Since doing a player for every position is hard enough I have decided to split this one up into two different entries. One for offense and another for defense, and today I will tackle the offensive side of the ball. Not offensive line though, I plan on writing another blog on the best offensive and defensive fronts in football later.
At Quarterback usually I would say one single name "Manning." What's crazy about it is that when you do that no one ever makes the mistake of saying "Eli" right back to you because they already know. But this year it's Tom Brady. I have one quote to tell everyone why. 'Leadership is influence concentrated." John C. Maxwell more than likely wasn't talking about Brady when he said this but it holds true though.
I am proud to say that the leading rusher in the league is a Texan. Arian Foster still isn't quite a household name but he is a great runner. His one cut style of running compliments the Texans really well. And it's hard to really stop an offense with great running and passing though the Texans record doesn't show it.
At wide receiver I am taking someone who didn't lead the league but has shown consistency over the last 4 years of play. "The Natrual" Andre Johnson. I think it's one of the best nicknames in football. After becoming the first player since Jerry Rice to lead the league in consecutive seasons he isn't far off doing it again this season. Even after missing two games he is only 160 yards off the lead. He showed game in and game out what he brings to the table bringing in the biggest catch of his short career in Washington to force overtime and eventually win the game. This was a no brainer to me because of the players in front of him in stats. Besides Reggie Wayne and Roddy White who I believe are great players they both have advantages over Johnson. Better teams and I hate to say better quaterback play. The other player was Branon Lloyd of teh Bronco's and they only threw the ball the whole saeson until Tim Tebow became their starter. Which explained Kyle Orton's ridiculous start of the season.
The best tight end in football this year was a suprise to some people but not me so much. He had an unbelievable season last year and hasn't really let up since. Vernon Davis is tied in receptions by a tight end with one other player. This stat blew me away though, he has 818 yards and that's 144 yards more than a person who has the same amount of touches. That means when Davis touches the ball things happen in the Forty Niner's offense.
At fullback I am taking a player that just meant more to there team than any other fullback did. Mike Tolbert of the San Diego Chargers was huge this season for them. After Ryan Mathews went down the team knew they didn't have an every down back in Darren Sproles and were curious to see if Tolbert was up to the task. He most definately was, racking up more yards than anyone else in the backfield. He has 735 rushing yards this season and has been the workhorse of the Chargers offense.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
My MVP Vote
Well after having a discussion about this with the boys I decided to put the argument on a more neutral plain like this blog. With the season coming to an end the question of who was the most valuable player in the league to their individual teams. At the time I actually thought about Matt Cassell should at least be a candidate but after doing much thinking I came up with a better answer.
My vote after much thinking and analysis has to go to Thomas Edward Brady Jr. Or as most people know him Tom Brady. Without much of a fight the Patriots have put together the same type of team that one them 3 super bowls already. Remember the year they had Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk spelling for him? No way Benjarvis Green-Ellis is Dillon but paired with the slippery Danny Woodhead and thats something to try and stop as New England has shown over the season.
After years of not having to use his tight ends as much because of the threats outside, Tom Brady has shown to any non-believers out there with or without the big name he can get it done. Last week when they played the Packers and when Tom Brady saw rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez lined up on a newly converted receiver at corner guarding him he called a quick slant and they scored. Showing me two things he knows his football and he trusts his teammates. Even the two rookie tight ends that run perfect routes. Gronkowski is as good as Hernandez and thats scary. With receivers on the field like that when you're running play fakes it puts and linebacker who even thinks run at an immediate disadvantage.
With all this being said after the year Brady is having he will be fifth all time in passer rating. He has thrown for over 3700 yards and has 34 touchdowns and only 4 picks. His rating for the season in 109.8 and his team has already clinched a homefield advantage for the playoffs.
So he might just win his second MVP and his fourth title this post-season.
