#which would be the perfect time to see how Nate’s coaching has developed

[hacash]

I wish everyone who gloated about how Nate’s future at West Ham was due to fail - how he was bound embarrass himself at West Ham, the players would never respect him,he’d never be a real coach and the only way he could ever redeem himself would be to be utterly humiliated and brought ‘down a peg’ first - a very *~*smug grin*~*, because he’s known as the hottest coach in the league! Pundits are still praising how good his tactics are! His team beat Zava! Context* tells us Nate is killing it at West Ham! In his personal life he’s taking steps towards combining humility and confidence; he’s got better self-help routines and is forging a genuine connection with someone he really likes!

And it turns out that Nate didn’t need to be humiliated or ‘fixed’ by someone else in order to be a better person; he just needed to step away from a situation that at that time wasn’t good for him! And recognise on his own what he did wrong with Ted, and make steps to look after himself! Who’d have thunk!

[variousqueerthings]

okokok I was gonna talk about the structure, but gonna say smthin about ethos instead with structure folded in I guess, which isn't going to be coherent

for me, I can say that ted lasso is not a perfect show (and then I can go on a tangent about there being no perfect shows) and also that actually comedy isn't my favourite genre anyway and include there that I think that it couldn't always balance the comedy, sincerity, and the reality it was attempting to challenge, especially in s3 -- I think an egregious example was rebecca talking about the love of football to a bunch of billionaires, it just stretched too much disbelief and therefore came off less as a natural development and just out-of-nowhere preaching

but then I was having a good time peeking into a little of rupert and rebecca's past relationship when it did work, and it being a scene that makes her able to let him go entirely (and generally I am fine with taking the good out of the bits that don't overall work for me)

anywhomst, there are things, and it also plays into the oddity of s3 not being two seasons (which I had been so sure was going to be the structure, and I was right to think it might not work out and seriously, are they covering up that it was cancelled, conspiracy unlocked)

there were a few things that happened very quickly and weren't explored in the writing (ex. jamie's dad going to rehab, nate making up with his dad after one talk and generally some nate things in s3, part of keeley's narrative in s3, etc.), which was a problem of structure rather than ethos in my opinion. there's story to be explored there, as there is in a fair few things that came and went too quickly on this show, which tbh I'm sure fanfiction can cover (except for the womens team feat. trent crimm show, that needs to happen On My Screen!)

it has gaps in how it can make the points it wants to make -- I've mentioned that in terms of romance too -- but it really really wants to make them nonetheless, flaws and all. it wants to tell the story about a man with mental health issues, who's scared that he'll fuck up his son in the way his dad's suicide affected him, who runs away and finds himself coaching a London football team of men who grow to be better with each other and the world beyond, and its vehicle is football, an intensely international and adaptable sport, with so much fluid potential for expression!

along the way it comes across limitations (either in the amount of time it has to tell the story or in the lack of in-depth knowledge I presume the creators have in radical kindness and community healing politics and philosophies and how they intersect with queer intersectional concepts), but it's made the story despite them, with all its messiness and it ends well. characters heal, start their attempts to heal, continue their journeys to help others around them

I cannot stress enough either how messy league football is, the level that this fictional team plays on. as someone who's been directly affected by the exclusionary ideals that are promoted by the FA it was good to see this fantasy, it was exhilarating to imagine this kind of change happening at that level in the way I have experienced it happening at grassroots levels. its subject matter is so in need of more of this, I hope it inspires more stories with the same core ethos, and I hope these go further and further with its radical ideas

colin kisses his boyfriend at the end! would I have loved to have seen more time to get to there, to have seen it folded into an arc about challenging homophobia in football at an institutional level, to have also had him apologising to nate for his bullying as part of toxic masculinity masking his homosexuality? all of these yes. do I appreciate what the show wants to do here about something that is barely beginning to be properly challenged in reality? yeah yeah yeah!

any of the gaps I think one can play with in fandom, and if that show about the women's team gets made we gently slide them some bell hooks and get megan rapinoe involved somehow

[torentialtribute]

Chris Eubank Jr buys one-way ticket to US to work with veteran trainer Virgil Hunter

Chris Eubank Jr. arrived unannounced at Virgil Hunter's gymnasium of champions in northern California .

He quietly sidled into the industrial room on the Bay waterfront. Kit bag over his shoulder.

He came alone. No Chris Senior. No Ronnie Davies who had trained his famous father and has kept an eye on him.

Chris Eubank Jr. (right) is working with legendary trainer Virgil Hunter in California

Sportsmail's Jeff Powell laces up Eubank Jr's gloves prior to his training session

None of the team he had cobbled together to help him regain the IBO world middleweight title five weeks earlier.

Eubank is on a journey of discovery. Finding out for himself what it would take to go on his career-boosting beating or James DeGale to achieve greatness.

Educating Junior.

So is this where he wants to master the noble art? Eubank and Junior are diplomatic.

"I'm not saying Virgil is my new trainer," says the young fighter. 'But it could absolutely turn into something. I'm testing the waters. I've seen what he's done about the years and I want to see it close up in person. "

"I don't know if we want to end up working together," says the veteran trainer. "But I believe I can help him and maybe we could do a couple of camps." The more they talk, the warmer.

"I have a little time free after the DeGale fight," says Eubank. "Call it an exploratory couple of weeks."

But then let's slip that he has set no time limit on this visit: "I've flown over on a one-way ticket."

Eubank Jr joked that he has a new assistant trainer as he's given a helping hand

"Chris will have to think about how he is saving his time," says Hunter. "I can't be away from my other fighters for eight weeks in the UK so the camps would have been here."

"I trained most of my life back home, but I saw the steady contrast when I was young in Vegas," says Eubank.

"I'm interested in America and could soon have a fight here."

Revealingly, he adds: "I've been in touch with Virgil on and off since a year ago." That was when he finally accepted that to get to the very top he would have to stop training himself.

That coincided with Hunter coming close to dying dramatically from a coma-induced reaction to steroid medication, which put this coming together with Eubank on hold.

Hunter is back at work now, in time to prepare Amir Khan for his world welterweight title challenge to Terence Crawford in New York on April 20.

Eubank takes care to compliment Nate Vasquez, a trainer from the Mayweather gym in Vegas, for the work put into his win about DeGale: "That was a good camp and I'm not saying we're done."

Eubank needs to work on his footwork and was taught the wrong way round, says Hunter

But there is no sign of Vasquez here, either. So while Hunter is busy with Khan, Eubank asks me to help him lace up his gloves ready to take his turn on the pads. "My new assistant trainer," hey jokes.

Then it gets serious. Hunter goes straight into maneuvers designed to develop Eubank's jab and to work on his judgment of range and distance by improving his footwork.

"Whoever taught Chris, taught him hands first," says Hunter. 'It should be feet first. It was impressive that he got this far without a full-time trainer but when it was his time to shine, he was in the dark.

George Groves exposed him. He's all action but right now he's carpet bombing. That softens people up but then you have to get your feet in position to drop your pay-load.

'Against DeGale he was a little stale, even though he won, but that was probably because he's never really tasks time off. He stays in admirable condition but your body needs rest and recovery. You can't keep grinding away every day.

Hunter says he cannot commit to flying over to the UK so needs Eubank Jr. to come to him

'But there are upsides. His fighting inside, which is hard to teach, is very, very good. And there's room for improvement. Plus he's strong, dedicated and willing to learn now. I believe I can help him. "

The Eubank family self-confidence has given rise to a perception of arrogance so it may surprise some to hear Junior say:" I'm here to gain knowledge. I know I need to improve my distance work, my boxing on the outside. There are some big fights out there for me. I want to be back in the ring within a couple of months so I'll be back in camp.

'Could Virgil be the perfect coach for me? Yes, he's the master of these things. Proved it with Andre Ward among others. It's exciting going into the unknown. "

Hunter thanked God for delivering from his life-threatening coma. Maybe he and Eubank is a match made in Heaven.

Amir Khan challenges Terence Crawford for the WB World welterweight title live on BT Sport Box Office on Saturday, April 20.

Source link

[auburnfamilynews]

Rare positive superlatives are out there on this team, early.

     War Eagle, everybody! Fall camp has started, and we finally have a bit of actual news to comment upon! Fall drills have begun, and there are some rave reviews all around. Most importantly, there seems to be an urgency perhaps missing in the past with this staff, to get a starting lineup worked out quickly, and then to really polish and perfect various schemes before the season-opener.

     Word out of Auburn is that there will be a full-pads scrimmage as early as Thursday, and head coach Gus Malzahn would like to have the depth chart pretty much in order after that practice is concluded and analyzed. This is encouraging! After 3 years of September initial struggles, it is good to see that the staff is not standing pat upon their methods. This year, I think Auburn means to identify starters very early, and work hard with them to create a cohesive and solid team identity with which to attack early and often.

