The Green Bay Packers accomplished three things on Sunday:
#1) trounced the Seattle Seahawks,
#2) didn't suffer any major injuries and
#3) punched their ticket to the playoffs.
In one of the more impressive regular season performances of the Ted Thompson/Mike McCarthy era, the Green Bay Packers demolished the Seattle Seahawks 48-10. The game was out of hand early in the 3rd quarter, which allowed Mike McCarthy to insert backup quarterback Matt Flynn (along with a number of back ups on both sides of the ball) at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Here were the top five plays from the game:
#5) Green Bay leads 7-0, Green Bay ball on their own 33 yard line, 3rd and 4 with 1:37 left in the 1st quarter:
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay) threw deep left to Greg Jennings (Green Bay) for a 40 yard gain.
Analysis:
This play never happens last season, Mike McCarthy would not have called a play that gave Aaron Rodgers a chance to take a shot in that situation. With how well Rodgers is playing this season, McCarthy trusts Rodgers in almost any situation. McCarthy dialed up a play that got Jennings one-on-one with a cornerback. Rodgers saw the mismatch and threw a perfectly weighed ball to keep the drive alive. That completion helped propel Rodgers over 4,000 passing yards for the season. That gives Rodgers back to back 4,000 yard passing seasons to start his career, the first (yes you read that correctly) quarterback to do that in NFL history.
#4) Green Bay leads 14-0, Seattle ball on the Green Bay 8 yard line, 3rd and 6 with 12:10 left in the 2nd quarter:
Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle) threw short middle intended for T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Seattle), tipped by Johnny Jolly (Green Bay) and INTERCEPTED by Atari Bigby (Green Bay) for a touchback.
Analysis:
The game was not out of hand at this point. If Hasselbeck throws a touchdown, Seattle only trails by only 7 points. Instead, Hasselbeck threw an ill advised pass that was tipped at the line by Jolly (who set a Packer record for 11 tipped balls in a season) and intercepted easily by Bigby because the intended receiver (T.J. Houshmandzadeh) slipped on the play. After securing the interception, Bigby smartly went to the ground to force a touchback. Often times defenders want to make the big play and try to take interceptions out of the end zone instead of taking the ball at the 20 yard line. Very rarely is it a good decision to take it out of the end zone which actually puts their offense in worse field position.
#3) Green Bay leads 38-3, Green Bay ball on the Seattle 34 yard line, 4th and 1 with 10:52 left in the 4th quarter:
Mason Crosby's 52 yard field goal attempt is GOOD.
Analysis:
Mason Crosby's kicking woes have been well documented (missed field goals in 7 of the last 8 games he attempted a field goal going into the game against Seattle). This kick obviously was of little consequence for the game itself but might prove to be the confidence builder Crosby needed. Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson have stood behind Crosby all season despite his kicking problems. Today Crosby rewarded McCarthy and Thompson by nailing the 52 yard field goal, which was the first field goal he made over 50 yards since connecting on a 52 yarder in Week #1. The reaction from the sideline said it all. Rodgers, Jennings and other 1st teams lined up to congratulate Crosby. Green Bay is hoping this is the boost Crosby needs for the playoffs.
#2) Game tied 0-0, Seattle ball on the Green Bay 36 yard line, 3rd and 1 with 9:02 left in the 1st quarter:
Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle) threw short right, INTERCEPTED by A.J. Hawk (Green Bay) at the Green Bay 36 yard line and returned 29 yards to the Seattle 35 yard line.
Analysis:
Green Bay won the toss and elected to receive. I am still not too sure why McCarthy elects to receive. With how well the defense is playing this season I would always defer to the second half. On their opening possession, Green Bay went three and out. After a below average punt from Kapinos, Seattle marched down the field running the ball on 7 of 8 plays on the drive. Facing a 3rd and 1 on their 9th play of the drive Seattle ran a play action boot leg play for Matt Hasselbeck. Great call by the way. Any time you can get a slow quarterback moving outside the pocket with very few receiving options on 3rd and 1 you have to take it. With no receiver within 10 yards Hasselbeck threw a perfect strike to A.J. Hawk. If Hawk had any speed it would have been returned for a touchdown. Instead Hawk was run down by every offensive lineman on Seattle.
#1) Green Bay leads 14-3, Green Bay ball on their own 44 yard line, 1st and 10 with 5:46 left in the 2nd quarter:
Ryan Grant (Green Bay) runs off left tackle for 56 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Analysis:
This was Grant's second big run in three weeks. Grant had a 62 yards TD run against the Chicago Bears in Week #14 (click here and scroll down to play #2). Grant is not an overpowering runner like Ahman Green in his prime (or Sunday when Green ran over the entire Seattle defense to pick up 16 yards on a 3rd and 1). Grant is at his best when he makes one cut and hits the hole. On the 56 yard touchdown run against Seattle Grant hit the hole, made a quick side step to evade the safety at the second level and was off to the races. The Green Bay running backs got into the end zone 6 times against Seattle (2 rushing by Grant, 2 rushing/1 receiving by Jackson and 1 rushing by Green) so there were a number of plays to choose from for the top spot but Grant's 56 yard touchdown run had to be #1 since it put the game out of reach before halftime.
Trojan Boner of the Week Award - Matt Hasselbeck
Just as a refresher, the award goes to a player/coach/referee that makes a stupid play(s)/decision(s)/call(s) during the game.
Analysis:
Hasselbeck's line for the day: 19 for 37, 198 yards, 1 touchdown (that came with only 4 minutes remaining to pull Seattle within 38 points) and 4 interceptions. This marks the second week in a row Hasselbeck threw 4 interceptions. Last week Hasselbeck did it at home against the now 3-12 Bucs after the Bucs knocked off the Saints in New Orleans. Hasselbeck now holds the distinction of being the only Seattle quarterback in team history to throw 4 interceptions in 2 games in a single season.
