Bleacher Report - Articles by Adam Fier

How Greg Paulus Saved Syracuse Football

Adam Fier — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:14:27 -0500

Forget the record, forget the stats and forget the losing.

The short lived Greg Paulus era at Syracuse was a success.

At first glance, a 4-8 record sounds like more of the same for a program that could not get out of its own way since the reigns were handed to Greg Robinson five seasons ago.

After four years of regression, Robinson was shown he door in favor of Doug Marrone, a former Syracuse lineman and play-calling wizard for the high powered New Orleans Saints.

Marrone was given a roster of underachievers that lacked talent, but more importantly lacked leadership.

As enjoyable as it was watching Arthur Jones, among the teams lone bright spots in 2008, the football program lacked direction and lacked an identity.

Enter: Paulus.

After four years of playing basketball for national powerhouse Duke, Paulus found a loophole and decided to use it for a year of playing college football at national laughingstock Syracuse.

Paulus, a hometown hero who played his high school football a short drive from the Carrier Dome and Christian Brothers Academy, came back to lend his hand (and right arm) to rebuilding a once proud program.

In the four years prior to his lone season under center at Syracuse, the football program won ten times. Combined.

Paulus led Syracuse to a disappointing 4-8 record, however beyond the record and beyond his pedestrian stats (13 TD, 14 INT, 2025 yds, 67% COMP), he immediately changed the culture during his first start.

Playing behind a below average offensive line and a number one wide receiver who hadn't played a single snap the year before, Paulus had Syracuse within a few minutes of an opening night victory against Minnesota.

After throwing an interception in overtime which would eventually cost Syracuse the game, the mood in Central New York was filled with something they had grown unfamiliar with: hope.

Hope is a dangerous thing, as teams both professional and collegiate like to hide behind hope and use it to disguise mediocrity, however after four seasons of having nothing to cheer for, Paulus proved that his new football program was not going to be dead on arrival in 2009.

The season was filled with an unsightly amount of injuries (including potential first round draft pick and defensive star Arthur Jones) as well as the off the field and eventual loss of Williams, who had become Paulus' go-to guy and is himself a potential early round draft pick), yet despite roadblock after roadblock, Paulus had his team competing week in, week out.

There were ugly losses (Louisville), inspiring victories (Rutgers), and at season's end, Syracuse was a handful of breaks away from being 6-6 and bowl eligible in spite of all the adversity they dealt with.

Paulus, playing both his first and last year of collegiate football, may not have helped turn his team into an instant contender, but he certainly helped them regain respectability.

His leadership will undoubtedly have an impact on players like Ryan Nassib, who shared snaps with Paulus throughout the year and is likely to be the guy leading the offense in 2010.

At the end of the day, programs and teams are judged on wins and losses, and by that measuring stick, 2009 was a disappointment, filled with plenty of the mistakes and misfortune that have seemed to plague Syracuse during this recent stretch of futility.

Syracuse fans should be encouraged to look beyond the losing, and appreciate the efforts of a young man who played with heart and who made one of the more impressive transitions an athlete has ever made in recent history.

Bold statement? Maybe, but you're talking about somebody who hadn't thrown a meaningful football pass in more than four years, all the while was going through the trials and tribulations of playing at one of the most prestigious basketball programs for arguably the most recognized and accomplished coach in the sport at the college level.

Syracuse fans should appreciate Greg Paulus for the hard work, dedication and commitment to winning he brought to a program that had lost its way and certainly lost hope.

Thanks to Paulus, they've found both.

Report: Syracuse's Devendorf To Declare for NBA Draft

Adam Fier — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:00:33 -0400

Reports out of Syracuse this morning have guard Eric Devendorf set to declare for the NBA draft.

Devendorf, who obtained a fifth year of eligibility following knee surgery which forced him to miss all but 10 games of the 2007-2008 season, was the second leading scorer on an Orange team that made an unexpected run to the Sweet 16 in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

Devendorf declined comment when approached, however, early word on campus was that not only were the rumors true, but somebody close to Devendorf went as far as saying that he was leaving Syracuse University regardless of draft status, perhaps to pursue playing in Europe if the NBA didn't work out.

The speculation surrounding Devendorf makes him the second Syracuse starter to be considering an early exit from the school, as point guard Jonny Flynn is expected to declare as well.

It is unknown whether or not either player will hire and agent, as doing so would eliminate the possibility of returning to school for the 2009-2010 season.

The reports on Devendorf come shortly after both ESPN and Sports Illustrated projected the Orange to be among the top five teams in their 2010 preseason rankings. The high ranking was assuming that the team would be returning all five starters, which it has the ability to do should everybody eligible to return does so.

Despite becoming one of college basketball's most hated players late in the season, Devendorf proved to be a valuable part of the success the Orange had down the stretch.

It was Devendorf who hit what appeared to be a game winning shot at the end of regulation in the memorable six overtime game against UCONN in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.

In their second round matchup with Arizona State in the NCAA tournament, it was Devendorf who hit a pair of clutch threes which propelled the Orange into the Sweet 16.

By now you've probably heard the stories of Devendorf's off the court issues and whether or not you like him, if you root for Syracuse you know how important he was to the success of the team and how difficult it would be to replace his perimeter shooting, his willingness to take the big shot, as well as his experience.

The Big East will be losing a number of top talent, with the likes of Hasheem Thabeet of UCONN, DeJaun Blair of Pitt, and Terrence Williams of Louisville all going pro.

Should Syracuse manage to return their starting five, along with additions like transfer Wesley Johnson and freshman Brandon Triche, the Orange will have themselves a contender for a National Championship.

Previewing the 2009 New York Mets

Adam Fier — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:03:50 -0400

The following are a handful of the most significant story lines surrounding the 2009 New York Mets along with some predictions and thoughts as to how the season will play out. The team made a handful of offseason moves, most notably the additions of Frankie Rodriguez and J.J. Putz to bolster a bullpen that blew 29 saves last season. With Billy Wagner likely to miss the entire year recovering from Tommy John surgery, the bullpen has been completely revamped with Aaron Heilman among the departed. The core remains intact, as Jose Reyes, David Wright, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado will be looked on to supply the majority of the offensive production, while youngster Daniel Murphy has been given the starting job in left field and will look to contribute in a way that he did down the stretch last season. The starting pitching starts and ends with Johan Santana who after a slight elbow scare looks healthy and primed for another Cy Young worthy season. He's followed in the rotation by Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Oliver Perez and Livan Hernandez. Can you say question marks? After a second consecutive September Collapse, the Mets need to prove that the talent on the roster is good enough to overcome the demons of season's past. As the doors open at Citi Field, the ghosts of Shea Stadium need to have been destroyed along with the team's old home. Lets take a look at how 2009 is shaping up.

Begin Slideshow

2009 Major League Baseball Predictions

Adam Fier — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 13:55:14 -0400

Another baseball season upon us, and another chance to prove how little I know when it comes to accurately predicting how the new season will play out.

Nevertheless, I like to entertain myself and look back seven months from now and see if I knew anything, so before all you critics out there rip my predictions to shreds, know that I make them without doing any real research and simply off of gut feelings based on how teams faired last season and how they look based on the moves they made during the offseason.

I'll also put a disclaimer that I'm a die hard New York Mets fan who decided it would be smart to pick my team to win it all this year, a mistake I certainly will not be making twice. Plus Sports Illustarted already took care of that for me.

I usually predict standings and records however this season I'm going to take WFAN's Mike Francessa's lead and list the teams in order of how I think they'll finish but instead of records I'll take over/under's on amount of victories.

I'll also throw in pre-season playoff picks and preseason award winners.

So without further adeiu, lets make some picks...

(Over/Under's courtesy of vegaswatch.com)

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Boston Red Sox (94.5) Over

New York Yankees (97.5)* Under

Tampa Bay Rays (87.5) Over

Toronto Blue Jays (80.5) Over

Baltimore Orioles (73.5) Over

American League Central

Detroit Tigers (82.5) Over

Cleveland Indians (85.5) Over

Chicago White Sox (79.5) Over

Minnesota Twins (83.5) Under

Kansas City Royals (75.5) Over

American League West

Oakland Athletics (81.5) Over

Seattle Mariners (72.5) Over

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (89.5) Under

Texas Rangers (73.5) Under

National League East

Philadelphia Phillies (87.5) Over

Florida Marlins (76.5) Over

New York Mets (88.5) Under

Atlanta Braves (83.5) Under

Washington Nationals (71.5) Over

National League Central

Chicago Cubs (91.5) Over

Milwaukee Brewers (80.5) Over

Cincinnati Reds (80.5) Over

Houston Astros (74.5) Over

St Louis Cardinals (82.5) Under

Pittsburgh Pirates (69.5) Under

National League West

Los Angeles Dodgers (82.5) Over

Arizona Diamondbacks* (86.5) Under

San Diego Padres (71.5) Over

Colorado Rockies (77.5) Under

San Francisco Giants (80.5) Under

*wild card winner

Division Series

Red Sox over Athletics

Yankees over Tigers

Phillies over Diamondbacks

Cubs over Dodgers

Championship Series

Yankees over Red Sox

Phillies over Cubs

World Series

Phillies over Yankees

Most Valuable Player

AL- Mark Teixeira (NYY)

NL- Manny Ramirez (LAD)

Cy Young

AL- Jon Lester (BOS)

NL- Johan Santana (NYM)

Rookie of the Year

AL- David Price (TAM)

NL- Cameron Maybin (FLA)

New York Knicks Still a Disaster Despite New Regime

Adam Fier — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:44:25 -0400

Isiah who?

Almost a year after the dismissal of the former head coach and President of Basketball Operations, the New York Knicks franchise hasn't been able to escape the depths of apathy Thomas helped the team reach during his tenure (which amazingly hasn't officially ended yet).

Last night, the Knicks honored a number of the greatest players ever to don the once storied orange and blue, providing fans a momentary escape from the mundane the current group of underachievers has subjected them to once again.

(Not surprisingly, the team lost after blowing a late lead.)

With the Orlando Magic in town, Madison Square Garden once again had its nose rubbed in the fact that franchise great Patrick Ewing continues to be treated like royalty by the Knicks fan base.

Yet Ewing is treated with an equal level of disrespect by management, who inexcusably never seriously considered him for a coaching position.

You may have heard Magic coach Stan Van Gundy criticize the Knicks for "pretending to care" about Patrick. Van Gundy (brother of Jeff, a big supporter of Pat when he coached in New York) added fuel to the fire of how pathetic the Knicks franchise continues to be both on and off the court.

The fact that Ewing isn't sitting on the Knicks bench helping develop a kid like Eddy Curry is a shame. Although, many Knicks' fans would likely agree there isn't a person, place or thing that is capable of motivating Curry to fulfill the potential he showed two seasons ago.

While the team has missed out on a wonderful opportunity to connect it's successful past with its woefully unsuccessful present, the future can't come soon enough.

At 28-42, the team has eliminated itself from the playoff race with the help of unwatchable losses—at home to New Jersey (playing without their best play Devin Harris) and Sacramento (who had yet to win a game versus an Eastern Conference team in their first 28 tries).

Fans can no longer point their fingers at Thomas, who has been reduced to scouting, and must face the reality that things may still get worse before they get better.

With another season standing in the way of the summer of 2010, it gives the Knicks more time to make themselves that much less of a desirable destination for the top talent that will be available to them following the end of next season.

Making matters worse. The Knicks can't get out of their own way, while their savior, LeBron James, continues to win out in Cleveland and appears to be leading a team that not only is favored to win it's conference, but perhaps finally win its first title

While there was considerable progress made after the hiring of Donnie Walsh to run the team and Mike D'Antoni to coach it, the team finds itself having won only five more times than it did last season with just twelve more to play.

Walsh was able to improve the catastrophic cap situation by shedding the contracts of Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph early in the season in exchange for Al Harrington, Tim Thomas, and Cuttino Mobley (who has since retired due to a heart condition) and seemingly improved the roster with the additions of Larry Hughes and Chris Wilcox

Dealing Thomas, Jerome James, Malik Rose, and Anthony Roberson aided in the latter.

Perhaps the most embarrassing storyline of all was the inability to rid themselves of Stephon Marbury who never saw the floor this season in a Knicks uniform.

The disgruntled guard was eventually asked to stay away from the team following a pair of disagreements with D'Antoni about whether or not he was actually asked to play when the team was shorthanded.

It wasn't until the end of February that Marbury was finally given his release.

The face lift of the roster has been a marginal success on the court.

These moves by Walsh are no secret, as they were made primarily to clear cap space for the summer of 2010 when the Knicks hope to have enough of it to bring in at least one and potential two superstars the Knicks from further disgrace.

It's awfully disappointing to see this once proud franchise constantly trip over it's own proverbial feet as it looks to end what has been a decade of disaster.

The hope was that after last season, with Isiah Thomas on his way out (sort of) and the new regime coming in, the team would be (at the very least) be headed in the right direction in its effort to restore the image of greatest it once had.

While there have certainly been bright spots, namely the team's increased amount of heart and a no-quit attitude, (inspired by Nate Robinson, David Lee, and Wilson Chandler) along with the glimpses of ability shown by injured rookie Danillo Gallinari, the end result seems to be more of the same.

When all is said and done this season, while the names on the roster may not be the same as they were at the end of the last season, the disappointing results are the same.

While the record may indicate the team won more than it did last season, Knicks' fans are going to see their season end without a winning record for an eight straight season.

The team also failed to give fans what they want: more LeBron James into the Garden. Had the Knicks managed to take the No. 8 spot in the playoffs, James and the Cavs would have come to MSG two more times.

Chew on this for a second, Knicks fans: playoff games at Madison Square Garden with LeBron James and the Knicks sharing the same floor, albeit LeBron wouldn't be wearing orange and blue.

How much fun would that have been?

Johan Santana Shut Down with Sore Elbow; Mets Must Consider Alternatives

Adam Fier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:52:58 -0500

If you're a Mets fan, it's officially time to panic.

No matter how minor Johan Santana claims his elbow stiffness is, and no matter how "extra, extra, extra careful" manager Jerry Manuel claims he is being by shutting Santana down indefinitely, hearing that the Mets' ace is having arm trouble of any kind is a cause for concern.