     Auburn is working to put previous “September swoons” to rest. In the previous 5 years, we’ve seen an Auburn team that was just not ready, in Baton Rouge in 2013. A team that struggled at times, before a big loss in Starkville in 2014. A team that was lucky to beat Jax State the next year, before initial SEC losses to LSU and Mississippi State. Head coach Gus Malzahn’s 4th team took early beatings from Clemson and Texas A&M, before getting the ball rolling. In 2017, Auburn gave up 11 sacks at Clemson, and struggled mightily against mediocre FCS homecoming opponent Mercer, before lifting out of the doldrums. It is certainly encouraging, to see that the coaching staff is not standing pat on previous methods, and is actively working to correct previous failures.

     I can’t really get a bead on the play of the front seven on defense, yet. Auburn has worked only in shorts and shells, thus far. There is little useful information to be gotten up front, till the pads go on. That happens Tuesday, this week. We expect Auburn to be strong, and nasty, in this spot, based upon returning experience and talent.

In the secondary, Auburn is looking to build depth, and is possibly juggling the starting lineup. The rapid development of former wide receiver Noah Igbinoghene at cornerback will likely shake up the starting lineup. From all accounts, Igbinoghene is playing like a starter, which gives Auburn the luxury of moving veteran Ryan Davis to the slot/nickel spot. Or, resting Davis for punt return opportunities. The biggest surprise thus far has been the play of redshirt sophomore Jayvaughn Myers, who has worked with the first team defense at nickel. It is good to see the staff identifying additional depth early, in this spot.

     On the punting unit, the big news is the leg of the newly arrived Arryn Siposs. I’m encouraged to learn that the guy can clearly nail 70-yard punts. Given how much punt return yardage Auburn gave up last year, I’d like to hear more about that sort of velocity translated vertically. Auburn needs a punter that can launch ’em to the sky. I’d rather see a a punter with super-high hang time, and maybe 40-45 yards of distance. Auburn wants return men to have to signal for the fair catch, not take a running start at deep punts. It is yet to be determined who the starting punter will be. By all accounts, last year’s part-time starter Aiden Marshall has worked hard, and seriously upped his game.

     On offense, the biggest question this fall is on the offensive line. After seeing walk-ons play most center snaps on A-day, guard Mike Horton has taken the bulk of the offensive snaps, this fall. With Horton moved over, there is a competition for that vacated guard slot, and Auburn seems to have moved young Calvin Ashley over from tackle, to take that spot. With veteran transfer tackle Jack Driscoll seems to be moving to solidify that position.

     Wide receiver seems to be pretty settled, with veterans Nate Craig Myers, Ryan Davis and Darius Slayton returning. Watch for some freshman playing time, behind these guys. Head coach Gus Malzahn has raved about the play of freshmen Seth Williams, Anthony Schwartz and Matthew Hill. That’s pretty rare, for Malzahn to brag on any individual players early in camp, much less freshmen!

     Running back was an open question, coming into fall camp. From the sound of it, Kam Martin has hung onto the starting job, and we’ll be seeing a lot of freshman Jartavious Whitlow.

The post Fall Camp Has Begun! appeared first on Track 'Em Tigers, Auburn's oldest and most read independent blog.

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[thornburgrealty]

Million cap room remaining with created_at

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He finishes his career with 84-percent conversion rate on 251 career field goal attempts. Said Carlson: It’s huge, and hopefully that kind of gives us little jump-start. But as noted, PFF often sees things a little bit differently. His goal when recruiting this offseason was to create a team that rolls four lines capable of scoring, while being cost effective. He’s always the right spot. They ‘t know I just started running track ninth grade year. With no receiver older than 23 on the roster, it would sense for the Saints to add a veteran before offseason workouts begin earnest. Two outs later, he was still on 1st base. said on KFAN radio Tuesday that he telephoned Riki Ellison, father cheap nfl jerseys usa of former Vikings tight end Ellison, after his 11 tweet, but received no response. I ‘t think players play harder nike nfl jerseys supply or Lolly gag because they do or ‘t respect the front office. If they told me I couldn’t nba jerseys wholesale do it, then I would’ve put Velez up, but I wanted to save Velez for later. More zone could mean easier way to watch .

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Now, I finish hitting and I drop bat and I’m running around picking up all the balls. A review of how the Patriots and http://www.aescranna.com/mark-glowinski-jersey-c-1_18.html Seahawks have changed the two years since they played the Super Bowl as the Patriots prepare Michael Strahan Jersey Womens for another one while Seattle stays home. For complete coverage of Bulldog Football, please follow Louisiana Tech nba jerseys wholesale on social media at LATechFB , LATechFootball and LATechFB or visit the official home of Louisiana Tech Athletics at . Guidelines: Keep it civil and on mlb jerseys usa topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal nba jerseys wholesale attacks. Klein Panthers jerseys and find the perfect addition to your NFL wardrobe. He magnified Il 25 aprile dopo il 25 aprile: Istituzioni, politica, cultura (Italian Edition) his role on squad this year, and at times made the second and third lines more threatening than the top line. But a post… He had firmly planted himself as one of quarterback ‘s go-to receivers and a sturdy and dependable blocker on a team loaded with exceptional receivers. City coach Nate Loenser felt Bynum’s leadership and maturity was exactly what the team needed after top scorer Dinwiddie was signed by the Brooklyn Nets December. I don’t think it shocked anybody on the team. also agreed with assessment that defensive line coach Azzinaro is a dead ringer nike nfl jerseys supply for the late actor Oliver during his days. we’ve also been organization that really values character. Right fielder Harper, who had a front-row seat for the grab, was disbelief and gave Revere a high-five.

Kaepernick opted out of his contract to become unrestricted free agent. All he needs to do is add some strength and he’ll be a player . You can it the way he’s playing. They’re too valuable of assets to not on, Linsley said. could Hayward be the answer?

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[usatrendingsports]

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns cross on QB at No. 1, Broncos and Jets commerce up for QBs

The Browns maintain the important thing to this 12 months’s draft within the sense that they will form how all the occasion unfolds primarily based on who they take first total. We have already spent numerous hours questioning how they’re going to proceed. Which of the 4 quarterbacks will it’s? Will they make a transfer for Saquon Barkley? May they take a cross rusher for a second straight 12 months?

So, after all, the Browns determined to alter all the things final week by making a flurry of trades, a very powerful of which noticed them land a better-than-average beginning quarterback in Tyrod Taylor. The Browns, a workforce that has been allergic to competent quarterback play all through their historical past, immediately have a succesful quarterback in place. And that — together with the truth that in addition they personal the fourth-overall decide in a top-heavy quarterback class that options 4 quarterbacks you may make an affordable case for at No. 1 — may change how they proceed with the first-overall decide. 

There isn’t any doubt that the Browns nonetheless must draft a quarterback. However possibly they need not take one with the primary decide within the draft.

For example that normal supervisor John Dorsey thinks the highest 4 prospects — Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield — are all related. If that is the case, then Dorsey ought to completely pull the set off on the perfect non-quarterback with the first-overall decide after which take his decide of the remaining quarterbacks at No. four, who will then sit behind Taylor for a season. A prospect like Bradley Chubb in all probability will not be sitting there at No. four — not with the Giants and Colts holding the second and third picks — however a quarterback like Mayfield in all probability can be. You in all probability cannot get one other Chubb later within the draft. However you may get one other top-tier quarterback prospect. 

That is why on this iteration of my mock draft, I’ve the Browns passing up on a quarterback at No. 1 by taking Chubb after which “settling” for Mayfield at No. four. What follows is quarterback chaos because the Broncos, even after signing Case Keenum to be their bridge starter, commerce as much as take their quarterback of the long run. The Jets, after watching the Vikings swoop in and seize Kirk Cousins, engineer their very own commerce to take their future quarterback. Meaning I’ve 4 quarterbacks going within the top-five picks regardless that the Browns cross on a quarterback at No. 1. 

Past that, that is the primary mock draft we have printed that is come after the authorized tampering interval of free company. After Tuesday’s motion, mock drafts won’t ever be the identical once more. The Bears agreed to signal Allen Robinson, which suggests they probably will not take a receiver at No. eight. The Jaguars agreed to signal Andrew Norwell, which takes them out of the marketplace for a guard. The Payments upgraded their defensive position by bringing in Star Lotulelei and re-signing Kyle Williams, so … truly by no means thoughts, we’re not going to play this recreation. Let’s simply say Tuesday — the day earlier than free company even formally started — was (expletive) loopy as almost each top-tier free agent agreed to signal someplace. 

Stupidly, I made a decision to write down this mock draft on Monday and have since been compelled to transform a couple of features. On that be aware, this mock draft was revised at roughly 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday night time, so if the Patriots in some way find yourself re-signing Nate Solder in some unspecified time in the future between now and the time you are studying this, please do not yell at me for having the Patriots take an offensive deal with on the finish of the primary spherical. Cool?

OK, onto the draft.

