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Can Frank Gore Avoid The Aging Running Back Curse?

Wednesday, June 5th, 2013

by FanDuel

 

Does Frank Gore have more?
(Image via ESPN.com)

 

If you are a running back in the NFL, there is no celebrating when you turn 30 years old. Most franchises believe that running backs take a huge hit in productivity around that age, and they have the numbers to back that up. Frank Gore is now 30, so the question is, will 2012 end up being his last solid season in the NFL?

Last season, the 49ers owed a lot of their success to Gore, as he experienced a solid campaign for the second year in a row. After some 2010 struggles, Gore averaged 4.5 yards per carry and found the end zone eight times each season these last two years. Will his productivity in 2013 keep him among the top daily fantasy sports picks?

Just one year ago, Michael Turner was the latest running back to hit that 30-year old wall. In 2011, he had 1340 yards and 11 touchdowns. While he did find the end zone 10 times in 2012, he was only able to pick up 800 yards. He seemed half-a-step slow during the year, and he saw his average yards per carry dip below four for the first time ever in his career.

One way the 49ers can help protect Gore and keep him productive is to utilize the other running backs on their roster as well. LaMichael James played well in limited action in 2012, and Kendall Hunter is a solid running back as well. Gore should no longer be treated like a feature back, but instead one who gets the bulk of the carries only.

Gore has been with the 49ers ever since they took him in the 3rd round of the 2005 draft. He has been one of their most productive players in recent history, and the coaching staff knows how to put their players in a position to succeed. If Gore can just stay healthy and provide around 1000 yards with 5-8 touchdowns, they will be more than satisfied. Just do not expect a repeat of the last two years.

 

FanDuel, for War Room Sports

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How LeBron James Stacks Up to the Greats (Part 2)

Monday, June 3rd, 2013

by Chris Price

 

Dream Matchup

(Editor’s note – If you haven’t read part one of this series, please read it HERE prior to reading this article)

 

So here is the other side of the story.  Ongoing discussion about LeBron James’ place in history has lead me to explore the other side of the argument.  Bear with me as I take a look at three of the biggest arguments for LeBron James being the best to ever do it.

 

#1 – Today’s NBA is the best that it’s ever been, and LeBron James stands head and shoulders above the rest of the players in this generation.
I’ll concede the second part of this argument without hesitation.  At this point, LeBron James has established himself as being CLEARLY better than the rest the guys in his generation; guys that include Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, and even the slightly younger guys like Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook.  I think most basketball fans would agree.  Let’s explore the second part of the assertion though.

The argument for today’s NBA being better than past decades stems from the growth of AAU basketball, advancements in training and nutrition, a global talent pool, and the notion that a lot more of our talented U.S. athletes are choosing to play basketball.

Well, after just a little bit of pondering, I’m gonna call the “era argument” a wash. Since 1988 the NBA has added 6 more expansion teams.  That’s 90 roster spots.  At the start of the 2012-2013 NBA season, there were 84 international players on rosters.  No less jobs for American players.  And let’s look at those American players. We are seeing some phenomenal athletes, but how many great basketball players are we seeing?  With less time today learning the game on the college level than players 20-30 years ago, are our top basketball prospects really becoming great basketball players?  In many cases, yes. “One and done” guys like Durant, Love, and Kyrie are excellent, but lets look at some of our top big men.  Would Dwight Howard, arguably today’s best center, be as standout a center 20 years ago playing in an era of great centers?  Would Blake Griffin, a 2nd Team All NBA performer this season, be able to do what he does against more skilled, more PHYSICAL power forwards from the 1980s, under rules that allowed more physicality?  That’s something to think about.  I feel pretty confident in saying that LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Tony Parker would have been great playing in any era, but I also feel confident that what Michael Jordan and Karl Malone showed us a decade ago as 40-year olds was indicative of great command of the game.  If you’re gonna give Shaq and Kobe credit for their 3-peat at the turn of the century, you gotta give Mike and Karl credit for having legitimate All-Star seasons at the same time, all while playing at or around 40 years of age.  Now I truly respect the great players of today, but nothing I see or have seen is telling me that guys of yesteryear didn’t have serious game.  Let’s call it a wash on the era argument, and therefore taking nothing from and adding nothing to LeBron James’ accomplishments in today’s NBA.

