So the trade has been complete for some weeks now. Carmelo is here, and a large part of our future is in Denver, winning games and having fun.
The Knicks on the other hand, have looked like a lost team, with no fire, speed, or athleticism. Sure we can score, Melo and Stat together can get 40 a game, but really, a cohesive unit beats glamor and style any day. We're older now, with Tony Douglass and Landry Fields being the only glimpses of hope for the next five years left on the roster. Chauncey Billups and Anthony Carter are good players and I'm guessing good guys, but they're closer to the end than the beginning. That does not make me feel comfortable taking on Derrick Rose, or Rondo, or Jamir Nelson in the playoffs.
And while Mosgov was a one man log jam in the middle, he was a willing banger, which we might need against the Celtics, or Dwight Howard, or the platoon of big men the Bulls have. But he's gone too. And in his place...let's not go there.
I don't feel good about this trade, the playoffs or our future. Hopefully we can find some more diamonds in the rough in the coming draft and get back on our feet.
Time will tell.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
So what happened to the era of the Quarterback?
The first day of the playoffs are over. The favorites have lost, and two potential future hall of fame quarterbacks have gone home.
Drew Bress did everything he could, but, well, the Seahawks wanted it more. Alot more.
And Payton Manning, he only plays quarterback, you can't blame him for that loss.
They were good close games, at both ends of the spectrum, one high scoring, the other a defensive slug fest. But both games were won because the winning teams had something winning teams always need.
A good running game.
Now, you can't be mad at the Saints, there's no way you loose your top two backs before the game, then loose a third during it and expect to be OK. The passing game can only do so much, even against a team that got lit up by 9 opponents during the regular season.
But regular season records don't matter once you have an every down workhorse to lead the way.
As Matt Hassleback.
Matter of fact, ask Dan Marino, Troy Aikman, and John Elway.
Marino has no rings, and never had a great back. His best RB was Lamar Smith.
Aikman had arguably the greatest of all time, and he's got three rings.
Elway went an entire career with no rings, sure he had comeback victories and records up the yin yang, but you never introduce him to Terrell Davis, and he's sitting at home now wondering what could have been.
Peyton's easiest years were with Edgerrin James being the lead back, since then, its been a lot harder than necessary to get the W's. Sure he get TD's and accolades, but people are figuring him out, and beating up his wide outs. Blair White and Austin Collie get hit on more than stripper right after work.
Year after year, no matter what happens during the regular season, when it comes to crunch time, the running backs are what make NFL teams great.
So who's gonna win the Lombardi Trophy this year.
I don't know, but they're gonna have to run for it.
Drew Bress did everything he could, but, well, the Seahawks wanted it more. Alot more.
And Payton Manning, he only plays quarterback, you can't blame him for that loss.
They were good close games, at both ends of the spectrum, one high scoring, the other a defensive slug fest. But both games were won because the winning teams had something winning teams always need.
A good running game.
Now, you can't be mad at the Saints, there's no way you loose your top two backs before the game, then loose a third during it and expect to be OK. The passing game can only do so much, even against a team that got lit up by 9 opponents during the regular season.
But regular season records don't matter once you have an every down workhorse to lead the way.
As Matt Hassleback.
Matter of fact, ask Dan Marino, Troy Aikman, and John Elway.
Marino has no rings, and never had a great back. His best RB was Lamar Smith.
Aikman had arguably the greatest of all time, and he's got three rings.
Elway went an entire career with no rings, sure he had comeback victories and records up the yin yang, but you never introduce him to Terrell Davis, and he's sitting at home now wondering what could have been.
Peyton's easiest years were with Edgerrin James being the lead back, since then, its been a lot harder than necessary to get the W's. Sure he get TD's and accolades, but people are figuring him out, and beating up his wide outs. Blair White and Austin Collie get hit on more than stripper right after work.
Year after year, no matter what happens during the regular season, when it comes to crunch time, the running backs are what make NFL teams great.
So who's gonna win the Lombardi Trophy this year.
