So when I last commented that the Vikings had gotten Moss I thought that New England would eventually come out the winner in this trade. Little did I know was that Randy would prove me right (for once) so soon. The Vikings got 13 catches in 4 games and gave up a 3rd round pick. Remember, the Pats only had to give up a 4th rounder to get them so they really cleaned house. Moss just made Belichick look even smarter than he already is. It will be interesting to see who picks Moss up off the waiver wire, if anyone.
I wonder how this plays out with the Vikings front office. It looks like Childress has lost the confidence of the team and possibly management. Maybe he'll be following in Randy's footsteps and is the next to go.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Knicks Open Season With Win
The Knicks will leave Toronto having won their first game of the 2010-2011 season, 98-93. It wasn't the most impressive win and it came against a team that will likely be at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. But a win in the 82 game season is just that, and when a team is looking to sneak into the playoffs for the first time since 2004. every game counts.
Despite almost giving the game away at the end with defensive lapses as well as poor decision making and ball movement on offense, Toronto was only able to make the final result closer than it could have been.
A couple of thoughts: 10 Knicks got on the court tonight, which is high compared to Mike D'Antoni's team last season, and particularly surprising considering Anthony Randolph did not dress with a minor ankle injury.
Wilson Chandler was left out of the Knicks' starting 5, but still led the team with 22 points off the bench. Amar'e Stoudamire had a tame double double (19 points, 10 boards, and 9 turnovers aren't $100 million numbers).
The difference tonight? Free throws. The Knicks only got to the line 17 times, but shot 88% making 15. Toronto went 18/24 with key misses in the fourth quarter.
Despite almost giving the game away at the end with defensive lapses as well as poor decision making and ball movement on offense, Toronto was only able to make the final result closer than it could have been.
A couple of thoughts: 10 Knicks got on the court tonight, which is high compared to Mike D'Antoni's team last season, and particularly surprising considering Anthony Randolph did not dress with a minor ankle injury.
Wilson Chandler was left out of the Knicks' starting 5, but still led the team with 22 points off the bench. Amar'e Stoudamire had a tame double double (19 points, 10 boards, and 9 turnovers aren't $100 million numbers).
The difference tonight? Free throws. The Knicks only got to the line 17 times, but shot 88% making 15. Toronto went 18/24 with key misses in the fourth quarter.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Turducken Power Rankings Week 7 Edition
Six teams at 3-3 are chasing the Maddenisms, Murkin Men (5-2), and Brwlers (4-2). But even for teams at 1-5 and 2-4 there’s a lot of season left and plenty of time to challenge for playoff spots. Onto the power rankings!
1) Team Murkin Man (Last week: #1): TMM remains #1 but faces a tough challenge this week with 5 usual starters injured or on their bye week.
2) Manhattan Maddenisms (#2)- Usually Tight Ends don’t matter much but a questionable Antonio Gates could make the difference this week for the Maddenisms, especially since two of San Diego’s WRs are out.
3) GSO Bayern Ballboys (#3) - GSO lost a close one last week, scoring less than 100 points for only the 2nd time this season. Strong performances by Roddy White, Jabar Gaffney, and Miles Austin this week will make up for the low projection for RB Thomas Jones.
4) GaGa's Penis (#4) – ESPN projectors love Gaga’s Penis but I’m still not convinced that Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman will score almost as many points as Aaron Rodgers this week. Keep an eye out if Roy Williams stays hot in Dallas – he’s on pace to put up some career highs but is competing for Tony Romo’s attention with Austin, Bryant, and Witten.
5) BKLYN Brwlers (#6) – The Brwlers have won 4 in a row, and even with Megatron and LT on BYE weeks, only one player is projected to score under ten points from Brooklyn, and that’s recent pickup RB Chris Ivory. Who? Look him up, he could soon be New Orleans’ #1 back.
2) Manhattan Maddenisms (#2)- Usually Tight Ends don’t matter much but a questionable Antonio Gates could make the difference this week for the Maddenisms, especially since two of San Diego’s WRs are out.
