By Kevin Adams aka Paul Bearer
With the season over, here are my award picks for the players who were the best of the season. Along with the players who were selected to my All-Season team, the best players at their position will make the team
MVP: Peyton Manning: 4,500 yards and 33 touchdowns. The man had another solid season led his team to a 14-0 start and could've went unbeaten this year, props to Drew Brees, Brett Favre and Chris Johnson, but Manning was the best player on the best team this year
Offensive Player Of The Year: Chris Johnson: 2,006 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns. How could this award go to anybody else? He cracked the 2,00 yard barrier and broke Marshall Faulk's record for yards from scrimmage with 2,509 yards, a dynamic player if there ever was one this year. This award is his easily
Defensive Player Of The Year: Charles Woodson: 74 tackles, 9 INT's 4 forced fumbles, 2 sacks. Woodson anchored the Green Bay defense all year, making plays in the secondary, in the backfield and off the blitz and scored 3 defensive touchdowns this year. Jared Allen and Darren Sharper had good years, but across the board there was no one better than the former Heisman winner.
Offensive Rookie Of The Year: Percy Harvin: 60 catches, 790 receiving yards, 6 receiving touchdowns, 2 kick return touchdowns. In his rookie season, the wideout from Florida became a pure threat for the Vikings, both as a receiver and a return man. Became a favorite receiver of Brett Favre and was selected to the Pro Bowl
Defensive Rookie Of The Year: Brian Cushing: 134 tackles, 5 sacks, 4 INT's, 2 forced fumbles. The rookie linebacker from USC showed flashes of a great player that he will become in the future, had a great season that earned him a well-deserved Pro Bowl berth.
Coach Of The Year: Sean Payton: 13-3. This was a hard choice to make, especially with the great seasons had by Jim Caldwell, Marvin Lewis, and Norv Turner. But Payton got his team off to a 12-0 start, turned New Orleans into a Super Bowl contender, and has led a team that has been solid all year.
Paul Bearer's 2009 All-Season Squad
QB: Peyton Manning, Colts
QB: Drew Brees, Saints
RB: Chris Johnson, Titans
RB: Adrian Peterson, Vikings
WR: Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
WR: Andre Johnson, Texans
WR: Brandon Marshall, Broncos
TE: Dallas Clark, Colts
TE: Vernon Davis, 49ers
OT: Jason Peters, Eagles
OG: Steve Hutchinson, Vikings
C: Nick Mangold, Jets
DE: Jared Allen, Vikings
DE: Dwight Freeney, Colts
DT: Kevin Wiliams, Vikings
DT: Haloti Ngata, Ravens
LB: DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys
LB: Patrick Willis, 49ers
LB: Elvis Dumervil, Broncos
CB: Charles Woodson, Packers
CB: Darrelle Revis, Jets
FS: Darren Sharper, Saints
SS: Brian Dawkins, Broncos
K: Nate Kaeding, Chargers
P: Shane Lechler, Raiders
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Paul Bearer's Week 16 Preview
By Kevin Adams aka Paul Bearer
Hey what's up people of The Corner and all my fellow posters in The Arena? I hope everyone had a good Christmas and a safe one with the family and all of that stuff. But now it's back to business, it's week 16 now in the NFL and the regular season is drawing to a close. Let's take a look at what we got this week.
Game Of The Week
My game of the week nod goes to the rivalry showdown in Pittsburgh, between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last time these teams met at Heinz Field it was the AFC Championship game, and while this one might not have the same stakes it is just as big for both teams who are clawing and scratching for playoff berths.
I'll start with the Ravens who beat the Steelers in a overtime matchup a few weeks ago, Baltimore is in the driver's seat in the AFC playoff race for a wild card spot. The Ravens are 8-6 and can clinch a playoff berth with a win Sunday and losses by Jacksonville and the New York Jets, the Ravens dominated Detroit and Chicago in consecutive weeks in impressive blowouts to set themselves up in this position. For Baltimore to reach the playoffs though, they must win at Heinz Field they are 2-8 since Heinz Field opened in 2001, they have had some tough losses at that place but they have to shake that away if they want to win. The Ravens control their own fate at this point in the season, if they dont make the playoffs it is on them.
The Steelers saved themselves and their season last week winning at the final gun over Green Bay on a Ben Rothlisberger touchdown pass to Mike Wallace, with that 37-36 win Pittsburgh gave itself new hope in the playoff race. Pittsburgh lost to the Ravens earlier this year, however Rothlisberger did not play, the Steelers will most definitely look to gain revenge and deal it's rival a blow to it's playoff hopes while giving themselves a boost. Unlike Baltimore however the Steelers need more outside help to get in, but they need to handle their business first on Sunday, the Steelers have an issue with their defense however, despite the win last week they were still lit up by Aaron Rodgers and have struggled as of late. A porous defense is not something the Steelers want to have going into the crunch weeks of the season.
The first game was a great one, a tough game that went into overtime and was greatly contested. Hopefully this one will be just as good as that one, and hopefully two certain posters will give us an encore in their rivalry in The Arena. (Lakersandravens and Stairway, I see y'all!)
What To Watch For
The Denver Broncos look to maintain control on their wild-card spot when they go to play the Philadelphia Eagles on the road on Sunday. The Broncos are 8-6 and clinch a playoff spot by winning their final two games, the Broncos blew an easy chance at improving their situation when they let Oakland steal win from them last week. It's not an easy order for Denver but they do control their fate. The Eagles however clinched a playoff spot in the NFC last week and sit at 10-4 and atop the NFC East ahead of the Cowboys by one game and trail Minnesota by one game for a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Eagles will welcome Brian Westbrook back to the team this week who will likely play a limited offensive role this week and also the Eagles welcome back former long-time Eagle and heart and soul of the team Brian Dawkins back to Philly.
The bickering Minnesota Vikings look to right the ship against the struggling Chicago Bears on Monday night. The Vikings are coming off their second poor performance in three weeks after their Sunday night loss to Carolina which was compounded by a disagreement between Brad Childress and quarterback Brett Favre. The Vikings have picked the wrong time to struggle both on the field and off the field, they have to get Adrian Peterson back involved, they need Percy Harvin back, they need Favre to not make mistakes, and they need the defense to step it up if they want to advance in the playoffs. They get the Bears this week who have have had their problems all season and Jay Cutler continues his mistake-filled play on the field, someone may get fired in Chicago at years end.
The Dallas Cowboys look to avoid a letdown and move closer to a playoff spot this week when they play the Washington Redskins. The Cowboys are coming off a huge win over New Orleans last week to move to 9-5 but that win will mean nothing if they lose this game. The Redskins could not have played worse last week when they were slaughtered by the New York Giants, 45-12 on Monday night. The Redskins will hope to bounce back and play spoiler against their rival this week.
The New York Jets who are mixed into a jumble of AFC 7-7 teams look to save their playoff hopes when the play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Jets shot themselves in the foot last week after that loss to Atlanta and a loss would by all means eliminate the Jets from the playoff hunt, and the Jets have to go play for a win no matter who the Colts put on the field. Indy comes into this game still unbeaten at 14-0 and facing the same question from last week: Who will play and for how long? Peyton Manning is supposed to start this week for Indy against a desperate Jets team.
The New England Patriots look to clinch their division on Sunday when they meet the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Pats are 9-5 with a two game lead over Miami in the AFC East and can wrap it up with a win over 7-7 Jacksonville. The Patriots have not played their best football the last two weeks but yet still got wins they are in for another tough one on Sunday. The Jaguars lost a close one to the Colts last week and not hang by a thread in the AFC playoff race, a win over New England would do wonders for them. However at 7-7, they would need a lot of help to get into the playoffs.
