Bleacher Report - Articles by Michael Bolding

0-29

Michael Bolding — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:20:48 -0500

For NJIT, nothing has changed in 29 games.

For 29 games this season, NJIT has done all of the following: lost, given up more turnovers (577) than made shots (550), and gotten whipped.

One player claims that he just hopes to forget it in a month or two. Another says that it could be worse, and that he doesn't regret playing for the Highlanders.

Hmm... Looks like he has what Billy Madison would call "loser denial."

I had never even heard of this team until I saw an article online about how they lost all 29 of their games this year. They are one of the few teams that takes losing to a whole new level. I thought the Dolphins were bad, but DAMN these guys really suck. They are one game away from tying their previous losing streak of 33 games.

NJIT is 5-53 since being in Division 1 ball, and it's needless to say that the head coach is getting the boot this year.

I don't really know a lot about this team but, man, if you look at the turnovers to shots made ratio, it makes you appreciate how hard it must be to move from Division 2 to Division 1.

So during the off season for NJIT, make sure you pray for this team to win their first game next year or at least one game. For the sake of winning and pride of all men: GO NJIT! For God's sake, win!

Arkansas Football: Bobby Petrino's Class Is Now in Session

Michael Bolding — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 06:29:25 -0500

As I mentioned in a previous article, Bobby Petrino has a few questions to answer now that he is the new head coach for Arkansas.

One of those questions asked how he would replace McFadden and Jones. Well, he didn’t get another McFadden. But Joe Adams, of Central Arkansas Christian School, resembles Percy Harvin on paper.

Adams runs a 4.41 and has a 33 inch vertical. He was originally headed to USC, but changed his mind in favor of Fayetteville. Petrino also brought in De' Anthony Curtis from Camden, Arkansas.

In 2007 Curtis rushed 119 times for 1,237 yards and 18 touchdowns.

The quarterback situation was another big question and Petrino answered that one with ease. He brought in transfer Ryan Mallet from Michigan. Also in this class was Jim Youngblood.

Youngblood is only a three-star prospect, but he runs 4.6. The last quarterback with decent speed at the U of A was Matt Jones.

Personally, I think that Youngblood is a shorter Jones with a little better accuracy. He is 6'2'' and weighs 217 pounds. From the film I've watched, he runs a darn good option, and despite his speed he is a pass first type of quarterback.

On the defensive side of the ball, Petrino didn’t bring in many big name prospects, but nonetheless he signed some good ones. He focused mainly on the D-line and linebacker corps.

It will be interesting to see how well this year’s recruiting class shapes up. I will give Arkansas a "B" for recruitment for right now, but it will take a few years to be absolutely sure just how well this well did in acquiring these prospects.

One note, Jamal Anderson of the Atlanta Falcons was only a two-star prospect out of high school. Now look at him—a top 10 pick in the NFL draft leaving early from college, and a starter as a rookie in the NFL.

So don’t pay too much attention to the rating of prospects.

Arkansas Football: 2008 Razorbacks Preview

Michael Bolding — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:28:53 -0500

The new football season brings with it many questions for the Razorback community. We are all anxious to see how coach Bobby Petrino fares in his first season as Head Hog.

Here are some questions Petrino will have to answer...

1. Who will start at quarterback?

Since Matt Jones left for the NFL, we have not had much success at this position. Luckily Petrino is known for producing good quarterbacks, especially Brian Brohm.

Don't get me wrong, Casey Dick is a fine young man and is holding his own up in the Ozarks, but right now he isn’t the man for the job. Petrino does have many options to work with, like Jim Youngblood, Nathan Dick, and a few other quarterbacks who, like Casey, have shown potential in their early careers.

My favorite is Jim Youngblood because he is a tall quarterback who can run. He’s a little like Matt Jones, just a little slower. I watched a film of this kid and he was simply amazing running the option and throwing on the run. With much of our offensive line leaving, he might have to throw on the run a lot.

2. How will we make up for the loss of D-Mac and Felix Jones?

It is very clear that D-Mac and Felix Jones were the best tandem in Arkansas history, maybe even in SEC history. How can we replace such a potent running game?

Well the answer is we can't. They were so special and rare, it will be impossible to get the running game to that level again. But we can get close.

Michael Smith is a small shifty runner who can turn the corner with elusive speed. And with Jones and McFadden playing in the Pros next season, he will get more carries and gain more experience, all leading to the possibility of dramatic improvement.

We have Michael smith a junior next year returning along with other backs like Barnett Brandon, and Torian Wilkins

3. How can we improve that defense?

All last season one of the big areas of concern was defense, especially the D-line. With Weston Dacus and Materal Richardson leaving, what do Coach Petrino and his staff have to work with?

