Weird moment here: After Phil Jackson sits down in his chair and brushes off his shoulder, he offers a fist bump to Kobe Bryant. Normal stuff, right? Unfortunately for him, Kobe Bryant isn't looking. So Jackson does what any person would do (or not): He takes his fist and, trying to play it off, rubs both sides of his face -- or something like that. Anyway, here's the video:
Funny stuff there.
(HT: Basketbawful)
Update: Maybe Jackson had that awkward moment just so he could see how it feels.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Arenas, Wizards look impressive in season opener
Opening up the season in Dallas against a pretty good Mavericks team, the Wizards received help from both some old faces and some new ones. Gilbert Arenas scored a team-high 29 points and dished out nine assists, and Randy Foye and Andray Blatche combined for an efficient 39 points off the bench in a 102-91 win.
Even better than the win, though, is the fact that Arenas looked great. He wasn't tentative with the ball and attacked throughout the game, getting to the free-throw line nine times and slashing to set up others with good shots around the rim. He also shot an effective 10-21 from the field. If this is the Arenas that is going to come to play every night, the Wizards may indeed be ahead for a fantastic season.
Besides Arenas, Caron Butler chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds. He may have forced a few shots and didn't shoot the best percentage (6-17), but Butler seemed intent on attacking the rim, even with a talented defender like Shawn Marion hounding him for much of the game. Brendan Haywood didn't have the best offensive game (seven points on 3-10 shooting), but he played strong defense in the middle and also grabbed 10 boards. (He needs to work on that wild hook shot, though.)
With Antawn Jamison out for a few weeks, the Wizards were/are going to need other players to step up to help out the current big three of Arenas, Butler, and Haywood. Last night, Foye and Blatche did just that. Both shot a more-than-efficient 8-14 from the field and hit open jump shots throughout game, with Blatche scoring 20 points and Foye right behind him with 19. With the Mavericks trying to key on Arenas to force him to give up the ball early, it was important for others to hit open shots and move without the ball. Blatche and Foye were also the only two bench players for the Wizards to finish the game with positive +/- numbers.
With the Wizards' lead cut to 77-76 early in the fourth quarter, Blatche immediately answered with a 16-foot jumper to extend the lead to three, and Washington never looked back. Foye led the Wizards with eight points in the final frame, while Arenas scored six.
Other game notes:
- Washington outrebounded Dallas 46-42.
- The Wizards finished with 19 assists and nine turnovers.
- Fabricio Oberto and Mike Miller, who both received starting nods, combined for 11 points and only six shots from the field. Miller also grabbed eight boards.
- DeShawn Stevenson didn't score in 18 minutes but did grab five rebounds and collect three assists.
- The foursome of Dominic McGuire, JaVale McGee, Nick Young, and Mike James contributed zero points in three combined minutes, with James and Young receiving the dreaded "DNP Coach's Decision" line.
Even better than the win, though, is the fact that Arenas looked great. He wasn't tentative with the ball and attacked throughout the game, getting to the free-throw line nine times and slashing to set up others with good shots around the rim. He also shot an effective 10-21 from the field. If this is the Arenas that is going to come to play every night, the Wizards may indeed be ahead for a fantastic season.
Besides Arenas, Caron Butler chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds. He may have forced a few shots and didn't shoot the best percentage (6-17), but Butler seemed intent on attacking the rim, even with a talented defender like Shawn Marion hounding him for much of the game. Brendan Haywood didn't have the best offensive game (seven points on 3-10 shooting), but he played strong defense in the middle and also grabbed 10 boards. (He needs to work on that wild hook shot, though.)
With Antawn Jamison out for a few weeks, the Wizards were/are going to need other players to step up to help out the current big three of Arenas, Butler, and Haywood. Last night, Foye and Blatche did just that. Both shot a more-than-efficient 8-14 from the field and hit open jump shots throughout game, with Blatche scoring 20 points and Foye right behind him with 19. With the Mavericks trying to key on Arenas to force him to give up the ball early, it was important for others to hit open shots and move without the ball. Blatche and Foye were also the only two bench players for the Wizards to finish the game with positive +/- numbers.
With the Wizards' lead cut to 77-76 early in the fourth quarter, Blatche immediately answered with a 16-foot jumper to extend the lead to three, and Washington never looked back. Foye led the Wizards with eight points in the final frame, while Arenas scored six.
Other game notes:
- Washington outrebounded Dallas 46-42.
- The Wizards finished with 19 assists and nine turnovers.
