Coaching Carousels..Already?

Agent L/my many many readers - Sorry for the slow update. 

In the modern sports era, the value most seemingly lacking from most major franchises is patience. It seems as if now a days, after one poor season, a coach is in jeopardy of losing his job. One season. One season is hardly long enough to implement a philosophy, certainly not long enough to acquire the right personnel for the system, and, in most cases, not long enough to build the camaraderie found on all championship teams. However, in the last few days, my current expectations were not only met, but exceeded as two NBA coaches were fired; P.J. Carlesimo (1-12), formerly of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Eddie Jordan (1-10), formerly of the Washington Wizards. Now, obviously, neither record is to be desired, but, in all honesty, regardless of the coach, were either team expected to do that much better? The Wizards, while in the last few seasons a play-off caliber team (in the weak East division), have been playing without starters Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood. The Oklahoma City, on the other hand, are simply a bad team. The Thunder are a team without any legitimate big men (Nick Collison is their leading rebounder with a mere 6.5 rebounds per game), and no true PG at this time to lead the team.  In fact, they rest their fate on the shoulders of the young and physically undeveloped Kevin Durant. As illustrated by the Cavaliers, you cannot build a team around one superstar, the only difference is that in the Cavaliers case they tried with a much superior LeBron James. Despite these factors, both coaches were fired before even reaching the 1/4 mark of the NBA season. These types of moves are not only seen in the NBA, but in the NFL as well, namely with the Oakland Raiders, who, in the last 6 years have had 5 coaches. This epidemic of impatience has also been prevalent in the NHL, where Barry Melrose, previously of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was fired after only 16 games after leading the Lightning to a 5-11 record. While certainly a bad record, does it really merit a change of coaches? Just to note, since his firing, the Lightning have only gone 1-3. Ah yes, much more impressive. I am not saying that all coaches should be kept based on the premise of patience, but there is something to be said for franchises that allow coaches to implement systems, philosophies, and a winning mind-set. Mike Shanahan, Tony Dungy, Bill Belicheck, Jon Gruden, Mike Sciosca, Terry Francona, Roy Williams, Mike Krzyzewski, all of these coaches have been staples of their respective leagues for long durations of time, and each have had major success. There is certainly something to be said for longevity. 

The New York Yankees and the MLB

As the MLB Free Agency period looms over head, fans are wondering if their team will be able to make a run at some high-profile, sure-to-be highly paid free agents. Well, sadly, because of the overbidding of the New York Yankees, it appears that for many teams, the acquisition of some higher-profile, and even some middle tier free agents, might not be possible. I understand that the New York Yankees, after a miserable season (by their high standards) want to get back into the picture, become a relevant team again, but do they have to sabotage every other team in the MLB? Not even the Boston Red Sox have enough money to keep up with that type of spending, especially in this down-trodden economy. 

On Monday the Yankees offered free agent pitcher C.C. Sabbathia a reported record-breaking deal of six-years, $140 million. Now, by all means, C.C. is a great pitcher (however, a move back to the A.L. would most likely lead back to numbers similar to those which he experienced in Cleveland, which, while good, were not $140 million good), but, honestly, this is just ridiculous. There is no way that any team can keep up with this type of spending. Next thing, pitchers like Kerry Wood, Brian Fuentes, and Juan Cruz will be raking up the dough...who knows, maybe one of them will break the $100 million mark? 

Having said this, I am not saying that the New York Yankees will not spend more than any other team, but bidding $40 million more than the next highest reported deal (offered by the Milwaukee Brewers) is setting the wrong precedent, at the wrong time, and will have serious consequences on the game that America loves. Who knows, maybe C.C. will take the lesser deal in Milwaukee.. I know I wouldn't, but wouldn't that be great?

