Crazy round one

By Scott Antoszewski

We’ve seen our first casualty of the 2010 NHL Playoffs. The New Jersey Devils have been eliminated in five games by the Philadelphia Flyers. The fact that the Devils were a two seed makes this a fairly large upset. I didn’t get to see a lot of the games in this series, but I did see the one last night. Marty Brodeur looked very “ordinary”, and the Devils just looked like they weren’t really all that interested. Let the Kovalchuk free agent speculation begin!

I thought I was going to get to see a second elimination when the Penguins rallied to take a 3-2 lead on Ottawa in the third period, but to the Sens credit they fought back. The game kept me up way past my bedtime, but it was worth it to see Ottawa get a 4-3 win in triple overtime. Game 6 is back in Ottawa on Saturday night. (Pens win, advance)

The Capitals get their first chance to knock out the Canadiens tonight in DC. Washington has dominated this series ever since getting down 4-1 in the second period of game two. The Habs are going back to Halak in goal tonight to try and extend their season. The Buffalo Sabres are down three games to one to the Boston Bruins, which is a major surprise. (Caps lose 2-1, Sabres win 4-1)

Out west, the Canucks lead the Kings three games to two in their series. I haven’t seen many of these games, but the highlights are proving that they are playing some very entertaining games. The Red Wings took game five from Phoenix, also leading to a three games to two series lead. The Sharks have weathered an “own goal” in OT against the Avalanche and are now up three games to two. The Sharks need to close out this series as quickly as possible. They can’t let Colorado hang around and push it to a game seven, even though it would be played in San Jose. (Sharks won game six) Lastly, the Blackhawks and Predators are tied at two games a piece heading back to Chicago for game five. (OT win by Hawks, lead 3-2)

Round two will get going toward the end of next week. Overall the games have been very entertaining, I’m happy with the level of play and the officiating. Game five between Pittsburgh/Ottawa was the first real “epic” overtime game of the playoffs. I’m looking forward to at least one more three or four overtime marathon before the end of the playoffs.

Enjoy the games!

Round One Review

By Dan Rodgers

This is just a short review of the first 32 picks:

1. Rams - QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma: I do not like this pick at all. The Rams could have gotten a proven QB if they traded for Big Ben...but they decided to spend the first pick on an unproven injury prone QB, enough said. This pick is weak sauce.
   
2. Lions - DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska: I love this pick. The Lions stole Suh considering he should have gone first overall. I think he is the best player in the draft.
3. Bucs - DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma: This seems like an obvious pick. The Bucs needed to beef up their defense, and it was either between McCoy or Eric Berry. McCoy is a great athlete for his size, good pick.
4. Redskins - OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma: A bit surprising here. Many people had Russell Okung as the best tackle. Whatever, at least they made the right decision and took an offensive lineman and not a QB.
5. Chiefs - SS Eric Berry, Tennessee: Another obvious pick. I think Berry is the second most talented player behind Suh. Berry should be a playmaker for years to come.
6. Seahawks - OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State: I think he is the best tackle in the draft and the Hawks tackle for the next 10 years. Solid pick.
7. Browns - CB Joe Haden, Florida: Eh, I think Haden is overrated. His 40-time at the combine was part of that. However, that is why they are the Browns, we'll see...
8. Raiders - LB Rolando McClain, Alabama: Many experts said the Raiders finally made a good pick, I thought whoever went there just happened to suck...whatever I don't even care.
9. Bills - RB C.J. Spiller, Clemson: Ugh, the Bills are awful and I feel terrible for Spiller because he is a monster. I certainly don't want the Jets to face him because he is so ridiculously talented, but now the Bills have three backs?
10. Jaguars - DE Tyson Alualu, California: Many thought he was taken early considering he was projected second round, but this guy is definitely talented. The Jags saw something in him and needed defense badly since they play offenses like Houston and Indy.
    
