tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10510020506822775522024-03-04T21:50:56.294-08:00JL's Locker Room"Serious Sports talk for the Serious Sports Fan!"Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-47236986458385249582013-07-30T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-12T21:48:16.892-07:00Can the USC Trojans football team return to respectability in 2013?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uJnCTOCDrUjud6tz7QKRGYU_CJIN80Zg5kjrzcagd6MP6YzDzPPeulF7hwXfqoRQ14YiqVLj210HLu9RLCwOEkwztCg265CosDkx3kwpp5oA_tpQcQNBSWXnPRnfgP_OGvK0xFFE_AQ/s1600/Lane+Kiffin+and+Max+Wittek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uJnCTOCDrUjud6tz7QKRGYU_CJIN80Zg5kjrzcagd6MP6YzDzPPeulF7hwXfqoRQ14YiqVLj210HLu9RLCwOEkwztCg265CosDkx3kwpp5oA_tpQcQNBSWXnPRnfgP_OGvK0xFFE_AQ/s320/Lane+Kiffin+and+Max+Wittek.jpg" /></a></div>
At this time last year, after an impressive finish to the 2011 season (10-2 record), possessing Robert Woods and Marquise Lee two of the best Wide Receivers in the country Heisman Trophy aspirations for QB Matt Barkley, the USC Trojans viewed as a loaded team on the rise with enough talent to put an end to the SEC's streak of six BCS National Championships.
The Trojans started the season as the Pre-Season number one team according to the Associated Press. USC suffered some key injuries, their lack of depth exposed and a team with high expectations and a lot of promise plummeted losing five of their last six games finishing the disappointing 2012 campaign at 7-6.
USC became the second ever Pre-Season number one to finish the season unranked since the 1964 Ole Miss team and first to lose six games. Several teams played faster than the Trojans and ran far more plays, USC ranked 83rd in the nation in total number of plays ran.
USC Athletic Director Pat Haden has stated that Head Coach Lane Kiffin is not on the hot seat although several people would argue that, present company included. Kiffin is the most scrutinized coach in the country. Kiffin and USC need to have a bounce back season. The difference between good and bad teams is concentrating on the little things.
Lane Kiffin made changes on the coaching staff; Clay Helton is the Offensive Coordinator, former Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin, Lane's Dad, stepped down to avoid the awkward feeling of being fired by his son.
The elder Kiffin, now the Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator, replaced by Clancy Pendergast who was the Defensive Coordinator at the University of California for the last three years. Pendergast has seen a lot of spread offenses and his defenses have consistently disrupted the scheme and shut down the run.
These are two of the areas that seemed to befuddle Monte Kiffin. For Lane Kiffin to stay on as the Head Coach and for the USC Football program to return to respectability several things need to happen:
1) USC needs to post a 6-3 or 7-2 conference record and win eight or more games.
2) Kiffin must choose a quarterback - Max Wittek completed 36 of the 69 passes for 388 yards and three touchdowns in two starts in 2012. Wittek will get his hands on the keys first in 2013. The team has to get efficient QB play from him while developing depth behind him.
3) Take care of the ball - The Trojan passing game was one of their strengths, ranking in the top 10 or top 30 in all major categories, but committed way too many turnovers. In their six losses the Trojans lost 19 turnovers. USC ranked in the top ten nationally in interceptions and lost fumbles. Turnovers have a huge impact on games and as USC found out on a season.
4) Control the line of scrimmage - The prevailing thought by many was the USC could not defend the spread offenses. Defensively USC was able to limit the big running plays, but still struggled mightily against the run versus teams that knew how to attack their defense, allowing 7.1 yards per carry to Oregon, 5.5 to Stanford and 5.3 to Notre Dame.
5) Commit to the Running game – Wow, feels strange saying that the school formerly known as Tailback U needs to run the ball. The Trojans averaged 5.5 yards per carry, 150 yards per game, but ran for only 1,958 yards on the season which ranked 72nd in the nation. In the seven wins USC ran for 1,311 yards. The Trojans offensive line returns four of their top five players and has a total of 85 starts. The Trojans need to get back to being physical enough on both sides of the ball to handle whatever challenge before them.
6) Convert on 3rd down – The turnovers contributed mightily to the team not converting more on third down, but the real culprits were their inconsistent running game and not being able to control the line of scrimmage. The result was the USC Trojans ranking 110th in the nation at converting on third down.
The Trojans have 15 returning starters, better depth at most positions than in 2012 and a new aggressive defensive scheme. USC will have lower expectations in 2013; they avoid Oregon and host both Stanford and UCLA.
<b>Bottom Line</b>: If Lane Kiffin and company can correct their above mentioned mistakes USC could become one of the surprise teams of 2013 post a 10-3 record and receive an At-Large bid to play in the Fiesta Bowl against the number one team in the Big 12. If the above issues are not resolved; USC could post another 7-6 record and the program will be searching for another Head Coach.
Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-38116276689605861222011-10-26T11:53:00.000-07:002011-10-26T12:21:06.915-07:00Lane Kiffin –One hurdle cleared four more to overcome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dr2I9PHRcAw/TqhZto7kQmI/AAAAAAAAAcA/0scJKehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giflAcYw/s1600/USC.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsV2vAtTv2VJxyYwUkbiA1-Qd2XPQcwSBvMshyphenhyphen_O-BGIvp5AqaP72WKBcnhzYpPeXLhpf42x4Cupm53vfzzvu77JucqOP66gHQ9nIeB04bmTLQw68FYuiyaUihrTwT359nImdYCyqnBo/s400/USC.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667878771662013026" /></a><br />Lane Kiffin’s return to USC was not a well-received move in 2010. There were literally two factions of people; those that felt the Kiffin received too much too soon and was not worthy of leading the USC Football program and those that felt that it was great to bring a former Trojan back into the fold.<br /><br /><br />The above-mentioned factions quickly turned into people in two categories fans or detractors. Kiffin won eight games in year one, but lost to Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford, Washington and Notre Dame. NCAA sanctions, Injuries and youth are all factors, but the fact remains that BCS football is a results based business. Kiffin is in a win now situation.<br /><br />The Notre Dame game was a ‘move-the-needle’ game for Lane Kiffin. Imagine a meter if you will, USC fans and alumni moving the needle in said meter one-way or the other. The interesting question before the Notre Dame game was if USC fans and Alumni felt that Lane Kiffin was the right person for the job now and for the future of the program.<br /><br /><a href="http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L04jkrW05nE"></a><br /><br />Many people responded 'no' to the above-mentioned question. USC has a tough Pac 12 conference schedule to deal with every year. However, the fact remains that as a Trojan, you attend USC to beat Notre Dame and UCLA.<br /><br />Several of Kiffin’s detractors felt that Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly was the better coach in the match up. More detractors felt that Notre Dame with a more senior-laden team would beat USC because of their experience. Many will judge Lane Kiffin’s success or failure against the success of his predecessor Pete Carroll. The same guy that several of Lane Kiffin’s detractors thought was the wrong choice at thttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifhe time.<br /><br /><a href="http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_oNUTS-fNM&feature=related"></a><br /><br />USC won 30 – 17 on the road as a 9.5 point underdog in South Bend in front of national audience, a signature win for Lane Kiffin. Head Coach Lane Kiffin and staff had USC poised and ready to beat the Irish. QB Matt Barkley WR's Robert Woods and Marquise Lee were solid in the passing attack. Woods has produced an amazing 72 catches for 902 yards and 8 TD's on the season. Surprisingly, the running back tandem of Marc Tyler and Curtis McNeal produced 175 yards and balance for the offense. Kiffin was able to get WR/RB George Farmer the number one recruit in the nation innvolved to show his potential.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqsL6x0PxbA&feature=related<br /><br />In the 83rd edition and first night game of a rivalry that dates back to 1926 it was USC that turned out the lights. USC is 6-1 on the season; more importantly, Kiffin’s record is 14-6. Several big games remain on the 2011 schedule, but the fact of the matter is that Lane Kiffin is the right person for the job.<br /><br />The next challenge on the schedule for the Trojans the #6 ranked 7-0 Stanford Cardinal at the Coliseum as a 7.5-point underdog. The headline match up, Andrew Luck vs. Matt Barkley, the better team and QB will win this game. The Cardinal is one of the most dominant teams in college football. Stanford has the second best offense in the country, scoring-wise. The Cardinal uses a trio of versatile Tight Ends on offense capable of making plays in the passing game and as in-line blockers, but controls the clock and the game with their dominant running game. The Trojans have won one of their last four games against Stanford after going 5-0 from 2002-2006.<br /><br />The hits keep coming, after the nationally televised match up against Stanford; the Trojans face some huge challenges. Against the Washington Huskies at the Coliseum on November 12 (thanks to two field goals former USC offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian is 2-0 against his former team). On the road in front of 54,000 at Autzen Stadium against the Oregon Ducks on November 19 (Oregon has outscored USC 100-52 in the last two years) and closing the season against the UCLA Bruins at the Coliseum. Lane Kiffin and the young USC Trojans still have a lot to prove and continue to work at the task at hand taking it one game at a time.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-89824400141127117182011-04-12T11:25:00.000-07:002011-04-12T11:33:00.072-07:002011 NFL Mock Draft: How the Oakland Raiders Will Move the Crowd<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hg0Kb15Og39MYGJHrDjVAeCtf6SXNBHW_OnLvnI3p68JJWzarSAaeH8pWkqCD-rRWqabfvCRp-k8UdG4cc6GzxZucWSPkyMwYMyyBK13yunUVZL7AALYKf4JVktVmsY0JF6F6s6qWXo/s1600/John+Moffitt.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hg0Kb15Og39MYGJHrDjVAeCtf6SXNBHW_OnLvnI3p68JJWzarSAaeH8pWkqCD-rRWqabfvCRp-k8UdG4cc6GzxZucWSPkyMwYMyyBK13yunUVZL7AALYKf4JVktVmsY0JF6F6s6qWXo/s400/John+Moffitt.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594766721919731186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_6ufyu7HHFSXvqg1CVBSXNpChPts_d7mSb_Ngjw6YebJLtk7PBLAXlrDSrDcWp4X66jCGPnnpJzsCyj82D2IWIpe1KhTCGGlFccr9nnDEVylXtMkcfv3srW1DCPDb3yX39D29djWLRM/s1600/Marcus+Cannon.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_6ufyu7HHFSXvqg1CVBSXNpChPts_d7mSb_Ngjw6YebJLtk7PBLAXlrDSrDcWp4X66jCGPnnpJzsCyj82D2IWIpe1KhTCGGlFccr9nnDEVylXtMkcfv3srW1DCPDb3yX39D29djWLRM/s400/Marcus+Cannon.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594766581308260898" /></a><br />When NFL business begins for the 2011 season, the Oakland Raiders have holes to fill. The Raiders could lose Nnamdi Asomugha, Robert Gallery, Michael Huff, Langston Walker and Khalif Barnes to free agency. <br /><br />There is still a slight possibility that Asomugha could return upon the start of league business. The offensive line needs improvement. The Raiders are without a first round pick, but are still able to add two of the top-100 players to their roster.<br /><br />Round 2: Cornerback Ras-I-Dowling-6’1” 199 pounds<br /><br />Dowling was a team captain that has displayed great character, an experienced corner rarely caught out of position, even against double-moves mainly because of top instincts and vision. At his pro day, Dowling answered questions about his health and pure speed. Dowling is a tall, athletic, confident corner that boasts fluidity, quick feet, body control, excellent tackling ability and ball skills.<br /><br />The choice should be between QB Colin Kaepernick, CB Jimmy Smith, CB Davon House, WR Titus Young, S Rahim Moore, C Stefan Wisniewski, Guard Ben Ijalana, OT James Carpenter and TE Kyle Rudolph. Five of the nine might not fall to the 48th pick.<br /><br />My reasoning for the selection is simple, acquire a player that can provide the most immediate impact at a need position. I would have no problem with Oakland selecting QB Colin Kaepernick. However, since 2005, 47-percent of the cornerbacks on NFL two-deep rosters are first and second round selections. <br /> <br />Round 3: Guard Marcus Cannon-6’5” 358 pounds<br /><br />Cannon is massive, with broad shoulders, long arms and top-15 type talent. It could be an expensive cab ride for defenders to get around him at right tackle. Strong anchor, almost never bull-rushed, has quick feet and is nimble for his size. Cannon has elite size, strength and enough athleticism to drive defenders back and dominate in the running game. <br /><br />Cannon has great balance, and carries his weight well. The best attribute about Cannon is that he is never on the ground.<br /><br />The choice should be between NT Kendrick Ellis, OG Clint Boling, OT James Brewer, C Brandon Fusco, OLB Dontay Moch, CB Curtis Marsh, OT Orlando Franklin and WR Edmund Gates. My reasoning for selecting Cannon was his versatility (ability to play Guard or Tackle) and immediate impact on the offensive line. <br /><br />Round 4: Guard John Moffitt-6’4” 314 pounds<br /><br />Moffitt is an elite run blocker in terms of his mobility and hand placement. This former Badger started 42 out of a possible 45 games at three positions. Moffitt’s phone-booth quickness, mobility and footwork show the makings of a longtime NFL starter. <br />Moffitt has the ability to be stout at the point of attack, reach linebackers, safeties on the second level and eliminate them. The former Badger anchors well against even against the strongest nose tackles when man-up in pass protection. <br /><br />The choice should be between ILB Kelvin Sheppard, NT Kendrick Ellis, WR Jeremy Kerley, WR Vincent Brown, WR Greg Little, S DeAndre McDaniel, S Quinton Carter, CB Kendric Burney and.<br /><br />Moffitt is the choice, due to his value, versatility and immediate impact on the offensive line. Moffitt could be a Pro Bowl steal as a mid-round pick. If Moffitt were off the board, I would consider Kelvin Sheppard, but select Kendrick Ellis. <br /><br />Round 5: Free Safety Deunta Williams-6’1” 215 pounds<br /><br />Williams has good size, length and instincts for the free safety position. Suffering a broken leg in his teams bowl game this year will cause him to drop on some draft boards allowing the Raiders to acquire a steal if he checks out medically. As a former top-ranked wide receiver recruit he understands offensive concepts. Williams is a solid tackler. Williams’ benefited from a dominant pass rush early in his career. This former Tar Heel’s size and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect.<br /><br />The choice should be between FS Jerrard Tarrant, S Eric Hagg, S Tyler Sash and OLB Ross Homan. If Williams were off the board, I would select NT Kendrick Ellis.<br /><br />Round 6: Quarterback Ricki Stanzi-6’4” 221 pounds<br /><br />Stanzi is a pro-style passer with a good frame for the position. This former Hawkeye is smart with outstanding size and toughness. He stands tall in the pocket and has a compact, over-the-top delivery. Stanzi has fluid footwork in 3-, 5-, 7-step drops. <br /><br />This three-year starter in the Big 10 has adequate arm strength, but it able to put some zip on short and intermediate throws when he steps into it. The former senior from Iowa will have to do a better job of reading defenses and making better decisions before starting. Stanzi possesses the requisite leadership traits and toughness to develop into a solid NFL starter.