Monday Morning Mehta 12/19/05

Edition # 145
December 19, 2005

Eagles

Coming soon to stores near you!! The 2nd Annual Official Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Guide. COMING SOON!

Eagles win an almost unwatchable, sloppy, slow paced, penalty ridden game 17-16 in the battle of backup Quarterbacks. Let's break down this mess:

Game Positives:

- Brian Dawkins. I've noticed two things about Dawkins this year. First is that he's lost a step. But he's without a doubt the leader of this team. His continued effort like it's a playoff game is nice to see. One takeaway from this season for me is Dawkins throwing his body around in the 4th quarter of the 42-0 Monday Night blowout a few weeks back.

- Ryan Moats. Dashes 59 yards on his first carry of the game, but is only heard from 11 times for 19 times after that. He only has 1 catch all season and that was in a blowout versus Seattle. If Moats is ever going to play during "meaningful games", he's going to need to get into plays during pass coverage.

Game Negatives:

- Reno Mahe. I'm getting really close to just changing the channel when I see Mahe on the field.

- The game in general. How bad are Ryan Fitzpatrick and Mike McMahon? I could include McMahon in the negatives section but at this point it's a forgone conclusion. Game Negatives may need to be changed to Game McMahons.

- LJ Smith. I don't think I've ever seen a stat where a player had 2 receptions for zero yards. Just call 'em incompletions. The drop in the endzone was pitiful on one on McMahon's few good passes.

Eagles now travel to Arizona to take on another backup QB in either Josh McCown or John Navarre (former Michigan "great"), all this in front of about 40,000 empty seats in Arizona on Christmas Eve. Sounds like must see TV doesn't it?

Currently I'm reviewing game films from earlier in the year to make sure I have a solid plan laid out for The 2nd Annual Official Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Guide.

Around the League

The Colts attempt at perfection falls short as the Chargers go into Indy, in a must win game for them, and beat the Colts 26-17. With a healthy LT2, the Chargers should've scored 35 points with ease on this team. San Diego has a rough schedule the rest of the way (@ KC, Denv) and they lose the tiebreaker to the Steelers so they'll need some help.

Speaking of the Steelers, they have @ Cleve and home vs. the Lions to clinch a playoff spot. Jacksonville only needs one more win either @ Houston or home vs. Tennessee to take the other playoff spot.

Right now, the AFC representatives and seedings look to be: 1. Colts; 2. Denver; 3. Bengals; 4. Patriots; 5. Jaguars; 6. Steelers.

Do the math, could set up a very interesting game in Indy the 2nd week of the playoffs (NE @ Indy).

Is New England back? I'm going to say yes - but the question should be asked 'where did they go'? If Corey Dillon plays the way he has the last few weeks, this team is a different team. They'll probably get to rest their players the last few weeks of the regular season also because they're likely locked into the 4 spot. Watch out AFC, the Champs aren't dead yet.

It's really going to be a shame seeing San Diego miss the playoffs. They have the team to go all the way, while Jacksonville's injury to Byron Leftwich is going to kill them. I blame Marty Schoetenheimer (can't lose at home to Miami).

The NFC picture isn't nearly as clear. There's scenarios where even the Giants could not make the playoffs (lose tiebreaker in the division to Wash and lose WC tiebreak to Minny).

If anyone saw the Bears/Falcons game last night, one thing should've jumped out at you - if Rex Grossman plays as well as he did in the 2nd half, this team is going to be a very tough out in the playoffs.

The Falcons continue to struggle with inconsistency. I really don't know why they threw the ball 32 times with Michael Vick as QB last night. Just stupid. Warrick Dunn should carry the ball 25 times per game. TJ Duckett is only capable of getting one yard at the most.

Right now I'm still leaning towards the Panthers as the teams I'll pick to represent the NFC. I just like their balance, but this Julius Peppers injury is a scare.

