By: Carrington Caul
Last year when I was doing season previews I said the Dallas Cowboys would go either 7-9 or 8-8 and a lot of people thought I was saying that because I dislike the cowboys but when I write articles I like to keep my personal feelings out of it and base it on talent, strength of schedules and how the team is used to playing. Meanwhile the rest of the world was excited for the Cowboys, they had drafted Dez Bryant who was supposed to be the missing piece from the Cowboys organization they had finally gotten their playoff win the previous season.
There were reports in camp that the team wasn’t getting along, little feuds and normally you write it off as a bunch of grown men egos in one room and that’s usually what happens on sports teams everybody has their ups and downs. Problem is the downs didn’t stop there opening the season the Cowboys lost week one to the Washington Redskins which was Donovan McNabb’s debut. After losing one game they Cowboys continued to go 1-7 by week 10 which caused the Cowboys to lose playoff hopes and their head coach Wade Phillips. After the firing of Phillips Jerry Jones promoted Jason Garrett to head coach; The Cowboys finished the season with some type of self respect ending their season with a 6-10 record.
Heading into the off season the Cowboys had a list of things they needed to address in free agency but the lockout hindered the moves they wanted to make. Heading into the draft the main needs for the Cowboys were an Offensive Lineman, Linebacker, Cornerback, Safety, and some depth at other positions. During the draft the Cowboys selected T. Smith (OT) USC, B. Carter (LB)North Carolina, D. Murray (RB) Oklahoma, D. Arkin (OG) Missouri State, J. Thomas (CB) Buffalo, D. Harris (WR) East Carolina, S. Chapas (FB) Georgia, and B. Nagy (OL) Wisconsin.
With those picks the Cowboys addressed their offensive line and linebacker situation buy they didn’t address their biggest hole and that was their secondary, the same secondary that ranked 26th in opponents passing yards per game. Leaving them six places from finishing dead last in the league and if you don’t understand how bad that is. The number worst team in the league by record Carolina Panthers who finished 2-14 was ranked 11th in opponents passing yards per game. A week after free agency has started and the Cowboys still hasn’t addressed their secondary problems after trying to go after Nnamadi Asomugha who they lost out on to the Jets, they also cut WR Roy Williams and Marion Barber meaning their top rusher will be Felix Jones a RB who hasn’t reached 1,000 yards in his career or score more than 3 touchdowns a season.
DALLAS COWBOYS 2011 SCHEDULE
Sep 11 @ New York Jets (8:20 PM)
Sep 18 @ San Francisco 49Ers (4:05 PM)
Sep 26 vs. Washington Redskins (8:30 PM)
Oct 2 vs. Detroit Lions (1:00 PM)
BYE WEEK
Oct 16 @ New England Patriots (4:15 PM)
Oct 23 vs. St. Louis Rams (4:15 PM)
Oct 30 @ Philadelphia Eagles (8:20 PM)
Nov 6 vs. Seattle Seahawks (1:00 PM)
Nov 13 vs. Buffalo Bills (1:00 PM)
Nov 20 @ Washington Redskins (1:00 PM)
Nov 24 vs. Miami Dolphins (4:15 PM)
Dec 4 @ Arizona Cardinals (4:15 PM)
Dec 11 vs. New York Giants (8:20 PM)
Dec 17 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8:20 PM)
Dec 24 vs. Philadelphia Eagles (4:15 PM)
Jan 1 @ New York Giants (1:00 PM)
Reading their schedule you see it won’t be a walk in the park for the Cowboys, and Jerry Jones still has to decide what he’s going to do to that secondary. If the Cowboys line up week one with their roster that they have now then the Cowboys will finish 6-10 again or 7-9. Their weakness right now is their secondary and having games against (Jets, Lions, Patriots, Rams, Eagles, Cardinals, Giants, and Buccaneers) are all against offenses that are pass heavy and will continuously expose the secondary. Hopefully they can pick up a CB like Carolos Rodgers, or Asante Samuels, something that will improve their secondary.
Don’t expect this team to head to the playoffs this season, they have a week secondary, their once powerful running game is in question and they have a first year head coach who didn’t get OTA’s and Mini-Camps to get his offense and defense acclimated to the new styles he’s going to use. The only thing the Cowboys will battle for this year is who finishes in third place between them and the Redskins, and that isn’t a battle we want to see.
By: Carrington Caul
Because of the 2011 NFL Draft two players’ careers are forever linked to each other and will continuously suffer comparison as they try to become one of the greats and help their teams win championships. One of those players is 1st round Julio Jones the Junior WR from Alabama who the Atlanta Falcons traded up to get with the sixth pick. The second player would be Greg Little the Senior WR from University of North Carolina. When the Falcons traded up for the 6th spot they traded their 1st, 2nd, and 4th round pick of this year and their 1st and 4th pick of next year.
