Alastair's BLE Blog

Alastair

There have been suggestions in some quarters -- in the Chicago media and around the NFL -- that Bears quarterback Jay Cutler could use a good mentor.

Mike Martz says Cutler already has a mentor, thank you very much.

"We do coach the heck out of him, despite what others might say,'' Martz snapped when asked about Cutler needing coaching by the Chicago Tribune. "And I have been doing this for 39 years, so I do think we know what we're doing. A quarterbacks coach? That's what I am. That's what I get paid to do.''

It's fair to question, though, whether Martz has done a good enough job with Cutler. Although Cutler had some big games with the Bears last year, he also laid an egg several times -- including in the NFC Championship Game, when he played lousy in the first half before leaving early in the second.

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/27/mike-martz-i-coach-the-heck-out-of-bears-quarterback-jay-cutler/

Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson Tory Collins Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior

Alastair

Coaches love talking about explosion plays. You want to get a lot of them and give up very few.

We looked at offensive explosion plays -- plays of 20 or more yards -- on Tuesday and defenses that prevented explosion plays on Wednesday. Thursday we looked at explosion plays in terms of rushing offense and rushing defense. Today, we'll look at explosion plays in terms of passing numbers.

So here's how the Pac-12 stacked up in 2010 (again, thanks to ESPN Stats & Information). The number to the left is national rank. The number to the right is the total number of explosion plays in the passing game in 2010.

14. Stanford... 48
18. Arizona... 46
37. Oregon... 43
40. Arizona State... 42
40. Utah... 42
54. Oregon State... 38
61. Washington State... 37
65. USC... 36
80. Colorado... 32
91. Washington... 30
100. California... 28
120. UCLA... 11

No surprise Stanford is on top with quarterback Andrew Luck, but Arizona at No. 2 proves that Nick Foles isn't just a dink-and-dunk passer. Some might use this as further evidence that USC's Matt Barkley and Washington's Jake Locker were "overrated."

Oh my, UCLA. Very, very bad.

Some other thoughts.

UCLA was dead last in the country, and only Army in 2008 -- six! -- produced fewer explosion plays in the passing game over the past three seasons.
To put the awfulness of the Bruins' downfield passing game into perspective: Every conference team more than doubled the number of passing explosion plays the Bruins produced, and Colorado was one play short of having NINE teams at least triple the Bruins.
And the blame shouldn't fall on Kevin Prince: In 2009, the Bruins produced 35 explosion plays in the passing game with him as the starter for much of the year.
Keep in mind that Oregon got 43 passing plays of 20 or more yards with a first-year starter at quarterback. Even though the Ducks lose their top two receivers, don't be surprised if that number goes up in 2011 in Darron Thomas' junior season.
Oh, and anyone remember Jeremiah Masoli? Last year, the Ducks ranked 67th with 36 explosion plays in the passing game.
Downfield passing was a clear area of improvement for Foles in 2010. The year before, the Wildcats connected on just 31 passing plays of 20 or more yards.
In 2009, California had 48 explosion plays in the passing game, which ranked 18th in the nation and No. 1 in the Pac-10. Discuss, Cal fans.
In 2008, with Luck redshirting behind Tavita Pritchard, the Cardinal had only 18 explosion plays in the passing game, which ranked 113th in the nation. In Luck's first year as the starter, 2009, that number perked up to 47, which ranked 25th in the nation.
Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett has his critics, but over the past two years the Razorbacks produced 123 explosion plays in the passing game. In 2008, they had 45.
In 2008, Tulsa had 82 pass plays of 20 or more yards, most over the past three years. In its 14-game schedule, that means the Golden Hurricane averaged just under six such plays per game. Tulsa is also the only program to rank in the top 10 each of the past three years.

But does piling up explosion plays in the passing game correlate to winning? Short answer: Yes. Here's the top 10 in 2010 with the team's record in parentheses to the right.

1. Hawaii... 80 (10-4)
2. Boise State... 63 (12-1)
3. Arkansas... 62 (10-3)
4. San Diego State... 60 (9-4)
5. Oklahoma... 59 (12-2)
5. Oklahoma State... 59 (11-2)
7. Tulsa... 57 (10-3)
8. Tennessee... 54 (6-7)
9. UAB... 53 (4-8)
10. North Carolina State... 52 (9-4)

That's two losing teams -- though Tennessee was a bowl team -- and eight with at least nine wins and five with 10 or more. Nice mix of AQ and non-AQ teams, too.

Now on to defense, starting with the Pac-12.

The number to the left is national rank. The number to the right is the total number of passing explosion plays yielded in 2010.

6. California... 25
16. Stanford... 29
23. Washington... 31
27. Arizona... 32
27. Colorado... 32
27. Arizona State... 32
41. Oregon...33
41. Washington State... 33
58. UCLA... 36
91. Oregon State... 41
96. Utah... 42
102. USC... 44

Well, USC gave up 30 TD passes, most in the conference by five, so the Trojans in the cellar shouldn't be a surprise. Utah is completely rebuilding its secondary heading into 2011 -- so does that many Utes fans feel better or worse about their standing here? A little surprised Washington did well in this measure. And this is another reason for Cal fans to feel good about defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast.

