tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87447388204499111902024-03-08T14:32:40.390-08:00Fantasy FiddlerAn animated look at the wonderful world of sports, with a healthy dose of Fantasy perspective.Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-59422191309482607712012-12-21T21:19:00.001-08:002012-12-21T21:19:49.174-08:00Beezid™: Invite A Friend<a href="http://www.beezid.com/?ref=7urh4ke8cli&utm_source=bu&utm_medium=RAFsb&utm_campaign=RAF#.UNVC7LioPxI.blogger">Beezid™: Invite A Friend</a>: Online Auctions on TVs, Computers & More. Save Up To 99%. Free Bids.Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-27305891640593733722009-12-13T09:51:00.000-08:002009-12-13T09:57:45.965-08:00Fantasy Basketball Week 7 News and Notes<p>It could have been worse, but<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black"> </span></span><strong><span style="color:black">Danny Granger</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black"> </span></span>owners received some bad news early this week, as the Pacer fantasy monster succumbed to a heel injury that will put him on the shelf for a minimum of four weeks. <span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color:black"><span class="apple-style-span">After a slow start, Granger was beginning to heat up, and at the time of the setback that finally shut him down, he was averaging better than 24 points, six rebounds, and almost three converted three-pointers per game. Unless you are in a ridiculously shallow league, there is no single player out on the wire that could possibly approach the huge numbers that Granger posts. Hopefully, the four to six weeks doesn't turn out to be two or three months. What better place to look for relief than the Pacers themselves.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The most attractive Pacer that may be available on your waiver wire is</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Dahntay Jones.</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">If the Duke product is not available,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Brandon Rush</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">may be able to provide decent scoring and three's. Assuming</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Mike Dunleavy</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">is not available, other Indiana plug-in's include</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Tyler Hansbrough,</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">who's begun scoring and rebounding well, albeit in limited minutes, or</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Roy Hibbert,</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">whose recent woes have likely found him waived by many fantasy owners. Regardless of who you grab, you'll need additional help while Granger is out. Let's hope for a speedy recovery.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The devastating season-ending knee injury to hard-luck</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Greg Oden</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">has created an opportunity for veteran</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><strong>Joel Przybilla</strong><span class="apple-style-span">, although the real benefactor here is</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Lamarcus Aldridge</strong><span class="apple-style-span">,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">who will likely enjoy a jump in both rebounding and scoring numbers.</span><br /><br /><strong>Josh Howard</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">returned to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dallas</st1:place></st1:city> lineup earlier than expected, and wasted no time as he dropped 20 points in 26 minutes in his first game back from a nagging ankle injury. Howard owners may want to temper their expectations, however, as the Mavs coaching staff is going to continue to bring him off the bench, and keep him out of back-to-back games for awhile.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Owners that are in need of point guard stats may want to consider grabbing</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><strong>Jarrett Jack,</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">in anticipation of lengthier than projected absence of Raptor starter</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Jose Calderon.</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">Jack had been playing well off the bench for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Toronto</st1:place></st1:city> prior to Calderon's hip injury, and could provide some short-term value.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p><span style="color:black"><span class="apple-style-span">After a 26 point tease, rookie</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>James Harden</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">returned to single digits and is really trying his owners' patience. If you haven't already dumped the underachieving former <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Arizona</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">State</st1:placetype></st1:place> guard, it may be time to cut your losses.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">In Motown,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Rodney Stuckey</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">has strung four straight 20-plus point performances together. The Pistons court general was being pushed by</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Will Bynum</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">earlier this season, but has taken hold of the starting gig. Stuckey won't continue to average over 20 points per game, especially with</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Rip Hamilton </strong><span class="apple-style-span">returning to the court, but count on "Hot Rod" to continue to post consistent lines night-after-night. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black">Up in Beantown, a healthy</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black"> </span></span><strong><span style="color:black">Kevin Garnett</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color:black"> </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black">and the red-hot Celtics are running on all cylinders. KG is sizzling, having shot an absurd 77% over a five game stretch. Point man</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black"> </span></span><strong><span style="color:black">Rajon Rondo</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color:black"> </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black">has been equally as proficient, turning in a week that saw him produce 16 points, over 12 assists, over 2 steals per game."Double R" added a triple-double to his rapidly improving resume as well.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color:black"> </span></span><span style="color:black"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Finally, a "slightly" older point guard, 2-time league MVP</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Steve Nash</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">continues to defy father time, as he leads the league in assists, including an 18 dime effort earlier this week. Nash is also putting up stout scoring numbers this season, routinely surpassing the 20 point mark.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br /> <br /></span></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-3167593657808244872009-12-11T07:57:00.001-08:002009-12-11T07:57:33.461-08:00Rivalry Week<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Although not the circumstances that Bears fans were hoping for in mid-December, this week’s matchup with the rival Packers represents an opportunity to build on last week’s victory over <st1:city st="on">St. Louis</st1:city>, as well as disrupt the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city> playoff run.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The 5-7 Bears play host to the 8-4 Packers on Sunday, in a game that should prove to be critical to the post-season hopes of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city>. Coming off an impressive Monday night win over the Ravens at Lambeau, the Packers march into town trailing the Vikings by two games in the NFC “Norris” division. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Packers have very little margin for error if they expect to remain in the playoff hunt. Along with the Pack, <st1:city st="on">Dallas</st1:city>, Philly, and <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:state> share 8-4 records. The Giants are just a game back at 7-5, and the Falcons are still alive at 6-6. The Cards will take the NFC West. Of the remaining five teams at 8-4, 7-5, and 6-6, only two will earn a Wildcard spot. The Chicago Bears can play a role in derailing the Packers come Sunday afternoon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Considering the Pack will be facing a road game in a short week, the possibility of an upset by <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> is viable. It’s a nothing-to-lose scenario fore the Bears, but in order to play with the Packers for 60 minutes, both the offense and defense will have to play mistake-free football.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Aaron Rodgers is continuing to prove that he is on the verge of quarterback superstardom, as he enters Week 14 with MVP type numbers. The Packer QB has thrown for 3399 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions. Rodgers is also completing over 65% of his passes. The <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city> defense has been equally impressive all season, as it ranks number three in the NFL, yielding just 86.3 pass yards per game. The run defense has been stout as well, surrendering a stingy 87.2 yards per game, good for fourth in the league.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">What these statistics mean to the Bears is simple. Keep Rodgers and the Packer offense off the field by playing ball control, error-free football. On defense, it will be critical to play opportunistically, as <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> will be facing an offensive machine that will likely be slowed only by turnovers. A big play or two will be needed if the Bears expect to have any chance to stay with the explosive Packers. These guys are not the St. Louis Rams.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The lowly Browns shocked the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers last night in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:city>. Anything is possible in a rivalry game. This Bears group is certainly more talented than the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:city> bunch. It will take a near-perfect effort by the Bears, but I think this team will rise to the occasion and get it done. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Bears 17 Packers 14<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-36377882470111395832009-12-10T13:24:00.000-08:002009-12-10T13:25:18.150-08:00Mike Hollis Interview<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">This NFL season marks the 15<sup>th</sup> anniversary of both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers. I recently chatted with one of the original Jaguars, former Pro Bowl kicker Mike Hollis. We discussed the early days of the franchise under Tom Coughlin, where the Jags have gone since the 1995 inaugural season, and the life of an NFL kicker.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Mike Hollis spent seven of his nine years as an NFL placekicker with the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his career, Mike converted 200 of 250 field goal attempts, which included a streak of 20 consecutive conversions. Additionally, Hollis was selected to the Pro Bowl following the 1997 season, and still ranks among the best in NFL history in a number of kicking categories, including highest conversion percentage of field goals of 50 or more yards and post-season field goal kicking accuracy. All tolled, Mike scored 879 regular season points.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">In 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars played their inaugural NFL season. Far from the prototypical NFL city, this unexpected winner of one of only two new teams since 1976 quickly rose to the top of the league. By only its second year in existence, the Jaguars had earned the right to play in the 1997 AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots. An incredible sophomore season ended just one game shy of the Super Bowl. Mike shared some of his memories of that group, led by Tom Coughlin.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">“We had a very unique group of guys that had one goal in common. Tom Coughlin did a great job of getting those kinds of guys together on one football team”, said Hollis.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">That Jaguars team seemed to thrive as the underdog, much as the city did during the franchise selection process that preceded inception into the NFL.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Success continued for the team, as the Jags reached the playoffs the following three seasons. Although a Super Bowl appearance was not to be, the fledgling franchise was able to go from “new kid on the block” to perennial playoff contender almost instantly. As Mike would reveal, however, the decline in Jaguar victories seemed to coincide with a change in philosophy around the locker room.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Speaking of his frequent visits to the Jaguars facility after his retirement, Mike says, “I didn’t see the same chemistry or the same camaraderie”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">When I asked Mike what he thought was the biggest difference in the game today, versus when he was playing, he said, “I just don’t see the same sort of commitment amongst the team and players that I did back then”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The same lack of commitment has reached the fan base as well. Whether it’s due to the floundering economy, or just simply the shortage of victories in recent years, the Jaguars “faithful” have failed to consistently attend games the way they had in the early years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Hollis seems to believe that the swoon in fan support stems not only from a down economy, but also from the aforementioned change in philosophy by the organization as a whole. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">“Tom Coughlin had an addendum to every player’s contract, and that was that we were required to make at least three public appearances during the season, and that I believe is no longer a requirement”, explained Hollis. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Less visibility in the community is something that Hollis feels is contributing to the growing apathy among Jaguars fans. Mike does not, however, believe that the proximity of the Florida Gators program affects the overall interest in the Jaguars, citing, “If that was the case, I don’t think that the Arena League would open a franchise here in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jacksonville</st1:place></st1:city> again”. The Jacksonville Sharks will begin play in 2010. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">With regards to Mike’s specialty, the kicking game, he had much to say about the coaching and development of today’s players.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">“Kicking has not gotten to a point where it’s got a consistent, basic fundamental. There are too many coaches out there that don’t know what the heck they are talking about, and they are teaching different styles and different techniques”, says Mike.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">To address what he believes are serious inefficiencies in the handling of young kickers, Mike launched his Jacksonville-based “Mike Hollis’ <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">ProForm</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Kicking</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Academy</st1:placetype></st1:place>”. It’s at this academy, where Mike and his staff rely on the practice of teaching technically precise kicking methods to students. It’s Mike’s belief that too many NFL teams are looking to physical, athletic types, over those that possess more of a technically sound skill set.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">“I can kick the ball as far, sometimes, as Sebastian Janikowski. It’s not about size, it’s about the technique and how you utilize 100% of your body behind the ball”, contends Hollis.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The “Mike Hollis’ ProForm Kicking Academy” was started by Mike Hollis, after seeing so many kickers from the high school to the NFL level make subtle and correctable errors in their kicking game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Mike has worked with some of football’s most talented kickers, including former NFL kickers Shane Andrus and Nick Novak, as well as Florida Gator kicker Caleb Sturgis. According to Hollis, Novak recently auditioned for a return to the NFL with the Washington Redskins. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The academy is not for everyone, as Mike is focused on teaching those that truly have the passion to commit themselves to the craft long-term.