Why are PGA golfers laying up on Par 5's.

This year, I have seen three power hitters lay up on par 5's with a chance to win.

None of the players made birdie and all lost by 1 stroke.

Today 5'8 or 9" 21 year old power hitting pretty boy Ricky Fowler laid up from 231 with only a 210 carry. Earlier this year I watched Bubba Watson and Michael Sims do it, now Ricky Fowler.

His Quote. :"I felt that instead of bringing trouble into play ... I took the safe route," Fowler said.

Not that this would surprise those who know me, but this weekend, my 47 year old body, went for it with a 240 carry over water in 50 degree weather. I failed in my attempt by plugging it in the bank, but after my drop, I did get up and down from 105 after to avoid losing my money. (I promise I would have lost more of my net worth than these guys with a bogey.)

Money is big on tour, but they have to play to win. These guys are gifted and hit irons as far as I hit a 3wood. I guarantee Phil and Woods would have been hitting at the flag.

Tin Cup is still my golfing hero.

j

Jerry seems to disagree with Wade on the WR's.

I posted on Wade saying the best WR would play last Thursday.

Jerry seems to have another opinion.

Owner/general manager Jerry Jones said Sunday he could not envision a scenario in which a healthy Williams doesn't start for Dallas next season.

"A big no," said Jones, who gave Williams a five-year, $45 million contract the week after trading for him.

J

My Picks for Sweet 16

I am feeling better about my New Mexico pick from a few weeks ago, but still do not feel they have beaten anyone good that was up for them. They lost 3 of 5 early and haven't lost since.

Steve Alford has done a fine job-They have 1 out of conference win over Texas A&M at home early.

I have hedged on UAB as the season continues, UTEP beat them earlier and seem to be getting better. They will probably play two more times this year. (Last game and the tourney.)

Duke is still not appealing to me, but at number 5, it is hard for me to truly think they will not win the first two rounds. )

I would now add Marquette and Baylor. I lean to Baylor over A&M because they are always close.

Removing UAB and Purdue (Hummel injury)

My Final Four Predictions from earlier

Villanova- They had better starting shooting better.

Kansas- Favorite with the improved defense.

Syracuse- They will be in title game.

Michigan State- Izzo wizardry.

Remainder of Sweet 16.

Kentucky, Purdue(Now Marquette), Ohio St, WV,

Gtown, TX, K State, Wisconsin,

Pitt, New Mexico, Butler, UAB(Now Baylor)

j

Horn BBall worst top ranked team ever?

From ESPN Blog:http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/colleges/category/_/name/texas-basketball

ESPN researcher Jason Vida put pen to paper to figure out a few things His question: Is Texas the worst No. 1 ever? Great stuff to consider.

1.) Worst Win Pct By No. 1 Team ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll History Win Pct W-L
-03-04 Florida, .645, 20-11
’09-10 Texas: 22-7 this season (.76) *5th worst.

2) Worst Win Pct By Team With Multiple Weeks at No. 1 ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll

’09-10 Texas: 22-7 this season (.76) Worst
’02-03 Duke, .788, 26-7
’00-01 North Carolina, .788, 26-7

3) Worst Conference Win Pct By Team With Multiple Weeks at No. 1 Win Pct W-L

09-10 Texas: 7-5 in Big 12 this season (.583) Worst
’02-03 Duke, .688, 11-5

4)Only 3 number 1's have every lost in 1st round of tourney.’08-09, Wake Forest,’04-05 Kansas, ’03-04

Florida,

If the Florida team is the closest resemblance to Texas it maybe a good sign for the Horns- 2 years later the Gators won back to back titles.

The Duke team was a sweet 16 team and lost in the finals the next year.

NC was on the way down with Matt Doherty coaching.

I think that Texas is closer to Duke and Fla in talent. They will eventually learn how important hustle is on every play and practice. I expect a final four run or two during the next 3-4 years.

j

Bush staying with saints?

I am surprised with the reports that Reggie Bush is staying in the Big Easy.

Not because I do not think he is talented, but 8 million a year for the numbers he will produce as the 2nd or 3rd option at TB for most of the game. Fun to watch, but he better return every kick and punt with 80 receptions.

Could this be the beginning of the end for the front office stability.

Payton will win it again, but that teams needs to watch the payroll. They are gathering some high priced players and not know will be signing the celebrities that will come out of Payton's winning and media attention from being a winner.

j

NFL Tease on OT

I see where the NFL is considering a change on OT for the playoffs only.

It would shock me if they admitted their mistake on the process after all of these years.

Why don't they just ditch the OT in the regular season all together.

Then they save the players and can have a real overtime when it matters.

Tie Breakers are already set so the the regular season to determine league rankings.

My suggestion on OT:

Each team starts on the opponents 50 yard line. No more FG's without a 1st down like college.

Each teams picks the direction they want to travel, this avoids a wind or dirt field advantage.

Each team will have to go for the two point conversion after a touchdown.

I'm sure there are better ideas, but this would be fun to watch.

j

LSU Spring Football-Article.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20100228/SPORTS0202/2280311/1028

The reported listed 10 items that should be addressed after Miles press conference.

I will shorten the list.

