...for no real reason. Just felt like doing it. Yep. Pretend national championship game coverage after the jump.
I am a few minutes late to this party (which is OK, because no one is reading this). Actually, perfect timing, Jamario O'Neal just returned the opening kick off not very far.
Todd Boekman's first pass attempt results in him flat on his back and missing his receiver by three yards and Chris Wells - this is the man they call "Beanie," no? - doesn't do much better on second down. Sweater Vest dials up a nice pass play on third down for the conversion.
Remember how Beanie Wells didn't do a damn thing on second down? Well, he just did the complete opposite of that for like 60-some yards. Well then. 7-0 Buckeyes with 13:34 left in the first. I wish I woulda had the guts to pick OSU. I knew this shit was gonna happen.
I don't know Les Miles' coaching strategy perfectly, but I am willing to say he is going to make one borderline crazy call - going for it on fourth and 12, faking a punt from his own end zone, something - and I wonder if it is going to come now....nope, LSU settles for the FG. 10-3, slow guys from the North.
Beanie Wells is gashing the LSU front seven. He is gonna get some more stickers on his helmet, I think. Did anyone from Ohio State ever fill up their whole helmet with stickers? I'm not making fun - I think it is a cool tradition, actually - but what happens if they fill the whole helmet up?
LSU muffs a punt at the 15! Huge pile of people, but somehow LSU retains possession. I hate when mad dudes just pile on forever and won't let the refs get to the bottom of the pile. If you have no shot at the ball, you should get a penalty for doing that. I hate that shit.
Early Ducet gains 6 yards on his third catch of the game to close out the first. Gotta like how it is going, Buckeye fans.
I just realized that little "Hype it Up!" button is in the wrong place. I don't know how to fix it. You may just have to live with it. I am sorry though.
Matt Flynn is opting to leave his mouthpiece lodged in the top of his facemask instead of inserting it into his mouth. I don't know why, but he is. His choice, I guess.
Tedd Ginn Jr on the sidelines rocking a flat-brimmed White Sox hat and Mardi Gras beads, barking furiously into some wide receiver's ear - Hartline? What could he possible be talking about? His experience here last year (come to think of it, he did do pretty well for himself)? Maybe tales from a 1-15 season? I don't think I'd let him on my sideline; he seems like bad luck.
Boy, LSU is really screwing the pooch to get things started here. A Charles Barkley-tuuuurrible snap from center leaves LSU with 4th and 24 from their own 5. Hartline runs the punt back to the 41.
Break up the Buckeyes! Boeckman hits a wiiiiiiiide open dude down to the 15 yard line. LSU looks completely baffled. This is why it is so great that college football's champion is decide on the field.
OSU will settle for a FG after Boeckman can't find anyone open on second or third down. 10-0, Buckeyes. Lotta time left though, LSU, lotta time.
Chris Myers is a shmuck. Unless they make him talk about this cheesy shit, then its cool. But if this is the stuff he comes up with on his own? Shmuck.
This doesn't really feel like a big game right now. Is that just me? I think its the announcers. Or FOX. Both suck.
Hester busts through the line for a 20 yard pick up, followed by Flynn hooking up with Early Ducet along the sideline for the second time tonight. LSU looks like they may have realized why there are so many people watching them this evening.
Nine-yard game out of the "pistol" formation for LSU. I am intimately with the pistol: I had a dynasty one time in NCAA in the WAC with my brothers and my little brother had to be Nevada and all they had was the pistol. We made fun of him mercilessly - seriously, the pistol sucked - until he whipped his controller across the room, punched me as hard as he could, told us all to shutup and stormed out of the room. Love the pistol.
I think Trindn Holiday just screwed up the play, becuase Flynn is yelling at him - really, say Trindon did stay in to block...buys you an extra, what? Half a second? It'd look like the commercial where Matt Hasslebeck's o-line gets picked up and chucked down field.
LSU is marching...the cameras catch a young lady from Louisisana in a purple and gold Snow White costume...surrounded by no one in a costume. Wonder if she just makes small talk with everyone like shes not dressed like a Disney character?
Tie game! Flynn finds his tight end wide open. This game is becoming very entertaining...too bad Fox hired that robot who jumps around before NFL games to announce this evening's contest.
Beanie Wells is a monster. He's a, he's a, he's a monster. What a freaking stiff arm. He basically just picked up a LSU d-back with one arm and threw him to the turf as he was running. Poor LSU dude looked like he'd been thrown from a truck on the freeway.
Ooooooooooooooooooh! Robiskie drops a touchdown pass - nice job by the corner to get his hand in there at the last second. This game is all about the big play. Craig Stetlz hurt his hand or something...we'll be back for the FG try when he's OK.
Blocked! Man, another big play. ESPN might actually be forced to show more than three highlights from this game before 17 experts tell me why they were wrong before the game.
I am not a fan of all this shameless promotion, but I really like "Jumper Cam."
I am not a fan of Charles Davis. At all.
Rarely do players actually look like waterbugs when announcers claim they do, but Trindon Holiday actually did look like a little bug right there. He skittered.
I take back what I said about big plays. OSU had needed the big play to score thier 10 points. LSU has more or less marched down the field. This bodes well for LSU, I think.
Touchdown, LSU. Flynn hits Brandon LaFell sprinting to the left corner. 17 straight for LSU. Ohio State has to have a sick feeling of deja vu right about now.
Charles Davis warns Ohio State not to let Glenn Dorsey become emotionally nor physically involved in this game. Control Dorsey's emotion, Ohio State. It is your only hope.
Ohio State's gameplan seems to be revealing itself: throw deep. LSU is catching on and picks off a Boeckman bomb and runs it back inside the 30. Two quick passes has LSU down to the 1. My favorite play from the 1? Back shoulder fade. It is 99% impossible to stop, surveys have shown.
LSU tries to run up the middle on first down and gets stuffed. Told ya. Same result on second down.
I really wish Charles Davis would shut up. No one cares what you would do with LSU's running back. Why don't you tell me why Les Miles is doing that with the running back? Thanks.
You know what All State? No one does care who the kicker is. Ever.
Hester punches it in and LSU is an extra point away from 24 unanswered points. I am pretty glad my not-to-be named former college roommates is an hour away; kind of a big OSU fan known for slamming dudes into walls who mouth off about the Buckeyes. Nice guy, though. Really, he is.
Ohio State is busy not doing a thing on offense, so they punt to LSU, who is content to go into the locker room content to be on pace for a 48-20 blow out. Here's hoping Ohio State makes this fun. Back after the half.
We open the second half with Jim Tressel staring intently into his giant play card. The front says "Run" and the back says "Pass Deep." I'd stick with "run," Jim.
He is going to have to get the ball back first, though. Staying true to form, however, LSU is picking up chunks of yards on every snap, zapping the clock in the process. A score here sucks for everyone except LSU fans.
Trindon Holiday skittered again. (In Lil John voice): Awwww skit skit skit!
Another first down for LSU. Know what sucks about this? Les Miles isn't going to get to call an awesome play. During routes we all lose.
Trindon Holiday just got closed lined. It was like a water bug on a windshield.
Matt Flynn intentionally grounds the ball, leaving LSU with third and really long near midfield. They have a nice lead, could play it safe....I think this is where Les Miles makes his mark. Let us see. Well, Les burns a time out to think it over. This is gonna be good.
That did not live up to my lofty expectations. LSU looks like they were gonna go deep, but it was covered; Flynn throws it into the ground. Well, at least it gives the Buckeyes a chance to make it interesting.
Scratch that. OSU roughs the kicker. You know what? Kickers need a little roughing. And it isn't like he tried to lay the punter out, he just missed the ball. What a dumb penalty.
LSU busts out the Pistol again and Hester breaks off an 9-yard run. Somehow a screen on the following play works and LSU is down to the 4. Seems like whatever LSU tries, it works. Aaaaand Early Ducet is the lucky beneficiary of two lousy tackles and LSU is now up by three scores. Looks like a might make my bed time.
If Ohio State wants to make this game remotely interesting, it needs a touchdown on this possession. Beanie Wells is averaging like 12 yards a touch. Let's get him the ball.
Seems LSU is aware that Beanie was gonna be getting the ball. Time to flip the play card over.
Apparently, LSU is playing man-to-man on OSU's wide receivers and then using the extra defenders to annihilate the run. This means that we are going to have to listen to how the South is so, so much faster than the North for the next month. This sucks.
Here we go! Malcolm Jenkins picks off Flynn and nearly runs it back to the house. OSU has the ball at the 11. 3:44 to go in the third: this is 4-down territory.
Man, Jenkins stepped out by like a pinky toe. Will this do anything to stop people from saying how much faster LSU is? Nope, definitely not.
On third and 1, Wells gets stuffed for about a 4 yard loss. Looking at 4th and 5 after that disaster. Sweater Vest is not phased: Buckeyes will go for it.
Touchdown! Hell of a catch from Robiskie, diving parallel to the goal line to snag a must-have conversion.
Charles Davis, after a nice OSU stop: "You feel the momentum? It hasn't shifted." You just let me know when something happens, momentum-wise, Charles. I can handle the rest myself.
I got a Sven for Christmas this year.