The 8-6 New York Giants play host to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Giants come into this game at 8-6 but on the outside looking in when it comes to the NFC playoff race. A win coupled with losses by either Dallas or Green Bay will help the Giants, but New York has to focus on the task at hand. The Giants dominated the Redskins last week from start to finish in a impressive victory and now have to follow it up with another win this week. Carolina has no hope for the playoffs but can play spoiler and the season on a good finish, and can give the Giants trouble if they play like they played when they defeated Minnesota last week.
New Orleans looks to take out some frustration after losing it's first game and undefeated season against Dallas last week when they play Tampa Bay this week. The Saints got outplayed last week en route to a 24-17 loss and look to bounce back, the Saints had played with fire the last few weeks and finally got burned. The Saints are a great team and should respond well, but N.O. still has problems that need to be fixed before playoff time.
The Green Bay Packers look to shake off that tough loss against Pittsburgh when they meet a struggling Seattle squad on Sunday. Green Bay lost a heartbreaker but still sit good in the playoff race in the NFC, they take on a Seahawks team that seems to have hit rock bottom. I don't see Green Bay losing this one at all, especially after the way Seattle played against Tampa last week.
Two 7-7 teams meet in a game where the loser is eliminated from the playoff race, when the Houston Texans visit the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins lost a tough one in overtime against Tennessee last week which dropped them to 7-7 and losing control of their playoff destiny. The Texans beat St. Louis last week to keep their slim playoff chances alive, while a win doesn't ensure a playoff spot for either team a win keeps them with hope for a playoff spot. Also, the Texans look to keep up their chances for the first winning season in franchise history.
The now NFC West champion Arizona Cardinals host the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. The Cardinals beat Detroit last week and clinched the division when San Francisco lost to Philly last week, they now have another game against a lowly team when they meet St. Louis. The Cardinals still have faint hopes of catching Minnesota for a first round bye in the NFC. This should be a game where the Cardinals roll from start to finish.
Detroit meets San Francisco on Sunday, the Lions wind down another tough season yet again and then 49ers look to finish up a disappointing campaign on a high note. Both teams lost last week in tough games, and hopefully this one could be a good one. I look for Frank Gore to have a big game on the Lions defense.
The Cincinnati Bengals look to finally clinch a playoff berth after losses to two of the NFL's best teams in back to back weeks. The Bengals take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that can finally earn them that playoff spot. The Bengals have had it tough the past few weeks with the two losses and the tragic death of teammate Chris Henry, the Bengals would like nothing more than to finish strong this year and go into the playoffs with some momentum after all they have been through this year.
The Atlanta Falcons host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The Falcons after making the playoffs with an 11-5 record last year will miss the playoffs this year but look to earn back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The Falcons defense played a great game last week in keep them into the game against the Jets and allowed Matt Ryan to win them a tough game. Buffalo winds down another disappointing season and comes into this game with injuries at the QB spot, Fred Jackson however has been a bright spot.
Two teams with exciting victories last week play on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns host the Oakland Raiders. The Browns are coming off a high scoring thriller with Kansas City last week winning 41-34, Josh Cribbs and Jerome Harrison were the stars of the game for Cleveland and look to be two pieces the Browns can build with as Mike Holmgren takes over the Browns now in the front office. The Raiders stole a 20-19 win over the Broncos last week after Jamarcus Russell pulled the game out with a touchdown pass to Chaz Schillens late for the win. Russell got in the game after injuries to both Charlie Frye and J.P. Losman, Frye however will get the start on Sunday.
Paul's Picks
Bills @ Falcons
Chiefs @ Bengals
Raiders @ Browns
Seahawks @ Packers
Ravens @ Steelers
Texans @ Dolphins
Panthers @ Giants
Jaguars @ Patriots
Bucs @ Saints
Rams @ Cardinals
Lions @ 49ers
Broncos @ Eagles
Jets @ Colts
Cowboys @ Redskins
Vikings @ Bears (MNF)
Ok folks, that's it until next time. Be sure to watch for my Week 16 wrap-up which will come on Tuesday, y'all be sure to enjoy this week of NFL football we have here. Be sure to come and drop comments on what you read, remember y'all the ones I do it for.
Hey what's up people of The Corner and all my fellow posters in The Arena? I hope everyone had a good Christmas and a safe one with the family and all of that stuff. But now it's back to business, it's week 16 now in the NFL and the regular season is drawing to a close. Let's take a look at what we got this week.
Game Of The Week
My game of the week nod goes to the rivalry showdown in Pittsburgh, between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last time these teams met at Heinz Field it was the AFC Championship game, and while this one might not have the same stakes it is just as big for both teams who are clawing and scratching for playoff berths.
I'll start with the Ravens who beat the Steelers in a overtime matchup a few weeks ago, Baltimore is in the driver's seat in the AFC playoff race for a wild card spot. The Ravens are 8-6 and can clinch a playoff berth with a win Sunday and losses by Jacksonville and the New York Jets, the Ravens dominated Detroit and Chicago in consecutive weeks in impressive blowouts to set themselves up in this position. For Baltimore to reach the playoffs though, they must win at Heinz Field they are 2-8 since Heinz Field opened in 2001, they have had some tough losses at that place but they have to shake that away if they want to win. The Ravens control their own fate at this point in the season, if they dont make the playoffs it is on them.
The Steelers saved themselves and their season last week winning at the final gun over Green Bay on a Ben Rothlisberger touchdown pass to Mike Wallace, with that 37-36 win Pittsburgh gave itself new hope in the playoff race. Pittsburgh lost to the Ravens earlier this year, however Rothlisberger did not play, the Steelers will most definitely look to gain revenge and deal it's rival a blow to it's playoff hopes while giving themselves a boost. Unlike Baltimore however the Steelers need more outside help to get in, but they need to handle their business first on Sunday, the Steelers have an issue with their defense however, despite the win last week they were still lit up by Aaron Rodgers and have struggled as of late. A porous defense is not something the Steelers want to have going into the crunch weeks of the season.
The first game was a great one, a tough game that went into overtime and was greatly contested. Hopefully this one will be just as good as that one, and hopefully two certain posters will give us an encore in their rivalry in The Arena. (Lakersandravens and Stairway, I see y'all!)
What To Watch For
The Denver Broncos look to maintain control on their wild-card spot when they go to play the Philadelphia Eagles on the road on Sunday. The Broncos are 8-6 and clinch a playoff spot by winning their final two games, the Broncos blew an easy chance at improving their situation when they let Oakland steal win from them last week. It's not an easy order for Denver but they do control their fate. The Eagles however clinched a playoff spot in the NFC last week and sit at 10-4 and atop the NFC East ahead of the Cowboys by one game and trail Minnesota by one game for a first-round bye in the playoffs. The Eagles will welcome Brian Westbrook back to the team this week who will likely play a limited offensive role this week and also the Eagles welcome back former long-time Eagle and heart and soul of the team Brian Dawkins back to Philly.
The bickering Minnesota Vikings look to right the ship against the struggling Chicago Bears on Monday night. The Vikings are coming off their second poor performance in three weeks after their Sunday night loss to Carolina which was compounded by a disagreement between Brad Childress and quarterback Brett Favre. The Vikings have picked the wrong time to struggle both on the field and off the field, they have to get Adrian Peterson back involved, they need Percy Harvin back, they need Favre to not make mistakes, and they need the defense to step it up if they want to advance in the playoffs. They get the Bears this week who have have had their problems all season and Jay Cutler continues his mistake-filled play on the field, someone may get fired in Chicago at years end.
The Dallas Cowboys look to avoid a letdown and move closer to a playoff spot this week when they play the Washington Redskins. The Cowboys are coming off a huge win over New Orleans last week to move to 9-5 but that win will mean nothing if they lose this game. The Redskins could not have played worse last week when they were slaughtered by the New York Giants, 45-12 on Monday night. The Redskins will hope to bounce back and play spoiler against their rival this week.