I don't know, but they're gonna have to run for it.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Season is over
And has been for a while. What did I learn...well the following
1. Eli Manning needs more help. Not from his wide outs, but his OC. I don't know what are gameplan is when we start a game, we decide which players we are NOT going to use. Like Kevin "I hurdle DB's" Boss. Hopefully, we learn to use all the pieces in the big blue machine and make them work well together.
2. Our best linebacker was the dude no one wanted at the beginning of the year. Goff did his best to do his job. He filled gaps when he had to, he covered when needed and he ran to where he was needed. However, none of the other backers seemed interested in that. Which is why we had Antrel Rolle on the line of scrimmage every play. Bullock was a good player, but so was Jesse Armstead, it's time to move on.
3. We need a third back. Bradshaw and Jacobs hit hard and often, but the fumble more, and get injured with even greater frequency. A third back would be able to absorb those hits and get those first downs they seem unable to get at crunch time.
4. It's goona be a good year in 2011, if we have one. As disappointing as the season was, we had 10 wins. Can't beat that with a stick. Maybe if we cut out the turnovers, or stop Michael Vick, we'd be in a better place.
1. Eli Manning needs more help. Not from his wide outs, but his OC. I don't know what are gameplan is when we start a game, we decide which players we are NOT going to use. Like Kevin "I hurdle DB's" Boss. Hopefully, we learn to use all the pieces in the big blue machine and make them work well together.
2. Our best linebacker was the dude no one wanted at the beginning of the year. Goff did his best to do his job. He filled gaps when he had to, he covered when needed and he ran to where he was needed. However, none of the other backers seemed interested in that. Which is why we had Antrel Rolle on the line of scrimmage every play. Bullock was a good player, but so was Jesse Armstead, it's time to move on.
3. We need a third back. Bradshaw and Jacobs hit hard and often, but the fumble more, and get injured with even greater frequency. A third back would be able to absorb those hits and get those first downs they seem unable to get at crunch time.
4. It's goona be a good year in 2011, if we have one. As disappointing as the season was, we had 10 wins. Can't beat that with a stick. Maybe if we cut out the turnovers, or stop Michael Vick, we'd be in a better place.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Giants vs. Colts
I'm blogging on the Giants.com website for this game. Not FOR them, their new website has a shnazy new user blog feature. Go check it out.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The new NFL billboard, right on the shoulder pads.
So I'm cruising the NFL website, which if your a football fan is vitally important during the non-football months. Helps with the sanity.
On the front page is a picture of Mike Williams, the former first round pick of the Detroit Lions that turned into a monumental bust. It's an interesting read, one of potential redemption after years of self inflicted destruction.
HOWEVER
What caught my eye, was that pic of Williams on the front page, shows him, in his jersey. His jersey has an emblem on it. Not the NFL, or Rebook, or even the angry blue bird that is the symbol for the Seahawks.
It was the sign for BING...the Internet search engine.
Really?
When I see someone run a go-route, I instantly think about searching for a good rib joint?
Now to give a bit of perspective, there was a time when players couldn't have their names on the back of jerseys to prevent individuality. Players are told not to take off helmets, it shows up the other team, and, incidentally, lets other people know what you look like...right.
But were gonna sell ad-space on your torso, don't sweat it, might make the label fall off.
I know, I know, ball players make enough, so why stress it. But this isn't about them, it's about the inundation of product placement we see now. Even the Madden franchise isn't above all this. Every loading screen has an ad from a company, companies that wont pay for ads in newspapers, why, well, cause...no one reads anymore.
Yeah...
It's just getting to be too much.
On the front page is a picture of Mike Williams, the former first round pick of the Detroit Lions that turned into a monumental bust. It's an interesting read, one of potential redemption after years of self inflicted destruction.
HOWEVER
What caught my eye, was that pic of Williams on the front page, shows him, in his jersey. His jersey has an emblem on it. Not the NFL, or Rebook, or even the angry blue bird that is the symbol for the Seahawks.
