I've said all along that the Pens would have underachieved had they not won the East. Coming into the playoffs, I had a really good handle on how they matched up against other teams in the Eastern conference, but really no idea how they matched up against anyone in the West, given the fact that the shortened season eliminated inter-conference play. The only thing I knew for sure was this: Whoever the Pens had to face in the Eastern portion of the bracket, the odds and matchups were in their favor to win the series.
I believed that against the Islanders and the Senators and I believe it in the Eastern Conference Final against the Boston Bruins.
Like most of the teams in this side of the bracket, the Pens finished the season with a winning record against the Bruins, going 3-0-0 and winning three one goal games. Now, the fact that all three games were close means that they were anyone's games. But, you can't discount the fact that the Pens also won all three close games, because this figures to be a tight series.
Neither team has a huge name at goal tender, but Tuukku Rask is certainly more well-regarded and has more raw talent than Tomas Vokoun. Then again, Marc-Andre Fleury has more renown and athletic ability than Vokoun and look where the two netminders stand at this point. Fleury is officially Vokoun's backup and will only come in if the Bruins chase Vokoun or if it looks like the series is on the brink and Vokoun has lost his edge (like what happened against the Islanders and would've happened against the Flyers last year, had the Pens possessed two viable options at goal tender). And, realistically, I don't think that Vokoun is going to get rattled enough that he loses the starting job.
He's not as flashy or exciting as Fleury, but he's extremely consistent. The Pens don't need a guy with a high ceiling as long as he also has a high floor. The Flower has has a high ceiling, but he also has a pretty low floor. If the Pens can get competent, consistent goal tending, then they'll be able to score enough goals and protect their goal tender with their skilled defensemen enough that they don't need a guy like Jonathan Quick (who is amazing, BTW, and you should totally watch the Hawks-Kings series).
Vokoun has earned at least one mulligan. You can't fault him for the double overtime loss against Ottawa and that's been his only loss since he came in. He's been making the easy saves, making the vast majority of the tough saves, and hasn't let in any headscratchers. If he can keep that up, I think that's more than sufficient from here on out.
Now, that's not to say I'm in love with the guy, but we're going to have to face facts here. Regardless of who the Pens have in at goal the rest of the way, the other team is going to have the advantage at goal tender. That's more praise for Quick, Rask, and Corey Crawford than it is a knock on Vokoun or Flower. Thing is, I think the Pens can get past any goal tender if they get enough chances. I think they can wear anyone down -- they sure dismantled a fantastic goalie like Craig Anderson in pretty short order -- and I think they have the talent and tenacity on offense to chase anyone out of the net. I know that's a bold statement, but that's how much confidence I have in this offense.
Boston has an edge between the pipes and the Pens have an edge on offense, but I don't think it's a huge edge. The Bruins can get hot and score goals in bunches. They have four solid lines -- their fourth line in particular has been on fire since the playoffs started -- and their top line is the second best in hockey (after Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis). Their second and third lines don't match up as well against the Pens as their first and fourth -- especially if Jussi, Kennedy, Morrow, and Cooke continue to play about as well as they have -- but Boston has a ton of depth and can get on you in a hurry; just ask Toronto.
The difference in this series, for me, is defense and special teams.
Zdeno Chara can handle anyone and getting Dennis Seidenberg back is a big deal for the Bruins, but other than those two guys, they have a bunch of warm bodies and rookie overachievers (this is assuming Andrew Ference doesn't see any significant time until Game 3 or 4). Chara and Seidenberg will either wear down or not be on the ice and guys like Torey Krug, Dougie Hamilton, and Pittsburgh's own Matt Bartkowski will come down to earth. The defensemen for Boston have played well in the first two rounds, especially considering the injuries they've had to contend with. But, if you took the best guys from Toronto and New York and made four lines out of them, you still wouldn't have four lines as good as what the Pens have been rolling with since the trade deadline. The Bruins defensemen just haven't had to match up against this level of talent thus far in the playoffs and they're going to come back down to earth (hard) once they have to.
On the other hand, the Pens are now rolling with their full complement of defensemen and they have guys that can skate and score (Kris Letang, Paul Martin, and Simon Despres), an enforcer with some scoring upside in Doug Murray, and a couple guys who can do a little bit of everything in Brooks Orpik and Mark Eaton. And, they're deep, so I feel comfortable with Engelland or Niskanen -- or any of the combinations they've played during the course of the playoffs, because all these guys have seen time -- in the event that anyone goes down. They have a ton of options and can play a bunch of different ways, even switching combinations and styles when they do line changes. That flexibility -- which they're only just starting to take advantage of, since there were so many injuries throughout the course of the season -- makes this a very balanced and capable defense.
On special teams, Boston can't give the Pens more than three chances a game if they want to win this series. The power play for the Penguins is just too potent and, regardless of how good your penalty kill is, it's extremely difficult to shut them out on any given night. Since goals will probably be flowing pretty freely, you don't want to give the Pens a stick to hit you with. The biggest stick they have is that power play, particularly since James Neal appears to have found his scoring stroke back. With Letang running point and Neal and Iginla sniping away from either side, then you add in Kunitz and/or Crosby and Malkin... that's just a deadly PP unit right there. When you add in the fact that the Penguins are also very good at drawing penalties -- note that I didn't say diving, because they've really gotten away from that -- and it's a lethal combination. You pretty much have to pick your poison. It'll be interesting to see what strategy Boston goes with: Whether they'll let the Pens skate free and trust Rask to make a bunch of killer saves or if they'll clutch, hold, and slash in the hopes that the officials won't call anything this deep in the playoffs, dealing with the daunting task of killing a bunch of penalties if that strategy backfires.
In case I haven't made this abundantly clear, the Bruins are a great team. The Pittsburgh Penguins are just better and they have a number of key advantages over Boston. I think the Pens are feeling it now and they're incredibly focused on the prize. When you take the talent that they have and add in determination, focus, and desperation, that's a dangerous team right there. I think that it's possible that the Blackhawks could beat them in a seven game series at this point, but I don't see anyone else with the horses and the intangibles to match up.
If Boston can get all four of their lines rolling, if their young defensemen continue to play at the high level they've been playing, and if Rask only has one game where he gets overpowered and overwhelmed and if the Bruins can stay out of the penalty box, they can win this series.
But... that's a whole lot of "ifs" and too many for my blood.
Prediction:
Pens in 6
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Power @ Sharks Preview
Well...here we go again. We're into the back half of the season and that means we get to start playing good teams again. This week, we get a rematch against the Sharks, and this time, we're in their house. I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, the Sharks are still the dangerous team we faced in week #2...but on the other hand, the Power's gotten a taste of them and tends to be slightly better on the road. Out of the last four games, the Sharks have had three losses and a win against the Preds...by three points That's not a stunning record, so we might have a chance.
Our win last week against the Gladiators was just what the doctor ordered, but we can't make it more than it was. Cleveland is a lousy, lousy team. However, that game was a blast to watch, and there was actual life in Consol for the first time in more than a year. Plus, it was a division win - so I think that, more important than the victory itself, it was a confidence builder.
So, what are we looking at this week? Well, it's a road game, as mentioned earlier, which is good and bad, given the Power's history. The more important part of the team's history is the fact that we've never beaten the Sharks, and we've never ended a game within 20 points of them...and that's something the team CANNOT think about.
The biggest thing that that worked against the Power in the most recent match-up was Jacksonville's defense. They had six sacks and three picks, and that will kill you every time. Normal suspects - Swiss cheese line and a rattled QB. Sheffield is still throwing picks, but he seems to be settling into his role. Also, the line is giving him more time to think. That keeps up, we're in a better place.
