NBA Power Rankings v2

Alot has changed since our last power rankings. The Knicks, who were on the rise this season, pretty much sold there season away for a chance to compete for LeBron James in 2010. The Atlanta Hawks appeared to have fallen back down to earth, going 2-5 since there surprising 6-0 start. Also, we had a Greg Oden sighting, as he gets he NBA career on track- finally.

Biggest Jump: Nuggets (8 spots; 14 to 6) Spurs (8 spots; 24 to 16)

Biggest Drop: Grizzlies (9 spots; 16 to 25)

1. Los Angeles Lakers (11-1)
2. Cleveland Cavialiers (10-3)

3. Boston Celtics (13-2)

4. Utah Jazz (9-5)
5. New Orleans Hornets (7-5)

6. Denver Nuggets (9-5)
7. Detriot Pistons (8-5)
8. Phoenix Suns (9-5)

9. Portland Trailblazers (8-6)

10. Houston Rockets (9-5)
11. Orlando Magic (9-4)
12. Philadelphia 76ers (7-6)

13. Atlanta Hawks (8-5)

14. Toronto Raptors (6-7)

15. Miami Heat (7-6)

16. San Antonio Spurs (6-6)

17. Chicago Bulls (6-8)
18. Indiana Pacers (5-7)
19. Dallas Mavericks (6-7)
20. Milwaukee Bucks (7-8)

21. New Jersey Nets (6-6)
22. Golden State Warriors (5-8)
23. Sacramento Kings (5-10)

24. New York Knicks (7-6)

25. Memphis Grizzlies (4-9)

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (3-9)
27. Charlotte Bobcats (3-9)
28. Oklahoma City Thunder (3-9)
29. Los Angeles Clippers (2-11)
30. Washington Wizards (1-10)

McNabb to Start; What Now?

One day after pulling the rug out from underneath his franchise quarterback, Andy Reid is ready to put Donovan McNabb back in.

Reid announced today that McNabb, and not Kevin Kolb, would be the starting quarterback this Thursday when the Eagles take on the Arizona Cardinals. This is a surprise, because Reid probaly lost McNabb's loyalty and trust after pulling him yesterday.

When Reid decided to make the switch to Kolb yesterday, it was a huge move. Not only did it change the game, it changed so much about this orgainization and the outlook.

First, from the perspective of trying to win the game, it was a bad call. McNabb was playing poorley, with two interceptions and 1 fumbel. But the fumbel was not his fault, as the Raven was allowed to freely get a hit on McNabb as he threw the ball. And the first interception, even though he did make the throw, should have been defended better by DeSean Jackson. The second interception was purely his fault, as he threw it right to Ed Reed.

But despite all of that, the Eagles were still only down 3 points. It was a must win game in which the defense was dominating the Ravens offense. The 10 points allowed were more the offenses fault, as they put the Eagles defense in a bad situation off turnovers. So the game was still very much winnable. And on the road, in pretty much a playoff, must win situation, who do would you want under center? The 10 year, pro bowl, experienced quarterback, or the 2nd year, never played a meaningful snap quarterback? Reid went with the latter.

As we all know, the choice completely backfired. Kolb threw two interceptions, including one that was ran back for a touchdown. The Eagles ended up being blown out. You could tell there was no chance the Eagles were going to win the game. The Ravens were not afraid of Kolb. The game was over the minute McNabb was put on the bench.

So as poor as a descion it was from a game management perspective, it was a worse call from a franschise perspective. Everyone knows if the Eagles don't make the playoffs, McNabb is likely gone. But at this point, how do you get anything in a trade for him? When Reid told McNabb to sit down, he threw all of the blame on McNabbs shoulders, and killed any value he had. If he would have let McNabb play it out, maybe McNabb turns it around. But by pulling him, you ruined his confidence. How does he not look over his shoulder knowing he can get pulled on Thursday night?

I personally believe that when Reid decided to bench him, he was trying to save his own job. Alot of the talk this week was about Reid and how he could be gone after the season. McNabb caught alot of heat for the Bengals game, but Reid caught more. By benching McNabb, Reid threw all the blame off of him, and onto McNabb. He pretty much made McNabb the scape goat for the whole season. Reid and McNabb have allways had each others back, and neither ever really critizced each other. It was an unspoken truth that McNabb and Reid were a pair, and they would go down, or rise up together. But yesterday, Reid stabbed McNabb in the back. Despite all the poor coaching choices, and making McNabb play with the likes of James Thrash and Todd Pinkston, McNabb never threw Reid under the bus. Not only did Reid throw McNabb under the bus yesterday, he pretty much put him on the bus out of Philly.