3rd and 7 for LSU at thier own 33. Flynn can't find anyone open, so he runs and is tackled. Punt time...I think a safe assumption would be that OSU has the return on. Doesn't matter, though, cuz LSU's punter booms it through the end zone.
Back-to-back first downs for the Buckeyes: Hartline for the first, Beanie for the second. Make that three in a row as Boeckman finds Robiskie.
Big third down coming up for Ohio State. Boeckman wanted the quick slant, it wasn't there and Boeckman paid for it. They'll go for it on fourth down.
Talk about your all time back fires. Boeckman gets drilled by the entire defensive line as he tries to throw, fumbles and the ball winds up going 30 yards the wrong way. If Jim Tressel has an easy button, now would be the time to use it.
LSU pulls out the pistol to kill some clock. Tressel looks like he'd put a pistol of his own to good use.
OSU will get the ball at their own 20. This is their last shot.
4th and 1. Here's the ballgame. Wells moves the pile and picks up the first.
Boeckman ends it with a pick and OSU's title dream mercifully comes to an end. Congrats to LSU for losing twice this seasons and winning the national title. Goodnight.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Live Blogging the BCS National Title Game
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Live Blog: Denver vs. San Antonio Spurs - Round 1, Game 3
The live blog of Denver and San Antonio will kick off as soon as the Cavs/Wiz game ends. The Cavs are, predictably, in a dog fight with the most severely undermanned team in the post season. So we will get to the Game of the Night as soon as Cleveland finds a way to dispatch of a team who doesn't have its two All-Stars.
Sadly, the game is on ESPN. The drop off from TNT to ESPN is so steep; it is almost like you are watching two different sports. TNT needs to step its game up next year and acquire every single game.
At the very least, that 40 games in 40 nights thing is a little misleading. If you are going to say that, I want at least one game every night. Noah didn't get to take weekends off, did he?
Anyways, live blogging will commence after the jump (nope, still not old) as soon as The LeBrons wrap up Game 3. See you then.
Thoughts? Predictions? Proclamations?
I think the Nuggets will win, I predict a breakout playoff game for JR Smith and I proclaim the winner of this series in the NBA Finals. Word.
Alright, let's get things crackin'. Cleveland goes up 3-0 on Washington (what absolute professionals; they just handled their business, didn't they?) due to Washington falling over a lot and Sasha Pavlovic making up for fouling a three point shooter and a shot clock violation on simultaneous possessions by drilling a dagger three from the corner to push it to two possessions. I'll take it, I guess.
First play I see is Melo draining a 3. Good start, good start. 11-8, Nugs. And Nene with a jumper forces SA to burn a TO.
Cripes, I go from Doug Collins - calm, understated, rational, logical - to Bill Walton - hyper, over the top, irrational, illogical, insane. This is like jumping straight from the whirlpool into the regular pool. I was just not ready for it; I may have a heart attack.
As far as I can tell, it is just Mark Whatshisname and Walton. Who's bright idea was this? Where the hell is Jon Barry? Mark can't keep Walton in check! He is going to be running wild with irrational comments and observations. What do you think Mark thought when he saw his assignment? "Uh, guys? It says here it is just me and Bill...that can't be right! Guys? Guys?!?!"
Melo goes up top and flushes an alley oop. Man, he really went up and got that. Every time Melo gets up, it catches me off guard. He's got some sneaky hops.
Ah, Parker with back to back baskets. Son of a bitch. The Nugs just can't keep him out of the paint. This is going to be a problem.
Iverson finally gets on the board with a nice little pull up. Why doesn't he do his cross over anymore? It is either just a hesitation move or a slower version of it. Baron Davis needs to give it back.
JR with a nice finish at the rim. I don't mean to say I told you so, but...I freakin' told you so. SA has Bruce Bowen guarding JR, so he may want to watch his ankles on any jump shots...you know, because JR is the dirtiest, slimiest prick in the NBA and all.
George Karl picks up a T for standing outside the coaches box. Good God, fellas, I think Melos jersey is slightly untucked in the back, might wanna ring him up, too.
Freakin Parker scores again. This is going to be a problem.
JR! Hell of an athletic finish off an alley oop. Some recurring themes are developing: Parker being a problem and JR Smith finishing at the rim. SA hits back to back shot clock expiring 3s to make it 25-22, Nugs at the half.
Mark takes us to the break with this gem: "Its turning into a Melo man march!" This commercial break can't be long enough.
I can't believe Jacque Vaughn is getting time for the potential World Champs. I remember being at the game where they lost to UTEP in the first round of the NCAA tourney in Dayton. I think that was Vaughn's team...
JR is attacking the rim like he's mad at it. What a great, random call by me. *Pats self on back.
Kleiza finds Nene under the rim...I'd like to nominate Kleiza as the worst player left in the playoffs. I'm willing to listen to arguments, though. I just don't see what he brings to the table. He runs around jacking bad shots, never, ever making them and not guarding anybody. What's the point, really?
Iverson misses a short fadeaway. As he's running down court, you can hear him scream, "He hit me in ma face!"C'mon AI, you couldn't have thrown the F word in there for me? That's too much to ask?
Mark Jones takes us to commercial. I have no idea what the score is.
Timmay misses back to back shots...he hasn't done a damn thing so far, at least from what I've seen - he may have scored 8 straight to open the game and I wouldn't know.
Iverson.....and one! And AI gets to the line for the first time in over 5 quarters. I'm surprised he made it, thought he might have forgotten what to do there.
And Parker scores in the paint again. I can't even blame Steve Blake because he isn't in...the Nuggets have no answer for him. He gets in there at will. Thank God SA doesn't seem interested in doing that every time down the court, because I really don't think it would be much of a problem.
They'd rather throw it into a doubled-team Duncan all the time, who isn't handling them all that well...cept for that time where he finds an open Mike Finley for 3. Spurs up 1, 34-33. Duncan throws it into the back court trying to beat a double team. Pop should try live-blogging the game, he might notice these things.
Walton: "Camby is a more statistical defender than Duncan." In fact, Duncan doesn't even get stats for his offense either. Here is his line for the series:
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Thanks, Bill.
Bruce Bowen: "I hope we can tally up all my runner up defensive player of the year awards." While we are at it, let's tally up all the ankles you've sprained by sliding your foot on purpose under a jump shooters foot, you dirty prick.
Mark Jones: "Something up about playing in this altitude really turns Manu on." Thanks, Mark. No, really, I needed reminded of that commercial where Parker and Ginobili are having phone sex with each other but they don't know it. "Man-ew?" "To-neeee?"
Melo drills a corner J, he has 14. Denver within 1. Make that down 3, The Dirty Prick scores in the lane. This game is really disjointed; no flow. SA has to be loving it. Duncan gets away with a charge, SA up 5. Denver has no home court advantage. It is oddly quiet. It just sounds like there is a strong breeze in the arena. Denver fans better wake the hell up.
Walton says Bowen is an "analytical" defender. Camby is a "statistical" defender. Blake is a "non-existant" defender. I may have added that last one.
Finley misses a drive and kick three; Duncan misses 97 putbacks in a row to end the half. Here come's the obligatory awkward Jim Gray interview. Lucky Tony Parker. That is one thing ESPN rivals TNT with: cover-your-face sideline interviewers. Craig Sager wins Emmies, though, so I guess he has been awarded for his awkwardness. Tough break, Jim Gray.
Close game at the half - 2, 3 points. No flow. Low scoring. No energy in the building. Why the hell is this game so flat? First 5 minutes will set the tone for the rest of the game. Here's my prediction: whoever wins the first 5 minutes wins the game. Jot it down. I am going to pound some coffee; hopefully, Denver and SA are, too.
Iverson is getting aggressive - he drills a 3 from the top of the key to bring Denver within one, then comes right back down for one of his patented high arcers off the glass, only Elson jumps to like the top of the freakin backboard and pins the hell out of it starting a SA fastbreak where Parker, of course, gets into the paint only to have Camby come out of nowhere for the pin - he got a stat for it, too - which triggered a Denver fast break, leading to a Nene blown lay up in traffic.
In other words: FINALLY. Things are starting to pick up, hopefully it only escalates from here. Denver seems to me to be the prototypical second half team. Thank God.
Hey, where the hell is JR? Haven't seen him yet this half.
Has Bruce Bowen ever committed a foul? Ever? He is hands down the dirtiest player in the NBA, and yet he is baffled every time he gets rung up. He just picked up a foul on Iverson, switched over to Melo, and Melo got one on him. We got the see the perplexed Bowen face after each one. Watch your ankles on those Js, fellas. Bowen won't stand for this much longer. Nugs still down 2.
The Nuggets are very, very bad at defensive rotations. They give up waaaay too many open Js.
"The poor man's Iverson" (?!?!) knocks down a three to cut SA's lead to one, but Duncan answers over Nene.
Melo throws Bowen to the ground as Camby knocks down a pull up. Things are about to get heated between those two. Blake finds Nene with a sweet dime in transition, but the Big Fundamental draws No. 3 on Nene. He just bores you to death, doesn't he? He makes both to give the Spurs a 1 point lead.
Iverson just shook the shit out of Manu. Manu got matched up on him in transition and you could see Manu's terror from the couch. AI will be at the line for 2 when we come back.