Other than that, it's business as usual. There's nothing I can say this time that I didn't say last time we played them specifically, or most weeks in general.
A few notes: last week, Chris LeFlore returned a huge kickoff for a TD that helped earn him Week 10 AFL MVP. Obviously, he's getting more comfortable in his role. Also, Twitter holds rumblings that Oderick Turner has returned, strengthening the receiver position. (I didn't see Graves playing last week, so Turner might be filling Graves' shoes.)
It's a road game, but it will air at 7 on ThisTV, this Saturday, June 1st.
Elsewhere in the League
Our win last week against the Gladiators was just what the doctor ordered, but we can't make it more than it was. Cleveland is a lousy, lousy team. However, that game was a blast to watch, and there was actual life in Consol for the first time in more than a year. Plus, it was a division win - so I think that, more important than the victory itself, it was a confidence builder.
So, what are we looking at this week? Well, it's a road game, as mentioned earlier, which is good and bad, given the Power's history. The more important part of the team's history is the fact that we've never beaten the Sharks, and we've never ended a game within 20 points of them...and that's something the team CANNOT think about.
The biggest thing that that worked against the Power in the most recent match-up was Jacksonville's defense. They had six sacks and three picks, and that will kill you every time. Normal suspects - Swiss cheese line and a rattled QB. Sheffield is still throwing picks, but he seems to be settling into his role. Also, the line is giving him more time to think. That keeps up, we're in a better place.
Other than that, it's business as usual. There's nothing I can say this time that I didn't say last time we played them specifically, or most weeks in general.
A few notes: last week, Chris LeFlore returned a huge kickoff for a TD that helped earn him Week 10 AFL MVP. Obviously, he's getting more comfortable in his role. Also, Twitter holds rumblings that Oderick Turner has returned, strengthening the receiver position. (I didn't see Graves playing last week, so Turner might be filling Graves' shoes.)
It's a road game, but it will air at 7 on ThisTV, this Saturday, June 1st.
Elsewhere in the League
- I am just giddy this week. Three games are airing in Pittsburgh, and Philly shifted their kickoff, so I get to watch football from 4 until after midnight. First up is Philly hosting Arizona. The Ratts have lost one game this season thus far, so I'm really hoping they'll do the Power a solid and take the Soul down.
- The Rush maintains their slim grip on the lead in their division as they travel to Florida to play the Preds. My money is on the Rush.
- Statistically, the Gladiators are slightly better than the Voodoo. But, the Voodoo is at home in the Graveyard and has lost 8 in a row...dare we hope for a double smack-down on our division rivals this week?
- Tampa travels to Iowa with hopes of getting back to their winning ways...and Iowa really needs a win as well to keep up with the Joneses in their division. Too close to call.
- Speaking of the Joneses in that division, San Antonio plays host to the Utah Blaze at 8:30 Monday, and the Talons are sporting their fourth QB of the year - former Power thrower, Xavier Lee. You never seem to see much of him at any one point or position. He's a utility player who does a bit of everything, but QB is what he seems to really want to do. I've always liked him, but I'm not sure he has what it'll take to beat Tommy Grady.
- Finally, the prime time game of the week is the Saberkitties and the Spokane Shock. It's a division grudge match between two teams that are virtually tied and both riding a winning streak. The Cats tend to win high-pressure games, but the Shock doesn't just lie down. I'm just glad we all have the chance to watch this one.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Cleveland Gladiators at Pittsburgh Power Preview
Finally, in week ten of the season, we have a division rivalry game at home. As some of you may remember, the last time we were scheduled to play the Gladiators, they were so intimidated that they didn't take the field, making them the only AFL team in history to forfeit a game. (That's the way I choose to remember it, rather than think about the vast amounts of strike BS that plagued the league last year.)
As we all know, the Power is having a rough go of it this season, but frankly, so is Cleveland. We both stand at 2-6, so this is a pretty important game. We've both beaten Philly so far, so - believe it or not - we both still have the right to dream of taking the division. Sure, any one of us would exit the playoffs early, but who cares - making it to the post season is all that really matters.
The Power got their collective asses handed to them again at home last week (one of the head office guys commented to me afterwards that, since I was in Philly, I'm one of the lucky few to actually see our boys win this year) and that's sad. Thing is, there was a lot of good in the game - it's just that turnovers killed us.
Right from the word go, our defense was all over Tampa's QB. They weren't able to close the deal often (only one recorded sack on the game) but they were back there in his space a lot. Conversely, our O line was actually looking half-way decent. They certainly were giving Sheffield time to think, or at least to scramble, which is something that's been lacking up until now.
Sheffield himself was looking promising during his first home start. He has the range, he has accuracy, he seems good natured when coaches correct him on field and he can move (35 yards on the night.) The problem was INTs. The best that I can figure is that he has tunnel vision. Nearly every pick was seemingly a perfect throw to a defensive player who was wide open. I think what's happening is that he's so focused on his receiver that he just plain doesn't see anyone else on the field. This is not good, and it's something that I sure hope he can shake.
Cleveland is, again, not the strongest team in the league, but they're not a pushover. Brian Zbydniewski completes about 50% of his passes (most while the other team is spell-checking his name) and averages only about 1 pick a game. Also, he is mobile enough that he has 6 rushing TDs on the year. This is concerning only because McPhearson was able to put up some serious yardage on us last week, and the defense wasn't able to do much about it.
While the Gladiators lost some key players in the off season - most notably Robert Redd - they kept Dominick Goodman. He, Johnathan Lewis and Thyron Lewis are going to be the main threats that we have to contain this week. They make up the bulk of Cleveland's yards and scores and will likely be the main targets.
Cleveland has a bad habit of giving up a lot of yards on penalties, just like we do. I know I say it a lot, but we need to capitalize on those tendencies and play the cleaner game. Our officiating crew at home royally sucks, but if the Power can manage not to piss them off and let Cleveland rack up the penalty yards, it could make or break the night.
We haven't seen a home win since April 14, 2012 for crying out loud. This is a streak that HAS to end.
Elsewhere in the League
As we all know, the Power is having a rough go of it this season, but frankly, so is Cleveland. We both stand at 2-6, so this is a pretty important game. We've both beaten Philly so far, so - believe it or not - we both still have the right to dream of taking the division. Sure, any one of us would exit the playoffs early, but who cares - making it to the post season is all that really matters.
The Power got their collective asses handed to them again at home last week (one of the head office guys commented to me afterwards that, since I was in Philly, I'm one of the lucky few to actually see our boys win this year) and that's sad. Thing is, there was a lot of good in the game - it's just that turnovers killed us.
Right from the word go, our defense was all over Tampa's QB. They weren't able to close the deal often (only one recorded sack on the game) but they were back there in his space a lot. Conversely, our O line was actually looking half-way decent. They certainly were giving Sheffield time to think, or at least to scramble, which is something that's been lacking up until now.
Sheffield himself was looking promising during his first home start. He has the range, he has accuracy, he seems good natured when coaches correct him on field and he can move (35 yards on the night.) The problem was INTs. The best that I can figure is that he has tunnel vision. Nearly every pick was seemingly a perfect throw to a defensive player who was wide open. I think what's happening is that he's so focused on his receiver that he just plain doesn't see anyone else on the field. This is not good, and it's something that I sure hope he can shake.
