Yesterday, the Detroit Pistons made a blockbuster trade. Sending All-star guard Chauncey Billups to Denver for All-star guard Allen "AI" Iverson. Is that a "blockbuster" trade or what!?! Note that Denver also got Antonio McDyess from Detroit, though he says he wants to return to Detroit if Denver doesn't buyout his contract.
That wasn't the only good news in Detroit yesterday. The Pistons won their third game of the season (and are now 3-0).
Detroit KOed the 1-2 Charlotte Bobcats 101-83. All twelve of Detroit's active players scored at least two points as four of the Pistons five starters scored double-digit points en route to the 18-point victory in Charlotte, NC.
In each of Detroit's three games, the high-powered offense has scored 100+ points, and have just dominated the opposing defenses.
In addition to the fast start and recent blockbuster trade, the Pistons have locked up their three-time all-star shooting guard, Richard Hamilton, for three more years yesterday. According to Yahoo!.com, the Pistons are also thinking about a trade for Lebron James.
Should they land James, the Pistons would be almost an automatic pick for the 2008-09 NBA Finals.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
My Night at Fedex Field: Leftwich Steps in with MVP Performance
I am soooo sorry that I haven't posted a story in, lets see, a long time. I, to tell you the truth, kinda forgot about BNB for a while. But, I'm back, and every article I post on AGM will go on here as well. Enjoy!
Steelers 23, Redskins 6
Another Monday night, another Pittsburgh win.
Luckily for me, my night at Fedex Field in Landover, MD was a very good one. Of course it started out a little bumpy, falling behind early, 6-0 after head coach Mike Tomlin's surprise onside kick attempt on the opening kickoff failed. So, Jason Campbell and his Skins started out with great field position, but only managed a field goal. After Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense was held to a three and out on their first possession, the Skins got the ball back. Quickly, they pulled ahead with another Shaun Suisham f
ield goal, this one from 43 yards out.
Well, I surely wasn't used to this. Pittsburgh is usually able to get a quick lead and then pound the ball in the second half. Although that wasn't the case this Monday night. Roethlisberger attempted 17 first-half passes, only completing five of them. But kicker Jeff Reed hit a 35-yard field goal halfway through the second quarter, making it a 6-3 game.
I have failed to mention that Willie Parker finally returned to the lineup, but was ineffective early on. The best part of the whole game had to be the thousands and thousands of Steelers fans in DC waving their terrible towels proudly. The Steelers fans sitting right in front of me, wearing a Jerom Bettis jersey, predicted six Pittsburgh sacks. We witnessed FOUR in the first half as the Black and Gold. The Andre Frazier blocked punt with just over two minutes to go in the half set up a 1-yard run by Roethlisberger. The touchdown gave the Steelers the 10-6 lead. I must say, us Steelers fans were going crazy by then. In other words, it was LOUD. Unfortunately, the fans around me (including me), were unaware of the injury to Big Ben because we couldn't even hear the guy over the loudspeaker, but Roethlisberger ran into the locker room before the rest of the team thanks to an aggravation of his previously hurt shoulder.
We didn't realize he was out of the game until Byron Leftwich, the former Jacksonville Jaguars QB, ran out onto the field. It looked like they were keeping Dennis Dixon warm for most of the second half, too. When I saw him run out onto the field, of course I became a little worried. But that feeling didn't last for very long. Leftwich drove the Steelers down the field on their first second-half possession. The 8-play, 72 yard scoring drive was capped off with a 1-yard TD run by Willie Parker. Leftwich really got the "home" crowd going after his 50-yard pass completion to wide receiver Nate Washington. Leftwich finished the drive 2 for 3 for 57 yards, Reed missed the extra point, but it didn't really end up making a difference. 16-6 PIT.
It was all downhill for the Skins at this point. Campbell was sacked by Pittsburgh's blitz-happy defense three more times in the second half, and ended up throwing his first two interceptions of the season against them. Washington's next two drives were worthless, only gaining one first down between the two, and their last drive of the third quarter ended with a Deshea Townsend interception, which was challenged but the play stood as called on the field. Interception! First one of the season for Campbell.
On the Steelers ensuing drive Leftwich was sacked for -8 yards on the first play, and faced a 3rd and 15 after a three yard run for Parker. What does Leftwich do? Well, all he does is throw a 16-yard strike to Santonio Holmes (who, btw, just returned to the lineup after a one-game suspension) for a first down. Leftwich went 5 for 6 for 72 yards and a touchdown on yet another Steelers scoring drive, which was capped with his second Touchdown pass as a Pittsburgh Steeler. The 6-5, 250 pound Leftwich, 28, finished the game 7 for 10 for 129 yards and a TD.