The NBA

Yesterday, I was complaining about how the 82 game NBA regular season was far too long. I felt that there was a lack of excitement during the first 60 games, that the players didn't give it "their all", and that there was no sense of urgency. In other words, I felt like the NBA regular season was a very, very elongated "pre-season". However, my opinion quickly changed after watching the Celtics game last night. What a great game. It had everything - Drama, stemming from the seven game playoff series last year, excitement, because of how close the game was throughout (with the largest lead being a mere 4 points), great teams, great individual stars, and for obvious reason, Paul Pierce's final 2 points (2 of a game-high 34, as Pierce went 8-15 from the field and 15-16 from the charity stripe) which came on a buzzer-beating fade-away jumper. Simply beautiful. No, this game did not completely change my belief that the NBA season is too long, or that the majority of games are more boring than watching Olympic Curling, but it did spark a bit of interest. Who knows? Maybe I will be lucky enough to see another game as exciting as that before the play-offs.

Edit: Thanks to an anonymous poster, I was informed that the largest lead was actually 16 points, not a mere 4 points. Sorry. Well, doesn't the fact that the Celts came back from this 16 point deficit make it an even better game?

Mid-season Awards - NFL

As I write my last article about the NFL before the second half begins, I feel it is necessary to hand out my own mid-season awards. After this article, I will hopefully begin to move onto a variety of other sports.

MVP - Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals

There is no doubt in my mind that the 37 year old Kurt Warner is the mid-season MVP. While Drew Brees is putting up higher yardage (2985 yards for Drew Brees to 2760 yards for Warner), Kurt Warner, unlike Drew Brees, has led his team to a winning record, and has the higher QB Rating (106.4 for Kurt Warner and 96.1 for Drew Brees). Kurt Warner also possesses an outstanding 70.6% completion, a mere 6 interceptions, and a second-best 19 touchdowns (only behind Philip Rivers' 21). 7 years after the disappearance of the "Greatest Show on Turf" in St. Louis, Warner appears to have recaptured that magic, and brought it to Arizona.

Offensive Player of the Year - Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

While Drew Brees may not be the most valuable player in the NFL, there is no doubt that his staggering numbers earn him the recognition of "Offensive player of the year". With a league leading 2985 yards at the mid-way point, Brees is well on pace of breaking Marino's passing record (Set in 1984 with 5,084 yards). Any player that can break a record as hallowed as this is no doubt the recipient of the "offensive player of the year".

Defensive Player of the Year - Joey Porter, LB, Miami Dolphins

Most writers, columnists, and experts are handing this award to Albert Haynesworth on a silver platter. While I am convinced that he is an excellent player, I have to give this award to Joey Porter. Joey Porter has been the most disruptive player on defense this year, accumulating 12 sacks through 9 games. At this pace, he is going to have 24 sacks. That is simply amazing. When you consider that the Dolphins are only a year removed from posting a 1-15 record, you must give Porter a large portion of the credit, if not for the entire team, then at least for the defensive turn-around. Any team with a pass-rush is deadly in a pass happy league. 

Offensive Rookie of the Year - Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

The last pocket-passer QB to win the "offensive rookie of they year" award was Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004. While Big Ben did lead his team to a 15-1 record, when you match up the statistics of Matt Ryan and Roethlisberger, it is clear that Matt Ryan has the edge. In the 2004 season, Roethlisberger had 2621 yards, 17 TD's, and 11 interceptions. In comparison, Matt Ryan is on pace for 3394 yards, 20 TD's, and 9 interceptions. Adding on the fact that he is putting up these numbers on a team that is one year removed from being a paltry 3-13 makes it all the more impressive. 

Defensive Rookie of the Year - Jerod Mayo, LB, New England Patriots

You simply cannot argue with Jerod Mayo's production on the field. In 9 games, Mayo has racked up an impressive 65 tackles, 50 of which are solo. That means that if he keeps on pace, he will accumulate 116 tackles. For any LB that would be an impressive year, for a rookie, it is all the reason I need to give him "defensive rookie of the year".

Coach of the Year- Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons through 9 games have doubled up on their victories from last season (Now at 6-3). This impressive mark has been accomplished with a rookie QB, a new RB, and many other new starters. To say that the Falcons rise to prominence has been quick and quiet would be an understatement, and the credit must be given to Mike Smith, who has done an excellent job in both his coaching and in earning the trust, and raising the confidence of a not-so-long ago mentally defeated team.

