1. Lions
Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
The Lions set a new standard last season for being bad in the NFL. One player is not going to fix a 0-16 team, but they have to start somewhere. QB is the position to build around and Stafford has the pro-style talent you can build a franchise around. However, do not be surprised if the Lions take an OT with this pick.
2. Rams
Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
This guy is a beast and is just the replacement the Rams could use after releasing Orlando Pace earlier in the Offseason.
3. Chiefs
Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas
The Chiefs are hoping on the 3-4 defense bandwagon. Orakpo is a hybrid DE who has the speed to play Linebacker in a 3-4 defense.
4. Seahawks
Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
With the signing of WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Seahawks do not need to use this pick to get that number one receiver like Michael Crabtree. Picking Monroe will give them some much needed help on that O-line so maybe they can keep QB Matt Hasselbeck healthy this season.
5. Browns
Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Possibly the safest pick in the draft. Curry will be a stud no matter where he ends up.
6. Bengals
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Would have gone higher if it were not for the foot injury. Crabtree has very special talent and size. With the loss of Houshmandzadeh, Crabtree could be a perfect fit to come in and make a difference right away for the Bengals.
7. Raiders
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Smith was supposed to be the first OT taken, but his disappearing act at the combine and his character issues make him the perfect candidate to become Al Davis’ next problem child.
8. Jaguars
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
In actuality I think the Jaguars are going to trade back to a later selection with a team hoping to snatch Mark Sanchez, possibly with the Jets at pick 17. However, if the Jaguars do end up picking here at #8, I think they have to address their huge need for a big play wide receiver after losing Jerry Porter, Reggie Williams, and Matt Jones in the off season. The acquisition of OT Tra Thomas, allows them to focus mainly on receiver.
School
9. Packers
B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Raji definitely raised his draft stock at the Senior Bowl. He would excel in the 3-4 defense that the Packers are switching to.
10. 49ers
Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Someone might trade ahead of this pick to grab Sanchez. But, if he is available I do not see how the 49ers could pass on a guy with his talent, especially with their questions at QB.
11. Bills
Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
With only 24 sacks in 2008, the Bills are in desperate need of a pass rusher. Brown is just the guy to fill that need.
12. Broncos
Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
A very talented pass rusher.
13. Redskins
Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Tackle is a huge need for Washington. Look for them to address that need with this pick.
14. Saints
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The Saints have a depleted secondary. Jenkins performed badly at the Combine so his stock has dropped. I think this would be a steal at pick 14.
15. Texans
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Cushing is the first of three USC linebackers I have coming out of round number one.
16. Chargers
Ray Maualuga, LB, USC
With the resigning of LT, the Chargers really do not have any huge needs. Picking up another playmaking linebacker would not hurt.
17. Jets
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
I still think they will trade up for Sanchez but Moreno could be a good fit here.
18. Bears
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Kyle Orton desperately needs someone to throw the ball to. Hester is not a number one receiver.
19. Buccaneers
Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
This guy has “groom me for the future” written all over him.
20. Lions
Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
You could give Detroit all 32 picks in the first round and it will not turn this team around. An offensive tackle to give Stafford time to throw the ball to Calvin Johnson might help though.
21. Eagles
Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
The Eagles had lots of trouble converting on 3rd and short last season. “Beanie” would more than fix that problem.
22. Vikings
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Would immediately become the best player in the Vikings secondary.
23. Patriots
Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
The Patriots are one of the best drafting teams in the NFL. With the loss of Mike Vrabel, they will need to fill the void at linebacker.
24. Falcons
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
One of the great surprises of the 2008 season, the Falcons need to improve their pass rush. Jackson is a very talented DE who could play both the 4-3 and the 3-4.
25. Dolphins
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
The Dolphins are still looking for a playmaking receiver. Ted Guinn is good but not the answer. Harvin has the speed that could change a game in one play.
26. Ravens
Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
Fantastic combination of hands, size, and speed.
27. Colts
Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
The Colts need help inside stopping the run.
28. Eagles
Alex Mack, C, California
Eagles need help at the offensive line. Mack is the best offensive lineman left on the board.
