Bleacher Report - Articles by Francisco E. Velazquez

Pacquiao and Cotto Destined To Fight After Cotto's Loss Was Pacman's Gain

Francisco E. Velazquez — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:28:30 -0500

Here's something to think about until Saturday night.

Consider this:

In the Spring of 2008, several major moves were being made by some of the industry's biggest fighters. Famed boxer Oscar De La Hoya announced that he was looking for one or maybe two final big paydays. The Golden Boy was looking at a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather for the Summer followed by his last big fight at the end of the year (around December) to finish his career.

There was one person who everyone had in mind for that fight. Writers, bloggers, enthusiasts, and fans alike were filling up their webpages, blogs, and comment sections with chatter of one fighter in particular to fill the ring in De La Hoya's finale. That Spring, it was not Pacquiao who everyone, including Oscar, had in mind.

It was Miguel Cotto.

"You can never, you know, scratch anybody off the list," De La Hoya said. "I mean, if you beat the best in the world against Floyd Jr., you have to continue that streak, and obviously there's Miguel Cotto."

But first, Cotto had to take care of a little business. And why wouldn't he? After completing four title defenses at 147 lbs., Cotto and his enormous fan base had momentum that all fighters only hope they sniff. So, he had a scheduled fifth title defense coming up in a few months (July of 2008) against a determined Antonio Margarito.

Cotto was a rising star. Many people believed that Cotto would defend his title and carry his momentum to Oscar that December—ultimately catapulting him into superstardom and pound-for-pound arguments. De La Hoya versus Cotto would be the next big superfight...if Cotto won.

But...it never happened.

As we all know, July of 2008 saw a bloodied Cotto take several knees before Margarito would be crowned the weight class new king. Cotto's career was halted.

Cotto lost his perfect record. Cotto lost his belt. Cotto lost some credibility. Cotto lost his megafight with Oscar.

Regardless of whether De La Hoya was to get that rematch with Floyd (which Floyd cancelled when he announced his retirement that June), Cotto's loss opened the door for Golden Boy Promotions to look at other viable options. They needed another rising star—someone who could give the fight credibility while still gaining the viewership a fight with Cotto would have brought.

Pacquiao was a decorated option for De La Hoya as a five-time world champion in four different weight classes. Still, many thought that the fight was too much of a stretch considering the weights were so far off. Yet talks began and after weight and monetary negotiations were finalized between the two fighters, the "Dream Match" was set. Pacquiao would get the shot that Cotto would not.

On Dec. 6, 2008, Pacquiao ended the Golden Boy's career with a TKO.

Although Pacman was already a credible big name from his battles with Juan Manuel Marquez, the win over De La Hoya threw Manny into the international limelight and legitimized his pound-for-pound supremacy.

The win over De La Hoya also allowed Pacquiao to move on to a big fight against Ricky Hatton. He won that one too. Relatively easily. And despite Mayweather's return, Pacquiao's pound-for-pound crown still holds firm.

These past events make this next fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto so interesting. Questions loom: Would Pacquiao still have had the success he garnered after Cotto's loss...if Cotto had beaten Margarito?

I believe so. Pacquiao would still be around the top of the hill with millions of fans at his back and a ton of belts on his waist. No doubt. But to deny that his route to where he is today would not have been so glamorous had Cotto beaten Margarito is too absurd.

He would be around the top, but I am not so sure he would at the top. In reality, would he be so iconic and rich as he is today?

Pacquiao deserves all of his success. His hard work and skill come through brightly in the ring. But facts are facts: had Cotto won that fateful summer evening, it would undoubtedly been him who would have moved on to face De La Hoya at the end of the year. It also would have been Cotto crowned the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world following Floyd Mayweather's departure.

But again, that never happened. Would'a, could'a, should'a.

Still, Pacman owes his final months of 2008 and whole 2009 to Cotto's 2008 summer. That's just real.

Who knows if Margarito cheated? Who knows if Cotto would have beaten De La Hoya anyway? Who knows who Pacman would have fought next and subsequently where he'd be today?

We'll never know.

But come this weekend, Cotto will have the opportunity to show the world that perhaps it should have been him, his name, and his fans standing at the top of the boxing world. Regardless, Cotto has stated that he isn't interested in gaining the pound-for-pound title.

"I understand that many people believe that the title of the best fighter in the world, pound-for-pound, is on the line in this fight. But I am not interested in the pound-for-pound title at all. Just knowing that I will be involved in a fight that will be remembered for such a long time, for many years to come, is already satisfying enough, and that's what matters most for me—more than any other title," Cotto said in his training diary for ESPN.com.

On the other end, Pacman can show that all those past events don't matter. The current pound-for-pound champion can legitimize his crown—and route to that crown—once again.

It's going to be a heck of a fight, with this added background to give you something to think about. It's funny how things work out. Thankfully for us, many debates can end with just one swing.

Matsui's World Series MVP Award Important for Asians and World of Baseball

Francisco E. Velazquez — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:26:56 -0500

We’ve seen what they have done in the Little League World Series. We’ve seen what they’ve done in the Olympics and World Baseball Classic. Relatively recently, we’ve been able to see what they can do in a full 162-game season, traveling day after day across a country substantially bigger than their own.

Finally, we’ve seen what one of “them” can truly do in the World Series…under the brightest lights…for the brightest team. Though there was a lot of pressure, Godzilla did well. Really well.

Hideki Matsui, as this World Series’ Most Valuable Player, is a direct epitome of what Asian ballplayers (in this case, Japanese) can do. Not too many have heard of Masanori Murakami—pitcher for the San Francisco Giants in 1964 and 1965—so let’s just say that it’s still been a little while since Hideo Nomo jumped the Pacific into the big leagues in 1995. And yet still, there are at times a sort of disconnect from “them” and us.

This is supposed to be our pastime, right? Though people have acknowledged that the skill level in Asia has vastly improved, there were some blogs and comments during the World Baseball Classic suggestion they’re (Asians) continued inferiority.

How could America lose if this is our game, not theirs !?!

We’ve seen this before: "The game isn’t for Latinos. The game isn’t for African Americans."

Thankfully, that has all changed. We’ve seen Latino most valuable players, African American most valuable players, and of course, Caucasian most valuable players.

We’ve seen Latin legends like Roberto Clemente and are witnessing Albert Pujols. We’ve seen African American legends like Willie Mays and are witnessing Jimmy Rollins. We’ve seen white legends like Babe Ruth and are witnessing Mark Texeira. Now, we are also lucky to witness Ichiro and Fukudome.

Sure, Hideki Matsui may not warrant a “legend” label, but his performance in this 2009 World Series was a pretty darn good one. The 35-year-old designated hitter batted .513 in the series with eight hits and eight RBIs. But Matsui wrapped up the award—after a pretty good all-around team effort by the Yankees—by batting .615 with six RBI in the Yankees’ championship-clincher.

Only a triple shy of having the first cycle in World Series history, Matsui’s contribution to game six of the Yankee’s 27th championship and first in the new Yankee stadium will indeed be legendary. Godzilla is now the first Japanese-born player to win the World Series MVP award.

But perhaps most importantly, his performance will show that Asian players may be worth the bidding required to just contemplate a bid. Six years after Matsui made his jump in 2003, Steinbrenner finally got his money’s worth if he was thinking that he hadn’t before game six.

Ichiro has showed this continent that Asian ballplayers can hang with the best. Matsui has shown that they can hang with the best in the best of times. This year there were 18 Japanese-born ballplayers alone. Factor in the Koreans, Chinese, and Taiwanese, and you see that the game is as much their own as ours .

Together, they are showing that baseball is a pastime to some outside of American borders and thus negate that disconnect. They are with us for the long haul. The MLB is indeed ours (Asians, Italians, Norwegians, Dutch, South Africans included). It’s a world game now.

And, heck, they’re pretty good too. But we’ve seen that now.

Sloppy Spartans Shocked By Central Michigan

Francisco E. Velazquez — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:03:34 -0400

It wouldn't take too long to realize that a defensive offsides on the game-winning field goal attempt by Central Michigan kicker Andrew Aguila cost the Spartans more than five yards.

It ultimately cost them the game.

Aguila made up for his missed 47-yard field goal by making the game winning 42-yard field goal after the penalty was whistled, putting the Chippewas (1-1) up 29-27 with only enough time for an ensuing kickoff.

Just as there was not enough time for the Spartans to make a comeback, the theme for MSU was essentially not having enough—discipline or even talent in some areas. The Spartans had eight penalties amounting to 81 yards given up, none perhaps more crucial than the last five. MSU gave up 418 total yards, mainly by air, to a speedy CMU receiver corps in that spread offense.

But the credit goes to CMU QB Dan LeFevour whose 11-yard TD pass to Paris Cotton with just 32 seconds left in regulation brought the Chips within one, 27-26. Going for the win on a gutsy two-point conversion attempt, LeFevour's pass was caught by Antonio Brown a foot or two outside the end zone.

With the entire world expecting an onside kick, MSU was again shorthanded in discipline as the onside receiving team failed to keep their spots and come up with ball, allowing LeFevour one last shot at getting the win in a silent and shocked Spartan Stadium.

A poised LeFevour only needed a few more first downs to give Aguila a chance, leading up to the Spartans giving him yet another.

LeFevour's 352 passing yards, along with picking apart the Spartan secondary, also helped the CMU senior surpass Byron Leftwich to become the MAC Conference's all-time leader in total offense.

The game helped reaffirm one point, while helping discredit another. Dan LeFeavour is very talented. MSU may not be. While LeFevour (and CMU) helped his cause for national notoriety, the Spartans' loss did directly the opposite.

Cubs' Piniella: Time For Change at Closer

Francisco E. Velazquez — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:41:24 -0400

With two outs in the ninth inning on Monday night, Kevin Gregg once again blew it.

With two strikes against San Diego’s Chase Headley, Kevin Gregg once again blew it.

With the Chicago Cubs five games out of first place and desperately needing to collect some consecutive wins, Kevin Gregg once again served up a titanic-sized meatball on a platter down the middle of the plate, ultimately blowing it.

This time around, the pitch was made to Kyle Blanks, ending the game on a three-run homer that was as hard to swallow for the Cubs and Cubs fans as any loss this season. Perhaps it is the pressure of time running out that has finally forced Piniella’s hand on this issue, because blowing five of 28 chances sure wasn’t. Now having blown six of 29, the time has come to make a change.

"I think we are going to make some changes as far as what we're going to do late innings," said manager Lou Piniella. "We'll see what we do,” he added.

Blowing a one-run lead is tough. Blowing a four-run lead is unacceptable. Having blown 20 percent of your chances is intolerable.

But Gregg has not lost any esteem about his pitching. "Yeah, I still believe in my stuff," he said.

But we don’t, Kev. Neither does Piniella.

What’s worse for Northsiders is that Gregg’s critics have been right all along. But in the end, it may be because of Piniella (for just now seeing what many have seen all along) that the Cubs don’t make it into the postseason.

As The Cubs sit six games behind the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday morning, it’s easy to say that Gregg’s six blown saves, well, should have been saves. Thus, the Cubs in actuality (and despite their continued injuries and struggles at the plate) should be tied for first place in the division.

So, is it Gregg’s fault that the Cubs have slipped to their depths? No.

But it is his fault that the closer has not produced enough to keep his job? Yes. Now, what we have left is merely for Piniella to make a decision: who will fill that role going forward.

With some vital contributions needing to be made, Gregg has blown it.

With the Cubs needing an effective closer as part of a mediocre bullpen, Gregg has blown his role and, maybe, his last chance at a save.

MSU Football May Open 2010 in Soldier Field or Ford Field

Francisco E. Velazquez — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:39:32 -0400

Florida Atlantic would like to open up the 2010 season against the MSU Spartans. Problem is there's nowhere to play it.

Construction on FAU's football Stadium may force Michigan State to be the visiting team against FAU in Chicago's Soldier Field or Detroit's Ford Field. FAU is unable to host the game due to that construction, which was supposed to have been done by then. But the timeline for its completion has been pushed back into 2011.