So lets say McNabb is gone after this season, which is looking more and more likely. I think the only reason Reid put him back in as the starter for Thrusday is to get something for him via a trade in the off season. With McNabb gone, what does this mean for the orgainization? This is not a young team by any means. Westbrook is looking more and more like a broken down player. At no point this season has he looked like a player then can carry this team by himself. Plus, Reid will allways want to throw it. The only reason he has had some success is because of the play of McNabb. Teams used to fear McNabb. No one is going to be afraid of the Kevin Kolb- Reggie Brown connection next season. If your going to get rid of McNabb, you need to blow the whole thing up.

With McNabb gone, your going to have major holes at quaterback, left, and right guard next season, since Runyan and Thomas most likely won't be back. Those are arguably the three most important positions on the offense. And that is not even mentioning the complete lack of a fullback. Reid pretty much decided just to no have any one of the roster for that position this year. So theres a need for a fullback to.

If McNabb goes, Reid needs to go to. Start this thing from the ground up. You have two first round picks next year, so that is a place to start. Do you want Andy Reid making those picks? This Eagles team needs a young, enthusiastic coach to come in here and light a fire under this team. Changing the quarterback does change the face of the team, but changing the coach changes the franchise. Which team has a better chance to win next season: A team with McNabb at quarterback with a new coach, or a team with Kolb at quarterback and Andy Reid?

I think McNabb does. When Reid pulled McNabb, it was an attempt to save his own butt, to show he knows more then we do, and to save the season he's runied. But all it did was prove that he needs to go. McNabb has played poorly this season, but Reid has cost the Eagles more games. This season, all Reid is doing is running this once pround franchise into the most mismanged, worst team in the city.

No OT Needed

The wheels are offically off. Yesterday in Baltimore, the Eagles left no doubt as to who was the winner and who was the loser . There was no tie. Just one beat down. The final was Ravens 36, Eagles 7, but how they got there, and the drama ensued, was much more then a football game. It could have been a movie. There was a desperate team. Old veteren trying to prove himself. A coach with kids in jail trying to win it all. Then there was betrayal. And there were exciting plays. Unfourtunatly for the Eagles, they had it all but exciting plays. The game was kept close early by the great play of the defense, and despite nothing from the Eagles offense. Donovan McNabb started out better then usual, but it was apparent Andy Reid was trying as hard as he could to make sure. McNabb hit 4 of his first 5 targets--- for a grand total of 17 yards. The Eagles managed to dink and dunk themselves to exactly 0 points of offense in the first half. The offense had 82 total yards in the first half, with McNabb throwing for 59 of them on 8/18 passing. But he also threw 2 interceptions, and fumbled one away. He accounted for 3 turnovers, and the Ravens were able to capaitlize, and led 10-0 at one point. Qutien Demps however, brought the Eagles season back to life with a 100 yard kickoff return right before the half. Somehow, someway, despite playing so awful, the Eagles were only down 3 points at half. Then Andy Reid did it. He benched his franchise quarterback. When the Eagles offense took the field to start the second half, McNabb was on the sideline. Kevin Kolb was under center, and in all likely hood, a new era began. And if this is what the new era is going to look like, we have a long time ahead of us before we see Eagles green marching down Broad. Kolb was 10/23 for 79 yards and 2 interceptions. He had one pass returend 108 yards for a touchdown. He looked awful, and so did the Eagles. No one on the Eagles had a good game. Brian Westbrook ended up with 14 attempts for 39 yards. Kevin Curtis had 2 catches for 12 yards. And Andy Reid tried to challenge a call twice- and twice was told he wasn't allowed to. The Eagles looked lost, and like an orgainization on a fast downward spiral. Unfourtunatly, the Eagles don't get alot of time to turn this around. They face the Arizona Cardinals this Thursday night, and this game will tell us alot about the future of this team. And hopefully, it looks brighter then today.

Eagles v Ravens

This is a must win game for the Eagles. They can still make a push for the playoffs, but it has to start today. They can't afford to show up and play awful like last week. They'll get blown out by a good Ravens team if that happens.

Why The Eagles Will Win: 

1) Run Defense: The defense kept them in the game last week, and this season has done consistently well agaisnt the run. Despite the crowded secondary, the run defense is the stregnth of this team. With that being said, the Ravens are the 3rd best rushing team in the league, averaging almost 150 yards per game on the ground. Shutting down the run will be key for the Eagles, because if they do, the game goes into Joe Flaccos hands.

