Fantasy freaks... the Dread Pirate Roberts looked like Westley facing down Prince Humperdinck... with barely enough strength to eke out a 65-63 triumph over Ashleigh's Angels. Thank goodness Reggie Wayne didn't completely go off against Arizona-- and I thusly rewarded Pierre Garcon for stepping up by adding him to the DP roster. This week I face the Sterling Seahorses... hopefully I won't begin a land war in Asia.
Elsewhere on the gridiron--
Does it bother anyone that Matt Millen-after napalming the Lions with massive mismanagement- is gainfully employed by ESPN? He's given money for his analysis on a sport he brought shame to. He took a team that went 9-7 in 2000 (missing the playoffs thanks to a field goal in the final game of the regular season)-- one that had made the playoffs six times in the previous decade... and turned it into an absolute abomination. This ranks up there with Isaiah Thomas bankrupting the CBA... Gary Bettman making the NHL irrelevant and Ted McGinley making Happy Days completely unwatchable.
The commissioner has been rather handy with suspensions for players who smear the game (Adam Jones, Michael Vick)...what about those ruin the game in other ways?
Solution: Millen can't draw a paycheck for anything football related for one year. Twelve months to think about why drafting 15 wide receivers over four years might not be a good idea. 365 days to ruminate coaching moves--as well as going on sports radio to disparage one of his players.
How should he pass the time? Millen should be held in a colonial-era style stocks at each stadium throughout the course of the year (with prime time and Thursday games this can still be done) where he's met with ridicule. Pregame shows could do a segment around him... and Lions fans would scoop up extra tickets in other cities to give Millen a piece of their mind.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Redskins Rehash--- looking at your future?
This summer in the movie "Star Trek--younger cast in classic roles" Old Spock visited Young Spock...and made one wonder-- what would you do if you saw an older version of yourself? And did Redskins Nation see an older version of itself across the field Sunday?
Detroit wasn't always a sad-sack punchline...but as greatness in the NFL isn't permanent and competitiveness isn't an entitlement--the Lions under years of mismanagement bottomed out with an 0-16 on the field and TV blackouts off it. What could they possibly have in common with Redskins Nation?
Both enjoyed glory years...the Lions were a dominant team in the 1950's, winning three NFL titles in four championship game appearances with multiple quarterbacks (Bobby Layne and Tobin Rote). The Redskins were a dominant team with three Super Bowl titles (and four appearances) from 1982 to '91.
Both have storied traditions as "old-school pre-expansion" teams...the Lions with their Thanksgiving game, the Redskins with their song and rivalry with Dallas.
Each moved out of its downtown stadium for a suburban venue that nobody really liked...although the Pontiac Silverdome probably was easier to reach.
While it feels like an eternity since the Lions were good-- they did have some success over the years...they were a perennial runnerup to Green Bay during the pre-wildcard days of the 1960's... were competitive for a stretch in the 1980's (30-27 between 1980 and '83 with Billy Sims as their runningback) and made the playoffs six times in a nine year span in the 1990's--(three more times than the Redskins in that era if you are counting).
Question is... are the Skins on the same franchise path as the once-proud Lions? Three playoff appearances since Camelot ended with Joe Gibbs' retirement in 1993 (his comeback is more of a Spamalot--sounded right at first...but didn't go down well) is fewer than the laughingstock Lions over that span. Tampa Bay (6 playoff appearances since 1997) drops by Fed Ex Field looking for its first win of the season.
Other Weak Three Thoughts...
Fourth and Forever-- things began well on the Redskins opening drive until Clinton Portis couldn't get the necessary one yard on fourth and goal. Portis seemed to be spinning wheels all afternoon (12 carries for 42 yards) behind a patchwork offensive line. At least they didn't break out the halfback pass.
What's a Haynesworth? the Skins 100 million dollar man left in the second quarter with an injured hip after his first sack of the season...he did return in the second half to help a defense that allowed 101 yards to Kevin Smith...forced no turnovers from an offense directed by a rookie QB...and allowed a 99 yard touchdown drive that set the tone in the first quarter.
Third down meltdown-- in fact the Redskins defense that was supposed to be even better than last year's fourth ranked unit allowed the Lions to convert on 10 of 18 third down attempts-- be concerned. Be very concerned.
Rolling Moss gathers quite a bit-- Sunday represented a breakout for Santana Moss...the wide receiver posted 10 catches for 178 yards--over half of Jason Campbell's yards for the afternoon.
Campbell heats up late-- once again the offense tallied a prevent defense score...JC throwing 12 of 15 passes for 123 yards after the Lions took their 12 point fourth quarter lead.
Tracking the Triumvirate-- the firm of Thomas, Kelly & Davis posted three catches for 38 yards...each contributing a reception to keep the power trio on a pace of 48 for the season...and 442 yards.
Boys in the Booth-- Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick are a thinking man's booth-- BB should stand four bountifully brilliant... while I've never been into Brennaman-- he does a fine job caddying for Billick. I've always found it interesting since FOX came on the scene their analysts are the stars, while CBS since they got the AFC package have been driven by the play-by-play announcers.
Detroit wasn't always a sad-sack punchline...but as greatness in the NFL isn't permanent and competitiveness isn't an entitlement--the Lions under years of mismanagement bottomed out with an 0-16 on the field and TV blackouts off it. What could they possibly have in common with Redskins Nation?
Both enjoyed glory years...the Lions were a dominant team in the 1950's, winning three NFL titles in four championship game appearances with multiple quarterbacks (Bobby Layne and Tobin Rote). The Redskins were a dominant team with three Super Bowl titles (and four appearances) from 1982 to '91.
Both have storied traditions as "old-school pre-expansion" teams...the Lions with their Thanksgiving game, the Redskins with their song and rivalry with Dallas.
