Posts Tagged ‘The War Room’

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Report: Mike Vick, Philadelphia Eagles Assistant Coaches at Odds

Saturday, November 3rd, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Pointing to the increasing levels of drama and dysfunction on the Philadelphia Eagles team, there have been more meetings than usual at the NovaCare these days.  This week saw the first players-only meeting of the season as well as an unusually long meeting between Andy Reid and Mike Vick a few days following the quarterback’s comments acknowledging the possibility of being benched.

Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reports that

“Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and coach Andy Reid had a particularly long one-on-one meeting this week to help clear the air about a number of issues, two team sources told Yahoo! Sports.

The sources indicated that the meeting, which occurred a few days after Vick publicly suggested he might be benched, was extremely productive.  Ultimately, Reid came to the conclusion that he might have lost his players psychologically had he benched Vick.”

Cole also revealed a nugget that provides some insight into what led to Vick’s surprising comments on Sunday.

“One of the internal issues was tension between Vick and the coaching staff, with the quarterback believing some of the assistant coaches were pushing to have him benched, according to a source familiar with the situation.  After the loss to Atlanta, Vick said he thought he could be benched in favor of rookie Nick Foles.”

A team divided cannot succeed.  This, in so many ways, is the battle the Eagles are desperately fighting.  Beating opponents on the field each week is essential, but so too is understanding and overcoming the obstacles that are leading this team to defeating itself week after week.

A lack of discipline.  No leadership.  In-fighting and back-biting.  It certainly isn’t a recipe for success.

At the halfway point of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles have a lot to prove.  Once again the Birds have not delivered on lofty expectations for the team.  Monday Night in New Orleans the Eagles must prove that they can put together a win.  This team has many doubters, and at this point they need to prove to themselves more than anyone else that they have the fire to reclaim their season.  Because if this team stops believing in itself, there’s no coming back.

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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Andy Reid Says Benching Mike Vick Was Never an Option

Friday, November 2nd, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Andy Reid continues to stand alongside quarterback Mike Vick.
(Image via Lehigh Valley Live)

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid addressed the media on Thursday following the unconventional move on Wednesday of issuing a statement in support of quarterback Mike Vick.

Reid tried to clear the air about his initial comments about Vick following Sunday’s failure against the Falcons, which were widely construed as a wavering support for Vick.

“I know a lot’s been said in regards to [QB] Michael [Vick].  I learned a long time ago from you guys that there’s a time and a place when you’re upset and I was upset after the game.  Not at Michael Vick; I was upset, starting with myself and not getting my team ready to play and then working from there.  But I’ve learned to step back and evaluate, so that was my point to you.  My point wasn’t that I was going to bench Michael Vick; it was that I needed to step back and evaluate before I came to you with something.”

In fact, Reid went on to say that he felt Sunday was one of the quarterback’s “better games” this season.  The coach typically addresses the media on Monday but was unable to do so this week because of the threat posed to the region by Hurricane Sandy.  But like the superstorm, he saw the winds of  gossip about Vick swirling out of control and wanted to end the fury.

Regardless of what he says, Reid’s remarks will continue to be dissected and second guessed because, frankly, soft support by the coach one day quite frequently turns into job loss down the line under his regime.  Just ask Kevin Kolb or Juan Castillo.

When asked pointedly if Reid considered making a change at the quarterback position, his response was simple and to the point.

“That wasn’t my intent.  No, not at all.”

Would Reid commit to saying that Vick would be the team’s starter for the remainder of the season?

“Michael’s the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles.”

The rumors have been put to rest – for now.  It’s really more like they’ve gone below the surface and will hover, waiting to re-emerge should Monday Night’s game against the Saints go sour.

Vick’s own comments on the controversy were intriguing, with the quarterback admitting that his confidence was impacted by the rumors and that he has to get his “swag” back.  Vick also revealed that the team finally had a closed door,  player’s only meeting on Thursday to try to pull itself together.  It’s a small but needed step.

Who knows, perhaps it can help to stop – or at least slow – the steady unraveling of this Eagles team.  Not much else has worked and with Reid’s inability to motivate his team, it’s time for players to be accountable for themselves and to each other both on and off the field.

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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The Top 10 Changes in MLB I Would Make if I Were Commissioner

Thursday, November 1st, 2012

By LeRoy McConnell III

 

 

 

 

Allan Huber “Bud” Selig has just completed his twentieth season as Commissioner of Major League Baseball.  I am here to tell him that the league itself needs a face lift!  No longer do I want to sit and watch the game I love “commished” by the likes of a PUPPET!  Mr. Selig, you are a former owner, so it’s fitting that your interest only favors the other 30 owners.  The game has passed you by and there have been numerous times when baseball fans across the country were in dismay with some of the decisions made in your long tenure as commissioner.  I believe it is time that I take the initiative in helping “Bud”pack up his rubbish and exit stage left!  Major League Baseball needs to make a change, to find their own Roger Goodell, and his name is LeRoy McConnell III.  If I were Commissioner for only a day, here are my top ten changes that would benefit Major League Baseball.