Let's face it, any injury that would force Santana to miss an extended period of time in 2009 would severely cripple the Mets' postseason hopes.

Santana is one of the best pitchers in the game today. An argument could be made that he is just as, if not more, valuable than David Wright and Jose Reyes.

While losing one of their star position players would certainly be devastating, the loss of Santana would have just as big of an impact.

Had it not been for a sub-par bullpen, Santana would have won 20 games in 2008. With the addition of J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez, a healthy Santana is all but a shoe in for 20 victories.

After Santana the Mets rotation is full of question marks. John Maine is coming back from injury, Mike Pelfrey needs to prove he can be a consistent starter for a full season, and Oliver Perez needs to find consistency on a start to start basis.

The fifth spot in the rotation is up for grabs. Livan Hernandez looked decent in his two innings of work earlier this week. Freddy Garcia was dreadful and Tim Redding is battling injury woes of his own.

The Mets are looking to rebound from consecutive September collapses. Having a reliable starting pitcher at the front of their rotation was among the only things Mets fans could count on.

It was Santana, with a bum knee, who pitched a complete game, three-hit shutout on the second to last day of the regular season. He single-handedly kept his team in the hunt for a playoff spot while his teammates were mired in a second straight September swoon.

Santana is planning on missing his scheduled start next Tuesday (a start that was already pushed back) and said that while he isn't worried, it may be at least two weeks before he pitches in a spring training game.

His status for opening day is already questionable. The Mets would gladly concede an opening day start for 30 other healthy Santana starts, if the rest allowed him to make them.

The team can insist all they want that shutting Santana down is simply a precaution, but they also need to brace for the worst and consider ways to compensate for time their star pitcher may miss.

Here are some ways the team can try to make up for an active roster without Johan Santana on it.

(These are merely suggestions, some of which may be a bit outside the box, so don't say you weren't warned.)

Pedro Martinez

Bringing back Pedro was all but ruled out after the team signed Livan Hernandez to compete for the fifth starter spot. Pedro, however, plans on pitching in the World Baseball Classic to audition for a spot in a major league rotation.

If the Mets can't count on Santana, bringing back Pedro makes sense as he's proven he can pitch in New York. He would embrace the challenge of replacing Santana, and maybe it's wishful thinking, but I think he would want to prove he has some more magic left in that aging right arm of his.

I mean he can't be worse than Freddy Garcia, can he?

Curt Schilling

Still a free agent and still unemployed.

Schilling has stated he would be open to a return to baseball after surgery last summer. Filling the shoes of Santana could present Schilling with a terrific opportunity to prove he can still be a front end of the rotation starter.

He's won three championships, isn't afraid of the spotlight, and like him or not, the guy knows how to gut out wins.

He has the socks to prove it!

Manny Ramirez

Okay, so Manny wouldn't pitch, but I know as a Mets fan I would sleep more easily at night knowing that while my starting rotation may be in flux without Santana, adding Ramirez to the middle of the Mets order would ease some of my worries.

Of course the chances are it's only a matter of time before Manny and the Dodgers end their game of hard to get and reunite, however, until he signs the possibility remains plausible.

Orlando Hernandez

Mets fans are probably as tired of hearing that name as they are "Moises Alou."

If healthy, however, El Duque might be a serviceable option to plug into the rotation until he inevitably breaks down again. He has proven he can pitch successfully in Flushing (albeit briefly), but he might also like to have the chance to prove he's not finished.

Okay, so I admit none of these options are really all that realistic, and none are all that appealing. (Although if it were up to me. Pedro Martinez would always have a roster spot if he wanted one.) The options I presented, however far-fetched they may seem, simply prove how irreplaceable Johan Santana is to this ball club.

If Santana does miss time I would be inclined to believe Jerry Manuel would look to replace him with the likes of Freddy Garcia, Livan Hernandez, Jonothan Neise, or Tim Redding.

Bottom line, Mets fans, hope and pray that whatever is ailing Santana is as minor as they claim it is.

Of course if Santana is forced to miss significant time, the team wouldn't have to worry about a September collapse. They would have a tough time just putting themselves in a position to pull one off.

Shea No More: Historic Home of Mets Officially Rests in Ruins

Adam Fier — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:14:34 -0500

At 11:25 this morning, Shea Stadium was officially no more, gone from the view of drivers on Queens' Whitestone Expressway, but hardly forgotten from the memories of Mets fans who spent the last 46 years passing through its gates.

As baseball continues to go through some difficult times, watching Shea come down once and for all was a bittersweet sight for this Mets fan, who spent the better part of the last 15 years from April through September (with an occasional October mixed in) inside its uniquely charming, yet aesthetically unappealing walls.

That was the essence of Shea, though, wasn't it?

Sure, it wasn't the most attractive of ballparks and hardly had the winning history of our bitter crosstown rivals, but it was our home, for better or worse.

When it opened in '64 it was the backdrop of National League baseball returning to New York after the Giants and Dodgers skipped town and headed for greener pastures in California.

With Casey Stengel at the helm, the Mets were lovable losers, and remained such until their miracle season of 1969.

A National League pennant in 1973 had the team on the verge of a second championship, however their loss to Oakland sent them into an abyss which would last until the mid-1980s, when Shea would once again be rocking and the Mets would once again become the kings of New York.

Yes, in 1986 the bad guys may have won, but Shea was the place to be.

Another trip to the World Series fell short in 1988 when the Dodgers and future Met Orel Hershiser got in their way.

Another pennant in 2000 brought a Subway Series and the spotlight of the sports world on New York City and though the Yankees would take the series in five, the Mets mattered, thanks in large part to their new face of the franchise, Mike Piazza.

The last decade has seen its up and downs—a runaway NL East crown in 2006, which was followed up by heartbreaking defeat in the NLCS to St. Louis and then was only outdone by back-to-back September collapses in which the Mets failed to clinch a playoff berth despite late-season leads.

In Shea's finale, the team had a collection of its historic greats "Shea Goodbye" following a crushing defeat to Florida that signaled the end of the 2008 season and the end of baseball at Shea Stadium.

Shea was known for more than sports, as it was the host of the first ever stadium concert put on by none other than The Beatles, and also saw acts like The Rolling Stones, The Police, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel.

Speaking of firsts, perhaps no first was as emotionally significant than the first sporting event to be played in New York after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, when Shea Stadium was the scene for baseball triumphantly returning to give New Yorkers a reason to smile again.

Mike Piazza's eighth inning go-ahead home run against the Braves was as memorable a moment as any in the 46 year history of the stadium.

For all of its highs and lows, Shea saw it all, from rock and roll greats to world championship heroes (and lets not forget the New York Jets still called Shea home when they won their only Super Bowl in 1969).

And now, the place that Mets fans like myself called home for so long is no more, a pile of rubble that will soon be removed to make space for a parking lot next to Citi Field.

If the Mets go on to win a championship next season, it'll certainly make the transition easier.

Until then, its going to be hard making that drive to LaGuardia, sitting in traffic as I get on the Grand Central and coming to grips with the reality that the 46-year home of the Mets no longer exists.

Shea it ain't so.

Favre Era Ends '4' Jets: Team Must Move On Without 'Brett Regrets'

Adam Fier — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:55:41 -0500

Exhale Jets fans, it's over (we think).

Brett Favre announced his intentions to retire from the National Football League for the second time in less than a calendar year, and this time it's likely for good.

After a hall of fame worthy career in Green Bay, Favre was able to manufacture a trade to the big apple last summer in a move that was as widely well received as it was criticized.

The blockbuster that brought Brett to broadway saw the highs and lows that seemed to define Favre's career, with Favre getting the team out to an impressive 8-3 start before playing poorly down the stretch and finishing 9-7 and on the outside looking in when the postseason began.

Favre's play during the first eleven games of the season had talk of a Jets Super Bowl run, while his performance during the final five games contributed to his head coach, Eric Mangini, losing his job.

His 2008 statistics weren't great, as he threw 22 touchdowns and a league leading 22 interceptions, but most fans will remember how he three just two touchdowns and nine interceptions in those final five appearances, during which it was revealed Favre was playing with a torn muscle in his throwing arm.

While the Jets failed to reach the playoffs with Favre, the franchise must move on without any regrets when it comes to acquiring the future hall of famer.

Fans will argue that the move forced the release of Chad Pennington, who led Miami to a division title and playoff appearance, but it was awfully apparent at the end of 2007 that Pennington had worn out his welcome in New York and that his success in Miami had as much to do with the system he played in than anything else.

Regardless, comparing the seasons of Favre and Pennington is unfair, as Favre had outplayed Pennington before getting hurt, and while healthy, the Jets were a first place football team and remained one through the first fourteen games of the season.

They say hindsight is 20/20, but bringing in Brett Favre wasn't a mistake, and if given the opportunity to do it all over again, you better believe management would pull the trigger.

Favre brought credibility to a team that was coming off an embarrassing 4-12 season, as well as stability at the quarterback position they hadn't had since before Pennington started suffering from his well documented arm woes.

You want to say the Favre experiment failed because the Jets missed the playoffs, I can't disagree.

At the end of the day, Jets fans (myself included) were hoping and even expecting to be in the playoffs following the first eleven games of the season, but blaming Brett for the teams collapse isn't fair.

His play was a big reason they struggled, but don't forget the defense couldn't stop anybody, and when the team went out west to play Seattle, the pass rush was non-existent against a Seattle offensive line made up entirely of back ups.

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who was retained by new head coach Rex Ryan, was very questionable in his play calling and seemed to forget he had the very explosive and very effective Leon Washington at his disposal.

I'm as disappointed as anybody that the Jets once again found a way to keep themselves out of the playoffs, however don't include me among the people who were ready to send Favre packing at season's end.

The starting quarterback next season, assuming he is somebody currently on the roster (Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Eric Ainge) won't be as good as a 40 year old Favre, and the free agent options (Byron Leftwich, Jeff Garcia) don't have me salivating.

While Favre may have been unable to deliver following the rise in expectations his arrival brought with him, but nobody can question how hard he worked and how much he gave in trying to make the Jets into a contending, winning football team.

Although the Jets didn't reach all of their goals in 2008, most notably making the playoffs, the team was vastly improved from 2007, and a big part of that was the play of Brett Favre.

As the team looks ahead, they will look to find ways to keep the team competitive heading into 2009, and that will start with the quarterback position which the loss of Favre leaves as a giant question mark.

What shouldn't be questioned was the decision to bring Brett Favre to New York.

A-Rod's A-Bomb Leaves Us Wondering: Has Baseball Become A-Fraud Itself?

Adam Fier — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:26:32 -0500

I don't know about you, but as a baseball fan, today I feel totally broken=hearted.

If you're a sports fan, and more specifically a fan of Major League Baseball, it's difficult to feel anything but sorry for yourself following the events of the last few days.

Already a damaged sport, baseball, which has forever been known as America's favorite pastime, may have suffered a blow it's unable to fully recover from.

Alex Rodriguez, the golden boy of the sport and arguably the most talented athlete who plays it, admitted yesterday he was guilty of using performance enhancing drugs between the years of 2001 and 2003.

The A-Rod story has already been beaten to death (and deservedly so) but I wanted to talk about something I feel has now become an even bigger issue, which is the integrity the game still has (if any) along with the importance it will have moving forward.

Talking about Rodriguez briefly, you can give him all the credit you want for being honest and admitting his use, but that simply doesn't cut it.

He cheated. Plain and simple, and as clear as can be.

The man was "A-Fraud' in every sense of the word.

Hall of Fame? Forget it.

If I had a vote, there isn't a chance that he, or anybody linked to using steroids belongs among the immortals of the game who may have been everything from drunks to racists, but also earned their immortality by playing the game the way it was supposed to be played.

There cannot be a spot in Cooperstown for a player who knowingly gave himself an illegal edge in a sport most will agree he never needed to begin with.

Of course anybody who is familiar with the kind of person Alex Rodriguez has revealed himself to be, he's a selfish, superficial, self-conscious and as he proved during his interview with ESPN's Peter Gammons yesterday, utterly disingenuous.

Sure, he admitted to using these illegal substances, but as Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated points out, his interview raised more questions than answers.

Ironically, for a player who is as obsessed with being bigger than the game as Rodriguez is, his use and admission may be the very thing which pushes baseball to the point of no return.

If it hasn't already, baseball is on the cusp of losing its innocence.

* * * * *

Remember how simple it was when we were kids?

For almost all of us, we knew we weren't going pro. We knew we weren't going make millions playing a game. But it was that game we came to love.

We loved it because it just felt pure to play.

Having a catch in the backyard. Little league at bats. High school tryouts.

No matter how far you went, just playing was more than enough.

The real treat was always seeing the big boys make it look so easy at the ballpark.

Seeing our idols in person was as cool as it got.

They became our idols and our heroes.

These men were larger than life, and were getting paid lots of money to play a game we would have given years of our life to spend a day playing on the big stage.

We looked up to these people because we saw them as everything we knew we couldn't be.

Of course as we get older, we learn some of the harsh realities that life reveals to us.

At some point, sooner than later for most, we learn that Santa Claus doesn't exist, we won't turn into a piece of candy no matter how much of it eat, and girls, in fact, don't have cooties.

Of course the other truth we learn is that human beings, as wonderful as they may appear, make mistakes.

That applies to everyone from our teachers to our parents to the very athletes we thought were infallible.

* * * * *

Professional athletes aren't perfect, no matter how many records they've broken, championships they've won, or gold medals they've earned.

Forgetting about Major League Baseball for a moment, you have Kobe Bryant, among the brightest stars in the NBA who a few years back was accused of rape, and although he had the charges against him dropped, his image was permanently altered.

You have Michael Phelps, who despite winning eight gold medals, wasn't able to swim his way out of a photograph which showed him smoking out of a bong. Phelps was suspended three months and his image has also been tarnished.

Speaking of Olympians, while not discriminating gender, Marion Jones also was a gold medalist who was found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs and had to relinquish the medals she earned.

The NFL most recently has Giants wide receiver and Super Bowl hero Plaxico Burress shoot himself in the leg, ending his season, and ruining his team's chances of repeating as champions.

Of course, baseball takes the cake when it comes to the star power of the mistake prone.

Look back at the last 15 years, and think of the biggest names the sport has produced:

Three come to mind, and those names are Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez.