Each moved out of its downtown stadium for a suburban venue that nobody really liked...although the Pontiac Silverdome probably was easier to reach.
While it feels like an eternity since the Lions were good-- they did have some success over the years...they were a perennial runnerup to Green Bay during the pre-wildcard days of the 1960's... were competitive for a stretch in the 1980's (30-27 between 1980 and '83 with Billy Sims as their runningback) and made the playoffs six times in a nine year span in the 1990's--(three more times than the Redskins in that era if you are counting).
Question is... are the Skins on the same franchise path as the once-proud Lions? Three playoff appearances since Camelot ended with Joe Gibbs' retirement in 1993 (his comeback is more of a Spamalot--sounded right at first...but didn't go down well) is fewer than the laughingstock Lions over that span. Tampa Bay (6 playoff appearances since 1997) drops by Fed Ex Field looking for its first win of the season.
Other Weak Three Thoughts...
Fourth and Forever-- things began well on the Redskins opening drive until Clinton Portis couldn't get the necessary one yard on fourth and goal. Portis seemed to be spinning wheels all afternoon (12 carries for 42 yards) behind a patchwork offensive line. At least they didn't break out the halfback pass.
What's a Haynesworth? the Skins 100 million dollar man left in the second quarter with an injured hip after his first sack of the season...he did return in the second half to help a defense that allowed 101 yards to Kevin Smith...forced no turnovers from an offense directed by a rookie QB...and allowed a 99 yard touchdown drive that set the tone in the first quarter.
Third down meltdown-- in fact the Redskins defense that was supposed to be even better than last year's fourth ranked unit allowed the Lions to convert on 10 of 18 third down attempts-- be concerned. Be very concerned.
Rolling Moss gathers quite a bit-- Sunday represented a breakout for Santana Moss...the wide receiver posted 10 catches for 178 yards--over half of Jason Campbell's yards for the afternoon.
Campbell heats up late-- once again the offense tallied a prevent defense score...JC throwing 12 of 15 passes for 123 yards after the Lions took their 12 point fourth quarter lead.
Tracking the Triumvirate-- the firm of Thomas, Kelly & Davis posted three catches for 38 yards...each contributing a reception to keep the power trio on a pace of 48 for the season...and 442 yards.
Boys in the Booth-- Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick are a thinking man's booth-- BB should stand four bountifully brilliant... while I've never been into Brennaman-- he does a fine job caddying for Billick. I've always found it interesting since FOX came on the scene their analysts are the stars, while CBS since they got the AFC package have been driven by the play-by-play announcers.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
College Football Corner-- meet 2009... same as 2008...
The Who was one of my favorite groups growing up. They weren't good guys like the Beatles or bad boys like the Rolling Stones-- the quartet was a mangled mess of contradiction and ambiguity. "Won't get Fooled Again" wraps up in earnest with the lyric "Meet the new boss-- same as the old boss". One month into this season not much has changed from last year-- Florida remains the team to beat while Tim Tebow although banged up is dominating...Alabama is unbeaten but the feeling is they remain unproven... Texas looks like the class of the Big Twelve yet has a gauntlet to run through and Penn State can't beat Iowa. Meanwhile, the ACC is without a national title contender as it's the first major conference bereft of an unbeaten.
Alma Mater Update: unstoppable Syracuse ripped Maine 41-24 behind 270 yards passing from Greg Paulus...while Dalone Carter scored four touchdowns (I guess that would make him Daniel LaRusso). SU improves to 2-2 and with Akron on the schedule later this month might actually match and surpass last year's 3 victory total. But just like Johnny Lawrence seemed en route to the valley championship, there's a crane of concern lurking around the corner: the Orange trailed 17-13 to a I-AA school at the half, were aided by 17 penalties against the Black Bears and converted just 1 of 8 third downs. Coach Marrone and company: concentrate---focus power!
MARYLAND instead of turning its season around turned it over five times in a 34-13 loss to Rutgers. Tack on ten penalties and one wonders where the emphasis of not making mistakes last week in practice went wrong. Terrapin Triumphs-- Torrey Smith caught four passes for 112 yards...linebacker Alex Wujciak tallied 17 tackles, giving him 45 for the season...pressed into duty after punter Travis Balz left with a low ankle sprain, Ted Townsley dropped a snap in his own endzone--and somehow was able to squeak a kick past the rush for a 29 yard miracle. Terrapin Troubles-- Chris Turner had one of his three interceptions run back for a touchdown and the Scarlet Knights recovered his fumble for the go-ahead score... the team has held to just 28 yards rushing while Rutgers pounded out 207 on the ground--including backbreaking 29 and 61 yard runs by Joe Martinek in the fourth quarter... the defense failed to register a takeaway and has just three so far this fall. NEXT: Saturday vs. Clemson, noon.
#11 VIRGINIA TECH had heard all week at how Miami was back-- and then the Hokies showed the Hurricanes, in the words of cornerback Rashad Carmichael, had never left-- to the tune of a 31-7 beatdown at Blacksburg. Hokie Highlights--a running game that pounded out 272 yards, including 150 and two touchdowns for R Williams... the defense contained the Canes to 59 yards on the ground and held Jacory Harris to 9 of 25 passing... special teams blocked a punt for a second quarter score that put the game out of reach. Hokie Humblings-- maroon jerseys with maroon pants? Did you learn nothing about what happened to the Redskins after they went burgundy on burgundy against Pittsburgh last year? Or the Houston Texans Sunday (red on red)? You may be the reigning ACC empire, but do not tempt uniform karma. NEXT UP: Saturday at Duke, noon.
VIRGINIA had the week off...and the question is can this season be salvaged? The Cavaliers went 4-0 in October of '08-- but this year's remaining schedule has a record of 22-13... with Maryland (1-3) the only opponent with a losing mark. As long as they don't wear orange on orange. NEXT UP: Saturday at North Carolina, noon.