The New York Jets who are mixed into a jumble of AFC 7-7 teams look to save their playoff hopes when the play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Jets shot themselves in the foot last week after that loss to Atlanta and a loss would by all means eliminate the Jets from the playoff hunt, and the Jets have to go play for a win no matter who the Colts put on the field. Indy comes into this game still unbeaten at 14-0 and facing the same question from last week: Who will play and for how long? Peyton Manning is supposed to start this week for Indy against a desperate Jets team.
The New England Patriots look to clinch their division on Sunday when they meet the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Pats are 9-5 with a two game lead over Miami in the AFC East and can wrap it up with a win over 7-7 Jacksonville. The Patriots have not played their best football the last two weeks but yet still got wins they are in for another tough one on Sunday. The Jaguars lost a close one to the Colts last week and not hang by a thread in the AFC playoff race, a win over New England would do wonders for them. However at 7-7, they would need a lot of help to get into the playoffs.
The 8-6 New York Giants play host to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. The Giants come into this game at 8-6 but on the outside looking in when it comes to the NFC playoff race. A win coupled with losses by either Dallas or Green Bay will help the Giants, but New York has to focus on the task at hand. The Giants dominated the Redskins last week from start to finish in a impressive victory and now have to follow it up with another win this week. Carolina has no hope for the playoffs but can play spoiler and the season on a good finish, and can give the Giants trouble if they play like they played when they defeated Minnesota last week.
New Orleans looks to take out some frustration after losing it's first game and undefeated season against Dallas last week when they play Tampa Bay this week. The Saints got outplayed last week en route to a 24-17 loss and look to bounce back, the Saints had played with fire the last few weeks and finally got burned. The Saints are a great team and should respond well, but N.O. still has problems that need to be fixed before playoff time.
The Green Bay Packers look to shake off that tough loss against Pittsburgh when they meet a struggling Seattle squad on Sunday. Green Bay lost a heartbreaker but still sit good in the playoff race in the NFC, they take on a Seahawks team that seems to have hit rock bottom. I don't see Green Bay losing this one at all, especially after the way Seattle played against Tampa last week.
Two 7-7 teams meet in a game where the loser is eliminated from the playoff race, when the Houston Texans visit the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins lost a tough one in overtime against Tennessee last week which dropped them to 7-7 and losing control of their playoff destiny. The Texans beat St. Louis last week to keep their slim playoff chances alive, while a win doesn't ensure a playoff spot for either team a win keeps them with hope for a playoff spot. Also, the Texans look to keep up their chances for the first winning season in franchise history.
The now NFC West champion Arizona Cardinals host the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. The Cardinals beat Detroit last week and clinched the division when San Francisco lost to Philly last week, they now have another game against a lowly team when they meet St. Louis. The Cardinals still have faint hopes of catching Minnesota for a first round bye in the NFC. This should be a game where the Cardinals roll from start to finish.
Detroit meets San Francisco on Sunday, the Lions wind down another tough season yet again and then 49ers look to finish up a disappointing campaign on a high note. Both teams lost last week in tough games, and hopefully this one could be a good one. I look for Frank Gore to have a big game on the Lions defense.
The Cincinnati Bengals look to finally clinch a playoff berth after losses to two of the NFL's best teams in back to back weeks. The Bengals take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a game that can finally earn them that playoff spot. The Bengals have had it tough the past few weeks with the two losses and the tragic death of teammate Chris Henry, the Bengals would like nothing more than to finish strong this year and go into the playoffs with some momentum after all they have been through this year.
The Atlanta Falcons host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The Falcons after making the playoffs with an 11-5 record last year will miss the playoffs this year but look to earn back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history. The Falcons defense played a great game last week in keep them into the game against the Jets and allowed Matt Ryan to win them a tough game. Buffalo winds down another disappointing season and comes into this game with injuries at the QB spot, Fred Jackson however has been a bright spot.
Two teams with exciting victories last week play on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns host the Oakland Raiders. The Browns are coming off a high scoring thriller with Kansas City last week winning 41-34, Josh Cribbs and Jerome Harrison were the stars of the game for Cleveland and look to be two pieces the Browns can build with as Mike Holmgren takes over the Browns now in the front office. The Raiders stole a 20-19 win over the Broncos last week after Jamarcus Russell pulled the game out with a touchdown pass to Chaz Schillens late for the win. Russell got in the game after injuries to both Charlie Frye and J.P. Losman, Frye however will get the start on Sunday.
Paul's Picks
Bills @ Falcons
Chiefs @ Bengals
Raiders @ Browns
Seahawks @ Packers
Ravens @ Steelers
Texans @ Dolphins
Panthers @ Giants
Jaguars @ Patriots
Bucs @ Saints
Rams @ Cardinals
Lions @ 49ers
Broncos @ Eagles
Jets @ Colts
Cowboys @ Redskins
Vikings @ Bears (MNF)
Ok folks, that's it until next time. Be sure to watch for my Week 16 wrap-up which will come on Tuesday, y'all be sure to enjoy this week of NFL football we have here. Be sure to come and drop comments on what you read, remember y'all the ones I do it for.
Paul Bearer's Wild-Card Weekend Preview
By Kevin Adams aka Paul Bearer
Hey what's up everybody, it's your boy Paul Bearer back with another edition of Paul Bearer's NFL Discussion. The regular season is over, 20 teams have been pushed to the side, and 12 teams remain in the playoffs. 8 teams will do battle this weekend in the wild-card matchups, 4 will advance, 4 will go home. It's one of the best times of the year, NFL playoff football is here and the excitement is mounting. With that said, let's take a look at each matchup this wild-card weekend. We have the Jets taking on the Bengals, the Patriots host the Ravens, the Cardinals meet the Packers, and the Eagles do battle with the Cowboys. Let's jump into the wild-card matchups shall we?
New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals overcame a late season swoon and the tragic death of a teammate to earn the first playoff berth since 2005, after going 10-6 and winning the AFC North. The Bengals swept their division rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh, and proved to the league that they were legit this season and here to stay. Cedric Benson and a tough defense were the keys to this team, helped by Carson Palmer and the passing game. The Bengals started the season at 9-3, but a tough late schedule contributed to a 1-3 finish, but the toughest loss was the death of wide receiver Chris Henry on December 16th, the Bengals mourned the loss of Henry but had to go back out and keep playing. Back to back losses to Minnesota and San Diego tested this team and and their resolve, but they finally clinched the division by beating Kansas City in week 16, they then rested their playoffs and came out unmotivated in a week 17 loss to the same New York Jets. The Bengals lost 37-0 on the road in the season finale, but we should expect to see a different Bengals team at home on Saturday.
However you feel about the Jets entrance into the playoffs or whether or not you think they deserve it is a debate all in itself. The Jets won their last two games against Indianapolis and Cincinnati, they beat Indy after the Colts sat their starters in the second half and beat Cincy after the Bengals had nothing to play for. However, Rex Ryan and the Jets offer no apologies to anybody and are confident going into their wild-card matchup this week, Ryan was so confident he went out as to say the Jets should be Super Bowl favorites. That might be a bit of hyperbole, but whatever gets Ryan and the Jets up for this game is his and the Jets business. The Jets rode a great defense led by cornerback Darrelle Revis and a running game with Thomas Jones to their 9-7 record and playoff berth. But, the key for the Jets will be the performance of rookie QB Mark Sanchez, he has been mistake prone at times this year but of late he has cut back on the turnovers. If he does that and manages the game, it will be much easier for the Jets.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys come into this game riding high. They seemed to have defeated their December demons, finishing the month on a three game winning streak after starting the month with two losses. 2 of those 3 wins were over New Orleans snapping their undefeated their undefeated season and beating their division rival Philly for the NFC East title in the season finale a bit of payback for their 44-6 thrashing they took in Philly last year. QB Tony Romo played great football in the final month and seemed to quiet some of his critics, the Dallas defense has been playing great, and Wade Phillips is looking like a competent coach at the moment. However despite their late success, the Cowboy critics remain, despite beating the Eagles twice this season people still expect Dallas to fall short and lose this game. The critics are expecting Tony Romo to choke, for Wade to become the incompetent coach we have seen before, and for just Dallas to fall apart. Now, I think this is a different Dallas team than the one of old, but it is all on them to go out and prove that they are on Saturday.
