Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson works out all year long, and stays in phenomenal shape. But Sunday's NFL Combine had CJ sweating for a whole different reason...
In 2008, Chris Johnson set an NFL Combine record by running the 40 yard dash in an insane 4.24 seconds. He took that speed right into the league and has been outrunning his opponents every year since. It's no secret that CJ takes pride in being the fastest man in the NFL. He even boasted that he could beat Olympic Champion sprinter Usain Bolt in a 40 yard dash. Don't know about that one but I digress...
CJ is a very proud man, so when several rookies put up similar 40 yard dash times this past Sunday, CJ couldn't help but take to twitter. His first tweet..."Hello world I wake up to some blazing speed at the combine"
Yep...you sure did CJ.
West Virginia receiver Tavon Austin posted an unofficial time of 4.25, but was officially clocked at 4.34. Texas receiver Marquise Goodwin clocked in officially at 4.27. That one prompted CJ to tweet "“Them boys burning it up, I like that.” But when Auburn running back Onterio McCalebb posted an unofficial time of 4.21, Johnson took to Twitter and conceded..."Listen 4.21 thats childish"...followed by..."Cant lie that one scared me," It only scared CJ because McCaleb's official time wound up being 4.34. What does this record mean to CJ? And what could Sunday's times mean to the Titans? Everything!
You can bet that Johnson will enter training camp in the best shape of his career this summer. You can also bet that he'll be looking to prove that he still has it. For all of the criticism that Johnson took throughout his contract holdout, he didn't take the money and run (no pun intended). Instead, Johnson has put up a combined 2,940 yards and 24 plays of 20 yards or more since signing his new deal two years ago. The Titans elected to pay Chris Johnson a guaranteed 10 million this year. In light of Sunday's events, something tells me CJ will earn this pay too. And that's good for Tennessee. follow @plcolter
Monday, February 25, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Rudy Gay trade starting to make sense
I admit, when New York Nick (from the Fantasy TakeOver Show) sent me a text that read..."They did it...Gay is gone"...I was livid. Memphis was rolling, and their all time leading scorer Rudy Gay was playing arguably the best ball of his seven year career. The Grizzlies made a trade the previous week to ensure they were under the new luxury tax threshold, and had until the summer to address Gay's lofty salary for next season. At minimum, Memphis could keep their core in tact to see if they could make one more run at post season success. That obviously didn't happen, and I thought for sure that Memphis was done. Now that the dust has settled and games have resumed, maybe new Grizzlies owner Robert Pera knew what he was doing after all.
Rudy Gay was traded to Toronto in a three team, six player deal. In return, Memphis acquired forward Ed Davis from Toronto. (who?) Memphis also acquired Austin Daye and Tayshaun Prince from Detroit. (who?...and who cares?) After initially struggling out of the gate, the new look Grizzlies are currently riding a six game winning streak. Memphis is scoring more points, and they're nipping at the Clippers' heels for the number 3 seed in the Western Conference. Granted, the Grizzlies have beaten up on some pretty wounded animals lately. But ask any team sitting 9-12 and they'll tell you that a win is a win.
Owner Robert Pera addressed the media shortly after the Gay trade, and stated the move was not just about money. He actually stated the move was to improve the roster. Ha!...I thought at first, but he may actually be right. Key word being....roster. At the time of the trade, Memphis was second to last in the league in bench scoring. Bench scoring was the Achilles heel in their first round loss to the Clippers last year. Los Angeles kept throwing fresh bodies at Memphis, and the Grizz simply ran out of gas in game 7. Some dude name CP3 had a little to do with it too...but I digress.
Austin Day and Ed Davis are getting quality minutes off the bench, and Tayshaun Prince has been a reliable starter in Gay's place. The ball is also going through Zach Randolph again. Z-Bo, a 2012 All Star, leads the league in double doubles (10+ points and 10+ rebounds) and put up a combined 33 points and 32 rebounds his last two games. Feeding the big men of Randolph and center Marc Gasol was the recipe for success in the Grizzlies surprising 2010 playoff run. Rudy Gay did not play due to injury.