1. Cleveland Browns

Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State. The Browns nonetheless want a quarterback regardless that they traded for Taylor, however they’re do not go quarterback at No. 1 as a result of they know a prime quarterback can be out there at No. four. This all comes all the way down to how Dorsey views the quarterback class. If the Browns cross on a quarterback with the primary decide, it means he thinks the entire prime quarterbacks are related in caliber and he’d be proud of the overwhelming majority of them because the long-term reply in Cleveland.

2. Denver Broncos (through mock commerce)

Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming. The Broncos see a gap after the Browns cross on a quarterback. After lacking out on Cousins in free company and signing Keenum, the Broncos nonetheless have an opportunity to take the primary quarterback within the draft. So, they commerce up with the Giants, who want all the additional assist they will get. At No. 2, the Broncos pull the set off on Allen, who will sit for a season whereas Keenum sees if he can prolong his magical run for one more season. John Elway cannot resist that massive arm of Allen’s, erratic accuracy be damned. 

Three. New York Jets (through mock commerce)

Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA. The Jets, devastated to see Cousins head to Minnesota, additionally spot a gap. They engineer a commerce up with the Colts, who’re accepting all presents to amass extra picks. The Colts do not want a quarterback (they solely want a brand new shoulder for his or her quarterback, however I digress), however the Jets do. Even after re-signing Josh McCown and signing Teddy Bridgewater, the Jets can be available in the market for a long-term quarterback with each of these quarterbacks signing one-year offers. The Jets then take Rosen, rebounding properly on their failed bid for Cousins with a top-tier quarterback prospect. 

four. Cleveland Browns (through Texans)

Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma.  Shock, shock. The rationale the Browns felt comfy passing on a quarterback is as a result of Dorsey secretly sees Mayfield as his prime quarterback. He will get his quarterback at No. four after including a stud cross rusher at No. 1. The Browns head into the 2018 season with a future that’s lastly starting to look vibrant.

5. New York Giants (through mock commerce)

Sam Darnold, QB, USC. The Giants are tempted to go along with operating again Saquon Barkley, however they can not resist taking a quarterback to groom behind 37-year-old Eli Manning. Darnold has a case to be the primary quarterback off the board, however he drops to No. 5 total after three different quarterbacks go forward of him. The Giants must get a quarterback within the close to future and there isn’t any assure they’re going to get to draft this excessive within the close to future. So, they seize a quarterback who’ll sit behind Manning for a 12 months.

6. Indianapolis Colts (through mock commerce)

Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame. Nelson could be the perfect participant within the draft and the Colts positively need assistance on the offensive line after a season that noticed them permit a league-high 56 sacks. The Colts must prioritize defending Andrew Luck. Nelson can try this and be an absolute monster within the run recreation. The Colts get nice worth after transferring down and buying extra draft picks.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn St. The Buccaneers launched Doug Martin. They want a brand new operating again. Barkley is likely one of the finest operating again prospects to enter the draft and he killed it on the mix. Taking a operating again at No. 7 could be a attain as a result of choosing operating backs within the prime 10 often does not translate to Tremendous Bowls, however Barkley is the perfect playmaker within the draft. The Buccaneers cannot resist.

eight. Chicago Bears

Tremaine Edmunds, ILB, Virginia Tech. The Bears want one other inside linebacker to pair alongside Danny Trevathan. After a powerful displaying on the mix, Edmunds established himself as the perfect inside linebacker within the 2018 draft class. The Bears, in the meantime, solved their receiver situation within the free company by signing Robinson, so they will not want to achieve for somebody like Calvin Ridley. 

9. San Francisco 49ers

Minkah Fitzpatrick, FS, Alabama. The 49ers cannot imagine Fitzpatrick falls to them at No. 9, however they don’t seem to be complaining. Fitzpatrick is arguably essentially the most versatile defensive participant within the draft, which can come in useful in as we speak’s NFL. All of a sudden, with Richard Sherman and Fitzpatrick added in a single offseason, the 49ers’ secondary appears prefer it might be an actual power.

10. Oakland Raiders

Roquan Smith, ILB, Georgia. I am not altering this decide from my final mock draft. As I wrote two weeks in the past, “Jon Gruden is an offensive-minded coach, however he cannot stay as much as his overwhelming expectations until he fixes a horrific protection.” The Raiders’ protection was putrid in 2017. Smith fills a necessity instantly.

11. Miami Dolphins

Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama. The Dolphins simply removed Jarvis Landry in order that they pull the set off on a receiver — and one who can truly win downfield. Apart from, it isn’t like Devante Parker has developed into the receiver they thought he’d be. Some suppose the Dolphins may pull the set off on a quarterback, however they’re officialy out of the market after 4 go within the first 5 picks.

12. Buffalo Payments (through Bengals)

Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville. The Payments had been hoping one of many massive 4 would fall to them at No. 12 or that they may commerce up, however with too many groups going after quarterbacks, they missed out on the highest prospects. They will “settle” for Lamar Jackson, a quarterback who appears to be an ideal match for an offense that embraces ideas like RPOs, which simply gained the Eagles a Tremendous Bowl. No, the Payments won’t attempt to convert him to receiver. Jackson won’t be a star instantly, however if you’re caught in the identical division as Tom Brady, you should not be focusing on 2018. Try to be focusing on the window after Brady’s decline, which could be coming ahead of anticipated contemplating he gluten-ed himself by chugging a beer on TV the opposite night time.

13. Washington Redskins

Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State. The Redskins let cornerback Bashaud Breeland stroll in free company, in order that they want somebody to play reverse of Josh Norman. Ward is commonly thought to be the perfect cornerback within the draft, so the Redskins scoop him up right here. 

14. Inexperienced Bay Packers

Derwin James, SS, Florida St. With robust security Morgan Burnett set to hit free company, the Packers draft James, who’s No. 2 total on Chris Trapasso’s draft board right here at CBS Sports activities. Secondary is a necessity after buying and selling Damarious Randall to Cleveland.

15. Arizona Cardinals

Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa. Patrick Peterson remains to be entrenched because the Cardinals’ CB1, however in as we speak’s pass-happy NFL, you’ll be able to by no means have too many prime cornerbacks. The Cardinals are available in the market for a quarterback after signing Sam Bradford, however No. 15 is an excessive amount of of a attain for the best-remaining quarterback prospect on the board, Mason Rudolph. In Jackson, the Cardinals are getting a cornerback that options preferrred measurement and size.

16. Baltimore Ravens

Courtland Sutton, WR, Southern Methodist. After lacking out on Allen Robinson in free company, the Ravens want so as to add playmakers to their offense within the draft. Sutton could be the perfect receiver within the draft — at the least, that is how Trapasso sees it. A 12 months in the past, the Ravens’ finest receiver was Mike Wallace. This can be a place of want even when they did add Ryan Grant and John Brown, two gamers who could be higher as complimentary targets, not focal factors.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame. The Chargers take arguably the perfect deal with within the draft to bolster an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in soccer final 12 months. The Chargers will enter 2018 with a top-tier quarterback they usually’ll be robust on either side of the trenches. You’ll be able to’t ask for way more than that. Now, all they need to do is cease blowing late leads. I would not guess on it.

18. Seattle Seahawks

Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA. Offensive line is nearly all the time a necessity for the Seahawks, however after buying and selling away Michael Bennett, probably dropping Cliff Avril to a career-ending damage, and seeing Malik McDowell miss his total rookie 12 months after an ATV accident, in addition they must bolster their defensive position line. Davenport is ranked third amongst defensive ends, based on Trapasso.

19. Dallas Cowboys

James Washington, WR, Oklahoma St. Dez Bryant is not the receiver he as soon as was, however he isn’t precisely cuttable. Exterior of Bryant, the Cowboys do not actually have any weapons for Dak Prescott. Washington is Trapasso’s second-ranked receiver and fittingly, 19th total on his massive board.

20. Detroit Lions

Harold Landry, OLB, Boston School. You’ll be able to by no means have too many cross rushers, particularly if you’re located in the identical division as quarterback god Aaron Rodgers, the great not nice Kirk Cousins, and the younger and promising Mitch Trubisky. Final 12 months, the Lions ranked 20th in sacks. However by drafting Landry, bringing again Ezekiel Ansah on the franchise tag, and hiring Matt Patricia as their head coach, the Lions might be poised to enhance at probably the most vital features of the sport. 

21. Cincinnati Bengals (through Payments)

Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville. By buying and selling for a brand new left deal with earlier than the draft, the Bengals addressed a place of want. Now, they’re going to be free to improve elsewhere, like cornerback. The Bengals declined to choose up Adam Jones’ possibility, in order that they have a gap on the place. Alexander is 11th total on our massive board even after an injury-plagued 2017 season. When wholesome in 2016, he notched 5 picks.