Some other thoughts:

First of all, the difference between No. 23 and No. 41 is two plays, so there should be a little bit of skepticism about writing too much into these numbers.
Obviously, the Trojans' young secondary didn't do well digesting Monte Kiffin's Tampa-2 scheme in Year 1.
USC gave up 30 explosion passing plays in 2009 and just 14 in 2008, which is the lowest total over the past three years by six.
Stanford's pass defense was a big question heading into 2010. Why? In 2009, it gave up 44 passing plays of 20 or more yards. So the improvement this past season was dramatic, and probably one of the big reasons the Cardinal defense took a huge step forward.
Tip of the cap to Washington State: In 2009, it gave up 47 explosion plays in the passing game, which ranked 110th in the nation. So the improvement in 2010 was dramatic. Of course, the Cougars did give up 29 explosion plays in the running game, which ranked 117th in the nation.
Utah gave up 28 explosion passing plays in 2009, so there was fairly significant regression in 2010.
No team ranked in the top 10 three consecutive years, though TCU, Florida and Ohio State consistently ranked highly.
In 2008, Nevada gave up 70 explosion plays in the passing game. That's 11 more than the second worst total over the past three years. That means Wolf Pack fans had to endure 5.4 big passing plays per game thrown against their defense. Still, Nevada did finish 7-6.

But does limiting passing explosion plays on defense correlate to winning? Short answer: Pretty much. Here's the top 10 in 2010 with the team's record in parentheses to the right.

1. Pittsburgh... 20 (8-5)
2. LSU.. 21 (11-2)
3. TCU... 22 (13-0)
4. Kent State... 23 (5-7)
5. West Virginia... 24 (9-4)
5. Texas... 24 (5-7)
6. Florida... 25 (8-5)
6. California... 25 (5-7)
6. Nebraska... 25 (10-4)
6. Temple... 25 (8-4)
6. Syracuse... 25 (8-5)
6. Boise State... 25 (13-1)

Only three of these 12 teams posted losing records, and they each went 5-7. That said, four won just eight games, so success in this stat doesn't correlate to elite status. Auburn gave up 44 explosion plays in the pass game and it went 14-0 and won the national championship. Virginia Tech gave up 45 and won the ACC.

Still, here's a guess that most defensive coordinators would rather rank at the top of this list than at the bottom.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/39827/who-gets-and-stops-explosive-passing

Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins New York Jets New England Patriots

Alastair

Source: http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2011/2/23/2010690/redactions-tennessee-bruce-pearl-notice-of-allegations

New England Patriots Denver Broncos Arizona Cardinals Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks

Alastair

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2011/2/27/2019308/kendrick-perkins-thunder-trade-celtics

Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Alastair

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-cardinals/2011/2/24/2012600/adam-wainwright-tommy-john-surgery-elbow-injury-cardinals-training-camp

Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Arizona Wildcats

Alastair

Source: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/2/26/2016876/cameron-heyward-combine-presser

Mike McCormack Frank Gatski Ozzie Newsome Joe DeLamielleure Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs

Alastair

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/at-combine-newton-says-football-is-no-1-priority.html

Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson

Alastair

Filed under: NFL Draft, NFL Quarterbacks, NFL Analysis

INDIANAPOLIS -- Before Cam Newton faced the cameras, microphones, recorders and notebooks, it was Ryan Mallett's turn, and he had the added burden of dealing with drug use allegations that have been raised recently. He chose to sidestep the issue and let it stay between him and the teams interviewing him, other than to say he has laughed them off and hinted that "obviously, somebody did it for a reason, right before the combine, right before the draft."

But just as he seemed to be finding his rhythm in his answers and touted the quality of competition he faced in the Southeastern Conference as another plus, he was pressed a little more on the allegations and how he's dealing with them and he insisted he wasn't going to talk about them anymore. His session came to an abrupt end when another reporter tried to explain that the questions aren't going to go away until he gives a definitive answer as he said he didn't want to and walked off.

At 6-foot-7 and 253 pounds, Mallett is slightly bigger than Newton (6-5, 248) and has perhaps the biggest arm of all of the quarterbacks. Some scouts have been concerned about his accuracy, but he shot back that the fact that he has thrown for more than 7,000 yards and 60 touchdowns in two seasons should speak for itself. He also claimed he can throw the ball more than 80 yards.

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/ryan-mallett-miffed-about-questions-concerning-drug-use-allegati/

Houston Texans Atlanta Falcons Carolina Panthers Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints

Alastair

As the Patriots prepare for the draft, they could have more reason to spend an early pick on an offensive lineman.

According to PFW correspondent and Boston Herald writer Ian Rapoport, the Patriots will likely part ways with OL Nick Kaczur.

The veteran started at right tackle for five seasons, but missed all of 2010 with a back injury. The Patriots reportedly approached Kaczur about taking pay cut on his $3.4 million salary for 2011 but he was not interested in doing such a thing.

The way we see it

Kaczur could have started at guard this season when Logan Mankins was holding out, but Dan Connolly stepped in and played left guard to start the season, before moving to right guard to replace the injured Stephen Neal. With Connolly's success in 2010, he becomes the team's top backup, assuming Matt Light, Mankins and Neal all return.

With an aging line, the Patriots will likely look to add an O-lineman in the draft, and Kaczur, with that $3.4 million, becomes expendable.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/27/report-patriots-likely-to-cut-ol-kaczur

Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson

Alastair

Source: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/2/26/2017517/titans-decline-to-re-sign-jason-babin

Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars California Golden Bears

Alastair

Filed under: Giants, NFC East

INDIANAPOLIS -- Brandon Jacobs isn't at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine.

But there seems little question the New York Giants running back probably likes what he hears from Indianapolis this week.