29. Giants
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
With Plaxico Burress’ legal issues, the Giants have to consider giving Eli Manning another weapon.
30. Titans
Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Tennessee has an aging group of defensive ends. A little youth couldn’t hurt.
31. Cardinals
Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
Edgerrin James has not done much since leaving Indy and Tim Hightower is an underachiever. Greene could give a much needed boost to this past first offense.
32. Steelers
D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
Not many huge needs for the Super Bowl Champs. I guess they could use some depth at CB.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Just walk in the park for “Skip to My Lou”
Rafer Alston has only been a member of the Orlando Magic for a little more than a week. However, he is gelling with the team like he has been here for years now. In the six games he has been with the team, he has started five and is averaging 10 points, and six assists, in just less than 30 minutes per game. “Oh it’s great,” Alston said as he sat in a chair in front of his locker Friday night before the Detroit Pistons game. “It’s a great group of guys to be around, it’s a fun group. They really had great chemistry before I came here. I just, you know want to be a positive teammate as well and just add on to the great chemistry.”
It is obvious to see the difference in the team since he has arrived. After losing All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson to a torn labrum for the season, the team looked sluggish and out of sync with back up Anthony Johnson in the starting lineup. Once Alston arrived the ball has been moving quicker and much more efficient. On February 22 against the Heat, in just his 2nd game, and first start with the Magic, he had seven assists in the 1st quarter. “Oh on the court, I mean you can see by the record we’ve been good on the court, and me personally I’m just a guy that loves to play team ball so I fit right in from day one”.
Alston and Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy are no strangers. Alston played for the Heat, under Van Gundy back in the 2003-04 season. “I’m used to Stan, I understand what he wants everyday whether its practice or games,” Alston said of playing under Van Gundy again. “We had a great time there my one year there that I did play, it was a great year. It felt like the one year I was there it felt like I was there ten years, that’s how much fun we had.”
The Magic acquired Alston after they traded away Brian Cook, Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks, and a future 1st round draft pick in a trade that also involved the Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets
Alston came to Orlando from Houston where he started 48 of 48 games, and averaged 12 points and five assists per game. Houston and Orlando have at least one thing in common. They both have All-Star centers. Yao Ming of the Rockets was the starting center for the Western All-Stars, and Dwight Howard of the Magic, was the starting center for the Eastern All-Stars and the leading vote getter in fan voting for the All-Star game. “Two great centers, Dwight’s more versatile a little more athletic, Yao possess the inside game and he can shoot the pick and roll jump shot. Two different styles of play but both effective,” said Alston.
With a 4-2 record since acquiring Alston, many around the league feel that the Magic are back to the being able to contend for a championship this year. Alston is one of those people. “The sky is the limit; I think its all on us. Everyday we got to come with the focus and the mentality that we have room for improvement and that we can improve and get better each practice and each game.”
It is obvious to see the difference in the team since he has arrived. After losing All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson to a torn labrum for the season, the team looked sluggish and out of sync with back up Anthony Johnson in the starting lineup. Once Alston arrived the ball has been moving quicker and much more efficient. On February 22 against the Heat, in just his 2nd game, and first start with the Magic, he had seven assists in the 1st quarter. “Oh on the court, I mean you can see by the record we’ve been good on the court, and me personally I’m just a guy that loves to play team ball so I fit right in from day one”.
Alston and Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy are no strangers. Alston played for the Heat, under Van Gundy back in the 2003-04 season. “I’m used to Stan, I understand what he wants everyday whether its practice or games,” Alston said of playing under Van Gundy again. “We had a great time there my one year there that I did play, it was a great year. It felt like the one year I was there it felt like I was there ten years, that’s how much fun we had.”
The Magic acquired Alston after they traded away Brian Cook, Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks, and a future 1st round draft pick in a trade that also involved the Memphis Grizzlies, and Houston Rockets
Alston came to Orlando from Houston where he started 48 of 48 games, and averaged 12 points and five assists per game. Houston and Orlando have at least one thing in common. They both have All-Star centers. Yao Ming of the Rockets was the starting center for the Western All-Stars, and Dwight Howard of the Magic, was the starting center for the Eastern All-Stars and the leading vote getter in fan voting for the All-Star game. “Two great centers, Dwight’s more versatile a little more athletic, Yao possess the inside game and he can shoot the pick and roll jump shot. Two different styles of play but both effective,” said Alston.
