(RUSTON, LA)- It is hot and humid and the Mids have come to Ruston hoping to improve to 2-1. Last week, Navy had trouble getting the vaunted triple-option going against Georgia Southern, coached by former Navy assistant, Jeff Monken.
This week, they take on Louisiana Tech, coached by 40-year old Sonny Dykes, who actually thinks the triple-option could come back as a regualr staple of offense for college football teams.
"I think it makes perfect sense for the service acadamies to run it, but also look at what Paul Johnson has done at Georgia Tech,'' Dykes said. "Things are cyclical and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few more teams go to it.''
Dykes employs the spread and has been trying to settle on a quarterback as Colby Cameron, a freshmen, gets the nod this week. Tech struggled on defense last week as Texas A&M pulled away in the second half and ran for 216 yards against the Bulldogs.
Navy is number-five in the country in total defense and tops in pass efficiency defense. One question for Navy will be the health of saftey Emment Merchant. The senior left last week's game with a concussion, but did make the trip to Ruston. Starting tackle Matt malloy did not, also suffering from a concussion occuring in week one.
Offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper hasn't lost confidence in the offense at all. In fact, he knows what needs correcting and those errors that have happened are easy fixes.
"It's about execution. It's easy to see on film where some plays have been breaking down so we feel confident that we can make those corrections and execute better. Last week, we simply wanted to make sure didn't do something to lose the game because our defense was playing outstanding football. Sometimes as a coordinator, you have to keep that in mind too, you may not be playing well, but you can do something to put your defense in a bad spot too,'' Jasper said this week.
Navy has been strong in both games on defense. This week will be a test of tackling for Navy against the short posession passing game of Tech.
"We have to tackle people and get them to the ground on first contact. Its a fundamental part of every game but if you don't tackle well this week, small short gains become big plays,'' Navy defensive coordinator Buddy Green said.
Linebacker Jerry Hauburger agrees and thinks there could be some plays there for the defense to make.
"If you follow your assignment and the guys up front keep playing the way they have you know there will a tipped ball or two and a chance to make a big play, Im hopeing to make one,'' Hauburger said.
KEY MATCHUPLouisiana Tech defensive end Matt Broha against Navy offensive tackle Ryan Bassford. Broha has 3.5 sacks through two games, and the best way to slow down ana ggressive defensive end is by running at him. If the Mids control Broha they should be able to make some plays on the edge.
REMEMBER HIM?Phillip Livas, an all-WAC performer from last year is back again. Last year he returned a punt 85-yards for a touchdown against the Mids in Annapolis. His entire career at Tech is filled with highlight film plays.
NOTES: Kickoff is set for 7pm eastern time and will be available on ESPN3.com and the Navy Radio Network. For a list of stations and internet options go to Navysports.com. The Mids are actually staying in Monroe, the home of Louisiana-Monroe which is coached by former Army Coach Todd Berry who took over from former Navy coach Charlie Weatherbie. Navy is 32-20 in the road in the past eight seasons. Wyatt Middleton will make his 38th straight start for the Mids. Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo will be seeking his 20th career win saturday night. This is the first time the Mids have visited Louisiana without the game being in New Orleans. Navy has won only twice in the Pelican State, one of the wins a 1955 Sugar Bowl win against Mississippi.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
NFL PICKS 2010
There is nothing scientific about making predictions. It's glorified guessing. I struggled with wild cards, but the division winners were easy for me to come by. Here goes nothing.
NFC EAST
Dallas- Hard for me to pick the worst coached team in this division, but talented.
Washington- This could be a 3-way tie at 8-8.
Philadelphia- If Kolb steals one here and there they better this rating.
N.Y. Giants- O is decent, D-suspect. Not the division to be suspect on D.
NFC North
Green Bay- Rodgers invigorates cheese heads. Defense just needs to be average.
Minnesota- Yes they have Favre, Peterson, but will Brett be content to handoff?
Detroit- They will be much better.
Chicago- Martz, Cutler could spell end of Lovie in Chi-town.
NFC South
New Orleans- Clear class of the division.
Atlanta- Ryan could be good enough to help Falcons contend for wild card.
Carolina- Unproven QB play complimenting good run game and a questionable D.\
Tampa Bay- Much more bad than good.
NFC West
San Francisco- In Singletary we trust. Alex Smith key to SF's fortune.
Arizona- Might Max Hall be playing by week eight?
St.Louis- Steven Jackson is worth a few wins, and Bradford gives reason for hope.
Seattle- Pete Carroll, yeah.
Wild Cards Minnesota, Atlanta
Champ- Green Bay
AFC East
New England- As long as they have Brady and Moss and Belichick, my choice.
N.Y. Jets- Revis returns, but will Sanchez get better?
Miami Dolphins- Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall good enough to vault past NY?
Buffalo- C.J. Spiller yes, Trent Edwards, no.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens- Offensive weapons, but is D good enough for 16 games+?
Cincinnati Bengals- Does Palmer have enough left to use tremendous weapons?
Pittsburgh Steelers- If they are close when Big Ben returns, could win division.
Cleveland Browns- Jake Delhomme and Josh Cribbs, a chance to improve.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts- Until Houston beats them, they win it.