On Friday, Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he'd like to get the seventh-year veteran more involved in the offense after he averaged 5.6 yards on 147 carries last season, rushing for 823 yards and nine touchdowns.

"You look at the end of the year numbers, you'd want him to have a few more carries," Coughlin said. "Brandon was fresher than he's ever been, healthier than he's ever been and probably needs to carry the ball a little bit more."

On Saturday, Giants general manager Jerry Reese agreed.

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/27/brandon-jacobs-might-play-bigger-role-in-giants-offense-in-2011/

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants

Alastair

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2011/2/25/2014374/sam-bradford-josh-mcdaniels-remain-star-crossed

San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards

Alastair

Filed under: Colts, AFC South

INDIANAPOLIS -- Bill Polian's title will be different, but his role won't change greatly.

Polian, the Colts' president since 1998, will operate next season with the title of vice chairman, but Colts Owner and Chief Executive Officer Jim Irsay told Mike Chappell of The Indianapolis Star the change will be more in name than anything else.

Irsay told Chappell the move was the latest phase in a gradual transition in which Polian's son, Chris, will handle all of the Colts' football operations.

"From an outsider's eye, it won't be noticeable," Irsay said. "It's the natural progression with Chris taking on more of a role. But Bill's not clearing out his office and he's not going to be gone. He'll be around slightly -- slightly -- less.

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/jim-irsay-bill-polian-will-not-see-major-roll-change-despite-ne/

Paul Warfield Mike McCormack Frank Gatski Ozzie Newsome Joe DeLamielleure Gene Hickerson

Alastair

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-cardinals/2011/2/24/2011869/jonny-gomes-singing-adam-wainwright-and-hal-mccoys-clubhouse-ears

Dallas Cowboys Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins New York Jets

Alastair

Source: http://www.stampedeblue.com/2011/2/26/2016481/2011-nfl-scouting-combine-workouts-for-ol-te-open-thread

Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson

Alastair

(Photo by Chris Graythen / Getty Images)

White Sox players Adam Dunn, A.J. Pierzynski, Mark Buehrle, John Danks and Gordon Beckham pose with Ryan Truex, driver of the #99 Pastrana Waltrip Racing Toyota, prior to the NASCAR Nationwide Series Bashas' Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix International Raceway.

It was a NASCAR kind of day for the Sox, who were visited by Michael Waltrip, David Reutimann, Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex at practice on Saturday morning.

PHOTO GALLERY: White Sox at spring training

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/white-sox-players-get-the-nascar-experience.html

Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions

Alastair

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/2011/2/26/2017908/duke-vs-virginia-tech-score-upset-alert-live-updates

St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims

Alastair

Source: http://www.stampedeblue.com/2011/2/24/2013904/2011-nfl-scouting-combine-day-1-non-football-observations

Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University

Alastair

Source: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/2/26/2017332/mathias-kiwanuka-apparently-not-done-after-all

Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Alastair

Scouts Inc. analysts Todd McShay and Kevin Weidl have posted their observations from Friday's doings at the NFL scouting combine.

Quarterbacks, running backs and receivers checked in for measurements. Offensive linemen and tight ends started hitting the bench press.

McShay and Weidl noted Auburn quarterback Cam Newton looked sensational.

Newton's hand span was just a bit smaller than [Missouri quarterback Blaine] Gabbert's, but there's no question who wins the eyeball test at the quarterback position. At 6-5 and 248 pounds, Newton is absolutely ripped and appears to have somewhere in the range of 5 percent body fat.

Want to know how detailed NFL scouts are when quantifying human bodies? Hand size and wingspan are recorded. McShay and Weidl list some of the more interesting measurements.

They noted the running back class is unusually small, and liked what they saw out of Georgia receiver A.J. Green, who weighed in at 211 pounds and probably can afford to add another 20.

Colorado tackle Nate Solder wowed reporters when he showed up for his media obligation Thursday. He looked imposing, coming in at a little more than 6-foot-8 and 314 pounds. Then he executed only 21 bench reps, tied for fourth-fewest among all offensive linemen.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/afceast/post/_/id/26369/scouts-inc-looks-at-combine-bench-marks

Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers

Alastair

Source: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/2/26/2016810/jeremy-beal-combine-presser

Brandon McRae Jermelle Cudjo James Farrior Fred Davis Peter Mayer Nate Burleson

Alastair

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/ex-cub-derrek-lee-on-switching-from-the-nl-to-the-al.html

Frank Gatski Ozzie Newsome Joe DeLamielleure Gene Hickerson Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football

Alastair

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-cardinals/2011/2/24/2011907/adam-wainwright-injury-leaves-internal-options-lance-lynn-bandwagon

Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers Florida State Seminoles

Alastair

Filed under: Vikings, NFC North

INDIANAPOLIS -- Leslie Frazier sees things a bit differently from outsiders.

While many observers see the Minnesota Vikings very much in a rebuilding mode and needing upgrades around the roster, Frazier -- entering his first full season as the Vikings' coach -- might agree with the first part, but not the second.

Sure, Frazier said, there are improvements needed. But rebuilding? Frazier stopped short of saying the Vikings were in such a mode.

Well short.

"We're not that far removed from playing in the NFC Championship Game," Frazier said Friday at a press conference during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, being held through Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.

"We just need to be right this offseason in certain areas. If we're able to get it done, we can close that gap a lot sooner than most would expect."

