It's been a while since my last post (since the Nuggets were in contention for a Finals birth) but that was not to be. So much is going on in the Sports world so instead of dedicating entire posts to just a couple, I have quick blurbs on everything I've paid attention to, at least. Here it goes.
Marshall See Marshall Do
Months after Jay Cutler bullied his way out of Denver, Number 15 is looking to do the same. The (current) star wideout in Denver argues that his compensation is not matching his on the field production (100+ receptions in the last 2 seasons). Brandon Marshall has had numerous encounters with the law since he became a Bronco and is showing no real sign of change, hence Denver's reluctance to renegotiate his current contract. As a fan, it would be sad to see our best 2 offensive players gone, but Marshall's extracurriculars are getting pretty tiresome. Here are some ideas: stay out of trouble, have another pro-bowl season, and get paid! That's how things work in the NFL.
Deja Vu
After firing Clint Hurdle, the Rockies were streaking like it was 2007. Before dropping their last two to the Angels, the Rockies had won 17 of 18 and starting to believe. After dropping the last two, they need to figure out if they can contend for a playoff spot and keep up some sort of consistent play or whether they'll just be satisfied. As someone who thought the organization was content with its state before, I was surprised to see the departure of Hurdle in order for change. I just hope the rest of the team is working for change too.
LSU wins College World Series
After winning game 1 in extra innings and letting Texas tie up the series at a game a piece, LSU was able to lay a smackdown on Texas to clinch the title. Go SEC.
Manny in the Minors
You want proof that baseball doesn't care about steroids? The provision in Manny's "punishment" that allows for a Minor League stint to get back to form should be all you need. He took a women's fertility drug that was listed on the banned substances list! If he was suspended for 50 games, it should be 50 games with ABSOLUTELY no allowance of minor league time or anything close to that. If he needs to go to the minors to get "back to form" that should happen after the 50 game suspension, not during it. If he was worried about being out of form, he should have considered not taking a banned substance!
Wimbledon
On ESPN, many are questioning whether Roger Federer winning Wimbledon "would count" without him having to face Rafael Nadal. If he does win, he will have 15 Majors, most all time in addition to the career grand slam he just achieved at the French Open. It shouldn't and doesn't matter who you beat in any sort of championship, especially a milestone one. Anybody discounting Phil Jackson's 10th title after facing the Magic? I didn't think so.
Shaqtus No More
Highlighting the trades that have gone on leading up to tonight's NBA draft, the Phoenix Suns traded future Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the Cavs, it is a much improved shot at post at least for the year. If they do win the title, Shaq will have given Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James their first championships. If nothing else, maybe Shaq can teach LeBron how to be a good sport.
Other trades include a trade between Orlando and New Jersey sending Vince Carter to the Magic in hopes for another shot at a title. During the draft, my Nuggets aqcuired Ty Lawson of UNC in a trade with Minnesota so props to Denver. I do still hope they can sign at least Chris Andersen to another deal other than their other free agents but all of them would be great.
USA USA USA!!!
If you're not chanting that, you should be. After the miracle that launched the US Soccer team to the semifinals against top ranked Spain, we beat them and will play in the Final vs. Brazil. Some are calling the upset of Spain a miracle on grass, I wouldn't go as far as to compare it to the miracle on ice but it is always great to beat other countries that plan on walking all over us. In the immortal words of Stan Marsh, "Go America, Go Broncos."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Western Conference Finals: Nuggets v. Lakers v. Officials v. Nuggets
Don't worry readers, that title is NOT a typo. I wrote it that way because the Nuggets are apparently playing against the NBA's officials (sic) and the Lakers in the same series. In addition, they're killing themselves in shooting as evidenced in their surrendering of Game 3. In a game where they led by a handful of points at any given moment and up 8 going into the 4th, they couldn't seal the deal and are now down 2-1 to the Lakers.
The first reason I'm blaming the officials (sic) is because they are making terrible calls and completely prohibiting any sort of pace for the 3 games of this series so far. They called 5 technical fouls in a playoff game for any sign of physicality. The most absurd of these came at the end of the third quarter when J.R. Smith hit a buzzer beating 3 pointer that put the Nuggets up 79-71. Call me old fashioned, but if I did that after not being on my game for a while I'd feel pretty good about that shot too. LeBron didn't get T'd for his celebration after his buzzer beater to even the series with Orlando. That call effectively killed the momentum Denver had going into the final quarter and again succeeded in impairing any sort of pace in the game. Well done NBA.
