Ethan Miller/Getty Images Van Noy Gets His Chance to Shine Friday NightThe BYU defense has been forced into a significant personnel makeover as it prepares for Friday nighttilt with Utah State in Logan.Injuries have taken their toll this week on a defense that comes into the game giving up 433 yards and 28 points perNew York Jets jersey
game.Fridaygame may be the first opportunity for outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy to show what he can do while subbing for the injured Jamison Frazier, who is out three to four weeks following surgery to repair a broken thumb.The 6-foot-4, 220-pound freshman from Reno is an explosive athlete that has been working to learn the responsibilities and assignments necessary in order to see more time on the field.In high school, Van Noy could get by with his freakish athletic ability. But taking his game to the college level has been a work in progress.He has needed some time to mature, get the mental part of the game down, and understand all that is expected of players in Bronco Mendenhallprogram.Van Noy and Jaden Wagner are listed as co-starters going into the game, but it is Van Noy who coaches and fans have been waiting to see step up to the plate and take control on the weak side. A good showing in Logan against a team that gave up four sacks to Fresno State last week could be just what the doctor ordered to jump-start Kylecareer.Meanwhile, with Steven Thomas still out with a concussion, Travis Uale will be called upon to start again at safety. Last week, BYU made a switch in the defensive backfield, moving Andrew Rich to free safety while Uale played the strong or KAT safety spot.The move was made specifically for the Nevada game, but keep an eye on how the Cougars utilize Rich and Travis against Utah State and the mobile Diondre Borel.On the defensive line, Eathyn Manumaleuna moves over from defensive end to nose tackle to fill in for the injured Romney Fuga, who is out for the season.Manumaleuna should be a capable replacement for Romney, having played nose tackle as a freshman. He will rotate with former walk-on Jordan Richardson, but expect Manumaleuna to get the lionshare of plays.The key is how quickly Eathyn will be able to make the adjustment from playing primarily one-on-one as a defensive end to dealing with double teams and eating up space in the middle. He will have to get back up to speed Oakland Raiders jersey
quickly as an NT in order to help free up the inside linebackers to make plays in BYU3-4 defense.Meanwhile, on the outside, the Cougars really hope that Matt Putnam will be able to step up and fill the sizable hole left by Manumaleuna at left defensive end.At 6-foot-6, 271 pounds, Putnam isnexactly the perfect body type to play on the defensive line in a 3-4 scheme, being more suited to playing in a 4-3. Matt did show some flashes earlier in his playing career, and now the junior has an opportunity to prove that he can get it done on a consistent basis.Backing up Putnam on the depth chart now is true freshman Graham Rowley, although donbe surprised to see another true freshman, Thomas Bryson, get in the game ahead of Rowley.Both Bryson and Rowley are impressive athletes with promising futures. However, Bryson has had the advantage of being in the program since the spring, and has seen action in three of the Cougars four games this year.Regardless of who gets the most snaps, it's clear that the Cougars are going to be relying on true freshmen at the position more than they wanted for the rest of the season.It will be interesting to see if Utah State can test BYUmakeshift defense. The Aggie offense is struggling with injuries of its own, with top offensive lineman Spencer Johnson hobbling with a leg injury Philadelphia Eagles jersey
and their most talented running back, Micheal Smith, dealing with turf toe.After Utah State gave seventh-ranked Oklahoma a run for their money to start the season and battled Fresno State into the final stanza, the wheels came off last week in the Aggies' 41-7 loss at San Diego State. USUstar quarterback, Diondre Borel, was just 14-of-31 for 103 yards passing, and was held to just five yards rushing while running for his life in the backfield for a good portion of the game.Once again, the BYU gameplan on defense will no doubt be to make a mobile quarterback beat them with his arm. On the season Borel has completed just 53 percent of his throws for 203 yards per game with four touchdowns and four interceptions.
2011年1月24日星期一
2011年1月22日星期六
22 Jan 11 Houston Cougars Lose Quarterbacks Case Keenum, Cotton Turner For Season
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesIt has been reported via the University of Houston Department of Athletic Communications and a teleconference call with head coachKevin Sumlin that senior starting quarterback Case Keenum will miss the remainder of 2010 with a season-ending torn ACL knee injury.Additionally, junior back-up Arizona Cardinals jersey
Cotton Turner suffered a fractured clavicle also resulting in the end of his play this year.Both quarterbacks sustained injuries in UHgame vs. UCLA on Saturday. Keenum left at the four-minute mark of the second quarter, while Turner went down at 4:09 in the third quarter. I am very disappointed for both these young men, said Sumlin. Ithard to see them hurting right now. They both are a big part of this team and wanted to be contributors to its success this season. I think they can still do that with their off-the-field leadership.Keenum finished the season with 636 yards passing on a 66 percent completion percentage, while also throwing five touchdown passes.With his 2010 numbers, he ranks among the top-10 in the NCAA in five career categories 14,448 yards of total offense (7th nationally), 13,586 passing yards (5th nationally), 107 touchdown passes (8th nationally), 1,626 pass attempts (10th nationally), 1,118 pass completions (7th nationally).Turner played in all three games, completing 74 percent of his passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.Turner was scheduled for surgery at 2:30pm Sunday, while Keenum was to be re-evaluated on Monday.Sumlin indicated that Keenuminjury was a plant and slip and not the result of contact.Sumlin stated inhis Sunday teleconference call that he would namea starter early in the week and Terrence Broadway and David Piland would bothbe considered for the job.Broadway went 5 for 8for 84 yards and one touchdown against UCLA.Sumlin indicated that the plan for this season was to redshirt both Broadway Atlanta Falcons jersey
Pilant this season. He stated that like in most things, plans change.Whoever is given the starting job, they will face a Tulane team that is currently 1-2 for the season, coming off a 65-18 loss to Oklahoma State on Sept. 18.I will post more on this as updated information becomes available.
Cotton Turner suffered a fractured clavicle also resulting in the end of his play this year.Both quarterbacks sustained injuries in UHgame vs. UCLA on Saturday. Keenum left at the four-minute mark of the second quarter, while Turner went down at 4:09 in the third quarter. I am very disappointed for both these young men, said Sumlin. Ithard to see them hurting right now. They both are a big part of this team and wanted to be contributors to its success this season. I think they can still do that with their off-the-field leadership.Keenum finished the season with 636 yards passing on a 66 percent completion percentage, while also throwing five touchdown passes.With his 2010 numbers, he ranks among the top-10 in the NCAA in five career categories 14,448 yards of total offense (7th nationally), 13,586 passing yards (5th nationally), 107 touchdown passes (8th nationally), 1,626 pass attempts (10th nationally), 1,118 pass completions (7th nationally).Turner played in all three games, completing 74 percent of his passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns.Turner was scheduled for surgery at 2:30pm Sunday, while Keenum was to be re-evaluated on Monday.Sumlin indicated that Keenuminjury was a plant and slip and not the result of contact.Sumlin stated inhis Sunday teleconference call that he would namea starter early in the week and Terrence Broadway and David Piland would bothbe considered for the job.Broadway went 5 for 8for 84 yards and one touchdown against UCLA.Sumlin indicated that the plan for this season was to redshirt both Broadway Atlanta Falcons jersey
Pilant this season. He stated that like in most things, plans change.Whoever is given the starting job, they will face a Tulane team that is currently 1-2 for the season, coming off a 65-18 loss to Oklahoma State on Sept. 18.I will post more on this as updated information becomes available.