Uh oh. AI is getting it going. Nice little baseline J. Mark May lets us know he as 5% body fat. So basically he is all bone, notoriously hates weightlifting, gets the hell beat out of him on a regular basis, and is still one of the most durable athletes of the generation. Might not see another one like him for quite some time.
Oh, what the hell: Denver comes up with a steal, and somehow AI and JR lay heaped in a pile while Finley sticks another three. I am shaking my head in disbelief. SA has somehow opened up a 8 point lead...but JR Smith in transition with a chance at a three point play! I may have gotten everything else wrong, but I nailed this JR pick. Feels good, feels real good. JR cuts the lead to 5. 30 seconds left in the third.
Horry hits a wide open three because Denver is terrible, awful, horrendous at rotating and a Nene two at the buzzer is waived off. Denver up 8 heading into the third. Where the hell is that Denver run at? They better come up with one soon...
JR just rakes Manu from behind and gets hit with a flagrant foul. Walton is rambling on and on about how it isn't right that Manu gets hit so hard from the Nuggets...it is the freakin' playoffs. I wonder how Bill feels about the Pistons beating the hell out of Jordan all those years or a million other examples of hard playoff fouls. The NBA is turning into a bunch of soccer moms with the way they assess techs and flagrants and intentionals. Maybe after the season, all the players can get Participation Ceritificates, too. And ice cream!
Mark May: "It is not unusual for Denver to struggle at home." I am thinking that their ghost-like fan base may have something to do with that.
Denver is cold as ice, down 10, little over 9 to go. They need to get something going now. I can't begin to tell you how appalled I am with this fan base. I think we are going to need "Cheer Now" signs for Game 4.
Hey, did you know Tony Parker was getting married? Me either! Nice girl? Awwe, good for them!
Walton mentions another little known tidbit: Najera is the only Hispanic playing in the NBA. Yes, but a truly glorious day will be when we don't have to acknowledge such milestones.
For some unknown reason, Tony Parker is not playing. Finley buries another fucking three. What the hell, Denver. Melo follows his own miss with a tip dunk and the crownd yawns its approval. You guys know your paid admission allows you to cheer, right?
Now Nene with a tip! Nugs within 7. I think they are going to put Parker and Manu back in. Just when I thought there was a chance...
Poor Man's AI hits a toe-on-the-line 2 to cut the lead to 5. Get behind the line, Poor Man's AI! With a chance to cut the lead to 3, Duncan draws a charge on a driving Melo, even though Duncan bailed on it like a total skirt. Hey, Tony Parker just scored in the paint. Stunner, really.
Parker in the paint again. I have nothing to say. I am speechless. I am without speech.
Iverson drives, SA has like three guys there. Tony Parker drives and like three guys watch him shoot five footers. And I'm glad Tim Duncan was worried about the refs screwing with him, because he is getting away with all kinds of shit they'd ring Nene up for in a heart beat.
Holy shit. Sit down. Are you ready for this? The Nuggets just forced a shot clock violation. Melo wastes it with a forced 1 on 1 shot.
Wow. What a bail out on Manu. That was unreal. No one touched him. He jumped in the air, passed, no one touched him, and they put him at the line for 2. No wonder JR jacked him, getting calls like that. Nugs down 7.
Duncan just blindsided Nene, no call. Really, the Nugs have a legit gripe about the refs.
Wild sequence lead to a Nene lay up. This is the kind of atmosphere where you just want to jack someone. Atmosphere crazy, refs doing a lousy job controlling the game, playing against some one annoying as hell. Better make sure JR doesn't get in.
Iverson goes baseline and finds Nene who is just furious with the rim. Lead to 5.
You aren't going to believe this, but Tony Parker just scored in the paint. I know, I know, they do what you least expect.
Lead to 7. 1:04. Camby at the line to cut it to 5. Need both to make this finish remotely exciting. The Defensive Player of the Year rattles home both, lead to 5. Full court pressure from the Nugs.
And Robert Horry hits a ridiculous one dribble, fade away, why-the-fuck-not? jumper with 2 on the shot clock. Ha. That's all I got.
JR Smith dunks with 40 seconds to cut it to 5, Denver elects not to foul - Walton, along with the rest of non-comatose America, is "dazed and confused." (Did you know Wooden used to let Walton get high in his dorm and hotel room after games? Yep, read "Breaks of the Game." Its all in there. Of course, that was the one UCLA team that didn't win it all, so the lesson here is, drugs ruin everything. Unless you play football; then you can be a top 10 pick.)
Bowen misses a three; Denver gets a quick put back and then Denver takes forever to foul again. 4.5 left. Lead is three, but Manu - the hated Manu - is at the line. He makes the first, makes the second. Blake airballs a meaningless layups. Spurs win by 5.
What a flat, luckluster and disappointing performance from the Nugs. Their fans were pretty worthless, too. The entire city of Denver should be embarrassed with itself.
If they don't do better than that in Game 4, this series is a wrap.
Keeping Tabs on the Best Mock Drafters in the World and One Guesser.
***Read the live draft after the jump. Yes, after the jump. I enjoy saying that much more than you enjoy reading it. But yea: live blog after the jump.***
Here are the final mock drafts of, as far as I can tell, the four preeminent mock drafters in all of the world.
Are they worth having around? Well, we are about to find out. For whatever it is worth, I found myself aligning more with Todd McShay that anyone else. I'm sure Todd is thrilled.
Any thoughts or reactions throughout the day can be found after the jump. (Honestly, I am ecstatic that I got too type "after the jump." Giddy.) So when the Vikings miss their pick again, or Mel Kiper wears those preposterous dark sunglasses inside or Chris Berman tips another freakin' pick, it'll all be after the jump. (Again, just wanted to type that. I'll stop eventually. Maybe.)
| Mel Kiper, Jr. | Todd McShay | Peter King | Rick Gosselin | Point 23 | |
| | JaMarcus Russell | JaMarcus Russell | JaMarcus Russell | JaMarcus Russell | JaMarcus Russell |
| | Calvin Johnson | Calvin Johnson | Calvin Johnson | Calvin Johnson | Calvin Johnson |
| | Joe Thomas | Joe Thomas | Brady Quinn | Joe Thomas | Brady Quinn |
| | Gaines Adams | Gaines Adams | Gaines Adams | Gaines Adams | Gaines Adams |
| | Levi Brown | Adrian Peterson | Joe Thomas (to MIA) | Adrian Peterson | Joe Thomas |
| | LaRon Landry | LaRon Landry | Amobi Okoye | LaRon Landry | Amobi Okoye |
| | Adrian Peterson | Brady Quinn | LaRon Landry | Leon Hall | Adrian Peterson |
| | Amobi Okoye | Levi Brown | Adrian Peterson | Levi Brown | LaRon Landry |
| | Brady Quinn | Darelle Revis | Levi Brown (to ARZ) | Brady Quinn | Levi Brown |
| | Leon Hall | Amobi Akoye | Patrick Willis | Darelle Revis | Leon Hall |
| | Patrick Willis | Patrick Willis | Alan Branch | Patrick Willis | Patrick Willis |
| | David Harris | Leon Hall | Paul Posluszny | Marshawn Lynch | Alan Branch |
| | Jamaal Anderson | Jamaal Anderson | Leon Hall | Adam Carriker | Jamaal Anderson |
| | Reggie Nelson | Adam Carriker | Adam Carriker | Jamaal Anderson | Adam Carriker |
| | Lawrence Timmons | Lawrence Timmons | Darrelle Revis | Lawrence Timmons | Lawrence Timmons |
| | Marshawn Lynch | Marshawn Lynch | Ted Ginn Jr. | Robert Meachem | Marshawn Lynch |
| | Adam Carriker | Reggie Nelson | Jamaal Anderson | Ted Ginn, Jr. | Reggie Nelson |
| | Darrelle Revis | Alan Branch | Aaron Ross | Reggie Nelson | Darrelle Revis |
| | Ted Ginn Jr. | Ted Ginn Jr. | Robert Meachem | Dwyane Bowe | Tedd Ginn Jr |
| | Joe Staley | Joe Staley | Lawrence Timmons | Joe Staley | Joe Staley |
| | Alan Branch | Jarvis Moss | Jon Beason | Jarvis Moss | Jarvis Moss |
| | Aaron Ross | Dwyane Bowe | Chris Houston | Aaron Ross | Dwyane Bowe |
| | Justin Harrell | Justin Harrell | Marshawn Lynch | Amobi Okoye | Robert Meachem |
| | Robert Meachem | Aaron Ross | Jarvis Moss (to WAS) | David Harris | Michael Griffin |
| | Greg Olson | Anthony Spencer | Greg Olson | Greg Olson | Greg Olson |
| | Brandon Meriweather | Brandon Meriweather | Brandon Meriweather | Paul Posluszny | Brandon Meriweather |
| | Chris Houston | Greg Olson | Reggie Nelson | Justin Harrell | Aaron Ross |
| | Paul Posluszny | David Harris | Michael Griffin | Brandon Meriweather | David Harris |
| | Ben Grubbs | Ben Grubbs | Tony Ugoh | Ben Grubbs | Ben Grubbs |
| | Dwyane Bowe | Robert Meachem | Dwyane Bowe | Jon Beasley | Dwyane Jarrett |
| | Anthony Spencer | Jon Beason | Justin Harrell | Dwyane Jarrett | Anthony Spencer |
| | Jon Beason | Paul Posluszny | Joe Staley | Michael Griffin | Jon Beason |
Expectations and some questions heading into the draft after the jump. (Had to say it one more time.) And the live blog. After the jump.