The Vikings lost the NFC Championship Game to the New Orleans Saints following the 2009 regular season, and followed that with a disappointing 2010 that featured a 3-7 start and seemingly weekly drama surrounding quarterback Brett Favre.

Frazier replaced Brad Childress as coach with six games remaining in the 2010 season, and his interim tag was removed shortly after the season.

The Vikings finished 6-10, but were 3-3 under Frazier.

"Without question, we have a better feel for our football team after going back and looking at the 2010 season," Frazier said. "We tried to ascertain what pieces we need to fit in order for us to close the gap in the NFC North that are ahead of us."

Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said recent weeks have been spent trying to get personnel and scouts acclimated to Frazier's approach.

"Just working with Leslie over the past four or five weeks, as we've kind of game planned and getting ready to head into our offseason," Spielman said. "Working through our team, working through the UFA meetings, working through our draft process, working with (offensive coordinator) Bill Musgrave and getting to know him and Craig Johnson, our new quarterbacks coach, just identifying what they're looking for and what the characteristics they are looking for in a quarterback -- I have a pretty good idea of what they are looking for.

"Now, we'll start the process of identifying some of the players down here, some of the players that could potentially be in the trade market, some of the players that could potentially be in the UFA market and start honing in on those players."

Frazier said the Vikings will focus in the offseason on upgrading a defensive line that was once a strength. The Vikings finished ninth in the NFL in run defense this past season, allowing 102.2 yards per game. Longtime defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams are in their 15th and ninth seasons, respectively.

"We want to do some things to help our defensive line," Frazier said. "We're aging at one of the spots. We need to do some things to improve. One of our mantras has been, 'Be good against the run.' We've been able to stop the run.

"We slipped a little bit. We have to look at some things to see what we have to do to improve that area."

Frazier also addressed the ongoing issue involving third-year wide receiver Percy Harvin's migraines. The 2009 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, he has missed multiple practices and a game because of the issue.

"We think we have a better feel for where Percy is today from a medical standpoint," Frazier said. "We made some headway, but it's going to be an ongoing process. It's a debilitating occurrence when it does happen.

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/leslie-frazier-tiptoes-around-word-rebuilding-at-nfl-combine/

St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims

Alastair

Tribune News Services

INDIANAPOLIS -- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is sharing responsibility with the NFL for the Super Bowl seating fiasco at Cowboys Stadium.

Just hours before the Green Bay Packers played Pittsburgh Steelers, the league announced that 1,250 temporary seats were deemed unsafe and moved 850 people to new seats. Still, 400 fans were forced to watch the game from standing-room-only locations around the stadium.

Jones told ESPNDallas.com on Friday that he would look at ways to improve seating issues and the way they are handled.
"I do, along with the NFL, take responsibility for the seating issue and some of the things that we would like to improve on regarding the seating issues," Jones said. "The informing of the fans that were involved, the NFL and I take responsibility for. You always like to look at areas you can do better, get better. We certainly intend to and will get much better in terms of the seating and how that is handled."

The seating issue combined with cold, icy weather took some of the shine off the event, but Jones said he was still proud of the North Texas Super Bowl committee's efforts.

In the days after the Packers' 31-25 win over the Steelers, the league gave the displaced fans two options: $2,400 -- triple the face value of the ticket -- and a ticket to next year's Super Bowl, or a ticket to any Super Bowl with round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations.

The NFL said an additional 2,000 fans forced to sit in temporary seats will receive a face-value ticket refund or a free ticket to a future Super Bowl.

"One thing I would point out is that our stadium is certainly, the concept of the stadium, it was designed for the flexibility of temporary seating," Jones said. "You can note those, but we have had several world-class events that were very much enhanced by the way our stadium is designed to increase our capacity by our temporary seating. So that is not at issue as much as it is evaluating what we did to create the criticism, to create the issue, and to do better in the future."

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/jerry-jones-accepts-blame-for-super-bowl-seat-mess.html

New England Patriots Denver Broncos Arizona Cardinals Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks

Alastair

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/ex-cub-derrek-lee-on-switching-from-the-nl-to-the-al.html

Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats Wichita State University Nebraska Cornhuskers North Carolina Tar Heels

Alastair

Source: http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2011/2/23/2009784/tennessee-basketball-vandy-ncaa-notice-of-allegations

Dante Lavelli Len Ford Bill Willis Bobby Mitchell Paul Warfield Mike McCormack

Alastair

Antawn Jamison and Anthony Parker celebrate during the final seconds. (Jason Miller / US PRESSWIRE)
Tribune News Services

CLEVELAND -- Off Broadway, New York's new hoops show was no hit.

Carmelo Anthony missed a key late free throw and fouled out of his first road game with the Knicks, who took Cleveland too lightly and were embarrassed and beaten 115-109 on Friday night by the fired-up Cavaliers.

Anthony, acquired earlier this week from Denver in a blockbuster trade, finished with 27 points but missed a foul shot with 25 seconds left that would have brought New York within two. Amare Stoudemire had 31 points and Chauncey Billups, the other guy in the Anthony deal, scored 20 of his 26 in the fourth trying to rally the Knicks.
Antawn Jamison scored 28, J.J. Hickson 24 and Ramon Sessions 22 for the Cavs, who have beaten New York twice this season.

The Knicks must have been reading their press clippings following a tsunami of publicity in recent days after finally landing Anthony, the Brooklyn-born superstar. His arrival had even the most cynical New York fans finally believing pro basketball was back in the Big Apple.