Wouldn't you know it, all three find themselves at the center of the steroids storm. While Rodriguez gave his admission yesterday, allowing him to salvage a shred of respect, Bonds and Clemens have steadily denied their alleged drug use since the allegations were first made.

* * * * *

As baseball continues to struggle with it's image, the biggest hit isn't take by the sport, but rather by the people who invest their time and money in it.

I'm talking about us. The fans. The kids and the teen-agers and parents who grew up loving this game, continued to love it as we got older and for those of us lucky enough have passed on that love to our children.

We are left watching press conferences and reading tell all books and watching staged interviews instead of worry about why our favorite team hasn't signed that All-star left fielder or why our team's best player, with a runner on third and nobody out, ahead in the count 3-0, couldn't work out a walk or find a way to get that runner in.

Instead of cheering for records to be broken we are now forced to cheer for them to withstand the test of time.

I think I speak on behalf of all baseball fans when I say that as bad as a season may end, or as bad as an at bat may go or a pitcher's start may be, those are disappointments you learn to live with. As they always say there's always next year for your team to get back on the horse and try again.

But finding out one of your heroes turned out to be nothing more than a liar and cheater? Where does that fan turn?

After spending the money on the jerseys, and after driving hours to see them play and arguing with your friends until you lose your voice that your favorite player is better theirs, what are you left with?

Baseball, and sports for that matter, are intended to be our escape from reality. However, what happens when we need an escape from our escape?

* * * * *

The main point I was hoping to make is actually more of a question I'll propose:

Has Major League Baseball become nothing more than a fraud?

Has our beloved pastime been battered and bruised so badly that it's unrecognizable?

I'm not sure the sport is beyond rescue, however with the Alex Rodriguez revelations, baseball is dangerously close to losing the faith of its loyal fan base.

Sure, the owners will still make their money and the players will still get their paychecks but what about the fans?

In an economy that continues to free fall, and ticket prices that continue skyrocket, baseball hasn't helped itself in an effort to convince fans to spend that extra dollar and show up for a product that is holding on by a thread.

When the sport's biggest names have turned out to be nothing more than cheaters, why leave the couch and pay money to watch the selfish, greedy villains disappoint us more with their actions off the field than on it?

At what point do we stop watching all together?

The saddest reality is that such a question needs to be raised.

* * * * *

I’ll end with this, a quote from the movie of all movies when it comes to baseball, Field of Dreams.

“The one constant through all the years…has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past…It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again…”

Whether or not the sport is capable of reminding us why we fell in love with it in the first place has never been more uncertain.

New York Mets Spring Training Preview: Starting Pitchers

Adam Fier — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:03:59 -0500

When it comes to the starting rotation of the New York Mets, the theme may very well be the more things change, the more they stay the same.

The first four spots in the rotation remain unchanged from 2008, and it all starts at the
top with Johan Santana.

Santana, still widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in the game, had a brilliant
first season in Flushing, finishing 16-7 with an earned run average of 2.53. Had it not
been for a disastrous bullpen, Santana easily would have won 20 games and been a
stronger contender for the Cy Young award.

Entering 2009, Santana will anchor the staff coming off surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury he confirmed to have pitched with during his final start of the 2008 regular season. Despite the knee issue, Santana pitched a complete game, three-hit shutout on just three days rest, keeping the Mets' postseason hopes alive at the time.

Any concerns that his velocity had dropped were put to rest after watching him perform in the second half of the season. After the calendar flipped over to July, Santana didn't lose, at all. During his final 17 starts, Santana went 9-0.

Assuming he recovers fully from his surgery, which is expected to be the case, Mets fans have every reason to believe Santana will deliver an encore performance of his 2008 campaign, perhaps even better considering the improvements at the back end of the Mets bullpen.

After beginning the season losing six of his first eight decisions, Mike Pelfrey finally showed fans why the team drafted him in the first round back in 2005. Between June and August, Pelfrey went a combined 11-2 and saw his ERA drop from 5.35 to 3.66.

Although he cooled off in September (along with the rest of his team), Pelfrey, pitching
in only his first full season (he made 32 starts in 2008 compared to only 19 starts in '06 and '07 combined) and racked up over 200 innings for the first time in his young
career.

At 6-foot-7, "Big Pelf" showed off the power sinker that fans began to question the existence of, and became one of the more reliable arms in the rotation after May. Pelfrey was finally pitching with confidence, and it showed as he was a big part of the Mets' mid-season turnaround which thrust them back in playoff contention before ultimately falling short.

Questions have been raised about the sharp increase in innings pitched, and as a young, hard-throwing starter those questions will only intensify as the season begins. However, should he remain healthy, Pelfrey will fit in nicely behind Santana atop the 2009 Mets rotation.

The next two spots in the rotation will once again be held by John Maine and Oliver
Perez, both of whom were 15-game winners back in 2007.

Unfortunately, 2008 wasn't as kind to either pitcher, as Maine's season was plagued with injuries while Perez was once again haunted by his own inconsistency.

In 2008, Maine started 25 games, finishing with only 10 wins and having his season cut
short by shoulder problems. He had been pitching with a sprained shoulder and
eventually had surgery to remove a bone spur after the season ended. Maine is expected to recover fully in time for the opening of camp in less than two weeks.

Perez also won 10 games, finishing 10-7 with an ERA of 4.22 (in 2007 he went 15-10 with a 3.56 ERA), and while he looked unhittable at times, he imploded in a number of starts as he allowed five earned runs or more on eight separate occasions. In contrast, he allowed two earned runs or less in 17 starts.

Despite the inconsistencies which have been present throughout his career, Perez earned himself a new three-year contract with the Mets, keeping him in Queens through at least 2011.

The bigger question mark between the two hurlers is Maine, who really wore down and
lacked the fastball which allowed him to experience such unexpected success in 2007.
Maine must prove he can stay healthy (sensing another theme here with this pitching
staff?) and if he can, would provide nice depth to the rotation.

Perez, for all his Jekyll and Hyde performances, has proved to be durable (knock on
wood) and usually manages to deliver his best when the games matter most. Perez needs to prove his new worth ($12 million a year) and figure out a way to go out and consistently pitch the way everybody knows he is capable of.

The top four will likely go Santana, Pelfrey, Perez and Maine, simply to alternate the
left-handed starters and right-handed starters.

For all the unknowns and question marks that exist in the top four spots, the fifth spot
of the Mets rotation is up for grabs.

Tim Redding was signed and has the edge heading into camp. However, veteran Freddy Garcia and youngster Jonathon Niese will be competing for a chance to make the roster, and both will likely see time with big club at some point during the season.

Redding's career numbers are unimpressive, as he's compiled a career record of 34-51 with stops in Houston, The Bronx, San Diego and most recently Washington. However, he eats innings and pitched well last season against the division rival Phillies, going 3-1
against them in 2008. As a fifth starter, Redding will give the Mets a reliable starter who did manage to win 10 games with the Nationals last season.

Garcia and Niese will likely start the season in Buffalo (the Mets' new AAA affiliate),
however Garcia was signed to a contract that can earn him up to $6 million with
incentives, so expect him to see time with the big club sooner than later. Garcia hasn't pitched a full season of games since 2006, when he made 33 starts for the White Sox, and has dealt with injuries since.

At 34, Garcia has won 118 games in his big-league career, and is familiar with the
division having pitched with the Phillies back in 2007. Niese made three starts with the big club at the end of last season, going 1-1 with an ERA over 7.00. He pitched eight shutout innings against Atlanta Sept. 13, however he was beaten up pretty good in the starts which preceded and followed his only victory.

Given some more time to develop along with some exposure to major league hitters in
Spring Training, Niese figures to play a role with the Mets at some point during the
season, while a spot in the 2010 rotation is far more likely than landing one in 2009,
barring injuries.

Any hopes of bringing back fan favorite Pedro Martinez were likely lost when Perez was resigned. Although there has been mutual interest between both Pedro and the team he spent the last four seasons with, a return is highly unlikely.

As far as the New York Mets starting rotation is concerned, health and consistency will determine how successful the group can be. The three starters who follow Santana are all high-potential guys with big question marks. Pelfrey must prove he can continue his development into a front end of the rotation pitcher. Maine must prove he can stay healthy and regain his 2007 form. Perez must find a consistent approach to stay focused every time he takes the mound, regardless of how good the opponent is.

The rotation has all the makings to be among the best in the National League, and with the additions of Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz to the back end of the bullpen, the starting pitching should be that much better.

Time will tell, however, assuming all goes to plan, the Mets starting pitching will be more than good enough to keep them in contention throughout the season.

Manny, Madoff, and the Mets: Fate of Slugger, Stadium Rights Tied to Broker

Adam Fier — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:43:45 -0500

Should Manny Ramirez find himself playing somewhere other than Flushing in 2009, Mets fans might be forced to blame somebody with absolutely no connection to their baseball team.

This same man may also be at least partially responsible for whether or not team ownership, led by Fred Wilpon, backs out of their advertising deal with Citigroup, the company their new, state of the art ballpark bears the name of.

Stadium Rights "Berning" Up

Unless you've been living under a rock, the man I'm referring to is Bernie Madoff.

Madoff was the man behind the now infamous ponzi scheme which lost investors of his a collective $50 billion.

Among those investors were the Wilpon's, who reportedly lost between $300 and $500 million.

Of course anybody who has been a Mets fan long enough knows that with this team, when it rains it pours. Well, wouldn't you know it, the team finds itself in even more financial uncertainty with Citi, who is paying the club $20 million a season for the next 20 years (that's $400 million for you art majors), as the company recently required a $25 billion bailout from the Government.

Before beating the proverbial dead horse and discussing Manny Ramirez again, let's talk dollars and sense (see what I did there?).

Citi Field, the world class new home of the Mets, is set to open for business in just over two months. When the Mets signed their deal with Citi back in November of 2006 (a day which included the naming rights to the ballpark and a number of other advertising perks) both the global financial crisis and the name Bernie Madoff couldn't have been farther from the team's radar.

If you're asking yourself how the two are connected, it's a good question with a simple answer. (I'll preface this by saying I'm not a financial expert and I have absolutely no inside knowledge on either of these situations other than what I've read in the paper and seen on the news.)

If you choose to believe the Wilpon's when they say the financial stability of the team was completely unaffected by the Madoff losses, which I don't, then there wouldn't be any connection between the lost money and their deal with Citi.

However, the deal the Mets have with Citi has come under intense scrutiny amidst all of Citi's financial woes. Citi has vowed that the deal is as strong as it was when it was agreed upon, and that none of the money they will be giving to the Mets will be coming from their federal bailout money.

Again, you can choose to believe what you want, but the whole thing doesn't sit right.

Here's where I can make a relatively simple connection between the two situations:

It has not been disputed that the Wilpon's lost a significant chunk of money in the Madoff scandal, and while they claim the operations of the baseball team weren't affected, I don't see how the loss of up to $500 million would warrant them opting out of a deal which over the next 20 years would pay them $400 million, regardless of the public opinion surrounding said deal.

**It was reported just this morning in the Wall Street Journal that Citigroup may in fact look to find a way to back out of their marketing deal with the Mets, which would certainly add a very interesting twist to all this.**

Columnists can write as many articles as they'd like pushing for the Mets to end their relationship with Citigroup, however it's easier said than done.

Again, I have no idea how these big naming rights deals work, but for the Mets to just throw away the $400 million they have coming to them, regardless of whether or not it consists of federal bailout money, doesn't make sense.

Mets fans are not going to boycott games simply because of the name outside the ballpark. Also, for all the commercially endorsed stadium names out there (Petco Park?), the name Citi Field could be worse.

Bottom line is, at least as far as my non-professional, relatively uneducated opinion is concerned, I don't see the Wilpon's cashing out of their deal with Citigroup.

What about Manny?

Now, assuming Citigroup and the Mets continue their partnership, the Mets will open their home schedule at Citi Field, and the big question that remains as far as the baseball team itself is concerned is will the team go out and make Manny a Met.

It was reported just this morning that Ramirez was offered a one-year, $25 million deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers, which he declined.

Yesterday, the Mets put the finishing touches on a contract with left-hander Oliver Perez, which will keep the southpaw in Queens for at least the next three seasons at $12 million per.

Including Perez, the club's payroll sits somewhere between $130 and $140 million, which is where it was last season (143 mil to be exact).

In addition to stating their bad investments had no impact on the baseball team, the Wilpon's have indicated they would like to see the payroll stay at or below the number it was at last season. If that's the case, general manager Omar Minaya is likely done shopping.

However, until Ramirez is signed, there is no reason to give up hope on the Mets making one final splash this offseason. How plausible signing Ramirez is once again can be tied into all of the financial issues we've already discussed.

Signing Manny won't be cheap, and exactly how much money the Mets are left to spend isn't known to anybody but the people signing the checks.

If you want to talk finance, you can talk about how signing Manny Ramirez could conceivably have the same impact on the Mets that Brett Favre had on the New York Jets (from a business standpoint).

I can't see how ticket sales and jersey sales (along with other merchandise) wouldn't skyrocket with Manny on board. The Mets already can count on strong ticket sales with the opening of their new ballpark, however with Ramirez in the lineup I find it hard to believe the place wouldn't be totally sold out more nights than not.

I don't have to get into the Manny brings to the lineup as far as productivity is concerned, however if the Mets can in fact find a way to make this work from a monetary standpoint, they have to get it done.

The team is coming off consecutive seasons ending with a September meltdown that Mets fans (like myself) would compare to the economic crisis plaguing the country.

Whether or not the Mets sign Manny Ramirez will likely come down to money, and how much of it the Mets have to spend and how much of that money they're willing to spend.

Investing is all about risk versus reward, and the Manny debate is no different.

The risk's are known and well documented.

The reward would be certainly be worth it.

Knick of Time: New York's New Regime Proving Patience Pays Off

Adam Fier — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:41:22 -0500

If you're a Knicks fan, and you're having trouble remembering the last time you were able to enjoy yourself watching your team play, I can't blame you.

Somewhere between trading Patrick Ewing, drafting Fredrick Weis, and hiring and not firing Isiah Thomas, our beloved basketball franchise has become an infected albatross that became more difficult to sit through than an Ashlee Simpson concert.

