Bleacher Report - Articles by Matt Gilmartin

Why Jake Delhomme Makes Me Want to Cut My Ties to His Team and Football

Matt Gilmartin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:50:49 -0400

It's all a blur.

For the first time in my seven-year Panthers fandom, I had a hard time getting pumped up for a home Panthers opening week game.

I was excited, but mostly because I thought I had kept down my cold enough overnight to be able to go to the game. I would later find out that I hadn't.

I went through all the motions of a traditional game day. I put on my newest Panthers jersey, a beautiful bright blue No. 52 Jon Beason jersey I got at Fan Fest.

I played the NFL Films music that usually gets me going. I read all the game previews and picks. I even took a long, hard look at the stadium as we passed by it on the light-rail.

No excitement whatsoever. But I was so focused on going to the game that I ignored it.

I sat next to a couple of vocal, funny fans in the upper deck. There were more fans like them all around us. With these folks sitting around us, the game atmosphere was amazing.

Much better than anything I had ever experienced in the lower deck. As a matter of fact, I vowed to never sit in the lower deck at a pro football game again.

If I had truly been into the game (and not sick), the fun of being with the right fans would have been limitless.

The game, however, was a completely different story.

After a solid opening drive that spanned 13 plays and 70 yards, culminating in a nifty touchdown run by DeAngelo Williams, the Eagles didn't just dominate the Panthers. They subjugated them.

At the end of the first quarter, the Panthers had the lead, 7-3. They still controlled the game. But in the second quarter, the Crumbling Cats reared their ugly heads as the Eagles scored 28 unanswered points.

The pathetic part of this ridiculous imitation of football by the Panthers is that the Eagles' offense only had to get about 30 yards to score their four touchdowns. Thirty yards. You may be asking if it's even possible for a team to gain 30 yards collectively to score four touchdowns.

Julius Peppers may be placing the blame for two of those touchdowns on himself and the defense, but the Eagles started the drives at Carolina's 10 and nine. That's a razor-thin margin for error. On the contrary, the defense surprised and was easily the Panthers' best unit.

The Panthers said throughout the off-season that they've been looking forward to this game for months, since that dreary January night, and that they really wanted to get that bad taste from that game out of their mouths.

But it looks like they came back the same team the Cardinals slaughtered. Delhomme hasn't fixed what was keying opposing defenses into him. The offensive line hasn't figured out how to protect Delhomme.

And Double Trouble (plus Mike Goodson) will do the Panthers no good unless the passing game can keep opposing defenses from putting eight or nine men in the box.

If the Panthers continue to play football as uninspiring as the effort they gave against the Eagles, they will lose fans (even hardcore ones such as myself—or at least what I was) and attendance.

I fully expect that to happen. Carolina plays the Falcons next week. Fox has already announced Delhomme will start. Atlanta does not have a particularly strong secondary or pass rush.

They lost their top defensive back, Domonique Foxworth, in the off-season. Their top pass rusher, John Abraham, is one of the most underrated defensive ends in the league.

He had 16 sacks last year and somehow flew under the radar. The Panthers should double-team him. That could partially solve the Falcons' defense.

But even then, Delhomme will likely telegraph a pass or two, and then stupidly throw the ball to the spot several seconds after he first locks onto his receiver.

Both throws will at least get batted down, but more likely intercepted considering Delhomme's lackluster velocity.

Then the defense, as improved as it is over the pre-season, will get run over by the Atlanta Express.

Then comes Week Three at Dallas. The Cowboys may only have an average secondary, but their extraordinary pass rush can make their entire defense look better. Mark my words: DeMarcus Ware will earn his season-high in sacks in this game.

The defense has a slim chance to chance to stop Tony Romo and Co., but don't count on it.

Even after the Panthers' Week Four bye, expect their opponents to watch game tape of the Cardinals and Eagles games, which will reveal the secrets to beating Carolina.

I have a couple tickets to the Week Five home game against the Redskins. But I don't see a lot of improvement out of every facet of the team, I will not hesitate to sell the tickets. Heck, I might not even watch the Falcons game.

I can use my time for something more worthwhile, such as going to the batting cage to hit. I actually enjoy baseball, and a strong gut feeling tells me I have a bright future in the game.

I think that's part of the problem with my relationship with football. There used to be realistic goals that the Panthers could achieve. Milestones to look forward to and have fun trying to earn and surpass.

Back in early January it was winning the Super Bowl. In the off-season it was re-signing Julius Peppers. In August it was making the playoffs. At dawn yesterday it was winning a game.

But not just the Eagles game. Panthers fans still believed their team could win. What goal do the Panthers have their fans believing in achieving now? Losing by fewer than 30 points?

I believe that I can go far in baseball. And I love the game. That's why I love baseball. And it's why I used to love football and the Panthers.

I Have Seen the Light: Why Jake Delhomme Is Holding the Carolina Panthers Back

Matt Gilmartin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:49:45 -0400

The Carolina Panthers played what may have been the worst game in franchise history, as they got manhandled by the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday afternoon 38-10.

Quarterback Jake Delhomme threw four interceptions and lost a fumble in the loss.

Coughing the ball up wasn't Delhomme's fault (he hadn't even come out from his pre-snap position under center before the Eagles pass rusher was mangling him), and one pick could have been the fault of the offensive line, while another can be somewhat attributed to an oddly released ball.

But as much as head coach John Fox defends Delhomme, it's hard to imagine that he wouldn't say No. 17 is an average starter on the best of days if he weren't Delhomme's coach. Delhomme's issues lie within his fundamentals.

One interception Delhomme threw was embarrassingly underthrown. WR Steve Smith had a beat on his man, and Delhomme underthrew Smith so badly that the defender was in perfect position to pick the ball off.

There are two reasons why Delhomme's fourth interception happened.

1) He telegraphed the throw—he stared down his receiver for several seconds, waiting for him to "get open", and 2) He threw into triple coverage. It was a poor read, and he tipped his hand so obviously that he may as well have been pointing the Eagles to the spot.

To use a baseball term, he was "tipping his pitches". But he wasn't just telling the Eagles what kind of pitch he was going to throw. He also told them the exact location. If you do that, you're going to give up a home run.

A starting quarterback in the NFL should be able to throw a pass longer than 30 yards. He should also be able to make reads, find the open receiver, and get the ball to the receiver. If there isn't a receiver open after five or six seconds, he should throw the ball away if he can't run (and Delhomme can't).

Delhomme, on Sunday afternoon, showed he may not be able to do those things anymore (if there was a time when he could do them in the first place).

Delhomme is starting to give even his most loyal supporters (of which I used to be one) reason to give up on him. That may sound harsh because the season is only just barely a week old.

But the problems of his worst games from 2008 (at Oakland Raiders, at Tampa Bay Bucs, vs. Arizona Cardinals) are still blatantly there. If months of offensive training doesn't give you the time to fix your game, you have to ask yourself if your game is ever going to be fixed.

As bombastic as Delhomme's effort against Philadelphia was, there will still be some fans who defend him. But even those fans will feel compelled to switch over to the other side of the Delhomme debate, once he throws another two or three interceptions against the Atlanta Falcons' average defense...or against every other defense the Panthers face, until Fox eases up on being headstrong and starts Matt Moore.

If Fox is going to start Moore before late October, though, he needs to make his debut next week in Atlanta. The Falcons' weak pass rush and secondary would maximize Moore's chances for success.

Even with one of the most dangerous running games in the NFL, the Panthers' offense will have only limited success unless Delhomme miraculously picks himself up and starts playing like a QB who knows a thing or two about being a quarterback.

Opposing defenses will put eight or nine defenders in the box, except in obvious passing situations, until Delhomme proves he can consistently throw well enough to get by. Even when you have perhaps the best duo (or trio) of running backs in the league, it doesn't matter, once three defenders come racing through the offensive line untouched, they will drop whoever is in for a loss.

With no reliable way to score points, the defense will have to keep the team in games. Even though the defense looked much better than fans had reason to believe, based on the preseason and coordinator Ron Meeks' history during his former job in Indianapolis, this is by no means a NY Giants-caliber defense.

Simply put, Carolina's success depends wholly on Delhomme. He doesn't look competent. So the Panthers will lose at least nine games.

Do you hear that, (insert name of college QB the Panthers could take in the 2010 NFL Draft)? Panthers fans are already chanting your name in hopes that the Panthers will draft you.

You're the missing piece to the Panthers' puzzle.

Top 40 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks: Nos. 21-25

Matt Gilmartin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:13:45 -0400

These rankings are based on ESPN's standard scoring system (which has 15-player rosters and room for up to four quarterbacks, though most owners only carry two or three), and they are ESPN's, not my own. The analysis is mine.

Also, the draft guides are based on 16-round drafts, unless it's a draft in a keeper league. In that case, the draft guides are based on drafts ranging in length from 13-16 rounds based on the projected length of a draft depending on how many players owners can retain from the previous year.

The dollar figures in the auction draft are the maximum figures you should pay for the player based on the other circumstances included in the draft guide.

25. Shaun Hill, San Francisco 49ers

Projected Stats: 177-of-283, 1954 yards, 12 TDs, 8 INTs, 35 rushes, 157 yards, 1 TD

131 points

Pros: After a strong second half of 2008, Hill is presumtively slated to begin 2009 with the 49ers' starting gig. That means his attempts, yardage, and completions should increase greatly this season.

Hill averaged 7.1 yards per gain, which was decent. He throws touchdowns more often than most other starters, and his passer rating was 12th-best in the NFL. Hill has several serviceable targets, including Isaac Bruce, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis, and presumably Michael Crabtree—who combined for 135 catches amassing over 1500 yards in 2008.

Bruce, Gore, and Davis combined for 135 catches worth over 1500 yards.

In his most recent stint as an offensive coordinator (with the Raiders from 2004-05), new offensive head man Jimmy Raye's offenses have attempted many throws.

Cons: Chances are Hill will not have much time to throw. Only a minor offseason move or two displaces this year's offensive line from the 2008 line that allowed an NFL-high 55 sacks.

When offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye has held the same position with other teams, their passing offenses were largely unsuccessful and inconsistent. But he has a better track record of late than he did earlier in his career.

Verdict: In spite of his terrible offensive line, Hill is a major sleeper.

Draft Guide for Hill:

Draft format	8-team league	10-team league	12-team league
Snake or IDP	9th-12th round	8th-12th round	8th-10th round
Auction	$22 maximum	$24 maximum	$27 maximum
Keeper	9th-13th round	9th-12th round	8th-12th round

24. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Projected Stats: 277-of-458, 3173 yards, 15 TDs, 14 INTs, 47 rushes, 145 yards, 2 TDs

184 points

Pros: When you think of teams with a lot of passing weapons, the Ravens don't usually come to mind. But because of versatility at skill positions, Baltimore has multiple weapons to take advantage of in the passing game—including Derrick Mason, Todd Heap, Mark Clayton, Ray Rice, and Willis McGahee. The trick to defending this passing game is trying to guess where the ball will go.

Flacco should have ample time to throw. The Ravens return three starters on the offensive line from 2008, and they brought in free agent Mark Birk to snap the ball. The only question mark is how Marshal Yanda will bounce back from offseason knee surgery.

Cons: Flacco will not get enough throws (and consequently not get enough yardage or touchdowns) to satisfy fantasy owners except in a backup capacity. The Ravens ran the ball more than any other team, and it wasn't close, whereas they passed more than only three other teams.

But with three viable running backs who were all healthy for the whole season, why not run it more than any other team? There's no reason to expect anything different in 2009.

Verdict: Even if the Ravens threw 25 times a game, Flacco would be a solid fantasy starter. But they don't, and because of that Flacco must be relegated to backup duty.

Draft Guide for Flacco:

Draft format	8-team league	10-team league	12-team league
Snake or IDP	Between 9th and 14th rounds	Between 9th and 12th rounds	Between 8th and 12th rounds
Auction	$24 maximum	$27 maximum	$29 maximum
Keeper	9th-11th round	8th-10th round	7th-10th round

23. Chad Pennington, Miami Dolphins

Projected Stats: 227-of-347, 2454 yards, 14 TDs, 8 INTs

147 points

Pros: Miami's offensive line allowed 26 sacks last year, better than much of the NFL. The Dolphins averaged a healthy 31:03 of possession. Pennington was the most accurate passer in the NFL—he completed 67.4 percent of his passes. Only seven other starting quarterbacks averaged more yards per gain. Pennington also had the second-highest passer rating in the NFL.

While the former Jet threw only 19 touchdown passes, that was still better than the majority of the starters. In addition, he attempted 476 passes, better than all but 12 other starters.