<br /><br />The choice should be between DT Ian Williams, FB Henry Hynoski, G/RT Mike Person and QB Pat Devlin <br /><br />Round 7: Wide Receiver Lester Jean -6’3” 211 pounds<br /><br />Jean has prototypical size and speed for the position. Will go over the middle make the catch and take the hit. Jean uses his body to shield defenders on slants and in-routes. Jean tracks throws over either shoulder or over his head. Jean worked hard to improve his game and FAU’s offensive MVP earned a trip to the East-West Shrine game and the Scouting Combine. <br /><br />The choice should be between TE Andre Smith, Guard Bryant Browning, and C Ryan Bartholomew<br /><br />Round 7: Outside Linebacker Jabara Williams-6’1” 230 pounds<br /><br />Williams was the Conference Defensive Player of the year had three straight 100-tackle seasons. Williams is very fluid, athletic with good speed, acceleration and instincts. Williams is quick to diagnose plays and solid in coverage. <br /><br />The choice should be between DT David Carter, SS Shiloh Keo, C J.C. Brignone, and RB Allen Bradford. <br /><br />The list of un-drafted free agents the Raiders could acquire to fill other roster needs. WR Kris Adams, TE Andre Smith – Virginia Tech, TE Evan Frosch – TCU and TE Richard Gordon – Miami. CB Korey Lindsey – Southern Illinois, OG Bryant Browning – Ohio State, LT Willie Smith – UCF and OLB Bruce Miller – UCF. FS Tejay Johnson – TCU, FS Mark LeGree – Appalachian State and WR Ricardo Lockette – Fort Valley State. <br /><br />This mock draft addresses the major holes on the Raiders at the Cornerback, Guard, Tackle, Safety and Quarterback. The un-drafted free agents provide competition at other need positions.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-72535552234996561672011-04-09T22:07:00.000-07:002011-04-10T10:16:52.691-07:00How the Lockout will affect the 2011 NFL Draft<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrozKu3IBzbNKWG8CtAHOXI_QsXb2TdG-51_mGQu5U6vAmYVk1Y7WWb5if6Bo6RlT8NFNdh6pex34MJEmubyXG_sKY_BrZ4_D88pp1JND7dzV2u7f2peI7DEUHSv0Avatn2xgQNnKJ74/s1600/NFL+Lockout.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrozKu3IBzbNKWG8CtAHOXI_QsXb2TdG-51_mGQu5U6vAmYVk1Y7WWb5if6Bo6RlT8NFNdh6pex34MJEmubyXG_sKY_BrZ4_D88pp1JND7dzV2u7f2peI7DEUHSv0Avatn2xgQNnKJ74/s400/NFL+Lockout.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593819982094729426" /></a><br />The labor dispute has changed several things. The dispute has added the term ‘courtroom football’ to the football vernacular and added April 6, 2011 as an important date on the NFL’s off-season calendar. The labor dispute should come as no surprise and a lockout in 2011 was imminent prior to the start of the 2010 season.<br /><br />‘Brady v. NFL’ has started, all we know at this point is that U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson wants the case to remain in her court and has urged both sides to return the bargaining table.<br /><br />However, it will be weeks before we all hear Nelson’s ruling. Two things are for certain—the draft will start and finish before said ruling and that the process could easily drag on for a while.<br /><br />In the NFL there are normally three ways to improve your football team 1) veteran free agency 2) the Draft 3) signing un-drafted free agents. The lockout has effectively cut those options down to two.<br /><br />The league granted a record 56 underclassmen special eligibility for the 2011 draft, exceeding last years record-tying 53. This has added depth to a draft class that does not have a true no.1 talent. That ship sailed the moment Stanford QB Andrew Luck made the decision to remain a Cardinal.<br /><br />The lockout presents an interesting conundrum. The lockout has caused teams to view members of a weak quarterback class in a different light. Seven of the teams with a top-10 pick in the 2011 draft have a big need at quarterback.<br /><br />The question is what team is going to reach for a QB?<br /><br />There are six teams with new head coaches. A new head coach has to find his guy at the QB position. The two are, in a sense, married to each other—although the coach and general manager need to be on the same page as well. Some teams have to replace veterans with drafted players.<br /><br />When you remove the option of adding a veteran quarterback via trade before the draft, the task of a QB needy team is simple, you must land one in the draft. A team could 'trade up' using draft picks. The fact of the matter is, due to the lockout, it is imperative that every team focus more on NEED in every round.<br /><br />A team with a top-ten selection in the draft has a difficult task ahead of them. This is the drafts most expensive neighborhood. There are only five positions a team should draft with a top-ten pick; 1) A franchise Quarterback 2) A franchise Left Tackle 3) An elite Pass Rusher 4) A Shutdown Cornerback 5) A top-five Running Back.<br /><br />We have seen teams swing and miss at the top of the first round year in and year out. It is impossible to think that this year will be different. A mistake with a high selection and it could set the franchise back for years.<br /><br />Imagine, if in 2005, then head coach Mike Nolan and the 49ers brass pulled the trigger on local kid QB Aaron Rodgers instead of QB Alex Smith. The 49ers are just one of at least 13 other teams that had a need at QB in 2005. Mike Nolan is no longer a head coach and Alex Smith will be playing in a different city when league business begins.<br /><br />In 2006, the Tennessee Titans were in need of a quarterback. Everyone in the organization wanted to draft Matt Leinart except for owner Bud Adams. Adams is from Houston, Texas and he wanted Vince Young.<br /><br />At that time, Norm Chow was the Titans offensive coordinator. Chow was the offensive coordinator at the University of Southern California from 2001-2004. If the Titans pulled the trigger on the USC quarterback, Leinart would have hit the ground running playing in the same offense in college and as a professional.<br /><br />After 16+ seasons, Jeff Fisher is no longer coaching the Titans. As soon as league business begins, Vince Young will no longer be a Titan. How ironic is it that Leinart is a back up QB in Houston?<br /><br />If Vince Young can clean up his act and display more maturity, he will have to continue to develop in another city.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-83492136405504325562011-04-08T09:49:00.000-07:002011-04-08T09:56:37.514-07:002011 NFL Draft: Rush Linebackers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmZisc68gvfGOXeZ3T8Y2x8kH0oaP0a-Ye70y9HUIFp6JQLAYdHcdV0P8lp0WMWCxrsoIDW5zCnoF1I3HQD-WGpmATjtEGG0_GqIOdir5_KpR0VkCBb0HJPUzRjDcyaNIK5bFn7z6qw4/s1600/Von+Miller.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 195px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmZisc68gvfGOXeZ3T8Y2x8kH0oaP0a-Ye70y9HUIFp6JQLAYdHcdV0P8lp0WMWCxrsoIDW5zCnoF1I3HQD-WGpmATjtEGG0_GqIOdir5_KpR0VkCBb0HJPUzRjDcyaNIK5bFn7z6qw4/s400/Von+Miller.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593257676942889346" /></a><br />These college players were the guys’ once known as ‘tweeners’. These NFL prospects primarily played Defensive End in college, but did not have to size to play the position in the NFL. These prospects possess the athleticism to play the Outside Linebacker position and make an impact as a pass rusher.<br /><br />To play Defensive End in the NFL the optimum size is 6’ 5” 285 lbs. 3 - 4 scheme calls for run-stopping power ends with more size than speed, quickness, and short area explosion. <br /><br />The players that do not possess the above-mentioned size are in for a position change at the next level. <br /><br />The optimum size for a Rush Linebacker in a 3-4 is 6’ 3” 255 lbs. The Rush Linebackers are a team’s primary pass rushers, but they must be big enough to hold up at the line of scrimmage. Outside linebackers must have the strength to shed blocks, the speed to make plays from sideline to sideline and the athletic ability to play in zone or man coverage. A Rush Linebacker has to be able to come off the ball low to the ground and bend. <br /><br />The 3-4 or “30” front, popular in the NFL, has started sprouting around the college landscape. Former NFL coaches leading college football programs have been good for the league. NFL teams employing the 3-4 had difficulty projecting college defensive ends to the Rush Linebacker position because few colleges ran the scheme. <br /><br />In general, pro-style college programs have produced the most NFL-ready prospects. Defensively schools like Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, USC, and Miami come to mind. This is where the SEC has shined.<br /><br />The NFL scouting community took notice when Nick Saban took over at the University of Alabama. The more coaches like Saban teach the scheme and develop talent the better job evaluators can do projecting college players to the NFL. <br /><br />Almost every year, these are the guys that grab lots of headlines going into the draft and have phenomenal showing at the NFL combine and on their schools pro day.<br /><br />Fifteen teams in the NFL employ the 3-4 scheme. Since 2001, six of the 10 Super Bowl winners ran a 3-4 scheme as their base defense. The most desirable traits NFL teams seek in OLB prospects…<br /><br />Instincts: The ability to find the ball, read play-action and mis-direction, and quickly recognize whether to play the run or drop into coverage.<br /><br />Range: Outside linebackers operate in space and must be able to get depth in their drops and cover backs-sometimes even receivers-in the slot. They must have enough speed, range to flow to the ball, and chase down backs from sideline to sideline.<br /><br />Athletic Ability: A rush linebacker has to be a more accomplished pass rusher. A rush linebacker has to come off the ball low to the ground and bend. Ideally, he has to have rare athletic ability. <br /><br />Hall of famer Lawrence Taylor made this position famous, but today’s prototypes are James Harrison, Clay Matthews Jr., Lamar Woodley, Terrell Suggs, Shawn Phillips, DeMarcus Ware and Brian Orapko.<br /><br />In this draft, here are the top Rush Linebackers who are rare, physical specimens who have demonstrated the ability to cause havoc: <br /><br />1) Von Miller - OLB Texas A&M 6’ 2” 240 lbs.<br />2) Robert Quinn – North Carolina OLB/DE 6’ 5” 270 lbs.<br />3) Akeem Ayers – OLB UCLA 6’ 3” 255 lbs.<br />4) Aldon Smith – Missouri OLB/DE 6’ 5” 255 lbs.<br />5) Justin Houston – OLB Georgia 6’ 3” 258 lbs.<br />6) Ryan Kerrigan – Purdue 6’ 4” 263 lbs.<br />7) Jabaal Sheard – Pittsburgh 6’ 3” 255 lbs.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-47021941033966947472011-02-02T08:19:00.000-08:002011-02-02T08:54:43.466-08:00Super Bowl XLV Will be a match up of Dick LeBeau vs. Dom Capers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUI_-quO6fL3Z-TYLWxSIlkPj3tcFh7YJ1_WHaGBwwdzz5Lzq5e3kR-Z_ByGxL6MggZtv4M7s5vfE7l-OcV-XUaz4H-FWoEyzNQrUEU-Qhy1Q0d9MCpIV4kvYRMkvRVyIsfxe4ZOvv8g/s1600/Dick+LeBeau.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 330px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUI_-quO6fL3Z-TYLWxSIlkPj3tcFh7YJ1_WHaGBwwdzz5Lzq5e3kR-Z_ByGxL6MggZtv4M7s5vfE7l-OcV-XUaz4H-FWoEyzNQrUEU-Qhy1Q0d9MCpIV4kvYRMkvRVyIsfxe4ZOvv8g/s400/Dick+LeBeau.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569136587900969762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHgkwCPgwj0KG5KS7ZawJHrn6sUdoC-PeParpaw_Pd3_7M6fc8Kvh7cKBwdP1SZV2MDVtYiK9iYDknP4bySmNFo46BD_Rg8fTkH6bwpGYLZjWO7QgPnDyhxQrpdZz003vswA0Z1rpReU/s1600/Dom+Capers.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHgkwCPgwj0KG5KS7ZawJHrn6sUdoC-PeParpaw_Pd3_7M6fc8Kvh7cKBwdP1SZV2MDVtYiK9iYDknP4bySmNFo46BD_Rg8fTkH6bwpGYLZjWO7QgPnDyhxQrpdZz003vswA0Z1rpReU/s400/Dom+Capers.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569136502010937714" /></a><br /><br />The moment that the conference championship games were set, there was a chance that that at least one team that ran a 3-4 defense as their base defense would once again compete for a championship. The first championship game between teams that used, the 3-4 as their base defense, was Super Bowl XV when the Oakland Raiders beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in 1980.<br /><br />Fifteen teams in the league use the 3-4 as their base defense. The Houston Texans will raise that number to 16 in 2011. There are rumors that the Oakland Raiders will increase the league total to 17. The Bears and Vikings are the only teams in the league to never use the 3-4 as their base defense.<br /><br />Bud Wilkinson is widely recognized as the father of the 3-4 defensive front. Wilkinson devised the scheme at the University of Oklahoma in the 1940s. However, Chuck Fairbanks is the person credited with importing the scheme to the NFL. Fairbanks’ schemes greatly influenced winning teams long after he retired such as the N.Y Giants, New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers.<br /><br />The Steelers have used the 3-4 as their base defense since 1982, ironically one year after Hall of Fame defensive tackle Joe Greene and defensive end L.C. Greenwood retired. Pittsburgh, among others, have also used 2-4-5 & 1-5-5 alignments both variants of the 3-4 scheme.<br /><br />Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau was the defensive backfield coach while Dom Capers was the defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh. Dom Capers was the defensive coordinator from 1992-1994 before leaving to become the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Once Dom Capers departed for the Panthers Dick LeBeau, became the defensive coordinator.<br /><br />These two old friends will be the featured bout of the evening. Defense wins championships and it is what will decide Super Bowl 45. Super Bowl 45 will be a closer game than people realize. The fact that the coordinators know each other and the scheme both teams will run Super Bowl 45 could easily come to what defense executes better.<br /><br />The Packers defense has been awesome since switching to the 3-4. The Steelers happen to be the best 3-4 defense in the league. Pittsburgh has instinctive playmakers at every level of their defense. The Packers have several playmakers on their defense as well.<br /><br />Both offenses can move the football and a led by outstanding quarterbacks. The Steelers are fundamentally sound, excellent tacklers, will not be fooled and simply do an excellent job of figuring out what an offense is trying to do to them and stopping them.<br /><br />The championship will have a noticeable Steeler feel to it. Former Steeler players Kevin Greene and Darren Perry are position coaches for the Packers. The Steelers and Packers possess the two best defenses in the league.<br /><br />The scheme is the same for both teams. You can say that both teams are working off the same script. The Steelers and Packers rank first and second in points and sacks, second and fifth in total yards.<br /><br />The Steelers are first in the league in run defense; which means that Pittsburgh shouldn’t have any problem shutting down the Green Bay running game making the Packers one dimensional.<br /><br />However, that one dimension the Green Bay passing game is one of the leagues best. An excellent way to attack a 3-4 defense is to place the four linebackers in coverage as oppose to having them playing downhill and rushing the quarterback. The Packers can put four talented receivers on the field and spread the defense out.<br /><br />These two teams had a 73-point shootout in 2009 won by the Steelers. This game will not be a shootout. The team that executes better on defense, is balanced on offense and wins the turnover battle will win this game.<br /><br />As a football fan, I am saddened that this will be the last game of the season. Before you settle in to watch the spectacle that is Super Bowl 45 at a sports bar, Super Bowl party at a friend’s home or at your home don’t forget to thank Eugene Polley & Robert Adler.<br /><br />These guys invented the remote control and made it possible to comfortably raise the volume on your TV from your favorite chair. The remote has become a close friend most guys are accused of having a death-grip on. While controlling your remote control this Sunday prepare to enjoy a low scoring defensive battle to end the year.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-25788717928310668512011-01-13T19:07:00.000-08:002011-01-13T19:29:43.365-08:00Will 2011 be the year that Tim Brown gets a call from the Hall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefArYusEo8bFyeeM25u1kYGF4gE66-UlBxw0bZDaCQbANw-MviEoELcZB97EKjf3cXiVZ1X-Xr91nE2ZAiyjLzfmdqAGVlpsstSIbAeR2_9ZPiuq6C1FBWXvOhG8uM9aAmUVKnVyfSPY/s1600/Tim+Brown2.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 178px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefArYusEo8bFyeeM25u1kYGF4gE66-UlBxw0bZDaCQbANw-MviEoELcZB97EKjf3cXiVZ1X-Xr91nE2ZAiyjLzfmdqAGVlpsstSIbAeR2_9ZPiuq6C1FBWXvOhG8uM9aAmUVKnVyfSPY/s400/Tim+Brown2.