Bleacher Report - Articles by Nick Condit

Yankees' Clubhouse Leadership As Strong As Ever

Nick Condit — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:00:49 -0400

Even though a preliminary decision has been made by MLB to suspend Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett, it's almost guaranteed he doesn't regret returning fire against Vicente Padilla and the Texas Rangers.

Burnett probably shouldn't have fired that pitch so close to the head of Rangers' Nelson Cruz three nights ago, but he certainly sent a message: don't touch my teammates.

Not every pitcher is willing to retaliate after a hit-batsmen, but Burnett didn't hesitate, going straight for the tower buzz. He will appeal his six-game suspension and probably will see it shortened a bit.

But that's neither here nor there. Burnett was going to make the statement to the Rangers, and to the rest of the Major Leagues, that he doesn't mess around, regardless of the consequences.

It's that kind of loyal, hard-nosed team leadership that the Yankees haven't received from their recent big-contract signees (see Jason Giambi, Carl Pavano, Gary Sheffield, and of course Alex Rodriguez).

The Newcomers

A.J.

Burnett leads the team in strikeouts and, besides his recent teammate-back up, he is always one of the first guys on the field to celebrate with a player that comes up with a walk-off hit.

And we've all seen him ruthlessly ambush game-ball players with a face full of whip cream during post-game interviews, something Yankee fans haven't seen much of in recent years.

C.C.

Besides leading the starting rotation in innings pitched, ERA, wins, hits per inning and walks per inning, C.C. Sabathia did something we also haven't seen in a while; he took his team out to a different kind of ball game. Picking up the tab, Sabathia brought his new buddies along to LeBron's playoff show in Cleveland.

More of soft-spoken guy, he can be seen laughing in the dug out with Andy Pettitte any time Joba Chamberlain's 230 pound body reaches full extension to make a catch. Joba joked back, poking fun at Sabathia's less athletic frame.

Tex

Mark Teixeira leads the Yankees in doubles, home runs, and RBI (the next closest is 14 RBI shy). And he's not afraid to speak his mind. He certainly voiced his displeasure toward Vicente Padilla.

But unlike some players that were hit twice by the same pitcher, Tex didn't charge Padilla and got his vengeance on the base pads with an impressive slide that broke up a double play, keeping the inning alive and allowing the Yankees to blow open the game wide open.

The following game, Teixeira gets a day off and the Yankees lose 4-2. Yesterday, Tex is inserted back in the line-up, collects three RBI, and the Yanks' win by two.

The Same old Veterans

D.J.

Have to start with the captain. Never a complainer, never a distraction, simply all business. Derek Jeter will never stop hustling down the line, throwing off-balance strikes to first base, or picking up clutch hits.

He's tied for the team lead in hits, second in batting average, and continues to steal bases, as he is only one behind Brett Gardner for the team lead in steals.

With hardware from being a four-time World Series champion and World Series MVP in his collection, Jeter leads by two words: example and experience.

The best closer of all time is all you really need to know about Mariano Rivera. He's the undisputed leader of the bullpen and pretty much the pitching staff as a whole.

He's a pitcher, a teacher, a teammate, and an all-star. His home-runs allowed are way up this season, but whose aren't at the new Yankee Stadium? When his cutter is workin', he's still lights out.

Jorge

If any player in the Majors is a candidate to be a player/coach, it would be Jorge Posada. Like Rivera and Jeter, he also has four World Series titles under his belt and was Manager Joe Girardi's protege' before surpassing him in ability.

Like many catchers, Posada is the point guard out there in the field but he does it better than most. And though losing some luster, he still gets it done with the bat as well.

Though missing games due to injury, he still has more at-bats than A-Rod, and leads the team in batting average and slugging percentage.

Pettitte

Andy Pettitte also leads by example and knows what it's like to win in New York. He showed the baseball world the right way to deal with a steroid bust and provided a blue-print for A-Rod: 'fess up.

The graying seasoned veteran never backs down and battles through injuries and obstacles with a proud demeanor. He's tied for the team lead in wins.

Clubhouse Characters

Johnny and Swish

Two oddball-type players in Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher are always all smiles. You have to check out their punk-rock hand shake of sorts when one makes a good play. Swisher's been a positive edition to the locker room in keeping it loose, and how can one get mad at Johnny Damon?

Besides Teixeira, Damon and Swisher are the only other two players with double-digit home runs on the year. Damon is hitting just below .300 and is tied for the team lead in triples.

Robby and Melky

Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera can also flash a smile with Cano's reaching from ear-to-ear. These two Dominicans represent their country well in their version of the "bash brothers."

Cabrera has four walk-off hits this year already, including his two-run shot yesterday that saved Chien Ming-Wang from another loss. They are both currently hitting above .300, with Cano tied for the team lead in hits, and one off Tex's leading pace in doubles.

Is this the year for No. 27?

Who knows. But talent for New York has always been there to win the World Series every year. The pitching staff is coming around and the lineup has been fearsome since Alex Rodriguez a.k.a. "The Distraction" came back from injury.

Clubhouse chemistry is an element of the game that could be the deciding factor in New York's championship hopes.

In 2009, for the first-place Yankees, so far so good.

Vince Young: SportsCenter Bashes Him--B/R Analyzes

Nick Condit — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:28:18 -0400

It seems like a lifetime ago when Vince Young was awarded with the honor of being featured on the cover of EA Sports' Madden 2008 (that backfired).

Even longer since he became just the second QB in the Super Bowl era to ever win Rookie of the Year.

Now, Vince Young has finally shown his face with a somewhat-controversial statement attached.

"If these guys don't want me in there, it's time to make a career change for myself because the fact is I'm ready to play ball. If they're not ready for me to play ball, then somebody else is," Young said.

Thanks, of course, to SportsCenter, Young's recent interview clip courtesy of WMAR-TV, is being replayed over and over again. And with different ESPN "NFL expert" opinions to break it down.

Mark Schlereth said that Vince Young doesn't have the "acumen" to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. He then compared him to Matt Ryan, who "played with the intelligence necessary" to be a starting QB in the league. I always wondered how these analysts know how intelligent players are.

And I'm not one to play this card often, believe me, but it seems like race has a little something to do with his opinion. Comparing the golden boy, or Boston College Golden Eagle, to the athlete, Texas Longhorn.

