The Matt Cassel story is one of the most fascinating stories that I've heard in quite a while. The guy had not played a football game in 7 years before this year. He didn't play in college as everyone knows but still the Patriots took a flyer on him and developed him, and now he has thrown for more than 400 yards the past two weeks and is really starting to look like the real deal. So what is my point?
I'm afraid that after his contract is up this year, he is going to sign with the Minnesota Vikings. Signing him and maybe one more reciever might make them an instant, and legitimate Super Bowl contender, and the team to beat in the NFC North. They'll probably fall apart this year and not make the playoffs, leading to an even worse case scenario for Packers fans and the NFL... the firing of Brad Childress. They'll hire someone who is a competant NFL Coach and feed Adrian Peterson the ball, and then play action off of that and have Cassel just pick apart defenses ala Drew Brees against the Packers last night.
It scares me. I don't sleep at night.
Actually, I'm not that pathetic, but I really do dread the idea of the Vikings being good.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Coaching Tactics
Last year, Stan Van Gundy, Head Coach of the Orlando Magic, was criticized last year when he pulled Dwight Howard from the game and chewed him out about something he was doing that the coach did not like. Van Gundy was ripped for treating his superstar like this. Analysts said that this is the way a coach loses his team and why a superstar asks for trades or doesn't sign long term. I was outraged by this at the time. A coach is there to motivate, develop and challenge his players. His liveliehood is based on the results of his tactics, whatever they may be. I thought that he had every right to do whatever necessary to motivate his player, superstar or not.
The last couple of weeks, other motivational tactics and player treatment have been in the media and most often criticized.
The first was the Mike Singletary treatment of Vernon Davis when he sent him off the sideline because he wasn't playing the way he demanded of his teammates. He was a coach trying to make a statement about the way he wanted his team to play and I applaud this. Later it came to light that at halftime of that same game, Singletary pulled his pants down to his boxers to demonstrate a point. It wasn't exactly the politically correct way to make the point, but I'm pretty sure that grown men don't need to be PC all the time. I'm sure many worse things are said and seen in the locker room when media isn't around. I think the real problem lies in who is allowed to be in the locker room.
Then finally, Andy Reid benching Donovan McNabb this past weekend has led to the speculation that he is done in Philadelphia and will be finding a new place to play next year. It immediately made people question Andy Reid's coaching job the past two years and question his job security as well. Why can't we just leave it at this... A player on this team was not performing to the expectations his coach had for him and he made a decision to try to find someone who could get it done. Kevin Kolb did not get it done, and now McNabb is starting again. Andy Reid has been one of the most successful coaches of the past decade in the NFL, and all of a sudden, he doesn't know how to coach. I just don't understand why we can't just see things for what they are and not speculate the crap out of everything.
It will probably be put in a top ten list of crazy coaching moves along with Van Gundy and Singletary, because God knows we love top ten lists!
The last couple of weeks, other motivational tactics and player treatment have been in the media and most often criticized.
The first was the Mike Singletary treatment of Vernon Davis when he sent him off the sideline because he wasn't playing the way he demanded of his teammates. He was a coach trying to make a statement about the way he wanted his team to play and I applaud this. Later it came to light that at halftime of that same game, Singletary pulled his pants down to his boxers to demonstrate a point. It wasn't exactly the politically correct way to make the point, but I'm pretty sure that grown men don't need to be PC all the time. I'm sure many worse things are said and seen in the locker room when media isn't around. I think the real problem lies in who is allowed to be in the locker room.
Then finally, Andy Reid benching Donovan McNabb this past weekend has led to the speculation that he is done in Philadelphia and will be finding a new place to play next year. It immediately made people question Andy Reid's coaching job the past two years and question his job security as well. Why can't we just leave it at this... A player on this team was not performing to the expectations his coach had for him and he made a decision to try to find someone who could get it done. Kevin Kolb did not get it done, and now McNabb is starting again. Andy Reid has been one of the most successful coaches of the past decade in the NFL, and all of a sudden, he doesn't know how to coach. I just don't understand why we can't just see things for what they are and not speculate the crap out of everything.
It will probably be put in a top ten list of crazy coaching moves along with Van Gundy and Singletary, because God knows we love top ten lists!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
BCS and Conference Bias
How soon we forget about Boise State and their amazing upset of Oklahoma in the BCS a few years ago. I thought a win like that would validate these other conferences and the level of football that they play, but here comes bowl season around the corner again and the media is doing it's part to make sure that Florida, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas and the other big guns are in the bowl games and the right ones are in the Championship. If I hear one more time that Florida is the best team in the NCAA, I am going to puke. It's because people constantly say that, and sports analysis is such a copycat business that the votes start to sway towards Florida. (Again proving that ESPN has too much power). If they were the best team in college football, they would not have lost to Mississippi, who by the way is 6-4 (3-3 SEC).
The other thing that gets in the way of the BCS being a successful system is the conference bias. It is absolutely a joke that Cincinnati, UConn or West Virginia or whoever will represent the Big East in a BCS Bowl this year. Can't common sense step in and say, wow, that conference sucks and no one from it belongs in a prestigous bowl. How about the ACC too? Unranked Maryland is probably going to get that bid when it's all said and done and take their 3 losses into the BCS while Boise State heads to the Doesn't Matter Bowl. The Big Ten and Pac-10's insistence that they be affiliated with the Rose Bowl will end up being a game between Oregon State and Penn State, which by the way already happened this year and it was a 45-14 Nittany Lion rout. Then when Oregon State goes to the Rose Bowl, everyone's favorite darling, USC will get an at-large rather than Boise State, who already proved they can play with the big boys, if they're ever given the chance. Ohio State has stunk up the whole national stage lately, that they should get a 3 year ban from the BCS, but, even with two losses to two other BCS teams, they are projected to sneak in once again and get blown out once again.
If the season ended today, this should be the BCS Bowl Games..
National Championship - Alabama vs. Texas Tech
Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma vs. Utah
Sugar Bowl - Ball State vs. Penn State
Rose Bowl - USC vs. Texas
Orange Bowl - Florida vs. Boise State
The only one loss team sitting out would be BYU, but they can't really gripe because they didn't win their conference. Utah did. Those are some good looking matchups. David vs. Goliath. Established coaches vs. up and coming coaching stars. Storylines that excite people. It has it all! But it doesn't follow the "rules" of the BCS, or should I say the bias of the BCS.