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“The ones who are expecting to get a quick fix, they will not succeed. They will not have any success in our academy. We don’t want to take their money”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">For more information on the “Mike Hollis’ <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">ProForm</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Kicking</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Academy</st1:placetype></st1:place>”, please visit: </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><a href="http://www.proformkicking.com/students">http://www.proformkicking.com/students</a></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-45302539183491324812009-12-07T17:54:00.000-08:002009-12-07T17:55:11.139-08:00Back to Basics<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Following a string of four consecutive defeats, the Bears desperately needed to get back into the win column on Sunday against the hapless Rams. A vintage ball control and defensive minded performance moved <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> to 5-7. The fundamental approach carried the Bears to a 17-9 win heading into next week’s rivalry matchup with the Packers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Using a familiarly successful formula, the Bears took to the ground as they rushed 38 times for 120 yards. Defensively, <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city> prevented the Rams from registering any touchdowns, as <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city> was just 2-14 on third down on the day. Jay Cutler was efficient, throwing for 143 yards on 8-17 passing, a touchdown and no interceptions. There was nothing flashy about Sunday’s win, but perhaps that how this team needs to get it done.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Matt Forte cashed in on his fourth TD of the season in the first quarter. All tolled, Matt ran for a respectable 91 yards on 24 carries. Kahlil Bell chipped in with 35 yards on 11 carries of his own. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Bears did use the big play a couple of times to set up scoring opportunities. Jay Cutler connected with Devin Hester on a 48 yard pass, which set up the first Bears TD, a 1 yard plunge by Matt Forte. On the following possession, Earl Bennett scampered 71 yards on a catch and run, which resulted in a Robbie Gould field goal. Those ten points would prove to be enough to finish off the Rams.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city> stud running back Steven Jackson was able to gain 112 yards on 28 carries, but the Rams offense was kept out of the red zone in 12 of 13 Rams possessions. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> turned the ball over just once, a Matt Forte fumble, while forcing a Rams fumble and Kyle Boller interception.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The players were more relieved than anything else, able to avoid what would have been an extremely embarrassing defeat. Next week, the Bears get a shot at the Packers, who have to travel to Soldier Field, coming off short rest and a physical matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. On a playoff push, <st1:city st="on">Green Bay</st1:city> cannot afford to slip up in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> next week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">For the Bears, the stakes won’t be as high, but a rivalry game is always a tough battle, and <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> has an opportunity to throw a monkey wrench into the playoff plans of the Packers. I think the Pack will be weary and ill-prepared for this road game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Bears 17 Packers 14<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-72982141699495026592009-12-05T07:55:00.000-08:002009-12-05T07:56:07.610-08:00Looking for Respect<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">In a season of unfulfilled expectations, the 4-7 Bears look to regain some respect, as they host the 1-10 St. Louis Rams on Sunday afternoon. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Any hope of a late-season playoff push was lost last week, as the Bears were crushed by the high-octane Vikings. Entering Week 13, the Rams are not surprisingly a one-win team, facing yet another offseason of major roster adjustments.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">More than anything else for Chicago this week, as well as and the next four, brings an opportunity for the current roster and coaching regime to exhibit professionalism and heart. Should the Bears come together, and somehow “run the table” a 9-7 season would certainly do wonders for the confidence of this team going into next season, in addition to the possibility of the Lovie Smith administration being retained for another year. If the Bears can take care of the lowly Rams this week, ample spoiler opportunities lie ahead versus <st1:city st="on">Green Bay</st1:city>, <st1:city st="on">Baltimore</st1:city>, and <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:state>. On the other hand, is this Bears team in a position to look past anyone? </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city> heads into town with back-up QB and former Raven Kyle Boller at the helm. The oft-injured starter Marc Bulger went down a couple of weeks ago, and remains sidelined for this week’s game. With the exception of RB Steven Jackson, the Rams do not possess any playmakers on either side of the ball. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city> ranks near the bottom of the NFL in nearly all offensive and defensive statistical categories. A home loss this week would be disastrous for <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place>. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Should the Bears be able to regain any semblance of the team that devoured the Rams 27-3 in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">St. Louis</st1:city></st1:place> last season, the four-game skid will come to and end. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">If Jay Cutler expects to lead this team to greener pastures over the next few years, he had better get started by taking this team on his shoulders NOW, and generating some excitement that can be carried into 2010 and beyond.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">As inconsistently as the Bears have played all season, they are clearly the superior team in Week 13. A home date in December against a 1-10 dome team should result in nothing less than a convincing victory.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Bears will stop the bleeding this week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Bears 24 Rams 10<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-8119756472848532082009-11-30T13:10:00.000-08:002009-11-30T13:11:09.982-08:00It’s Mel Kiper Time<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Any hope of a Chicago Bears playoff appearance this season was dashed in the dome yesterday, as the Vikings rolled to a 36-10 victory over the struggling Bears. The 40-year old Brett Favre was simply brilliant, as the 3-time NFL MVP threw for 392 yards and 3 touchdowns on 32-48 passing. An unprecedented fourth MVP award for the ageless Favre is certainly within reach after 11 games.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">No surprises in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minneapolis</st1:place></st1:city> on Sunday afternoon, except perhaps the rather pedestrian 25 carries for 82 yards and touchdown for Adrian Peterson. The Vikings were able to move the ball up and down the field all day, with little resistance from the Bears pass rush. A pass heavy and balanced offensive scheme worked to perfection for Favre and the Vikings. Four <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:state> receivers hauled in a half dozen catches apiece, plus an additional five Favre passes caught by tight end Vinsanthe Shiancoe. The touchdown passes were evenly distributed as well, with a single TD thrown to Percy Harvin, Chester Taylor, and Shiancoe. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Vikings were an astounding 12 of 18 on third down. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> forced just one turnover, and registered a lone sack in another ugly defensive showing. The Bears offense committed the same types of back-breaking errors that have plagued the team all season long. Jay Cutler threw a pair of costly interceptions, bringing his season total to 20. The shoddy Bears offense line surrendered four sacks on the day, and did nothing for the running game, which gained a measly 43 yards all afternoon. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">After a scoreless first quarter, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:state> got on the board with a 15 yard TD play from Favre to Percy Harvin. The Bears were able to answer a couple of minutes later on a Cutler to Johnny Knox TD play that covered 24 yards. That was about it for the Bears. By the time the halftime whistle blew, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place> was staring at a 24-7 beat-down, officially closing the books on the 2009-10 season. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">With five games remaining on the schedule, the Bears look to salvage some pride, as management begins to evaluate the performance of the current roster and coaching staff in preparation for the offseason and draft. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">A Bears season that began with a new quarterback, and high hopes at 3-1, has quickly dissolved into one that will certainly bring major changes prior to kickoff in the Fall of 2010. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> is now on the clock.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-70763663929987715142009-11-28T20:10:00.000-08:002009-11-28T20:11:52.657-08:00Fantasy Basketball Week 5 News and Notes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Just as it looked as if<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Allen Iverson</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>had launched his last ill-advised three-point shot, rumors begun to circulate that A.I. may spurn retirement for a return to Philly.</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; "></span></span></span></span></p><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; "><hr align="center" width="100%" size="2"></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; "></span></span></div></span></span><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="color: black; ">The Iverson retirement/unretirement news comes on the heels of the surgery that repaired the fractured jaw of starting Sixer point guard<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Lou Williams</strong>. A final curtain call may be in the cards for AI after all, as the Sixers suddenly are faced with life without Williams. It will be about two months that Williams will be sidelined, forcing Philly to turn to rookie<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Jrue Holiday</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>as the stopgap. While </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">Holiday</span></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">certainly has the potential to fill-in admirably for the injured Williams, the return of AI is definitely intriguing. It's too soon to tell how this will all unfold from a fantasy perspective, but both </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">Holiday</span></span></span> <span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">and Iverson are worth a roster spot if you have one available. AI was dropped in my league last week after word spread that he would hang 'em up. As of 3:41PM Eastern time on Saturday, he has not yet been claimed. <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "></span></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span style="color: black; ">This week saw the return of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Mike Dunleavy</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to the 6-8 Pacers, around the time that a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Danny Granger</strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span>sprained MCL scare surfaced. Luckily for Granger owners (myself included), the sprain kept him out of the lineup just one night. This injury to the offensive leader of the Pacers should be closely monitored however, as Granger could aggravate the injury and end up on the shelf for awhile. I'm not looking to move Danny just yet, but I remain concerned. As for Dunleavy, he'll carry decent value as long as Granger is healthy, and significantly more if Danny goes down for any length of time. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">In</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; "> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">Cleveland</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; "> </span></span><strong><span style="color: black; ">Lebron James</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; "> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">continues to fill up the stat sheet, as <strong>Shaquille O'Neal</strong><b> </b></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">returned</span></span><strong><span style="color: black; "> </span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">to the court after missing six straight games due to a bum shoulder. LBJ has been brilliant thus far, as expected, posting 29.44 points per game, 7.75 assists per game, and 6.81 rebounds per game. While Shaq was on the mend,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; "> </span></b></span><strong><span style="color: black; ">J.J. Hickson</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; "> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">did an outstanding job picking up the slack, and would be a great reserve for Shaquille owners that carry a deep bench.</span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial; color: black; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">On the West Coast, as Clippers fans continue to wait for the debut of top pick</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; "> </span></span><strong><span style="color: black; ">Blake Griffin, Chris Kaman a</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">nd</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; "> </span></b></span><strong><span style="color: black; ">Marcus Camby</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; "> </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">fantasy owners could care less about the rookie power forward. Both Kaman and Camby are enjoying strong fantasy seasons in the absence of </span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: black; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">Griffin</span></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">. The young Kaman is averaging over 20 points per game, to go with almost 9 rebounds and a block and a half per contest. The veteran Camby is predictably not doing much scoring, but is logging 30+ minutes, on the way to almost ten boards, three assists, two blocks, and over a steal per game.<br /><br />Kaman's production won't suffer much when </span></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">Griffin</span></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "> joins the lineup, aside from perhaps his scoring. Camby on the other hand, is undoubtedly going to surrender a bunch of minutes to the rookie, leading to a drop-off in production across the board. The oft-injured Camby has been a beast on the boards so far this season, and is relatively healthy. There's only one thing to do with Marcus if you own him.....trade him NOW!!!</span></span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: black; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><strong><span style="color: black; ">Chris Paul</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; "> </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">remains sidelined, with no timetable for a return, so rookie</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; "> </span></span><strong><span style="color: black; ">Darren Collison</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; "> </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">has become a viable point guard, garnering enough floor time to consider grabbing off the wire. If CP3 experiences a setback, those that gambled on Collison could be rewarded handsomely. Paul's absence from the Hornets lineup has also seemed to open things up for once prolific scorer</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; "> </span></span><strong><span style="color: black; ">Peja Stojakovic.</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><span style="color: black; "> </span></b></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black; ">The Croatian veteran may be worthy of a flier if you are in need of points or three's.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">See you next week. </span></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div></span>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-57100605395838719772009-11-28T11:41:00.001-08:002009-11-28T11:41:56.031-08:00Playing for Pride?<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">While the Bears are by no means mathematically eliminated from post-season play, a victory in the Metrodome will be a tall order, come Sunday afternoon. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The disappointing 2009-10 season continues in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Minneapolis</st1:city></st1:place>, as the 4-6 Bears face a 9-1 Vikings team that has been almost perfect all season long. Brett Favre has turned back the clock, and through the first ten games of the season looks like the NFL MVP.