Alma Mater Update: unstoppable Syracuse ripped Maine 41-24 behind 270 yards passing from Greg Paulus...while Dalone Carter scored four touchdowns (I guess that would make him Daniel LaRusso). SU improves to 2-2 and with Akron on the schedule later this month might actually match and surpass last year's 3 victory total. But just like Johnny Lawrence seemed en route to the valley championship, there's a crane of concern lurking around the corner: the Orange trailed 17-13 to a I-AA school at the half, were aided by 17 penalties against the Black Bears and converted just 1 of 8 third downs. Coach Marrone and company: concentrate---focus power!
MARYLAND instead of turning its season around turned it over five times in a 34-13 loss to Rutgers. Tack on ten penalties and one wonders where the emphasis of not making mistakes last week in practice went wrong. Terrapin Triumphs-- Torrey Smith caught four passes for 112 yards...linebacker Alex Wujciak tallied 17 tackles, giving him 45 for the season...pressed into duty after punter Travis Balz left with a low ankle sprain, Ted Townsley dropped a snap in his own endzone--and somehow was able to squeak a kick past the rush for a 29 yard miracle. Terrapin Troubles-- Chris Turner had one of his three interceptions run back for a touchdown and the Scarlet Knights recovered his fumble for the go-ahead score... the team has held to just 28 yards rushing while Rutgers pounded out 207 on the ground--including backbreaking 29 and 61 yard runs by Joe Martinek in the fourth quarter... the defense failed to register a takeaway and has just three so far this fall. NEXT: Saturday vs. Clemson, noon.
#11 VIRGINIA TECH had heard all week at how Miami was back-- and then the Hokies showed the Hurricanes, in the words of cornerback Rashad Carmichael, had never left-- to the tune of a 31-7 beatdown at Blacksburg. Hokie Highlights--a running game that pounded out 272 yards, including 150 and two touchdowns for R Williams... the defense contained the Canes to 59 yards on the ground and held Jacory Harris to 9 of 25 passing... special teams blocked a punt for a second quarter score that put the game out of reach. Hokie Humblings-- maroon jerseys with maroon pants? Did you learn nothing about what happened to the Redskins after they went burgundy on burgundy against Pittsburgh last year? Or the Houston Texans Sunday (red on red)? You may be the reigning ACC empire, but do not tempt uniform karma. NEXT UP: Saturday at Duke, noon.
VIRGINIA had the week off...and the question is can this season be salvaged? The Cavaliers went 4-0 in October of '08-- but this year's remaining schedule has a record of 22-13... with Maryland (1-3) the only opponent with a losing mark. As long as they don't wear orange on orange. NEXT UP: Saturday at North Carolina, noon.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Presto's Picks-- upsetting qualifications...
Fourth ranked Mississippi lost at South Carolina 16-10 the other night and the game was immediately crowned a "monster upset". I beg to differ. One, it's only September and the rankings aren't a true barometer of how good a team actually is. South Carolina might not be ranked, but they've only lost once (to Georgia). Two, it's a conference matchup...and the playing field is always a little more level when you go inside your league-- even if you do have a talent advantage. Third, the game was played in Columbia--it's always tough to win on the road in the SEC (perhaps that's why they schedule so few out of conference road games). Finally, this is Ole Miss we're talking about-- they couldn't win big with Eli or Archie Manning at the controls (yes, they played in the 1970 Sugar Bowl, but that was a 3-loss Rebel team)...and have been a non-factor since the mid-60's.
MARYLAND vs Rutgers-- Bruce Springsteen tickets for the Verizon just went on sale so it's only natural the State College of New Jersey stops by Byrd Stadium (favorite Bruce album remains Born to Run--a few years ago my afternoon commute lasted within 30 seconds of the CD's running time). A handful of issues facing the Terps: can their last in the ACC defense make stops consistently? Will the offense stop shooting itself in the foot with turnovers and penalties? And will the kickoff team consistently block for return ace Torrey Smith? TERPS get a tenth avenue freezeout on the Scarlet Knights-- and turn Byrd Stadium into Jungleland 31-27.
#11 VIRGINIA TECH vs #9 Miami--a classic ACC contest for early-season superiority pits the Hurricanes firepower against the grit and determination of the Hokies defense and special teams... and although it's being played in the land of smoked turkey legs, it's more likely to get into a shootout-- and I don't think Tyrod Taylor can match Jacory Harris TD pass for TD pass over 60 minutes. HOKIES come up short, 21-18.
NAVY tops Western Kentucky...GEORGETOWN nips HOWARD in overtime...
WILLIAM AND MARY defeats Delaware... JAMES MADISON rips Liberty...RICHMOND over VMI.
Last week: 6-1. Overall: 14-5.
MARYLAND vs Rutgers-- Bruce Springsteen tickets for the Verizon just went on sale so it's only natural the State College of New Jersey stops by Byrd Stadium (favorite Bruce album remains Born to Run--a few years ago my afternoon commute lasted within 30 seconds of the CD's running time). A handful of issues facing the Terps: can their last in the ACC defense make stops consistently? Will the offense stop shooting itself in the foot with turnovers and penalties? And will the kickoff team consistently block for return ace Torrey Smith? TERPS get a tenth avenue freezeout on the Scarlet Knights-- and turn Byrd Stadium into Jungleland 31-27.
#11 VIRGINIA TECH vs #9 Miami--a classic ACC contest for early-season superiority pits the Hurricanes firepower against the grit and determination of the Hokies defense and special teams... and although it's being played in the land of smoked turkey legs, it's more likely to get into a shootout-- and I don't think Tyrod Taylor can match Jacory Harris TD pass for TD pass over 60 minutes. HOKIES come up short, 21-18.