The other thing that gets in the way of the BCS being a successful system is the conference bias. It is absolutely a joke that Cincinnati, UConn or West Virginia or whoever will represent the Big East in a BCS Bowl this year. Can't common sense step in and say, wow, that conference sucks and no one from it belongs in a prestigous bowl. How about the ACC too? Unranked Maryland is probably going to get that bid when it's all said and done and take their 3 losses into the BCS while Boise State heads to the Doesn't Matter Bowl. The Big Ten and Pac-10's insistence that they be affiliated with the Rose Bowl will end up being a game between Oregon State and Penn State, which by the way already happened this year and it was a 45-14 Nittany Lion rout. Then when Oregon State goes to the Rose Bowl, everyone's favorite darling, USC will get an at-large rather than Boise State, who already proved they can play with the big boys, if they're ever given the chance. Ohio State has stunk up the whole national stage lately, that they should get a 3 year ban from the BCS, but, even with two losses to two other BCS teams, they are projected to sneak in once again and get blown out once again.
If the season ended today, this should be the BCS Bowl Games..
National Championship - Alabama vs. Texas Tech
Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma vs. Utah
Sugar Bowl - Ball State vs. Penn State
Rose Bowl - USC vs. Texas
Orange Bowl - Florida vs. Boise State
The only one loss team sitting out would be BYU, but they can't really gripe because they didn't win their conference. Utah did. Those are some good looking matchups. David vs. Goliath. Established coaches vs. up and coming coaching stars. Storylines that excite people. It has it all! But it doesn't follow the "rules" of the BCS, or should I say the bias of the BCS.
Monday, November 17, 2008
NFL Week 11
5 Packers Thoughts
1. I'm not sure the Packers aren't better with AJ Hawk and Brandon Chillar then they are with Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk. I think it speaks more to the fact that AJ Hawk is playing out of position on the outside to anything negative about Nick Barnett. With his speed, put him on the outside next year and go with Barnett, Hawk and Chillar. That could be scary good.
2. Chad Clifton is getting a step slow. The line in general played MUCH better than they did last week, but he is not the football player he once was. The Packers might be better off with Colledge at LT and Spitz at LG. I'm sure they've discussed it.
3. If anyone didn't know, Al Harris and Charles Woodson are the best combination of cover corners in the National Football League. If Woodson doesn't make the Pro Bowl this year, I am not watching it. Wait, I never watch the Pro Bowl anyway, but you get the idea. The only thing that will keep Harris out is the time he missed, but even so, he's certainly good enough. He should be joined by Collins and Kampman on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively they should be represented by Greg Jennings and Mark Tauscher. Will Blackmon could be the return specialist in Hawaii too.
4. I think we should temper our excitement a little bit about how well they played. The Bears were not able to do anything and a lot of that was because of the lack of mobility of Kyle Orton and his injured ankle. They loaded up against the run and only had to cover for a very short amount of time because he couldn't keep plays alive. And even though the Bears have been better this year, they still don't have all that many offensive weapons. They won't have the same luxuries against the Saints next week. I think the Saints are the best team in the NFL that doesn't win very much. They're scary on offense.
5. Aaron Rodgers is a different guy when he has some time to throw. Who isn't really, but man did he look good again. That being said, the Packers would be 7-3 with Favre....
5 NFL Thoughts
1. Kurt Warner is the MVP of the league right now. He is playing out of his mind. And the Cardinals are for real at 7-3. If they get any running game from Hightower and Arrington, they can't be stopped because they have two recievers who demand double teams. If they don't give Bouldin all the money he wants in the off-season, I will be convinced that they do not want to win ever again. The only reciever in the league that's better than him lines up opposite him.
2. How come Brad Childress doesn't really want to coach the Vikings? Hand the ball to Adrian Peterson, then throw it, then hand it to him, then throw it to him, then chuck one down field to someone, then lather, rinse and repeat the process. If he doesn't touch it 25 times a game for the rest of the way out, he should be fired. Why doesn't he know this? He beat the Packers BY HIMSELF. That's what superstars do. That's what he is. Also, pass this memo to Wade Phillips about Marion Barber please. It's not that hard.
3. In case people haven't noticed, Peyton Manning is 17th in the league in quarterback rating and Donovan McNabb is 18th. Have we seen the best of those two guys? Seems like their prime didn't last all that long. Either that or I'm getting old, but man it came and went. They are behind the following list of quarterbacks in QB Rating... Chad Pennington, Matt Schaub, Trent Edwards, Matt Cassell, Matt Ryan, and Jason Campbell just to name a bunch.
4. ESPN decided that the star of Monday Night Football would be Ron Jaworski, but I'm really annoyed with him already this year. He thinks he is a genius and he's not. (Similar to the way I feel, but that's neither here nor there). I say more Tony Kornheiser makes more entertainment!
5. Finally, there is nothing better than football in HD. I can't even watch it in standard def anymore. It hurts my eyes. The Bills and Browns have never looked better.
1. I'm not sure the Packers aren't better with AJ Hawk and Brandon Chillar then they are with Nick Barnett and AJ Hawk. I think it speaks more to the fact that AJ Hawk is playing out of position on the outside to anything negative about Nick Barnett. With his speed, put him on the outside next year and go with Barnett, Hawk and Chillar. That could be scary good.
2. Chad Clifton is getting a step slow. The line in general played MUCH better than they did last week, but he is not the football player he once was. The Packers might be better off with Colledge at LT and Spitz at LG. I'm sure they've discussed it.
3. If anyone didn't know, Al Harris and Charles Woodson are the best combination of cover corners in the National Football League. If Woodson doesn't make the Pro Bowl this year, I am not watching it. Wait, I never watch the Pro Bowl anyway, but you get the idea. The only thing that will keep Harris out is the time he missed, but even so, he's certainly good enough. He should be joined by Collins and Kampman on the defensive side of the ball. Offensively they should be represented by Greg Jennings and Mark Tauscher. Will Blackmon could be the return specialist in Hawaii too.
4. I think we should temper our excitement a little bit about how well they played. The Bears were not able to do anything and a lot of that was because of the lack of mobility of Kyle Orton and his injured ankle. They loaded up against the run and only had to cover for a very short amount of time because he couldn't keep plays alive. And even though the Bears have been better this year, they still don't have all that many offensive weapons. They won't have the same luxuries against the Saints next week. I think the Saints are the best team in the NFL that doesn't win very much. They're scary on offense.