What do I want the Niners to do? Draft Patrick Willis at No. 11 and then grab Sidney Rice in Round 2. That would make me happy.
I want the Lions to draft Calvin Johnson. I'm sure it will all work out in the end - he's just that good - but the look on his face when he sees he has been drafted by The Team Where WRs go to Die should be riveting.
Why wouldn't the Lions draft Brady Quinn? Don't you need a really smart QB in that Mike Martz offense? Although the biggest knock I've read on Quinn has been his accuracy, and I'm guessing you have to be pretty on point in that offense.
I don't care where they pick after a trade or whatever, but if the Cardinals do not draft an offensive lineman, they are being completely irresponsible and Ken Whisenhunt is drafting without ever watching that team play a snap. Edge is still a professional running back; he was just running behind the most porous offensive line in the league. If Joe Thomas isn't there, then you draft Levi Brown. Those are your only two options.
Other teams with HUGE holes that must be filled at the risk of incompetence: San Diego has to draft a first round wide receiver, Atlanta better find a way to get a decent pass catcher, too (you are investing all that green in Mike Vick and you give him no one to throw to; no wonder he'd rather watch pitbulls fight); and the Saints have to draft a corner back. They would have been in the Super Bowl last year if they had even a marginal guy knocking down passes on the perimeter.
Teams picks I can't wait for: Cleveland Browns (Quinn?), Minnesoata Vikings (Dare they pass on Quinn if he is there?) and the Patriots (What are they going to do with those two picks?)
12:00 I love ESPN's pre-draft intro. Like anyone's war room is anything like that. People shuffling papers and screaming on the phone like madmen. Well, maybe the Vikings. And I love how ESPN shows them listening to Mel Kiper, like any GM or coach gives a flying f--- what Mel Kiper has to say.
12:10 The Raiders are on the clock! They had months to come up with a decision, now they had 15 minutes to scramble like lunatics. I love how they are still trying to make trades...I thought I was bad handing my homework in at the last minute back in the day. This is ridiculous. They should use exactly 10 seconds of their alotted time to make their pick.
For what i's worth, JaMarcuss Russell is one cool customer. Never gets riled up; low, baritone voice; short, mysterious answers...I feel like he should be in a Quentin Tarantino movie beating the shit outta dudes and them muttering one-liners as he walks away. That should count for something on draft day, I think.
Aaaaaand he can gun it 64 yards from one knee. He can do a Powerade commercial without any of the special effects.
I think I'm with Steve Young. Take Calvin Johnson and then grab either Beck or Edwards at the top of the second round. If I remember correctly, the Chargers traded down in 2001, drafted LaDanian Tomlinson instead of Mike Vick, and then grabbed Drew Brees at the top of the 2nd. That worked out pretty well, I think.
When Keyshawn Johnson looks at Calvin Johnson, he sees a combo of himself and TO. Of course he does.
Goodell: "OK, Raiders fans..." And JaMarcuss Russell it is. I'm glad we waited three months for nothing exciting to happen. The Lions better blow this next pick or I am going to be furious.
Mel is saying that in 5 years, JaMarcuss could be blah, blah, blah. I can't take him serious after they showed him talking after Ryan Leaf got picked: "In 5 years, we will look back and say San Diego didn't give up enough to get him." Good one, Mel.
12:26 Calvin Johnson is giggling like a loon right now after hanging up the phone. Either his uncle is hilarious, or he just got drafted by the Lions.
Here's what I don't get: everyone says the Lions can't take a WR because they keep screwing the pooch on these WR picks. Well, isn't that the exact same reason they should take him? Because they have crappy WRs? Except for the awesome Roy Williams. Dude's a stud.
Who are these random yahoos walking across the stage? Go behind the partition, intern. You're fired.
Yep, Calvin Johnson at No. 2. And the Lion fans are loving it. Man, they are going ballistic. That's a hell of a young receiving corps they have now...is Mike Williams just a lost cause? Why does he suck? Could he be good as a No. 3 or No. 4 WR?
I think I can see Mike Martz' boner from here.
Good point by Mel: it is worth noting that in the past two years, the Lions have passed on Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler and now Brady Quinn.
ESPN needs to quit going to Mort for player analysis. If a trade breaks, let me hear Mort. But he is making some really stupid statement and completely deferring to Keyshawn. Why does he get to sit at the big boy desk? I want McShay!
By the way, me and the rest of the mock drafters are 2 for 2 right now. I have a feeling that percentage is about to plummet, however.
Steve Spurrier just said "Yea, yea...click, clack." The last two times I have heard from him have been an eloquent explanation of why the Confederate flag should be done away with and Click Clack and I'm just not really sure what to make of that.
12:32 Browns are on the clock. Steve Young wants the Browns to make a statement, damnit!
And the Browns do not make that statement. Joe Thomas' reaction can be seen on NFL Network, but that is like three buttons to press, and really, he isn't gonna be all the exciting, Screw it.
How much does Brady Quinn hate Joe Thomas right now? Not only did he go to Brady's hometown team, but his little fishing expedition means ESPN shows his reaction to not getting picked. He did a good job pretending like he didn't want to cry, even throwing in a solid chuckle when the crowd starting chanting "Cleveland sucks! Cleveland sucks!"
12:43 Why the hell wouldn't the Bucs take Brady Quinn here? Their quarterback last season was atrocious...I mean, they did add Jeff Garcia, but my God, I think you gotta pick Quinn here. If anything else, it will give NFL Network more films of Gruden just verbally destroying a young quarterback as they pathetically struggle to spit out a 10 line play call.
I'll say it for the last time: Mort free lancing about players is a bad idea. Not a good idea. Let's not do it anymore.
Me and Peter King have been eliminated from a perfect Mock Draft. Peter King screwed this up? I can't believe it. Really, I'm shocked.
Keyshawn: "When Jake (Delhomme) went down last year, we were stuck with nothing." I'm guessing Key and Chris Weinke aren't going to be inviting eachother over for barbecues, then.
Who was Brady Quinn's speech coach? He should get a raise. Brady has the perfect, upbeat, PR answer for every conceivable question. Well done, sir, well done.
This is getting stale. Someone make a trade. Please.
Gaines Adams it is. Wasn't this draft supposed to be volatile and unpredicatable and crazy and fun? This is boring as shit. Everyone except me and Peter King knew this was going to happen. I guess I will just have to revel in the plummeting Brady Quinn. I guess.
12:53 Arizona is on the clock. Either trade down and take Levi Brown or just draft him here. You have to take an o-lineman here. No arguments. I mean, c'mon Sean Salisbury agrees with me, for God's sake. If that isn't a stamp of approval, I don't know what is. And Michael Smith. Case closed.
Mark May makes no sense. He says it is too high right now to take Brown, but they could do it at 11 or 12. Why the hell does that make any sense? They have a glaring need, the guy was their highest rating at that position, if they don't take him he will get snatched up within the next three picks. This is why Mark May, among other reasons, is illogical. I do not care for him. No, sir, I do not.
Yes! I was right! You're an idiot, Mark May.
1:01 Skins are on the clock. I hope they draft Amobi Okoye, just so Tom Reinaldi can do that sob story on him again. Why is he Tom Reinaldo always so sad? Every story he does is depressing; Okoye is an uplifting, neat, exciting story and he made it sound like a ten care pileup in which several orphans were killed. He should drink some coffee or something.
I love how Kornheiser gets to provide no real analysis, even on his hometown team. Just go take a nap, Tony. We'll wake you Monday for PTI.
Maybe if Brady Quinn got a haircut, he'd get drafted.
Boomer: "They are gonna sing Hail to the Redskins and draft a guy named Landry?" Berman just lives for that kind of shit, doesn't he? Drive me frickin' nuts.
And Landry it is. I don't know what is worse, my bracket or my mock draft. Shambles, I tell you, shambles.
1:16 Miami is on the clock. You have to take Quinn. Running backs come and go in this league. Your QB situation was atrocious last year. Whatever the hell that dudes name was that came in at the end of last year - Taverus Jackson or whatever - was god-awful against the Packers. He ain't no good. Get Brady Quinn, Minny. Hell, just get your pick in on time. And no, I will never let that go.
I like how we have to interview these guys in the Green Room like they are in the waiting room with their entire families on their death beds. They have to wait 15 or 30 more minutes to make millions of dollars, have endless groupie sex (and if they get picked by the Vikings, on a boat!) be a public darling and live a charmed life for the foreseeable future. I think they are going to be OK.
And is it just me, or is Suzy Kolber a little giddy around Brady Quinn? That forced laugh seems a little higher pitched than usual, no?
And of course they draft Adrian Peterson. The best part of their offense is Chester Taylor, so of course they draft at his position. The Vikings are the worst drafters ever.
Actually, Peterson is going to be really really good. I just think the Vikings suck.
1:28 Atlanta is on the clock.
