1. New York Jets 5-1
Don't underrate the Jets offense, ranked fourth in the league in points per game.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 5-1
The Steelers always seem to pull out close games, and that's a credit to Mike Tomlin.
3. Tennessee Titans 5-2
The Kerry Collins to Kenny Britt combo added another dimension to this offense.
4. New York Giants 5-2
Best record in the NFC despite league's most turnovers. The Giants scored 41 points against the Cowboys despite five turnovers. Imagine what this offense could do if it held onto the ball.
5. Baltimore Ravens 5-1
The winless Bills exposed the Ravens defense, but Flacco's performance under pressure keeps this team in the top 5.
6. Indianapolis Colts 4-2
The Colts lost a huge part of their run game and aerial attack with the season-ending injury to Dallas Clark. Can Peyton Manning lead the Colts to the playoffs anyway?
7. New England Patriots 5-1
The Patriots have yet to put it all together, yet they have the league's best record.
8. Atlanta Falcons 5-2
Matt Ryan is playing at an All-Pro level, but the Falcon defense was exposed against the Bengals.
9. Kansas City Chiefs 5-2
The Chiefs running game is the best in the league, and their run defense is in the top 5.
10. Philadelphia Eagles 4-3
The Eagles had the Titans on the ropes before they imploded in the fourth quarter. The pass defense is a concern.
11. Green Bay Packers 4-3
Without a running game, I fear that Aaron Rodgers won't last the whole season.
12. Houston Texans 4-2
The Texans offense is potent, but the Texans defense is the league's worst in yards allowed per game.
13. Miami Dolphins 3-3
The Dolphins would be a sure playoff team in the NFC. As is, they will be a nine-win team that watches the playoffs from home.
14. New Orleans Saints 4-3
The Saints would not be a playoff team in the AFC. As is, they will win 10 games by default in the NFC and make the playoffs.
15. Washington Redskins 4-3
The Redskins had no business beating the Bears. But the Skins continue to win ugly despite poor play from Donovan McNabb.
16. Chicago Bears 4-3
Jay Cutler is holding this team back. Four interceptions is unacceptable, especially when the Bears defense is second in the league in points allowed per game.
17. San Diego Chargers 2-5
The league's best offense and defense in terms of total yards has two wins. Why? An awful turnover margin.
18. Cincinnati Bengals 2-4
I like the fight the Bengals showed against the Falcons. The offense is capable of scoring 30 on any team, but Carson Palmer continues to be inconsistent.
19. Minnesota Vikings 2-4
The Vikings have all the tools to be a great team, but Brett Favre is playing as bad as he ever has in his career.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-2
Josh Freeman wants the ball in the fourth quarter. And in a weak NFC, Freeman may be able to get the Bucs to nine wins and a playoff berth.
21. Seattle Seahawks 4-2
Pete Carroll has turned the Seahawk defense around. The group is ranked fifth in points allowed per game.
22. Oakland Raiders 3-4
Darren McFadden's explosiveness makes the Raiders a scary team. But before the Raiders can move up this list, they must put together a two-game win streak.
23. St. Louis Rams 3-4
The Rams defense has allowed more than 18 points in just one game. Still, a terrible offensive line will keep St. Louis from the playoffs.
24. Dallas Cowboys 1-5
The injury to Tony Romo will halt this offense, and the defense just allowed 41 points to the Giants.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars 3-4
Defense continues to be awful in Jacksonville.
26. Cleveland Browns 2-5
The Browns stunned the Saints with a great defensive effort. But Colt McCoy still doesn't look like an NFL quarterback.
27. Detroit Lions 1-5
The Lions have a positive point differential, but they have failed to pull out close games. The return of Matthew Stafford may change that.
28. San Francisco 49ers 1-6
How bad is David Carr? He made Alex Smith look like an All-Pro after giving the game to the Panthers. Although the 49ers secondary didn't help, giving 300 yards to Matt Moore.
29. Carolina Panthers 1-5
The Panthers still can't run the ball or stop the run, but David Gettis emerged as a threat with two touchdowns against the 49ers.
30. Arizona Cardinals 3-3
The Cardinals were abysmal against the Seahawks. Max Hall is the worst starting quarterback in the NFL.
31. Buffalo Bills 0-6
The Bills defense is horrendous, but Ryan Fitzpatrick is emerging as one of the league's best young quarterbacks.
32. Denver Broncos 2-5
When you lose by 45 at home to the Raiders, you are the worst team in the NFL.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
NFL Quarterback rankings
1. Peyton Manning
He has a Super Bowl. His team has won at least 12 games in every year since 2003. He’s easily the best regular-season quarterback in NFL history.