The Cavaliers came in with the league's worst record, but they were the ones who looked like a team with playoff potential as they consistently outworked the Knicks for loose balls. Cleveland outrebounded New York 62-42, an inexcusable stat for the Knicks.

Cleveland didn't even have its newest star, point guard Baron Davis, who has yet to arrive after being obtained in a deadline day deal from the Los Angeles Clippers. But as the Cavs were putting the Knicks away in the fourth, Davis did check in on his Twitter account.

"Loving the energy I'm seeing," he wrote.

If not for Billups, who was saddled with three quick fouls in the first half, the Knicks would have really been embarrassed.

Mr. Big Shot made plenty of them, scoring 20 of New York's 28 points in one stretch. His layup with 1:17 left pulled the Knicks within 105-103 and Stoudemire's bucket made it 107-105 with 49 seconds to go.

But that's when Cleveland's Daniel Gibson hit the game's biggest shot, drilling a 3-pointer with 30 seconds remaining.

Anthony, who had 16 points in the first quarter, was quiet in the fourth before driving the lane, hitting a runner and picking up a foul with 25.8 seconds left. Anthony, though, missed his free throw and then picked up his sixth personal trying to wrestle the ball away from Sessions.

Anthony then spent the final seconds on the bench as Sessions made five free throws in the last 24 seconds to ice it for Cleveland.

The new-look Knicks are a work in progress. Their talent is undeniable, but they don't have any chemistry and it could take some time for it develop. At times, Anthony and Stoudemire seemed to be playing on different teams. There was little ball movement as the Knicks seemed content to launch shots and hope they'd drop.

The Knicks haven't had very much practice time since Anthony arrived, and coach Mike D'Antoni has been trying to work out the kinks as players get accustomed to each other. D'Antoni hasn't had enough time to fully open his expansive offensive playbook.

"We need everybody to learn the plays and the ball will go where it needs to go," he said.

The Cavs are still waiting for Davis, Semih Erden and Luke Harangody, two young big men acquired in a trade with Boston, to arrive. All three are expected to get to Cleveland on Saturday, take their physicals and play Sunday when the Cavs host Philadelphia.

Scott spoke to Davis on Thursday night, and said the point guard is excited about coming to Cleveland. The two clashed when they were together in New Orleans, but have since patched up their differences.

"We laughed about how people don't think we can stand one another," Scott said. "He's excited about a new start and I'm excited about reuniting with him."

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/cavs-beat-knicks-for-2nd-time-this-season.html

St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims

Alastair

Source: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/2/23/2010194/the-linc-progress-in-nfl-labor-talks

Marion Motley Jim Brown Lou Groza Dante Lavelli Len Ford Bill Willis

Alastair

Detroit Pistons coach John Kuester. (Michael Hickey / US PRESSWIRE)

Tribune News Services

PHILADELPHIA -- Several Pistons missed at least part of the team's shootaround before Friday night's game at Philadelphia, the latest incident on what has been a difficult season for the proud franchise.

Team spokesman Cletus Lewis said Richard Hamilton, Chris Wilcox, Rodney Stuckey and Austin Daye missed the bus, with Stuckey and Daye able to arrive late.

Tayshaun Prince, Tracy McGrady and Ben Wallace also missed the shootaround. Lewis said Prince had an upset stomach, McGrady had a headache and Wallace was tending to an unspecified family matter.
"I expect everybody to be available," coach John Kuester said before the Sixers game. "Some guys have been sick with stomach problems."

Told it was suggested the Pistons had other motives for skipping shootaround, Kuester said, "Sometimes perception is different than reality."

McGrady, Prince and Stuckey did not start.

Kuester wasn't around for the finish -- he was ejected in the second quarter after he was whistled for two quick technical fouls arguing a non-call.

Detroit entered the night 21-38 and is almost certainly headed to its third straight losing season. There have been signs of disharmony almost from the beginning. Kuester benched Stuckey barely a week into the season, although that was only temporary.

Kuester then benched Hamilton on Jan. 12, and he didn't play again until Feb. 5 at Milwaukee. Hamilton has missed every game since with what the team called a groin injury.

The team was unable to trade Hamilton before Thursday's deadline. He's guaranteed $20 million over the next two seasons.

Wallace missed eight games in January. He's battled ankle problems and also left the team to tend to a family matter.

Kuester has juggled the lineup quite a bit this season, trying to find combinations that might help propel the Pistons to a playoff spot, but so far it's been no use. McGrady has been a bright spot, staying healthy and settling in as a point guard, and rookie big man Greg Monroe is showing promise -- but Detroit has clearly fallen a long way since Hamilton, Prince and Wallace led the Pistons to the 2004 NBA title.

Owner Karen Davidson has been trying to sell the team, and that turned into a drawn-out saga after she said she hoped it would be done by the start of the season. On Feb. 11, Davidson confirmed she and investor Tom Gores had a two-week "exclusivity" period for negotiations.

On Friday -- exactly two weeks later -- there was no update from the owner.

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/pistons-player-skip-practice-in-spat-with-coach.html

Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Minnesota Vikings Houston Texans

Alastair

This is the fifth in a series of position-by-position looks at the Patriots' personnel entering the 2011 offseason. Today, we analyze New England's offensive line situation.

Overview: The veteran offensive line had another stellar season, paving the way for the league's ninth-best rushing attack and No. 1 scoring offense. The unit allowed just 25 sacks, good for fourth best in the league.

