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NBA: Early season surprises

Spencer Hawes (Photo by Ibabuzz.com)

Philadelphia 76ers – The Sixers find themselves at the top of the Atlantic Division with a 6-2 record. They have quality wins over Phoenix and Indiana, proving that they will be there at the end of the season. They are currently on a 5 game win streak, the longest under head coach Doug Collins. Philadelphia made the playoffs last season, but was knocked out in the first round. If their success continues, a longer playoff run would not be out of the ordinary.  Lou Williams is averaging nearly 17 points a game and Spencer Hawes is providing the Sixers with a double-double every night.

Dallas Mavericks – The defending NBA Champions have been struggling early in the season. After getting stomped by the Heat in the season opener, Dallas has fallen to Minnesota and Sacramento. The Mavericks are currently 4-5 and Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry are the only players averaging double figures. Clearly, Dallas is missing the defensive presence of Tyson Chandler, as they are ranked 25^th in the league in rebounding. Many thought Lamar Odom would be a solid addition, but he has struggled thus far averaging only 6.9 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Kyle Lowry – The Houston Rockets point guard has been impressive in the six games that he has played this season. Last season, Lowry saw an increase in minutes and took advantage of it by averaging 13.5 points and 6.7 assists. This season, Lowry continues to improve, averaging 15.3 points, 10 assists and 6.2 rebounds. Hopefully his current injury to his foot does not keep him on the sidelines for long, as his performance thus far could potentially land him in the all-star game.

Ryan Anderson – The Orlando Magic forward is taking advantage of the 30 + minutes that he is getting this season. This is a significant increase from the 22 minutes that he was receiving last season. Anderson is averaging 18 points and 7.3 rebounds, helping the Magic to an early 6-3 record. With Anderson proving to be a threat, opponents will not be able to put as much focus on superstar Dwight Howard. 

Is it time for College Football playoffs?

On Monday night, I had to force myself to watch most of the BCS National Championship game between LSU and Alabama on ESPN. The game was incredibly boring and low scoring and I thought it was never going to end. Alabama ended up beating LSU 21-0 and Nick Saban was the winner of another National Championship. After the game was over, I found myself wondering why College Football does not get rid of the BCS bowl games and introduce a playoff system.

A College Football postseason would improve ratings and give more teams a chance to compete for a National Championship. The NCAA could host this playoff system in many ways.  First, they could do it similar to NCAA basketball’s tournament. They could give tournament bids to the winners of the 11 conferences and then hand out at large bids to the remaining deserving teams. The tournament could have 32 teams and have 4 regions just like the March Madness tournament. The teams would be seeded, with the highest seed in the region playing the lowest seed in the region. To prevent the tournament from dragging out, each team would play a maximum of two games a week. This way, the players wouldn’t get tired and 32 different teams would have a chance to win the National Championship.

Another way the NCAA could format a postseason is by copying the current system that the NFL uses. The top 12 ranked teams would compete for the National Championship, with teams being seeded 1 through twelve. Since College Football does not have an AFC and NFC, the system would be set up a little differently. The top 4 teams would get byes and the 5^th seed would play the 12^th seed. The highest seeds would have home field advantage throughout, with the National Championship being played at a mutual location. Bowl games would still take place for deserving teams ranked outside the top 12 and conference champions.  With this format, there would not be as many bowl games and more teams would have a chance to compete for the National Championship.

ESPN reported that BCS officials plan to meet and discuss possible changes to the College Football postseason. The meeting will include all 11 conference commissioners and almost everything will be discussed. However, a playoff format where teams would have to play many additional games does not appear likely. This is unfortunate because only two teams have the chance to compete for a National Championship with the current system. With the ridiculous amount of bowl games and only two teams in the spotlight, changes to the postseason could only benefit College Football. 

Blame Mike Smith for Atlanta's playoff loss

On wildcard Saturday, I watched the Atlanta Falcons basically hand the game to the New York Giants. The final score was 24-2, with the Falcons getting their two points off of a measly safety in the first half. When you look at the box score, it is obvious why the Falcons lost the game. Matt Ryan threw for under 200 yards, Michael Turner rushed for only 41 yards, and the defense gave up 442 total yards of offense. But what doesn’t show up in the box score is the horrible coaching decisions made by Falcons head coach Mike Smith.