NBA Quarter Pole Review - Derreck Sura

- Philadelphia had a very nice win against Minnesota last Monday and ended up going 3-1 for the week. The Sixers still hold down the 3rd seed in the East because they lead the Atlantic Division. The play of rookie Shavlik Randolph was very encouraging this week. Shav averaged 6 points on 58.8% shooting and 7.8 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game for the week. He also saw his minutes rise from 8 to 15 to 19 to 23 in each game this week. It's still way too early to get excited about him, but he could end up being a find for GM Billy King.

Philly has only two games this week: Golden State on Wednesday and @Atlanta on Friday. A 2-0 week would be very nice because the Atlanta game is the beginning of the Sixers' longest road trip of the season (7 games) and the end of their easy stretch of schedule.

- Since every team in the league has played more then 20 games, it's time for the 2nd annual 'Quarter Pole Review'. The 20 game mark is generally where you see teams either separate themselves from the pack or fall back to reality. Late season runs are still possible, but these next 20-30 games usually define what type of year a team is going to have. Players are in game shape. Rotations are set. So let's roll...

TITANIC

Philadelphia (13-12) - Allen Iverson is off to a great start and Chris Webber has looked somewhat healthier too. When the Sixers are making shots they can look pretty good, but overall their lack of defense, rebounding, and inability to close games is going to keep them right around .500 all year.

New Jersey (11-12) - Something is wrong in the Swamp. The Nets just don't play with the same intensity they did a year ago, and I can't put my finger on why. Whether it be a coaching change or a blockbuster trade, something needs to be done to change the atmosphere around this club.

Boston (9-14) - The Celtics are trying to remain competitive while rebuilding. A novel approach, but I just don't see it working. I no longer think Director of Operations Danny Ainge should trade Paul Pierce, but if anyone wants Raef LaFrentz or Mark Blount, they can have them because Al Jefferson needs more minutes.

New York (6-17) - I thought the Knicks would be bad early on, but not this bad. The biggest surprise to me is that coach Larry Brown can't get them to play hard consistently on defense. NY must stay within five or six losses of 8th place if the late season run I expect is really going to save them.

Toronto (4-20) - As I predicted before the season the Raptors were the first team "to pack it in and start playing for individual numbers." It's not all bad though. Chris Bosh looks to have taken another step forward in his development and rookies Charlie Villanueva and Jose Calderon both look like keepers.

CENTRAL

Detroit (18-3) - The Pistons have been the best team in the East thus far. However, their defensive field goal percentage and rebounding numbers have both been steadily falling, and are now noticeably below their levels from last year. Call it a hunch, but something tells me Detroit will be vulnerable in a seven game series.

Indiana (14-8) - The thing about Ron Artest requesting a trade is that the Pacers weren't playing that well with him. Nor have they been any better with him on the inactive list. As good as CEO Donnie Walsh is, he is not getting equal value back for Artest. Hence, I don't think Indy is going to get any addition by subtraction bounce either.

Milwaukee (13-9) - This is one of my favorite teams to watch in the league. I just like their mix of talent and the pace at which T.J. Ford always has them playing. The injury to Bobby Simmons is a slight set back, and Jamaal Magloire's integration into the offense hasn't gone that well, but I still think the Bucks will be good.

Cleveland (13-9) - As much as everyone wants LeBron James' team to be good, the Cavaliers have issues. First is coach Mike Brown only giving seven players regular minutes. Next is that Cleveland just doesn't beat good teams. I still like the Cavs to make the playoffs, but if they don't, Bron's reputation is going to take a big hit.

Chicago (12-11) - This is another squad that I expect to be hovering around the .500 mark all year long. The Bulls are deep and play hard, but they just aren't talented enough to compete with the better teams. The last couple playoff seeds in the East are completely up for grabs, and it wouldn't surprise me to see Chicago sneak in.

SOUTHLEAST

Miami (14-11) - The Heat should have been better when Shaquille O'Neal was out. Which leads me to believe that more then former coach Stan Van Gundy is wrong with this team. Pat Riley taking over (more on this next week) should help keep this crew on the same page, but I just have a feeling that this team is flawed somehow.

