I have been hearing the word hope being thrown about frequently when referring to the Lions. Perhaps those very fans throwing around that 4 letter word, so haphazardly, are the very reason "Hope Springs Eternal" is now a cliché. Perhaps...
But, perhaps it is that hope that is keeping a football franchise in Michigan...
There is always hope for a different result when you change the inputs in any system, and the Lions have certainly changed the inputs. They have "changed" management by firing Matt Millen and promoting Martin Mayhew. They fired Rod Marinelli, who (miraculously?) coached a team with Paris Lenon as a starting linebacker to 7 wins, and hired Jim Schwartz as their new coach. They have picks galore, money to spend, awful middle linebackers leaving, etc., etc.
The inputs are changing, and so are the external factors. Now, Lions fans' newest source of hope is the Arizona Cardinals recent success. As if shouting, altogether now,: "If they can do it, so can we!"
But with all this "hope," I stand pessimistic. Arizona's success hasn't created hope, it is just another scoop of dirt piling on the Lions' grave.
Instead of seeing the Arizona victory as the ignorantly hopeful Lions fan, the NFL might see it quite differently. Instead of a mantra shouted by a throng of Lions fans, Roger Goodell might actually shout: "If they can do it, WHY HAVEN'T YOU?!?!"
Detroit has a sports franchise representing all 4 of the major American Sports, something only 12 other cities can claim. They are also one of only 2 of those 13 cities that has a unique stadium for each of those teams (Phoenix being the other). As a result, all Detroit teams have high operating costs associated with them, and those same teams are surrounded by a dying economy. Consequently, as good friend of the blog Ryan Terpstra said it, Detroit will, more likely than not, lose a sports team in the next decade.
So why do I think it is the Lions? TV blackouts ring a bell? 0-16..? 50 years of losing? Plus there is that enormous NFL market named Los Angeles, just dying to steal a team.
But, would William Clay Ford, Sr. and his strong Detroit ties really move the team? No, but whoever he potentially sells the team to probably wouldn't hesitate.
So, while some Lions fans are hoping that the playoffs are just 2 years away, I am just hoping that in two years the Lions are still the Detroit Lions.
P.S. Hopefully, you all noticed and appreciated the blog redesign. It is still a work in progress, but hopefully everything works as desired.
Hope?
Aaron Curry
A Man Among Boys
Today’s post is brought to you by expired college ID’s. Seriously my Calvin College ID has saved me a few hundred dollars over the years past its expiration. Doesn’t really compare to the thousands I gave that place while I was there I guess.
I want to reach out a bit and write about a person in college sports that I really admire. Someone who puts a face to a college program and actually gives it a good name. Not a person like Colt McCoy who is the face of the Texas Longhorns and has been arrested for drunk driving, or a person like Michael Vick who loved killing man’s best friend. No. I want to take a stance and say that I truly admire Tim Tebow.
Coming out of high school as somewhat of an uber-recruit, Tim Tebow’s name was scattered all across the college football landscape as the kid that everyone wanted. Before every college football head coach in the nation was calling his house, sending him letters and e-mails, Tim Tebow was living in the Philippines with his parents doing missionary work for his church. Spreading the word of God to countless people overseas that need it and are persecuted for it. After an entire childhood in the Philippines Tim headed back to the states so he could play football for a high school. Tim starred as a dual threat quarterback on the field; and off the field, every summer; Tim went back to the Philippines to help his dad with the mission work and his family’s orphanage.
After accepting a full scholarship to play at the University of Florida, Tim played a major role as a freshmen QB splitting time with the nominal starter Chris Leak. The two QB’s ended up leading Florida to a national championship over Ohio State. The next year Tim took over the reigns as starting QB since Chris Leak had graduated. Tim went on to become the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy and he led his team into the Capitol One bowl against Michigan. Healthy for the first time really that year, Michigan went on to win that game and send off Lloyd Carr as a champion. This was somewhat ironic because Michigan was in on the recruitment of Tim Tebow almost until the bitter end (he ended up choosing Florida over Alabama.) Heading into the offseason many people said that in 2008, Florida, with Tebow at the helm, was going to be the team to beat. That again proved to be true as Tim Tebow led Florida to its second National Championship during his tenure there.
