Wisconsin and Miami met in a soggy 2009 Champs Sports Bowl. Despite horrible field conditions, Miami returned the opening kick for a touchdown but it was called back due to an unnecessary block in the back on the return. On Miami's next play, Graig Cooper scored a questionable touchdown. Cooper's knee looked down at the 1 yard line but the play was not reviewed from the both.
Thanks to Wisconsin's stellar defensive performance following the opening touchdown, Miami only managed to score once more the rest of the game (52 plays). Wisconsin dominated time of possession for the rest of the game scoring 20 unanswered points to beat Miami 20-14. Wisconsin's win over Miami was their first win over a ranked opponent this season. The win also marked Wisconsin's 10th win of the season, which gives Wisconsin their sixth 10-win season in their football program's history.
The 2009 Champs Sports Bowl was all about the set-up plays. Each of the touchdowns/field goals were nothing special but the plays that set-up the scores were very impressive. Here are the Top 5 Plays from the 2009 Champs Sports Bowl:
#5) Wisconsin leads 20-14, Miami lines up for an onside kick with 1:22 remaining in the 4th quarter:
Matt Bosher's (Miami) on-side kick was recovered by Miami at the Miami 41 yard line.
Analysis:
This would have vaulted to play #2 if Miami managed to drive the field for the winning score in a little over a minute in the 4th quarter. After failing to recover the onside kick, Wisconsin's defense hung tough like they did the rest of the game (besides the 2nd last drive of the game when they gave up a long touchdown drive).
#4) Wisconsin leads 17-7, Miami ball on the Miami 39 yard line, 1st and 10 with roughly 8 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter:
Jacory Harris (Miami) sacked for a loss of 5 yards, fumbled, recovered by J.J. Watt (Wisconsin) at the Miami 34 yard line.
Analysis:
Wisconsin defensive ends J.J. Watt and O'Brien Schofield played outstanding. Both consistently pressured the quarterback, which got Miami's quarterback Jacory Harris out of rhythm from the start of the game. Watt is the only returning starter along the Wisconsin defensive line but based on his play this season he looks poised for a huge season in 2010.
#3) Game tied 0-0, start of the game:
Philip Welch (Wisconsin) kicked off 66 yards. Kick returned by Graig Cooper (Miami) 4 yards, lateral to Sam Shields (Miami) who ran for a touchdown. Miami penalized for illegal block, ball placed at the Wiscconsin 16 yard line.
Analysis:
Sometimes returning the opening kick for a touchdown is a curse. In 2007 the losers of the BCS National Championship Game (Ohio State Buckeyes) and the Super Bowl (Chicago Bears) returned the opening kick for a touchdown but both lost the game. Miami is usually lethal on special teams because of the freakish athletes they recruit and that is exactly what happened on the opening kick off of the game.
#2) Game tied 7-7, Wisconsin ball on the Miami own 36 yard line, 2nd and 10 with roughly 10:00 remaining in the 2nd quarter:
John Clay ran for 52 yards to the Miami 12 yard line for a 1st down.
Analysis:
Three plays after Clay's long run, he walked into the end zone untouched thanks to another great block by tight end Lance Kendricks. Wisconsin is not normally a big play team but Clay's long run helped propel Wisconsin into the lead, a lead they would never relinquish for the rest of the game.
#1) Miami leads 7-0, Wisconsin ball on the Miami 41 yard line, 1st and 10 with 8:26 remaining in the 1st quarter:
Scott Tolzien threw to Lance Kendricks for 37 yards to the Miami 4 yard line for a 1st down.
Analysis:
Two plays later John Clay walked into the end zone untouched thanks to a great block by who else, Lance Kendricks. Wisconsin could have gone into a shell after giving up a big play to start the game. Instead Wisconsin showed their resiliency by buckling down and getting their first points on the board to tie the game.
Final Thoughts:
Although Clay was named MVP of the Champs Sports Bowl, Scott Tolzien and Lance Kendricks, despite not throwing/catching a touchdown, were even more instrumental to Wisconsin's victory over Miami. Tolzien made a number of throws in pressure situations all game. Most of those throws went to the Wisconsin tight ends Garrett Graham and Lance Kendricks.
On the defensive side of the ball, Wisconsin defensive ends Watt and Schofield were in Miami's backfield the entire game. Watt and Schofield disrupted Miami's timing, which kept Miami's offense out of sync all game.
