Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThe No. 9 Stanford Cardinal will face off against the No. 4 Oregon Ducks on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 8 pm ET, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.Both teams are 4-0 and are coming off big wins in Week 4 as they head into a game that could decide who will lead the Pac-10 by the conclusion of this weekend.The latest college football odds show the Ducks as -7 favorites over the Cardinal with a total of 65.5 points.The biggest question surrounding the Cardinal (4-0) coming into the 2010 season was whether or not it Baltimore Ravens jersey
could be a contender for the Pac-10 title without standout running back Toby Gerhart. The answer is yes.Meanwhile, the offseason tribulations surrounding the Oregon Ducks (4-0) camp had many doubting Oregonchances of repeating as Pac-10 champions. They are, of course, without heralded quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who is now plying his trade at Ole Miss after being kicked off the team before the start of the 2010 season.In last yearmeeting between these two teams, Oregon was coming off a big win over the USC Trojans but suffered its first conference loss of the season at Stanford, 51-42.It would be easy to get caught up in thinking that the Ducks will roll over Stanford when you look at the way they have outscored their opponents thus far, 231-44. In reality, both the offense and the defense have not really lived up to all the preseason hype, the latter of the two showing in last weekgame at ASU, where the Ducks gave up plenty of yards: 597, Arizona Statemost since 2000.While the Ducks have struggled against the run this year, Buffalo Bills jersey
their pass rush has been solid.With that being said, the run game of Stanford could give the Ducks defensive line serious problems all day. The Cardinal will likely set up in a big formation with a pair of tight ends and run it right at Oregon from the get-go.Stanford will also bring its 12th overall defense to Autzen, which is limiting its opponents to just 13 points per game. Now they will face the triple threat of Darron Thomas, LaMichael James, and Kenjon Barner. There arenmany teams that match up well with the Ducks' speedy rushing attack, and the Cardinal defenders will need to be on their toes.Where the rubber meets the highway is the passing attack, and it here that Stanford truly has the advantage with QB Andrew Luck.Mind you, Oregon has been getting solid play from their pass defenders, but they are about to see a quarterback unlike any they have seen all year. He is aided by a solid receiving corps with Doug Baldwin, Chris Owusu, and Ryan Whalen. All three have the potential to make big catches and stretch the secondary.The key to Lucksuccess will be the success of the run game. If Stanford can get the running game going, Luck will be able to go to play action and take his shots downfield.MattFree Football Picks: Stanford+7Oregon will have the advantage of playing at home, but that wonbe enough to capsize a Stanford ship that is driven by Luck and his supporting cast.If you are looking to beat the college football odds this season, be sure to make your way back for our expert college football picks each week from the best handicappers in the business.
2011年1月24日星期一
24 Jan 11 Stanford-Oregon: College Football Lines Show Ducks the Favorites
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThe No. 9 Stanford Cardinal will face off against the No. 4 Oregon Ducks on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 8 pm ET, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.Both teams are 4-0 and are coming off big wins in Week 4 as they head into a game that could decide who will lead the Pac-10 by the conclusion of this weekend.The latest college football odds show the Ducks as -7 favorites over the Cardinal with a total of 65.5 points.The biggest question surrounding the Cardinal (4-0) coming into the 2010 season was whether or not it Baltimore Ravens jersey
could be a contender for the Pac-10 title without standout running back Toby Gerhart. The answer is yes.Meanwhile, the offseason tribulations surrounding the Oregon Ducks (4-0) camp had many doubting Oregonchances of repeating as Pac-10 champions. They are, of course, without heralded quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who is now plying his trade at Ole Miss after being kicked off the team before the start of the 2010 season.In last yearmeeting between these two teams, Oregon was coming off a big win over the USC Trojans but suffered its first conference loss of the season at Stanford, 51-42.It would be easy to get caught up in thinking that the Ducks will roll over Stanford when you look at the way they have outscored their opponents thus far, 231-44. In reality, both the offense and the defense have not really lived up to all the preseason hype, the latter of the two showing in last weekgame at ASU, where the Ducks gave up plenty of yards: 597, Arizona Statemost since 2000.While the Ducks have struggled against the run this year, Buffalo Bills jersey
their pass rush has been solid.With that being said, the run game of Stanford could give the Ducks defensive line serious problems all day. The Cardinal will likely set up in a big formation with a pair of tight ends and run it right at Oregon from the get-go.Stanford will also bring its 12th overall defense to Autzen, which is limiting its opponents to just 13 points per game. Now they will face the triple threat of Darron Thomas, LaMichael James, and Kenjon Barner. There arenmany teams that match up well with the Ducks' speedy rushing attack, and the Cardinal defenders will need to be on their toes.Where the rubber meets the highway is the passing attack, and it here that Stanford truly has the advantage with QB Andrew Luck.Mind you, Oregon has been getting solid play from their pass defenders, but they are about to see a quarterback unlike any they have seen all year. He is aided by a solid receiving corps with Doug Baldwin, Chris Owusu, and Ryan Whalen. All three have the potential to make big catches and stretch the secondary.The key to Lucksuccess will be the success of the run game. If Stanford can get the running game going, Luck will be able to go to play action and take his shots downfield.MattFree Football Picks: Stanford+7Oregon will have the advantage of playing at home, but that wonbe enough to capsize a Stanford ship that is driven by Luck and his supporting cast.If you are looking to beat the college football odds this season, be sure to make your way back for our expert college football picks each week from the best handicappers in the business.