5. Aaron Rodgers is a different guy when he has some time to throw. Who isn't really, but man did he look good again. That being said, the Packers would be 7-3 with Favre....
5 NFL Thoughts
1. Kurt Warner is the MVP of the league right now. He is playing out of his mind. And the Cardinals are for real at 7-3. If they get any running game from Hightower and Arrington, they can't be stopped because they have two recievers who demand double teams. If they don't give Bouldin all the money he wants in the off-season, I will be convinced that they do not want to win ever again. The only reciever in the league that's better than him lines up opposite him.
2. How come Brad Childress doesn't really want to coach the Vikings? Hand the ball to Adrian Peterson, then throw it, then hand it to him, then throw it to him, then chuck one down field to someone, then lather, rinse and repeat the process. If he doesn't touch it 25 times a game for the rest of the way out, he should be fired. Why doesn't he know this? He beat the Packers BY HIMSELF. That's what superstars do. That's what he is. Also, pass this memo to Wade Phillips about Marion Barber please. It's not that hard.
3. In case people haven't noticed, Peyton Manning is 17th in the league in quarterback rating and Donovan McNabb is 18th. Have we seen the best of those two guys? Seems like their prime didn't last all that long. Either that or I'm getting old, but man it came and went. They are behind the following list of quarterbacks in QB Rating... Chad Pennington, Matt Schaub, Trent Edwards, Matt Cassell, Matt Ryan, and Jason Campbell just to name a bunch.
4. ESPN decided that the star of Monday Night Football would be Ron Jaworski, but I'm really annoyed with him already this year. He thinks he is a genius and he's not. (Similar to the way I feel, but that's neither here nor there). I say more Tony Kornheiser makes more entertainment!
5. Finally, there is nothing better than football in HD. I can't even watch it in standard def anymore. It hurts my eyes. The Bills and Browns have never looked better.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday Thoughts
I have a lot on my mind outside of the Wisconsin Sports at all times so here are just some random thoughts I felt like sharing.
1. I don't know if anyone watched the San Francisco/Arizona game last night but what a fun game that was. Arizona has some serious playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. I'm still not sold on Hightower as a starting running back, but other than that they have Fitzgerald, Breaston and Boldin who might be the best recieving corps in the NFL. Kurt Warner is playing out of his mind. I don't think there is a quarterback playing better in the NFL than he is. He'd half to be considered the MVP to this point.
2. NBA TV should do a nightly, "you pick em" game on their network. Something where you can go online and pick any of the NBA games on the schedule and get their local broadcast. I think it would really give the league a chance for people to see more teams than you do now. I can only watch so many Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs games. Most of the young, exciting stars are on teams that aren't being televised nationally. Wouldn't it be fun to see Kevin Durant, OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay and some of those guys whenever you wanted to? It seems something simple enough to do. Go online, choose your game, flip to the NBA TV and boom. Your very own game of the night
3. If I had to rate the top 5 shows that we hear on ESPN Radio in our area, they would no doubt go in this order. 1. Dan Patrick Show 2. The Herd 3. Mike and Mike in the Morning 4. Tirico and Van Pelt (Very Distant 5.) Jim Rome Show. Dan Patrick gets the best guests, his supporting cast is entertaining and his interviews are the most interesting. The Herd is a close second. He is very opinionated, but backs them up with facts. Mike and Mike are an entertaining way to start the morning. I think where they lack is their coverage of other sports. They are very football orientated and while I love the NFL, I like to hear about the NBA and MLB as well. Tirico and Van Pelt aren't together enough. They aren't terrible edgy or exciting, but a good listen nonetheless. Rome is lame. If you click over in the middle of the show, it often takes 10 minutes to figure out what the heck he is even talking about. Plus, to me, he seems stuck on himself.
4. Teams should hire official "clock managers" in both the NFL and major college football. As good as these guys are at coaching, very few of them can manage a clock. And let's face it, what do they do during a game if not that? They don't call plays, on offense or defense, they don't go to the bench and X and O during timeouts. They are out their to yell at the officials, talk to players as they come off the field (sometimes), be on camera a lot, decide whether to punt or go for it on 4th down and MANAGE THE CLOCK. I will offer my services to any coach who wants to start that position. If you've been watching a lot of football lately you've seen Bielma, McCarthy, Les Miles (LSU), and Mike Singletary (49ers) struggle with clock management and timeouts the last couple of weeks. And that's just naming a couple
5. Why in the world are the Padres so intent on trading Jake Peavy? He's rather affordable for an ace pitcher for one. Secondly, anything can happen year to year in baseball. You can be awful one year and competitive the next. The Rays are a pretty extreme case, but it's possible to have some degree of a turnover. The Padres made the playoffs (one game playoff at least) two years ago and struggled through injuries this year. Who's to say they wouldn't rebound next year. If they do, it sure would be nice to have an ace like Peavy out there. Peavy is young, cheap (relatively) speaking and perfect guy to rebuild AROUND. Don't use him to rebuild.
1. I don't know if anyone watched the San Francisco/Arizona game last night but what a fun game that was. Arizona has some serious playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. I'm still not sold on Hightower as a starting running back, but other than that they have Fitzgerald, Breaston and Boldin who might be the best recieving corps in the NFL. Kurt Warner is playing out of his mind. I don't think there is a quarterback playing better in the NFL than he is. He'd half to be considered the MVP to this point.
2. NBA TV should do a nightly, "you pick em" game on their network. Something where you can go online and pick any of the NBA games on the schedule and get their local broadcast. I think it would really give the league a chance for people to see more teams than you do now. I can only watch so many Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs games. Most of the young, exciting stars are on teams that aren't being televised nationally. Wouldn't it be fun to see Kevin Durant, OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay and some of those guys whenever you wanted to? It seems something simple enough to do. Go online, choose your game, flip to the NBA TV and boom. Your very own game of the night
3. If I had to rate the top 5 shows that we hear on ESPN Radio in our area, they would no doubt go in this order. 1. Dan Patrick Show 2. The Herd 3. Mike and Mike in the Morning 4. Tirico and Van Pelt (Very Distant 5.) Jim Rome Show. Dan Patrick gets the best guests, his supporting cast is entertaining and his interviews are the most interesting. The Herd is a close second. He is very opinionated, but backs them up with facts. Mike and Mike are an entertaining way to start the morning. I think where they lack is their coverage of other sports. They are very football orientated and while I love the NFL, I like to hear about the NBA and MLB as well. Tirico and Van Pelt aren't together enough. They aren't terrible edgy or exciting, but a good listen nonetheless. Rome is lame. If you click over in the middle of the show, it often takes 10 minutes to figure out what the heck he is even talking about. Plus, to me, he seems stuck on himself.
