A Little Extra Protection Never Hurts

  The Tigers are two days away from opening day against the Yankees and one thing is for certain…they are going to be good. But the question is…are they going to be good enough to make the post season?

  I think the one thing we can count on is the Tigers offense. There is no doubt they are going to score some runs. Lead by MVP runner up Miguel Cabrerra, the Tigers have plenty of good bats in their line up. But in order for Cabrerra to do major damage, the Tigers need someone to protect him in the lineup. Last year Brennan Boesch tore up majors for the first half of the season, which resulted in the Tigers leading the Central heading into the All Star Break. After the break though, Boesch struggled horribly and as a result opponents stopped giving Cabrerra anything to hit.

  Since the Tigers acquired free agent Victor Martinez in the offseason, they should not have a problem protecting Cabrerra this season. Martinez is 4 time All Star with a career batting average of .300 with good RBI production. Now it will be hard for opponents to pitch around Cabrerra this year and if they do, will more than likely end up paying for it. The Tigers made some good moves in the offseason this year, but none more important than signing Martinez.

  Hopefully Martinez’s production will continue to be steady. If it does, I would expect Cabrerra and the Tigers to have a great season and hopefully make the post season for the first time since 2006. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

  

Stafford Feeling Good

  The Detroit Lions and its fans have been getting some promising news from its franchise quarterback over the past couple of weeks. Matt Stafford, who recently opened a Twitter account, has been talking about the progress of his surgically repaired right shoulder.

  “Feeling good after throwing a lot yesterday” said Stafford on his Twitter account.

  This is exceptional news for the Lions who are depending on their franchise quarterback to be completely healthy and ready to go when it is time to play football again. (whenever that may be) Stafford has had a rough go during his short NFL career, in which he has only started 13 games in 2 seasons.

  In Stafford’s rookie campaign, he missed 6 games due to a knee and left shoulder injury. Even though he did have injury problems that season, he did show extreme toughness and courage during a game against the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 22 2009. After separating his left shoulder on the previous play, Stafford came back in for the final play and threw a TD to Brandon Pettigrew to win the game with no time remaining. This was a moment in which Stafford would gain the respect of not only Lions fans, but the whole National Football League and a moment I will never forget.Click this link...MUST SEE!

  With hopes higher than ever to start the 2010 season, Stafford was bitten again by the injury bug. Stafford separated his throwing shoulder in the first game of the season, crushing all hopes of a promising season.

  Stafford would sit for the next 6 weeks and would return week 8 against the Redskins. He would throw for 4 touchdowns in 37-25 win at Ford Field. Things were starting to look even better the next week as Stafford scored 3 TD’s and seemed to have the Jets beat. But, on a seemingly harmless play, Stafford simply fell on his right shoulder and separated it once again, ending his season.

  Though only playing in 3 games last season, it was obvious that Stafford is an outstanding talent and will be the guy, who will lead the Lions back to glory. It all depends if he can stay healthy.

  So, what are the chances of that happening…Pretty good in my opinion. Let me tell you why…

  To be honest, I don’t think he was fully healed when he came back against the Skins. Yeah, he threw the ball well, but the shoulder obviously wasn’t completely healed if he can just fall on it and separate it again. The kid is obviously tough, but you just can’t play quarterback in the NFL with a separated throwing shoulder.

  There have been players who have come back from shoulder injuries and have performed quite well. Drew Brees ring a bell? How about Sam Bradford? Both of their injuries were significantly worse and they have rebounded wonderfully.

  Also, Dr. James Andrews, who is considered the best sports injury surgeons in the world, operated on Stafford’s shoulder. If that don’t put you at ease, I don’t know what will. Plus, Stafford will have much more time for his shoulder to heal this time. He can take it slow and be cautious.

  So, to all of you who want to call Stafford a “china doll” try having a 290 pound monster drive your shoulder into the ground and see how you hold up.  All I ask, is that you to give the kid one more chance. If he gets injured again next year, I’ll agree that he’s injury prone. Until then, just have some faith and believe that something good will eventually happen for the Lions. I do!

  

Safety Concerns Prompt Rule Changes

  Over the past couple of days, the NFL Competition Committee has proposed a number of rule changes, some will be good for the game and some will not. It all depends who you are.

  One of the most notable proposals will change the rules of kickoff returns. The proposal will have teams kick off from the 35 yard line instead of the 30 and touchbacks will be moved to the 25 yard line instead of the 20. Also, the kickoff coverage team will only have a 5 yard running start and no more wedges. Although I think this rule change would take some excitement away from the game, it is definitely something that will benefit the safety of the players. Co-chairmen of the NFL Competition Committee Rich McKay explains:

"This is a rule 100 percent based on player safety. We've seen higher rates of injuries than we are comfortable with and we're trying to remedy it."

