On the outside lookin in
by CT
The Buffalo Sabres are 42 games into the 2010-11 season and they currently sit in 10th place. Even after their current streak of 9 points in 10 games they still sit 10 points back of the coveted last playoff spot in the East. Does this really surprise you?
Let’s look at some of the rosters of some of the other teams in the East.
Washington- Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom, Green, Carlson, Knuble
Pittsburgh- Crosby, Malkin, Letang, Staal, rookie overachiever- Letestu
Philadelphia- Briere, Richards, Carter, Pronger, Giroux
I won’t waste anymore of your time name dropping but lets look at some of the “household” names on the Sabres roster: Connolly, Vanek, Stafford, Roy (OUT), Grier, Hecht, Niedermayer, Kaleta, McCormick, Gaustaud, Sekera, Gerbe.
We are supposed to succeed with this team? I have been the biggest Sabres optimist for as long as I can remember. When people trash talk, I still defend the team. However, without a couple proven players, these guys cannot excel. In this previous column, I wrote how the only people that are worth their contracts are Grier and Stafford. That statement remains true.
SUCK-era has honestly made me like him less. Last night’s giveaway to Richards wasn’t all his fault but he single-handily lost the game in Colorado. There are 18 other guys dressed every night and it is a team game but this guy is just awful. Connolly is all but gone, no need to beat that dead horse.
Rob Niedermayer has done nothing. The expectations for him were low as far as points go although if the Sabres make the playoffs that might change. However 0 goals and 8 points shouldn’t make a minor league roster. He doesn’t even have any other significant role on the team. He is not a big hitter. His forecheck is nonexistent. Maybe it is a good thing I don’t notice him on defense but he is just another hole in an already below-average team. This team needs overachiever’s not underachievers.
Vanek is on pace for 28 goals. That is good production….for a second liner. That is when Vanek was at his best, on the 3rd line. If the Sabres could get 1 or 2 guys that can actually produce to play the first line everything else would fall into place. Vanek and Stafford could move to the second line, Ennis could be moved to play the 3rd or 4th line and skate circles around them.
The Sabres are a topic that can be discussed non-stop. Hopefully, Terrence P owns the team sooner rather than later. Until that happens and a serious overhaul of the roster occurs, the Sabres will be on the outside looking in. The question is, for how long?
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Auburn 22 Oregon 19 F
by Steve
The over/under was really 72 points? zero points in the first quarter? Fourteen total in the second half? This was a boring game. Neither team played particularly well, the two 'stars' Cam Newton and LaMichael James were either hurt or not up for the spot light. The obvious MVP was DT Nick Fairley. He was the most dominant player on the field, disrupted just about every play and took away the middle of the line from the Oregon offense.
Quick hits
The over/under was really 72 points? zero points in the first quarter? Fourteen total in the second half? This was a boring game. Neither team played particularly well, the two 'stars' Cam Newton and LaMichael James were either hurt or not up for the spot light. The obvious MVP was DT Nick Fairley. He was the most dominant player on the field, disrupted just about every play and took away the middle of the line from the Oregon offense.
Quick hits
- If anything Cam Newton showed he needs another year in college football, too bad his sketch-mo past won't let him play another year. He will flop in the pros.
- Nick Fairley shooting up to #1 on everyone's board
- Chip Kelly had no answer for a surprisingly good Auburn defense especially in the second half.
- Darron Thomas never takes snaps from center and it pisses me off. He showed his inexperience and seemed nervous or jumpy the whole game.
- I criticized Gene Chizik for a conservative game plan but it limited Oregon's touches and they had the ball last and won, guess I was wrong.
- Who thought frosh Michael Dyer would out perform LaMichael James and out run him by 94 yards?
- Neither team passed the ball very effectively despite Thomas throwing for 363.
- Casey Matthews in the second round please Mr. Nix.
- Unsung hero was Auburn's punter. Dude was landing balls inside the 20 all night and had extremely effective hang time. Don't sleep on field position.
