Ah Spring. This is my favorite time of the year. We have the NCAA tourney, the NBA playoffs and the start of the new baseball season coming all at once. Plus let's not forget about the NFL. Football in the U.S. is talked about all year round. Just check out the sport pages in your daily newspaper and you will find lots of stories about your favorite team, even though the season opener is still 6 months away. What other sport is bantered this much? It takes some doing to get away from the news of the college player draft, the NFL trades, and all of the outlandish scandals. I love it.
I would be willing to bet that Brett Farve does not play football this year. However, if he does, he will not end up playing the whole season. He is so undecided that a disappointing start for the Vikings will send him to retirement. Again!
I don't know if Donovan McNabb is going to the Oakland Raiders. I really believe though, that he will not be with the Philadelphia Eagles this year. My reasoning is that if he were to stay, Michael Vick would already be gone. The Eagles have given up on McNabb.
Why did the Detroit Tigers get rid of Nate Robertson? I know that Nate, Bonderman, and Willis are all question marks for this year, but to get rid of a left-hander with some potential could come back to bite the team later near the playoffs. The Tigers now have 8 right hand pitchers and 5 left starting this season. My choice would have been to trade Bonderman and keep the left-hander. Lefties are not that plentiful.
Tom Izzo looks so tired this year. I hope it is not his health and that he is just getting a little older. All of these rumors of his leaving MSU, I doubt are true. But don't be surprised if he feels he needs some new challenges to get him rejuvenated. I hope not!
Happy Easter
Bob
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
New NFL Playoff Rule
When I first read the new rule for the NFL overtime playoff picture, I was not very enthused. My first thoughts were that if was just too little, and not enough change. If it doesn't help a lot, why change the rule in the first place? But after hearing some of the remarks by the NFL coaches I took another look at it. Guess what? I like it a whole bunch.
First off I looked at the problem. When the NFL changed the kickoffs from the 35 to the 30-yard line, the run backs by the special teams started getting deeper into the opponents territory, giving the receiving team a great field position to kick a field goal and win the game. The team winning the coin toss had a real advantage and it seemed too easy to win a game after a grueling battle, which finished in a tie.
The NFL solution is that if the "winning coin toss team" kicks a field goal, the opponent will have a chance to get the ball and do the same. If the two teams both kicked field goals, the game would go into sudden death and the first team that scores first in any way, wins. However, if either team scores a touchdown, or safety, the game would end right there. Got it?
This rule is a lot better than what the NFL had. It is not perfect, and I would have liked the coin toss (I hate it!) being eliminated. I am sure there will be more improvements in the future. This is a good start.
How about giving the home team the first option, or even going with "the team with the most yards after regulation?" Or the team with the best cheerleaders?
Any comments?
Bob
First off I looked at the problem. When the NFL changed the kickoffs from the 35 to the 30-yard line, the run backs by the special teams started getting deeper into the opponents territory, giving the receiving team a great field position to kick a field goal and win the game. The team winning the coin toss had a real advantage and it seemed too easy to win a game after a grueling battle, which finished in a tie.
The NFL solution is that if the "winning coin toss team" kicks a field goal, the opponent will have a chance to get the ball and do the same. If the two teams both kicked field goals, the game would go into sudden death and the first team that scores first in any way, wins. However, if either team scores a touchdown, or safety, the game would end right there. Got it?
This rule is a lot better than what the NFL had. It is not perfect, and I would have liked the coin toss (I hate it!) being eliminated. I am sure there will be more improvements in the future. This is a good start.
How about giving the home team the first option, or even going with "the team with the most yards after regulation?" Or the team with the best cheerleaders?
Any comments?
Bob
Monday, March 22, 2010
Another Weekend
What an amazing win for the Michigan Spartans this weekend. Korie Lucious hit a last second shot to beat Maryland, 85 to 83, to send Sparty into the Sweet Sixteen again. Michigan State looked like a team of the walking wounded. CBS's Brando said they looked like a "Mash" unit.
I am not sure how much further they can go in the tournament with their many injuries, but one thing I have to say is that Michigan State basketball always gives us an exciting "March Madness." Their next game is with the Cinderella's of Northern Iowa. Go Sparty!
What is with all of the upsets this year in the NCAA tourney? I have already thrown my bracket entries away. All of the big teams, Kansas, Georgetown, Villanova, and Vanderbilt got beat in the second round. My thoughts on this is that their opponents are teams they hadn't played before. They have been rated 1, 2, or 3 based on their schedules and games in their own conferences, where they are familiar with the weaknesses and strengths. More than ever this year I have noticed how poorly the big teams started off the beginning of their games. Are they too over confident?