Houston Texans- I love this team, but is Kubiak the coach to get them over the top?
Tennessee Titans- Decent team, tough division.
Jacksonville Jaguars- If they get all eight home games on TV thats a plus.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers- Default winner?
Oakland Raiders- Most improved team in AFC this year.
Denver Broncos- Who will Kyle Orton throw to now?
Kansas City- Some good young players, but will they grow up fast enough?
Wild Cards- Houston Bengals
Champion Ravens.....
Super Bowl
Green Bay over Baltimore
NFC EAST
Dallas- Hard for me to pick the worst coached team in this division, but talented.
Washington- This could be a 3-way tie at 8-8.
Philadelphia- If Kolb steals one here and there they better this rating.
N.Y. Giants- O is decent, D-suspect. Not the division to be suspect on D.
NFC North
Green Bay- Rodgers invigorates cheese heads. Defense just needs to be average.
Minnesota- Yes they have Favre, Peterson, but will Brett be content to handoff?
Detroit- They will be much better.
Chicago- Martz, Cutler could spell end of Lovie in Chi-town.
NFC South
New Orleans- Clear class of the division.
Atlanta- Ryan could be good enough to help Falcons contend for wild card.
Carolina- Unproven QB play complimenting good run game and a questionable D.\
Tampa Bay- Much more bad than good.
NFC West
San Francisco- In Singletary we trust. Alex Smith key to SF's fortune.
Arizona- Might Max Hall be playing by week eight?
St.Louis- Steven Jackson is worth a few wins, and Bradford gives reason for hope.
Seattle- Pete Carroll, yeah.
Wild Cards Minnesota, Atlanta
Champ- Green Bay
AFC East
New England- As long as they have Brady and Moss and Belichick, my choice.
N.Y. Jets- Revis returns, but will Sanchez get better?
Miami Dolphins- Chad Henne to Brandon Marshall good enough to vault past NY?
Buffalo- C.J. Spiller yes, Trent Edwards, no.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens- Offensive weapons, but is D good enough for 16 games+?
Cincinnati Bengals- Does Palmer have enough left to use tremendous weapons?
Pittsburgh Steelers- If they are close when Big Ben returns, could win division.
Cleveland Browns- Jake Delhomme and Josh Cribbs, a chance to improve.
AFC South
Indianapolis Colts- Until Houston beats them, they win it.
Houston Texans- I love this team, but is Kubiak the coach to get them over the top?
Tennessee Titans- Decent team, tough division.
Jacksonville Jaguars- If they get all eight home games on TV thats a plus.
AFC West
San Diego Chargers- Default winner?
Oakland Raiders- Most improved team in AFC this year.
Denver Broncos- Who will Kyle Orton throw to now?
Kansas City- Some good young players, but will they grow up fast enough?
Wild Cards- Houston Bengals
Champion Ravens.....
Super Bowl
Green Bay over Baltimore
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
WEEK TWO COULD BE BEST OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON
You name the game, it has meaning, intrigue, great storylines, and most important high entertainment value for the college football fan this week.
Lets start with say, Miami at Ohio State.
Two potential Heisman candidates collide here as Miami's Jacory Harris and Ohio State Terell Pryor square off on the national stage. High profile wins are a premium for Miami with the ACC still in the rears looking up at its BCS colleagues. The Canes are on the verge of getting back to college football's top level. Randy Shannon had a tough task when he took over, and while he was a player on those renegade Miami teams, he has them playing first class football. If Harris plays within himself and doesn't try to be a hero, Miami has enough speed on defense to contain Pryor, but tackling will be a premium for Miami.
For Ohio State, will Brandon Saine be as good as he was last week against Marshall? They don't need him to be Beanie Wells, but if they get that kind of ground production, they will be in business and takes some of the load of Pryor.
I think this is the game of the week. I think Miami wins in a close one, 27-24.
Other great contests this week include:
Penn State at Alabama. We can never forget the Barry Krause stop on the cover of Sports Illustrated from the Sugar Bowl, but this one will be higher scoring that that 14-7 classic. Likely no Ingram for Alabama, no problem. Penn State will be very good...in November. Saban and the Tide at home..26-13.
Florida State at Oklahoma Christian Ponder kicked off the Jimbo Fisher era in style and will do well again in week two. I know this isn't Samford, but Oklahoma better be more interested than they looked last week against Utah State. Seminoles 27 Oklahoma 14..
QUICK SLANTS:As a Harris Poll voter, which determines a percentage of the BCS, Im glad we don't vote until a couple of weeks have gone by. You get an idea of what a team will be like and thus a realistic ranking to start with.
Right now, two non-bcs teams, Boise State and TCU, are in the top-five in the polls already out. Oregon State had chances in Arlington against TCU. Boise also gets the Beavers. Give Mike Riley credit for taking his Beavers where few will fear to tred.
SEC Fans watched in horror as Florida and LSU played two of the poorest halves of football in those programs history on Saturday. With so many good head-to-head matchups in the SEC this year, its very possible no SEC will go unbeaten. Of course Florida fans may say last week should be an incomplete grade since they couldn't get the snap to the QB on a consistent basis. I liked what I saw from South Carolina and Georgia and even Tennessee showed a pulse against inferior competition. However, what Ole Miss did in the second half against Jacksonville State can only be described as Twilight Zone.