Wow. Jamaal Anderson. They traded up to get him? I'm no expert (see above) but I am fairly certain they could have gotten him at 10. If this ends up screwing the Niners out of Patrick Willis somehow, I will not be a happy mock drafter.
1:38 Miami is on the clock. Brady Quinn is a lock. Might want to change that Brown tie to a teal one there, Bradley.
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow. Tedd Ginn Jr.! The Dolphins done fucked up. I would imagine they did this because they lost ol' what's his name to the Patriots...but this is crazy. Dolphin fans have to be jacked. I'm getting my buddy who is a Dolphin fan on the phone. You'll have his reaction momentarily.
You think Houston is pissed they traded for Matt Schaub when they could have just drafted Brady? Methinks so. Maybe not, but methinks so.
Yea, my buddy the Dolphin fan - JP - is not pleased. Plans to cancel Sunday ticket were debated. Man is he furious. I can't even print what he said, and I already said the f word on here. Let's just move on.
Houston better not draft Patrick Willis. Or trade and let someone - Denver! - pick him instead. Just take Leon Hall and let me enjoy the next selection.
Amobi Time! Damn, I forgot about him. But screw that. Niners are on the clock. C'mon fellas...Carriker looks enticing, but Willis is the pick. Fingers crossed.
2:03 Niners are on the clock. Man, sweaty palms. I thought this was supposed to be fun.
Good point by Mort: all three of the pot smokers have gone in the Top 10. Did we learn nothing from Ricky Williams? If any of those three start rocking a wedding dress, take out an insurance policy.
Mock Drafters Update Through 10 Picks: Mel 7, Todd 6, Rick 5, Peter 3, Me 4. I am kicking Peter King's ass.
Brady has been invited into a public suite by Roger Goodell so ESPN cameras can't obsess over him. Damnit.
Keyshawn thinks the Panthers should take Brady Quinn. Not a real surprise, considering he said that they "were left with nothing" when Delhomme got hurt. That was awkward when they had to direct snap it to their running backs 73 times a game. They were so desperate they even ran a reverse to Keyshawn once. (Note: that wasn't a joke; they seriously did that.)
Steve Young says pencil in Patrick Willis. Can I do that in pen? Yes I can! I can carve that shit in stone. He was beasting on dudes with a frickin' cast on his hand. I am stoked. Phew. Deep breaths, deep breaths. Lot of picks in the first four rounds for the Niners.
Now, the question becomes: where does Brady Quinn go? Other than Roger Goodell's living room. Buffalo might be considered, but Losman is decent enough that they can address areas of much, much greater concern - like corner back (I say they go Leon Hall here). Carolina is an option, but do you really draft a back up in the first round? Jacksonville and Baltimore are serious options, too...but if for some reason he gets past them, he could go to the second round. Wouldn't that be some shit?
2:25 The Bills grab Marshawn Lynch at 12. Everyone in Green Bay starts absent mindingly shredding his cheese head. I am glad Buffalo loses two defensive studs and does nothing to replace them. And if Berman says anything about wagons and circles, I am throwing my TV through the window.
Berman makes some obscure tie between Marv Levy and Cal. Sweet Jeebus, Bommer, no one gives a shit. No one. Quit making these damn old time references. If you and Steve Sabol want to go salivate over some black and white film of people playing with out facemasks and say Raaaaaaaaaaaaaiders, fine. But knock it off during the draft.
2:30 St. Louis is on the clock. I predicted Jamaal Anderson; Peter went with Leon Hall. This is a huge pick if I am going to maintain my mastery of Peter King. Stupid Bills should have taken Leon and made this a done deal. Jerks.
Adam Carriker. Fine. Whatever. Moving on.
2:40 Carolina is on the clock. Brady? Yes? No? I predicted Carriker here, so I'm not happy.
Here's what I don't get about teams not taking Brady Quinn. Every Sunday, everyone and their brother sits around complaining about how much their team's quarterback sucks. When you wager on a game, half the time it boils down to, "You know what? Their QB blows. Gimme the other guys." Every analyst bemoans quarterbacks bad decision makers. And now there is a very, very good QB available and he is chillin' with Roger Goodell. Tell me how that makes any sense.
Well, we have a trade - NY is picking for Carolina, but ESPN won't tell us the details. The fans knew before Berman somehow. Wow. Seems like the Jets gave up a lot. They switch first rounders, NY gets a 6th rounder, and Carolina gets a 2nd and a 5th.
I have no idea what picks are worth in the NFL. The Bears and Jets just swap second rounders for Thomas Jones, but the Jets give up a second rounder just to move up 6 spots in the draft. I need a chart or something.
I love the reaction form Jets fans with the pick of Darrelle Revis. They were quietly paused, waiting to explode, Revis' name was announced, no sense of recognition registered on anyone's face, one yahoo screamed, and then the rest of the sheep all screamed like that's who they wanted all along. That was a terrific 15 minutes from the New York Football Jets.
2:54 Da Stees are on da clock.
Da Stees take Lawrence Timmons, which I so suavely predicted (read: copied from the three mock drafters who have some modicum of copetancy in this department). Peter King picked Darrelle Revis from Pitt in this spot solely so he could write this sentence, and for no other reason at all:
Ever been to the Steelers' training facility on the south side of town? Interesting place. Walk through the entrance of a big building on the left, and you enter Steelers headquarters. The door on the right is Pitt's place. Revis' pro locker room will be 20 yards from his college one.
Notice how Peter subtly brags that he's been there? Classy, I thought. If Revis attended USC, no way Peter makes this pick. Pete also dropped this gem on us when he predicts Adrian Peterson to the Falcons:
Peterson wins a battle in Falcons war room over Levi Brown. If not here, Peterson could sink like Big Pussy's body after it was thrown overboard off the Jersey coast. Much skepticism in draft rooms over his 2007 availability.
Forced analogy aside, did anyone else ever think they'd read the word "pussy" in a Peter King column? How does he look his family in the face?
3:00 Packers are on the clock. I am so sick of Mel's board. I do not care for it, no sir, not one bit.
Wow. 'Nother surpise. Packers go defense two years in a row in the first round. You think they are trying to subty tell Brett Favre, "Listen, my man, we appreciate everything you'd done - really, you'll never know - but its time to hang it up. You were great in that Prilosec commercial...is that a mediocre acting career I hear calling your name?"
3:14 Jacksonville on the clock. If they don't take Brady Quinn here, he might as well go borrow Tony Kornheiser's heated blanket and settle in for a long nap.
I hope Goodell stops doing that, "OK, Team X fans..." before every other pick. He doesn't seem like the most natural public speaker, does he? Seems like he is making an effort to open up a rapport with the fans, which is a nice gesture. Kinda like when the meanest principle you ever had tries to be your buddy, though. Aaaaaaaawkward.
If Jax takes Reggie Nelson, I am going to open up an insurmountable lead over Pete. C'mon Reggie. C'moooooooooooooon Reggie!
This is bullshit. Denver moves up to Jax' spot. They get Denver's 3rd and 6th rounder, too. Listen, Denver ain't screwin' around this year. They were all over the FA market and they are going to get their guy in this draft.
Denver goes with Jarvis Moss. Boomer just orgasmed over Jarvis Moss's speed, which I do not think Moss can put on a resume. I can't believe they screwed me out of a correct Reggie Nelson pick there. If Denver would have read my mock draft, they would have known that they could have stayed pat on still have gotten Moss. For being such a genius, Shannahan doesn't do too much research.
3:28 Bengals are on the clock. Too bad Carriker was already taken! Bada-bing! Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all night.
Nice pick by the Bengals, grabbing Leon Hall. Filled a need and he shouldn't even have been there.
****Breaking News: Leon Hall has been arrested on suspicion of DUI. Hall, allegedly, was pulled over and then puked all over the arresting officer. Three semi-automatic hand guns were found under the front seat of the vehicle and a 10 pound block of marijuana was found in the trunk. Hall said it was his cousin's weed, his uncle's guns and his mother's car.***
3:33 Titans are on the clock. Why did Todd McShay get relegated to the little kid's table? This is bullshit. I think it is because Kiper secretly hates him. This is like on Playmakers when they drafted Omar Gooding and that old running back hated him. I see only one solution here: Kiper needs to get on 'roids. Sad, but inevitable. Hey, it's Mel's body!
Damnit, I went with Ginn Jr. here, probably because he would be the perfect fit since he is the best returner in the draft and the Titans lost their returner to The Goodell Crusades. I was actually really proud of thinking this one through and the jackass Dolphins blew it. After this and the Reggie Nelson debacle, Pete could make a big leap if they go with Dwyane Bowe here. This is not good.
I would just like to say now that the Titans are going to suck next year without Pacman. Vince Young was good, yea, but they won some games when he went like 5-21 for 54 yards because Pacman returned a punt and an INT for touchdowns.
Titans grab Michael Griffin and my mock is in shambles. At least Pete doesn't make up any ground. Whoa, Mel, calm down there homie...he may be good, but Ronnie Lott? These Big Boy desk is compating guys to all-time legends and enshrining guys in the Hall of Fame just a tad too quickly, aren't they?