 

 

10. Baseball Salary Cap

First off, there will be no CONTRACTING TEAMS.  Everyone gets to keep their jobs!  Baseball isn’t watered down, we just have frugal owners who have no business owning a professional team (not referring to the Oakland A’s).  The New York Yankees led the Major Leagues in team payroll with a little under $200 million in salaries.  The Oakland A’s payroll was around $55 million and they both made the playoffs.  The myth of spending money does not guarantee you a World Series championship; but it is important that each franchise put a competitive team on the field.  So I am implementing a cap that each team must spend a minimum of $100 million dollars.  Guys, we are in the 21st century.  A $100 million dollar payroll should guarantee that each team has a franchise player or two that a team can build around.  If an organization does not meet the minimum $100 million requirement, then they will be fined and pay the difference to make up the $100 million.  Example… If they spend $60 million, then they owe the league $40 million to make up the difference.  No more fattening of the owners pockets while fans have to watch Double A baseball for 81 nights a year.

 

9. All Star Game – This Time It Counts!  Really? 

The home-field advantage for the World Series each year goes to the league that wins the all-star game.  Sorry “BUD”, this is BULL$#@T!  I do have to give you credit on one aspect.  If you want fans talking about your sport, you have done an excellent job of getting ESPN, newspapers, and sports talk radio conversing about your product.  Fans have complained about this issue as much as getting a playoff series in college football.  Thank Melky Cabrera, the MVP of the 2012 All-Star game and P.E.D user, for getting the home field advantage to the National League.  NO MORE HOME FIELD advantage for the World Series!  It is an exhibition game and that’s all.  The winner of the All-Star Games gets an “ATTA BOY!”
As the new Commissioner, I suggest we stop worrying about tradition.  It will be fun to see an All-Star Game that showcases American-born players versus All-World-born players.  Another suggestion would be to let the player in each league that LEADS in popularity votes pick their own team.  This would allow ball players to play with the opposite league.  It sounds wacky but remember it is an exhibition.

 

8. Move The Season Back To 154 Games

1961 was the first year Major League Baseball adopted a 162 game season.  The reason for adding the eight games was expansion.  Really, we have expanded four additional times since the ’90’s and there were no additions there.  Don’t believe the hype, it is all about money.  Omitting eight games from an already long season will never happen, especially when there is money involved, but it will make the remaining 154 games that more important.  If you are so worried about tradition, then consider the 154 games.  It didn’t hurt the stats of a Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, or a Willie Mays.

 

7. Wild Card Playoff 

“BUD”, you almost got this one right.  Smart move on the Wild Card playoffs.  I believe it brought excitement to the sport but a one game “winner take all” in baseball does not work for me.  This is not March Madness.  As the new Commissioner, I’d implement Wild Card series that involves the best of 3.

 

6. Home run derby

Lets go back to the 2008 All-Star Home Run Derby in Yankee Stadium, when Josh Hamilton hits an unbelievable 28 home runs in the first round, only to finish second to Justin Morneau’s 22 home runs in two rounds.  Josh lost because he only hit 4 homers to Morneau’s 9 in round two.  America, you do the math.  The winner of the home run derby goes to the player who hits the most home runs.  That should settle all the confusion there.

 

5. Inter-league squad games

“BUD”, I appreciate you giving the fans inter-league baseball.  It was an ingenius idea on your part and it gives us fans a chance to see teams we normally don’t see on a regular basis.  I do believe a change or two will make inter-league play a little more interesting.  I will implement visitor rules during inter-league games during the regular and post-season.  DH’s in National League parks and no DH’s in American League parks.  I am represented by an American League team, and I think it would be more enjoyable to see the game played by National League rules.  It would be fun to see the American League pitchers bat in front of their home crowds and it would also be a treat to see a designated hitter in the National League stadiums.

 

4. Instant Replay 

Human Element my a$$!  Stop it!  Stop flirting with the idea of instant replay and implement it already.  The game deserves the call to be right.  There are times when the naked eye needs a second look, and I don’t see any shame in that.  We all remember June 2010, when Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers, was stripped of a perfect game with two outs in the ninth inning by first base umpire Jim Joyce.  With instant replay, Jim Joyce would have avoided humiliation; while Armando Galarraga would have gotten his well

deserved perfect game and forever have his name in the record book.

As the new Commissioner, I’d implement instant replay.  It is important for our gamblers out there and we don’t want a missed call affecting the outcome of the game.