With a 4-2 record since acquiring Alston, many around the league feel that the Magic are back to the being able to contend for a championship this year. Alston is one of those people. “The sky is the limit; I think its all on us. Everyday we got to come with the focus and the mentality that we have room for improvement and that we can improve and get better each practice and each game.”
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Kobe and Shaq reunite to win co-MVPs
For years Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neill combined to make one of the best two man combos in NBA history. They were the main pieces a Lakers dynasty that was able to bring three consecutive championships to Los Angeles. However, they had not played together since 2004 when Shaq was traded to the heat due to drama between the two players.
That all was in the past Sunday night as Shaq and Kobe combined for 44 points to lead the Western Conference past the Eastern Conference 146-119, in the 58th NBA All-Star game in Phoenix Arizona. To make the night an even bigger blast to the past, Phil Jackson was the coach of the West team. He is the Lakers head coach and was the coach of those Lakers teams with Shaq and Kobe.
Kobe Bryant, a starter for the West, scored 27 points to lead all scorers. Shaq, who was playing in his 15th career All-Star game, finished with 17 points and possibly the play of the game. In a rare basketball moment, Shaq found himself out beyond the 3 point line, and being guarded by lead vote getter for the All-Star game, center Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. Shaq passed the ball through Howard’s legs and then cut to the basket to get the ball back and dunk the ball down. The play drew a huge roar from Shaq’s now home crowd of Phoenix. Even Howard could not help from laughing at the great play.
The play came in a stretch in the 3rd quarter that had Shaq score eight points in a row for the Western All-Stars. That run by Shaq, accompanied with the fact that he was playing in his home arena, probably won him the co-MVP award. The 3rd quarter was dominated by the West, who outscored the East 14 points to add on to their 72-67 halftime lead.
The West was definitely trying to find Shaq and get him the ball. Point Guard Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets led all players with 14 assists while also scoring 14 points. Paul was one of six All-Stars that were honored at halftime for their performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as members of the Gold Medal winning U.S. Men’s Basketball team. Paul, along with Kobe Bryant, Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard, and LeBron James were all given championship rings during a halftime ceremony.
James, a starter for the East, filled the stat sheet as usual with 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists. He really set the tempo early on with his signature style of attacking the basket. However, he will probably be remembered most for his off the glass dunk on the last play of the game. The dunk was a possible preview of what he plans to do next year in the dunk contest as he announced Saturday night that he want to participate next year.
Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, who finished 2nd in this years Sprite Slam Dunk contest, finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. Howard’s highlight of the night other than getting embarrassed by Shaq, was a very powerful dunk over both 6’11 Tim Duncan, and 7’6 Yao Ming. Howard’s fellow Magic teammate Rashard Lewis finished with eight points, and six rebounds.
The win gave a little bragging rights back to the West who had lost three of the past four All-Star games. Next year the game will be held in Dallas, Texas. The game will be played in the new Cowboys Stadium. They hope to fill the 100,000 seats available in the new building.
That all was in the past Sunday night as Shaq and Kobe combined for 44 points to lead the Western Conference past the Eastern Conference 146-119, in the 58th NBA All-Star game in Phoenix Arizona. To make the night an even bigger blast to the past, Phil Jackson was the coach of the West team. He is the Lakers head coach and was the coach of those Lakers teams with Shaq and Kobe.
Kobe Bryant, a starter for the West, scored 27 points to lead all scorers. Shaq, who was playing in his 15th career All-Star game, finished with 17 points and possibly the play of the game. In a rare basketball moment, Shaq found himself out beyond the 3 point line, and being guarded by lead vote getter for the All-Star game, center Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic. Shaq passed the ball through Howard’s legs and then cut to the basket to get the ball back and dunk the ball down. The play drew a huge roar from Shaq’s now home crowd of Phoenix. Even Howard could not help from laughing at the great play.
