North Carolina. Maryland will be taking on No. 21 West Virginia this weekend. How will the Terrapins quarterbacks perform? Which kicker from Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
the ACC loves tackling nearly as much as a defender? You might be surprised to find out who it is. Butch Davis announced yesterday that North Carolina has added an assistant coach. How good must you be if you actually improve after leading your team in tackles a year prior? Ask North Carolina State junior linebacker Audie Cole. Some Virginia players feel more confident after traveling to USC, starting a game after 10:00 ET, and nearly upsetting the Trojans. I donthink I have ever thought about it, so it was shocking to read about Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamerjob security. Speaking of late night starts, Wake Forest will be taking on Stanford at 11:15 ET this Saturday.
the ACC loves tackling nearly as much as a defender? You might be surprised to find out who it is. Butch Davis announced yesterday that North Carolina has added an assistant coach. How good must you be if you actually improve after leading your team in tackles a year prior? Ask North Carolina State junior linebacker Audie Cole. Some Virginia players feel more confident after traveling to USC, starting a game after 10:00 ET, and nearly upsetting the Trojans. I donthink I have ever thought about it, so it was shocking to read about Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamerjob security. Speaking of late night starts, Wake Forest will be taking on Stanford at 11:15 ET this Saturday.
2011年1月22日星期六
22 Jan 11 Defense A+, Special Teams A-, LSU's Offense.......Tough To Say
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesWhen the LSU Tigers kicked off the season against the University of North Carolina two weeks ago, it appeared the 112th ranked offense from 2009 made little improvement. In game two at Vanderbilt, LSU QB Jordan Jefferson had the worst game of his career and it was not Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
until the 4th quarter until the LSU coaching staff decided to keep the ball on the ground to run away with a 27-3 victory.Going into Saturday's game at home against Mississippi State University, there was a lot of heat put on coach Les Miles. The LSU fan base has been split between what quarterback should start, but after the Vandy game there was growing support for back-up Jarrett Lee.The Tigers were going into the game against MSU an 8 point favorite, however; ESPN's Mark May put the Tigers on upset alert and college football expert Phil Steele predicted MSU would beat the BayouBengals. At half-time LSU lead 12-0 with all twelve points coming from field goals. Despite the fact LSU's offense could not get into the end zone before half-time, they did showsomeimprovement, it was nothing to be impressed with, but never the less, it was improvement. Also, I think it should be mentioned that three of the four first half field goals should be credited to special teams and the defense for providing the offense with great field position.At first, it appeared that the Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
MSU bulldogs would make it an interesting game by scoring a touchdown making the score 12-7 only trailing the Tigers by five. Then the Tigers added to their lead when Jordan Jefferson ran it in for a touchdown. The one thing I noticed was that Jefferson's confidence started to come back, but I have always contributed the fact he lost confidence to the coaching staff. LSU scored another rushing touchdown and their final score came from another Josh Jasper field goal, who broke the record for most field goals in a game by going 5/5. Jefferson finished the game completing 10 of 16 attempted passes and totaling 97 yards passing. He carried the ball 10 times for 40 yards and one touchdown.Don't be fooled, the defense did have five interceptions and the offense's success should be credited to defense and special teams play through the entire game, but as mentioned, Jefferson showing signs of gaining confidence is a huge step forward. The offense is the one aspect of this team that will either prevent or allow this team to reach its maximum potential, but I Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
think the only way to end this article is by saying that LSU's cornerback, Patrick Peterson is arguably the best cornerback in college football and because of what he does for the team's field position on special teams as a kickoff/punt returner, he should be mentioned in the same sentence with the word heisman.
until the 4th quarter until the LSU coaching staff decided to keep the ball on the ground to run away with a 27-3 victory.Going into Saturday's game at home against Mississippi State University, there was a lot of heat put on coach Les Miles. The LSU fan base has been split between what quarterback should start, but after the Vandy game there was growing support for back-up Jarrett Lee.The Tigers were going into the game against MSU an 8 point favorite, however; ESPN's Mark May put the Tigers on upset alert and college football expert Phil Steele predicted MSU would beat the BayouBengals. At half-time LSU lead 12-0 with all twelve points coming from field goals. Despite the fact LSU's offense could not get into the end zone before half-time, they did showsomeimprovement, it was nothing to be impressed with, but never the less, it was improvement. Also, I think it should be mentioned that three of the four first half field goals should be credited to special teams and the defense for providing the offense with great field position.At first, it appeared that the Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
MSU bulldogs would make it an interesting game by scoring a touchdown making the score 12-7 only trailing the Tigers by five. Then the Tigers added to their lead when Jordan Jefferson ran it in for a touchdown. The one thing I noticed was that Jefferson's confidence started to come back, but I have always contributed the fact he lost confidence to the coaching staff. LSU scored another rushing touchdown and their final score came from another Josh Jasper field goal, who broke the record for most field goals in a game by going 5/5. Jefferson finished the game completing 10 of 16 attempted passes and totaling 97 yards passing. He carried the ball 10 times for 40 yards and one touchdown.Don't be fooled, the defense did have five interceptions and the offense's success should be credited to defense and special teams play through the entire game, but as mentioned, Jefferson showing signs of gaining confidence is a huge step forward. The offense is the one aspect of this team that will either prevent or allow this team to reach its maximum potential, but I Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
think the only way to end this article is by saying that LSU's cornerback, Patrick Peterson is arguably the best cornerback in college football and because of what he does for the team's field position on special teams as a kickoff/punt returner, he should be mentioned in the same sentence with the word heisman.
2011年1月18日星期二
18 Jan 11 2010 College Football Predictions: NC State Could Pull Upset Over Georgia Tech
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesThis Saturday, the Georgia Tech Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
Yellow Jackets will host the North Carolina State Wolfpack in an ACC showdown.The Yellow Jackets started out their conference schedule with a 30-24 win over North Carolina last week, while the Wolfpack powered past Cincinnati to move to 3-0 on the season. This will be the first conference game for North Carolina State.If you are interested in betting on the game, the college football odds currently have Georgia Tech favored by 8.5-points over North Carolina State. NC State (3-0)It has been quite the start for the Wolfpack this season, as they havencame out of the gates like this since Philip Rivers was their starting quarterback. This time around the Wolfpack are 3-0 thanks to the strong play of junior quarterback Russell Wilson, who completed 26 of 40 passes for 333 yards and three touchdowns against Cincinnati last week.It was the second time Wilson threw for more than 300 yards this season. The Wolfpack had no trouble moving the ball against the Bearcats last week. Mustafa Greene led the Wolfpack with 84 yards and a touchdown on Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
the ground, while D.J. Woods had a big day catching the football, as he hauled in six passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns.Armon Binns also had a nice day with six catches for 95 yards. The Wolfpack defense also played a great game, as Cincinnati scored two late touchdowns when the game was out of reach to make it look closer than what it really was. Georgia Tech (2-1)It is no secret what the Yellow Jackets are going to do when they have the football, but the problem is finding a way to stop it. Georgia Tech comes in the game this weekend with the third-best rushing attack in the country, as they average 345 yards a game on the ground.The Yellow Jackets average just 68 yards passing, but many times they run the ball so much that when they do pass it goes for big gains.Last week against North Carolina quarterback Joshua Nesbitt completed three of four passes for an average of 19 yards per completion, including a 20-yard touchdown pass to Roddy Jones. Nesbitt however did most of his damage on the ground, as he finished second on the team with 104 yards and a touchdown.Running back Anthony Allen led the way with 115 yards on 20 carries. It will be interesting to see how effective the run is this week, as the Wolfpack have not allowed a team to run for over a 100 yards all season. Looking at the OddsI think the right bet is on NC State with the 8.5 points, as I have a good feeling they are going to be able to at least slow down the Georgia Tech rushing attack in this game.NC State is strong enough on offense Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
that they can put enough points on the board that they should have no problem covering the spread, in fact I think they have an excellent shot at winning this game.My final score prediction is NC State 27, Georgia Tech 24. If you are interested in making some money this college football season, check out what our expert college football handicappers have to offer in their weekly college football picks.