2. Philip Rivers
Leading the Chargers to a 13-win season last year was impressive. Rivers has played OK in the playoffs, posting a 3-4 record, a record that would be better if Nate Kaeding could make a kick in the playoffs. In the last three years, Rivers QB rating is 105. That’s the best in the NFL.
3. Drew Brees
Anyway you look at it, Brees was the best quarterback in the NFL in 2009. His 109.6 QB Rating and Super Bowl ring are evidence of that. He’s off to another quick start in 2010, with nine touchdown passes in five games.
4. Aaron Rodgers
His career QB Rating is 96.4 and in his one playoff start he threw for more than 400 yards and four touchdowns. It’s a small sample size, but when it’s all said and done Rodgers may be known as the best quarterback of the ‘10s decade.
5. Tom Brady
The Patriots haven’t won a Super Bowl since 2004, and Brady hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2007-08 season. Still, I want the ball in Brady’s hands when the game’s on the line more than any other quarterback in the NFL.
6. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben actually played pretty poorly in the 2008 season, but the Steelers still won the Super Bowl. He’s made some great throws on the NFL’s biggest stages, and he has the second most Super Bowl rings of active players.
7. Tony Romo
Romo is the biggest enigma on this list. Statistically, he’s one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, yet you would never know it if you listened to many Dallas fans. A deep playoff run would do wonders for his reputation, but the Cowboys first need to make the playoffs, which seems unlikely at this moment.
8. Matt Schaub
Schaub threw for 4,770 yards and 29 touchdowns last year, and yet he’s only eighth on this list. Why? The Texans have never made the playoffs.
9. Mike Vick
He’s played 10 quarters of good football, and now I have him as a top 10 quarterback in the NFL. Seems a bit ridiculous, but Vick looks as good as ever, which is saying a lot considering some of the games he had when he was a Falcon.
10. Brett Favre
How quickly we forget that Favre threw for 4,200 yards and 33 touchdowns last season. Favre has looked awful thus far, but I’m giving me one more shot to win me over.
11. Matt Ryan
Ryan has put up consistent above-average numbers for the Falcons in his career. But, I still haven’t seen Ryan put this team on his shoulders and win a big game. Until then, he’ll stay outside the top 10.
12. Kyle Orton
I never would have thought that I’d have Kyle Orton ranked higher than Eli Manning and Donovan McNabb, but I can’t ignore how well Orton has played to begin this season. He’s thrown for 1,733 and eight touchdowns in five games.
13. Eli Manning
For all the games which Manning has played terrible in the regular season, he was unbelievable in the 2007-08 playoffs. Because of that run, he’s the biggest wild card on this list. He has the talent to be the best quarterback on this list, but he also often plays like one of the worst.
14. Donovan McNabb
McNabb has produced just one deep playoff run since the 2004-05 season. He’s lost much of his mobility that made one of the best quarterbacks in the league a decade ago. His 81.9 QB Rating this year is rather pedestrian, yet he still has the ability to lead the Redskins to the playoffs.
15. Vince Young
Vince Young is a winner. He was a winner in college, and I believe he will have the Titans is playoffs for years to come. But his career 74.2 QB Rating isn’t good enough to be ranked any higher on this list than No. 15.
16. Mark Sanchez
Sanchez’s last eight games including playoffs: 6-2 record, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions. Sanchez last season: 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. I still think in the back of my mind that Sanchez will hit some sophomore struggles soon.
17. Carson Palmer
18. Chad Henne
19. Joe Flacco
20. David Garrard
21. Jay Cutler
22. Josh Freeman
23. Matt Cassel
24. Alex Smith
25. Matthew Stafford
26. Jason Campbell
27. Matt Hasselbeck
28. Sam Bradford
29. Ryan Fitzpatrick
30. Jake Delhomme
31. Max Hall
32. Jimmy Clausen
He has a Super Bowl. His team has won at least 12 games in every year since 2003. He’s easily the best regular-season quarterback in NFL history.
2. Philip Rivers
Leading the Chargers to a 13-win season last year was impressive. Rivers has played OK in the playoffs, posting a 3-4 record, a record that would be better if Nate Kaeding could make a kick in the playoffs. In the last three years, Rivers QB rating is 105. That’s the best in the NFL.
3. Drew Brees
Anyway you look at it, Brees was the best quarterback in the NFL in 2009. His 109.6 QB Rating and Super Bowl ring are evidence of that. He’s off to another quick start in 2010, with nine touchdown passes in five games.
4. Aaron Rodgers
His career QB Rating is 96.4 and in his one playoff start he threw for more than 400 yards and four touchdowns. It’s a small sample size, but when it’s all said and done Rodgers may be known as the best quarterback of the ‘10s decade.