4. Teams should hire official "clock managers" in both the NFL and major college football. As good as these guys are at coaching, very few of them can manage a clock. And let's face it, what do they do during a game if not that? They don't call plays, on offense or defense, they don't go to the bench and X and O during timeouts. They are out their to yell at the officials, talk to players as they come off the field (sometimes), be on camera a lot, decide whether to punt or go for it on 4th down and MANAGE THE CLOCK. I will offer my services to any coach who wants to start that position. If you've been watching a lot of football lately you've seen Bielma, McCarthy, Les Miles (LSU), and Mike Singletary (49ers) struggle with clock management and timeouts the last couple of weeks. And that's just naming a couple
5. Why in the world are the Padres so intent on trading Jake Peavy? He's rather affordable for an ace pitcher for one. Secondly, anything can happen year to year in baseball. You can be awful one year and competitive the next. The Rays are a pretty extreme case, but it's possible to have some degree of a turnover. The Padres made the playoffs (one game playoff at least) two years ago and struggled through injuries this year. Who's to say they wouldn't rebound next year. If they do, it sure would be nice to have an ace like Peavy out there. Peavy is young, cheap (relatively) speaking and perfect guy to rebuild AROUND. Don't use him to rebuild.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Just a couple of thoughts right after a very disappointing Packer game. After all was said and done, it should have still been a victory
The Good
1. The defensive backfield continues to make plays. Nick Collins and Charles Woodson each have 5 interceptions, with Collins returning three of those for Touchdowns. Both should be playing in Hawaii in February. Without the play Collins made, that game could have gotten away from the Pack.
2. Will Blackmon is a playmaker. He made some bad decisions early, but more than made up for it with a spectacular punt return that should have given the Packers the lead for good. His kickoff return gave the Packers a chance to win, but we all know how that ended. A creative coaching staff might figure out ways to get him 5 more touches a game...
3. I wanted three things in each category, but that was about a sloppy a performance as I can remember, so my third point in the good category is that the game is over and I don't have to watch it anymore.
The Bad
1. Penalties are starting to be a real cause for concern. They have regressed from a discipline standpoint. False starts, holding and delay of game have plagued the offense. I will admit that the call against Daryn Colledge was a phantom call, but the Packers are at fault for the majority.
2. Derek Frost is abysmal. His punts have no hangtime and are easily returnable. After a three and out on the first series today, Frost could have limited the damage by getting off a nice, deep punt, but instead it's a 4o yard line drive that is returned into Green Bay territory and the Vikings momentum grows with a short field ahead of them.
3. What was Mike McCarthy thinking with his last challenge? I'm not sure what good could have come out of it. I'm thinking the Vikings almost wanted him to win the challenge. They could have ran two or three more plays from the one and punched it in with under a minute left and the Packers having no timeouts left on the board (not that they utilitized the one they had anyway). Instead he lost the challenge and his timeout. Interesting at best.
The Ugly
1. Aaron Rodgers. He got off to a fast start and got much of the state of Wisconsin on his side, but his play over the last couple of weeks has me concerned. He needs to get rid of the ball if there is no one open. He's holding onto it far too long which is evident by the second safety of the game. That is inexcusible for a professional quarterback. The other thing that is awful is his ball security. Put two hands on the football when you are standing in the pocket. It's another one of those things that is expected of a high school quarterback and should be second nature by this point. That led to the first safety, which was nothing short of embarassing. Rodgers was very inconsistent last week, and I'd argue that he was more consistent this week, albeit consistently bad.
2. The Packers run defense is embarrassingly bad. I understand that they were playing against Adrian Peterson and he is going to get his yards, but the way he got his yards, missed tackles, cutbacks against no pursuit are cause for concern. Remind me again why it was necessary to jettison Corey Williams in the offseason. Just for the record, with that pick the Packers selected third string quarterback Brian Brohm.
3. That was terrible two minutes offense at the end of the game. They were limited a bit by the lack of timeouts discussed above but none the less, when you get the ball at the 40 yard line with 1:45 left, why do you decide that that is far enough to get. They should have been throwing the ball down the field to try to get a closer field goal. Instead, against one of the best rush defenses in the NFL, they run twice and throw a quick screen behind the line of scrimmage. Wow. That kick was good from 48 yards, also known as one more slant pass downfield.
The Good
1. The defensive backfield continues to make plays. Nick Collins and Charles Woodson each have 5 interceptions, with Collins returning three of those for Touchdowns. Both should be playing in Hawaii in February. Without the play Collins made, that game could have gotten away from the Pack.
2. Will Blackmon is a playmaker. He made some bad decisions early, but more than made up for it with a spectacular punt return that should have given the Packers the lead for good. His kickoff return gave the Packers a chance to win, but we all know how that ended. A creative coaching staff might figure out ways to get him 5 more touches a game...
3. I wanted three things in each category, but that was about a sloppy a performance as I can remember, so my third point in the good category is that the game is over and I don't have to watch it anymore.
The Bad
1. Penalties are starting to be a real cause for concern. They have regressed from a discipline standpoint. False starts, holding and delay of game have plagued the offense. I will admit that the call against Daryn Colledge was a phantom call, but the Packers are at fault for the majority.
2. Derek Frost is abysmal. His punts have no hangtime and are easily returnable. After a three and out on the first series today, Frost could have limited the damage by getting off a nice, deep punt, but instead it's a 4o yard line drive that is returned into Green Bay territory and the Vikings momentum grows with a short field ahead of them.
3. What was Mike McCarthy thinking with his last challenge? I'm not sure what good could have come out of it. I'm thinking the Vikings almost wanted him to win the challenge. They could have ran two or three more plays from the one and punched it in with under a minute left and the Packers having no timeouts left on the board (not that they utilitized the one they had anyway). Instead he lost the challenge and his timeout. Interesting at best.
The Ugly
1. Aaron Rodgers. He got off to a fast start and got much of the state of Wisconsin on his side, but his play over the last couple of weeks has me concerned. He needs to get rid of the ball if there is no one open. He's holding onto it far too long which is evident by the second safety of the game. That is inexcusible for a professional quarterback. The other thing that is awful is his ball security. Put two hands on the football when you are standing in the pocket. It's another one of those things that is expected of a high school quarterback and should be second nature by this point. That led to the first safety, which was nothing short of embarassing. Rodgers was very inconsistent last week, and I'd argue that he was more consistent this week, albeit consistently bad.