It was the sign for BING...the Internet search engine.
Really?
When I see someone run a go-route, I instantly think about searching for a good rib joint?
Now to give a bit of perspective, there was a time when players couldn't have their names on the back of jerseys to prevent individuality. Players are told not to take off helmets, it shows up the other team, and, incidentally, lets other people know what you look like...right.
But were gonna sell ad-space on your torso, don't sweat it, might make the label fall off.
I know, I know, ball players make enough, so why stress it. But this isn't about them, it's about the inundation of product placement we see now. Even the Madden franchise isn't above all this. Every loading screen has an ad from a company, companies that wont pay for ads in newspapers, why, well, cause...no one reads anymore.
Yeah...
It's just getting to be too much.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Let the fun begin
Sunday I watched the Cowboys and the Bengals duke it out at the Hall of Fame Game. The pre-season debut for the NFL. It's the football equivalent to Memorial Day, signaling the start of a new season.
It would be nice to look at the games and tell you how I thought the Cowboys would fare for the season, but really, that'd be dumb. Both teams have only been in training camp for about a week. With multiple injuries and new wrinkles in schemes to try out, it would be silly to draw any lasting conclusions from the game.
But it was nice to see a few things...
Ochocinco's Golden Cleats - Any man willing to dress like a West Indian track star during a football game is +A in my book.
The Cowboys first team offense stalling in the red-zone - Again, it was only the first preseason game, but, it's the Cowboys and they stunk...hooray.
T.O. catching some passes - Yeah he's an egotistical pain in the neck, but at 35, the Cowboy's DBs still gave him time to get open. If our wideouts can slip away that well...it'll be a long season in Dallas.
There were other things, like the player-projects each team is undertaking, from the 6ft 7in tall Michael Johnson who looks to be a bright spot at the outside rush linebacker position. To John Phillips of the Cowboys, the young tight end that looked as if he could fill in nicely as a third tight end.
Honestly, it was good to have Football back. The world cup might be global, but I'm not, so yeah, let the hitting begin.
It would be nice to look at the games and tell you how I thought the Cowboys would fare for the season, but really, that'd be dumb. Both teams have only been in training camp for about a week. With multiple injuries and new wrinkles in schemes to try out, it would be silly to draw any lasting conclusions from the game.
But it was nice to see a few things...
Ochocinco's Golden Cleats - Any man willing to dress like a West Indian track star during a football game is +A in my book.
The Cowboys first team offense stalling in the red-zone - Again, it was only the first preseason game, but, it's the Cowboys and they stunk...hooray.
T.O. catching some passes - Yeah he's an egotistical pain in the neck, but at 35, the Cowboy's DBs still gave him time to get open. If our wideouts can slip away that well...it'll be a long season in Dallas.
There were other things, like the player-projects each team is undertaking, from the 6ft 7in tall Michael Johnson who looks to be a bright spot at the outside rush linebacker position. To John Phillips of the Cowboys, the young tight end that looked as if he could fill in nicely as a third tight end.
Honestly, it was good to have Football back. The world cup might be global, but I'm not, so yeah, let the hitting begin.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
So what have the Giants done lately?
The draft is past,(well way past, but I need to catch up). A bunch of people got good news. A few more got bad news. Where do the Giants stand in all of this?
Lets look at their draft.
Jason Pierre-Paul DE - You've heard the name and seen the highlights. He's big he's strong and he's fast. He's long as all heck, which probably means he can add about 15 pounds of muscle and still maintain his mobility. Thing I'm worried about is the kid handling an NFL pounding. While the University of South Florida is a rising power, they have yet to play top notch teams on a regular basis. Pierre-Paul on most days played dudes who got their degrees and are now teachers, or selling cars. When he has to play future Hall-of-Famers, or for that matter the guys on his own team, he might get a wake up call.