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Bears on the other hand, are looking to recover from a three game losing streak and losses in five of their last six games. Inconsistency on both sides of the ball has plagued <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> all year. The Bears have simply been unable to play fundamental football from week to week. The latest skid on the schedule has seen <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> drop two of the past three games at home. The road has been unkind as well, as a 2-4 record away from Soldier Field would illustrate.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">It would appear to be a monumental task for the struggling Bears to have any chance in the Metrodome, where the Vikes are unbeaten at 5-0. The Bears will have to play a near perfect game on Sunday, if they expect to even stay competitive with <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Minnesota</st1:state></st1:place> for 60 minutes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Adrian Peterson has been under the weather all week, so perhaps he will not be at 100% by kickoff. Maybe the Vikings will be looking past the mediocre Bears? If I had to guess, I’d say AP will be fine, and the Vikes will not only be focused, but determined to put a ton of points on the board against the rival Bears. Brett Favre and his new teammates know that this season is looking like a magical one, and will take nothing for granted from here on out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">There’s nothing happening on the Bears sideline that would suggest that this game will even be close. If there’s any team pride left, I suppose <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> is competent enough to put up a fight, but pride and hard work may not be enough to overcome a far superior team. This one could be over by halftime.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Vikings 35<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bears 7 <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-27104244325293376172009-11-24T14:23:00.000-08:002009-11-24T14:24:34.479-08:00Karl Mecklenburg Interview<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The NFL and its players have changed quite a bit over the past couple of decades. One of the 1980’s and 1990’s finest defensive players was Denver Bronco Karl Mecklenburg. A six-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, and Denver Broncos “Ring of Fame” inductee, Karl exhibited a level of perseverance and dedication rarely found in the modern-day professional athlete.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Through a lifetime of desire and courage, Karl was able to overcome a number of obstacles, on his way to a prolific NFL career and successful motivational speaking business. We discussed his book, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“Heart of a Student Athlete, All Pro Advice for Competitors and their Families”</b>, as well as Karl’s playing days and the NFL of the New Millennium.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Karl Mecklenburg’s path to NFL greatness was truly a rocky one. Far from a “can’t miss” prospect, Karl got his start at tiny <st1:placename st="on">Augustana</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">College</st1:placetype> in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Sioux Falls</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">South Dakota</st1:state></st1:place>. An undersized defensive lineman at 6’4” and 235 pounds, Karl quickly exhibited his will to succeed, as he progressed to the point where he was confident enough to walk-on at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename st="on">Minnesota</st1:placename></st1:place>. After sitting out a year to regain eligibility, Karl earned a full-scholarship to play for the Golden Gophers, the team that he rooted for while growing up in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Edina</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">Minnesota</st1:state></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">In his junior year, Karl led the Big Ten in sacks and was later drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 12<sup>th</sup> round of the 1983 NFL Draft. As the 310<sup>th</sup> selection, Karl faced a much different transition than his future teammate John Elway, who was the prized first overall pick in that same draft. As Karl discusses in his new book, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“Heart of a Student Athlete, All Pro Advice for Competitors and their Families”, </b>it would require the commitment to six core values to ultimately overcome his challenges which included the struggle with dyslexia.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Through “Teamwork”, “Courage”, “Honesty and Forgiveness”, “Dedication”, “Desire, and”Goal Setting”, Karl battled the odds (and much larger players) to achieve excellence at the highest level of sport. In his book, Karl speaks of the necessity of parents to support their children’s dream of excelling in athletics by empowering their youngsters to overcome problems independently. Karl told me that parents should “give their kids support to find their passion”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">According to Karl, one of the ways that aspiring athletes can develop into successful adults, both on and off the field, is through teamwork. Whether it’s through team sports or other endeavors such as school bands, children will learn invaluable group skills that will benefit them over the course of a lifetime. Karl has shared his teamwork philosophy with many of the top Fortune companies, including Coca-Cola.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">In addition to his work as a motivational speaker, Karl is intimately involved with his Denver-based REACH foundation. REACH stands for “Rewarding Experiences for All Children”. The program is aimed at providing inner-city children with the educational support and resources that they would otherwise not receive. Karl’s desire to create such a foundation stems from the example set by both of his parents. Karl’s father, a practicing obstetrician/gynecologist, and his mother, were both very active in their community as Karl was growing up. Karl’s mom had the honor of serving as a Deputy Secretary of Health for the Reagan administration.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">One of the programs that Karl has recently implemented for his REACH foundation is called “REACH for a Book”. The initiative encourages elementary school children to increase the time that they devote to reading books. Each child in the program that reads at least 100 minutes per week receives a “pizza certificate”. The top two readers from each participating school earn a trip to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:city>’s Invesco Field, where a special event is held each year for those winning students.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">When it comes to courage, Karl says, “Don’t be afraid of failing. Failing is a part of being successful”. As a twelve year NFL player, Karl saw many fellow athletes refuse gain the courage to pursue lofty goals for themselves, rather remain content with an invitation to Broncos training camp, only to be “fired” shortly thereafter. From the beginning Karl Mecklenburg maintained that “I want to be the greatest player to ever play the game”. Had Karl aspired to anything less, it would have been highly unlikely that he would have achieved as much as he did throughout his career.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Karl’s post-football determination has not changed. “My passion and my mission for my speaking business and my book is to inspire long-term positive change”, says Karl. When you are exhibiting that type of attitude for the first 34 years of your life, it becomes natural to continue to do so. Karl Mecklenburg will not settle for anything less.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">In addition to talking about Karl’s book, we spoke about the NFL of Karl’s days, versus today’s league. When Karl was playing linebacker for the Denver Broncos, the prototypical NFL player was much different than it is today. When Karl was in the league, players with exceptional speed and quick footwork were valued over those that were larger and less mobile. The successful execution of offensive and defensive schemes of the eighties and nineties demanded an athlete with greater agility than what we see today.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The modern NFL player is much larger. Additionally, the rules have changed in a manner that benefits the offense. According to Karl, today’s offensive linemen are able to hold defenders much longer than they once were. Furthermore, safeties cannot hit the way guys like former Bronco teammates Dennis Smith and Steve Atwater used to. Karl spoke of players “self-policing” themselves, as opposed to the officials imposing penalties and fines. Other hard-hitting players of Karl’s era that were able to use their intimidation tactics to gain an edge on the field were 49er great Ronnie Lott and former Seahawk All-Pro Kenny Easley. There was no trash talking from wide receivers during Karl’s playing days, as defenders would levy heavy game-day “fines” on those that insisted on talking. Karl says that wide receivers were the quietest guys on the field back then.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Today’s NFL has clearly gone out of its way to protect the wide receiver, states Karl. Former NFL wide out Gene Washington is the current Director of Football Operations. Gene protects today’s wide receivers through rules that limit contact by defenders after the ball is snapped.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Although Karl retired from the league back in 1995, he remains in tune with the current NFL and the Broncos organization. I asked him to chime in on today’s Broncos, new Head Coach Josh McDaniels, and how the game has changed since he stepped away.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">“I think he has a real good grasp on what’s important and what’s not important to the team”, says Mecklenburg of McDaniels. “They have already won more games than I thought they’d win all year” followed Karl. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Karl sees the 2009-10 Broncos as an example of a team that truly embraces the team concept. Rookie head coach Josh McDaniels brought in free agents that were not merely seeking a shiny new contract, rather players that were genuinely interested in reaching a common goal. When asked about the morale of this year’s group which reeled off six straight victories before dropping its last three, Karl said there’s “a bit of panic”. Since the first loss of the season in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Baltimore</st1:place></st1:city>, Karl believes that Bronco players are trying to do too much on the field independently, which is causing team performance to suffer. “I’ve seen the breakdown happening since they lost their first game.” <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">As far as a comparison of today’s players with those that played in Karl’s, as well as prior eras, Mr. Mecklenburg doesn’t think it’s even close. The modern day NFL has gone overboard to deliver a game that promotes offense over defense and protects the quarterback to an excess. Karl believes that the modern-day QB does not have to perform under the same level of duress as such courageous warriors like Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr, and John Elway. Today’s signal-callers have too many escape routes, such as tossing the ball out of bounds to avoid contact.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">When I asked Karl about one particular modern day football phenomenon, “Madden NFL”, he did have great praise for the two-decade old football video simulation game. “The Madden thing has probably done more for young people to get involved in and understand football concepts than anything else”. Karl sees the offensive and defensive plays featured in the extremely popular video game series as being quite accurate. “That Madden thing is amazing!”, proclaimed Karl.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Karl Mecklenburg has accomplished so very much in his life. Against the odds, he claimed his stake as one of the most successful linebackers of his time. Through “Teamwork”, “Courage”, “Honesty and Forgiveness”, “Dedication”, “Desire, and”Goal Setting”, Karl has achieved a lifetime of accolades and personal fulfillment….and he’s not done. Karl continues to travel the motivational speaker circuit, and may jump back into the “literary ring”, this time with a book devoted to corporate leadership training.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">When I closed out our conversation by asking Karl what his greatest accomplishment has been to date, he didn’t surprise me. He told me that it’s clearly his family and his 26 year marriage to his wife Kathi. I suppose he was simply being “Honest”. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Karl Mecklenburg’s book, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">“Heart of a Student Athlete, All Pro Advice for Competitors and their Families” </b>can be ordered by visiting: <a href="http://studentathlete.us/">http://studentathlete.us/</a></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-14818523957047676282009-11-20T14:10:00.001-08:002009-11-20T14:10:25.433-08:00The Clock is Ticking<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Time is beginning to run out on the 2009-10 Chicago Bears. In a second consecutive night game, the Bears host the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday evening affair. <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place> hopes they can take advantage of the absence of Eagles stud RB Brian Westbrook, and take down the 5-4 Eagles.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Bears enter Sunday night’s contest having dropped four of its last five games. At 4-5, the Bears are in grave danger of falling out of Wild Card playoff contention. The Vikings are in charge of the NFC North at a sterling 8-1, and have all but locked up the division title.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">For the struggling Bears to have a shot at knocking off the Eagles, the defense will need to play 60 minutes of shut-down football as they did in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Francisco</st1:place></st1:city> last Thursday. The challenge this week is containing a much more potent offense than the Niner squad. Even with stud RB Brian Westbrook a post-concussion scratch, <st1:city st="on">Philadelphia</st1:city> has enough play-makers to do some serious damage to a reeling <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> defense. Donavan McNabb has one of the NFL’s brightest young stars in DeSean Jackson. The young wide-out has the ability to break the big play at any time. Filling in for Westbrook is rookie RB LeSean McCoy, who is a competent replacement. TE Brent Celek is another young emerging weapon at McNabb’s disposal.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Bears offense, which was listless all night last week against the Niners, must find the gear that it was in when it scored 48 points against <st1:city st="on">Detroit</st1:city> and 30 against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:city> earlier this season. The challenge for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> this week, is putting up those kinds of numbers against a playoff-caliber team such as the Eagles. It will be a tall task.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">If the Bears can somehow generate a few turnovers on defense, move the ball on offense, and protect the pigskin in the red zone, maybe they will have a chance to snatch this one. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">I for one, think this is the beginning of the end.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Eagles 21 Bears 10<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-82380157918937842412009-11-19T12:38:00.000-08:002009-11-19T12:39:31.774-08:00WEEK 11 START EM AND SIT EM<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u>Start em<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><br /></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">QB’s:</b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Matt Hasselbeck: </b>The Seahawks travel to the Twin Cites to face Favre and the Vikes in Week 11. As stout as the Vikings are against the run, they are just 23rd against the pass. <st1:city st="on">Seattle</st1:city> will likely be forced to air it out all day, as <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:state>’s explosive offense will dictate the pace of the game. Win or lose, Hasselbeck will attempt a ton of passes, surpass 300 yards, and toss a couple of TD’s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Marc Bulger: </b>In a battle between past and present <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city> franchises, the passing game should be on display for both sides. Kurt Warner is of course always a threat to put up big numbers, but Marc Bulger will be facing <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:state>’s the 30<sup>th</sup> ranked pass defense in the dome. Bulger is finally healthy and as usual will have the presence of a reliable Steven Jackson to take the pressure off the receiving corps. Far from a stellar WR group, Bulger’s targets will nevertheless have ample opportunities to make plays against a porous Cardinals D. Bulger is a sneaky play this week at home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">RB’s <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Rashard Mendenhall: <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>The Steelers try to rebound this Sunday at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:city>, which bodes well for those fantasy owners that carry guys like Mendenhall. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:place></st1:city> is desperate to return to its winning ways, and the abysmal Chiefs defense should accommodate the defending Champs. Mendenhall has been a decent starter for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:place></st1:city>, and has showed flashes of brilliance as a fantasy force. This week’s date with a brutal Chiefs rushing defense should yield over 100 yards and a score for the young Steeler RB.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Ricky Williams: </b>The season-ending injury to Ronnie Brown has opened the door for Ricky Williams. The former Longhorn and Heisman winner will have an opportunity to shine the rest of the way, beginning at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:city> on Thursday Night Football. The Panthers have been up and down this year, similar to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:city>. While <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:city> has been able to control the passing attack of its opponents, the Cats have surrendered an average of 128.1 yards per game. Ricky had been averaging about 65 yards per game sharing the load with Ronnie Brown. If form holds against a very weak Panthers run defense, Williams should have no problems cashing in on a big day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">WR’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Percy Harvin: </b>Last week it was Sidney Rice who blew up with 201 receiving yards for the Vikings. True to form for the 2009-10 Minnesota Vikings, a new weekly hero should emerge on Sunday. Harvin is healthy and always a danger to produce a couple of game-breaking plays. Percy is due for one of those types of weeks. The Vikings onslaught continues.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Brandon Gibson: </b>Although coach Spags has not yet committed to the rookie Gibson as a Week 11 starter, it makes sense that <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Brandon</st1:place></st1:city> will again be the primary target of Marc Bulger. The Rams have nothing to play for but a glimpse of what the future might bring. Last week, the freshman wide-out hauled in seven catches for 93 yards. At home, against a poor Cardinals secondary, Gibson will likely put up comparable numbers, and possibly register his first career TD.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">TE’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Brandon Pettigrew: </b>Similar to the situation in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city>, the Lions are playing for the future. Pettigrew has begun to play a prominent role in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:city>’s young offensive scheme. Week 11 has the awful Browns visiting the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Motor</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Look for B-Pet to record 60-80 yards and score against the calamity that is the Cleveland Browns.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Jason Witten: </b>Through ten weeks, the Dallas TE has not been the fantasy lock that owners have gotten used to over the past few years. Tony Romo has found success spreading the wealth, which has left <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Witten</st1:place></st1:city> owners short. Jason is just too talented; however, to be kept quiet all season. The All-Pro TE is seeking jus this second trio to the end zone, and will see it this week against the rival Skins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u>Sit em<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">QB’s:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Joe Flacco: </b>It’s not that the Ravens haven’t been winning ballgames this season. The formula for success, however, is once again rushing and defense. Flacco certainly has the ability to put up flashy numbers, but <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Baltimore</st1:place></st1:city> seems to have settled back into its comfort zone, which reduces the QB to a game manager. Take a “pass” on Flacco until further notice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Mark Sanchez: </b>The rookie Jets QB will likely be heading into a buzz saw in <st1:place st="on">New England</st1:place> on Sunday, as the Pats will be seeking revenge against Gang Green, not to mention redemption from last week’s defeat in Indy. As expected “The Sanchize” has been slow to develop, and should be facing another painful rookie lesson in Week 11.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">RB’s:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Justin Forsett: </b>Stepping in for the injured Julius Jones, Forsett delivered an outstanding performance against the Cardinals last week in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:state>. Justin will again be the featured back this week for Seattle, but facing the dominant Vikings run defense, in Minnesota, is simply too much to ask of the young Hawk. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Jason Snelling: </b>In case you were considering another fine replacement starting RB in Week 11, think again. Snelling had a decent outing against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:city> last week, as he filled in for the injured stud Michael Turner. A trip to the Meadowlands will not yield the same result, however, as the Giants are unlikely to surrender much to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> ground game. If Turner remains out for Week 12’s game against the Bucs, a distinct possibility, then Snelling should be considered, but not against Big Blue on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">WR’s:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Roddy White: </b>The Falcons leading receiver is not one that you’d normally consider benching. Unless of course he was banged up, and facing the NFL’s 2<sup>nd</sup> ranked pass defense, on the road, in a windy Giants Stadium. A difficult decision for fantasy owners, yes, but I have a hunch that Roddy and the entire Falcons offense is going to have a quiet afternoon in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Jersey</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Devin Hester: </b>The Bears continue to struggle to find their identity. It’s unclear which team will show up on a weekly basis. At times, Jay Cutler and the offense have been able to move the ball, but more often than not, have victimized themselves by turning the ball over. Hester has been steady throughout this stretch, but against a defensively superior Eagles team looking to snap a two game skid, and remain in the NFC East hunt, Hester and Chicago will fall short Sunday Night.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">TE’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><st1:city st="on"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Vernon</b></st1:city><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> <st1:city st="on">Davis</st1:city>: </b>The suddenly explosive <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Davis</st1:place></st1:city> has surprised many by this break-out season. Not many fantasy owners could have expected the previously underachieving TE to bust out with seven TD’s through the first ten weeks of the season. <st1:city st="on">Davis</st1:city> may continue to be a reliable starter for the rest of the year, but the Niners travel to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city> this week, and face one of the league’s best overall defenses. Following a lackluster performance at home against <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city> last Thursday night, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Vernon</st1:place></st1:city> will be hard-pressed to return to the elite TE category against the Packers.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Tony Scheffler: </b>With the exception of a monster Week 6 against these same San Diego Chargers that he’ll face in Week 11, the Broncos TE has been ineffective. The absence of starting QB Kyle Orton will further diminish Scheffler of a repeat performance. Tony will occasionally turn in a sparkler, but he’s not nearly consistent enough to rely on each week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-88666272489578014062009-11-17T12:45:00.001-08:002009-11-17T12:45:38.052-08:00The Truth About Yankees Fans<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">What better time to talk about the New York Yankees fan base, than two weeks after the 27<sup>th</sup> World Series Championship in team history. Yes, the Bronx Bombers are the most successful franchise in the history of professional sports. Yankees “faithful” have been filling “The Stadium” to root on their heroes for decades…or have they?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">It’s difficult to debate that when a team is winning, “they will come”. Since the mid-nineties, the Yankees have clearly given every reason for their fan base to make their way to the South Bronx to watch a Championship caliber team dispose of the “victim du jour”. There’s no question that this franchise that officially became the “New York Yankees” in 1913, has featured some of the game’s greatest players, on some of the greatest teams. Decades of dominance, beginning in the early 1920’s, with legendary players such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and later Joe DiMaggio, fueled the desire of baseball fans to rally around New York’s pinstriped players. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">If one spends some time in <st1:city st="on">New York City</st1:city>, or many other major <st1:country-region st="on">US</st1:country-region> metropolitan areas for that matter, it quickly becomes apparent that the Yankees are not simply one of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state>’s two baseball teams, and one of 30 Major League Baseball teams. The Bombers have become much more than a member of the American League East. The Yankees are “<st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s Team”. The questions is…when did this happen?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The incredible success that the Yankees enjoyed in the 20’s through the early 60’s eventually faded, as the franchise began to experience the peaks and valleys that most other sports teams endure. As the 1990’s got under way, however, the Yankees seemed to separate themselves from the rest of the league in a number of ways. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Firstly, the Yankees began to dominate as they hadn’t done in decades. Furthermore, game-day attendance soared to record levels. Additionally, the team payroll began to increase at a rate that left the rest of the league well behind. The extraordinary success and popularity led to revenue opportunities that were, and remain, unmatched by any other team in Major League Baseball. The Yankees had gained the advantage of being able to significantly outspend the rest of the league for the services of premium free agents. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">What is the point, you ask? I contend that with the exception of the “Jeter Generation”, which began in 1995, an overwhelming number of present-day Yankees fans coincidently hopped on the Yankee vessel in the mid-Nineties, contrary to what the vast majority of “die-hards” will admit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">A snapshot of <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">New York City</st1:city></st1:place> baseball attendance data will support this conclusion.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">In 1985, the New York Yankees drew an average of 27,510 fans per game. The cross-town rival New York Mets drew an average of 34,094 fans per game. This trend continues as follows:</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1986 Yankees 28,000 Mets 34,168<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(Mets win World Series)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1987 Yankees 29,971 Mets 37,458</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1988 Yankees 32,717 Mets 38,193</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1989 Yankees 26,983 Mets 36,033</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1990 Yankees 24,771 Mets 33,738</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1991 Yankees 23,009 Mets 28,379</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1992 Yankees 21,589 Mets 21,970</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1993 Yankees 29,839 Mets 23,126</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1994 Yankees 29,656 Mets 20,380</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1995 Yankees 23,521 Mets 17,683</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">1996 Yankees 27,789 Mets 19,609 <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(Yankees win World Series)</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The attendance data shows that between 1985 and 1992, Yankees “faithful” stayed away from the <st1:place st="on">Bronx</st1:place>, in favor of the surging New York Mets. It wasn’t until 1993, the year following a 90-loss Mets season, when Yankees Stadium began to reclaim thousands of fans that had been lost during the successful run of the Mets.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Not for one moment would I pretend that an enormous number of “fans” that attended Shea from 1985-1992 bothered returning until the late 1990’s. We can all agree that success breeds attendance. The point is rather a questioning of the undying loyalty that is preached in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York</st1:place></st1:state> and around the country from the vast majority of Yankees “fans”. Had the Yankee fan base truly been comprised of die-hards, the 1985-1992 attendance swoon would have never happened. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">It will be interesting to see what happens to fan support during the next Yankees valley, although considering the current economic advantage the Yankees possess, it may be awhile.</p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-34381728459383586712009-11-11T17:43:00.000-08:002009-11-11T17:44:06.796-08:00WEEK 10 START EM AND SIT EM<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u>Start em<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><br /></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">QB’s:</b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Mark Sanchez: </b>The fifth overall pick in this years draft is beginning to mature. Prior to the bye week, Sanchez had posted back-to-back strong outings at <st1:city st="on">Oakland</st1:city> and against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:city> respectively. He has really only had a couple of poor showings this season, and is looking at a home tilt with the Jaguars, a team that surrendered 21 points to the awful Chiefs last week. A healthy Jerricho Cotchery should help the passing game, as Sanchez will throw for 200-250 yard and a couple of TD’s.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Kurt Warner: </b>The enigmatic Warner looks to follow up his road gem with another gaudy performance, this time at home against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:city>. Kurt fired five TD’s in <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city> last week, just a week after throwing five interceptions versus <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:city> in Week 8. With Anquan Boldin returning to the lineup this week, there is no reason to expect anything less than a 300 plus yard, three TD day from Warner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">RB’s <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Frank Gore: </b>The healthy Niner RB is beginning to heat up, and will likely continue to fill up the stat sheet, with the reeling Bears coming to town for a Thursday night matchup. <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city> is fresh off a humiliating home loss to <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:state>, in game that saw Kurt Warner throw five TD passes. The Bears are looking like a team that may be in freefall, which bodes well for Gore and the Niners. A long flight on short rest spells disaster for the Bears thin defense. On a Nationally televised stage, Frank Gore will light it up. Over 200 yards from scrimmage isn’t out of the question for the versatile RB. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Ronnie Brown: </b>Now that<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>the Bucs<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>have avoided the franchise’s third winless season, they can return to futility. The Bucs will return to the loss column, as the 30<sup>th</sup> ranked run defense will be no match for the Wildcat on Sunday. Brown should record a 100 plus yard day, with a few catches and a TD.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">WR’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Sidney Rice: </b>Brett Favre and the Vikings return to the filed after a Week 9 bye. At 7-1, <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:state> is rolling. The upcoming opponents for the Vikes are less than daunting foes. The next three weeks see the Lions, Seahawks, and Bears visiting <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minneapolis</st1:place></st1:city>. Fantasy owners with Viking players should be in for a windfall. Rice is just one of the receivers that will benefit from a light schedule. Percy Harvin will also post big numbers on Sunday. One hundred yards and a TD or two for Rice (and Harvin) is a near certainty.