The Lions are looking at "Pacman" Jones and although he is still young and in good physical shape, I really think they should pass on him. He has practically sat out two years because of off-field incidents. I believe in giving people a second chance, but I don't think the Detroit Lions are a team that should be taking a chance on someone who has a shaky past. They are shaky enough. And let's not talk about their past!
Bob
I am not sure how much further they can go in the tournament with their many injuries, but one thing I have to say is that Michigan State basketball always gives us an exciting "March Madness." Their next game is with the Cinderella's of Northern Iowa. Go Sparty!
What is with all of the upsets this year in the NCAA tourney? I have already thrown my bracket entries away. All of the big teams, Kansas, Georgetown, Villanova, and Vanderbilt got beat in the second round. My thoughts on this is that their opponents are teams they hadn't played before. They have been rated 1, 2, or 3 based on their schedules and games in their own conferences, where they are familiar with the weaknesses and strengths. More than ever this year I have noticed how poorly the big teams started off the beginning of their games. Are they too over confident?
The Lions are looking at "Pacman" Jones and although he is still young and in good physical shape, I really think they should pass on him. He has practically sat out two years because of off-field incidents. I believe in giving people a second chance, but I don't think the Detroit Lions are a team that should be taking a chance on someone who has a shaky past. They are shaky enough. And let's not talk about their past!
Bob
Monday, March 15, 2010
This and That
The Michigan Wolverines lost in the Big Ten Tournament on a last two-second shot. I have been amazed at how the TV sportscasters analyzed coach Beilein's decision to go man-to-man or to a zone defense? They kept discussing whether he made the right move or not? Of course, he didn't. We lost the game! I would not be critical of him had there been no timeouts left, but the coach had time to set up any attempt of Ohio State getting a shot off and he failed.
If this situation should ever come up again, I know that he would not do the same thing, no matter what he says to the contrary.
This loss might have changed a few things. Would Illinois be in the tourney now? Would Michigan be in the NIT? Would the Spartans be a higher seed? Who knows?
Michigan Spartans, number 11 in the country, goes to a 5 seed? Yeah, that is about right. They have not looked good the past few weeks, and they sure don't look like they will go far in the NCAA tournament. There is hope with Allen coming off a suspension, that he might get the team energized so that they might avoid an early knockout. My feeling is that they have not been physical enough all year. Early in the season they were constantly in foul trouble. It seems they have corrected that problem, but it has been hurting their defense and aggressiveness.
Small note on the Lions: With the acquisitions Detroit has made in the off-season, I have changed my thoughts about their number two pick. I now think the Honolulu Blue will take Suh and not trade down for an extra pick. I think the coaches are very happy with the players they have picked up in free agency and by trades. They are much improved since the beginning of the year and now will go for an outstanding defensive player. I am hoping!
Bob
If this situation should ever come up again, I know that he would not do the same thing, no matter what he says to the contrary.
This loss might have changed a few things. Would Illinois be in the tourney now? Would Michigan be in the NIT? Would the Spartans be a higher seed? Who knows?
Michigan Spartans, number 11 in the country, goes to a 5 seed? Yeah, that is about right. They have not looked good the past few weeks, and they sure don't look like they will go far in the NCAA tournament. There is hope with Allen coming off a suspension, that he might get the team energized so that they might avoid an early knockout. My feeling is that they have not been physical enough all year. Early in the season they were constantly in foul trouble. It seems they have corrected that problem, but it has been hurting their defense and aggressiveness.
Small note on the Lions: With the acquisitions Detroit has made in the off-season, I have changed my thoughts about their number two pick. I now think the Honolulu Blue will take Suh and not trade down for an extra pick. I think the coaches are very happy with the players they have picked up in free agency and by trades. They are much improved since the beginning of the year and now will go for an outstanding defensive player. I am hoping!
Bob
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Real Larry Foote?
I was really surprised when the Detroit Lions released Larry Foote a week or so ago. He had a lot of good things to say about our struggling football team last year when he came back to his home state where he attended high school in Flint Michigan. I thought that he was the type of player we needed. Larry seemed dedicated, loyal, with a good attitude, and had "game." He was (I had hoped) one more brick on bringing the Lions back to respectability. I guess the Lion's front office and coach Schwartz did not see him that same way. I am not sure what kind of skills he still possesses, but his latest remarks show a little of his true character. Now that he is leaving after one year, he is making statements about going to the Arizona Cardinals, which, quoting he said, "To get back to a winner." Boy, that was a fast reversal. In other words, to "Hell" with Detroit, and all the good words he said about the team last year was not the way he truly felt.
I am glad he is now gone. As always I will be rooting for the Lions to win every game this year, and if Foote goes to Arizona (might go to Redskins?), I will cheer the opposing team each and every game.