What was supposed to be a home game for Florida Atlantic after visiting MSU this past 2008 season, has turned into a search for a viable option that will generate revenue. Another site supposedly in consideration is Miami's Land Shark Stadium.

Florida Atlantic officials are expected to announce a site for the game in a couple of months, according to John Lewandowski, MSU associate athletic director for media relations.

FAU Athletic Director Craig angelos reportedly said that a game at either Soldier Field or Ford Field would allow the sale of over 50,000 tickets, despite the capacity of both fields being over 60,000. Ford Field can even expand it's seating capacity to 70,000.

Becasue of the issue, FAU will owe MSU at least $150,000. but that will not matter too much considering the revenue both schools will get if they play at one of those aforementioned venues.

MSU has alumni base of over 20,000 in Chicago alone. Detroit has an alumni base of over 80,000 for the Spartan faithful, which could generate over $2 million when all is said and done.

MSU Football Snubbed in First USA Today Coaches' Poll

Francisco E. Velazquez — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:10:18 -0400

As expected by many across the country, the Florida Gators topped yet another preseason poll on Friday as the USA Today Coaches' Poll was released. Unexpectedly, however, the thriving Michigan State Spartans, who ended the 2008 season ranked 24th, were left out of the top 25 despite having an improved roster.

Texas, Oklahoma, USC, and Alabama round out the top five. The first Big Ten team on the polls is Ohio State right behind Alabama at sixth on the poll. Penn State is not too far behind holding down the eighth spot.

Nothing too surprising there.

The controversy is in the latter 10 or so spots.

Personally, I will never know how Oregon State, Brigham Young, Notre Dame (especially), Nebraska, North Carolina, and Florida State came in before the Spartans. Even Iowa at 21 is arguable. California at No. 12 is also laughable.

The Spartan come in ranked 27th in the nation behind Kansas after the top 25. In my opinion, Kansas should have received some better play as well.

The biggest problem here (which I'm sure is being discussed in conversations across the country) is Notre Dame.

How in the...?

That goes to show how much notoriety plays on the polls rather than the actual talent. We've all had problems with the polls, but the latter half of this poll holds no legitimacy in my mind. These coaches have agendas and alliances to vote for, not fairness.

The bottom line is, regardless of my bias or not, the Spartans should be in the high teens, with some of those schools ranked in the 20s knocked out.

DB Isaiah Lewis' Commitment To MSU Increases Good 2010 Class

Francisco E. Velazquez — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:49:25 -0400

Four-star safety Isaiah Lewis committed to MSU on Thursday, a week after Michigan State was well represented in the latest Rivals.com position rankings with commitments among the best in the nation at several positions.

Lewis is one of the Rivals250 and is already the fourth four-star prospect to commit to MSU. He is rated the 25th best safety in the nation by Rivals.com.

Despite being a bit undersized (5'11" and 190-pounds), Lewis is said to be a great reactor. He's a tough and aggressive safety who has, "Linebacker toughness in a defensive backs frame that loves contact and really unloads on the ball carrier or receiver when given the opportunity," according to Scouts, Inc.

The Indianapolis (IN) Ben Davis senior had 13 offers and was being recruited by a majority of the Big Ten schools along with Kentucky. He helps bolster an increasingly impressive 2010 incoming class for MSU—something that is becoming more and more of an expectation under current head coach Mark Dantonio.

MSU's recruitment of Lewis shows that Dantonio's staff is committed to improving a traditionally mediocre (at best) secondary—a Michigan State weakness for a long time.

Lewis chose MSU primarily over Iowa and Kentucky, despite having a high interest in entering the SEC. But several publications reported that he was also being targeted by Jim Tressel at Ohio State, especially after Lewis was a top performer last weekend at Ohio State's Senior Camp.

"I've been coaching 25 years and he is the most physical football player I've ever coached," Ben Davis head coach Mike Kirschner said. "I've never had a kid that hits like he hits. He's very athletic, he was timed at 4.4 flat in the 40 at Ohio State twice, but that's the x-factor. He's very, very physical."

Perhaps Lewis' commitment came in an opportune time for MSU, considering Ohio State was yet to offer Lewis to entice him otherwise.

But Lewis isn't the only highly recruited safety that Dantonio and Tressel are trying to covet. In fact, they are both recruiting someone who is rated higher than Lewis.

Cleveland Glennville's Latwan Anderson is a speedy, athletic safety rated the sixth-best safety in the country and No. 74 top prospect by Rivals.com. Anderson has yet to make a decision.

Anderson has an enormous amount of offers from over 35 schools. He plans to visit the Land of Sparta sometime within the next month.

Manning, Not Steltz, at Free Safety...For Now

Francisco E. Velazquez — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:39:39 -0400

Chicago Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith revealed on the team website that Danieal Manning will begin training camp at free safety with the first team. Many anticipated Craig Steltz to take the snaps with the starters in just his second year.

However, Smith also said that Manning will remain at the nickel spot in passing situations.

“Sometimes it takes players a while before they really get it and I think Danieal has gotten it where it all makes sense to him, and that’s why we’re putting him in this role right now,” Smith said.

Steltz will instead give Kevin Payne some competition for strong safety. Still, Lovie intends on having Steltz replace Manning at free safety in those nickel packages. But Manning has been adament about his preference for nickel to remain his main role.

"I really, really like nickel and just this past offseason, Coach [Lovie] Smith worked hands-on with me at nickel," Manning said.

"But I really don't know what exact type of defensive back I am. I just play football and contribute the best way I can for the team. Right now they want me to play nickel, and I'll play it. Who knows, I could play corner or safety coming up, you just never know."

Smith is obviously impressed with Manning's diversity and growth. So much so, that he insists he's made the decision in spite of Charles Tillman's recent back surgery and not because of it.

Beyond being the other tremendous returner not named Hester, Manning has had plenty of experience at free safety. He's also done an impressive job at nickel back, even starting some games at corner.

“I’ve heard people talk about the different positions Danieal has played,” Smith said. “But that only helps you. He knows exactly what it feels like to play (corner, safety and nickel). He’s played every position in the secondary. That’s helped his football knowledge and is going to make him a better free safety.”

Manning registered 31 tackles with one sack, one interception, four pass breakups, and 11 special teams-tackles last season.

MSU Football Picked Third In Big Ten; Greg Jones Named Best Defensive Player

Francisco E. Velazquez — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:59:48 -0400

Michigan State University was well represented in more ways than one at the annual Big Ten Media Days in Chicago.

While an impressed media picked Michigan State to finish third in the conference for 2009, perhaps the most intriguing recognition for MSU football was having Greg Jones named the Big Ten preseason defensive player of the year—the first Spartan to take such an honor since Charles Rogers in 2002.

Though it is basically a dressed-up prediction for Jones to have continued success, it shows that many people have high expectations for Jones and high impressions of the junior linebacker's talent.

Jones led the 2008 Spartans in tackles (127) as the first Spartan since Eric Smith in 2005 to record over 100. Leading the Spartans in tackles 11 of 13 games, Jones ranked third in the conference and 17th nationally. His premier performance at the Green and White game last spring also lends support for the All-American candidate to continue to rise.

All in all, it is still a heck of a recognition, considering some of the NFL's current rising stars have held these same recognitions at Media Days' past.

Now, not only has Mark Dantonio's increasing success been featured as the face of MSU football, so too are the players being featured among the nation's best.

Aside from Javon Ringer's stellar contribution in a green and white jersey, no other player has exemplified MSU's recent rise out of college football's lower echelons more than Greg Jones.

Jones' crushing hits on league running backs have obviously drawn eyes. But Jones also draws precisely what Dantonio was hired to bring into Spartan Stadium—a tough, athletic, business-oriented team-player who flat-out makes plays consistently.

What else could you ask for?

"Greg's shown great leadership the last two years, and he's shown that on the field," Dantonio said.

Jones is part of that "new culture" that Dantonio spoke of so often when he returned to East Lansing as the newest head coach. And that new culture has allowed the media to take a look at MSU and say, "They are pretty good."

So much so, that picking MSU to come in third behind national powerhouses Ohio State and Penn State is not a leap of faith for some nonobjective writer. The proof is panning out. MSU was picked such by a panel of 350 media members.

Still, Dantonio insists that playing better in big games is a must.

"We need to play up when we play these marquee games, where more than just winning and losing is riding on that," he said. "A little bit more of the national attention may be riding on it...We have to develop a certain amount of confidence to play at that level."

If Dantonio's plans and players continue to pan out, MSU will soon be predicted to come in even higher than third.

Lou Piniella Takes a Hands-On Approach with Milton Bradley's Hitting Woes

Francisco E. Velazquez — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:31:59 -0400

If you want something done, sometimes you gotta do it yourself.

Forget Von Joshua. For now, Piniella has decided to take a more hands-on approach with Milton Bradley as his personal hitting coach. Piniella says he plans on working with Bradley on Monday as they prep for a three-game series with NL-East leading Philadelphia.

"I had a nice talk with Bradley [Sunday]," Piniella said. "I'm going to work with him personally for a while and see if we can get him going."

However, Piniella also said that Bradley may not be in the lineup on Monday or Tuesday to get Bradley some more time to watch film and work on simplifying his approach at the plate. Bradley had Sunday off in the series finale at Washington after he struck out three times on Saturday.

"If you don't see him in the lineup for a couple days, it's just to get work in, and when he's ready, we'll get him out there," Piniella said.

Bradley is hitting .167 on the Cubs’ current road trip and .239 overall this season—a contrast to his career-best .321 of last year.

"We're going to get him a little shorter path to the ball, increase a little bat speed. And we can do that with a couple of adjustments, I feel. We'll start [today]. And when he's ready, we'll get him out there."

While Bradley takes a seat, Jake Fox is the logical candidate to start in right field. Hitting .326 with almost a third less at-bats than Bradley, Fox is forcing fans to want Piniella to play him more. Monday will be a start.

Still, both Piniella and Bradley have been adamant that they are confident Bradley is getting his mechanics corrected and that Bradley will have a better second-half. Perhaps this move ensures Piniella that he’s putting his money where his mouth is.

Cotto Continues To Pursue 145-Pound Catch Weight In Pacquiao Fight

Francisco E. Velazquez — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:23:22 -0400

Though Pacquiao has insisted that he deserves the right to negotiate the megafight with Miguel Cotto on his terms, Cotto belives he has some pull, too.

In early July, the Puerto Rican WBO welterweight champion insisted that he would not go below a 145-pound catch weight in negotiations for the megafight with Manny Pacquiao proposed to come this November.

He's not backing down.

"My petition is the same," Cotto said recently in the Puerto Rican newspaper El Nuevo Dia.

Though both camps insist that the much-anticipated fight is practically agreed upon, no one is denying that negotiators still must agree on the ever-important catch weight along with the revenue splits.

Pacquiao would prefer to have the fight at a 143-pound catch weight since he is not a true welterweight. The Filipino superstar weighed in at 138 last May against Ricky Hatton. However, many analysts say this catch weight would still benefit the Filipino superstar since Cotto is currently much more used to fighting around 147 and up.

Still, Cotto belives that going below 145 pounds is more than just a disagreement.

"I am not going to risk my health. The [catch] weight of 145 pounds is final and firm," Cotto said earlier in July. Beyond those discrepancies, Pacquiao has said that the fight is, "80 percent [done]."

“A pound or two will not stop this fight (from happening),” said Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels.

Kellen Davis Coming Along in Chicago Bears' Plans

Francisco E. Velazquez — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:52:01 -0400

Drafted in the fifth round out of Michigan State in the 2008 draft, TE Kellen Davis struggled in his first year with the Chicago Bears. While Greg Olsen continued to improve and Desmond Clark continued to solidify his importance in the passing game, Davis stood back on Sundays—struggling (or perhaps unwilling to put in the effort) to properly learn the offense.

But this year brings a brand new day, and Davis seems to be coming along in the Bears’ plans, according to tight ends coach Rob Boras. Boras discussed Davis in a recent discussion with ChicagoBears.com writer, Larry Mayer.

“He’s getting better. It’s all about trying to find the consistency. Once you’re consistent, the quarterbacks, the coaches and everybody start to have trust in you,” Boras said.

