Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
Winston closely resembles another NFL QB
Florida State qb Jameis Winston has been cleared in his Student Conduct hearing. He now can turn his focus to the field, as he prepares to put his undefeated streak on the line against the high powered Oregon Ducks in next week's Rose Bowl. However his season ends, it seems to be a forgone conclusion that Winston will declare for the upcoming NFL draft.
Last week, on a sports radio talk show in Nashville, the question was raised if the Tennessee Titans should draft him. After all, they will have a top five pick and are in desperate need of a franchise qb.
The callers went ballistic.
"Hell no!" proclaimed one fan. Another pleaded to the host to "put down the pipe". Immediate comparisons were drawn to Adam "Pac Man" Jones and Vince Young, two high profile first round picks that embarrassed the city of Nashville more than it helped it.
As a Titans fan, I couldn't totally dismiss their claims. Both of those situations ended bad....real bad. But lets not act like we didn't look the other way when we were winning games with them and making playoff runs. Because the majority of us did. It ended bad mostly because of losing.
Ok, I'll digress.
Yes Jameis Winston has done enough stupid things off the field to be labeled immature at this point in his life. And yes, potential NFL suitors should do their due diligence before investing in a kid with a recent track record of questionable decision making off the field. But that doesn't mean that he's doomed when it comes to his professional career.
In fact, the NFL qb that Winston resembles the most (at this point of his career) is the reason that teams should take a real close look at him.
His name? Cam Newton.
It wasn't that long ago. Cam Newton was in the same position as Winston. Super talented collegiate qb with a history of questionable life decisions. Like Winston, Newton played his final year of college football with his eligibility hanging over his head the entire time. And like Winston, Newton led his team to an undefeated season, conference title, and chance at a national title.
To perform and win at the highest level when everyone is rooting for you to lose is a trait that cannot be developed with tackling drills. You have to have that inside of you. Some players do, and some don't. Vince Young's downfall in Tennessee was his inability to push through adversity. Prior to his arrival, he had only known praise and adulation. Once VY was booed at home he complete unraveled.
Winston will enter the league with his thick skin armor on, as did Newton.
After being drafted number 1 overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2011, Newton has been a model citizen. And most of all, a winner. Carolina was a league doormat prior to Newton's arrival, now they are in position to secure their second straight NFC South division crown with a win over Atlanta this Sunday.
Were there growing pains for Newton early on? Sure. We can all remember the poor body language, the towel over the head late in games, the aloofness with the media as the losses mounted his rookie year. But he acknowledged it, he worked on it, he matured. Today, no one is questioning Carolina's pick.
Newton and Winston both share a unique and undervalued quality. The ability to compartmentalize and thrive under pressure. You can't teach size and you can't teach confidence.
All I'm saying is...we all mature at different stages in life. Comparisons go both ways.
follow @plcolter
Last week, on a sports radio talk show in Nashville, the question was raised if the Tennessee Titans should draft him. After all, they will have a top five pick and are in desperate need of a franchise qb.
The callers went ballistic.
"Hell no!" proclaimed one fan. Another pleaded to the host to "put down the pipe". Immediate comparisons were drawn to Adam "Pac Man" Jones and Vince Young, two high profile first round picks that embarrassed the city of Nashville more than it helped it.
As a Titans fan, I couldn't totally dismiss their claims. Both of those situations ended bad....real bad. But lets not act like we didn't look the other way when we were winning games with them and making playoff runs. Because the majority of us did. It ended bad mostly because of losing.
Ok, I'll digress.
Yes Jameis Winston has done enough stupid things off the field to be labeled immature at this point in his life. And yes, potential NFL suitors should do their due diligence before investing in a kid with a recent track record of questionable decision making off the field. But that doesn't mean that he's doomed when it comes to his professional career.
In fact, the NFL qb that Winston resembles the most (at this point of his career) is the reason that teams should take a real close look at him.
His name? Cam Newton.
It wasn't that long ago. Cam Newton was in the same position as Winston. Super talented collegiate qb with a history of questionable life decisions. Like Winston, Newton played his final year of college football with his eligibility hanging over his head the entire time. And like Winston, Newton led his team to an undefeated season, conference title, and chance at a national title.
To perform and win at the highest level when everyone is rooting for you to lose is a trait that cannot be developed with tackling drills. You have to have that inside of you. Some players do, and some don't. Vince Young's downfall in Tennessee was his inability to push through adversity. Prior to his arrival, he had only known praise and adulation. Once VY was booed at home he complete unraveled.
Winston will enter the league with his thick skin armor on, as did Newton.
After being drafted number 1 overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2011, Newton has been a model citizen. And most of all, a winner. Carolina was a league doormat prior to Newton's arrival, now they are in position to secure their second straight NFC South division crown with a win over Atlanta this Sunday.
Were there growing pains for Newton early on? Sure. We can all remember the poor body language, the towel over the head late in games, the aloofness with the media as the losses mounted his rookie year. But he acknowledged it, he worked on it, he matured. Today, no one is questioning Carolina's pick.
Newton and Winston both share a unique and undervalued quality. The ability to compartmentalize and thrive under pressure. You can't teach size and you can't teach confidence.
All I'm saying is...we all mature at different stages in life. Comparisons go both ways.
follow @plcolter
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Year to forget for this Power 5 Conference
While I do not know Big Ten Commissioner James Dealny personally, I am sure that he was in great spirits as 2014 began. The year started with his Michigan State Spartans knocking off Stanford in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day.
On the basketball side, Delany boasted the country's deepest and most talented conference top to bottom. And his signature programs...(Michigan, Michigan St, Ohio St, Wisconsin) were all nationally ranked and enjoying out of conference success.
The first annual College Playoff was set to make it's debut, and Delany was assured to have at least two teams ranked in the preseason top ten. Life was good.
Then...the year started.
During March Madness, Delany watched the Kentucky Wildcats knock his two chances for a title (Michigan, Wisconsin) out of the Elite 8 and Final Four on consecutive game winning three pointers at the buzzer.
Ouch.
Then came the football season, and the signature programs failed to notch a win over a quality non conference opponent. Wisconsin blew a huge second half lead to LSU in their opener. Michigan St. ran out of gas in Oregon, and Michigan was blanked (31-0) by a Notre Dame team that turned out to be average.
Ohio St. did not play a big boy non conference opponent, but still made a splash...losing at home to Virginia Tech.
Michigan's implosion was long, drawn out, and hard to watch. Rutgers and Maryland, the conference's two newest members, made no impact nationally. And by season's end, the conference was down three coaches. Michigan and Nebraska fired theirs after dismal campaigns. And Wisconsin's coach (Big Ten Title game participant), bolted on his own for...Oregon St?
Stop playin.
Well Mr. Delany, you still have basketball right? Right?.....
Um...yea...about that.
With so much hoopla surrounding the upcoming playoffs, few have noticed how mightily the Big Ten is struggling in basketball. Things will need to turn around quickly if Mr. Delany expects his conference to make it to a fourth straight Final Four.
And once again, it's the non conference play...or lack thereof.
Yes, the Big Ten beat the ACC in their annual challenge (8-6), but the B1G went 1-5 against the ACC's ranked opponents. Wisconsin, the league's best team was blown out at home by Duke...the ACC's best team. Ohio St has failed to earn a quality non conference win, and Big Brother and Little Brother (Michigan & Michigan St) are struggling mightily.
The Wolverines have already lost at home to N.J.I.T. and Eastern Michigan. The Spartans just lost at home to Texas Southern. Oh, and Nebraska has already lost..at home...to Incarnate Word.
Innnncarnaaaate Wooorrrrrd?
In a shocking turn of events, all three teams will be unranked when conference play starts next week.
You know how bubble teams get profiled as the season draws to a close...and their resume gets put on the screen? And they have two categories...good win and bad loss?......
OK...I'll digress.
There's good news...and bad news, Mr. Delany. The good news? Ohio St is still in play for a National Championship. The bad news? That would technically be credited to 2015.
Gotta charge this year to the game sir.
follow @plcolter
On the basketball side, Delany boasted the country's deepest and most talented conference top to bottom. And his signature programs...(Michigan, Michigan St, Ohio St, Wisconsin) were all nationally ranked and enjoying out of conference success.
The first annual College Playoff was set to make it's debut, and Delany was assured to have at least two teams ranked in the preseason top ten. Life was good.
Then...the year started.
During March Madness, Delany watched the Kentucky Wildcats knock his two chances for a title (Michigan, Wisconsin) out of the Elite 8 and Final Four on consecutive game winning three pointers at the buzzer.
Ouch.
Then came the football season, and the signature programs failed to notch a win over a quality non conference opponent. Wisconsin blew a huge second half lead to LSU in their opener. Michigan St. ran out of gas in Oregon, and Michigan was blanked (31-0) by a Notre Dame team that turned out to be average.
Ohio St. did not play a big boy non conference opponent, but still made a splash...losing at home to Virginia Tech.
Michigan's implosion was long, drawn out, and hard to watch. Rutgers and Maryland, the conference's two newest members, made no impact nationally. And by season's end, the conference was down three coaches. Michigan and Nebraska fired theirs after dismal campaigns. And Wisconsin's coach (Big Ten Title game participant), bolted on his own for...Oregon St?
Stop playin.
Well Mr. Delany, you still have basketball right? Right?.....
Um...yea...about that.
With so much hoopla surrounding the upcoming playoffs, few have noticed how mightily the Big Ten is struggling in basketball. Things will need to turn around quickly if Mr. Delany expects his conference to make it to a fourth straight Final Four.
And once again, it's the non conference play...or lack thereof.
Yes, the Big Ten beat the ACC in their annual challenge (8-6), but the B1G went 1-5 against the ACC's ranked opponents. Wisconsin, the league's best team was blown out at home by Duke...the ACC's best team. Ohio St has failed to earn a quality non conference win, and Big Brother and Little Brother (Michigan & Michigan St) are struggling mightily.
The Wolverines have already lost at home to N.J.I.T. and Eastern Michigan. The Spartans just lost at home to Texas Southern. Oh, and Nebraska has already lost..at home...to Incarnate Word.
Innnncarnaaaate Wooorrrrrd?
In a shocking turn of events, all three teams will be unranked when conference play starts next week.
You know how bubble teams get profiled as the season draws to a close...and their resume gets put on the screen? And they have two categories...good win and bad loss?......
OK...I'll digress.
There's good news...and bad news, Mr. Delany. The good news? Ohio St is still in play for a National Championship. The bad news? That would technically be credited to 2015.
Gotta charge this year to the game sir.
follow @plcolter
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Perception altering week for the Memphis Grizzlies
Christmas day is rapidly approaching. For most it means
spending quality time with family and friends, opening gifts, and enjoying paid
days off…if you’re lucky enough. For the NBA, it’s an opportunity to
re-introduce themselves to the casual fan. The season officially starts in late
October, which is right in the midst of the NFL and College Football playoff
races. With the NCAA’s playoff bracket set, and the NFL regular season coming
to a close, it’s the NBA that takes center stage from January to June.
Which brings us back to Christmas day.
To re-launch their product, the NBA puts their biggest stars and best teams on display…in a marathon of holiday hoops. Throughout the day, NBA pundits will also catch the casual fan up on all of the intriguing storylines from the first quarter of the season. One of those storylines?
The Memphis Grizzlies.
At 19-4, the team from the We Don’t Bluff City currently sits atop what is arguably the toughest division in all of sports, the NBA’s Southwest (Memphis, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans). Just as impressive is their road to the record, notching victories over six teams that currently own a top 8 (playoff) Conference record. The NBA, and it’s conglomerate partners (ESPN, TNT) are finally starting to come around and show the small market team some love.
After posting yet another 50 win season and making the playoffs for a fourth straight year, Memphis was rewarded with one…as in 1…nationally televised game when the schedule was released. And that game was definitely not on Christmas day.
The good news ?
The Grizzlies can break through the small market fog, and place themselves atop the Christmas day headlines...this year.
The bad news?
All they have to do is conquer the toughest week of games they will have all year….starting tonight.
The NBA made the wise decision to flex the Memphis vs Golden
State game into their primetime 7:00 slot tonight. The two best teams in the
league to date (combined 39-6 record) square off for the first time this
season. If Memphis is able to halt the Warriors’ franchise record 16 game
winning streak, then the defending Champion Spurs await them the following night.
A Spurs team that handed Memphis one of their four losses this season, while
halting their franchise record regular season home winning streak. A team Memphis
has not beat in….in….well?!?!?
After a quick break, the Grizzlies are back at it Friday
night against the revamped Derrick Rose / Pau Gasol led Chicago Bulls (15-9). And
if that stretch wasn’t tough enough, King James and his new “Big 2” await the
Grizzlies for a Sunday afternoon tilt to conclude the week.
With the current state of the Western Conference, a loss or two could cause Memphis to plummet in the standings. The historic start to the season would be just that…a historic start and feel good story. Not necessarily worthy of national attention.
But if Memphis were to end the Warriors’ streak, exorcise the ghost of the Spurs, and handle two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams this week, then not only will they be in the lead stories on Christmas Day, but they will surely get more opportunities to be flexed into the national spotlight.
Memphis has been given a golden opportunity (no pun intended) to get national respect and recognition by knocking off the NBA’s elite this week…starting tonight against the Warriors. A strong showing could not only lead to more nationally televised opportunities going forward…but the ultimate prize as well.
A Christmas day time slot.
Memphis…consider this week your audition.
Follow @plcolter
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Things are finally going right for the Titans
At 2-10, the Tennessee Titans are on the verge of posting their worst season since...well...since they've been the Tennessee Titans. Upon being hired, first year head coach Ken Whisenhunt said that the team's goal this year was to host a playoff game.
And he was dead serious.
Fans bought in, for several reasons. For starters, Tennessee lost a host of close games the previous two years. Then head coach Mike Munchak was an easy scapegoat because he had no previous coaching experience. Whisenhunt was on the staff of two Super Bowl teams, so he knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
Coach Whiz is also known as a quarterback guru, and we just knew that he could fix our beleaguered qb Jake Locker. Or at least patch him up enough to make a little noise this season. After all, Jake actually played decent when he was on the field, which was few and far between.
A lot of Titans fans were also happy to see running back Chris Johnson, and his "2K" first attitude see the door. His aloofness toward team goals grew old in Nashville. The offensive line was "upgraded", and a new running back (Bishop Sankey) was drafted to replace him.