NAVY tops Western Kentucky...GEORGETOWN nips HOWARD in overtime...
WILLIAM AND MARY defeats Delaware... JAMES MADISON rips Liberty...RICHMOND over VMI.
Last week: 6-1. Overall: 14-5.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
ProFile and Fantasy Focus... yes, I sat Schaub...
Fantasy Freaks-- the Dread Pirate Roberts took a major shot in the stern last weekend... starting Tony Romo instead of Matt Schaub... the Steelers defense instead of the Giants (another TD by that unit) and TE Heath Miller instead of Dustin Keller--and I actually led going into the MNF game-- unfortunately "Always a Winner" had Dallas Clark, and after the first play from scrimmage (an 80 yard touchdown catch) I was toast. This week I go against "Ashleigh's Angels"... who has Matt Ryan, Adrian Peterson, Kevin Smith and Reggie Wayne... Sportsline has me as an 8 point underdog--but I was "favored" to win by 19 last week. Inconcievable!
Tip Drill-- do you think the Cowboys might be incorporating any of that this week? Dallas lost to the Giants by two thanks in part to the following sequence...: an incomplete pass bounced off the heel of Jason Witten into the hands of a defensive back for an interception...a few plays later Mario Manningham fell to the turf while tipping the ball in the air to himself in the endzone.
AFL Unis-- in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the AFL (this is technically the 50th year of those franchises while the 50th anniversary of the 1960 season is 2010) the Original Eight franchises will be wearing retro-60's unis... much to my delight I get to see the Broncos in their Orange Crush jerseys... the Raiders with silver numerals and Pat Patriot on the side of New England's helmets. But the kicker is the red striped shirts the officials wear.
First thing-- everyone knows the shifts at McD's are 6am to 2pm, 11am to 7pm and 4pm to close. Secondly, although I follow the team, it took me a good five minutes to realize who Robert Henson was-- given his playing status (inactive both weeks), this is the most play he's going to get all year. And last but not least, let's hope he and the rest of the league's twitterers learn from this-- instant messaging might not be a good idea.
Leaky Line-- Randy Thomas' torn triceps puts the Skins OL in trouble again... and Will Montgomery or Chad Rhinehart will have the opportunity to step up Sunday against the Lions. Once again, you can never have too much depth in the trenches-- and the fact that the Skins have neglected the OL since drafting Jansen and Samuels as bookends is rearing its ugly head again.
Tip Drill-- do you think the Cowboys might be incorporating any of that this week? Dallas lost to the Giants by two thanks in part to the following sequence...: an incomplete pass bounced off the heel of Jason Witten into the hands of a defensive back for an interception...a few plays later Mario Manningham fell to the turf while tipping the ball in the air to himself in the endzone.
AFL Unis-- in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the AFL (this is technically the 50th year of those franchises while the 50th anniversary of the 1960 season is 2010) the Original Eight franchises will be wearing retro-60's unis... much to my delight I get to see the Broncos in their Orange Crush jerseys... the Raiders with silver numerals and Pat Patriot on the side of New England's helmets. But the kicker is the red striped shirts the officials wear.
Blackout!-- Detroit's game with Washington will not be shown locally as the Lions were unable to sell out Ford Field 72 hours in advance of Sunday's kickoff. Too bad that under these rough economic times the Commissioner didn't grant a universal deadline extension for this season--one proposed on this site a few weeks ago (5pm local time Friday). Still, is it a bad thing Lions fans won't be able to see their team play?
Please remain calm-- there are nine unbeaten teams and nine winless squads after two weeks-- and there's no need to think playoffs or panic just yet... wait until week five to get a better barometer of your club-- as opposed to a two-week scheduling quirk/preseason momentum. Titans fans, the previous sentence was not meant for your consumption.
How to make OT fair-- every year there are quite a few who complain about how only one team gets to touch the ball in overtime...and that both teams should have a chance. My proposal? Keep the rules as they are (sudden-death following a kickoff) but move the overtime kickoff up from the 30-yard line to the 35. The preponderance of one-team-possession overtimes has increased dramatically since the NFL moved kickoffs back five yards to encourage more returns-- and although that's a good thing in regulation it doesn't work in an overtime period where a team just wants a field goal. Make this move, Commissioner, and all your OT problems will be solved.
First thing-- everyone knows the shifts at McD's are 6am to 2pm, 11am to 7pm and 4pm to close. Secondly, although I follow the team, it took me a good five minutes to realize who Robert Henson was-- given his playing status (inactive both weeks), this is the most play he's going to get all year. And last but not least, let's hope he and the rest of the league's twitterers learn from this-- instant messaging might not be a good idea.
Leaky Line-- Randy Thomas' torn triceps puts the Skins OL in trouble again... and Will Montgomery or Chad Rhinehart will have the opportunity to step up Sunday against the Lions. Once again, you can never have too much depth in the trenches-- and the fact that the Skins have neglected the OL since drafting Jansen and Samuels as bookends is rearing its ugly head again.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Redskins Rehash...it counts as a win, doesn't it?
With today's healthcare debate, I'm starting with the man in the mirror... proposing gametapes of Sunday's Redskins 9-7 win over the Rams be distributed nationwide and used as anesthetic...thus cutting into doctor's overhead and patient costs. Don't say Preston's Perspective doesn't care.
Redfaced in the Red Zone-- five stops in the NFL's Boardwalk and Park Place--and settled for field goals of 21, 28 and 23 yards. There were dropped passes (Mike Sellers), failed halfback options and shovel passes (Clinton Portis on both counts) that infuriated the faithful. They were lucky they were playing a rebuilding Rams team that couldn't get out of its own way.