How can anyone even make a comparison? They're completely different players and the Titans knew this when they drafted Vince Young.

Trent Dilfer attacked Young for self-proclaiming his style as being a " play-maker." Dilfer said that the best way NFL quarterbacks make plays are "within the confines of the pocket."

Again, that's not Vince Young, it's not the type of player he is. And the Titans drafted Vince Young to be Vince Young.

Dilfer added that the only way Young could win the job this year was if starter Kerry Collins got hurt.

Funny—because I said the same thing about Kerry Collins after Young won Rookie of the Year and then led the Titans to the playoffs the very next season.

And what do you know, Young sprains his knee in Week One last season and Collins is forced to start. The stout Tennessee defense as well as its strong running game leads the Titans to the top of the AFC South and all proclaim Kerry Collins a hero.

Dilfer said Collins "played very well last year" and expects him to play even better next year.

First, let's take a look at Collins' "great" year in 2008.

Collins completed just above 58 percent of his passes with only 167 passing yards per game. He threw 12 touchdowns to seven interceptions, not bad. But some were calling for Collins to be MVP last season. No way.

Oh, I forgot to throw in his 49 yards rushing.

And you're telling me he's going to play better at age 37?

Now we'll look at Vince Young's 2006 rookie season. Keep in mind, Tennessee's Pro-Bowl RB last season, Chris Johnson was still playing college ball, fellow 2008 pro-bowler Albert Haynesworth recorded 6.5 less sacks and 21 less tackles, and RB LenDale White ran for 15 fewer TD's in 2006—he had zero.

Young's completion percentage was pretty low at 52 percent but only six percent less than Collins' '08 mark. He threw for 147 yards per game, just 20 yards shy of Collins. Young also threw 12 touchdowns but gave away 13 interceptions compared to Collins' six. Compared to a Pro-Bowl stand-in, Young's numbers weren't bad at all.

Don't forget that this was his rookie season whereas Kerry Collins was a 15-year veteran with Super Bowl experience.

Now, compared to Collins' 49 yards rushing, Young scampered for 552 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

The next season Young increased his completion percentage to 62 percent and also threw for 169 yards per game. His touchdown to interception ratio certainly regressed but he also led his team to a 10-win season and a playoff berth.

This, only two seasons after being the third-worst team in the league.

He did go on to lose that playoff game, but last season Kerry Collins also lost his only playoff game as Titans' QB and like Young, threw zero touchdowns and one interception.

Yes, we all know that Vince Young has had issues—almost retiring after his rookie year and having a "mental breakdown" of sorts after his injury last season. And the "success" of the Titans last season didn't help Young's case.

But I believe Young's recent comments show his eagerness to return to the playing field, the improvement of his health, and the confidence that he is the best QB on the Titans roster.

If Tennessee doesn't give him a legitimate shot at the starting spot, another team should.

That's Right Thomas Jones, Get Your Butt Back On The Field

Nick Condit — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:40:32 -0400

It's a team game Thomas Jones, come on, I know you know that. So when your team doesn't make the playoffs the first two seasons you belong to it, why are you asking for a raise? I guess you finally realized it wasn't the right move.

The first season you averaged 3.6 yards per carry and crossed the goal line with the ball in your hands just once. You also started a play with the ball in your hands, and twice finished the play without it.

More fumbles than touchdowns? Nice. The Jets were irrelevant but your paycheck wasn't. You were originally signed to a four year, $20 million deal, and I thought THAT was a little bit of a reach.

The season prior to your signing, with the Bears, you averaged 4.1 yards per carry with six touchdowns. Not bad. Pretty good actually. But $5 million a year after that? I guess.

And now, $13 million and two years later, you've averaged barely 4.1 yards per carry and seven touchdowns a year with the Jets. And oh yeah, zero playoff appearances.

So I don't really see any evidence that shows you've improved enough since your original contract to warrant a raise.

You would argue that you had no help your first season and you would be right. But are you saying that your new and improved offensive line, with a half-way decent QB, suddenly transformed you into the AFC's leading rusher? Does that make you expendable?

You would argue that making $900,000 next year would be a downright shame after leading the AFC in rushing; I might give you that one too.

But personally, I find it a little coincidental that the season before you're due your lowest paid yearly salary with the Jets, you have the best season of your career. You would argue that you were in the prime of your career, and you'd be exactly right.

You're turning 31 in August buddy, you're headed for the dreaded down-slope.

And, come on, after this upcoming season you'll have made roughly $14 million with New York, meaning you're due another $6 million in the final year of your deal, right?

That's not so bad is it?

With your sculpted yet aging body, having only shown one season of success, and failing to lead your team to the playoffs two years in a row, it's a tough decision for your team to hook you up with a new deal. Especially after it used one of three draft picks on a RB.

Thomas, you realize that when you're on the verge of 32 and scheduled to make $6 million, you better have had another big season to receive a nice, new contract, or even to avoid getting cut. And then when you're a free agent RB at the age of 33, forget it.

So I feel for you Thomas, you're acting in your best interests. Seasons like you had last year are hard to come by and you're trying to cash in. This is your time to make a move, but it's not in the best interests of the team.

And you signed on the dotted line two years ago, that's the bottom line. You have to honor your contract or attempt to be traded, which could be tough.

So go out there and make the Jets lock you up with another great season. Because your problem right now is that New York has the leverage and you know it, which is why you got your butt back out there.

"The T.O. Show" 2009, From Buffalo

Nick Condit — Tue, 26 May 2009 16:29:56 -0400

Buffalo Bills fans are not used to all this attention. Some like it, some hate it, and others want the publicity to focus on something other than Terrell Owens when it comes to the Buffalo Bills in 2009.

However, when the owner gives him a key to the city before he plays a down, and VH-1 follows him around like SportsCenter follows Michael Vick, it can prove difficult to not talk about the walking, breathing soap opera.

The fact is the 35 year-old gives Trent Edwards a wide receiver threat that accumulated over 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns last year; a Trent Edwards that showed a ton of promise in 2007 only to disappoint in 2008. After starting the season 5-1, Edwards traveled to Miami and threw an interception with no touchdowns in a loss to the Dolphins.

