Bleacher Report - Articles by Robert MacDonald

With the First Pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions Select...

Robert MacDonald — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:40:22 -0400

I've been told on many occasions that I'm "too optimistic." I don't think there is such a thing. After an 0-16 season, I could see the Lions making the playoffs. Not likely, of course, but with the right coaching anything could happen. I believe in Jim Schwartz.

I see no problem with Detroit drafting a quarterback in this draft, but I don't want to see it in the first round. Although Matthew Stafford can be a great QB, I haven't entirely given up on Daunte Culpepper. Something I'm in the minority on.

If the Lions can't manage to trade out of the first pick—which is most likely impossible—I would prefer to see them draft Eugene Monroe. I firmly believe in building your team in the trenches. No matter how great a quarterback you are, without offensive lineman to block for you, you're never going to succeed.

Drafting Monroe would benefit the Lions in two ways. They would have a starter at left tackle from day one, and an instant upgrade at left guard. That makes Daunte Culpepper a better QB, and Kevin Smith a much better runner.

Although I think B.J. Raji is a great defensive tackle, I don't think his warrants being taken first overall. Even if Detroit did draft him and he didn't perform like a No. 1 pick, he would be an upgrade over everyone on the Lions current defensive line. Both the linebackers and secondary could use the help.

Widely called the most sure pick in the draft, Aaron Curry would be a great fit for the Lions. But being a great fit doesn't entirely mean he's worthy of being No. 1 overall. If the Lions truly believe that Curry can play middle linebacker, then he would be worth the draft pick. I see Curry starting his career more as a strong-side linebacker though.

I wouldn't have a problem with the Lions drafting Jason Smith, the left tackle from Baylor University. Smith will be a great player in the NFL, but I think that Monroe is a little more NFL-ready due to the college system he played in. Smith looked better at the combine, so he gets more hype.

Stafford could end up being the best quarterback to ever enter the league, but who knows? I believe that in the long run, he would be the smartest pick. I tend to like winning right now, and I see no way Stafford beats out Culpepper as a rookie.

After drafting a quarterback first overall, there's no way Stafford starts a second season on the bench, whether he's the best quarterback or not.

The Lions could do many other things in the draft as well and I would love to see them draft a wide receiver at No. 20. I wouldn't mind seeing them let the clock expire on their pick, but that would cause a media frenzy and will probably never happen.

I'll be killed for saying this, but I wouldn't mind if the Lions drafted Michael Crabtree. Drafting Crabtree is only an option if they were able to trade down and get another pick or two.

One way or another, I believe the Lions are on the right path. I feel that they are two years at most from being a playoff team. I'll support the decisions of the Lions front office in this draft, no matter what.

Just not entirely sure I'll agree with them.

Looking Back on the Iverson-Billups Trade

Robert MacDonald — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:01:42 -0400

As an initial supporter of the Iverson for Billups trade, I have to admit that I was wrong. There are still some obvious positives from the trade, but I expected so much more. I almost would have preferred not making the playoffs, and having a chance at a lottery pick.

One thing that's true, no matter how you look at it, is that the Pistons have cut salary. As great as Chauncey was for Detroit, and the Pistons, they weren't going to win the NBA title. They lost $20 million off the books just with Iverson leaving, not to mention other expiring contracts.

The Iverson experiment not working should be blamed most on Michael Curry, but it was not entirely his fault. Coach Curry continuously handled the situation wrong. From starting Iverson and Rip, instead of Rip and Stuckey. From starting Iverson over Rip. It was one wrong move after another.

I believe if Iverson hadn't hurt his back, he'd still be the starter now.

Having a strong supporting cast for once, I genuinely thought that Iverson could get past some of his "me first" attitude. As great a player as he still is, he was the only one who didn't think he should have been the Pistons sixth man.

Even after returning from his injury, he thought he should have been doing much more. It seemed pretty evident that he wasn't himself.