Yellow Jackets will host the North Carolina State Wolfpack in an ACC showdown.The Yellow Jackets started out their conference schedule with a 30-24 win over North Carolina last week, while the Wolfpack powered past Cincinnati to move to 3-0 on the season. This will be the first conference game for North Carolina State.If you are interested in betting on the game, the college football odds currently have Georgia Tech favored by 8.5-points over North Carolina State. NC State (3-0)It has been quite the start for the Wolfpack this season, as they havencame out of the gates like this since Philip Rivers was their starting quarterback. This time around the Wolfpack are 3-0 thanks to the strong play of junior quarterback Russell Wilson, who completed 26 of 40 passes for 333 yards and three touchdowns against Cincinnati last week.It was the second time Wilson threw for more than 300 yards this season. The Wolfpack had no trouble moving the ball against the Bearcats last week. Mustafa Greene led the Wolfpack with 84 yards and a touchdown on Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
the ground, while D.J. Woods had a big day catching the football, as he hauled in six passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns.Armon Binns also had a nice day with six catches for 95 yards. The Wolfpack defense also played a great game, as Cincinnati scored two late touchdowns when the game was out of reach to make it look closer than what it really was. Georgia Tech (2-1)It is no secret what the Yellow Jackets are going to do when they have the football, but the problem is finding a way to stop it. Georgia Tech comes in the game this weekend with the third-best rushing attack in the country, as they average 345 yards a game on the ground.The Yellow Jackets average just 68 yards passing, but many times they run the ball so much that when they do pass it goes for big gains.Last week against North Carolina quarterback Joshua Nesbitt completed three of four passes for an average of 19 yards per completion, including a 20-yard touchdown pass to Roddy Jones. Nesbitt however did most of his damage on the ground, as he finished second on the team with 104 yards and a touchdown.Running back Anthony Allen led the way with 115 yards on 20 carries. It will be interesting to see how effective the run is this week, as the Wolfpack have not allowed a team to run for over a 100 yards all season. Looking at the OddsI think the right bet is on NC State with the 8.5 points, as I have a good feeling they are going to be able to at least slow down the Georgia Tech rushing attack in this game.NC State is strong enough on offense Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
that they can put enough points on the board that they should have no problem covering the spread, in fact I think they have an excellent shot at winning this game.My final score prediction is NC State 27, Georgia Tech 24. If you are interested in making some money this college football season, check out what our expert college football handicappers have to offer in their weekly college football picks.
2011年1月15日星期六
15 Jan 11 Detroit Lions History Night Train Layne Matt Millen Rod Marinelli
As with the entire NFL, "next year" is here for the Detroit Lions but before the season begins, let's take a brief look at the long history of the team. Hey, you might as well laugh as cry...1934. Detroit radio executive George A. Richards purchases the four-year-old NFL franchise known as the Portsmouth Spartans, takes them out of Ohio, changes the team name, and installs them in Detroit. The Lions become the fourth professional football franchise in the Motor City, following the Heralds/Tigers (1920-1921), Panthers (1925-1926) and Wolverines (1928). The purchase price ofNew England Patriots jersey
just under $8,000 is thought to be a huge acquisition at the time; today, this amount would just about cover Shaun Rogers' lunch. 1935. The Clarks - coach "Potsy" and Hall of Fame QB "Dutch" lead the Lions to the title, defeating the New York Giants 26-7 after a running up a bizarre 7-3-2 record in the regular season. Potsy leaves the Lions for the Brooklyn football Dodgers in 1937, and Dutch takes over as player-coach.1940. The NFL's leading rusher of two years previous, Bryon "Whizzer" White joins the Lions and leads the league in rushing attempts and yardage. In 1941, White leads the league in punting yards and retires from football after the season, going on to become a Supreme Court justice.1942. Beginning a medium-term run of futility, the Lions go 0-11, score a total of 38 points and are shut out five times. The two-year record of 3-17-1 in 1942 and 1943 is the Lions' worst ever for two seasons and is not threatened until the Marty Mornhinweg era.1948. A group of Detroit businessmen, led by majority owner Edwin J. Anderson, buy the Lions. This group owns the franchise until 1964. 1948. A harbinger of a coach, Alvin McMillin, is hired and leads the Lions to three seasons of a combined 12-24 record.1951. Coach Buddy Parker takes over leadership of the team and introduces Detroit to winning football. In six seasons, Parker equals or tops a .750 winning percentage four times, puts his team in three consecutive championship games and wins twice. In the title years of 1952 and 1953, the team becomes known as a dominant force and features Hall of Famers Jack Christiansen, Lou Creekmur, Bobby Layne and Doak Walker. The 1950s Lions establish a rivalry with the mighty Cleveland Browns, a rivalry that continues for decades, albeit later for the title of worst NFL team. Dick "Night Train" Lane is the quarterback through most of these years, setting several franchise records including sweetest nickname ever.1957. A banner year for the city of Detroit in general. Along with production of the immortal '57 Chevy is a swell football time and the Motor City's last NFL title to date. The Lions, with perhaps the greatest names the silver-and-blue has yet to produce, destroy Cleveland 59-14 to claim the championship, despite a troubled 8-4 season. Five Hall of Famers played that year: Lem Barney, John Henry Johnson, Yale Lary, Joe Schmidt and "Night Train" Lane.1958. On March 12, one Matthew Millen in born in Hokendauqua, Pennsylvania. The precocious youngster immediately announces that, with their No. 1 pick, the Detroit Lions will draft an overrated wide receiver.1962. In his sixth year as head coach, George Wilson leads the Lions to an 11-3 record, still the best in franchise history. Aging veterans like Lane, Lary and Schmidt are still around (and are even named Pro Bowlers), but this team and subsequent years' teams are known for an awesome defense led by the immortal Alex Karras, who later goes on to star in George Plimpton's book "Paper Lion" and TV's "Webster." The only problem with the season is that 11-3 lands the team two games behind the 13-1 Packers, who win the Western Conference and the right to appear in the NFL title game.1968. With their first-round pick in the NFL draft, the Lions take Greg Landry from the University of Massachusetts. Landry wins New York Giants jersey
the starting job late in the 1969 season and stays with the team until 1978. About a half-dozen excellent seasons are mixed with several injuries.1970. Led by former player Schmidt, the Lions enter the playoffs for the first time since 1957, but lose to the Dallas Cowboys, 5-0, behind a combined two-hit pitching performance by Craig Morton and Roger Staubach.1975. The Silverdome opens, a mammoth dome built at the peak of sportsland's dome-mania of the 1970s. It becomes possible for 80,000 to suffer through the next 16 seasons, a span in which the Lions post a winning record twice, on both occasions going 9-7. 1983. Led by immortal QB Eric Hipple, the Lions' 9-7 is good enough to take the weak NFC Central. Detroit plays a spirited game against Joe Montana's San Francisco 49ers, but loses 24-23.1989. The Lions draft Barry Sanders, who immediately establishes himself as a dominant back, running for 1,470 yards on an amazing average of 5.2 yards per carry and 14 TD's. Lions management immediately decides that, Sanders being enough of a draw in himself, no other players ever need be added to the team. Sanders, meanwhile, begins pondering early retirement.1991. The first-ever playoff game in the 'Dome is played, with the Lions smoking the Dallas Cowboys 38-6. Unfortunately, the tides turn when the Lions visit Washington for the NFC Championship Game and lose convincingly, 41-10, to the eventual Super Bowl champs.1994. The Internet becomes a true national phenomenon, as does the world's first public Web site, www.firemillen.com.1995. A banner season for the Lions, led by the NFL's top-rated offense. QB Scott Mitchell completes 346 passes for 4,338 yards and 32 TD's to set franchise records. WR's Herman Moore and Brett Perriman bag 123 and 108 receptions to become the first teammates to catch 100 passes in a season. Sanders wins the rushing title with 1,500 yards exactly and chips in 48 receptions. The Lions then put the "wild" in "Wild Card Game," losing to the Philadelphia Eagles, 58-37. Sanders continues to consider early retirement.1998. Just two years after leading the NFL in rushing for the third straight season, Barry Sanders abruptly retires. It is arguably one of the saddest moments in Lions history.2002. Matt Millen is named franchise president and CEO. It is arguably one of the saddest moments in Lions history.2002. The Lions draft Joey Harrington, a move that will soon have fans clamoring for the return of Mike McMahon. It is one of ... ah, you know.2002. The half-billion dollar Ford New York Jets jersey
Field opens. In the first preseason game played there, the Lions lose by a score of 34-22. Ignoring this result, the team throws an opening day celebration in September, when it plays its first regular season game at Ford. The Lions lose 37-31 to the Green Bay Packers. 2003. After running up a 5-27 record, the two worst for the Lions in the era of the 16-game season, coach Marty Mornhinweg is fired in favor of Steve Mariucci.2005. Mariucci is fired. Bummer.2006. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line coach Rod "Almighty" Marinelli. All jokes and kidding aside, Lions fans slowly become guardedly optimistic about the team's chances in the upcoming season, showing their resilience and standing as some of the truly great fans in the NFL. This writer wishes the silver-and-blue best of luck this season. This team deserves it.Watch the Detroit Lions make (or break) history this season (5)
