Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Daily Rant: 2/15/11
They say that youth is lost on the young. The problem is that "they", who are saying that, are usually old. In sports however, youth is not wasted, it is coveted. With the NBA trade deadline looming (2/24), teams are starting to get tired of losing and are looking to dump their older, expensive talent and get younger for next year or for the playoffs. The Lakers, whom most believe are one of the elite teams in the NBA, are beginning to show some of their age lately, as well. They have a superstar in Kobe Bryant who, surprisingly, has been in the NBA for 15 years. Kobe is still at the top of his game, but those surrounding him in LA can't seem to hide their wrinkles recently. Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom might not have enough in their tanks to secure another championship for LA. So what are the rumors about in LA?? No, not that Lindsay Lohan is applying for a Laker-Girl position, it's that the team is looking to trade for youth (Carmelo Anthony). There is no substitution for talent, but, the combination of talent and youth will win championships 9 out of 10 times. It looks like "Melo" will either stay in Denver or end up in NY via trade, but the fact that LA, a team at the top of the NBA, is still looking to make moves just goes to show that youth is never a waste when it comes to securing more wins then the others. The teams who aren't making any trades, but are out of the playoff hunt, have been displaying their youth night in and night out and are filling their arenas. Fans will watch young, athletic players that have potential, even if their team has a losing record. It is the hope of the future that will always draw attention. No one will watch a bunch of older, washed up players go at it and lose. Milwaukee, the Clippers, Washington and even the Nets, have drawn bigger crowds because of their rookies and younger players that are all just that much fun to watch. Mixing talent, experience and youth will always be the recipe for success in sports, it's going to come down to which ingredients in the pot stir up a tasty victory.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Daily Rant: 2/4/11
How's this for a scenario?? It's April 1st, opening day for the NY Mets and Angel Pagan is playing center field, Jason Bay is in left field and Carlos Beltran is in right field?? Well, that's not much of a dramatic situation, but for Mets fans it is an attempt to move forward and try to make due with what they have. Giving Angel Pagan a chance to control the outfield and discontinue his role as a "platoon" guy is very important. Beltran, unfortunately, has fallen into the "post-injury-big-contract-hope-to-play-a-full-season" category. He is joined by many other current Mets players, such as Luis Castillo, Oliver Perez, Jason Bay and Jose Reyes. Reliance on these players is a scary thing when it is combined with the absence of any significant free agent signings this off-season. If the Mets do come to terms with their current situation and work with what talent they have, things might not be so bad for them. In the past, when the Mets ignored the back ups and reserves and were just relying heavily on the big names they had, failure was one injury away from being a reality. Role players are as important, if not more than, as the starters and the star names. Because of the financial situation of the Mets, this season, it has become much more apparent that the team will need to get a lot from their unrecognizable players. This season will also be the first time, in a long time, that the team is not having a news conference to introduce a new, big name guy to the public. It might just benefit the Mets to not have all of the extra media attention. Falling under the radar is foreign to the Mets. It's also impossible being in NYC, but with the Yankees failing to upgrade their team as well, the back page will be an easy and welcoming concession for the Mets. It will no longer be a battle for bragging rights anymore in the local NY sports sections. Neither team wants to have the spotlight when both have huge question marks leading up to spring training. The Mets will hopefully just be a blurb on the bottom of the back page of the newspapers, underneath all of the possible Yankeee quotes that we'll see... "Calling for Girardi's Head", "Cashman's Job in Jeopardy", "Jeter Traded to Boston", "NO MO MO RIVERA", etc., etc., etc......
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Daily Rant: 2/3/11 (Super Bowl Decisions)
When Big Ben Roethlisberger sent a 14 yard pass to Antonio Brown for a first down against the NY Jets in the last minute of the AFC Championship, he also sent his Pittsburgh Steelers to yet another Super Bowl appearance. But besides those living in the "Steel" city or surrounding areas, who is that happy to see him in the Super Bowl?? Two totally different stories are meeting up in the biggest game in American sports this Sunday, one told about Big Ben and the other one about Aaron Rodgers.
Ben Roethlisberger started out as the likable, unknown, underdog, who took his licks and hits and got right back up. He came out of a smaller conference school, Miami of Ohio, and is now in his third Super Bowl with the Steelers. But unless you bleed gold and black, rooting for him is really hard to do this year. Ben's off the field issues from his past have gotten him in some trouble, he was accused of sexually assaulting two different women in two different states and he nearly killed himself when he crashed his motorcycle in 2006. Even though the allegations against him never became convictions, he was still suspended by the league for four games this past season.
Aaron Rodgers has also been in and out of the spotlight off the field, but for completely different reasons. Unlike Big Ben, Rodgers had no control nor did he partake in the attention he got from the media outside of his athletic performance. Rodgers just happen to be the backup to the one time golden boy, three time retiree, Brett Favre. Each time Rodgers was about embark on his own journey as the starting QB for the Green Bay Packers, good old Favre would interrupt it by either coming out of retirement and playing somewhere else or by sending sexually explicit text messages to Jets cheerleaders. Each time Rodgers and the Packers tried to move past the Favre issue, Mr. Wrangler Jeans would do something that the media had to cover and Rodgers would sit in his shadow for a little bit longer. This year however, the distractions were put to rest and Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have written a new book, with a prologue that includes Lombardi, Starr, Holmgren and Favre, but it's first chapter is titled "Super Bowl XLV: the post-Favre road to victory".