It would be hard to not lose respect for Iverson after the way he handled himself. He said all the right things until his injury. He didn't stick to his word. I firmly believe he hurt himself in his next contract. Not that anyone particularly wants to give another $20 million to aging veteran.

I wish Iverson well in his bid for an NBA title. Unless he joins a contender who doesn't have to sacrifice one of their great players to get him, I don't see him getting one. For that, I do feel bad for him. Nobody has worked harder. I do hope he starts to realize his declining skills.

Can University of Michigan Make It Over the Hump?

Robert MacDonald — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:03:51 -0500

For the first time in a long time, I have to say I'm impressed with the Wolverines basketball team. A win over then-No. 4 (now No. 9) UCLA, a close game against the Maryland Terrapins, then a win over the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils. Things haven't looked this promising since the days of Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, and Jalen Rose.

John Beilein is looking like an early candidate for Big 10 coach of the year. With a few more wins over ranked teams and an appearance in the NCAA tournament, he might be in the discussion for National Coach of the Year honors.

It may be wishful thinking, but gone are the days of barely making the National Invitational Tournament. In DeShawn Sims, it appears we have a player who's capable of taking over against our toughest competition. Let's just hope that he stays around for his senior season.

With a (6-2) start, it surely can't be compared to an undefeated season. Comparing to last year, it's room for hope. It's generally thought that the Big 10 is a weaker conference, it's possible that Michigan could win it. Even so, finishing in the top two or three in the division would be great.

I'm sure people are going to say it's too early for me to be giving this kind of support for the Wolverines basketball team. With the way the football team performed this year, I have to be able to put my support in someone. Maybe the other WVU coach will be able to right his ship after one bad season.

It's been a long time coming for Michigan's Basketball team to make a turnaround. Obviously they're not even ranked yet, but nobody can debate they're heading in the right direction. Only time will tell if this season is just a good start or the start of our future.

Were the Texas Longhorns Done Wrong?

Robert MacDonald — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:25:19 -0500

I can't help but feel sorry for the Texas Longhorns. They beat a team that gets to play in the BCS National Title game. There are many arguments, but however you look at it, Texas was done wrong.

If Texas were in any of the other BCS Conferences, they would have been playing in the Conference Title game against Missouri. They would have beaten Missouri for the second time, and well on their way to a match against Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators.

The Big 12 needs to change their fifth tie-breaker. Instead of basing anything on BCS standings, the fifth tie-breaker should be head-to-head matchups. If they really want to use BCS standings as a tie breaker, make it the sixth tie breaker. Or even seventh. Right after drawing straws out of a hat.

This is a tough situation overall. No team in the country has been playing better than Oklahoma. They've been dominating all their competition. That's not really Texas' fault, though.

As bad as I feel for Texas about the situation, I don't know that I could see them beating the Gators.

I despise the Gators and Urban "Oscar" Meyer, but they also are dominating teams. The way they played Alabama, I was impressed. Tim Tebow certainly made a case for his name to be mentioned in the Heisman voting.

The BCS is ruining college football. There's no other way of looking at it. In what other major American sport is the winner picked by a computer? Okay, the winner isn't picked by the computer, but the two teams that get to play are.

Big 12, please change your tie-breaking rules. College Football, please get rid of the BCS. I don't really care what format, but we need a playoff. A plus one, a four-team playoff, an eight-team, even a 64-team playoff. Anything would be better than what we have now.

Texas deserves a chance at redemption. Unless the AP voters declare a Co-Champion, Texas has no chance for it. That stinks!

Looking Back On The Lloyd Carr Era

Robert MacDonald — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:59:15 -0500

While I'm sure I wasn't the only supporter of Lloyd Carr, I heard many times how he should have been fired.

How poor he was for the University of Michigan.

How he couldn't win against Ohio State.

And how he couldn't win the big games.

Let me be clear in saying that I'm a fan of Rich Rod. If we couldn't continue having Lloyd Carr coaching, there are few other people I can think I would have wanted more than Rich Rod.

