Days after hopping between hinting at a comeback for his country then dismissing such reports in a way that wasn't really a dismissal, Shane Warne served up a timely reminder as to why he has been retired from test cricket for nearly six years, as he returned figures of 0/41 for the Melbourne Stars against the Melbourne Renegades in the opening clash of the Big Bash League in Australia. In case the stupid names of the teams AND the competition were not enough of a hint, this is a T20 jamboree. And Warne bowled only two overs. Speaking as an England fan, I would heartily love to say Warney back in the floppy sun hat on that form.
However, the events of the week did get me thinking, not so much of Warne himself but rather of the trade he still, with a generosity of spirit his legendary status affords him, performs, namely that of bowling leg spin. I considered the prospect that, at aged 43 and a long time out of the international scene, Warne may STILL be the most prominent leg spinner in Test cricket.
Since the last Test of the 2006/7 Ashes series, when Warne departed the scene, 124 spin bowlers have bowled at least ONE ball in Test match cricket. 64 have taken at least one wicket, and of this number only 12 (TWELVE) bowled leg spin.
Leg spin is, as most cricket purists (snobs, like me) will tell you, is an art form. It requires a certain type of mindset to bowl it, knowing that while you are a wonderful wicket taking option for your captain, a bad day may see you become profligate, and swiftly dispatched to ponder your deeds in a secluded area of the field of play. It can be feast or famine. Leg spin was eschewed by most on the international scene by the beginning of the 1990s, with many teams preferring the economy and occasional threat of off spinners and orthodox left armers. Shane Warnes arrival on the Ashes scene, with his Ball of the Century to one of England's better players of spin at the time Mike Gatting, is alleged to saved Test cricket, with youngsters everywhere wanting to perfect this mysterious art. This may be so, but even with the great mans impact very few actually prospered at the highest level. Anil Kumble (who took 72 wickets after Warne retired before he too hung up his boots) is the second most successful leggie of all time with 619 scalps, but it must be pointed out that he was not a huge spinner of the ball, and got a lot of his wickets utilising his bounce and his googly, which did for many a tailender. Current England spin bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed took 185 wickets for Pakistan, which his successor in the Pakistan side Danish Kaneria took 78 of his 261 Test wickets in the period after Warne retired and before his fall from grace for his alleged involvement in match fixing at Essex. The great understudy, and subject of many a "If (subject A) hadn't been around, then (subject B) would have been a world beater" discussion, Stuart MacGill took 208 Test wickets, usually when Warne wasn't around, but took only ten in 4 matches as the number one leggie in Oz before he joined Warney in retirement.
In the last two years, it seemed that maybe leg spin was creeping back into the game, with South Africa utilising Pakistan born Imran Tahir and the West Indies unearthing the exciting Devendra Bishoo. India too, for so long the place where leg spin goes to die, looked like they had a new Kumble in Amit Mishra, after seemingly giving up on the Piyush Chawla experiment (2 Tests, 3 wickets in 2008) and maybe crickets most deadly art was on the way back. Erm...sadly no. Bishoos 11 Test matches have yielded 40 wickets, but at a cost of 39.55 each. He lost his place to "mystery" spinner Sunil Narine. Mishra has played 13 Tests since the end of the Warne Era, and he has taken 43 wickets at the high price of 43.30. He seems to have a problem with bowling front foot no balls, an unpardonable sin for a slow bowler, and a problem shared with Tahir, who has struggled both in England and recently in Australia, where he was dropped in favour of slow left armer Robin Petersen. Tahir has appeared in 11 matches, taking a disappointing 26 wickets at 50.19!
Since Warne made his debut, the one country most notable for its mission to remove leg spinners from Test cricket is, you guessed it, England, the team most tormented by Warne. Since Warne's debut in January 1992, English leg spinners have taken 20 wickets...all of these taken by Ian Salisbury, who last played Test cricket in 2000. Since Warne's retirement, English leggies have failed to bowl a single ball in Test cricket, let alone take a wicket. But it would be unfair to blame the English struggles of the 1970s/80s/90s for their reluctance to find, blood and persist with a leg spinner. In the history of their period playing Test cricket, 19 English spin bowlers have taken more than 100 Test wickets. Only one of these 19 was a leg spinner, Doug Wright, and even the annals of Cricinfo list him as right arm medium/legbreak googly rather than an out and out leggie.
The "mystery" once attached to purveyors of leg spin has now been given to bowlers with that sinister weapon (and far from heaven sent bowling actions) the "doosra", or "other one", or bowlers like Ajantha Mendis of Sri Lanka and Ravi Ashwin of India who have perfected the ball out of the front of the hand, or "carrom" ball. While Ashwin has enjoyed success since making his Test bow, Mendis is now seen primarily as a one day / T20 bowler. Maybe the age of the leg spinner is truly over, or maybe we just need Warne to give it one more shot...
Friday 7 December 2012
Monday 3 December 2012
Farewell To A Fighter
The 4th Ashes Test in England in 1997 saw a resounding victory for the tourists, who followed their victory in Manchester in the 3rd test with a crushing innings and 61 run win at Leeds. Such was the way the series had turned, after England's incredible effort in the opening match of the series had been followed by a draw at Lords, but only with the weather saving the home side after they were bundled out for 77 in the first innings. The Aussies were on a roll, yet after the win at Old Trafford they made a change. The misfiring Michael Bevan had given the selectors little option but to drop him, after a run of low scores, and so it was that they entrusted the number six spot to a precocious young batsman from Tasmania, who, after three half centuries in his first six tests, seemed ready to be given a run. After 261 balls yielded a maiden Test ton (127), it was apparent that the name Ricky Ponting would be one that the English fans would have to get used to hearing, over the next decade or more.
