The guess is offensive line by ESPN ... and it's offensive tackle Chris Williams.
The Bears more than nine minutes of the 10-minute allowance. That leads me to believe they waffled back and forth on the pick or they were entertaining trades. Running back Rashard Mendenhall still was available and I think the Bears considered taking him to shoulder the rushing load in case Cedric Benson and Adrian Peterson still can't get it done.
Offensive line was the safe pick and fills an important need. The Bears need to protect their quarterback (whoever it will be) just so their offense can get started.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Draft is underway...
The ESPN draft tracker is here. The NFL.com version is here and CBS's version is here, along with NBC's.
Through the first seven picks there were no surprises. Even the green room is now empty, meaning all the top guys expected to go high have been pick. The only minor surprise was the Patriots trading the seventh pick to the Saints.
The Ravens just traded their pick to Jacksonville, which now is on the clock. The Bears should be picking in about an hour.
Through the first seven picks there were no surprises. Even the green room is now empty, meaning all the top guys expected to go high have been pick. The only minor surprise was the Patriots trading the seventh pick to the Saints.
The Ravens just traded their pick to Jacksonville, which now is on the clock. The Bears should be picking in about an hour.
Draft Day begins
But there apparently isn't any reason to watch the first half hour of the draft, because the first three picks already are set. ESPN reported during its four-hour pre-show that after Jake Long is picked by the Dolphins, that the Rams likely are going to take defensive lineman Chris Long. And now the Falcons really want to take quarterback Matt Ryan with the third pick, ESPN says. Steve Young says they have to take Ryan to get over the Michael Vick saga.
There's always the chance this is just gamesmanship by the teams, and it wouldn't be the first time the media has been used to distribute some misinformation. I guess there's still some reason to watch, but I wouldn't be sure you are in your seat with your beer and popcorn right at 3 p.m.
There's always the chance this is just gamesmanship by the teams, and it wouldn't be the first time the media has been used to distribute some misinformation. I guess there's still some reason to watch, but I wouldn't be sure you are in your seat with your beer and popcorn right at 3 p.m.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Show time
The NFL draft is less than a day away and I'm sure wide receiver James Hardy, defensive back Tracy Porter and a couple other former Hoosiers are having trouble sleeping.
Hardy is projected in two mock drafts to go in the late first round to San Francisco. An NFL.com mock draft has Hardy going to the Cowboys.
Porter could go as high as the second round. Long snapper Tim Bugg also is considered a prospect, as is fellow defensive back Leslie Majors.
All the fun begins tomorrow at 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. We already know who the first pick will be: its offensive lineman Jake Long from Michigan going to the Dolphins. The Rams now are on the clock. The Bears have the 14th pick and the Steelers pick 23rd.
Update (4-26): The L.A. Times mock draft has Hardy going to the Titans in the first round. Less than five hours until Long is announced as the top pick...
Hardy is projected in two mock drafts to go in the late first round to San Francisco. An NFL.com mock draft has Hardy going to the Cowboys.
Porter could go as high as the second round. Long snapper Tim Bugg also is considered a prospect, as is fellow defensive back Leslie Majors.
All the fun begins tomorrow at 3 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. We already know who the first pick will be: its offensive lineman Jake Long from Michigan going to the Dolphins. The Rams now are on the clock. The Bears have the 14th pick and the Steelers pick 23rd.
Update (4-26): The L.A. Times mock draft has Hardy going to the Titans in the first round. Less than five hours until Long is announced as the top pick...
Friday, April 18, 2008
The Bears on the other hand...
May lose their season after the first five weeks. They are the sacrificial lamb for the Colts to beat down in week 1 (Indy's new stadium opens this fall). Then they play at the Panthers, before coming home to play the Bucs and Eagles. All four could end up being losses. Another loss at the Lions could make the Bears 1-4 or 0-5 before travelling to Atlanta, where they should get a win.
Three straight home games against the Vikings, Lions and Titans could net a win or two, and three straight road games at Green Bay, St. Louis and Minnesota also could lead to a win.
Of course the problem is the Bears will be piling up losses throughout this process. I'm guessing by week 14, they could be 6-7. Then games against the Jaguars, Saints, Packers and Texans, should effectively end the season. An 8-8 or 9-7 season should be the best this team can expect. But it may be worse if the team can't find a quarterback.
