Bleacher Report - Atlanta

Brave Gamble: Wagner Is Proof The Braves Want to Win Now

Josh Rutledge — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:45:03 -0500

Winning is a risky business. It's much easier to lose.

But the Atlanta Braves are determined to win in 2010. Not 2011. Not 2012. In 2010.

The problem is Atlanta can't simply hope for the best in 2010. The Yankees can hope for the best. The Phillies can hope for the best.

Those clubs have the answers. There might be a few additions and subtractions here and there, but the gist of a winning franchise is already in place.

Not so in Atlanta. The Braves are building a winning franchise. And to get to that point will take a lot of calculated gambles. Billy Wagner is one such gamble.

In acquiring Wagner, General Manager Frank Wren indicated that Atlanta won't be re-signing either Mike Gonzalez or Rafael Soriano. Both are top-notch closers. Both will command a hefty salary.

What are the chances Wagner can effectively replace either one of them? Iffy. Wagner was once the most dominant closer in baseball, but he's not that closer anymore.

He's coming off surgery, and his performance since that surgery has been questionable. He's shown flashes of good and bad.

So why did Atlanta take the gamble? Because if the Braves are going to win next year, they need to get lucky.

There are questions looming on this team. Who can provide power next season? Was Chipper Jones' 2009 collapse an aberration or an indicator of his aging ability? Will Tim Hudson bounce back from surgery?

There are only so many questions that Atlanta can deal with in the offseason. Yes, Wren can go out and sign a big bat. He'll most likely find someone to fill that void of power in the lineup.

But to solve that problem, he has to create a problem somewhere else. Wren can't afford to bring in a big bat and re-sign two of the best relievers on the market, so he had to take a calculated gamble.

If Wagner fails, the Braves are in trouble.

But that's what it is going to take if the Braves are serious about winning in 2010. Wren can only do so much to sort out the potential questions. Again, Atlanta will ultimately just have to get lucky.

Wagner will need to play well. The offense will have to produce more power. The pitching staff will have to play up to last season's standard.

A lot of things have to go right, and it's Wren's job to create an environment that increases the likelihood of things going right.

Wagner increases that likelihood because his arrival means the Braves can focus on signing a bigger bat to fill a bigger hole than the one left over from Soriano and Gonzalez.

Of course, if Wagner fails, people will criticize Frank Wren for bringing him to the team. But in this case, the benefits outweigh the consequences.

It's a risky business, but Frank Wren is here to gamble.

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Calgary Flames All-Time: NHL Awards and Trophies

M MacDonald Hall — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 04:21:34 -0500

For a club with such an up-and-down past, the Calgary Flames have a surprising number of NHL Awards in their franchise display case. Proud owners of sixteen separate trophies, the Flames organisation has had its name or the names of its players engraved on League silver nearly thirty times, heralding fourteen different individual Flames recipients and six team recognitions. In a slideshow heavy on Jarome Iginla content, the current captain's impact on his team becomes palpably apparent. Six separate individual NHL Awards bear his name, and including Calgary's 2004 Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, he has collected at least eight separate NHL trophies. He has led the NHL scoring race, been chosen as League MVP by his player peers, come just the wrong side of the tightest Hart MVP voting in history, been selected best all-around leader by Mark Messier, and received virtually every prize for leadership, commitment, and heart. Most of these honours he achieved before his 30th birthday. Despite a relative lull between Iginla’s numerous nods of the 21st Century and the team’s talent logjam of the 1980s, Calgary’s collection of NHL hardware is impressive. Only a few NHL Award categories have eluded their collection, which the team makes up for with many multiple wins in others. Some are contentious, others clear cut — all NHL Awards hold a prized position in the organisation’s history, through their thirty years in Calgary and back into the ‘70s in Georgia. The three players who won when the franchise was still in Atlanta all came with the Flames in the move to Calgary, so their place in this list isn’t just honorary; each of these men were award-winning Flames, each wore the Flaming C in the Stampede City. Prepare to be amazed at how many NHL Awards and Trophies the Flames have won, all-time. Go on, start the show! Photo: Jarome Iginla, seen here at the start of the 2009-10 season in retro Flames silks. The vintage colours visually place Iggy with Calgary's skilful '80s roster, and his NHL Award recognitions put him with and above the best in franchise history.

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Atlanta Hawks Begin December Following Embarrassing End to November

John Boller — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:35:16 -0500

The Atlanta Hawks begin their December schedule tonight at home against the Toronto Raptors.

The Hawks are coming off their worst stretch of the season after finishing their final four games in November 1-3.

The three losses included Atlanta’s first back-to-back games of the season. The two losses cut the Hawks deep.

The first loss came on the road at the hands of the struggling, injured, and interim head coached New Orleans Hornets.

The losses snapped Atlanta’s seven game win streak, gave Mike Bibby his still sore ankle, and was dominated by Chris Paul’s backup, rookie point guard Darren Collison.

The first year man out of UCLA recorded his first double-double with 22 points and 11 assists.

Atlanta had a chance to redeem itself with a national televised game on Thanksgiving Night against division foe Orlando Magic. Unfortunately, it would be an embarrassing second half.

The Magic surrendered just 25 points to the Hawks in the second half, while coming back from a 51-39 deficit to win 93-76.

The loss gave started their only loosing streak of the season, and ruined the Hawks perfect record at Philips Arena.

The Hawks licked their wounds and rebounded the day after their Thanksgiving debacle, with a 14-point victory against the 76ers at Philadelphia.

However, the bounce back quickly got deflated when they had to go to Detroit last Sunday. It was just a six-point loss to the pistons, but the box score, specifically rebounding, was hard to swallow.

The Pistons out-rebounded Atlanta 53 to 27. Detroit had 24 offensive rebounds to Atlanta’s six.

The Pistons Ben Wallace had 18 boards all by himself. He had 11 offensive boards.

Joe Johnson’s shooting struggles continued with a 5-of-19 showing from the field, including 0-for-5 from the three-point line.

While Johnson was still stuck in neutral, more like reverse, his teammate Josh Smith continued to show how his has matured.

Smith went 11-of-15 from the field and his 23 points led the team, while tying Detroit’s Rodney Stuckey.

He only grabbed seven rebounds, but hey, nobody wearing a Hawk uniform thought it was a good idea to try and get a rebound.

Smith also had a game-high five blocked shots. Atlanta had nine blocked shots in the game.

Smith continues to lead the league in blocked shots, averaging 2.7 blocks per game.

Tip-off for tonight’s game against the Raptors is at 7:00 EST.

Will the Hawks start out December with a win, or will they get their second straight loss at home?

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Georgia Tech Head Coach Johnson: Punch UGA Fans In Face

Patrick Garbin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:04:18 -0500

It looks like the Georgia Bulldogs are not only superior on the gridiron than their in-state rival, but also have a much classier coach.

Three days following Georgia Tech’s 30-24 loss to Georgia, Yellow Jacket head coach Paul Johnson made some shocking remarks that stirred the Bulldog Nation.

Speaking to an Atlanta sports-talk radio station, Johnson asked, “Why would the University of Georgia defend Georgia Tech? What have they done to be the mark for Georgia Tech football? What's the last thing they won? 1980?"

As a UGA fan, I personally respected Johnson. You have to acknowledge a coach who was hired less than two years ago by a middling football program and has quickly turned the Yellow Jackets into the best team in their conference.

At the beginning, seemingly everyone questioned his triple-option offense, doubting it would work against major college defenses. Johnson’s gimmicky offense is now one of the most feared in football.

Most importantly, Johnson has achieved what his predecessor Chan Gailey did not—Georgia Tech football now matters.

However, it sounds like the coach is either crying over spilled milk or doesn’t know his Tech-Georgia football history very well.

The Bulldogs have won plenty since 1980, especially when compared to Georgia Tech.

Georgia has captured four SEC titles, including two during the Mark Richt era, since its national championship of 1980. During the same time, Georgia Tech has won one outright ACC title and that came nearly 20 years ago.

Since 1980, the Bulldogs are 21-8 versus the Yellow Jackets, including last Saturday’s victory.

It seems to me Georgia has done plenty “to be the mark for Georgia Tech football,” if the mark is one of a long-standing, successful football program.

Johnson continued to said, "We're not going anywhere. We'll be here for awhile. [The loss to Georgia is] not the be all, end all. We're 1-1 [against Georgia]."

The coach is right; Georgia will likely have its hands full when playing the Yellow Jackets as long as he is patrolling Tech’s sideline. However, Johnson’s 1-1 record in the rivalry doesn’t quite compare to Richt’s 8-1 and should not be worthy of mention.

I almost don’t blame Johnson for downplaying Saturday’s defeat with the ACC title game looming this week. I too would want my team to accomplish something it hasn’t since 1990, more so than a victory over a five-loss Georgia squad.

Most of the Bulldog Nation continues to gloat days after its team’s triumph, so Johnson carried on, advising any Jacket fan getting badgered by a Dawg fan to “punch him in the face.”

Stay classy, Coach Johnson.

I can stand a coach who, every now and then, is overly defensive or doesn’t know his facts, but to even mention the phrase, “punch him in the face,” sounds classless.

The respect I had for Johnson has diminished and I’m now beginning to question his intellect. Henceforth, I will no longer associate intelligence with everything having to do with The Georgia Institute of Technology.

Seriously, I speculate most of what Johnson said, especially the remark advocating fan violence, was a verbal slipup. I doubt one loss to Georgia is going to turn him into the next Lane Kiffin.

Notwithstanding, it's remarks like his, that make some fans appreciate their own coach even more. For the Georgia faithful, it’s Coach Richt—a man of faith, principal, and integrity, and one who is smart enough not to resemble a jerk in public.

Johnson has been the head coach of a major college football program for only two years, so, like Tennessee’s Kiffin, he may still have a lot to learn. Regardless, surely he has more sense than what it takes to run the triple option.

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Atlanta Falcons Escape Sunday Worse for Wear as Buccaneers Drop a Heartbreaker

Richard Bridges — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:10:10 -0500

The Falcons kept their heads above water in the NFC playoff race, but they paid a huge price.

From the onset of Sunday's kickoff, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came out physical. With the announcement that head coach Raheem Morris will be calling the plays, the Tampa Bay faithful had a close eye on the results. They were not disappointed.

From the first snap of the game, the Bucs came out to punch the Falcons in the face. It didn't take long before the first of many injuries surfaced.

On the 10th play of the game, Falcons golden boy quarterback Matt Ryan was rolled up while being sacked by two relative unknown defensive ends. One of the two, named Tim Crowder, was just signed this season as a free agent from Denver.

I mention Crowder merely due to the fact that I pined for him in 2007, when then Falcons GM Rich McKay was steering the ship. Crowder went in the second round, 17 picks after the Falcons selected cornerback Chris Houston.

Crowder had a much better game Sunday than the disappointing Houston.

