The Colorado Avalanche lost their fifth straight game, last night, to the Minnesota Wild. The Avs are now 3-7-0 in their last ten games, and have fallen all the way to 14th spot in the western conference. Still 16 points above lowly Edmonton.
Over this past month, pretty much anything that can go wrong for this Avalanche squad has gone wrong. In fact, about the only thing that seems to be moving in the right direction is Peter Forsberg, who may make his return to the ice tomorrow in Columbus.
What seems to be frustrating the Avalanche, especially coach Joe Sacco, the most is the terribly sub-par play coming from Avalanche goaltenders Craig Anderson and Peter Budaj.
Over the past month, going back to January 6th, the two Avalanche goalies have had only two games where they have allowed fewer than three goals. To go even farther back, over the last 30 games, all the way back to December 1st, the Avs have allowed fewer than three goals only seven times. This will not get the job done.
Now, I am far from blaming these two guys entirely for the current down-slide. Watching these games has been horribly painful. The Avalanche are too young, too small, too inconsistent, and too prone to turn overs on defense, and that does not help the goalies at all. In fact, they probably take far too much blame for all that is happening. Still, there is great cause for concern.
The larger issue that seems to have sprouted from the inconsistent play in net is that Joe Sacco now seems to have no faith in either of his two goalies. In the 3-2 loss to Minnesota, Craig Anderson was pulled from the game in the second period. There have been a couple of occasions this season, where Sacco has played Peter Budaj in consecutive games, but pulled him in the second game because he was just too inconsistent. This constant flip flopping of goalies makes it seem, to me at any rate, that Sacco has almost completely lost faith in both his goalies.
A stark contrast from last year, when Joe Sacco was too attached to Craig Anderson, starting him in 71 games and pretty much all of the back to back situations that happened. Has Anderson really been that bad that now he doesn't deserve to start 3 games in a row?
Again, I'm not here saying the goalies have been great. Obviously they're far from it. Andy's full numbers are 13-15-3 with a .899 save %, 3.19 GAA, and zero shutouts.
Budaj's are definitely no better at 12-8-3, .897 Save %, 3.07 goals against, and one shut out. Really, neither goalie has shown that much to be confident in, yet the coach needs to show confidence in somebody. This constant flip flopping of goalies gives the whole team no confidence in these guys. That has to have some type of an effect on them mentally.
Some sort of consistency needs to be established in net. Whether it is by one of these goalies stepping up their game, a lot, and solidifying that position, or coach Sacco just sticking with one of those guys for the sake of consistency. If neither of these happens, then it would almost be better to try to get involved on the trade market and bring somebody in that Sacco feels like he can have some type of consistency with, because the only consistent thing that is going on right now is the losing.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Super Bowl Possibly Last Football For a Year
The fantastic game played by the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers overshadowed an issue that most fans have been preparing themselves for ever since the half way point of last season. That issue, of course, is the looming potential of a lock out of next season's play.
At the start of the season we say all of the players displaying some union solidarity to show that they stand as one in their conflict with NFL owners. The players union says that it plans to decertify in order to prevent a lockout.
What does that mean, decertify? Well, I found a great article that explained this very well. Back in 1987, there was a strike in the NFL. In order to make sure that there was still a season, the owners decided to play out the season with replacement players, you may have seen a movie about this at some point. After the players came back, they attempted to sue the NFL under anti-trust laws, which it won, but later had overturned. They were told they needed to choose to be a union or not. If they decertified the union, the NFLPA would no longer be a union, but a "trade organization." As a trade organization, they could conceivably sue the NFL for locking them out under antitrust laws that it was being subjected to a group boycott, which is illegal.
It's an interesting ace in the sleeve that they have, but at the same time, it seems to be unfair. If the players want to have a say in their CBA, as a union should, then they need to be a union. You can't just take the things that you like about being a union and then drop it the second you don't like it.
The potential work stoppage has also created issues amongst the players. Several are taking the hard line union stance, while some, like Jets corner back Antonio Cromartie, are calling for the union and the owners to make certain that they get a deal done; saying that the union was not doing its job, claiming leadership was "acting like an a-hole." That prompted a response from Seahawk quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, asking if "Cromartie knows what CBA stands for." Hasselbeck later deleted this tweet, but not without notice from Cromartie, who threatened that he would smash Hasselbeck's face in. Hardly projecting a picture of union unity.
In the end, this comes down to something that us fans cannot stand; millionaires arguing with billionaires about money. They owners say they aren't making enough money, and the players say that they can't verify that and don't believe them. Both groups lobby fans for support, but neither actually listens to what the fans want. The fans are the reason that these millionaires are as rich as they are and, once again, we are being thrown under the bus. The message from the fans is very clear, but since neither side seems to be able to understand it, let me simplify it for you.
**clears throat**
Attention owners. Attention players. Quit whining. Both of you make far more money than you rightfully should. Regardless of who "wins", you have both forgotten that neither of you can do without the fans. Without us, there is no attendance and no revenue to argue about. So, once again, SHUT UP! We don't care how you do it, but you all need to wear your big boy pants to work now, make some concessions, and get a deal done. The only alliance that the fans have is to the game itself. So knock it off.