Michigan is a University based on tradition. The greatest tradition in all of college football. Something Lloyd was deeply involved in. In the days since Rich Rodriguez has gotten the job, he's made it his goal to change tradition. Something some Michigan players and fans have frowned upon.

Lloyd was blasted for his record in bowl games. He was 6-7 in his career. He was also blasted for his records against Ohio State. He was also 6-7 in his career versus Ohio State.

What many Michigan and college football fans don't seem to realize is that it isn't all about National Championships and beating your main rival.

When he retired, he had one of the highest winning percentages among active coaches. He led Michigan to five Big 10 titles, as well as the National Title in 1997.

His teams ended the season ranked all but one season. He led Michigan to four straight bowl game victories, something no other Michigan coach had ever done. He finished with a winning record against all of Michigan's rivals, aside from Ohio State.

Lloyd was more like a father than a coach to many of his players. There are a great number of former Michigan players that stay in touch with Coach Carr til this day.

He was always known for his high moral character. He was never involved in any scandals, nor has he ever had any major NCAA violations.

I've never met Lloyd Carr personally, so I can't tell you from experience how great a person or coach he was. I definitely feel as though he was great for the University of Michigan, as well as preserving tradition.

The team produced NFL caliber players year in and year out. He's one of the main reasons Michigan was known as 'Quarterback U.'

I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't looking forward to what Rich Rod is going to do with U of M. I wouldn't mind seeing an exciting system, with exciting players. That's something Michigan hasn't had during my lifetime. I still miss Lloyd Carr and everything he stood for.

Dear Mr. Ford...

Robert MacDonald — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:13:41 -0500

I would like to put my name in the running for a front office position with the Lions. I'm not particular about the position. I'll even get the Starbucks in the mornings, if need be. My preference would be for either Coach or President/CEO.

Now, I'm sure you've probably never heard of me, but let me tell you a little about myself. I'm sure after reading this you'll realize why I would be perfect for your team.

I was born in Michigan in 1983. Nobody in my family really liked sports, I found them on my own. I started making my family watch the Thanksgiving day games at about five years old. I watched the team through the glory years. Barry Sanders, Herman Moore, and Scott Mitchell.

I watched any game I could. That got to be a bit difficult when I moved to Florida. It was okay though, because I could normally watch at least the two games against Tampa Bay on TV. Then something about realigning the divisions came out, and Tampa Bay wasn't in the same division anymore.

I signed up to play high school football. I played three years total. Freshman and two years of Junior Varsity. I didn't get on the field much, so I was always an asset to the coaches. My areas that I specialized in were offensive and defensive line. The two most important positions on a winning football team.

I always keep up with College Football. I make mock drafts every year. Put players to teams by need, then by talent. This past draft I got seven right! I have to tell you, I missed on Godser Cherilus though. I didn't have him going 'til late in the second round.

I play fantasy football, so I pay very close attention to statistics. I know which areas are the best to focus on. On your team, what you need is people who get touchdowns. I know who all of them are.

Now this may be the most impressive part. I've been a Madden player since the very first game came out. Now it may be difficult for you to believe this, but every year I've been in charge of the Lions, they've gone undefeated. Now you might say that it's just a video game. To that I'd say this, Madden Football is a way of life Sir! Madden has taught me everything I need to know about the salary cap. The Lions had a lot of it left this year.

Now if my credentials so far haven't sold you, I'm sure this will. I'm a people person. I always lend a helping hand. Whenever old ladies need a hand with their groceries, I'm there. With my personality, and your money, we can get all the best coaches and players. Now, I've messaged Bill Cower a couple times on Myspace, and he's promised me that if I get the job, he'll coach your team.

I'd like to discuss money with you as well. As I'm sure that's something important to you. I'm sure you're asking yourself, "With all these credentials, can I even afford this guy?" Here's my offer to you. I'll work for your team, again, in any capacity, for only $50,000.