My vote after much thinking and analysis has to go to Thomas Edward Brady Jr. Or as most people know him Tom Brady. Without much of a fight the Patriots have put together the same type of team that one them 3 super bowls already. Remember the year they had Corey Dillon and Kevin Faulk spelling for him? No way Benjarvis Green-Ellis is Dillon but paired with the slippery Danny Woodhead and thats something to try and stop as New England has shown over the season.
After years of not having to use his tight ends as much because of the threats outside, Tom Brady has shown to any non-believers out there with or without the big name he can get it done. Last week when they played the Packers and when Tom Brady saw rookie tight end Aaron Hernandez lined up on a newly converted receiver at corner guarding him he called a quick slant and they scored. Showing me two things he knows his football and he trusts his teammates. Even the two rookie tight ends that run perfect routes. Gronkowski is as good as Hernandez and thats scary. With receivers on the field like that when you're running play fakes it puts and linebacker who even thinks run at an immediate disadvantage.
With all this being said after the year Brady is having he will be fifth all time in passer rating. He has thrown for over 3700 yards and has 34 touchdowns and only 4 picks. His rating for the season in 109.8 and his team has already clinched a homefield advantage for the playoffs.
So he might just win his second MVP and his fourth title this post-season.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Everyone I Introduce You To Vontae Davis
After Randy Moss was traded to the Vikings on Wednesday the Patriots tried to justify it by saying they beat the Dolphins without a catch from him. He's not the first person to have that problem against Miami. In every game this season second year cornerback Vontae Davis has defended the teams number one receiver, and rightfully so after only being in the league one season the Dolphins gave him the duty and as stats show he deserved it.
In week one the Dolphins played the Bills and I know not too impressive. But they're number one receiver Lee Evans is a decent player. Not an all pro by any means but there was a time when no one would put a second year player on him. Evans was held in check though. 4 catches for 34 yards.
Week two the pass happy and Favre led Vkikings were next. With an injured Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin being better fit in the slot he was put up against a seasoned veteran in Bernard Berrian. He also held him to some very low numbers. 2 catches for 24 yards, and a Dolphins win on the road.
The Jets were next on his list. Kind of ironic because New York is a team that loves to talk. And the Dolphins are the complete opposite. You would never hear a Miami player referring to Davis' assignments on defense as Davis Island. Or anything like that, they are a team built by Bill Parcells they do there talking on the field. Never the less with Santonio Holmes injured his assignment was Jericho Cotchery. 2 catches for 20 yards.
Last week they played the Patriots and they lost horribly. But obviously he did his job. Holding Randy Moss to no catches for the whole game.
I'm not saying He's the best in football, I believe that belongs to a man in Oakland wearing number 21, and Mr. Woodson in Green Bay. But I do believe he is as good and a player like Darrell Revis. I also think Brandon Flowers of the Chiefs belongs in this discussion as well. They're undefeated and that's mainly because Kansas City can overload blitz from either side leaving him one on one with whoever. This year he's won every battle.
In week one the Dolphins played the Bills and I know not too impressive. But they're number one receiver Lee Evans is a decent player. Not an all pro by any means but there was a time when no one would put a second year player on him. Evans was held in check though. 4 catches for 34 yards.
Week two the pass happy and Favre led Vkikings were next. With an injured Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin being better fit in the slot he was put up against a seasoned veteran in Bernard Berrian. He also held him to some very low numbers. 2 catches for 24 yards, and a Dolphins win on the road.
The Jets were next on his list. Kind of ironic because New York is a team that loves to talk. And the Dolphins are the complete opposite. You would never hear a Miami player referring to Davis' assignments on defense as Davis Island. Or anything like that, they are a team built by Bill Parcells they do there talking on the field. Never the less with Santonio Holmes injured his assignment was Jericho Cotchery. 2 catches for 20 yards.
Last week they played the Patriots and they lost horribly. But obviously he did his job. Holding Randy Moss to no catches for the whole game.