2011年1月18日星期二
18 Jan 11 Can Rutgers Use Wildcat to Hurt North Carolina?
Mohamed SanuAndrew Burton/Getty ImagesThe North Carolina Tar Heels' biggest area of concern this season has been their defensemore specifically the run defense.Entering Saturdaygame at Rutgers Stadium, the Tar Heels are ranked 81st in total defense and 118th in defense against the run. They are also 118th in sacks and 91st in scoring defense.A big reason for the struggles of North Carolinadefensive unit is the fact they have played LSU and Georgia Tech. While LSU is a more balanced team, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets run the triple option. UNC was unablePittsburgh Steelers jersey
to stop the Yellow Jackets' ground attack.The Tar Heels defense gave up 448 total yards to Georgia Tech, including 372 on the ground. In the past three games between the two teams, Georgia Tech is averaging 338.3 rushing yards per game.This tells you the Tar Heels and coach Butch Davis have not figured out the option attack of Georgia Tech.Rutgers does not run the option, but they do have some gimmick plays of their own. The Scarlet Knights have a handful of options with their Wildcat formation. Can Rutgers use this to take advantage of the North Carolina run defense?Continue reading this article at Double G Sports.
to stop the Yellow Jackets' ground attack.The Tar Heels defense gave up 448 total yards to Georgia Tech, including 372 on the ground. In the past three games between the two teams, Georgia Tech is averaging 338.3 rushing yards per game.This tells you the Tar Heels and coach Butch Davis have not figured out the option attack of Georgia Tech.Rutgers does not run the option, but they do have some gimmick plays of their own. The Scarlet Knights have a handful of options with their Wildcat formation. Can Rutgers use this to take advantage of the North Carolina run defense?Continue reading this article at Double G Sports.
2011年1月15日星期六
15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams Commentary "Bias, Media, Fair-weather Fan"
Bias: noun, 1. a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment.It's a word that carries a negative connotation that most people would never want to be labeled with. Unfortunately, the NFL as an entity is replete with bias. This is not necessarily its fault; the league tries to adhere to it's own doctrine in leveling the playing field through collective bargaining, even as league spokesmen tout that the new age of the salary cap has brought parity to the league. No, the problem lies in the entities that prop up the league and give it popularity and influence, and the monster is aReebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
two-headed beast.The first problem lies not in our stars but in ourselves; that being, the dreaded media. One would think that traditional sports media outlets have a very selective palate concerning teams when they dish out the weekly NFL news (Mind you, I'm not singling out any particular outlets here, but its theme music goes: da da da, da da da). Many outlets act as if they had never heard of the St. Louis Rams or any of the other teams that they feel the league's fans aren't clamoring for. Likewise, media outlets dote on particular players. While the better players do deserve the lion's share of the attention, outlets don't base their major storyline decisions solely on who is good, but also on who generates the most controversy or hype.When you hear a discussion pertaining to the best wide receivers in the league, you always hear the same names: Terrell Owens, Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison. Outlets only now are making mention of Torry Holt, who is on his way to posting his seventh consecutive 1,300-yard season, a feat no receiver has ever matched. Holt doesn't suffer drug-relapses or go on weekly crime-sprees. He doesn't catch passes from Peyton Manning, so he therefore must generate Herculean numbers in order to even be considered in the same company as the aforementioned players.When you listen to a conversation regarding the best quarterbacks in the league, you are bombarded by the same players ad nauseam: Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb and Tom Brady. Outlets completely ignore the accomplishments of Marc Bulger because he is quiet, unassuming and doesn't play for one of the teams the media favors. Bulger's career quarterback rating is in the 90s (bettered only by Manning); however, in a discussion of the top players, he doesn't even get a seat at the table. Bulger doesn't play for one of the league's media-darlings and it will be difficult for him to procure the recognition he deserves. If one didn't bother to watch the games and relied solely on the largest media outlets for their NFL updates, they would think the league featured only the following teams:Steelers (Ben Roethlisberger - Super Bowl champs)Patriots (Tom Brady - Three recent Super Bowls)Giants (Eli Manning - New York is the center of the universe)Bears (Currently undefeated)Packers (Brett Favre is on retirement watch)Saints (Feel-good story, plus Reggie Bush)Falcons (Michael Vick)Colts (Peyton Manning, the Michael Jordan of commercials, er, football)Cowboys (Terrell Owens)Eagles (Used to have Terrell Owens)The bias in the media can be blamed partly for influencing the second half of the two-headed monster, while the rest of the blame resides in simple human nature. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the second half of our bias double-threat, the fair-weather fan. Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
The fair-weather fan is by no means a recent phenomenon. I covered the Rams in college when they played in Los Angeles. When not furnished tickets for a game, I would watch the telecast on one of those old-school satellite dishes that was large enough to generate its own gravitational field. I'd watch (pre-NFL Sunday Ticket days) satellite games that would never cut away from the field for commercials, and while the rest of the nation was watching advertisements, I'd be treated to John Madden picking his nose during the break. Truth be told, the Rams were lousy back then; they'd generally be out of playoff contention by the midpoint of the season. In the years between Rams quarterback Jim Everett rolling into the fetal position against an imaginary San Francisco pass rush in the 1990 NFC Championship Game and the "Greatest Show on Turf" days, the Rams never had more than seven wins in any season. I can't tell you how many "playing for pride" games I endured in those days and I felt for the fans still sitting in the seats - often outnumbered by supporters of the opposing team - loyally watching every game. Yes, their team was terrible, but they still showed up to watch, because they always watched their favorite team, that's what real fans do.In my days covering the Rams prior to their 1999 Super Bowl run, it seemed every discussion I ever had about football went something like this:Typical fan: So, man, I hear you write about football.Me: Yes, I write a column about the Rams. Typical fan: But, dude, the Rams suck.I can't begin to quantify how many of these insightful conversations I had throughout the '90s. Some stereotypically brainless football fan was letting me in on the fact that the "Rams suck," as if it would trigger an epiphanic moment and I'd go to my editor and say, "Hey, the Rams DO suck; what have I been doing all these years?" The regularity with which such conversations occurred proves one thing today: despite what they may believe, most people who follow the NFL are fair-weather fans. How many Patriots jerseys have you observed outside of the New England states these past few years? How many Cowboys jerseys did you see last decade? How difficult was it to be a 49ers fan in the '80s?I have the utmost respect for ardent fans of teams such as the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals. These teams have never gotten close to a Super Bowl, let alone won one. Likewise, I feel for longtime Patriots fans who are nauseated by the sight of Tom Brady jerseys as far as the eye can see. Where were all the New England jerseys when the Pats were terrible? Anyone can wear an Indianapolis Colts jersey today and feel good about themselves. Fair-weather fans are biased by definition because they only follow a team when it is doing well.The media feeds fans what they think they want. In turn, fair-weather fans want what the media gives them because - unless you're looking for it on a site such as this - that's all there is; fair-weather fans are only aware of the favored teams and the hyped players. It's an endless, self-aggrandizing monstrosity, and the only way the circle will be broken is by fans becoming truly loyal to a single team, and thus introducing true parity into the NFL. The bias will end because there will be a proportional number of fans for each team, Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
