Congrats to you Trent Edwards. No, I really mean it. Congrats. It's only March and you are all smiles. Your Buffalo Bills have added a Hall of Fame wide receiver for you to throw to this season. You should be excited. Oh wait, did I forget to mention that it was Terrell Owens who you have signed.
Everyone is happy, for now. Like I said it's March. Everyone is saying the right thing. Everyone is visualizing the possibilities of an explosive Bills offense. I'm all for it. Go ahead and be happy. Do me a favor though, let us all know how happy you are, let's say late October-mid November. I'm betting the mood will change.
Let's see we all know about T.O. and all the baggage that comes with him. I will give him his credit, on the fact that he is one of the greatest pure athletes I have ever seen, but the antics and baggage just aren't worth a young team taking on. That's exactly what the Bills did. Why?
One positive has come out of this for Bills fans. They are being talked about nationally. There hasn't been a good Bills story to talk about since Jim Kelly was calling the signals in the early 90's. It's not worth it though. Buffalo has a good young team and within the next two seasons should be knocking on the door of the playoffs. Why bring in a cancer to these young guys.
Oh, I know. They want to win now. Well if that's the case, what has T.O. ever won. The answer is nothing. You already have a big time play maker in Lee Evans and remember that there is only one ball to go around. Owens has a few decent seasons left in him but no longer is the best wide out in the game. Quite frankly, he is nothing more than a 37 year old WR with declining skills. He may have a good season, but it won't be about helping the Bills win, it will be all about T.O. It has always been all about T.O. and nothing else matters. Giving him a one year deal may motivate him to play well and then go sign somewhere else though. Do you thing T.O. cares one bit about winning a Super Bowl?
Ask Tony Romo, Donovan McNabb and Jeff Garcia what T.O. cares about and they will all answer the same. Himself. Lucky you Trent Edwards, you're next.
Here are some givens for 2009-10
1. T.O. and his glory hound agent Drew Rosenhaus will complain about the cold and will only play in warm weather or dome games.
2. If Edwards is rooming with Evans, save yourself the trouble and just move out now before camp starts.
3. No matter how open Evans or the rest of the team is, Trent will have to learn to force the ball into triple teams just to keep T.O happy.
4. After 6 games when the team may be 3-3 at the best. It's on. T.O. isn't getting the ball enough........ I think we have heard all this before.
Again, Congrats to you Trent. You have alot to look forward to. Just remember (Insert Crying sound here) "You are his quarterback"
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Big East Player of the Year
I've been waiting to bitch about something and now I have the opportunity. It angers me that Dejuan Blair had to share the Big East Player of the Year award with U Conn's Hasheem Thabeet. I knew this would happen but I still think it is a bogus vote. I mean do coaches watch the games or do they just vote just to vote?
I do feel Blair should have been Player of the Year and this isn't me being a homer. I have no problem with him having to share the award, but not with Thabeet. There are so many other deserving great players in the conference. Thabeet is the most overrated player in college basketball right now. He's not even the best player on his own team. AJ Price and Jeff Adrien get that distinction.
Just because he's big doesn't mean he's great. I will give him credit, he can block some shots and changes even more, but only when he has his feet on the floor and doesn't have to move. If Thabeet is forced to play defense, he is a stiff. If he is forced to actually compete, he is soft. he has has some good games, but anytime he gets tested, then he folds.
Blair's performance against the best competition warrants his half of the vote, but Thabeet's doesn't. He got handled by Blair in their two previous meetings. His 13.6pts, 10.6 reb, and 4.5 blocks are good numbers, but not great. Blair on the other hand had 15.6pts, and 12.4 reb per game. Both numbers better than Thabeet. the difference is that Blair was a true difference maker on the floor.
Again, I have no problem with Blair sharing the award, but just not with Thabeet. there are plenty other player worthy: Louisville's Terrence Williams is a stat sheet filler, Marquette's Jerel McNeal is probably the best scorer in the conference (20.1ppg), and despite the teams struggles, Notre Dame's Luke Harrangody is worthy (23.1ppg, 12.1 reb).
I just don't see why people love Thabeet. he is big and has the potential to be a difference maker for a very talented U Conn team. He just doesn't have the skill set of a dominant big man yet. He is a good player, just not worthy of being called Big East Player of the Year.
I do feel Blair should have been Player of the Year and this isn't me being a homer. I have no problem with him having to share the award, but not with Thabeet. There are so many other deserving great players in the conference. Thabeet is the most overrated player in college basketball right now. He's not even the best player on his own team. AJ Price and Jeff Adrien get that distinction.
Just because he's big doesn't mean he's great. I will give him credit, he can block some shots and changes even more, but only when he has his feet on the floor and doesn't have to move. If Thabeet is forced to play defense, he is a stiff. If he is forced to actually compete, he is soft. he has has some good games, but anytime he gets tested, then he folds.
Blair's performance against the best competition warrants his half of the vote, but Thabeet's doesn't. He got handled by Blair in their two previous meetings. His 13.6pts, 10.6 reb, and 4.5 blocks are good numbers, but not great. Blair on the other hand had 15.6pts, and 12.4 reb per game. Both numbers better than Thabeet. the difference is that Blair was a true difference maker on the floor.
