Stanzi saw some hits in this one.Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesDespite Iowa losing Ricky Stanzi didn't play a bad game. His only turnover really can't be laid at his feet. He threw a very catch-able ball that McNutt let get by him. Stanzi played fairly well under the circumstances. Arizona's front 7 blitzed around 25% of Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
Iowa's passing plays and got to Stanzi far more often than they should have. Constant blown pass protection schemes forced Stanzi to run for his life pretty often in this contest.Stanzi hit some very big throws in this game and there were 3 drops in this game including one that should have gone for a TD. He made use of his RB's when he could in this game, but the TE's saw very few looks in this one. I'm not sure if that was by design or not because it seemed Iowa should have been able to take advantage of LB's trying covering their TE's. Some RB or TE screens probably would have helped slow down the pass rush in this one also. A simple bubble screen to the outside also would probably have helped Stanzi get some rhythm .The only truly terrible play he made was taking the sack on 2nd and 3 on the last drive. He didn't have pressure from anywhere else and should have been able to evade the defender at least long enough to throw the ball away or even escape and scramble for a 1st down. Other than that only a few high throws were his mistakes in this one. Stanzi+1 Nice ball to come back with off of the pick 6. Good solid throw for a 1st down to DJK. D3 Play 1+1 Good decision to pull it down against the pressure here and a great run for a first down as AZ was in man coverage here. D3 Play 4-1 Poor read and throw here as he tries to hit Davis on the post down the middle. Both safety's had at the snap cover 2 reads but both stayed in the middle hook zone. Stanzi threw this ball like he was worried about getting it over top ofReebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
the safeties. Needs to read that and put that ball flatter and further across the field here as the corner had played Davis on his up-field shoulder. D4 Play 4 +1 Excllent throw in the seam here. Made the correct read at the snap and fired a bullet into the open lane in the middle. D4 Play 6.+1 Great patience on the short out route to Jewel Hampton for the TD. D4 Play 9-1 Ball thrown too high on the comeback route. Normally does a good job keeping these throws down but this one caught some air on him. D5 Play 2+1 Good read on the bailout coverage as he throws the easy stop route to Davis. D6 Play 1+1 Great read and deep ball here on the double move as it slips through DJK's fingers. D6 Play 2+1 Nice read here as he puts it into Sandemans hands on the run. D7 Play 1+1 Gutsy run by Stanzi here as he takes a whack at the end of it. D7 Play 2-1 One too many deep balls into double coverage here and the safety drops a free pick on a poor pass. Not sure what the read was here as he threw it into double coverage. He had no where to throw this ball but still not a throw you want to make when you have time to just throw it away. D7 Play 4+1 Stanzi Good timing and read here as he lays this one right down the middle as he see's the corner on DJK rolled to the flat and its an easy TD for DJK who just blew by the safety. D9 Play 3-1 Far too much air on the pass to the outside as he had McNutt open here. Looked like he expected the underneath LB to be further back so he put more air under this ball. Needs to drop that pass in there. D10 Play 5+1 Well Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
read by Stanzi here. He had one on one with a smaller corner on his best jump ball receiver, McNutt. Throws a beautiful ball in a clutch situation. Throws it up high to the outside where only his man can come up with it. D11 Play 4-2 Just cannot take this sack right here. You've got to either get this ball out or attempt to escape the pocket.
2011年1月15日星期六
15 Jan 11 New Orleans Saints Az Hakim
Az-Zahir Hakim has finally found a place to call home (for the time being). After flipfloping on a decision to sign with the Chiefs, the veteran receiver has agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints. Hakim was a rising star with the St. Louis Rams before spending a few disappointing and injury-riddled seasons with the Detroit Lions.The specifics of the deal should become available later today, but one thing is for certain; it will only be a one year contract. Az Hakim must prove himself before a team will consider signing him to a longterm deal.The San Francisco 49ers jersey
New Orleans Saints may prove to be nothing more than a transitional team for Hakim. They already have a Pro Bowl veteran in Joe Horn as well as two speedy and talented youngsters in Donte Stallworth and Devery Henderson. They have been actively looking for a veteran wideout to play the slot position until one of those youngsters matures enough to play that role. So, D'Brickashaw Ferguson -- what do you think of New Orleans?Of course, it isn't a certainty that the New Orleans Saints will select the All-American tackle from the University of Virginia with the second pick in the NFL draft, but the Saints' latest transaction would seem to make that compelling possibility.At one point, just a few weeks ago, it was assumed that Southern Cal quarterback Matt Leinart (considered almost saintly for sticking around to play his senior year as a Trojan) would become a Saint for real. Then New Orleans signed QB Drew Brees off the free agent dessert cart.No more hole, no more Leinart.Earlier this week, though, New Orleans traded veteran left tackle Wayne Gandy -- a starter in all 16 games last season -- to the Atlanta Falcons for DB Bryan Scott. The departure of the 6-4, 308-pounder from Auburn leaves only NFL Europe product Ben Archibald to protect the blind side of whoever winds up playing quarterback. Seattle Seahawks jersey
Considering that Archibald saw action in only five games last year, that's not terribly encouraging.Scott will provide some help to the New Orleans secondary, having made 73 tackles, intercepted one pass and deflected seven others for Atlanta in 2005. He won't be much help in pass protection, though.Ferguson, meanwhile, has been considered one of the top five players in the draft since Day One. He started 46 of 48 games with the Virginia Cavaliers, all at left tackle. At 6-6, 305 pounds, he still runs a 5.0 40 and is considered the top pass blocker in the O-Line pool. Of course, there are other intriguing prospects in the upper echelon of the draft, notably LB A.J. Hawk of Ohio State and DE Mario Williams of North Carolina State. But having lost Gandy to the trade, starting C LeCharles Bentley (now in Cleveland) to St. Louis Rams jersey
free agency and starting guard Kendyl Jacox to a cap-inspired roster cut, the Saints have to be including some new beef in their plans. They did sign G Jonathan Goodwin away from the New York Jets as the heir apparent to Jacox, but that still leaves a Gandy-sized hole at tackle.The other alternative for the New Orleans Saints is to entertain trade offers for that No. 2 pick, perhaps picking up another draft choice or two. An offensive lineman would have to be in the mix somewhere, though.Wonder if D'Brickashaw Ferguson likes jambalaya?