5. Tom Brady
The Patriots haven’t won a Super Bowl since 2004, and Brady hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2007-08 season. Still, I want the ball in Brady’s hands when the game’s on the line more than any other quarterback in the NFL.
6. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben actually played pretty poorly in the 2008 season, but the Steelers still won the Super Bowl. He’s made some great throws on the NFL’s biggest stages, and he has the second most Super Bowl rings of active players.
7. Tony Romo
Romo is the biggest enigma on this list. Statistically, he’s one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, yet you would never know it if you listened to many Dallas fans. A deep playoff run would do wonders for his reputation, but the Cowboys first need to make the playoffs, which seems unlikely at this moment.
8. Matt Schaub
Schaub threw for 4,770 yards and 29 touchdowns last year, and yet he’s only eighth on this list. Why? The Texans have never made the playoffs.
9. Mike Vick
He’s played 10 quarters of good football, and now I have him as a top 10 quarterback in the NFL. Seems a bit ridiculous, but Vick looks as good as ever, which is saying a lot considering some of the games he had when he was a Falcon.
10. Brett Favre
How quickly we forget that Favre threw for 4,200 yards and 33 touchdowns last season. Favre has looked awful thus far, but I’m giving me one more shot to win me over.
11. Matt Ryan
Ryan has put up consistent above-average numbers for the Falcons in his career. But, I still haven’t seen Ryan put this team on his shoulders and win a big game. Until then, he’ll stay outside the top 10.
12. Kyle Orton
I never would have thought that I’d have Kyle Orton ranked higher than Eli Manning and Donovan McNabb, but I can’t ignore how well Orton has played to begin this season. He’s thrown for 1,733 and eight touchdowns in five games.
13. Eli Manning
For all the games which Manning has played terrible in the regular season, he was unbelievable in the 2007-08 playoffs. Because of that run, he’s the biggest wild card on this list. He has the talent to be the best quarterback on this list, but he also often plays like one of the worst.
14. Donovan McNabb
McNabb has produced just one deep playoff run since the 2004-05 season. He’s lost much of his mobility that made one of the best quarterbacks in the league a decade ago. His 81.9 QB Rating this year is rather pedestrian, yet he still has the ability to lead the Redskins to the playoffs.
15. Vince Young
Vince Young is a winner. He was a winner in college, and I believe he will have the Titans is playoffs for years to come. But his career 74.2 QB Rating isn’t good enough to be ranked any higher on this list than No. 15.
16. Mark Sanchez
Sanchez’s last eight games including playoffs: 6-2 record, 12 touchdowns and two interceptions. Sanchez last season: 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. I still think in the back of my mind that Sanchez will hit some sophomore struggles soon.
17. Carson Palmer
18. Chad Henne
19. Joe Flacco
20. David Garrard
21. Jay Cutler
22. Josh Freeman
23. Matt Cassel
24. Alex Smith
25. Matthew Stafford
26. Jason Campbell
27. Matt Hasselbeck
28. Sam Bradford
29. Ryan Fitzpatrick
30. Jake Delhomme
31. Max Hall
32. Jimmy Clausen
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
NFL Power Rankings
1. New York Jets (4-1)
They can run on anyway, they can shut down anyone’s offense and Mark Sanchez hasn’t thrown an interception. I’m starting to believe in this team.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
The defense is back to it’s pre-2009 ways and the return of Ben Roethlisberger should make this offense potent. Will Big Ben struggle to get back into the flow of things?
3. Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
The Jets, Steelers and Ravens all have smash mouth defenses and solid running games. But why do I trust Roethlisberger and Sanchez more than I trust Flacco?
4. Indianapolis Colts (3-2)
It pains me to watch this offensive line fail to run block, yet Peyton Manning bails this entire offense out over and over again. He’s the best player in the league and he makes the Colts the favorite in the South.
5. Tennessee Titans (3-2)
Since starting 0-6 last year, the Titans are 11-4. That’s impressive, but considering the Colts have won at least 12 since 2003, I’ll leave the Titans as the second best team in the AFC South.
6. New England Patriots (3-1)
The best coach-quarterback tandem continues to make the Pats a threat. Rex Ryan has more talent than Bill Belichick, but when December comes around, Tom Brady will be ready.
7. Atlanta Falcons (4-1)
The Falcons moved to the top spot in the NFC this week because Michael Turner broke out for 140 yards. Atlanta needs more of this if it wants to stay atop the NFC South.