Stock Rising. The soon to be departed Mountain West teams, UTAH and BYU. Fresno State, a future MWC member, Michigan, LSU super man Patrick Peterson, and new ECU Coach Ruffin McNeil.
Stock Declining: Tim Tebow haters, THE BIG EAST, Reggie Bush Heisman memorabilia, College Football in Washington State.
PUT A CLOCK ON IT.CBS College Sports better get Adam Zucker and Brian Jones ready for some filler time. Navy welcomes former assistant coach Jeff Monken and Georgia Southern to Annapolis Saturday. Both teams run the triple-option. While many first week games nearly took four hours of TV time, this one will likley be over in under 3. The over-under on total passes in the game is 10. I like the under.
Last week my colleague Joe Miller was 7-1-1 in his college football picks. We will have his picks and mine against the spread coming up Friday.
Listen to Miller and Medhurst Wednesday night at 10pm on 105.7 THE FAN in Baltimore and at www.1057thefan.com. Boise State play-by-play voice Bob Behler will join us at 11pm eastern time tonight.
Lets start with say, Miami at Ohio State.
Two potential Heisman candidates collide here as Miami's Jacory Harris and Ohio State Terell Pryor square off on the national stage. High profile wins are a premium for Miami with the ACC still in the rears looking up at its BCS colleagues. The Canes are on the verge of getting back to college football's top level. Randy Shannon had a tough task when he took over, and while he was a player on those renegade Miami teams, he has them playing first class football. If Harris plays within himself and doesn't try to be a hero, Miami has enough speed on defense to contain Pryor, but tackling will be a premium for Miami.
For Ohio State, will Brandon Saine be as good as he was last week against Marshall? They don't need him to be Beanie Wells, but if they get that kind of ground production, they will be in business and takes some of the load of Pryor.
I think this is the game of the week. I think Miami wins in a close one, 27-24.
Other great contests this week include:
Penn State at Alabama. We can never forget the Barry Krause stop on the cover of Sports Illustrated from the Sugar Bowl, but this one will be higher scoring that that 14-7 classic. Likely no Ingram for Alabama, no problem. Penn State will be very good...in November. Saban and the Tide at home..26-13.
Florida State at Oklahoma Christian Ponder kicked off the Jimbo Fisher era in style and will do well again in week two. I know this isn't Samford, but Oklahoma better be more interested than they looked last week against Utah State. Seminoles 27 Oklahoma 14..
QUICK SLANTS:As a Harris Poll voter, which determines a percentage of the BCS, Im glad we don't vote until a couple of weeks have gone by. You get an idea of what a team will be like and thus a realistic ranking to start with.
Right now, two non-bcs teams, Boise State and TCU, are in the top-five in the polls already out. Oregon State had chances in Arlington against TCU. Boise also gets the Beavers. Give Mike Riley credit for taking his Beavers where few will fear to tred.
SEC Fans watched in horror as Florida and LSU played two of the poorest halves of football in those programs history on Saturday. With so many good head-to-head matchups in the SEC this year, its very possible no SEC will go unbeaten. Of course Florida fans may say last week should be an incomplete grade since they couldn't get the snap to the QB on a consistent basis. I liked what I saw from South Carolina and Georgia and even Tennessee showed a pulse against inferior competition. However, what Ole Miss did in the second half against Jacksonville State can only be described as Twilight Zone.
Stock Rising. The soon to be departed Mountain West teams, UTAH and BYU. Fresno State, a future MWC member, Michigan, LSU super man Patrick Peterson, and new ECU Coach Ruffin McNeil.
Stock Declining: Tim Tebow haters, THE BIG EAST, Reggie Bush Heisman memorabilia, College Football in Washington State.
PUT A CLOCK ON IT.CBS College Sports better get Adam Zucker and Brian Jones ready for some filler time. Navy welcomes former assistant coach Jeff Monken and Georgia Southern to Annapolis Saturday. Both teams run the triple-option. While many first week games nearly took four hours of TV time, this one will likley be over in under 3. The over-under on total passes in the game is 10. I like the under.
Last week my colleague Joe Miller was 7-1-1 in his college football picks. We will have his picks and mine against the spread coming up Friday.
Listen to Miller and Medhurst Wednesday night at 10pm on 105.7 THE FAN in Baltimore and at www.1057thefan.com. Boise State play-by-play voice Bob Behler will join us at 11pm eastern time tonight.
Monday, August 30, 2010
This is an exciting time of year as football gets going.
This is an exciting time of year as football gets going. In the Baltimore-Washington area, here are my top-five guys who will likely make headlines in 2010.
#5. Darius Jennings. The super athlete from the Gilman School in Baltimore put on a show in his teams opener against Archbishop Spalding. Four touchdowns in the first half, and for University of Maryland fans be glad your on his list, if he were two inches taller the entire SEC would be watching each Friday. He’s listed at 6-0 180, which means he’s probably closer to 5-10, 5-11 but he’s a quality kid and he will likely be a mean return man for someone in 2011.
