As many of you have already heard, the word out of Denver is that WR Brandon Marshall has demanded to be traded. He informed owner Pat Bowlen sometime last week, and met with Bowlen on Monday, saying that he would accommodate his request. This marks the second franchise player that has demanded a trade from Denver in the past four months. The well publicized trade demands of former Broncos QB Jay Cutler resulted in a move to Chicago for him.

You gotta think that the Giants are making a phone call to Denver as I write this article to at least kick the tires and see what it will take to get Marshall. He is a tremendous talent who has caught more than 100 passes over the past two seasons. However, he is probably just as big a malcontent as former Giants wide-out Plaxico Burress, which you have to think will be a factor in the Giants decision making. Let’s also factor in that Marshall, much like Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin, is also in the market for a new contract. Can the Giants really afford to spend 10 million dollars on a guy who will most likely be a headache for them? I’d say yes, but you never know.

With all of this in mind though, I have really started to anticipate the Giants not making any moves and just hedging on the fact that someone out of the group of Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, and Sinorice Moss will step up and be that big play receiver that the Giants so badly missed at the end of last season. I also think that they feel as if Hakeem Nicks has the ability to do so as well, but to place that much emphasis on him as a rookie receiver is foolish, especially in the NFL these days. This puts a ton of pressure on Eli Manning to channel his inner Tom Brady and make the receivers around him better instead of having his receivers making him look good much like Burress did throughout his time with the Giants. I think Eli is up to the challenge, especially after the strides he made last season as a quarterback.

You also have to think that the Jets are  front and center getting ready0 to pounce on Marshall. They are already in serious discussions with Drew Rosenhaus about Plax, so why wouldn’t they at least find out what it would take to get Marshall. At least you can count on Marshall playing this season. It would allow them to slide Jerricho Cotchery to the second receiver’s spot, where he is much better suited, and then they can also use a guy like Chansi Stuckey or David Clowney as the third receiver. This would also considerably ease the burden on Mark Sanchez to dominate out of the gate. Remember what Plax and Marshall did for Eli, Ben Rothlisberger, and Cutler.

My bet is on the Jets to pick up Marshall, especially with Plax’s legal situation, but as a Giants fan, I hope that they at least make an attempt. They are only one great receiver away from being the odds on favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Posted in NFL - Giants, NFL - Jets, Writer - Christian Chiavetta

I just came across a great link from the Daily News‘ website, which was put up about three months ago. It’s a slideshow of the greatest plays in Big Apple Sports History, encompassing all the tri-state area teams in the four major sports. Keep in mind it’s the greatest “plays” not the  ” greatest moments”. So, if you were looking for “Yankees win 26th world title” or “Rangers break 54 year championship drought” you won’t find it. But you will find “Jim Leyritz Game 4 1996 World Series HR ” and “Richter stops Bure on Penalty Shot Game 4 1994 Cup Finals.”

Interestingly, the Daily News does not attempt to rank the events, but lists them in reverse chronological order. This brings up an interesting question: Can we rank the greatest plays in BAS history?

It’s a hard task, especially considering team biases, and considering I am too young to have experienced many of those moments. And I think that’s a big factor. You have to have experienced watching that play or in being in attendance of that play to be able to judge it.

So, the best I can do is rank the top plays within the last 15 years (so no earlier than 1994)

Here’s my Top 5:

5.  Jason Arnott’s double OT goal to win 2000 Stanley Cup Finals (vs. Dallas Stars)

Look at me giving the Devils some DAP!  But seriously, an overtime goal to win a championship?!? It was a dramatic play and a terrific way to end a hockey season.

4.  Aaron Boone’s Walk off Homer sends Yanks to 2003 World Series (Yankees vs. Red Sox)

Yankees. Red Sox. World Series Implications. Boston Chokes.  Can it get better than that?

3.  Stephane Matteau’s OT Goal Game 7 1994 Eastern Conference Finals ( Rangers vs. Devils)

Howie Rose on WFAN:  “Matteau swoops in to intercept. Matteau behind the net, swings it in front. HE SCORES! MATTEAU!! MATTEAU!! MATTEAU!! STÉPHANE MATTEAU!!”