When Crowder emerged from the sack high-fiving his teammates, quarterback Matt Ryan limped slowly off the field and wasn't seen in the huddle for the rest of the game. His replacement, veteran Chris Redman, had to take the reins and lead the Falcons to victory.

Redman stepped on the field for the first time in 27 games for the Falcons and delivered the mail. He did a solid job keeping the chains moving, and for someone that takes very few reps with the first string offense, he performed very well.

"I am always in the game whether I am in or not," said Redman after the game. "As the backup, you have to be prepared to play at any second to be in the game. I understand that I am one play away from getting my number called to step in. This approach enabled me to focus in and help the team as much as possible."

The Falcons are lucky they have a backup that prepares this way. Tampa Bay was playing "Nothing to Lose" football Sunday and came out with massive pressure packages—namely, blitzing safety Ronde Barber.

Before the first half had ended, the Falcons had lost their starting quarterback, left tackle, and right guard. Physical indeed. The birds got beat up.

Shortly after the second half was under way, another blow was struck to the Falcons offense. Stud running back Michael Turner went down with another leg injury.

So welcome back to the huddle, Chris Redman. You are working with backup running backs who have both been injured, a backup offensive tackle guarding your blind side, and the meanest offensive lineman on the team standing on the sidelines injured.

Now go win the football game!

And that he did. It took a last second pass on fourth down to Roddy White to do it. This game was controlled by Tampa Bay from start to finish. But it isn't about who wins the battles; it's about who wins the wars.

“We had double slants called with man coverage on the last play," said Redman. "We liked our chances with WR Roddy White one-on-one making a play for us on fourth down. Roddy is a great player and we had all the confidence in him. Our timing was a bit off prior to that touchdown catch.”

All that matters is the war was won.

The Falcons are still alive for a playoff berth going into a very difficult two-week stretch against Philadelphia and New Orleans. Both games are at home. If the Falcons plan to sniff the playoffs, they must win at least one of these two games, with the Eagles game being the most important in the case of a season-ending tiebreaker.

They will go into these games likely without Matt Ryan. It all falls on the shoulders of Chris Redman. I personally have faith in his ability to distribute the ball to the playmakers. The real question mark going into those games is honestly that porous Falcons defense.

It is up to the defense to shore up and impose their will on these two dynamic offenses. Both teams have been stopped this season in different games—the Saints against the Jets and the Eagles against the Raiders. What's troubling is both the Jets and Raiders are better defensively than Atlanta.

Defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder is terrified to blitz good quarterbacks. He plays two of the best in the next two weeks. Expect to see more bend and break defense.

But back to observations from the Tampa Bay game.

STUDS OF THE WEEK

Chris Redman

Stepped in admirably with half the offensive unit injured. He tossed the winning touchdown pass as well as several key third and fourth down completions.

Tony Gonzalez

Until the final drive of the game, Gonzo was relatively invisible. He was double-covered much of the game and fought through those to be ready to win the game. That last drive was worth the price of admission.

Michael Koenan

I can't say enough about the boybarian. He's one of the best in the league. Between forcing touchbacks and booming 60-yard punts that take six seconds to land, he's just solid. He kept Tampa Bay pinned back anytime he was called upon.

Michael Jenkins

I defend him constantly to fellow Falcons fans. He's one of the best blocking receivers in the NFL and gets little credit in that area. There is a reason the Falcons get so much production running his direction. His problem has been dropping passes. Well, not Sunday. He had a great game with Redman throwing him the rock.

Roddy White

Between the receiver screen he took past Aqib Talib for over 20 yards and the game-winning touchdown, he played hard Sunday. He's a guy I'm glad to have on our side in the battles. I have a feeling he's going to have a helluva day Sunday with Redman tossing him the rock deep.

Chevis Jackson

I have to show my LSU alum some love here. He played very well—better than any other cornerback on the field. Not saying much there, but he was the best.

Jonathan Babineaux

Invisible for most of the game, he came through with a clutch sack and forced fumble to force the Bucs to punt midway through the fourth quarter.

DUDS OF THE WEEK

Jason Elam

I hate to pile on this guy because he's been so clutch in his career in the past. This season, something's up. He missed another pretty automatic field goal Sunday. It was announced today that he was released, and I wish him the best. He seems like a great guy, but he's either injured or he has Rayfinkleitis.

Sam Baker

Matt Ryan isn't the only one going through a sophomore slump. Baker had a really bad November and topped it off with getting injured. His replacement, Will Svitek, doesn't thrill me, but the way T-Rex (yes, Baker has short arms) has been playing, I can't say with any faith it's a downgrade.

Tye Hill

I hope you put some of that famous lasagna in your refrigerator the night the Falcons signed you. You can freeze it and take it with you next year to whatever team signs you. Sunday I had D.J. Johnson flashbacks. The difference is, Antonio Bryant is no Jerry Rice.

Chris Houston

Turn your head and play the ball Chris!!!! Write this down, take a picture, I don't give a...well, you get the idea. Turn your head and play the ball!!!

John Abraham

...To say I'm disappointed would be too much of an understatement.

Mike Peterson

Has he played in the month of November? I swear I see a jersey whose name is covered by hair sometimes. I just figure it can't be Peterson because it's usually side camera walking into the play after the whistle. Very disappointed in him after a fantastic September.

Chauncey Davis

Is he still on the active roster?

I can't say I'm optimistic about Sunday's game against the Eagles after watching the home game against the Buccaneers. The Falcons are supposed to be a force at home. I realize injuries are mounting, but Tampa Bay was a 1-9 team going into Sunday. You aren't supposed to rely on last second heroics in those games.

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"We Dat!": Atlanta's New Rally Cry For Falcons Nation

Chad Waylon Pouncy — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:07:44 -0500

"Who dat say dey gon beat dem Saints?" - New Orleans Saints 1983

"They say 'who dat ?', n***a we dat !" Young Jeezy 2008

The Atlanta Falcons franchise was founded in 1966, bringing the NFL to the south. A year later, the Falcons were given their first true rival, the New Orleans Saints.

The Saints have adopted a chant that dated back to the nineteenth century vaudeville era. The question, "Who dat?", was first posed in minstrel acts at the turn of the century. E.E Rice is credited with the first "Who dat?" reference in the song "Who Dat Say Chicken in Dis Crowd?".

In 1983, when the Saints, under Bum Phillips, started winning, New Orleans started chanting "Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gon beat dem Saints?"

Atlanta fans have the answer to that question.

"We dat !"

Though both teams have a less-than-impressive resume, there is one thing that can't be taken away, team pride. New Orleans fans are well known for their spirit while Atlanta fans are often overlooked.

During the Falcons 1998 season that culminated with their first and only Super Bowl appearance, Atlanta fans and players adopted the nickname "Dirty Birds". The nickname gave Falcons Nation a feeling of solidarity.

Now it's time to come together under the banner of "We dat !"

Who has beaten the Saints more times than any NFL team?

We dat !

Who's going to stop the Saints undefeated streak in 2009?

We dat !

Who dat say de gon beat dem Saints?

We dat !

On Sunday, December 13, the Atlanta Falcons will host the (most likely) still undefeated New Orleans Saints. This is the same Saints team that narrowly defeated the Falcons in Week Seven.

It's time for Atlanta to show New Orleans who is truly the best team in the South. It's time for Falcons Nation to make a name for themselves. It's time for the Atlanta Falcons to be heard.

We dat !

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Georgia Bulldogs Move Logan Gray To Wide Receiver—QB Job Open in 2010

Kimberley Nash — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:38:46 -0500

A report offered by Dean Legge of Dawg Post has stated that Logan Gray will be moved to wide receiver prior to the bowl game.

This move ends any speculation that Logan will be the front-runner for the starting quarterback spot in 2010 and likely marks the start of Aaron Murray's tenure at Georgia.

In response to the move of Logan Gray, the Dawgs have offered Lassiter High School quarterback Hutson Mason a spot in this year's signing class. Mason is a Georgia native and the state's No. 1 prospect at his position.

Mason passed for 4,522 yards, 55 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 13 games this year.

There are those who feel that the decision to move Gray to wide receiver could cause him to sever his ties and transfer but, as of now, there aren't any indications of that being the case.

Georgia can now begin to focus on the competition for who will be No. 1 on the depth chart next year—Zach Mettenberger or Aaron Murray.

The odds on favorite would seem to be Murray, the highly-touted and uber talented cherry of the 2009 class. He showed a bit of his elite-level talent in last springs G-Day Game but was redshirted in favor of Joe Cox.

If he does win the job outright, he will certainly come into a better situation than the departing Cox did this season and will be working with more seasoned offensive weapons.

One year removed from their freshman seasons, Branden Smith, Orson Charles, and Washaun Ealey will all offer a nice set of options for either Murray or Mettenberger. Add to that junior A.J. Green's healthy return and you have to feel good about our chance to rebound and put more points on the board in 2010.

So, what is the short and sweet of what Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger have to offer?

Aaron Murray is a pro-style quarterback with the athletic ability to make plays both in the pocket and on the run. He has a great arm and is capable of throwing just about any pass you want him to throw with relative ease. He's heady and makes good decisions with the ball.

His frame is a bit lanky, much like Cox, but he's a tough kid and can hold his own against the biggest of linemen.

Zach Mettenberger is a big guy with a big arm. He's got a bit of a gunslinger's mentality, a la Matthew Stafford, but that doesn't mean he's incapable of making good decisions in the pocket.

His ability to read defenses and make the proper adjustments to the pass-rush make him especially dangerous to those playing zone or man coverage.

If Mettenberger has a weakness, it's his tendency to be too confident in his arm. He has been known to force a pass or two and that led to some costly interceptions during his high school days.

Neither quarterback will have a problem getting the ball down the field next season.

As for Gray's future with Georgia, that has yet to be seen. Should he choose to stay, he will likely be listed near the bottom of the depth chart behind A.J. Green, Orson Charles, Rantavious Wooten, and Israel Troupe, not to mention the likes of Arthur Lynch and Marlon Brown.

It may prove to be even more difficult to find a spot for Gray in next season's offense.

Either way, it would seem that his dreams of playing quarterback at Georgia are over.

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Do Da Dirty Bird: Liking Bryant-For-Elam, Tolerating Redman-For-Ryan

John McCurdy — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:36:01 -0500

When it comes down to it, the Atlanta Falcons' starter switches at two of the three most important offensive positions were inevitable and unavoidable.

A team can simply not stick with a kicker who misses half of his attempts between 30 and 39 yards and has a penchant for choking under pressure. In fact, those two attributes would be the exact opposite of what a club would desire.

Also, a team can simply not expect their star quarterback to remain healthy indefinitely. Indeed, considering the position comes with the honor of being the most hunted player on the field, a perpetually ready-to-go QB would be the exact opposite of a realistic demand.