1. Change the offense to a more simplistic approach with an improvement on the physical side and running.

2. Coach up the players, he mentioned the lack of development of all of the recruits.

===LSU produced nine first-round picks and nine second- or third-round picks (all signed by Saban). The only LSU players signed by Miles who have been drafted were wide receiver Demetrius Byrd and Ricky Jean-Francois, who both went in the seventh round in 2009.

3. Stop making excuses for errors to the media. Man up.

They can say toughness and personality falls under this, but I still think LSU players are weaker than most big time programs. Heck, Ole Miss, Washington and Miss St pushed them around with much less publicized recruits.

j

Wade is drinking the Cool Aid

Phillips indicated that Spencer was talented enough to one day be compared with a member of the Saints' famed "Dome Patrol," linebacker Rickey Jackson.

I don't know where to start.

Should we apologize to the Saint's fans or or Cowboy's fans.

Saint's for the under appreciation of a star or the Cowboy's for having to listen to Wade for another year.

j

2010 Draft Class Hyperbole

NFL Network analyst Charley Casserly made a bold statement Friday about this year's draft class. The former Washington Redskins andHouston Texans executive asserted the players taken in this year's first round will be the greatest collection of talent since the most celebrated class turned pro nearly three decades ago.

"This is the best first round I've seen since 1983," Casserly said at the NFL scouting combine in Lucas Oil Stadium.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/combine-2010/count/31

Did I miss something?

J

I hate to say "I said it first"...But

INDIANAPOLIS -- In the months leading up to Cowboys training camp in '03, a quality control coach named David Lee helped quarterback Tony Romo overhaul his throwing motion. Bill Parcells had taken one look at the undrafted player out of Eastern Illinois during a May minicamp and declared that he'd have too many passes batted down because of his three-quarter delivery.

Tebow

Romo

Lee, who played quarterback for Vanderbilt in the 1970s when Parcells was the defensive coordinator at the school, told Romo that he should wait until after training camp to make any major changes. Romo was so desperate to make the team that he practically begged Lee to teach him a more orthodox delivery. He would call Lee at 9 in the evening and ask him to meet him at Valley Ranch to work on the new delivery. And we all know the rest of that story.

But as luck would have it, Lee, now the Dolphins' quarterbacks coach, ended up working with Tim Tebow at the Senior Bowl. On Friday, Tebow stood in front of about 150 reporters and credited Lee for helping lay the foundation for his new delivery. He knows what Lee did for Romo and is now doing for Chad Henne.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/tag/_/name/combine-2010

Isn't it funny, that someone finally is talking about Lee and how much he changed Romo and that Tebow needs him. Well, other than our blog months ago.

Here is what Holmgren said about Tebow.

"The things we are looking at right now is, he played in a system offense that used to be unique and is a little bit different than what we ask quarterbacks to do in our league most of the time," Holmgren said. "The second thing is, his motion has been talked about a little bit. It's always been my opinion that is the most difficult thing to change in any quarterback. I've read he has a lot of guys coaching him up on that and he is trying to change it. It's really hard to do, I think, particularly in pressure situations."

j

Airline went down to Natchitoches Central

Tough draw in first round for Airline, they drew an athletic Chiefs team that has been ranked in the top 10 most of the year. Truthfully, Airline could have beaten some of the higher ranked teams but the achilles heal for this team is the speed and strength they met tonight. They get no uncontested shots out of the rotations with the quickness difference.

It was a 4 point loss in which Airline made a valiant comeback and had the ball down only 2 with 30 seconds left.

The turning points was when the Chiefs came out in the 3rd quarter with a trapping full court set. With the refs allowing the belly bumps and hand checks, the muscle and quickness really did effect the Viking ball handlers.

Even though they lost, it was a fun game to watch.

j

Roy Williams and Wade's Opinion

"We are going to play the best player, no matter what," Cowboys coach Wade Phillips said when asked whether Patrick Crayton or Kevin Ogletree could beat out Williams.

Believe it or not?

Williams is set to make 12.9 in Salary and Bonuses this next year.

j

JXC sent me an Email

I thought a different point of view was a good thing.

Here is JXC's note.

Subject: Basketball with a couple of Football thoughts
off the record- I just saw Too Tall Jones on a Geico commercial in a
hospital gown

I was going to say something on the blog but I have multiple comments

I am trying to transfer into Basketball mode. I am not sure how successful
I
will be but here is an effort

1) NBA- annoyances

Traveling is big, but the largest too many is the trading players simply
for expiring contracts. Keith Van Horn picking up a few million for taking
a
physical a few years ago comes to mind. I have no problem with teams
"playing the game" but I wish this would go away.

This years trades- What is the Wizards plan? Dump Jamison and Butler for
lgauskas and Howard? How do you sell that one.

Mavs and Cav taking these players--- great moves for both.


2) I watched the Hornets and Cavs last night. Thornton put on a great show
he score inside and outside. However, the Cavs were a superior talent.
James
pretty much "assisted" in the 2nd half but he would turn it on
occasionally
and the Hornets could not do anything. Shaq is old and overweight, still
needs to be accounted for but could be more if he wanted. Jamison was a
good
pick up. James made a few assist to him that looked great.

3) Knicks-- Bosh and Wade would be an outstanding match up, but I am torn.
They sold out for years for this off season and did not try to win, but I
do
appreciate how Walsh has played his hand-- He took a team in horrendous
shape and is making them relevant.