Race in Coaching

The BCA (Black Coaches and Administrators) recently issued a statement citing their disappointment in the number of African-American coaches being hired (however, they are satisfied with the number being interviewed). Prior to sharing my opinion, I would just like to say that I am 100% for equal opportunity in all aspects of life, and I am a strict believer of rules such as the Rooney Rule. However, having said that, am I the only one who thinks that there should be no quota for the amount of African-American coaches hired? Of course no Athletic Director or Owner/General Manager should reject someones candidacy based on their race, but, at the same time, it is not racist for an A.D. or G.M. to hire a white candidate over an African-American candidate if he feels that the white candidate is best suited for the job. "Hiring the best candidate possible" should be the only criteria in the hiring process as long as the NFL Owner's adhere to the Rooney Rule, and A.D.'s interview African-American candidates. If they do, it is my opinion that no one should take issue.  

This is all written under the naive assumption that there is no racism among NFL Owners and College Athletic Directors, and that the best person is always being hired for the job. In no way am I saying that white candidates are better suited for coaching jobs, and in no way am I disagreeing with the belief that there should be more African-American coaches. I am only saying that race, in no sense, should be the determining factor in the hiring of a coach. The best candidate should always be hired.

The BCS System

No, this will not be another opinionated post claiming that we should abandon the bowl system and move to a play-off format. While I do believe that this will ultimately become reality (for the best), this is not my largest criticism of the current format. Last night, #14 Ball State defeated Miami (OH) 31-16. Can anyone tell me what is wrong with this sentence? With no disrespect intended toward Ball State, can anyone believe that they are actually #14 in the country? While being undefeated is certainly a respectable, and even admirable, no one can tell me that Ball State is better than North Carolina, LSU, Florida State, Wake Forest, Michigan State, BYU, Pittsburgh...and the list goes on. And the #14 ranking is before they factor in their impressive victory over the power house of Miami (OH). Perhaps next week they will be #13, or #12. The possibilities are endless! Perhaps by the conclusion of the season we will be seeing a National Championship Bowl game between Ball State and Texas Tech. Wouldn't that be exciting? Again, I mean no disrespect to Ball State, but, there must be a better way. The only one I can think of is to, even more than they do now, account for the schedule and conference of each team. Furthermore, while I am using Ball State as primary focus, the busted ranking system can also be seen in the last two National Championships which have been blow-outs by SEC teams (Florida and LSU) over Big-10 member, Ohio State. After last weekend's game between #3 Penn State (now #9) and unranked Iowa, in which Iowa defeated the Nittany Lions with a last-second field goal, perhaps the media, the fans, and the voters will finally come to the delayed realization that the Big 10 is simply not what it is made out to be. Hopefully, after this realization, the top 25 polls will become a more accurate portrayal of the true top 25. 

Talking about overrated, after Boston College's 17-0 shutout of Notre Dame, maybe Lou Holtz will finally admit, or simply come to the realization that Notre Dame is not a good team.

My Conference Rankings:

1.) Big 12

2.) SEC

3.) Pac-10

4.) ACC

5.) Big 10

6.) Big East

7.) Mountain West

8.) WAC

9.) MAC

Final Predictions

NFC East

1.) New York Giants: Predicted Record: 14-2 - Playoff Bound.

The Giants are the first team in a while that has been better than they were in the previous season in which they won the Superbowl. Led by the highly acclaimed, and Superbowl winning QB Eli Manning, and a ferocious front four, the Giants have become one of the most feared teams in the NFL. The possibilities are endless for such a young team.

2.) Philadelphia Eagles: Predicted Record: 10-6 - Playoff Bound.

The Philadelphia Eagles are my dark horse to represent the NFC in the Superbowl. When Westbrook is healthy, the Eagles offense is as good as any. Unfortunately, he has not been able to stay as healthy as the Eagles would like. Still, even without him, with a resurgent Donovon McNabb and a Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidate in Desean Jackson, the Eagles are a dangerous opponent.

3.) Washington Redskins: Predicted Record: 9-7

The Redskins have been this years roller coaster team. After an abysmal start, they appeared as if they were on a roll, potentially a large enough streak that they might end up first or second in the division. Then, the train came to a shrieking halt when they lost to the St. Louis Rams. No offense to the Rams, but any team that considers itself a legitimate contender cannot lose to a team such as the Rams.