2. The Packers run defense is embarrassingly bad. I understand that they were playing against Adrian Peterson and he is going to get his yards, but the way he got his yards, missed tackles, cutbacks against no pursuit are cause for concern. Remind me again why it was necessary to jettison Corey Williams in the offseason. Just for the record, with that pick the Packers selected third string quarterback Brian Brohm.
3. That was terrible two minutes offense at the end of the game. They were limited a bit by the lack of timeouts discussed above but none the less, when you get the ball at the 40 yard line with 1:45 left, why do you decide that that is far enough to get. They should have been throwing the ball down the field to try to get a closer field goal. Instead, against one of the best rush defenses in the NFL, they run twice and throw a quick screen behind the line of scrimmage. Wow. That kick was good from 48 yards, also known as one more slant pass downfield.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Not Ready for the Big Time
The Milwaukee Bucks have showed steady signs of progress so far in the 2008-2009 season, there is no doubt. At 3-3, it's easy to get a little excited about where they're at.
But it isn't quite time to talk playoffs yet.
The Bucks have beaten the Oklahoma City Outlaws, I mean Thunder. (Don't you think Outlaws sounds a lot better?), who might have a chance to win 20 games. They've beaten the Knicks who are nowhere near what you'd call contenders and they've beaten the "Agent Zeroless" Washington Wizards who stand as one of the only two winless teams in the NBA. The other is the Clippers. Not exactly a who's who of NBA Championship contenders.
They played one of those NBA contenders tonight when they traveled to Boston to face the Celtics. The Bucks stayed with them for the first 16 minutes, thanks in large part to a 14 point first quarter by Richard Jefferson, but the Celtics pretty much coasted past them without much effort.
The Bucks have also played two teams with legitimate playoff chances, the Bulls and the Raptors and were turned away by both. They certainly had their moments in both of those games, especially a spirited comeback against the Raptors, led by Andrew Bogut, but eventually the Bucks were outlasted by tougher, more seasoned basketball teams.
They are definitely ahead of where they were last year at this time. You can tell it by the intensity and the defensive effort, but with a brutal schedule over the next couple weeks (vs. Phoenix, @ Cleveland, vs. San Antonio, @ Memphis, vs. Boston, @ Denver, and @ Utah), their record might not be much different when the dust settles.
Michael Redd Trade Ideas
I have a feelings that a good majority of my Bucks thoughts this winter are going to begin and end with trading Michael Redd. Here are a couple of ideas. I included contract numbers where it was important.
Milwaukee trades:
SG Michael Redd (15.78 mil/year for 3 years)
PG Damon Jones (expiring contract 4.46 mil)
Trade Exception on Mo Williams
New York Knicks trades:
PG Stephon Marbury (expiring contract 20.8 mil)
PF David Lee (expiring contract 1.78 mil)
The key to that trade is the Bucks ability to sign David Lee to an extension. He averaged around 10 points and 10 rebounds a year for the past 3 years while playing only 25-30 minutes a game.
The Bucks would create cap space and get a possible replacement for Charlie Villanueva when he leaves via free agency. Unless I decide to trade him later this year.
Why would the Knicks do it? Number one, you get Stephon Marbury out of your hair. Not only do you jettison a guy who doesn't want to be there, but you get to do it while acquiring an All-Star shooting guard. With he, Duhan and Jamal Crawford in the backcourt, Mike D'Antoni's offense is starting to look possible to run. The lose the athletic Lee, but you might lose him at season's end anyway. (Why wouldn't a young guy want to leave the Knicks?) The also have Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari and Mardy Collins developing on the wings to go along with that backcourt. Zach Randolph becomes more dangerous with a shooter like Redd on the perimeter and if Eddy Curry ever gets out of the doghouse to play center again, the Knicks start to look credible again. They also have Jerome James and Malik Allen's contracts coming off the books this off-season (14 million total). The following year, they would have Curry and Richardson's contract gone and now the cap space to bring in LBJ. It would be much more convincing for him to come in to a situation with an established point guard (Duhan), a shooter he's destined to play with (Redd) and a big man who has had three years of development (Gallinari).
Call John Hammond. Get it moving
The other trade idea I have is a really intriguing one.
Milwaukee trades:
SG Michael Redd
PF Charlie Villanueva
Miami trades:
SF Shawn Marion
SG Daquan Cook
1st Round Draft Pick
The Bucks would do this trade with no intention of resigning Shawn Marion. His 17.8 million would come off the books after this year, and he can play the 3/4 while Alexander and Mbah a' Moute develop. Daquan Cook is a young player with a great shooting touch who would be given a chance to play the 2 with Charlie Bell. The first round pick might be wishful thinking on my part, but Michael Redd is an All-Star with game changing ability so I feel like the Bucks need something more out of the deal than cap space and a talented, but young shooting guard project. Some people might not like the inclusion of Charlie V, but I think that might seal the deal of getting the first round pick. The Bucks would have the money to go after a veteran 4 man next summer and two first round picks to acquire more talent or use as trade bait in the summer. Sounds promising.
Why would the Heat do it? Because putting Michael Redd on the floor with Dwayne Wade makes them tough to guard on the perimeter. Especially if Michael Beasley is what he is projected to be. And there's no reason to believe he won't be. Mario Chalmers looks to be a second round steal at the point guard and Mark Blount is a serviceable big man for now. (He's no worse than Kendrick Perkins was for the Celtics last year). Talk about a big three in Redd, Wade and Beasley. Teaming Villanueva on the Heat second unit with Marcus Banks, James Jones and Udanis Haslem provides a bench with some punch for the Heat.
But it isn't quite time to talk playoffs yet.
The Bucks have beaten the Oklahoma City Outlaws, I mean Thunder. (Don't you think Outlaws sounds a lot better?), who might have a chance to win 20 games. They've beaten the Knicks who are nowhere near what you'd call contenders and they've beaten the "Agent Zeroless" Washington Wizards who stand as one of the only two winless teams in the NBA. The other is the Clippers. Not exactly a who's who of NBA Championship contenders.
They played one of those NBA contenders tonight when they traveled to Boston to face the Celtics. The Bucks stayed with them for the first 16 minutes, thanks in large part to a 14 point first quarter by Richard Jefferson, but the Celtics pretty much coasted past them without much effort.