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Greg Jennings: </b>The Packers are a team that must be itching like crazy to get back on the field. Two weeks ago, Favre’s Vikings bested the Pack at Lambeau. To add insult to injury, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city> was dumped last week by the previously-winless Bucs. Donald Driver has been the go-to guy this far for the Packers, but <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Jennings</st1:city></st1:place> is a big play guy that has the ability to get it going at any time. Greg is due for a 100 yard afternoon, which he may see against a <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dallas</st1:place></st1:city> team that is coming off an emotional NFC East game last Sunday night.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">TE’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Jeremy Shockey: </b>After a couple of quiet weeks from the former Miami Hurricane and New York Giant, a trip to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city> and the lowly Rams should be enough to reignite the explosive Shockey. The <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">New Orleans</st1:place></st1:city> offense is as potent as it’s ever been. The Rams cannot stop any team in the NFL, much less the undefeated Saints. No “shocker” here…..Jeremy goes off on Sunday, with a bunch of catches and a return to the endzone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Dustin Keller: </b>The Jets are a strange team to figure out. Much of it I suppose has to do with the maturation process of QB Mark Sanchez. Nevertheless, the offense possesses a group of talented players, one of which is TE Dustin Keller. Prior to last week’s bye, Keller busted out against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Miami</st1:place></st1:city>, posting 8-76 and a TD. The woeful <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jacksonville</st1:place></st1:city> pass defense will have difficulty containing the Jets receiving corps all day. Keller will deliver a second straight impressive outing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u>Sit em<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">QB’s:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">David Garrard: </b>After some early season success, Garrard has struggled mightily. He has not had a multiple TD pass game since Week 4 against the wretched Titans. The likelihood of David tossing more than a lone TD pass against the stingy Jets pass defense is low. Garrard continues to be a mediocre- at-best fantasy QB in 2009. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Matt Cassell: </b>The post-Larry Johnson era Chiefs travel to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oakland</st1:place></st1:city> to face the Raiders in what was once a fierce rivalry. Matt Cassel’s first year with <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:city> is probably not what he envisioned when he signed his lucrative free agent deal during the offseason. Matt has performed reasonably well, considering the limited talent he is surrounded with. While <st1:place st="on">Cassel</st1:place> may be a decent fantasy starter at home, against a week pass defense, he is not a strong play I Oakland, versus a competent Raiders secondary.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">RB’s:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Darren Sproles: </b>Despite the rapid decline of LT, Sproles has yet to provide any level of consistency to the Chargers offense. The diminutive RB has the ability to make big plays, but cannot be relied on to shoulder the load; fantasy or otherwise. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Diego</st1:place></st1:city> hosts the Eagles, who are stout against the run. Look elsewhere for a starting RB in Week 10.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Kevin Smith: </b>Against one if the<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>best run-stopping<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>defenses in the NFL,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b>there aren’t many RB’s that can manage a productive afternoon. Although Kevin Smith is an excellent back on a horrible team, his prospects of posting his second 100 plus rushing day of 2009-10 are bleak. The Metrodome is one of the most difficult places for to operate for a signal caller. Rookie Matthew Stafford will have “tons” of trouble with the Vikings front seven, making it for a long afternoon. I would pass on Kevin Smith this week, and perhaps even show Megatron the pine in Week 10.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">WR’s:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Johnny Knox: </b>The explosive rookie has shown signs of greatness thus far, but the Bears face a West Coast road game in a short week. Knox may someday be a great receiver, but nothing more than modest “returns” should be expected from the Bears freshman WR. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Dwayne Bowe: </b>The departure of Tony Gonzalez, and the ineffective running game have not made life any easier for Dwayne Bowe of the 1-7 Chiefs. Bowe’s talent is unquestioned. Unfortunately for Dwayne, he’s the ONLY offensive threat that <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:city> has at the moment. Opponents are not going to allow Bowe to be the guy that beats them. In Week 10, the Chiefs head out to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Oakland</st1:place></st1:city>, where Bowe will be matched-up against Nmandi Asomugha all day. It’s a no-go on Bowe this week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">TE’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Marcedes Lewis: </b>With the exception of Maurice Jones-Drew and at times Mike Sims-Walker, the Jaguars have had little else to offer in the way of productive fantasy players. Lewis had a couple of decent lines earlier this season, but he is not to be trusted unless you are out of other options.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Benjamin Watson: </b>As potent as the Pats offense is, Tom Brady still spreads the ball around way to much for guys like Ben Watson to be a consistent factor. Unless your name is Brady, Randy Moss or Wes Welker, you are not a strong fantasy option for <st1:place st="on">New England</st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-80819079969272356192009-11-11T06:38:00.000-08:002009-11-11T06:39:41.700-08:00Mining for Respect<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Following an embarrassing home thrashing by the Arizona Cardinals, the Bears head out West to face Mike Singletary’s 49ers in this year’s premiere of Thursday Night Football.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The short week and a long flight “Out of Dodge” is typically a recipe for disaster, but most Bear players probably want to get back on the filed as soon as possible, so they can wash away any memories of Week 9’s debacle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Never mind the fact that <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> will be facing a Niners team lead by Bear legend Mike Singletary. <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city> has bigger fish to fry, as they find themselves at 4-4, tied with <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Green Bay</st1:city></st1:place> and three games behind the NFC North division leading Vikings. There will be very little margin for error from this week on. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The 3-5 49ers have their own struggles to worry about, having lost four straight games. The signing of rookie and early-season holdout Michael Crabtree, along with the switch back to former number one overall draft pick Alex Smith has dome little to turn the tide for San Francisco. The Niners are just two games behind the up-and-down Cardinals, so the season is far from washout for Singletary’s crew.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">If the Bears are going to out the miserable Cardinal performance behind them, they will have to find a way to run the ball effectively on offense, and slow down the Niners on defense. <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place>’s rushing “attack” has been pitiful, and on the other side of the ball, both the run and pass defense has been nonexistent.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Perhaps the best offensive strategy coming into Week 10, is for Jay Cutler to come out firing, taking advantage of the leagues 24<sup>th</sup> ranked pass defense. If Cutler can put pressure on the Niners secondary, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Francisco</st1:place></st1:city>’s 4<sup>th</sup> ranked run defense may have to back off a bit. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>’s defensive challenges may be more difficult to overcome. With a recent rash of injuries to key players, such safeties Al Afalava and Kevin Payne, the already-porous Bears D will be forced to step it up of they expect to have any chance of preventing another aerial barrage.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">As eager as the Bears might be to get back to work and prove the naysayers wrong, a West Coast road victory off a short week seems unlikely. The <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place> defense will probably not yield 41 points in Week 10, but the odds will be stacked against a return to the win column.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Niners 24 Bears 17<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-39671325091514336282009-11-10T19:28:00.001-08:002009-11-10T19:30:56.032-08:00Put Me In Coach…<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; text-align: justify; "></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I just put my 2 year old Jack to bed. As usual, we closed out the day with the two songs I’ve been singing to him since he was a baby. “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”, and the slightly less popular “Meet the Mets” are staples in my toddler’s winding down portion of the bedtime process.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Whether it’s at the ballpark, or cruising with the top down on a brisk afternoon, certain baseball songs send chills down our spines. There’s something special about music that celebrates our National Pastime. Many songs were written about the game itself, and others simply reference players of yesteryear. Some “sports anthems” have nothing to do with baseball, yet have become synonymous with baseball moments. I highly doubt that Freddy Mercury ever imagined that “We Are the Champions” would become the theme of </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Bronx</span></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, </span><st1:state st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">NY</span></st1:state></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> in late October. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As far as I’m concerned, the first spring day I hear John Fogerty’s “Centerfield”, baseball is officially underway. When the crack of the bat is sounded in that song, it’s as if Winter has magically turned to Spring. There are few tunes that capture the anticipation of the coming season as this Fogerty classic. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In addition to Fogerty’s salute to Mays, Cobb, and DiMaggio, many other tunes reach back to pay homage and celebrate baseball’s legendary players and personalities. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Talkin’ Baseball” in its original “Willie, Mickey & "The Duke" format, as well as later adaptations, is pure baseball bliss. Here in the Southeast, </span><st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Alabama</span></st1:place></st1:state><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">’s 1993 “The Cheap Seats” is a fan favorite, capturing the essence of paparazzi-less baseball. Back in the 1980’s, legendary rockers Don Henley and Bruce Springsteen chimed in, recording “Boys of Summer” and “Glory Days” respectively. Even the great Bob Dylan got into the act, when he penned “Catfish”, a bluesy number about the late Jim “Catfish” Hunter. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Odes to loyal fan followings such as “Tessie”, most recently recorded by the Dropkick Murphy’s, became a fan favorite in </span><st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Boston</span></st1:place></st1:city><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. The song was written as a dedication to the “Royal Rooters”, a Red Sox fan club in the early 20th</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> century. “Tessie” was borrowed from the Broadway musical “The Silver Slipper”. The song was originally sung at Fenway, not only to encourage Red Sox players, but also to distract the opposing team. The first time I heard the song was while playing a Sony Playstation 2 video game, which featured the song on its baseball simulation game soundtrack. “Sweet Caroline”, which singer-songwriter Neil Diamond recently revealed was inspired by Caroline Kennedy, has been played at every Red Sox home game since 2003. The song was first played at </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Fenway</span></st1:placename><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><st1:placetype st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Park</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> in 1998, as a tribute to a Red Sox employee who had named her newborn Caroline. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Paul Simon wrote a pair of baseball-referenced songs, “Mrs. Robinson“ from the film “The Graduate”, and lesser known “Night Game”, off “Still Crazy After All These Years”. Just prior to the release of “Still Crazy…” in 1969, Simon threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the soon-to-be Miracle New York Mets. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As the 20th</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> century drew to a close and the New Millennium began, a number of hard-driving crowd-pleasers were adopted by individual players as entrance themes. Trevor Hoffman would enter late-inning San Diego Padre games to the echoes of AC-DC’s “Hells Bells”. A pair of stoppers, Mariano Rivera and Billy Wagner chose Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” as their personal musical introductions…..a topic that was hotly debated in </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">New York City</span></st1:city></st1:place><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> when Wagner pitched for the Mets. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(It was later determined that Wagner was a long-time Metallica fan, and had been using the song for about three years prior to Rivera’s use of the metal band’s hit single). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I still prefer Charlie Sheen trotting out from the bullpen to “Wild Thing” in the film “Major League”. </span></p><p></p></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "></div></span>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-68320467665319852032009-11-09T09:46:00.001-08:002009-11-09T09:46:26.656-08:00Defenseless<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">In a strikingly similar meltdown to that of two weeks ago in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Cincinnati</st1:city></st1:place>, the Bears were again pummeled, this time at home to the tune of 41-21.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The lifeless Bears were manhandled by Kurt Warner’s right-arm and the suddenly explosive running game of the Cardinals. Warner fired five touchdown passes on the day, four in the first half alone. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">From the opening whistle, the Bears couldn’t get out of their own way. Following the fourth play of the game, defensive tackle Tommie Harris, was ejected, for delivering an unnecessary blow to the face of Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui. The incident was a sign of things to come for <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Bears would later lose both cornerback Charles Tillman and safety Al Afalava to shoulder injuries, as <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Arizona</st1:state></st1:place> launched its offensive onslaught.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">By halftime, the Cardinals were already up 31-7, the Bears’ lone score coming on a Jay Cutler to Greg Olsen 33 yard pass play. Unfortunately, for Olsen, his career three TD performance would be clouded by a Bears defensive no-show.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The 369 yards and there TD’s thrown by Jay Cutler yesterday, were deceptive, as <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> was in catch-up mode all day. Turnovers were not the culprit this time around, rather the shorthanded Bears defense’s inability to slow down the <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Arizona</st1:state></st1:place> offensive attack. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">A Kurt Warner led onslaught produced 27 first downs, 8-14 coming on third down. Warner was not picked off all day, throwing for 262 yards on 22 of 32 passes. It was vintage Kurt throughout.