and the media outlets will finally stop covering what Terrell Owens had for breakfast and focus on what the true fans want.Therefore, to all NFL fans, I pose this challenge: Whichever team you root for should be your favorite team until the day you die. Whether their record is good, bad or average, wear your team's jersey with pride. Granted, a true fan should feel bad when their team loses and many take it personally. This is what being a fan entails, highs when your team wins and "they'll get 'em next week" when they lose. If your ego strength suffers from such fragility that you must leap onto another team's bandwagon because yours is losing, then you epitomize the fair-weather fan. Many of you are already in tune with what I'm saying and answered this challenge long ago. Unfortunately, the rest will finish this article and promptly run to the store to pick up their new Peyton Manning jersey.Original St. Louis Rams commentary
two-headed beast.The first problem lies not in our stars but in ourselves; that being, the dreaded media. One would think that traditional sports media outlets have a very selective palate concerning teams when they dish out the weekly NFL news (Mind you, I'm not singling out any particular outlets here, but its theme music goes: da da da, da da da). Many outlets act as if they had never heard of the St. Louis Rams or any of the other teams that they feel the league's fans aren't clamoring for. Likewise, media outlets dote on particular players. While the better players do deserve the lion's share of the attention, outlets don't base their major storyline decisions solely on who is good, but also on who generates the most controversy or hype.When you hear a discussion pertaining to the best wide receivers in the league, you always hear the same names: Terrell Owens, Randy Moss and Marvin Harrison. Outlets only now are making mention of Torry Holt, who is on his way to posting his seventh consecutive 1,300-yard season, a feat no receiver has ever matched. Holt doesn't suffer drug-relapses or go on weekly crime-sprees. He doesn't catch passes from Peyton Manning, so he therefore must generate Herculean numbers in order to even be considered in the same company as the aforementioned players.When you listen to a conversation regarding the best quarterbacks in the league, you are bombarded by the same players ad nauseam: Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb and Tom Brady. Outlets completely ignore the accomplishments of Marc Bulger because he is quiet, unassuming and doesn't play for one of the teams the media favors. Bulger's career quarterback rating is in the 90s (bettered only by Manning); however, in a discussion of the top players, he doesn't even get a seat at the table. Bulger doesn't play for one of the league's media-darlings and it will be difficult for him to procure the recognition he deserves. If one didn't bother to watch the games and relied solely on the largest media outlets for their NFL updates, they would think the league featured only the following teams:Steelers (Ben Roethlisberger - Super Bowl champs)Patriots (Tom Brady - Three recent Super Bowls)Giants (Eli Manning - New York is the center of the universe)Bears (Currently undefeated)Packers (Brett Favre is on retirement watch)Saints (Feel-good story, plus Reggie Bush)Falcons (Michael Vick)Colts (Peyton Manning, the Michael Jordan of commercials, er, football)Cowboys (Terrell Owens)Eagles (Used to have Terrell Owens)The bias in the media can be blamed partly for influencing the second half of the two-headed monster, while the rest of the blame resides in simple human nature. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the second half of our bias double-threat, the fair-weather fan. Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
The fair-weather fan is by no means a recent phenomenon. I covered the Rams in college when they played in Los Angeles. When not furnished tickets for a game, I would watch the telecast on one of those old-school satellite dishes that was large enough to generate its own gravitational field. I'd watch (pre-NFL Sunday Ticket days) satellite games that would never cut away from the field for commercials, and while the rest of the nation was watching advertisements, I'd be treated to John Madden picking his nose during the break. Truth be told, the Rams were lousy back then; they'd generally be out of playoff contention by the midpoint of the season. In the years between Rams quarterback Jim Everett rolling into the fetal position against an imaginary San Francisco pass rush in the 1990 NFC Championship Game and the "Greatest Show on Turf" days, the Rams never had more than seven wins in any season. I can't tell you how many "playing for pride" games I endured in those days and I felt for the fans still sitting in the seats - often outnumbered by supporters of the opposing team - loyally watching every game. Yes, their team was terrible, but they still showed up to watch, because they always watched their favorite team, that's what real fans do.In my days covering the Rams prior to their 1999 Super Bowl run, it seemed every discussion I ever had about football went something like this:Typical fan: So, man, I hear you write about football.Me: Yes, I write a column about the Rams. Typical fan: But, dude, the Rams suck.I can't begin to quantify how many of these insightful conversations I had throughout the '90s. Some stereotypically brainless football fan was letting me in on the fact that the "Rams suck," as if it would trigger an epiphanic moment and I'd go to my editor and say, "Hey, the Rams DO suck; what have I been doing all these years?" The regularity with which such conversations occurred proves one thing today: despite what they may believe, most people who follow the NFL are fair-weather fans. How many Patriots jerseys have you observed outside of the New England states these past few years? How many Cowboys jerseys did you see last decade? How difficult was it to be a 49ers fan in the '80s?I have the utmost respect for ardent fans of teams such as the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals. These teams have never gotten close to a Super Bowl, let alone won one. Likewise, I feel for longtime Patriots fans who are nauseated by the sight of Tom Brady jerseys as far as the eye can see. Where were all the New England jerseys when the Pats were terrible? Anyone can wear an Indianapolis Colts jersey today and feel good about themselves. Fair-weather fans are biased by definition because they only follow a team when it is doing well.The media feeds fans what they think they want. In turn, fair-weather fans want what the media gives them because - unless you're looking for it on a site such as this - that's all there is; fair-weather fans are only aware of the favored teams and the hyped players. It's an endless, self-aggrandizing monstrosity, and the only way the circle will be broken is by fans becoming truly loyal to a single team, and thus introducing true parity into the NFL. The bias will end because there will be a proportional number of fans for each team, Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
and the media outlets will finally stop covering what Terrell Owens had for breakfast and focus on what the true fans want.Therefore, to all NFL fans, I pose this challenge: Whichever team you root for should be your favorite team until the day you die. Whether their record is good, bad or average, wear your team's jersey with pride. Granted, a true fan should feel bad when their team loses and many take it personally. This is what being a fan entails, highs when your team wins and "they'll get 'em next week" when they lose. If your ego strength suffers from such fragility that you must leap onto another team's bandwagon because yours is losing, then you epitomize the fair-weather fan. Many of you are already in tune with what I'm saying and answered this challenge long ago. Unfortunately, the rest will finish this article and promptly run to the store to pick up their new Peyton Manning jersey.Original St. Louis Rams commentary
2011年1月13日星期四
14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks "This underlooked rivalry is packed full of drama"
Here they go again.Mike Holmgren and Matt Hasselbeck lead the Seahawks back to Green Bay for yet another installment in what has become one of the more dramatic -- if overlooked -- rivalries in the NFL.Since Holmgren came to Seattle from Green Bay in 1999, his Seahawks have met his old team five times, with the Packers holding a 3-2 edge. The Seahawks will hope to even the ledger and avenge the only postseason loss when they play the Packers in a divisional playoff game Saturday.This rivalry began in 1999, when Holmgren and a dozen of Washington Redskins jersey