 

3. League wide double headers

Twice a year Major League Baseball will implement a day/night doubleheader.  The first doubleheader will be on Memorial Day and the second one will be an inter-league game on July 4th.  This game will be for the fans as they will be charged for the price of a single admission.

 

2. P.E.D.s 
 
Sorry Bud, you don’t get a pass on STEROIDS.  You sat there with a blind eye, knowing that your product was tainted.  You and the rest of the Major League owners benefited just as much as the players did, financially.  For years, fans enjoyed watching ball players swinging for the fences, putting up video game stats, breaking what used to be sacred records, while you heard the rumblings of cheating in your sport.  What did you do about it?  NOTHING!  Since you allowed this to happen, each professional game played will officially stand in the record books without an asterisk.  I don’t want P.E.D.’s in the game, so as commissioner, I am implementing from here on out that if any players get caught using P.E.D.’s, there will be an automatic termination from Major League Baseball for two years.  I have also decided that the accused contract will be null and voided.  After a two-year ban, the suspended ballplayer can file for reinstatement.  Enough with the three strikes and you’re out!

 

1. Baseball Diamond Dimensions 

I have never understood why all of the Major League stadiums have different field dimensions.  When you walk into an NBA arena, each court is 94 ft long, the 3-point line is 23 ft and the rim sits at an even 10 ft.  When you walk into a NFL stadium, the field is 120 yards long (end zone included) and 53.5 yards wide.  How come each baseball stadium dimensions are different?  I believe each stadium’s dimensions need to be the same.  Why should some ball players get an advantage of hitting a home run out because of a short right or left field and not everyone else?  My last implementation as Commissioner of Major League Baseball will be to demand all left fields be measured at 330 ft, centerfields will be 400 ft, and right fields will be 330 ft, across the league.

As Commissioner for a day, I know some of my changes aren’t popular to some, but they are my suggestions.  Tell me what YOU would do different?

 

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

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Tia Norfleet Makes a Pit Stop in The War Room! “Get Right or Get Left”

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

Tia Norfleet, the FIRST and ONLY African American FEMALE driver in NASCAR, will be in The War Room this Thursday, November 1st to discuss her driving background, her love for racing, the barriers she’s breaking down in American sports, and more!

Tune in Thursday, November 1st at 6pm ET to hear our conversation with Tia!  To tune in, go to www.WarRoomSports.com and click the “Listen Live” button…or dial 323-410-0012 to listen LIVE by phone.

In the meantime, check for Tia Norfleet on Twitter @TiaNorfleet, check out her Facebook fan page at www.Facebook.com/TiaNorfleet, and check out her website at tianorfleet34.com.

You should also join the War Room Sports Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/WarRoomSports and follow us on Twitter @WarRoomSports!

Finally, if you own an Android phone or tablet…an I-Phone, I-Pad, or I-Pod, please go to your Google Play and/or App Store and download the FREE War Room Sports mobile app!  It’s the VERY BEST way to stay up on all of our media content from one central location!

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Andy Reid Confirms: Mike Vick to Remain Eagles’ Starting Quarterback

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Mike Vick will remain the starter over rookie Nick Foles.

Andy Reid quieted the unending speculation surrounding Mike Vick’s fate despite an off-day for the team and confirmed that Vick would start for the team on Monday versus the New Orleans Saints.

The questions began swirling shortly after the team fell 30-17 at the Linc on Sunday and Vick responded to a question about his possible benching as follows:

“Obviously, he’s thinking about making a change at the quarterback position.  The thing I do know is that I’m giving us every opportunity to win.  I’m trying my hardest.  Some things don’t go right when I want them to.  Some things do.  So if that’s the decision that (Reid) wants to make, then I support it.”

Now with a 3-4 record, Sunday’s loss was alarming for many reasons for Philadelphia.  Chief among them is the fact that former defensive coordinator Juan Castillo’s firing and the bye week seemed to do nothing to ignite the team.

The fact that Vick will start on Monday should shock no one.  Starting untested rookie Nick Foles in one of the most hostile environments in the NFL would be incredibly unwise.  Whether Vick will finish the game, however, is another matter depending on his performance.

The sputtering Eagles offense, unable to score much more than 17 points a game, is going to have come up with a whole lot more power to match wits–and points–with Drew Brees and the Saints offense.  While New Orleans’ defense is the worst in the league, who among us thinks that that equals certain victory for this Philadelphia team?

Reid will address the media on Thursday.  The bye week didn’t do a thing to help the Birds improve, but perhaps this extra day off will bring some introspection, accountability, and a call to action for Eagles players individually and the team as a whole.  Because if not, I fear this team is all out of answers.