- Fabricio Oberto and Mike Miller, who both received starting nods, combined for 11 points and only six shots from the field. Miller also grabbed eight boards.
- DeShawn Stevenson didn't score in 18 minutes but did grab five rebounds and collect three assists.
- The foursome of Dominic McGuire, JaVale McGee, Nick Young, and Mike James contributed zero points in three combined minutes, with James and Young receiving the dreaded "DNP Coach's Decision" line.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Cooley out for season with broken ankle
As if things couldn't get any worse for the Redskins (especially on offense), Chris Cooley is out for the season after breaking his ankle in the second quarter against the Eagles last night.
The play on which Cooley was injured looked pretty awkward, with Cooley stopping quickly over the middle of the field and possibly getting his right cleat caught in the ground. Cooley immediately fell to the ground clutching his ankle, unable to put any weight on his right foot.
Oddly enough, with Cooley out, Fred Davis had the best game of his career. Davis caught eight passes from Jason Campbell for 78 yards and a touchdown. He also led all receivers with 10 targets in the passing game.
While losing Cooley is an enormous loss, it's not like the offense was putting up huge numbers even with him in the lineup. There's no question the offense is better with him playing, but the silver lining with him being out, if there is one, is that Davis will get a chance to be the featured tight end for the rest of the season. Though it's unlikely that Campbell will return next year, it's still important to find out if the young receivers drafted by Vinny Cerrato -- Devin Thomas, Davis, and Malcolm Kelly -- can actually contribute.
By the way, Cerrato deserves special thanks for drafting both Thomas and Davis ahead of DeSean Jackson, who scored two long touchdowns last night and sure looked like the best player on the field.
The play on which Cooley was injured looked pretty awkward, with Cooley stopping quickly over the middle of the field and possibly getting his right cleat caught in the ground. Cooley immediately fell to the ground clutching his ankle, unable to put any weight on his right foot.
Oddly enough, with Cooley out, Fred Davis had the best game of his career. Davis caught eight passes from Jason Campbell for 78 yards and a touchdown. He also led all receivers with 10 targets in the passing game.
While losing Cooley is an enormous loss, it's not like the offense was putting up huge numbers even with him in the lineup. There's no question the offense is better with him playing, but the silver lining with him being out, if there is one, is that Davis will get a chance to be the featured tight end for the rest of the season. Though it's unlikely that Campbell will return next year, it's still important to find out if the young receivers drafted by Vinny Cerrato -- Devin Thomas, Davis, and Malcolm Kelly -- can actually contribute.
By the way, Cerrato deserves special thanks for drafting both Thomas and Davis ahead of DeSean Jackson, who scored two long touchdowns last night and sure looked like the best player on the field.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Week 7 NFL picks
(Home team is in caps.)
49ers (+3) over TEXANS
The 49ers were embarrassed two weeks ago at home against the Falcons. And not only did head coach Mike Singletary apologize to the fans for the loss, but he also guaranteed that the 49ers would get better an play together as a team going forward.
After seeing that, there's no way that the 49ers come out flat against the Texans.
Chargers (-5) over CHIEFS
LaDainian Tomlinson isn’t the same player anymore. Early injuries have limited him to 38 carries right now, but with those attempts, he’s tied for 34th in the NFL with a 3.7-yards per carry average. Make no mistake about it: The Chargers are Philip Rivers’s team now. Right now Rivers is ranked just 14th in quarterback rating (91.8), but he’s had to deal with an average offensive line (he’s been sacked 15 times (seventh most)) and has still averaged the third-most passing yards per game (304).
After an abysmal performance by the Redskins offense last week, the Chiefs are ranked 24th in points allowed per game (24.0). Rivers and the Chargers should easily surpass that number in this game, even with a less explosive Tomlinson.
Colts (-14) over RAMS
Patriots (-15.5) over Buccaneers
Packers (-9) over BROWNS
Three games, similar results.
Vikings (+5.5) over STEELERS
Here’s the Steelers’ list of opponents up to this point: Titans (0-6), Bears (3-2), Bengals (4-2), Chargers (2-3), Lions (1-5), and Browns (1-5). Those teams are a combined 11-23. There’s nothing wrong with beating up on inferior opponents. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh defense is ranked 11th in points allowed per game (18.7). That’s pretty good, especially while playing without Troy Polamalu for a few games. Pittsburgh is still a good team, but I don’t know that I’m particularly sold on them just yet.
