Bleacher Report - Articles by Micah Green

Brett Favre Rides Into the Sunset...With a Damaged Legacy?

Micah Green — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:14:14 -0500

He holds records for most consecutive starts, most TD passes, most completions, most passing yards, and most importantly wins. Brett Favre is one of the greats. None can look at these numbers and deny it, but it seems as if in these last segments in Brett's career...the numbers and legacy have lost something special. They don't shine like they used to.

Brett Favre has one of the great football stories of our time. He got offered only one scholarship, and that was to Southern Mississippi. He started his freshman year as the seventh string quarterback. He came into the third game of the season and led them to a comeback victory (he had a hangover that morning) and got the starting job.

He got drafted in the second round of the draft by the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons traded him to the Green Bay Packers because of his "lack of hard work." That proved to be a mistake. The rest is history. He went on to set all those records and win many awards including the Lombardi trophy in Super Bowl XXXl.

Sixteen years he invested and gave to the Packers. He put so much work to gain what he deserved...a great legacy. On March 4, 2008, Brett announced his retirement. The football world had lost a great player and legend. On July 2, that changed. Brett Favre wanted to come back, but the Packers didn't want him. A nasty feud followed this turn of events. After a long fought battle Brett got traded to the New York Jets.

New York accepted Brett with open arms. In the beginning it seemed to good to be true. They were considered the best team in the AFC and beat the Tennessee Titans (the only team that was undefeated). Then Brett got hurt for the final five games. They lost four of those last five. It was one of the worst sports collapses in history.

Today Brett Favre leaves the game, it would seem, for good. How do you see him? A Legend? Or Selfish? Please give your opinion. Either way I believe we will all remember Brett Favre.

Florida—Georgia Preview: Let The War Begin.

Micah Green — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:26:49 -0400

Georgia pass offense—Florida pass defense

Matthew Stafford has had a good season thus far, averaging 243.25 ypg. The Florida secondary has improved greatly after a horrid campaign last year. They only give up 170.7 ypg...seventeenth in the nation.

Georgia rush offense—the Florida rush defense

Knowshon Moreno comes into the game averaging 115.63 ypg (the whole team averages 172.8 ypg). Last year he left Florida picking up there pants, after he had paddled it. Florida's front seven (who allow only 102.7 ypg on the ground) will not soon forget that.

Florida pass offense—Georgia pass defense

Tim Tebow will come into Jacksonville with a 202.14 ypg average. The Georgia pass defense has allowed 221.3 ypg this season...78th in the nation. This has been Georgia's weak spot this year. If they don't fix that then this secondary will have a long day.

Florida rush offense—Georgia rush defense

Florida has depended on a few freshman speedsters this year for a run game. As a team they average 196 rush ypg... unfortunately these freshman have not faced the best run defense they play against until this Saturday.

This Georgia run defense has allowed only 76.9 rush ypg. Expect Florida to run halfback screens on a over pursuring defense early. Georgia's linebackers will be all over the field though.

Special teams

Florida wins this battle. With one of the nation's top returners in Brandon James they will have a advantage.

As much as all these stats matter and will help either team...they won't mean all that much come Nov. 1. This will be the game of the year and decide who goes to Miami. This is war!!!

P.S. Go Gators!!!!!!!!

Tim Tebow Dominates As Gators Rout LSU

Micah Green — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:56:21 -0400

Before the LSU-Florida game last week, I wrote an article posing some important questions for the game. Let's review shall we?

1.) Can LSU stop Tebow? A resounding no.

2.) Will Florida's offensive line protect Tebow? A definite yes.

As the last two national champions began the game in Gainsville, I sat and watched with all my intensity, ready to burst loose. The first two plays of the game showed Florida stopped. It was third and twelve, and I hoped we could get it across the line someway. As Tebow pulled up, I hopped out of my seat and thought, "oh crud it's a pick..."

Then, all of a sudden I look up and Percy Harvin is in the end zone. That set a pattern for the rest of the game.

Tebow threw for 210 yards, two touchdowns, and had no interceptions to boot. Tebow did every possible thing he could have to win this game—you can tell by the score that he did every possible thing.

The rest of the Florida Gator offense didn't do so badly either. Percy Harvin grabbed six catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns.

Florida's tailback problem everybody has talked about, well, it isn't a problem it seems. Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey have combined over the last two weeks for a total of 401 yards rushing. Both freshmen speedsters have the ability to bust a game open. And, they did against LSU.

The Gator defense on the other hand played well, but there is certainly room for improvement. Andrew Hatch ran for one LSU touchdown. Jarrett Lee threw for 209 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks. Florida defended the run well though, holding Scott to only 35 yards on the ground.