The following week Edwards felt the heat at home against the Jets, taken down behind the line of scrimmage five times, a high for sacks allowed on the season. Edwards was also injured and suffered an apparent concussion on one of those sacks. He threw two picks during that game—a season high up to that point.

Including those two losses, Edwards and the Bills finished off the season 2-8 since the hot start. Edwards threw eight interceptions during that stretch, to just six touchdowns. Before that, he had racked up five passing TD's with only two picks.

However, in the two wins during that collapse, Edwards threw three touchdowns to zero interceptions, for 466 yards, and a 72% completion rate.

Now, those games were against two non-playoff teams in the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Bills did also lose to the Browns and the 49ers. In those two losses, Edwards threw just one touchdown and three interceptions, for only 260 yards, and a 55% completion percentage.

It's safe to say that as Trent Edwards goes, so go the Buffalo Bills. Which must've been what the Bills' front office was thinking in signing Terrell Owens. Adding a 10-touchdown guy opposite of Lee Evans (who only caught three touchdowns last season) makes the Bills' receiving corps instantly formidable. A receiving core that only caught 14 touchdown passes total last year.

Now of course Owens is notorious for ruining locker rooms through off-field issues, which could complicate things especially with RB Marshawn Lynch facing a possible suspension and DB Donte Whitner looking at an Ohio court case. Whitner had to be subdued by way of a stun gun after an altercation with police.

On April 11th, Whitner was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest outside a Cleveland nightclub. Lynch was arrested on February 11th after police found a 9mm handgun in his car along with four marijuana cigarettes. No drug charges were filed but Lynch pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge and was later suspended by the league.

If Lynch's appeal is not successful his suspension will begin after the Bills' last pre-season game and will not be allowed to re-join the team until the week of September 28th. Whitner awaits his court date on June 19th.

Lynch's suspension will indeed hinder the Bills in the first three weeks as Dominic Rhodes and Fred Jackson will run behind an inexperienced offensive line, possibly including two rookies in C Eric Wood and G Andy Levitre, whom they picked up in the draft. Last season's tackle Jason Peters was traded to the Eagles.

The rushing yards per game average was the only offensive category that ranked in the top half of the NFL last season, and they will still need to improve on that mark.

And even with Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo will have to find some cohesion on the front line if Buffalo wants to be successful--a task that might prove to be the largest obstacle for the Bills offense in 2009.

Defense

LB Paul Posluszny led the team in tackles and accumulated 28 more than the next highest tackler. Kawika Mitchell plays next to Posluszny and was second on that list. The two make up a linebacking corps that is the defense's strength.

At corner, Terrence McGee led the team in interceptions last year with a whopping three, and the now-second-year player Leodis McKelvin caught two. Ashton Youboty is in the mix at corner, a position that will have to be strong if the Bills are to defend successfully against, Brady, Pennington, and Sanchez.

Ko Simpson, Donte Whitner, and Bryan Scott will get the majority of the playing time at the safety spots. All three had 60 plus tackles and with the Bills only allowing 14 passing touchdowns last year, the defensive backfield shouldn't be in too bad of shape. It's youth provides some question marks but also a lot of potential.

The defensive line didn't do much to help the offensive line, only picking up 24 sacks compared to the 38 allowed last season. Rookie Aaron Maybin will get a chance to play but typically defensive lineman don't break out in their rookie season; see Mario Williams. Aaron Schobel will return from injury last season and will certainly aid in the sack total this year.

Veteran Marcus Stroud will try to bolster the middle once again, but will look for an emergence of John McCargo, former first round pick and so far disappointment. His broken foot during his rookie season required season-ending surgery, as did last year's back injury.

Looking Ahead

The two biggest question marks for Coach Dick Jauron this season lie within the lineman, on both sides. If the O-Line can provide some running room for Marshawn Lynch, and he has a pro-bowl type season, the offense will be scary good as the run will set up the pass and make it easier for Edwards, Owens, and Evans. If not, Edwards will be harassed like he was last year and the air attack won't be able to get off the ground.

If the D-Line can pressure the quarterback and clog the middle, Buffalo will make it awfully difficult to move the ball against them. If not, the rushing defense (allowing 122 yards per game last year) will again hold back the overall defense to a sub-par season, possibly calling for Jauron's job.

I don't think the lines will hold up and given the current caliber of the AFC East, I believe the 50th anniversary season will see the Buffalo Bills miss the playoffs for the 10th straight year.

Syracuse-UConn: Gerry McNamara Was in the House, What Did You Expect?

Nick Condit — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:46:33 -0400

I first used this picture in my preseason preview of SU Orange basketball, and it seemed fitting to use it again. The funny thing is, when I found it the second time, it came from an article about how Jonny Flynn is overrated.

Hardly.

As an SU fan first, student second, I was upset about one thing and one thing only from last night's game.

Jonny Flynn showed the world how good he really is—good enough to impress pro scouts and maybe draw Flynn away from school and into the draft.

Syracuse is still a young team with only one senior that gets legitimate playing time in Kristof Ongenaet. The only player I see having a real shot at being a first round pick is Jonny Flynn. It remains to be seen how he'll play in the tourney, but if he decides to come back, Syracuse will be scary good.

If he doesn't, I'm scared of how the team will play without him leading the way.

Last night was the epitome of Big East basketball. It was the game all Big East followers knew was going to come from a historic conference season. The best of the best on the biggest stage.

Almost four hours and six overtimes later, we had witnessed a rivalry win in a famous arena with crazy shots--made and almost made, with walk-ons grabbing clutch rebounds and bench players nailing threes.

But with beloved Gerry McNamara cheering on his Orange in Madison Square Garden, what else but the best game in Big East Conference history could've been played?

Eric Devendorf and Andy Rautins combined to pull off McNamara's magic last night, but Devendorf didn't provide enough to let us all go to bed a couple hours earlier.

However, people forget that Syracuse just had to play defense up by two late in the fourth. On the last possession, UConn missed a couple of shots but got the rebounds, and the ball fell to Kemba Walker, who made the game-tying layup with just over a second left. I fell to the floor.

I was thinking overtime the whole way. 1.1 seconds? No way. But somehow the long in-bound pass got tipped right to No. 23, who drained the shot at the buzzer. I then proceeded to wake up all five other occupants of my house with cries of joy.

False alarm.