The second reason, which is hand in hand with the first, is all of this Lebron vs. Kobe hype. King James vs. the Black Mamba. Enough already. Since the Cavaliers and Lakers are both tops seeds of the Eastern and Western Conferences respectively, it makes sense. I get it. I'm just saying it sure would be a shame to spend all that money (looking at you Vitamin Water, Nike, ESPN) on advertisements and specials previewing this matchup that may not happen. Frankly, the Cavaliers don't deserve it and might not make it. They've choked on two huge, early leads and could easily be down 0-2 to the Magic but they have the MVP so he's keeping them in there. Lakers have had a pretty so-so showing in the playoffs overall but have finally realized they're in the playoffs since they've started playing the Nuggets. I'm just tired of the sports media in general acting like these Conference Finals don't matter at all. They're not exhibition series, they're playoff series! I wouldn't be surprised if one or both of them were not in the Finals. At least they get their vitamins.
As for the last part (v. Nuggets), wake up guys! Chauncey Billups has not played like Finals MVP Chauncey Billups this playoff series. He's missed more free throws this series than he does in a single year and has not been "Mr. Big Shot" against the Lakers. Chris "Birdman" Andersen, as usual, thrived off the energy of the crowd and had a solid game. Others like J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin have not shown up against the Lakers of Los Angeles. Collectively, the Nuggets were just 33-84 from the field and were 5-27 beyond the arc. Not exactly clutch play. Denver will lose if they have to keep playing the officials (sic) and the Lakers. They need to prove the naysayers wrong and close a game. The bench as well as players like Billups need to get in playoff mode and contribute because basketball is a team sport despite worshipping the individual (Kobe v. LeBron).
I hope I'm wrong, but the NBA has done a good job so far making it seem like these Conference finals don't matter. It has been decided since before the playoffs even started. Kobe v. LeBron, 24 v. 23, East v. West, Integrity v. Ratings.
The first reason I'm blaming the officials (sic) is because they are making terrible calls and completely prohibiting any sort of pace for the 3 games of this series so far. They called 5 technical fouls in a playoff game for any sign of physicality. The most absurd of these came at the end of the third quarter when J.R. Smith hit a buzzer beating 3 pointer that put the Nuggets up 79-71. Call me old fashioned, but if I did that after not being on my game for a while I'd feel pretty good about that shot too. LeBron didn't get T'd for his celebration after his buzzer beater to even the series with Orlando. That call effectively killed the momentum Denver had going into the final quarter and again succeeded in impairing any sort of pace in the game. Well done NBA.
The second reason, which is hand in hand with the first, is all of this Lebron vs. Kobe hype. King James vs. the Black Mamba. Enough already. Since the Cavaliers and Lakers are both tops seeds of the Eastern and Western Conferences respectively, it makes sense. I get it. I'm just saying it sure would be a shame to spend all that money (looking at you Vitamin Water, Nike, ESPN) on advertisements and specials previewing this matchup that may not happen. Frankly, the Cavaliers don't deserve it and might not make it. They've choked on two huge, early leads and could easily be down 0-2 to the Magic but they have the MVP so he's keeping them in there. Lakers have had a pretty so-so showing in the playoffs overall but have finally realized they're in the playoffs since they've started playing the Nuggets. I'm just tired of the sports media in general acting like these Conference Finals don't matter at all. They're not exhibition series, they're playoff series! I wouldn't be surprised if one or both of them were not in the Finals. At least they get their vitamins.
As for the last part (v. Nuggets), wake up guys! Chauncey Billups has not played like Finals MVP Chauncey Billups this playoff series. He's missed more free throws this series than he does in a single year and has not been "Mr. Big Shot" against the Lakers. Chris "Birdman" Andersen, as usual, thrived off the energy of the crowd and had a solid game. Others like J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin have not shown up against the Lakers of Los Angeles. Collectively, the Nuggets were just 33-84 from the field and were 5-27 beyond the arc. Not exactly clutch play. Denver will lose if they have to keep playing the officials (sic) and the Lakers. They need to prove the naysayers wrong and close a game. The bench as well as players like Billups need to get in playoff mode and contribute because basketball is a team sport despite worshipping the individual (Kobe v. LeBron).