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561878570488764978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFqCJNBETW-qGpf7cxUnG0rSn9SdpreM7ZKm9JSFMqIX6qfrU3_o4kaQzRSzw0H1LV5E8MgVCrUWkZZEzcnaN9dXfWFwRACo6td4mGadSt18mf4bNGEl0O5M_aM9k-RbFffH4YxrXMHE/s1600/Tim+Brown4.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFqCJNBETW-qGpf7cxUnG0rSn9SdpreM7ZKm9JSFMqIX6qfrU3_o4kaQzRSzw0H1LV5E8MgVCrUWkZZEzcnaN9dXfWFwRACo6td4mGadSt18mf4bNGEl0O5M_aM9k-RbFffH4YxrXMHE/s400/Tim+Brown4.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561878394431839138" /></a><br /><br /><br />The NFL released the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2011 on January 10 2011. The 44-member selection committee will meet on February 5, 2011 in North Texas. Tim Brown must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent. <br /><br />Tim Brown won the Heisman trophy and Walter Camp award in 1987. Brown was the first wide receiver to win the Heisman. The Notre Dame Graduate drafted sixth overall by the Los Angeles Raiders in 1988. Brown was the first wide receiver off the board.<br /><br />The multi talented wide receiver/returner came into the league and made an immediate impact. Brown led the league in kickoff returns, return yards, average yards per return in addition to making 43 catches for 725 yards and scoring five touchdowns.<br /><br />The Dallas, Texas native was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. Brown played in 255 games finished his career with 1,094 receptions, 14, 934 receiving yards and 100 touchdowns. <br /><br />It is a known fact that Tim Brown was one of the best wide receivers in College Football and NFL history. Brown was a member of the NFL 1990's All-Decade team. Brown posted an NFL record 75 receptions in 10 straight seasons. There are currently three members of the 12-round 1988 draft in the Hall of Fame; Tim Brown is attempting to take his rightful place as the fourth. <br /><br />Although denied in year one Brown became eligible for enshrinement in 2010. Understandable when you consider the traffic jam of accomplished receiver candidates awaiting entry such as Jerry Rice, Andre Reed and Chris Carter. <br /><br />The College Football Hall of Fame inducted “Touchdown Timmy” in 2010. This is the second year of eligibility for Tim Brown, the man known simply as, Mr. Raider. Brown spent 15 of his 16 years in the NFL proudly wearing silver and black in Los Angeles and Oakland.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-75940663465995912622011-01-07T11:09:00.000-08:002011-01-07T13:25:04.062-08:00Oakland Raiders: On to the Next One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR3ZzqK-73_roKYgcJQEcf9UZv7GAcZ6LqEcr2rrnS6_ZuriUELNhTuYPOhIiuLPKic3DEkRIe2GqCs_OrWp8zQh99yZeFgZ0MpCFQEGC4TA5_H7mcvbEKgk5IVZYoDDWSR4c-rVjrWY/s1600/Al+Davis.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdR3ZzqK-73_roKYgcJQEcf9UZv7GAcZ6LqEcr2rrnS6_ZuriUELNhTuYPOhIiuLPKic3DEkRIe2GqCs_OrWp8zQh99yZeFgZ0MpCFQEGC4TA5_H7mcvbEKgk5IVZYoDDWSR4c-rVjrWY/s400/Al+Davis.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559526487013493698" /></a><br />The Oakland Raiders went into the season with lofty expectations of winning the division and making the playoffs. For the first time since the merger in 1970, the Raiders are the first team to go undefeated in their division and not make the playoffs.<br /><br />However, if you win every game in your division, emphatically beat down and provide the eventual division winner with a 'never forget who we are' moment at home, you should be crowned as the true champions of the AFC West.<br /><br />While Oakland convincingly won the last game of the season, the Raiders still came up short in reaching their season-long goals. But 2010 was a year of resurgence for the Silver and Black.<br /><br />Despite not achieving their desired goals, the Silver and Black took Raider Nation on a memorable ride back to respectability. Going into the season, it was felt that Tom Cable received a reprieve to turn the Raiders around. It was a collective effort, but that is exactly what he did.<br /><br />Despite the players wanting to play hard for him, it was well known that he was thin ice. A playoff run was the only thing that was going to ensure a 2011 return. Like it or not, it was the right decision. The timing was curious, but the writing was on the wall.<br /><br />Hue Jackson was hired as the offensive coordinator and tasked with turning the offense into a productive unit. Mission accomplished as the Raiders improved from the 31st-ranked offense in 2009 to 10th overall in 2010.<br /><br />The road to respectability is filled with several potholes. As with any season, 2010 was filled with the good, the bad and the ugly.<br /><br />The Good<br /><br />Oakland snapped a seven-year streak of losing 11-plus games a season, while going 6-0 in the division. Jackson proved to be a leader of men and a solid offensive mind. Under his watch, the offense improved dramatically. The running game, fueled by the dynamic tandem of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, became the strength of the team.<br /><br />The improvement on offense wouldn’t have been possible without the offensive line, who stepped their game up in run blocking.<br /><br />The 2010 draft class was one of the best in recent memory by making an immediate impact which bodes well for the future. The defense improved as both the defensive line and linebacker group became strengths of the team. Moving Richard Seymour to defensive tackle was huge. Tommy Kelly had his best season.<br /><br />John Henderson and Desmond Bryant were solid in the defensive tackle rotation. The versatile Lamar Houston had a great rookie campaign and made an immediate impact. Matt Shaughnessy was solid, providing the Raiders with two tremendous young talents at the two defensive end positions for the foreseeable future.<br /><br />The linebacker group, the team's deepest in years, was huge. Rookie Rolando McClain solidified the middle, while Kamerion Wimbley and Trevor Scott made their presence felt on the strong side and weak side positions. Nnamdi Asomugha had another stellar season at right cornerback.<br /><br />The Bad<br /><br />The Raiders were great in the division, but 2-8 against everyone else. This team needs to improve and shut teams down, make the opponent one-dimensional and get off the field on third down.<br /><br />The Ugly<br /><br />Penalties! Drive-killing or game-altering, he Raiders shot themselves in the foot so many times, it was a wonder that they were able to walk off the field.<br /><br />Defensively stopping the run continues to be a major issue and cause for concern. The safeties were exploited on more than one occasion, the second half of the Jacksonville game comes to mind. Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch made a lot and missed a lot of tackles. There were too many breakdowns in coverage, Branch surrendered eight touchdown passes.<br /><br /><br />There is always room for improvement at various positions, but there aren’t any glaring needs heading into 2011. The improvements can be made via the draft, veteran free agency and with undrafted rookie free agents. This team needs more disciplined play and consistency.<br /><br />The Raiders are in need of continuity that can only be had if Hue Jackson is promoted to head coach. Despite the fact Oakland will begin 2011 with their ninth head coach in 17 seasons since returning to the East Bay, they’re losers no more and should be considered a team on the rise.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-45184274800309178042011-01-05T10:05:00.000-08:002011-01-05T11:02:08.962-08:00Al Davis Chooses to cut the Cable<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR4lmbFgFwssPvZE2-M9814MK23poZklgZpgJ5wzePL_97BfVjDrYp9vGIQZkVZBoCaWW_fNjDIpRgI-X7f6sKBmKnsyFLiNgeQBHQ0qaqsquWL_Qoo5gOQoA5SyQfQsBo_a8wcdluhg/s1600/Tom+Cable.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR4lmbFgFwssPvZE2-M9814MK23poZklgZpgJ5wzePL_97BfVjDrYp9vGIQZkVZBoCaWW_fNjDIpRgI-X7f6sKBmKnsyFLiNgeQBHQ0qaqsquWL_Qoo5gOQoA5SyQfQsBo_a8wcdluhg/s400/Tom+Cable.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558766224188764818" /></a><br />The Raiders chose to decline now former head coach Tom Cable’s option. Is it a good move or a bad move?<br /><br />The Oakland Raiders went out, competed and played hard for Tom Cable. The players wanted to continue to play for Tom Cable, although a .500 record wasn’t enough for Al Davis.<br /><br />The Raiders had a nice resurgence in 2010. That resurgence followed some solid pick ups in free agency and one of the best draft classes in years. Tom Cable was at the helm when the Raiders ended a seven-year streak of losing 11 games per season. Tom Cable was at the helm when the Raiders went out and won all six of the games in their division, beating everyone in the AFC West twice.<br /><br />The Raiders had 354.6 yards per game, 198.8 passing yards, 25.6 points per game and 410 total points. All numbers were better than Kansas City's statistics.<br /><br />Hue Jackson was hired as the offensive coordinator and tasked with turning the offense around. Mission accomplished the Raiders improved from 31st in the league in total offense in 2009 to 10th in 2010. The offense and defense improved, but the offense improved the most.<br /><br />This isn’t a popular decision or one that all Raider fans like, but it is Al’s decision. This isn’t to say that Tom Cable was a great coach, because he wasn’t. In my opinion the decision is unpopular because the Raiders are building something solid in Oakland, and to do that you need continuity at the head coaching position, something that just doesn’t happen in Oakland.<br /><br />Tom Cable was a solid offensive line coach, but I never felt he was ready to be a head coach. He was the third or fourth choice when he was hired; the fallback plan so to speak.<br /><br />It is a move that really shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. It is a known fact that Al Davis changes coaches frequently.<br /><br />The Raiders are a good football team with a good mix of youth and veterans on both sides of the ball, with enough talent to be a playoff team. Tom Cable was essentially let go because of his 17-27 overall record, the team’s 2-8 record outside of the division, the team’s undisciplined play in leading the league 1,276 penalty yards and benching Jason Campbell for the Dolphins game to start Bruce Gradkowski.<br /><br />The rumors are that Hue Jackson will be the next Raiders head coach. In terms of continuity, it would make sense. This team is only going to get better.<br /><br />The Raiders have had 15 head coaches; eight since the team returned to Oakland. At least four of them can be categorized as mistakes. The longest-tenured coach was John Madden, who coached 142 games with a 103-32-7 regular season record, 9-7 in the post season with a Super Bowl win.<br /><br />Art Shell coached 92 games in two stints as the head coach. The most successful coach in franchise history is Tom Flores, who has a 105-90 overall record, 8-3 in the postseason and three Super Bowl wins: two as a head coach and one as John Madden’s assistant.<br /><br />Tom Flores is one of a few Raiders along with Ray Guy who should be in the NFL Hall of Fame but aren't. However, in regards to the top job, it’s not a surprise that Al Davis doesn’t hold head coaches in high regard. You have to go back more than a few years to find a coach that Al Davis saw eye to eye with. Al Davis has felt for years that he can coach the coach, and in turn coach the team.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-34000339419643536082010-11-11T14:14:00.000-08:002010-11-11T14:24:59.695-08:00Lakers Travel to Denver<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wPdEO6Tw9hsEHZWrfgEq-GGivchPJA1hDcVp1UJW0dFBC97PxzQ56LjD-kDsS_ZpYbdOb3xym-kXsH5vgvCTy1mBKr1cyxoNCLEJ2ql0ZRliJ5x-0il1lNC77x2lkULP8LUEEotJgls/s1600/Lakers+vs.+Nuggets.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 139px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wPdEO6Tw9hsEHZWrfgEq-GGivchPJA1hDcVp1UJW0dFBC97PxzQ56LjD-kDsS_ZpYbdOb3xym-kXsH5vgvCTy1mBKr1cyxoNCLEJ2ql0ZRliJ5x-0il1lNC77x2lkULP8LUEEotJgls/s400/Lakers+vs.+Nuggets.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538421710366208482" /></a><br />Happy Veterans Day! Despite the fact that mere words can’t really express the gratitude we all should have towards members of the Armed Forces both past and present for placing their lives on the line daily; thank them for their service & commitment to this great nation. <br /><br />The Los Angeles Lakers are in Denver the mile high city to do battle with the Nuggets. Both teams have a bit of a bad taste in their mouths after their previous games for different reasons.<br /><br />The Nuggets are angry about taking a massive 31-point beat down on Tuesday by the Pacers in Indiana. The Lakers aren’t happy with their performance, despite winning, against the Timberwolves. The Nuggets witnessed the Pacers have one of those once in a lifetime quarters of basketball. The Pacers stunned the Nuggets by knocking down 20 of 21 shots in the third quarter.<br /><br />The Lakers won the game; their eighth of the young season, but left the game with several head scratching questions. The purple and gold appeared to be playing down to their competition or simply having a lackadaisical performance. Derek Fisher was right to call out the team for said performance. The Lakers were out-rebounded, out-scored in the painted area and in this writers opinion shot way too many three point shots. <br /><br />A couple of things need to be said the Lakers performance raises questions maybe even concerns, but it is early an NBA season is a marathon you’ll lose games you should win & win some you rightfully should’ve lost and every coach and player would agree with everything Fisher said. <br /><br />This isn’t the best time for the Nuggets to face the Lakers. The Nuggets should put on an inspired performance for the home crowd and in the process bring out the Lakers ‘A’ game. However, the Nuggets are thin on the front line without Kenyon Martin & Chris Anderson and they’ve struggled mightily. <br /><br />Carmelo Anthony is the best player on the Nuggets, but the team has gotten solid play from Arron Afalalo. The Lakers need to play solid defensively and shut down the pick and roll play, stop the dribble penetration, control the boards and rotate out to three point shooters. <br /><br />The Nuggets will be more perimeter tonight which means that the Lakers need to start their offense inside. The Lakers need to run their offense through Pau Gasol. <br />The purple and gold front line needs to be aggressive on both ends of the floor and dominate. <br /><br />The Lakers need to use both excellent ball movement and excellent player movement to find high percentage shots as oppose to shooting three point shots. I realize that the Lakers lead the league in three-point shooting and it is nice to see those shots go down, but the strength of this team isn’t shooting behind the arc it is dominating the paint.<br /><br />The Nuggets finally have a power forward that can shoot from distance in Al Harrington and he will look to have a big game, but the Lakers have to limit both his and J. R. Smith’s impact on this game. The Lakers will raise their streak to 9-0 with solid defense, ball movement and executing down the stretch.<br /><br />Tip-off: 7:30 PM PST<br />Television -<br />• Los Angeles: TNT<br />• Denver: TNT <br />Radio -<br />• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)<br />• Denver: KKFN AM 950 (Jerry Schemel & Mark Bertagnolli)<br />Injuries -<br />Lakers:<br />• Andrew Bynum (Knee) Out<br />• Theo Ratliff (Sore Left Knee) Probable<br />• Luke Walton (Strained Right Hamstring) Probable<br />Nuggets:<br />• Kenyon Martin (Left Patella Tendon) Out<br />• Chris Anderson (Right Patella Tendon) OutJeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-79673987749371584242010-10-29T18:58:00.000-07:002010-10-29T19:02:56.533-07:00Lakers vs. Suns Preview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4i4gadAjMksX1A7-qeo142WPlPXq1AjsWuw_pJ98YRwxECozMUQbyqBPzHU-AqaO8_gXxWFELv1RHov1EpgDpaKDvPCvsrLXR1QqM2yQOvTy3qUFffnqW0UyJHw_LmKbZtXUOCp5hB5U/s1600/Lakers+vs.+Suns.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4i4gadAjMksX1A7-qeo142WPlPXq1AjsWuw_pJ98YRwxECozMUQbyqBPzHU-AqaO8_gXxWFELv1RHov1EpgDpaKDvPCvsrLXR1QqM2yQOvTy3qUFffnqW0UyJHw_LmKbZtXUOCp5hB5U/s400/Lakers+vs.+Suns.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533653688509562178" /></a><br />The Los Angeles Lakers are in the desert to face the Phoenix Suns in the first road game and second of the season. The Lakers used a second half comeback to knock off the pesky Houston Rockets on ring night. The Suns were pounded on the boards and lost the rebounding battle and game to the Blazers at the Rose Garden in their season opener.