Clay's performance kept his name in the 2010 Heisman discussion but for my money Tolzien, Kendricks, Watt and Schofield should have been the first 4-way MVP in Champs Sports Bowl history.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Champs Sports Bowl - Wisconsin Badgers v. Miami Hurricanes Preview
Sorry this is my first college post, there will be many more to follow in the New Year (may be even some from guest bloggers that attend those universities across the state of Wisconsin). On Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 the Wisconsin Badgers take on the Miami Hurricanes in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Floria. These two teams have played four times, their last meeting was a Miami victory in 1989 (the year before Barry "The Savior" Alvarez came to Wisconsin). The Badgers' last victory over Miami came in 1958.
All of the pre-game factors seem to favor Miami: better athletes, actually beat a ranked opponent this season, the game is being played in their home state and ranked higher than Wisconsin going into the game. All of those factors are thrown out the window at kick off. It will be the play of these five players for both teams that will determine whether Wisconsin or Miami win the game:
Top 5 Wisconsin Players:
#5) Chris Maragos (FS): has an interesting back story. After running into trouble in high school, Maragos turned things around and is the Tim Tebow of the Wisconsin Badgers. Reading player and coach interviews, everyone loves his positive attitude. Margos also sports one of the biggest Christian entourages in Wisconsin football history, aptly named the "21 club" after his jersey number. Margos will have more than 50 family and friends on hand for the game in Orlando. Margos's play on the field is impressive as well, he leads the team in interceptions with 4 and is 8th in the team in tackles with 44.
#4) Scott Tolzien (QB): has had a productive season: 192 for 302, 2445 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Tolzien has to embrace the Kyle Orton/Trent Dilfer style of play. As long as Tolzien makes a few positive plays and does not turn the ball over the Badgers will have a good chance to win. If Tolzien tries to win the game on his own, Badger fans will be in for a long night.
#3) Nick Toon (WR): the son of former Wisconsin great Al Toon, Nick has stepped out of his father's shadow to make his own legacy at Wisconsin. Toon is among the team leaders in every offensive receiving statistic: 52 receptions (1st), 779 receiving yards (1st) and 4 touchdowns (2nd). Along with tight end Garrett Graham, Toon gives quarterback Scott Tolzien viable receiving options that will challenge the Miami secondary.
#2) O'Brien Schofield (DE): is without question the best defensive player on the Badgers roster. Schofield leads the team in almost every defensive statistic: 59 tackles (3rd), 22.5 tackles for a loss (1st), 10 sacks (1st), 2 forced fumbles (2nd) and 1 fumble recovered (tied for 2nd). In order for Wisconsin to win, it is imperative that Schofield is disruptive in the Miami backfield.
#1) John Clay (RB): has put up absolutely gaudy statistics this season: 1,396 rushing yards, 5.3 yards per attempt and 16 rushing touchdowns. After being the cover boy on Sports Illustrated's "Year in Pictures" issue, Clay is being mentioned as a potential 2010 Heisman Trophy candidate. A big game against Miami will get that campaign started on the right foot.
Top 5 Miami Players:
#5) Orlando Franklin (LT): senior left tackle Jason Fox will miss the game after having knee surgery. Fox was the 3rd most tenured player in Miami Hurricanes history. His replacement, left guard Orlando Franklin, will have some big shoes to fill. Franklin played left tackle for Miami in their regular season finale and preformed fairly well. The more interesting position to watch is who fills in at left guard, all signs point to freshman Brandon Washington.
#4) Leonard Hankerson (WR): leads Miami in receptions (44), receiving yards (773), yards per reception (17.6) and touchdowns (6). Hankerson uses his height (6'3") to create mismatches in the secondary. Unless Wisconsin can disrupt Hankerson's timing and routes, they will have a tough time defending any jump ball thrown his way.
#3) Daryl Sharpton (MLB): leads a good Miami defense in tackles with 91 and is third on the team in tackles for a loss with 7. Sharpton is a physically imposing linebacker that helps pace the 25th ranked defense in the nation that averaged giving up 321 yards this season.
#2) Brandon Harris (CB): has put up some impressive statistics as a cornerback: 52 tackles (3rd on the team), 6 tackles for a loss (tied for 5th on the team), 1 sack (tied for 5th on the team), 2 forced fumbles (tied for 1st on the team), 2 interceptions (tied for 1st on the team) and 16 passes defended (1st on the team by a mile, almost more than the rest of the team combined). Only a sophomore, Harris (much like the rest of the Miami roster) is a physically gifted athlete that is destined to play on Sundays in the NFL.
#1) Jacory Harris (QB): after an impressive start to the season Harris vaulted into the Heisman discussion but his up and down play in the middle of the season along with a few Miami losses quickly knocked him out of that discussion. Although Harris has thrown 23 touchdowns, he has also thrown almost as many interceptions (17). Earlier in the week Harris said he was having trouble with his thumb on his throwing hand. The Badgers are a mediocre pass defense team (ranked 66th in the nation) so the health of Harris's thumb might go a long way to determining the winner of the Champs Sports Bowl.