TE Anthony Fasano (who is 6'4" and 255 pounds) provides a sizable target with sure hands in the red zone. Touchdown machine running back Ronnie Brown's threatening presence helps give Pennington bigger passing lanes in the red zone, enabling him to throw for scores more easily.

Cons: Pennington's yardage wasn't there, and the Dolphins love to work out of the Wildcat formation, which often involves a direct snap to someone other than Pennington.

Verdict: Pennington is an above-average fantasy option. He's good at the little things, but his shortage of yards and touchdowns, and the touches he misses out on when the Dolphins pull out the Wildcat, keep him from being an elite fantasy player.

Draft Guide for Pennington:

Draft format	8-team league	10-team league	12-team league
Snake or IDP	12th-14th round	10th-13th round	10th-11th round
Auction	$23 maximum	$25 maximum	$28 maximum
Keeper (13-16 rounds)	11th-16th round	9th-14th round	7th-13th round

22. Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins

Projected Stats: 270-of-446, 3007 yards, 14 TDs, 11 INTs, 36 rushes, 194 yards, 1 TD

179 points

Pros: Campbell attempted a hearty 506 passes. TE Chris Cooley is a tremendous security blanket, particularly in the red zone, and receiver Santana Moss emerged as a second red zone threat last year with six touchdowns. RB Clinton Portis keeps opposing defenses honest, helping to keep passing lanes further open, which is particularly helpful to Campbell due to his suspect accuracy.

Cons: Could have confidence issues after team made pass at Matt Cassel. Accuracy is below average. In 2008, a year during which starting quarterbacks were hit hard by injuries, Campbell was in the middle of the pack in completion percentage.

He averaged more yards per gain than only seven starters, and he had the second-lowest touchdown percentage in the top-heavy NFC. Campbell was sacked a disappointing 38 times. He had one of the lowest passer ratings in his conference.

RB Clinton Portis will continue to eat up much of the vertical yardage in the coordinator Sherman Smith's offense.

Verdict: Campbell is an acceptable backup who, as along as Chris Cooley returns to form and pulls in a bunch of TD passes, should at least score some fantasy points by finding the end zone 18-20 times.

Draft Guide For Campbell:

Draft format	8-team league	10-team league	12-team league
Snake or IDP	12th round or later	12th-14th round	12th-13th round
Auction	$18 maximum	$20 maximum	$22 maximum
Keeper	12th-16th round	12th-15th round	11th-15th round

21. Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers

Projected Stats: 250-of-420, 3247 yards, 16 TDs, 12 INTs

171 points

Pros: Delhomme should have one of the NFL's best receivers in Steve Smith available for the full season this year (injuries can always happen, though). Second-year TE Gary Barnidge emerged as a pass-catching threat in training camp, and he may begin '09 as the Panthers' No. 1 tight end. The Panthers' offensive line is one of the best in the league at pass protection.

Cons: HBs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are expected to produce much of the yardage and score most of the touchdowns in coach John Fox's run, run, run offensive system. This, and his inconsistent accuracy, kills Delhomme's fantasy value.

Verdict: Don't waste your time on Delhomme. The Panthers simply run the ball too much to make him much of a fantasy commodity.

Top 40 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks: Nos. 36-40

Top 40 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks: Nos. 31-35

Top 40 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks: Nos. 26-30

The Top 40 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks: Nos. 26-30

Matt Gilmartin — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:34:20 -0400

*These rankings are based on the ESPN standard scoring system. These rankings are ESPN's, not my own. The analysis is mine.

30. Daunte Culpepper, Detroit Lions

Projected Stats: 129-of-230, 1685 yards, 9 TDs, 10 INTs, 91 points

Culpepper has one of the best and most sizable receivers in the league in Calvin Johnson. In addition, RB Kevin Smith has great versatility that can be utilized in both the rushing and passing game. And Culpepper's experience allows him to create plays on the fly. But his lack of a legitimate second receiver and offensive line will keep him from having true fantasy success.

In "snake" leagues: Draft Culpepper as one of your first two or three backups if in an eight- or 10-team league, or perhaps as your No. 2 quarterback if in a 12-team league

In "auction" leagues: Don't spend more than $28 on Culpepper

In keeper leagues: Take Culpepper somewhere between the ninth and 12th round

In IDP leagues: Select Culpepper between the 11th and 14th round

29. Kerry Collins, Tennessee Titans

Projected Stats: 220-of-380, 2414 yards, 11 TDs, 9 INTs, 124 points

Collins got a new weapon this offseason in WR Nate Washington, a big-play receiver who has averaged 16.4 yards per catch since he entered the NFL in 2006. He also still has Alge Crumpler, who has impressed in the Titans' two preseason games, and Bo Scaife, Tennessee's leading receiver in 2008 with 58 catches for 561 yards.

Add in a top rushing attack that can prevent opposing defenses from playing the pass too much, and you'd think Collins is a sleeper. But the Titans are a run-first team, and with that excellent rushing game, they'll stick to their philosophy.

Don't worry about drafting Collins unless in a 12-team league. But if in a 12-team league...

In a "snake" draft: Take Collins between rounds 13 and 15

In an auction draft: Don't spend more than $22 on Collins

In a keeper league: If needed, draft Collins in one of the last two rounds

In an IDP league: Draft Collins between rounds 13 and 15

28. Marc Bulger, St. Louis Rams

Projected Stats: 227-of-398, 2459 yards, 12 TDs, 16 INTs, 117 points

Since throwing 24 touchdown passes to only eight interceptions in 2006, Bulger has thrown only 22 touchdowns to 28 picks the last two seasons. This trend should continue. His best—and only legitimate—receiver, Donnie Avery, is out until at least early September. TE Randy Carmichael, who caught only 11 passes last year, won't help the receiving shortage.

Bulger could produce some by throwing to RB Steven Jackson out of the backfield, but that's about it.

Simply don't bother with Bulger right now. If at midseason he's performing exceptionally well with Avery back, maybe consider picking him up.

27. Brady Quinn, Cleveland Browns

Projected Stats: 204-of-328, 2159 yards, 9 TDs, 8 INTs, 28 rushes, 103 yards, 1 TD, 122 points

With the year-long suspension of receiver Donte' Stallworth, Quinn's fantasy value significantly decreases—even if he becomes the Browns' starter. Without Winslow as a security blanket and only Braylon Edwards—who drops a lot of passes these days—to throw to, Quinn just doesn't have any weapons.

Josh Cribbs could step up and help Quinn out some, but it wouldn't be enough to make a difference. Besides, Cribbs is much more renowned as a return specialist. Cleveland's running game won't do much to ease Quinn's struggles either.

Pass on Quinn, no matter what kind of league you're in.

26. JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders

Projected Stats: 223-of-387, 2641 yards, 14 TDs, 10 INTs, 23 rushes, 89 yards, 1 TD, 155 points

Russell is expected to start this year in place of free agent arrival Jeff Garcia, who is currently battling injuries anyway. Russell could be a sleeper. He has at least one legitimate receiving threat in TE Zach Miller, and if rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey steps up early in the season (as he should, since he was drafted in the top ten this year), Russell could have two nice targets.

RB Darren McFadden can catch passes out of the backfield. He is also part of an up-and-coming running game that should help take some pressure off of Russell this season.

If in a league with fewer than 12 teams, don't bite on Russell. But if you are...

In a snake draft: Take Russell between the eighth and 11th round

In an auction draft: Spend $20-$24 on Russell

In a keeper league: Take Russell in one of the last three rounds

In an IDP league: Draft Russell between the eighth and 11th round

Top 40 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks: Nos. 36-40

Top 40 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks: Nos. 31-35

Matt Gilmartin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:17:40 -0400

*These rankings are based on ESPN's standard scoring system. They are ESPN's, not my own. The analysis is mine.

35. Derek Anderson, Cleveland Browns

Projected Stats: 101-of-181, 1196 yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs, 69 points

Anderson is in an intense battle for the starting job with Brady Quinn. Until the winner is decided (late in camp, according to coach Eric Mangini's prediction), it's wise to pass on Anderson. The Browns need their starting signal-caller to be poised and a strong leader to stabilize their uncertain quarterback situation. Quinn fits the bill.

If the competition remains close, then Quinn should get the nod. Odds are that Anderson won't start this year, and that detracts virtually all fantasy value from him.

34. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

Projected Stats: 98-of-200, 1374 yards, 7 TDs, 8 INTs, 73 points

Smith didn't play last season. Shaun Hill started the 49ers' final eight games last season, and performed well. Hill should start in 2009 for the 49ers.

Pass on Smith.

33. Luke McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Stats: 157-of-269, 1868 yards, 9 TDs, 11 INTs, 28 rushes, 132 yards, 2 TDs, 113 points

Don't bite on McCown unless he wins the Bucs' starting job.

32. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Projected Stats: 130-of-248, 1857 yards, 9 TDs, 13 INTs, 18 rushes, 41 yards, 1 TD, 94 points

Unless he strongly impresses the coaching staff in the preseason, Stafford won't start. Don't draft him.

31. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

Projected Stats: 170-of-350, 2453 yards, 11 TDs, 17 INTs, 113 points

Sanchez is expected to start for the Jets, so he's worth drafting. But late in the season, after being used to playing in warm southern California, how will he react to playing in freezing temperatures each weekend?

While Sanchez isn't a bad option, he should be your backup. He's a No. 2 QB when you're in a fix and the Jets are playing a team with a poor pass defense. If you're in a 12-team league, draft him no earlier than the ninth round. If you're in a league with fewer than 12 teams, you may not get down as far as Sanchez on the draft board.

Top 40 Fantasy Football Quarterbacks: Nos. 36-40

Matt Gilmartin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:38:49 -0400

*These rankings are based on ESPN's standard scoring league format. They are ESPN's rankings, not my own. The analysis is mine.

40. Chad Henne, Miami Dolphins

Projected Stats: 75-of-141, 844 yards, 3 TDs, 6 INTs, 35 points

Several sources, including Pro Football Weekly and ESPN say Henne should take over as the Dolphins' starting signal-caller by this time next year. This prediction makes sense.

The Dolphins signed Pennington last offseason as a temporary fix for their messy quarterback situation. It's likely that he also mentored then-rookie Henne in '08. But Pennington's skills—most notably accuracy—don't fit particularly well in an explosive offense like the Wildcat.

Henne, on the other hand, has a powerful arm and Pennington's poised pocket presence. If he has improved his accuracy, then he should indeed succeed Pennington as the Dolphins' starter soon. Chances of that are good—Miami's quarterbacks coach, David Lee, coached in colleged for 25 years before taking his first NFL gig. Lee knows what he's doing with young players.

If nothing else, monitor Pennington's health and/or performance and Henne's availability in your league.

39. Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota Vikings

Projected Stats: 62-of-111, 717 yards, 4 TDs, 6 INTs, 20 rushes for 101 yards, 42 points

Even after three years in the pros, the athletic Jackson is not a hot commodity in fantasy football. About all he can do is scramble. But with one of the league's top running games to lean on, Jackson won't be the one running.

Jackson isn't worth drafting or picking up unless it's an emergency and the Vikings are playing a team with a weak pass defense in the week you need a quick fix for.

38. Matt Leinart, Arizona Cardinals

Projected Stats: 47-of-84, 519 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, 24 points

In spite of the increase in starter Kurt Warner's chance of injury due to age (he's 38), Leinart doesn't have much of a chance to get playing time in 2009. And you can't produce if you're not on the field.

Stay away from Leinart.

37. Kellen Clemens, New York Jets

Projected Stats: 82-of-161, 1014 yards, 4 TDs, 6 INTs, 50 points

While the Jets haven't publicly said so, first-round pick Mark Sanchez is widely expected to start in the regular season. Clemens' chance appears to have come and gone.

Pass on Clemens even if Sanchez gets hurt.

36. Tyler Thigpen, Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Stats: 44-of-77, 474 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs, 13 rushes for 82 yards and 1 TD, 38 points

With his $63 million contract to prove it, Matt Cassel is undoubtedly the starter in KC. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley, who coached the Cardinals' offense in 2008, should give Cassel every chance to succeed. Thigpen shouldn't get much playing time.

It couldn't hurt to keep an eye on Thigpen's availability if Cassel bombs. But the chances of Thigpen replacing Cassel before about late November are slim, and almost none.

2009 NFL Season Preview: Baltimore Ravens

Matt Gilmartin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:29:42 -0400

Offensive Line

The offensive line’s run-blocking should improve with the addition of free-agent center Matt Birk and return of RG Marshal Yanda from injury. The Ravens drafted RT Michael Oher in the first round to fill the gap left by the retirement of Willie Anderson.

Depth is a major issue since Chris Chester is the only backup center who has any experience. In his three years in the NFL, Chester has played in 43 games. He started 11 games for the Ravens in 2008.