3) GSO Bayern Ballboys (#3) - GSO lost a close one last week, scoring less than 100 points for only the 2nd time this season. Strong performances by Roddy White, Jabar Gaffney, and Miles Austin this week will make up for the low projection for RB Thomas Jones.
4) GaGa's Penis (#4) – ESPN projectors love Gaga’s Penis but I’m still not convinced that Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman will score almost as many points as Aaron Rodgers this week. Keep an eye out if Roy Williams stays hot in Dallas – he’s on pace to put up some career highs but is competing for Tony Romo’s attention with Austin, Bryant, and Witten.
5) BKLYN Brwlers (#6) – The Brwlers have won 4 in a row, and even with Megatron and LT on BYE weeks, only one player is projected to score under ten points from Brooklyn, and that’s recent pickup RB Chris Ivory. Who? Look him up, he could soon be New Orleans’ #1 back.
6) Oaktown Griz (#8) – Knowshon Moreno and Beanie Wells are finally back from injuries and bye weeks, and Jeremy Maclin should have a big game with Desean Jackson out of action on Sunday. Look for Oaktown to get over 100 points for the 2nd straight week and continue to move up in the standings (and rankings).
7) Chelsea Pirates (#5) - Losing Dallas Clark for the season is a huge blow to the pirates, but with the best Running Back combo in Turducken (Gore, Mendenhall, Best) the Pirates are still a tough matchup for any opponent and a likely playoff team.
8) Pre Season Champs (#7) – Could Deion Branch be the answer to all the Champs problems with underachieving Shonn Greene and Percy Harvin? No, but if he follows up a great first game back in New England with more double-digit performances he sure won’t hurt!
9) Gowanus Grwlers (#10) – Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams have been disappointments so far and Larry Fitzgerald consistently mediocre, all of this overshadowing the resurgence of Steven Jackson and a Bears defense that has been playing much better with the return of Brian Urlacher from injury in 2009.
8) Pre Season Champs (#7) – Could Deion Branch be the answer to all the Champs problems with underachieving Shonn Greene and Percy Harvin? No, but if he follows up a great first game back in New England with more double-digit performances he sure won’t hurt!
9) Gowanus Grwlers (#10) – Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams have been disappointments so far and Larry Fitzgerald consistently mediocre, all of this overshadowing the resurgence of Steven Jackson and a Bears defense that has been playing much better with the return of Brian Urlacher from injury in 2009.
10) Kathleen Turner Overdrive (#11) – Brandon Jacobs has scored in the double digits for the past 3 weeks, and Steve Smith (Carolina) seems to have recovered from injury. KTO missed being in the 3-3 club by 4.5 points last week, but is hoping to regain that ground with a tough matchup against fellow smacktalking GaGa’s Penis.
11) DC Dementors (#9) – Big Ben is back in Pittsburgh and should start putting up numbers quick against Miami who ranks low against the pass. But where is DeAngelo Williams???
12) Team Box (#12) – Only one player on Team Box scored over ten points last week – Kicker Rob Bironas. Good thing too, because otherwise Team Box’s starters only put up 26 points. Don’t expect that to repeat this week, as Team Box has some favorable matchups and could possibly knock off the injury/bye week plagued Murkin Men.
12) Team Box (#12) – Only one player on Team Box scored over ten points last week – Kicker Rob Bironas. Good thing too, because otherwise Team Box’s starters only put up 26 points. Don’t expect that to repeat this week, as Team Box has some favorable matchups and could possibly knock off the injury/bye week plagued Murkin Men.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics - NBA Preseason arrives at MSG
At a quick trip overseas, the Knicks are back stateside and made their 2010-2011 debut at the Garden tonight against the Boston Celtics. We were even lucky enough to get rocking seats since someone knows how big of a Jesus Shuttlesworth Ray Allen fan I am.
Not too many takeaways from the first game except Landry Fields is just as athletic as he looked during the summer league and a raw talent. Tony Douglass has a knack for putting himself in good positions for rebounds (especially for a guard). Amar'e Stoudamire is going to dominate the Eastern Conference teams that don't have Dwight Howard or Chris Bosh in the middle. Wilson Chandler must have been checking out ESPN rumors this morning and saw the report that D'Antoni doesn't want to settle with him in the starting rotation - he played well hitting shots and hustling. Even though he's nearing 40, Shaq can still get the greatest arena in the world to chant his name.