<br /><br />The Phoenix Suns bounced back with a 16-point win over the Jazz in Utah. Tonight’s game is the home opener for the Suns. It doesn’t seem like that long ago, but five months and 12 days ago the Suns extended the Western Conference Finals to six games before the Lakers made them understand that 2010 wasn’t going to be their year. <br /><br />The Suns and the Phoenix faithful will ‘get up’ for this game against the two-time defending champions; the Lakers always receive an opponent’s best effort. This game will be a hard fought and entertaining grudge match. <br /><br />The Suns put up a good fight in the playoffs, but a turning point in the series had to be the theatrics of talented Suns guard / thespian Goran Dragic. Proving that Sasha Vujcic either has the strongest bicep in the Western Conference or that Dragic put on an act and the officials bought it. <br /><br />The Suns are a different team without All-Star Amare Stoudamire attacking the basket upon receiving a perfectly placed pass. Amare took his talents to New York. Phoenix will replace his production by committee. The Suns will use free agent addition Hedo Turkoglu at power forward. However his role will change, again. <br /><br />He was a point forward for the Orlando Magic and one of the main reasons that team made it to the 2009 Finals. He seemed out of position and simply didn’t work out in Toronto. Normally a shooter in the screen and roll game; he will be asked to roll to the basket more. Hakim Warrick was brought in to produce at the four spot. <br /> <br />The Suns still have perennial All-Star Steve Nash making them one of the best teams in the West. The Suns are an uptempo team that wants to run. In the half-court offense the Suns run several high and low screen and roll plays to attack the basket or free spot up shooters. L.A. needs to own the boards, slow the game down and play at their pace, get back in transition, play solid screen and roll defense. <br /><br />The Lakers bench will be huge for them and provides the necessary match the Suns. Steve Blake is an excellent fit for the Lakers as a penetrating guard, floor leader and outside shooting.<br /><br />The Suns like to spread the floor with their three point shooters. The Phoenix Suns have seven players that can knock down three point shots. Last season the Suns were the number one scoring and number one shooting team. <br /><br />The Suns were the second best three-point shooting team in NBA history at 41.2 percent. The Suns were 25-8 when making 10 or more three-point shots. Solid numbers, but unfortunately for them they had to face the Lakers the team that lead the league in defending the three and limited opponents to .328 percent.<br /><br />The Suns are a small team that doesn’t match up well with the Lakers. The purple and gold will pound the Suns in the middle using their size advantage.Los Angeles will be running their offense through Pau Gasol and asking him to be more aggressive. There is a chance that we’ll see both Ron Artest & Matt Barnes logging minutes at Power Forward. <br /><br /><br />Tip-off: 7:30 PM PST<br />Television -<br />• Los Angeles: KCAL 9 & ESPN (Joel Myers & Stu Lantz)<br />• Phoenix: My45 KUTP(Gary Bender & Eddie Johnson)<br />Radio -<br />• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)<br />• Phoenix: KTAR 620 AM (Al McCoy & Tim Kempton)<br />Injuries -<br />Lakers:<br />• Andrew Bynum (Knee) Out<br />• Luke Walton (Hamstring) <br />Suns:<br />• PG Goran Dragic (Sprained Ankle) Listed as Day-to-DayJeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-92034182890769822842010-10-27T14:39:00.000-07:002010-10-27T14:43:44.751-07:00Lakers vs. Rockets (Opening Night) 2010-2011 Season<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi57RUlSeYVRofGeX7c3CQ3EyRodcEVau3oPWJC0Cdd9oXcYZguyFsFAMas8STGVY4dq2Xj39W23zFgC_RX7yto0STyJzUxx0MBnna0-NaE9e2Fylavwp0o3x9pMcMOI90zMnl_lFVR_I/s1600/Lakers+starting+Five.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi57RUlSeYVRofGeX7c3CQ3EyRodcEVau3oPWJC0Cdd9oXcYZguyFsFAMas8STGVY4dq2Xj39W23zFgC_RX7yto0STyJzUxx0MBnna0-NaE9e2Fylavwp0o3x9pMcMOI90zMnl_lFVR_I/s400/Lakers+starting+Five.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532844732711759362" /></a><br />It’s the season opener for the 2010-2011 Los Angeles Lakers; but before the journey to repeat commences the squad will receive their championship rings for last seasons exploits. This past off-season was the quietest off season ever for a two-time defending champion in any sport.<br /><br />The Lakers have no problem with being under the radar with all the pressure being on a certain team that plays in the east. While the majority of the NBA was enamored with a super team being assembled with the three biggest names in free agency landing on the east coast. <br /><br />The spotlight, scrutiny and high expectations will hover over the Heat all-season and like it or not the move ushered in a new era in the NBA. The super team that Miami is chasing is already assembled and in place on the west coast. However, the purple reign is far from over, but it has improved. The purple and gold didn’t rest on their laurels and stand pat. The two-time defending champion Lakers retooled and are now two deep at every position.<br /><br />The Additions of veterans Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, Theo Ratliff and impressive rookies Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter provide a needed mixture of versatility, experience and youth. The Lakers bench was a weakness last year and now should add better outside shooting as well as produce 35+ points per game. <br /><br />The additions have also extended the careers of Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher as well as provide the Lakers with the ability to match up with anyone. Facing the Rockets; the Lakers have to prepare to play two different teams; one with Yao Ming and one without. <br /><br />It has been widely publicized that Yao will be limited to 24 minutes per game. Yao is a huge presence in the post and will get the majority of his touches in the half-court offense the Lakers have to minimize his impact on this game. <br /> <br />Los Angeles needs to control the tempo and not allow the Rockets to get out and run. It is a must that all five Lakers get back on defense to eliminate transition baskets. Los Angeles will have to do a good job defending the screen and roll as well as rotating out to their three point shooters. Los Angeles needs to control the boards and play defense without fouling. <br /><br />It is imperative that the Lakers take care of the ball, limit their turnovers. The Lakers can out-work the Rockets with a combination of excellent ball and player movement. When the Lakers do a good job of sharing the ball; effectively moving it from the strong to the weak side and moving the defense in the process, they’re tough to beat. <br /><br />The Lakers need to trust their offense and get into a rhythm early. Los Angeles will run their offense through Pau Gasol in the post and he needs to accept the challenge and be much more aggressive. <br /><br />Prediction: Lakers 102 – Rockets 94<br /><br />Tip-off: 7:30 PM PST<br /><br />Television -<br />• Los Angeles: TNT <br />• Houston: TNT<br />Radio -<br />• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)<br />• Houston: 1140 AM KHTK (Gary Gerould)<br />• <br />Injuries -<br />Lakers:<br />• Andrew Bynum (Knee) Out<br />• Luke Walton (Hamstring) Out<br />• Theo Ratliff (Knee) Listed as Day-to-Day<br />Rockets<br />• C Yao Ming (Foot) Listed as Day-to-Day<br />• PG Kyle Lowry (Back Spasms) Listed as Day-to-DayJeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-62939138471881594762010-08-03T18:50:00.000-07:002010-08-04T00:17:01.708-07:00Offensive Success starts upfront in Oakland<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqEGm9vFNtBOfRbHqx1HOE7ZEOme0KGa9dd_aut5qS2y83UVXJwX5sN1nencn6a6OttPnC-KCkkN2OFLjWJRZ12d5X_BB5QLtQ-wlUwbRbeowE-l0k5dtaPC1f95SyoPwyerj919Z2C8/s1600/Robert+Gallery.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqEGm9vFNtBOfRbHqx1HOE7ZEOme0KGa9dd_aut5qS2y83UVXJwX5sN1nencn6a6OttPnC-KCkkN2OFLjWJRZ12d5X_BB5QLtQ-wlUwbRbeowE-l0k5dtaPC1f95SyoPwyerj919Z2C8/s400/Robert+Gallery.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501450075111351810" /></a><br />Offensive Success starts upfront in Oakland<br /><br />A two-part series on the Raider Offense<br /><br />Training camp has begun for the Oakland Raiders. The silver and black are working hard preparing for a successful 2010 season. The Raiders had one of the best off-seasons in recent memory. The off-season has provided the team with much needed momentum. Two of the bigger acquisitions for Oakland were Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson and QB Jason Campbell.<br /><br />These are just two of the many additions brought in to upgrade their offense that ranked 31st in the league and scored 17 touchdowns. The NFL is a passing league and the Raiders ranked 29th out of 32 teams; only the Jets & Browns had less completed passes.<br /><br />The Raiders ranked 21st in the league rushing in 2009 ; posting seven rushing touchdowns and allowing 49 sacks.<br /><br />A significant amount of the blame for the above-mentioned rankings needs to be placed on JR's doorstep. A man that never got it. He seemed to be more taken with 'purple drank' than he was at improving as a football player. The Raider offense will improve with a renewed commitment to the running game and an improved passing game with Jason Campbell at the helm. Offensive improvement always starts upfront with the offensive line.<br /><br />A successful offensive line needs to be based upon having talented athletes and providing them with solid coaching. Tom Cable is a solid offensive line coach. There are coaches that teach the scheme and coaches that teach technique Cable learned from Alex Gibbs who taught both.<br /><br />For those who do not know Alex Gibbs is seen as the godfather of the zone blocking scheme who coached the Raiders offensive line 1988-1989. Wherever he goes, that team is successful offensively. Oakland's road to redemption starts behind the five guys entrusted to move the crowd.<br /><br />The Raiders have completed the walk-through version of training camp that Head Coach Tom Cable calls "learning intensive" sessions. The Raiders are focusing on fundamentals. The Zone Blocking Scheme is widely used and highly successful. The zone blocking scheme eliminated a called 'hole' to run in.<br /><br />Zone blocking in the running game usually relies on technique, as well as smaller more athletic lineman sacrificing size for mobility and runners committed to the one cut and go system. The majority of the running plays due to the movement of the linemen always have the appearance of a stretch play to the weak or strong side of the formation.<br /><br />The center, guard, tackle, tight end and fullback work in unison to combination block an area with an emphasis on double-teaming a few defensive linemen, 1st or 2nd level threats at the point of attack. The double-team block will provide movement at the line of scrimmage as well as cut back lane for the runner. Getting movement is the key.<br /><br />Typically people think of the levels as 1st level defensive line, 2nd level linebackers and 3rd level as the secondary as you will see in your game day program. The reality is that things are a little different on the field.<br /><br />Facing a 3-4 defensive front, for example, causes a lot of confusion for offensive linemen. A blitz or pressure can come from several different players. It is all about treat level the linemen need to be able to read the defense and never leave a 1st level threat unblocked. A defensive lineman, linebacker or defensive back could be a 1st level threat.<br /><br />The Raiders will face ten opponents that utilize a 3-4 defensive front as their base defense. Oakland will put the pads on August 2nd. The competition to be one of the starting five or depth begins. The guys who will receive snaps on the first-team are as follows:<br /><br />LT Mario Henderson, LG Robert Gallery, C Samson Satele, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Langston Walker.<br /><br />Depth: (T-G) Khalif Barnes, (T) Erik Pears, (C) Chris Morris, (G) Brandon Rodd<br /><br />New Additions: (G-T) Bruce Campbell, (T) Jared Veldheer, (G) Daniel Loper, (G) Allen Smith, (T) Elliot Vallejo, (G) Alex Parsons<br /><br />The Raiders best lineman Robert Gallery returns healthy after only playing in six games last year due to a series of injuries. In Gallery's absence, Henderson who had a decent start faded down the stretch. Cooper Carlisle's performance has dropped off over the last two years and competition at Right Guard is required. Langston Walker returns as the surprise starter at right tackle. Cornell Green has left the building. He will be 'false-starting' in Buffalo in 2010. Samson Satele was slow to adjust to the zone blocking scheme, but came on late.<br /><br />The smartest thing is that there will be competition at every position. The battle for playing time on the offensive line will provide some of the best positional battles of training camp. The best possible scenario for this group in five parts:<br /><br />1) No serious injuries or games missed, with substantial success and growth as a unit.<br /><br />2) Robert Gallery not missing a game.<br /><br />3) Rookies Jared Veldheer & Bruce Campbell rapidly getting up to speed, making an immediate impact and challenging for playing time at left tackle & right guard.<br /><br />4) Langston Walker showing improvement as a run blocker while continuing to be solid as a pass blocker.<br /><br />5) A few unexpected lineman playing well and challenging for playing time such as Daniel Loper, Allen Smith or Elliott Vallejo.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-62501666492482888712010-03-29T16:28:00.000-07:002010-03-29T22:44:48.285-07:00Oakland Raiders: The Definitive 2010 Mock Draft<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbt5tIzPojRKdcjZehMoWNpuhmoM1NOkV7dKE9XrOb16zZa1Qvf6SAmico82Ezjroh1oOjjjT4YUsyvgx4M0-EwsaMPo7X2HocKn-EoiT6Bh55CDFdMQwgHv6ljlN451gz544hdD8qC1I/s1600/Cam+Thomas.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 105px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbt5tIzPojRKdcjZehMoWNpuhmoM1NOkV7dKE9XrOb16zZa1Qvf6SAmico82Ezjroh1oOjjjT4YUsyvgx4M0-EwsaMPo7X2HocKn-EoiT6Bh55CDFdMQwgHv6ljlN451gz544hdD8qC1I/s400/Cam+Thomas.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454223062558689042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU4udnUzvY4-ALTzai74wqBL4ImCTp32ABzeEzMEz7JsV0K68G6HeBC9J_9prpFTCYOZgVAuMlVTCKv44cJEvjVLlCf7hVZlcFtZm6WrmkqVVYvVcB0FoLMySgTAvysSrw73rpiIbNmA/s1600/rolandomcclain_medium.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU4udnUzvY4-ALTzai74wqBL4ImCTp32ABzeEzMEz7JsV0K68G6HeBC9J_9prpFTCYOZgVAuMlVTCKv44cJEvjVLlCf7hVZlcFtZm6WrmkqVVYvVcB0FoLMySgTAvysSrw73rpiIbNmA/s400/rolandomcclain_medium.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454203285598847858" /></a><br />We're well into the off-season; the Oakland Raiders were surprisingly on the sidelines for the majority of the un-restricted free agency signing period, which is abstruse. The team could simply be working through salary cap constraints; the restricted free agent market hasn't begun yet. <br /><br />The Raiders did test the waters and recently traded one of their two third round picks (#85 overall acquired from New England in the Derrick Burgess trade) to the Cleveland Browns for Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. This is a good move by the Raiders one that is a low risk high reward choice. <br /><br />He is also the only linebacker on the roster penciled in as a starter right now. It appears that some changes will be made and that the linebacker group is quietly being blamed for the team ranking near the bottom of the league in the run stopping category. <br /><br />The Raiders linebacker group is filled with un-certainty. Starting linebackers Thomas Howard and Kirk Morrison are restricted free agents that could be had by any team for a second and third round draft choice, respectively. The Raiders may or may not bring back starting MLB Kirk Morrison. <br /><br />However, Oakland hasn’t had a leader at the MLB position since Greg Biekert. Trevor Scott made a nice transition to linebacker from Defensive End and even replaced Thomas Howard at one point last season. Jon Alston has signed with the Buccaneers. Ricky Brown, Slade Norris, David Nixon and Isaiah Ekejiuba will return and battle for roster spots.