Cleveland is, again, not the strongest team in the league, but they're not a pushover. Brian Zbydniewski completes about 50% of his passes (most while the other team is spell-checking his name) and averages only about 1 pick a game. Also, he is mobile enough that he has 6 rushing TDs on the year. This is concerning only because McPhearson was able to put up some serious yardage on us last week, and the defense wasn't able to do much about it.
While the Gladiators lost some key players in the off season - most notably Robert Redd - they kept Dominick Goodman. He, Johnathan Lewis and Thyron Lewis are going to be the main threats that we have to contain this week. They make up the bulk of Cleveland's yards and scores and will likely be the main targets.
Cleveland has a bad habit of giving up a lot of yards on penalties, just like we do. I know I say it a lot, but we need to capitalize on those tendencies and play the cleaner game. Our officiating crew at home royally sucks, but if the Power can manage not to piss them off and let Cleveland rack up the penalty yards, it could make or break the night.
We haven't seen a home win since April 14, 2012 for crying out loud. This is a streak that HAS to end.
Elsewhere in the League
- At some point while I wasn't paying attention, the Talons managed to get to the top of their division, and the Shock started getting back on track. This game might actually be worth watching
- Jacksonville at Orlando. The Preds stumbled last week against Philly, but in general, Garcia is trying to turn them around. Things went completely pear-shaped for the Sharks last week (both on and off the field) and they got beat hard to continue their slide. They need a big win this week, and facing their former star QB in the interstate War on I-4 matchup might just be the tonic they need. I'll take the Sharks in this one.
- Football is never an if A>B and B>C then A>C equation. Just because we beat Philly and Tampa Bay beat us doesn't mean that Tampa is going to beat Philly....but I still think Tampa can beat Philly. They're playing at a higher level and have all the right ingredients Philly just seems to be a bit lost this season and haven't quite gelled.
- Iowa is not a bad team. They're not a great team, but they're not horrible. Arizona, on the other hand, is 8-1 and destined to go to the Arena Bowl again. The only way Iowa wins this one is if the Ratts overlook them or play easy this week...neither of which is something the team is known for.
- Utah at San Jose....oh dear. Where do I start? On one hand, it's a division match, Utah continues to be kinda crap and San Jose's winning streak is running the same as Utah's total wins - 4. On the other hand, the Cats are showing their true colors as that team I love to hate when, after beating the Sharks handily, still felt the need to start some shit with the dance team for interfering with the game. The end result - several arrests, a senior-citizen coach hospitalized and an appearance on Fark.com. What does this mean for the game? Probably very little, but I still hate the Sabercats because they're a bunch of douchebags...but I love watching them play.
- Finally, Chicago needs every win they can while they stay neck and neck with San Antonio in their division, and a cream puff team like the Voodoo is probably the best thing to happen.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Tampa Bay Storm at Power Preview
Better late than never, right? Almost forgot to write something this week.
The Power return home this week after an exciting win in Philly. Much like the one in NOLA, a road win is great and all, but the average fan probably doesn't even know it happened - and that's sad. I had a great time out there again this year, and everything that was true last year remains so this year: Crab fries are awesome, cheesesteaks are tasty, beer is everywhere, Philly fans are still frickin terrible and the Soulmates Dance Team is still ridiculously hot.
Last week, things were changed up around the team, and it showed. Steven Sheffield was obviously uncomfortable at QB, but after 3 seasons, we're kind of used to the quarterback shuffle. At least this one got to get his sea legs while on the road and away from that one jackass in my section who spends every game looking miserable and periodically yelling, "Go home <insert name of QB>!"
During the last home game, Superman Berry took a vicious hit that left my wife concerned for his well-being. Well, he didn't show up in the game in Philly and is listed as injured again this week, so I'm guessing the hit was as painful as it looked. Chris "Gingabread" LeFlore is covering returns for him, and Berry's offensive slot is being filled by committee. Shamar Graves has been an increased presence on the field the last few weeks and leads the team in "Not needing a nickname" yards. (Seriously - dude's name is 'Graves,' and that's awesome.) He plays ironman like Berry, and seems to be everywhere on the field. Even when he doesn't snag picks that it looks like he should have, he at least breaks up plays.
Also appearing on offense is newcomer James Robinson. He was injured in the pre-season, so we hadn't gotten to see him on the field yet this year, and the man knows how to make an entrance. In his debut, he put up 4 touchdowns for the Power, so it'd be great if that's going to be the norm. Likewise, Joystick continues to be a force on the field this season with good numbers of his own.
Defense was able to keep the pressure on Dirty Dan, and was even able to get that last-minute, over-the-wall pick that they needed to save the game. The new kicker had a pretty rough game, and I really hope that improves before kickoff tomorrow night.
Yes, this "preview" sounds a hell of a lot like a "review" so far, but that's by design. The lineup should look very much this same this week, and we can probably expect the same things on our side of the ball. Kicking is concerning, returns leave a bit to be desired, the QB is not comfortable yet and the offensive line still sucks. If the positions that can improve do so (basically, everything but the O line), then things are going to look more hopeful for us.
Unfortunately, Tampa Bay is - as usual - a good team this year.
There are certain things that I learn to expect when I watch other teams around the league. I love watching Rattlers games, because the local TV station streams the live games online with the same feed as TV (announcers and all.) Voodoo and Sabercats games usually have the scores up on screen. And, Tampa Bay has their radio feed piped in for audio. I love these guys. They're that rare combination of good sports coverage and an obvious love for this sport, not just sports in general. I'm always entertained by them, and look forward to watching Tampa games because of them.
Except for the week before they play the Power.
The Sabercats were trouncing the Storm pretty good last week, and it got hopeless pretty fast. Later in the game, Jack and Darek started looking ahead to this week and for the second year in a row, they said something to the effect of, "Well, at least we're playing Pittsburgh next week..." I mean, really guys - just because it's fundamentally true, could you maybe throw us a bone next year and pretend like you're a little concerned? Thanks. Long time listener, first time complainer.
But, as I was saying, the Cats were putting a hurting on them and beat them pretty hard. As such, I expect them to come in here tomorrow night and bring some anger. They're still in the running for their division, and they're looking for every win they can get. Historically, we've matched pretty well against them, the games have been high-scoring and close...we just haven't beaten them.
This year, they're lead by QB Andrian McPherson. Last week - this early in the season - he locked up the AFL record for rushing touchdowns by a QB in a season, and he's thrown for 34 as well. So, needless to say, containing him is going to be job #1 for the Power defense. If Alvin Ray Jackson or Sergio Gilliam want to pick a few in the process, I won't be complaining - however, McPherson doesn't throw many of those. Only three this year, and two of them were during last week's disaster.
However, the Storm is currently third in the league for picks themselves, and that's worrying. I can sugar coat things as much as you want, but I can't change the fact that picks are now and always have been the Power Achilles heel. When a team comes in that is good at them - like the Storm in general and DB Chris Smith in specific - we're often boned. I hope that Sheffield doesn't get rattled by the lack of protection and throw too early as so many of our new QBs do, and actually avoids that trap.
So, the short version is that we need to keep doing what we did last week in Philly, and play the Storm like we have in the past....just more so. A win is not out of the question this week, but they're not going to hand it to us like they did the Sabercats.
A Word on Tebow
Ah, Tebow. He is the Paris Hilton of football. Someone decided at some point that he should be famous, and we all just went right along with it. When he didn't live up to the hype, he started getting passed around and mocked. Now, he has been cut by yet another team (and, really, when the Jets cut you, how can you hold your head up?) and we're still talking about him.