Now, back to modern day. Ponting's international career has ended, after a remarkable 168 Test match appearances (equalling the Australian record held by Steve Waugh, no friend to English bowling himself), 13,378 test runs and another 40 hundreds to accompany that one at Headingley. It is fair to say that as a batsman, he has been amongst the very best in the world over the last 15 years. Pugnacious, aggressive and also at times pleasing on the eye, he spent much of the first decade of the 21st century punishing international attacks in a way that his compatriot Sir Donald Bradman would have enjoyed. In 2005 and 2006, he plundered an astonishing 2877 runs with 13 centuries. However, once 2007 came around, Ponting would never again average more than 47 in a calender year.
The longest standing argument concerning Ponting concerns not his appetite for and ability to carve out runs, but features on his record as Australia's captain. Was he a great captain, or was a captain blessed with a phenomenal side? I would tend to side with the latter. He was comprehensively out-thought by Michael Vaughan in 2005, while he was made to look inept as a leader in 2010/11 by the rampant Strauss-led England side. His batting record as a captain / non captain is interesting, in that while his average NOT as captain was better than his efforts as a leader, it is only by the very smallest of margins (52.18 versus 51.51).
His record (as a batsman again, I am not adequately full of myself to speak of his captaincy credentials for anything longer than a single paragraph) against England is indicitve of a man who, far from grateful that the Mother Country were his first major victims, took great delight in making the English fielders watch him bat and bat. In 35 Tests against England, he amassed 2476 runs with eight centuries. He saved his best performances however for matches against India, with his 29 appearances producing 2555 runs at an average of 54.36 (with again 8 centuries, including his career high 257). It is perhaps incredible to consider that he came oh so close to falling out of the Australia side in 2001! After an innings of 141* at Sydney in January 2000 (against India, of course!), he had gone 11 Test matches and 18 innings without a Test match century, with only a single half century when the Australian captain Steve Waugh tore a muscle at Trent Bridge during the 3rd 2001 Ashes Test. Simon Katich was brought in for the next match (again at Headingley, he loves Leeds), with the thinking being that a solid show from Katich would see him replace Ponting when Waugh returned. Katich mustered 15 and 0*. Ponting managed 144 and 72. He was safe.
As with most notable players, I like to look at people like Ponting and see how if at all I am similar to them. I can announce that I have one tangible similarity. Its not our choice of bat equipment (Ponting has been with Kookabura his whole career, whereas we ALL know I love GM), its not our favouring of the pull and straight drive. Its our birthday. Ponting came into the world December 19th 1974, while I followed six years later.
He leaves the game with the Australian team beaten at home by South Africa for the 2nd straight series, but with a captain hungry for runs. A win in the last Test would have seen the Aussies top the World Rankings, painting something of a false image concerning the Aussies current abilities. Maybe, under the stewardship of Michael Clarke, the Old Enemy will once again rise to the top of the charts. They must do so without Old Man Ponting, and the hunt for a new lynch pin begins. But don't worry England fans, while the Aussies do come to Leeds next summer, its only for an ODI.
Now, back to modern day. Ponting's international career has ended, after a remarkable 168 Test match appearances (equalling the Australian record held by Steve Waugh, no friend to English bowling himself), 13,378 test runs and another 40 hundreds to accompany that one at Headingley. It is fair to say that as a batsman, he has been amongst the very best in the world over the last 15 years. Pugnacious, aggressive and also at times pleasing on the eye, he spent much of the first decade of the 21st century punishing international attacks in a way that his compatriot Sir Donald Bradman would have enjoyed. In 2005 and 2006, he plundered an astonishing 2877 runs with 13 centuries. However, once 2007 came around, Ponting would never again average more than 47 in a calender year.
The longest standing argument concerning Ponting concerns not his appetite for and ability to carve out runs, but features on his record as Australia's captain. Was he a great captain, or was a captain blessed with a phenomenal side? I would tend to side with the latter. He was comprehensively out-thought by Michael Vaughan in 2005, while he was made to look inept as a leader in 2010/11 by the rampant Strauss-led England side. His batting record as a captain / non captain is interesting, in that while his average NOT as captain was better than his efforts as a leader, it is only by the very smallest of margins (52.18 versus 51.51).
His record (as a batsman again, I am not adequately full of myself to speak of his captaincy credentials for anything longer than a single paragraph) against England is indicitve of a man who, far from grateful that the Mother Country were his first major victims, took great delight in making the English fielders watch him bat and bat. In 35 Tests against England, he amassed 2476 runs with eight centuries. He saved his best performances however for matches against India, with his 29 appearances producing 2555 runs at an average of 54.36 (with again 8 centuries, including his career high 257). It is perhaps incredible to consider that he came oh so close to falling out of the Australia side in 2001! After an innings of 141* at Sydney in January 2000 (against India, of course!), he had gone 11 Test matches and 18 innings without a Test match century, with only a single half century when the Australian captain Steve Waugh tore a muscle at Trent Bridge during the 3rd 2001 Ashes Test. Simon Katich was brought in for the next match (again at Headingley, he loves Leeds), with the thinking being that a solid show from Katich would see him replace Ponting when Waugh returned. Katich mustered 15 and 0*. Ponting managed 144 and 72. He was safe.
