Month: December 2007 (Page 6 of 20)

Pro Bowl rosters announced

December 19, 2007 / John Paulsen

The Pro Bowl rosters for the AFC and the NFC have been announced, and ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli says that the most notable snubs are Houston’s Mario Williams, Green Bay’s Charles Woodson and Jacksonville’s Fred Taylor.

I was surprised to see 10 Cowboys get Pro Bowl when the Packers got only four. Hmm, Dallas must be a lot better than Green Bay.

It was good to see Brian Westbrook get the nod, as it seems like he’s finally getting the respect he deserves. At WR, I’m happy to see Donald Driver make the Pro Bowl, though one could argue that Greg Jennings (and his 12 TD receptions) is having the better season. And what’s up with Nick Folk getting the nod over Mason Crosby, who is leading the league in scoring? Switching Crosby in for Folk and Woodson in for Terence Newman would have made the Dallas/Green Bay a little more reasonable at eight to six.

In the AFC, it’s nice to see Housh get some love, and Big Ben was a fine choice at QB after Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

Fantasy Football, NFL

Tuna sighting in Hotlanta

December 19, 2007 / Anthony Stalter

Bill Parcells is on the verge of accepting a deal to oversee the football operations for the Atlanta Falcons, according to the New York Daily News.

“I think I probably will do it,” Parcells said by phone from his home in Saratoga. “The job description is to be the football operations overseer. We still have a little work to do, but I don’t think it’s anything major. I don’t expect any real deal-breaker. I don’t think there will be any major hangups.”
“I’m going to oversee the football operation, Parcells said. “I’m going to hire a general manager if the deal is finalized in Atlanta. We are going to hire a coach and talk to all the coaches who are there. It’s going to be a collective effort. The triangle is going to be the GM, the coach and Bill Parcells. I’m also going to include Rich McKay if he wants to stay in the business.
“Under no circumstances is Bill Parcells ever going to return to the field.”

Love the third-person talk, Bill. This is a bold and risky move by Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank. On one hand, Parcells will bring much needed leadership, direction and credibility to a franchise in desperate need of all three. However, this was also a man who took the Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1995, while also negotiating to become the next head coach of the New York Jets. If that doesn’t sound familiar (ahem, Bobby Petrino) Falcons, I don’t know what will.

For better or worse, however, the “Big Tuna” will bring a new look to the Falcons. And after the year they’ve had, that certainly isn’t a bad thing.

NFL

HUGGINS AND HAITH ON A ROLL

December 18, 2007 / Coach Z

Coach Bob Huggins was supposed to be in a transitional year at West Virginia. Many skeptics thought that the players who were recruited by John Beinlein wouldn’t be able to adapt to Huggins in your face style and system. However, Huggins has proved again why he will be in the Hall of Fame when his career is over. The Mountaineers are 8-1 and don’t seem to be having any trouble adjusting. Look out Big East opponents Huggie Bear is back and better than ever.

Frank Haith is in a make or break year at Miami. Many thought he would be in such a hole by the time the ACC season rolled around that he would be stepping down early. So what have the Haith led Hurricanes done. They are 10-0 and one of only 14 undefeated teams left in the country. With the next five games at home the Hurricanes have a chance to roll out to a 15-0 record. After seeing what their football team did this year, Miami fans can celebrate the revival of their basketball squad.

College Basketball

Vitale–Sidelined

December 18, 2007 / Coach Z

Dick Vitale underwent successfull throat surgery today. ESPN announced that he will be sidelined until February. Like a true competitor Vitale tried to play through the pain, but in the end the surgery was the only option. Whether you like his style or not, he has been one of the biggest supporters of college basketball. He has helped the game explode over the past twenty years. Many do not know that he was a successfull college coach at the Univesity of Detroit. His team set standards that have still not been matched.

However, I remember him most for the lectures he gave at Five Star Basketball Camper. As a junior in high school I sat mesmerized for over an hour listening to him motivate and extol the finer points of the game. In fact, it was his enthusiasm and love for the game that inspired me to be a coach. For those of you who think he is all show, you need to think again. He has a bigger heart than he does mouth (no disrespect intended).

Our prayers and well wishes are with you Coach Vitale. I can’t wait to see you on the sideline again.

College Basketball

Fantasy Football Q&A: Week 16

December 18, 2007 / John Paulsen

Are you in your league’s championship game? If so, we’re here to answer your roster questions. Even if you’re playing in the Toilet Bowl, we’ll try to help.