Where is the Bite?

Unless you’ve been in a coma, like the Mississippi State offense, then you know the name of the game these days is scoring points in the world of college football!  Sure, every now and then we see an SEC game won by the final of 17-14 or 20-17… but to win these days takes an explosive offense and the ability to score points in a hurry.  So what’s a team to do after losing 3-2 to the 9th ranked team in the nation and then going on the road and getting beat by a middle of the pack ACC team that they trailed 28-zip?  Make some serious changes.  Fast.

Sylvester Croom needs to be more creative… and be more aggressive in stretching the field.  I’m not in the business of trying to get coaches fired, but Woody McCorvey has shown his team can ONLY move the ball by methodically dinking and dumping it down the field, mixing in runs with short passes. The lone exception EVER being the Arkansas game last year in Little Rock, where they once again played from behind, and somehow competed in a shoot-out. 

It starts with talent, and then must transcend to the field.  But MSU spells boring right now, and unfortunately, might add themselves up to a 3 win football team this year. 

And wasn’t this the season to step up and compete with the BIG BOYS?

Christian

Tough Weekend

Happy Tuesday everybody… Great to be back with you on the Sports Wire.  After a couple days off, it’s time to reflect on the weekend that was on the football field.  Let’s start with MSU, and how embarrassing was that lose to Georgia Tech?  The offense is inept, and they have no concept on how to be creative and get a defense off-balance.  Their as vanilla as an ice cream cone at SONIC.  It’s brutal to watch, isn’ it?  Three wins would be a miracle for this team at this point.

Ole Miss loss a heart-breaker to Vandy.  There’s no doubt, the replay is conclusive, Dexter McCluster fumbled as he went in to the end zone on the 1-yard line.  It hurts if you’re a part of Rebel Nation, but it’s true.  The ball was out… what can you do about it now?  The Rebels are a six win team… they’ll go bowling.

Finally, Southern Miss shocked me on Saturday.  I knew Marshall was a good team, and of course we all realize there will be growing pains in Larry Fedora’s first year in Hattiesburg, but I thought the Golden Eagles would beat the Thundering Herd.  Execution is the name of the game though, and if you give up the big play and can’t convert on 3rd down… you can get beat at home by a team you’re more talented then.  They’ll bounce back - this team is going bowling too!

Check back for more later this week… including my take on the Saints in the NFL

Christian

Bye Bye Brady

We’re back… after a few weeks away… the 16 WAPT Sports Blogs have returned.

The first weekend of the NFL regular season will be remembered for one thing - Tom Brady’s left knee exploding and giving everyone else in the league a shot to win the championship. It’s tough to see such a great competitor with a work-ethic second to none in the league go down… but if you’re a fan of the game like me… there’s nothing like 20 plus teams having a shot to win it all now!

And speaking of, Mr. Brett Favre may just lead the J-E-T-S… JETS JETS JETS to the Big Bowl! Not only did he get it done in Miami with his usual antics and hail mary throws, but he proved he still has plenty of game left to offer. What a season we have in store!

More coming on the Saints big opening day win later…

Favre Thoughts…

What a joke this has become… the endless pursuit of “scoop” in the Brett Favre saga.  Here’s my take… Favre is a good man and a great player who is fun to watch.  I want him to play, but not in Green Bay.  In fact I’d love it if he ended up in Minnesota… but as we know by now it’ll be Tampa or New York with the Jets.  The dude plays with heart, passion, and he may have one more Super Bowl run in him.  But his mechanics stink, and always have… but results matter.  18 and 4 over his last 22 games isn’t bad.

As far as the Packers… lay off head coach Mike McCarthy.  He’s doing his best, and trying to keep a team focused on football when basically a Paris Hilton Hollywood storyline fit for the National Enquire hit.  Ted Thompson made a poor decision… they should have welcomed Brett back with open arms.  The day before the season opener if they had too.  Who Cares?  He’s a Hall of Famer and a Legend. 

But honestly… I’m just ready for it all to be over.  Can we please talk about something else soon?

Saints Update

The Who Dat’s have looked good so far on this second full week of camp.  A few things stand out…

1. The Defense is much improved… thanks to a D-Line that swarms to the football and the additions of Bobby McCray and Sedrick Ellis.  Look for the Saints to be near the top in sacks and TFL in ‘08

2. Injuries are an issue.  Don’t let them fool you… the Saints are starting to realize that Deuce, Shockey, McKenzie and other vets nursing injuries could be a liability come September.

3. Finally… Drew Brees is a leader.  Without him the Saints would be a 5 win team.  Period.  Robert Meachem single-handily has improved because the veteran signal caller has provided him the encouragement and attention he needed to overcome his fear of the NFL.  Meachem is working hard, but Brees is leading the way.

The first pre-season game is set for tomorrow night in Arizona against the Cardinals at 7 PM on ESPN.

