Went to Allen High tonight to check out the defending 5A champs, Flower Mound Marcus. The Marauders are big for a high school team, and not so much height, although they go 6-8, 6-6, 6-4 up front. They are a very strong team in fact they did not put a player on the court tonight that could be termed skinny. Their strength and height make them tough to score against and they play a methodical style. Allen played them man most of the night so I didn't get a good read on their shooters, except the point guard.
The point guard has an unorthodox stroke, but was on target tonight, and has range. Their center is 6-8 and is a good athlete, but not sure how much overall game he's got. The main reason I went was to see Marcus Smart, the "point-forward". First thing, he is physically ready for college, in fact he is quite a specimen at 6-4 and looking like a tight end. As of this post, he is the 3rd ranked national forward, and 14th overall recruit in this class by Rivals. It can be hard to get a read on his talent because of the Marcus style of play. He handles the ball a lot and showed some signs of having good floor vision. His shooting stroke is pretty sound, but he is not a natural shooter. There is some explosion, as he had a couple of throw-downs tonight. I watched him hit some 3's in warm-ups. My impression is that he will have an impact at OK St. I think he handles well enough to play guard in college and the strength is certainly there. It would be fun to see him play an AAU game and be turned loose.
S
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
ELI - Finally getting his due.
Article in Shreveport Times this morning for our Ole Miss Grads.
Eli has always been a pressure player and in my opinion restricted in his NFL passing numbers by the offense he played in for the Giants.
http://shreveporttimes.com/article/20120131/SPORTS/201310315/That-then-now?odyssey=tab
J
Eli has always been a pressure player and in my opinion restricted in his NFL passing numbers by the offense he played in for the Giants.
http://shreveporttimes.com/article/20120131/SPORTS/201310315/That-then-now?odyssey=tab
J
How would you rank NFL Coaches All Time.
Lets just list my top 5. The order is a not important:
1. Brown-7 Titles. Lost in 4 more title games. Started Bengals.. 3 playoff appearances in 6 years.
2. Lombardi-5Titles in 9 years.
3. Landry-2 Titles-20years -5 Super Bowls- Coached Both Sides of the Ball and still has schemes being used today.
4. Gibbs- 3 SB titles with completely different teams and 3 QB;s. 4 SBs. In the NFC Beast.
5. Shula.- 6 Superbowls- 2 Titles- Different Teams.
Honorable Mention.
Walsh- 3 SB's= History has his offense as maybe the most productive of all time,
Halas-6 titles
Noll- 4 Titles
Belichech-3 Titles-Cheating brings him down.
Jonathan List:
Brown, Lombardi, Landry, Halas, Walsh.
No losers on this list and difficult to break it down.
I placed huge credence to innovators and people that won with multiple teams or Qb's.
J
1. Brown-7 Titles. Lost in 4 more title games. Started Bengals.. 3 playoff appearances in 6 years.
2. Lombardi-5Titles in 9 years.
3. Landry-2 Titles-20years -5 Super Bowls- Coached Both Sides of the Ball and still has schemes being used today.
4. Gibbs- 3 SB titles with completely different teams and 3 QB;s. 4 SBs. In the NFC Beast.
5. Shula.- 6 Superbowls- 2 Titles- Different Teams.
Honorable Mention.
Walsh- 3 SB's= History has his offense as maybe the most productive of all time,
Halas-6 titles
Noll- 4 Titles
Belichech-3 Titles-Cheating brings him down.
Jonathan List:
Brown, Lombardi, Landry, Halas, Walsh.
No losers on this list and difficult to break it down.
I placed huge credence to innovators and people that won with multiple teams or Qb's.
J
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Dodge Returns
After unprecedented success at Southlake Carroll, Todd Dodge proved incapable of running a college program, leaving North Texas in ruins. He had a short stint as QB coach at Pitt under Todd Graham, but now has landed back in TX high school football. Dodge said his only real criteria was finding a one-school town and he did, taking the job at Marble Falls High, a 4A school close to Austin and currently in Lake Travis' district (Lake Travis will likely move to 5A). That will be a school to watch in the future. They apparently have good facilities and a new (2009) stadium. I expect Dodge will find his mojo again.
S
S
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Aggies and Tigers to SEC
This is a little off in the math, but this is a quote from an article on Outkick the Coverage.
That is crazy increase by adding Texas and Missouri TV markets.
j
In adding Texas A&M and Missouri to its conference footprint the number of cable and satellite subscribers in SEC states increased by nearly 50% from a 12 team SEC in 20.8 million cable homes to a 14 team SEC in 30.3 million homes.
That is crazy increase by adding Texas and Missouri TV markets.
j
Kevin Love
It is being reported Love signed a new contract in Minnesota.
He is one of the players I would have liked to see the Mavs take a run at next year.
