Results:
Elliot: 11-5
Nate: 12-4
Dave: 10-6
Brian: 12-4
FINAL RESULTS:
1. Nate: 140-69 (67.0%)
2. Dave: 120-76 (61.2%)
3. Brian: 126-83 (60.3%)
4. Elliot: 124-85 (59.3%)
Elliot's Picks:
Falcons over Rams
Patriots over Bills
Chiefs over Bengals
Packers over Lions
Colts over Titans
Vikings over Giants
Saints over Panthers
Steelers over Browns
Bucs over Raiders
Bears over Texans
Dolphins over Jets
Eagles over Cowboys
Ravens over Jags
Redskins over 49ers
Cardinals over Seahawks
Chargers over Broncos
Nate's Picks
Falcons over Rams
Patriots over Bills
Chiefs over Bengals
Packers over Lions
Colts over Titans
Vikings over Giants
Panthers over Saints
Steelers over Browns
Bucs over Raiders
Texans over Bears
Dolphins over Jets
Eagles over Cowboys
Ravens over Jags
Redskins over 49ers
Cardinals over Seahawks
Chargers over Broncos
Dave's Picks:
Atlanta over St. Louis
NE over Buffalo
KC over Cincy
GB over Detroit
Indi over Tennessee
NYG over Minnesota
Carolina over NO
Pitt over Cleveland
TB over Oakland
Chicago over Houston
Miami over NYJ
Dallas over Philly
Arizona over Seattle
Washington over San Fran
Baltimore over Jacksonville
San Diego over Denver
Brian's Picks:
Falcons over Rams
Patriots over Bills
Chiefs over Bengals
Packers over Lions
Colts over Titans
Vikings over Giants
Panthers over Saints
Steelers over Browns
Bucs over Raiders
Texans over Bears
Dolphins over Jets
Eagles over Cowboys
Ravens over Jags
Redskins over 49ers
Cardinals over Seahawks
Chargers over Broncos
NFL Picks: Week 17
Piston's Window is Closed
For 4 NBA teams, the window has closed. Hard.
Which NBA teams are posers? Dallas, Phoenix, San Antonio, and.... Detroit.
Why are these teams suspect? Because of one, ever important stat.
Defense.
Not overall defense, field goal percentage defense.
Why this stat? Offense is usually a very context sensitive fact, mostly dealing with pace of play and the types of shots a team generally likes to take. Defense generally gets a team to the finals and wins championships. This very stat was the stat that I relied on so heavily to predict that last year's winner of the Eastern Conference would dominate the finals, despite the changing west.
Basically, all these teams have fallen greatly in this stat from last year's ranking. Detroit has fallen the hardest, from 3rd to 21st. The others have fallen significantly, but not nearly as hard.
While earlier I predicted that Detroit would improve with the addition of Allen Iverson and eventually Antonio McDyess, I will admit my folly. Detroit's window is closed. They can't play defense anymore, they can't run with the offensive juggernauts of Cleveland, Boston, and Orlando. They have faded away.
The question is, was Chauncey that important on the defensive end? I say no, he was a solid defensive player, but he cannot contain quick point guards. Rajon Rondo's performance in the ECF last year was proof of that. Especially considering that Rondo had no business being a factor in that series as anything more than a turnover machine and choke job. Instead, he used quickness to get around Chauncey had create. The loss of Chauncey is not the problem.
Age, and possibly coaching is the problem. Certainly, the addition of another year is turning out to be the nail in the Piston's coffin. We all can see it on the court; the Pistons just can't run with this good teams anymore, except in short spurts. They still seem to get up for big games, like the Lakers and Cleveland games earlier in the year. But, this year instead of being able to play without giving 100% does not result in wins over easy opponents.
Which brings me to my next point. Wasn't Michael Curry supposed to be THE guy who could get 100% effort out of this team? Wasn't he supposed to be the coach they all respected? Well the record and their continued bad play against mediocre teams is a reflection on the coach. Plus, the worst knock against him is that he has been outcoached by DOC RIVERS, not once, but twice! Curry had better learn on the job in a hurry, or pray for a miracle because he looks like he could possibly be the weakest link on the team.
But, it is really too early to judge Curry, and he probably walked into this coaching job a few years to late to really maximize this group's potential. So, I will wait to really criticize him until later in the season or even after.
The truth is, we have all knew the window closed. The fact is, it closed 3 years ago. Joe Dumars may have realized before the rest of us realized that it closed this year, but the truth is, he realized 2 years to late. This team of complacent. This group of elderly teammates stopped becoming relevant when Lebron realized he could single handely win an Eastern Conference Championship. At that point, Joe should have given up his hope of multiple championships with a bunch of average players and made that big splash.
Instead our "big splash" involved a player who was WAY past his prime. Plus the move appears to have made the Pistons worse, not better.
I may be a Joe Dumars hater, but the results of this year (just wait until our second round exit from the playoffs) prove this team should have been blown up long ago. If he had blown this team up 2 years ago (buy low, sell high?), we might have Chauncey, Carmelo, Stuckey, and ***insert your "favorite big men." A team that might have had a chance to at least challenge the Celtics, instead of make them laugh every time they hold us under 80 points.
Joe better have a few tricks up his sleeve or next season will be another disappointment. Lucky for him we are also Lions fans, therefore, expectations are very low.
