Monday, April 27, 2009
Stern Rooting for Lakers, Cavs
NBA Commissioner David Stern must be a happy man. The Boston Celtics are the defending champions. There were no arena wide brawls or betting scandals this season. The game's biggest stars even played like the biggest stars. The icing on Stern's cake would be a Lakers / Cavs finals. And for good reason, we want it too. The names Kobe Bryant and Lebron James are so universal, even the average fan would tune in out of mere curiosity. Die hard followers like myself would not be disappointed either. Reigning MVP vs soon to be MVP. Bryant is looking to cement his legacy while James is looking to begin his . Two of the best players in the world on two of the best teams all season in the Lakers and Cavs. No matter who wins that match up, we all win.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
On the eve of their first NCAA tournament appearance in a decade, the university of Michigan's staff and students should send former coach Tommy Amaker a heart-felt thank you note. Amaker came to a program in 2001 that was an absolute wreck. The team was on probation and had a tarnished reputation after the Chris Webber money laundering scandal. Talent on the team was at an all time low and so was the attendance. Amaker, if nothing else, restored integrity and pride to the Michigan basketball brand. Recruiting immediately improved, and the team slowly distanced itself from the ghost of the Fab Five era. Three 20 win seasons and a NIT championship later, Michigan became the type of program that would attract a coach with the pedigree of a John Beilein. I hope Coach Amaker watches the game tomorrow with his dancing shoes on as well, he deserves to.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
All Star Weekend A Success
The NBA has been known more for it's scandals, tattoos, and fading public image than it's on court product. This year's All Star Game in Phoenix changed that perception., if just for a day. credit David Stern for hammering home the theme "The NBA...where caring happens" throughout the whole weekend. Children of all races participated in the festivities and the musical acts were family friendly.
The game itself was fundamentally played, a nice change of pace from the "let's play horse" type of games we've seen in year's past. We saw Shaq and Kobe play alongside each other again. This time it wasn't about ego's and drama. This time we saw what happens when you put aside your differences and focus on the team goal. They both earned a victory and a piece of the game MVP, a great message for our youth to see.
Giving the Olympic gold medal winning players a special ring at halftime was a great gesture. Honoring all of the international players that participated was an even better one. The NBA I saw on Sunday night looked like a great organization of super human athletes and great men in our communities., if just for a day.
The game itself was fundamentally played, a nice change of pace from the "let's play horse" type of games we've seen in year's past. We saw Shaq and Kobe play alongside each other again. This time it wasn't about ego's and drama. This time we saw what happens when you put aside your differences and focus on the team goal. They both earned a victory and a piece of the game MVP, a great message for our youth to see.
Giving the Olympic gold medal winning players a special ring at halftime was a great gesture. Honoring all of the international players that participated was an even better one. The NBA I saw on Sunday night looked like a great organization of super human athletes and great men in our communities., if just for a day.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Super Bowl Sunday
This Sunday, the casual fan will take a seat along side the die hard fan to witness the annual extravaganza that is the Super Bowl. Die hard fans base their rooting interest in who they want to lose. Casual fans would rather cheer for who they want to win. So who do you root for if you haven't followed the season all year? This year's match up is a toss up.
Arizona comes in as the Cinderella story. Kurt Warner's surprising resurgence. Larry Fitzgerald's inspiring life story. The little engine that never could finally did. An underdog franchise with likable stars at key positions.
Pittsburgh is the name you know. People love to associate themselves with winners. Mike Tomlin looks to not only become the second African American coach to win a Super Bowl, but to also become the fourth consecutive Steeler coach to bring home the Lombardi Trophy. Tough, blue collar, and likable. As a die hard Titans fan I'm having a hard time deciding who I'd want to see lose.
Arizona comes in as the Cinderella story. Kurt Warner's surprising resurgence. Larry Fitzgerald's inspiring life story. The little engine that never could finally did. An underdog franchise with likable stars at key positions.