Overall this Florida team looked great. Tim Tebow and the offense looked unstoppable.

LSU's Defense Says They Will. Can They Stop Tim Tebow?

Micah Green — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:10:28 -0400

This coming Saturday the last two national champions meet in a key SEC match up. The eleventh ranked Florida Gators come into this game with a 4-1 record. They come in averaging 390 of offense ypg. LSU is undefeated with a 4-0 record. Their defense will show up in Gainsville coming off their worst defensive game, but still allowing only 261 ypg.

The key match up in this game will be Florida pass game vs. LSU defense. Can LSU's defense stop Tim Tebow? Can Florida's offensive line protect Tebow? Will Ricky-Jean Francois make good on his threat? Let's try to do our best in answering those questions. Shall we?

"If we get a good shot on (Tebow), we're going to try our best to take him out of the game," Francois said. He goes on to say, "If he does get hurt, there's a trained medical staff at Florida, so you can go to the training room on Sunday." How stupid can you get? I understand he tried to apologize and "explain" his statements, but why would you give any opposing team something to rally around? Florida has not looked impressive this season. LSU is ranked #4 in the nation. Why would you give them something to fire them up? Partly because of this statement, Florida's offensive line will protect Tebow at all costs. Florida's offensive line has had a few key injuries in these past weeks, but everyone is expected to play against LSU.

LSU's secondary is much weaker compared to last years squad with All-American Craig Steltz leaving. The secondary is ranked 44th in the nation allowing 191 ypg.... I believe we all know Tebow is capable of breaking that mark. LSU will have to play soft on the receivers.

Since the Miami game this season, every team that Florida plays has known our weakness. Blitz, blitz. and blitz some more. Urban Meyer and Dan Mullen have run alot of empty backfield during the season. If Florida is to win this game they MUST have backs in the backfield. LSU's defense is the fastest defense Florida has played all year. They will throw blitz all game long.

Whoever wins this game will have a upper hand in their division, bragging rights, and get some bigtime points among pollsters. Y'all might want to watch this one. It's gonna get nasty down in Gainsville!

O.J. Simpson: From Football Greatness to Common Criminal

Micah Green — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:17:25 -0400

In his college career, O.J. Simpson won the Walter Camp Award (twice), the Maxwell award, and, most coveted of all, the Heisman. He was a two time All-American and rushed for 3,160 yards and 33 touchdowns.

In the NFL, he received six pro bowl selections, a pro bowl MVP award, the Bert Bell Award, NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award, and NFL MVP. He rushed for 11,236 yards and 61 rushing touchdowns. The list could go on, but I'll spare you.

This same man who was once a sign of success and greatness now faces 15 years to life in prison. This same man who ruled the football kingdom at one point is seen in the picture above posing for his mug shot.

Simpson's legal trouble did not start there, though. As most know, in 1994 he was arrested for the murder of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman. He was found innocent.

His latest legal problems are, of course, those of the Las Vegas robbery. He was convicted of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, assault, robbery, and use of a deadly weapon.

How should we feel? Do we feel sorry for him? Do we look down upon him? Do we hate him? My point in this article is that it does not matter how high on the food chain you are. This man who was one of the greatest runners of all-time, has fallen. He has gotten himself into a hole he cannot dig out of now. He had it all, and then gave it up.

Will Cinderella Strike Twice? Boise State Looks to Recapture 2006 Magic

Micah Green — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:49:54 -0400

Boise State won the hearts of nearly every college football fan in America (excluding Sooner fans) when they went 13-0 in 2006. Ian Johnson led the nation with 25 touchdowns. It was Heaven on Earth for Bronco fans.

Can they do it again?

This last week Boise State beat No. 12 Oregon. Many people, including myself, thought the Ducks would beat BSU by at least three scores. Instead, the Broncos were up 37-13 at the end of three.

After this dominant performance, new questions have arisen. Was it a fluke? Can Boise State go undefeated and therefore back to a BCS bowl? Statistically, they can do it.

Kellen Moore, a freshman quarterback who came out of nowhere, has dominated offensively so far this year. He has 840 yards and five touchdowns with only one interception. If he were to keep this pace he would finish the year with 3,640 yards, while having 21 touchdowns and only four interceptions.

His receiving corps is a very talented one, led by the trio of Jeremy Childs (nine catches for 179 yards), Titus Young (eight catches for 156 yards and one TD), and Vinny Perretta (seven catches for 123 yards and one TD). Ian Johnson, the workhorse of the team, has 224 yards and four touchdowns while averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry.

