tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26505372322313173322023-11-15T22:59:24.960-08:00ZimCaster Sports BlogMatthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-43001961458926992252014-02-01T14:19:00.002-08:002014-02-01T14:20:14.437-08:00NFL Playoffs: Super Bowl - Seattle at Denver<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's finally here. The big game, the Super Bowl, it's time. When it comes to a game of this magnitude, we have to take a look into the game at its most basic level. Every game has lead to this point in these players' careers. Now, we all get to see the magic unfold. Will the Seahawks get their first Super Bowl trophy? Will Peyton get his second? Will the Broncos get their third as a franchise? Let's dive right in!</div>
<a name='more'></a><b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><b>Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm going to ignore the weather in New Jersey (not New York, because the game is played in the Meadowlands which is in Jersey). Why ignore the weather? Because it is all any media outlet is arguing and debating over. As much as the weather may effect the outcome of the game, it also may have zero effect. Since the season started everyone has been saying the Super Bowl would be under snow or it would be unbearably cold. That's what the players live for, they don't care what the weather is, they just want a shot at the Lombardi Trophy. It has been argued that Denver never faced a Top defense, as much as that holds true, look at Seattle's schedule. They only played one Top Offense their entire season, the New Orleans Saints. Yes, they played the Saints at home, both times and with their 12th man they slammed the Saints. So I'd say it's almost unfair to even say they played a Top Offense. Both teams have faced adversity, and will have to face one more game filled with adversity before they can call themselves Super Bowl Champs.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Seattle Seahawks</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On offense, the Seahawks weren't the most impressive team and it showed in the passing game. Over the course of the season Russell Wilson has failed to pass for 200+ yards seven times this year, four of those seven came in the last six games for the Seahawks. Now, if you don't want your QB to have to win the game--like the Seahawks apparently feel, Wilson only averages 25 attempts a game--you run the ball. According to NFL.com, the Seahawks ranked 26th in Passing and 4th in Rushing. Marshawn Lynch has been a force for years in Seattle, and he has been a key reason they've been successful. Lynch averaged 4.2 yards a carry in the regular season, and he ended the regular season with 1,257 yards on the ground. In three 100+ yard performances this season, Lynch only scored in one of those games, but in the postseason Lynch has scored in both games and rushed for over 100 yards each time. Now I know I'll hear that "Lynch had plenty of 'almost' 100 yard games" and this is true. In addition to the three 100-yard performances, Lynch also rushed for at least 90 yards four times. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many consider Wilson and Lynch to be what keeps the Hawks going, but it's the offensive line that has to get the job done this week. They'll need to continue opening big holes for Lynch and finding ways to keep Wilson clean. If the O-line for the Hawks can keep Wilson's jersey "clean" they'll have a great chance to win the game. Along with the offensive line, the Seattle WRs/TEs need to show the Denver DBs that they mean business. Doug Baldwin, Zach Miller, Jermaine Kearse, and Golden Tate should be able to play well against the Denver secondary. Without Chris Harris Jr., the Broncos have struggled a bit. With Champ Bailey nearly at 100 percent--something that couldn't be said about the future Hall of Famer earlier this season--the Broncos will be better, but they need Harris in the slot. Baldwin, Tate and Kearse will need to find a way to beat Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tony Carter and Bailey off the ball. If they can do some good double moves or find the soft spot in the zone quickly, then it could be a long day for the Denver secondary. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now to the only thing people seem to want to mention about Seattle, the defense. I'm not going to say much about the Legion of Boom because it is well documented how lethal they are. Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Walter Thurmond III, Byron Maxwell, and Kam Chancellor have had their way with just about every offense they've face this season. The LOB will have to play solid man and zone coverage to stop the Broncos four-headed WR/TE attack. Looking at the rest of the defense, you still have a great front-7. The defensive line for the Seahawks is scary, and reminds me of the Giants the year New York beat the then undefeated Patriots. Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, Bruce Irvin, and Brandon Mebane are the standouts and Peyton Manning will have to watch out every time he drops back. Then you have the real trouble Manning will face, the linebackers. K.J. Wright, Bobby Wagner, and Malcolm Smith could blitz or drop in coverage. They could cover the slot for a play, or they could follow Julius Thomas down the middle. These LBs have caused QBs headaches and nightmares because they are so talented. I think the D-line and the LBs have to be on point for the Hawks to win this game.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Denver Broncos</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's easy to talk about the Broncos offense because they set almost every positive offensive category this season. They scored an NFL record 606 points, 55 passing touchdowns, and most yards through the air in a single season, 5,477 (in 16 and a half games; Manning sat out the second half against the Raiders in week 17). The Broncos also had four receivers (3 WR, 1 TE) with 10 or more TD catches, two WRs with over 1,000 yards receiving, and a running back rushing for over 1,000 yards for the first time since Willis McGahee in 2011, but before that it was Tatum Bell back in 2006. Knowshon Moreno showed that he wasn't a bust that most Broncos fans had him labeled as at the beginning of the season. Moreno showed how good he can be in the passing game as well. When Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman failed to assert themselves as the best back Moreno took the reigns. Ball and Hillman tried to fumble away as many games as they could, and Ball got Manning planted on his rear against the Seahawks in the preseason, so they both lost the opportunity to start. Moreno took full advantage and as mentioned rushed for 1,000 yards, his first time eclipsing the 1,000 yard mark. Demaryius Thomas had a tough rookie and second year in the league, but now in his fourth year, Thomas has flourished with a QB who can actually get him the ball. Eric Decker, also in his fourth year has shown that he can be a great possession receiver, but can also beat guys deep. I won't get into Wes Welker, because he is possibly the best slot receiver that has ever played in the NFL. Well, except when Tom Brady needed him in the Super Bowl. Other than to Broncos fans, Julius Thomas was a seldom known TE. He was injured or hurt most of his first two years in the NFL, but he burst on the scene this year. The last time the Broncos had a TE this successful, was when Shannon Sharpe played in 2005. Talking about Manning would take forever, so let's just say he had the best statistical season a QB has ever had, and he is still hungry. He wants at least one more ring, and he could get it this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many would argue that the Broncos defense is the weak link of the Denver team, but many also fail to realize how much the Denver defense has stepped up in the postseason. According to NFL.com, the Broncos are second best in terms of total yards per game and first in rushing yards allowed per game. The Broncos D also sits in second, right behind Seattle, in points allowed per game in the postseason. In Passing yards given up this postseason the Broncos are one yard behind the Hawks, Denver gave up an average of 225 in two games, whereas Seattle gave up an average of 224 in two games. The Broncos D-Line will need to be the X-Factor for the defensive unit. Terrance Knighton, Sylvestor Williams, Robert Ayers, Shaun Phillips and Malik Jackson will have to play big, no pun intended. Those five will have the responsibility of stopping Lynch and keeping Wilson in the pocket. Now the Linebackers, Danny Trevathan, Nate Irving and Wesley Woodyard, will most likely need to help, but if Lynch gets to the LBs it could be game over for the Denver D. Trevathan has played out of his mind this year, and continues to show that he can play at a high level and lead this Denver defense. In the secondary, Champ Bailey rules the roost, but Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is looking to take over and help as the Broncos #1 CB. The Broncos will need a big game out of Duke Ihenacho, Mike Adams, Kayvon Webster and Tony Carter. Those four will need to play better than they have in order for Bailey and DRC to keep the Seahawks down.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prediction</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Everyone wants to talk about the #1 offense going against the #1 defense. Well, in order for the #1 defense to win they need their #17 ranked offense to score against the #14 ranked defense. I think the Seattle offense against the Denver defense will have a bigger impact on the game than has been discussed the last two weeks. Manning and the Broncos will get their points and the LOB will stop them as well, but if Wilson and the Hawks can't get into the endzone it may not matter that they have the best defense in the league behind them. I think this game comes down to the wire, but ends in regulation. I've got the Broncos pulling out the gutsy win, 24-20 on a Peyton Manning (duck) back shoulder fade to Demaryius Thomas against Richard Sherman (I mean come on, it wouldn't be drama if the game didn't come down to these two). </div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-72829686344091198612014-01-18T14:34:00.003-08:002014-01-18T14:34:32.138-08:00NFL Playoffs: Championship Weekend<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven't had time to breakdown every part of both games, but I'll give you my top three things to watch for both games! Let's get started.</div>
<a name='more'></a><u><div style="text-align: justify;">
<u><b>New England at Denver</b></u></div>
</u><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>1. Tom Brady vs. Denver Secondary</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Broncos secondary is going to be easy to attack for the future Hall of Famer. With the loss of Chris Harris, arguably Denver's most versatile CB, the Broncos will have to get a game for the ages out of the rest of the secondary. It's time for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to show that his solid play all season was not just a regular season fluke. Champ Bailey needs to play like the old Champ Bailey; he needs to play like the future Hall of Famer fans have come to know. Quentin Jammer will have to play like the shutdown corner he was with the Chargers. Tony Carter needs to step up like he did last year in replacement of Bailey. IF those players can do that, the Broncos have a good shot at winning the game. However, if Tom Brady can find his WRs, it won't matter how good the Broncos coverage is. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>2. Peyton Manning vs. Patriots Defense</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, I know you're thinking, "You just said Brady vs. only the Denver secondary, and now Manning vs. the whole Patriots D? Why are you insulting Brady?" Well, I'm not trying to insult Brady, but Manning needs to be ready to attack every aspect of the Patriots defense. He needs to have every protection match-up memorized, every WR/DB match-up figured out and every LB vs. RB match-up. If anyone can do that, it's Manning. However, Belichick will make it difficult for Manning to know anything about the Patriots actual intent on defense. Manning will need to be in tune with everyone on offense if the Broncos want to keep the Patriots on their toes. All gimmicks aside, Manning will need to see what is actually happening with the defense in order to get the upper hand on Belichick and the Patriots.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>3. Bill Belichick vs. John Fox</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We've seen this match-up before, but with "more important implications." Now, we get to watch Belichick and Fox battle for the AFC crown instead of the Super Bowl. Again, not as exciting necessarily, but add in Brady and Manning and you've got a showdown unlike any other. Ultimately, it will be Brady vs. Fox and Manning vs. Belichick, but seeing how the two Head Coaches game plan for each other's teams will be a big key to the game. If Fox can outthink Brady, the Broncos should win. If Belichick outthinks Manning, it would bode well for the Patriots. This game will be down to the wire, but very high scoring as both defenses are missing key parts. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prediction: Broncos 45, Patriots 38</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>San Francisco at Seattle</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>1. Kaep vs. Hawks front seven</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I could cop out and say Kaep vs. the Legion of Boom, but I think the front seven will need to be bigger than the secondary. The D-Line and the LBs need to get enough pressure on Kaep but not let him escape the pressure. I expect spies on almost every play because in order to keep Kaep in the pocket and out of the open field, the Hawks will need someone whose only job is to watch Kaep's eyes. If the D-line can get pressure it makes the secondary's job much easier. If Kaep can get outside the pocket and into the open field, it'll be tough for the Hawks to keep up. Seattle needs to get in his head early and make him have "happy feet" in the pocket. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>2. 49ers Receivers vs. Legion of Boom</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Notice I didn't specify just the wide receivers, but all of the 49ers potential receivers. Vernon Davis, Anquan Boldin, and Michael Crabtree will need to find the holes in the zone and beat their man for San Francisco to have a better chance against Seattle. It will be difficult for the Hawks to keep up with Boldin and Crabtree, but Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell will be the first to match-up with the 49er WRs. Whereas K.J. Wright, Bobby Wagner or even safety Earl Thomas will be covering/watching Vernon Davis. I think the 49ers receivers will have a "big game," I put that in quotes because it will be big against the Legion of Boom, but it won't be enough necessarily.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>3. Frank Gore vs. Bobby Wagner</b><br />The 49ers will look to avoid the Legion of Boom if they can, but the only way they can do that is if Frank Gore can get a solid running game going. Gore will need help from Kendall Hunter to slow down the pass rush of the Hawks, but it will be down to Bobby Wagner and likely K.J. Wright to stop Gore and Hunter. If the RBs can gain 100+ yards on the ground it will open up the passing game for Kaep. If the RBs are held to 70 and below, it will be tough sledding for the 49ers balanced offensive attack. It'll be up to the LBs to stop them, but if Gore can get going, good luck stopping him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Prediction: Seahawks 20, 49ers 17</b></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-44592317735353965652014-01-10T02:13:00.000-08:002014-01-10T02:13:11.654-08:00NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round - San Francisco at Carolina<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Finally
to finish off the Divisional Round, we conclude with the final NFC match-up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">San Francisco at Carolina</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Looking
at this match-up there is one thing I’m looking forward to the most: Colin Kaepernick
against Luke Kuechly. Watching a QB go toe-to-toe with a MLB is some of the
best football we get to watch. It may not be like watching Ray Lewis go against
Peyton Manning, but these two can put on a show. Kuechly had a game earlier
this season where he recorded 22 tackles, and Kaep is becoming one of the
better mobile QBs in the league. It’ll be fun to watch each get the better of
the other, but one will ultimately win, who? Let’s jump into this NFC match-up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">San Francisco 49ers</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Offensively
the visitors weren’t wow-ing anyone until they got back Michael Crabtree. In
the opening week, Anquan Boldin showed why he is such an asset and why the
49ers traded for him. Boldin lit up the Packers in the season opener, and Kaep
saw firsthand why his DBs had trouble covering him in the Super Bowl the
previous season. Without Crabtree, the 49ers didn’t struggle, but they weren’t
as prolific in the beginning as they have been as of late. Although Boldin
still has size and strength, speed isn’t his best attribute, now I’m not
calling him slow, just not as fast as Crabtree. The former Texas Tech Red
Raider is lightening in a bottle just waiting to spring out and show the
defense whose boss. With the two main WR threats, the 49ers also have the next
best thing, a big, physical, speedy TE: Vernon Davis. Since former coach Mike
Singletary said he wanted winners, Davis has been playing better. It took
current coach Jim Harbaugh to really get the best of Davis, which showed last
year when Davis ran straight to his coach balling his eyes out after catching
the go-ahead TD against the Saints. Davis plays harder than a lot of players in
the NFL, and he is one of the toughest covers for any defense. He is usually
too fast for linebackers and too big for defensive backs. Along with the triple
threat down the field, the 49ers also have two solid runners in Frank Gore and
LaMichael James. Gore is the workhorse back who gets most of the carries, while
James is seldom used, but he could see more touches as the wear and tear of the
regular season catches up with Gore. If the 49ers can get their running game
going, they will be tough to stop, because they will also get use out of the
play action. Kaep can play with the best of them and his ability to scramble
just aids his already solid QB form. He has moments where he needs to calm down
and set his feet, but otherwise does a good job getting off good spirals to his
multiple targets. Kaep is out for a Super Bowl win this year after being “that
close” last year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
On
defense this team is scary. They have some of the best in the NFL for the front
seven, and their secondary isn’t shabby either. Aldon Smith, Justin Smith,
Patrick Willis, Navarro Bowman are just a few of the front seven, and they give
Offensive Coordinators and opposing QBs nightmares. With Donte Whitner and Eric
Reid sitting at the safety position, Cam Newton will need to be careful where
he puts the ball for two reasons; first, he doesn’t want to get his WR/TE
killed, and second, he doesn’t want to throw an INT. Look for some fun (scary)
formations from the 49er defense, delayed blitzes and corner/safety blitzes are
very easy when you have young, fast players in the secondary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Carolina Panthers</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
After
starting the season 1-3, few believed that the Panthers could make the
playoffs, much less earn the #2 overall seed in the NFC. However, with a QB
like Cam Newton and an offense that he has around him, it is about time these
Panthers did something impressive. With Steve Smith not at 100%, it’ll be up to
Domenik Hixon to step up and show that he can play ball. Hixon has been around
the block with several teams, but somehow never seems to stick. He has made big
plays in his career, but few remember them because he hasn’t been able to make
it with one team. He played for the Broncos a while back, and I remember him making
big plays in the punt and kick return, but he could never get into high on the
depth chart for WRs. He played for the Giants and helped them win their first
Super Bowl against the Patriots. Now with the Panthers he has done some good
things, but none bigger than his game-winning TD against the Saints in week 16.
