Hello world... I know it has been a while since my last update and I apologize. Been a little busy over here in the desert. Anyway, my very first blog post was about 2 years ago and in it I stated that Derrick Rose was COMING. Well now I'm saying Derrick Rose is HERE! If you doubted me then I beg for you to doubt me now. You see when I wrote that post D Rose was a rookie in the midst of carving up the Boston Celtics and Rajon Rondo in the 1st round of the playoffs. Boston was coming off their Championship season and although Kevin Garnett wasn't playing they still had the leagues best defense. What I saw then was Rose not only stepping his game up the way great players do in crunch time, but also raising his teammates along with him. That is the sign of a great player. The Bulls that season were .500. 41-41 and squeaked into the playoffs. They should not of been challenging the Celtics the way they were and yet Rose would not let them believe that. He pushed his team and lead by example. He wasn't a leader then, at least vocally, but he was determined and it rubbed off on his team. They came up short that series, but it was not for a lack of trying. They were young, they had an odd roster of players that didn't really compliment each other and they had zero experience.
Fast forward 2 years and what you see out of Rose this year is exactly what I thought he would become. I'm not going to say I thought it would happen this early. The kid is still a kid at 22 years old. I didn't think he would become the youngest MVP ever (which he will this year). But I saw the potential. Rose has "it". He has whatever it is that makes great players great. Besides all the freakish physical gifts he has its the stuff inside that makes him so incredible. The drive, the desire and the hate he has for losing. Rose is now the best player on the court every single time he steps on it. I truly believe that right now at this moment he is the best basketball player on the planet. He's going to carry the Chicago Bulls deep into these playoffs and maybe all the way to the title.
There are about 5 teams I think can win it this year. Chicago, LA, Miami, San Antonio and Oklahoma City. Winning it all takes a lot of skill and a lot of luck. Chicago doesn't have the most "talent" on their roster from top to bottom, but they have the best player and sometimes that's all you need. You need a guy that can take you over the hump when all else is created equal. Here's to Derrick Rose. I'm proud that he put in the hard work to realize his potential. Go Bulls!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Chiefs VS. Ravens. Numbers don't lie.
The Ravens came into this AFC wild card game and showed what a veteran playoff team looks like. They have won there last 3 wild card games and all of them had similar reasons for success. Create turnovers, control the clock and play a full 60 minutes of football. The Chiefs showed they aren't ready for the playoffs, but they definately wont be a one year wonder. This team is built for long term success and adding a few more pieces in this years draft and maybe a veteran or two will go a long way in helping this team get over the hump it now sits on. There is no place worse for a franchise then middle of the pack. Not bad enough to get a high draft pick, not good enough to win a super bowl. The Chiefs will not be one of those teams, they have talent that can still get better and improve upon a suprisingly strong, fun 2010 season. That 7 game Playoff losing streak, which is an NFL record, will not be increasing that much more, if at all.
Anyway, here is a look at some numbers that will show you exactly what happened in this game.
0 - Passes thrown to Dwayne Bowe. I have a whole lot I want to say about this, but it just baffles my mind that a guy who was a huge part of your success on the season cant even get one shot. You couldnt throw an out route? No slants in the game plan? Was it too cold for the fade? If Kevin Curtis can get signed on Wednesday and get 2 targets on Sunday, Bowe should have recieved his fair share.
3 - There is a bunch of 3's, but Im going to focus on the one I thought played the biggest role and that is the number of first downs the Ravens recieved from Chiefs penalties. Like they needed our help! The Ravens had 26 first downs compared to the Chiefs 8, but if you expect to win any game you cannot give your opponent extra opportunities.
5 - Turnovers. The Chiefs came into this wild card game only commiting 14 turnovers all year, second in the NFL to the Patriots. I really thought they would keep that total, win or lose, after this game. Winning the turnover battle is CRUCIAL to success and the Chiefs blew it. The second half of football the Chiefs imploded, coughing up the ball 4 times!!! Good luck winning the game with that many turnovers.
9 - Carries for Charles. This guy does not care who he plays, he's going to get yards. 82 yards on 9 carries is good for a 9.1 yard average. I know that when your down that logically the fastest way to come back is to pass. Well when your getting 3.9 yards per pass completion there might be a better alternative and Charles is that alternative. I really hope he gets more carries next year. He could break all sorts of records.