Sorry?

Then in overtime it looked like it could get away from the Orange as they were trailing by four. Where's McNamara when you need him? How about Andy Rautins? Rautins hit a big three to pull the deficit to just one. UConn missed a free throw, and 'Cuse trailed by two with seconds left.

Jonny Flynn started to take over. He penetrated deep into the lane and gave the ball off beautifully to Rick Jackson, who threw down an easy dunk to tie the game. The Huskies missed a buzzer-beater, and to the second overtime we went.

They traded baskets in the second, and Flynn missed a game-winning shot, as did Kemba Walker, to force a third OT.

This is when it looked like UConn would take it. Syracuse was down by six twice in the period, 87-93 and 91-97. But they kept battling, and Connecticut kept missing free throws. The Orange pulled it to 95-98 and needed more McNamara magic.

Rautins came up huge again and tied the game with a trey coming off a screen, forcing OT number four. Again the fam was awoken by shrieks typically unknown to mankind.

Paul Harris was having an awful game from point blank range and couldn't finish with seconds left in the fourth OT. Jeff Adrien also had a couple game-winning attempts last night, but they wouldn't drop.

A.J. Price and Adrien missed last second shots in the fifth (the fifth? What is this, a baseball game?), and we went to the sixth. Hasheem Thabeet had been fouled out of the game, and Flynn starting getting to the basket with ease. He'd had some difficulty scoring field goals, but no trouble at all making free throws.

Rautins again made a splash, giving the Orange their first lead in any OT early in the sixth with a three, and Syracuse never looked back.

As for Harris, he was also huge from the stripe, making 13 of 14 free throws, while Jonny made all 16 of his attempts. 'Cuse was 23 of 26 from the line in the overtimes. The much-maligned Harris made a huge play in the sixth when he attempted a dunk and got stuffed by the rim, but stuck with it to put it back and in with a foul.

So you gotta give it to Harris for making those free throws and pulling down 22 rebounds. Obviously Flynn played like a man-child for 67 of the game's 70 minutes, scored 34 points, and added 11 assists. The key, though, was that he was able to limit turnovers, as UConn committed 11 more than the Orange.

Flynn showed his pro ability to penetrate, and when fouled he stepped up, even five overtimes deep, to make every single free throw attempt. They gave him nearly half his points. UConn only managed to make 24 of 42 free throws.

What a huge win it is for the Orange. What a confidence booster it will be regardless of the outcome tonight against West Virginia. They went deep into their bench and found a way to win. They gained valuable experience against an elite team in the country on a huge stage.

So we learned that Syracuse is truly a contender and has all the elements they need this year—including Gerry McNamara's magic-making ability in their backcourt.

Now, either of these teams can't really be surprised by anything they see in the NCAA Tournament--they just partook in an all out war. It was a game beneficial to both sides in many ways, a game beneficial to so many fans around the world, and a game beneficial to the sport of basketball itself.

What a game.

New York Jets Need To Try For Jay Cutler

Nick Condit — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:39:03 -0400

According to an ESPN source, Jay Cutler and the Broncos are still at odds. Denver obviously denies the claims.

But ESPN.com writer Bill Williamson reported that a Monday conference call heard Cutler and new head coach Josh McDaniels continue their beef. According to the source, McDaniels would not admit to attempting a Cutler trade and acted as if Cutler had asked to be traded.

This of course did not please Cutler, who expressed that he would rather be traded sooner than later if the Broncos were not interested in him long-term.

This is the time for the New York Jets to strike.

The Jets front office have made great moves in the past two offseasons save Brett Favre, who still brought publicity and excitement to the Jets last season.

The additions of Bart Scott, Lito Sheppard, and Jim Leonhard have sured up the Jets defense but the offense—specifically the passing game—has taken a couple steps back from last season.

Even though Brett Favre tanked it in the last five games of the season last year, he was still a proven quarterback, something the Jets currently lack. And with the loss of veteran Laveranues Coles, the passing game could be poor to non-existent.

The reason Thomas Jones was able to run free last season was partially due to an improved offensive line but also to the respect defenses had to give to Favre, Coles, Cotchery, and Keller.

With half of those names gone, the Jets need to either pick up a quarterback or a wide receiver. And with Cutler aggravated at his current team, now's the time to make an offer to the Broncos.

I don't care what it takes—a first rounder; a first and second rounder; a first, second, and fourth rounder—I want Jay Cutler.

Cutler was a Pro Bowler last year and threw for over 4,500 yards (a Broncos single-season record) with 25 touchdowns. With a great defense, which is what the Jets are looking to put into place, a solid quarterback could make the team a contender even without another option at wide receiver.

He might be difficult to acquire and they might have to reach, but the Jets need to make an offer the Broncos can't refuse before the situation is mended. If they have to give up a pick that could've been used on a wideout or another position, I think the Jets are deep enough right now to survive that sacrifice.

With their position in the draft and the free agent quarterbacks that are available, New York isn't going to be able to acquire any other player of Cutler's caliber to lead its offense.

This is an opportunity the Jets need to at least take a shot at.

New York Jets Look Awful in Seattle

Nick Condit — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 13:09:49 -0500

The New York Jets and Eric Mangini seem to just let up sometimes. On Sunday night, they gave up control of their own destiny, control that they had earned through some big wins earlier in the year.

They lost to the Seattle Seahawks 13-3 in blizzard-like conditions that Brett Favre usually thrives in.

This day, however, he did anything but. Favre accumulated just 187 yards passing with no touchdowns and two interceptions. The first interception came on a play where Favre tried to throw across his body to the opposite side of the field into double-coverage through the thick snow.

Favre came up short all game long, hitting defense backs in the back a couple of times. His best throw of the day came on fourth down, deep inside their own territory, just trying to stay alive with two minutes left in the game. It was a deep ball (into double-coverage) that was well placed into the hands of Laveranues Coles who couldn't make the play as the cover man might just have stripped away the Jets season.

Coles had gotten open on a couple of plays earlier in the game but Favre just couldn't make the throw. On the deciding play however, Coles just wasn't able to hold on to the ball. Though, Coles and Cotchery both had solid games and did their parts.

