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      The time is now for Donovan McNabb to prove doubters wrong

      November 10, 2010 /
      LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Donovan McNabb of the Washington Redskins greets fans before playing against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on October 10, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

      I’ve always liked Donovan McNabb and have always felt that he’s gotten a bad rap for, in my estimation, absolutely nothing.

      But let’s go already.

      During a weekly appearance on ESPN 980, the Redskins’ quarterback said the idea that he doesn’t know the offensive playbook or has difficulty calling plays is ridiculous.

      “That is hilarious to me. That is really funny to me,” McNabb said during the interview. “For everyone who may not have heard this, it’s probably a shock.”

      Then prove it.

      Look, I thought Mike Shanahan’s decision to bench McNabb for Rex Grossman at the end of the Lions game was horrendous. You don’t bench Donovan McNabb for Rex Grossman. Hell, you don’t bench Jon Kitna for Rex Grossman. He’s Rex Grossman, how good did Shanahan think the guy was when he decided to put the game on his shoulders in Detroit a couple of weeks ago? What a brutal decision.

      That said, it’s not like McNabb has set the NFL ablaze with his play this year. I realize he’s only in year one of a new system, but in eight games he’s thrown for 1,971 yards with seven touchdowns and eight interceptions with a 76.0 QB Rating. If that’s not the definition of “meh” then I don’t know what is.

      He says he knows the offense. Then prove it. He says this idea that he can’t handle Shanahan’s playbook is hilarious. Then prove it. Shut everyone up once and for all by taking over a game, Donvoan. Put everything on your shoulders and will the Redskins to victory. Let’s see it.

      Don’t get it twisted – I’m not calling out McNabb. I want him to succeed so that he can prove all of his doubters wrong. I want him to have the last laugh because he’s a good player and he still doesn’t get the credit he deserves. I want him to lambaste the Eagles on Monday night not because I don’t like Philly or that I’m biased, but because I’m a Donovan McNabb fan. I want him to win.

      But crap or get off the pot already. I realize the Redskins’ offensive line has been putrid at times this year and he has nothing to work with in terms of skill players, but I don’t care. The great ones know how to win with less.

      I’m not saying he needs to win a Super Bowl and he’s not going to with the talent that the Redskins currently have. But how about giving everyone the ol’ one-figured salute for once by going out and winning a game in the midst of all this doubt? He doesn’t have to prove anything to anyone, but for once, be great, Donovan. Leave no doubt.

      External Sports, NFL

      Dolphins to start Pennington over Henne on Sunday

      November 10, 2010 /
      MIAMI - SEPTEMBER 21: Quarterback Chad Pennington #10 of the Miami Dolphins throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at Land Shark Stadium on September 21, 2009 in Miami, Florida. The Colts defeated the Dolphins 27-23. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

      Looking for more consistency at the quarterback position, the Dolphins have decided to bench Chad Henne in favor of Chad Pennington for their game this Sunday against the Titans.

      Henne essentially won Miami’s starting quarterback job last year by completing just over 60% of his passes and compiling a 75.2 QB Rating. Those numbers aren’t great of course, but they were impressive for a quarterback in just his second season (his first as a full-time starter).

      But in eight starts this season, Henne has thrown eight touchdowns and 10 interceptions for the 4-4 Dolphins. His decision-making has been questionable at best and he’s thrown an inception in six straight games. He’s also failed to find Brandon Marshall in the red zone, as the receiver has just one touchdown on the year.

      Pennington led the Dolphins to the playoffs in 2008 (his first year in Miami), but he hasn’t attempted a pass since Week 3 of last year. He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery, although he didn’t look sharp in any game before that. It was also the third time he’s had to have his shoulder operated on and this is a guy who never had a strong arm to begin with. Miami’s vertical passing game definitely takes a hit with this change.

      That said, Pennington is a crafty veteran that knows how to find open receivers and not force passes into coverage. He often takes what the defense gives him and at the very least, he won’t put the Dolphins in a bad position by turning the ball over. He may not win the game for Miami, but he won’t lose it either.

      External Sports, NFL

      The Yankees’ pursuit of Cliff Lee begins

      November 10, 2010 /
      Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cliff Lee pitches against the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth inning of their MLB American League baseball game in Arlington, Texas July 10, 2010. REUTERS/Mike Stone (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

      And so it begins.

      Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors (one of the greatest websites known to man) is reporting that the Yankees are flying into Arkansas on Wednesday to meet with Cliff Lee. After dinner, a movie and some not-so-harmless flirting, the Bombers hope to be doing the horizontal polka with Lee within the month.