I am holding my breath hoping that no one picks a WR. Because once one of them goes, they are going to come flying off the board. Think NE burns one of those picks on a WR? Bet they'd love to get Bowe and Reggie Nelson. Actually, I bet they get whatever they want; they usually do.
3:45 Giants are on the clock. Steve Young is just going nuts whenever teams refuse to draft players to help out quarterbacks. First he was pissed the Browns didn't make a statement by getting Quinn, then he was pissed they didn't give Favre any help, now he is mad Vince has no new weapons (never mind that this draft is so deep at WR and only one has been taken and they just lost their best player in the secondary for the season.) Hey, Steve: some teams are going to draft guys on the defensive side of the ball. Let's move on.
Hey, Brady was on the phone. I hope Cleveland gets him. Then they would all get A's on their report card from Mel, and a solid education is really what it is all about.
Two seperate groups of Giants fans have competing cheers going: the bottom section is screaming "Lets go Giants!" while the upper decks counters with "Giants! Giants!" and both are suffiiently drowned out. I never had an opinion on them before, but now I think all Giants fans are dumb.
The Giants get Aaron Ross. Fine. They did cut their starting left tackle, though, and have yet to replace him. Mr. Throw Off My Back Foot Every Time is probably thrilled.
I was worried about a run on WR (I really, really want a stud WR for the Niners at 42) but a run on d-backs is really what is going on. Veeeery intereeeeeeesting.
3:55 Jacksonville on the clock. Did I fall asleep or has Reggie Nelson not been drafted yet?
Mark May just said Dallas is the most likely destination for Brady Quinn. Where the hell is Tom Jackson when you need him? Give me one good reason why Brady Quinn would go to Dallas? To hold PATs? Don't they have a freakin' Pro Bowler at QB?
Hmm. Michael Smith just concurred. I guess I just don't get the NFL.
I think Jags fans are chanting "Revis! Revis!" Either I heard wrong, or they are dumber than those Giants fans.
And they do get Revis. I called this at 17, so I'm counting it. Take that, Pete. How about the Jags trading down, grabbing those extra picks, and still getting the player they were going to take anyways? Wonder if they knew all along, or they just have balls made of stone? Either way, A++++ for the Jags.
4:02 Dallas is on the clock. If Brady Quinn goes here, I will be baffled. Surely they have more pressing needs than a back up quarterback, right?
Ed Werder just revealed that he texted Tony Romo (!) and Romo would be "astonished" if they took Brady Quinn. So me and Tony Romo are the only two people that would be astonished here. And here I didn't think we had anything in common.
(I don't wanna jinx it, but it is looking better and better for the Niners getting a good WR at 42. Sshhhhhh.)
Dallas's "play caller" from last year was Tony Sporano? Is Peter King aware of this? How have we not had a fawning piece on Tony Sporano yet?!?!?
TRADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Browns are now on the clock! OMG! Brady Quinn is going to the Browns!!!!!!!
I can't believe the Browns got both of their guys. What a freakin' job by Cleveland. Seriously. That is phenomenal. Round of applause. Good thing he wore than Brown tie.
This might be one of the neatest draft stories ever. I can't believe how this worked out. Pretty cool. Preeeeeetaaaaaay, preeeeeeeetaaaaaaaay cool.
(Good job, Miami.)
4:17 Kansas City is on the clock. If they don't take a WR here, they are crazy. Crazy. OK, well not crazy, but their WR corps just blows, and there are a ton of WRs here that deserve to go late first round. Yes, this is a reverse jinx.
I love how Jaws ends his sentences. "Brady Quinn is not afraid to make the tough throw. And that is why he will be a terrific quarterback in the National Football League." I am geeked to hear this 10 times a night on MNF.
So KC goes Dwyane Bowe, which was really their only choice, in this guesser's opinion. Atta boy, KC.
4:32 New England is on the clock. I am curious to see if they go offense or defense here. If we go WR back-to-back, I may start involuntarily spasming.
Brandon Meriweather. Damnit. If Griffin wasn't already off the board, I woulda got that one. I can take solace in the fact that Peter wasn't even close.
Oh! I didn't know Meriweather was the infamous stomper in the MIA/FIA brawl. So Belichik openly screws with the NFL's injury list reports, and now he openly thumbs his nose at drafting "character" guys. Man, the Pats just drafted college football's answer to Albert Haynesworth. And he was in a "legal" gun fight!
I love when an on field brawl and a gun fight (!) are considered "minor" concerns. Fabulous.
4:45 The Panthers are on the clock. The NFL Live guys are arguing about Meriweather. Sean Salisbury called his antics "bush league." Completely underrated term. A+, Sean.
Mark May applauds the pick. Of course he does. I have yet to agree with Mark May. He is driving me friggin' nuts. I think he could proclaim that Point 23 is running the greatest live blog of an NFL draft ever and I would vehemently disagree. And his huge head with tiny little spectacles aren't helping matters, either. Get some contacts or some Lasik, Mark May; you look like the number 2 side of a die.
The Big Cats grab Jon Beason, another defensive player out of Miami. What, no brawl footage? No gun fights? What a disgrace to the U. Michael Irvin is in a purple suit somewhere, shaking his head in shame.
4:53 Philly is on the clock. Every single remaining player is saying, "Not me, not me, not me, not me..."
Berman: quit giving Keyshawn opportunities to bash Chris Wienke. Oh, and now Mort is in on the bashing. Poor Chris Weinke.
Oh, a trade! Dallas jumps up here for no good reason, really. Philly musta got some good shit for this. Don't take a WR you slimy bastards. Just don't do it. You leave Robert Meachem alone. He was growing on me and you already got two decent WRs. You know how your safety gets beat long like twice a game? Yea, maybe you should do something about that. Or draft a holder. Just not a WR.
New Orleans has to be holding its breathe, too, right? Isn't there one first round corner back left? And they need one of them i am pretty sure.
The Eagles got a 2nd, 3rd and a 5th. I guess Dallas can do that considering how much they got for Brady Quinn.
Did Cleveland give up too much for Brady? Well, they were going to have to draft a QB next year, anyways, probably, so they just used it a year earlier. So it cost them a second rounder this year. If you are Cleveland, I think you can live with that. They are being aggressive, they seem to have a definite direction they want to take this team, and as a fan of a rebuilding franchise, you can't really ask for much more than that.
The Cowboys take Anthony Spencer and the Dallas fans act like they just ate some bad sea food. Who did they want Dallas to take? I am guessing they just never heard of the guy. Dallas has really been all over the place this draft, but they have two No. 1's next year, one of them probably pretty high, so you can't really knock them.
5:05 The Saints are on the clock. Much like Miami had to take a QB and KC had to take a WR, the Saints have to take a cornerback. When a casual football fan can glance at a game and say, "Wow, the (fill in team name here) are awful at (fill in position here). They are just getting killed," then you, as a franchise, have a duty to address said position. They didn't do it in free agency, I don't think, so you have to go corner here.
Ross is already gone, so they have to take the next available. Take Chris Houston. Just do it, NO, don't ask questions. I don't care if it is a stretch or a reach, you have to do it. When a position costs you a trip to the Super Bowl, you fill it. I cannot stress this enough.
Of course, this is the franchise that found Marques Colston in the 7th round, so I'll chill. Wonder if they were high fiving in the war room or if they were like, "eh, we'll see if he can make it on special teams."
Have I mentioned lately that I love when Jaws breaks down films? Can we do this on MNF instead of commercials? Or at least instead of Pink? Jaws is the best analyst in the entire National Football League.
Wow. The Saints go with Robert Meachem. What the hell, New Orleans. He better be playing both ways, because people are gonna pass all over them.
New Orleans just decided to become the Phoenix Suns of the NFL. Screw it, we will just outscore you. Fair enough, at least they have a plan. Can I just draft "The Saints Offense" in my fantasy league?
5:18 New England is on the clock again. They went with a safety with their first first round pick. Come back with a little offense the second time around?
I think Mark May borrowed his sons glasses for the show today. Those poor little pieces of metal are about at their snapping point; his generous dome is about to snap them like twigs. He has yet to say a single thing I agree with. Even Michael Irvin made me agree sometimes.
They just showed that LeBron commercial where that idiot is driving around in his mower while LeBron shoots various faces if disapproval in his general direction and then rejects the poor bastard into next Tuesday, all without uttering a word and holding a cup of coffee. I think they filmed this commercial without telling LeBron. I really don't think he had any idea he was even in a commercial. He just got a check from John Deere in the mail one day, thought it was his weekly pay check and didn't think twice.
Orlando is up 5 on Detroit with 3:18 left. I'm not watching; I cost the Magic a playoff series one time because I watched - long story - so I'll leave them alone for now. I wish I would have paid close attention to this series, but if Detroit isn't going to care, then neither am I.
Oh, shit son. The Niners just traded with New England. That'll make you sit up in your seat. Wonder who they are gunning for here? They must love him. Wonder what they gave up. I hope it wasn't No. 42 in Round 2. I can live with anything else.
Who they going for here? A lineman? Staley? Maybe Grubbs? I want a playmaker on the perimeter.
Staley it is. Hey, they must have loved him to move up and get him. I trust Nolan's judgment. I'm really curious what they gave up. I am dying for a playmaker on the perimeter. Dying.