<br /><br />Oakland has several holes to fill and only 8 draft choices to accomplish the task. The one thing that has to change in Oakland is that this team needs to re-build through the draft and develop their own players. The most glaring needs are Quarterback, Defensive Tackle, Offensive Tackle, Middle Linebacker, Cornerback and Defensive End. <br /><br />JaMarcus Russell is a bust and the QB position is the biggest need however, Oakland can’t afford to draft a QB in round one with the money owed to Russell. The Raiders will look at veteran options such as trading for Sage Rosenfels as an example. <br /><br />Although the team is in the process of putting a full-court press on Donovan McNabb.<br />I would love to see him in silver and black; just concerned about what it will take to land him, I don’t want to see Al give the Eagles a 1st round pick for McNabb. <br />Another thought has to be will he sign a contract extension to remain in Oakland longer than 2010? It should not come as a surprise that the Raiders are seeking quarterback help. <br /><br />All true Raiders fans know that Al Davis wants athletes (that have an impressive size & speed, physically imposing players and enjoys acquiring 1st round picks that have washed out with other teams. <br /><br />This has been a Raiders practice for years with mixed results. The Raiders need to start drafting productive players. A team is really saying this is what we’re all about with a first round pick that has a high level of physical & mental toughness. <br />The Raiders are in need of playmaker's on both sides of the ball. <br /><br />This mock draft is my plan to address the teams needs now and building toward a better future. I will also include potential un-drafted free agents that would provide competition and depth on the defensive and offensive lines. <br /> <br />Round 1: MLB Rolando McClain – Alabama 6’4” 255 lbs. <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miJwMCgaxKo"></a><br />McClain has a unique combination of traits that a team wants in a MLB, size, athletic ability, playmaking ability, physicality; McClain would be an excellent replacement for Morrison and would make an immediate impact. The Raider linebackers make several tackles but far too many are made on the second level of the defense McClain would change that. <br /><br />The Dick Butkus Award winner is the best inside linebacker in the draft, a productive three-down linebacker that has outstanding football intelligence, instinctive with great diagnostic skills. He is the type of run stopper that the Oakland has been lacking. <br /><br />He is a hard hitter, one that hits running backs and wide receivers like he wants his money back. He is a big film room guy that is well versed on the history of the game, has spent the last two years as the defensive captain on one of the nation’s top defenses and on the field doesn’t take any false steps. He projects to be a Pro Bowl level player. <br /><br />The choice should be between ILB Rolando McClain or OT Trent Williams. There are four elite Left Tackles in this draft, more than likely two will be off the board prior to the eighth pick in the draft. A tackle can be selected more than likely moving Mario Henderson to right tackle. <br /><br />The Raiders have options including moving Gallery back to Left Tackle as well as drafting a tackle after the first round. My reasoning for selecting McClain is based on his immediate impact on the defense that has to stop the run in 2010. I gave you my choice, but I honestly feel that Al Davis wants WR Dez Bryant or FS Taylor Mays.<br /><br />Round 2: NT Cam Thomas – North Carolina 6” 4” 331 lbs. <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npe9dFUyGJ4"></a><br />The defensive tackle position is the deepest position in the draft. DT is a position that the Raiders haven’t addressed in the draft since Chris Cooper in 2001 & Antaaj Hawthorne in 2005. The optimum size a team wants a DT in the (4-3 front) 6’ 4” 305 lbs.; in a (3-4 front) 6’ 4” 345 lbs. <br /><br />Cam Thomas fills a need that the Raiders have had for years. A prototypical DT will possess toughness, core strength and quickness. Thomas doesn’t get knocked off the ball and is an incredibly strong bull rusher. He can handle and split double teams. <br />He is more athletic than N.E. 2009 2nd round pick Ron Brace. Thomas does an excellent job of plugging the middle and freeing the linebackers to make plays. He has played in both front’s giving the team scheme flexibility. The choice should be between Thomas, DT Jared Odrick – Penn State, OT Charles Brown – USC and Jerry Hughes - TCU.<br /><br />Round 3: OT Jared Veldheer – Hillsdale (Mich) 6’ 7” 321 lbs. <br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZUoHh8gupE"></a><br />Jared Veldheer has the main four traits that a team looks for in an offensive tackle balance, awareness, recovery speed and pride. The optimum size you want in a tackle is 6’6” 315 lbs. He has excellent size, huge frame, extremely strong and carries his weight well. He is an excellent competitor who works hard and plays past the whistle. <br /><br />He has excellent strength and is a solid positional blocker. He is very smart and doesn’t miss assignments he also has a habit of finishing his blocks. He as able to dominate and out-muscle competition in Division II however, he started 46 games and didn’t allow a sack. <br /><br />He was very solid and didn’t shy away from contact in the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game week showing the he can hang with the big boys. He is rising on several teams draft boards. The choice should be between Veldheer, OG Mike Johnson – Alabama, OT Jason Fox - Miami.<br /><br />Round 4: QB Dan LeFevour – Central Michigan 6’ 3” 229 lbs.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIDFkBLaYYQ"></a><br />The team is seeking QB help and it has to be done and we all know why. Perhaps Hue Jackson can create a miracle who knows Hue is a solid QB coach, but Jackson can’t be tied to Russell’s failure. Even if the Raiders land Donovan McNabb the team still has to acquire and develop a QB of the future and Dan LeFevour would be a solid prospect to develop as the QB of the future. Oakland has also had a private workout for Sean Canfield.<br /><br />The spread offense has made finding an NFL QB difficult, but not impossible. LeFevour is an experienced four-year starter that has the “it” factor that a leader at the QB position has to have. He is competitive, has excellent size, mobility and the ability to make plays with his legs. <br /><br />He has a high completion percentage and threw for over 3,000 yards three of his four years in college. He started 51 of 53 college games throwing for 12, 905 yards and 102 TD’s against 36 Int’s. The choice should be between LeFevour, DT Arthur Jones or WR Taylor Price – Ohio.<br /><br />Round 5: NT/DE Nate Collins – Virginia 6’ 2” 279 lbs.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6KVIPqyiF8"></a><br />Nate Collins is a productive NT in college and solid football player, an undersized NT, but would be an excellent DE. He has a thick build, above –average initial quickness and good lateral range to slip through gaps and create havoc. He uses his hands well and has active feet to counter a blocker’s attempts. He has the strength to slide off blocks and make the tackle. The choice needs to be between Collins, Torrell Troup – UCF, OLB Rennie Curran. <br /><br />Round 5: OG Marshall Newhouse – TCU 6’ 3” 326 lbs. <br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiz_n0bvGLk<br />Newhouse started at left tackle for three years in Fort Worth; he is the nephew of former Dallas Cowboy fullback Robert. Despite having a lot of sheer mass he has surprising foot quickness to shuffle and slide, projects to be a strong, athletic starter at guard and an excellent drive blocker. The choice should be between Newhouse, DT Linval Joseph.<br /><br />Round 7: FB John Connor – Kentucky 5’ 11” 240 lbs. <br /><br />John Connor has a solid, compact, muscular build. He consistently plays with a low pad level, sinks his hips and drives for yards after contact when running the ball. He can be effective in short yardage situations as a runner as well as a blocker. He is a literally a man-moving lead blocker. He is excellent in pass protection and does a good job of sealing running lanes. The choice should be between Connor, OLB Larry Hart – Central Arkansas.<br /><br />Round 7: OLB Arthur Moats – James Madison 6’ 0” 246 lbs.<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaaRxhjB_LU"></a><br />Arthur Moats is a Short, Speedy and very productive Buchanan Award Winner as the Division I-AA defensive player of the year. He led the I-AA in tackles for loss and captured the award by the largest margin of votes in the award’s 15-year history. He is seeking to follow in the footsteps of previous winners such as DE Jared Allen, Rashean Mathis and Dexter Coakley. <br /><br />The following are players that the Raiders could bring in as un-drafted free agents to provide depth and competition on both lines: OT Nick Richmond-TCU, OT Mike Tepper-Cal, C Sean Allen-East Carolina, G Shelly Smith-Colorado State, G Alex Parsons-USC, G Reggie Stephens-Iowa State, DT Abe Koroma-Western Illinois,FB Jack Corcoran-Rutgers and OT Chris Scott-Tenn.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-33176550419394277692010-01-06T15:24:00.000-08:002010-01-06T15:33:13.234-08:00Oakland Raiders – It’s time for a Bold Move<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpsiWlpOepNoGzSIWQhz_nEKTnmaWNXgKYhZEoUBRGozINYcd87ZHH5b3yQVPYf9nwBp3AjNcE2vFumB396nxKsBzUWw6UbbZTWTCmkD2sfLfSieF2Jo4fo75AMzXba7SDLSmNF5dkDs/s1600-h/Trophies.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpsiWlpOepNoGzSIWQhz_nEKTnmaWNXgKYhZEoUBRGozINYcd87ZHH5b3yQVPYf9nwBp3AjNcE2vFumB396nxKsBzUWw6UbbZTWTCmkD2sfLfSieF2Jo4fo75AMzXba7SDLSmNF5dkDs/s400/Trophies.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423773966713692050" /></a><br />It's playoff time in the NFL, which means that the conversation about the Raiders moves on to the next year; will the Head Coach be fired or retained, which prized free agent will the team pursue in search of a quick fix, what will be the latest Al Davis draft mistake, etc. etc. etc. <br /><br />The fact of the matter is that another year has passed and the organization remains in the same position irrelevant, down and out. The players and several card-carrying members of the Raider Nation have spoken of consistency in regard to Tom Cable remaining the Head Coach. <br /><br />So-called inside sources/sources close to the team/un-named sources/ people who feel like they know - have stated that Cable went rogue benching JaMarcus Russell. Has it come down to Al choosing between Tom Cable & JaMarcus Russell? Does that make any sense? <br /><br />Oakland needs stability in the front office, head coach, a coach that can teach the game of football, recognize weaknesses to exploit, devise solid game plans, motivate and lead the team to victory. Regardless of what you or I think those questions and that issue will be decided by Al Davis in a meeting on 1/10/10. <br /><br />However, the reaction of the players and especially the fan base should provide a stubborn owner more signs that Raider fans have had it. I think that Al Davis needs to break out the Overhead projector and fire himself as the team's General Manager. <br />Drastic times call for drastic measures and for this team now is the time. <br /><br />Beyond the obvious of someone else handling the draft for the team, Al Davis needs to make a bold move such as offering a package deal to the Rams for the number one pick in the draft. <br /><br />He should offer RB Darren McFadden, QB JaMarcus Russell and SS Michael Huff in an attempt to land DT Ndamukong Suh. He should also be on the alert just in case the Rams decide to use that pick on QB Sam Bradford who will more than likely be the highest rated QB in the draft if he checks out medically and proves to be healthy. <br /><br />If the Rams aren't buying it he could then offer a similar package to the Lions, minus Russell who are in search on offensive help. Here is some of the reasoning behind such a bold move: <br /><br />1. These are overpriced non-productive players who have either exceeded their 3-5 year window to make an impact or have missed games due to injury but still have trade value. <br />2. Al Davis can’t be in anyway ready to scratch a series of checks to these players in excess of $28 million for 2010.<br />3. The team hasn’t gotten any significant return on investment with either player considering where each player was drafted.<br />4. Freeing up the team from the investment in each player to allow the team to restock more productive talent.<br />5. The Raiders need to develop their own drafted players, but the guys mentioned were guys the team missed on that a change in scenery could still be beneficial for both parties. <br />6. The Raiders need to make their money spent work for them on a more tangible level and produce some kind of value.<br /><br />The goal would be to secure the 1st overall pick in the draft or the second as well as retain the original first choice so the team possess' two first round picks. If successful the team could land DT Ndamukong Suh & MLB Rolando McClain. The bold moves would fill two huge needs on this team replacing 10-year veteran Gerard Warren & Kirk Morrison currently a free agent. <br /><br />The move would vastly improve the defense at two key positions, provide the Raiders with two solid young impact players that understand that losing is unacceptable, are instinctive, familiar with stopping the run and getting after a quarterback. We are all aware of the fat that the economy is bad, but for those who aren't seeing the entire picture the value of money is decreasing. <br /><br />This statement is relevant on several levels. The Raiders have literally thrown away way too much money on guys that should have been drafted later than selected. <br /><br />When you consider that Oakland in the last 23 seasons has had single digit wins in 18 of them, has lost 11 games a year for the last seven years, had top ten first round draft picks for seven years and missed on all of them, had two first round picks in 2002 & 2003 and only have Nnamdi Asomugha to show for those four picks, have thrown too much money at several veteran free agents, the team has also hired and fired several coaches without giving them the latitude to do their job without influence. <br /><br />I hate to say it, but something has to be done at this high level of perpetual sucktitude! The league is currently re-working the Collective Bargaining Agreement and I want to propose a few changes myself. The Raiders are one of several franchises in the league that have been horrible for a while and are in need of an overhaul. It has resulted in several blowouts, non-competitive games and several local blackouts. These teams are causing the league to lose money. <br /><br />Isn't it time that a clause is written into the CBA that states a team has five years to make the necessary moves to become competitive or the league office will take over to put that franchise on the right track? That's a total of 85 games, more than enough time to make progressive moves. <br /><br />Call it punishment or legislation for not being competitive. If the players can be fined, suspended or released for not performing is it right that there is no way to show a team owner that this is unacceptable? Some may have to be forced into a position to be competitive. <br /><br />The goal has to be a competitive brand of football by all 32 teams. The way it is constructed every team earns revenue, but with more competitive teams the league would make more money and us fans would be able to watch a better product on the field.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-56761230211102164022009-12-28T17:01:00.000-08:002009-12-28T17:15:48.679-08:00Oakland Raiders – Was 2009, a repeat performance or a variation of a ‘bad’ theme?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrSKpkansT0b8AOIlMP68Uv71TvORni4wCWVnp3vhPNpWC4hnuaUCiF7apG9vnyvpPC72sa4knQ55LabrLOSQqVtSE0T-jLjJaN362VGq0O3k87IEbS45WqNKCiwOXqfpg91bvYtVUf4/s1600-h/oakland_raiders.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFrSKpkansT0b8AOIlMP68Uv71TvORni4wCWVnp3vhPNpWC4hnuaUCiF7apG9vnyvpPC72sa4knQ55LabrLOSQqVtSE0T-jLjJaN362VGq0O3k87IEbS45WqNKCiwOXqfpg91bvYtVUf4/s400/oakland_raiders.