20.4 - Cassel was not the Cassel we saw all year these last 2 weeks and his QB rating in this game was just terrible. He completed 9 of 18 passes for 70 yards with 3 INT. He cannot play like this in any game if he wants to give the Chiefs a chance to win. You cannot expect to run if you cannot pass and vice versa. Balance is the key and Cassel inefficiency played a very big role in why the Chiefs were dismantled. They couldn't sustain drives which played a part in our defense getting worn down.
27 - Unanswered points scored by the Ravens. The Chiefs took a 7-3 lead and all signs were pointing up. Then the ball dropped. Offensively, defensively and even special teams. Being outscored 20-0 at home in a playoff game is just flat out embarrassing
40 - Total plays the Chiefs managed to run. They just couldn't stay on the field. If it wasn't a 3 and out it was a turnover. Really gave Baltimore more than enough opportunites to win the game and a veteran team like that one doesn't need any help.
41:44 - Baltimores time of possession. Thats almost 3 quarters!
So as you can see the Chiefs lost everything. They didn't control the clock. They didn't force enough 3 and outs. They didn't sustain drives and didn't get their key personnel involved in the game. They simply played like a team that was outmatched. On the opposite side the Ravens showed why they have been winning these games the last few years and will probably give Pittsburgh all it can handle in next weeks game.
On a side note: This years Chiefs played hard, they played smart and they showed that the Chiefs as an organization is back on the right track! Im excited for the future of this organization. Im excited to watch these players keep developing. Im excited to see this team reach its ultimate goal of competing for a championship. Its going to happen sooner rather than later.
Anyway, here is a look at some numbers that will show you exactly what happened in this game.
0 - Passes thrown to Dwayne Bowe. I have a whole lot I want to say about this, but it just baffles my mind that a guy who was a huge part of your success on the season cant even get one shot. You couldnt throw an out route? No slants in the game plan? Was it too cold for the fade? If Kevin Curtis can get signed on Wednesday and get 2 targets on Sunday, Bowe should have recieved his fair share.
3 - There is a bunch of 3's, but Im going to focus on the one I thought played the biggest role and that is the number of first downs the Ravens recieved from Chiefs penalties. Like they needed our help! The Ravens had 26 first downs compared to the Chiefs 8, but if you expect to win any game you cannot give your opponent extra opportunities.
5 - Turnovers. The Chiefs came into this wild card game only commiting 14 turnovers all year, second in the NFL to the Patriots. I really thought they would keep that total, win or lose, after this game. Winning the turnover battle is CRUCIAL to success and the Chiefs blew it. The second half of football the Chiefs imploded, coughing up the ball 4 times!!! Good luck winning the game with that many turnovers.
9 - Carries for Charles. This guy does not care who he plays, he's going to get yards. 82 yards on 9 carries is good for a 9.1 yard average. I know that when your down that logically the fastest way to come back is to pass. Well when your getting 3.9 yards per pass completion there might be a better alternative and Charles is that alternative. I really hope he gets more carries next year. He could break all sorts of records.
20.4 - Cassel was not the Cassel we saw all year these last 2 weeks and his QB rating in this game was just terrible. He completed 9 of 18 passes for 70 yards with 3 INT. He cannot play like this in any game if he wants to give the Chiefs a chance to win. You cannot expect to run if you cannot pass and vice versa. Balance is the key and Cassel inefficiency played a very big role in why the Chiefs were dismantled. They couldn't sustain drives which played a part in our defense getting worn down.
27 - Unanswered points scored by the Ravens. The Chiefs took a 7-3 lead and all signs were pointing up. Then the ball dropped. Offensively, defensively and even special teams. Being outscored 20-0 at home in a playoff game is just flat out embarrassing
40 - Total plays the Chiefs managed to run. They just couldn't stay on the field. If it wasn't a 3 and out it was a turnover. Really gave Baltimore more than enough opportunites to win the game and a veteran team like that one doesn't need any help.
41:44 - Baltimores time of possession. Thats almost 3 quarters!