NFL Picks: Week 16
Results:
Elliot: 9-7
Brian: 6-10
Dave: 7-9
Nate: 9-7
Overall
1. Nate: 128-65
2. Dave: 110-71
3. Brian: 114-79
4. Elliot: 113-80
Elliot's Picks
Colts over Jags
Ravens over Cowboys
Browns over Bengals
Saints over Lions
Steelers over Titans
Dolphins over Chiefs
49ers over Rams
Patriots over Cardinals
Bucs over Chargers
Jets over Seahawks
Texans over Raiders
Broncos over Bills
Redskins over Eagles
Falcons over Vikings
Panthers over Giants
Bears over Packers
Brian's Picks:
Indianapolis over Jacksonville
Dallas over Baltimore
Cincinnati over Cleveland
St. Louis over San Francisco
New Orleans over Detroit
Pittsburgh over Tennessee
Miami over Kansas City
Arizona over New England
Tampa Bay over San Diego
Houston over Oakland
Denver over Buffalo
NY Jets over Seattle
Atlanta over Minnesota
Philadelphia over Washington
Carolina over NY Giants
Chicago over Green Bay
Dave's Picks
Indi over Jacksonville
Dallas over Baltimore
Cleveland over Cincy
NO over Detroit
Tennessee over Pitt
Miami over KC
San Fran over St. Louis
NE over Arizona
TB over San Diego
Denver over Buffalo
Houston over Oakland
NYJ over Seattle
Minnesota over Atlanta
Philly over Washington
Carolina over NYG
Chicago over GB
Nate's Picks
Indianapolis over Jacksonville
Baltimore over Dallas
Cincinnati over Cleveland
San Francisco over St. Louis
New Orleans over Detroit
Pittsburgh over Tennessee
Miami over Kansas City
Arizona over New England
Tampa Bay over San Diego
Houston over Oakland
Denver over Buffalo
NY Jets over Seattle
Atlanta over Minnesota
Philadelphia over Washington
NY Giants over Carolina
Chicago over Green Bay
The Lions "Super Bowl" and Recruiting Update
This post is brought to you by Davenport University. That is where I will be attending starting in January and further adding me to the potentially unemployed list starting in the calendar year of 2009. If that happens you can be rest assured that my posting will increase significantly…
0-14.
That’s where we sit with the New Orleans Saints coming to town Sunday afternoon. As everyone knows, the Lions and whether or not they finish their perfectly blemished record off this year has been a very hot topic nationally, locally and on this blog.
I did something yesterday I thought I would never do, I called into a local radio show. I always thought the only call I would ever make would be to Jim Rome mainly because he runs the only radio show available in Grand Rapids that I actually respect. But…I called into the Huge show. Ugh. My main reason of calling was to name drop Ryan Terpstra on his show and get a response from Huge. All hilarity aside I really just want to comment on his topic from that show. Huge as well as many of his listeners think that its OK to call yourself a Lions fan and still root for them to finish perfectly blemished. That’s crap. If you call yourself a fan it is absolutely never acceptable for you to wish defeat upon them. Huge made a comparison after I got off the line about the Lions season and your fandom being similar to your “favorite” restaurant serving you terrible food for 16 straight appearances. I had to think this was just completely absurd because I am fairly certain that if you received a terrible meal once from your so called favorite restaurant, you would not label it your favorite any longer. Sports and fandom are completely different. Hard times or good times, you should absolutely always root for your team to win.
Which leads me into justifying my post from a month or so ago about the Lions finishing “defeated.”
I, like anyone, want to see the Lions win the Super Bowl. Next to a U-M national championship I personally can’t think of anything better in the sports world for me.
So long as Bill Ford Sr. is running this team we can all keep it locked in our heads as a pipe dream until his resignation or death. Some form of change is going to happen and we all have no idea what that may be but one thing is for certain. The Lions are loosing money as we speak, lots of money. Ford Field is half empty every game now and that hits this organization where it hurts the most, their pocket book. Seeing red numbers thrown around on an Excel spreadsheet like Macy’s red stars on shopping bags at Christmas time is never desired. Sadly though, the Lions have been here before finishing not to long ago at 2-14. This team has never smelled the Super Bowl much less contended in the regular season since “his greatness” Barry Sanders unexpected departure. What I think going 0-16 might do, would be to add that extra slap in the face to Bill Ford Sr. possibly encouraging him to hand the team over to his eager son. I can’t predict the future but if that were to happen this season could potentially have a silver lining. Without that exact course of events I just simply don’t see any radical changes being made.
So when Sunday comes along and I am wanting to gouge my eyes out watching this team more than likely put up another “Epic Fail,” just know that I am not rooting for a loss. I care to much about this team to wish defeat upon them, hell I feel like 14 times is enough for one season. Also know that this team will be playing as if they were in a Super Bowl. NO player wants to have the “Only team ever to go 0-16” label affiliated with their name. This is their last chance at home to prove their worth and you know they will come with everything they have. Hopefully for a select few players whom actually deserve a win (Kevin Smith, Calvin Johnson…) they get it, but also know that they are basically the only ones who deserve a W. This organization DESERVES 0-16. Its sad that the players are the ones who really have to live with the label…
Quick U-M recruiting update!
2009 recruiting class
Since my first recruiting post Michigan has added: OL Taylor Lewan, DB Vladimir Emilien, ATH Cameron Gordon, and DT Pearlie Graves, all 4 star prospects. We have also lost by decommitment LB Jordan Barnes. All 4 additions are great and have good upside for the class. I personally don’t believe losing Barnes was a big deal. He was a 3 star LB and Michigan knew he was wavering and didn’t put in a real effort in keeping him. Maybe because Michigan likes its chances with Jelani Jenkins? Doubtful. But LB isn’t a huge position of need now with the current kids in the class and the kids from last years class.
Right now we are sitting at the number 7 overall recruiting class for 2009 and we still have a few needs: Will Campbell, maybe another offensive linemen, and some more defensive backs. Obviously there is always room for the likes of Jelani Jenkins or WR Reuben Randle (the number one overall rated prospect for 2009.) Although they would be nice, don’t get your hopes up. I give it a 10% chance we land either and that may be on the high side…
Tigers make bold move to fill Copa in '09
According the mlive.com, the Detroit Tigers have made their boldest off season move yet by signing Matt Treanor. This appears to be Dave Dombrowski’s greatest effort to fill Copa (The House that Jones Built) in 2009. After last year’s hot stove league surprises which brought the Tigers Renteria, Willis, and Cabrera action was needed to put fannies in the seats for 2009. The lagging season tickets sales are a result of a lack of optimism from the fans is no surprise. The team still has not filled its greatest need. Basically, “crooked hat” is still our “designated guy we put out there to blow saves,” and Brandon Inge is still allowed to bat.
DD needed to take the bull by the horns and that is exactly what he did. There’s no need for a closer when you can have Matt Treanor on your team. Now Treanor is probably a solid backup catcher. He isn’t expected to put up .275, 10, 50 type numbers after all the guy was released by the Marlins so they could put a Rule 5er on their roster. He just needs to handle the pitching staff and be a disciplined hitter. Why is this such a great move? I am not here to give you the analysis of the baseball aspect of the signing ( I will leave that to Nate), but rather show you the real reason or this real reason the move was made.