Again, I have no problem with Blair sharing the award, but just not with Thabeet. there are plenty other player worthy: Louisville's Terrence Williams is a stat sheet filler, Marquette's Jerel McNeal is probably the best scorer in the conference (20.1ppg), and despite the teams struggles, Notre Dame's Luke Harrangody is worthy (23.1ppg, 12.1 reb).
I just don't see why people love Thabeet. he is big and has the potential to be a difference maker for a very talented U Conn team. He just doesn't have the skill set of a dominant big man yet. He is a good player, just not worthy of being called Big East Player of the Year.
NCAA Tournament New Projected Seeds
A crazy week of basketball. Nobody seemed to want to win, so not that much change in my projected seeds, but here is what they look like heading into the conference tournaments. (As of 3-11-09 Note- East plays West in Final Four)
East
1. Pitt- They get the overall #1 seed after finishing with wins vs Marquette and U Conn
2. Kansas- They lost this week after I moved them up, but no one else is really worthy of this spot at the moment.
3. Washington- The Huskies have moved up week after week. Pretty solid team.
4. Purdue- They have been consistently in this spot.
West
1. Louisville- Oklahoma hasn't looked good the last 5 games, so I give this to the Cardinals and that makes 3 Big East #1 seeds.
2. Memphis- Could sneak in and get a #1 if U Conn, Louisville and Oklahoma lose early in conference tourneys
3. Wake forest- Same spot as last week
4. UCLA- If they win the PAC 10 then Howland's bunch may get a 3
South
1. UNC- Could move to the East if they win the ACC and Pitt doesn't reach the Big East finals
2. Oklahoma- Need to win the Big 12 tourney to get back to a number 1
3. Villanova- No change in their seed from the last 2 weeks
4. Missouri- Had them as a 2 seed 3 weeks ago, but a couple of bad losses drop them here
Mid West
1. U Conn- Still a lock for a number 1 unless they lose early in the Big East
2. Michigan St.- Been safely in this spot for the last 3 weeks
3. Duke- Same as Mich St. , they haven't moved from this spot
4. Gonzaga- Maybe the best transition team in the nation, they have been playing well lately.
East
1. Pitt- They get the overall #1 seed after finishing with wins vs Marquette and U Conn
2. Kansas- They lost this week after I moved them up, but no one else is really worthy of this spot at the moment.
3. Washington- The Huskies have moved up week after week. Pretty solid team.
4. Purdue- They have been consistently in this spot.
West
1. Louisville- Oklahoma hasn't looked good the last 5 games, so I give this to the Cardinals and that makes 3 Big East #1 seeds.
2. Memphis- Could sneak in and get a #1 if U Conn, Louisville and Oklahoma lose early in conference tourneys
3. Wake forest- Same spot as last week
4. UCLA- If they win the PAC 10 then Howland's bunch may get a 3
South
1. UNC- Could move to the East if they win the ACC and Pitt doesn't reach the Big East finals
2. Oklahoma- Need to win the Big 12 tourney to get back to a number 1
3. Villanova- No change in their seed from the last 2 weeks
4. Missouri- Had them as a 2 seed 3 weeks ago, but a couple of bad losses drop them here
Mid West
1. U Conn- Still a lock for a number 1 unless they lose early in the Big East
2. Michigan St.- Been safely in this spot for the last 3 weeks
3. Duke- Same as Mich St. , they haven't moved from this spot
4. Gonzaga- Maybe the best transition team in the nation, they have been playing well lately.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Who is this years Tampa Rays?
It's getting real close to my favorite time of the year- baseball season. Watching the WBC has gotten me very excited for opening day and got me thinking of some stuff to write. The first topic that came to mind is- Who is the 2009 version of the Tampa Rays?
Everyone knows the story of the 2008 Rays by now. The same Tampa franchise that was the perennial last place team in the toughest division in all sports, the AL East. The same Tampa team that often picked in the top 3 of the MLB draft for the last decade. That's right, the same Tampa team that stockpiled so much young talent that it was able to overtake the Yankees and Red Sox to win the division. The same Tampa Rays that made an improbable run to the World Series. What team can duplicate that feat in 2009?
The answer is simple. No one will do it. No one will sneak up on anyone and win their division. There are some good young teams that can compete and probably win their division; most notably: Tampa, Arizona, Cleveland and maybe Florida. If either of these teams made it to the playoffs, I wouldn't be shocked. Though I don't feel there will be another team like Tampa this year, I do have two in mind that can make great strides and possibly contend.
First of all i really like the Cincinnati Reds in the NL. They were my sleeper last season and really disappointed. I love the young talent on this team and they continue to draft well. They have some pitching. If Edison Volquez and Jonnie Cueto continue to progress and Aaron Harang has a bounce back year, then the Reds suddenly can have a decent staff. Harang is they key for this team. He has to be the innings eater he was two seasons ago. He can still be a 15 game winner and will need to be for the Reds to contend.
Offensively, I like this team alot. They can be explosive. A combination of young studs and a few veterans. The Reds have as much good young talent as anyone. Joey Votto and Jay Bruce are future all stars. If Edwin Encarnacion and Brandon Phillips have good season, then Cincinatti will score some runs. They are a young and very athletic team. They added Ramon Hernandez, a good hitting catcher, but the key to this years Reds might be Willy Taveres. Taveres will be at the top of the order and could swipe over 60 bags, but he needs to get on base more often then he did in Colorado.