All of the pre-game factors seem to favor Miami: better athletes, actually beat a ranked opponent this season, the game is being played in their home state and ranked higher than Wisconsin going into the game. All of those factors are thrown out the window at kick off. It will be the play of these five players for both teams that will determine whether Wisconsin or Miami win the game:
Top 5 Wisconsin Players:
#5) Chris Maragos (FS): has an interesting back story. After running into trouble in high school, Maragos turned things around and is the Tim Tebow of the Wisconsin Badgers. Reading player and coach interviews, everyone loves his positive attitude. Margos also sports one of the biggest Christian entourages in Wisconsin football history, aptly named the "21 club" after his jersey number. Margos will have more than 50 family and friends on hand for the game in Orlando. Margos's play on the field is impressive as well, he leads the team in interceptions with 4 and is 8th in the team in tackles with 44.
#4) Scott Tolzien (QB): has had a productive season: 192 for 302, 2445 yards, 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Tolzien has to embrace the Kyle Orton/Trent Dilfer style of play. As long as Tolzien makes a few positive plays and does not turn the ball over the Badgers will have a good chance to win. If Tolzien tries to win the game on his own, Badger fans will be in for a long night.
#3) Nick Toon (WR): the son of former Wisconsin great Al Toon, Nick has stepped out of his father's shadow to make his own legacy at Wisconsin. Toon is among the team leaders in every offensive receiving statistic: 52 receptions (1st), 779 receiving yards (1st) and 4 touchdowns (2nd). Along with tight end Garrett Graham, Toon gives quarterback Scott Tolzien viable receiving options that will challenge the Miami secondary.
#2) O'Brien Schofield (DE): is without question the best defensive player on the Badgers roster. Schofield leads the team in almost every defensive statistic: 59 tackles (3rd), 22.5 tackles for a loss (1st), 10 sacks (1st), 2 forced fumbles (2nd) and 1 fumble recovered (tied for 2nd). In order for Wisconsin to win, it is imperative that Schofield is disruptive in the Miami backfield.
#1) John Clay (RB): has put up absolutely gaudy statistics this season: 1,396 rushing yards, 5.3 yards per attempt and 16 rushing touchdowns. After being the cover boy on Sports Illustrated's "Year in Pictures" issue, Clay is being mentioned as a potential 2010 Heisman Trophy candidate. A big game against Miami will get that campaign started on the right foot.
Top 5 Miami Players:
#5) Orlando Franklin (LT): senior left tackle Jason Fox will miss the game after having knee surgery. Fox was the 3rd most tenured player in Miami Hurricanes history. His replacement, left guard Orlando Franklin, will have some big shoes to fill. Franklin played left tackle for Miami in their regular season finale and preformed fairly well. The more interesting position to watch is who fills in at left guard, all signs point to freshman Brandon Washington.
#4) Leonard Hankerson (WR): leads Miami in receptions (44), receiving yards (773), yards per reception (17.6) and touchdowns (6). Hankerson uses his height (6'3") to create mismatches in the secondary. Unless Wisconsin can disrupt Hankerson's timing and routes, they will have a tough time defending any jump ball thrown his way.
#3) Daryl Sharpton (MLB): leads a good Miami defense in tackles with 91 and is third on the team in tackles for a loss with 7. Sharpton is a physically imposing linebacker that helps pace the 25th ranked defense in the nation that averaged giving up 321 yards this season.
#2) Brandon Harris (CB): has put up some impressive statistics as a cornerback: 52 tackles (3rd on the team), 6 tackles for a loss (tied for 5th on the team), 1 sack (tied for 5th on the team), 2 forced fumbles (tied for 1st on the team), 2 interceptions (tied for 1st on the team) and 16 passes defended (1st on the team by a mile, almost more than the rest of the team combined). Only a sophomore, Harris (much like the rest of the Miami roster) is a physically gifted athlete that is destined to play on Sundays in the NFL.
#1) Jacory Harris (QB): after an impressive start to the season Harris vaulted into the Heisman discussion but his up and down play in the middle of the season along with a few Miami losses quickly knocked him out of that discussion. Although Harris has thrown 23 touchdowns, he has also thrown almost as many interceptions (17). Earlier in the week Harris said he was having trouble with his thumb on his throwing hand. The Badgers are a mediocre pass defense team (ranked 66th in the nation) so the health of Harris's thumb might go a long way to determining the winner of the Champs Sports Bowl.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
2009 Packers v. Seahawks Analyzed
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.
#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.
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.
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