Noah missed his second game after Vinny over used him against the Blazers. My thoughts on how that game may cost them a playoff spot. Luol Deng missed the game due to soreness in his knee that actually has been bothering for the last couple weeks. Brad Miller continues to start in place of Joakim while James Johnson, yes the same James Johnson who couldn't see the court about a month ago, got the start for Deng.
Then just to add to the injury woes Derrick Rose banged knees with Mike Bibby early on in the first quarter and ended up in the locker room. Luckily he did return half way through the second quarter and looked fine throughout the rest of the game scoring 24 points and dishing out 3 assists.
Taj Gibson also racked up another double-double, 11 points & 13 boards, and may give Noah a run for the most on the team if he misses extended time.
To make up for the lose of Deng, Del Negro employed his new favorite lineup, Rose, Hinrich and Murray which I have to admit it better then Skiles old three guard lineup of Duhon, Hinrich and Gordon. Murray saw around 30 minutes of action continuing his solid play since coming over in the Tyrus Thomas trade. Hakim Warrick also played well scoring 10 points and grabbing 7 rebounds.
The Bulls were able to pull within six point early in the 4th but then after a timeout the Hawks just started crashing the boards and proved too much for the shorthanded Bulls as they lost 112-88 for their second straight lose and three out of the last five.
Acie Law was able to see some action against one of his former teams replacing Rose late in the fourth. While Joe Alexander saw his first game action since joining the team in mop up duty. Even with Deng and Noah out and Rose missing about a quarter of the game Vinny stayed with a very short rotation only play 8 players until the game was out of reach.
We also got to see a three guard lineup of Law, Pargo and Murray. If that doesn't give you nightmares as a Bulls fan I don't know what does.
Does anyone know what happened to Devin Brown? He was seen as a replacement for Salmons when they traded Aaron Gray for him but even in a game like this he was unable to see any time not even garbage time at the end.
The Bulls got probably their final look at what I feel should be their #1 free agent target this summer in Joe Johnson. JJ had an off night only scoring 14 points on 5-15 shooting but grabbed 9 rebounds and dished out 3 assists for a very balanced attack. The Hawks had 5 players in double digits lead by former Bull Jamal Crawford with 21.
Next Game.....Derrick Rose and the Bulls welcome Mark Cuban and his her look Dallas Mavericks to town on Thursday. The Mavs have looked great since making the trade to bring over Caron Butler and Haywood. Game tips-off at 7PM and can be found on Comcast.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Big Names to Da Bears
A few former Pro Bowl players have been released by their teams in the last few days and have expressed interest in coming to Chicago. I expect none of them to be signed but should the Bears consider them.
The First is Torry Holt who had played under Mike Martz in St. Louis. Holt who played last season with the Jaguars after spending the first 10 years of his career in St. Louis. Holt would be able to give some pointer to the young inexperienced Bears receivers. Holt has over 900 catches for over 13,000 yards but at 33 and coming off two sub 1,000 yard receiving seasons, is there much left in the tank? Holt seems to think so and stated his desire to rejoin his former coach here in Chicago. Would Holt be another Marty Booker or could he still help the team?
Secondly there is former Eagle Brian Westbrook. Unlike Holt who has no injury concerns, Westrbrook has never played in all 16 games in any of his 8 seasons. Brian missed 8 games this past season while dealing with concussions. Westbrook is an extremely versatile back who would probably fit very well in Martz's offense. But the big question is his health and at this point in his career is he really an upgrade over Matt Forte? I don't think he is worth the risk and would rather see them spend money on the offensive line to help the running game.
Finally we come to a guy they looked at last off season but passed and let him go to the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. I'm speaking of none other then Darren Sharper. He is the oldest of the trio at 34 but might be the one with the most left in the tank as he is still playing at a very high level. Sharper would bring a veteran leader to the defensive backfield that has been lacking since Mike Brown was here and healthy. Sharper is I think the player most likely that the team will add taking in what Lovie said over the weekend at the combine about needing a safety.
None of these players should require big money to get them signed and in this uncapped year what real difference does it make. Now is the time that this organization gets things right, steps up and builds around their franchise quarterback. There probably isn't a free agent answer to help the offensive line but they can build up the rest of the team and put a winner back on the field.
Do any of these guys interest you as a fan?