#4 Ricky Dobbs- The Naval Academy quarterback has been a show since he had a 42-carry performance in his first major appearance in the Navy lineup in a monsoon against SMU. What strikes you about Dobbs is yes he’s a good football player, but he’s also a great kid. Vice-President of the senior class, respectful of his teammates, coaches, and his God. In an era where arrogance tends to pervade with many athletes, Dobbs thankfully sets a perfect example that many young men can follow. National media are even taking note and mentioning him in a candidacy for the Heisman Trophy. If there was a ever a model for college football’s top award, it is this young man from Georgia.
#3 Ralph Friedgen. The Head Coach at the University of Maryland as brought Maryland’s football profile back in his tenure at Maryland. Some will be critical of a lack of local star power on the roster as some have gone south, north, and west, though I’m not sure if Maryland has lost many players to Salisbury or Wesley College so I won’t see East. Though how did BYRON Westbrook end up on the shore. The problem on top of it for Friedgen is the fact that there is no Athletic Director, and oh yeah, the previous one made a deal that if the offensive coordinator James Franklin isn’t the coach after 2011, he gets a million dollars. There is a lot of inexperience on this team and the schedule has a stretch that is brutal with four on the road in a five game run. The opener is against Navy who some Maryland fans can’t believe is a 6 ½ point favorite. If they start off poorly, it will make for a long year and many empty seats on in College Park. I can see Ralph being a guy that backed into a corner will rally the troops.
#2 Joe Flacco- The 3rd-year NFL quarterback from Delaware via the University of Pittsburgh, has multiple weapons for the first time in his Ravens career. Anquan Boldin looks the part. He seems like he still has what made him a solid receiver in Arizona. Ray Rice is a game-breaking running back which would lead you to believe that the Ravens should score more points. They will have to. This is not your 2000 Ravens defense, but its not awful either. Flacco should make incremental improvements this year if given the chance by offensive coordinator Cam Cameron/ One wonders, if Flacco struggles, how long the leash would be. I don’t think it will come to that.
#1 Donovan McNabb-The quarterback of the Washington Redskins no matter who it is, is always the center of attention in the Nations Capital. He comes a division rival, he’s been to a Super Bowl, He’s won a lot of games. He’s somewhat inconsistent. He’s 33, He’s has an injured ankle, and he’s got questionable wide receivers. His play should be better than that of Jason Campbell, who led the Skins to four great wins a year ago. Will Clinton Portis revive his career with former Head Coach Mike Shanahan here? Will Anthony Armstrong play in the regular season like he has in pre-season and will Chris Cooley and Fred Davis look like Eagles tight ends with McNabb? The last 5 burgundy and gold regular season quarterback was a first round pick and turned out no too good. Here’s hoping this number five turns out better, because if it doesn’t, it will be a long season Washington.
#5. Darius Jennings. The super athlete from the Gilman School in Baltimore put on a show in his teams opener against Archbishop Spalding. Four touchdowns in the first half, and for University of Maryland fans be glad your on his list, if he were two inches taller the entire SEC would be watching each Friday. He’s listed at 6-0 180, which means he’s probably closer to 5-10, 5-11 but he’s a quality kid and he will likely be a mean return man for someone in 2011.
#4 Ricky Dobbs- The Naval Academy quarterback has been a show since he had a 42-carry performance in his first major appearance in the Navy lineup in a monsoon against SMU. What strikes you about Dobbs is yes he’s a good football player, but he’s also a great kid. Vice-President of the senior class, respectful of his teammates, coaches, and his God. In an era where arrogance tends to pervade with many athletes, Dobbs thankfully sets a perfect example that many young men can follow. National media are even taking note and mentioning him in a candidacy for the Heisman Trophy. If there was a ever a model for college football’s top award, it is this young man from Georgia.
#3 Ralph Friedgen. The Head Coach at the University of Maryland as brought Maryland’s football profile back in his tenure at Maryland. Some will be critical of a lack of local star power on the roster as some have gone south, north, and west, though I’m not sure if Maryland has lost many players to Salisbury or Wesley College so I won’t see East. Though how did BYRON Westbrook end up on the shore. The problem on top of it for Friedgen is the fact that there is no Athletic Director, and oh yeah, the previous one made a deal that if the offensive coordinator James Franklin isn’t the coach after 2011, he gets a million dollars. There is a lot of inexperience on this team and the schedule has a stretch that is brutal with four on the road in a five game run. The opener is against Navy who some Maryland fans can’t believe is a 6 ½ point favorite. If they start off poorly, it will make for a long year and many empty seats on in College Park. I can see Ralph being a guy that backed into a corner will rally the troops.
#2 Joe Flacco- The 3rd-year NFL quarterback from Delaware via the University of Pittsburgh, has multiple weapons for the first time in his Ravens career. Anquan Boldin looks the part. He seems like he still has what made him a solid receiver in Arizona. Ray Rice is a game-breaking running back which would lead you to believe that the Ravens should score more points. They will have to. This is not your 2000 Ravens defense, but its not awful either. Flacco should make incremental improvements this year if given the chance by offensive coordinator Cam Cameron/ One wonders, if Flacco struggles, how long the leash would be. I don’t think it will come to that.
