Few players have lived up to the hype and also made such a name for themselves in a shorter time than Clippers forward Blake Griffin. This former No. 1 draft pick sat out his first season with an injury to his kneecap, suffered in the 2009-2010 preseason. After discovering the stress fracture was not healing properly, Griffin decided to have season ending surgery, a season which never truly began.
But, let’s back track for a moment. Blake Griffin’s basketball career started at the Oklahoma Christian School under his father, who was the head coach. He won state championships all 4 years of high school. His talent drew recruits and eventually scholarship offers from prestigious basketball schools:Duke, North Carolina, Texas, and Kansas, but Griffin decided to stay close to home and play for the Oklahoma Sooners.
Griffin’s short career at the University of Oklahoma was highlighted with the John Wooden Award, and Naismith and AP Player of the Year in 2009. I was fortunate enough to see Blake in action while at OU, and marveled at his rebounding ability, over-powering dunks, and heart for the game. As just a sophomore, he decided to enter the NBA draft. Injuries had always been a concern for Griffin, who suffered a sprained left MCL, torn cartilage in his right knee, and a concussion in his 2 years at Oklahoma. But with his leaping ability, athleticism, aggressiveness, and work ethic, it would have been foolish not to keep him at the top of any NBA draft board.
And so it was. Blake Griffin was taken by the Los Angeles Clippers as the No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft. After missing the 2009-2010 season, Griffin burst into the 2010-2011 season as one of the league’s best rebounders and dunkers, quickly placing himself among the league’s best. One NBA commentator summed it up best, “He’s the only reason to buy a ticket to a Clippers game.” Playing less than halfway into first season, Blake Griffin has already etched his name on the short list of Clipper legends. His electric play has given Clippers fans a reason to have hope for the future, the very near future.
But his aggressive style and thunderous dunks aren’t being received on the court as well as they are off the court. Opponents are undercutting him on lobs and getting unnecessarily physical in the paint. Veteran Baron Davis recently stuck up for the young forward after Lakers forward Lamar Odom became a little impatient and angry after being out-rebounded and dunk on numerous times by Griffin. After the game, Baron Davis said that they have to start taking care of him. Blake is a mild mannered guy, and will walk away from confrontation, and with the support of his teammates, he won’t have to fight the battles alone.
For the fans who have not been able to see Griffin in action yet, the Slam Dunk Contest during the NBA All-Star weekend will surely amaze. As exciting and jaw-dropping as Blake Griffin’s dunks can be, this might be a down year for the Dunk Contest. Griffin should win easily and add yet another accolade to his growing list of achievements. You're a beast, Blake.
Here we are, just one game away from the Super Bowl. Both matchups are that of No. 6 vs. No. 2 seeds. First, we have the NFC North Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears battling for the NFC title and a spot in the Jerry’s Bowl in Dallas. Then the New York Jets travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers in the AFC Championship game. Here’s how I see this weekend going:
No. 6 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Chicago Bears – Even as the 6th seed, Green Bay has plowed through this post season and has emerged as a Super Bowl favorite, according to many experts and even former QB Brett Favre. Yes, after being cast aside by his former team, Brett Favre says that the Packers are the team to beat. And I am starting to agree with him.
Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers is the hottest quarterback among the remaining teams and numerous unknown players have thrust themselves onto the big playoff stage. RB James Starks had another good game on the ground, while WR Jordy Nelson became yet another target for Rodgers downfield. Veteran WRs Greg Jennings and Donald Driver proved, once again, they still have the ability to put up decent receiving numbers.
RB John Kuhn is also a dangerous running and receiving threat inside the red zone, scoring 2 TDs in the blowout win in Atlanta. Young CB Tramon Williams has been a spotlight on an already bright Green Bay defense. Mirroring Williams is former Defensive Player of the Year, Charles Woodson. LBs Clay Matthews and AJ Hawk should get after Chicago QB Jay Cutler enough to force him into making some bad decisions.
On the other hand, Cutler had a good game against Seattle, throwing for 2 TDs, as well as 43 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Both of his passing TDs were from beyond 35 yards, which went to TEs Greg Olsen and Kellen Davis. Receiver and return man Devin Hester is a dangerous threat whenever he is on the field. Bears RB Matt Forte will eat up chunks of yards on the ground and also offers a great, short yardage receiver. The Bears have always and still rely on their strong defense. Defensive lineman Julius Peppers and Tommie Harris, along with LBs Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs provide the heart of the Bear’s defense.
The post season boils down to execution and the ability to capitalize on turnovers. Aaron Rodgers and the rolling Packers might be too much for Chicago to handle.