The First is Torry Holt who had played under Mike Martz in St. Louis. Holt who played last season with the Jaguars after spending the first 10 years of his career in St. Louis. Holt would be able to give some pointer to the young inexperienced Bears receivers. Holt has over 900 catches for over 13,000 yards but at 33 and coming off two sub 1,000 yard receiving seasons, is there much left in the tank? Holt seems to think so and stated his desire to rejoin his former coach here in Chicago. Would Holt be another Marty Booker or could he still help the team?
Secondly there is former Eagle Brian Westbrook. Unlike Holt who has no injury concerns, Westrbrook has never played in all 16 games in any of his 8 seasons. Brian missed 8 games this past season while dealing with concussions. Westbrook is an extremely versatile back who would probably fit very well in Martz's offense. But the big question is his health and at this point in his career is he really an upgrade over Matt Forte? I don't think he is worth the risk and would rather see them spend money on the offensive line to help the running game.
Finally we come to a guy they looked at last off season but passed and let him go to the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. I'm speaking of none other then Darren Sharper. He is the oldest of the trio at 34 but might be the one with the most left in the tank as he is still playing at a very high level. Sharper would bring a veteran leader to the defensive backfield that has been lacking since Mike Brown was here and healthy. Sharper is I think the player most likely that the team will add taking in what Lovie said over the weekend at the combine about needing a safety.
None of these players should require big money to get them signed and in this uncapped year what real difference does it make. Now is the time that this organization gets things right, steps up and builds around their franchise quarterback. There probably isn't a free agent answer to help the offensive line but they can build up the rest of the team and put a winner back on the field.
Do any of these guys interest you as a fan?
Did one win cost the Bulls a playoff spot
This past Friday as the Bulls took on the Portland Trailblazers in a very exciting overtime victory a choice was made that may cost Chicago a spot in the playoffs.
Joakim Noah who is suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, an injury that will never go away and the only proven treatment is rest, played 27 minutes scoring 8 points grabbing 11 boards and even dishing out 4 assists. All this while playing stellar defense on LaMarcus Aldridge.
But was the win worth it?
This was only Noah's 4th game back after missing 7 games earlier in the month. In the first three games Noah player a total 26 minutes. Most people, myself included, was very confused why the team was even playing Noah since they were playing well winning five of the seven games he missed.
After the game Friday it was being reported that Noah could barely walk and was seen with a bag of ice wrapped around his foot in the locker room. There were several times during the game that Noah looked to be in extreme pain.
Noah sat out Saturday's game vs the Pacers and will miss tonight's game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Heading into an extremely tough stretch of games this month, it again raises the question why the team did not rest him and save him for the stretch run. March features 12 out of the 15 games against teams in the playoff hunt, including two games against the Miami Heat which are currently in 9th place 2 1/2 games behind the Bulls.
The only thing that may keep the Bulls playoff hopes alive if Noah can't return is that both Miami and Toronto are both dealing with injures to their star players, Wade and Bosh respectively. If somehow they survive March there is hope in April when they face Milwaukee and Toronto once and the current 8th place team Bobcats twice including the final game of the season.
There are 23 games left in this season, 13 of which are at home, and they will need at least 10 more wins to make the playoffs and that alone will require them to beat a few teams that they shouldn't. Can they do it without Noah for the majority of those games? I don't know
Joakim Noah who is suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, an injury that will never go away and the only proven treatment is rest, played 27 minutes scoring 8 points grabbing 11 boards and even dishing out 4 assists. All this while playing stellar defense on LaMarcus Aldridge.
But was the win worth it?
This was only Noah's 4th game back after missing 7 games earlier in the month. In the first three games Noah player a total 26 minutes. Most people, myself included, was very confused why the team was even playing Noah since they were playing well winning five of the seven games he missed.
After the game Friday it was being reported that Noah could barely walk and was seen with a bag of ice wrapped around his foot in the locker room. There were several times during the game that Noah looked to be in extreme pain.
Noah sat out Saturday's game vs the Pacers and will miss tonight's game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Heading into an extremely tough stretch of games this month, it again raises the question why the team did not rest him and save him for the stretch run. March features 12 out of the 15 games against teams in the playoff hunt, including two games against the Miami Heat which are currently in 9th place 2 1/2 games behind the Bulls.