Thomas Jones was running the ball well, but the Seahawk defense withstood it. He was able to bend the defense, but Favre wasn't able to do his part and break it. The Jets had scored an offensive touchdown in every game this year except the first of the season, when they fell to the Patriots. Their offensive production had been decreasing since the Titans game, but it hit rock bottom today.

Favre was sacked four times and gave pathetic efforts to escape on every single one. I hate to say this, but I honestly would've rather seen Chad Pennington under center for this game.

Defense didn't step up

In a huge game like this, coming off an escape against the Bills, one would think the Jets defense would come out fired-up and ready to make plays. It turned out that Seattle backup quarterback Seneca Wallace was given all day to throw the ball where he pleased. He completed 18 of his 25 passes and tossed a nice touchdown to TE Jon Carlson.

Where was the pressure that led the Jets to being a top-5 NFL team when it came to recording sacks earlier in the year? The banged up Seattle front line didn't give up one sack, while Favre was brought down four times. Kris Jenkins hasn't made as big of an impact since the Titans game.

For the second straight week the run defense was also nowhere to be found. After allowing 120+ rushing yards to Marshawn Lynch last week, Seattle running back Maurice Morris was somehow allowed to scamper for 116 yards through the snow and the Jets defense (I don't know which one was more challenging).

Mangenius?

Eric Mangini is now going to have critics calling for his head after such a poor showing on Sunday. He made a couple controversial decisions starting with his choice to pass on a 50-yard field goal attempt by Jay Feely, who had been solid all season. He had easily made a 45-yarder the play before, but of course, the Jets managed to take it off the board with a delay-of-game penalty before the snap occurred.

Mangini then decided to punt the ball away instead of trying a long field goal that would have brought the deficit to under a touchdown. Feely had also easily made a 55-yard field goal against the Rams earlier in the year. Mangini didn't want to risk it.

It turns out that the Jets gave up a field goal after that failed fourth down attempt that fell through Coles' hands. It put the Seahawks by 10 instead of just a touchdown, and essentially ended the game.

I would have even liked to see Mangini go for for it on 4th-and-1 from the Seattle five yard line, instead of kicking their lone field goal on the first drive of the game.

Then instead of punting from his own 20 yard line with three timeouts and the two minute warning yet to be wasted, he goes for it and fails. He wouldn't go for it on a 4th and 1 inside the five, but he does go for it on 4th and 7 from his own 20. He decided to kick the first field goal but wouldn't send Feely out for the 50 yarder in the fourth quarter.

The point is, Mangini allowed his team to play conservatively on offense and defense. He didn't get them to play inspired football, something they absolutely needed to do. He set the tempo that they were playing not to lose instead of playing to win the game.

The Jets just flat out, didn't come to play. The didn't even entertain. They failed all New York Jet fans who pay to watch entertaining football. They failed to do their jobs. Bill Belichick would not have allowed his team to put out a showing like this.

Now the Jets must beat Miami next week and hope the Patriots fall to the Bills, which, after New England's impressive win today, looks unlikely. The Jets had their chances to put this division away long before the loss today.

Since the big win down in Tennessee, Favre hasn't played well, Kris Jenkins hasn't played well, the defense stopped forcing pressure, and Mangini hasn't successfully overseen the play-calling.

Bottom-line: they collapsed like the Jets usually do. Half of their losses came at the hands of the Seahawks, 49ers, and Raiders. Maybe a team that goes 0-3 against those opponents doesn't deserve to be in the playoffs anyway.

So the Jets are going to need a miracle. I hope to God they get it.

Syracuse Guard Eric Devendorf Isn't Gone Yet

Nick Condit — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:28:14 -0500

Eric Devendorf has had a ghost following him around since Halloween night. On Friday, the ghosts were finally put to rest.

The SU Judicial Affairs board has made an official decision regarding Devendorf's violation of the university's code of conduct. Devendorf now knows exactly what he has to do if he wants to play basketball again at Syracuse University.

He has been suspended until the beginning of the spring semester, when he can petition to be re-admitted. However, he must first complete 40 hours of community service along with certain unspecified duties to remain a student at Syracuse.

"I'm disappointed that I put myself in this position which resulted in being suspended and unable to participate in a number of games, including tomorrow's game," Devendorf said in a statement.

Given the fact that Devendorf was originally suspended for the entire spring semester, this is a huge victory for the junior out of Bay City, Michigan. And great news for SU hoops fans.

"Eric clearly made a mistake and should be punished," Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim told the AP. "It is his responsibility to fulfill the requirements of this decision."

You could almost see this coming. Boeheim was outraged when the initial decision was made, and you know he influenced the official result. He is the face of Syracuse University and when he expresses his displeasure, it leaves a mark.

So now Syracuse's hopes are revitalized, the team still has a chance to compete for a Big East Championship, and to go deep in the NCAA Tournament.

Any Big East team could use 14 points a night from a former McDonald's All-American. If Devendorf can complete his requirements, the guard play of the Orange will be outstanding this season.

Let's not forget though, that Syracuse lost to Cleveland State, with Devendorf. And he will be suspended for one of the biggest early games of the year, against National runner-up Memphis.

The Orange will have to hold down the fort without Devendorf but other than the Memphis game, the suspension shouldn't affect the season too negatively.

The important question is whether or not Devendorf will learn from his mistakes and not pull any more Halloween tricks.

I honestly think that Devendorf will understand how close his career was to being over. He got lucky. One more minor screw-up, and Devendorf will be booted from the Syracuse snow and thrown into the fire.

The first game he will be eligible to play in comes on January 14th, down in D.C. against the Georgetown Hoyas.

The Insanity of SportsCenter: Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, and Stephen A. Smith?

Nick Condit — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 06:59:29 -0500

Chris McKendry began a SportsCenter segment about the Dallas Cowboys with something like this:

"Now back to the drama in Dallas, Tony Romo has a sore back and Marion Barber has a sore toe."

Is she serious? She sounds like a middle-school nurse telling the school principal the status of two whining fifth-graders after gym class.

The Cowboys are the most annoying dramatic sports team on earth because the national media eats up their every move. SportsCenter follows the Cowboys like my mom followed me around when I was but a year old.

Trent Dilfer says Romo played "through excruciating pain," he said, "It's tough to think when your in that kind of pain."

Really? I mean of course, sure he's a tough guy, he probably hurt his lower back somehow. It's Romo second significant injury this year, the first coming by way of an injured finger.