Pittsburgh is the name you know. People love to associate themselves with winners. Mike Tomlin looks to not only become the second African American coach to win a Super Bowl, but to also become the fourth consecutive Steeler coach to bring home the Lombardi Trophy. Tough, blue collar, and likable. As a die hard Titans fan I'm having a hard time deciding who I'd want to see lose.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
NFL Year End Review
With the holiday season officially coming to an end, it's time to put a nice little bow on another great NFL regular season. Experts and journalists from New York to Los Angeles made their pre season predictions last fall. At the risk of tooting my own horn (beep beep) let's re-visit a few of my predictions that hit squarely on the bulls eye.
Tennessee Titans: Heading into week 2, I noticed how eerily similar this team was to the 1999 team that made it to the Super Bowl. (Titans: Back to the future? 9/8) By season's end, both teams finished with identical 13-3 records. Both teams won behind strong running games and a stingy defense, and both team had pro bowl rookies as first round picks (defensive end Javon Kearse in 1999 and running back Chris Johnson in 2008). The Titans still have work to do to ultimately match the 99' squad. The last time Tennessee was the #1 seed, they were bounced out in their first home game.
Jacksonville: The Jacksonville Jaguars were the sexy pre season pick to dethrone the Colts as king of the AFC South and make their Super Bowl debut in Tampa. Their stellar play in 2007 warranted the praise, however, I was concerned (Jacksonville Jaguars: too sexy? 08/08) the team would not be able to carry the success of 2007 into 2008. The Jaguars still have not put together back to back playoff seasons. Fred Taylor did indeed wear down and became a non factor midway through the season. The ripple effect forced quarterback David Garrard to take more chances (3 int in 07 / 13 int in 08). Gregg Williams was a predictable bust as Defensive Coordinator, leading to his firing after only one season.
Side Notes: In my pre season week one recap (8/08), I predicted Peyton Manning to be the NFL MVP. Fantasy football fanatics were encouraged in my week 2 recap (8/08) to take Drew Brees as their sleeper stud. He finished the season an incomplete pass away from breaking Dan Marino's record for passing yards in a single season. I am humble enough to shrug this off as beginners luck. I just wanted to share some highlights from my first season of blogging. Happy New Year!
Tennessee Titans: Heading into week 2, I noticed how eerily similar this team was to the 1999 team that made it to the Super Bowl. (Titans: Back to the future? 9/8) By season's end, both teams finished with identical 13-3 records. Both teams won behind strong running games and a stingy defense, and both team had pro bowl rookies as first round picks (defensive end Javon Kearse in 1999 and running back Chris Johnson in 2008). The Titans still have work to do to ultimately match the 99' squad. The last time Tennessee was the #1 seed, they were bounced out in their first home game.
Jacksonville: The Jacksonville Jaguars were the sexy pre season pick to dethrone the Colts as king of the AFC South and make their Super Bowl debut in Tampa. Their stellar play in 2007 warranted the praise, however, I was concerned (Jacksonville Jaguars: too sexy? 08/08) the team would not be able to carry the success of 2007 into 2008. The Jaguars still have not put together back to back playoff seasons. Fred Taylor did indeed wear down and became a non factor midway through the season. The ripple effect forced quarterback David Garrard to take more chances (3 int in 07 / 13 int in 08). Gregg Williams was a predictable bust as Defensive Coordinator, leading to his firing after only one season.
Side Notes: In my pre season week one recap (8/08), I predicted Peyton Manning to be the NFL MVP. Fantasy football fanatics were encouraged in my week 2 recap (8/08) to take Drew Brees as their sleeper stud. He finished the season an incomplete pass away from breaking Dan Marino's record for passing yards in a single season. I am humble enough to shrug this off as beginners luck. I just wanted to share some highlights from my first season of blogging. Happy New Year!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Battle of the Bullies
What happens when two of the baddest bullies in the neighborhood square off in a fist fight? We'll find out Sunday when the 4-0 Tennessee Titans renew their bitter rivalry with the 2-1 Baltimore Ravens. Over the past 8 years, this match up has made warriors out of men and champions out of warriors. Sprinkle in the fact that these two teams really don't like each other, and you have the potential for an explosive showdown at M&T Bank Stadium. There is plenty of reason for dislike on both sides. In their short time as new franchises, these games have produced some memorable finishes.