Details of the trade: Niners gave up their 4th Rounder this year, and their first rounder next year. Man. I don't know how I feel about that. Staley better be a friggin' stud, and the Niners better finish in the top half, top third of the league so that No. 1 isn't loaded with value. Basically the Niners are saying "We want to make the playoffs this year. Period." And you know what? I like that.
Baltimore took Ben Grubbs, which everyone above called - except Peter King. Good God, Peter.
But back to the Niners. I was a little disappointed that they gave up that second rounder, because it pretty much eliminated any shot at a top level WR (hey, maybe Sidney Rice will sill be there) but, from 49ersNews.com:
So. That would be something. I think I can live with that. I am going to need to see how this all shakes out before I give it a definitive answer. But that was an exciting 15 minutes.According to a league source, San Francisco and division rival Seattle are close to finalizing a trade that would send Seahawks wide receiver Darrell Jackson to the Niners in exchange for one of their fourth-rounders, believed to be the Niners’ third selection in the round, No. 124 overall.
The deal is contingent upon Jackson passing his physical, scheduled for Saturday at the Niners’ Santa Clara, Calif.
5:45 San Diego is on the clock. Much like KC, they have to go WR here, although I don't know if they are in love with any of those USC WRs. We shall see.
Keyshawn: "Speed is overrated at the WR position." He is saying some really interesting things, is well spoken, seems to have done his homework, is articulate, can banter and argue without screaming at the top of his lungs...my God, he's a better analyst than a wide receiver. Trading Keyshawn for Michael Irvin is better than the Reggie Bush falling to the Saints at 2. Can he retire from football now?
Why does ESPN show us the picks hugging and crying on the phone before they get picked? Why do they let Berman tip the picks half the time? Why do they scroll scores during Sports Center? WE WANT TO WAIT. WE WANT TO BE SURPRISED WHEN THE COMMISH IS AT THE PODIUM. KNOCK IT OFF. Thank you.
Flipped over to TNT quickly: Bron Bron with two vicious dunks back to back. I'm not watching! I swear I'm not.
Well, at least I got the position right. They took Craig Davis out of LSU. Hey, they addressed a need. Can't complain. I think Jarrett is better, but whatever. LSU put two receivers in the first round of the NFL draft.
Good Lord, Mel is in love with measurables. Keyshawn is on fire. I am listening to him more than anyone else at this table combined. He should pull a Tiki Barber and retire. Keyshawn is 10 times better than Keyshawn. Can we just get Todd McShay and Keyshawn breaking down the draft? Everyone else is free to go home. G'night.
5:55 Bears are on the clock. I think they are taking Greg Olson. Word. The more weapons for the Sex Cannon, the better.
Yep, Greg Olson. Awesome. Moving on.
6:10 World Champs on the board. LeBron James just hit a freakin' ludicrous step back three from a foot behind the arc. Good day for the city of Cleveland, I'd say.
The Colts pick Brandon Stokely 2.0 in Anthony Gonzalez. That is crazy that he will never be the best receiver on his team at either level and he is a first round pick. Wonder who he played with in HS?
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand that is it for round one. That was long as hell, my ass is numb, and the Cavs are on. I need to lay down. If anything wild happens in Round 2, I'll add it here.
I'll figure out who won the First Annual Mock Drafter and Guesser Showdown. Early predications hint that Peter King may not have fared so well.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Live Blog: Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers - Round 1, Game 3
Also known as "Kobe vs. Inevitability." Kobe is sweet in the lane I'll give you that. But after watching T-Mac slice through Jazz the other night, I am going to have to say he is the most graceful, prettiest finisher in the NBA... then again T-Mac is always settling for fade away 3's and rarely driving so...
This game is over already. 11-0 Suns, 4 different players have scored, they've hit a three, Stoudamire has a transition alley-oop dunk and Kobe has yet to register an FGA. Quick 20 second time out from Phil. Hey, that's better than last game, Phillip.
Kwame Brown is a joke. He demands more post touches, so far he's 0-2 with two attempts that he might as well have been earing a skirt for and a turnover. Go throw some cake, Kwame.
And Kobe is on the board! He hits a sweet fall away J from the foul line. Now do that 47 more times.
Oh yes. Yes. Kobe hits a tough runner/pull up over Bell again. 11-4, PHX.
Kwame gets to the foul line on a bail out call, but his attempt at a three point play was, um...unskilled. I don't know why I despise him so much; I think it is because he reminds me of a big kid I played with in college who was just a complete was of talent and a total prick to top it off. He was the kind of kid who would throw a cake at some dude, too.
Bell finds Nash to finish of a 4-1 fast break. 15-6. I'n not even typing PHX anymore. When you see a score, just assume PHX is the higher number.
Hey I just noticed Kurt Thomas in the starting line up. This is different, right?
Kwame blows another chance at a three point play. What a skirt.
Kurt Thomas is on fire. 2-3. Never mind that his one miss nearly cracked the backboard. The other two were as pure as a shot can be from someone who is channelling Bill Cartwright's jumper. 19-7 as we head into commercial.
You know, Kobe is letting me down. I hope this isn't Prove a Point Kobe. I like I Am Going to Score Every Time I Touch It Kobe. He's much better. Does anyone - Kobe, fans, Phil - think that Kwame flailing to the basket or Lamar missing nine striaght point blank layups is better offense that a triple teamed Kobe shooting a fadeaway from the corner? I'll take Kobe shooting left handed over anyone else wearing purple and gold.
Wow. Craig Sager has footage of a police chase that delayed Odom getting to the stadium. The cop car spun out some half naked jackass in a car that looked like it belonged in a "Life Comes at You Quickly Commercial." Speaking of Odom, he cuts it to 10 - and Farmer with a steal in the back court!
That's is actually bad...the Lakers fail to capitalize and Nash is no going to destroy Farmar for the next two minutes.
Ooooh. Farmer tried posting up Nash and Nash just jacked him in the back when he tried to shoot. I'm telling you: Nash will be at the rim on the Suns next possession. He does not enjoy Farmar at all. Wow, Nash with a turnover. This is just weird.
Holy Hell. Kobe with a ludacris baseline, reverse, hang forever lay up. Unreal. He released the ball on his way down, when he was no more than two inches from hitting the ground. Just do that every time! Of course, Barbosa answers with a three and Odom misses another shot from point blank. He is the anti-finisher; it is like he is allergic to paint.
27-14 after Marion hits the first pull up jump shot of his life. Another non-Kobe shot for the Lakers. Barbosa with another 3. Sweet Jeebus, LA. Two more non-Kobe shots. If you play for the Lakers, you have to have a pretty large pair of cajones shooting the ball. How do you look Kobe in the eye after shooting? Just give him the damn ball!
Shammond Williams checks in. A few things here: Shammond Williams! Alright, the more UNC alums in this game, the better. (Kobe drills a 3 from the corner!) Second, he has taken the roster spot of a "very healthy Radmonic," according to Doug Collins. (Bynum pulls a Kwame and blows a chance to finish when fouled. Good God, the Laker bigs are soft. I see a Charmin endorsement in their future.) So Vlad Rad can play, and he's a healthy scratch? Man, Phil must really hate him. No books for Vlad this summer.
End of 1. PHX has a lot, LA doesn't. Back after the break.
Shammond Williams is still in. Smush Parker seems to care on the sideline (that was sarcastic). 31-19.
Doug Collins says Diaw should take Brian Cook off the dribble after Diaw turns it over. I agree: Kurt Thomas beat Brian Cook off the dribble two plays ago for God's sake.
Odom misses another lay-up. Hey, he is relentless, I'll give him that. There is a fine line between being relentless and being stupid, though.
Kobe has been on the bench for a while...what happened to 48 minutes of Kobe!?!? I was promised 48 minutes of Kobe. I want my money back.
Odom knocks down a J. Makes perfect sense. Lake Show is making a little run with Kobe on the bench, they have it within 9, 35-26.
Advice from Dyan Cannon: "I think they should hope and pray." Amazingly, that is the best advice I can possibly think of. Praying should be prominently involved in all Laker game plans. Write that down, Phil - you aren't really doing anything else.
No, whistling doesn't count.
Kobe or Nash haven't been in the game for, like, a really long time. Seriously, I want my money back. I didn't tune in for Boris Diaw vs. Brain Cook, as exciting as that has been.
Craig Sager with the obligatory Triangle Offense and how does Kobe fit into it argument. I can not begin to tell you how sick of all this shit I am. Just give Kobe the ball, everyone else get out of the way, and see if he can win the game by himself. There's your offense.
Tex Winter looks like he should be slugging gulps striaght from a bottle of Jack Daniels, by the way.
Nash and Kobe are in!
Aaaaand Kobe just crossed Shawn Marion over, made him fall, and then hammered it. Hey, um, Shawn? Don't bring that up the next time you feel unappreciated. That was disgusting.
Challenge: come up with a worse playoff back court than Shammond Williams and Smush Parker. How can you play these guys at the same time?
Oh, Kobe with another gorgeous drive and finish. 13 points on 6/8 shooting. As well as he's playing, that needs to be doubled right now. 38-33.
Nash passes to Amare who hits a wide open J. It seems like Nash just throws it to wide open people all the time. Who was guarding him? Nash didn't even make an attempt to penetrate, he just threw it to him and he was open. I don't get it.