With the 2nd round pick (59th)the Cleveland Browns selected Greg Little with it. A lot of people thought the Browns would have selected Julio Jones seeing as how they needed a WR but they traded it up and got great value with other picks including Greg Little.
Both players are expected to be starters in their first seasons with their teams and more pressure will probably be on Jones because of everything the Falcons gave up to get him. Both had great collegiate careers which we will take a look at in a minute. Jones was more of a deep threat who needs to work on his route running and making the catch on the first try instead of bobbling the ball. Jones is more of a speed receiver than Possession but he can still make the catch, running a 4.39 at the combine with a fractured foot that he didn’t know he had Jones began jumping up the draft boards.
Little had a tougher road getting to where he got to but the hard work didn’t go unnoticed , Little started his freshman and sophomore year behind New York Giants starting and star receiver Hakeem Nicks also while playing WR, RB, and defense. His junior year he turned more into a receiver only while still seeing 29 carries rushing the ball. Little lost his senior season due to the NCAA investigation where he lied about receiving Jewelry and other rewards.
Julio Jones came out of high school as the top ranked WR and the number two overall players in high school rankings. His freshman season he started as a true freshman and hauled in 58 receptions for 924 yards and 4 touchdowns while averaging 15.9 yards per reception which helped him receive SEC Freshman of The Year, SEC All-Freshman Team, and Second Team All-SEC.His second season Jones along with RB Mark Ingram helped Alabama win the NCAA National Championship finishing his sophomore campaign with 43 receptions, 596 yards, 4 touchdowns averaging 13.9 per reception and carrying the ball twice for 4 yards with a 2.0 avg.
His junior season he had his best statistical season finishing with 78 receptions with 1,133 yards and 7 touchdowns with an 14.5 average also carrying the ball 8 times for 135 yards and 2 touchdowns averaging 16.9 yards on the ground. Jones skipped his senior season and entered the 2011 NFL draft where he was selected 6th by Atlanta Falcons finishing his collegiate career with 179 receptions 2,653 yards and 15 touchdowns with 10 carries 139 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Little freshman year he played wide receiver, running back, and special teams finishing the season with 59 carries, 300 yards, 2 touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards on the ground also hauling in 13 receptions 99 yards and 1 touchdown averaging 7.6 per receptions. His sophomore season Little was still playing multiple positions and finished it with 78 carries with 339 yards and 3 touchdowns while averaging 4.3 on the group also catching 11 receptions for 146 yards with a 13.3 average per reception. After the 2008 season Little teammate and fellow WR Hakeem Nicks was drafted in the first round and left Little as the starting WR for UNC.
His junior season as the full 1st string starter Little still played RB but limited and saw most of his action as a full pledged WR and completed the season with 29 carries for 166 yards for 1 touchdown averaging 5.7 yards per carry also ranking 5th in school records for most receptions in single season with 62 receptions for 724 yards and 5 touchdowns averaging 11.7 per reception. Little had big plans for his senior season with the Tar Heels who were ranked 15th in pre season but being found ineligible for his senior season by the NCAA Little’s career finished after his Junior year and he compiled a total of 166 carries for 805 yards and 6 touchdowns and 86 receptions for 969 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Little and Jones have a lot of similarities which will only fuel the comparisons and ties they will have during the professional careers. Little is a great run blocker and an ok route runner but will have to adjust to the speed on the NFL level and conditioning after being off the football for over a year.
The Browns and Falcons won’t see each other on the field this season but the head to head matchup will still be there.
NBA FINALS: (2) Miami Heat vs. (3) Dallas Mavericks
By: Carrington Caul
HOW THEY GOT HERE:
DALLAS MAVERICKS
The Dallas Mavericks season started with a resigning of Dirk Nowitzki and a team that had the ability to go to the playoffs but wasn’t expected to make it far, with only role players of Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, and Shawn Marion. The Mavericks finished the season strongly with a 57-25 record and locked up the third seed and looking at a matchup against sixth ranked Portland Trailblazers who a lot of experts thought could upset the Mavericks. Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks finished the Trailblazers in sixth games and headed into a second-round matchup against the second-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers were just coming off a championship year and the experts were looking for them to try and go for their three-peat; the Mavericks had different ideas, after taking a commanding 2-0 lead against the Lakers with both games being in Los Angeles the Mavericks went home for games three and four.
Like before most experts thought the Lakers were going to win game three and try to turn this series into an actual competition but they lost game three and were looking at elimination in game four. No, there was no way the defending champion, the Los Angeles Lakers were going to get swept in a series especially when they were trying to make history but once again the Dallas Mavericks had a different mindset that what experts predicted. Jason Terry hit and tied the NBA most three’s hit in a playoff game by player with nine and the Mavericks hit a total of 20 three pointers. After sweeping the Lakers in a shocking style they looked to their matchup against fourth ranked Oklahoma City Thunder.
