A few months back I was using my sweet camera that was purchased just two years ago. When out of no where it turned all my pictures blurry. My siblings got it for my birthday and I've taken it EVERYWHERE. I was almost in tears when I realized it's days were over. I've recently started a fun for my 'new camera needs' and occasionally I'll catch Colby putting in a handful of change as well. I know it will take some time to buy the one I really want but I'm hopeful that before the end of the year, this camera will be mine! In an effort to prove that I can handle a bigger better camera, and really use the pictures. I've been playing with a ton of our engagements/bridals just for fun. It's not 1:43 in the afternoon and I haven't showered yet. :) My Picasa is just too much fun.
A new survey of travelers who visited hepatitis B endemic areas, reveals that over 55 per cent of them were not vaccinated against the virus, which kills almost two people a minute.
More people are choosing destinations outside the Eurozone, such as Egypt and Turkey, where hepatitis B may be common. The survey suggests that many travelers are still not seeking travel health advice and so putting themselves at risk of a preventable disease.
Hepatitis B is passed on via blood and body fluids and can cause flu-like symptoms, jaundice and more seriously, liver cancer. Hepatitis B is a serious but preventable infectious disease. The virus can survive for up to a week in dried blood and body fluids and just a tiny cut or scratch can let it into the body where it can infect the liver. Hepatitis B can be easily prevented by getting vaccinated well before the departure date and can provide travelers with peace of mind for many holidays to come.
Official sources estimate that as many as 180,000 people are infected with hepatitis B in the UK, however the Hepatitis B Foundation propose that this figure may be as high as 325,000. Common in destinations such as Southern Europe, South-East Asia, Africa and the Middle and Far East, hepatitis B is a global problem that has infected about 2 billion people, 350 million of whom have chronic (long-term) infection. Worldwide, one million people die each year from the virus – that’s nearly two people a minute.
The survey
The online survey was conducted by www.OnePoll.com on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline (www.vaccines.co.uk) during April 2009. The survey was completed by 3,000 travelers. 1,897 visited destinations in the last five years where levels of hepatitis B are considered intermediate and high by the World Health Organization. These respondents were questioned further.
Last night My sister Abby and I had the chance to head to Brigham City to watch our Cousin Bailey dance. We had such a good time and the company was great. We decided on this outing a few weeks ago so we sent our husbands on a man date and headed out. We stopped at one of our favorites, Dixie Grill for dinner and then we were ready for the night. Something told me it would cost money to get in but I ignored this and didn't bring any cash. Abby had $4 but we were sure that wouldn't be enough to get us both in. We found a few banks but zero credit unions. We were running out of time so I finally decided the Fee charged at the Wells Fargo ATM would be worth it, if we didn't miss Bailey dancing. Just before it dispensed my crisp $20 bill, it informed me of a three dollar charge. THREE DOLLARS. I just laughed and told Abby to press okay. We parked and headed inside. So many cars and so many people. As we walked towards to ticket table we spotted our Aunt Donna. - Her husband is the athletic director so of course she was there. Abby wasn't surprised but somehow I still was. She gave us both a hug and then stamped our hands and wished us a Happy Birthday. *She didn't make us pay to get in - not that I thought she would. :) Abby and I walked away laughing. I paid $3 at a bank ATM to get a twenty to get us in and then we didn't have to pay. We both got a good laugh and then shared this with the rest of Bailey's supporters - also family.
Later we met up with Jon an Colby. I started telling Colby this story like I had a confession. "Umm Babe, I need to tell you something'. He just laughed and rolled his eyes. "only you" he said.
I worked 34 hours in 3 days @ Smith's and between four and eight hours a week @ ShopKo. Most wouldn't say that's a full schedule but I disagree and so does my little body. The 13.5 hours that I put in on Thursday occasionally send me over the edge and into deep depression on Friday mornings. Every Friday I beg Colby to let me play hookie, to call in sick, to go in late. He apologizes and rolls over. The last two weeks I've been called in on Tuesdays @ Smith's to fill in. I don't mind filling in but I feel like the days I do get called in, I've finally got some things that need to be accomplished and can not be put off for another day. - This marks two weeks in a row that I've run out of whites. (or at least the ones I prefer) As I was leaving working yesterday, I looked at the Pharmacist straight in the eyes and said. "stu, Monday is my day off of work next week, don't bother me, I'll be plenty busy without this place." He laughed and pretended to write that down. I'm turning off my phone right now so that I don't forget to on Monday. A day off is just what I need.
In this post, we will take a look at a few key concepts TCU carried with them every week and explore how versatile they can be. With the help of these simple adaptations, since Fuente took over in 2009 TCU has ranked 4th and 5th in scoring in the nation (2010 and 2009, respectively).