his former Green Bay coaches and executives came with him to Seattle. The NFL immediately sought to capitalize on the made-for-TV drama by sending Holmgren and his new team back to Green Bay for a Monday night game.The Seahawks forced quarterback Brett Favre -- Holmgren's one-time protege and the league's only three-time MVP -- into six turnovers, winning 27-7. The Packers committed 10 penalties for 103 yards, including three unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. And one of those came against a formerly unknown backup who was displeased with Shawn Springs for celebrating while returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown. Little did anyone know it, but that was the first look Seahawks fans got at their future quarterback, a fiery guy by the name of Matt Hasselbeck.The rivalry only grew when the Seahawks sent Ahman Green to the Packers in 2000 and then acquired Hasselbeck in 2001. Each meeting from then on was essentially a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle SeaPackers.Hasselbeck's first start against his original team came back at Lambeau Field in October 2003, and it wasn't at all what Hasselbeck or Holmgren would have preferred. Favre and Green each accounted for two touchdowns as the Packers dominated the Seahawks 35-13.The teams met again that season in a very entertaining wild-card playoff game that became notable not as much for the quality of the game but for the quip made by Hasselbeck just before overtime. The Seahawks won the coin toss, and the former Packer offered up some playful bravado. Unaware the referee's microphone would broadcast his trash talk on national television, Hasselbeck proclaimed to his former teammates,"We want the ball, and we're gonna score." To his chagrin, Green Bay cornerback Al Harris intercepted one of his Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
passes and returned it 52 yards for the winning score.The teams have met twice since then -- once in the final game of the 2005 season, which actually was played in January 2006, and again in November 2006. The oddity of the first game was that it had no meaning to the Seahawks, who already held the top seed in the NFC playoffs and pulled their starters after halftime. The significance of the game rested on two players, Seattle running back Shaun Alexander and Favre. The Seahawks' sole goals in that game were to get Alexander the NFL record for touchdowns in a season and make him the league rushing champion. They accomplished both as he scored his 28th TD and finished with 1,880 yards. Meanwhile, on the other side, everyone watched Favre like a hawk, thinking this might be the final game of his Hall of Fame career. He was mobbed by TV cameras as he walked off the field after the Packers' 23-17 win.A day later, Alexander said, "It was so surreal, like the game didn't even matter. We were trying to get me a touchdown, and the fans were saying goodbye to Brett."But Favre came back for the 2006 game, the first of the bunch that was played in Seattle and yet another nationally televised contest. And as irony would have it, the Packers from frigid Lambeau Field ended up losing 34-24 on a snowy Monday night in which Alexander ran for 201 yards on a team-record 40 carries.That was the latest in what has been a dramatic and an entertaining series -- one of the more underrated rivalries around. And here they go again.THE SERIESNov. 1, 1999: Seahawks 27, at Packers 7: In Mike Holmgren's return to Green Bay, Brett Favre turns the ball over six times.Oct. 5, 2003: At Packers 35, Seahawks 13: Favre throws for two touchdowns and former Seahawk Ahman Green runs for two.Jan. 4, 2004: At Packers 33, Seahawks 27, OT: Al Harris returns an interception 52 yards for a touchdown in overtime, ruining Matt Hasselbeck's proclamation of "We want the ball, and we're gonna score."Jan. 1, 2006: At Packers 23, Seahawks 17: A coronation for Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
Shaun Alexander, who sets an NFL record with his 28th touchdown, and a celebration of Favre, who leads the Pack past the Hawks' backups in a regular-season finale that many speculated was Favre's final game.Nov. 27, 2006: At Seahawks 34, Packers 24: Hasselbeck returns from a knee injury and Alexander runs for 201 yards on a franchise-record 40 carries.
his former Green Bay coaches and executives came with him to Seattle. The NFL immediately sought to capitalize on the made-for-TV drama by sending Holmgren and his new team back to Green Bay for a Monday night game.The Seahawks forced quarterback Brett Favre -- Holmgren's one-time protege and the league's only three-time MVP -- into six turnovers, winning 27-7. The Packers committed 10 penalties for 103 yards, including three unsportsmanlike conduct fouls. And one of those came against a formerly unknown backup who was displeased with Shawn Springs for celebrating while returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown. Little did anyone know it, but that was the first look Seahawks fans got at their future quarterback, a fiery guy by the name of Matt Hasselbeck.The rivalry only grew when the Seahawks sent Ahman Green to the Packers in 2000 and then acquired Hasselbeck in 2001. Each meeting from then on was essentially a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle SeaPackers.Hasselbeck's first start against his original team came back at Lambeau Field in October 2003, and it wasn't at all what Hasselbeck or Holmgren would have preferred. Favre and Green each accounted for two touchdowns as the Packers dominated the Seahawks 35-13.The teams met again that season in a very entertaining wild-card playoff game that became notable not as much for the quality of the game but for the quip made by Hasselbeck just before overtime. The Seahawks won the coin toss, and the former Packer offered up some playful bravado. Unaware the referee's microphone would broadcast his trash talk on national television, Hasselbeck proclaimed to his former teammates,"We want the ball, and we're gonna score." To his chagrin, Green Bay cornerback Al Harris intercepted one of his Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
passes and returned it 52 yards for the winning score.The teams have met twice since then -- once in the final game of the 2005 season, which actually was played in January 2006, and again in November 2006. The oddity of the first game was that it had no meaning to the Seahawks, who already held the top seed in the NFC playoffs and pulled their starters after halftime. The significance of the game rested on two players, Seattle running back Shaun Alexander and Favre. The Seahawks' sole goals in that game were to get Alexander the NFL record for touchdowns in a season and make him the league rushing champion. They accomplished both as he scored his 28th TD and finished with 1,880 yards. Meanwhile, on the other side, everyone watched Favre like a hawk, thinking this might be the final game of his Hall of Fame career. He was mobbed by TV cameras as he walked off the field after the Packers' 23-17 win.A day later, Alexander said, "It was so surreal, like the game didn't even matter. We were trying to get me a touchdown, and the fans were saying goodbye to Brett."But Favre came back for the 2006 game, the first of the bunch that was played in Seattle and yet another nationally televised contest. And as irony would have it, the Packers from frigid Lambeau Field ended up losing 34-24 on a snowy Monday night in which Alexander ran for 201 yards on a team-record 40 carries.That was the latest in what has been a dramatic and an entertaining series -- one of the more underrated rivalries around. And here they go again.THE SERIESNov. 1, 1999: Seahawks 27, at Packers 7: In Mike Holmgren's return to Green Bay, Brett Favre turns the ball over six times.Oct. 5, 2003: At Packers 35, Seahawks 13: Favre throws for two touchdowns and former Seahawk Ahman Green runs for two.Jan. 4, 2004: At Packers 33, Seahawks 27, OT: Al Harris returns an interception 52 yards for a touchdown in overtime, ruining Matt Hasselbeck's proclamation of "We want the ball, and we're gonna score."Jan. 1, 2006: At Packers 23, Seahawks 17: A coronation for Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
Shaun Alexander, who sets an NFL record with his 28th touchdown, and a celebration of Favre, who leads the Pack past the Hawks' backups in a regular-season finale that many speculated was Favre's final game.Nov. 27, 2006: At Seahawks 34, Packers 24: Hasselbeck returns from a knee injury and Alexander runs for 201 yards on a franchise-record 40 carries.