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420460596435800978" /></a><br />On the last Monday of 2009 the Oakland Raiders find themselves with double-digit losses for the seventh year in a row. Another difficult year for a Raider's fan to have to deal with or should I say suffer through. <br /><br />The 2009 draft was one that brought two athletes to the team as 1st (Darrius Heyword-Bey) & 2nd round (Mike Mitchell) picks, but it is unclear if or when these athletes can develop into productive football players. The teams draft produced a promising DE selected in the 3rd round (Matt Shaughnessy). <br /><br />A promising WR selected in the 4th round (Louis Murphy). Another promising DE/DT was signed as an undrafted free agent (Desmond Bryant). Once again the Raiders look better drafting in reverse and this trend needs to stop. <br /><br />A team's 1st & 2nd round picks should be solid and make an immediate impact on the team. Whereas a team's picks in rounds three - seven should build the team. However, what should happen always boils down to whom Al Davis wants.<br /><br />I have a lot of respect for Al Davis and for what he has been able to accomplish over the years. I'm also in agreement with www.messagetoal.com and believe that it is time for him to give way to someone else running the football operations and have stated the same things for years. <br /><br />Another year of surprisingly beating teams that the Raiders had no business beating and losing to teams that the silver and black should beat. A change was finally made at quarterback, but as much as I agreed with the decision it makes me wonder if things could have been different if the decision was made in week seven as opposed to week 11. <br /><br />Going into 2010 it is clear to me that Oakland needs to change JaMarcus Russell's position or cut him because they have their quarterback in Bruce Gradkowski. Russell needs to out-work everyone, do a complete 180° turnaround and come back looking like a completely different player for me to consider him a potential member of the 2010 53-man roster. <br /><br />Another thought has me wondering how dramatically different the win-loss record would change if the Raiders could stop the run. The team is allowing 150 rushing yards and 24 points per game for the seventh straight year. This has the silver and black ranked 29th in the league at stopping the run. Is it a coincidence that six of the teams that rank in the top ten against the run use a 3-4 front as their base defense? <br /><br />I know what several people will attempt to inform me that the Raiders don't run a 3-4 defense nor have the personnel to effectively run the scheme. However, what every Raider fan knows that it is time for a change. Dramatic changes such as a new scheme on both sides of the ball, new personnel, better play calling and a completely different focus. <br /><br />A switch back to the 3-4 defense, the same defense the Raiders used and while winning Super Bowl XVIII in 1983, will probably never happen. However, switching to a multiple front defense one that uses a base 4-3 front, but depending on the opposition and down and distance switching out of the 4-3 front and into either a 3-4 versus the pass or a Bear 46 to finally stop the run. <br /><br />This will also ensure that the silver and black defense won't be so predictable. <br />Change is very slow for the Oakland Raiders, but the Raiders blitzed more as well as had more success with it in 2009 than in previous years. It might not be the massive changes I want to see, but it is a start. <br /><br />Hopefully there is more change to come in 2010; I’m talking about change for the better. I can't tell you today if Tom Cable keeps his job as the head coach or not. My feeling is that he remains in place despite all of the top tier coaching talent available. <br /><br />If Al Davis spoke with some of the talent available, relinquished control and told them it was their show to run and that he wouldn't interfere. Put it in the contract and provide them three years to clean up his mess that might suffice. <br /><br />If some of these changes were put in place instead of discussing how great Janikowski’s 61 yard field goal was or how the officials did the Raiders again (Not Surprising or worth discussing) with some changes we could be discussing the best season the Raiders have had in a decade. The ball is always in Al Davis court and it is up to him to do the right thing for the future of the franchise.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-33942610634596900942009-11-01T09:50:00.000-08:002009-11-01T09:58:57.665-08:00Lakers vs. Hawks Preview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy2elbxk09-3LsmHPkGFiOeDOcwjh4awFdHc9Wq-rx-OeunLx1yM6n3bDsY1axOkKVVyMTOokMhDb6AdXKhpcJCJPAQOEvhhriNS68-oWSnQt3eafuY3LX3I2unh59gVr8UW1WUO1Xyo/s1600-h/Andrew+Bynum+dunking+against+the+Mavs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguy2elbxk09-3LsmHPkGFiOeDOcwjh4awFdHc9Wq-rx-OeunLx1yM6n3bDsY1axOkKVVyMTOokMhDb6AdXKhpcJCJPAQOEvhhriNS68-oWSnQt3eafuY3LX3I2unh59gVr8UW1WUO1Xyo/s400/Andrew+Bynum+dunking+against+the+Mavs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399195875677200386" /></a><br />The Lakers are back on the hard wood tonight against a talented Atlanta Hawks team. Hopefully the Lakers will bring and employ their defense tonight at the Staples Center. The Lakers took one on the chin and were beaten by the Mavericks on Friday because of poor shooting and not being able to stop a familiar tactic; the pick and roll play.<br /><br />The loss was their worse at home in two years. Los Angeles needs to shake off the rust and put on a bounce back performance. Being stunned at home by an opponent that you had beaten six times in a row could be the type of wake up call this team needs. <br />The Lakers have a favorable schedule to start the season that could easily vault them in the Western Conference Standing but they’ll have to play night and day better than what we saw against Dallas. <br /><br />Los Angeles is still playing without All-Star Power Forward Pau Gasol who has yet to make his 2009-2010 season debut, it is doubtful that it will be tonight. The team doesn’t look the same without him. The ironic thing is that Gasol was the third pick in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He was traded to the Vancouver Grizzlies on draft day. However it must be said that I have no idea how Kwame Brown & Tyson Chandler were selected ahead of him.<br /><br />His absence is no excuse for how lethargic the team was defensively. The coaching staff will have watching film of the game as use it as a teaching tool. It is necessary because the Atlanta Hawks are averaging 110 points per game. <br /><br />All-Star Shooting Guard Joe Johnson is averaging 21 points per game and has shot 50 percent or better against the Lakers in six of his last seven games in Los Angeles. Josh Smith is averaging 19 points per game. Running the offense for the Hawks is veteran Point Guard Mike Bibby who has played well against the Lakers on more than one occasion. <br /><br />Andrew Bynum has been solid this season, averaging 20 points and 11.5 rebounds but he will need help against Atlanta’s talented young front court of Al Horford, Marvin Williams and Josh Smith. Horford is averaging 17 points 14 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. <br /><br />The Lakers have to shot better and play defense without fouling. Los Angeles was outscored 25-9 from the free throw line against Dallas. The Lakers need to get back to using excellent ball movement and excellent player movement to be effective. The front line of Ron Artest, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum will be put to the test but have to step up to the challenge.<br /><br />The Lakers need to focus on defense limit the Hawks to one shot per possession, stop the dribble penetration, control the boards, rotate out to three point shooters, close down the lane and make it a point to stop the pick an roll play because they’ll have to face it and defend against it all year.<br /><br />Tip-off: 6:30 PM PST<br /><br />Television -<br />• Los Angeles: Fox Sports West (Joel Myers & Stu Lantz)<br />• Atlanta: Fox Sports South (Bob Rathbun & Dominique Wilkins)<br /><br />Radio -<br /><br />• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)<br />• Atlanta: 790 AM (Steve Holman)<br /><br />Injuries -<br /><br />Lakers:<br />• Pau Gasol (Hamstring)<br /><br />Hawks:<br />None Reported <br /><br /><br />Photo Credit: Christine Cotter / Los Angeles TimesJeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-11896529808252043572009-10-30T04:42:00.000-07:002009-10-30T08:12:11.669-07:00Lakers vs. Mavericks Preview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhft8x_ePZqziu2_K6jCMKmAVFSh509jHzAtYcbZSWlcDtzlQMQVLTMBdgshQoDdl0JJOAvSzJHLtNEMXnMVheY9msS5AqypNtTqFs8Jr4znB20sTx3FKGpNXSIXIq1wf13bbYGZmbo8/s1600-h/Kobe+with+Ron+Artest+in+the+background.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhft8x_ePZqziu2_K6jCMKmAVFSh509jHzAtYcbZSWlcDtzlQMQVLTMBdgshQoDdl0JJOAvSzJHLtNEMXnMVheY9msS5AqypNtTqFs8Jr4znB20sTx3FKGpNXSIXIq1wf13bbYGZmbo8/s400/Kobe+with+Ron+Artest+in+the+background.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398410559181682418" /></a><br />The Lakers raised another banner, got their rings in a star studded ring ceremony as Lakers legends honored the reigning champions. The team officially put the 2008-2009 season behind them then it was just like that Jay Z track “On To The Next One” and began their title defense by dispatching the Clippers. <br /><br />Pau Gasol sat out with a hamstring injury that will keep him out of tonight’s contest as well. Ron Artest fit in well in his Lakers debut as expected. Kobe led the Lakers with a game high 33 points; Andrew Bynum celebrated his 22nd birthday with a 26 point 13 rebound effort putting aside any doubts about his health. <br /><br />Despite Bynum’s game and a few nice Kobe Bryant reverse lay ups there wasn’t a lot for the sold out crowd to cheer about as the Clippers kept the game close. The Lakers bench contributed a full nine points collectively and remains a concern. The Lakers defense has to improve and get back to a championship level it’s early in the season and not there yet.<br /><br />Los Angeles faces the Dallas Mavericks tonight a team that is coming off of a terrible loss at home to the Wizards. The team is still led by Jason Kidd, who is a year older and a step slower but still effective. Dirk Nowitski was provided front court help with the additions of Shawn Marion & Drew Gooden. <br /><br />The above mentioned additions will really help Nowitski by defending and crashing the boards. Whenever he is asked to rebound he appears to wear down. <br /><br />Last year’s solid five–man nucleus of Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Josh Howard, Dirk Nowitski and Brandon Bass is no longer intact for various reasons. The Mavericks can’t match the versatility of the Lakers roster even with the absence of Pau Gasol and their ability to cause match up problems.<br /><br />Dallas needs someone to take the pressure off of Dirk Nowitski. The Mavericks need Jason Terry’s points off of the bench to be effective. He didn’t give them much in the first game nor did the new additions. <br /><br />One would think that this game has the makings of a shootout. However the Lakers will start their offense from the inside out by getting the ball to Andrew Bynum early and often and allowing him to go to work. <br /><br />You should also see Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest and Lamar Odom spend some time in the post as well. The Lakers have to shoot better and their bench has to step up and contribute. Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic and Shannon Brown have to knock down open shots and the second unit has to come in and change the pace of the game.<br /><br />Defensively the Lakers have to control the tempo of the game and play at their pace, own the boards, stop the dribble penetration, limit Dallas to one shot per possession and challenge every shot. I want to see the Lakers play defense without fouling and make it a point to rotate out to three point shooters. <br /><br />Tip-off: 7:30 PM PST<br /><br />Television -<br />• Los Angeles: ESPN & FSW (Joel Myers & Stu Lantz)<br />• Dallas: ESPN & TXA 21 (Mark Followill & Brad Davis)<br /><br />Radio -<br />• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)<br />• Dallas: ESPN 103.3 KTXA FWB 980 (Bob Ortegal & Chuck Cooperstein)<br />Injuries -<br /><br />Lakers:<br />• Pau Gasol (Hamstring)<br />Mavericks:<br />• SF Josh Howard (Ankle)<br /> <br /><br /><br />Photo Credit: Alex Gallardo / Los Angeles TimesJeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-88481401869508443752009-10-15T15:40:00.000-07:002009-10-15T15:50:15.512-07:00Lakers vs. Kings Preview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu-9m2m5L9o1vRARf8AEYx1vAJo3vQc7tZK1Z20EQNQHXAIuSUrcvZxHtGuIlokhyKaJ8xLSnqd81d7lIT5MQuxiezXY-XlJKe_QRa8q6TVhG1sACHSFLvlGJ7tkMkmET5tA5wwJHfGc/s1600-h/Kobe+Pau+Andrew.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu-9m2m5L9o1vRARf8AEYx1vAJo3vQc7tZK1Z20EQNQHXAIuSUrcvZxHtGuIlokhyKaJ8xLSnqd81d7lIT5MQuxiezXY-XlJKe_QRa8q6TVhG1sACHSFLvlGJ7tkMkmET5tA5wwJHfGc/s400/Kobe+Pau+Andrew.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392962815736761362" /></a><br />The Lakers are in Las Vegas, NV for a pre-season run against the Kings at the Thomas and Mack Center. In the previous game the Lakers returned to The Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, CA only to have the nostalgic run end in defeat to the Warriors who shot better than Los Angeles in the second of back to back games.<br /><br />The Kings have made several additions to the squad in the off-season such as 1st round picks PG/SG Tyreke Evans & F Omri Casspi, SG/SF Desmond Mason, SF Andres Nocioni and PF Sean May. Their new Head Coach Paul Wesphal is big on versatility in his players and he will employ a three guard lineup against the Lakers tonight.<br /><br />It appears to me that the move is more of a gimmick than a solution to what ails the team. Don’t get me wrong versatility is good for any team and will benefit a team in the long run. <br /><br />Beno Udrih is an effective Point Guard; Tyreke Evans can be a very effective combo guard as well but losing Francisco Garcia for a while on the second high profile weight lifting accident causes a need to attempt to replace his point production which will cause a team to make adjustments.<br /><br />No disrespect but the Kings are a team that will be lucky to sniff 30 wins this season. In my opinion it is not really about positions but more about putting the best five guys on the floor. <br />The theory has worked for the Warriors, Suns & Mavericks when the goal was to score a ton of points and concern themselves with the classic low post match ups at the four and five spots. The Kings also have more depth at the Guard positions and at Small Forward.<br />The Lakers have one of the most versatile rosters in the league; it will be on full display tonight. Los Angeles will use defense as their calling card tonight as well as the entire season. The Lakers could match the Kings Three Guard line up with Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest & Shannon Brown.<br /><br />Derek Fisher is the starter at Point Guard but matched up against a 6’6” Tyreke Evans in the post could cause double team which will force the defense to rotate. The Kings will have to adjust to the Lakers regardless of what line up is on the floor. Los Angeles will focus on player movement and ball movement as well as executing their offense. <br /><br />The fact that Luke Walton hasn’t played a lot of minutes is due to the fact that more time was given to Ron Artest an Adam Morrison. The coaching staff has big plans on how they’ll deploy both players. Morrison will come off of the bench but Coach Jackson wants the opponents to figure out how Artest will be utilized.<br /><br />Look for the Lakers to play inside out and allow Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom to go to work. You might see Kobe Bryant in the post as well. I want to see Jordan Farmar, Sasha Vujacic & Adam Morrison consistently knock down open shots.<br /> <br />Tip-off: 7:00 PM PST<br />Television -<br />• Los Angeles: KCAL 9 (HD)<br />• Sacramento: KXTV News10 (HD)<br />Radio -<br />• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)<br />• Sacramento: KHTK 1140 (Gary Gerould)<br />Injuries -<br />Lakers:<br />• PF/C Pau Gasol (Hamstring Strain)<br />• C DJ Mbenga (Malalignment of his hips/ hip flexors)<br />• SF Luke Walton (Minor Back Pain)<br />Kings:<br />• SG Francisco Garcia (Forearm)Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-56235605604902454002009-10-09T03:20:00.000-07:002009-10-09T03:23:52.699-07:00Lakers vs. Warriors Game 2 Preview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOAxSSQVw77YI-lKKBFqWy_DubRbCpgGuPBDN4vyP5R8BY6oV-JM6-E6Vb2JZbekqHy65BhZ8E5IK4bQKew8AMV5cGKx7dPTgrDjD0tirizGNJBzdGxNZ4aOc928Kfhj1qqrqUvWq31c/s1600-h/LA+Lakers+2009.