As with most notable players, I like to look at people like Ponting and see how if at all I am similar to them. I can announce that I have one tangible similarity. Its not our choice of bat equipment (Ponting has been with Kookabura his whole career, whereas we ALL know I love GM), its not our favouring of the pull and straight drive. Its our birthday. Ponting came into the world December 19th 1974, while I followed six years later.
He leaves the game with the Australian team beaten at home by South Africa for the 2nd straight series, but with a captain hungry for runs. A win in the last Test would have seen the Aussies top the World Rankings, painting something of a false image concerning the Aussies current abilities. Maybe, under the stewardship of Michael Clarke, the Old Enemy will once again rise to the top of the charts. They must do so without Old Man Ponting, and the hunt for a new lynch pin begins. But don't worry England fans, while the Aussies do come to Leeds next summer, its only for an ODI.
Friday 23 November 2012
Good Year For The Captain
I awoke Saturday morning to the news that Graham Smith, the slayer of England captains, was sitting overnight on 111* (a total I am convinced he arrived at just to annoy my sister Nicky, who has a loathing for the number), the key innings in total of 217/2 for South Africa in reply to Australia's 550 all out. This large Aussie total owned much to their captain Michael Clarke, who when finally dismissed in this match had made 230, giving him his second double century of the series, and an astonishing FOURTH for the year (including a 329*).
Armed with this knowledge, I set about looking at how Test captains have fared with the bat in 2012, in comparison to how fruitful a year 2011 had been for those that lead their teams. The results were very encouraging.
There have been 15 Test centuries by skippers in 2012, Clarke leading the way with 4 of them (all at least doubles, remember), followed by his South African counterpart Smith who has three. Spread over the captaincy reigns of both Andrew Strauss and the current incumbent Alastair Cook, England captains have raised the bat and removed the lid three times, while New Zealands Ross Taylor and Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka both have two hundreds this year. Darren Sammy, perhaps the most maligned of all the captains when it comes to his place, led a hearty fightback for his side in England in 2012 with a maiden test hundred coming at Trent Bridge.
Of the test playing nations, the only sides whose captains failed to notch a century were Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Misbah-ul-Haq captained five matches for Pakistan with a top score of 84, while Mohammad Hafeez took the reigns once, with his best effort being 20. MS Dhoni (6 matches) and Virender Sehwag (1) mustered four 50s between them, while Brendan Taylor (top score 9) and Mushfiqur Rahim (43) did not even pass 50 in their combined 5 innings. The other man to lead a side in a test in 2012 was Tilakaratne Dilshan for Sri Lanka, who achieved a top score of 78.
Both Cook and Clarke average over 100 as captain, with Cook's achievement bettered by Clarke who has attained his average through 12 innings compared to Cook's two. Clarke is, unsurprisingly, the leading run scorer also with 1271 runs through the year. Taylor is at the bottom of this list, averaging a mere 5.5 runs.
So how does this compare with 2011? Well, there were only 13 captains of Test sides in 2011, and the results are different in many ways. Misbah is the leading run scorer with 765 runs and one century, but the leader in terms of number on tons is the same as in 2012. Yes, its Michael Clarke. Though "only" managing 618 runs at an average of 38.62, he did score three Test centuries. The owner of the best average in 2011 was, in a reversal of 2012, Brendan Taylor of Zimbabwe, with his 358 runs coming at a lick of 71.60 (2 hundreds). The nations without a captain reaching three figures in 2011 are West Indies (Sammy, 325 runs @ 18.05) New Zealand (Ross Taylor, 228 @ 38) Bangladesh (Al Hasan and Rahim contributing a top score of 69 between them) and interestingly, the side that ended the year ranked number one in the world, England (Andrew Strauss 316 runs @ 28.72)
It would seem to be a good time to lead your side in Test cricket, if you enjoy batting. The only team over these two years without a century from a captain are Bangladesh, and this is hardly the only problem this team has at present. I will be intrigued to sit here a year from now and see how kind 2013 was to the men who captain at the highest level of cricket, especially with one completed Ashes series and another around the corner.
Armed with this knowledge, I set about looking at how Test captains have fared with the bat in 2012, in comparison to how fruitful a year 2011 had been for those that lead their teams. The results were very encouraging.
There have been 15 Test centuries by skippers in 2012, Clarke leading the way with 4 of them (all at least doubles, remember), followed by his South African counterpart Smith who has three. Spread over the captaincy reigns of both Andrew Strauss and the current incumbent Alastair Cook, England captains have raised the bat and removed the lid three times, while New Zealands Ross Taylor and Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka both have two hundreds this year. Darren Sammy, perhaps the most maligned of all the captains when it comes to his place, led a hearty fightback for his side in England in 2012 with a maiden test hundred coming at Trent Bridge.
Of the test playing nations, the only sides whose captains failed to notch a century were Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Misbah-ul-Haq captained five matches for Pakistan with a top score of 84, while Mohammad Hafeez took the reigns once, with his best effort being 20. MS Dhoni (6 matches) and Virender Sehwag (1) mustered four 50s between them, while Brendan Taylor (top score 9) and Mushfiqur Rahim (43) did not even pass 50 in their combined 5 innings. The other man to lead a side in a test in 2012 was Tilakaratne Dilshan for Sri Lanka, who achieved a top score of 78.