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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2012-2013 NBA Preview

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

by Brandon Pemberton

 

 

Well it’s that time of the year again, the NBA regular season kicks off tonight and I’m here to give you my official NBA season preview and Predictions.  There has been a off-season full of moves and there have been some recent moves that have shaken up the NBA as well.  Make sure you listen to Sports Trap Radio every Saturday morning from 10am-12pm on http://ueradiolive.com, as Daniel Trawick and I give you the best two hours of Sports Radio possible on a weekly basis.

 

Eastern Conference

Atlantic

Celtics 52-30 *

Sixers 51-31 *

Nets 48-34 *

Knicks 44-38*

Raptors 32-50

 Outlook: The Atlantic division could arguably be the best in the NBA this season.  The Celtics took the Heat to the brink last season and even though they lost Allen to the Heat, they get the return of Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox, to go along with the additions of Courtney Lee, Jason Terry through free agency, and Jared Sullinger through the draft.  They still are lead by Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett.  This team is deeper than last year and barring injuries, they should be good.

The Philadelphia 76ers are clearly a different team than the one who beat the Bulls in the first round and took the Boston Celtics to seven games in the 2nd round of the playoffs.  Out is Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams, Jodie Meeks, and Elton Brand and in comes Andrew Bynum, Jason Richardson, Dorell Wright, and Nick Young.  I’ve watched the Sixers play during the preseason and it’s a big difference offensively this year.  This team, even though Bynum hasn’t played yet and won’t be ready for the regular season, can score it much better than last year.  They are talented and deep, but having a healthy Bynum is key to the team’s long term success this year.

The Nets made some moves to better their team, bringing in Joe Johnson, resigning Deron Williams and Brook Lopez, giving them a solid nucleus of players.  I see them making the playoffs this season, possibly a 5-6 seed.

The New York Knicks lose Jeremy Lin, but replace him with Raymond Felton, who when playing for the Knicks before, has had his best success.  When he is in shape and motivated, he is really good.  Carmelo Anthony, we all know he can score, but can he make his teammates better and lead them to a title.  Tyson Chandler is the team’s leader, tough, good defender and championship pedigree.  This team can score, but can they defend?

The Raptors enter into the 2nd year under Dwayne Casey and have made some good additions, but not good enough to contend just yet.  Philly native Kyle Lowry will run the point and Landry Fields will start at the 3 spot, giving the Raptors instant upgrades defensively and in the toughness category.  The Raptors drafted Terrence Ross in the first round, and he is just as athletic ad Dermar Derozen, but a much more polished shooter from distance and off of curls.  Don’t be surprised if Derozen is traded before the season is out to give Ross all the time at the 2.

 

Central

Pacers 54-28 *

Bulls 45-37 *

Pistons 36-46

Bucks 32-50

Cavaliers 29-53

Outlook: The Pacers return the nucleus of their players from last season, with the additions of Gerald Green and D.J. Augustin via free agency and big man Miles Plumlee through the draft.  They are battle tested, went through a tough series with the Heat and are good enough to get a 2nd seed, avoiding Miami.

The Bulls will play the majority of the season without star point guard Derrick Rose and in a 82 game season, it’s going to hurt them.  My question is who will be the go to guy down the stretch of games when they need a bucket?  We all know they will defend, but they are going to have a tough time getting baskets at times.

I like the Pistons’ drafting of Andre Drummond.  He has high potential, off the charts athleticism, and has gotten better as a player from draft day through the preseason.  He along with Greg Monroe gives the Pistons a solid frontline, and I like Rodney Stuckey and the improvement of Brandon Knight that I’ve seen during the summer.  I think they are a year away from being a playoff team.

The Cavs drafted combo guard Dion Waiters with the 4th pick overall and he will team with franchise guard Kyree Irving hopefully for the next 4-6 years.  This team also received the rights to Tyler Zeller on draft night as well.  Tristan Thompson showed some flashes at times last year playing the four spot, and Alonzo Gee has worked himself into a serviceable NBA player as a wing player.  The franchise is slowly working it’s way out of the hole Lebron James left them in when he left via free agency.

The Milwaukee Bucks are a team with a lot of similar pieces.  Their two best players (Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis) both like to play with the ball in their hands.  They drafted John Henson out of UNC, but drafted Larry Sanders two years ago, and got Ekpe Udoh in the Andrew Bogut trade.  I could be wrong, but this team is headed nowhere fast.

 

Southeast

Heat 62-20 *

Wizards 40-42 *

Hawks 37-45

Magic 33-49

Bobcats 27-52

Outlook: The Heat are the defending champs and have added more pieces to fit in around Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh.  In comes shooters Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to spot up and make the open shots that are always there with the attention that Lebron James and D-Wade get nightly.  This team will still be one of the league’s best defensively, and even with a glaring weakness at center, they are still my favorite to win it all again.  Lebron James is that damn good…Bottom Line.