On a day when NFL and non-NFL fans will all be watching, as well as billions of dollars flowing through the ads shown during the Super Bowl, is Big Ben the guy you want to have triumph over Aaron Rodgers?? It is really a character assessment of sorts, because both QBs have enormous talent, but rooting for one or the other is a hard decision when you're not a true fan of either team. Big Ben has won two titles already, but his actions away from football have tainted his legacy a bit. Is a guy who assaults women, someone that people are going to root for to win?? Maybe... because Americans don't seem to care too much about what athletes do off the field anymore, as long as they win on the field. There is though, a feel good story surrounding the Packers this year. They overcame a slew of injuries, including Rodgers himself and the hangover from Brett Favre is over now, thanks to his geriatric performance he gave playing in Minnesota and the clear decision he will make to finally retire. Either way, it will all be decided on the field in Dallas this Sunday, who will raise the trophy named after the iconic, Green Bay coach from NYC, Vince Lombardi. What won't be decided, is who really deserves it?
Ben Roethlisberger started out as the likable, unknown, underdog, who took his licks and hits and got right back up. He came out of a smaller conference school, Miami of Ohio, and is now in his third Super Bowl with the Steelers. But unless you bleed gold and black, rooting for him is really hard to do this year. Ben's off the field issues from his past have gotten him in some trouble, he was accused of sexually assaulting two different women in two different states and he nearly killed himself when he crashed his motorcycle in 2006. Even though the allegations against him never became convictions, he was still suspended by the league for four games this past season.
Aaron Rodgers has also been in and out of the spotlight off the field, but for completely different reasons. Unlike Big Ben, Rodgers had no control nor did he partake in the attention he got from the media outside of his athletic performance. Rodgers just happen to be the backup to the one time golden boy, three time retiree, Brett Favre. Each time Rodgers was about embark on his own journey as the starting QB for the Green Bay Packers, good old Favre would interrupt it by either coming out of retirement and playing somewhere else or by sending sexually explicit text messages to Jets cheerleaders. Each time Rodgers and the Packers tried to move past the Favre issue, Mr. Wrangler Jeans would do something that the media had to cover and Rodgers would sit in his shadow for a little bit longer. This year however, the distractions were put to rest and Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have written a new book, with a prologue that includes Lombardi, Starr, Holmgren and Favre, but it's first chapter is titled "Super Bowl XLV: the post-Favre road to victory".
On a day when NFL and non-NFL fans will all be watching, as well as billions of dollars flowing through the ads shown during the Super Bowl, is Big Ben the guy you want to have triumph over Aaron Rodgers?? It is really a character assessment of sorts, because both QBs have enormous talent, but rooting for one or the other is a hard decision when you're not a true fan of either team. Big Ben has won two titles already, but his actions away from football have tainted his legacy a bit. Is a guy who assaults women, someone that people are going to root for to win?? Maybe... because Americans don't seem to care too much about what athletes do off the field anymore, as long as they win on the field. There is though, a feel good story surrounding the Packers this year. They overcame a slew of injuries, including Rodgers himself and the hangover from Brett Favre is over now, thanks to his geriatric performance he gave playing in Minnesota and the clear decision he will make to finally retire. Either way, it will all be decided on the field in Dallas this Sunday, who will raise the trophy named after the iconic, Green Bay coach from NYC, Vince Lombardi. What won't be decided, is who really deserves it?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Daily Rant: 2/2/11
With all of the recent success achieved by most of the NY area sports teams, more then ever comes severe scrutiny of the Mets. Consecutive losing seasons and a 5+ year absence from the playoffs have left their brand new stadium empty and their fans questioning every decision made concerning the team. The Mets losing ways have become normalcy and more of a joke then anything. It's also been very difficult for them to keep up with the changing trends of Major League Baseball when the Mets are paying out bloated contracts to injured or old or retired players. The ownership is also dealing with the fallout from the Bernie Madoff ponzie scandal, which has in turn made the team cash poor. There aren't many deals out there for the Mets to make that will have an impact on their next two seasons, because without any room on payroll and with a depleted farm system, the front office is handcuffed when it comes to free agency or trades. They don't have a lot of young talent currently on their roster, they don't have much of a pitching staff, they have holes in their outfield and infield and their coaching staff is inexperienced. Couple all of that with having to play in a very competitive National League East, with arguably one of the best teams in all of baseball (Philadelphia), it's hard to say when the Mets will be significant again. For this team to get past all of the negativity, changes in the culture surrounding how they conduct themselves is a MUST. Fans have had enough and are fed up with the mediocrity. If this new GM, Sandy Alderson, doesn't make any headway concerning the Mets' future success, then the team really is a lost cause. This is a delicate situation , the owners, the Wilpon family, are searching for investors to help ease the financial burden and eventually that could mean another NY franchise moving west....
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Daily Rant: 1/4/11
For the first time, a team with a losing record in the NFL will not only make the playoffs but will win it's division and get a home playoff game. The Seattle Seahawks finished with a 7-9 record, in the worst division in all of football, where mediocrity was the norm. Teams in the NFC, like the 10-6, NY Giants, will have to watch the playoffs from home. Now, the Giants might be a bad example because they had their opportunity to get into the playoffs, not once, but twice and they blew it. But if it were a record based playoffs system, obviously the G-Men would have made it, as would the Tampa Bay Bucs. Those two teams were in divisions with other good teams and they just fell short by a game or two. Having said all that, how about a record based playoff system? It will never happen in the NFL, but it's interesting to think about how it might have looked:
#1-New England (14-2) FIRST ROUND BYE
#2-Atlanta (13-3) FIRST ROUND BYE
#3-Pittsburgh (12-4) FIRST ROUND BYE
#4-Baltimore (12-4) FIRST ROUND BYE
#5-Chicago (11-5) HOST KC
#6-New Orleans (11-5) HOST NYG
#7-New York Jets (11-5) HOST INDY
#8-Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) HOST GB
#9-Green Bay (10-6)
#10-Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
#11-New York Giants (10-6)
#12-Kansas City (10-6)
This scenario would never work and there are too many problems with the NFC/AFC balance, but it's fun to see just how it would be if records meant more then the divisions. One more point, this scenario is not an excuse for bad play either, some of the teams above that are/are not in the playoffs, lost some big games that would have secured them spots weeks ago.