Philadelphia looks to show that the 3rd time is the charm and beat a Dallas team they have lost to twice this year. The Eagles laid an egg in week 17 losing 24-0, costing them the number two seed in the NFC and losing a first round bye and the division title. Philadelphia was lackluster, showed no heart and missed the big plays that keys their offense. Obviously, the Eagles must improve if they want to win on Saturday, despite that bad performance the Eagles had a good season. They finished 11-5, Donovan McNabb had a solid year, Lesean McCoy had a good rookie year, Brent Celek became a top notch tight end, and Desean Jackson became one of the NFL's premier big play wideouts. Philly has experience on their side, as McNabb and coach Andy Reid have never lost an opening playoff game since their tenure together and they have been in many playoff battles. Philly is confident that they can beat this team, but they have lost twice already and Dallas feels that they can do it again. Philly has to get their offense on track and start hitting the big plays to Jackson, Celek, and Jeremy Maclin, if not they will go home early.
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
The New England Patriots finished this season with an identical 10-6 record like last season but there are two big differences from last season and this one. 1. Matt Cassel was the starting QB at the time due to an injury to Tom Brady and 2. The Patriots missed the playoffs last year. This time the Patriots are back in the 12 team dance, but like last year they have been hit with a big injury. Slot receiver extraordinaire Wes Welker suffered a season-ending knee injury in the season finale and will miss the playoffs, the Patriots have to move on without him and the Pats will call on Julian Edelman to fill Welker's shoes. It's hard to replace 123 receptions and 1,348 yards but the Patriots have to do what they have to do, Edelman will have to step up and Randy Moss will be called on to make more big plays. But the Patriots have been here before and been in this situation countless times, so Belicheck, Brady and Co will be ready on gameday come Sunday, New England is favored in this game despite the loss of Welker and the Pats will always get the benefit of the doubt.
The Ravens went all the way down to week 17 to know their playoff destiny, but a win over the Oakland Raiders in the season finale put them in the playoffs. The Ravens finished the season 9-7 and got the second AFC wild-card spot, the Ravens were led by a great running attack with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee who both have had big games this season. McGahee's big game led the team against the Raiders last week in a close game, the Ravens should run the ball early and often on the Patriots and look to open up the passing game for Joe Flacco. The Ravens also look to get revenge on the Patriots after losing a tough one to New England in week 4, 27-21 the Ravens lost a heartbreaker after Mark Clayton dropped a fourth down pass that would've given them a first and goal. The Ravens played the Patriots tough back then, and will play them close again on Sunday, the Ravens know they let one slip away then but this time look to finish the job and move on to the divisional round.
Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
The Packers head to Arizona to meet the defending NFC champion Cardinals in what should be a fun matchup. Aaron Rodgers has led Green Bay to the playoffs for the first time since taking over for Brett Favre and he looks to go out on Sunday and gain respect both as a quarterback and from the Packer faithful. Rodgers had a great season throwing for 4,434 yards and 30 touchdowns, but had support from Ryan Grant who rushed for 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns, and Green Bay was backed up by a good defense led by my Defensive Player Of The Year Charles Woodson en route to the Packers finishing 11-5. The Packers dominated the Cardinals, 33-7 last week in week 17 and look to go out and do it again despite the Cardinals resting some players last week. The Packers have been on a roll late in the season winning 7 of their last 8 games and the only loss during that time was at the final gun against Pittsburgh, I think the Packers are the better team right now and the momentum is on their side.
The Cardinals start their defense of their NFC crown and look to repeat last year's improbable Super Bowl run at home on Sunday. Arizona probably had the roughest week 17 out of all the playoff teams, when three starters: Anquan Boldin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Calais Campbell all got hurt against Green Bay, the Cardinals hope that all three will be ready to go on Sunday. Arizona got another solid year from Kurt Warner who may be nearing the end of his career and got usual spectacular seasons from it's two All-Pro wideouts in Larry Fitzgerald and Boldin, but the Cardinals also got a good running attack this season from Tim Hightower and rookie Beanie Wells to compliment their passing attack. The Cardinals finished 10-6, but dropped 3 of the last 4 in the season and look to gain some momentum, however the Cardinals and their fans will tell you that they didn't have any momentum and were slumping going into the playoffs last year and look where they got. Their home crowd was intense last year in the playoffs, and they will be needed heavily this week to make some noise
Paul's Picks
Jets @ Bengals
Ravens @ Patriots
Eagles @ Cowboys
Packers @ Cardinals
Ok people, there you have it sorry about the delay and the missing write-up for Week 17 but please believe that I am back with a vengeance. Enjoy the weekend of Wild-Card playoff football, and be on the lookout for my Wild-Card review on Tuesday and Divisional Round preview on Thursday. So that's it for now, but be sure to comment on it and come on and give it a good read. Until next time, peace
Hey what's up everybody, it's your boy Paul Bearer back with another edition of Paul Bearer's NFL Discussion. The regular season is over, 20 teams have been pushed to the side, and 12 teams remain in the playoffs. 8 teams will do battle this weekend in the wild-card matchups, 4 will advance, 4 will go home. It's one of the best times of the year, NFL playoff football is here and the excitement is mounting. With that said, let's take a look at each matchup this wild-card weekend. We have the Jets taking on the Bengals, the Patriots host the Ravens, the Cardinals meet the Packers, and the Eagles do battle with the Cowboys. Let's jump into the wild-card matchups shall we?
New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals overcame a late season swoon and the tragic death of a teammate to earn the first playoff berth since 2005, after going 10-6 and winning the AFC North. The Bengals swept their division rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh, and proved to the league that they were legit this season and here to stay. Cedric Benson and a tough defense were the keys to this team, helped by Carson Palmer and the passing game. The Bengals started the season at 9-3, but a tough late schedule contributed to a 1-3 finish, but the toughest loss was the death of wide receiver Chris Henry on December 16th, the Bengals mourned the loss of Henry but had to go back out and keep playing. Back to back losses to Minnesota and San Diego tested this team and and their resolve, but they finally clinched the division by beating Kansas City in week 16, they then rested their playoffs and came out unmotivated in a week 17 loss to the same New York Jets. The Bengals lost 37-0 on the road in the season finale, but we should expect to see a different Bengals team at home on Saturday.
However you feel about the Jets entrance into the playoffs or whether or not you think they deserve it is a debate all in itself. The Jets won their last two games against Indianapolis and Cincinnati, they beat Indy after the Colts sat their starters in the second half and beat Cincy after the Bengals had nothing to play for. However, Rex Ryan and the Jets offer no apologies to anybody and are confident going into their wild-card matchup this week, Ryan was so confident he went out as to say the Jets should be Super Bowl favorites. That might be a bit of hyperbole, but whatever gets Ryan and the Jets up for this game is his and the Jets business. The Jets rode a great defense led by cornerback Darrelle Revis and a running game with Thomas Jones to their 9-7 record and playoff berth. But, the key for the Jets will be the performance of rookie QB Mark Sanchez, he has been mistake prone at times this year but of late he has cut back on the turnovers. If he does that and manages the game, it will be much easier for the Jets.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys come into this game riding high. They seemed to have defeated their December demons, finishing the month on a three game winning streak after starting the month with two losses. 2 of those 3 wins were over New Orleans snapping their undefeated their undefeated season and beating their division rival Philly for the NFC East title in the season finale a bit of payback for their 44-6 thrashing they took in Philly last year. QB Tony Romo played great football in the final month and seemed to quiet some of his critics, the Dallas defense has been playing great, and Wade Phillips is looking like a competent coach at the moment. However despite their late success, the Cowboy critics remain, despite beating the Eagles twice this season people still expect Dallas to fall short and lose this game. The critics are expecting Tony Romo to choke, for Wade to become the incompetent coach we have seen before, and for just Dallas to fall apart. Now, I think this is a different Dallas team than the one of old, but it is all on them to go out and prove that they are on Saturday.