just under $8,000 is thought to be a huge acquisition at the time; today, this amount would just about cover Shaun Rogers' lunch. 1935. The Clarks - coach "Potsy" and Hall of Fame QB "Dutch" lead the Lions to the title, defeating the New York Giants 26-7 after a running up a bizarre 7-3-2 record in the regular season. Potsy leaves the Lions for the Brooklyn football Dodgers in 1937, and Dutch takes over as player-coach.1940. The NFL's leading rusher of two years previous, Bryon "Whizzer" White joins the Lions and leads the league in rushing attempts and yardage. In 1941, White leads the league in punting yards and retires from football after the season, going on to become a Supreme Court justice.1942. Beginning a medium-term run of futility, the Lions go 0-11, score a total of 38 points and are shut out five times. The two-year record of 3-17-1 in 1942 and 1943 is the Lions' worst ever for two seasons and is not threatened until the Marty Mornhinweg era.1948. A group of Detroit businessmen, led by majority owner Edwin J. Anderson, buy the Lions. This group owns the franchise until 1964. 1948. A harbinger of a coach, Alvin McMillin, is hired and leads the Lions to three seasons of a combined 12-24 record.1951. Coach Buddy Parker takes over leadership of the team and introduces Detroit to winning football. In six seasons, Parker equals or tops a .750 winning percentage four times, puts his team in three consecutive championship games and wins twice. In the title years of 1952 and 1953, the team becomes known as a dominant force and features Hall of Famers Jack Christiansen, Lou Creekmur, Bobby Layne and Doak Walker. The 1950s Lions establish a rivalry with the mighty Cleveland Browns, a rivalry that continues for decades, albeit later for the title of worst NFL team. Dick "Night Train" Lane is the quarterback through most of these years, setting several franchise records including sweetest nickname ever.1957. A banner year for the city of Detroit in general. Along with production of the immortal '57 Chevy is a swell football time and the Motor City's last NFL title to date. The Lions, with perhaps the greatest names the silver-and-blue has yet to produce, destroy Cleveland 59-14 to claim the championship, despite a troubled 8-4 season. Five Hall of Famers played that year: Lem Barney, John Henry Johnson, Yale Lary, Joe Schmidt and "Night Train" Lane.1958. On March 12, one Matthew Millen in born in Hokendauqua, Pennsylvania. The precocious youngster immediately announces that, with their No. 1 pick, the Detroit Lions will draft an overrated wide receiver.1962. In his sixth year as head coach, George Wilson leads the Lions to an 11-3 record, still the best in franchise history. Aging veterans like Lane, Lary and Schmidt are still around (and are even named Pro Bowlers), but this team and subsequent years' teams are known for an awesome defense led by the immortal Alex Karras, who later goes on to star in George Plimpton's book "Paper Lion" and TV's "Webster." The only problem with the season is that 11-3 lands the team two games behind the 13-1 Packers, who win the Western Conference and the right to appear in the NFL title game.1968. With their first-round pick in the NFL draft, the Lions take Greg Landry from the University of Massachusetts. Landry wins New York Giants jersey
the starting job late in the 1969 season and stays with the team until 1978. About a half-dozen excellent seasons are mixed with several injuries.1970. Led by former player Schmidt, the Lions enter the playoffs for the first time since 1957, but lose to the Dallas Cowboys, 5-0, behind a combined two-hit pitching performance by Craig Morton and Roger Staubach.1975. The Silverdome opens, a mammoth dome built at the peak of sportsland's dome-mania of the 1970s. It becomes possible for 80,000 to suffer through the next 16 seasons, a span in which the Lions post a winning record twice, on both occasions going 9-7. 1983. Led by immortal QB Eric Hipple, the Lions' 9-7 is good enough to take the weak NFC Central. Detroit plays a spirited game against Joe Montana's San Francisco 49ers, but loses 24-23.1989. The Lions draft Barry Sanders, who immediately establishes himself as a dominant back, running for 1,470 yards on an amazing average of 5.2 yards per carry and 14 TD's. Lions management immediately decides that, Sanders being enough of a draw in himself, no other players ever need be added to the team. Sanders, meanwhile, begins pondering early retirement.1991. The first-ever playoff game in the 'Dome is played, with the Lions smoking the Dallas Cowboys 38-6. Unfortunately, the tides turn when the Lions visit Washington for the NFC Championship Game and lose convincingly, 41-10, to the eventual Super Bowl champs.1994. The Internet becomes a true national phenomenon, as does the world's first public Web site, www.firemillen.com.1995. A banner season for the Lions, led by the NFL's top-rated offense. QB Scott Mitchell completes 346 passes for 4,338 yards and 32 TD's to set franchise records. WR's Herman Moore and Brett Perriman bag 123 and 108 receptions to become the first teammates to catch 100 passes in a season. Sanders wins the rushing title with 1,500 yards exactly and chips in 48 receptions. The Lions then put the "wild" in "Wild Card Game," losing to the Philadelphia Eagles, 58-37. Sanders continues to consider early retirement.1998. Just two years after leading the NFL in rushing for the third straight season, Barry Sanders abruptly retires. It is arguably one of the saddest moments in Lions history.2002. Matt Millen is named franchise president and CEO. It is arguably one of the saddest moments in Lions history.2002. The Lions draft Joey Harrington, a move that will soon have fans clamoring for the return of Mike McMahon. It is one of ... ah, you know.2002. The half-billion dollar Ford New York Jets jersey
Field opens. In the first preseason game played there, the Lions lose by a score of 34-22. Ignoring this result, the team throws an opening day celebration in September, when it plays its first regular season game at Ford. The Lions lose 37-31 to the Green Bay Packers. 2003. After running up a 5-27 record, the two worst for the Lions in the era of the 16-game season, coach Marty Mornhinweg is fired in favor of Steve Mariucci.2005. Mariucci is fired. Bummer.2006. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line coach Rod "Almighty" Marinelli. All jokes and kidding aside, Lions fans slowly become guardedly optimistic about the team's chances in the upcoming season, showing their resilience and standing as some of the truly great fans in the NFL. This writer wishes the silver-and-blue best of luck this season. This team deserves it.Watch the Detroit Lions make (or break) history this season (5)
2011年1月13日星期四
14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks Nate Burleson Matt Hasselbeck Darrell Jackson Shaun Alexander
During the winter months, the Seattle Seahawks saw one starting receiver walk out the door, only to have another walk in. The departure of veteran stalwart Joe Jurevicius led to the signing of free-agent wideout Nate Burleson. After a stellar last season from Jurevicius, it's evident that Burleson will Houston Texans jersey
have difficulty matching the production of the now ex-Seahawk.Last year was Jurevicius' only season in the Pacific Northwest, and he made it worthwhile. He ended up with 55 receptions and 10 touchdowns in helping the Seahawks reach their first Super Bowl. The 31-year-old brought leadership and experience to the Seahawks' receiving corps, which was sorely lacking in previous years. The team's No. 1 receiver, Darrell Jackson, is a terrific player, but he didn't have the same type of battle-hardened experience as Jurevicius, who spent his first seven seasons with the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Jurevicius became a free agent at the close of the 2005-2006 season, and he opted to return to his hometown of Cleveland. He signed a four-year, $10 million deal to play for the Browns, who are among the NFL's up-and-coming organizations.With Jurevicius out of the picture, the Seahawks agreed to terms with Burleson, a restricted free-agent. The team signed the 24-year-old to a bizarrely high seven-year, $49 million contract in March. Although the deal he signed is incredibly vast in years and money, the odds of Burleson seeing that entire contract through are slim and nil. Because of various complicated stipulations in the agreement, Burleson won't make anything close to $49 million. Instead, he'll end up raking in roughly $5.25 million-still a nice chunk of change.Burleson, a former Minnesota Viking, was expected to have a breakout '05 campaign, but ended up disappointing. It wasn't all his fault, though, as he Indianapolis Colts jersey
spent much of the year battling injuries and shaky quarterback play from Daunte Culpepper and Brad Johnson. As a result, Burleson finished with 30 receptions in 12 games.After a so-so rookie year in '03, Burleson, a former third-round pick from the University of Nevada, became one of the most promising young targets in the league in '04. In the Vikings' 8-8 season, Burleson started in 15 games and caught 68 passes, while tallying an impressive 1,006 receiving yards. He also hauled in nine touchdown catches. Unfortunately, that's been the only terrific season Burleson's experienced, and many attribute it to starting opposite elite wideout Randy Moss. Even though Moss spent much of the regular season banged up, he still took the pressure off Burleson on numerous occasions, catching 49 passes and a team-best 13 touchdowns.Luckily for the Seahawks, it seems their investment on the 6-0, 192-pound Burleson is paying off thus far. In the team's recent minicamps, the receiver has formed a nice bond with Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The only problem the Seahawks' offense has faced in past seasons is the receivers' dropping passes. It's frustrated Hasselbeck numerous times, but occurrences clearly decreased last year. If Burleson can find ways to contribute and avoid mistakes, he'll continue to form a great bond with Hasselbeck, while emerging as an elite No. 2 receiver. For the Seahawks, if they wish to win the NFC West again and, perhaps, make it to a second straight Super Bowl, Burleson will have to be a key Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
contributor for the offense. Hasselbeck, running back Shaun Alexander and Darrell Jackson can't do it by themselves. Burleson has to be a steady force who keeps pressure off the big three. Without question, that's what the Seattle Seahawks are hoping for.