Looking forward to actual NFL playoffs, there are some fun match-ups with teams that are hot and ones that are not. New England, unfortunately, looks unstoppable. Atlanta has a first round bye and then all home games leading into the Super Bowl as well and they don't lose at the Georgia Dome. Hopefully, it won't be a top seeded Super Bowl, especially since parity is the main adjective describing the NFL these days.
#1-New England (14-2) FIRST ROUND BYE
#2-Atlanta (13-3) FIRST ROUND BYE
#3-Pittsburgh (12-4) FIRST ROUND BYE
#4-Baltimore (12-4) FIRST ROUND BYE
#5-Chicago (11-5) HOST KC
#6-New Orleans (11-5) HOST NYG
#7-New York Jets (11-5) HOST INDY
#8-Philadelphia Eagles (10-6) HOST GB
#9-Green Bay (10-6)
#10-Indianapolis Colts (10-6)
#11-New York Giants (10-6)
#12-Kansas City (10-6)
This scenario would never work and there are too many problems with the NFC/AFC balance, but it's fun to see just how it would be if records meant more then the divisions. One more point, this scenario is not an excuse for bad play either, some of the teams above that are/are not in the playoffs, lost some big games that would have secured them spots weeks ago.
Looking forward to actual NFL playoffs, there are some fun match-ups with teams that are hot and ones that are not. New England, unfortunately, looks unstoppable. Atlanta has a first round bye and then all home games leading into the Super Bowl as well and they don't lose at the Georgia Dome. Hopefully, it won't be a top seeded Super Bowl, especially since parity is the main adjective describing the NFL these days.
Monday, December 13, 2010
DAILY RANT: 12/13/2010
After a horrendous loss to the Patriots last week, NY Jets fans, players and coaches thought things wouldn't get any worse this week against the Miami Dolphins. In fact, everyone thought the game with Miami would be a statement game. That the Jets would "bounce" back from such a defeat and put it all behind them. They all thought wrong! Yesterday, NY buried themselves next to the Patriots game ball, with another ugly loss to a Division rival. The Jets beat themselves every opportunity they got against the Dolphins. With dropped passes, fumbles, interceptions, missed assignments and a general loss of identity, Gang Green moved themselves further away from playing meaningful games in January. There are so many to blame for the loss. Starting with the coaches. Offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer's play calling yesterday was terrible. He should have went back to the old "ground and pound" game that Rex Ryan loves so much, so that Mark Sanchez could get some spacing with the Play-action calls. Instead, Schottenheimer abandoned the run mostly and had Sanchez throwing like they were down 21 points. The truth is that the defense gave the offense plenty of chances to win, only allowing 10 points. The reality is those 10 points came after crucial turnovers by the offense in Miami's side of the field. The Jets defense kept Chad Henne at bay, giving up a paltry 55 yards passing and the only action that star wide out, Brandon Marshall, saw was his 5 yard TD catch. Basically the Dolphins were begging the Jets to beat them. The Jets however, were unable to recognize the situation they had in front of them and WOULD not capitalize on anything.
Some focal points of the blame:
Aforementioned, Brian Schottenheimer: the play calling didn't do anything for Mark Sanchez's confidence nor did it help him get any momentum going. Shonne Green should have been used much more often, to soften up Miami's defensive line. Then mixing in LT, with some play action passing, should have given the offense some time to make plays.
Offensive Line: This part of the Jets has been the most consistently strong group, that has never really faltered when the big plays were needed. In the past two games they have left Sanchez out there to dry and have given in to the pressure, forcing Sanchez to throw picks, take sacks and cough the ball up. Damien Woody's injury is so crucial, because his back up (Wayne Hunter), the "best back up tackle in football" according to Rex, couldn't block anything. The offensive unit needs to be more prepared, especially with the Pittsburgh "D" lurking next Sunday.
Receivers: The wide receivers for the NY Jets didn't get a lot of opportunities for big plays yesterday, but when they had the ball between the numbers when it counted, they dropped it. The dropped passes happen all the time, but when nothing is working for the offense and one catch makes a difference, those mistakes are highlighted.
Mark Sanchez: HE is the face of the NY Jets. He has to get the support that he needs to stay confident and press on. When Rex Ryan goes on the air after the game and admits to the press that he had considered pulling the kid out during the Miami game yesterday, what does he think will happen to Sanchez's confidence? What good came out of him saying that? Does Rex all of a sudden believe that Sanchez is not the "guy" for the job anymore? Or is Rex trying to put himself in the spotlight? Whatever the reason was for him blabbing that to the press, it's uncalled for. You have to support a sophomore QB that is struggling, even if Rex wanted to pull him, don't say it publicly to the NY media. Unfortunately, Sanchez has struggled so much that he probably should have been pulled to shake him up a bit. Maybe. Sanchez still needs to recognize the defensive schemes and pressure that he is facing and take better care of the ball. He is forcing passes that all could have been or were intercepted. With the help of his coaches, he needs to dial back the plays and return to a more conventional offense, run, run and play action. They have great, veteran receivers and a good running game, that need to be utilized more efficiently. When Sanchez gets some spacing and can drop back and survey the field, he is pretty good. The running game will help support that.