What's a Haynesworth? The Skins 100 million dollar man registered a tackle with two assists...and was off the field for more than a few plays. His residual effect? A pass rush that notched just one sack but made life uncomfortable for Marc Bulger all afternoon.
Less is more for London-- linebacker London Fletcher finished with 3 solo tackles and 6 assists... half his total stops from the Giants game--and he was happy. Why? Fewer tackles for Fletcher means the defensive line is making plays and keeping the ballcarrier in the backfield more. Case in point-- Cornelius Griffin and Philip Daniels each posted 4 solo stops while Andre Carter had 3 tackles and 3 assists. On those plays Fletcher didn't need to be a factor.
Tracking the Triumvirate-- 2007's second rounders combined for five catches against the Rams for 39 yards... Malcolm Kelly once again leading the way (4-41) and Fred Davis posting his first reception of 2009 (a two yard loss). The combined pace of 48 catches between the three obliterates last year's 21--and Devin Thomas has yet to heat up!
Change of pace? You Betts!-- with the money the Skins are giving runningback Ladell Betts, I've maintained he's under-utilized... well Sunday saw the backup get four carries and catch a 25 yard pass. Marcus Mason even got three runs. It's not the Earth, Wind and Fire backfield of the Giants last year, but it's a start that will pay dividends in December when Portis isn't overwhelmed by a 350-plus carry campaign.
Best team at Fed Ex? Look to the booth. Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan may not be FOX's #1, #2 or even #3 team but the pair do a fine job presenting the game... they don't act like you're stupid and let you know what you want to know-- like plays Albert Haynesworth was off the field for.
Redfaced in the Red Zone-- five stops in the NFL's Boardwalk and Park Place--and settled for field goals of 21, 28 and 23 yards. There were dropped passes (Mike Sellers), failed halfback options and shovel passes (Clinton Portis on both counts) that infuriated the faithful. They were lucky they were playing a rebuilding Rams team that couldn't get out of its own way.
What's a Haynesworth? The Skins 100 million dollar man registered a tackle with two assists...and was off the field for more than a few plays. His residual effect? A pass rush that notched just one sack but made life uncomfortable for Marc Bulger all afternoon.
Less is more for London-- linebacker London Fletcher finished with 3 solo tackles and 6 assists... half his total stops from the Giants game--and he was happy. Why? Fewer tackles for Fletcher means the defensive line is making plays and keeping the ballcarrier in the backfield more. Case in point-- Cornelius Griffin and Philip Daniels each posted 4 solo stops while Andre Carter had 3 tackles and 3 assists. On those plays Fletcher didn't need to be a factor.
Tracking the Triumvirate-- 2007's second rounders combined for five catches against the Rams for 39 yards... Malcolm Kelly once again leading the way (4-41) and Fred Davis posting his first reception of 2009 (a two yard loss). The combined pace of 48 catches between the three obliterates last year's 21--and Devin Thomas has yet to heat up!
Change of pace? You Betts!-- with the money the Skins are giving runningback Ladell Betts, I've maintained he's under-utilized... well Sunday saw the backup get four carries and catch a 25 yard pass. Marcus Mason even got three runs. It's not the Earth, Wind and Fire backfield of the Giants last year, but it's a start that will pay dividends in December when Portis isn't overwhelmed by a 350-plus carry campaign.
Best team at Fed Ex? Look to the booth. Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan may not be FOX's #1, #2 or even #3 team but the pair do a fine job presenting the game... they don't act like you're stupid and let you know what you want to know-- like plays Albert Haynesworth was off the field for.
College Football Corner--Conference Calls...
As we enter the final week of show-me-month...as conferences wrap up the bulk of their non-conference slates. While much is to be determined, the tone across the nation has been set:
Southeastern... leader of the pack with four teams ranked in the top seven. But watch out when somebody plays a legit out of conference opponent (Georgia losing at Oklahoma State, Tennessee falling to UCLA).
Big 12...biggest bummer about a shaky September? Oklahoma State and Colorado having disappointing starts means I can't use "I'M A MAN! I'M 40!" and "IT'S DIVISION ONE FOOTBALL!"- as humorous asides as much.
Pac-Ten...very impressive intersectional resume (Cal and UCLA especially) ...although USC's duality as the only legitimate national contender, yet one that can't beat the league's second-tier schools is getting tiring.
Big Ten... five teams are 3-0 and Michigan has equalled last years win total. Still, schedules stuffed with multiple wins over Mid-American Conference schools can't be completely reassuring.
Atlantic Coast... where would this middling collection of programs either rebuilding or in crisis be without their Big East infusion (Mia-VT-BC)?
Big East... when does basketball season start? Oh, well- Cincinnati's capable and West Virginia played well in a loss at Auburn. In fact, only one Big East school has a losing record thus far-- coincidentally my alma mater.
Western Athletic... the league rises and falls upon the fortunes of unbeaten Boise State and the Broncos' blue field. As well as my Uncle Chris' chocolate shop, Chocolat Bar the home of handmade artisan candies--now at a new location on 805 W. Bannock Street.
Mountain West... also known as "the Original WAC before they overexpanded"-- with BYU playing the Boise State role.
Mid-American ... the league showed its true wisdom by recently adding Temple-- because nothing says midwestern than Philadelphia and 13 schools is a much easier number to work with than 12.
Sun Belt... a mish-mash of directionals and hyphens serving as win generators for the big boys (Maryland excepted).
Alma Mater update-- a thrilling finish capped the first victory of the Doug Marrone era... as the Orange took another step towards respectability (the steps needed to get to respectability changes from time to time) as Greg Paulus/Billy Zabka threw for 346 yards, prompting coach Marrone to inquire about Jon Scheyer's eligibility.