At the start of the season we say all of the players displaying some union solidarity to show that they stand as one in their conflict with NFL owners. The players union says that it plans to decertify in order to prevent a lockout.
What does that mean, decertify? Well, I found a great article that explained this very well. Back in 1987, there was a strike in the NFL. In order to make sure that there was still a season, the owners decided to play out the season with replacement players, you may have seen a movie about this at some point. After the players came back, they attempted to sue the NFL under anti-trust laws, which it won, but later had overturned. They were told they needed to choose to be a union or not. If they decertified the union, the NFLPA would no longer be a union, but a "trade organization." As a trade organization, they could conceivably sue the NFL for locking them out under antitrust laws that it was being subjected to a group boycott, which is illegal.
It's an interesting ace in the sleeve that they have, but at the same time, it seems to be unfair. If the players want to have a say in their CBA, as a union should, then they need to be a union. You can't just take the things that you like about being a union and then drop it the second you don't like it.
The potential work stoppage has also created issues amongst the players. Several are taking the hard line union stance, while some, like Jets corner back Antonio Cromartie, are calling for the union and the owners to make certain that they get a deal done; saying that the union was not doing its job, claiming leadership was "acting like an a-hole." That prompted a response from Seahawk quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, asking if "Cromartie knows what CBA stands for." Hasselbeck later deleted this tweet, but not without notice from Cromartie, who threatened that he would smash Hasselbeck's face in. Hardly projecting a picture of union unity.
In the end, this comes down to something that us fans cannot stand; millionaires arguing with billionaires about money. They owners say they aren't making enough money, and the players say that they can't verify that and don't believe them. Both groups lobby fans for support, but neither actually listens to what the fans want. The fans are the reason that these millionaires are as rich as they are and, once again, we are being thrown under the bus. The message from the fans is very clear, but since neither side seems to be able to understand it, let me simplify it for you.
**clears throat**
Attention owners. Attention players. Quit whining. Both of you make far more money than you rightfully should. Regardless of who "wins", you have both forgotten that neither of you can do without the fans. Without us, there is no attendance and no revenue to argue about. So, once again, SHUT UP! We don't care how you do it, but you all need to wear your big boy pants to work now, make some concessions, and get a deal done. The only alliance that the fans have is to the game itself. So knock it off.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Peter Forsberg Signs on with the Colorado Avalanche!
Here we go again!! Yes, Peter Forsberg has announced that he will come back for another attempt at the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche.
This is the most recent attempt for Peter Forsberg to return to the Avalanche since his run in 2007-2008, when he rejoined the team towards the end of the season after an injury plagued year. He played nine games for the Avs that season and had a goal and 13 assists.
Throughout Forsberg's career, he has been a player that has had more than a point per game average. His career numbers are incredibly impressive. Forsberg has 249 goals and 636 assists in 706 regular-season games. A grand total of 885 points. His playoff numbers are equally impressive, with 64 goals and 107 assists in 151 career playoff games.
These numbers are so impressive that it really make one wonder what his totals would have been had he maintained his health.
There's no arguing with his numbers in his past career, the big question is going to revolve around whether or not he will be able to make a big enough difference for this Avalanche team in the rest of the season. The Avs are currently fourth place in the Northwest Division, and sit in 12th spot in the Western Conference. The catch being that they are only four points out of the eighth playoff spot, and seven points out of the fourth seed in the west.
Knowing Forsberg, he wasn't going to come back if he didn't feel as if he could play at the high level he is accustomed to playing. Still, will this be enough to push the Avs over the hump and into the playoffs? Quite possible.
If I am Joe Sacco, I immediately put Forsberg on a line opposite Milan Hejduk. These two played together for several seasons, most notably during Forsberg's Hart and Art Ross trophy winning seasons, as league's MVP and leading scorer. These guys have chemistry, and they will not take a long time to find it again. Throw Matt Duchene in the middle of that line, and you have something that could be very potentially scary.
From seeing Forsberg, if he is on his game, he can make everybody around him a better player and a potential scoring threat.
All in all, the addition of Peter Forsberg definitely can't hurt the Avs. We'll have to see how he feels while he's in the game time situations before we can fully decide whether Forsberg will be able to help push the Avs into the playoffs.
This is the most recent attempt for Peter Forsberg to return to the Avalanche since his run in 2007-2008, when he rejoined the team towards the end of the season after an injury plagued year. He played nine games for the Avs that season and had a goal and 13 assists.
Throughout Forsberg's career, he has been a player that has had more than a point per game average. His career numbers are incredibly impressive. Forsberg has 249 goals and 636 assists in 706 regular-season games. A grand total of 885 points. His playoff numbers are equally impressive, with 64 goals and 107 assists in 151 career playoff games.
These numbers are so impressive that it really make one wonder what his totals would have been had he maintained his health.