Both Cook and Clarke average over 100 as captain, with Cook's achievement bettered by Clarke who has attained his average through 12 innings compared to Cook's two. Clarke is, unsurprisingly, the leading run scorer also with 1271 runs through the year. Taylor is at the bottom of this list, averaging a mere 5.5 runs.
So how does this compare with 2011? Well, there were only 13 captains of Test sides in 2011, and the results are different in many ways. Misbah is the leading run scorer with 765 runs and one century, but the leader in terms of number on tons is the same as in 2012. Yes, its Michael Clarke. Though "only" managing 618 runs at an average of 38.62, he did score three Test centuries. The owner of the best average in 2011 was, in a reversal of 2012, Brendan Taylor of Zimbabwe, with his 358 runs coming at a lick of 71.60 (2 hundreds). The nations without a captain reaching three figures in 2011 are West Indies (Sammy, 325 runs @ 18.05) New Zealand (Ross Taylor, 228 @ 38) Bangladesh (Al Hasan and Rahim contributing a top score of 69 between them) and interestingly, the side that ended the year ranked number one in the world, England (Andrew Strauss 316 runs @ 28.72)
It would seem to be a good time to lead your side in Test cricket, if you enjoy batting. The only team over these two years without a century from a captain are Bangladesh, and this is hardly the only problem this team has at present. I will be intrigued to sit here a year from now and see how kind 2013 was to the men who captain at the highest level of cricket, especially with one completed Ashes series and another around the corner.
Tuesday 20 November 2012
The Hot Seats
Eleven weeks of the NFL season have now passed. The weeks that have passed have painted their picture of the 2012 season, and has left a number of deep impressions upon the psyche of those that follow America's favourite game.
Of the 32 franchises, I take a look at those teams that I believe will part company with their head coach at the end of the season, as well as casting a slight glance upon those teams whose coaches seat may not be boiling, but its certainly a bit warm.
San Diego Chargers - Head Coach Norv Turner. Record with Team - 53 wins 37 losses (as of November 19th)
This talented team has continually disappointed under the reign of Turner and GM AJ Smith. It was a shock to virtually the free footballing world that Turner and Smith were kept on after the 2011 season. With a record currently reading 4-6, it would be shocking if the Chargers owners repeated their generosity again.
Cleveland Browns - Head Coach Pat Shurmur. Record 6-20
The Browns have new owners, and despite them remaining "competitive" in many of their games this season, the facts are that they have lost 8 games, and new owners generally want to bring "their" guys in with them. There are some building blocks in place in Cleveland, but the franchise has known nothing since defeat since their rebirth in 1999.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Head Coach Mike Mularkey. Record 1-9
Mularkey is only ten games into his first season with the Jags, but 2012 has been little shy of a disaster. A lengthy holdout from star running back Maurice Jones-Drew during the offseason did little to aid the new coach, and the inept play of 2011 first round draft pick QB Blaine Gabbert has mortally wounded this team since day one. The Jags also have a new (ish) owner, and with a dwindling fan base coupled with the team being frequently linked with a move to LA, it would shock no one if the house was cleared in Florida.
Kansas City Chiefs - Head Coach Romeo Crennel. Record 3-10
Many predicted big things for the Chiefs at the start of the season. Many talented players were fully fit after injury, the team had rallied around interim coach Crennel when he stepped in towards the end of the 2011 season, and some (yes, including me) tipped them to perform well, maybe going even as far as the Super Bowl. This has not happened. The team has been plagued by awful QB play, abysmal defense and a frustrated fan base.
Dallas Cowboys - Head Coach Jason Garrett. Record 16-15.
Cowboys owners Jerry Jones has been vainly seeking a championship since the 1995 season, and is not renowned for his patience. Garrett was the heir apparent for the head coaching job when he was appointed offensive coordinator to head coach Wade Phillips, and took over when Phillips was fired during the 2010 season. The Cowboys have so much talent on paper, but poor play, bad clock management and a crippling amount of "dead money" against the salary cap has left the coach (and his oft criticised QB Tony Romo) on the brink on unemployment.
Philadelphia Eagles - Head Coach Andy Reid. Record 129-86-1
Reid has been in charge of the Eagles since 1999. He has taken the Eagles to 5 NFC Championship games, including a Super Bowl appearance. However, the team record since the Super Bowl has been mixed. Reid and the Eagles have drafted poorly, have made mistakes on free agents, and have made staggering personnel decisions, all things for which Reid has the ultimate say on. On the field, as with many of the other named coaches, Reid has suffered at the hands of his quarterback. A new one is clearly needed for 2013 and beyond, but it appears that Reid won't benefit from the new boys play.
Carolina Panthers - Head Coach Ron Rivera. Record 8-18
The Panthers were going to challenge the dominence of the New Orleans Saints in the NFC West. They spent money on running backs Jonathon Stewart, Deangelo Williams and free agent Mike Tolbert. Cam Newton, the rookie sensation of 2011, was going to take the NFL by storm and top his phenomenal displays of a year before. Yes, this was going to happen. It didn't. Newton has been inconsistent, the defence has been shoddy, the running backs not used. The team fired their GM, Rivera will probably be next.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS -
Ken Wisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals.
Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins
Detroit Lions, Jim Schwartz
New York Jets, Rex Ryan
Buffalo Bills, Chan Gailey
Oakland Raiders, Dennis Allen.