On the other side of the ball, this defense is yet to show who they are. They have allowed 682 yards through the air and four touchdowns. On the ground they have allowed only 256 yards and three touchdowns.

This team looks as strong as—dare I say it—the 2006 team did at the start of the season. While Jared Zabransky was a good quarterback, he did not have the dominant stats that Kellen Moore has. Chris Petersen is a genius and a class act of a coach, as we all saw in the Fiesta Bowl.

The Broncos have all the tools for a great team. They do not turn the ball over, they have a decent defense, a good offense, talent, toughness, experience, etc. The list could go on even longer. Also, a very manageable schedule will help them get to where they want to be: a BCS bowl game.

Two years ago, no one said they could do it. Last week against Oregon, no one said they could do it (with the exception of Bronco nation). I say it is about time Boise State got some respect from everyone. Boise State has as many tools as they did two years ago and then some.

They have surprised us again and again.

Perhaps with a little Bronco magic, they could do it again.

Bleacher Creatures: Let Us Take B/R To The Next Level

Micah Green — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:00:56 -0400

I would like to start this article by saying...I love being on Bleacher Report!

I get to discuss sports with people, get into debates (most of which are heated), and write!

Bleacher Report is getting more popular as time goes by. Sports fan to sports fan, people are telling each other and spreading the word of this site.

Unfortunately, my fellow Bleacher Creatures—there are certain things holding us down. Bleacher Report is under attack from the inside!

As of late in the past weeks, I have noticed articles that have nothing to do with sports. Instead the writers felt the need to write about things like: politics, stocks, the latest big bang experiment (bust).

I could go on and on!

This is a site where writers should have fun talking about sports...not your personal thoughts on the world. There is a place for that, but I do not believe that place is here.

Bulldogs and Gator fans, Colts and Pats fans, even Red Sox and Yanks fans, you may disagree on every sports subject, except that Michael Phelps is the greatest swimmer of all time (no one can deny it!).

I plead with you for this one time come together!

We may all have our own agenda or ideas, but I think we can agree that we all want to propel Bleacher Report to the next level.

Go Bleacher Report!!!

South Carolina Not Able to Seal the Deal Against No. 2 Georgia

Micah Green — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:43:49 -0400

Georgia had high hopes of a blowout here today. South Carolina wanted redemption after last week’s loss. In Georgia's SEC opener, there were two teams fighting for survival.

Most people thought Georgia would win by three scores at least. Then, in the third quarter, reality set in: this is the SEC.

After losing to Vanderbilt last week, The Gamecocks were looking for redemption. They were staring at it like little kid stares at cotton candy on a day at the fair. They were mere inches away from upsetting a possible national title winner.

In the first quarter, it was a very strong defensive struggle (as were all the other quarters) with Georgia having 75 yards of offense heading into the second. On the other side, South Carolina had only 39 yards of offense.

The outcome of this game might have been very different if not for Trip Chandler's dropped passes on third down.

The second quarter was the highest scoring quarter of the day. Blair Walsh kicked two field goals, while Chris Smelley threw for a touchdown.

The third quarter is usually the time when the better team pulls away...not this game. With 3:42 left in the third, Knowshon Moreno (79 yards on 20 carries and 1 TD) helped the Bulldogs to an 80-yard touchdown scoring drive by weaving his way through a very strong Gamecock defense for the only Georgia touchdown of the game.

The fourth quarter will haunt this Gamecock team for the rest of the season. Georgia's defense was tired and the offense was clicking until they got inside that 30-yard line.

The defense did their job, and the offense didn't perform in the clutch. Plain and simple.

S.Carolina's best shot at victory was when they had driven down to the 1-yard line. Mike Davis takes the hand-off and he...fumbles...for the first time in his college career.

Many people now say Georgia is weak! They won't make the title game! If you remember certain Florida and LSU teams who had nail-biters, losses, and off days, you should think differently.

These are both great ball teams, and no one can say they didn't leave it all on the field. That is all we can ask from our teams.

A Friendly College Football Game? Not For These Top Rivalries!

Micah Green — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:40:24 -0400

Anyone who believes college football's perfect day is fans of rival teams watching the game against each other's team while sitting peacefully, being timid, and not getting passionate is very sadly mistaken. These are the nastiest rivalries there are. No one holds back anything (unless they are losing).

If you are wise, you will KEEP AWAY from these teams' fans after a loss to a rival! Here are the top nine college football rivalries.

9. Notre Dame vs. USC

ND leads the series, 42-32-5. They play for the Jeweled Shillelagh. I know this used to be a great rivalry back in the olden days, but come on USC has dominated in recent years. Also it seems USC is the only one of the two able to maintain a winning record. It would take a large amount of the luck of the Irish to win this one.