The signing is a bit shocking to me. I thought he would try to head west and play in a bigger market close to his home.
Love is having another tough year in FG%. As a career 45% shooter, he has started this year at 41%. It confuses me how a guy could get 3-4 offensive rebounds a game and still shot this low a percentage.
His outside shot is really good and his career FT% is 52%. His 3pt % are even closing in on his season averages at 37%.
If Love ever plays with 2 other talents, I have a feeling he will be the difference maker in a playoff setting.
j
He is one of the players I would have liked to see the Mavs take a run at next year.
The signing is a bit shocking to me. I thought he would try to head west and play in a bigger market close to his home.
Love is having another tough year in FG%. As a career 45% shooter, he has started this year at 41%. It confuses me how a guy could get 3-4 offensive rebounds a game and still shot this low a percentage.
His outside shot is really good and his career FT% is 52%. His 3pt % are even closing in on his season averages at 37%.
If Love ever plays with 2 other talents, I have a feeling he will be the difference maker in a playoff setting.
j
Fielder-Cabrera
I am impressed with the Detroit group signing Fielder.
He would have been my first signing in Texas, if for no other reason than I fear all young unproven pitchers.
Cabrera is money, and now the line-up is truly deadly.
J.
He would have been my first signing in Texas, if for no other reason than I fear all young unproven pitchers.
Cabrera is money, and now the line-up is truly deadly.
J.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Paterno the Coach
No one will ever mistake me for a Penn St. or Joe Paterno fan. In fact, along with Notre Dame, they were the school that I loved to hate growing up. However, I felt it was necessary to post strictly about the accomplishments of Paterno the coach because as college football fans we can't ignore the amazing record he had. The sport is much about tradition and because of that, the demise of Penn St. is a sad day. Similar to my post about Jim Tressel, I tend to believe that most big-time coaches have their skeletons, and I would rather just focus on the football.
46 seasons, 409 wins vs. 136 losses. 75% wins for 46 seasons! You could say he went basically 9-3 for 46 seasons in a row. That would be amazing enough. But consider: 5 undefeated seasons, 2 consensus national championships, 21 10-win seasons, and a very impressive 24-12-1 bowl record. When Penn St. moved up in competition, he had them ready to compete and win. I always dreaded an SEC-Penn St. matchup when I was young, because I knew Joe Pa would be tough to beat (went 8-5 vs. SEC in bowls). 37 bowls in 46 seasons, and 16 of those bowls were a "major". In those 16 major bowls, he went 11-5. He made hay in the Orange Bowl, going 4-1.
So Paterno is gone, the arrogance, the ugly glasses, the high-water pants, the bland uniforms, the linebackers that would take your head off. As hard as I pulled against those guys all those years, I will still miss who they were and what they meant for college football.
S
46 seasons, 409 wins vs. 136 losses. 75% wins for 46 seasons! You could say he went basically 9-3 for 46 seasons in a row. That would be amazing enough. But consider: 5 undefeated seasons, 2 consensus national championships, 21 10-win seasons, and a very impressive 24-12-1 bowl record. When Penn St. moved up in competition, he had them ready to compete and win. I always dreaded an SEC-Penn St. matchup when I was young, because I knew Joe Pa would be tough to beat (went 8-5 vs. SEC in bowls). 37 bowls in 46 seasons, and 16 of those bowls were a "major". In those 16 major bowls, he went 11-5. He made hay in the Orange Bowl, going 4-1.
So Paterno is gone, the arrogance, the ugly glasses, the high-water pants, the bland uniforms, the linebackers that would take your head off. As hard as I pulled against those guys all those years, I will still miss who they were and what they meant for college football.
S
Saturday, January 21, 2012
College Football Royalty
As a follow-up to the season I looked at the historical AP and Coaches polls and added them up. The thing to remember is that until 1968 for AP and 1974 for Coaches, the polls were taken before the bowls, which used to be considered kind of like exhibitions or bonuses for good seasons. Coaches polls started in 1950 and AP in 1936. Alabama claims several championships outside of the AP or Coaches polls, which to me are totally bogus. For instance in 1941 every poll of substance named Minnesota champion, but one obscure poll named Alabama, and they still claim it. Also, you can make the case that they did not deserve their 1964 and 1973 championships since they lost their bowl games, or 1978 when they split with USC but lost to them in the regular season. Regardless, I'm showing the official results of the polls below. Whether some of these can be disputed or not, these are the royalty. The numbers in parenthesis indicate total AP+Coaches championships and the number that were undisputed. The asterisk indicates a split championship:
Alabama (9/6) - 1961, 1964, 1965*, 1973*, 1978*, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011
Notre Dame (8/7) - 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1966, 1973*, 1977, 1988
Oklahoma (7/6) - 1950, 1955, 1956, 1974*, 1975, 1985, 2000
USC (7/4) - 1962, 1967, 1972, 1974*, 1978*, 2003*, 2004
Miami (5/4) - 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991*, 2001
Nebraska (5/3) - 1970*, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997*
Ohio St. (5/3) - 1942, 1954*, 1957*, 1968, 2002
S
Alabama (9/6) - 1961, 1964, 1965*, 1973*, 1978*, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011
Notre Dame (8/7) - 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1966, 1973*, 1977, 1988
Oklahoma (7/6) - 1950, 1955, 1956, 1974*, 1975, 1985, 2000
USC (7/4) - 1962, 1967, 1972, 1974*, 1978*, 2003*, 2004
Miami (5/4) - 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991*, 2001
Nebraska (5/3) - 1970*, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997*
Ohio St. (5/3) - 1942, 1954*, 1957*, 1968, 2002
S
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
How the Other Half Live
Here are some comments from Gosselin's column today that will make you very jealous of how good football teams operate. This regards the most recent NFL draft......