I really like what the Wizards did during the offseason.  Brad Beal is a talented prospect and will be a future All-Star in this league.  I think the Wizards make the playoffs as a eight seed this season, if John Wall can return soon from his stress related injury healthy and ready to go.  The additions of Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza bring defenders and veterans that the team lacked in prior years.

The Hawks hired Danny Ferry as general manager and he did wonders getting out of the contracts and Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams.  Josh Smith is in the last year of his contract as well.  I see this year as a semi-rebuilding job.  They still have Al Horford who is an All Star when healthy.  But I seriously don’t see them being any factor this season.

The Orlando Magic are finally moving on after trading Dwight Howard to the Lakers, and I know most think that they didn’t get enough in return for him.  But when you trade a player of his caliber, you never get the same value in return.  The Magic are in full rebuilding mode.  Honestly, does a team with Glen Davis as its best offensive weapon have a shot at winning?  They will play hard and be coached well under Jacque Vaughn on a nightly basis.

The Charlotte Bobcats are a long way from being a winning basketball team.  They drafted Kemba Walker in 2011, along with Bismack Biyombo, and drafted Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist and Jeffrey Taylor in 2012.  They will look towards Ben Gordon to be their go to guy, after he had a few mediocre seasons in Detroit.

 

Eastern Conference Finals

Heat over Celtics in 7 games

 

 

Western Conference

 Pacific

L.A. Clippers 55-27 *

L.A. Lakers 53-29 *

Warriors 41-41

Kings 38-44

Suns 30-52

Outlook: The Lakers added Nash and Howard over the offseason, but expect the Lakers to struggle early while getting used to playing together, similar to the Heat when they put their “Big 3” together a few years ago.  If they get it together and can avoid injuries, they could face OKC in the conference finals.  They must defend pick and roll better this year.  Howard is a big upgrade and should mask some of the Lakers deficiencies, especially Nash’s.

I really like what the Clippers did during the offseason, adding veterans to the young talent that they already have.  Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Lamar Odom, Matt Barnes, and Ronny Turiaf bring toughness, defense, rebounding and scoring off of the bench for the Clippers.  I think they have one of the deepest rosters in the league easily.  They really have a shot to make a deep playoff run, especially if Blake Griffin has improved his game with his back to the basket and from mid-range, and if he stays healthy all season.

I think the Warriors could possibly make the playoffs as an eight seed.  The additions of Andrew Bogut and Richard Jefferson gives their young team the much needed veteran presence that they lacked.  I like Stephen Curry a lot, but he must stay healthy.  Klay Thompson is already one of the league’s best shooters, and they also drafted Harrison Barnes as well, who’s game is more fit for the NBA.  I really think he has a chance to be a 17-20 point scorer in this league.  If this team listens to head coach Mark Jackson and defends, they could take that next step.

The Sacramento Kings have a talented roster.  DeMarcus Cousins, if he brings it nightly, could be an All Star and unstoppable.  The Kings need to decide what they are going to do with Tyreke Evans.  Is he going to play 2-3 or is he going to play the one.  Isaiah Thomas really played well last year at the one and I think the team would benefit as a whole with Evans playing the three spot.  He has the height and length to get it done defensively and would be a mismatch nightmare for the majority of the league’s threes.  I love the drafting of Thomas Robinson.  He is undersized, but he is strong, athletic, tough, and plays hard nightly.  The Kings needed a glue type guy.  This team could be battling down the stretch for a playoff seed.

The Phoenix Suns have a roster full of mediocre players, role players, no go-to guys.  I love Goran Dragic’s game, but I don’t expect him to be an All Star and carry a team.  Micheal Beasley has all the talent in the world, but he’s been a “me” guy and an underachiever from day one.  He can’t be trusted to carry or lead a team.  Luis Scola, I like him but he’s a role player as well.  Don’t expect much from this team, they will win 30-33 games at the most.  The post Steve Nash era, they should have ended 3 years ago, finally begins.

 

Northwest

Thunder 60-22 *

Nuggets 46-36 *

Jazz 44-38 *

T’Wolves  35-47

Trail Blazers 31-41

Outlook: The OKC Thunder shocked the whole NBA community by trading reigning 6th man of the year James Harden to the Houston Rockets for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb and two 1st round picks, while also sending Cole Aldrich, Daequan Cook and Lazar Heyward to the Rockets.  Harden was in the last year of his rookie deal and recently turned down OKC’s 4-year, 55 million dollar deal, and reportedly will sign a max deal with the Rockets for 4-years, 60 million dollars.  Kevin Martin has been a legit scorer during his time in the NBA, who also excels at drawing fouls and getting to the line.  Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook may be upset about Harden’s departure, but K-Mart is no slouch and they should be right back in the Western Conference Finals barring a freak injury.