4) What about the bulls in the off season- The have room for one max
player.

=============
College-- I have not been able to watch enough- I will catch up in in the
tournament. I tried to watch a couple of games last night but I could not
get into it

Tennessee- Rivals Radio was talking about Dooley- he is catching a little
heat for not being media friendly. I wish him the best. The school got
burned and I like Dooley.

Boys-- Not sure what they are looking for in the draft but I would place
emphasis on left tackle in the 1st

Saints- LB or DT

--------
JXC, is a Captain Shreve and Tech Grad stranded down south and will be moving to Big D this summer.

J
=

LSUS Pilots

MEN-I watched LSUS clinch another berth in the NAIA tourney last night.(24-4 8th ranked)
4th Conference title in 5 years, they have been ranked in the top 10 all year.

They play 10-12 kids with aggressive pressure on both ends. They are slashers on offense and play strong off the ball help defense. This is a well coached team that is fun to watch.

For the record, I know I told some of you this a couple of years ago, but I still think Chad McDowell is the best coach in Louisiana. If and when he decides to give up the family time and move his kids around the nation to try and improve his positions, someone is going to get a very detailed and aggressive coach.

I do worry about the perimeter game in the NAIA tourney.

Women- Ronnie Howell and his team have really improved during the year.

(20-5, I expect another win Saturday at home.)

They have always played aggressive and physical defense. I honestly mean that every shot, pass and dribble is contested. Last time I checked they led the nation in defensive FG%.

It has been an improvement on offense that is making the difference the last half of the year.

I don't know exactly what Ronnie changed, but they can suddenly get better scoring opportunities on the inside and out. Their offside rebounds are providing a lot of opportunities. Maybe the conference teams are playing more zone defense to cause these rebound opportunities, but I really didn't notice a difference in how teams are playing them.

The girls finished second in conference and will get two home games before the finals.

S, Fun Stuff is happening at your Alma Mater.

j

Miles Austin

This comment deserves a preface: I love Miles Austin as a Player.
He had an incredible year when he finally was given a chance to play.

I saw that Dallas did not post a franchise tag on him and instead he is a restricted free agent, Dallas would get a 1st and 3rd if he signs and they do not match.
I agree with the decision on avoiding paying a person 9million in franchise tags for a 1 years explosion. I want him to re-sign, but Geez. 9 Million?

The rest of WR's that play are just below average. Maybe talent is on the bench, it took an injury for them to figure out Miles was different.

J

A Celebration Causing a Stir

The Canadian Women's Hockey Team is in trouble for Drinking Beer and Smoking Cigars on the ICE after beating the USA Team for Gold. Bad Sportsmanship is being stated.

What is funny is that the American's are not complaining, I guess the rest of the world does not want our closest neighbor to become as boorish as our American Athletes have become known for.

Gotta Love the Canadian Women
j

Ole Miss Fan Responds

JSP send me this.
----------------

I read your post ---- you must know this was a joke that ran wild. Funny thing is I have heard from several people asking about this.
j

Texas BBall

The Longhorns started the Season 17-0. The last 11 games they are 5-6. Ouch!

j

Jarvis Varnado Breaks NCAA Blocked Shot Record In M State Win

Jarvis Varnado needed 8 blocked shots to pass former Northeast La (now ULM) player Wojeiech Mydra's record of 535 blocked shots.

While leading Mississippi State to 8 point win over Alabama, Varnado had 6 blocked shots in the 2nd Half to break the all time record at 536.

I have posted 2 separate post prior to the record tonight.

In my first post in November I doubted he would average enough to pass the player in Monroe.

By Jan 19, I had changed my tune.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Mississippi State

I was reminded by Brian C that Jarvis Varando, a John Wooden nominee,
became the SEC all-time leader in Block Shots. He passed Shaq in Block Shots and Rebounds this week. He has 413, the all time leader played for Northeast La(Wojciech Mydra) and has 535. Within reach? nah.

Pretty impressive for a guy with no press outside of the SEC West.

Two Time Defensive Player of the year that gave up his scholarship this year to add recruits.
6'9 230lbs 210 by the scouts. . Basically a 3 year starter.
Going into this years he is projected as early second draft pick.

Maybe Ole Miss can send a JEDI Warrior out next time to play against the Bulldogs.

j

I just could not stop myself.

LSU Wins---Finally

All of us LSU fans can scream for joy tonight, we avoided a repeat of our worst record in 56 years.

The Tig's improve to 1-12 in conference with the win against the Hogs. I still cannot believe that LSU can be this bad.

Where do I think it started, since I first watched Tasmin Mitchell miss a FT in a High School Playoff game to lose to the game at Airline. I have wanted him out of Baton Rouge. Maybe next year will be better when the bad karma is playing in Europe.

j

What is happening at Ole Miss

One of the leading choices to become the Ole Miss Mascot.

Admiral Ackbar the Rebel Fleet Commander from Star Wars.

Now, That selection would be embarrassing for the "The Colonel" who was retired in 2003.

http://www.ajc.com/sports/uga/is-it-a-trap-325708.html?referrer=search_buy

http://www.tmz.com/2010/02/24/admiral-ackbar-mississippi-university-mascot/

J

Mavs and Lakers

I like you loved the Mavs trade for Butler and Haywood. Even Stephenson is an improvement.