could be a contender for the Pac-10 title without standout running back Toby Gerhart. The answer is yes.Meanwhile, the offseason tribulations surrounding the Oregon Ducks (4-0) camp had many doubting Oregonchances of repeating as Pac-10 champions. They are, of course, without heralded quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who is now plying his trade at Ole Miss after being kicked off the team before the start of the 2010 season.In last yearmeeting between these two teams, Oregon was coming off a big win over the USC Trojans but suffered its first conference loss of the season at Stanford, 51-42.It would be easy to get caught up in thinking that the Ducks will roll over Stanford when you look at the way they have outscored their opponents thus far, 231-44. In reality, both the offense and the defense have not really lived up to all the preseason hype, the latter of the two showing in last weekgame at ASU, where the Ducks gave up plenty of yards: 597, Arizona Statemost since 2000.While the Ducks have struggled against the run this year, Buffalo Bills jersey
their pass rush has been solid.With that being said, the run game of Stanford could give the Ducks defensive line serious problems all day. The Cardinal will likely set up in a big formation with a pair of tight ends and run it right at Oregon from the get-go.Stanford will also bring its 12th overall defense to Autzen, which is limiting its opponents to just 13 points per game. Now they will face the triple threat of Darron Thomas, LaMichael James, and Kenjon Barner. There arenmany teams that match up well with the Ducks' speedy rushing attack, and the Cardinal defenders will need to be on their toes.Where the rubber meets the highway is the passing attack, and it here that Stanford truly has the advantage with QB Andrew Luck.Mind you, Oregon has been getting solid play from their pass defenders, but they are about to see a quarterback unlike any they have seen all year. He is aided by a solid receiving corps with Doug Baldwin, Chris Owusu, and Ryan Whalen. All three have the potential to make big catches and stretch the secondary.The key to Lucksuccess will be the success of the run game. If Stanford can get the running game going, Luck will be able to go to play action and take his shots downfield.MattFree Football Picks: Stanford+7Oregon will have the advantage of playing at home, but that wonbe enough to capsize a Stanford ship that is driven by Luck and his supporting cast.If you are looking to beat the college football odds this season, be sure to make your way back for our expert college football picks each week from the best handicappers in the business.
