As bad as I felt for West Virginia qb Geno Smith on draft night, I felt even worse when I heard who finally drafted him...the New York Jets. No one can make a quality qb look like a bum quite like the New York Jets. It all started in 1983, when New York drafted qb Ken O'Brien with the 24th overall pick. Miami selected some guy named Dan Marino three picks later.
But I digress.
That was 30 years ago...and things haven't changed much in New York. Mark Sanchez was a good qb at USC, and even his first two years in New York. Looking back, it must have been the residue from Mark's winning USC tradition that lead him to back to back AFC title games...because eventually, the dysfunction that is the Jets organization sank it's teeth in.
The Jets locker room is synonymous with in fighting and anonymous leaks to the press. Players (especially qb's) are routinely thrown under the bus with no accountability. The team has shown zero commitment to improving the offensive side of the ball, and wide receiver Santonio "QB Killa" Holmes will be returning from injury...just in time to spew more of his "me first" mentality on another young and impressionable qb. Ben Roethlisberger was having none of that in Pittsburgh, and Holmes was unceremoniously traded to the Jets. That's because Roethlisberger had a quality support system. In New York, Sanchez was left out to dry when Holmes repeatedly attacked him through the media. The situation continued to escalate, and the Jets (and Sanchez) started to struggle.
And then there was Tebow.
Next, the Jets (willingly) trade for Tim Tebow...knowing this will create a firestorm of speculation for your embattled starting qb. Was this move done to create competition? Um...no. Sanchez was benched late in the 2012 season, and was replaced by the third string qb, not a (healthy) Tim Tebow. Not only was this unfair to Sanchez, it delayed Tebow's growth as a qb another year. Who knows what he could have learned from a year of shadowing Peyton Manning in Denver?
So in essence....the Jets traded for Tebow just to do it. And Sanchez was supposed to thrive under that type of media circus.
And remember Brett Favre?
The New York Jets had us thinking that Favre was done after his brief stint in New York. Prior to that, Favre was a hall of fame qb in Green Bay. The year after New York, Favre had one of the best statistical seasons of his career, and his Vikings in the NFC Championship game. Only the Jets could make Favre look like...well...Mark Sanchez.
Welcome to the New York Jets Geno Smith....hope you packed a rabbit's foot. follow @plcolter
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Titans give Locker a fighting chance
The Tennessee Titans are finally starting to get it....the NFL is now an offensive driven league. Defenses do not win championships anymore. Case in point, last year's Super Bowl featured two of the best defenses the last few years.
The game was a shootout.
Titans qb Jake Locker had a legitimate beef with Tennessee and their approach to making him successful last year. But thanks to an aggressive off season by The Titans, Locker will have no such excuse this year.
And that can be good or bad for Jake.
Locker received a huge boost when Tennessee, who has been know to be...let's say...frugal, elected to pay star running back Chris Johnson $10 million this season to remain a Titan. The Titans also added former Jets running back Shon Greene to help carry the load. Although Greene is not spectacular, he is coming off back to back 1,000 yard seasons, and can help keep Johnson fresh (and explosive) late in the season. He will also become Tennessee's short yardage and goal line specialist, two areas where the Titans struggled last year.
Those struggles lay at the feet of an offensive line that was down right horrible last year...evidenced by Locker being sacked 20 times the last five games. 20 times?!? Yes, the position was decimated by injuries but still. This year the Titans took offensive guard Chance Warmack from Alabama with the 10th overall pick. He will immediately start at right guard. Chris Johnson tweeted in all caps "THANK GOD" when the pick was announced. I'm sure that Locker shares his sentiment. The Titans also picked up free agent guard Andy Levitre to play left guard. The return of two starters who were lost to injury should make this unit much improved from a year ago.
What does every qb need to be successful?
Weapons. Lots and lots of weapons.