Fuente, a former RB coach, was looking for a way that accentuated their run-heavy approach, with an emphasis on simplicity and efficiency. Without having a dominant receiver at the time, the challenge was trying to find the simplest way to get the ball into a variety of player’s hands without spending an inordinate amount of time diverting from their core offense.
DOUBLE PIVOT (trips to the field)
Usually run out of 5-wide, this 5-step concept features enough answers to afford the quarterback clear reads for a smart throw. While an adaptation of the standard Post-Dig run by everyone, Fuente uses this as an effective way to manufacture space to the field. By attacking/occupying inside underneath defenders with the double-pivots (pivot draws the inside linebackers outside, to open the dig), the combination of a deep dig-post creates a middle-of-the-field conflict for the safety.
This is a great play when you want to avoid the corners by creating an inside Hi-Lo going down the field (whip/dig/post) and feature your running backs in space. TCU is so confident in this concept that they don’t feel they don’t need a specific defensive look to run it, so when they run freeze / OC check tempo, they never have to check out of it. The base concept features the boundary #1 receiver running a 14 yard dig with the #2 receiver aggressively attacking the alley defender (WLB here). Fuente’s coaching point for the whip/pivot player is to actually try to grab this overhang defender, as this exaggerates the separation for the routes the quarterback will be keying (“push in – whip out”). If this receiver gets “turned loose” by the defense (if defender drops), the receiver should just stop. As they say, “ if you’re open, stay open”. The offense is looking to attack the WLB on the 2-man side whip and the MLB on the 3-man side whip. This combination will stretch these two inside defenders outside, chasing the receivers after they stick and break for the flat. By moving these two inside defenders, the dig opens behind them in the (middle) hole.
To the field, the inside receiver will run the same whip route being run by the boundary #2 to hold the safety or linebacker that could rob the dig. The #1 receiver will just run a ‘take-two’ route (fly) to coverage away from the dig and threaten the deep safety. Its crucial that this receiver takes an outside release or will risk defeating the defensive stretch in the middle of the field. The field #2 receiver runs a modified post, actually trying to get all the way across the other side of the field. This ensures that if the linebacker takes the whip and the safety takes the dig, you still have an answer. Pre snap, the quarterback will find space to anticipate where the open grass will be (coverage shell / leverage alignment). At the snap, he will look to the field first and then to the boundary. The decision logic will look to qualify the vertical by #1. If he cannot make this throw, he will then go immediately direct his focus to throw the away-side whip outside.
As a change up to the ‘double pivot’ (and one that TCU uses a majority of the time now), and to feature a better receiver on the dig; the Y and the outside receiver can switch routes. Nothing will change for the QB, as the Hi-Lo occurs on the same 3 man side inside the hashes.
The first explosive play in the Rose Bowl this year (video) from TCU was Double Pivot Y and is a perfect example of what the running back on a linebacker matchup looks like.
PORSCHE (trips to the boundary)
This is TCU’s way to matchup with teams that are just better than they are by using rubs and leverage in the quick game. This cheap 3-step concept premised entirely on featuring a backside split receiver to the field. The backside receiver can be featured in whatever route he runs well (hitch, fade, speed out, etc), but commonly will run the slant because of its simplicity.
Fuente will run this out of 3x1 or 3x2, with the rationale being coverage will either be rolled to the 3 receiver side (away from the featured receiver) or be deficient in numbers against trips. As most defenses will respect the 3 receivers, with a single receiver split to the field, the space created provides a clear path to the ball/throw.
At presnap, the quarterback will qualify the receiver split to the field (is this throw viable? Is there an overhang defender in the path of this throw).
If there is no overhang defender and the corner has a sizeable cushion on the receiver, this is the throw the quarterback will make. If there is no overhang defender and no safety over the top and the corner is tight, the route will be converted to sluggo. If it is a press corner with a safety over the top (Cover 2), then the quarterback will work to the trips side as the defensive numbers cannot support covering 3 receivers into the boundary.
The 3x2 version of this includes an inside receiver to help divert the alley defender (having the #2 receiver immediately break inside across the face of the defender) away from the slant. If the field receiver is disqualified, the quarterback simply diverts his attention to the curl-flat combo in trips. The trips combo features a hitch by #1, a hunt/In route (6 yards over the ball) by #2, and a flat by #3, into the boundary. They can achieve this look in many different ways and often times with motion to the trips with zone-read play action. Into trips is just a defender read over the #2 receiver;
If the boundary linebacker still hangs and doesn’t chase the IN, then the curl is not open (throw the In route)
If the boundary LB chases the flat, the curl is open
While not a successful play in the video provided, as you can see, its just a simple read off the cushion of the defender over #1 to the field. With as much distance established with the split receiver, there won’t be anything to challenge the short-inside throw (slant). CHEETOS
The “cheetos” play is very similar to how many spread teams are using the quarterback as a between-the-tackles runner (Dash), when the passer isn’t the most gifted ball carrier. In 2009, Fuente called this play 40 times for a total of 400 yards. This play developed by mistaken (much like zone-read) and actually works better when your offensive line is struggling with blocking stretch. This is simply a 3x1 (power) zone read, “run backwards”. The back will run his stretch course (aiming at the hip of the tight end), but the offensive line will block power. This action provides a dual-threat, optioning off the playside defensive end.