The Dirty Birds are doing their best to get (or at least look) prepared for Sunday's critical battle with the Eagles, despite the turnover.

They picked up Brandon Coutu last week to hopefully push incumbent PK Jason Elam a bit (exciting this former Bulldog to no end), and then acted swiftly when the latter didn't respond in the Tampa game by signing Matt Bryant on Dec. 1.

And when Matt Ryan went down with a turf toe injury, the team looked immediately to 2007 starter-turned-trusty backup Chris Redman with no hesitation. He played well enough to eke out a win over the Bucs.

So what should the viewer expect from this slightly-new-look bunch?

Place Kicker: It's All Smiles and Rainbows

Mr. Elam, I am proud to say you graduated from my high school (word to the 'Wood...Brookwood!) and that you returned to the hometown team after years in the foreign countries known as Hawaii and Denver. But I am perhaps more proud to say this:

You (whether by choice or not) have stepped down once your effectiveness has ceased. These missed field goals this year, they caused me such pain.

The whiff in Week One was forgivable, if a head-scratcher: How could such a reliable vet manage that? , I wondered. You "answered" me a few weeks later with the performance against New Orleans, and then proceeded to dig your own grave in Weeks 10 through 12.

I really would rather not go into analyzing whether or not the Falcons might have pulled out the Carolina and Giants games—for me, the pain is still too near—but it was pretty obvious that Elam wasn't performing at the level expected of a pro booter. It was probably due after the Panthers bout, but now Atlanta has finally come around to replacing him.

The man to step into the spotlight is the aforementioned Bryant, who played in NFL Europa and then for those same Buccaneers for four years (thanks for the info, Falcoholic). He's had solid mid-range accuracy in the past, but that should be true of all kickers.

Cough cough , Elam.

I look forward to breathing easy when we get within 30 yards. At least on his first kick, that is.

Clean slate, Matt, clean slate.

Quarterback: Just Pretend It's the Preseason, Chris

This past Sunday is just that—past. It turned out a win, so in my mind, there's no need to go into the "ifs" surrounding what might have happened had Matty Ice not got hurt, had Redman not had the luxury of throwing to Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White, etc.

Instead, let us look forward to what having Redman on the field means for the next contest, one of even greater import. After all, a win here pulls us into, at worst, a three-way tie with Philly and N.Y., and we have the easiest remaining schedule of the three.

Obviously, offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey is going to be a bit more reserved with the playcalling considering the franchise arm will be on the sideline, but he won't forget that half of the magical hookup—meaning, Gonzo and Rod—are doing just fine. There's no need to overcompensate with the run, especially considering the turmoil at tailback.

Simplification of the pass game is barely necessary, either. What viewers saw in the final Falcons drive against the Bucs can happen against the Eagles, if the team feels the pressure of this semi-play-in and Tony G and White down lose that super hand strength.

Oh wait, that second thing will never happen.

Chris has the accuracy to place the ball, and note that though his attempts were numerous this past week (41), he threw a rather low number of interceptions (0). Specifically, a quick release and low, short passes served him well, even if catches had to be made on around hip-level.

It'll be nice to have someone not prone to giving the ball up, even if he has much less penchant for the big play or high completion percentage. Of course, with Asante Samuel in the defensive backfield, no one is safe...

But now I'm just teasing the game preview. Look for it in the next DDDB !

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Closing in on Billy Wagner…..

Daria Del Colliano — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:32:00 -0500

The Atlanta Braves sure didn’t waste any time in their hot pursuit of a new closer.

Just hours after Atlanta offered arbitration to free agents Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez reports surfaced that the Braves have reached a preliminary agreement with Billy Wagner on a one-year, $7 million dollar contract with a $6.5 million vesting option for the 2011 season.

Wagner, who ranks sixth in major league history with 385 saves, missed most of the 2009 season recovering from ligament-transplant replacement surgery.

The Braves interest in the 38-year-old reliever stems from his successful comeback late last season with the Mets and Red Sox.

In his 17 appearances in the season’s final two months, Wagner posted an impressive 1.72 ERA, held opponents to a .174 batting average, and notched 26 strikeouts over 15 2/3 innings.

The deal is expected to be finalized and announced after the flame throwing lefty passes a physical that is scheduled for today in Atlanta.

Sources believe that Wagner, a Virginia native, could have commanded more money on the open market but chose to take less to come to Atlanta for its close location to his home, its position to compete a playoff spot next season, and for the opportunity to play for a manager he’s always admired in Bobby Cox.

The two sides were to believed to have ironed out most of the details on the contract this weekend and were just waiting for confirmation of Boston’s offer of arbitration before moving forward in the process.

Wagner, along with the Braves’ Soriano and Gonzalez, were considered to be the elite relievers on the free agent market.

The duo of Soriano and Gonzalez split closing duties for Atlanta last season and combined for 37 saves and 192 strikeouts in 150 innings.

Atlanta’s decision to offer arbitration was a precautionary measure as both Soriano and Gonzalez, who are classified as Type A free agents, had seemingly priced themselves out of Atlanta.

They are expected to command multi-year, high priced contracts from others teams with all indications pointing to both hurlers declining arbitration with the Braves receiving first-round draft picks as compensation.

With the signing of Wagner, another Type A free agent, Atlanta will have to give up a first-round pick to the Red Sox but should get that pick back and some after Soriano and Gonzalez exit as expected.

If Soriano and/or Gonzalez surprise and accept arbitration from the club, the team’s relief corps would stand to be one of baseball’s best, albeit most expensive bullpens.

Soriano could net up to $8 million if he returns on a one-year contract with Gonzo expected to make at least $5 million next season under arbitration.

A more likely scenario has Atlanta searching for a replacement setup man on the free agent market.

Former Brave and another Type A free agent Octavio Dotel along with Type B free agent Fernando Rodney are potential candidates for the club to pursue after finalizing the deal with their new closer.

Billy Wagner comes to Atlanta with an impressive resume.

He has a career 2.39 ERA, 1,092 strikeouts in 833 2/3 innings, and more saves than any other active closer except for Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera.

The veteran hurler who is just 39 saves shy of tying John Franco for the record of most saves by a left-handed closer now has the chance to accomplish that feat while also aiding in the Braves’ effort to return to the postseason in 2010.

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Atlanta Braves Find a New Closer, Sign Billy Wagner

Adam Bernacchio — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:20:30 -0500

Braves,-closer-Wagner-agree-to-deal" title="Billy Wagner" target="_self">According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com , the Atlanta Braves have reached a preliminary agreement with left-handed closer Billy Wagner on a one-year, $7 million deal with a vesting option for 2011.

The vesting option is for $6.5 million and will kick in if Wagner finishes 50 games for the Braves in 2010.

Wagner returned last season from Tommy John surgery in August and pitched two games for the New York Mets. In those two games, Wagner struck out four batters in two innings and his fastball was consistently in the mid-90s.

Ironically, the first team Wagner faced in 2009 was the Braves.

Convinced that Wagner could help them down the stretch, the Boston Red Sox traded for Wagner to be another bridge to closer Jonathan Papelbon.

In 15 regular season games for the Red Sox, Wagner had a 1.98 ERA and had 22 K’s in 13.2 innings. Wagner appeared in two postseason games for the Red Sox and gave up two runs in one total inning of work.

Let’s talk about Wagner in the playoffs for a second.

It’s funny how players are perceived in the minds of the media and fans. When someone mentions Wagner, the first thing they think of is a 100 mph fastball. The second thing would probably be a solid closer for many years.

The one thing nobody mentions is that Wagner might just be the worst postseason relief pitcher of all time.

When it comes to October baseball, he is not Mariano Rivera.

In 13 postseason games with the Houston Astros, Mets, and Red Sox, Wagner has a 10.32 ERA, a 1.941 WHIP, and has given up 20 hits in 11.1 innings pitched. He has done more harm than good for his teams in the playoffs.

While the Braves are getting the guy who is sixth all-time in saves with 385, they are also getting the guy who might cost them a playoff game if they get there.

Because Wagner is a Type A free agent and the Red Sox offered Wagner arbitration yesterday, the Red Sox will receive the Braves’ first-round pick in 2010 plus a supplemental pick between the first and second rounds.

The Braves have the 20th pick in the 2010 draft.

As Rosenthal mentions, the Braves will most likely recoup that pick because their former closers Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano are both Type A free agents and were offered arbitration by the Braves.

Financially, this isn’t a bad deal for the Braves because if they were to re-sign either Soriano or Gonzalez, it would cost the Braves more money per year and more commitment. The Braves need all the extra cash they can get in hopes of eventually acquiring a bat.

Wagner will be 39 next year and has pitched for the Astros, Phillies, Mets, and Red Sox in his 15-year career.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg

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Billy Wagner Signs with the Atlanta Braves

Jeremiah Graves — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:16:58 -0500

That didn’t take long.

Just hours after the deadline for teams to offer arbitration, the Atlanta Braves have reportedly signed free agent closer Billy Wagner to a one-year deal.

The deal is reportedly worth $7 million and has a $6.5 million vesting option for 2011.

The option reportedly becomes guaranteed if Wagner finishes 50 games next season.

As with all pending deals, it won’t become final until Wagner, 38, passes a physical, which he is expected to take Wednesday in Atlanta.

Wagner is a type-A free agent, who was offered arbitration by the Red Sox on Tuesday.

As such, Boston will receive Atlanta’s first-round draft pick in 2010 as well as a supplemental pick between the first and second rounds.

Wagner spent most of last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

He made two strong relief appearances for the New York Mets before he was traded to the Boston Red Sox where he served in a setup role to Jonathon Papelbon.

In all, Wagner made a total of 15 appearances for 13.2 innings pitched. He struck out 22 and walked just seven, while giving up three earned runs.

His overall record was 1-1 with a 1.98 ERA and six holds.

Wagner wasn’t shy about his desire to close and made that clear when he agreed to waive his no-trade clause last summer only if Boston agreed not to pick up his $8 million option for 2010.

Wagner is currently ranked sixth all-time in total saves with 385. He is third on the active list behind only Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera.

His return to the ninth inning role also gives him an opportunity to garner out the 40 saves he needs to pass John Franco for the all-time record among left-handed pitchers.

Additionally, the Braves give Wagner a chance to win.

He stated that a big reason why he accepted the trade to Boston last year was an “overwhelming desire to pitch in a pennant race.”

The Braves proved last year that they were only a few pieces away from the Wild Card.

As such, Wagner just might get another chance at a pennant race.

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ACC Awards Look Just Right So Far for Georgia Tech

Zachary Osterman — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:52:16 -0500

(Look, two All-ACC first team selections in one picture.)

So the ACC's all-conference teams were announced yesterday, and the conference's coach of the year today. How did the Jackets do? Pretty well.