The celebrity couple that I will dub Tristy (I am taking the copyright on this one). For those that do not know or willing to check out my hyperlinks, Matt Treanor is married to beach volleyball superstar Misty May (May-Treanor). Misty is an accomplished athlete, who has won countless tournaments and two Olympic gold medals with her partner, Kerri Walsh. Typically, this wouldn’t be a big deal seeing that May season coincides with her husbands and she typically would make very few games. However, Walsh is pregnant and is due this spring. This means we should see a lot more of May around the D and Copa (The House that Fick Built) in 2009. I expected a similar reaction to the one that took place last off season. Season ticket sales should go through the non-existent roof. The 3 million fan mark of last year will be shattered by at least 500,000. All this for an expected one year $750,000 contract, what a bargain! Those extra revenue driving fans will bring millions of dollars in disposable income into Copa at a very low cost. The extra money can then be used in the future to sign a third baseman or shortstop, who can actually hit, and bullpen help. Who needs to win now? Just fill the seats baby! The wins will come. This move to bring in Tristy just further proves the genius that is Dave Dombrowski.
Seguir leyendo...
Terrell Owens
I suppose something in this blog should be said about Crazy McGee.
As much as I hate to shine the Put it in Stone light on such a worthless story, I have to. Mostly, I decided to write about this topic and push back Baseball hot stove talk until next week, is because I enjoy making fun of TO.
TO has had an amazing ride: He went from hated because of the Cowboys star incident, to respected for coming back from injury so quickly to play awesome in the Super Bowl, to being called greedy during the sit ups in the driveway scene, to mocked for crying on camera, and now back to hated. (Even self proclaimed that he is hated)
Yesterday in an interview with Steven A Smith (why him?), TO claimed he was a "villain" in the NFL.
To start TO, you aren't a villain, you're a joke.
Everything you do off the field is a joke and the media loves following you because people love not feeling sorry for you. By calling yourself a villain are you trying to generate sympathy? People stopped feeling sorry for you the second you claimed you needed more money to feed your kids, well, everybody except maybe Latrell Sprewell.
You are a joke because you stopped caring for team long ago. Instead you care about fame and stats, and the only reason you care about stats is because it will lead to more fame. Was the real reason TO cried after losing to the Giants last year because his team lost and his quarterback was under scrutiny, or because he knew he would have to wait a few months, until training camp, to get the cameras back focused on him? After reading this post you should already know my hypothesis.
As much as TO is to blame here for being a baby and a complete waste of everyone's time, ESPN is just as much to blame. I highly doubt Ed Werder made everything up, but he probably exaggerated a few details because that is what ESPN wants. ESPN has made sports into a reality TV show. I know that isn't why I watch sports.
While TO is a great story to talk about with you friends, it isn't what really matters: champions. The only thing TO is a villain to is the Dallas Cowboys. To everybody else, he is a pathetic joke.
Put this in Stone! (Cuthery edition)
After constant harassment from my fellow Put in Stoners (has a nice ring to it, eh?). I have finally decided to get off my lazy behind and add a post. The truth is that since Elliot has finally gotten around to it I was feeling somewhat embarrassed by my lack of participation. While I refuse to make excuse as to why it took my so long to make that post everyone has been eagerly anticipating, the main problem was trying to find that perfect topic to make my debut with. I didn't want to make my presence known by quietly going about my business. No, I want to make the big bang. I wanted to be like Chris Jericho interrupting the Rock on Monday Might Raw in 1999. My presence needed to be known by the best of the best, you see. I tossed around several ideas that started with Rob Parker letting his racism shine though by accusing a college kid of a felony without any hard evidence. I thought this would have truly let my brilliance shine through. The thing is Rob Parker gives us at least one reason every time he's on First and 10, and honestly making up stories isn't anything outside of the norm for the Detroit sports media. There were several other ideas being tossed around in this fantastic head of mine and when I had settled on the genius that is MSU wide receivers that look like aliens (see Plaxico "Cheddar Bob" Burress) someone else beats me to the punch. And then suddenly while driving to class today it hit me. And I bet you really want to know what it is....
Cuthery!
Cuthery is right up there with Benifer, Brangelina, and Spidey. Well, in case you hadn't heard, Sean Avery made some remarks about his ex, the mega-hottie Elisha Cuthbert. First, let's set the context.
Cuthbert is dating Dion Phaneuf, defensemen for the Calgary Flames. In fact, Phaneuf is a beast. The only defensemen in the NHL who rival him at this point, are Nic Lidstrom and Chris Pronger. Anyway, Cuthbert has what you would call a past of dating hockey players. Basically, Cuthbert is the Alyssa Milano of the NHL. Sean Avery is just a above average NHLer who just really wants to be famous more than he wants to play hockey. He actually got his start with the Wings back in the day and was a solid player. Eventually, Avery was traded for Matty Scheneider in 2004. In addition, Avery was what you would call and agitator on the ice and had some decent skills. Avery makes some money and some celeb friends in LA and is then traded to the Rangers in 2007. He goes on to intern at Vogue and work his way out of the hockey dime light and into the limelight. Apparently, his lack of dedication to the game led him to sign with the Dallas Stars in the off season on a 4-year 15.5 milllllllllion dollar contract. Let's put it this way, if Avery had an offer in any city of significance in the limelight world (LA or NY), he would have taken it. No one wanted him because at this point everyone in hockey except Brett Hull knew what Avery's real intentions are. This brings us to the comments. Avery calls Cuthbert his, "sloppy seconds," before a game against
And don't give me that it was disrespectful to women crap. I agree that it was disrespectful, but our society accepts an industry like pornography. In addition, advertising uses sex to sell, especially during sporting events. As a result, sporting leagues and teams have absolutely no right to censor the viewing audience's "delicate, virgin ears," because they are already profiting from risque material.
Sunday night, Avery, who served his 6 game suspension, would have been eligible to play. But, Brett Hull had other ideas; he's not playing for the Stars ever again.