There's no arguing with his numbers in his past career, the big question is going to revolve around whether or not he will be able to make a big enough difference for this Avalanche team in the rest of the season. The Avs are currently fourth place in the Northwest Division, and sit in 12th spot in the Western Conference. The catch being that they are only four points out of the eighth playoff spot, and seven points out of the fourth seed in the west.
Knowing Forsberg, he wasn't going to come back if he didn't feel as if he could play at the high level he is accustomed to playing. Still, will this be enough to push the Avs over the hump and into the playoffs? Quite possible.
If I am Joe Sacco, I immediately put Forsberg on a line opposite Milan Hejduk. These two played together for several seasons, most notably during Forsberg's Hart and Art Ross trophy winning seasons, as league's MVP and leading scorer. These guys have chemistry, and they will not take a long time to find it again. Throw Matt Duchene in the middle of that line, and you have something that could be very potentially scary.
From seeing Forsberg, if he is on his game, he can make everybody around him a better player and a potential scoring threat.
All in all, the addition of Peter Forsberg definitely can't hurt the Avs. We'll have to see how he feels while he's in the game time situations before we can fully decide whether Forsberg will be able to help push the Avs into the playoffs.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Avs Remind Fans How Far Rebuilding Effort Has to Go
Last year, the Avalanche were one of the feel good stories of the NHL year. Having finished dead last in the Western Conference, people were excited to see the once proud franchise making a playoff run. So, when this season started, it seemed natural that expectations should be a bit higher for this team. After all, from one season to another, especially with a team this young, generally you expect improvement from year to year.
Start of this season comes around and things were a bit slower than last year. But you can't expect the kind of fast start that the Avs had last season every year. 20 games go by, 30 games go by, the Avs are right there in the conversation and are hanging with the Canucks. We start thinking, ha! Vancouver who!? We're going to hit our stride and then go flying by those guys.
Only something different happens. More and more games go by, and instead of that energetic, never-say-die team that we had become so used to seeing, we start seeing a team that can't start a game to save their lives, play horrible defense, and can't climb back into games the way they used to. We start to think, well, everybody is thinking "hey, they're bound to hit a slump at some point. They'll rebound."
Well, we're still waiting for that rebound. The Avs dropped another today, this time to the Anaheim Ducks. Another game marked by taking bad penalties, poor defensive zone play, and a lack of offensive intensity. It's something that has marked their play for the last month, or more, of hockey. Then I remembered something.
This Avs team is still rebuilding. This is a team that is still nowhere near their full potential, and will probably take a couple of more years to get there. Last year we experienced something that probably shouldn't have happened. If it wasn't for the insanely amazing play of Craig Anderson, last year's Avs would have been nowhere near the playoffs. The defense was just as inconsistent, the offense experienced similar ups and downs, the big difference was that Anderson was able to make all those insane saves that he had no business making. It's like that guy you play poker with that everybody hates because he goes all in with stupid hands, but wins each time. Eventually, you know that guy is going to run out of luck, it's just a matter of time. It seems that time has happened this year.
So, to all Avs fans, and this is just as much for me as anybody else, yes, the Avs are not a very good team right now. Yes, we're most likely going to miss the playoffs with this type of poor play. Let's all remember, we haven't seen the best that these guys can offer yet. Stewie hasn't shown us a full season of what he will be, neither has Duchene. Neither have a lot of these guys, but their talent is there and they are still learning. Eventually, our front office will help us get bigger and more skilled on defense. Eventually, our goalies won't have to know from the beginning that they have to win the game for us.
Rebuilding is not a fun process for a team, but if you do it right, that time will pay off. Just ask the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks. They both spent a decent amount of time at the bottom of the NHL, and have both recently won Stanley Cups. The Avs will get there, I'm convinced, but we, as a fan base, need to make the trip with them and not give up on our boys.
Start of this season comes around and things were a bit slower than last year. But you can't expect the kind of fast start that the Avs had last season every year. 20 games go by, 30 games go by, the Avs are right there in the conversation and are hanging with the Canucks. We start thinking, ha! Vancouver who!? We're going to hit our stride and then go flying by those guys.
Only something different happens. More and more games go by, and instead of that energetic, never-say-die team that we had become so used to seeing, we start seeing a team that can't start a game to save their lives, play horrible defense, and can't climb back into games the way they used to. We start to think, well, everybody is thinking "hey, they're bound to hit a slump at some point. They'll rebound."
Well, we're still waiting for that rebound. The Avs dropped another today, this time to the Anaheim Ducks. Another game marked by taking bad penalties, poor defensive zone play, and a lack of offensive intensity. It's something that has marked their play for the last month, or more, of hockey. Then I remembered something.
This Avs team is still rebuilding. This is a team that is still nowhere near their full potential, and will probably take a couple of more years to get there. Last year we experienced something that probably shouldn't have happened. If it wasn't for the insanely amazing play of Craig Anderson, last year's Avs would have been nowhere near the playoffs. The defense was just as inconsistent, the offense experienced similar ups and downs, the big difference was that Anderson was able to make all those insane saves that he had no business making. It's like that guy you play poker with that everybody hates because he goes all in with stupid hands, but wins each time. Eventually, you know that guy is going to run out of luck, it's just a matter of time. It seems that time has happened this year.