This week, water cooler sports talk briefly acknowledged that the Arena League existed when Ron Jaworski, Soul owner and Philly legend, offered Tebow a contract as a backup to Dirty Dan Raudabaugh. Now, the Soul isn't the first team to express interest - back in March, the Predators considered it - and certainly isn't the first team to make an NFL player an offer. Chad OchoJohnson and T.O. have both been offered jobs in the indoor game in the past. What makes Jaws' offer different than the others is that he's mostly serious and people have had constructive arguments as to why it could work.
Most of the time, these offers go out with absolutely no expectations outside of a little free publicity. Jaws is an anomaly by being a respected voice in the NFL and being a very hands-on owner in the AFL (I love Swanny to death, but I never see him in the front row screaming at refs like I did Jaws last weekend.) He's not saying that he'll move heaven and earth for Tebow and let him start next week - he's saying he'll pay him league wage and let him come in for special plays not covered by the guy currently getting the job done. All of this lends an air of plausibility to the equation.
I had a conversation the other day where people pointed out that Tebow was never given the time to develop in the NFL because of his hype. That he's not very accurate and doesn't process well under pressure. These are things that the AFL could either cure him of, or destroy him with (QBs trained for the NFL don't often play well in this league.) I mean, hey, it worked out for another Christian QB who couldn't quite hack it in the NFL...
However, it's not going to happen, at least not in the current climate - but maybe it should. In the NHL and MLB, the farm system is well utilized to develop players for the pros when they need a little extra polish. How often do we hear about a winger "called up" or "sent down" as needed, or a pitching prospect that is going to break out any day now as soon as he gets his act together? Right now, the NFL will pull players from the AFL for camp that look promising, and nearly always cut them before the season starts - and that's it.
They know these guys are pinning everything on the hope of the NFL, and they'll jump ship in a heartbeat if they get and offer...and their teams accept this. The fact that NFL camp happens during the late AFL season is just bad luck. Last year, Tiger Jones - one of Philly's absolute best players - got called up by the Eagles right before the playoffs. They tied him up in camp just long enough that the Soul didn't have him during the playoffs, and then they cut him. Think about that: A receiver the NFL felt might be good enough to go to the big show, and they took him away from a team right before the playoffs. Think that had any unfortunate side effects? (Okay, bad example: Soul went to the Arena Bowl because of their insane depth on that roster. They melted down in the Arena Bowl, but that was more Raudabaugh than lack of Jones...but you see my point.)
And this isn't an isolated incident. Every year, several teams lose good players right when they need them most to the NFL when they know damn well they aren't going to stay there. Why not work together? Tebow is hardly an anomaly. Every year, there are draft picks that don't pan out for any number of specific reasons, but a common general one is that they're just not quite ready for the NFL yet. Why not "send them down" for a season or two in the Arena League? It'd be a win for everyone. Let the NFL subsidize the AFL a bit so they could offer better salaries, their players get some work in key areas, the AFL gets more talent which means more viewers, which means more money, which means more salaries... There are holes, but overall, this could improve both leagues and get us closer to the ideal of quality football year-round.
My name is Weidman, and I approve this message.
Elsewhere in the League
The Power return home this week after an exciting win in Philly. Much like the one in NOLA, a road win is great and all, but the average fan probably doesn't even know it happened - and that's sad. I had a great time out there again this year, and everything that was true last year remains so this year: Crab fries are awesome, cheesesteaks are tasty, beer is everywhere, Philly fans are still frickin terrible and the Soulmates Dance Team is still ridiculously hot.
Last week, things were changed up around the team, and it showed. Steven Sheffield was obviously uncomfortable at QB, but after 3 seasons, we're kind of used to the quarterback shuffle. At least this one got to get his sea legs while on the road and away from that one jackass in my section who spends every game looking miserable and periodically yelling, "Go home <insert name of QB>!"
During the last home game, Superman Berry took a vicious hit that left my wife concerned for his well-being. Well, he didn't show up in the game in Philly and is listed as injured again this week, so I'm guessing the hit was as painful as it looked. Chris "Gingabread" LeFlore is covering returns for him, and Berry's offensive slot is being filled by committee. Shamar Graves has been an increased presence on the field the last few weeks and leads the team in "Not needing a nickname" yards. (Seriously - dude's name is 'Graves,' and that's awesome.) He plays ironman like Berry, and seems to be everywhere on the field. Even when he doesn't snag picks that it looks like he should have, he at least breaks up plays.
Also appearing on offense is newcomer James Robinson. He was injured in the pre-season, so we hadn't gotten to see him on the field yet this year, and the man knows how to make an entrance. In his debut, he put up 4 touchdowns for the Power, so it'd be great if that's going to be the norm. Likewise, Joystick continues to be a force on the field this season with good numbers of his own.
Defense was able to keep the pressure on Dirty Dan, and was even able to get that last-minute, over-the-wall pick that they needed to save the game. The new kicker had a pretty rough game, and I really hope that improves before kickoff tomorrow night.
Yes, this "preview" sounds a hell of a lot like a "review" so far, but that's by design. The lineup should look very much this same this week, and we can probably expect the same things on our side of the ball. Kicking is concerning, returns leave a bit to be desired, the QB is not comfortable yet and the offensive line still sucks. If the positions that can improve do so (basically, everything but the O line), then things are going to look more hopeful for us.
Unfortunately, Tampa Bay is - as usual - a good team this year.
There are certain things that I learn to expect when I watch other teams around the league. I love watching Rattlers games, because the local TV station streams the live games online with the same feed as TV (announcers and all.) Voodoo and Sabercats games usually have the scores up on screen. And, Tampa Bay has their radio feed piped in for audio. I love these guys. They're that rare combination of good sports coverage and an obvious love for this sport, not just sports in general. I'm always entertained by them, and look forward to watching Tampa games because of them.
Except for the week before they play the Power.
The Sabercats were trouncing the Storm pretty good last week, and it got hopeless pretty fast. Later in the game, Jack and Darek started looking ahead to this week and for the second year in a row, they said something to the effect of, "Well, at least we're playing Pittsburgh next week..." I mean, really guys - just because it's fundamentally true, could you maybe throw us a bone next year and pretend like you're a little concerned? Thanks. Long time listener, first time complainer.
But, as I was saying, the Cats were putting a hurting on them and beat them pretty hard. As such, I expect them to come in here tomorrow night and bring some anger. They're still in the running for their division, and they're looking for every win they can get. Historically, we've matched pretty well against them, the games have been high-scoring and close...we just haven't beaten them.
This year, they're lead by QB Andrian McPherson. Last week - this early in the season - he locked up the AFL record for rushing touchdowns by a QB in a season, and he's thrown for 34 as well. So, needless to say, containing him is going to be job #1 for the Power defense. If Alvin Ray Jackson or Sergio Gilliam want to pick a few in the process, I won't be complaining - however, McPherson doesn't throw many of those. Only three this year, and two of them were during last week's disaster.
However, the Storm is currently third in the league for picks themselves, and that's worrying. I can sugar coat things as much as you want, but I can't change the fact that picks are now and always have been the Power Achilles heel. When a team comes in that is good at them - like the Storm in general and DB Chris Smith in specific - we're often boned. I hope that Sheffield doesn't get rattled by the lack of protection and throw too early as so many of our new QBs do, and actually avoids that trap.
So, the short version is that we need to keep doing what we did last week in Philly, and play the Storm like we have in the past....just more so. A win is not out of the question this week, but they're not going to hand it to us like they did the Sabercats.