Orlando (9-12) - Staying this close to .500 without Grant Hill and Steve Francis for stretches is quite an accomplishment for the Magic. Now with Hill back, Francis healthy, and Dwight Howard ever improving, Orlando can be a very dangerous team. They are my playoff dark horse in the East.

Washington (9-13) - I'd rate the Wizards as a slight disappointment so far. President Ernie Grunfeld's off season acquisitions of Antonio Daniels and Chucky Atkins have not panned out very well. Larry Hughes was the soul of their defense last year, and Washington will need to pick it up on that end if they want to play in the post season.

Atlanta (6-17) - Joe Johnson lasted exactly TWO games as the Hawks' starting PG. Geez, nobody saw that one coming. This is a plain old bad mix of players, and to make matters worse, most of them are young too. How Director of Operations Billy Knight still has a job is beyond me, but hey, at least they have plenty of cap room.

Charlotte (6-18) - The Bobcats are about as good as you can expect a 2nd year expansion team to be.
They compete hard, but just don't have the depth or experience to be serious contenders. One thing that stands out though is Emeka Okafor's drop in points, rebounds, and shooting percentage from his rookie of the year campaign.

SOUTHWEST

San Antonio (19-5) - The best team in the West so far. Talent, depth, experience? The Spurs have it. Unselfish offense and stingy defense? SA plays both of them well. One negative about the Spurs though, and this is not meant to be a shot at Michael Finley or Brent Barry, but SA is not the same squad without Manu Ginobili.

Dallas (18-6) - The third best team overall in the NBA. The Mavericks do not get enough low post offense (calling Mr. Nowitzki...). Besides that though, Dallas plays a better brand of defense then it has in the past, and has a serious arsenal of offensive firepower. If the Spurs slip up or have injuries the Mavs will be right there.

Memphis (14-8) - Addition by subtraction has worked out very well for the Grizzlies. Pau Gasol has stepped up into a leadership role and Damon Stoudamire and Bobby Jackson have solidified the PG position. Memphis needs to improve their rebounding to offset the nights where they just can't buy a bucket.

New Orleans/Oklahoma City (11-13) - Rookie PG Chris Paul and 3rd year PF David West have made all the difference as starters for the Hornets. A good decision maker and a low post scorer will do that for a club. I'm not sure they can keep winning like this, but one thing is certain, moving this franchise back to NO would be a mistake.

Houston (10-13) - I can't really say the Rockets are a disappointment because they are 0-8 without Tracy McGrady. Coach Jeff Van Gundy needs to loosen up the reigns on offense and then drop his grudge against playing Stromile Swift big minutes. I still expect Houston to be in the playoffs when it's all said and done.

NORTHWORST

Minnesota (12-10) - I believe I underestimated the sheer will of Kevin Garnett before the season. He has made a career out of taking teams with average talent to the playoffs. Now, I don't think the Timberwolves will win this division, but they will definitely be in the mix for one of the last couple of
playoffs seeds in the West all year.

Denver (12-13) - I know that Nene Hilario is lost for the season, and that Kenyon Martin, Marcus Camby, and coach George Karl have all missed multiple games, but the Nuggets have been a tad bit disappointing to me. Look for GM Kiki Vandeweghe to swing a deal in the very near future to address his squad's needs.

Utah (11-13) -I still think the Jazz would be very good if their "projected" front line ever got to play together, but at this point who knows when or if Carlos Boozer will be back. I see Utah most likely being around .500 all season long, and I don't think that will be enough to make the playoffs in the West.

Seattle (10-12) - Whether it be finding the financing for a new arena, or the chemistry between the players on the court, it's safe to say the Sonics have issues. Seattle is dead last in the NBA in rebounding (38 rpg) and opponent's field goal percentage (49.3%). That is not a promising combination long term.