Friday, January 7, 2011
NFL Wild Card Weekend locks
Staff selections for the best weekend in the football season, Wild Card Weekend. Mind you these selections are solely for gambling purposes and should not be used solely for amusement.
Coast
Seattle +10.5 vs. the Aints: The Aints lost games this season to Arizona and Cleveland. I know, they went 12-4 and are the defending champs, but I am just not sold on them this season. They have no running game without Pierre Thomas. They will have to go with the thunder and lightning combination of Julius Jones and Reggie Bush. Yikes! Seattle is a tough place to play. 5 of the Seahawk's 7 wins came in the great northwest. Did I mention that they also have Marshawn Lynch, the best running back in this league since Sanders? The Saints beat the Seahawks 34-19 earlier this season in New Orleans and the Hawks will look to avenge this loss. Not only do I think they will cover, but I think they have an outside chance at winning.
Green Bay +2.5 @ Philadelphia: Aaron Rodgers, time to emerge as a top 5 QB in the league. The Packers have a great defense...15 points per game allowed, 2nd in the NFL. Has Vick been figured out? The Giants and Vikings may have exposed him, except for 1 quarter of play. I expect more of the same Sunday, not because Vick isn't a great player, but because the Packers just have a better team. The Pack will win outright at the Link.
Kansas City +3 vs. Baltimore: This is another interesting game. The Bills played both of these teams, should have won both games, yet here we are watching them play each other in the playoffs. The Chiefs can run the football. Jamal Charles is a beast. Arrowhead is a tough place to play. I like the Ravens to win the game in a nail biter, by 3 at most, maybe on a last second field goal.
Jets +3 vs. Colts: I hate the Jets, but it seems like they are built for this time of year. They will run the football and pressure Manning. As long as they can keep the ball and control out of the game out of Mark Sanchez' hands, this game will come down to the wire.
Hawks, Packers, Chefs and Jets....take these and go make some money.
T Wreck (in order of lock"ness")
Seattle +10.5 v New Orleans
Philadelphia -2.5 v Green Bay Packers
Kansas City +3 v Baltimore
New York +3 v Indianapolis
Steve
Seattle +10.5 v New Orleans
Getting that much at home in the playoffs in a tough environment with N.O. playing outside, a place they rarely are? MONEY
Philadelphia -2.5 v Green Bay
Haha, AAron Rodgers in a big game? pssht please
Baltimore -3 @ Kansas City
Cassel is a fraud even with the minuscule number of picks (7)
Indianapolis -3 v New York
Rex is a dogs name has burned up all his FAT karma. Luckily for Sanchize the game is indoors and Indy has looked gasp average this season but it is still Manning for now.
Coast
Seattle +10.5 vs. the Aints: The Aints lost games this season to Arizona and Cleveland. I know, they went 12-4 and are the defending champs, but I am just not sold on them this season. They have no running game without Pierre Thomas. They will have to go with the thunder and lightning combination of Julius Jones and Reggie Bush. Yikes! Seattle is a tough place to play. 5 of the Seahawk's 7 wins came in the great northwest. Did I mention that they also have Marshawn Lynch, the best running back in this league since Sanders? The Saints beat the Seahawks 34-19 earlier this season in New Orleans and the Hawks will look to avenge this loss. Not only do I think they will cover, but I think they have an outside chance at winning.
Green Bay +2.5 @ Philadelphia: Aaron Rodgers, time to emerge as a top 5 QB in the league. The Packers have a great defense...15 points per game allowed, 2nd in the NFL. Has Vick been figured out? The Giants and Vikings may have exposed him, except for 1 quarter of play. I expect more of the same Sunday, not because Vick isn't a great player, but because the Packers just have a better team. The Pack will win outright at the Link.