It's been nearly a decade since the Knicks were among the NBA's annual playoff contenders. Yet thanks in large part to the new regime of President Donnie Walsh and head coach Mike D'Antoni, baby steps have been taken in restoring this one elite franchise back to prominence.

While nobody will confuse the current bunch with the defending champion Celtics, the current collection of Knicks has shown the effort and the heart that the team has been without since Jeff Van Gundy resigned as head coach in 2001.

At 20-25, their victory over Atlanta last night put them into a virtual tie with the Milwaukee Bucks for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt.

To any Knicks’ fans who say they would rather see their team miss the playoffs and pin their hopes on a lottery pick, don't bother because their first round pick in next summer's draft was traded away by Thomas as part of one his many trades that just keep on giving.

Putting things in perspective, the Knicks have won 20 games through 45 games played. Last season, they won 23 games. Period.

There is plenty credit to be taken for the Knicks recent run of success, but it starts at the top.

Donnie Walsh was brought in to rescue the sinking Knicks’ ship. Team Titanic, as they were often referred to in the New York tabloids, finally had its captain (Thomas) thrown overboard, and replaced by the innovative and player friendly D'Antoni.

The pair of Walsh and D'Antoni both stated numerous times that this disaster wasn't going to be cleaned up overnight, however I think most will agree the progress that's been made has happened far sooner than anybody expected.

Think about the moves the new regime has made and how they've been benefited the club.

Chris Duhon was signed to run the offense. Although the move was highly criticized by many (myself included), Duhon has been the floor general Stephon Marbury never was. He's developed a great chemistry with David Lee and ranks among the league leaders in assists.

Danillo Gallinari was drafted, a move that was also highly scrutinized. Although the Italian Stallion was injured and missed most of the first half of the season, since returning to the Knicks rotation the team has won five of seven, and the kid has shown flashes of being the real deal. Given more minutes and a chance to get more comfortable in this offense, expect his development to continue.

Marbury was benched opening night and eventually banished. Once again, a situation that the handling of which was called into constant question has seemed to benefit the team that has shed itself of one the headache's it just didn't need. While Steph remains on the roster, his eventful Knicks career is, for all intents and purposes, finally over.

Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph were traded. Two deals that were made with the intention of clearing up cap space for the free agent class of 2010...ok...for LeBron James...has had great early returns.

Al Harrington, Tim Thomas, and Cuttino Mobley were brought back, and while Mobley was forced to return due to a heart condition, Harrington has become a go-to scorer while living up to the expectations that followed him to the NBA straight of high school.

Thomas has provided a spark off the bench and a good veteran presence for some of the team's neophytes (as Walt "Clyde" Frazier would say).

Walsh and D'Antoni asked for patience, and that patience has already been rewarded as the team finds itself in the middle of a playoff race, which is something most if not all people connected to the NBA in any capacity would have laughed at.

Other reasons for the team's successes have been them finally being healthy.

D'Antoni now has nine bodies in a rotation that has included stellar play from the bench. Jared Jefferies has shown flashes of his defensive prowess that inexplicably earned him a fat contract from Isiah Thomas a few summers back, while Quentin Richardson, also healthy, has been a very reliable scoring option.

As hard as it may be, credit should go to Zeke, whose drafting may have been the only thing we did right in his five years running this franchise.

David Lee leads the league in double-doubles and has an outside chance of being selected as an All-Star reserve tonight.

Nate Robinson, officially out of his recent shooting slump, scored 20 points in the fourth quarter last night and has been a shot of energy late in games. He is also somebody who has been hitting big shots and making big plays at the end of games.

Wilson Chandler, who yesterday was selected to play in the Rookie-Sophomore challenge, has thrived as both a starter and a reserve. He has shown his freakish athleticism and is constantly improving offensive game to compliment his above average defense.

All three were mid to late first round picks of Thomas.

This team is hardly a lock to make the playoffs, however Madison Square Garden is once again buzzing about their beloved Knicks, who if nothing else, have been showing the kind of effort and heart which captivated fans during the team's last era of greatness.

With Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni, the thought was with enough patience, this team would be worth watching by the time the summer of 2010 wrapped up and LeBron James was wearing orange and blue.

Well, here in the depths of winter, more than a year and a half before that free agent class turns from fantasy to reality, the Knicks and their new regime have given their fans reasons to hope once again.

And just slightly ahead of schedule.

New York Jets: High 'Rex'-Pectations and Bringing Back Brett Favre

Adam Fier — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:40:41 -0500

If you ask Rex Ryan, these won't be the same old Jets.

Of course if you ask owner Woody Johnson, it might be another season with the same old quarterback.

Of course, place the extra emphasis on the old as in the 39-year-old Brett Favre, whom Johnson has all but professed his endless love for in numerous interviews.

Let's start with the new guy. (We'll get to the Favre edition of Days of our Lives later)

Rex-cellent Choice

Ryan brings a new brash attitude along with a very engaging personality that recently-booted coach Eric Mangini lacked, and coupled with his successful defensive schemes in Baltimore, Ryan convinced Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum he was their guy.

Intent on hiring a first-time head coach, the likes of Marty Schottenheimer, Mike Shanahan and my personal choice, Jon Gruden, weren't given a second thought as Ryan was the last man standing after Steve Spagnuolo was lured from the Giants to St. Louis.

Based on his first meeting with the New York media, Ryan showed the type of openness and honesty that will fill a reporter's notepad, however what remains to be seen is whether or not he can turn the Jets from laughable losers to confident contenders.

Confidence is something Ryan certainly has an abundance of, as was apparent when he stated he intends on meeting President Barack Obama before the new commander in chief's first term is complete.

You can't say Ryan isn't familiar with the fact the Jets haven't played in a Super Bowl since Joe Namath led them to victory back in 1969, as it was Buddy Ryan (his father) who was an assistant coach on that championship team.

What Ryan must know is that the players he is inheriting are a far cry from the talent he was fortunate enough to coach in Baltimore. Looking down his new roster, he's going to hard pressed to see anybody who compares to Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs.

What will help Ryan is the fact that Mangini leaves him with a 3-4 system in place. While the new coach will certainly tinker with the schemes, it makes things easier that the personnel he'll be coaching was put in place to play in a defense Ryan is looking to implement.

While the talent doesn't measure up to what Ryan had in Baltimore, a bigger issue he's going to face is the lack of toughness and fight his new team showed down the stretch. After starting 8-3, the Jets limped to the finish losing 4 of their last 5, and their poor play on defense was as responsible as the poor play of their aging quarterback.

Ryan's defense will be anchored on the concept of being aggressive and making plays as opposed to the far more conservative schemes of Bob Sutton, whose defenses seemed to sit back and wait for something to happen.

The Jets showed no pass rush down the stretch, due in large part to the combination of a worn down Kris Jenkins at nose tackle and a mediocre linebacking core which in turn put too much pressure on the secondary.

Between free agency, potential trades and the draft, Ryan and Tannenbaum will need to figure out a way to cut some payroll (the Jets are estimated to be roughly 10 million dollars over next season's cap). However, Mr. T (Tannenbaum) is usually creative and is known around the league as a cap expert, meaning Jets fan can have some hope that the pair can give Ryan more to work with on the defensive side of the ball.

While Ryan was brought in because of his defensive prowess, the most pressing question on the offensive side of the ball starts with the No. 4.

Bring Back Brett?

"'Twas the best of times 'twas the worst of times."

Charles Dickens' classic The Tale of Two Cities could have been retitled the tale of two seasons for Favre and the Jets in 2008.

Upon his acquisition, Favre was given a key to the city and was lauded as a savior for a franchise that hadn't had his kind of star power at quarterback since Namath.

Through the first 11 games of the season, Favre was everything Jets fans could have asked for, leading them to eight wins including road victories in New England and Tennessee, who was 10-0 at the time.

Unfortunately 'twas the worst of times down the stretch, as Favre, playing with a torn muscle in his arm, was horrendous as the Jets finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs.

The question of whether or not Favre should return next season (he is under contract) will likely be his decision when all is said and done. However, the owner, GM, and even the new head coach have all expressed different levels of interest in bringing Brett back.

I'll bring up the same argument I made a few weeks ago—the reason I would welcome Favre back for one more year is the lack of a suitable alternative.

Assuming Favre can avoid injury, which of course is a big assumption considering his age, the Jets were winning football games when he was healthy, and easily could have won another game or two had Favre not hurt himself.

Ryan should improve the defense; however, improving the offensive is a bigger question which starts with whether or not Favre decides to play one more year.

Forget about the talk that he alienated his teammates, because nobody seemed to have a problem with Favre when the team was winning. Coupled with an improved defense and a system which is run heavy (something else Ryan favors), it would seem to take some of the responsibility off the Hall of Famer's shoulders.

Kellen Clemens, Derek Anderson, and Donovan McNabb are some of the names, none of which are either good enough or reliable enough to give up players, money, or draft picks for.

You can argue that as a new head coach, Ryan would be best off starting fresh with his own quarterback, and while that's a fair argument, Ryan will be given at least a one-season grace period to turn the Jets into a championship contending football team.

Although aging and mistake prone, one more year of Favre would be sort of a no-lose situation for Ryan. The best case scenario would be to have Favre ride off into the sunset with one last hurrah, making Ryan's first season a success. The worst case scenario is Favre doesn't play well, the Jets don't make the playoffs, which while disappointing, wouldn't be as damaging to Ryan's reputation.

In an ideal world, Favre would retire having left the Jets with a young quarterback ready to step in and lead the offense, however that just isn't the case.

I am right there with everyone is saying Favre is old and when push comes to shove probably needed to stay retired last season, however the bottom line is if the Jets want to enter 2009 with a chance to be competitive and earn a postseason birth, I still contend that Favre gives them the best chance to do that.

The decision will ultimately be Favre's to make, and hopefully he does so in a timely manner (although based on his history, don't hold your breathe).

Will they be better?

Tough to say at this point, as the first big question will be who the starting quarterback is.

If it's Brett Favre, and the team makes some necessary changes on defense and can conform to the style of play of their new head coach, there's reason to believe the Jets can fight for a wild-card birth (winning a division will be heavily dependant on whether or not Patriots quarterback Tom Brady returns and how productive he is).

If it's not Favre, then the question marks will be even bigger as it will mean an offense getting used to a fourth starting quarterback in as many years (Chad Pennington and Clemens each started two seasons ago) and how well the new offense would click is as a big uncertainty.

If I were a betting man, I would put my money on Favre deciding to play one final season. Ryan seems to be a coach Favre would enjoy playing for—somebody who is enthusiastic and committed to winning as well as somebody who would respect Favre's experience and make sure the quarterback is placed in a system he could succeed in.

With the Super Bowl approaching, Jets fans will be looking to hold their new head coach to his word that within the next four years, it'll be gang green who is the last standing come February.

Those are some high Rex-pectations, coach.

Good luck.

Attention Gang Green- Go Get Gruden!

Adam Fier — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:44:18 -0500

With the news coming down of the Tampa Bay Bucs firing head coach John Gruden after seven seasons, which including winning Super Bowl XXXVII, I decided to write a letter to Jets owner Woody Johnson and the team's general manager, Mike "Mr. T." Tannenbaum urging them to bring Chuckie to New York.

*****

Mr. Johnson, Mr. T,

Good evening gentleman.

I am writing to you, as a recovering Jets fan still reeling from the disappointing end to the 2008 campaign, with a simple request:

After what many of my fellow Jets' fans would agree was the necessary firing of Eric Mangini, an opportunity has fallen into your lap to fill our head coaching vacancy while appeasing both the priority to win of the fans, and the priority of yourself to both bring Brett Favre back and sell tickets and those dirty PSL's.

Forget Rex Ryan and Steve Spagnuolo. They're promising young coordinators who are certainly worthy of your attention and a perhaps a chance to become an NFL head coach.

However for a team that was unable to win behind a first time head coach, and a team consisting primarily of veteran players with a win-now mentality, the need right now is to bring in an established, experienced head coach who knows how to win.

John Gruden is your guy.

Gruden has been a successful NFL head coach for more than 10 years, including stints in Oakland and most recently Tampa Bay.

In Oakland, he guided the Raiders to the playoffs in the last two of his four years there, before bolting for the Buccaneer job after 2001.

His first season in Tampa ended with a victory in Super Bowl XXXVII over his former employer.

Gruden also has history with Favre, whom the both of you have made no secret you would welcome back for a second season as the Jets starting quarterback.

What a perfect situation you could create by giving Favre a coach he would enjoy playing for and a veteran quarterback Gruden not only has experience with (he worked in Green Bay as the receiver coach from 1992-1994), but prefers as evidenced by his success with veterans Rich Gannon, Brad Johnson, and Jeff Garcia.

While Jets fans may not be wild about the idea of bringing back Favre, assuring them that it would be Gruden calling the shots should reassure them of the commitment to winning they may be unaware you actually possess.

Financially, there should be no issue as you were prepared to offer Bill Cower everything short of naming rights to the new stadium, so paying Gruden whatever he wants can't become an issue.

Gruden, while experienced, is still young. At only 45 years old, he can relate to both the younger and older players on a team that was reportedly somewhat divided in the locker room under Mangini's regime.

For a team that lacked both an identity and toughness, Gruden can provide both.

The Jets would be receiving not only much needed credibility with Gruden, but would be adding a head coach who would seem to satisfy the needs of ownership, the players, and the fans.

He's won a championship, has a career record of 100-81 (including postseason), would give the Jets respect and toughness and would put fans in the seats while also giving Brett Favre more of a reason to return for one final season.

So, Mr. Johnson and Mr. T, I ask of you...rather I beg of you...give this franchise the head coach it needs to move forward in accomplishing the goal of finally getting back to the Super Bowl after what is now a drought of 40 years.

Thank you for your time and hopefully, your consideration.

Sincerely,

Adam, a Jets fan who desperately wants to show his face in public once again

***

As a side note, I understand that most Jets fans want no part of Favre for another season, however to those of you who feel that way, tell me who the Jets could realistically acquire who would give the Jets a better chance of winning.

I'm not asking that to put you all down, but as an actual question because I can't come up with anybody. Kellen Clemens isn't the answer, and before he hurt his shoulder, Favre did enough to win us eight of our first 11 games.