Rex Ryan: This guy is great. He is a huge personality. He is a very smart, defensive coach. He gets his players to believe in him and buy into what he is preaching. Sometimes, he is too much. Maybe, he will spend a little less time this week entertaining the media and more time dissecting the play calling and mistakes from the past games. One of the reasons Belichick is so successful, is that during the season, he doesn't leave much time for goofing around and "relaxing". He leaves that for the off-season. If Rex can attend to business for his team's sake, then maybe they will be more prepared for Pittsburgh.
The Media talk about "panic mode" a lot when teams lose a couple of ugly games. The Jets need to be aware, not panicked, about their situation. They have 3 more games, 2 of them are away at dreadful weather stadiums, against top ranked defenses. If the Jets are not aware of their upcoming schedule and don't make it point to fix the mistakes they have continually made, then a 9-7 record won't do anything except be above .500. Watch the films of the New England wins against Pittsburgh and Chicago and learn about what worked and what didn't. Sanchez is no Brady, but the Jets as a team can compete with the Bears and Steelers. If they can learn anything from New England's wins, maybe the ship can be turned around.
Some focal points of the blame:
Aforementioned, Brian Schottenheimer: the play calling didn't do anything for Mark Sanchez's confidence nor did it help him get any momentum going. Shonne Green should have been used much more often, to soften up Miami's defensive line. Then mixing in LT, with some play action passing, should have given the offense some time to make plays.
Offensive Line: This part of the Jets has been the most consistently strong group, that has never really faltered when the big plays were needed. In the past two games they have left Sanchez out there to dry and have given in to the pressure, forcing Sanchez to throw picks, take sacks and cough the ball up. Damien Woody's injury is so crucial, because his back up (Wayne Hunter), the "best back up tackle in football" according to Rex, couldn't block anything. The offensive unit needs to be more prepared, especially with the Pittsburgh "D" lurking next Sunday.
Receivers: The wide receivers for the NY Jets didn't get a lot of opportunities for big plays yesterday, but when they had the ball between the numbers when it counted, they dropped it. The dropped passes happen all the time, but when nothing is working for the offense and one catch makes a difference, those mistakes are highlighted.
Mark Sanchez: HE is the face of the NY Jets. He has to get the support that he needs to stay confident and press on. When Rex Ryan goes on the air after the game and admits to the press that he had considered pulling the kid out during the Miami game yesterday, what does he think will happen to Sanchez's confidence? What good came out of him saying that? Does Rex all of a sudden believe that Sanchez is not the "guy" for the job anymore? Or is Rex trying to put himself in the spotlight? Whatever the reason was for him blabbing that to the press, it's uncalled for. You have to support a sophomore QB that is struggling, even if Rex wanted to pull him, don't say it publicly to the NY media. Unfortunately, Sanchez has struggled so much that he probably should have been pulled to shake him up a bit. Maybe. Sanchez still needs to recognize the defensive schemes and pressure that he is facing and take better care of the ball. He is forcing passes that all could have been or were intercepted. With the help of his coaches, he needs to dial back the plays and return to a more conventional offense, run, run and play action. They have great, veteran receivers and a good running game, that need to be utilized more efficiently. When Sanchez gets some spacing and can drop back and survey the field, he is pretty good. The running game will help support that.
Rex Ryan: This guy is great. He is a huge personality. He is a very smart, defensive coach. He gets his players to believe in him and buy into what he is preaching. Sometimes, he is too much. Maybe, he will spend a little less time this week entertaining the media and more time dissecting the play calling and mistakes from the past games. One of the reasons Belichick is so successful, is that during the season, he doesn't leave much time for goofing around and "relaxing". He leaves that for the off-season. If Rex can attend to business for his team's sake, then maybe they will be more prepared for Pittsburgh.
The Media talk about "panic mode" a lot when teams lose a couple of ugly games. The Jets need to be aware, not panicked, about their situation. They have 3 more games, 2 of them are away at dreadful weather stadiums, against top ranked defenses. If the Jets are not aware of their upcoming schedule and don't make it point to fix the mistakes they have continually made, then a 9-7 record won't do anything except be above .500. Watch the films of the New England wins against Pittsburgh and Chicago and learn about what worked and what didn't. Sanchez is no Brady, but the Jets as a team can compete with the Bears and Steelers. If they can learn anything from New England's wins, maybe the ship can be turned around.
Friday, December 3, 2010
DAILY RANT: 12/3/2010
Again, at least we don't live in Cleveland.....with all of the hype of the return of the "King", Lebron James to his birthplace, when the dust settled, all that was left was a franchise searching for an identity and another one (Miami) finding it. The beat down the the Cavs got from Miami was really just a good team trouncing a sub-par team. The under lying story however, of Lebron going home for the first time is great, it is a fun story for the NBA and for sports reporters and it gives this regular season game more clout. The Cavs had nothing to lose against the Heat and the only way they would put up a fight was going to be strictly from emotions brewing from Lebron being back in OHIO. Unfortunately, fans got about 8 minutes of competitive basketball, because the Miami Heat took care of business early and sustained a 20+ point lead for the entire game. When the cameras flashed images of fans faces during the 2nd and 3rd quarter, it was as if they were reacting to an announcement that the state of Ohio had just lost its identity and became part of Pennsylvania. Fans faces, including owner Dan Gilbert's, couldn't hide the fact that they were aware that the Cleveland Cavaliers are a bad team, without much talent. It was also a recognition, not publicly of course, that without Lebron, the Cavs were never good enough and are not poised to make a run anywhere near the playoffs. Lebron, even though not many want to admit it, was the sole reason that Cleveland was even talked about in the NBA. Prior to him entering the NBA in Cleveland, the only popular story about the Cavaliers that was talked about, was when Michael Jordan hit "the shot" over Craig Ehlo in the 1989 NBA playoffs, ending the series and MJ sinking another clutch shot.