Kansas City +3 vs. Baltimore: This is another interesting game. The Bills played both of these teams, should have won both games, yet here we are watching them play each other in the playoffs. The Chiefs can run the football. Jamal Charles is a beast. Arrowhead is a tough place to play. I like the Ravens to win the game in a nail biter, by 3 at most, maybe on a last second field goal.
Jets +3 vs. Colts: I hate the Jets, but it seems like they are built for this time of year. They will run the football and pressure Manning. As long as they can keep the ball and control out of the game out of Mark Sanchez' hands, this game will come down to the wire.
Hawks, Packers, Chefs and Jets....take these and go make some money.
T Wreck (in order of lock"ness")
Seattle +10.5 v New Orleans
Philadelphia -2.5 v Green Bay Packers
Kansas City +3 v Baltimore
New York +3 v Indianapolis
Steve
Seattle +10.5 v New Orleans
Getting that much at home in the playoffs in a tough environment with N.O. playing outside, a place they rarely are? MONEY
Philadelphia -2.5 v Green Bay
Haha, AAron Rodgers in a big game? pssht please
Baltimore -3 @ Kansas City
Cassel is a fraud even with the minuscule number of picks (7)
Indianapolis -3 v New York
Rex is a dogs name has burned up all his FAT karma. Luckily for Sanchize the game is indoors and Indy has looked gasp average this season but it is still Manning for now.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Epic Canadian collapse at World Juniors
by Steve
Yes, the IIHF U20 World Juniors championship was tonight in Buffalo. I am sure zero people that read this blog went but, it was such an epic collapse and utter failure for team Canada I can not help but celebrate and gloat.
Up 3-0 in the third period destined to win their first gold in uh a year, Canada coughed up the lead and allowed 5 unanswered goals to team Russia to lose in the most embarrassing pathetic fashion imaginable. Not being at the arena tonight I have to assume it was 98+% Canadian fans in attendance. I wish I was there just to shove it in their faces.
Hope all you a-hole Canadians spent all your money here, will come back to spend more money and come back to choke away more hockey games. The best part is this means soooo much to those hosers.
Now excuse me while i bust out my Russia t shirt and celebrate
bump this loud!!
Yes, the IIHF U20 World Juniors championship was tonight in Buffalo. I am sure zero people that read this blog went but, it was such an epic collapse and utter failure for team Canada I can not help but celebrate and gloat.
Up 3-0 in the third period destined to win their first gold in uh a year, Canada coughed up the lead and allowed 5 unanswered goals to team Russia to lose in the most embarrassing pathetic fashion imaginable. Not being at the arena tonight I have to assume it was 98+% Canadian fans in attendance. I wish I was there just to shove it in their faces.
Hope all you a-hole Canadians spent all your money here, will come back to spend more money and come back to choke away more hockey games. The best part is this means soooo much to those hosers.
Now excuse me while i bust out my Russia t shirt and celebrate
bump this loud!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
2011 NFL Mock draft 1/4/2011
by Andy
2011 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
1. Carolina Panthers- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford: There are a lot of things that go into this pick. Who is the head coach next year of Stanford/Carolina next year? Will Luck leave if Harbaugh leaves? Luck is the obvious choice for any team. He is a do it all QB with a laser arm and fast legs. I just think it is too tough to stay at school when you are looking at 60 million dollars guaranteed.
2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Patterson, CB, LSU: New head coach may want his own QB, but they gave up a lot of TRT #15. With Champ Bailey’s run in Denver possibly over, they need help at CB. Patterson is arguably the best player in the draft and can also help the Bronco’s on special teams.
3. Buffalo Bills- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn: Kills me to say this but Nix loves the SEC and Gailey will love his ability to move out of the pocket. Fitz had a good enough year to hold the starting position if Luck is gone, but for some reason I just have a feeling the front office will love Newton.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green, WR, Georgia: With Batman and Robin (Ochocinco and TO) not working out the way management wanted, and FA, the Bengals need a legit threat at WR. AJ Green has the perfect complement of speed and size. Green should help make Carson Palmer look better than he actually is.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson: They took 2 QB’s last year in the draft and I would guess they might try and go after McNabb. Bowers in the best DE in the draft and can be instantly put into the starting lineup.
