This doesn't happen often, but I am about to actually and honestly say positive things about this city's football team. Unless you live under a rock, you know the team lost to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game yesterday. Judging by the first drive of the game, it looked like Green Bay would hang 35-40 points on the Monsters of the Midway. Aaron Rodgers surgically picked apart every aspect of the Bears defense and practically walked downfield to take a 7-0 lead. The Bears looked lethargic and unprepared for what was called the biggest game in Chicago Bears history. I guess their Super Bowl visits are meaningless.
Jay Cutler came in and failed to produce much of anything. The offensive line wasn't clicking like it had been the second half of the season and receivers weren't getting the ball. Jay Cutler was trying to produce in my honest opinion. Nevermind he was playing against one of the toughest and fastest defenses in the NFL. Dom Capers is also a very legitimate defensive coordinator. Maybe fingers should be pointed at the three-headed ex-head coach gorup of Martz, Tice, and Marinelli for their abyssmal gameplan. Then before the end of the half, word got out Jay Cutler suffered a knee injury. He was able to walk off the field without assistance but was unable to return. Cutler finished the half 6-14 for 80 yards. By no means is this a productive day. Todd Collins was warming up after it was told to him Cutler couldn't go. Collins lasted a series and Caleb Hanie came in. Hanie has thrown a total of fourteen career passes. The NFC Championship was now on this guy's shoulders. He nearly came back from being down by two scores until throwing a game-ending pick deep in Packers territory.
Let the media onslaught begin. Jay Cutler isn't the greatest quarterback in the game. He does have some poor decision making skills at times. Who doesn't? He is better than Kyle Orton, Rex Grossman, and any quarterback the Bears have had over the last 25 years. He also may be the toughest quarterback in the game. For someone to get hit as much as he has and does and bounce right back up with not much more than a bloody elbow is absolutely incredible. He was sacked nineteen times in the PRESEASON and 90+ times over the last two seasons. Most first string guys play no more than a quarter for three quarters of the preseason. A concussion sidelined him for a week and that was after getting sacked nine times in one half by the Giants. Other than that, he has been under center every single snap this season.
Yesterday's diagnosis was a sprained MCL. I'm not a doctor, but I did my research and came to find out a sprained MCL is a degree of a tear. Now, had Cutler played and actually torn it, he would be out for the Super Bowl had the Bears won. He would also require surgery and rehab for all of the offseason and become a statue in the pocket, aka Todd Collins. Do you Bears "fans" want your franchise quarterback to continue absorbing more hits like he has the last two seasons? Didn't think so. Maybe you should consider a serious upgrade on the offensive line. Jay Cutler needed to sit and should absolutely not have to explain himself to the media, Maurice Jones-Drew, or Darnell Dockett. Brian Urlacher said it best when he proclaimed the aforementioned NFLers jealous.
For Cutler to work with a different offensive coordinator every single year of his pro career and succeed at the level he succeeds deserves commending. This Bears team was pegged to go 6-10, 7-9, or 8-8 at best by 85-90% of the media. They ended up going 11-5 and coming within a game of going to the Super Bowl. Cutler also cut his interceptions in half. He doesn't have a true number one receiver like he did in Brandon Marshall. His favorite target at times was running back Matt Forte. He did what he could with what he was given to work with. Maybe the finger should be pointed at his illiterate bunch of wide receivers for not properly running routes or putting in the extra time to learn the complex offense we heard so much about. Maybe the finger should be pointed at the front office for not drafting anyone worthwhile EVER or going after a proper wide receiving core. Maybe the finger shouldn't be pointed at anyone and "fans" should realize they got beat by a better team.
Jay Cutler isn't the media's best friend. He never claimed to be and it wasn't to my knowledge stated anywhere in his contract he had to be. This is a major market always looking for a scapegoat. One of this morning's "breaking" news stories was about Jay Cutler being seen dining at a restaurant with his girlfriend after the game. Boy, that's appalling. I can't believe the nerve of that guy. Who would want to eat a meal in this city? Maybe he should just hide in his girlfriend's hotel and get room service or go through the McDonald's drive-thru. Then Cutler's nutritional decisions would be in question, which is why his muscles and ligaments are strained and tearing. There's always an excuse. Give me a break. Is Cutler your best option at quarterback for the next couple years? From an objective eye, my answer is yes. Bears fans-make up your mind and while you do, keep burning your Cutler jerseys. Maybe he will take his talents to South Beach and "CalebHania" can take the city by storm.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Cavs Continue to Struggle
Recently interviewed Bob Finnan, Cleveland Cavs beat writer for The News-Herald. Here's what he had to say about the current state of the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers.