“There are still some ups and downs for him, but the biggest jump everyone always says is from your first year to your second, so we’re expecting him to make that big jump. If he can play with consistency, he’ll be a guy that can get on the field and hopefully make some plays for us.”

Boras’ statement is significant in that it presents an answer for many wondering what Kellen Davis’ future would be in Chicago once TE Michael Gaines was signed as a blocking tight end—a role Davis was drafted to fill—last May out from Detroit. It appears that Davis is sticking around…for now.

That wouldn’t be a bad idea for the Bears.

No one questioned Davis’ athleticism or size at the 2008 NFL combines. At 6’7” and 260 pounds, Davis earned an All-Big Ten honorable mention and showed loads of potential out of his breakout senior season in East Lansing.

Many scouts said Davis has the size and athleticism that any team would look for from a tight end. Heck, the guy even lined up as a defensive end for the Spartans on occasion for marginal success.

But what people questioned was his lack of dedication to making himself better on the field and, yes, even off. His 2006 arrest from an East Lansing scuffle didn’t help his cause come draft night. As for his play, scouts found that Davis hadn’t shown a willingness to improve his route-running and blocking.

Still, his potential was undeniable, and the Bears made their investment in the former Spartan. So, that begs the question: was Davis’ lack of development in his first year just a somewhat-typical rookie year? Or was the lack of development, well, a lack of effort?

Only Davis and the coaches will know for sure. But Keeping Davis around is a good idea at the very least for the depth that Davis allows. Having Davis as insurance will give the Bears more security with having Olsen and Clark on the field together, preferably in double-tight end sets.

However, it also gives Ron Turner the flexibility of using Michael Gaines as a fullback (as he has stated is an occasional possibility), since Gaines thus will not have to necessarily be that insurance.

Still, Davis can make his best contribution on the field.

“He’s such a big body that he could be a red zone threat for us just because of his pure size. He has great straight-line speed,” Boras said.

Hopefully, Davis can be successful and present another threat in the Chicago arsenal. For even if Davis doesn’t fit into the Bears’ future plans, his success can ultimately lead to a beneficial trading chip for the Bears.

Personally, I wish it doesn’t come to those complexities as a Bears fan who happens to be a MSU alum. But if it does play out that way, at least Davis will have came along just fine.

“Like everybody, he’s a work in progress,” Boras said.

2009 Home Run Derby Could Be Best of Decade

Francisco E. Velazquez — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:28:54 -0400

There is no doubt that this year’s Home Run Derby will have a lot of work to do to give a better performance than Josh Hamilton gave us alone last year.

But there is also no doubt, for me, that the 2009 Home Run Derby will be better than those of the recent past because it offers something that relatively recent Derbies have not: the game’s true power hitters.

Showcasing three of the league’s leading home run kings, Monday’s Home Run Derby should live up to its billing because those kings are truly the game’s best at hitting the long ball.

Albert Pujols will lead his St. Louis crowd against the likes of Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder and Philadelphia’s Ryan Howard. But it is another contestant, Adrian Gonzalez, who is the NL’s runner-up to leader Albert Pujols.

Combined, the NL’s representatives in the Derby have an astonishing 807 career home runs. The oldest of the four is only 29 years old (Ryan Howard).

Replacing Dustin Pedroia on the AL All-Star team, the AL’s home run leader, Carlos Pena, also joined the Derby to finalize the field on Sunday with Detroit’s Brandon Inge, Minnesota’s Joe Mauer, and Texas’ Nelson Cruz.

The American League’s representatives have a combined 407 career home runs—exactly 400 less than the NL.

Sure, the names Cruz, Inge, and perhaps even Pena may not hold any weight in your mind as a power hitter.

But consider this: Joe Mauer has the least of the foursome. In fact, Brandon Inge, Nelson Cruz, and Carlos Pena are three of the AL’s top five home run leaders this year.

So, I stress "today" when I say that the Derby represents today’s strongmen.

However, I still feel that there is one player, a contestant in the 2006 Derby, who could’ve made this year even more indicative and dramatic—Miguel Cabrera. Though Cabrera only has 18 home runs as of yet this year, there is no question that he is one of the game’s most dangerous hitters.

It’s too bad he’s not on the list.

The 2006 and 2007 Home Run Derbies were unquestionably suited to showcase some great power hitters, but this year’s rendition has the best lineup of contestants perhaps since 2000, which featured Sammy Sosa, Ken Griffey Jr., Carl Everett, Carlos Delgado, Edgar Martinez, Chipper Jones, Vladimir Guerrero, and Ivan Rodriguez.

Again, along with 2004, 2006 and 2007 had some legendary power hitters, but no Home Run Derby this decade is more indicative of today’s MLB lumberjacks than this year.

Still, I expect a great home run derby, not from one guy, but from every contestant.

Michigan State Football Excelling While "Others" Have Lost Touch with Reality

Francisco E. Velazquez — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:55:42 -0400

Note: This article is a response to another article on Bleacher Report titled, "Andre 'Bad Moon' Rison Has Lost Touch with Reality"

For Michigan Football Fans, it is a splendid read by a good writer. For MSU fans, here is my response, in support of good 'ol Sparty:

Oh, I'm sorry. I must have mistakenly thought that Kevin Grady, Mike Milano, and Rich Rod weren't class acts either. But, if you think Michigan players don't do stupid things, hey, you must be right.

Yes...of course, I'm being sarcastic.

You see, many Michigan State fans will shake their heads when a current or former Michigan Wolverine does something stupid. Most will make a comment like, "They are showing their true colors" or "That's the difference between East Lansing and Ann Arbor."

Michigan has always had a problem playing second fiddle to Michigan State in years MSU dominates both on the field as well as the court. Always.

So, when they lose to MSU and fail miserably at trying to reach a bowl game/Sweet Sixteen, etc., they find the most ridiculous angles to take on MSU athletes. consequently, there are sad attempts at relieving themselves the shame of losing to their "little brother."

So when MSU blew out Rich Rod and UM in the Big House a year ago, UMich was really pissed, and continues to be pissed, because they can't believe it's true.

So when former Wolverines do something stupid, like driving under the influence in the "hood" that is Wyoming, Michigan...or outright lie to their former employers and lead a historically good program into the ground, boy, is it news.

What's strange is, these players don't lack talent, they just lack some type of gene above the neck that has an adverse effect on, not only making right and wrong decisions, but being humble, good losers.

In other words, Wolverines being spoiled little brats...with a ton of class, though.

Cotto Clashes with Clottey, Holds onto WBO Title In Bizarre Fight

Francisco E. Velazquez — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 02:40:40 -0400

Miguel Cotto won the fight against welterweight contender Joshua Clottey on Saturday night to retain his WBO title, but the fight wasn’t easy and, in many minds, not even conclusive.

Once Cotto (34-1) and Joshua Clottey (35-3) stepped into the ring, some of the last things we expected to happen are precisely what took place. It turned out to be a very awkward fight—and a just as bizarre split-decision in Cotto’s favor.

We expected some gargantuan blows to the head and body to do damage, but got the main portion of damage coming from an accidental headbutt in the third round that cut Cotto’s left eyebrow.

After that, we expected the fight to be called. Instead, we got numerous big swings of momentum and a full 12 rounds of action.

We expected blow after blow from flinging gloves and arms, but got shown a very admirable defensive exhibition from both fighters.

We expected some of those power punches to shove the fighters onto the mat, but instead only seen one surprising knockdown—Clottey falling to the mat from a Cotto jab (yes, jab) in the first round.

In the end, Cotto had done just enough, overcoming the blood dripping into his left eye and a strong momentum shift to Clottey in the middle rounds, to win the judges over.

"The cut made me fight harder," Cotto said, "but I felt like I was winning all the way."

But some, including Clottey, do not agree with the outcome.

After dropping Clottey in the first with a quick right jab, the momentum was clearly in the Puerto Rican’s favor. But the headbutt changed everything.

With blood flowing down Cotto’s face from then on, Clottey found his opportunities, starting a very strategic attack in the fifth round.

Taking advantage of Cotto’s cut, Clottey caught Cotto with overhand rights to the head and uppercuts to Cotto’s jaw throughout the middle rounds, ultimately winning several of those rounds, especially the seventh and eighth quite convincingly.

Judges John McKaie had Cotto winning the fight, 115-112, while Tom Miller had it 114-113 for Clottey. But the most intriguing score was referee Don Trella’s, who had the fight going 116-111 for Cotto—a score many of the broadcasters and those within Clottey’s camp found miserably suspicious.

"I was robbed. I want a rematch. They robbed me,” he said. “The winner of the fight is supposed to be the one who is fighting hardest. He was running and I was chasing him. I threw the hardest punches."

HBO’s Harold Lederman had the score 114-113 also for Cotto.

Perhaps adding even more drama was Cotto’s camp choosing not to force the ringside physician, Anthony Curreri, to stop the fight.

It would have been strategically a smart move, considering that after the fourth round, the fight must go to the scorecards should it be stopped due to accidental injuries.

After the fourth and perhaps fifth rounds, Cotto was ahead in all scorecards. Still, Cotto’s camp admirably decided to use their energy towards maintaining the fight.

However, some viewed it as an immature decision—an effect of having new head trainer Joe Santiago rather than long-time trainer and uncle Evangelista Cotto.

Cotto and his uncle/trainer had a very public falling-out last April, forcing Cotto to make the switch to Santiago.

Though some viewed the decision as inexperienced, others viewed Cotto continuing to come out courageous—perhaps swaying those necessary rounds in the scorecard.

"Guts, just guts," Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said. "He could have taken the easy way out, because early on he was clearly ahead on points."

But Cotto came out at every bell to make it interesting, though thanks to a great effort by Joshua Clottey, not the way he would’ve wished.

Still, on the eve of New York’s annual Puerto Rican Day parade, Cotto gave the packed Madison Square Garden full of Puerto Ricans what they came to see.

"You have to use your skills and you have to use your mind," Cotto said. "I understood if I'm moving the last four or five rounds, I'm going to get the victory, because I'm in front of the fight. If I keep working, I'm going to get the win."

Cubs Really NEED Wins in Houston To Keep Pace before Interleague Play

Francisco E. Velazquez — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:17:51 -0400

Only three-and-a-half games behind the Brewers at the moment, the Cubs need to pick up some quick wins before teams head into interleague play—a rough stretch in particular for the Cubs.

The Cubs will have to face all three of the top AL Central teams within the next two weeks, including a trip to the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers.

The Northsiders will begin a three-game series on Tuesday night at Houston with their most consistent pitcher on the mound. And the way things are shaping up for the next several weeks, Ted Lilly is the right pitcher at the right time to start the series in Tropicana Field.

Looking at the next few weeks for the Cardinals and Brewers, it looks like the Cubs just may have the tougher schedule. So, the Cubs need some wins this week so the GBs don’t get too out of hand.

After this three-game series, the Cubs start interleague play on Friday against the Minnesota Twins and Kevin Slowey, who is pitching very well with an 8-2 record. Then, the Cubs get a day off before hosting the crosstown rival White Sox for a three-game series starting Tuesday, June 16.

Though the White Sox are four games under .500, Southside Head Coach Ozzie Guillen always seems to have his team ready to battle the Cubs.

Meanwhile, the Reds (tied with the Cubs) and Cardinals both have series’ against Kansas City and Cleveland—the last two teams in the AL central—coming up.

The Cardinals have an opportune time to take hold of the NL Central. Though the Cardinals also have a series against Detroit, St. Louis has the comfort of hosting those games at Busch Stadium.

The NL Central-leading Brewers have to face Detroit in Motown, but get to play the Twins and White Sox in Milwaukee.

The tougher schedule comes with the territory of winning the NL Central last year. But aiming to win it this year, the Cubs can’t let those losses begin to pile up while the Brewers and Cardinals get too far ahead.

These next two weeks will tell a lot about the divisional race and where the teams will stand as we get further into the break.

The Cubs need wins. That, hopefully, begins tonight with Ted Lilly.