The Bucks have also played two teams with legitimate playoff chances, the Bulls and the Raptors and were turned away by both. They certainly had their moments in both of those games, especially a spirited comeback against the Raptors, led by Andrew Bogut, but eventually the Bucks were outlasted by tougher, more seasoned basketball teams.
They are definitely ahead of where they were last year at this time. You can tell it by the intensity and the defensive effort, but with a brutal schedule over the next couple weeks (vs. Phoenix, @ Cleveland, vs. San Antonio, @ Memphis, vs. Boston, @ Denver, and @ Utah), their record might not be much different when the dust settles.
Michael Redd Trade Ideas
I have a feelings that a good majority of my Bucks thoughts this winter are going to begin and end with trading Michael Redd. Here are a couple of ideas. I included contract numbers where it was important.
Milwaukee trades:
SG Michael Redd (15.78 mil/year for 3 years)
PG Damon Jones (expiring contract 4.46 mil)
Trade Exception on Mo Williams
New York Knicks trades:
PG Stephon Marbury (expiring contract 20.8 mil)
PF David Lee (expiring contract 1.78 mil)
The key to that trade is the Bucks ability to sign David Lee to an extension. He averaged around 10 points and 10 rebounds a year for the past 3 years while playing only 25-30 minutes a game.
The Bucks would create cap space and get a possible replacement for Charlie Villanueva when he leaves via free agency. Unless I decide to trade him later this year.
Why would the Knicks do it? Number one, you get Stephon Marbury out of your hair. Not only do you jettison a guy who doesn't want to be there, but you get to do it while acquiring an All-Star shooting guard. With he, Duhan and Jamal Crawford in the backcourt, Mike D'Antoni's offense is starting to look possible to run. The lose the athletic Lee, but you might lose him at season's end anyway. (Why wouldn't a young guy want to leave the Knicks?) The also have Wilson Chandler, Danillo Gallinari and Mardy Collins developing on the wings to go along with that backcourt. Zach Randolph becomes more dangerous with a shooter like Redd on the perimeter and if Eddy Curry ever gets out of the doghouse to play center again, the Knicks start to look credible again. They also have Jerome James and Malik Allen's contracts coming off the books this off-season (14 million total). The following year, they would have Curry and Richardson's contract gone and now the cap space to bring in LBJ. It would be much more convincing for him to come in to a situation with an established point guard (Duhan), a shooter he's destined to play with (Redd) and a big man who has had three years of development (Gallinari).
Call John Hammond. Get it moving
The other trade idea I have is a really intriguing one.
Milwaukee trades:
SG Michael Redd
PF Charlie Villanueva
Miami trades:
SF Shawn Marion
SG Daquan Cook
1st Round Draft Pick
The Bucks would do this trade with no intention of resigning Shawn Marion. His 17.8 million would come off the books after this year, and he can play the 3/4 while Alexander and Mbah a' Moute develop. Daquan Cook is a young player with a great shooting touch who would be given a chance to play the 2 with Charlie Bell. The first round pick might be wishful thinking on my part, but Michael Redd is an All-Star with game changing ability so I feel like the Bucks need something more out of the deal than cap space and a talented, but young shooting guard project. Some people might not like the inclusion of Charlie V, but I think that might seal the deal of getting the first round pick. The Bucks would have the money to go after a veteran 4 man next summer and two first round picks to acquire more talent or use as trade bait in the summer. Sounds promising.
Why would the Heat do it? Because putting Michael Redd on the floor with Dwayne Wade makes them tough to guard on the perimeter. Especially if Michael Beasley is what he is projected to be. And there's no reason to believe he won't be. Mario Chalmers looks to be a second round steal at the point guard and Mark Blount is a serviceable big man for now. (He's no worse than Kendrick Perkins was for the Celtics last year). Talk about a big three in Redd, Wade and Beasley. Teaming Villanueva on the Heat second unit with Marcus Banks, James Jones and Udanis Haslem provides a bench with some punch for the Heat.
Flawed Logic
During the search for the Brewers new manager, Doug Melvin discussed how he wanted a fresh pair of eyes to come in and see these players. He said that many of them had come up through the system with these same coaches and maybe that wasn't the best thing for them going forward. He got that guy in Ken Macha.
But apparently that doesn't apply to his coaches.
Macha brought Dale Svuem back as hitting coach and has now hired Bill Castro, long time bullpen coach to be his pitching coach. So much for fresh eyes.
It seems that both of these guys "really wanted" to move into their new positions. In fact, Svuem went to Macha and asked, to which he agreed. That's quite the interview process they've got in Milwaukee. The same goes for Bill Castro. He told Macha that he it was his dream. He has waited 17 years for this opportunity. Well maybe there was a reason he never got it before this.
I think part of the reason that the Brewers weren't able to ascend to truly Championship Caliber was because of Ned Yost and his staff. There were fantastic at getting the player's to where they are today, but they needed someone else to take them to the next level. Reassigning coaches within the new staff isn't getting that done.
But apparently that doesn't apply to his coaches.
Macha brought Dale Svuem back as hitting coach and has now hired Bill Castro, long time bullpen coach to be his pitching coach. So much for fresh eyes.
It seems that both of these guys "really wanted" to move into their new positions. In fact, Svuem went to Macha and asked, to which he agreed. That's quite the interview process they've got in Milwaukee. The same goes for Bill Castro. He told Macha that he it was his dream. He has waited 17 years for this opportunity. Well maybe there was a reason he never got it before this.
I think part of the reason that the Brewers weren't able to ascend to truly Championship Caliber was because of Ned Yost and his staff. There were fantastic at getting the player's to where they are today, but they needed someone else to take them to the next level. Reassigning coaches within the new staff isn't getting that done.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Mike Cameron, again
I'm going to change this blog name to A Kosi Outlook of Mike Cameron pretty soon. This rumor is starting to gain some steam around the internet.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11062008/sports/yankees/yanks_eye_cameron__could_move_cabrera_137265.htm
I for one, would be 100% behind this decision!
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11062008/sports/yankees/yanks_eye_cameron__could_move_cabrera_137265.htm
I for one, would be 100% behind this decision!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Buyer Beware
There is no doubt that the hottest topic on the Brewers hot stove is CC Sabathia. With word that the Brewers have offered him 100 million dollars for 4 or 5 years depending on who you listen to, it brings up the question... Is he worth it? Honestly, I've gone back and forth on it. That's 20 million dollars a year to one guy on a team who's annual payroll is set to be between 80 and 90 million. That could be 25% to one guy, and 75% divided among the other 24 players. Let's look at one more scary statistic.