My prediction:30-17, Green Bay
No 6. New York Jets at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers – Ahh, the match up I love to hate. As you may have learned from previous posts, I’m not a Jets fan. They’ve proved me wrong in every game thus far, but I still can’t pick them for this one. I think Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is the far better quarterback. Both he and Jets QB Mark Sanchez have talent all around them, but it will come down to execution on their parts to walk away with a win.
Pittsburgh WRs Mike Wallace, Hines Ward, and TE Heath Miller give Big Ben great targets downfield, while RB Rashard Mendenhall will chew up yards and clock. Pittsburgh’s defense should give New York much more of a fight than any opponent they’ve faced thus far in the post season. LBs James Farrior, Lawrence Timmons, and James Harrison love to hit and hit hard. Sanchez doesn’t play well if he is continually pressured and hit, so look for the Steelers to haunt him early and often. The Pittsburgh secondary, led by Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor, like to play physical and take risks which could make life miserable for Sanchez and his receivers.
As much as I dislike the Jets, once again, I must acknowledge their talent. QB Mark Sanchez has proven he is a good NFL quarterback. He has a handful of receivers in Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Dustin Keller, and Jerricho Cotchery, all of which can take advantage of 1-on-1 matchups and make big plays. RBs Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson rotate in and out, and can pick up big chunks of yards. The majority of the defensive strength of New York lies in their secondary, with CBs Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. Veteran LB Jason Taylor is expected to be back after suffering a concussion in the second half of last weekend’s matchup with the Patriots. The Jets will have to put pressure on Big Ben and play aggressively or he will pick them apart.
My prediction:27-24, Pittsburgh
To be honest, I never thought I’d be hoping for a Green Bay/Pittsburgh Super Bowl, but you have to work with what you have. This season has been full of surprises, so why would this weekend be any different? We’ve already seen huge blowouts and major upsets this post season, but that’s why they play the game. Any given Sunday…
Just weeks after Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame induction, or parade of inductees that didn’t make it in, attention is once again brought to the use of steroids. I’m not really sure where I truly stand on this one.
On one hand, I think using steroids, HGH, or whatever you want to call it, isn’t the way to go. The physical side effects in the long run, in my opinion, aren’t worth the short term strength gains. Take the time to do it right. Yes, it may take years to build up the strength and size that it may take with just one year of steroid use, but you protect your body by doing it right. Hit the weight room hard. You get paid enough to put in a little bit of hard work.
I understand that in everything, it’s a “win now” mentality and performance standards are higher than ever. Players are offered huge incentive bonuses for meeting different goals. But at what cost? Are you really going to feel a $2 million bump in your $125 million contract? Should MLB implement another “3 strikes and you’re out” policy?
Then again, how much of an advantage do steroids really give someone? It may help you hit the ball farther, but it doesn’t actually help you hit the ball. You have to start somewhere with fundamental training:hand-eye coordination, timing, and reaction are all crucial. Will steroids help you field a ground ball any better? No…back to basics:get in front of the ball, butt down, and glove on the ground. Can steroids make you run faster? Some would say yes, but there is a certain speed that your body taps out at. Have you ever heard some say, “You can’t coach speed”?Sure, you can improve technique and form and shave milliseconds off your 40, but no amount of training will let you keep up with Usain Bolt. You have to be born with it.
The players who have been thrown into the spotlight are some of the great sluggers and pitchers that my generation has seen. Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and even my hometown hero, Jeff Bagwell may never see the Hall of Fame. Recent controversial figures like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens deserve to be in the Hall of Fame because of their MVP and Cy Young winning seasons, but they also may never get that top honor.
And then there’s A-Rod. By the end of his career, he will be at, or near the top of almost every major hitting category. Any record or honor bestowed upon him will likely be followed with an asterisk or two. If he, along with his fellow accused, is not inducted into the Hall of Fame, many of baseball’s perceived greats will never transcend into sports immortality.
You be the judge. Do we cast aside many of the records set by today’s sports heroes? Acknowledge the record, and deny the accused a spot among baseball’s elite? Or do we throw out the record, along with juicing players who have tarnished their reputation and America’s pastime?
With the wildcard weekend behind us, we now turn our attention to more interesting games. Don’t get me wrong, last weekend’s games held my attention quite nicely, but this next round focuses on drama off the field. With headlines like:Brady and Belichick vs. Ryan, and Flacco vs. Big Ben, I feel like more focus is put on personalities and opinions rather than stats and rivalries on the field. Without a doubt, the AFC is hosting the most hyped games, but Atlanta and Chicago’s quiet power may prove to be just what the NFC needs.