The play came in a stretch in the 3rd quarter that had Shaq score eight points in a row for the Western All-Stars. That run by Shaq, accompanied with the fact that he was playing in his home arena, probably won him the co-MVP award. The 3rd quarter was dominated by the West, who outscored the East 14 points to add on to their 72-67 halftime lead.
The West was definitely trying to find Shaq and get him the ball. Point Guard Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets led all players with 14 assists while also scoring 14 points. Paul was one of six All-Stars that were honored at halftime for their performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as members of the Gold Medal winning U.S. Men’s Basketball team. Paul, along with Kobe Bryant, Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard, and LeBron James were all given championship rings during a halftime ceremony.
James, a starter for the East, filled the stat sheet as usual with 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists. He really set the tempo early on with his signature style of attacking the basket. However, he will probably be remembered most for his off the glass dunk on the last play of the game. The dunk was a possible preview of what he plans to do next year in the dunk contest as he announced Saturday night that he want to participate next year.
Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, who finished 2nd in this years Sprite Slam Dunk contest, finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. Howard’s highlight of the night other than getting embarrassed by Shaq, was a very powerful dunk over both 6’11 Tim Duncan, and 7’6 Yao Ming. Howard’s fellow Magic teammate Rashard Lewis finished with eight points, and six rebounds.
The win gave a little bragging rights back to the West who had lost three of the past four All-Star games. Next year the game will be held in Dallas, Texas. The game will be played in the new Cowboys Stadium. They hope to fill the 100,000 seats available in the new building.
Monday, February 9, 2009
NFC Tops AFC
It is not the Super Bowl. It is not hard hitting. It has different rules. There is no blitzing, you have to play a basic 4-3 defense, and a basic two wide receiver offense. There are not even any coach’s challenges or reviewed plays. But the Pro Bowl is not about those things. It is about celebrating the past season of NFL football that we all got to witness. It is a fun exhibition game that most players love playing in. They get to spend a week in Hawaii and they get a chance to meet players they usually are trying to kill on any given Sunday.
Larry Fitzgerald’s NFC team defeated the AFC 30-21, in a game that surprisingly had a little more excitement than most Pro Bowls. It was somewhat ironic when Fitzgerald, would have been this years Super Bowl MVP, was awarded the Pro Bowl MVP. Fitzgerald finished with 5 catches for 81 yards, and 2 touchdowns, including the game winning touchdown catch with 4:03 left in the forth quarter to go up 24-21.
Le'Ron McClain, a running back for the ravens who would not have even played much this year if it were not for injuries, scored on a little trickery from the AFC with 6:59 left in the forth quarter. McClain ran the ball in from 5 yards out on the old fumbleruski play. The touchdown put the AFC up 21-17.
The 3rd quarter was dominated by defense, which is rare for a Pro Bowl. Not only was it dominated by defense but it was also dominated by NFC players from the same Minnesota Vikings team. There were three turnovers in the quarter, two of them being made by Vikings players. The lone touchdown of the quarter came with 2:24 left when last years Pro Bowl MVP Adrian Peterson, of the Vikings, ran the ball in from 10 yards out. This came right after Jared Allen, a defensive end for the Vikings, sacked and forced AFC quarterback Kerry Collins to fumble the ball. Allen recovered the ball and gave his NFC team the ball on the ten yard line. The third Vikings player to make a play in the 3rd quarter was Antoine Winfield when he intercepted Kerry Collins with 4:36 left in the quarter.
Fitzgerald made the play of the game when he caught his first of two touchdowns on a hail marry 46 yard pass from Saints quarterback Drew Brees on the last play of the 1st half, which cut the AFC lead to 14-10. The play was almost as good as the play that Steelers outside linebacker, James Harrison made at the end of the 1st half of the Super Bowl. Both players gave their teams momentum going into the half. Harrison’s was just a little more important.
The rest of the 1st half was all AFC. The AFC went up 14-3 after a Kerry Collins 9 yard touchdown pass to Texans tight end Owen Daniels with 0:28 left in the half. The only other touchdown of the 1st half came with 7:44 left in the 1st quarter when season MVP Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, found Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzales for a 19 yard score to put the AFC up 7-0. Gonzales with the touchdown catch broke the record for career receiving yards in the Pro Bowl with 533, tied Jimmy Smith and Marvin Harrison for most career Pro Bowl touchdowns with 5.