Greg Olsen will also be a key player for the Panthers. He may not be the as big
or as fast as Vernon Davis, but he has what it takes to play at a high level in
other ways. Olsen is a solid route runner, and he is always giving Newton an
open target to throw to. Olsen also finds holes in the defense and sits there
waiting for the ball. Usually beside Newton in the backfield is DeAngelo
Williams, Mike Tolbert and/or Jonathan Stewart. Williams and Stewart used to be
a formidable pair as a tandem, but I haven’t seen them split as many carries
this year. However, Tolbert has been a great addition since following former
San Diego coach Ron Rivera. All three backs run behind their pads and lower
their shoulder to get extra yards. Williams can take the ball to the endzone at
any time, so watch for a few homerun bursts if he can avoid the 49ers front
seven. Looking at Newton, he has improved a lot since setting a lot of records
as a rookie. His deep ball is more accurate, his feet don’t get too happy when
he’s in the pocket. Most times, Newton has been able to stay in the pocket and
not scramble as much, but like Kaep, Newton is always ready and willing to take
off and get the first down. With or without Steve Smith, Newton will need to be
careful, but still aggressive if he wants to beat the 49ers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Defensively
this team is one of the best in the NFL. They aren’t loaded with household
names, but with players like Greg Hardy and Luke Kuechly. The Panthers have the
ability to rush the passer and cover a lot of ground in man and zone. Just like
I said with San Francisco, watch for mixed formations and new wrinkles to
confuse Kaepernick and his protection (O-line and RBs). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prediction</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
This
game will be fun to watch, but may not foster as many points as some of the
other Divisional Round games. I expect a defensive game the first three
quarters with a mini-explosion of offense in the fourth quarter. I think the
Panthers can find what it takes to knock the Super Bowl runner-up out of the
2014 playoffs. Panthers win, 24-20.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-46709513032555264822014-01-07T15:53:00.002-08:002014-01-07T15:54:12.623-08:00NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round - New Orleans at Seattle<br />
Heading
over to the other conference, let’s look at the first NFC match-up.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New Orleans at Seattle</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
A
rematch of the infamous Beast Mode game, where Marshawn Lynch went off on his
long run breaking tackles of nearly every Saint on the field. Lynch’s run is
when he really took off as a runner after being shipped out of Buffalo. He may
have been big before that game, but the win against the (then defending champion)
Saints catapulted him to stardom. Anyway, let’s jump into the Saints and how
they match up with Seattle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New Orleans Saints</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
A
year after going 7-9 without their head coach, this Saints team went 11-5 and
still squeaked into the playoffs. Sitting in the sixth and final seed sent the
Saints to Philly, where they won their first road playoff game in franchise
history. Well, their second road win will be in one of the toughest places to
play in the NFL today. The two teams met earlier this season and the Seahawks
crushed the Saints 34-7, but now the Saints know what to expect when it comes
the 12<sup>th</sup> man and the “famous” noise that comes with the Hawks. Now
I’m not saying that the game will be easy, but the Saints will not struggle as
much as they did in that Week 13 match-up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Drew
Brees was more like watching John Skelton, 23-38 passing 144 yards and a
TD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four Saints RBs touched the ball and
combined for 44 yards. The Saints as a team had 188 yards, FOR THE GAME. This
is the same Drew Brees that has carved up defenses and made Defensive
Coordinators look silly, but he couldn’t get anything going and only had 12
first downs in the game. Look for Sean Payton and the Saints to know what
they’re doing this time around in the Hawks Nest. Expect almost all silent counts
and minimal chatter between Brees and his O-line and his skill players too. Payton
is smart enough to figure out how to “outsmart” the noise problem. Marques
Colston, Lance Moore and Robert Meachem (the three main WRs for the Saints),
WHERE YOU AT? Combined those three WRs had 46 yards receiving, that is only
four more than Jimmy Graham had in that game. Colston, Moore, and Meachem will
want to step up and show the world that they are good and that they can beat
the Seahawks. Jimmy Graham will always get his own because he is a constant
matchup problem for any team he goes up against. Darren Sproles is the same as
Graham, a match up problem. Sproles comes out of the backfield and instantly
gains 10+ yards. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Looking
at the defense, the Saints are not great, but they’re good enough at times.
Having guys like Curtis Lofton, Malcolm Jenkins, and Kenny Vaccaro are reason
enough for me to believe in the Saints linebacking and secondary. Will Smith
and Cameron Jordan are two other players that give me some faith in the Saints
D. The only problem is that Vaccaro has been hurt and is on IR just like fellow
DB Jabari Greer. It will be up to Rafael Bush to continue filling the holes.
We’ll have to see where the defense can and can’t go. The only positive for the
D is that the crowd will be quieter with the Hawks offense on the field, so the
D should be able to communicate better than the Saints offense. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Seattle Seahawks</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
NFC’s #1 seed has a chance to silence some doubters. Some may be surprised that
a #1 seed has to prove anything, but after struggling to beat the winless Bucs
at home and then losing to the Cardinals in Week 16, some questioned the
Seahawks resolve and ability. I’m not worried about the Seahawks ability to win
and play hard, but this game will come down to Russell Wilson and Marshawn
Lynch. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Wilson
will be called upon late in the game to drive and win the game with either a TD
or a FG. Lynch could be able to run out the clock at the end of the game. However,
what we do know is that in order for the Hawks to win the game they’ll need a
complete game out of Wilson and his WRs and the running game. It may sound
obvious, but the playoffs are a different monster and the Saints have played in
and won the big game whereas these Seahawks were one drive away from reaching
the NFC Championship game last year. So they may know some perils, but Payton
and Brees know what it takes to make it. In order for the Hawks to win, they’ll
need Lynch to open up the game by gaining about 4+ yards a carry to keep
themselves from becoming one-dimensional. If the Saints can put 8 or 9 in the
box, they can make Wilson’s life a living hell. If they have to respect Lynch,
then Wilson can get big gains off of play-action. Doug Baldwin, Golden Tate,
Jermaine Kearse, and Zach Miller will need to find open holes in the zone and
run precise routes so that Wilson doesn’t have to worry about throwing INTs. If
the Hawks can get Percy Harvin’s services in this game, then I’d be less
worried. However, who knows when the former 1<sup>st</sup> round pick will play
again for Seattle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Defensively,
the Seahawks have one of the best units on paper. Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett,
Red Bryant, Brandon Mebane and Chris Clemons have made offensive lines look
like tissue paper. Bruce Irvin, Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright have been a
nightmare on blitzes. Lastly, the Legion of Boom (Kam Chancellor, Richard
Sherman, Earl Thomas, Byron Maxwell, and Brandon Browner) has made life a
living hell for QBs and WRs of the opposition. This defense has what it takes
to make Drew Brees second-guess every pass he makes and every audible he calls.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Will
the Hawks D be the difference? Will the Saints silence the crowd? Can Russell
Wilson add to his list of accomplishments?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prediction</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
After
a lot of talk and debate about the Seahawks legitimacy at the top of the NFC, I
think they find a way to shut people up for one week. Seattle has a complete
team that has beaten this same Saints team this season. I think the noise has
little to do with the result, but that the Saints just can’t handle the pressure
from the Seattle defense and thus can’t keep up with the prolific Seahawks
attack. Seattle wins 35-24.</div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-35006802912073664642014-01-06T15:09:00.003-08:002014-01-06T15:09:56.548-08:00NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round - Indianapolis at New England<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Cambria","serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Continuing
with the Divisional Playoffs, let’s dive into the other AFC match-up!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Indianapolis at New England</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
A
match-up people begged for three-plus years ago. Now, it’s a welcomed, but not
as requested match-up. When it was Manning-Brady, the Colts-Patriots match-up was
about two proven QBs trying to show who was better that particular year. Now
Colts-Patriots is a chance to see a changing of the guard. Will Andrew Luck
beat Tom Brady? Can the newcomer beat the seasoned vet? Let’s take a look!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Indianapolis Colts</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Starting
with the visiting Colts, a team that is pushing through without their offensive
leader. Most would say that Luck has been the leader since he got there, but
too many forget that Reggie Wayne was the voice of reason and the most veteran
presence for the offense. Since being injured, Wayne has been a great coach for
the WRs and Luck from the sidelines. T.Y. Hilton, LaVon Brazill, Darrius
Heyward-Bey, Da’Rick Rogers, and Griff Whalen have been playing well.
Heyward-Bey has been hurt, but the other WRs have been playing fantastic.
Although Hilton has been a great deep threat, the Colts have been missing
Wayne’s ability to find the first down marker and consistently get 3<sup>rd</sup>
down conversions. (The Colts recently added former Patriots WR Deion Branch,
we’ll see if he helps at all before the game this weekend) TEs Coby Fleener and
Dwayne Allen have given Luck a massive security blanket across the middle and
in the red zone. Since the trade with the Browns, Trent Richardson has been
surprisingly bad. Donald Brown, however, has flourished; maybe the Browns knew
something we didn’t. When the Colts get Vick Ballard back, they may unload
Richardson elsewhere, or they’ll try to train him and groom him into a back
made for their system. Regardless, the Colts have a great offense as long as
they take care of the ball, and I know that’s an obvious thing, but other than
giving the other team the ball, it stalls Luck’s momentum. Luck needs to be on
a roll with all things clicking to win. Look for Belichick to disrupt that just
like he does every other QB he faces.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Defensively,
the Colts aren’t great but they can get the job done. They gave up 44 points to
the Kansas City Chiefs. AT HOME. After only giving up 7 in Kansas City a few
weeks prior. I’m worried about Indianapolis on D, but they’ve surprised me
before. If the weather is bad enough, the Colts might have to deal with the
running game of the Patriots. Yes I just said the running game of the Patriots
as a good thing. Shane Vereen and LeGarrette Blount have been doing really well
behind an offensive line that is finally able to stay healthy and play
together. Look for Belichick to rely on Vereen and Blount against a “weak”
front 7 of the Colts. I put weak in quotes because the whole front 7 isn’t weak,
but they aren’t the best either. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New England Patriots</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
For
the home team, we start with one of the best QBs in football the last 10+
years. Tom Brady has been a QB to look up to for young footballers since he
took over for Drew Bledsoe in 2001. Brady is accurate, smart, cautious, and
strategic. Brady has to be with the lack of “superstar” talent on the roster.
Without Rob Gronkowski, the season was rougher than in years past. However,
with newcomer Danny Amendola, who also missed time this season, the struggle
was a little easier. Also, the rookies, Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins,
have played their hearts out and have had a few coming out parties throughout
the season. The one consistent piece from the last few years for the Patriots
this year was Julian Edelman. He had over 100 catches and tried to fill Wes
Welker’s shoes this season. He always seemed to pop up when Brady needed him
most. As mentioned above, the best “new” aspect of the Patriots offense has
been the running game. With the aforementioned Vereen and Blount, the Patriots
finally have a respectable running game, which they haven’t really had since
they had Corey Dillon. Brady has made all of his teammates look like some of
the best WRs he’s ever had. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Defensively
the Patriots will be down one of their most reliable players, Brandon Spikes.
The Patriots just placed Spikes on season-ending IR today. Without Spikes the
Patriots will need to have big games out of Chandler Jones, Dont’a Hightower,
Joe Vellano and Rob Ninkovich. The front 7 of the Patriots is similar to the
Colts, in that it isn’t particularly strong, but you can thank injuries for
that. Missing Vince Wilfork has meant being without their anchor in the middle
of the defensive line. The team knows how to play without Wilfork and they’ll
figure out what to do without Spikes. The secondary for the Patriots is better
than it has been in awhile. Aqib Talib, Kyle Arrington, Alfonzo Dennard, Steven
Gregory, Devin McCourty and Adrian Wilson have been playing really well for
Belichick and his ever-evolving defense. In my opinion, the secondary is the
best aspect of the Patriots defense. Although the D-line helps cause pressure,
the secondary has WRs and TEs blanketed so well that the D-Line will eventually
get to the QB even if it’s after their initial effort. With a good secondary,
Belichick can play around with his formations and that’s what he loves to do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prediction</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Indianapolis
playing New England may not have the say ring to it that it used to, but this
game will be entertaining down to the final gun. This game could be a blow out
or it could be a close game, it’s all dependent on if one or both defenses show
up. I think it could all come down to the foot of a former New England kicker.
Indianapolis will be driving to try and win the game, and one of two things
will happen, 1) Luck gets Adam Vinatieri into range and the Colts win 30-27 or
2) the Patriots defense stops Luck on 4<sup>th</sup> and 5 and Brady kneels to
finish the game. I think the Patriots make a stand on defense and pull out the
win, 28-27.</div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-71119242219281420592014-01-06T00:46:00.003-08:002014-01-06T00:46:47.846-08:00NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round - San Diego at Denver<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Cambria","serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
table.MsoTableGrid
{mso-style-name:"Table Grid";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-priority:59;
mso-style-unhide:no;
border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;
mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-border-insideh:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-border-insidev:.5pt solid windowtext;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Cambria","serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Welcome
to the NFL Playoffs, where the best teams get a rest and your record doesn’t
matter. No one cares what you did in the regular season. Sorry, Kansas City, no
one cares that you were the last undefeated team in the NFL. Sorry,
Philadelphia, no one cares that you won seven of your last eight games. Sorry,
Cincinnati, no one cares that you beat out Baltimore and Pittsburgh for the AFC
North. Sorry, Green Bay, San Francisco doesn’t care what Aaron Rodgers means to
your playoff hopes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
It
might seem harsh, but that’s how the playoffs work. You fight and claw and give
it all you have, but it’s not good enough if you aren’t hoisting the Lombardi
Trophy. Ask everyone who doubted John Elway before he won two. Ask the people
who currently doubt Peyton Manning. Ask those who continually defend Tom Brady
because he has won three Super Bowls, the last of which was in 2005. The four
losers of Wild Card weekend will not get to help continue the trend of Wild
Card teams in the Super Bowl. However, San Diego, Indianapolis, New Orleans and
San Francisco can continue that trend. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
I’ll
take a look at the Divisional Round and how each matchup will shake out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">San Diego at Denver</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
As a
Sports fan I’m disappointed, I would have preferred to watch a Manning-Luck and
Manning-Brady this year. Although I got that in the regular season, there is
nothing quite like watching two great field generals do their worst to the
opposing defense. However, both Manning matchups are still alive, but now he
faces a formidable foe in Philip Rivers. Over the last few years, Rivers has
looked confused, rattled and dismembered. At last, San Diego has a coach who
has the background, the pedigree and the patience to make a team great. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Mike
McCoy was the Offensive Coordinator for the Denver Broncos during the Kyle
Orton-Tim Tebow issue and the first year of the Manning project. One thing is
for sure, he knows John Fox well. McCoy and Fox were together from 2002-2008 in
Carolina and then in Denver from 2011-2012. If any team should scare the
Broncos, it’s the Chargers. When San Diego was good, with Rivers and LaDanian
Tomlinson, and the Broncos were good enough, the Chargers seemed to have the
Broncos number. Well, even without a future HOF runner, Rivers can sure carve
up a defense again. We’ll get back to him in a minute. McCoy should know almost
all of the defense’s keys and terms and he’ll know a lot of the Broncos plays.
