tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post7324781127228672238..comments2023-10-31T06:31:41.395-04:00Comments on Bottom of the Barrel: MMQB Review: Bulletproof and Mad-On EditionBengoodfellahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-1545034053406792342010-09-16T15:31:04.776-04:002010-09-16T15:31:04.776-04:00Sun, I shouldn't have assumed everyone knew wh...Sun, I shouldn't have assumed everyone knew what I was talking about. <br /><br />Here's the link: http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/news/story?id=5550547<br /><br />Some player on the Jets referred to themselves as the Heat and that is part of the response. Though if Lewis had thought about it, the Heat do have one NBA title, so theoretically they are looking for multiple rings...just not with the same players. <br /><br />I figured they would either lose players or not get a three year commitment out of them. That's not happening and any ideas it would happen are pure fantasy. I can see them not caring, but I can also see them playing. I'm just confused as to what will happen. <br /><br />I do agree this team was much more fun. I love watching these younger guys go up against international teams. I think if you held a gun to Coach K's head and set him up with a lie detector, he would say he enjoyed it more because they are younger players who may actually listen to him. Not that LeBron and company didn't listen to him, but this team didn't have as many outside voices and agendas.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-67142768806159371202010-09-16T14:56:53.246-04:002010-09-16T14:56:53.246-04:00Ah, okay, that makes more sense. I was confused b...Ah, okay, that makes more sense. I was confused by the statement but I didn't read Lewis's comments in context or anything so that could be why.<br /><br />I agree that the big guns from '08 could walk in and make the team if they wanted. Coach K and Colangelo made a big to-do about how the last Olympics required a "three-year commitment," but then waived the rule for Kobe Bryant and Jason Kidd to walk-on in '07, and Carlos Boozer to get the last spot in '08. I just don't see those players themselves caring so much this time around, since they got their gold.<br /><br />This year's team was fun because there was no sense of entitlement or inevitability. They had to become world champions by wanting it and working for it, which they did. We could enjoy them simply for what they were, and not for the mythological heroes the '08 team were expected to be.your favourite sunnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-20482711889727619082010-09-16T08:38:28.754-04:002010-09-16T08:38:28.754-04:00Sun, I am not talking about people predicting the ...Sun, I am not talking about people predicting the Jets to win the Super Bowl in saying let's talk about them winning their division first. I have no problem with people predicting them to play or win the Super Bowl. I am talking about the attitude the Jets seem to have that they are a better team than any other team in the AFC and they are the team to beat as well. <br /><br />It would ridiculous for me to say you can't predict a team would make the Super Bowl until they actually make it or win their division. It's the perceived attitude among the press and mostly the Jets that they are the favorites. The Jets have a hugely cocky attitude, or at least seem to, that goes over the line of confidence. That's what I am referring to. The Jets are believing their own press basically. <br /><br />It is entirely possible that LeBron and Wade won't play in London in 2012. I think if LeBron and Wade want to play again they will probably have the pull to do it. I won't argue with you that there may not be as much incentive for them to do it in 2012 though. I think I enjoy this American team more than the Redeem Team personally, but maybe I am forgetting how I felt about the Redeem Team in 2008.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-19078842720343747592010-09-16T04:53:48.446-04:002010-09-16T04:53:48.446-04:00Also I don't buy that it's a given that Le...Also I don't buy that it's a given that LeBron, Wade et al. want to go to the next Olympics. Most great players only do the Olympics once, and several of those guys have already done it twice. Plus they'll be playing together some 100 games a year now, what's their motivation to dedicate another offseason to playing together? Contrary to popular belief, Nike doesn't need them to, and the Miami Heat(and the other teams who just paid for guys from the '08 team) would stop them if they could. There's just not the incentive there like people seem to believe.