Because Tim Tebow plays QB differently than a prototypical NFL QB does, his draft status isn’t exactly the same as someone like Sam Bradford or Matthew Stafford. Understanding that leaving early for the NFL draft probably is not a good idea, Tim decided a few days ago to stay at Florida for his senior year. Florida again will be the cream of the college football crop with Tebow back for his last year, but that’s not all Tim plans on doing next year. He will also graduate with a degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences. Even though Tim would not be a first round selection in the NFL draft, he very easily could ditch out on his senior year and take the money provided to him by some NFL team. Instead he plans to stay in college, graduate, and try to leave his mark of college football as one of its all time greatest players. This such honor would place him along sides of people like: Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Archie Griffin, or even Tom Harmon (Michigan’s “everything” HB from 1939-40.) But in my eye Tim is already a step ahead of all of these people. What Tim does in the Philippines with his family is unmatched by any one of the so-called College Football Greats.
I am sure that if any one reading this actually watched this years BCS National Championship you probably heard countless times about all the great things Tim has done. But seriously, they are all said for a very good reason. I am not trying to say that if you spend 5 minutes with Tim Tebow your life is suddenly better; rather I am saying to admire him for what he has done on and off the gridiron. Tim Tebow truly is a man among boys.
Seguir leyendo...Invested in Southern California
Before the season began, I jovially folded my all-in bet with the Detroit Lions. Instead, the Chargers started getting a little more of my fan power. What perhaps started as an act of protest against all the evil that is the Detroit Lions, left me completely invested in what outcome resulted from the 4:30 Sunday afternoon game. I truly felt like more than just a bandwagon fan, I felt like a Chargers fan. While I am sure you all care very little about which team I give more attention to, I can promise that this post contains the same attention to detail and passion that any other of my posts relating to a more local team would. So, let's begin!
This post, is not an excuse; it is not a justification for a heart breaking loss. Instead, it is an observation. The Chargers missed Shawne Merriman, and probably could have won the game had he been a part of the game.
Forget the injury, forget the steroids. Remember that Shawne Merriman is one of the most dynamic pass rushers in the game. His impact, even his presence, could have changed the game completely.
While it may be naive to claim that one player could change the entire course and result of one game, I hope to prove that it is not folly. I hope to additionally prove that one player on defense, not offense, is more important to the repercussions of that player's impact.
So much of what happens on the field any given Sunday is because of the way a team game plans. While simple notions such as run-pass balance or the amount of times a defense blitzes are influential, nothing is nearly as significant as game planning for super stars. When Calvin Johnson or Adrian Peterson steps on that field, 22 eyes are watching him. Safeties move over towards that player, Linebackers freeze in position anticipating what those type of players will do. But, the truth is, offenses game plan for defensive super stars just as much, if not more. Just knowing that Asante Samuel is matched up against the X receiver, or seeing Bob Sanders creeping up into the box affects everyone's thoughts: from the offensive line to the quarterback.
Shawne Merriman has the same effect because he is such a dynamic pass rusher. If he was there and 100% healthy, it would be ignorant not to believe that everyone on the offensive line would watch which side he lined up on, and would be careful to notice whether he blitzed or not before making a decision. His presence alone might have taken a double team off of Jamal Williams and given Shaun Phillips a clearer path to the quarterback thereby creating pressure on the quarterback; something completely lacking in the second half of that game.
One player's presence does have an effect on the defense as a whole. It affects their whole mentality, not just stats. Just compare the 2006 Super Bowl Champion Colts when Bob Sanders was hurt and when he was healthy. A team that struggled mightily against the run, suddenly because a brick wall when Sanders was healthy. His presence made offenses over think, not to mention all the tackles he got from being in the right place at the right time. Another example would be Ed Reed. Where would the Ravens be without him? My guess is at home, and Miami might be still alive.
Shawne Merriman is also a game changer, just like Sanders or Reed or James Harrison, because offenses fear him and think first and foremost about how to stop him.
Look at the 3rd quarter of the game. The first drive lasted over 7 minutes because Pittsburgh converted at least 4 Third down and longs. Third and long is an obvious passing situation. Pittsburgh ran the bunch formation most of the time in this situation. San Diego's defense played a poor zone and Ben Roethlesburger had all the time in the world to find Heinz Ward or Nate Washington for big gains each time. Had an effective pass rush disrupted Ben, the Steelers would have been forced to punt to the impressive Darren Sproles. My theory is, a Shawne Merriman rush would have drawn the attention of at least two players, most likely a tackle and the running back. That would have left probably Jamal Williams alone on the center; a matchup certainly favoring San Diego. Even the threat of a blitz by Merriman would probably be enough to confuse the offensive line and again give San Diego a good match up.