No wonder Brett Favre encouraged Romo to play through his finger injury, but he didn't. Why is Tony Romo such a tough guy? Brett Favre hasn't missed a start since...was I alive? I don't know but I do know that it's not Tony Romo's fault.

The national media bias for the Dallas Cowboys is ridiculous. They beat the Giants. OK. That's great, the Eagles did too last week. The Giants are not unbeatable, especially with the loss of Plaxico Burress.

The Cowboys have a lot of work to do just to make the playoffs. But who knows maybe if some players get "healthy" they can make a run. But let's just relax about the Cowboys.

We don't need to know their injury lists after every practice. We don't need to know that Terrell Owens and Jason Witten got in some kind of altercation, however verbal it may have been.

If they make the playoffs, we may then start talking about Dallas as a Super Bowl contender.

Steve Young has predicted a Colts-Cowboys Super Bowl. What happens if the 'Boys lose to the Ed Reed-led Baltimore Ravens, who are coming of a heart-breakingly close loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers?

All the sudden there will be talk of Wade Philips' job security. So I say, let's just wait and see before we dub anybody Super Bowl contenders. Because you can't win a Super Bowl if you're not in the playoffs.

But the Dallas drama is really the T.O. drama. Owens is an unbelievable human being. He has problems and he knows it. Whether he's "attempting suicide" or having a problem with EVERY quarterback he's ever played with, he's just a big problem unless the team is in the Super Bowl. And if his team does make the Super Bowl, he's gonna want more money.

I can't wait until T.O. starts getting old and isn't the same athletic specimen that he is. Teams won't want Terrell Owens, and that's when he will realize that a lot of people really don't like him.

Chris McKendry ended that same SportsCenter broadcast with something like this:

"Make sure you watch tonight, 6 PM, a Terrell Owens interview with Stephen A. Smith, on SportsCenter."

You won't believe how many people will watch that. Then I think to myself, Terrell Owens and Stephen A. Smith together? It could be entertaining.

Watch Out for Syracuse Basketball 2008-09

Nick Condit — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:43:32 -0500

Last year the Kansas Jayhawks were crowned national champions. Mario Chalmers hit a game-tying three to send it into overtime—something Kansas wasn't able to do in the 2003 national championship game, when Syracuse's Hakim Warrick blocked a Michael Lee three-point attempt with seconds left.

Kansas played Syracuse for the first time Tuesday night since that game five years ago. This time Kansas came into the game as national champs, but the result of the game was the same.

Syracuse trailed by 13 points in the second half but came back to beat the 23rd-ranked team in America, one night after they defeated the 18th-ranked Florida Gators. That means SU, in two days, beat the teams that won the last three national championships.

Jim Boeheim switched out of his zone defense in the second half, and Syracuse erased the deficit. Jonny Flynn said he liked playing man-to-man and it got them back in the game. Flynn dropped 25 points, including—what do ya know—a game-tying three to force overtime. They were able to pull away in OT and win 89-81.

The frontcourt was absolutely solid—Paul Harris had 14 points and 14 boards, while center Arinze Onuaku finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Swingman Eric Devendorf scored 20 and added five assists.

Combine those with Flynn's stats, and both of Syracuse's frontcourt players recorded double-doubles while both backcourt players scored at least 20 points—all coming against the defending national champs.

Yeah, I know, both Florida and Kansas lost a lot of players from last year—the Jayhawks have one returning starter. But these two early wins against ranked opponents out in the Midwest get Syracuse off to a strong start after two disappointing seasons. Give credit to Boeheim for scheduling the non-conference game—it worked out.

2008-09 Backcourt

It all starts with Jonny Flynn. The sophomore is the best player on the team and has matured from a bumpy freshman campaign. He is lightning-quick, can penetrate, is a good passer, and a strong shooter. Oh, he can also play defense.

With the help of junior guard Eric Devendorf on the wing, a lot of pressure will be taken off Flynn offensively. Both Flynn and Devendorf were McDonald's All-Americans coming out of high school.

Devendorf has successfully recovered from season-ending knee surgery and has played well early. However, he and four other 'Cuse players were accused of assault earlier in the year. A young woman said Devendorf punched her in the face after kicking and damaging her car. Nothing yet is official, but it remains to be seen whether it will be a distraction.

Sharpshooting guard Andy Rautins also returns from a knee injury and has also played well. He will provide a lot of depth in the backcourt and is good for a handful of threes per game.

2008-09 Frontcourt

The frontcourt leans on Arinze Onuaku. The junior is a beast of a man and worked out heavily during the offseason to build even more muscle and burn fat. He's going to be a force in the middle. The only knock on him is that he is a little undersized for a center at 6'9". The matchup of Onuaku and UConn's Hasheem Thabeet will be interesting.

But an extremely important element of the whole Syracuse team is another beast—junior Paul Harris. He was a McDonald's All-American caliber player coming out of high school and is ready to explode onto the scene in 2009.

Harris can absolutely sky—he brings down a lot of boards while only standing at 6'5". He's comparable to UConn's Jeff Adrien and a similar SF/PF type player. Harris has improved his shooting, which, combined with his athleticism, could be extremely dangerous offensively.

Both Onuaku and Harris could average a double-double for the season.

Bench

A strong point of this Syracuse team could be its bench. Sophomore bigs Rick Jackson and Shawne Williams will step up defensively while giving the starters some rest. Both players are 6'10" or taller.

Senior forward Kristof Ongenaet adds a little more size and can score if need be.

The freshmen forwards Kris Joseph and Mookie Jones will have an impact on the season. Joseph has already shown some early promise, scoring 10 points against Florida.

Looking Ahead

The big question mark for SU is its defense. The Orange gave up 83 points to the Gators and 81 to the Jayhawks. The Big East is threatening to be the strongest it has ever been, and if Syracuse moves into the top 25 next week as it should, half of the conference will be nationally ranked. The defense will have to step up if this team wants to go anywhere.

Syracuse might have its best team since that 2003 national championship season and could be an undefeated 11-0 going into a Dec. 20 showdown against Memphis. Their toughest opponent until that contest is Virginia. They will have to rack up as many wins against inferior opponents as possible if they want to survive in the Big East.