Last season, the only game in which our defense really achieved was against LSU, where we played smash mouth football for seven quarters and won.

I think we let up 50-something against them, but the defense played very well and showed that they have a lot of potential for improvement. With the young D-line maturing before our very eyes, it will be interesting to see how well they perform next year with a new head coach and no Herring.

Tip to the new defensive coordinator: teach them how to tackle. Against FIU last year (the only game I watched in person), I saw so many missed tackles. The defense let go of the FIU QB so much it looked as though he must have been covered in butter.

GO HOGS GO!

Is Al "Just Retire Baby" Davis the Reason for Oakland's Failure?

Michael Bolding — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:31:31 -0500

Since the 48-21 embarrassment to Tampa in the 2002 Super Bowl, the Oakland Raiders have known nothing but failure.

Since 2002, they are 19-61 and trying to force out their current head coach. Owner Al Davis has gone as far as to draft a letter of resignation for Coach Kiffin.

Kiffin surprisingly refused and dared Davis to fire him instead. It is known that Davis is trying to land Dennis Green in Kiffin's place, but only if Davis fires Kiffin can he get Green.

Davis is trying to get his fourth coach since the Super Bowl loss. Bill Callahan was 4-12 in his last year in Oakland, which resulted in him being canned.

Norv turner had a 9-23 record in his two-year tenure for the silver and black.

Art Shell had a 2-14 season in his first year and was fired.

Lane Kiffin had a 4-12 season, but I think Davis is the one causing trouble on the West Coast for the Raiders.

Davis traded Randy Moss. We all know how that played out, as a year later Moss had a spectacular season with the most touchdown receptions in a season in history.

Moss was also catching footballs thrown by arguably the best quarterback in the league today and one of the best of all-time.

During his time in Oakland, Moss was catching footballs from several different QBs and put up stats that aren't worth the time it would take me to look them up. Davis also has had a bad habit of firing and hiring the wrong people.

We all know how well Davis managed the team back in the day, but now it seems as though he has lost his touch and needs to step down.

Green may not be a bad pick-up for Al, though. Green had Duante Culpepper for three years in Minnesota and, in those three years, Culpepper passed for 6,549 yards, 47 touchdowns, 63.5 completion percentage, and 29 interceptions.

Culpepper only played one game with no passing attempts in his first year, so you can pretty much say those stats are from just two years of playing.

We all know Culpepper played with Chris Carter and Randy Moss. Since his days with Moss, he hasn't done anything to brag about.

Maybe it was a combination of losing one of the best receivers of all-time and Green, but maybe if he gets Green back, he can become what he once was even with a surgically repaired knee.

"Just retire baby." We all know you need to, but you have got to make the decision yourself. It is best for the Oakland community, the players, the coaches and the organization.

We all know you are looking to provide the city with its fourth Super Bowl win, but they may not see another one of those until years after your lifetime.

NBA Midseason Awards: All-League First Team

Michael Bolding — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:03:34 -0500

Point Guard

Steve Nash is averaging 17.4 points per game and 12 dimes. Nash has won back-to-back MVP awards and should have won three.

Nash flies down the court with tremendous vision and blows past slower defenders to dish it to anybody who is open. It doesn't matter if you’re in the highest seat in the house, he could hit you in the nose with a no-looker.

And with a good supporting cast like Amare Stoudemire, Raja Bell, Shawn Marion, and Grant Hill, Nash is even more dangerous.

Nash isn't afraid to get flashy to deliver pin-point pass to the hoop for an alley-oop to any one of his teammates.

Shooting Guard

Kobe Bryant has been known for his clutch performances and his stingy defense.

He's dropping 27.4 points per game and 5.1 assists.

For a while, it was thought he was carrying the team, but with Andrew "Baby Shaq" Bynum growing up right before our eyes, Kobe has become even more dangerous.

Bryant will pull up a jumper from anywhere with complete confidence that he is going to knock it down. He will also take a defender one-on-one and break his ankles.

A veteran, Bryant is still one of the best, if not the best player in the league.

Small Forward

LeBron James, the only player on the Cavs worth mentioning, is averaging 30.5 points and 7.1 assists.

He may not be the best shooter but dang-it if he wants to win, he will.

After coming off a big performance in San Antonio, James is looking to do the same back home tonight against the Wizards.

He amazed us last summer in the playoffs and now I look forward to seeing how he plans on bettering this year’s attempt at a NBA title.

Power Forward:

Dwight Howard is a beast with 24 points and 9.4 rebounds in the past few games ; he is looking to send the Orlando Magic back into the playoffs for the second straight year.

Since being drafted straight out of high school, Howard has been an awesome player for the Magic as they look to build a franchise around.