2011年1月22日星期六
22 Jan 11 Michigan Football: 'Shoelace' Has Left His Prints on First Three Games
Denard puts up over 380 total yards in win over UconnGregory Shamus/Getty Images The start of the 2010 Michigan football season has been nothing short of spectacular. The Wolverines have started off to impressive victories over Uconn and Notre Dame. It is not only the 3-0 start that has Michigan fans excited Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
about this season, but the way they won those games and who they defeated.Of course, there is a player that deserves much of the accreditation, Denard Robinson. To say he has been good is an understatement.Robinson has not only broken records at Michigan, but he has shattered them. With a total 383 combined yards in the victory over Uconn, he stunned the record attending crowd. He has rushed for nearly 200 yards, but that wasneven his most impressive statistic.Robinson was 19-of-22 in passing, which arm accuracy was his biggest issue coming into the season.I, myself, and many others thought that he had improved, but the Uconn showing was nearly a career game that would never happen again, we were wrong.Robinson put up 502 total yards against rival Notre Dame, which made everyone a believer in Shoelace. He has been so good the first two games that his third game (345 total yards) didneven create that much buzz. The QB's performance against Umass was the 10th best single player performance in Michigan history.Robinson has had three 345 plus yard games not just in the first three games, but his first three starts. I know he will face many tougher defenses and they will start to key in on him, but so far that has not happened; and no team has even challenged him.Many people throughout the country say that Robinson has been the whole offense and a one man show. Of course he has carried the offense, but he has been so successful that giving anyone else the ball wouldnmake sense.We saw in the Umass game that when the defense locks in on Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
Shoelace it opens holes for the other players, especially running backs. Shaw has over 100 yards rushing including the touchdown run that sealed the victory.Stonum and Roundtree have also looked very impressive. Robinson has shown a surprisingly strong arm in his first three starts, which is what impresses me the most.The defense has come up when it matters, especially in big plays. For example, the forced fumble by Floyd when the Huskies were threatening to score inside Michigan10-yard line.Now although the Wolverines are 3-0 and have been lead by a strong Heisman candidate, they still have shown some concerns.The defense has been inconsistent and seems to make it a habit of letting 10-yard runs turn into 25-yard gains. They let up a disappointing 37 points to a D 1-AA team, and the secondary has been terrible.The biggest improvement has been the amount of turnovers they have created, but they still need to consistently make teams go three and out. The front line has been the most impressive, but they still need to improve on getting to the quarterback.The secondary has blown many coverages, but has created some interceptions that have made a difference in scoring.The special teams has definitely shown that they are the teambiggest weakness. Gibbons has been plain bad, and the returners are very inexperienced, or at least they have been playing inexperienced. Special teams should be the easiest team to fix, but we need to see some changes happen.Before anyone says that Michigan is back, flashback to last year4-0 start and look at what happened.I really feel that this years team is much better from last years. They have a much better quarterback in Robinson, the defense has created more turnovers, they have arguably beaten stronger opponents and the offense looks like Rich Rodoffense at Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
West Virginia.If the offensive motors continue and Robinson keeps putting up these types of numbers, then Michigan should be looking at at least a 5-0 if not 6-0 start to the 2010 season.It is too early to tell how good this team will be, since their harder part of the schedule is their second half. We can only judge them from their first three games, and in those games
about this season, but the way they won those games and who they defeated.Of course, there is a player that deserves much of the accreditation, Denard Robinson. To say he has been good is an understatement.Robinson has not only broken records at Michigan, but he has shattered them. With a total 383 combined yards in the victory over Uconn, he stunned the record attending crowd. He has rushed for nearly 200 yards, but that wasneven his most impressive statistic.Robinson was 19-of-22 in passing, which arm accuracy was his biggest issue coming into the season.I, myself, and many others thought that he had improved, but the Uconn showing was nearly a career game that would never happen again, we were wrong.Robinson put up 502 total yards against rival Notre Dame, which made everyone a believer in Shoelace. He has been so good the first two games that his third game (345 total yards) didneven create that much buzz. The QB's performance against Umass was the 10th best single player performance in Michigan history.Robinson has had three 345 plus yard games not just in the first three games, but his first three starts. I know he will face many tougher defenses and they will start to key in on him, but so far that has not happened; and no team has even challenged him.Many people throughout the country say that Robinson has been the whole offense and a one man show. Of course he has carried the offense, but he has been so successful that giving anyone else the ball wouldnmake sense.We saw in the Umass game that when the defense locks in on Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