Sean Avery isn't a bad guy. Ask Chris Chelios. He was on a local sports talk show promoting his appearance with a our local minor league team and talked about when he and Avery played in Flint during the lockout, and how the two of them paid for all their teammates to go out. What a jerk that Sean Avery is! He merely made a comment about a woman that he shouldn't have. But you know what? Avery was paid to be an agitator on ice, but when he does it off ice that's not allowed. The NHL, the media, and Brett Hull are an absolute joke for playing the moral high road card in this situation. Did anyone suspend Darren McCarty for his problems, which are mostly reprehensible and illegal? Nope, he just could not get signed because he sucked on ice. No one wrote stories about what a jerk McCarty was. He only gets praised when he came back (God bless him for it). My point is when guys in the NHL have problems behind closed doors but the produce no one says anything. Yet, when they say things publicly, like Avery, the media and the NHL enforce a moral high ground theory. Isn't the moral high road suspending the guys who do have off the ice problems too? Everyone knew about McCarty's problems but no one did a thing until his game suffered because he was such a "nice guy." Avery's game was suffering. Not to mention, he's a jerk, so it became convenient for the Stars to part ways with him. That's not the moral high road. They should not be praised and the media has no right to point fingers at this guy when they make money off the very same thing Avery represents, if not worse. Avery's punishment does not fit the crime, or even come close to it, in this case. So pull the wool off your eyes and see what's really going on here before you decide to judge the man.
Picks: Week 15
Results:
Brian: 10-6
Elliot: 9-7
Dave: 10-6
Nate: 11-5
Overall:
Nate: 119-58 (67.2%)
Dave: 103-62 (62.4%)
Brian: 108-69 (61.0%)
Elliot: 104-73 (58.8%)
Brian's Picks:
New Orleans over Chicago
Atlanta over Tampa
Washington over Cincy
Indy over Detroit
San Diego over KC
St. Louis over Seattle
Miami over SF
New York Jets over Buffalo
Green Bay over Jacksonville
Houston over Tennessee
Arizona over Minnesota
New England over Oakland
Carolina over Denver
Pittsburgh over Baltimore
Giants over Dallas
Philadelphia over Cleveland
Elliot's Picks:
Saints over Bears
Falcons over Bucs
Redskins over Bengals
Colts over Lions
Chargers over Chiefs
Packers over Jags
Titans over Texans
Rams over Seahawks
Dolphins over 49ers
Jets over Bills
Cardinals over Vikings
Panthers over Broncos
Steelers over Ravens
Patriots over Raiders
Giants over Cowboys
Eagles over Browns
Dave's Picks
Chicago over NO
Atlanta over TB
Washington over Cincy
Indi over Detroit
San Diego over KC
St. Louis over Seattle
Miami over San Fran
NYJ over Buffalo
Green Bay over Jacksonville
Tennesee over Houston
Arizona over Minnesota
NE over Oakland
Carolina over Denver
Pitt over Baltimore
Dallas over NYG
Philly over Cleveland
Nate's Picks:
Chicago over NO
Atlanta over TB
Washington over Cincy
Indi over Detroit
San Diego over KC
Seattle over St. Louis
Miami over San Fran
NYJ over Buffalo
Green Bay over Jacksonville
Tennessee over Houston
Arizona over Minnesota
NE over Oakland
Carolina over Denver
Pitt over Baltimore
NYG over Dalls
Philly over Cleveland
Just Win, Please?
0-13
Being a Lions fan sucks.
But, what I don’t understand is this argument that going 0-16 will somehow be “good for the Lions.” I have heard this argument made by various radio hosts, writers and even in this blog. Those making this claim see going 0-16 as the only way towards actual progress, explaining that it will change things by getting management and ownership to notice.
Frankly, I don’t buy that argument. Sounds like an excuse by fans, as if somehow laying a justification for setting the least desirable NFL record.
I am not suggesting that Lions fans who believe in this notion are rooting against their Lions, I just think they have become apathetic; so apathetic in fact, that they don’t even care if they lose every game. Even the die hards have stopped caring, but drown their sorrows by trying to justify it using the aforesaid change and notice theory.
Readers of this blog should be well informed that I am not a fan of the Detroit Lions ownership. But, despite my strong dislike of Lions ownership and upper management, I still have a little faith in these people. I know they have already taken notice, and if they haven’t, 0-16 isn’t going to snap them out of it; nothing will.
How do I know?
Think about it. NFL Owners are first and foremost businessmen. Even though William Clay is a proven, bad businessman, he still likely endorses the theory that the answer to 99 out of 100 questions is money. I know that he knows that the Lions are losing fistfuls of money. The Lions didn’t sell a lot of season tickets this year, as a result the Lions drastically cut ticket prices. Tickets still didn’t sell. Now, he is losing money because of mandatory NFL imposed black outs. Such giant fiscal problems are hard to ignore.
Want more proof? Matt Millen is unemployed.
Compare this year with the past. Millen lost as many as 13 games in the past, yet he kept his job. What is the difference this year? Fans stopped going to the games and spending money. Even Billy’s BFF was sacrificed for the sake of his true love: profit.
The “change and notice theory” is based on a ridiculous notion. It is based on the idea that William Clay, Tom Lewand, and whoever else is running this team are partying up in their “castle,” sipping fine wine, and rolling around in money laughing at the ignorance of those gullible fans making their retirement seem sooner and sooner; until, suddenly, week 17 ends: the music stops with a loud screech of a record scratching; someone drops their wine glass, shattering it; and they all sit up in silence and say, “Oh crap, we just went 0-16. What do we do now?!”
I am exaggerating, but the thought that going 0-16 will somehow give William Clay and his advisors an epiphany revealing the perfect general manager candidate; that foresight, of course, combined with a new found gift of persuasion, is outrageous.
Its not winning that drives people like those who run the Lions, its black dollar signs. Loses don’t get them to take notice; large red numbers with two parentheses around them do.
If you don’t believe in my shallow version of upper management and ownership’s human nature, a more positive outlook leads to the same conclusion. If you believe in good human nature you have to believe that most people who set out to do something, set out to do it well. Especially those who are successful enough to reach such a prestigious position as an NFL executive. I seriously doubt those running the Lions are proud to be the butt of every ESPN joke. Either way you look at it, it boils down to success and making money.