22. Buffalo Payments (through Chiefs)

Isaiah Wynn, Georgia, OT. I initially had the Payments going with a defensive deal with, however re-signing Williams turns a serious space of want right into a minor space of want. Do not get me unsuitable, the Payments nonetheless want to handle defensive deal with in some unspecified time in the future with Williams getting up there in age, however they’re now free to focus on extra urgent areas. Talking of which, the Payments traded left deal with Cordy Glenn to the Bengals. So, they draft his substitute in Wynn, who’s ranked first at his place group right here at CBS Sports activities.

23. Los Angeles Rams

Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP. Linebacker could be an even bigger want, particularly after buying and selling away Alec Ogletree, however the Rams cannot ignore their want on the inside of their offensive line. It is time to shield Jared Goff and ensure Todd Gurley’s operating lanes stay large open. Hernandez, based on NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, compares to Richie Incognito.

24. Carolina Panthers

Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado St. After lacking out on the big-name receivers in free company, the Panthers tackle a transparent want by taking Gallup, who checks in at No. Three among the many receivers on our massive board right here at CBS Sports activities. In the course of the previous two seasons at Colorado State, Gallup caught 176 passes for two,685 yards, and 21 touchdowns. Devin Funchess is not a WR1. The latest commerce for Torrey Smith is not sufficient. The Panthers must proceed addressing receiver.

25. Tennessee Titans

Rashaan Evans, ILB, Alabama. Earlier than the craziness of free company started, I had the Titans taking a cornerback (Carlton Davis), however after they signed Malcolm Butler, the Titans need to be out of the cornerback market. So, let’s slot in Evans. The Titans misplaced linebacker Avery Williamson to the Jets on Tuesday, so a brand new want opened up.

26. Atlanta Falcons

Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama. The Falcons, coached by Dan Quinn, are constructing a harmful protection, however they will intention greater. Final 12 months, they ranked 13th in sacks and 19th in yards allowed per carry. In the meantime, Adrian Clayborn and Dontari Poe are each free brokers, making a void on the defensive position. Payne, who’s 23rd on our massive board and fourth at his place, makes an excessive amount of sense right here.

27. New Orleans Saints

Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma St. I am conserving this one locked in. Here is what I wrote two weeks in the past:

Drew BreesDrew Brees, 39, will not play without end, so the Saints go and get his successor in Mason Rudolph, who is definitely ranked first amongst quarterbacks on Chris Trapasso’s massive board. Rudolph, who threw 37 touchdowns and solely 9 picks in his remaining faculty season, lands in a perfect vacation spot, getting an opportunity to study from Brees and Sean Payton. 

28. Pittsburgh Steelers

Leighton Vander Esch, OLB, Boise St. Humorous how briskly issues can change in mock draft season. Two weeks in the past, I had Edmunds falling to the Steelers, who need assistance at linebacker within the aftermath of Ryan Shazier’s damage. However after an excellent mix, there’s does not look like any state of affairs that sees Edmunds slipping all the best way No. 28. As an alternative, with the Bears scooping up Edmunds, I’ve the Steelers taking Leighton Vander Esch, who’s already being linked to Pittsburgh. He is Trapasso’s top-ranked exterior linebacker and 27th total. 

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota St. I believed the Jaguars would re-sign Allen Robinson and whereas that also may occur, their refusal to franchise tag him probably means he is a goner. That makes pass-catchers a critical space of want. Goedert is my first tight finish off the board. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein in contrast him to Zach Ertz, one of many recreation’s finest tight ends, whereas Trapasso ranked him first at his place group. Final 12 months, the Jaguars’ main tight finish, Marcedes Lewis, caught 24 passes for 318 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Jaguars want extra from the place. 

30. Minnesota Vikings

Vita Vea, DT, Washington. They received their quarterback in Cousins, now they will bolster their defensive position in Vea, who’s 18th total on Trapasso’s massive board. 

31. New England Patriots

Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA. The Patriots may lose Nate Solder in free company in order that they’ll want a brand new deal with. Enter: Miller, who’s 28th total on Trapasso’s massive board.

32. Philadelphia Eagles

Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma. Brown skilled a horrific mix efficiency that was so dangerous it may truly take him out of the primary spherical. Not so quick. The Eagles must develop a brand new left deal with with 36-year-old Jason Peters coming off a torn ACL. The Eagles notice that the mix is an overrated analysis instrument and resolve to belief his tape as an alternative. 

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[cover32-yahoopartner-blog]

Back off our Delanie

Back off “our” Delanie

Well, I was trying to avoid writing about the national anthem stuff, but apparently I must. This is my opinion and not necessarily that of Cover32 or Yahoo.

During a speech at the United States Air Force Academy, Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria said, “The appropriate response … for a horrible idea is a better idea.”

I don’t think Colin Kaepernick had a good idea when he sat during the national anthem.

Former Green Beret, and former Seattle Seahawks long snapper, Nate Boyer met with Kaepernick. (What follows is an excerpt from CBSSports)

“We sorta came to a middle ground where he would take a knee alongside his teammates,” Boyer says. “Soldiers take a knee in front of a fallen brother’s grave, you know, to show respect. When we’re on a patrol, you know, and we go into a security halt, we take a knee, and we pull security.”

Asked by Gumbel if Kap was “receptive” to his ideas, Boyer described him as “very receptive.”

“Very receptive. He said, ‘I think that would be– I think– I think that would be really powerful,'” Boyer recalls. “And, you know, he asked me to do it with him. And I said, ‘Look, I’ll stand next to you. I gotta stand though. I gotta stand with my hand on my heart. That’s just– that’s just what I do and where I’m from.'”

When Kaepernick changed his protest to be down on his knee, that changed it some for me. I am, generally, OK with a respectful peaceful protest. That’s an American exercising their freedom of expression.

What I couldn’t relate to and I still have an issue with is this- Any NFL player can call, email, text, or tweet a TV Station or newspaper and hold a press conference.  I was raised to believe that bringing any attention away from the flag (usually due to misbehavior) is disrespectful to your country. Why didn’t he just call a press conference and air his views then?

Kaepernick didn’t call me (who am I?) to see what I thought he should do. He did what he thought best. That’s also his choice, not mine.

I don’t like “my time” being interrupted. It’s not just Kaepernick, but picketers in the street, “holy rollers” waving signs, loud parades, and public chants all annoy me. I want my routine. I want to go to the store or go to work and have it be a typical experience. I’m not “anti-anything” except getting to work late.

Most people voicing public displeasure do so at times when they will get enough attention. They need people to listen and possibly people to join their cause.

As you can see, those voicing displeasure and I have a fundamental problem here.

So what’s the solution?

Let’s go back to the initial quote, “The appropriate response … for a horrible idea is a better idea. ” I’m not saying either idea is horrible, but let’s stick with this logic. A better idea here is respect and perspective.

Kaepernick respected the public outcry and the pleas from a Green Beret and he began to kneel. That was his better idea. For me, the better idea is to respect Kaepernick’s right to express himself and realize that he needs a public forum in order to get people to support his cause.

As you know, other NFL players began to kneel. They had their own protests or issues that they were kneeling for. All of this mushroomed into 2017, which brought many more kneelers than in 2016.

I became “good with it” when Kaepernick was doing it. Not happy, but I understood that I should respect his freedom of expression. His life in America is probably nothing like mine, so our viewpoints are probably largely different. The 2017 NFL protesters just brought more of the same feelings. I can respect their freedoms just as well as I can respect Kaepernick’s.

Last Saturday, Donald Trump spoke. The President of the United States explained how some NFL players should be fired for not standing at attention during the national anthem. All I thought then was a selfish thought- “hey that’s how I was brought up too.”

Last Sunday, NFL teams showed their displeasure by “taking a page out of Kaepernick’s book.” Many teams had players kneel during the national anthem. Some players were locked arm-in-arm with other players and/or coaches and/or owners. They were offering a protest with a bonus display of solidarity.

Did I agree with it? No, I just wanted to watch the game. Then I go on twitter looking for football updates and every football reporter is sharing thoughts and pictures of these protests. My routine was interrupted again. Again though, I respected their right to express themselves.

Again- Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria said, “The appropriate response … for a horrible idea is a better idea.”

On September 10, the Cleveland Browns played a video about unity while they were side by side with police officers, members of the US military, and firefighters. Members of the USO held a large flag on the field during the anthem. Browns players did kneel. They were also arm in arm, showing solidarity or brotherhood. Here is an image from last week’s game:

Proud of the Browns players for making a statement of unity during the anthem pic.twitter.com/DiuHSR2mRA

— Damon Kecman (@DownWithDamon) September 24, 2017

All of that is certainly a better idea. I love our military, our police, our fire department, and our football players. For them to be arm-n-arm, it was a nice visual.

Is it proper? I don’t know. If the military, police, and fire department were supportive of it, I assume so. It’s like above; if a Green Beret is alright with Kaepernick taking a knee, I ought to be.

Some teams didn’t go onto the field. The Titans were one of them. The Titans had some members of the 101st Airborne present for the game. During the national anthem, some members of the Marines held a large American flag.

Essentially, the Titans were trying to be impartial; trying to not take a side here.