And they had success despite some shuffling. Dan Connolly began the season at left guard while the team waited for Logan Mankins to sign his tender. When Mankins reported, Stephen Neal was placed on injured reserve, putting Connolly back in the lineup at the ORG spot.

Early on, the O-line struggled to protect Tom Brady in the red zone. In the span of three games (Weeks 4-7, Week Five was a bye), Brady was sacked 10 times. But in the next five games, he only hit the turf a combined three times.

With linemen aging and OLT Matt Light set to be a free agent, the unit could get younger next season, and the team could use a high draft pick on a tackle or guard.

Here's a breakdown of each of the offensive linemen on the roster:

OLT Matt Light: The veteran reached the Pro Bowl in 2010 and returned to form after some struggles. Light gave up a couple sacks early on, but toughened up, having a solid game against the Steelers in a big win for the Pats. A free agent, Light might receive a one-year deal from the Patriots to return, and there is a chance he goes elsewhere. But after his solid finish to the season, he should remain in New England.

OLG Logan Mankins: The Patriots gained almost 19 more rushing yards per game with Mankins in the lineup, and the team knows his value. The Pats placed the franchise tag on him, something he did not want, but they did so with the intent of signing a long-term deal, like they did with NT Vince Wilfork last offseason. Mankins is one of the best guards in the league and the Pats would be best served to give him a long-term, lucrative contract.

C Dan Koppen: Koppen has now snapped the ball for the Patriots since 2003, starting all 16 games in 2010 for the third consecutive season. The 31-year-old veteran isn't going anywhere, but probably has just a couple seasons left before retirement.

OG Dan Connolly: Out of nowhere, Connolly stepped up and started 13 games for New England, at left guard for Mankins and then switching to right guard to finish the season. His season will be most remembered for his 71-yard kickoff return that set up a score against the Packers. Connolly was also the team's fullback in short-yardage situations, and provides versatility that head coach Bill Belichick likes in his O-linemen. He could battle for a starting spot if everyone returns next season.

ORG Stephen Neal: Neal, who contemplated retirement prior to the 2010 season, played in just eight games before landing on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He has played only one full season in his career (’05) and could retire this offseason.

ORT Sebastian Vollmer: The heir apparent to Light at left tackle, Vollmer had a solid season, but some observers believed it wasn't as good as his rookie campaign. Nonetheless, if Light does not get re-signed, Vollmer likely will move over to the blind side in 2011, a position he could be at for the Pats for years to come.

OG Ryan Wendell: In his second season, Wendell appeared in 15 games with two starts, mostly contributing on special teams. When Neal was out and Connolly was the team's right guard, Wendell would fill in for Connolly in short-yardage situations. He had his contract extended through 2011. Wendell could factor into the offensive line in the future as the older players move on.

OT Nick Kaczur: Kaczur was supposed to challenge for the OLG position before the season with Mankins out, but he injured his back and didn't play in 2010, going on injured reserve. In the previous five seasons, Kaczur started at least nine games, and like most of his O-line teammates, has the versatility to play guard or tackle. If healthy, he will factor into the mix next season, especially if Light and Neal don't return.

OT Quinn Ojinnaka: Acquired from the Falcons for a seventh-round pick, Ojinnaka played in eight games, mainly on special teams. Belichick likes Ojinnaka's versatility, but he is expected to be a free agent and is expendable.

OT Mark LeVoir: LeVoir played in al 16 games with two starts in 2008, but saw his games played drop to six last season. He has some versatility on the line but is a reserve.

OG Rich Ohrnberger: A reserve, Ohrnberger has been active for only five games in his career.

Bottom line: As solid as this unit was in 2010, there could be some flux for ’11, but Belichick has plenty of depth and a first-round draft pick could be added to the mix. There's a chance that the five O-linemen that trot onto the field on opening day in 2011 are the same that we saw (with Mankins) last season: Light, Mankins, Koppen, Neal and Vollmer. But if Light doesn't get re-signed and Neal retires, things could change substantially. A team would have to give up a couple first-rounders to get Mankins, so unless he holds out again, he will be the left guard.

Belichick has Connolly and Kaczur, two players with significant starting experience, and both could be battling for a starting job. Drafting an offensive lineman with Belichick's desired versatility is still an expectation for the Patriots in April's draft, especially considering the depth of O-line prospects.

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/25/patriots-positional-analysis-offensive-linemen

Dante Lavelli Len Ford Bill Willis Bobby Mitchell Paul Warfield Mike McCormack

Alastair

Source: http://www.stampedeblue.com/2011/2/25/2015445/jack-del-rio-said-bob-sanders-passed-physical-when-he-visited-jaguars

Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals

Alastair

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2011/2/25/2014374/sam-bradford-josh-mcdaniels-remain-star-crossed

Texas Longhorns Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Pittsburgh Steelers Chicago Bears

Alastair

Source: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/2/22/2007675/the-linc-is-kolb-more-likely-to-stay

Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers Florida Gators Northwestern Wildcats

Alastair

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-rams/2011/2/23/2009679/2011-nfl-mock-draft-st-louis-rams-remain-stuck-on-julio-jones

Arizona Cardinals Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams

Alastair

As I mentioned earlier, there is no denying the impact of an all-purpose player. There also is no denying the impact of a new offense. The spread allowed this player to thrive this season, further adding to his standing as one of the best to play at his school.