 

#2 – Don’t Compare Careers; Compare Peaks!
Now this is something pretty interesting that I’ve heard.  It’s actually intriguing to me. Instead of trying to compare LeBron James’ career to the lofty standards of efficient legendary careers like….
Michael Jordan: 6 championships in 13 Chicago seasons, 6/6 in NBA Finals, 6 NBA Finals MVPs
Magic Johnson: 5 championships in 13 seasons, 5/9 in NBA Finals, 3 NBA Finals MVPs

…compare their peaks instead.  (By the way, Larry Bird won 3 championships in 13 seasons, and went 3/5 in NBA Finals.  LeBron might be knocking on that door here soon)

So the argument is this: Is LeBron today better than Mike as his best?  Is LeBron today better than Magic at his best?  Is he better than Larry at his best?  Some LeBron supporters will say that he can do what those guys can do but he’s bigger. I would disagree.  I would say each of those guys did something better than LeBron.  But I DO notice that LeBron may be the second best in a lot of categories compared to these guys.

Out of MJ, Magic, Larry, and LeBron, here’s who has the edge in each category by the stats and by the eye test.

Scoring: Michael

Passing: Magic

Rebounding: Larry

Defense: LeBron or Michael

Offensive Efficiency: Magic/Michael (LeBron?)

LeBron may be the second best scorer of the group.  He is certainly second by career and peak scoring average.  LeBron may be the second best passer of the group.  He has the edge in assist average as well over Mike and Larry.  Larry is clearly the best rebounder of the group, and Magic actually may be second.  But LeBron has an argument for that too. On defense, we know Michael at one point was as good as they come on the perimeter. However LeBron has been noted as a more versatile defender because of his size.  I’m not here to debate whether he is or isn’t a better defender than Michael, but either way he’s up there as one of the best defenders we have seen that didn’t play the center position. He’s either first or second in defense out of the group of 4.  And finally, LeBron posted an incredible 56.5% FG percentage this year; something only Magic has matched in his career. Magic owns the higher peak assist to turnover ratio, and Michael owns the higher career Player Efficiency Rating (PER).  Michael actually owns the highest PER in NBA history.  But you know who is number 2 all time in PER? LeBron.

A lot of pundits will credit the older guys with high intangibles; leadership, competitiveness, toughness, basketball IQ, “clutch” factor, etc.  As somebody who doesn’t consider himself a “Witness”, but rather just a basketball fan, I can acknowledge that LeBron is truly putting it all together and most, if not all, of his mental/emotional hang-ups are in the past.  He’s improving in every significant intangible category in my eyes and in the eyes of many.

So maybe a guy who isn’t known for one specific skill but who can do everything very well has a good peak argument.  If nothing else Lebron’s attributes and statistical achievements (as well as the fact that he is now a champion) leave the door open for debate for those who want to go there.

 

#3 – There has been no other player like LeBron James in history.  His combination of talent, size, athleticism, and skill has never been seen before.
Now this one is one I’ve heard a lot.  You probably have too.  Is it true?  Well, yes…it is true.  But isn’t that true for all the GOAT candidates?

Kareem was a 7’2″ player with an unstoppable shot, the skyhook.  Had we seen something like the skyhook before, and have we since?

Wilt Chamberlain, Shaq, Magic, Duncan, Olajuwon, Robertson are all pretty unique players to me.  You can say that LeBron is bigger than all of the perimeter guys, and more athletic, but is he truly a bigger version?  Meaning, the same skills but just bigger, stronger, quicker, etc?  I say nah.  He’s not gonna have the footwork or smooth post game of MJ or Kobe, or the quick change of direction of…you know what, it doesn’t even matter.  If LeBron can continue to do LeBron and continue to create his own lane, he won’t have to worry about comparisons with anyone.