A Word on Tebow
Ah, Tebow. He is the Paris Hilton of football. Someone decided at some point that he should be famous, and we all just went right along with it. When he didn't live up to the hype, he started getting passed around and mocked. Now, he has been cut by yet another team (and, really, when the Jets cut you, how can you hold your head up?) and we're still talking about him.
This week, water cooler sports talk briefly acknowledged that the Arena League existed when Ron Jaworski, Soul owner and Philly legend, offered Tebow a contract as a backup to Dirty Dan Raudabaugh. Now, the Soul isn't the first team to express interest - back in March, the Predators considered it - and certainly isn't the first team to make an NFL player an offer. Chad OchoJohnson and T.O. have both been offered jobs in the indoor game in the past. What makes Jaws' offer different than the others is that he's mostly serious and people have had constructive arguments as to why it could work.
Most of the time, these offers go out with absolutely no expectations outside of a little free publicity. Jaws is an anomaly by being a respected voice in the NFL and being a very hands-on owner in the AFL (I love Swanny to death, but I never see him in the front row screaming at refs like I did Jaws last weekend.) He's not saying that he'll move heaven and earth for Tebow and let him start next week - he's saying he'll pay him league wage and let him come in for special plays not covered by the guy currently getting the job done. All of this lends an air of plausibility to the equation.
I had a conversation the other day where people pointed out that Tebow was never given the time to develop in the NFL because of his hype. That he's not very accurate and doesn't process well under pressure. These are things that the AFL could either cure him of, or destroy him with (QBs trained for the NFL don't often play well in this league.) I mean, hey, it worked out for another Christian QB who couldn't quite hack it in the NFL...
However, it's not going to happen, at least not in the current climate - but maybe it should. In the NHL and MLB, the farm system is well utilized to develop players for the pros when they need a little extra polish. How often do we hear about a winger "called up" or "sent down" as needed, or a pitching prospect that is going to break out any day now as soon as he gets his act together? Right now, the NFL will pull players from the AFL for camp that look promising, and nearly always cut them before the season starts - and that's it.
They know these guys are pinning everything on the hope of the NFL, and they'll jump ship in a heartbeat if they get and offer...and their teams accept this. The fact that NFL camp happens during the late AFL season is just bad luck. Last year, Tiger Jones - one of Philly's absolute best players - got called up by the Eagles right before the playoffs. They tied him up in camp just long enough that the Soul didn't have him during the playoffs, and then they cut him. Think about that: A receiver the NFL felt might be good enough to go to the big show, and they took him away from a team right before the playoffs. Think that had any unfortunate side effects? (Okay, bad example: Soul went to the Arena Bowl because of their insane depth on that roster. They melted down in the Arena Bowl, but that was more Raudabaugh than lack of Jones...but you see my point.)
And this isn't an isolated incident. Every year, several teams lose good players right when they need them most to the NFL when they know damn well they aren't going to stay there. Why not work together? Tebow is hardly an anomaly. Every year, there are draft picks that don't pan out for any number of specific reasons, but a common general one is that they're just not quite ready for the NFL yet. Why not "send them down" for a season or two in the Arena League? It'd be a win for everyone. Let the NFL subsidize the AFL a bit so they could offer better salaries, their players get some work in key areas, the AFL gets more talent which means more viewers, which means more money, which means more salaries... There are holes, but overall, this could improve both leagues and get us closer to the ideal of quality football year-round.
My name is Weidman, and I approve this message.
Elsewhere in the League
- The Spokane Shock still need every easy win they can get given their tough division, and hosting NOLA looks to be just what the doctor ordered.
- San Antonio at Cleveland is going to be a matchup of two teams that are just struggling. Both teams are coming off of a win, and it'd just be nice if the Talons can make up for beating us by beating our division rival.
- San Jose at Jacksonville is looking like the game to watch this week (which you won't, because you'll be watching the Power, right?) Both teams are powerhouses right now, and this game will show who the real deal is. The Sabercats have been on the warpath since they picked up Michna, winning their last three. The Sharks slipped and lost their first two games of the season in their last two starts. Hosting the Cats, they'll be looking to get back to their winning ways. The Sharks can win this, and probably should, but matching Michna and Morris, I'm going to have to take Michna.
- Every year, there's a good example of divisional strength, and this game is it. At 3-4, the Utah Blaze is sitting in last place in their division. At 4-4, the Barnstormers are tied for first in theirs. The Blaze has just not been living up to expectations, but I think they can take the 'Stormers.
- GotW is Preds at Soul. Just like the Cats are proving that they're totally doing great with Michna in their life, Garcia has been showing them that he's totally over them and happy with his new squeeze, the Orlando Predators. Winning two in a row, they're trying to make a comeback, and Philly would be another great feather in their cap. They way they're playing and the way Philly has looked, they might just do it, too.
- Sunday, Arizona travels to Chicago to close out the weekend. I expect them to TCB and bring home a W.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Penguins-Senators Preview
Here's the thing about this series (and the next series, if the Pens win this series): It's going to take a big time effort from the Senators for them to win. Or, the Pens are going to need to implode as badly as they imploded against the Islanders for 2.5 games, but for the entire series.
Honestly, that's not saying that Ottawa (or Boston or the Rangers) are any better or worse than the Islanders. It's saying that the three possible remaining opponents for the Pens don't scare me. The Islanders scared me to a degree in that they were young and unpredictable. They have a bunch of great skaters and very skilled players. They're just rough around the edges, couldn't quite grasp the moment, and weren't as deep as the Penguins.
And, really, when you stack everything up, the Pens played a solid series. They had a +8 goal differential, went 7 for 21 on the power play, killed 18 out of 20 penalties, and have three of the top five scorers in the playoffs.
Yes, I know they went to overtime twice, but they won both of those games. Yes, I know Fleury looked lost and helpless for a long stretch there, but they put in Vokoun and he won his two starts. I know they were outshot and outhustled for about half of the series, but they still scored eight more goals than their opponents and they still recorded two shutouts.
They didn't win with authority. They should've crushed and swept the 8 seed and asked who was the next to be slaughtered. But... they still won and they still won pretty convincingly.
I also know that the Senators smoked the Canadiens in five games, winning two of those games by a convincing 6-1 margin. The thing you have to keep in mind there is that Montreal kinda sucks. They limped into the series, were playing their worst hockey at the end of the season, weren't getting much in the way of defense or goaltending, and couldn't muster enough offense to offset that. If Montreal made it past Ottawa, they weren't making it past their next opponent.
Ottawa's strengths lined up perfectly against Montreal's weaknesses. The same could be said about the Islanders strengths and the Pens weaknesses. The difference is that the Pens found a way to win -- and fairly convincingly -- and Canadiens got destroyed.
The Senators aren't particularly flashy or skilled or fast or deep. They're not dangerous. They're not young. They're not exciting. They're a methodical, disciplined team that converted every mistake Montreal made and took advantage of every opportunity Montreal afforded them.
When the Pens are playing their preferred brand of hockey, they don't make many mistakes and they don't afford their opponents many opportunities. They prefer to line up their best guys against your best guys and force you to beat them. Since they're so skilled and so deep, they usually come out on top. They were skilled enough and deep enough and had enough mental fortitude to beat the Islanders in six, even when they weren't playing their preferred brand of hockey.
I think they can beat Ottawa even if they don't play their preferred brand of hockey. I think they can also beat the Rangers or Bruins. (I don't think they would be able to beat any of the four teams left in the West, but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves).
Just for the Ottawa series, I think they keep things tight, keep things boring, and should be able to win if they don't completely implode. The Senators just aren't explosive enough to make the Pens pay consistently enough for it to matter.