The draft is only a week away. And there are some quality QBs available...
Three straight home games against the Vikings, Lions and Titans could net a win or two, and three straight road games at Green Bay, St. Louis and Minnesota also could lead to a win.
Of course the problem is the Bears will be piling up losses throughout this process. I'm guessing by week 14, they could be 6-7. Then games against the Jaguars, Saints, Packers and Texans, should effectively end the season. An 8-8 or 9-7 season should be the best this team can expect. But it may be worse if the team can't find a quarterback.
The draft is only a week away. And there are some quality QBs available...
Steelers preparing for 2008 gauntlet
Prepare for potentially an ugly football season in Pittsburgh. The new schedules have been released, and the Steelers don't much room to breath.
Apparently a 10-6 record and first round exit from the playoffs warrant a tough slate the following year. The season opens with a home game against the Texans, but weeks 2 through 9 are all potential losses: at the Browns and Eagles, followed at home against the the Ravens, then at the Jaguars (who beat them in the playoffs last year), at the Bengals, and at home against the Giants (who won the Super Bowl).
After a "break" in Washington against the Redskins, the Steelers are home against the Colts and Chargers. Weeks 13 and 14 are at the Patriots followed by a home game against Dallas. After games at the Ravens and Titans, the season comes to a merciful end against the Browns.
If the Steelers can get through the first eight weeks with four wins, it would be pretty impressive. Another 10-6 record may be the best this team can hope for, if the talent level is similar to last year. The good news is, this team will have film on the best teams in the NFL if they make the playoffs.
Apparently a 10-6 record and first round exit from the playoffs warrant a tough slate the following year. The season opens with a home game against the Texans, but weeks 2 through 9 are all potential losses: at the Browns and Eagles, followed at home against the the Ravens, then at the Jaguars (who beat them in the playoffs last year), at the Bengals, and at home against the Giants (who won the Super Bowl).
After a "break" in Washington against the Redskins, the Steelers are home against the Colts and Chargers. Weeks 13 and 14 are at the Patriots followed by a home game against Dallas. After games at the Ravens and Titans, the season comes to a merciful end against the Browns.
If the Steelers can get through the first eight weeks with four wins, it would be pretty impressive. Another 10-6 record may be the best this team can hope for, if the talent level is similar to last year. The good news is, this team will have film on the best teams in the NFL if they make the playoffs.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Hoosier spring practice
No I'm not talking about basketball. Hoosier football spring practice is in full swing, and with a new offense nonetheless.
The new Hoosiers, for now without starting quarterback Kellen Lewis, have switched to a no-huddle scheme. New QB Ben Chappell led the team in the first spring scrimmage, throwing for 137 yards and a touchdown. The team ran 60 plays, according to IUHoosiers.com.
Is this a good thing? Well if Lewis is not coming back for a while, the Hoosiers need an offense that can fit a non-mobile quarterback with a suspect offensive line. The virtue of the no-huddle is it makes defensive substituting difficult. And if the Hoosiers can keep those big defensive ends off balance just a little bit, they should have a slight advantage.
Lewis always was a threat to run, especially if the pocket broke down. Now the Hoosiers need something else to keep the defense honest. We'll see if this works.
Another scrimmage is scheduled for Friday.
The new Hoosiers, for now without starting quarterback Kellen Lewis, have switched to a no-huddle scheme. New QB Ben Chappell led the team in the first spring scrimmage, throwing for 137 yards and a touchdown. The team ran 60 plays, according to IUHoosiers.com.
Is this a good thing? Well if Lewis is not coming back for a while, the Hoosiers need an offense that can fit a non-mobile quarterback with a suspect offensive line. The virtue of the no-huddle is it makes defensive substituting difficult. And if the Hoosiers can keep those big defensive ends off balance just a little bit, they should have a slight advantage.
Lewis always was a threat to run, especially if the pocket broke down. Now the Hoosiers need something else to keep the defense honest. We'll see if this works.
Another scrimmage is scheduled for Friday.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Did anyone really NOT expect this?
The Indianapolis Star reported this morning that IU star Eric Gordon will enter the NBA draft. Their sources were unidentified, but the story indicated IU will distribute information about the upcoming announcement today.