Fans were also high on the wide receiving group. Kendall Wright was coming off a 94 catch, 1,000 plus yard season. Justin Hunter had a great camp, and was poised to have a breakout sophomore campaign. And tight end Delanie Walker, and his leadership, solidified the group.
With an entirely new defensive scheme, we knew we would struggle on that side of the ball. We just didn't care as long as we could score points.
Everything was set and fans were optimistic.
Fast forward to today, and the Titans are tied for the second worst record in the league. Losing nine out of ten could do that to a team.
While frustrating today, fans should be encouraged. It's the way the Titans arrived at this record that is the silver lining in all of this.
Jake Locker...once again...missed time early in the season with a myriad of injuries. As we've seen in the past, Locker teased Titans fans with a near flawless performance in a week 1 upset win over Kansas City...in Arrowhead Stadium. The next week he laid an egg in the home opener against Dallas. The following week he was injured...yada yada ya.
At least Tennessee found out early in the season that Locker just didn't have it...that he couldn't lead their franchise. It allowed rookie qb Zach Mettenberger to get substantial real game experience this year. And to this point, Mettenberger looks like he may be the guy. Knowing you have your qb of the future (if he turns out to be that) at this point of the season gives you a ton of options heading into next year's draft.
Returning starting running back Shonn Greene, who...like Locker...was mostly injured and otherwise inconsistent, went down early this season with yet another injury. This allowed rookie rb Bishop Sankey to get substantial playing time at running back. If nothing else, you know that Greene is done. So now you can evaluate Sankey to see if a complimentary back needs to be added next season. There are a few beast that will be entering the draft this year.
The Titans were able to evaluate their rookie first round offensive lineman Jake Lewan because of injury to the position, giving him valuable in game experience at a couple of positions.
And now Tennessee's starting receivers...Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter...are out with injuries. Seldom used backups will be thrown into the fire. Another great evaluation tool. Something you rarely get to do this late in an NFL season.
Lets face it, with the current state of the AFC playoff race, Tennessee would still not be in it. Even if Locker and Greene and whoever else was healthy all season. It's better to completely bottom out than to "just miss the cut" year end and year out. Sometimes it's best to start from scratch. Through apathy and attrition, Tennessee was forced to finally start the rebuilding process this season.
Key word being rebuilding.
Part of that process is a complete evaluation of the roster, something the Titans were forced to do this year. Through that process, they may have landed their qb of the future, with an extremely high draft pick to add to him next season.
That's how you rebuild.
That is...as long as they keep losing, but I'll digress on that until after the Giants game.
follow @plcolter
And he was dead serious.
Fans bought in, for several reasons. For starters, Tennessee lost a host of close games the previous two years. Then head coach Mike Munchak was an easy scapegoat because he had no previous coaching experience. Whisenhunt was on the staff of two Super Bowl teams, so he knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
Coach Whiz is also known as a quarterback guru, and we just knew that he could fix our beleaguered qb Jake Locker. Or at least patch him up enough to make a little noise this season. After all, Jake actually played decent when he was on the field, which was few and far between.
A lot of Titans fans were also happy to see running back Chris Johnson, and his "2K" first attitude see the door. His aloofness toward team goals grew old in Nashville. The offensive line was "upgraded", and a new running back (Bishop Sankey) was drafted to replace him.
Fans were also high on the wide receiving group. Kendall Wright was coming off a 94 catch, 1,000 plus yard season. Justin Hunter had a great camp, and was poised to have a breakout sophomore campaign. And tight end Delanie Walker, and his leadership, solidified the group.
With an entirely new defensive scheme, we knew we would struggle on that side of the ball. We just didn't care as long as we could score points.
Everything was set and fans were optimistic.
Fast forward to today, and the Titans are tied for the second worst record in the league. Losing nine out of ten could do that to a team.
While frustrating today, fans should be encouraged. It's the way the Titans arrived at this record that is the silver lining in all of this.
Jake Locker...once again...missed time early in the season with a myriad of injuries. As we've seen in the past, Locker teased Titans fans with a near flawless performance in a week 1 upset win over Kansas City...in Arrowhead Stadium. The next week he laid an egg in the home opener against Dallas. The following week he was injured...yada yada ya.
At least Tennessee found out early in the season that Locker just didn't have it...that he couldn't lead their franchise. It allowed rookie qb Zach Mettenberger to get substantial real game experience this year. And to this point, Mettenberger looks like he may be the guy. Knowing you have your qb of the future (if he turns out to be that) at this point of the season gives you a ton of options heading into next year's draft.
Returning starting running back Shonn Greene, who...like Locker...was mostly injured and otherwise inconsistent, went down early this season with yet another injury. This allowed rookie rb Bishop Sankey to get substantial playing time at running back. If nothing else, you know that Greene is done. So now you can evaluate Sankey to see if a complimentary back needs to be added next season. There are a few beast that will be entering the draft this year.
The Titans were able to evaluate their rookie first round offensive lineman Jake Lewan because of injury to the position, giving him valuable in game experience at a couple of positions.
And now Tennessee's starting receivers...Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter...are out with injuries. Seldom used backups will be thrown into the fire. Another great evaluation tool. Something you rarely get to do this late in an NFL season.
Lets face it, with the current state of the AFC playoff race, Tennessee would still not be in it. Even if Locker and Greene and whoever else was healthy all season. It's better to completely bottom out than to "just miss the cut" year end and year out. Sometimes it's best to start from scratch. Through apathy and attrition, Tennessee was forced to finally start the rebuilding process this season.
Key word being rebuilding.
Part of that process is a complete evaluation of the roster, something the Titans were forced to do this year. Through that process, they may have landed their qb of the future, with an extremely high draft pick to add to him next season.
That's how you rebuild.
That is...as long as they keep losing, but I'll digress on that until after the Giants game.
follow @plcolter
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Two big reasons for the Grizzlies' historic start
The Memphis Grizzlies continued their best start in franchise history, beating the Boston Celtics 117-100 last night at FedEx Forum. For 21 straight regular season home games, Memphians have left The Grind House with DJ Khaled's "All I do is win" blaring over the sound system.....another franchise best. Chants of "Let's Go Grizz-lies" can be heard on the post game radio shows. Fans are starting to believe that something special may be brewing down in the We Don't Bluff City.
And shockingly enough, so are the national pundits.
As a born and raised Tennessean, and admitted Grizzlies fan from day one, it's awesome to see a small market team that brings it's lunch pail to work game in and game out get some well deserved recognition.
Memphis, and their hot start, is now mentioned in the same lead segment as the Cavaliers and Lakers. And there's two big reasons for that.
Zach "Z-Bo" Randolph and Marc Gasol.
Randolph and Gasol are without question the most dominant and versatile power forward / center combination in the league. And they are without question the reason the Grizzlies...at 11-2...were the league's best team the first month of the season.
What's so awesome about these two is the fact that their rise was not meteoric. They put the "Grind" in the Grind House.
Randolph has been associated with the Grizzlies for so long that people forget who they both were prior to his arrival in 2009. He was not known as Z-Bo with the Clippers, he was known as the "Black Hole".
Why?
Because if you passed him the ball..it would disappear. You might as well crash the boards because Zach ain't passing it back...even if he was quadruple doubled. He was the same way with the Knicks....where he played prior to being shipped to LA. Randolph would get his 20 and 10, but the team would suffer...and ultimately underachieve.
The Clippers didn't trade Z-Bo to Memphis...he was jettisoned. I mean...they got back Quintin Richardson in return.
Who?
Let me digress.
When Randolph arrived in Memphis...they bore no resemblance to the Grit & Grind team you see today. In fact, they looked more like the Vancouver Grizzlies. But Z-Bo did something that changed everything...he openly embraced the city of Memphis, it's fan's, it's struggles, and it's reputation. Maybe they were mirror images of his own.
As Randolph blossomed into a team first...locker room leader...face of the franchise type of player....so did the Grizzlies. Each year after his arrival Memphis got better and better...and now they are knocking on the door. Maybe Randolph saw being traded to the Grizzlies as a proverbial "last chance warning" from the basketball gods...and kudos to him for responding like he did.
His payoff?
He's winning far more than he's losing now...and he's still posting his double doubles. Funny how those things tend to happen (message).
For Gasol, he was a mere throw in on the trade that sent his older brother Pau...who was one of the best players in the league...and Memphis' only star...to the Lakers in February 2008. That trade infuriated Grizzlies fans. The Lakers got two more titles from it, and we got back his pudgy younger brother....who was out of shape and raw as an uncooked onion.
No one at that time could have ever predicted that young Marc would blossom into what he is today...which is the best overall big man in the league. He can score inside...he can step back and nail a 20 footer. He can lead the break...he's an excellent passer and free throw shooter. He's a staunch defender (Defensive Player of the Year two years ago)...and he's tough as nails. He likes contact...he likes to mix it up...he ain't scurred.
All of the things that would endear you to a Memphian.
When Gasol missed considerable time at the start of last season...the Grizzlies struggled mightily. Upon his return in January, Memphis went on a tear and never looked back. If he's not an All Star this season...they need to stop doing it all together.
What makes the Randolph-Gasol tandem so potent is their unselfishness. Both are worthy of being double teamed, and both are more than willing to find the other if that happens. Both can bring their defender out of the paint with deadly mid range accuracy, and both wear down their opponents by leaning...pushing...holding...and intimidating.
I've watched plenty of Big's in the league waive the white flag late in games....they just don't want any more of those two behemoths. If you don't believe me, then ask Blake Griffin.
Ok...digressing again.
Credit head coach Dave Joeger for continuing to run his offense through these two. It's a recipe for playoff success. Z-Bo and Marc have responded to the tune of a combined 35 points and 20 rebounds a night. Not to mention the countless Big's they get into foul trouble on a nightly basis.
Memphis did the right thing by re-signing Z-Bo this past off season. Gasol is having a career year in the final year of his deal.
No way the Grizzlies let him test free agency.
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And shockingly enough, so are the national pundits.
As a born and raised Tennessean, and admitted Grizzlies fan from day one, it's awesome to see a small market team that brings it's lunch pail to work game in and game out get some well deserved recognition.
Memphis, and their hot start, is now mentioned in the same lead segment as the Cavaliers and Lakers. And there's two big reasons for that.
Zach "Z-Bo" Randolph and Marc Gasol.
Randolph and Gasol are without question the most dominant and versatile power forward / center combination in the league. And they are without question the reason the Grizzlies...at 11-2...were the league's best team the first month of the season.
What's so awesome about these two is the fact that their rise was not meteoric. They put the "Grind" in the Grind House.
Randolph has been associated with the Grizzlies for so long that people forget who they both were prior to his arrival in 2009. He was not known as Z-Bo with the Clippers, he was known as the "Black Hole".
Why?
Because if you passed him the ball..it would disappear. You might as well crash the boards because Zach ain't passing it back...even if he was quadruple doubled. He was the same way with the Knicks....where he played prior to being shipped to LA. Randolph would get his 20 and 10, but the team would suffer...and ultimately underachieve.
The Clippers didn't trade Z-Bo to Memphis...he was jettisoned. I mean...they got back Quintin Richardson in return.
Who?
Let me digress.
When Randolph arrived in Memphis...they bore no resemblance to the Grit & Grind team you see today. In fact, they looked more like the Vancouver Grizzlies. But Z-Bo did something that changed everything...he openly embraced the city of Memphis, it's fan's, it's struggles, and it's reputation. Maybe they were mirror images of his own.
As Randolph blossomed into a team first...locker room leader...face of the franchise type of player....so did the Grizzlies. Each year after his arrival Memphis got better and better...and now they are knocking on the door. Maybe Randolph saw being traded to the Grizzlies as a proverbial "last chance warning" from the basketball gods...and kudos to him for responding like he did.
His payoff?
He's winning far more than he's losing now...and he's still posting his double doubles. Funny how those things tend to happen (message).
For Gasol, he was a mere throw in on the trade that sent his older brother Pau...who was one of the best players in the league...and Memphis' only star...to the Lakers in February 2008. That trade infuriated Grizzlies fans. The Lakers got two more titles from it, and we got back his pudgy younger brother....who was out of shape and raw as an uncooked onion.
No one at that time could have ever predicted that young Marc would blossom into what he is today...which is the best overall big man in the league. He can score inside...he can step back and nail a 20 footer. He can lead the break...he's an excellent passer and free throw shooter. He's a staunch defender (Defensive Player of the Year two years ago)...and he's tough as nails. He likes contact...he likes to mix it up...he ain't scurred.
All of the things that would endear you to a Memphian.
When Gasol missed considerable time at the start of last season...the Grizzlies struggled mightily. Upon his return in January, Memphis went on a tear and never looked back. If he's not an All Star this season...they need to stop doing it all together.
What makes the Randolph-Gasol tandem so potent is their unselfishness. Both are worthy of being double teamed, and both are more than willing to find the other if that happens. Both can bring their defender out of the paint with deadly mid range accuracy, and both wear down their opponents by leaning...pushing...holding...and intimidating.
I've watched plenty of Big's in the league waive the white flag late in games....they just don't want any more of those two behemoths. If you don't believe me, then ask Blake Griffin.
Ok...digressing again.
Credit head coach Dave Joeger for continuing to run his offense through these two. It's a recipe for playoff success. Z-Bo and Marc have responded to the tune of a combined 35 points and 20 rebounds a night. Not to mention the countless Big's they get into foul trouble on a nightly basis.
Memphis did the right thing by re-signing Z-Bo this past off season. Gasol is having a career year in the final year of his deal.
No way the Grizzlies let him test free agency.
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Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
Two Titans have everything to play for Monday night
Monday Night Football is finally coming back to the Music City. For three and a half hours Nashville Tennessee will have the most popular sport in the country...and most of it's viewers...all to themselves. A good thing for a small market team with little to no national exposure.
Being in the Monday Night Primetime slot is also good for the players. Not only do they get an extra day to rest and prepare, but it also gives them a platform to showcase their talent in front of their peers.
Saturday morning I caught the ESPN promotion for Monday's game between the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers...and it told me everything I needed to know about their thoughts on the match up.
The commercial was a video montage of Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger connecting on a td pass to wide receiver Antonio Brown...set to the classic old school song..."Can't take my eyes off you". I waited for a clip of the Titans in the commercial....
And waited...and waited.
I finally caught a glimpse of the Flaming T logo at the very end...when the announcer guy said Steelers...Titans. Then I blinked and it was gone.
The struggle is real.