The feud started in 2000, when the Baltimore Ravens handed the Titans their first home loss at then Adelphia Coliseum. A 13 home game winning streak snapped by a Trent Dilfer touchdown pass late in the game. For an encore, the Ravens returned to Nashville and knocked off the number one seed Titans on their way to a super bowl victory. The following year on Monday Night Football, the Raves once again snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a goal line stand as time expired. Throwing salt on the wound, the Ravens acquired several key Titans during Tennessee's salary cap purge. In the 2003 playoffs, the Titans returned the favor behind a gritty performance from an injured Eddie George. His bulldozing of the invincible Ray Lewis sparked his team and made him a folk hero in the Music City.
Some names have changed but the style of play remains the same. Both teams look to dominate in the trenches, run the ball, and stop the run. You won't see anyone stepping out of bounds to avoid a hit, and you won't see defensive players helping up a flattened quarterback. This is a throwback game in it's purest form. And oh yeah, both teams are looking to stay atop their division.
The feud started in 2000, when the Baltimore Ravens handed the Titans their first home loss at then Adelphia Coliseum. A 13 home game winning streak snapped by a Trent Dilfer touchdown pass late in the game. For an encore, the Ravens returned to Nashville and knocked off the number one seed Titans on their way to a super bowl victory. The following year on Monday Night Football, the Raves once again snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a goal line stand as time expired. Throwing salt on the wound, the Ravens acquired several key Titans during Tennessee's salary cap purge. In the 2003 playoffs, the Titans returned the favor behind a gritty performance from an injured Eddie George. His bulldozing of the invincible Ray Lewis sparked his team and made him a folk hero in the Music City.
Some names have changed but the style of play remains the same. Both teams look to dominate in the trenches, run the ball, and stop the run. You won't see anyone stepping out of bounds to avoid a hit, and you won't see defensive players helping up a flattened quarterback. This is a throwback game in it's purest form. And oh yeah, both teams are looking to stay atop their division.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Rodriguez era officially begins.....
The University of Michigan Athletic Department gave West Virginia2.5 million dollars to leave Rich Rodriguez alone. Coach Rodriguez gave Michigan a return on their investment by knocking off 9th ranked Wisconsin, and engineering the greatest comeback in the history of the Big House. 109,000 fans watched their beloved Wolverines blossom right before their very eyes, ripping off 27 unanswered points in their Big Ten opener.
The way in which the Wolverines won was more impressive than the victory itself. Any one watching the first half would have sworn they were still in rainy South Bend, as Michigan committed five more turnovers and totaled 21 measly yards of offense. Trailing 19-0, the Wolverines headed to the locker room amid a chorus of boos reserved for the visiting Buckeyes.
Credit Rich Rodriguez for staying the course. He showed confidence in his struggling quarterback, and showed confidence in his spread offense. His team responded by racking up 244 second half yards and three offensive touchdowns. Defensive Coordinator Scott Schafer stayed aggressive, forcing two second half turnovers and scoring a touchdown of their own. The highly publicized strength and conditioning program paid huge dividends as the Wolverines simply outlasted Wisconsin. Coach Rodriguez will only allow a 24 hour grace period for pondering victories and defeats. That's good, because this type of win just raised the expectation level at Michigan.
The way in which the Wolverines won was more impressive than the victory itself. Any one watching the first half would have sworn they were still in rainy South Bend, as Michigan committed five more turnovers and totaled 21 measly yards of offense. Trailing 19-0, the Wolverines headed to the locker room amid a chorus of boos reserved for the visiting Buckeyes.
Credit Rich Rodriguez for staying the course. He showed confidence in his struggling quarterback, and showed confidence in his spread offense. His team responded by racking up 244 second half yards and three offensive touchdowns. Defensive Coordinator Scott Schafer stayed aggressive, forcing two second half turnovers and scoring a touchdown of their own. The highly publicized strength and conditioning program paid huge dividends as the Wolverines simply outlasted Wisconsin. Coach Rodriguez will only allow a 24 hour grace period for pondering victories and defeats. That's good, because this type of win just raised the expectation level at Michigan.
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