MARYLAND one week after winning a game it should have lost...lost a game it should have won--a frustrating 32-31 defeat to Middle Tennessee. Conventional wisdom lowers expectations and braces for a schedule that has red-hot Rutgers and back from the Bowden era Clemson. Terrapin triumphs-- Torrey Smith tallied 5 catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns... Cameron Chism notched 12 tackles and two interceptions in his first career start... the defense posted four sacks and held MTSU on 13 of 16 third downs. Terrapin Troubles-- four turnovers (two fumbles by Da'Rel Scott) led to 16 Blue Raider points... after keeping MTSU at bay most of the day, the defense allowed a 70+ yard march on the final possession of the game... Nick Ferrara missed field goals of 31 and 42 yards. NEXT UP: Saturday vs Rutgers, 3:30.
#13 VIRGINIA TECH rallied with a last second drive and upended #19 Nebraska 16-15. Don't ever accuse the Hokies of treading lightly on the scheduling front: with Miami on the slate this Saturday, VT is one of the few schools to play four recent National Champions in September--Alabama (1992), Nebraska (1994-95), the Hurricanes (2001) in I-A and Marshall (with Randy Moss and Chad Pennington) took the I-AA title in 1996. Hokie Highlights-- Ryan Williams ran for 107 yards and a touchdown... the defense kept the Cornhuskers out of the end zone--limiting them to 6 of 17 on third down and intercepting a pair of passes... punter Brett Bowden had three kicks of 50+ yards--with three punts inside the twenty and no touchbacks. Hokie Humblings-- take away the fantastic finish and Tyrod Taylor was 8 of 24 for 100 yards... the offense reached the red zone just twice... Nebraska ran for over 200 yards at a 5.8 per carry clip. NEXT UP: Saturday vs #20 MIAMI, 3:30.
VIRGINIA continued its September swoon with a come from ahead 37-34 loss at Southern Miss...Coach Al Groh's unit has gone 1-6 the last two Septembers--thank goodness they're idle this Saturday. Cavalier Congrats--after scoring 28 points in the first two weeks, the offense posted 27 in the first half against the Eagles... Jameel Sewell threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns while running for two more scores... Corey Mosley continues his solid season with 9 tackles and an interception. Cavalier Catastrophes-- after allowing just 23 yards on 15 plays the first four times Southern Miss had the ball, the defense didn't go consecutive positions without surrendering a score until the end of the game... defending the run continues to be a problem--UVa coughing up 214 yards at a rate of 5.2 per carry... the offensive line allowed four sacks -- all in the second half... Sewell's fourth quarter numbers: 3-11, 26 yards and two sacks. NEXT UP: OCTOBER 3RD AT #22 NORTH CAROLINA.
Southeastern... leader of the pack with four teams ranked in the top seven. But watch out when somebody plays a legit out of conference opponent (Georgia losing at Oklahoma State, Tennessee falling to UCLA).
Big 12...biggest bummer about a shaky September? Oklahoma State and Colorado having disappointing starts means I can't use "I'M A MAN! I'M 40!" and "IT'S DIVISION ONE FOOTBALL!"- as humorous asides as much.
Pac-Ten...very impressive intersectional resume (Cal and UCLA especially) ...although USC's duality as the only legitimate national contender, yet one that can't beat the league's second-tier schools is getting tiring.
Big Ten... five teams are 3-0 and Michigan has equalled last years win total. Still, schedules stuffed with multiple wins over Mid-American Conference schools can't be completely reassuring.
Atlantic Coast... where would this middling collection of programs either rebuilding or in crisis be without their Big East infusion (Mia-VT-BC)?
Big East... when does basketball season start? Oh, well- Cincinnati's capable and West Virginia played well in a loss at Auburn. In fact, only one Big East school has a losing record thus far-- coincidentally my alma mater.
Western Athletic... the league rises and falls upon the fortunes of unbeaten Boise State and the Broncos' blue field. As well as my Uncle Chris' chocolate shop, Chocolat Bar the home of handmade artisan candies--now at a new location on 805 W. Bannock Street.
Mountain West... also known as "the Original WAC before they overexpanded"-- with BYU playing the Boise State role.
Mid-American ... the league showed its true wisdom by recently adding Temple-- because nothing says midwestern than Philadelphia and 13 schools is a much easier number to work with than 12.
Sun Belt... a mish-mash of directionals and hyphens serving as win generators for the big boys (Maryland excepted).
Alma Mater update-- a thrilling finish capped the first victory of the Doug Marrone era... as the Orange took another step towards respectability (the steps needed to get to respectability changes from time to time) as Greg Paulus/Billy Zabka threw for 346 yards, prompting coach Marrone to inquire about Jon Scheyer's eligibility.
MARYLAND one week after winning a game it should have lost...lost a game it should have won--a frustrating 32-31 defeat to Middle Tennessee. Conventional wisdom lowers expectations and braces for a schedule that has red-hot Rutgers and back from the Bowden era Clemson. Terrapin triumphs-- Torrey Smith tallied 5 catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns... Cameron Chism notched 12 tackles and two interceptions in his first career start... the defense posted four sacks and held MTSU on 13 of 16 third downs. Terrapin Troubles-- four turnovers (two fumbles by Da'Rel Scott) led to 16 Blue Raider points... after keeping MTSU at bay most of the day, the defense allowed a 70+ yard march on the final possession of the game... Nick Ferrara missed field goals of 31 and 42 yards. NEXT UP: Saturday vs Rutgers, 3:30.