Hasselbeck threw two picks to Bigby, one to Hawk and one to Jarrett Bush. You read that correctly, Bush got a pick. I have to give Bush credit, it was actually a text book play by him but pretty sad for Hasselbeck considering Bush is the guy that evvery team has identified as the Packers' biggest weakness.
Green Bay has not been a kind place to the Seahawks, they have lost 5 straight in Green Bay (a few coming in the playoffs in recent years). Let's take a quick look back to see if Matt Hasselbeck deserves the "lifetime boner award" when he plays in Green bay as a member of the Seahwaks.
No one can forget the overtime playoff game when Seattle won the coin toss only to have Hasselbeck say "we'll take the ball we're gonna score." Hasselbeck threw a touchdown pass, unfortunately for him it came on an interception returned for a touchdown by Al Harris for Green Bay to end Seattle's season.
A few years later Seattle was also the only thing that separated Green Bay from the 2007 NFC Championship game. Seattle jumped out to a 14-0 lead set-up by two costly fumbles by Ryan Grant. Quick tangent, I missed the start of the game because I was attending a wedding. As I ran to the car I heard the second touchdown on the radio. I was going to drive my beautiful wife to be and friends to the hotel to catch the rest of the game bu once we heard the score I handed over the car keys and immediately started foaming at the mouth. Luckily the Packers got back on track and ended up routing Seattle 42-20.
The only reason I can think of for why Hasselbeck is so horrible in Green Bay is that he might just be a die hard Packer fan. Hasselbeck started his NFL career in Green Bay before being traded to Seattle. Based on how horribly he plays in Green Bay may be he is conflicted on who he really wants to win the games. I am going to make the leap and give Hasselbeck the modified "lifetime boner award". Whenever Hasselbeck plays in Green Bay, bet heavy on the Packers.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
2009 Week #16 - Packers v. Seahawks
Seattle is coming off two royal beatings in as many weeks, a 34-7 loss at the Houston Texans on December 13th and a 24-7 loss last week at home to Tampa Bay. Seattle is 1-6 on the record and a huge underdogs. At 5-9, Seattle is already looking towards 2010. If the Packers lose this game they don't deserve to go to the playoffs.
Seattle has been bitten badly by the injury bug. They have played the entire season without the starting left side of their offensive line: left tackle Walter Jones and left guard Mike Wahle (who injured is still more effective than Daryn Colledge). Besides that, Seattle lost their Pro Bowl middle linebacker Lofa Tatufu early in the season. Finally, veteran wide receiver Nate Burleson and promising rookie outside linebacker Aaron Curry are most likely sidelined with injury this week as well.
All five of the players mentioned above would make Seattle's "Top 10 List" if healthy. As a result, some of the names mentioned below are a stretch for inclusion on a "Top 10 List"...
#10 - Max "How Did I Make the List?" Unger (C):
Seattle was forced to move Unger to center because injuries to their regular center Chris Spencer. With all of the "depth" the Packers had on the offensive line to start the season there was some talk of trading Scott Wells to Seattle, good thing that rumor never materialized. Since the beginning of August the Packers have shuffled their offensive line constantly: traded Tony Moll to Baltimore, cut Jamon Meredith (signed to Packers practice squad but later signed to Buffalo's active roster), placed center Jason Spitz on injured reserve and resigned Mark Tauscher. As crazy as it sounds, without Wells the Packers would have been remarkably worse and possibly out of playoff contention.
#9 - T.J. "Way Overpaid" Houshmandzadeh (WR):
Seattle and Minnesota aggressively pursued Houshmandzadeh in the offseason. Would Houshmandzadeh have thrived in Minnesota? May be, but Minnesota would have been much worse off. Houshmandzadeh's presence would have hurt the development of Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice. Minnesota is lucky that Seattle beat out their offer. At 32, Houshmandzadeh is not getting any younger and his 5 year, $40 million contract already looks like a mistake less than a year into it (72 catches, 794 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 fumbles and 1 lost). Houshmandzadeh is a good route runner but lacks speed to stretch the field. At 5 years, $20 million Houshmandzadeh would be overpaid...
#8 - John "Thanks for Nothing Charlie" Carlson (TE):
At 6'5", Carlson gives Matt Hasselbeck options over the middle of the field. Carlson possesses average speed, decent blocking abilities and superb hands. Carlson is in the top three on the team in the major receiving categories: 47 catches (3rd), 536 receiving yards (3rd) and 5 touchdown receptions (1st). Carlson has been a huge upgrade over the psycho that is Jerramy Stevens.
#7 - Jordan "Safeties Should Not have to Make so Many Tackles" Babineaux (FS): Babineaux is second on the team in tackles with 99 (next closest tackler has 64 tackles). Although not the fastest or tallest safety in the NFL, Babineaux gives Seattle a physical presence in the secondary.
#6 - Julius "The Heater" Jones (RB):
Jones might be the only NFL player that smokes cigarettes regularly according to The Sports Guy ("I found out two years ago that he smokes cigarettes and I just can't think rationally about him after that"article). Quick tangent, do you find it odd when you see nurses and doctors smoking in front of a hospital? As I pondered that along with Jones smoking as a professional athlete, I decided I still think it is crazier that Jones smokes. Just so we are not devoid of actual analysis, as a fantasy owner of Jones and his back-up Justin Forsett, the future in Seattle looks to be Forsett. Although not as fast as Jones, Forsett has hit some homeruns this season for Seattle and provides a much bigger upside based on age and production over Jones.