From a business standpoint I completely understand. It's difficult to market a 2-7 team with zero superstars on it's roster. A team that the majority of the national audience has yet to see play this year, and the few highlights they saw were not complimentary to say the least. So, ESPN is using the strategy:
"We got Big Ben and Antonio Brown...one of the most prolific qb/wr tandems in the league....playing on Monday night. Tune in to watch these two shred the Titans". As a fantasy owner of Brown, I...wait....
Let me digress on that.
Pittsburgh comes into tonight's matchup having everything to play for, with a division title and playoff birth still within their sights. For the 2-7 Titans, I'm sure that most veterans just don't want to embarrass themselves tonight. Especially the defensive players, who witnessed Big Ben toss 6 touchdowns passes in a game twice in the past month.
Offensively, the goal should be to keep Mike Tirico and John Gruden...tonight's announcers...talking about the game in the fourth quarter...instead of the "Batman" building or the best places to eat in town. That only happens when the home team refused to show up to the fight.
But two rookie Titans have everything to play for tonight. They can use the national stage to introduce themselves to America, and increase their Q rating at the same time.
Qb Zach Mettenberger and rb Bishop Sankey.
Mettenberger, sixth round rookie qb out of LSU, makes his third start of the season. Anyone who knows anything about the Titans knows that qb issues have plagued them the past several years. Mettenberger, with a lights out performance on a national stage, can get his name mentioned in the first segment of all of the post game shows, and morning shows on Tuesday. More importantly, a good showing in front of a national audience could put pressure on the Titans organization to look long and hard at him being the qb of the future, Once John Gruden calls you special, you're on the map. And we all know that Jake Locker will not be re-signed next year.
Bishop Sankey, rookie second round pick out of Washington, is also slated to start, and is trying to distinguish himself from the other rb's in the Titans crowded backfield. Shonn Greene was penciled in to be the starter and bell cow this season, but injuries and costly turnovers have him earning his way out of the dog house. Sankey has been decent at times, but hasn't had a break out signature game yet. If he's able to deliver one tonight, then he too will make the highlights rounds for at least the next 48 hours.
As a team, the Titans have nothing to gain with a victory tonight. Their playoff doom is a forgone conclusion. But for Mettenberger and Sankey, the stakes couldn't be higher. If they both come out and deliver performances worthy of being talked about on Mike and Mike the following morning, then maybe ESPN will feature them the next time Tennessee is in a Monday Night Football promotion.
follow @plcolter
Being in the Monday Night Primetime slot is also good for the players. Not only do they get an extra day to rest and prepare, but it also gives them a platform to showcase their talent in front of their peers.
Saturday morning I caught the ESPN promotion for Monday's game between the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers...and it told me everything I needed to know about their thoughts on the match up.
The commercial was a video montage of Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger connecting on a td pass to wide receiver Antonio Brown...set to the classic old school song..."Can't take my eyes off you". I waited for a clip of the Titans in the commercial....
And waited...and waited.
I finally caught a glimpse of the Flaming T logo at the very end...when the announcer guy said Steelers...Titans. Then I blinked and it was gone.
The struggle is real.
From a business standpoint I completely understand. It's difficult to market a 2-7 team with zero superstars on it's roster. A team that the majority of the national audience has yet to see play this year, and the few highlights they saw were not complimentary to say the least. So, ESPN is using the strategy:
"We got Big Ben and Antonio Brown...one of the most prolific qb/wr tandems in the league....playing on Monday night. Tune in to watch these two shred the Titans". As a fantasy owner of Brown, I...wait....
Let me digress on that.
Pittsburgh comes into tonight's matchup having everything to play for, with a division title and playoff birth still within their sights. For the 2-7 Titans, I'm sure that most veterans just don't want to embarrass themselves tonight. Especially the defensive players, who witnessed Big Ben toss 6 touchdowns passes in a game twice in the past month.
Offensively, the goal should be to keep Mike Tirico and John Gruden...tonight's announcers...talking about the game in the fourth quarter...instead of the "Batman" building or the best places to eat in town. That only happens when the home team refused to show up to the fight.
But two rookie Titans have everything to play for tonight. They can use the national stage to introduce themselves to America, and increase their Q rating at the same time.
Qb Zach Mettenberger and rb Bishop Sankey.
Mettenberger, sixth round rookie qb out of LSU, makes his third start of the season. Anyone who knows anything about the Titans knows that qb issues have plagued them the past several years. Mettenberger, with a lights out performance on a national stage, can get his name mentioned in the first segment of all of the post game shows, and morning shows on Tuesday. More importantly, a good showing in front of a national audience could put pressure on the Titans organization to look long and hard at him being the qb of the future, Once John Gruden calls you special, you're on the map. And we all know that Jake Locker will not be re-signed next year.
Bishop Sankey, rookie second round pick out of Washington, is also slated to start, and is trying to distinguish himself from the other rb's in the Titans crowded backfield. Shonn Greene was penciled in to be the starter and bell cow this season, but injuries and costly turnovers have him earning his way out of the dog house. Sankey has been decent at times, but hasn't had a break out signature game yet. If he's able to deliver one tonight, then he too will make the highlights rounds for at least the next 48 hours.
As a team, the Titans have nothing to gain with a victory tonight. Their playoff doom is a forgone conclusion. But for Mettenberger and Sankey, the stakes couldn't be higher. If they both come out and deliver performances worthy of being talked about on Mike and Mike the following morning, then maybe ESPN will feature them the next time Tennessee is in a Monday Night Football promotion.
follow @plcolter
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
History in the making for this year's Grizzlies?
In March we discussed the NBA's best kept secret...the under the radar rivalry between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies. What's so special about this rivalry? The fact that both teams' current identities were essentially birthed from it (http://plcolter.blogspot.com/2014/05/grizzlies-thunder-have-each-other-to.html).
If that's not enough, then throw on the tape of their 2011 and 2014 playoff encounters. I challenge anyone to find 14 more entertaining games.
But I digress.
The previous post was written just prior to last year's game 7, a game in which Zach Randolph was suspended for throwing a "punch" at OKC reserve Steven Adams in game 6. Z-Bo was torching the Thunder to the tune of 18 points and 8 rebounds in the series, and GrizzNation was crying foul. After all, Memphis had already won on the Thunder's home court their last trip there.
Conspiracy theorists were claiming that Durant...fresh off his tear jerking MVP acceptance speech...would be given every "opportunity" to advance. I personally find that laughable...but entertaining none the less.
What is it about these two teams?
Fast forward to today, and it seems as if the game 7 loss to the Thunder motivated Memphis in a way that we haven't seen.
Like literally.
For starters, the Grizzlies are 4-0 for the first time in franchise history. That's significant in itself because they hadn't won a season opener in over a decade. Last year's start was particularly brutal, sitting near the basement floor of the Western Conference as late as December. They clawed (no pun intended) their way back into playoff contention and still posted a 50 win season.
An incredible feat given the strength of the West last year.
A strong start is a recipe for success for a team that's known for closing strong. If Memphis can squeak by Phoenix tonight (road underdog) they have a few "winnable" games to follow (No KD OKC, Milwaukee, L.A. Lakers, Sacramento, Detroit).
Optimist could be looking at an 11-0, 10-1 start to the season. A critical cushion as they resume division play against Houston after that stretch...who by the way..is also undefeated at 5-0. And let's not forget Dallas (playoffs last year) and the defending champion Spurs.
Monday night, Memphis made franchise history once again, winning their 16th straight regular season home game..dating back to last season. How fitting to occur on the 10 year anniversary of the opening of the "Grind House" FedEx Forum.
A historic start to a season that's less than a month old. How can Grizzlies fans not be excited?
If Memphis continues to push history's boundaries...then a few more feats could be on the horizon this season....
1. Division Title
2. Conference Finals Victory
3. Finals Appearance
Any and all three would be a welcomed site in the we don't Bluff City. And who would GrizzNation have to thank? You guessed it.
OKC.
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If that's not enough, then throw on the tape of their 2011 and 2014 playoff encounters. I challenge anyone to find 14 more entertaining games.
But I digress.
The previous post was written just prior to last year's game 7, a game in which Zach Randolph was suspended for throwing a "punch" at OKC reserve Steven Adams in game 6. Z-Bo was torching the Thunder to the tune of 18 points and 8 rebounds in the series, and GrizzNation was crying foul. After all, Memphis had already won on the Thunder's home court their last trip there.
Conspiracy theorists were claiming that Durant...fresh off his tear jerking MVP acceptance speech...would be given every "opportunity" to advance. I personally find that laughable...but entertaining none the less.
What is it about these two teams?
Fast forward to today, and it seems as if the game 7 loss to the Thunder motivated Memphis in a way that we haven't seen.
Like literally.
For starters, the Grizzlies are 4-0 for the first time in franchise history. That's significant in itself because they hadn't won a season opener in over a decade. Last year's start was particularly brutal, sitting near the basement floor of the Western Conference as late as December. They clawed (no pun intended) their way back into playoff contention and still posted a 50 win season.
An incredible feat given the strength of the West last year.
A strong start is a recipe for success for a team that's known for closing strong. If Memphis can squeak by Phoenix tonight (road underdog) they have a few "winnable" games to follow (No KD OKC, Milwaukee, L.A. Lakers, Sacramento, Detroit).
Optimist could be looking at an 11-0, 10-1 start to the season. A critical cushion as they resume division play against Houston after that stretch...who by the way..is also undefeated at 5-0. And let's not forget Dallas (playoffs last year) and the defending champion Spurs.
Monday night, Memphis made franchise history once again, winning their 16th straight regular season home game..dating back to last season. How fitting to occur on the 10 year anniversary of the opening of the "Grind House" FedEx Forum.
A historic start to a season that's less than a month old. How can Grizzlies fans not be excited?
If Memphis continues to push history's boundaries...then a few more feats could be on the horizon this season....
1. Division Title
2. Conference Finals Victory
3. Finals Appearance
Any and all three would be a welcomed site in the we don't Bluff City. And who would GrizzNation have to thank? You guessed it.
OKC.
follow @plcolter
Monday, November 3, 2014
UM: To bowl or not to bowl?
I vividly remember a conversation I had with my mother when I was about to undertake my first job. She said...and I'm now paraphrasing..."Just do the best you can...with a great attitude...and let the chips fall where they may". She concluded with a line I will never forget...."Son...everyone has a pen".
What she was relaying with that last line was not to be intimidated to voice my opinion...to stick up for what's right...even if I'm speaking to a person of authority. In a nutshell she was implying that everyone has to answer to somebody.
With my adolescent quick whit I fired back..."But what about the owner?"
Without searching for an answer she replied..."They have a boss too..."
The customer.
As it is in Corporate America, so it is with major collegiate athletics.
Last Friday, a day before their annual homecoming game, Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon resigned.
While attempting to avoid a shameless plug, the first person I heard call out the Athletic Director was my co host Michael Jasso (][V][ichigan ][V][ike's College Picks...week 5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=844AVy-3yuI).
Um...that was almost six weeks ago. And in between that show and Brandon's resignation, the students started voicing their displeasure. So much so that there was a real fear of a student boycott of homecoming. Well...we obviously saw that wasn't a necessary action to take, because they got their wish.
Ok ok...you were right again Momma....
But I digress.
On the field, the Wolverines responded with one of their most complete and dominate performances of the season, rolling Indiana 34-10 last Saturday afternoon. And in the process...Michigan looked like...Michigan. The Wolverines' defense smothered the nation's top running back, while doling out their own physical running game.
As good as the win felt...it does not erase, absolve, or save head coach Brady Hoke's job. That's a forgone conclusion. What is does is raise a tough question that new interim Athletic Director Jim Hackett must answer....regardless of whether or not Hoke gets to finish out the season.
To bowl or not to bowl?
Michigan (4-5) needs to win two of their last three to qualify for a bowl game this year. The last one being on the road...in the horseshoe...against Ohio State. So, it would behoove the Wolverines to win the next two (at Northwestern, vs Maryland).
But at what cost? To represent the block ][V][ in the Energizer Bunny Bowl against the 5th place Big 12 or 7th place SEC team?
Or should Michigan start their overhaul now, and put in the young players that will contribute next year?
Sophomore wide receiver Amara Darboh has star written all over him. He's a tough physical receiver that's already proving to have superglue on his gloves. He hauled in 9 catches for 107 yards and a td last week in his coming out party. He also has a knack of moving the chains with tough catches on third down.
Another young player who had a Homecoming coming out party was sophomore running back Drake Johnson, who ran for 122 yards and 2 tds. And it wasn't just the numbers, it was his violent style of running. That fella was running like he was tired of being buried on the depth chart. A very promising duo heading into next spring.
But at qb?
Embattled starter, and senior qb Devin Gardner has regressed right before our very eyes. It's well documented. But should being a senior give him the "right of passage" to finish out the season? After all, he technically gives the Wolverines their best chance to get to six wins.
Or does the new AD call for a change, to let one of the qb's that will be a part of team #136 finish out the season? By doing so Michigan would be waiving the preverbal white flag on any attempt to run the table. But they would also get a better assessment of their qb situation heading into next season.
Who should an AD try to please if he's wanting to remove the "interim" tag from his job title? The senior class that's endured so much under the Hoke regime? Or the new coaching staff in waiting?
One thing's for sure...the students on campus will let him know if they do not agree.
follow @plcolter
What she was relaying with that last line was not to be intimidated to voice my opinion...to stick up for what's right...even if I'm speaking to a person of authority. In a nutshell she was implying that everyone has to answer to somebody.
With my adolescent quick whit I fired back..."But what about the owner?"
Without searching for an answer she replied..."They have a boss too..."
The customer.
As it is in Corporate America, so it is with major collegiate athletics.
Last Friday, a day before their annual homecoming game, Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon resigned.
While attempting to avoid a shameless plug, the first person I heard call out the Athletic Director was my co host Michael Jasso (][V][ichigan ][V][ike's College Picks...week 5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=844AVy-3yuI).
Um...that was almost six weeks ago. And in between that show and Brandon's resignation, the students started voicing their displeasure. So much so that there was a real fear of a student boycott of homecoming. Well...we obviously saw that wasn't a necessary action to take, because they got their wish.
Ok ok...you were right again Momma....
But I digress.
On the field, the Wolverines responded with one of their most complete and dominate performances of the season, rolling Indiana 34-10 last Saturday afternoon. And in the process...Michigan looked like...Michigan. The Wolverines' defense smothered the nation's top running back, while doling out their own physical running game.