#13 VIRGINIA TECH rallied with a last second drive and upended #19 Nebraska 16-15. Don't ever accuse the Hokies of treading lightly on the scheduling front: with Miami on the slate this Saturday, VT is one of the few schools to play four recent National Champions in September--Alabama (1992), Nebraska (1994-95), the Hurricanes (2001) in I-A and Marshall (with Randy Moss and Chad Pennington) took the I-AA title in 1996. Hokie Highlights-- Ryan Williams ran for 107 yards and a touchdown... the defense kept the Cornhuskers out of the end zone--limiting them to 6 of 17 on third down and intercepting a pair of passes... punter Brett Bowden had three kicks of 50+ yards--with three punts inside the twenty and no touchbacks. Hokie Humblings-- take away the fantastic finish and Tyrod Taylor was 8 of 24 for 100 yards... the offense reached the red zone just twice... Nebraska ran for over 200 yards at a 5.8 per carry clip. NEXT UP: Saturday vs #20 MIAMI, 3:30.
VIRGINIA continued its September swoon with a come from ahead 37-34 loss at Southern Miss...Coach Al Groh's unit has gone 1-6 the last two Septembers--thank goodness they're idle this Saturday. Cavalier Congrats--after scoring 28 points in the first two weeks, the offense posted 27 in the first half against the Eagles... Jameel Sewell threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns while running for two more scores... Corey Mosley continues his solid season with 9 tackles and an interception. Cavalier Catastrophes-- after allowing just 23 yards on 15 plays the first four times Southern Miss had the ball, the defense didn't go consecutive positions without surrendering a score until the end of the game... defending the run continues to be a problem--UVa coughing up 214 yards at a rate of 5.2 per carry... the offensive line allowed four sacks -- all in the second half... Sewell's fourth quarter numbers: 3-11, 26 yards and two sacks. NEXT UP: OCTOBER 3RD AT #22 NORTH CAROLINA.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Presto's Picks-- HURRICANE WARNING!
Attention, Hokies: you now have another bully on the block in the ACC Coastal Division. Bad news for the wannabees waiting for Virginia Tech to slip up. A tougher road ahead for Butch Davis at North Carolina (the sleeping giant of the ACC) as the Tar Heels build towards title contender. Miami's back with speed, skill and swagger. The 20th ranked Hurricanes 33-17 dismantling of #14 Georgia Tech puts the rest of the league on notice that the U is on track to contend for the division championship after some market correction during the late Larry Coker/early Randy Shannon era.
A private institution always has a tougher path when rebuilding (walk-ons face a higher tuition than those at state schools)...and behind Jacory Harris it looks as though the Canes' growing pains are a thing of the past.
Superlative issue--in the papers #20 Miami's home win over #14 Georgia Tech was referred to as a stunner/shocker. Hello? It's week three...with limited samples available to evaluate teams...thus the rankings aren't nearly as exact as they will be a month from now. And it's IN SOUTH BEACH. Ever hear of home field? Quality win? Certainly. Shocker? Hardly.
VIRGINIA at Southern Mississippi-- out of 120 Division I-A teams, coach Al Groh's team ranks 112th in total offense, 113th in passing, 116th in time of possession and 117th in sacks allowed. Clearly UVa has been spending too much time focusing on perfecting their 99th rated running game. Cavs crumble, 36-14.
NAVY falls to Pitt... GEORGETOWN slips to Yale... RICHMOND over Hofstra... WILLIAM & MARY tops Norfolk State. Last week: 6-1. Overall: 8-4.
A private institution always has a tougher path when rebuilding (walk-ons face a higher tuition than those at state schools)...and behind Jacory Harris it looks as though the Canes' growing pains are a thing of the past.
Superlative issue--in the papers #20 Miami's home win over #14 Georgia Tech was referred to as a stunner/shocker. Hello? It's week three...with limited samples available to evaluate teams...thus the rankings aren't nearly as exact as they will be a month from now. And it's IN SOUTH BEACH. Ever hear of home field? Quality win? Certainly. Shocker? Hardly.
Alma Mater Update: Syracuse continues its roundabout quest for a Big Ten championship by hosting Northwestern--after a heartbreaking loss to Minnesota and a thumping at Penn State (the loss in Happy Valley effectively eliminated the Orange from the Rose Bowl race). But Big Ten schools aren't created equally...and Northwestern may be more mildcat than Wildcat after wins over Towson and Eastern Michigan.
MARYLAND vs Middle Tennessee State-- the Terps lost in Mufreesboro last fall...there is no record of fried dill pickle chips consumed before, during or after said contest. Two big concerns -- offensive line cohesion and tackling. Eight of the ten linemen in the team's two-deep lineup are freshmen (some true freshmen) and sophomores-- they need to grow up in a hurry (3.5 yards per carry, 7 sacks and 16 tackles for loss allowed). Defensively plays need to be made... last week the D made hits without finishing the deal--if they can't contain the Blue Raiders spread option, they'll definitely be in a pickle. Terps triumph 27-22.# 13 VIRGINIA TECH vs #20 Nebraska-- how far along is Bo Pellini in restoring the Big Red Glory that made the Huskers' stadium the third most populous place in the state during home games? His team's already taking one page from the time-honored Tom Osborne tradition...routing lower level teams--ripping Arkansas State and Florida Atlantic by a combined 87-12. Hokies handle the Huskers 20-18.
VIRGINIA at Southern Mississippi-- out of 120 Division I-A teams, coach Al Groh's team ranks 112th in total offense, 113th in passing, 116th in time of possession and 117th in sacks allowed. Clearly UVa has been spending too much time focusing on perfecting their 99th rated running game. Cavs crumble, 36-14.
NAVY falls to Pitt... GEORGETOWN slips to Yale... RICHMOND over Hofstra... WILLIAM & MARY tops Norfolk State. Last week: 6-1. Overall: 8-4.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Light fades...