#5 - Jon "Unfortunately no longer a Packer" Ryan (P):
The Packers treated Jon Ryan's family with dignity while he was a member of the team. Just before Ryan's father lost his battle with cancer, the Packers gave Ryan's father the VIP treatment (story). Unfortunately Ted Thompson cut Ryan in favor of Derrick Frost (the man that did not kick well enough this season in the United Football League, you read that correctly United NOT National to last the entire season). After the Packers cut Frost, they turned to the under achieving Jeremy Kapinos. Check the stats for 2008, Ryan has been much more productive than Kapinos:
- Ryan: 4th in average at 47.1 yards and 10th in net average at 39.2 yards.
- Kapinos: 17th in average at 43.8 and 33rd in net average at 34.2 yards.
#4 - Olindo "Fountain of Youth" Mare (K):
Mare has had a renaissance since joining Seattle in 2008. This season Mare has converted over 90% of his field goal opportunities (although his longest is only 47 yards) to go along with his 22 touch backs. I will not list Mason Crosby's stats...it might forced me to poke my eye out.
#3 - Josh "Mr. Big Play" Wilson (CB):
Both of Wilson's interceptions this season have been returned over 60 yards for touchdowns. Although Wilson is not your typical shutdown cornerback (only 5'9"), he routinely draws the opposing team's #1 receiver. At 24, Wilson looks to be Seattle's defensive back of the future.
#2 - Matt "I am not getting any younger" Hasselbeck (QB):
After being traded from Green Bay to Seattle in 2001, Hasselbeck has been the face of the franchise. In eight seasons as the starting quarterback, Hasselbeck lead Seattle to five consecutive winning seasons (between 2003 and 2007) and one Super Bowl appearance (lost to the Steelers). Unfortunately for Hasselbeck, he isn't getting any younger. Seattle is in full rebuilding mode after going 4-12 last season, Mike Holmgren moving on as their head coach and only marginally improving this season. Hasselbeck's tenure with the team could end sooner rather than later if Seattle drafts a quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft (likely a top 10 pick).
#1 - David "Surprising Defensive Leader" Hawthorne (MLB):
Seattle lost Pro Bowl middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu for the season in Week #6 against the Arizona Cardinals. Hawthrone stepped in immediately and has been one of the only bright spots for Seattle this season. Hawthrone leads or is tied for the team lead in almost every defensive category: 103 tackles (1st), 4 sacks (tied for 1st), 7 tackles for a loss (1st), 2 forced fumbles (1st) and 3 interceptions (tied for 1st). Although Seattle would like a full compliment of healthy linebackers, Hawthorne's excellent play has eased the loss of Tatupu.
Seattle has been bitten badly by the injury bug. They have played the entire season without the starting left side of their offensive line: left tackle Walter Jones and left guard Mike Wahle (who injured is still more effective than Daryn Colledge). Besides that, Seattle lost their Pro Bowl middle linebacker Lofa Tatufu early in the season. Finally, veteran wide receiver Nate Burleson and promising rookie outside linebacker Aaron Curry are most likely sidelined with injury this week as well.
All five of the players mentioned above would make Seattle's "Top 10 List" if healthy. As a result, some of the names mentioned below are a stretch for inclusion on a "Top 10 List"...
#10 - Max "How Did I Make the List?" Unger (C):
Seattle was forced to move Unger to center because injuries to their regular center Chris Spencer. With all of the "depth" the Packers had on the offensive line to start the season there was some talk of trading Scott Wells to Seattle, good thing that rumor never materialized. Since the beginning of August the Packers have shuffled their offensive line constantly: traded Tony Moll to Baltimore, cut Jamon Meredith (signed to Packers practice squad but later signed to Buffalo's active roster), placed center Jason Spitz on injured reserve and resigned Mark Tauscher. As crazy as it sounds, without Wells the Packers would have been remarkably worse and possibly out of playoff contention.
#9 - T.J. "Way Overpaid" Houshmandzadeh (WR):
Seattle and Minnesota aggressively pursued Houshmandzadeh in the offseason. Would Houshmandzadeh have thrived in Minnesota? May be, but Minnesota would have been much worse off. Houshmandzadeh's presence would have hurt the development of Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice. Minnesota is lucky that Seattle beat out their offer. At 32, Houshmandzadeh is not getting any younger and his 5 year, $40 million contract already looks like a mistake less than a year into it (72 catches, 794 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 fumbles and 1 lost). Houshmandzadeh is a good route runner but lacks speed to stretch the field. At 5 years, $20 million Houshmandzadeh would be overpaid...
#8 - John "Thanks for Nothing Charlie" Carlson (TE):
At 6'5", Carlson gives Matt Hasselbeck options over the middle of the field. Carlson possesses average speed, decent blocking abilities and superb hands. Carlson is in the top three on the team in the major receiving categories: 47 catches (3rd), 536 receiving yards (3rd) and 5 touchdown receptions (1st). Carlson has been a huge upgrade over the psycho that is Jerramy Stevens.
#7 - Jordan "Safeties Should Not have to Make so Many Tackles" Babineaux (FS): Babineaux is second on the team in tackles with 99 (next closest tackler has 64 tackles). Although not the fastest or tallest safety in the NFL, Babineaux gives Seattle a physical presence in the secondary.
#6 - Julius "The Heater" Jones (RB):
Jones might be the only NFL player that smokes cigarettes regularly according to The Sports Guy ("I found out two years ago that he smokes cigarettes and I just can't think rationally about him after that"article). Quick tangent, do you find it odd when you see nurses and doctors smoking in front of a hospital? As I pondered that along with Jones smoking as a professional athlete, I decided I still think it is crazier that Jones smokes. Just so we are not devoid of actual analysis, as a fantasy owner of Jones and his back-up Justin Forsett, the future in Seattle looks to be Forsett. Although not as fast as Jones, Forsett has hit some homeruns this season for Seattle and provides a much bigger upside based on age and production over Jones.
