After Heath Miller's retirement, a big issue has arisen for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That would be tight end depth. It was known that Miller was getting older, and that eventually the Steelers would need to look for depth at the tight end spot. They started last year with the investment of a fifth round pick of Jesse James from Penn State. He was third on the tight end depth chart this year behind Miller and Matt Spaeth. Now, he will have to take a bigger role next year.
Miller will be tough to replace. He was Ben Roethlisberger's favorite teammate, so much so that he gave his team MVP vote to Miller. He was the best tight end in Steelers history. He had 592 receptions, 6,569 yards, and 45 receiving touchdowns. That are all highs for Steelers tight ends, and he is one of only four Steelers to catch 500 passes or more. But, he was also undervalued. He was named to the USA Today's All-Joe team during after the 2008 season for his efforts that usually went unnoticed.
He was always a tough player who came up big in clutch moments. There is almost no better example than in Week 5 against the San Diego Chargers, where with less than ten seconds left on the clock, he caught a pass from Michael Vick at the one, and hung on while taking a very hard hit to the head area. The Steelers would call their last timeout, and on the next play Le'Veon Bell took the snap from the wildcat and snuck it in right before his knees hit the ground for the walk-off touchdown. Plays like this was the reason why he won two Super Bowls with the Steelers.
Now, what do the Steelers do now? I think that they need to pick up a tight end in the NFL Draft. The thought before this retirement was that it might be a possibility that the Steelers take a tight end. But, this makes it almost imperative that they take one this year. The tight end that stands out most among the tight ends in the Draft is Arkansas' Hunter Henry. Henry is projected as the one tight end to go in the first round. He is a good offensive tight end, something that would fit in well with this explosive Steelers offense is a 6-foot-5, 250 pound tight end, so he fits that Steelers mold. He also played in a pro-style offense in Arkansas, so he likes that offense and would have less of a learning curve.
The biggest argument against that, of course, is that the Steelers need to go defense in the first round. Then, they draft one the third day like a Darion Griswold or a Nick Vanett. It doesn't matter what round they draft one in, because they need one. I really like Hunter Henry, but I do think that the Steelers need to focus on defense. Of course, the Steelers draft thought is that they need to take the best player that is available, and that will most likely not change this year. So I think that since the top cornerbacks will already have been taken by the 25th pick. So, my guess is that there would be a good chance that if Hunter if still on the board, he would be taken by the Steelers.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Iowa Hawkeyes in Another Late Season Swoon
The Iowa Hawkeyes are in a swoon. They lost their second straight game Wednesday night against Wisconsin, their first home loss in over a year(excluding the loss to Augustana in an exhibition). This came a week after a bad loss at Penn State. That was after a loss at Indiana and a close win at home to Minnesota. So, after staring the conference season at 10-1 and in sole possession of first place, they have fallen a game and a half behind the Indiana Hoosiers at 11-4. Does this sound familiar? Well, it should. Two years ago, the Hawkeyes were ranked number ten at one point, and were ranked 15 and 8-4 in conference, before losing five of their last six to end the season. They lost in their first game of the Big Ten Tournament, and getting knocked out by Tennessee in the First Four, meaning they were one of the last four teams that received an at-large bid.
This year was thought to be different, with them starting four seniors and one junior, with all of them on that 2013-14 team that collapsed and that 2014-15 that advanced to the Round of 32. This team looks like what happened two years ago. The bench has disappeared, which was one of their strengths early on. They lack much offense beside giving the ball to Jarrod Uthoff and Peter Jok and letting them shoot threes.
Of course, last year the Hawkeyes lost two awful games right in a row vs. Minnesota and at Northwestern to fall to 6-6, and they finished 12-6.
The Hawkeyes this year still have a chance to win the Big Ten regular season title. If the Hawkeyes win out, which includes a home game against the Hoosiers, and Michigan State wins out, or if Indiana loses out to Iowa and Maryland. So, the Hawkeyes still have a good chance to complete the goal of the Big Ten title. If so, the Hawkeyes will almost clinch for sure the first and second rounds of their pod will be played in Des Moines and as a top four seed. But first they have to beat Ohio State at Value Center Arena in Columbus, where they have won the last two games played there between the two teams. They have more than enough time to get the season back on track, or to continue this slide.
This year was thought to be different, with them starting four seniors and one junior, with all of them on that 2013-14 team that collapsed and that 2014-15 that advanced to the Round of 32. This team looks like what happened two years ago. The bench has disappeared, which was one of their strengths early on. They lack much offense beside giving the ball to Jarrod Uthoff and Peter Jok and letting them shoot threes.
Of course, last year the Hawkeyes lost two awful games right in a row vs. Minnesota and at Northwestern to fall to 6-6, and they finished 12-6.
The Hawkeyes this year still have a chance to win the Big Ten regular season title. If the Hawkeyes win out, which includes a home game against the Hoosiers, and Michigan State wins out, or if Indiana loses out to Iowa and Maryland. So, the Hawkeyes still have a good chance to complete the goal of the Big Ten title. If so, the Hawkeyes will almost clinch for sure the first and second rounds of their pod will be played in Des Moines and as a top four seed. But first they have to beat Ohio State at Value Center Arena in Columbus, where they have won the last two games played there between the two teams. They have more than enough time to get the season back on track, or to continue this slide.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Dexter Fowler Resigns with Cubs
In a big surprise Thrusday, Dexter Fowler surprised teammates by showing up to the Cubs' spring training facility. It was thought before that Fowler came to terms on a three year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, with center fielder Adam Jones saying that Fowler's on his way to the Orioles.