If the DE gets upfield, the QB goes upfield (keep)
If the DE squats or squeezes, the QB gives
The severe angle of stretch angle (perimeter threat), the playside linebacker will usually fast flow with the defensive end, creating the wide path for the quarterback to run inside. Where the defense comes in conflict is not just the defense end (C gap defender), but also the safety. Because the horizontal stretch becomes so great (one true inside threat plus a wide perimeter threat), the alley defender can be put into a bind as to the proper path to take on this action. The beauty of this play is that there really are no additional concepts to be taught to the players (you’re just combining power and stretch) and it can be applied to Wildcat looks simply by changing the player taking the snap. The offensive line will simply down block into their inside gap-track, with the backside guard pulling for the playside linebacker (he’ll end up picking up the first man that shows on give).
I’ve been lacking in sharing position drills lately, so to pick up the slack here are some basic drills courtesy of former UT coach, Bobby Kennedy (now at CU). Just like the Texas Techdrills shared before, a majority of these drills are focused on pushing the stem, getting out of the break, and body control (and little to do with actually catching the ball). In high school ball, this is probably the most undervalued and under-coached aspect of developing receivers.
This was an awful game by all accounts. Aaron Rodgers had his 1st bad game in forever with 2 Ints and the offense was off after the 1st 2 drives. However, what will be talked about the most will be Jay Cutler and his "injury". I'm almost hoping that his knee is shredded because if he has a sprained knee ligament and left the NFC championship he should be instantly cut.
What saved him now is that Brian Urlacher came to his defense. But Cutler didn't look hurt, he didn't look to care actually, he was moving around decently, and the one thing that pissed me off the most, is that he wasn't trying to help Todd Collins (puke) and Caleb Hanie with looking at the print outs and game film. I'm going to hold my reservations until we actually know what happened, but it's not looking good for him now.
Back to the game... Nothing really happened in the second half, and the most interesting thing may have been how the Packers offense just stalled. If they were playing a good team the outcome of this game may have been a lot different. Caleb Hanie though did impress me. I was rooting for the Packers the whole season and throughout these playoffs however, when I saw Caleb Hanie in there, I rooted for him.
However, the mighty Caleb Hanie was silenced by BJ Raji and the clincher Sam Shields. So now the Packers are taking their NFC championship belt to Dallas to take on my Steelers.
Ben won't put up huge numbers, Ben won't wow you with his play, but Ben Roethlisberger is going to his 3rd Superbowl and his 3rd ring by the age of 28, "Can't Wait!".
The Steelers ended the Jets' season with a dominant first half for a 24-3 lead. Mendenhall had 95 of his 121 yards and a touchdown. Pittsburgh had an unbelievable 1st drive that seemingly took forever (9 minutes) for 66 yards, with great Roethlisberger displaying his scrambling skills on several plays, including a key 12-yard run on 3rd and 12. Mendenhall reached the ball over the goal line from the 1, the final of a 15-play drive which set the tone of the first half. In that drive though, the Steelers lost Maurkice Pouncey (their pro bowl center) for the game, now leaving them to 1 staring offensive lineman from the start of the season.
After that the Steelers got a field goal, Roethlisberger showed more greatness as he scrambled for another TD to make it 17-0. Then the defense thought it was their turn as Ike Taylor blindsided Mark Sanchez who fumbled the ball and William Gay scooped up the ball and ran it in for the 22 yard scamper.
The Jets were able to get down the field before the half ended and were able to get a kick in. Little did I know that kick would give Jets the motivation to come back in the second half.
The Jets and Rex Ryan came back with great adjustments in the second half defensively and offensively they were great too. Sanchez threw a deep pass to Santonio Holmes for a TD, A safety, and another TD to Jericho Cotchery the game was now a 5 point game.
Then it was 3rd and 6. Ben Roethlisberger didn't have a great game up to this point, 10/19 for 133 yards 2 Ints, and 1 rushing TD, but he gets it done. And on 3rd and 6 when everyone was expecting a QB draw, Mike Tomlin trusted the best quarterback in the league as Ben scrambled and was able to hit Antonio Brown for 14 yard catch. Game over, Pittsbrugh's going to the Superbowl vs The Mack families favorite football team the Green Bay Packers and the all american boy Aaron Rodgers.
This is the first ‘official’ post using our YouTube account, so we’ll see how this goes here on out. From their meeting last year…..enjoy Dom Capers vs Dick LeBeau
After enduring underwhelming offenses of Chicago and New York, both teams advanced through convincing execution. What can we glean from this matchup and what should we be looking for?