The defense is just improved in all aspects.

As for Kobe, does he epitomize the lack of shooting.

He is 8/21 going into the final 3 minutes. I wonder if the refs will let him drive and push off during the final minutes to get his wide open jumpers.

Oh Well, Here we go.

j

Tiger, Jordan, & the Character Issue

All this ridiculous soap opera with Woods, and then the little blurb about Jordan that I just posted made me think about how our digital age has polluted our ability to really enjoy great athletes. This merging of sports news with tabloid journalism is really bothersome. When I look back at Jordan, I only remember how truly incredible he was on the court. The fact that he turned out to be an ass just doesn't register much with me. He was the best and that's what I remember. The big shots in the big moments, the logic-defying athletic ability, the unbending willpower. I think that's what I'll remember about Woods as well, despite the crap going on right now. Athletes have the same flaws as you or me or the neighbors and maybe more. I just don't want to know about it. Sports is about joy and awe and appreciation of gifts that we can't comprehend. I don't appreciate those gifts more or less because someone is a gambler and someone is a cheater, etc. The gifts are on display and we're lucky to witness them. Whether you'd want any of them to date your daughter just doesn't matter. Just enjoy.

S

Bill Simmons

I really enjoy reading this guy on espn.com. He usually makes sense and also makes me laugh. Here is a sample, regarding Michael Jordan.

My favorite MJ stat of all time: From November 1990 through June 1998, the Bulls never lost three games in a row with Jordan. My second-favorite MJ stat of all time: In his final three Chicago seasons, in a 31-month stretch that started November '95 and ended June '98, he played in 310 of a possible 310 games. My third-favorite MJ stat of all time: He averaged 30.1 points in the regular season and 33.4 points in the playoffs. That's really all you needed to know about the guy. Warrior. Impossibly competitive. Got better when it mattered.

You know how I feel about Jordan. Best combination of unearthly talent married to focus and willpower that I've ever seen in a team sport. Simmons' few sentences captured it all pretty succintly.

Here he is on Kevin Durant.

Let's leave out the historical possibilities this time around. (You know, like the fact that he's already at 5,000 career points, that no forward has ever averaged 30 points a game three times and he might do it 10 or 12, that he might have a 37 PPG or a 55-45-95 shooting percentage season lurking in him, etc.) Just look at this particular season. How is Durant not our No. 2 choice for MVP?
The young Zombies have quietly climbed to 30-21 and third in the league in defensive field goal percentage. Durant goes into every game knowing two things: (1) There's a decent chance nobody else on my team will make more than five baskets tonight; and (2) If I suck, we almost definitely will lose. They're 17-8 in their past 25 games; he has scored at least 25 in every game, racked up 29-plus points in all but three and averaged 32.4 PPG (first in NBA in that span), 7.8 RPG, 52.3 FG percent, 88.6 FT percent (third) and 51.9 3FG percent (first, minimum 50 attempts). His plus/minus in those 25 games is plus-194, second only to LeBron. His team is improbably headed for 48-50 wins in a loaded Western Conference, with a top four that's 21, 21, 23 and 20 years old, without anyone averaging even 6.4 rebounds or 1.1 blocks a game. And Durant has scored nearly as many points as his best two teammates combined. I could go on and on. Other than LeBron/Cleveland, Durant means more to that team than anyone else means to any other 2010 team. You can't tell me differently.

This is great information and the kind of stuff that's right up my alley. I'll take some credit for Durant. I could tell the first time I watched him as a freshman that he would be a superstar.

S

LSU looking for 1st repeat since 1943-44

If LSU goes winless in the SEC this year, currently 0-12, it will be the first time in 56 years.

Pitiful.

j

Tiger's World

I agree with your comments on the sensationalism of the situation.

Disgusting. (Even though I was right all along.)

Then last night on ESPN, they quote his neanderthal caddie, saying he will not take any fans heckling Woods when he comes back. This is just another person associated with Woods that does not think the rules apply to them.

j

Tebow Tapes for the workout.

After watching Tebow's new throwing motion on tape yesterday, it is obvious that the Fla staff did not really do a good job of preparing him to be a better passer. I find it hard to believe that Tebow would not listen to coaching, so I will blame the coaches for not preparing the player.

When you watch the tape, it is obvious Tebow can and could make the progression to a modern passer. His release looks like everyone else, I did not get a chance to see the velocity, but arm strength is not the problem. Accuracy and habits will be the deciding factor.

It was also evident how slow his previous deliver was and how bad his footwork really is.

j

Combine Time

I actually read a quote from a nameless GM in the NFL that made some sense. He said they use the combine for interviews and such, but 90% of their draft board is already complete and won't change much based on what happens there. He said too many NFL scouts don't know what to do without a stopwatch in their hands and too many of them forget what they saw in watching hours and hours of football performance, junking it all for the vaunted "measurables". I wish I knew who it was. A man with some common sense.

One stopwatch item that was amazing I saw though: the Ravens brought in Donte Stallworth. They have this slow track that no one wants to run on. First day he runs 4.4, the fastest time they've ever gotten on their track, ever.

S

NBA Trades

I was thrilled for the Mavs to rid themselves of that moron Josh Howard, truly one of the dumbest, most clueless individuals in the league, and get one of the NBA's few true centers, plus a scoring option who plays defense and is considered a great pro in Butler. This definately makes them better.