  But, there have already been players and coaches who have voiced their displeasure with this possible change. Devin Hester from the Chicago Bears has made it known that he does not want this rule to change. Hester is a kick returner for the Bears and it is no surprise that he does not want this to change. Hester has made his living on kick returns and the rule change would reduce his role with his team and with the NFL.

   It is obvious that the rule change would take away the advantage of some teams who are particularly good at returning kicks, but the competition committee claims there will not be a significant drop of in kickoff returns. Co-chairmen of the NFL Competition Committee Rich McKay, claims that research shows that there should only be about a 20% drop in kickoffs returned, if the rule is put into effect.  

  As a fan, I would like the NFL to keep the rules the way they are, but I understand the concern for the player’s safety. The speed at which players are moving during a kickoff probably makes it the most dangerous play in football. Ultimately, the NFL and the owners are trying their best to protect their players and I commend them for that.

  Yes the rule will change the game a bit, but there are too many great things about this game that will still live on and eventually people will adapt to the game, no matter how it is played. NFL Football is the greatest game on earth and it would take a lot changes for me not to watch. I think that the safety of the players is the most important issues in football and whatever they can do to protect the players should at least be considered.

 

Late Rally Falls Short For Michigan

 

Michigan was coming in hot against Ohio State, winning 9 of 12 and playing their best ball of the year. But their Big Ten Tourney run is over after Jared Sullinger and John Diebler were just too much, as Ohio State topped Michigan 68-61.

  The Wolverines played tough the whole first half. They played Sullinger well, but John Diebler had a big first half with 12 points, scoring inside and from deep. Michigan’s offense was balanced with 5 different players scoring and Darius Morris leading the way 9 points. Michigan trailed 31-27 at the half.

  To start the second half, the Buckeye’s pushed the lead to 11 with 16:00 left, but Michigan would counter with a fantastic run, lead by Morris. He scored 7 straight points to bring Michigan within 6. Tim Hardaway Jr. finished off the run with seven points of his own, as the Wolverines cut the lead to 2 points with 9:53 left.

  Unfortunately, the Wolverines went cold, shooting 0-9 from the field over the next 5 minutes. Over that stretch, Ohio State was able to push the lead to 18, which was ultimately too much for the Wolverines to recover from.

  Though being down 63-45 with 4:30 left, Michigan had one more run in them. Zack Novak and Evan Smotrycz had two 3’s a piece, as Smotrycz’s last 3 pointer brought Michigan within 4 with 21 seconds left. But the rally would come up short as Smotryzc’s 3 missed with the Wolverines down 5 and the Buckeyes were able to pull out the victory.

  Ohio State (31-2) will move on to the Big Ten Championship Game, as expected. Sullinger ended up with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Buford chipped in with 14 points as Diebler finished with 16.

  The Buckeyes have one of the best inside players in the nation in Sullinger and a bunch of good, solid players like senior David Lighty, William Buford and John Diebler who make them hard to defend. They have probably been the most consistent team in college basketball this season. There is no doubt they are one of the best teams in the country and have a real good shot at winning the whole thing.

  As for Michigan (20-13) Darius Morris led the team in scoring with 16 points as Tim Hardaway Jr added 15. Evan Smotrycz also contributed 9. This was the 3^rd loss to Ohio State this season, but the young Michigan team knows that they can play with anybody. Michigan played the Buckeye’s very tough in all three games this year and took another potential 1 seed Kansas to overtime. There is no doubt that Michigan is young, but they have shown their not afraid of anybody and they will be coming at you until the buzzer sounds.

 
   I think Michigan has confidence and ability to win some games in the tournament this year and don’t be surprised if they do. They have 2 NBA caliber players with Morris and Hardaway, plus a bunch of good shooters and they’re all playing with a tremendous amount of confidence. If Michigan can shoot well from 3 in the tournament, I don’t see why they can’t win 2 or 3 games. They know they can play with anybody, but will they be able to play well on the biggest of all stages. I guess we’ll see…

Photos: Sullinger/Associated Press
                 Hardaway/Associated Press

Michigan Shows Some Guts

   Going into Friday’s game between Michigan and Illinois, both teams were projected to be on the bubble and in danger of missing the post season. Thanks to a 21-4 run late in the second half, which included holding Illinois without a field goal for over 7 minutes, Michigan defeated Illinois 60-55. Michigan will be moving on and more than likely, into the NCAA Tournament as well.

   The game was very close for most of the first half. Darius Morris and Zack Novak led the way for Michigan combing for 14 points midway trough the first half. Illinois did pull away late, ending the half with a 10-1 run that lasted 4:33. Illinois led at the half 34-23.

   Back to back 3’s by Novak and one by Stu Douglas kept Michigan in the game early in the second half. Though Michigan was still down by 12 with 10:03 left in the game, the kids never gave up and and it eventually paid off.