4.) Dallas Cowboys: Predicted Record: 8-8

The Dallas Cowboys have been riddled by injuries. However, even if QB Tony Romo was suiting up on Sunday's, I am not sure that the Cowboys would be a contender. There are simply too many problems, including a secondary which got lit up by the Rams. In addition to their horrendous secondary play, and shotty QB play, the run defense has not been much better. However, despite their major flaws, the Cowboys still have enough talent to pull themselves to a .500 record.

NFC South

1.) Carolina Panthers: Projected Record: 11-5 - Playoff Bound.

The Carolina Panthers are simply one of the NFL's best teams. Armed with a potent offense and an aggressive defense, the Panthers are simply overpowering teams. Do not be fooled by the NFC South, either. Predicted to be one of the worst divisions in the NFL by many, it has quickly risen to become, what is in my opinion, the top division in the entire league. 

2.) Atlanta Falcons: Projected Record: 10-6 - Playoff Bound.

The Atlanta Falcons are not only a very good team, but also a great story. Led by a new head coach, Mike Smith, a rookie QB, Matt Ryan, and a new RB, Michael Turner, the Falcons have quickly reached the 6-3 mark. If you still haven't seen many of their games this season, take a look at their games against Chicago, Greenbay, and Oakland. While Oakland is a horrific team this season, it is an accomplishment to pitch a shutout to anyone.

3.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Projected Record: 9-7

The Bucs, even though I have them missing out of the playoffs, are one of the best teams in the NFC, unfortunately for them, they are a member of the NFC South. Jeff Garcia has quietly put together a very solid season, and their defense has not been given enough credit in their 6-3 start. While I do have them finishing behind Atlanta, do not be surprised if the Bucs finish 10-6 and the Falcons 9-7, this one is simply very hard to call.

4.) New Orleans Saints: Projected Record: 8-8

How many divisions can make the claim that their last place team finished .500? How many divisional last-place teams can claim that they host the front-runner for the MVP award? The tough NFC South may not have a marquee team such as the Titans, but it's rank among divisions comes from the fact that it simply does not have a weak team. While the Saints defense is below-average, they possess one of the most potent offenses in the NFL led by QB, and MVP front-runner Drew Brees. Despite this, they end up last in the NFC South in my predictions.

Predictions continued.

NFC North

1.) Chicago Bears: Projected Record: 9-7 - Playoff Bound

The Chicago Bears have been a very pleasant surprise this season. QB Kyle Orton got the team off to a quick start, aided by the stellar play of rookie RB Matt Forte. The play of the defense has led me to quickly write off last season as an anomaly as they have played very sound football. While a loss is normally a mental loss as well, last week's 21-14 loss to the Tennessee Titans was a moral victory, as it showed that the team can play well while Orton is out with injury.

2.) Minnesota Vikings: Projected Record: 9-7

The Minnesota Vikings are not far from being a very serious threat in the NFC. However, as a result of the lack of good QB play, the Vikings, according to my predictions, just miss the play offs. Adrian Peterson has been nothing but spectacular this year, just as he was in his rookie campaign. The defense, much like last year, has been great as well. Vikings fans hold in there, you are only one piece away!

3.) Green Bay Packers: Projected Record: 8-8

Following in the foot steps of Brett Favre is no easy task, and even compared to the prolific Favre, Rodgers is doing a very good job on all accounts. Unfortunately, unlike last year, the running game has not been as effective, and the defense is not the turn-over machine it was last year. 

4.) Detroit Lions: Projected Record: 0-16

If you have not seen the Detroit Lions play, make some time, you are sure to see an offensive display both through the air, and on the ground. The only problem for Lions fans is, that, the display is coming from the opposing team. The Lions give a new definition to bad. This season, they have lost each of their games in a convincing manner, putting on almost no fight at all. I am sorry Lions fans, you are in for a long ride.

NFC West

1.) Arizona Cardinals: Projected Record: 11-5 - Playoff Bound.