Much like this live blog, PHX seems out of sync and disjointed. Timeout for everyone as we try to regroup and get our shit together.
Bryant drives and fins Odom, who, unsurprisingly misses a lay up.
Shammond Williams forces a turnover from Meep Meep and finds Kobe for a three-point play in transition. Man, can Kobe finish. No wonder Lamar hates him.
Odom scores in the paint! Lakers within 4! I don't know which is more shocking.
Oh, wow. Kobe drives again, takes the contact, but Nash took a charge. I hope that doesn't deter Kobe...it doesn't! He hits a pull up in transition. Lakers with in 2. Kobe in transition again...! Damn, he passed. He was doing the MJ through the legs vs. Larry Bird thing, he got me all excited. And of course Smush screws everything up. I am incredibly frustrated, and I don't even like the Lakers. I don't know how Kobe put up with this shit for 82+ games.
2 minutes left, Lakers with in 5, 47-42. I have this theory that the best teams close out periods better than crappy teams. Let's see who finishes this half the best.
Odom with a put back. That's two lay ups in a row for Lamar. Gulp.
Amare answers with a pull up. His J is a lot more wet than I thought it was.
Kwame misses two, arguably three shots on one possession. What a flippin' skirt. Kurt Thomas knocks down a J to push the lead out to 6. LA should have the last shot of the half here.
Odom swishes a three off a Kobe drive. Very nice. So, under my theory, LA should win this game. We shall see. Frankly, I am thrilled this is so close.
Craig Sager is asking Amare how the Lakers were able to come back. Allow me: because Kobe went off. Got that, Sags? Write it down.
Lakers within 3 at the half. Back after the break.
Can we make Cassell a permanent part of Inside the NBA? He is terrific: "Kobe isn't Michael Jordan, but he ain't Harold Miner, either." Preach, Sam I Am, preach!
Nash hasn't played particularly well since that opening 11-0 run...if he doesn't get things going, the Lakers can win this game.Actually, no one has played really well for the Suns, and Doug Collins has done an excellent job articulating why, in my opinion. I am enjoying Doug Collins during this broadcast. Maybe it is because he isn't screaming at me.
I always wonders what happens after his parter Kevin Harlan just loses his mind and screams some nonsensical phrase like "Flight 31 is cleared for take off!" What does Collins do in the next five seconds? Just act like he didn't hear him? Roll his eyes? Involuntarily piss himself? I wish they would show this.
Luke Walton ties it at 53 with a trey. Shit, I didn't even know he was playing tonight.
James Jones unties it. No one else things he looks like a grown up version of that kid who used to say "Wut you talkin' 'bout, Willis?" Anyone?
This is one of the most awkward games of the playoffs. Nash hasn't asserted himself at all.
LA fans are cheering "MVP! MVP!" Nash should hold up two fingers right now. Or at least kiss his biceps again.
(How on God's green earth did Craig Sager win an Emmy? Are we sure it wasn't made of chocolate?)
You know what Steve Nash has brought into style? Leaving your feet to make a pass. He just drives, jumps, and then hangs as long as he can to find someone, usually with a crazy-angle bounce pass. Grade school coaches every where must cringe.
Nash just did that thing where he drives and you think he is going to take one more dribble before going into his lay up motion but just keeps going and ends up shooting a lay up with one hand while not jumping. Doug Collins: "Degree of difficulty? About a 10." I agree. He must have bigger hands than Kwame Brown.
McDonald's slogan is "I'm Loving It." I remember when they changed it, thinking how stupid it was to change a slogan everyone knew. And know I can't remember what their old slogan was. Anyone remember? Anyone? Bueller?
Kobe just scored on all five of the Suns. That's not a joke nor an exaggeration. All five had a chance to stop him, all five failed. Tell me why this is a bad strategy again? His three point play has LA up by 2, 61-59.
Farmar strips Nash's J attempt to force a shot clock violation. Farmar is playing surprisingly well against the two time MVP. Of course, LA blows it when Kwame misses a lazy fade away from two feet away. PHX scores at the other end while Kwame "writhes in pain at the other end." Must have gotten a little sand in the ol' box. Just rinse it out, Kwame, you'll be OK.
Kwame hammers one, guess he's OK. I love when guys lay there like they are dead, and then are fine two minutes later. This is like soccer guys flopping. Drives me nuts.
Lakers up two after Kwame's second dunk in a row. Barbosa misses another three. The Suns are really blowing right now.
I could watch Kobe drive all day. He is the prettiest finisher in the NBA. It is especially jarring after watching Lamar and Kwame gracelessly fire brick after brick from a foot away. What a finish he just had: drives baseline with his right hand, gets cut off, spins back middle and scoops it under the D with his right hand. Beautiful.
Alright, let's address this: Kwame has scored on like the last 5 possessions. But they have all been dunks. Wide open dunks because the D is obsessed with Kobe. Anyone could do what he is doing right now. He is taking advantage of Kobe getting him wide open and Amare being in foul trouble. Basically, he just isn't fucking up. Any time a defender has been within a foot of him or made any type of effort to stop him, he has failed with flying colors. When you read that Kwame had his best playoff game ever tomorrow, take it with a grain of salt. In fact, take it with a pound of salt.
Lakers are up 6. I'd like to say they are playing a hell of a game, but it really isn't the case. This is all about Phoenix. There is just no rhythm, no semblance of an offense. I'm with my man Doug Collins: after they got off to that huge start, they coasted. Now, they can't get it back. Nash should get it going in the fourth, though - he always plays his best as the end of the game. Of course, if it stays close, LA has the best closer in the L. This is shaping up to be a terrific finish.
Bean's shot rims out to end the third quarter, but Barbosa travels with .1 left on the clock. The Lakers try to inbound, but the score keeper screws up the horn. Doug Collins, without missing a beat: "That was the score keeper from Munich! I was wondering where he went." Have I said I'm enjoying Doug Collins tonight?
Lakers up 74-70 after the third. Ending should be a good one.
And the first comment ever during a Point 23 live blog. Everyone, remember where you were. I know I always will.Iverson4MVP said...
It is definitely a two-man contest between T Mac and Kobe for prettiest finisher. T Mac had some gorgeous finishes against the Jazz, no doubt. I think after watching all the Kobettes around the rim, it is just so jarring seeing Kobe doing the things he does around the rim. What makes T Mac so pretty is that he looks like he isn't even trying; it is so effortless. Great debate, though.
Barbosa is starting to get aggressive. He's not screwin' around. My question: where the hell is Steve Nash? Where are those pin point pick and roll passes? I can't believe the Smush/Shammond duo is doing tis kind of of job on Nash. Speaking of Nash, he just threw a jump pass right to Kobe, who had another pretty finish in transition.
Kobe is going to break the NBA record for Times Dribbled Through Legs.
It took me a while, but the reason Nash isn't getting those pick and roll passes is because they are switching the ball screens. Well, then, why is he settling for long jumpers instead of beating the big stiff off the dribble and then finding guys when the help comes? I think he should do that. Lakers still with a slim lead.
- Before the game, Sam Cassell was saying he isn't a starter, but that is just because he always needs the ball in his hands. Which is a fair point. But I think that only means he couldn't start with the Suns, because Nash will dominate the ball. I wonder when his contract is up, because if the Suns don't lock him up before that, he will definitely get starter money from a handful of teams.
Kobe gets to the rim again. My God, fellas, whoever is guarding Smush can double team him, you know that? I mean, he'll probably still score, but at least make him work for it. Smush is useless.
This is really shaping up. First buzzer beater of the Second Season? I think so.
Shammond Williams inexplicably jacks a contested college three. Luckily the Suns are playing horrendously and they can't capitalize.
Ooooh, Barbosa with a heck of a 3 from the corner to tie it. Odom answers with a score in the paint. He sure is getting better at that, isn't he?
I'm not entirely sure Shammond knows why he is out there. That isn't Dean Smith on the sidelines, my man. Play good defense and pass the ball to Kobe. No more wild shots. Actually, no more shots, period.
I think the Laker fans need to come up with some more lame chants. They sound like a pathetic high school student cheering section.
Kobe. So pretty. He's art, really. That's what he is. A gorgeous J to push it to 5, then Kobe gets fouled and makes both to push it to 7. 20 ticks left. Gonna need a miracle, PHX.
Here is the immatury and idiocy of Smush Parker on full display for the world to see. Phoenix jacks up a bad shot, misses, Lamar guns it to the other end and Smush just happens to run under it. There is two seconds left; all he has to do is dribble once or twice and the game is over. Instead, he tried to go in for a hard dunk, Raja Bell hits him with a hard foul, and D'Antoni is pissed.
So now, instead of PHX just thinking they played bad and have to bounce back, they now have the image of Smush Parker being a classless jackass right in front of their bench, trying to rub it in. I would have cut him yesterday.
So LA gets a game and makes it a series, 2-1. Coming in, I wanted to see Kobe take on the Suns. Kobe pretty much lived up to my expectations, but the Suns played one of their worst games of the season. If they play even a little better in Game 4, PHX can wrap it up on their home court. If not, this series might go a little longer than everyone expected.
And props to Iverson4MVP. You are the MVP.