Mike Smith (Photo by blogs.ajc.com)

First, early in the game when the score was still close, Smith elected to go for it on 4^th and inches instead of taking the easy 3 points. The spotting of the ball was questionable, but the Falcons failed to convert the 4^th down and walked away with no points. Smith has gained a reputation of going for it on 4^th down, as he went for it on 4^th and 1 on his own 30 yard line against the Saints in overtime in the regular season.  Later in the Giants game on Saturday, the Falcons once again found themselves in field goal range with the game still very much in reach. They faced another 4^th and 1 and Smith decided to go for it instead of taking the much needed field goal. Again, the Falcons walked away with no points, giving the Giants all the momentum they would need.

Although the score makes the game seem like it was a blow out, this game was close until Hakeem Nicks broke free for a 72 yard touchdown with 2:44 remaining in the 3^rd quarter.  If Smith took the 3 points both times, the game could have been 10-8 in the third quarter and Atlanta would have had a chance. Instead, the Giants had all the momentum for much of the second half and were able to control the game and force the Falcons to throw the ball in situations where they would have liked to run.

Not only did Smith make questionable decisions on 4^th down, he failed to take advantage of having all 3 timeouts and the ball with just under two minutes left in the first half. Instead of using his timeouts, the Falcons ran a play and let valuable seconds tick off the clock. Time expired, and the Falcons went into the half with two remaining timeouts and down 7-2. At least give your team a chance to move down the field and kick a field goal and gain some momentum going into the half. The Falcons received the ball first in the second half and could have had a chance to take the lead if Smith played his cards right.

The critics will say that Matt Ryan can’t win a playoff game, but the blame for this one should be put on the shoulders of Mike Smith. Atlanta’s players were clearly frustrated with how the game was going. Roddy White was getting into scuffles late in the 4^th quarter and other players were hanging their heads on the sidelines. In my mind, the way Mike Smith coached this game was enough to get him fired. He may have a good regular season record, but he has failed to provide the Falcons with any success in the playoffs over the past 3 seasons.  

Phillies resign Jimmy Rollins

The Phillies made the move that all the fans were waiting for by signing free agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins. The deal is reportedly worth 3 years, $33 million with a vesting option for a 4^th year worth $11 million.

With the Colorado Rockies signing Michael Cuddyer earlier in the week, Rollins was one of the few big name free agents left on the market. The Phillies had many questions surrounding their infield without Rollins on their roster. Jimmy will join longtime friend Dontrelle Willis on a Phillies team that should be competing for another NL East championship this season.

Rollins has been with the Phillies organization since 1996 when they drafted him in the second round of the amateur draft. With the Phillies, Rollins has been a 3 time all-star and a 3 time gold glove winner. He won the National League MVP award in 2007. For Phillies fans, seeing Rollins play in a different uniform would not have seemed right.

This could be the end of the Phillies making moves in free agency this off season. However, don’t be surprised if Ruben Amaro Jr. makes a surprise move. They could go after another pitcher or infielder, as there are still plenty of decent guys on the market. 

James Harrison just doesn't get it

Once again, Pittsburg linebacker James Harrison was in the news for a helmet to helmet hit on a Cleveland Browns player. This time it was quarterback Colt McCoy, who suffered a concussion after the hit. It comes as no surprise considering this is Harrison’s seventh time being disciplined by the league. This time, instead of fining Harrison, the NFL took a different approach and suspended Harrison for one game without pay. Harrison appealed the suspension and was immediately shot down.

What was surprising was the way Harrison and some of his teammates reacted to the situation. Harrison declined to speak to the media this week but said after last Thursday’s game that he did not believe the hit warranted any further action. He also had this to say on his Twitter account… “17 games, 1000+ snaps, 100+ tackles, 12+ sacks, and 2 forced fumbles since my last incident and I get a suspension for a football play!” Sorry James, it doesn’t matter how long it’s been, you still hit another player helmet to helmet and gave him a concussion.

Other teammates, such as safety Ryan Clark, believe that Harrison is being targeted by the league and being used as an example for other players around the league. Whether or not the league is targeting Harrison, he is the one giving them a reason to target him. You don’t see Clay Mathews, Ray Lewis or any other hard-hitting defensive player constantly being disciplined by the league. This is because they don’t lower their head and try to injure the opposing players.