1. With the loss of Lebron, who has stepped up and taken on more of a leadership role?
-- Well, that's one of their problems. No one. Antawn Jamison a bit, but this team is so young, it needs leadership.
2. Obviously a 14 game losing streak isn't good for any team's morale. How has this team been holding up?
-- Well, it's beyond embarrassing. they are not a good team, but not bad enough to lose 16 in a row and 26 of the last 27.
3. Give me a comparison of how the team has responded to Byron Scott as opposed to Mike Brown.
-- I don't think they're really listening to byron. he came in talking about defense, but they make the same mistakes over and over again. people should appreciate what mike brown did instead of just say, 'it was because of lebron.'
4. Can we expect a rebuilding phase for the next few years out of Cleveland or does general manager Chris Grant and company have something up their sleeve that will bring the Cavs back to the postseason sooner than we think?
-- They are rebuilding, even though they refuse to say that word. this process usually takes several years and more than one draft. this isn't a quick fix type of rebuild.
5. How have the fans been minus Lebron and amidst this losing streak?
-- They're starting to stay away, even though the cavs have announced a sell out in every game. next year is the key when there will be nights of 14,000.
6. What can the Bulls expect to see when the team comes to the United Center tomorrow?
-- Well, you already saw it! for some reason, they play the bulls tough. there are certain teams you match up well against, and I guess it's the Bulls for the Cavs.
7. If you would like to promote or plug anything and give the readers info where they can follow you, feel free to do so here.
-- Twitter: bobcavsinsider; website: http://www.news-herald.com/.
1. With the loss of Lebron, who has stepped up and taken on more of a leadership role?
-- Well, that's one of their problems. No one. Antawn Jamison a bit, but this team is so young, it needs leadership.
2. Obviously a 14 game losing streak isn't good for any team's morale. How has this team been holding up?
-- Well, it's beyond embarrassing. they are not a good team, but not bad enough to lose 16 in a row and 26 of the last 27.
3. Give me a comparison of how the team has responded to Byron Scott as opposed to Mike Brown.
-- I don't think they're really listening to byron. he came in talking about defense, but they make the same mistakes over and over again. people should appreciate what mike brown did instead of just say, 'it was because of lebron.'
4. Can we expect a rebuilding phase for the next few years out of Cleveland or does general manager Chris Grant and company have something up their sleeve that will bring the Cavs back to the postseason sooner than we think?
-- They are rebuilding, even though they refuse to say that word. this process usually takes several years and more than one draft. this isn't a quick fix type of rebuild.
5. How have the fans been minus Lebron and amidst this losing streak?
-- They're starting to stay away, even though the cavs have announced a sell out in every game. next year is the key when there will be nights of 14,000.
6. What can the Bulls expect to see when the team comes to the United Center tomorrow?
-- Well, you already saw it! for some reason, they play the bulls tough. there are certain teams you match up well against, and I guess it's the Bulls for the Cavs.
7. If you would like to promote or plug anything and give the readers info where they can follow you, feel free to do so here.
-- Twitter: bobcavsinsider; website: http://www.news-herald.com/.
Friday, January 14, 2011
"All-Star" Games
I guess the word game is appropriate for these events. These games just highlight the corporatization of the sports industry. Leaving these games in the hands of the fans is just a joke to me. You might as well just save some paper and put two boxes for every position in each conference in every league. Ones that will read Kobe, Lebron, Dwyane Wade, A-Rod, Derek Jeter, etc. and "Check here for anyone else." I find it hard to believe that "fans" of basketball think Yao Ming deserves to be in the top five in All-Star voting for centers from the West. He has played in five games this year and will again miss the rest of the season. In fact, he has missed over 200 hundred games in the last four seasons. Maybe Allen Iverson could get looked at to start like he did last season. He is playing basketball...in Turkey. Alex Rodriguez also took first place in voting and missed the entire first five weeks of the baseball season.