Peep this.  The cool thing about LeBron coming into the league at 18, and being the exact opposite of an injury-prone player, and being very-very good, is that he has a chance to break a looooot of records.  He already has 4 MVPs at age 28. Kareem has the record with 6 MVPs.  Can he snag 2 or 3 or more MVPs in his career?  He has a good shot at it.  LeBron also has just over 21,000 points for his career.  Kareem has that record also at  38, 387.  If LeBron keeps up his current rate of 27.6 PPG and stays healthy, he can catch Kareem at age 36.  And even if he doesn’t do that he can catch Jordan’s career number at age 33, at his current pace.  Pretty wild.

Now granted, when a lot of people think about Magic, Michael or Larry, they might be thinking about championships or the special way they played the game.  The big shots. The big games.  Some people don’t think LeBron will ever match what those guys brought to the table.  Even if that is your stance, what if you are looking at a guy who has a chance to rewrite greatness in terms of records upon records, plus high-level defense, plus mind-blowing stats, plus a few rings…

With all of the things LeBron has already accomplished in his short career, and all the potential of what is to come, at the end of the day when you sit back and look at the body of work, could it be enough?

 

Chris Price, for War Room Sports

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LeSean McCoy comes in at #45 in the ‘Top 100 players of 2013’

Friday, May 31st, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

“They like me, they really like me!”  That’s what LeSean McCoy can say after hearing the well-deserved accolades from his NFL brothers about his speed and skill.

On the NFL Network’s continuing series of the “Top 100 best players of 2013,” nary an Eagles player had been mentioned in the bottom half of the countdown.  Sure, the Birds are coming off of a terrible season.  No players had been selected for the Pro Bowl.  Would the team collectively be slighted of this offseason accolade as well?

It certainly seemed that way until Thursday’s selections of numbers 50-41 were revealed.  The lone Eagle so far represented in the countdown?  Running back LeSean McCoy, very often was the single bright spot in games in the 2012 season, was featured as the 45th best player in the league as voted by his peers.

The segment opened with Steelers corner Ike Taylor saying of Shady, “Man, that boy’s got some Allen Iverson feet, but he’s playing football.”

Very high and appropriate praise for one of Philadelphia’s favorite Eagles.

McCoy’s peers went on to express their admiration of his speed, vision down the field, and ability as a receiver.  All of these attributes make Shady a difficult threat for defenses to contain.  And that’s why he is one of Philadelphia’s most potent offensive weapons.

Despite missing 4 games last season, McCoy finished the year with 840 rushing yards, , 373 receiving yards, and a total of 5 touchdowns (2 rushing, 3 receiving).

Shady topped players like Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (47) and Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton (46) in the episode.  Just ahead of McCoy were New England Patriots WR Wes Welker (44), Giants QB Eli Manning at number 43 (BOOO), Ravens DT Haloti Ngata (42), and Cowboys’ TE Jason Witten (41).

On the reaction show immediately following the unveiling of the latest players, Shady showed that he’s ready to prove himself all over again in 2013.

“This year coming up, I am healthy and have something to prove again.  I can’t wait.  I can’t think of a back in this league that can do as much as I can do.  I am focused and ready to roll.  I think Coach Kelly is bringing in a new offense that fits me so well, being in open space with so many looks and movements.  I think I will have a better year.”

Watching the highlights featured in the segment is probably one of the only times you will smile when thinking about or referencing the 2012 season for the Philadelphia Eagles.  Do yourself a favor and check out the video here.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Chip Kelly has early praise for LB Mychal Kendricks, QB Matt Barkley in 3rd week of OTAs

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Eagles at work.
(Image via the Philadelphia Eagles’ Facebook page)

The third straight week of Eagles OTAs took place outside in Monday’s rain, and head coach Chip Kelly wasn’t apologetic.

Perhaps it’s not ideal for reporters, he joked, but this is real life.  Football is played outside and his players must be prepared to play in any kind of weather.