These are the 16 highest paid pitchers in baseball.
Johan Santana, $22,916,667 (2008-13)
Carlos Zambrano, $18,300,000 (2008-12)
Barry Zito, $18,000,000 (2007-13)
Jake Peavy, $17,333,333 (2010-12)
Andy Pettitte, $16,000,000 (2008)
Jason Schmidt, $15,666,667 (2007-09)
Mike Hampton, $15,125,000 (2001-08)
Roy Oswalt, $14,600,000 (2007-11)
Mark Buehrle, $14,000,000 (2008-11)
John Smoltz, $14,000,000 (2008)
Roy Halladay, $13,333,333 (2008-10)
Pedro Martinez, $13,250,000 (2005-08)
Randy Johnson, $13,000,000 (2007-08)
Chris Carpenter, $12,700,000 (2008-11)
Bronson Arroyo, $12,500,000 (2009-10)
Kevin Millwood, $12,000,000 (2006-10)
With the exception of Halladay, Santana and Peavey, would you want any of those guys on your team? I'll give a maybe to Oswalt, Zambrano.
Bronson Arroyo? Kevin Millwood? Mike Hampton? Jason Schmidt? Injuries have derailed a lot of these guys, and that's a risk you have to consider when offering a pitcher one of these massive contracts. Make sure you look at how long some of these guys are still going to be paid these massive dollars as well. Scary.
I'm starting to think the Brewers pitching staff might be in better shape by signing a Jon Garland type. Garland has pitched no less that 190 innings in every year since 2002 and has one no less than 10 games in any of those years, including two seasons with 18 wins. All in the American League. A move to the National League may lower that career 4.47 ERA. Pay to get Joe Beimel from the Dodgers. Chad Cordero has suffered through arm injuries, but should be ready for Spring Training. He's only 26 and will come cheaper than a guy like Brian Fuentes. I think one more name to consider for the Brewers is Carl Pavano. I understand that his time with the Yankees bordered on embarrassing. He was hurt pretty much the entire time and ineffective in the rest of the time. But remember, Doug Melvin has a history of grabbing guys off of the scrap heap and having them succeed in Milwaukee (Joe Dillon, Gabe Kapler, Brian Shouse, Guillermo Mota, even Salomon Torres to an extent). Pavano was a guy who didn't walk many people, and was an All-Star in 2004 and was excellent for the Marlins in the 2003 Post-Season (2-0, 1.40 ERA in 19.1 innings). He could be a steal if he could regain those numbers.
These are the 16 highest paid pitchers in baseball.
Johan Santana, $22,916,667 (2008-13)
Carlos Zambrano, $18,300,000 (2008-12)
Barry Zito, $18,000,000 (2007-13)
Jake Peavy, $17,333,333 (2010-12)
Andy Pettitte, $16,000,000 (2008)
Jason Schmidt, $15,666,667 (2007-09)
Mike Hampton, $15,125,000 (2001-08)
Roy Oswalt, $14,600,000 (2007-11)
Mark Buehrle, $14,000,000 (2008-11)
John Smoltz, $14,000,000 (2008)
Roy Halladay, $13,333,333 (2008-10)
Pedro Martinez, $13,250,000 (2005-08)
Randy Johnson, $13,000,000 (2007-08)
Chris Carpenter, $12,700,000 (2008-11)
Bronson Arroyo, $12,500,000 (2009-10)
Kevin Millwood, $12,000,000 (2006-10)
With the exception of Halladay, Santana and Peavey, would you want any of those guys on your team? I'll give a maybe to Oswalt, Zambrano.
Bronson Arroyo? Kevin Millwood? Mike Hampton? Jason Schmidt? Injuries have derailed a lot of these guys, and that's a risk you have to consider when offering a pitcher one of these massive contracts. Make sure you look at how long some of these guys are still going to be paid these massive dollars as well. Scary.
I'm starting to think the Brewers pitching staff might be in better shape by signing a Jon Garland type. Garland has pitched no less that 190 innings in every year since 2002 and has one no less than 10 games in any of those years, including two seasons with 18 wins. All in the American League. A move to the National League may lower that career 4.47 ERA. Pay to get Joe Beimel from the Dodgers. Chad Cordero has suffered through arm injuries, but should be ready for Spring Training. He's only 26 and will come cheaper than a guy like Brian Fuentes. I think one more name to consider for the Brewers is Carl Pavano. I understand that his time with the Yankees bordered on embarrassing. He was hurt pretty much the entire time and ineffective in the rest of the time. But remember, Doug Melvin has a history of grabbing guys off of the scrap heap and having them succeed in Milwaukee (Joe Dillon, Gabe Kapler, Brian Shouse, Guillermo Mota, even Salomon Torres to an extent). Pavano was a guy who didn't walk many people, and was an All-Star in 2004 and was excellent for the Marlins in the 2003 Post-Season (2-0, 1.40 ERA in 19.1 innings). He could be a steal if he could regain those numbers.
Mike Cameron 2
I put these numbers in the comments of my last Mike Cameron post, but I thought they were worth making sure everyone saw them. He had 1 good month in a Brewers uniform. That was August where he batted .360 with 9 home runs and 22 RBI's.
What did the other months look like? Brutal.
May - .212 7 HR, 17 RBI
June - .203 5 HR, 9 RBI
July - .250 3 HR, 14 RBI
September - .176 1 HR, 6 RBI, (34 K's)
Postseason - .154 0 HR, 0 RBI
That factors out to be .210 with 16 HRs and 46 RBIs. Oh, and 118 Ks. One every 2.94 ABs. And for the record, everyone's favorite target, Bill Hall, batted .225 with 15 HRs and 55 RBIs.
But at least he plays a good CF.
What did the other months look like? Brutal.
May - .212 7 HR, 17 RBI
June - .203 5 HR, 9 RBI
July - .250 3 HR, 14 RBI
September - .176 1 HR, 6 RBI, (34 K's)
Postseason - .154 0 HR, 0 RBI
That factors out to be .210 with 16 HRs and 46 RBIs. Oh, and 118 Ks. One every 2.94 ABs. And for the record, everyone's favorite target, Bill Hall, batted .225 with 15 HRs and 55 RBIs.