Larry Fitzgerald’s NFC team defeated the AFC 30-21, in a game that surprisingly had a little more excitement than most Pro Bowls. It was somewhat ironic when Fitzgerald, would have been this years Super Bowl MVP, was awarded the Pro Bowl MVP. Fitzgerald finished with 5 catches for 81 yards, and 2 touchdowns, including the game winning touchdown catch with 4:03 left in the forth quarter to go up 24-21.
Le'Ron McClain, a running back for the ravens who would not have even played much this year if it were not for injuries, scored on a little trickery from the AFC with 6:59 left in the forth quarter. McClain ran the ball in from 5 yards out on the old fumbleruski play. The touchdown put the AFC up 21-17.
The 3rd quarter was dominated by defense, which is rare for a Pro Bowl. Not only was it dominated by defense but it was also dominated by NFC players from the same Minnesota Vikings team. There were three turnovers in the quarter, two of them being made by Vikings players. The lone touchdown of the quarter came with 2:24 left when last years Pro Bowl MVP Adrian Peterson, of the Vikings, ran the ball in from 10 yards out. This came right after Jared Allen, a defensive end for the Vikings, sacked and forced AFC quarterback Kerry Collins to fumble the ball. Allen recovered the ball and gave his NFC team the ball on the ten yard line. The third Vikings player to make a play in the 3rd quarter was Antoine Winfield when he intercepted Kerry Collins with 4:36 left in the quarter.
Fitzgerald made the play of the game when he caught his first of two touchdowns on a hail marry 46 yard pass from Saints quarterback Drew Brees on the last play of the 1st half, which cut the AFC lead to 14-10. The play was almost as good as the play that Steelers outside linebacker, James Harrison made at the end of the 1st half of the Super Bowl. Both players gave their teams momentum going into the half. Harrison’s was just a little more important.
The rest of the 1st half was all AFC. The AFC went up 14-3 after a Kerry Collins 9 yard touchdown pass to Texans tight end Owen Daniels with 0:28 left in the half. The only other touchdown of the 1st half came with 7:44 left in the 1st quarter when season MVP Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, found Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzales for a 19 yard score to put the AFC up 7-0. Gonzales with the touchdown catch broke the record for career receiving yards in the Pro Bowl with 533, tied Jimmy Smith and Marvin Harrison for most career Pro Bowl touchdowns with 5.
Monday, February 2, 2009
A Steel City Six Pack
A Steel City Six Pack
For the second year in a row now, football fans across the nation were treated to one of the most exciting Super Bowls ever played. It had it all. Comebacks, drama, overturned calls, amazing catches, and even game winning drive at the end as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII. The two teams contrasted each other so well.
There were the hard hitting Steelers, who win with a bruising defense and a hard nose run the ball offence. They were playing for their now league leading 6th Super Bowl victory. Then there were the Cardinals, who were playing for their 6th playoff win in team history. The Cardinals came in with a Quarterback who had an MVP caliber season in Kurt Warner, two Pro Bowl receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, and an offence that had been throwing the ball all around the field this season.
The game was thrilling from start to finish, caped off with a 6 yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left in the game to go up 27-23. Holmes, who is enjoying himself a Disney World right now, was named Super Bowl XLIII for his 9 catches for 131 yards, and 1 game winning touchdown catch. The catch was as good if not better than the David Tyree helmet pinning catch from last years Super Bowl. Roethlisberger found Holmes behind three Arizona defenders in the back corner of the endzone and Holmes was somehow able to keep both feet in and bring the ball down for the go ahead score.
The Cardinals played an amazing football game, no player more impressive than Larry Fitzgerald. He was quiet for the first half but he came back in the second half catch two touchdowns in the forth quarter to lead the Cardinals comeback in the forth. He gave Arizona the lead 23-20, after trailing by as many as 13, with a 64 for yard catch and run up the middle of the field with 2:37 left in the forth. Maybe, even more impressive was the 1 yard touchdown catch he made on a fade route in the back corner of the endzone to bring the Cardinals within six points at the 7:33 mark of the forth quarter.