But he is not alone on the team, Jameer Nelson is the second go to guy on the team and looks to be more of a factor in the offense this year.

Center

Amare Stoudemire is joining his teammate Steve Nash on this list simply because he is the future of the Power Forward/Center position; and with 22.4 points a game and 9.3 rebounds this season it’s hard to argue with that.

This kid has a bright future and he clearly is going to become one of the most dominant players of all-time if he stays healthy.

Put up a shot near him and he is throwing it into the 7th row of the stands … then laughing at you for your stupidity.

His versatility is what makes him so great.

Coach

What good is a team without a good head coaching staff.

At this point in the year, I believe the best coaching staff has been the Los Angeles Lakers.

Phil Jackson and Co. have gone from being just a annoying fly in the west to becoming the flyswatter. This year the Lakers have improved from seventh in the west last season to third this season.

Coach Jackson is looking forward to returning to the playoffs for the third consecutive year and hopes to win another NBA title.

Does he have enough fingers for all of his rings?

NBA Beware: Cavaliers, LeBron James on the Rise

Michael Bolding — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 15:36:28 -0500

With the Cavs riding a three-game win streak, LeBron James is looking to get revenge for his disappointing four-game sweep in the Finals last summer.

The Cavs are seven games back in the Central Division, behind the Pistons. Last season, they finished three games behind the Pistons, but moved past them in the Eastern Conference Finals, only to lose in the Finals.

During their three-game win streak, James went to San Antonio and defeated the Spurs by two, behind his 27 points, seven assists, and nine boards—proving that Cleveland seems to always win when James gets a double-double or a triple-double.

They are currently surging and looking to get back into the NBA Finals, but first they have to get past the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons. Good luck with both of them, they will need it.

If they are able to make it back to the Finals, I believe King James' hunger to prove himself will push the Cavs past the whoever they may play in the Finals. My guess is that it will be the Spurs or the Lakers.

Hopefully it is a rematch of last year's Finals, and it will again go to seven games. If it does, look for James to carry this team on his shoulders in that seventh game and win, because he is truly the chosen one.

NFC Championship Game: Eli Manning Trumps Brett Favre at Lambeau

Michael Bolding — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 15:10:18 -0500

Who would have thought that Eli Manning and the Giants could come in winning nine straight on the road and upset Favre AT HOME?

I sure as hell didn't give him a chance. Heck, I had Dallas playing Green Bay for the NFC title, but Eli keeps maturing right before my eyes.

Many people have questioned Manning's leadership and whether he should be a starter. I was one of those people.

At the start of the season, the Giants had one of the best defensive ends in team history in Michael Strahan considering retirement during training camp. Strahan however came back and played out the Thankfully for the Giants, Strahan returned to the team and has made a significant impact.

For the first two games of the season, the Giants stats and performances themselves were nothing great. Somehow, Coughlin rallied his troops and lead them all the way to the NFC championship game against the Green Bay Packers.

Along the way, the Giants improved their passing and running games, becoming a dangerous with an improving defense. Today, the New York football Giants went out and did what I thought was impossible for them, beating Brett Favre.

Favre is now 6-8 in playoff games at home in the frozen weather. Now I still believe that if Favre had gone out and had the game I expected him to have, They would have defeated the G-Men.

So for now, I will give Manning, Strahan, Jacobs, Shockey, and everyone else in that locker room who got this organization to this point all the credit in the world, since they went into Lambeau and knocked off the Packers, in the cold weather in overtime.

Congrats to the Giants organization, and good luck in the Super Bowl.

Jacksonville's Matt Jones In Need of a Change of Scenery

Michael Bolding — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:16:39 -0500

After being selected 21st overall in 2005, Matt Jones has not exactly had the type of success that Jacksonville expected.

Jones, a quarterback at Arkansas, came out of college a 6'6 athletic reciever that runs a 4.3 40, and can verticle out of his shoes, quite a feat for a 238 pound man. Simply put, Matt Jones is undeniably an amazing athlete.

I, along with many others, believed he would be an amazing reciever in the league with those attributes.

But after 3 years he has not had a season to brag about yet.

Yes he has been plauged with injuries.

Yes his career is still young.

And yes he hasnt played reciever since his high-school days.

But with the stats he has put up in Jacksonville, relative to his expectations and paycheck, he needs to get the boot. He is just dead weight in a offense that should score in the bunches with all the talent they have.

But talent is no good when it is not used right or the player is too damn lazy to catch a pass.

I have seen many balls thrown his way in single coverage, many times bad single coverage, and it hit him in the worst place possible...his hands. Jones is a pass dropping specialist.

Though Jones may not be right for the Jags, he may have a place somewhere else.