New Orleans Saints may prove to be nothing more than a transitional team for Hakim. They already have a Pro Bowl veteran in Joe Horn as well as two speedy and talented youngsters in Donte Stallworth and Devery Henderson. They have been actively looking for a veteran wideout to play the slot position until one of those youngsters matures enough to play that role. So, D'Brickashaw Ferguson -- what do you think of New Orleans?Of course, it isn't a certainty that the New Orleans Saints will select the All-American tackle from the University of Virginia with the second pick in the NFL draft, but the Saints' latest transaction would seem to make that compelling possibility.At one point, just a few weeks ago, it was assumed that Southern Cal quarterback Matt Leinart (considered almost saintly for sticking around to play his senior year as a Trojan) would become a Saint for real. Then New Orleans signed QB Drew Brees off the free agent dessert cart.No more hole, no more Leinart.Earlier this week, though, New Orleans traded veteran left tackle Wayne Gandy -- a starter in all 16 games last season -- to the Atlanta Falcons for DB Bryan Scott. The departure of the 6-4, 308-pounder from Auburn leaves only NFL Europe product Ben Archibald to protect the blind side of whoever winds up playing quarterback. Seattle Seahawks jersey
Considering that Archibald saw action in only five games last year, that's not terribly encouraging.Scott will provide some help to the New Orleans secondary, having made 73 tackles, intercepted one pass and deflected seven others for Atlanta in 2005. He won't be much help in pass protection, though.Ferguson, meanwhile, has been considered one of the top five players in the draft since Day One. He started 46 of 48 games with the Virginia Cavaliers, all at left tackle. At 6-6, 305 pounds, he still runs a 5.0 40 and is considered the top pass blocker in the O-Line pool. Of course, there are other intriguing prospects in the upper echelon of the draft, notably LB A.J. Hawk of Ohio State and DE Mario Williams of North Carolina State. But having lost Gandy to the trade, starting C LeCharles Bentley (now in Cleveland) to St. Louis Rams jersey
free agency and starting guard Kendyl Jacox to a cap-inspired roster cut, the Saints have to be including some new beef in their plans. They did sign G Jonathan Goodwin away from the New York Jets as the heir apparent to Jacox, but that still leaves a Gandy-sized hole at tackle.The other alternative for the New Orleans Saints is to entertain trade offers for that No. 2 pick, perhaps picking up another draft choice or two. An offensive lineman would have to be in the mix somewhere, though.Wonder if D'Brickashaw Ferguson likes jambalaya?