8. New York Giants (3-2)
After two embarrassing losses, the G-men have looked as good as anyone in the league in the last two weeks, whooping Chicago and Houston. The defense is back to its pre-2009 form, so look out.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
This team is a little beat up right now, but when healthy, I see an aerial attack with weapons, a solid run game with LeSean McCoy, a dynamic quarterback in Mike Vick, and a solid defense.
10. Chicago Bears (4-1)
I don’t trust Jay Cutler at all, but Lovie Smith has this Bears defense playing as well as it did in its Super Bowl year. When Matt Forte tops 100 yards like he did against Carolina, the Bears are almost unbeatable.
11. New Orleans Saints (3-2)
The defending Super Bowl champs have hit a lull in the season, losing two of their last three, including a 30-20 loss to the hapless Cardinals. No need to panic. Drew Brees will have this team back in no time.
12. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Speaking of panicking, the Packers might want to do just that. Aaron Rodgers has a concussion, the running game is weak and the defense is giving up too many big plays.
13. Kansas City Chiefs (3-1)
The loss to the Colts taught me a few things. 1. This defense is for real, 2. Matt Cassel and the passing game needs to improve, and 3. Kansas City is here to stay.
14. Dallas Cowboys (1-3)
Dallas is 1-3 and has a brutal upcoming schedule. This team is unraveling fast, yet I still think it is the most talented team in the whole NFC. Sometimes talent doesn’t bring wins, just ask the 49ers.
15. Houston Texans (3-2)
If Houston wants to reach the playoffs, Matt Schaub needs to play better than he did against the Giants, when he completed less than 50 percent of his passes with two turnovers.
16. Minnesota Vikings (1-3)
Brett Favre finally found a rhythm in the second half against the Jets. With Randy Moss, the Vikings could turn this around really fast, especially with the Packers struggling and Cutler’s shaky psyche.
17. Washington Redskins (3-2)
The Redskins are 3-2, but they have the worst defense in terms of yards allowed. Eventually, allowing those big plays will cost Washington.
18. San Diego Chargers (2-3)
Philip Rivers can’t do anything more for the Chargers. The rest of the team is letting him down time and time again. I call out the defense and the running game for San Diego to step up before it’s too late.
19. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
Carson Palmer’s 78.3 QB Rating is the biggest reason why the Bengals are struggling. He has weapons, but his accuracy is simply not good enough.
20. Miami Dolphins (2-2)
Two home losses to the NFC East’s two best teams has put the Dolphins in a huge hole. Chad Henne must bounce back fast after his Monday Night debacle against the Patriots.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Maybe the NFL’s biggest surprise, the Bucs are playing great and Josh Freeman is playing at a high level. This week’s matchup vs. New Orleans will determine if they are for real.
22. Denver Broncos (2-3)
An abysmal running game is holding the Broncos back. Kyle Orton continues to shine and the defense is average, but when a team is averaging 2.3 yards per carry on the ground, it won’t win many.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)
The Jags are tied for first in the AFC South, but they wont be their for long. Their defense can’t stop anybody, and that will have the Jacksonville in last by the end
of October.
24. Oakland Raiders (2-3)
Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski have traded off playing awful and well, but the Raider run game has been a constant, averaging 134 yards per game. Beating San Diego was a huge confidence boost.
25. Detroit Lions (1-4)
The Lions have been in every game this year, and last week they hammered the Rams 44-6. Matt Stafford should return soon, giving Lions’ fans more optimism than they’ve had in the previous two years.
26. Cleveland Browns (1-4)
The Browns have also competed, but their brutal schedule will keep them toward the bottom of the power rankings. I don’t see a win on the schedule till they play Carolina on Nov. 28.
27. Seattle Seahawks (2-2)
The Seahawks have played great at home and awful on the road. Fortunately, they may not have to win a road game to win the NFC West. The Seahawks have the most realistic chance at wining the West.
28. San Francisco 49ers (0-5)
I still believe the 49ers would beat any team in the NFC West on a neutral field. Next up is a must win against the Raiders. A loss would likely mean the end of Alex Smith in San Francisco.
29. St. Louis Rams (2-3)
The Rams have put together a couple solid performances at home, but when a team loses by 38 to Detroit, it automatically falls in the power rankings.
30. Arizona Cardinals (3-2)
They rank 27th in defense and 31st in offense, yet they are leading a division. I don’t buy it. Max Hall is the worst starting quarterback in the NFL. Their minus-50 in point differential will catch up to them quickly.
31. Buffalo Bills (0-5)
The defense is allowing 32.2 points per game. Yikes! The offense isn’t much better. C.J. Spiller has only 80 rushing yards this year. Drafting him makes no sense if Buffalo isn’t going to play him.