have difficulty matching the production of the now ex-Seahawk.Last year was Jurevicius' only season in the Pacific Northwest, and he made it worthwhile. He ended up with 55 receptions and 10 touchdowns in helping the Seahawks reach their first Super Bowl. The 31-year-old brought leadership and experience to the Seahawks' receiving corps, which was sorely lacking in previous years. The team's No. 1 receiver, Darrell Jackson, is a terrific player, but he didn't have the same type of battle-hardened experience as Jurevicius, who spent his first seven seasons with the New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Jurevicius became a free agent at the close of the 2005-2006 season, and he opted to return to his hometown of Cleveland. He signed a four-year, $10 million deal to play for the Browns, who are among the NFL's up-and-coming organizations.With Jurevicius out of the picture, the Seahawks agreed to terms with Burleson, a restricted free-agent. The team signed the 24-year-old to a bizarrely high seven-year, $49 million contract in March. Although the deal he signed is incredibly vast in years and money, the odds of Burleson seeing that entire contract through are slim and nil. Because of various complicated stipulations in the agreement, Burleson won't make anything close to $49 million. Instead, he'll end up raking in roughly $5.25 million-still a nice chunk of change.Burleson, a former Minnesota Viking, was expected to have a breakout '05 campaign, but ended up disappointing. It wasn't all his fault, though, as he Indianapolis Colts jersey
spent much of the year battling injuries and shaky quarterback play from Daunte Culpepper and Brad Johnson. As a result, Burleson finished with 30 receptions in 12 games.After a so-so rookie year in '03, Burleson, a former third-round pick from the University of Nevada, became one of the most promising young targets in the league in '04. In the Vikings' 8-8 season, Burleson started in 15 games and caught 68 passes, while tallying an impressive 1,006 receiving yards. He also hauled in nine touchdown catches. Unfortunately, that's been the only terrific season Burleson's experienced, and many attribute it to starting opposite elite wideout Randy Moss. Even though Moss spent much of the regular season banged up, he still took the pressure off Burleson on numerous occasions, catching 49 passes and a team-best 13 touchdowns.Luckily for the Seahawks, it seems their investment on the 6-0, 192-pound Burleson is paying off thus far. In the team's recent minicamps, the receiver has formed a nice bond with Pro Bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The only problem the Seahawks' offense has faced in past seasons is the receivers' dropping passes. It's frustrated Hasselbeck numerous times, but occurrences clearly decreased last year. If Burleson can find ways to contribute and avoid mistakes, he'll continue to form a great bond with Hasselbeck, while emerging as an elite No. 2 receiver. For the Seahawks, if they wish to win the NFC West again and, perhaps, make it to a second straight Super Bowl, Burleson will have to be a key Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
contributor for the offense. Hasselbeck, running back Shaun Alexander and Darrell Jackson can't do it by themselves. Burleson has to be a steady force who keeps pressure off the big three. Without question, that's what the Seattle Seahawks are hoping for.
2011年1月12日星期三
13 Jan 11 Detroit Pistons: It's Time to Have Faith
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesSniff Sniff (grabs tissue), wipes eyesWAHHHH!Excuse me, I just finished watching the Pistons-Wizards game on DVR, and take my word for it, it was heartwarming.Not just because they won, mind you. The Pistons were soldiers on the battlefield, doing whatever it took to go home with a victory. Between Charlie Villanueva's dagger three's in the fourth, Jerebko's stunning energy, Stuckey's solidity (he hit two straight turnaround jumpers!) and Rip's sharp shooting, you got the sense that this team finally felt each other's presence.Speaking of Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers #86 Hines Ward Realtree camo Jersey
sharp shooting, the Pistons had plenty of it, connecting on 68 percent of their three pointers, a feat I envisioned they would be easily capable of from glancing at the roster last offseason. For a team flirting with irrelevance, their three-point prowess was the highlight of the night. I'm proud to say that the Pistons took care of business as if they were businessmen and the game was a black-tie event.However, the future still remains uncertain. On Friday they face New Orleans, a team that helped start the streak. The Pistons still haven't realized the great concept of defense and most of all, they tend to disappear when they need to step up.But this is no time to worry. The Pistons are a proud and successful franchise. This streak is absolutely necessary for the team to move on.You can't taste greatness until you've choked down insignificance. Most of us still get nostalgic over the Pistons' most recent period of glory.But what did they go through to get to that point?Many of us have forgotten about the evaporation of the Bad Boys, the embarrassing "Teal Era," the loss of Grant Hill.The champions of 2008, the Boston Celtics, endured countless setbacks. In a nutshell, they were sold in 2003 in the midst of rebuilding around Al Jefferson, traded Antoine Walker in 2004, hired new general manager Danny Ainge, traded for the rights to Rajon Rondo in 2007, and signed Leon Powe.The 2006-07 was their nightmare season, losing legendary coach Red Auerbach, suffering an 18-game losing streak, losing Paul Pierce for much of the second half of the season, and finishing Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
with a record of 24-58.That offseason, the Celtics traded away part of their young core in Delonte West, Al Jefferson, and Gerald Green, along with many other players, for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.The next season they won 66 games and defeated their old rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, for their 17th championship, their first championship in 22 years.You can't taste greatness until you've choked down insignificance. Let's imagine that the Pistons are a phoenix.High and mighty, the phoenix ruled the sky, like the Pistons once did. No bird was strong enough to take it down nor smart enough to put out it's swagger. However, when the phoenix begins to lose it's cockiness, it collapses.However, the phoenix is smarter than that, for it knows when it's time to pass the baton. So it turns to ashes, knowing that it is best to stop when you are on top.The Pistons' losing streak was a concealed blessing, a hidden fortune that the team will be thankful for in the future. This season was never meant for victorious triumph anyway.This season was meant to achieve cohesion, to erase the erratic tendencies that young teams have to work out.Instead of talking about how Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva are defensively impaired, let's celebrate their natural gifts of shooting. Instead of criticising the injures, let's beReebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
thankful that the guys are learning how to play through adversityfor it is obvious that the Pistons will rise from the ashes of defeat sooner rather than later.Instead of being thankful that the streak is over, lets be thankful that the trial is finished. The insignificance has passed; success is around the corner.So let's move beyond their recent toils and embrace a new age of excellence.
sharp shooting, the Pistons had plenty of it, connecting on 68 percent of their three pointers, a feat I envisioned they would be easily capable of from glancing at the roster last offseason. For a team flirting with irrelevance, their three-point prowess was the highlight of the night. I'm proud to say that the Pistons took care of business as if they were businessmen and the game was a black-tie event.However, the future still remains uncertain. On Friday they face New Orleans, a team that helped start the streak. The Pistons still haven't realized the great concept of defense and most of all, they tend to disappear when they need to step up.But this is no time to worry. The Pistons are a proud and successful franchise. This streak is absolutely necessary for the team to move on.You can't taste greatness until you've choked down insignificance. Most of us still get nostalgic over the Pistons' most recent period of glory.But what did they go through to get to that point?Many of us have forgotten about the evaporation of the Bad Boys, the embarrassing "Teal Era," the loss of Grant Hill.The champions of 2008, the Boston Celtics, endured countless setbacks. In a nutshell, they were sold in 2003 in the midst of rebuilding around Al Jefferson, traded Antoine Walker in 2004, hired new general manager Danny Ainge, traded for the rights to Rajon Rondo in 2007, and signed Leon Powe.The 2006-07 was their nightmare season, losing legendary coach Red Auerbach, suffering an 18-game losing streak, losing Paul Pierce for much of the second half of the season, and finishing Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
with a record of 24-58.That offseason, the Celtics traded away part of their young core in Delonte West, Al Jefferson, and Gerald Green, along with many other players, for Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.The next season they won 66 games and defeated their old rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, for their 17th championship, their first championship in 22 years.You can't taste greatness until you've choked down insignificance. Let's imagine that the Pistons are a phoenix.High and mighty, the phoenix ruled the sky, like the Pistons once did. No bird was strong enough to take it down nor smart enough to put out it's swagger. However, when the phoenix begins to lose it's cockiness, it collapses.However, the phoenix is smarter than that, for it knows when it's time to pass the baton. So it turns to ashes, knowing that it is best to stop when you are on top.The Pistons' losing streak was a concealed blessing, a hidden fortune that the team will be thankful for in the future. This season was never meant for victorious triumph anyway.This season was meant to achieve cohesion, to erase the erratic tendencies that young teams have to work out.Instead of talking about how Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva are defensively impaired, let's celebrate their natural gifts of shooting. Instead of criticising the injures, let's beReebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
thankful that the guys are learning how to play through adversityfor it is obvious that the Pistons will rise from the ashes of defeat sooner rather than later.Instead of being thankful that the streak is over, lets be thankful that the trial is finished. The insignificance has passed; success is around the corner.So let's move beyond their recent toils and embrace a new age of excellence.