#1 Donovan McNabb-The quarterback of the Washington Redskins no matter who it is, is always the center of attention in the Nations Capital. He comes a division rival, he’s been to a Super Bowl, He’s won a lot of games. He’s somewhat inconsistent. He’s 33, He’s has an injured ankle, and he’s got questionable wide receivers. His play should be better than that of Jason Campbell, who led the Skins to four great wins a year ago. Will Clinton Portis revive his career with former Head Coach Mike Shanahan here? Will Anthony Armstrong play in the regular season like he has in pre-season and will Chris Cooley and Fred Davis look like Eagles tight ends with McNabb? The last 5 burgundy and gold regular season quarterback was a first round pick and turned out no too good. Here’s hoping this number five turns out better, because if it doesn’t, it will be a long season Washington.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Honor well deserved far over due
AS a kid growing up, you have your favorite players you idolize, and in my case, it was broadcasters too. From the age of five, its all Ive ever wanted to do.
For me, there was Verne Lundquist, Vin Scully, Curt Gowdy, Dick Enberg, and Keith Jackson. They were all network guys that always had the good games so you saw them a lot. You knew Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier would have the Redskins and Cowboys, yes kids, that's beforee John Madden came along. You knew Charlie Jones would likely have the 4pm AFC west offering which always seemingly came from Denver or Oakland in those days.
But for any kid growing up its your local announcers who really make the biggest impact because you usually heard them every night. Before there was SUPER TV, HTS, and if you were lucky a game of the week, you counted on your local radio guy to give you the story. How spoiled we were in the Baltimore-Washington area growing up. We got a free clinic every night.
The Bullets had Frank Herzog, the Redskins, ah...Frank Herzog! The Orioles Chuck Thompson and Bill O'Donnell. The Colts had ahhhh Chuck Thompson and Vince Bagli. There was a fledgling hockey team whose fortunes for years weren't that good. In fact they were 8-67-5 in their first season. It took them 35 tries to beat Montreal. The one thing that was great all those years? Ron Weber.
His opening was the same. Stating how many games it was in team history and welcome to the fastest team sport, I'm Ron Weber with Capitals Hockey. I get goose bumps typing it because I can still hear it. Listening to some highlights that have poppped up as a result of his announcement of being inducted into the hockey Hall of Fame, it's border line tears of joy. The greatest goal in Capitals history scored but Dale Hunter. The nine-goal outburst against Edmonton in 84, or something as simple as the Caps clinching their first playoff berth in 83 and what joy it must have been for him after all the seasons of building the franchise had been doing.
What joy and angst it must have been for Weber, parted from the job much too early in 1997 by then Capitals Management, to hold on to the news for a month. He found out a month ago but had to wait for the formal press release on Monday.
It was a true joy growing up to listen to him, when I was old enough to get into the press box to meet him, and now its certainly pleasure to crack a smile knowing that one of Washington most under appreciated broadcasting treasures is now finally being recognized.
Short Circuits: Stephen Strasburg makes his Washington Nationals debut on June 8 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team itself is still hanging around in the National League East and this could be a fun summer at the Ball Park if they can hang in there. Kudos to my colleague Craig Heist of WTOP who provided this nugget. The Nats last year were 14-31 at one point. So were this years Orioles. There is hope Baltimore fans...Just wait til next year.
I like the Ravens getting Shayne Graham, at 32 he can still kick. The Redskins should try to get O.J. Otagwe who was just bladed by the Rams. He can help a thin position at Free Safety.
UPCOMING BROADCASTS: Doing updates 5:30-12 tonight on WJFK 106.7 in Washington, hosting with Joe Miller Thursday night 6:30-10 on 105.7 in Baltimore, Updates 7-9 onWJFK Friday morning and then back again 5:30-12. Hosting Saturday with Joe Miller 12-3 Sunday on 105.7 with a World Cup preview in the 2pm hour.
For me, there was Verne Lundquist, Vin Scully, Curt Gowdy, Dick Enberg, and Keith Jackson. They were all network guys that always had the good games so you saw them a lot. You knew Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier would have the Redskins and Cowboys, yes kids, that's beforee John Madden came along. You knew Charlie Jones would likely have the 4pm AFC west offering which always seemingly came from Denver or Oakland in those days.
But for any kid growing up its your local announcers who really make the biggest impact because you usually heard them every night. Before there was SUPER TV, HTS, and if you were lucky a game of the week, you counted on your local radio guy to give you the story. How spoiled we were in the Baltimore-Washington area growing up. We got a free clinic every night.
The Bullets had Frank Herzog, the Redskins, ah...Frank Herzog! The Orioles Chuck Thompson and Bill O'Donnell. The Colts had ahhhh Chuck Thompson and Vince Bagli. There was a fledgling hockey team whose fortunes for years weren't that good. In fact they were 8-67-5 in their first season. It took them 35 tries to beat Montreal. The one thing that was great all those years? Ron Weber.
His opening was the same. Stating how many games it was in team history and welcome to the fastest team sport, I'm Ron Weber with Capitals Hockey. I get goose bumps typing it because I can still hear it. Listening to some highlights that have poppped up as a result of his announcement of being inducted into the hockey Hall of Fame, it's border line tears of joy. The greatest goal in Capitals history scored but Dale Hunter. The nine-goal outburst against Edmonton in 84, or something as simple as the Caps clinching their first playoff berth in 83 and what joy it must have been for him after all the seasons of building the franchise had been doing.