The fact is, the Miami Heat still have a lot of things to work on. Bosh had 5 rebounds, Ilgauskas had no points and 2 rebounds. This can't happen against juggernauts like the Celtics, Magic, Mavericks and Lakers. So Miami fans better not be running through the streets of South Beach cheering about this win against the Developmental League Cavs. Wade and James still need to find some rhythm while they are on the floor together and the supporting cast needs to do a better job of getting involved in the offense. At the end of the day, yeah, Lebron went home and dominated, but realistically, SO WHAT!?! He made Cleveland look bad, AGAIN and he dissed his hometown, AGAIN. The city of Cleveland got dirt kicked in their face AGAIN and yet, the Heat didn't prove anything. Fans got to see their beloved prodigal son one more time last night, except he went back his condo in South Beach, not his townhouse in Akron.
The fact is, the Miami Heat still have a lot of things to work on. Bosh had 5 rebounds, Ilgauskas had no points and 2 rebounds. This can't happen against juggernauts like the Celtics, Magic, Mavericks and Lakers. So Miami fans better not be running through the streets of South Beach cheering about this win against the Developmental League Cavs. Wade and James still need to find some rhythm while they are on the floor together and the supporting cast needs to do a better job of getting involved in the offense. At the end of the day, yeah, Lebron went home and dominated, but realistically, SO WHAT!?! He made Cleveland look bad, AGAIN and he dissed his hometown, AGAIN. The city of Cleveland got dirt kicked in their face AGAIN and yet, the Heat didn't prove anything. Fans got to see their beloved prodigal son one more time last night, except he went back his condo in South Beach, not his townhouse in Akron.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
DAILY RANT: 12/1/2010
Happy Holidays to all! As December begins and people try to find gifts for each other, hoping to have something to inspire them to actually purchase these gifts and get them into the "spirit", New Yorkers need to be aware of inspiration coming from their sports teams. So, just when you thought watching the battle between the Yankees front office and Derek Jeter's camp was going to give you the winter blues, poof!! There it appears, like a shooting star, much, much more to be thankful for if you are a NY Sports fan.
The NY Knicks, after losing out on the Lebron Sweepstakes, have shown life again and have a real star in Amare Stoudamire. The team has also found some superb support by way of Raymond Felton, rookie Landry Fields and 6th man of the year, Wilson Chandler. The Knicks are in a super weak Atlantic Division and find themselves in the thick of it early on. Usually by this point they are in last place, 5-7 games under .500. They are now 10-9 and the next two teams below them (Toronto Raptors/NJ Nets) are both 5 games under .500 and don't seem to have much fight in them. This is not a ticker tape parade for the Knicks, it is just a recognition of change in talent and of a step in the right direction. The Knicks can and might possibly tear off a 6 game losing streak, but for now, they are playing well and have found some good rhythm.
The New Meadowlands is now home to two top NFL teams. The Giants have gotten past serious injuries to their offense and are in a tie for the NFC East division. The Giants defense has come back to life, getting enormous pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, and containing the run. Eli Manning has made plays when he needs to, while getting support from his ever changing running game. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw continue to swap starting spots and if they can keep the turnovers down, they will be an effective weapon down the stretch. The NFC as a whole is much weaker then the AFC this year, which will only help the Giants in the long run as they try to keep hold of a playoff spot.
The Jets are tied for the best record in the NFL and are playing sound football. They can always work on something, but for the most part are an elite team. Their test will be going into New England this Monday night and leaving unscathed. However, it doesn't end there, because the Jets will need to keep their undefeated road record in tact when they go to Pittsburgh and Chicago, two really difficult places to play. The Jets have, at the least, secured another winning season, something which Eric Mangini and company could never accomplish. Prior to the Rex Ryan era, there wasn't any consistency with Jets . Now, Ryan has instilled his philosophies and way of dealing with the game and that has translated into success.
The NY Rangers are doing well......
The Yankees had a good season, not of course in the eyes of the Steinbrenner's, but in relation to other Baseball teams, they did. The Yankees will always spend, spend, spend and have a roster full of expensive names, able to fill the expensive, cushioned seats at the new, expensive Yankee Stadium. The Tampa Bay Rays will lose some significant talent to free agency this year, the Boston Red Sox contract with the Devil that they signed back in 2004 has expired and there aren't any other teams in the AL East, so expect the Yankees to be back in the playoffs......UNLESS....the Yankees do not bring back Derek Jeter. If they play hardball (PUN) with Jeter and his agent and allow him to leave, then the team should be prepared to suffer the consequences of letting the pretty face of the franchise wear something other then pinstripes. Although Jeter is on the down swing of his career, he IS the Yankees and has been for his entire career. No other player during his time in baseball, has meant more to a team or been as loved and popular for such a long period of time. Not to mention, he has been clutch during the biggest games and has been at the top in both defense and hitting almost every season. The Yankees will not survive the fallout if they let Jeter end his career somewhere other then the Bronx. Of course, things will work out and the Yankees will get Jeter back into uniform for the start of Spring training, along with Cliff Lee. Giving them, what could be, the best 1,2,3 in baseball, Sabathia, Lee and Hughes (Burnett will be a great #5).