Rudy Gay is no worse for wear, he is lighting it up in Toronto and the Raptors are starting to roll. Just like he did in Memphis. As for the Grizzlies, the value of Gay's departure won't truly be measured until May. As for today, so far so good. follow @plcolter
Rudy Gay was traded to Toronto in a three team, six player deal. In return, Memphis acquired forward Ed Davis from Toronto. (who?) Memphis also acquired Austin Daye and Tayshaun Prince from Detroit. (who?...and who cares?) After initially struggling out of the gate, the new look Grizzlies are currently riding a six game winning streak. Memphis is scoring more points, and they're nipping at the Clippers' heels for the number 3 seed in the Western Conference. Granted, the Grizzlies have beaten up on some pretty wounded animals lately. But ask any team sitting 9-12 and they'll tell you that a win is a win.
Owner Robert Pera addressed the media shortly after the Gay trade, and stated the move was not just about money. He actually stated the move was to improve the roster. Ha!...I thought at first, but he may actually be right. Key word being....roster. At the time of the trade, Memphis was second to last in the league in bench scoring. Bench scoring was the Achilles heel in their first round loss to the Clippers last year. Los Angeles kept throwing fresh bodies at Memphis, and the Grizz simply ran out of gas in game 7. Some dude name CP3 had a little to do with it too...but I digress.
Austin Day and Ed Davis are getting quality minutes off the bench, and Tayshaun Prince has been a reliable starter in Gay's place. The ball is also going through Zach Randolph again. Z-Bo, a 2012 All Star, leads the league in double doubles (10+ points and 10+ rebounds) and put up a combined 33 points and 32 rebounds his last two games. Feeding the big men of Randolph and center Marc Gasol was the recipe for success in the Grizzlies surprising 2010 playoff run. Rudy Gay did not play due to injury.
Rudy Gay is no worse for wear, he is lighting it up in Toronto and the Raptors are starting to roll. Just like he did in Memphis. As for the Grizzlies, the value of Gay's departure won't truly be measured until May. As for today, so far so good. follow @plcolter
Monday, February 18, 2013
Michigan gets much needed early Spring Break
The Michigan Wolverines have the entire week off, and not playing a game may actually get them back in the Big Ten title race. Hell, it might even get them back in the discussion for a number 1 seed in this year's championship tournament. Playing actual games aren't helping the Wolverines, who lost three and a half of their last five. I say three and a half because bottom feeder Penn State nearly pulled the upset in the Crisler Center this past Sunday. Oddly enough, when Michigan sits, they climb the poll.
This has been by far one of the most unpredictable seasons in college basketball history. No one is a sure lock to win it all. Case in point...Indiana held on to the number 1 spot in the country this week after losing last week. Why? Everyone else lost too! Michigan has been the prime suspect, and the losses started piling up when the quest for number one became a reality in Ann Arbor.
But there is encouraging news for Michigan, who has currently dropped to 7th in the nation. No one else wants to be number one either. Michigan returns to action with some pretty light competition before closing the season with rematches against Indiana and Michigan State. Both games are at home, where Michigan has won 32 of their last 33. One can only guess what Michigan's rank will be in the polls next week after sitting this one out. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they climb by default...again. follow @plcolter
This has been by far one of the most unpredictable seasons in college basketball history. No one is a sure lock to win it all. Case in point...Indiana held on to the number 1 spot in the country this week after losing last week. Why? Everyone else lost too! Michigan has been the prime suspect, and the losses started piling up when the quest for number one became a reality in Ann Arbor.
But there is encouraging news for Michigan, who has currently dropped to 7th in the nation. No one else wants to be number one either. Michigan returns to action with some pretty light competition before closing the season with rematches against Indiana and Michigan State. Both games are at home, where Michigan has won 32 of their last 33. One can only guess what Michigan's rank will be in the polls next week after sitting this one out. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they climb by default...again. follow @plcolter
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Titans off season off to a good start
The 2013 NFL league season is less than a month old, and the Tennessee Titans already look better than they did a year ago. Head coach Mike Munchak is fortunate to have survived "black Monday", posting a less than 500 record in his first two seasons. Munchak is certainly on the hot seat this year, so he has no choice but to be aggressive this off season. That should help a Titans team in desperate need of a makeover.