#5 - Jon "Unfortunately no longer a Packer" Ryan (P):
The Packers treated Jon Ryan's family with dignity while he was a member of the team. Just before Ryan's father lost his battle with cancer, the Packers gave Ryan's father the VIP treatment (story). Unfortunately Ted Thompson cut Ryan in favor of Derrick Frost (the man that did not kick well enough this season in the United Football League, you read that correctly United NOT National to last the entire season). After the Packers cut Frost, they turned to the under achieving Jeremy Kapinos. Check the stats for 2008, Ryan has been much more productive than Kapinos:
- Ryan: 4th in average at 47.1 yards and 10th in net average at 39.2 yards.
- Kapinos: 17th in average at 43.8 and 33rd in net average at 34.2 yards.
#4 - Olindo "Fountain of Youth" Mare (K):
Mare has had a renaissance since joining Seattle in 2008. This season Mare has converted over 90% of his field goal opportunities (although his longest is only 47 yards) to go along with his 22 touch backs. I will not list Mason Crosby's stats...it might forced me to poke my eye out.
#3 - Josh "Mr. Big Play" Wilson (CB):
Both of Wilson's interceptions this season have been returned over 60 yards for touchdowns. Although Wilson is not your typical shutdown cornerback (only 5'9"), he routinely draws the opposing team's #1 receiver. At 24, Wilson looks to be Seattle's defensive back of the future.
#2 - Matt "I am not getting any younger" Hasselbeck (QB):
After being traded from Green Bay to Seattle in 2001, Hasselbeck has been the face of the franchise. In eight seasons as the starting quarterback, Hasselbeck lead Seattle to five consecutive winning seasons (between 2003 and 2007) and one Super Bowl appearance (lost to the Steelers). Unfortunately for Hasselbeck, he isn't getting any younger. Seattle is in full rebuilding mode after going 4-12 last season, Mike Holmgren moving on as their head coach and only marginally improving this season. Hasselbeck's tenure with the team could end sooner rather than later if Seattle drafts a quarterback in the 2010 NFL Draft (likely a top 10 pick).
#1 - David "Surprising Defensive Leader" Hawthorne (MLB):
Seattle lost Pro Bowl middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu for the season in Week #6 against the Arizona Cardinals. Hawthrone stepped in immediately and has been one of the only bright spots for Seattle this season. Hawthrone leads or is tied for the team lead in almost every defensive category: 103 tackles (1st), 4 sacks (tied for 1st), 7 tackles for a loss (1st), 2 forced fumbles (1st) and 3 interceptions (tied for 1st). Although Seattle would like a full compliment of healthy linebackers, Hawthorne's excellent play has eased the loss of Tatupu.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tweet Beat...Milwaukee Bucks Pushing the Limits of Twitter
From time to time I will post notable Tweets by Wisconsin athletes, coaches or commentators along with my thoughts. For the inaugural "Tweet Beat" it had to involve the Milwaukee Bucks since they have been involved in some interesting Tweets.
Former Milwaukee Buck Charlie Villanueva, while still playing for the Bucks, created a firestorm by tweeting during half time of a Bucks/Celtics game last season. Only four current Milwaukee Bucks (Andrew Bogut, Charlie Bell, Brandon Jennings and Jodie Meeks) and one Bucks announcer (Jim Pashke) tweet but there have been some interesting tweets lately:
Tweet Beat #1: Bogut doesn't want to get in hot water but...
AndrewMBogut tweeted this at 8:50 p.m. on December 16th, 2009: "If I am completely honest about certain things that pertain to tonight's events, someone will steal $$ from me. Honesty is not cool anymore."
AndrewMBogut tweeted this at 9:28 p.m. on December 16th, 2009: "Quick Note.The events tonight, could mean alot of things. If people assume Im talkin bout the game not my prob. :) I was talking bout CHESS"
My Thoughts:
Adrew Bogut was obviously referring to the highly questionable blocking call Kobe Bryant drew on him with 48 seconds remaining in overtime and the Bucks leading the Lakers 106-102. Kobe made the layup and the free throw to complete the 3 point play which pulled the Lakers within a point of the Bucks. Bryant hit a jumped over Charlie Bell as time expired to give the Lakers a 107-106 victory over the Bucks. The call was so questionable that it made PTI the following day. Both Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon agreed it was a no call at best but definitely not a block on Bogut.
The Bucks had a number of chances to win the game (missed free throws down the stretch) so they can't pin the loss solely on the horrible call by the referee but it is an example of "status calls" that happen in the NBA. Bryant got that call because of his reputation and last name. If that was Jodie Meeks instead of Kobe Bryant there is no way a foul is called on Bogut, especially at that crucial of a moment in overtime.
Tweet Beat #2: Stay classy Cleveland...
Paschketball tweeted this at 10:07 a.m. on December 18th, 2009: "Gadzuric patella tendon NWT. Bucks walked into Gund Arena with clocks set to 5.4 - Time left when LA inbounded to Kobe in OT. Coincidence?"
My Thoughts:
After losing a heart breaker in overtime to the Lakers on Wednesday at home as discussed above, the Bucks traveled to Cleveland for a Friday night nationally televised game against the Cavs. As Bucks play-by-play announcer explained via Twitter, when the Bucks took the court for their shoot around Friday morning the Cavs put the exact amount of time on the clock that was left when the Lakers inbounded the ball down a point in overtime. As everyone knows, Kobe Bryant knocked down a jumper as time expired to beat the Bucks 107-106. It could be a coincidence as Paschke said but I highly doubt it. The trash talking by Cleveland didn't motivate the Bucks, they lost to Cleveland 85-82 in their second nationally televised game of the season.