8. Georgia vs. Auburn

Auburn leads the series, 53-50-8. They play in the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. In recent years, this one has been back and forth. They have traded two-game winning streaks since 2000. Many people understate this rivalry. I don't understand why. What I can say is I know they get nasty in the deep South.

7. Oklahoma vs. Texas

Texas leads the series, 57-40-5. They play in the Red-River Shootout. Since 2000, the Sooners have dominated the series, with the exception of the Vince Young era. Texas and Colt McCoy look to get bragging rights once again for the Longhorns. It's gonna be crazy in Dallas.

6. Florida State vs. Miami (FL)

Florida State leads the series, 30-22. This rivalry a decade ago would have been much higher, but this one has lost some luster. With neither of the teams a serious national title contender this year, for now it stays at six, but next year this one will be moving on up.

5. Ohio State vs. Michigan

Michigan leads the series, 57-41-6. Ohio St. has won the last four meetings. In 2006, this game decided who would go to the national championship. Now that the Lloyd Carr time is over and the Rich Rodriguez era has begun, can Rodriguez bring new life to Michigan in this rivalry?

4. Florida vs. Florida State

Florida leads the series, 31-19-2. They play for the Governor's Cup. Florida has won five out of the last seven meetings. This game has been played many a time to decide who will go to the big game. The fans in this rivalry are crazy. Still, though, don't expect this one to be at full speed until next year.

3. Georgia vs. Florida

Georgia leads the series, 46-37-2. They play in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Florida has led the series, 15-3, since 1990. After a strong Georgia offense thrashed last year's Gator defense, it will be interesting to see how that changes, if at all. These two teams will most likely be in the top five in the country at the time they play...can't wait for this one!

2. Army vs. Navy

Navy leads the series, 52-49-7. They play for the Commander In Chief's Trophy. Navy has won the last six games and, with a powerful running attack, doesn't plan to stop anytime soon. Army hopes it's fortunes will change now that Paul Johnson has left for Georgia Tech.

1. Auburn vs. Alabama

Alabama leads the series, 38-33-1. They play in the Iron Bowl. This game is what will make or break a player's or coach's legacy in either of these schools. Winning this game in the opposing team's stadium is a good feeling for a few moments, but after that you'd better run. They will throw bottles at you and mug you.

This easily tops the craziest rivalries in all of college football. Auburn has won the last six meetings. While Auburn, it seems, is going to have a down year, Alabama knows its limit is the sky. With second-year coach Nick Saban, the Tide should break this bad streak.

Heisman Hype Raises The Question Who Is The Best?

Micah Green — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:13:12 -0400

In this article I will give a preview of each of the top ten Heisman trophy candidates. I will also rank them, and give reasons for why they will or will not win the most coveted trophy in college football.

10.) Dan LeFervour-This "unknown" from Central Michigan will be a household name by season's end. While only being a sophomore last year LeFervour put up some of the best numbers in the country. Through the air he had 3,652 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. On the ground he had a mind numbing 1,122 yards and 19 touchdowns

Why he will win- He is their team. He will be involved on almost every play. Also not a single defense stands in his way...besides the number one ranked Georgia bulldogs.

Why he won't win- Being in the conference he is, with the schedule he has, he would have to double other players stats in order to win the Heisman.

9.) Colt McCoy- Last year this longhorn junior amassed 3,303 yards while throwing 22 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Though inconsistencies lurk, this junior definitely makes the list.

Why he will win- He has gotten smarter in the off season. He will make better choices and cut down on the INT's.

Why he won't win- An offensive line that allows 24 sacks does put a damper on his hype. If he is to win, a repeat of last years line is unacceptable.

8.) Michael Crabtree- I can't say enough about this freshman...Last year Crabtree hauled in a record setting 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns. He won the Biltenikoff and Paul Warfield awards. He also was a unanimous 1st team All-American.

Why he will win- With Graham Harrel behind center you know this young man will have an unbelievable amount of yards. He has the perfect build for a receiver and is very aggressive

Why he won't win- teams will know who he is now, and double team him in response. The last time a wide receiver won the Heisman was 17 years ago. He is at a position where it is uncommon to see a Heisman winner.

7.) Patrick White- A great athlete. Last year White proved to be a problem through the air and on the ground. He threw for 1,724 yards, 14 touchdowns, and four interceptions. On the ground he ran for 1,335 yard and felt the end zone 14 times.

Why he will win- Now that Steve Slaton is gone the mountaineers will depend on White to produce big plays...He has proven he's good under pressure.

Why he won't win- He isn't enough of a threat through the air. He uses too much legs and didn't have one game in '07 where he threw for over 200 yards.