I hope I'm wrong, but the NBA has done a good job so far making it seem like these Conference finals don't matter. It has been decided since before the playoffs even started. Kobe v. LeBron, 24 v. 23, East v. West, Integrity v. Ratings.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Basketbrawl
In one corner, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking at another shot to claim a title. In the other corner, the Denver Nuggets who haven't won a championship ever. Chauncey Billups is back in his hometown and has given the Nuggets leadership, continuity, and defense.
Somewhere in the background of this [hopefully] great matchup lurks a surprising foe. The Pepsi Center (where Denver plays home games) double booked Monday the 25th. Game 4 of the Western Conference finals are going to take place then, but WWE's Monday Night Raw was also scheduled to take place and had been for quete some time. It sucks for Vince McMahon and the entire WWE that they have to reschedule and relocate with very little notice, BUT Denver is the Nuggets' hometown, not the WWE's.
Game 1 between the Lakers and Nuggets is tonight and the Nuggets have not played a game since last Wednesday. I hope that the extra time to prepare for either the Lakers or Rockets helps the Nuggets steal at least one of these games in L.A. Go Nuggets!
Somewhere in the background of this [hopefully] great matchup lurks a surprising foe. The Pepsi Center (where Denver plays home games) double booked Monday the 25th. Game 4 of the Western Conference finals are going to take place then, but WWE's Monday Night Raw was also scheduled to take place and had been for quete some time. It sucks for Vince McMahon and the entire WWE that they have to reschedule and relocate with very little notice, BUT Denver is the Nuggets' hometown, not the WWE's.
Game 1 between the Lakers and Nuggets is tonight and the Nuggets have not played a game since last Wednesday. I hope that the extra time to prepare for either the Lakers or Rockets helps the Nuggets steal at least one of these games in L.A. Go Nuggets!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Maverick Malice
After giving up a tough home loss to the Nuggets with some controversy, the Mavericks (players, owners and the like) had plenty of words for the officials who they believed missed the foul on Carmelo Anthony before he took the shot that won the game.
With all the calls the refs made throughout (61 total), I think it was about time they let them play the game. Of course, the Mavs and those in their camp will suggest otherwise. The reality of it is they have nobody to blame but themselves.
The Nuggets shot a dismal 33 percent in the first half but managed to go into halftime up 48-45. If I'm at home in the playoffs going against that, I should be up by 20. Denver's Chris "the Birdman" Andersen fouled out with just over 9 minutes left in the game where Billups and Anthony were both in foul trouble. Dallas had plenty of opportunity to take advantage of a game that was served to them on a platter. Instead, the Nuggets took care of business and dealt the Mavericks only their second home loss since the All Star Break.
The first? Also at the hands of the Nuggets in the regular season.
Denver now has a chance to close out this series Monday in Dallas. They're still flying under the radar because of the epidemic that is east coast bias, but this team is going to work and getting the job done.
With all the calls the refs made throughout (61 total), I think it was about time they let them play the game. Of course, the Mavs and those in their camp will suggest otherwise. The reality of it is they have nobody to blame but themselves.
The Nuggets shot a dismal 33 percent in the first half but managed to go into halftime up 48-45. If I'm at home in the playoffs going against that, I should be up by 20. Denver's Chris "the Birdman" Andersen fouled out with just over 9 minutes left in the game where Billups and Anthony were both in foul trouble. Dallas had plenty of opportunity to take advantage of a game that was served to them on a platter. Instead, the Nuggets took care of business and dealt the Mavericks only their second home loss since the All Star Break.
The first? Also at the hands of the Nuggets in the regular season.
Denver now has a chance to close out this series Monday in Dallas. They're still flying under the radar because of the epidemic that is east coast bias, but this team is going to work and getting the job done.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Riddle me this: 2009 Draft Recap
With the coming and going of the 2009 NFL Draft comes change and dreams of a bright future. With all the changes that have occurred with the Denver Broncos since the end of December, I almost don't recognize them anymore. Denver brought surprise and great maneuverability to this year's draft which resulted in mixed feelings by fans and analysts alike. As for this fan (because that's why you're here) here are my thoughts on this year's selections.