I'm not saying He's the best in football, I believe that belongs to a man in Oakland wearing number 21, and Mr. Woodson in Green Bay. But I do believe he is as good and a player like Darrell Revis. I also think Brandon Flowers of the Chiefs belongs in this discussion as well. They're undefeated and that's mainly because Kansas City can overload blitz from either side leaving him one on one with whoever. This year he's won every battle.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
2010 NBA Free Agent Winners
Miami Heat - I'm just going to get this out of the way first because I know we're all hearing about it. Miami did have a great off-season. I already thought Bosh and Wade were going in a package deal befor all of this happened. But having Lebron James in on it too was not forseen before the week of the "Decision." Not only did Pat Riley make the Heat competitors, he made them favorites to some people the day word got out. They have since added Mike Miller and a slew of big men. With all that said and all the talent on that team I still question whether or not they'll be able to beat Orlando. While the Heat do have a newly formed big 3, they still lack a physical presence in the paint. If the Magic had Hedo Torkolough last season and not Vince Carter I feel they would have been in the finals again.
Boston Celtics - While it seems like Boston really didn't do much of anything except sign Jermaine O'neal and re-sign Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. They Re-signed Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels to contracts as well. And buy restructuring Pierce and Allen's contracts basically made it possible for them to go after their diamond in the rough when his time comes. Rajon Rondo is one of few young point guards who can even say he's played in the finals. But he can also say he won one as well. As his offense progress' he'll become quite the weapon for Boston. What they essentially did was secure at least two more shots a a championship.
Boston Celtics - While it seems like Boston really didn't do much of anything except sign Jermaine O'neal and re-sign Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. They Re-signed Nate Robinson and Marquis Daniels to contracts as well. And buy restructuring Pierce and Allen's contracts basically made it possible for them to go after their diamond in the rough when his time comes. Rajon Rondo is one of few young point guards who can even say he's played in the finals. But he can also say he won one as well. As his offense progress' he'll become quite the weapon for Boston. What they essentially did was secure at least two more shots a a championship.
Utah Jazz - After watching a player like Carlos Boozer leave for Chicago the Jazz saw no reason to lay down and simply just look for a lottery pick in next years draft. Like usual Jerry Sloan and the Jazz went out and got players the naturally fit into the system that he's used since I've been watching the game. Recognizing that they have an aging Andre Kirlenko they went out in the draft and got a player that was on draft day asinde from his weight, in Gordon Hayward. After the championship game the kid asked his father about staying in school and trying for another chance at the national title. His dad said "what else can you do, make the game winning shot from half court." They also signed Al Jefferson. A great physical player that can be in the post and along with guys like Williams and kirlenko the Jazz look more like the physical defensive orrieantated teams from back in the day.
Golden State Warriors - Well after a great rookie season Steph Curry and the Warriors are looking like a team that could do some damage after this off-season. The addition of David Lee was crucial for the style of game they will play next year. After hearing multiple trade rumors with Monta Ellis' name involved. I think the Warriors will do what they must to win games. Between Curry and Ellis the Warriors are looking at more than 30 shots a game coming from there backcourt. But with a player like Lee is one of the best if not the best offensive rebounder in basketball, they can go back to "Nelly Ball." Which will involve David Lee and Andres Beidrins rebounding outleting to Curry and taking off. My guess is they'll have at least a 45 win seaon.vIn the west the playoffs might be out of reach, buif there in the playoffs they will be dangerous.
Los Angeles Lakers - Well I'm far from a Laker fan but I do have to be truthful with you with my thoughts. After losing a defender like Trevor Ariza in free agency the Lakers signed Artest and not only did that work out. It won them the biggest game sevens of the history of the game. Now they're back at it again they have essentially did the same thing Phil Jackson did while in Chicago. They have a starting 5 and another starting 3 on the bench surrounding them with role players. The Lakers went out and got a dependable back up for Derek Fisher in Steve Blake. Very fundmental and great at handling the ball in any situation. They also filled a gap with coming off the bench for Artest. Luke Walton had the spot until he was so so from behind the arc this season. With the addition of enlisted assasin Matt Barnes they now hace dangerous shooter in the corner while running the triangle offense. Also the addition of Theo Ratliff could also help if he stays he can at least be a body inthe paint for them.