   Tim Hardaway Jr. started the Michigan run with a 3 pointer and Evan Smotrycz and Darius Morris scored the next 10 points for the Wolverines. Smotrycz hit two huge 3’s, while Morris began to score in the lane and officially brought Michigan even at 51 with a short jumper with 3:31 left.

  After exchanging free throws, Michigan’s Tim Hardaway Jr. hit a gigantic 3 with 1:47 left to put Michigan on top for good. Hardaway and Novak hit 4 out of 4 free throws to ice the game.

  It was just a gritty performance by the Wolverines. Being down 12 on a neutral court and having the composure to stick with it, is showing how far this team has come and how much better they really are. Darius Morris, who had 17 points and 7 assists, knew what it was going to take to make a comeback. “We knew we were going to need stops. We knew if we got some, we could get back in the game. We had to play possession by possession.”

   This was Michigan’s 9^th win in 12 games and their playing their best ball of the season. Zach Novak had 14 points and Hardaway had 16, while Stu Douglas led the Wolverines in rebounding with 7. The Wolverines have a lot to be excited about. They have a great point guard in Morris, a rising star in Hardaway Jr. and a bunch of guys who can really shoot the 3. The more confident they become, the more dangerous they will become, come tournament time.

  With this win, I completely expect the Wolverines to be a lock for the tournament. Considering what was riding on this game, I think we found out a lot about their team and how resilient they are. They never gave up and found away to win. I would have to consider this win the biggest of the season and just a glimpse of what we can expect from this team in the future. 

Michigan will play Ohio State tomorrow. Michigan has lost twice to the Buckeye’s this year, but have played them well both times.  Tip: ESPN 1:40 PM

   Photo by: The Associated Press
   Stats: http://espn.go.com/

My 2011 Detroit Lions NFL Draft

  Over the past couple of months there has been a lot of speculation and opinion on who the Lions should take in this April’s NFL Draft, so I figured that I might as well join in. This is what I think they should do.                                          
  
   Everything that I’ve been hearing has been saying the Lions want CB Prince Amukamara out of Nebraska. Well…I agree, but will he be there? If Amukamara falls to 13 they have to take him. The end! If he's not, the only other guy that I think is worth taking with the 13th pick is J.J. Watt out of Wisconsin. (Unless Quinn falls that far, which isn't going to happen) Watt is a mad man! At 6'6" 290, is just as quick as Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue) and Aldon Smith (Missouri), who are other top prospects at DE that should be available, but is 30 lbs heavier. He was faster than both guys in the 3 cone drill and is also much stronger. He's longer than both guys and believe it or not, has a higher vertical than both as well. And if needed to, could probably play inside as well. As for Julio Jones...sounds sexy, but I just don't think they can do it. Anyways, if they can't get Amakumara or Watt, they should trade down in my opinion and hopefully get a third or fourth round pick in return.

   If they traded down a few spots, they still might be able to get CB’s Jimmy Smith (Colorado) or Brandon Harris (Miami, Fl.). Or, they could also go with the best available DE. If they can't get one of the top 5 DE's though, I wouldn't even draft one at all. Maybe, LB Akeem Ayers (UCLA) wouldn't be such a bad idea at that slot, but I really don't like him that much and would rather they wait till the second or third round to draft a LB           .                                                                                              

   With their second pick, I really like C/OG Mike Pouncey out of Florida. He stands 6'5", 320 and is a force in the running game, which is something the Lions should be looking for, considering Center Dominic Riola and Guard Stephen Peterman are both terrible. Pouncey's versatility would make him a candidate to take over at center or guard for many years to come. I really do like LB Bruce Carter (North Carolina), but I like Pouncey more because of the depth the draft offers at LB. It would be nice if they could get him in the third round, but I don't think he'll be there. I agree that there is a good amount of talent at LB in this draft, but I don't think most of the players mentioned are going to last as long as everybody thinks. With that being said, I think LB’s like Mark Herzlig (Boston College), Dontay Moch (Nevada), and maybe Casey Matthews (Oregon) could be available in the 3rd round.

   If they haven't taken a LB in the first two rounds, they must take one in the third. Like i just mentioned, there should still be a damn good LB available. I think Herzlig or Moch would be steals in the 3rd and i would be extremely happy with either one. If those guys aren't available, they should draft a WR or maybe a RB and look at Casey Matthews, Greg Jones (Michigan State) or Nick Bellore (Central Michigan) in the 4th. And remember...if they trade down, they might have another 3rd or 4th round pick to work with. So, maybe they can get a couple LB's and a WR or RB, or they could get one of each in rounds 3 and 4. Hope that doesn't sound too confusing. Anyways, that's as far as i'm gonna go.

Listen to my latest opinion on what the Lions should do Draft Day on my new podcast...coming soon to this web page.

BTW...EXPECT BIG THINGS NEXT YEAR!!  AND YES...I'M TALKIN PLAYOFFS!   GO LIONS!!!