6. Cleveland Browns- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: They went CB last year and with Colt McCoy taking over as full time starter, they will need someone to get the ball to deep down the field. Attention to Hillis, will open up the middle and allow Jones to make plays over the middle.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: New Coach, New QB. The Alex Smith project is over and Troy Smith just isn’t good enough to build a team around. Gabbert has come out of nowhere fast, and has the size (6’4, 230) to be a NFL QB.
8. Tennessee Titans- Nick Farley, DT, Auburn: Who knows what is going on down there with Jeff Fisher, Owner, and VY. Could be in line for a QB. But if status quo stands, they need to help on the DL. Farley has some character concerns, but is the top DL in the class.
9. Dallas Cowboys- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: One of the worst pass defense in the league, Prince has the opportunity to be their number 1 lock down CB.
10. Washington Redskins- Jake Locker, QB, Washington: With McNabb gone, Shanahan will need a new QB to run his offense. Locker didn’t have the best year, matter of fact he had an awful year, but has the tools and mechanics to be a long time starter in the NFL. The offensive minded Shanahan can’t pass up this guy.
2011 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
1. Carolina Panthers- Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford: There are a lot of things that go into this pick. Who is the head coach next year of Stanford/Carolina next year? Will Luck leave if Harbaugh leaves? Luck is the obvious choice for any team. He is a do it all QB with a laser arm and fast legs. I just think it is too tough to stay at school when you are looking at 60 million dollars guaranteed.
2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Patterson, CB, LSU: New head coach may want his own QB, but they gave up a lot of TRT #15. With Champ Bailey’s run in Denver possibly over, they need help at CB. Patterson is arguably the best player in the draft and can also help the Bronco’s on special teams.
3. Buffalo Bills- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn: Kills me to say this but Nix loves the SEC and Gailey will love his ability to move out of the pocket. Fitz had a good enough year to hold the starting position if Luck is gone, but for some reason I just have a feeling the front office will love Newton.
4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green, WR, Georgia: With Batman and Robin (Ochocinco and TO) not working out the way management wanted, and FA, the Bengals need a legit threat at WR. AJ Green has the perfect complement of speed and size. Green should help make Carson Palmer look better than he actually is.
5. Arizona Cardinals- Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson: They took 2 QB’s last year in the draft and I would guess they might try and go after McNabb. Bowers in the best DE in the draft and can be instantly put into the starting lineup.
6. Cleveland Browns- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama: They went CB last year and with Colt McCoy taking over as full time starter, they will need someone to get the ball to deep down the field. Attention to Hillis, will open up the middle and allow Jones to make plays over the middle.
7. San Francisco 49ers- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri: New Coach, New QB. The Alex Smith project is over and Troy Smith just isn’t good enough to build a team around. Gabbert has come out of nowhere fast, and has the size (6’4, 230) to be a NFL QB.
8. Tennessee Titans- Nick Farley, DT, Auburn: Who knows what is going on down there with Jeff Fisher, Owner, and VY. Could be in line for a QB. But if status quo stands, they need to help on the DL. Farley has some character concerns, but is the top DL in the class.
9. Dallas Cowboys- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: One of the worst pass defense in the league, Prince has the opportunity to be their number 1 lock down CB.
10. Washington Redskins- Jake Locker, QB, Washington: With McNabb gone, Shanahan will need a new QB to run his offense. Locker didn’t have the best year, matter of fact he had an awful year, but has the tools and mechanics to be a long time starter in the NFL. The offensive minded Shanahan can’t pass up this guy.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Buffalo Bills resign Shawne Merriman 2 year deal
"We know the situation, we researched it, we did all our homework with Shawne," Nix said. "Everything you do is a little bit of a gamble. There's reward and upside to it and I think both sides are happy with the way the contract is structured."