Chicago Bulls - After courting the idea they could be the team in the front of the Wade and Bosh-a-thon. The Bulls went a nabbed some quality players. Signing J.J. Reddick says one thing, they want people out on the wing with Derrick Rose on the floor. Imagine playing the Bulls and seeing Rose running the break with Kyle Korver and J.J. Reddick on the corners. Or anywhere behind the arc at that matter. Carlos Boozer will be pick and rolling the hell out of people this year. Eventually you have to leave and take Rose. One on one it's a done deal in that situation. Boozer will benfit from that if he's healthy.
New York Knicks - After giving up so many players and contracts for the last 3 years at a chance at Lebron James they still got something to look forward too next season. Amare Stodemire is back in the offense he thrived in his whole career. Last season Danilo Gallinari really impressed and showed why Mike D'antoni thought he would fit great within his scheme, making close to 200 three point buckets he did what was promised draft day. A Dirk Nowitzki type player and if he pans out they'll be dangerous. Signing Raymond Felton showed they are making a commitment to winning now.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Wining Game
How long ago was it that the Cavs were tanking the season watining to get the pick in the draft in which they acquired Lebron James? Only one year after drafting one of the best power forward in the league in Carlos Boozer they went a dismal 17-65. Ricky Davis was the teams leading scorer but far from the teams top talent with players like Boozer and Big Z on the roster. Now majority owner Dan Gilbert is saying Lebron quit on the Cavs. I'm thinking it's the other way around.
Most owners, well good owners at least know how to evaluate talent. And if not they hire a general manager that does. Look at the Heat. Pat Riley drafted Dwayne Wade, Mario Chalmers, Caron Butler, among other talented players. And even though only Wade and Udonis Haslem are really left on the roster along with Chalmers they were talented players to begin with. Before Lebron the Cavs never had an eye for talent. Them drafting him was only a popularity contest in my eyes. Who doesn't take the home town boy? Especially when he's supposed to be the chosen one to begin with. The Cavs have taken alot of busts with good picks with sloppy first round choices. Desagana Diop and Brendan Haywood. Two first round picks in one draft. In 2002 they took Dejaun Wagner with the sixth pick in the draft. An undersized guard they hoped would be the next Allen Iverson. Leaving what turned out to be a decent amount of now quality players on the draft board. Amar'e Stoudemire, Caron Butler, Tayshaun Prince, John Salmons, Matt Barnes, Flip Murray, and Luis Scola. Now not all of them are quite all stars, but compare them to Wagner wherever he is now. (I'm just going to assume you did and understand now)
After taking Boozer the Cavs were unable to bring talent to town, forcing him to take a deal from an already established franchise in Utah. With only a little help Boozer was an instant difference maker. Who's fault is it really in the end if you tell an employer that your the best foreman in the business or trade your involved with. James started with players like Jeff Mcinnis, Ricky Davis, and Darius Miles. With lone bright spots Ilgauskus and Boozer. The next season they added Eric Snow to bring some consistancy to the point position. And added Drew Gooden after Boozer bolter for Utah. Then a slew of point guards that were primarily shooters like Damon Jones, Daniel Gibson, and Mo Williams through the years. With the exception of Antawn Jamison none of them were even all stars at the time of their signing.
Is one player really the blame for a franchises failed attempt at success? The front office and people in charge of personel should all be evaluated this off season. Along with the direction of the team if they plan on ever being a real threat in the NBA. Even without James they still have a core group of talented players to build around assumingf that they'll all be there. Mo Williams has already expressed disappointment in James decision to leave. Keeping Jamison would be huge, he's a great player to build around. But the question still remains? Can the Cavs ever get out of the shadow of the King? Can the front office learn to build a core group of guys and not just put it all on one persons back? And will Dan Gilbert ever quit wining about Lebron giving up and ultimately admit he should had brought in some real talent?