The Titans first smart move was keeping Chris Johnson. Now we all know the Titans have been down right cheap when it came to acquiring and keeping talent. Not only is CJ worth the 10 mil he's going to receive this year, the Titans give their young qb Jake Locker a fighting chance on offense this year. CJ has never missed a start in his career, and has never rushed for less than 1000 yards. The Titans could not afford to lose Johnson's productivity and finally stepped up to the plate.
The next smart move was bringing back controversial defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Williams was recently reinstated by the league for his role in "bounty gate", and will be in charge of rebuilding one of the worst defenses in the league. If nothing else, Williams will restore some attitude...some physicality to a team that is in search of an identity. They were literally pushed all over the field last year, giving up 50 points not once but twice. The Titans were successful on defense when Gregg Williams was there, and it's good to see the Titans not "play it safe again" and look to someone who can help right away. Williams has the skins on the wall. He also has head coaching experience. He'll keep that flame burning under Munchak should the Titans struggle out of the gate.
Now let's see if the Titans remain aggressive as free agency and the draft approaches. There are several high profile wide receivers that could be available soon. Any one of them (Welker, Wallace, Jennings, Bowe, Harvin) would give Jake Locker another weapon at his disposal. Any one of them can help you win now. Time will only tell, but sometimes pressure can be a good thing. So far so good for Tennessee. follow @plcolter
The Titans first smart move was keeping Chris Johnson. Now we all know the Titans have been down right cheap when it came to acquiring and keeping talent. Not only is CJ worth the 10 mil he's going to receive this year, the Titans give their young qb Jake Locker a fighting chance on offense this year. CJ has never missed a start in his career, and has never rushed for less than 1000 yards. The Titans could not afford to lose Johnson's productivity and finally stepped up to the plate.
The next smart move was bringing back controversial defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Williams was recently reinstated by the league for his role in "bounty gate", and will be in charge of rebuilding one of the worst defenses in the league. If nothing else, Williams will restore some attitude...some physicality to a team that is in search of an identity. They were literally pushed all over the field last year, giving up 50 points not once but twice. The Titans were successful on defense when Gregg Williams was there, and it's good to see the Titans not "play it safe again" and look to someone who can help right away. Williams has the skins on the wall. He also has head coaching experience. He'll keep that flame burning under Munchak should the Titans struggle out of the gate.
Now let's see if the Titans remain aggressive as free agency and the draft approaches. There are several high profile wide receivers that could be available soon. Any one of them (Welker, Wallace, Jennings, Bowe, Harvin) would give Jake Locker another weapon at his disposal. Any one of them can help you win now. Time will only tell, but sometimes pressure can be a good thing. So far so good for Tennessee. follow @plcolter
Monday, February 4, 2013
Fab Five De Ja Vu for Michigan?
The Michigan Wolverines are 20-2, and playing their most exciting and competitive brand of basketball since the Fab Five revolutionized Ann Arbor twenty years ago. In fact, this year's team under head coach John Beilein is eerily similar to the 1992-1993 team of Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson.....and that's both good and bad.
For starters, both teams were loaded with talented freshmen. The Fab Five (Freshman) obviously, but Michigan has a talented bunch of newbies on the floor today...and those newbies are producing.
Freshman guard Nik Stauskas leads the nation in three point percentage. Forwards Glen Robinson III and Mitch McGary, and guard Caris LaVert are all talented freshmen playing big time minutes this year. Let's just close the comparison with this...the Wolverines' roster is more talented than their opponents night in and night out, even with freshmen playing significant roles. That certainly hasn't happened since the Fab Five.
But then again...
Both the Fab Five and this year's team bear another striking resemblance...a failure to win the "big game". For all their talent, and they were talented, the Fab Five never won a Big Ten Title. And we all know about the National Title losses of the early nineties (enter time out jokes here).
But seriously...
This year's Wolverines have trolled through lesser opponents in spectacular fashion, but has failed to deliver on their two marquee games against Ohio State and Indiana. Both losses cost the Wolverines a number one ranking...just like times past. The high flying Fab Five had a 1-3 career record against a similarly talented Indiana team in the early nineties. Michigan had the All Americans, the high light reel dunks, and the accolades. But someone else went home with the hardware.