It’s more of Kelly’s desire to simulate real game experiences for his team.

Kelly unveiled another practice technique new to the NovaCare yesterday — one that a journalist described as using “fly swatters”.  Objects that meet that physical description were taped to the shoulders of assistants, a technique the coach used at Oregon.  Okay, but what on Earth for?

“It simulates a pass rush.  So when you’re in seven on seven, obviously, you’ve got to throw through the lane.  We made those at Oregon, and it gives us an opportunity.  It’s the exact height of a 6’4″ defensive lineman with his hands up.  You can’t throw over everybody, so you have to throw through throwing lanes. It’s the best way we can simulate that.”

Ahh.  Rather clever, that.

While continually stating that it’s too early to read anything into what transpires in practices, Kelly did take the opportunity to praise certain players when asked about them.  For instance, he is clearly high on second-year linebacker Mychal Kendricks’ abilities.

“I think Mychal’s an athletic, real physical linebacker, but I think his biggest attribute is his athleticism.  He’s a three‑down linebacker, he doesn’t have to come off the field on third down.  He excels in pass coverage, but he’s physical enough to play on first and second down.  He’s one of the more athletic linebackers in this league, so really excited about his future and what he can do.  He can do everything we’ve asked him to do.”

As has been the case previously, Kelly said it’s too early to read too much into which players are playing with the first team.  He stated that he and his coaching staff were just “rolling guys through” the different practice teams to see how they perform.

Mike Vick was back to taking reps with the first team after Nick Foles had an opportunity to do so last week, but it was Matt Barkley who garnered much of Kelly’s praise at Monday’s press conference.

“Matt’s done a great job.  He’s a real student of the game.  Had a great background to begin with.  Started every game in high school and in college, so his experience that he came in here with.  I don’t know if anybody’s done that, having that much experience coming in as a rookie.  Real student of the game, does a great job of grasping concepts and understanding what we’re trying to do and not just what the receivers are running for routes.  I think that’s kind of sometimes with the rookie, what routes are they running, and I’m going to throw the ball.  Matt does a great job understanding the overall concept that’s being run and then being able to kind of change…It’s not just he’s so much more gifted than anybody else.  It’s really how hard he works at the game.  Lot of fun to be around and lot of fun to coach. “

When asked specifically about Danny Watkins, Kelly revealed his approach to reviewing every player on this Philadelphia squad.

“No, I have no expectations of anybody.  When I got here on January 16th, it didn’t matter to me if you were a first round pick or an undrafted free agent.  It’s about putting the best team on the field.  Where they got picked in the past or those things, it was a clean slate with us coming in.”

No player can rely on his past successes or failures on this team.  It’s about how they perform now as they acclimate to a new system.

Other notes from Monday:

-LT Jason Peters was absent from practice for undisclosed reasons but Kelly stated that it was not injury related.

-Safety Kenny Phillips was also absent from Monday’s practice but was at the Complex in the training room.

-Kelly revealed that he’s not one to talk much about injuries, but said what has already been disclosed about TE James Casey: He should be ready for training camp this summer after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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How LeBron James Stacks Up to the Greats (Part 1)

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

by Chris Price

 

A conversation with a LeBron fan the other day made me want to address three issues I have with the logic of many LeBron James fans.

 

#1 – Choose whether LeBron James is a young phenom or an NBA veteran.

Here’s what I mean.  When comparing him to other great players, sometimes he did things younger, and sometimes he’s a veteran.  When comparing him to Michael Jordan for example, people say LeBron won a championship at age 27, when Michael won his first at age 28.  Well, since LeBron came into the league at 18 and Jordan at 21, Michael actually won his first in his seventh season and Lebron won his in his ninth.  But LeBron fans will ignore years played in that instance.

When comparing him to Larry Bird however, it’s “look at the numbers LeBron put up in his tenth season. What did Larry do in his tenth season?”  Since LeBron came into the league at 18, in Lebron’s tenth season he is 28 years old, in the prime of his career.  Since Larry came into the league at 22, in his tenth season he was 32 years old, already in decline from age and back injury. LeBron fans will ignore age in this instance.