His surprising performance totally eclipsed Big Ben's embarrassing first-half performance in which he accumulated a 15.1 QB Rating and a interception. Ben's status for Sunday's home game against the 4-4 Indianapolis Colts is uncertain, but I have a feeling we could be seeing a lot of Leftwich, which may not be a bad thing. Byron looked very calm in the pocket despite the Redskins defenders collapsing the pocket around him. The Skins defense, in fact, is number 4 in the League right now.
But, the story of the night was surely the number one rated defense, that is the Pittsburgh Steelers! This defense sacked Campbell for a total of 7 times and picked off two of his passes, like I said before. I don't think Campbell will be able to vote today, I don't think he will even be able to move a bone in his body after last night.
6-2!
Pittsburgh is now 4-0 on Monday night under the young Mike Tomlin.
Steelers 23, Redskins 6
Another Monday night, another Pittsburgh win.
Luckily for me, my night at Fedex Field in Landover, MD was a very good one. Of course it started out a little bumpy, falling behind early, 6-0 after head coach Mike Tomlin's surprise onside kick attempt on the opening kickoff failed. So, Jason Campbell and his Skins started out with great field position, but only managed a field goal. After Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense was held to a three and out on their first possession, the Skins got the ball back. Quickly, they pulled ahead with another Shaun Suisham f
ield goal, this one from 43 yards out.Well, I surely wasn't used to this. Pittsburgh is usually able to get a quick lead and then pound the ball in the second half. Although that wasn't the case this Monday night. Roethlisberger attempted 17 first-half passes, only completing five of them. But kicker Jeff Reed hit a 35-yard field goal halfway through the second quarter, making it a 6-3 game.
I have failed to mention that Willie Parker finally returned to the lineup, but was ineffective early on. The best part of the whole game had to be the thousands and thousands of Steelers fans in DC waving their terrible towels proudly. The Steelers fans sitting right in front of me, wearing a Jerom Bettis jersey, predicted six Pittsburgh sacks. We witnessed FOUR in the first half as the Black and Gold. The Andre Frazier blocked punt with just over two minutes to go in the half set up a 1-yard run by Roethlisberger. The touchdown gave the Steelers the 10-6 lead. I must say, us Steelers fans were going crazy by then. In other words, it was LOUD. Unfortunately, the fans around me (including me), were unaware of the injury to Big Ben because we couldn't even hear the guy over the loudspeaker, but Roethlisberger ran into the locker room before the rest of the team thanks to an aggravation of his previously hurt shoulder.
We didn't realize he was out of the game until Byron Leftwich, the former Jacksonville Jaguars QB, ran out onto the field. It looked like they were keeping Dennis Dixon warm for most of the second half, too. When I saw him run out onto the field, of course I became a little worried. But that feeling didn't last for very long. Leftwich drove the Steelers down the field on their first second-half possession. The 8-play, 72 yard scoring drive was capped off with a 1-yard TD run by Willie Parker. Leftwich really got the "home" crowd going after his 50-yard pass completion to wide receiver Nate Washington. Leftwich finished the drive 2 for 3 for 57 yards, Reed missed the extra point, but it didn't really end up making a difference. 16-6 PIT.
It was all downhill for the Skins at this point. Campbell was sacked by Pittsburgh's blitz-happy defense three more times in the second half, and ended up throwing his first two interceptions of the season against them. Washington's next two drives were worthless, only gaining one first down between the two, and their last drive of the third quarter ended with a Deshea Townsend interception, which was challenged but the play stood as called on the field. Interception! First one of the season for Campbell.
On the Steelers ensuing drive Leftwich was sacked for -8 yards on the first play, and faced a 3rd and 15 after a three yard run for Parker. What does Leftwich do? Well, all he does is throw a 16-yard strike to Santonio Holmes (who, btw, just returned to the lineup after a one-game suspension) for a first down. Leftwich went 5 for 6 for 72 yards and a touchdown on yet another Steelers scoring drive, which was capped with his second Touchdown pass as a Pittsburgh Steeler. The 6-5, 250 pound Leftwich, 28, finished the game 7 for 10 for 129 yards and a TD.