Wisenhunt, Ryan and Schwartz may have done enough in the past to convince their bosses that they deserve one more year. Shanahan may well rely on rookie QB RG3 getting his team up around an 8-8 record to save his job. Gailey's future would seem to be tied up with Bills GM Buddy Nix, while Allen is in his first year in Oakland. The old regime under Al Davis would probably pull the trigger, but with the team in a mess when he joined, he may just scrape another year.
Of the 32 franchises, I take a look at those teams that I believe will part company with their head coach at the end of the season, as well as casting a slight glance upon those teams whose coaches seat may not be boiling, but its certainly a bit warm.
San Diego Chargers - Head Coach Norv Turner. Record with Team - 53 wins 37 losses (as of November 19th)
This talented team has continually disappointed under the reign of Turner and GM AJ Smith. It was a shock to virtually the free footballing world that Turner and Smith were kept on after the 2011 season. With a record currently reading 4-6, it would be shocking if the Chargers owners repeated their generosity again.
Cleveland Browns - Head Coach Pat Shurmur. Record 6-20
The Browns have new owners, and despite them remaining "competitive" in many of their games this season, the facts are that they have lost 8 games, and new owners generally want to bring "their" guys in with them. There are some building blocks in place in Cleveland, but the franchise has known nothing since defeat since their rebirth in 1999.
Jacksonville Jaguars - Head Coach Mike Mularkey. Record 1-9
Mularkey is only ten games into his first season with the Jags, but 2012 has been little shy of a disaster. A lengthy holdout from star running back Maurice Jones-Drew during the offseason did little to aid the new coach, and the inept play of 2011 first round draft pick QB Blaine Gabbert has mortally wounded this team since day one. The Jags also have a new (ish) owner, and with a dwindling fan base coupled with the team being frequently linked with a move to LA, it would shock no one if the house was cleared in Florida.
Kansas City Chiefs - Head Coach Romeo Crennel. Record 3-10
Many predicted big things for the Chiefs at the start of the season. Many talented players were fully fit after injury, the team had rallied around interim coach Crennel when he stepped in towards the end of the 2011 season, and some (yes, including me) tipped them to perform well, maybe going even as far as the Super Bowl. This has not happened. The team has been plagued by awful QB play, abysmal defense and a frustrated fan base.
Dallas Cowboys - Head Coach Jason Garrett. Record 16-15.
Cowboys owners Jerry Jones has been vainly seeking a championship since the 1995 season, and is not renowned for his patience. Garrett was the heir apparent for the head coaching job when he was appointed offensive coordinator to head coach Wade Phillips, and took over when Phillips was fired during the 2010 season. The Cowboys have so much talent on paper, but poor play, bad clock management and a crippling amount of "dead money" against the salary cap has left the coach (and his oft criticised QB Tony Romo) on the brink on unemployment.
Philadelphia Eagles - Head Coach Andy Reid. Record 129-86-1
Reid has been in charge of the Eagles since 1999. He has taken the Eagles to 5 NFC Championship games, including a Super Bowl appearance. However, the team record since the Super Bowl has been mixed. Reid and the Eagles have drafted poorly, have made mistakes on free agents, and have made staggering personnel decisions, all things for which Reid has the ultimate say on. On the field, as with many of the other named coaches, Reid has suffered at the hands of his quarterback. A new one is clearly needed for 2013 and beyond, but it appears that Reid won't benefit from the new boys play.
Carolina Panthers - Head Coach Ron Rivera. Record 8-18
The Panthers were going to challenge the dominence of the New Orleans Saints in the NFC West. They spent money on running backs Jonathon Stewart, Deangelo Williams and free agent Mike Tolbert. Cam Newton, the rookie sensation of 2011, was going to take the NFL by storm and top his phenomenal displays of a year before. Yes, this was going to happen. It didn't. Newton has been inconsistent, the defence has been shoddy, the running backs not used. The team fired their GM, Rivera will probably be next.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS -
Ken Wisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals.
Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins
Detroit Lions, Jim Schwartz
New York Jets, Rex Ryan
Buffalo Bills, Chan Gailey
Oakland Raiders, Dennis Allen.
Wisenhunt, Ryan and Schwartz may have done enough in the past to convince their bosses that they deserve one more year. Shanahan may well rely on rookie QB RG3 getting his team up around an 8-8 record to save his job. Gailey's future would seem to be tied up with Bills GM Buddy Nix, while Allen is in his first year in Oakland. The old regime under Al Davis would probably pull the trigger, but with the team in a mess when he joined, he may just scrape another year.
Monday 19 November 2012
A Tribute To Grit
The first Test match between England and India ended this morning in what will seem a crushing nine wicket defeat for the visitors, with India chasing down a paltry 77 to win just after lunch on the 5th day. That the match lasted this long is a testament to a great partnership of 157 between wicketkeeper Matt Prior, desperately unlucky to miss out on a 2nd innings century after missing out on a fifty in the first innings, and England Captain Alastair Cook, who defied the home bowlers for 556 minutes and 374 balls for a marathon 176.