The Rams recieving group is aging and could use a young touchup, and with Bulger throwing the ball, Jones should learn quickly the way a good quarterback throws.

The 49ers are a possiblity with only one decent reciever and up and coming quarterback Alex Smith. Theoretically, Smith and Jones would seem to make a pretty good duo on the West Coast.

It wouldnt surprise me if the Pats made a go at him to put another reciever in their already deadly group of recievers, even as a sort of ongoing project. With Tom Brady throwing the ball to Jones, I'm sure that Matt will find a way to catch the easy balls he has so haphazardly dropped in the past.

The Lions are a possibility too. They have a history of forgetting they need a quaterback and getting as many recievers as possible.

The Jags need to drop to dead weightand get rid of Matt Jones. Send him to another team where he may accomplish somthing and make a name for himself. I was a big fan of his while he played ball at Arkansas and I want to see him succeed.

But with two years left on his contract and no sign of what Coach Del Rio is going to do with him, it might be time for Jones to relocate.

Arkansas Football: Extreme Makeover, Razorbacks Edition

Michael Bolding — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:24:08 -0500

New head hog Bobby Petrino already has something to snort about.

Felix Jones, who was expected return for his senior season, decided to go pro along with several teammates, among them star tailback Darren McFadden, Peyton Hillis, Marcus Monk, Weston Dacus, and Matteral Richardson.

The passing offense since Matt Jones left has been abysmal at best, and with quarterback Casey Dick returning for another season, no real improvement is in sight. While the running game has flourished, Houston Nutt never really developed a decent quarterback before leaving for Ole Miss.

Though the majority of the Razorbacks' stars are pro-bound, it is still possible to stay positive. I have seen Nathan Emerett play and, though it may have been against Florida International, there was definitely some potential there.

I say we give Nathan a chance to prove his worth next year and maybe split time with Casey Dick.

In my opinion, Dick shouldn't be the Hogs' starting QB. Nevertheless, he proved against LSU that he has enough game experience to keep Arkansas from giving up a game. He is just not ready to take the team on his shoulders and carry them to any wins himself.

Since becoming the new head coach, Bobby Petrino has been busy, signing a good assortment of highly touted high school prospects. What Arkansas needs, however, is another running back to split carries with Michael Smith and a quarterback that they can count on.

Maybe with Petrino doing the recruiting the Razorbacks won't stock up so much on All-American caliber running backs (though there's nothing wrong with that) and get a few good quarterbacks or maybe even a reciever or two. I am anxious to see how the entire team depth chart turns out for the season opener.

For now, it's just time to stay positive.

Pac-Man Jones Throws a Hard Right Hook...at a Stripper?

Michael Bolding — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:55:38 -0500

Once again Pac-Man Jones was arrested... big surprise there. Once again, in a strip club....another one huh?

Here is a real new one. Jones arrested in a strip club for punching a stripper. Hopefully you find him just as pathetic as I do at this point.

Jones, the stripper, and the owner of the club were all in the main office arguing. Jones arguement, that the stripper stole cash and a bracelet from him. The stripper claims that during the meeting, he made several lunges at her butt and was held back by a body guard. Shortly thereafter an arguement broke out in the hallway with a friend of Jones, so the owner left to settle it. The real news, Both Jones and the stripper go into the hall way, and Jones reached around a body guard and "Sucker punched" the stripper in her left eye. Heres another good one, the clubs name...The Body Tap. Thats great stuff!!

Will Jones ever learn to stay away from strip clubs, and just get a real wife?

Joe Johnson For All-Star Game

Michael Bolding — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:02:33 -0500

Am I the only person noticing how well Joe Johnson has improved since his days at the U of A?

He has become a key player for the Atlanta Hawks since they acquired him. And don't forget that he was a darn good player in Phoenix too. Last year he was hurt too often and didn't get enough time to go to the NBA's All Star game.

But this is definitely Joe Johnson's year.

Joe is averaging 22 points, 4 boards, 5.5 assists, and 1 steal per game. He has played 34 games and started all 34 of them. Im not aware if you have watched him play, but he is a very versatile shooting guard who can play three different positions: point guard, shooting guard, and small forward. He intertwines all of these positions efficiently and deserves a tremendous amount of credit and respect.

Now don't get me wrong, he is no Lebron James, but he is every bit as worthy of a spot on the All-Star roster this year even if it is a reserve spot. He has proven that he can hit the clutch shot and make big plays when needed.

So please when you're voting don't forget Joe Johnson. If he is left off the roster, it will be the biggest snub this year. He is an extraordinary ball player and a team first type of player.

VOTE JOE!