With more young talent coming up through the Reds system, they could potentially hang in the Wild Card race for a while this season. Ultimately I think their bullpen is weak and could use a right hand power bat, but I like the direction the Reds are headed.
In the AL, I actually like the Royals. Ok, I will wait for you to stop laughing, but this is a team that has some talent as well. I don't see them winning anything, but I think they can be in the hunt for a while this season. The AL Central can be had by anyone and while ultimately I think it will come down to Cleveland, Minnesota and Detroit; I look at Kansas City and think why can't these guys win that division. The other teams aren't that much better than them.
Kansas City has some good young pitching. Zack Grienke is a future all -star and has the stuff of a staff ace. Luke Hocheaver and Brian Bannister also have great stuff, they just have to learn to win more consistently. In the back end of the bullpen, Joakim Soria converts almost every save opportunity, so they have a strength there as well. Filling the spots in between the third starter and the closer is a challenge however.
The Royals also have some good young hitters, including Alex Gordan. They have added some good pieces as well. While they don't have the household names, guys like Mike Aviles, Mike Jacobs and Coco Crisp make the Royals a better team. They will need holdovers Billy Butler, Davis DeJesus and Jose Guillen to have solid years though and I don't know if it's possible.
Much of the Royals talent lies in it's minor league system. They need to find a way to get guys like Kila Ka'aihue, Carlos Rosa and Daniel Cortes into the mix. Again, while I don't think it's going to happen, if everything goes right, then they could surprise.
Look it's easy to go out and predict the obvious teams will contend, I'm trying to find a struggling team here and these guys fit the bill. I guess we will find out in October
Everyone knows the story of the 2008 Rays by now. The same Tampa franchise that was the perennial last place team in the toughest division in all sports, the AL East. The same Tampa team that often picked in the top 3 of the MLB draft for the last decade. That's right, the same Tampa team that stockpiled so much young talent that it was able to overtake the Yankees and Red Sox to win the division. The same Tampa Rays that made an improbable run to the World Series. What team can duplicate that feat in 2009?
The answer is simple. No one will do it. No one will sneak up on anyone and win their division. There are some good young teams that can compete and probably win their division; most notably: Tampa, Arizona, Cleveland and maybe Florida. If either of these teams made it to the playoffs, I wouldn't be shocked. Though I don't feel there will be another team like Tampa this year, I do have two in mind that can make great strides and possibly contend.
First of all i really like the Cincinnati Reds in the NL. They were my sleeper last season and really disappointed. I love the young talent on this team and they continue to draft well. They have some pitching. If Edison Volquez and Jonnie Cueto continue to progress and Aaron Harang has a bounce back year, then the Reds suddenly can have a decent staff. Harang is they key for this team. He has to be the innings eater he was two seasons ago. He can still be a 15 game winner and will need to be for the Reds to contend.
Offensively, I like this team alot. They can be explosive. A combination of young studs and a few veterans. The Reds have as much good young talent as anyone. Joey Votto and Jay Bruce are future all stars. If Edwin Encarnacion and Brandon Phillips have good season, then Cincinatti will score some runs. They are a young and very athletic team. They added Ramon Hernandez, a good hitting catcher, but the key to this years Reds might be Willy Taveres. Taveres will be at the top of the order and could swipe over 60 bags, but he needs to get on base more often then he did in Colorado.
With more young talent coming up through the Reds system, they could potentially hang in the Wild Card race for a while this season. Ultimately I think their bullpen is weak and could use a right hand power bat, but I like the direction the Reds are headed.
In the AL, I actually like the Royals. Ok, I will wait for you to stop laughing, but this is a team that has some talent as well. I don't see them winning anything, but I think they can be in the hunt for a while this season. The AL Central can be had by anyone and while ultimately I think it will come down to Cleveland, Minnesota and Detroit; I look at Kansas City and think why can't these guys win that division. The other teams aren't that much better than them.
Kansas City has some good young pitching. Zack Grienke is a future all -star and has the stuff of a staff ace. Luke Hocheaver and Brian Bannister also have great stuff, they just have to learn to win more consistently. In the back end of the bullpen, Joakim Soria converts almost every save opportunity, so they have a strength there as well. Filling the spots in between the third starter and the closer is a challenge however.
The Royals also have some good young hitters, including Alex Gordan. They have added some good pieces as well. While they don't have the household names, guys like Mike Aviles, Mike Jacobs and Coco Crisp make the Royals a better team. They will need holdovers Billy Butler, Davis DeJesus and Jose Guillen to have solid years though and I don't know if it's possible.
Much of the Royals talent lies in it's minor league system. They need to find a way to get guys like Kila Ka'aihue, Carlos Rosa and Daniel Cortes into the mix. Again, while I don't think it's going to happen, if everything goes right, then they could surprise.
Look it's easy to go out and predict the obvious teams will contend, I'm trying to find a struggling team here and these guys fit the bill. I guess we will find out in October
Friday, March 6, 2009
Pitt Panthers surprise Brandin Knight
As we head into the Big East clash of the year when U Conn comes to The Pete to take on the Pitt Panthers, I want to take a look into the past. As we get ready to see Blair vs. Thabeet Round 2, I wanna talk about how the Panthers made it to this stage in the first place.