The Ravens tried to get better at pass protection, an area in which they ranked 18th last season, by drafting Oher. But he doesn't have Flacco's blindside—Jared Gaither, entering just his second year as a starter, does. Gaither must continue to improve if the Ravens' line is truly going to get better.

Quarterbacks

After an unusually successful rookie campaign, Joe Flacco is back. He threw for 2,971 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2008. In addition, the Ravens made the playoffs and advanced to the AFC Championship Game under his leadership.

Flacco is well-insured by Troy Smith and John Beck.

Running Backs

The Big Three—Willis McGahee, Le’Ron McClain, and Ray Rice—return from their breakout 2008 season. But McClain has been moved back to fullback.

Jalen Parmele, whom the Ravens plucked off of the Dolphins’ practice squad on December 10, 2008, could be a No. 2 or No. 3 running back on a lot of other teams. According to his player profile on the Ravens’ official Web site, Parmele is a "smooth, aggressive athlete who can gain the tough yards and is sure-handed out of the backfield."

But because he’s on the Ravens, he will have to fight for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart against draft pick Cedric Peerman, about whom Ravens director of player personnel Eric DeCosta had this to say:

“He’s as tough as they come with good hands. He’s been a very productive special teams guy. He’s got a tough mindset. He’s a lunch-and-pail-type guy. He was another ‘red star’ for us this year. Guys who get this distinction have a temperament and countenance we want—toughness, high character and intelligence, leadership, and competitiveness.”

Wide Receivers

The defense and "Big Three" in the rushing offense stole the limelight last year, but No. 1 receiver Derrick Mason had an under-appreciated season, catching 80 passes for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns. However, one can’t help but wonder how many similarly productive years Mason has in him, considering he’s 35.

With a few more touches, Mark Clayton would have the potential to break out in 2009. But with a powerful rushing attack and a more reliable receiver above him on the depth chart, his production will still be limited.

After unsuccessful stints with the Bengals and Patriots, Kelly Washington, who has caught 73 passes for 896 yards and nine touchdowns in seven years in the NFL, signed with the Ravens in May. Washington is exactly what the Ravens needed to build some depth at wide receiver. The team now has two legitimate pass catchers beyond Mason and Clayton.

The team thinks a lot of Marcus Smith.

Tight Ends

Stalwart Todd Heap is still the leader of this group. His production has dropped off the past two years (he was injured for 10 games in 2007). But when he’s on his game, he’s a force.

After six years as an Eagle, LJ Smith signed with Baltimore in the offseason. He’s certainly not going to threaten Heap, but Smith has enough pass catching and blocking ability to spell Heap for limited minutes when needed. He can also play more than one role in two-TE sets.

If Heap and/or Smith get hurt, look for draft pick Davon Drew to step in and contribute nicely.

Defensive Line

Haloti Ngata is perhaps the best young NT in the NFL anchoring what is one of the top three-man defensive lines in the NFL. He’s only played three seasons, but already he has accumulated 149 tackles.

Tackle Kevin Gregg has been a consistent presence on the Ravens’ defensive line since 2002, the year before Baltimore’s defense became perennially elite. After playing sparingly in his first two years in the league, Gregg has averaged about 58 tackles and two sacks per season since.

Tackle Trevor Pryce may be declining. He’s 33, and since he had his best all-around professional season in 2006 (46 tackles and 13 sacks), he hasn’t gotten after the ball carrier or quarterback as well.

The last two seasons, he has combined for 42 tackles and seven sacks. Furthermore, the extra effort required to make plays in a three-man line could be wearing him down faster than playing in a four-man line would.

Justin Bannan, Brandon McKinney, and Dwan Edwards are nice to have for insurance.

Linebackers

Bart Scott is now gone. However, the heart and soul of the Ravens’ defense, Ray Lewis, returns, as does Terrell Suggs, the other anchor of this linebacking corps.

Jarret Johnson and Tavares Gooden need to step up. Brendon Ayanbadejo, Jameel McClain, and Paul Kruger provide decent depth.

Cornerbacks

Domonique Foxworth arrived via free agency in the offseason. He had 38 tackles, an interception, and 11 pass deflections in 2008. His partner, Fabian Washington, has commendable ball skills—he batted down 15 passes in ’08, and he has 43 pass knockdowns in his career. This duo should work well together in 2009.

Samari Rolle, Frank Walker, and Lardarius Webb offer nice depth as well for the Ravens' cornerbacks.

Safeties

Ed Reed, widely considered the best safety in the NFL today—and one of the best in NFL history—returns as usual. Reed ranks third in interceptions (43) among active players. He is second only to Darren Sharper and Ty Law, both of whom have been playing much longer than Reed.

Dawan Landry is coming off of a neck injury that kept him out of 14 games last season. He may be rusty at the beginning of the year, but by midseason, look for him to regain his form from 2006-07, when he combined for 146 tackles and 17 pass deflections.

Having a pair of skilled, ball-hawking safeties over the top should allow Foxworth and Washington to jam opposing receivers on the line of scrimmage without worrying if they’re going to get burned for a long gain or touchdown.

The Ravens just better hope neither Reed nor Landry gets hurt. Reserves Tom Zbikowsky and Haruki Nakumura are not ready to play more than severely limited minutes yet, except in the preseason.

Special Teams

Former NC State kicker Steven Hauschka and Florida State kicker Graham Gano will battle for placekicking and kickoff duties.

Gano has the immediate edge, having gotten significant playing time in his senior season at FSU in 2008. He made 24-of-26 field goal attempts and 33-of-34 extra points. The two field goals he missed were from 50+ yards.

Hauschka has little NFL experience, and he hasn't played much since his collegiate senior season in 2007. But he has great potential in his range. He has made one field goal in two attempts, but that successful try was from 54 yards.

Hauschka will need to prove his accuracy and poise are up to par, but the Ravens must think he will do well. Otherwise they wouldn’t have released longtime kicker Matt Stover in the offseason.

Punter Sam Koch is one of the best in the league, as well as one of the most underrated. He has a booming net average of 39.9 yards. He’s also a master of downing the ball inside the opposing 20-yard line, which makes him valuable in the field possession game. Koch is also the holder on placekicks.

Webb, who was drafted out of Nicholls State, should return kickoffs and punts.

Matt Katula will be the long snapper.

Coaching staff

The staff remains intact except for the departure of defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to the New York Jets. He has been replaced by Greg Mattison, who was the Ravens' linebackers coach in 2008. Not much should change in any aspect of the way the team coaches.

Carolina Hurricanes Re-Sign Chad LaRose and Erik Cole

Matt Gilmartin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:28:52 -0400

The Carolina Hurricanes made two crucial offseason moves in two days. On July 2, they re-signed forward Erik Cole to a two-year deal worth $5.8 million. On July 3, Carolina agreed to a two-year, $3.4 million contract with forward Chad LaRose (top left in the article photo).

After coming to the Hurricanes via trade in March, Cole scored 15 points in 17 games as the Canes' offense fired on all cylinders. But in the playoffs Cole did not score a goal and managed only five assists. Still, the 30 year-old Oswego, N.Y. native has a wealth of experience, and he is familiar with the Hurricanes' system.

LaRose scored 19 goals and 12 assists in 81 regular season games in 2008-09. In addition, the 5'10", 181-lb center was the team's fourth-most prolific scorer in the playoffs, as he tallied four goals and seven assists in 18 postseason games.

He's developing into a nice scorer, but LaRose's greatest attribute may be his work ethic. He gives 100 percent every night, playing as though that night's game could be his last. And he's gritty.

LaRose totaled 16 penalty minutes in 18 games in last year's playoffs, and he's not afraid to fight a bigger player.

Carolina Hurricanes Re-Sign Jussi Jokinen

Matt Gilmartin — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:30:02 -0400

The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to a two-year, $3.4 million deal with forward Jussi Jokinen. According to Hurricanes' general manager Jim Rutherford, the agreement will pay Jokinen $1.5 million in 2009-10 and $1.9 million in 2010-11.

"Jussi was a good addition to our team last season, and he really stepped into his role in the playoffs. His ability to contribute on the powerplay and the penalty kill, and his versatility at different forward positions makes him a valuable player," said Rutherford.

After Carolina traded for him in early February, Jokinen tallied 11 regular season points and had 12 penalty minutes. But in the playoffs he emerged as an unsung hero, scoring multiple clutch goals late in games—three, to be precise.

He also scored the goal that tied Game Seven of the Canes' first-round series against the Devils at three. In addition, the 26-year-old Finland native matched his regular season point total in seven fewer games in the playoffs.

His most famous dramatic score was his game-winning goal in Game Four of Carolina's first-round playoff series against the Devils, which registered with .2 seconds left in regulation.

The goal became such a sensation that Fox Sports South used the video clip as their promo for the team throughout the remainder of the playoff games they broadcasted.

Hockey: Appreciating the Little Things

Matt Gilmartin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:07:56 -0400

Hockey isn't popular in the southeast. Its stereotype advertises a boring game that only Canadiens like. Because of this assumption, few southerners give hockey a chance. But I, as a North Carolinian, gave hockey a try. Now it's easily my favorite sport.

It's a shame that many southerners knock it before they try it. Otherwise, I'm sure that they would fall in love with hockey.

What makes hockey so special to experience is the intimate crowd atmosphere. The subtle wintry hue of the arena one can feel even from a luxury box. The perfect sheen of the freshly laid ice. The introduction ceremonies, with Metallica's "Sandman" blasting through the speakers as the overhead lights go out and the players storm onto the ice.

The sound of skate blades carving razor-thin indentations in the ice. The shrill of the referee's whistle as he drops the puck for the opening faceoff to signal the start of the game.

The kloosh! of the puck sliding across the ice as it is passed from one player to another. The clack! of the puck making impact with the hard, wood blade of a players' stick. The carome! of the puck whipping around the end boards on a determined hard-around. The crush! of the side boards bending back as a player checks an opponent into them hard.

The rising din of the crowd during a well-executed powerplay in anticipation of a big goal. The relief of seeing the puck skidding down the full length of the ice as the team you're pulling for finishes off a momentous penalty kill.

The deafening roar of the crowd when the home team scores. The sound of the goal horn blaring. The adrenaline rush of a game-clinching, empty-net goal at the end of regulation. The suspense of overtime, where the first goal wins the game.

The excitement of the playoffs and the exhilaration of the heat of the playoff race.

If more southerners gave hockey a chance, they would love it. Hockey would subsequently gain the popularity it deserves in the south.

How Jake Delhomme Compares to Matt Ryan

Matt Gilmartin — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:42:38 -0400

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan wowed the NFL throughout the 2008 season. The first pass he threw resulted in a 61-yard touchdown. He won four of his first six starts. With Ryan at the helm, the Falcons finished the season a surprising 11-5. They had also earned an NFC Wild Card playoff spot.

Although the Falcons bowed out of the postseason in the first round, it didn't diminish Ryan's regular season accomplishments.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme didn't impress anyone in 2008. His job was to hand off to DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart and make sure he didn't hurt the rest of the team too badly. The Panthers had a successful season, but that was largely because of a dynamic rushing attack which was among the best in the league.

But in their Division Round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Panthers choked in their own stadium, where they had played so well for the entire season. Delhomme turned the ball over six times in this game, and although the porous defense had just as much to do with the loss as Delhomme, all the blame was placed on Delhomme's shoulders.

It didn't matter that the Panthers had had a great season. Delhomme had ended the Panthers' first legitimate run to the Super Bowl since 2005 before it even got started. That one playoff performance stigmatized the Panthers' entire season.

This upcoming season Matt Ryan is expected to have an even better season than in 2008, and many experts predict the Falcons to win the NFC South with Ryan under center.

Delhomme won't be the focus of attention in the Panthers' offense in 2009. But many still consider him the weak point of a team possibly on the cusp of becoming a true contender. This nit-pick isn't justified. Let's compare Ryan, the up-and-coming star, to Delhomme, the weak link in an otherwise strong Panthers offense.

Longevity

Ryan is entering his second season in the NFL after starting all 16 games in 2008.

Delhomme is entering his sixth season as Carolina's starter. However, he missed 13 games due to injury in 2007. He was also hurt for three games in 2006.

Delhomme has technically been in the NFL since 1998. But before 2003, when he started everything but the first half of the season opener, he had started two games in his career. 2003 was his unofficial rookie year.

Despite the fact that Delhomme is 34, he doesn't have years and years of NFL experience like most starting quarterbacks his age have. While Delhomme isn't still learning to play in the NFL, he can't make plays based on experience like other veteran NFL quarterbacks can.

No. 17 also played professionally in Europe for a few years prior to breaking into the NFL. But foreign pro football isn't the same as the NFL.