Major League Baseball added the home field advantage incentive to their "Midseason Classic." How will that help teams like the Orioles, Nationals, or Pirates? Those three teams are generally out of it by then. The Pro Bowl has been moved to the week before the Super Bowl thus eliminating any chance of seeing players from one of the two Super Bowl teams. Any intelligent coach would sit them before the biggest game of their career. The NBA no longer has Jordan vs. Wilkins in the dunk contest. This year's slobberknocker of a dunk contest is featuring appearances by Brandon Jennings, Serge Ibaka, and Javale McGee. Who? Of course most real fans will know these names, but do you think anybody is going out to the local bar or having a viewing party to watch these third-tier (if that) "dunk machines?" I think not.
Would coaches pick some of these players to start and play? Absolutely. Any casual fan of the game would. But you're never going to see the Kevin Loves, Alex Rios', or Marlon Byrds of the world get voted in by the fans. The three aforementioned players can and have put up better numbers than some voted in. Kevin Love is putting up a double double nearly every night. Alex Rios and Marlon Byrd are five-tool players who can hit anywhere in a lineup and be just as productive hitting first or ninth. You can't say that about many players these days. In a perfect world, players that serve critical and actual roles on teams would be voted in and not just the names and faces of the game. To me, coming up with clutch hits or catches or making clutch shots while setting an example for your team as a leader constitutes an All-Star. I'm looking for the guy taking charges, sprawling out for a ball, icewater in the veins, knowing when to pass and when to shoot type player. It's all about the almighty dollar to the big four sports unfortunately. Whatever happened to quality not quantity? I guess one perfect dollar sign is not as good as multi-million slightly askew dollar signs. What do I know though? I'm just another fan.
-Joe Tichy
Major League Baseball added the home field advantage incentive to their "Midseason Classic." How will that help teams like the Orioles, Nationals, or Pirates? Those three teams are generally out of it by then. The Pro Bowl has been moved to the week before the Super Bowl thus eliminating any chance of seeing players from one of the two Super Bowl teams. Any intelligent coach would sit them before the biggest game of their career. The NBA no longer has Jordan vs. Wilkins in the dunk contest. This year's slobberknocker of a dunk contest is featuring appearances by Brandon Jennings, Serge Ibaka, and Javale McGee. Who? Of course most real fans will know these names, but do you think anybody is going out to the local bar or having a viewing party to watch these third-tier (if that) "dunk machines?" I think not.
Would coaches pick some of these players to start and play? Absolutely. Any casual fan of the game would. But you're never going to see the Kevin Loves, Alex Rios', or Marlon Byrds of the world get voted in by the fans. The three aforementioned players can and have put up better numbers than some voted in. Kevin Love is putting up a double double nearly every night. Alex Rios and Marlon Byrd are five-tool players who can hit anywhere in a lineup and be just as productive hitting first or ninth. You can't say that about many players these days. In a perfect world, players that serve critical and actual roles on teams would be voted in and not just the names and faces of the game. To me, coming up with clutch hits or catches or making clutch shots while setting an example for your team as a leader constitutes an All-Star. I'm looking for the guy taking charges, sprawling out for a ball, icewater in the veins, knowing when to pass and when to shoot type player. It's all about the almighty dollar to the big four sports unfortunately. Whatever happened to quality not quantity? I guess one perfect dollar sign is not as good as multi-million slightly askew dollar signs. What do I know though? I'm just another fan.
-Joe Tichy
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Sports Fix: Swimming Upstream?
The Sports Fix: Swimming Upstream?: "Billionaire owner of the Miami Dolphins Stephen Ross has certainly stirred up quite the controversy in South Beach. Although the ..."
Swimming Upstream?
Billionaire owner of the Miami Dolphins Stephen Ross has certainly stirred up quite the controversy in South Beach. Although the drama hasn't stirred up the talk of "The Decision," the Dolphins have not seen this much publicity since the Nick Saban saga unfolded.
Chalk up another disappointing season for the Miami Dolphins. Two years removed from going 11-5 and winning the AFC East, the Fish have had back to back 7-9 seasons. In those nine losses this season, seven were at home. Chad Henne has all but been labeled a bust. Ronnie Brown had a down year and Ricky Williams isn't getting any younger. Newly acquired Brandon Marshall missed has also openly criticized Henne and freshly ousted offensive coordinator Dan Henning. Their once feared Wildcat offense has taken a turn for the worst as teams have not only started running their own variations of it; they have it figured out.