The NY Mets, unfortunately are not in much of a position to contend anytime soon, but they are making the right moves in their front office, letting Omar Minaya go and changing managers. Which can be something fans can be thankful for. Who they have chosen for these positions, are yet to show whether they can make a difference or not. As for the talent in Flushing, there isn't much there. What used to be one the most solid corner of the infields in the NL, has turned into a rotation of shortstops and one third baseman that's afraid of the outfield walls. The best outfielder the Mets had this season was Angel Pagan, who makes 1/16th of what Carlos Beltran makes and wasn't nearly as touted as Jason Bay was last off season. The Mets pitching situation is just that, a situation. Other then Johan Santana (coming off another surgery) nothing else is there for the Mets in means of pitching. Nothing.
So NY Sports fans, bask in the glow of above average play, just shy of mediocrity and be thankful that you don't live in Cleveland!
The NY Knicks, after losing out on the Lebron Sweepstakes, have shown life again and have a real star in Amare Stoudamire. The team has also found some superb support by way of Raymond Felton, rookie Landry Fields and 6th man of the year, Wilson Chandler. The Knicks are in a super weak Atlantic Division and find themselves in the thick of it early on. Usually by this point they are in last place, 5-7 games under .500. They are now 10-9 and the next two teams below them (Toronto Raptors/NJ Nets) are both 5 games under .500 and don't seem to have much fight in them. This is not a ticker tape parade for the Knicks, it is just a recognition of change in talent and of a step in the right direction. The Knicks can and might possibly tear off a 6 game losing streak, but for now, they are playing well and have found some good rhythm.
The New Meadowlands is now home to two top NFL teams. The Giants have gotten past serious injuries to their offense and are in a tie for the NFC East division. The Giants defense has come back to life, getting enormous pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, and containing the run. Eli Manning has made plays when he needs to, while getting support from his ever changing running game. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw continue to swap starting spots and if they can keep the turnovers down, they will be an effective weapon down the stretch. The NFC as a whole is much weaker then the AFC this year, which will only help the Giants in the long run as they try to keep hold of a playoff spot.
The Jets are tied for the best record in the NFL and are playing sound football. They can always work on something, but for the most part are an elite team. Their test will be going into New England this Monday night and leaving unscathed. However, it doesn't end there, because the Jets will need to keep their undefeated road record in tact when they go to Pittsburgh and Chicago, two really difficult places to play. The Jets have, at the least, secured another winning season, something which Eric Mangini and company could never accomplish. Prior to the Rex Ryan era, there wasn't any consistency with Jets . Now, Ryan has instilled his philosophies and way of dealing with the game and that has translated into success.
The NY Rangers are doing well......
The Yankees had a good season, not of course in the eyes of the Steinbrenner's, but in relation to other Baseball teams, they did. The Yankees will always spend, spend, spend and have a roster full of expensive names, able to fill the expensive, cushioned seats at the new, expensive Yankee Stadium. The Tampa Bay Rays will lose some significant talent to free agency this year, the Boston Red Sox contract with the Devil that they signed back in 2004 has expired and there aren't any other teams in the AL East, so expect the Yankees to be back in the playoffs......UNLESS....the Yankees do not bring back Derek Jeter. If they play hardball (PUN) with Jeter and his agent and allow him to leave, then the team should be prepared to suffer the consequences of letting the pretty face of the franchise wear something other then pinstripes. Although Jeter is on the down swing of his career, he IS the Yankees and has been for his entire career. No other player during his time in baseball, has meant more to a team or been as loved and popular for such a long period of time. Not to mention, he has been clutch during the biggest games and has been at the top in both defense and hitting almost every season. The Yankees will not survive the fallout if they let Jeter end his career somewhere other then the Bronx. Of course, things will work out and the Yankees will get Jeter back into uniform for the start of Spring training, along with Cliff Lee. Giving them, what could be, the best 1,2,3 in baseball, Sabathia, Lee and Hughes (Burnett will be a great #5).
The NY Mets, unfortunately are not in much of a position to contend anytime soon, but they are making the right moves in their front office, letting Omar Minaya go and changing managers. Which can be something fans can be thankful for. Who they have chosen for these positions, are yet to show whether they can make a difference or not. As for the talent in Flushing, there isn't much there. What used to be one the most solid corner of the infields in the NL, has turned into a rotation of shortstops and one third baseman that's afraid of the outfield walls. The best outfielder the Mets had this season was Angel Pagan, who makes 1/16th of what Carlos Beltran makes and wasn't nearly as touted as Jason Bay was last off season. The Mets pitching situation is just that, a situation. Other then Johan Santana (coming off another surgery) nothing else is there for the Mets in means of pitching. Nothing.
So NY Sports fans, bask in the glow of above average play, just shy of mediocrity and be thankful that you don't live in Cleveland!
Monday, November 29, 2010
DAILY RANT: 11/29/2010
Has anyone noticed that there is only one game separating the NY Knicks and the "big 3" Miami Heat?
With all the hype and news surrounding them, so far, Miami is just "an average" NBA team with a record of 9-8. So Stoudamire and Felton have worked out better then Bosh and Lebron?
Is anyone surprised that the Heat have all but alienated their young inexperienced head coach Spoelstra? How long do fans think it will take for Pat Riley to come back to the bench and demote Spoelstra back to water boy?
Most NBA fans outside the Miami area, are just fine watching this expensive experiment fail. It was such an unpopular and greedy choice for Lebron James and Chris Bosh to join the Heat, so watching that come back to bite them has been a delightful holiday gift. Does the saying, "too many cooks in the kitchen" sound familiar?
How long will it take for the NY Jets to gain some respect around the NFL? Unfortunately, it will take exactly one week for the real haters/lovers of gang green to make their minds up. Because exactly one week from today, in misspelled Foxboro (Foxborough), the Boston Patriots will host the New York/New Joisy Jets. A battle of the two best records in the NFL, the two best in the AFC and a battle for first place in the AFC East. How much bigger can one game get? Not much!