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOAxSSQVw77YI-lKKBFqWy_DubRbCpgGuPBDN4vyP5R8BY6oV-JM6-E6Vb2JZbekqHy65BhZ8E5IK4bQKew8AMV5cGKx7dPTgrDjD0tirizGNJBzdGxNZ4aOc928Kfhj1qqrqUvWq31c/s400/LA+Lakers+2009.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390543920319962642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGjoCmEMyDmnA2RjpzI0vkfess4Zr1d38ioHN_IVPtufObMxrgwebRAa8SydYjPIkGKN11WPgkdbARnQXCLftkbzumKmNaFgI9tDMsfwFkagoMbrLgAtbf2lXESSkT-jfsJLHdZTZPGQ/s1600-h/The+Forum1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 176px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGjoCmEMyDmnA2RjpzI0vkfess4Zr1d38ioHN_IVPtufObMxrgwebRAa8SydYjPIkGKN11WPgkdbARnQXCLftkbzumKmNaFgI9tDMsfwFkagoMbrLgAtbf2lXESSkT-jfsJLHdZTZPGQ/s400/The+Forum1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390543754580316946" /></a><br />I’ve got goose bumps by simply hearing the phrase “the Lakers will face the Warriors at the Forum in Inglewood, CA on tonight”. Call it a blast from the past but great to hear. The Lakers started the 2009-2010 Pre-Season right where they ended last season convincingly beating their opponent.<br /><br />The exhibition run gave everyone a look at what this team is capable of doing. <br />Ron Artest had a nice debut for Los Angeles with a 12 point, 9 rebound and 7 assist night. Andrew Bynum lead the Lakers is scoring with 24 points showing a lot of athleticism finishing at the rim early and often. <br /><br />He also showed that he is fully recovered from the knee injury that plagued him in the playoffs and prepared to be a presence in the paint. Hopefully for the Lakers on both ends of the court.<br /><br />Kobe Bryant put up 22 points and grabbed 9 boards as the defending NBA champions used a balanced scoring effort to win their pre-season opener big in Anaheim.<br /><br />The same two teams will match up again this evening under a different roof. Always great to see the start of another basketball season but and even better sight on Wednesday night was to see the Lakers reserves put up 47 points. The bench production in 2009 wasn’t as solid or consistent as it was in 2008.<br /><br />Earlier indications are that this area was addressed by the coaching staff and will improve with Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar & Adam Morrison consistently knocking down open shots. The Lakers won it all last year by playing solid defense and that needs to be their calling card this season. The addition of Ron Artest works toward accomplishing that goal.<br /><br />Just as in the first game you’ll see Coach Phil Jackson stick to traditional rotations with Lamar Odom the first player off the bench as well as Jordan Farmar the first guard off the bench. Josh Powell might get extended minutes in the interest of resting Pau Gasol. Look for Adam Morrison to get a longer look with the regulars to help in his development.<br /><br />It is still early and the Lakers have room for improvement like every other team in the league. The Lakers have to move their feet and play defense without fouling and limit the Warriors to one shot per possession. <br /><br />Tony Gaffney has to be showing flashes defensively on film but he hasn’t made the roster as of yet. The Lakers will continue to work on getting their timing and chemistry together. I’m looking forward to seeing the Lakers play solid defense and display excellent player movement and excellent ball movement. <br /><br />*The thoughts and prayers of the Lakers Nation go out to the Ratliff family for their loss and ours; John Ratcliff, the Lakers official scorer for the last 48 years passed away recently and will be missed.<br /><br />Tip-off: 7:00 PM PST<br />Television -<br />• Los Angeles: KCAL 9 (HD)<br />• Golden State: CSN (HD)<br />Radio -<br />• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)<br />• Golden State: KNBR 1050 (Tim Roye & Jim Barnett)<br />Injuries -<br />Lakers:<br />• None to report.<br />Warriors:<br />• PF Brandon Wright (Shoulder)<br />• PG C.J. WatsonJeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-64324370363298425402009-10-06T17:33:00.000-07:002009-10-06T22:08:53.152-07:00Lakers vs. Warriors Preview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB73HBaXwWMSj-i-wEoNAgEYgHqgHTCWxxXeA3M4ACU5kcY783uCxHbjzRphJxw82nbrxOnQcxDxrW7D7XICOB5PWwQaBJ1k0XG6oA6CLzAKJibcs-7oygoQs_Umz7a36h6oPwOEQrt0/s1600-h/Lakers+in+line.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 314px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB73HBaXwWMSj-i-wEoNAgEYgHqgHTCWxxXeA3M4ACU5kcY783uCxHbjzRphJxw82nbrxOnQcxDxrW7D7XICOB5PWwQaBJ1k0XG6oA6CLzAKJibcs-7oygoQs_Umz7a36h6oPwOEQrt0/s400/Lakers+in+line.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389652843958446690" /></a><br />The Lakers showed that they had the desire, experience and toughness to compete at the highest level. These facts are some of the reasons that the Los Angeles Lakers challenged for the title in 2008, won it all in 2009 and will repeat in 2010.<br /><br />A versatile and talented roster from top to bottom that includes All Stars Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol has also meant a lot and Mitch Kupchak needs to be applauded for that. The roster number per game is 12; we all have a pretty good idea of who will be on the roster.<br /><br />The only question here is about potential additions; The Lakers signed Tony Gaffney, Mickael Gelebale, David Monds, Michael Fey and Thomas Kelati. Gaffney and Monds played on the summer league team but the question is will any of them make the 15-man roster.<br /><br />It is too early to tell, but Gaffney and Monds have a good understanding of the offense. In addition, both guys have the size that Coach Phil Jackson likes.<br /><br />Gaffney is a solid defensive player who ranked third in the nation in blocked shots (3.8) in his senior season at UMASS en route to being name the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player the Year.<br /><br />The drive to repeat officially starts 20 days from now but today the pre-season and the first of two exhibition games against the Golden State Warriors begins. The Warriors can put up points in bunches but have endured team turmoil all off-season.<br /><br />Training camp and the pre-season are dress rehearsals for the regular season. Los Angeles needs to knock off the rust and develop some chemistry with new addition Ron Artest as the starter at the three spot.<br /><br />I’m also interested in the development of Adam Morrison. He was one of the principles in the trade who brought Shannon Brown to the Lakers. He’s a guy who can score but needs to hit shots consistently, and he could become an outside scoring threat. The same can be said about Jordan Farmar.<br /><br />Several people in the media have stated that the point guard position is the biggest weakness on the team. I can see the argument but I disagree.<br /><br />What's important to keep in mind is that Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic had disappointing years but it was the addition of Shannon Brown that solidified the guard rotation. The clutch shooting and veteran leadership of Derek Fisher was also huge in bringing another championship to L.A. and that needs to be mentioned when the point guard position in L.A. is discussed.<br /><br />The Lakers run the triangle offense and in said offense you don’t need a traditional point guard to run the show. The offense is predicated on ball movement, player movement and hitting the open man.<br /><br />Tip-off: 7:00 PM PST<br />Television -<br />• Los Angeles: KCAL 9 (HD)<br />• Golden State: CSN (HD)<br />Radio -<br />• Los Angeles: 710 ESPN (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)<br />• Golden State: KNBR 1050 (Tim Roye & Jim Barnett)<br />Injuries -<br />Lakers:<br />• None to report.<br />Warriors:<br />• PF Brandon Wright (Shoulder)<br />• PG C.J. Watson<br /><br />Prediction: N/A in the Pre-SeasonJeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-13545355847271095982009-10-03T13:10:00.000-07:002009-10-03T13:17:46.942-07:00Raiders at Texans: Which teams’ young players will step Up?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7bwqWtdz6zjn3xhIkkwvKpjNO5QToDi99tnB8qVOClkvStSAN_Foq0dZJXebRbBvZYmq2Vfl7RCqrhjM-Do0CpAWfcDYpdhyphenhyphenEzJ58jqJio-_0cf56SXqegZ9u_jj0A4q43OuEjlrWS0/s1600-h/Michael+Bush1.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 113px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7bwqWtdz6zjn3xhIkkwvKpjNO5QToDi99tnB8qVOClkvStSAN_Foq0dZJXebRbBvZYmq2Vfl7RCqrhjM-Do0CpAWfcDYpdhyphenhyphenEzJ58jqJio-_0cf56SXqegZ9u_jj0A4q43OuEjlrWS0/s400/Michael+Bush1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388470371084345106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDtdtZ27DGNV70_ECOm7SIXNt6ydTffksIafNa7a1p6QzD20-fYwlSAp7gVTIrVXb-ma8niHVRx62IxEWStiIms1DkMWR_O5rZdx37gwow1bl7bWpSRBOv4_RE1Smz9QZaOCqmoVkpSk/s1600-h/J+L+Higgins1.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 102px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDtdtZ27DGNV70_ECOm7SIXNt6ydTffksIafNa7a1p6QzD20-fYwlSAp7gVTIrVXb-ma8niHVRx62IxEWStiIms1DkMWR_O5rZdx37gwow1bl7bWpSRBOv4_RE1Smz9QZaOCqmoVkpSk/s400/J+L+Higgins1.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388469955584941874" /></a><br />A battle of two 1-2 teams takes place in Houston, when the Raiders and Texans clash. This isn’t the game of the week in the NFL but is sure is for the Raider Nation and the Texans faithful. <br /><br />The sad reality is once the final gun sounds one team is going to have a record of 1-3; coaches and players alike will be forced to walk the plank by their Owners, the media and most importantly their fan base.<br /><br />As it is with every game in the NFL there’s a tremendous amount on the line. Both teams at times have shown glimpses of success, moments of ineptitude, reasons to cheer and cause for concern in this young season. <br /><br />This game has the potential of being a very competitive game but in this writer’s opinion a must win for both teams. In week 16 of the 2008 season the Raiders beat a hot Texans team that was on a roll. The Texans were in the process of attempting to extend their win streak to five straight but the Oakland Raiders weren’t having any of that winning 27-16.<br /><br />The best thing about the game for Oakland was that it showed that this team has some playmakers and even better than that was the fact that the young players showed up and had an impact. The Raiders won with a total team effort playing well in all three phases of the game.<br /><br />From that moment I was under the impression that this team would continue to build upon the success of this game and become much more competitive. Several key players that helped Oakland beat Houston in 2008 will not participate this Sunday; gone and definitely missed are C Jake Grove, LG Robert Gallery, FB Justin Griffith and WR Chaz Schilens. <br /><br />Flash forward to 2009 and my vision of the team’s future has changed. To say that the Oakland Raiders have struggled would be an understatement but this week gives the team a great opportunity to right the ship. Houston is at or near the bottom in several defensive categories and Oakland needs to take advantage of that fact. <br /><br />Offensively; now is the time for the Raiders to run the ball at least 35-45 times. Oakland needs to get all of their runners involved. Fifteen carries a piece for Michael Bush & Justin Fargas and a total of 15 touches for Darren McFadden would be nice to see.<br /><br />The Raiders should be able to get the passing game going against the Texans but it is time for the team to use Louis Murphy & Javon Walker as the starters. I’m bringing up Walker because of the fact that he is a veteran and he’s being paid too much money to be a spectator. At the very least he can catch the ball and run precise routes.<br /><br />The development of Darrius Heywood-Bey needs to continue but not as a starter in this game but he needs to be in the rotation. This should allow more much needed room in the middle of the field for TE Zack Miller.<br /><br />Defensively the Raiders need to stop the run with either seven or eight guys in the box whatever it takes. Oakland gave up 215 yards rushing last week; it is a must that the Raiders get off of blocks and tackle well. Houston has averaged 29 points in their past two games to stop that number rising to three Oakland needs to display a pass rush and get after Texans QB Matt Schaub. <br /><br />This is another area that the Raiders have struggled in but this can be corrected with a heavy dose of blitzing from the linebackers & secondary, stunts from the defensive lineman. Pressure right the middle will throw off the timing of any quarterback. The Raiders need to get to the quarterback hit him, make him rush his throws. <br /><br />As fans we saw the Raiders put on a spirited effort against the Chargers on opening night so we know it can be done but this team needs to find a way to play well and finish games. Every team needs an identity and Oakland is searching for one however their identity is as a running team this Sunday Oakland will leave their calling card.<br /><br />I’m looking forward to a few key match ups:<br /><br />(Hou) WR Andre Johnson vs. (Oak) CB Nnamdi Asomugha<br /><br />Two of the best leagues best at their respective positions.<br /><br />(Hou) DE Mario Williams vs. (Oak) LT Mario Henderson<br /><br />The battle of the two Mario’s call it round two in round one last year Mario Henderson held his own and was able to make Mario Williams a non factor doing the same thing two years in a row could go a long way to establishing Henderson as the LT of the present & future for the franchise and help win this game.<br /><br />(Hou) MLB DeMeco Ryans vs. (Oak) RB Michael Bush, Justin Fargas & Darren McFadden<br /><br />The Texans have used a lot of 1st round picks on defense and still can’t seem to stop anybody. DeMeco Ryans was a 2nd round pick and is one of the leagues best MLB’s and the leader of this defense. He will have his hands full against a team hell bent on running the ball early and often.<br /><br />(Hou) LT Duane Brown or Rashad Butler vs. (Oak) DE Richard Seymour <br /><br />Duane Brown a 2nd year player who had a solid rookie season and has been more than adequate so far. Butler is a swing tackle a good back-up that can play on the left or right side. Neither has the experience to handle the challenges that Richard Seymour presents. <br /><br />Prediction: 24 – 20 RaidersJeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-32421074039372191822009-08-28T13:27:00.000-07:002009-08-28T13:28:53.537-07:00NFL-The Next Man Up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5zivG-06EZBoBOd6KzzMyArpm5GId9VC_-Q4YbYeeNMwOg0ErjS7NWqwE9MibCNKbAt-z935suulDFOE-XQWu8WU7F4BFV3E2IW0Tfj0-9MCqxHCEhvnyyE1q5fg58B23tGoIiQPfkE/s1600-h/joe-mays.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 358px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5zivG-06EZBoBOd6KzzMyArpm5GId9VC_-Q4YbYeeNMwOg0ErjS7NWqwE9MibCNKbAt-z935suulDFOE-XQWu8WU7F4BFV3E2IW0Tfj0-9MCqxHCEhvnyyE1q5fg58B23tGoIiQPfkE/s400/joe-mays.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375114290097018018" /></a><br />NFL franchises are officially back to work, their training camps in full swing. Adversity in the form of injuries has also affected teams as it has every year; several key players have gone down with significant injuries. <br /><br />When it comes to injuries in the NFL it is identical to riding a motorcycle it is a known fact that if you ride one you will go down at some point in time hopefully you can recover from any injuries. Coincidentally when it comes to injuries in the NFL it isn’t a matter of if it happens it is a matter of when.<br /><br />Let’s be honest injuries suck but they’re part of the game and a setback that has to be overcome. It is also an opportunity for the back up player to step up and prove he can be the guy. Here are a couple of guys who have made it happen. Can Joe Mays be the guy in Philadelphia? Can Corey Irvin, Nick Hayden or Marlon Favorite step up in Carolina? One thing is for certain both clubs and us fans we’ll all find out right away.