Tweet Beat #3: Thou shall not break David Stern's twitter rules...
flintstone14 tweeted this at 2:21 p.m. on December 18th, 2009: "Man, 7500 is a bit steep for @YUNGBUCK3 tweeting after a game. Unreal."
My Thoughts:
Charlie Bell is talking about the $7,500 fine the league imposed on Brandon Jennings for violating NBA rules. Brandon Jennings tweeted the following message in the locker room right after Milwaukee beat Portland 108-101 in double overtime: "Back to .500. Yess!!! '500' means were doing good. Way to Play Hard Guys."
Here is the NBA's "social media" rule: "During games, the use of cell phones, PDAs, other electronic communication devices and social media or networking sites by coaches, players and other team basketball personnel is prohibited. For purposes of this rule, "during games" means the period of time beginning 45 minutes before the start of the game and ending after the post-game locker room is open to the media, and coaches and players have first fulfilled their obligation to be available to the media attending the game. "During the game" also means halftime."
According to the letter of the law Jennings broke the rule but should that result in a $7,500 fine? The Tweet was removed from Jennings' Twitter account but he is much lighter in the wallet as a result of the fine. I understand that the NBA does not want players to give away information too close to tip or during the game (might give gamblers a slight edge) but why after the game? This rule has unintended consequences and needs to be revisited.
Former Milwaukee Buck Charlie Villanueva, while still playing for the Bucks, created a firestorm by tweeting during half time of a Bucks/Celtics game last season. Only four current Milwaukee Bucks (Andrew Bogut, Charlie Bell, Brandon Jennings and Jodie Meeks) and one Bucks announcer (Jim Pashke) tweet but there have been some interesting tweets lately:
Tweet Beat #1: Bogut doesn't want to get in hot water but...
AndrewMBogut tweeted this at 8:50 p.m. on December 16th, 2009: "If I am completely honest about certain things that pertain to tonight's events, someone will steal $$ from me. Honesty is not cool anymore."
AndrewMBogut tweeted this at 9:28 p.m. on December 16th, 2009: "Quick Note.The events tonight, could mean alot of things. If people assume Im talkin bout the game not my prob. :) I was talking bout CHESS"
My Thoughts:
Adrew Bogut was obviously referring to the highly questionable blocking call Kobe Bryant drew on him with 48 seconds remaining in overtime and the Bucks leading the Lakers 106-102. Kobe made the layup and the free throw to complete the 3 point play which pulled the Lakers within a point of the Bucks. Bryant hit a jumped over Charlie Bell as time expired to give the Lakers a 107-106 victory over the Bucks. The call was so questionable that it made PTI the following day. Both Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon agreed it was a no call at best but definitely not a block on Bogut.
The Bucks had a number of chances to win the game (missed free throws down the stretch) so they can't pin the loss solely on the horrible call by the referee but it is an example of "status calls" that happen in the NBA. Bryant got that call because of his reputation and last name. If that was Jodie Meeks instead of Kobe Bryant there is no way a foul is called on Bogut, especially at that crucial of a moment in overtime.
Tweet Beat #2: Stay classy Cleveland...
Paschketball tweeted this at 10:07 a.m. on December 18th, 2009: "Gadzuric patella tendon NWT. Bucks walked into Gund Arena with clocks set to 5.4 - Time left when LA inbounded to Kobe in OT. Coincidence?"
My Thoughts:
After losing a heart breaker in overtime to the Lakers on Wednesday at home as discussed above, the Bucks traveled to Cleveland for a Friday night nationally televised game against the Cavs. As Bucks play-by-play announcer explained via Twitter, when the Bucks took the court for their shoot around Friday morning the Cavs put the exact amount of time on the clock that was left when the Lakers inbounded the ball down a point in overtime. As everyone knows, Kobe Bryant knocked down a jumper as time expired to beat the Bucks 107-106. It could be a coincidence as Paschke said but I highly doubt it. The trash talking by Cleveland didn't motivate the Bucks, they lost to Cleveland 85-82 in their second nationally televised game of the season.
Tweet Beat #3: Thou shall not break David Stern's twitter rules...
flintstone14 tweeted this at 2:21 p.m. on December 18th, 2009: "Man, 7500 is a bit steep for @YUNGBUCK3 tweeting after a game. Unreal."
My Thoughts:
Charlie Bell is talking about the $7,500 fine the league imposed on Brandon Jennings for violating NBA rules. Brandon Jennings tweeted the following message in the locker room right after Milwaukee beat Portland 108-101 in double overtime: "Back to .500. Yess!!! '500' means were doing good. Way to Play Hard Guys."
Here is the NBA's "social media" rule: "During games, the use of cell phones, PDAs, other electronic communication devices and social media or networking sites by coaches, players and other team basketball personnel is prohibited. For purposes of this rule, "during games" means the period of time beginning 45 minutes before the start of the game and ending after the post-game locker room is open to the media, and coaches and players have first fulfilled their obligation to be available to the media attending the game. "During the game" also means halftime."
According to the letter of the law Jennings broke the rule but should that result in a $7,500 fine? The Tweet was removed from Jennings' Twitter account but he is much lighter in the wallet as a result of the fine. I understand that the NBA does not want players to give away information too close to tip or during the game (might give gamblers a slight edge) but why after the game? This rule has unintended consequences and needs to be revisited.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
2009 - Packers v. Steelers Analyzed
The Packers continued their losing ways in Pittsburgh. They are 0-4 in Pittsburgh since 1970. By beating the Packers, the Steelers avoided becoming the first Super Bowl champion to lose 6 games the season after hoisting the Lombardi trophy.