A vacation is in the works. March is our destination date. Sun and the beach is all we have planned. I can barely keep it together when the topic comes up, I'm excited. I need a break, I need some sun, and I need a week full of my whole family. Hawaii, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic - these are our choices. The Marriott will more than likely make this decision for us. Kind of nice.
In my attempt to become a healthier me, I've stopped drinking soda, cut my candy and snacking down more than I ever have. I've put my running shoes back on and I'm all about eating healthier. I've saved a ton of money at work when I buy what I know I know will be good for me rather than was sounds really good. All around, I'm doing pretty well. The results are happening and it feels good.
I'm excited to keep up my habits and to put my swim suit back on. I wore a swim suit a total of 5 times last year, tops. I've never felt confident in one. However, the in laws have a pool so I end up leaving myself out of a lot of things. I don't want that to happen this year. I'm becoming a new me. A healthier, more confident me. I've decided that if I'm going to work hard to put the suit back on, I might as well put a swim suit on. These are on the wish list, and I'm having a Birthday in two weeks. Fingers crossed.
I worked at the big pharm yesterday. I was talking with one of my best friends when I stopped her mid sentence. "stick out your tongue." "Eww, No! I hate my tongue." "I said stick out your tongue." She sticks it out. I stick mine out. - Geographical matching tongues! "Umm, we have the same tongue. Does anyone else in your family have that tongue? "I don't know, I was adopted." "Don't lie, you look just like your Mom." "That's what everyone says but really, I'm adopted." Lots of playful argument because seriously, she looks like her Mom. She swears on her life. "Well, I have a sister and a Mom with that tongue, maybe we're sisters too." "Really? Maybe!" "Ya, because I like boston baked bean candies and vitamin water like you do." "Ya, and we both like gummy stuff." I about died folks, we were trying to tie ourselves together using food we both like. *Pharmacy school is what brought us together, we didn't love all of it but because of it, we're the best of friends.
The first game on Sunday’s docket features divisional foes, the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. The game will be played at Soldiers Field in downtown Chicago kickoff is slated for 3pm.
Packers and Bears split their regular season series, each winning on their home field. While some question the climate of the second matchup, in which, Green Bay needed to win in order to clinch a playoff spot, unlike Chicago who had already clinched the number 2 seed in the NFC and essentially had nothing to play for. However, contrary to that idea, head coach Lovie Smith kept his starters in for the entire game and the Packers were able to edge the Bears 10-3. In their first matchup, special teams proved to be the deciding factor in a 20-17 Bears victory. Devin Hester was able to return a punt 62-yards for a touchdown, which supplemented Chicago’s stagnant offense. A pair of Robbie Gould field goals, the latter of which was drilled with :04 seconds left, sealed the win for the Bears.
So what did we learn from the first two games, these two teams are very even. This game is certainly going to come down to a lot more than Aaron Rodgers vs. Jay Cutler. Both teams are going to rely on their defense and/or special teams units to come up with points, or at the very least, a turnover.
While neither team was able to show a formidable running game in the regular season, they cannot abandon the ground game completely. In their first game in Chicago, Jay Cutler was the Bear’s leading rusher with 37 yards; the Bear’s cannot expect to win on Sunday if this is the case. Likewise, Rodgers led the Packers in rushing yards in their victory over the Bears in week 17.
It will be important for both teams to establish some form of a rushing attack. For the Packers, I think the answer is 6th round draft pick, James Starks. Starks has shown that he is more explosive than Brandon Jackson, incumbent to injured starter Ryan Grant, and he is more versatile. On wild card weekend, Starks torched Philadelphia for 123 yards on 23 carries. Even though he was slowed down against a tough front seven from Atlanta, Starks still carried the ball 25 times, providing balance to the Packers “pass happy” offense. However, the real challenge will be taking on the Bears second ranked rush defense.
For Chicago, the key to running the ball will have to be a healthy mixture of Matt Forte and off-season pick-up, Chester Taylor. Since it is quite evident that neither back is capable of managing the load, both must be used to keep the Packers guessing. Forte has good explosiveness and is an elite pass-catching back, while Taylor is a better blocker and more of a north-south type runner. If these backs together can total 100 yards, Chicago will be in good shape.
As far as passing is concerned, Aaron Rodgers is playing as well as you can play the position right now. After dissecting the Eagles defense for 3 touchdowns two weeks ago, Rodgers picked up right where he left off against Atlanta, tossing for 3 more scores in a decisive road victory. The Rodgers to Jennings connection appears to be unstoppable and the Bear’s 20th ranked pass defense could be in for a long afternoon if they do not disrupt the league's 5th best passing offense. If Jennings is curtailed by Charles Tlilman on Sunday, look for James Jones and slot receiver Jordy Nelson to create mismatches against a porous Bears’ secondary. As mentioned earlier, if the Packers offense can have the benefit of 30+ combined carries from Starks and Jackson, their play action calls are going to give Chicago nightmares.