6.) Matthew Stafford- Improving as we speak...he is a great one waiting to happen. In last years campaign Stafford threw for 2,523 yards,19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

Why he will win- A group of talented receivers are always a help. With Sean Bailey, Mohamed Massaquoi, and highly hyped freshman A.J. Green leading the way.

Why he won't win- The running backs. With players like Knowshon Moreno and Caleb King it will be hard to get the numbers he needs to make it to New York.

5.) Percy Harvin- One of the most explosive players in all college football. He can be on one leg and still juke you out of your shoes. Last season Harvin had 764 yards rushing and six touchdowns. In the receiving department he had 858 yards and four touchdowns.

Why he will win- He is a very versatile player that WILL find a way to hurt you. He is a fast and elusive player who cuts through the smallest holes in the line. An almost sure touchdown in the open field.

Why he won't win- Injuries have given him trouble his whole career. For some reason he can't stay healthy.

4.) Chris Wells- Wells is the best running back in the Big-10 hands down. Last year he scorched defenses and the numbers show it. He rushed for 1,609 yards and found the end zone 15 times.

Why he will win- He is a bright star in a otherwise average conference. He will bash up defenses and roll on to New York.

Why he will lose- He has so much preseason hype when the real deal starts he won't put up numbers everybody expects. He will be yesterdays news.

3.) Chase Daniel- One of the two players returning from the Heisman Presintation in New York last year. Looking at last years stats he threw for 4,306 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also ran for 253 yards and four touchdowns.

Why he will win- Last year he won against every team he played...except the Oklahoma Sooners. He will not soon forget that.

Why he will not win- He won't win because of a tough schedule and a lot of teams want a little revenge on Daniel.

2.) Knowshon Moreno- I cannot think of any other word except...elusive. He is nearly impossible to tackle. He is the best running back I have seen in my short time watching the sport. He rushed for 1,334 yards and 14 touchdowns. He didn't start until mid-season.

Why he will win- He is a complete back. He has every tool he needs and then some. Also he has a very solid o-line.

Why he won't win- A long line of half backs wait to prove they are the man, And Matthew Stafford will be his competition on his own team.

1.) Tim Tebow- The reigning Heisman trophy winner. He is unbelievable. In his sophomore campaign he threw for 3,286 yards and 32 touchdowns. On the ground he was equally impressive with 895 yards and 23 touchdowns.

Why he will win it- He is not satisfied. He isn't in this for his own accomplishment which makes a large difference.

Why he won't win- He has so many playmakers around him he won't do as much as last year.

Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton Represent the Chicago Bears' Biggest Dilemma

Micah Green — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:33:06 -0400

Well, it's almost that time. Football is in the air, and quarterbacks are put in positions to define themselves. They will either be a Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Michael Vick...oh wait, never mind...or they are a Ty or Koy Detmer. Both Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton will show the NFL what they are this season.

Rex Grossman came into the league with high hopes of being an elite quarterback. His career was put on hold for three years when a torn ACL and ankle injuries sidelined him. He came in his fourth year and lead the Bears to the Super Bowl.

While showing signs of a great, dependable quarterback that puts up awesome numbers, he also showed another side of his play—the Mr. Hyde version. In nine games, Rex threw for an average of 221.33 yards, with no picks and 17 touchdowns...very impressive stats.

In the other eight games, he threw for 172.88 yards, six touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. He shows he can be a Manning-caliber quarterback, but also showed many signs of weakness.

Rex Grossman has three problems: mindset, decision-making under pressure, and an offensive line that allows for their quarterback to get hit too much. In 2007, he had, as we all know, a miserable season. Grossman responded to the situation by saying, "What can they do? They can't cut me."

This next season is the defining moment in his career. He will either show us the side that throws no picks and 17 touchdowns, or he stays where he is...at the bottom, fighting for a starting job.

Kyle Orton was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears and was expected to sit behind Grossman his first year. Rex got hurt in the preseason, so Kyle had to fill in. While in his first year, he had a 10-5 record. That was a record for a rookie in the franchise.

While that sounds impressive, he had the lowest passer rating (57.9) of any quarterback in the NFL with over 224 pass attempts. He has shown no signs of being a great quarterback.

He has been consistent every season he plays...consistently mediocre. This too is his moment; will he stay down and be mediocre, or will he be a late bloomer?

With all this said, who is the Bears' better choice at this position? Rex Grossman, the Jekyll/Hyde player, or the consistently better than Hyde Kyle Orton? The Bears should trust Grossman. If he gets the protection he needs, the Rex who has the potential to be an elite quarterback shall return.