<br /><br />My prediction is that the 2012 team will be built around Durant and Rose, and the Lopez twins if they stay healthy. Eric Gordon probably left an impression, and Love and Westbrook will get more than a fair consideration. There will definitely be more guys from this year's worlds than the last Olympics on the final roster.your favourite sunnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-87857749150058429422010-09-16T04:36:50.156-04:002010-09-16T04:36:50.156-04:00(Also, I rarely agree with Ray Lewis, but he is so...<i>(Also, I rarely agree with Ray Lewis, but he is so right that the Jets didn't even win their division last year. Let them get past the Patriots in the AFC East and then we can talk Super Bowl for them this year.)</i><br /><br />The Packers didn't win their division or a playoff game last year, and a lot of people--including you, apparently?--are picking them for the Super Bowl.your favourite sunnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-13409192851652407082010-09-15T15:18:36.180-04:002010-09-15T15:18:36.180-04:00Rich, I am pretty up on each team, except for the ...Rich, I am pretty up on each team, except for the punter situation. I didn't expect to know that, but I did expect Peter may know some of those things. <br /><br />I liked Nicks at UNC and thought he was a good pick for the Giants (I think I said so after the draft), but you are exactly right it is tough to get good chemistry with Manning while working with the 2nd team. Nicks has the higher ceiling, but it should shock no one the more veteran receivers have better chemistry with Manning...except Peter of course. Based on his ability, this is a temporary thing and Nicks seems to be getting more of Manning's trust as they play together longer.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-82902032935230005282010-09-15T12:58:10.767-04:002010-09-15T12:58:10.767-04:00I did not know those things about Matt Dodge. Of c...<i>I did not know those things about Matt Dodge. Of course I don't cover the NFL for a living nor did I visit their training camp.</i><br /><br />This isn't something I'd expect non-Giants fans to know, but Peter's job is to cover the NFL and the Giants are one of the more marquee franchises, so staying up to date on them is probably a pre-req for the job.<br /><br />Basically, you'd think he'd have spent 30 seconds watching the Giants in the pre-season (they talked about it every game) or even scanned the headlines at giants.com (they wrote two articles on it). Even better is that he's replacing Jeff Feagles, a possible HOFer, so the information is there if you spend 15 seconds looking for it. Considering some of the really obscure shit that PK finds out about, finding out about Dodge would be a cake walk. <br /><br /><i>I still think Manningham and Smith probably have more of Manning's trust at this point.</i><br /><br />Smith has a lot of Manning's trust, especially with the season-ending injury to Hixon. However, Smith's skillset is more conducive to short to medium passes (and he's not getting a ton of YAC) and zone defenses. Manningham has a much stronger skillset, but has a serious case of the dropsies (what is it with Michigan WRs dropping passes in the NFL?). He'll have his good games, but then again he'll also have games where he drops 3 passes.<br /><br />I have to say I'm completely shocked by Nicks. When Maclin was available in the late-mid 1st I was praying for them to move up, but even then, with Britt available I had no idea the Giants liked Nicks.<br /><br />Even so, if you look back to last year, Nicks' best games came in losses: NO, Arizona and Philly. His best game in a Giants win was 4 catches for 49 yards in week 5 against Oakland. This year, Nicks is getting a chance to start and had a full training camp with Manning (instead of practicing with the second team offense). <br /><br />So basically, you're right in that Manning (IMO) has better chemistry with Manningham and Smith, but the way Nicks is capable of playing, I wouldn't be surprised in Nicks becomes Manning's favorite 1st and 2nd down target (No one is supplanting Smith's 3rd down ability).<br /><br />Glad to hear everything went well and to top it off you missed TMQ's haiku article (which I avoided like the plague).FormerPhDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12837594679660975599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-51968289980067587482010-09-15T12:27:49.611-04:002010-09-15T12:27:49.611-04:00Rich thanks, it was a lot of fun to not have to be...Rich thanks, it was a lot of fun to not have to be at work for an entire week. <br /><br />Barron may actually be the worst lineman statistically in the NFL since he got into the NFL. At least other teams take try to cover up guys like Barron at guard, but he has been at tackle. <br /><br />Cedric Benson is a good pick, especially considering he has played more than 1 game at a high level. <br /><br />Good call on Nicks being a rookie last year, but I still think Manningham and Smith probably have more of Manning's trust at this point. It is tough for a rookie WR to immediately have his QB's trust. <br /><br />I did not know those things about Matt Dodge. Of course I don't cover the NFL for a living nor did I visit their training camp.