Jamison to the Cavs also a great move for them. I still don't think they will win a title with this group, but they keep getting closer and one injury to the Lakers could open that door. All this talk about the Knicks getting cap space to make a run at Lebron, I just can't see it. I think he stays put unless they just quit trying and that owner isn't going to do that.

Chris Bosh is the big prize to me. He is getting to really elite status and could totally turn around a franchise's fortunes.

S

Tiger-Gate

I didn't watch and could not care less. What have we all come to when ESPN functions like a Dr. Phil show? Totally embarrassing. Even people I like and/or respect like the PTI guys, Mike/Mike, etc. are caught up in this sleazy show. I'm a sports fan, not a National Enquirer reader. Geez, what a world.

S

30 arrest since Meyer has been at Florida

I was watching PTI today and Mariotti said that Fla has had 30 arrest in Urban's years at Florida.

This seems to be a really high number, I wonder if it is true? I found one article that had the number at 27 different players. I guess a few could have multiple arrest.

I remember Texas had 8 arrested after the Rose Bowl NC and the next year. Texas has had 3 in the last two months. I have a feeling they are rivaling Florida in total numbers.

J

LT let go in San Diego

I cannot really blame the Chargers for the release.

LT is a poster child for RB that lost the ability at 30.

He was my choice for RB of the decade, but should not be considered in the truly great discussions.

A few facts:

A positive side is that he was a better receiver than he will get credit for, 100 recpts in 2003.

He has played 9 years, 4 of those years he produced a pedestrian like average per carry under 4.0. Two times over he went over 5 yds per carry and 3 times over 4yds per carry.

Average production per play, but a touchdown machine. Over 150 td's in the decade.

j

Bassmaster Classic

As a first for our blog, I will venture into my beloved Bass fishing.

On my Birthday, last Thursday, my Father and I went to my Father-In-Law's Pond for our annual trip. We had another good day doing what I consider my favorite past time. (Side note-On Friday, we went against each other's teams on the golf course and I had to birdie 18 to offset his birdie on 17 to win. When he reached the mid 70's, I was not supposed to have to try this hard to win.)

I just watched Kevin VanDam win another Bassmaster Classic. He truly is the best I have ever seen. I thought Roland Martin and his scientific approach would remain as the best since the tour has gone commercial - I was wrong.

KVD who is from Kalamazoo, Mn, is just better than the rest of us. He has the gift to understand what is under the water and how to present baits in the proper angle. It is interesting to watch these guys that grow up fishing the open water in the North and in the West continue to dominate the bass circuit.

The Classic comes back to Bossier City in 2012.

j

Tiger Woods Confessional

S,

I was hoping you would comment on Woods so that I could avoid the subject.

To say I avoided this scripted session is an understatement. I have not watched it and do not feel that it is something that I should ever watch.

When Woods finally comes out of his sponsor required media blackout, (and Yes - I think he is embarrassed not necessarily contrite for any reason other than getting caught,) I will be amazed at his talent.

For the record, someone whom I trust in reading faces, said that it was strictly for show and cold. She felt that it was another scripted broadcast with not signs of true feelings.

I will add that while reading about the ordeal, I found a comment that the "Sex" was a result of something else, i.e.- the effect not the cause. Interesting wording considering only a couple of things can influence the brain enough to cause this behavior, both are illegal.

j

Syracuse-Villanova

Syracuse beating G'town last night made me feel better about my thoughts on the final four.

I really have would not be surprised if one of the other teams joined Nova and Syracuse in the final four. Night in and Night out the Big East is a blood bath. Pitt is really improving since the guards have gotten healthy.

I have never been a fan of the Big East Hype, but it is deserved.

j

Break

Wondering where I've been? I usually take a bit of a break after the Super Bowl, start reading again, and listening to other things than sports. I'm going to start paying some attention to college B-Ball as we move into crunch time. I did watch some of the NBA festivities this week to keep up with what's going on. You're prediction about John Wall is going to be interesting given the status of Rose and Evans at this point. They are men already and if Wall is better than them.........Kevin Durant can score in his sleep. I watched him in the HORSE game and he drained like 12/13 3-pointers at the end to win it. 21 years old! I really think Lebron could have been Magic Johnson had he landed on a team with established scorers. As I try to evaluate him at this point realistically, his amazing size/strength along with the court sense and speed makes it realistic that he could end up being the best player of all time. I really believe it. We'll see if the shot continues to improve as Jordan's did and whether he can deliver some titles. He just does whatever he wants.

S

Kansas At Texas A&M

At Home Texas A&M is scary.

They are now 18-7 with 6 of the seven loses to teams in the top 20. The other at OKST.

2 of the loses to W Va and New Mex at neutral sites. (Close games early and A&M has improved.)

The other 3 were on the road.

They played Kansas dead even until the last two minutes and the experience and Aldrich stopping the drives led Kansas to victory in the end.

j

ADD and Exceptional Athletes

I was reading about Bubba Watson and his psychologist was talking about ADD in relation to Payne Stewart. Evidently the late Payne Stewart was easily distracted which may have account for his lack of an overall stellar career (11 wins) when his talent was obviously superior.

The Doctor said that when the pressure went extremely high Stewart was forced to focus and we would see the true talent come out. (2 US Open titles.)