While I am a strong believer that the quarterbacks are the fairies of the NFL, Harrison’s hit on McCoy crossed the line and very much warranted punishment. And for those who believe that quarterbacks are soft, I would like to see you put on pads and a helmet and let James Harrison run at you full speed with his head down. His hit on McCoy would have been a football play if he did not lead with his head. It’s as simple as that.

What I don’t understand is why Harrison and the rest of the Steelers believe that they do not have to follow the rules. I am sure that a lot of players in the NFL do not agree with the new rules. The difference is that the other players in the NFL follow the rules regardless, and Harrison does not. The Steelers have been a well-respected franchise with dignity for as long as football fans can remember. There is no question that James Harrison is a great defensive player as he won defensive player of the year for the 2008 season. But Harrison is giving the Steelers franchise a bad name by gaining the reputation as one of “dirtiest” players in the NFL.

The reality is that James Harrison just doesn’t get it, and he probably never will. The NFL must suspend Harrison for multiple games if another incident like this happens again. Or, the Steelers must consider what is really important, and cut him from their roster. 

Fantasy Football: Week 15 sleepers

Its playoff time for fantasy football owners and with teams clinching playoff spots, players may see reduced playing time. I was fortunate enough to dominate my first round playoff matchup and I am hoping to advance to the finals after this week.  I’ll keep you posted. Let’s take a look at some guys that you might be able to sneak into your line-up that will help you get a victory.

Ryan Fitzpatrick (Buffalo QB) – Fitzpatrick has been sluggish of late, but faces a Miami secondary that has been weak at times. Miami has a new coach and have given up 19 passing touchdowns this season along with 244 yards per game. Miami’s run defense has been solid in the last 5 games, so the Bills will likely being throwing more often.

Felix Jones (Dallas RB) – With DeMarco Murray on IR, Jones will see almost all the carries for the remainder of the season. He looked good against the Giants, rushing for over 100 yards. Tampa Bay has struggled to stop the run this season, allowing close to 140 yards a game.

Steve Breaston (Kansas City WR) – It looks like Kyle Orton is going to return for the Chiefs this week against Green Bay. They will definitely be throwing the ball, as they will be fighting to keep up with the Packers. Green Bay is giving up 302 yard per game and have allowed 23 touchdowns to receivers this season.

Jake Ballard (New York Giants TE) – Ballard has 589 yards and 4 touchdowns this season. Tight ends seem to find success against Washington this season. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ballard finds the end zone on Sunday.

 

Arizona Cardinals Defense – There is always a chance of Patrick Peterson returning an interception for a touchdown. The Browns offense is only averaging 13.7 points a game this season and has not been sharp lately. The Arizona defense is probably available in most leagues and could be a nice start for week 15. 

Which Dontrelle Willis will the Phillies get?

I can remember my days waking up and watching a young Dontrelle Willis dominate opposing batters on Sports Center. On Tuesday, the Phillies signed 30 year-old Dontrelle Willis to a one year, $1 million deal. Willis is expected to pitch out of the bullpen, something that he is not used to doing. He should be a solid situational pitcher, as he posted impressive numbers against lefties a season ago. Last season as a Cincinnati Red, Willis posted a 1-6 record with a 5.00 ERA. The question that many Philadelphia fans are asking is which Dontrelle Willis will the team get? Will they get the Dontrelle that was rookie of the year in 2003, and finished second in Cy Young voting in 2005? Or will they get the Dontrelle that spent time with Detroit, Arizona, and Cincinnati, and spent 2010 in the minor leagues?

In other news, The Brewers signed SS Alex Gonzalez to a one-year contract. This is good news for Phillies fans, as Milwaukee was rumored to have interest in Jimmy Rollins. The Brewers already signed 3B Aramis Ramirez, putting pressure on the Phillies to re-sign Rollins. Rollins wants a five-year deal, but the Phillies are not willing to give him that considering Jimmy’s age. Dontrelle Willis and Jimmy Rollins attended the same high school and their families know each other well. This may spark Rollins to lower his expectations and sign with the Phillies for to a reasonable contract. 

The Phillies made news on Monday by trading OF Ben Francisco to the Blue Jays to relief pitcher Frank Gailey. Gailey is a native of Philadelphia and will probably spend his time in the minors in the upcoming season. Francisco was a crowd favorite, but his trade comes as no surprise. The Phillies will most likely start John Mayberry in left field. They recently signed OF Laynce Nix, who will also see some time in left field. With spring training not too far away, time will only tell what the Phillies will do during the rest of free agency.