<br /><br />1. Kurt Warner stepped in for Trent Green in 1999<br />2. Tom Brady stepped in for Drew Bledsoe in 2001<br />3. Kerry Collins stepped in for Rich Gannon in 2003<br />4. James Harrison stepped in for Clark Haggans in 2005 <br /><br />If the entire organization (Owner, Front Office, Scouting Department & Coaching Staff) is one the same page and has properly built their team they’ll be prepared for this scenario. This is accomplished by drafting well with a 3-5 year vision in mind and clearly defined attainable goals. <br /><br />In theory a teams 1st & 2nd round draft picks should be integral pieces to the puzzle that have the potential to be longtime fixtures for a franchise. A team should be drafting potential starters or players that can develop into starters in every round. However a team is actually built in rounds 3 – 7. Let’s not forget selecting un-drafted free agents to develop.<br /><br />It has been said more than once that the best laid plans can and will go awry. Injuries have negatively affected the outcome of the season of several teams. It brings to mind the John Madden Football curse. I know to some people this might sound just a tad out of context but follow me if you will and it will make sense.<br /><br />It must be stated that this isn’t a knock on John Madden Football. I absolutely love the game and have been playing it for years. Going back over the last ten years Injuries, having a significant impact on a team and being on the cover of the game have been synonymous. 1999 was also the first year that NFL players were featured on the cover of the game.<br /><br />• 1999 Garrison Hearst - He had an outstanding regular season, finishing third in rushing yards. However, he suffered a broken ankle in the Divisional Playoff game against the Falcons. The severe break caused Hearst to miss two full NFL seasons. The team went 8-8 3rd place in the division.<br />• 2000 Barry Sanders – He is pictured over Madden’s left shoulder on the cover. Sanders abruptly retired in July before the start of the start of the 99’ season. The team went 8-8 3rd place in the division.<br />• 2001 Eddie George – George’s curse came in 01’ in the form of him failing to break 1,000 yards rushing and the Titans going 7-9 and missing the playoffs.<br />• 2002 Dante Culpepper – Culpepper missed 4 games due to injury, threw for 1,300 less yards & 19 less TD passes than in 2000. The Vikings went 5-11 their worst record since 1984.<br />• 2003 Marshall Faulk – Faulk played in the same number of games but ran for 430 yards less and had 4 less TD’s than in 2001. His worst since 1996. The Rams scored only 16 more points then their 1996 team that had Tony Banks at QB and Lawrence Phillips at RB. The team went 7-9 3rd place in the division. <br />• 2004 Michael Vick – Vick missed the first 11 games of the season with a broken leg. Vick’s QB rating, completion percentage and yards per attempt were all down from 2002. (* This is clearly a statistic that Vince Young wasn’t aware of by stating in an interview in the Sept. issue of Esquire Magazine when he stated that playing QB was all about your legs) The team went 5-11 4th place in the division.<br />• 2005 Ray Lewis – Lewis for the most part avoided the curse. His numbers were slightly down from the previous year, he missed one game. However, he didn’t record an interception in 2004, the first time in his career. <br />• 2006 Donovan McNabb – After week 9, McNabb suffered a hernia and was lost for the season. McNabb threw for more interceptions; his yards per attempt and completion percentage were down from 2004. The Eagles finished 6-10, in last place and missed the playoffs for the first time since 1999.<br />• 2007 Shaun Alexander – Alexander missed 6 regular season games with a broken foot. He finished the season with 896 yards and 7 TD’s; his lowest numbers since his rookie season. He had a 3.6 yards per carry average; His career average was 4.4 yards per carry) The team went 10-6, went to the playoffs, lost in the Divisional Round to the Packers.<br />• 2008 Vince Young – Vince Young threw for 2,546 yards, 9 TD’s and 17 Interceptions. He did complete 62% of his passes and Tennessee went 10-6 losing to the Chargers in the playoffs.<br />• 2009 Bret Favre – Favre passed for 3,472 yards, 22 TD’s & 22 Interceptions. Favre & the Jets experienced a hot start but faded late after Favre injured his throwing arm and the season collapsed. Brett threw 6 less TD’s & 7 more INT’s then in 2007. The Jets finished 9-7 after an 8-3 start and missed the playoffs losing to the Dolphins with their former QB at the helm. <br /><br /><br />The NFL is the epitome of the next man up. Overcoming adversity and moving on is the name of the game. A highly important factor in answering the obvious question; can the team trust the back up and rally around him?Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-57088432801721204172009-08-28T13:13:00.000-07:002009-08-29T08:29:42.735-07:00Oakland Raiders - Will The Lack of Talent at Defensive Tackle be the Raiders Achilles Heel in 2009?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH25vOI9DVJodvx2B14ue7QvsFn6aekrfoRMGIOALWerfru8-_ilYTOHeCq7TgBqpHgPjDcFgLV01danfhgYJd8fXYrH1mXPIT3ugsFSpy1BKJRZY-1s39yd_9w3mOprPNGynSu-tp4sc/s1600-h/Raiders+defense.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 121px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH25vOI9DVJodvx2B14ue7QvsFn6aekrfoRMGIOALWerfru8-_ilYTOHeCq7TgBqpHgPjDcFgLV01danfhgYJd8fXYrH1mXPIT3ugsFSpy1BKJRZY-1s39yd_9w3mOprPNGynSu-tp4sc/s400/Raiders+defense.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375112014004749762" /></a><br />Halfway through the 2009 Preseason for the Raiders and as fans we’ve seen some good things and some bad things but most disturbing is the fact that the team still can’t stop the run.<br /><br />Reminiscent of a cold that you just can’t seem to shake, similar to having a sheet of flypaper stuck to your hand, the Oakland Raiders can’t dodge the fact that they’ve had great difficulty stopping the run for the past six years quickly going on seven. <br /><br />Oakland has surrendered 150+ rushing yards per game, on average, for the better part of the last six years. To ask what is the problem or what has gone wrong are questions that are too obvious to ask.<br /><br />The message to the new Defensive Coordinator couldn’t have been spelled out clearer: stop the run and get after the quarterback. It is way too early to say that they’ve failed because they haven’t. I applauded the selection of John Marshall & Dwaine Board as Defensive Line coach but these guys weren’t given the tools to succeed. <br /><br />Defensive Tackle is a position of need that has been neglected in the Draft by Oakland for far too long. 2009 has started and this team needs two Defensive Tackles in the 2010 draft.<br /><br />The last time the Raiders were stout up the middle against the run was 2002. I hate to have to call anyone out but we as Raider fans knew that this was a major area of need, that it had to be addressed and that the two best Defensive Tackles on the team were Tommy Kelly & Gerard Warren. <br /><br />The blame has to be placed at the doorstep of Al Davis for consistently not addressing this position in the draft. As a Raiders fan I have also been a fan of Al Davis however there is no excuse for this happening. <br /><br />The importance of the position has been overlooked, the idea of drawing a line in the sand and making a definitive stand on correcting this error has been put on the back burner for over a decade and it continues to be a major weakness. <br /><br />When you talk of improving any team the first thing that needs to happen would be to improve the defense. Oakland has gone through another draft where the Defensive Tackle position wasn’t addressed, again, and it has been the Achilles heel for the Raiders as well as the reason for their demise.<br /><br />The last five Defensive Tackles drafted by Oakland were Anttaj Hawthorne (2005), Junior Ioane (2000), Leon Bender (1998), Darrell Russell (1997) & Grady Jackson (1997). <br /><br />Since the 2006 NFL Draft there have been a total of 80 Defensive Tackles selected. It is a known fact that playing Defensive Tackle in the NFL is night and day different than it is in college. <br /><br />However, I refuse to believe that none of the previous mentioned players could’ve helped stop the disturbing trend of the Oakland Raiders making every opposing runner look like a Pro Bowl player.<br /><br />Some of the Defensive Tackles mentioned anchor some of the best defenses in the NFL. What has happened on more than one occasion a solid defensive tackle is available in the draft but Al Davis has chosen to select a position player (WR, RB or CB) with Raider speed. <br /><br />I’m not saying that having speed is a bad thing because as we all know speed kills but it does you no good in the middle of your defensive line. This writer stated in an article that the Raiders needed to draft not one but two Defensive Tackles or a Defensive Tackle and a Middle Linebacker. <br /><br />I was told that I was out of my mind and that doing so made no sense at all. I often wonder what those individuals had to say when the team gave up 160 yards rushing in 2008. The same thought crossed my mind twice this year once in the draft when the team had the opportunity to make a definitive statement that they’re finally prepared to stop the run by selecting former Boston College teammates B.J. Raji & Ron Brace. <br /><br />The second time while I was in the stands watching rookie runner Glen Coffee gash the silver and black for 129 yards in a little more than a quarter of football. I know that it’s pre-season and the games don’t count but Oakland surrendered 275 yards rushing in the game. Thanks to this Oakland ranks dead last in the league in run defense.<br /><br />I compiled a short list of Defensive Tackles players currently on other teams that may or may not make the roster for the current employers but they’re players the Raiders need to keep an eye on to help them stop the run.<br /><br />• New England – Mike Wright, Steve Williams & Myron Pryor<br />• Cincinnati – Jason Shirley<br />• Pittsburgh – Scott Paxson<br />• Indianapolis – Antonio Johnson, Daniel Muir<br />• Jacksonville – Jonathan Lewis, Derek Landri<br />• Tennessee – Kevin Vickerson<br />• Miami – Joe Cohen<br />• Seattle – Red Bryant<br />• Chicago – Matt Toeaina<br />• Washington – Antonio Dixon<br />• New York Giants – Anthony Bryant<br /><br />We’re extremely close to the first roster cuts and the production generated or the lack thereof by Terdell Sands & William Joseph means that there’s a real chance that both won’t make the roster. <br /><br />Jonathan Lewis has been released from Jacksonville and I doubt he’ll make a trip to the East Bay. I was surprised to see one of the guys on this list (Joe Cohen) has been signed. There are no guarantees but when you rank dead last in run defense the sign that there needs to more competition at the position and a need for new blood should appear like a large neon sign. <br /><br />I’ve no idea how Ryan Boschetti & Joe Cohen will pan out but I like their efforts. I’m not saying that these guys will be the answer but could turn out to be steps in the right direction.<br /><br />The offense will be better with much more production from QB JaMarcus Russell, The Wide Receivers as a group, TE Zack Miller and a solid trio of runners. I’m hoping that the run defense improves in 2009 although you and I know that instead of drafting a Defensive Tackle or two Oakland will sign a free agent. <br /><br />The run defense is the biggest question mark on this team. This team will put up more points but needs to stop drafting on emotion and start drafting based on production. Leave the projects for undrafted free agents and get this team back on track.<br /><br />Several people will never forget that the 2008 Lions went defeated and didn't win a game however from 2003 - 2008 that team won more games than the Oakland Raiders. The change for the better and the improvement needs to start in 2009.Jeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1051002050682277552.post-62737677763769393792009-05-30T10:58:00.000-07:002009-05-30T11:23:54.173-07:00The Lakers Crush the Nuggets 119-92 advance to the Finals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6KxQGs8HWkEMZZK2latLHZCxGKpHXXEAl6X0OpskS4sJz3doL6x8mQk9JoYTYrJ9Ja1-idvVTBz-A0dcNJzlBN61pPZW9IBHtqE5L2ctPA65ZKCJfXxr8mTEWs7yQhHXe7ZgOuGnEuw/s1600-h/Kobe+%26+Lakers+being+presented+the+WCF+Title.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6KxQGs8HWkEMZZK2latLHZCxGKpHXXEAl6X0OpskS4sJz3doL6x8mQk9JoYTYrJ9Ja1-idvVTBz-A0dcNJzlBN61pPZW9IBHtqE5L2ctPA65ZKCJfXxr8mTEWs7yQhHXe7ZgOuGnEuw/s400/Kobe+%26+Lakers+being+presented+the+WCF+Title.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341684391378588290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSZPxmABiN9EdgrgoCVAnvLwDHv5264fBSg9xIq9VQtqT2tRVCjD-zla4NRH75-uIOjc4ki4Ra7Yui_Pkt6UfKK08d5BHvfQx2sOG05XghZ-GfwljVQiK03iWh5JQCYMwMTwduEq5zwc/s1600-h/Kobe+WCF+Gm6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSZPxmABiN9EdgrgoCVAnvLwDHv5264fBSg9xIq9VQtqT2tRVCjD-zla4NRH75-uIOjc4ki4Ra7Yui_Pkt6UfKK08d5BHvfQx2sOG05XghZ-GfwljVQiK03iWh5JQCYMwMTwduEq5zwc/s400/Kobe+WCF+Gm6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341683224763645266" /></a><br />The Lakers saved their best game of the series for last in administering a season-ending beat down to the Nuggets in dominating fashion to return to the NBA Finals. Los Angeles showed that they were focused and ready to play from the start of the game.<br /><br />Trevor Ariza set the tone early by knocking down three shots from behind the arc; he finished the game with 17 points.<br /><br />Los Angeles was active, aggressive, attacking the basket and had everything working, Kobe Bryant wore the hat of the facilitator early getting all of his teammates involved, and then he showed why he is the best closer in the game. <br /><br />Nine Lakers had taken a shot in the first half prior to him taking over the game. Los Angeles used a focused total team effort.<br /><br />Kobe had 18 points on six-for-10 shooting, six assists and one huge blocked shot in the first half. He scored 11 of those points during a decisive 21-7 Lakers scoring run that gave the Los Angeles a 53-40 lead at halftime. <br /><br />Kobe Bryant’s stat line for the game showed that he scored 35 points, handed out 10 assists and grabbed 10 rebounds. All of this was accomplished by efficiently shooting 20 shots. What it didn’t show is the leadership, teaching and motivating he did to raise the level of play of his teammates. <br /><br />The Lakers used all of their weapons to increase their lead and had five players score in double digits. <br /><br />Pau Gasol scored 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, had six assists, three steals and blocked a shot. Lamar Odom had another great game leading the second unit with 20 points and eight rebounds. Luke Walton contributed 10 points off of the bench.<br /><br />Los Angeles held the lead for the majority of the game the lead got to high as 29 points and sent the Nuggets faithful to the exits with four minutes and 10 seconds left in regulation. <br /><br />The Lakers bench outscored the Nuggets bench 40-34. Los Angeles out-played Denver in every way possible in game 6. The Lakers out-rebounded the Nuggets 38-27, shot 57.3-percent from the field, 56.3-percent from behind the arc and knocked down all 24 of their free throws.<br /><br />Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points on his 25th birthday, JR Smith pumped in 24 points but to say this wasn’t the Nuggets day would be an understatement. The Nuggets trailed for all but a few seconds of the game and never mounted a serious charge after halftime.<br /><br />The Lakers 4-2 series win over the Nuggets means that it is the 16th straight time that team has won a series after winning game one. <br /><br />Kobe Bryant has scored at least 500 points in four different post-seasons, only Michael Jordan, who accomplished the feat eight times, has done it more. <br /><br />The Lakers have advanced to the NBA Finals for the second straight season and their 30th appearance. <br /><br />The Lakers are seeking their 15th title, Head Coach Phil Jackson is seeking his 10th NBA title; Kobe Bryant is after his fourth. Los Angeles became the first team to make consecutive NBA Finals appearances since the Pistons in 2004 & 2005. <br /><br />The Lakers 2009 playoff journey has been a much more bruising and much more difficult task going through Utah, Houston and Denver than cruising through West as the team did last year. <br /><br />The road to the Finals this year has taken the Lakers through an arduous, grueling and physical two weeks of basketball. Ending the series in six games has allowed them some much needed rest.<br /><br /><br />Photo Credit: Robert Gauthier & Wally Skalij / Los Angeles TimesJeff Littlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05488961722662461876noreply@blogger.com0