Just food for thought.

Lets hope management steps up and gives us a reason to hope again.

Gruden would be a pretty good start.

"Lowe" Blow: New York Mets Turn to Oliver Perez After Atlanta Snatches Starter

Adam Fier — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:53:31 -0500

Having now missed out on signing Derek Lowe, who agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract with the Atlanta Braves, the New York Mets must now turn to plan B to fill out their starting rotation.

Plan B is looking more and more like Oliver Perez, the highly talented, highly erratic southpaw who spent the last two-and-a-half seasons in Flushing. Perez, just 26, went into the offseason seeking a new contract in the ballpark of five years, $75 million, numbers the Mets initially saw as a means to end their marriage with the lefty.

While Perez, who is represented by Scott Boras, is now unlikely to yield a contract of that nature, he can now put some pressure on the Mets and general manager Omar Minaya, who have a gaping hole in their rotation behind Johan Santana, Mike Pelfrey, and John Maine.

They've already added veteran right-hander Tim Redding to fill the fifth spot in their rotation. However, the void left by Perez has yet to be filled, and now, ironically, it may be Perez himself to fill it.

Reports are out that Minaya has already extended a three-year, $30 million offer to Perez. However, it is unlikely those numbers will get the job done.

Guaranteeing a fourth year and likely $12 million a season would give the Mets a better chance of bringing Perez back, but there is skepticism Perez is worth such a hefty price tag.

While his potential and ability has rarely been questioned, his mental makeup often is, as Perez is as likely to go out and throw a no-hitter as he is to allow nine runs in the first inning of a ballgame.

His focus has always been an issue, as he constantly finds himself among the league leaders in walks. While these problems didn't hold him back in 2007, as he won 15 games in his first full season in New York, he regressed last year, going only 10-7 with a 4.22 ERA. In contrast, in 2007, Perez was 15-10 with a 3.56 ERA.

Still carrying a career record below .500 (56-60), Perez has tremendous upside and has proven he can succeed in Queens, as most Mets will always remember his effort in Game Seven of the 2006 NLCS, as well as his success against the better competition, notably the Braves, Phillies, and Yankees.

The argument can also be made that bringing back Perez would send the Mets into the 2009 season with virtually the same team that completed a second consecutive collapse in 2008, with the exception being the additions to the bullpen.

While adding Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz was important, there are still pressing needs management needs to address, mainly the starting rotation and the middle of their batting order.

Should the Mets ultimately decide Perez is out of their price range, the options become more and more uncertain, as Randy Wolf and perhaps even the oft-injured Ben Sheets become options. Minaya has also yet to rule out bringing back Pedro Martinez, although with the signing of Redding, that seems less and less likely.

Of course, if the Mets do in fact fail to sign Perez and turn to a cheaper alternative to fill out their rotation, the questions will continue to rise regarding Manny Ramirez, who is still looking for a taker with less than a month before pitchers and catchers are expected to report to Spring Training.

Although having Perez back in the rotation would keep the 2009 Mets resembling the 2008 team that collapsed, turning to a lesser option could keep the team from even establishing a first place lead to relinquish in September.

Syracuse-Georgetown: "Hoy" Vey—Orange Lays Egg, Falls 88-74

Adam Fier — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:07:18 -0500

A 16-1 record can make a lot of problems disappear.

Problems with turning the ball over, shooting free throws, and rebounding the basketball don't keep you up at night when your team is a desperation 60-foot prayer from being undefeated.

Yet last night the Syracuse Orange, ranked eighth in the country in both major polls, had nowhere to hide in their embarrassing 88-74 loss to the 12th-ranked Georgetown Hoyas.

The same problems which have been plaguing head coach Jim Boeheim's bunch reared their ugly heads last night early and often, resulting in the lopsided loss down in Washington.

After winning the opening tip, it was all downhill for the Orange, who turned the ball over on their very first possession of the game. It would be a sign of things to come, as turnovers, poor free throw shooting, a lack of rebounding, and, perhaps the only surprising letdown of the night, awful perimeter defense all added up to Syracuse's second loss of the season.

The loss last night featured a little bit of everything gone wrong, from guard Andy Rautins playing only nine minutes after inuring his surgically reconstructed left knee (although the injury was reportedly unrelated to his surgery and considered minor), to center Arinze Onuaku scoring only six points and being even less of a factor defensively.

The free throw shooting was atrocious, as the Orange shot just 10-23 as a team, including 1-8 from Rick Jackson, who despite his woes at the line was among the only bright spots for Syracuse, as he scored 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Syracuse inexcusably had more turnovers than assists (15-14), while the defense allowed Georgetown to shoot 12-21 (57 percent) from beyond the three-point arc.

After winning their first four conference games, the Orange received what will hopefully serve as a wake-up call to Boeheim, whose team doesn't get a break with their schedule, as Notre Dame (ranked 12/13) comes to the Carrier Dome Saturday.

The Orange than travel to Pittsburgh to face the number one team in the country Monday night before returning home to take on 20th-ranked Louisville a week from Sunday.

Although they still boast an impressive 16-2 record, the Orange can no longer hide behind their place in the standings, as the deficiencies which have been problematic all season finally caught up with the team that must figure out a way to correct everything from free throw shooting to protecting the basketball to getting their big man (Onuaku) more involved.

The end result last night was unfamiliar to fans of the Orange this season. However, the problems which caused the defeat were simply more of the same.

Until those problems get corrected, the only familiar outcome Orange fans might expect is uncertainty come NCAA tournament selection time.

New York Mets Missing the Point with Manny Ramirez

Adam Fier — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:49:38 -0500

As of Jan. 8, the New York Mets and manager Jerry Manuel are set to field the same starting lineup that was largely responsible for their second September collapse in as many seasons.

General Manager Omar Minaya has done a fine job upgrading the clubs most pressing need, which is the bullpen. Despite adding the arms of Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz, there's a feeling that this Mets team remains incomplete.

While the Mets need to sign a starting pitcher like Derek Lowe or Oliver Perez, it seems the middle of the Mets' lineup requires to be shaken up.

Thankfully, the Mets are in luck. There just so happens to be a guy available on the free-agent market who would fill a number of voids this Mets team has.

They need an everyday left fielder. They want a reliable presence in the middle of their batting order, who can protect David Wright and take pressure off their rising star third basemen.

They need somebody who, when September rolls around, won't be thinking about what has taken place over the last two seasons. They could use somebody whom opposing pitchers will want no part of in a pennant race.

As if it couldn't be anymore obvious, the answer is Manny Ramirez.

While the price tag will undoubtedly be high, Minaya has long coveted Ramirez for the middle of the Mets batting order. The time has never been better for Minaya to make Manny a member of the Mets.

Ownership has reportedly been cold to the idea of adding the quirky slugger, perhaps as much for his off-field antics as his contract demands.

However, if Mets owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon are committed to giving Mets fans a winning product in their new ballpark opening up in April, they need to play the role of the Steinbrenner's and do whatever it takes to bring Ramirez to Flushing.

While many feel that he is goofy and that he admires his home runs a little too much, Ramirez is one of the most prolific hitters in the history of baseball.

Following four indifferent months in Boston, Ramirez was shipped to Los Angeles where Joe Torre and the Dodgers were the beneficiaries of one of the greatest two month stretches a hitter has ever displayed.

During the final two months of the season, with his team in the middle of trying to make the playoffs, Manny hit .396 with 17 home runs and 53 runs batted in. In just 53 games, his on base percentage was .489, while slugging nearly .800.

Imagine where the Mets could have ended up with that kind of production behind Wright and in front of Carlos Beltran or the resurgent Carlos Delgado?

As an analyst on Sportsnet New York stated, the Mets wouldn't have to worry about Ramirez thinking about a September collapse because he probably wouldn't know what month it was.

That's the point with Ramirez.

He doesn't care about pressure. He doesn't care about history either, as he was part of two Championship teams in Boston, including the 2004 squad which ended the Red Sox's 86—year championship drought. He just so happened to be the MVP of that World Series.

Ownership need to give their fans two final gifts heading into their new ballpark: The first is a starting pitcher, and the second is allowing Ramirez to be in orange and blue.

For a team desperate to get back in the postseason after denying itself an opportunity two years in a row, for all the arguments to make against signing him, the Wilpon's need to steal the spotlight from their cross town rivals and make one last splash to give their ball club the best possible chance to win a championship in 2009.

He's going to be costly, and he's not likely to conform from his wacky ways, but there are just too "Manny" reasons not to make Ramirez the new "King of Queens."

New York Jets Analysis: What Now?

Adam Fier — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:22:45 -0500

Following their late season collapse, the Jets decided to can their head coach, Eric Mangini. He became the scapegoat for what many will argue was a failed experiment with Brett Favre.

Moving forward, the Jets' brain trust, consisting of owner Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum, has to figure out how this team can become a championship contender.

Among the questions they'll be facing, which I'll address, include:

Who should the team consider to replace recently fired head coach Eric Mangini?

What available coaches would be a good fit for New York?

How much does the team's next coaching selection depend on Brett Favre staying with the team for another season?

Should the team go out of its way to try and find a coach that will cater to Favre's liking?

The team desperately needs to find a head coach who can give them the identity it has lacked. The most obvious choice that comes to mind is former Steelers' head coach, Bill Cowher.

Hiring Cowher would give the Jets instant credibility as well as the toughness that they've lacked since Bill Parcells left ten years ago. Cowher also would bring a defensive mindset that would fit well with the 3-4 schemes that have already been established. Cowher has won a Super Bowl and made what seemed like annual visits to the playoffs.

If they're unable to land Cowher, Johnson and Tannenbaum need to make sure they stick with a veteran head coach. Eric Mangini, despite being a disciple of Patriots' coach Bill Belichick, seemed like he was in over his head at times. He failed to provide his team with the steady leadership that they needed during their late season collapse.

The other experienced head coaches who come to mind include former Ravens' head coach Brian Billick, recently retired Mike Holmgren, former assistant under Holmgren Steve Mariucci, Marty Schottenheimer, and a stretch in former Giants' head coach Jim Fassel.

As far as who would be a good fit, Cowher fits as he coaches the 3-4, which the Jets already have the personnel to play it. Cowher has already turned down the Cleveland opening, perhaps paving the way for Johnson to make Cowher a lucrative offer he can't refuse.

The other catch with Cowher is his desire to handle player personnel decisions. This could create a problem with Tannenbaum, who has proved very capable of building a competitive team.

If you're talking about available coaches who fit, the big question is whether or not Brett Favre returns. To quote WFAN's Mike Francesa, "The next coach of the New York Jets will be coaching one of two teams: The Brett Favre led Jets, or the rebuilding Jets." Bringing in a veteran coach like Holmgren or Marriucci might be more appealing should Favre return. Both have coached Favre in the past in some capacity.

Both Johnson and Tannenbaum made it abundantly clear: If healthy, they want Favre back. Should his shoulder be healthy enough to play again next season, Favre will have the support of the owner and GM, which could easily play a role in determining who leads the Jets moving forward.

Simply put, whoever the team hires will depend almost solely on what Brett Favre decides to do, as crazy as that sounds.

When he was brought in, Favre was likely not the first choice of Mangini who is very cerebral. He was forced to adapt to Favre's improvisational ways, which clearly bothered him based on some of his reactions on the sidelines following one of Favre's inexplicable interceptions.

If Favre's shoulder ends up being damaged goods and he's forced to retire, the Jets may be more willing to bring in a trendy coordinator like the Giants' Steve Spagnuolo. Bringing in another first time coach and forcing him to spend his first year with Favre wouldn't be fair. It would set him back at least a year.

It's fascinating how much power has been placed on Favre, although that's what the team signed up for when they traded for him back in August.

For better or worse, the Jets sold their soles to the devil in bringing in Favre, hoping he would prove to be an upgrade over the subsequently departed Chad Pennington.

That obviously didn't prove to be the case. The Jets would end up collapsing down the stretch, costing their head coach his job, and leaving themselves left to wait and see what Favre decides before they move forward in hiring Mangini's replacement.

Eric Mangini Fired Just Hours After Season Ends: Where Do the Jets Turn Now?

Adam Fier — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:17:51 -0500

He was the Bill Belichick protege.

He was then the Mangenius.

Now he's unemployed.

The New York Jets fired head coach Eric Mangini just hours after their season came to an end at the hands of the Miami Dolphins.

Despite winning nine games, a five-game improvement from 2007, the Jets were unable to finish strong after beginning the season 8-3.

Among the many off season moves GM Mike Tannenbaum made, it was the trade that brought Brett Favre to New York that raised expectations and had Jets fans hoping for a return to the postseason.

Things were looking promising following wins in New England and Tennessee. However, the Jets stumbled down the stretch, losing games in San Francisco and Seattle, while falling short at home against Denver and Buffalo. The Jets finished with better records then all four of those teams.

Many will point to the poor play of Favre down the stretch that cost Mangini his job—and to be fair, Favre was awful.

He threw only two touchdowns with nine interceptions over his final five games, including perhaps his worst performance of the season in the finale, tossing three picks in the loss at home to the Dolphins.

Mangini coached New York for three seasons, leading the Jets to a very unexpected playoff birth in his first season. In 2006, the Jets would finish 10-6, and earned themselves a first-round playoff matchup with Mangini's former mentor in New England. The Jets would lose, but hope was high heading into the 2007 season.

That hope would fade fast, as the team battled injuries and inconsistency on their way to a 4-12 finish, calling into question the ability of the first time head coach.

Knowing serious changes needed to be made, Tannenbaum was given the checkbook of owner Woody Johnson and spent 140 million dollars on upgrading the roster, while also pulling off the Favre trade just prior to the start of the season.

The decision making of Mangini and his top assistants was called into question both prior to and following the Jets mid season five game winning streak, as the team never was able to establish any sort of identity, despite the presence of Favre.

Mangini will likely be remembered as much for his demeanor as his decision making, as fans grew upset at the lack of emotion shown by the now former Jets head coach.

In a press conference this morning, both Johnson and Tannenbaum praised Mangini for his hard work and loyalty, but felt the team needed to move in a different direction.

The big questions of course are where the Jets go from here, and how Brett Favre factors into the decision.