Philadelphia finished the season with a league-high 10 rookies on the roster. Four of them were in the starting lineup when the Eagles stormed down the stretch with a four-game winning streak to capture second place in the NFC East.
On the season, Philadelphia’s rookie class started a combined 46 games. Only two NFL teams claimed more.
Center Jason Kelce and guard Danny Watkins were season-long starters in a Philadelphia offense that finished fifth in the NFL in rushing, ninth in passing and fourth overall. Watkins was a first-round pick and Kelce a sixth.
Brian Rolle also started at linebacker the final 13 games of the season for the NFL’s eighth-ranked defense and Jaiquawn Jarrett finished up as the starting free safety. Jarrett was a second-round pick and Rolle a sixth.
Fourth-rounder Casey Matthews also started games at linebacker, and fifth-rounder Dion Lewis returned kickoffs and served as the primary backup to Pro Bowl halfback LeSean McCoy.
In addition, the Eagles broke in two rookie specialists in 2011, fourth-round placekicker Alex Henery and undrafted punter Chas Henry. Henry converted 24 of 27 field goals on his way to a team runnerup 118 points and Henry compiled a net average of 37 yards with only nine touchbacks.
So the Eagles have something to show for their failure in 2011 -- a young, promising future.
Comment: The Eagles kept 10 of their 11 draft picks and the 11, seventh-round fullback Stanley Havili of Southern Cal, spent the season on the practice squad. Three other undrafted rookies finished the season on the roster.
April grade: C
January grade: A
The draft is there for a reason. Out with the old, over-paid, under-productive, and in with the hungry youth plucked from the college ranks. Only JJ doesn't know who to pluck. Some teams replenish while the Cowboys flounder. When I read articles like this I don't know whether to be angry or just resigned to our fate.
S
Philadelphia finished the season with a league-high 10 rookies on the roster. Four of them were in the starting lineup when the Eagles stormed down the stretch with a four-game winning streak to capture second place in the NFC East.
On the season, Philadelphia’s rookie class started a combined 46 games. Only two NFL teams claimed more.
Center Jason Kelce and guard Danny Watkins were season-long starters in a Philadelphia offense that finished fifth in the NFL in rushing, ninth in passing and fourth overall. Watkins was a first-round pick and Kelce a sixth.
Brian Rolle also started at linebacker the final 13 games of the season for the NFL’s eighth-ranked defense and Jaiquawn Jarrett finished up as the starting free safety. Jarrett was a second-round pick and Rolle a sixth.
Fourth-rounder Casey Matthews also started games at linebacker, and fifth-rounder Dion Lewis returned kickoffs and served as the primary backup to Pro Bowl halfback LeSean McCoy.
In addition, the Eagles broke in two rookie specialists in 2011, fourth-round placekicker Alex Henery and undrafted punter Chas Henry. Henry converted 24 of 27 field goals on his way to a team runnerup 118 points and Henry compiled a net average of 37 yards with only nine touchbacks.
So the Eagles have something to show for their failure in 2011 -- a young, promising future.
Comment: The Eagles kept 10 of their 11 draft picks and the 11, seventh-round fullback Stanley Havili of Southern Cal, spent the season on the practice squad. Three other undrafted rookies finished the season on the roster.
April grade: C
January grade: A
The draft is there for a reason. Out with the old, over-paid, under-productive, and in with the hungry youth plucked from the college ranks. Only JJ doesn't know who to pluck. Some teams replenish while the Cowboys flounder. When I read articles like this I don't know whether to be angry or just resigned to our fate.
S
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Football Fall-Out
It has been a rough start to 2012 for the area with Cowboys, LSU, Vikes and Saints all losing big games.
I did find something to soothe my sports depression.
The Movie "Secretariat" cured my emotional lows by reminding me of the TRUE GREATNESS in sports.