Shoelace it opens holes for the other players, especially running backs. Shaw has over 100 yards rushing including the touchdown run that sealed the victory.Stonum and Roundtree have also looked very impressive. Robinson has shown a surprisingly strong arm in his first three starts, which is what impresses me the most.The defense has come up when it matters, especially in big plays. For example, the forced fumble by Floyd when the Huskies were threatening to score inside Michigan10-yard line.Now although the Wolverines are 3-0 and have been lead by a strong Heisman candidate, they still have shown some concerns.The defense has been inconsistent and seems to make it a habit of letting 10-yard runs turn into 25-yard gains. They let up a disappointing 37 points to a D 1-AA team, and the secondary has been terrible.The biggest improvement has been the amount of turnovers they have created, but they still need to consistently make teams go three and out. The front line has been the most impressive, but they still need to improve on getting to the quarterback.The secondary has blown many coverages, but has created some interceptions that have made a difference in scoring.The special teams has definitely shown that they are the teambiggest weakness. Gibbons has been plain bad, and the returners are very inexperienced, or at least they have been playing inexperienced. Special teams should be the easiest team to fix, but we need to see some changes happen.Before anyone says that Michigan is back, flashback to last year4-0 start and look at what happened.I really feel that this years team is much better from last years. They have a much better quarterback in Robinson, the defense has created more turnovers, they have arguably beaten stronger opponents and the offense looks like Rich Rodoffense at Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
West Virginia.If the offensive motors continue and Robinson keeps putting up these types of numbers, then Michigan should be looking at at least a 5-0 if not 6-0 start to the 2010 season.It is too early to tell how good this team will be, since their harder part of the schedule is their second half. We can only judge them from their first three games, and in those games
2011年1月18日星期二
18 Jan 11 UNC Football Suspensions: Burney and Williams To Repay Benefits, Miss Games
Williams (27) and Burney (16) have been suspended for additional games and ordered to repay a portion of their received benefits.Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesNorth Carolina cornerback Kendric Burney and safety Deunta Williams have finally had their fate determined by the NCAA after weeks of deafening silence, as both Dallas Cowboys jersey
players will be forced to repay benefits received and sit additional games, pending an appeal by the UNC athletics department.Burney, a senior with nine career interceptions, will have to repay $575.19 to a charity of his choice after the NCAA revealed he had accepted $1,333 in benefits from an individual who falls under the classification of "agent."His six-game suspension is already two games deep, and will be appealed to the NCAA, according to UNC athletics director Dick Baddour.Williams, a fellow senior with 12 career picks, will have to repay $450.67 of the $1,426 he received, also to a charity of his choice. He has been suspended an additional two games on top of the two already missed, the length of which will also be appealed by UNC.Burney's benefits included trips to Atlanta, Las Vegas, and California, the purpose of which have not been explicitly specified.The name of the "agent" who paid for Burney's trips has not been released, but conventional wisdom says it was the same Chris Hawkins who has been involved in Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green's Denver Broncos jersey
jersey-selling scandal.Williams had two trips to California payed for him by a former North Carolina football player. It is believed that these trips were made in connection for a training camp attended by football players of various levels, while rumors hold that Seattle Seahawks defensive end Kentwan Balmer was the former Tar Heel who paid for the trips.Both of these players will be unable to play while the appeal process is going on. Given the slow-footedness of the NCAA regarding, well, everything they do, it would be safe to assume that both players will be absent for Detroit Lions
Saturday's contest against Rutgers in beautiful Piscataway, NJ.The reaction in Tar Heel nation is bittersweet: Bitter in that it is now fact that some players were involved in improper actions, but sweet in that official news has finally started to trickle out.The jury is still out regarding nearly a dozen other Tar Heels, on both academic and benefit-receiving allegations, as the season that was supposed to change the nation's view on UNC football continues on its path towards infamy.
players will be forced to repay benefits received and sit additional games, pending an appeal by the UNC athletics department.Burney, a senior with nine career interceptions, will have to repay $575.19 to a charity of his choice after the NCAA revealed he had accepted $1,333 in benefits from an individual who falls under the classification of "agent."His six-game suspension is already two games deep, and will be appealed to the NCAA, according to UNC athletics director Dick Baddour.Williams, a fellow senior with 12 career picks, will have to repay $450.67 of the $1,426 he received, also to a charity of his choice. He has been suspended an additional two games on top of the two already missed, the length of which will also be appealed by UNC.Burney's benefits included trips to Atlanta, Las Vegas, and California, the purpose of which have not been explicitly specified.The name of the "agent" who paid for Burney's trips has not been released, but conventional wisdom says it was the same Chris Hawkins who has been involved in Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green's Denver Broncos jersey
jersey-selling scandal.Williams had two trips to California payed for him by a former North Carolina football player. It is believed that these trips were made in connection for a training camp attended by football players of various levels, while rumors hold that Seattle Seahawks defensive end Kentwan Balmer was the former Tar Heel who paid for the trips.Both of these players will be unable to play while the appeal process is going on. Given the slow-footedness of the NCAA regarding, well, everything they do, it would be safe to assume that both players will be absent for Detroit Lions
Saturday's contest against Rutgers in beautiful Piscataway, NJ.The reaction in Tar Heel nation is bittersweet: Bitter in that it is now fact that some players were involved in improper actions, but sweet in that official news has finally started to trickle out.The jury is still out regarding nearly a dozen other Tar Heels, on both academic and benefit-receiving allegations, as the season that was supposed to change the nation's view on UNC football continues on its path towards infamy.