The Packers trailed at a number of points throughout the entire game: 7-0, 14-7, 21-14, 27-21, 30-28 and most importantly 37-36. The Steelers out gained the Packers 537 yards to 436 yards and outclassed the Packers on the final drive of the game.
The Steelers made more plays in the clutch which helped them beat the Packers. It was hard to narrow the list down to five plays because of how many explosive plays occurred in this game. After much deliberation, here are the top five plays and analysis from the game (along with the "Trojan Play of the Game"):
#5) Pittsburgh leads 14-7, Pittsburgh ball on their own 34 yard line, 3rd and 5 with 1:17 left in the 1st quarter:
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) SACKED and FUMBLED, Clay Matthews (Green Bay) RECOVERED at the Pittsburgh 27 yard line. Pittsburgh challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) threw incomplete short right to Heath Miller (Pittsburgh).
Analysis:
Instead of Green Bay getting the ball at the Pittsburgh 27 yard line, Green Bay got the ball at their own 27 yard line following a Pittsburgh punt. The Packers drove the ball down the field and Mason Crosby missed an easy field goal (see play #2 below).
I included this play for two reasons:
#1) Was that enough evidence to overturn the call? After being called a fumble on the field there has to be irrefutable video evidence to over turn the call. After watching the play from every angle it seems close whether his arm was moving forward before the ball was coming out. As a result, it amazes me that they overturned the call instead deferring to the original call on the field.
#2) How great of a rookie season in Matthews having? For the first time in Ted Thompson's tenure as the General Manager of the Green Bay Packers he traded back into the first round to get Clay Matthews. With Green Bay moving from the 4-3 to the 3-4 they needed a quality rush end/outside linebacker to help with the transition. Matthews has been just that type of player and exceed all expectations thus far. Matthews's stats for the season through 14 games are: 47 tackles, 10 sacks, 8 tackles for a loss and 1 forced fumble. Pretty good start to what looks to be a VERY promising professional football career.
#4) Game tied 0-0, Pittsburgh ball on their own 40 yard line, 1st and 10 with 14:28 left in the 1st quarter:
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) threw deep right to Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Analysis:
Losing Al Harris for the seasons meant shuffling the corner back chairs. As a result, Jarrett Bush has been thrust into the lineup more then coaches/fans wanted and has been burned a number of times.
On this play Bush inexplicably slowed down as Wallace raced down field. Without any safety help over the top, Bush allowed Wallace to get behind the entire Green Bay defense. Big Ben bought some extra time by scrambling around and even though he under threw Wallace, it still went for a long touchdown because of how far out of position Bush was on the play.
#3) Green Bay leads 36-30, Pittsburgh ball on their own 44 yard line, 1st and 20 with 59 seconds left in the 4th quarter:
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) threw short right intended for Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) tipped by Brandon Chillar (Green Bay) and INTERCEPTED by Jarrett Bush (Green Bay) at the Green Bay 42 yard line and returned 7 yards to the to Green Bay 49 yard line. PENALTY on Brandon Chillar (Green Bay), Illegal Contact, 5 yards, enforced at the Pittsburgh 44 yard line.
Analysis:
Bush tried to atone for early sins on this play but his interception was nullified by Chillar's defensive hold. It was a clear penalty by Chillar which allowed the Pittsburgh drive to continue.
There were a number of plays on the final drive that could have flipped the game. The Packers committed 3 penalties (defensive holding on Woodson, Chillar and Bell) while the Steelers committed 2 penalties (offensive holding and false start by Starks).
At certain points it looked like both teams were willing the other team on to win. Unfortunately the Steelers had the last laugh.
#2) Pittsburgh leads 14-7, Green Bay ball on the Pittsburgh 16 yard line, 4th and 2 with 13:25 left in the 2nd quarter:
Mason Crosby (Green Bay) 34 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right (Holder Jeremy Kapinos).
Analysis:
The right hash mark and Mason Crosby are not friends. If this continues any longer Mason Crosby might be looking for a new employer before the New Year. Crosby's kicking troubles have been well documented, if I don't move on I might break my keyboard...
#1) Green Bay leads 36-30, Pittsburgh ball on the Green Bay 19 yard line, 3rd and 10 with 3 seconds left in the 4th quarter:
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) threw deep left to Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld.
Analysis:
After starting slow, the Packers offense gave the team a chance to win. The defense took that chance and flushed it down the toilet. It is inexcusable that the highly rated Green Bay defense allowed Pittsburgh to drive 86 yards in two minutes with only 1 timeout remaining to win the game. The entire drive was a slow burn that resulted in a Steelers win.
Trojan Bonner of the Week Award - Mike Tomlin
Just as a refresher, the award goes to a player/coach/referee that makes a stupid play/decision/call during the game.
Pittsburgh leads 30-28, Pittsburgh ball on their own 30 yard line, kicking off with 3:58 left in the 4th quarter:
Jeff Reed (Pittsburgh) kicks onside 9 yards from, downed by Ike Taylor (Pittsburgh). PENALTY on Ike Taylor (Pittsburgh), Illegal Touch Kick, enforced at Pittsburgh 39 yard line.
Analysis:
Big Ben bailed out Tomlin and almost made me give the award to someone else (Mason Crosby, Jarrett Bush and Donald Lee dodged a bullet). Tomlin inexplicably tried an onside kick with the lead and 4 minutes remaining in the game.
Some might argue that Tomlin is an evil genius for giving the Packers a short field which allowed the Steelers to get the ball back with 2 minutes left in the game. The onside kick seemed like a slap in the face to his defense (similar to the infamous 4 and 2 decision by Belichick earlier this season).
Tomlin lucked out that the Steelers pulled out the victory but the win does not diminish how stupid of a decision it was for Tomlin to attempt the onside kick in that situation.
Congrats Tomlin, you are the second recipient of the "Trojan Bonner of the Week Award"!