The Chargers offense played well enough to win. The defense (and two unfortunate and no-fault turnovers didn't help either) is what ultimately lost the game.
So, while Pittsburgh won, and I am sad, the result more than likely would have been different with the presence and threat of Shawne Merriman
A Beaverless year...
Welcome readers, today’s post is brought to you by the ineptitude of Davenports WiFi network. Seriously guys, wireless networks aren’t that hard to control.
In any event today’s post is going to be about one of my favorite topics, Michigan Football recruiting. Most people don’t get caught up in recruiting until signing day but I guess I am not most people. Keep in mind that everything I say is NOT set in stone in any way.
So…Shavodrick Beaver decommited and then switched schools to Tulsa. Yeah, uh, maybe he really does want to be the next Shaun King? Different school, pretty much the same scenario. Folks, this actually is kind of a big deal. Right now Tate Forcier is the only scholarship QB Michigan has on its list of recruits for next year. Right now Michigan is targeting Denard Robinson from Florida. He is listed as an athlete on rivals and is a 4 star recruit who actually is rated slightly about the Beaver. If he came to Michigan he would have a chance at QB but most likely would end up at receiver or CB (based mostly on need) after a red shirt year. He is a possibility but he isn’t exactly the answer I think we were all looking for. Michigan is putting a lot of eggs in Tate’s basket but frankly I can think of worse baskets to be in.
Other less likely options for QB in this class include Tajh Boyd and Eugene Smith. Tyrik Rollison (Rivals #2 dual threat QB) most likely wont qualify academically so is not being recruited for that reason. Tajh Boyd has been committed to West Virginia and Tennessee but as of right now isn’t committed anywhere. Michigan is not realy recruiting him to hard which is somewhat strange because he is very talented, but they may be sold on the fact that he truly is either committing to Oregon of Ohio State. Eugene Smith is a current West Virginia commit and Rivals #5 dual threat QB. Smith maintained interest in Michigan for roughly a month with Beaver and Forcier still committed at the time. He is most certainly an option still for this year, but given his current commitment to WVU it may be hard to persuade him to come to Michigan where there will be more competition.
On a brighter side, if my idea for the starting QB spot is actually correct (Tate Forcier to end up being the starter by the end of the year and possibly earlier,) then any other QB who would have signed with this class would more than likely be red shirted. That being the case, maybe saving a scholarship for the likes of Devin Gardner (2010 QB from Inkster, MI) isn’t a half bad idea. He is a teammate of current 2009 commit Cameron Gordon and is projected as a top 50 ish player for 2010. I am not trying to say that losing the Beaver was in any way a good thing, but it may have a silver lining with Gardner. Aside from Gardner, AJ Westendorp is also an option to be a preferred walk-on to Michigan for 2009. He is from Holland Christian and has picked up quite a bit of a buzz around West Michigan. Currently he holds an offer from GVSU but that’s it. I don’t think he will ever get an offer from Michigan, but he is a smart kid and could get academic scholarships from UM. Maybe scholarships mixed in with an opportunity to play QB at Michigan will be enough to sway him our way.
As for Michigan recruiting for positions other than QB, we landed Will Campbell (again) to no ones particular surprise. Rich Rod needed a big year recruiting the defensive line and he got it. Will Campbell, Craig Roh and Anthony LaLota are all in the Rivals 250 and big Will is Rivals #25. Michigan also currently has Pearlie Graves and DeQuinta Jones who are both 4 star recruits. A decommitment from one of the two is possible but in my opinion, not probable. This years defensive line recruits, if all stay committed, could be really special and could make us forget quickly about the loss of Terrance Taylor, Will Johnson, and Tim Jaimison.