Maybe I held out a little hope that Gordon would stick around for another year, if for no other reason because he fizzled toward the end of the season. The injury to his left hand really affected him, and by extension, the team.
I also thought Gordon had some issues he needed to work on that would make him a better pro. He really had a tendency to commit way too many turnovers. Many of them killed scoring bursts and some came when IU was trying to get back into a game. He averaged 3.6 turnovers a game, by far the worst on the team. That was more than 26 percent of the per game turnover average for the entire team.
But the scoring was impressive, at 20.9 points per game, including almost 34 percent from 3-point range. And the 83-percent free-throw shooting also helped down the stretch.
Gordon deserved first-team all Big Ten and freshman of the year honors. But I think if he took another year and dominated college basketball, his draft stock would rise even more. And who knows what Tom Crean could do with him back.
Maybe I held out a little hope that Gordon would stick around for another year, if for no other reason because he fizzled toward the end of the season. The injury to his left hand really affected him, and by extension, the team.
I also thought Gordon had some issues he needed to work on that would make him a better pro. He really had a tendency to commit way too many turnovers. Many of them killed scoring bursts and some came when IU was trying to get back into a game. He averaged 3.6 turnovers a game, by far the worst on the team. That was more than 26 percent of the per game turnover average for the entire team.
But the scoring was impressive, at 20.9 points per game, including almost 34 percent from 3-point range. And the 83-percent free-throw shooting also helped down the stretch.
Gordon deserved first-team all Big Ten and freshman of the year honors. But I think if he took another year and dominated college basketball, his draft stock would rise even more. And who knows what Tom Crean could do with him back.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Tom Crean takes over
Tom Crean, sporting a "Crean and Crimson" T-shirt, took over as IU basketball coach yesterday. He said the reason he left Marquette was because "It's Indiana." Apparently the name on the door still means something in a lot of coaching circles, even though the Hoosiers' post-season record over the last decade has been less than stellar.
Press conference photos are here.
There was an interesting story in the IDS, linked to its basketball blog, about Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett, who were dismissed by now former coach Dan Dakich. Ellis said he quit the team and wanted to get his academics in order. He also said the two didn't see eye-to-eye with Dakich on some issues. He told the IDS, while playing a pick-up game at the HPER, he hoped to return to the team.
We'll see if that happens. Media reports about Crean's meeting with the team indicate the two were not invited.
Press conference photos are here.
There was an interesting story in the IDS, linked to its basketball blog, about Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett, who were dismissed by now former coach Dan Dakich. Ellis said he quit the team and wanted to get his academics in order. He also said the two didn't see eye-to-eye with Dakich on some issues. He told the IDS, while playing a pick-up game at the HPER, he hoped to return to the team.
We'll see if that happens. Media reports about Crean's meeting with the team indicate the two were not invited.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Finally, a defender gets the radio
The NFL decided at its owners' meetings today that a defender will get a radio speaker in his helmet beginning next season.
The rule allows the defense to have one player on the field with a radio link to the coaches, similar to the quarterback on offense. Only one player on the field can have the defensive radio link and no more than two defensive players can have the radio total.
I blogged about this issue earlier on Lake Affected.
The defensive substitution issue came up again, but I don't see it as a big deal. I'm sure there are defensive players that are on the field all the time that can have the radio and call the plays. And if there is a substitution, make the defensive call the old-fashioned way. The offense has the same problem if they substitute.
If Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came off the field because (now former) receiver Antawn Randle El was going to play quarterback on a gadget play, then someone else had to get the play signed in to the huddle. It didn't happen often, and I think defenses will find their trend is the same.
The important thing is the temptation for teams to steal defensive signals has been all but eliminated.
The rule allows the defense to have one player on the field with a radio link to the coaches, similar to the quarterback on offense. Only one player on the field can have the defensive radio link and no more than two defensive players can have the radio total.
I blogged about this issue earlier on Lake Affected.
The defensive substitution issue came up again, but I don't see it as a big deal. I'm sure there are defensive players that are on the field all the time that can have the radio and call the plays. And if there is a substitution, make the defensive call the old-fashioned way. The offense has the same problem if they substitute.
If Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came off the field because (now former) receiver Antawn Randle El was going to play quarterback on a gadget play, then someone else had to get the play signed in to the huddle. It didn't happen often, and I think defenses will find their trend is the same.