After defeating the Thunder in a quick five games they find their selves in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2006 when they lost 4-2 against the Miami Heat now they’re back in the Finals and are looking at a matchup against; Miami Heat.
MIAMI HEAT
The Miami Heat road to the finals was a little more theatrical than Dallas’s or any team in the past probably. It all started last summer during the free agency, arguably the biggest free agency in the history of the league the three biggest names that teams were looking to go after were LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.
The biggest being James who many have titled “the best since Jordan” after a few weeks of meetings and speculations the Miami Heat had announced that they had resigned Wade and also signed new acquisition Chris Bosh, now the world was waiting, there were a lot of rumors that it was either Miami or Chicago for “King James” and then on July 8th, 2010 LeBron made his decision on a ESPN televised event where the proceeds went to the Boys and Girls club. LeBron announced his choice to go to South Beach, Florida with Wade and Bosh, and compete for championships, James stated “In this fall, this is very tough; in this fall I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat... I feel like it's going to give me the best opportunity to win and to win for multiple years, and not only just to win in the regular season or just to win five games in a row or three games in a row, I want to be able to win championships. And I feel like I can compete down there.”
After James decision he received a lot of criticism for leaving teams and trying to better his career which turned him and the rest of the Miami Heat into America’s villain on the basketball court. After starting 9-8 the Heat were facing a lot of scrutiny about being arrogant, not able to blend well, and coach Spoelstra being the wrong coach for the Heat. Later on down the road the Heat started getting things on track until they lost to the Chicago Bulls for the 4th time in the season and coach Spoelstra said players were crying in the locker room which lead to even more criticism and shots being taken at the Miami Heat. But the heat finished the season with the second best record in the East which earned them the second seeded spot against the Philadelphia 76’ers who they eliminated in the 1st round which took them to the second round against the Boston Celtics who they also had a tough time beating in the regular season. After five games they beat the third ranked Celtics and moved to the matchup a lot of people had been wanting to see; the Chicago Bulls.
After getting swept in the regular season by the Bulls the Heat were ready for the Chicago Bulls or so people thought, after the first game which they lost 103-82 and getting blown out in the entire second half people started wondering where the Bulls the Heat’s kryptonite, could they beat them. They were outrebounded, outhustled, and outperformed which led to more speculation but the Heat answered back and won the next three games heading into Chicago in game 5 as a elimination game for the Bulls and it was looking like game one again. Entering the fourth quarter the Bulls were up 62-57 and never looked back. At the three-minute mark the Bulls were up 77-65 and with Dwayne Wade struggling it looked like the Bulls were forcing a game 6 in Miami.
Then Dwayne Wade started catching on hitting two quick shots and LeBron draining a three they were back in it 72-77.
Derrick Rose scored again putting the Bulls up 79-72 but on the next play Rose fouled Wade on a three point which went in and helped Miami get a four point play pulling them 76-79. Rose drove again and missed which led the LeBron’s three pointer on the next play taking them to a 79-79 tie. LeBron shot another quick shot after stealing a pass from Rose and giving the Heat an 81-79 lead with 29 seconds left in the game. LeBron fouled Rose on the next play sending him to the line where he missed his second free throw making it an 81-80 game. Chris Bosh shot the two free throws that ended the game and game Miami and 83-80 win and a 4-1 series closer against the Bulls in Chicago.
Now Miami looks to do what they pledged at the beginning of the season and that is to bring Championships to the city of Miami, and they are looking for their “Big Three” to lead the way.
X-FACTORS OF THE SERIES:
DALLAS: Dallas X-Factors on defense are going to have to be Shawn Marion and Jason Terry, Marion and Terry are going to have to find a way to slow down James and Wade respectively, both being a top 5 scorer and shooter in the league they have to great on defense. Offensively they have to look to Terry and Marion to be able to make shots. With LeBron guarding Paul Pierce, Derrick Rose, and Deng he is a great defender and Marion and Terry are going to have to find a way to create shots around two of the best defensive players in the game.
MIAMI: Defensively Miami is going to have to look for Chris Bosh and Udonis Haslem to be able to create pressure on Dirk Nowitzki, Chalmers and Bibby are going to have to apply a lot of pressure on Jason Kidd and Barea. Wade has to be able to slow down Terry on his shots off the pass and off of screens, while LeBron has his hands full with Shawn Marion and Pete Stojakovic. Offensively the Heat are going to need Wade, Miller, and Jones to step up big, Wade is going to have to play like he was playing on the Boston series and Miller and Jones are going to have to be ready to shoot on the outside when they get a chance and create points for the Heat, Haslem and Bosh are going to have to find a way to penetrate against Chandler and Nowitzki.