If you look at age however, Larry Bird’s season at age 28 (28.7 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 52% FG, 43% 3PFG, 88% FT, League MVP) compares very well with LeBron’s season at age 28 (26.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 7.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 57% FG, 41% 3PFG, 75% FT, League MVP).  When you compare apples to apples, LeBron is not blowing these legends out the water.

#2 – Lebron being more athletic than other players doesn’t mean he is clearly better than other players. Athleticism is not the standard for basketball achievement, but it can help.

If you look at Larry Bird, he was never even near the most athletic player on the court, but he was one of the dominant figures in the golden age of basketball.  Dude won three straight MVPs and three championships in the 80s, an era where Magic, Kareem, Dominique, Michael, Isiah, and Moses Malone were putting in their work.

If you look at Kevin Love today, how often is he the most athletic player on the court?  Never; but he averaged 26 and 13 last season because he eats glass and he has a high basketball IQ.  And getting back to Larry, Larry has a higher rebound percentage than LeBron for his career, which tracks what percentage of available rebounds a player is getting.  So no, if LeBron played in the ’80s, he wouldn’t have averaged 15 rebounds, because he just doesn’t rebound at that level.  Not a knock on him, it just is what it is.  Stop assuming because LeBron is more athletic he would dominate.  Did his athleticism help him dominate the 2011 NBA Finals, a series in which the Heat clearly had the two most athletic players on the floor?  No.  Athleticism CAN help you, but doesn’t necessarily make you the better ball player.  As fans of the game, LeBron fans have to realize this.  History has proven it time and time again.

#3 – Stop acting like LeBron is the only player to put up outlandish stats and compile accolades as a young player.  LeBron IS a very special player, but he is by no means the MOST special player in terms of career achievement and stats, at this point. 

Below are the CAREER averages of Magic, Larry, Michael, and LeBron James, which include “fall-off” years for the first three.  Remember that LeBron is still in his peak years and his final career averages will probably be slightly lower than what they are now, like with all players.

Magic Johnson
19.5 PPG, 11.2 APG, 7.2 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 52% FG, 30% 3PFG, 85% FT

Young Player Swag: Won NBA Championship AND NBA Finals MVP as a Rookie, Started NBA All-Star Game as a rookie, had two Finals MVPs by age 22.

Larry Bird
24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 49.6% FG, 38% 3PFG, 89% FT

Young Player Swag: NBA All-Star AND 1st Team All-NBA as a ROOKIE, Won NBA Championship in his 2nd year.

Michael Jordan
30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, 49.7% FG, 33% 3PFG, 84% FT

Young Player Swag: All-Star Starter AND 2nd Team All-NBA as a rookie, won NBA Defensive Player of the Year at age 25.

LeBron James (career up to now)
27.6 PPG, 6.9 APG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 SPG, 49.0 FG%, 34% 3PFG, 75% FT

Young Player Swag: Youngest player to win FOUR NBA MVPs (age 28), youngest player to be selected to All-NBA 1st Team (21), youngest player to record a triple double (18).

LeBron James has a lot of “youngest” records, but part of that is due to the fact that most greats did not have the opportunity to enter the league straight out of high school like LeBron.  They could have tried, but either would not have been drafted or not drafted as high, messing up the money.  But as soon as these other greats got to the league at 20 (Magic), 21 (Michael), and 22 (Larry), they were putting in major work, as you can clearly see.

It is arguable that LeBron James has the “best” statistical averages out of these great perimeter players, but it is also very arguable that he does not.  And remember his numbers are still at peak, and will probably sink slightly before he retires, just like they did for the other guys.  He’s a “great”, but no matter how you look at it he is not blowing these guys out of the water just yet.