The Packers trailed at a number of points throughout the entire game: 7-0, 14-7, 21-14, 27-21, 30-28 and most importantly 37-36. The Steelers out gained the Packers 537 yards to 436 yards and outclassed the Packers on the final drive of the game.
The Steelers made more plays in the clutch which helped them beat the Packers. It was hard to narrow the list down to five plays because of how many explosive plays occurred in this game. After much deliberation, here are the top five plays and analysis from the game (along with the "Trojan Play of the Game"):
#5) Pittsburgh leads 14-7, Pittsburgh ball on their own 34 yard line, 3rd and 5 with 1:17 left in the 1st quarter:
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) SACKED and FUMBLED, Clay Matthews (Green Bay) RECOVERED at the Pittsburgh 27 yard line. Pittsburgh challenged the fumble ruling, and the play was REVERSED. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) threw incomplete short right to Heath Miller (Pittsburgh).
Analysis:
Instead of Green Bay getting the ball at the Pittsburgh 27 yard line, Green Bay got the ball at their own 27 yard line following a Pittsburgh punt. The Packers drove the ball down the field and Mason Crosby missed an easy field goal (see play #2 below).
I included this play for two reasons:
#1) Was that enough evidence to overturn the call? After being called a fumble on the field there has to be irrefutable video evidence to over turn the call. After watching the play from every angle it seems close whether his arm was moving forward before the ball was coming out. As a result, it amazes me that they overturned the call instead deferring to the original call on the field.
#2) How great of a rookie season in Matthews having? For the first time in Ted Thompson's tenure as the General Manager of the Green Bay Packers he traded back into the first round to get Clay Matthews. With Green Bay moving from the 4-3 to the 3-4 they needed a quality rush end/outside linebacker to help with the transition. Matthews has been just that type of player and exceed all expectations thus far. Matthews's stats for the season through 14 games are: 47 tackles, 10 sacks, 8 tackles for a loss and 1 forced fumble. Pretty good start to what looks to be a VERY promising professional football career.
#4) Game tied 0-0, Pittsburgh ball on their own 40 yard line, 1st and 10 with 14:28 left in the 1st quarter:
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) threw deep right to Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Analysis:
Losing Al Harris for the seasons meant shuffling the corner back chairs. As a result, Jarrett Bush has been thrust into the lineup more then coaches/fans wanted and has been burned a number of times.
On this play Bush inexplicably slowed down as Wallace raced down field. Without any safety help over the top, Bush allowed Wallace to get behind the entire Green Bay defense. Big Ben bought some extra time by scrambling around and even though he under threw Wallace, it still went for a long touchdown because of how far out of position Bush was on the play.
#3) Green Bay leads 36-30, Pittsburgh ball on their own 44 yard line, 1st and 20 with 59 seconds left in the 4th quarter:
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) threw short right intended for Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) tipped by Brandon Chillar (Green Bay) and INTERCEPTED by Jarrett Bush (Green Bay) at the Green Bay 42 yard line and returned 7 yards to the to Green Bay 49 yard line. PENALTY on Brandon Chillar (Green Bay), Illegal Contact, 5 yards, enforced at the Pittsburgh 44 yard line.
Analysis:
Bush tried to atone for early sins on this play but his interception was nullified by Chillar's defensive hold. It was a clear penalty by Chillar which allowed the Pittsburgh drive to continue.
There were a number of plays on the final drive that could have flipped the game. The Packers committed 3 penalties (defensive holding on Woodson, Chillar and Bell) while the Steelers committed 2 penalties (offensive holding and false start by Starks).
At certain points it looked like both teams were willing the other team on to win. Unfortunately the Steelers had the last laugh.
#2) Pittsburgh leads 14-7, Green Bay ball on the Pittsburgh 16 yard line, 4th and 2 with 13:25 left in the 2nd quarter:
Mason Crosby (Green Bay) 34 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right (Holder Jeremy Kapinos).
Analysis:
The right hash mark and Mason Crosby are not friends. If this continues any longer Mason Crosby might be looking for a new employer before the New Year. Crosby's kicking troubles have been well documented, if I don't move on I might break my keyboard...
#1) Green Bay leads 36-30, Pittsburgh ball on the Green Bay 19 yard line, 3rd and 10 with 3 seconds left in the 4th quarter:
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) threw deep left to Mike Wallace (Pittsburgh) for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Assistant challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was Upheld.
Analysis:
After starting slow, the Packers offense gave the team a chance to win. The defense took that chance and flushed it down the toilet. It is inexcusable that the highly rated Green Bay defense allowed Pittsburgh to drive 86 yards in two minutes with only 1 timeout remaining to win the game. The entire drive was a slow burn that resulted in a Steelers win.
Trojan Bonner of the Week Award - Mike Tomlin
Just as a refresher, the award goes to a player/coach/referee that makes a stupid play/decision/call during the game.
Pittsburgh leads 30-28, Pittsburgh ball on their own 30 yard line, kicking off with 3:58 left in the 4th quarter:
Jeff Reed (Pittsburgh) kicks onside 9 yards from, downed by Ike Taylor (Pittsburgh). PENALTY on Ike Taylor (Pittsburgh), Illegal Touch Kick, enforced at Pittsburgh 39 yard line.
Analysis:
Big Ben bailed out Tomlin and almost made me give the award to someone else (Mason Crosby, Jarrett Bush and Donald Lee dodged a bullet). Tomlin inexplicably tried an onside kick with the lead and 4 minutes remaining in the game.
Some might argue that Tomlin is an evil genius for giving the Packers a short field which allowed the Steelers to get the ball back with 2 minutes left in the game. The onside kick seemed like a slap in the face to his defense (similar to the infamous 4 and 2 decision by Belichick earlier this season).