The only thing that may keep the Bulls playoff hopes alive if Noah can't return is that both Miami and Toronto are both dealing with injures to their star players, Wade and Bosh respectively. If somehow they survive March there is hope in April when they face Milwaukee and Toronto once and the current 8th place team Bobcats twice including the final game of the season.
There are 23 games left in this season, 13 of which are at home, and they will need at least 10 more wins to make the playoffs and that alone will require them to beat a few teams that they shouldn't. Can they do it without Noah for the majority of those games? I don't know
RIP Kerr & Van Lier
A year ago today the Chicago sports fans were shocked when we lost two all-time sports icons of the city in Norm Van Lier and Johnny "Red" Kerr.
Anyone who was at the tribute on Febraury 10 to Kerr last season, that saw greats like MJ, Bob Love and Scottie Pippen come back to honor the first Bulls coach and longtime announcer knew that he was not long for this world. Over the last few years before he retired from broadcasting he started to miss road trips and then sometimes wouldn't call play by play and only would contribute before the game and at half time. To those who didn't know how sick he was it may have come as a shock to see him get rolled out onto the court in a wheelchair. But after that day everyone knew it was just a matter or time. Maybe that tribute was the one thing "Red" was waiting for.
But shockingly last year around mid afternoon the news broke that Norm Van Lier had been found dead at his home was truly shocking. I remember hearing something on the radio and started calling people to see if they heard the same thing. Norm had been still working and was working for Comcast just a few days earlier when the Bulls upset the Magic at home. Norm was only 62 years old. Sadly it took Norm's passing for him to finally be honored by the team. However they have still not decided to retire his number which now that he is gone will probably never happen.
Then later in the day maybe around 9 or 10 PM when the news of Norm's passing had finally sunk in the news broke that Kerr had passed away at home after a long battle with cancer. As Melissa Isaacson said in her article about the two, "It was, to longtime Bulls fans and so many others, a punch to the gut followed by a slap in the face,". I couldn't have said it better myself.
It was truly a very sad day for all Bulls fans as well as Chicago sports fans. I was at the Kerr tribute game last season as well as at the first home game after the two passed away and I will be there tonight when we will remember once again these two great men.
Anyone who was at the tribute on Febraury 10 to Kerr last season, that saw greats like MJ, Bob Love and Scottie Pippen come back to honor the first Bulls coach and longtime announcer knew that he was not long for this world. Over the last few years before he retired from broadcasting he started to miss road trips and then sometimes wouldn't call play by play and only would contribute before the game and at half time. To those who didn't know how sick he was it may have come as a shock to see him get rolled out onto the court in a wheelchair. But after that day everyone knew it was just a matter or time. Maybe that tribute was the one thing "Red" was waiting for.
But shockingly last year around mid afternoon the news broke that Norm Van Lier had been found dead at his home was truly shocking. I remember hearing something on the radio and started calling people to see if they heard the same thing. Norm had been still working and was working for Comcast just a few days earlier when the Bulls upset the Magic at home. Norm was only 62 years old. Sadly it took Norm's passing for him to finally be honored by the team. However they have still not decided to retire his number which now that he is gone will probably never happen.
Then later in the day maybe around 9 or 10 PM when the news of Norm's passing had finally sunk in the news broke that Kerr had passed away at home after a long battle with cancer. As Melissa Isaacson said in her article about the two, "It was, to longtime Bulls fans and so many others, a punch to the gut followed by a slap in the face,". I couldn't have said it better myself.
It was truly a very sad day for all Bulls fans as well as Chicago sports fans. I was at the Kerr tribute game last season as well as at the first home game after the two passed away and I will be there tonight when we will remember once again these two great men.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Deng leads Bulls over Pacers
Luol Deng came out firing scoring 11 of his 31 points in the first quarter. Usually Deng going off big in the first quarter is a bad sign of things to come because he disappears the rest of the game, but not tonight. Deng also had 9 rebounds to go along with his 4 blocks.
The Bulls lead by 19 after the first and by as many as 23 at one point only to see that lead vanish after the Pacers hit 6 of 10 shots behind the arc during the second quarter. Bulls managed to keep the lead and went into the half with a 58-54 lead. They were able to extend their lead to 13 after three and held on to win 120-110 in a game they had to win against a very bad Pacer team.