2) Joe Flacco: Flacco has been impressive so far this season, starting all games for the Ravens as a rookie out of Delaware. His stats are not that impressive tho- 8 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He has gone 4 games this season without even throwing a touchdown. And agaisnt the better defenses he's played- Colts, Giants, Titans- he has thrown at least 2 interceptions. I think the Eagles can rattle him, as they do with many young rookie quarterbacks.

3) Donovan McNabb, Andy Reid, and Desperation- If the Eagles lose this game, they almost certainly will not make the playoffs. So this it is for Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb. They came out flat last week, and this is there oppurtunity to redeem themselves. This is a must must must win game. Over there time here in Philadelphia, the Eagles have done well in these types of games- at least in the regular season. The Eagles should come out today and play with a desperation and intensity like never before.

Why The Eagles Will Lose:

1) Ravens Defense: Last week, the Eagles managed 13 points in 5 quarters and 18 posseions vs the Bengals. The Bengals defense is not even in the same league as the Ravens. The Ravens defense allows only 18 points a game, thats 6th in the league. They give up the 3rd fewest yards, and allow only 80 rushing yards a game. So any hope the Eagles fans had of Reid rushing it is probaly gone. If the Eagles couldn't lite up the Bengals, I don't see them being succesfull agaisnt a much stronger Ravens team.

2) Close Games: The Eagles have no faired well in close games over the last few years. They are something like 1-12 in close games during that time period. On the road, in a game that should have a playoff atmosphere, this game will be close. Two good defenses will keep it that way. And unfortunalty, for the Eagles, that might not be a good thing.

3) Jon Harbaugh- Harbaugh used to be the Eagles special teams coach, and then the secondary coach last season. This is his first season as Ravens head coach. If anyone knows the Eagles, it's him. The Eagles special teams are not that good to begin with, and he will know how to break them apart. This could be a bad matchup for the Eagles.

Pick: Call it a homer pick, but I think the Eagles come out and pull this one out. They need it so bad. Reid needs it McNabb needs it. If they want any fans in Philadelphia, they have to win this game.

Prediction: Eagles 21- Ravens 17

NFL Week 12

Here are my picks for Week 12: 

Last Weeks Record: 10-3

Season: 18-8

Panthers at Falcons: This game is huge, as the surprising Falcons try to win a meaningful November game with playoff implications. Its crazy how far they've come since Michael Vick. The Panthers are impressive, but I still don't believe. Pick: Falcons

Texans at Browns: Brady Quinn has played well since he took over, and led the Browns to a come from behind win last week agaisnt the fading Bills. They should have turned to him much earlier, because now there playoff hopes are gone. But I think Quinn will continue to be impressive, and the Browns roll. Pick: Browns

49ers at Cowboys: The Cowboys won an impressive game last week on the road at Washington in the return of Tony Romo. The 49ers are playing great, and I'm tempted to pick them in an upset. But I can't take the plunge. Pick: Cowboys

Raiders at Broncos: The Broncos answered a lot of questions by winning in Atlanta last week. There defense is still there weak point, but the Raiders are the remedey to all problems. Pick: Broncos

Buccaneers at Lions: The Lions played well last week, and the Daunte Culpepper to Calvin Johnson connection finally got on the board. I don't know why, but I really think the Culpepper/ Johnson team is going to be a good one for the rest of the season. The Lions were in the game for a while vs the Panthers, and the Bucs just lost Ernest Graham for the season. Pick: Lions

Jets at Titans: This is the game of the week in the NFL. The Jets looked good in a Thursday night victory in New England, and are coming together at the right time. This will be the game most people will pick an upset in. No body believes in the Titans, but I don't know why. All they've done is win every game. Their defense is the best in the NFL. I can see them forcing Favre into some bad throws, and over his career, Favre has a habbit of throwing an interception at the wrong time in big games. Plus, this game is in Tennessee, and even though they are undefeated, I think this is a big statement game for them. Pick: Titans

Bills at Kansas City: The Bills are falling apart at the seems. They are now last place in the division, and lost last week to the Browns on a heart breaking last second field goal. But the Chiefs can fix a lot of problems for teams that are fading. If the Bills loose this game, it will complete there fall from grace. Pick: Bills

Bears at Rams: The Bears got demolished by the Packers 37-3 last weekend, but still remain in first place in the division. They are tied with the Packers and Vikings for first place, so every game is a big one. They can't afford to come out an lay an egg against a much weaker Rams team. Pick: Bears