On the other side of the ball, Jay Cutler will look to bring his playoff record to 2-0. That’s right last Sunday marked the first post-season game of Cutler’s life. He never qualified for a bowl while playing at Vanderbilt, and failed to make the tournament in any of his four previous seasons as an NFL starter. Although his lack of experience in late January is worth noting, Cutler was able to silence all the critics last week with a 4 TD (2 passing, 2 rushing) performance last week against Seattle. Crucial to Cutler’s success is his ability to remain upright in the pocket. Green Bay will dial up every blitz in the book to pressure Cutler into making mistakes, which has been his downfall throughout his career. He should be especially weary of blitzing duo Clay Matthews charging off the edge, and Charles Woodson coming on the corner blitz, a specialty of Green Bay’s stout defense.
Defensively, Green Bay has to depend on their defense to do what they do best, create turnovers. Aside from maybe the Baltimore Ravens, the Packers are the best in the league at hurrying the quarterback and forcing him to throw before he is ready. Defensive tackle, B.J. Raji, makes things very difficult for opposing offensive linemen. He commands a double team on virtually every snap. This leaves an empty gap for Matthews to rush free causing the quarterback to either wet himself or throw the ball too quickly, or sometimes both. Their lockdown secondary consisting of Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, and Nick Collins have essentially clinched the previous two playoff games. The first of which was a Collins interception to prevent a game winning touchdown against the Eagles, and most recently, Williams’ pick-six of Matt Ryan at the end of the first half from which the Falcons never recovered.
Chicago, like Green Bay, will need to diagram some creative blitz packages to throw the unflappable Aaron Rodgers off his rhythm. Easy for me to say, but very difficult to execute. Veteran linebacker core led by Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs have to eliminate all underneath routes and force Rodgers to throw to the sidelines. Like I mentioned before, both teams need something special to happen on defense and or special teams, this applies double to the Bears. Their offense is suspect at best and with Cutler’s inconsistent play, this game weighs heavily on the broad shoulders of the Bears’ defense. If the Packers play turnover free football, it could be curtains for Chicago’s playoff run. However, if the Bears are able to generate a strip-six or a punt return TD from Hester, this could put Chicago in a fortuitous position of playing with a lead, something they do exceptionally well.
Normally these games go down to the wire, but I am picking the team that can get out to the quick lead. I think both defenses are good enough to protect it for their respective offenses. In the end, I do not see Chicago having the firepower to contend with a dangerous Packers team.
For the second year in a row, the New York Jets will be playing in the AFC championship game. Similar to last season, Rex Ryan will take his show on the road for a chance to reach the Superbowl. The only thing standing in their way is the AFC north champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 Sunday night at Heinz Field.
The Jets have already proven that they can win at Heinz field, something only two teams (Jets and Patriots) have accomplished since Ben Roethlisberger returned from suspension in the middle of October. The Jets won a hard fought battle, 22-17, with help from their defense (4th quarter safety) and special teams (97-yard kickoff return by Brad Smith). Jets’ quarterback, Mark Sanchez, was held in check completing 19 of 29 passes for 170 yards. New York’s balanced offense (27 rushes, 29 pass attempts) confused the Pittsburgh defense and although Sanchez was not able to throw any touchdowns, he orchestrated two drives resulting in short field goals, on top of running in the Jets only offensive touchdown. Pittsburgh came up just short, with the ball in Roethlisberger’s hands in the final seconds, he was unable to complete what would have been the game winning pass, Where is Santonio when you need him?
Interestingly enough, the Superbowl XLIII hero was traded to none other than New York Jets following another disastrous off-season that netted Holmes a 4-game suspension of his own to start the season. Since returning, Holmes has had a remarkable impact on the Jets offense, hauling in 52 catches for 746 yards and 6 touchdowns. His specialty has always been the clutch touchdown. This year was no different. Holmes had game winning catches in back to back games against Cleveland and Houston. Most recently, Holmes sealed the victory over the Patriots with a magnificent catch late in the 4th quarter. Alongside fellow cast-off, Braylon Edwards, they have created a dynamic duo. Holmes has great hands and can be very explosive in the open field. Edwards is more of a deep threat whose long body can make for a challenging assignment to shorter cornerbacks.
Despite having two very good receivers, the strength of the Jets offense is their 4th ranked rushing attack. A year of resurgence from LaDanian Tomlinson has paid off with a chance to play in the Superbowl, something Tomlinson has yet to accomplish in his illustrious career. Spelling Tomlinson is second year back, Shonn Greene, many envisioned a bigger role for Greene coming into this season, however, the balance between LT and Greene has worked out favorably for both backs, limiting their carries to a manageable amount and preserving their legs for the postseason. Greene has posted back to back 70+ yard games in the postseason, and put the Jets up two scores in the closing minutes against New England. Look for these backs to get around 30 total carries for 150 yards if the Jets want to have any success on offense.