So as you can see the Chiefs lost everything. They didn't control the clock. They didn't force enough 3 and outs. They didn't sustain drives and didn't get their key personnel involved in the game. They simply played like a team that was outmatched. On the opposite side the Ravens showed why they have been winning these games the last few years and will probably give Pittsburgh all it can handle in next weeks game.
On a side note: This years Chiefs played hard, they played smart and they showed that the Chiefs as an organization is back on the right track! Im excited for the future of this organization. Im excited to watch these players keep developing. Im excited to see this team reach its ultimate goal of competing for a championship. Its going to happen sooner rather than later.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Oakland did Chiefs no favors. Or did they?
Oakland flew in to Kansas City and totally outplayed the Chiefs. Every aspect of the game went in Oaklands favor to the point it was almost laughable how badly the Chiefs were beaten. Without knowing for sure I'd say Oakland gave Matt Cassel 142 bruises and that's not counting his ego. If I was Todd Haley the Chiefs offensive line will be running gassers til the bruises heal. You cant play football like that. The 2009 version of the Chiefs roared its ugly head. The offensive line should be ashamed of its play. The defense should be angry at letting Michael Bush run for so many yards and Todd Haley should be kicking his own ass and his coordinators asses for putting together that kind of a game plan. It was the worst game played this year. Worse than the Broncos defeat. Worse than the collapse in the 4th quarter against Houston.
Yet the Chiefs are going to the playoffs. The world is not over. In most cases it's the team that finds a rythm in the playoffs that wins it, not the team thats hot going in. Look at last years Super Bowl winner. The Saints lost their last 3 games before coming together in the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl. The point is the Chiefs still have a chance and I think Oakland did what the Chiefs needed them to do. They forced them to look at themselves in the mirror and own up to the fact that if they really want to be a factor in these playoffs, they have to play their best for 4 quarters. Half ass attempts against teams in the playoffs will get you embarrassed and I bet the Chiefs are sick of that feeling.
The Chiefs in 2010 have done a great job of taking a defeat and moving passed it. Regrouping and coming back stronger. Look at their schedule. They lost 2 and then won 2. Lost 2 then won 2. Lost 1 and won 2. So whats next? Are they going to follow this L with 2 or maybe 3 wins or are they going to lose agian and go home? I bet they win and I bet Oakland forced them into a matchup that gives them the best chance to do that.
At first glance you look at the Chiefs Wild Card matchup with the Ravens and you get a bad feeling. Its the Ravens, their 12-4 and their defense is always great. With what happened to Cassel and the offensive and defensive lines against Oakland you'd think it's going to be a lot worse against Ray Lewis and the Ravens defensive crew. Not so fast. The Ravens give up some yards. 318.9 per game to be exact. They give up 224.9 passing and 93.9 rushing so they can be exploited. The Chiefs have been great at recognizing whats working on offense and taking advantage of it. If they can find holes in the front 7 and run, they run. If they can find holes in the secondary and pass, they pass. Its as simple as that. The Chiefs just need to find out what works, find it quickly and take advantage of it.
The Ravens have weapons on offense. They have a strong armed QB in Flacco and a multi purpose running back in Rice. They have Boldin, who is as good as any at catching a short pass and turning it into a big gain. They screen pass very well because their offensive lineman can get out in space and make blocks. The Chiefs defense is going to have to stay disciplined, keep gap control and fly to the football. If they miss a tackle for a 2 yard gain it can turn into an 80 yard gain so getting the ball carrier on the ground is imperrative.
After the loss to Oakland it's easy to write the Chiefs off. They've had a great year. Accomplished far more than what was expected. They won their first division crown since 2003 and will host their first playoff game since January 11, 2004. The players are developing and the fan base is returning to its glory days. All signs for the future point up, so who cares if we win or lose against the Ravens, atleast we made it. Well I dont think that attitude is going to fly in the locker room. I bet the players and coaches want something more. I bet the Ravens come into Arrowhead and the Chiefs give them everything they can and I bet the Chiefs come out on top.
It's funny how a humiliating loss to you most hated rival can fuel you to dig deeper. How it can motivate you and force you to refocus. It's funny how your rival can give you the seeding you need to match up with a team you can beat. It's funny how your rival can actually do you a favor.