New wrinkles are a given, but will there be that many to surprise McCoy? We
will see.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Rivers’
confidence and pocket presence is vastly improved. He looks and throws like a
new QB. He has one of the best security blankets in the NFL, Antonio Gates.
Gates and Rivers have such good chemistry, that they could complete passes with
their eyes closed. Gates has become one of the best Tight Ends in the game. Ryan
Mathews finally knows how to run the ball effectively, and rookie WR Keenan
Allen has become a star in McCoy’s offense. The Denver defense will have a lot
of matchup problems, but to beat the Chargers, they’ll need to get over themselves
quickly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
Denver defense has a lot to prove and a lot of injuries to make proving
themselves even tougher. In order for the Broncos to win, they will fall back
on an old Colts tradition: “If Peyton Manning can score a lot of points, we can
get enough stops to win. Being without Von Miller, Rahim Moore (some may laugh,
but he’s better than that one play against Baltimore last year), and
potentially Wesley Woodyard and Champ Bailey the Broncos defense will have to
live up to and believe that the next-man-up mentality can hold true. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
offense of the Broncos is one of the best in NFL history. Peyton Manning 5,477
passing yards and 55 TDs (first in NFL history for a QB) and 606 points scored
as a team (1<sup>st</sup> in NFL history). Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, Wes
Welker, Julius Thomas, Andre Caldwell, Knowshon Moreno, Montee Ball, and don’t
even get me started on the solid play of the O-line. The offense does its job,
the worry comes in the defense (as stated). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
The
teams went 1-1 in their matchups in this season. Weirdly enough, both times the
road team won. The only team that beat Denver at home was San Diego, and guess
where the game will be played? *Ding* *Ding* *Ding* The game is in Denver. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Let’s
take a look at the individual matchups at each position.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TEAM</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">San Diego</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Denver</b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">QB</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Zapf Dingbats";">✓</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">RB</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
PUSH</div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
PUSH</div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WR</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Zapf Dingbats";">✓</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TE</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Zapf Dingbats";">✓</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">O-Line</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Zapf Dingbats";">✓</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Defense</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Zapf Dingbats";">✓</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Special Teams</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Zapf Dingbats";">✓</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Coach</b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Zapf Dingbats";">✓</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Denver
has the edge in QB, Offensive line play and Special Teams by a wide margin.
There is a slight edge in Denver’s favor for WR and coach. San Diego’s
advantage at the TE position is only because Gates is proven and Thomas is
trying to prove himself. The Defensive edge goes to San Diego because McCoy
will know a lot of the sets for Denver, and the Broncos are beat up and the
Chargers should be closer to full strength at game time. The Push at RB is
because Ryan Mathews and Knowshon Moreno are both showing they can play at the
highest level even though many “experts” and fans were ready to (all but) write
them off before the season started. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
This
game will be a dogfight and I wouldn’t be surprised if it came down to the
final seconds. Can the Broncos count on Manning to finish strong in this year’s
playoffs? Can the Chargers stop choking when it matters? Will we ever see
Manning in another Super Bowl? We’ll see about that last one, I say Manning and
the Broncos find a way and win 31-28</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
-MZ </div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-84987856038039383162014-01-03T22:56:00.000-08:002014-01-03T23:02:28.395-08:00NFL Coaches Thoughts<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Cambria","serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There were six coaches fired either during or after the season ended. Here are my thoughts on the jobs and where the holes are for each team...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><u> </u><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Best
Available Job: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lions</b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Easily
the best and most complete team right now is the Detroit Lions. You have a QB
who can sling it with the best of them, a tandem RB corps and an All-Pro
(potentially HOF) WR. Now some might say that a QB that can sling it isn’t a
great thing especially because Matthew Stafford has been known to turn the ball
over like Brett Favre used to do. However, with his shortcomings, Stafford is
still an elite deep throw QB, he just needs to work on his accuracy in the
“short and mid” range passes. His decision-making has been sub par the last two
years, but it is something that he can fix. He needs a better HC that focuses
on bettering him, sadly he won’t get a HC that solely focuses on him, but
hiring a better QB coach or OC would be the biggest benefactor for Stafford.
Through association better play from Stafford will only help Calvin Johnson.
The RBs have great potential and Joique Bell showed that this past season, all
while Reggie Bush relived shades of USC in his hay days. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
biggest problems lie on defense. The team lost seven of its last eight games.
The sad thing is Jim Schwartz was a defensive minded coach. So I’m not sure how
much the front office is ready to hire another defensive coach that couldn’t
win games with a lead. Part of the problem goes with Stafford’s INT problem,
when he turns the ball over he usually did so when he was trying to score or
deep in his own territory; those two locations are the worst places to have a
turnover. However, with a better defense the Lions could at least hold teams to
field goals or more three and outs. There is work to be done with both sides of
the ball, but this team is only two years removed from the playoffs and they
have the more reliable players.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>“Worst”
Available Job: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Browns/Vikings</b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now
I’m not going to go in-depth with both teams separately because they both have
the same or similar issues. The QB situation in both cities is, well, bleak to
put it nicely. You have a 30+ year old who is only in his 3<sup>rd</sup> year,
and a 4<sup>th</sup> year player who can’t throw a pass to his own team to save
his life. The backups aren’t much better, the Tom Brady try-to-be-copycat and
the one time could be answer in Oakland until Al Davis traded for the then
washed up Carson Palmer. If you aren’t following me, Matt Cassel is in
Minnesota and Jason Campbell in Cleveland as backups. The “starters” Christian
Ponder for the Vikings and Brandon Weeden for the Browns are two of the worst
QBs I’ve ever watched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only
offensive bright spot for either team is in another skill position player; in
Minnesota it’s Adrian Peterson (and becoming a helpful asset is Cordarrelle
Patterson) and in Cleveland it’s WR Josh Gordon who (miraculously) became the
first WR from Cleveland to lead the NFL in receiving yards. What makes that
feat more impressive Gordon was suspended to start the season, so he led the
NFL even without playing all 16 games. However, skill players are only good
when you have a competent QB who can get them the ball…which as I’ve stated
neither of these teams have their “answer/franchise QB” that they should (or
would like to) have. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Defensively
these teams were never where they needed to be in order to compete with their
divisions. Now it’s hard to be able to compete when you’re in two of the
toughest divisions in football. Some will dispute that point, but consider
this, three of the four teams in these divisions had a shot at the playoffs
with three or so weeks to go. Many forget that because the Lions shot
themselves in the foot against the Ravens, who later shot themselves in the foot
against Cincinnati. As well as Pittsburgh who started 0-4, but tried to make it
back before San Diego decided not to choke like they did with Norv Turner all
those years. Finally with Green Bay and Chicago they played for the division
last Sunday. So the Browns and Vikings were simply the odd teams out when it
came to winning or losing in the division. They competed well and the Browns
even beat Cincy early in the year. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
changes these teams need are QB and almost a complete overhaul of their
defenses. I can’t say that QB should be their first thing they fix, but they
need a lot of positions filled. If Brain Hoyer can be a solid band-aid for the
Browns great, but I have a feeling they “want to win now” so they’ll take a
chance with Johnny Manziel or some other “top-tier” QB and they’ll drive him
into the dirt like they did to Tim Couch, Charlie Frye, and more (I’m not going
to list the 20 QBs they’ve destroyed the last decade-plus). I’m not saying
Maniel is bad, I’m just saying there is something in the water in Cleveland
that they either can’t make smart QB choices or they don’t have someone who is
a good developer of talent. For the Vikings they need to take a risk on someone
like Manziel (should he fall to them in the draft). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Top
coaching choices, I’d say you want someone to lead your OFFENSE you go with
Josh McDaniels, the kid screwed up in Denver, but I’d say he could really help
in Minnesota. He’s linked to Cleveland, but Matt Cassel (the QB he wanted when
he was trying to trade Jay Cutler) is in Minnesota, so I think there’s some
incentive for him with the Vikings. However, the issue that Pat Bowlen ran into
with McDaniels in Denver is giving him too much power; McDaniels was given GM
and Head Coaching responsibilities with the Broncos, so the player moves and
signings were his fault. However, you give him just the offense to worry about,
and you could have a steal as a HC. Get him a solid DC to his best friend, the
Vikings could be even greater. As for the Browns they need a QB coach who is
proven (maybe McDaniels) and a DC who can coach like nobody’s business. I’m
looking at Perry Fewell from the Giants. He has some experience as a HC and
(other than this year) has been a great component to the Giants in their Super
Bowl wins. If he didn’t have unfinished business with the Saints, I would say
interview Rob Ryan. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Toughest
Available Job: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Washington</b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You
can’t deny that whatever happens in the rest of the league, no matter who else
gets fired, the Redskins have the toughest job to fill. Other than New York
City, in the NFL, the Head Coach of the Washington Redskins has the toughest
job. Some may argue Dallas, but Dan Snyder is worse than Jerry Jones. At
least Jones gives his coaches pretty good players to work with. Now Dan
Snyder does help his HC get good players, but by giving that power to the HC,
like he did with Shanahan, no one ever blames Snyder like we blame Jones.
Regardless, what I’m getting at is Shanahan had more than he bargained for
because he was given a young QB in RGIII instead of the
proven-but-can’t-win-a-Super-Bowl-old guy, John Elway. With Elway, Shanahan had
someone who could win with or without a good HC, but he couldn’t win a Super
Bowl. All Shanahan had to do was contribute a little bit, and he did by
drafting Terrell Davis in the sixth round of the NFL draft. With RGIII Shanahan
had to do something else, train, develop, raise, and keep a young, unproven,
sometimes-cocky QB how to win. In his first season in the NFL, RGIII lead the
Redskins to their first division title in what felt like forever. However,
Shanahan didn’t know how to manage a QB who was injured, Elway almost never got
injured so Shanahan didn’t need a plan for when he got hurt, however RGIII
seems to have the injury bug as bad as Greg Oden. This team has some good skill
players, but with RGIII playing as inconsistent as the Brooklyn Nets how do you
know you can trust him. However, with a good offseason of preparation before
and during the preseason, RGIII could be back to his normal, mobile self. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On
defense, oh lord. There are great players on the edge and in the linebacking
corps. However, the secondary isn’t that bad either. This team is losing the
heart and sole of the defense, London Fletcher, who is choosing to retire, and
who can blame him. The team is in disarray and hasn’t been able to tell up from
down practically all season. With some good players at each level of the
defense, they have a chance to salvage next season. The only matter they have
to really solve is a HC who only acts as a HC. They need a GM and a HC not one
who does both. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Thoughts
on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Buccaneers</b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PERFECT
hire. Unlike two years ago with Schiano, I love the hiring of Lovie Smith. If
Marc Trestman hadn’t done so well this year, I’d say that Lovie should still be
in Chicago. However, Smith is a great player’s coach. He has the defensive mind
that other teams dream they had. He will rally the players he keeps and bring
hope to Tampa Bay. What happens next is what always happens with a new coaching
staff. Lovie will bring in his coaches (which he has already started to do) and
he will look at the roster and start purging that to his liking. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
me, I haven’t seen enough of Mike Glennon to say good or bad things. However,
it’s not my call, Lovie has to make that one. Good luck, Lovie. Secondly, the
injuries that this team sustained are vastly important to why they suffered so
much to start the season. The defense isn’t the greatest, but with Smith’s help
they’ll become better than awful. It will take free agents and a complete draft
(for several years) for the Bucs to come back to where they were about 10 years
ago, that’s asking a lot I know, but Lovie brought the Bears to the Super Bowl
with Rex Grossman. REX GROSSMAN! Now the credit should go to the Bears defense
for getting to the Super Bowl, but that’s my point. Lovie got to the Super Bowl
with his defense not a great QB. So, who knows, we’ll just have to wait and
see. Personally, I’m rooting for Lovie because I didn’t think Chicago should
have ever fired him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Thoughts
on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Texans</b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve
never been a fan of coaches leaving for greener pastures while still under
contract somewhere else, especially a college coach. Insert Bill O’Brien. When
he was hired at Penn State he was supposed to be the savior after the devilish
information came out about Jerry Sandusky and Joe Paterno. However, he was
“surprised that the sanctions against the school were as bad as they were”. ARE
YOU KIDDING ME? Anyway, that’s a topic for another day, for now let’s focus on
the Texans. This team will play better and can flourish with O’Brien at the
helm. However, the Texans have plenty of holes to fill, Arian Foster couldn’t
stay healthy, Matt Schaub couldn’t throw to a Texan receiver, JJ Watt got
thrown over and double teamed and the secondary was softer than melted butter.