Derrick Rose was lights out as usual nearly getting a triple double with 23 points 9 rebounds and 8 assists and had some highlight real plays late in the 4th which included a huge alley-oop dunk over A.J. Price of the Pacers who a few players before got his hands on a ball Derrick mishandled and drove down the court only to see his shot get blocked and taken away by Rose.. Kirk Hinrich's improved shooting continues as he scored 14 points on 6 of 8 shooting including 2-3 behind the arc.
Flip Murray also had another solid game scoring 16 on a poor shooting night but he was able to ge to the line 10 times making 8 free throws. Hakim Warrick had his worse game as a ball failing to score in double digits for the first time in four games while only grabbing 1 board in 15 minutes of time. Taj Gibson registered another double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Joakim Noah's play continued to be monitored only playing 7 minutes once again.
Bulls play again at home on Friday taking on the Portland Trailblazers.
Alexander watch...... Now stands at 4. Joe Alexander still has yet to see any playing time since joining the team at the trading deadline. If this continues my over/under bet looks pretty good. Maybe I can even lower it to his old number or maybe instead of points how about minutes player?
The Bulls lead by 19 after the first and by as many as 23 at one point only to see that lead vanish after the Pacers hit 6 of 10 shots behind the arc during the second quarter. Bulls managed to keep the lead and went into the half with a 58-54 lead. They were able to extend their lead to 13 after three and held on to win 120-110 in a game they had to win against a very bad Pacer team.
Derrick Rose was lights out as usual nearly getting a triple double with 23 points 9 rebounds and 8 assists and had some highlight real plays late in the 4th which included a huge alley-oop dunk over A.J. Price of the Pacers who a few players before got his hands on a ball Derrick mishandled and drove down the court only to see his shot get blocked and taken away by Rose.. Kirk Hinrich's improved shooting continues as he scored 14 points on 6 of 8 shooting including 2-3 behind the arc.
Flip Murray also had another solid game scoring 16 on a poor shooting night but he was able to ge to the line 10 times making 8 free throws. Hakim Warrick had his worse game as a ball failing to score in double digits for the first time in four games while only grabbing 1 board in 15 minutes of time. Taj Gibson registered another double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Joakim Noah's play continued to be monitored only playing 7 minutes once again.
Bulls play again at home on Friday taking on the Portland Trailblazers.
Alexander watch...... Now stands at 4. Joe Alexander still has yet to see any playing time since joining the team at the trading deadline. If this continues my over/under bet looks pretty good. Maybe I can even lower it to his old number or maybe instead of points how about minutes player?
Turning Jap.......
I really don't know what to say about this.
The only thing that popped into my head after seeing this was the episode of Entourage when Vinny Chase was broke and needed some quick money so did a commercial for a Chinese Red Bull drink. Hard to believe that the soon to be 28 year old actress who has been on the scene for 16 years after her big break in Interview with a Vampire that would be doing something that makes her look like an Anime reject from comic-con.
For some reason though I have watched it several times cause I find it funny.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Greatest All-time Runningback
Ok so I read over at Fanhuddle.com an article by a very biased Dallas Cowboys fan claiming hands down that Emmitt Smith was by far the greatest running back of all time. I know this debate can go on forever and can includes lots of names but in my book there is only three I consider in this debate: Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders.
I'm excluding Jim Brown, Gayle Sayers among others cause in my opinion these 3 are the best.
I'm also going to admit I'm a huge Bears fan but I'm trying to keep this unbiased but if you feel I'm leaning towards Payton at least you know why. To be honest I don't feel there is just one answer. That is the best part about football through all the Eras and how everything changes there can always be a debate.
Walter Payton
13 years. Rushing 16,726 yards on 3,828 attempts averaging 4.4 yards a carry with 110 touchdowns. Receiving 4,538 yards on 492 catches averaging 9.2 yards a catch with 15 touchdowns. Passing 11 of 34 for 331 yards and 8 touchdowns. The NFL did not keep track of fumbles during his career, they didn't start till 1991.
Won 1 Super Bowl title. 10 - 1,000 yard rushing seasons. Missed only one game during his career, back in his rookie season, playing in 191 games. Has his number 34 retired with the Bears. 1 League MVP, 9 Pro-bowls, 1 Pro bowl MVP, 6 First-team and 3 Second-team All-Pro Selections. Known for his tremendous blocking.Spent his entire career with the Chicago Bears.