Because Ryan has less experience his mistakes are more forgivable. While Delhomme has been in the league longer, he still isn't exactly a grizzled NFL veteran.

Poise

Ryan has excellent composure. He led the Falcons on three game-winning drives in 2008. In addition, he always stood tall in the pocket and took hits to make plays.

Ask any Panthers fan who he wants to lead a drive that could score an important touchdown late in the game. He will say Jake Delhomme, who has guided the Panthers to 15 comeback wins on late drives since 2003.

Ryan had great poise for a rookie. But Delhomme is a proven reliable performer in crunch time.

Supporting Cast

Ryan had arguably the best running back in the league and one of the best offensive lines overall in the NFL. Michael Turner (and Jerious Norwood) helped keep defenses honest, and the offensive line gave him plenty of time to find open receivers. Most NFL receivers can get open if they get enough time.

Delhomme also had one of the best rushing games and offensive lines in the NFL. But he didn't have his top receiver, Steve Smith, for the first two games of the regular season.

Both guys had more or less the same amount of support from his teammates.

Stats

Ryan completed 61 percent of his passes for 3,440 yards (7.9 yards per attempt) in 2008. He threw 16 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions. Ryan completed 157 passes for first downs, and he had a passer rating of 87.7.

In his five seasons as a full starter, Delhomme has, on average, completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,324 yards (7.4 yards per attempt) 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. His mean passer rating is 84.7.

Ryan did well in his first year as an NFL starter. Delhomme's average numbers aren't great, but they are by no means bad.

Intangibles

As any Panthers fan will tell you, Delhomme has a true competitor's attitude which infects all his teammates, inclining them to give their best each second of every game. He also has an uncanny knack for finding Steve Smith, Carolina's best receiver.

Ryan has a quiet calm about him which keeps his teammates cool and collected in pressure situations.

Matt Ryan and Jake Delhomme are a lot alike. The only differences between the two rival quarterbacks is personality and experience. Either Ryan is overhyped, or Delhomme doesn't deserve all the criticism he deals with.

My Game, My Gym, and I

Matt Gilmartin — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:51:31 -0400

It began with heartbreak.

Sometime early this past winter, I planned to ask a girl out. I knew that if she didn't say yes, my shot at her was gone forever. I wasn't sure I could handle that, but I put all my eggs in one basket and went for it. I failed.

I was devastated. I lost my enthusiasm for a lot of things I had previously enjoyed in life. Something, which I now realize was God, put the idea into my head of playing basketball during my free time at school.

One morning during activity period I went to the gym to check things out. Fortunately, a ball was lying in a corner of the gym floor. I slowly made my way across the court, taking in the cavernous darkness that hung in the air like a thick smoke.

"How fitting," I thought.

Scooping up the ball, I worked my hands over its smooth grip and the indentations where the seams were. I began to dribble, getting used to its bounce. I shot the ball a few times to gauge the power needed to get it to the basket.

After repeating this ritual another couple of times, the girl who had broken my heart entered my mind. At that moment, frustration filled my chest, and I took a few hard dribbles. It felt really good.

Soon I was branching off of the hard dribbles to playing like I was in a real game. I did a hard jab step. An explosive first step toward the basket. I planted my right foot hard and pushed off for a crossover going left.

I gather the ball, bringing it back close into my body. I position my hands in the proper places for a shot, explode off the hardwood, and snap the shot off with a determined flick of my wrist.

I do moves like this for the next 25 minutes, using frustration to fuel my competitive fire. When it's time to go to class I feel much better.

Day after day, I keep going to the gym to work off my frustration with the girl. But even after I'm long over her, I keep going back to the gym to play ball. Basketball had been my escape, my outlet for unhealthy energy during the time of emotional hardship. Playing consistently had re-instilled a love for basketball in my heart.

Because of my passion for the game, I continued to play every chance I got at school. Soon, the only way I would ever leave the gym was to get forced out in some way, whether by a class I had to go to, a PE class coming in to use the gym, or bad weather.

But even when I got kicked out of the gym, I went outside to the tennis courts, where we had a couple of hoops hanging over the fence surrounding the lower court. One day, I got caught out there playing HORSE with a friend of mine. Rain poured down on us for 30 minutes, but we didn't care. After I found out I didn't care about getting rained on if I was playing, almost nothing could keep me from playing.

In time, I got so used to playing that it felt like the most unnatural thing in the world if I didn't play at school on a given day. Even if I had to play alone in the pouring rain, and I only had five minutes to spare, I couldn't keep from trying to play.

My addiction to basketball got so bad that I eventually used my lunch period to play instead of eating.

Because I played so much, my skills steadily improved. I got good enough that I was better than I had ever been before.

My school's varsity football coach compared me to Stephen Curry, and the head basketball coach marveled at my range, saying I was one of the two best shooters in the school. The other was the star point guard on the varsity basketball team. Two friends compared me to Kobe and LeBron.

One of guys in my school's athletic department who was close to the varsity basketball team constantly said I spent more time in the gym than any of the players on the team. He said that, with a little more time in the gym, the coach could get me a free ride. I'm pretty sure he wasn't joking.

I've been playing "21" (no, not the card game) with some juniors who like "b-ball" as much as I do. At first, I was one of the average players in the group. Now the best player in our clique and I are competing with only each other most days, with the rest of the guys lagging behind except on the occasional day where one of them finds his rhythm.

Now, I once again love everything about playing basketball: The way the game comes naturally to me, the way I'm revered for my skills and respected my for dedication, and the way it helps me forget all my problems.

Basketball became my refuge more than ever. When I was on the court, all my problems and worries disappeared. Basketball itself was my escape, and the court was my safe haven.

When I play basketball, it's just my game, my gym, and I.

Why B/R Beats Facebook At Its Own Game

Matt Gilmartin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:51:11 -0400

In case you're unfamiliar with it, Facebook is a worldwide social networking website designed to allow people who don't live near each other a way to keep in touch. But it has expanded further than even its founders could have hoped.

Some Facebook users now spend countless hours on the website talking to their closest friends during the hours of the day when they don't see each other at school or work. Others put everything about themselves on their profile page to maximize the chances of meeting new people.

Since you're reading this piece, I assume you're at least somewhat familiar with Bleacher Report. It allows you to write, edit, or just read and comment on sports articles written by actual sports fans like you, not some jaded paid professional. The attraction to this concept is undeniable and is evidenced by the 100,000+ registered members of the site.

The general layout of B/R promotes networking. Furthermore, it necessitates networking. To move up in the world of B/R, one must engage other members by writing, editing, or reading and commenting on articles. As you do these things, you meet other people who are similar to you. You make friends. B/R's formula for success, inadvertently or not, accomplishes the same goal as Facebook.

But you can meet new people the Facebook way, too—by sending private messages and posting notes on their bulletin boards. (Just a note to the tech people who run B/R—it would be really nice if the text in private messages wasn't displayed as a massive block. It makes the message harder and more daunting to read. Plus it goes against general writing rules of B/R.) Heck, you can even exchange email addresses with someone and email each other if you want to.

But B/R is much safer than Facebook.

It's easy to create a fake identity on Facebook. Just come up with a fake name, age, and occupation. You don't have to release any other information to the other members of Facebook if you choose not to. Granted, that's conceivably all you have to do break into the masses on B/R too.

But it's very difficult to meet new people on B/R just by getting an account.

Folks who use B/R use the site for one reason: to discuss sports. Hence the B/R slogan: "The Web's best destination for sports community, news, opinion, photos, and more". If you don't have something intelligent to say about sports, no one listens to you.

The sick people who scour Facebook looking for helpless or gullible (sometimes both) young people to take advantage of likely won't go to the trouble of coming up with enough logical things to say about sports that they can convince someone to meet in person. Plus, in my year on B/R, no one has ever suggested meeting in person. Nor have I ever mentioned it. The idea of meeting in person just isn't part of the B/R culture.

In addition, B/R's registered members are mostly college-aged or older. There may be a couple kids younger than 13 who use B/R regularly, but in general the youngest regular users of B/R are at least 13.

But again, the 13-17 age range is easily the smallest member demographic on B/R. There are no children for child predators to find here, making B/R an unattractive place to look for children in their eyes. But predators probably wouldn't even think to look for kids to take advantage of on a sports website.

Bleacher Report beats Facebook at its own game.

Paul Maurice to Return Behind the Bench for Carolina Canes

Matt Gilmartin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:13:27 -0400

The Carolina Hurricanes have signed head coach Paul Maurice to a new, multi-year contract. The rest of Maurice's staff from last season will return as well, including former player Ron Francis, Kevin McCarthy, Tom Rowe, and Tom Borrasso.

In addition to staying on as an assistant coach, Francis now is also the director of player personnel. Goalies coach Borrasso, who guided star goaltender Cam Ward to the upper tier of the league, will graduate into an assistant coaching position.

Maurice replaced former coach Peter Laviolette in early December 2008. The Canes went 33-19-5 with Maurice at the helm. That impressive streak enabled them to earn the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Carolina eventually beat the New Jersey Devils and Boston Bruins in consecutive dramatic, seven-game series. But the Pittsburgh Penguins swept them in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Furthermore, each time the Hurricanes needed a win, they got one—until the East Finals, that is. But the fact remains that they were able to click every time they needed to under Maurice is proof of his tremendous motivational skills.

The Canes signed the right man for the job.

Why NHL Hockey is the Ultimate Improvisational Thriller

Matt Gilmartin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:18:31 -0400

If you've seen a few suspense movies, you know the story will unfold. A scary unknown interrupts the comfortable world and induces panic. Then the "good guy" steps in and at first appears to be in over his head trying to fight the evil. But in the end he overcomes the "bad guy" and restores normalcy to every-day life.

The movie is fun while it lasts, but you can't watch it more than a few times before it bores you.

NHL hockey is similar to a suspense movie, but better. Much better.

A hockey game has its scary moments. An opponent deflects a shot just wide of your team's net. One of your guys gets laid out and doesn't get up for several minutes. An opponent gets an excellent scoring chance.

An opponent scores a goal, at which point you might start to worry if your team will lose that night. These things happen many times in every game (the first and third examples, at least).

But unlike in suspense movies; when the story is planned out, you don't know what will happen. The future result of the game is a mystery. The players don't have choreographed moves to execute. Instead they make countless decisions on-the-fly in every game. That's called improvisation.

The unpredictable nature of NHL hockey makes it the perfect improvisational thriller.

Anaheim Ducks Sign LW Mike Brown to Two-Year Extension

Matt Gilmartin — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:40:25 -0400

According to the Anaheim Ducks' official website, left winger Mike Brown has been signed to a two-year contract extension. Financial details about the deal were not disclosed because of a franchise policy.

After being traded from Vancouver in early February, Brown played 28 regular season games, in which time he scored two goals but had a plus-minus rating of minus-three with the Ducks.

But he was mainly an enforcer, easily leading the team with 2.1 penalty minutes per game.

Brown, 23, has spent much of his young pro hockey career in the minor leagues thus far. He played three seasons in the AHL, two in the CCHA and NAHL, and one in the ECHL.

This signing was smart for the Ducks. They needed a young fighter like Brown to step in and defend the aged scorers the team still relies on a little too much, even with talented youngsters Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, and Bobby Ryan sharing the scoring load.

Game Five Loss to Red Wings Eliminates Blackhawks from Playoffs

Matt Gilmartin — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:44:08 -0400

The Chicago Blackhawks had their collective eye on the prize, a berth in the Stanley Cup Finals. That eye is now closed following the team's 2-1 overtime loss in game five, which eliminated them from the playoffs, to the defending champion Detroit Red Wings.

Chicago lost despite goaltender Cristobal Huet's outstanding 44-saves performance. He made countless tough saves. But his best came late in the third period on a Johan Franzen backhander off the initial rebound, when Huet was sprawled out from stopping a one-timer on a Detroit two on two. It was likely the best playoff game of his brief, undistinguished career.

As a goalie, when a team as offensively potent as the Red Wings needs a beautiful deflection right in front of the net and a lapse in defensive coverage from your guys to score their two goals in a game against you, you've played a game for the ages.

In the few cases where Huet couldn't make the play by himself, his defense usually did the little things necessary to clean up the play, like clear a loose puck out of the vicinity of the net. The Red Wings scored on the time or two that they didn't step up.

Huet wasn't the only Blackhawks who dazzled fans and neutral onlookers. Patrick Kane elevated a nifty backhanded shot over the left shoulder of Detroit goalkeeper Chris Osgood at the 12:53 mark of the third period, when the clock started to become an enemy for the 'Hawks. It was Kane's first goal of the playoffs, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Both teams got quality chances in the remaining minutes of the final period, but none could be converted, thanks in large part to the commendable work of the net minders. The game subsequently went into overtime.