SU plays Georgetown, Villanova, and Rutgers twice out of their Big East opponents, so not bad. I expect the Orange to be a factor in the Big East tournament and maybe win a couple games in the NCAAs. But the game all Orange fans have marked down on their calendars is the Feb. 11 matchup in Storrs, CT—against hated rival No. 2 UConn.

Brandon Jacobs Is the Reason for New York Giants' Turnaround

Nick Condit — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:18:39 -0500

The New York Giants started 2-2 last year and their "running back of the future" and "Tiki Barber successor" Brandon Jacobs had taken only six hand-offs.

He had been injured in Week One and sidelined for the next three weeks. Since then, the Giants have gone an astounding 19-4, including the playoffs, when Jacobs gets at least one carry.

Wow.

Last week, in the convincing win over the Dallas Cowboys, Jacobs rushed for 117 yards on 6.9 yards per carry and a touchdown. Just last night in the close victory over rival Philadelphia, he racked up 126 yards and two touchdowns.

On the season he's averaging 5.3 yards per carry with nine rushing touchdowns. He had seven touchdowns all of last season, including the playoffs.

With a consistent running game, Giants quarterback Eli Manning has been able to open up the passing game with a solid receiving corps that was allowed to blossom with the help of a strong offensive line.

Add possibly the best defensive line when Osi Umenyiora is back and healthy and you have yourself a Super Bowl-caliber team. As long as all these cylinders are firing, don't think Manning won't play this year like the Manning that was Super Bowl MVP last year.

Last season Jacobs was one the Giants' big question marks. Running back Tiki Barber retired and New York was left with a fourth-round pick out of Southern Illinois. He had been good in the red zone, but could he be an every down back?

The answer turned out to be a resounding yes. At 6-foot-4, 264-pounds, the 26-year-old is one of the toughest runners in the league. If he continues his pace, the Giants will remain one of the toughest teams to bring down.

New York Jets Have Ingredients for Playoff Run

Nick Condit — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:36:06 -0400

The 2008 New York Jets are starting to prove that they belong at the top of the AFC East. After this past weekend, they find themselves just one game out of first place. A team that was 4-12 last year is only one win away from matching that mark after Week Six.

How?

The Jets are a completely different team this year, which is why people need to stop saying, "Yeah, but it's the Jets."

The addition of NT Kris Jenkins was huge and he's been a great player in Mangini's 3-4 system. The same goes for LB Calvin Pace, who has had 3.5 sacks in five games, along with two forced fumbles.

Second-year player Darrelle Revis has been good in the secondary, racking up three interceptions so far. MLB David Harris—an absolute beast—is also in his second season and is leading the Jets with 37 tackles.

Rookie DB Dwight Lowery has been good while Justin Miller recovers from injury.

Impressive defense

The Jets can stop the run. They've only given up 69 rush yards per game, good enough for third best in the NFL.

Whoa, the Jets are third best at something?

The secondary is the defense's weakness but when you can shut down one dimension of any offense, it's huge. And right now, the Jets don't need to have great secondary play.

Taking a look at the Jets' opposing quarterbacks this season, other than maybe Philip Rivers, the Jets have not faced a top-flight quarterback yet. And the next two games come against Oakland with an unproductive JaMarcus Russell and Kansas City with Tyler Thigpen? Who? That team doesn't have one good quarterback.

The Jets' secondary will have to improve, however, if they want to compete in meaningful January games. Whenever CB Justin Miller returns, he could add depth.

Offense coming together

The Jets can move the football. I don't remember the last time this offense was actually exciting. Brett Favre has been great for the New York Jets and for the NFL.

He has been exactly what the Jets needed him to be, and he's only getting better in his new system. Favre's thrown 13 touchdowns to this point with the Jets. Backup Kellen Clemens has thrown five in his career.

The wideouts--LC and J-Catch, Coles and Cotchery, are Pro Bowl caliber players that actually keep their mouths shut. The two of them have combined for seven touchdowns this season. And despite only ranking 22nd in pass offense, the Jets come in at sixth in the NFL in scoring.

Rookie TE Dustin Keller has been good.

The revamped offensive line has done its job and has given Favre ample time to sling it all around the field. Remember, three years ago the only current starter that was on the Jets roster was G Brandon Moore.

The run game, however, has not been very productive. They rank 27th in the NFL in rushing. And although Thomas Jones is coming off a two-rushing-touchdown performance, the Jets will still have to improve on the ground.

Looking ahead

I think the Jets can beat the Patriots and the Bills—and they will have to. Buffalo had a bye this week, so QB Trent Edwards was able to get some sleep in his bed and not on the field.

The Patriots were blown out by the Chargers, who did the same to New York earlier in the season.

The point is, If you show me a team that can stop the run and the move the football, I'll show you a team that's playoff bound. The New York Jets are scoring touchdowns this year- something they weren't very adept at doing in seasons past.

And when you have a combination of a team that can score touchdowns and play defense- watch out, they could be dangerous.

Syracuse's Greg Robinson Is Long Gone

Nick Condit — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:12:07 -0400

Syracuse football head coach Greg Robinson is 8-31 during his four-year tenure at Syracuse. That's just plain awful.

Syracuse fans have wanted his head for years, but Robinson was not fired after last season by AD Daryl Gross. Instead, Gross gave his coach one more chance.

What has he done with it? Absolutely nothing.

No matter what the problem is, Greg Robinson can't allow his team to be 1-3 right now as he's fighting for his job.

He needed to start the season off with a win at Northwestern, which was reasonable, but got blown out. He needed to beat lowly Akron but lost by two touchdowns. He needed to have his team compete in some way against Penn State, but instead they looked like a high school team.

He needed to blow out DI-AA Northeastern but allowed them to score three touchdowns on his defense—the same defensive scheme that supposedly won a Super Bowl for the Broncos years back.

Famous SU running back Jim Brown told CBS Sportsline, "Oh, it's terrible. I like the coach as a person, but I think they're going to have to make a move. You can't let the program go so low."

The point is, Syracuse could be 3-1 right now if they just had wins over Northwestern and Akron—not too tall of a task. Instead they are 1-3 and a laughingstock, and they will soon be searching for a new head football coach.