2.  Scott Brosius Homer Game 5 2001 WS (Yankees vs. Arizona Diamondbacks)

One of the most improbable of sports feats occuring for the second time in consecutive nights.  Everyone in NY knows where they were when Scott Brosius homered of Byung-Hyun Kim.

1. David Tyre’s Catch in Super Bowl XLII (Giants vs. New England Patriots)

The defining moment in what is arguably the greatest Super Bowl Game ever. “The catch”  had everything: suspense, surprise, and a tremendous athletic play.

Posted in MLB - Mets, MLB - Yankees, NBA - Knicks, NBA - Nets, NFL - Giants, NFL - Jets, NHL - Devils, NHL - Islanders, NHL - Rangers, Writer - Tim Sharobem

For all you J-E-T-S  fans out there, Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback is a must read.

While it’s always a must read if you’re a football fan in general, this week’s column discusses how the Jets made a trade with the Cleveland Browns that allowed them to draft USC quarterback (and future franchise quarterback?) Mark Sanchez.

If you’re not a Jets fan, but love reading about the executive dealings of sports (i.e. making trades, free agent negotiations), this is a fun read too.

I don’t know if Sanchez will pan out in NY. No one does. But Jets fans have two BIG reasons to like Sanchez:

1. He played with an “NFL level” roster at USC. He faced a defense in practice that was filled or will be filled by future NFL stars and backups.

2.  As written in King’s column:

When the Jets went to work out Sanchez at Mission Viejo High in California on March 24, he was so impressive and cast such a presence on the practice field that [head coach Rex Ryan] Ryan turned to [General Manager Mike Tannenbaum] Tannenbaum and said: “This is our guy. Let’s go get him.”

It’s hard to argue about a player if Rex Ryan believes that much in him. Sure, Ryan is a defensive minded coach, but he also just saw how Joe Flacco, a rookie drafted from a I-AA program at Delaware was able to lead the Ravens right away.  I’m sure Ryan sees the same qualities for success in Sanchez.

Personally, I love the move. Obviously, as Bill Slattery said in a previous post, it takes about three years to evaluate a draft or a draft pick. But when a team has a chance to take a risk to draft a franchise quarterback, I’m all for it-especially one that has the pedigree from a top program like USC-and especially when the team in question is ready to win now.

Posted in NFL - Jets, Writer - Tim Sharobem

With the NFL Draft being held today, here is a preview of how things may unfold for the Giants and Jets in the 1st Round:

Jets - 17th overall pick

• Needs: A quarterback and/or a playmaker at receiver.  I have been a big supporter of the Jets this off-season, from the hiring of Rex Ryan to their acquisitions of Bart Scott, Lito Sheppard and Jim Leonhard.  That being said, I think the Jets failure to acquire a quarterback this off-season is not just dumb, but irresponsible.  They have assembled a championship caliber defense, yet the offense will be led by either Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff, with Erik Ainge as an insurance policy.  I have faith in Rex Ryan, and I believe he’s aware of the tenuous QB situation.  The Jets will be looking for a QB in the draft, ideally Mark Sanchez (it definitely won’t happen at 17, they will have to trade up to get him) or Josh Freeman.  The problem with Freeman is that he’s a raw, long-term project who won’t be ready to contribute to a team (defense) who is ready to win now.  If the Jets don’t land either Sanchez or Freeman, I expect them to go out and land a veteran free agent QB as an insurance policy.  The Jets could also use a good wide receiver, as Jerricho Cotchery is their #1 guy right now.  They are all set on defense and along the offensive line, so I expect them to go after a quarterback or receiver.
• Mel Kiper Jr.: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
• Todd McShay: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
• Don Banks: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas St.
• Peter King: Connor Barwin, LB, Cincinnati
• Bill Slattery: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland.  The Jets are in win-now mode, and they can’t afford to go with Freeman, a long-term project at QB.  Heyward-Bey is agruable the most physically gifted receiver in the Draft this year.  While there are questions about his hands and route running, he’s a guy who could make a differene offensively.  Harvin is a possibility here too, but his failed drug test at the Combine could hurt his stock and keep him from going to the Jets at 17.