Portland (7-16) - The Trail Blazers are just plain awful to watch play. Their back court rotation is putrid, and they have such a glut of swingmen that none of them are happy. GM John Nash is like a disease without a cure. Which is why I think owner Paul Allen should just fire him now, rather then waiting until after season.

PACIFIC

Clippers (15-8) - I have to say I was skeptical at first. Then Los Angeles took the defending champs to overtime in San Antonio on 12/13 without Corey Maggette. Now I think they are for real and not about to go away (much like Seattle last year). I think the Clips will be playoff bound as long as Elton Brand stays healthy.

Phoenix (14-9) - A home heavy beginning to their schedule allowed them to get off to a good start, but now they are having to pay the piper on the road. All in all though, you have to be pretty happy if you are a Suns' fan. Newcomers Kurt Thomas, Boris Diaw, Raja Bell, Eddie House, and James Jones have all been contributors.

Golden State (14-10) - "My" boys have been pretty entertaining to watch so far. Baron Davis and Jason Richardson are one of the three best back court's in the league. As much as I'm rooting for the Warriors, they shoot an awful lot of 3's and get almost no scoring in the low post. That's bound to catch up with them sooner or later.

Lakers (13-11) - Like him or not, coach Phil Jackson already has Los Angeles playing better then they were early in the season. The main difference is Kobe Bryant deciding to trust and encourage his teammates. Couple that with Lamar Odom looking more comfortable by the day, and the Lakers suddenly are playoff contenders.

Sacramento (10-14) - For my money the Kings have been the most disappointing team in the NBA thus far. They have no excuses either. They've been healthy for the most part and have the talent, depth, and experience to compete at a higher level. This club needs a shake up in a big way, and trading Peja Stojakovic is how I'd start.

Quarter Pole Awards

Defensive Player - Marcus Camby (Denver)
Sixth Man - Maurice Williams (Milwaukee)
Coach - Dwane Casey (Minnesota)
Rookie - Chris Paul (New Orleans/Oklahoma City)
MVP - Elton Brand (Clippers)

All NBA
PG - Tony Parker (San Antonio)
SG - Kobe Bryant (Lakers)
SF - LeBron James (Cleveland)
PF - Elton Brand (Clippers)
C -Marcus Camby (Denver)

NHL Week In Review By : Ed Wasser

- OK, I'll admit....last week's NHL Week In Review sucked, but hey...even Babe Ruth struck out every once in a while. This week I'm back and refreshed. I had a great time at Terrell Owens' birthday party and I was even able to get away with the old "ohhhh man, sorry T.O. but I left your present in the car. I'll get it for you before I leave" trick. As the party was winding down I escaped out the back door and took off like a bat out of hell. The last time I ran out of a room that quickly was when my old girlfriend wanted to perform her poetry for me. Here we go.....

- It's cool to watch the Canadian broadcasts of hockey games because the Canadian broadcasters know the game inside and out and they take the game really, REALLY seriously. So just remember that because I'm going to come back to it. On Nov. 21 Red Wing defenseman Jiri Fischer went into a seizure on the bench during the Wings/Predators game. I want to paint the picture of what happened because I was watching it on the ticket. First Fischer collapsed in a heap, then he went into uncontrollable convulsions. The Red Wing trainers were frantically pounding on his chest (literally) while performing CPR, the trainers later admitted that Fischer had no pulse and his heart had stopped. Again, in case you missed it, Fischer's heart had STOPPED. Miracle number 1, Red Wing team doctor Tony Colucci just so happened to be sitting in the stands close to the Red Wings bench and was able to jump out of the stands to help save his life. Miracle number 2, although it's not required by any law or anything Joe Louis Arena has a "automated external defibrillator" (AED) machine in the arena and it just so happened to be located right by the Red Wing bench. In case you don't know a AED machine is one of those things with the paddles that shock your heart and for some reason you have to yell "CLEAR!!" before you use it....I'm sure you've seen one, hopefully not up close. Anyway, Fischer was eventually whisked away in an ambulance as the Red Wing and Predator players, not to mention a sold out crowd stood there in horror wondering if they had just watched someone draw his last ever breath. The NHL, Red Wings, and Preds (correctly in my opinion) decided to cancel the remainder of the game and reschedule it. So fast forward to last week. The debate on Hockey Night in Canada was whether or not the Red Wings should have cancelled the game. I swear that's true. Now imagine if the Red Wings had continued playing and word comes down half way through the second period that Fischer had died (the seizure happened toward the beginning of the game). And the argument that "it's unfair to the Preds to make them take another trip to Detroit" is silly; would it be fair for the Red Wings to try and play a game while they're wondering if one of their teammates is in the morgue? Rescheduling the game was one of the few bang on correct calls the NHL has ever made.