Seventy two years of tradition wraps up this week as Guiding Light airs for the final time; instead of love in the afternoon we're getting a month of "Doctor Oz" followed by Wayne Brady hosting Let's Make a Deal... the journey to oblivion beginning with a single step. My musings on a show I grew up with but haven't watched in ages...:
Different world-- GL's not the first soap to go belly-up... Another World, Texas, Capitol, Ryan's Hope... but it began and thrived in an era long gone. The target demo of the daytime drama in the 50's and 60's was the vacuuming housewife who had three hours to kill after finishing laundry... before she had to begin preparing dinner. Those people are all now in their 70's and 80's living on fixed incomes...and while the boomer generation straddled home and work, GenXers are fully in the workforce--leaving senior citizens and college students the idle midday audience...not exactly what buying power is about.
Different world-- GL's not the first soap to go belly-up... Another World, Texas, Capitol, Ryan's Hope... but it began and thrived in an era long gone. The target demo of the daytime drama in the 50's and 60's was the vacuuming housewife who had three hours to kill after finishing laundry... before she had to begin preparing dinner. Those people are all now in their 70's and 80's living on fixed incomes...and while the boomer generation straddled home and work, GenXers are fully in the workforce--leaving senior citizens and college students the idle midday audience...not exactly what buying power is about.
Groundbreaking-- It was the first soap to cast African American actors (from James Earl Jones to Cicely Tyson to Billy Dee Williams) and seemed to be something more than just a way to put your brain on autopilot for an hour... from the Bert Bauer breast cancer storyline in the 60's to the Roger/Holly spousal rape trial in the 70's to teen alcoholism (with Kevin Bacon front and center)... GL was on the cutting edge.
Love Triangles and Boozing up-- it was thanks to Kevin Bacon I was exposed to my first crush and rationalizing alcoholism. Bacon's character Tim Werner was caught in a love triangle with Kelly Nelson and Morgan Richards (as befitting a soap-- Kelly was the guy and Morgan was the girl). The red-haired freckled Morgan was played to perfection by Kristen Vigard... and over the course of a year both Tim and Kelly (played by the guy who wound up being Dawson's father on Dawson's Creek) vied for Morgan through a runaway story, teen prostitution, and of course a coma. Final result? Kelly wound up with the girl and Tim wound up drunk all the time. As a ten year old I questioned why Tim succumbed to alcoholism, but after recently looking back at episodes on YOUTUBE, if I lost the love of my life to a lunkhead who walked around shirtless and sang Anne Murray songs all the time--I'd be drinking early and often. Of course, I was more heartbroken when Morgan was re-cast.
Say My Name!-- I was curious yet thrilled in the fall of 1985 when the character "David Preston" was introduced as a business manager of the flavor of the month tycoon, Kyle Sampson. Little did I know Preston was a devious industrial spy as a member of a group "INFINITY"... a storyline reaching a boiling point at the wedding of Kurt Corday and Mindy Lewis--where David Preston was shot and killed. The show hasn't been the same since.
Fantasy Focus... Dread Pirate Roberts takes no prisoners!
Fantasy Freaks...DP reeled off a first week victory over the Barhawks...71-56... thank you Tony Romo... this week's opponent: Always a Winner--(Kurt Warner, Ryan Grant, Dallas Clark)...
A late breaking story from draft day-- I'm in a different league this year and signed up just before we all chose players. One of the other people in the Carpet Yard League (don't ask) mentioned to one of my friends..."hey is that THE DAVE PRESTON? That's not fair--he's a professional! I might drop out...". Hello? Now let the record show- I've been called "up and coming Dave Preston" (early broadcasting career), "the other Dave" (high school), even "that guy" (never a good thing) before, but never have I had an article fronting my name. Sometimes progress is measured in the darnedest things.
The challenge over the first month of any fantasy league is to differentiate the hot starts; Jason Campbell got off to a hot start he couldn't sustain while Aaron Rodgers continued to produce throughout the season. There will be plenty of players available on the waiver wire-- especially as teams reconfigure for various bye weeks. The key is separating the wheat from the chaff.
Quarterback quandary: in the time-honored tradition of DP's QB's not being OK-- BOTH Tony Romo and Matt Schaub have ankle injuries entering week two (at least it's the same body part as opposed to a shoulder and a knee). Both face tough defenses: Romo plays the NY Giants while Schaub takes on Tennessee. However, the Titans have a few more days to prepare for the Texans, making Romo the educated choice (plus he played MUCH BETTER in week one). In other positional switches...I'm probably going with Jets TE Dustin Keller over Pittsburgh's Heath Miller.
A late breaking story from draft day-- I'm in a different league this year and signed up just before we all chose players. One of the other people in the Carpet Yard League (don't ask) mentioned to one of my friends..."hey is that THE DAVE PRESTON? That's not fair--he's a professional! I might drop out...". Hello? Now let the record show- I've been called "up and coming Dave Preston" (early broadcasting career), "the other Dave" (high school), even "that guy" (never a good thing) before, but never have I had an article fronting my name. Sometimes progress is measured in the darnedest things.
The challenge over the first month of any fantasy league is to differentiate the hot starts; Jason Campbell got off to a hot start he couldn't sustain while Aaron Rodgers continued to produce throughout the season. There will be plenty of players available on the waiver wire-- especially as teams reconfigure for various bye weeks. The key is separating the wheat from the chaff.
Quarterback quandary: in the time-honored tradition of DP's QB's not being OK-- BOTH Tony Romo and Matt Schaub have ankle injuries entering week two (at least it's the same body part as opposed to a shoulder and a knee). Both face tough defenses: Romo plays the NY Giants while Schaub takes on Tennessee. However, the Titans have a few more days to prepare for the Texans, making Romo the educated choice (plus he played MUCH BETTER in week one). In other positional switches...I'm probably going with Jets TE Dustin Keller over Pittsburgh's Heath Miller.
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