And most importantly, the NBA's rule change which practically makes any interaction in response to a bad call with a referee a technical foul is, as expected, pathetic. What's next? Will college football ban any kind of celebration after a player scores a touchdown? Oh... never mind.
Not too many takeaways from the first game except Landry Fields is just as athletic as he looked during the summer league and a raw talent. Tony Douglass has a knack for putting himself in good positions for rebounds (especially for a guard). Amar'e Stoudamire is going to dominate the Eastern Conference teams that don't have Dwight Howard or Chris Bosh in the middle. Wilson Chandler must have been checking out ESPN rumors this morning and saw the report that D'Antoni doesn't want to settle with him in the starting rotation - he played well hitting shots and hustling. Even though he's nearing 40, Shaq can still get the greatest arena in the world to chant his name.
And most importantly, the NBA's rule change which practically makes any interaction in response to a bad call with a referee a technical foul is, as expected, pathetic. What's next? Will college football ban any kind of celebration after a player scores a touchdown? Oh... never mind.
Angel’s Expected Departure Caps a Year of Change for New York Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls finished the 2009 season in last place with a miserable 21 points, a 5-19-6 record, and a -20 goal differential. What a difference one offseason can make though, as only seven players on the roster at the end of last year remain on the roster and have not indicated an inclination to leave or retire.
Seth Stammler has announced he will be leaving the club to attend business school, Mike Petke plans to retire, John Wolyniec already retired following his release from the club, Mac Kandji was traded, and during halftime of the USA v. Colombia friendly on October 12, Juan Pablo Angel told a somewhat startled Alexi Lalas that he probably would not return to the club next year live on ESPN2 (Lalas commended Angel for his enexpected candor via tweet the next morning).
That leaves Carlos Mendes, Danleigh Borman, Jeremy Hall, Bouna Coundoul, Dane Richards, Luke Sassano, and Andrew Boyens as the only players leftover from 2009. With two expansion clubs joining MLS next season, it would not be surprising if Borman, Hall, Sassano, or Boyens were with another club to start next season as well.
While Hans Backe has generated a lot of attention and praise (and even Manager of the Year buzz) for his consistent approach and ability to turn a struggling team around on the field, a lot of credit has to go Sporting Director Eric Soler who, along with Backe, manages the roster and has brought in new players that compliment each other well even before the major signings of Henry and Marquez.
The backline has had three new faces in Chris Albright, Roy Miller, and rookie of the year candidate Tim Ream. Joel Lindpere and rookie Tony Tchani have been huge difference makers in the midfield. And more recently and much more publicized, the signings of Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez have brought skill and international attention to the club that is commonly absent from even the most competitive MLS sides.
Another recent arrival is attacking midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy who was traded from Colorado in return from Mac Kandji. The Red Bulls were almost able to secure the services of Notts County forward Luke Rodgers before the transfer window closed, but Visa issues (the passport stamp, not the credit card) kept him in England for the time being. A January signing is now expected. The club has also showed interest in Swedish winger/midfielder Jan Gunnar Solli. With the expected departure of Angel, the Red Bulls will also open up their third designated player spot and would most likely bring in an attacking playmaker or striker.
While it’s fun and interesting to speculate on next season, one thing is for sure: Backe and Soler have completed one of the most impressive team turnarounds in MLS history. We’ll be watching closely over the next few weeks to see not only how the Red Bulls close out the season and make a run for the MLS cup, but also for clues on how the team might change and adjust for a successful follow-up 2011.
Monday, October 11, 2010
USMNT: A look back and ahead
Saturday night's match against Poland gave a bit of insight into the mind of Bob Bradley, at least in terms of his approach with European based players. With the exception of Brek Shea and Heath Pearce from FC Dallas, the entire roster called in for the two October friendlies play in European leagues that observe the FIFA calendar dates. And since Carlos Bocanegra has returned to his club as pre-arranged after Saturday's game, the call-up of Heath Pearce as an option at left back makes a lot more sense.