In the extra period, the 'Hawks seemed out of gas. They lost too many battles for the puck, and their defensive zone coverage wasn't as sharp as it had been through the first three periods. Because of that, Brett Lebda was able to find an excellent spot to shoot from the center point, and he slung a wrist shot at the net, which Huet rejected with one with his right pad.

But Detroit's Tomas Holmstrom and Darren Helm were stationed in front of the net, waiting for the rebound Huet gave up. Holmstrom corralled the puck and centered it to Helm, who buried it for the game winner.

The young Blackhawks just didn't have enough skill or experience to matchup with the Red Wings. That's why they're going to be watching the Stanley Cup Finals from their living room couches instead of playing in them.

Red Wings Finish Off 'Hawks, Advance to Second Straight Cup Finals

Matt Gilmartin — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:47:33 -0400

The Detroit Red Wings outlasted the Chicago Blackhawks, 2-1, in an instant classic at Joe Louis Arena Wednesday night. After going into the game with a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, the win earned Detroit the right to play the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Eastern Conference champions, in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Game Five was a fierce battle of the teams' respective defenses and goaltenders, Chris Osgood and Cristobal Huet. The Red Wings blocked 13 shots, and Osgood stopped 30 of 31 shots. The Blackhawks blocked 12 shots, and Huet turned in a tremendous, 44-save performance. Both squads displayed nearly flawless defensive coverage, cut off passing lanes, hounded opposing puck handlers like hungry dogs, and were positioned soundly.

Because of the spectacular defense and excellent goal-tending, the first goal was scored unusually late in the game for the Red Wings, at the 6:08 mark of the third period. From the front of the net, Dan Cleary redirected Brett Lebda's slapper off the side boards from the left point into the nylon.

Cleary provided a huge boost to the Wings' already potent offense, with five goals in the series. He didn't get many chances to score (13 shots, with six coming in Game Five), but he made the most of his minimal chances.

An interesting statistical tidbit: Cleary has scored eight goals in his last 15 playoff games. In his 56 postseason contests before that, he had scored only seven goals.

Patrick Kane answered Detroit's opening tally roughly seven minutes later with a slick, elevated backhand that flew over Osgood's left shoulder into the top left corner of the net.

But Kane and the rest of the Blackhawks' efforts were foiled early in overtime. Brett Lebda snapped a shot at the net, and Huet stopped the bid, but gave up a rebound. Tomas Holmstrom, who was on the doorstep but had Huet in his way, centered the puck to Darren Helm, who buried it for the game winner.

Canes Swept Out of Playoffs by Pens

Matt Gilmartin — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:08:57 -0400

It's over.

The Carolina Hurricanes' dream of winning the Stanley Cup for the second time in four years has disappeared into oblivion. The Canes were soundly outdueled, 4-1, by the Pittsburgh Penguins Tuesday night in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Eric Staal opened up the scoring barely 1:30 into the game for the Hurricanes with a forceful wrap-around. But that was Carolina's best play of the night. Carolina came into Game Four with a record of 7-0 when Staal scores.

But after the Canes couldn't get anything more from their made-to-order start, the Penguins silenced the buzzing Caniacs at the RBC Center with a goal by Ruslan Fedentenko.

Philippe Boucher faked a shot, then unleashed what initially appeared to be a real shot. But he was actually making a deceptive pass to Fedentenko, who slid under Carolina's defense, took the tape-to-tape pass and literally placed the puck in the Hurricanes' net like a goalie might "set the puck on a tee", so to speak, for a skater retreating back into his own zone to get the puck and then speed back up the ice to rejoin the play.

The speed and ease with which the Pens made the play shocked me as I watched it on TV. It must have made the same impact on the fans in the arena, because the rink got quieter than it had been all game when they realized what had happened. The first goal had been scored with skill and offensive awareness.

But if you were pulling for the Canes, the luck required to Pittsburgh's second goal drove the dreaded point home that Game Four was not going to be the Canes' night.

Late in the first period, Maxime Talbot pressured the puck and came up with a steal out of the left point. He burst out to the front of the pack of skaters trailing him, then pulled up and skirted off to the left in the high slot. As he did so, Talbot flicked the puck at the net.

The rubber disk glanced off of Anton Babchuk, who was defending the play for Carolina. The puck then turned into a knuckleball, somersaulting unpredictably through the air. Who knows what exactly caused him to react so badly, but something about the play confused Carolina goalie Cam Ward. He got some of his glove on the shot, but even so, it clumsily fell into the net, easily clearing the crossbar. Pittsburgh 2, Carolina 1.

Now the hockey gods were on Pittsburgh's side. To a Canes fan, the goal was the proverbial end to the game and series—even though the first period wasn't over yet—and it exuded hopelessness and futility.

Hopelessness that nothing could be done to win the game, much less three more after it. If the hockey gods are against you, you don't win. Because the desired result—winning Game Four, and eventually the series—couldn't be produced, why try to cheer a doomed team to victory?

The Canes have made themselves famous for comebacks achieved through hard work and execution (ex. "Miracle at Molson," "Shock at the Rock," among others). While Carolina fulfilled the first part of the prophecy—they never gave up, even when it was all but official that they had lost—but the execution was sorely missing.

Give it up for the Penguins. After they stretched their 2-1 lead to 3-1 late in the game, they turned it up defensively and stonewalled the Canes in the final minutes. But even before the Penguins started playing their stingiest defense of the year, Carolina couldn't take advantage of any scoring chance they earned. No matter how close they got, the Hurricanes couldn't finish.

Carolina also shot itself in the foot with a couple of defensive lapses, which had plagued them off-and-on throughout their series against New Jersey and Boston.

Fedetenko scored easily because Dennis Seidenberg lost him down low on the weak side. If Joni Pitkanen had done a better job of defending the pass Sidney Crosby slung to Bill Guerin for the Pens' third goal, the pass never makes it and Guerin doesn't score.

As a matter of fact, Carolina goaltender Cam Ward likely covers the puck and gets a whistle resulting in a faceoff if Pitkanen breaks up the pass.

Even when you have a goalie like Cam Ward at his best (which he wasn't in this series), he won't be able to do his job if you don't give him any help defensively. No goalie can make the important stops without some defensive help.

The lack of scoring and myriad defensive lapses have been series-long issues for the Canes. You can't be successful in the playoffs if you're giving up myriad goals but not scoring any yourself. In fact, you can't win in the regular season if you're guilty of doing those things.

That's why the Hurricanes will be watching the Stanley Cup Finals on TV instead of playing in them.

Pittsburgh Penguins Sweep Canes To Advance To Cup Finals

Matt Gilmartin — Tue, 26 May 2009 23:54:01 -0400

The Pittsburgh Penguins trumped the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 Tuesday night at the RBC Center to complete their sweep of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Penguins have earned the right to play the winner of the Blackhawks-Red Wings series in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Late in the first period it became apparent that the night's events would favor the Penguins.

Maxime Talbot pressured the puck and came up with a steal out of the left point. He motored out to the front of the pack of skaters trailing him, then pulled up and skirted off to the left in the high slot. As he did so, Talbot flicked the puck at the net.

The rubber disk glanced off of Anton Babchuk, who was defending the play for Carolina. The puck then turned into a knuckleball, somersaulting unpredictably. Who knows what did it, but something about the play confused Canes goaltender Cam Ward.

He got some of his glove on the shot, but even so it clumsily fell into the net, easily clearing the crossbar. Pittsburgh 2, Carolina 1.

Adding to the Penguins' psychological edge was the Hurricanes' repeated inability to execute, a series-long issue for the boys from Raleigh. Carolina just could not convert any of the few chances the Pens' stingy defense allowed.

If a Pittsburgh defenseman wasn't blocking a shot, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was there to stop any bid. Fleury made 30 saves on the night, and the Penguins' defensemen combined to block 14 shots.

Penguins stars Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby were not the center of attention like they had been through the first three games of the series. As a matter of fact, Malkin spent four minutes in the penalty box. But Crosby still helped teammates step up. He assisted goals by Bill Guerin and Craig Adams.

Ruslan Fedentenko kept his productive postseason going by contributing a goal. Even Maxime Talbot, who is not known for putting points on the board, scored a flukey goal.

Give some credit to the Penguins for their four goals. Their forecheck routinely pinned Carolina in their own end for entire shifts starting in the middle of the first period and carrying over throughout the second period. The incessant pressure put on the Canes in their own end forced some costly turnovers that led to scoring chances.

But two of Pittsburgh's goals could have been prevented by better defensive coverage. If Nick Wallin had done a better job covering the weak side of the crease, maybe Ruslan Fedetenko doesn't score that easy goal. If Joni Pitkanen defends that pass from Crosby to Guerin better, Guerin probably doesn't score.

Once the Penguins' lead reached 3-1 late in the game and they could sense the win coming, their defense proved as effective as their explosive, opportunistic offense.

Pittsburgh plugged the neutral zone. At first the Hurricanes tried to dump the puck deep into the Pens' zone and try to get their offense going from there. This counter-attack didn't work because the Penguins got to the puck too quickly and dumped it back out.

Carolina then tried to have Eric Staal carry the puck into the zone. The Penguins all converged on Staal, easily took the puck off his stick and directed it out of their zone.

The Penguins had an answer for everything the Hurricanes had to offer. Pittsburgh's team game is clicking on all cylinders, and that's why they're going to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Game Four Preview: Pens-Canes

Matt Gilmartin — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:24:10 -0400

The Pittsburgh Penguins can close out the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Finals with a win over the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at the RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C. Judging by the way the series has gone so far, that's exactly what's going to happen.

The Penguins have used everything imaginable to jump out to their commanding 3-0 lead.

Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has been superb when called upon. Everyone has moved the puck and themselves well in the offensive zone. Stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have combined for eight goals, six assists, 114 points and a plus-minus of plus-9.

Defensive coverage has altogether been stellar. The forwards are using their speed, agility, toughness, and grit down low to work free for in-close chances. The defensemen are shooting with dead-eye accuracy.

The Hurricanes, meanwhile, have been the polar opposite.

Goaltender Cam Ward, usually the stalwart of the team, has looked uncharacteristically out of it. It's impossible to only blame Ward for the team's high GAA, but he just hasn't been his usual self lately. Puck movement is careless and loose in all three zones.

Star captain Eric Staal has a measly point in the series. He is also a minus-6. Erik Cole has scored two points via two assists. His plus-minus is zero. Ray Whitney, the team's regular season points leader, has two helpers, but is a minus-5. None of these guys have a goal in this series.

More to the point, the Hurricanes had only won one game in this year's playoffs when Staal didn't score—Game Seven of the series against Boston. He hasn't scored a goal yet, so the Canes haven't beaten the Penguins.

Defensive coverage has been awful. True, gifted players like Malkin and Crosby are going to score, but as good as they are, they are creating and taking advantage of scoring chances every time Pittsburgh establishes possession in the offensive zone.

You can't make plays down low behind the net if you can't get there. The Hurricanes haven't even gotten down there much so far in this series. When they have, they've tried to make hurried passes, which the Penguins have mostly either deflected out of the zone or flat-out intercepted.

Only two goals have been scored by defensemen—one for Dennis Seidenberg and Joe Corvo. Carolina's defensemen have had trouble even working free to receive passes or take shots, much less score goals. Pittsburgh's tight point defense has worked like a charm.

With their comfortable 3-0 series lead, the Penguins ride into Game Four on perhaps the biggest high of their collective season—regular season and playoffs—and as confident as they've been all season. And why not? Everything they've done so far has worked flawlessly and effortlessly.

If they keep playing like they have, they should be headed to the Stanley Cup Finals when the night is over.

The Hurricanes need to get their act together if they're going to have any remote shot to make this a competitive series again. They must play better defense overall and get better puck and body movement going in the Penguins' zone. Most of all, Cam Ward and Eric Staal need to be their absolute best.

Verdict: The Penguins are playing their best hockey of the year right now. You simply can't pick against them until they give you a reason not to.

Prediction: 5-3, Penguins

Why the Eastern Conference Finals Will Be Decided In Game Four

Matt Gilmartin — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:00:10 -0400

The Eastern Conference Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins will be decided in Game Four.

If the Penguins win, they win the series 4-0 and move on to the Stanley Cup Finals.

But if the Hurricanes win, they will have new life. And their chances at winning this series substantially increase.

Right now the Hurricanes don't have many positives to build on from the first three games of the series other than the fact that all the games were close at one point. They had chances in those games, but they couldn't convert. The lack of execution must have frustrated them by now. Frustration makes athletes press. They get away from their game in an attempt to break out of a funk.