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-28018900959375453792010-09-15T12:03:38.697-04:002010-09-15T12:03:38.697-04:00Hooray, I finally have internet at my new apartmen...Hooray, I finally have internet at my new apartment. Fuck you Comcast and your "losing" my original appointment last fucking week, you dicks.<br /><br />Anyway, hope everything went well BGF. <br /><br /><b>Barron started his last two holding calls by corralling Brian Orakpo around the neck ... not even a semblance of trying to block him properly.</b><br /><br />If this is a surprise to anyone, then they haven't watched football the past few years. Barron is awful, actually not awful; he's the worst offensive lineman in the NFL.<br /><br /><b>It's not possible the Kevin Kolb Era opened and closed on the same day, is it?</b><br /><br />Kevin Kolb age: 26<br />Mike Vick age: 30<br /><br /><b>There's no question the Texans have the free-agent find of the last several years in Foster</b><br /><br />Cedric Benson?<br /><br /><b> Hakeem Nicks. Last year, Steve Smith and Mario Manningham entered the season as the wideouts with the best chemistry with Eli Manning.</b><br /><br />BECAUSE HE WAS A FUCKING ROOKIE! Manningham and Smith were both in their third years last year. No shit they have better chemistry with Eli than Nicks. Also, Nicks was the fourth WR last year so he didn't get a ton of snaps with Manning until he started playing more. Jesus Peter, you suck at your job.<br /><br />Peter also dropped this gem in there:<br /><br /><b>Hang time, Matt Dodge. Come on. Giants hired you to be a professional punter.</b><br /><br />For someone whose fucking job it is to follow football you'd think he'd know:<br /><br />a. Dodge is a rookie who had a couple punts blocked due to shitty protection in the preseason.<br /><br />and<br /><br />b. The Giants completely changed his kicking motion, so he's still getting used to that. Dude shanked a ton of punts in the pre-season, it's not exactly like this was surprising.FormerPhDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12837594679660975599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-40457984769821105192010-09-15T11:39:05.604-04:002010-09-15T11:39:05.604-04:00I am sure it is a lot of fun to not only have to r...I am sure it is a lot of fun to not only have to read my long posts, but to have to highlight the parts that are erased. It's better than when I started using Google Chrome and my entire post would disappear. <br /><br />I wish I could make the MMQB less like a decoder ring and more like a scratch-and-sniff post where it smells like the grit and hustle from David Eckstein's socks.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-13122064129395034492010-09-15T09:17:30.374-04:002010-09-15T09:17:30.374-04:00It's more fun that way like a decoder ringIt's more fun that way like a decoder ringAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-55993371672608266212010-09-15T08:44:42.637-04:002010-09-15T08:44:42.637-04:00Anon, I fixed it. I think it has something to do w...Anon, I fixed it. I think it has something to do with me switching computers on which I write this. I tend to write on a couple of computers and when I save the document the text disappears for some reason. Sorry for that. <br /><br />Martin, Coach K has a huge ego and he is a good coach as well. I don't always agree with how he uses his talent at Duke, but he's done a good job with what he has on the US team...as if that would be hard to do anyway. I attribute the defense to Coach K (its defense without flopping? Is that possible?), but you are right about Durant. He's better than nearly all of the US Olympic team. <br /><br />I think this team of players should get to play at the next Olympics personally. I know LeBron, Wade, and others are going to try to join in again, and will probably succeed, but this team I think stuck it out in the FIBA tournament so they should get a fair shot to go to London in 2012.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-37276325624631679312010-09-15T07:00:34.994-04:002010-09-15T07:00:34.994-04:00Invisible text again?Invisible text again?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-84500115300554324302010-09-15T03:27:55.774-04:002010-09-15T03:27:55.774-04:00They played hard all the time, they played smart a...They played hard all the time, they played smart and good D. I think you must attribute some of it to Coach K, who I think is a hell of a coach, but a man also with a large ego and a bit of wanker in him. So in other words, just like most highly successful coaches in the college or pro ranks.