Soon before all of this happened, the Cubs traded INF/OF Chris Coghlan for RHP Aaron Brooks. This was an interesting move at the time, because he was a big piece last year whose trading got rid of outfield depth.
This signing gives the Cubs a true leadoff man, and makes this deep lineup even deeper. My projected lineup is:
1. Dexter Fowler CF
2. Ben Zobrist 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo 1B
4. Kris Bryant 3B
5. Kyle Schwarber LF
6. Jason Heyward RF
7. Miguel Montero C
8. Pitcher
9. Addison Russell 2B
That is crazy. The Cubs sixth hole hitter would be someone that they invested 184 million dollars in. They also would have Javier Baez and Jorge Soler on the bench. Baez came up in September and the playoffs and Jorge Soler hit .474 in the Playoffs last season. But, expect the lineup to change around. Manager Joe Maddon likes to rest his players, and to play them in different positions. So, don't expect to see the same lineup everyday.
The Cubs also signed OF Shane Victorino to a deal where he would get a million dollars for one year if he were to make the club. He could bring experience in the playoffs, including winnng the World Series with the Boston Red Sox.
Cubs single game tickets went on sale today, and already six games have sold out, with interest in the
Cubs at an all-time high.
Soon before all of this happened, the Cubs traded INF/OF Chris Coghlan for RHP Aaron Brooks. This was an interesting move at the time, because he was a big piece last year whose trading got rid of outfield depth.
This signing gives the Cubs a true leadoff man, and makes this deep lineup even deeper. My projected lineup is:
1. Dexter Fowler CF
2. Ben Zobrist 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo 1B
4. Kris Bryant 3B
5. Kyle Schwarber LF
6. Jason Heyward RF
7. Miguel Montero C
8. Pitcher
9. Addison Russell 2B
That is crazy. The Cubs sixth hole hitter would be someone that they invested 184 million dollars in. They also would have Javier Baez and Jorge Soler on the bench. Baez came up in September and the playoffs and Jorge Soler hit .474 in the Playoffs last season. But, expect the lineup to change around. Manager Joe Maddon likes to rest his players, and to play them in different positions. So, don't expect to see the same lineup everyday.
The Cubs also signed OF Shane Victorino to a deal where he would get a million dollars for one year if he were to make the club. He could bring experience in the playoffs, including winnng the World Series with the Boston Red Sox.
Cubs single game tickets went on sale today, and already six games have sold out, with interest in the
Cubs at an all-time high.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Heath Miller Retires
In a shocking move, on Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers' long time tight end Heath Miller decided to hang up his cleats. This came out of almost nowhere, besides Miller and perhaps some people in the Steelers organization.
Miller was regarded as a humble guy, who put the team first and was a great person and teammate. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said that Miller is by far the best teammate that he has ever had, and even voted for him as the team MVP every year. When Miller told Roethlisberger that he was hanging up his cleats, Roethlisberger started crying. That was how much that he meant to the Steelers organization and his quarterback.
He was the 30th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, the year after Roethlisberger was drafted.
He played in 168 regular season games, 592 receptions, 6,569 receiving yards, and 45 touchdowns, all records for a Steelers tight end. He also started 15 postseason games and won two Super Bowls, Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.
He will be sorely missed by everyone in with the Steelers, fan, player, the Rooneys or otherwise. Words can't describe what he meant for this team, and how underappreciated and clutch he was.
This puts a huge hole in the Steelers depth chart at tight end. They have now second year tight end out of Penn State Jesse James who looks promising, Matt Spaeth and Xavier Grimble. This makes tight end most likely a draft need, or a free agent signing.
It was an interesting time for Miller to retire, with the Steelers being Super Bowl contenders this year, but now they have a big void to fill in one of the best offenses in football.
Miller was regarded as a humble guy, who put the team first and was a great person and teammate. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said that Miller is by far the best teammate that he has ever had, and even voted for him as the team MVP every year. When Miller told Roethlisberger that he was hanging up his cleats, Roethlisberger started crying. That was how much that he meant to the Steelers organization and his quarterback.
He was the 30th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft, the year after Roethlisberger was drafted.
He played in 168 regular season games, 592 receptions, 6,569 receiving yards, and 45 touchdowns, all records for a Steelers tight end. He also started 15 postseason games and won two Super Bowls, Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.
He will be sorely missed by everyone in with the Steelers, fan, player, the Rooneys or otherwise. Words can't describe what he meant for this team, and how underappreciated and clutch he was.
This puts a huge hole in the Steelers depth chart at tight end. They have now second year tight end out of Penn State Jesse James who looks promising, Matt Spaeth and Xavier Grimble. This makes tight end most likely a draft need, or a free agent signing.
It was an interesting time for Miller to retire, with the Steelers being Super Bowl contenders this year, but now they have a big void to fill in one of the best offenses in football.
Hawkeyes Suffer Bad Loss at Penn State
For the second time in the last three games, the Iowa Hawkeyes lost a road conference game. The last one was to first place now #22 Indiana Hoosiers, who are undefeated at Assembly Hall this season. Then they hung on at home against the Minnesota Golden Gophers who came in without a conference win. Then, they came out flat and lost to the Penn State Nittany Lions on Wednesday night.