With all of the similarities between the Fab Five and this year's team, Wolverine fans are hoping the NCAA tournament is where the similarities will end. follow @plcolter
For starters, both teams were loaded with talented freshmen. The Fab Five (Freshman) obviously, but Michigan has a talented bunch of newbies on the floor today...and those newbies are producing.
Freshman guard Nik Stauskas leads the nation in three point percentage. Forwards Glen Robinson III and Mitch McGary, and guard Caris LaVert are all talented freshmen playing big time minutes this year. Let's just close the comparison with this...the Wolverines' roster is more talented than their opponents night in and night out, even with freshmen playing significant roles. That certainly hasn't happened since the Fab Five.
But then again...
Both the Fab Five and this year's team bear another striking resemblance...a failure to win the "big game". For all their talent, and they were talented, the Fab Five never won a Big Ten Title. And we all know about the National Title losses of the early nineties (enter time out jokes here).
But seriously...
This year's Wolverines have trolled through lesser opponents in spectacular fashion, but has failed to deliver on their two marquee games against Ohio State and Indiana. Both losses cost the Wolverines a number one ranking...just like times past. The high flying Fab Five had a 1-3 career record against a similarly talented Indiana team in the early nineties. Michigan had the All Americans, the high light reel dunks, and the accolades. But someone else went home with the hardware.
With all of the similarities between the Fab Five and this year's team, Wolverine fans are hoping the NCAA tournament is where the similarities will end. follow @plcolter
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Tips for the casual Super Bowl fan
Ah yes. The unofficial holiday known as Super Bowl Sunday is finally upon us. If you are a fan of the Ravens or 49ers, you must be ecstatic. If you're a football fan in general, you love the match up. If you don't know a tight end from an end zone, or a first down from the first quarter, have no fear. You too...yes you...the non fan being forced to watch this game like many of you are. Do not dread the endless mindless chatter about blitzes and man coverage, replays and coaching strategies. This year's Super Bowl is packed with enough off the field angles to keep you in the conversation, while not mentioning a single play on the field. Ok non sports fan, get your google ready. These four topics should get you through your Super Bowl Party with flying colors.
The Harbaugh Bowl: Super Bowl parties bring families together like most major holidays, and not everyone in the family knows that Kaepernick replaced Alex Smith late in the season. The brother vs brother angle can be played many ways conversationally (although I contend we already had two brothers coach against each other in the Super Bowl...but I digress). John or Jim? "Who would you root for if two of your children were competing for the same title?" That's a topic everyone can chime in on.
Ray Lewis: You can talk about Ray Ray for an entire half without even turning the game on. Did he cheat? If he did...does that make him a hypocrite? Are you growing tired of "Reverend Ray"? Or is Mr. Lewis suffering the same backlash that Tim Tebow suffered for being so outspoken with his religious beliefs?
Beyonce: Yes...Beyonce. Her half time performance alone should get you through the entire third quarter. And someone at your party will either ask if..or accuse her of lip syncing her performance. Bet.
The Commercials: You can really play it off by just commenting on the commercials too. That way you don't get that death stare for asking "Who did Randy Moss used to play for?" at the two minute warning.
And if all else fails then watch the damn game! Should be a classic. follow @plcolter
The Harbaugh Bowl: Super Bowl parties bring families together like most major holidays, and not everyone in the family knows that Kaepernick replaced Alex Smith late in the season. The brother vs brother angle can be played many ways conversationally (although I contend we already had two brothers coach against each other in the Super Bowl...but I digress). John or Jim? "Who would you root for if two of your children were competing for the same title?" That's a topic everyone can chime in on.
Ray Lewis: You can talk about Ray Ray for an entire half without even turning the game on. Did he cheat? If he did...does that make him a hypocrite? Are you growing tired of "Reverend Ray"? Or is Mr. Lewis suffering the same backlash that Tim Tebow suffered for being so outspoken with his religious beliefs?
Beyonce: Yes...Beyonce. Her half time performance alone should get you through the entire third quarter. And someone at your party will either ask if..or accuse her of lip syncing her performance. Bet.
The Commercials: You can really play it off by just commenting on the commercials too. That way you don't get that death stare for asking "Who did Randy Moss used to play for?" at the two minute warning.
And if all else fails then watch the damn game! Should be a classic. follow @plcolter
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