Another element the Pittsburgh defense should be concerned with is tight end, Dustin Keller. DK has been relatively silent the last month of the season, but out of sight does not mean out of mind in the eyes of an NFL head coach. The Patriots were able to dismantle the Steelers by matching up their tight ends against the slower Pittsburgh linebackers, if this is the case on Sunday, Pittsburgh could be in for a long evening.
Fortunately for Pittsburgh, as I mentioned, the Jets ability to win games is largely in part of their stellar ground game. However, Pittsburgh boasts the league’s best defense against the run, holding opponents to 62.8 yards per game. Defensive tackle Casey Hampton is superb at clogging up the middle and often commanding two lineman to prevent him from blowing up running plays before they can start. Lawrence Timmons led the team in tackles with 135, and remains a very underrated piece of the Steelers championship caliber defense. Both James Harrison and Lamar Woodley had 10 sacks this year. It marks the third straight season that both men had 10 or more sacks, and Harrison’s second year of 100+ tackles and 10+ sacks, the first time coming in 2008, when he was named the league's defensive player of the year and a Superbowl champion. Monitoring the secondary is All-Pro safety, Troy Polamalu. It is imperative that Polamalu finds a way to force a turnover; he is a menace in the backfield and plays a great center field for a strong safety. Sanchez has been known to leave a lot balls hanging up in the air this postseason. It is only a matter of time before one of those ill advised throws winds up in the hands of an opposing defensive back. The Jets did not have a single turnover in their first matchup one month ago, if they play turnover free football; they are almost impossible to beat.
The proverbial trick up the sleeve for Pittsburgh is breakout wide receiver, Mike Wallace. This guy can change the momentum of a game in an instant. His explosive speed has haunted defensive coordinators all season long. He has the ability to turn an 8-yard crossing pattern into a 75-yard touchdown in the blink of an eye. It will be interesting to see which of the Jets cornerbacks checks the speedy Wallace. Antonio Cromartie might make the most sense; he is a little bit faster than Darrelle Revis, and typically covers opposing teams’ deep threats. The Jets must also attempt to shut down future hall of famer, Hines Ward. In plain terms, Ward is a pest. He is the ideal Pittsburgh Steeler. Ward gives 100% on every play, a rarity for wide receivers, he can catch, run, and block at a very high level and always seems to play above his head in the playoffs.
The Jets 3rd ranked rushing defense will have the challenging task of stopping Rashard Mendenhall. He was limited to 46 yards on 20 carries against Baltimore on Saturday; however, he was able to find the end zone twice. The Jets had an ideal game plan last weekend against the Patriots holding running backs Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis to 89 yards on 23 carries. Although Mendenhall is a better runner than those two backs combined, the Jets have only allowed one 100-yard rusher the entire season (Matt Forte, 135 yards).
Seeing as both teams have solid defenses, and equally strong supporting casts on offense, I think this matchup will boil down to Mark Sanchez vs. Ben Roethlisberger.
On paper, it’s an easy pick. One guy is 9-2 in the post season and owns two Superbowl rings. The other is in his second year, has never played in a Superbowl, but he is 4-1 in the playoffs. Conventional wisdom would say that the better quarterback is going to win at home. However, seeing as I am neither conventional nor do I have much wisdom, I am picking the New York Jets. There is something magical about the Jets in the postseason and I can no longer deny it. Last year I wrote them off as lucky after they were one win away from a Superbowl berth. This year, I thought they had the talent but no leadership and no quarterback. And now, I can admit, that I was wrong. This team is spectacular and they know how to win playoff games. Not to take anything away from Pittsburgh, they are an excellent team but the Jets are playing possessed football, and I am not sure anybody can beat them.
The Celtics have been hot of late going 8-2 in their last 10 (4 in a row), but looked sluggish and disinterested in their last game against the Pistons. Meanwhile, the Jazz have really slowed down, losing each of their last 2 games (both on the road) and are only 5-5 in their last 10. It isn't like their are even losing to good teams (Wizards/Nets).
The Jazz are going to come out with something to prove, but after that lackluster performance last time out, so will the Celtics. Deron Williams is averaging 24.5 points and 10.5 assists over his last 4, but with Rondo on him I am not too nervous about him. Al Jefferson is quietly having a very nice season for himself (16.9 pts 8.8 rebs), but you wonder how good he will be with Garnett/Shaq on him.
What I am getting at here is that Celtics just matchup well against the Jazz, and that's why I see the Celtics winning easily.