Giants - 29th overall pick

• Needs: A wide receiver who’s not a Pinhead and won’t shoot himself in the leg at Latin Quarters.
• Mel Kiper Jr.: Clay Matthews, LB, USC
• Todd McShay: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
• Don Banks: Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC
• Peter King: No pick, he thinks they will trade for Braylon Edwards
• Bill Slattery: Hakeem Nicks, WR.  UNC. The Giants are a very, very talent-laden team, and don’t have many pressing needs.  However, the one HUGE need they have is at receiver, after the release of Plaxico Burress.  I hate when things seem so obvious, but Big Blue’s need for a receiver is so obviousy I can’t overthink this pick.  Barring a trade for a verteran receiver (Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards) they will take the best receiver who’s still available at 29.  I think that guy is Hakeem Nicks.

Posted in NFL - Giants, NFL - Jets, Writer - Bill Slattery

I was watching NFL Live yesterday and heard an interesting remark from John Clayton about free agent QB Byron Leftwich.  He said, “It still baffles me that the Jets haven’t gone after Leftwich.”  It’s an idea I hadn’t considered until then, but it’s certainly an interesting thought.  As it stands right now, the Jets have three quarterbacks on their roster, who combined have played in 14 games and attempted 250 passes.  And all of those numbers come from the presumptive starter, Kellen Clemens, from the 2007 season.  Backups Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge have never even appeared in a regular season game.  For a team with as much talent as the Jets have (especially on defense), that’s unacceptable.

So why don’t the Jets at least take a flier on Leftwich? I know some people think Ratliff can be good, and he might turn out to be a find.  But it is stupid, no irresponsible, to take a team with so much defensive talent and run out three quarterbacks with minimal NFL experience.  While nobody is confusing Leftwich with Tom Brady (or even Matt Hasselbeck for that matter), he is a quality backup who will be a solid insurance policy in case Clemens or Ratliff flops.  As a Steeler this past season, Leftwich filled in admirably in place of Ben Roethlisberger.  I thought his solid play in relief and his big arm (that was enough to make him the 7th overall pick in the 2003 Draft) would earn him a chance to compete for a starting job this off-season.  But nobody has come calling, especially a Big Apple team with a need for a veteran quarterback and a playoff-caliber defense.  I have been doling out lots of praise to the Jets this off-season for their moves, but this is one area where I think they have dropped the ball.  It would be a crime to see the team fall short of its potential because they are horrifically inexperienced at the quarterback position.  Get on this Rex.

Happy Birthday to Lawrence Welk, Ruper Murdoch, Sam Donaldson, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Dock Ellis, Joey Buttafuoco, Terrence Howard, Johnny Knoxville, Bobby Abreu, Shawn Springs, Elton Brand, Fred Jones, Dan Uggla, Lee Evans and Brian Anderson

Posted in NFL - Jets, Writer - Bill Slattery

We have all heard this before. “This is our year.”  That’s been the constant mantra from Jet fans more most of the last 40 years, until recently when hope has turned into hopelessness.  But it looks like the tables are turning for Gang Green. Expectations are already building around Gang Green, and it’s barely March. They have been an active player this off-season, hiring former Baltimore defensive mastermind Rex Ryan as head coach and bringing in quality talent on the defensive side of the ball.  It started with Pro Bowl linebacker Bart Scott from Baltimore, continued with Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard from the Eagles and culminated with gritty safety Jim Leonhard following Ryan and Scott up I-95 from Baltimore to Jersey.

Now Jet fans aren’t the only ones with wide eyes heading into the season.  This is what resident Sports Illustrated scout Bucky Brooks has to say about the Jets defense:

If the adage about defense winning championships is true, the league should pencil the Jets in as title contenders. Building on the solid foundation former coach Eric Mangini left behind, new head coach Rex Ryan is assembling a unit that should be formidable in 2009.