Chris Price for War Room Sports

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Sergio Garcia Is Getting A Reality Check

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

by LeRoy McConnell III

 

 

 

 

(Courtesy of BusinessInsider.com)

Sergio, EVERYBODY IN AMERICA EATS FRIED CHICKEN!  Though you are not from the U.S., you don’t get a pass for your racist remark made toward Tiger Woods.  In the last few weeks, the sports world has witnessed how much disdain you have for the world’s number one golfer.  If you want to exchange insults with him, then privately say it to his face!  Sergio, don’t be surprised if the African-Americans are offended by your choice of words.  Just ask Fuzzy Zoeller, who also made the same inappropriate comment about “fried chicken”.  Zoeller is a racist bigot who maliciously attacked Tiger Woods in front of the world back in 1997.  Tiger Woods left Zoeller out to dry and Fuzzy was crucified for it.

In my opinion, those words were 100% directed toward Tiger Woods.  I don’t think Sergio meant to offend me or other African-Americans.  I don’t know Sergio personally, but I haven’t heard anything to lead me to believe he is a racist bigot.  However, I have to hold him accountable.

The only reason Sergio Garcia apologized today was the $10-12 million in endorsements that he is probably trying to save.

Luckily for you Sergio, Tiger Woods was classy enough to rescue you by responding to your apology.  I believe you can make a racist comment without being a racist.  If I’ve made the same mistake, I would pray someone would forgive me.

Look Sergio, if you want to get even with Tiger Woods, then you beat him on the playing course.  Until then, shut up and play golf.

 

LeRoy McConnell III of “A Fan’s Point of View”, for War Room Sports

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Much ado about nothing: Fun with the faux Philadelphia Eagles depth chart

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Ah, a little offseason intrigue.  Could a mere Philadelphia Eagles fan, who attended the team’s Academy for Men last weekend, have

Who will be number 1 on the Eagles’ depth chart? Unfortunately, at this stage we know not.

uncovered perhaps THE biggest bit of information about what Chip Kelly currently thinks about this team and its players abilities?

Very probably not.  There has been a lot of buzz about pictures taken and posted on SB Nation’s Bleeding Green Nation site that featured what appeared to be an unofficial depth chart.

And why wouldn’t we be interested?  There is not even an attempt at an updated chart on PhiladelphiaEagles.com, with names of players no longer on the team featured.  So what, oh what, are writers and fans supposed to focus on these days?

Anything, really, and if it’s the unlikely scenario that a fan has captured the deepest, darkest secrets of the NovaCare, then so be it.

The biggest non-story from the non-depth chart?  That Nick Foles is listed as the starting quarterback.  GASP!  He’s been taking reps with the first team in OTAs this week – clearly this means a decision on the starting quarterback has been made…Right?

Kurt Coleman and Colt Anderson are listed as the team’s starting safeties.  I know we have over three months to go until the regular season gets underway, but that seems very unlikely, regardless of what transpires during the rest of OTAs and training camp.

Also?  The chart would indicate that all of the Eagles’ 3-4 moves on defense were for naught, as the faux-depth chart indicates the 4-3 scheme of old.

According to Les Bowen of The Daily News, the Birds have stated that the chart was developed for the Academy by the Marketing department.  Talented as they are, the team’s marketing brains won’t have a role in creating who we see on the field this season.  Phew.

So, truly, the story is a bunch of hoopla about nothing, but it was fun for the few seconds it seemed that maybe a great mystery had been uncovered in the offseason.

Back to reality!

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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Quick thoughts on the 2013 Champions League Final

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013

by Veree Bampoe-Addo

 

Saturday will mark the first time two German Clubs are meeting in the Champions League Final.  Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund. These two clubs meeting in the CL final is in no way a fluke – let’s take a quick look at each of their paths:

Bayern for one finds itself in the title game for the third time in the past four seasons.  They came up short in 2010 vs. Inter Milan when Diego Milito managed to find the net twice in a fairly boring match.  Then just last year when it seemed they had the deal sealed vs. Chelsea with a Thomas Muller goal in the 83rd minute, Didier Drogba equalized 5 minutes later to force extra time and an eventual PK shoot out ending in a heartbreaker.  In this year’s tournament, Bayern defeated Arsenal, Juventus, and European League Super Power Barcelona in the knockout stages.  The aggregate of the two games with Barcelona was 7-0; it doesn’t get any more impressive than that.