Behold the Jackets who were selected:

Quarterback Josh Nesbitt, First Team, 50 of 80 possible points.
Running back Jonathan Dwyer, First Team, repeat selection, 67 of 80 possible points.
Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, First Team, 63 of 80 possible points.
Guard Cord Howard, First Team, 47 of 80 possible points.
Center Sean Bedford, First Team, 45 of 80 possible points.
Defensive end Derrick Morgan, First Team, 76 of 80 possible points.
Safety Morgan Burnett, Second Team, 51 of 80 possible points.
Linebacker Brad Jefferson, Honorable Mention, 16 of 80 possible points.
Paul Johnson, Coach of the Year, second-consecutive selection.

That's a pretty good showing. Just some random reaction:

Nesbitt makes sense. Christian Ponder and Jacory Harris would have also, but one was lost to injury a few weeks back and the other faded badly over the last half the season.

Dwyer makes sense, as does the other RB, Ryan Williams. I like the move of naming Clemson's C.J. Spiller the First Team specialist with Dwyer and Williams as the running backs, because frankly, I think both Dwyer and Williams are better pure running backs (I'll say that again, better pure running backs, not overall players) than Spiller.

He's the ACC's best player, but not its the best pure running back.

I would also be genuinely shocked if Spiller didn't win the ACC Player of the Year award running away, pun intended.

Howard and Bedford make plenty of sense, and I don't think I have to make a case for Derrick Morgan. Burnett and Jefferson are solid players, and frankly, Tech is lucky to have more than two defensive guys in this list at all.

Johnson also makes sense to me. He's proven himself to be one of the best coaches not just in the conference but in the country. According to preseason voting and most predictions, his team has once again exceeded expectations.

I was, however, surprised and disappointed to see David Cutcliffe (four of 40 possible votes) and Frank Spaziani (two of 40 possible votes) get so little love. Only the latter will be bowling this year, but both did a lot more than was expected with not a lot at their disposal.

Johnson was a good pick, the right pick, and Dabo Swinney finishing second also makes sense. But Cutcliffe and Spaz deserved better.

So what do you think about the selections? Agree? Disagree?

Sound off.

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Pivot Points: Josh Smith's Evolution

Hadarii Jones — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:51:50 -0500

Atlanta Hawks forward, Josh Smith has always been good for a Sportscenter highlight or two, an impossible block, an athletic steal, or on one memorable occasion, a missed dunk.

This year though, Smith is entering new territory in his sixth year in the NBA, because for the first time Smith is actually learning the true concept of fundamental basketball.

Smith has gotten by so far in his career based on the fact that he is one of the only players that you could compare to LeBron James in terms of pure athleticism, but he was devoid of any of James' skill or instinct.

This year has seen a concerted effort from Smith to improve his game, and the results of his work are strewn all across the stat sheet.

His scoring average has remained about the same but he has raised his numbers in every other category including rebounds, steals, assists, and field goal percentage, on his way to becoming a complete player.

I have always been critical of Smith because of his unnatural athleticism, and his unwillingness to take advantage of his god-given gifts. I envisioned him as a decent player, content to be never more than an average talent.

He seemed to be much more interested in the nightlife of his native Atlanta, rather than taking the time to hone his skills for the good of the team that had invested so much in him.

Silly me, Smith just needed some time to mature and become comfortable in his role on the young Hawks' team, and his club has prospered as he has blossomed.

The Hawks were always seen as a talented bunch, but this year they have served notice that they are a team to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference hierarchy, and just maybe the most athletic team in the league.

Much of that credit is due to Smith, and besides the numbers, you can see the growth in his game and how it has affected his team.

He was always a decent defensive player, but he was more opportunistic than anything else, but this year you can see him moving his feet to stay with his man, and his defensive posture has improved also.

The same can be said for his rebounding, which was certainly due to his jumping ability, more so than technique, but now Smith realizes the value of blocking out, and his increased rebounding numbers are a direct correlation of that effort.

The most important difference though is his ability to settle down and control himself, and let the game come to him instead of trying to force the issue.

Smith's unpredictability has always been a hindrance to the Hawks and at times left them in desperate situations, as he was capable of making a game-changing play, or a game-breaking play, often in the space of moments.

His wide range of talents made him the logical choice as the glue guy of the team, but he could never be trusted in critical situations, due to his tendency to make bad decisions.

This season has seen a turn around in Smith's decision-making ability and the trust bestowed upon him by teammates, who have found a new faith in his ability to make the right decisions at crucial times.

To be honest, his evolution is by no means complete and there are several areas of his game that could still see improvement.

For one, his ball-handling could improve, because although it is adequate, he can still be a liability when opposing teams apply pressure in an effort to create turnovers.

His shot-selection could also be better, because he does have a tendency to let loose with ill-timed shots at inopportune moments to the detriment of his team.

The encouraging thing is that Smith has displayed a willingness and desire to continue progress in his game and due to his uncanny athleticism there is no discernible ceiling blocking his path.

Smith is an example of the strides that a player can make when he concentrates his focus onto becoming a better player, and it doesn't hurt to be blessed with the natural gifts that he possesses either.

It's refreshing to discuss a player that could have fallen by the wayside, but instead chose to explore the true measures of his potential. It's even more refreshing to see a player begin his evolution from a decent player to a potentially great one.

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Nepotism Can Only Take You So Far: Chip Caray Done at TBS

Adam Bernacchio — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:39:08 -0500

According to the Associated Press , Chip Caray will no longer be broadcasting baseball games for TBS.

“Since the end of the 2009 MLB Playoffs, we’ve had several discussions with Chip Caray regarding 2010 and beyond. Both sides agree that now is the right time to move ahead on different paths,” the network said in a statement.

“Both sides agree that now is the right time to move ahead on different paths.” I have seen statements like that about employees in my company inbox before. That statement is a political way of saying he was fired.

The hiring of Caray by TBS is nepotism at it’s finest. The only reason this guy had a job in the first place is because his father was the legendary Atlanta Braves announcer Skip Caray and his grandfather was one of the most beloved baseball personalities of all time, Harry Caray.

Chip Caray is the Hank Steinbrenner of the Caray family. The apple fell way, way, way off the tree with him.

As I have said before, the TBS coverage of baseball has been the worst of any network in the 25 years I have been watching baseball. It’s a Mickey Mouse production that just uses baseball to promote its garbage shows like The Frank Caliendo Show that nobody watched.

Note to the executives over at TBS: Stick with Seinfeld and Friends reruns.

How can anyone take TBS seriously when one of their sideline reporters for a baseball playoff game is David Aldridge? In case you didn’t know, Aldridge was ESPN’s version of Chris Mortenson or Adam Schefter for the NBA in the late-'90s.

What can a former NBA insider tell me about a major league baseball game?

Parting ways with Caray is a good first-step to credibility for TBS. No successor to Caray has been named.

You can follow The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on Twitter @ theghostofmlg

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Georgia Tech: Winning ACC Title More Important than Beating Georgia

Zachary Osterman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:20:17 -0500

Before you staple me to the bell tower and throw sharp things at my face, understand that I am perfectly willing to pass the buck a little bit here—this idea is not originally mine.

Mark Bradley suggested in a piece today that Paul Johnson has his sights set on more than just winning in-state bragging rights, and he's got a dead-eye quote to back it up:

I’m going to get Georgia Tech to the point where our program is bigger than one game.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is determination, and it's part of what makes Johnson so good at his job. And I agree with him.

Last season, (Bradley points this out, too) Johnson needed to be Georgia. It was therapy for a jaded fan base. Beating Georgia was the meat of that season, and anything before or after a win over UGA and bowl eligibility was gravy.

But Johnson is trying to do more than win state bragging rights, and now it's about bigger things.

Beating Georgia is important, of course, but it doesn't carry the same weight as the words "conference champion," and the trophy is bigger and prettier.

Recruits don't care nearly as much about beating your in-state rival as they do the hardware you can flash from winning an ACC title. The words "BCS bowl game" trump almost anything else coaches could whisper into a kid's ear.

And as this weekend proved, rarely is anything beyond pride on the line when Georgia and Georgia Tech meet. It doesn't remove intensity from the rivalry, but at the end of Saturday's action, Georgia Tech was still going to the ACC Championship, and Georgia was still 4-4 in the SEC. Little had changed.

Beating Georgia last year was a welcome—and some would say necessary—signal that Johnson had the program headed in the right direction. And sure, repeating that feat in 2009 would have been a great highlight, but this season's critical moment comes this weekend, not last.

It's the logical next step.

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Falcons QB Matt Ryan Out for Eagles Game

steve tisch — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:49:36 -0500

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan suffered a turf toe injury in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, yesterday, and will not play this week.

The Falcons are three point underdogs for their home game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. According to various reports, Ryan will not play because of the injury, which was suffered during the first series of the game vs. the Bucs.

Atlanta came away with a 20-17 victory over Tampa Bay but they failed to cover as 13-point faves.

Since 1984, the Falcons are 3-6 ATS in nine home games against the Eagles and in their last nine games when an underdog of four points or less, they have gone Over seven times.

The Total for the Eagles game currently sits at 45.5.

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Firing Willie Martinez Only Solves One Problem for the Georgia Bulldogs

Kimberley Nash — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:43:38 -0500

The regular season is over. The Georgia Bulldogs ended their year with a satisfying win over their in-state rivals—the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. However, as the lights went out on Grant Field, the simmering question that has lingered all year regarding defensive coordinator, Willie Martinez, became a full boil. No announcements have yet to be made about the embattled coache's future, or lack thereof, with the Georgia Bulldogs but the question remains nonetheless: "Is he headed for the firing line or what?" In my opinion, the answer to that question is less important than the potential backlash that could arise should he actually be given his walking papers. What follows is merely speculation, not fact, just a "what if" of what could happen should ol' Willie get the heave ho.

Begin Slideshow

ACC Bowl Predictions: Can Georgia Tech Still Make it to the Orange Bowl?

Caleb M. — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:30:17 -0500

Last week, I made my BCS bowl predictions. This week, myself and Michael Gartman (AKA: Sportscaster007) are going through each and every conference and predicting the bowl games using our knowledge of the BCS and his mad prediction skills.

Today, we start with the ACC and Big 10. Throughout the week we'll also cover the Big 12, Big East, Pac-10, SEC, MWC, and the WAC. We would do the MAC and C-USA, but they don't get enough bids to really have a list.

On to the predictions then.

Orange Bowl (ACC Champion vs. At Large)—Jan. 5, Miami, Florida

The ACC Champion will be decided this weekend. Clemson and Georgia Tech will battle it out once again to claim the ACC title. And it has major BCS implications. Both teams lost this weekend. Both to unranked, average teams. Georgia Tech to Georgia, and Clemson to South Carolina.

Whoever loses will lose their shot at an at large bid in the BCS.

That said, I think Georgia Tech will win. So they get to move on to the Orange Bowl on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

They face off against an at large team. Boise is most likely going to the Fiesta Bowl against Iowa.