Remember learning about the Revolutionary War in school. The USA fighting for its independence from the rule of the Queen? Last weekend, the Jaguars played the Ravens in London. Many NFL players knelt during the US national anthem, but yet stood at attention during the UK’s anthem, “God Save the Queen.”

Isn’t that ironic? You would think that would be the major twist this week, but nope. The big news involved the Titans.

Titans tight end Delanie Walker suddenly took center stage on this issue.

The Titans have a wonderful relationship with the military. The Titans trained this past offseason with the 101st Airborne and developed a connection between the soldiers and the players. The Titans visited their base and the soldiers visited the Titans. They each did the other’s workout routine. This wonderful relationship even grew another offshoot where the players’ wives and female Titans staff went to workout with some soldiers. When the Titans are running charity events, sometimes the soldiers are there to help too. Delanie Walker went on a tour with the USO to meet soldiers during this past offseason. He brought some joy and support to them during their grueling tours fighting for our freedoms. The Titans relationship with the military is wonderful.

Titans fans challenged their favorite players by saying they would not attend games. The Titans organizing to have the Marines present seems to have been ignored. Their history with the 101st also seems to have been ignored. Most of the rants stated that the Titans were disrespecting the military by staying in the locker room.

In a virtual response, Walker said this to an interviewer this past week:

“First off, I’m going to say this: We’re not disrespecting the military, the men, and women who served. That’s not what it’s all about. If you look at most of the guys in here; I’ve been to the USO. I support our troops. It’s not about that. It’s about equal rights and everyone is trying to show that we all care about each other. And the fans that don’t want to come to the games, OK, bye. I mean if you feel that’s something where we’re disrespecting you, don’t come to the games. You don’t have to. No one is telling you to come to the game. It’s your freedom and your choice to do that.”

Later this week, Walker and his family’s lives were threatened.

Walker is a super generous soul and a real fun interview to listen to. He is often in the public eye using his Tuesday off to do some good for others. There was one story shared recently about Walker helping to raise money for cancer research and to help a sweet little girl that has cancer. He was present for the Turkey drives around Thanksgiving. He is often charitable. Walker is a good man.

The context of the threat was not released. By definition, a threat is a harmful act of retribution.

This is not where we want to be as Titans fans.

We, as Americans, do not want to be in a position where we harm those that aren’t present for the national anthem. It wasn’t even mandatory for NFL players to be present for the national anthem until 2009.

I am going to “butcher” Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria’s speech below. The … inside quotes is me skipping some parts. He was speaking of a racist incident at the United States Airforce Academy. What he said though rings true for me. I am going to use his words as my message to Titans fans and specifically anyone threatening Delanie or any other Titans:

“If you’re outraged, then you’re in the right place. That kind of behavior has no place You should be outraged. … I would be naive, and we all would be naive, to think that everything is perfect here. We would be naive to think that we shouldn’t discuss this topic. We would also be tone-deaf not to think about the backdrop of what’s going on in our country. Things like Charlottesville and Ferguson, the protests in the NFL. That’s why we have a better idea. ….It’s about our diversity and it’s about the power of our diversity. The power of the 4000 of you (USAFA students) …the power of us as a diverse group. The power that we come from all walks of life. That we come from all parts of this country. That we come from all races. We come from all backgrounds, gender, all makeup, all upbringing. The power of that diversity comes together and makes us that much more powerful. That’s a much better idea than small thinking and horrible ideas. We have an opportunity here to think about what we are… no one can take away our values. No one can write on a board and question our values. No one can take that away from us. So just in case you’re unclear on where I stand on this topic, I’m going to leave you with my most important thought today. If you can’t treat someone with dignity and respect, then you need to get out. If you can’t treat someone from another gender, whether that’s a man or a woman, with dignity and respect, then you need to get out. If you need to demean someone in any way, then you need to get out. And if you can’t treat someone from another race or with different colored skin with dignity and respect, then you need to get out. …So that we all have the moral courage together,… this is our institution. If you need this, then use my words. Talk about this. Share this. If you can’t treat someone with dignity and respect, then get out.”

Us Titans fans have always had a more the merrier mindset. We welcome new fans every year. Recently, we welcomed millions of new fans that used to be fans of the St. Louis Rams. This is not that. Threats cross a line from rational discussion to become irrational behavior. So to all the millions of Titans fans, I say, “Titan Up!” To those few that are threatening Delanie and his family, “Get out!” We don’t want you in our fan-base. Get out!

He is the favorite player of many of us. He is OUR Delanie.

To those upset and still rational? Let’s discuss it. The presence and involvement of the military surely “throws a monkey wrench” at theories that the Titans are disrespecting the flag and consequently the military. Let’s discuss respecting people’s freedom of expression and the flag. It’s challenging to discuss them both at the same time.

Please let me leave you with this quote by Deepak Chopra:

“A belief is a thought that’s true for you.” 

He did not say, “true for everyone.”

I love you Titans fans, thank you for your support.

  AROUND COVER32 ​ ​Bradford ruled out for third straight week

Week 4 power rankings ​​ Top ten remaining free agents​

The most important reason to admire Alejandro Villanueva

​Fantasy: Week 4 QB streamers​

[ohioguru03]

Has it been 20 years?...

It seems like yesterday we were riding a chartered bus to Bill Davis Field on the campus of the The Ohio State University listening to “I’ll be Missing You” by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, and 112. 

I’m referring to our (St. Clairsville Baseball) unforgettable run to the Division II State Baseball Final Four. It was all so surreal and it was hard to fully realize what was happening in the midst of the trek to Columbus. 

I was just a sophomore, but played quite a bit on a team that was a perfect mix of talent and grinders. I was mainly used on the mound, and finished the season with a (2-0) record, which included getting the win over Bellaire St. John’s (a regional participant). The win over the Irish broke the school-record for most wins in a season at 24. We would eventually finish the year (26-4). 

Other than being an all-star in pre-game infield practice that is about where my part of the story ends. Well, I almost forgot, there was the heckling that the sophomores would do to the opponents. Ironically, we were numbers 26, 27, 28, and 29. We thought we were pretty funny and a big part our success. Basically, we were loud mouthed jerks, but effective. 

We started the season with a victory, but lost our home opener to Martins Ferry (6-5). The crazy thing, we had our ace on the mound (Shane Valigora) and dropped a game to a team far less talented than us. Valigora would go on to win an incredible 10 games on the season and single handily pitch us to the Final Four. He earned the nickname “horse” for a reason. He had a high 80′s fastball and a nasty curve ball. He was as mentally tough as any pitcher I’ve been around. 

Following the loss to Martins Ferry, we went on a long winning streak. I can only speak for me personally, a pretty knowledgeable sports guy, but it never even crossed my mind that this team could accomplish some of things we did. It wasn’t like we were expecting to make a big run. 

During the winning streak, it just seemed like everything went our way. Even in games we got behind, we found ways to comeback no matter what inning it was. After awhile, we started developing the attitude that we can’t lose. It didn’t matter what the situation, we were going to find a way to win. Games with Union Local and Alliance stick out to me where this was the case. 

We finally dropped a game to Zanesville where we rested a lot of starters. We quickly bounced back and got rolling once again. Then, it happened! We were playing in the OVAC Championship Game at Steubenville’s Vaccaro Field against a game Barnesville squad. 

See, for many, many years, this game was treated as a state championship game for legendary coach Richard “Lefty” Hall. He was often accused of caring more about the OVAC Tournament than the State Tournament. Only he could answer that, but he must of had a feeling this was his best chance to reach Columbus before he retired a few years later. 

He didn’t start Valigora in the OVAC Title Game, but instead opted for our number two man Brian “Bucky” Richardson. The game was a laugher as we quickly jumped out to a (19-1) lead. We were literally laughing in the dugout thinking this was going to be over in five innings and we could put another trophy in the case en route to Columbus. 

I remember the great Barnesville coach Brad Wilson (a great friend of Lefty) saying hey “a couple hits we’re right back in this.” I remember thinking is this guy nuts. The Rocks are going to be fortunate to hold us under 30 runs in this game. However, he was right, one hit led to another and one error led to another, and Barnesville was inching closer. 

Richardson was pulled for yours truly. I came in and quickly got a double play ball, but the late Derek Hoffman fielded a grounder at first and threw the ball into center field trying to get the force out at second base. The 6-foot-7 lefty was as good as they get at first base, which made it even harder to believe. 

I was then pulled and quite frankly I don’t remember who came in next, but I do recall Valigora dropping a pee wee league pop up at third base. Yes, another strange happening. Eventually, Richardson reentered on the mound, which I didn’t even know you could do that. It was absolutely crazy. Long story, short, Barnesville eventually won the game (this is exactly what we needed to cool our ego), and to Hall’s credit, he never brought Valigora in the game. 

The tournament would start and we barely escaped the opener against Beaver Local. The Beavers hurled a very good pitcher, and we used a generous bounce to win a close one. Game two was a blowout of Indian Creek before playing River View at its field in the district. 