By: Carrington Caul
Cleveland Cavaliers (Kyrie Irving- PG, Duke)
Irving is a true point guard that can distribute and get to the hoop or hit the outside shot. He will be a leader for the Cavs and brings excitement to the fan base, Cleveland is in a rebuilding phase and what better way to rebuild than to get you a franchise future all-star at the 1 guard spot. Irving missed a lot of games at due to an injury (turf toe) but when he was there he was averaging over 17ppg and around 5-6apg. Expect him to work hard and show why he should be the top pick.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Derrick Williams- SF, Arizona)
Last season Williams looked like a man playing amongst boys, the way he played during the season should have earned him the number one spot but hey that’s how life works. Williams is a threat from the perimeter and he can drive in the lane (see Duke Game) his only knock on him is that he lacks the muscle to be a consistent threat on the inside. Williams averaged over 19ppg and around 8rpg and will only look to get better. The Timberwolves already have Michael Beasley so they might skip Williams, or draft him and trade him with whoever drafts Enes Kanter; either way the Timberwolves have a future all-star.
Utah Jazz (Brandon Knight- PG, Kentucky)
The Jazz will look to replace Deron Williams and Knight will probably be that guy. The NBA is becoming a point-guard driven league and Knight can become one of the better ones but he will need to work on becoming more consistent and distributing better. Knight is a big time clutch shooter who can change the momentum of a game in flashing speed. Look for him to work hard and put in the time to become a great player.
Cleveland Cavaliers (Enes Kanter- PF, Kentucky)
Kanter missed the 2010 season due to being ineligible for playing with Team USA back in April of last year where he set a record with 34 points and 13 rebounds. There are a few questions surrounding Kanter but right now he is the best 4/5 spot player and he can only help the Cavs get better.
Toronto Raptors (Jonas Valanciunas- C, Lithuania)
The Raptors will be looking to find the replacement for Chris Bosh and they think they can find him in Valanciunas. Valanciunas isn’t NBA ready right now but his upside can easily get him placed in the top 5; especially to a team that can use him. He’s a big boom-or-bust project and the Raptors are hoping it isn’t the later.
Washington Wizards (Jan Vesely- PF, Serbia)
Wizards office is very high on Vesely mainly because he’s 6-11 and can play either Forward position which would give him a great advantage over the majority SF. Vesely is a athletic guy who can be a solid player, he lacks size and speed and is an liability on perimeter defense mainly because he speed or lack thereof. He also needs work on his post play, only averaging 3.4 rebounds a game when your 6-11 isn’t a good thing
Sacramento Kings (Kemba Walker- PG, UConn)
The Kings have no point guard and the Tyreke Evans experiment failed, Walker will come in and fight for the starting PG spot or at least a key role off the bench. Walker can drive to the hoop and has a great knack for finding the open man, and he is great shooting the ball averaging over 24ppg this season. With DeMarcus Cousins on the team Walker will have a key player who will help the rebuilding process in Sacramento.
Detroit Pistons (Kawhi Leonard- SF, San Diego State)
Leonard could probably go in the top 5 if it wasn’t for his inconsistent play on the outside, he’s best when he’s driving in the lane and crashing the boards. Scouts are becoming more impressed with him since he’s been working on his perimeter shooting and trying to become more consistent on the outside. He’s a guy that can develop into a double-double player in the league but he has to work hard and become more consistent.
Charlotte Bobcats (Tristan Thompson- PF, Texas)
Thompson is a very athletic kid with long legs who makes him an excellent shot blocker; he isn’t very consistent on the offensive side and will probably take a year or two to really shot his offensive talent. The Bobcats need depth and size in the post and with Thompson he can bring that, he will probably get small time maybe 3-8 minutes a game but once he finds his grove he will fit perfectly.
Milwaukee Bucs (Alec Burks- SG, Colorado)
Burks is the best 2-guard in this draft who can be a big scorer, he also rebounds well and can bring a nice addition to the Bucs. Burks usually struggles when going up against players better than him and he doesn’t do a good job getting to the rim. He can take over in the open court and can fill in at the 1-guard spot, once he becomes more consistent on his outside shot he will be a complete 2-guard.
Golden State Warriors (Marcus Morris- PF, Kansas)
The Warriors are looking to add some offensive firepower to the team and that’s exactly what Morris brings, he can play great on the inside and make plays that can change the tone of the game, and he can also get on the outside in the SF slot and make plays from the perimeter. Morris isn’t as explosive has his brother Markieff but he can be great.
Utah Jazz (Klay Thompson- SG, Washington State)
Thompson can be what Korver was when he was there; he’s NBA ready and can shoot the ball well. The Jazz are already looking to have a solid back court after grabbing Knight with their earlier pick. They are looking to build on it and add depth and skill set that can help then get back to what they used to be.
Phoenix Suns (Bismack Biyombo- PF, Spain)
Phoenix are looking to find some inside presence after losing Amare to the Knicks during free agency, they lacked offensive play in the post and defensive stops around the rim and they are hoping Biyombo can present that. He has some questions surrounding his age, he’s currently listed at 18 but scouts and others are saying he could be around 22-26 so that can cause him so slip on draft night.