Ryan’s defenses excel at suffocating opponents and creating turnovers. During his four-year tenure as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, Ryan oversaw a squad that ranked in the top five in total defense three times and led the league in takeaways in 2008. The unit perennially ranked among league leaders in rush defense and didn’t allow a 100-yard rusher in its last 35 regular-season games.

While Ryan has been lauded for his innovative game plans, it was his superb use of the Ravens’ personnel that truly made Baltimore difficult to attack. From flip-flopping Terrell Suggs‘ and Jarret Johnson’s responsibilities on the edges to interchanging Bart Scott’s and Ray Lewis‘ roles as inside linebackers, Ryan masterfully melded his players into an aggressive unit that befuddled offenses.

With the Jets adding Scott, Lito Sheppard and Jim Leonhard to the fold via free agency, New York’s defense now features playmakers at every level. Moreover, the Jets are counting on a wild card to blossom in Ryan’s scheme. Last year’s first-round pick, Vernon Gholston, could become an X-factor as a situational pass rusher. While some have already labeled Gholston a bust due to his non-productive rookie season (13 tackles with no sacks), Ryan envisions Gholston developing into a Suggs-like difference maker off the edge. Gholston was drafted for his superior athleticism and intriguing rush skills, so expect Ryan to feature him in a package that allows him to consistently play to those strengths. By allowing Gholston to focus on excelling in a limited role, Ryan will not only boost the second year player’s confidence and production, but also give the team an additional pass rusher in the lineup.

Scott and David Harris will play pivotal roles as inside linebackers as the defense funnels everything to them. Though Scott will play primarily as the WILL linebacker (run through player), his versatility gives Ryan the option of flip-flopping the duo’s roles to disrupt the offense’s ability to correctly identify personnel. This is important since the offense sets its blocking schemes based on where the MIKE lines up, and any confusion will result in one or more defenders running free on blitzes. The Ravens’ ability to interchange Scott and Lewis frequently resulted in big plays, and the move should have the same effect in New York.

In the back end, the Jets have the pieces in place to produce turnovers at a high rate. Pro Bowl corner Darrelle Revis is one of the best in the game, and his ability to lock down a side of the field allows the team to use combination coverage that features zone on the opposite side. However, the tactic used by the previous regime may not be necessary with the addition of Sheppard. The two-time Pro Bowl defender has 18 career interceptions and can man the corner without consistent safety help over the top. Though he finished his last season in Philadelphia as a sub-defender, he has started 61 games in his career and has performed at a high level when in the lineup.

Furthermore, Kerry Rhodes should become a household name in the Jets’ new system as they free him to roam the middle of the field as a ball hawk. The fourth-year pro has 12 career interceptions and displays Ed Reed-like range and awareness as a deep middle player. Though he isn’t as accomplished as a playmaker, he will benefit from playing alongside Leonhard as the Jets set traps for the offense with their ever-changing coverage.

Leonhard’s experience in the defense means Rhodes won’t have the burden of making the checks in the backend, freeing him to concentrate solely on making plays on the ball. In addition, he will have the opportunity to become more involved in the rush scheme on safety blitzes. Rhodes had only one sack last season, but made a career-high five sacks in 2006, when he was used extensively in the Jets’ sub-package.

With the personnel and scheme in place to field a stellar defense, the only thing keeping this unit from achieving greatness is the nasty attitude typically associated with dominant defenses. However, if Scott’s comments at his introductory press conference are any indication, the Jets aren’t too far off from developing that swagger.

“We won’t back down from anybody,” said Scott. “We won’t take a step back from anybody. You guys can expect to see a very physical, violent defense. I don’t know if this division has ever seen a violent defense.”

Big talk about a team that has not played in the Super Bowl in 40 years. But hey, at least there is enough talent to legitimate the hpye.  Let’s not forget that the Jets were thought of as Super Bowl contenders for a brief stretch last season, until Brett Favre’s December meltdown.  But the talent is certainly there on the defensive side of the ball for the Jets to contend.  Of course the concern is this: who the hell will their quarterback be?  That is obviously a major concern and rightfully so.  The idea of Clemens or Brett Ratliff lining up under center doesn’t exactly help Jet fans sleep at night.  Remember this though: the Ravens, Ryan’s old squad, has been a long-time AFC powerhouse, and it was only this year that they finally found a quality quarterback in Joe Flacco.  The long-held belief is that you can’t win without a quarterback.  That’s true 98% of the time, the exception is when your defense is spectacular. It seems like people out there believe the Jets can be that good.