Earl Bennett Is Key To Bears' Success (and The Hester Project, Too)

Francisco E. Velazquez — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:44:53 -0400

I've said before that I will, unlike many within the legions of Bears fans, reserve judgement about the Windy City's receiving corps. Sure, with the exception of Rashied "Brick-hands" Davis, they're young and "unproven."

That is precisely why I haven't written them off, as many others have. But nowhere am I reserving judgement more than in the case of Earl Bennett.

In fact, that is a lie. I may...possibly...maybe...say that I believe Earl Bennett is going to have a good year. In fact again, I think he will not only have a good year, he will ultimately be one of the main keys to the Bears' offense.

"Earl Bennett is attacking his role as one of the lead receivers. I feel he’s really showing the things that we all saw back in college," Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo said on the team website for an article written earlier this month.

The Bears are counting on the second-year pro to do just that, because what he did out of Vanderbilt was tremendous. Bennett set the SEC Conference record for career receptions (236) in 2007, just his third year on the field.

In each of those three years, Bennett earned All-SEC honors. He would enter the 2008 Draft after scoring 20 touchdowns, with nine (the most he scored in a single year there) of those coming directly out of Jay Cutler's hand.

So, though he didn't get much of a chance to contribute last year, I'm optimistic that Bennett will be a great asset. I'm not alone.

“[Bennett] has had an awesome offseason,” head coach Lovie Smith said.

“Sometimes as rookies you don’t really get an opportunity to prove what you can do. But we saw him improve a lot the latter part of last season and we’ve seen the same things right now, and I think he’s a guy that will come onto the scene and everyone will like quite a bit.”

However, as excited as I will be should Bennett see success, it will be what that success represents for the Bears that will be gratifying.

If Bennett can get some beneficial touches, he can legitimately set himself as a No. 2 receiver. With success, comes attention. And it is that attention that I want from the defenses, let alone you critics.

With more attention on Bennett's side, Devin Hester, who is also vastly improved according to Turner, will be able to get his touches more easily as well. Those passes could amount to plenty of the deep bombs from Cutler to Hester seen at last Wednesday's OTA practice.

As any football strategist knows, the passing game opens holes for the running game and vice versa.

As I said, the Bears are counting on Bennett to produce because he can be the gear that, once the running game is established, can create that long ball to Hester or further the success on the ground.

Bennett said that he thinks Culter is "going to do wonders for this team."

I may, possibly...think Bennett is, too.

Lions' Playbook: Strategies May Simply Be Asking Too Much

Francisco E. Velazquez — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:42:48 -0400

From what I saw last year, the Lions offense ran typical pro sets, I-formations and such. With Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson opposite of each other, you would’ve thought that the Lions had a nice recipe for success outside, considering Kevin Smith’s successes in the run game.

Sure, the running game wasn’t perfect by any means, but to deny Kevin Smith’s abilities is just ignorant. The line was a mess and so was the quarterback situation—a trend in the North last season.

This year, much of that should change. Culpepper should be a prepared quarterback with a full preseason under his belt rather than a fill-in QB as he was last year. Yet you would think that he could wipe much of whatever success he had last year as a new offensive coordinator this year equals a new playbook.

Sort of. Culpepper is familiar with Linehan from their time in Minnesota. With a premier receiver in both tenures—Moss and now, Calvin Johnson—I would expect a similar type of offense, considering it is also the same conference-brand of play.

Drafting Stafford, Pettigrew, and Derrick Williams (which I think is a superb pick that hasn’t been talked about much) to place into the mix, the Lions now have a good amount of talent in those key positions. But drafting a single lineman out in the seventh round doesn’t exactly show the Lions are worried about their line. They kinda should be.

Last year, the Lions employed more zone-blocking schemes. This year, it would be wiser to refer back to man-to-man, which I’m sure they will if they plan on doing some more running. With pretty good skill position players, the run game is needed to open up space for those receivers, which is where we come full circle.

The line is still bad, so don’t expect the running game to be too successful. It’s as if the Lions, for example, fixed an appliance from the electrical cord to the appliance itself, yet never turned on the electricity to get it started in the first place.

So, in reality, I imagine the Lions will stay to their Pro Sets, three-wide outs and strong side I formations—with of course some philosophical modifications. Linehan is different, which in turn leads to different play calls.

Will the offense be better? No doubt, but only because of the upgrade in skill personnel.

In fact, a pass-first concept wouldn’t be out of the question. In that regard, that would open up the running lanes.

Once the running game gets going, well, refer to top. But then again, this is the NFC North.

On defense, new defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham is a very experienced coordinator. I like the choice. The addition of Louis Delmas and DeAndre Levy for Cunningham to play with allows some more security on the outside thirds of the field.

The philosophy here is of course to keep the offenses on the inside. By keeping them on the inside, it allows Larry Foote, Julian Peterson, Ernie Sims, and/or DeAndre Levy to make the plays.

Hey, that’s not a bad idea at all. The Lions have definitely upgraded the personnel which virtually simplifies the philosophy: Keep the offenses to the middle will force defenses to run. So, stop the run.

The problem, though, is a similar one. Yup, the linemen are the key and, um…the line sucks.

Sure, sending Foote, Peterson, and Sims to make plays is a good idea. But all the time?

Having an old Grady Jackson lead the line, forces the younger lineman to step up. Landon Cohen fits the bill but is too light (296 lbs.) for what the staff prefers.

Kevin Seifert reported that the Lions are looking to beef up their linemen “to stand up against the run better.” That logic ultimately shows why the Lions selected Sammie Lee Hill (331 lbs.) in the draft.

Grady Jackson is the heaviest at 345 lbs. Hill and Chartric Darby will have to make plays. If they do, the defense should be relatively okay.

Considering the passing game, the linemen must make rush the quarterback too if they plan on being successful. That may be asking too much from this corps of linemen.

But if the Lions implemented a 3-3-5 scheme as has been suggested, it takes pressure of the lineman and adds more on the linebackers. Again, we come full circle. If the linemen fail, you now may be asking too much from the linebackers, even as good as they are.

But Gunther is smart. We’ll see what he does to plug his holes. In the end, the Lions simply may be asking too much right now.

Chicago Bears: Though I Love '85, the '06 Season Is Special Too

Francisco E. Velazquez — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:36:59 -0400

The 1985 Chicago Bears come with a myth that is unimaginable. I often heard stories about how their blue helmets shined off the sun like no other season before.

Stories were told about how McMahon had the individuality to fight the system and how Walter Payton’s magnificent legs—that took him right, left, past, and around the defenders—were just second to his ridiculous upper body—with shoulders that took him through defenders.

It was on these same shoulders that the ’85 Bears rode on through the “Super Bowl Shuffle” (made in the middle of the season) and actually to the Super Bowl.

How arrogant was that? I actually don’t consider it arrogance, though. When your team is that dominant, I would consider it foresight. And the Bears were that dominant, even when Payton’s legs and shoulder’s were on the sidelines.

This 1985 Bears had arguably the best defense assembled.

Though many people remember it being a cold Fall, just to be near Soldier Field was like being around The Colosseum in its prime during the late-first century. The Bears were our Gladiators.

My problem is, however, that I was only a ripe one-year-old when this all was taking place. Have I watched Super Bowl XX? Of course.

Have I hounded the statistics to match that myth to paper (and in a way to believe the unbelievable)? Absolutely.

Have I watched a “fridge” fill in at fullback? For sure.

Have I YouTubed the Coke and WGN commercials? You know it.

Have I read the interviews about the defense’s bruising hits? You bet’cha.

My pops and uncles told me about the ’85 Bears. But if (heaven forbid) the Bears never make it to another Super Bowl in my lifetime, what will I tell my children?

With my own eyes, I have witnessed a team rally back from 20 points down without an offensive touchdown. These light brown eyes have seen the greatest kick/punt returner in history score touchdowns over and over and over.

The ’85 Bears will forever be mythical to me—a plateau in Bears history that places a ceiling above all other teams. However, the 2006 team holds sentimental value in my heart because I, myself, went through the highs and lows of that season.

They will forever hold a place in my mind simply because I remember it. Also, and unlike the ’85 Bears, they weren’t supposed to win.

As many of us know, the Bears handed Thomas Jones the nod at running back after Cedric Benson was injured in camp from a hit by Brian Urlacher and Mike Brown. Talk about serendipity...

Meanwhile the quarterback carousel was at full steam ahead as Rex’s preseason starts were poor. With the offseason signing of veteran Brian Griese, the quarterback position was still far from cemented. Still, the Bears rocketed off the gates, going into Week Nine undefeated—starting with a gratifying 26-0 shutout of the Packers at Lambeau.

But, without a doubt, the most memorable of those wins took place in Week Six at the Arizona Cardinals. With rookie Matt Leinart quarterbacking a predictably bad Arizona team, the Cardinals unpredictably took a 20-0 lead into halftime.

The magic started late in the third quarter when Mike Brown took a Matt Leinart fumble to the end zone, causing a prime time momentum shift unheard of in providing gasps, ohs, ahs, and lockjaw from all the open mouths and dropped jaws on millions of ESPN viewers.

Nothing is more gratifying than coming home after a long afternoon at work. As I recall, I was by myself at my girlfriend’s apartment watching Brian Urlacher come up behind a Bears stockpile with a red dot in the middle named Edgerrin James.

“Did I just see Urlacher strip the ball out? Did Charles Tillman score another defensive touchdown? Are we now only down by six?”

Little did all of us know that there was still room to have Devin Hester’s prime time breakout party. After yet another defensive stop, the Cardinals couldn’t have known yet what we all know now: You don’t kick to Devin Hester.

I distinctly remember Hester catching the punt, taking basically a straight shot down the middle of a beautifully perfected wedge (standing and cursing) all the way to the end zone. In utter amazement at what I have just witnessed, I continue to cuss as I hear the neighbors, while watching the same thing, laugh at my shenanigans.

In his first 13 games, Hester took back six touchdowns. Hester would also tie a then-record 108-yard return off a missed field goal. He would take two back against St. Louis. Without taking an offensive snap, Hester would go on to second in scoring on the team behind Robbie “As good as” Gould.

That year, Hester could take it back against the Army, Navy, Marines, Red Cross, Russia put together on kickoff.

Though afraid that the Bears would sit their starters for an essentially meaningless Week 16 game at Ford Field (the Bears had clinched home-field for the playoffs already), the stars did come out. Outside after the victory as we walked to our cars, some Lions fans were angry at our chant of “Miami!” the site of the then-upcoming Super Bowl XLI.

“That team?” he asked rudely. “That team in there? You guys are f*&%#!$ nuts if you think that team is going to the Super Bowl.” I guess we were, then.

Once in the playoffs, after a dominating 13-3 regular season, the Bears beat the prior year’s NFC champions, Seattle Seahawks in overtime. The Bears were not supposed to win this game.

Many “experts” predicted the Bears to fall next to the darling, New Orleans Saints. But even with Reggie Bush, a revitalized Drew Brees, and a nation empathizing with New Orleans, the cards showed only blue and orange. The Bears were not supposed to win this game!

Not only was this the first time the Bears were going to the Super Bowl since that mythical ’85 team, Lovie Smith proudly became the first African-American head coach to go to the Super Bowl. However, it was bittersweet for Lovie, as his mentor, Tony Dungy became the second African-American to go to the big game. What’s a season without drama?

Literally driving back home in a blizzard through Indiana and Michigan, I was listening to the radio as Devin Hester started off Super Bowl XLI with yet another kickoff return. It probably was unsafe to drive through a blizzard at that speed (let alone driving through a blizzard), but I wanted to remember as much as I could.

Though I didn’t begin watching until just before halftime, it is stories like this that draw me to this team.

For the first time since I was a gorgeous baby, names like Briggs, Urlacher, Hester, Harris, Jones, and even Grossman replaced those of Payton, McMahon, and Perry—if only for a night, if only for a season.

The fact that the Bears had so many dramatic problems (QB switches, Tank Johnson mess, Benson injury, Smith vs. Dungy) to overcome only magnifies the Bears’ success.

In reality, 2006 will never replace the ’85 Bears. But I look at them differently. The 1985 team are a comic book of heroes and football gods, hall-of-famers and, most importantly, Super Bowl champions.