The Titans are also helping Locker in that regard this year. The Titans traded up to draft Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter in the second round. Hunter is a field stretcher, and will immediately push for a starting role. Wide receiver Kendall Wright, last year's first round pick for Tennessee, finished the season tied for the lead in rookie receptions. Wright was also near the top of the league in third down receptions. Tight End Jared Cook was replaced by 49er's tight end Delanie Walker this off season. Walker brings a physicality to the position that Cook did not have. He is also a better blocker and less of a diva. The Titans also added veteran wide receiver Kevin Walters from the Texans. Walters is a big target possession receiver. A security blanket if you will. And if Kenny Britt can get his knee (and mind) back on track, Locker could have plenty of weapons at his disposal. A huge upgrade from a year ago.
So....Jake Locker, your shoulder is scheduled to be healed in time for training camp. The Titans have done their part...time for you to do yours. follow @plcolter
The game was a shootout.
Titans qb Jake Locker had a legitimate beef with Tennessee and their approach to making him successful last year. But thanks to an aggressive off season by The Titans, Locker will have no such excuse this year.
And that can be good or bad for Jake.
Locker received a huge boost when Tennessee, who has been know to be...let's say...frugal, elected to pay star running back Chris Johnson $10 million this season to remain a Titan. The Titans also added former Jets running back Shon Greene to help carry the load. Although Greene is not spectacular, he is coming off back to back 1,000 yard seasons, and can help keep Johnson fresh (and explosive) late in the season. He will also become Tennessee's short yardage and goal line specialist, two areas where the Titans struggled last year.
Those struggles lay at the feet of an offensive line that was down right horrible last year...evidenced by Locker being sacked 20 times the last five games. 20 times?!? Yes, the position was decimated by injuries but still. This year the Titans took offensive guard Chance Warmack from Alabama with the 10th overall pick. He will immediately start at right guard. Chris Johnson tweeted in all caps "THANK GOD" when the pick was announced. I'm sure that Locker shares his sentiment. The Titans also picked up free agent guard Andy Levitre to play left guard. The return of two starters who were lost to injury should make this unit much improved from a year ago.
What does every qb need to be successful?
Weapons. Lots and lots of weapons.
The Titans are also helping Locker in that regard this year. The Titans traded up to draft Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter in the second round. Hunter is a field stretcher, and will immediately push for a starting role. Wide receiver Kendall Wright, last year's first round pick for Tennessee, finished the season tied for the lead in rookie receptions. Wright was also near the top of the league in third down receptions. Tight End Jared Cook was replaced by 49er's tight end Delanie Walker this off season. Walker brings a physicality to the position that Cook did not have. He is also a better blocker and less of a diva. The Titans also added veteran wide receiver Kevin Walters from the Texans. Walters is a big target possession receiver. A security blanket if you will. And if Kenny Britt can get his knee (and mind) back on track, Locker could have plenty of weapons at his disposal. A huge upgrade from a year ago.
So....Jake Locker, your shoulder is scheduled to be healed in time for training camp. The Titans have done their part...time for you to do yours. follow @plcolter
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Burke, Ware, offer different schools of thought
The 2012-2013 College Basketball National Championship has been awarded, the nets have been cut down, and classes have resumed for the hundreds of student athletes who participated. There are a select few, however, with major decisions to make as the 2013 NBA draft rapidly approaches.
It's the age old question...should they stay in school, or bolt for the NBA?
This year's championship game highlights two players that make strong points for both scenarios. For those that argue that players should stay, look no further than Michigan point guard phenom Trey Burke.
Burke, National Player of the Year, contemplated entering last year's NBA draft as a freshman. He elected to stay at Michigan and refine his skills.
And boy did he refine his skills.
Burke's patience will pay off big time in a few weeks. He is slated to be a top ten pick now, and will undoubtly make more money than if he would have declared a year ago.
But for those who argue that players should leave while the "gettin is good"....look no further than Louisville's Kevin Ware. If you have not seen the picture of his gruesome leg injury then I suggest you don't. Take my word for it...it was bad....real bad.
One could easily argue that the Ware story would have been much more tragic had he'd been slated to be an NBA star in a matter of months. With all due respect to Kevin Ware, an injury like that to a Trey Burke would be much more devastating (from a basketball stand point), and still talked about to this day.