The front office has it’s work cut out for them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Immediate
upgrades are at QB, CB and Safety. Schaub all but threw his way out of town,
and Case Keenum is not your long-term answer at QB in Houston. He is a
serviceable backup and could be good going forward, but he’s not my first
choice. Draft wise, I’d say you can’t go wrong with Teddy Bridgewater, but
unfortunately for the Texans they missed the prototypical QB by about two years
(Jameis Winston). However, they still have options and they can sift through
free agency for a “good enough” QB to get by, but Bob McNair wouldn’t be happy
with just getting by for a few years. There needs to be some accountability in
every facet of the Texans game plan, offense, defense and special teams. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
all likelihood, not much will show until three or four years from now. However,
some coaches may not even get one year (Rob Chudzinski). To accurately gauge
a coaches impact and ability to help a team and make them succeed a coach needs
at least two years, but I think three years should be the minimum tenure of a
coach. A coach’s philosophy cannot fully take shape for at least three years. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ll
see what the crystal ball gets right, and what it gets wrong.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-MZ</span></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-621231932015247112013-12-04T15:45:00.000-08:002013-12-04T15:46:57.165-08:00State of the Sport World: NFLWell, we're starting to get into the nitty-gritty of the sporting schedules. Although there is no baseball to really discuss, the other three main sports organizations are in full swing. The NFL is the closest to ending, even with a drawn out playoffs schedule. The NBA is starting to get interesting as it approaches the one quarter mark of the season. The NHL is one third of the way through it's regular season as we approach the most wonderful time of the year. Let's dive right into the fun things I've seen or been told about from the NFL!<br />
<a name='more'></a><b><br /></b>
<b>NFL Standouts:</b><br />
We'll start in the NFL, as the AFC and NFC do not look like they usually do. Both sides appear very weak. The only stand out teams seem to be the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots. Some of you might argue more teams deserve to be on that list, and I will combat you.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Broncos:</b><br />
The only two teams they have fallen to are the Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts. Put those losses to the side a moment, the only game the Broncos have been held below 30 points was (still a win) against the Kansas City Chiefs (who were undefeated at the time) 27-17. Even in their two losses they scored over 30. Let's dig a little deeper, take away the two losses and the outlier game against the Cowboys and the Broncos haven't allowed more than 30 points a game. However, you can't do that, so in their two losses they gave up the most points all season in 34 to the Pats and 39 to the Colts, (the 'Boys scored 48 but lost late to Denver). Again, the only times they've lost is when they give up more than 30 points. The obvious answer is to play better defense, but that's a cop out. <b>The Broncos need to rush the passer more and make it count.</b> The last 4 games they have recorded a total of seven sacks. SEVEN. There were no sacks by either the Chiefs or Broncos in their last game. The Broncos only sacked Tom Brady twice. In order to beat good QBs like Brady and Luck, you need to get their butt on the turf. In their last four games they've caused or gotten only five turnovers. Broncos defense, as Cris Carter would say, where you at? Injuries have plagued the defense, and the Broncos certainly miss Elvis Dumervil, but there is no time for excuses. The Broncos "Next Man Up" mentality needs to take shape and start sinking in more. The Broncos have a very winnable schedule heading into the final quarter of the season. They're going to need to finish strong and win home-field throughout the playoffs, because they're not going to want to battle Brady in Foxborough again.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Seahawks:</b><br />
The only one-loss team left in the NFL looks like they might stay that way. The only real challenge is this week in San Francisco to play the 49ers. The only team the Hawks have lost to is also the Indianapolis Colts. (Why aren't the Colts a standout? I'll explain later.) Anyway, the Hawks have been frightening, remember when they couldn't win on the road? Neither do they. Seattle is 5-1 on the road this season. Although the loss to the Colts is a stain on the Seahawks, they shouldn't hang their heads, when the two teams played the Colts actually looked good. Their last four games haven't been as daunting as Denver's, but they did have to put up a solid fight against the upstart Buccaneers at home. After giving up a 21-0 lead, the Hawks rallied and eventually beat Tampa Bay in overtime. The suggestion for the Hawks is simple, but teams seem to be unable to do it anyway. <b>The Seahawks must remain hungry.</b> For those non-sport lingo people out there, I mean <b>don't get complacent.</b> The Seahawks are a young team, which is good and bad. Although they made a deep playoff run last year, they still haven't been to the two biggest stages: the Conference title game and the Super Bowl. The Seahawks need to keep fighting and preparing with their motto of "1-0 every week" if they want to make it to and win the Super Bowl. They've all but locked up home-field throughout the playoffs, and as New Orleans will tell you, you don't want to play Seattle at home.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Patriots:</b><br />
Now some may argue that the Patriots don't deserve to be here, but consider this: the only returning WRs for Brady were Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski. Brady has had to be a coach, a QB and a magician to make this team win. The team's only reliable running back couldn't even touch the field after week one because he injured his wrist. The team's other backs tried to fumble the games away, hence why Stevan Ridley was benched last week against Houston. Brady has been the only consistent piece to this Patriot assault, and what does he have to say for it, nine wins including the OT game against the Broncos. Their only losses came against Cincy when the Bengals looked really good, the Panthers on that questionable no-call on the Pass Interference and the Jets who just seem to have Tawmy's number. The Patriots suggestion is also pretty simple. <b>The Patriots young players need to play like the veterans they don't have.</b> If Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson can play like Deion Branch and David Givens then the Pats will have a chance to beat anyone. However, the Pats may not even need them to play that well, just catch the ball, run, score, and stop dropping the football. The Patriots defense is a whole different story, but I won't get into them.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Why no Colts?</b><br />
I'm going to keep this short. They lost to Miami, San Diego, St. Louis and Arizona. The only close loss was Miami, 24-20. They fell to San Diego by 10 and were demolished by St. Louis (38-8) and Arizona (40-11). The combined record (to this point) of the teams they have lost to is 22-25... The Colts are not as bad as those losses, but it's hard to argue. However, after laying an egg against the Chargers they bounced back to put a beat down on Denver. But since beating the Broncos they've played more inconsistent than watching Rick Grimes in season three of the Walking Dead.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Why no Panthers?</b><br />
As good as I think the Panthers are, I'm not sure I can trust them yet. After starting off the season 1-3, they've rattled off 8 straight victories. Other than the squeakers against New England and Miami, the Panthers look strong. I will have to see what they do Sunday Night against the Saints in New Orleans before I knight them as contenders.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>NFL Disappointments:</b><br />
The most obvious answer is the Atlanta Falcons, but I give them a little less flack because of the injuries that have decimated their receiving corps. The biggest disappointments to me are the Houston Texans, the St. Louis Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets & Ravens are also a disappointment, but I like sticking to threes, so sue me.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Houston Texans:</b><br />
This team was supposed to contend. They were supposed to be Super Bowl contenders, well now they're starting a second year QB and have fewer wins than the Jaguars. Yes, the same Jaguars that started 0-8.... THAT IS PATHETIC! Most of this can be blamed on Matt Schaub, and I usually don't blame one player, but he put the coaches in a place where they couldn't go back to him. Schaub was throwing more INTs than WSU QB Connor Halliday at one point. As with the standouts, I have a prognosis for the Texans. If Case Keenum proves he can be a starting QB then, <b>Keenum needs to not leave the Texans complex and just practice until he crashes. </b>If Keenum proves he is not worthy of starting then, <b>Houston needs to draft a QB in one of the next two drafts. </b>Worst case scenario if the Texans think Keenum can play, but then they are so bad that they get Jameis Winston in two or so years.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>St. Louis Rams:</b><br />
In Sam Bradford's 5th year, he still has yet to produce very much in the NFL. It may be time for the Rams to cut ties, however until this year Bradford didn't have any good WRs. Before this year, Bradford could only rely on Steven Jackson and Danny Amendola. Now he has a solid rookie RB in Zac Stacy who is averaging 4.4 yards a carry this season. He also has rookie WR Tavon Austin. The sad part is the leading receiver for the Rams is Jared Cook, the team's starting Tight End. When your TE leads your team in receiving you'd expect it to be a team with either Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates, not Jared Cook. The Rams have too much talent to be this bad, and I think next year if Bradford doesn't perform better, he could be packing his bags and heading to the Jets. <b>Rams need to develop Stacy and use play action to set up Bradford.</b> If the Rams can get a solid running game, then Bradford won't have to do everything, but he'll still need to perform to get the job done.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Pittsburgh Steelers:</b><br />
Although they've suddenly remembered how to be competitive and win games, I can't excuse the dismal start this team had. Starting 2-6 is in excusable. Now sitting at 5-7, they are "in the hunt" according to ESPN. Everyone is jumping ship and saying Big Ben will be traded? That Dick LeBeau is too old to coach the defense? They need to cut everyone and start over? And I thought Cowboys fans were quick at jumping the gun. The last losing record they have was 2003 when they went 6-10. They have also gone 8-8 twice (2006, 2012) in the last 10 years. So, why now are Steelers fans freaking out? They haven't been at or under .500 in two consecutive seasons since the 1997-98 & 1998-99 seasons. My advice, CALM DOWN. Do you know what happened after that 6-10 season in 2003? They went 15-1 and lost to the Patriots in the Conference Title game. Again, CALM DOWN. My diagnosis, <b>Steelers must sure up the O-Line and the RB positions going forward.</b> Le'Veon Bell has been serviceable, but that's not what the Steelers need, they need a solid running game and a QB who can make plays. Well, Big Ben is great, so check that off. The running game is dependent on two things, the O-line and the RB. Bell will get better, and so will the line. They will get Maurkice Pouncey back next year, and that will help immediately. The oldest starting lineman for the Steelers is 27, so I would say they just need to work together more and see where that takes them. Another suggestion that might help, <b>Fire Todd Haley.</b> Harsh, but true. The Steelers have been just terrible since Haley joined the coaching staff in 2012, 8-8 his first season and 5-6 so far this season as mentioned. It might be a knee-jerk reaction, but I just don't trust Haley and neither does Ben; no matter how much Ben says he trusts and likes Haley.<br />
<br />
Thanks for sticking around to read the whole State of the Sport World: NFL. Look for the NBA version within a few days.Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-33887874882381574382013-10-30T13:34:00.001-07:002013-10-30T13:34:40.781-07:00Blazer Team Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Following a five game winning streak to end the preseason, the Blazers are ready to start the 2013-14 regular season against the Phoenix Suns tonight at 7 p.m. PT. Here is a short review of the team. Enjoy!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><u>Team MVP (Most
Valuable Person):</u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Neil Olshey</b>, he has done so much for
this Blazer team. Since he got to Portland he has drafted Damian Lillard, Meyers
Leonard, Will Barton, and C.J. McCollum, traded for Robin Lopez, Thomas
Robinson, and Allen Crabbe, signed or re-signed Nicolas Batum, Dorell Wright,
Earl Watson, and Mo Williams, and brought Victor Claver and Joel Freeland from
overseas. Count all those players for a second, there are 13 players. The only
two players on the final roster for 2013-14 that Olshey didn’t bring in are
LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews. Olshey in a somewhat indirect way will
be the reason the Blazers return to the playoffs. Although he brought them all
in, the players still need to compete, but the talent on this team so high it’s
ridiculous. Coach Terry Stotts has even come out and said this is the most
talented team he has ever coached. If Stotts can get this team into the
playoffs and past the first round (I know it’s asking a lot) this year, Olshey
deserves to win Executive of the Year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<u>Team MVP (Player):</u><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Mo Williams,</b> is the biggest addition to
the Blazer bench. He will be a legitimate contender for 6<sup>th</sup> man of
the year in the NBA. He has scored 10+ in all but one preseason game this
season. He has proven he can play with Lillard and subbing in for Lillard too. Williams
will be a bigger addition in the long run because he can teach Lillard a lot,
and he can contribute right away in Coach Stotts system because he has played
in this system before. Williams looked comfortable and poised in the Blazers
offense this preseason. Look for him to replace Matthews or Lillard when one is
struggling because Williams is an instant spark plug for an offense that
sometimes needs a jolt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<u>Most Improved:</u><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Joel Freeland</b>, he has proven that he
deserves to backup Lopez. I mentioned in my review of Freeland that he could
become a big force or be lost on the bench, but he came to play this season. He
outplayed Leonard in several ways. Freeland has a solid turn-around jumper, a
consistent 12-foot jump shot, a back-to-the-basket game, he can alter shots,
and he can rebound almost as well as Lopez. Freeland had five or more rebounds
in six of the seven games this preseason. He has showed that he didn’t like being
an “end of the bench” player. Freeland is ready to be the primary backup at the
five-spot, and I can’t wait to see him go to work. He is one of the hardest
working Blazers on the roster. He knew this could be his make or break year,
and he answered the call. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<u>Biggest Question
Mark:</u><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Shooting Guard, </b>the whole position for
the Blazers is a perplexing issue. Matthews can’t stay healthy it seems, and
Barton isn’t consistent enough to make buckets night in and night out. Before
he got hurt, Crabbe was having a decent preseason. I wouldn’t be surprised if (and
I implore) Coach Stotts to start Wright at shooting guard. He has shown that he
can make shots consistently. However, once Matthews is healthy he should start.
Although he can’t score at a position named for scoring, he plays great defense
when he’s healthy, and Stotts needs Wright more when Batum needs a rest. This
position needs to improve and if McCollum can come back and stay back, I wouldn’t
be surprised if he gets a shot too. The Blazers need this position sured up and
playing to its highest potential, which it currently is not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<u>Preseason Grade:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>A-</b>. With all the additions Olshey
orchestrated this off-season and the 5-game winning streak the team is on
coming into the regular season shows this team is ready to compete. Now, I
recognize that we’re talking about the preseason, but who is to say this team
can’t perform the same way in the regular season? After starting 0-2, the team
ripped off that five game winning streak to finish 5-2 in the preseason. In
their final game against Golden State, they had 17 straight stops and went on a
22-0 run over an eight minute span. The players, coaches, executives and even
Paul Allen are ready to fight for a playoff spot and try to make a run in the
postseason. Coach Stotts has put a lot of emphasis on defense in his second season
because his offense is easy, albeit elaborate, to learn. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<u>Postseason Seed:</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b>Sixth – Eighth. </b>The West is always
tougher and more competitive than the East, but if the Blazers play just a
little better than last year they can make the playoffs and challenge some
teams. Sixth is if they play their absolute best basketball all season. Now
that probably won’t happen, but this team has it in them to get there. Seventh
and Eighth are more likely, but still will be a battle. Before the 13-game
losing streak to end last season, the Blazers were competing for the Eighth
seed despite having “no bench help”. Now there is a legitimate bench with depth
at every position allowing the starters to rest instead of averaging almost 40
minutes a game. Look for this team to make a push and prove the “experts”
wrong. <o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-43123236329552535212013-10-07T18:10:00.002-07:002013-10-07T18:10:16.930-07:00Blazer Player Review: Damian Lillard<div class="MsoNormal">
Damian Lillard is one of the most important pieces of the
Blazers long term future. Paired with Meyers Leonard after the 2011 draft, the
Blazers look to build for the future and show that Portland is a place for
rookies and free agents to want to go. After winning Rookie of the Year last
year, a lot of people wonder what does Lillard has to offer? It’s quite obvious
really, everything.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LGPHszs4W_iKwF6HIzsgg7nLkjNlQfc58FgLrNxPAWRCJ2osYW5nde1W5hfAmfgNQ-zRFBBxxvCfi1HpXhJtkQqZu45-nsvwVTOlZOiMzOoI43iLVEOuqJxhXficR0BrNix0cWThlXOA/s1600/Damian+Lillard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LGPHszs4W_iKwF6HIzsgg7nLkjNlQfc58FgLrNxPAWRCJ2osYW5nde1W5hfAmfgNQ-zRFBBxxvCfi1HpXhJtkQqZu45-nsvwVTOlZOiMzOoI43iLVEOuqJxhXficR0BrNix0cWThlXOA/s320/Damian+Lillard.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://news.streetroots.org/sites/default/files/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/damiancolor.jpg">streetroots.org</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No one in the NBA expected anything out of Lillard when he
got drafted, why? Lillard was the victim because he went to a small school,
playing against “lesser” competition. Lillard improved a little bit each year,
except his Junior year at Weber State where it seems like he regressed a small
bit. However, he exploded his senior year. He played really well scoring 24.5
points, rebounding five times and assisting four times a game. He also shot
40.9% from three that year, his best in college.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second the Blazers drafted Lillard I went and watched
YouTube videos of Lillard playing in college. He was electric, manipulative, a
leader, a scorer, a slasher, etc. As Summer League came around a friend asked
me what I thought about Lillard. Before the first game, I said “Watch out. This
kid can play and he is going somewhere in this league.” Although he struggled
in the first half of Summer League, he never looked back after that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although I predicted Lillard would play well and be a great
player, there is no way I could have predicted what happened throughout the
year. He averaged 19 points, 6.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game, all while
leading the NBA in minutes played. Lillard had five games of 30 points or more.
His best scoring night was also almost a double-double, 38 points and 9 assists
in a loss against the Lakers. One of his best shooting nights was another loss
to Golden State when he shot 15-25 from the field where 7-12 were from three
point land.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lillard averaged 38.6 minutes a game, but he played over 40
on several occasions. The team needs to do a better job with Lillard on the
bench, hence why the team went out and got Mo Williams and Earl Watson. First,
both players can spell Lillard from playing too much. Second, both veterans can
teach Lillard how to maintain his body and his work ethic to last as long as
they have in their careers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing I heard from Lillard, after watching the Blazer
videos on the official page of the Blazers, which I really liked was he doesn’t
want to be called the Rookie of the Year. He said something like, “That’s last
year. I don’t want to be called that because it’s a new year and I’m working
towards something bigger.” That is the perfect mentality to have for a young player.