But, one day, I will be able to bring up the 2006 Bears and tell my children about a skinny fellow from the University of Miami. I can say that this defense was one of the best ever, simply because the Bears got to Super Bowl Sunday without a quarterback worthy of being on the roster.

The 2006 Bears are, to me, worthy of this article. That is, unless the Bears win another Super Bowl with my eyes on the screen and, perhaps, a child on my lap.

Detroit Lions Stay Back Of the Class: Growing Up NFC North

Francisco E. Velazquez — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:09:18 -0400

How would you feel if, as a teen, you had a terrible year last year? Nothing seemed to work out right. You were failing your classes, losing your jobs, car, girlfriend, and even the nerds were bullying you around.

But then, you lifted weights all summer, pulling cardio as hard as Napoleon Dynamite listening to Jamiroquai. You had a make-over. You found a new job that pays better, which allowed you to buy a relatively newer car. Heck, you even bought a new wardrobe.

Then, you came back only to realize that your three main bullies made drastic changes as well. They look better too. They have mustaches now.

For the Lions, such is reality.

The Bears got a newer, shinier car—a Cutler Cutlass.

The Packers defense found a newer, trendier look—something they aren't used to, but their optimism (confidence) is getting them praise.

The Vikings didn’t do too much, but were the biggest bully last year anyway. This year, they only grew more experienced at bullying you around.

How would that feel, especially if you want to win homecoming?

Chicago filled some key holes in adding depth to their line and obtaining a franchise quarterback. Though many have written off the receiver acquisitions, no one can really say if they are capable or not.

Only Rashied Davis and Brandon Lloyd have spent more than three years at receiver. With four rookies looking for contracts, one or two—including Juaquin Iglesias—could break out and provide immediately. Yet the problem here is the unknown. But I’ve stated that I’ll reserve my judgment until the year ends.

On defense, Head Coach Lovie Smith is taking the reins on an aging defense. Still, this is one of the best defenses in the league and Briggs is hitting his prime. The Bears are also currently speaking to free agent linebacker, Tisa Pinoisamoa—who has a relationship with Lovie from his time in St. Louis—to sit opposite of Briggs as the other on the outside.

Holes in the secondary are still there, but the Bears offense should help out the wear and tear on that end. So, the Bears aren’t perfect, but they are advancing in the popularity contest—they just might win homecoming.

Meanwhile, the Packers started their rebound last year with a surprising year from Aaron Rodgers. The offense was stellar but the defense was not recognizable in Green Bay. They’re kinda’ used to getting the girls.

However, the addition of BJ Raji was a good one. Changing to a 3-4 scheme is not familiar, but the new digs are catching attention.

The main bully from last year, Minnesota didn’t retool too much, but made some nice acquisitions to keep themselves in contention for giving you the worst time. The addition of Percy Harvin may or may not be a good thing. Still, Adrian Peterson is an absolute monster. And he isn’t going anywhere.

Sure, you’re optimistic. The sun is shining in a new era, but the road is long, my friend. And it's obvious.

It doesn’t look like you’ll be making homecoming court this year. Timing is everything. Your classmates are getting just too strong and you're just rebuilding. Any of those other three can make it, while you’ll be heading back to the gym.

Calvin's Questions: Q's for Calvin Johnson

Francisco E. Velazquez — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:25:46 -0400

Calvin Johnson came into the league touted as both an athletic phenom and yet “just another” receiver to be selected by Matt Millen. Selected second overall in the 2007 draft, Johnson has that rare combination of size, speed, athleticism, strength and agility.

But so did Charles Rogers and Mike Williams. The best-player-available attitude also led to Roy Williams in Detroit. He hasn’t necessarily been a bust but he isn’t in Detroit anymore either.

So what sets Calvin Johnson apart?

His stats, for starters. In 31 games, Johnson has over 126 receptions and over 2,000 yards. In 2008, Johnson had 12 touchdowns, averaging 83.2 yards a game.

As humble as he seems, Johnson just can’t seem to escape controversy not of his own design—whether it be from Millen’s choices, Roy William’s competition, or the Lions franchise.

I wonder what does he think about all that?

Selected as the fourth wide receiver in subsequent seasons, how did you feel about being the latest addition to a core of successful collegiate receivers? Did you feel any added pressure to perform when it was obvious that those before you hadn't?

You majored in Building Construction. As blue-collar as Detroit is, how did you feel about coming to Motown, despite the lack of recent success? Did you think it was automatically a good fit?

You forwent your senior season at Georgia Tech, though you had stated that graduating was important to you. What were the major factors in you deciding to make the jump and do you regret missing that final year of eligibility?

Many people thought you would be perfect complement for Roy Williams and that, together, the Lions offense would thrive. Where do you feel that offensive logic went wrong?

What do you feel are the benefits and negatives of not having Roy in the offense anymore?

The Lions have made a lot of changes this offseason—from a new staff to possibly a new face of the organization. However, the one constant you hear is that the Lions feel they can build around you. How do you feel about gaining the trust and being the foundation for an organization that is rebuilding from such a dismal year?

What changes do you feel still need to be made?

You've heard the headlines—Rodgers' success, Bears' trades, and Vikings acquisitions. Does it get frustrating seeing the other divisional teams make so much progress while the Lions are merely rebuilding? Do you think you guys are that far off?

Matt Stafford is coming into the NFL in a very similar position as you did—highly-praised, expected to perform relatively soon, with the Lions after a bad year, and behind someone who has a grip on the starting job (though considered to perhaps be the weaker of the two, thus having to look over his shoulder). What do you think Stafford has to do to take advantage of the situation he's in?

What are your expectations for this franchise in the long-run?

Angels and Demons: Profiling the Chicago Bears Key Coaches

Francisco E. Velazquez — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:33:11 -0400

The Bears’ staff probably shouldn’t have a lot to prove, but they do.

The key members of the 2009 Chicago Bears’ coaching staff are precisely the people who are responsible for the best and worst facets of this football team.

It is those men who must answer to why those holes and strengths were both left unfulfilled last year. The 2008 season was one of many questions.

Could Kyle Orton be considered an upgrade from Rex Grossman?

How could a top-ranked defense fall so quickly? Injuries, alone?

Better yet, how could yet another stellar Chicago defense seem to be aging so quickly?

Why didn’t the Bears fill their holes at quarterback and wide receiver? How could Ron Turner not seem to know the capabilities and limitations of his own offense? In fact, what is he thinking?

Could the Devin Hester experiment finally work? Would it perhaps be a better idea to take Devin Hester out of special teams on occasion to let him zone in on the offensive strategies? Is Danieal Manning a viable candidate?

Were learned a lot last year.

But how does what we know translate into what we can expect?

Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub

We learned that the special teams are still a force on the field. The return can still be absolutely superb with teams kicking to Danieal Manning instead of the game’s premier returner. Still, perhaps what we learned best was that the most valuable person to the special teams may not be Devin Hester.

Coming into his sixth year as the special teams coordinator, Dave Toub has legitimately placed himself among the elite special teams coaches in the NFL. His units have finished among the top third in the NFL for five straight seasons, finishing first overall in 2006 and 2007.

In fact, Toub has been associated with the first overall special teams units in four of the last eight years and was voted as the Special Teams Coach of the Year in 2006 after that thrilling run up to the Super Bowl.

Last year’s Bears were among the top ten in half of the 22 categories in the Dallas Morning News ranking system while holding top five spots in eight. Brad Maynard led the league with 40 punts inside-the-20. Danieal Manning led the league with a 29.7 kickoff return average.

Since Toub has come to Halas, the Bears have an NFL-high 15 kick return touchdowns and Robbie Gould is the most beloved kicker since Kevin Butler.

So, who is Toub?

Selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as an offensive lineman out of UTEP in the ninth round of the 1985 draft, Toub’s playing career was short-lived. The next year, Toub returned to El Paso to coach. Starting as a graduate assistant, Toub quickly moved up the ranks as he would eventually go to the University of Missouri several years later.

Serving in several roles during his 12-year employment at Mizzou, Toub then broke into the NFL when he returned to the team that drafted him 16 years earlier. As the team’s special teams/quality control coach, Toub showed he could cement himself as a premier special teams coach at the highest level.

Coming over to the Bears in 2003, he has. But what will Toub do to continue his legacy?

The debate about whether Hester should stay off of special teams to concentrate on the offense rages on in bars across America. Danieal Manning, not only showed he’s great at returning the ball anyway, but he also showed that the Bears were weighing that debate themselves.

Regardless of the argument, Toub has proven that he should be okay to make the right call.

Offensive Coordinator Ron Turner

Several seasons ago, we learned that Ron Turner, with a solid running game, can coordinate a won’t-mess-up-just-enough offense to get you to the Super Bowl. To his credit, many people seem to forget that the Bears were second in scoring in 2006.

Yet, no one can deny the type of field position the Bears had that year either.

So, we learned last year several things about Turner.

Turner can be successful despite lacking talent but needs to use the defense and special teams as a catalyst for his own success. Turner cannot be successful on his own as, say, a Ron Rivera.

With an injury-plagued defense that wasn’t much of a help to him, the offense didn’t do much to help either. Chicago had another poor showing in time of possession statistics in particular. Take the last, very important game against Houston for example: the offense went one-for-nine on third downs.

Secondly, Tuner hasn’t been able to develop players. From Cedric Benson, Garrett Wolfe, Mark Bradley on to Rex Grossman, Kyle Orton, and so far, Devin Hester, Turner has done a miserable job at developing talent.

Yet, at the same time, there are successes like Thomas Jones, Greg Olsen, and Matt Forte who could argue otherwise.

Still, he must be a scapegoat, not for the dropped balls and missed blocks, but for the consistency of dropped balls and missed blocks—for the lack of adjustments. Luckily for him, GM Jerry Angelo is just as guilty because, ultimately, he gives Turner the players who drop balls and miss blitzes.

But, here and again, Turner could help himself if he could develop and improve his players.

Still, somehow, Turner has coordinated six of the top 24 offenses in Bears history after he began coaching at the University of Arizona in 1978. He would make stops all across the US, including Northwestern and USC, before landing a head coaching job at San Jose State in 1992.

Turner broke into the NFL only a year later when he accepted an offer to be offensive coordinator in Chicago under then-head coach Dave Wanndstedt. Spending four years in Chicago, Turner was given the opportunity to move several hours south as the Fighting Illini’s head coach.

He garnered several achievements there, including Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2001, but never got the program to powerhouse status posting a 32-57 record in his eight years in Champagne.

So he moved back north, back to Lakeshore Drive to take the offensive reins yet again in 2005. And the headlines have told us all too much about his succ….failu…stint ever since.

Hopefully, with some help in 2009, those headlines could be optimistic. That help begins with Toub, but Lovie Smith’s defense is just as important.

Head Coach (and subliminal Defensive Coordinator) Lovie Smith

We learned that Lovie Smith can get angry. Bob Babich’s defense is not where Smith expected it to be. Though Smith is soft-spoken, he is more than disappointed.

And after consecutive disappointing—in his eyes—seasons, the sixth-year head coach has decided that he needs to play a bigger role in the defensive play-calling.

"I think this is what will help us get back to be where we need to be,” Smith said. Well, why keep Babich on the staff in that case?

Beyond the theories, who knows…

What we do know is that the Bears defense went from fifth in 2006 (under Ron Rivera) to 28th in 2007 and 21st last year under Babich. Technically, Babich is still the defensive coordinator but we also know that may be in label alone.

Smith, however, is by no means a virgin to defensive coordination.

Lovie began his 27-year coaching career at his old high school before jumping to his alma mater, Tulsa, a year later. From there, Smith was well-traveled, never staying at each of his following jobs—Wisconsin, Arizona State, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio State—for more than four years, while gaining a variety of experiences a rounded coordinator can utilize.

In 1996, Smith broke into the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he learned the famous Tampa 2 schemes under Tony Dungy that Chicago employs today. He then took his defensive expertise to St. Louis in 2001.