Packers-Seahawks: Brett Favre's Magical Season Lives On

Michael Bolding — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:05:32 -0500

Forget what you remember from the past two seasons. This has been one of Brett's better years in a while and it all started with a controversial statement. He claimed that this years packers were the most talented team he has ever been on..... wait, what the hell did he just say. That is what every one said after they heard his crazy comments. I mean come on he won the super bowl with reggie white, and many other great players, how much more talented can the pack get.

Well Favre and the rest of the Packers came out firing on all cylinders winning 11 of their first 12 games. The only loss to Chicago. Favre aired out defenses as the running game for the packers struggled to get going most of the season throwing for 4,155 yards, 28 touchdowns, 15 picks, and a 95.7 quarterback rating. Now hold the phone before you start talking about how weak the NFC is look at how old Favre is and how young his supporting group is. Jennings is a second year receiver, and he has been a go to receiver for most of the season.

Today the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre bounced back from an early deficit of 14 in the first quarter to win 42-20. The win due in large part to a big ground game from Ryan Grant who had 201 yards and 3 touchdowns. Grant also had two fumbles in the first quarter both in which the Seahawks scored touchdowns from. Favre was throwing the ball very well today in the snow.

Today was Brett put on a show of how the position is supposed to be played.... maybe Romo should have been watching instead of vacationing in Mexico with his girlfriend. It's games like these that get me excited, seeing a old man gun-slinging the ball with the best of 'em and winning at home in Lambeau. If Brett goes to the Super Bowl regardless of a win or loss should retire because he will go out with everyone knowing that it wasn't lack of talent that forced him out but that he went out right.

John Pelphrey's Hustlin' Hogs Need to Slow Down

Michael Bolding — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:52:15 -0500

John Pelphrey, hired last spring to boost Arkansas' basketball Razorbacks from mediocrity, inherited a very talented Razorback basketball team that had huge expectations.

Entering SEC play, all they have had is huge turnovers.

Pelphrey has put his foot on the gas and the Hogs are runnin' wild, pushing the ball up the court only to hand it to the defense.

So far, the improved defense has covered for the breakneck forcing as many turnovers on defense as they are commiting on offense.

I guess it's an even trade. But its sloppy basketball and I think the Hogs need to go back to the basics and slow it down a little bit.

I like what Pelphrey has done with the team, and the way he is coaching. The last coach showed little heart and, cowering on the bench while the players went out and played ball. Pelphrey is out on the court, shouting on every possesion.

With a starting lineup that can match with most in the nation, the Hogs should be beating up most of the teams on their schedule.

Patrick Beverly was last year's SEC Freshman of the Year; Steven Hill is a seven-foot monster waiting to send your shot into the seventh row if you try a lay-up within arm's length of him; high flyer Sonny Weems can score in bunches; Gary Ervin, the transfer point guard, can make good decisions when given time; and Charles Thomas, the forward that has been called "The Manimal" for a reason, is anchoring the post.

All of these players have shown tremendous upside and skill this year.

But they also have the fans wondering why.

Why are we giving the ball up around 15 times per game, and losing to teams like Providence? (I'm sure the 30 turnovers didn't help.) Why isn't Thomas scoring more? Why isn't Beverly putting up a season like he did last year?

Well, we have just entered SEC play. Hopefully, all those questions will be answered as the Hogs look to advance past the first round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the Nolan Richardson era.

(To be honest, I miss Nolan; we made it to the NCAA Tournament every year and won a National Championship under him. Why did he have to go in such a controversial way, and couldn't we have just avoided that and kept him?)

Oh, well. Heath is gone, finally, and we have a good coach again.

Maybe Pelphrey can bring us back to the glory days.

Co-Ed Football in High School—Should it be Allowed?

Michael Bolding — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:06:14 -0500

I do not want to sound unprofessional here, but in this case I really don't know what else to say...A girl in my high school has just joined our football team, and I personally believe the gridiron is for men.

I love that women are willing to participate in one of the most physically demanding sports, but that it is just too demanding. This girl is trying out for the eighth and ninth grade team while I'm on varsity so I will not see how it turns out, but I am sure it will not be pretty.

Let me set the picture: She is 5'10" and weighs between 250-300 lbs. She is a very big girl and could probably handle her own.

But where is she going to get dressed? Is there any special pads needed for her body shape? What about after away games—where will she get undressed while the coach is talking to his players? She will have to miss out.

I know the speeches before and after the game are something that every player on the team needs to hear. What about sexual harrassment? What if she gets hurt? I mean, this whole thing will cause all sorts of trouble.

The guys in the eighth and ninth grade are immature and stupid. The whole situation could be avoided if women would just accept the fact that they don't belong in everything this planet has to offer.

I am sorry if I offend anyone with this but it is the truth. I would not care if they started a league of their own, but joining the team with junior high boys—no.