Houston Rockets (Markieff Morris- PF, Kansas)
The Rockets have depth at the 2 & 4 spot and that’s the position where the BPA is around the 14th pick. They can try and trade this pick and move around, or they can take Morris and add depth to their PF spot; you can never have too many big men. Markieff and his brother Marcus are known for bringing intensity, athleticism and big plays on the court and the Rockets can use a little bit of all that.
Indiana Pacers (Jimmy Fredette- PG, BYU)
Fredette brings exactly what the Pacers need, depth and the potential to be a star; not an all-star but a star. Fredette isn’t known for his speed but he is a deadly outside shooter and uses his strength to create shots when most PG’s use their speed. Scouts wonder if he can adjust to the NBA speed but he intrigues a lot of teams and if you leave him open outside you can count that as three every time.
Philadelphia 76’ers (Donatas Motiejunas- PF, Italy)
The 76’ers need help on the inside play thinking back to the 1st round series against Miami where they allowed anything and anybody to get inside. They are probably hoping that Markieff Morris will slip to them at 16 but that’s pretty doubtful. Motiejunas will bring the offensive firepower that the 76’ers desperately need especially in the post. Motiejunas needs to work on his strength and his defense because right now he would be a liability to them.
New York Knicks (Darius Morris- PG, Michigan)
Morris is exactly what the Knicks need and exactly what this whole draft lacks, a “true” PG, he isn’t fast but he can shoot, he can drive and he makes everybody on the court better whenever he’s out there with them. He hast the right strength and size and is an excellent floor general and passer, he can be the eventual takeover for Chauncey Billups once he calls it quits.
Washington Wizards (Chris Singleton- SF, Florida State)
The Wizards will look to add more players in the front court who can play the 4-5spot. Singleton is a defensive hound who bothers you more than a fly at a Bar-B-Que, he also can shoot the ball very well whether he’s playing outside or driving in the lane. He’s not going to be a big name player but he will give you 100% night in and out and can become very important on the movement that the Wizards are trying to make.
Charlotte Bobcats (Tyler Honeycutt- SF, UCLA)
The Bobcats are looking to find some depth and skill set at the 3 spot after trading Gerald Wallace away to Portland. Honeycutt can bring a strong outside and mid-range shot that the Bobcats are looking for on offense and he crashes boards. Honeycutt will work well in the offensive scheme that Coach Silas is looking to infiltrate he just has to earn his minutes.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Davis Bertans- SF, Latvia)
The Timberwolves want the European’s deadliest shooter; he can shoot well on the inside, outside, off the dribble, and in traffic. He’s a few years away though but the Timberwolves are hoping he can evolve into the player he flashes to be.
Portland Trailblazers (Jordan Hamilton- SG, Texas)
Portland has depth at almost every position and can look to grab Hamilton to add depth to the team. Hamilton is a good shooter but lacks speed. Most scouts see him as either a slow 2 or a small 3
Denver Nuggets (Tobias Harris- PF, Tennessee)
Denver has a good squad already and is looking to add depth on the inside and that’s what Harris brings. He has great vision and can make a lot of reads; he shoots well off the dribble and can post up with the best of them.
Houston Rockets (Josh Selby- PG, Kansas)
The Rockets are looking weak at the 1-guard spot after moving Aaron Brooks during the season and can look to Selby to bring his talent in and help them; he’s a combo guard and plays with a lot of heart. Selby has never lived up to his hype but he is a solid player that can add depth and learn for awhile and can serve as a quality backup.
Oklahoma City Thunder (Kenneth Faried- PF, Morehead State)
Faried lacks the offensive skill set that can make him great, but he is the best rebounder in this whole NBA draft averaging over 14 rebounds a game. Faried brings defense, athleticism and intensity to the Thunder also bring depth and size.
Boston Celtics (Jordan Williams- PF, Maryland)
Celtics have no inside presence after trading Perkins except for Kevin Garnett and he’s not getting any younger. Williams plays with a high motor and intensity that only fits with the Celtics, he will have time to study under one of the greatest PF’s to ever play the game and adds depth and size to the interior defense and offense.
Dallas Mavericks (Trey Thompkins- PF, Georgia)
This is a good team so they don’t have any real needs so they have the luxury of taking the BPA and at this point it would be Thompkins who adds depth. Thompkins can play off the dribble; he has a good post to mid-range jumper and has the ability to take his time learned.
New Jersey Nets (Justin Harper- PF, Richmond)
Harper brings depth to the Nets and can evolve into a solid player, he needs to work on defense and get stronger. He can shoot well when facing the basket, but needs to work on his post-up offense.
Chicago Bulls (Marshon Brooks- SG, Providence)
Brooks is compared to Josh Howard a lot and he can play like him to. Brooks is a knock down shooter while averaging 24ppg he can only get better when you have the MVP playing beside you at the 1-guard.