If you were in attendance at the Pitt-Marquette game on Wednesday, then you got an added surprise of watching the Panthers retire the jersey of former point guard and current assistant coach Brandin Knight.
If you were surprised, then you weren't nearly as surprised as Knight, who had no clue it was coming. It was only two weeks ago I had suggested that the Panthers raise Knight's #20 to the rafters and I'm glad they did. A very classy move by the University of Pittsburgh.
Knight wasn't the best, but he is the guy to me that got the turnaround started. He was the first to buy in to the Howland (now Dixon) system. He was the first to buy into defense first, buy into team basketball over individual success. He left a legacy of great point guards at Pitt. he passed the torch to Carl Krauser (who I couldn't stand) and Krauser passed it to Levance Fields. Fields has Ashton Gibbs ready to carry the torch next season.
Knight was the first to make the Big East title game an annual date for the Panthers, as he got the team there 3 times (2001-2003). He won 2 Big East regular season titles in 2002 and 2003. Under Knight, Pitt reached the Sweet Sixteen both seasons. Knight capped it off by leading Pitt to their first Big East Tournament Championship in 2002-03. With Knight at the helm, Pitt nearly played .700 ball during his 4 years, compiling an 89-40 record.
A two-time All-American, Knight was also named Big East Co-Player of the year in 2001-02. That season he led the Panthers to a 29-6 record. Knight holds Panther school record for assists (785), career assist per game (6.2), steals (298), assists in a season (251 in 2001-02), and season minutes played (1,284 in 2001-02).
Knight's #20 is the fourth jersey to be retired by the Panthers. He joins Don Hennon, who played at Pitt from 1956-59, Billy Knight (1971-74), and Charles Smith (1984-88).
Knight was the first true leader, Pitt fans got to watch probably since the Sean Miller days. Knight had guts and heart and was a joy to watch play. Much of the success the Panthers are enjoying on the court these days is due to Brandin Knight, who really helped put Pitt back on the basketball map.
If you were in attendance at the Pitt-Marquette game on Wednesday, then you got an added surprise of watching the Panthers retire the jersey of former point guard and current assistant coach Brandin Knight.
If you were surprised, then you weren't nearly as surprised as Knight, who had no clue it was coming. It was only two weeks ago I had suggested that the Panthers raise Knight's #20 to the rafters and I'm glad they did. A very classy move by the University of Pittsburgh.
Knight wasn't the best, but he is the guy to me that got the turnaround started. He was the first to buy in to the Howland (now Dixon) system. He was the first to buy into defense first, buy into team basketball over individual success. He left a legacy of great point guards at Pitt. he passed the torch to Carl Krauser (who I couldn't stand) and Krauser passed it to Levance Fields. Fields has Ashton Gibbs ready to carry the torch next season.
Knight was the first to make the Big East title game an annual date for the Panthers, as he got the team there 3 times (2001-2003). He won 2 Big East regular season titles in 2002 and 2003. Under Knight, Pitt reached the Sweet Sixteen both seasons. Knight capped it off by leading Pitt to their first Big East Tournament Championship in 2002-03. With Knight at the helm, Pitt nearly played .700 ball during his 4 years, compiling an 89-40 record.
A two-time All-American, Knight was also named Big East Co-Player of the year in 2001-02. That season he led the Panthers to a 29-6 record. Knight holds Panther school record for assists (785), career assist per game (6.2), steals (298), assists in a season (251 in 2001-02), and season minutes played (1,284 in 2001-02).
Knight's #20 is the fourth jersey to be retired by the Panthers. He joins Don Hennon, who played at Pitt from 1956-59, Billy Knight (1971-74), and Charles Smith (1984-88).
Knight was the first true leader, Pitt fans got to watch probably since the Sean Miller days. Knight had guts and heart and was a joy to watch play. Much of the success the Panthers are enjoying on the court these days is due to Brandin Knight, who really helped put Pitt back on the basketball map.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
NCAA Basketball Player of the Year
I have been hearing alot of talk about who is the player of the year in men's basketball this year and quite frankly, I can't even believe that there is a discussion. We have heard names thrown around all year, but there is truly only one guy that should be talked about here.
Right now, I think U Conn's AJ Price is playing as well as anyone in the nation, but he isn't even in the running here. I have limited it down to the top 5 candidates and here they are in reverse order.
5. Jodie Meeks- Kentucky This kid is very exciting and can flat out score. he averages 25.1 ppg, good for 5th in the nation. Out of the 6 games of 45 point or more this season, Meeks has 3 of them.
4. Tyler Hansbrough- North Carolina Last years player of the year is averaging 21.2 per game and 7.8 rebounds. Maybe we have just gotten used to his consistent production, but he has done nothing that jumps off the page to give him the award. He has a chance to go down as the NCAA's all-time leading scorer, but the award is for this year.
3. Stephen Curry- Davidson The switch to point guard hasn't slowed Curry down one bit. He leads the nation in scoring at 28.4 per game and also averages 6 assists and nearly 5 rebounds per.