I think the Pens can gut out another ugly series and move on. If they actually start to put everything together in this series and play close to perfect, then it'll be over in five.
Prediction: Pens in Six.
Honestly, that's not saying that Ottawa (or Boston or the Rangers) are any better or worse than the Islanders. It's saying that the three possible remaining opponents for the Pens don't scare me. The Islanders scared me to a degree in that they were young and unpredictable. They have a bunch of great skaters and very skilled players. They're just rough around the edges, couldn't quite grasp the moment, and weren't as deep as the Penguins.
And, really, when you stack everything up, the Pens played a solid series. They had a +8 goal differential, went 7 for 21 on the power play, killed 18 out of 20 penalties, and have three of the top five scorers in the playoffs.
Yes, I know they went to overtime twice, but they won both of those games. Yes, I know Fleury looked lost and helpless for a long stretch there, but they put in Vokoun and he won his two starts. I know they were outshot and outhustled for about half of the series, but they still scored eight more goals than their opponents and they still recorded two shutouts.
They didn't win with authority. They should've crushed and swept the 8 seed and asked who was the next to be slaughtered. But... they still won and they still won pretty convincingly.
I also know that the Senators smoked the Canadiens in five games, winning two of those games by a convincing 6-1 margin. The thing you have to keep in mind there is that Montreal kinda sucks. They limped into the series, were playing their worst hockey at the end of the season, weren't getting much in the way of defense or goaltending, and couldn't muster enough offense to offset that. If Montreal made it past Ottawa, they weren't making it past their next opponent.
Ottawa's strengths lined up perfectly against Montreal's weaknesses. The same could be said about the Islanders strengths and the Pens weaknesses. The difference is that the Pens found a way to win -- and fairly convincingly -- and Canadiens got destroyed.
The Senators aren't particularly flashy or skilled or fast or deep. They're not dangerous. They're not young. They're not exciting. They're a methodical, disciplined team that converted every mistake Montreal made and took advantage of every opportunity Montreal afforded them.
When the Pens are playing their preferred brand of hockey, they don't make many mistakes and they don't afford their opponents many opportunities. They prefer to line up their best guys against your best guys and force you to beat them. Since they're so skilled and so deep, they usually come out on top. They were skilled enough and deep enough and had enough mental fortitude to beat the Islanders in six, even when they weren't playing their preferred brand of hockey.
I think they can beat Ottawa even if they don't play their preferred brand of hockey. I think they can also beat the Rangers or Bruins. (I don't think they would be able to beat any of the four teams left in the West, but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves).
Just for the Ottawa series, I think they keep things tight, keep things boring, and should be able to win if they don't completely implode. The Senators just aren't explosive enough to make the Pens pay consistently enough for it to matter.
I think the Pens can gut out another ugly series and move on. If they actually start to put everything together in this series and play close to perfect, then it'll be over in five.
Prediction: Pens in Six.
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Hit the Road, Jack
This week, the Power head back out on the road, Keller and I follow them again, and several players get the boot. It's action-packed, and I haven't even gotten to the part where I talk about Chickie's and Pete's Crabfries.
Let's start with what we will be facing when we meet up with the Soul for the first time this season. At 3-3, they're not quite the powerhouse they were last season...but that doesn't mean they're not decisively at the top of our division. Part of their slide this year is due to the loss of Tiger Jones, Captain Morgan, and few others. However, they've kept stars like Dirty Dan Raudabaugh, Derrick Ross and LaRico Stevenson (seriously, I miss that guy.)
Dirty Dan continues to be the red-headed menace that he's always been. This season, he's on the right side of a 32/6 touchdown vs interception ratio. He has good protection, thinks well on his feet, and is mobile. He is the prime threat, and there's no two ways about it.
On the receiving side, Larry Brackins - stud of the last Arena Bowl -is still around and doing his thing, but definitely in more of a supporting role. The heavy lifting is being done by Anthony Jones, and that dude is a monster, with 775 yards and 14 TDs in just six games this season.
While he's the threat in the air, Derrick Ross is most assuredly a threat on the ground in a league that doesn't use infantry very often. His 14 TDs on the ground is a pretty good stat for a fullback for a season. In just a third of a season, it's phenomenal.
On the other side of the ball, LaRico Stevenson and Joe Goosby are twin terrors, putting up respectable numbers in sacks, turnovers, and tackles. Given the continuing situation with our offensive line, these are the two that scare me the most. Add to that the fact that Stevenson can return...
In typical Power fashion, it's time to replace some QBs and swap out kickers. Czajkowski who, while formidable in Words With Friends, has been struggling. He was let go, while Baker and Wolford have been placed on IR. This makes room for a new kicker, a new receiver, and QB Steven Sheffield. If that name sounds familiar, it's because we had originally signed him to a 3-year contract in November. That's good. It means he was someone the Power thought was worth locking in. He was Garcia's backup, after all. On the other hand, he didn't play for us because he didn't show up. That's bad. But it was for family reasons. That's...none of our business, really.
I'm just not super stoked about the situation. Quarterback drama has become our bread and butter. Last week, we brought back Derrick Cassidy - architect of the killer comeback against the Preds last year - to fill in while Shane Austin is out with an injury. However, not only did they only use him for one or two plays, but Jefferson kept running back on the field like he was going to play whether coach liked it or not. I have no frickin' clue what the situation really was, but best case it's that everyone was confused and worst case, it was that Coach Sting has no control over Jefferson. Neither is good.
So, what's going to happen is, the Power, Keller, and myself are going to drive to Philly, the Power are going to figure some stuff out while we drink some beers, and then I'm gonna eat a cheesesteak and some crabfries while I enjoy some football and Soulmate cheerleaders.
Elsewhere in the League
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| I mean, just look at them. LOOK AT THEM! |
Dirty Dan continues to be the red-headed menace that he's always been. This season, he's on the right side of a 32/6 touchdown vs interception ratio. He has good protection, thinks well on his feet, and is mobile. He is the prime threat, and there's no two ways about it.
On the receiving side, Larry Brackins - stud of the last Arena Bowl -is still around and doing his thing, but definitely in more of a supporting role. The heavy lifting is being done by Anthony Jones, and that dude is a monster, with 775 yards and 14 TDs in just six games this season.
While he's the threat in the air, Derrick Ross is most assuredly a threat on the ground in a league that doesn't use infantry very often. His 14 TDs on the ground is a pretty good stat for a fullback for a season. In just a third of a season, it's phenomenal.
On the other side of the ball, LaRico Stevenson and Joe Goosby are twin terrors, putting up respectable numbers in sacks, turnovers, and tackles. Given the continuing situation with our offensive line, these are the two that scare me the most. Add to that the fact that Stevenson can return...
In typical Power fashion, it's time to replace some QBs and swap out kickers. Czajkowski who, while formidable in Words With Friends, has been struggling. He was let go, while Baker and Wolford have been placed on IR. This makes room for a new kicker, a new receiver, and QB Steven Sheffield. If that name sounds familiar, it's because we had originally signed him to a 3-year contract in November. That's good. It means he was someone the Power thought was worth locking in. He was Garcia's backup, after all. On the other hand, he didn't play for us because he didn't show up. That's bad. But it was for family reasons. That's...none of our business, really.
I'm just not super stoked about the situation. Quarterback drama has become our bread and butter. Last week, we brought back Derrick Cassidy - architect of the killer comeback against the Preds last year - to fill in while Shane Austin is out with an injury. However, not only did they only use him for one or two plays, but Jefferson kept running back on the field like he was going to play whether coach liked it or not. I have no frickin' clue what the situation really was, but best case it's that everyone was confused and worst case, it was that Coach Sting has no control over Jefferson. Neither is good.