What joy and angst it must have been for Weber, parted from the job much too early in 1997 by then Capitals Management, to hold on to the news for a month. He found out a month ago but had to wait for the formal press release on Monday.
It was a true joy growing up to listen to him, when I was old enough to get into the press box to meet him, and now its certainly pleasure to crack a smile knowing that one of Washington most under appreciated broadcasting treasures is now finally being recognized.
Short Circuits: Stephen Strasburg makes his Washington Nationals debut on June 8 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The team itself is still hanging around in the National League East and this could be a fun summer at the Ball Park if they can hang in there. Kudos to my colleague Craig Heist of WTOP who provided this nugget. The Nats last year were 14-31 at one point. So were this years Orioles. There is hope Baltimore fans...Just wait til next year.
I like the Ravens getting Shayne Graham, at 32 he can still kick. The Redskins should try to get O.J. Otagwe who was just bladed by the Rams. He can help a thin position at Free Safety.
UPCOMING BROADCASTS: Doing updates 5:30-12 tonight on WJFK 106.7 in Washington, hosting with Joe Miller Thursday night 6:30-10 on 105.7 in Baltimore, Updates 7-9 onWJFK Friday morning and then back again 5:30-12. Hosting Saturday with Joe Miller 12-3 Sunday on 105.7 with a World Cup preview in the 2pm hour.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Random Thoughts
Sitting in stunned amazement, sports again proved that the best team doesn't always win. The Washington Capitals, the top-seed in the NHL Eastern Conference Playoffs, fell last night at home in game 7 of their series against the number-eight seed Montreal.
Stats tell us that the Capitals, who play in a division that had ZERO other playoff teams, dominated the Southeast enough to win the President's Trophy for having the most points this season.
High scoring offense, the games best goal scorer, yet still defensemen that made crippling mistakes that cost this team dearly in this series.
The Canadiens, god bless Jaroslav Halak, couldn't score without the extra-man. Mike Green heads to the box, Habs score. the Caps on the other hand did everything. Creating penalties, shooting a lot, and yet zippy.
The goalie decision was correct. The Caps did everything they could but a get a puck past Halak. Decisions will be criticized. Players will hear it from fans. This is a team that marketed itself into the hearts of Washington sports fans. Want to be like the Redskins right? Hopefully the Capitals will leave their message board up. If you want to be like the big boys in town, you have to be willing to take the good with the bad. Perhaps Dan Snyder should call Ted Leonsis and tell him how to deal with frustration of an owner who is also a really big fan.
DON'T LOOK NOW
Is that the Milwaukee Bucks who now have the Atlanta Hawks on the ropes in the Eastern Conference playoffs in the NBA? The team that has seen more injuries to its franchise players, than had playoff wins the past few years, now has another franchise player in Brandon Jennings. Jennings had 25 and Luke Ridenour came off the pine to net 15 as the Bucks late 14-0 run stole the game in Atlanta. Not bad considering they have no Michael Redd (whose jersey they are still pimping on NBA .com) and Andrew Bogut. I'll take a Jennings jersey thank you. Somewhere Junior Bridgemen. Bob Lanier and Brian Winters have to be smiling.
THOSE PESKY NATS
One of the best stories of the early baseball season has to be the Red jersey guys who are actually scoring in Washington right now. Winning close games and getting 10 saves already from Matt Capps, the Nationals are playing entertaining baseball and Stephen Strasburg isn't even out of Harrisburg yet. Kudos to Mike Rizzo who went with his instinct and left Jim Riggleman in place. The Pitching has been brilliant, especially from 210-year old right-hander Livan Hernandez who continues to prove its not how hard you throw it, but where you throw it.
Did u know my favorite Nats player Nyjer Morgan used to play hockey at one point? If you see George McPhee at a Nats game, be very afraid Mike Rizzo.
A NOT SURPRISING NO-NO
Props to former Bowie Baysox right-hander Chris Tillman who hurled a no-hitter Wednesday against Gwinett County, the Braves Triple-AAA affiliate.
THE STREAK IS OVER
The Navy mens lacrosse team broke a 36-game losing streak against Johns Hopkins last Saturday, 9-8, in overtime. Im one of these guys that still gets goosebumps when I see John Riggins run 42-yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl 17. Im emotional about the kids at Navy since I have been with the program since 1997. I know what these kids do daily, and after graduation. I know the work they and the coaches put in. They don't just forefit Hopkins week and say no one expects to win so we wont.
There have been many days where the Mids were as good if not better than the Blue and Black, but the lacrosse gods shined on the Charles Street 10. Finally, an emotional Richie Meade and his players got the result. Ive never cried during a broadcast before until Saturday. There is an emotion you feel as a person for the team you are covering and as much as you fight it, each hug, each player who came up smiling, more important, when I saw coach Meade's daughters come out of the tunnel and run onto the field to come hug their DAD thats when I as a parent of three lost it a bit in commercial break. We forget that these people who coach, teach, mold men and take the heat after close losses, are Fathers and Husbands too. That was a scene Ill never forget. Some coaches fluff it up a bit. Some coaches cliche you to death. Richie Meade loves his players dearly, past and present. As he stated in his teary eyed post-game, the fact that their were so many former players, now current protectors of this country in the locker room sharing the moment with the players of today was as important to him as anything Saturday.