2011年1月13日星期四
14 Jan 11 Carolina Panthers Tony Romo vs. Drew Bledsoe Perspective
The Panthers and Cowboys square off in a huge matchup on NBC's "Sunday Night Football" this week. The show, which has garnered huge ratings, has basically replaced "Monday Night Football" as the premier NFL telecast of the week. But who cares about ratings, right? It's all about the football. The Cowboys are a lost bunch right now. Everyone and their mother wanted Bill Parcells to go with Tony Romo instead of Bledsoe, and already -- two quarters deep into the Romo Era -- the same people are shaking their heads. Hey, we all wish we could New Orleans Saints jersey
clone the 1986 version of Phil Simms and his super-accurate arm, but that's not happening. Bledsoe gives you some stuff (the deep ball, experience, statue mimicry) and Romo gives you something else (mobility, youthful exuberance, youthful decision-making). Listen, you're out of your mind if you can say with a straight face that Drew Bledsoe has ever thrown a pass worse than Romo's shuffle toss to wide open Giants DT Fred Robbins. Starting Romo is the right move, but it won't simultaneously fix all of the Cowboys' problems. Every sportswriter and media member has been dwelling on the Bledsoe-Romo controversy since training camp; but, in the process, they've missed the bigger picture... the Cowboys aren't that good. They have a flawed defense that is extremely susceptible to the long ball; New York Giants jersey
an inconsistent running game featuring an overrated back; a shaky O-line; a lousy placekicker; and... and... some other guy... what's his name? Oh yeah... T.O. However, because everyone is talking about the quarterbacks, let me offer this question, "From the Panthers' point of view, which is the better QB to face?" Of course, by "better" I actually mean worse. And, strangely enough, I think it's the same guy. Julius Peppers is playing at such a high level that Romo's mobility won't factor in. I don't think Randall Cunningham in his prime could wiggle out of a Peppers sack this season; the defensive end has looked that good. Bottom line, I don't feel the Dallas quarterback situation will be much of a factor this Sunday night. The play of Big D's offensive line has been and will continue to be the biggest issue in terms of the passing game. I don't care about arm strength; it's hard to throw a ball downfield when you're lying on your back. On the other side of the ball, Jake Delhomme and the Panthers' offense could be in for a big day. Roy Williams, perhaps the best tackling safety in the NFL, has looked like a lost puppy whenever he has to drop back on deep passes, and last time I checked, the Panthers had a guy named Smith who was good at doing just that. Basically, Carolina is just a better team right New York Jets jersey
now. This is the Panthers' game to lose. And the team has often played down to its opponent. For instance, the Panthers should have defeated Baltimore by at least 20 points (they won, 23-21). They lost to a team last week that needed the game more than they did, and in a lot of ways they face a similar team this week. The Cowboys could save their season with a huge road win in Charlotte, and they'll give the Panthers all they have. Remember this; never count out a Bill Parcells-led team, especially when they have their backs to the wall.Original Carolina Panthers analysis
clone the 1986 version of Phil Simms and his super-accurate arm, but that's not happening. Bledsoe gives you some stuff (the deep ball, experience, statue mimicry) and Romo gives you something else (mobility, youthful exuberance, youthful decision-making). Listen, you're out of your mind if you can say with a straight face that Drew Bledsoe has ever thrown a pass worse than Romo's shuffle toss to wide open Giants DT Fred Robbins. Starting Romo is the right move, but it won't simultaneously fix all of the Cowboys' problems. Every sportswriter and media member has been dwelling on the Bledsoe-Romo controversy since training camp; but, in the process, they've missed the bigger picture... the Cowboys aren't that good. They have a flawed defense that is extremely susceptible to the long ball; New York Giants jersey
an inconsistent running game featuring an overrated back; a shaky O-line; a lousy placekicker; and... and... some other guy... what's his name? Oh yeah... T.O. However, because everyone is talking about the quarterbacks, let me offer this question, "From the Panthers' point of view, which is the better QB to face?" Of course, by "better" I actually mean worse. And, strangely enough, I think it's the same guy. Julius Peppers is playing at such a high level that Romo's mobility won't factor in. I don't think Randall Cunningham in his prime could wiggle out of a Peppers sack this season; the defensive end has looked that good. Bottom line, I don't feel the Dallas quarterback situation will be much of a factor this Sunday night. The play of Big D's offensive line has been and will continue to be the biggest issue in terms of the passing game. I don't care about arm strength; it's hard to throw a ball downfield when you're lying on your back. On the other side of the ball, Jake Delhomme and the Panthers' offense could be in for a big day. Roy Williams, perhaps the best tackling safety in the NFL, has looked like a lost puppy whenever he has to drop back on deep passes, and last time I checked, the Panthers had a guy named Smith who was good at doing just that. Basically, Carolina is just a better team right New York Jets jersey
now. This is the Panthers' game to lose. And the team has often played down to its opponent. For instance, the Panthers should have defeated Baltimore by at least 20 points (they won, 23-21). They lost to a team last week that needed the game more than they did, and in a lot of ways they face a similar team this week. The Cowboys could save their season with a huge road win in Charlotte, and they'll give the Panthers all they have. Remember this; never count out a Bill Parcells-led team, especially when they have their backs to the wall.Original Carolina Panthers analysis
14 Jan 11 Carolina Panthers Tony Romo vs. Drew Bledsoe Perspective