My theory? Going 0-16 will put a black mark on this team that will take years to shake off. Just look at the what happened to the 1976 Bucs. By now you should all know that the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the only winless team in the history of the NFL. After, an abysmal 0-14 season, do you know how they followed that season? They lost their next 12 games! It took Tampa 26 years to win a Super Bowl after that winless season. Reputations are hard to shake, and being the worst team ever could linger with the Lions for a long time.
Please do not think I am ignorant. Its not like I want the Lions to win out or something and miss out on the first overall pick. I just want to stay out of the record books. Being a Lions fan is hard enough, I don’t need more reason to be ridiculed.
Win a game, get the first pick, stay out of the record books and MOVE ON.
Seguir leyendo...Week 14 Picks
Chargers over Raiders
Bears over Jags
Vikings over Lions
Packers over Texans
Titans over Browns
Colts over Bengals
Saints over Falcons
Giants over Eagles
Jets over 49ers
Broncos over Chiefs
Dolphins over Bills
Patriots over Seahawks
Cardinals over Rams
Steelers over Cowboys
Redskins over Ravens
Panthers over Bucs
Brian's Picks:
Chargers over Raiders
Chicago over Jacksonville
Minnesota over Detroit
Green Bay over Houston
Tennessee over Cleveland
Indianapolis over Cincinnati
Atlanta over New Orleans
NY Giants over Philadelphia
Denver over Kansas City
Miami over Buffalo
NY Jets over San Francisco
New England over Seattle
Arizona over St. Louis
Pittsburgh over Dallas
Baltimore over Washington
Tampa Bay over Carolina
Dave's Picks:
Chargers over Raiders
Chicago over Jacksonville
Minnesota over Detroit
Green Bay over Houston
Tennessee over Cleveland
Indi over Cincy
Atlanta over New Orleans
NYG over Philly
Buffalo over Miami
Denver over KC
NYJ over San Fran
NE over Seattle
Arizona over St. Louis
Dallas over Pitt
Baltimore over Washington
TB over Carolina
Nate's Picks:
Chargers over Raiders
Bears over Jags
Vikings over Lions
Packers over Texans
Titans over Browns
Colts over Bengals
Falcons over Saints
Giants over Eagles
Jets over 49ers
Broncos over Chiefs
Bills over Dolphins
Patriots over Seahawks
Cardinals over Rams
Steelers over Cowboys
Ravens over Redskins
Bucs over Panthers Seguir leyendo...
Michigan Basketball???
Today’s post is brought to you by Sony Playstation. Thanks for building a great controller that literally breaks while I am playing Bioshock. Real cool. Its not like it cost me 55 dollars to get another one or anything. I’m not bitter. Ass hats.
So really? Michigan basketball? Yeah! I’m serious everyone, these kids are gonna be fun to watch this year. As everyone knows last year was about as painful as this years version of anything but “ninja” football. John Beilin has his kids playing hard and playing with a purpose. Another year into the system and big wins have already succumbed to reality. Unranked Michigan upsets UCLA. I watched every play of that game completely expecting to get blown out. They didn’t, they played right along with UCLA and their number one rated recruiting class. Eventually the clocks hit 0:00 and Michigan was singing “Hail to the Victors!”
Could this have been a fluke? Most certainly, but I would like to propose to you why it isn’t. The following day after the UCLA victory Michigan went into another game against a top 5 team in Duke and played VERY competitively. Yes they lost by 15, but last year they would have lost by 40. Michigan survived a scare from Savannah State about a week ago and then went into hostile territory in Maryland last night. Michigan lead at the half only to lose in the end. Normally this would make me upset but given the current state of Michigan hoops I will literally take any minor victory. But seriously, they played hard and gave this Maryland team fits who not to long ago put a whooopin’ on MSU. I am in no means saying that Michigan is better than MSU at basketball, but you can clearly see development. Manny Harris and Sims are making huge strides and Stu Douglass can hit 3’s from all over the court. Adding LaVell Lucas Perry (LLP) to the mix at guard will eliminate a walk on (Merrit) and increase the teams offensive productivity immensely. Defensively this team has been great using the 1-3-1 zone to its advantage, and I have to say, so far I really like it. The team is quick enough defensively to not get burned and they have created a lot of turnovers. I am somewhat concerned about its longevity however. I would like to see some man to man defense so they can be more versatile defensively.
Because of my huge love for Michigan Athletics, I am always excited about basketball season. This year everyone else should be too. They have been competitive and have even won games they have no business winning (UCLA.) Support this team. Go to games. You will be happy in the end of the year when John Beilin has this team in the NCAA tourney. Yes, put it in stone, this team WILL be in the tourney this year. I know its bold and I know I am a homer, but this kind of development is not a fluke. The Big Ten is great as a conference, but John has these kids playin’ well and LLP is only going to add to the mix. With the UCLA victory and a better than .500 mark in the Big Ten this team will make the tourney (probably as like a ten seed or something.)
Watch the development of this team because next year could be special…
The Williams Sisters
Upon hearing the news of the impending suspensions of both Pat and Kevin Willaims, my immediate thoughts were - "great, now maybe the Lions can make Sunday's game competetive" and "at least it happened now, that would suck if they were out for some of the playoffs (if they make it)". Both of these thoughts, however, were stuck to dust by one Gary Larson - an idotic judge from the wonderful state which also produced Al Franken...
Be Careful with that Thing, You Could Shoot Your Eye Out... or Your Own Leg
Plaxico Burress really is an idiot, and not just because he was dumb enough to carry a weapon without a license and then shoot himself with it. No, he is an idiot because he is basically throwing away every wide receiver's dream situation.