Derby-Record, Preakness-Record, Belmont-Wow. Sometimes things that happen are impossible.
Our Super Horse, who after death was found to have a heart more than twice the size of a normal horse is worth watching on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klP5dwGh88U&feature=related
J
I did find something to soothe my sports depression.
The Movie "Secretariat" cured my emotional lows by reminding me of the TRUE GREATNESS in sports.
Derby-Record, Preakness-Record, Belmont-Wow. Sometimes things that happen are impossible.
Our Super Horse, who after death was found to have a heart more than twice the size of a normal horse is worth watching on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klP5dwGh88U&feature=related
J
Friday, January 13, 2012
Number 25 in Ranking is Special To Me
Donnie sent me this link from SBNation.
Top 25 in 2012 Football.
Ranked 25. Louisiana Tech.
http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2012/1/11/2697091/2012-college-football-top-25-rankings-preseason
25.Louisville Virginia Tech Texas A&M Nebraska Oklahoma State Georgia Tech Louisiana Tech Bulldogs. You're supposed to get a little wacky with your final pick (like Millen and Smith with Clemson), right? I like Louisville, I think Virginia Tech should always be in the Top 25, I think Kevin Sumlin has more to work with in College Station than we probably think, and Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech should certainly be considered here as well. But if we're going for an off-the-wall pick, consider that virtually every interesting piece from an underrated Louisiana Tech squad -- one that went 12 rounds with an improved TCU squad in their bowl game -- returns, including a coaching staff that wasn't picked apart by the big boys (yet). Tech returns quarterbackColby Cameron, receiver Quinton Patton, four starting offensive linemen, underrated defensive tackles Justin Ellis and Shakeil Lucas, and most of their secondary. They should be one of the country's best mid-major squads, so they get the Courtesy No. 25 here.
J.
Top 25 in 2012 Football.
Ranked 25. Louisiana Tech.
http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/2012/1/11/2697091/2012-college-football-top-25-rankings-preseason
25.
J.
Best Story for 49ers-Saints Pregame.
A Gentleman's Agreement!
So here is the story from Preseason.
Evidently there is normally a phone call between head coaches prior to the game to discuss the defenses and what is acceptable. Well, Harbaugh being new, evidently didn't know about the quasi rules of NFL preseason football.
So, Saint Sean, being Saint Sean, took it as a slight. During pregame, he told his Defensive Coordinator to quotes...LET THE DOGS OUT....
So the Saints blitzed and crushed the QB's all night.
Crazy story.
J.
So here is the story from Preseason.
Evidently there is normally a phone call between head coaches prior to the game to discuss the defenses and what is acceptable. Well, Harbaugh being new, evidently didn't know about the quasi rules of NFL preseason football.
So, Saint Sean, being Saint Sean, took it as a slight. During pregame, he told his Defensive Coordinator to quotes...LET THE DOGS OUT....
So the Saints blitzed and crushed the QB's all night.
Crazy story.
J.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Bobby Hebert-Les Miles
I just laughed about the Hebert questions after the game.
But yesterday, he was on The Thundering Herd and he was rough on the Mad Hatter.
He was griping about the media complaining about asking Miles the obvious question.
Some of the comments, Saban out-coached him.
They looked so arrogant in preparation to play Alabama.
. He brought up the Ole Miss debacle and Tenn 13 player game saying it is lack of preparation.
He called Saban a little Napoleon, then went on to make question Mack Brown only being 500 coach.
The Best was this.
"I forgot more about football than Coach Miles knows"
Donnie, sent me the link:http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=2799707&s=espn
It is about the 43:00 mark.
But yesterday, he was on The Thundering Herd and he was rough on the Mad Hatter.
He was griping about the media complaining about asking Miles the obvious question.
Some of the comments, Saban out-coached him.
They looked so arrogant in preparation to play Alabama.
. He brought up the Ole Miss debacle and Tenn 13 player game saying it is lack of preparation.
He called Saban a little Napoleon, then went on to make question Mack Brown only being 500 coach.
The Best was this.
"I forgot more about football than Coach Miles knows"
Donnie, sent me the link:http://espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=2799707&s=espn
It is about the 43:00 mark.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Cowboys Draft.
I was on Yardbarker this morning and saw two interesting articles.
-The first talked about how bad the draft has been since Parcells left.
They have 4 players in 4 years that contribute. Bryant, Lee, Jones and Murray.
-The second article listed 10 possible picks for next year. (SEC flavor)
CB-Claiborne(LSU) Kirkpatrick(ALA) Dennard(NEB)
S-Barron(ALA)
LB/DE-Jones(GA) Upshaw(ALA)Ingram (SC) Coples(NC) Branch (Clem)
G-DeCastro (Stanford)
Let the debacle begin with Jerry GM!
j
http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/dez_bryant_defends_tim_tebow_on_twitter/9250945
-The first talked about how bad the draft has been since Parcells left.