Patriots at Dolphins: After losing a heartbreaker to the Jets, the winner of this game will be in second place in the division. If you think about it, which team is the bigger surprise at this point in the season? The Patriots, who are still competing for a playoff berth despite losing Tom Brady, or the Dolphins and the fact that they are competing for a playoff berth at all? I'll go with the Dolphins, and for them to continue there surprising season vs the Patriots. Pick: Dolphins

Giants at Cardinals: The Cardinals got the monkey off their back last week by winning a game on the road vs the Seahawks. The Giants are no Seahawks, but this game is in Arizona. The Giants are hurt to, with both Plaxico Burress and Brandon Jacobs missing practice. I'm gonna go with the Cardinals in the upset. Pick: Cardinals

Colts at Chargers: The Colts are one of the hottest teams in the league, and the Chargers have lost 3 of their last 4, including last week to Pittsburgh. Sometimes, its as simple as that. Pick: Colts

Redskins at Seattle: Coming off a loss Sunday night to the Cowboys, the Redskins need this win to keep pace in the playoff race. You can't afford to lose to the Seahawks if you want to be a serious playoff contender. Pick: Redskins

Vikings at Jaguars: The Jaguars and Vikings were a lot of peoples sleeper pick to be in the Super Bowl, but those people look silly now. The Vikings are tied for first, but with a record f 5-5. The Jags are a mess, simply put. But, I'm a big believer in home field advantage, so I'll go with the Jags. Pick: Jags

Packers at Saints: In a good Monday Night Football matchup, the Packers travel to the Saints coming off a blowout win vs the Bears. The Saints are in last place in the NFC South, and had a hard time beating the lowly Chiefs last week. Pick: Packers

Utley Out Until June

World Champion second baseman Chase Utley will require surgery on his right hip, according to ESPN.

The injury is expected to take around 3-4 months to heal, at which point he can begin baseball activities. That would leave his return possible for Opening Day. While it would obviously hurt to have Utley out of the line up, baseball is a marathon and not a sprint. The Phillies need to hold Utley out until he is without question 100%. If they want to repeat as champions, they will need him in the lineup. It is better he misses games at the beginning then the end, since the Phillies never start off good anyway.

ESPN says this could mean the resigning of Tadahito Iguchi, who has played with the Phillies over the last two seasons. They also could make prospect Jason Donald, a shortstop, a second basemen.

Team USA Members Still Golden

While the season is still young, the results from the members of team USA have been impressive. For the brief period when USA was not on top of the basketball world, the reasons were debated by everyone. They said that we needed to go back to college players. We needed to have the team practice harder. We needed to build a team, not an All-Star team.

But one of the real reasons that USA suffered was because the key players in the NBA did not want to give up their summer to play more basketball and risk injury. Many teams also did not want their athletes to play because of the risk of injury.

So when Phoenix GM Jerry Colangelo took over responsibility of rebuilding the team, he required all team members to make a 2 year commitment. Many people thought this would scare the NBA players away, but players like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Carmelo Anthony signed up to help the USA reclaim gold.

The results were impressive. Team USA cruised through group play, winning their games by an average of 32 points. They went on to claim the Gold medal, beating Spain in the championship game by 11 poins, 118-107. But the true test was still to come. Would the members of Team USA suffer in the upcoming NBA season, making them unlikely to resign up in 2012?

So far, the results have been impressive. Chris Bosh was on team USA, and is having a career year. This season, he is averaging 27 points, 11 rebounds and 1 block. Compare that to last season, and he has improved in every category. Tayshaun Prince has increased his scoring by 4 points and his rebounds by 5. Dwight Howard had his first career triple double, and other key members like Jason Kidd, Lebron James, Chris Paul and Carlos Boozer have maintained there level of play despite playing all summer.

But no one benefited more from the Olympics then Dwyane Wade. He was coming off a season that ended on the injured reserve, and was facing questions about his durability. Despite that, he suited up for Team USA anyway, and had a great summer. He was their best offensive player, and he had taken that momentum and brought it to the NBA. 

This season, he is averaging 27 points, 3 steals, 8 assists, and and 5 rebounds. That is an improvement in every single category from last year. But most importantly, after watching him this summer, people were saying that Wade was back. Playing in the Olympics allowed him to get back his confidence, and prove to himself he was healthy. Without it, who knows how his season would be going so far?

The results from the members of team USA have been almost as impressive as they were over the summer. Hopefully now players will notice that team members were able to still be sucessful despite their participation in the Olympics, and USA will be able to remain on top.