The Denver Nuggets have added lockdown defender Andre Iguodala to the mix.  He fits right in with George Karl’s system and he had the best season of his career when he played with Andre Miller, who is the Nuggets’ backup point guard.  Wilson Chandler is back after spending last season in China, and is a another key addition.  Denver signed JaVale McGee to a 4-year 44 million dollar extension, but he is having trouble beating out Kosta Koufus during the preseason.  This team is deep, at least two deep at each position, but they don’t have that one go-to guy who wins big games down the stretch in the playoffs.  The biggest problem is Iguodala believes he is that guy and will take those shots down the stretch, as he did in Philly.

The Utah Jazz made the playoffs as an eight seed in the 11-12 season, a huge surprise.  Ty Corbin did an excellent job coaching this young group of players.  There are going to be some big decisions for this team, especially at the trade deadline, as Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson are both in the last years of their deals and will be heavily coveted.  I think the Jazz will be a playoff team again, but not a title contender and will look to move one of those vets.

The Timberwolves were playing great last season before the unfortunate knee injury that rookie phenom Ricky Rubio suffered.  Kevin Love is out for the first 6-8 weeks with a broken right hand and the team will start the season shorthanded.  Brandon Roy has made a comeback after sitting out 2011-12 with knee problems, and has started all the preseason games and has looked good in limited minutes.  This team is going to struggle without their best players for at least the first two months and will miss the playoffs.

The Blazers have been bitten by the injury bug more than any team I remember recently.  They drafted well, had a nice young nucleus of players (Roy, Aldridge, Oden) but obviously we all know what has transpired with Roy and Oden.  They are officially in rebuild and reform mode and they drafted two players that I love as prospects, Damian Lillard and Meyers Leonard.  Lillard was the co-MVP of the NBA Summer League in Vegas and will come in from day one and be effective and a game changer.  Leonard is still young and raw, but he has the size, athleticism and potential to be very good.  Nicholas Batum and Wes Matthews are very underrated wing players in this league and will provide scoring, toughness and defense.  This team is a season or two from being a legit factor in the west.  Mark my words.

 

Southwest

Grizzlies 53-29 *

Spurs 48-34 *

Mavericks 46-36 *

Rockets 40-42

Hornets 28-54

Outlook: The Memphis Grizzlies are the favorite to win this division in my opinion.  They have all the tools to make a possible run to the Western Conference Finals.  Not saying that they do, but they are a really good team.  They have arguably one of the NBA’s best front lines with Marc Gasol , Zach Randolph, and Rudy Gay.  They all can give you 20 points on any given night.  I know most don’t think much of PG Mike Conley, but I think he’s underrated as a player, especially as a shooter and defender.  He does an excellent job feeding his players and keeping them all happy.  Tony Allen is tough as nails, defends and is the leader of this team.

The Spurs come back another year older, but every time I count them out and say they are done, they prove me wrong.  Can Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker stay healthy during the season and going into the playoffs?  They have won an NBA record 50 plus games in 12 straight seasons, a streak I believe stops this year.  I’m looking forward to seeing how Kawhi Leonard’s offensive game has developed during the offseason.  The Spurs are going to need points from another source consistently this year.

The Mavericks lose Jason Terry and Jason Kidd from last season’s roster and replace them with Darren Collison and O.J. Mayo.  Dirk Nowitzki will miss the beginning of the season after having a procedure to clean his knee out.  The addition of Chris Kaman gives Dallas a legit go-to guy in the post.  I actually like this year’s roster more than last year’s.  O.J. Mayo finally has the chance to be a starter again, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he plays.

The Houston Rockets landed James Harden via trade with OKC and signed him to a 4-year, 60 million dollar max deal.  Do the additions of Harden and Jeremy Lin make the Rockets instant contenders?  No, but they will be a little bit better.  Harden has a whole franchise on his shoulders now.  He’s not the third best player anymore, he’s getting paid to be the guy.  Let’s see how good he really is without Durant and Westbrook on the court.

The New Orleans Hornets had the first pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and obviously took Anthony Davis and then later on they drafted Austin Rivers.  They re-signed combo guard Eric Gordon to a max deal after he played in 9 games last season and hasn’t played in a preseason game this year.  When healthy, he is really good, but he simply can’t stay on the court.  Davis has shown the star potential during the preseason and barring any freak injuries, he will be an All Star, and one of the league’s more versatile defenders.  His game will really flourish with the NBA’s open style of play.

Western Conference Finals

Thunder over Clippers in 7 games

NBA Finals: Heat over OKC in 7 games

Awards Predictions:

MVP:  Lebron James (Heat)

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard (Lakers)

Rookie of the Year: Damian Lillard (Blazers) / Anthony Davis (Hornets) (Co-MVP’s)

Sixth Man of the Year: Nick Young (Sixers)

Coach of the Year: Mark Jackson

 

* – Indicates playoff team

 

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

 

 

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DeSean Jackson on Mike Vick: ‘I Don’t Think He’s as Comfortable as He Usually is’

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

DeSean Jackson made his rounds on the airwaves on Tuesday morning, giving interviews to ESPN’s “Mike and Mike in the Morning” show as well as appearing on NFL AM on the NFL Network.  And his comments are making waves.