Celtics win 105-93 Tommy Award: Ray Allen Game starts at 7:30pm on Comcast
A lot is being made of the fact that Lowrie came out and said he thinks of himself as an "everyday" player. Epstein then came out and said their will be a competition for the starting SS job between Scutaro and Lowrie. The story then took another turn when Francona announced that Scutaro will be the starting SS Opening Day.
All this and they haven't even got to Spring Training yet. So what do I make of all this?
That it's all a bunch of nothing. Scutaro will be the starting SS opening day, but that doesn't mean in July he will be. Even if he is the starter throughout the season Lowrie will get close to "starter" at-bats, because he can play 4 infield position and Francona loves to make sure everyone gets rest. On top of that it's not like Scutaro is getting any younger.
Even if you turned this situation the other way and Lowrie ends up the starter, people forget that Scutaro was a utility man as will throughout most of his career. So no matter what the Sox will have one hell of a utility player.
Hey, this is Coach Hoover. I have been running a series of articles on my site about the Defending the Flexbone. I have not revealed any of the identities of the guest writers as of yet, but I will provide a clue about tomorrow's (Saturday at 1:30 EST) guest writer.
"The Mavs are close to a verbal agreement to sign Peja Stojakovic once he clears waivers Monday, two league sources confirmed to CBSSports.com. Only hours after his buyout with Toronto was finalized, the Mavs expressed "strong interest," said the source, who added that Dallas fits Stojakovic's desire to hook up with a Western Conference contender. Stojakovic is expected to sign a one-year deal at the prorated veteran's minimum of $1.4 million on Monday after the 48-hour waiver period expires (CBS Sports)."
Not a bad signing by the Mavericks. They really need a guy who can spread the floor after the loss of Caron Butler. Peja is still a guy that can knock down three, and score around 12-15 points a game. You give him a PG like Kidd I feel he can still be an asset to this team. One way he will not be is an asset is the defensive side of the court, but he really should only be a scoring option off the bench (like Eddie House/Nate Robinson).
"The Rays are nearing a deal with Johnny Damon, according to Yahoo's Tim Brown (on Twitter). There is still work to be done before the sides reach an agreement, however. Agent Scott Boras represents Damon (MLBTradeRumors)."
I like this signing by the Rays. Damon still had a little left in the tank. Last year hit .271/.355/.401 with 69 walks, 36 doubles for the Tigers, yet his power numbers were way down (8) and he doesn't steal many bases (11). I still say I like it, because I think his power numbers can come back and the Rays at this point needed to do something to replace Pena, Crawford, ect. He also could fit in nicely while the Rays try to bring up their young prospects (example: Desmond Jennings).
"Fifteen years after he put on an eye-popping October show in the first game he ever played in Yankee Stadium, outfielder Andruw Jones agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Yankees on Thursday, sources confirmed to ESPN.com.
He also can earn an additional $1.2 million in incentives. Jones will earn $150,000 each for 250 and 275 plate appearances, $200,000 apiece for 300 and 325, and $250,000 each for 350 and 375, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press (ESPN)."
It has been a long time since Andruw Jones has been a great offensive weapon, but he still is a very good defensive player, and can play all three outfield positions. He is a great fit as a utility player, and as long as people don't expect much offensively he should be fine. Also, you could see his power numbers go up a bit, since he is playing at HR happy Yankee Stadium.
I wonder if Cashman sat on the sidelines for this one too?
Ryan Miller reminded us that he's still the holder of the Vezina Trophy. He stopped the Bruins a season high 38 times. Some of the saves were spectacular. One of them was very very timely. His point blank stop of Mark Recchi's shorthanded bid was the turning point of this game.
So give a tip of the cap to Ryan Miller. However, the Bruins hardly looked comfortable in this high-paced, occasionally frantic game. They gave pucks away because they weren't fully aware of their surroundings. Vanek's breakaway came when Krejci and Kampfer got a bit too aggressive in a breakaway.
The Bruins aren't built or coached to be a North-South, high octane, up and down the ice team. They're built to be methodical, orderly and deliberate. When they get involved in these kinds of games, they lose pucks too easily, they fail to generate enough scoring chances, and they frequently lose.
I think Julien should let this team get more experience, and therefore more comfort playing a more fluid and faster paced game. I can just imagine in practices, that all the drills are orderly, all the matchups are organized, all the playing standardized and regular. Julien seems like the kind of guy who's eaten the same breakfast everyday for 23 years.
In the playoffs, the Bruins will meet teams that have good goaltenders, and can play this faster game. If they can't learn how to play it themselves (it'd be especially nice for the Power Play to get move quicker), the B's need to at least learn how to stop it, and how to slow the game's pace down. Playing more physically is a good place to start doing that.
Bruins at Colorado on Saturday afternoon. The Aves have scored the 4th most goals in the NHL, but allowed the 4th most. So with the Bruins' tremendous defense/goaltending, and inconsistent offense, it'll be strength vs. strength and weakness vs. weakness.