The Arizona Cardinals, more than any other team, have surprised me. There was no doubt prior to the season that they had the talent to accomplish what they have so far, but, for the last few years, it has seemed like they have been the dark horse. Yet again, I was left to wonder; "Why is this year going to be any different". As a result, I favored the Seahawks. However, there is no doubt that the Cardinals are the cream of the NFL-Worst NFC West. Led by the resurgent QB Kurt Warner, the Arizona Cardinals have become one of the deadliest offenses in the NFL.

2.) Seattle Seahawks: Projected Record: 5-11

The Seattle Seahawks have been plagued this season by injuries, specifically to QB Matt Hasselbeck, and the receiving corps. Despite their injuries, they are no doubt better than both the 49ers and the Rams. In fact, even though they lost to the Dolphins (who by no means are a joke of a team), they looked good doing it, even presenting a serious last-minute comeback.

3.) St. Louis Rams: Projected Record: 4-12

The St. Louis Rams may be the most dissapointing team in the NFL this season. Marc Bulger has been inconsistent (at best), RB Steven Jackson continues to be plagued by injuries, and the defense is as woeful as ever. How many teams can lose 47-3? 

4.) San Francisco 49ers: Projected Record: 4-12

The San Francisco 49ers are another weak team in a weak division. After the mid-season firing of Mike Nolan, did anyone really expect the 49ers to be a contender? However, in defense of the 49ers, they are a young team who has a bright future. Especially if they keep Mike Singletary as their head-coach. 

Predictions Continued

AFC South

1.) Tennessee Titans: Projected Record: 16-0 - Playoff Bound.

Could fans be lucky enough to see two season in a row where a team goes undefeated? I think so. Unlike many other runs at perfection, the Titans are built upon the right foundation; a solid running game, and an outstanding defense. Looking at the Titans remaining schedule, there is no reason to believe, barring an upset, that the Titans cannot go undefeated.

2.) Indianapolis Colts: Projected Record: 10-6 - Playoff Bound.

The Indianapolis Colts have been the image of consistency in the NFL. Expect this season to be no different. Despite a slow start to the season, after Sunday nights victory over the Steelers, it is clear that the Colts are back (coincidentally in time with the return of Bob Sanders). I do not expect the Colts to win the Superbowl this year, but, like the Patriots, never count out Peyton Manning.

3.) Jacksonville Jaguars: Projected Record: 9-7

The Jaguars are yet another team who has failed to live up to my apparently ex orbitalexpectations. Their sub-par performance this season is far from the team which showed up in the play-offs and almost de-throned the undefeated Patriots. Not one thing is wrong with this team at the moment, but nothing is clicking the way it's supposed to either.

4.) Houston Texans: Projected Record: 7-9

Despite a sub-.500 record, a 7-9 record would not be disappointing in a season in which you rely on Sage Rosenfels to lead your team to victory. The Texans have been one of my "up-and-coming" teams for several years now, but, with a little more seasoning, they will be ready to be a relevant team in '09.

Predictions continued.

AFC East

1.) New England Patriots: Projected Record: 10-6 - Playoff Bound.

Tom Brady - Out. Adalius Thomas - Out. Laurence Maroney - Out. Does any of it really matter? No. One thing that the Patriots have taught me over the past few years is to never bet against them. This is a team which, despite having a flawed defense, and an inexperienced signal-caller, is doing just-fine on top of the AFC East. While I am not predicting Superbowl, never rule the Patriots out.

2.) New York Jets: Projected Record: 10-6 - Playoff Bound.

While defeating the Rams 47-3 is not at all beyond expectations, dismantling a team so that you have a 40-0 lead at half-time is. The New York Jets are a very good football team. Brett Favre, is putting up numbers as high as his age, and the defense is playing very solid football. Unfortunately, because of the divisional loss to the Patriots, I have them finishing second in the division. I do, however, thing that they are the better team. 

3.) Miami Dolphins: Projected Record: 8-8 

Let's face it, the Dolphins may not make the play-offs, but no matter what they do, they are certainly the "Rudy" of the '08 season. After finishing an abysmal 1-15, no one projected the Dolphins as winning more than three or four wins. Well, here they are at the half-way point and through trickery (such as the Wild-Cat formation) and an efficient passer in Chad Pennington, the Dolphins are sitting above .500. Congratulations Dolphins.