But if the Hurricanes can win Game Four with grit, execution, and a little skill, Carolina's players will get the collective monkey off their backs. Pittsburgh's psychological edge lessens significantly.

In addition, if Carolina wins, the series doesn't seem as hard to win anymore. A two-game deficit is much easier to work out of than a three-game deficit. With the Pens' lead down to two games, the easier road to travel should help boost the players' motivation.

Athletes say that they will give everything they have for a last-ditch effort to save their season. But usually they don't say that when their team is down 3-0 in a best-of-seven playoff series. The difference in the two situations is incredible. In a series tied 3-3, you know the other team feels the same pressure you do.

But when you're down 3-0, there's much more of an "isolation factor," so to speak. It feels like your team is cornered, and the other team is solely focused on making sure you don't escape. No one tries to help you because they think your case is hopeless. You can say you're going to give everything in a last stand to salvage your season, but if there's nothing left to give, how much does "giving everything" help your team?

But cutting the deficit down to two games makes it easier for each member of the team to motivate himself to give 100 percent, and then some. This is especially true for the younger players who have little playoff experience.

Confidence peaks when you win. As you progressively see your hard work turn into a winning effort, after getting beaten badly by the same team several times, your confidence builds gradually throughout the contest. But your newfound confidence doesn't last unless you finish the job. Until you finish the game, you're always wary of a huge, uncontrollable comeback from the other team.

If the Hurricanes win Game Four, their confidence should build slowly throughout the game, and peak to a consistent level once they have officially won the game.

If there's any team in this year's NHL playoffs that can pull off this sort of once-in-a-blue moon comeback, it's the Hurricanes. Their many dramatic comebacks in their North Carolina tenure—including "Miracle at Molson", Game Four of their first-round series against the Devils, and "Shock at the Rock", have earned them the nickname "Cardiac Canes." Carolina is at their best when everyone counts them out.

Pittsburgh, you better take the Hurricanes out in Game Four. Otherwise you might be the victim of one of the biggest comebacks in NHL playoff history. And you may find yourselves going home instead of boarding a plane to the Stanley Cup Finals when this series is over.

I'm Finally Living Out My Biggest Dream as a Sports Fan

Matt Gilmartin — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:19:03 -0400

Over the years I’ve seen something happen in several different sports on the collegiate and professional levels.

It’s a homonym (one I'll admit I made up for the purpose of this article) of the “spoiler” team—which is usually a team that is out of playoff contention in a given season and has been reduced to the role of trying to keep borderline playoff teams out of the postseason.

The “spoiler” team relevant to this case is the underdog of the postseason from whom no one expects much. But they grit their way deep into the postseason and far exceed expectations.

I’ve watched other fans’ teams assume this upstart role over the years, and every time I see it happen I imagine that the team’s fans must be ecstatic, having the time of their lives watching their team show up the rest of the playing field. I feel what they were going through.

However, only one of my teams had done this before—the Carolina Panthers in the 2003 NFL season. But I was still kind of young at that time (I was born in late 1991), and I didn’t understand the significance of what was happening then.

Let’s come back to the modern day. My favorite NHL team, the Carolina Hurricanes, is doing something similar to what the Panthers did six years ago. But let me give you some background information.

The Carolina Hurricanes fired then-head coach Peter Laviolette, on December 4, 2008. Some birthday present—I turned 17 the next day.

I was disappointed; I thought Laviolette was a great man and coach. He had coached the 2005-06 Hurricanes to the first Stanley Cup Championship in franchise history. The title had also been the first championship won by a North Carolina professional sports franchise. He was also the only coach I had ever associated with the Hurricanes.

And in Laviolette’s place, the Canes brought back Paul Maurice, who in 2007-08 had coached the Toronto Maple Leafs to an 83-point season. While coaching the Hartford Whalers and Hurricanes from 1995-2004, his teams compiled a 268-291-99-16 record, good for 651 points. Hartford made the playoffs in the 1998-99 season with 86 points and a first-place finish in the Southeast Division before losing in the first round of the playoffs.

The Hurricanes' 88-point season two years later was qualified them for the playoffs. But again they were eliminated in the opening round of the postseason. The next year the Canes earned 91 points. This time they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, but still lost.

Each game I watched after the coaching change, I was thinking, “Why in the world would the Canes bring Maurice back? The team is playing horrendously, and even though he has the most wins of any coach in franchise history, he’s still lost about 30 games more than he’s won with us! What could this guy possibly do for us that Laviolette couldn’t?”

Apparently the fans who attended home games at the RBC Center shared my sentiments—Maurice was booed in his first home game back with the team.

But Maurice eventually proved the naysayers wrong.

In early January the Canes provided a brief glimpse of what the team would look like in March and April. They won three straight games by one goal. Two of the games were against teams that would go on to make the playoffs.

But things usually have to get worse before they get consistently better. Following their three-game winning streak, Carolina lost five consecutive games. Four of these games were against teams that failed to make the postseason, and all were lost by at least two goals.

After that slump the Hurricanes won four of their next six games and found themselves playing the Sharks in San Jose. Fans of both teams thought that the Sharks would win easily.

But the Canes went into the Shark Tank and pulled out a gutsy 4-3 shootout win, a victory which marked a proverbial turning point of the season and set the Canes down a much more favorable path toward the end of the season.

The next thing us Caniacs knew, our team had gone 17-5-2 over the last two months of the regular season. The Hurricanes had morphed from a team fighting to stay in the playoff picture to a fixture for the postseason that couldn’t lose.

They had been a boring team to watch play, frustrating and inconsistent in just about all facets of the game—the only possible exception being Cam Ward's work in goal.

They were now an electrifying squad, scoring tons of goals and making superb plays in the defensive zone and the crease. You planned your whole week around their games just so you could watch them play.

If the far-more-publicized Pittsburgh Penguins hadn’t been doing the same thing at the same time, the Hurricanes would have been the feel-good story of the year in the NHL.

At the end of the regular season, the Canes found themselves in the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, an ostensibly incredible feat considering that they were five or six points out of eighth place (and not playing their best hockey) as late as mid-late January.

But was it really such a surprise that the Hurricanes made the playoffs after looking like a junior hockey team in December and into early January? Not really. The Canes have made a name for themselves over the years with a plethora of unfathomable comebacks.

There was the “Miracle at Molson” in 2001. In Game Four of their first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens, the Hurricanes scored three goals in the final 16:13. The Canes capped the comeback early in overtime with a game-winning wrist shot from the right point that was tipped in front of the goal and sneaked past the Habs’ goalie into the net.

There’s Nick Wallin. The defenseman isn’t known for his scoring, but his three game-winning goals in overtime have earned him the nickname, “The Secret Weapon”.

Now there’s the “Shock at the Rock.” I’ll get to that in a minute.

As the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference bracket, the Hurricanes were matched up with the New Jersey Devils, the third seed, in the first round of the playoffs. According to what became the team trend, Carolina played a nonchalant Game One in Newark, NJ and lost 4-1 in the series-opening contest.

But in Game Two the Canes turned in a much improved effort and pulled out a 2-1 overtime decision courtesy of defenseman Tim Gleason’s uncharacteristically hard slap shot and Eric Staal’s deflection in front of Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur.

The Devils won Games Three and Five, while Carolina came out on top in Game Four in heroic fashion. The game was tied 3-3 with the clock winding down the final seconds of the contest. After Devils goalie Martin Brodeur foiled a wrap-around chance, a Hurricane got to the puck and dropped it back to a defenseman on the perimeter of the offensive zone.

Dennis Seidenberg one-timed the pass, and the shot glanced off of forward Jussi Jokinen, who was situated in front of Brodeur, into the net. Pandemonium erupted in the RBC Center after that goal.

The series went back to Raleigh for Game Six with the Devils in prime position to eliminate the Canes from the postseason.

But the Hurricanes turned in perhaps their best game of the collective season—regular season and playoffs—with a dominating 4-0 win at the RBC Center in which Carolina thoroughly outplayed the Devils in every aspect of the game.

The Canes had made such a habit of coming back against all odds that I expected them to win Game Seven, even though the game was in Newark and Carolina had lost two of the three games played there so far in the series.

Oh, did the Canes ever win. If forward Jussi Jokinen’s goal scored with .2 seconds left in regulation in Game Four was exciting, this ending was pulsating.

With about 1:30 left in the game, D Joni Pitkanen slung the puck across the ice from the left point to the right circle, where Jokinen one-timed the perfect pass through Brodeur’s legs for the game-tying goal.

Many of the fans at the Rock probably assumed the game would go to overtime. But Staal figured, “Why not try to score another one?” A tape-to-tape pass from Gleason along the boards gave Staal room in the offensive zone with only one Devils skater defending him.

When he was in the vicinity of the circle, Staal let a snap shot rip. The puck deflected off of the Devil and flew by Brodeur just inside the goal post. The score: Canes 4, Devils 3.

In the remaining 31 seconds of the game, the suddenly desperate Devils did everything they could to put the puck across the goal line.

They brought a sixth skater onto the ice in place of Brodeur. The guys on the perimeter of the offensive zone threw every puck they could corral at the net. The brutes crashing the net hacked incessantly at every loose puck in the area of the net.
Hurricanes fell and dived in every direction, just as frantic to keep the puck out of the net as the Devils were to score. Countless bodies tangled. There was so much frenetic movement around the net it looked like a feeding frenzy.

At the conclusion of the 31 seconds, the Hurricanes emerged as the victor. What followed was a whirlwind of disbelief, elation, relief, calm, and surrealism. I couldn’t believe that the Canes had pulled it off. But they had won, had conquered the devils.
But as thrilled as I still am about the fact that the Hurricanes are still very much alive in the playoffs, I’m nowhere near satisfied. Beating the Devils means nothing now—or maybe that’s just the opinion of this perfectionist sports fanatic.

This run as the spoiler will not be complete until the Hurricanes are lifting the Stanley Cup trophy above their heads, kissing it as they do so.

If they do, I’ll be old enough to appreciate what they have accomplished. Oh, how sweet it would be!

New Training Approach Could Improve QB Delhomme's Accuracy

Matt Gilmartin — Sat, 02 May 2009 12:47:12 -0400

Charlotte Observer staff writer David Scott wrote in an entry in the Panthers Notebook that the Carolina Panthers' new quarterbacks coach, Rip Scherer, makes his quarterbacks throw passes into "targeted bags set in netting for passing accuracy drills".

According to the entry, the Panthers' old quarterbacks coach, Mike McCoy, made his QBs loft passes into a "stack of tires, or sometimes a barrel". This training technique sounds like it was designed to help Delhomme drop passes over the top to star wideout Steve Smith on deep routes. Much of the Panthers' passing attack during McCoy's tenure with the team involved this kind of play calling.

The new training method used by Scherer is akin to throwing a football through a tire hanging from a tree by a rope, which is difficult. The new challenge should help Delhomme improve his accuracy, which is his greatest weakness.

In addition, the change may indicate a new approach to the team's passing offense. Instead of lofting the ball in Smith's direction and relying on his athleticism to make plays, Delhomme could find himself making more short, safe, efficient throws to a variety of receivers.

Wrapping Up The Carolina Panthers' NFL Draft: Day Two

Matt Gilmartin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:07:50 -0400

With their third round pick, No. 93 overall, the Carolina Panthers selected defensive lineman Corvey Irvin out of SEC powerhouse Georgia.

The Panthers likely drafted the 6'3", 301-pound Irvin to fill their need for depth at tackle. Irvin, pictured in the article photo, has second-round strength, proved by his 24 repetitions of 225 pounds in the bench-press at the NFL Combine.

The Laney High School alumnus also possesses above-average balance and lower-body strength. In the 20-yard shuttle, a test of an athlete's side-to-side quickness and acceleration in small areas, Irvin had the fourth-best time of any tackle in the draft.

Irvin’s NFL readiness could be in question however, as the only two notable defensive linemen Georgia has produced in the past ten years are New England Patriots defensive end Richard Seymour and Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcus Stroud.

The Panthers used their first fourth round selection, No. 111 overall, acquired in a trade with the 49ers, to take RB Mike Goodson out of Texas A&M.

Goodson could be a real steal. He has superb speed, tremendous lower-body strength, outstanding quickness, and explosion off the snap. He sounds like a Brian Westbrook, and with the star running duo of “Double Trouble”—DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart—mentoring him, who knows how good Goodson could become.

Texas A&M hasn’t had many running backs drafted into the NFL in the last ten years. The only two are Goodson and Dante Hall, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs and then the St. Louis Rams from 2000-2008. He is now an unrestricted free agent after the Rams did not re-sign him following the 2008 season.