So, to all Avs fans, and this is just as much for me as anybody else, yes, the Avs are not a very good team right now. Yes, we're most likely going to miss the playoffs with this type of poor play. Let's all remember, we haven't seen the best that these guys can offer yet. Stewie hasn't shown us a full season of what he will be, neither has Duchene. Neither have a lot of these guys, but their talent is there and they are still learning. Eventually, our front office will help us get bigger and more skilled on defense. Eventually, our goalies won't have to know from the beginning that they have to win the game for us.
Rebuilding is not a fun process for a team, but if you do it right, that time will pay off. Just ask the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks. They both spent a decent amount of time at the bottom of the NHL, and have both recently won Stanley Cups. The Avs will get there, I'm convinced, but we, as a fan base, need to make the trip with them and not give up on our boys.
Super Bowl Sunday!!
Here we are again! The time of the year where everybody looks to the same place for the same 4 hours. Even people who don't care about football are finding the Super Bowl party that they are planning to attend.
What a game we have in store this year. The Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lots of potential story lines, but the one that I think is going to decide the game is the Packer Defense. Here are what I think are the keys for the Packer defense to win the game.
Tackle Big Ben!
The Steelers offensive line will give up some pressure, that is nothing new. What makes Ben so good is his ability to elude that pressure for just long enough to get something out of the play. If they can prevent him from getting out of the pocket, and force him to take the sack or just throw it away, that will go a long way towards keeping the Steelers offense off of the field.
Get Turnovers
Big Ben is the type of quarterback who will go for that high risk, high reward style pass. An aggressive defense like the Packer defense will get their chances to make a huge difference in the outcome of a game. The Steelers were quite prone to turnovers in their playoff games. If not for their superb second half against Baltimore, there is a great chance this team isn't even in the Super Bowl because of all the turnovers.
Solid Tackling
I was watching Sports Center earlier today when they were showing how many yards after contact the Steelers got against the Jets. It was quite a huge difference that you don't really notice just watching the game. The Packers really have to make certain that they wrap up any Steeler that has the ball and not allow any extra yards after contact. That's the difference between 4th and 3 and a brand new set of downs.
Make the Steelers One Dimensional
The bread and butter of the Packer defense is in the secondary. Everybody knows that the Steelers like to run the ball, and they will do it whether or not it has been working throughout the game. That being said, if you keep that run game in control, then you force long third downs where you know they have to pass. If the Packers are able to get more third and six to third and tens, I'd have to think that they would take that any day of the week. If that does happen, the advantage definitely goes to the Packers.
I think the Packers are good enough on defense to do all of those things. Plus, my gut goes immediately to Green Bay. Last year, I just couldn't see the Saints losing, and this year, I just can't see the Packers letting it get away. Aaron Rodgers is the hot hand right now, and you just can't go against the team that is on the hot streak. And right now, that team is undoubtedly the Packers.
This will be a great game, but I'll take the Packers, 27-21.
What a game we have in store this year. The Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lots of potential story lines, but the one that I think is going to decide the game is the Packer Defense. Here are what I think are the keys for the Packer defense to win the game.
Tackle Big Ben!
The Steelers offensive line will give up some pressure, that is nothing new. What makes Ben so good is his ability to elude that pressure for just long enough to get something out of the play. If they can prevent him from getting out of the pocket, and force him to take the sack or just throw it away, that will go a long way towards keeping the Steelers offense off of the field.
Get Turnovers
Big Ben is the type of quarterback who will go for that high risk, high reward style pass. An aggressive defense like the Packer defense will get their chances to make a huge difference in the outcome of a game. The Steelers were quite prone to turnovers in their playoff games. If not for their superb second half against Baltimore, there is a great chance this team isn't even in the Super Bowl because of all the turnovers.
Solid Tackling
I was watching Sports Center earlier today when they were showing how many yards after contact the Steelers got against the Jets. It was quite a huge difference that you don't really notice just watching the game. The Packers really have to make certain that they wrap up any Steeler that has the ball and not allow any extra yards after contact. That's the difference between 4th and 3 and a brand new set of downs.
Make the Steelers One Dimensional
The bread and butter of the Packer defense is in the secondary. Everybody knows that the Steelers like to run the ball, and they will do it whether or not it has been working throughout the game. That being said, if you keep that run game in control, then you force long third downs where you know they have to pass. If the Packers are able to get more third and six to third and tens, I'd have to think that they would take that any day of the week. If that does happen, the advantage definitely goes to the Packers.
I think the Packers are good enough on defense to do all of those things. Plus, my gut goes immediately to Green Bay. Last year, I just couldn't see the Saints losing, and this year, I just can't see the Packers letting it get away. Aaron Rodgers is the hot hand right now, and you just can't go against the team that is on the hot streak. And right now, that team is undoubtedly the Packers.
This will be a great game, but I'll take the Packers, 27-21.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Kyle Orton: Being Thrown Under the Bus in Denver
It started almost immediately upon draft day last season. With the announcement that the Broncos had jumped back into the first round and drafted Tim Tebow, the entire Bronco nation lit up in an insane debate about which quarterback was better.