32. Carolina Panthers (0-5)
This offense is so abysmal, it’s hard to explain. It averages 10 points per game and only 236 total yards. By the end of the year, Panther fans will be begging ownership to get rid of Matt
They can run on anyway, they can shut down anyone’s offense and Mark Sanchez hasn’t thrown an interception. I’m starting to believe in this team.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
The defense is back to it’s pre-2009 ways and the return of Ben Roethlisberger should make this offense potent. Will Big Ben struggle to get back into the flow of things?
3. Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
The Jets, Steelers and Ravens all have smash mouth defenses and solid running games. But why do I trust Roethlisberger and Sanchez more than I trust Flacco?
4. Indianapolis Colts (3-2)
It pains me to watch this offensive line fail to run block, yet Peyton Manning bails this entire offense out over and over again. He’s the best player in the league and he makes the Colts the favorite in the South.
5. Tennessee Titans (3-2)
Since starting 0-6 last year, the Titans are 11-4. That’s impressive, but considering the Colts have won at least 12 since 2003, I’ll leave the Titans as the second best team in the AFC South.
6. New England Patriots (3-1)
The best coach-quarterback tandem continues to make the Pats a threat. Rex Ryan has more talent than Bill Belichick, but when December comes around, Tom Brady will be ready.
7. Atlanta Falcons (4-1)
The Falcons moved to the top spot in the NFC this week because Michael Turner broke out for 140 yards. Atlanta needs more of this if it wants to stay atop the NFC South.
8. New York Giants (3-2)
After two embarrassing losses, the G-men have looked as good as anyone in the league in the last two weeks, whooping Chicago and Houston. The defense is back to its pre-2009 form, so look out.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
This team is a little beat up right now, but when healthy, I see an aerial attack with weapons, a solid run game with LeSean McCoy, a dynamic quarterback in Mike Vick, and a solid defense.
10. Chicago Bears (4-1)
I don’t trust Jay Cutler at all, but Lovie Smith has this Bears defense playing as well as it did in its Super Bowl year. When Matt Forte tops 100 yards like he did against Carolina, the Bears are almost unbeatable.
11. New Orleans Saints (3-2)
The defending Super Bowl champs have hit a lull in the season, losing two of their last three, including a 30-20 loss to the hapless Cardinals. No need to panic. Drew Brees will have this team back in no time.
12. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Speaking of panicking, the Packers might want to do just that. Aaron Rodgers has a concussion, the running game is weak and the defense is giving up too many big plays.
13. Kansas City Chiefs (3-1)
The loss to the Colts taught me a few things. 1. This defense is for real, 2. Matt Cassel and the passing game needs to improve, and 3. Kansas City is here to stay.
14. Dallas Cowboys (1-3)
Dallas is 1-3 and has a brutal upcoming schedule. This team is unraveling fast, yet I still think it is the most talented team in the whole NFC. Sometimes talent doesn’t bring wins, just ask the 49ers.
15. Houston Texans (3-2)
If Houston wants to reach the playoffs, Matt Schaub needs to play better than he did against the Giants, when he completed less than 50 percent of his passes with two turnovers.
16. Minnesota Vikings (1-3)
Brett Favre finally found a rhythm in the second half against the Jets. With Randy Moss, the Vikings could turn this around really fast, especially with the Packers struggling and Cutler’s shaky psyche.
17. Washington Redskins (3-2)
The Redskins are 3-2, but they have the worst defense in terms of yards allowed. Eventually, allowing those big plays will cost Washington.
18. San Diego Chargers (2-3)
Philip Rivers can’t do anything more for the Chargers. The rest of the team is letting him down time and time again. I call out the defense and the running game for San Diego to step up before it’s too late.
19. Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
Carson Palmer’s 78.3 QB Rating is the biggest reason why the Bengals are struggling. He has weapons, but his accuracy is simply not good enough.
20. Miami Dolphins (2-2)
Two home losses to the NFC East’s two best teams has put the Dolphins in a huge hole. Chad Henne must bounce back fast after his Monday Night debacle against the Patriots.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Maybe the NFL’s biggest surprise, the Bucs are playing great and Josh Freeman is playing at a high level. This week’s matchup vs. New Orleans will determine if they are for real.
22. Denver Broncos (2-3)
An abysmal running game is holding the Broncos back. Kyle Orton continues to shine and the defense is average, but when a team is averaging 2.3 yards per carry on the ground, it won’t win many.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)
The Jags are tied for first in the AFC South, but they wont be their for long. Their defense can’t stop anybody, and that will have the Jacksonville in last by the end
of October.