A big topic of discussion on both programs was, of course, the question of Mike Vick’s benching in Philadelphia.

On “Mike and Mike”, Jackson said that he still sees Vick as an elite quarterback.  However, on NFL AM his support of the QB seemed to be lukewarm at best.

“We’re too good a team to be on a three-game losing streak , so whatever it is we need to do to fix it and get things rolling that is what we are here to do.”

Jackson continued by saying about Vick,

“I don’t think he is as comfortable as he usually is [running the offense].”

Probably not a comment that needed to be made with a team that appears to be on the brink of tearing apart from within.  To that point, Jackson spoke a bit about the feeling in the locker room.

“The locker room is very frustrated group of men.  We expect a lot more out of ourselves.  We’ve lost some games that we feel we should have won.”

DeSean indicated that he and at least one of his teammates did not appreciate the booing that rained down at the Linc on Sunday.

“During the game, me and one of my teammates, he actually said, ‘Man, they are sitting there and booing us.’  For that to be our support team — Philadelphia fans, they are definitely the type of people where if you’re doing good they love you but once you’re doing bad it’s like the world is going to end.  To be out there and hear our home [crowd] booing us, it’s a crazy feeling at times.  Once again, we only care about the 53-men on that team, our coaches and the organization.  Back’s against the wall.  Whoever else is against us, we realize that.  Sometimes our own fans can be against us as well.”

Well, DeSean, it’s nothing new that Philadelphia sports fans don’t believe in reinforcing negative behavior from our sports teams in Philadelphia.

We’ve now heard words like “embarrassed” and “frustrated” from players.  But when will these emotions turn into a call to action?  Three games in a row and it hasn’t worked yet.

Jackson was asked if any player-only meetings called and his answer was no.  This points to another huge issue with this Eagles team: where is the leadership?  Your coach’s job is on the line, as is your quarterback’s; a coordinator was fired;  and new mistakes are being added to the original ones.  Time to close the door and have some uncomfortable conversations.  Who among this group of 53-men will step up?

No more calling out teammates under the veil of anonymity.  Say it to each other.  Air out the issues and figure out how you will overcome them and work together as a team.

Time is yours, Eagles players.

You can watch the full NFL AM interview with DeSean Jackson here and listen to his remarks on Mike and Mike via this link.

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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Why Benching Mike Vick Won’t Fix the Philadelphia Eagles

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

Everyone must stand alone.

For anyone who watched the Philadelphia Eagles’ third straight loss on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons,  it was clear that the game was lost overwhelmingly because of the pitiful showing by the team’s defense.

However, on Monday, the headlines surrounding the game were dominated by talk of benching quarterback Mike Vick.

The Eagles’ offense was certainly not stellar in the game, as has been the case all season.  They played it safe, and that paid off in terms of having no turnovers.  Vick’s numbers for the day, in the wind and rain that signaled the start of Hurricane Sandy, were 21 out of 35 passes for 191 passing and 42 rushing yards.

Nothing tremendous, but — pardon the pun — passable.

What was abhorrent was the play of the defense.  The first game for defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is one he wishes could be re-done.  In the 30-17 loss, the defense simply could not stop the Falcons offense.  It wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter that the D finally stopped Atlanta from scoring on a drive.  Prior to that, the Falcons had gotten points on the board from every single possession in the game.

The Eagles D finally broke its drought on quarterback sacks (one each by Cullen Jenkins and Cedric Thornton) but still could not bring pressure to Matt Ryan.  The secondary was woeful, with more questions about Nnamdi Asomugha’s value to the team versus that of his contract swirling more than ever before.  Prior to the game, the Falcons had little rushing game to speak of.  However, running backs Jacquizz Rodgers and Michael Turner were able to combine for 118 yards on the ground.

It was a failure in every way possible for the Philadelphia Eagles defense.  But somehow, the focus is on Mike Vick.

Andy Reid has once again helped to spark the questions and controversy, saying that he would evaluate everything closely to decide if a change is needed at QB.  That seems to be a constant state of affairs in Philadelphia these days.  But what is more disturbing are Vick’s comments on the situation.

“Obviously he’s thinking about making a change at the quarterback position. The thing I do know, and I’ll go and watch the film and I’ll evaluate myself, is that I’m giving us every opportunity to win.  I’m trying my hardest.  Some things don’t go right when I want them to.  Some things do.  So if that’s a decision that coach wants to make, then I support it.”