11. 49ers (from Bears, through Broncos) - OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers: The 49ers definitely need to start protecting whatever QB they start because they are developing a talented offense. Good for them.
12. Chargers (from Dolphins) - RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno State: A very intriguing pick. Many people thought the Bolts would take a running back, but many didn't expect them to trade up. For Matthews nonetheless. Especially considering Jahvid Best was taken after San Diego's original pick.
13. Eagles (from 49ers, through Broncos) - DE Brandon Graham, Michigan: I love this pick by Philly. Soon after trading for Ernie Sims the Eagles continue to focus on defense. Graham is being compared to Dwight Freeney, enough said.
14. Seahawks (from Broncos) - SS Earl Thomas, Texas: I thought this might have been a bit of a stretch because Thomas was projected closer to 20, but I love this guy. He looks extremely talented, and the Hawks definitely made two good picks in the first round.
15. Giants - DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida: I think this pick means that the G-Men will look to shop Osi. Hmm, would be an interesting twist. I like this guy; he can do a lot of back flips...that's awesome.
    
16. Titans - DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech: I think the Titans simply felt that this guy shouldn't be available and he is the best available, so they took him. Fine with me.
    
17. 49ers (from Panthers) - OG Mike Iupati, Idaho: I like this pick. The 49ers took two offensive lineman and continue to show their willingness to beef up the offense. Good stuff Coach Singletary.
    
18. Steelers - C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida: This is the only center I've heard of in the draft. I don't even remember who the Steelers center is, so they clearly need one.
19. Falcons - LB Sean Witherspoon, Missouri: Witherspoon is a solid backer who can help an up and coming ATL defense.
20. Texans - CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama: Taken ahead of some other d-backs who I felt were better. I guess that's why I'm not getting paid to make these decisions...
    
21. Bengals - TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma: Not too much to say besides I'm glad that they took him so the Pats couldn't. Good enough for me.
    
22. Broncos (from Patriots) - WR Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech: This guy was taken above Dez Bryant, I guess that means that Dez has enough off the field issues it is not worth the hassle...sucks for him.
23. Packers - OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa: Protecting their new hotshot QB sounds like a good idea to me. A-Rod is a stud for years to come, and they need to protect their biggest asset and this guy will do it for the next 10 years.
24. Cowboys (from Eagles, through Broncos and Patriots) - WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State: The best receiver in the draft slipped pretty fair. Fair enough for Jerry Jones to jump in and snag him before the Ravens could.
    
25. Broncos (from Ravens) - QB Tim Tebow, Florida: This was kind of a surprise. Tebow should have gone in the third round, but for some reason his stock kept rising higher and higher. And now we know the Broncos were dumb enough to trade up for him, before even Colt McCoy and Jimmy Clausen. This pick is weak sauce.
    
26. Cardinals - DT Dan Williams, Tennessee: Um, they still have Darnell Dockett so I don't understand this. I was thinking defensive back...but what do I know.
27. Patriots (from Cowboys) - CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers: This is a very interesting pick. I thought Kyle Wilson was the best corner, but everyone else seems to disagree beccause he still hasn't been taken. Pats need to get younger in the secondary, and that's what they're doing.
28. Dolphins (from Chargers) - DT Jared Odrick, Penn State: I love this guy, which is why I'm not happy the Fins got him. I would have loved for him to be a Jet. He is a versatile player and is built like a truck.
29. Jets - CB Kyle Wilson, Boise State: I think this guy is the best corner in the draft, but he is the fourth taken. Lucky for the Jets or other people know something we don't? And why didn't they take Taylor Mays? I thought Safety was a more pressing need? Well, at least we have very solid corners!
30. Lions (from Vikings) - RB Jahvid Best, California: Interesting move for Detroit considering Best had that horrific concussion and missed the end of the season. I thought Detroit had decent running backs and should have gone defense here.
    
31. Colts - OLB Jerry Hughes, TCU: This is another guy I like who the Jets could have taken. He will bring some youth to the Colts d-line and learn from some of the best.
    
32. Saints - CB Patrick Robinson, Florida State: Another awkward pick. I thought they would go safety and not worry about Sharper or QB to learn from the 30+ year-old Brees. Once again, clearly I know nothing.
    