2. Dejuan Blair- Pitt maybe I'm a little too high on him, but i feel he is one of the two most dominant players I have seen all season. Blair averages over 16pts per game to go along with 12.8 rebounds. His 6.0 offense boards per game leads the nation.
Out of that list, I would give the award to Blair, but not even Dejuan should be talked about when it comes to player of the year. That distinction goes to Oklahoma's Blake Griffen and it should be unanimous.
Both Blair and Griffen are truly men among boys on the court, but Griffen's performance has truly been the most dominant of the season. He averages 21.9 ppg and 14 reb per game and has kept the Sooners in the top 5 in the nation all season. Blair maybe the front runner next season if he stays, but this year, Blake Griffen is hands down your player of the year.
That's not to say he is the better player, he has though had the best season. I for one would love to see the Pitt-Oklahoma game and the Blair-Griffen duel. Hopefully we will see it in Detroit.
Right now, I think U Conn's AJ Price is playing as well as anyone in the nation, but he isn't even in the running here. I have limited it down to the top 5 candidates and here they are in reverse order.
5. Jodie Meeks- Kentucky This kid is very exciting and can flat out score. he averages 25.1 ppg, good for 5th in the nation. Out of the 6 games of 45 point or more this season, Meeks has 3 of them.
4. Tyler Hansbrough- North Carolina Last years player of the year is averaging 21.2 per game and 7.8 rebounds. Maybe we have just gotten used to his consistent production, but he has done nothing that jumps off the page to give him the award. He has a chance to go down as the NCAA's all-time leading scorer, but the award is for this year.
3. Stephen Curry- Davidson The switch to point guard hasn't slowed Curry down one bit. He leads the nation in scoring at 28.4 per game and also averages 6 assists and nearly 5 rebounds per.
2. Dejuan Blair- Pitt maybe I'm a little too high on him, but i feel he is one of the two most dominant players I have seen all season. Blair averages over 16pts per game to go along with 12.8 rebounds. His 6.0 offense boards per game leads the nation.
Out of that list, I would give the award to Blair, but not even Dejuan should be talked about when it comes to player of the year. That distinction goes to Oklahoma's Blake Griffen and it should be unanimous.
Both Blair and Griffen are truly men among boys on the court, but Griffen's performance has truly been the most dominant of the season. He averages 21.9 ppg and 14 reb per game and has kept the Sooners in the top 5 in the nation all season. Blair maybe the front runner next season if he stays, but this year, Blake Griffen is hands down your player of the year.
That's not to say he is the better player, he has though had the best season. I for one would love to see the Pitt-Oklahoma game and the Blair-Griffen duel. Hopefully we will see it in Detroit.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Early NFL Free Agency Winners and Losers
A quick recap to what happened this weekend as NFL Free Agency began.
Washington inked Albert Haynesworth to a 100mil dol deal with 41 mil guaranteed. I wonder if Daniel Snyder will ever "get it". Snyder also gave DeAngelo Hall ridiculous money as well.
Matt Cassell was traded to Kansas City along with Mike Vrabel for the Chiefs 2nd round pick in this years draft. A great deal for the Chiefs as every team in the league would have pulled the trigger on that deal.
The Browns trade Kellen Winslow to The Bucs for a second and a fifth round pick. It's about time the Browns and Winslow parted ways, but I thought they would get more in return.
Jay Cutler is very upset about the Broncos shopping him. This could turn very ugly and I wouldn't be surprised if Cutler isn't a Bronco at the start of the season. New coach in Denver in Josh McDaniels who wants his own QB and wants to go in a different direction. Tampa and Detroit could be in the mix, but I offer up two good fits for Cutler, the Jets and the Eagles. Jets should jump on a chance to get involved in Cutler talks and the Eagles are a real longshot but it would make sense, because McNabb isn't happy and now might be the best time for both sides to just part ways. On a side note to that, it was confirmed through Andy Reid that if Kevin Kolb would have played well after the McNabb benching in week 12, that Donovan would not have seen the field the rest of the season. It's time for both sides to go in a different direction.
The Jets had a good weekend inking Bart Scott and Brandon Moore and trading for Lito Sheppard.
The Cowboys signed Keith Brooking and trading for Jon Kitna
The Giants signed Micheal Boley, Chris Canty and Brandon Jacobs
The Titans ink Kerry Collins, maybe finally admitting that Vince young is a bust
Other signings: Hou- Antionio Smith, NE-Fred Taylor, Chris Baker, Den signed a ton of players but most noteably Brian Dawkins and Correl Buckhalter
Winners
1. Chiefs- What a steal getting Cassell and Vrabel for a second. Many teams had offered a first and the Broncos were shopping Cutler. Did Bellicheck offer his good friend Pioli a house warming gift in this deal. Expect the Chiefs to return the favor at a later date. On a side note, don't think that Cassell was just a product of the system, look at the people that were after him. Most of them were in New England last year and know what this guy can do.
2. Jets- Scott, Sheppard and Moore is enough to call Rex Ryan a winner in all of this.
3. Giants- able to lock Jacobs up long term and add depth to the defense with Canty and Boley.
Losers
1. Eagles.- First of all T.J. said over a month ago that he wanted to play in Philly. He should have been signed at 12:01 on Friday. Then they lose Dawkins, Buckhalter, Considine and trade Sheppeard. The Eagles have alot of cap space and haven't use any. Now they have to deal with the McNabb situation. Eagle fans are angry and quite frankly they have a right to be. Every team in the NFC East added parts while the Eagles continue to lose people.