The Favre question is easier to answer in this regard—if an MRI reveals any type of injury that would require surgery, he'll retire. He's 39 and has admitted that at this point in his career, needing surgery to extend his career isn't something he's interested in doing.

Should the MRI reveal Favre simply needs rest, then you can expect the romance with Favre to be explored for another season, as both Johnson and Tannenbaum expressed their desire to have Favre play another season for gang green.

Assuming Favre is healthy enough to come back and wants to, the question then becomes can the Jets hire a coach would be willing to work with Favre for what would absolutely be the final season of his career, and then work from scratch the year after? Or would he prefer to see Favre retire now and start fresh with a quarterback of his own choosing.

These will be among the things that both Johnson and Tannenbaum consider during what they described as a very extensive search for the next head football coach of the New York Jets.

Who might they turn to?

Well, the two biggest names Jets fans are going to hear are Bill Cowher and Bill Parcells.

Cowher stepped down as coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2007 season, and has a proven, winning track record that includes two appearances in the Super Bowl and a championship in one of them. He's a defensive-oriented coach who likes the 3-4, which is the defense the Jets are built to play.

Whether or not Cowher would have any interest in coming to New York is unknown. However, Johnson loves spending money, and could convince Cowher that coming to New York would be worth his while at the right price.

The idea of Bill Parcells returning to New York would likely only occur in the same capacity he held in Miami. Of course, the obvious response there is that in Miami Parcells is in charge of all the personnel decisions, while the Jets already have Tannenbaum doing that.

Would Tannenbaum be interested in relinquishing power to bring the Big Tuna back to the Big Apple?

Parcells of course has yet to publicly state anything, as the speculation surrounding the status of his contract begun yesterday as his Dolphins were clinching the AFC East title. Parcells, who coached the Jets from 1997-1999, last coached in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys from 2004-2006, and would be unlikely to return to the sidelines.

Other names to keep on eye on are New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who was responsible for turning the Giants defense into championship form last season.

Romeo Crennel's name was thrown around as a possible defensive coordinator replacement had Mangini made it into next season—however, it is unlikely he would now be hired in any capacity by the Jets.

Mike Holmgren made it clear he is taking the next year off, although the fact that he did coach Favre back in Green Bay would make his name one that is certain to run through the rumor mill.

The Jets will be faced with the decision of whether or not they hire a first-time head coach and former coordinator, as has been the trend of late in the NFL. Teams like Miami, Baltimore, and Atlanta have all found success with doing so.

The Jets roster, as currently constructed with or without Favre, is built to win now. That would certainly lead one to believe that they'll be inclined to hire a coach with a proven track record—especially on the heels of hiring a coach who took the job without any prior head coaching experience.

Following the game, Johnson expressed his disappointment in the way his football team finished the season, and vowed that a decision regarding the coaching staff would be made by the end of the week.

He clearly wasn't interested in waiting that long, as the press conference was announced at 2 AM, and at 10 AM this morning, Johnson and Tannenbaum, side by side, announced the firing of Mangini.

The next step will be to await the results of an MRI Favre is scheduled to take today, and the health of his right shoulder may very well dictate the direction of the Jets franchise in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned, Jets fans.

Collapse Complete: New York Jets Fall to Pennington, Dolphins; Miss Playoffs

Adam Fier — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:43:10 -0500

The final chapter of the Jets season was "Penned" (pun intended) at the hands of former quarterback Chad Pennington and the Miami Dolphins, who came into the Meadowlands and defeated his former team (insert score), completing an improbable run to clinch the AFC East championship, while eliminating New York from playoff contention.

This is a team that in spite of a number of big changes and big moments, falls short, putting into serious question the Jet careers of their head coach, his coordinators, and hall of fame quarterback.

The Jets underwent a 140 million dollar face lift, which culminated in the acquisition of Brett Favre just prior to start of pre-season games in the beginning of August.

An impressive opening day win over Miami coupled with New England Patriots starting quarterback Tom Brady suffering a season ending knee injury opened the door for the Jets to claim their first division championship since 2002.

In bringing in Favre, they released Pennington, who signed on with division rival Miami, coming off a 1-15 season.

The Jets started slow, looking good at times, such as when Favre threw six touchdowns in a win against the playoff bound Arizona Cardinals, and looking awful in losses to Oakland and even in wins against the Herman Edwards led Kansas City Chiefs.

A five game win streak, that led to premature talk of an all New York super bowl, ended after impressive wins in New England an in Tennessee, defeating the Titans who at the time had yet to lose a game.

Since winning five in a row, the Jets began a slide which included losses in San Francisco, in Seattle and at home to Denver. They also won a game they had no business winning, a game gift wrapped by Buffalo Bills head coach Dick Jauron who inexplicably let his quarterback attempt a pass when running the ball would have iced the game. The Jets forced a fumble, recovered it, ran it in for a touchdown and kept their playoff hopes alive for another week.

It would simply be prolonging the inevitable, as despite being given a chance to simply win their final two games and win the AFC east, the team laid in egg in that loss in Seattle, while coming up short against Miami in the season finale.

There are plenty of fingers to be pointed, starting with the coaching staff.

Once dubbed "the Mangenius," Mangini proved himself to be anything but as he was unable to help his team establish an identity offensively or defensively, where both of his coordinators came up horrifically short when as far as play calling is concerned.

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who worked wonders with Pennington in Mangini's first season, never recaptured the ability to call a successful game from beginning to end. After he was handed Favre, he seemed unsure of how to use him, knowing Favre's propensity for throwing interceptions (which he did early and often this season with 22), and seemed to place Favre in more a game managing role than a play making one.

Leon Washington, who seemed to be making at least two game changing plays a game, was non existent down the stretch, as was rookie tight end Dustin Keller, who Favre briefly developed a very solid rapport with, highlighted in the New England victory when Keller converted a huge third and 15 in overtime, setting up the game winning field goal.

Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton was given a temporary reprieve with the early success of new addition Kris Jenkins, who solidified the defensive line playing a pro bowl worthy nose tackle during the first 11 games. Unfortunately like the rest of team, Jenkins was nowhere to be found during the Jets season ending collapse, and Sutton never was able to come up with a pass rushing scheme to offset the Jets underwhelming secondary.

Outside of second year corner Darelle Revis (a very deserving pro bowler this season), the usually reliable Kerry Rhodes was a non factor, and bringing in Ty Law mid-season proved worthless.

of course when takling about the 2008 J-E-T-S, the most popular name to debate will be B-R-E-T-T.

Brought in via a trade with Green Bay after he announced he was un-retiring, Brett Favre became the final off season addition to a major roster overhaul that also included all pro offensive lineman Alan Faneca, pro bowl fullback Tony Richardson, former first round pick on the offensive line Damien Woody, linebacker Calvin Pace, as well Jenkins at nose tackle. The Favre trade also signaled the end of the Chad Pennington era, as the long time Jets starter was released.

Having shown Pennington the door, the Jets officially adopted the win-now mentality Jets fans always crave. In Favre, the team was adding a hall of fame quarterback known for for ability to get the ball down field and durability (two things Pennington lacked) along with championship experience and a winning mentality the team had long lacked.

Like the rest of his team, at 8-3, Favre could do no wrong. He had just played his two best games of the season, winning games in New England and in Tennessee, looking like the vintage Brett Favre Jets fans had hoped they had received back in August.

Unfortunately, those two wins would be the last they would see of Brett at his best. Over his final five games, Favre three only two touchdowns while being picked off nine times. He finished the season with 22 interceptions, a stat which would rank him first among all quarterbacks with that dubious distinction.

Favre looked old, tired and at times somewhat disinterested during those final five games. More specifically, he looked like a quarterback who knew he best days were behind him, reluctantly trying to accept the finality of a brilliant professional career.

The final game of the season was perhaps a microcosm of both the Jets fortunes this season and throughout their franchise's history. The term "same old Jets" is going to be thrown around in the New York tabloids over the next few ways, as the team collapsed in an eerily similar way to how the New York Mets concluded each of their last two season.

Adding insult to injury, their season came to merciless end at the hands of Pennington, the very person the team sent packing after bringing in Favre, thinking they were upgrading the position and giving them a better chance to win this season. Sure enough, it was Pennington who would have the last laugh, leading Miami to 11 wins and a division championship.

Regardless of who deserves the blame is irrelevant at this point, as the bottom line is that after spending 140 million dollars to upgrade the roster, after bringing in Brett Favre to lead the offense, after having a break out season from running back Thomas Jones and after winning eight of their first 11 games of the season, this Jets team couldn't get it done down the stretch when it mattered most, and now finds themselves facing a long off season of questions and second guesses.

Will Mangini stay or go? Will Favre retire (if so, will he stay retired?)?

Let the speculation begin.

Eric Devendorf Given Community Service; Can Return to Syracuse Spring Semester

Adam Fier — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 06:07:35 -0500

The Syracuse University appeals board assigned to determine the fate of junior guard Eric Devendorf has ruled that Devendorf can "petition to be readmitted for the spring 2009 semester," under the condition he completes 40 hours of community service.

Read the story from the Syracuse Student Newspaper here. http://sports.dailyorange.com/?p=2518

The spring semester begins Monday, Jan. 12.

Devendorf will adhere to the ruling, which includes him serving the suspension that will now force him to miss at least six games, starting with tomorrow night's matchup with Memphis.

While the Orange will miss him, assuming Devendorf can complete his hours in a timely fashion, he should be able to reclaim his spot in the starting lineup in time for the team's Jan. 14 matchup with conference rival Georgetown, a game which begins a stretch of games against Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, and Louisville, all residing in the top 25.

In his absence, expect to see more of backup shooting guard Andy Rautins, who, like Devendorf, was redshirted last season with a season-ending knee injury.

Rautins can be deadly from three-point range. However, he lacks the ability to get to the basket that Devendorf has.

The six games Devendorf will miss include:

@ Memphis Dec. 20

Coppin State Dec. 22

Seton Hall (Big East play begins) Dec. 30

@ South Florida Jan. 2

DePaul Jan. 7

@ Rutgers Jan. 10

The Orange are currently ranked 11th in both major polls and are looking to win back-to-back games following a devastating last-second loss at home Monday night versus Cleveland State, when CS's Cedric Jackson had a 60-foot prayer answered, sending the Orange to their first loss of the season, 72-69.

The Orange responded with a 22-point win against Canisius and now hit the road for a nationally televised game in Memphis, currently ranked 21st in the coaches' poll.

That game can be seen nationally on ESPN. Tip-off is scheduled for 6pm EST.

New York Mets: The Pen Is Mightier in 2009

Adam Fier — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:48:32 -0500

Prior to the start of the 2008 season, Carlos Beltran declared his ballclub the "team to beat" following their epic collapse at the end of the 2007 season, when his Mets coughed up a seven-game lead with 17 games to play.

Well, Carlos was right.

The Mets were the team to beat, which is exactly what happened to them down the stretch for a second-consecutive season.

They were beat.

Again, and again, and again.

Among the reasons the Mets failed to qualify for the postseason were the 29 blown saves their bullpen gave up, in large part due to the season- and potentially career-ending elbow injury suffered by Billy Wagner, which forced interim manager Jerry Manuel to rely on the arms of Aaron Heilman, Scott Schoeneweis, Joe Smith, and Luis Ayala to figure out ways to nail down victories.

Despite the valiant effort of Johan Santana, the bullpen failed to come through, and the Mets faced another early offseason, leaving general manager Omar Minaya to figure out a way to get his team over the hump and back into October.

The plan was to give the bullpen a face lift. Heading into the winter meetings last week, Minaya knew that a buffet of relievers would be awaiting him.

The Mets GM wasted no time, locking up former Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez to a three-year, $37 million contract to replace Wagner and give the Mets a ninth inning presence they lacked at the end of 2008.

Knowing that his team needed a way to get the ball to Rodriguez, Minaya pulled off what he characterized as "an old-fashioned baseball trade," taking part in a three-team, 12 player blockbuster which sent Heilman and Smith packing to Seattle and Cleveland respectively, while bringing back former Mariners closer J.J. Putz (pronounced Puts, not Putts) to set up K-Rod.

The Mets also parted ways with Mets folk hero Endy Chavez, best known for his miraculous catch in Game Seven of the 2006 NLCS, while bringing back Mariners outfielder Jeremy Reed and right handed reliever Sean Green.

By the end of the winter meetings, what happened in Vegas certainly didn't stay there, as the Mets were beneficiaries of an early Christmas, having their bullpen completely made over.

Having not offered Ayala arbitration, and traded Schoeneweis to Arizona for a young minor league arm, it was out with old and in with the new.

With their new ballpark set to open next year, the Mets have already addressed their biggest need in a big way, adding two of the premier relief pitchers the game has to offer.

Still needing to add at least one other starting pitcher, a left fielder, and perhaps a replacement at second base—should Minaya be able to move Luis Castillo—the Mets have work left to be done if they want to dethrone the champion Philadelphia Phillies, who have officially set up shop inside the heads of both the team and their fans.

Remember, it was the perfect season of Brad Lidge that was a big a reason as any the Phillies ended their 28-year championship drought, proving that a reliable bullpen can make or break championship aspirations.

For a team looking to put the dreadful finishes of the previous two regular seasons, Minaya has the Mets moving in the right direction having addressed their most pressing need by creating what could easily be the most dominating eighth and ninth inning combination in all of baseball.

Amidst Stephon Marbury Drama, Knicks Can't Be Taken Seriously

Adam Fier — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:57:12 -0500

I wonder if soon to be exiled Knicks point guard Stephon Marbury is auditioning for a spot on a realty game show.

He's currently starring in Survivor: Madison Square Garden, and defies the odds on a nearly daily basis by keeping his name on the payroll despite refusing to play twice in a six day stretch.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that Marbury still finds himself employed by the same company which not only kept Isiah Thomas on it's payroll, but gave him a raise despite under performing as both a coach and general manager, and even worse, getting himself in the middle of a sexual harassment lawsuit which cost his employer millions to settle.

If you choose to believe the Knicks, Marbury once again declined an opportunity to help out his team when they short on guards, opting instead to remain benched.

While most people are quick to place all the blame on Stephon, the Knicks have only themselves to blame for the mess they have on their hands.