His surprising performance totally eclipsed Big Ben's embarrassing first-half performance in which he accumulated a 15.1 QB Rating and a interception. Ben's status for Sunday's home game against the 4-4 Indianapolis Colts is uncertain, but I have a feeling we could be seeing a lot of Leftwich, which may not be a bad thing. Byron looked very calm in the pocket despite the Redskins defenders collapsing the pocket around him. The Skins defense, in fact, is number 4 in the League right now.
But, the story of the night was surely the number one rated defense, that is the Pittsburgh Steelers! This defense sacked Campbell for a total of 7 times and picked off two of his passes, like I said before. I don't think Campbell will be able to vote today, I don't think he will even be able to move a bone in his body after last night.
6-2!
Pittsburgh is now 4-0 on Monday night under the young Mike Tomlin.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Another Monday Afternoon MMBBQ (11/3/08)
Peter's back at it again. Really, its no so much the crowned one today. The good soldier fights on with his usual dreary flub about why he thinks the Giants are good (because he lives in Jersey...icky). Still, no conceited drub detected this week, but he did do a fine bit of reporting:
Hey, let's go 7-0. Let's see if we can go 7-0. ... We're playing for ourselves. We're playing for our professional livelihood.''
--Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis, in his postgame speech to his team after the Bengals won their first game of the season, 21-19, over the Jags.
To which Petey responds: The Bengals have seven games left, and Chad Johnson says he thinks the team could finish 8-8. Well, in two weeks the Bengals start a rather interesting five-game stretch -- Eagles, at Steelers, Ravens, at Colts, Redskins -- and I'll just say this: If they sweep those five, I'm changing my name to Peter Ocho Cinco.
Now maybe I'm not a true Iggs fan here, but if the Eagles season is truly predicated on the Giants game, and they lose, is it so wrong to start rooting for the draft pick and hope the Bengals pull off the miracle string and make him chance his name. Seriously, can we hold his feet to the fire and make this happen?
Still, can't let Petey off that easy. Needless to say, his "Non-football thoughts" were going to kill me. What's he got?
Petey went on a little spat about how weak baseball is (namely Bud Selig - True) and how bad the weather was and how it ruined his night. It bothers me that they sell tickets to some schmuck like Peter King. Asshole can watch them play in Tampax, where there are no fans, instead of stealing seats from a caring fan in Philly. He was happy for Brad Lidge (we all are) but not a single congratulatory note for the Phils (while blowing Joe Maddon and the Rays).
Thanks Peter
Sorry you live in Jersey
Hangover Daily "Linkin' Logs" (11/3/08)
We've decided to take a new approach and find a new logo for the "Linkin' Logs." On that note, if you've got something of your own, feel free to submit: Justin@badnewsbloggers.com and we can discuss (which means, we'll probably use it).
What a fantastic weekend for Philly. Sure the Sixers are off to a tough start and the Flyers ended their winning ways (after ending their winless streak to start the season), but the Phillies are champions and the Eagles are now 5-3 and out of the basement of the NFC East (thanks Dallas).
And most interestingly, the story of this weekend is probably the BCS. Alabama moved into the top spot, not surprising given their SEC winning ways and Texas losing. Texas's loss (by Texas Tech) pushed them into 2, leaving PSU in the dust at 3 (you can thank the "little" 10) and Florida and Texas round out the top 5. Many PSU fans are upset that they didn't move up, but with the only ranked opponent win being Ohio State (12). Though they did beat Illinois (formerly a top 25) and have dates with Northwestern (many votes) and Michigan State (18).
Still, that's not exactly on par with TT, who's already beaten #23 Kansas State, #1 Texas and still has dates with Oklahoma State (9) and Oklahoma (5). Take care of business there, and it's hard not to argue TT into the National Title Game.
Meanwhile Alabama has defeated Clemson (9 at the time, unranked now), Georgia (6), LSU (19) and still has dates with Auburn and probably Florida (4) in the SEC title game. Again, take care of business and you'd be hardpressed to not put them in the Title Game.
And here's the one that should flip PSU fans' lids. Florida, at 7-1 has beaten #19 LSU and #6 Georgia, both at their houses and in impressive fashion, while losing a heartbreaker to Mississippi. They've still got dates with a tough Vandy Squad, Spurier's Gamecocks, Rival Florida State (22) and possibly Alabama (1). Again, with wins to close out the season, they could be 12-1 with 4 wins of ranked opponents and a fluky loss to Mississippi. Sitting at 4 now, I could see them leaping PSU with a title game defeat of 'Bama. It not only could happen, it's bloody likely.