Iowa started off the first five minutes or so well, leading 6-0 at the first TV timeout and starting on a 8-0 run, but it all went downhill past the under eight TV timeout. After leading 25-21, Penn State went on a thirteen to 2 run, making it a 34-27 lead, and they never gave that lead back. After making one three pointer the entire game in the blowout loss at Carver-Hawkeye a few weeks back, and Shep Gardner going three games without making a three, went four for seven.
The biggest reason for the Hawkeyes these past three games in my mind, is that their free throw shooting has been atrocious. They were 25-35 in this game, 21-30 against Minnesota, and went 13-23(!!) against Indiana, which combined is 67%. Jarrod Uthoff hasn't played very good, and he and Peter Jok, the leading scorer in this game, have taken too many shots, and senior center Adam Woodbury hasn't gotten the ball enough after a stretch of double-doubles.
It was by far their worst loss of the season. This was the first one that was against a team outside of a top 35 RPI, and the first loss against a team that will not make the tournament. This may be a good loss for the Hawks to have, because it could wake them up, but there is never a good loss, so probably not. But, with the Maryland Terrapin loss to Minnesota with Diamond Stone suspended, the Iowa-Indiana game at Carver on Senior Day on March 1st could be for the regular season championship.
The loss at worse probably moves the Hawkeyes down to the two line, and if they win out, they will almost for sure get a one seed and possibly if they only lose one Big Ten game and run the table in the Big Ten Tournament. It will be an interesting during the three weeks leading up to the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa started off the first five minutes or so well, leading 6-0 at the first TV timeout and starting on a 8-0 run, but it all went downhill past the under eight TV timeout. After leading 25-21, Penn State went on a thirteen to 2 run, making it a 34-27 lead, and they never gave that lead back. After making one three pointer the entire game in the blowout loss at Carver-Hawkeye a few weeks back, and Shep Gardner going three games without making a three, went four for seven.
The biggest reason for the Hawkeyes these past three games in my mind, is that their free throw shooting has been atrocious. They were 25-35 in this game, 21-30 against Minnesota, and went 13-23(!!) against Indiana, which combined is 67%. Jarrod Uthoff hasn't played very good, and he and Peter Jok, the leading scorer in this game, have taken too many shots, and senior center Adam Woodbury hasn't gotten the ball enough after a stretch of double-doubles.
It was by far their worst loss of the season. This was the first one that was against a team outside of a top 35 RPI, and the first loss against a team that will not make the tournament. This may be a good loss for the Hawks to have, because it could wake them up, but there is never a good loss, so probably not. But, with the Maryland Terrapin loss to Minnesota with Diamond Stone suspended, the Iowa-Indiana game at Carver on Senior Day on March 1st could be for the regular season championship.
The loss at worse probably moves the Hawkeyes down to the two line, and if they win out, they will almost for sure get a one seed and possibly if they only lose one Big Ten game and run the table in the Big Ten Tournament. It will be an interesting during the three weeks leading up to the NCAA Tournament.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Power Ranking the NL Central
It finally that time again, as all teams pitchers and catchers report for Spring training this week in order to get ready for the 2016 season. The favorite for almost everyone to not only win the NL Central, but to win it all this year is the Chicago Cubs. But, breaking the 107 year curse will have to start with getting through the NL Central. The Central had three of the four best regular season teams in all of baseball last year. The Cubs beat the Pirates in the Wild Card game, and then beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 in the NLDS. Don't expect to see fewer than two teams from the Central in the Playoffs.
1. Chicago Cubs
You knew that this one was coming. The Cubs are loaded on the offensive side of the ball. They stole outfielder Jason Heyward from the Cardinals, as well as signing second baseman Ben Zobrist. Both who signed for less money than their highest bidders to come to the Cubs. They also return a load of young talent from last season. Stars such as Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler, Addison Russell, and Anthony Rizzo. All of that top talent graduated from the farm system(Expect for Rizzo mostly, as most was with the San Diego Padres), and they still have the top catching prospect in baseball in Willson Contreras. They also got pitching help in John Lackey, taking him from the Cardinals. The biggest question is whether the Cubs will play like the World Series favorites, or will play bad like last year's pick, the Washington Nationals.
Projection: 98-64
2. St. Louis Cardinals
After getting to 100 wins during the season, the Cardinals season came to an end in the NLDS. The offseason was not the best for them. Jason Heyward bolted to the Cubs for less money, and John Lackey left to the Cubs. They then lost starter Lance Lynn for the season due to a torn rotator cuff. They did sign Mike Leake to bolster their rotation, as well as flipped Jon Jay for Jedd Gyorko. Matt Holliday and Yadier Molina are aging. Both were hurt last year, and Holliday and especially Molina's good health are vital for this team to have success. Matt Adams is coming back from surgery, and Adam Wainwright missed almost all of last year. Their top prospect is not a top 100 one, and is RHP Alex Reyes, so the Cardinals have not a lot of depth after the guys in the Majors. But, I think that the Cardinals will be a playoff team.
Projection: 95-67
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
Poor Pirates. They won 98 games last season, had the second best record in the Majors, and had to play in the Wild Card game. This was where gifted the chance of playing against NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, who had the best second half of a season for a pitcher since forever. The year before? Eventual World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner. The year before they did win, but got knocked out in the NLDS by the Cardinals. After nineteen years without a winning season and three years of the Wild Card, will Pirate fans finally get rewarded?