To be honest the only positions we really need to add more depth to are: QB (as stated earlier), CB, OL, and WR. Michigan just lost the commitment of Dewayne Peace, a 3 star WR who was a camp offer in the summer. Losing Peace, this leaves Cameron Gordon as our only true outside WR in this class. Adding Je’Ron Stokes is a definite possibility though as he is visiting Ann Arbor this month. CB on the other hand is a bit more of a reach. A few high profile guys have us on their list like Dre Kirkpatrick, but I would say we have about as good of a chance at getting him as we did getting Ted Ginn Jr. a few years back. The most likely CB prospect currently for Michigan is Jayron Hosely out of Florida. He is a 4 star recruit and you can expect Michigan to push hard for him. After that it gets a little dicey. Michigan may have to add a few “shots in the dark” type of recruits to get the number of needed CB’s for this year. Michigan currently has 2 pretty good OL recruits in Taylor Lewan and Michael Scholfield. Adding Quinton Washington (4 star) is possible and at this point probable. After that I might expect maybe one more OL to be added.
Please let this not discount from that fact that I really really want Jelani Jenkins. He would be an immediate starter at linebacker and he is arguably the best recruit in all the land. Also remember it is severely doubtful he actually does go to Michigan, my guess is a Florida lead for him.
It is conceivable that Michigan could end up with a couple more 5 star recruits and a few more 4 star recruits. It is also possible that they add a few more mediocre players and are done for the year. As always I am hoping for the best of the best, but the exciting part about tracking recruiting the way I do is the fact that recruits constantly change their mind. You never know what kind of “snake oil” could be in Michigan’s future.
Seguir leyendo...Stuck Yea!
There have been a lot of haters out there who think the Pistons have regressed, they are too old, Curry is an inexperienced, in-over-his-head coach, and that trading Chauncey was about as stupid of a move as drafting Darko "I coulda had Melo, Bosh, or Wade!' Milicic. I'm here to tell you that I am more excited about this team than I ever have been since they traded for Rasheed in the "thank you Danny Ainge!" trade of the century and went on to win the NBA finals in a 5 game sweep.
Seriously, I really am. The Stones are flying under the radar right now because they hit multiple speed bumps with integrating a "superstar" into their lineup after the season had already started. Every other NBA team had gone through a training camp with their respective rosters and had a game plan, a rotation, and a general knowledge of what was expected of them rolling into the season. The Pistons did too, until Joey pulled "the trade" and moved Chaunce "I have a Finals MVP trophy" Buh Buh Buh Buh Billups. Basically, the team was thrown back into training camp mode as they muddled through the next few dozen games and tried to define roles and playing time. Having two All-Star caliber shooting guards who can't really play other positions can do that to ya. . .
But Michael Curry tinkered with his lineups and went small, he went big, and he went young to try to figure out what the best combination of his young players and his veterans were. I really happen to enjoy Mr. Curry and how he's divvied out PT so far this season. Yes, you have interesting lineups and sometimes either AI or Hamilton have been on the bench during crunch time, but I don't mind. Curry has something that Rick Carlisle, Larry Brown, and Flip Saunders never had, the juevos to play the young guys and whoever is playing the best. And you can't say he's going strictly young, because my favorite Piston Jason Maxiell has seen his playing time dwindle during the first half of the season.
The Pistons surge as of late, in my mind, has come from the fact that Rip has been on the sidelines the last few weeks. Is this because he isn't a good player or our shooting guard of the future? Absolutely not. In fact he is our future banner carrier at the position, but the fact that we only have one bonafide two guard right now has solidified the team. Which is why I am so excited about the future of the Stones. When AI comes off the books next year (and he WILL come off, he will not be resigned even if they win a Title), our young starting backcourt will be of Rodney Stuckey and Richard Hamilton.
Having Stuckey and Hamilton in our backcourt and knowing Joe has the cash to redeem himself from the Darko Disaster by signing one of the players he should have drafted all those devastating years ago. . . 2003? Really? It was only that long ago Dumars went Tanya Harding on our Dynasty hopes? Anyway, knowing what this team can do with a set in stone starting backcourt, along with not having to play Tayshaun at the four spot and alot of cash in the biggest free agent sweepstakes pool in decades, makes me giddier than a 16 year old in a porn shop.
Let's put aside the amazing amount of cash that we have to go after the likes of Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and *gasp* LeBron James. The biggest gamble of the deal was not whether or not we can sign one of these players, but whether or not Rodney Stuckey could truly fill the shoes of the venerable Finals MVP. He has passed this test with flying colors. He was named Eastern Conference player of the week while averaging 20 pts, 5 boards, 5 dimes, and 2 steals during that stretch. He dropped 40 on the Bulls, and is 13-3 overall during the course of the season when he has started the game. Rodney will be a staple in the All-Star game and the catalyst of the Detroit Pistons for the next 10 years.