They have 4 players in 4 years that contribute. Bryant, Lee, Jones and Murray.
-The second article listed 10 possible picks for next year. (SEC flavor)
CB-Claiborne(LSU) Kirkpatrick(ALA) Dennard(NEB)
S-Barron(ALA)
LB/DE-Jones(GA) Upshaw(ALA)Ingram (SC) Coples(NC) Branch (Clem)
G-DeCastro (Stanford)
Let the debacle begin with Jerry GM!
j
http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/dez_bryant_defends_tim_tebow_on_twitter/9250945
SEC Reload for 2012
I looked at another 2012 Preseason poll for next years College Football Season.
This one looks like a repeat of this year.
5 SEC schools in top 10.
6 in top 20.
1. LSU
2. USC
3. ORE
4. BAMA
5. Fl ST
6. GA
7. OK
8.SCar
9.OhioSt
10. Ark
14. FLA
Danny Sheridan Odds for next years Title on Twitter.
LSU 3:1, Ala 5:1, USC 7:1,Okl & Oreg 10:1, FSU 12, Ark 15, SC& Ga 20, Tx & UM 25, Clem &VaT 30,UW&WVa 50
j
This one looks like a repeat of this year.
5 SEC schools in top 10.
6 in top 20.
1. LSU
2. USC
3. ORE
4. BAMA
5. Fl ST
6. GA
7. OK
8.SCar
9.OhioSt
10. Ark
14. FLA
Danny Sheridan Odds for next years Title on Twitter.
LSU 3:1, Ala 5:1, USC 7:1,Okl & Oreg 10:1, FSU 12, Ark 15, SC& Ga 20, Tx & UM 25, Clem &VaT 30,UW&WVa 50
j
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Beat Down in New Orleans
A couple of things come to mind watching Alabama dismantle that pathetic offense that LSU uses.
The "Best Team" won!
1. Praise Nick Saban for knowing that running Richardson up the middle would not work.
2. Curse Miles for thinking that Jordan Jefferson is a productive QB against equal talent.
Alabama was the best team all year and just lost a tough game earlier in the season.
Thank goodness Jefferson is gone forever!
His season high in yardage was 208, and it took 29 attempts to get that! Seriously, what kind of liquid has Miles been drinking!
Jefferson threw 83 passes all year, who could possibly think he was ready for a big time atmosphere?
Micheal Ford who has been the best RB all year gets 4 carries tonight, and those come when Jefferson never challenges the DE and gets Ford killed.
LSU had a great season and we all watched the down fall of the LSU coaching staff. They still don't seem to understand that a diverse offense is required when you face a team with equal or superior talent.
It hurt to watch it, but was anyone really surprised?
Maybe next year something will change, when Miles will be forced to play a talented QB in Mettenberger.
J.
The "Best Team" won!
1. Praise Nick Saban for knowing that running Richardson up the middle would not work.
2. Curse Miles for thinking that Jordan Jefferson is a productive QB against equal talent.
Alabama was the best team all year and just lost a tough game earlier in the season.
Thank goodness Jefferson is gone forever!
His season high in yardage was 208, and it took 29 attempts to get that! Seriously, what kind of liquid has Miles been drinking!
Jefferson threw 83 passes all year, who could possibly think he was ready for a big time atmosphere?
Micheal Ford who has been the best RB all year gets 4 carries tonight, and those come when Jefferson never challenges the DE and gets Ford killed.
LSU had a great season and we all watched the down fall of the LSU coaching staff. They still don't seem to understand that a diverse offense is required when you face a team with equal or superior talent.
It hurt to watch it, but was anyone really surprised?
Maybe next year something will change, when Miles will be forced to play a talented QB in Mettenberger.
J.
Predictions at Work
I did a poll within people in my group and had 30 responses for the Game.
We have people from La, Ms and Al.
60/40 split on Alabama winning.
Weighted scores left us with a prediciton.
LSU Wins- 16-15.
J.
We have people from La, Ms and Al.
60/40 split on Alabama winning.
Weighted scores left us with a prediciton.
LSU Wins- 16-15.
J.
Nigh is the Time
We have avoided discussing the LSU-Bama games for weeks.
Here is a cool website,
http://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/matchup/2012-bcs-title-game-lsu-alabama
I originally said LSU 19-17 win. I will stick with it.
But I also said Bama in the first game by 6.
The Vegas line supports Bama 21-18.
J
Here is a cool website,
http://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/matchup/2012-bcs-title-game-lsu-alabama
I originally said LSU 19-17 win. I will stick with it.
But I also said Bama in the first game by 6.
The Vegas line supports Bama 21-18.