A source said Merriman is guaranteed $2.5 million for the 2011 season and will make an average $5.25 million during the two years.
Whatever, he's better than Andra Davis or Reggie Torbor
Week 17-Draft Implications
-Coast
The Bills have a 100% completely meaningless football game tomorrow. The Jets are playing for nothing which makes beating the Jets pointless. If the Jets needed this game, I would want the Bills to play spoiler but since the Jets have clinched already, the Bills should forfeit if they could.
The Bills currently are in a battle for the 2nd pick in the draft. Having the 2nd pick could be huge because the Bills will get Luck if he is passed on by the Panthers, the Bills could get the best defensive player in the draft and having the 2nd pick could make trading for Luck easier.
The Bills are 4-11, tied with the Bengals and Broncos. The team with the weakest strength of schedule picks first. Currently, the Bills have the best strength of schedule out of those three teams and therefore, should they be tied, the Bills would pick last. The Bengals play the Ravens in Baltimore. Baltimore is still in the hunt for a first round bye and therefore will be going all out for this one. It is likely they will win. Denver plays the Chargers at home in a meaningless AFC west battle. San Diego is playing for nothing while Denver is being led by an interim head coach and a QB looking to prove they belong in the league. Denver could definitely win this game and probably will. Predictions, assuming the Bills lose to the Jets.
The Bills have a 100% completely meaningless football game tomorrow. The Jets are playing for nothing which makes beating the Jets pointless. If the Jets needed this game, I would want the Bills to play spoiler but since the Jets have clinched already, the Bills should forfeit if they could.
The Bills currently are in a battle for the 2nd pick in the draft. Having the 2nd pick could be huge because the Bills will get Luck if he is passed on by the Panthers, the Bills could get the best defensive player in the draft and having the 2nd pick could make trading for Luck easier.
The Bills are 4-11, tied with the Bengals and Broncos. The team with the weakest strength of schedule picks first. Currently, the Bills have the best strength of schedule out of those three teams and therefore, should they be tied, the Bills would pick last. The Bengals play the Ravens in Baltimore. Baltimore is still in the hunt for a first round bye and therefore will be going all out for this one. It is likely they will win. Denver plays the Chargers at home in a meaningless AFC west battle. San Diego is playing for nothing while Denver is being led by an interim head coach and a QB looking to prove they belong in the league. Denver could definitely win this game and probably will. Predictions, assuming the Bills lose to the Jets.
- Bills 4-12, loss to Jets
- Bengals 4-12, loss to Ravens
- Broncos 5-11, victory over San Diego
- Dallas is playing at Philadelphia who is playing for nothing and will be without Vick. Kitna is playing for a job in the league as a backup and Garrett is trying to prove to Jerry Jones he belongs. Dallas needs this win and will probably get it on the road pushing them to 6-10.
- The Vikings play at Detroit and are in a similar situation as the Cowboys. Leslie Frasier is looking to prove he can be the Vikings head coach after their big win at Philadelphia Tuesday. The incentive to win and the fact that the Vikings just have more talent than Detroit will put them over the top. Detroit will finish at 5-11.
- The 49ers and Cardinals play each other. San Francisco fired their coach and are a complete mess. I don't even know who plays QB for the Cardinals. One of these teams will win, it doesn't matter who, so I will go with 'Zona. Arizona finished 6-10 leaving the 49ers at 5-11.
- The Browns are playing the Steelers at home with a chance to play spoiler. The Steelers need a win to clinch the division and a first round bye. The Browns have beaten some good teams this year, but they won't get it done Sunday and will finish at 5-11.
- The final 5-10 team is Houston, perhaps the biggest disappointment of the 2010 season. Gary Kubiak is probably going to lose his job regardless of the outcome Sunday against Jacksonville. They are facing Trend Edwards so I will take the Texans and they will finish 6-10.
- Buffalo
- San Francisco
- Cleveland
- Detroit
- Denver
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