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Perhaps the most surprising statistic of the game, was the 182 yards that Cardinal RB’s were able to tally. Prior to yesterday’s game, the <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:state> rushing “attack” was registering just 64.9 yards per game. Tim Hightower and rookie Beanie Wells combined for 149 yards on 28 carries to lead the ground game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Life will not get any easier for the Bears in Week 10, as a short week has <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city> travelling out to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Francisco</st1:place></st1:city> to tangle with Mike Singletary’s 3-5 49ers on Thursday. If the Bears do not find a way to heal quickly and scratch out a road win in the most difficult of circumstances, Bears faithful might as well pack it in. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">By the way, the Cubs open up in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> on April 5. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-66945092331022823442009-11-07T09:51:00.001-08:002009-11-07T09:51:50.420-08:00Building Momentum<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Fresh off a convincing, albeit expected victory over the Browns, the Bears welcome Kurt Warner and the 4-3 Arizona Cardinals to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> this week. The Cards have shown the same types of up-and-down tendencies that the Bears have displayed through the first half of the 2009-10 NFL season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Weather will not be a factor on Sunday, as the forecast calls for unseasonably mild temperatures in the 60’s. More good news for the visiting Cardinals is the health of explosive wideout Anquan Boldin, who has looked sharp in practice all week, and should be ready to roll on Sunday afternoon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Perhaps the x-factor in this game, however, is the familiarity that Lovie Smith has with Kurt Warner’s game. Coach Smith was the defensive coordinator in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">St. Louis</st1:place></st1:city>, when Warner ran the “Greatest Show on Turf”. If any coach knows Kurt’s tendencies, it would be Lovie, as he had the opportunity to lead a defense that practiced against Warner each week when they were both in <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">St. Louis</st1:city></st1:place>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">If the Bears offense expects to ride the resurgent Matt Forte to a second straight victory, it will have to get it done against a defense that yields less than 100 yards rushing per game. Of course Forte and the Bears offense line probably won’t be too concerned, as last week, the Panthers RB tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart torched the Cardinals for 270 yards on the ground.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">On the defense side of the ball, the Bears should have no trouble handling the worst running game in the NFL. The combination of rookie Beanie Wells and goal line specialist Tim Hightower bring a measly 64.9 yards per game average into Week 9’s game. If the Cardinals have any chance to snag a road victory from the Bears, they will need a mistake-free performance from Kurt Warner. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Bears were opportunistic last week against <st1:city st="on">Cleveland</st1:city> and may have more game-changing chances this week, as Kurt Warner is heading into the game with a putrid 5 interception performance against <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Carolina</st1:city></st1:place> still on his mind.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Expect a ball-control type effort from the Bears, building on last week’s strong performance from Matt Forte. The Cardinals remain dangerous, with one of the league’s most prolific receiving duos in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. The key to containing these two elite weapons on Sunday, is the ability of the Bears defense to prevent the Cards from establishing any semblance of a running attack. If the Bears defensive line can hold the Arizona rushing attack to short first and second down ground gains, the pressure will fall squarely on the aging shoulders of Kurt Warner. Should Warner be forced into a number of third and long situations, the Bears secondary will have plenty of help defending <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Arizona</st1:state></st1:place>’s talented receiving corps.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place> may not abuse the Cardinals as badly they did the Browns last week, but the defending NFC Champions should return to the desert 4-4.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Bears 24 Cardinals 14<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-21581450729910137702009-11-05T13:26:00.000-08:002009-11-05T13:27:11.953-08:00WEEK 9 START EM AND SIT EM<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Start em</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><br /></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">QB’s:</b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Matt Hasselbeck: </b>Coming off a strong Week 8 performance, Hasselbeck and the “Hawks welcome the Lions to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:city> this Sunday. Matt was quite efficient last week, as he threw 2 touchdowns for 249 yards and no interceptions. The “Twelfth Man” will only make life easier for the banged-up, but ready-to-go Hasselbeck. After folding to then-winless <st1:city st="on">St. Louis</st1:city> at home last week, the 1-6 Lions can’t be thrilled with having to trek up to the state of <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Washington</st1:place></st1:state> in Week 9. Look for Hasselbeck to cross the 300 yard threshold and add a trio of TD passes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Alex Smith: </b>The former number one overall pick pilots his third game as “new” starting QB of the Niners, in Week 9 in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Francisco</st1:place></st1:city>. Smith has regained the starting gig, and should post his best statistical performance to date. <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tennessee</st1:place></st1:state> brings the NFL’s worst passing defense to town, along with their incredibly disappointing 1-6 record. This week will likely be Michael Crabtree’s coming out party, with a 100 plus yard day in store for the tardy rookie. Smith will tally over 200 yards passing and a pair of TD’s, one to the talented Texas Tech alum. Welcome to the NFL Mr. Crabtree….just 196 more TD’s to catch Jerry Rice.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">RB’s <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Pierre Thomas: </b>Thomas was able to get back on track last Monday Night, in a win against division rival <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>. The Carolina Panthers, another NFC South foe, come calling this week, hoping to be the team to hand the red-hot Saints their first defeat of the season. <st1:city st="on">Pierre</st1:city> will be facing the NFL’s 24<sup>th</sup> ranked rushing defense in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:city>, so another strong performance is likely. The Panthers are tops in the league against the passing game, so the Saints will no doubt throw a healthy dose of Pierre Thomas at Carolina all day. Thomas will record his best rushing day of the season, and second 100 plus rushing effort of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Ryan Grant: </b>After a very disappointing defeat at the hands of Brett Favre and the Vikings, Grant and his Packers fly down to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tampa</st1:place></st1:city>, hoping to rebound against the still-winless Bucs. Ryan’s totals have been decent this year, but he has yet to deliver that breakout game. The schedulers may have handed the Packers and Grant just what they need in Week 9….an opportunity to put Favre’s return behind them, and a tasty 30<sup>th</sup> ranked run defense to feast on all afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">WR’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Mike Sims-Walker: </b>Following a week where <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Walker</st1:place></st1:city> recorded just two receptions, a bounce-back against the dreadful Chiefs seems obvious. MSW has been a bit of an enigma this season, but I am banking on the athletic young Jag to take advantage of a <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:city> team that has yielded an average of 252 yards passing per game. Jump back on the Sims-Walker train in Week 9.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Hakeem Nicks: </b>Nicks had a hiccup in Week 8 in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philadelphia</st1:place></st1:city>, but he and the Giants will be desperate to snap a three-game losing streak when they host the Chargers in Week 9. Hakeem is healthy, and beginning to flaunt his big-play ability. The up-and-down Chargers are looking at a cross-country trip against a hungry bunch, so Eli should have the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Diego</st1:place></st1:city> defense on its heels all day. Nicks will get back into the endzone this week, as the Giants return to their winning ways.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">TE’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Greg Olsen: </b>Olsen and the Bears took care of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:city> last week, and now move on to another home contest, this time against the inconsistent Cardinals. A trip to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> in November should be a tough task for Warner and the Cards. Olsen is still seeking that elusive 100 yard day, and could earn it on Sunday in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>. Cutler spreads it out amongst his stable of young WR’s, but there should be enough left for Olsen to gain 80-100 yards on 6-8 catches.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Fred Davis: </b>The season-ending injury to Chris Cooley opened the door for second year USC product Fred Davis. The Skins are indeed a horrible team; however, they will likely be playing from behind all day, forcing Jason Campbell to go to the air often. Campbell and Davis connected for eight catches two weeks ago against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philadelphia</st1:place></st1:city>, before heading into the Wee 8 bye. The Falcons have the ability to light up the scoreboard on offense, but when it comes to defending the passing attack, “The Birds” fall short. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Davis</st1:place></st1:city> is a sneaky option against the team that is next-to-last in the NFL in passing defense. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u>Sit em<o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">QB’s:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Kyle Orton: </b>For the second straight week, I recommend benching Kyle Orton. As expected, Orton was a non-factor in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Baltimore</st1:place></st1:city> last week, and shouldn’t be much more effective in Week 9 at home versus the Steelers. The Broncos may have been exposed a bit last week against the Ravens, which will give the Steel Curtain even more swagger than they normally bring. The Broncos running game is not a reliable as it once was, resulting in added pressure at the QB position. Kyle may surpass 200 yards this week, with a single TD pass, but no more than that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Kurt Warner: </b>A meeting in chilly <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> in Week 9 does not bode well for Kurt Warner. The greybeard has some gas left in the tank, but will be hard pressed to work his magic this time. <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city> bounced back against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:city> last week, and likely will not have to deal with Anquan Boldin, who should miss this one. Larry Fitzgerald will be smothered, making it difficult for Warner to get going. It looks like back-to-back clunkers for the two-time former NFL MVP and Super Bowl Champion.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">RB’s:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Cedric Benson: </b>The resurgent Benson and his <st1:place st="on">Bengal</st1:place> mates return from a Week 8 bye, for a divisional tilt against the Baltimore Ravens. Benson has been stellar for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cincinnati</st1:place></st1:city> this season, most recently in a grudge match with the team that drafted him in the first round, the Chicago Bears. As well as Cedric has played, he is going up against a stoked Raven D that is coming off a huge win against the previously undefeated Broncos. There aren’t many NFL backs that I would recommend starting against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Baltimore</st1:place></st1:city>. CB isn’t one of them. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Marion Barber: </b>MBIII’s fantasy value has taken a huge hit this season. The combination of early-season injuries, and a shared workload with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, has crushed Barber’s status as a fantasy stud. <st1:city st="on">Marion</st1:city> did get into the endzone against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:city> last week, but he still only managed 53 yards on the ground and a lone reception for two yards. In a Monday night matchup with the Eagles in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philadelphia</st1:place></st1:city>, Barber is not going to get much room to run. Dallas RB’s are not strong plays this week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">WR’s:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Brandon Marshall: </b>Nobody doubts the ability of Brandon Marshall. He has proven that he has the skills to be an elite NFL receiver and fantasy beast. His off-the-field problems are well-documented, and so far in 2009, his on-the-filed performance has left much to be desired. A guy like <st1:city st="on">Marshall</st1:city> is tough to sit, but the reeling Broncos travel to the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Steel</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place> in Week 9. If weather doesn’t play a factor, Polamalu and the Steelers D certainly will.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Dwayne Bowe: </b>No matter how talented a receiver may be, if the players around him aren’t competent, his value will be limited. Such is the case with Dwayne Bowe, who finds himself in an ugly situation in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Kansas City</st1:place></st1:city>. The Chiefs are playing a miserable Jaguar team in Week 9, but the Larry Johnson-Chiefs will struggle to put points on the board against anyone. Free agent acquisition Matt Cassel has struggled mightily of late, which makes Bowe a risky play this week and weeks ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">TE’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Todd Heap: </b>The former All-Pro has vanished. After scoring a TD in each of the first two weeks of the season, Heap has failed to find the endzone again, and surpassed 50 yards receiving just once since Week 2. The Ravens remain a defensive minded team. Unless he gets on a roll, and has a favorable matchup, Todd Heap will not be a viable fantasy starter this season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Kellen Winslow: </b>KW Jr. has delivered a couple of outstanding performances this season. The other five weeks’ lines have been mediocre at best. Do we really expect any consistency from the 2009-10<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bucs offense? The win may come for <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Tampa</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place> (not this week against the Packers), but Winslow or any other Buc player should not be relied on as fantasy assets.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-86063693690462854032009-11-04T08:58:00.000-08:002009-11-04T09:35:00.330-08:00Rounding Third<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">As the 2009 Major League Baseball season comes to a close, it’s difficult to avoid drifting back to past seasons that have come and gone. Some of our most vivid childhood and adolescent memories are tied to the game that we cherish. Growing up in the outer boroughs of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York City</st1:place></st1:city>, my memories of early fall are full of baseball.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">A nine year old in 1977, I witnessed the return of the New York Yankees to prominence, and so many other memorable events that remain with me today. The wonderful world of baseball was exploding for this Jewish kid from Fresh Meadows, as I became completely immersed in the game. The thrill of leading off and playing shortstop in the Fresh Meadows Athletic League was my true passion.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">It’s amazing which baseball memories maintain their vividness over time. Although we recall which players dominated past eras and the teams that triumphed each year, it’s the personal events that shaped us that continue to resonate decades later.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The prominent players of my youth were guys like Rod Carew, Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, and Dave Parker. In the seventies, there were a small number of teams that dominated the Wild Card-less playoffs. Much as today, the Yankees, Dodgers, and Phillies were frequent visitors to the post-season party. Many of us remember the players, teams, and the statistics that were on the back of the Topps baseball cards we devoured. I remember so much more.