Philadelphia looks to show that the 3rd time is the charm and beat a Dallas team they have lost to twice this year. The Eagles laid an egg in week 17 losing 24-0, costing them the number two seed in the NFC and losing a first round bye and the division title. Philadelphia was lackluster, showed no heart and missed the big plays that keys their offense. Obviously, the Eagles must improve if they want to win on Saturday, despite that bad performance the Eagles had a good season. They finished 11-5, Donovan McNabb had a solid year, Lesean McCoy had a good rookie year, Brent Celek became a top notch tight end, and Desean Jackson became one of the NFL's premier big play wideouts. Philly has experience on their side, as McNabb and coach Andy Reid have never lost an opening playoff game since their tenure together and they have been in many playoff battles. Philly is confident that they can beat this team, but they have lost twice already and Dallas feels that they can do it again. Philly has to get their offense on track and start hitting the big plays to Jackson, Celek, and Jeremy Maclin, if not they will go home early.
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
The New England Patriots finished this season with an identical 10-6 record like last season but there are two big differences from last season and this one. 1. Matt Cassel was the starting QB at the time due to an injury to Tom Brady and 2. The Patriots missed the playoffs last year. This time the Patriots are back in the 12 team dance, but like last year they have been hit with a big injury. Slot receiver extraordinaire Wes Welker suffered a season-ending knee injury in the season finale and will miss the playoffs, the Patriots have to move on without him and the Pats will call on Julian Edelman to fill Welker's shoes. It's hard to replace 123 receptions and 1,348 yards but the Patriots have to do what they have to do, Edelman will have to step up and Randy Moss will be called on to make more big plays. But the Patriots have been here before and been in this situation countless times, so Belicheck, Brady and Co will be ready on gameday come Sunday, New England is favored in this game despite the loss of Welker and the Pats will always get the benefit of the doubt.
The Ravens went all the way down to week 17 to know their playoff destiny, but a win over the Oakland Raiders in the season finale put them in the playoffs. The Ravens finished the season 9-7 and got the second AFC wild-card spot, the Ravens were led by a great running attack with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee who both have had big games this season. McGahee's big game led the team against the Raiders last week in a close game, the Ravens should run the ball early and often on the Patriots and look to open up the passing game for Joe Flacco. The Ravens also look to get revenge on the Patriots after losing a tough one to New England in week 4, 27-21 the Ravens lost a heartbreaker after Mark Clayton dropped a fourth down pass that would've given them a first and goal. The Ravens played the Patriots tough back then, and will play them close again on Sunday, the Ravens know they let one slip away then but this time look to finish the job and move on to the divisional round.
Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Cardinals
The Packers head to Arizona to meet the defending NFC champion Cardinals in what should be a fun matchup. Aaron Rodgers has led Green Bay to the playoffs for the first time since taking over for Brett Favre and he looks to go out on Sunday and gain respect both as a quarterback and from the Packer faithful. Rodgers had a great season throwing for 4,434 yards and 30 touchdowns, but had support from Ryan Grant who rushed for 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns, and Green Bay was backed up by a good defense led by my Defensive Player Of The Year Charles Woodson en route to the Packers finishing 11-5. The Packers dominated the Cardinals, 33-7 last week in week 17 and look to go out and do it again despite the Cardinals resting some players last week. The Packers have been on a roll late in the season winning 7 of their last 8 games and the only loss during that time was at the final gun against Pittsburgh, I think the Packers are the better team right now and the momentum is on their side.
The Cardinals start their defense of their NFC crown and look to repeat last year's improbable Super Bowl run at home on Sunday. Arizona probably had the roughest week 17 out of all the playoff teams, when three starters: Anquan Boldin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Calais Campbell all got hurt against Green Bay, the Cardinals hope that all three will be ready to go on Sunday. Arizona got another solid year from Kurt Warner who may be nearing the end of his career and got usual spectacular seasons from it's two All-Pro wideouts in Larry Fitzgerald and Boldin, but the Cardinals also got a good running attack this season from Tim Hightower and rookie Beanie Wells to compliment their passing attack. The Cardinals finished 10-6, but dropped 3 of the last 4 in the season and look to gain some momentum, however the Cardinals and their fans will tell you that they didn't have any momentum and were slumping going into the playoffs last year and look where they got. Their home crowd was intense last year in the playoffs, and they will be needed heavily this week to make some noise
Paul's Picks
Jets @ Bengals
Ravens @ Patriots
Eagles @ Cowboys
Packers @ Cardinals
Ok people, there you have it sorry about the delay and the missing write-up for Week 17 but please believe that I am back with a vengeance. Enjoy the weekend of Wild-Card playoff football, and be on the lookout for my Wild-Card review on Tuesday and Divisional Round preview on Thursday. So that's it for now, but be sure to comment on it and come on and give it a good read. Until next time, peace
Who's better Kobe Or Lebron? The Great Debate
Here's a debate I took part in over on ThaCorner. Me and the homie Cutthroat debated the topic of who is the better basketball player, Kobe Bryant or Lebron James. I argued for Lebron, Cutthroat argued for Kobe, tell me what you think
Topic - Kobe or Lebron. Arguably the 2 best overall players in the NBA today. So the topis is this...which player would be a better choice to start your NBA Franchise with and why?
Paul Bearer-
First off let me say that you cant go wrong with either choice. Kobe and Lebron are both great players, but there are many reasons why I would start my team with Lebron James.
There has never been a player like Lebron James, he is a once in 20 year talent. How often do you see a player with a body like Karl Malone, the court sense of Oscar Robertson and ability to play out on the perimeter. 6'8, 260 lbs, ability to get to the rim like no other, draw contact, is able to step outside and knock down the jumper, can set up his own teammates. There really hasn't been a total package of size, skill, and athleticism ever. How could you not want a guy like that on your team. With Lebron there's no telling how far you can go with him, both as a team and him individually. Kobe maybe and probably has hit his peak, Lebron still maybe has a higher ceiling to touch as a player and get better.
Also it has been shown that you can start and build a successful franchise with Lebron. In 2002-03 the Cleveland Cavaliers finished the season 17-65 and won the NBA Lottery and selected Lebron. In the years that followed they went:
35-47 in 2003-04 (18 game improvement), 42-40 in 2004-05 (7 game improvement), 50-32 in 2005-06 (8 game improvement), 50-32 in 2006-07 (0 game improvement, but went to the NBA Finals), 45-37 in 2007-08 (8 game reduction but went to ECF), and 66-16 in 2008-09 (21 win improvement and another ECF appearance).
That's 6 straight seasons over .500, when the Cavs previously posted 5 straight seasons under .500, 2 ECF appearances, 1 ECF title, and 1 Finals appearances. You would have to go back to the Mark Price, Craig Ehlo, Brad Daughtery, Larry Nance days in Cleveland to find that success. And even then they still didn't accomplish what Lebron's Cavs have done. Also Lebron didn't really have a championship or contending team until last year. He's went from having Carlos Boozer and Ricky Davis as his sidekicks to Ilgauskas and Larry Hughes to now finally having Mo Williams and Shaq.
The Cavs went from East doormat to East contender, and that's what Lebron brings. He can transcend a franchise overnight, make a team respectable, and get other players to play alongside of him in order to build a successful team. There's only a handful of players that can make that claim (Jabbar, Robinson, Duncan, Bird). You cannot pass on a player like that, I would pick Lebron in a second and wouldn't think twice
CutThroat
Kobe is obviously the better choice to start a franchise around. Kobe has proven that if you build around him he will deliver multiple championships. He has what is most important in a franchise player and that is the will to win.