It may made consider the other athletes that may fit this mold.

Great Players in crunch time, but average during the rest of the game.

1. Big Ben in Pittsburgh- He is a totally different player in the last 5 minutes.

2. John Daly-Two Majors the only time he was in contention. What natural talent.

3. Eli Manning. Even at Ole Miss he would lead people at the end of a game.

4. Reggie Jackson- He may the most obvious, I hated him, but it was magical.

5. Joe Montana

It also makes you appreciate people like M Jordan, Woods, P Manning, and Larry Bird that delivered day in and day out.

You wonder what is in the head of people like Couples, Greg Norman, Farve, and Arod.

They have all of the talent and a history of having breakdowns in crunch time or just not showing up.

The Moral of the Story:

Fear playing against someone with ADD that is an under achiever with worlds of talent.

If the money or pressure gets high enough, you may see the animal awaken.

j

What happened to the NBA.

I remember the days when we would be buzzing about the All-Star game.

Now like the regular season-No one even mentioned the game this week. (at the office or golf course. )

I hate that they have changed the rules so much the NBA is a hybrid of the game.

The games are too long, the players travel most times down the court, the illegal contact off the ball and worse of all the superstar treatment with fouls and traveling.

(I take that back, traveling is the worse.)

Throw in the recent referee scandals with rigging games and they make Mark Cuban's accusations of favoritism that more truthful.

J

SEC and Big 12 Football Update.

If you want an article on each team in Football to get you through the weak NBA schedule.

SEC.

http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/8964/valentines-day-in-the-sec

Big 12

http://espn.go.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/10415/texas-nebraska-oklahoma-top-preseason-big-12-rankings#comments

j

Pre-Season Football Top 20 For 2010.

I was on Espn and saw Schlabach's Top 10.

It is way too early, but what the heck.

1. Bama

2. Ohio St

3. Boise St- Geez

4. Oregon

5. VTech

6.Texas

7.Nebraska

8.TCU-Geez part 2.

9. Wisconsin

10. Fla.

11. Okla

15. Arkansas

16. LSU

19. GA.

21.USC

J

Dustin Johnson - Swing Speed.

Maybe this ex-basketball player will be the next young gun at age 25 with 3 wins.

Back to Back at Pebble Beach.

His Swing Speed Averages around 124 which is in JB Holmes range.

Avg on tour is around 113. Avg Ball speed around 160. Johnson is around 180.

Justin seems to have a better wedge game than Holmes.

Bubba Watson still leads in Ball Speed with Holmes next. Between 182-194.

Watson Speed is avg 122 with a lower ball spin than anyone else.
Watson is longer than the others and works the ball both ways, but he plays with his own coaching. He wants to win on his own.

j

Watson on Woods.

I feel that he has not carried the same stature that other great players that have come along like Jack [Nicklaus], Arnold [Palmer], Byron Nelson, the Hogans, in the sense that there was language and club throwing on the golf course.
” -- Tom Watson on Tiger Woods

http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=4882736

Final Four Predictions

My Final Four Predictions.

Villanova

Kansas

Syracuse

Michigan State

Remainder of Sweet 16.

Kentucky, Purdue, Ohio St, WV,

Gtown, TX, K State, Wisconsin,

Pitt, New Mexico, Bulter, UAB

J.

Notice no Duke, that defense bothers me.

Getting ready for March Madness

The Top Three Conferences seem to be much stronger than the others.

1. Big East- When I question how good this conference really is?

I remember that Calhoun and UConn are 11th in Conference.

Some say 6 teams from the Big Eas in the tourney. I would like to get 2 more. Lville has improved, ND, and Cincy deserve consideration also and are better than most that will get in.

I really like Marquette and that style of play, but they are a bit young.

2. Big 10- The biggest surprise to me, those top 5 teams are could all go to final 8. They all have winning records against top 25 except Michigan State and we know IZZO is going deep in the tournament. The should get on a role here shortly.

3. Big 12-NBA talent everywhere-Defense is not up to Big East or Big 10. 7 teams-possible.

I like Okie State but not TTech. Baylor is a nightmare draw for someone.

ACC-It goes against my all of my natural instincts to say this conference is bad.

Every team is except VA Tech is loaded with all Americans everywhere.

Some people say they get 6 teams, I would only do 5:

Duke, MD, VT and VA. Va may fall with the remaining schedule, but they are 3-0 against top 25. GT is ranked in top 20, but they could lose 3 of next 5.

The Tar Heels are 2-7 in conference. Wow.

SEC- See previous post.

KY, Ten, Vnd, MState are in. Ole Miss should be.

Watch Arkansas win or go deep in the tourney and bump someone. Fla is confusing, Donovan has lost something since that Orlando debacle.

A10-people are looking at 6 teams because of records, but I do not see all of the wins against good teams after the top 4. Richmond, Xavier, Temple and Charlotte seems to be the best.

USA-Some say 2 from this conference I want more. 3 or 4 UAB, Utep, Mem, Tulsa-none past the 2nd round, except UAB.

MWC-New Mexico, BYU and UNLV should all win in the first round unless they draw a team like Pitt or Baylor that is down in the Bracket.

j

Big 12 Basketball

I watched Bobby Knight breakdown Cole Aldrich game the other night. He is much quicker on Defense than I expected. I need to pay more attention to his off the ball defense.