Since vehemently calling for Cook to be dropped during the 2010 home summer, I and all other England fans have watched him go from "satisfied with a 60" to "not quite pleased enough with 160". He of all the other England players have embraced batting coach Graham Gooch's "daddy hundred" mentality with the most relish. Since the first Ashes test of the 2010/11 series, Cook has scored 2408 runs in 24 matches (averaging 65.08), with 8 hundreds and 7 fifties. Of those 100s, for half of them Cook has batted past 150 with two of those four ending with him past the 200 milestone. He has developed that most wonderful trait of a successful batsman, that one thing that sets them apart. Greed. He wants to score as many runs as he can, and he is angry when he feels he has left runs "out on the field", as it were. At the age of just 27 (he will be 28 on Christmas Day, a birthday he shares with another left hander who has opened the batting for England in the last decade, Marcus Trescothick), he currently has amassed 6772 Test match runs for England. The English record is 8900, held by...Graham Gooch. Of the major Test playing nations, England are the only one that do not have a bowler with more than 400 Test wickets and/or a batsman with at least 10,000 Test runs. Cook should, baring injury, put that right before too long.
Like his South African contemporary Graham Smith, Cook is not the easiest on the eye of batsman. His style of batting is to grace what Pot Noodle is to the fine dining experience. He is content to leave the ball, waiting for bowlers to get too straight and stray onto his pads. If they learn this lesson and try and drop it short, he has a punishing cut shot and a decent command of the pull shot. He is by no means a big hitter (he has 777 Test 4s, and only 7 maximums), but he is aware that six singles dropped into the leg side carry the same value as one massive boundary clearing blow.
The First Test will disappoint him in its result, as it is the first time he has tasted defeat as Captain in a Test match (he won both matches during his caretaker spell in Bangladesh in 2010), but he may well be happy to reflect that he is the first Test captain EVER for ANY country to score a century in his first three Test matches, he has notched more centuries on the subcontinent for England than any other player (5), and he has just notched the highest score EVER by an England captain in a Test match in India (his 176 beat the previous holders 144. The previous holder was Kevin Pietersen). These three milestones are very nice, and will probably produce a wry smile on the captains still boyish face, but he will want the rest of team to follow his lead and find a method with which to combat the attack of India. If he doesn't pass fifty again on this tour, but England somehow pull out a win, then he'll be happy. But I suspect if England are to come back in the series, the captain staying at the crease will be crucial to achieving this. The voyage with Captain Cook is only just beginning.
Since vehemently calling for Cook to be dropped during the 2010 home summer, I and all other England fans have watched him go from "satisfied with a 60" to "not quite pleased enough with 160". He of all the other England players have embraced batting coach Graham Gooch's "daddy hundred" mentality with the most relish. Since the first Ashes test of the 2010/11 series, Cook has scored 2408 runs in 24 matches (averaging 65.08), with 8 hundreds and 7 fifties. Of those 100s, for half of them Cook has batted past 150 with two of those four ending with him past the 200 milestone. He has developed that most wonderful trait of a successful batsman, that one thing that sets them apart. Greed. He wants to score as many runs as he can, and he is angry when he feels he has left runs "out on the field", as it were. At the age of just 27 (he will be 28 on Christmas Day, a birthday he shares with another left hander who has opened the batting for England in the last decade, Marcus Trescothick), he currently has amassed 6772 Test match runs for England. The English record is 8900, held by...Graham Gooch. Of the major Test playing nations, England are the only one that do not have a bowler with more than 400 Test wickets and/or a batsman with at least 10,000 Test runs. Cook should, baring injury, put that right before too long.
Like his South African contemporary Graham Smith, Cook is not the easiest on the eye of batsman. His style of batting is to grace what Pot Noodle is to the fine dining experience. He is content to leave the ball, waiting for bowlers to get too straight and stray onto his pads. If they learn this lesson and try and drop it short, he has a punishing cut shot and a decent command of the pull shot. He is by no means a big hitter (he has 777 Test 4s, and only 7 maximums), but he is aware that six singles dropped into the leg side carry the same value as one massive boundary clearing blow.
The First Test will disappoint him in its result, as it is the first time he has tasted defeat as Captain in a Test match (he won both matches during his caretaker spell in Bangladesh in 2010), but he may well be happy to reflect that he is the first Test captain EVER for ANY country to score a century in his first three Test matches, he has notched more centuries on the subcontinent for England than any other player (5), and he has just notched the highest score EVER by an England captain in a Test match in India (his 176 beat the previous holders 144. The previous holder was Kevin Pietersen). These three milestones are very nice, and will probably produce a wry smile on the captains still boyish face, but he will want the rest of team to follow his lead and find a method with which to combat the attack of India. If he doesn't pass fifty again on this tour, but England somehow pull out a win, then he'll be happy. But I suspect if England are to come back in the series, the captain staying at the crease will be crucial to achieving this. The voyage with Captain Cook is only just beginning.
Saturday 10 November 2012
Wow, Ain't It Been A While
Welcome back everyone, its been FAR too long...
Since last I penned anything coherent upon these sheets, an awful lot has changed. From a self promotion point of view, my sometimes collaborator on this blog Mainzey and I have begun a podcast known as "Waxing Lyrical With Mainz and Dutts", which is available to download on iTunes. In other slightly more impressive news, I have discovered that, with a 95% certainty, I should become father to a daughter in March. All very exciting stuff.
In this blog, I want to take a slightly more in depth look at a topic that Mainzey and I discussed on the latest Waxing Lyrical, that is the England tour to India.
England's record in India since 1933 must be awful, mustn't it? Given how poorly we travel to the subcontinent, our awful record and style against spin, we must be absolutely terrible....Well, it may shock some of you to learn that if you dismiss the 1993 series (in which England were beaten 3-0 after an "expert" scouting party dismissed one of the Indian spinners with the words, after watching footage of him, "I didn't see him turn a single ball from leg to off. I don't believe we will have much problem with him" (Anil Kumble, who went on to take 21 wickets in the series while NINE England bowlers took 28 between them)) England have won 11 Tests in India, and have lost...11. Doesn't seem that bad all of a sudden does it? However three of those wins came in the 1976/77 tour, a further two in 1984/5 and NOW it seems bad.