Josh Bowman, who was a stud left-hander, couldn’t find the plate walking several of our hitters. The game ended up in another lop-sided victory. 

Regional play would take place at Ohio University Lancaster’s Beaver Field. We played Logan Elm and pitcher Wayne Rossiter in the semis. It wasn’t easy, but we eventually pulled away for an (8-3) win. 

We were scheduled to play Richmond Edison the next day, but after driving back to Lancaster, the game never started as rain washed out the contest. The regional final would move to Vaccaro Field in Steubenville on Monday evening. 

It was the largest high school baseball crowd I’ve seen. Onlookers were standing on picnic tables to get a glimpse of a classic. Edison, a heavy favorite with Valigora not expected to pitch, jumped on us early with a grand slam by Nate Cline off Richardson. We would eventually claw our way back and take the lead. Enter Valigora! Edison would also bring in their ace (Rusty Bendle). To this day, I’ve not seen or been part of a better game. The Red Devils eventually triumphed, 6-5, sending Hall and our team to its first state baseball Final Four. 

The feeling can’t be described. It was like a fog. The hair on the back of my neck was standing up and it was like everything was happening in slow motion as our team was storming the field. I remember assistant coach Bobby Vincenzo parading his son (our batboy) around his on his shoulders. I will never forget the moment. 

The state semifinal didn’t go the way we would’ve liked, but Valigora once again was stellar on the hill. We dropped a tough (3-0) decision to a very good Canton Central Catholic team led by lights out lefty Josh Haupt. We fought and battled like we did all year, but just couldn’t get to the big fella. 

Random Thoughts:

-It was the best “team” I’ve been apart of. It was a true team with a couple studs in Valigora and Richardson. The latter being the best all around baseball player I had the privilege to play alongside. He could do it all. 

-This team just didn’t make errors, which was a big reason for our success. The infield was flawless with Richardson at SS and sure-handed Ryan Mellott at 2B. Matt Banal was as tough as they come at 3B and Hoffman was automatic at !B (other than his heave into CF when I was pitching, lol). Nate King was our catcher, though he rarely threw runners out, he was a wall behind the dish. 

-The outfield was serviceable with Craig Lipniskis in RF, who could really hit the ball out of the cleanup spot. Justin “Buba” Rector was everywhere in CF. Rector, an incredible musician, covered so much ground in the outfield. He was a great bunter and saved us on the mound many times. The right fielder was one of my best friends, Matt Lucki, the only sophomore starter was playing out of position but he managed quite nicely. Lucki, who eventually played for Youngstown State, was a streaky hitter that could swing for power. 

-I vividly remember the leadership shown by the three seniors on this team. They led by example and kept all of us in line. 

-It was a joke that none of our guys made all-state. 

-It’s crazy to think this was 20 years ago. I’m really surprised St. Clairsville didn’t honor our team this past spring, but maybe 25 years? 

-I enjoyed spending time with our bench crew, which featured Danny Olinski, who played a lot more than the rest of us, Justin Clifford (led Harrison Central to the state baseball Final Four in 2013 and is the head basketball coach), Matt Turkoly, and David Pugh. We sure did have a lot of laughs usually at the expense of the other team and ourselves. 

-I honestly don’t know where some of these guys currently reside, but I would want them to know, it was an honor and a pleasure to be a small part of what was an amazing ride. It was the crowning moment of my athletic career and I will never forget it. There is just something special about being part of a team and trust me, this was a selfless club. 

-Thinking about this happening 20 years ago makes me realize how short and precious life is. It’s such a gift by God! It makes me realize how fast time evaporates. We are constantly anticipating things in our life, and before we know it 20 years have gone by. 

This reminds me of James 4:14, which says “...Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”

[3rdmanin]

How To Replace Nate Schmidt If He’s Taken In The Expansion Draft

It’s no secret that one of the two players that the Caps will lose in the expansion draft are goaltender Philipp Grubauer or defenseman Nate Schmidt (unless the Capitals have a side deal set up with Vegas to take someone else). For awhile, most fans assumed it would be Grubauer to being taken tonight, who has proven himself worthy of a starter's gig, but after all of the NHL teams’ protection lists were released and it was revealed that there would be a lot of good goalies exposed, it isn’t so certain Grubauer will be living in the desert. Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins) Petr Mrazek (Detroit Red Wings), and Antti Raanta (New York Rangers) are all available to be swiped in the draft also. The Golden Knights could still pick Grubauer to flip him for draft picks that Schmidt may not be able to get them, but it’s still a very real possibility that the promising young blueliner will be taken.

If that happens, it will be a pretty big blow to the Caps on a couple levels. First, it would be detrimental in general to lose a second-pairing defenseman for absolutely nothing; a young, puck-moving, possession-happy one to boot! But it also hurts because Schmidt was an undrafted free agent college signing that turned into a second-pairing caliber defenseman. That means that the Capitals did an excellent job scouting and developing him, so losing him after all of that hard work for nothing is kind of a sucker punch as well. Also, Schmidt might be one of the happiest guys to play the sport of hockey today, a brimming personality that makes everyone around him smile, teams don't like losing guys like that. But it’s looking more and more like he will be gone, and if that happens the Capitals need to be prepared to replace him. Here are a few ways to do that.

TRADE

The only potential positive of Schmidt being selected by Vegas, is that will still leave the Capitals with Grubauer to trade, who would be a highly sought-after young goaltender with a promising future. Clubs in need of a goalie will pay a pretty penny for a player like that. The issue is there are only three NHL clubs that truly need goaltending help, and that is the Arizona Coyotes, Winnipeg Jets, and Philadelphia Flyers; none really have Top 4 left-handed defensemen to move. Arizona has young star Oliver Ekman-Larsson and veteran Alex Goligoski, but it's hard to see Arizona moving either, especially Ekman-Larsson. As for Winnipeg, they already have a lack of good left-handers on the backend, and their only good one is Joshua Morrissey, and there's likely little chance they are moving the 22-year old for Grubauer. Lastly, the Flyers have emerging stars in Ivon Provorov and Shayne Gostisbehere and its highly, highly unlikely that either of those players are moved. So it looks like the possibility of flipping Grubauer directly for a Top 4 left-handed is not something that is plausible at this time.

But that doesn’t mean that the Caps still can’t turn Grubauer into a Top 4 blueliner. Consider this, the Capitals traded goaltender Semyon Varlamov with 59 games played, a 2.38 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage  for first and second-round picks. Gruabuer played 66 games with a 2.25 goals-against average and .923 save percentage. Grubauer arguably, had a better start to his career, so it might not  be out of the question to a get a first and second for him. He should at least potentially fetch a first or two second-rounders and a later pick. With those picks, they can now go to teams and possibly offer those picks as a package deal. Since the Expansion Draft is going to change the offseason plans of the entire league, it’s very difficult to give suggestions on who the Caps could possibly want to target. After everything settles with the draft and free agency, it will be a lot easier to see potential players to acquire.

PROMOTION

Another option to replace Schmidt is to promote from within the organization. As of now, the only left-handed defensemen on the NHL roster are Brooks Orpik and Taylor Chorney, and neither are Top 4 material, so the Caps will have to look at their prospects for help. Outside of goaltending, left-handed defensemen are probably the Capitals's most flush position in terms of Top 4 ceiling. The question is are any of them ready?

Lucas Johansen, the teams first-round pick in 2016, might be the best overall left-handed blueliner that the Caps have. He’s great defensively, with smooth skating ability topped with a great pass and sneaky shot. The main issue is that unless he blows away the Capitals' brass at the upcoming Development Camp, there’s about a zero percent chance he’s ready for second-pairing NHL duties. He's only 19-years old, so he needs at least another two to three years or more of seasoning before he’s ready for the big stage.

There is also Jonas Siegenthaler, who has been playing against men since he was 16 over in Switzerland. He’s now 20-years old with a huge frame (6’3” 220 lbs) and he knows how to take care of his own zone. But he still looks as though he needs at least another year of North American play to prepare him for the NHL. But because of his size and defensive awareness, Capitals Head Coach Barry Trotz could trust him with bigger responsibilities if he can show enough at development camp. Still, it’s a pretty small chance he jumps straight into an NHL role this October, let alone at a second-pairing level.

Lastly is Christian Djoos, probably the most NHL-ready of the three aforementioned prospects. Turning 23-years old this summer, Djoos had a fantastic season last year in the American Hockey League, placing third in scoring among defensemen. He has some great offensive capabilities and isn’t too shabby defensively. But he still needs to put muscle on his 165-pound frame if he wants to survive in the NHL, especially if he wants to be on the second-pairing. He too, would have to have a pretty great summer to prove he’s ready for time in the Top 4. The team's annual Development Camp next week will give fans a good look at him to see if he's ready.