No. 5 Baltimore Ravens at No. 2 Pittsburgh Steelers – This weekend opens up with the rubber match between the defensive powerhouses Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. Each game in the regular season was decided by 3 points, with Baltimore’s 17-14 win in Week 4, followed by Pittsburgh’s 13-10 victory in Week 13, with roads wins in each contest. Both teams, historically known for their defense, now come loaded with talented quarterbacks, powerful runners, and big play receivers. Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger has a big arm and a veteran WR in Hines Ward and a super speedy WR Mike Wallace. QB Joe Flacco has 4 receivers that he can go to, with confidence, at any time in TE Todd Heap, and WRs Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, and T.J. Houshmadzadeh. Ravens RB Ray Rice eats up yards and can break loose from time to time, while Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall can easily punch one in when inside the red zone.
The game will come down to defense and which team creates and capitalizes on turnovers. Pittsburgh’s hard hitting Harrison, Timmons, and Farrior, coupled with Troy Polamalu’s ball hawking abilities could give Joe Flacco more than he can handle. On the other hand, Baltimore LBs Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis disrupt as many plays as anyone, and Ed Reed has no problem matching Polamalu’s game-changing ability. I could go either way on this game. I would love to see Baltimore and New England in the AFC championship game, just to see Tom Brady pick apart the Ravens defense. However, I have a hard time rooting against Troy Polamolu’s hair.
My prediction:24-20, Steelers
No. 6 Green Bay Packers at No. 1 Atlanta Falcons – The Atlanta Falcons have quietly put up one of their best seasons ever without being thrust into the headlines. Led by QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, TE Tony Gonzalez, and WR Roddy White, Atlanta rolled to an NFC best 13-3 record. The Falcons haven’t been blowing teams away, but instead, have been consistent, only losing to one NFC opponent, New Orleans. AFC rivals Pittsburgh and Baltimore accounted for the other two losses. These two teams met once during the regular season, in a Week 12, 20-17 Atlanta victory.
Green Bay comes off last week’s exciting victory over Philadelphia, in which an interception in the final minute ended what looked to be a game-winning drive put together by Eagles QB Michael Vick.
Unknown Green Bay RB James Starks emerged as rushing threat which should guarantee him a few more carries this week. QB Aaron Rodgers managed the game well and threw for 3 TDs, despite putting up a less than impressive stat line, going 18-for-27 for only 180 yards and was sacked multiple times. Rodgers has proven that his mobility can extend plays, but with Atlanta’s defensive linemen Kroy Biermann and Jonathan Babineaux continually bringing pressure, Green Bay’s offensive line must give Rodgers enough time in the pocket and create holes for RBs Brandon Jackson and James Starks. If the Packers can establish an early running game, Atlanta’s linebackers will start to creep up, opening up passing opportunities of 10-15 yards at a time. Each team will force a couple of turnovers, but the one to capitalize late will earn a spot in the NFC title game.
My prediction:27-24, Falcons
No. 4 Seattle Seahawks at No. 2 Chicago Bears – This will go down in this year’s playoff history as the game no one cared about. Sure, Chicago put together a good year under the radar, and Seattle comes in after shocking the Saints (and the world) in last weekend’s 41-36 thriller. But come on, who really cares about this one? I wasn’t able to watch the Bears during the regular season, so I should see what they’re all about. The Bears don’t have a laundry list of huge names, but with QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, and WRs Devin Hester and Johnny Knox, Chicago should be able to stifle Seattle’s hopes of a Cinderella post season. QB Jay Cutler has had his struggles in the past with completions to opponents, but if he can throw for more TDs than INTs, Chicago should have no problem in this one. If not, Chicago will look to defensive veterans DE Julius Peppers, DT Tommie Harris, and LB Brian Urlacher to contain the overachieving Seattle offense.
But then again, it’s hard to beat a team that has heart and the will to win. Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch did his best Adrian Peterson impression late in the 4th quarter to seal the win over the Saints last week, showing that determination is just as necessary as strength and speed.
WRs Brandon Stokley and John Carlson made big plays all game, which allowed Mike Williams to take advantage of some one-on-one matchups. They’ll need to show up again if they want to advance and continue the upsets.
Seattle won’t have the home field advantage in this one, which proved to be a decisive factor against New Orleans. The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network registered a small tremor near Qwest Field, right about the time Marshawn Lynch broke off his miraculous, 67-yard run. Chicago might want to steal a page from the Seattle coffee industry’s playbook:get your fans jacked up on coffee and pack them into a confined location. Regular or decaf? You tell me…..