As good as the win felt...it does not erase, absolve, or save head coach Brady Hoke's job. That's a forgone conclusion. What is does is raise a tough question that new interim Athletic Director Jim Hackett must answer....regardless of whether or not Hoke gets to finish out the season.
To bowl or not to bowl?
Michigan (4-5) needs to win two of their last three to qualify for a bowl game this year. The last one being on the road...in the horseshoe...against Ohio State. So, it would behoove the Wolverines to win the next two (at Northwestern, vs Maryland).
But at what cost? To represent the block ][V][ in the Energizer Bunny Bowl against the 5th place Big 12 or 7th place SEC team?
Or should Michigan start their overhaul now, and put in the young players that will contribute next year?
Sophomore wide receiver Amara Darboh has star written all over him. He's a tough physical receiver that's already proving to have superglue on his gloves. He hauled in 9 catches for 107 yards and a td last week in his coming out party. He also has a knack of moving the chains with tough catches on third down.
Another young player who had a Homecoming coming out party was sophomore running back Drake Johnson, who ran for 122 yards and 2 tds. And it wasn't just the numbers, it was his violent style of running. That fella was running like he was tired of being buried on the depth chart. A very promising duo heading into next spring.
But at qb?
Embattled starter, and senior qb Devin Gardner has regressed right before our very eyes. It's well documented. But should being a senior give him the "right of passage" to finish out the season? After all, he technically gives the Wolverines their best chance to get to six wins.
Or does the new AD call for a change, to let one of the qb's that will be a part of team #136 finish out the season? By doing so Michigan would be waiving the preverbal white flag on any attempt to run the table. But they would also get a better assessment of their qb situation heading into next season.
Who should an AD try to please if he's wanting to remove the "interim" tag from his job title? The senior class that's endured so much under the Hoke regime? Or the new coaching staff in waiting?
One thing's for sure...the students on campus will let him know if they do not agree.
follow @plcolter
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Rivaly Week prank could be blessing in disguise for Michigan
By now we've all seen it, the vandalism of the beloved block M that's proudly displayed on Michigan's campus. Apparently, some Spartans fans though it would be a good idea to paint the block M green...then spray S.U. next to it. Someone is feeling pretty cocky heading into our annual showdown.
And for good reason.
Michigan State is rolling, entering the season as the reigning Rose Bowl champs. They're currently ranked 8th in the country, and looking to position themselves for a slot in the inaugural four team playoff at season's end.
The Wolverines are obviously trending in the opposite direction.
As a die hard Michigan fan, I wouldn't miss the game...regardless of the team's records. But after I saw that picture earlier this week, I was fired up like never before to see Michigan go to East Lansing and shut them up. I can only imagine how fired up the players are.
Michigan State better be careful. If you do not learn from history...you will be doomed to repeat it. Sports karma has a way of rearing it's ugly head.
And if you're Michigan...that's a good thing.
In 2007, Michigan came from behind to beat Michigan State 28-24. It was their sixth straight victory in the series. At the post game press conference, UM running back Mike Hart...who ate the Spartans for lunch that game...coined the now infamous phrase..."Michigan State is our little brother". In it's context, Hart was implying that big brothers always let the little brother take the lead in games...only to come back and rip their hearts out...no pun intended.
The comments did not sit well with the Spartan Nation.
In fact, when head coach Mark Dantonio heard those comments he fired back that "pride comes before the fall". As we look at the Wolverines program from 2008-present, those words prove eerie.
Which brings me back to block M gate.
After Mike Hart's little brother comments, the Spartans have won five of the last six from the Wolverines. But sports karma extends far beyond this rivalry. The early 80's Miami Hurricanes infamous army fatigues national championship game. The war reference and smugness about them turned the public off. Miami would up losing to Penn State, who was a heavy underdog. And who can forget LeBron James' now infamous proclamation of "not five...not six...not seven" when he joined the Heat in 2010.
He's now playing with the Cavaliers.
Be careful of the karma you put out there Michigan State. Don't get too cocky Mark Dantonio. You of all people should know that pride comes before the fall.
follow @plcolter.
And for good reason.
Michigan State is rolling, entering the season as the reigning Rose Bowl champs. They're currently ranked 8th in the country, and looking to position themselves for a slot in the inaugural four team playoff at season's end.
The Wolverines are obviously trending in the opposite direction.
As a die hard Michigan fan, I wouldn't miss the game...regardless of the team's records. But after I saw that picture earlier this week, I was fired up like never before to see Michigan go to East Lansing and shut them up. I can only imagine how fired up the players are.
Michigan State better be careful. If you do not learn from history...you will be doomed to repeat it. Sports karma has a way of rearing it's ugly head.
And if you're Michigan...that's a good thing.
In 2007, Michigan came from behind to beat Michigan State 28-24. It was their sixth straight victory in the series. At the post game press conference, UM running back Mike Hart...who ate the Spartans for lunch that game...coined the now infamous phrase..."Michigan State is our little brother". In it's context, Hart was implying that big brothers always let the little brother take the lead in games...only to come back and rip their hearts out...no pun intended.
The comments did not sit well with the Spartan Nation.
In fact, when head coach Mark Dantonio heard those comments he fired back that "pride comes before the fall". As we look at the Wolverines program from 2008-present, those words prove eerie.
Which brings me back to block M gate.
After Mike Hart's little brother comments, the Spartans have won five of the last six from the Wolverines. But sports karma extends far beyond this rivalry. The early 80's Miami Hurricanes infamous army fatigues national championship game. The war reference and smugness about them turned the public off. Miami would up losing to Penn State, who was a heavy underdog. And who can forget LeBron James' now infamous proclamation of "not five...not six...not seven" when he joined the Heat in 2010.
He's now playing with the Cavaliers.
Be careful of the karma you put out there Michigan State. Don't get too cocky Mark Dantonio. You of all people should know that pride comes before the fall.
follow @plcolter.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Titans face mirror image this Sunday
If there was an NFL counseling center for frustrated fans...and an anonymous fan...who did not disclose their team...stood and said the following...which team would you think they were a fan of?
"Ok, I didn't think we were Super Bowl contenders coming into the season...but I never envisioned a start like this. We got rid off our old head coach, and brought in a new offensive minded one. Our qb...who was injured most of last year...had a productive training camp and is healthy heading into week 1. We even brought in a couple of new toys via free agency for him. It seemed to be clicking in the preseason. I was excited, because our division isn't that strong anyway.
Now our qb is hurt...again, and our offense is hurting the team more than it's helping. We used to run the ball at will, but now we're one of the worst in the league in that area. And that ain't helping our back up qb one bit. We just can't seem to get out of our own way, and I literally have no clue what to expect on game day...regardless of the opponent."
Now...who is this person a fan of?
Folks in Nashville would say the Titans. In the DC / Maryland area they would say the Redskins. They're both right...and their teams just happen to play each other this week.
Tennessee (2-4) and Washington (1-5) will be looking into a mirror when they look across the field this Sunday afternoon. The Titans narrowly avoided a fifth straight loss last Sunday when they defeated Jacksonville. Now they will try to ensure that the Redskins do not avoid a five game skid of their own.
The similarities do not stop there.
Jake Locker and RGIII are kindred spirits. Both are fist round draft picks that are closer to the bust label than they are the qb of the future. Both are tough guys...which we admire, but neither can stay on the field...which is frustrating.
Both teams brought in new head coaches who were successful offensive coordinators last year. So far this season, the Redskins are 23rd in scoring offense, while the Titans are 28th. So it should come as no surprise that both teams are the worst...as in 31st and 32nd...in third down conversions the last three weeks.
Just bad all the way around.
Pay close attention to the body language of both teams this Sunday, especially as the game progresses. The Titans...and their fans...believe that they should beat the Redskins as currently constructed. The Redskins should and probably feel the same way about Tennessee. But...both teams have endured enough losing recently for a seed of doubt to still linger.
What happens when two teams that have a propensity to give games away face each other?
We'll find out Sunday. follow @plcolter
"Ok, I didn't think we were Super Bowl contenders coming into the season...but I never envisioned a start like this. We got rid off our old head coach, and brought in a new offensive minded one. Our qb...who was injured most of last year...had a productive training camp and is healthy heading into week 1. We even brought in a couple of new toys via free agency for him. It seemed to be clicking in the preseason. I was excited, because our division isn't that strong anyway.
Now our qb is hurt...again, and our offense is hurting the team more than it's helping. We used to run the ball at will, but now we're one of the worst in the league in that area. And that ain't helping our back up qb one bit. We just can't seem to get out of our own way, and I literally have no clue what to expect on game day...regardless of the opponent."
Now...who is this person a fan of?
Folks in Nashville would say the Titans. In the DC / Maryland area they would say the Redskins. They're both right...and their teams just happen to play each other this week.
Tennessee (2-4) and Washington (1-5) will be looking into a mirror when they look across the field this Sunday afternoon. The Titans narrowly avoided a fifth straight loss last Sunday when they defeated Jacksonville. Now they will try to ensure that the Redskins do not avoid a five game skid of their own.
The similarities do not stop there.
Jake Locker and RGIII are kindred spirits. Both are fist round draft picks that are closer to the bust label than they are the qb of the future. Both are tough guys...which we admire, but neither can stay on the field...which is frustrating.
Both teams brought in new head coaches who were successful offensive coordinators last year. So far this season, the Redskins are 23rd in scoring offense, while the Titans are 28th. So it should come as no surprise that both teams are the worst...as in 31st and 32nd...in third down conversions the last three weeks.
Just bad all the way around.
Pay close attention to the body language of both teams this Sunday, especially as the game progresses. The Titans...and their fans...believe that they should beat the Redskins as currently constructed. The Redskins should and probably feel the same way about Tennessee. But...both teams have endured enough losing recently for a seed of doubt to still linger.
What happens when two teams that have a propensity to give games away face each other?
We'll find out Sunday. follow @plcolter
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Friday, October 3, 2014
Final reset reset button for the Titans
Four games in, and the Tennessee Titans are 1-3...after playing three playoff teams from a year ago (KC, Cincy, Indy)...all on the road. And by the way, the Dallas Cowboys (3-1) look like a real contender this year.
A tough road out of the gate to say the least.
The Titans return to the Music City for a two game home stand. Cleveland...who is 2-22 in their last 24 road games, and Jacksonville...who is currently win less (0-4) this season...should be welcomed guests right?
Well...it depends on who you ask.
If you're a Titans fan...of course they are welcomed. This is the first time all season that fans feel good about the match up...so yes, a win...and all of the good feelings that come along with it are expected this week.
Translation...LP Field should be rocking Sunday afternoon.
But for coach Whisenhunt and the players, the last thing you want to see is a losing team come into your house and beat you. Especially with the way the season has unfolded so far. The last three games (losses) were brutal, but as bad as it was...no realistic Titans fan expected them to win. They were just disappointed in the lack of focus and execution.
But these next two games are not just critical, they could be franchise altering.
Let's get the obvious out of the way, a 1-4...or...(gulp)...1-5 start would all but eliminate the Titans from playoff contention this early in the season...and send fans away in droves as coach Whisenhint puts his "look to the future" roster on the field.
A great home schedule would be wasted.
It would also bring the Jake Locker era to an abrupt end. There would be zero incentive to keep a qb out there who you have no intention of bringing back next year. And more importantly, if Locker doesn't get things turned around quick, he may find himself completely out of the league next season. With the steady influx of quality college qb's each year, veteran backups are getting fewer and fewer camp invites.
Just ask Vince Young, Matt Leinart, and Tim Tebow...all out of the league in the prime of their careers.
But I digress.
To their credit, Titans fans have been patient with the rebuilding process...but even the most die hard fan would say that it's time to see some results. The first tangible evidence of an improved team is when they beat the teams they should beat. They may not pull off many upsets...but they do not get upset either.
We saw it with Arizona last year...they beat the teams they were supposed to beat...and just missed the playoffs. This year they are 3-0...with signature wins over the Chargers and 49ers. The foundation was laid last season, and their confidence grew as the wins piled up. If the Titans are really improved, if Whisenhunt is truly an upgrade over Munchak, then we must see evidence of a foundation. Tennessee should beat Cleveland this Sunday.
But the Titans go as qb Jake Locker goes. His entire four year career with the Titans can be summed up in his first four games this season.
Inconsistent and injured.
Good Jake? The Titans go on the road and beat down the Chiefs in their own back yard. Bad/Injured Jake? Well you know..Tennessee is looking to avoid a four game losing skid. Locker is set to return this Sunday, and no one can say with any certainty that they know what to expect. Titans fans just break out their dice...throw them against the wall...then turn on the game.
In two weeks Tennessees can either be 3-3 with three wins over AFC opponents, and right in the playoff mix. Or they could be 2-4...or 1-5...and looking toward the future...before the present ever gained traction.
Shaking my dice. follow @plcolter
A tough road out of the gate to say the least.
The Titans return to the Music City for a two game home stand. Cleveland...who is 2-22 in their last 24 road games, and Jacksonville...who is currently win less (0-4) this season...should be welcomed guests right?
Well...it depends on who you ask.
If you're a Titans fan...of course they are welcomed. This is the first time all season that fans feel good about the match up...so yes, a win...and all of the good feelings that come along with it are expected this week.
Translation...LP Field should be rocking Sunday afternoon.
But for coach Whisenhunt and the players, the last thing you want to see is a losing team come into your house and beat you. Especially with the way the season has unfolded so far. The last three games (losses) were brutal, but as bad as it was...no realistic Titans fan expected them to win. They were just disappointed in the lack of focus and execution.
But these next two games are not just critical, they could be franchise altering.
Let's get the obvious out of the way, a 1-4...or...(gulp)...1-5 start would all but eliminate the Titans from playoff contention this early in the season...and send fans away in droves as coach Whisenhint puts his "look to the future" roster on the field.
A great home schedule would be wasted.
It would also bring the Jake Locker era to an abrupt end. There would be zero incentive to keep a qb out there who you have no intention of bringing back next year. And more importantly, if Locker doesn't get things turned around quick, he may find himself completely out of the league next season. With the steady influx of quality college qb's each year, veteran backups are getting fewer and fewer camp invites.
Just ask Vince Young, Matt Leinart, and Tim Tebow...all out of the league in the prime of their careers.
But I digress.