24. Oakland Raiders (2-3)
Jason Campbell and Bruce Gradkowski have traded off playing awful and well, but the Raider run game has been a constant, averaging 134 yards per game. Beating San Diego was a huge confidence boost.
25. Detroit Lions (1-4)
The Lions have been in every game this year, and last week they hammered the Rams 44-6. Matt Stafford should return soon, giving Lions’ fans more optimism than they’ve had in the previous two years.
26. Cleveland Browns (1-4)
The Browns have also competed, but their brutal schedule will keep them toward the bottom of the power rankings. I don’t see a win on the schedule till they play Carolina on Nov. 28.
27. Seattle Seahawks (2-2)
The Seahawks have played great at home and awful on the road. Fortunately, they may not have to win a road game to win the NFC West. The Seahawks have the most realistic chance at wining the West.
28. San Francisco 49ers (0-5)
I still believe the 49ers would beat any team in the NFC West on a neutral field. Next up is a must win against the Raiders. A loss would likely mean the end of Alex Smith in San Francisco.
29. St. Louis Rams (2-3)
The Rams have put together a couple solid performances at home, but when a team loses by 38 to Detroit, it automatically falls in the power rankings.
30. Arizona Cardinals (3-2)
They rank 27th in defense and 31st in offense, yet they are leading a division. I don’t buy it. Max Hall is the worst starting quarterback in the NFL. Their minus-50 in point differential will catch up to them quickly.
31. Buffalo Bills (0-5)
The defense is allowing 32.2 points per game. Yikes! The offense isn’t much better. C.J. Spiller has only 80 rushing yards this year. Drafting him makes no sense if Buffalo isn’t going to play him.
32. Carolina Panthers (0-5)
This offense is so abysmal, it’s hard to explain. It averages 10 points per game and only 236 total yards. By the end of the year, Panther fans will be begging ownership to get rid of Matt
Friday, July 31, 2009
The Wildcard Leaders
Despite having the worst offense in terms of on base percentage, the 2009 San Francisco Giants are leading the Wildcard heading into August.
The pitching staff leads baseball with a 3.51 era, but that may not be enough for the players if the Giants don't start getting on base and scoring more runs.
The Giants added Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Garko in two trades to do improve the offense. Both players are upgrades in on base percentage from the previous starters (Juan Uribe and Travis Ishikawa).
But, the question remains: Did the Giants do enough before the trade deadline to bolster their offense?
San Francisco is 27th in runs scored, and 29th in OPS and homers (out of 30 major league teams).
With that type of offensive anemia, I would say the Giants needed to do a lot more before the trade deadline passed. But still, the Giants lead the wildcard and Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain are probably the top two Cy Young candidates in the NL.
Jonathan Sanchez and Barry Zito have both found a rhythm after the all star break. The Giants need a fifth starter with Ryan Sadowski falling apart, and if the Giants are really serious about contending this year, that starter has got to be Madison Bumgarner.
After selling off two top prospects, it is time to go for it all. I'm not just talking about the the wilcard, I'm talking about the World Series. That's what the Giants need to win to make these trades worth anything.
The pitching staff leads baseball with a 3.51 era, but that may not be enough for the players if the Giants don't start getting on base and scoring more runs.
The Giants added Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Garko in two trades to do improve the offense. Both players are upgrades in on base percentage from the previous starters (Juan Uribe and Travis Ishikawa).
But, the question remains: Did the Giants do enough before the trade deadline to bolster their offense?
San Francisco is 27th in runs scored, and 29th in OPS and homers (out of 30 major league teams).
With that type of offensive anemia, I would say the Giants needed to do a lot more before the trade deadline passed. But still, the Giants lead the wildcard and Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain are probably the top two Cy Young candidates in the NL.
Jonathan Sanchez and Barry Zito have both found a rhythm after the all star break. The Giants need a fifth starter with Ryan Sadowski falling apart, and if the Giants are really serious about contending this year, that starter has got to be Madison Bumgarner.
After selling off two top prospects, it is time to go for it all. I'm not just talking about the the wilcard, I'm talking about the World Series. That's what the Giants need to win to make these trades worth anything.
Golden State Warriors Summer Update
In case you missed it, the Warriors drafted Stephen Curry with their first round draft pick and then played some Summer League Basketball.
Curry is not a big guard who can offset Monta Ellis' poor defensive abilities. Instead, he is a Monta Ellis clone, at least on defense. On offense, Curry could be an explosive three-point shooter. In time, he may also become a great distributor.
But, the Warriors took the best player available and I can't complain. The best big man available was Jordan Hill, who has all the tools to become the next Hakim Warrick, which is pretty underwhelming. The Warriors front line will once again be a little thin, but the Warriors need to find out if Anthony Randolph and/or Brandan Wright can be effective NBA players.