That leaves TCU to go to the Orange Bowl. TCU is an underrated team, and their defense is one of the best in the nation. I don't think they've been this good since LaDainian Tomlinson—they might even be better now.

TCU will barely miss a shot at the title, unless Texas loses. But I think Texas will beat Nebraska despite being put on upset alert—Colt McCoy is too good.

TCU has a great defense, a top 10 Quarterback, and some pretty tight uniforms if I might add. Georgia Tech won't be able to produce as they have let their fire cool off since the beginning of the year. Not to mention the ACC is terrible in BCS games.

TCU 31, Georgia Tech 14

Chick-Fil-A Bowl (ACC two vs. SEC five)—Dec. 31, Atlanta, Georgia

Clemson obviously is the number two ACC, if they lose to Georgia Tech. Otherwise, it looks like home cookin' for the Yellow Jackets. But they'll win, sending the Tigers south to Atlanta.

Facing Clemson will be Tennessee. It was tough figuring it out (I actually owe this bit to Michael), but it turns out Tennessee is number five.

Tennessee is an underrated team, in the hardest conference in college football—the SEC.

They don't put up the best numbers, have the best players or the best coach, but they stay in or win just about every game. They can challenge decent teams like Clemson. In fact, I daresay they could beat Clemson.

Mark your calenders for the Chick-Fil-A bowl, people; this could be a great game. I'm putting Clemson on the infamous "Upset Alert."

Clemson 31, Tennessee 30

Gator Bowl (ACC three vs. Big 12 five OR Big East two)—Jan. 1, Jacksonville, Florida

In third place for the ACC is Virginia Tech. The Hookies have had a great run at the end of the year, but won't be good enough for a shot at a BCS game. They actually are better than Clemson, too bad they don't play in the same division.

Against them is the Big 12 five team—Missouri. This was another tough one to figure out, but the Tigers are fifth best (No! Not another Tigers team!).

Missouri is an average team, and hasn't really impressed me at all this year. They got blown out by Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and Texas in succession. They also got beat by Baylor, the worst team in their conference.

Not to mention they barely beat Bowling Green, Kansas, and Iowa State.

Virginia Tech will continue their winning streak, opening up a can of whoop-a on the Tigers.

The other possibility is that they play West Virginia as the Big East two team. What a game that would make! West Virginia has been through a wild and crazy year, and they could upset Virginia Tech. But I doubt it.

In any case, hope for that game because if the Hookies play the Tigers, it'll be a blowout for sure.

Virginia Tech 42, Missouri 7—OR Virginia Tech 28, West Virginia 26

Champs Sports Bowl (ACC four vs. Big Ten five)—Dec. 29, Orlando, Florida

In fourth place for the ACC is the Miami Hurricanes. They did get beat by North Carolina, but then the Tar Heels fell apart against the rival Wolfpack, pushing them below Miami.

The Hurricanes will play against Wisconsin, having lost to Northwestern this last weekend. The Badgers have had a roller coaster of a year, and it isn't over yet. I never put Wisconsin higher than 19 in my poll, and I finally am proving my point with that Wildcat loss.

Miami has their swagger back, as Michael said, and it's true. Look for them to rip the Badgers apart, with Wisconsin having one hot quarter.

Miami 37, Wisconsin 24

Meineke Car Care Bowl (ACC five vs. Big East three OR Notre Dame)—Dec. 26, Charlotte, North Carolina

North Carolina gets home field advantage in the Car Care Bowl. Maybe they planned the whole thing, and their loss this weekend was a conspiracy to get a bowl game at home...

Anyways, North Carolina has upset teams, and been upset. Facing off against them will be Pittsburgh. Pitt will miss out on the Gator after ending the season on a two game losing streak to West Virginia and Cincinnati. This means sweet revenge for the Panthers.

Pittsburgh 31, North Carolina 21

Emerald Bowl (ACC six vs. Pac-10 four)—Dec. 26, San Francisco, California

Finishing sixth place in the ACC will be Boston College. They haven't impressed me at all either, and it baffles me as to how they ended up with an 8-4 record. They killed two FCS teams, and it was all downhill from there.

Among the pathetic season of the Eagles were four near losses to Wake Forest, Florida State, Virginia, and now Maryland. They lost to a pathetic Notre Dame team for god's sake!

Against them will be a strong Pac-10 team. Whoever that is...things could go many ways. Oregon should win the Civil War. When that happens, the Beavers practically drop off the map. USC will go to the Holiday Bowl, and they can't go to the Sun Bowl again. That being the case, they beat Stanford so they go to the Emerald Bowl.

Oregon State should go to the Holiday Bowl as the second Pac-10 team. But instead they get ripped off and end up here.

The Beavers will shred apart the Eagles, it won't even be close.

Oregon State 52, Boston College 13

Music City Bowl (ACC seven vs. SEC six)—Dec. 27, Nashville, Tennessee

In seventh place for the ACC is Florida State. Bobby Bowden has one last year in a bowl game, and it'll be a good one even if it isn't a "big" game. They'll take on 7-5 Arkansas, a lethal Arkansas mind you.

LSU just about lost it to Arkansas, who just couldn't get it done in the end. The Razorbacks will be bloodthirsty, seeking revenge for missing out on a better game.

Arkansas has the tools, and has gone unnoticed this year. They could probably be a top 25 team in any other conference. But playing in the SEC has it's downsides.

Florida State will be headed into its last game with Bowden. There won't be anything but heart and soul from the kids out there. It'll be an emotional game on both sides, and this one could go either way. But in honor of their coach leaving, I think Florida State can pull it together one last time.

Florida State 38, Arkansas 31 (OT?)

There's the ACC predictions. Comment as you wish, no matter how hateful or loving. Please though, do give some credit to Sportscaster007, who was a big part of this.

Here's the Big 10 predictions by Sportscaster007.

Tomorrow...out come the Big East and Big 12 predictions by us once more. Followed by the Pac-10 and SEC picks on Wednesday, ending with the MWC and WAC picks on Thursday.

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Falcons QB Matt Ryan Out Week 13

Ryan Lester — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:09:15 -0500

It's never too early to start planning for next week's fantasy match-up, especially as the fantasy playoffs draw near. Even though their is an epic Patriots-Saints game tonight, those of you that own Matt Ryan have other issues on your mind.

The second-year QB has already been ruled out for Week 13. Maybe they learned their lesson after the way they handled Michael Turner's injury. He should have never played last week, but that's a different story for another day.

It's nice to know he's out before waiver claims are set. Ryan owners don't have to hold out hope like Big Ben and Kurt Warner owners did last week.

So who should you pick up?

Chris Redman, Atlanta Falcons
In deep leagues you won't many choices, especially not ones with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez at their disposal.

David Garrard, Jacksonville Jaguars
If he's available in your league, he's a nice plug-in play this week. He plays extremely well at home, which is where the Jags play this week.

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers
The Niners have turned into a pass-first team because of their personnel. They play the Seahawks who have been fantasy-friendly to opposing QBs.

Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos
The long rest between games should do his ankle well. He's a nice play against Kansas City this week.

Vince Young, Tennessee Titans
I don't see VY throwing for a ton of yards against the Colts, but he should produce with his feet and do enough with his arm to be a decent emergency fantasy play.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .

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Georgia Tech vs. Clemson: A Preview of the ACC Championship Game

Jeffrey Fann — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:46:03 -0500

It's ACC Championship game week! It's Georgia Tech vs Clemson for the right to go the Orange Bowl. Both teams are coming off bitterly disappointing losses to their in state arch rivals. Georgia Tech lost 30-24 to the Georgia Bulldogs and the Clemson Tigers lost to the South Carolina Gamecocks 34-17. Despite the losses the two teams have had an exciting rivalry the last decade and this should be a close competitive game.

I don't think last Saturday's results will play much role in the upcoming game. Clemson hasn't shown the ability to power run this season the way Georgia did against Georgia Tech. Clemson will typically line the quarterback up in the shotgun, and run from that formation. For Clemson a stiff South Carolina defense stuffed them. Georgia Tech's defense has been inconsistent at best, and got sliced apart by the Bulldogs run game. Neither team is likely to take advantage of the other the way the Bulldogs and and Gamecocks did. So what do I see as the keys to the game?

How does Clemson handle Georgia Tech's triple option?

This is an interesting question. Clemson will be the first team to see Georgia Tech's offense twice in the same season and three times in the last 14 months. Certainly that will help the Tiger's preparation, but I also think that Yellow Jackets offense has become much more diverse in the last year. Josh Nesbitt is an improved passer and Paul Johnson is not afraid to throw it deep, specifically to all-ACC receiver Demaryius Thomas. The Tigers have looked disturbingly soft up the middle in recent weeks. Virginia and South Carolina had success running simple quarterback draws. Nesbitt suffered an apparent ankle injury against Georgia, and was out most of the 2nd quarter. When he returned he appeared around 80%-90%. He looked a step slow, but the Jackets could still move the ball. With all do respect to backup Jaybo Shaw if he plays the Jacket's can't win this game. He simply isn't much of a running threat, and Clemson's athletic ends Ricky Sapp and Da'quan Bowers can just sit on the edges.

Can Georgia Tech's defense stop Kyle Parker, C.J Spiller, and Clemson offense?

I don't think so. Early in the year the Clemson's offense was C.J. Spiller and Jacoby Ford, and an inexperienced Parker at QB. Since then TE Michael Palmer and WR Xavier Dye have become part of the passing offense. Andre Ellington can contribute at RB resting Spiller. The Georgia Tech defense had a some decent games giving only seven points to North Carolina and nine to Virginia, but in large part this unit has been a disappointment. I'm not sold on Dave Wommack as a defensive coordinator either. I have not been impressed with his job over the last two years. I'm not convinced he can come up with game plan that can slow the Clemson team. If the Tigers can handle Yellow Jacket DE Derrick Morgan, they'll be able to move the ball on Georgia Tech.

Ok neither team will be able to stop the other so what will be the difference?

Dabo Swinney has done a great job this year and is a very good motivator. As discussed he's improved the Clemson offense since early in the year, but it is stilled ranked only 74th in the nation. They will score points, but they can't match Paul Johnson's triple option offense. Miami has been the only team this season that's really slowed the Georgia Tech offense for a whole game. Paul Johnson is a master at in-game adjustments, and has never lost two games in row while at Georgia Tech. The Jacket's beat every team they lost to last year except LSU whom they didn't play. If you had success against him once he usually finds something the next time around. He hasn't lost to Clemson, but the Tigers have given Georgia Tech some very tough games. I give Paul Johnson the edge over Dabo Swinney in the coaching department and that will be the difference.

Throw it all out the window if Nesbitt can't go or is less than 80% for some reason. Let's assume Josh Nesbitt is fairly healthy which reports Monday say he is.

I like the Jackets in a moderately high scoring affair 31-27.

This article is also featured at All About Sports .