Give Antonio Cromartie a Chance at Wide Receiver

Nick Condit — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:36:06 -0400

Antonio Cromartie dropped an early first quarter pick-six in Monday night's game to add to his recent streak of struggles, but came back strong to grab his first two interceptions of the season.

With the Jets only down three to start the second quarter, Brett Favre faced pressured and threw a ball behind Laveranues Coles with Cromartie covering. Cromartie was able to tip the ball up to himself, make the catch, and run 52 yards the other way for a touchdown. The Chargers went up 17-7 and never looked back.

Later in the game, Cromartie looked like the intended receiver for Brett Favre on a two-point conversion attempt. He made the pick keeping his feet in bounds before stepping out of back of the end zone.

Last season he scored two touchdowns, one on an interception, and the second on a field goal return Nov. 4 against the Vikings. On that play, Cromartie made a nice catch in the back of the end zone after a missed 57-yard attempt by Ryan Longwell. He proceeded to take it out and weave his way 109 yards for a record-breaking touchdown.

Though he hasn't started off too well this season, he made plays on Monday Night Football that had him looking like the player he was last year. The player that had 10 interceptions, many being fantastic catches (including three off Peyton Manning).

When asked about the Cromartie interception for a touchdown during the post-game news conference late Monday night, Favre said, "Cromartie has great ball skills, he can get it from anywhere."

And yes, he does make the catch in the article photo for an interception in front of pro-bowler Reggie Wayne.

At 6'2", 203 pounds, Cromartie has the size and the speed to play wide receiver in the NFL. Combined with his ball skills, the Florida State Seminole, who sat out his entire senior year due to injury, could be a playmaker on offense. And yeah, I know, they already have enough weapons on offense and wouldn't want to risk another Cromartie injury, but he could be dangerous as a wideout.

I know if he was on the Jets I would certainly want him lined up on the offensive side of the ball.

Ray Allen: Game Four Hero for the Boston Celtics

Nick Condit — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:49:24 -0400

With under 40 seconds to go in Game Four, the Celtics held a three-point lead and the Lakers needed a stop.

Paul Pierce was worn out, Kevin Garnett went to set a screen, and Ray Allen had the ball. Allen quickly called off the screen as to avoid drawing more defenders toward him and Garnett instantly retreated. He trusted Allen, who had been struggling throughout the playoffs, averaging only 14 points per game.

Allen had been bothered by Sasha Vujacic's pesky defense all game long, but knew he could take him one-on-one when it came down to it. The Celtics spread the floor, allowing Allen to isolate Vujacic. He hesitated for a dribble or two, and then blew past the young Slovenian for an uncontested, left-handed layup, making it look all-too-easy.

It was a drive that pierced the heart of the Lakers, completed the Celtics comeback, and nearly brought Sasha Vujacic to tears (literally).

The basket put the C's up by five points with 16 seconds to go, and the Lakers couldn't overcome it, succumbing to Boston's unbelievable 24-point comeback (I still can't believe it).

Yes, Allen made the game-clinching basket, but that's not all he did in Game Four of the NBA Finals. With three minutes left in the game, the Celtics had just taken their first lead after scoring five straight points on clutch baskets from Eddie House and James Posey.

Up by one, Boston put the ball in the hands of Allen, who hesitated for a second from behind the three-point line, forcing Kobe to pull up for a possible shot block attempt. Allen then drove past Bryant through a clear lane to the hoop until he was met by L.A. defenders at the rim. He was forced to hang in the air with the likes of Jordan and Dr. J, and put up a reverse layup that kissed of the backboard and into the net. It increased the Celtics lead to three, and Boston never looked back. Kobe Bryant missed a late trey and finalized the monumental collapse.

After being widely criticized for his inconsistent play through the first three rounds of the playoffs, Ray Allen might be the most consistent player in the Finals, averaging 20 points per game.

In Game Three, Allen's 25 points was the only reason the Celtics' loss was even close. In Game Four, Allen finished with 19 points, and also went airborne to pull down nine rebounds.

And at a point in the playoffs where it looked like the Big Three was down to the Big Two, Ray Allen has stepped up in the Finals—a huge reason why Boston is on its way to hoisting its 17th championship banner.

Derrick Rose: LeBron-Like

Nick Condit — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:13:36 -0400

I'll admit it, I was a hater. I didn't believe in Memphis because of their weak schedule until I saw them blow out their opponent with ease in their conference championship game. Until I realized how scary good Derrick Rose is.

I also think that this year's Final Four showcases some of the best college basketball teams in history. Any of the four could have won. But what makes the difference for the Memphis Tigers is their Freshman freak child Derrick Rose.

At 6-3, 205 pounds, point guard Derrick Rose is an outstanding rebounder and a pure athletic specimen. Think LeBron James, just not as freakishly overbearing. He's shorter and not as thick—LeBron is listed at 6-8, 240. He'll put up J-Kidd like numbers in the NBA but Kidd is more of a true point guard.

Rose is LeBron as a point guard. And James is currently putting up 30 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists per game in the NBA. These numbers are Kidd in his prime like numbers; Chris Paul-like numbers. That's how good Derrick Rose will be.

This season he's only averaging 15 points, four rebounds, and five assists in 28 minutes per game, but he also has to share the back court with fellow future NBA first-round pick Chris Douglas-Roberts who drops 18 points a night, including 28 on Saturday against UCLA.

In the NCAA Tournament however, Rose is averaging 34 minutes played, 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Pretty solid numbers for a college point guard and comparable to LeBron's NBA stats.

Kansas head coach Bill Self explained in media interviews how Rose can go the length of the court in four dribbles. Dick Vitale said that he is the best player in the country, and that out of this year's draft class he would pick Rose to build a franchise around.

Memphis head coach John Calipari called him "a unique program changer." And if the Michael Beasley's and the O.J. Mayo's weren't as flashy and overshadowing, Derrick Rose would be the standout consensus number one pick in the NBA draft.

I believe he would be an excellent pick for my woeful Knicks, who need to get rid of Isiah Thomas and Stephon Marbury, and insert Derrick Rose as the point guard. Rose is lightning quick and possesses great power for his size, he's a good shooter, an excellent rebounder, and a good passer. His ability to get to the rim is LeBron-esque.

Oh and he can throw it down too. I guess it just comes with wearing the number 23.