To their credit, Titans fans have been patient with the rebuilding process...but even the most die hard fan would say that it's time to see some results. The first tangible evidence of an improved team is when they beat the teams they should beat. They may not pull off many upsets...but they do not get upset either.
We saw it with Arizona last year...they beat the teams they were supposed to beat...and just missed the playoffs. This year they are 3-0...with signature wins over the Chargers and 49ers. The foundation was laid last season, and their confidence grew as the wins piled up. If the Titans are really improved, if Whisenhunt is truly an upgrade over Munchak, then we must see evidence of a foundation. Tennessee should beat Cleveland this Sunday.
But the Titans go as qb Jake Locker goes. His entire four year career with the Titans can be summed up in his first four games this season.
Inconsistent and injured.
Good Jake? The Titans go on the road and beat down the Chiefs in their own back yard. Bad/Injured Jake? Well you know..Tennessee is looking to avoid a four game losing skid. Locker is set to return this Sunday, and no one can say with any certainty that they know what to expect. Titans fans just break out their dice...throw them against the wall...then turn on the game.
In two weeks Tennessees can either be 3-3 with three wins over AFC opponents, and right in the playoff mix. Or they could be 2-4...or 1-5...and looking toward the future...before the present ever gained traction.
Shaking my dice. follow @plcolter
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Early must win game for these NFL teams
One of the things we love most about the NFL is it's parody. Every fan base can embrace each new season with renewed optimism, regardless of what happened the previous year. Worst to first is not an NFL cliche...it's pretty much the norm now.
But for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Translation...
Recent history has shown that at least one of the twelve teams that made the playoffs a year ago won't make it back this season. After three games, these 2013 playoff teams are in serious jeopardy of being next if they don't pull off a victory this weekend.
Kansas City:
After three games, Kansas City looks more like the team that finished last year's regular season 2-5...not the one that started 9-0. Jamaal Charles, their best player, has been out....but no one cares. Half the league is down their running back. At 1-2, the Chiefs could be in trouble. Not only are they facing the Patriots this Monday night, but they're already behind division leading Denver and San Diego...both at 2-1. Another loss could bury them in the AFC Wildcard race....especially with games against the 49ers and Chargers the next two weeks.
Green Bay Packers:
Aaron Rogers and Company are also in a must win situation as they face Chicago...their bitter rival...this week. At 1-2, the Packers are a game behind the Bears (2-1). A loss would not only put the Packers two and a half games behind Chicago, but it would also drop them to 0-2 in their division. Both their loses have come to NFC teams (Seattle, Detroit), so an L this Sunday to another NFC opponent could put an early stranglehold on any tiebreaker advantage they may need when the season ends.
New Orleans Saints:
Yes, New Orleans (1-2) has been competitive in all of their games, but competitiveness isn't a criteria when it comes to playoff tiebreaker rules.
So again...no one cares.
The Saints travel to their dome away from home...Jerry World...for a prime time Sunday night match up with the new look Cowboys. Dallas' run game is for real, and the Saints struggle against the run. This could turn out to be very interesting. The Saints can ill afford to fall to 1-3. With Atlanta (2-1) looking like they're back, and Carolina (2-1) continuing to win, a third loss in four games could have the Saints playing catch up all year...instead of pitch and catch.
San Francisco 49ers
If the 49ers were in any other division they may have avoided this list, but the NFC West is too brutal to survive a 1-3 start...especially when you're already two and a half games behind division leading Arizona (3-0), and some team in Seattle (2-1) is also a game ahead. This week San Fran takes on the read hot Philadelphia Eagles (3-0). This game will come down to a test of tendencies. The Eagles have come from behind in every game this season. The 49ers blew leads in both their losses. One thing's for sure, San Fran better figure it out this week, or it's three loses to NFC teams...this early in the season.
It's these types of games that we forget when the season comes to a close, and a team that's playing well misses out, while a team that started strong limped in.
It's all about the tiebreakers.
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But for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Translation...
Recent history has shown that at least one of the twelve teams that made the playoffs a year ago won't make it back this season. After three games, these 2013 playoff teams are in serious jeopardy of being next if they don't pull off a victory this weekend.
Kansas City:
After three games, Kansas City looks more like the team that finished last year's regular season 2-5...not the one that started 9-0. Jamaal Charles, their best player, has been out....but no one cares. Half the league is down their running back. At 1-2, the Chiefs could be in trouble. Not only are they facing the Patriots this Monday night, but they're already behind division leading Denver and San Diego...both at 2-1. Another loss could bury them in the AFC Wildcard race....especially with games against the 49ers and Chargers the next two weeks.
Green Bay Packers:
Aaron Rogers and Company are also in a must win situation as they face Chicago...their bitter rival...this week. At 1-2, the Packers are a game behind the Bears (2-1). A loss would not only put the Packers two and a half games behind Chicago, but it would also drop them to 0-2 in their division. Both their loses have come to NFC teams (Seattle, Detroit), so an L this Sunday to another NFC opponent could put an early stranglehold on any tiebreaker advantage they may need when the season ends.
New Orleans Saints:
Yes, New Orleans (1-2) has been competitive in all of their games, but competitiveness isn't a criteria when it comes to playoff tiebreaker rules.
So again...no one cares.
The Saints travel to their dome away from home...Jerry World...for a prime time Sunday night match up with the new look Cowboys. Dallas' run game is for real, and the Saints struggle against the run. This could turn out to be very interesting. The Saints can ill afford to fall to 1-3. With Atlanta (2-1) looking like they're back, and Carolina (2-1) continuing to win, a third loss in four games could have the Saints playing catch up all year...instead of pitch and catch.
San Francisco 49ers
If the 49ers were in any other division they may have avoided this list, but the NFC West is too brutal to survive a 1-3 start...especially when you're already two and a half games behind division leading Arizona (3-0), and some team in Seattle (2-1) is also a game ahead. This week San Fran takes on the read hot Philadelphia Eagles (3-0). This game will come down to a test of tendencies. The Eagles have come from behind in every game this season. The 49ers blew leads in both their losses. One thing's for sure, San Fran better figure it out this week, or it's three loses to NFC teams...this early in the season.
It's these types of games that we forget when the season comes to a close, and a team that's playing well misses out, while a team that started strong limped in.
It's all about the tiebreakers.
follow @plcolter
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Jake Locker, Andy Dalton, and what could have been
The Tennessee Titans blew a golden opportunity to not only start 2-0 for the first time since it last made the playoffs in 08, but to also get an early two game cushion on the reigning AFC South champion Indianapolis Colts. A team they struggle with mightily.
Last week's loss to the Cowboys effectively ended the four month honeymoon between Titans fans and their embattled, and surgically repaired starting qb Jake Locker.
Throughout the preseason, Locker played brilliantly. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt heaped praise upon praise for Locker's commitment, and quick grasp of the new offense. In week 1, Locker was on his game, leading Tennessee to an impressive opening day road win over the Chiefs.
Last week? Well....
His 26 yard passing performance in the first half against Dallas ultimately did the Titans in. He missed several wide open receivers, which stalled drive after drive.
Locker settled down in the second half...throwing for over 200 yards and a td, but a couple of errant throws sealed the Titans fate. He finished with 238 yards for the game.
The Titans' quest for consecutive road wins is daunting, as the 2-0 Cincinnati Bengals await them this Sunday. Locker's quest for a bounce back performance is equally daunting, as the Bengals boast one of the most talented defenses in the league.
If that wasn't enough pressure, Locker will be facing Bengals qb Andy Dalton. And I'm sure that by game time someone will ask the Titans what could have been....
In 2011, Tennessee selected Jake Locker with the 8th overall pick of the first round. In the second round of that draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Andy Dalton. Since that time, the teams have gone in completely opposite directions.
One qb has led his team to three consecutive playoff appearances, and has a 115 million dollar contract extension to show for it. The other is playing out the last year of his deal, after his team said..."thanks, but no thanks" on an extension. And you can't blame Tennessee...Locker has rarely been on the field and the Titans haven't sniffed the playoffs since his arrival.
I'm sure that coach Whisenhunt will give the politically correct answers if asked to grade the two qb's at this point of their careers. But we all know that Whiz would take Dalton over Locker if given the choice. Looking back, I'm sure the Munchak regime wish they would have too.
But I digress.
This week, one qb will be playing with the confidence of security. He knows that, win or lose, he's the qb of the future. Meanwhile, Jake Locker is not only trying to win games, but he's also trying to extend his career.
So where's the happy medium?
Locker can take a queue from the qb that beat him last week, Tony Romo. Let's remember the previous week, Romo did his own team in with costly turnovers. All by trying to do too much. Against Tennessee, he resisted the temptation, and took what the defense gave him...which was gaping holes in the run game. Romo won by not beating his team, something we rarely see from him.
For the Titans to be successful this week, Locker will need to focus on just getting the win. And not whether he's in Dalton's class (pun intended) or not. Jake seemed to be set on a Locker - Romo shoot out at high noon last week, and looked jittery from the start. Romo was just trying to get to .500. I'm sure he'll take the win over a 500 yard passing day.
Tennessee has the best passing defense in the league so far this year, and has given up the fewest passing tds overall since 2013.
Let Dalton be their problem.
The Titans just need Jake to play ball, and not prove anything. It wasn't the stats that got Dalton the extension. It was the wins.
follow @plcolter
Last week's loss to the Cowboys effectively ended the four month honeymoon between Titans fans and their embattled, and surgically repaired starting qb Jake Locker.
Throughout the preseason, Locker played brilliantly. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt heaped praise upon praise for Locker's commitment, and quick grasp of the new offense. In week 1, Locker was on his game, leading Tennessee to an impressive opening day road win over the Chiefs.
Last week? Well....
His 26 yard passing performance in the first half against Dallas ultimately did the Titans in. He missed several wide open receivers, which stalled drive after drive.
Locker settled down in the second half...throwing for over 200 yards and a td, but a couple of errant throws sealed the Titans fate. He finished with 238 yards for the game.
The Titans' quest for consecutive road wins is daunting, as the 2-0 Cincinnati Bengals await them this Sunday. Locker's quest for a bounce back performance is equally daunting, as the Bengals boast one of the most talented defenses in the league.
If that wasn't enough pressure, Locker will be facing Bengals qb Andy Dalton. And I'm sure that by game time someone will ask the Titans what could have been....
In 2011, Tennessee selected Jake Locker with the 8th overall pick of the first round. In the second round of that draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Andy Dalton. Since that time, the teams have gone in completely opposite directions.
One qb has led his team to three consecutive playoff appearances, and has a 115 million dollar contract extension to show for it. The other is playing out the last year of his deal, after his team said..."thanks, but no thanks" on an extension. And you can't blame Tennessee...Locker has rarely been on the field and the Titans haven't sniffed the playoffs since his arrival.
I'm sure that coach Whisenhunt will give the politically correct answers if asked to grade the two qb's at this point of their careers. But we all know that Whiz would take Dalton over Locker if given the choice. Looking back, I'm sure the Munchak regime wish they would have too.
But I digress.
This week, one qb will be playing with the confidence of security. He knows that, win or lose, he's the qb of the future. Meanwhile, Jake Locker is not only trying to win games, but he's also trying to extend his career.
So where's the happy medium?
Locker can take a queue from the qb that beat him last week, Tony Romo. Let's remember the previous week, Romo did his own team in with costly turnovers. All by trying to do too much. Against Tennessee, he resisted the temptation, and took what the defense gave him...which was gaping holes in the run game. Romo won by not beating his team, something we rarely see from him.
For the Titans to be successful this week, Locker will need to focus on just getting the win. And not whether he's in Dalton's class (pun intended) or not. Jake seemed to be set on a Locker - Romo shoot out at high noon last week, and looked jittery from the start. Romo was just trying to get to .500. I'm sure he'll take the win over a 500 yard passing day.
Tennessee has the best passing defense in the league so far this year, and has given up the fewest passing tds overall since 2013.
Let Dalton be their problem.
The Titans just need Jake to play ball, and not prove anything. It wasn't the stats that got Dalton the extension. It was the wins.
follow @plcolter
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Titans get 2nd chance to make first impression
There's an age old saying..."You never get a second chance to make a first impression". While that saying still holds true in a variety of life's arenas, it doesn't apply to the 2014 Tennessee Titans.
Let's be honest. If we polled 1,000 casual football fans in non NFL cities...and asked them who is the team they know the least about...I'm willing to bet the Titans would be unanimously mentioned in the top three, if not number one.
It's simple math.
Small market city + 0 marketable superstars + 0 playoff appearances in over five years = you're buried in the noon time slot every week....and don't even think about asking for a prime time slot.
Although Tennesseans are relatively new to professional football, it's SEC roots go back generations. It's a football savvy town...so they get it. They just set their schedules around the noon games each Sunday. Nobody cares about professional Tennessee football but them, and they're perfectly ok with that.
Case in point....
Last week, the Titans not only spanked Vegas as underdogs, but they thoroughly dominated a playoff team from a year ago. An opponent that...at one point...won 9 straight games last year. Tennessee's offense, which was one of the best in the league during the preseason, put up 26 points and over 400 yards of total offense.
They dominated time of possession, and forced Chiefs qb Alex Smith into 3 interceptions. Something he hasn't done in five years. To put the proverbial cherry on top...the defense...which was abysmal during the preseason...shut down one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the league in Jamaal Charles.
Few noticed...and fewer cared. As a Dallas resident, I surfed one sports channel after another, only to find mere snippets of the Titans victory.
But that will all change this week.
Yes...the Titans still play at noon this Sunday, but their opponent will thrust them into the national spotlight....for better or worse.
Yep...it's Cowboys week.
No matter the record...who they play...or where they play...the Dallas Cowboys will be the lead story when the post game highlights kick off. Coincidentally, so will the Titans.
Last week Tennessee was overlooked by the national pundits, but all of the heavyweight journalists that cover the league will be in downtown Nashville this Sunday. That's great for my hometown by the way. They will certainly enjoy the country cuisine.
But I digress.
Tennessee has an opportunity to reintroduce themselves to the league this Sunday.
Let's do the math.
Victory over America's team, + 2-0 start, = national pundits giving your new attitude team a garner of respect. Plenty of cities that do not have NFL teams nearby get the Cowboys game each week. It was the same in Nashville prior to the Titans arrival.
With little national exposure this season, Tennessee can leave a first..but lasting impression on the casual fan with a victory over Dallas. A loss, and well.....at least they're in the lead highlights for a day or two.