No, you're probably headed to the Wild Card game again. They have a star in center fielder Andrew McCutchen, but two rising stars are battling injuries right now. Jung Ho Kang is still fighting back from that leg injury suffered last September against the Cubs, and fire baller Gerrit Cole is battling an injury right now. They did not make enough moves in my mind to compete with the Cubs. They traded hometown boy Neil Walker to the Mets for left-hander Jon Niese, and that was about it. They have a top closer in Mark Melancon. But, I will think that they will get a Wild Card spot again. It's tough being a small market team, but they need to do more to improve, and maybe make some trade deadline deals. With a top 5 farm system, like RHP Tyler Glasnow, they have the pieces.
Projection: 94-68
4. Cincinnati Reds
Well, I don't know what to say. This team is bad. They traded away all of their talent. They flipped All-Star hero Todd Fraizer to the White Sox, for not a big haul. They flipped lefty closer Aroldis Chapman to the New York Yankees, a gift to the rest of the division. Now, if the Reds bring a lead into the ninth, opposing teams will have at least a slim chance of winning. This is a make or break deal for the speedy Billy Hamilton to see if he can get that OBP up from below .300. Another big question mark is if Brandon Phillips will drop the no-trade clause and get traded. Top prospect OF Jesse Winkler might spend part up in the Big Leagues. Let's see if Tucker Barnhart, with one of the best last names in sports will get it done. Or at least to seventy wins.
Prediction: 68-94
5. Milwaukee Brewers
Again, I don't know what to say. They traded away Jean Segura, and are left with Ryan Braun and Jonathon Lucroy. They traded away mike Fiers and Carlos Gomez at the Trade Deadline last year, and are still stuck with Matt Garza's big contract to be a mediocre 5.00 ERA+. To paraphrase. They suck. At least top prospect SS Orlando Arcia could be up as soon as the start of the season, so, a little bit of a bright spot.
Prediction: 64-98
1. Chicago Cubs
You knew that this one was coming. The Cubs are loaded on the offensive side of the ball. They stole outfielder Jason Heyward from the Cardinals, as well as signing second baseman Ben Zobrist. Both who signed for less money than their highest bidders to come to the Cubs. They also return a load of young talent from last season. Stars such as Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler, Addison Russell, and Anthony Rizzo. All of that top talent graduated from the farm system(Expect for Rizzo mostly, as most was with the San Diego Padres), and they still have the top catching prospect in baseball in Willson Contreras. They also got pitching help in John Lackey, taking him from the Cardinals. The biggest question is whether the Cubs will play like the World Series favorites, or will play bad like last year's pick, the Washington Nationals.
Projection: 98-64
2. St. Louis Cardinals
After getting to 100 wins during the season, the Cardinals season came to an end in the NLDS. The offseason was not the best for them. Jason Heyward bolted to the Cubs for less money, and John Lackey left to the Cubs. They then lost starter Lance Lynn for the season due to a torn rotator cuff. They did sign Mike Leake to bolster their rotation, as well as flipped Jon Jay for Jedd Gyorko. Matt Holliday and Yadier Molina are aging. Both were hurt last year, and Holliday and especially Molina's good health are vital for this team to have success. Matt Adams is coming back from surgery, and Adam Wainwright missed almost all of last year. Their top prospect is not a top 100 one, and is RHP Alex Reyes, so the Cardinals have not a lot of depth after the guys in the Majors. But, I think that the Cardinals will be a playoff team.
Projection: 95-67
3. Pittsburgh Pirates
Poor Pirates. They won 98 games last season, had the second best record in the Majors, and had to play in the Wild Card game. This was where gifted the chance of playing against NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, who had the best second half of a season for a pitcher since forever. The year before? Eventual World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner. The year before they did win, but got knocked out in the NLDS by the Cardinals. After nineteen years without a winning season and three years of the Wild Card, will Pirate fans finally get rewarded?
No, you're probably headed to the Wild Card game again. They have a star in center fielder Andrew McCutchen, but two rising stars are battling injuries right now. Jung Ho Kang is still fighting back from that leg injury suffered last September against the Cubs, and fire baller Gerrit Cole is battling an injury right now. They did not make enough moves in my mind to compete with the Cubs. They traded hometown boy Neil Walker to the Mets for left-hander Jon Niese, and that was about it. They have a top closer in Mark Melancon. But, I will think that they will get a Wild Card spot again. It's tough being a small market team, but they need to do more to improve, and maybe make some trade deadline deals. With a top 5 farm system, like RHP Tyler Glasnow, they have the pieces.
Projection: 94-68
4. Cincinnati Reds
Well, I don't know what to say. This team is bad. They traded away all of their talent. They flipped All-Star hero Todd Fraizer to the White Sox, for not a big haul. They flipped lefty closer Aroldis Chapman to the New York Yankees, a gift to the rest of the division. Now, if the Reds bring a lead into the ninth, opposing teams will have at least a slim chance of winning. This is a make or break deal for the speedy Billy Hamilton to see if he can get that OBP up from below .300. Another big question mark is if Brandon Phillips will drop the no-trade clause and get traded. Top prospect OF Jesse Winkler might spend part up in the Big Leagues. Let's see if Tucker Barnhart, with one of the best last names in sports will get it done. Or at least to seventy wins.
Prediction: 68-94
5. Milwaukee Brewers
Again, I don't know what to say. They traded away Jean Segura, and are left with Ryan Braun and Jonathon Lucroy. They traded away mike Fiers and Carlos Gomez at the Trade Deadline last year, and are still stuck with Matt Garza's big contract to be a mediocre 5.00 ERA+. To paraphrase. They suck. At least top prospect SS Orlando Arcia could be up as soon as the start of the season, so, a little bit of a bright spot.