The Panthers and Cowboys square off in a huge matchup on NBC's "Sunday Night Football" this week. The show, which has garnered huge ratings, has basically replaced "Monday Night Football" as the premier NFL telecast of the week. But who cares about ratings, right? It's all about the football. The Cowboys are a lost bunch right now. Everyone and their mother wanted Bill Parcells to go with Tony Romo instead of Bledsoe, and already -- two quarters deep into the Romo Era -- the same people are shaking their heads. Hey, we all wish we could New Orleans Saints jersey
clone the 1986 version of Phil Simms and his super-accurate arm, but that's not happening. Bledsoe gives you some stuff (the deep ball, experience, statue mimicry) and Romo gives you something else (mobility, youthful exuberance, youthful decision-making). Listen, you're out of your mind if you can say with a straight face that Drew Bledsoe has ever thrown a pass worse than Romo's shuffle toss to wide open Giants DT Fred Robbins. Starting Romo is the right move, but it won't simultaneously fix all of the Cowboys' problems. Every sportswriter and media member has been dwelling on the Bledsoe-Romo controversy since training camp; but, in the process, they've missed the bigger picture... the Cowboys aren't that good. They have a flawed defense that is extremely susceptible to the long ball; New York Giants jersey
an inconsistent running game featuring an overrated back; a shaky O-line; a lousy placekicker; and... and... some other guy... what's his name? Oh yeah... T.O. However, because everyone is talking about the quarterbacks, let me offer this question, "From the Panthers' point of view, which is the better QB to face?" Of course, by "better" I actually mean worse. And, strangely enough, I think it's the same guy. Julius Peppers is playing at such a high level that Romo's mobility won't factor in. I don't think Randall Cunningham in his prime could wiggle out of a Peppers sack this season; the defensive end has looked that good. Bottom line, I don't feel the Dallas quarterback situation will be much of a factor this Sunday night. The play of Big D's offensive line has been and will continue to be the biggest issue in terms of the passing game. I don't care about arm strength; it's hard to throw a ball downfield when you're lying on your back. On the other side of the ball, Jake Delhomme and the Panthers' offense could be in for a big day. Roy Williams, perhaps the best tackling safety in the NFL, has looked like a lost puppy whenever he has to drop back on deep passes, and last time I checked, the Panthers had a guy named Smith who was good at doing just that. Basically, Carolina is just a better team right New York Jets jersey
now. This is the Panthers' game to lose. And the team has often played down to its opponent. For instance, the Panthers should have defeated Baltimore by at least 20 points (they won, 23-21). They lost to a team last week that needed the game more than they did, and in a lot of ways they face a similar team this week. The Cowboys could save their season with a huge road win in Charlotte, and they'll give the Panthers all they have. Remember this; never count out a Bill Parcells-led team, especially when they have their backs to the wall.Original Carolina Panthers analysis
clone the 1986 version of Phil Simms and his super-accurate arm, but that's not happening. Bledsoe gives you some stuff (the deep ball, experience, statue mimicry) and Romo gives you something else (mobility, youthful exuberance, youthful decision-making). Listen, you're out of your mind if you can say with a straight face that Drew Bledsoe has ever thrown a pass worse than Romo's shuffle toss to wide open Giants DT Fred Robbins. Starting Romo is the right move, but it won't simultaneously fix all of the Cowboys' problems. Every sportswriter and media member has been dwelling on the Bledsoe-Romo controversy since training camp; but, in the process, they've missed the bigger picture... the Cowboys aren't that good. They have a flawed defense that is extremely susceptible to the long ball; New York Giants jersey
an inconsistent running game featuring an overrated back; a shaky O-line; a lousy placekicker; and... and... some other guy... what's his name? Oh yeah... T.O. However, because everyone is talking about the quarterbacks, let me offer this question, "From the Panthers' point of view, which is the better QB to face?" Of course, by "better" I actually mean worse. And, strangely enough, I think it's the same guy. Julius Peppers is playing at such a high level that Romo's mobility won't factor in. I don't think Randall Cunningham in his prime could wiggle out of a Peppers sack this season; the defensive end has looked that good. Bottom line, I don't feel the Dallas quarterback situation will be much of a factor this Sunday night. The play of Big D's offensive line has been and will continue to be the biggest issue in terms of the passing game. I don't care about arm strength; it's hard to throw a ball downfield when you're lying on your back. On the other side of the ball, Jake Delhomme and the Panthers' offense could be in for a big day. Roy Williams, perhaps the best tackling safety in the NFL, has looked like a lost puppy whenever he has to drop back on deep passes, and last time I checked, the Panthers had a guy named Smith who was good at doing just that. Basically, Carolina is just a better team right New York Jets jersey
now. This is the Panthers' game to lose. And the team has often played down to its opponent. For instance, the Panthers should have defeated Baltimore by at least 20 points (they won, 23-21). They lost to a team last week that needed the game more than they did, and in a lot of ways they face a similar team this week. The Cowboys could save their season with a huge road win in Charlotte, and they'll give the Panthers all they have. Remember this; never count out a Bill Parcells-led team, especially when they have their backs to the wall.Original Carolina Panthers analysis
2011年1月12日星期三
13 Jan 11 King's Quest: Why LeBron James Will Stay in Cleveland
Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty ImagesCleveland Cavaliers minority (and former majority) owner Gordon Gund stated recently that he is "very hopeful" that Cavs superstar LeBron James will re-sign with the team during the much-hyped free agent signing period this summer."I'm very hopeful that he will. I think it will be hard for him to find a better situation," Gund said in an interview with basketball Web site NBA FanHouse.Gund's aspirations are shared with firm guard by anyone who has a shred of affection for Cleveland sports. LeBron's influence and Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