The important thing is the temptation for teams to steal defensive signals has been all but eliminated.
A new regime and a new team, too?
IU will announce tomorrow Marquette coach Tom Crean is its new coach, according to ESPN.com, he likely will have to rebuild almost the entire starting line-up.
Before the coaching news came out, the unfortunate news that starters Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett had been kicked off the team by interim coach Dan Dakich. The two apparently missed mandatory team meetings and then didn't run the laps Dakich put on them as punishment.
That means potentially all of the regular starters from this season will be gone. Eric Gordon is expected to enter the NBA draft, D.J. White and Lance Stemler are graduating, and now Ellis and Bassett have been dismissed.
Ellis led the team in assists, Bassett led the team in three-point shooting, Gordon lead in scoring and White led in rebounding and field goal percentage.
I like hiring Crean. He put Marquette back on the basketball map and has a Final 4 appearance, although it was forgettable. The Golden Eagles lost to Kansas by 33. He is a good coach moving to an elite program, similar to Bill Self going from Illinois to Kansas. There is nothing wrong with Illini basketball, but in terms of tradition and quality, it doesn't compare to the Jayhawk program.
Crean better leave the press room tomorrow and head straight for the recruiting trail. He has a lot of work to do. Jordan Crawford is the Hoosiers' top returning scorer. He averaged 9.7 points per game last season. He's also the leading rebounder returning.
That's assuming he stays at IU.
Update: ESPN.com has updated its Crean story. The Indianapolis Star also has a story on the news.
Before the coaching news came out, the unfortunate news that starters Jamarcus Ellis and Armon Bassett had been kicked off the team by interim coach Dan Dakich. The two apparently missed mandatory team meetings and then didn't run the laps Dakich put on them as punishment.
That means potentially all of the regular starters from this season will be gone. Eric Gordon is expected to enter the NBA draft, D.J. White and Lance Stemler are graduating, and now Ellis and Bassett have been dismissed.
Ellis led the team in assists, Bassett led the team in three-point shooting, Gordon lead in scoring and White led in rebounding and field goal percentage.
I like hiring Crean. He put Marquette back on the basketball map and has a Final 4 appearance, although it was forgettable. The Golden Eagles lost to Kansas by 33. He is a good coach moving to an elite program, similar to Bill Self going from Illinois to Kansas. There is nothing wrong with Illini basketball, but in terms of tradition and quality, it doesn't compare to the Jayhawk program.
Crean better leave the press room tomorrow and head straight for the recruiting trail. He has a lot of work to do. Jordan Crawford is the Hoosiers' top returning scorer. He averaged 9.7 points per game last season. He's also the leading rebounder returning.
That's assuming he stays at IU.
Update: ESPN.com has updated its Crean story. The Indianapolis Star also has a story on the news.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Red Sox-Dodgers at the Coliseum
According to the Boston Globe, the Dodgers sold more than 115,000 tickets to the exhibition game against the Red Sox, which was played at the L.A. Coliseum. It was part of the celebration of the Dodgers' 50 years in L.A. and featured a left field fence 201 feet from home plate. The right field foul pole was 440 feet away.
The Red Sox won the game 7-4. Here is a link to the Boston Globe's photo array from the game. The L.A. Times photos are here.
The Coliseum is a football, track and Olympic facility. The attendance was impressive, but the stadium was not designed for baseball. And it was clear from the odd-ball configuration of the field that this idea should remain a novelty used during spring training. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well as playing a hockey game outside at a football stadium.
The MLB season opens on American soil in about an hour (its 7 p.m. in Fort Wayne). Here's to the games counting and the beginning of the 7-month marathon. The White Sox open Monday along with just about everyone else. They begin a 3-game series against the Cleveland Indians, followed by a 3-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately, the Sox may end up starting 2-4 or worse, 0-6. Is April too early to be counted out of the pennant race?
The Red Sox won the game 7-4. Here is a link to the Boston Globe's photo array from the game. The L.A. Times photos are here.
The Coliseum is a football, track and Olympic facility. The attendance was impressive, but the stadium was not designed for baseball. And it was clear from the odd-ball configuration of the field that this idea should remain a novelty used during spring training. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well as playing a hockey game outside at a football stadium.