Prediction: 64-98
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Former Steelers Kevin Greene and Tony Dungy Part of 2016 NFL Half of Fame Class
Two former NFL players who put on the black and the gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers will be apart of the National Football League's Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016. Safety/quarterback Tony Dungy and linebacker Kevin Greene.
Dungy only played three years and two of them with the Steelers, the other with the San Francisco 49ers. He played 30 games for the Steelers starting two in 1977-78, and 15 games and 7 starts in 79 for the Niners. He had nine interceptions. Inculding one game where he is the only player in NFL history to have an interception on defense, and to come in later and throw an interception on the offensive side.
But, he is more known as the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning. He was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach for six years, and became the Colts coach in 2002, winning Super Bowl 41 in the 2006-07 season. He had an overall record of 139-69 overall and 9-10 in the playoffs.
Greene played eight years for the Los Angeles Rams, three years for the Steelers, one year for the Panthers, a year for the 49ers, and two more for the Panthers, retiring after the 1999 season. He was also a linebacker coach for the Green Bay Packers.
Greene was a monster of a linebacker. He had 160 sacks and 669 tackles in 15 years. He won a Super Bowl ring as the linebackers coach of the Packers against his former team the Steelers, unfortunately for me After waiting five years, he finally got his well deserved trip to Canton.
Tony Dungy is getting in because of his coaching accomplishments. I don't think he did enough to be considered one of the best like Bill Walsh, Tom Landry or Chuck Noll. I'm not 100% about him getting in.
The full class is Brett Favre, Greene, Orlando Pace, Dungy, Marvin Harrison, Dick Stanfel, Eddie DeBartolo, and the late Ken(the Snake) Stabler. It is another great class.
Dungy only played three years and two of them with the Steelers, the other with the San Francisco 49ers. He played 30 games for the Steelers starting two in 1977-78, and 15 games and 7 starts in 79 for the Niners. He had nine interceptions. Inculding one game where he is the only player in NFL history to have an interception on defense, and to come in later and throw an interception on the offensive side.
But, he is more known as the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning. He was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach for six years, and became the Colts coach in 2002, winning Super Bowl 41 in the 2006-07 season. He had an overall record of 139-69 overall and 9-10 in the playoffs.
Greene played eight years for the Los Angeles Rams, three years for the Steelers, one year for the Panthers, a year for the 49ers, and two more for the Panthers, retiring after the 1999 season. He was also a linebacker coach for the Green Bay Packers.
Greene was a monster of a linebacker. He had 160 sacks and 669 tackles in 15 years. He won a Super Bowl ring as the linebackers coach of the Packers against his former team the Steelers, unfortunately for me After waiting five years, he finally got his well deserved trip to Canton.
Tony Dungy is getting in because of his coaching accomplishments. I don't think he did enough to be considered one of the best like Bill Walsh, Tom Landry or Chuck Noll. I'm not 100% about him getting in.
The full class is Brett Favre, Greene, Orlando Pace, Dungy, Marvin Harrison, Dick Stanfel, Eddie DeBartolo, and the late Ken(the Snake) Stabler. It is another great class.
Johnny Manziel
Well, it keeps getting worse for Johnny Manziel. After being drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns, the character problems that were in question at Texas A&M have showed up badly. Let's start with what happened after becoming the 22nd pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.
The first incident came during the Preseason against the Washington Redskins. Manziel had been outplayed by Brian Hoyer to this point, and to make matters worse, he flipped the bird to the Redskins sideline. Hoyer was named the starter the next day.
In November, Johnny's squad got into a fight with a Browns fan who got injured from it, and later said he was sorry. But, anytime that a player's crew gets into a fight with a fan, that's never a good sign for that player's future. But, after the Browns started 7-5, including a drubbing of Cleveland's big brother, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a road win at another divisional rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. Hoyer started to struggle, and Manziel got the start against the Bengals at home. He only went for 80 yards and ten completions with two interceptions. He finished out the season, and then checked into a rehab facility for ten weeks after the season.
Josh McCown started over Manziel until he was lost for the season. But, in October, he got into a fight pulled over on the side of a highway, fighting with his girlfriend. No charges were filed from either side. He got benched after drinking during the bye. In Week 17, he allegedly showed up under the influence to a meeting, and was partying in Vegas wearing a disguise the night before the Week 17 matchup against the Steelers, making Austin Davis the next Browns starter.
New coach Hue Jackson said they are moving on from Manziel in March. Then, in January, he allegedly punched his ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley so hard, he ruptured her eardrum, and she is still regaining her hearing in that ear.
Manziel has shown that football is not his priority. He retired the money sign, and it looked like he was getting his life together. When he played this year, he looked good most of the time, including going for 372 yards against the Steelers on the road. But, I don't think that he will get a second chance, and is just wasted talent.
Manziel was so bad in college, that Kyle Allen said that the culture at A&M was lazy, mostly because of Manziel, leading him to transfer to Houston, and AAC school.
How bad is Manziel? His dad, Paul Manziel says he won't make it to his 24th birthday if he doesn't get help. He is 23. Former NFL Quarterback Ryan Leaf, a year after being released from jail in Montana, said its like looking in a mirror. His dad has tried to get him to go to two different facilities, but he has rejected them both.