importance go above and beyond sports for Clevelanders."King James" means everything to this city.The issue of James' eventual signing with his next NBA squad has been discussed ad nauseam over the course of the past two years or so, matched only by the coverage of Brett Favre's annual retirement charade and ESPN's yearlong love affair with the NFL Draft.Each and every opinion variation has been analyzed, rebuttals have been thrown back and forth, and once the dust settles after each of the many debates, the general consensus seems split: Many think he'll stay, many think he'll go.But despite the many "experts" who hold the utmost confidence in James abandoning the city where sports nightmare created its horrifyingly permanent nest, the King will still hold court in Cleveland next year and beyond.First of all, the Cavs can give James a lot (more than any other NBA team) of what he likes a whole lot: money. The collective bargaining agreement allows Cleveland to offer James a maximum contract this summer. Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry would have to be a lunatic to do anything but that.The bottom line on the money issue is that the Cavs can give LeBron more money than anybody else.Some will argue that James would cash in on millions more in endorsement deals if he jumped ship to a bigger city and broader spotlight. While this may be true to an extent, can this guy get any bigger than he already is?His face is on billboards in almost every major city in the world, he's featured in annual ad campaigns for multiple international conglomerates, he's one of the most recognizable faces in the world, and he has an entire region (which includes his hometown) groveling at his feet 24/7.This last point brings this article to its next argument: James' close ties to family and friends close to home tip the scales in favor of the Cavs locking him up beyond 2010.Since beginning his career with the Cavaliers, James has continually said how much he enjoys playing near his hometown and how important his family and friends are to him. The tight bonds James developed with his teammates at Akron's St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (which are highlighted in a full-length feature film and a book) give evidence to how connected and rooted he is to northeast Ohio.While LeBron's Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
loyalty to the place in which he grew up certainly won't single-handedly sway him toward re-signing with Cleveland, it certainly doesn't hurt.Seasons past and present give evidence to the claim that the Cavaliers give James his best shot at a championship. From the moment Cleveland drafted James in 2003, the franchise that was then on life support has done everything in its power to give its star everything he needs to win a ring.After a shaky start to this season (a whopping two-game losing streak at the outset), James and his teammates have developed a tangible chemistry that has led them to the Eastern Conference's best record (30-10).Cleveland boasts one of the biggest frontlines, deepest benches, and most talented backcourts in basketball. The offseason additions of Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon, the (finally) consistent play of guard Daniel Gibson, and the continued high productivity of Mo Williams and Delonte West have helped place James and the Cavaliers among the favorites to claim the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June.All this goes without mentioning what the Cavs may do at this season's trade deadline to bolster their roster.While some of Ferry's past moves have been questionable at best (the Larry Hughes experiment), he's also pulled off a few of what should be considered miraculous transactions (essentially swapping Damon Jones for Williams two seasons ago and trading Tony Battie and draft picks to Orlando for Drew Gooden and Anderson Varejao).And although some may argue that newly-acquired center Shaquille O'Neal isn't a good fit in Cleveland, the Cavs gave up next to nothing (Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic) to get the overwhelming frontcourt presence that many said they needed after getting bounced from last year's playoffs by Dwight Howard and the Magic.As long as Ferry holds post as general manager in Cleveland, one can reasonably expect him to continue giving LeBron the pieces he needs to contend for a title.But perhaps the biggest reason for James to remain with the Cavaliers past 2010 has to do with a mission of sorts for the superstar.Since LeBron entered the league, he has developed a Kobe Bryant-esque will to reach victory, no matter what it takes (this is especially evident since the Cavaliers' rise to NBA prominence). All one needs to do is watch a hotly-contested fourth quarter to behold James putting his team on his back and carrying it through whatever the opposition throws at him.It's this kind of commitment against losing that drives the "King's Crusade." If LeBron can bring Clevelanda city that has undergone nonstop sports torture for decadesa championship dynasty over the next several years, it will seat him firmly among history's greatest athletes.No number of potential championships won in a city like New York could match bringing the success-starved Cleveland faithful to the promised landa heroic feat to which LeBron is startlingly dedicated.Dominating the league from his hometown, while fighting to bring it the championship success it has long lacked could Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
end up being the one factor that pushes James to sign on the dotted line with the Cavaliers this summer.Since LeBron's arrival in Cleveland, he has done nothing but plant euphoric dreams within the minds of the downtrodden Midwest town's people.This summer will not only make or break the future of the Cavaliers, but that of the city of Cleveland as well. With the Cavaliers in the Association's elite, King James' subjects should share Gund's faith.Until then, we'll just have to Witness what happens.