<br /><br />Also, they won because Kevin Durant is the most skilled player in the world right now. He has a better overall talent pool then LeBron, is younger then Kobe, and only needs a couple more years to put it together and become unstoppable on both ends of the floor.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02929927900897638100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-17930289467679991392010-09-14T19:07:41.849-04:002010-09-14T19:07:41.849-04:00Martin, I almost watched that game because I also ...Martin, I almost watched that game because I also like the idea our 2nd best group of players can beat the World's players. I would like to think the "edge" Simmons is talking about is Coach K teaching these players how to play good defense. <br /><br />Insert your own Duke joke regarding NBA players here.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-57154634620144803742010-09-14T19:05:24.497-04:002010-09-14T19:05:24.497-04:00Matt, I saw that column. I agree with Dylan on tha...Matt, I saw that column. I agree with Dylan on that. I hate retro-diaries and they waste the talent that Bill Simmons has. He has a ton of talent and he wastes it on shit like a retro-diary. It should be a crime. <br /><br />I was going to watch the game, but mostly for the coach, but I did not watch it. I would watch it to avoid talking about the Braves choke job. <br /><br />Stupid is as stupid does...and Joe Morgan does stupid very well. Maybe he is such an expert on stupid he can recognize it in other people? I don't think debating that award going to Sabathia is stupid. He's had a good year but there are a few pitchers who could have case against Sabathia. <br /><br />I am nowhere original enough to work at ESPN. I couldn't think of cute catchphrases or anything. Plus there is a 90% chance none of my columns would get printed because it would affect their pursuit of Brett Favre as an NFL commentator after he retires...assuming he ever does. <br /><br />Dylan, Bill has a lot of Keith Hernandez moments where he thinks he can do whatever he wants, and sadly he can. You are right. Him writing retro-diaries is like Joe Posnanski writing for Sports Illustrated for Kids.Bengoodfellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09401971573776672570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-10377913785077454242010-09-14T19:03:04.366-04:002010-09-14T19:03:04.366-04:00I also think that he's learned that he can get...I also think that he's learned that he can get out what he used to say in his columns in two podcasts a week that take up about 3 hours of total time. <br /><br />Also, he is a basketball honk. He's talked about the Worlkd Championships pretty frequently on his podcasts, and thinks they are an important piece to young NBA players maturing and finding an edge to their game they didn't have.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00086638597582394978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-43804861973190812732010-09-14T16:57:25.689-04:002010-09-14T16:57:25.689-04:00Matt,
I actually approve of JM calling people stu...Matt,<br /><br />I actually approve of JM calling people stupid, because it makes him look even worse. Any way to bash him is a plus in my book. <br /><br />Regarding Bill Simmons, I hate the retro-diaries. It's his excuse for, "I have nothing to write about so I'm going to do something that's really easy. He's a very good writer when he takes the time and puts himself %100 behind his writing, but his fame has allowed him to do whatever he wants, and get away with it.Dylanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02521399272029891606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102327997051254703.post-87736492901848162462010-09-14T15:48:43.453-04:002010-09-14T15:48:43.453-04:00Nothing to do w/ this MMQB, but...
Simmons is bac...Nothing to do w/ this MMQB, but...<br /><br />Simmons is back w/ a non-Friday article today. What's it about? MLB playoff races? Awards? The US Open? This weekend's football action? Nope - the USA vs. Turkey Gold Medal game for whatever world basketball tournament that is going on. <br /><br />I had no idea who we were playing, or even what the hell this event is. Did anyone watch this? Maybe the "bored" baseball fans who've switched to watching soccer.<br /><br />On another note - Joe Morgan said today in his chat that it is "stupid" to debate that CC Sabathia should not win the AL Cy Young Award. I find the notion that JM can call anyone else stupid as an afront on the word stupid. <br /><br />Ben, how can I lobby for you to get a job at ESPN?Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14776581084879567908noreply@blogger.com