What to do with him? Nobody can do anything. The NFL and players have tried to help him, but it hasn't worked. If Manziel doesn't want help from the NFL or his parents, he's a lost cause. He can't get helped if he is willing to get that help. Maybe he'll turn it around like it seems Jameis Winston has. Or maybe he'll be in a Montana prison twenty years from now. It's up to him. His career is probably over, but he can turn his life around.
The first incident came during the Preseason against the Washington Redskins. Manziel had been outplayed by Brian Hoyer to this point, and to make matters worse, he flipped the bird to the Redskins sideline. Hoyer was named the starter the next day.
In November, Johnny's squad got into a fight with a Browns fan who got injured from it, and later said he was sorry. But, anytime that a player's crew gets into a fight with a fan, that's never a good sign for that player's future. But, after the Browns started 7-5, including a drubbing of Cleveland's big brother, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and a road win at another divisional rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. Hoyer started to struggle, and Manziel got the start against the Bengals at home. He only went for 80 yards and ten completions with two interceptions. He finished out the season, and then checked into a rehab facility for ten weeks after the season.
Josh McCown started over Manziel until he was lost for the season. But, in October, he got into a fight pulled over on the side of a highway, fighting with his girlfriend. No charges were filed from either side. He got benched after drinking during the bye. In Week 17, he allegedly showed up under the influence to a meeting, and was partying in Vegas wearing a disguise the night before the Week 17 matchup against the Steelers, making Austin Davis the next Browns starter.
New coach Hue Jackson said they are moving on from Manziel in March. Then, in January, he allegedly punched his ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley so hard, he ruptured her eardrum, and she is still regaining her hearing in that ear.
Manziel has shown that football is not his priority. He retired the money sign, and it looked like he was getting his life together. When he played this year, he looked good most of the time, including going for 372 yards against the Steelers on the road. But, I don't think that he will get a second chance, and is just wasted talent.
Manziel was so bad in college, that Kyle Allen said that the culture at A&M was lazy, mostly because of Manziel, leading him to transfer to Houston, and AAC school.
How bad is Manziel? His dad, Paul Manziel says he won't make it to his 24th birthday if he doesn't get help. He is 23. Former NFL Quarterback Ryan Leaf, a year after being released from jail in Montana, said its like looking in a mirror. His dad has tried to get him to go to two different facilities, but he has rejected them both.
What to do with him? Nobody can do anything. The NFL and players have tried to help him, but it hasn't worked. If Manziel doesn't want help from the NFL or his parents, he's a lost cause. He can't get helped if he is willing to get that help. Maybe he'll turn it around like it seems Jameis Winston has. Or maybe he'll be in a Montana prison twenty years from now. It's up to him. His career is probably over, but he can turn his life around.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Antonio Brown, runner-up for NFL OPOY, but Not a MVP Vote
On the Saturday night before the Super Bowl, the NFL had its award show. Antonio Brown got the Fantasy Player of the Year, and he got runner-up for the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, behind Newton. Nothing unexpected. But, he did not garner any MVP votes. Newton got 48 votes, Tom Brady got 1 vote, and Carson Palmer also received one vote. Like usual, it is all quarterbacks, as it is a quarterback driven league. Even so, why not vote for Antonio Brown?
A wide receiver has never won the MVP, so there was a very big uphill climb for Brown. But, let's look at the stats. He had 136 catches for 1,834 yards and 10 touchdowns. That was without Ben Roethlisberger for about five games. With Roethlisberger. he would've easily gotten 150 catches and probably 2,000 yards, and possibly the record of 1,964 yards receiving in a season set by Calvin Johnson in 2012. One would think that Brown would break that if Roethlisberger stays healthy.
Secondly, let's look at his numbers against the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. He went for 16 catches and 189 yards with two touchdowns. That was all against Chris Harris Jr., an undrafted cornerback who hadn't let a touchdown in two years. Two years. That was his second 15+ catch game on the season, the other coming against the Oakland Raiders, including a quarter without Big Ben.
What did Cam Newton do against this defense? 18-41, 265 passing yards and one interception and a fumble. What about Tom Brady? 27-56, 310 yards, one touchdown and two picks. Combined, they scored 28 points. The Steelers scored 24 in one half and 34 in total in one game, as well as scoring 16 against them in the Divisional Round without Brown.
How important is Brown? If the Steelers have him against the Broncos, the Steelers win the game easily. MVP stands for most valuable player, right? Why not Brown? I don't think he should've won it, as Cam Newton had a great season. But, Brown should get more consideration.
This guy is 5'11, but he's still the best receiver in the NFL by far. He was a zero star recruit. He was a sixth round draft pick. He keeps getting better, I think he'll break some more records, and he will continue to garner more attention from voters.
A wide receiver has never won the MVP, so there was a very big uphill climb for Brown. But, let's look at the stats. He had 136 catches for 1,834 yards and 10 touchdowns. That was without Ben Roethlisberger for about five games. With Roethlisberger. he would've easily gotten 150 catches and probably 2,000 yards, and possibly the record of 1,964 yards receiving in a season set by Calvin Johnson in 2012. One would think that Brown would break that if Roethlisberger stays healthy.
Secondly, let's look at his numbers against the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. He went for 16 catches and 189 yards with two touchdowns. That was all against Chris Harris Jr., an undrafted cornerback who hadn't let a touchdown in two years. Two years. That was his second 15+ catch game on the season, the other coming against the Oakland Raiders, including a quarter without Big Ben.