Linval Joseph DT - The East Carolina product is a sturdy 330lbs, a ready made run-stuffer. At 39 reps on the bench he should have the power to move the pile and eat up blockers. Thing about run-stuffers, the truly great ones are few and far between, the beatings taken are horrific. Granted, he will join a rotation on D-Line deeper than most NBA rosters, but you never can tell when those big hits mean you can no longer be a big factor. Ask William Joseph.
Chad Jones DB - The dual sport threat from LSU is a good look for the secondary. Rolle and Phillips are good, but with Michael Johnson/Deion Grant the only viable options on the depth chart you need someone else, for the very least to play special teams. Having a young rangy safety is what the team needed.
Phillip Dillard LB - A thumper, in the mold of Antonio Pierce and Corey Widmer before him. He went to Nebraska, so at best we think he can tackle. Problem is, he played behind the House of Spears Suh. That kind of protection can inflate a linebackers stats, we'll see how he fares shedding blocks at the NFL level. Also, he's not very speedy, so I'm seeing flashes of Felix Jones running a flat and beating Dillard for an 80-yard touchdown.
Mitch Petrus OG - He's a guard. I like O-Linemen, I am one. He played in the SEC and had to keep up with the horses that play in that conference. If he's a banger, and loves getting dirty, the Giants coaches will do the rest. It's a good look for a tired but tough O-Line.
Adrian Tracy LB - Another linebacker, the unit that lost the most experience in the off-season adds some youth. Seems to be a pass-rush specialist, set a school record with 12, not a bad number. He may turn into something special, heaven knows we need it.
Matt Dodge P - He's a punter...God Bless him.
I'm not going to do draft grades, no one really knows where these fellas will be in 10 years, all I have to say is, Good Luck, Stay Healthy, and stay away from Tiki Barber...he might steal your babysitter.
Lets look at their draft.
Jason Pierre-Paul DE - You've heard the name and seen the highlights. He's big he's strong and he's fast. He's long as all heck, which probably means he can add about 15 pounds of muscle and still maintain his mobility. Thing I'm worried about is the kid handling an NFL pounding. While the University of South Florida is a rising power, they have yet to play top notch teams on a regular basis. Pierre-Paul on most days played dudes who got their degrees and are now teachers, or selling cars. When he has to play future Hall-of-Famers, or for that matter the guys on his own team, he might get a wake up call.
Linval Joseph DT - The East Carolina product is a sturdy 330lbs, a ready made run-stuffer. At 39 reps on the bench he should have the power to move the pile and eat up blockers. Thing about run-stuffers, the truly great ones are few and far between, the beatings taken are horrific. Granted, he will join a rotation on D-Line deeper than most NBA rosters, but you never can tell when those big hits mean you can no longer be a big factor. Ask William Joseph.
Chad Jones DB - The dual sport threat from LSU is a good look for the secondary. Rolle and Phillips are good, but with Michael Johnson/Deion Grant the only viable options on the depth chart you need someone else, for the very least to play special teams. Having a young rangy safety is what the team needed.
Phillip Dillard LB - A thumper, in the mold of Antonio Pierce and Corey Widmer before him. He went to Nebraska, so at best we think he can tackle. Problem is, he played behind the House of Spears Suh. That kind of protection can inflate a linebackers stats, we'll see how he fares shedding blocks at the NFL level. Also, he's not very speedy, so I'm seeing flashes of Felix Jones running a flat and beating Dillard for an 80-yard touchdown.
Mitch Petrus OG - He's a guard. I like O-Linemen, I am one. He played in the SEC and had to keep up with the horses that play in that conference. If he's a banger, and loves getting dirty, the Giants coaches will do the rest. It's a good look for a tired but tough O-Line.
Adrian Tracy LB - Another linebacker, the unit that lost the most experience in the off-season adds some youth. Seems to be a pass-rush specialist, set a school record with 12, not a bad number. He may turn into something special, heaven knows we need it.
Matt Dodge P - He's a punter...God Bless him.
I'm not going to do draft grades, no one really knows where these fellas will be in 10 years, all I have to say is, Good Luck, Stay Healthy, and stay away from Tiki Barber...he might steal your babysitter.
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