Payton's gutsy onside kick call had more to do with the Superbowl victory than Hurricane Katrina (www.bobcatsigs.org)
There is nothing more frustrating to a sports fan than being bombarded with ridiculous theories explaining the success–or failure–of a certain player or team.
Enter ESPN’s human-interest machine Rick Reilly, who unveiled the strange idea that Saints–like, you know, actual Saints–influenced the Colts’ play-calling and caused Reggie Wayne to play what was probably the worst game of his career.
According to Reilly and many others, it was destiny that lifted the Saints football team to unprecedented heights.
A more plausible theory would be that Harry Connick Jr. paid Wayne to throw the game.
I just can’t understand this notion of destiny. Was it destiny that caused a hurricane to ravage New Orleans? No, it was favorable weather conditions and a city constructed well below sea level. Was it destiny that Peyton Manning would lob a pass into the hands of Tracy Porter? No, it was a bad read and a really bad route.
The idea that a sports team can save a city is beyond idiotic. Sadly, this idea has been around for years, and until Sunday was last brought up during Michigan State’s improbable run to the Final Four in the Motor City last March. The Spartans defeated three No. 1 seeds to earn a berth in the Title game, which caused the national media to practically crown Tom Izzo as Pope Tom I for saving the city of Detroit from its economic plight through a “basketball bailout” of sorts.
The Saints delivered joy to a region starved for it, but a Superbowl victory won’t bring jobs, improve the levee system and certainly won’t raise the struggling city above sea level.
So why are we so eager to attribute success to destiny?
It’s human nature to want happiness for the less-fortunate; call it karma, poetic justice, or…destiny. When something magical happens, like a small-market mediocre franchise suddenly rising to the apex of the sports world, we feel all warm and fuzzy inside. We try to explain these things by calling it a miracle, a stroke of luck, or in some cases as an act of God.
Now for a dose of reality: Drew Brees is the most underrated player of my generation. Sean Payton is a terrific coach who will always be remembered for calling that onside kick to start the second half. The Saints are loaded with talented receivers, three quality running backs, and an opportunistic defense that improved throughout the season. That’s not destiny–it’s reality.
The Saints won because they played the better game. It’s just that simple.
Move over destiny, it looks like you need to make some room for delusion.
Gardner could be the player Rich Rod needs to turn Big Blue around. (Pic via thewolverineblog.com)
The dust has settled and the hype-machine is winding down. Signing day has come and gone, complete with the usual circus surrounding the big-name schools and the annual discrediting of the Big Ten’s classes. The Boo-Ya network spent much of it’s recruiting process ripping Ohio State for losing out on Seantrel Henderson and Jordan Hicks–and ignoring the impressive work by Michigan and Penn State. Typical.
I don’t believe in ranking classes; I have not seen many of these guys play, and who knows how they will develop. Don’t fool yourself; the ESPN College Football Analysts don’t know either. I will assign grades based on how each school did given the talent pool available to them, but I’m not assigning rankings–that’s stupid.
Let’s take a closer look at the Big Ten classes:
Ohio State
Summary: Much was made of what OSU didn’t do in recruiting, but what they did do was land some pretty solid prospects. Christian Bryant could be the next great pro prospect to play in the Bucks’ defensive backfield. WRs James Louis and Corey Brown add much-needed depth on the outside. Bradley Roby is raw but can fly–allegedly runs a sub 4.4 40–and could see playing time at corner next season if he can put on some lbs.
Sleepers: Tyrone Williams (6′5″, 215) could blossom as a receiver or tight end down the road. Keep an eye on linebackers Scott McVey and Jamel Turner. McVey could be the next great angry white dude to emerge at Ohio State.
Shortcomings: The Bucks signed only one offensive lineman (Andrew Norwall) and missed out on a couple others. There is a fair amount of depth on the line, but Tressel certainly wanted more line help from this class.
Analysis: As usual, Ohio State landed a bevy of talented recruits. There were more 3 star signees than usual, but that could be a good thing.
Grade: B
Iowa
Summary: Iowa is exhibit A for recruiting being over-hyped and overrated–see Bob Sanders, Dallas Clark, Shonn Green, etc. This year, the Hawkeyes landed a very solid class, including Iowa City native A.J. Derby and enormous TE C.J. Fiedorowicz. It’s going to be annoying to spell F-i-e-d-o-r-o-w-i-c-z for years to come; he should be an absolute beast with an excellent chance to have a long NFL career–I’m getting myself now. But his size (6′6″ 240) and athletic ability (offered basketball scholarships by Indiana and Wisconsin) combined with Iowa’s lack of depth at TE means he should see a ton of playing time next season. Bruising RB Marcus Coker and OL Andrew Donnal should have a big impact in Iowa City down the line.