The MLB season opens on American soil in about an hour (its 7 p.m. in Fort Wayne). Here's to the games counting and the beginning of the 7-month marathon. The White Sox open Monday along with just about everyone else. They begin a 3-game series against the Cleveland Indians, followed by a 3-game series against the Detroit Tigers. Unfortunately, the Sox may end up starting 2-4 or worse, 0-6. Is April too early to be counted out of the pennant race?
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Hoosier coaching rumors
It's difficult to tell whether this story is true or not, but Foxsports.com is reporting IU offered the men's basketball coaching job to Tony Bennett of Washington State.
This seems difficult to believe since the Cougars just lost to Carolina just a couple days ago in the Sweet 16. Stranger things have happened, but I don't think Bennett would be in extended talks with IU during a tourney run and I don't think it would have been kept secret that IU got permission to talk to him.
Terry Hutchens, the IU beat reporter at the Indianapolis Star, wrote a great blog post today about the rumor. He said he talked to several people who seemed to indicate the story was false and that Bennett hadn't talked to anyone.
It seems unlikely that the IU search committee will get to talk to anyone before their teams are eliminated from the tournament. And the interview process likely will take some time.
Everyone just needs to calm down and be patient.
This seems difficult to believe since the Cougars just lost to Carolina just a couple days ago in the Sweet 16. Stranger things have happened, but I don't think Bennett would be in extended talks with IU during a tourney run and I don't think it would have been kept secret that IU got permission to talk to him.
Terry Hutchens, the IU beat reporter at the Indianapolis Star, wrote a great blog post today about the rumor. He said he talked to several people who seemed to indicate the story was false and that Bennett hadn't talked to anyone.
It seems unlikely that the IU search committee will get to talk to anyone before their teams are eliminated from the tournament. And the interview process likely will take some time.
Everyone just needs to calm down and be patient.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Don't worry about opposite-field homers
When the Red Sox play the Dodgers in a pre-season game Saturday, March 29, there will be no reason for right-handed hitters not to look to pull that inside pitch. The game will be played in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, where the Dodgers spent their first four seasons in California.
The stadium was not built for baseball -- the left field "fence", I mean screen, will be a paltry 201 feet from home plate. A pop-up to short could be in danger of falling in the seats. Fans sitting in the first few rows will have to be on the look-out for line drives.
To even things out, right field is where fly balls will go to die. That fence is 440 feet from the plate. The NYT story I linked above has a great quote from Dodgers likely starting left fielder Juan Pierre. He likely will get the best view of the ball coming off the bat that he has ever had from the outfield. He just will have to be careful to call off the shortstop and third baseman every time he makes a play.
This exhibition is part of the Dodgers' 50th anniversary in L.A. More than 100,000 are expected with standing-room tickets included.
It's hard to believe the Dodgers hosted the the 1959 World Series against the White Sox at the Coliseum under nearly the same conditions. By the way, the Dodgers won that series in six games.
Photo found at www.ballparkwatch.com
Friday, March 21, 2008
Reflections on the NCAA first round
Am I the only one that has a nervous feeling about IU's first round game tonight versus Arkansas? Not because the Razorbacks are a good team that won 22 games this year. Not because they like to run the floor and score a lot of points, which could cause IU problems.
It's because tonight could be an embarrassing loss. The kind of loss that makes potential recruits go somewhere else.
The Hoosiers are in a mini-slump. They have played two games in a row where they looked a good high school team could beat them. The players have been accused of giving up on the season by at least one pundit. For some reason, I have images of the 1997 first-round loss to Colorado dancing in my head. The team didn't look interested throughout the game and lost 80-62. I sat in my frat house room and watched the debacle on my little 15-inch television, wondering why the players even made the trip.
Another disappointment comes to mind: the 2000 first-round loss to Pepperdine 77-55. Same problem, the team didn't seem to be ready or in the proper mindset for the game. Luckily I was on a plane and missed that one.
Will I be praying for something to throw at the wall tonight? I hope not. But this is setting up to be a classic Hoosier give-up moment. I want this game to be a season re-start and this weekend to be a proper send-off for D.J. White, and likely Eric Gordon as well.
The talent is there to beat Arkansas and even give North Carolina a good game in the second round. Dan Dakich needs to find the confidence and attitude the Hoosiers displayed in victories over Kentucky, at Illinois and Michigan State. All they need is a spark.