My personal view—Keep women out of men's football.

Atlanta Falcons Needs? Well, They Need a Lot

Michael Bolding — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:40:23 -0500

In the ATL, Arthur Blank is looking for his third coach since 2004.

The past two coaches have been a bust.

Okay, I'll give Jim Mora Jr. credit where it is deserved—he took Atlanta to the NFC championship in his first season, and got stomped by the Philidelphia Eagles, who lost in the Super Bowl to the Patriots that year.

Mora Jr. replaced a coach that couldnt buy a win, and after his first year, Michael Vick showed improvement in his passing ability, but still was much too inconsistent.

Mora Jr. was fired after his third season. In that three-year span, he tried to develop Vick into a double threat, relying on his arm as much as his legs.

After Mora Jr. failed to bring the Falcons to glory, Blank hired Bobby Petrino.

Mora Jr. was a players coach, while Petrino was an x's and o's type of coach.

Since the Falcons couldnt win under Mora Jr., Blank hired Petrino, in the hope that he could develop his multi-million dollar investment known as Vick into a better passer. Petrino had been known for his ability to light up the score board and spread out defenses.

Before the start of last season Atlanta traded Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans—one of the dumbest trades in Falcons history. So with only Vick to train, Petrino looked forward to the next season.

In the first round of the 2007 NFL draft, the Falcons took Jamal Anderson, a defensive end out of Arkansas expected to put up great numbers—but who wound up being a huge bust.

Fast forward to summer. Vick was suspected of dog fighting—which later is proven—before the season starts. By the end of the preseason, the Falcons were looking desperatly for a new quarterback to guide them.

Over the course of the season the Falcons started many quarterbacks, but only one showed he could hold down the fort untill the real deal showed up in Atlanta—Chris Redman, a Louisville quarterback who Petrino developed.

With three games left, Petrino abandoned the Falcons, and took the head coaching job at Arkansas after Houston Nutt left for Ole Miss.

So the questions remain: Who is going to lead the team next season, and who is the quarterback of the future—now that Schuab is proving that he shouldnt have been traded to Houston, and Vick is showing why he should have been traded to jail.

I say the Falcons should go after Bill Cowher. Atlanta needs a hard-nosed, but fun coach to help guide the team back and make smart draft decisions. (Bill drafted Pro-Bowl quarterback Ben Rothlisberger.)

As for the quarterback, why not go after Donavonn McNabb? He has been trashed by Philly fans for too long. And McNabb would be another big mobile quarterback for Cowher—like Rothlisberger.

With Cowher comes an improvement in defense and the run game. Atlanta's run game showed signs of improvement this season, but the defense played poorly almost all year. Anderson had no sacks all year, but started most of the season.

The Falcons could take McFadden in the first round, a quarterback in the second round, then try to get McNabb from Philly in a trade.

Arthur Blank needs tons of help in Atlanta—and Cowher can lead his team in the right direction.

LeBron Who?: Kobe Bryant Still the Best

Michael Bolding — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:44:16 -0500

I keep hearing that LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are the two best players in the NBA.

Well, who would you rather have on your team?

True, LeBron stole all the endorsement deals when Kobe was hit with sexual assault charges (which were later dropped; the accuser and Bryant settled out of court).

And yes, LeBron clearly has all the box-office power due to his remarkable ability to soar above the rim and dunk over defenders.

Those qualities clearly make King James the most charismatic star in the NBA. But do they make him the best player?

Kobe, game-in and game-out, shows up ready to score in ways LeBron has yet to master.

Not only is Kobe able to penetrate and dunk over defenders—his shooting range is unlimited.

Simply put, Kobe's consistency from the perimeter makes him the superior player.

And while he helps the Lakers by grabbing crucial rebounds, or dishing out key assists, it's his performance in the clutch that shows Kobe's true colors.

Like any scorer in the league, Kobe demands the ball with the game on the line. It doesn't matter what kind of defense he's facing—he'll find ways to score.

Of course, Bryant does have a distinct advantage over James: He's been in the league over 10 years, and has had more time to refine his skills.

In the long run, James' game could very well surpass Kobe's. LeBron is already more mature physically than Kobe was at his age.

However, even LeBron's physical gifts can't make him a better player than Bryant.

So before you go jumping on the LBJ bandwagon, let me set the record straight—King James is merely a knight when compared to Kobe.

When I step inside my high school gym, I see kids trying to master Kobe's moves, not LeBron's.

When they shoot the ball, they aren't yelling "LeBron," they're yelling "Kobe"—because only a true King makes his shots every night.