12 Jan 11 Gerald Wallace Earns Charlotte Bobcats' First All-Star Nomination
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesIt is only fitting that the Bobcats' first delegate to the annual NBA All-Star game is the hardest working player in the franchise's short history.Since coming to Charlotte in the supplemental draft before their expansion season, Gerald Wallace has been a cornerstone of the team.He was often doubted by his coaches, teammates, critics, and even fans in his early days in Sacramento. He was thought of as a player destined to spend his NBA career coming off of the bench contributing as a sixth man but never cracking a starting rotation.That may have Atlanta Falcons jersey
been the chance were he not put in the position he was put in when he came to Charlotte. He was given the opportunity to be a young, budding player who could score lots of minutes, given the nature of the Bobcats' less-than-intimidating roster in those days.He took full advantage of the opportunity and has transformed himself into a player who is known around the league as one of the hardest working guys around. Rare is the day when you don't see Wallaceor "Crash," as he has been lovingly dubbed in Charlottediving into the scorer's table or leaping into the third row for a loose ball.For Wallace, it's team over body, which is a large reason why he is a perennial fan favorite in Charlotte.In a day where defense and hustle during the regular season has become an afterthought for most teams and players in the NBA, Wallace Baltimore Ravens jersey
prides himself on giving 100 percent all of the time. Never has that been more evident than this season, where Wallace's prowess on the boards has stood out perhaps more than any of his other statistics.Wallace is averaging a double-double so far this season, scoring 19.3 points and grabbing 11 rebounds per game for the Bobcats, who will almost surely turn in their best season in franchise history in 2009-10. His 11.0 rebounds per game are good enough for the team lead and ranks seventh in the NBA.Through 45 games, Wallace is just 58 total rebounds away from a career-high for a single season. He is also on pace to smash his previous bests of 1,304 points and 2,669 minutes played. In 32 of the 45 games he's played this season, Wallace has played 40 or more minutes, a testament to his all-out playing style.Wallace won't just be playing in the All-Star Game in Dallas; he'll also be taking part in the Slam Dunk Contest the night before. It will be Wallace's second appearance in the competition after throwing down in 2002 as a rookie, finishing second to eventual teammate Buffalo Bills jersey
Jason Richardson.Wallace's place on the team is a sign that the Bobcats may be edging onto the national radar, and could be making the transition from that team who wins the games they shouldn't and loses the games they should into a team that, at the very least, finds itself in the playoffs on a consistent basis. Wallace has been a staple in the Bobcats' rotation from day one, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.For Bobcats fans, that's great news.
been the chance were he not put in the position he was put in when he came to Charlotte. He was given the opportunity to be a young, budding player who could score lots of minutes, given the nature of the Bobcats' less-than-intimidating roster in those days.He took full advantage of the opportunity and has transformed himself into a player who is known around the league as one of the hardest working guys around. Rare is the day when you don't see Wallaceor "Crash," as he has been lovingly dubbed in Charlottediving into the scorer's table or leaping into the third row for a loose ball.For Wallace, it's team over body, which is a large reason why he is a perennial fan favorite in Charlotte.In a day where defense and hustle during the regular season has become an afterthought for most teams and players in the NBA, Wallace Baltimore Ravens jersey
prides himself on giving 100 percent all of the time. Never has that been more evident than this season, where Wallace's prowess on the boards has stood out perhaps more than any of his other statistics.Wallace is averaging a double-double so far this season, scoring 19.3 points and grabbing 11 rebounds per game for the Bobcats, who will almost surely turn in their best season in franchise history in 2009-10. His 11.0 rebounds per game are good enough for the team lead and ranks seventh in the NBA.Through 45 games, Wallace is just 58 total rebounds away from a career-high for a single season. He is also on pace to smash his previous bests of 1,304 points and 2,669 minutes played. In 32 of the 45 games he's played this season, Wallace has played 40 or more minutes, a testament to his all-out playing style.Wallace won't just be playing in the All-Star Game in Dallas; he'll also be taking part in the Slam Dunk Contest the night before. It will be Wallace's second appearance in the competition after throwing down in 2002 as a rookie, finishing second to eventual teammate Buffalo Bills jersey
Jason Richardson.Wallace's place on the team is a sign that the Bobcats may be edging onto the national radar, and could be making the transition from that team who wins the games they shouldn't and loses the games they should into a team that, at the very least, finds itself in the playoffs on a consistent basis. Wallace has been a staple in the Bobcats' rotation from day one, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.For Bobcats fans, that's great news.
2011年1月10日星期一
10 Jan 11 NBA Trade Rumors: Celtics Set To Swap Eddie House for Nate Robinson
Goodbye to a three-point shooter. Hello to a slam-dunk champ.It appears the Celtics and Knicks have agreed to a trade that will send Eddie House to NY for Nate Robinson. Reports are that Robinson has cleared out his locker and House spoke with reporters today at practice where he all but said he will be joining the Knicks.Not the blockbuster some had expected, but let analyze this trade while hoping for news of what else Danny Ainge has in store for the Celtics.First, can this trade help the Celtics?Yes.Robinson can be an explosive scorer and can provide instant offense off Dallas Cowboys jersey
the bench. Robinson is not noted as an effective defender, but neither was House. And coming to Boston, where defense is stressed, could very easily improve Robinson defense.House was averaging just 7.2 points on 40.1 shooting from the floor and 38.3 from three, all lows during his time in Boston. Robinson, on the other hand, was averaging 13.2 points this season. While that is down from his 17.2 average last year, both his field-goal (45.2) and three-point percentages (37.5) have improved this year.Also, this was almost definitely Eddie House last year in Boston. Robinson will be a free agent as well, but if it works out over the last 30 games, Ainge could have an easy job locking him up for a return next season with the C.Can the trade hurt the Celtics?Yes, as well.Robinson could upset the team chemistry, that reportedly, might not be where it needs to be to begin with. He will likely have to adjust to playing less than the 24 minutes per game he was playing for the Knicks, which already represetned a low for him since 2007. House was logging 17 minutes a night for Boston, so even if Robinson does get onto the court more than House, on most nights it will still be less than what he was playing in New York.When it comes to team chemistry, Robinson potential to rock the boat increases when it is factored in he is replacing someone who by all appearances was an ideal team player. Playing well or not, playing many minutes or not, House was always into the game, always cheering and pulling for his teammates.Also, House was just starting to play well for the Celtics. Over his last five games, he was averaging 9.8 points and 52.9 percent from three. If Robinson does not adjust to playing in Boston and House continues this hot streak, Danny Ainge could come to regret the move.Was the trade worth it?Although I hate to see a team player like Eddie House go, I think it was worth the risk. The Celtics have looked lifeless far too often over the last month. All trades have risk, unless you are the Lakers acquiring Pau Gasol, but the risk here is minimal. Bringing in a young player who potentially could be electric coming off the bench is a chance Ainge had to take.Although the risk is minimal, one problem with this trade is that the reward is minimal as well. The Celtics have struggled since Christmas. Robinson could fit in perfectly in Boston, but nevertheless not significanly alter the team's fortunes. Kevin Garnett is still hobbling, Paul Pierce foot is still sore, and Ray Allen is still missing too many shots. Nate Robinson cannot change any of Denver Broncos jersey
that.The silver lining of the trade is there is still time for another move. In Robinson, Ainge has found someone he thinks can be the back-up point guard he has really been searching for since 2008. If this trade is the first of several moves, Ainge has done his job. On the other hand, if this is all he can pull off before the deadline, the Celtics will not find themselves reaching the heights they set their sights on at the start of the season.Lastly, a word on Eddie House.All anyone really needs to know about the type of player and teammate Eddie House is, is that earlier today the Celtics gave him the option to stay at the hotel while they tried to work out the final details of the trade. House declined, and wanted to go to practice with his teammates, perhaps one final time.My favorite Eddie House moments, other than the one involving his son running around the sidelines as a ball boy, naturally occurred during the team title run in 2008.House had played well all season as the team back-up point guard. But come playoffs, Doc Rivers went with Sam Cassell almost exclusively as Rajon Rondo back-up. House never said a word, never complained. He cheered on his teammates the same as he had all season. This continued even though in three of the team first 12 playoff games, House registered a DNP-CD.In Game Six against Cleveland, Rivers finally turned to House, who responded with eight points in 18 minutes. In Game Seven, House again contributed. He only scored four points, but his energy off the bench no doubt provided a much needed spark and helped the team move on to the Eastern Conference Finals.In the Finals, House missed a jumper that could have tied Game Three in the closing minutes and the Lakers secured the victory, winning their first game of the series. The following game, however, House helped Boston pull off a record comeback.He hit a jumper with 4:07 left to give Boston its first lead of the game, 84-83. Boston never relinquished that lead, went ahead three games to one, and wrapped up the series in a memorable Game Six rout.I am not going to feel badly for someone making millions of Detroit Lions
dollars to play in the NBA. But, I hate to see someone like Eddie House, who was everything anyone could have asked for when he came to Boston, be traded away.Thanks Eddie for all of your contributions to the Celtics, and best of luck with the Knicks and in the future.