Unrestricted Free Agency

As one can see, it doesn't appear as though the Capitals' major defensive prospects are ready for a full-time NHL role. The good news is that all of them are really close, so the Caps really just need to find a replacement for a year or two before those players are fully ready. The best way to do that is to go the unrestricted free agent route. Teams never want to solely rely on free agency, because as a rule of thumb, teams will most likely overpay for help. Luckily for the Capitals, there are some bargain picks in this summer's crop of UFAs that can help their potential Top 4 problem without paying too much or too long.

First off is longtime NHLer Brian Campbell. He would be the best of both worlds for the Caps. He’s a veteran blueliner with Stanley Cup experience that can still play some great hockey. Plus, he would be considerably cheap and short-termed. He is known for helping younger players play their game, as he did recently in Florida with Panthers' star Aaron Ekblad. If he pairs up with John Carlson, that pairing could be have the potential to be deadly. He is 38, which is concerning, but he has been mostly healthy since the 2011-2012 season (though he was scratched twice last year) and doesn’t look out of place while on the ice. The only real problem is that there are rumblings he will either sign with the Chicago Blackhawks or retire, which obviously doesn’t help the Caps out. But if he would come to Washington, the Capitals could probably get him for one to two seasons years for potentially somewhere in the area of $2 million a season, which is perfect given the team's salary cap situation. He still has the ability to put up 30-plus points on a great team like the Caps.

Another older player that could help the Caps out is Andrei Markov. Turning 39-years old in December, this offensive defenseman has a lot of experience, all with the Montreal Canadiens. He has been a main stay on the top-pairing for a while, but with the Caps, he would be likely used on the second-pairing, which should alleviate some of the difficulties of being an older player. He put up 36 points last season in 62 games played, but that was with power play time. It's hard to see him getting much time on the man-advantage with the Caps' certain set up for righties at the point, but he does have an absolute bomb, so maybe he’s worth trying on the secons unit. Still, even with no power play time he has the potential to score 30-plus points if he stays healthy. Like Campbell, because of his age the Capitals would most likely try and get Markov on a short-term deal worth around $3 million per season.

There are also plenty of younger options to consider as well. First is Brendan Smith, who had spent his whole career in Detroit, before he was traded to the New York Rangers at the trade deadline. He isn’t going to blow anyone away offensively, as he might only finish with 20-30 points in a 82 game season on a great team, but that’s okay. It's his defensive play that and fantastic shot suppression that would make him a great partner for the more offensive Carlson. At 28-years old, he can probably be had for about $3 million a season on a two to three-year deal.

Speaking of Detroit, the Capitals might also be interested in Jakub Kindl. Much like his ex-teammate, Brendn Smith, Kindl will not blow anyone away offensively, but he’s good at suppressing shots and helping his team get more of them on the opposing net. Best of all, the 30-year old could be potentially be signed to a short-term, low-money deal.

Lastly (kind of) is Michael Del Zotto. He’s completely different than everyone on this list because he’s the youngest, but because of that he won’t come cheap. A former first-round pick of the New York Rangers, he never has been able to live up to his potential. He eventually went to the Nashville Predators before signing in Philadelphia, where he found his game. He’s a pure puck-moving defenseman that has a knack for scoring goals, which the Caps could always use. Since he’s so young, at only 26-years old, and has offensive skills, he’s going to cost a pretty penny in money and term. One downside to him is he gets hurt often, as he hasn’t played more than 57 games in five years, but that could bring down his price. Most likely, he’ll have to come in along on a long-term, big-money contract. That will be an issue for the Caps, as they need to find some money to sign many key players over the next couple years. Also, if he were going to be paired with Carlson, that could form a defensive liability. As one can see by the chart below, they aren’t the best at suppressing shots, but once they get up ice they are extremely deadly, which could be worth the trade off.

Here’s a bonus player the Caps should highly consider. The reason he isn’t on the top of this list is because he’s a right-handed defenseman and teams tend to not like players playing on their offside, which he or Carlson would most likely have to do. But the Pittsburgh Penguins just won two Stanley Cups in a row with mostly right-handed defensemen, so it can work. Anyways, the Caps should attempt to snag up Cody Franson, quite possibly the most underrated defenseman in the league considering his pay and time on ice. He’s a big player at 6’5” and 224 lbs, that can do a bit of everything. If he came to the Caps and played Top 4 minutes, he could potentially be able to score 40-plus points while driving possession. Best of all, as mentioned earlier, he’s very underrated, so he wouldn't cost a ton. Perhaps $3.5M or more for two to three years would do it, though it could be more but would be well worth it. Another idea to do with him, if the Caps were uncomfortable playing someone on their offside, is to sign him but play him on the bottom-pairing. It still doesn’t answer the potential second-pairing problem, but if they have three strong pairings, then maybe they don’t need the second-pairing left-handed side to be a strong one. Perhaps try out Djoos there, or one of the really cheap options mentioned above.

It would be a shame to lose Schmidt in the Expansion Draft. He’s a young, Top 4 caliber, puck-moving defenseman that makes everyone around him better. That is very hard to find,so losing him would hurt. But there are still answers out there to fill the big hole that Schmidt would leave IF he's taken. It might not be as strong or might just be a band-aid until prospects are ready, but it should work and keep the Capitals competitive. But some Capitals fans hope George McPhee takes Brooks Orpik to make the Captals' lives so much better. We’re Caps fans, we have an overflow of good fortune.. right?

All the charts are provided by the great Own The Puck

[auburnfamilynews]

Will a Bulldog majority in Atlanta matter? (Photo by Acid Reign.)

     War Eagle, everybody! It is SEC Championship week, and this year, Auburn is in the game! The Auburn Tigers will face the Georgia Bulldogs, an annual opponent that Auburn has already smashed once this year, in Auburn, by the score of 40-17. I have to hand it to Georgia fans, ever optimistic, ever supportive of their program. They are behind their school, and have loudly voiced their opinions that Auburn wasn’t better than Georgia this year, it was just that the Bulldogs made uncharacteristic mistakes. Is all of that true? We will find out definitively, Saturday evening, in the new Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The SEC Title Game will be televised nationally on CBS, and it will kick off around or a bit after 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time.

     Typically on Thursday this year, I’ve done sort of a meandering preview of the game ahead, and what my worries for Auburn are. I also try to balance that with some optimism, and what Auburn might be able to do, to ride to victory. I wrote one of these, 3 weeks ago today. What a difference that short period of time has generated! We were hoping for the best back in early November, and expecting the worst. Instead, Auburn has won the SEC West, and in the process, has blasted number one Georgia and Alabama to the combined tune of 66-31! Auburn finished November 4-0, and is looking to add another Bulldog scalp to the Tiger collection.

     First off, most of the Auburn angst I’ve seen this week centers around a possible defacto home field advantage for Georgia. Secondly, the health of Heisman-worthy Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson is up in the air. I think it’s likely that he will play, as word out of Auburn is that there aren’t obvious bone breaks or muscle tears in Kerryon’s injured shoulder. That said, how effective can he be, and how vulnerable? Pundits like Gary Danielson do not think that Auburn can win this game without him. Me? I’m not sure I hold with that mentality. Auburn has other backs, very talented backs, who’ve shined in limited minutes, for the most part.

Concerns, and answers from three weeks ago, after the jump!

     I felt like Georgia was just a little bit better in the front seven, on defense, than Auburn. I’ve been proven wrong. Georgia had to blitz, to try and slow Auburn’s ground game and to put any pressure on Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham. On the blitz, they were burned repeatedly on hot-read passes. Meanwhile, Auburn was able to shut down Georgia’s run game, and mercilessly hammer Bulldog quarterback Jake Fromm, mostly with just a 4-man rush. This trend continued against Alabama, last weekend. Auburn did not blitz Bama QB Jalen Hurts but 2 times. I feel like a possibly partisan Georgia crowd isn’t going to change what happens in the trenches.

     I had a big worry about Auburn special teams, and still do. Auburn did allow some big returns against Georgia, and had a kickoff run back 55 yards by Alabama. Furthermore, speedy return men get an extra step, on a fast artificial surface. That said, Auburn won the special teams battle against Georgia, as the only major factor for Georgia was a muffed punt that led to a quick Auburn touchdown. We Auburn fans complain about Stephen Roberts not returning enough balls, but I am thankful that he’s never given the ball over to the opposition while he’s been back there. Keep on keeping on, Stephen!

     I felt like Georgia’s offensive line was a little bit better than Auburn’s. Maybe so, but it did not matter in the matchup 3 weeks ago. The two lines don’t play each other. Georgia’s offensive line was destroyed up front by Auburn’s defensive line, and Auburn’s offensive line was able to stalemate the Georgia defensive front. Georgia was forced to blitz to slow Auburn down, and after some initial Tiger trepidation, the Auburn attack adapted, and took the Georgia defense apart. Meanwhile, the Auburn front seven made Georgia pretty miserable, on offense. Again, I don’t see any crowd advantage making any difference, here.