Lillard is poised and ready to work for an All-Star game selection, an MVP, a
playoff berth, a playoff series win and eventually a championship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As difficult as it is to become all those things, Lillard
will not accept anything less than the best that the Blazers have to offer.
Lillard has said he doesn’t want to go anywhere else and that he wants to stay
in Portland for good. Now, it’s a little early for that kind of talk, but it
never hurts to hear that out of one of your star players. All in all, the
future looks bright with a young core as Lillard is only 23 and the oldest
starter is L.A. at 28.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Earlier I said that Aldridge is the most important player
for the Blazers in the short term. That is true, however the team goes as
Lillard goes. Lillard is the point guard and he needs to be unselfish (like he
is already), he needs to score (like he does already), and he needs to defend.
Lillard is learning to be a great defender and he will only get better with
time. As Lillard improves, so do the Blazers. Eventually this team will be
Lillard’s team, and he needs to be ready to take over for good when that time
comes.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-39578626853379378882013-10-07T13:17:00.000-07:002013-10-07T13:17:02.893-07:00Blazer Player Review: LaMarcus Aldridge<div class="MsoNormal">
The most important Blazer in the immediate future is
LaMarcus Aldridge. Now, some might say no it’s Damian Lillard. Although you
could make a great case for Lillard being the most important, it’s a moot
point. Aldridge sets the pace on offense, and he needs to be an anchor on
defense. Lillard may run the point and set up the offensive plays, but Aldridge
will be the reason this season that the Blazers rise or fall.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGBqQdGU0IIHocp5oV8_RM09B-Wus2lfVJqX9qNxQDIHIiZhXPQJXMEeyElnesWVOxOOPLjSmowY5HMiNk3LGZqJXuDGScShfUlE1dJLlx0RsncfrcmJ7ZuBYek6kUwbsiKRvNkl6UVUt/s1600/LA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGBqQdGU0IIHocp5oV8_RM09B-Wus2lfVJqX9qNxQDIHIiZhXPQJXMEeyElnesWVOxOOPLjSmowY5HMiNk3LGZqJXuDGScShfUlE1dJLlx0RsncfrcmJ7ZuBYek6kUwbsiKRvNkl6UVUt/s320/LA.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/001/287/608/107599748_display_image.jpg?1315848135">bleacherreport.net</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mentioned in an earlier blog that I think Aldridge is the
best power forward in the game today. If you want to debate with me, go for it.
However, Aldridge has the best skill set, the best abilities of the power
forwards currently in the League. You match him up with others in the past or
future, he isn’t the best, but he has so many things going for him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looking back over his career, Aldridge has improved every
year in scoring. Before Brandon Roy got hurt, Aldridge never averaged more than
18.1 points per game. After Roy left Portland, Aldridge has averaged 21 points
a game. His rebounding numbers haven’t changed much. He went from averaging
eight or fewer rebounds with Roy to averaging eight or more. Last year he
almost averaged a double-double (21.1 points, 9.1 rebounds). He is a career
49.3% shooter from the field, yes he's that good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since he bulked up and started beating on the block,
Aldridge has scored more, rebounded better and even assisted better. Now a lot
of people will argue that the only reason Aldridge starting scoring and playing
better in general is because Roy got hurt. As true as that may be, Aldridge
worked as hard as he could to keep Portland competitive because he was (and now
is) the last one of the Portland Big Three plan. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aldridge couldn’t carry the team by himself, just like Roy
couldn’t, but now Aldridge is an experienced, hard-nosed, back-you-down, true
power forward. Some may still think he is <o:p></o:p></div>
soft or takes too many “turn-around”
shots, but I say if they go down, shoot the ball. For the longest time Aldridge’s
biggest problem was that he was too nervous and hesitant to shoot. Now, he
knows he is the longest tenured player in Portland, with the most playoff
experience in a Blazer uniform and that means he has to be the engine of this
team. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Aldridge will provide everything the Blazers need to be
successful. He gives them a dominant and consistent scorer down low. He can
step outside and hit those patented 12-foot jumpers. He can hit threes (if they’re
wide open). He can defend the post. He can defend the pick-and-roll. He can
alter shots. The list just goes on for miles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, to the speculation part of the program; Aldridge does
NOT want out of Portland. I know people will say “how do you know” or “are you
sure” and yes I am. I know you can’t always trust social media, but every time
Aldridge was mentioned in trade rumors he refuted them. At one point, he was
pissed. There was a report that he was meeting with GM Neil Olshey during a
Summer League game to discuss trade options. Aldridge was in Texas that night.
He tweeted something like “Oh so now we’re making stuff up. SMH” (SMH is Shaking
My Head). Aldridge made a pact with Roy to make Portland relevant again, and
even without Brandon around I know that Aldridge will fight to bring the
Blazers back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As much as I’ve talked about Aldridge being the key to the
Blazers success, he can’t do it alone. He tried to do that two years ago and
clearly that didn’t work. Now with a solid starting five consisting of Lillard,
Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, Robin Lopez and himself, Aldridge won’t have to
be the lone wolf on offense. Now I’m sure you’re saying, well the only
difference in the starting lineup is Lopez, how will that make such a big
difference? Lopez is 7’0”, J.J. Hickson was 6’9”, those 3 inches can make a
world of a difference. Lopez can also back down defenders. Now Aldridge will
draw the power forwards on offense and defense from other teams instead of
drawing the centers like he did with Hickson. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also, Meyers Leonard will be a huge piece if he plays with
Aldridge. Meyers can shoot outside shots (see Fan Fest, he hit at least three
outside shots) and he is a much better all-around player. With bigger, more
experienced bodies around him and coming off the bench, teams will have to pick
their poison. Do they slow Aldridge or slow Lopez? Do they slow Aldridge or do
they try to take advantage of Thomas Robinson? We’ll just have to wait and see.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, with the depth at guard and small forward, the
Blazers have a lot more shooting on the perimeter. Aldridge and Lopez can
create space down low and kick out to the three point line and put teams away
that way. If anyone is going to make the Blazers a championship contender, it’s
Aldridge. However, if he isn’t healthy or can’t make the impact I know he is
capable of then it won’t be a surprise if the team makes another first round
exit. It’s almost time to unleash the beast, and watch out because he is fired
up with a massive chip on his shoulder; the L-Train is coming to a station near
you, be careful you don’t get run over.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-21293218231768679422013-10-05T17:52:00.004-07:002013-10-05T17:53:13.835-07:00Blazer Player Review: Nicolas Batum<div class="MsoNormal">
Nicolas Batum is the final and most important international
Blazer on the team. He has been with the Blazers since he was 18. Four games
into his rookie year, Batum replaced Travis Outlaw as the starter and never looked
back. Each year since coming to Portland he has improved in every facet of his
game.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSyBX16Ho4621kGOOOSfW1LFmbTGXPMEpv0r3Z-O5LA8rV2XsOsiE6ExRcpWv8iDeZXlUdmZG6hYMOE5avHxOk43161aNhRIfu7hrOQpuXCzCBTXjc4rhxH917jQ9cXyGKUl69XfewVC_/s1600/nicolas+batum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSyBX16Ho4621kGOOOSfW1LFmbTGXPMEpv0r3Z-O5LA8rV2XsOsiE6ExRcpWv8iDeZXlUdmZG6hYMOE5avHxOk43161aNhRIfu7hrOQpuXCzCBTXjc4rhxH917jQ9cXyGKUl69XfewVC_/s320/nicolas+batum.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://media.oregonlive.com/blazers_impact/photo/batum-clippers-011012jpg-7f01d7b826d7465e.jpg">oregonlive.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His international resume is one of the most impressive of
any player I’ve ever seen. Batum won the 2004 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship
with France. Then he was the MVP for the gold medal French team from the 2006
FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship. In 2011, he helped the French National team
win a silver medal in FIBA EuroBasket. And then in 2013 he pushed France to a
gold medal in FIBA EuroBasket.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After being a factor his first season with the Blazers Batum
missed the first 45 games because of that bum shoulder. A little over a month
after being back from the injury, Batum scored 30+ for the first time in his
career; he had 31 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists against the Minnesota
Timberwolves. The Timberwolves remembered that performance when they tried to
snag Batum two summers ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After signing his big deal to stay in Portland in the summer
of 2012, Batum scored a career high 35 points in a win over the Rockets. In the
tight win over New Orleans later that season, he became the 15<sup>th</sup>
player EVER to have a “five-by-five”. Batum had 11 points, 10 assists, 5
rebounds, 5 blocks and 5 steals. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I mentioned last year Batum had his best year in almost
every offensive category. He averaged a career high 14.3 points a game. He
pulled down 5.6 rebounds a game and dished out 4.9 assists a game. He also shot
a career best 84.8% from the free throw line. He also played the most minutes
he’s ever played in 38.5 a game. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stats aside, Batum brings a different kind of leadership to
the team. He isn’t the longest tenured Blazer, that title belongs to L.A.
However, even at just 24, Batum has been a Blazer for five years. He is and
will be the starting small forward for many years to come. As long as the team
and ownership keeps paying him, he’ll be a Blazer for a long time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Batum is the best defender the Blazers have and he will need
to continue that trend as long as he is here. His long, lanky frame makes him
perfect to cover anyone from point guard all the way to under-sized power
forwards. He has also bulked up the last couple years so that he can’t be pushed
around as much as he was in his first couple years with Portland. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His scoring has obviously improved. Although he had a lower
percentage for three pointers made, he also shot more threes than he ever has
with the Blazers. He also made more than he ever has with Portland. The defense
from the wings is some of the best in the NBA, the Blazers just don’t get any
credit nationally. However, with Batum and Wesley Matthews able to lock up on
any player on the court, it makes the Blazers defensive strategy a little
easier for coach Terry Stotts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Batum has become one of the Blazers biggest all-around
weapons. What makes him better than Matthews is Batum can still lock down an
opponent and score 15-20 points a game. Batum can slide out to the wings for
threes, bang down on the block for post ups, sling assists, battle for rebounds
and run in the open floor. I didn’t even list all the things he can do, Batum
is easily the most versatile player the Blazers have and they need to use him
accordingly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I expect Batum to do what he has done the past five years,
improve. He can do better at hitting threes, he can rebound a little more, but
the biggest thing is that he continues to and becomes even better at locking
down opposing players. Stotts is preaching defense this year because the team
seems to have a good grasp on the offense. Out of 30 NBA teams the Blazers were
21<sup>st</sup> in points allowed and 24<sup>th</sup> in rebounding a game.
With a legitimate center in Robin Lopez, L.A. still occupying the block and
Batum swarming in with his length, rebounds should be an easier albeit still
difficult task. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Blazers need solid and consistent play out of Batum
because of how inconsistent Matthews has been over the last couple years.
However, with a (somewhat) stacked starting five, the Blazers have the making
of a deep team ready and excited to make a playoff run. Look for Batum to
continue his improvement and look for that to increase the Blazers scoring,
rebounding and win totals.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-71599013662073150942013-10-05T14:03:00.002-07:002013-10-05T14:04:17.173-07:00Blazer Player Review: Wesley Matthews<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember when Wesley Matthews came over from Utah and took
over for Brandon Roy? That’s what I thought, it’s still a tough memory to deal
with, especially because he hasn’t had the same impact as Roy. How can the two
be compared though? Trying to compare Matthews to Roy is just unfair to Wesley.
Although he is not Brandon Roy, Matthews has done more than Roy in some
respects.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl92ceT60w1SxzY97uXvMxYW2Df3D8W6oOEHA4_S0UDcLHoDO5xbw3R5SlC8vYcER2v_InZMqDxJMdEpPjIlr1S26o04Repd21pQh-3S0ISvr4P5xAzgOVCSsMVohR6nXboO9_J0J5jQLP/s1600/wesley-matthews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl92ceT60w1SxzY97uXvMxYW2Df3D8W6oOEHA4_S0UDcLHoDO5xbw3R5SlC8vYcER2v_InZMqDxJMdEpPjIlr1S26o04Repd21pQh-3S0ISvr4P5xAzgOVCSsMVohR6nXboO9_J0J5jQLP/s320/wesley-matthews.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/wesley-matthews.jpg">http://www.thesportsbank.net</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ll get back to the comparisons in a bit, but first let’s
review Matthews past. After three years at Marquette Matthews wasn’t really
anything special. However, his senior season he had a standout year. Only
playing in 26 games, Matthews averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5
assists per game, all career highs up to that point. He also hit 52.9% of his
shots from the field, 39.1% from three and 81.6 from the free throw line. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, even after one wondrous season, Matthews still went
undrafted in the 2009 draft. That’s the same draft as a lot of good players, Ty
Lawson, Chase Budinger, Jrue Holiday, James Harden, etc. That year the Blazers
drafted Victor Claver and Dante Cunningham and traded for Jeff Pendergraph. Even
without being drafted, Matthews made his way onto an NBA roster and even
started a lot of games his rookie season with the Utah Jazz.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his one season with Utah, Matthews averaged 9.4 points,
2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists a game. He played in all 82 games and started 48
of those games. The Jazz made the playoffs that year and Matthews was a huge
part of the team’s success. He played 37.1minutes a game and scored 13.2 points,
rebounded 4.4, assisted 1.7 and stole the ball 1.8 times a game. After his good
showing as a rookie, the Blazers offered him a 5-year $34 million contract. The
Jazz could have matched, but chose not to and the rest is history.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In his three seasons with Portland he has only played a full
season twice, his first year with the Blazers and the lockout shortened season.