Yet the Chiefs are going to the playoffs. The world is not over. In most cases it's the team that finds a rythm in the playoffs that wins it, not the team thats hot going in. Look at last years Super Bowl winner. The Saints lost their last 3 games before coming together in the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl. The point is the Chiefs still have a chance and I think Oakland did what the Chiefs needed them to do. They forced them to look at themselves in the mirror and own up to the fact that if they really want to be a factor in these playoffs, they have to play their best for 4 quarters. Half ass attempts against teams in the playoffs will get you embarrassed and I bet the Chiefs are sick of that feeling.
The Chiefs in 2010 have done a great job of taking a defeat and moving passed it. Regrouping and coming back stronger. Look at their schedule. They lost 2 and then won 2. Lost 2 then won 2. Lost 1 and won 2. So whats next? Are they going to follow this L with 2 or maybe 3 wins or are they going to lose agian and go home? I bet they win and I bet Oakland forced them into a matchup that gives them the best chance to do that.
At first glance you look at the Chiefs Wild Card matchup with the Ravens and you get a bad feeling. Its the Ravens, their 12-4 and their defense is always great. With what happened to Cassel and the offensive and defensive lines against Oakland you'd think it's going to be a lot worse against Ray Lewis and the Ravens defensive crew. Not so fast. The Ravens give up some yards. 318.9 per game to be exact. They give up 224.9 passing and 93.9 rushing so they can be exploited. The Chiefs have been great at recognizing whats working on offense and taking advantage of it. If they can find holes in the front 7 and run, they run. If they can find holes in the secondary and pass, they pass. Its as simple as that. The Chiefs just need to find out what works, find it quickly and take advantage of it.
The Ravens have weapons on offense. They have a strong armed QB in Flacco and a multi purpose running back in Rice. They have Boldin, who is as good as any at catching a short pass and turning it into a big gain. They screen pass very well because their offensive lineman can get out in space and make blocks. The Chiefs defense is going to have to stay disciplined, keep gap control and fly to the football. If they miss a tackle for a 2 yard gain it can turn into an 80 yard gain so getting the ball carrier on the ground is imperrative.
After the loss to Oakland it's easy to write the Chiefs off. They've had a great year. Accomplished far more than what was expected. They won their first division crown since 2003 and will host their first playoff game since January 11, 2004. The players are developing and the fan base is returning to its glory days. All signs for the future point up, so who cares if we win or lose against the Ravens, atleast we made it. Well I dont think that attitude is going to fly in the locker room. I bet the players and coaches want something more. I bet the Ravens come into Arrowhead and the Chiefs give them everything they can and I bet the Chiefs come out on top.
It's funny how a humiliating loss to you most hated rival can fuel you to dig deeper. How it can motivate you and force you to refocus. It's funny how your rival can give you the seeding you need to match up with a team you can beat. It's funny how your rival can actually do you a favor.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2010-2011 Top 5 NBA Power Forwards
Power Forwards in the NBA are freaks of nature. Their giant, explosively skilled athletes that control the paint with their scoring and defense. Their play can impact a game on multiple levels, from hitting 3's to blocking shots. These guys are super athletic rim rockers who make embarrassing their opponents a daily habit.
1. Dirk Nowitzki - This guy keeps getting better and better. Hes the premier power forward today as his shooting level is on par with all time greats regardless of position. He takes advantage of his size and picks his spots on the floor to destroy opponents. His 24.1 ppg and 7.4 rpg are impressive, but I like his 54 fg%, 40 3pt fg% and 88 ft%. Those are awesome shooting % for anyone.
2. Pau Gasol - He is the smoothest post player in the league. He isnt the strongest, but skill wise his post play is unequaled. His BBall IQ is on par with his skill which makes him a nightmare to try and contain. 18.9 ppg and 11 rpg are the nuts and bolts of what he brings you. He's the perfect robin to Kobe's batman.
3. Kevin Garnett - He's not the same 20-10 KG that we grew to love in Minny, but hes a better player overall. His defensive level of intinsity and the way he pushes his teammates to be better is the stuff legends are made of. 15 ppg and 9.5 rpg is gravy on top of the intangibles.