Correct me if I’m wrong but Kobe Bryant has 4 rings right? All those stats you threw out about Lebron were nice but lets get to what is truly important. Championships. Like Herm Edwards says, “You play to win the game”, And Win is something Kobe Bryant has done. Lebron for all his height, ability and fancy numbers has yet to deliver a ring. Something Kobe Bryant has done 4 times.
So be my guest and build your franchise around Lebron. While your franchise is contending in the East mine will be winning NBA championships behind our Franchise player…Kobe Bryant.
Kobe is the right choice to build a franchise around because he proved he can win the big game, he can elevate a team and put the team on his back to deliver them to the Promised Land. Good ole’ Kobe “Moses” Bryant never fails and never lets his team down. Kobe is the only choice to build a franchise around. For all Lebron offers he hasn’t offered what is most important to a franchise and that is a championship….Unless you just don’t care about that sort of thing, which I think my opponent, Paul Bearer doesn’t by choosing to build his franchise around Lebron.
Paul Bearer
Cutthroat you are right Kobe has 4 rings, Kobe has been to the promised land, and Kobe has won and Lebron hasn't. But remember Kobe wasn't the focal point or number 1 on the Lakers for 3 of those rings. Shaq was the one who won 3 Finals MVP's. Yes, Kobe did work but at the end of the day who's team was it? It was Shaq's. Kobe had a prime, 7-1, 330 lb, best player in the league crutch to lean on. Lebron hasn't had that luxury.
Lebron has been the man from jumpstreet as an 18 year old rookie and built up a championship-caliber team, Kobe never did that. Once Kobe did become the man, the Lakers went through a 3 year mediocre stretch (34 wins in 2004-05 no playoffs, 45 wins in 2005-06, 1st round playoff exit, 42 wins in 2007-08 1st round playoff exit) until they got Pau Gasol and that rocketed to the Finals. Remember before Kobe was winning that 4th ring, he was on camera in parking lots bashing Andrew Bynum and begging to be traded.
Lebron took the Cavs on his back as an 18 year old prodigy from high school and has led them to only 1 step from the summit. Not only that he's taken some teams far in the playoffs that had no business being in those series. Examples (2007 ECF against Detroit (win), 2007 Finals against SA (loss), 2008 ECF against Boston (7 game loss)).
I care about winning and so I would have no qualms about picking Lebron, like I said he's been to the Finals before and 3 ECF appearances in only 7 years and almost carried the Cavs back to Finals by himself against Boston in 2008. I want that guy on my team who can lead a team deep into the playoffs alone and has shown to be able to do it repeatedly.
The whole rings thing with Kobe is, he's been on better teams than Lebron and had teammates that stepped up for him and performed, Lebron hasn't had that. But since we're not talking about team but individually, the choice is LEbron
CutThroat
The flaw in the "Kobe had shaq" argument you present is the fact that Kobe has won without Shaq. It doesn't matter if Kobe has had better teams, as a franchise owner your job is to surround your franchise player with a championship team. Kobe having a good team around him just means that the ownership was doing they're job. . No player has done it by themselves, did Michael Jordan not win 6 rings because he had help
In addition to delivering championships Kobe bryant has been the face of the league for over a decade. He has been the most identifiable player since Michael Jordan. As a Franchise player Kobe not only wins but he draws crowds and endorsements which means more money and recognition for the franchise.
A franchise player should represent the franchise, win, deliver multiple titles and generate money for the franchise. Kobe does all of those things and he does them better than any player especially ones named Lebron James.
Also lets not forget that Lebron has had his opportunities to win titles. His inability to win a title only demonstrates that he isn't capable of making his team better when it counts. Did the Cavaliers not go into the playoffs with one of the NBA's best records? That tells me that Lebron had a team capable of winning it all, Lebron fell short. He wasn’t able to make his team better and carry them to a championship like Kobe was able too at 31 years old coming off leading the United States Olympic Team to a gold medal.
Kobe is just a born leader, first he leads this great country of ours to a gold medal and then he leads his franchise to their 4th title under his tenure. Kobe is the choice to build a franchise around.
Paul Bearer
I admitted to Kobe winning without Shaq, I said that he did win a 4th ring. But I also mentioned Kobe's struggles without Shaq and before Pau. Kobe was struggling just to make the playoffs and win a series, if Chris Wallace (the Grizzlies GM) has common sense and actually values his franchise and doesn't trade Gasol to LA where is Kobe? He's still playing for a fringe playoff team and asking a trade.
As far as face of the league, they were putting Cavs games on national TV as soon as Cleveland won the lottery, Lebron had NBA stars watching his high school games, Lebron has been that guy for the NBA since 2003, remember Kobe was the black sheep of the league for a 2 year period (sexual assault case, bruised reputation). Lebron was a NBA global icon from jump.
Lebron is his franchise, he was the best Cavalier player after 3 seasons. Kobe might not even be the best Laker of all time. Who watched Cavs games before he got there? Who cared about the Cavs before he got there? Can you name me 5 players from the Cavs roster in the season before Lebron got there?
Yes, Lebron has had opportunities to win a title and he's come up short yes. But he's performed incredibly in those series, yes a great player makes his teammates better but his teammates still have to perform. Where was Mo Williams against Orlando? Delonte West? Where was everybody against Boston in '08? Against SA in '07? You can lead a horse to water, but you cant make it drink. Lebron has taken his team there, now they have to step up for their star, you can't knock a player for doing all in his power to win but his cast doesnt support.
You say Kobe was a born leader, but it took 8 years before Kobe finally did lead and became a leader on his team. Lebron did it from the very beginning and has done well at it, and remember he's still young, he's only 24. Sky's the limit for Lebron
CutThroat
Lebron James to this day is compared to Kobe. No matter what Lebron does he will be compared to Kobe Bryant, not the other way around. For all the lime light he receives he still has to share with Kobe Bryant. What makes who would be the better franchise player an easy decision is what separates Lebron and Kobe. The two are separated by 4 championships, about 12,000 points and legendary 12 year career.
No question Lebron is great and has the potential to be even greater. But potential can go unfulfilled. I’ll take Kobe Bryant, the seasoned veteran who has already done it for my franchise. He has proven he wins rings. There is no guarantee that Lebron will ever win a ring, that he will match the career Kobe has had or that he will continue to improve with age like Kobe has.
My opponent is playing the “what-if game” or the “he could be game”. I on the other hand am using the “he’s proven it” already approach. What Lebron can do for a franchise doesn’t mean anything until he has actually done it. Kobe has proven what he will bring to a franchise. He has shown that he can and will deliver championship titles as well as a great all around career.
As great as Lebron is he still has several flaws in his game. He still doesn’t have the last shot ability that Kobe possesses. Lebron has uplifted the Cavs to success they’ve never experienced. But Kobe was tasked with the responsibility to return a franchise to past glory. The pressure on Kobe was immense. The bigger the moment the bigger Kobe’s game.
Lebron has come up short too many times in the playoffs and in his career. You want Lebron to be your franchise player, be my guess. Just be warned that your franchise will always come up short, just like Lebron.
Kobe is a champion, a proven one at that. He has proven he can win with any nucleus. Stats don’t mean anything if the franchise isn’t delivering championships…the one thing every player dreams about, every franchise salivates over and every fan pays to see won. Choose Kobe as your championship player and your choosing a championship franchise, dare I say dynasty. Choose Lebron as your franchise player and your choosing a franchise that will be good but always will come up short when it really counts.
Topic - Kobe or Lebron. Arguably the 2 best overall players in the NBA today. So the topis is this...which player would be a better choice to start your NBA Franchise with and why?
Paul Bearer-
First off let me say that you cant go wrong with either choice. Kobe and Lebron are both great players, but there are many reasons why I would start my team with Lebron James.