There, he inherited a 23rd-ranked defense and leaped— taking that same defense to third from 2001-2003. In that span, St. Louis won a third-highest 33 games, in which his defense was top-ranked in several defensive categories, including takeaways.

Smith brought those principles to Chicago, as characteristics like takeaways, third-down efficiency, and interception returns all are now identities of this defense in this decade.

But last year’s performance was not identifiable with this identity.

Smith insists that adding Rod Marinelli as assistant head coach will make his job easier. He also insists that his experience as the Bears’ head coach has enabled him to know when and where to use his energy.

Still, beyond his responsibility to the defense, his main job is to have this entire football team prepared to win games, which includes the Super Bowl.

In essence, his decision to coordinate the defense is obviously a key decision made even before the season begins.

So, his premise is to bring that identity back. In that pursuit, there’s has been a lot of talk about Rod Marinelli’s role. There should be because Marinelli has a big one.

In this scheme, a successful four-man rush is essential to the success of the defense. AS 2006 showed, that scheme can work. In 2008, that scheme unfortunately didn’t because of the lack of pressure from those linemen.

Marinelli’s decisions, as defensive line coach, on how to work those lineman will have a domino-effect on the defense. If his decisions are anything like what we saw in Detroit, the line (and thus the defense) will suffer.

But Marinelli’s record shows that his jobs are much more accomplished as a positional coach rather than a head coach. The Bears defense, Lovie Smith, and even Ron Turner will need Marinelli to succeed in that regard.

Otherwise, Lovie Smith’s seat will be hotter because of several key decisions he indeed made—hiring Turner, Babich and Marinelli in the first place. The staffs, just as much as the players indeed have a lot to prove.

Will the staffs be angels in Chicago…or demons?

A Different Chapter in the Chicago Bears' Playbook

Francisco E. Velazquez — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:35:50 -0400

As Bears fans can attest to, the Bears have almost certainly always been a grind-it-out, mow-your-defense-down, run-first team. Our old school style is as Midwestern as Vienna sausage, Faygo soda, cheese, and Old Style beer.

Even the Big Ten, with the recent exception of Michigan (but who cares about Michigan right now), refuses to switch out of the I-formations and wing-T’s of old.

In Soldier Field, we’ve even consistently passed to one of the biggest targets on the grass in Desmond Clark so he can run past linebackers while bulldozing over safeties and corners.

It sounds good in logic.

But, needless to say, the Bears offense hasn’t been eye candy by any means. Not since “Sweetness” have the Bears had a standout back to shoulder the Bears to glory. But now, we have high hopes for Matt Forte, who showed exceptional versatility out of the backfield.

Yet even Payton needed a quarterback. Jim McMahon was never a Joe Montana, Dan Marino or Johnny Unitas, but he did win the Bears’ a Lombardi trophy. He got the job done. But now, we have high hopes for Jay Cutler, who can do more than just throw a ball.

The addition of Cutler most certainly opens up the pass a bit more. However, another big impact to this year’s playbook may lie with the tight ends and the Gaines acquisition in particular.

Though there shouldn’t be any anticipation for drastic changes to the playbook, the new personnel on the field will allow for some success on a different side of the ball that Bears fans haven’t been used to.

Double Tight End Opportunities

Desmond Clark has become one of the top tight end targets in franchise history with 181 receptions since his acquisition in 2003. And that was with Kordell Stewart, Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton throwing passes. All the while, Greg Olsen is becoming one of the premier tight ends in the league with 965 receiving yards on 93 receptions in just two seasons.

But the Bears, intriguingly, brought in Michael Gaines— a superior blocker in comparison—to the experienced mix.

A two-tight end set with either combination allows a variety of benefits. First, having two tight ends on opposite sides in a single-back Ace Formation doesn’t allow the defense to recognize a strong side.

Though this puts pressure on the two receivers to create openings on the outside in pass plays, it forces the defenses linebackers and safeties to keep an eye on those tight ends, as they can either stay back and block or jump off the ball for a route.

On runs, you have a stacked line from end to end that, again, the defense cannot decipher which side is strong. Gaines will help with sealing up one of those sides. But as a relatively decent receiver, you don’t have to run to his side simply because he is in. Any given play can call for both to block, one to block, or both to run a route.

One of the biggest benefits ironically is what you could do switching out of the set. Maybe most importantly, the motion and audible possibilities for Cutler are practically endless.

Cutler can have either receiver motion to the other side and/or have a TE step out of the line into a slot position if a third receiver is necessary. Olsen, with his speed, fits the bill here.

He can also keep the TEs at the line and motion Forte out into the slot for a 3WR/2TE formation. Heck, in this scenario, Cutler can even step back himself into a shotgun.

Where Gaines or Clark can be useful out of an audible is when Cutler needs a TE to perhaps step back from the line and in front of (or offset from) Forte as a fullback; changing the formation to an I-formation. This can be helpful when the whole stadium knows you only need a yard or two but don’t want to assure the defense what everyone is thinking, thus creating doubt.

Hey, Turner could decide to go with a playaction to a fullback in the slot instead, right? Gaines might not be an superb receiver for a tight end but he is for a fullback.

“Playaction Is Money”

The first word collectively uttered out of Chicago once word broke out that Cutler was coming to Chicago was…

The key here is Forte’s success rather than Cutler’s arm. But that doesn’t mean Cutler’s arm isn’t part of the equation by any means of course. If a defense can plug the run with just four down linemen, Cutler’s arm will not matter in playaction passes.

Defenses have been filling the box with seven, eight defenders for a while now against the Bears. Hopefully, Forte’s success last year will force them to keep safeties cheating up. Even if the opposing defenses don’t stack the line, they still have to make sure someone is paying attention to Forte in the flats.

But, with seven or eight in the box, someone on the offensive line will usually have to pick up a blitz. Orlando Pace isn’t the Pace of old, but he’s seasoned enough to recognize a stunt more times than not, as are Garza and Kreutz.

The offensive line here is crucial just as well because when Troy Polamalu is expecting to hit Forte at what he assumes to be a running hole, he’ll read the play and have to switch his role to a blitz (once he realizes Cutler kept it) if he’s already committed to hitting the line of scrimmage.

This of course is just a random scenario, but it definitely is a possibility in the second week, as we all know Polamalu can blitz. Successfully.

The line must be successful in holding for that extra fourth second or Cutler may be obliterated and the playaction will not be a good idea. Luckily, another one of Cutler’s attributes are his legs.

But as one person commented in a past article of mine, “Play-action is going to be absolutely money…”

If that line can hold…

If that safety or that linebacker bites…

Playaction is money.

Now, Devin Hester can just run and Cutler can just bomb it. Again, it sounds good in logic…

Running The Ball

I firmly believe that Michael Gaines will have more of an impact than people expect. Right now, there is no question that Olsen and Clark are the heads at that position. But Gaines will give a lift in crucial short yardage situations.

As mentioned earlier, he can step back and lead Forte to the hole as Forte’s fullback if need be. But mainly, I don’t anticipate anything too fancy. Gaines can certainly seal the ends and linebackers on off-tackles and sweeps.

The Bears will run the football. No doubt about it.

Have Cutler make a few first downs in each first quarter and the holes for Forte, Wolfe, me, my grandma, will be there.

And when they are, the Bears will run the football. It’s as Midwestern as…

Defense

“First off, scheme wise, we're not changing our scheme. I believe fully in the scheme we are running. Each year when I say tweak, you try to improve some of the things you have done and that's what we'll do,” head coach Lovie Smith said in January.

Some reports have said that Lovie intends on “tweaking” the defense by taking over the play-calling. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Bob Babich will coach the linebackers while technically remaining as the coordinator.

“My involvement will be a lot more now in that situation,” Smith said. “I look at the situation as a situation develops and now for us, I think this is what will help us get back to where we need to be.”

Smith fully intends on sticking with the plan that took them to a Super Bowl. Much to the chagrin of the most elite of Bears fans, the Tampa-2 scheme is staying in Chicago.

Without blitzing too much, The Tampa-2 relies heavily on the defensive line to apply pressure, which is precisely where the Bears had problems last year. Tommie Harris rarely looked healthy nursing an injured knee. Adewale Ogunleye, Anthony Adams, and Dusty Dvoracek all suffered injuries as well. Tommie Harris led the team with only six sacks.

So, the biggest difference to the playbook this year is simply using all that’s available when all players are healthy. The addition of Rod Marinelli, who is familiar with the Tampa-2, should also help the linemen learn some more, and perhaps better, technique.

In this sense, if all is well with the players, so too is the Tampa-2.

The good thing about coming back from a not-so-successful year is the great amount of possible upside. Regardless of whether you felt the Bears addressed their holes or not, the Bears have indeed made changes that they feel will benefit the organization—changes that may have the Bears looking different.

Hopefully, these playbook adaptations, as part of that optimism, will pan out.

Detroit Lions' New Coaching Staff May Be Perfect Fit For Success

Francisco E. Velazquez — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:02:25 -0400

Part of the sunlight from the dawn after a historically bad season for Detroit is the fun job of rebuilding from the ground up. Yay!

William Clay Ford and the Lions chose to begin that job even before September was over by firing former GM Matt Millen.

Eventually initiating team senior vice president Martin Mayhew into his present position as the team’s new general manager, Ford allowed Mayhew to begin his walk on the journey by sticking (for the most part) with staff changes before making any major moves to the roster.

The Roy Williams trade to Dallas was an exception, but it did provide Mayhew three additional picks in the recent draft to build on.

Looking for improved personnel to roam the sidelines and fill the booths, all three main coaching positions will have a new face. With Rod Marinelli, Jim Colletto, and Joe Barry all out of Detroit (safely), the new-look Lions doesn’t merely represent their fiercer teeth-filled symbol.

Jim Schwartz is the new head coach while Gunther Cunningham and Scott Linehan will serve as defensive and offensive coordinators.

“[Schwartz’s] football resume speaks for itself. He’s been a scout, he’s been a position coach, he’s been a coordinator and he’s been very successful at all of those things.” Mayhew said when introducing Schwartz as the franchise’s newest head coach. “We think that he’s going to be the guy to take our football team to where we’re trying to get to.”

However, not everyone with a Lions headset last year is gone. Some coaches were indeed spared their jobs in Allen Park, let alone their heads.

Still, only seven of the 19 coaches listed on the team website are returning.

So, who are all the key minds amidst the fresh faces that surround the Lions’ roundtable of personnel?

Head Coach Jim Scwhartz

As you can tell from Mayhew’s recommendation, the 42-year-old Schwartz has indeed done quite a bit in his relatively short 14 years in the NFL. And he has done it from entry-level on up.

Serving as a college scout for the Cleveland Browns in the early ‘90s, Schwartz brings with him player personnel experience along with his coaching expertise—a unique blend. This will prove important when a major task of bringing prosperity to the franchise is developing the talent.

“What it’s done from a coaching (standpoint)—it’s given me a lot more patience, it’s given me a lot more long-term view. I think that will benefit me in those (personnel) conversations,” Schwartz said as he was introduced as the Lions’ new head coach.

Still, Schwartz has plenty of coaching experience on his resume.

Starting out as a graduate assistant and positional coach at several universities, Schwartz entered the NFL in a scout position with the Browns in 1993 under Bill Belichick. Sticking with the Browns organization when they moved to Baltimore in 1996, Schwartz jumped into coaching with a position as a Ravens’ defensive assistant.

But much of Schwartz’s success came during his time in Tennessee from 1999-2008. After serving as a defensive assistant and positional coach in his first two years there, Schwartz showed enough experience by then to become defensive coordinator under a premier coach in Jeff Fisher.

The decision to promote Schwartz was a relatively good one as he soon soared.

Since his initial year as coordinator in 2001, the Titans have ranked fifth in rushing yards per game (103.5) while only allowing nine 100-yard rushers during the past 64 home games.

Beyond stats, Schwartz’s defenses have helped the Titans earn two AFC South titles (2002 and 2008) while finishing with 10 wins four times, which include the last two years.

In that span, Schwartz has stamped himself as an elite coordinator. Over the past two seasons, the Titans’ .719 winning percentage is the third-best in the NFL—definitely opening up Schwartz’s name for head coaching vacancies.