Happy Birthday to Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jim Bouton, Dick Allen, Jason Elam, Justin Thompson, Juan Encarnacion, Ryan Freel, Hines Ward, Freddie Prinze Jr. and the star of Christian Chiavetta’s favorite TV show Dawson’s Creek: James Van Der Beek (no joke, he owns the entire series on DVD)

Posted in NFL - Jets, Writer - Bill Slattery

For those of you who don’t read Peter King’s Monday Morning Quarterback here is a great piece this week on the intensity Jets head coach Rex Ryan showed in recruiting free agent linebacker Bart Scott, who would eventually go on to sign with the Jets:

Rex Ryan wants it bad.

Mind if I start with the recruiting story? And Bart Scott’s two German shepherds, Mater and McQueen?

Free agency began Friday morning, a second after midnight, and Scott’s agent, Harold Lewis, told him he might be getting a call or two in the wee hours of the morning. At 12:15, at the same time he heard his dogs barking wildly outside his Owings Mills, Md., home, Scott’s cell phone rang. “Man, come get these damn dogs!” Jets secondary coach Dennis Thurman said into the phone.

Thurman was outside in the driveway with two other unannounced visitors — Rex Ryan and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. Scott knew them from their days on the Baltimore Ravens‘ coaching staff, and he absolutely could not believe they were sitting in his driveway, about to get attacked by his security dogs if they ventured out of the car. After Scott secured the dogs (”I’m just glad Mater and McQueen didn’t take a bite out of those guys,” Scott said Sunday night. “I’d have had to spend a chunk of my signing bonus for stitches.”) Ryan walked into the house, looked at Scott and said: “We want you. We’re here for you. We’re not leaving without you.” There was a plane coming at 8 in the morning to take Scott to the Jets’ facility in Florham Park, N.J., and Ryan told him he had to be on it.

“Talk about taking it back old-school!” Scott said. “I was getting recruited! They were recruiting me big-time! Can you see the precedent they’re setting? Remember Jerry McGuire? You’re going to have players asking their coaches now, ‘Why don’t we have that kind of relationship?’ ”

Let me tell you something, if Rex shows that kind of intensity for recruiting free agents, imagine what kind of atmosphere he will bring to the team this year.  No offense to Eric Mangini, who I am still a fan of, but there’s something about Ryan that seems special. Forget about the fact that he is one of the most brilliant defensive tacticians in the game, but he is bringing an energy to the Jets that very few teams in the NFL have.  He has yet to coach a single game, but I already love what I am seeing from Rex. If he cannot erase the losing culture around the Jets, I don’t know if anyone can.

Happy Birthday to Barney Martin, Herschel Walker (all 4 of him), Matt Diaz, Lil Flip, Jessica Biel and Tim Sharobem’s favorite designer - Perry Ellis

Posted in NFL - Jets, Writer - Bill Slattery

Quarterback Matt Cassell and OLB/ILB Mike Vrabel for a second round pick?   Am I missing something?  Did the Kansas City Chiefs just acquire their future starting quarterback and a clubhouse leader/bona fide sack artist/goal line touchdown machine from the New England Patriots for a single pick?  The same pick that brought the New Orleans Saints perennial headache/perennial injury factor TE Jeremy Shockey one year earlier?  Scratch that, even the New York Giants were able to finagle a fifth-round pick out of that deal, too.  

So what gives?  There are lots of theories out there, some bordering on ridiculous (See Don Banks’ CNNSI piece asking whether New England Patriots head coach Bill Bellicheck has softened in his old age), others bordering on countless years of brain washing (in “Bill We Trust!”), and still others offering absolutely nothing of intellectual value (See the Associated Press’ piece of fluff here).