There have been 51 tests between England and India in India, and 26 of them have ended in a draw. The fact of the matter remains that it is VERY hard for both teams to win in India, unless one team commits Harri-Kari. India very rarely do so (although they did in 2006, the now famous "Freddie's Lions" test), whereas even over the last four years of English success, there are still notable instances of collapse. (Jamaica 2009, Headingley 2009, Abu Dhabi 2012...I could go on.) Patience is very much the key, and England it would seem do have the batsmen to play the patient game. The new captain Alastair Cook made his debut in Nagpur in 2006, and followed up his first innings 60 with a century in the second. He will, along with Jonathon Trott, be the key men in blunting whatever new ball fire the Indians throw at England, hopefully allowing the more stylish Pietersen Bell and Prior to make hey.
After the shambles in the UAE on the last tour, it should be noted that while India have a very potent spin attack, it contains little mystery. Ravi Ashwin has been a sensation since coming into the test team, with both bat and ball, but he remains essentially a top spin bowler, with only a well disguised "carrom ball" as his major wonder weapon. Harbajahn Singh seems to be on the downside of his glittering Test match career, and Pragyan Ojha will no doubt have Kevin Pietersen in his sights (he's a slow left arm bowler, in case you didn't know), but from what little I have seen of him he seems to get an awful lot of wickets when the ball does NOT spin.
When it comes to the English attack, we will obviously fight fire with fire and pack our side with spinners also, like we do every subcontinental tour? Well maybe not. The recent Australia and South Africa victories in India have come when those sides stuck to their strengths, the Aussies in deploying three seamers and an attacking spinner, the Proteas with three quicks, Kallis and a holding man. There seems little point in trying to beat the Indians at THEIR game in THEIR house. Given the form he has shown with the bat in the warm up games, it seems certain that Samit Patel will fill (and he will FILL it, I assure you) the troublesome number six spot for England. He is a slow bowler who does not rip the ball, but could (with a certain generousity of spirit) hold an end down, allowing England to rotate their first choice bowlers. Obviously the real key man for England will be Graeme Swann, who England hope will come to the fore as he did in the recent Sri Lanka tour, during the second test of which he took his second test ten wicket haul.
Since England last played Test cricket against India, there have been some notable changes. Rahul Dravid, the lone shining light in 2011, has retired, and has taken the silky VVS Laxman with him. Virat Kolhi has emerged as the new star of the batting lineup, but there are still the old favourites of Yuvraj Singh (if he plays, look for Dhoni to get him the ball as soon as his nemesis Pietersen comes to the crease) the captain MS Dhoni and of course Sachin Tendulkar. Now aged 39, this will probably be the last time England face the little master in Test cricket. He has enjoyed English visits to his homeland, with 11 matches garnering 848 runs at an average of 60.57, a mere five runs greater than his career average. He is not in the greatest of form however, and has gone 25 Test innings since his last century, with only five 50s in that time also. His last century IN INDIA came in October 2010, eight Tests ago. Granted it was a double ton against Australia, but that will seem a long time ago. If England can once more keep Sachin from raising his bat and removing his helmet to acknowledge the applause of a nation that idolises him, they may go someway towards winning in India.
Since last I penned anything coherent upon these sheets, an awful lot has changed. From a self promotion point of view, my sometimes collaborator on this blog Mainzey and I have begun a podcast known as "Waxing Lyrical With Mainz and Dutts", which is available to download on iTunes. In other slightly more impressive news, I have discovered that, with a 95% certainty, I should become father to a daughter in March. All very exciting stuff.
In this blog, I want to take a slightly more in depth look at a topic that Mainzey and I discussed on the latest Waxing Lyrical, that is the England tour to India.
England's record in India since 1933 must be awful, mustn't it? Given how poorly we travel to the subcontinent, our awful record and style against spin, we must be absolutely terrible....Well, it may shock some of you to learn that if you dismiss the 1993 series (in which England were beaten 3-0 after an "expert" scouting party dismissed one of the Indian spinners with the words, after watching footage of him, "I didn't see him turn a single ball from leg to off. I don't believe we will have much problem with him" (Anil Kumble, who went on to take 21 wickets in the series while NINE England bowlers took 28 between them)) England have won 11 Tests in India, and have lost...11. Doesn't seem that bad all of a sudden does it? However three of those wins came in the 1976/77 tour, a further two in 1984/5 and NOW it seems bad.
There have been 51 tests between England and India in India, and 26 of them have ended in a draw. The fact of the matter remains that it is VERY hard for both teams to win in India, unless one team commits Harri-Kari. India very rarely do so (although they did in 2006, the now famous "Freddie's Lions" test), whereas even over the last four years of English success, there are still notable instances of collapse. (Jamaica 2009, Headingley 2009, Abu Dhabi 2012...I could go on.) Patience is very much the key, and England it would seem do have the batsmen to play the patient game. The new captain Alastair Cook made his debut in Nagpur in 2006, and followed up his first innings 60 with a century in the second. He will, along with Jonathon Trott, be the key men in blunting whatever new ball fire the Indians throw at England, hopefully allowing the more stylish Pietersen Bell and Prior to make hey.