Successfully, Schwartz has not tailored to one style or scheme. Using his personnel experience, Schwartz has been able to adapt his defenses based on players and game strategies.

“They play zone; they play man; they zone-blitz, they play (Cover 2) – they do it all. That’s what I like about him,” Mayhew said of Schwartz’s defenses.

Though recently implementing a 4-3 at Tennessee, Schwartz is already showing his versatility as he is not opposed to implementing a 3-4 in Detroit—depending on how they view their player’s (especially the rookies) strengths. He’s not stubborn.

He is successful. So, it is no surprise that, with his successes, his unique background, and his ability to adapt, the Lions decided to stay with a defensive mind to rebuild this franchise from the ground up. He has done it before…with himself.

As for what defensive scheme to use, he’ll have to talk it over with Ol’ Man Cunningham.

Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham

Although Cunningham has only spent double the amount of time in the NFL Schwartz has, Cunningham’s resume is just as impressive having spent 40 years coaching altogether. Cunningham has been fortunate to work with players like Derrick Thomas, Neil Smith, and Jared Allen.

Starting in 1969, Cunningham spent the next decade in positional coaching jobs at several universities—with stints in Oregon, Arkansas, California and Stanford. After a one-year stint in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Cunningham broke into the NFL with the Baltimore Colts in 1982.

There, he served as the defensive line coach for the sixth time in his career and linebackers coach for the fourth until after Baltimore moved to Indianapolis in 1984.

After the move, Cunningham returned to California to fill several more defensive line coach vacancies with the San Diego Chargers and then the Los Angeles Raiders. It was also with the Raiders in 1992-93 that Cunningham first served as a defensive coordinator professionally in the NFL.

Yet it was his next stop in Kansas City from 1995 to 2000 where Cunningham moved up the chain into a head coaching position after Marty Schottenheimer resigned following the 1998 season. Promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach, Cunningham led the Kansas City Chiefs to a combined 16-16 record in 1999 and 2000—eventually replaced by Dick Vermeil.

With head coaching experience, Cunningham then moved on to Tennessee where he served as assistant head coach under Jeff Fisher, who at the time had a Jim Schwartz coordinating his defense. Cunningham also served his current head coach as the Titans’ linebackers coach from 2001-2003.

Cunningham soon returned to Kansas City. As the defensive coordinator yet again, Cunningham’s thorough experience benefited the Chiefs defense in several ways. Known also as a strong motivator, Cunningham’s aggressive defenses were also very tactical.

Particularly in 2007, the Chiefs’ defense was impressively among the top five in nine different categories, including negative plays forced (121).

Having worked with Cunningham several successful years before, Schwartz could not have tabbed a better choice from his network of past colleagues for his defense in Detroit. Prying Cunningham from Kansas City, the Lions have a good blend of experience and youth just in these two alone.

Someone who will be making the transition easier for Cunningham, not only to the Lions, but to the NFC is defensive assistant Don Clemons. Clemons may have a bit of input in the decision making as he has spent the last 25 years in Detroit and thus is very familiar with the division.

Hopefully for Detroit, Schwartz is looking for Cunningham to mentor another Pro-Bowler—something the Lions haven’t had too many of lately.

Offensive Coordinator Scott Linehan

Only having spent eight years in the NFL, much of Scott Linehan’s career has been spent on campuses across the US. However, Linehan comes directly from his prior head coaching job in St. Louis. Enjoying relatively rapid success, it didn’t take Linehan long at all to get there.

Also starting out as a positional coach (WR) in 1989 at his alma mater, Idaho (he was quarterback from 1982-86 for the Vandals), it only took Linehan three years to break into his first coordinator job.

As the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Idaho in 1993, the Vandals offense actually led the nation in scoring (47.5 PPG) and total offense (532 YPG).

Since then Linehan has continued to receive offers to coordinate offenses across the country.

Linehan would move on to bigger programs at Washington and Louisville, totaling 13 years as a collegiate coach. In that time, Linehan’s teams won five conference titles and played in seven bowl games.

It wasn’t until 2002 that Linehan reached the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Now with the Lions, Linehan will re-join an old quarterback he mentored in Minnesota: Daunte Culpepper.

Under Linehan’s coordination, Randy Moss also gained much success, enjoying career highs with Minnesota after Cris Carter retired. Together along with Culpepper, the trio set franchise records that still stand, including total yards and first downs in a season.

Many Lions fans remember those years well. Through his three seasons of play-calling in Minnesota, the offenses ranked ninth, fourth, and third, respectively.

But his improvements were not limited to the pass.

In just two years from his arrival, the Minnesota running game went from 25thin the league to an astounding first, with Onterio Smith and Michael Bennett carrying the ball. Those improvements eventually led to a Minnesota playoff berth in 2004.

After a one-year stint as the offensive coordinator in Miami, where Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown combined on the ground for 1,650 yards and 10 touchdowns, Linehan got his first and only crack thus far as a head coach with the St. Louis Rams in 2006.

Stephen Jackson, shouldering much of the offensive load—he got the ball 346 times for the most by a St. Louis player in 20 years—earned his first career Pro Bowl selection under Linehan. QB Marc Bulger also had career years under Linehan posting a career-high 4,301 yards in 2006.

Yet despite all the offensive accolades, Linehan just couldn’t put up enough wins. In three years, Linehan’s record in St. Louis was a combined 13-35. He was fired last season and replaced by Jim Haslett.

Coming with Linehan from St. Louis is quarterbacks coach Jeff Horton. Given the task of grooming Culpepper back into form and, more importantly, developing Matt Stafford, Horton should have some crucial input in when Stafford is ready or not.

If Stafford is ready and takes snaps this season, Horton would also undoubtedly have some input in the play-calling as he will know what Stafford can do best with this playbook.

As for Linehan, maybe a change of scenery is just what he needs. Perhaps with a switch of towns and roles, Linehan can sit comfortably in a job he has been accustomed to filling. Also in this position, he’s been accustomed to succeeding—yet again something the Lions desperately need.

Spawned and Spared

With 12 new coaches in Detroit, many of them are filling positional roles just as the three mentioned have in the past. You never know which one or several are going to be successful. The Lions are banking that most, if not all, do.

An interesting choice for linebackers coach is Matt Burke. Also coming from Tennessee, Burke served as an administrative assistant. He will be another person to have personnel and coaching experience. It doesn’t hurt when your linebackers are Ernie Sims, Julian Peterson and Larry Foote either. I’m sure Burke will also learn quite a bit.

But as stated, seven of the 19 positions are filled with members of the last administration.

Notably, special teams coordinator Stan Kwan and his assistant, Brad Banta were kept on. Receivers coach Shawn Jefferson and running backs coach Sam Gash are also staying in Motown. But no one has been sparred more than defensive assistant Don Clemons who, as stated, is entering his 25th season with the Lions.

Looking back, I feel that the Martin Mayhew has done a tremendous job already. There is a firm mix ff ambitious youth and seasoned experience. Also, there seems to be a mix of aggressive teachers with passive tacticians—people who can feed off each other on the sidelines.

I was skeptical at first, but putting in the research showed me that these guys want to win. For the most part, they have been successful in a number of areas. One of those areas, they hope, is not a stat but rather a city.

It’s a monumental task and I don’t think they will be successful right away. But the youth in the booths allows Detroit some time. The question is, however, how long will Mayhew and the fans give Schwartz and his colleagues?

Lions Pointed In a New Direction: Renewed Expectations In 2009

Francisco E. Velazquez — Thu, 14 May 2009 02:29:21 -0400

Needless to say, last year was a historically dismal one for the Detroit Lions and much has been made about it. What’s done is done. Yet everyone in that organization and in the city of Detroit has put 2008 behind them, as they should.

Looking ahead, second-year running back Kevin Smith made a bold predic...err, guarantee that the Lions would make the playoffs in 2009—though he declined to say whether it’d be through winning the division or taking the wild card.

Well, there’s nowhere to go but up.

What if I say that the Lions will indeed make the playoffs?

I will not.

Instead, I will say with firm conviction that the new-look Lions (literally and figuratively) are headed in the right direction.

The organization cleaned house in the offseason and how could you not?

With a new coaching staff, a new philosophy, a first overall draft pick (who can also serve as the new face of the organization), and even a new logo, it is still not easy to predict how the Lions will do in 2009.

After a winless season, every game this year will look tough for the Lions, every team better. Yet, when you consider the pieces GM Martin Mayhew has put together combined with the strengths they already had (yes, they did have strengths), the Lions should be decent.

Prediction: four-six wins

With the NFC North scheduled against the not-too-great NFC West this year, they have a good chance to pick up some wins and, more importantly, gain momentum in reversing the misfortunes that have plagued the franchise.

Beyond scheduling the NFC West, the NFC North also has the task of facing a good AFC North. The Lions start their trek through the division right at the top of the heap against the Super Bowl Champion Steelers in mid-October.

The schedule isn’t much easier before then.

In fact, the Lions will not play a sub-.500 team in 2008 until they follow the Steelers with a trip to Lambeau Field. Eventually, they’ll meet up with the likes of St. Louis and Seattle starting in November.

Then, the wins will come.

Though Smith’s guarantee will fall a little short, the Lions should realistically compete for about four to six wins—victories against several NFC West teams, perhaps the fast-falling Cincinnati Bengals, and possibly a divisional win against the Packers.

Depending on where the Bears are at in the standings in the last week of the regular season, the Bears may only play their reserves if they’ve already clinched a playoff berth by then, allowing the Lions to pull out a late-season win in downtown Detroit.

To exceed...

Learning the new systems/schemes and building chemistry early on is vital for the Lions to, not only meet these expectations, but possibly exceed it. The coaches must have faith in their players while the players must buy into the system.

Though there is still work to do, the talent has been drafted. The experience has been acquired.

We’ve heard all about Matthew Stafford. Calvin Johnson is increasingly becoming one of the premier receivers in the league with every incredible catch after incredible catch.

This year’s Mr. Prediction, Smith, finished a good rookie season with 976 rushing yards and two 100-yard games against Indianapolis and Carolina defenses. Coaches predict he’ll continue to progress.

Though not too many people were happy with picking TE Andrew Pettigrew so early in the draft, no one can argue that Pettigrew has great potential.

Louis Delmas, down I-96 from Western Michigan, was one of the top-rated safeties in the draft. Receiver Derrick Williams is a versatile weapon from Penn State who will demand a bit of attention away from Calvin Johnson.

Meanwhile, the Lions have mixed in a good set of intelligent seasoned veterans by acquiring players like Julian Petersen and Larry Foote for an upgraded linebacking corps. Teamed with Ernie Sims, Detroit’s linebacker corps went from a past weakness to one of the more seasoned LB groups in the league.

They bring back Daunte Culpepper at QB. Obviously, Culpepper isn’t the Culpepper of old, but it is an improvement over Dan Orlovsky.

The players are just the tools however. So, the Lions must wipe away all psychological effects from last year to use their resources effectively.

But just as the players must, so too must the coaches. Scott Linehan joins the Lions as their new offensive coordinator after basically failing as the Rams’ head coach the past three seasons.

Still, he’s had plenty of experience as an offensive coordinator. But it is Mike Schwartz who has the monumental task of turning around this franchise. Luckily, Mayhew got the ball rolling in upgrading several facets of the personnel.

To fall short...

There’s still plenty of work to do however, and the Lions could easily fall under four wins.

First and foremost, one obstacle is the psychological aspect of being the first professional football team to go winless.

If the Lions cannot get over last year, with all the disappointment and embarrassment, the same ol' team, psychologically, will continue to come out of the locker room.

Another obstacle comes from the sacrifices of acquiring Julian Petersen. DT Cory Redding is now in a Seahawks uniform.

The loss of Shaun Rogers after the 2007 season definitely played a role in the Lions’ 2008 season. So, the Lions have basically sacrificed their defensive line for a better linebackers. Just as in 2008, the loss of Redding may play a role in 2009.