During the offseason, amid speculation he wouldn't be part of the team with only a year left on his contract, management allowed Marbury to get himself in shape while convincing him he would be competing for a spot in new coach Mike D'Antoni's rotation, perhaps even as a starter.

Marbury was given minutes during the preseason, and looked decent enough to earn regular season minutes, assuming they would be there for him to have.

Sure enough, Marbury found himself glued to his seat on opening night, benched despite having done nothing wrong.

He was embarrassed in front of the very fan base he once considered himself a big part of.

After being told that he wasn't part of the Knicks future plans, Marbury was listed as inactive until last Friday, when the team traded away it's two leading scorers Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph.

He was (apparently) told that there would be 30-35 minutes available to him if he wanted, but he politely declined, leaving his teammates undermanned with only seven healthy bodies.

Following an injury to Nate Robinson, Marbury was again given a chance to play- even start according to Knicks sources, but once again declined.

Having had enough, Quentin Richardson finally came out and said what was likely on the minds of all his fellow teammates:

"The way the situation is, I don't consider him my teammate. He hasn't played with us all year. He doesn't want to play with us. This is the second time. I don't look at him as a teammate. Teammates don't do that, regardless what's going on with the coach. You don't do that to teammates. We were basically left out there."

The Knicks have allowed this circus to go on long enough, yet continue to sit on their hands and let this situation play out and continue to serve as a distraction for a team looking to leave problems this in the past while they look to move forward and in a different direction.

Donnie Walsh, for all the good things he has done, notably clearing the cap space in the hopes of cashing in on the 2010 free agent class, needs to do whatever it takes to get owner James Dolan to agree to releasing Marbury and paying him whatever he wants.

Incredibly, if and when Dolan signs that check, he can thank the men he brought in to turn things around.

D'Antoni wanted to have his team develop together, while not allowing for Marbury to take away the minutes of somebody who would be part of the long term future.

Unfortunately, the situation has become so mishandled that Stephon actually went from public enemy number one to a sympathetic character- at least up until he decided he wasn't going to step up for his teammates and play.

His selfishness may actually end up expediting his release, although the fact that we sit here fifteen games into the season with this situation still making headlines is pathetic.

Frankly, if D'Antoni had no intention of letting Marbury play once the regular season, then stronger efforts should have been made in making sure he wasn't on the roster come opening night.

Poor Patrick Ewing Jr. who worked his tail off during training camp and in the preseason could have made use of that roster spot, while providing the types of positive energy Marbury has perpetually sucked out of the World's Most Famous Arena.

Allowing this to carry on any further is just another example of why the Knicks continue to be a laughing stock of a franchise that cannot get out of it's own way.

Stephon Marbury needs to be released as soon as possible so the team can concentrate on trying to win basketball games.

Until that happens, the Knicks don't deserve to be taken seriously.

A New York Sports Fan's 10 Things to Be Thankful for in 2008

Adam Fier — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:47:59 -0500

A happy and healthy Thanksgiving to everyone out there.

On this day of thanks, I thought it would be fun to list the 10 things I've been thankful for in 2008 when it comes to New York sports.

As a fan of the Mets, Jets, Knicks, Rangers, and Syracuse basketball team, I tried focusing on my teams but had to stray to come up with 10, especially with the teams' lack of success.

10. The Major League Baseball All Star Game

I was lucky enough to be in attendance at the final All Star Game ever at Yankee Stadium. As I sat out in the left field bleachers, I couldn't see everything, but I made sure I stuck around for all 15 innings and all five-plus hours in watching the American League pull out the victory and claim home field advantage in the World Series.

Seeing all the legends like Willie Mays and Hank Aaron was a once in a lifetime experience, and the whole night was as good as it gets for a baseball fan.

9. October Baseball without the Yankees

Now, the Mets weren't part of the postseason either, so I know I'm opening myself up here for major criticism. However, after having to watch the Yankees extend their season for 12 years in a row, enough was enough.

The fact that the team wasn't able to make the playoffs in the final season of their historic ballpark was icing on the cake. It couldn't have happened to a more deserving fanbase.

Of course it only made things sweeter seeing Joe Torre get his Dodgers into the NLCS. However, his firing was still the correct decision, right George?

8. Henrik Lundqvist

I'll admit it, I don't watch a ton of hockey, but when I watch the Rangers, I can't help but marvel at how dominant king Henry can be between the pipes. He stands on his head night after night keeping the team in games when the offense struggles.

Back in the spring, when the Rangers were looking to earn a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals, Lundqvist was sensational against Pittsburgh. Lundqvist led the squad when they weren't able to capitalize on power play opportunities.

Lundqvist is quietly one of the five best athletes this city has to offer. Write it down.

7. Jonny Flynn

After two seasons of missing out on the NCAA tournament, the orange have jumped out to a 5-0 start, including road wins on back to back nights against Florida and Kansas. The big reason behind their early success has been the play of sophomore point guard Jonny Flynn, who is making a case as one of the best one-guards in all of America. His name has been mentioned in the same breath as guards like Darren Collison and Ty Lawson.

Flynn forced overtime Tuesday night with a game tying three with 6.4 seconds left. His ability to create shots for his teammates and score the basketball will make Syracuse a contender throughout the year. He's the best pure basketball player Jim Boeheim has coached since Carmelo Anthony.

6. Leon Washington

The Jets' most valuable player in my eyes, Washington makes something happen every game. You can pencil him in for making at least one game-changing play, whether it's a long touchdown run or taking a kickoff back to the house.

Leon has been important in spelling Thomas Jones, and the two have formed a dynamic rushing tandem that has helped put the Jets on top of the AFC East, and in contention for a possible postseason run.

The quarterback handing Washington the ball has been a pretty big reason for their success as well, but more on him later.

5. The Escape, the Catch, the Upset

I'm not a Giants fan, but unlike the Mets-Yankees hate I've developed growing up, I always root for the Giants unless they're taking on my Jets.

While my Jets were nowhere to be found in January, the Giants' playoff run last season was something that any sports fan could appreciate. Going on the road and winning games in Tampa, Dallas, and Green Bay, when the wind chill was -20, and defeating the previously undefeated Patriots was all sorts of fun.

Of course the moment from that game that I, like everybody else, will think of first was the escape of Eli Manning and the throw and catch to David Tyree, who pinned the ball against his helmet on the Giants' final touchdown drive, setting up the game-winning score.

The game was phenomenal, the Giants won a hard earned championship, and the Patriots were denied their piece of football immortality.

4. Johan Santana (pictured)

While the Mets' season ended up being a waste, the performance of Johan Santana was anything but that. Santana was brilliant, winning 16 games and finishing third in National League Cy Young voting.

It was his final two performances of the season, including his complete game, a three-hit shutout on the second to last game of the season (a game I was at), that electrified Mets fans and gave them hope that they would be able to avoid a second consecutive late season collapse.

Of course they didn't, but that was no fault of Santana, who was pitching with a torn ligament in his knee. For all the prospects and money Omar Minaya and ownership gave up to bring him to Queens, and in the midst of a very disappointing season, Santana certainly shined.

3. Donnie Walsh

I could have given Isiah Thomas a spot and spoken about how I'm thankful for his removal, but I'm going to group that with Walsh. Since being hired by owner James Dolan, Walsh wasted little time in removing Thomas as coach.

Walsh not only was able to effectively end the dreadful Isiah Thomas era, but he hired a proven winner in Mike D'Antoni. He has already begun to clear cap space for when LeBron James, among others, becomes a free agent in 2010.

The trades of Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph clear nearly $28 million of cap space going into the summer of 2010, when the Knicks will be primed to start a new era with James leading the way.

Walsh would have topped my list, but still hasn't gotten rid of Stephon Marbury, although that probably isn't too far off from happening.

2. Shea Goodbye

I've been going to Shea Stadium for nearly 15 years, and at 21 years old, aside from the places I've called home and the classrooms I've been in, there isn't a place I've spent more time than the former home of the Mets.

Although the season didn't end as planned, I was able to drive home from Syracuse to attend the final three regular season games in the history of the ballpark. It was an emotional weekend, and it was great seeing the likes of Mike Piazza, Doc Gooden, and Tom Seaver one last time at Shea.

The final season at Shea also included Billy Joel as the last entertainer of the stadium, and I was lucky enough to be there when Paul McCartney came out.

All in all, some of my best memories were at Shea, and knowing I'll never be there again to watch baseball is something that probably won't sink in until I'm watching games at Citi Field.

1. Brett Favre

I can't think of anything greater than one of your favorite players joining one of your favorite teams. Such was the case when, in early August, the New York Jets acquired one of the greatest to ever play the game to be their quarterback. Brett Favre was the centerpiece to an offseason makeover following a disastrous 4-12 season.

Bringing his one of a kind skills and child-like exuberance, the Jets find themselves at 8-3 and in contention for a division championship. Favre has completely changed the culture in the Jets locker room. Over the course of the season the group has come together as a unit and played the type of winning football Jets fans aren't all accustomed used to.

Favre is easy to like and easier to root for, especially when he's getting his team victories.

Jets Will Only Go As "Favre" As Brett Takes Them

Adam Fier — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:47:36 -0500

If it appears as though I, like many members of the actual media, have been paying an uncomfortably large amount time covering Brett Favre, that's because we are.

And I, like it would seem most of the media, have legitimate man-crushes on Brett.

Guilty as charged.

Thing is, as good as he's been playing during the Jets five game win streak, the guy is tough not to like.

I understand if you live in Chicago, Minnesota and Detroit you probably don't hold him in the highest regard (although I bed a lot of you closet Favre fans came out from hiding this season), but for the most part, Brett Favre is among the most popular players in League history. What else would explain all those Jets fans suddenly springing up in Green Bay?

Anyway, I bring all that up to preface the fact that, while yes, I am writing about Brett Favre—again—I'm writing about him to discuss the reality that the success of the New York Jets will rest solely on the success of their star quarterback.

I know most of you are saying "well, OBVIOUSLY!", but a lot of the credit the Jets have been getting has been spread out among their improved offensive line, the subsequently improved running game and vastly improved 3-4 defense thanks to the addition of Kris Jenkins on in the middle of the defensive line.

However,when this season reaches its conclusion, the fate of the Jets will have inevitably been decided by what No. 4 is able to deliver for them.

While Favre certainly hasn't been the sole reason the Jets find themselves at 8-3 and primed for a playoff run, but at 3-3, the Jets a representation of the mediocre play Favre was providing.

Following an inexcusable loss in Oakland, the Jets were 3-3, Favre had been picked off eleven times and although he had thrown for 15 touchdowns, six of them came against a non existent Arizona secondary.

Since the loss in Oakland, the Jets are 5-0, and not surprisingly, the play of their quarterback has improved.

Favre has thrown only two interceptions with five touchdowns, and his performances in New England and in Tennessee (facing the NFL 's top scoring defense) was at his best, turning the ball over only once and leading his team down the field, consuming time and finding the end zone.

Of course the critics will point out that Favre will self destruct at some point, whether its down the stretch of the regular season or in a playoff game, and when he does, it will likely cost his team a game and perhaps the season.

Well, those people are half right.

If he continues to play within the offense that has been designed as a combination of what works for the Jets' coaches and what works for Favre, than a self-destruction may not occur.

Favre has seen his completion percentage soar to an NFL best 70.6, which are numbers Jets' fans got used to seeing from Chad Pennington.

By no coincidence, as his completion percentage has risen, and his turnovers have decreased, the Jets have been winning football games.

So should Favre implode, and again, I stress that there is hardly a guarantee he will, then yes, his team will in all likelihood go down with him.

Favre isn't running the offense he mastered in Green Bay, where he was asked to take big risks and throw the ball deep down the field early and often. While he will still occasionally show off that one of kind cannon arm he's been blessed with, Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has asked Favre to manage drives, make smart throws and use the ever improving run game in sustaining long drives.

The formula has been working, and until it stops doing so, I wouldn't expect to see Favre revert back to his old gunslinging ways.

That isn't to say you won't see classic Brett, scrambling and improvising, as he did so well in Tennessee when he connected with Laveranues Coles in the back of the end zone for a Jets score last weekend.

The bottom line is, if the Jets want to keep their fans believing that a trip to the Super Bowl for the first time in forty years is realistic, they are going to need Brett Favre to take them there.

Of course not every story Favre has authored during his illustrious career has had the happy ending you expected it would. It was less than a year ago that Favre had his Packers on the brink of a Super Bowl birth when during last season's NFC championship game his interception in overtime sent the Giants on a collision course with destiny.

However ask any Jets fan, and what happened in Green Bay was a long time ago, Favre, Favre away.

Don't Forget Us: Syracuse Making Strong Early Case in Competitive Big East

Adam Fier — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:58:33 -0500

With back to back wins against top 25 teams Florida and Kansas, Syracuse put the rest of the country, and particularly their own conference, on notice.

The Orange completed a perfect trip to Kansas City and came out the champions of the CBE Classic after knocking off the two teams who have combined to win the last three National Championships.

Led by point guard Jonny Flynn, Syracuse finds itself at 5-0 and looking more and more like they want to be part of the discussion when it comes to the top teams in the country's top conference.

Featuring four teams ranked in the top eight, with Connecticut (2), Louisville (3), Pittsburgh (4), and Notre Dame (8), along with Marquette, Georgetown, and Villanova also ranked among the top 25, it's difficult to dispute the Big East is the nation's elite conference.

With their victories over Florida (18) and Kansas (23), the Orange are likely to earn themselves a ranking of their own, assuming they don't slip up at home Friday against Virginia.

After holding off Florida Monday night en route to an 89-83 victory, Jim Boeheim's Orange found themselves up against a wall, down 13 points in the second half against a Kansas team that had forced more Syracuse turnovers than one could count.

Despite looking hopeless for much of the first half, Flynn sparked a rally with great pressure defense that led to some fast break opportunities, which allowed Syracuse to erase the deficit and actually go up a basket following a three from guard Andy Rautins.

Down the stretch, it would be the defensive efforts of center Arinze Onuaku and forward Paul Harris, who combined to block three shots in the final minutes, which, along with some pivotal missed free throws on the part of Kansas, allowed Flynn to free himself and drain a game-tying three with just 6.4 seconds left in regulation.