Sleepers: James Morris could push for playing time at linebacker next season, most likely in the middle. Anthony Ferguson is an athletic DT prospect. Iowa raided LB Austin Gray and WR Kevonte Martin-Manley from Michigan; both could emerge as key contributors.
Shortcomings: Not many as far as position depth. Iowa could have used some cornerback prospects and will need to address that area in recruiting this year.
Analysis: Most people who have seen Derby play say he throws an ugly ball and believe his size and skills would make him a solid linebacker. But he wants to play QB and the Iowa coaches want him to play QB. Don’t expect him to see the field for two or three years unless he changes positions.
Grade: B+
Penn State
Summary: Highly-touted linebacker prospects usually pan out, so expect Khari Fortt to be the next star at Linebacker U. QB Robert Bolden could be in the mix for playing time next season, and RB Silas Redd and LB Mike Hall will likely see extensive playing time right away. The Lions also signed four talented defensive linemen; Dakota Royer, Kyle Baublitz (great name), Evan Hailes, and C.J. Olaniyan.
Sleepers: Kevin Haplea could emerge as a big-time TE down the line. WR Levi Norwood and O-Line prospect Luke Graham could develop into solid contributors.
Shortcomings: Plenty of linebackers and defensive ends, but absolutely no secondary depth was added. Much like Iowa, Penn State will need to hit that area hard next year.
Analysis: Joe Pa is old balls but apparently can still recruit–or somebody at PSU can. The Lions are stockpiling talent and adding to what is already a very deep team.
Grade: A
Wisconsin
Summary: Wisconsin didn’t land many big names, but still put together a balanced class. Frank Tamakloe could be the next great Badger safety. Madison’s own Marquis Mason will have an impact right away, while Jameson Wright could team with Tamakloe down the line to form a talented safety duo.
Sleepers: When you’re (listed) at 6′8″, 346, it’s hard to go unnoticed. But Rob Havenstein didn’t get much interest from big-name programs, aside from Penn State. Havenstein could be the next Aaron Gibson–the college years. That’s a good thing. WR Isaiah Williams could be a good finds, along with linebackers Cody Byers and Josh Harrison could be good finds.
Shortcomings: Wisconsin and Iowa typical land a bunch of three star type guys who develop and emerge in couple years; along with a can’t-miss guy here and there. I’m not sure Wisconsin has that can’t-miss this year.
Analysis: The class addressed numerous positions and looks to be pretty solid, even if it takes some time for its members to see the field. UW is starting to make it’s mark in Florida, inking five players from the Sunshine State this year.
Grade: C
Northwestern
Summary: Who wouldn’t want to play for Pat Fitzgerald? One of the most underrated coaches in CFB is becoming a good recruiter, landing Trevor Sieman from Florida and three talented defensive line prospects–Chance Carter, Sean McEvilly, and Will Hampton.
Sleepers: WR Jimmy Hall might be one of the few Wildcats play as a true freshman. Collin Ellis and Paul Jorgensen need time but could emerge as stars in a couple years.
Shortcomings: Northwestern faces all sorts of obstacles in recruiting, and signed a small class this season. The Wildcats are dangerously thin at running back–Adonis Smith was the lone RB signed.
Analysis: The running back position is a big problem that wasn’t addressed, but the rest of the class appears to be pretty solid
Grade: C+
Gholston figures to be a star from the start, at either DE or OLB. (Pic via scout.com)
Michigan State
Summary: William Ghloston headlines a class that could feature four or five players starting as soon as next season. Gholston will probably play defensive end for the Spartans, but for right now is listed as a linebacker. Max Bullough could compete for a starting job at outside linebacker. Look for Mylan Hicks and Isaiah Lewis to see the field right away.
Sleepers: Michigan State needs help at receiver, and Keith Mumphery and Tony Lippert should be able to bolster the Spartans on the outside. Joe Boisture is an enormous QB a could push his way into the lineup. RB Nick Hill has drawn comparisons to Mike Hart; short, compact, and really tough to tackle.
Shortcomings: MSU could have used more help at reciever and running back, but overall this is a strong, deep class.
Analysis: The Spartans have had off-field issues that might make things a bit rough early next season. The uncertain status of a number of key players, including leading returning reciever B.J. Cunningham, might force a handful of players into action too soon.
Grade: A-
Purdue
Summary: Sean Robinson could become one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten as soon as next season–he is that good. Robinson can really throw it and is a very good runner with strength and speed. I have a feeling many of the top programs around the country will regret not pursuing him. Two Florida boys, WR O.J. Ross and CB Ricardo Allen bring speed and quickness and should play a key role.