San Antonio Spurs (JaJuan Johnson- SF, Purdue)
The Spurs had the 2nd best record in the League and it’s not a coincidence; they have a great team and are only looking to add the BPA and they can find a solid shooter and rebounder in Johnson.
Chicago Bulls (Shelvin Mack- PG, Butler)
Mack adds depth to an already solid position; Mack led Butler to back-to-back title games. He isn’t a true point guard but he’s one of the best clutch shooters in the country and can knock them down from anywhere on the court and the Bulls are just trying to add talent.
By:Carrington Caul
New York Giants (Record: 10-6) (Playoff Appearance: No Playoff Appearance)
The New York Giants finished their second back-to-back season without reaching the playoffs, which is confusing and shocking because the Giants are a top 5 NFC team. You can blame their playoff shortcomings on their meltdowns in the 2nd half of the season in the past two years the giants have been 8-9 after week 8 and out of those 9 losses 4 of them came from NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles. If the Giants want to get over their hump and make a deep run in the playoffs they have to learn how to pull together during crunch time, and they have to find a way to beat the Eagles. This season was a little different that most people expected.
The Giant’s lost at least three games that they basically gave up on in the 2nd half including Titans, Packers, and the memorable 2nd Eagles game. Even after losing to the Titans and being dropped in a gut wrenching, heart breaking, stomach jerking 2nd lost to Eagles the Giants were still looking to gain the #1 wild card seed until they just gave the game to the Packers in the second half. If you believe it or not they still had a chance to make the playoffs all coming down to the last game of the season. The Giants needed to beat the Redskins and the Bears needed to beat the Packers for the Giants to still clinch the wild card, but the Giants beat the Redskins, the Bears came up short against the Packers on the final drive of the game and the Packers earned the top wild card spot and never looked back until they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl.
The Giants were ranked in the top 10 in passing yards, rushing yards, and points in a game in offense, they were also ranked in the top 10 in passing yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, and points allowed in a game on defense. This is a good team, and only a few players removed from the 07 team that made the run to the Super Bowl. If they can get over their hump this is definitely a tough team to stop.
1)Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska)
Amukamara fell to the Giants at number 19 and there was no way they could pass on him. Amukamara was ranked the 2nd best CB in the draft and a top 10 prospect, I had him ranked above a lot of other players who went before him and so did a lot of other scouts. The Giants didn’t need a lot of work on their CB but like I always said before you can never have too many WR’s and CB’s in this league. One thing that stood out to me about the Giants secondary this season is that they ranked well in pass defense and rush defense they still gave up a lot of deep balls, my mind instantly goes to the games against Cowboys, Colts, Packers. Amukamara will bring a solid hitting, great coverage and ball hawking skills to this defense, with Amukamara, Terrell Thomas, Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, Antrell Role, and Kenny Phillips this can become a deadly secondary not to mention that the Giants have arguably the best defensive line in the whole league. This is an excellent value pick, something the Giants are great at getting. (Personal Grade: A-)
2)Marvin Austin (DT, UNC)
This to me is possibly one of the biggest steals in the 2nd round behind possibly Da’Quan Bowers, and it’s still hard to decide. Austin was projected to be a top 3 pick this year after Andrew Luck and A.J. Green but Austin never played this season after the NCAA Investigation at UNC Austin was dismissed from the team, during his pro day at UNC Austin wowed so many scouts and GM’s that even after a year off he was still projected to be a mid to late 1st round pick. Austin slipped to the Giants in the second only because of his off the field issues but Jerry Reese, John Mara, and Steve Tisch are good at getting the best out of players and getting them to act right. Austin is a guy with incredible size, speed and talent, he’s definitely a pro bowl caliber player and with the likeliness of Barry Cofield being gone this season we can see a rotation with about 3-4 DT’s so Austin has a chance to learn from some of the best players and best coaches, this is an incredible pick for the Giants. (Personal Grade: A-)
3)Jerrel Jernigan (WR, Troy)
Jernigan is a safety pick for the Giants but he brings a lot to the team, he needs work on his routes, but he’s a hard worker and he can play the slot and even return the ball if Hixon and Smith aren’t a 100% during the season and he becomes another weapon for Eli Manning, and Manning is one Quarterback that knows how to utilize all his weapons on the field. (Personal Grade: B)
4)James Brewer (OL, Indiana)
The Giants biggest need of the whole draft was OL and LB, and they picked up some great value in Brewer, he was projected as a 2-3rd round pick and slipped to the Giants in the 4th. After the proper coaching Brewer will be the eventual starter to protect Eli’s blind side. He’s not an athletic player but he brings great strength and length and the proper coaching he will be a great o-line men. (Personal Grade: B+)
5)Greg Jones (LB, Michigan State)