2011年1月15日星期六
15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams "Post Shutout?" Commentary
Victory, decisive and unrelenting, was garnered by the Rams Sunday. So dominant was their win, the Rams allowed nary a single point to be posted by their opponents. Rams fans across the nation can rejoice in the exaltation of glorious victory before reading the recaps and realizing:It was only the Raiders. Raider Nation members who were able to post bond in time for kickoff were treated to a war between two teams that were desperate not only for a win, but for anything positive with which to build upon for next season.The classic confrontation for who's less inept was Dallas Cowboys jersey
waged on Sunday in the home of all things silver and black. As it turns out, the Rams were the team that was able to avoid losing and pulled out a quasi-decisive 20-0 victory over an even more hapless foe.Marc Bulger observed, "Around halftime, we figured out they were struggling on offense." Thus, with an insurmountable 6-0 lead at the half, the Rams began running the clock out with the tandem rushing attack of Steven Jackson and Matt Turk.OK, so Turk is the punter, but this detail just goes to show that on a day where even the Rams special teams can get away with big plays, St. Louis could do very little wrong. The Rams' defense was stout for a change, holding Justin Fargas to a mere 43 yards rushing and harassing the Oakland quarterbacks all day. The Rams flashed the turnover-happy, defensive dominance unseen since opening day against the Broncos. However, in reality, they shouldn't think they've even begun to fix their broken defense, because:It was only the Raiders.In all fairness, the Raiders aren't actually that bad: They lost a closely contested battle with the Chargers, nearly beat the Broncos and Chiefs, and lost to the Texans at home...OK, maybe they are that bad.The only thing Steven Jackson truly had to fear Sunday afternoon was nearly being showered in yellowish-brown liquid by Black Hole Denver Broncos jersey
members who flung cups of, one hopes was only beer, at the running back after each of his touchdown runs.Even with an injury-riddled O-line that featured only a single man playing in his starting spot, the Rams' offense played well. Bulger absorbed a few too many sacks, but they were more often than not a result of his holding the ball too long. The line opened up holes for Jackson and St. Louis protected the ball all afternoon. However, the Rams' offense was guilty of far too many penalties (I can't recall, but I believe Alex Barron was flagged for a false start walking to the huddle).For Detroit Lions
possibly the first time this year, the Rams played reasonably well in all three phases of the game. Players and fans alike can feel good about a St. Louis team that walked away with its first decisive victory of the season. Indeed, the Rams finally have a performance from which to build upon for the remainder of the year, as well as next season. However, let us not forget to temper those joyful feelings with a healthy dosage of reality, folks, because, after all:It was only the Raiders. (4)
waged on Sunday in the home of all things silver and black. As it turns out, the Rams were the team that was able to avoid losing and pulled out a quasi-decisive 20-0 victory over an even more hapless foe.Marc Bulger observed, "Around halftime, we figured out they were struggling on offense." Thus, with an insurmountable 6-0 lead at the half, the Rams began running the clock out with the tandem rushing attack of Steven Jackson and Matt Turk.OK, so Turk is the punter, but this detail just goes to show that on a day where even the Rams special teams can get away with big plays, St. Louis could do very little wrong. The Rams' defense was stout for a change, holding Justin Fargas to a mere 43 yards rushing and harassing the Oakland quarterbacks all day. The Rams flashed the turnover-happy, defensive dominance unseen since opening day against the Broncos. However, in reality, they shouldn't think they've even begun to fix their broken defense, because:It was only the Raiders.In all fairness, the Raiders aren't actually that bad: They lost a closely contested battle with the Chargers, nearly beat the Broncos and Chiefs, and lost to the Texans at home...OK, maybe they are that bad.The only thing Steven Jackson truly had to fear Sunday afternoon was nearly being showered in yellowish-brown liquid by Black Hole Denver Broncos jersey