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Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Titans face wounded animal in week 1
Ask any NFL player around the league and they'll say the same thing...."Actually, I don't read the papers, or watch ESPN, or get on social media. I have no clue what people are saying. I'm just focusing on...."
Raise your hand if you believe that.
I understand the rationale behind the answer, because it's mostly asked in reference to negative press. But what if the things you're reading actually slant in your favor? If you're the Tennessee Titans...you better stop reading.....
Now.
Coming into their season opener, the Titans...if they are reading...must like what they are seeing. They see the Chiefs' best receiver being suspended for the game. They see a team with a depleted offensive line, and injury riddled receiving corps. They see a team that lost one it's best defensive backs, and they now have a player in Dexter McCluster that basically did it all for their opponent the previous season.
If they are watching tv or listening to the radio the Titans are hearing one national pundit after another pick Kansas City as the team least likely to return to the playoffs. I even heard Stephen A Smith recently say that the 2013 Chiefs were the worst 9-0 team he's ever seen.
The worst?
Kansas City did all it could to earn the bad rap, losing 5 of their last seven regular season games, and blowing a 38-10 lead in the wild card round.
Add that all up, and you will have a very ticked off and fired up opponent Sunday afternoon. An opponent that plays in one of the rowdiest stadiums in the league. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will have his team ready to play.
And by the way, Jamaal Charles will be playing.
Tennessee should benefit from the element of surprise this week, as head coach / play caller Ken Whisenhunt rolls out his new scheme for the first time. Coach Whiz also has the benefit of familiarity, having played the Chiefs twice last year as San Diego's offensive coordinator.
It all comes down to Jamaal Charles. We've seen him carry his offensive on the ground and through the air on several occasions. He's healthy and fully capable of doing it on Sunday. We've also witnessed a Titans first team defense give up td's with little resistance this preseason.
The Titans offense looked great this preseason, and should be the most talented unit on the field Sunday. If a shoot out at high noon were to occur, the chances for an upset increases.
For Tennessee's sake, I hope they did stay away from all of the Chiefs bashing. They should look at Kansas City as a playoff team from a year ago, that came into their house last year and won. A team with a good head coach, and true home field advantage.
A team just like you, not predicted to do much...and looking to prove people wrong.
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Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Not just an opener for Brady Hoke, Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines are set to unveil team number 135 this Saturday at high noon. After a disappointing 2013 season, college football's all time leader in wins look to re-establish the "Michigan Way"...which is to dominate the line of scrimmage, run the ball at will, and play sound defense.
All three of those things were lacking last year, putting head coach Brady Hoke squarely on the hot seat this season.
The win over Ohio State, and subsequent Sugar Bowl victory, have faded to the back of the minds of staunch supporters. And they have every right to feel that way. Michigan is all about Big Ten titles, high profile bowl games, and National Championships. That standard will never change...regardless of the length of the drought.
And the irony of all of this, Michigan's opening opponent is responsible for bringing Hoke to Ann Arbor in the first place. And they can also be the reason he goes.
Appalachian State.
In the 2007 opener, 5th ranked Michigan...fresh off an 11-2 season...lost to Division II App State. The fallout was severe. Head coach Lloyd Carr resigned at the end of what turned out to be a successful season, and the Rich Rodriguez era began.
As a Michigan fan...I must digress on the Rich Rod era.
Hoke came in shortly after, and immediately restored Michigan back to respectability. But now it's time for him to push the Wolverines back into the elite realm.
Senior qb Devin Gardner can do it all if given the protection, and an upgrade at the offensive coordinator position has the Maize and Blue optimistic. Player to player, this should be a blowout. Vegas seems to agree.
This game, because of the opponent, can be a perfect opportunity for coach Hoke to not only keep Michigan's post season hopes alive...but to also exorcise the demons of that September afternoon in 2007.
A loss...and well....we start all over again from the top.
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All three of those things were lacking last year, putting head coach Brady Hoke squarely on the hot seat this season.
The win over Ohio State, and subsequent Sugar Bowl victory, have faded to the back of the minds of staunch supporters. And they have every right to feel that way. Michigan is all about Big Ten titles, high profile bowl games, and National Championships. That standard will never change...regardless of the length of the drought.
And the irony of all of this, Michigan's opening opponent is responsible for bringing Hoke to Ann Arbor in the first place. And they can also be the reason he goes.
Appalachian State.
In the 2007 opener, 5th ranked Michigan...fresh off an 11-2 season...lost to Division II App State. The fallout was severe. Head coach Lloyd Carr resigned at the end of what turned out to be a successful season, and the Rich Rodriguez era began.
As a Michigan fan...I must digress on the Rich Rod era.
Hoke came in shortly after, and immediately restored Michigan back to respectability. But now it's time for him to push the Wolverines back into the elite realm.
Senior qb Devin Gardner can do it all if given the protection, and an upgrade at the offensive coordinator position has the Maize and Blue optimistic. Player to player, this should be a blowout. Vegas seems to agree.
This game, because of the opponent, can be a perfect opportunity for coach Hoke to not only keep Michigan's post season hopes alive...but to also exorcise the demons of that September afternoon in 2007.
A loss...and well....we start all over again from the top.
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Monday, August 25, 2014
Titans preseason...what we know so far
Prior to the start of training camp, a reputable pro football magazine released it's annual NFL preseason power rankings. The Tennessee Titans were ranked 30th out of 32 teams.
Wow.
Although I was surprised the Titans were ranked so low, the non homer fan in me tried to look at the assessment objectively. After all, with so much turnover on the coaching staff, no one really knew what to expect.
On the field, the Titans lack "one name" players. Peyton, Megatron, Dez, ect. Their starting qb is playing on a one year deal, and they took an offensive lineman of all things with the 11th overall pick in this year's draft. Without the luxury of seeing the new look Titans on the field, 30th was a safe call.
Now that the team's game 3 dress rehearsal is complete, lets reassess that 30th power ranking.
After 3 preseason games, the three most potent offenses in the league so far are Philadelphia, New England, and New Orleans. Not exactly a shocker right?
But number four is...yep....Tennessee.
Now, before you dismiss this as a meaningless abstract preseason stat...please consider the following......
1. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt made his name in this league calling plays. He was the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl Champion Steelers, and led the Arizona Cardinals.....the Cardinals.....to their first Super Bowl appearance.
The Cardinals....
And they did it with an explosive offense. Yes, the Cardinals had Hall of Fame qb Kurt Warner that year. But lets not forget that Warner was considered washed up in his previous stint in New York. He kinda just landed in Arizona to extend his career.
Digressing.....
In addition to all of that, coach Whiz...as the offensive coordinator in San Diego last year...finished with the 5th best offense in the league. The year before they were one of the worst in the league in that category.
2. Jake Locker looks like the qb from the first four games last year. If you recall, Tennessee was racking up wins at a playoff pace prior to Locker going down. His qb rating was over 100 at the time.
After 3 preseason games, Locker boasts a rating of 119.9, 4th in the AFC. He's checked the ball down well, and seems to have a good grasp of the new offense. His back ups, especially rookie sixth round pick Zach Mettenberger, have been just as impressive. He boasts a qb rating of 97.9, and leads the entire league in preseason passing yards, all while leading two second half comeback performances.
Second year wide receiver Justin Hunter seems to be making the leap this summer. His preseason performance assures the coaching staff that number 1 wr Kendall Wright will have a credible compliment on the outside this year. That would allow aging veteran Nate Washington to move into the slot role.
And speaking of aging veterans....well what do you know...a Shonn Greene sighting. That man is running the ball like Tennessee took a running back high in this year's draft.
No wait...they did.
Rookie second round pick Bishop Sankey has shown some flashes, as well as an encouraging nose for the end zone. But his fumbles are a concern. I'd also like to see his production against consistent first team defense caliber talent.
The X factor in all of this is flex back Dexter McCluster. Find another sentence with that many "x's" in it.
Ok...digressing.....
What intrigues me about McCluster is just how conspicuous the Titans were in not showing anything with him. He did a swing pass here, a draw play there, but nothing that his talent...and free agent salary...would warrant. That leads me to believe that coach Whiz has some special things in place for McCluster that he doesn't want on film until it's too late.
All in all, very impressed with that side of the ball.
On defense? Well...what was that preseason ranking again?
This unit has been down right terrible, especially the first unit. Every opposing team took their opening drive right down the field and scored....with no resistance. And before you point out that Tennessee played Green Bay and New Orleans the first two games, Aaron Rogers and Drew Brees did not play.
That's even scarier.
Not pressuring the qb, not getting turnovers, not getting off the field on third downs, missing open field tackles, the list goes on and on. Team IQ was one of the things we were looking for this preseason, and the eye in the sky don't lie. It looks like the defense is having a hard time grasping defensive coordinator Ray Horton's new 3-4 scheme.
Horton better do something...anything...and quick. Until then, if you own a Chiefs player in fantasy football not named Dwayne Bowe, start him week 1.
Tennessee is not there yet by any means, but signs are pointing up. At worse, we can officially say the Titans are not the third worst looking team in the league so far. In fact, I'd like to see that preseason power ranking updated at the conclusion of this week's games.
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Wow.
Although I was surprised the Titans were ranked so low, the non homer fan in me tried to look at the assessment objectively. After all, with so much turnover on the coaching staff, no one really knew what to expect.
On the field, the Titans lack "one name" players. Peyton, Megatron, Dez, ect. Their starting qb is playing on a one year deal, and they took an offensive lineman of all things with the 11th overall pick in this year's draft. Without the luxury of seeing the new look Titans on the field, 30th was a safe call.
Now that the team's game 3 dress rehearsal is complete, lets reassess that 30th power ranking.
After 3 preseason games, the three most potent offenses in the league so far are Philadelphia, New England, and New Orleans. Not exactly a shocker right?
But number four is...yep....Tennessee.
Now, before you dismiss this as a meaningless abstract preseason stat...please consider the following......
1. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt made his name in this league calling plays. He was the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl Champion Steelers, and led the Arizona Cardinals.....the Cardinals.....to their first Super Bowl appearance.
The Cardinals....
And they did it with an explosive offense. Yes, the Cardinals had Hall of Fame qb Kurt Warner that year. But lets not forget that Warner was considered washed up in his previous stint in New York. He kinda just landed in Arizona to extend his career.
Digressing.....
In addition to all of that, coach Whiz...as the offensive coordinator in San Diego last year...finished with the 5th best offense in the league. The year before they were one of the worst in the league in that category.
2. Jake Locker looks like the qb from the first four games last year. If you recall, Tennessee was racking up wins at a playoff pace prior to Locker going down. His qb rating was over 100 at the time.
After 3 preseason games, Locker boasts a rating of 119.9, 4th in the AFC. He's checked the ball down well, and seems to have a good grasp of the new offense. His back ups, especially rookie sixth round pick Zach Mettenberger, have been just as impressive. He boasts a qb rating of 97.9, and leads the entire league in preseason passing yards, all while leading two second half comeback performances.
Second year wide receiver Justin Hunter seems to be making the leap this summer. His preseason performance assures the coaching staff that number 1 wr Kendall Wright will have a credible compliment on the outside this year. That would allow aging veteran Nate Washington to move into the slot role.
And speaking of aging veterans....well what do you know...a Shonn Greene sighting. That man is running the ball like Tennessee took a running back high in this year's draft.
No wait...they did.
Rookie second round pick Bishop Sankey has shown some flashes, as well as an encouraging nose for the end zone. But his fumbles are a concern. I'd also like to see his production against consistent first team defense caliber talent.
The X factor in all of this is flex back Dexter McCluster. Find another sentence with that many "x's" in it.
Ok...digressing.....
What intrigues me about McCluster is just how conspicuous the Titans were in not showing anything with him. He did a swing pass here, a draw play there, but nothing that his talent...and free agent salary...would warrant. That leads me to believe that coach Whiz has some special things in place for McCluster that he doesn't want on film until it's too late.
All in all, very impressed with that side of the ball.
On defense? Well...what was that preseason ranking again?
This unit has been down right terrible, especially the first unit. Every opposing team took their opening drive right down the field and scored....with no resistance. And before you point out that Tennessee played Green Bay and New Orleans the first two games, Aaron Rogers and Drew Brees did not play.
That's even scarier.
Not pressuring the qb, not getting turnovers, not getting off the field on third downs, missing open field tackles, the list goes on and on. Team IQ was one of the things we were looking for this preseason, and the eye in the sky don't lie. It looks like the defense is having a hard time grasping defensive coordinator Ray Horton's new 3-4 scheme.
Horton better do something...anything...and quick. Until then, if you own a Chiefs player in fantasy football not named Dwayne Bowe, start him week 1.
Tennessee is not there yet by any means, but signs are pointing up. At worse, we can officially say the Titans are not the third worst looking team in the league so far. In fact, I'd like to see that preseason power ranking updated at the conclusion of this week's games.
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Saturday, August 16, 2014
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Titans: What fans should watch for in tonight's game
Well Titans fans, the wait is over. Football is back....tonight! For the casual, and dare I say...cynical fan base, I completely understand your rationale in saying...
"Wake me up when the regular season starts."
After all, from what we've seen in the preseason so far, there will be little to no star power on the field for either team tonight. If you're ten minutes late you will miss Packers qb Aaron Rogers all together, if he even suits up. And that goes for the rest of the Green Bay stars.
But the Titans are in a unique situation this season. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt is completely overhauling the playbook on both sides of the ball....and with only 4 games to get it fully installed, expect to see starters play a little more than most teams. He also made a shrewd move in not publicly releasing an official depth chart so far in training camp.
But he will tonight...on the field.
With so much curiosity and intrigue, the Titans have enough story lines to keep you watching up until at least the 4th quarter. We'll highlight some of the bigger ones.
Team IQ:
The Titans have done the same thing for so long that we really don't know if this is a "smart" team. We'll get our first look at just how well they are picking up the new offense and defense. Casual fans should look for two things in that regard.
1. Cohesiveness on offense: Is the qb getting pummeled because the offensive line / running backs are missing their blocking assignments? Is the qb throwing the ball up the field when the receiver cut toward the sideline? Can the Titans get into an offensive rhythm? If you see a ton of punts, then the answer is no.
2. Blown assignments on defense: You can usually tell that happened when the opposing player is running free (with no Titans defenders around him) in the passing game. That is also the case when a rb runs for several yards before being contacted by a Titans defender.