J
Sunday, January 8, 2012
All Time Passing Yards in A Season- Marino-Fouts-Namath-Brees.
This website was listed in our comments sections and I found it very informative.
They have a chart listed and showed some great years from QB's being evaluated by Standard Deviation with the rest of the league. (Posted Below)
Marino and Fouts are at the top as we would expect.
But, part of the article discussed how Fouts increased his Passing yards in 1980 by an astonishing 20%.
I loved that Namath was on this list and was a bit surprised that he was equal to Brees.
I tend to lean toward the last box in the chart as the deciding factor on tie-breakers.
http://ahan-analytics.drduru.com/thoughtblog/2011/12/28/dan-marino-versus-drew-brees/comment-page-1/#comment-89
Marino and Fouts are at the top as we would expect.
But, part of the article discussed how Fouts increased his Passing yards in 1980 by an astonishing 20%.
I loved that Namath was on this list and was a bit surprised that he was equal to Brees.
I tend to lean toward the last box in the chart as the deciding factor on tie-breakers.
http://ahan-analytics.drduru.com/thoughtblog/2011/12/28/dan-marino-versus-drew-brees/comment-page-1/#comment-89
J.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Grace Prep
While I was on Rivals last night looking up the guard from OKC I noticed he was on a list of the top 10 "stock is up" players across the country. Also on the the list was Michael Qualls, and the first guy was from Arlington Grace Prep. So I clicked on the Grace Prep link and I was blown away to read that they have 5 players being heavily recruited and rated 3-star or above. Check them out:
Class of 2012
Austin, 7'0", 5-star, committed to Baylor
Hornbeak, 6'4", 4-star, committed to Oklahoma
Class of 2013
Mickey, 6'7", 4-star
Birt, 6'5", 3-star
Shepherd, 6'9", 4-star
We are going to have to make the time to go see them play.
S
Class of 2012
Austin, 7'0", 5-star, committed to Baylor
Hornbeak, 6'4", 4-star, committed to Oklahoma
Class of 2013
Mickey, 6'7", 4-star
Birt, 6'5", 3-star
Shepherd, 6'9", 4-star
We are going to have to make the time to go see them play.
S
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Today's NFL
I’m going to go into old fart mode and talk about my wholehearted agreement with a column written this week by Rick Gosselin about the direction of the NFL. I’ve mentioned before how you can always follow the money to find the evil in anything. I bemoan the fact that the NFL is run completely with the goal of maximizing revenue, regardless of what it does to the spirit of the game. I realize that change is many times necessary in any business in order to grow, but it’s a real shame that the NFL execs want to turn the game into basketball on turf in order to get ratings and more and more TV money.
The breaking of Dan Marino’s record this year brought on some discussion of the differences in the game since 1984. Essentially the NFL has mandated that offenses don’t have to earn their way down the field; instead they are legislating teams down the field. Protect the QB’s (money-makers) and receivers, get more big plays, get more people tuning in. Reduce troubling injuries in order to get more women on board and protect the biggest revenue generators. But, don’t require coaches to figure out how to protect their players, just legislate it. Like Gosselin has said, want to protect your QB? How about blocking for him and keeping some people in to block? But the NFL doesn’t want that.
Similar to how I love pitching in baseball (thank God coming back), I value a hard-earned drive and players who are tough enough to make plays without the assistance of the rules. I like a 24-17 game in weather more than a 41-35 game under the A/C. NFL games should not be clean and tidy. We are losing the old game of football and seeing it replaced with a pinball game. I love the tradition of sports and hate seeing old records devalued. I just wonder where it will end?
S
The breaking of Dan Marino’s record this year brought on some discussion of the differences in the game since 1984. Essentially the NFL has mandated that offenses don’t have to earn their way down the field; instead they are legislating teams down the field. Protect the QB’s (money-makers) and receivers, get more big plays, get more people tuning in. Reduce troubling injuries in order to get more women on board and protect the biggest revenue generators. But, don’t require coaches to figure out how to protect their players, just legislate it. Like Gosselin has said, want to protect your QB? How about blocking for him and keeping some people in to block? But the NFL doesn’t want that.
Similar to how I love pitching in baseball (thank God coming back), I value a hard-earned drive and players who are tough enough to make plays without the assistance of the rules. I like a 24-17 game in weather more than a 41-35 game under the A/C. NFL games should not be clean and tidy. We are losing the old game of football and seeing it replaced with a pinball game. I love the tradition of sports and hate seeing old records devalued. I just wonder where it will end?
S
NBA - The Heat Is On
It seems that the Heat have finally found a way to overcome Wade's inconsistent shooting.
The team is shooting 51% through 7 games and no other team in the NBA is above 48%.
Only the "famous" Wade is shooting below 50%, (44% this year, last year was his only year to ever shoot 50%) and they appear to have quit worrying about bench depth by pushing the ball up the court more frequently.