Kansas is really good.

As for the entire conference they are really good.

10 of the 12 teams have wins over top 25.

I would actually put 8 teams in the tourney. The talent level is obvious and unlike the SEC they have shooters on the court.

Kan, K State, Texas, Baylor, T AM, Mo and Ok St.

Between TTech-OK ST (I like OK St 2-2 against top 25.)

j

SEC Basketball

I am wearing my Mississippi State shirt in honor of their season sweep of Ole Miss.

(4th time in 7 years. ) Why can't MState play as agressive against other team as they do against the Rebels.

How bad is the basketball in the SEC West. They are 4-21 against top 25 teams.

The SEC East is a bit better at 13-12. Only KY and Vandy have winning records.

I do not like the Gators. Tenn tends to fold with their shooting when the pressure picks up.

LSU is the drudge of the conference. (0-10 in Conference) How did this happen?

The In-State talent is being sent all over the nation while the AAU teams continue to finish in the top 10 nationally. The talent leaving the state is continuing this year.

Maybe LSU needs a new recruiting coordinator? Their excuse, (that is logical,) is that Brady had so many people not graduate that Johnson cannot get the high talent players that will leave early because of the NCAA guidelines on losing scholarships.

I say BS, they lack the personality and trust with the AAU and HS coaches to help with the recruiting. Tennessee and Vandy win without a smidgen of the talent found in Louisiana.

Johnson seems to be a good X's and O's coach, but can he develop the athletes here and teach them to adjust to the pace that Calipari and Pearl will shove down the SEC's throat.

I hope they get 6 teams into the tourney: KY, Tenn, Vandy, MState, Ole Miss and Florida.

4 makes more sense with Ole Miss and Fla 1-7 record against top 25 teams. Ole Miss would be my first choice.

j

Texas in the Big 10 or Pac 10.

Who is using whom in this negotiation?

Why would TX let the knowledge out that they discussed moving out of Big 12?

It really hurts the Big 12 and suggest that Texas thinks the other two are better overall conferences.

It can only help TX in one way:

They want more power in a conflict with the other Big 12 Teams.

I wonder which teams have joined together to fight the Texas Decision makers in the Big 12.

The other reasons are a reach at best. Why join conferences that win less titles in they two big sports, have no history or rivalries, will never be part of the inner circle of power brokers and

will no longer be the big dog. The media markets are bigger, but they SEC has the smallest market and the biggest contracts, so the media size is irrelevant.

Can Texas really be that selfish?

This only helps the Big 10 and Pac 10 with access into the Texas Talent and Media Market.

j

A possible Explanation on the "silly lot"

Click on pic for view.
j
http://fireseanpayton.com/

A reported who agreed with me on more than 1 SB in New Orleans

Jay Mariotti

http://jay-mariotti.fanhouse.com/2010/02/09/paytons-place-ripe-for-more-parades/

So Payton walked into the locker room at halftime, as Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend grinded out 35-year-old songs, and announced, "We're doing it." Despite trailing, 10-6, despite the risk of handing the ball to Peyton Manning with a short field, he was ordering an onside kick and going for all the gumbo. "I wasn't too worried, just terrified. I was terrified and excited at the same time," said rookie kicker Thomas Morstead. Every other player was thrilled.

"He plays to win the game," linebacker Scott Fujita said. "I knew we were going to get it."

"He doesn't care what anyone thinks," running back Mike Bell said. "He's all man."

----

Jonathan, it is good to know that we still recognize the ability to outsmart failure and that the national media is finally catching on.

j

Snow Day makes for a Payton Day

I found this article on Sean Payton Coaching Styl in the New York Papers.

Gary Myers has some interesting insight in the relationship between Payton and Parcells.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/2010/02/09/2010-02-09_myers_super_bowl_payton.html

A quote.

Coaches tend to get so uptight in Super Bowls because any play could be the one that decides the game. But there's no question Payton went for it against Manning. He knew he had to take some chances, find ways to create extra possesions, because Manning is virtually unstoppable. Payton was at his best in the biggest game of his life and elevated himself into an elite coach
.

j

Since we have a Snow day in La-Saints Pub Day

"This thing laid in my bed next to me last night," Payton said, holding the NFL's championship hardware like it was a much-loved teddy bear. "I rolled over a couple of times. I probably drooled on it. But man, there's nothing like it."

The sterling silver Lombardi Trophy has a special connection to the Saints' organization. It is named for Vince Lombardi, the legendary Green Bay Packers coach. And Lombardi's grandson, Joe, is the Saints quarterback coach.

http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2010/02/08/sean-payton-sleeps-with-lombardi-trophy-theres-nothing-like-i/

j

Romo playing with Daly at Pebble today.

Talk about being born with a four-leaf clover around your neck.

He is pro bowl QB of the Dallas Cowboy's after going undrafted. Thankfully, he has regained his witty sense of humor.( since the Simpson clan is not around.)

Quote from article:
At times, you couldn't tell which was the pro, which the amateur — which wasn't surprising.

In the end, a slimmed-down Daly (mythically) trumped Romo, soothing any wild notion that the career-in-crisis pro actually could be upstaged by some two-sport phenom posing as an amateur.