Stephen Curry has the tools to be a Richard Hamilton/Reggie Miller scorer. He is more likely to morph into his dad Del Curry, a prolific shooter with not much else to boast. But the potential is there, and that is worth drafting.
Anthony Randolph participated in this year's Summer League, and all signs say that he was one of the best players in Las Vegas. I can't wait to see Randolph play a full season next year. Many NBA scouts have compared Randolph to Lamar Odom.
Anthony Morrow also tore up Summer League, scoring an NBA Summer League record 47 points in a game. He may be the best catch and shoot player in the NBA. Not bad for the 2008 undrafted free agent.
Curry is not a big guard who can offset Monta Ellis' poor defensive abilities. Instead, he is a Monta Ellis clone, at least on defense. On offense, Curry could be an explosive three-point shooter. In time, he may also become a great distributor.
But, the Warriors took the best player available and I can't complain. The best big man available was Jordan Hill, who has all the tools to become the next Hakim Warrick, which is pretty underwhelming. The Warriors front line will once again be a little thin, but the Warriors need to find out if Anthony Randolph and/or Brandan Wright can be effective NBA players.
Stephen Curry has the tools to be a Richard Hamilton/Reggie Miller scorer. He is more likely to morph into his dad Del Curry, a prolific shooter with not much else to boast. But the potential is there, and that is worth drafting.
Anthony Randolph participated in this year's Summer League, and all signs say that he was one of the best players in Las Vegas. I can't wait to see Randolph play a full season next year. Many NBA scouts have compared Randolph to Lamar Odom.
Anthony Morrow also tore up Summer League, scoring an NBA Summer League record 47 points in a game. He may be the best catch and shoot player in the NBA. Not bad for the 2008 undrafted free agent.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Giants trades "disgraceful"
Here were the Giants three options before the trade deadline in a nutshell.
Option 1: To stand pat with the team or to trade for small upgrades without giving up any top prospects.
Option 2: To go after Matt Holiday, Victor Martinez or Adrian Gonzalez with a package of prospects including Tim Alderson and Scott Barnes.
Option 3: To trade Scott Barnes and Tim Alderson for two miniscule upgrades.
We chose option 3, which is undoubtedly the worst possible scenario.
Ryan Garko is 22nd in first baseman OPS and he has no speed or defense whatsoever. With the Indians in super sell mode and not one contending team desperate for a first baseman, Garko could have been had for Kevin Frandsen. We certainly did not have to give up Scott Barnes, a flame throwing lefty who is arguably the third best pitching prospect in the Giants farm system.
In short, we got ripped off. But Garko is a clear upgrade to this offense, and I would not have even wrote a Brian Sabean hate blog if the Giants ended here. Instead he did the unthinkable. He traded highly coveted Tim Alderson, the second best Giants' pitching prospect and a certain big league arm for a three-time all-star and career .300 hitter named Freddy Sanchez.
On the surface it sounds pretty fair. But apparently the Giants only look on the surface.
Sanchez' On base percentage is .334 and a career .336. His OPS last year was .669, 2nd worst in major league baseball for second basemen.
Sanchez is a small upgrade over Juan Uribe at second, but overall he gives the Giants another hitter who struggles with plate discipline and hitting for power.
And we traded Tim Alderson for him. We could have traded for Marco Scutaro, whose on base percentage is 50 points higher, for a prospect worse than Scott Barnes, let alone Tim Alderson.
We may have been able to trade Tim Alderson and Scott Barnes to land Victor Martinez or Matt Holliday. Instead, we got two below average major league starters.
Did the 2009 Giants starting lineup improve... Yes...
Did the organization improve... Not even close...
Option 1: To stand pat with the team or to trade for small upgrades without giving up any top prospects.
Option 2: To go after Matt Holiday, Victor Martinez or Adrian Gonzalez with a package of prospects including Tim Alderson and Scott Barnes.
Option 3: To trade Scott Barnes and Tim Alderson for two miniscule upgrades.
We chose option 3, which is undoubtedly the worst possible scenario.
Ryan Garko is 22nd in first baseman OPS and he has no speed or defense whatsoever. With the Indians in super sell mode and not one contending team desperate for a first baseman, Garko could have been had for Kevin Frandsen. We certainly did not have to give up Scott Barnes, a flame throwing lefty who is arguably the third best pitching prospect in the Giants farm system.
In short, we got ripped off. But Garko is a clear upgrade to this offense, and I would not have even wrote a Brian Sabean hate blog if the Giants ended here. Instead he did the unthinkable. He traded highly coveted Tim Alderson, the second best Giants' pitching prospect and a certain big league arm for a three-time all-star and career .300 hitter named Freddy Sanchez.