The Mids head to West point of all places to play for their season. Friday at 5:45 against Lafayette in the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament. The game can be heard on 1430-AM WNAV and www.wnav.com. The game will also air on Sirius Channel 121.
A GREAT SITE TO SEE
Ive been a basketball ref and baseball umpire for more than 20 years now. In baseball people often claim where have all the African-American youngsters gone? Tuesday night, I saw some very talented young men playing for Bowie in the CBA League. In fact, the two best pitchers that played in the game were two African-American kids for Bowie. They were nearly perfect. One pitcher threw 20 pitches in three innings to get his nine outs. More important, there were many black fathers involved on the coaching staff and keeping score. Thats as important as anything.
COME OF JEFF
Jeff Gordon is angry with Jimmy Johnson. Johnson came down and nearly wrecked the driver of the DuPont Chevrolet. Well Jeff, I have an idea for you . FIRE HIM!!!!! You own the car. Suspend him. Guarantee you if you put Mike Bliss or Mike Skinner in the #48 you will finish ahead of that team next week.
Stats tell us that the Capitals, who play in a division that had ZERO other playoff teams, dominated the Southeast enough to win the President's Trophy for having the most points this season.
High scoring offense, the games best goal scorer, yet still defensemen that made crippling mistakes that cost this team dearly in this series.
The Canadiens, god bless Jaroslav Halak, couldn't score without the extra-man. Mike Green heads to the box, Habs score. the Caps on the other hand did everything. Creating penalties, shooting a lot, and yet zippy.
The goalie decision was correct. The Caps did everything they could but a get a puck past Halak. Decisions will be criticized. Players will hear it from fans. This is a team that marketed itself into the hearts of Washington sports fans. Want to be like the Redskins right? Hopefully the Capitals will leave their message board up. If you want to be like the big boys in town, you have to be willing to take the good with the bad. Perhaps Dan Snyder should call Ted Leonsis and tell him how to deal with frustration of an owner who is also a really big fan.
DON'T LOOK NOW
Is that the Milwaukee Bucks who now have the Atlanta Hawks on the ropes in the Eastern Conference playoffs in the NBA? The team that has seen more injuries to its franchise players, than had playoff wins the past few years, now has another franchise player in Brandon Jennings. Jennings had 25 and Luke Ridenour came off the pine to net 15 as the Bucks late 14-0 run stole the game in Atlanta. Not bad considering they have no Michael Redd (whose jersey they are still pimping on NBA .com) and Andrew Bogut. I'll take a Jennings jersey thank you. Somewhere Junior Bridgemen. Bob Lanier and Brian Winters have to be smiling.
THOSE PESKY NATS
One of the best stories of the early baseball season has to be the Red jersey guys who are actually scoring in Washington right now. Winning close games and getting 10 saves already from Matt Capps, the Nationals are playing entertaining baseball and Stephen Strasburg isn't even out of Harrisburg yet. Kudos to Mike Rizzo who went with his instinct and left Jim Riggleman in place. The Pitching has been brilliant, especially from 210-year old right-hander Livan Hernandez who continues to prove its not how hard you throw it, but where you throw it.
Did u know my favorite Nats player Nyjer Morgan used to play hockey at one point? If you see George McPhee at a Nats game, be very afraid Mike Rizzo.
A NOT SURPRISING NO-NO
Props to former Bowie Baysox right-hander Chris Tillman who hurled a no-hitter Wednesday against Gwinett County, the Braves Triple-AAA affiliate.
THE STREAK IS OVER
The Navy mens lacrosse team broke a 36-game losing streak against Johns Hopkins last Saturday, 9-8, in overtime. Im one of these guys that still gets goosebumps when I see John Riggins run 42-yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl 17. Im emotional about the kids at Navy since I have been with the program since 1997. I know what these kids do daily, and after graduation. I know the work they and the coaches put in. They don't just forefit Hopkins week and say no one expects to win so we wont.
There have been many days where the Mids were as good if not better than the Blue and Black, but the lacrosse gods shined on the Charles Street 10. Finally, an emotional Richie Meade and his players got the result. Ive never cried during a broadcast before until Saturday. There is an emotion you feel as a person for the team you are covering and as much as you fight it, each hug, each player who came up smiling, more important, when I saw coach Meade's daughters come out of the tunnel and run onto the field to come hug their DAD thats when I as a parent of three lost it a bit in commercial break. We forget that these people who coach, teach, mold men and take the heat after close losses, are Fathers and Husbands too. That was a scene Ill never forget. Some coaches fluff it up a bit. Some coaches cliche you to death. Richie Meade loves his players dearly, past and present. As he stated in his teary eyed post-game, the fact that their were so many former players, now current protectors of this country in the locker room sharing the moment with the players of today was as important to him as anything Saturday.
The Mids head to West point of all places to play for their season. Friday at 5:45 against Lafayette in the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament. The game can be heard on 1430-AM WNAV and www.wnav.com. The game will also air on Sirius Channel 121.