"Posing" is an interesting choice of words.
Two weeks removed from the Pro Bowl he is playing golf at Pebble Beach at a ridiculous level.
I included the article, because it was an interesting view of the two.
How talented is Romo?: He and Daly were tied after 16 holes.
Romo played the tees in front of Daly, but the true differences usually comes down to talent within 10 yards of the green. Besides, after playing with Woods last year, Romo has proven that he is longer than many or most of the Pro golfers.

As the reported jokes. (while hitting a touchy and controversial point of view.)

Like his football game he fell apart in the end.
Hit it in the water on 17 then tried a miracle shot with his feet in the water and hit a bridge ending the competition.

You gotta love Romo playing golf without fear, (well I tend to play this way, he goes for it on every shot) of course it is a nightmare for the football coach and the media hate it.

I will like to see what happens when he figures out how to become better at each sport.

j

NBA Rookies at the Half Way Point

With Stephen Curry posting triple double this week it seemed appropriate to look at the NBA Rookies. 36pts - 13 assist-10 rebounds.

My Rankings are basically the same as the pundits:

1. Tyreke Evans-6'6" Leads in Scoring and overall stats. 20.8 pts 4.8rebs, 5.1 assist. His height is a definite advantage. He is getting the line a lot for a PG. A good sign of respect.

Tie for 2nd-with Curry moving up.

2. Brandon Jennings-Leads in Assist and Assist turnover ration. Second in Pts 16.8 3.8rep, 6.2 assist. Shooting % has dropped since the NBA has film on him now. I am impressed with is pass first attitude.
2. Stephen Curry- Leads in Steals.1.8spg.3rd in scoring and assist. 14.8, 3.8 reb, 4.9 assist. Playing better with Jackson gone, the GS offense inflates his stats a bit.

The next groups is a stranger breakdown.
Casspi at Sac is much better than I expected.
Blair is a bull on the board, but may be limited physically. He will avg 12 boards if he can play both ends.

I like Ty Lawson's potential, but playing behind Billups may hide his talent for a while.

The bad thing for us, the shooting % are still in the improved Kobe range and less than 50%.

j

I changed the Blog setting so people can post a comment.

I had some of our friends tell me they wanted to post.

PG only, others will be deleted.
J.

Kansas at Texas tonight.

I have a bad feeling for Texas tonight.

They have had trouble on the Defensive end and the Jayhawks are playing much tougher.

That being said, I believe that TX will improve by tourney time and this early match up says more about Kansas than Texas.

The first half was hard to watch, Kansas came out with a determined d.
Texas made it respectful, but they have to get tougher.

j

Let's Honor the right person.

It seems that every 20 years a coach comes along that is smarter than the others and changes the way the game is played.

Brown 40's

Landry 60's

Walsh 80's

Now Payton? 00

Instead of commenting on the game last night. I will repost what I wrote a couple of months ago.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Sainthood in the Big Easy.

Sainthood is in order for the ex-QB from Romo's Alma mater. Saint Sean Payton.
Why does he not get the press?

After he wins 2 of the next 3 SB's maybe things will change and he can coach for a team owner worthy of his brain. I read 7 articles on the Saints nationally today, Coach P was not mentioned in any of them.

3 years ago, Jonathan and I were discussing the possibilities that Payton is the next generation of offensive genius. I am closer to the belief everyday, his game plans are far and beyond what the defenses coaches are prepared for.

He is single handily putting Brees and Colston in the HOF.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Best team in the NFL. Saints?

Only 1 team is in the top 5 in all categories of offense.

Saints 5th in Rushing - The top 4 all have losing record.
4th in Passing but 1st in yards per play 9.1
1st in Scoring 37
1st in Yards
1st in yds per play 6.6

15th in Defense- 20 Pt per game.
1st in point differential. 17per game. Pats were 20 pts when they were caught cheating.

My thoughts- Payton is special and with a little luck my prediction of 2 Super Bowls will hold up.
He is Martz with more control, a Coryell in the making with his offense that makes the defenses cover wr's with single coverage. It is funny listening to people give the wr's, rb's, and qb credit and never mention the incredible mismatches the coach has set up. No team gets more one on one coverage than Payton.

Time will tell if he can be a Landry, Walsh or Gibbs: meaning do it with different players while establishing great defenses and top offenses at the same time.

As a bearing of the past the 49ers and Cowboys were the only teams with top 5 rushing and passing during the early 90's.

Pretty good company for the Saints.

j

Manning Historical

Rick Gosselin, who I truly like and respect, had his top 10 QB's this morning. He has Manning 8th at this point, and expects him to move up. My only beef is he is stuck on the SB totals like most people. Therefore he does not have Marino in his top 10, which I just cannot grasp or agree with. That's a long topic.

1. Unitas - credits him for calling his own plays, winning 3 championships, calls his 47 game TD streak the most impressive record for a QB
2. Graham - won 83.4% of his starts, went 7-3 in an incredible 10 title games
3. Montana - 4 championships, never threw an interception in a SB
4. Elway - led team to 5 SB's, winning 2, 51k yards
5. Staubach - 2 championships, 4 SB's, 74.5% winning %
6. Starr - 5 titles in 7 years, 104.8 passer rating in post season
7. Bradshaw - 4 titles
8. Manning - 4 MVP's, 1 SB
9. Favre - holds all the records, 1 SB
10. Brady - 76.3% winning % & 3 titles

S