The Titans were quietly the 11th best pass defense in the league last year...while playing the likes of Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck (twice), Rivers, Roethlisberger, Kaepernick, and Wilson. New defensive coordinator Ray Horton is top five in the league at his position. A very encouraging combination. Of course there will be some errors tonight (we have to reasonably allot for a learning curve), but the fewer the better.
By the way, you heard it here first, cornerback Jason McCourty will make the Bro Bowl this year.
But I digress.
Whitehurst vs Mettenberger:
When Jake Locker is your starting qb, then you must start at the back up qb position. The last two years, backup qbs played a ton of games for the Titans. If that's the case this year, then one of these two will be leading our offense. Whitehurst...aka..."Clipboard Jesus" was one of the first free agents brought on by coach Whiz. He hasn't played a meaningful NFL down since the last time I have, but at least he knows the new offense already.
Mettenberger, rookie qb out of LSU, was the first qb drafted by Whiz as the Titans coach. Both have a strong arm, and both will be given plenty of opportunities to knock each other off as starting qb in waiting this year....I mean...back up to Locker.
The new rb rotation:
For the last several years the Titans rb rotation was...CJ left...CJ right...CJ up the middle....then sprinkle in a VY or Locker qb scramble. This season will be the first running back by committee approach since Tennessee's smash and dash (White, CJ) combo in 2008.
Enter free agent rb Dexter McCluster and rookie rb Bishop Sankey. Both bring different things to the table, and both are said to be great receivers out of the backfield. Returning rb Shonn Greene is finally healthy and has received good feedback since returning. His style is more suited for short yardage and goal line situations.
But keep a close eye on returning bruiser Jackie Battle. He tore up opposing defenses in last year's preseason, and has been lighting up opposing Titans defenders all camp. He'll have the benefit of getting a ton of reps against third and fourth string competition, and can potentially make life miserable for Greene...who plays the exact same style...but with a much heftier salary.
Receiver Depth:
Do the Titans have any? They are certainly set with starters Kendall Wright, Nate Washington, and Justin Hunter.
After that? Hmm.....
In order for coach Whiz's passing game to be truly successful, he will need some role players to step up. And since we have no clue who's where on the depth chart behind the above listed three, we'll have to wait until the second half...another reason to keep watching.
"Welcome back football" ~ TitanNation
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"Wake me up when the regular season starts."
After all, from what we've seen in the preseason so far, there will be little to no star power on the field for either team tonight. If you're ten minutes late you will miss Packers qb Aaron Rogers all together, if he even suits up. And that goes for the rest of the Green Bay stars.
But the Titans are in a unique situation this season. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt is completely overhauling the playbook on both sides of the ball....and with only 4 games to get it fully installed, expect to see starters play a little more than most teams. He also made a shrewd move in not publicly releasing an official depth chart so far in training camp.
But he will tonight...on the field.
With so much curiosity and intrigue, the Titans have enough story lines to keep you watching up until at least the 4th quarter. We'll highlight some of the bigger ones.
Team IQ:
The Titans have done the same thing for so long that we really don't know if this is a "smart" team. We'll get our first look at just how well they are picking up the new offense and defense. Casual fans should look for two things in that regard.
1. Cohesiveness on offense: Is the qb getting pummeled because the offensive line / running backs are missing their blocking assignments? Is the qb throwing the ball up the field when the receiver cut toward the sideline? Can the Titans get into an offensive rhythm? If you see a ton of punts, then the answer is no.
2. Blown assignments on defense: You can usually tell that happened when the opposing player is running free (with no Titans defenders around him) in the passing game. That is also the case when a rb runs for several yards before being contacted by a Titans defender.
The Titans were quietly the 11th best pass defense in the league last year...while playing the likes of Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck (twice), Rivers, Roethlisberger, Kaepernick, and Wilson. New defensive coordinator Ray Horton is top five in the league at his position. A very encouraging combination. Of course there will be some errors tonight (we have to reasonably allot for a learning curve), but the fewer the better.
By the way, you heard it here first, cornerback Jason McCourty will make the Bro Bowl this year.
But I digress.
Whitehurst vs Mettenberger:
When Jake Locker is your starting qb, then you must start at the back up qb position. The last two years, backup qbs played a ton of games for the Titans. If that's the case this year, then one of these two will be leading our offense. Whitehurst...aka..."Clipboard Jesus" was one of the first free agents brought on by coach Whiz. He hasn't played a meaningful NFL down since the last time I have, but at least he knows the new offense already.
Mettenberger, rookie qb out of LSU, was the first qb drafted by Whiz as the Titans coach. Both have a strong arm, and both will be given plenty of opportunities to knock each other off as starting qb in waiting this year....I mean...back up to Locker.
The new rb rotation:
For the last several years the Titans rb rotation was...CJ left...CJ right...CJ up the middle....then sprinkle in a VY or Locker qb scramble. This season will be the first running back by committee approach since Tennessee's smash and dash (White, CJ) combo in 2008.
Enter free agent rb Dexter McCluster and rookie rb Bishop Sankey. Both bring different things to the table, and both are said to be great receivers out of the backfield. Returning rb Shonn Greene is finally healthy and has received good feedback since returning. His style is more suited for short yardage and goal line situations.
But keep a close eye on returning bruiser Jackie Battle. He tore up opposing defenses in last year's preseason, and has been lighting up opposing Titans defenders all camp. He'll have the benefit of getting a ton of reps against third and fourth string competition, and can potentially make life miserable for Greene...who plays the exact same style...but with a much heftier salary.
Receiver Depth:
Do the Titans have any? They are certainly set with starters Kendall Wright, Nate Washington, and Justin Hunter.
After that? Hmm.....
In order for coach Whiz's passing game to be truly successful, he will need some role players to step up. And since we have no clue who's where on the depth chart behind the above listed three, we'll have to wait until the second half...another reason to keep watching.
"Welcome back football" ~ TitanNation
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Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Locker's gain, Titans pain?
The Tennessee Titans new era kicks off Saturday night when the Green Bay Packers pay a visit to the Music City. Fans will be eager to get a glimpse of all the new faces, but there is a returning face that every Titans eyeball will be glued to...at least for the first 15 offensive plays or so.
Jake Locker.
Heading into the final year of his contract, starting qb Jake Locker states that he is healthy and ready to go. As with most teams, the Titans go as Locker goes. When he was playing error free football to start the season, Tennessee flourished. But injuries once again derailed Locker's season, and Tennessee's along with it.
But what happens if..in his final year...Locker pulls it all together, stays healthy for a full season, and leads his team to a playoff birth?
Well...two things would happen.
1. You'd have a rejuvenated fan base.
2. You'd have a very uneasy front office.
Since being drafted 8th in the 2011 draft, Locker has only played in 23 games. And those 23 performances were...well....pretty average. But what happens if coach Whisenhunt can work his magic on Locker? What if it was just as simple as coaching...and Locker has a break out year in 2014?
What do you do with him then?
Locker's body of work does not warrant a lucrative long term extension, at least not to date. He can't even stay on the field. And it's not a recurring injury either, it's always something different...and serious. But let's be honest, making the playoffs for the first time since 2008 could cloud some things. Especially if Locker becomes coach Whiz's guy.
From a front office perspective, it would be much less of a headache if Locker fails. He plays out his contract, he's gone at the end of the season, and you can find you a new one in the draft or free agency.
A comeback player of the year type of campaign would be a nightmare.
The media (me included) would jump all over Locker's contract status, and the weekly "has he done enough to earn an extension" debates would dominate Titans headquarters. Players will be asked, the coach, the GM, and so on.
A complete soap opera.
And the Andy Dalton contract did Tennessee no favors either. The market has been set for second tier qb's with no playoff success. Tennessee and Locker's agent will duke it out, and franchising him at the average top 5 qb salaries would be a strenuous option as well.
From a front office perspective, I would give serious pause to another long term deal with a player that has that kind of injury history...regardless of the outcome this year. Then again, making the playoffs could cloud some things, especially if it's because of Locker's play.
The coach wants to win..and if he's winning...we's gonna want his qb that got him there.
In other words....a potential headache could be looming for the organization.
But if the end result is a playoff birth this year, I'm sure that all parties involved will be willing to cross that bridge when they come to it.
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Jake Locker.
Heading into the final year of his contract, starting qb Jake Locker states that he is healthy and ready to go. As with most teams, the Titans go as Locker goes. When he was playing error free football to start the season, Tennessee flourished. But injuries once again derailed Locker's season, and Tennessee's along with it.
But what happens if..in his final year...Locker pulls it all together, stays healthy for a full season, and leads his team to a playoff birth?
Well...two things would happen.
1. You'd have a rejuvenated fan base.
2. You'd have a very uneasy front office.
Since being drafted 8th in the 2011 draft, Locker has only played in 23 games. And those 23 performances were...well....pretty average. But what happens if coach Whisenhunt can work his magic on Locker? What if it was just as simple as coaching...and Locker has a break out year in 2014?
What do you do with him then?
Locker's body of work does not warrant a lucrative long term extension, at least not to date. He can't even stay on the field. And it's not a recurring injury either, it's always something different...and serious. But let's be honest, making the playoffs for the first time since 2008 could cloud some things. Especially if Locker becomes coach Whiz's guy.
From a front office perspective, it would be much less of a headache if Locker fails. He plays out his contract, he's gone at the end of the season, and you can find you a new one in the draft or free agency.
A comeback player of the year type of campaign would be a nightmare.
The media (me included) would jump all over Locker's contract status, and the weekly "has he done enough to earn an extension" debates would dominate Titans headquarters. Players will be asked, the coach, the GM, and so on.
A complete soap opera.
And the Andy Dalton contract did Tennessee no favors either. The market has been set for second tier qb's with no playoff success. Tennessee and Locker's agent will duke it out, and franchising him at the average top 5 qb salaries would be a strenuous option as well.
From a front office perspective, I would give serious pause to another long term deal with a player that has that kind of injury history...regardless of the outcome this year. Then again, making the playoffs could cloud some things, especially if it's because of Locker's play.
The coach wants to win..and if he's winning...we's gonna want his qb that got him there.
In other words....a potential headache could be looming for the organization.
But if the end result is a playoff birth this year, I'm sure that all parties involved will be willing to cross that bridge when they come to it.
follow @plcolter
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Paul George injury puts these NFL teams on notice
By now we've all seen it...the gruesome leg injury suffered by Indiana Pacers star Paul George. An all NBA caliber talent is now lost for the foreseeable future...for the upcoming season for sure. This unfortunate injury, coupled with the departure of Lance Stephenson (their 2nd best player), effectively turned the Pacers into lottery participants next season.
This time a year ago, Indiana and their fan base were optimistic about their future. They were a game away from dethroning King James and his Miami Heat in the previous Eastern Conference Finals, and Paul George's brilliant play made him the toast of the town.
This year the Pacers showed that they were ill equipped to handle the pressure of being the hunted, failing to beat Miami again this year...even with home court advantage. Bickering, finger pointing, and locker room foolishness (since I don't do smut, you can Google Roy Hibbert / Paul George for the details) led to an epic collapse to end the season.
But still...fans in Indiana remained optimistic. After all, LeBron's decision dismantled the Big 3, putting every Eastern Conference challenger back in play.
Then came the injury...and just like that....SLAM!!!
Championship windows are a fragile thing. They can't be bribed with contract extensions or draft picks, and they don't have to give you a warning before it shuts. You simply have to climb through it when you know it's open. Some could argue that Indiana took theirs for granted.
A tough lesson learned.
With the NFL preseason officially kicking off tonight, these four playoff teams from a year ago should pay close attention to the Pacers' story.
Carolina Panthers:
Last season the Carolina Panthers reached the playoffs for the first time in the Cam Newton Era, aided by a strong running game, top 10 defense, and a matured Newton. Posting a 12-4 record, Carolina fell...at home..to the 49ers in last year's playoffs.
This year Carolina will have their work cut out for them to post a similar record this year. The Panthers benefited from the Falcons and Bucs bottoming out last season, leading to a 5-1 division record. But Atlanta figures to be back at full strength, and Tampa Bay is quietly acquiring play makers for new head coach Lovie Smith. Carolina is young and talented, but they need to strike now...before the division catches back up to them.
Cincinnati Bengals:
A lethal young qb - wr combination in Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, and a stingy top 5 defense, led to a quiet 11-5 record and playoff appearance for last year's Bengals. And heading into this season, that window appears to be crystal clear for a Cincinnati team that's young and full of talent.
That's what the Pacers thought too, but I digress.
Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the resident bullies of the block, are starting to look old and punch drunk from all of their physical encounters over the years. They both will have to overhaul their rosters soon. Cleveland is making all the right moves, but are still a year away. Now is the time for Cincinnati. Head coach Marvin Lewis has to win a playoff game this year.
Kansas City Chiefs:
Last year the Chiefs came out of nowhere, posting an 11-5 record after going 2-14 the year before. After losing to the Colts in last year's wild...wild card round shootout, Chiefs fans were pleasantly surprised and certainly optimistic heading into this season.
Kansas City won their first nine games last year, but struggled heading down the stretch. This year a similar start seems unlikely, with the Chiefs facing the Broncos, Patriots, and 49ers their first five weeks. They struggled in their own division last year (2-4), and this year they draw the NFC West...and their brutal teams. We're about to find out if a window even exists for the upstart Chiefs.
Philadelphia Eagles:
Last year the Eagles stormed to the finish line with a 7-1 run, and with that, a division title. They were also a missed field goal kick away from advancing in last years playoffs. It took a while to gel, but once it did, the Eagles offense exploded...finishing as the top rushing offense in the league. The Chip Kelley experiment was a huge success.
This year Philly will be the hunted.
That should be the only road block for the Eagles, how they handle being the hunted. Philly is not only afforded the luxury of playing in the weakest division in their own conference, they also draw the AFC's weakest division...the AFC South.
They should have the inside track for home field advantage with Seattle, San Francisco, Green Bay, Chicago, New Orleans, and Carolina all having to duke it out with each other.
There is a golden opportunity laid out for these teams. Whenever they feel a lack of urgency, they should think about Paul George...and the Pacers.
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This time a year ago, Indiana and their fan base were optimistic about their future. They were a game away from dethroning King James and his Miami Heat in the previous Eastern Conference Finals, and Paul George's brilliant play made him the toast of the town.
This year the Pacers showed that they were ill equipped to handle the pressure of being the hunted, failing to beat Miami again this year...even with home court advantage. Bickering, finger pointing, and locker room foolishness (since I don't do smut, you can Google Roy Hibbert / Paul George for the details) led to an epic collapse to end the season.