importance go above and beyond sports for Clevelanders."King James" means everything to this city.The issue of James' eventual signing with his next NBA squad has been discussed ad nauseam over the course of the past two years or so, matched only by the coverage of Brett Favre's annual retirement charade and ESPN's yearlong love affair with the NFL Draft.Each and every opinion variation has been analyzed, rebuttals have been thrown back and forth, and once the dust settles after each of the many debates, the general consensus seems split: Many think he'll stay, many think he'll go.But despite the many "experts" who hold the utmost confidence in James abandoning the city where sports nightmare created its horrifyingly permanent nest, the King will still hold court in Cleveland next year and beyond.First of all, the Cavs can give James a lot (more than any other NBA team) of what he likes a whole lot: money. The collective bargaining agreement allows Cleveland to offer James a maximum contract this summer. Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry would have to be a lunatic to do anything but that.The bottom line on the money issue is that the Cavs can give LeBron more money than anybody else.Some will argue that James would cash in on millions more in endorsement deals if he jumped ship to a bigger city and broader spotlight. While this may be true to an extent, can this guy get any bigger than he already is?His face is on billboards in almost every major city in the world, he's featured in annual ad campaigns for multiple international conglomerates, he's one of the most recognizable faces in the world, and he has an entire region (which includes his hometown) groveling at his feet 24/7.This last point brings this article to its next argument: James' close ties to family and friends close to home tip the scales in favor of the Cavs locking him up beyond 2010.Since beginning his career with the Cavaliers, James has continually said how much he enjoys playing near his hometown and how important his family and friends are to him. The tight bonds James developed with his teammates at Akron's St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (which are highlighted in a full-length feature film and a book) give evidence to how connected and rooted he is to northeast Ohio.While LeBron's Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
loyalty to the place in which he grew up certainly won't single-handedly sway him toward re-signing with Cleveland, it certainly doesn't hurt.Seasons past and present give evidence to the claim that the Cavaliers give James his best shot at a championship. From the moment Cleveland drafted James in 2003, the franchise that was then on life support has done everything in its power to give its star everything he needs to win a ring.After a shaky start to this season (a whopping two-game losing streak at the outset), James and his teammates have developed a tangible chemistry that has led them to the Eastern Conference's best record (30-10).Cleveland boasts one of the biggest frontlines, deepest benches, and most talented backcourts in basketball. The offseason additions of Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon, the (finally) consistent play of guard Daniel Gibson, and the continued high productivity of Mo Williams and Delonte West have helped place James and the Cavaliers among the favorites to claim the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June.All this goes without mentioning what the Cavs may do at this season's trade deadline to bolster their roster.While some of Ferry's past moves have been questionable at best (the Larry Hughes experiment), he's also pulled off a few of what should be considered miraculous transactions (essentially swapping Damon Jones for Williams two seasons ago and trading Tony Battie and draft picks to Orlando for Drew Gooden and Anderson Varejao).And although some may argue that newly-acquired center Shaquille O'Neal isn't a good fit in Cleveland, the Cavs gave up next to nothing (Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic) to get the overwhelming frontcourt presence that many said they needed after getting bounced from last year's playoffs by Dwight Howard and the Magic.As long as Ferry holds post as general manager in Cleveland, one can reasonably expect him to continue giving LeBron the pieces he needs to contend for a title.But perhaps the biggest reason for James to remain with the Cavaliers past 2010 has to do with a mission of sorts for the superstar.Since LeBron entered the league, he has developed a Kobe Bryant-esque will to reach victory, no matter what it takes (this is especially evident since the Cavaliers' rise to NBA prominence). All one needs to do is watch a hotly-contested fourth quarter to behold James putting his team on his back and carrying it through whatever the opposition throws at him.It's this kind of commitment against losing that drives the "King's Crusade." If LeBron can bring Clevelanda city that has undergone nonstop sports torture for decadesa championship dynasty over the next several years, it will seat him firmly among history's greatest athletes.No number of potential championships won in a city like New York could match bringing the success-starved Cleveland faithful to the promised landa heroic feat to which LeBron is startlingly dedicated.Dominating the league from his hometown, while fighting to bring it the championship success it has long lacked could Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
end up being the one factor that pushes James to sign on the dotted line with the Cavaliers this summer.Since LeBron's arrival in Cleveland, he has done nothing but plant euphoric dreams within the minds of the downtrodden Midwest town's people.This summer will not only make or break the future of the Cavaliers, but that of the city of Cleveland as well. With the Cavaliers in the Association's elite, King James' subjects should share Gund's faith.Until then, we'll just have to Witness what happens.