Maybe when Wade's foot get healthy he will get his shot falling and then barring his wanting to "Be the Man" the Heat will be almost unbeatable.
----------------------------
At least he is not Westbrook and his continued inability to shot while chunking them up. 39% FG.
j.
.
The team is shooting 51% through 7 games and no other team in the NBA is above 48%.
Only the "famous" Wade is shooting below 50%, (44% this year, last year was his only year to ever shoot 50%) and they appear to have quit worrying about bench depth by pushing the ball up the court more frequently.
Maybe when Wade's foot get healthy he will get his shot falling and then barring his wanting to "Be the Man" the Heat will be almost unbeatable.
----------------------------
At least he is not Westbrook and his continued inability to shot while chunking them up. 39% FG.
j.
.
Romo
Describing the ridicule that Romo gets is hard to understand, but this one line in an NBC Sports Story by Micheal David Smith described it well on the pass he made after scrambling for his life and then throwing past the line of scrimmage. (It is of little meaning that a sack or incompletion would have still led to a punt.)
Romo finished the year with a QB rating at 102.5, 2nd in All Time QB rating at 96.8 and still it seems he is the most ridiculed QB in the NFL.
Next year, I expect more of the same. He will keep them competitive, but Dallas will again be a team with 8-8 talent.
J.
That’s one Romo may be thinking about all offseason, and it was one play that encapsulated much of Romo’s career: We got a glimpse of greatness, and then we got a big mistake.http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/05/romo-kicking-himself-over-pass-beyond-the-line-of-scrimmage/
Romo finished the year with a QB rating at 102.5, 2nd in All Time QB rating at 96.8 and still it seems he is the most ridiculed QB in the NFL.
Next year, I expect more of the same. He will keep them competitive, but Dallas will again be a team with 8-8 talent.
J.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Turner, Reid, Smith Retain Jobs
I was pleasantly surprised to see that Norv Turner, Andy Reid, and Lovie Smith were all retained by their teams for next year. There is some sanity left in the league. The short rope that coaches are given in today's sports world is both short-sighted and ineffective. I love to see ownership stick with people that they believe in and offer some stability to the organization. I don't know that I agree that Turner and Smith are good coaches, but the point is that the owners are sticking with the plan. How nice it would be for the Cowboys to find some stability again!
S
S
Snyder
Bill Snyder has to be considered for best coaching job in the history of the sport. When he arrived at K-State in 1989, they were the fastest program ever to 500 losses, and were in the middle of an 0-26-1 streak. Between then and 2005 he went 142-80, won 9 games for 8 straight seasons, and went to 11 consecutive bowls. Now he shows up again and promptly takes them to the Cotton Bowl. I defy anyone to find someone who has done more with less than Bill Snyder. Less talent, less tradition, less resources. It really defies logic.
S
S
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Cowboys Coaches
Calvin Watkins discussed the Coaches without contracts. I had a few thoughts.
==============================================
1. Dave Campo (secondary) He came back in 2008 and they Suck! See ya.
2. Hudson Houck (running game/offensive line) Do I really need a comment...See ya.
3. Brett Maxie (secondary/safeties) Let Wade have him.
4. Wes Phillips (assistant offensive line) Kind of liked the way he spoke. not a big enough job to judge him.
5.Keith O'Quinn (offensive quality control/wide receivers) What is Quality Control?
6. Skip Peete (running backs). All I can say is that his Wiki page says he coached Marion Barber and Julius Jones.
I wish the Special Teams Coach was on this list!
J.
==============================================
1. Dave Campo (secondary) He came back in 2008 and they Suck! See ya.
2. Hudson Houck (running game/offensive line) Do I really need a comment...See ya.
3. Brett Maxie (secondary/safeties) Let Wade have him.
4. Wes Phillips (assistant offensive line) Kind of liked the way he spoke. not a big enough job to judge him.
5.Keith O'Quinn (offensive quality control/wide receivers) What is Quality Control?
6. Skip Peete (running backs). All I can say is that his Wiki page says he coached Marion Barber and Julius Jones.
I wish the Special Teams Coach was on this list!
J.
Sugar Bowl Participants
Watching V Tech and Michigan disgust me. Why no SEC!
For all of those people that wanted the Hokies in the SEC, enjoy.
I got mad at the Rose Bowl for fighting for Pac10-Big10 teams a few years ago, but they are correct in maintaining history.
Brian sent me this as a reminder of the SEC history.
Teams with the most appearances in the Sugar Bowl.
1. LSU-BAMA - 13 Each.
3. GA - 9
4. Ole Miss and Fla -8 Each
6. Tenn- 7.
I bet you were as surprised as I was that LSU was tied with Bama and Ole Miss with Florida!
J.