So, what's going to happen is, the Power, Keller, and myself are going to drive to Philly, the Power are going to figure some stuff out while we drink some beers, and then I'm gonna eat a cheesesteak and some crabfries while I enjoy some football and Soulmate cheerleaders.
 |
| LOOK AT THEM! |
- Tampa at San Jose is mainly interesting to me because we're playing Tampa next week. Both teams are looking strong right now, but being in different divisions, there's not a lot riding on this one.
- Chicago at Cleveland. You know what? This game is pretty important. (Just bear with me for a second on this one.) Playoff spots go to division leaders, then the next two best records. Right now, Philly and Jacksonville are leading their respective divisions. Tampa Bay is coming up on the Sharks hard. That leaves a spot open. NOLA, Cleveland, Orlando and Pittsburgh are all tied at 1-5. If we can't get the wins honestly, I'll take our rivals losing. So....Go Rush.
- NOLA at Iowa. See above. Go 'Stormers
- Utah at Arizona: The Blaze is still at the bottom of a strong division and need every win. I really don't know how to call this game. Blaze is better than their record and the Ratts need to lose occasionally. But I don't think they will this week.
- Sharks are on the road in San Antonio, and they will most likely rack up another win.
- Orlando at Spokane. This will show whether or not the Preds beating us was a fluke or if Garcia is going to make them the real deal.
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Predators at Power Preview
Hello Sports Gods, it's me, Weidman. I realize that you're probably already busy with hockey playoffs and all, but if you're going to be around Consol - and I think the first playoff game the other night proved that you are - could you just throw the Power a bone? There is one team in the entire league with a worse record than us, and that's the Preds. Please don't let us be their first win.
Right now, the Power holds the all time series edge...but at 2-1 it's not that impressive, really. However, after last season's sweep and the 31 point comeback game (that the Power marketing team refuses to let us forget) the Predators are the closest thing that we have to an actual, factual rival. As such, I'm really looking forward to Saturday, even if it scares me to my core.
After Orlando's absolute thwumping at the hands of the Rattlers last week, there have been some (rumored) changes on their team. Nothing has been officially said as of yet, but the smart money is on Orlando releasing QB Kyle Rowley due to poor performance and a run-in with the law. Sadly, this isn't a new occurrence for players on their team, however, they don't seem to be standing for it. They have acquired aging gunslinger Aaron Garcia as a last-ditch effort to save their season - and their money.
In San Jose, his issue seemed to be clashing with the head office over who was - literally - calling the shots. I don't see that being a problem in Orlando. They're gonna let him do whatever he wants.
Because they have such an abysmal record (Note: we have one win, so our record is just "sad") there aren't a lot of things that we have to be watching out for. The main thing is Garcia himself. If he can get in the groove, we're in trouble. If not...we can take them. For my money, the biggest play last week was when Chris Terrel knocked Nick Hill the f%@# out.
The fact that he still completed the touchdown should have no bearing on how awesome it was.
Aaron Garcia is probably my favorite player of all time, he's old (for football) and he deserves respect - but if our D can take him down, I'm all for it.
As for our QB situation, it seems like they're sticking with what they're used to. All I've read says that JJ's getting the start again this week. I'm sure that, after his performance last week, a lot of people would like to see Shane Austin get the start. Admittedly, he was looking pretty good, but then, he's a completely different QB. Where Jefferson goes for the targeted assault, Austin likes to get mobile and throw it where he may. It worked pretty well against the Talons, but they weren't expecting it. Whichever QB they go with, protection is still the issue. While I'm saying that we need to nail Garcia, some blogger in Orlando is writing the same thing about our guy.
The prime thing working against the Predators this season is the same thing working against us - penalties. They are giving a up a lot of yardage and so are we. Whichever team manages to control those will ultimately control the game.
That means: Get down there, get a ticket and get loud.
Elsewhere in the League
Right now, the Power holds the all time series edge...but at 2-1 it's not that impressive, really. However, after last season's sweep and the 31 point comeback game (that the Power marketing team refuses to let us forget) the Predators are the closest thing that we have to an actual, factual rival. As such, I'm really looking forward to Saturday, even if it scares me to my core.
After Orlando's absolute thwumping at the hands of the Rattlers last week, there have been some (rumored) changes on their team. Nothing has been officially said as of yet, but the smart money is on Orlando releasing QB Kyle Rowley due to poor performance and a run-in with the law. Sadly, this isn't a new occurrence for players on their team, however, they don't seem to be standing for it. They have acquired aging gunslinger Aaron Garcia as a last-ditch effort to save their season - and their money.
In San Jose, his issue seemed to be clashing with the head office over who was - literally - calling the shots. I don't see that being a problem in Orlando. They're gonna let him do whatever he wants.
Because they have such an abysmal record (Note: we have one win, so our record is just "sad") there aren't a lot of things that we have to be watching out for. The main thing is Garcia himself. If he can get in the groove, we're in trouble. If not...we can take them. For my money, the biggest play last week was when Chris Terrel knocked Nick Hill the f%@# out.
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| Seriously - it had to look something like this to him |
Aaron Garcia is probably my favorite player of all time, he's old (for football) and he deserves respect - but if our D can take him down, I'm all for it.
As for our QB situation, it seems like they're sticking with what they're used to. All I've read says that JJ's getting the start again this week. I'm sure that, after his performance last week, a lot of people would like to see Shane Austin get the start. Admittedly, he was looking pretty good, but then, he's a completely different QB. Where Jefferson goes for the targeted assault, Austin likes to get mobile and throw it where he may. It worked pretty well against the Talons, but they weren't expecting it. Whichever QB they go with, protection is still the issue. While I'm saying that we need to nail Garcia, some blogger in Orlando is writing the same thing about our guy.
The prime thing working against the Predators this season is the same thing working against us - penalties. They are giving a up a lot of yardage and so are we. Whichever team manages to control those will ultimately control the game.
That means: Get down there, get a ticket and get loud.
Elsewhere in the League
- This week starts out with a division match between Iowa and San Antonio. The two teams are pretty evenly matched, but my money's on Iowa.
- Topping their respective divisions, Chicago and Philly will duke it out Saturday night. Neither team really looks like a division leader at this point, to be honest, but the Rush has the better record. Take that for what you will
- The TV game this week is Tampa Bay vs NOLA. If it weren't a bitter rival match, it would be set up to be a snoozefest given how poorly the Voodoo is playing this season. But, these two teams always bring their A game against each other. Plus - bonus Chris Farley the Coach. (I never get sick of that.)
- As usual, only the West Division could have a top-vs-bottom match-up that might still be worth watching. The Blaze had been on a slide since destroying us in week one, up until they destroyed Cleveland in their last game. The Shock have only lost one game so far, but the Blaze is anything but a pushover.
- When Cleveland heads to San Jose, about the only thing I see coming from that game is more padding for us in the division standings. Cleveland is just bad.
- Finally, the game I most want to see is the one that airs the same time as the Power game: Arizona at Jacksonville. The Arena Bowl between these two a few years ago was epic, and right now, both are looking like their old selves again. This game should be awesome.
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Pens-Islanders Preview
OK. I've been trying not to think, type, or even say this to anyone else, but I feel the need to speak what I feel is the truth... I think that the Pens are definitely going to win this series, the only question in my mind is whether it takes five games or six.