It's because tonight could be an embarrassing loss. The kind of loss that makes potential recruits go somewhere else.
The Hoosiers are in a mini-slump. They have played two games in a row where they looked a good high school team could beat them. The players have been accused of giving up on the season by at least one pundit. For some reason, I have images of the 1997 first-round loss to Colorado dancing in my head. The team didn't look interested throughout the game and lost 80-62. I sat in my frat house room and watched the debacle on my little 15-inch television, wondering why the players even made the trip.
Another disappointment comes to mind: the 2000 first-round loss to Pepperdine 77-55. Same problem, the team didn't seem to be ready or in the proper mindset for the game. Luckily I was on a plane and missed that one.
Will I be praying for something to throw at the wall tonight? I hope not. But this is setting up to be a classic Hoosier give-up moment. I want this game to be a season re-start and this weekend to be a proper send-off for D.J. White, and likely Eric Gordon as well.
The talent is there to beat Arkansas and even give North Carolina a good game in the second round. Dan Dakich needs to find the confidence and attitude the Hoosiers displayed in victories over Kentucky, at Illinois and Michigan State. All they need is a spark.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Speaking of the Cubs...
Here is my offering (right).
In case those of you reading this blog don't follow the Cubs, here is the issue. New Tribune Co., Cubs and Wrigley Field owner Sam Zell is considering selling the naming rights to the ballpark. It would be a crime to change the name, which is as classic as the structure, even though the brand of baseball played on those hallowed grounds has been lousy for most of the last century.
Our friend T.J. has written extensively on the issue. It turns out the State of Illinois also could purchase the stadium, just as they own the former Comiskey Park.
Changing the name of Wrigley Field would be similar to changing Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium to something else -- it's just unthinkable. Maybe they should consider a naming rights deal similar to what Rose Bowl officials negotiated: The Rose Bowl Game presented by (insert sponsor here). How about this: Welcome to Wrigley Field, Home of Chicago Cubs, presented by (insert sponsor name here).
No that would be just as bad.
Sox-Cubs issues
Our friend T.J. is correct, as is Hire Jim Essian, in surmising that Sox fans still feel animosity toward Cub fans. Would I trade the 2005 World Series victory for a guarantee the Cubs would never win a title again? No.
This is my problem with Cub fans and pretty much most of Major League Baseball when it comes to the White Sox. The Sox don't get any respect. They never get the benefit of the doubt, they never attained that lovable quality the Cubs have a monopoly on. The Sox win the World Series, and they don't get the cover of Sports Illustrated. SI instead puts Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the cover to push its preview of a regular season NFL game. As many south siders pointed out, that was a true measure of where the White Sox rank in baseball lore. You can guarantee that when the Cubs win the World Series, they will get the cover of EVERY major sports magazine and even mainstream news magazines like Time.
In the end, it seemed MLB and pretty much no one outside the south side of Chicago cared about the Sox breaking an 88-year drout. The team has about as much pull as the Anaheim Angels: 'Way Good for you. But we're more interested in the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers or Cubs winning the World Series.'
This is my problem with Cub fans and pretty much most of Major League Baseball when it comes to the White Sox. The Sox don't get any respect. They never get the benefit of the doubt, they never attained that lovable quality the Cubs have a monopoly on. The Sox win the World Series, and they don't get the cover of Sports Illustrated. SI instead puts Peyton Manning and Tom Brady on the cover to push its preview of a regular season NFL game. As many south siders pointed out, that was a true measure of where the White Sox rank in baseball lore. You can guarantee that when the Cubs win the World Series, they will get the cover of EVERY major sports magazine and even mainstream news magazines like Time.
In the end, it seemed MLB and pretty much no one outside the south side of Chicago cared about the Sox breaking an 88-year drout. The team has about as much pull as the Anaheim Angels: 'Way Good for you. But we're more interested in the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers or Cubs winning the World Series.'
Friday, March 7, 2008
Two steps forward, two steps back
On the heals of IU football potentially turning the corner with a successful Pro Day, the team suspended quarterback Kellen Lewis.
No specific reason was given, according to various media reports, other than he violated team rules. Lewis is gone indefinitely and will not participate in spring practice. After losing their best offensive player, James Hardy, to the NFL draft, now the team's second-best player is now gone.