The Vikings’ opponents, interestingly enough, also have a combined 11-23 record, but Minnesota has outscored their opponents by 68 points, and the Steelers have outscored their opponents by 40 fewer points (28). For the record, Minnesota’s defense is ranked 18th in points allowed per game (20.2) while their offense is ranked second in points per game (31.5).
Is any of that necessarily compelling evidence? Not really. But a lot of people seem to be picking the Steelers to win big in this game. Not me. I think it’ll be close.
Bills (+7) over PANTHERS
The Bills couldn’t stop the run last week, so the Panthers should be able to run the ball effectively. But they also have Jake Delhomme at quarterback. I’ll take the points.
Jets (-7) over RAIDERS
Oakland played well last week in a stunning upset over the Eagles. But when was the last time the Raiders put together two strong performances in a row against favored teams?
BENGALS (pick) over Bears
Just a hunch here. Nothing more.
Falcons (+4) over COWBOYS
Interesting game. The Falcons are probably the better team, but the Cowboys are coming off of a bye week. I’ll go with the less error-prone quarterback: Matt Ryan.
DOLPHINS (+7) over Saints
The Dolphins’ performance two weeks ago at home against the Jets on Monday Night Football was impressive. They really know how to use the Wildcat offense efficiently. I think the Saints will win, but they’ll struggle a bit to stop the Dolphins’ diversified attack.
GIANTS (-7) over Cardinals
The Giants were embarrassed last week in a blowout loss against the Saints. They won’t perform that way again against an inferior team at home.
Eagles (-7) over REDSKINS
Would I be shocked if the Redskins kept the game close? No. Would I be shocked if they scored more than 10 points? Yes.
Last week: 6-8
Season: 47-43
49ers (+3) over TEXANS
The 49ers were embarrassed two weeks ago at home against the Falcons. And not only did head coach Mike Singletary apologize to the fans for the loss, but he also guaranteed that the 49ers would get better an play together as a team going forward.
After seeing that, there's no way that the 49ers come out flat against the Texans.
Chargers (-5) over CHIEFS
LaDainian Tomlinson isn’t the same player anymore. Early injuries have limited him to 38 carries right now, but with those attempts, he’s tied for 34th in the NFL with a 3.7-yards per carry average. Make no mistake about it: The Chargers are Philip Rivers’s team now. Right now Rivers is ranked just 14th in quarterback rating (91.8), but he’s had to deal with an average offensive line (he’s been sacked 15 times (seventh most)) and has still averaged the third-most passing yards per game (304).
After an abysmal performance by the Redskins offense last week, the Chiefs are ranked 24th in points allowed per game (24.0). Rivers and the Chargers should easily surpass that number in this game, even with a less explosive Tomlinson.
Colts (-14) over RAMS
Patriots (-15.5) over Buccaneers
Packers (-9) over BROWNS
Three games, similar results.
Vikings (+5.5) over STEELERS
Here’s the Steelers’ list of opponents up to this point: Titans (0-6), Bears (3-2), Bengals (4-2), Chargers (2-3), Lions (1-5), and Browns (1-5). Those teams are a combined 11-23. There’s nothing wrong with beating up on inferior opponents. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh defense is ranked 11th in points allowed per game (18.7). That’s pretty good, especially while playing without Troy Polamalu for a few games. Pittsburgh is still a good team, but I don’t know that I’m particularly sold on them just yet.
The Vikings’ opponents, interestingly enough, also have a combined 11-23 record, but Minnesota has outscored their opponents by 68 points, and the Steelers have outscored their opponents by 40 fewer points (28). For the record, Minnesota’s defense is ranked 18th in points allowed per game (20.2) while their offense is ranked second in points per game (31.5).
Is any of that necessarily compelling evidence? Not really. But a lot of people seem to be picking the Steelers to win big in this game. Not me. I think it’ll be close.
Bills (+7) over PANTHERS
The Bills couldn’t stop the run last week, so the Panthers should be able to run the ball effectively. But they also have Jake Delhomme at quarterback. I’ll take the points.
Jets (-7) over RAIDERS
Oakland played well last week in a stunning upset over the Eagles. But when was the last time the Raiders put together two strong performances in a row against favored teams?
BENGALS (pick) over Bears
Just a hunch here. Nothing more.
Falcons (+4) over COWBOYS
Interesting game. The Falcons are probably the better team, but the Cowboys are coming off of a bye week. I’ll go with the less error-prone quarterback: Matt Ryan.
DOLPHINS (+7) over Saints
The Dolphins’ performance two weeks ago at home against the Jets on Monday Night Football was impressive. They really know how to use the Wildcat offense efficiently. I think the Saints will win, but they’ll struggle a bit to stop the Dolphins’ diversified attack.