No. 17 Dwayne Harris, WR/KR East Carolina

Pirates quarterback Dominique Davis was able to have such a great debut season in part because of Harris, who set the single-season school records for receptions (101) and receiving yards (1,123) while adding a career-high 10 touchdown catches to finish second all-time on the school's career list for touchdown receptions. He was selected the Most Valuable Player of Conference USA, the first non-quarterback to win the award. He also made the first team as a receiver and return specialist. Harris ranked No. 4 nationally in all-purpose yards with an average of 176 per game. There is no doubting he was Mr. Clutch and could be counted on anywhere on the field, from runner to receiver to returner. East Carolina might have ended with a disappointing season, but nobody can say Harris disappointed in his final season with the Pirates.

No. 18 Chad Spann, RB, Northern Illinois

No. 19 Reggie Rembert, CB, Air Force

No. 20 T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, FIU

No. 21 Eric Page, WR/KR, Toledo

No. 22 Jake Kirkpatrick, C, TCU

No. 23 Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple

No. 24 Bobby Rainey, RB, Western Kentucky

No. 25 Roosevelt Nix, DT, Kent State

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/39438/non-aq-top-25-players-no-17

Jacksonville Jaguars New Orleans Saints Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Buffalo Bills Dallas Cowboys

Alastair

Source: http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2011/2/23/2009784/tennessee-basketball-vandy-ncaa-notice-of-allegations

Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers Florida State Seminoles

Alastair

Source: http://www.sbnation.com/nascar/2011/2/24/2013765/travis-pastrana-nascar-race-phoenix-results

Georgia Bulldogs Texas A&M Aggies Arkansas Razorbacks Penn State Nittany Lions Alabama Crimson Tide Clemson Tigers

Alastair

Source: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/2/24/2013117/greatest-football-movie-of-all-time-tourney-remember-the-titans-vs

Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims Aldrick Robinson

Alastair

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/pierre-exciting-time-to-have-these-monsters-behind-me.html

Peter Mayer Nate Burleson Otto Graham Paul Brown Marion Motley Jim Brown

Alastair

Source: http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2011/2/24/2008126/lady-vols-at-ole-miss-8-pm-est-live-game-thread

Arizona Wildcats Houston Cougars California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals

Alastair

Source: http://www.rockytoptalk.com/2011/2/24/2008278/three-weeks-is-enough-time-for-the-lady-vols

Houston Cougars California Golden Bears Texas Longhorns Baltimore Ravens Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns

Alastair

The Bulls offered two first-round draft picks for the Rockets' Courtney Lee, but were turned down. (MCT)

By K.C. Johnson

Active in talks up to the 2 p.m. trade deadline, the Bulls did not make a move Thursday on a busy day in the NBA.

The Bulls never wavered from their stance of not trading reserve big men Omer Asik or Taj Gibson and dangled first-round picks in their talks with teams. They still possess roughly $2.9 million of salary-cap space and will monitor if any possibilities become available via buyout.

"There will be a buyout market," general manager Gar Forman said. "There always is. We're on top of that. We'll add a player or two players (possibly from the D League). But I don't see anything that is going to significantly impact our team."

Sources said the Bulls offered two first-round picks for Rockets guard Courtney Lee, but that the Rockets insisted on Asik.

The Bulls also aggressively engaged in talks with the Grizzlies regarding guard O.J. Mayo, who reportedly was nearly dealt to Indiana for Josh McRoberts and a first-round pick, but that trade fell through at the deadline. The Grizzlies asked for players and multiple picks, according to a source, and the Bulls overcame concerns about a smallish backcourt pairing Mayo with Derrick Rose to make a strong offer.

The Bulls also inquired about Suns forward Jared Dudley in an attempt to upgrade their outside shooting, which was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.

The Knicks offered Corey Brewer to the Bulls, a source said, but he had been available in his previous stop at Minnesota and the Bulls never had interest. The Bulls never seriously pursued Anthony Parker, who remained with Cleveland.

"We don't know what we're facing going forward," Forman said, referencing the new collective bargaining agreement. "Our feeling was we didn't want to give up a young asset when you don't know what's on the horizon. We want to see what the playing field is going to look like. We go into this draft in June now with $3 million of cap space and two picks. When you look at our roster and our books, we're going to have opportunities to strike when the time is right."

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/bulls-stand-pat-at-deadline.html

Joshua Cribbs USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers Florida State Seminoles

Alastair

By Paul Sullivan

MESA, Ariz.-- Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade already has his lineup ready for the Cactus League opener against Oakland on Sunday, but declined to reveal it before he spoke to the players.

Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Pena are likely in the Nos. 4 and 5 spots, with Starlin Castro in the No. 2 hole.

PHOTO GALLERY: Cubs at spring training

One thing for certain is that Castro won't be in the leadoff spot.

"I would prefer not to," Quade said. "It doesn't mean I won't."

Quade said the reason was Castro's inexperience, not the pressure involved in the prime-time spot in the order.

"He hasn't earned the right to figure he's going to hit anywhere, although he hit .300 in the No. 2 hole," Quade said. "I think I'm smart enough to say 'I'll take .300 in the two-hole again.'"

The Cubs ranked 11th among National League teams with a .251 average in the leadoff spot last year, and were dead last in runs scored (81).

Quade wants Castro to be more selective at the plate before considering him in the leadoff spot. He also likes Castro's speed in the No. 2 spot, where he hit .307 in his rookie season.

"I love having him with the possibility of someone ahead of him on base, to shoot (one through) a hole," Quade said. "Because he runs well enough, he shouldn't hit into (a double play). So there's all sorts of value to where he's at now. I'd like to think he's going to be talented enough to possibly be that (leadoff) guy some day. But for right now... it'll be something we consider, but I'd just as soon leave him.