This much is certain, though: If this trade happened in a keeper fantasy football league, chaos and fisticuffs would have ensued.   

• Perhaps the New York Mets should have a “Tums Night?”  SP Johan Santana is headed to New York for an MRI due to the recent revelation that he is suffering from elbow tendinitis.  If you decide to have an offseason in which you build your team on pitching, and make no improvement to your offense, you had better hope your ace will be there for the better portion of the year.  While there does not appear to be a long-term concern, the truth is that until he does make this first start, and gets through it well–the time for worry in Metland is only ratcheting up further.    
• Speaking of “arm” worry.  How can Catcher Jorge Posada sincerely claim that he is “not worried” about the recent soreness in his surgically-repaired right shoulder? This is the same shoulder that essentially cut Posada’s season short last year and made running on the Yankees a near certainty for half of the year. If Posada continues to contend that he will be behind the plate this year, any opponent of the Yankees’ would be c-r-a-z-y not to think that their offensive strategy should be to run…and run some more.   And you would be crazy not to think that such a strategy negates the effectiveness of a revamped pitching staff. 
• Does Dwayne Wade have to beat a “Knick?‘  Ah, Danillo Gallinari…remember, when you are ahead, don’t antagonize the opponent’s leading star.  Especially when that “star” is the Miami Heat’s scoring machine and T Mobile’s pitchman, Dwayne Wade.   24 points in the 4th quarter?  Wow…the Knicks defense is indeed awful.  But Wade is indeed fantastic.  And just think, he might be doing that in Madison Square Garden every night beginning in 2010…
• Daniel Snyder sure hates to lose and doesn’t learn from history.  Apparently, angry that the Pittsburgh Pirates, Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Lions have surpassed the Washington Redskins in the categories of “worst run franchise,” owner Daniel Snyder has decided to seriously up the ante.  In a span of 24 hours, he resigned cornerback DeAngelo Hall to a 6 year- $54 million contract and then gave face stomping DT Albert Haynesworth a 7 year - $100 million deal.  $154 million for two defensive players?  Uh, the Redskins have bigger problems than that.   Has there been any owner who has spent more money than Snyder and achieved less results?  The Giants, Cowboys and Eagles perennially get better in the NFC East everytime the Redskins make a move.
• More Good News for the Giants. Maniac SS Brian Dawkins is no longer an Eagle, G Jon Runyan isn’t likely to return to the Eagles, CB Lito Shepherd is now a Jet, and the Cowboys recently traded for “God’s Quarterback,” Jon Kitna.  Add the departures of Corel Buckhalter and Sean Considine from the Eagles and you have a downright prison escape from the NFC East.  Outside of the re-signing of RB Brandon Jacobs to a six year deal and the signings of LB Michael Boley from the Atlanta Falcons and DT Rocky Bernard from the Seattle Seahawks, there is nothing better than watching your opponents get progressively weaker.  (Though, the Cowboys recent signing of LB Keith Brooking was certainly a solid move).    
• Starbury ”LOVES” green.  Media sources continued to report how happy PG Stephon Marbury appeared to be when he made his debut with the Celtics this week.  Are they sure its not because everytime he stares at the Celtics green uniform, he thinks of the cash flow he is pulling down in this whole debacle?  I’d be happy too if I could get a team to pay me 95% of my contract and have the “loss” made up by my new team. 
• “Fired” for the wrong reason.  General Manager Jim Bowden of the Washington Nationals announced on Sunday that he was resigning his post amidst “false” allegations that he has skimmed money off the top of signing bonuses given to Latin players.  I am more shocked that he hadn’t been fired previously for being a bad general manager.  Take a good look at the moves made by the Nationals since 2004.  He hasn’t even shown progress…the Nationals declined from 73 wins in 2007 to 59 wins in 2008…so, how again do you get to keep your job?  And why does it take a scandal to get you to “resign” your post?  Something shadier is going on here…
• Black Bart is a Mean Green Wrecking Machine.  Huge move by the Jets, getting LB Bart Scott from the Baltimore Ravens in free agency.  So infrequently has this franchise given us an opportunity to applaud their actions, that I can’t even believe they made this move.  The Jets certainly have other needs, but an enormous hole was filled in the new-look Rex Ryan defense.  
• Speaking of which–in an effort to bring some circularity to this article, it turns out that the Denver Broncos were “very close” to trading QB Jay Cutler to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a three-way deal to get Cassell. (Apparently, new head coach, former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels wanted to have Cassell back to run his offense).  And now, Culter is, not surprisingly, livid and wants out of Denver.  Hmmm…could the Jets find a match?  What a huge addition he could be for Rex Ryan…