      According to Rotoworld.com, Lee’s agent told the New York Daily News on Monday that he doesn’t anticipate his client signing quickly. Of course, he said this without seeing how many zeros will be attached to the Yankees’ offer, so things could change quickly.

      The Rangers still have a great shot to retain Lee, but as I’ve written several times before: they better pony up. That’s not to say that they have to match the Yankees’ asking price (they won’t, and neither will any other team), but they still have to make it worth Lee’s while to stay. He’s going to have another shot at a World Series title whether he stays with Texas or goes to New York, so money will certainly be a factor.

      Of course, the one thing the Yankees don’t have is the quiet lifestyle that Lee enjoys. He’s a great guy from the small town of Benton, Arkansas, so the big city lights of the Big Apple won’t to appeal to him like they would another free agent (or so one would think). Still, the opportunity to win a championship and become a gazillionaire may win out in the end.

      External Sports, MLB

      Defensive Team By Waiver Wire (DTBWW): Week 10

      November 10, 2010 /
      TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 13: Running back Shonn Greene #23 of the New York Jets is tackled by Barrett Ruud #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 13, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

      The strategy behind DTBWW is that each week you pick up a defense that is playing against a bad offense (preferably at home). And each week you get pretty good numbers out of your DT position.

      Last season, my top pick averaged 9.8 fantasy points per game. My second pick averaged 9.1 and my third pick averaged 7.3. On the whole, DTBWW averaged 9.3 fantasy points per game, which equate to DT5 numbers — all for the price of a few waiver wire pickups. In 2008, my top two picks averaged DT6-type numbers. (Note: To calculate fantasy points, I use this scoring system.)

      Unlike Defensive Team By Committee (DTBC), which is for those owners who prefer low maintenance teams, DTBWW strategy allows fantasy owners to virtually ignore DTs on draft day and focus on picking up an extra RB/WR flier instead.

      To be eligible, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 40% of ESPN fantasy leagues.

      Let’s see how my Week 9 picks fared:

      Continue reading »

      External Sports, Fantasy Football, NFL

      Report: Newton and his father admitted that money was involved in recruitment

      November 10, 2010 /
      AUBURN, AL - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Cameron Newton of the Auburn Tigers celebrates after their 24-17 over the LSU Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

      You knew that when the first report came out about Cam Newton and the possibility that money was involved in his transfer from a community college to Auburn that more would eventually come out.

      And it has.

      A day after reports surfaced that Newton had three instances of academic cheating while attending the University of Florida, ESPN.com is now saying that Newton and his father Cecil admitted in separate phone conversations to a pay-for-play plan while the quarterback was being recruited last year.

      Prior to Newton’s commitment to Auburn, one of the recruiters said Cecil Newton told him it would take “more than a scholarship” to bring his son to Mississippi State, a request the source said the school would not meet. Cecil Newton also referred the recruiter to a third person that would provide more specifics, the source said.

      After Newton committed to Auburn, another source said an emotional Cam Newton phoned another recruiter to express regret that he wouldn’t be going to Mississippi State, stating that his father Cecil had chosen Auburn for him because “the money was too much.”

      The NCAA is investigating allegations surrounding the Newtons in regards to the recruiting process. Cam Newton, who is having a Heisman-caliber season for No. 2 Auburn, declined comment.

      Couple things here:

      1) Investigations like this take a while to complete, so it’s doubtful that Newton and Auburn’s season will be affected by these reports. Don’t forget that it took many years for the NCAA to file sanctions against USC for the Reggie Bush fiasco, and by that time Bush already had a Heisman, millions of dollars in the NFL and a Super Bowl ring. I doubt this will impact Newton’s Heisman chances or Auburn’s national title hopes…right now.

      2) However, this isn’t good for Auburn because this is the first time they’re essentially being accused of any wrongdoing. If Mississippi State couldn’t land Newton, then how did Auburn? Did they pony up for his services or did Newton pick Auburn over Mississippi State the ol’ fashioned way (i.e. hookers. I’m just kidding…sort of.).

      3) Is there any hard evidence here? So far there’s a lot of conjecture, but nothing that would allow the NCAA to punish Newton and/or Auburn. Does anyone have tapes of the conversations between Newton, his father and Mississippi State? Because if not, then how is any of this going to get proven? There’s a lot of he said, she said at the moment but zero evidence.

      About the only thing that’s for sure is that this isn’t over. More reports and allegations are forthcoming and the water has only begun to boil.

      College Football, External Sports

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