A lot of uneducated NFL fans (Jet-haters) have screamed and complained that the Jets have gotten "lucky". Try telling that to the undefeated Miami Dolphins of 1972. The 2010 Jets are no 1972 Dolphins, but they do have high rankings in almost every category. And when the game is on the line, the Jets have made the right play and have put themselves in position to win the game. Mark Sanchez has flourished as a bona-fied starting NFL quarterback. He has shown tremendous athletic ability, evading would-be defensive players going for the sack. He has thrown far less interceptions then last year. He is going deep, while recognizing the true talent that he has around him (Santonio Holmes, LaDanian Tomlinson, Braylon Edwards and Dustin Keller). Most importantly, he has grown as a player and a person, making more mature decisions, effectively keeping his team in the game.
Rex Ryan is a big personality, trimmed down from last year in stature, but still big enough to take on the brunt of the scrutiny or attention the team gets. He is just that smart. He knows that if he can do anything, it's keep the pressure off his team as much as possible. And if that means making a fool of himself, or saying loud and controversial things, then so be it. Rex Ryan is the type of coach that loves his players. He hand picked all of them for a reason, because he knows which kind of guy will be there for the other one. Some people outside of the organization might look at some of the personnel and say that they are trouble makers, but the reality is that each player on the roster has a role to fill and Rex has carefully cast those roles in the hopes of putting together a super bowl team. People can say anything they want, but when it comes down to what matters in the NFL, its records. And at 9-2, the NY Jets so far, are at the top.
Terry Collins.....anyone know who he is? Wrong, he is not a mixture of Gin, Club Soda and Sour Mix, garnished with a lemon and cherry. He is the new manager of the NY Metropolitans (Mets). So, Tom "er" Terry Collins has not managed since 1999 (Anaheim) and his reign with the Angels ended abruptly with his resignation, due to player unrest and dissatisfaction of his managerial skills. He has worked with the Houston Astros and a Chinese Team in Japan??? Oh yeah, he was hired by the Mets new General Manager, Sandy Alderson. A California guy, previously with the San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics. Alderson's track record is paved with much more gold then Collins' is. He is seen as a quiet, behind the scenes guy with good eye for talent, but more unwilling to spend on big names. There is no doubt that Alderson has had much success in Baseball, but will that laid back, west coast swagger translate well here on the east coast in NYC?? He has a lot of work to do with the current roster of misfits and the bleak free agent market. Alderson probably will take the approach that the Mets need 2 years before they can be relevant again and if the fans will just bear with it, things will start to look brighter by 2013. Realistically, the NY media and fan base will give him 6 months before they look for a new GM call for his head on a stick. Sorry Sandy, but that's just they way it is here. Unfortunately, the NY Mets are a complex and cursed organization, thanks to horrendous contracts, horrible free agent signings and one Adam Wainwright fastball that made it's way past a sleeping Carlos Beltran, into the glove of Yadier Molina, closing the book on a great season with World Series written all over it and essentially sending the organization into a downward spiral ever since.
With all the hype and news surrounding them, so far, Miami is just "an average" NBA team with a record of 9-8. So Stoudamire and Felton have worked out better then Bosh and Lebron?
Is anyone surprised that the Heat have all but alienated their young inexperienced head coach Spoelstra? How long do fans think it will take for Pat Riley to come back to the bench and demote Spoelstra back to water boy?
Most NBA fans outside the Miami area, are just fine watching this expensive experiment fail. It was such an unpopular and greedy choice for Lebron James and Chris Bosh to join the Heat, so watching that come back to bite them has been a delightful holiday gift. Does the saying, "too many cooks in the kitchen" sound familiar?
How long will it take for the NY Jets to gain some respect around the NFL? Unfortunately, it will take exactly one week for the real haters/lovers of gang green to make their minds up. Because exactly one week from today, in misspelled Foxboro (Foxborough), the Boston Patriots will host the New York/New Joisy Jets. A battle of the two best records in the NFL, the two best in the AFC and a battle for first place in the AFC East. How much bigger can one game get? Not much!
A lot of uneducated NFL fans (Jet-haters) have screamed and complained that the Jets have gotten "lucky". Try telling that to the undefeated Miami Dolphins of 1972. The 2010 Jets are no 1972 Dolphins, but they do have high rankings in almost every category. And when the game is on the line, the Jets have made the right play and have put themselves in position to win the game. Mark Sanchez has flourished as a bona-fied starting NFL quarterback. He has shown tremendous athletic ability, evading would-be defensive players going for the sack. He has thrown far less interceptions then last year. He is going deep, while recognizing the true talent that he has around him (Santonio Holmes, LaDanian Tomlinson, Braylon Edwards and Dustin Keller). Most importantly, he has grown as a player and a person, making more mature decisions, effectively keeping his team in the game.
Rex Ryan is a big personality, trimmed down from last year in stature, but still big enough to take on the brunt of the scrutiny or attention the team gets. He is just that smart. He knows that if he can do anything, it's keep the pressure off his team as much as possible. And if that means making a fool of himself, or saying loud and controversial things, then so be it. Rex Ryan is the type of coach that loves his players. He hand picked all of them for a reason, because he knows which kind of guy will be there for the other one. Some people outside of the organization might look at some of the personnel and say that they are trouble makers, but the reality is that each player on the roster has a role to fill and Rex has carefully cast those roles in the hopes of putting together a super bowl team. People can say anything they want, but when it comes down to what matters in the NFL, its records. And at 9-2, the NY Jets so far, are at the top.