In overtime, the Orange wouldn't look back, opening up a lead as large as 10 before pulling away with an 89-81 victory over the defending National Champions.

Syracuse showed an ability to combine their unquestioned talent with some unknown toughness, and also seemed to display a change in philosophy from their head coach.

Boeheim, known as well for his 2-3 zone as anything, seemed to keep his guys playing man for a majority of the second half, which allowed for the Orange to show off their aggressiveness as opposed to sitting back and waiting for Kansas to make a play.

The offense, much to the pleasure of Dick Vitale, who was doing color commentary (and we know Vitale is certainly as colorful as they come), worked their offense through Onuaku and found success in doing so.

Onuaku provides Syracuse with an inside presence that most opponents will have difficulty matching up with, as Onuaku makes up for his lack of height (he's only 6'9") with his superior strength and developed skill set around the basket.

Guard Eric Devendorf, who looked awful early on committing turnover after turnover, provided some big scoring (he finished with 20) and will be counted on to replace the 17 PPG that Donte Greene took with him to the NBA.

You can argue that the Florida and Kansas teams Syracuse defeated were mere shells of the championship squads they were in past seasons. However, both were ranked, well coached, and featured some impressive young talent.

It should also be pointed out that in defeating Kansas last night, Syracuse became the first team in 25 years to take out the Jayhawks in Kansas City, which was anything but the neutral site it was billed as during the early season tournament.

Should they stay healthy, something they failed to do last season, Syracuse can look forward to ending their two-year NCAA Tournament drought. Boeheim has never missed the big dance in three consecutive seasons, and if his team can stay on the court and play with the toughness and tenacity they showed in Kansas City, the Orange will be dancing again come March.

The Big East was certainly put on notice, as the Dome may once again become a place Big East foes fear rather than feast in as they have during the last few seasons.

Conference games begin in roughly five weeks, and when they do, the Orange will be looking to prove they belong among the Big East's best.

New York, New York: Center of the Football World

Adam Fier — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:30:52 -0500

Nov. 24, 2008

"It's up to you, New York, New York."

Those lyrics from the classic Sinatra song couldn't be more fitting for a city that has both if its football teams controlling their own destiny as they move closer and closer towards postseason berths.

Yes, the New York Giants and New York Jets, the defending Super Bowl champs and the team with Brett Favre—are a combined 18-4 with Thanksgiving upon us, and have shown no signs of slowing down.

In fact, since Week Six, when the Jets inexplicably lost on the road to Oakland, neither team has lost, with the Giants currently riding a six game winning streak while the Jets have put together an impressive five game win streak of their own.

The defending champs are winning this season with the same formula that propelled them past the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

Consistent play from Eli Manning at quarterback.
A virtually unstoppable, three-headed monster of a run game behind Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw.
A relentless pass rushing defense, even without the losses of their two best players (Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora.). Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka have filled in admirably.
Solid special teams, as John Carney has made all by one of his field goal attempts all season (24-25).
Steady coaching from Tom Coughlin and his staff.

The Jets have been a far improved team from the product they put on the field last season, displaying a potent offense that ranks second only to—you guessed it—the Giants in scoring offense.

Defensively, they're much improved as well, as the acquisition of nose tackle Kris Jenkins is up there in value with Favre, as he has solidified the defensive line and made the 3-4 far more formidable than it was in either of the first two years coach Eric Mangini had implemented it.

The Jets have been able to run off eight wins in their first 11 games with the contributions from everyone:

Favre has been just short of great, as he ranks among the top ten in all of football in touchdowns (3rd with 20), yards (9th with nearly 2,500), rating (7th with a 94.1) and completion percentage (1st, with 70.6).
Thomas Jones quietly leads the AFC in rushing, and has found the end zone a combined 11 times (nine rushing, two receiving).
The Jets' MVP could easily be Leon Washington, who seems to break at least one game changing play a game. He's an explosive kick returner and he's proven he can be a dependent change of pace running back this season, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
Led by Jenkins, the Jets defense has been great against the run, as they rank third in the league in Rush defense. The team also ranks third in all of football in sacks.
Special teams has been a difference maker, as Jay Feely has stepped in and replaced the injured Mike Nugent, and proved his worth with his game winning field goal in New England two weeks ago. As mentioned earlier, Leon Washington is among the most dynamic returners in all of football, and is a threat to bring back a kick on any given chance.

In the media capital of the world, you couldn't be scripting a better story that is likely to captivate it, even if we're still a ways away from getting there.

The argument can be made though, that these two teams represent the best each conference has to offer.

The Giants are the clear cut favorite coming out of the NFC and would have to really slip up down the stretch to not have the NFC playoffs run through Giants Stadium.

The Jets are tied with Pittsburgh for the second best record in the AFC and have already defeated the only team ahead them (Tennessee) on its home field.

The defending Super Bowl champions and the New York Brett's...err...Jets, sharing a stadium and perhaps a date in Tampa come February 1st.

Yes, it's still too soon to make any predictions, and in the NFL more than any other sport, any team is one devastating injury away from having it's season hope derailed.

And while often teams who appear to be contenders at this point in the season are hardly guaranteed any postseason success, with just five weeks left, both these teams appear to be for real.

Led by two Super Bowl winning quarterbacks, both the Giants and Jets may be in the process of giving New York something really special. Perhaps, something super.

Start spreadin' the news.

Favre Giving Jets Fans Reason to Believe

Adam Fier — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:59:46 -0500

11/24/08

Remember way back when, when Brett Favre was too old, too washed up, too prone to turnovers, and too attached to Green Bay to make a difference in New York?

Remember all the critics who said that even with Brett Favre, the Jets were, at best, an 8-8 football team?

Well, after only eleven games into his New York Jets career, Favre already has the Jets at eight wins, and certainly isn't showing his age.

No, the 39 year old gunslinger is still firing rockets, still smiling, and still having fun like only Brett Favre can.

Oh, and he's still winning football games.

His numbers, while not eye-popping, are better than respectable.

His 20 touchdowns have him ranked third in all of football, while his passer rating of 94.1 is good for seventh.

He's ninth in passing yards with 2,461, while the most surprising statistic of all might be his completion percentage, a category in which he leads all NFL quarterbacks, completing 70.6% of his passes.

Sure, he's thrown 13 interceptions, which conveniently also lead the league, but that shouldn't come as much of a surprise for a guy who is the all-time career leader in both touchdowns and picks.

Of course the most important statistic is one.

One representing first, as in the place in the standings Favre finds his team.

Despite his turnovers and his early season struggles, Favre has the Jets poised for a postseason run that not many anticipated—and certainly nobody, but perhaps Favre himself, could have foreseen looking this good this early in the season.

While eleven games into the season may not register to many people as "early", it should for a Jets team that finished 4-12 last season—when the season couldn't have ended "early" enough.

For all of his struggles during the first half of the regular season, it's fair to place a considerable amount of blame on the lack of chemistry between Favre and his teammates.

As the chemistry has improved so have the results, as the Jets bounced back from their heartbreaking loss to the lowly Oakland Raiders by rolling off five consecutive victories.

Those five victories include wins on the road against their division rivals in Buffalo and New England, as well as in Tennessee where they went toe-to-toe with the undefeated Titans, and made them look more like a winless team than one without a loss.

During their 34-13 victory in Tennessee, Favre was as his best, completing 25 passes in 32 attempts for 243 yards and two touchdowns, while earning a victory in an NFL record 32nd stadium. He also hit the 20 touchdown mark for a record 14th time. Both marks break records previously held by Dan Marino.

For all the criticism surrounding the way in which he left Green Bay and landed in New York (or New Jersey if you will), Favre has come in and given Jets fans something they haven't had in a long time: hope.

They have hope that their time has finally come, with the opportunity staring them in the face with Tom Brady out for the season and the rest of the AFC up for grabs.

To make things better, Favre hasn't only come in and started winning, he's shown he can still enjoy himself while doing so—bringing that boyish charm that's always endeared him to fans all around the league for nearly two decades.

Now he looks to author another chapter of an already brilliant story book career, as he has the Jets on the brink of making a playoff run.

He's too old, his hair is too grey, and he still makes throws that have you questioning his decision to end his brief retirement.

But with those throws come his passion, his leadership, and his love of the game which have the Jets among the league's best teams.

Let the critics keep their doubts.

Jets fans will gladly keep their quarterback, and the hope he brings with him.

Jets-Titans: Perfect They're Not, Favre, Jets Deal Titans First Loss

Adam Fier — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:13:10 -0500

Nov. 23, 2008

For a second consecutive week, Brett Favre and the New York Jets went on the road and defeated a team they weren't supposed to.

After upsetting the Patriots in New England 10 days ago, the Jets went into Tennessee for a matchup with the undefeated Titans, who at 10-0 were looking to become the second team to finish the regular season without a loss in as many years.

Unfortunately for them, they ran into a red-hot Jets team, who, led by Favre, dominated Tennessee en route to a 34-13 victory, ending any hopes for a perfect season down south.

The Jets were in complete control for much of the game, starting with their quarterback, who finished the day 25-32 for 224, 2 TD's and 1 INT.

Although he threw the one interception, Favre was nearly flawless, connecting on touchdown throws to Thomas Jones and Laveranues Coles. The two touchdown tosses gave him yet another NFL record, as he has now thrown for at least 20 touchdowns in a season 14 times during his remarkable NFL career, breaking a tie he held with Dan Marino.

Favre spread the ball around, as Coles caught seven balls for 88 yards with a score, Jerricho Cotchery was good for six catches for 55 while Dustin Keller (Favre's go-to receiver of late) had six grabs for 42 yards.

The running game was solid, as Jones added to his AFC leading total with 96 yards on 27 carries, while Leon Washington—good for at least one big play a game—ran 61 yards for a touchdown, while also punching in a second to ice the game late in the fourth.

The Jets got contributions from everyone, including the officials who made a number of questionable pass interference calls which extended drives for New York. The biggest came on a fourth-down attempt when the officials threw a flag on an incomplete pass to Coles down near the end zone, which resulted in an automatic first down and an eventual Jets score to go up 34-13.

Defensively, the Jets held Kerry Collins in check, although Collins' receivers didn't help much, dropping a number of passes throughout the game, never allowing the Titans offense to get in any sort of rhythm.

Collins finished 21-43 for 243 and a touchdown, and that didn't come until the fourth quarter, after the Jets had gone up by 21 points.

The run game was relatively ineffective for Tennessee, as the Jets held rookie running back Chris Johnson to 46 yards on 10 carries. Johnson started the day second to Jones in the AFC in total rush yards.

From start to finish, the Jets were the superior team, forcing a punt on Tennessee's first possession, and following that up with a touchdown drive.

At 8-3, the Jets held a one-game lead atop the AFC East, with the Patriots defeating the Dolphins, keeping them a game back, while Buffalo remains two back after they took care of the Chiefs. With their loss to New England, Miami sits two games back as well.

With five games left, coach Eric Mangini has his team in the driver's seat for not only a playoff birth but perhaps a first round bye, as those final games include matchups with Denver, Buffalo, and Miami at home, and trips out west to take on San Francisco and Seattle.

All five games are certainly winnable for a team that in back-to-back weeks went into both New England and Tennessee as underdogs and found ways to win.

Not a bad time to be a football fan in New York, as the two clubs are a combined 18-4 this season following the Giants 34-26 victory in Arizona.

While the local media will likely continue dreaming of an all New York Super Bowl, the best thing for Jets fans to do right now is enjoy the success they're experiencing.

Because as any Jets fan knows, with their team, nothing is guaranteed, and nothing comes easy, as evidenced by their 18-point collapse in New England last weekend before recovering to win.

Still lots of football left to play, and with five weeks to go, the Jets can control their own destiny if they continue to play as well as they have during this five-game winning streak.

They'll look to make it six when Denver comes to town next week.

Amid Trades, Stephon Marbury Is Still the Story In New York

Adam Fier — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:04:08 -0500

11/22/08

You have to give Stephon Marbury a lot of credit.

Despite two trades made by President Donnie Walsh, neither of which he was a part of, Marbury found himself on the Knicks roster, in uniform and (shocker) making headlines.

Following the trades of Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph, coach Mike D'Antoni found himself with only eight healthy bodies, including Marbury, who had dressed only once during the team's first eleven games.

If you choose to believe D'antoni's side of the story, Marbury was told prior to the game that he would have between 30 and 35 minutes available to him if he wanted, but turned down the offer, opting to remain exiled from the rotation despite an invitation to join it.

Marbury's story, not surprisingly, differed, as he claimed that he had been told he still wasn't part of the plans moving forward, and that the decision for him to suit up was nothing more than a necessity to dress eight players, a league requirement.

So there he was, back in uniform, buried underneath the warm ups he never removed, as the case had been opening night when Marbury was unknowingly banished from the rotation, and hadn't been active since before last night.

The latest episode of Steph by Steph took yet another interesting turn, this time with the disgruntled star given a chance to play and deciding not to.

His decision will likely hasten the process of his removal from the world's most famous arena, as Walsh is expected to meet with Marbury again in the next few days, perhaps to finalize a possible buyout or outright release.

Marbury has received help from the NBA player's union, as he doesn't have an agent and represents himself.

If and when Marbury finally gets the pink slip he has been overdue to receive, it's widely expected Patrick Ewing Jr. will be brought back and join the team which traded for him and subsequently released him prior to opening night.

To say that the Marbury saga desperately needs to end would be an understatement, as yet again he found himself making headlines for all the wrong reasons, refusing to play on a night when his team needed him.

In fairness, the same team had told him his services weren't wanted or needed in the ten games prior, so Marbury's refusal shouldn't have come as much of a surprise considering how he's been treated since the season started.

Nevertheless, Marbury had a chance to take advantage of a rare opportunity to showcase himself to potential suitors, while showing he could put his ego to rest for a night and step up for the team who still supplies his paycheck.

Of course as only Stephon Marbury seems capable of doing, despite not being traded and not playing in his team's game last night, he found himself right in the middle of yet another controversy.

With things finally moving in the right direction for a franchise that hasn't been able to get out of it's own way in almost ten years, Walsh needs to end Marbury's Knick tenure once and for all.

In doing so, he can get the focus back on what his franchise is able to accomplish on the court, as opposed to the ones their former starting point guard continues to make off it.