- Back in the day if an NHL player was in a jam in his defensive zone he could just fire the puck into crowd which would stop the offensive onslaught, stop the clock, get a line change if needed, and get a face off. Now shooting the puck into the stands results in a 2 minute delay of game penalty. It's a vastly underrated new rule, it keeps the game going, and it creates tons of scoring action.

- Martin Luther King once said "I have a dream that one day my children will live in a land were they are not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream!!" I guess the Philadelphia president of NAACP, J. Whyatt Mondesire, based on his insane criticism of Donavan McNabb's play believes "I have a dream that one day my children will not be judged by the content of their character but whether or not they are a running quarterback as opposed to a pocket passer in the NFL. I have a dream!!" You Mr. Mondesire, are a jackass.

- The East Coast Hockey League is a low level professional hockey league not unlike the fictional league seen in the movie "Slapshot". The ECHL features things like people getting married on the ice during intermissions, teams playing on pink colored ice on Valentine's Day, and teams with nicknames like Ice Dogs, Salmon Kings, and Grrrowl (that's not a misprint). Oh and by the way...the majority of the franchises aren't located anywhere near the east coast. The San Diego Gulls have been injury riddled all year long so when they were trying to put together a roster for their game against the Bakersfield Condors they did the obvious thing.....they put their 35 year old radio color commentator on the ice, AND HE SCORED A GOAL!! And then he got into a fight and got ejected from the game. His line for the game was 1 goal, 17 P.I.M. So Jason Courtemanche got a shower, went right back up to the broadcast booth, and announced the rest of the game. It sounds like a movie. To be fair it wasn't like Jason Courtemanche was a rank amateur, he was pressed into action last year for a game for the same reason but this was his first goal at any professional level since he announced his retirement....in 1999.

- Quick Notes From Around The League.....The headline on the cover of last week's The Hockey News regarding the Joe Thorton trade was "What Are The Bruins Thinking?" The headline for article in the issues has the headline "Bruins Get Fleeced". 'Nuff said.....Well, maybe it wasn't 'nuff said. The fact that the Sharks were able to pull off that heist shows you how valuable it is for teams to have cap room when the season starts.....I wanna meet someone who actually attended yesterday's Texans/Cardinals game just so I can ask "why?".....Lindros missed 2 straight games with a sore wrist. One of the games he missed was a 8 - 2 thrashing at the hands of the Senators.....It should be illegal to call a sports talk radio station and ask advice on fantasy football trades.....Only 9000 people showed up to watch the Flyers play the Blues in St. Louis and that was with a ton of Philadelphians around to see the Eagles play the Rams the next day.

- The Flyers beat the so so Blue Jackets 3 - 1 last week and they also beat the God awful St. Louis Blues 5 - 2. But when the Flyers played the Stanley Cup contender Canucks they lost 5 - 4. Yes it's true the Flyers have a lot of injuries but I just see this being set up like so many other seasons before it, the Flyers lose in the playoffs and instantly they have built in excuses. Injuries is the most prominent excuse Philadelphia teams love to invoke when things go wrong.