A GREAT SITE TO SEE
Ive been a basketball ref and baseball umpire for more than 20 years now. In baseball people often claim where have all the African-American youngsters gone? Tuesday night, I saw some very talented young men playing for Bowie in the CBA League. In fact, the two best pitchers that played in the game were two African-American kids for Bowie. They were nearly perfect. One pitcher threw 20 pitches in three innings to get his nine outs. More important, there were many black fathers involved on the coaching staff and keeping score. Thats as important as anything.
COME OF JEFF
Jeff Gordon is angry with Jimmy Johnson. Johnson came down and nearly wrecked the driver of the DuPont Chevrolet. Well Jeff, I have an idea for you . FIRE HIM!!!!! You own the car. Suspend him. Guarantee you if you put Mike Bliss or Mike Skinner in the #48 you will finish ahead of that team next week.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Some obvious, some not so much
The NFL Draft is set for Thursday night and some things are shaping up pretty obvious.
With the number one pick in the NFL Draft, The St. Louis Rams select, Ron Jaworski, no wait, I mean Sam Bradford. Sorry, 1970's flashbacks happening there.
Detroit can monkey wrench some teams by taking Russell Okung. They need protection for Matt Stafford and Okung may be the man. That means Tampa and Washington's phone starts to ring off the hook from people interested in Gerald McCoy and Mr. Suh how do u do, please come to Washington. This could give the Skins prime reason though to vacate the four, trade down and still get a lineman and maybe a round two or three pick they don't have.
Raiders fans, early mock drafts had you maybe taking Bruce Campbell the lineman from Maryland. However, I'd be stunned if the Raiders got duped two seasons in a row by a combine star from Maryland.
In the questions without answers category.
What would possess an opposing coach to put his hands on a kid from another team? Why do some coaches allow their players to talk and taunt on the field? My players don't do it, and I certainly wouldn't touch a kid.
NBA PLAYOFFS
Kevin Durant did better in game two in the Western conference playoffs against L.A., but the stats that give the Lakers the edge? Rebounding and Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar were a combined + 21 when they were in the game, thats good bench play.
The Miami Heat sure gave Dwayne Wade a great reason to want to come back to Miami in free agency in game two? Is that another Miami brick, yes.
The more I watch Cleveland, the more I really do think they will win this thing this year. Shaq, looks like a contributor, not a statue, and its supporting cast is playing with LeBron as opposed to standing and watching.
NHL PLAYOFFS
Nothing better in sports, except maybe an NFL playoff game going to overtime. The best series so far, L.A. and Vancouver for exciting play. How about Philly making life miserable for New Jersey. Looks like Washington-Pittsburgh may happen inthe Eastern Conference Finals after all.
The Caps star players have awaken and a new star is rising in John Carlson. He is doing what Mike Green is supposed to be doing, being Washington's best all-around defensemen.
MLB
For those of us who have waited to have a Washington Baseball team to root for, thanks to Stan Kasten, Mike Rizzo and the Nationals. 7-7 is better than many expected at this point and the team is very competitive. Ivan Rodriquez hitting over .400, and is Mr. Morgan at the top of the lineup Mickey Rivers, 2010?
With the number one pick in the NFL Draft, The St. Louis Rams select, Ron Jaworski, no wait, I mean Sam Bradford. Sorry, 1970's flashbacks happening there.
Detroit can monkey wrench some teams by taking Russell Okung. They need protection for Matt Stafford and Okung may be the man. That means Tampa and Washington's phone starts to ring off the hook from people interested in Gerald McCoy and Mr. Suh how do u do, please come to Washington. This could give the Skins prime reason though to vacate the four, trade down and still get a lineman and maybe a round two or three pick they don't have.
Raiders fans, early mock drafts had you maybe taking Bruce Campbell the lineman from Maryland. However, I'd be stunned if the Raiders got duped two seasons in a row by a combine star from Maryland.
In the questions without answers category.
What would possess an opposing coach to put his hands on a kid from another team? Why do some coaches allow their players to talk and taunt on the field? My players don't do it, and I certainly wouldn't touch a kid.
NBA PLAYOFFS
Kevin Durant did better in game two in the Western conference playoffs against L.A., but the stats that give the Lakers the edge? Rebounding and Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar were a combined + 21 when they were in the game, thats good bench play.
The Miami Heat sure gave Dwayne Wade a great reason to want to come back to Miami in free agency in game two? Is that another Miami brick, yes.
The more I watch Cleveland, the more I really do think they will win this thing this year. Shaq, looks like a contributor, not a statue, and its supporting cast is playing with LeBron as opposed to standing and watching.
NHL PLAYOFFS
Nothing better in sports, except maybe an NFL playoff game going to overtime. The best series so far, L.A. and Vancouver for exciting play. How about Philly making life miserable for New Jersey. Looks like Washington-Pittsburgh may happen inthe Eastern Conference Finals after all.
The Caps star players have awaken and a new star is rising in John Carlson. He is doing what Mike Green is supposed to be doing, being Washington's best all-around defensemen.
MLB
For those of us who have waited to have a Washington Baseball team to root for, thanks to Stan Kasten, Mike Rizzo and the Nationals. 7-7 is better than many expected at this point and the team is very competitive. Ivan Rodriquez hitting over .400, and is Mr. Morgan at the top of the lineup Mickey Rivers, 2010?
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