Emmitt Smith
15 years. Rushing 18,355 yards on 4,409 carries averaging 4.2 yards a carry with 164 touchdowns. Receiving 3,224 yards on 515 catches averaging 6.3 yards a catch with 11 touchdowns. Passed once for one touchdown. Fumbled 54 times losing 25 of them.
Won 3 Super Bowl titles. 11- 1,000 yard rushing seasons. Missed 12 out of a possible 240 games during his career. 1 League MVP, Rookie of the Year, 1 Super Bowl MVP, 8 Pro-bowls, 4 First-team and 1 Second-team All-Pro Selections. Is in the Cowboys' ring of Honor(Their equal to retired Jerseys). Holds career rushing record, rushing touchdown record as well as most 100 yard rushing games for the NFL. Played 12 years with the Dallas Cowboys and 3 with the Arizona Cardinals.
Barry Sanders
10 years. Rushing 15,269 yards on 3,062 carries averaging 5 yards a carry with 99 touchdowns. Receiving 2,921 yards on 352 catches averaging 8.3 yards a catch with 10 touchdowns. Passing 1 of 4 for 11 yards. Fumbled 27 times losing 13 of them.
10 - 1,000 yard rushing seasons. Missed 7 out of a possible 160 games during his career. Rookie of the Year, Co-MVP, 10 Pro-Bowl selections, 6 First-team and 4 Second-team All-Pro selections. Also had a 2,000 yard rushing season which only 6 players have ever done. Sadly he played on losing teams in Detroit and never even made it to a Super Bowl.
So what does everyone think? Who is the best?
I'm excluding Jim Brown, Gayle Sayers among others cause in my opinion these 3 are the best.
I'm also going to admit I'm a huge Bears fan but I'm trying to keep this unbiased but if you feel I'm leaning towards Payton at least you know why. To be honest I don't feel there is just one answer. That is the best part about football through all the Eras and how everything changes there can always be a debate.
Walter Payton
13 years. Rushing 16,726 yards on 3,828 attempts averaging 4.4 yards a carry with 110 touchdowns. Receiving 4,538 yards on 492 catches averaging 9.2 yards a catch with 15 touchdowns. Passing 11 of 34 for 331 yards and 8 touchdowns. The NFL did not keep track of fumbles during his career, they didn't start till 1991.
Won 1 Super Bowl title. 10 - 1,000 yard rushing seasons. Missed only one game during his career, back in his rookie season, playing in 191 games. Has his number 34 retired with the Bears. 1 League MVP, 9 Pro-bowls, 1 Pro bowl MVP, 6 First-team and 3 Second-team All-Pro Selections. Known for his tremendous blocking.Spent his entire career with the Chicago Bears.
Emmitt Smith
15 years. Rushing 18,355 yards on 4,409 carries averaging 4.2 yards a carry with 164 touchdowns. Receiving 3,224 yards on 515 catches averaging 6.3 yards a catch with 11 touchdowns. Passed once for one touchdown. Fumbled 54 times losing 25 of them.
Won 3 Super Bowl titles. 11- 1,000 yard rushing seasons. Missed 12 out of a possible 240 games during his career. 1 League MVP, Rookie of the Year, 1 Super Bowl MVP, 8 Pro-bowls, 4 First-team and 1 Second-team All-Pro Selections. Is in the Cowboys' ring of Honor(Their equal to retired Jerseys). Holds career rushing record, rushing touchdown record as well as most 100 yard rushing games for the NFL. Played 12 years with the Dallas Cowboys and 3 with the Arizona Cardinals.
Barry Sanders
10 years. Rushing 15,269 yards on 3,062 carries averaging 5 yards a carry with 99 touchdowns. Receiving 2,921 yards on 352 catches averaging 8.3 yards a catch with 10 touchdowns. Passing 1 of 4 for 11 yards. Fumbled 27 times losing 13 of them.
10 - 1,000 yard rushing seasons. Missed 7 out of a possible 160 games during his career. Rookie of the Year, Co-MVP, 10 Pro-Bowl selections, 6 First-team and 4 Second-team All-Pro selections. Also had a 2,000 yard rushing season which only 6 players have ever done. Sadly he played on losing teams in Detroit and never even made it to a Super Bowl.
So what does everyone think? Who is the best?
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