Matthews only played in 69 games last year, but the good news is he started all
of those games. His first season with Portland was his best in terms of FG%,
3PT% and points per game. Matthews suffered a little bit last year with the offensive
onslaught laid out by Nicolas Batum, Damian Lillard and L.A. There wasn’t as
much for Matthews, but he still managed to average 14.8 points per game last
year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although he may never be as offensively gifted as Roy, defensively
Matthews is better and more established than Roy. Matthews is always ready and
willing to take on the opposing team’s best weapon. However, Batum will
sometimes take that role too. Regardless, Matthews has shown that he can guard
the best of them and still get his points. The one knock on Matthews has been
his lack of scoring at a position named for scoring, shooting guard. What most
people don’t know is that being a lockdown defender takes a lot out of a player
and makes it difficult to score on the other end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthews’ starting job has been the most pondered question
(other than if L.A. will be traded). However, with the additions of Mo
Williams, Dorell Wright and C.J. McCollum it’s no wonder why Matthews’ starting
spot is being questioned. Now, Williams won’t be as much of an issue, but he
can score a lot too. Wright has proven he can be a sharpshooter from distance
and McCollum is only going to get better. The logjam at shooting guard could spell
a short leash for Matthews; however Terry Stotts has said that Matthews is the
starter going into the season. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the 2014-2015 season, Matthews is an unrestricted free
agent, meaning he will have to prove that he is worth an extension this year
and/or next year. With McCollum sitting in the wings, Matthews could be on his
way out of Portland after his contract expires. If he can’t find his shooting
touch and lockdown defense, he may not be around to see how good McCollum can
be. However, all negativity and (possibly) odds against him I think Matthews
can return to the player that earned the 5-year deal he got from the Blazers
four years ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthews is a very capable shooting guard and is an even
better defender. The last few years he has shot like Rudy Fernandez,
inconsistently. Although the percentages will say otherwise, he had too many games
where he was stellar followed by games where he flopped. Again, Matthews will
turn it around. He will have to be more consistent from three, and with all the
weapons the Blazers now have he can be more reliable for Portland. If the
Blazers can establish L.A., Robin Lopez, Thomas Robinson and/or Meyers Leonard
down low on the block, it will open up space for Lillard, Matthews and Batum
for three pointers. Look for a big year out of Matthews or he could be out of
Portland before you know it.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-57300186369461047052013-10-04T18:40:00.004-07:002013-10-04T18:40:47.994-07:00Blazer Player Review: Victor Claver<div class="MsoNormal">
Another Blazer from across the Atlantic made his debut last
year. Victor Claver of Spain joined the Blazers after being drafted by the team
in 2009 with the 22<sup>nd</sup> overall pick. Similar to Joel Freeland, Claver
plays on his home country’s national team. However, Claver is a little more
decorated than Freeland.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgpM1DS7wp0uKTmKGPuUjqN94aEUWdmKr0Q_LOjEPJgYnylqEHV-k1U-H64ZC43mxyk6XPit_Wyex5j8uEXDMev2ZfQP-VQnb4bUuvr3D7oREjj_WYTs1M9nQmLmW17TOdwcGxR-QmJCL/s1600/victor+claver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgpM1DS7wp0uKTmKGPuUjqN94aEUWdmKr0Q_LOjEPJgYnylqEHV-k1U-H64ZC43mxyk6XPit_Wyex5j8uEXDMev2ZfQP-VQnb4bUuvr3D7oREjj_WYTs1M9nQmLmW17TOdwcGxR-QmJCL/s320/victor+claver.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/002/965/160/hi-res-6946804_display_image.jpg?1360303854">bleacherreport.net</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He made his professional debut in 2006-07 with Valencia at
age 18. He played in Europe’s “second-level” competition, The Eurocup, starting
in 2007-08 and won it in 2009-10. In the 2010-11 season, he played in the
Euroleague and averaged 10.9 points and 4.9 rebounds in 14 games. He also
competed in the FIBA EuroBasket with Spain in 2009, 2011 and 2013. The first
two times, 2009 & 2011, Spain won the gold medal, in 2013 they won the
Bronze. Claver also played on the Spanish national team during the 2012 London
Olympics and finished with a silver medal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In July of 2012, he signed a three-year deal with the
Blazers. He made his first start on December 10 and scored four points,
collected five rebounds and dished two assists in 25 minutes of play. Much like
Freeland, Claver suffered from backup at his primary position, small forward, because
Luke Babbitt and even Sasha Pavolivic got minutes at the three spot. However,
that didn’t deter the 25-year-old as he started 16 games last season and played
in a total of 49 games. His best scoring game was also his most efficient as a
Blazer. He scored 12 points off of four of five shooting (80%) and two of three
from downtown, and two of four from the charity stripe. He also grabbed five
rebounds and had two assists in the loss to Utah.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately for Claver, small forward is even more log-jammed
than it was last year. He has to contend with Dorell Wright, E.J. Singler (if
he gets invited to the final roster) and potentially C.J. McCollum for backup
time. Claver should be able to beat out Singler and McCollum at small forward
because Claver is proven and knows the offence. However, beating out Wright to
back up Nicolas Batum will be a challenge. That being said, it was reported
that Wright got hurt today during practice and was held out after the injury.
This is Claver’s chance to prove that he belongs as Batum’s primary backup.
Sadly, I think that whenever Wright is ready to go he will be the immediate
backup. Wright’s 3-pt shooting ability is uncanny and Claver would have to go
from okay shooter to lights out scorer to be out Wright. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The saving grace for Claver is that Blazers usually have
injury problems, but hopefully they won’t this year (knock on wood, QUICKLY).
However, if the trend continues Claver could get a chance to play some backup
and maybe start again like he did last year. One thing Claver does have going
for him is that he and Damian Lillard had a great connection and had several
alley-oops near the end of the year. The chemistry with Lillard could be enough
to get him a few minutes here and there. Claver can play, it’s just a matter of
if and when he’ll play.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-59432493062599123572013-10-04T16:41:00.002-07:002013-10-04T16:51:58.392-07:00Blazer Player Review: Joel Freeland<div class="MsoNormal">
The biggest Blazer from across the pond, Joel Freeland is
looking to show what he can do in his second season with the Blazers. Listed as
a Forward/Center, Freeland stands at 6’10” and he played in England for 6 years
before joining the Blazers last season. He was drafted with the 30<sup>th</sup>
overall pick in the 2006 draft; yes the same draft the Blazers acquired Brandon
Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. However, after he was drafted the Blazers encouraged
him to continue learning and honing his skills in the European circuit.<br />
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZAvp5rIjfzQDiXNp_FNns2apFydl6BYcmadZsYDOGhMegN7jeMrSXKTdmLwdhMOa-LK-GccHem83O2c4LQgaRfhPpphur_-OWcXuQeLhGoHJysyOvRQNzIChODdwfW8FjBdzW_j1KXvd/s1600/Joel+Freeland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZAvp5rIjfzQDiXNp_FNns2apFydl6BYcmadZsYDOGhMegN7jeMrSXKTdmLwdhMOa-LK-GccHem83O2c4LQgaRfhPpphur_-OWcXuQeLhGoHJysyOvRQNzIChODdwfW8FjBdzW_j1KXvd/s320/Joel+Freeland.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://media.oregonlive.com/oregonian/photo/2013/01/12129042-essay.jpg">oregonlive.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Freeland is best known by Blazer fans as the guy from the
Great Britain national team from the 2012 Olympics. However, he can be so much
more than that, in 2008-09 he became one of CB Gran Canaria’s best players
averaging 10 points and 4.6 rebounds a game in only 17 minutes of play each
game. His best season was in 2010-11 when he was with Unicaja Malaga. Freeland
averaged 13.3 points and 6 rebounds a game.</div>
His best game as a professional came against Poland in May
of 2011. He had 27 points and 11 rebounds. He was perfect from the field, 12/12
(11/11 from inside the arc, and 1/1 from downtown). The biggest part of that
game was that 14 of Freeland’s 27 points came in the fourth quarter. The game
summary says that Freeland hit his three-pointer with a minute to go to give
Great Britain the six point lead it needed to escape with an 88-81 victory.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year Freeland suffered the most because of the depth at
Center with J.J. Hickson and young buck, Meyers Leonard. Although more
experienced and possibly better suited to play right away the Blazers chose to
play and groom their new big man from Illinois instead of their giant from Great
Britain. Freeland’s stats don’t wow anyone, but how could they? He only got to
play in 51 games, only starting one game. He averaged 2.6 points and 2.3
rebounds in an average of 9.4 minutes a game.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although the full body of work doesn’t look promising from
last year, Freeland had his best game as a Blazer in the second to last game of
the season against the Clippers. He played 28 minutes and hit 50% (5/10) of his
shots from the field and three of four from the charity stripe on pace for 13
points. He also hauled in six rebounds during the game.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a subpar season, you can bet the Freeland is looking
to show the Rip City faithful what he can really do on a basketball court. To
prove he is focused on the Blazers, Freeland withdrew from the Great Britain
national team in the summer to focus on practicing with his teammates for the upcoming
NBA season.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Look for an improved and fiercer version of Freeland as he
looks to compete with Leonard to backup Robin Lopez. Also, don’t be surprised
if you see Freeland subbing in for L.A. too. Freeland can play PF and C, so
expect him to challenge Thomas Robinson as well. Unfortunately, Freeland may be
the odd man out on the bench because of the additions of Lopez and Robinson,
however don’t think that means he will sit and sulk about where he is on the
bench. Freeland can be a great body to have when L.A., Lopez, Robinson or
Leonard get hurt. As we all know as Blazer fans, you can never have too many
big men with skill. Freeland has the opportunity to be like Joel Przybilla minus
the mean streak that Przybilla had when he was on the court. If Freeland can
develop the attitude and protective mentality that Przybilla had, then the
Blazers will be set with the Center position going forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Freeland provides a third big man to spell any of the PF and
C’s I listed. Freeland will also be able to provide another body when L.A. and
potentially Robinson get into foul trouble. We got to see a little taste of
Leonard and Freeland in the game together last year, so if they have both
worked on their interior skills I could see them in the game together again.
Look for Stotts to mix up the second unit with shots of Leonard, doses of
Robinson and sprinkles of Freeland to throw off defensive schemes. Big things
are coming from the British big man, just give him time.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-55704605807410561142013-10-04T12:58:00.000-07:002013-10-04T12:58:07.617-07:00Blazer Player Review: Meyers Leonard<div class="MsoNormal">
The big man in the middle, Meyers Leonard has had some
interesting talk from the media this off-season. John Canzano, columnist for the
Oregonian, has said Leonard is the key to the Blazers return to the playoffs
and a deep run at that. Leonard is still pretty far out from being the player
the Blazers need in the middle, but that’s why GM Neil Olshey went out and grabbed
Robin Lopez. With time and wisdom, Leonard will become the Blazers answer at
the five spot.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tvGl1ji8HVczXreC4vOc8yvSHuayX_NEqQx986p9bvL0oO_svXVsPDC28txRofQsWiCDPKCGb-Ozs5ekwXy5DgVoVvup8PmbbC9jU2RTNp6NxW4HVuWy9uMY_Gu7rqZM2ITFMFUSWK44/s1600/Meyers_Leonard_Blazers_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tvGl1ji8HVczXreC4vOc8yvSHuayX_NEqQx986p9bvL0oO_svXVsPDC28txRofQsWiCDPKCGb-Ozs5ekwXy5DgVoVvup8PmbbC9jU2RTNp6NxW4HVuWy9uMY_Gu7rqZM2ITFMFUSWK44/s1600/Meyers_Leonard_Blazers_2013.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/Meyers_Leonard_Blazers_2013.jpg/220px-Meyers_Leonard_Blazers_2013.jpg">wikimedia.org</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After only two years at the University of Illinois, Leonard
was selected with the 11<sup>th</sup> overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. The
21 year old from Robinson Illinois was a highly touted center. His freshman
year he averaged only 8.2 minutes getting 2.1 points and 1.2 rebounds. However,
his sophomore year he came on strong averaging 13.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per
game. He had six games where he scored 20 or more points. He was named an
Honorable Mention for the All Big-10 team that year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An intriguing stat is he averaged 1.9 blocks per game his
sophomore year. He had four games with five or more blocks. He had a total of
60 blocks that season and 73 for his career at Illinois. Defensively he is
exactly what the Blazers need, or will need. Leonard is far from being the best
center, but he is fighting for his chance to be the starter. I think by next
year he will be starting and by his fourth year (at the latest) he will be the
center the Blazers need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During his first season he played in 69 games, starting 9.
He played an average of 17.5 minutes and scored 5.5 points a game. He also
showed some promise on the boards grabbing 3.7 a game. He recorded 12 games
where he grabbed seven or more rebounds. His best game to date was the March 30<sup>th</sup>
game against Golden State. In the loss to the Warriors, Leonard played 41
minutes, shot 52.9% from the field scoring 22 points, all while grabbing 10
rebounds. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the biggest reasons Leonard hasn’t been able to be
the center everyone wants him to be is because he is still getting used to his
body. Now some of you will think that’s an excuse, but did you know that Leonard
was a guard until his sophomore year of high school? That’s right, he gained
six inches to his height between his freshman and sophomore years. Add the
years now, three from high school and two from college. Coming into last year,
he had only played FIVE years as a center! Give the kid a break, he is still
not used to looking down and seeing seven feet worth of human. Most centers in
the league have played years at the five spot, not five total years. This
coming year will be his seventh year as a center, so the learning curve is still
pretty steep, but he can handle it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leonard will be the reason the Blazers are successful in the
future, it just depends on when that future will come. The Blazers went out and
got Robin Lopez because they needed a legitimate big man. As much as I loved
J.J. Hickson, he was undersized and overmatched against the 7-footers. However,
Leonard will provide that length and that ability to play strong in the post on
both offense and defense. He has one of (if not) the best PF in the game today
to learn from in L.A. He can learn to post up, fade away, take 10-12 foot
jumpers, and more. Lopez is a good Band-Aid until Leonard is ready, but Lopez
is not the Blazers long term answer at center.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I see Leonard as the primary backup and biggest threat to
Lopez’s starting title. With more practice and polishing, he can be a great
center. Lopez even mentioned that Leonard has been asking lots of questions of
everyone on the team. Leonard wants to learn and wants to show Portland fans he
loves it here and will do whatever he can to bring them a championship. Leonard
will have to compete with Joel Freeland, but right now it looks like Leonard
has the edge, let’s look for him to keep it that way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Out of the future players, Leonard is the player I’m looking
forward to the most. He has the most upside because he still has such a high
ceiling and he showed that he can produce and that he has some tools to help
him now. Just imagine what will happen when he can hone his skills and get
comfortable in his own skin. He could be dominant.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-49839394553963249042013-10-03T15:33:00.001-07:002013-10-03T15:33:02.680-07:00Blazer Player Review: Will Barton<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the more high-flying, high-energy players on the
Blazers is fan-favorite, Will Barton. Better known for his nickname Will “The
Thrill” Barton, the Memphis product has been showing the NBA how big he can be.