2011年1月12日星期三
13 Jan 11 NBA Power Rankings: Mavericks, Spurs Making Texas-Sized Statements
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesThough the cast of characters atop this week poll are the same as last, were starting to see a few new faces working their way into the league upper echelon.Dallas, of course, has loitered around the elite all season. Now, San Antonio is starting to get in on the fun. Even the scrappy overachievers down in Houston are still just one slot from the top 10.Whatever it is theyre putting in the Lone Star State water, some other teams could certainly use a sip...1. LA Lakers (Last Week: 1)While we aren terribly concerned yet, it bears mention the Lake Show hasn scored over 98 points since Jan. 3. 2. Cleveland (LW: 2)That this team can hold the No. 2 ranking with its No. 2 scorer Mo Williams in the midst of a terrible shooting slump (11-for-34 over the last three games) is a testament to how good Miami Dolphins jersey
the Cavs truly are. 3. Boston (LW: 3)If the darn Atlanta Hawks never popped up on the Celtics schedule, Boston would be 29-7 and probably two slots higher on this list.4. Dallas (LW: 5)The nicked-up Mavs have brought Eduardo Najera back to the team. Of course, the move doesn hide Dallas pain of witnessing the Spurs ascension in the Southwest.5. Orlando (LW: 4) Theyre saying Vince Carter has a mild shoulder separation. It good, then, that Dwight Howard has astounding games like Tuesday, where he puts the offensive (30 points, five assists) and defensive (16 boards) burden on his own back.6. Atlanta (LW: 7) Though he come off the bench every game this season, Jamal Crawford is still in the NBA top 15 in three-point attempts. That likely has something to do with him leading the Hawks in scoring 13 times too.7. San Antonio (LW: 9)Gregg Popovich would be the first to admit that some of his Spurs, especially Richard Jefferson, are taking their time settling into their new roles. Still, San Antonio seems perfect for the part of Dallas arch nemesis.8. Denver (LW: 8)This team went 3-2, including Friday impressive win over Cleveland, while Carmelo Anthony nursed a bruised knee. Just imagine how well the Nuggets would be hopping along had Melo not been on the sideline.9. Portland (LW: 6)So, the Blazers couldn do anything with LeBron James and the Cavs the other night. Who can? We don see a whole lot of folks stopping the Blazers Brandon Roy (66 points in last two contests) either.10. Phoenix (LW: 10)The Suns have four guys who can score 20 points any night: Steve Nash, Amar'e Stoudemire, Jason Richardson, and Grant Hill. It just too bad they don have four guys who can play defense right now.11. Houston (LW: 11) With all the maladies and the Tracy McGrady mess, it mind-boggling these Rockets are still within ear shot of the division lead. Kudos to head coach Rick Adelman and on-the-court coach Aaron Brooks for making do.12. Oklahoma City (LW: 12)Quick: Name the only two players in the NBA with a 10-game streak of scoring over 25 this season. Kobe Bryant and Thunder stud Kevin Durant.13. Utah (LW: 13)The Jazz are like Amtrak. The ride isn swift or super glamorous, yet it is dependable, stays on track, and passes through cities (big weekend win at Dallas) like a thief in the night.14. New Orleans (LW: 17)Chris Paul put up better numbers than Avatar last week, dishing at a ridiculous rate (46 assists over three games) and altogether orchestrating a Hornets comeback story James Cameron couldn have envisioned two months back.15. Miami (LW: 14) The West Coast has been brutal to the Heat in the standings (losses at the Clippers and Jazz) and the locker room (Dwyane Wade wrist injury).16. Memphis (LW: 15)About the only thing Zach Randolph hasn shown the ability to do this season is figure out a way to get his gritty Grizzlies from the basement of the highly competitive Southwest Division.17. Toronto (LW: 16) Chris Bosh has scored over 27 points in three straight. The do-everythingMinnesota Vikings
forward may have to raise his bar some because the Raps still lost two of the games.18. LA Clippers (LW: 20) Quietly, Mike Dunleavy has the Clippers steadying in the West. Even more on the hush is center Chris Kaman last five games of 20-plus points and over eight boards.19. Charlotte (LW: 19) Unheralded Bobcats star Gerald Wallace has played 136 minutes over the last three games. Yep, it only a matter of time now before the masses realize just how good he is.20. Sacramento (LW: 23) The Kings have looked a royal mess in six of their last seven contests. That they were able to jump three spots in the ranking is us playing a cruel joke or a show of optimism for Kevin Martin pending return.21. Chicago (LW: 18) Once Joakim Noah figures out he got nearly as much offensive ingenuity as defensive skill in the paint, he going to be hard to handle. Wait, he scored 32 over the last two nights? We think he figuring it out.22. New York (LW: 21) Just when you thought the Knickerbockers had turned the proverbial corner in their season, they hit a pothole (tough weekend road swing) and end up right back in the thick of the East mediocrity traffic jam.23. Milwaukee (LW: 22) Don get us wrong. Losing a player of Michael Redd caliber for the year sucks. But if there one bright spot in the sadness, it that more attention can go Andrew Bogut way.24. Golden State (LW: 27) Yeah, the Warriors will miss Anthony Randolph scoring and rebounding for the next few months, but it might be the power forward shot-blocking ability Golden State struggles to make up for most.25. Washington (LW: 24) If you see a Wizards fan with his hands in the sky, don just assume he being held at gunpoint by Gilbert Arenas. He might actually be pleading with a higher power to get this nightmare of a season over.26. Philadelphia (LW: 25) I know Sixers fans are just wishing for the stretch of games where Allen Iverson, Elton Brand, and Andre Iguodala aren limping or complaining about stomach pains.27. Indiana (LW: 28) When he isn riddled with ankle pain, Troy Murphy is a double-double demon. When they are playing in sync, the Pacers are, well, still pretty painful to watch.28. Detroit (LW: 26) We don know what ugliera 13-game losing streak, a 3-16 overall road mark, or Charlie Villanueva 8-of-23 shooting the past two games.29. Minnesota (LW: 29) If youre only scoring 96 points and giving up a NBA-high 105 every time out, youre going to be the Nets neighbor on this list for a long time.30. New Jersey (LW: 30) You know things are bad for a floundering franchise when it New England Patriots jersey
most valuable asset, center Brook Lopez, has a statistical week (a 12-point night and a 5-for-14 shooting disaster) uglier than the monsters in the Legion movie trailer.The Bleacher Report NBA Power Rankings are done by averaging individual feature columnist's tallies. Weekly contributors are: Alex McVeigh (Dallas), Rich Kurtzman (Denver), Denton Ramsey (Houston Rockets), Jose Salviati (LA Clippers), Keith Schlosser (NY Knicks), Curtis Finchum (Oklahoma City), Brandon Ribak (Orlando Magic), Bryan Toporek (Philadelphia 76ers), Shaun Ahmad (Washington Wizards), and DeMarco Williams (NBA Lead).