12 Jan 11 Greg Oden Is the Kind of Guy You Want on Your Team
Greg Oden woke up 5 months ago to an unsettling phone call.Nude pictures had surfaced on the Internet, and the world around him was crashing down upon him... Well, at least that's how the media and fans acted.The story is that two years ago Greg and his girlfriend at the time had been "sexting" Pittsburgh Steelers jersey
and having a good time. Apparently she kept the photos. To get back at him, she sent the photos to a Web site and the rest is history.LZ Granderson of ESPN.com said it best..."Penis.There, I said it. Not "thing" or "junk" or "stuff" or any other ridiculous euphemism we use to describe this particular area of the anatomy, as if it weren't part of the human body.About half the people in the world have one, and that includes Greg Oden.None of this is exactly breaking news, but for some reason, a good chunk of the country has been behaving as if the nude photos of the oft-injured Portland Trail Blazer that surfaced recently are a stop-the-presses issue. It's been on every sports blog the Internet offers up as well as sports talk radio and television shows from coast to coast, including ESPN.The only thing more ridiculous thanOden's apologizingfor taking the pictures are the folks who felt he needed to. As far as I can tell, he has nothing to apologize for -- and no, that isn't a thinly veiled size joke."The national media made this story way bigger than it needed to be. San Diego Chargers jersey
Greg Oden didn't do anything illegal. He didn't get in a fight. He wasn't fooling around with a prostitute or smoking weed out of the back of an Escalade.He had a lapse of judgement.That's it.There were no guns involved. No drugs. No illegal activity took place.We don't need to crucify the guy because he is guilty of being a kid.This leads me to my next point.He is a great guy. What professional athlete in recent memory has actually admitted first hand that they did something wrong?Alex Rodriguez? No.McGwire? No.Tiger Woods? No.Greg Oden handled this like a man. He did the right thing even though he didn't have to.He did the right thing even though the wrong thing was much easier, and I commend him for his maturity following his lapse in judgement. None of this regards his on court play, which in the moments he has been able to display it, he has been spectacular. This summer should be a huge turning point for Greg both mentally and physically.On the physical front there has been some movement. Trainer Jay Jensen said during a radio interview that they believe the reason Greg Oden has been having knee troubles is because his quad muscle is too powerful and is causing an imbalance in his muscle system. When a muscle doesn't have a neutralizing force on the other end, you begin to add extra stress onto San Francisco 49ers jersey
the tendons and other important structures and in this case, that is the knee. But thats beside the point.Greg Oden is the person of quality that every NBA team wants.Past injury issues aside, Greg Oden will be a dominant center.Rip city will have to be patient.But that will be easy since he has the kind heart and loving personality that Portland adores.Get better, Greg.
and having a good time. Apparently she kept the photos. To get back at him, she sent the photos to a Web site and the rest is history.LZ Granderson of ESPN.com said it best..."Penis.There, I said it. Not "thing" or "junk" or "stuff" or any other ridiculous euphemism we use to describe this particular area of the anatomy, as if it weren't part of the human body.About half the people in the world have one, and that includes Greg Oden.None of this is exactly breaking news, but for some reason, a good chunk of the country has been behaving as if the nude photos of the oft-injured Portland Trail Blazer that surfaced recently are a stop-the-presses issue. It's been on every sports blog the Internet offers up as well as sports talk radio and television shows from coast to coast, including ESPN.The only thing more ridiculous thanOden's apologizingfor taking the pictures are the folks who felt he needed to. As far as I can tell, he has nothing to apologize for -- and no, that isn't a thinly veiled size joke."The national media made this story way bigger than it needed to be. San Diego Chargers jersey
Greg Oden didn't do anything illegal. He didn't get in a fight. He wasn't fooling around with a prostitute or smoking weed out of the back of an Escalade.He had a lapse of judgement.That's it.There were no guns involved. No drugs. No illegal activity took place.We don't need to crucify the guy because he is guilty of being a kid.This leads me to my next point.He is a great guy. What professional athlete in recent memory has actually admitted first hand that they did something wrong?Alex Rodriguez? No.McGwire? No.Tiger Woods? No.Greg Oden handled this like a man. He did the right thing even though he didn't have to.He did the right thing even though the wrong thing was much easier, and I commend him for his maturity following his lapse in judgement. None of this regards his on court play, which in the moments he has been able to display it, he has been spectacular. This summer should be a huge turning point for Greg both mentally and physically.On the physical front there has been some movement. Trainer Jay Jensen said during a radio interview that they believe the reason Greg Oden has been having knee troubles is because his quad muscle is too powerful and is causing an imbalance in his muscle system. When a muscle doesn't have a neutralizing force on the other end, you begin to add extra stress onto San Francisco 49ers jersey
the tendons and other important structures and in this case, that is the knee. But thats beside the point.Greg Oden is the person of quality that every NBA team wants.Past injury issues aside, Greg Oden will be a dominant center.Rip city will have to be patient.But that will be easy since he has the kind heart and loving personality that Portland adores.Get better, Greg.