Tomlin lucked out that the Steelers pulled out the victory but the win does not diminish how stupid of a decision it was for Tomlin to attempt the onside kick in that situation.
Congrats Tomlin, you are the second recipient of the "Trojan Bonner of the Week Award"!
2009 Week #15 - Packers v. Steelers
Everyone talks about the loss of Troy Polamalu but in Week #5 when Pittsburgh beat Detroit 28 to 20 their season took a turn for the worse because they lost standout defensive end Aaron Smith for the season (last year the Packers lost Cullen Jenkins after 4 games and the defense struggled the rest of the season). Through 5 weeks, Pittsburgh was 4-1 (with 10 takeaways). Since losing Smith, Pittsburgh is 2-6 (with 6 takeaways). As a result, this "top ten" list has two players (because of injury to Polamalu and Smith) that would not be there if Pittsburgh was completely healthy. Here is weekly "top ten" list:
#10 - Ryan Clark (S): despite missing a game this season, Clark is second on the team in tackles with 71 and tied for second on the team in interceptions with 2. Clark is a hard hitter but is nothing close to Polamalu.
#9 - Casey Hampton (NT): a former pro bowler that is on the decline. In his prime, Hampton was the ideal nose tackle for the 3-4 defense. His size and strength still allows him to draw double teams and give Pittsbrugh's accomplished linebackers opportunities to make plays.
#8 - Rashard Mendenhall (RB) : after missing almost all of his rookie season because of injury, Mendenhall unseated "Formerly Fast" Willie Parker as Pittsburgh's #1 running back. Mendenhall has a good combination of size and strength which gives Pittsburgh an every down running back they have been searching for years.
#7 - LaMarr Woodley (LOLB): although he doesn't have the most tackles on the team (45), Woodley has wreaked havoc in opposing teams backfields all season with 9 sacks and 5 tackles for a loss.
#6 - Hines Ward (WR): a great all around wide receiver. Ward was recently voted the dirtiest player in the NFL by his peers. Most of that comes from his bone crushing blocks he puts on defenders. Ward is the Kdog of NFL wide receivers...if he is on your team you love him but if he is on the other team you hate him.
#5 - Santonio Holmes (WR): was the Super Bowl MVP last year when the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals in one of the more entertaining Super Bowls ever. Holmes is currently 3rd in the league in receiving yards and has become the #1 receiver in Pittsburgh (no longer Hines Ward).
#4 - Heath Miller (TE): blocks well, runs good routes, creates separation with his above average speed, catches everything thrown his way and doesn't fumble often...a great all around tight end.
#3 - James Farrior (SILB): leads the team in tackles and locker room presence. Farrior is having a great statistical season: 83 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss and 1 forced fumble.
#2 - James Harrison (ROLB): a great story. A former practice squad player that put in his time and turned into one of the best outside linebackers in Steelers' history. Harrison had possibly the most impressive defensive play in Super Bowl history last year and has followed that up with another great season: 70 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 5 tackles for a loss and 4 forced fumbles.
#1 - Ben Roethlisberger (QB): with two Super Bowl rings, he is the most decorated quarterback of the 2004 NFL Draft (Eli Manning has one Super Bowl ring and Phil Rivers has zero). Big Ben is not the fastest or strongest NFL QB in the NFL but somehow he evades defenders and makes great throws on the run.
#10 - Ryan Clark (S): despite missing a game this season, Clark is second on the team in tackles with 71 and tied for second on the team in interceptions with 2. Clark is a hard hitter but is nothing close to Polamalu.
#9 - Casey Hampton (NT): a former pro bowler that is on the decline. In his prime, Hampton was the ideal nose tackle for the 3-4 defense. His size and strength still allows him to draw double teams and give Pittsbrugh's accomplished linebackers opportunities to make plays.
#8 - Rashard Mendenhall (RB) : after missing almost all of his rookie season because of injury, Mendenhall unseated "Formerly Fast" Willie Parker as Pittsburgh's #1 running back. Mendenhall has a good combination of size and strength which gives Pittsburgh an every down running back they have been searching for years.
#7 - LaMarr Woodley (LOLB): although he doesn't have the most tackles on the team (45), Woodley has wreaked havoc in opposing teams backfields all season with 9 sacks and 5 tackles for a loss.
#6 - Hines Ward (WR): a great all around wide receiver. Ward was recently voted the dirtiest player in the NFL by his peers. Most of that comes from his bone crushing blocks he puts on defenders. Ward is the Kdog of NFL wide receivers...if he is on your team you love him but if he is on the other team you hate him.
#5 - Santonio Holmes (WR): was the Super Bowl MVP last year when the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals in one of the more entertaining Super Bowls ever. Holmes is currently 3rd in the league in receiving yards and has become the #1 receiver in Pittsburgh (no longer Hines Ward).
#4 - Heath Miller (TE): blocks well, runs good routes, creates separation with his above average speed, catches everything thrown his way and doesn't fumble often...a great all around tight end.
#3 - James Farrior (SILB): leads the team in tackles and locker room presence. Farrior is having a great statistical season: 83 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss and 1 forced fumble.
#2 - James Harrison (ROLB): a great story. A former practice squad player that put in his time and turned into one of the best outside linebackers in Steelers' history. Harrison had possibly the most impressive defensive play in Super Bowl history last year and has followed that up with another great season: 70 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 5 tackles for a loss and 4 forced fumbles.
#1 - Ben Roethlisberger (QB): with two Super Bowl rings, he is the most decorated quarterback of the 2004 NFL Draft (Eli Manning has one Super Bowl ring and Phil Rivers has zero). Big Ben is not the fastest or strongest NFL QB in the NFL but somehow he evades defenders and makes great throws on the run.
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