- Knowshon Moreno - I think Moreno is an excellent pick for Denver (not just because he played for UGA) because of the help and stability he will bring to a position that was filled by 9 different players last season. Whether Kyle Orton or Chris Simms will be under center remains to be seen but either of them will be under much less pressure because of the threat Moreno will bring to opposing defenses. He'll also give us back red zone efficiency, where we really hurt last year with all of the picks and fumbles that happened there.
- Robert Ayers - Mike Mayock likes him and that's always a good start. Upon further inspection, looks like he could be a steal for where we got him. I saw some Senior Bowl vids in which Ayers crushed #6 pick Andre Smith. Here's hoping he can bring a spark (and some sacks) to a suspect d-line.
- Alphonso Smith - came in the second round but Denver gave up their first rounder next year for him. Many who believe the Broncos will not be as good this year worry that it will be a top 10 pick for a 5'9 corner from Wake Forest. Besides Champ (6') Smith is only a couple inches shorter than the rest of Denver's corners. Plain and simple, it is a position that needed addressing with the aging of their defensive backfield. He is awesome to watch in the couple games I saw him in and still got a few (21 total) picks despite his height. During his press conference he was smiling ear to ear the whole time and I could tell he really wants to be a Bronco. Who better to mentor him than Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins?
- Darcel McBath - didn't really see a whole lot of his play when i watched a red raiders game, but I like the pick because he can play safety or corner and will, like Smith, learn from some of the best in the league.
- Richard Quinn - This is the one pick I don't really understand. Twelve career receptions at UNC, he'll be a blocking specialist but this move was made even more surprising because they still have Tony Scheffler. I guess we'll see but I think they could have just waited to get him in the 3rd round.
- David Bruton - Notre Dame's lone draftee, Bruton should also help in the defensive secondary and McD says he's quite the special teams player. We could definitely use more fair catches and better punt coverage although I hope we're not punting as much. That does it on defense
- Seth Olsen - As long as he helps keep (insert QB here) upright and open up lanes for Moreno, we should be in good shape.
- Kenny McKinley - McDaniels shows his McBias to McNames. McKinley is the all time leading receiver for South Carolina and could be quite the steal. He's built for the slot role and could bust out in McDaniels' system.
- Tom Brandstater - moved up to get him at top of the 6th round so that tells me he's definitely who McDaniels wanted. I hope McD is around long enough to groom him to be our long term answer at quarterback. Brandstater is definitely smart and finished his Masters in Sports Psychology so surely that could translate and help him better adapt to McDaniels' intricate system.
- Blake Schlueter - Center that might need some beefing up before he's ready to take over in a year or two. Again, aging position that will need someone ready to take it over.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Big Easy Mode
I can't just ignore the Nuggets tying the largest margin of victory by a road team in the playoffs. What kind of sports blogger would that make me?
After their close rally in game 3 of their series with the New Orleans Hornets, the Nuggets came out and played some ball. Denver ended up losing that game in a heart breaker by a mere two points but went into the Hornets' house again in game 4 and crushed them by 58!
Now, the Nuggets have a chance to close out this series at home and advance to round two. Since they won games 1 and 2 by double digits as well, they can hopefully carry this momentum to Wednesday's game and the next series. Go Nuggets!
After their close rally in game 3 of their series with the New Orleans Hornets, the Nuggets came out and played some ball. Denver ended up losing that game in a heart breaker by a mere two points but went into the Hornets' house again in game 4 and crushed them by 58!
Now, the Nuggets have a chance to close out this series at home and advance to round two. Since they won games 1 and 2 by double digits as well, they can hopefully carry this momentum to Wednesday's game and the next series. Go Nuggets!
Monday, April 20, 2009
These Aren't Your Fathers' Broncos
I was itching to get this blog started so I could vent out my frustrations with the Denver Broncos organization and all the riffraff surrounding it over the past month. In reality, it has been snowballing since late December with the firing of Mike Shanahan. Then, Pat Bowlen hired Josh McDaniels to take the reins. McDaniels proceeded to hire his own staff, make personnel changes and ultimately dismantled last year's second ranked offense.
All of these decisions by the organization were somewhat baffling and unexpected to me. Pat Bowlen fired a "coach for life?" Hiring an offensive minded coach for what seems to need a complete defensive reclamation project is definitely the consensus I saw from those in the media and my own observations.