My guess is no. Without Lebron they'll have to wait a long time to get a ring. And if James gets one first the Cavs will be compared to the Red Sox for giving up Babe Ruth and paying the price for years to come.
Most owners, well good owners at least know how to evaluate talent. And if not they hire a general manager that does. Look at the Heat. Pat Riley drafted Dwayne Wade, Mario Chalmers, Caron Butler, among other talented players. And even though only Wade and Udonis Haslem are really left on the roster along with Chalmers they were talented players to begin with. Before Lebron the Cavs never had an eye for talent. Them drafting him was only a popularity contest in my eyes. Who doesn't take the home town boy? Especially when he's supposed to be the chosen one to begin with. The Cavs have taken alot of busts with good picks with sloppy first round choices. Desagana Diop and Brendan Haywood. Two first round picks in one draft. In 2002 they took Dejaun Wagner with the sixth pick in the draft. An undersized guard they hoped would be the next Allen Iverson. Leaving what turned out to be a decent amount of now quality players on the draft board. Amar'e Stoudemire, Caron Butler, Tayshaun Prince, John Salmons, Matt Barnes, Flip Murray, and Luis Scola. Now not all of them are quite all stars, but compare them to Wagner wherever he is now. (I'm just going to assume you did and understand now)
After taking Boozer the Cavs were unable to bring talent to town, forcing him to take a deal from an already established franchise in Utah. With only a little help Boozer was an instant difference maker. Who's fault is it really in the end if you tell an employer that your the best foreman in the business or trade your involved with. James started with players like Jeff Mcinnis, Ricky Davis, and Darius Miles. With lone bright spots Ilgauskus and Boozer. The next season they added Eric Snow to bring some consistancy to the point position. And added Drew Gooden after Boozer bolter for Utah. Then a slew of point guards that were primarily shooters like Damon Jones, Daniel Gibson, and Mo Williams through the years. With the exception of Antawn Jamison none of them were even all stars at the time of their signing.
Is one player really the blame for a franchises failed attempt at success? The front office and people in charge of personel should all be evaluated this off season. Along with the direction of the team if they plan on ever being a real threat in the NBA. Even without James they still have a core group of talented players to build around assumingf that they'll all be there. Mo Williams has already expressed disappointment in James decision to leave. Keeping Jamison would be huge, he's a great player to build around. But the question still remains? Can the Cavs ever get out of the shadow of the King? Can the front office learn to build a core group of guys and not just put it all on one persons back? And will Dan Gilbert ever quit wining about Lebron giving up and ultimately admit he should had brought in some real talent?
My guess is no. Without Lebron they'll have to wait a long time to get a ring. And if James gets one first the Cavs will be compared to the Red Sox for giving up Babe Ruth and paying the price for years to come.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The West To East Swing
As I was talking to my cousin today I realized there is a really crazy trend in the NBA right now. Everyone who is a fan of the sport has more than likely already had the argument of which conference is the strongest. The majority of un-biased fans that only go off numbers will say the western conference is by far better. And by what I am about to show you have been for a long enough time for the eastern conference to play catch up.
Year after year we see some eastern conference team get high pick after high pick. While in the western conference you never quite see the immediate impact as you do in the east. Teams like the Bulls, Cavs, and even the Heat until yesterday, survived off one player for sometime. They all eventually got some help and the Heat got one title out of it. And while all this was going on out east, out west owners and gm's were building franchises that are now ageing.
In the east many teams are jockeying for the top spot. Some may say Pat Riley just bullied the Heat into the number one spot yesterday afternoon. The Cavs were there along with the Magic and Celtics. Now the Celts are like one of the older western conference teams. With the exception of Rajon Rondo. He is their diamond in the rough and they'll more than likely build off his high intensity and defense. After the big 3 retire of course. The Heat was never elite in recent years though Dwayne Wade was on many occasions. If the MVP was only based on performance and what you meant to your team alone he would already have one. Unfortunately it goes off you trams record as well. We all know what Lebron was to the Cavs. The owner is saying he quit in the playoffs. That's ridiculous, it seemed like the Cavs upper management quit to get him in the first place. And without him they'll be a lottery team. Dwight Howard is the main reason James doesn't have a ring and that's that. All these players came within 5 years of each other really only Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant made impacts like that out west. Yao was decent his rookie year and so was O.J. Mayo, but nothing like the other two named above.