After a thumping by the New England Patriots, the Dolphins closed the door on the 2010 campaign, or lack thereof. With the future of Sparano uncertain, several players openly backed their head coach and his return. His fire on the sidelines and role as a motivator is praised in Miami and is clear in interviews and on television. But two down seasons have his role as a winner in question. Black Monday came and went in the NFL and Sparano was still employed. All was well in Miami. Hold the phones. A revered college coach by the name of Jim Harbaugh was being linked to the University of Michigan, San Francisco 49ers, the Denver Broncos, and....the Miami Dolphins. Let the confusion begin. Why would Stephen Ross fly from Miami to California to meet with Harbaugh if they already have a coach? A coach who already had been notified the organization would like him to return. A coach who has been praised by a loudmouth like Brandon Marshall. Ross was willing to make Harbaugh a very wealthy man. So wealthy that he would be the NFL's highest paid something, because Miami already has a head coach.
Fast forward to this afternoon. NFL analysts and experts say Miami is out and Harbaugh will have a decision today. His decision is to coach the San Francisco 49ers. Ross counters that by confirming a meeting with a recently unemployed head coach in Eric Mangini. But Sparano has been retained(?). The answer isn't in a head coach at this point for the Miami Dolphins. If possible, they need to retain Brown and Williams (and Sparano since Ross and the general public may have another meaning of the word). With Donovan McNabb, Vince Young, and Kyle Orton out there, Ross needs to find a way to acquire one of these big name quarterbacks. Brandon Marshall should have little to complain about. The acquisition of Young may present a better or at least more viable option for a Wildcat package. Marshall knows Orton. McNabb still has a couple good years left in him and would have the protection and offensive weapons to succeed. Now it's just a matter of a head coach. How motivated will Sparano be to coach this team? What will the offseason do to his confidence? Will his team rally around him to show the suits he has the tools to be a winner?
With Stephen Ross' love and admiration for celebrities, he could always turn to his ownership committee and ask one simple question. What Would J.Lo Do?
-Joe Tichy
Chalk up another disappointing season for the Miami Dolphins. Two years removed from going 11-5 and winning the AFC East, the Fish have had back to back 7-9 seasons. In those nine losses this season, seven were at home. Chad Henne has all but been labeled a bust. Ronnie Brown had a down year and Ricky Williams isn't getting any younger. Newly acquired Brandon Marshall missed has also openly criticized Henne and freshly ousted offensive coordinator Dan Henning. Their once feared Wildcat offense has taken a turn for the worst as teams have not only started running their own variations of it; they have it figured out.
After a thumping by the New England Patriots, the Dolphins closed the door on the 2010 campaign, or lack thereof. With the future of Sparano uncertain, several players openly backed their head coach and his return. His fire on the sidelines and role as a motivator is praised in Miami and is clear in interviews and on television. But two down seasons have his role as a winner in question. Black Monday came and went in the NFL and Sparano was still employed. All was well in Miami. Hold the phones. A revered college coach by the name of Jim Harbaugh was being linked to the University of Michigan, San Francisco 49ers, the Denver Broncos, and....the Miami Dolphins. Let the confusion begin. Why would Stephen Ross fly from Miami to California to meet with Harbaugh if they already have a coach? A coach who already had been notified the organization would like him to return. A coach who has been praised by a loudmouth like Brandon Marshall. Ross was willing to make Harbaugh a very wealthy man. So wealthy that he would be the NFL's highest paid something, because Miami already has a head coach.
Fast forward to this afternoon. NFL analysts and experts say Miami is out and Harbaugh will have a decision today. His decision is to coach the San Francisco 49ers. Ross counters that by confirming a meeting with a recently unemployed head coach in Eric Mangini. But Sparano has been retained(?). The answer isn't in a head coach at this point for the Miami Dolphins. If possible, they need to retain Brown and Williams (and Sparano since Ross and the general public may have another meaning of the word). With Donovan McNabb, Vince Young, and Kyle Orton out there, Ross needs to find a way to acquire one of these big name quarterbacks. Brandon Marshall should have little to complain about. The acquisition of Young may present a better or at least more viable option for a Wildcat package. Marshall knows Orton. McNabb still has a couple good years left in him and would have the protection and offensive weapons to succeed. Now it's just a matter of a head coach. How motivated will Sparano be to coach this team? What will the offseason do to his confidence? Will his team rally around him to show the suits he has the tools to be a winner?