Once McDaniels' hiring set in, it made sense. I foresaw McDaniels bringing Jay Cutler into his own element much like Jim Zorn was able to bring Jason Campbell (Washington Redskins) into his element. Long story short, Cutler is gone and there is no clear replacement for Cutler.
With the departure of one disgruntled quarterback, the entire organization looks to turn the page and move forward to a bright future.
With the time to contemplate all of this change and let it sink in, maybe this is all just what the Broncos needed.
While Cutler will be missed, I recall often being more frustrated with some of his decision making on and off the field. He has great talent which seemed to cloud his vision some of the time. Just because he can throw through tight windows, doesn't necessarily mean he should have. Nevertheless, he would continue to do so which payed off sometimes but was very costly in goal line situations or just any situation.
During the first part of the 2008-2009 football season, Cutler said in a magazine interview that he believes he has a stronger arm than John Elway. Whether that is the case or not, you don't call out John Elway on anything. Cutler showed he has some balls, but as the face of a beloved franchise, I don't think you need to go down that road.
So Cutler is gone along with his questionable decision making. His departure has provided the Broncos a gift to rebuild that putrid defense. Hopefully, it will be a gift that keeps on giving while the team wanders the desert of franchise quarterbacks.
On a quick side note, the draft is coming up the day after tomorrow. I don't have time to go too in depth with the draft but here's my quick opinion on what they should do come saturday. Fear not though, I'll be blogging about their decisions sometime before people stop caring. Here are their first 3 picks as well as some later predictions. Enjoy!
All of these decisions by the organization were somewhat baffling and unexpected to me. Pat Bowlen fired a "coach for life?" Hiring an offensive minded coach for what seems to need a complete defensive reclamation project is definitely the consensus I saw from those in the media and my own observations.
Once McDaniels' hiring set in, it made sense. I foresaw McDaniels bringing Jay Cutler into his own element much like Jim Zorn was able to bring Jason Campbell (Washington Redskins) into his element. Long story short, Cutler is gone and there is no clear replacement for Cutler.
With the departure of one disgruntled quarterback, the entire organization looks to turn the page and move forward to a bright future.
With the time to contemplate all of this change and let it sink in, maybe this is all just what the Broncos needed.
While Cutler will be missed, I recall often being more frustrated with some of his decision making on and off the field. He has great talent which seemed to cloud his vision some of the time. Just because he can throw through tight windows, doesn't necessarily mean he should have. Nevertheless, he would continue to do so which payed off sometimes but was very costly in goal line situations or just any situation.
During the first part of the 2008-2009 football season, Cutler said in a magazine interview that he believes he has a stronger arm than John Elway. Whether that is the case or not, you don't call out John Elway on anything. Cutler showed he has some balls, but as the face of a beloved franchise, I don't think you need to go down that road.
So Cutler is gone along with his questionable decision making. His departure has provided the Broncos a gift to rebuild that putrid defense. Hopefully, it will be a gift that keeps on giving while the team wanders the desert of franchise quarterbacks.
On a quick side note, the draft is coming up the day after tomorrow. I don't have time to go too in depth with the draft but here's my quick opinion on what they should do come saturday. Fear not though, I'll be blogging about their decisions sometime before people stop caring. Here are their first 3 picks as well as some later predictions. Enjoy!
- Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
- James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
- Ron Brace, DT Boston College
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Busting the Blogging Bubble
Hey Readers! Thanks for taking the time to check out my brand new blog! Since I am pursuing a career in Journalism and hope to be a sports writer after college, I will use this blog for practicing writing stories or columns, honing my skills, and finding my voice. Many of my posts will likely deal with subjects in the sports world. I can assure you that many of them will have to do with the Denver Broncos, as they are my favorite sports team, but also other sports in continued efforts to hone my writing skills.
I really appreciate anyone taking the time to read what I write, especially since it may not be pretty at times. I would appreciate any and all feedback in an effort to make my writing better and therefore more enjoyable for you! Enjoy!
I really appreciate anyone taking the time to read what I write, especially since it may not be pretty at times. I would appreciate any and all feedback in an effort to make my writing better and therefore more enjoyable for you! Enjoy!
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