4. Amare Stoudemire - The Knicks are back and Amare is the reason why. His scoring has never been questioned as his 26.3 ppg isnt the eye raiser. Its his 2.2 bpg that show he's taking his game to the next level committment wise. If the Knicks are going to keep winning, Amare is going to get serious MVP consideration.
5. Kevin Love - I dont care about Minnesotas record. This throwback player gets it done in a big way. His 20.8 ppg and league leading 15.5 rpg show that his game is on point every night. If his post play wasn't enough, throw in his 43% 3 pt shooting and you see how he can attack defenses on every level.
Honorable Mention - Tim Duncan, Blake Griffin, Chris Bosh, Jeff Green, LaMarcus Aldridge.
1. Dirk Nowitzki - This guy keeps getting better and better. Hes the premier power forward today as his shooting level is on par with all time greats regardless of position. He takes advantage of his size and picks his spots on the floor to destroy opponents. His 24.1 ppg and 7.4 rpg are impressive, but I like his 54 fg%, 40 3pt fg% and 88 ft%. Those are awesome shooting % for anyone.
2. Pau Gasol - He is the smoothest post player in the league. He isnt the strongest, but skill wise his post play is unequaled. His BBall IQ is on par with his skill which makes him a nightmare to try and contain. 18.9 ppg and 11 rpg are the nuts and bolts of what he brings you. He's the perfect robin to Kobe's batman.
3. Kevin Garnett - He's not the same 20-10 KG that we grew to love in Minny, but hes a better player overall. His defensive level of intinsity and the way he pushes his teammates to be better is the stuff legends are made of. 15 ppg and 9.5 rpg is gravy on top of the intangibles.
4. Amare Stoudemire - The Knicks are back and Amare is the reason why. His scoring has never been questioned as his 26.3 ppg isnt the eye raiser. Its his 2.2 bpg that show he's taking his game to the next level committment wise. If the Knicks are going to keep winning, Amare is going to get serious MVP consideration.
5. Kevin Love - I dont care about Minnesotas record. This throwback player gets it done in a big way. His 20.8 ppg and league leading 15.5 rpg show that his game is on point every night. If his post play wasn't enough, throw in his 43% 3 pt shooting and you see how he can attack defenses on every level.
Honorable Mention - Tim Duncan, Blake Griffin, Chris Bosh, Jeff Green, LaMarcus Aldridge.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Chiefs Grab the Torch
The Kansas City Chiefs are your 2010 AFC West Champions. The Chiefs have won ugly (think Cleveland) and they've won pretty (think ST Louis). They've done it with a dominating ground game and an opportunistic defense. They have the discipline, hunger and belief that their not done yet. You know what? I believe they aren't done yet too.
The Chiefs ended San Diego's strangle hold on the division by opening up the 2010 season with a win and continuing to win even when they shoulda lost. Everybody kept waiting for them to fall apart, for their youth and inexperience to take over and close games to turn into losses. Well it never happened. They won despite all odds.
They have a few players who used this season to finally display the talents we all knew they had (think Dwayne Bowe and Derrick Johnson). We had players settle in to new positions and thrive now that they're comfortable (think Tamba Hali and Glenn Dorsey). We had players show they were capable of being the best at their position (think Matt Cassel, Jamal Charles and Brandon Flowers). We had a Rookies prove they deserved to be drafted (think Tony Moeaki, Javier Arenas, Dexter McCluster and Kendrick Lewis).
The 2010 Chiefs got contributions from everywhere. The Players and the Coaches all did what they had to do week in and week out to give the team a chance to win. Fortunately they won enough to grab the torch from San Diego and show they're going to be division players for the forseable future!
The Chiefs ended San Diego's strangle hold on the division by opening up the 2010 season with a win and continuing to win even when they shoulda lost. Everybody kept waiting for them to fall apart, for their youth and inexperience to take over and close games to turn into losses. Well it never happened. They won despite all odds.
They have a few players who used this season to finally display the talents we all knew they had (think Dwayne Bowe and Derrick Johnson). We had players settle in to new positions and thrive now that they're comfortable (think Tamba Hali and Glenn Dorsey). We had players show they were capable of being the best at their position (think Matt Cassel, Jamal Charles and Brandon Flowers). We had a Rookies prove they deserved to be drafted (think Tony Moeaki, Javier Arenas, Dexter McCluster and Kendrick Lewis).