Ben Roethlisberger could have been named MVP for his performance. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 256 yards and that game winning drive and touchdown pass. What does not show up on the stat sheet is what put him apart from Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner. Roethlisberger made plays time and time again to help his team win the game. Numerous times throughout the game he had to improvise and scramble out or around the pocket to extend a play and try to find someone open. He was for the most part successful at it.
That is something Kurt Warner could not do. Yes, his stat sheet is very impressive. He was 31-43 for 377 yards, and three touchdowns. However, he was not mobile enough to make the plays that Roethlisberger did. He was sacked twice but hit even more. He also threw one very important interception. Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison intercepted Warner on the last play of the first half, and ran it back 100 yards for a Pittsburgh 17-7 lead. Warner had two turnovers, none more costly than the last one with 15 seconds left in the game. Warner was hit by Steelers linebacker Lamarr Woodley and fumbled the ball. Pittsburgh’s Brett Keisel recovered the ball to seal the fate of the game.
That fumble by Warner will be remembered by Cardinal fans for the rest of time. With that fumble he dropped not just a ball, but also a chance for Cardinal fan to not be associated with losing anymore. It will also be remembered for what did not happen. The play was never reviewed. In that situation under those circumstances that play had to be reviewed. The referees dropped the ball on that. The play actually looked like Warner was passing the ball and had it been overturned; Arizona would have had another chance to score that game winning touchdown. It stings Cardinal fans even more because of the 15 yard penalty against the Steelers that would have put Arizona on Pittsburgh’s 31 yard line. That would have given the Cardinals a legitimate chance at taking a few shots at the endzone and winning the game. But the referees blew it.
That is not taking anything away from what Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers did on Sunday night. That last drive by the Steelers will go down in history as one of the greatest moments in Super Bowl history as well as the catch that caped the drive by Santonio Holmes. This was truly one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played. It is in the same category as last year’s Super bowl between the Giants and Patriots, or Super Bowl XXXIV between the Titans and Rams, where the Titans came up a yard short. The last drive will be compared to John Elway’s drive with the Broncos to win Super Bowl XXXIII. It was a drive that will be remembered forever, and a drive that gave Pittsburgh one for the other hand.
For the second year in a row now, football fans across the nation were treated to one of the most exciting Super Bowls ever played. It had it all. Comebacks, drama, overturned calls, amazing catches, and even game winning drive at the end as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII. The two teams contrasted each other so well.
There were the hard hitting Steelers, who win with a bruising defense and a hard nose run the ball offence. They were playing for their now league leading 6th Super Bowl victory. Then there were the Cardinals, who were playing for their 6th playoff win in team history. The Cardinals came in with a Quarterback who had an MVP caliber season in Kurt Warner, two Pro Bowl receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, and an offence that had been throwing the ball all around the field this season.
The game was thrilling from start to finish, caped off with a 6 yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left in the game to go up 27-23. Holmes, who is enjoying himself a Disney World right now, was named Super Bowl XLIII for his 9 catches for 131 yards, and 1 game winning touchdown catch. The catch was as good if not better than the David Tyree helmet pinning catch from last years Super Bowl. Roethlisberger found Holmes behind three Arizona defenders in the back corner of the endzone and Holmes was somehow able to keep both feet in and bring the ball down for the go ahead score.
The Cardinals played an amazing football game, no player more impressive than Larry Fitzgerald. He was quiet for the first half but he came back in the second half catch two touchdowns in the forth quarter to lead the Cardinals comeback in the forth. He gave Arizona the lead 23-20, after trailing by as many as 13, with a 64 for yard catch and run up the middle of the field with 2:37 left in the forth. Maybe, even more impressive was the 1 yard touchdown catch he made on a fade route in the back corner of the endzone to bring the Cardinals within six points at the 7:33 mark of the forth quarter.
Ben Roethlisberger could have been named MVP for his performance. He completed 21 of 30 passes for 256 yards and that game winning drive and touchdown pass. What does not show up on the stat sheet is what put him apart from Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner. Roethlisberger made plays time and time again to help his team win the game. Numerous times throughout the game he had to improvise and scramble out or around the pocket to extend a play and try to find someone open. He was for the most part successful at it.