Then there was training camp, where Kyle Orton didn't just win the starting job, he also clearly showed that he was the best quarterback on the roster, yet there was still the population of Tebow-ites who would not be silenced.
Preseason came around, Orton still the clear number one, and there were still all these news stories revolving around when Tebow will start. As if Kyle Orton has no choice but to be supplanted by this rookie quarterback who has never taken a snap of NFL football to date.
Enter the regular season. Fans are told that there are plans to use Tebow, but that Orton is still the number one. More questions included: when will these smaller roles morph into larger roles? Doesn't Tebow deserve to start? When will people realize Tebow is the real deal?
Amidst all of this constant questioning, Kyle Orton just went about his business, and basically carried this whole team on his shoulders. He almost met his entire passing output from last season in the 13 games that he played. He led the league in passing multiple weeks during the course of the season. Yet we hear that Tebow is the better quarterback?
Orton is probably the worst treated quarterback in the league right now as a result of this unbelievably premature hype that has been thrown to Tim Tebow. Tebow has had three NFL starts in his career, that came about because Orton had a rib injury and the coaches didn't want him to get hurt long term in games that really didn't matter at that point. Tebow did not win the starting job at the end of the season, he was filling in for the started.
Tebow threw four touchdowns in his three games, and had three interceptions. Orton threw 20 touchdowns in his 13 games, and had only nine interceptions. Yes, it is only three games, but averaging an interception per game is definitely not the best way to prove that you're the number one starter.
One of Kyle Orton's brightest spots has always been that he takes great care of the football. Orton may not be the one that will always win you the game, but he definitely isn't the one who will lose it for you either.
So what is it that Tebow has that Orton doesn't? Superb work ethic? Sure, Tebow works really hard, but how can anybody automatically assume that just because Tebow works hard, Orton doesn't. You only get as smart as Orton is with the ball by doing a lot of work. Orton is never given the credit Tebow is for work ethic. Doesn't seem fair.
Leadership qualities? Orton carried this team on his shoulders all year. He had to. There was no running game, a defense that couldn't stop anything, an offensive line that allowed defenses to dominate them. What did he do? He took all of that and made the offense respectable, was still able to sell play action, and got right back up after every hit he took. So he isn't as fiery as Tebow is, that doesn't make him any less of a leader.
People argue that Tebow's intangibles are what should put him over the top. Well, fine, but then let's go ahead and look at the tangibles. Tangibly, Orton has the better mechanics. Orton is more accurate. Orton's decision making is better. Orton's ability to read defenses is better. Yet people want to overlook all of that.
About the only tangible thing where Tebow is clearly better is his mobility. Orton isn't exactly Tom Brady in his inability to run, but he sure isn't anywhere near Tebow as far as that is concerned.
Now let me slow down for a second, because comparing these two quarterbacks is kind of a moot point. Again, Tebow's three games of experience is hardly enough to judge his quality as a quarterback. Which then leads me to this most important question. If three games isn't enough to judge if Tebow has flopped, then why is it enough to decide that Tebow should be the clear cut starter? Because he brings excitement to the stadium? Who cares!?
Football isn't about excitement, football is about winning games, and until Tebow is able to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he is the quarterback that gives the Denver Broncos the best chance to win games, then people should really jump off this train because it is incredibly unfair to Orton, to Tebow, and to the entire Bronco organization.
From a realistic perspective, there does stand a chance that Orton could be traded, and I do understand the reasoning. Orton's value is pretty high at the moment. He was having a career year, up to the point of his injury, he has a reputation as one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league, and he's only coming into his sixth year as a player. Plus, the Broncos have a few more years invested in Tebow, why not figure out what he can do and if it isn't working out, then there's no need to re-sign him.
I understand that point, but I disagree with it. Regardless of whether or not the Broncos are rebuilding, they still want to win games, and will, therefore, get the quarterback who gives them the best chance to win those games. Right now, that quarterback is Kyle Orton.
Then there was training camp, where Kyle Orton didn't just win the starting job, he also clearly showed that he was the best quarterback on the roster, yet there was still the population of Tebow-ites who would not be silenced.
Preseason came around, Orton still the clear number one, and there were still all these news stories revolving around when Tebow will start. As if Kyle Orton has no choice but to be supplanted by this rookie quarterback who has never taken a snap of NFL football to date.
Enter the regular season. Fans are told that there are plans to use Tebow, but that Orton is still the number one. More questions included: when will these smaller roles morph into larger roles? Doesn't Tebow deserve to start? When will people realize Tebow is the real deal?
Amidst all of this constant questioning, Kyle Orton just went about his business, and basically carried this whole team on his shoulders. He almost met his entire passing output from last season in the 13 games that he played. He led the league in passing multiple weeks during the course of the season. Yet we hear that Tebow is the better quarterback?