Shifting gears to Dortmund – I’d be lying if I said I’ve seen more than a handful of their games, but if you’re able to top a group that includes 2012 Premier League Champ Manchester City and Spanish League Giant Real Madrid, chances are it’s your year.  Not only did they win their group that included RM, but when the two teams met in the Semi-Finals they advanced courtesy of a 4-3 aggregate (they smashed Madrid 4-1 in the first leg).

Now to my prediction:

Wembley Stadium will be rocking on Saturday night, let’s dub it the “German Takeover”.  Two Rival German clubs both with a rich history.  Bayern of course the more notable club of the two, considering the amount of success they’ve had in the German League (all-time leader with 23 titles) and are coming into this Champions League title game on a high as newly crowned German Champs, dethroning who else – Borussia Dortmund who had held the title for the previous two seasons.  I’m picking Bayern because they’re a lot more experienced and even though they’ve come up short in their last two tries; they’re accustomed to being in this spot.  From a talent standpoint, Bayern has the better roster top to bottom.  German National Team superstars Mario Gomez, Bastian Schweinstagger, Thomas Muller, and Phillip Lahm might be too much for Dortmund to handle.  These guys were part of the National Team that finished third in the last World Cup (2010).  Throw in French National star Franck Ribery and Dutch icon Arjen Robben and Dortmund may be overwhelmed.  We can’t overlook the fact that Dortmund has had Bayern’s number in recent years – Bayern hasn’t defeated Borussia Dortmund over the past 3 seasons (6 games total).  Hopefully all of this build up leads to a thriller of a CL Final like we saw last year.  Bayern Munich wins 3-1 to claim their first CL Title since 2001.

 

Veree Bampoe-Addo of The Sports Forum, for War Room Sports

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Philadelphia Eagles: Chip Kelly testing players’ versatility

Monday, May 20th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

WR Jason Avant is happy to play wherever his team needs him.
(Image via Sports-Kings.com)

We’ve heard much about Chip Kelly’s energetic and efficient style of running Philadelphia Eagles practice: the loud music, the nonstop pace.  But Kelly has more tricks up his sleeve and is having his offensive players try their hand on defense in practice.

So far, TE Clay Harbor has taken turns at linebacker, “to be more versatile.”  Harbor says that practice at the position is only for “emergency situations,” but could Kelly be trying to find other possibilities for Harbor to remain on the roster with three other tight ends on the Eagles’ roster, including Brent Celek and 2nd-round draft pick and Stanford standout Zach Ertz?

If we know anything about Kelly at this stage, it’s that he continues to keep us guessing.

WR Jason Avant took turns in the defensive backfield last week and is pleased to be considered in other aspects of the game.  Avant has already demonstrated his versatility with his contributions to special teams and serving as an emergency quarterback for the Eagles.

“It’s one of those things that I work hard, and whatever that may be, and whatever the team wants me to do, I’ll do it.  Whatever that is – special teams, offense – whatever it may bring.  I’m going to do it the best I can. I don’t necessarily think it’s a clouded future.  I think it’s an honor, in any way, for any coach to think you can do other things.”

If these practice moves are keeping us guessing, they will likely do so to the Birds’ opponents, should Kelly wish to roll them out during games.  The Inquirer’s Zach Berman notes,

“New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, a friend of Kelly’s, has done similar things in the past.  Receivers Troy Brown and Julian Edelman have played defensive back in games.  Linebacker Mike Vrabel caught 10 career passes as a red-zone tight end.  The Eagles’ experimentation is not unprecedented, although it is uncommon at the NFL level.”

In a practice move not as dramatically different as his teammates’ turns on the opposite side of the ball, WR Jeremy Maclin has practiced punt returns.  This change can be chalked up to Kelly wanting to fully evaluate the abilities he has on each player on Philadelphia’s roster.  The 2012 season is the first that Maclin did not have punt return duties in his professional career, but it’s an option the new Eagles coach wants to keep open.