With Stephen Ross' love and admiration for celebrities, he could always turn to his ownership committee and ask one simple question. What Would J.Lo Do?
-Joe Tichy
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
The Rise and Fall of Stanford Football?
Last night at whatever they call the stadium (Sun Life Stadium but it'll always be Joe Robbie to me) in Miami, wait Fort Lauderdale, check that Miami Gardens, Florida Stanford football made a statement. Perhaps it was too laud of a statement because every NFL owner and the Michigan Wolverines were left drooling over the outcome. Jim Harbaugh and Andrew Luck helped destruct the ACC champion Virginia Tech Hokies 40-12 outscoring VT 27-0 after the first half. It seems like a foregone conclusion that Harbaugh and Luck will not be on the Farm next season but in Charlotte, San Francisco, Denver and whoever else ponies up. But where does that leave Stanford football?
The little school who produces so many future world leaders and national champions etc. has become a force in the short time Harbaugh was hired from San Diego. Jim Plunkett, Bill Walsh and Tyrone Willingham are men who led the Cardinal to past success but last night was the school's first BCS win. If the school can't keep their head man at $3 million next year here's hoping they consider giving that to someone else who'll try to keep the school. Late last night in South Florida Harbaugh proclaimed his team champions. Hopefully he stays out west but reality dictates that won't be the case. Whoever is next hopefully has the same spirit and passion or maybe Jim decides the Revenge of the Nerds isn't done yet.
-Mike Vamosi
The little school who produces so many future world leaders and national champions etc. has become a force in the short time Harbaugh was hired from San Diego. Jim Plunkett, Bill Walsh and Tyrone Willingham are men who led the Cardinal to past success but last night was the school's first BCS win. If the school can't keep their head man at $3 million next year here's hoping they consider giving that to someone else who'll try to keep the school. Late last night in South Florida Harbaugh proclaimed his team champions. Hopefully he stays out west but reality dictates that won't be the case. Whoever is next hopefully has the same spirit and passion or maybe Jim decides the Revenge of the Nerds isn't done yet.
-Mike Vamosi
The Big Ten's No Good, Horrible, Very Bad Day
Maybe it was a good thing commish Jim Delany had a hat to hit from the criticism at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif on New Year's Day. Delany's conference went 0-for-2011 on the first day of the new year after starting the bowl season 2-0 (Nebraska loss doesn't count until July 1 friends) with Iowa and Illinois starting things off. The conference wasn't a legendary or leading yesterday with the State of Michigan getting blown out in two games, Northwestern lost another close bowl game, Penn State was "throwing" Urban Meyer a going away party and Wisconsin couldn't bully the Horned Frogs of TCU. It was the first time since 2002 the conference went o'fer on NYD but this one had to hurt for the conference after spending a month saying how they deserved a third BCS bid and had several good teams this season. One day won't change how people within the great plains and lakes feel about their teams. Here are my recaps of the five teams who played yesterday.
Northwestern (Ticket City Bowl vs Texas Tech): The Wildcats fell way behind early to the tune of 31-9 before making it a seven point game at 38-31 before the final outcome of 45-38 at the historic Cotton Bowl stadium. Northwestern, from what I gather, needs to find a "fat" back a.k.a someone who can get short yards on third and fourth down. Congressman Pat Fitzgerald needs to be praised for his team not giving up and they'll eventually win that first bowl game since the 1949 Rose Bowl. Yesterday they just got behind by too much and fell short.
Michigan State (Capital One Bowl vs Alabama): I'm sorry but the Spartans are who I thought they were. I felt they had the easiest conference schedule and biffed it hard in their one loss at Iowa. I'll admit I only watched five minutes of this game but I didn't think they would catch the speed and strength of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Hats off to Sparty on a good season but things moving forward are about to get much harder.