Saints Camp - Day 8

Thur. July 31st - It was actually cooler at practice this morning… as the grey skies moved in and the breeze was flowing for the morning session.  The team went thru a light walk-thru, then a majority of the players left the practice fields to lift weights.  Special teams was front and center… and the return game continues to struggle.  Reggie Bush muffed a few punts from the jug machine, and overall the tempo was lacking.  Hopefully the team can improve in a vital component of the game.  Sean Payton and Drew Brees met the media, and a few other players lingered to talk including Martin Gramatica and Adrian Arrington.  Talk to you on Thursday… I’ll be out there LIVE In the 5 and 6 PM Shows.

Christian

Early Week Review

Saints Camp is in full effect these days… as the team has made Millsaps College home.

Mon. July 28th - The Saints worked thru two-a-days once again with the receivers and DB’s taking center stage.  Adrian Arrington continues to produce, and is making a statement that he could be yet another 7th round WR sleeper for this team.  Usama Young had 3 picks in the morning session… and the secondary had two more to make the total five!  Serious improvement there… and much needed come September.  DE Bobby McCray suffered from back spasms, man do those hurt.  At least it looks like it.   Finally Devery Henderson and Tracy Porter sat out practice once again after colliding Sunday in practice…both are dealing with strained hamstrings.

Tues. July 29th - The team took the afternoon session and moved it to a night practice at Veterans Memorial Stadium… and late word broke that Sedrick Ellis has signed.  The DT out of USC inks a 5-year deal worth $49 Million dollars.  Chump change right?  He should be in camp by tomorrow!

Wed. July 30th - Ellis reports to camp in good shape… as his teammates tease him about “smelling like money” as he takes the field for the first time!  The team only practiced once in the afternoon on Millsaps football stadium with the pro-turf… and practice was delayed almost 45 minutes due to lighting in the area.  Ellis looked quick, coachable, and answered questions from the media with poise.  Only one week away from the 1st preseason game when the players wake up in the morning!

Saints Camp Recap

Well the Black and Gold have once again made Jackson home for the third straight summer!  The Saints arrived last Wednesday night and have been on the practice field since Thursday morning.  I’ll be updating the blog starting today thru the end of camp… everyday… so keep it here for my latest thoughts and observations from the Who Dats visit to Central Mississippi for Training Camp!

Due to some technical difficulties… my posts thru the weekend were erased… so here’s a quick catch up!

Wed. July 23rd - Head Coach Sean Payton met the media to discuss the beginning of camp!  Topics included new Tight End Jeremy Shockey, the defensive additions, and of course the return to Millsaps!

Thur. July 24th - Two-A-Days begin bright and early.  The heat was not as intense as past summers.  All eyes were on Deuce McAllister… the former Ole Miss Legend and Saints all-time leading rusher… as he made his return the field for the first time in 10 months after tearing a 2nd ACL.  He looked slim and fit, but rusty on his feet, and was noticeably limping at the end of practice.

Fri. July 25th - Day Two of camp was full of insight on and off the field.  Reggie Bush dropped several punts during practice, and stayed late to work on it.  The team signed 2nd round pick Tracy Porter (CB) out of Indiana to a 4-year deal.  He practiced in the afternoon for the first time.  Plus the team released TE Eric Johnson… whose tenure with theSaints was over with the signing of Shockey and his nagging injuries.

Sat. July 26th - On Day Three the Heat showed up.  It was blistering on the field at 8:45 as the players made their way to the upper fields at Millsaps.  Drew Brees and Jeremy Shockey started to show the first signs of being on the same page, connecting for some nice pass plays.  Lance Moore stole the show at WR - proving his big play ability once again.  He should be a solid #3-4 wide out this year.  The defense continues to work without Sed Ellis, the Saints top pick, but with Glenn Dorsey of LSU signing with the Chiefs his deal has to be close to getting done.

Sun. July 27th - I finally got a day off!  But from what I heard, it was the hottest day of Camp so far.  I can report thru Brittany Diehl our weekend anchor that Devery Henderson and Tracy Porter collided in a drill and both suffered hamstring injuries.  We’ll keep you posted

Just Play Brett

Regardless if you think he should or not, Brett Favre will be on the football field in 2008.  And he’ll be playing in an NFL uniform.  Whether or not he plays at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, or with another team around the league, you can rest assured No. 4 will suit it up on Sundays once again!

Do I think he should?  Probably not.  His best days are behind him.  But will I wait with eager anticipation to watch him play again?  You bet.  Nobody plays with more passion than Favre.  His mechanics at the quarterback position may be the worst of all time… but he’s still one of the games greats!

Venus or Serena?

As we push in on yet another Breakfast at Wimbledon, it’s obvious that Venus and Serena Williams are on a crash course collision for the women’s finals. The top four seeds in the women’s draw have all been eliminated… leaving Venus and her little sister as the top two players left… and they are playing great tennis.

Here’s my take… Serena has won 5 of the last 6 meetings between the two in the finals of a Grand Slam event. However, they haven’t played in one since 2003… so we’re talking 5 years. Venus is hungry. She wants this title, and I think she’s in better shape than her younger sister. She looks agile and quick on the court - and as a result - I think Venus takes home her 5th Wimbledon Championship. Time will tell…

Christian