the Cavs truly are. 3. Boston (LW: 3)If the darn Atlanta Hawks never popped up on the Celtics schedule, Boston would be 29-7 and probably two slots higher on this list.4. Dallas (LW: 5)The nicked-up Mavs have brought Eduardo Najera back to the team. Of course, the move doesn hide Dallas pain of witnessing the Spurs ascension in the Southwest.5. Orlando (LW: 4) Theyre saying Vince Carter has a mild shoulder separation. It good, then, that Dwight Howard has astounding games like Tuesday, where he puts the offensive (30 points, five assists) and defensive (16 boards) burden on his own back.6. Atlanta (LW: 7) Though he come off the bench every game this season, Jamal Crawford is still in the NBA top 15 in three-point attempts. That likely has something to do with him leading the Hawks in scoring 13 times too.7. San Antonio (LW: 9)Gregg Popovich would be the first to admit that some of his Spurs, especially Richard Jefferson, are taking their time settling into their new roles. Still, San Antonio seems perfect for the part of Dallas arch nemesis.8. Denver (LW: 8)This team went 3-2, including Friday impressive win over Cleveland, while Carmelo Anthony nursed a bruised knee. Just imagine how well the Nuggets would be hopping along had Melo not been on the sideline.9. Portland (LW: 6)So, the Blazers couldn do anything with LeBron James and the Cavs the other night. Who can? We don see a whole lot of folks stopping the Blazers Brandon Roy (66 points in last two contests) either.10. Phoenix (LW: 10)The Suns have four guys who can score 20 points any night: Steve Nash, Amar'e Stoudemire, Jason Richardson, and Grant Hill. It just too bad they don have four guys who can play defense right now.11. Houston (LW: 11) With all the maladies and the Tracy McGrady mess, it mind-boggling these Rockets are still within ear shot of the division lead. Kudos to head coach Rick Adelman and on-the-court coach Aaron Brooks for making do.12. Oklahoma City (LW: 12)Quick: Name the only two players in the NBA with a 10-game streak of scoring over 25 this season. Kobe Bryant and Thunder stud Kevin Durant.13. Utah (LW: 13)The Jazz are like Amtrak. The ride isn swift or super glamorous, yet it is dependable, stays on track, and passes through cities (big weekend win at Dallas) like a thief in the night.14. New Orleans (LW: 17)Chris Paul put up better numbers than Avatar last week, dishing at a ridiculous rate (46 assists over three games) and altogether orchestrating a Hornets comeback story James Cameron couldn have envisioned two months back.15. Miami (LW: 14) The West Coast has been brutal to the Heat in the standings (losses at the Clippers and Jazz) and the locker room (Dwyane Wade wrist injury).16. Memphis (LW: 15)About the only thing Zach Randolph hasn shown the ability to do this season is figure out a way to get his gritty Grizzlies from the basement of the highly competitive Southwest Division.17. Toronto (LW: 16) Chris Bosh has scored over 27 points in three straight. The do-everythingMinnesota Vikings
forward may have to raise his bar some because the Raps still lost two of the games.18. LA Clippers (LW: 20) Quietly, Mike Dunleavy has the Clippers steadying in the West. Even more on the hush is center Chris Kaman last five games of 20-plus points and over eight boards.19. Charlotte (LW: 19) Unheralded Bobcats star Gerald Wallace has played 136 minutes over the last three games. Yep, it only a matter of time now before the masses realize just how good he is.20. Sacramento (LW: 23) The Kings have looked a royal mess in six of their last seven contests. That they were able to jump three spots in the ranking is us playing a cruel joke or a show of optimism for Kevin Martin pending return.21. Chicago (LW: 18) Once Joakim Noah figures out he got nearly as much offensive ingenuity as defensive skill in the paint, he going to be hard to handle. Wait, he scored 32 over the last two nights? We think he figuring it out.22. New York (LW: 21) Just when you thought the Knickerbockers had turned the proverbial corner in their season, they hit a pothole (tough weekend road swing) and end up right back in the thick of the East mediocrity traffic jam.23. Milwaukee (LW: 22) Don get us wrong. Losing a player of Michael Redd caliber for the year sucks. But if there one bright spot in the sadness, it that more attention can go Andrew Bogut way.24. Golden State (LW: 27) Yeah, the Warriors will miss Anthony Randolph scoring and rebounding for the next few months, but it might be the power forward shot-blocking ability Golden State struggles to make up for most.25. Washington (LW: 24) If you see a Wizards fan with his hands in the sky, don just assume he being held at gunpoint by Gilbert Arenas. He might actually be pleading with a higher power to get this nightmare of a season over.26. Philadelphia (LW: 25) I know Sixers fans are just wishing for the stretch of games where Allen Iverson, Elton Brand, and Andre Iguodala aren limping or complaining about stomach pains.27. Indiana (LW: 28) When he isn riddled with ankle pain, Troy Murphy is a double-double demon. When they are playing in sync, the Pacers are, well, still pretty painful to watch.28. Detroit (LW: 26) We don know what ugliera 13-game losing streak, a 3-16 overall road mark, or Charlie Villanueva 8-of-23 shooting the past two games.29. Minnesota (LW: 29) If youre only scoring 96 points and giving up a NBA-high 105 every time out, youre going to be the Nets neighbor on this list for a long time.30. New Jersey (LW: 30) You know things are bad for a floundering franchise when it New England Patriots jersey
most valuable asset, center Brook Lopez, has a statistical week (a 12-point night and a 5-for-14 shooting disaster) uglier than the monsters in the Legion movie trailer.The Bleacher Report NBA Power Rankings are done by averaging individual feature columnist's tallies. Weekly contributors are: Alex McVeigh (Dallas), Rich Kurtzman (Denver), Denton Ramsey (Houston Rockets), Jose Salviati (LA Clippers), Keith Schlosser (NY Knicks), Curtis Finchum (Oklahoma City), Brandon Ribak (Orlando Magic), Bryan Toporek (Philadelphia 76ers), Shaun Ahmad (Washington Wizards), and DeMarco Williams (NBA Lead).
12 Jan 11 Portland's Best Rivalry: Blazers-Nuggets Now Better Than Blazers-Jazz
Vincent Laforet/Getty ImagesI love most NBA games. I say that, because some gamesjust don't always get my blood pumping.Don't get me wrong, I love watchingthe Blazersplay just about, well every team, but there is something about a Good 'ol Blazer vs Jazz matchup. You could also say the same about Reebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
the Laker vs Blazer games. Anyway, the point I'm trying to get across is that certain games carry adifferent feel.Every time these teams play, it seems it has an elevatedplayoff feel and Jazz about the game, Pardon the pun , even now. You pay acertain attention to every single moment. Every dribble, pass, shot, block, and steal seems to carry a different weight compared to any othergame. I think a lot of it has to do with all those previous playoff games that seem so far in the past that it makes me feel old(I'm 22).It brings me back to the old Blazerplayoff days in the late 90's and early 00'sagainst the Lakers and Jazz. These games always seemed just as intense and important as gamesin the regular season. Oh boy, can I remember those.I believe that it will always be this way, but I have noticed a big change. It nowappears to me that the biggest four games on the schedule are against another division foe, the Denver Nuggets.The Carmelo Anthony led Nuggets have shown that they are the team to beat in the Northwest, but starting last year, the BlazersReebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
have shown thatthey are ready to contend for it. They are showing itby coming to play game in and game out.Every game matters, but they always seem to play their best when its against the bigger competition. The biggest competition in the division now? The Denver Nuggets of course.I now see that same intensity from the players and fans inNuggets gamesthatI feel comes with the Laker and Jazz battles.I know we have'nt seen these teams play against each other in a playoff game yet , but I undeniably have that samesense ofa mustwin in the regular seasoncontests against the Nuggetsthat we've seen inJazz and Laker games.The reason I bring this up is excitement. I believe we have manygreat gamesbetween these two teams ahead of us, andwe allhave front row seats to some of the best playoff games/series soon to come. Now all we need is a good chant or signlike the "beat L.A." one for the Lakers. Any suggestions?Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain, this intense "new" rivalry is sure to contain some greatmemories. I know I Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
won't be missing any of these games. Willyou? Here's to the never ending Blazer-Nugget rivalry. Cheers.Oh bye the way, the picture above is after Brian Grant took an elbow from Karl Malone during game five of the 1999 Western Conference semi-finals.