And let's be completely honest with ourselves. Detroit was not going to the Finals with Billups in the backcourt. The definition of crazy is "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." We have run into a brick wall in the ECF for the past four years with our current roster, and as Dick Clark said, "we aren't getting younger." Has he said that? Or does he just really look old to me? . . . At least with the Iverson trade we have a unique piece of the puzzle, that if used correctly, could be harnessed into a possible Finals bid. And we all know a possible Finals bid is a better chance than we had with Buh Buh Buh Buh Old Guy.
I love Chaunce, I really do. He has given me one of the greatest sports memories I will ever have and I shall take it to my grave. I wish him nothing but the very best in Denver and I hope he has alot of success. But, on the other hand, we now have a younger, more dynamic point who will lead this team, and has his own NBA Finals MVP in his future. Put it in stone.
John Beilein
John Beilein is a great coach.
Not good, great.
He is such a great coach that he turned around a horrible Michigan basketball program in 1 year. Beyond the results from half of this season, John Beilein is a great coach because (1) he knows how to coach in all game time situations, (2) he is a great teacher, and (3) he wins young basketball player's respect.
In game time situations, I have been so impressed by John Beilein's ability to control the game. He seems to know exactly when to put players in, when to switch up his defenses, and when to call the right offenses. Any student of the game of basketball loves to watch when coaches throw different looks at opposing teams through different defensive schemes. The most recent game against Illinois is a great example. Beilein mainly stuck with the man to man defense, but whenever things got tight in that second half, he would switch quickly to the 1-3-1 zone. Illinois was caught off guard after getting a steady dose of man-to-man and took bad shots. In additon, his coaching control extends to the offensive side as well. The UCLA game is a great example. Beilein knew that UCLA was afraid of the 3 point shot because Michigan had lived by it through the entire game. So as a result he spreads out all his shooters along the perimeter and calls for a backdoor cut by DeShawn Sims for an easy dunk. Michigan may lack talent, but you can never say that Beilein got out coached.
Beilein can accomplish these strategic and often complex offensive and defensive sets because he is a great teacher. He has clearly taught each and every player on that team what to expect in just about every situation and what each of their roles is. Player know their roles, they fit those roles, and they carry out their given tasks on the floor. The Michigan players have bought into the Beilein system and they are carrying it out.
As stated above, the play and success of the basketball team so far is attributable to players buying in and understanding the system, which is a direct reflection on the respect that Beilein has earned. To garner the respect and faith of all of these players is absolutely impressive. Keep in mind the varying personalities on this team. There is the superstar mentality of Manny Harris that he has over come. As a result Manny is a total team player: happy to score 25 or get 12 assists based on what the team needs him to do. Or you have the personality of entitlement that DeShawn Sims displayed early in the year. Beilein combated that by benching Sims early in the season; a bold move, and one that has paid off. Lastly, you have the group of young kids who were not highly touted. Beilein has instilled a sense of confidence in all of them by giving everyone on the team the go ahead to shoot all the time. Nobody hesitates, and everybody can shoot from all over. Players like Gibson, Novak and Douglass all seem to have ice running through their veins even though they are young or lack the talent. That is a true reflection of a good coach. Beilein is sucking these players for everything they got by putting them in the right situations and teaching them his vision.
However, the aspect of Beilein's coaching I respect the most is his ability to make a player better. Tommy Amaker was a pretty good recruiter, especially given Michigan's turmoil involving Chris Webber and the booster Ed Martin. But, Amaker was a terrible coach. Player's like Daniel Horton and Lester Abrams were exactly the same players they were as freshmen when they were seniors. They displayed no improvement whatsoever. The same cannot be said about John Beilein. Everyone on that team who played last year is better than the year before. The best example may be Kelvin Grady. He was a turnover waiting to happen last year and was down right afraid to shoot. This year he is dynamic handling the basketball and has become a legitimate downtown threat. It may just be players gaining experience, but I think the tenure of Tommy Amaker proves otherwise.
So, while Beilein may not be the best recruiter in the world, he gets wins with fantastic coaching. And that great coaching has turned around the Michigan program and made it relevant again.
NFL Picks: Week 17
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
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.