Ware's injury was of such a fluke nature, you could not help but wonder if it could happen to your favorite player. NBA dream over. No signing bonus, no nada.
Michigan has a young and talented team, and as a fan I want them all to stay. We all feel that way about the best players on our favorite teams. But after watching Ware's freak injury, I say go....even if you are leaving Michigan. follow @plcolter
It's the age old question...should they stay in school, or bolt for the NBA?
This year's championship game highlights two players that make strong points for both scenarios. For those that argue that players should stay, look no further than Michigan point guard phenom Trey Burke.
Burke, National Player of the Year, contemplated entering last year's NBA draft as a freshman. He elected to stay at Michigan and refine his skills.
And boy did he refine his skills.
Burke's patience will pay off big time in a few weeks. He is slated to be a top ten pick now, and will undoubtly make more money than if he would have declared a year ago.
But for those who argue that players should leave while the "gettin is good"....look no further than Louisville's Kevin Ware. If you have not seen the picture of his gruesome leg injury then I suggest you don't. Take my word for it...it was bad....real bad.
One could easily argue that the Ware story would have been much more tragic had he'd been slated to be an NBA star in a matter of months. With all due respect to Kevin Ware, an injury like that to a Trey Burke would be much more devastating (from a basketball stand point), and still talked about to this day.
Ware's injury was of such a fluke nature, you could not help but wonder if it could happen to your favorite player. NBA dream over. No signing bonus, no nada.
Michigan has a young and talented team, and as a fan I want them all to stay. We all feel that way about the best players on our favorite teams. But after watching Ware's freak injury, I say go....even if you are leaving Michigan. follow @plcolter
Monday, April 8, 2013
My heart goes out to the losing fan base tonight
The college basketball national championship is tonight, and for all of it's upsets, the tournament produced an excellent title game match up between the #4 seed Michigan Wolverines and the #1 overall seed Louisville Cardinals. Both teams have great coaches, great point guards, and athletes up and down the roster. If both teams play to their capabilities, we should be in for a real treat tonight...regardless of who wins.
Unless, of course, you are a fan of one of these teams.
Michigan has not won a national title in 24 years, Louisville even longer than that. For Michigan fans...years of frustration, probation, and playing second fiddle to in state rival Michigan State comes to an end with a Wolverine win. For Louisville fans...years of frustration, probation, and playing second fiddle to in state rival Kentucky comes to an end with a win tonight.\
For the losing fan base...you're natural reaction will more than likely not be..."We'll get'em next year".
Rick Petino was fortunate to return basically the same team from last year's Final Four. Odds are against a three-peat. National Player of the Year Trey Burke literally fell into the Wolverines lap. Trey is going pro after tonight's game, and Tim Hardaway Jr, Michigan's second best player, is rumored to follow Burke. Michigan is no lock to be this good again.
Good luck to both teams tonight....and both fan bases. follow @plcolter
Unless, of course, you are a fan of one of these teams.
Michigan has not won a national title in 24 years, Louisville even longer than that. For Michigan fans...years of frustration, probation, and playing second fiddle to in state rival Michigan State comes to an end with a Wolverine win. For Louisville fans...years of frustration, probation, and playing second fiddle to in state rival Kentucky comes to an end with a win tonight.\
For the losing fan base...you're natural reaction will more than likely not be..."We'll get'em next year".
Rick Petino was fortunate to return basically the same team from last year's Final Four. Odds are against a three-peat. National Player of the Year Trey Burke literally fell into the Wolverines lap. Trey is going pro after tonight's game, and Tim Hardaway Jr, Michigan's second best player, is rumored to follow Burke. Michigan is no lock to be this good again.
Good luck to both teams tonight....and both fan bases. follow @plcolter
Monday, April 1, 2013
NBA had it's own March Madness
Every sports fan knows that college basketball rules March. From the conference tournaments, to the selection show, to the bracket pools, to the buzzer beater upsets, to the Final Four. This year was no different for the NCAA, the tournament has once again delivered...evidenced by an increase in ratings this year. Lost in all of the college banter was the wild and wacky month of March in the NBA. As we approach the last few games of the regular season and look forward to the playoffs, lets recap the NBA's version of March Madness.