Penn State (Outback Bowl vs Florida): The Nittany Lions played well enough to win however they throw INTs that led to Gator scores in addition to a blocked punt that put points on the scoreboard. JoePa's young team played well down the stretch plus reached a NYD bowl. They figure to be tough in 2011.
Michigan (Progressive Gator Bowl vs Mississippi State): The Michigan Wolverines got blown out by the number five team in the SEC who had thrown 50+ points on the scoreboard against nobodies during the season. IF and its a big if RichRod is allowed to continue he must fire his entire defensive staff because Greg Robinson's unit (which I know being a life long Chiefs fan) couldn't stop the common cold the past two seasons. The talent seems to be in place on offense but I can't help but draw a Nebraska comparison to Denard Robinson with Taylor Martinez (yes I'm a born and bred Nebraska fan) with both QBs running around calling their own number when things break down. It may be flashy and good but it makes the offense predictable for the opposition.
Wisconsin (Rose Bowl presented by Vizio vs TCU): TCU gets credit for stopping the Badgers enough times to get the win especially on the two point conversion with two minutes left in the game. Bret Bielema's team went with a fake punt early but also used lousy clock management, burnt timeouts and dropped several passes. Wisconsin played the role of Big Ten bullies during the 2010 season and most had thought they would do the same against the Mountain West's (for now) Horned Frogs. It seemed like UW wasted an opportunity and fans will probably cling to a missed 39 yard FG attempt early in the second quarter, but the Badgers were a tad short on this day.
Big Ten fans now turn their attention to New Orleans and the All State Sugar Bowl on Tuesday night pitting THE Ohio State against Arkansas. A loss will make for a long offseason being 2-6 having lost the last six contests.
-Mike Vamosi
Northwestern (Ticket City Bowl vs Texas Tech): The Wildcats fell way behind early to the tune of 31-9 before making it a seven point game at 38-31 before the final outcome of 45-38 at the historic Cotton Bowl stadium. Northwestern, from what I gather, needs to find a "fat" back a.k.a someone who can get short yards on third and fourth down. Congressman Pat Fitzgerald needs to be praised for his team not giving up and they'll eventually win that first bowl game since the 1949 Rose Bowl. Yesterday they just got behind by too much and fell short.
Michigan State (Capital One Bowl vs Alabama): I'm sorry but the Spartans are who I thought they were. I felt they had the easiest conference schedule and biffed it hard in their one loss at Iowa. I'll admit I only watched five minutes of this game but I didn't think they would catch the speed and strength of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Hats off to Sparty on a good season but things moving forward are about to get much harder.
Penn State (Outback Bowl vs Florida): The Nittany Lions played well enough to win however they throw INTs that led to Gator scores in addition to a blocked punt that put points on the scoreboard. JoePa's young team played well down the stretch plus reached a NYD bowl. They figure to be tough in 2011.
Michigan (Progressive Gator Bowl vs Mississippi State): The Michigan Wolverines got blown out by the number five team in the SEC who had thrown 50+ points on the scoreboard against nobodies during the season. IF and its a big if RichRod is allowed to continue he must fire his entire defensive staff because Greg Robinson's unit (which I know being a life long Chiefs fan) couldn't stop the common cold the past two seasons. The talent seems to be in place on offense but I can't help but draw a Nebraska comparison to Denard Robinson with Taylor Martinez (yes I'm a born and bred Nebraska fan) with both QBs running around calling their own number when things break down. It may be flashy and good but it makes the offense predictable for the opposition.
Wisconsin (Rose Bowl presented by Vizio vs TCU): TCU gets credit for stopping the Badgers enough times to get the win especially on the two point conversion with two minutes left in the game. Bret Bielema's team went with a fake punt early but also used lousy clock management, burnt timeouts and dropped several passes. Wisconsin played the role of Big Ten bullies during the 2010 season and most had thought they would do the same against the Mountain West's (for now) Horned Frogs. It seemed like UW wasted an opportunity and fans will probably cling to a missed 39 yard FG attempt early in the second quarter, but the Badgers were a tad short on this day.
Big Ten fans now turn their attention to New Orleans and the All State Sugar Bowl on Tuesday night pitting THE Ohio State against Arkansas. A loss will make for a long offseason being 2-6 having lost the last six contests.
-Mike Vamosi
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