the bench. Robinson is not noted as an effective defender, but neither was House. And coming to Boston, where defense is stressed, could very easily improve Robinson defense.House was averaging just 7.2 points on 40.1 shooting from the floor and 38.3 from three, all lows during his time in Boston. Robinson, on the other hand, was averaging 13.2 points this season. While that is down from his 17.2 average last year, both his field-goal (45.2) and three-point percentages (37.5) have improved this year.Also, this was almost definitely Eddie House last year in Boston. Robinson will be a free agent as well, but if it works out over the last 30 games, Ainge could have an easy job locking him up for a return next season with the C.Can the trade hurt the Celtics?Yes, as well.Robinson could upset the team chemistry, that reportedly, might not be where it needs to be to begin with. He will likely have to adjust to playing less than the 24 minutes per game he was playing for the Knicks, which already represetned a low for him since 2007. House was logging 17 minutes a night for Boston, so even if Robinson does get onto the court more than House, on most nights it will still be less than what he was playing in New York.When it comes to team chemistry, Robinson potential to rock the boat increases when it is factored in he is replacing someone who by all appearances was an ideal team player. Playing well or not, playing many minutes or not, House was always into the game, always cheering and pulling for his teammates.Also, House was just starting to play well for the Celtics. Over his last five games, he was averaging 9.8 points and 52.9 percent from three. If Robinson does not adjust to playing in Boston and House continues this hot streak, Danny Ainge could come to regret the move.Was the trade worth it?Although I hate to see a team player like Eddie House go, I think it was worth the risk. The Celtics have looked lifeless far too often over the last month. All trades have risk, unless you are the Lakers acquiring Pau Gasol, but the risk here is minimal. Bringing in a young player who potentially could be electric coming off the bench is a chance Ainge had to take.Although the risk is minimal, one problem with this trade is that the reward is minimal as well. The Celtics have struggled since Christmas. Robinson could fit in perfectly in Boston, but nevertheless not significanly alter the team's fortunes. Kevin Garnett is still hobbling, Paul Pierce foot is still sore, and Ray Allen is still missing too many shots. Nate Robinson cannot change any of Denver Broncos jersey
that.The silver lining of the trade is there is still time for another move. In Robinson, Ainge has found someone he thinks can be the back-up point guard he has really been searching for since 2008. If this trade is the first of several moves, Ainge has done his job. On the other hand, if this is all he can pull off before the deadline, the Celtics will not find themselves reaching the heights they set their sights on at the start of the season.Lastly, a word on Eddie House.All anyone really needs to know about the type of player and teammate Eddie House is, is that earlier today the Celtics gave him the option to stay at the hotel while they tried to work out the final details of the trade. House declined, and wanted to go to practice with his teammates, perhaps one final time.My favorite Eddie House moments, other than the one involving his son running around the sidelines as a ball boy, naturally occurred during the team title run in 2008.House had played well all season as the team back-up point guard. But come playoffs, Doc Rivers went with Sam Cassell almost exclusively as Rajon Rondo back-up. House never said a word, never complained. He cheered on his teammates the same as he had all season. This continued even though in three of the team first 12 playoff games, House registered a DNP-CD.In Game Six against Cleveland, Rivers finally turned to House, who responded with eight points in 18 minutes. In Game Seven, House again contributed. He only scored four points, but his energy off the bench no doubt provided a much needed spark and helped the team move on to the Eastern Conference Finals.In the Finals, House missed a jumper that could have tied Game Three in the closing minutes and the Lakers secured the victory, winning their first game of the series. The following game, however, House helped Boston pull off a record comeback.He hit a jumper with 4:07 left to give Boston its first lead of the game, 84-83. Boston never relinquished that lead, went ahead three games to one, and wrapped up the series in a memorable Game Six rout.I am not going to feel badly for someone making millions of Detroit Lions
dollars to play in the NBA. But, I hate to see someone like Eddie House, who was everything anyone could have asked for when he came to Boston, be traded away.Thanks Eddie for all of your contributions to the Celtics, and best of luck with the Knicks and in the future.
10 Jan 11 Bulls Owner Jerry Reinsdorf Makes Right Coaching Hire
Suns president of basketball operations Steve Kerr requested Mike D'Antoni to focus more on defense than offense. The ultimatum came after the Spurs eliminated the Suns in the first round of the 2008 playoffs.Then-Suns assistant general manager Vinny Del Negro privately wondered to Kerr about Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
D'Antoni's ability to be a championship head coach.D'Antoni took exception to those claims. He decided he wanted out of Phoenix after hearing complaints about his coaching from his bosses.Knicks president Donnie Walsh asked Kerr for permission to interview D'Antoni when this story surfaced to the public, and Kerr gladly obliged.It was an opportunity for Kerr to hire a new coach that shares the same vision of how to win a championship.D'Antoni also interviewed with then-Bulls general manager John Paxson for the Bulls' head coaching position. It looked like he was going to coach the Bulls until Jerry Reinsdorf expressed the same reservations that Kerr had.After Reinsdorf did not want to pay up, the Knicks paid what D'Antoni wanted. The Bulls settled with hiring D'Antoni's nemesis in Del Negro.Following the matchup between the Knicks and the Bulls Tuesday night and last night, we've seen enough games to know the Bulls made a wise choice in not hiring D'Antoni.Last year should have been the clincher when the Bulls almost went to the next round until they lost to the Celtics in an epic seven-game series, while the Knicks went on to another uninspiring losing season.This year will be no different. This time, the Bulls have a shot to go to the NBA Finals while the Knicks experience another miserable season.Del Negro has gotten more out of his team than D'Antoni has with his team.The Bulls second-year coach developed Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson into good players in the league while D'Antoni failed to do that with his young Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
players.Chicago managed to survive adversity under Del Negro's leadership. D'Antoni can't say the same thing.The Bulls find a way to win games along with entertaining their fans when their team plays; the Knicks bore their fans to the point they have become apathetic towards their team now.In the last two nights, the Bulls outclassed the Knicks when it came to talent and coaching.On Tuesday night, the Knicks quit against the Bulls at Chicago. The Bulls knew how to score from the paint, and they hit their shots without any resistance.Last night, the Knicks couldn't respond to the Bulls' run in the second half in an 115-109 loss after dominating the Bulls in the first half.The Knicks spent a fortune in getting D'Antoni to coach their team, yet they have received nothing out of their investment. All the Knicks coach has done is alienate his players.It's time for a coaching change once this season is over.This coach is not winning a championship in New York. He never was a good coach to begin with if one looks at his track record before Steve Nash came to Phoenix as a free agent.Even with the great players, he could not take the Suns to a championship level. The Suns were a nice regular-season team, but come playoff time, the Spurs exposed their deficiencies.Gregg Popovich outcoached the then-Suns coach everytime the Spurs played the Suns.Now as Knicks coach, D'Antoni continued to show no interest in learning how to run a defense. He believes his team can winby outscoring their opponent.This theory does not make sense. It's hard for a team to do that when the other team plays a great defense.For all the accolades D'Antonireceived for being an offensive genius, he has yet to figure out how to get the most out of the Knicks when it comes to running an offense.Too many times, guys are confused when it comes to knowing the offense.It should make free agents think twice about playing for D'Antoni. If they want to win a championship, they should stay away from him.The Knicks need to find a way to get LeBron James here. The first step would be Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
to get rid of the Knicks coach and hire a coach that knows what he is doing.Coaches such as Lawrence Frank, Sam Mitchell and Byron Scott would be fine choice. This writer endorses Scott to be the next Knicks head coach.The bottom line is that the D'Antoni experiment has been a failure. It's not going to succeed.It's a good bet that Reinsdorf doesn't lose sleep at night knowing what could've been if D'Antoni was coaching the Bulls.He is feeling good about the coaching hire he made. It may turn out to be one of the best moves he has ever made as the Bulls owner.The results speak for themselves.