You have to chalk the Giants draft up to the NFL God’s because Jones was once a late 1st to 2nd round pick that slipped all the way to the 6th round, there is no reason to why he slipped. The only explanation is a lot of players (mainly QB’s) were taken early leaving other players to slide like Prince Amukamara, Jones is a going to contribute this season on special teams and will probably compete for the starting strong side LB spot either this season or next, Jones has great tools and great football IQ, he can make plays in the run defense or pass and can be a captain and leader later on down the road. (Personal Grade: B+)
6)Tyler Sash (S, Iowa)
I know you’re probably tired of hearing me saying this but Sash was a 3rd to 4th round player who slipped to the 6th round. The Giants don’t have a great need for safety but there’s a chance that Deon Grant won’t be back because he feels like he is a starting safety and I would have to agree so Sash could be a potential back up and insurance plan for Kenny Phillips if he isn’t 100% yet from his injury. Sash has instincts, toughness, and intelligence that you can’t coach, he isn’t that athletic but he makes up for it with his work ethic. He will more than likely contribute immediately on special teams. (Personal Grade: B-)
7)Jacquian Williams (LB, South Florida)
Williams has the tools to be a great backup but he’s undersized, he needs to add some weight and muscle and work hard, he can possibly contribute on special teams, but I expect him to go to practice squad for year. (Personal Grade: C+)
8)Da’Rel Scott (RB, Maryland)
“Scott is too small to be an every down back; he would be a change-of-pace back. He needs to get better on picking up the blitz and trying to find out where he fits in” does that sound familiar? If you are a Giants fan you heard the same thing about current Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw, I’m not saying that Scott is the next Bradshaw, just pointing out that Scott was picked in the same around, close to the same spot as Bradshaw with the same scouting report. If Scott comes in and works hard and can be what they wanted Andre Brown to be, he can be the 3rd string back and contribute on special teams and 3rd downs. (Personal Grade: B-)
You remember the 2007 Giants draft team that helped them get to and win the Super Bowl, that’s what this team reminds me of, I’m not saying they’re the same or that they are even going to take them to the playoffs, I’m just saying that the Giants draft group for this year has the potential to come in work hard and contribute in big ways like the 07 team did. I liked the way the Giants drafted, If Jerry Reese thinks that the BPA is better than the player that plays the position of need he takes them and that doesn’t hurt a team it only makes it better. The Giants came away with a very good draft class this year and you can only hope it shows on the field.
OVERALL GRADE: A-
By:Carrington Caul
Washington Redskins (Record: 6-10) (Playoff Appearance: No Playoff Appearance)
The Redskins are in the same position the Detroit Lions were in about 2-3 seasons ago, the bad thing is the Lions have a smart front office. A lot of the moves the Redskins are making are questionable, starting other QB’s over a person that you gave up a lot for, coaches not on the same page and making free agents acquisitions that has set this team back for a few season. It’s no secret that the Redskins are in a rebuilding phase, they need a franchise QB, some weapons on offense, and some stability on defense before they can be a serious contender in the NFC and even the NFL.
1)Ryan Kerrigan (DE/OLB, Purdue)
Kerrigan isn’t big and he isn’t athletic but he has great instincts off the ball and will be able to put pressure on the QB. In the Redskins system Kerrigan will play OLB in their 3-4 fronts, he’s not good in man to man coverage but he’s great in rushing so even in the 3-4 fronts, with him on the field you will see a 4-3 look or attack. He will be a started and impact player on the Redskins defense for years. (Personal Grade: B+)
2)Jarvis Jenkins (DT, Clemson)
A lot of scouts thought highly of Jenkins and felt that he was the reason that Da’Quan Bowers had 16 sacks last season, he forces double teams on him , uses good hand skills and is great in the run stop, he shows signs that he can be an effective pass rusher but he has to work on his technique. Jenkins also needs to become more physical on the NT position in the 3-4 but you can expect him to step up big and the fact that Albert Haynesworth will not be here this season Jenkins has a great chance at being the starter on opening day. (Personal Grade: B+)
3)Leonard Hankerson (WR, Miami FL)
Name a wide receiver on the Redskins roster besides Santana Moss, its hard isn’t it? That’s because if you’re not a Redskins fan you didn’t know they had any. The Redskins were in desperate need for a quality WR and they more than likely found one in Hankerson he’s 6’1 210LBs with top speed and great hands, he began to move himself up the scouting boards at the Senior Bowl and he also impressed at the Combine. Hankerson is a great go to guy with the deep ball, he needs to work o0n his short and medium route they get sloppy sometimes. Expect him to come in and play for a starting spot immediately. (Personal Grade: B-)
4)Roy Helu (RB, Nebraska)
Like I said before the Redskins really don’t have any offensive weapons, Helu is a strong, fast elusive RB that will be an excellent combo to Ryan Torrian. Torrian and Helu will probably split the carries and bring some excitement to the redskins fan base, I wouldn’t call him the next Clinton Portis but Helu can be a starter in this league for years to come. (Personal Grade: B-)