2. Broncos- Now you almost have to deal Cutler. A new head coach has to have his qb on board and clearly they are miles apart.
3. Redskins- When will Snyder learn? 100 mil for a guy who hasn't played 16 games in a year yet. Granted Haynesworth is a force and probably the best d-lineman in the league, but he better turn into Reggie White for that deal. Also am I the only one that thinks Deangelo Hall isn't that good? With a below average offense, these signings aren't what the skins needed.
Remaining free Agents
T.J Houshmanzada- I expect this to be between three teams: Seahawks, Bucs and Vikings, with the Seahawks and Vikings to have the best shot. I look for the Vikings to land him
Ray Lewis- 3 suitors: Ravens, Cowboys and Jets. It's down to finishing a career with the Ravens or going to join Bart Scott and Rex Ryan in New York. I can't see Lewis playing for another team so I say the Ravens get him.(then again I couldn't see Dawkins leaving Philly)
Kurt Warner- Visiting the 49ers, but in the end its Cardinals or retirement. Arizona gets him.
Washington inked Albert Haynesworth to a 100mil dol deal with 41 mil guaranteed. I wonder if Daniel Snyder will ever "get it". Snyder also gave DeAngelo Hall ridiculous money as well.
Matt Cassell was traded to Kansas City along with Mike Vrabel for the Chiefs 2nd round pick in this years draft. A great deal for the Chiefs as every team in the league would have pulled the trigger on that deal.
The Browns trade Kellen Winslow to The Bucs for a second and a fifth round pick. It's about time the Browns and Winslow parted ways, but I thought they would get more in return.
Jay Cutler is very upset about the Broncos shopping him. This could turn very ugly and I wouldn't be surprised if Cutler isn't a Bronco at the start of the season. New coach in Denver in Josh McDaniels who wants his own QB and wants to go in a different direction. Tampa and Detroit could be in the mix, but I offer up two good fits for Cutler, the Jets and the Eagles. Jets should jump on a chance to get involved in Cutler talks and the Eagles are a real longshot but it would make sense, because McNabb isn't happy and now might be the best time for both sides to just part ways. On a side note to that, it was confirmed through Andy Reid that if Kevin Kolb would have played well after the McNabb benching in week 12, that Donovan would not have seen the field the rest of the season. It's time for both sides to go in a different direction.
The Jets had a good weekend inking Bart Scott and Brandon Moore and trading for Lito Sheppard.
The Cowboys signed Keith Brooking and trading for Jon Kitna
The Giants signed Micheal Boley, Chris Canty and Brandon Jacobs
The Titans ink Kerry Collins, maybe finally admitting that Vince young is a bust
Other signings: Hou- Antionio Smith, NE-Fred Taylor, Chris Baker, Den signed a ton of players but most noteably Brian Dawkins and Correl Buckhalter
Winners
1. Chiefs- What a steal getting Cassell and Vrabel for a second. Many teams had offered a first and the Broncos were shopping Cutler. Did Bellicheck offer his good friend Pioli a house warming gift in this deal. Expect the Chiefs to return the favor at a later date. On a side note, don't think that Cassell was just a product of the system, look at the people that were after him. Most of them were in New England last year and know what this guy can do.
2. Jets- Scott, Sheppard and Moore is enough to call Rex Ryan a winner in all of this.
3. Giants- able to lock Jacobs up long term and add depth to the defense with Canty and Boley.
Losers
1. Eagles.- First of all T.J. said over a month ago that he wanted to play in Philly. He should have been signed at 12:01 on Friday. Then they lose Dawkins, Buckhalter, Considine and trade Sheppeard. The Eagles have alot of cap space and haven't use any. Now they have to deal with the McNabb situation. Eagle fans are angry and quite frankly they have a right to be. Every team in the NFC East added parts while the Eagles continue to lose people.
2. Broncos- Now you almost have to deal Cutler. A new head coach has to have his qb on board and clearly they are miles apart.
3. Redskins- When will Snyder learn? 100 mil for a guy who hasn't played 16 games in a year yet. Granted Haynesworth is a force and probably the best d-lineman in the league, but he better turn into Reggie White for that deal. Also am I the only one that thinks Deangelo Hall isn't that good? With a below average offense, these signings aren't what the skins needed.
Remaining free Agents
T.J Houshmanzada- I expect this to be between three teams: Seahawks, Bucs and Vikings, with the Seahawks and Vikings to have the best shot. I look for the Vikings to land him
Ray Lewis- 3 suitors: Ravens, Cowboys and Jets. It's down to finishing a career with the Ravens or going to join Bart Scott and Rex Ryan in New York. I can't see Lewis playing for another team so I say the Ravens get him.(then again I couldn't see Dawkins leaving Philly)
Kurt Warner- Visiting the 49ers, but in the end its Cardinals or retirement. Arizona gets him.