Orton is probably the worst treated quarterback in the league right now as a result of this unbelievably premature hype that has been thrown to Tim Tebow. Tebow has had three NFL starts in his career, that came about because Orton had a rib injury and the coaches didn't want him to get hurt long term in games that really didn't matter at that point. Tebow did not win the starting job at the end of the season, he was filling in for the started.
Tebow threw four touchdowns in his three games, and had three interceptions. Orton threw 20 touchdowns in his 13 games, and had only nine interceptions. Yes, it is only three games, but averaging an interception per game is definitely not the best way to prove that you're the number one starter.
One of Kyle Orton's brightest spots has always been that he takes great care of the football. Orton may not be the one that will always win you the game, but he definitely isn't the one who will lose it for you either.
So what is it that Tebow has that Orton doesn't? Superb work ethic? Sure, Tebow works really hard, but how can anybody automatically assume that just because Tebow works hard, Orton doesn't. You only get as smart as Orton is with the ball by doing a lot of work. Orton is never given the credit Tebow is for work ethic. Doesn't seem fair.
Leadership qualities? Orton carried this team on his shoulders all year. He had to. There was no running game, a defense that couldn't stop anything, an offensive line that allowed defenses to dominate them. What did he do? He took all of that and made the offense respectable, was still able to sell play action, and got right back up after every hit he took. So he isn't as fiery as Tebow is, that doesn't make him any less of a leader.
People argue that Tebow's intangibles are what should put him over the top. Well, fine, but then let's go ahead and look at the tangibles. Tangibly, Orton has the better mechanics. Orton is more accurate. Orton's decision making is better. Orton's ability to read defenses is better. Yet people want to overlook all of that.
About the only tangible thing where Tebow is clearly better is his mobility. Orton isn't exactly Tom Brady in his inability to run, but he sure isn't anywhere near Tebow as far as that is concerned.
Now let me slow down for a second, because comparing these two quarterbacks is kind of a moot point. Again, Tebow's three games of experience is hardly enough to judge his quality as a quarterback. Which then leads me to this most important question. If three games isn't enough to judge if Tebow has flopped, then why is it enough to decide that Tebow should be the clear cut starter? Because he brings excitement to the stadium? Who cares!?
Football isn't about excitement, football is about winning games, and until Tebow is able to prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he is the quarterback that gives the Denver Broncos the best chance to win games, then people should really jump off this train because it is incredibly unfair to Orton, to Tebow, and to the entire Bronco organization.
From a realistic perspective, there does stand a chance that Orton could be traded, and I do understand the reasoning. Orton's value is pretty high at the moment. He was having a career year, up to the point of his injury, he has a reputation as one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league, and he's only coming into his sixth year as a player. Plus, the Broncos have a few more years invested in Tebow, why not figure out what he can do and if it isn't working out, then there's no need to re-sign him.
I understand that point, but I disagree with it. Regardless of whether or not the Broncos are rebuilding, they still want to win games, and will, therefore, get the quarterback who gives them the best chance to win those games. Right now, that quarterback is Kyle Orton.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Conference Championships
I'll try and keep this pretty short, since it's really late and I need to go to sleep.
AFC:
#6 Jets @ #2 Steelers:
Jets have had a great playoff run, but the Steelers are always prepared. This is probably going to be relatively low scoring, but I'm fairly sure the Steelers are going to take this one down.
NFC:
#6 Packers @ #2 Bears:
Aaron Rodgers is playing out of his mind. 31 for 36 against the Falcons, that is just scary!! As so many people always say about the playoffs, it's all about who is hottest at the time, and nobody is hotter than the Packers right now. Give me the cheeseheads.
That means we will see an amazingly yellow Super Bowl 45!
Steelers vs. Packers.
AFC:
#6 Jets @ #2 Steelers:
Jets have had a great playoff run, but the Steelers are always prepared. This is probably going to be relatively low scoring, but I'm fairly sure the Steelers are going to take this one down.
NFC:
#6 Packers @ #2 Bears:
Aaron Rodgers is playing out of his mind. 31 for 36 against the Falcons, that is just scary!! As so many people always say about the playoffs, it's all about who is hottest at the time, and nobody is hotter than the Packers right now. Give me the cheeseheads.
That means we will see an amazingly yellow Super Bowl 45!
Steelers vs. Packers.
Friday, January 21, 2011
FORSBERG SIGHTING IN DENVER!!!
It was reported today that Peter Forsberg will be practicing with the Colorado Avalanche, starting with the Saturday skate before the Avalanche game versus the Boston Bruins. No contracts have been signed, as of yet, and it seems that this is a way for Forsberg to test whether or not he is physically able to make another attempt at returning to the NHL.
Admittedly, when I first saw this reported I nearly jumped out of my chair; but there are so many questions that come along with this. It's important to try and look at all the pros and cons.
Pro:
The return of Peter Forsberg would mean amazing things for the energy level in the Pepsi Center. Forsberg is associated with the golden age of the Colorado Avalanche, and some excitement would immediately return to the building. If you watched the Avs last game, against Nashville, you probably noticed the absolute lack of any crowd noise. Just Forsberg's name would bring that buzz back to the Pepsi Center.