PSU fans can badger all you like about beating everyone in front of you (like TT and 'Bama could do, in which case, they'd really have no gripe as far as the game itself...playoffs are another issue altogether), but when you open the season with the likes of Coastal Carolina, Syracuse and Temple (a collective 9-17) you gotta find some way to make up for your conference deficiencies.
- When the season started, did you really expect Bears fans to cringe or cheer when Kyle Orton got hurt. Oh, the irony.
- We're just using this article as a way to say "Rusty Hardin" one more time. Seriously, Roger, give it a rest.
- PFT is counting down their top 7 moments in their 7 years as a news source. We like number 7, if for no other reason than once again proving why Charley Casserly is dumb.
- From MLBTradeRumors.com, The John Heyman Free Agency Predictions. Good stuff to light the hot stove with.
- On that note, we here at BNB love MLBTradeRumors, they're a great source of MLB Hot Stove info, if for no other reason than they're ability to collect numerous articles throughout the net.
- AwfulAnnouncing, gives us the scoop on Bill Simmons and ESPN. Woooooo!
- EC gives us some more Halloween Smackdown Rundown.
- And finally, They also gives us 12 hilarious facts about yesterday's football action. Seneca Wallace is S-M-R-T
Thursday, October 30, 2008
10 Things...That Don't Smell Like Shit At All
Its a special time in Philadelphia. 2 hours from now, the championship red pinstripers will be parading down Broad and Market Streets (amongst others) receiving the cheers (and no jeers) of, literally, millions of fans. Its a fantastic day to be a Philly fan. One issue has got me thinking though; the once "woe is me" attitude that has plagued Philly fans, marred them with disgusting losses and extreme futility is now gone. The mantra will change...but the attitude. What's to complaint about now? At this point it doesn't matter, let's just sit back and enjoy the afterglow of a champion.
- Championship Gear and no room for a Second Mortgage. I have many rules about buying gear, but most of them, if not all, generally get broken when a team becomes a champion. I say this like its happened before. Frankly, since 1997, I've purchased numerous "2nd place" items (Conf. Championship gear), but only sparingly, as I didn't find the true value, but still splurged a little. In this case, it seems like the ideal time to splurge and I will buy many things but...with prices like this and an economy like this, you really have to wonder about 25 dollar t-shirts and 110 dollar jerseys.
- Uncle Charlie's "This is for Philadelphia." And with that, Charlie Manuel become an iconic Philadelphia hero, and the owner of a proud spot in the Philadelphia Sports Pantheon. His speech, his passion, his respect for the fans was my first true moment of "We've made it!" But that little diddy of a speech, even slightly incoherent, was one of my favorite moments in sports history for that town.
- Jimmy was Right. After Carlos Beltran's "To Jimmy Rollins, We're the Team to beat." proclaimation earlier this year, Young James responded with his own ridiculous proclaimation...That the Phillies would win 100 games. They won 103 and a title. Touche Jimmy, Touche.
- Parade, Parade, Parade. Its okay to say it. Philadelphia's having a parade today. It's a joyous time and even I'll be enjoying it from afar.
- Charlie, We were Wrong. Especially Eskin. Charlie Manuel have been the subject of much grief in Philadelphia. He's been called stupid, a bumkin and even almost came to blows with Phildelphia sports personality, Howard Eskin. I'm here to officially apologize to Charlie, as even I called for his firing. I was wrong Charlie and I've never been so happy to eat crow in my life.
- Fire up the Hot Stove. 157 days till spring training. This, both literally and figuratively will be the shortest offseason yet. But Free Agency is 15 days away and times are a-changin'.
- The 100 Season Wait is Over. Sure its an overdue title and Philly fans almost claim to deserve it, but they've been held hostage by years of almosts, maybes and lots of bad management. The waits over now and maybe it's time to turn the corner. A whole generation of titleless fans now share the joy that those of the 70s and 80s so fondly remember.
- And the Winner is... Well, Jayson Stark picked the Phils in 6, while Peter Gammons and Jerry Crasnik picked the Phils in 7; all the other ESPN schmucks when Rays in varying degrees with Jim Caple picking a Rays sweet (whoops!). ESPN batted .300 on the call. Sports Illustrated's John Heyman and Albert Chen also picked the Phils in 6 while Tom Verducci and Michael Bamberger had them in 7. No one at SI had the series going in either favor for less than 6 games. SI batted .444 for the Series.