For all of those people that wanted the Hokies in the SEC, enjoy.
I got mad at the Rose Bowl for fighting for Pac10-Big10 teams a few years ago, but they are correct in maintaining history.
Brian sent me this as a reminder of the SEC history.
Teams with the most appearances in the Sugar Bowl.
1. LSU-BAMA - 13 Each.
3. GA - 9
4. Ole Miss and Fla -8 Each
6. Tenn- 7.
I bet you were as surprised as I was that LSU was tied with Bama and Ole Miss with Florida!
J.
Monday, January 2, 2012
More Cowboys
We were spoiled growing up. The Cowboys were always a contender, we always had a chance. We had the amazing mid-60's through mid-80's run, 5 rough years, and then the Johnson years. In 1995 it seemed that the greatness would just go on and on. But 15 years later the franchise is living on reputation and the marketing savvy of the owner. There is nothing under the hood. Jerry Jones is a genius at talking a good game and he continues to fool the fan base into thinking the Cowboys are elite and just a couple of tweeks from making a Super Bowl run.
I'm so disgusted to watch this incredible franchise bumble along. I hate to say it, but we're not even a good franchise, much less a great one. The track record of management since 1993 is among the worst in all the NFL. Revolving coaches, revolving QB's, wasted drafts, bad signings. It all comes down to a terrible GM whom the owner won't fire. Jimmy Johnson must laugh himself to sleep at night watching his old friend grope for answers.
I guess we're paying the bill for all the great years we enjoyed during our youth. There is no easy answer. We have to rebuild the talent base with good drafts and shrewd signings, 2 things that Jones has shown himself incapable of doing. Short of this, the mediocrity will continue. Romo will keep getting the blame for an average team. JJ will keep selling the kool-aid. We now live in a world where we envy Saints fans!
S
I'm so disgusted to watch this incredible franchise bumble along. I hate to say it, but we're not even a good franchise, much less a great one. The track record of management since 1993 is among the worst in all the NFL. Revolving coaches, revolving QB's, wasted drafts, bad signings. It all comes down to a terrible GM whom the owner won't fire. Jimmy Johnson must laugh himself to sleep at night watching his old friend grope for answers.
I guess we're paying the bill for all the great years we enjoyed during our youth. There is no easy answer. We have to rebuild the talent base with good drafts and shrewd signings, 2 things that Jones has shown himself incapable of doing. Short of this, the mediocrity will continue. Romo will keep getting the blame for an average team. JJ will keep selling the kool-aid. We now live in a world where we envy Saints fans!
S
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Cowboys
The season started with us thinking 8-8 was likely and it was prophetic.
When I reviewed the blog, we discussed these things specifically.
1. Defense in 2010 was terrible.... No changes this year. The DB's are even worse and slower than before.
2. O Line- Romo has run for his life for 3 years and it continued. 6 sacks tonight.
3. Special Teams- Terrible
4. Scoring Offense. Finished in middle of the NFC.
5. Bad Drafts have killed the talent. This secondary has no depth, they are playing backups that were walking the streets 3 weeks ago. It is hard for me to imagine that Dallas top WR this year was cut by a Charger team that lacked WR depth.
What to expect in 2012. More of the same, if Jerry is still protecting his bad decisions by staying with people.
The Giants are better than the Cowboys.
This Cowboy team seems mentally incapable of overcoming adversity. I would think that this is something the coaches are responsible for correcting.
If anyone mentions Romo as one of the main problems with the Cowboys, I will literally chalk them up as an uninformed buffoon and avoid sports conversations with them.
I hope the money situation with Jerry and the salary cap is corrected for next year, Goose said 2013 was the target and he is usually correct, so 2012 will likely be another 8-8 type year.
J.
When I reviewed the blog, we discussed these things specifically.
1. Defense in 2010 was terrible.... No changes this year. The DB's are even worse and slower than before.
2. O Line- Romo has run for his life for 3 years and it continued. 6 sacks tonight.
3. Special Teams- Terrible
4. Scoring Offense. Finished in middle of the NFC.
5. Bad Drafts have killed the talent. This secondary has no depth, they are playing backups that were walking the streets 3 weeks ago. It is hard for me to imagine that Dallas top WR this year was cut by a Charger team that lacked WR depth.
What to expect in 2012. More of the same, if Jerry is still protecting his bad decisions by staying with people.
The Giants are better than the Cowboys.
This Cowboy team seems mentally incapable of overcoming adversity. I would think that this is something the coaches are responsible for correcting.
If anyone mentions Romo as one of the main problems with the Cowboys, I will literally chalk them up as an uninformed buffoon and avoid sports conversations with them.
I hope the money situation with Jerry and the salary cap is corrected for next year, Goose said 2013 was the target and he is usually correct, so 2012 will likely be another 8-8 type year.
J.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