     Some new plays and variations were unleashed upon the Alabama Crimson Tide, by the Auburn offense this past weekend. Alabama was able to limit the Auburn running game, and force some 3rd and medium-longs. What Alabama, Kirby Smart and Georgia all like to do on those 3rd downs is to blitz the quarterback, and get to him before the receivers can even run to the first down marker. Sounds like a solid strategy, right?

     Auburn cooked that strategy against Alabama, by running an old Air-raid staple, the mesh. Alabama had some suspect nickel/linebacker coverage going into this matchup, and Auburn ran the mesh on 3rd down with Ryan Davis and Will Hastings, two of the fastest guys on Auburn’s roster. Some folks noticed, and were laughing that Hastings and Davis were high-fiving each other as they crossed, short over the middle. That’s a staple that comes from old Mike Leach football. The mesh is basically a legal rub/pick play, designed to beat man-to-man coverage teams have to use, when they blitz. The high-five is a tool to make sure the receivers pass close enough together to shave off their defender. Both receivers got open quickly on this play, repeatedly, especially on 3rd down. Jarrett Stidham took a 3-step drop, and hit those guys in stride for big gains, consistently.

     Teams, including Georgia, like to stack the middle of the formation, to try and slow down a powerful Auburn inside running game. Again from Air raid philosophy, Auburn has the perfect counter. It’s the quick screen, which in various sources is called the “bubble screen,” the “now screen,” etc. Basically, Auburn runs 2 receivers out to one side, and if the coverage is cheated inside to help with the running game, Stidham takes the snap and immediately fires to the slot receiver behind the line. Auburn has had really good blocking from Nate Craig-Myers on those for much of the season, but I haven’t really seen him get much credit. Prior to the November, Auburn mostly had only the option to throw this to one side. Lately, Auburn has been splitting H-back Chandler Cox out wide to the opposite side from Craig-Myers, and the threat works to either side. Against Alabama, this quick screen worked repeatedly. Alabama was forced to cheat outside on the coverage, which opened up lanes for KJ to pick up over 100 rushing yards, plus the option for Auburn to have quarterback Jarrett Stidham take off running and burn the spread-out defense.

     It has been intriguing, this year, to watch this offense develop. If one was to watch it and describe it, it’s a spread attack, to be sure. It incorporates wing-T running philosophy, and air-raid passing strategy. Auburn has an arsenal of trick plays it runs regularly, and then we have some under-center plays for short yardage and beyond, too. Jet-motion by receivers isn’t just a useless decoy with this offense. Auburn has picked up a bunch of yardage by handing it off to Eli Stove and others, on this motion. Auburn has even shown the willingness to run the jet sweep on critical 3rd down plays, making this motion a real headache for defensive coordinators.

     I feel like Auburn head coach Gus Malzhan has been brilliant, and aggressive in his previous SEC Title Game appearances. Malzahn’s offenses have scored 56 and 59 points in 2 appearances, and this is the most balanced and talented squad yet, that he’s had to work with. I would be shocked if Auburn doesn’t open up on the UGA defense with both barrels, again this year.

     We haven’t even really mentioned Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. Since his arrival at Auburn a couple of years ago, we have not seen an offense able to consistently take advantage of his schemes, except maybe Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl. That Sugar situation was greatly exacerbated by a really inept, three-n-out Auburn offense, in that game. Frankly, this year, Georgia’s not that complicated on offense. Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney is a guy I’ve long respected, in this league. However, he’s having to make Georgia go with a freshman quarterback. That limits what Georgia can install and execute. Georgia this year has been built to hand off, and hand off often to Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. I can’t imagine that will change much, this week. Auburn won big in the trenches, in the first matchup. I suspect it will again, with the linemen actually looking healthier. I expect we’ll see a few quick first down passes, to loosen things up. That’s what I would call against the Auburn D, too. The bad thing for Georgia is that Auburn has the secondary to cover Georgia’s receivers, and they will clamp down, as the game goes on.

     Barring miscues of epic proportions, I see Auburn again controlling both lines of scrimmage, and strangling Georgia again. Auburn’s plethora of speedy skill guys will make big plays on the fast track indoors, and Auburn should be able to comfortably win again. The Tigers just have to ignore the pressure of the big stage, and execute again like they have the past 5 games. I’m confident that they will. We will have our usual Trackemtigers.com open thread up Saturday morning, and we’ll be in and out all day. I’m a night-shift guy lately, so I’ll try to catch a bit of a nap Saturday morning, but I will be at the keyboard for my usual play by play come game time. I’ll be covering this one remotely, on my laptop, but that set up has not caused me any issues, in the past. The classic Thinkpad keyboard is world-class proven! War Eagle, and let’s kick those Bulldogs!

The post It’s Title Game Week for the Tigers! appeared first on Track 'Em Tigers, Auburn's oldest and most read independent blog.

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How Victor Oladipo went from Paul George commerce punchline to attainable Pacers All-Star

Victor Oladipo sits at a locker with an ice pack on his knee. He is observing his telephone with a straight look on his face. For somebody that’s having the perfect season of his profession, he appears calm. 

The Indiana Pacers have gained 4 in a row, and in a detailed sport towards his first workforce, the Orlando Magic, Oladipo was the clear distinction with 29 factors, 9 rebounds, seven steals and 5 assists. There isn’t a signal of shock from anybody, although. That is the brand new regular for him.

“I simply went on the market and performed laborious, man,” Oladipo stated. “It would not matter the place we’re at or who we’re taking part in, I simply come out and play as laborious as I can.”

The Pacers are his third workforce in three years. The previous No. 2 general choose has twice been traded for greater names, however that hasn’t slowed him down individually. It has solely compelled him to regulate and discover methods to get higher.

When the Pacers traded Paul George to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder for Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, many recommended they’d been swindled. George was a famous person participant. Oladipo is a fifth-year veteran on an costly contract who nonetheless was recognized extra for his athleticism than his output. How can he probably be price what Indiana gave away?

“I feel I’ve improved a bit bit all over the place,” Oladipo stated. “My mindset particularly I feel has improved rather a lot. Getting snug with my teammates. Getting snug with the system we’re operating right here. Simply taking it someday at a time.”

Whereas he is definitely no George, Oladipo has been the whole lot the Pacers had been hoping for and extra. He is averaging 22.6 factors, 5 rebounds and three.7 assists. A part of that uptick is coming due to the Pacers’ dynamic offense and tempo. Nevertheless, Oladipo is capturing 44 p.c from Three-point vary. He has a True Taking pictures proportion of 57 p.c. He is taking extra pictures than ever, and he is making them too.

What caused this offensive revolution? How has somebody who has, for his whole profession, been at finest a high-usage slasher discovered a technique to be one of many NBA’s simplest threats? He is realized.

“He absorbs the whole lot that you simply inform him,” Pacers coach Nate McMillan stated. “I’ve had extra movie periods with him than I’ve had actually with any participant. It is ‘trigger he needs to get higher. … He is a man that watches quite a lot of movie. He needs to study. He needs to enhance. We have been capable of see some development in his sport from a few of these movie periods.”

Progress is one technique to put it. It is extra like an explosion. The position Oladipo performs now is not precisely the identical, however the expectation of him as a go-to scorer is what he was purported to do in Orlando. He had moments, however he was by no means capable of put it collectively constantly. In fact, he wasn’t capturing the way in which he’s proper now in Indiana. 

“He is taking part in at an All-Star degree,” Magic coach Frank Vogel stated. “The most effective basketball of his profession. He is at all times been a fantastic basket attacker, slasher, and defender. The best way he is capturing the ball from the Three-point line is what separates the place he is been previous to this yr. Not simply capturing open nook 3s, however capturing them off the bounce, off pin-downs, quite a lot of other ways and it places much more strain on the protection to shut out.”

His former teammates see a unique demeanor in Oladipo. Sure, he is taking part in properly, however the Indiana atmosphere round him is someplace he can embrace.

“[He’s] taking part in actually aggressive and I am glad for him,” Nikola Vucevic stated. “It isn’t simple [being] traded for the second time in a yr. However I feel Indiana is a good workforce for him. They seem to be a younger workforce. He will get to do quite a lot of issues offensively and I do know he went to highschool there so I do know he likes it there rather a lot.”

Aaron Gordon added, “He appears to be like like he is residence. He appears to be like like he is discovered a house that he can keep for a very long time. He appears to be like very snug there. He is at all times been a really gifted individual, so I am super-happy for him.”

Oladipo made his identify at Indiana, and the Hoosiers devoted nonetheless wildly cheer for him at video games. Even former IU coach Tom Crean was in attendance in Orlando.

“He’ll at all times be my coach,” Oladipo stated, “He’ll at all times be a father determine to me and at all times be my Coach. [He will] at all times be a person that after I have a look at him he believed in me earlier than anybody else did.”

Oladipo is likely to be having a fantastic season to this point, however speaking to him you would not understand it. That is simply one other day as he works in direction of being the perfect he might be. Because the younger Pacers develop, so will he.

“I am glad to be a Pacer,” Oladipo stated “I really feel like I am residence.”

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