That is something Kurt Warner could not do. Yes, his stat sheet is very impressive. He was 31-43 for 377 yards, and three touchdowns. However, he was not mobile enough to make the plays that Roethlisberger did. He was sacked twice but hit even more. He also threw one very important interception. Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison intercepted Warner on the last play of the first half, and ran it back 100 yards for a Pittsburgh 17-7 lead. Warner had two turnovers, none more costly than the last one with 15 seconds left in the game. Warner was hit by Steelers linebacker Lamarr Woodley and fumbled the ball. Pittsburgh’s Brett Keisel recovered the ball to seal the fate of the game.
That fumble by Warner will be remembered by Cardinal fans for the rest of time. With that fumble he dropped not just a ball, but also a chance for Cardinal fan to not be associated with losing anymore. It will also be remembered for what did not happen. The play was never reviewed. In that situation under those circumstances that play had to be reviewed. The referees dropped the ball on that. The play actually looked like Warner was passing the ball and had it been overturned; Arizona would have had another chance to score that game winning touchdown. It stings Cardinal fans even more because of the 15 yard penalty against the Steelers that would have put Arizona on Pittsburgh’s 31 yard line. That would have given the Cardinals a legitimate chance at taking a few shots at the endzone and winning the game. But the referees blew it.
That is not taking anything away from what Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers did on Sunday night. That last drive by the Steelers will go down in history as one of the greatest moments in Super Bowl history as well as the catch that caped the drive by Santonio Holmes. This was truly one of the greatest Super Bowls ever played. It is in the same category as last year’s Super bowl between the Giants and Patriots, or Super Bowl XXXIV between the Titans and Rams, where the Titans came up a yard short. The last drive will be compared to John Elway’s drive with the Broncos to win Super Bowl XXXIII. It was a drive that will be remembered forever, and a drive that gave Pittsburgh one for the other hand.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Celtics Show They're Still Class Of The East
On a night where the Orlando Magic (33-9) had the national eye on them, planning to officially make their bid for the mid-season title of “Best in the NBA”; the Boston Celtics (36-9) were met by a sold out crowd at Amway Arena and showed why they are the defending champions, as they defeated the Magic 90-80.
The Magic entered Thursday’s game with the best winning percentage in the league. Also to their credit, were seven straight wins, including a four game west coast road trip where they defeated three division leaders; San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets. The Celtics, who beat Orlando back on December 1st, came into Thursday’s game winners of six straight games. They were playing the second game of a back to back, the first one being a win against Miami. However, it was the Magic who looked like they were on the second game of a back to back, and the Celtics who looked fresh and energetic.
The Magic, who recently broke the NBA record for most three point field goals in a game with twenty three against the Sacramento Kings on January 13th, shot a dismal 38.2 percent from the field and an even worse 31.8 percent from behind the arch, both are way under their season averages. Boston shot a much better 46.7 percent from the field but did not make any of their three point attempts.
Orlando was able to cut a 14 point 4th quarter deficit to only 7 after Jameer Nelson, who scored 11 of his 17 points in the 4th quarter, hit a twelve foot jump shot at the 2:59 mark. Dwight Howard, who earlier in the night was named the starting center for the Eastern Conference All-star Team, fouled out of the game shortly after Nelson’s shot, contributing only eleven points and eleven rebounds. Howard struggled through out the entire game with great defense by both Kendrick Perkins, and fellow All-star Kevin Garnett who finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Surprisingly, the 4th quarter belonged to an unexpected player off the Celtic’s bench. Glen Davis played the entire 4th quarter in which he would score 12 of his 16 points, which helped propel the Celtics to victory.
The Magic could not find an answer for the Celtic’s player, Paul Pierce. Hedo Turkoglu was given the unpleasant job of guarding the Celtic’s leading scorer for most of the game. Pierce finished with 27 points on 11 of 14 shooting. Pierce scored 9 of his 27 in the 3rd quarter as the Celtics lead grew to as big as 16 at one point. Turkoglu scored 8 of his team leading 22 points in the quarter.