Fullback Tony Fiammetta was the Panthers’ second fourth round pick, drafted at No. 128 overall. Considered the best fullback in the draft, Carolina drafted Fiammetta to learn his position within the context of the Panthers’ offense under veteran Brad Hoover so he can take over the starting job when Hoover, 33, retires.

Fiammetta is famous for his lead blocking, which makes him an ideal fit for the Panthers' run-first offense. He's incredibly strong (he lifted 30 repetitions of 225 pounds at the NFL Combine, the best workout of any back in the draft). At just six feet tall, he has a low center-of-gravity which will allow him to keep his balance more easily.

In addition, the former Syracuse Orangeman runs a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, which is as fast as some of the better running backs in the draft. Fiammetta also has the necessary lower-body strength, and extra explosion to be a prominent NFL fullback one day.

The only downside to Fiammetta is that Syracuse generally doesn’t turn out NFL-ready running backs and fullbacks. Only one guy who could run or block in the NFL that has come out of Syracuse in recent memory, is Joe Morris, a former New York Giant.

Morris was drafted by the Giants in 1982 and surpassed 1,000 yards three times in his career. His best season was 1986, in which he compiled 1,500 yards rushing.

Even though he plays a less-publicized position, Fiammetta was a real steal.

The Panthers drafted offensive tackle Duke Robinson late in the fifth round. Robinson, a behemoth at 6’5” and 329 pounds, has the size to be the kind of interior offensive lineman the Panthers covet. The versatile former Oklahoma Sooner has strong hands that allow him to keep outside rushers in front of him. Robinson is skilled at disengaging from blocks as well as picking up opposing pass rushers and run stoppers.

Plus, his experience playing left guard in college should provide extra, low-cost depth—a precious commodity for the Panthers this offseason with several reserve offensive linemen jumping ship for better jobs with other teams and almost no salary cap space because of Julius Peppers' monstrous contract.

Robinson is sluggish on his feet however, which could make him struggle against quick, fleet outside rushers. In addition, his alma mater, Oklahoma, has done a poor job turning out serviceable NFL offensive tackles.

Just two decent tackles have been drafted out of Oklahoma in the past ten years—Jammal Brown, a starter for the New Orleans Saints, and Stockar McDougle, a guy whose playing career spanned eight seasons with the Lions, Dolphins, and Jaguars.

It’s good to see the Panthers building on their formula for future success by bringing in Robinson, even though he's raw at the moment.

With their final pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Panthers selected cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, whose acceptable speed and vertical leaping ability should help him make up for his lack of size, 5’9” and 182 pounds. The former South Carolina Gamecock also possesses nice strength.

Munnerlyn has decent speed on the outside pass rush, and is a solid special-teams player. His return skills are excellent, and he even blocked a kick or two in his college career. Munnerlyn’s downside: below-average explosion and poor lateral quickness.

A solid line of recent South Carolina cornerbacks proceeds Munnerlyn, including such players as Houston’s Dunta Robinson and Philadelphia’s Sheldon Brown. Munnerlyn looks like a quality backup to either Chris Gamble or Richard Marshall.

There isn’t much to dislike about the Panthers’ 2009 draft class. Carolina’s player scouting department did a tremendous job of finding quality talent.

Profiling the Carolina Panthers' Second Round Draft Picks

Matt Gilmartin — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:44:08 -0400

The Carolina Panthers selected DE Everette Brown out of Florida State in the second round with the 43rd overall pick (acquired in a trade with the 49ers in exchange for next year's first round pick in a deal that also got the Panthers a fourth-round pick, No. 111 overall).

Brown's combination of speed and strength is what makes him a second round pick. He showed excellent speed with a 4.73 40-yard dash and above-average strength for an end by bench-pressing 26 reps of 225 pounds at the NFL Combine. His explosiveness and leg strength are decent.

Brown's lateral quickness is suspect, however, and he has trouble getting up to full speed out of his pre-snap stance. Plus he could do with more lower-body power.

This move may not look like a good one on the surface from a purely practical point of view. The Panthers already had four serviceable defensive ends, last year's starters Tyler Brayton and Julius Peppers in addition to backups Hilee Taylor and Charles Johnson.

Throw Casper Brinkley, an offseason acquisition signed on January 13, and now Brown into the mix, and you have an overload of defensive ends.

But Brown is more NFL-ready than Taylor was when he was drafted, or is now after his rookie season for that matter. And he is definitely more talented than Brinkley or Johnson. I have a feeling he will step in as a key reserve—or even a starter—right away.

With their other second round pick, No. 59 overall, the Panthers drafted Sherrod Martin, a safety from Troy. Martin has excellent speed, great jumping ability, outstanding lower-body explosiveness and power, and exceptional lateral quickness and explosiveness.

What's more—he has the best acceleration of any defensive back in the draft by far, with a 20-yard shuttle run time of 3.98 seconds. The next-best time was 4.12 seconds.

Martin (pictured in the article photo) was also one of only three defensive backs to run the 60-yard shuttle run at the NFL Combine. He placed second in that group, posting a time of 11.17.

The only other player drafted out of Troy in the history of the NFL Draft is Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin, the 11th-overall selection in last year's draft. McKelvin notched 32 tackles and two interceptions last year in his rookie season.

Troy appears to be doing something right with its defensive backs now, with two players drafted in one of the first two rounds in the last two years. Perhaps that's a promising sign of what's to come for Martin.

While it's a little hard to see the Panthers' reasoning behind drafting Brown because they were already deep at defensive end, Martin's speed and quickness make him a superb choice to fill that nickel-coverage role Richard Marshall vacated when the Panthers promoted him to the starting cornerback job opposite Chris Gamble.

NHL Preview: NY Islanders Visit Hurricanes

Matt Gilmartin — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:22:23 -0400

The Carolina Hurricanes will take on the New York Islanders at the RBC Center tonight, with two valuable points in the standings on the line.

Normally, one would think that a game against the Isles would be a free two points.

Not right now.

The Islanders have actually been playing their best hockey of the season in the month of March, during which they are 5-2-1, and have outscored opponents 26-20 (not great, but excellent by the Islanders' standards).

One driving force behind their hot streak is a sudden flow of offense. When in the offensive zone, guys are creating traffic in front of the net and redirecting shots for goals or cashing in on rebound chances from the slot. Opposing goalies don't stand a chance.

In transition the Islanders are getting out of their own end quickly and throwing pucks at the net from just inside their offensive zone.

These initial shots seem to be aimed at the opposing goalie's chest protector so that the puck will deflect off of the goaltender to the other side of the ice, where an Isle is often crashing the net and in prime position for a second-chance goal.

It may sound a little crazy that a team would try to produce offense this way, but they've been doing it for their entire hot streak, so that seems to indicate a specific strategy.

The other key factor behind this hot stretch for New York is goaltending. Other than a loss to the Rangers, the Islanders' goalies have not given up more than three goals in any given game this month. If you watch film of any of these games, you'll notice that the defense isn't especially good, but rather the goaltenders make a lot of impressive stops.

That's why the Islanders are averaging 2.5 goals against this month.

The Hurricanes, meanwhile, are a small team that uses its quickness to get into passing lanes and make plays on defense.

The Islanders should be able to take advantage of that by shooting from the perimeter and looking for rebound chances. Carolina goaltender Cam Ward will need to maximize his rebound control tonight.

The Hurricanes are on a hot streak of their own, outscoring opponents 24-7 in their current six-game home winning streak. Their most recent win at the RBC Center was a 4-2 thumping of the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night.

The Canes are playing team hockey fueled by chemistry.

This recent chemistry is the direct result of acquiring former Hurricane Erik Cole, whose veteran leadership and scoring ability has helped lead Carolina back into playoff position since he came over at the trade deadline.

Since Cole joined the team, everyone has looked more in-sync, and more than a few goals have been scored because of crisp, efficient puck movement, only achievable through anticipation of teammates' movements.

The defense has also stepped up. Opponents' shots are contested, passes are intercepted or at least redirected off-course, and the backcheck is strong.

Lastly, Cam Ward has been a stellar last line of defense as the goaltender. His consistency has been spot-on (Ward's save rate in March is 94 percent), and he has found a way to come up with the important saves when called upon.

In addition, his puck handling skills continue to improve, which allows the offense to get going faster in transition.

The Islanders have been on a tear lately, but they're a dreadful 8-24-3 on the road. To their credit, however, they've won their last two road games.

But the Hurricanes are on a better home winning streak, and their defense has been much better than the Islanders' lately.

In addition, the Canes have the urgency of being deadlocked in an extremely tight playoff race right now.

The Islanders are just waiting for the end of their nightmarish season.

Look for the Canes to pull out the win at home.

Examining Duke's Possible Second-Round Tournament Matchup Against Texas

Matt Gilmartin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:35:26 -0400

If the Duke Blue Devils beat the Binghamton Bearcats, and the Texas Longhorns defeat the Minnesota Golden Gophers, then Duke will play Texas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Below is a position-by-position preview of the possible game.

Point Guard: Jon Scheyer (Duke) vs. AJ Abrams (Texas)

Scheyer's 6'5" frame allows him to shoot over the top of many point guards who defend him, which he does efficiently. In addition, the junior dishes the ball out with ease, evidenced by his 2.8 assists per game, and turns the ball over minimally (1.7 turnovers per night).

Plus, Scheyer is an excellent on-ball defender who averages 1.5 steals per game.

Abrams is one of the smallest players in college basketball. At 5'11" and 161 pounds, he's quicker than almost anyone in college ball. His lack of bulk also likely makes fatigue less of a factor, which enables him to play 37.6 minutes per game, one of the highest figures in college basketball.

Abrams scores 16.3 points per game, and averages 1.3 steals to 1.4 turnovers per game.

He fouls a decent amount for a guard who should be really quick, fouling an average of two times per game.

Edge: Scheyer/Duke

Shooting Guard: Elliot Williams (Duke) vs. Dogus Balbay (Texas)

Williams' athleticism and quickness allows him to be a quality on-ball defender and a high-flying rebounder. If he'd just learn to take better shots, he could be just as good offensively as he is on the defensive end.

Balbay can score by shooting, but he often doesn't. His sound ball handling skills allow him to find teammates with better shots.

Additionally, the sophomore is a great on-ball defender.

Williams has a clear size advantage (6'4", 185 pounds to 6', 176 pounds), and his athleticism should serve him well in keeping up with the smaller Balbay. Williams should be able to prevent Balbay from dishing out too many assists.

Edge: Williams/Duke

Small Forward: Gerald Henderson (Duke) vs. Justin Mason (Texas)

Henderson is simply a star. He scores 16.6 points per game, and averages 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.2 turnovers, and .8 blocks. He also has a lightning-quick first step that allows him to get to the rim before his man has time to react.

Mason is the playmaker in Texas' offense and defense. He averages 4.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Additionally, he stays out of foul trouble (1.8 per game), and he takes care of the ball (1.9 turnovers per game).

Despite Mason's defensive talent and and playmaking ability, Henderson does everything for Duke. The advantage is clear...

Edge: Henderson/Duke

Power Forward: Kyle Singler (Duke) vs. Damian James (Texas)

Singler is the other do-it-all guy for the Blue Devils. He shoots, posts up sometimes, rebounds, and defends. He leads the Blue Devils in scoring (16.7 points), boards (7.7 rebounds), steals (1.6), and blocks (1.1).

On the negative side, Singler also leads Duke in turnovers (2.4) and fouls (2.6). Apart from that, Singler's only weakness is inconsistency at the free throw line—he barely shoots 72 percent.

James is the closest thing to a double-double player I've seen in my research for these NCAA Tournament game preview articles. He averages 15.4 points and 9.2 rebounds. Plus, he only turns the ball over about two times each game.

In addition, he's a competent defender who averages a steal and nearly a block per game. But he fouls a bit much, even for a big man, with 2.7 fouls per game.

It's close, as both players are very good and well-rounded, but James squeaks out the victory for Texas.

Edge: James/Texas

Center: Lance Thomas (Duke) vs. Dexter Pittman (Texas)

Thomas is an adequate on-ball defender who, when he gets beat, compensates by fouling. He doesn't bring much to the table offensively, though. He's undersized for a center, though, at 6'8" and 220 pounds.

Pittman matches up with other true collegiate centers well due to his size (6'10", 298 pounds). He normally averages 10 points and five rebounds per game. Surprisingly he isn't much of a defensive force, and he's often the first starter to leave the game.

Even though he doesn't have much of a skill set, Pittman will eat Thomas alive if Coach K has the guts to start him against Pittman. If I were Coach K, I'd go with Brian Zoubek if I make it to this game against Texas.

Edge: Pittman/Texas

Off The Bench:

Duke

Greg Paulus brings his teammates to life when they need rejuvenation, and he's got a mean jump shot to go along his energy.