On Saturday, Bradley switched from his traditional 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Stuart Holden played remarkably well and with the confidence of an English Premiere League starter. Jermaine Jones also was stellar in the midfield and should play a key role in the next cycle for the US. Jozy Altidore finished a great opportunity for his first goal for the national team in 2010. While his inability to finish other chances has come under fire among US fans and commentators, the fact is he created good opportunities and it's encouraging that he could have finished with an additional goal or two.
It's a ways out, but my projected starting midfield/forwrads for the USA for next summer's gold cup based on Bradley's willingness to switch to a better formation for the United States:
-----------------------------Altidore----------------------
-------Dempsey---------Holden---------Donovan--------
-------------------Bradley------- Jones-----------------
The defense is a bit more open, but it's safe to assume that Onyewu, Cherundolo, and Bocanegra will be top candidates to start based on experience. Maurice Edu played fine at centerback, but going with a younger MLS based player like Tim Ream, Ike Opara, or Omar Gonzalez might be a better direction, with the versatile Edu available off the bench.
On Tuesday night we'll hope to see some of the other players Bradley has called up for the friendlies such as Eric Lichaj and Eddie Johnson who has been getting time at Fulham under their new manager. EJ is still relatively young and without other options up top the competition to backup Jozy Altidore is wide open.
On Saturday, Bradley switched from his traditional 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Stuart Holden played remarkably well and with the confidence of an English Premiere League starter. Jermaine Jones also was stellar in the midfield and should play a key role in the next cycle for the US. Jozy Altidore finished a great opportunity for his first goal for the national team in 2010. While his inability to finish other chances has come under fire among US fans and commentators, the fact is he created good opportunities and it's encouraging that he could have finished with an additional goal or two.
It's a ways out, but my projected starting midfield/forwrads for the USA for next summer's gold cup based on Bradley's willingness to switch to a better formation for the United States:
-----------------------------Altidore----------------------
-------Dempsey---------Holden---------Donovan--------
-------------------Bradley------- Jones-----------------
The defense is a bit more open, but it's safe to assume that Onyewu, Cherundolo, and Bocanegra will be top candidates to start based on experience. Maurice Edu played fine at centerback, but going with a younger MLS based player like Tim Ream, Ike Opara, or Omar Gonzalez might be a better direction, with the versatile Edu available off the bench.
On Tuesday night we'll hope to see some of the other players Bradley has called up for the friendlies such as Eric Lichaj and Eddie Johnson who has been getting time at Fulham under their new manager. EJ is still relatively young and without other options up top the competition to backup Jozy Altidore is wide open.
Why is this News?
Why do we care who Brett Favre shows his- umm package too? I don't care. It's none of my business and I'd make an assumption it's none of yours unless you happen to be the significant other of this man or any other athlete for that matter.
Athletes today are coddled, put on pedestals, and told they are untouchable and better than the rest of us. This doesn't even start when they make it to the big leagues, but it starts much earlier in life-for some as early as middle school. They start getting special treatment and treated as demigods. Look at Ben Roethlisberger-regardless if a crime was committed his actions were despicable. I don't think any mother would be proud of her son if he did that, but yet he's going to get cheered and adored and forgiven because like Favre he can throw a leather ball better than most. All I can say is athletes aren't role models, but there are more important things going on in the world than to report on this kind of crap-and yes, I realize the hypocrisy of my last statement, but deal with it.
Athletes today are coddled, put on pedestals, and told they are untouchable and better than the rest of us. This doesn't even start when they make it to the big leagues, but it starts much earlier in life-for some as early as middle school. They start getting special treatment and treated as demigods. Look at Ben Roethlisberger-regardless if a crime was committed his actions were despicable. I don't think any mother would be proud of her son if he did that, but yet he's going to get cheered and adored and forgiven because like Favre he can throw a leather ball better than most. All I can say is athletes aren't role models, but there are more important things going on in the world than to report on this kind of crap-and yes, I realize the hypocrisy of my last statement, but deal with it.
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