The 2010 Chiefs got contributions from everywhere. The Players and the Coaches all did what they had to do week in and week out to give the team a chance to win. Fortunately they won enough to grab the torch from San Diego and show they're going to be division players for the forseable future!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
2010-2011 Top 5 NBA Small Forwards
THis Christmas Im giving everyone the treat of another NBA top 5 by position blog! Today Ill be giving you the small forwards who are having a sensational year and really helping their teams win.
Small Forwards - Think versatility, production from multiple spots on the courts. Depended upon to make the smart and tough play. SF in the NBA can do everything and usually they do it among the best in the game.
1. Lebron James - The most productive player in the game today. He scores, dishes out assists and rebounds. His defense is among the best you'll see from a perimeter player and his chase down blocks are always eye catching. His Numbers are down only to his lofty standards, but 24.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 7.1 apg is not a "down" year for anyone else.
2. Kevin Durant - This 22 year old scoring champ is going to collect a lot of awards in his career. He's the corerstone of the OKC Thunders franchise and makes them a must see team every night. His 27.5 ppg leads the league and his also pulling in 6.6 rpg while handing out 3 apg. Throw in a block and a steal and you see how this guy helps his team out everywhere on the court.
3. Carmelo Anthony - Melo gets some negative publicity these days, but it is having zero effect on his game. Hes scoring 24 ppg and collecting 8.3 rpg. He's matchup nightmare as he has bullish size and figure skater agility. One of the more consistent players in the league, and really loves the big game moments.
4. Paul Pierce - 12 years Paul has been schooling people on the fundamentals. Hes an old school player meaning he might not be crazy athletic, but hes smart, knows how to get his shots and constantly makes you pay for mistakes. His 18.2 ppg lead a veteran Boston club and his 5 rpg and 3 apg are solid. He's as clutch as they come and if theres a game winner to be made, Paul Pierce will make it.
5. Luol Deng - Luol gets the nod over Granger and Gay because and the Bulls are winning. Luol has started every game this year and played at a very high rate. His scoring (17.7 ppg) has dipped a little since Boozer came back, but as a third option thats a really high mark. 6 rpg and 3 apg just show how versatile he is.
Honorable Mention - Rudy Gay, Danny Granger, Wilson Chandler, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza
Small Forwards - Think versatility, production from multiple spots on the courts. Depended upon to make the smart and tough play. SF in the NBA can do everything and usually they do it among the best in the game.
1. Lebron James - The most productive player in the game today. He scores, dishes out assists and rebounds. His defense is among the best you'll see from a perimeter player and his chase down blocks are always eye catching. His Numbers are down only to his lofty standards, but 24.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 7.1 apg is not a "down" year for anyone else.
2. Kevin Durant - This 22 year old scoring champ is going to collect a lot of awards in his career. He's the corerstone of the OKC Thunders franchise and makes them a must see team every night. His 27.5 ppg leads the league and his also pulling in 6.6 rpg while handing out 3 apg. Throw in a block and a steal and you see how this guy helps his team out everywhere on the court.
3. Carmelo Anthony - Melo gets some negative publicity these days, but it is having zero effect on his game. Hes scoring 24 ppg and collecting 8.3 rpg. He's matchup nightmare as he has bullish size and figure skater agility. One of the more consistent players in the league, and really loves the big game moments.
4. Paul Pierce - 12 years Paul has been schooling people on the fundamentals. Hes an old school player meaning he might not be crazy athletic, but hes smart, knows how to get his shots and constantly makes you pay for mistakes. His 18.2 ppg lead a veteran Boston club and his 5 rpg and 3 apg are solid. He's as clutch as they come and if theres a game winner to be made, Paul Pierce will make it.
5. Luol Deng - Luol gets the nod over Granger and Gay because and the Bulls are winning. Luol has started every game this year and played at a very high rate. His scoring (17.7 ppg) has dipped a little since Boozer came back, but as a third option thats a really high mark. 6 rpg and 3 apg just show how versatile he is.
Honorable Mention - Rudy Gay, Danny Granger, Wilson Chandler, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)