I know the Islanders aren't pushovers. I know that only two points separate them and third-seeded Capitals (and fifth-seeded Maple Leafs). If they had won a game here or a game there, or waited until overtime to lose a couple games instead of losing them in regulation, they would've been just as good as a third seed. So, I know they aren't some puny 8 seed that should be easily dispatched by the top-seeded Pens.
I also know that the Penguins are extremely talented, surprisingly tough, chocked full of veteran leadership, very deep, and highly motivated. They're also realistic. They're quick to point out that you could've ascribed a similar description to them in 2012, if not 2011. They've been knocked out in the first round the last two seasons and they're well-aware of the fact that talent and regular season accolades don't mean anything come playoff time.
On the other side of the ice, you have a young, but very talented Islanders team. They have nothing to lose. They're playing with house money. Everyone expects them to get crushed, to be a speed bump for the Pens on their way through the Eastern Conference and into the Stanley Cup Final. All the pressure is on the Penguins.
Thing is, all the pressure has always been on the Pens. They've been in this position before: In 09-10 when they were supposed to roll over the Canadiens, in '10-11 to a lesser degree, and definitely last season, when they just needed to get past the Flyers and it would be smooth sailing. Everyone looks at the talent on offense, the offensive defensemen, and the playoff-tested goaltender and assumes they're going to roll.
With the changes they made at the trade deadline and the guys they added -- not just big names, but talented two-way players that desperately want to raise the Cup -- the pressure is even greater and the assumptions are even more implied (you can imply an assumption, right?)
I get that they're being set up for a fall. I get that the "Cup or Bust" mentality on this team puts a lot of pressure on the players, raises expectations for fans, increases animosity of opposing fan bases, and puts a target on the Pens (as if teams weren't motivated enough to win when the postseason starts anyway).
I get it, I do, I just don't think it happens this round. The players are thinking one game at a time, they're not acknowledging the pressure, and they're fully accepting that it's their job to go out and win the games on the schedule, given that the front office and coaches have done everything in their power to set this team up a for a deep run.
I heard an interview with Sidney Crosby on the radio the other day and he kept reiterating that everyone had been high on them in previous seasons, but they were eliminated in the first round. I think he feels very strongly that this team has unfinished business and that they're not only fighting the Islanders, they're fighting the past. If they can win this series, it will get a huge monkey off their back and they can go back to just fighting their next opponent.
Then there's this: They have three great lines (even without Crosby), a well-rested and proven goaltender, and six defensemen that are much better on defense than they are on offense (and that's saying something). They have a potent power play that got considerably stronger now that James Neal and Malkin are healthy. The penalty kill is an issue, but it's not as big of an issue as it was heading into last year's playoffs and it's much improved now that everyone's coming back and playing at a high level (especially Martin and Eaton).
That's a lot of compelling reasons for them to at least win the East, to say nothing of just winning this one series against a talented-but-inexperienced-and-definitely-overmatched Islanders team.
I read something online the other day that basically said that the Pens have no weaknesses, then backed down a little to say that they don't really have any big holes (and they have a lot of depth to move a problem guy out and replace him with someone as good or possibly better). I don't think they're indestructible, but, like I said, I think they have more than enough going for them to win this round. What I keep thinking of is the fact that, basically, every expert out there is saying that the only team that can beat the Pens is the team that, "Does what the Flyers did last year."
So, an opponent would need to agitate the Pens stars, force them into committing penalties, and then convert 50% of those penalties into goals. They'd also need to jump on Marc Andre-Fleury early -- in each game and in the series -- and get the defensemen to second-guess themselves constantly. Also, Fleury needs to play like total crap.
That series was a perfect storm of bad matchups and bad outcomes. I don't think it happens this series and I don't think it happens in the Eastern Conference side of the bracket.
Prediction: Pens in 5
I know the Islanders aren't pushovers. I know that only two points separate them and third-seeded Capitals (and fifth-seeded Maple Leafs). If they had won a game here or a game there, or waited until overtime to lose a couple games instead of losing them in regulation, they would've been just as good as a third seed. So, I know they aren't some puny 8 seed that should be easily dispatched by the top-seeded Pens.
I also know that the Penguins are extremely talented, surprisingly tough, chocked full of veteran leadership, very deep, and highly motivated. They're also realistic. They're quick to point out that you could've ascribed a similar description to them in 2012, if not 2011. They've been knocked out in the first round the last two seasons and they're well-aware of the fact that talent and regular season accolades don't mean anything come playoff time.
On the other side of the ice, you have a young, but very talented Islanders team. They have nothing to lose. They're playing with house money. Everyone expects them to get crushed, to be a speed bump for the Pens on their way through the Eastern Conference and into the Stanley Cup Final. All the pressure is on the Penguins.
Thing is, all the pressure has always been on the Pens. They've been in this position before: In 09-10 when they were supposed to roll over the Canadiens, in '10-11 to a lesser degree, and definitely last season, when they just needed to get past the Flyers and it would be smooth sailing. Everyone looks at the talent on offense, the offensive defensemen, and the playoff-tested goaltender and assumes they're going to roll.
With the changes they made at the trade deadline and the guys they added -- not just big names, but talented two-way players that desperately want to raise the Cup -- the pressure is even greater and the assumptions are even more implied (you can imply an assumption, right?)
I get that they're being set up for a fall. I get that the "Cup or Bust" mentality on this team puts a lot of pressure on the players, raises expectations for fans, increases animosity of opposing fan bases, and puts a target on the Pens (as if teams weren't motivated enough to win when the postseason starts anyway).
I get it, I do, I just don't think it happens this round. The players are thinking one game at a time, they're not acknowledging the pressure, and they're fully accepting that it's their job to go out and win the games on the schedule, given that the front office and coaches have done everything in their power to set this team up a for a deep run.
I heard an interview with Sidney Crosby on the radio the other day and he kept reiterating that everyone had been high on them in previous seasons, but they were eliminated in the first round. I think he feels very strongly that this team has unfinished business and that they're not only fighting the Islanders, they're fighting the past. If they can win this series, it will get a huge monkey off their back and they can go back to just fighting their next opponent.
Then there's this: They have three great lines (even without Crosby), a well-rested and proven goaltender, and six defensemen that are much better on defense than they are on offense (and that's saying something). They have a potent power play that got considerably stronger now that James Neal and Malkin are healthy. The penalty kill is an issue, but it's not as big of an issue as it was heading into last year's playoffs and it's much improved now that everyone's coming back and playing at a high level (especially Martin and Eaton).
That's a lot of compelling reasons for them to at least win the East, to say nothing of just winning this one series against a talented-but-inexperienced-and-definitely-overmatched Islanders team.
I read something online the other day that basically said that the Pens have no weaknesses, then backed down a little to say that they don't really have any big holes (and they have a lot of depth to move a problem guy out and replace him with someone as good or possibly better). I don't think they're indestructible, but, like I said, I think they have more than enough going for them to win this round. What I keep thinking of is the fact that, basically, every expert out there is saying that the only team that can beat the Pens is the team that, "Does what the Flyers did last year."
So, an opponent would need to agitate the Pens stars, force them into committing penalties, and then convert 50% of those penalties into goals. They'd also need to jump on Marc Andre-Fleury early -- in each game and in the series -- and get the defensemen to second-guess themselves constantly. Also, Fleury needs to play like total crap.
That series was a perfect storm of bad matchups and bad outcomes. I don't think it happens this series and I don't think it happens in the Eastern Conference side of the bracket.
Prediction: Pens in 5
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