Announcement followed by Real Sports Analysis
Greetings once again, my hiatus is over, and I'm back talking sports with an important announcement! As I am sure many of you are frustrated by my inconsistent writing of this blog, I have vowed a new rule of routine! Instead of having 6 posts in 1 week, followed by 2 months of absence, I shall from now on do my best to have at least one post a week, on Tuesdays! I know what you are thinking, but today is Wednesday! Well, I'm not off to a great start okay! Jeez. Plus, this week, followed by the next two, will be slightly hectic with exams and what not, but, nonetheless, I endeavor to meet this goal. So, be sure to check in every Wednesday, for a new post from this guy. Not to mention the strong possibility of a post from our other fantastic bloggers (especially once Elliot and Mooney get in the groove). But, here at Put it in Stone, we aim to please, and I hope to bring you some consistency, if nothing else. Just think! Now, when hump day rolls around, and you are feeling a bit glum, you can always log on to read some new sports opinions and shenanigans. What could be better?
NFL Picks: Week 12 & 13
Cowboys over Seahawks
Cardinals over Eagles
Bills over 49ers
Ravens over Bengals
Colts over Browns
Packers over Panthers
Dolphins over Rams
Saints over Bucs
Redskins over Giants
Falcons over Chargers
Jets over Broncos
Raiders over Chiefs
Steelers over Patriots
Bears over Vikings
Jags over Texans
Dallas over Seattle
Arizona over Philly
Buffalo over San Fran
Baltimore over Cincy
Indi over Cleveland
Green Bay over Carolina
Miami over St. Louis
NO over TB
NYG over Washington
Atlanta over San Diego
KC over Oakland
Pitt over NE
NYJ over Denver
Minnesota over Chicago
Houston over Jacksonville
Dallas over Seattle
Arizona over Philadelphia
Buffalo over San Francisco
Baltimore over Cincinnati
Indianapolis over Cleveland
Green Bay over Carolina
Miami over St. Louis
New Orleans over Tampa Bay
Washington over NY Giants
Atlanta over San Diego
New England over Pittsburgh
NY Jets over Denver
Oakland over Kansas City
Minnesota over Chicago
Houston over Jacksonville
Cowboys over Seahawks
Cardinals over Eagles
Bills over 49ers
Ravens over Bengals
Colts over Browns
Panthers over Packers
Dolphins over Rams
Bucs over Saints
Giants over Redskins
Falcons over Chargers
Jets over Broncos
Raiders over Chiefs
Steelers over Patriots
Bears over Vikings
Texans over Jags
2. Dave: 73-44 (62.4%)
T-3. Brian: 79-50 (61.2%)
T-3. Elliot: 77-52 (60.0%)
Pittsburgh over Cincinnati
Cleveland over Houston
Dallas over San Francisco
Tampa Bay over Detroit
Tennessee over NY Jets
Kansas City over Buffalo
Chicago over St.Louis
New England over Miami
Minnesota over Jacksonville
Philadelphia over Baltimore
Denver over Oakland
Atlanta over Carolina
NY Giants over Arizona
Washington over Seattle
San Diego over Indianapolis
Green Bay over New Orleans
Dave's Picks
Pitt over Cincy
Houston over Cleveland
Dallas over San Fran
Tampa Bay over Detroit
Tennessee over NYJ
KC over Buffalo
Chicago over St. Louis
NE over Miami
Jacksonville over Minnesota
Baltimore over Philly
Denver over Oakland
Atlanta over Carolina
NYG over Arizona
Washington over Seattle
Indi over San Diego
Green Bay over New Orleans
Elliot's Picks
Steelers over Bengals
Falcons over Panthers
Browns over Texans
Cowboys over 49ers
Bucs over Lions
Titans over Jets
Bills over Chiefs
Bears over Rams
Dolphins over Patriots
Jags over Vikings
Ravens over Eagles
Broncos over Raiders
Giants over Cardinals
Redskins over Seahawks
Colts over Chargers
Saints over Packers
Nate's Picks
Steelers over Bengals
Falcons over Panthers
Texans over Browns
Cowboys over 49ers
Bucs over Lions
Titans over Jets
Bills over Chiefs
Bears over Rams
Patriots over Dolphins
Vikings over Jaguars
Ravens over Eagles
Broncos over Raiders
Giants over Cardinals
Redskins over Seahawks
Colts over Chargers
Packers over Saints Seguir leyendo...
Future Maize n' Blue...sadly...
Welcome, todays post is brought to you by Drew Rosenhaus. Only he can smooth talk around the fact that Chad Johnson er…Ocho Cinco slept through a team meeting at 8:30 PM. Spot on buddy.
It has been made known to me that some readers may be interested in learning more about exactly what shape Michigan may be in concerning next years recruiting class. I want to start off by saying that I am in no way an expert on this matter, but I follow it closely. All the information that I have is researched through either rivals.com or espn in one way or another. Oh and my good ole buddy Brian at mgoblog also helps me form my opinions.
First a word about star ratings and what they mean. Kids can be rated anywhere from a 1 star to a 5 star prospect. How many stars kids get is strictly based upon how many different coaches are recruiting the specific prospect. 1 star prospects rarely happen and are generally equate to a walk on at a college. 2 star prospects are generally kids who have came on to the recruiting scene late in their football career and little information about them is widely known. 3 star prospects are very common and can mean a ton of different things. They can be very talented kids of whom little is known about or kids with a ton of speed or kids with a great body type who haven’t really “grown into” their body yet. Other times 3 star prospects can be very polished kids who play for very popular schools and may not have a large upside to them but simply have a lot of exposure because of their situation. These types of players make up a very large portion of D-1 college teams. 4 star players again are very similar to 3 star players but either have more hype about them or are the star of their current high school team. There are a lot less 4 star recruits than 3 star recruits that are available. 5 star recruits are what you would call uber recruits. Everyone in the nation wants them and you can be rest assured that USC is making a big run for them. Most years there are only about 3 dozen kids in the nation who get labeled a 5 star recruit. Michigan’s last 5 star recruit was Donovan Warren.
Star ratings by no means are a guarantee. For example, Kevin Grady was a 5 star “can’t miss” prospect and Mike Hart was a low 3 star recruit. Coaching is still the ultimate determining factor of success or failure, but having a highly rated recruiting class sure helps out a bit.
http://rivals100.rivals.com/commitlist.asp?Year=2009&School=44
Above is a link to Michigan’s current list of commits for 2009. I’m not going to go through every individual on that list, but I will highlight a few who are good and also a few that I want/hope ending up committing at a later date.