GIANTS (-7) over Cardinals
The Giants were embarrassed last week in a blowout loss against the Saints. They won’t perform that way again against an inferior team at home.
Eagles (-7) over REDSKINS
Would I be shocked if the Redskins kept the game close? No. Would I be shocked if they scored more than 10 points? Yes.
Last week: 6-8
Season: 47-43
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Samuels says he's out for the season, mulls retirement
Chris Samuels released a statement yesterday saying that he's going to miss the rest of the season after suffering a neck injury two weeks ago against the Carolina Panthers. He also admitted that his football career may be over:
Obviously the loss of Samuels is a huge blow to the Redskins, but Samuels needs to make the most informed decision while dealing with such a serious injury.
Oddly enough, the Washington Post article linked above states that Samuels "plans to retire," while this ESPN article, with the same quote from Samuels, merely says that the star left tackle is "evaluating his future." Does that really matter? Not really. Samuels certainly seems like he's going to retire; it's just a bit odd considering that Samuels, in his quote, says that he hasn't made an official decision yet.
Then again, the ESPN story did have to rub salt in the wound for Redskins fans with this two-sentence paragraph:
Thanks guys! But where's the mention of playing all winless teams?
"I will continue to seek medical advice. I hope to see where I am physically over the next couple months," Samuels said in a statement released by the Redskins Friday. "At this time, I have not made a decision, but I love playing for the Redskins and hope to be back."
Obviously the loss of Samuels is a huge blow to the Redskins, but Samuels needs to make the most informed decision while dealing with such a serious injury.
Oddly enough, the Washington Post article linked above states that Samuels "plans to retire," while this ESPN article, with the same quote from Samuels, merely says that the star left tackle is "evaluating his future." Does that really matter? Not really. Samuels certainly seems like he's going to retire; it's just a bit odd considering that Samuels, in his quote, says that he hasn't made an official decision yet.
Then again, the ESPN story did have to rub salt in the wound for Redskins fans with this two-sentence paragraph:
Even if he does decide to resume playing, Samuels would have good reasons to take his time and not return this year. The Redskins (2-4) are in last place in the NFC East and are just getting to the tough part of their schedule.
Thanks guys! But where's the mention of playing all winless teams?
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Redskins notes: Largent, Sherman Smith, Portis's leg
As you may have heard, things don't seem to be going very well for the Redskins right now. Let's take a look at a few things that are going on and some others that are being said about the team (and the owner):
- According to Jason Reid, this is how the Redskins will be calling plays on Monday night:
Zorn announced a new plan that includes offensive coordinator Sherman Smith. With Lewis up in the box, Smith will move to the field and relay the plays to Campbell while he's receiving them from Lewis. Although Zorn has been completely eliminated from the process, he also will hear the plays on his headset.
"I'll be walking around," Zorn said. "I'll be listening to what's going on. I'm not going to be calling what's going on."
Well, then. Nothing could possibly go wrong with that plan. [Redskins Insider] - Steve Largent on Jim Zorn and the fallout from him being stripped of play-calling duties:
"Yes, he did consider [resigning], and no, he did not want to give up those responsibilities," Largent told KJR, "but they went to the point of pulling out his contract and saying, 'You have got to do whatever the owner tells you to do.' ...
"But in my opinion, and this is just totally my opinion -- Jim has never said this, never implied this -- I think what Daniel Snyder was trying to do was to force Jim to resign so he was not liable for his contract any longer. And Jim is just not going to do that."
Would anyone be shocked if Snyder did that? Of course not. In fact, that was not only my first reaction to the situation, but many other fans' as well. There's no doubt in my mind that Snyder was/is trying to force Zorn to quit. Stay classy, Daniel Snyder. [ESPN] - Sherman Smith on the offense's problems: "It's not the play-calling." [D.C. Sports Bog]
- Chris Samuels traveled to California to meet with a specialist today. He's probably out for the rest of the season -- and he's "strongly considering retirement." [Redskins Insider]
- ESPN's Matt Mosley says Albert Haynesworth is underachieving. Actually, he's not. [Mr. Irrelevant]
- The Redskins have signed offensive tackle Levi Jones, running back Quinton Ganther, and re-signed Renaldo Wynn for some reason. Marcus Mason, Anthony Alridge, and Glenn Pakulak were all released to make room for them. [Redskins.com]
- Clinton Portis on his lower-leg injuries:
"It's really one leg," he said. "It's just my right leg. I've got plantar faciitis, an ankle, the inside of my MCL, and a calf all on my right leg. So if I can get a new lower leg, I'll be fine."