Terry Collins.....anyone know who he is? Wrong, he is not a mixture of Gin, Club Soda and Sour Mix, garnished with a lemon and cherry. He is the new manager of the NY Metropolitans (Mets). So, Tom "er" Terry Collins has not managed since 1999 (Anaheim) and his reign with the Angels ended abruptly with his resignation, due to player unrest and dissatisfaction of his managerial skills. He has worked with the Houston Astros and a Chinese Team in Japan??? Oh yeah, he was hired by the Mets new General Manager, Sandy Alderson. A California guy, previously with the San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics. Alderson's track record is paved with much more gold then Collins' is. He is seen as a quiet, behind the scenes guy with good eye for talent, but more unwilling to spend on big names. There is no doubt that Alderson has had much success in Baseball, but will that laid back, west coast swagger translate well here on the east coast in NYC?? He has a lot of work to do with the current roster of misfits and the bleak free agent market. Alderson probably will take the approach that the Mets need 2 years before they can be relevant again and if the fans will just bear with it, things will start to look brighter by 2013. Realistically, the NY media and fan base will give him 6 months before they look for a new GM call for his head on a stick. Sorry Sandy, but that's just they way it is here. Unfortunately, the NY Mets are a complex and cursed organization, thanks to horrendous contracts, horrible free agent signings and one Adam Wainwright fastball that made it's way past a sleeping Carlos Beltran, into the glove of Yadier Molina, closing the book on a great season with World Series written all over it and essentially sending the organization into a downward spiral ever since.
Monday, October 4, 2010
You Gotta Pay Your BILLS!
That's three straight AFC East Division wins for the New York Jets. And at least 2 out of the 3 games were significant victories. Beating the Bills in Buffalo is a tough road game, but in reality it is the Bills and their level of competition falls under that of the Canadian Football League (coincidentally, the Bills might move to Toronto). A lot of very good things are happening for the Jets right now.
Through the first four games, Mark Sanchez and the offense have had no turnovers, none. Sanchez threw 20 picks last year and coming into this year, there had to be an important step forward for him in his growth process to keep his turnovers down. He has not only done that so far, but he has been hitting his targets for 8 scores already in four games.
The defense has suffered some serious blows through injuries, losing NT Kris Jenkins for the entire season (again) and Ropati Pitoitua as well, DE Calvin Pace has been out since the pre-season, all pro holdout, Darelle Revis has only played in one game so far and yesterday against the Bills, DE Shaun Ellis sprained his left knee and is day-to-day. Yet, the Jets defense is getting it done, playing hard nose football and doing it the Rex Ryan way.
Another aspect of the Rex Ryan way of football, is the pound it out, ground game. Prior to this season, skeptics were all saying that LaDainian Tomlinson is washed up and that relying on second year RB, Shonne Greene, was going to be a gamble. As of yesterday, LT is averaging 6.1 yards per carry and complementing him is Greene, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. They have combined for just under 600 yards rushing and LT has 3 TD's. Opposing teams have to respect the Jets running game, which in turn, has given way to the play action for Sanchez and the "Seminole" formation, featuring the most versatile player in the NFL, Brad Smith.
One other thing that the Jets should be proud of, is the discipline that they showed on the field, limiting the amount of penalties they had. Against the Dolphins last week, the Jets played sloppy football, keeping Miami close with their 9 penalties. Yesterday however, the Jets reversed that trend and were efficient, smart and only penalized 4 times.
It then begs the question, how good can the Jets be?? Next week, the Jets are playing in their 3rd Nationally televised game, once again on MNF at the New Meadowlands against one time Jet, Brett Favre and the Vikings. The Jets are about to get stronger as a team, with Super Bowl MVP wide out, Santonio Holmes set to return from his 4 game suspension and Calvin Pace and Darrelle Revis also expected to be back from injuries. Adding those three players to the team at this point in the season, should only spell more success for the Jets.
Through the first four games, Mark Sanchez and the offense have had no turnovers, none. Sanchez threw 20 picks last year and coming into this year, there had to be an important step forward for him in his growth process to keep his turnovers down. He has not only done that so far, but he has been hitting his targets for 8 scores already in four games.
The defense has suffered some serious blows through injuries, losing NT Kris Jenkins for the entire season (again) and Ropati Pitoitua as well, DE Calvin Pace has been out since the pre-season, all pro holdout, Darelle Revis has only played in one game so far and yesterday against the Bills, DE Shaun Ellis sprained his left knee and is day-to-day. Yet, the Jets defense is getting it done, playing hard nose football and doing it the Rex Ryan way.
Another aspect of the Rex Ryan way of football, is the pound it out, ground game. Prior to this season, skeptics were all saying that LaDainian Tomlinson is washed up and that relying on second year RB, Shonne Greene, was going to be a gamble. As of yesterday, LT is averaging 6.1 yards per carry and complementing him is Greene, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. They have combined for just under 600 yards rushing and LT has 3 TD's. Opposing teams have to respect the Jets running game, which in turn, has given way to the play action for Sanchez and the "Seminole" formation, featuring the most versatile player in the NFL, Brad Smith.
One other thing that the Jets should be proud of, is the discipline that they showed on the field, limiting the amount of penalties they had. Against the Dolphins last week, the Jets played sloppy football, keeping Miami close with their 9 penalties. Yesterday however, the Jets reversed that trend and were efficient, smart and only penalized 4 times.
It then begs the question, how good can the Jets be?? Next week, the Jets are playing in their 3rd Nationally televised game, once again on MNF at the New Meadowlands against one time Jet, Brett Favre and the Vikings. The Jets are about to get stronger as a team, with Super Bowl MVP wide out, Santonio Holmes set to return from his 4 game suspension and Calvin Pace and Darrelle Revis also expected to be back from injuries. Adding those three players to the team at this point in the season, should only spell more success for the Jets.
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