4.) Buffalo Bills: Projected Record: 8-8

Before the season, there was no way that I would have thought that the Bills were the worst team in the AFC East. Not only did I think that they would at least be above the Dolphins, but I thought that they were a solid contender for the play-offs, and even possibly the Superbowl. With an effective off-season, I do expect the Bills to be a relevant team in the NFL again in '09.

Predictions continued

AFC North

1.) Pittsburgh Steelers- Projected Record: 11-5 - Playoff Bound

If it had not been for schedule reasons, I would have placed the Ravens over the Steelers in my rankings. While I do believe that the Ravens are the better team, their schedule is a little tougher (Both have very difficult remaining schedules). The fate of this team rests on the shoulders of QB Ben Roethlisberger. If he plays like he did against the Colts on Sunday night, theSteelers will not win the AFC North.

2.) Baltimore Ravens - Projected Record: 9-7 - Playoff Bound.

Joe Flacco has been tremendous for the Ravens, and along with their sturdy D, they have to be considered a contender. Unfortunately for them, their remaining schedule pits them against 4 other legitimate contenders. Eventually Joe Flacco will play like a rookie, and eventually the defense will give up more points than the offense can muster. Fortunately, the Ravens, because of a weak AFC, will, according to my projections, be making the playoffs. 

3.) Cleveland Browns - Projected Record: 5-11 

There is no doubt that the decision to start Brady Quinn will turn out to be a good one. However, there are too many other holes on this team for there to be a large enough turn-around. With the right off-season moves, expect the Browns to be a contender in '09.

4.) The Cincinnati Bengals: Projected Record: 3-13

So much went wrong this year in Cincinnati, and I do not know why. Prior to the season, I had them doing much better than they are. They are loaded with offensive talent, and like the Saints, I thought their offensive prowess would be able to override their poor defensive play. I was, obviously, completely wrong. While their defense has met my expectations, their offense has under-performed all possible expectations.

NFL Predictions

As the second half of the season begins, NFL fans across the nation now know who their team is, what they have the potential to become, and what the realistic goals are for this season. For many , the realities include post-season play and pro-bowl berths. For others, the mind has already begun to wander towards the upcoming 2009 NFL Draft. In order to avoid the overused "32 Team Power-Ranking", I will break it down division by division.

AFC West

1.) Denver Broncos - Projected Record : 10-6 - Playoff bound

While not a premier team in the NFL, the Denver Broncos are still my favorite to win in the second worst conference in the NFL (Behind the NFC West). Led by the strong arm of Jay Cutler, and an explosive offense, they will make up for the deficiencies in their defense.

2.) San Diego Chargers - Projected Record: 9-7

LaDainian Tomlinson is not the running back he once was. Nonetheless, the Chargers have an above-average QB in Rivers, and L.T. remains a top RB. Like the Broncos, their above-average offense will hide their vulnerable defense.

3.) Kansas City Chiefs - Projected Record: 4-12

Perhaps the hardest decision in this entire projection was deciding who would be last in the AFC West. The woeful Chiefs or the deflated Raiders. The Chiefs started off the season looking as bad as anyone in the NFL. However, Thigpen has seemingly re sparked the offense, at least to the point where they can win a few games.

4.) Oakland Raiders - Projected Record: 3-13

Did anyone else see the Raiders play the Falcons? This was a mismatch in all aspects of the game. That game left me wondering what I would do if I was Al Davis. Amazingly, I could only come up with a single answer. The Raiders are a long long way away from being a force in the NFL again, and the only thing I could do to improve the state of the Franchise if I was Davis, would be to fire myself. On a bright note, their defense looked outstanding against the Panthers.

Welcome to The Other Sports Illustrated

Hi, so, let me just start off by introducing myself. I am an avid fan of sports. I mainly follow the NFL, MLB, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA (to a lesser extent than the others). Unfortunately (or fortunately, for me), NASCAR does not fall under my sports-interests. I do have specific teams that I follow (again, avidly), but with the intention of un-biased journalism in mind, I will not reveal them. Hopefully, my writing doesn't either.

I will try my best to cover all topics of sports, but, I will obviously focus my attention onto the most relevant sport. Right now, that is the NFL.