But still...fans in Indiana remained optimistic. After all, LeBron's decision dismantled the Big 3, putting every Eastern Conference challenger back in play.
Then came the injury...and just like that....SLAM!!!
Championship windows are a fragile thing. They can't be bribed with contract extensions or draft picks, and they don't have to give you a warning before it shuts. You simply have to climb through it when you know it's open. Some could argue that Indiana took theirs for granted.
A tough lesson learned.
With the NFL preseason officially kicking off tonight, these four playoff teams from a year ago should pay close attention to the Pacers' story.
Carolina Panthers:
Last season the Carolina Panthers reached the playoffs for the first time in the Cam Newton Era, aided by a strong running game, top 10 defense, and a matured Newton. Posting a 12-4 record, Carolina fell...at home..to the 49ers in last year's playoffs.
This year Carolina will have their work cut out for them to post a similar record this year. The Panthers benefited from the Falcons and Bucs bottoming out last season, leading to a 5-1 division record. But Atlanta figures to be back at full strength, and Tampa Bay is quietly acquiring play makers for new head coach Lovie Smith. Carolina is young and talented, but they need to strike now...before the division catches back up to them.
Cincinnati Bengals:
A lethal young qb - wr combination in Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, and a stingy top 5 defense, led to a quiet 11-5 record and playoff appearance for last year's Bengals. And heading into this season, that window appears to be crystal clear for a Cincinnati team that's young and full of talent.
That's what the Pacers thought too, but I digress.
Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the resident bullies of the block, are starting to look old and punch drunk from all of their physical encounters over the years. They both will have to overhaul their rosters soon. Cleveland is making all the right moves, but are still a year away. Now is the time for Cincinnati. Head coach Marvin Lewis has to win a playoff game this year.
Kansas City Chiefs:
Last year the Chiefs came out of nowhere, posting an 11-5 record after going 2-14 the year before. After losing to the Colts in last year's wild...wild card round shootout, Chiefs fans were pleasantly surprised and certainly optimistic heading into this season.
Kansas City won their first nine games last year, but struggled heading down the stretch. This year a similar start seems unlikely, with the Chiefs facing the Broncos, Patriots, and 49ers their first five weeks. They struggled in their own division last year (2-4), and this year they draw the NFC West...and their brutal teams. We're about to find out if a window even exists for the upstart Chiefs.
Philadelphia Eagles:
Last year the Eagles stormed to the finish line with a 7-1 run, and with that, a division title. They were also a missed field goal kick away from advancing in last years playoffs. It took a while to gel, but once it did, the Eagles offense exploded...finishing as the top rushing offense in the league. The Chip Kelley experiment was a huge success.
This year Philly will be the hunted.
That should be the only road block for the Eagles, how they handle being the hunted. Philly is not only afforded the luxury of playing in the weakest division in their own conference, they also draw the AFC's weakest division...the AFC South.
They should have the inside track for home field advantage with Seattle, San Francisco, Green Bay, Chicago, New Orleans, and Carolina all having to duke it out with each other.
There is a golden opportunity laid out for these teams. Whenever they feel a lack of urgency, they should think about Paul George...and the Pacers.
follow @plcolter
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Titans Camp: 5 players on the hot seat
Whenever there is turn over at the executive level of a company, two things are sure to follow......
1. There is usually a shake up at the management level as well. Most high level executives are where they are today because they have a team of trusted confidants (managers) that deliver for them. Those managers are usually brought on board.
2. A season of what I call "transitional fear" ensues. New management means new expectations, so the favor you accrued with the previous regime is now thrown out the window. There are no more comfort zones. Everyone is starting from scratch.
Welcome to the 2014-15 Tennessee Titans.
There is a new owner in town. An owner that brought in a whole new coaching staff. Players that gained favor under the previous regime have been booted from their comfort zone. They have to learn a new playbook, just like the rookies. They're going to have to fight, and scrap, and claw their way up the depth chart.....just like the rookies.
Every player will be stepping into a pressure cooker when they take the field for the first time today, but these five Titans better bring their A game.
They're on the hot seat...and they know it.
QB Jake Locker:
Let's knock out the obvious. The gauntlet was thrown down when Tennessee elected not to exercise a one year option on Locker for next year. A make or break season is a gross understatement. Jake knows it.
This his credit, Locker was playing the beast ball of his career prior to his week 4 injury against the Jets last season. He had 6 tds, 0 turnovers, and a 90 plus yard game winning drive under his belt. Tennessee sprinted out of the gate 3-1. The Titans need Locker to play that way in order to have any chance at a successful season this year, and he needs it to have any shot of being a Titan next year.
RB: Shonn Greene:
Brought in last year to be the smash to CJ's dash, Greene disappointed, only carrying the ball 77 times all season. He also averaged less than four yards a carry. Tennessee drafted Bishop Sankey, and brought in Dexter McCluster. Both figure to have prominent roles in the offense. Green missed mini camps while recovering from an injury, so he's actually behind the newbies heading into camp. Shonn Green, I hope you packed your A game, your lofty salary definitely puts you on the hot seat.
WR Justin Hunter:
Hunter is on the hot seat for a different reason. The Titans have no plans to release the second year wide receiver from the University of Tennessee, they just need him to take his game to the next level.
On the eve of training camp, head coach Ken Whisenhunt spoke openly about Hunter's frustrating mix of raw talent and inconsistency. His first two professional catches were touchdowns. His first was a game winner. Hunter's ability to stretch the field (19.7 yds per rec) makes him an important component to an offense with mostly possession receivers. His ability to jump out of the stadium makes him a dangerous red zone target as well.
If he can keep his head on straight.
Far too many times last season Hunter was ineffective, mostly because of mental errors. We'll chalk that up to rookie woes. This year he will be given no pass, so he'll have to catch more of them. Wide receivers behind him on the depth chart are looking to do what he did last year, but better. Mr. Hunter, you are on the hot seat sir.
OT Michael Oher:
After signing a 4 yr 20 million dollar contract to become the Titans right tackle, Michael Oher watched Tennessee select offensive tackle Taylor Lewan with the 11th overall pick. Lewnan played left tackle at Michigan, but the Titans are set there with Michael Roos, their best offensive lineman.
Lewan is young, strong, and downright nasty. A prototypical Big Ten tackle. He's the left tackle of the future (Roos is in the final year of his deal). If he dominates in training camp, the Titans would be hard pressed to keep Lewan off the field. Michael Oher, you better bring your A game, or you could be the highest paid back up tackle in the league this year.
DE Derrick Morgan:
Morgan, who is also playing in the final year of his contract, was the biggest benefactor of the previous regime's favor. Year after year he would underwhelm, and year after year he'd be at the top of the depth chart. His 6 sack, 1 forced fumble performance from a year ago just wont cut it this year. Tennessee is transitioning to a 3-4 defense, which is designed for defensive ends to make plays. Morgan better show something in camp, because he is definitely on the hot seat.
Let the camp battles begin!
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Friday, July 25, 2014
Titans training camp: 5 new faces
The 2014-15 NFL season is officially underway, and residents in the Music City are eager to finally get a glimpse of their new look Tennessee Titans. The Bud Adams (RIP), Jeff Fisher, Mike Munchak era is over after a 15 year run in Nashville.
To the casual fan, the Titans have only been in Nashville for 15 years.
So you can understand why there is an equal mix of excitement and anxiety in the air. It's all they've known. Titans fans literally have no clue what to expect on either side of the ball this year. Everything is new. New coaches, new players, even a new menu at the LP Field concession stands.
With the NBA Finals, World Cup, and LeBron's decision dominating the sports landscape this summer, we haven't had a chance to catch our breath, let alone keep up with NFL mini camps. But no worries, we'll narrow our focus to the five new Titans faces you should pay close attention to this preseason.
Ken Whisenhunt:
It all starts and ends here folks, the head coach. While Titans fans have no clue what the offense will look like on the field, Whisenhunt has proven over his various NFL stops that it won't look anything like the ground and pound episode that played every Sunday...every season...for 15 straight years.
Fifteen straight years.........let that sink in for a second.........
But I digress.
I'm also interested in seeing Whisenhunt's temperament when live bullets start flying. The previous regimes were uniform in their post game comments....you know...the "we're one play away" message......even when Tennessee lost by three touchdowns.
I wonder if Whisenhunt will hold players accountable, demand excellence, say we stink if we stink. One thing's for sure, his offenses are usually pretty good over time. What can he do with the Titans young weapons?
Bishop Sankey:
Speaking of young weapons, all eyes should be on rookie running back Bishop Sankey this training camp. With the departure of CJ, who rushed for over 1,000 yards each of his six seasons, Sankey will be asked to fill some speedy shoes. Although he's not a burner like Johnson, Sankey has shown to have a nose for the end zone, racking up 36 tds his last two years at Washington.
Dexter McCluster:
Acquired via free agency, Dexter McCluster will be the Titans version of a Swiss Army knife on offense. A running back in college, McCluster was forced to be a receiver / return man in Kansas City. I mean, he's talented, but I'm not starting him over Jamaal Charles either.
OK, back to the Titans.
Don't be surprised if McCluster sees more action at running back in Tennessee. He took a ton of reps at rb in mini camps due to the absence of Sankey (college obligations), and Shonn Greene (injury). McCluster even hinted recently that he will see more time at rb this year. With an offensive mind like Whisenhunt, that is very encouraging.
Taylor Lewan:
Rookie offensive tackle Taylor Lewan signed his deal today, and just in time. The Titans are not only looking for Lewan to finally put on the pads, they're also hoping to ignite some 2008 magic.
In 2008, Tennessee selected Chris Johnson in the first round, adding him to an already crowded backfield. National pundits bashed the pick, highlighting other more glaring needs. CJ turned out to be OK. Lewan was also drafted in the first round, and added to a crowded position.
If you never saw him in college, you're in for a treat. Lewan plays with a nasty edge. He's not looking to be the tackle of the future, he's going to push the incumbent starers right away. The competition should add quality depth to an already talented offensive line.
Zach Mettenburger:
If Titans fans had their way, then they wouldn't hear a peep from the rookie qb from LSU all season long. No knock against Zach, but that would mean starting qb Jake Locker played the entire season (stop laughing)...and played well. Currently listed third on the depth chart, Mettenburger will get plenty of garbage time preseason action. Keep a close eye on his maturation, you could be looking at your starting qb for 2015-16 season.
NFL: Last year's worst, this year's playoff birth?
NFL training camps, and the 2014 regular season, are set to fully get underway this week. There is true optimism in the air for every team. And why not? The NFL is synonymous with producing fresh faces each year in the playoffs. In fact, a recent trend has been gaining steam.
The rise of the last place team.
In 2011, Cincinnati and Denver qualified for the playoffs after finishing last in their respective divisions in 2010. Indianapolis, Minnesota, and Washington pulled off the feat in 2012. And last season, Philadelphia and Kansas City kept the trend going.
If you are a fan of an NFL team that finished last in their division in 2013, then have no fear. History suggests that at least one of you fan bases will have a magical turnaround season, culminating in a seat at the big table...and a chance for a spot in this year's Super Bowl.
Of course, all 8 teams from a year ago are in play, but these four fan bases should be particularly encouraged....
The Atlanta Falcons:
Dirty Bird fans suffered through their first losing season in a while. Injuries to their primary weapons were largely to blame. Wide receiver Julio Jones was lost for the year with a foot injury. His "Robin"...wide receiver Roddy White fought through his injuries for the most part, but was not the same player. And running back Steven Jackson, who was supposed to be the bell cow, was rendered helpless with a nagging season long hamstring injury.
Quarterback Matt Ryan should have his horses back, and at full strength when the season starts. A healthy Jones and White are arguably the best tandem in the league. That in itself will help a defense that was on the field entirely too long last year. Their NFC schedule is favorable, having somehow avoided the Eagles, 49ers, and Seahawks this year.
The Houston Texans
Let me paint a scary picture for you. Not only did Houston lose 14 straight games last year. Wait...how do you lose.....????
Let me digress:
Their victories in week one and two came on the game's final play. That could have very well been a goose egg.
So why should Texans fans be encouraged?
Well for starters....it can't possibly get any worse. Like the Falcons, Houston was also devastated by the injury bug. Their best weapon, running back Arian Foster, missed considerable time with a season ending injury. They have a new coach, a move that was long overdue, and they add Jadeveon Clowney to the league's third best pass defense. Throw in the fact that the AFC South is bad, and the Texans could very well bounce back and steal a wild card birth.
The Oakland Raiders:
I have to admit, New York Nick Johnson put me up on this one. And he makes a good case. Oakland came in last, but they were not one of the worst teams in the AFC. Denver, KC, and San Diego all played well last year.
The Rhhhhaaaaidas added quality veteran leadership on both sides of the ball via free agency. Charles Woodson is a Hall of Famer, and a champion. He also has about a quarter of a tank of gas left, which should push him through another year. Running back Maurice Jones Drew was a disappointment in Jacksonville last year, but he was injured through most of the season. He still has prime years left, and playing with better talent in a new location might revive his career.
Oakland also hit in the draft, selecting LB Khalil Mack and QB Derek Carr with their first two picks. Their schedule doesn't get tough until November, and one of their games with Denver is in week 17. Peyton Manning and Company may be sitting that one out. Worth considering if the wild card race is tight.
Oh, and for the record...Nick predicted the Chiefs last year. Good job man.
The Washington Redskins:
What a roller coaster ride for Washington fans. From worst to first (2011-12), to first to worst (2012-13). I'm catching a ride on the pendulum. Last season was the disaster in DC. When we all caught wind that RGIII would start week one....after not taking a snap the entire preseason...after a major surgery on his knee less than a year prior...we all saw that result coming.
The entire franchise reeked of dysfunction. The receivers were throwing the qb under the bus, the qb was throwing the coach under the bus, and the coach said to hell with it....he knew he was fired so threw the whole season under the bus.
That regime has been cleaned out, and RGIII gets a much needed fresh start. He get's the benefit of a full off season, and full preseason. He also gets a weapon in wide receiver Desean Jackson. Like RGIII, Jackson has something to prove after being released by Philly. With Pierre Garcon, Washington has a much better passing unit to pair with their 5th ranked rushing unit. And let's not act like the NFC East is the SEC West, anyone can win that division....any season.
For the teams that didn't make the playoffs, but didn't come in last...my advise.....either get better at winning, or get better at losing.
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