Patriots-Giants: Pats Make History in the Big Apple

Michael Bolding — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 16:45:04 -0500

With one pass, Tom Brady and Randy Moss took care of the record books. Now it's down to business for the unbeaten New England Patriots: proving themselves as the greatest team in NFL history.

The Patriots completed a perfect if somewhat boring trip through the season Saturday night, finishing with a astonishing 16-0 record following a thrilling 38-35 comeback victory over the New York Giants

New England became the first NFL team since the 1972 Dolphins to win every game on the schedule, and that one was only 14-0. This victory required a comeback from a 12-point deficit engineered by the brilliant Brady, and smashed the Patriots' league mark for consecutive victories.

Validation of the Patriots' inexorable march through the season can only come by adding a Super Bowl championship, their fourth of the decade. Do that and there'll be no challenge to their spot at the top.

"I think it's a lot of hard work," Brady said. "I'm proud of the way this team responded. We're losing there in the second half and came out and played some of our better football."

In gaining their 19th consecutive win over two seasons, the Patriots also got record-setting performances from Brady and Moss, including the winning score, a 65-yard bomb with 11:06 remaining. Brady beat Peyton Manning's mark of 49 touchdown passes by throwing two to Moss against the Giants (10-6), giving the star quarterback 50. Moss broke Jerry Rice's record of 22 TD receptions. And the Patriots finished with an incredible 589 points for the season, another single-season record.

Belichick was barely more animated than usual. He shared hugs with players and assistant coaches on the sideline once the victory was clinched, but there was no thought of carrying him off on the Patriots' shoulders. Throughout the season Belichick has made brilliant play calls and acquisitions of players to bring them to this point.

Yet this was anything but a coronation. The Giants, already guaranteed a playoff game against Tampa Bay next weekend and with little to play for except ruining New England's perfect season, led 28-16 in the third quarter. It was the Patriots' largest deficit all year as the Giants showed no fear, scoring the most points New England allowed in a game during this remarkable run.

An efficient Eli Manning, at times resembling his vaunted older brother, threw for four touchdowns. Domenik Hixon , in his first game as New York's primary kick returner, went 74 yards for a score 11 seconds after Brady and Moss tied their respective records.

Not to worry. These Patriots are unflappable, and they matched their comebacks in wins over Indianapolis, Philadelphia and Baltimore earlier in the season. A 73-yard drive ended with Laurence Maroney's 6-yard run to make it 28-23 with 4:00 to go in the third period.

Then came the most familiar of scenes: Brady dropping back, winding up and hitting a wide-open Moss in stride for a touchdown. The final go-ahead TD in their perfect year.

Although many are eager to hail these Patriots as the NFL's all-time best, such acclaim won't come unless they win two playoff games and their fourth Super Bowl this decade. And for those who might deny such greatness considering the "Spygate" scandal from early in the season, well, 19-0 would speak pretty loudly.

Certainly louder than any of the postgame celebrations at Giants Stadium, the same building where they were caught videotaping New York Jets assistant coaches in Week 1, a rules violation that cost Belichick and the franchise $750,000 in fines and a 2008 first-round draft choice. That made Belichick even more close-mouthed and dour than usual, and his team followed his lead -- right to 16-0.

The Giants opened the game as if they were, well, the Patriots, driving 74 yards, sparked by a 52-yard completion on which Plaxico Burress outleapt Ellis Hobbs for Manning's jump-ball throw. Brandon Jacob's broke Tedy Bruschi's tackle to score on a 7-yard reception for a 7-0 lead.

Naturally, the Patriots, the highest-scoring team in NFL history, struck back. After Stephen Gostowski's 37-yard field goal, New England went on top—and surpassed Minnesota's league mark of 556 points —on the record-tying 4-yard TD pass from Brady to Moss, who soared above rookie Aaron Ross for the score.

The 10-7 lead lasted all of 11 seconds. The usually staid Patriots gathered around Moss as he did a dance in the end zone, prompting a 15-yard excessive celebration penalty. Belichick argued the call with referee Mike Carey, perhaps sensing how costly it might be.

It was as Hixon sped 74 yards untouched to lift the Giants back in front.

Gostkowski kicked two more field goals as the Patriots grabbed a 16-14 lead with 1:59 left in the half.

That's when Manning, coming off several rough games, was at his best, leading a quick 85-yard drive that included a rare scramble for 11 yards just before he found Kevin Boss in the middle of the end zone with 13 seconds remaining. The 21-16 deficit was only the second time New England has trailed at halftime this season; the other was to the older Manning and the Colts.

But with such a explosive offense, the Patriots never are out of any game. Once they got the lead, they sealed the win with another touchdown drive, Maroney scoring from the 5. Manning hit Burress again from 3 yards with 1:04 to go, but New England recovered the onside kick.