D'Antoni's ability to be a championship head coach.D'Antoni took exception to those claims. He decided he wanted out of Phoenix after hearing complaints about his coaching from his bosses.Knicks president Donnie Walsh asked Kerr for permission to interview D'Antoni when this story surfaced to the public, and Kerr gladly obliged.It was an opportunity for Kerr to hire a new coach that shares the same vision of how to win a championship.D'Antoni also interviewed with then-Bulls general manager John Paxson for the Bulls' head coaching position. It looked like he was going to coach the Bulls until Jerry Reinsdorf expressed the same reservations that Kerr had.After Reinsdorf did not want to pay up, the Knicks paid what D'Antoni wanted. The Bulls settled with hiring D'Antoni's nemesis in Del Negro.Following the matchup between the Knicks and the Bulls Tuesday night and last night, we've seen enough games to know the Bulls made a wise choice in not hiring D'Antoni.Last year should have been the clincher when the Bulls almost went to the next round until they lost to the Celtics in an epic seven-game series, while the Knicks went on to another uninspiring losing season.This year will be no different. This time, the Bulls have a shot to go to the NBA Finals while the Knicks experience another miserable season.Del Negro has gotten more out of his team than D'Antoni has with his team.The Bulls second-year coach developed Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson into good players in the league while D'Antoni failed to do that with his young Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
players.Chicago managed to survive adversity under Del Negro's leadership. D'Antoni can't say the same thing.The Bulls find a way to win games along with entertaining their fans when their team plays; the Knicks bore their fans to the point they have become apathetic towards their team now.In the last two nights, the Bulls outclassed the Knicks when it came to talent and coaching.On Tuesday night, the Knicks quit against the Bulls at Chicago. The Bulls knew how to score from the paint, and they hit their shots without any resistance.Last night, the Knicks couldn't respond to the Bulls' run in the second half in an 115-109 loss after dominating the Bulls in the first half.The Knicks spent a fortune in getting D'Antoni to coach their team, yet they have received nothing out of their investment. All the Knicks coach has done is alienate his players.It's time for a coaching change once this season is over.This coach is not winning a championship in New York. He never was a good coach to begin with if one looks at his track record before Steve Nash came to Phoenix as a free agent.Even with the great players, he could not take the Suns to a championship level. The Suns were a nice regular-season team, but come playoff time, the Spurs exposed their deficiencies.Gregg Popovich outcoached the then-Suns coach everytime the Spurs played the Suns.Now as Knicks coach, D'Antoni continued to show no interest in learning how to run a defense. He believes his team can winby outscoring their opponent.This theory does not make sense. It's hard for a team to do that when the other team plays a great defense.For all the accolades D'Antonireceived for being an offensive genius, he has yet to figure out how to get the most out of the Knicks when it comes to running an offense.Too many times, guys are confused when it comes to knowing the offense.It should make free agents think twice about playing for D'Antoni. If they want to win a championship, they should stay away from him.The Knicks need to find a way to get LeBron James here. The first step would be Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
to get rid of the Knicks coach and hire a coach that knows what he is doing.Coaches such as Lawrence Frank, Sam Mitchell and Byron Scott would be fine choice. This writer endorses Scott to be the next Knicks head coach.The bottom line is that the D'Antoni experiment has been a failure. It's not going to succeed.It's a good bet that Reinsdorf doesn't lose sleep at night knowing what could've been if D'Antoni was coaching the Bulls.He is feeling good about the coaching hire he made. It may turn out to be one of the best moves he has ever made as the Bulls owner.The results speak for themselves.
2011年1月9日星期日
9 Jan 11 NBA Fantasy: Week 19 pickups
Layne Murdoch/Getty ImagesWeek 19 (March 1-7)Teams playing four games: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Golden State, Houston, Indiana, L.A. Clippers, L.A. Lakers, Memphis, New York, Oklahoma City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento Teams playing three games: Chicago, Miami, Milwaukee, New Jersey, New Orleans, Portland, San Antonio, Toronto, Utah, Washington Teams playing two games: MinnesotaJerry Stackhouse (Bucks)- Stackhouse has stepped up hisNew York Giants jersey
play recently. The Bucks were one of the league hottest team that won 6 straight games before yesterday loss to the Hawks. Stack has scored double-figures and played at least 24 minutes in four straight games. He scored a season high 20 points yesterday and also is a good source for threes and free throw percentage.Bill Walker (Knicks)- Walker has appeared in three games for the Knicks and played 25 minutes in last Saturday game. Wilson Chandler is expected to miss tonight game (personal reasons) and Tracy McGrady is dealing with a sore knee which means Walker could sustain minutes in the rotation.Ronny Turiaf (Warriors)- Starting center Andris Biedrins left the last game with a groin injury and did not return. In the least two games Turiaf has 23 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks.Darko Milicic New York Jets jersey
(Timberwolves)- The former Knick has three games of at least three blocks for his new team. Starting center Al Jefferson is suspended (DWI) for the next two games which means Darko could get more run.Honorable mention: Nicolas Batum (Trailblazers)
play recently. The Bucks were one of the league hottest team that won 6 straight games before yesterday loss to the Hawks. Stack has scored double-figures and played at least 24 minutes in four straight games. He scored a season high 20 points yesterday and also is a good source for threes and free throw percentage.Bill Walker (Knicks)- Walker has appeared in three games for the Knicks and played 25 minutes in last Saturday game. Wilson Chandler is expected to miss tonight game (personal reasons) and Tracy McGrady is dealing with a sore knee which means Walker could sustain minutes in the rotation.Ronny Turiaf (Warriors)- Starting center Andris Biedrins left the last game with a groin injury and did not return. In the least two games Turiaf has 23 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks.Darko Milicic New York Jets jersey
(Timberwolves)- The former Knick has three games of at least three blocks for his new team. Starting center Al Jefferson is suspended (DWI) for the next two games which means Darko could get more run.Honorable mention: Nicolas Batum (Trailblazers)
2011年1月8日星期六
8 Jan 11 Dallas Mavericks Brass Deserves Credit for Turning Team into Contenders
Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesThe NBA is a game of haves and have-nots. Certain teams seem handicapped from the top down, with a cheap and/or stupid owner who hires cheap and/or stupid GMs who hire stupid coaches who draft stupid and/or bad players.GMs like R.C. Buford (Spurs), Sam Presti (Thunder), Kevin Pritchard (Trailblazers), Daryl Morey (Rockets), and Danny Ainge (Celtics) are universally praised for their ability to find good free agent bargains, draft well throughout the entire draft, and put together winning teams.And as a Mavericks fan, I have to ask: Why can't us?Why is GM Donnie Nelson and Co. never mentioned in the same breath as these geniuses, despite a 25-win season from Presti, disappointing playoff exits from Pritchard and Morey, or years of failure followed by a gift-wrapped trade like Ainge?Sure, the Mavericks aren't necessarily draft-day wizards, as only Josh Howard has really been effective this decade. A trade for Devin Harris is about the only other bright spot before the last year.But in the past year, the Mavericks Green Bay Packers jersey
brass has done an incredible job of drafting, signing and trading in order to make the Mavs contenders now, as well as into the future.They turned stale assets and non-contributors into players that are helping them climb the Western conference standings and pose a threat to the defending champion Lakers.Over the past year, the Mavericks front office has turned dead weight into contributors across the board, so let's take a look at what they've done.Jerry Stackhouse into Shawn MarionI have been a big Stack fan for a while, but with a lingering foot injury the past few years kept him off the floor much of the time, his time in Dallas was coming to a close.Due to a unique buyout clause in his contract, Stackhouse was a trade chip last summer, and the Mavericks front office claimed that "All-Star or bust" was their slogan in getting rid of him.So what did they do? They turned him into Shawn Marion, an All-Star. Sure he's on the down side of his career, but look at Stackhouse's contributions and look at Marion's, and you'll see the steal the Mavericks got in that deal.Shawn Marion has been absolutely gold for the Mavericks this year, guarding the other team's best defender, playing extremely well off the ball, and providing a lot of those little hustle plays (blocks, offensive rebounds) that help good teams become championship-caliber teams.He has changed his game from a legit second offensive option to a defensive stopper and energy guy. He doesn't have plays drawn up for him, ever, he just works in the offense and does what he does to help the team.This has led to a completely new side to his game, one we didn't see in Toronto or Miami, and one that even a year ago, many would have doubted that Marion could play.Coach Rick Carlisle himself has said that Marion has sacrificed the most in terms of touches, but Marion seems to be motivated by what all players should be motivated by: a championship.Josh Howard into Caron ButlerI like Josh Howard, and the Mavs wouldn't have been to the second round last year without him, but it was clear his time was done.He struggled after the Kidd trade, he struggled with the move to shooting guard, and as talented as he is, sometimes the Mavericks seem to take on his flaws on the team level, and that's something a contender just can't do.So the Mavericks found themselves the opposite type of player, and by doing so shored up a few problem areas that need to be fixed.Where Howard had a tendency to hoist up bad jumpers, Caron chooses his shots very well. He is good at creating off the dribble, and he's Houston Texans jersey