Con:
How much would this really help? Other than getting fans back in the seats, the Avs are still a team that is in the process of rebuilding. Sure, they have a lot of talent, but are the Avalanche really Stanley Cup contenders, even if Forsberg is able to make a return? At the moment the Avs are desperately fighting to maintain a spot in the playoffs. Sure, more excitement might return, but this might not amount to much more than a little bit of lightning in a bottle. Flashy and bright, but not very long lasting.
Just some of the amazing Highlights in Peter Forsberg's Colorado Career
Pro:
Imagine the affect that Forsberg could have on some of the younger players. Matt Duchene watched Forsberg play with the Avs when he was a kid, can you imagine how much he'll learn about the game by playing with him? It could be off the charts. Plus, veteran leadership is something that the Avs are hurting for at the moment. It's no secret that the Avs are a young team, and that youth is starting to show up in mass turnovers and poor defensive play. Forsberg could be a great teacher to many of the players on this team.
Con:
Forsberg's own body. Forsberg's career has been tragically short. He was on pace to have one of the truly great careers in hockey history, but he has been unable to get over that nagging foot injury that has had multiple surgeries. Couple that with the Avs horrible luck with player injuries right now, and it is one of those situations where it's almost like the hockey gods are just toying with us. Who's to say Forsberg wouldn't get on the ice and get hurt again?
Pro:
It really wouldn't cost the Avs that much. Forsberg's presence alone has demanded large contracts in the past. Even back in 2007-2008, when he tried his last come back, he still earned a pretty penny. The Avs salary cap, however, is one that could have handled multiple versions of that insane Kovalchuk contract that New Jersey is currently stuck with. I wonder how that's working out. At any rate, price is definitely NOT an issue when it comes to getting Forsberg signed.
3316419_crop_340x234 Peter The Great, working his magic
Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Con:
Time. We hear the name Peter Forsberg and immediately remember all of the amazing things that this guy was capable of. Even back in 07-08 he had an impact. In nine regular season games the guy had a goal and 13 assists. But can that realistically be expected of him at age 37 with a foot that has been operated on and injured more times than anybody can count? There's no doubt that Forsberg, when he was at his best, could play a mediocre game and still be better than most people's best games, but age has to take a toll at some point.
This is a very interesting situation in which we find ourselves. With all the injuries that have stung the Avs, especially recently, the Avs are desperate for somebody. If Forsberg feels that he could play, it wouldn't be that great a shock if the Avs took a shot with him. Sure, he's older, but you have to think that some of that magic that Peter The Great showcased throughout his brilliant, but all too short amount of time in Denver is still there.
It's very premature to speculate on what is going to happen, but this is one Avalanche fan who can't wait to hear whether or not we will see a return of Foppa to the Colorado ice.
Admittedly, when I first saw this reported I nearly jumped out of my chair; but there are so many questions that come along with this. It's important to try and look at all the pros and cons.
Pro:
The return of Peter Forsberg would mean amazing things for the energy level in the Pepsi Center. Forsberg is associated with the golden age of the Colorado Avalanche, and some excitement would immediately return to the building. If you watched the Avs last game, against Nashville, you probably noticed the absolute lack of any crowd noise. Just Forsberg's name would bring that buzz back to the Pepsi Center.
Con:
How much would this really help? Other than getting fans back in the seats, the Avs are still a team that is in the process of rebuilding. Sure, they have a lot of talent, but are the Avalanche really Stanley Cup contenders, even if Forsberg is able to make a return? At the moment the Avs are desperately fighting to maintain a spot in the playoffs. Sure, more excitement might return, but this might not amount to much more than a little bit of lightning in a bottle. Flashy and bright, but not very long lasting.
Just some of the amazing Highlights in Peter Forsberg's Colorado Career
Pro:
Imagine the affect that Forsberg could have on some of the younger players. Matt Duchene watched Forsberg play with the Avs when he was a kid, can you imagine how much he'll learn about the game by playing with him? It could be off the charts. Plus, veteran leadership is something that the Avs are hurting for at the moment. It's no secret that the Avs are a young team, and that youth is starting to show up in mass turnovers and poor defensive play. Forsberg could be a great teacher to many of the players on this team.
Con:
Forsberg's own body. Forsberg's career has been tragically short. He was on pace to have one of the truly great careers in hockey history, but he has been unable to get over that nagging foot injury that has had multiple surgeries. Couple that with the Avs horrible luck with player injuries right now, and it is one of those situations where it's almost like the hockey gods are just toying with us. Who's to say Forsberg wouldn't get on the ice and get hurt again?
Pro:
It really wouldn't cost the Avs that much. Forsberg's presence alone has demanded large contracts in the past. Even back in 2007-2008, when he tried his last come back, he still earned a pretty penny. The Avs salary cap, however, is one that could have handled multiple versions of that insane Kovalchuk contract that New Jersey is currently stuck with. I wonder how that's working out. At any rate, price is definitely NOT an issue when it comes to getting Forsberg signed.