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Georgia Bulldogs All-Decade Team

Mike Foster — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:12:29 -0500

With 2010 around the corner a conclusion of the decade is among us. The past ten years has been a lively one for the Georgia Bulldogs football program, who went under the ccontrol of Mark Richt in 2001. In the past decade we have witnessed all-time historic moments, such as the "Hobnail Boot", "Miracle on the Plains Two", "The Dive and Dance", and "The Blackout." Georgia has won the SEC East three times in the past ten years, with two SEC championships and two Sugar Bowl victories amongst three appearances. We thank the players who hauled in these accolades. With that said, here is the all-decade Georgia Bulldogs team.

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Jay Glazer: Falcons' Matt Ryan Ruled Out Against Eagles With Turf Toe Injury

Bob Cunningham — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:52:07 -0500

Jay Glazer, who is rarely wrong, tweeted today that Matt Ryan will be out when the Eagles head to Atlanta for an NFC showdown that will most certainly have playoff implications for both teams, win or lose.

Glazer goes on to say that Ryan has turf toe and will be visiting a specialist in Charlotte. Turf toe could mean that Ryan will not only miss this game, but possibly the next few depending upon the severity of the ligament damage.

It's bad news for a struggling Falcons team, but great news for a struggling Eagles team. With Ryan out, the Falcons will most certainly start Chris Redman. Redman, while a decent backup in his own right, is not a quarterback capable of beating the Eagles defense.

The Philly defense is struggling right now, but if the Bucs could put up a fight against Atlanta, then the Eagles defense should be able to dominate. Add that onto the fact that Michael Turner could miss this game with a high ankle sprain and that Jerious Norwood is less than 100 percent and you have a recipe that equals no excuses for this Philly defense.

In fact, if this is anything less than total domination, Philly will start to question if this is really a defense that can carry this team deep into the playoffs. The Falcons still have some weapons, so a shutout is by no means expected. But anything more than 14 or 17 points would be unacceptable.

This could be a very good game for Philly as a whole to gain some confidence, some momentum and really get them in gear for domination in December.

On the other hand, this could be a trap game. With Ryan and Turner most likely out, it wouldn't be shocking to see this defense become complacent and lay an egg, so to speak. On top of that, it's difficult to bury a team when they're against the ropes. Especially a well-coached and talented team like the Falcons.

It will be on the coaching staff and the leaders of this team to prevent that from happening.

Update: Coach Mike Smith has confirmed the report; Ryan is out.

This article was originally featured on 2 Minutes to Midnight Green.

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Georgia Bulldogs Salvage Season With Classic Win

Patrick Garbin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:37:30 -0500

I’ll admit it. I had basically given up on Georgia Bulldogs football for 2009, conceded a loss to Georgia Tech, and was already looking forward to next season.

The Dawgs had lost to Kentucky at home and were playing on the road at No. 7 Georgia Tech—a team who had suffered just one loss, was heading to the ACC title game, and still had slim hopes of contending for a national title.

For the past two years, the Yellow Jackets struggled only when faced against disciplined, mistake-free teams. Disciplined and mistake-free Georgia certainly was not, as one of the most penalized and turnover-prone squads in all of college football.

There was absolutely no chance for a Bulldog victory, I thought beforehand, but as long as they don’t get embarrassed…

Much to the surprise of many, Georgia led 17-3 at halftime. However, we had all seen this before.

Just a week before against Kentucky, the Bulldogs held a two-touchdown advantage at halftime and appeared to be headed for a romp. Instead, they fell apart in the second half and lost to the Wildcats in Athens for the first time in 32 years.

Just a year prior against Georgia Tech, Georgia led 28-12 at halftime but its defense allowed the Yellow Jackets to run rampant in the second half. Tech upset the Bulldogs 45-42—the Jackets’ first victory over their in-state rival in eight years.

Last Saturday, Georgia Tech made a game of it in the second half as expected, cutting its deficit to six points and having possession on the Bulldogs’ 46-yard line with just under two minutes remaining. That’s when Tech coach Paul Johnson, who has been labeled a play-calling genius, curiously called for three consecutive long passes—all incompletions.

On fourth down, Tech’s Demaryius “Bay Bay” Thomas, an extremely gifted receiver, a future top-10 NFL pick, and likely the last player on the field you’d expect to drop a pass, did just that. Bay Bay’s blunder would have given the Yellow Jackets a first down but instead it gave Georgia the ballgame.

In their 30-24 victory, the Bulldogs gave run-oriented Georgia Tech a dose of its own medicine, rushing for 339 yards—the most by a Georgia team in more than 21 seasons.

The dynamic duo of Washaun Ealey and Caleb King became only the third pair of Bulldog backs since 1988 to each rush for 100 or more yards in a single game. Ealey carried 20 times for 183 yards; King had 18 rushes for 166

It was an offense Georgia fans had hoped to see back in September: a dominant offensive line anticipated as one of the best in the nation, a strong running game, and a quarterback in Joe Cox who was not necessarily suppose to win a game, just manage it.

It took Georgia’s offense a while to figure things out but it finally did in grand fashion, guiding the Bulldogs to their biggest victory in at least two seasons.

Notwithstanding, it was the lack of errors which ultimately benefited the Bulldogs—a team who had been plagued by the “little mistakes” all season.

Entering the game, Georgia was averaging nearly nine penalties for 73 yards and committing 2.4 turnovers per game. Its defense had forced only eight turnovers the entire season.

Against Georgia Tech, the Bulldogs were penalized just five times for 39 yards and lost just one turnover. Georgia’s defense, on the other hand, recovered a rare fumble, just its second of the year, and made an interception.

The victory does not erase all of the mistakes and inconsistencies made by the undisciplined Dogs in ’09; it doesn’t erase the pain of five losses. However, it definitely salvages a disappointing season.

This season’s Tech-Georgia game goes down as one of the Bulldogs’ greatest in a classic rivalry. I’ve seen, read about, and/or researched every one of Georgia’s 60 series victories and you’ll be hard pressed to find a dozen cherished more than this one.

This win was especially gratifying because Tech was undoubtedly up and Georgia might have been down, but the underdog Dawgs were the ones who came out on top. The Jackets might be heading to an ACC championship but the Bulldogs won the state championship and get to enjoy it for at least another year.

Speaking of which, Georgia Tech should have its hands full again next year when it plays the Dogs. Georgia returns 10 of 11 starters on offense, including its entire offensive line and one of the best players in the nation in A.J. Green, who did not play Saturday.

Ealey is just a freshman, King only a sophomore.

Depending on any early departures, Georgia’s defense should return approximately half of its starters, while arguably the best punter and placekicker in college football, Drew Butler and Blair Walsh, are both only sophomores.

As was the case prior to the Georgia Tech game, I’m still looking forward to the 2010 season but it can take its time getting here. I want to enjoy this unexpected but classic victory as much as possible.

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For Georgia Tech, Time To Be Counted Is Now

Zachary Osterman — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:11:26 -0500

(Paul Johnson says great teams don't lose twice in a row. Time to find out if he's got a great team, then.)

Cometh the moment, cometh the man. And if that saying is true, then there are a lot of boys in the Georgia Tech locker room right now.

Gripe, Bee fans, all you like about the defensive gameplan, or the injuries, or the four straight passes to end the game. The Jackets just got plain out-executed—Georgia came out focused and strong, and they won the battle at the point of attack on both sides of the ball almost all night long.

Conversely, Georgia Tech arm tackled. The Jackets came off the ball high. And rarely did the home team look interested in playing with the intensity requisite of a game like that.

In short, Georgia more than deserved to win.

But now comes the important test for Georgia Tech. Because while losing to Georgia means a whole year of insufferable trash talking from up Highway 316, there is still much left that can be accomplished; namely, a conference championship.

As noted in the caption, Paul Johnson is fond of the idea that great teams do not lose back-to-back games.

There were many who believed Georgia Tech a great team as recently as Saturday morning. I was one of them.

Now, like many others, I'm not so sure. Luckily for the Jackets, they don't have to wait long to prove themselves—again.

I understand the magnitude of the Georgia loss, believe me. And I understand there may be some out there who will view this season with a black mark no matter what comes next.

But many an ill could be cured with a win—even moreso with a convincing win—this Saturday in Tampa Bay.

So many times in Georgia Tech's football history, the program has looked ready to turn a corner, ready to finally bridge the gap between very good and great. And so often, the Jackets have come to that particular chasm, only to turn around and run full speed the other way.

Yellow Jacket fans will remember all too well 2006, when Georgia Tech started 9-2 and won the ACC Coastal, only to lose to Georgia, then Wake Forest in a dreadfully forgettable ACC title game, then West Virginia in the Gator Bowl.

That shouldn't happen this year.

This team is more talented, better-coached, and vastly more capable of rebounding from the tough loss they just suffered. But just as the Georgia loss came down to the players and their lack of execution, so too must any future success this season come from those players' desire to change their program's fortunes.

Get it done against Clemson, and so much is forgiven. Fall to a talented but slightly overmatched Tiger team, and no bowl game will save them from the familiar malaise that settles over a program forever incapable of taking the last and most necessary steps toward greatness.

Cometh the moment, cometh the man. We'll see.

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Georgia Bulldog Pride is Back!

Bill B — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:59:37 -0500

The 2009 game against Georgia Tech marked the beginning of a new era for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Not because we beat Tech in Bobby Dodd stadium.

Not because we beat Georgia Tech.

Not because we will be the best football team in Georgia for the next twelve months.

And not because we put an end to Tech’s one game win streak when we have been listening for the past twelve months how 2008 was the beginning of years of Georgia Tech dominance over the Bulldawgs.

On Nov. 28, Georgia Tech learned that a focused, talented team CAN beat its "unbeatable" triple option.

Josh Nesbitt had his worst game all year. And it wasn't because he didn't want the win. It wasn’t because he was looking past UGA and at the ACC championship. Jonathan Dwyer was virtually a non-factor. It was not because he played poorly or because he didn't REALLY want this game.

This game meant every bit as much to the Yellow Jackets as winning the ACC championship. The Tech fans and players wanted desparately to prove that last year's win was more than an aberation. They wanted to back up their claims for the past 12 months that 2008 was the beginning of years of Tech domination over a Bulldog team that had become mediocre and irrelevant.

The reason Nesbitt, Dwyer, and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets had their worst game was that we saw the UGA run defense play to their potential - which is something we have seen very little of all year. The UGA defense shut down the legendary TO. Even our secondary stepped up and played enough pass defense to keep the Georgia Tech air game a non-factor.

And from the opening series, we saw the return of the offensive style that defines Georgia football. We saw an offensive line that dominated the opposing defensive line. We saw fullbacks open holes and tailbacks that ran, at will, for over three hundred yards. We saw clock control and we saw dominance in every aspect of the game.

We saw an offense that just plain wore down the opposing defense. We saw attitude and confidence.