Will the Pats continue to play that kind of football? Will the organization continue to make great choices in signing and play calling?

We’ll find out in January.

Congrats to all the players, coaches, and executives in the Patriots organization for one hell of a season. Good luck in the playoffs.

* This article adopted from AP Sources

The Sickening Truth Behind Bad Newz Kennelz

Michael Bolding — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:49:15 -0500

This fall we were all saddened when the news broke that one of the NFL's bright young stars was involved in a dog fighting ring.

I, and many others, were disturbed and disgusted by Vick's actions.

Today, I plan on letting out the truth about what happend. Michael Vick is as stupid and idiotic as the other people that were involved in such a heinous act of brutality and cruelty to animals.

In early 2001, one of Vicks's friends showed him a house, which Vick bought for the sole purpose of dog fighting. Not only did Vick purchased a home for these events to take place, he also sported headbands and tshirts embedded with the "Bad Newz Kennelz" logo.

From start to finish, on the dog fighting alone (cost of house, dogs, money earned and lost) Vick lost $32,200.

Vick and company killed 13 dogs in total. One dog in particular that did not perform well had its body slammed into the ground repeatedly, in order to execute the poor animal. Another dog had water thrown on it and electrocuted.

What Michael Vick participated in was stupid, and by far one of the worst things a person can do—especially when they make the kind of money that he did. Michael Vick does not deserve another chance to step on any football field ever again.

All of the facts that I just stated were in his indictment, and I encourage everyone who loves animals to take a look at it.

Why not Miami? Why Not Pick Darren McFadden No. 1 Overall?

Michael Bolding — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:37:24 -0500

Around March many aspiring college athletes will be running 40-yard dashes, doing bench press reps, catching footballs, taking the Wonderlic Test and many other things to try and improve their draft status.

Some of these may indicate whether the young man in question will represent the franchise that gambles on him in the upcoming draft well.

However, none of this shows us how the player performs on the field.

Yes, a 4.4 forty is what most NFL scouts look for in running backs that are 230 pounds or less and not 6'2".

But imagine if you had a 205 pound, 6'2" junior that could tear apart any defense at any given moment. A talent so special that he tore apart a South Carolina defense for 321 yards, an SEC record. A running back with such natural talent that in two consecutive years he won the Doak Walker Award and finished second in the Heisman race each year.

I'm talking about Darren McFadden a sure-fire top-10 pick—but why not the number one pick, the Dolphins' pick? With the Miami flirting with Cleo Lemon to be their main man, why not go for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser in D-Mac?

In just three years, he cracked the top-5 of the all-time SEC rushing list, soaring past names like Bo Jackson and Emmit Smith. He throws just as well as Florida star Tim Tebow and runs better than Reggie Bush. In the last game of his junior season, he beat up a top-10 defense for 206 yards and a win over the number one team in America, and eventual SEC champs.

The Dolphins have the first pick unless they trade it. Ricky Williams is in and out of the locker room depending on how well his marijuana is growing, and Ronnie Brown is not able to carry the ball, let alone his team's rushing load.

Which begs the question: Why not draft the best player in college football at number one in this years draft? Why not draft a 6'2" 205 pound beast, who runs a 4.3-4.4 forty time, likes to make contact, can pass block like Orlando Pace, and hits like Shawne Merriman?

So—why not, Miami?

Help Wanted for Cleveland Cavaliers

Michael Bolding — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 07:28:34 -0500

Since King James has been in the league, he has taken the Cavs from pretenders to contenders.

Reaching the playoffs for the first time in his career he advanced to the quarter finals only to lose to the Pistons in five. In his fourth season he made it to the NBA finals with the help of a surging rookie Daniel Gibson, who launched threes in game seven that propelled the Cavs to an Eastern Conference Championship.

Now in his fifth season, he is considered by many the Michael Jordan of the next generation.

In the playoffs this summer James seemed unstoppable and determined—like a one-man wrecking crew throughout the eastern conference playoffs. When he got to the Finals however the Spurs showed why they are the New England Patriots of basketball.

This season the Cavs are in trouble as LeBron has been hurt every so often. They need to make a good trade and get another side kick for the King.

Larry Hughes is one possible person to get rid of. Since being with the Cavs, all he has done is given the team doctor a workout instead of harassing NBA offenses like he was known for in Washington.

A player like Joe Johnson, or just anyone who can handle the ball and pass worth a flip while also making plays on defense would be good for the team. Johnson is a seasoned vet who is tall and can play the point guard position. In my opinion, disregarding the money that is involved, they need to get rid of Hughes and pick up Johnson. Then they can finally compete in the finals, in game seven with three seconds left against the Spurs in San Antonio with the game on the line.