members who flung cups of, one hopes was only beer, at the running back after each of his touchdown runs.Even with an injury-riddled O-line that featured only a single man playing in his starting spot, the Rams' offense played well. Bulger absorbed a few too many sacks, but they were more often than not a result of his holding the ball too long. The line opened up holes for Jackson and St. Louis protected the ball all afternoon. However, the Rams' offense was guilty of far too many penalties (I can't recall, but I believe Alex Barron was flagged for a false start walking to the huddle).For Detroit Lions
possibly the first time this year, the Rams played reasonably well in all three phases of the game. Players and fans alike can feel good about a St. Louis team that walked away with its first decisive victory of the season. Indeed, the Rams finally have a performance from which to build upon for the remainder of the year, as well as next season. However, let us not forget to temper those joyful feelings with a healthy dosage of reality, folks, because, after all:It was only the Raiders. (4)
2011年1月13日星期四
14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks "It's about time Patrick Kerney came to play"
Patrick Kerney signed with the Seattle Seahawks in March. He finally showed up in November.The Seahawks gambled by giving the 30-year-old defensive end a monster six-year, $37.5 million deal on March 5, hailing him as the missing pass-rushing link in their defense -- a high-energy sack man who would bring a consistent rush to opposing quarterbacks. Kerney was billed as a healthier, higher-energy defensive end than the worn-down Grant Wistrom had been.The team was so confident Kerney would come back from a torn pectoral muscle to provide Cleveland Browns jersey
a steady rush that it gave him a $10 million signing bonus and let Wistrom go a few days later. But, for most of the first half of the season, you couldn't tell whether that was Kerney or Wistrom starting at end for the 'Hawks. Kerney made his presence known in the first game, recording 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits as the Seahawks knocked Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia and running back Carnell Williams out of the game. But after that, Kerney disappeared. He had just two more sacks over the next seven games, and that $37.5 million sure looked as if it might turn into the same bad investment the team had made in Wistrom.But along came November, and back came Kerney. In the past three games alone, he has shown the relentless rush he was known for in Atlanta, where he had three years of double-digit sacks. Kerney has recorded seven sacks over the past three contests and now has 10.5 to rank second in the NFL behind Green Bay's Aaron Kampman (11).The last time Kerney had such an incredible sack run was in 2004, when he recorded seven in the first four games and went to the Pro Bowl after finishing with 13.During this stellar stretch of games, Kerney also has caused three fumbles -- two of which led to Seattle touchdowns -- and recorded an interception (his first since that 2004 season). He Dallas Cowboys jersey
has helped Seattle's defense surge to 11th overall, fourth in scoring (16.6) and second in sacks (35, three behind the New York Giants). Kerney's nonstop work ethic is a big reason he is able to increase his production so late in the season."Kerney is just one of those guys, over the course of a season, he just has a motor and he goes and he goes," coach Mike Holmgren told reporters. "Some guys are slowing down, and he's going."Kerney is the first Seattle defensive end to reach double digits in sacks since Michael Sinclair led the league with 16.5 in 1998. Wistrom was paid $21 million for 11.5 sacks in 41 games, and Kerney already has nearly reached that total in 11 games.The 6-foot-5, 272-pound Kerney credits his increase in big plays to an increase in his comfort with the Seahawks' defense."I've reached a point of Denver Broncos jersey
familiarity with the system where every play I know what (defensive coordinator) John Marshall is thinking when he makes a call," Kerney told reporters. "That certainly helps, but really just the play of all my teammates has helped me get the numbers I've had the past few weeks."And when it's all over, he could be thanking his teammates for getting him back to the Pro Bowl while the Seahawks are thanking him for giving them the big plays they had been missing from that position.