"I am leery, and I hope he proves me wrong, about the second year (slump). If we want this guy to play well and get off to a decent start, with all the adjustments that are going to be made by other clubs on him, if we leave him somewhere where we believes he's comfortable because he excelled there, at least we'd like to do that.

"But I'm a grown-up. I reserve my right to change. And you know what? Maybe Starlin makes all his adjustments and he makes the change. I don't make the change, and that's even better."

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/02/cubs-quade-looking-at-castro-to-remain-in-no-2-hole.html

New England Patriots Denver Broncos Arizona Cardinals Kansas City Chiefs San Francisco 49ers Seattle Seahawks

Alastair

Source: http://stlouis.sbnation.com/st-louis-cardinals/2011/2/24/2012600/adam-wainwright-tommy-john-surgery-elbow-injury-cardinals-training-camp

Miami Dolphins New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Redskins New York Jets New England Patriots

Alastair

Filed under: Saints, NFL Free Agency

The NFL may be days away from a lockout, but it's still business as usual for now. Just ask Jeremy Shockey, who Tuesday was released by the New Orleans Saints.

The move was first reported by FOX Sports.

"It's a business, I understand," Shockey told ESPN. "I'll just go play hard for someone else. Whoever gets me, it's going to be a steal."

The Saints got Shockey via a trade in 2008 with the New York Giants, who selected the former University of Miami star in the first round (No. 14 overall) of the 2002 draft. New Orleans gave up second- and fifth-round picks for a player who went to four Pro Bowls during his standout six seasons in the Meadowlands but never matched that productivity in the NFC South.

With the Saints, Shockey was nowhere as dominant as he was a Giant, missing at least three games each of his three seasons. After averaging nearly 62 catches and five touchdowns per season in New York, Shockey's numbers slipped to just over 46 catches per season and a total of six touchdowns as a Saint.

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Source: http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2011/02/22/jeremy-shockey-cut-by-saints/

St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards Eugene Sims

Alastair

Behind closed doors at Tennessee, Lane Kiffin is referred to sarcastically as the gift that keeps on giving.

His lasting “gift” was an NCAA investigation.

But with the release Wednesday of the NCAA’s notice of allegations, the guy who had to come in and clean up Kiffin’s mess, Derek Dooley, can finally see the finish line in this whole ordeal, one that has festered ever since Kiffin left town in January 2010 to the smell of burning mattresses.

Some of the students on Tennessee’s campus went into semi-riot mode the night it was announced Kiffin was bolting for USC.

The real riot, though, may be that Kiffin, even though he’s now on the West Coast, may be the one who gets spanked the hardest by the NCAA for his refusal to adhere to the simplest of NCAA rules and monitor his assistant coaches.

Even when warned, Kiffin found a way to sidestep NCAA rules.

What’s it all mean for Tennessee football?

The Vols are by no means completely in the clear, nor should they be. After all, current Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton is the one who hired Kiffin. But what is clear is that the NCAA seems a lot more intent on going after Kiffin than the Tennessee football program.

The violations outlined in the NCAA’s report could end up costing the Vols some recruiting visits, limit who goes out on the road during contact periods and maybe even dock them a scholarship or two, although precedent in similar cases suggests scholarship reductions probably won’t be one of the penalties handed down by the NCAA.

But the more serious charge of failure to monitor was slapped on Kiffin … and not Tennessee.

For Dooley and the current team, that’s a huge win.

Recruits have no doubt been pestering Dooley for the last year about what kind of punishment the Vols can expect to receive and whether or not major probation was on the way for the football team.

The Vols still won’t find out their specific punishment until after they go before the NCAA’s Committee on Infractions in June. But reading between the lines, at least based on what was in the notice of allegations, those penalties figure to be minor in nature.

Keep in mind, too, that there was real concern by Tennessee officials that the Vols’ football program would get hit with a failure to monitor charge along with Kiffin, but Tennessee fought hard against that the whole way and was able to avoid that stain on the program.

If there’s a hero for Tennessee in this whole mess, it’s senior associate athletic director David Blackburn, who was put in charge of football administration and operations during Kiffin’s 14-month reign of terror.

Blackburn, a stickler for doing things the right away and universally respected by everyone on Tennessee’s campus, tirelessly monitored the program under Kiffin and was continually warning Kiffin what he could and couldn’t do with regard to recruiting.

Sometimes Kiffin listened, and sometimes he didn’t listen.

The key element here is that Blackburn wasn’t in any way negligent. He obviously couldn’t go on recruiting trips with coaches and wasn’t around for every recruiting call, but he stayed on top of things. He watched. He listened, and he didn’t bury his head in the sand.

If not for Blackburn’s diligence and his professionalism, there likely wouldn’t be a finish line in sight right now for Tennessee’s football program.

In fact, the Vols might well be finished.

Source: http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/39787/kiffin-not-vols-real-target-for-ncaa

USC Trojans football Colorado Buffaloes Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pittsburgh Panthers Florida State Seminoles Miami Hurricanes

Alastair

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

None.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

ATLANTA — Roster addition: TE Robbie Agnone (ended season on Falcons practice squad).

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/02/23/nfl-transactions-for-february-17-2011

San Diego Chargers St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Kansas City Chiefs Ben Graham Patrick Edwards

2011年2月28日月曜日

2011年2月27日日曜日

2011年2月26日土曜日

2011年2月25日金曜日