the Laker vs Blazer games. Anyway, the point I'm trying to get across is that certain games carry adifferent feel.Every time these teams play, it seems it has an elevatedplayoff feel and Jazz about the game, Pardon the pun , even now. You pay acertain attention to every single moment. Every dribble, pass, shot, block, and steal seems to carry a different weight compared to any othergame. I think a lot of it has to do with all those previous playoff games that seem so far in the past that it makes me feel old(I'm 22).It brings me back to the old Blazerplayoff days in the late 90's and early 00'sagainst the Lakers and Jazz. These games always seemed just as intense and important as gamesin the regular season. Oh boy, can I remember those.I believe that it will always be this way, but I have noticed a big change. It nowappears to me that the biggest four games on the schedule are against another division foe, the Denver Nuggets.The Carmelo Anthony led Nuggets have shown that they are the team to beat in the Northwest, but starting last year, the BlazersReebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
have shown thatthey are ready to contend for it. They are showing itby coming to play game in and game out.Every game matters, but they always seem to play their best when its against the bigger competition. The biggest competition in the division now? The Denver Nuggets of course.I now see that same intensity from the players and fans inNuggets gamesthatI feel comes with the Laker and Jazz battles.I know we have'nt seen these teams play against each other in a playoff game yet , but I undeniably have that samesense ofa mustwin in the regular seasoncontests against the Nuggetsthat we've seen inJazz and Laker games.The reason I bring this up is excitement. I believe we have manygreat gamesbetween these two teams ahead of us, andwe allhave front row seats to some of the best playoff games/series soon to come. Now all we need is a good chant or signlike the "beat L.A." one for the Lakers. Any suggestions?Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain, this intense "new" rivalry is sure to contain some greatmemories. I know I Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
won't be missing any of these games. Willyou? Here's to the never ending Blazer-Nugget rivalry. Cheers.Oh bye the way, the picture above is after Brian Grant took an elbow from Karl Malone during game five of the 1999 Western Conference semi-finals.
2011年1月10日星期一
10 Jan 11 Lebron James Close But No Cigar!! Kobe For MVP.
Harry How/Getty ImagesCan we please stop the Kobe Lebron comparisons now? Tonight's game Cleveland vs Denver shows the difference between an Allstar and a Legend. A allstar plays at a high level most of the time, gets all the highlight breakaway dunks, flashy passes, and killer crossovers. While a legend may Indianapolis Colts jersey
struggle all night but when crunch time comes, he's locked in, ready to go and he will not be denied. Don't let the stats fool you, really look into whats going on here. Yes Lebron had another triple double, but he faded when his team needed him. I know everyone can't hit last second shots on the regular like Kobe. I know. However the game would'nt even have went that far, they wouldn't even have needed a last second three if Lebron would of hit his freethrows. He was 15-33 from the field, 1-9 from the 3 point strike, and 12-17 from the charity stripe. This is why you cannot Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
get caught up in stats. Any one can pile up stats Steve Nash piles them on, So does Chris Paul along with Lebron. The difference between a allstar and a legend is in addition to piling up the numbers they come throughin the biggest games, with the biggest shots, when it counts. Its called killer instinct and Lebron just doesn't have it. And thats the reason why I've never bought the Kobe vs Lebron conversation. I'm thinking a Carmelo vs Lebron conversation is more relevant don't you.
struggle all night but when crunch time comes, he's locked in, ready to go and he will not be denied. Don't let the stats fool you, really look into whats going on here. Yes Lebron had another triple double, but he faded when his team needed him. I know everyone can't hit last second shots on the regular like Kobe. I know. However the game would'nt even have went that far, they wouldn't even have needed a last second three if Lebron would of hit his freethrows. He was 15-33 from the field, 1-9 from the 3 point strike, and 12-17 from the charity stripe. This is why you cannot Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
get caught up in stats. Any one can pile up stats Steve Nash piles them on, So does Chris Paul along with Lebron. The difference between a allstar and a legend is in addition to piling up the numbers they come throughin the biggest games, with the biggest shots, when it counts. Its called killer instinct and Lebron just doesn't have it. And thats the reason why I've never bought the Kobe vs Lebron conversation. I'm thinking a Carmelo vs Lebron conversation is more relevant don't you.
2011年1月9日星期日
9 Jan 11 Amway Arena: Good, But Not Magical
Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesReview originally published on www.stadiumjourney.comIf you attend an Orlando Magic game at Amway Arena, you can expect the unexpected. I don know about you, but when I think of Orlando, I think of Disney World. As I extrapolate from there, I imagine a family-friendly environment, and a tame crowd filled with retirees and tourists.It turns out that I was wrong about a lot of presumptions about the experience of attending a Magic game. Walking away, I realized that it is a fun place to see a game, but there are some important tips Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
that you need to know.FANFARE Score: 24 (out of 35)Food Beverage: 4Who knew that Orlando would offer up such an ethnic food variety at a basketball game? I was delighted to find a jerk stand outside section 107 which offered, among other things, either chicken or beef pattymake sure you ask for some extra jerk saucefor only $3. I could have stayed there all day.There was also a wide variety of Latin food, a chicken Caesar salad stand that looked fresh, as well as all the usual favorite sausages, popcorn, and nachos. Beer was predictably priced, but there were plenty of mixed drinks to be had as well. A bottle of Budweiser will run you $6 up in the stands. I wish that soda was served in a souvenir cup, but overall, the food and beverage selection was very good.Atmosphere: 4It an important disclaimer that I attended when the Cavs were in town, so the atmosphere I experienced may not completely resemble the typical experience. That being said, the arena was absolutely electric throughout the game, from player introduction all the way to the finish.Some venues are loud, exciting, and create goose bumps for spectators. Amway Arena just seems loud. Specifically I mean that to be a criticism of their sound system, which produces a muddled blast of chaotic energy. The unfortunate part is that it distracts from theReebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
brilliantly rowdy fans. I hope that the Magic either pare back their infused sounds, or do an overhaul of the sound system in the arena.Neighborhood: 4About a mile away from Amway Arena is a great little section of downtown Orlando, filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs. I recommend parking your car in this area and getting a bite to eat at either Urban Flats or Hamburger Mary.Urban Flats offers up flat breads with an assortment of toppings (essentially good pizza), and other delectable treats. Hamburger Mary has some of the best gourmet burgers around, and they brew their own beer to boot. Between these two establishments you can find several other establishments ranging from bar to fine dining.If youre just looking for a drink near the arena then Hoops Bar may be the spot for you. It not a place that I plan to return to, but if you need to grab a beer, I suppose it will do. The place stinks of fermented meat, and while there were brave people eating there, I chose to abstain. A large beer in a plastic cup will run you $3.25.Fans: 4A definite high point of the visit to Amway Arena had to be the fans. Partially this was due to my low expectations, but once I moved past my incoming bias, I had to recognize that this group loved their team, and were also very knowledgeable. I found fans recognizing critical fouls before the scoreboard told them to care.Access: 2This was a major negative in the Amway Arena experience. There is only one shared concourse between the lower and upper levels, which creates an incredibly congested situation. This is especially true if you dare to use the restroom or grab a snack at halftime. With only four bathrooms, located in the corners of the concourse, there are incredibly long lines to get in and out of the bathrooms.Do yourself a favor and leave early before halftime to go use the restroom, or wait until halftime is over.Parking is reasonable, with prices ranging from five to eight dollars within blocks of the arena. I think it worth parking downtownnine dollarsand enjoying the walk back downtown as others struggle through the post-game traffic.Return on Investment: 4With some great deals on food and parking, and a fairly priced ticket, there a lot to like about the experience at Amway Arena. I would be interested to go back and see if the same energy I experienced is pervasive during a game against a lower level team.Etc: 3Special point for the overwhelming number of fans who turned out in Superman shirts after the small battle between Dwight Howard and Shaq over who should cal themselves Superman. An Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
additional point goes out to the Central Florida sports Hall of Fame, although it was fairly underwhelming.Final Thoughts:Amway Arena was a pleasant surprise. I liked downtown Orlando more than I thought, but most of all, I was impressed with the level of excitement from the fans. As the only professional option in town, the fans get behind this team, and seem to appreciate the amount of success that the team has seen in its short time in the league.Paul Swaney is the Co-Founder of Stadium Journey