a steady rush that it gave him a $10 million signing bonus and let Wistrom go a few days later. But, for most of the first half of the season, you couldn't tell whether that was Kerney or Wistrom starting at end for the 'Hawks. Kerney made his presence known in the first game, recording 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits as the Seahawks knocked Tampa Bay quarterback Jeff Garcia and running back Carnell Williams out of the game. But after that, Kerney disappeared. He had just two more sacks over the next seven games, and that $37.5 million sure looked as if it might turn into the same bad investment the team had made in Wistrom.But along came November, and back came Kerney. In the past three games alone, he has shown the relentless rush he was known for in Atlanta, where he had three years of double-digit sacks. Kerney has recorded seven sacks over the past three contests and now has 10.5 to rank second in the NFL behind Green Bay's Aaron Kampman (11).The last time Kerney had such an incredible sack run was in 2004, when he recorded seven in the first four games and went to the Pro Bowl after finishing with 13.During this stellar stretch of games, Kerney also has caused three fumbles -- two of which led to Seattle touchdowns -- and recorded an interception (his first since that 2004 season). He Dallas Cowboys jersey
has helped Seattle's defense surge to 11th overall, fourth in scoring (16.6) and second in sacks (35, three behind the New York Giants). Kerney's nonstop work ethic is a big reason he is able to increase his production so late in the season."Kerney is just one of those guys, over the course of a season, he just has a motor and he goes and he goes," coach Mike Holmgren told reporters. "Some guys are slowing down, and he's going."Kerney is the first Seattle defensive end to reach double digits in sacks since Michael Sinclair led the league with 16.5 in 1998. Wistrom was paid $21 million for 11.5 sacks in 41 games, and Kerney already has nearly reached that total in 11 games.The 6-foot-5, 272-pound Kerney credits his increase in big plays to an increase in his comfort with the Seahawks' defense."I've reached a point of Denver Broncos jersey
familiarity with the system where every play I know what (defensive coordinator) John Marshall is thinking when he makes a call," Kerney told reporters. "That certainly helps, but really just the play of all my teammates has helped me get the numbers I've had the past few weeks."And when it's all over, he could be thanking his teammates for getting him back to the Pro Bowl while the Seahawks are thanking him for giving them the big plays they had been missing from that position.
2011年1月12日星期三
13 Jan 11 Your Parents Lied To You...You Should Be Scared Of The Thunder
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesRemember the first time you were in a thunderstorm and how terrified you heard the thunder crashing? Remember how your parents told you how it was just a noise and you shouldn't be scared? If you are playing the Oklahoma City Thunder, what your parents said was a lie. Thunder can, and will, hurt you.A few years ago I told everyone how I was scared of two teams, Portland and Atlanta. Not because how good they were at the time, but because I saw an abundant amount of talent. Now, both of those teams areReebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
solid playoff contenders (Portland would be better than its 23-16 record if not for suffering about a million injuries). I look at the Thunder this season and think the same thing.To say that they have a star in the making with Kevin Durant doesn do him justice. At the age of 21, Durant is one of the greatest pure-scorers of the game. Yea, a guy like LeBron is better overall, but Durant is an artist when it comes to putting up points. He is shooting .484 from the field this year, which is second amongst guards scoring at least 20 points per game. He might have an absolutely awful taste in shoes, but the NBA needs to get him in front of a national audience more often. As someone who doesn live in Oklahoma (which is a great thing 99.9 percent of the time), I don have the ability to see him much.Durant isn the only reason I see great potential for the Thunder. Guys like Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green have developed into very good compliments to Durant, and rookie James Harden is doing a great job contributing off of the bench. The scary thing about the guys that I just named is that they are all 23 years old or younger.Think about this, the Thunder only won 23 games all of last year; they have won 21 in just 37 games so far this season. They will surpass that total in a week or so and will finish the NBA season with the league most improved record. Going from 23 wins to a team that will probably make the playoffs is an achievement that shouldn be under-sold.Another critical factor is the improvements they have made on the defensive end. They are currently 7th in the NBA in defense, giving up 96.1 points per contest. Last season, opponents had no trouble putting up big numbers, and averaged over 103 points. For those of you who can do math, that is a seven point difference right there.If am Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
the GM of the Thunder, my job is almost done. I have a young core of excellent guards that are progressing quicker than most thought. However, the Thunder still need somewhat of a low post presence if they want to be anything other then an annual playoff one-and-done. Right now, Oklahoma City is relying on guys like Nenad Kristic and Nick Collison, who aren averaging ten rebounds a game COMBINED.The current GM seems to share this thought with me because he traded for Tyson Chandler last season, which was a great move. Unfortunately, Chandler failed the physical because of his toe. Considering the physical is usually just a formality, this was a surprise for us all. It a shame though, because Chandler could be great working with that group of guards.In addition to that, the team needs a veteran guard to come off the bench to provide leadership and experience. Atlanta became my perfect example because they traded for Mike Bibby and now are serious contenders in the east. While nobody will say he is as good as he was in the early 2000 when his Sacramento Kings went head-to- head with the Lakers several years in a row, he provided leadership to a Hawk team that had tons of raw talent, but had trouble converting that into wins. The Thunder don need a starting point guard like Bibby because Russell Westbrook is playing great, but I still think that adding a vet will be a good idea.With teams eager to shed big contracts, adding these pieces shouldn be that difficult. The Thunder are under the salary cap and have three players who Arizona Cardinals jersey
have large contracts that expire at the end of the season. This is invaluable to teams trying to shed salaries because it means that all of the money on the contract comes off their cap number at the end of the year. The guys that could draw some interest because of this are Etan Thomas (7.9 million), Matt Harpring (6.5 million), and Earl Watson (3.4 million). None of these players are contributing much to the cause and should be traded if given anyone of value. Hell, Watson isn even on the team any more!Even if these moves aren made, you still have to keep an eye on this team. They might not be able to make much noise in the playoffs this year, but in a year or two, the Lakers better be watching their back.