Taken with the 40<sup>th</sup> pick overall in the 2012 draft, Barton has been
a great player since high school. Coming out of Brewster Academy he was a
highly touted recruit. ESPN and Scout.com had him listed as the BEST shooting
guard in 2010.</div>
<a name='more'></a> <o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO455-lx9gP76ZKa55NGMxkrAUw5QpaBZDmliYiTd9QLiZmc1G34AWsqZwae-aNct9xHC1aDdtde2i5BWjuzNJXpPgpAhW7Yb_kd35Brceh2wMIZynSTV1B3gGERPiE7xLY0ZHC1IhEOM/s1600/will+barton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWO455-lx9gP76ZKa55NGMxkrAUw5QpaBZDmliYiTd9QLiZmc1G34AWsqZwae-aNct9xHC1aDdtde2i5BWjuzNJXpPgpAhW7Yb_kd35Brceh2wMIZynSTV1B3gGERPiE7xLY0ZHC1IhEOM/s320/will+barton.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://media.oregonlive.com/oregonian/photo/2013/01/-d070fffde5a3198b.JPG">oregonlive.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He played in every game his freshman and sophomore years. He
played in 30.6 minutes a game in his freshman year and he led the Tigers in
scoring with 12.3 PPG. He also averaged 4.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game his
first year. His sophomore year he increased his PPG to 18.0 and his rebounds
went up to eight per game. He was a great shooter from a percentage stand
point, but some would argue that he was dunking and hitting layups. He shot
42.8% his first year and 50.9% his sophomore year from the field. As a free
throw shooter he is somewhat of a liability, 69.9% and 74.9% respectively. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He won several awards throughout college. His freshman year
he was on the Conference USA All-Freshman team and the Conference USA
All-Conference Third Team. After his sophomore year he was the Conference USA
Player of the Year and put on the Conference USA All-Conference First Team.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that I’ve dwelled on his college days, let’s take a look
at his first season as a Blazer. He only got to play 12.2 minutes a game, and
score 4.0 PPG, but he did have one big night. In a loss to the Mavericks he
scored 22 pts, grabbed 13 rebounds and 6 assists. He also shot 7-11 (63.6%)
from the field and 8-9 (89.9%) from the FT line that night. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last month of the season Barton averaged 12.6 points,
5.8 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Barton did get to play in 73 games however
he was very underplayed, but he did get some time. He also spent some time in
the D-League with the Idaho Stampede, but he only spent two days the first time
and three the second time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barton’s role for the team will be about the same or a
little less involved. With lots of bench players who have proven experience, Barton
will need to compete for playing time. Everyone assumes that C.J. will take Barton’s
spot as Wesley’s backup. However, we don’t know how much Barton has improved
and where his shot is, so we’ll just have to wait and see come Monday if he’s
improved enough to “keep” the backup job. He will also have to battle Dorell
Wright. Wright’s sharpshooting ability will make him an asset off the bench and
a threat to Barton’s playing time even though Wright is considered a small
forward. Barton has greatness in him, but he needs to be able to show that he
can do it consistently at an NBA level.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think Barton has the ability to be a solid backup, and a
starter if he can bulk up that skinny frame. He also needs to make his 3-point
shot and step back more effective. If he can show that he’s improved, he could
even be up before C.J. Now we’ll see, but Barton can be a great player going
forward. When Barton gets on the court he is going to thrill, just a question
of when he’ll play.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-30715419214825424352013-10-03T10:56:00.000-07:002013-10-03T10:56:12.381-07:00Blazer Player Review: Mo Williams<div class="MsoNormal">
Mo Williams is probably the most unexpected addition to the
Blazers. He was a late addition on August 8<sup>th</sup>. After spending time
with four other franchises Williams found his way to the Pacific Northwest. He
has spent two separate stints in Utah, four years in Milwaukee, two and a half
with Cleveland and one and a half with the Clippers.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjFwTdB-X19MHQOWa35cqomr9yJtneR1WU6cahYiRfU8S5fkrH1E07on4rtPTpHbcbsetkG4Yb9W2zbGzRi4N5TslqEiOdskDGva6_OLwHI-sZ-wVTZg97qVGvE1dOSkdG8FzxZTnToyy/s1600/mo+williams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjFwTdB-X19MHQOWa35cqomr9yJtneR1WU6cahYiRfU8S5fkrH1E07on4rtPTpHbcbsetkG4Yb9W2zbGzRi4N5TslqEiOdskDGva6_OLwHI-sZ-wVTZg97qVGvE1dOSkdG8FzxZTnToyy/s200/mo+williams.jpg" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Mo_Williams_Cavs.jpg">wikipedia.org</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His best season was arguably in 2008-09 when he started in
all 81 games he played. He shot 91.2% from the FT line and scored 17.8 PPG.
That year was his second best shooting percentage from the field at 46.7%. He
also hit 43.6% of his three point shots that year. His career high in assists
came in 2010-11 when he averaged 6.5APG, he averaged 7.1 per game with
Cleveland and 5.6 with the Clips. He hasn’t been a great rebounder since
2006-07 in Milwaukee when he gathered in 4.8 rebounds per game. That year with
the Bucks he also gathered his best steals per game with a little over than one.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every year since that great year with Cleveland, Williams
has declined. Now that wasn’t his choosing or his doing. He got fewer minutes,
fewer games played and fewer games started. Williams is coming to Portland off
not his best season. He did start in every game he played (46 games) and he
averaged 12.9 points, 6.2 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, I don’t want to pick on Williams because he is a great
player and he fortifies the PG position behind Damian Lillard. One of the
biggest upsides for Williams is that he has four different appearances in the
playoffs, his best stint? You guessed it, in 2009 with Cleveland. He averaged
16.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He shot 37.2% from
downtown, 40.8% from the field and 76.7% from the FT line.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With even more veteran presence off the bench with Williams,
Earl Watson and Dorell Wright, the Blazers will be better prepared going into
the season. If the Blazers can make the playoffs like they hope to they will
need to use the knowledge of all the older players about what to expect when
they get a seed. Last year with Eric Maynor, fans and the players thought they
could make a run, well we all know how that worked out, 13 game losing streak
to end the season. Now I am in no way putting that on Maynor, but with three
well established and well respected veterans in Williams, Wright and Watson the
Blazers can better prepare for a full season geared towards the playoffs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Williams will be the only logical choice at backup PG
because as I mentioned, C.J. McCollum is not ready to be an NBA PG (even as a
backup). Williams will be Lillard’s best mentor and will provide coaching on
the court for the Blazers second unit. Terry Stotts has had Williams before and
he will know how to use him. Depending on how Stotts wants to play it, he can
even have Damian and Williams on the court at the same time just like last year
with Maynor and Lillard. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
With Williams coming off the bench the Blazers second unit
has a legitimate chance of contending with other teams’ second units. He can
provide the spark necessary to win the battle of the benches and win game after
game. The biggest reason the Blazers need a good bench is for those
back-to-back nights or even back-to-back-to-back games. With bench help the
starters will have more energy every night to contend and go all out for a
reduced amount of minutes. Williams’ biggest contribution will be reducing
Lillard’s amount of minutes, which in case you forgot Lillard lead the NBA in
minutes played.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-19808234878799976982013-10-02T19:15:00.001-07:002013-10-02T19:15:13.192-07:00Blazer Player Review: Dorell Wright<div class="MsoNormal">
For the next addition of Blaze to Glory, I’ll be discussing
another newcomer to the Blazers, Dorell Wright. The nine-year veteran has
played for three other teams before signing with the Blazers this off-season.
He played six years for the Miami Heat, two for the Golden State Warriors and
one for the Philadelphia 76ers.</div>
<a name='more'></a> <o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3A6JLj54ylkZTK7iE3JOqRN-5_ma-hdctJ2hGKGV_VrgVB1jB8V1md82YGt3cfgLRmrAetfBK7YgsG-hcoCCz61jXOo2qzSGUKtOQQlXAT5fiV4AFY3wJxd8eaV3-gnFVafINGNj79NV/s1600/dorell+wright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3A6JLj54ylkZTK7iE3JOqRN-5_ma-hdctJ2hGKGV_VrgVB1jB8V1md82YGt3cfgLRmrAetfBK7YgsG-hcoCCz61jXOo2qzSGUKtOQQlXAT5fiV4AFY3wJxd8eaV3-gnFVafINGNj79NV/s320/dorell+wright.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5697531/155077342.0_standard_352.0.jpg">sbnation.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the course of his career he (much like Earl Watson)
hasn’t been the star of his team. Only twice has he started every game he
played, the two years he was with Golden State. However, during the 2011-2012
season he only played in 61 games. For his career he averages 24 to 25 minutes
a game. Over the last4 seasons he has migrated to behind the 3-point line.
Wright is a career 36.7% shooter from beyond the arc and that skill alone is a
reason the Blazers pursued him. He also serves as a solid Free Throw shooter at
81.1% from the line. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can expect to see him at the end of tight games in
almost any situation. Because of his ability to shoot Free Throws he can be
used when the other team is going to foul to get back in the game. Also, if the
Blazers are trailing he can be used to shoot threes to get them back in the
contest. Last year Wright shot 37% from three and 85% from the charity stripe. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He scores about 9.3 points per game. His career high PPG
average was in 2010-2011 when he started all 82 games for the Warriors with
16.4 PPG. Last year he played in 79 games playing only 22.6 minutes a game, but
he managed to average 9.2 PPG. Several positives about Wright include his 3.8
rebounds per game and 2 assists per game from last year. He shows great promise
and poise to be the guy right behind Nicolas Batum. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of Wright’s best attributes is that he doesn’t turn the
ball over. Throughout his career he has never averaged more than 1.6 TO per
game. Along with turnovers, Wright doesn’t foul (or at least doesn’t get called
for it) much because his career average is 1.6 fouls a game. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now putting stats aside, you need to look at this Blazers
roster closely. Stotts has a lot of options at the SF and SG position. Wright
is listed on ESPN as a SF, but he is a F-G on the Blazers website. Wright will likely
beat out Victor Claver and Allen Crabbe for the back-up SF position. Claver
will have to work extremely hard to beat out Wright who is a proven starter and
reserve player in the NBA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One thing Wright has on his side that Watson doesn’t is age.
Wright is the same age as LaMarcus Aldridge, but he just has more miles on him.
After not having much of a bench at all last year, the Blazers have a fortified
bench full of players who can slide in nicely. We’ll just have to see if coach
Stotts wants to go away from his batch of young guys who are also looking to
prove themselves. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All in all, Wright could be a huge contributor or he could
be stuck playing second fiddle to Victor Claver. However, the more likely
scenario is that he will back-up Batum and Claver will have to unseat him in
the coming year(s). Wright has two years on his deal, that gives him time to
prove he could help the Blazers long term or show that he isn’t what they hoped
he’d be. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Personally, I think Wright will win the job as back-up SF
and he’ll be one of the first people off the bench. The Blazers need this
because of the new(ish) physical basketball Nic Batum was trying to show off
last year. If Batum gets into foul trouble or gets hurt, the Blazers have Wright
so they won’t miss a beat.</div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-69581738803089382013-10-01T10:51:00.001-07:002013-10-02T19:15:22.322-07:00Blazer Player Review: Thomas Robinson<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Another Blazer newbie is a
young-gun, Thomas Robinson. An ESPN top 100 player out of high school has been
with two other teams before the Blazers and he is only in his 2<sup>nd</sup>
year! Robinson was a top five draft pick in last year’s draft, which means the
Blazers have three of the top 11 players from that draft, Robinson at 5, Damian
Lillard at 6 and Meyers Leonard at 11.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU7Uqc0N8jns81EWOABFY19ncC98NgPnKj97gHdUZHq_W5ooDKM6OigUNCFjuDS_ZXVd-f4SETdgye_7Zhf3iVTUzRRaR7Wfjaq9f7dEg8gW2TNRYeO8YIQAeflElgU2iqFRTxj-3G7ab/s1600/Thomas-Robinson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAU7Uqc0N8jns81EWOABFY19ncC98NgPnKj97gHdUZHq_W5ooDKM6OigUNCFjuDS_ZXVd-f4SETdgye_7Zhf3iVTUzRRaR7Wfjaq9f7dEg8gW2TNRYeO8YIQAeflElgU2iqFRTxj-3G7ab/s320/Thomas-Robinson.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://blacksportsonline.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Thomas-Robinson-Portland-Trail-Blazers.jpg">http://blacksportsonline.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Back in college, Robinson was a
beast. In 2011, he put up 30 points and snagged 21 rebounds against the
University of North Dakota. He was the first player at the University of Kansas
to have a 30/20 game since 1961. By the end of his junior year he had 22
double-doubles. He was selected as the Big 12 player of the year by the other
Big 12 coaches and the Associated Press for 2012. He was also a First Team
All-American. We haven’t even gotten to his stats yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
His junior year was his
best and most significant, in terms of his influence and his playing time. He
averaged a double-double his junior year with 17.7 PPG and 11.9 RPG. He shot
50.5% from the field and 68.2% from the FT line that year. After college, he
was drafted by the Sacramento Kings fifth. He was never a major factor with the
Kings, only scoring 4.8 PPG and 4.7 rebounds per game in 15.9 minutes a game.
He was traded on Feb. 20 to the Houston Rockets where again he didn’t do much.
He scored 4.5 PPG and 4.1 rebounds per game in 19 games with Houston. In July,
he was traded to Portland for two players overseas and two future second round
picks. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Robinson is looking to be a keep
bench player for the Blazers. He will be able to give L.A. the rest and breaks
he needs and deserves. Robinson can also slide in at Center if coach Stotts
wants to play L.A. and Robinson side-by-side. However, a Robinson and Leonard
second unit would be tough to stop. L.A. has gotten into foul trouble in the
past, so it will be nice to have Robinson there to keep the offense going even
without L.A.'s dominance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
As a whole the Blazer roster is
young and promising. Of the “core” players, the oldest player is L.A. at 28.
Almost the entire rest of the roster is that age or younger. Only Earl Watson
and Mo Williams are older than L.A. Robinson is only 22, so if L.A. wants to
leave (even though he said on Media day he wants to stay) the Blazers have a
solid young guy to step in. All worst case scenarios aside, Robinson has a lot
of promising talent and skill to help him in the future. He’s only going to get
better as he has more time to learn and play under and with L.A. Even without
being a Blazer fan, I think that L.A. is the best power forward in the game
today; his all-around game is the best in the NBA, so I think Robinson will
have the best teacher for PFs as he grows up.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-43477878051461281712013-09-30T14:55:00.001-07:002013-10-02T19:15:29.964-07:00Blazer Player Review: C.J. McCollum<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
C.J. McCollum, the player that some
Blazer fans are calling and hoping will be a “second coming” of reigning Rookie
of the Year, Damian Lillard. He has almost all the makings of a Dame 2, however
he probably won’t be afforded the same opportunities. Let’s get to know McCollum
first.</div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNfuxk4FbudQIOtr_2mcIBZuqPUz18lzTrM8Wu7EEdrxF2Bf3I8RPG5pHy9vJEmMbEhiwLi7yXth_qNrQSNpn_jGNMTjIK8-jDq1n2o6tqrlmaQbsz5AmrsFpZMbKp9jUlccUlAkh0qIV/s1600/CJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNfuxk4FbudQIOtr_2mcIBZuqPUz18lzTrM8Wu7EEdrxF2Bf3I8RPG5pHy9vJEmMbEhiwLi7yXth_qNrQSNpn_jGNMTjIK8-jDq1n2o6tqrlmaQbsz5AmrsFpZMbKp9jUlccUlAkh0qIV/s200/CJ.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://nbagamer.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/McCollum.jpg">http://nbagamer.net</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A 3+ year player at Lehigh
University, he played brilliantly at the small school. McCollum’s senior season
was cut short by injury (as has been well-documented) but that didn’t deter him
from pursuing the dream of playing in the NBA. In his three plus years, he shot
37.6% from three and 43.9% from the field in general. He has never shot below
81% from the FT line and a career of 82.5%. With percentages like that, it is
no surprise that McCollum was good for at least 19 PPG. His lowest PPG average
came his freshman year at 19.1 PPG. His sophomore and junior year were only
separated by one decimal point, 21.8 vs. 21.9, and in his shortened senior year
he was scoring 23.9 before he got hurt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Most people will remember McCollum’s
team because they beat Duke in the first round. Lehigh was the 15 seed and beat
the #2 ranked Blue Devils, 75-70. Who was the leading scorer for Lehigh? You
guessed it, McCollum He had 30 points, six assists, 6 rebounds, and two steals.
He was 10/16 (62.5%) from the FT line and 9-24 (37.5%) from the field. So even
in an “off night” shooting, McCollum still fought, still set up his teammates,
still drawing fouls and still clawed until his team upset the Blue Devils. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Through college McCollum was really
good at “fielding his position”. He rebounded really well for a guard and never
averaged below five a game in college. Over his career he averaged 6.3 rebounds
per game. He was also a master of pickpocketing, averaging 2.1 steals a game
while at Lehigh. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The Blazers are hoping the McCollum
can become a good #2 to Lillard, however they aren’t giving up on or getting rid
of Wesley Matthews. McCollum will be one of the many guards on the bench and he
will most likely be competing with Will Barton for playing time. McCollum will
also be able to spell Mo Williams, who will most likely be Lillard’s backup.