Sleepers: A number of defensive players that could develop into starters, led by DT Bruce Gaston and Joe Gilliam.
Shortcomings: This class looks promising, but it will take awhile until it transalates to success on the field.
Analysis: Danny Hope and his magic ’stache took a big step in rebuilding a program lacking depth. I’m telling you, Robinson will be a star.
Grade: B-
Minnesota
Summary: There is a chance Seantrel Henderson could end up being part of the class; he hasn’t officially signed with USC and Minnesota would be his likely destination if he backs away from the Trojans. Unlike Northwestern, Minnesota got the running backs it needed, signing LeMonte Edwards, Donnell Kirkwood, and Devon Wright. Jimmy Gjere would most likely end up playing offensive line and could crack the lineup next year.
Sleepers: Could be a bunch here, led by S James Manuel and LB Willie Tatum
Shortcomings: The Gophers could use a quarterback and needed reciever help. Aside from running backs and lineman, the offensive side of the ball didn’t get much help from this class.
Analysis: I remember watching Minnesota struggle against faster teams a few years ago–Tim Brewster has done a great job adding speed to his defense. I don’t see a dynamic offensive player among the 2010 class.
Grade: C
Providing he stays out of trouble, Dorsey should be an impact player for the Wolverines. (Pic via scout.com)
Michigan
Summary: Rich Rodriguez has found the going much easier in recruiting than he has on the field. Eventually, his highly-touted recruits should make a difference–unless he is the next Ron Zook. Difference-makers in this class include QB Devin Gardner and defensive backs Demar Dorsey, Marvin Robinson and Richard Ash.
Sleepers: Kickers never get much pub in recruiting, but Michigan landed a good one in Will Hagerup. Gibreel Black and Davion Rogers will be productive defensive players in the future, and WR Jeremy Jackson could be a star.
Shortcomings: Michigan’s enormous class featured only one offensive lineman. The Wolverines have struggled in the trenches for the last couple seasons and didn’t get enough help in recruiting.
Analysis: The man who coached Pacman Jones and Chris Henry at West Virginia has never hestitated to recruit players with questionable character, so it was no surprise Rich Rod went after Dorsey. The Florida native has been involved in three burglaries and appears to be a risk, creating a testy press conference on signing day. Winning cures all, and Rodriguez needs to win–now.
Grade: A-
Illinois
Summary: Ron Zook is losing his recruiting magic, along with continuity in his staff and soon–his job. Zook lost a number of key recruits last fall, but did land QB Chandler Whitmer and Darious Milliness.
Sleepers: Expect 25 year-old Trulon Henry and Earnest Thomas to play somewhere next season in the defensive backfield. WR Anthony Williams is a project but could be a very good player in a couple years.
Shortcomings: This was Zook’s lowest-rated class and doesn’t seem likely to add much substance to an already thin Illini squad.
Analysis: Zook has always gotten less out of more, but now needs to get more out of less. Always considered a great recruiter, the Zookster fell short this year–way, way short.
Grade: D
Indiana
Summary: The Hoosiers signed three JUCO players, including defensive backs Andre Kates and Lenyatta Kiles, that should help the defensive side of the ball right away. Kofi Hughes doesn’t have a clear position but is certainly a good find. LB Ishmael Thomas looks to be the cream of the crop and will certainly play next season.
Sleepers: At 6′5″, WR Logan Young was a steal. Matt Zakrzewski projects as a MLB and could see the field early.
Shortcomings: Offense wasn’t the problem last season, but could be in the future. The Hoosiers loaded up on defensive players and might regret not adding depth to the offense.
Analysis: Bill Lynch did a nice job filling needs with the three JUCO defensive players he signed and added several nice prospects. Indiana was competitive last year and should be an improved team next season, possibly playing into bowl contention.
The University of South Florida men’s hoops squad has barely been competitive during its four years in the Big East. This year is a different story.
USF got another strong performance from Dominique Jones to rally over No. 7 Georgetown 72-64 in Washington D.C.
Here are the highlights:
Don’t look now, but South Florida is suddenly 15-7 overall and 5-5 in the Big East. Quality wins against Pitt and the Hoyas have the Bulls in contention for an NCAA tournament bid.
Coach Stan Heath has done a fantastic job, but there is no question who is primarily responsible for the turnaround. Dominique Jones.
Jones has vaulted himself into the picture for Big East Player of the Year with some incredible scoring performances in conference play, including a 46-point outburst against Providence last week. He exploded for 22 of his 29 points in the second half against Georgetown and is averaging over 35 ppg during the Bulls’ four-game win streak.