Out east teams like the Hawks have built most of the core to their team through the draft. Marvin Williams, Al Horford, and Josh Smith were all drafted to Atlanta. only Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson were signed of traded for. As this is going on the top 4 teams in the west are the Lakers, Suns, Spurs, and the Mavericks.
All these teams still have the same core players they did 7 years ago. Most are at the end of the road or very close. The time will soon come when Durant and select few will be fighting for the western conference.Soon we will be watching the Warriors Steph Curry playing against Tyreke Evans and think of it as more than a rookie match up. Soon when a eastern conference team won't just be counted out before the finals start because there's only one Kobe. Soon Miami's three new wonder twins will have to beat a fierce and very talented Thunder led by Durant, Harden, Green, and Westbrook. Rumor had it Melo is going with Amare to The Garden, barring some freak accident in which the Nuggets make it to the finals.
Kobe is still great and I believe the Lakers have at least two more in the tank from the current players. But a dynasty will fall as guys like Bryant, Duncan, Nash, and Nowitzki retire. And younger players like Wade, James, Bosh, Anthony, Rose, and Stodemire are readying themselves for a shot at history.
Year after year we see some eastern conference team get high pick after high pick. While in the western conference you never quite see the immediate impact as you do in the east. Teams like the Bulls, Cavs, and even the Heat until yesterday, survived off one player for sometime. They all eventually got some help and the Heat got one title out of it. And while all this was going on out east, out west owners and gm's were building franchises that are now ageing.
In the east many teams are jockeying for the top spot. Some may say Pat Riley just bullied the Heat into the number one spot yesterday afternoon. The Cavs were there along with the Magic and Celtics. Now the Celts are like one of the older western conference teams. With the exception of Rajon Rondo. He is their diamond in the rough and they'll more than likely build off his high intensity and defense. After the big 3 retire of course. The Heat was never elite in recent years though Dwayne Wade was on many occasions. If the MVP was only based on performance and what you meant to your team alone he would already have one. Unfortunately it goes off you trams record as well. We all know what Lebron was to the Cavs. The owner is saying he quit in the playoffs. That's ridiculous, it seemed like the Cavs upper management quit to get him in the first place. And without him they'll be a lottery team. Dwight Howard is the main reason James doesn't have a ring and that's that. All these players came within 5 years of each other really only Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant made impacts like that out west. Yao was decent his rookie year and so was O.J. Mayo, but nothing like the other two named above.
Out east teams like the Hawks have built most of the core to their team through the draft. Marvin Williams, Al Horford, and Josh Smith were all drafted to Atlanta. only Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson were signed of traded for. As this is going on the top 4 teams in the west are the Lakers, Suns, Spurs, and the Mavericks.
All these teams still have the same core players they did 7 years ago. Most are at the end of the road or very close. The time will soon come when Durant and select few will be fighting for the western conference.Soon we will be watching the Warriors Steph Curry playing against Tyreke Evans and think of it as more than a rookie match up. Soon when a eastern conference team won't just be counted out before the finals start because there's only one Kobe. Soon Miami's three new wonder twins will have to beat a fierce and very talented Thunder led by Durant, Harden, Green, and Westbrook. Rumor had it Melo is going with Amare to The Garden, barring some freak accident in which the Nuggets make it to the finals.
Kobe is still great and I believe the Lakers have at least two more in the tank from the current players. But a dynasty will fall as guys like Bryant, Duncan, Nash, and Nowitzki retire. And younger players like Wade, James, Bosh, Anthony, Rose, and Stodemire are readying themselves for a shot at history.
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