You may even see a Williams-McCollum backcourt if they work better than a
Williams-Barton backcourt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Look for McCollum to get plenty of
playing time as Stotts wants to use his #10 overall pick not just have him sit
on the bench. There are a lot of options for Stotts to play with and use the
whole roster this year. McCollum will be a key cog going forward, but we’ll
have to see how much he’ll be used in his rookie campaign. If he is able to “wow”
coaches and play well like he did in Summer League, than he’ll be getting
plenty of playing time. However, if he struggles expect the coaches to hold him
out and build his confidence in practice instead of destroying his confidence
because of his struggles. All that being said, McCollum is a resilient player
and he will do whatever it takes to get better and prove that he deserves time.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The future of the backcourt is
looking bright in Portland, now it’s just a matter of when that future comes to
fruition. A Lillard-McCollum backcourt could come as soon as this year or be
delayed a couple years. We’ll see it all start to unfold Oct. 7.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-57246992999746316002013-09-25T13:44:00.000-07:002013-09-25T13:44:27.107-07:00Blazer Player Review: Robin Lopez<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The
biggest (at least height-wise) addition to the Blazers this season is C Robin
Lopez. Mostly known for his college days at Stanford, the 5-year vet comes to
Portland ready to prove himself and show that he belongs in the NBA.
Unfortunately for Robin, his twin brother Brook has been a stellar center for
the Brooklyn Nets, and Robin has never really lived up to the same
expectations. He plans to make his mark in Portland starting this year.</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9m5YT26cTWk2lEmT9Heh6daBjHFXKR296z5GAxq7nMIOXKvo4N2-jleC1RiA4jYIlDwhoFlpjg1SfgUZ2r1YEjj8cWVN8E6tvI8HYX09oQfueft4xjDEq5h1P-ki-H6XUTR3rWrnZ6Qv/s1600/robin+lopez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9m5YT26cTWk2lEmT9Heh6daBjHFXKR296z5GAxq7nMIOXKvo4N2-jleC1RiA4jYIlDwhoFlpjg1SfgUZ2r1YEjj8cWVN8E6tvI8HYX09oQfueft4xjDEq5h1P-ki-H6XUTR3rWrnZ6Qv/s200/robin+lopez.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin-top: 0px; position: relative; text-align: justify; z-index: 10;"><span class="wsite-caption" style="display: block; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;"><br /></span><span class="wsite-caption" style="display: block; font-size: 11px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -10px; text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of: <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Robin_Lopez_Hornets.jpg">wikimedia.org</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
In
college he was a block machine. Standing at 7’0” will help you become a
dominant blocker. However, saying it and showing it are two different things,
so here are the stats to prove it. While at Stanford he accumulated 156 blocks
in two seasons with the Cardinal. The 73 blocks he had his freshman year set a
Stanford record for freshman and it was the second highest block total in
Stanford history. Rebounding has been good, but the Blazers need him to be
great. During his years at Stanford he had 172 and 204 rebounds, respectively.
He averaged 5.5 and 5.7 rebounds per game over those two seasons. Offense wasn’t
his greatest strength either, while in college he averaged 7.5 and 10.2 points
per game for his seasons in college.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Now
that I've covered his background in college, let’s focus on his body of work
for the pros. Last season was his highest point per game total of his career,
and it’s no surprise why, Robin finally got a chance to start. He scored 11.3
PPG. Before 2012-13, Lopez only started a combined 94 games, he started all 82
last year. He also had his highest rebounding average at 5.6 per game. Last
year was the first time he had more than 250 rebounds in a season, and he
crushed that with 462 total. He also cracked 100+ blocks in a pro season for
the first time with 128. Naturally with more playing time came more opportunity
to foul and turn the ball over. He averaged 2 fouls and 1.3 TO per game last
season.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The
Blazers have high hopes and even higher expectations out of the Stanford
product. Upon being acquired by the Blazers in the three team trade with New
Orleans and Sacramento, Lopez was immediately named the starting center
entering the 2013-14 season. Although the Blazers want Meyers Leonard to
eventually be their center of the future, Lopez brings experience and a veteran
presence at center. As much as everyone, including myself, loved J.J. Hickson,
he was undersized and sometimes outmatched. Hickson held his own, but his
height disadvantage was well-documented and exploited by some of the best
centers in the game. With two 7-footers in Lopez and Leonard the Blazers are on
track to be able to dominate and affect shots from opposing teams. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Lopez
is a step in the right direction for the Blazers. He gives Leonard someone to
strive to beat instead of Leonard just being handed the job because he is the
up and coming center of the future. Lopez brings veteran leadership at a vital
position in the starting lineup. Teams will also have to think twice before
they double L.A. now because of Lopez’s ability to create space and finish at
the basket. Having L.A. (6’11”) and Lopez (7’0”) will cause defenses and
offenses fits. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some plays that have the
two giants alley-ooping to each other. The west better get ready for some high
flying Blazer games. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Finally,
Lopez will be a key cog to the Blazers as long as he produces. I can see Terry
Stotts taking Lopez out early and often if Leonard is progressing the way they
want and see him doing soon. That being said, Leonard will really have to prove
himself to unseat Lopez. Robin has proven that when his team gives him a chance,
he can shine. He may not shine as bright as his brother, but the Blazers don’t
need him to be Brook. The Blazers need Robin to alter shots, rebound and occasionally
finish shots at the rim, if he can do that, he’ll fit in just fine.<o:p></o:p></div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-9004406794125570992013-09-23T12:46:00.003-07:002013-09-23T12:46:35.717-07:00Blazer Player Review: Allen Crabbe<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
One
of the newest, and it seems least known, members of the Portland Trail Blazers
is rookie SG Allen Crabbe. If you followed the PAC-12 the last three years then
you know Crabbe has been one of the best shooters in the entire conference.</div>
<a name='more'></a> <o:p></o:p><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizklbElqhvKOB3-hIEJzRGD2lh48ZkfyeZW2rnUWOKHVkNz-xepVqf_0WoMOgnMHsT_lLdCmHMqCZTBiheg4HtVLLXl2IUNaLv_fwZ0aFDH_w9wc_tLo6yz5iS8Uzb_OsfBI7pzDEhjzfB/s1600/Allen+Crabbe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizklbElqhvKOB3-hIEJzRGD2lh48ZkfyeZW2rnUWOKHVkNz-xepVqf_0WoMOgnMHsT_lLdCmHMqCZTBiheg4HtVLLXl2IUNaLv_fwZ0aFDH_w9wc_tLo6yz5iS8Uzb_OsfBI7pzDEhjzfB/s200/Allen+Crabbe.jpg" width="194" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of <a href="http://media.oregonlive.com/blazers_impact/photo/allen-crabbe-071013jpg-f3d0e4beb1c5210b.jpg">Oregonlive.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Throughout
college at the University of California he shot 38.2%. His only sub 40% year
was last year at 34.8%. Although his 3-pt % was low last year his FG% was the
highest it’s ever been at 45.9%. He averaged 44.6% over his career at Cal. Overall
scoring he averaged 15.7 PPG, and his highest average was his last year when he
averaged 18.4 PPG. Also, don’t overlook his Free Throw shooting, he never shot
below 80% at Cal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
His
Freshman year he was the PAC-10 Freshman of the Year. Sophomore year he was
named to the All-Pac-12 first team. Finally his last year, 2011-2012, he was
named to the first team again and voted PAC-12 Player of the Year, and he was
recognized as a third team All-American by Sports News and the National
Association of Basketball Coaches. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
A
bonus for the Blazers is he isn’t just a stop and shoot player like Luke
Babbitt was for so long. Crabbe will fight and scrap with the big guys down on
the block. During his time at Cal he averaged 5.7 rebounds a game. He also
averaged a little over half a block per game.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Crabbe
can also fight with the guards; he gets about 1 steal a game, so look for him
to be clawing at the ball when he gets playing time. At 6’6” he will be a
challenge for some guards, but he also provides offensive potential. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
There
is a jam at the guard position for the Blazers so we’ll see how many opportunities
Crabbe gets this season. He has great potential and he was worth the trade
during the draft. In case you forgot, the Cavs picked Crabbe first and the Blazers
traded them two second round picks to get the Cal product. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
After
watching Crabbe the last two years from an opponent perspective, I’m excited to
be able to root for him. He has always been a prolific scorer and a decent
defender. We’ll just have to see if Crabbe brings the same attitude and swagger
he had at Cal.</div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-89031461253378709162013-08-30T15:44:00.001-07:002013-08-30T15:44:55.444-07:00College Football is back, baby!After seven months, college football fans can come out of their respective holes and ruts. It's time to proclaim your team number one in the country again, even if they have no business up there. Time to show your pride, time to let it all hang out. Painted faces and chests will once again flood the stadiums. The gladiators will don their respective colors and enter the arena to wage war on their opponents. With the first night in the books, it's time to take a look at what we can expect out of this college football season. I know what you're thinking, "One night? How can we know?" Well, we can't. But it's always fun to try and predict the future. Looking at the three games played last night it is evident that this season will be no different than years past. No one is safe, all games are up for grabs. Players and fans throughout the country have been waiting to see what can happen this year. Will Alabama win a third straight BCS Championship? Will Ohio State return to prominence after their one year bowl ban? Will Oregon be able to "survive" without Chip Kelly? Can USC figure out how to win a dang game?<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
<br />
Speaking of USC, let's visit their tumultuous start to the season last night. Now USC did win, but it wasn't easy. USC is (8-0) against Hawaii all-time according to <a href="http://www.mcubed.net/ncaaf/series/usc/hw.shtml">mcubed.net</a>. Since 2003 their lowest margin of victory has been 13 in 2010. Last night, USC won 30-13. That is the second lowest winning score for USC ever against Hawaii. Before last night, they hadn't scored below 49 points against the Rainbow Warriors since 1978. We can chalk up that kind of score up to a few things. First, Lane Kiffin insists that neither Cody Kessler nor Max Wittek have been able to separate themselves for the starting job. So what does Kiffin do? He plays both of them, and they were both borderline awful. Kessler went 10/19 for 95 yards, a TD and an INT. Wittek wasn't much better going 5/10 for 77 yards. Second, Hawaii could have been closer but Ohio State transfer QB Taylor Graham threw 4 INTs. Honestly, barring any near miracles, this should be Kiffin's last season as the head coach of USC.<br />
<br />
The next game I want to discuss is the North Carolina Tar Heels and South Carolina Gamecocks game. For the casual fan this game was all about star SC DE Jadaveon Clowney. It was a game to forget for Clowney. He looked tired and caught off guard on multiple occasions. Again though, it was only one game. He'll watch the tape and get better. With this game however, I was more interested in seeing how the Gamecocks "replaced" Marcus Lattimore. RBs Mike Davis and Brandon Wilds picked up most of the slack rushing for 179 of the 228 yards gained by the Gamecocks on the ground. Davis had 115 yards on 12 carries and Wilds had 64 yards on 12 carries. QB Connor Shaw threw for 149 yards and a score. Although the score would indicate that South Carolina dominated, the tape shows a little differently. UNC had several occasions where they were running down the Gamecocks throats. The Tar Heels had SC on the defensive a lot. QB Bryn Renner threw for 194 yards and a TD. The up-tempo offense by UNC exposed that SC is either out of shape or just a team that is going to be gassed whenever a team runs a no-huddle offense.<br />
<br />
Finally, the game of the night in my opinion: Ole Miss Rebels vs Vanderbilt Commodores. As with basketball games, this football game was a serious of scoring runs. Ole Miss found themselves up 10 to nothing after the first quarter, but then found themselves down 21-10 at halftime. The third quarter closed things up as Vandy held a slim three point lead, 25-28. Ole Miss regained the lead mid-way through the fourth quarter, 32-28. Situation time, two minutes and change left in the game, Vandy trying to make a push to take the lead. Unsuccessful on the first three downs. It's fourth and 18, chances are dwindling, tension mounts. Rebels QB Austyn Carta-Samuels launches the ball to star WR Jordan Matthews who hauls it in for a 42-yard gain. The next play, Carta-Samuels hits TE Steven Scheu on a 34-yard, wide open TD. Now it's up to Ole Miss, can they answer? 1:30 left on the clock, Rebels have the ball at the 25-yard line. First down, QB Bo Wallace misses his target by inches. Second down, back breaker, RB Jeff Scott takes the read-option hand off and bolts toward the left side, he gets the edge on the defenders and cuts back up field and races to the endzone: TD Rebels. Vandy got the ball back, but an untimely INT ended their hopes of a comeback. Check out the highlights <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=332410238">here</a> on ESPN.com.<br />
<br />
So, what have we learned from the first night of college football? Not much, but one thing is for sure, we're in for one heck of a season. And of course, Go Cougs!!<br />
<br />
-Zimmer</div>
Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2650537232231317332.post-67342968883622850812013-08-23T21:59:00.003-07:002013-09-23T12:46:46.487-07:00Blazer Player Review: Earl Watson<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"> Welcome to the first installment of "Blaze to Glory"! For my first several blogs I will be doing player reviews for the players I think will make the roster. If I leave someone out who you would like me to review let me know. I am starting from the "bottom" of the roster with 12-year pro Earl Watson.</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 18px;"> There are a lot of positive thoughts and feelings that surround Earl Watson. He isn’t the biggest or the strongest or even the most prolific player in the NBA, but he is “good enough”. If you are a stats fan, then you know that he isn’t someone who is going to 'wow' you from the box score. Over a 12 year career in the NBA, Watson is sitting at 6.5 points per game and 4.5 assists per game. That is not the type of PG we have become accustomed to, especially with the emergence of Damian Lillard. Regardless, Watson has not been trying to be your typical PG. He wants to help his team win in any way possible. He’ll fight for loose balls, he’ll pass on knowledge to the starters, he comes in to slow down the offense and sure up the defense. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 18px;"> His career shooting from 3-Point land is at a solid 32.4%, but if you just look at the percentage you are missing the big picture. He doesn’t shoot that many 3 pointers anymore. At the peak of his career he was shooting 100 or more per season. In a sparse role the last two seasons with the Jazz he only took a combined 80 three point shots. His Free Throw Percentage is a slightly below average at 70.2%, which isn’t bad, but you need and want someone who is going to help your team in all areas. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 18px;"> Now, I’ve been harping on Watson a bit, but I do love his game. He isn’t trying to be flashy or in your face. He quietly goes about his business on and off the court. He isn’t in Portland to get playing time and show the world he still has a lot left in the tank after all these years. Watson is in Portland to mentor and teach Lillard, CJ McCollum and the other young Blazer guards how to behave and handle themselves in the game and in the community. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 18px;"> Unfortunately for Watson’s sake, his potential minutes took a huge hit when the Blazers signed Mo Williams. Williams and Watson played together last year in Utah, where the Jazz had Williams start and play an average of 30 minutes while Earl played around 17 minutes a game. Combine Lillard’s starting minutes and Williams’ bench minutes and you get a dwindling number of minutes for Watson, who may only see “garbage time” minutes. All in all, Watson will be a great addition to the Blazers roster, even if it’s behind the scenes to all of us fans. You’ll probably hear Mike Barrett, Mike Rice and Brian Wheeler rave about Watson, but we may not get to see him often or at all depending on coach Terry Stotts’ plan for the team.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 18px;" />
<br style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 18px;">-MZ</span>Matthew Zimmerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07721322176772017128noreply@blogger.com