Here's the kicker, I'll let you stipulate in my contract that if we don't win at least two games more than this year, you can fire me without pay. Now I know what you must be thinking. Why would someone be so willing to put themselves out there, for so cheap? The answer is simple, I love the Detroit Lions.

So Sir, if you're interested in hiring me, you can contact me through this site, Myspace.com, Facebook.com, or through my fantasy football website. I'm sure you'll make the right decision. Lions in the Super Bowl in 2010!

Allen Iverson Fallout: The Positives for the Pistons

Robert MacDonald — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:22:03 -0500

I've heard and read a lot of negatives referring to the Allen Iverson trade. Being a Pistons fan, as well as an Iverson fan, I felt it was my duty to put a positive spin on this trade.

Obviously, I can't explain how the inconsistency we've seen is a positive, but the more time this team spends together, the less inconsistency we'll see.

Many people like to point out how well Denver is playing since they received Chauncey Billups. Denver has a great record, there's no doubt. They are playing with a true point guard, who also happens to be one of the top five in the league. In George Karl's system, the need for a true point guard is very important. Not to mention one that plays defense. Think back to Gary Payton in Seattle.

People complain about the Pistons record since Iverson has been in the lineup. The Pistons finished the month of November 10-6. Last year with Billups, the Pistons were 9-5 at the end of November. Doesn't seem like such a difference. Keeping in mind that the Pistons haven't had an training camp together makes that seem more impressive.

In previous seasons the Pistons have been notorious for taking nights off. It seems as though this season they aren't taking nights off, but having off nights. Those like the loss to Minnesota. It's safe to say that when Iverson finds his niche on the team that will happen less frequently.

In trading for Iverson, the Pistons received a dynamic scorer. A player who at 33 can still dominate games. He's one of the greatest scorers of all time. I'd place him in the top three of clutch players in the NBA right now. He's great at getting to the hole and drawing contact. The Pistons have long been a team of jump shooters.

There was one positive nobody can dispute. The Pistons traded a long term contract for an expiring one. Paired with Rasheed Wallace's expiring contract, the Pistons could be major players in the 2009 or 2010 free agent markets. Everyone is said to be making a push for LeBron James, what better way to pursue him? This also gives Rodney Stuckey another year of maturity before he is required to be the point guard.

The one negative of the trade, the thing that most disappointed me was losing Antonio McDyess. Then to see him get released by the Nuggets, it was like I had gotten all the Christmas gifts I had asked for. We get a spark plug in our lineup, and all we have to give up is a unproven player from Senegal. Who wouldn't make this trade?

Seeing posts on here and other sites, the majority of people expected over night results on the Iverson trade. It's a little easier to fit a Billups into a system than it is to fit an Iverson. Billups is exactly what the Nuggets needed, whereas Iverson is something the Pistons have always wanted.

The only thing I can compare this trade to is Brett Favre joining the Jets. I say this because Brett Favre isn't the prototype for a quarterback, he's a gunslinger, a risk taker. This is how I see Iverson. The first six weeks of the season Brett just didn't seem himself. He had a good game here or there, he just wasn't Brett. Now we're seeing the man we all know and love.

The Pistons are adjusting nicely to Iverson, and Iverson to the Pistons. For the first time in his career he has a team around him, people capable of contributing. A place where he doesn't have to kill himself night in and night out to be an 8th seed.

Folks like to ask why you would break up the chemistry of a team that's gone to six straight Eastern Conference Finals. The reason for that is simple, you don't play a sport to be in a Conference Finals. You play a sport to get to the big game. The NBA Finals, the Super Bowl, the World Series, what have you. With one Championship to show, it was obviously not going to change with the same core of players.

Is the trade everything I hoped for? Not yet. I feel pretty confident that it will be. Hopefully this has helped you to see things from a "glass half full" perspective. I hope you enjoyed.