My prediction: 27-17, Bears
No. 6 New York Jets at No. 1 New England Patriots - The Jets/Patriots split their regular season matchups, but both went about it in very different ways. The Jets beat the Patriots in Week 2, before New England got Branch, Gronkowski, and Hernandez rolling within the offense. Then there was the Week 13 massacre on Monday Night Football, in which Tom Brady picked apart the Jet’s defense, throwing 4 TDs in a 45-3 rout. Last week, QB Mark Sanchez was erratic, but made plays down the stretch that led to a game-winning, last second field goal which ushered the Colts out of the playoffs. This week, however, Sanchez will have to keep the game close to give New York any shot at stunning the Pats.
Tom Brady enters this post season on the heels of arguably his best season ever. At any moment, Brady can unleash his arsenal of receivers that includes WRs Wes Welker and Deion Branch, and TEs Alge Crumpler, Rob Gronkowski, or Aaron Hernandez. And when he wants to slow things down a bit, he turns to RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis or FB Danny Woodhead, who each have the ability to produce big runs.
But as biased as I may be, I must acknowledge the talent the Jets have. We know RBs Shonn Greene and the resurgent LaDainian Tomlinson can eat up chunks of yards, which then opens things up for Sanchez to take shots down field at WRs Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes. TE Dustin Keller also gives Sanchez another play making receiver over the middle.
And then there’s the coaching battle; the quiet and reserved Bill Belichick against the big, loud, and proud Rex Ryan. Rex Ryan continually takes verbal shots at his opponents, while you rarely hear anything from Belichick. But don’t be fooled. Bill Belichick takes note of everything and will fire back where it hurts the most:the field. His teams play a full 60 minutes and he isn’t afraid to run up the score.
And then….the game is in New England. Is there a bigger home field advantage anywhere in sports? It seems the last time Tom Brady lost at home was when Mark Sanchez was enrolling at USC. Okay…that may be a little bit of an exaggeration, but you get the picture.
My prediction:41-24, Patriots
This weekend offers a set of games that could swing either way, with only 1 true upset possible. Again, this has been a crazy year in the NFL and I wouldn’t be shocked to see some big plays, big mistakes, and big surprises.
Tonight, No. 1 Auburn will face No. 2 Oregon in the BCS National Championship game in what may go down as one of the most exciting games in years. Both offenses offer full throttle, big play potential, leaving many questioning the defense’s ability to keep up. Heisman winner QB Cam Newton and RB LaMichael James headline the matchup, and while both offer game-changing ability, one can’t ignore the other play makers both teams possess.
Of course, Auburn QB Cam Newton brings the most game-changing potential with his ability to beat you with his feet and his underestimated arm. If Newton can get into the second level of the Duck’s defense, Oregon’s secondary won’t have trouble catching him, but they might need a wrecking ball to bring him down. At 6’6”, 250 lbs., Cam Newton looks more like LeBron James than a college quarterback. Along with bringing home the national championship, Newton hopes to break the “Heisman curse.” Only 3 of the past 10 Heisman winners have gone on to win their bowl game the same year. RB Mark Ingram and QBs Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer were the 3 who did not fall victim to the dreaded curse.
With all the focusing seemingly on Cam Newton, look for a big game from freshman RB Michael Dyer. Dyer averaged just under 6 yards per carry, while quietly putting up 950 rushing yards and 5 TDs. RB Onterio McCalebb averaged more than 8.5 yards per carry with 9 TDs. With all of Auburn’s running talent, many overlook the great group of receivers the Tiger’s have at their disposal. WR Darvin Adams had 7 catches for 217 yards and 2TDs in the SEC title game and WRs Terrell Zachery and Emory Blake add big play opportunities down the field with TDs of 80 and 94 yards, respectively. The defense is anchored by DT Nick Fairley, who is one of the SEC’s roughest, and some say dirtiest, player.
Oregon’s LaMichael James looks to cap his record setting year with a national championship. His 21 rushing TDs and 1682 rushing yards are what makes the Oregon offense go. Outside of James’ 21 rushing TDs, 6 other players have rushed for a total of 21 TDs. The Ducks are run by young QB Darron Thomas who has thrown for over 2500 yards and 28 TDs and only 7 INTs. Oregon’s 29 receiving TDs match that of Auburn, but with a more balanced receiving group. WR Jeff Maehl led the Ducks with 68 receptions for 943 yards and 12 TDs, but 15 other receivers combined for over 1800 yards and 17 TDs, proving QB Darron Thomas isn’t afraid to share the wealth. LB Casey Matthews leads the Duck’s defense who ranked 12th in points allowed with 18.4.