that you need to know.FANFARE Score: 24 (out of 35)Food Beverage: 4Who knew that Orlando would offer up such an ethnic food variety at a basketball game? I was delighted to find a jerk stand outside section 107 which offered, among other things, either chicken or beef pattymake sure you ask for some extra jerk saucefor only $3. I could have stayed there all day.There was also a wide variety of Latin food, a chicken Caesar salad stand that looked fresh, as well as all the usual favorite sausages, popcorn, and nachos. Beer was predictably priced, but there were plenty of mixed drinks to be had as well. A bottle of Budweiser will run you $6 up in the stands. I wish that soda was served in a souvenir cup, but overall, the food and beverage selection was very good.Atmosphere: 4It an important disclaimer that I attended when the Cavs were in town, so the atmosphere I experienced may not completely resemble the typical experience. That being said, the arena was absolutely electric throughout the game, from player introduction all the way to the finish.Some venues are loud, exciting, and create goose bumps for spectators. Amway Arena just seems loud. Specifically I mean that to be a criticism of their sound system, which produces a muddled blast of chaotic energy. The unfortunate part is that it distracts from theReebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
brilliantly rowdy fans. I hope that the Magic either pare back their infused sounds, or do an overhaul of the sound system in the arena.Neighborhood: 4About a mile away from Amway Arena is a great little section of downtown Orlando, filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs. I recommend parking your car in this area and getting a bite to eat at either Urban Flats or Hamburger Mary.Urban Flats offers up flat breads with an assortment of toppings (essentially good pizza), and other delectable treats. Hamburger Mary has some of the best gourmet burgers around, and they brew their own beer to boot. Between these two establishments you can find several other establishments ranging from bar to fine dining.If youre just looking for a drink near the arena then Hoops Bar may be the spot for you. It not a place that I plan to return to, but if you need to grab a beer, I suppose it will do. The place stinks of fermented meat, and while there were brave people eating there, I chose to abstain. A large beer in a plastic cup will run you $3.25.Fans: 4A definite high point of the visit to Amway Arena had to be the fans. Partially this was due to my low expectations, but once I moved past my incoming bias, I had to recognize that this group loved their team, and were also very knowledgeable. I found fans recognizing critical fouls before the scoreboard told them to care.Access: 2This was a major negative in the Amway Arena experience. There is only one shared concourse between the lower and upper levels, which creates an incredibly congested situation. This is especially true if you dare to use the restroom or grab a snack at halftime. With only four bathrooms, located in the corners of the concourse, there are incredibly long lines to get in and out of the bathrooms.Do yourself a favor and leave early before halftime to go use the restroom, or wait until halftime is over.Parking is reasonable, with prices ranging from five to eight dollars within blocks of the arena. I think it worth parking downtownnine dollarsand enjoying the walk back downtown as others struggle through the post-game traffic.Return on Investment: 4With some great deals on food and parking, and a fairly priced ticket, there a lot to like about the experience at Amway Arena. I would be interested to go back and see if the same energy I experienced is pervasive during a game against a lower level team.Etc: 3Special point for the overwhelming number of fans who turned out in Superman shirts after the small battle between Dwight Howard and Shaq over who should cal themselves Superman. An Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
additional point goes out to the Central Florida sports Hall of Fame, although it was fairly underwhelming.Final Thoughts:Amway Arena was a pleasant surprise. I liked downtown Orlando more than I thought, but most of all, I was impressed with the level of excitement from the fans. As the only professional option in town, the fans get behind this team, and seem to appreciate the amount of success that the team has seen in its short time in the league.Paul Swaney is the Co-Founder of Stadium Journey
2011年1月8日星期六
8 Jan 11 The King Of The NBA: LeBron James
Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesBefore LeBron James came into the NBA, he was dubbed as the next Michael Jordan. He had so much hype at the age of 18 years old. His nickname in high school was King James and rightfully so he had dominated high school basketball. The question was during that time how Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
would LeBron James respond in his first NBA game?In his first game as a professional, he scored 25 points, nine assists, and six rebounds for the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was a great beginning to the King's career and a precursor for what was yet to come.In just his third year, he averaged 31.4 points per game, seven rebounds and6.6assists per game.The nextyear he led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in four games.Since the 2006-2007 season LeBron James has led the Cavaliers to the playoffs. The best season for the franchise was last year when they led the NBA in wins.Last season was his first MVP season, and he contributed to the Cavaliers getting to the EasternConference Finals. They lost in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic.He Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
has turned around this franchise since he has beenin Clevelandand his success is continuing this year with the team on track to lead the league in wins again.Now, after all the awards he has gotten already there is one award he hasn't gotten and that is the NBA championship.The team looks more prepared to win the championship this year, especially after they traded for Antawn Jamison at the trading deadline. This will provide the team with a sidekick that can create his own shot to go with the players they already have.After the trade, they traded away Zydrunas Ilgauskus to the Wizards. The Wizards have since bought out his contract and in 30 days he could rejoin this team and make the team even deeper than before.This team should be one of the deeper teamsif not the deepest team in the league. This team now includes, J.J Hickson, Anderson Varejao, Shaquille O'Neal,and former BostonCeltic Leon Powe.Also, LeBron James, Jamario Moon and Jawad Williams in the frontcourt. In the backcourt, there is Mo Williams, Delonte West, Daniel Gibson, Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
Anthony Parker, andSebastian Telfair.This team is primed to win the NBA championship and the road has to go through Los Angeles where the Lakers won it last year.LeBron James' legacy continues and the next step is an NBA title. If he gets his ring this year then he will follow in the footsteps of another great one Michael Jordan.Like Jordan, when the final buzzer sounds in his seventh year, he will be an NBA champion and finally the King of the NBA.
would LeBron James respond in his first NBA game?In his first game as a professional, he scored 25 points, nine assists, and six rebounds for the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was a great beginning to the King's career and a precursor for what was yet to come.In just his third year, he averaged 31.4 points per game, seven rebounds and6.6assists per game.The nextyear he led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs in four games.Since the 2006-2007 season LeBron James has led the Cavaliers to the playoffs. The best season for the franchise was last year when they led the NBA in wins.Last season was his first MVP season, and he contributed to the Cavaliers getting to the EasternConference Finals. They lost in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic.He Reebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
has turned around this franchise since he has beenin Clevelandand his success is continuing this year with the team on track to lead the league in wins again.Now, after all the awards he has gotten already there is one award he hasn't gotten and that is the NBA championship.The team looks more prepared to win the championship this year, especially after they traded for Antawn Jamison at the trading deadline. This will provide the team with a sidekick that can create his own shot to go with the players they already have.After the trade, they traded away Zydrunas Ilgauskus to the Wizards. The Wizards have since bought out his contract and in 30 days he could rejoin this team and make the team even deeper than before.This team should be one of the deeper teamsif not the deepest team in the league. This team now includes, J.J Hickson, Anderson Varejao, Shaquille O'Neal,and former BostonCeltic Leon Powe.Also, LeBron James, Jamario Moon and Jawad Williams in the frontcourt. In the backcourt, there is Mo Williams, Delonte West, Daniel Gibson, Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
Anthony Parker, andSebastian Telfair.This team is primed to win the NBA championship and the road has to go through Los Angeles where the Lakers won it last year.LeBron James' legacy continues and the next step is an NBA title. If he gets his ring this year then he will follow in the footsteps of another great one Michael Jordan.Like Jordan, when the final buzzer sounds in his seventh year, he will be an NBA champion and finally the King of the NBA.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)