That's Georgia football!

But the Techies will blame their loss on Nesbitt being out for one series. They will no doubt blame bad officiating, UGA cheating, or Tech players having the Swine flu. We may even see them blaming the loss on George Bush. They will also ignore the fact that UGA was without its biggest play maker (AJ Green) the entire game.

There is no doubt that UGA wanted this game badly. But more than that, they wanted to prove to the college football world that this team and these players are better than what everyone has been seeing all year.

The truth is, Tech did not have an "off game" last night. The truth is, UGA finally played the game we in the Bulldog nation have known all along that they were capable of.

But this game means so much more to the UGA program than a Georgia Tech win.

There has been a change in the attitude of the Dawgs since the Tennessee loss. The Dawgs have been slowly pulling it all back together since the losses to Florida and Tennessee. They looked really good against Auburn. But then they choked in the Kentucky game.

So what’s been changing?

There has been a noticeable change in the intensity of Coach Richt that has not been there for a couple of years. This change was not the result of a concern in job security. He knows his job will be safe for years, even if Tech had been able to win two, three, or four in a row.

This was the intensity of a proud and talented coach who knew that HE had been letting his team down and knew that it was up to HIM to turn his team around.

We don’t know what changes have been happening behind the scenes, in the locker rooms, on the practice fields and in the coach’s meetings over the last several weeks. But I am completely convinced that what we saw last night was the culmination of just one month of Coach Richt re-taking control of this team and making the changes needed for his team to start winning again.

I believe that what we saw was Coach Richt climbing down into the trenches and taking control of the Offense, the Defense, the play calling and the attitude of this team. I believe that this is the Coach Richt we will be seeing for many seasons to come from here on. He saw that he had lost control of his team this season. He will not let that happen again.

The result was seen against G Tech.

Talented players on both sides of the ball, made plays, played their assignments, and played with heart filled intensity. That is what this team has needed all year. It’s had the talent. It needed coaching, discipline and attitude.

With the re-emergence of the old Mark Richt, and the phenomenal young talent this team has now and will have for years to come, I predict that Georgia will see many 10 and 11 win seasons and SEC championship games and wins.

UGA will see its next National Championship within the next 3-4 years.

I'm a never-die Bulldog fan. I was a hopeful, optimistic fan before the Tech game. But I was a mid-1990's kind of fan. After the Tech game and seeing again that this program has the talent and is re-structuring - enough to beat a 10-1, #7 ranked team - I have that fist pumping pride back - that "Herschel Walker/Glory Days" kind of Bulldog pride.

Right now I see a bright future for this great team.

And it feels DAMN good to be a Bulldog!!

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Michael Turner Injury Leaves Atlanta Falcons Backfield with Many Questions

PJ Ross — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:33:46 -0500

Michael Turner left Sunday's game against Tampa Bay after re-aggravating a right ankle injury.

Turner initially suffered a high-ankle sprain two weeks ago, and was re-injured today after awkwardly twisting backwards on the previously damaged ankle.

Considering that a high-ankle sprain requires at least four-to-six weeks to heal, what were the Atlanta Falcons thinking?

Additionally, the injury can sometimes be so severe that it requires a cast or splint to support the damaged joint.

An athlete who sustains this injury will normally be on crutches for around two weeks, yet the Falcons' training staff seemed to have no qualms about rushing their superstar back against the Buccaneers.

Turner signed a six-year, $34 million contract before the 2008 season, and as the featured back he had no business trying to play through this injury.

By no means should he have been on the field during Week 12 action, especially considering the Falcons were facing the the one-win Bucs.

Not to mention that putting him back on the field allowed him to further damage the joint and perhaps could keep him out for the remainder of the season.

My hat goes off to Turner for attempting to show him teammates and coach that he is tough enough to play through the injury, but he displayed a visible hitch in his gait during Sunday's game even before hurting the ankle again.

Turner carried 12 times for only 33 yards before leaving the game.

If the Falcons had played this on the safe side, they could have had Turner back at full strength by Week 16, but now his timetable for return could extend past the end of the regular season.

Despite coming from behind and picking up a 20-17 victory, the Falcons face two pivotal games in the upcoming weeks with Philadelphia and NFC South leading New Orleans coming to town back-to-back.

Atlanta is now left with Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood to shoulder the load.

Many fantasy owners picked up Snelling before his breakout game last week, when he rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries, and it would be a good idea to retain him for the near future considering Turner's unsure status going forward.

Snelling rushed only four times for eight yards today, but he will surely see an increased workload next week against the Eagles.

As for Norwood, he also returned from an injury today, and he carried the ball six times against Tampa Bay for 22 yards, with 18 of those coming via one long run.

For those owners looking to fill an RB2 slot or utility role, Snelling or Norwood might provide a boost for your squad over the next few weeks.

But with the lingering question of which back will get the bulk of the carries, be sure to keep up-to-date during the week on whether Snelling or Norwood is being favored at practice.

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After Big Win Richt Must Answer The Bowden Question: Is He Tough Enough?

Chip Curington — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:38:14 -0500

After the most complete and satisfying win of a much-maligned season, Mark Richt faces some serious questions. The biggest question may be one that was posed more than nine years ago.

When Richt interviewed for the head spot at the University of Georgia, he got a glowing recommendation from his boss and mentor Bobby Bowden. The legendary Florida State coach told Vince Dooley and UGA president Michael Adams that Richt possessed a great offensive mind and that had he “left him alone” the Seminoles might have won a couple more national championships in Tallahassee.

When Dooley and Adams asked Bowden what Richt’s downside might be, his boss answered with a question: Is he is tough enough? Bowden knew the expectations at Georgia and knew that if Richt struggled, the heat would be scorching and wondered deep down if Richt had what it takes to make the tough choices a head coach must make.

Richt’s career at Georgia started with a couple of speed bumps; questionable time management issues in two games may have cost him a shot at victories in an 8-4 inaugural season.

But two SEC championships, three SEC Eastern Division titles and six 10-win seasons have bought a lot of political capital for Richt and very little heated criticisms.

The 2008 season started with lofty, possibly unreasonable expectations and a preseason No. 1 ranking. The Bulldogs returned Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno, two future first round draft picks on offense and returning starters on a defense that, based on a strong finish, most thought would improve from the previous year.

All the parts were in place for Richt to make a run at the National Championship.

That all went down the drain when Alabama marched into Athens and put 31 points up in a dreadful first half. Down 31-0 and donning black jerseys, Georgia fought back in the second half but lost the game 41-30. A 49-10 beatdown by Florida and a second half meltdown against instate rival Georgia Tech left Georgia with a 10-3 record and no national championship and no SEC championship.

The undercurrent of grumblings began. It wasn’t so much the three losses as it was how the team lost those games. In the Alabama game, the defense looked clueless in giving up 31 points in one half.

Florida outscored the Bulldogs 35-7 in the second half and Tech scored 26 unanswered points in the third quarter alone.

The Georgia fans seemed to notice a trend on the defensive side of the ball. Willie Martinez, defensive coordinator since Brian Van Gorder’s departure in 2004, was the target of criticism. Many fans thought Martinez was not up for the job and should have been replaced after the 2008 season.

Enter the 2009 Georgia Bulldogs, an enigma of epic proportions. Turnovers, penalties, terrible special teams play and poor fundamentals haunted this team.

The disappointing season culminated late in the season with another second half meltdown against Kentucky. After squandering a 20-6 halftime lead late in the fourth quarter, the Dawgs fumbled on the two-yard line going in for a tying touchdown.

The fans had endured enough. They fled the stadium and abandoned the team.

The Tech game, to most Georgia fans, was going to be an absolute blowout and a fitting end to a season and a team that had most questioning Mark Richt’s ability to win in the SEC.

Richt and the Dawgs had other ideas. They came out and punched Tech in the mouth and did not stop until they had racked up 339 yards in smash mouth, ole fashion football rushing yards.

The same Georgia team that had fans scratching their heads, beat Tech at their own game: a tough running game.

Now the season is over with a 7-5 record and a big win over a highly ranked rival. What’s next?

Looking at the season as a whole, there are obvious issues. The Bowden question rings in every Bulldog’s ear.

Is Mark Richt tough enough to make the changes to his staff that the fans are clamoring for and must be done? Or if he believes that this staff is the one that can get the job done, can he endure the rage that the bloodthirsty fans will throw his way for not sacrificing coaches. He could use this big win over Tech to defend his coaches.

These are some of the choices facing Richt. Tough choices only reserved for head coaches in college football.

Is he tough enough? This is the burning question. Is he tough enough to do what is right for the program even if it means sacrificing personal friend? Is he tough enough to bust up a staff that has been mostly intact for a cozy nine-year run?

But do not think that it is easy. Do not question the struggle deep down inside. Martinez is a lifelong friend and he and his family is in Athens because Richt personally brought them there. Now he has to make the decision to send them away. For fans it’s easy to pull the trigger because we don’t hold the gun.

We don’t see the lives and relationships it affects. We are not staring into the eyes of a close friend and saying you no longer have a place here. It is not easy.

In the end, from what I saw in Richt during the Tech game, I have no doubt the answer to the question Bobby Bowden posed. Yes, he is tough enough. And in that answer, I feel for him and what he has to do. Tough decisions, no doubt…tough.

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Georgia Strikes Back: Ealey and King Lead Bulldogs Over Tech

Josh Rutledge — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:53:17 -0500

That was big.

Left for dead by critics and fans, the Georgia Bulldogs showed up Saturday night and notched one of the biggest wins of the decade for the program, knocking off No. 7 Georgia Tech 30-24.

Yes, the Bulldogs still walked away with a 7-5 record, but this game wasn't about records. This was about a Georgia program that had been bleeding ever since Alabama sliced up the Bulldogs over a year ago.

Since that game, Georgia had been manhandled by it's rivals. Since that game, the Bulldogs had posted huge losses to Florida, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, LSU and others.

Not once had Georgia stepped up in a big game and defeated a superior or equal opponent. Every win since that point had been to inferior opponents.

That finally changed on Saturday.

Georgia Tech was at home, coming off two weeks of rest. Georgia was a week removed from one of the most embarrassing performances in the program history.

The script was already written for this game. Georgia's much maligned defense would be physically abused by the No. 2 rushing game in the country.

This was Georgia Tech's season. This was Paul Johnson's year. Georgia Tech was on the rise. Georgia was on the decline.

Instead, Georgia turned the tables on it's biggest rival, pounding Georgia Tech. It would have been different if Georgia had simply out-gimmicked Tech.

Far from it. Georgia simply bullied Tech. From the very first play, Georgia threw their playbook out onto the field. It was a simple strategy. Run right at the Tech defense. And then do it again. And again. And again.

All night long, Georgia physically dominated their in-state rivals, playing the kind of game Tech was supposed to play.