There has never been a player like Lebron James, he is a once in 20 year talent. How often do you see a player with a body like Karl Malone, the court sense of Oscar Robertson and ability to play out on the perimeter. 6'8, 260 lbs, ability to get to the rim like no other, draw contact, is able to step outside and knock down the jumper, can set up his own teammates. There really hasn't been a total package of size, skill, and athleticism ever. How could you not want a guy like that on your team. With Lebron there's no telling how far you can go with him, both as a team and him individually. Kobe maybe and probably has hit his peak, Lebron still maybe has a higher ceiling to touch as a player and get better.
Also it has been shown that you can start and build a successful franchise with Lebron. In 2002-03 the Cleveland Cavaliers finished the season 17-65 and won the NBA Lottery and selected Lebron. In the years that followed they went:
35-47 in 2003-04 (18 game improvement), 42-40 in 2004-05 (7 game improvement), 50-32 in 2005-06 (8 game improvement), 50-32 in 2006-07 (0 game improvement, but went to the NBA Finals), 45-37 in 2007-08 (8 game reduction but went to ECF), and 66-16 in 2008-09 (21 win improvement and another ECF appearance).
That's 6 straight seasons over .500, when the Cavs previously posted 5 straight seasons under .500, 2 ECF appearances, 1 ECF title, and 1 Finals appearances. You would have to go back to the Mark Price, Craig Ehlo, Brad Daughtery, Larry Nance days in Cleveland to find that success. And even then they still didn't accomplish what Lebron's Cavs have done. Also Lebron didn't really have a championship or contending team until last year. He's went from having Carlos Boozer and Ricky Davis as his sidekicks to Ilgauskas and Larry Hughes to now finally having Mo Williams and Shaq.
The Cavs went from East doormat to East contender, and that's what Lebron brings. He can transcend a franchise overnight, make a team respectable, and get other players to play alongside of him in order to build a successful team. There's only a handful of players that can make that claim (Jabbar, Robinson, Duncan, Bird). You cannot pass on a player like that, I would pick Lebron in a second and wouldn't think twice
CutThroat
Kobe is obviously the better choice to start a franchise around. Kobe has proven that if you build around him he will deliver multiple championships. He has what is most important in a franchise player and that is the will to win.
Correct me if I’m wrong but Kobe Bryant has 4 rings right? All those stats you threw out about Lebron were nice but lets get to what is truly important. Championships. Like Herm Edwards says, “You play to win the game”, And Win is something Kobe Bryant has done. Lebron for all his height, ability and fancy numbers has yet to deliver a ring. Something Kobe Bryant has done 4 times.
So be my guest and build your franchise around Lebron. While your franchise is contending in the East mine will be winning NBA championships behind our Franchise player…Kobe Bryant.
Kobe is the right choice to build a franchise around because he proved he can win the big game, he can elevate a team and put the team on his back to deliver them to the Promised Land. Good ole’ Kobe “Moses” Bryant never fails and never lets his team down. Kobe is the only choice to build a franchise around. For all Lebron offers he hasn’t offered what is most important to a franchise and that is a championship….Unless you just don’t care about that sort of thing, which I think my opponent, Paul Bearer doesn’t by choosing to build his franchise around Lebron.
Paul Bearer
Cutthroat you are right Kobe has 4 rings, Kobe has been to the promised land, and Kobe has won and Lebron hasn't. But remember Kobe wasn't the focal point or number 1 on the Lakers for 3 of those rings. Shaq was the one who won 3 Finals MVP's. Yes, Kobe did work but at the end of the day who's team was it? It was Shaq's. Kobe had a prime, 7-1, 330 lb, best player in the league crutch to lean on. Lebron hasn't had that luxury.
Lebron has been the man from jumpstreet as an 18 year old rookie and built up a championship-caliber team, Kobe never did that. Once Kobe did become the man, the Lakers went through a 3 year mediocre stretch (34 wins in 2004-05 no playoffs, 45 wins in 2005-06, 1st round playoff exit, 42 wins in 2007-08 1st round playoff exit) until they got Pau Gasol and that rocketed to the Finals. Remember before Kobe was winning that 4th ring, he was on camera in parking lots bashing Andrew Bynum and begging to be traded.
Lebron took the Cavs on his back as an 18 year old prodigy from high school and has led them to only 1 step from the summit. Not only that he's taken some teams far in the playoffs that had no business being in those series. Examples (2007 ECF against Detroit (win), 2007 Finals against SA (loss), 2008 ECF against Boston (7 game loss)).
I care about winning and so I would have no qualms about picking Lebron, like I said he's been to the Finals before and 3 ECF appearances in only 7 years and almost carried the Cavs back to Finals by himself against Boston in 2008. I want that guy on my team who can lead a team deep into the playoffs alone and has shown to be able to do it repeatedly.
The whole rings thing with Kobe is, he's been on better teams than Lebron and had teammates that stepped up for him and performed, Lebron hasn't had that. But since we're not talking about team but individually, the choice is LEbron
CutThroat
The flaw in the "Kobe had shaq" argument you present is the fact that Kobe has won without Shaq. It doesn't matter if Kobe has had better teams, as a franchise owner your job is to surround your franchise player with a championship team. Kobe having a good team around him just means that the ownership was doing they're job. . No player has done it by themselves, did Michael Jordan not win 6 rings because he had help
In addition to delivering championships Kobe bryant has been the face of the league for over a decade. He has been the most identifiable player since Michael Jordan. As a Franchise player Kobe not only wins but he draws crowds and endorsements which means more money and recognition for the franchise.
A franchise player should represent the franchise, win, deliver multiple titles and generate money for the franchise. Kobe does all of those things and he does them better than any player especially ones named Lebron James.
Also lets not forget that Lebron has had his opportunities to win titles. His inability to win a title only demonstrates that he isn't capable of making his team better when it counts. Did the Cavaliers not go into the playoffs with one of the NBA's best records? That tells me that Lebron had a team capable of winning it all, Lebron fell short. He wasn’t able to make his team better and carry them to a championship like Kobe was able too at 31 years old coming off leading the United States Olympic Team to a gold medal.
Kobe is just a born leader, first he leads this great country of ours to a gold medal and then he leads his franchise to their 4th title under his tenure. Kobe is the choice to build a franchise around.
Paul Bearer
I admitted to Kobe winning without Shaq, I said that he did win a 4th ring. But I also mentioned Kobe's struggles without Shaq and before Pau. Kobe was struggling just to make the playoffs and win a series, if Chris Wallace (the Grizzlies GM) has common sense and actually values his franchise and doesn't trade Gasol to LA where is Kobe? He's still playing for a fringe playoff team and asking a trade.
As far as face of the league, they were putting Cavs games on national TV as soon as Cleveland won the lottery, Lebron had NBA stars watching his high school games, Lebron has been that guy for the NBA since 2003, remember Kobe was the black sheep of the league for a 2 year period (sexual assault case, bruised reputation). Lebron was a NBA global icon from jump.
Lebron is his franchise, he was the best Cavalier player after 3 seasons. Kobe might not even be the best Laker of all time. Who watched Cavs games before he got there? Who cared about the Cavs before he got there? Can you name me 5 players from the Cavs roster in the season before Lebron got there?
Yes, Lebron has had opportunities to win a title and he's come up short yes. But he's performed incredibly in those series, yes a great player makes his teammates better but his teammates still have to perform. Where was Mo Williams against Orlando? Delonte West? Where was everybody against Boston in '08? Against SA in '07? You can lead a horse to water, but you cant make it drink. Lebron has taken his team there, now they have to step up for their star, you can't knock a player for doing all in his power to win but his cast doesnt support.
You say Kobe was a born leader, but it took 8 years before Kobe finally did lead and became a leader on his team. Lebron did it from the very beginning and has done well at it, and remember he's still young, he's only 24. Sky's the limit for Lebron
CutThroat
Lebron James to this day is compared to Kobe. No matter what Lebron does he will be compared to Kobe Bryant, not the other way around. For all the lime light he receives he still has to share with Kobe Bryant. What makes who would be the better franchise player an easy decision is what separates Lebron and Kobe. The two are separated by 4 championships, about 12,000 points and legendary 12 year career.