- Enjoy the Day. Much like I've derided by Beantown brethern during their numerous (too numerous, fucking douchebags) parades and championship riots, let's keep the celebrating, clean fun and downright drunken. I agree, I never got why people felt the need to vandalize. Sit back and enjoy it, don't "be a jackass" (thanks Nutter).
- And for today. Here it is. Replays of the 1980 Series, the Parade and Rally and then replays of the 2008 model. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Philadelphia Phillies - World Series Champions
They're Champions. The Philadelphia Phillies have ended the 25 year, 100 season drought in Philly. They've done what the 2004 Eagles, 2001 76ers and 1997 Flyers could not. But all those thoughts are simply washed in the Championship dream that is the 2008 World Series Champions.We'll just enjoy the glory for now.
Is Greg Oden the Next Ralph Sampson?
NBA fans around the world have waited for Greg Oden to make his professional debut with the Portland Trailblazers. Tuesday night, Oden took the court for the first time in his NBA career, and you have to think that the fans were disappointed.
Granted his stats were not impressive 0-4, 2 rebounds 1 blocked shot and 1 turnover. However, what Trailblazer fans have to be disappointed about is that Greg Oden injured himself during the season opener. That's right Greg Oden got hurt again. This time he hurt his foot after playing just over 12 minutes. At this time it is unclear as to how severe the injury to Oden's foot is.
However, if you are the Portland Trailblazers you have to be concerned about the overall health and longevity of their one time number 1 pick. Greg Oden only played one year of college basketball at Ohio State. That season was cut short when Oden sat for the first half of the year with a wrist injury. Even upon returning to the court he was limited in what he could do. Oden missed his original rookie season in the NBA after undergoing micro-fracture surgery to repair an injured knee. And now he has another injury.
Even if it is a minor injury, this has to serve as proof that Greg Oden is a brittle player and his NBA career could be cut short due to a rash of injuries. If I was part of the Trailblazers management, I would be concerned that they just drafted the next Ralph Sampson.
Ralph Sampson was a three time national player of the year at the University of Virginia and is widely considered one of the best college basketball players ever. He was picked up by the Houston Rockets and along side Hakeem the Dream they combined to create a massive front court with two seven footers. However, a lack of size and a rash of foot injuries would end Sampson's career before he ever made an impact on the league.
Right now Greg Oden seems to be on the same path as so many other big men turn disappointments. I am not writing him off just yet, but I am warning, don't be surprised if/when it happens.
Daily "Linkin' Logs" - Dried Out Game Five Edition (10/29/08)
Well, the weather report for tonight in Philly is cloudy skies and high 40s. Sufficient enough for baseball (like last year in Boston...or last night in Philly - *sigh*). Another Selig screw-up as they probably could have played last night. Alas, no mistakes were made and they will (baring something blatantly ridiculous) play tonight.
The Philadelphia papers are all abashed with anger, frustration and downright disgust in regards to Major League Baseball's treatment of the Phillies, their fans and the game in general:
- Sam Donnellon, a professed Mets fan as a kid, thinks the whole game was a fraud and totally reliant on FOX, not MLB
- Todd Zolecki, a top Phillies beat writer, discusses the upset players involved.
- From Deadspin's Rick Chandler (who got it from the South Jersey Courier Post), two Phillies ripped the shit out of Bud Selig. Maybe not, because apparently said pitcher (anonymous Phillie) said he wouldn't even allow Selig to supervise one of his (we can only assume) "shits."
- And Senior times Hack, John Romano of TampaBay.com...well, he doesn't really mention anything about it, except that the Rays have "momentum." If you call being down 3-1 in the bottom of the 6th in an elimination game momentum...then yes, yes they do have momentum.
- Its been discussed amongst the Philly Phaithful...could it be Kate Smith Time?
- Brett Favre only threw 5 TDs in AZ...Deanna threw the 6th...duh
- And the collective hearts of Portland Trailblazers' fans are in their throats...That didn't take long
- The Cs hang another one up...
- King Peter takes a look at the blown call in the Falcons-Eagles Matchup. Certainly a tough call that the officials probably got wrong but this isn't baseball, you don't just make up the rules as you go.
- EC gives us an early look at...yep, Wrestlemania
- And finally, Charles Barkley is class all the way...
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