Updated Brackets- NCAA Tournament
Ok, pull your brackets out. After this week of action, some changes have been made
NCAA Seeds (As of 3-2-09) (Read the NCAA post from last week for comments on the teams)
East
1. U Conn- Still #1 overall seed.
2. Mich St.
3. Wake Forest
4. Washington- makes the jump into the top 4, after being left out last week.
MidWest
1. Pitt
2. Memphis
3. Duke
4. LSU- Another new addition. Grabbed share of SEC regular season title on Sat.
South
1. Oklahoma- Moved them closer to home now that Griffen is back.
2. Louisville
3. Missouri- Spanking by Kansas drops them out of a 2
4. UCLA- another new addition, but I like the way Howland's team is playing going into March.
West
1. UNC- They get bumped to the West
2. Kansas- maybe a stretch at a 2, but they are very hot and get the spot
3. Villanova
4. Purdue
NOTES:
all 4 #1 seeds remain the same. UNC and Oklahoma did switch regions though
Newly in: UCLA, LSU, Washington
dropped out: Arizona St., Clemson, Gonzaga
Biggest Gainer: Kansas jumped from a 4 to a 2
Biggest drop: Missouri slides from a 2 to a 3
NCAA Seeds (As of 3-2-09) (Read the NCAA post from last week for comments on the teams)
East
1. U Conn- Still #1 overall seed.
2. Mich St.
3. Wake Forest
4. Washington- makes the jump into the top 4, after being left out last week.
MidWest
1. Pitt
2. Memphis
3. Duke
4. LSU- Another new addition. Grabbed share of SEC regular season title on Sat.
South
1. Oklahoma- Moved them closer to home now that Griffen is back.
2. Louisville
3. Missouri- Spanking by Kansas drops them out of a 2
4. UCLA- another new addition, but I like the way Howland's team is playing going into March.
West
1. UNC- They get bumped to the West
2. Kansas- maybe a stretch at a 2, but they are very hot and get the spot
3. Villanova
4. Purdue
NOTES:
all 4 #1 seeds remain the same. UNC and Oklahoma did switch regions though
Newly in: UCLA, LSU, Washington
dropped out: Arizona St., Clemson, Gonzaga
Biggest Gainer: Kansas jumped from a 4 to a 2
Biggest drop: Missouri slides from a 2 to a 3
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Week in Review- Pitt Panthers
I'm not that thrilled by what i saw from the Pitt Panthers this week. To recap
mon: Pitt rises to number 1 in the nation for the second time this year
tues: Pitt gets destroyed by Providence 81-73. Don't let the score fool you, they got thumped. Pitt was down 20 on more than 1 occasion.
sat Pitt beats Seton hall 89-78.
Going 1-1 in the Big east with both games on the road is acceptable, but many things bothered me this week from this team. First of all, the soundbites. Several Panthers, including Blair, Gibbs and Fields had something like this to say, "The ranking is nice, but we already know we are the best team in the nation."
Excuse Me? Who have you ever beaten when it counts to say that. Newsflash, the best team in the nation is the one who will cut the nets down in Detroit this year. That may be the Panthers, but so far they have accomplished nothing to be able to go out and proclaim it.
Tuesday's game was tough to watch, but every team has games like that: on the road, Providence fighting for their tournament lives, Senior night, etc. Hey it happens. What bothered me was the lack of emotion that the Panthers always have. It appeared as if they took it for granted and just went through the motions.
Saturday at the Hall, the first half was more of the same, until the Panthers got their act together in the second half and cruised to a win. Sam Young scored 29 in the win.
Problems
1. What happened to the guard play? Pitt entered the week averaging less than 10 turnovers per game. Pitt turned the ball over 41 times in the two games. That will send you home early in March.
2. Pressure- Providence applied some, but Seton Hall pressed the entire game. Louisville plays the same way and beat Pitt. Pitt simply is not doing a good job against the press. Other teams will start pressuring the Panthers in the backcourt and they are going to have to prove they can handle it.
3.Defense- Look I like the up-tempo game as much as the next guy, but I just don't think the Panthers should rely on running all the time. Let's refocus on the in your face defense that creates bad shots and turnovers to get buckets. They have the offensive talent to score in a half-court game. Teams are shooting a better percentage against the Panthers and are getting to the basket way to easy.
With all that being said, Pitt is still a number 1 seed unless they totally collapse this week, and it doesn't get easier with Marquette and U Conn (both at home though). Dejuan Blair appeared to hurt his knee and I've gotten no reports on it, but he finished Saturday's game fine.
mon: Pitt rises to number 1 in the nation for the second time this year
tues: Pitt gets destroyed by Providence 81-73. Don't let the score fool you, they got thumped. Pitt was down 20 on more than 1 occasion.
sat Pitt beats Seton hall 89-78.
Going 1-1 in the Big east with both games on the road is acceptable, but many things bothered me this week from this team. First of all, the soundbites. Several Panthers, including Blair, Gibbs and Fields had something like this to say, "The ranking is nice, but we already know we are the best team in the nation."
Excuse Me? Who have you ever beaten when it counts to say that. Newsflash, the best team in the nation is the one who will cut the nets down in Detroit this year. That may be the Panthers, but so far they have accomplished nothing to be able to go out and proclaim it.