When your quarterback’s confidence begins to publicly waiver, you’re in trouble.  Vick’s unquestioning belief in himself at times this season has been maddening, but it’s a swagger that you need in the star athlete you’re expecting to lead your team day in and day out.  For the first time, cracks in Vick’s armor revealed themselves on Sunday and more than a lack of confidence, Vick revealed what seems to be a problem for this Eagles team as a whole.

They are at an utter and complete loss as to what to do to get better and how to do it.  That goes from head coach Andy Reid on down to the players.

That’s a problem.

The Eagles clearly have no idea how to fix the issues the plague them and the most damning sign of all is the fact that the team now seems to be getting worse.  When players were asked following the game what the problem was, no one had an answer.  They hung their heads and mumbled.  And neither firing Juan Castillo nor having their behinds handed to them at that Linc seems to have motivated this team.  So we’re  now left with a collection of lost men.

Time to panic after one bad game?  No, but we’re not talking about a single contest.  The team has played poorly all season, and after three straight losses they look worse than ever.

Ironically, the defense wasn’t the problem this season and yet Castillo was fired.  Following that pattern, I suppose benching Vick is the solution that would follow for this team.  Because it doesn’t make a lick of sense.

The Philadelphia Eagles are a team imploding before our eyes.  They’ve lost faith in themselves and they appear to be a team without answers.  At some point you’d hope that the Birds would stand up and fight to prove that they are as good as so many, including myself, believe they are and can be.  But it appears that they can’t.  Or, even worse, that they just don’t want to.

This team wants an easy fix.  Pointing the finger at Vick is simple.  Turning the finger at themselves collectively?  It seems to be something that Philadelphia is incapable of doing.

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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VIDEO: Asante Samuel Delights in Giving an ‘A**-Whopping’ to the Philadelphia Eagles

Monday, October 29th, 2012

by Brandyn Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

No one in Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon was happier about the Falcons’ victory over the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field than Asante Samuel.  Not Matt Ryan.  Not Julio Jones.

Nobody.

You’ll be shocked to know that Samuel chose to act a fool while being interviewed in the locker room following the game, delighted over the beating his new team handed his former organization.  To be precise, Samuel called it a “good, old-fashioned ass-whopping.”

We know.  We saw it.

Samuel also stated that Andy Reid refused to speak to him (the best decision Big Red made all day), and that there wouldn’t be the “Fire Andy” talk if Samuel was still on the Eagles roster.

In other words, he was being Asante.

You can read the full transcript of his comments here via CSNPhilly and watch the video above.

Now let us never speak of this man – or this game – ever again.  Alright, fine, we’ll talk a little more  about the loss and Todd Bowles’ horrific debut as the team’s defensive coordinator because I guess we have to.

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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Steve Nash: The Odd Man Out?

Monday, October 29th, 2012

by Brandon McConnell

 

 

 

 

The last two years the Los Angeles Lakers have exited the playoffs due to being over-matched by younger and better talent.  This past summer Lakers GM ,Mitch Kupchak, decided to make a power move by acquiring Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, and Antwan Jamison.

When the Lakers picked up Steve Nash, I was the first person jumping around and bragging to my non-Laker fans.  After watching a few preseason games, I noticed that average point guards were giving Steve Nash problems.  One thing is clear to me, Steve Nash is not going to work!  I think Steve Nash is one of the best point guards to play the game, but you signed a 38-year-old player to a 3-year deal.  The Lakers problem for years have been stopping their opponent’s point guard.  This year will  not be any different.  We all know that Steve Nash’s kryptonite is playing defense.  When the Lakers picked him up, I figured Nash would put so much pressure on the opposing point guard that he wouldn’t have to play as much defense.  After watching these preseason games, one thing is clear, Steve Nash will be the next victim of the KOBE EFFECT!  (Prior Blog Title)  He is not even shooting the ball!  Steve Nash is used to being the best player on his team and is most effective when he has the ball the majority of the time.  In the past, Nash has created offense for himself as well as set his teammates up for easy shots.  Since Nash is now the 4th best player on his team, he is not handling the ball as much.  Without Nash controlling the offense and being aggressive, it just gives the opponents’ point guards more energy to go at him on offense.

Let’s look at the point guards the Lakers will have to go up against in order to make a run for the Finals.  The top three point guards in the Western Conference are Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Tony Parker.  All three players will eat a 38-year-old Steve Nash for lunch.  Please don’t think Kobe Bryant is going to switch and guard those guys either.

In conclusion, I will GUARANTEE you by the middle of the season, Steve Nash will either have his normal back problems or will be very frustrated with the lack of contribution he is giving the team.  Please feel free to call me out if I’m wrong.  But I’m confident I’m not.

B.Mac (concerned Lakers fan)

 

Brandon McConnell of Respect Da Game, for War Room Sports

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