5)Dejon Gomes (S, Nebraska)
Gomes isn’t going to be starter, if he contributes any it will probably be on special teams. He’s good in coverage against the run, but he isn’t fast enough or aggressive enough to be an elite or even starting Safety in this league. He will add depth to this team and a solid backup. (Personal Grade: C+)
6)Niles Paul (WR, Nebraska)
Paul will contribute on Special Teams as a returner, he’s inconsistent in his routes and doesn’t catch balls away from his frame, and he will add depth to a very thin WR corps but will help boost this ST group for the next few seasons. (Personal Grade: C
7)Evan Royster (RB, Penn State)
Royster will be good as a receiver out the backfield and can pick up blocks, but he isn’t a strong runner or fast enough runner to be premiere back in this league, expect him to either contribute on special teams or just the practice squad. (Personal Grade: C-)
8)Aldrick Robinson (WR, Southern Mississippi)
Robinson has great ball skills and is fast enough to earn the slot position on this team, but he has to work on getting stronger and bigger, he will more than likely contribute on special teams. He will also try and fight for a WR spot, if Santana Moss doesn’t come back next season Robinson can find himself fighting for the slot position. (Personal Grade: B-)
9)Brandyn Thompson (CB, Boise State)
Thompson lacks size and speed to be a number 1 CB but he great ball skills, great in the run defense and short area quickness and aggressiveness, he won’t be a starter but expect him to be on the field in nickel packages and perhaps special teams (Personal Grade: C+)
10)Maurice Hurt (OG, Florida)
Hurt won’t be a starter for the Redskins, but he will add depth to weak line the Redskins have, he has the strength and tools to be a quality backup but he needs to work on his technique and become more consistent. (Personal Grade: C-)
11)Markus White (DE, Florida State)
White will not play DE, for the Redskins he will probably be a decent backup as a LB. More than likely he won’t see any playing time this season but it’s a possibility he can get a spot on special teams coverage. (Personal Grade: C)
12)Chris Neild (DT, West Virginia)
Neild will take a season or two to develop but he will be a suitable backup in the 3-4 schemes for the Redskins, and will contribute on special teams, but first he will spend a season or two on practice squad and improving his skills. (Personal Grade: C+)
If the Redskins pick first next season I wouldn’t be surprised, but it won’t be because they are the worst team in the NFL, it will be the same reason the Carolina Panthers picked first this season; their rookies will see significant playing time this season and that can only help their rebuilding period their going through. Overall I think the Redskins had a quality draft, they didn’t get a lot of big names but they got solid starters and contributors to their team and will help rebuild this team.
OVERALL GRADE: B-
By:Carrington Caul
(1) Chicago Bulls vs.(2) Miami Heat
The Overview: Top seeded Chicago Bulls will face the second seed Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals. The winner will move on to the NBA Finals and await the winners of the Western Conference games. Chicago go here after beating Indiana Pacers in 5 games taking the series 4-1 in the first round, the was matched up against Atlanta Hawks in the 2nd round who they beat in 6 games taking the 4-2 series. The Miami Heat got here by taking care of the Philadelphia 76'ers in the first round with a 4-1 series then was matched up against the Boston Celtics in the 2nd round, a series a lot of people were happy to see. They went on to beat the Celtics in 5 games with a 4-1 win in the series.
The Series: The Bulls vs. Heat rivalry is one that dates back to the early 90’s when the Heat actually became contenders in the League, they faced three times in the post season and the Bulls beat the Heat each time going ahead to win the Championship each time. The rivalry died down some until the 2000’s starting with the 2006 playoff series when the Miami Heat beat the Bulls 4-2 in the first round and went ahead to when the championship that year. The Bulls turned around the next season and swept the Heat 4-0 in the first round but where eliminated by Detroit Pistons in the 2nd round which made it the first time in history that the winner between the Bulls vs. Heat rivalry didn’t win the championship. The Bulls have dominated the Heat in the playoffs taking a (16-5) series record over them, the Bulls also have the regular season record over them (46-37) and including the playoffs they have an overall (62-42) record over the Heat including a 4-0 sweep against them in the regular season.
The Prediction: Chicago Bulls came into the season with the best record in the league (62-20) but they haven’t really played like that this offseason. Yes they have only lost 3 games this post season but compared to who they were playing a lot of people think that they should have swept both teams. Actually allowing the Hawks take this series in a decisive game 6. The Miami heat came in the playoffs as the 2nd best team in the East, they easily got rid of the 76’ers, and they struggled in the 1st half against the Celtics the same way the Bulls did against the Pacers. Miami has the juice right now, they just beat the 2010 Eastern Conference champs and arguably the best team in the League, the Bulls and Hawks matchup didn’t create as much of a stir as the Heat & Celtics. If Miami wins the first game in Chicago I think it’s a chance they can get the sweep, if the Bulls win I think this will go to five or maybe six games with the Heat winning the series.