Well, that sums up round one. Look for two and three on Saturday. Gotta love the start to the 2010 NFL season.

Rodgers That

Mini NFL Draft Preview

By Dan Rodgers

This is a very interesting draft. There are numerous players on the trading block that could drastically change the outcome of each pick.

Players possibly on the move:

• DT Albert Haynesworth - WAS
  
• QB Ben Roethlisberger - PIT
  
• OL Alan Faneca - NYJ
  
• RB Marion Barber - DAL
  
• OL Jared Gaither - BAL
  
• RB Marshawn Lynch - BUF

I would do a mock draft, but it is nearly impossible to predict when there are so many unexpected trades.

Some rumors:

• The Jets and Ravens, depending on the players available may trade up or down from their pick.
• The Redskins and Browns have contacted the Rams about trading up.
• The Steelers have contacted the Rams about trading Ben Roethlisberger.
• The Redskins are considering Eric Berry instead of a QB or OL.
• The Cowboys are also looking to trade up.
  

It should be an awesome draft. I'll be at Buffalo Wild Wings...enjoy

Look for a post-draft analysis later.

Rodgers That

Moves around the NFL

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, this post is solely going to be about relatively significant moves made around the NFL, and my opinion about them if I feel necessary.

1. If you didn't know Donovan McNabb was a Redskin by now, quit life. If you were trying to ignore the fact that he wants T.O. to join him in D.C. I can't blame you. The Skins are bad enough, imagine that plus Owens...
2. The Broncos dealt Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins so he could get lost on Revis Island. At least the Broncos made out well getting a second round pick in this and next year's draft.
   
3. The Eagles acquired LB Ernie Sims from Detroit, sent a late round pick to the Broncos, who then sent TE Tony Scheffler to Detroit. Hmm, kind of confusing...Eagles easily got the best end in a good young backer.
   
4. Jason Taylor to the Jets...in the words of the Mighty Ducks, "Just because you wear the uniform, doesn't mean you're a real Duck."
   
5. Rams trade DT Adam Carriker to Skins...who cares?
6. Pats sign WR Holt...ugh, just the Pats bringing another old guy who is going to look like a pro-bowler in that offense?
7. Steelers bring back Byron Leftwich...enough said

I'll post any more as they happen

Rodgers That

Rounding the bases

By Dr. Jekyll

A look at the good, the bad, and the ugly to this point in the season.

Single: The Athletics are off to a good start in the most up-for-grabs division in baseball. If Ben Sheets keeps his arm the rest of the season they may be able to hang in there for a bit. But that’s asking a lot.

Double: The Minnesota Twins are proving that they don’t need Nathan. But when he does come back around, they’ll be looking to shop a closer. Jon Rauch is a rock in the back of that bullpen right now, and he’ll be worth a hefty price when they go shopping next year.

Triple: The Tampa Bay Rays looked to be third fiddle behind big boys in Boston and New York this year. Apparently, no one told Tampa. Matt Garza looks legit, and this team is flying through a tough early schedule.

Home Run: Jason Heyward is all that and a bag of chips. The slick hitting rookie came into Tuesday tied for the league lead in RBI’s batting in the middle of the order for a team stocked in its rotation. Bobby Cox has to be loving the possibility of another division crown awaiting his sendoff at the end of the season.

Strikin’ them out: All reports of the demise of Tim Lincecum are incredibly premature. The quirky delivery is posting an ERA under 1 thus far in the season, as well as tying for the league lead in wins and leading the strikeouts category. So much for an off year.

Popping up: The Red Sox spent the offseason trying to improve on defense and run prevention. All that’s great, but without a feared middle of the order, there’s not much that’s going to happen. Victor Martinez needs to get his stroke back, and upper management needs to make up their minds on Big Papi.

Caught Looking: The New York Mets are used to being fine on paper and miserable on the field. Well, this year they don’t even have the added bonus of looking good on paper. This team is going nowhere until its roster hops off of the DL. Jason Bay isn’t enjoying the big apple, and neither are the fans.