Tuesday's game was tough to watch, but every team has games like that: on the road, Providence fighting for their tournament lives, Senior night, etc. Hey it happens. What bothered me was the lack of emotion that the Panthers always have. It appeared as if they took it for granted and just went through the motions.
Saturday at the Hall, the first half was more of the same, until the Panthers got their act together in the second half and cruised to a win. Sam Young scored 29 in the win.
Problems
1. What happened to the guard play? Pitt entered the week averaging less than 10 turnovers per game. Pitt turned the ball over 41 times in the two games. That will send you home early in March.
2. Pressure- Providence applied some, but Seton Hall pressed the entire game. Louisville plays the same way and beat Pitt. Pitt simply is not doing a good job against the press. Other teams will start pressuring the Panthers in the backcourt and they are going to have to prove they can handle it.
3.Defense- Look I like the up-tempo game as much as the next guy, but I just don't think the Panthers should rely on running all the time. Let's refocus on the in your face defense that creates bad shots and turnovers to get buckets. They have the offensive talent to score in a half-court game. Teams are shooting a better percentage against the Panthers and are getting to the basket way to easy.
With all that being said, Pitt is still a number 1 seed unless they totally collapse this week, and it doesn't get easier with Marquette and U Conn (both at home though). Dejuan Blair appeared to hurt his knee and I've gotten no reports on it, but he finished Saturday's game fine.
Week in Review- Pittsburgh Penguins
Finally the Pens seem to be clicking. I guess you can say better late than never, but that's what it looks like after the Pens went 3-0 this week. Coach Terrien and Ray Sherro have taken alot of heat during the year, but it looks as if Sherro made the right call with the decision to axe Terrien and name Bylsma interim coach.
After this solid week, the Pens are 5-1-1 under Bylsma, capturing 11 out of a possible 14 points and catapulting themselves back into the playoff mix. Not only the record is impressive, but the Pens seem to have taken to the more aggressive up and down style under Bylsma, and it definitely fits their current personnel better.
Notes for the week
wed: Pens beat the Islanders 1-0 behind a solid performance for Marc-Andre Fluery
thurs: Pens acquire Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangardi from Anaheim for Ryan Whitney
fri: Pens beat Blackhawks 5-4 in a thrilling game. Young talent everywhere for both teams. It was great to see the Pens get to play against Toews and Kane. Kunitz shines in his Pens debut with a goal and an assist and Malken nets the OT winner
sun: Pens dominate Dallas 4-1 Fluery plays well again and Malken has another big game
Fluery goes 3-0 in the week stopping 82 of 87 shots. In two of the games, the Pens limited the opposition to 21 shots. The Pens will win alot of games if they can do that consistently. In the Chicago game they allowed 45.
Stall and Satan have scored in back to back games. This is crucial, if both guys can get hot and provide consistent scoring, it can only help the Pens.
Powerplay still not great 2-13 during the 3 game stretch.
Malken led the team with 5 points during the week
Crosby didn't play during the week, nursing a sore groin.
I like what I saw this week, but I'm not sold on if it's enough to make a long run in the playoffs. I like how the team has responded under Bylsma and think they will just get better. I still think another move is needed, but if management doesn't feel like they can get back to the finals, then I wouldn't pull the trigger on a rental player. Any move must help for at least next year as well. Milan Hejduk?
On a side note, the Devils got back Martin Broduer this week and he looked great. 3 games, 2 shutouts and only 2 goals allowed in the 3. Talk about a major acquisition at the the deadline.
After this solid week, the Pens are 5-1-1 under Bylsma, capturing 11 out of a possible 14 points and catapulting themselves back into the playoff mix. Not only the record is impressive, but the Pens seem to have taken to the more aggressive up and down style under Bylsma, and it definitely fits their current personnel better.
Notes for the week
wed: Pens beat the Islanders 1-0 behind a solid performance for Marc-Andre Fluery
thurs: Pens acquire Chris Kunitz and Eric Tangardi from Anaheim for Ryan Whitney
fri: Pens beat Blackhawks 5-4 in a thrilling game. Young talent everywhere for both teams. It was great to see the Pens get to play against Toews and Kane. Kunitz shines in his Pens debut with a goal and an assist and Malken nets the OT winner
sun: Pens dominate Dallas 4-1 Fluery plays well again and Malken has another big game
Fluery goes 3-0 in the week stopping 82 of 87 shots. In two of the games, the Pens limited the opposition to 21 shots. The Pens will win alot of games if they can do that consistently. In the Chicago game they allowed 45.
Stall and Satan have scored in back to back games. This is crucial, if both guys can get hot and provide consistent scoring, it can only help the Pens.
Powerplay still not great 2-13 during the 3 game stretch.
Malken led the team with 5 points during the week
Crosby didn't play during the week, nursing a sore groin.
I like what I saw this week, but I'm not sold on if it's enough to make a long run in the playoffs. I like how the team has responded under Bylsma and think they will just get better. I still think another move is needed, but if management doesn't feel like they can get back to the finals, then I wouldn't pull the trigger on a rental player. Any move must help for at least next year as well. Milan Hejduk?
On a side note, the Devils got back Martin Broduer this week and he looked great. 3 games, 2 shutouts and only 2 goals allowed in the 3. Talk about a major acquisition at the the deadline.
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