The Boston Bruins have won five of six while scoring 29 goals (scored six goals or more in three of its last five games), which is a great sign that this offense is finally turning the corner. Yet, the Bruins are still not playing to their potential. Guys like Horton, Krejci, and Savard need to bring their game to the next level if the Bruins want to join the "elite" class of the NHL.
Buffalo has picked up 13 points in its last nine games, but is still 8 points out of the playoffs. They have a great goalie in Ryan Miller, but the rest of this team isn't very exciting at all. Still, the Sabres are a threat as they have won their last two game again Boston (both in Buffalo).
Still, I think the Bruins win tonight, because they are just a way better team (and are finally playing like it). Miller will keep the Sabres in the game, but in the end the Bruins will get just enough offense to get by.
Bruins win 3-1 Player of the Game: Krejci Game starts at 7pm on NESN.
Things don't seem to be very happy in Yankee land. After the Yankee lost out on Lee, Crawford, overpaying for Jeter, and having to deal with whatever is going on with Pettitte, one would think because of their past history that heads were going to roll.
Well, it's starting to look like that is going to happen...
"Cashman's decision to go public with his disagreements "were a sign of larger disputes within the Yankee front office," says CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler. Sources in the Yankee organization tell Knobler that ownership wasn't pleased with recent Cashman acquisitions like Randy Winn, Javier Vazquez and Nick Johnson (MLBTradeRumors)."
The "decision" that they are talking about is the signing of Soriano. Cashman has come out and stated that he was not a fan of the signing and refused to have anything to do with it. He didn't think it was a good idea to pay a non-closer closer money, and also didn't want to give up a draft pick. Yet, the Yankees front office (Hal Steinbrenner and Randy Levine) did it anyways.
I am not sure what will happen first. The Yankee fire Cashman, or he walks, but whatever the outcome I think this will be his last season with the embattled club.
Delonte West began working out without a brace on his right wrist this week. Even though he is dribbling in practice, West says he still has some trepidation about catching the ball.
"I'm still a little timid, but I'm getting there," West told The Boston Globe. "As far as dribbling and doing whatever I can with the right hand, I'm permitted to do that."
West, who as missed 26 games because of the injury, expects to participate in full-contact practices in two to three weeks.
"Everything's on schedule," West said. "As far as dealing with the pain and the rotation, I'm actually ahead of schedule. I'm happy about the progress (ESPN)."
Rumors is he will be back just before the All-Star break. I really believe that a lot of the success the Celtics are going to have this year is going to be on West. They really need a PG for the second unit. If he can get guys like Shaq, Big Baby the ball they should be able to keep the scoring going from the 1st unit to the 2nd. I really like West, and was pissed when he got hurt, but it sounds like he is progressing well.
"Spring training is less than a month away and the New York Yankees are patiently waiting for Andy Pettitte to make up his mind.
As Pettitte ponders retirement, there was at least one encouraging sign for the Yankees. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said on Wednesday that he had spoken to Pettitte in the last week and that the hurler was starting to get into baseball shape, just in case he decides to pitch in 2011. "I believe he is throwing," Girardi said at Yankee Stadium. "He wants to be prepared, whatever his decision is (ESPN)."
I keep going back and forth on whether or not I think he will come back. Today, I feel that he is going to come back, but kind of do what his buddy Roger Clemens used to do and pitch a half a season. The Yankees can't argue, because right now their only reported alternative is guys already in the organization and Justin Duchscherer, so basically Pettitte has full control and can get whatever money he wants.
(Not only does he take pictures with goats, he was the goat of the Jets game too!)
According to The Globe, the surgery on Brady's right foot will address a lingering issue and will be performed at Massachusetts General Hospital by team physician George Theodore. The report says that Brady may have a screw inserted. If all goes well, he "should be ready for training camp," The Globe says.
He will be fine, he will be ready for training camp, but don't you love how these type of stories get released AFTER a big loss. The same thing is going to happen with Ben or Mark Sanchez after this weeks game however, I listen to WEEI every day and the excuses are ridiculous. It's come the point where no one is stating the obvious, they over achieved, the offense hid the defense all year, and Brady and Belichick since spygate are great regular season teams.
The severe angle of stretch angle (perimeter threat), the playside linebacker will usually fast flow with the defensive end, creating the wide path for the quarterback to run inside.
Where the defense comes in conflict is not just the defense end (C gap defender), but also the safety. Because the horizontal stretch becomes so great (one true inside threat plus a wide perimeter threat), the alley defender can be put into a bind as to the proper path to take on this action. The beauty of this play is that there really are no additional concepts to be taught to the players (you’re just combining power and stretch) and it can be applied to Wildcat looks simply by changing the player taking the snap. The offensive line will simply down block into their inside gap-track, with the backside guard pulling for the playside linebacker (he’ll end up picking up the first man that shows on give). 