The game was about pride for Georgia. Before the game, Paul Johnson had tried to calm the storm, claiming the Tech program was something bigger than just a year-long rivalry against Georgia.

That's a clever way of saying Tech has surpassed Georgia and is on to bigger and better things. Georgia brought them back to reality.

Now, it's on. Georgia Tech called out Georgia last year, and then expected the Bulldogs to play dead this year. Georgia responded in a big way.

A true Georgia knows how big of a game that was Saturday night. That was about pride, a type of pride Georgia hasn't shown in year.

Pushed to the brink, Georgia was about to be officially dropped to the floor. A lot was on the line, more than people might realize. And Georgia responded.

Who knows what will happen next year. A lot of big questions are still on the table.

But last night proved one thing. Blooded and bruised, Georgia wants another round.

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By the Numbers: Georgia Runs All Over Georgia Tech

GeorgiaDawg — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:56:49 -0500

In case you missed it last night, Georgia Tech's dominance over the Georgia Bulldog came to a sudden end at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

For one solid year, many in the Bulldog nation have endured a flood of verbal abuse from Jacket fans. After last year's victory the Jackets pranced around Sanford Stadium as if they had won 10 straight over the Dawgs.

Tech players acted as if they had never been there before (I guess there is a reason for that), tearing up the hedges at Sanford Stadium. Showing the same lack of respect they have accused Georgia players and fans of for years.

Last night all of that came to an end. Last night order was restored to the football universe in the state of Georgia. Last night the annoying buzz of a Yellow Jacket was swatted into the turf.

Georgia came into this game with a chip on their shoulder. That was obvious from their first offensive drive. Washaun Ealey and Caleb King ran all over Tech. Tech's defensive front was pushed around like they were a middle school team.

They simply had no answer for Georgia's suddenly dominant run game.

The Dawgs put up Tech like numbers on the ground, finishing with a Mark Richt era high of 339 yards rushing. Ealey and King tag teamed the Jackets for long runs, highlighted by King's 76 yard burst. King left Tech's players in his wake, never looking back as he split the middle of the field.

Tech's vaunted offense had it's moments, but Georgia's strength at defensive tackle shutdown Dwyer up the middle and contained Nesbitt enough to slow Tech down.

For Tech fans this will be a bitter loss. My guess is that they will be a classless in defeat as they were in victory last year.

They will point to their 10-win season, and their ACC Championship game berth. They will point to Georgia's five losses and their second-tier-bowl berth. They will try to find satisfaction.

They will fail.

Georgia can simply smile through the bitter reaction that is sure to come over the next 365 days. This one will be sweet.

But unlike Tech's win last year, it is not sweet because it is so rare. No, this one is sweet because it shuts the buzz up for 12 wonderful months.

Georgia owns Tech, there is no doubt about that. The Dawgs have now won 15 of the last 19 games played in this series.

Although the two teams don't agree on the number of games played, one thing is undeniable, Mark Richt has put Tech in it's place for almost a full decade.

Richt is now 8-1 against Tech. The great Paul Johnson is now 1-1 against the Dawgs.

So Georgia now awaits a bowl invitation. Hopefully the Music City bowl will call and the Dawgs will head to Nashville. Any bowl will be nice considering what this season has become.

Tech now heads to play another ACC team that couldn't handle a "mediocre" SEC team in their conference championship game. Tech and Clemson will meet to see which BCS bowl will have to endure an over rated ACC team as one of it's teams.

So to all my Tech friends out there, I say enjoy your championship game. Enjoy your BCS bowl game (if you get it).

Just remember one thing...on Nov. 28 in Atlanta, you couldn't beat the Dawgs...again. Ding dong, the streak is dead...the Tech win streak is dead at one!!

Go Dawgs!!!

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Do Da Dirty Bird: Previewing Week 12, Falcons v. Bucs

John McCurdy — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:45:55 -0500

There are a few reasons that my team should win this game.

We're coming home—thank goodness—to the Dome, where we're unbeaten this year.
We played a decent game last week, showing a good amount of moxie, despite the end result.
And, of course, we're facing friggin' Tampa Bay.

Shortly before starting this article, I came to the realization that it might be easiest to just analyze the one game the Bucs have won—Week Nine, at home against Green Bay—and then show how the Falcons could not possibly come up short in the ways the Pack did.

But that'd be too easy, and the few DDDB readers out there know my personality by this time: total perfectionist. So I'll break it down as I normally do, but let me remind you all to keep the comparison with the TB-GB game in mind this afternoon.

Because, in all honesty, that is the only game in which the Bucs did enough things right to matter at all.

Tampa Bay Rush Offense v. Atlanta Rush Defense

There can be just one reason a guy like Cadillac Williams has yet to top 100 yards in a single game this season, and that's a piss-poor line. I have watched him since the very beginning of his Auburn days, and this is a feature NFL back, I guarantee you.

Besides that, the acquisition of Derrick Ward should mean more here. But no, these two studs combined have not clocked 700 yards on the campaign, making me even more certain where to point the finger.

Looking at these guys Tampa puts in the trenches, it's neither inexperience nor old age that is holding them back. It's clearly either playcalling or straight-up ability, as all have played between three and seven years in the league.

This just isn't a bunch that can create holes or pull a back through, and they struggle with stopping penetration on runs, too. Not that we have guys who make too many tackles behind the line these days (looking at you, Jamaal Anderson), but after we held the Giants to 88 on the ground last week at their place, I ask anyone to tell me that the Falcons can't make a tackle within five yards of the handoff against this bunch.

The Bucs are, in general, an awful offense, ranked 29th overall in the league. More on the air game in a sec, but keep in mind that this is actually the better half of their production, and it's still barely getting to the century mark per game (100.9 yards average).

A Sunday ago, we Atlantans enjoyed a return to form for both Curtis Lofton and Mike Peterson, our real defensive keys (sorry, John Abraham). It was encouraging, especially on the road. They could only get in trouble today if they are looking ahead too much at the Eagles matchup in a week.

Atlanta Rush Offense v. Tampa Bay Rush Defense

A completely healthy Falcons team (I know, such a thing is hard to imagine) would be licking their chops at the prospect of facing this last-ranked rush defense. As is, I'd say we're still probably looking forward to ramming it down the Bucs' throats, considering how Jason Snelling looked last week against a stalwart N.Y. front.

The latest on Michael Turner is that he's expected to play, but that doesn't mean a whole lot to me, personally. I have to expect that a guy still rated "questionable" is at best at 75 percent, so I'd rather keep our third-stringer out there than risk the main man.

Of course, Jerious Norwood is also apparently feeling much better, and I'm not going to pretend that having three bodies is worse than the one we did last week. Throw in that that one had never before started a game, and the ground should serve us well.

Few things would please me more than for us to just eat up clock, giving our defense a veritable bye week.

We won't be facing much pressure; the Bucs rely far too much on Barrett Ruud (86 tackles to second-place-on-the-team Sabby Piscitelli's 59). The fact that the man's only at "probable" certainly doesn't help the case, either.

Tampa has forced just four fumbles and given up 12 rushing TD, 14 runs of 20 or more yards, and 84 first downs on the ground. Their 168.9 yards allowed per game means they're granting almost 100 yards more than league-leader Pittsburgh, and the 4.9-per-attempt is tied for the worst in the L.

Stoppage is just an ugly topic down by the Bay.

Tampa Bay Pass Offense v. Atlanta Pass Defense

One can at least say this for the Bucs' air game: Things are more interesting since the rookie took over.

Meanwhile, one can at least say this for the Falcons' air defense: Things are always interesting.

Whether or not you think Josh Freeman is "ever going to succeed at the next level," he's starting there right now. He's been no rookie sensation like a certain someone I know and love, but consider that he'll take over the Tampa lead for passing yards this week after getting serious burn in just four games, and I'm not ready to pass a verdict yet.

His ratio (five TD to five INT) is far from great, but he's shown better mobility than the guy on the roster who's got a better one (Byron Leftwich with four-to-three). It's that mobility that's the key to why he's been getting the nod, after all, and it's what's led him to fourth in rushing yards on the club and a 6.9-per average when he scrambles.

I've quit pretending that Atlanta can produce a consistent pass rush, as Abe is at least playing like he's past his prime (if he isn't) and Kroy Biermann can't be put in on every down for the liability he presents in the ground game. But I tell you what, I'll take my chances with Freeman's 51-percent completion rate.

Dude has questionable accuracy even when not pressured.

It won't help that both Antonio Bryant and Kellen Winslow are a little shook up. Then again, against a secondary that let Eli Manning throw for over 380 yards last week (and more telling, let four different guys rack up more than 60 yards receiving, including Mario Manningham's 126), you don't really need health.

Just a pulse might be enough against the inconsistent Brent Grimes. I beg you, pray tell: How do you look so good one second only to suck the next?

Overall, you know I'm giving us the edge, though. Not even we can make a 61.1 passer rating across the Buccaneer QB corps look elite.

Atlanta Pass Offense v. Tampa Bay Pass Defense

At least you didn't throw a pick last week, Matty Ice. I might really have cried had you managed that. Please let this be a sign of good things to come.

Though, of course, as I say that, it's time to dig back up something I mentioned at the outset - the Tampa-Green Bay game. It was in that contest that the strength of the Bay secondary came out, and Aaron Rodgers threw three picks. Returns of 35 or more yards (including one for six) did the Packers in.

And so, all the more important to keep the ball on the ground. Aqib Talib and Tanard Jackson will be all too happy to wrestle us from the warm embrace of victory.

Still, don't be fooled by the unit's 13th-overall rating, or at least not entirely. See a group that's given up the third-most passing TD in the league and allows the fourth-most yards per pass attempt for what they really are: prone to the big play.

The occasional big play is all we'll need as long as the ground game does what it should be able to do. Now you see why I was stressing the run attack.

I was hoping for more Tony Gonzalez last week, and I got it; maybe they'll listen again as I request that he gets a break here. We'll need Roddy White down the sideline for the now-and-again bomb to keep the Buc defense honest, but Gonzo should take a breather while the mid-range game is handled by the tailbacks.

Good for us that four of our last six are at home, where Ryan seems not just comfortable, but All-Pro. How he got so harried against the Panthers a fortnight ago I'm trying not to think about; instead, I'm picturing a confidence-boosting crushing of Tampa's defensive backfield.

Prediction : Falcons 34, Buccaneers 13

The Giants game was a heartbreaker for us. I won't get into how we could have won had Jason Elam been a bit more accurate, though I will thank administration for exploring Brandon Coutu as an option.

We shouldn't be worried, especially now that we're back in friendly confines, but it's important to keep in mind that our destiny is "in our hands." Winning out is a long shot, but getting five of the remaining six would certainly help.

Tripping over Tampa, either today or in a few weeks, would spell certain doom. We must use this as a week to get our minds right and learn as much as possible about the Bucs so that we can earn a rare road win in late December.

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