12 Jan 11 West's Legal Situation Is Cause For Concern
Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesAs of today, the Cavs sit atop the Eastern Conference at 37-11. They are now a full 5.5 games up on the surging Hawks and six games up on the aging Celtics. They own the tie-breaker against the Lakers should they meet in the Finals as a result of their series sweep this year. Additionally, they are currently on a seven-game winning streak, all without D Weezy and Mo-Gotti running the point (and forcing Cavs fans to have to watch Boobie Gibson bring the ball up the court; always an adventure). The media is beginning to hop on the Cleveland Browns jersey
bandwagon as well.Yet I still am not convinced that this team has what it takes to win it all. Maybe it's my inner Cleveland shining through, the pessimism that continually plagues fans of any of the Cleve's professional teams; just waiting to get punched in the gut yet again, the only surprise being how it will come. And yet my uneasiness has nothing to do with JJ Hickson or the four spot, the alleged inability to guard stretch fours, or the offense's tendency to go into full blown Witness mode and watch LeBron try to score one-on-five. My concern lies with Delonte West's legal situation and the effect this will have on the team.This week, and as expected, West's lawyers were able to get a continuance and move his trial date to April. The reality is this case will never see the courtroom as West will plea bargain to a lower charge.In the meantime, both sides will continue to negotiate, a process I fully expect to run until April. Delonte will not receive jail time for the misdemeanors he is charged with, and I fully expect him to receive probation as well as to have to pay some sort of Dallas Cowboys jersey
fine. The real worry is what the Commish decides to do.David Stern is a calculating man, and as evidenced by his actions with the Arenas situation, he will not make a decision until the legal aspect of this case plays out. After it's resolved, Stern will then suspend West. Further, Given the leagues painful insecurity with all things gun and gang related, West could receive a long suspension.One caveat: The Commish came down so hard on Arenas for bringing guns into the "NBA workplace." The hope is because West's transgression took place out on the open road (literally) the suspension won't be as stringent.The timing of this is important because if West is not suspended until April-May, he could miss the start of the playoffs. The Cavs backcourt is thin as is, and West is arguably the second best guard on the team. His defense and intangibles are going to be important come playoff time. Without him, the Cavs will have to rely on Boobie Gibson, a lights out shooter, but really a one trick pony.Ask yourself this: Do you feel comfortable having Daniel Gibson as the top guard off the bench? I didn't think so.Unfortunately, the Cavs front office may have to take West's pending suspension into consideration as they look to improve the team at trade deadline. Do they take a chance and grab a stretch four, hoping West either won't be Denver Broncos jersey
suspended, or will be back in time for the playoffs?Or do they go after some insurance if/when West is suspended? The hope is the Cavs don't risk it and don't stand pat, and get another guard as insurance for West's looming suspension.Either way, Delonte's Mad Max impression back in the summer is looming large over the Cavs title aspirations.
bandwagon as well.Yet I still am not convinced that this team has what it takes to win it all. Maybe it's my inner Cleveland shining through, the pessimism that continually plagues fans of any of the Cleve's professional teams; just waiting to get punched in the gut yet again, the only surprise being how it will come. And yet my uneasiness has nothing to do with JJ Hickson or the four spot, the alleged inability to guard stretch fours, or the offense's tendency to go into full blown Witness mode and watch LeBron try to score one-on-five. My concern lies with Delonte West's legal situation and the effect this will have on the team.This week, and as expected, West's lawyers were able to get a continuance and move his trial date to April. The reality is this case will never see the courtroom as West will plea bargain to a lower charge.In the meantime, both sides will continue to negotiate, a process I fully expect to run until April. Delonte will not receive jail time for the misdemeanors he is charged with, and I fully expect him to receive probation as well as to have to pay some sort of Dallas Cowboys jersey
fine. The real worry is what the Commish decides to do.David Stern is a calculating man, and as evidenced by his actions with the Arenas situation, he will not make a decision until the legal aspect of this case plays out. After it's resolved, Stern will then suspend West. Further, Given the leagues painful insecurity with all things gun and gang related, West could receive a long suspension.One caveat: The Commish came down so hard on Arenas for bringing guns into the "NBA workplace." The hope is because West's transgression took place out on the open road (literally) the suspension won't be as stringent.The timing of this is important because if West is not suspended until April-May, he could miss the start of the playoffs. The Cavs backcourt is thin as is, and West is arguably the second best guard on the team. His defense and intangibles are going to be important come playoff time. Without him, the Cavs will have to rely on Boobie Gibson, a lights out shooter, but really a one trick pony.Ask yourself this: Do you feel comfortable having Daniel Gibson as the top guard off the bench? I didn't think so.Unfortunately, the Cavs front office may have to take West's pending suspension into consideration as they look to improve the team at trade deadline. Do they take a chance and grab a stretch four, hoping West either won't be Denver Broncos jersey
suspended, or will be back in time for the playoffs?Or do they go after some insurance if/when West is suspended? The hope is the Cavs don't risk it and don't stand pat, and get another guard as insurance for West's looming suspension.Either way, Delonte's Mad Max impression back in the summer is looming large over the Cavs title aspirations.
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