Good luck with that. [Redskins Insider] - SI's Don Banks asks a good question about Snyder: "Other than financially, has anyone been better off after going to work for Daniel Snyder and the Redskins than they were before they got to Washington?" Interesting point -- and the answer is no, probably not. Unfortunately, after ripping Snyder and the Redskins, Banks makes another lame joke about Sherman Lewis and bingo: "All I know is if Lewis's first few calls against the Eagles Monday night wind up being 'B-20' and 'G-17,' Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell might just want to audible." Zing! I'm pretty sure that joke hasn't been beaten into the ground yet. [Sports Illustrated]
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Week 6 NFL picks
(Home team is in caps.)
One-sentence takes on each game:
Chiefs (+6) over REDSKINS
All five Redskins games have been decided by six points or fewer.
Texans (+5.5) over BENGALS
Interesting game -- the Bengals are 4-1, but they’ve outscored their opponents in those four wins by a combined 16 points.
STEELERS (-14) over Browns
Pittsburgh has to blow out a bad team at some point, right?
VIKINGS (-3) over Ravens
Unfortunately for Baltimore, with Jared Gaither out, rookie Michael Oher shifts to left tackle to square off against Jared Allen.
JAGUARS (-10) over Rams
The Rams have been outscored by 112 points -- worst in the NFL.
Giants (+3) over SAINTS
Tough call -- nothing more than a guess here.
BUCCANEERS (+3) over Panthers
The Panthers won last week, but Jake Delhomme is still pretty bad.
PACKERS (-14) over Lions
The Packers have an awful offensive line, but it shouldn’t matter this week against Detroit.
Eagles (-14.5) over RAIDERS
The Eagles have Donovan McNabb; the Raiders have JaMarcus Russell.
SEAHAWKS (-3) over Cardinals
Anything can happen in the NFC West, but the Seahawks looked pretty good last week with Matt Hasselbeck back under center.
JETS (-10) over Bills
When a team (Buffalo) loses 6-3 at home to a quarterback who completed two of 17 passes for 23 yards the previous week, it’s pretty tough to pick them no matter who they play.
PATRIOTS (-9.5) over Titans
I was all set to take the points until finding out that Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan will miss the game, meaning Tennessee will be without their two top cornerbacks.
FALCONS (-3.5) over Bears
Solid matchup between 3-1 teams, but the Falcons are better.
Broncos (+3.5) over CHARGERS
I’ll stop picking against the Broncos when they lose a game.
Last week: 8-6
Season: 41-35
One-sentence takes on each game:
Chiefs (+6) over REDSKINS
All five Redskins games have been decided by six points or fewer.
Texans (+5.5) over BENGALS
Interesting game -- the Bengals are 4-1, but they’ve outscored their opponents in those four wins by a combined 16 points.
STEELERS (-14) over Browns
Pittsburgh has to blow out a bad team at some point, right?
VIKINGS (-3) over Ravens
Unfortunately for Baltimore, with Jared Gaither out, rookie Michael Oher shifts to left tackle to square off against Jared Allen.
JAGUARS (-10) over Rams
The Rams have been outscored by 112 points -- worst in the NFL.
Giants (+3) over SAINTS
Tough call -- nothing more than a guess here.
BUCCANEERS (+3) over Panthers
The Panthers won last week, but Jake Delhomme is still pretty bad.
PACKERS (-14) over Lions
The Packers have an awful offensive line, but it shouldn’t matter this week against Detroit.
Eagles (-14.5) over RAIDERS
The Eagles have Donovan McNabb; the Raiders have JaMarcus Russell.
SEAHAWKS (-3) over Cardinals
Anything can happen in the NFC West, but the Seahawks looked pretty good last week with Matt Hasselbeck back under center.
JETS (-10) over Bills
When a team (Buffalo) loses 6-3 at home to a quarterback who completed two of 17 passes for 23 yards the previous week, it’s pretty tough to pick them no matter who they play.
PATRIOTS (-9.5) over Titans
I was all set to take the points until finding out that Titans cornerback Cortland Finnegan will miss the game, meaning Tennessee will be without their two top cornerbacks.
FALCONS (-3.5) over Bears
Solid matchup between 3-1 teams, but the Falcons are better.
Broncos (+3.5) over CHARGERS
I’ll stop picking against the Broncos when they lose a game.
Last week: 8-6
Season: 41-35
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