Bob
I am glad he is now gone. As always I will be rooting for the Lions to win every game this year, and if Foote goes to Arizona (might go to Redskins?), I will cheer the opposing team each and every game.
Bob
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
MORE THOUGHTS
I see that Eastern Michigan University (granddaughter goes there) hired a former Detroit Lion's assistant coach last week. Phil Snow who was the Lion's linebacker coach will now take over as defensive coordinator for the EM Eagles. Last year the Eagles lost every game, they were 0 for 12. Now I don't want to blow EMU's bubble, but Snow worked for the Lions for 4 years and the team's record for that period was 15 wins and 49 losses. What was on Snow's resume that made EMU hire this guy?
The Big Ten tournament is this weekend. I am predicting that a couple of the top teams, either Michigan State, Ohio State or Purdue will get knocked off early before the Championship game. I believe, however that all of these teams, including Wisconsin (granddaughter goes there)will do well in the Big Dance (NCAA Tourney).
I wish I had the high hopes as the Detroit writers do about the Detroit Tigers baseball team's chances this year. The pitching looks good, much better than last year, but new guys like Damon, Austin, and Sizemore look shaky to me. I hope I am wrong. If the Tigers don't make the playoffs this year, look for Dombrowski to leave because of the roster moves he has made.
Bob
The Big Ten tournament is this weekend. I am predicting that a couple of the top teams, either Michigan State, Ohio State or Purdue will get knocked off early before the Championship game. I believe, however that all of these teams, including Wisconsin (granddaughter goes there)will do well in the Big Dance (NCAA Tourney).
I wish I had the high hopes as the Detroit writers do about the Detroit Tigers baseball team's chances this year. The pitching looks good, much better than last year, but new guys like Damon, Austin, and Sizemore look shaky to me. I hope I am wrong. If the Tigers don't make the playoffs this year, look for Dombrowski to leave because of the roster moves he has made.
Bob
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
NFL Latest
The NFL is thinking about changing the rules for overtime play. As of right now, the winner of the coin toss has quite an advantage getting the ball first and then just working down the field to kick a field goal. Today's field goal kickers can kick farther and more accurate than the kickers in the 50's, and with the current passing attacks, teams can move down the field for a fairly easy win. How do they improve this?
I never did like the college football overtime format. I sure hope they don't go that route! It seems too dragged out.
I have heard some of the NFL ideas so far, and they are not very stimulating. I have my own ideas, and I would like to suggest them to the National Football League now.
1. Get rid of all coin tosses. They are childish and antiquated. Home teams should always receive the ball first. If they want it first?
2. In overtime, the team who has the ball last in regulation time must kick off to the opponents. This will force the last team with the ball to try and break the tie before regulation ends, knowing that they won't get the ball first in the overtime period. It could be mostly be their fault if the game goes to overtime for not being aggressive enough.
3. In the overtime period each team has 3 minutes to score with only one timeout. Once they lose the ball and time runs out, they must kick off to the other team. Kickoffs go back and forth with possessions. More kickoffs, more excitement, and more special teams involvement.
Would it work? I don't know. Just my thoughts.
The last period of the Olympic hockey game between Canada and the U.S. was one of the best I have seen in years. The offensive flow of both teams were tremendous and really exciting. The game was not stopped for unnecessary penalties or frequent commercial breaks. The NHL could learn a few thing from the Olympics.
March Madness is right around the corner. Can't wait!
Bob
I never did like the college football overtime format. I sure hope they don't go that route! It seems too dragged out.
I have heard some of the NFL ideas so far, and they are not very stimulating. I have my own ideas, and I would like to suggest them to the National Football League now.
1. Get rid of all coin tosses. They are childish and antiquated. Home teams should always receive the ball first. If they want it first?
2. In overtime, the team who has the ball last in regulation time must kick off to the opponents. This will force the last team with the ball to try and break the tie before regulation ends, knowing that they won't get the ball first in the overtime period. It could be mostly be their fault if the game goes to overtime for not being aggressive enough.
3. In the overtime period each team has 3 minutes to score with only one timeout. Once they lose the ball and time runs out, they must kick off to the other team. Kickoffs go back and forth with possessions. More kickoffs, more excitement, and more special teams involvement.
Would it work? I don't know. Just my thoughts.
The last period of the Olympic hockey game between Canada and the U.S. was one of the best I have seen in years. The offensive flow of both teams were tremendous and really exciting. The game was not stopped for unnecessary penalties or frequent commercial breaks. The NHL could learn a few thing from the Olympics.
March Madness is right around the corner. Can't wait!
Bob
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