Auburn’s size advantage may come into play. While Oregon is clearly the faster team, speed doesn’t matter much when you’re continually being pounded by bigger, stronger opponents. The Tigers’ offensive line outweighs Oregon’s defensive front by about 45 lbs. per player. If the Ducks can’t find a way to get to QB Cam Newton, this may be a track meet from the start. It has been more than a month since either team has played in an actual game, so the team that is able to shake off the rust first holds the advantage. The score should remain close, with more lead changes than Journey possible.
Yes, ladies and gents, one of the NFL’s wildest regular seasons has finally come to an end. This year has seen back and forth starting quarterback battles, vicious hits, and the introduction of the Calvin Johnson rule. Tom Brady has been flawless, while the Texan’s defense, NFC West, and the Metrodome’s structural stability have been disturbingly flawed. But alas, the post season is here.
The Patriots head into their first-round bye as the Super Bowl favorite, with no true favorite from the NFC. The Atlanta Falcons boast the NFC’s best record, but the reigning champion Saints and often electric Eagles offer legitimate challengers. Seattle and Kansas City limped through weak divisions to earn what looks to be first round, home field losses.
Here’s a rough breakdown of how this weekend’s games should go:
No. 5 New Orleans Saints at No. 4 Seattle Seahawks - Looking at these two teams, you wonder who came up with the playoff’s seeding. But, as we all know, each division champ will host a home playoff game. Drew Brees has had another good year, throwing for more than 4600 yards, while Seattle has struggled with both Matt Hasselbeck and Charlie Whitehurst at quarterback. Despite the Saint’s banged up offense, playmakers like Reggie Bush, Jeremy Shockey, and Robert Meachem match up well against Seattle’s defense. On the other hand, Seattle’s only real offensive weapons are Mike Williams and an up and down Marshawn Lynch.
My prediction: 38-10, Saints
No. 6 New York Jets at No. 3 Indianapolis Colts – Not many people want to face Peyton Manning in the playoffs. Rex Ryan doesn’t seem to be one of those people. Although he recently praised Manning’s study habits and greatness, he’s been vocal about the Colts’ vulnerability, after their subpar season (by the Colts‘ standards). Injuries have taken their toll on Indy, with key losses in Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders, and Austin Collie. Both are still loaded with star power. QBs Manning vs. Sanchez. WRs Wayne and Garcon vs. Holmes and Edwards. Defense’s Freeney and Mathis vs. Revis and Cromartie. RBs Addai vs. Tomlinson. The Colts aren’t running over teams like they used to, but late in the season, as always, Manning leads them into the playoffs with promise. Sanchez has proven he can win, but I think Manning has enough left in the tank to squander the Jets’ hopes of advancing.
My prediction: 31-27, Colts
No. 5 Baltimore Ravens at No. 4 Kansas City Chiefs – Kansas City opens the playoffs at home, but I’m not sure how much of an advantage they have. Kansas City is only in the playoffs because of their weak division and underwhelming ability to beat the league’s worst teams. Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe had great years, but it will take spectacular games from them, along with Matt Cassel to overcome Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. (Catch that one, spell checker.) Both teams run pretty balanced offenses, so this game will come down to defense and who executes best. Baltimore’s numerous offensive weapons and hearty defense give them the edge in this one.
My prediction: 27-24, Baltimore
No. 6 Green Bay Packers at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles – Philadelphia clinched their 3rd seed in week 16, while Green Bay needed a win in Week 17 to get in. Both teams enter the playoffs with the spotlight on quarterbacks Michael Vick and Aaron Rodgers, who have been roughed up recently. Vick comes into the playoffs after an MVP worthy year, but bruised and beaten in a Week 15 loss to Minnesota. Rodgers also enters just weeks after suffering a concussion, but recent performances show he’s back and ready to make a run for the NFC title. The Eagles carry one of the league’s most explosive offenses, sparked by WR DeSean Jackson, RB LeSean McCoy, and of course, QB Michael Vick. In my opinion, the only way Green Bay walks away with a win is if Clay Matthews and A.J. Hawk continually hit Vick and keep him from making plays with his feet. Asante Samuel and Charles Woodson are proven defensive game changers. This one boils down to who capitalizes on turnovers late.
My prediction: 31-24, Philadelphia
But…when all is said and done, this has been a crazy year in the NFL. Late game heroics and huge blowouts have highlighted one of the most exciting seasons in recent NFL history. We’ll preview next week’s matchups and get into who needs what with the upcoming NFL Draft soon.
Quote of the Day:“Making plays counts, but not as much as the people who make them.”