What did Cam Newton do against this defense? 18-41, 265 passing yards and one interception and a fumble. What about Tom Brady? 27-56, 310 yards, one touchdown and two picks. Combined, they scored 28 points. The Steelers scored 24 in one half and 34 in total in one game, as well as scoring 16 against them in the Divisional Round without Brown.
How important is Brown? If the Steelers have him against the Broncos, the Steelers win the game easily. MVP stands for most valuable player, right? Why not Brown? I don't think he should've won it, as Cam Newton had a great season. But, Brown should get more consideration.
This guy is 5'11, but he's still the best receiver in the NFL by far. He was a zero star recruit. He was a sixth round draft pick. He keeps getting better, I think he'll break some more records, and he will continue to garner more attention from voters.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Cubs Sign Jake Arrieta to One Year Deal
The Chicago Cubs avoided having to go to an arbitration hearing on Tuesday, as they agreed to a 10.2 million dollar deal. This is well deserved for the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner. After a sub 2.00 ERA season, he had to get a raise over the six million or so he got last year.
This is a short term solution for the Cubs, as they are trying to lock him up to a long term deal before he hits the free agent market. A big problem is that Arrieta's agent is Scott Boras, one of the toughest agents to deal with when it comes to his clients. This will be no different. To be honest, I have no idea what he's trying to get for Arrieta. My guess would be that he is going to try to command Zack Grienke type money. Which would be over 200 million dollars.
A big question would be if the Cubs could afford that type of investment. The problem is, they can't afford not to get him to return to the Cubs. If they did that, their starting rotation would be a very thin group. Perhaps that is the reason that the Cubs did not chase after a David Price or another high priced pitcher. Instead, they spent a bunch of money on position players like Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist. I think they can afford the investment in Arrieta, and I think that it will happen almost for sure. But, they have to worry about this next season as the World Series favorites, as Spring Training starts in a couple of weeks in late February. Arrieta and company will get ready for the World Series run.
This is a short term solution for the Cubs, as they are trying to lock him up to a long term deal before he hits the free agent market. A big problem is that Arrieta's agent is Scott Boras, one of the toughest agents to deal with when it comes to his clients. This will be no different. To be honest, I have no idea what he's trying to get for Arrieta. My guess would be that he is going to try to command Zack Grienke type money. Which would be over 200 million dollars.
A big question would be if the Cubs could afford that type of investment. The problem is, they can't afford not to get him to return to the Cubs. If they did that, their starting rotation would be a very thin group. Perhaps that is the reason that the Cubs did not chase after a David Price or another high priced pitcher. Instead, they spent a bunch of money on position players like Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist. I think they can afford the investment in Arrieta, and I think that it will happen almost for sure. But, they have to worry about this next season as the World Series favorites, as Spring Training starts in a couple of weeks in late February. Arrieta and company will get ready for the World Series run.
Iowa Hawkeyes Take First Place Alone in Big Ten After Beating Illinois
Another Sunday game, another win for the Iowa Hawkeyes (19-4, 10-1 Big Ten). This one was over the Illinois Fighting Illini (11-13, 3-8 Big Ten). Coming into this one, the Hawkeyes had lost 11 of their last 12 at Champaign, the only win coming the last time they played there in 2014. So, even though the Illini came in banged-up and coming off of a triple overtime win on the road at lowly Rutgers, the Hawkeyes did not come in thinking that this was going to be an easy game. It was close early on, with the Hawkeyes leading by nine at the half. But, the Hawkeyes got up by twenty early in the second half, and the Fighting Illini could never fight their way fully back into this one.
Seniors Adam Woodbury and Jarrod Uthoff came up big with double-doubles. Woodbury had 10 points and 14 rebounds, with five of those being offensive. Uthoff had 18 points and 12 rebounds, a very quiet double-double if there is such a thing. For the Illini, Malcom Hill had 14 points and 8 assists, and Jalen Coleman-Lands added 17 points on five three pointers and 1 rebound.
That wasn't the only good thing that happened for the Hawks. On Saturday night, the Indiana Hoosiers lost at an awful Penn State team in Happy Valley, the team that the Hawkeyes beat on Wednesday. That put the Hoosiers at 9-2, with a brutal week ahead. Number five Iowa on Thursday, and at Number 10 Michigan State on Sunday. In total, they play four top ten teams and five ranked teams the rest of the season.
Number one Oklahoma Sooners lost at Kansas State, and number two North Carolina Tar Heels lost at Louisville and at Notre Dame. With the top two teams losing this week, the Hawkeyes will most likely move into the top three, and might get some first place votes. The top three will probably be Villanova, Maryland, and Iowa. Those three can be in any order, as Maryland and Iowa were only separated by seven points.
Right now, Maryland is behind Iowa by half a game and has the head-to-head tiebreaker. So, Iowa will probably need to be 16-2 or 17-1 to win the Big Ten outright, which is very possible, considering their remaining schedule. I would expect them to win out, or have their only loss be the final game at Michigan. I think Maryland will lose at Purdue, and finish 15-3. Iowa has played the toughest schedule of the contenders, and it would be more impressive than any other team winning it. It'll be a great finishing weeks in the always interesting Big Ten race.
Seniors Adam Woodbury and Jarrod Uthoff came up big with double-doubles. Woodbury had 10 points and 14 rebounds, with five of those being offensive. Uthoff had 18 points and 12 rebounds, a very quiet double-double if there is such a thing. For the Illini, Malcom Hill had 14 points and 8 assists, and Jalen Coleman-Lands added 17 points on five three pointers and 1 rebound.