3316419_crop_340x234 Peter The Great, working his magic
Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Con:
Time. We hear the name Peter Forsberg and immediately remember all of the amazing things that this guy was capable of. Even back in 07-08 he had an impact. In nine regular season games the guy had a goal and 13 assists. But can that realistically be expected of him at age 37 with a foot that has been operated on and injured more times than anybody can count? There's no doubt that Forsberg, when he was at his best, could play a mediocre game and still be better than most people's best games, but age has to take a toll at some point.
This is a very interesting situation in which we find ourselves. With all the injuries that have stung the Avs, especially recently, the Avs are desperate for somebody. If Forsberg feels that he could play, it wouldn't be that great a shock if the Avs took a shot with him. Sure, he's older, but you have to think that some of that magic that Peter The Great showcased throughout his brilliant, but all too short amount of time in Denver is still there.
It's very premature to speculate on what is going to happen, but this is one Avalanche fan who can't wait to hear whether or not we will see a return of Foppa to the Colorado ice.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Latest B/R Contribution!
Check out The Sin Bin's latest contribution to the Bleacher Report! Go leave a comment and read our articles!
Friday, January 14, 2011
KG's Divisional Playoffs Picks
Well, I think everybody had a rough week last week as far as picks went, so I'll hope to do better this time around. So here we go.
AFC:
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh: Once again, how do you pick a winner in this game? Really. The games are always intense, physical, rough, and so insanely evenly played that a 10 point win is considered winning big. Hard to tell, so I'm just going to go with my gut on this one, and the guy tells me Pittsburgh.
NY Jets @ New England Patriots: There is very little that is more interesting than watching the Jets try and get under the Patriot's skin in the week leading up to their games. You just have to admire the bravado that Rex Ryan brings to his team. You would think after getting their asses handed to them against the Pats a few weeks they wouldn't be so quick to talk trash, but that's just who they are. But we also know that they are capable of beating the Pats. The Pats, however, have about the largest home field advantage of any team in the NFL. They aren't making earthquakes or anything, but the snow in Foxboro is even something that New York teams aren't used to. It really is at least a 2 TD advantage. For that reason, I'll take the Pats.
KG's AFC Championship game: Pittsburgh @ New England
NFC:
Green Bay @ Atlanta: These 2 teams played an amazing game in the regular season that came down to a last second field goal that gave the Falcons the win. I picked against them last time, but I won't do it this time. I'll take the Falcons, even though Green Bay was my NFC Super Bowl team before the season began. Green Bay is very capable of winning this game, and could hurt me again this week, but I just see Matty Ice and the Falcons taking this one down.
Seattle @ Chicago: Another regular season rematch, the Seahawks have a good plan to beat the Bears. It worked during the regular season, and you know that Pete Carroll won't back off when it's all on the line. He is going to bring the heat at Jay Cutler from every single direction you can think of. That has always been Cutler's downside. He panics under pressure and makes horrible throws and turns the ball over all over the place. Look for the Hawks to bring the heat, and look for the bears to try and run the ball for most of the game to try and counter this. If Cutler has to throw the ball more than 30 times, the Bears will not win this game. I'm going to take the surprise Seahawks in this one.
KG's NFC Championship Game
Seattle @ Atlanta.
Should be interesting!
AFC:
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh: Once again, how do you pick a winner in this game? Really. The games are always intense, physical, rough, and so insanely evenly played that a 10 point win is considered winning big. Hard to tell, so I'm just going to go with my gut on this one, and the guy tells me Pittsburgh.
NY Jets @ New England Patriots: There is very little that is more interesting than watching the Jets try and get under the Patriot's skin in the week leading up to their games. You just have to admire the bravado that Rex Ryan brings to his team. You would think after getting their asses handed to them against the Pats a few weeks they wouldn't be so quick to talk trash, but that's just who they are. But we also know that they are capable of beating the Pats. The Pats, however, have about the largest home field advantage of any team in the NFL. They aren't making earthquakes or anything, but the snow in Foxboro is even something that New York teams aren't used to. It really is at least a 2 TD advantage. For that reason, I'll take the Pats.
KG's AFC Championship game: Pittsburgh @ New England
NFC:
Green Bay @ Atlanta: These 2 teams played an amazing game in the regular season that came down to a last second field goal that gave the Falcons the win. I picked against them last time, but I won't do it this time. I'll take the Falcons, even though Green Bay was my NFC Super Bowl team before the season began. Green Bay is very capable of winning this game, and could hurt me again this week, but I just see Matty Ice and the Falcons taking this one down.
Seattle @ Chicago: Another regular season rematch, the Seahawks have a good plan to beat the Bears. It worked during the regular season, and you know that Pete Carroll won't back off when it's all on the line. He is going to bring the heat at Jay Cutler from every single direction you can think of. That has always been Cutler's downside. He panics under pressure and makes horrible throws and turns the ball over all over the place. Look for the Hawks to bring the heat, and look for the bears to try and run the ball for most of the game to try and counter this. If Cutler has to throw the ball more than 30 times, the Bears will not win this game. I'm going to take the surprise Seahawks in this one.
KG's NFC Championship Game
Seattle @ Atlanta.
Should be interesting!
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