Shavodrick Beaver: A dual threat QB commit from the Friday night lights state of Texas. He played in a nationally televised game against Tyrik Rollison (Rivals 100 recruit) and completely outplayed him. He lists a 4.5 40 yd. dash so he has a ton of speed. Needs some work throwing the ball. My guess is that if at all possible he ends up redshirting his freshmen year because of….
Tate Forcier: Younger brother of ex Michigan QB Jason Forcier. He also is a great dual threat QB recruit out of San Diego. Aside from being very fleet of foot he also owns the nations highest completion percentage for high school QB’s. With a probable early enrollment (along with Beaver) he hopefully will be able to step right into the starting role next year with Threet as his backup.
Both QB’s are enrolling early. This is without a doubt the best news Michigan has in the offseason.
Justin Turner: A defensive back recruit out of Massillon, Ohio. Most likely projects as a safety which we are in dire need of. Right now he is our highest rated overall recruit. This guy is good and if all goes the way I see it he will start along side Stevie Brown next year at the SS position.
Craig Roh and Anthony Lalota: Both are DE recruits which we are also in dire need of. With the graduation of Tim Jaimison and the impending departure of Brandon Graham to the NFL, one if not both could see playing time next year. Craig Roh is the more polished of the two so my money is on Roh to see playing time next year. It would be nice to redshirt Lalota. Both are 4 star prospects and both are in the rivals 250.
Fitzgerald Toussaint: A 4 star RB recruit out of Youngstown, Ohio. Usually this city is pretty much dominated by OSU but somehow Fitz decided that Tressel is a d-bag and wanted to come up north where it smells less like old hot dog water. He is listed at 5-10 and every bit of video I have seen on this kid just screams athleticism. Unfortunately for him, he plays a position that Michigan actually has depth at. To make a bold comparison he would be similar to Felix Jones. Not a starting RB, but a significant change of pace back. Probable redshirt.
Jeremy Gallon: A 4 star WR from Apopka, Florida. He most certainly projects to the newly acquired slot WR spot on the team. This kid is ridiculously fast and athletic. He fits the RichRod style of offense perfectly. I really have no idea if he would redshirt or not but Michigan did take a few slot receiver types last year. Doubtful that they are as quick as he is though.
Brandin Hawthorne: A 3 star LB out of Pahokee, Florida. I know he is a 3 star prospect, but from what I have read I really think he will turn into a special prospect. He plays at a perennial powerhouse in football in the talent rich state of Florida and many kids have commented on how hard he hits people. Michigan’s linebacking core has been lacking recently and adding some intensity to it could really help. He attends the same school as current WR Martavious Odoms, and according to rivals, Pahokee is just loaded with potential for 2010 and 2011. Michigan getting their foot in the sand here could yield huge benefits for years to come.
Obviously other kids could have an impact, all of this is wild speculation by yours truly. That being said its also important to know that none of these kids have signed letters of intent yet because national signing day isn’t until next year. On the contrary, all these kids have expressed a verbal commitment to Michigan for 2009. DeQuinta Jones and Dewayne Peace are kids to watch out for a possible decommitment.
Other kids to look at who MAY commit to Michigan…
William Campbell: 5 star DT recruit from Detroit Cass Tech. Thomas Gordon and Teric Jones, two of his teammates, have already committed to Michigan. He is very likely to commit seeing how he already was committed at one point and has been at basically every Michigan home game this year. He projects to either offensive or defensive line, but I really see no reason why he wouldn’t want to remain at DT. Besides, Michigan needs another quality DT to play aside Mike Martin next year because of the departure of Will Johnson and Terrance Taylor.
Jelani Jenkins: 5 star OLB recruit out of Maryland and the number 4 recruit in all the land. This is somewhat a long shot, but he has maintained Michigan in his top five all year. The only real piece of info about what he wants out of a school was an article about what kind of city he wants to live in and what type of college fits him the best. He essentially described Ann Arbor to a T, but that really means nothing. He would be a HUGE addition to next years class because he plays a position of need and is an uber recruit.
Je’Ron Stokes: A 4 star recruit who is currently committed to Tennessee. He is an outside WR and with the decommitment of Bryce McNeal, this position is very weak in this class. Tennessee lost Phil Fulmer and as we all know coaching changes make a big difference to kids planning on attending that school. He has mentioned Michigan right along with Tennessee so he is a possible recruit, this may take a little bit of snake oil from RichRod.
There are more potential recruits on the horizon, but these are three of the big time ones. Right now Michigan is listed as having the number 8 overall recruiting class for 2009. Most likely adding Will Campbell and filling in the rest I would guess we finish right around that number, give or take 4 spots or so. Athleticism is a very big trend in this class and that trend is continuing into 2010 with the early commits from Ricardo Miller and Jeremy Jackson, both big time WR prospects.
Hopefully all that wasn’t too much for everyone but it was meant to be informative and to shine light on the fact that RichRod is out there getting great players to fit his system and to fill specific needs of the team. Help is on the way everyone!
Hopefully all these kids will be singing “Its Great to be a Michigan Wolverine” in the near future.
Go Bucs?
This is a big weekend for Michigan State football. They could walk away from the regular season with a huge road win at Beaver Stadium and finish with a 10-2 record. They can say they beat every team they should've with no letdowns all year. They can say they beat UofM, Notre Dame, and a highly-ranked Penn State team and regained the "Land Grant" trophy. And they could go to the Rose Bowl. . . . . Oh wait. . . Nope. . . Dantonio doesn't care about getting there. He doesn't want to smell the roses, join the parade, and hang out in Pasadena for the weekend. He doesn't want to be the ambassador of the Big 10 and the outright champion. And I wouldn't want him as my coach.
I'm sure everyone has heard by now that when asked if he wanted an upset special of UofM over OSU so he could play in the Granddaddy of em All that he said "Go Bucs!" Really? Really?? I know there is a rivalry to uphold and Dantonio has done a wonderful job over the past two years in bringing the MSU program back from the John L. Smith debauchery. (That basically means "bad times" Staters, try to keep up.) I know he has a clock in the practice facilities counting down the months, days, and minutes to the next UofM game. I know he grew up in Ohio and was on Tressel's staff. I know he hates that University with every ounce of his being after a running back who doesn't even go there anymore called his team the "little brother." I know that they have been beaten by that University for the past 6 years up to 2008. But really??? Go Bucs?