In addition, the offensive line also needs help despite having a pretty decent team captain in Mike Raiola. Culpepper has lost a step and if the O-line cannot protect he or Stafford, defenses will fill up the box with Smith in their targets. As with any team, a lack of first downs is always an obstacle to success.

The lack of depth on this team may cost the team some wins should key players get hurt. Analysts and coaches alike fear that if Stafford gets thrown into the fire too early, the pressure and potential failure may cost the Lions a career. That, of course, is a stretch, but the fear is still there.

Laslty, with the addition of new coaches and veterans around, who is going to take leadership of this team? Petersen and Foote are prime candidates for the defense but they are brand spankin' new to Detroit.

Will the mildly-talented players who've been in Detroit for a while object to those new seasoned vets taking over the locker room? That's yet to be determined.

The Lions have NFL-ready players across their depth chart, but having to plug players in at different times with different calibers does affect the chemistry. As stated, chemistry is key.

But the Lions (and Detroit) are tired of thinking and witnessing the worst. At rock bottom, there is nothing to do but begin thinking optimistically. With at least one member of the Lions, he’s taken that first step.

I applaud Smith for his new outlook—fired up by the sunrise of a new day with rays bleeding out the optimism necessary to break out of a deep depression.

He, and the Lions, will need it.

Heck, there’s nowhere to go but up, right?

Chicago Bears Scoop up TE Michael Gaines

Francisco E. Velazquez — Tue, 12 May 2009 11:51:07 -0400

The Chicago Bears agreed to terms on a deal with tight end Michael Gaines, 29, on Monday, according to the team website.

The 6'4," 277-pounder agreed to a one-year deal, adding yet another tight end to the roster. The Bears currently have four TEs (Desmond Clark, Greg Olsen, Kellen Davis, and Fontel Mines) to watch besides Gaines at training camp.

Gaines is a good blocker whose athletic versatility can allow him to line up at fullback, someone the Bears can use in crucial audible situations.

“It’s an unreal moment for me right now, just because of who the Bears are, what the organization is, and the winning tradition,” Gaines said. “It feels good in that aspect.”

And what the Bears are is exactly what attracted Gaines to the opportunity. Gaines comes directly from divisional foe Detroit Lions with tenures in Buffalo and Carolina.

Last year, Gaines had 23 receptions accounting for a career-high 260 yards with the Lions.

Gaines will fall behind mainstays Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen on the depth chart but should see some action. Many believe that Gaines is the best blocker of all five.

Gaines was released by the Lions shortly after the draft. With two rookie tight ends in Dan Gronkowski and highly-touted Brandon Pettigrew on the new-look Lions offense, there simply was no room (or need) for Gaines in Detroit.

“The Bears had a plan for me. You can’t beat that when people have a goal and a plan mapped out for you at your position," Gaines said.

Javon Ringer & Brian Hoyer NFL-bound: Where Are They Now?

Francisco E. Velazquez — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:44:30 -0400

After a year where the Michigan State Spartans improved significantly, the engines that revved up the offense were off to combines, interviews, and the draft.

Today, both Brian Hoyer and Javon Ringer have jobs in the NFL.

Javon Ringer was selected in the fifth round of this weekend's draft by the Tennessee Titans. Despite coming off a career-defining year at MSU and being a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy and Doak Walker Award for much of the season, Ringer was the 173rd player taken overall.

The Titans were one team Ringer had visited. He felt good about his chances of competing for a job in Tennessee.

"They told me they liked me as a running back," he said in an article with the Detroit Free Press. "They liked my versatility at being a running back and also how I was very willing to contribute on special teams. They just liked my all around game."

Not surprisingly, the road was a bit tougher for now-former MSU quarterback, Brian Hoyer. However, the road for Hoyer to get a job still was a bit surprising.

Hoyer waited up to the last pick and did not hear his name called. Yet, it didin't take long for him to find a deal.

Hoyer signed a free-agent deal with the New England Patriots on Sunday night a bit after the last pick was called.

Ironically, the void that the Matt Cassel trade between New England to Kansas City formed will give Hoyer the opportunity to compete for a backup role to Tom Brady—a Spartan backing up a Wolverine.

Regardless, both players are leaving East Lansing for, hopefully, promising careers in the NFL—a dream come true for both forever Spartans.

White Pair and Sophomore QBs Highlight MSU Spring Game OT Shootout

Francisco E. Velazquez — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 01:26:56 -0400

Usually, the color-theme for anything involved with Michigan State University is of course green. But on Saturday afternoon’s Spring Green and White game at Spartan Stadium, the theme was all White.

The White team, led by Oklahoma-transfer and Lowell-native, Keith Nichol, won the overtime shootout, 38-37. The split-squad (decided through a draft by the seniors) will enjoy steak entrees at the next team dinner while the Green team will try to enjoy franks and beans. But the win wasn’t easy.

Both Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol had tremendous games for their respective sides each throwing for 357 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. The impressive play from both sophomore quarterbacks resolved absolutely nothing on the quarterback race to replace Brian Hoyer.

Fighting off constant spots of rain, lightning and Head Coach Mark Dantonio patrolling the huddles with a headset around his stone-face, both quarterbacks used White to succeed, albeit a different White.

Junior Blair White led the Green squad with 89 receiving yards on a team-high six receptions. Yet while Blair White was busy proving his worth in the present, freshman receiver Myles White was giving glimpses of his future in East Lansing.

Myles White led the White team with 86 yards which included miraculously catching a well—thrown 39 yard touchdown pass from Nichol through double coverage that put White up 31-24 with 50 seconds left in regulation. The crowd erupted.

“That was just a jump-ball,” said one fan. “Wow!”

But the game was far from over.

The very first play after the ensuing kickoff featured a laser-beam strike from Cousins to Blair White that gained a big chunk of yardage and put the Green offense inside the White’s zone. Two passes to Chris D.

Rucker later, Green was inside the 10 with seven seconds left. Immediately, Cousins tried to hit Blair White with a fade pass at the corner of the end zone that went incomplete—leaving two seconds on the clock.

Junior tight end Charlie Gantt stumbled off the line on an inside slant and Cousins struck him as he crossed the goal line for a touchdown, making the score 31-30.

An excessive celebration penalty would be called after Cousins took his helmet off as crowd erupted again and the Green team rushed the field—pushing the extra point kick back but was still good.

With a projected 22,000 fans standing across the stadium, White took the field on offense to begin the overtime session. The extra time gave the quarterbacks extra time to battle it out.

After several runs to red-shirt freshmen Ashton Leggett, Nichol threw a 17 yard laser-beam over what seemed like five defenders to Brian Linthicum, taking the offense to a first-and-goal from the three. A play-action pass and yet another great, one-handed catch by tight end David Duran put the White up, 38-31 with the extra point.

The ensuing Green possession saw Cousins strike Blair White yet again on a crucial third-and-eleven for 22 yards. With first-and-goal from the five, the White defense stood their ground taking the Green offense to fourth-and-goal from the one-yard-line.

Like Nichol, Cousins took a play action pass to the right side hitting junior fullback, Josh Rouse for the touchdown.

Yet Green would go for the game…and the glory.

Going for the two-point conversion, Cousins took yet another play action bootleg to the right side. But the White had packed it in and, without finding anything before being rushed, Cousins just threw it up but was ultimately intercepted in the end zone.

All of that came after Cousins and the Green squad battle back from a 17-0 deficit in the second quarter, running off 21 straight points that gave them a 21-17 lead going into the incredible final quarter.

“This is what we see every day,” Gantt said. “Both of them going at it. All day, every day.”

Green Team Head Coach Dan Roushar was pleased with the quarterback play as well.

“In my opinion, it looks like the quarterbacks played awfully well; you could really see their play-making ability on both sides. I thought that our kids played hard and this game is about making plays, and there were some kids making plays out there, so it was a lot of fun,” Roushar said.

“Offensively speaking, we are obviously very pleased with our quarterback situation. I thought both responded when they were down, both showed good leadership and both made plays. White was up 17-0, and [Kirk] Cousins brought them back with precision throwing…” Dantonio reiterated.

“Guys made catches, guys made big plays.”

Indeed, they did. But penalties were noted.

“What are we disappointed in is that there were legitimate penalties. We can't run out on the field to celebrate like that. So too many penalties I guess, too many unforced penalties,” Dantonio stated.

Now, it is up to the coaches, media and fans to evaluate those performances to fill out a roster expected to have another great season. The hardest part may be picking who the starting game-caller will be.

“We are just going to continue on as we have. Give them opportunities to play and evaluate those opportunities,” Dantonio said.

Kalin Lucas, MSU Will Get Rematch at Chapel Hill In Next "Challenge"

Francisco E. Velazquez — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:37:03 -0400

Only a month removed from the NCAA National Championship game, it has already been announced when the Spartans will get another crack at the Tar Heels.

Despite the possibility of North Carolina looking a bit differently, it doesn't sound like it's going to be any easier for Michigan State.

Michigan State will make their way South to Chapel Hill for the next Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Tuesday, December 1st. It will only be the fourth time that the two teams meet as part of the Challenge, with Michigan State leading the series, 2-1.

The last time these two teams met as part of the Challenge was last December. It was also the first of two games Michigan State would drop to the Tar Heels at Ford Field this past season. The second game was, of course, the national championship just last month.

"I have great respect for Roy Williams and his program and look forward to being a part of what promises to be one of the premier non-conference matchups of next season," MSU Head Coach Tom Izzo said. "It will certainly serve as a measuring stick for two programs that want to return to the Final Four next season."

Michigan State is a Big Ten—best 5-4 since the Challenge started in 1999. The inaugural Challenge had Michigan State visiting none other than...Chapel Hill.

Behind a great 31-point performance, Morris Peterson led the Spartans in taking the first Challenge victory between these two teams. In fact, MSU would also win the next game played the following year in 2000 at the Breslin Center.

Game time and channel will be announced at a later date.

Some other notable matchups in the next installment of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge include:

Wake Forest at Purdue

Duke at Wisconsin

Florida State at Ohio State

Boston College at Michigan

LeBron and Co. Cruise To a 3-0 Series Lead In Detroit

Francisco E. Velazquez — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:18:32 -0400

With 5:57 still left in the fourth quarter, the Detroit Pistons were still very much in game three of their playoff series with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Or were they?

Down by nine, 69-60, when a Piston's timeout was taken just under six minutes left, the crowd should have been revving up for one final push to win the game. Instead, though only needing three possessions, the crowd began to file out of The Palace.

They knew it. It was over.

The game was well in the hands of the Cavaliers as they would eventually steal and alley-oop their way to a 79-68 victory Friday night in Auburn Hills.

The beginning of the end came after the Pistons had held the Cavs to only nine points in the third quarter. However, once the fourth quarter began, a strong push by LeBron James was clearly evident as he scored 11 of his 25 in the final period.

By no coincidence at all, the Cavs went on an 18-2 run during that span, which began after the game's final tie score. The Cavs would outscore the Pistons 26-15 in the last quarter.

Richard Hamilton had a team—high 15 points but committed several turnovers in key possessions that could've stopped the late run by the Cavs.

Still, Hamilton didn't have too much help.

The Pistons offense committed 15 turnovers while it seemed as though only Tayshaun Prince was interested in rebounding the ball at times.

The Pistons fired out the gate beginning the game on a quick 8-0 run to also fire up the home crowd. Yet, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, and Kwame Brown, (who got a surprisingly good amount of time on the floor) didn't do too much.

Prior to the game, Pistons Head Coach Michael Curry said he would need Wallace and Prince to have big games for them to compete. That didn't go so well.

"This is killing me. I can't even lie," Richard Hamilton said.

Prior to the fourth quarter while LeBron—obviously frustrated by what he felt were a lack of calls by the officials—struggled to get shots up, Joe Smith helped pick up the slack with a career playoff-high 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 13 points. But the star was, of course, LeBron.

Finishing just one assist shy of a triple—double, LeBron also had 11 rebounds to go along with a fabulous alley-oop midway through the late run that deflated the home team's—and crowd's—hopes of a win.

So now the Pistons have dug a 3-0 series deficit, facing elimination at home on Sunday.

But maybe, just like Friday night's crowd...they know it.