“Yeah, we’ll look at Mac back there.  Again, it’s May, so we’re going to take a look at him and Damaris [Johnson] and DeSean and [receiver] Nick Miller.  Russell Shepard is a guy that’s returned punts before, one of the rookies that’s out here.  So we’ll get a bunch of those guys because you never know in a game; all of a sudden two guys are hurt.

When you’ve only got a 46-man [game] roster, someone has got to go back there, and hopefully it’s someone that’s fielded punts before.  [Maclin] has got some experience at it, but we’ll take a look at him.  But does that mean he’s going to be our starting punt returner?  I have absolutely no idea right now.”

Kelly is testing the mental and physical prowess to their fullest as his players begin to settle in to his style of practice and leadership.  At this early stage in Kelly’s tenure, nothing is routine.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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LeSean McCoy sued for alleged assault in party bus incident

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Eagles RB LeSean McCoy is definitely not cheering the allegations made in the lawsuit against him.

For anyone  in the public eye, it’s probably a good rule of thumb to try to stay off the pages of TMZ.  Not all news on the notorious gossip website is bad, but really, when is it ever truly positive?

If that was a goal of Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, then he has failed at his mission.  Shady was headline news on TMZ on Tuesday over an assault allegation filed against the star athlete.

The claims stem from an incident on a party bus from Philadelphia to New York City this past December.

The details of the suit, per TMZ, are as follows:

According to the lawsuit filed by a woman using the alias “Mary Roe” … the Philadelphia Eagles RB had invited 15 women to join him on a party bus that went from Philly to a NYC nightclub on December 18, 2012.

During the trip, the lawsuit alleges, McCoy, along with his bodyguard and a couple of other guys, began to spray some of the women with water.

Roe claims she protested the water spraying … so McCoy ordered his bodyguard Big John to “get her.”

In the suit, filed May 10 in Philadelphia, the woman claims McCoy and/or Big John proceeded to hit her in the face, causing her to fall to the ground.

While she was on the floor, the men allegedly physically restrained her and poured a beverage onto her hair, clothes and body.

And if things couldn’t get worse … the woman claims McCoy and Big John then forcibly ejected her from the party bus on the side of the New Jersey Turnpike.

But some of the women allegedly complained to McCoy about Roe getting the boot — so she was snatched back up from the side of the road and placed back on the bus.

The woman claims she was taken to a nearby rest stop — where the football player once again ditched her — and continued on with his party trip.

Roe is now suing for more than $50,000 in damages for assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment and negligence.  Roe says she suffered head trauma, a disc protrusion on her spine, bad sprains, contusions and bruises all over her body, and severe shock.

At the time of writing neither McCoy nor the Philadelphia Eagles had commented on the story.  However, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane reported the following via Twitter:

Just asked LeSean McCoy to comment about allegations, he said, “I got to go” before he jumped into the passenger seat of a Porsche and left.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 14, 2013

 

RE: TMZ LeSean McCoy report, source close to RB said he does not dispute kicking woman off bus, but that rest of allegations are false.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) May 14, 2013

McCoy’s attorney, Andrew Smith, issued the following statement on the running back’s behalf:

“The allegations against LeSean McCoy are completely, unequivocally false.  There are no criminal charges pending and no probable cause was ever found.  This is sadly an attempt to extract money, and LeSean will vigorously defend any attempt to collect money through a personal-injury claim.”

The alleged victim filed a police report about the incident in New Jersey, before taking two trains to get back to Philadelphia, per the Philadelphia Inquirer.

These are only allegations and as none of us were there, there is no way to know the truth.  Unfortunately, this story comes just months after the ugly Baby Mama Twitter drama that unfolded between McCoy and his son’s mother this January.  Prior to that unfolding, Shady had a squeaky clean, unscathed image in the public eye.  Even if this story  proves to be untrue, the speculation is another hit to the once immaculate reputation of the tremendously talented player.

Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.

 

Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports

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