David McClure does everything that no one notices, like boxing out, playing sound defense, hustling every second he's in the game, and providing an outlet for a teammates handling the ball under pressure or in a trap.

Brian Zoubek uses his seven-foot frame to pull down offensive boards with ease and put the rebounds back for second-chance points. He often gets fouled doing this, and when this happens he knocks down his free throws with surprising consistency.

Nolan Smith mainly comes in when Scheyer needs a brief rest, or when someone gets into foul trouble. But he's an awfully good sixth man, with a nice distance jumper and better lateral quickness than Scheyer on defense.

Texas

Gary Johnson scores (10.5 points per game) and rebounds (5.4 boards) in quality minutes. He doesn't turn the ball over.

Edge: Duke

Duke has a deeper bench, and they also win three of the five position battles. There's no shortage in quality opponents on either school's schedule, so that's a draw. But Duke is just better in more areas, so if these teams meet, Duke should be the one advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.

Examining Duke's Possible Second-Round Matchup Against Minnesota

Matt Gilmartin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:31:11 -0400

The Duke Blue Devils may play the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Below is a position-by-position preview of that possible game.

Point Guard: Jon Scheyer (Duke) vs. Lawrence Westbrook (Minnesota)

Scheyer has excellent height for a point guard (6'5"). He also weighs as much as or a little more than most point guards. Even though he's built more like a shooting guard, Scheyer's all-around offensive ability—he scores, shoots well, and spreads the ball around the floor—makes him a great point guard.

Scheyer is also a solid perimeter defender who averages 1.5 steals per game.

Westbrook is a little shorter than your average point guard, but he makes up for that with extra muscle (he weighs 195 pounds). The junior is by far Minnesota's top scorer, pouring in 12.4 points per game. He isn't the best passer, but he also takes care of the ball, as he averages only two turnovers.

Westbrook is an average defender who can keep his man in front of him, but he doesn't make many plays.

Scheyer is a top, well-rounded player. Westbrook is a strong offensive player, but he's not an asset by any means on offense.

Edge: Scheyer/Duke

Shooting Guard: Elliot Williams (Duke) vs. Al Nolen (Minnesota)

Williams' athleticism allows him to be competent defensively and on the glass. And if he would start trying to slash to the basket instead of settling for low-percentage, outside shots, he would be adequate offensively, too. But, as a freshman who only got into the starting lineup in the middle of the season, Williams has limited experience and hasn't yet learned to make better decisions with the ball.

Nolen scores, rebounds, and passes—he averages 6.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Plus, he takes care of the ball. He's also a sound defender, as he gets 1.9 steals per contest.

Nolen is a better defender than Williams, and he also contributes to the Golden Gophers' offense much more than Williams helps out Duke's attack.

Edge: Nolen/Minnesota

Small Forward: Gerald Henderson (Duke) vs. Jamal Abu-Shamala (Minnesota)

Henderson scores, rebounds, handles the ball well, and defends. He ranks second on the Blue Devils in points (16.6), rebounds (4.8), assists (2.5), and blocks (.8), and third in steals (1.3). Additionally, he never gets into foul trouble.

Abu-Shamala keeps the offense moving as it should. He's smart with the ball, as his .9 turnovers per game show, and he can shoot when called upon (he shoots 50.9 percent from the field and 31 percent from three-point range). On defense he plays intelligently, as is evident from his .9 fouls per game.

While Abu-Shamala is efficient on offense and good enough on defense, Henderson is one of the stars on this perennial powerhouse Duke team.

Edge: Henderson/Duke

Power Forward: Kyle Singler (Duke) vs. Damian Johnson (Minnesota)

Singler's most dangerous weapon is his jump shot. Despite being a 6'8", 235-pound forward, he has great range and an accurate three-point shot. Actually, his shot is the major reason for his 16.7 points per game.

Singler is also Duke's best rebounder (7.7 per game), and he is a playmaker with the ball (2.5 assists to 2.4 turnovers per game—not good, but not bad for a big man). Not to mention that he earns 1.6 steals and swats 1.1 shots each game.

Johnson is Minnesota's second-most prolific scorer, as he tallies 9.7 points per game. Additionally, he's a decent rebounder, pulling in 4.2 boards per contest. Plus, he's a great ball handler who gives up the rock just 1.4 times per night.

It's worth noting that Johnson is the only guy I've seen so far in my research for these articles previewing NCAA Tournament games who averages two steals and two blocks per game. That alone is the mark of a top defensive player.

If anyone on any team that Duke might play in the East bracket can stop Singler, it's Johnson. But Singler does have a substantial size advantage (6'8", 235 pounds to 6'7" and 195 pounds), so he should be able to create his own shot against Johnson. However, Johnson also ought to be able to generate some offense of his own. Still...

Edge: Singler/Duke

Center: Lance Thomas (Duke) vs. Ralph Sampson III (Minnesota)

Thomas' greatest strength is his ability to defend the ball with sound fundamental positioning both on the floor and in his defensive stance. But he can get beat at times, and when he does he usually fouls his man, which is why Thomas averages 2.5 fouls per game.

On the offensive end, Thomas can score when close to the basket, but he doesn't have much of a shooting touch.

Sampson scores and rebounds fairly well, at 6.4 points and 4.3 boards per game. In addition, he handles the ball well for a big man, as he hardly ever turns the ball over.

It's surprising that Sampson doesn't score or rebound more, considering he's 6'11". Maybe he needs more bulk (he's only 220 pounds).

Even though Sampson is basically a stick, he still has three inches on Thomas, and probably even more length. Sampson should have his way with Thomas on both ends of the court. Off The Bench:

Duke

Greg Paulus comes into the game when Duke needs a "shot in the arm". He exudes energy that spreads to the rest of the team, and he also has a solid shot.

David McClure is the strongest Duke player you don't know about. He rebounds, passes well, defends, and gives 100 percent every second he's in the game.

Brian Zoubek uses his 7'1", 310-pound frame to bring down offensive rebounds with ease, and then put the ball back for easy second-chance points. Or, if he gets fouled, he'll just sink two free throws—Zoubek is surprisingly good at the charity stripe for someone so big. Or maybe Shaq has just developed a negative stereotype for big guys not being able to shoot free throws...

Nolan Smith has Scheyer's shooting ability, but he can also defend and provide a quicker cover for the opposing point guard when Scheyer comes out of the game.

Minnesota

Colton Iverson rebounds (3.5 boards per game), scores (5.5 points per game), and blocks shots (1.4 per game) in a limited role.

Paul Carter does the same thing, leave the blocked shots.

Edge: Duke. They have more depth.

Duke wins three positions, and their bench is also better. In addition, they've played a tougher schedule that figures to have prepared them better for postseason play.

Duke-Villanova: Sweet 16 Matchup Breakdown

Matt Gilmartin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:16:02 -0400

If the Duke Blue Devils advance past the first two rounds of the 2009 NCAA Tournament by beating the Binghamton Bearcats (as expected), and either Texas or Minnesota, they will likely play the Villanova Wildcats. Below is a position-by-position preview of that possible game:

Point Guard: Jon Scheyer (Duke) vs. Scottie Reynolds (Villanova)

Scheyer has excellent height for a point guard (6'5"), and his lack of bulk allows him to be quick when he has to pass up a shot in favor of a drive because the defense is playing aggressively. He may be Duke's best offensive player—he can shoot from anywhere, and he takes care of the ball. (Scheyer only commits 1.6 turnovers per game.)

In addition, Scheyer plays with discipline, and he averages the most minutes of any Blue Devil (33).

Scottie Reynolds has average height for a point guard (6'2"), but his 195 pounds are heavier than most point guards, so he can still drive to the basket. But he can also use his additional strength to finish the play while still getting hacked.

Reynolds is also a solid shooter from all over the court; his team-leading 15.5 points per game show that. In addition, he distributes the ball better than any other Wildcat. He leads Villanova with 3.6 assists per game.

Lastly, Reynolds is Villanova's best on-ball perimeter defender. He averages 1.6 steals.

The only downside to Reynolds is that he turns the ball over 2.7 times per game.

With a decent height advantage, Scheyer should be able to consistently get his shot off. Reynolds may have a tough time with finding his shot against a guy three inches taller but lighter—and therefore quicker. He will have to score off the dribble.

Edge: Scheyer/Duke

Shooting Guard: Elliot Williams (Duke) vs. Reggie Redding (Villanova)

Williams is mainly an athletic defensive presence who generally guards the opponent's best offensive perimeter player. He also rebounds. On the offensive end, he can slash to the basket, but he often doesn't because his decision making is developing. Other teams often back off of him and let him shoot from distance, and he falls into their trap too much.

But Duke is built on defense, and Williams excels at defense. That's why he starts.

Redding is a team-first player who will sacrifice a good shot of his own for a better one by a teammate. He ranks second on Villanova in assists per game (three) and fourth in rebounds per game (4.8). He also almost never turns the ball over, averaging only 1.8 turnovers per game.

Additionally, the 6'5", 205-pound junior is a defensive force, notching an average of 1.1 steals per game.

Williams is great at defense, but offers little on the offensive end right now. Redding is also an excellent defender, but he contributes to the Wildcats' offense. The advantage is clear.

Edge: Redding/Villanova

Small Forward: Gerald Henderson (Duke) vs. Dwayne Anderson (Villanova)

Henderson does it all for Duke. He averages 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He also takes care of the bals, turning it over just 2.2 times per game.

Plus, he's a strong shooter from the field, three-point range, and the free-throw line.

Not only that, he's also lightning quick, and he gets fans on their feet.

Dwayne Anderson does some of everything. He scores when called upon (8.2 points per game), crashes the boards (5.7 rebounds), defends (1.5 steals), and handles the ball well (1.4 turnovers per game). He also has great size for a small forward.

Henderson is an excellent, all-around player. Anderson is very good, and he helps Villanova function as a team. His two-inch height advantage should be enough to get some good shots off. But Henderson is just too good overall.

Edge: Henderson/Duke

Power Forward: Kyle Singler (Duke) vs. Shane Clark (Villanova)

Singler is even more crucial to Duke's success than Henderson. He scores and rebounds more than any other Blue Devil (16.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game), distributes the ball well (2.5 assists per contest), and plays excellent defense (he averages 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game). In addition, Singler is a sound shooter, and he's smart enough to mostly avoid turnovers.

Singler's only downside is that he can be inconsistent from the free-throw line.

Clark is a bit undersized for a power forward at 6'7" and 205 pounds. Presumably because he's guarded by bigger players most of the time, he hasn't scored much this year (5.4 points per), and he also doesn't rebound especially well (3.8 boards). But he can surprise you by knocking down a few three-pointers (he shoots 35.3 percent from behind the arc).

Clark doesn't offer much defensively.

Singler is a tremendous all-around player. Clark is a role player. Singler should dominate Clark.

Edge: Singler/Duke

Center: Lance Thomas (Duke) vs. Dante Cunningham (Villanova)

At 6'8" and 220 pounds, Thomas is a little short to be a center, and this shows in his scoring (5.1 points per game) and rebounding (3.4 boards per). But he does take care of the ball (.8 turnovers per contest).

Thomas' main contributions come on the defensive end in the form of a decently physical inside presence and an on-ball defender. Thomas averages 2.5 personal fouls, and he often forces his man to give up the ball because of his sound defensive positioning on the floor and excellent, fundamental defensive stance.

Cunningham is a dominant post player. He averages 16 points, 7.2 boards, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks. His quick hands and long arms allow him to go for steals and to rise up for blocks and easy baskets when posting up defenders low in the post.

Thomas is a good defender, but he's no match for Cunningham's skillset on both ends of the floor.

Edge: Cunningham/Villanova

Off the Bench

Duke

Greg Paulus' highly-energized attitude and desire to play rubs off on his teammates. He comes in if Duke is in need of a spark.

David McClure does everything that doesn't show up on the stat sheet—boxing out, rebounding, hustling, ball handling, defending, and providing an outlet for the ball to a pressured teammate.

Brian Zoubek is a general force in the post. He swats shots (0.8 block per game) and crashes the offensive boards well, creating plenty of opportunities for second-chance points.

Nolan Smith provides more of a defensive tone for Duke when he gives Scheyer a brief rest. He can also shoot the rock.

Villanova

Corey Fisher provides scoring (10.8 points per game) and ball distribution (2.8 assists) in addition to shooting, perimeter defense (1.3 steals), and the ability to put in a lot of quality minutes when someone needs a rest or gets into foul trouble.

Corey Stokes contributes scoring (9.8 points), shooting, and rebounding (3.5 boards).

Edge: Duke. They're deeper.

Duke won three positions and the battle of the benches. The Blue Devils are also deeper, and they played a tougher schedule. Duke should win if this game takes place.