But at least he plays a good CF.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Mike Cameron
The Brewers exercised the 10 million dollar option on Centerfielder Mike Cameron's contract today. I, for one, am not that happy about it. He struck out 142 times in 444 at bats. For you math majors out there, that is one strikeout every 3.13 at-bats. He produced in the other at-bats as evident by his 25 home runs and 70 RBI, but I think on a team that already strikes out a lot, he adds too much of that. He missed the first 25 games of the season and let's assume that he gets 4 at-bats per game during those games. That's 100 more at-bats, therefore his strikeout numbers project to 174 strikeouts. That would have put him 4th in Major League Baseball. I'm not asking for hits in all of those at-bats, but productive outs would be nice. I also understand that his defense was good, one error on the season. But he isn't getting any younger and he had already lost a half a step in my opinion over what he used to be in center field. I know you have to pay someone to play centerfield, but in one man's humble opinion, that 10 million could have been spent somewhere better.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Bielema Ball
What an embarrassing day for the Badgers and more specifically Coach Bielema. In a game that should have no doubt been a win for Bucky, Bielema, I mean the Badgers blew it and suffered a 25-24 loss in East Lansing. I understand that the players are ultimately the ones who have to get the job done on the field, but let me show you four instances that they had to not only overcome the Spartans but they had to overcome their own coach and his stupidity.
1. End of the first half, the Badgers are driving up 7-6. They have all of their timeouts left. They took their first timeout with about 35 seconds or so left and then ran another play. That play netted a first down for the Badgers inside of Michigan State's 20 yard line with approximately :27 seconds left. Instead of using one of the remaining two time outs, Bielema orders QB Dustin Scherer to spike the ball. It's now second down and two timeouts remaining. Possibly a good chance to run the ball because of your abundance of timeouts. Instead, another dropback, incompletion and it leaves 3rd and 10 with two timeouts still on the board. Well, of course it's an obvious passing situation, which the defense is waiting for, another incompletion and a field goal attempt rather a touchdown leaves the score 10-6 at half, and two time outs left on the board.
2. Up 24-13 and with Michigan State on the brink, Coach Bielema comes up with maybe his most ridiculous move of the day. Instead of preparing his defense to put the game on ice, he spends his energy arguing what should have been a pointless 5 yard penalty on his team. He is flagged 15 yards and puts State on the 44 yard line where they promptly shove it down the Badgers throat in 5 plays to bring the score to 24-19. Way to put your players in a position to win, Coach.
3. Penalties are a direct reflection of the discipline and attention to detail of your coach, in my opinion. Well, on the biggest play of the game, 3rd and 1 with a chance to seal it, a holding penalty, followed by an illegal motion penalty. 3rd and 16, incomplete pass, delay of game penalty, punt. Opportunity for the Spartans.
4. After giving up a couple of long passes down the middle of the field that set Michigan State up for the opportunity, the Badgers tightened and forced a 4th down. With the clock ticking down, Michigan State without the benefit of a time out, the Spartans rush their field goal team onto the field to attempt a pressure packed, rushed, disorganized field goal attempt. Instead, what does Bret Bielema do? He calls a time out. I don't care if you have 6 players on the field defensively in that situation, you're still in a better position than the kicking team. Absoultely ridiculous. He tries to mask it by calling a timeout to "ice" the kicker. Which by the way is one of the dumbest ideas in football. Maybe the only thing dumber is the squib kick to try to run time off the clock, but that's for another time.
As a football team, you are a reflection of your coach, your leader. The Badgers played an undisciplined, disorganized and mistake filled football game. The same kind that Bielema coached.
1. End of the first half, the Badgers are driving up 7-6. They have all of their timeouts left. They took their first timeout with about 35 seconds or so left and then ran another play. That play netted a first down for the Badgers inside of Michigan State's 20 yard line with approximately :27 seconds left. Instead of using one of the remaining two time outs, Bielema orders QB Dustin Scherer to spike the ball. It's now second down and two timeouts remaining. Possibly a good chance to run the ball because of your abundance of timeouts. Instead, another dropback, incompletion and it leaves 3rd and 10 with two timeouts still on the board. Well, of course it's an obvious passing situation, which the defense is waiting for, another incompletion and a field goal attempt rather a touchdown leaves the score 10-6 at half, and two time outs left on the board.
2. Up 24-13 and with Michigan State on the brink, Coach Bielema comes up with maybe his most ridiculous move of the day. Instead of preparing his defense to put the game on ice, he spends his energy arguing what should have been a pointless 5 yard penalty on his team. He is flagged 15 yards and puts State on the 44 yard line where they promptly shove it down the Badgers throat in 5 plays to bring the score to 24-19. Way to put your players in a position to win, Coach.
3. Penalties are a direct reflection of the discipline and attention to detail of your coach, in my opinion. Well, on the biggest play of the game, 3rd and 1 with a chance to seal it, a holding penalty, followed by an illegal motion penalty. 3rd and 16, incomplete pass, delay of game penalty, punt. Opportunity for the Spartans.
4. After giving up a couple of long passes down the middle of the field that set Michigan State up for the opportunity, the Badgers tightened and forced a 4th down. With the clock ticking down, Michigan State without the benefit of a time out, the Spartans rush their field goal team onto the field to attempt a pressure packed, rushed, disorganized field goal attempt. Instead, what does Bret Bielema do? He calls a time out. I don't care if you have 6 players on the field defensively in that situation, you're still in a better position than the kicking team. Absoultely ridiculous. He tries to mask it by calling a timeout to "ice" the kicker. Which by the way is one of the dumbest ideas in football. Maybe the only thing dumber is the squib kick to try to run time off the clock, but that's for another time.
As a football team, you are a reflection of your coach, your leader. The Badgers played an undisciplined, disorganized and mistake filled football game. The same kind that Bielema coached.
Ted Thompson's Statement
If anyone didn't know by now, the Green Bay Packers are Ted Thompson's team. If there was any doubt left in anyone's mind, he cleared it up this week. Within two days, he gave his quarterback, Aaron Rodgers $66 Million dollars and followed that with the surprising dismissal of KGB and his 37 million dollar contract. Gbaja-Biamila was one of the last players from the Mike Sherman GM days. I always questioned the contract given to a one-dimensional player. Ted Thompson may be brash, he may have escorted a legend out of town, but he sure does take control of his team, and I think you have to respect that. Good work Ted.
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