We can't talk NBA in March and not start with the Miami Heat and their near historic 27 game winning streak. Miami did it in a variety of ways, but was ultimately stopped by a physical Chicago team in late March.
The west has storyline on top of storyline, but we'll focus on two playoff races for now. The Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies are in a dog fight for the coveted number 3 seed in the west....and all are within a game of each other, and all three teams desperately want that third slot.
And for more than one reason.
For starters, the number 3 seed will ensure a match up with either the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets. Two young teams with virtually no recent playoff success. The fourth and fifth place teams will face each other in round one, ensuring that one of the teams will not advance.
Why is that important?
Both head coaches, Lionel Hollins of the Grizzlies and Vinnie Del Negro of the Clippers, are rumored to have their future employment tied to their respective playoff success this year. A first round exit for either coach could spell doom for the 2013 season. The Clippers, Nuggets, and Grizzlies all had winning streaks of ten games or more, and all three teams are tough to beat at home. The number 5 seed could be in serious trouble....and so could their coach.
The race for the eighth spot in the west has been just as wild...with the Lakers, Jazz, and Mavs all fighting for a playoff birth. All three of these teams are within a game and a half of each other, and none of the three teams want to take a strangle hold on that spot. It's literally anybody's guess who will face San Antonio in round one of this year's playoffs.
The NBA in March saw several teams go on significant winning streaks. We saw DeAndre Jordan and LeBron James deliver two of the best poster dunks that we've seen in several years. March saw the return of Dirk, and March saw Kobe surpass Wilt on the all time scoring list. What will April bring? Several upcoming games should determine that.
Mon: Memphis vs San Antonio
Mon: Indiana vs Los Angeles Clippers
Tue: Dallas vs Los Angeles Lakers
Wed: Denver vs Utah
Thur: Dallas vs Denver
Fri: Memphis vs Los Angeles Lakers
Take a picture of the current standings. It may bear no resemblance this time next week. follow @plcolter
We can't talk NBA in March and not start with the Miami Heat and their near historic 27 game winning streak. Miami did it in a variety of ways, but was ultimately stopped by a physical Chicago team in late March.
The west has storyline on top of storyline, but we'll focus on two playoff races for now. The Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies are in a dog fight for the coveted number 3 seed in the west....and all are within a game of each other, and all three teams desperately want that third slot.
And for more than one reason.
For starters, the number 3 seed will ensure a match up with either the Golden State Warriors or Houston Rockets. Two young teams with virtually no recent playoff success. The fourth and fifth place teams will face each other in round one, ensuring that one of the teams will not advance.
Why is that important?
Both head coaches, Lionel Hollins of the Grizzlies and Vinnie Del Negro of the Clippers, are rumored to have their future employment tied to their respective playoff success this year. A first round exit for either coach could spell doom for the 2013 season. The Clippers, Nuggets, and Grizzlies all had winning streaks of ten games or more, and all three teams are tough to beat at home. The number 5 seed could be in serious trouble....and so could their coach.
The race for the eighth spot in the west has been just as wild...with the Lakers, Jazz, and Mavs all fighting for a playoff birth. All three of these teams are within a game and a half of each other, and none of the three teams want to take a strangle hold on that spot. It's literally anybody's guess who will face San Antonio in round one of this year's playoffs.
The NBA in March saw several teams go on significant winning streaks. We saw DeAndre Jordan and LeBron James deliver two of the best poster dunks that we've seen in several years. March saw the return of Dirk, and March saw Kobe surpass Wilt on the all time scoring list. What will April bring? Several upcoming games should determine that.
Mon: Memphis vs San Antonio
Mon: Indiana vs Los Angeles Clippers
Tue: Dallas vs Los Angeles Lakers
Wed: Denver vs Utah
Thur: Dallas vs Denver
Fri: Memphis vs Los Angeles Lakers
Take a picture of the current standings. It may bear no resemblance this time next week. follow @plcolter
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