The Magic missed 11 of their 14 first half 3 point attempts, which helped the Celtics grab a 44-36 halftime lead. The Celtics had balanced scoring in the 2nd quarter with 6 players scoring, of which 4 had at least 4 points in the quarter led by Paul Pierce’s 5 points in rout to outscoring the Magic 20-17 in the 2nd quarter.
The only time Orlando tasted the lead was in the 1st quarter where there were 3 lead changes and 3 ties. Orlando’s biggest lead of the game came at the 9:05 mark of the 1st quarter when Howard hit a running hook shot to give the Magic a four point lead. Rashard Lewis scored 7 of his 20 points while also grabbing 8 of his eventual 10 rebounds in the 1st quarter. Seven of those 1st quarter rebounds were offensive.
With the loss, the Magic fell to 3rd in the Easter Conference, while the Celtics moved into 1st place. The Magic play the defending champs two more times this season, first at Boston on March 8th, and then back in Orlando on March 25th. Both games could have very big playoff implications. The Magic play next on Saturday against their in-state rivals, the Miami Heat. Boston has a couple days off until they welcome the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
The Magic entered Thursday’s game with the best winning percentage in the league. Also to their credit, were seven straight wins, including a four game west coast road trip where they defeated three division leaders; San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets. The Celtics, who beat Orlando back on December 1st, came into Thursday’s game winners of six straight games. They were playing the second game of a back to back, the first one being a win against Miami. However, it was the Magic who looked like they were on the second game of a back to back, and the Celtics who looked fresh and energetic.
The Magic, who recently broke the NBA record for most three point field goals in a game with twenty three against the Sacramento Kings on January 13th, shot a dismal 38.2 percent from the field and an even worse 31.8 percent from behind the arch, both are way under their season averages. Boston shot a much better 46.7 percent from the field but did not make any of their three point attempts.
Orlando was able to cut a 14 point 4th quarter deficit to only 7 after Jameer Nelson, who scored 11 of his 17 points in the 4th quarter, hit a twelve foot jump shot at the 2:59 mark. Dwight Howard, who earlier in the night was named the starting center for the Eastern Conference All-star Team, fouled out of the game shortly after Nelson’s shot, contributing only eleven points and eleven rebounds. Howard struggled through out the entire game with great defense by both Kendrick Perkins, and fellow All-star Kevin Garnett who finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Surprisingly, the 4th quarter belonged to an unexpected player off the Celtic’s bench. Glen Davis played the entire 4th quarter in which he would score 12 of his 16 points, which helped propel the Celtics to victory.
The Magic could not find an answer for the Celtic’s player, Paul Pierce. Hedo Turkoglu was given the unpleasant job of guarding the Celtic’s leading scorer for most of the game. Pierce finished with 27 points on 11 of 14 shooting. Pierce scored 9 of his 27 in the 3rd quarter as the Celtics lead grew to as big as 16 at one point. Turkoglu scored 8 of his team leading 22 points in the quarter.
The Magic missed 11 of their 14 first half 3 point attempts, which helped the Celtics grab a 44-36 halftime lead. The Celtics had balanced scoring in the 2nd quarter with 6 players scoring, of which 4 had at least 4 points in the quarter led by Paul Pierce’s 5 points in rout to outscoring the Magic 20-17 in the 2nd quarter.
The only time Orlando tasted the lead was in the 1st quarter where there were 3 lead changes and 3 ties. Orlando’s biggest lead of the game came at the 9:05 mark of the 1st quarter when Howard hit a running hook shot to give the Magic a four point lead. Rashard Lewis scored 7 of his 20 points while also grabbing 8 of his eventual 10 rebounds in the 1st quarter. Seven of those 1st quarter rebounds were offensive.
With the loss, the Magic fell to 3rd in the Easter Conference, while the Celtics moved into 1st place. The Magic play the defending champs two more times this season, first at Boston on March 8th, and then back in Orlando on March 25th. Both games could have very big playoff implications. The Magic play next on Saturday against their in-state rivals, the Miami Heat. Boston has a couple days off until they welcome the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
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