much more accurate with those shots than Howard has been.Butler also has a more natural inclination to go to the rim, something Howard struggled with. Butler is big into getting to the paint, pulling down an offensive rebound, and putting the ball right back up.Howard was a little too much of a finesse player for that. In fact, most of the finesse aspects that the Mavs lost with Howard they got back with Marion, who provides all the defense of Howard, with less liability on the offensive end.Butler plays a part in the Mavs' future, whether in a sign-and-trade this summer, or as the shooting guard/small forward for the next few years, and he's a good enough player to be a legit second banana to Dirk for extended periods of time.Drew Gooden into Brendan HaywoodWhen you think about the implications of this heist, it's staggering. Drew Gooden was signed to a one-year deal to provide a big body behind Erick Dampier, but as Damp struggled with an odd assortment of injuries, Gooden filled in well, putting up 10 and 10, and keeping the knuckle-headedness to a minimum.But Brendan Haywood is a legit center, one of about 10 in the league, and therefore is a precious commodity. Myself and others have written a whole lot in the last few years about the holes the Mavericks have at shooting guard and center, and now they have a center for the foreseeable future, at the cost of a journeyman like Gooden.In a perfect world, Drew Gooden would have been bought out by the 'Zards and been on his way back to Dallas, but it wasn't to be.But I would say a trade for a journeyman second-string center for a starting center who could anchor the team for the next few years is a pretty good trade, yes?Drafting Rodrigue BeauoisIf you're like me, then in addition to being really, really good looking, your jaw dropped when the Mavericks drafted B.J. Mullens, a big white center of which the Mavs have drafted plenty.When they traded Mullens for some Guadeloupean (?) kid named Rodrigue Beaubois, I was even more flummoxed, if because nothing else I had previously imagined Guadeloupe as being some sort of melon.But Beaubois has made believers of us all over these past months, with a dizzying display ofathleticism, combined with a knack for solid play on both ends of the floor. With the clock ticking on Jason Kidd's career, Beaubois is turning into the point guard of the future.When you've won 50 games for each of the past nine years, it can be hard to re-stock your team with quality draft picks.Josh Howard qualified as a steal in 2003, and Beaubois as of now can be counted as a steal.Erick Dampier into LeBron James?And now we've moved into the hypothetical. Even as the Mavs were inking the coveted free agent center to a long-term deal in the summer of 2004, they built themselves a way Indianapolis Colts jersey
out in the future.Dampier's contract was incentives laden to the point where he could become an instant expiring contract in the summer of 2010, and that's just where we are.Dampier could be used to get LeBron away from Cleveland, and instead of losing him for nothing, they get $16 million in cap space, as well as someone like Beaubois or Caron Butler to fill the LeBron void.Sure, cap space and Caron don't make up for LeBron, but it's better than nothing.And if the Mavs brass are able to get LeBron to come to Dallas, you better believe they won't be under the radar for long.And they'll have a shiny new free superstar to back that claim up.
brass has done an incredible job of drafting, signing and trading in order to make the Mavs contenders now, as well as into the future.They turned stale assets and non-contributors into players that are helping them climb the Western conference standings and pose a threat to the defending champion Lakers.Over the past year, the Mavericks front office has turned dead weight into contributors across the board, so let's take a look at what they've done.Jerry Stackhouse into Shawn MarionI have been a big Stack fan for a while, but with a lingering foot injury the past few years kept him off the floor much of the time, his time in Dallas was coming to a close.Due to a unique buyout clause in his contract, Stackhouse was a trade chip last summer, and the Mavericks front office claimed that "All-Star or bust" was their slogan in getting rid of him.So what did they do? They turned him into Shawn Marion, an All-Star. Sure he's on the down side of his career, but look at Stackhouse's contributions and look at Marion's, and you'll see the steal the Mavericks got in that deal.Shawn Marion has been absolutely gold for the Mavericks this year, guarding the other team's best defender, playing extremely well off the ball, and providing a lot of those little hustle plays (blocks, offensive rebounds) that help good teams become championship-caliber teams.He has changed his game from a legit second offensive option to a defensive stopper and energy guy. He doesn't have plays drawn up for him, ever, he just works in the offense and does what he does to help the team.This has led to a completely new side to his game, one we didn't see in Toronto or Miami, and one that even a year ago, many would have doubted that Marion could play.Coach Rick Carlisle himself has said that Marion has sacrificed the most in terms of touches, but Marion seems to be motivated by what all players should be motivated by: a championship.Josh Howard into Caron ButlerI like Josh Howard, and the Mavs wouldn't have been to the second round last year without him, but it was clear his time was done.He struggled after the Kidd trade, he struggled with the move to shooting guard, and as talented as he is, sometimes the Mavericks seem to take on his flaws on the team level, and that's something a contender just can't do.So the Mavericks found themselves the opposite type of player, and by doing so shored up a few problem areas that need to be fixed.Where Howard had a tendency to hoist up bad jumpers, Caron chooses his shots very well. He is good at creating off the dribble, and he's Houston Texans jersey
much more accurate with those shots than Howard has been.Butler also has a more natural inclination to go to the rim, something Howard struggled with. Butler is big into getting to the paint, pulling down an offensive rebound, and putting the ball right back up.Howard was a little too much of a finesse player for that. In fact, most of the finesse aspects that the Mavs lost with Howard they got back with Marion, who provides all the defense of Howard, with less liability on the offensive end.Butler plays a part in the Mavs' future, whether in a sign-and-trade this summer, or as the shooting guard/small forward for the next few years, and he's a good enough player to be a legit second banana to Dirk for extended periods of time.Drew Gooden into Brendan HaywoodWhen you think about the implications of this heist, it's staggering. Drew Gooden was signed to a one-year deal to provide a big body behind Erick Dampier, but as Damp struggled with an odd assortment of injuries, Gooden filled in well, putting up 10 and 10, and keeping the knuckle-headedness to a minimum.But Brendan Haywood is a legit center, one of about 10 in the league, and therefore is a precious commodity. Myself and others have written a whole lot in the last few years about the holes the Mavericks have at shooting guard and center, and now they have a center for the foreseeable future, at the cost of a journeyman like Gooden.In a perfect world, Drew Gooden would have been bought out by the 'Zards and been on his way back to Dallas, but it wasn't to be.But I would say a trade for a journeyman second-string center for a starting center who could anchor the team for the next few years is a pretty good trade, yes?Drafting Rodrigue BeauoisIf you're like me, then in addition to being really, really good looking, your jaw dropped when the Mavericks drafted B.J. Mullens, a big white center of which the Mavs have drafted plenty.When they traded Mullens for some Guadeloupean (?) kid named Rodrigue Beaubois, I was even more flummoxed, if because nothing else I had previously imagined Guadeloupe as being some sort of melon.But Beaubois has made believers of us all over these past months, with a dizzying display ofathleticism, combined with a knack for solid play on both ends of the floor. With the clock ticking on Jason Kidd's career, Beaubois is turning into the point guard of the future.When you've won 50 games for each of the past nine years, it can be hard to re-stock your team with quality draft picks.Josh Howard qualified as a steal in 2003, and Beaubois as of now can be counted as a steal.Erick Dampier into LeBron James?And now we've moved into the hypothetical. Even as the Mavs were inking the coveted free agent center to a long-term deal in the summer of 2004, they built themselves a way Indianapolis Colts jersey
out in the future.Dampier's contract was incentives laden to the point where he could become an instant expiring contract in the summer of 2010, and that's just where we are.Dampier could be used to get LeBron away from Cleveland, and instead of losing him for nothing, they get $16 million in cap space, as well as someone like Beaubois or Caron Butler to fill the LeBron void.Sure, cap space and Caron don't make up for LeBron, but it's better than nothing.And if the Mavs brass are able to get LeBron to come to Dallas, you better believe they won't be under the radar for long.And they'll have a shiny new free superstar to back that claim up.
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