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">On a Sunday morning in 1978, at <st1:place st="on"><st1:placetype st="on">Temple</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">Israel</st1:placename></st1:place> in Jamaica Estates, I recall Matthew Benson running up a flight of stairs as he delivered the news that California Angels star outfielder Lyman Bostock had been killed by a bullet to the head. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The following summer, as I stood behind the backstop of the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Rufus King</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Public School</st1:placetype></st1:place> baseball field, watching the men play arch-pitch softball, the news came that Yankee captain Thurman Munson had perished in a plane crash. In less than five minutes, I was home in front of my television eager to see if the horrible news was true.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">There are however, many more pleasant memories for me, than those of the tragic events that involved two of the seventies biggest baseball stars. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"> I had the good fortune of growing up in a neighborhood loaded with both fenced and make-shift ball fields to play on. When we weren’t playing organized baseball, we were choosing sides for pick-up games, or playing stickball on the Public School handball courts. Of course we all did our best to imitate the unconventional batting stances of some of the game’s best including Joe Morgan and Carl Yastrzemski. My younger brother Darren and I would frequently play head-to-head at P.S. 26, each of us choosing a lineup of our favorites MLB stars. Naturally we were required to stand in the box and swing exactly as those players did on the Big League diamond.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">In those days, baseball card collecting was affordable for kids. It was also done primarily for the thrill of ripping open a fresh package of Topps, which included a rock-solid stick of gum, covered with powdered sugar. One of those pieces of gum found its way onto a 1978 Pete Rose card, which became known as the Pete Rose “gummy” card.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Perhaps the most valued memories that I have were shared with my father Richard, who moved on to the great diamond in the sky, a hard-to-believe 22 years ago. As millions of American fathers and sons do, we spent countless hours tossing the ball back-and–forth, and working on the fundamentals of the game. What separated my Dad from many others, I believe, was his dedication to consistently manning the bleachers, as I played my heart out each season. My father was at all of my Little League games, and even volunteered to forgo that joy one season, to manage another team as I had wanted him to represent our family in a coaching capacity.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">(In our local league, fathers were not permitted to coach their own kids, as favoritism was a problem at the time) </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Although I will never forget that I destroyed a Hank Aaron autographed baseball that my Dad let me play with (against his better judgment), and in later years, proceeded to lose the Wilson A2000 glove that he gave me, these and other not-so-tragic baseball memories and life-lessons are priceless.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">In 2009, my son Jack is two years old, and swinging away at Wiffle balls in our backyard in of all places, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Atlanta</st1:city>, <st1:state st="on">GA.</st1:state></st1:place> While I never envisioned a life in the Southeast, I have no doubt that as the time goes by, Jack and I will enjoy season after season of baseball together, and create countless memories to reminisce about. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US; mso-bidi-language:AR-SAfont-family:";font-size:12.0pt;">Jack is just a few years away from mastering a perfect Tommy Hanson style fastball delivery that he will never forget working on. </span>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-63835203754899601722009-11-04T05:20:00.000-08:002009-11-04T05:22:24.493-08:00Early Returns<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, FreeSans, sans-serif;font-size:6;color:#0000FF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 22px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; "><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; ">The 2009-10 Fantasy Basketball season is underway, and just a week and a half into the new campaign, there are some early indicators of what to expect going forward.</span></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: justify; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span new="">One of the mysteries heading into the new season, was the health of <strong>Gilbert Arenas</strong>. Through his first three games, Gil has posted impressive lines, culminating in per game averages of 28 points, and almost seven assists, on 50% shooting. During the off-season, Arenas pledged to transform himself into a better leader, distributing the ball to his teammates more frequently, hence passing up the tempting three-point shot. To date, Arenas has not displayed a significant effort to do so, but it is extremely early in the season.</span></span> </p></span></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: justify; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span new="">On the rookie radar, the absence of <strong>Blake Griffin</strong> has redirected the focus to other freshman ballers such as<strong>Tyreke Evans</strong>, <strong>Jonny Flynn</strong>, and <strong>Brandon Jennings</strong>. Of these three, Jennings has shined brightest, bolting out of the gate with two straight impressive performances, including a 24 point effort in just his second game in the NBA.</span></span> </p></span></span><span style="font-size: medium; "><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; text-align: justify; "><span class="apple-style-span"><span new="">A few surprises thus far include the stellar play of New York Knick <strong>Danilo Galinari</strong>. After four games, the Italian product has averaged just under 20 points per game, including a league leading 19 three-point conversions. Consistency may be a short-term issue for Danilo, but he certainly has the potential to develop into one of the NBA's premier sharp-shooters.<br /><br />The usual suspects have, for the most part, gotten off to quick starts.<strong>LeBron James</strong>, <strong>Chris Paul</strong>, <strong>Dwight Howard</strong>, and <strong>Kobe Bryant</strong> are lighting it up nightly. On the other hand, former fantasy studs such as <strong>Shaquille O'Neal</strong>, <strong>Rasheed Wallace</strong>, and <strong>Richard Jefferson </strong>have had to adjust to new surroundings and fewer fantasy scoring opportunities in crowded rotations.<br /><br />In terms of early-season injuries, with the exception of Blake Griffin the bug hasn't bit anyone too hard yet, rather the typical day-to-day bumps and bruises that come with an 82 game NBA regular season.<br /><br /></span></span></p></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px; ">Strap yourselves in folks, as this time next week, a new series of trends will have begun to take shape. <strong> </strong> </span> </b></span></span>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-82996031220365805262009-11-02T12:22:00.001-08:002009-11-02T12:22:42.588-08:00Brown Out!<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">A return home and a date with the hapless Cleveland Browns was just what the doctor ordered for the Bears yesterday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Bears took care of business by executing on both sides of the ball, as the offense committed just one turnover, and the defense forced five against the Browns.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">A solid ground game, coupled with ball-hawking defense by the Bears secondary, led to a convincing 30-6 victory over a 1-7 Browns team. <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city> moves to 4-3, and is now tied with the Packers for second place in the NFC “Norris” division, as Brett and the Vikes downed <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Green Bay</st1:city></st1:place> at Lambeau in a late afternoon affair yesterday. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Defensive backs Charles Tillman and Danieal Manning combined to snag three of the five turnovers committed by Cleveland, one of them, a fourth quarter 21 yard interception return for a touchdown by Tillman.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Although Jay Cutler did not figure prominently in the victory, he did limit his mistakes this week, throwing just one interception on 17 of 30 for 225 yards and no touchdowns. When the Bears took possession on offense in this one, they held on to the rock, as Matt Forte finally broke out of his slump, rushing for 90 yards on 26 carries, and two TD’s. Forte did not fumble.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Bears were able to make quick work out of the sinking Browns with three first half Robbie Gould field goals and a late second quarter Matt Forte one yard plunge. At 16-0 at the half, <st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city> had made a statement that they were not going to allow <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Cleveland</st1:city></st1:place> any breathing room in this contest.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">With the exception of a third quarter Derek Anderson TD run, the Bears proceeded to close out the Browns in the second half, capped off by Tillman’s pick and score with 3:14 remaining in the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The 30 points the Bears put up on the scoreboard can be largely attributed to the suffocating defense employed all day. In addition to the five turnovers, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>’s D batted down four passes and held the Browns to a measly 1 for 11 on third down. <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>The <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:city> passing game was pathetic, at 7 for 20 for 85 yards. No Brown receiver hauled in more than two catches. The Bears D showed up when it needed to. <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> can now look towards the back-end of the current homestand, with Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals coming to town.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><st1:state st="on">Arizona</st1:state> came down to Earth yesterday, as they were manhandled by <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:city>’s rushing tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. The Panthers rushing attack punished the Cards all day, totaling 270 yards on the ground. Matt Forte must have started salivating when he saw the box score from this game. The Bears defense should have high hopes for next week as well, with an opportunity to continue its fine play against a shaky Kurt Warner who threw five picks to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Carolina</st1:city></st1:place>’s D yesterday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">A playoff run just may be in the “The Cards” for the 2009-10 Bears.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-84870642635047317662009-10-30T18:47:00.000-07:002009-10-30T18:48:12.490-07:00Sweet Home, Chicago?<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The struggling Bears hope to be singing a different tune, when they return home this Sunday to face the Browns. Following back-to-back road disappointments to the Falcons and Bengals, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> hosts its first game at Soldier Field since the October 4<sup>th</sup> victory against the Lions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The formula for a return to the win column is simple. Take care of the ball on offense. The past two weeks have seen the Bears turnover the ball a total of seven times. Jay Cutler was the main culprit, as he tossed five picks in those two games. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Bears come into this week’s game desperately needing a win to have any hope of playing meaningful November and December football. The 1-6 Browns, who are having their own problems putting points on the board, (just over ten per game), present a golden opportunity for <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city> to begin a new winning streak. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Cutler and company WILL be able to move the ball, as the Browns bring one of the league’s worst defenses, ranking 24<sup>th</sup> against the pass and 31<sup>st</sup> against the run. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">If Matt Forte cannot break the century mark in rushing for just the second time this season, against the next-to-last rushing defense in the NFL, then the Bears faithful might as well get started early on their holiday shopping.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">The Broncos brass must be in pain from laughing so hard at the early returns of the offseason deal that brought a very consistent Kyle Orton to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Denver</st1:city></st1:place> in the Jay Cutler trade. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Unless the Bears let Josh Cribbs loose on special teams for a couple of scores, there should be no reason to expect anything less than a convincing triumph by <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">Should the Bears hold serve against <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Cleveland</st1:city></st1:place>, the following week brings the Arizona Cardinals to town for an uncomfortable, perhaps chilly November matchup. At 5-3, <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:place> would remain in the conversation as a playoff contender. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">On the other hand, the 2009-10 Chicago Bears are not in a position to look past any team in the NFL. Let’s hope that the Bears themselves don’t soon turn into a “look-ahead” team.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Bears 28 Browns 10 <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-29854147661923130682009-10-30T11:03:00.000-07:002009-10-30T11:06:09.772-07:00WEEK 8 START EM AND SIT EM<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Start em</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><br /></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">QB’s:</b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Jay Cutler: </b>The Bears are coming off extremely disappointing back-to-back road losses to the Falcons and Bengals respectively. With the Vikings atop the NFC North and the Packers now a game ahead of the struggling Bears, a win over the Browns is critical. Jay Cutler will need to cut down on his interceptions, should he hope to end his team’s 2-game skid. A date with <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Cleveland</st1:place></st1:city> should do the trick. The Browns yield an average of 244 pass yards and 170 rush yards per game. If Cutler and the offense can take care of the ball this Sunday in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>, they will get the job done. Jay limits his picks to one, and tosses a pair of TD’s for the victory at home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">David Garrard: </b>Awaiting <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Jacksonville</st1:place></st1:city> after a Week 7 bye is the Tennessee Titans. The Jags certainly didn’t need an extra week of rest for this one, as the winless, hard-to-believe 13-3 club of a year ago; trot out Vince Young as the team’s new starting QB. Garrard and the Jaguars have been mediocre at this season ay 3-3, but against a team that is already playing for next year, should have no problems cruising to victory. Garrard tore up the Rams in Week 6, and should up comparable numbers this week in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tennessee</st1:place></st1:state>. Expect a 300 plus, 3 TD performance in Week 8 from the Jag’s signal caller, against the worst pass defense in the entire NFL.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">RB’s <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Matt Forte: </b>I am going to assume that Forte is over his brief fumbling episodes, and ready to return to form at home against the Browns. Matt has been a shell of himself thus far, with the exception of a strong performance against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Detroit</st1:place></st1:city> in Week 4. The good news for Forte owners this week is the arrival of a similarly weak opponent in the Cleveland Browns. Count on the Bears feature RB for over 100 yards rushing, a few catches out of the backfield, and a score. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Ray Rice: </b>At 6-0, the Broncos are rolling. Coming off a bye week following an impressive showing in <st1:city st="on">San Diego</st1:city> two Monday nights ago, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:city> would appear to be ready to continue its unexpected perfection. Unfortunately, a visit to <st1:city st="on">Baltimore</st1:city> and the first formidable defense on <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:city>’s schedule, presents a difficult matchup. The sophomore stud Ray Rice has been nothing short of spectacular, and will again shine. The Broncos will be the next unblemished team to go down, as Rice has another strong day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">WR’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Austin Collie: </b>Having emerged as the number two option for Peyton Manning, Collie has been creeping up on opponents. Now a viable fantasy starter, Austin may have the opportunity to serve as Manning’s primary target in Week 8. Reggie Wayne has been hampered by a groin pull, and is questionable for Sunday’s game. Through the first 7 Colts games, Collie has scored 4 TD’s and has a golden opportunity to improve on that total, at home, against a weak Niners pass defense. Pencil Collie in for at least 60-80 yards and a TD with an active <st1:city st="on">Wayne</st1:city>, and another 40-60 yards and another score if <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Wayne</st1:city></st1:place> sits this one out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Steve Smith (Car): </b>This is not Steve Smith that is presently number one in fantasy receiving points this season. That honor belongs to the Steve Smith that plays for the New York Giants. The Panthers’ Steve Smith has not resembled himself so far this season, but neither has the entire team. Jake Delhomme has received a vote of confidence from the Panthers brass, and looks to get HIS Steve Smith more involved, as <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Carolina</st1:place></st1:city> travels to the desert to face the Cardinals, who come off an impressive road win over the other Steve Smith’s Giants. The Panthers explosive running tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart should help open up the passing lanes for the Panthers receivers against a mediocre <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Arizona</st1:place></st1:state> defense. The PANTHERS Steve Smith finally goes off, getting his first TD of the season, and adding a second.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">TE’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Visanthe Shiancoe: </b>Even fantasy fanatics are looking at this game with a different type of appreciation than the others on the schedule in Week 8. Brett Favre makes his return to Lambeau field, just a couple of weeks removed from the Vikings triumph over <st1:city st="on">Green Bay</st1:city> in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minneapolis</st1:place></st1:city>. The 6-1 Vikes come into this spectacle a little banged up from their defeat in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Pittsburgh</st1:place></st1:city> last week. Shiancoe has been steady thus far, but will likely be relied upon a bit more this week, as Minnesota WR’s such as Bernard Berrian, and Percy Harvin are hurting. Although the Packers will get revenge against Favre and the Vikings this week, Shiancoe will post a strong fantasy line of 6 catches, 80 yards, and a TD.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Donald Lee: </b>With Jermichael Finley likely sidelined for the return of Brett Favre to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Green Bay</st1:place></st1:city>, the pass-happy Packers will turn to Donald Lee as their primary TE. <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:state> continues to be difficult to run on, so Aaron Rodgers will be airing it out all day against a Viking secondary that will be without Antoine Winfield for a few weeks. Lee should enjoy a productive afternoon, close to what Finley owners are used to.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><u>Sit em<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></u></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">QB’s:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Kyle Orton: </b>Very few people predicted that Orton and the new-look Broncos offense would perform the way that they have through Week 7. Kyle has been as consistent as a fantasy QB can be. It’s just a matter of time before Orton and the Broncos turn in a stinker. This week’s game against the still-intimidating Ravens defense could be the week that <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Denver</st1:place></st1:city> comes down to Earth. Against most other teams in the NFL, Orton is a strong start each week. In Week 8 however, the odds will be stacked against Kyle, as the rested Ravens get the Broncos at home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Matt Hasselbeck: </b>Matt will not have the luxury of facing either the Rams or Jaguars pass defense this week, as those are the only two teams he has been able to thrive against. Although Hasselbeck and the Seahawks are coming off a bye week, they head to Big D, still struggling to find consistency in their offense. With Walter Jones out for the remainder of the season, the offensive line is going to continue to struggle, making it very difficult for Hasselbeck to find any rhythm. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">RB’s:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Frank Gore: </b>Back from an early season ankle injury, Gore looks to recapture his former fantasy prowess against an undefeated Colts team. Unable to get it going against the Texans last week, it will be a tall order to expect Frank to find his stride in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Indianapolis</st1:place></st1:city> on Sunday. Gore may be a week or two away from regaining his typical fantasy stud value. The good new for Gore owners is a Week 9 meeting with <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Tennessee</st1:place></st1:state>. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Julius Jones: </b>After a strong start to the season, Jones has been practically invisible. It’s really not his fault, as the Seahawks offense has been racked with injuries. Against an NFL doormat such as <st1:city st="on">St. Louis</st1:city>, Jones could still be a viable starter, but in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dallas</st1:place></st1:city>, it’s tough to recommend Jones or any other Seahawk player this week. With <st1:city st="on">Detroit</st1:city> visiting <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:city> in Week 9, a Julius Jones sighting may actually occur.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">WR’s:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Patrick Crayton: </b>This guy did score on a 73 yard punt return last week against <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city>, but with just two catches in that game, and the recent emergence of Miles Austin, Crayton is looking more and more like a risky start. If you subtract Patrick’s Week 1 performance, he has not caught just one other TD pass, and hasn’t hauled in more than 4 passes in any single game since. There are simply too many other targets for Romo to consider at this point. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">T.J. Houshmandzadeh: </b>I realize that I have recommended benching almost the entire Seahawks offense this week. I’d be remiss if I didn’t include T.J., who has got to be very disappointed with his new team thus far. It could get worse in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Seattle</st1:place></st1:city> for Housh before it gets better. Hold off on TJ until next week against the Lions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">TE’s<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Brent Celek: </b>It’s unclear how many folks from <st1:state st="on">New York</st1:state> or <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Philadelphia</st1:place></st1:city> will be interested in this game, as the Yankees and Phillies will be the main attraction in the Northeast this Sunday. Nevertheless, the Giants host the Eagles, who are hoping to have a gimpy (shocker) Brian Westbrook available for the game. The Giants have dropped two straight, and look to take out their frustrations on rival Philly. Celek has turned in a couple of strong weeks, but he’ll struggle in Week 8 against a hungry Giants D that is 2<sup>nd</sup> against the pass this year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Tony Scheffler: </b>The Bronco TE had a monster effort in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">San Diego</st1:place></st1:city> prior to the Week 7 bye. That said, it was his only productive outing all year. It’s highly unlikely that Scheffler will deliver his 2<sup>nd</sup> productive week against a brutal Ravens secondary in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Baltimore</st1:place></st1:city>. Look elsewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></p>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8744738820449911190.post-13608640506927920542009-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:002009-10-29T10:02:10.715-07:00Going Once!, Going Twice!...<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black">For those of you that have not taken the plunge into the auction style of fantasy drafting, here's a taste of my recent experience.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial;color:black"> </span></span></p><div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial; color:black"> </span></span></div> <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:8.5pt;font-family:Arial; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black;mso-ansi-language:EN-US; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">On the eve of the NBA's opening night, I ponied up to my aging Sony Vaio desktop, and logged into the "Double Dribble" auction room, hosted by CBS Sportsline. Once upon a time, this type of event was held in a small living room, somewhere in the outer boroughs of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">New York City</st1:place></st1:city>. In 2009, due in large part to my relocation to the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> area, we've taken the auction online.....for better or worse.</span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I think we'd all agree that whether it's a draft or an auction, it's an exciting evening. We prepared for this moment for weeks, and in my case, watch the auction room count-down clock wind down to zero. </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">If it was only that simple. First of all, some guy that calls himself "Patches" is AWOL. No worries. We'll wait for him to login, while we amuse our selves on the chat board with mock auction bids.......LeBron.....one.....five.......eighty-five.....yours!</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">It's 8:00PM an no "Patches". We'll give him until 8:30PM says "Monte", the auction facilitator. More chat board banter ensues.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The bottom of the hour arrives, with "Patches" nowhere to be found. This ten team league has just shrunk to nine.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">After another HOUR of arguing over roster adjustments to accommodate the smaller league, coupled with the usual technical glitches courtesy of CBS Sportsline, we are finally ready to roll.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Since the majority of league owners are simultaneously tuned into the Yankees - Angels ALCS game, and a couple of beers into the evening, the two hour delay doesn't seem to affect morale.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">If you are unfamiliar with fantasy auctions, here's the skinny.....$260 or "units" used to purchase a roster of sixteen players, consisting of twelve active players and four reserves. In our league we do not have any position minimums or maximums, rather any combination of players that will effectively contribute to the standard ten fantasy basketball scoring categories. (We use free throws made as opposed to the more common free throw percentage)</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">The beauty of the auction is the rapid -fire nature of the player selection process. Each team owner has a recurring turn of nominating a player of his choice, at a dollar amount of his choice. At the beginning of an auction an owner will typically nominate a player that he does not covet, in the hope that the other owners with hefty bankrolls will haphazardly bid on guys like </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Kobe Bryant </span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">and </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">LeBron James</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">. </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Our auction featured the aforementioned studs, along with such other standouts as </span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial">Chris Paul </span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">and </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Dwight Howard </span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">going early and for big bucks. </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">There are varying strategies when it comes to how much to spend on each player. At an average of just over sixteen dollars per player, it is critical to spend wisely. If you are prepared enough, you may be able to do what my brother Darren did last year, and spend heavily on a few elite players early, while waiting to scrape up low-dollar, high-value guys that fall through the cracks.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Last season, Darren was able build a winner using blocks named LeBron James, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul. Whether or not that strategy works this year for a guy named Brian, remains to be seen. The 2009 version of the top-heavy squad features Kobe Bryant,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Carmelo Anthony,</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><span class="apple-style-span">and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">LeBron James. </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">If you are going to consider this "Stud and Dud" route, understand that you will be spending a hug percentage of your auction dollars on small percentage of your roster.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">In the case of Brian’s auction this year, a total of $183 was spent on just three players. Spending over 70% of your budget on just three players is a risky play. Fortunately for Brian, he has been a fantasy basketball owner for many years, and improved his overall chances of cashing in this year, by grabbing players such as</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Luol Deng</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Chris Kaman</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Tayshaun Prince</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">for a buck apiece. </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Other value players that fell by the wayside due to early auction overspending include</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Richard Jefferson</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">at $6,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Ray Allen</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">at $6,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Jason Terry</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">at $3,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Josh Howard</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">at $1, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Marcus Camby</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">at $1. </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">On the other side of the spectrum, a few "must-have" guys were picked up at a premium. These include</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial">Deron Williams</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">at $65,</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Amar'e Stoudemire</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">at $55, and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Devin Harris</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">at $42. </span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Yours truly splurged on</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Danny Granger</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">at $68, rolled the dice on</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Gilbert Arenas</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">at $39, spent big on</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b></span><strong><span style="font-family: Arial">Troy Murphy</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"> at $31, and "stole"</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="font-family:Arial">Lou Williams</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">for $1. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><span class="apple-style-span"></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 8.5pt;font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Despite a two-hour "Patches" and CBS Sportsline-induced delay, we completed our auction shortly after Midnight.</span></span><span style="font-size:8.5pt; font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:black; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">A few bumps in the road did not prevent "Double Dribble" from embarking on a new season. We all had a blast, especially the Yankee faithful who watched the Bombers re-capture the pennant against the outmanned Halos.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">At the time of this article, just two days into the 2009-10 NBA campaign, Brian's LeBron-led corps is in first place, followed by your FantasyPros911 author Adam's Pacer-heavy crew.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Of course I had a "doubtful for opener"“Danny Granger benched in a two-game week, thereby preventing me from claiming a ridiculously early-season lead....but such is life in "Fantasyland".</span><br /><br /> <br /></span> <br /></span></div>Adam Beckerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11741850937937811426noreply@blogger.com0