No question Lebron is great and has the potential to be even greater. But potential can go unfulfilled. I’ll take Kobe Bryant, the seasoned veteran who has already done it for my franchise. He has proven he wins rings. There is no guarantee that Lebron will ever win a ring, that he will match the career Kobe has had or that he will continue to improve with age like Kobe has.
My opponent is playing the “what-if game” or the “he could be game”. I on the other hand am using the “he’s proven it” already approach. What Lebron can do for a franchise doesn’t mean anything until he has actually done it. Kobe has proven what he will bring to a franchise. He has shown that he can and will deliver championship titles as well as a great all around career.
As great as Lebron is he still has several flaws in his game. He still doesn’t have the last shot ability that Kobe possesses. Lebron has uplifted the Cavs to success they’ve never experienced. But Kobe was tasked with the responsibility to return a franchise to past glory. The pressure on Kobe was immense. The bigger the moment the bigger Kobe’s game.
Lebron has come up short too many times in the playoffs and in his career. You want Lebron to be your franchise player, be my guess. Just be warned that your franchise will always come up short, just like Lebron.
Kobe is a champion, a proven one at that. He has proven he can win with any nucleus. Stats don’t mean anything if the franchise isn’t delivering championships…the one thing every player dreams about, every franchise salivates over and every fan pays to see won. Choose Kobe as your championship player and your choosing a championship franchise, dare I say dynasty. Choose Lebron as your franchise player and your choosing a franchise that will be good but always will come up short when it really counts.
Are NFL QB's Pampered, Protected, Pussies?
By Kevin Adams on 9/20/2010
Sounds harsh huh? But hey, I know im not the only one who has echoed that sentiment. But that's not saying I feel that way, I look at this from both points of views. But why am I talking about this? Well on Sunday of week 2 in the NFL, the issue of preferential treatment of quarterbacks was brought up.
In yesterday's game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals, which the Bengals won 15-10 featured two dubious calls on Ravens linebackers Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. Late in the third quarter with the Ravens up 7-6, Lewis was called for tripping Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer. The penalty gave the Bengals a first down and they moved the ball down the field for a field goal giving them a 9-7 lead. The call raised eyebrows especially after replays clearly showed that Lewis didnt go into Palmer with malicious intent or even meant to do it, Lewis was clearly tripped himself and rolled into Palmer. Lewis was visibly frustrated and irate on the field with the officials after the call.
In the 4th quarter controversy came around yet again, with the Ravens having taken the lead back with another field goal, Suggs was called for roughing the passer on Palmer as the officials said he slammed Palmer into the ground. Replays appeared to show that Suggs didnt slam Palmer into the ground, despite the officials call, that penalty led to another Cincy first down and later in the drive they got the game winning field goal. The Ravens were hit with two dubious penalties in a game that was a defensive struggle and points had been at a premium, couple that with a loss coming to a divisional opponent the Ravens would have every reason to be upset.
Lewis who has been known as an outspoken player, let loose with his feelings after the game letting it be known that he feels QB's get preferential treatment in the league. "I don't think I want to be politically correct right here. I want to be honest," Lewis said. "Honest is you put six points on the [darn]board by people doing their jobs. We laugh about it so much [about] quarterbacks getting all of this protection. I get tired of whining about quarterbacks. [But] Terrell can't stop in midair and pull up on Carson after he still has the ball."
Lewis continued on, You always try to be careful because the league always tries to fine you. But there are so many rules that take away from the game. I get blocked into the player and you tell me that I tripped this man, but this man fell over my feet. There's too much crying from them. You already make the big money. Keep your big money. But don't cry when you step on the football field. That's war out there. If you want to go at it, go at it hard. But don't disrespect the game like that."
Suggs himself disagreed that the calls were the reason behind Baltimore's loss "Did we win or lose the game right there?," Suggs said, "Absolutely not."
Now while we can debate on whether those calls cost Baltimore the game, the Bengals getting 6 points in a game they won by 5 points was very helpful. But there were other mistakes by the Ravens notably their own QB Joe Flacco throwing 4 interceptions.
But we've seen this topic rear it's head and come up before. Are QB's too protected and getting beneficial treatment from officials? Quarterbacks have had rules changed and put in too protect them, after Tom Brady's knee blowout due to a hit by Bernard Pollard, it is now illegal to hit a QB around the legs. We've seen defensive players complain before about officials being too harsh when it comes to getting to the QB. There have been plenty of instances were defensive players get called for penalties on hits that were harmless in nature.
This issue has been around for years now, you can go back to 1976 when New England Patriots defensive tackle Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton was called for a suspect roughing the passer call on Oakland Raiders QB Kenny Stabler, with New England up by 3 in the final two minutes. The Raiders would go onto score and win the game 21-17. So this is something that isnt going away, but Lewis and his statements have brought the issue back into the present.
The quarterback has always been looked at as the glamour position in football, and the most important position on the field, and keeping the QB on the field is a big responsibility. But have the officials and the NFL gone too far with what can and cant be done with the quarterback? Yes QB's do get the money, the fame, and all the perks on the football field.
But are they getting more protected on the field? Do officials look at QB's in a different light from everyone else? Are quarterbacks spoiled pretty boys on the field? Now yes, not every QB gets every petty thing called in there favor, but we have seen QB's get more of the benefit of the doubt from officials. As a fan myself, I would hate to see the toughness, hits, and what makes football the game we love taken away from it. Quarterbacks are players like everyone else, there's no rules that you cant hit a running back below the knees or in the legs, so really in a way Lewis is right but the quarterback is the main man on the field so it comes with the territory in a way.
Whatever the sentiment is on this and no matter what feelings fans, coaches and players have this is something that will be around for a while and something that will be brought up again and again. Are the rules fine the way they are, are the officials doing the right thing, is Lewis hitting the nail on the head with his comments? Either way you feel this is something that comes with the game, whether it's right or wrong is the issue.
Geto Boys: We Can't Be Stopped album synopsis
We Can't Be Stopped
4 words never described a group and album so perfectly than We Can't Be Stopped. The Geto Boys with their 3 members Scarface, Willie D, and Bushwick Bill were putting out controversial, over-the-top, gangster rap with great results (and controversy). In 1991, it all came together perfectly on this album. No matter what, you aren't stopping this trio from saying what is on their minds, no matter what it is. The police? The music industry? The KKK? Women? A group member shooting himself in the eye? No, nothing at all, hell they even put a picture of Bushwick without his eye on the cover. But this album isn't just offensive and violent raps with no lyrical or musical qualities, this is a an album of classic material. Backed by the classic paranoia anthem "Mind Playing Tricks On Me" and songs ranging from funny, morbid, insane, & downright explicit GB is backed by dope beats with a wide ranging variety of samples to make everything work here. Even in 2010, you still can't stop them
UGK-Ridin Dirty album synopsis
Ridin Dirty
In 1996, Port Arthur, TX duo Bun B and Pimp C aka UGK released their 3rd album, the classic Ridin Dirty. An album that became the duo's magnum opus and an album that forever influenced a legion of rappers from the South to come. UGK had already dropped two great albums before with Too Hard To Swallow and Super Tight, but here on Ridin Dirty they upped the ante. Musically and lyrically the album is great with few weak spots, the production is fantastic handled by Pimp C with contributions from the underrated N.O. Joe. It created a perfect backdrop for the duo to rap about life in Texas in the 90's. The group tackles street shit with tracks like "Murder", "That's Why I Carry", "Touched", pimp game with "Good Stuff and "Pinky Ring", introspective tales with the classic "One Day" and "Hi-Life" and laid back tracks like the title track, "Diamonds & Wood" and "3 In The Mornin". Both Bun and Pimp provide excellent performances on the mic, especially Bun who was in rare form and killed almost every track on here, in fact look no further than his back end destruction on Murder. All in all, UGK solidified their status as the Kings of the Underground and a stepping stone as one of the best duos in rap history.
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