solid playoff contenders (Portland would be better than its 23-16 record if not for suffering about a million injuries). I look at the Thunder this season and think the same thing.To say that they have a star in the making with Kevin Durant doesn do him justice. At the age of 21, Durant is one of the greatest pure-scorers of the game. Yea, a guy like LeBron is better overall, but Durant is an artist when it comes to putting up points. He is shooting .484 from the field this year, which is second amongst guards scoring at least 20 points per game. He might have an absolutely awful taste in shoes, but the NBA needs to get him in front of a national audience more often. As someone who doesn live in Oklahoma (which is a great thing 99.9 percent of the time), I don have the ability to see him much.Durant isn the only reason I see great potential for the Thunder. Guys like Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green have developed into very good compliments to Durant, and rookie James Harden is doing a great job contributing off of the bench. The scary thing about the guys that I just named is that they are all 23 years old or younger.Think about this, the Thunder only won 23 games all of last year; they have won 21 in just 37 games so far this season. They will surpass that total in a week or so and will finish the NBA season with the league most improved record. Going from 23 wins to a team that will probably make the playoffs is an achievement that shouldn be under-sold.Another critical factor is the improvements they have made on the defensive end. They are currently 7th in the NBA in defense, giving up 96.1 points per contest. Last season, opponents had no trouble putting up big numbers, and averaged over 103 points. For those of you who can do math, that is a seven point difference right there.If am Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
the GM of the Thunder, my job is almost done. I have a young core of excellent guards that are progressing quicker than most thought. However, the Thunder still need somewhat of a low post presence if they want to be anything other then an annual playoff one-and-done. Right now, Oklahoma City is relying on guys like Nenad Kristic and Nick Collison, who aren averaging ten rebounds a game COMBINED.The current GM seems to share this thought with me because he traded for Tyson Chandler last season, which was a great move. Unfortunately, Chandler failed the physical because of his toe. Considering the physical is usually just a formality, this was a surprise for us all. It a shame though, because Chandler could be great working with that group of guards.In addition to that, the team needs a veteran guard to come off the bench to provide leadership and experience. Atlanta became my perfect example because they traded for Mike Bibby and now are serious contenders in the east. While nobody will say he is as good as he was in the early 2000 when his Sacramento Kings went head-to- head with the Lakers several years in a row, he provided leadership to a Hawk team that had tons of raw talent, but had trouble converting that into wins. The Thunder don need a starting point guard like Bibby because Russell Westbrook is playing great, but I still think that adding a vet will be a good idea.With teams eager to shed big contracts, adding these pieces shouldn be that difficult. The Thunder are under the salary cap and have three players who Arizona Cardinals jersey
have large contracts that expire at the end of the season. This is invaluable to teams trying to shed salaries because it means that all of the money on the contract comes off their cap number at the end of the year. The guys that could draw some interest because of this are Etan Thomas (7.9 million), Matt Harpring (6.5 million), and Earl Watson (3.4 million). None of these players are contributing much to the cause and should be traded if given anyone of value. Hell, Watson isn even on the team any more!Even if these moves aren made, you still have to keep an eye on this team. They might not be able to make much noise in the playoffs this year, but in a year or two, the Lakers better be watching their back.
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