This scoring barrage shouldn’t be too surprising. Jones averaged 17.6 ppg during his first two seasons at South Florida and showed flashes that made NBA scouts take notice.
Now in his junior season, Jones is playing his way into the first round of the NBA Draft.
He is averaging 22.4 ppg while shooting an astounding 49% from the field, after shooting only 41% last season. He is an improved 3-point shooter, knocking down 36% of threes compared to 30% a year ago. And then there is his all-around game, something NBA GM’s should be noticing–6.2 rpg, 4.2 apg, and 1.9 spg.
Jones won’t unleash as many jaw-dropping plays as Syracuse’s Wesley Johnson, his primary competitor for POY honors in the Big East, but he is silky smooth and makes scoring look easy.
Too bad USF is hardly ever on TV–watching Louisville, UConn, or Notre Dame this season just doesn’t do it for me.
Remember when OJ was supposed to be the next LeBron?
Stay tuned for some actual posts later this evening, touching on all sorts of topics, including National Signing Day in CFB. I’ll have a breakdown of how the Big Ten did today–Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan landed top-10 caliber classes while Michigan State, Wisconsin, Purdue, Iowa, and Northwestern landed some excellent prospects as well. It was a good year for the Big Ten to say the least.
Look for this look at least 2,456 times next season in Chicago. (Pic via cornbreadcentral.wordpress.com)
The Chicago Bears finally ended the lengthy search for an offensive coordinator Monday, announcing Mike Martz has been hired to fill the position left vacant by the embattled Ron Turner.
The move comes weeks after Lovie Smith endorsed Martz for the position, but initially received no backing from other members of the Bears organization, including GM Jerry Angelo.
The 2010 Bears should resemble a very entertaining remix of “The Greatest Show on Turf.”
Soldier Field has one of the worst playing surfaces in the NFL. Combine that with below-average receivers trying to run complex routes, a crabby quarterback, and an ego-maniac like Martz and you get a disaster waiting to happen.
Can you imagine Devin Hester sitting in a Starbucks trying to memorize Martz’s playbook? Yikes.
The Martz hire doesn’t make much sense for a franchise desperately seeking stability.
After leaving the Rams in 2005, Martz lasted only one year each as offensive coordinator with the Lions and then 49ers. He clashed with coaches and players along the way, strengthening his reputation of being difficult to work with.
His complicated offense features deep drops, longer routes, and keeping the quarterback in the pocket. That could spell injury for Jay Cutler considering the Bears woeful offensive line.
It should be fun to watch Martz’s stubborn style clash with Jay Cutler’s bull-headed mindset.
Meanwhile, the search for a defensive coordinator continues in Chicago. Sit back, relax, and strap it down.
People need to start recognizing Demetri McCamey. The junior hit a runner as time expired to give the Illini a 72-70 win over the struggling Hoosiers. Here are the highlights:
My frantic job search is still underway, but I’ll have more posts later today, including thoughts on Tom Crean’s failure to launch in Bloomington.
Gus Johnson went nuts Sunday in the closing seconds of the Vols 61-60 win over the Gators. Scotty Hopson’s stepback jumper triggered a barrage of yelling as the Gators brought the ball back down court in the closing seconds. Alex Tyus missed a relatively easy shot that would have won it at the buzzer. Greg Anthony just laughs in the background and lets Gus do his thing…
Gus Johnson has the rare ability to make just about any game in any sport exciting for the viewer. Is it March yet?
Laird was arrested after a fight broke at a Phoenix Suns game on December 30. (AP Photo)
Aside from being pretty average professional atheletes, Gerald Laird and Eddie House have just about nothing in common. But for one night in December, fate brought them together.
Apparently fate came in the form of good ole Grandpa Laird.
Charlsie House, the wife of former Arizona State star and Suns sparkplug Eddie House, told security guards and that 70 year-old Grandpa Laird touched her inappropriately as she watched her husband’s Celtics team battle the Suns from a lounge area Dec. 30.
Police eventually responded to the incident and claimed Brandon Laird, a 22 year-old prospect in the Yankees organization, was shouting derogatory remarks before taking a swing at a woman in the lounge. Meanwhile, older brother Gerald and his enormous melon head was accused of sucker-punching a security guard.
Security reportedly warned the Laird mantourage prior to granting them admission to the lounge after suspecting (correctly) the men had been drinking heavily.
Charlsie House told Police she didn’t want to press charges against the rampaging Lairds, who were arrested on suspicion of assualt, along with their Uncle, Gregory Scott Collins, 51.
Talk about a family of idiots.
Laird, a journeyman catcher, signed a $3.9 million one-year deal with the Tigers in the offseason. He probably won’t be suspended, making him a safe pick in round 19 of your upcoming fantasy drafts.
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