That wasn't the only good thing that happened for the Hawks. On Saturday night, the Indiana Hoosiers lost at an awful Penn State team in Happy Valley, the team that the Hawkeyes beat on Wednesday. That put the Hoosiers at 9-2, with a brutal week ahead. Number five Iowa on Thursday, and at Number 10 Michigan State on Sunday. In total, they play four top ten teams and five ranked teams the rest of the season.
Number one Oklahoma Sooners lost at Kansas State, and number two North Carolina Tar Heels lost at Louisville and at Notre Dame. With the top two teams losing this week, the Hawkeyes will most likely move into the top three, and might get some first place votes. The top three will probably be Villanova, Maryland, and Iowa. Those three can be in any order, as Maryland and Iowa were only separated by seven points.
Right now, Maryland is behind Iowa by half a game and has the head-to-head tiebreaker. So, Iowa will probably need to be 16-2 or 17-1 to win the Big Ten outright, which is very possible, considering their remaining schedule. I would expect them to win out, or have their only loss be the final game at Michigan. I think Maryland will lose at Purdue, and finish 15-3. Iowa has played the toughest schedule of the contenders, and it would be more impressive than any other team winning it. It'll be a great finishing weeks in the always interesting Big Ten race.
Super Bowl 50
It's that time of year again. After a long season of football, it all comes down to this. The 17-1 Carolina Panthers face off against 14-4 Denver Broncos. It is a battle of a 39 year old quarterback against a new generation, 26-year old Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. But, Newton was a far better quarterback than the legend of Manning. Newton is set to become the League's MVP, throwing for 35 touchdowns and only ten interceptions. Manning threw nine touchdowns to seventeen interceptions, even though he missed almost half of the season due to his foot injury. He might possibly be the worst quarterback in the history of the NFL to start in the Super Bowl.
Manning's defense is preparing to face off against Newton. They were the top defense on the year, so they so be ready, and it should be a good battle. But, the real question is if that Broncos offense can go against this Panther defense and keep up with Cam Newton.
To be honest, the Broncos are the third or fourth best team in the AFC. Behind the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and probably even the Cincinnati Bengals. How did they get by them all? Because all three of those teams had bad injuries. The Broncos beat the Bengals in overtime at home against backup A.J McCarron. That would've gotten the Bengals a bye week, instead of the Broncos. They beat the Steelers without Antonio Brown, who torched them when they played in December. Ben Roethlisberger was questionable all week, they were without DeAngelo Williams, so they were down to their third string running back, Fitzgerald Toussiant. They were driving up one before he fumbled it, giving the Broncos the game. The Patriots were without their top two backs, but c'mon, who wasn't happy when the Patriots were knocked out?
This will be the Broncos record tying eight Super Bowl played in, tying the record with the Steelers, Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers are 6-2, their last one played was a loss in Super Bowl 45 to the Green Bay Packers, and their last won was Super Bowl 43 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys are 5-3, with their last win being twenty years ago in Super Bowl 30 against the Steelers, and their last loss against the Steelers in Super Bowl 10.
The Broncos are 2-5, losing those five by an average of thirty points, the last in Super Bowl 48, a 43-8 loss against the Seahawks, and their last win was Super Bowl 33 against the Atlanta Falcons, the second of back-to-back Super Bowl victories. The Panthers are 0-1, their only loss being against the Patriots in Super Bowl 38. They have only been a franchise since 1995, and not much Super Bowl success.
My prediction is that the Panthers will win handily, but the Broncos keep it close early in Peyton Manning's most likely final game. If it's close late, I give the Broncos a great chance. But, it will be another big loss in the Super Bowl for the Broncos.
Panthers 37, Broncos 20
Manning's defense is preparing to face off against Newton. They were the top defense on the year, so they so be ready, and it should be a good battle. But, the real question is if that Broncos offense can go against this Panther defense and keep up with Cam Newton.
To be honest, the Broncos are the third or fourth best team in the AFC. Behind the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and probably even the Cincinnati Bengals. How did they get by them all? Because all three of those teams had bad injuries. The Broncos beat the Bengals in overtime at home against backup A.J McCarron. That would've gotten the Bengals a bye week, instead of the Broncos. They beat the Steelers without Antonio Brown, who torched them when they played in December. Ben Roethlisberger was questionable all week, they were without DeAngelo Williams, so they were down to their third string running back, Fitzgerald Toussiant. They were driving up one before he fumbled it, giving the Broncos the game. The Patriots were without their top two backs, but c'mon, who wasn't happy when the Patriots were knocked out?
This will be the Broncos record tying eight Super Bowl played in, tying the record with the Steelers, Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers are 6-2, their last one played was a loss in Super Bowl 45 to the Green Bay Packers, and their last won was Super Bowl 43 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cowboys are 5-3, with their last win being twenty years ago in Super Bowl 30 against the Steelers, and their last loss against the Steelers in Super Bowl 10.
The Broncos are 2-5, losing those five by an average of thirty points, the last in Super Bowl 48, a 43-8 loss against the Seahawks, and their last win was Super Bowl 33 against the Atlanta Falcons, the second of back-to-back Super Bowl victories. The Panthers are 0-1, their only loss being against the Patriots in Super Bowl 38. They have only been a franchise since 1995, and not much Super Bowl success.
My prediction is that the Panthers will win handily, but the Broncos keep it close early in Peyton Manning's most likely final game. If it's close late, I give the Broncos a great chance. But, it will be another big loss in the Super Bowl for the Broncos.
Panthers 37, Broncos 20
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