Posted in MLB - Mets, MLB - Yankees, NBA - Knicks, NFL - Giants, NFL - Jets, Other, Writer - Enrico Pallazo

Free agent linebacker Bart Scott is coming to the Big Apple. The former Ravens backer is re-uniting with his former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, now the Jets head coach. Scott signed a 6-year $48 million deal with Gang Green on the first day of free agency.

Frankly, I am not  a fan of this move. Many “experts” are high on Scott, who has been a productive member of the Baltimore defense over the last few years.  Scott’s best year came in 2006, when he was an absolute monster, registering 9.5 sacks and 103 tackles.  If Scott can play to that level, then this will be a heist for the Jets. But I have watched the Ravens a number of times over the last two years, and I have not been thoroughly impressed by Scott.  It is hard to qualify, but he just has not struck me as a great player in the last two years. He seems to be caught out of position quite often and seems to get beat by tight ends a lot. I have no data or stats to prove this, but just from my observations it seems like when the Baltimore defense had a breakdown (which wasn’t very often), Scott was somehow involved. Scott does have his merits, however. He is a big-time hitter and a very physical presence, so he will certainly bring toughness to the Jets. But he is far from perfect and the Jets are investing a lot of their salary cap space in a guy who I think can be exposed.

Of course, I could be completely wrong about Scott. Rex Ryan is a smart guy and knows a lot more about football than I do.  So if he is willing to let his team beat the Ravens (another smart franchise) in a bidding war for Scott’s services, then he must be a pretty good player.  If it turns out he is as good as the Jets and Ravens think he could be, then that gives the Jets one of the scariest linebacking units in the league.  The unit will be led by Scott, tackling-machine David Harris, sack artist Calvin Pace and Vernon Gholston, who has loads of untapped talent coming off a disastrous rookie season. As I said after Ryan was hired, Gholston will be the key to the Jets defense this year. If Ryan can tap into his vast potential, the Jets will be downright awesome on defense. They will certainly be intriguing to watch and I am looking forward to seeing what Ryan can do with this squad.

Happy Birthday to Frank Gehry, Dean Smith, Mario Andretti, Bubba Smith, Ricky Steamboat, Brian Billick, Adrian Dantley, John Turturro, Mike Rucker, Ali Larter, Jamaal Tinsley, Tayshaun Prince, Brian Bannister and the classic Big Apple comedian Gilbert Gottfried

Posted in NFL - Jets, Writer - Bill Slattery

The NFL free agency season kicked off a few hours ago, which will likely set off a flurry of big signings.  A few weeks ago, I put out a list of the top free agents by position, and there are some big names on the list highlighted by Ray Lewis, Kurt Warner, Albert Haynesworth and others.  Today is a big day in the NFL that will create a lot of headlines and buzz.  But if you ask me, the whole charade is overblown.  That’s why I am here to dispel the myth that is NFL free agency.  I am re-issuing a post I wrote almost one year ago to the day, about the 2008 free agency season.  My views have not changed one bit, especially after watching the Steelers win the Super Bowl with players they drafted.  Here is what I had to say last year:

Happy Birthday to Constantine, Gene Sarazen, John Steinbeck, Elizabeth Taylor, Raymond Berry, Ralph Nader, Johnny Van Zant, James Worthy, Matt Stairs, Tony Gonzalez, Kate Mara and Nets star Devin Harris

Posted in NFL - Giants, NFL - Jets, Writer - Bill Slattery