When the rivalry comes between you and what's best for your team, you have to re-evaluate what your motives are. Where's the foresight? Where's the eye of the tiger? Where's the eye on the prize? You haven't been to the Rose Bowl since 1990 and you say Go Bucs? UofM is 3-8 and you say Go Bucs? It's nice to know that your hatred of Michigan stems so deep that you find more joy in watching Michigan lose than play in the most historic bowl game of all time. Seeing an already beaten down, laughingstock Michigan team fall to 3-9 is more important to you? Dantonio, you need to get your head right and think about your own team's best interest.
I know the Staters are going to jump all over this one. "Yea well at least we are going to a bowl! At least Dick Rod isn't our coach, that snake oil salesman! What's it like down there at the bottom scUM? Look at him cry that our coach doesn't want UofM to win! Your coach said to get a life!" I see it coming. Which is why my love of MSU as my #2 college football program is falling precipitously (that means FAST guys). But this isn't about me or the University of Michigan at all really. And it's a moot point, because Michigan won't win whether Dantonio wants them to or not. It's the mindset of your coach and what he should be striving towards that's appalling. He isn't hoping for the best for his squad, he's hoping for the worst for someone else's squad. Which should piss off all State fans, and if it doesn't, then you aren't really State fans at all, you are just Michigan haters. And if that's the case, then I feel very sorry for all of you.
NFL Picks: Week 11
Results: ** The tie is not being counted as a game wrong or correct.
Elliot: 10-5
Dave: 10-5
Brian: 11-4
Nate: 11-4
Standings:
1. Nate: 74-39 (65.5%)
2. Dave: 63-38 (62.4%)
T-3. Brian: 68-45 (60.2%)
T-3. Elliot: 68-45 (60.2%)
Elliot's Picks:
Broncos over Falcons
Eagles over Bengals
Bears over Packers
Colts over Texans
Saints over Chiefs
Dolphins over Raiders
Giants over Ravens
Bucs over Vikings
Panthers over Lions
Titans over Jags
Rams over 49ers
Cardinals over Seahawks
Steelers over Chargers
Redskins over Cowboys
Bills over Browns
Atlanta over Denver
Philly over Cincy
Green Bay over Chicago
Indi over Houston
NO over KC
Miami over Oakland
NYG over Baltimore
Minnesota over TB
Carolina over Detroit
San Fran over St. Louis
Arizona over Seattle
Pitt over San Diego
Tennessee over Jacksonville
Washington over Dallas
Cleveland over Buffalo
Falcons over Broncos
Eagles over Bengals
Packers over Bears
Colts over Texans
Saints over Chiefs
Dolphins over Raiders
Giants over Ravens
Bucs over Vikings
Panthers over Lions
Titans over Jags
49ers over Rams
Cardinals over Seahawks
Steelers over Chargers
Redskins over Cowboys
Bills over Browns
Finishing up Defeated
Today’s post is brought to you by my crackberry… for reasons to be explained later in this post.
Last week I went to Detroit with some friends and got to watch the Wings beat the Devils and Marion Hossa score a freakin’ sexy goal. But the following day I got the distinct pleasure of watching the Lions and their Epic Fail against Jacksonville.
Heading into the game I was fairly certain that not only would the Lions get destroyed, but Daunte would do something completely retarded. Come to find out his first completion as a Lion was to the other team, good job, at least you tried your best. I also knew heading into the game that I would spend a few minutes on my crackberry checking my fantasy football team, little did I know that it would be the very thing that kept my sanity throughout the debacle Rod Marinelli orchestrated.
The Lions are 0-9 and on a fast track to being the first winless team in the history of the NFL. Many ‘fans’ are actually rooting for such a thing to happen which I think is ridiculous but it may actually be the ONLY thing that Bill Ford Sr. will notice. Essentially everything within the Lions program is a disaster save Calvin Johnson and a few others.
I want to take a stance and say that I truthfully want the Lions to finish only defeated, no wins, just defeated. I want this to happen not because I think it would be the most hilarious thing to happen to any professional team but because of embarrassment. I want Bill Ford Sr. to actually be embarrassed about his business decisions over the last 30 or so years. Maybe being labeled the worst team in the history of sports will actually provoke some positive action, some good hires, and a resurgence of talent via the draft. If finishing 0-16 isn’t enough to inspire change then the Lions truthfully are hopeless. I love the Lions and want nothing more than for them to be the New England Patriots, but the Fords need to do something big and they need to do it now.
Put this in stone, the only way real change will happen with the Lions is a 0-16 season. So ‘root’ for the loosing season if you will but do it strictly for the purpose of inspiring change, not just the first draft pick.
Which leads me to my next point, did Matt Millen accidentally stumble upon a talented player who actually cares about winning? Kevin Smith sincerely put a smile on my face upon hearing his comments about the game. A third round draft pick from UCF, kind of a hard knocks type of player who has worked hard to get where he is at, and HE is the one who takes a stand for the whole team. Amazing. Hey at least Gosder Cherilus and Jordan Dizon are on track, countless holding and procedure penalties and whiffed special teams tackles respectively. Kevin Smith is the man and I feel terrible that he is forced into such a culture that is the Lions.
Allen Iverson: A Piston; McDyess, Maybe?
0-2. That is what the Pistons are with Allen Iverson.NFL Picks: Week 10
New Orleans over Atlanta
Tennessee over Chicago
Jacksonville over Detroit
Miami over Seattle
Green Bay over Minnesota
Buffalo over New England
NY Jets over St. Louis
Baltimore over Houston
Carolina over Oakland
Pittsburgh over Indianapolis
San Diego over Kansas City
NY Giants over Philadelphia
Arizona over San Francisco
NO over the ATL
Tennessee over Chicago
Jacksonville over Detroit
Miami over Seattle
GB over Minnesota
NE over Buffalo
NYJ over St. Louis
Baltimore over Houston
Carolina over Oakland
Pittsburgh over Indi
San Diego over KC
Philly over NYG
Arizona over San Fran