On the surface it sounds pretty fair. But apparently the Giants only look on the surface.
Sanchez' On base percentage is .334 and a career .336. His OPS last year was .669, 2nd worst in major league baseball for second basemen.
Sanchez is a small upgrade over Juan Uribe at second, but overall he gives the Giants another hitter who struggles with plate discipline and hitting for power.
And we traded Tim Alderson for him. We could have traded for Marco Scutaro, whose on base percentage is 50 points higher, for a prospect worse than Scott Barnes, let alone Tim Alderson.
We may have been able to trade Tim Alderson and Scott Barnes to land Victor Martinez or Matt Holliday. Instead, we got two below average major league starters.
Did the 2009 Giants starting lineup improve... Yes...
Did the organization improve... Not even close...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Giants lead Wild Card
Aaron Rowand (.304 average) is getting hits in bunches.
Pablo Sandoval (11 walks) is working the count.
Matt Cain (8-1) is winning games... with run support...
OK. OK. I must be dreaming. In 2008, these Giants players (.271 average for Rowand, 4 walks in 2008 for Sandoval, 8 wins in 22 more starts for Cain) weren't this good, and the Giants were never close to contending.
Times have changed.
61 games into the season, the San Francisco Giants lead the Wild Card race. Spearheaded by the second best team ERA in baseball (3.65), the Giants are now five games over .500 for the first time since 2004 with a 33-28 record.
After starting the year 2-7, I thought the Giants were in rebuilding mode. I thought wrong.
Rowand, Sandoval and Cain have been key contributors to the Giants surge.
And it gets better. Brian Wilson had a save without going to a three-ball count, striking out the side June 10th at Arizona. Wilson has now successfully saved his last 8 games, and has not walked a batter in his last four appearances.
Barry Zito's ERA has dropped a full point (5.15 in '08 4.09 in '09). Zito has pitched better than his ERA indicates, or his record (3-6), with his two best starts being wasted by the Giants quite bats.
Tim Lincecum threw a shutout Friday, the second of his career. Randy Johnson followed with a dominate outing (7 innings 4 hits 2 earned 1 walk 3 strikeouts), and Matt Cain could secure a sweep for the Giants tonight against the A's.
The question is -- can the Giants keep it going?
The bullpen currently looks great, with Sergio Romo pitching the big moments instead of Bob Howry. Jeremy Affeldt has been solid and the aforementioned Wilson has never looked so comfortable on the mound.
The starting staff, dare I say it, should only get better. You can expect much of the same from Lincecum and Cain, but its Zito (4.09 ERA), Johnson (4.89 ERA) and Sanchez (4.84 ERA) who have room for improvement.
The big question mark is the offense as a whole.
Pablo Sandoval (11 walks) is working the count.
Matt Cain (8-1) is winning games... with run support...
OK. OK. I must be dreaming. In 2008, these Giants players (.271 average for Rowand, 4 walks in 2008 for Sandoval, 8 wins in 22 more starts for Cain) weren't this good, and the Giants were never close to contending.
Times have changed.
61 games into the season, the San Francisco Giants lead the Wild Card race. Spearheaded by the second best team ERA in baseball (3.65), the Giants are now five games over .500 for the first time since 2004 with a 33-28 record.
After starting the year 2-7, I thought the Giants were in rebuilding mode. I thought wrong.
Rowand, Sandoval and Cain have been key contributors to the Giants surge.
And it gets better. Brian Wilson had a save without going to a three-ball count, striking out the side June 10th at Arizona. Wilson has now successfully saved his last 8 games, and has not walked a batter in his last four appearances.
Barry Zito's ERA has dropped a full point (5.15 in '08 4.09 in '09). Zito has pitched better than his ERA indicates, or his record (3-6), with his two best starts being wasted by the Giants quite bats.
Tim Lincecum threw a shutout Friday, the second of his career. Randy Johnson followed with a dominate outing (7 innings 4 hits 2 earned 1 walk 3 strikeouts), and Matt Cain could secure a sweep for the Giants tonight against the A's.
The question is -- can the Giants keep it going?
The bullpen currently looks great, with Sergio Romo pitching the big moments instead of Bob Howry. Jeremy Affeldt has been solid and the aforementioned Wilson has never looked so comfortable on the mound.
The starting staff, dare I say it, should only get better. You can expect much of the same from Lincecum and Cain, but its Zito (4.09 ERA), Johnson (4.89 ERA) and Sanchez (4.84 ERA) who have room for improvement.
The big question mark is the offense as a whole.
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