It seems Hoosier football can't get a break. They take a step forward, followed by another back.
No specific reason was given, according to various media reports, other than he violated team rules. Lewis is gone indefinitely and will not participate in spring practice. After losing their best offensive player, James Hardy, to the NFL draft, now the team's second-best player is now gone.
It seems Hoosier football can't get a break. They take a step forward, followed by another back.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Turning the corner?
The NFL season never truly ends. After the final gun sounds at the Super Bowl, talk begins about the upcoming free agency period and the draft. Since coverage of the draft and the preceding NFL Scouting Combine has become so intense, media now are descending on college "Pro Days" where players can work out for scouts at the practice facilities where they had spent so much time during the previous three or four years.
So it's no surprise at this time of year to read about the Ohio State, Michigan or USC Pro Days, where future millionaire running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers run through drills for drooling NFL scouts and coaches.
But I was really surprised to read today that IU had a Pro Day yesterday in Bloomington. Coverage from the IDS is here. The football program may have scheduled them in the past, but I don't remember them. It seems the day was mostly about receiver James Hardy, who has been mentioned as a first-round pick, but for other graduating players it was a nice opportunity to maybe get on some teams' draft boards for the later rounds.
Does this mean IU football is turning a corner toward long-term respectability? I'm not sure yet. I would like to see some sustained excellence first.
So it's no surprise at this time of year to read about the Ohio State, Michigan or USC Pro Days, where future millionaire running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers run through drills for drooling NFL scouts and coaches.
But I was really surprised to read today that IU had a Pro Day yesterday in Bloomington. Coverage from the IDS is here. The football program may have scheduled them in the past, but I don't remember them. It seems the day was mostly about receiver James Hardy, who has been mentioned as a first-round pick, but for other graduating players it was a nice opportunity to maybe get on some teams' draft boards for the later rounds.
Does this mean IU football is turning a corner toward long-term respectability? I'm not sure yet. I would like to see some sustained excellence first.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Enjoy your non-Packers life Brett
As most of you now know, Green Bay Packers Quarterback Brett Favre, who torched the Chicago Bears on seemingly every occasion, decided to retire.
As everyone is giving their favorite Favre moments, I'll toss in mine. It was the re-opening of Soldier Field on Monday Night Football. The Bears were fully expecting to finally beat the Packers after what seemed like forever. But alas Favre, once again was better. The all-telling image from the game was the 99-yard touchdown bomb. He just wound up and heaved it, hit the receiver in stride, who promptly scored. UGH. I said that too many times during Favre's career.
I suspect the rebirth of the Packers in some ways drove the Bears get out of the NFC basement in the late 90s and early 2000s. Lovie Smith's first of three priorities was to beat the Packers. As the Bears improved in the last few years, it actually seemed like a rivalry again.
Favre was known for his durability. He had started every Packer game since late September 1992, while the Bears had seemingly every college quarterback that was healthy starting opposite him. This is a great post from the Rumors and Rants blog. They combined all the Bears starting QB stats during Favre's tenure and found they didn't measure up.
Enjoy your retirement, Brett. You were one of the best, there's no question about it. But speaking as a Bears fan, your departure couldn't come soon enough.
As everyone is giving their favorite Favre moments, I'll toss in mine. It was the re-opening of Soldier Field on Monday Night Football. The Bears were fully expecting to finally beat the Packers after what seemed like forever. But alas Favre, once again was better. The all-telling image from the game was the 99-yard touchdown bomb. He just wound up and heaved it, hit the receiver in stride, who promptly scored. UGH. I said that too many times during Favre's career.
I suspect the rebirth of the Packers in some ways drove the Bears get out of the NFC basement in the late 90s and early 2000s. Lovie Smith's first of three priorities was to beat the Packers. As the Bears improved in the last few years, it actually seemed like a rivalry again.
Favre was known for his durability. He had started every Packer game since late September 1992, while the Bears had seemingly every college quarterback that was healthy starting opposite him. This is a great post from the Rumors and Rants blog. They combined all the Bears starting QB stats during Favre's tenure and found they didn't measure up.
Enjoy your retirement, Brett. You were one of the best, there's no question about it. But speaking as a Bears fan, your departure couldn't come soon enough.
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