After the shambles in the UAE on the last tour, it should be noted that while India have a very potent spin attack, it contains little mystery. Ravi Ashwin has been a sensation since coming into the test team, with both bat and ball, but he remains essentially a top spin bowler, with only a well disguised "carrom ball" as his major wonder weapon. Harbajahn Singh seems to be on the downside of his glittering Test match career, and Pragyan Ojha will no doubt have Kevin Pietersen in his sights (he's a slow left arm bowler, in case you didn't know), but from what little I have seen of him he seems to get an awful lot of wickets when the ball does NOT spin.
When it comes to the English attack, we will obviously fight fire with fire and pack our side with spinners also, like we do every subcontinental tour? Well maybe not. The recent Australia and South Africa victories in India have come when those sides stuck to their strengths, the Aussies in deploying three seamers and an attacking spinner, the Proteas with three quicks, Kallis and a holding man. There seems little point in trying to beat the Indians at THEIR game in THEIR house. Given the form he has shown with the bat in the warm up games, it seems certain that Samit Patel will fill (and he will FILL it, I assure you) the troublesome number six spot for England. He is a slow bowler who does not rip the ball, but could (with a certain generousity of spirit) hold an end down, allowing England to rotate their first choice bowlers. Obviously the real key man for England will be Graeme Swann, who England hope will come to the fore as he did in the recent Sri Lanka tour, during the second test of which he took his second test ten wicket haul.
Since England last played Test cricket against India, there have been some notable changes. Rahul Dravid, the lone shining light in 2011, has retired, and has taken the silky VVS Laxman with him. Virat Kolhi has emerged as the new star of the batting lineup, but there are still the old favourites of Yuvraj Singh (if he plays, look for Dhoni to get him the ball as soon as his nemesis Pietersen comes to the crease) the captain MS Dhoni and of course Sachin Tendulkar. Now aged 39, this will probably be the last time England face the little master in Test cricket. He has enjoyed English visits to his homeland, with 11 matches garnering 848 runs at an average of 60.57, a mere five runs greater than his career average. He is not in the greatest of form however, and has gone 25 Test innings since his last century, with only five 50s in that time also. His last century IN INDIA came in October 2010, eight Tests ago. Granted it was a double ton against Australia, but that will seem a long time ago. If England can once more keep Sachin from raising his bat and removing his helmet to acknowledge the applause of a nation that idolises him, they may go someway towards winning in India.
Wednesday 3 October 2012
The First Quarter Ends
Week 4 of the 2012 NFL season is in the books. In the latest of our blog conversations, Mainzey (@mainzey7) and I take a look at the state of the league a quarter of the way through. The NFC part of our review actually began before the week 4 matches, whilst the AFC discussion began straight afterwards.
DUTTON - I think it's time we looked at how things have started off. Who are the surprises, who are the slow starters, and who "are who we thought were", to quote Denny Green.
As usual, we start with the NFC and the NFC East. Three teams sitting 2-1, with only the Redskins apart at 1-2. The Eagles offence, and overall offensive strategy, makes me violently sick.
MAINZEY - Has it been three weeks already? Doesn't time fly when you fantasy team stinks...(as of writing, Mainzeys Marvels are a glorious 0-4)
NFC East has been a strange one three teams 2-1 but in many different ways I mean the Eagles haven't played a good game yet which has got to be good, but after the bad first week I still think the GMen could be the best team with the best QB in football never mind the East.
But the only story in the East is RGIII what a start and if this is what I can expect for the next decade I will be a happy man unless Shannahan gets him killed first
DUTTON - I think RG3 needs to take heed from Vick, and NOT copy him. Get rid of the rock, just because you CAN run doesn't mean you HAVE to run.
I have to presume the Eagles O will start matching or at least coming close to the Eagles D, which has been awesome. The ignoring of McCoy continues to baffle and anger me.
The G may well be the best team in the NFC, but so far EVERYONE looks beatable.
Moving now to the North, and this is not a picture I thought we'd see. Are the Vikings for real, or due to fall away?
MAINZEY - It's not RGIII its the Coaches who are putting him in the dangerous position at the moment. I think the Eagles offence will come around but will it be under the stewardship of Vick is another matter
The North is interesting. Are the Lions the worst team in it (possibly)? Green Bay were screwed on Monday night (the now infamous Inaccurate Reception) but they need to sort their offence and fast and seriously can someone get the Bears GM to get some Tackles and Guards for Cutler please!!!!
The Vikings have been impressive just not sure if they can hold it up all season.
DUTTON - Ah, Shanahanigans...
The Bears O line is up there with the worst units in professional sport, up there with Liverpool's shooting and Bangladesh's bowling. Doesn't help that they are not given confidence by Jay "Good Luck" Cutler. It's not always the Right Tackles fault that you throw into triple coverage Jay.
The Packers are just too explosive to struggle to put points on the board for too long, but my god they're O-line needs to stop copying the Bears. A-Rod can not be getting sacked 8 times a game, let alone a half.
The Lions can will and so score points, but their secondary is garbage. The Vikings have started well, but honestly don't see them winning more than another five games tops.
How bout the South?
MAINZEY - I think that should read as bad as the Liverpool first team shooting as the kids are doing alright (7 in 2 games!!)
If you don't think Coaches are more importantly leaders are important just look at the Saints. I know Ross Tucker doesn't agree but the loss of Payton is a big loss although he doesn't coach defence and so far neither has Spags
Atlanta look excellent but I m holding judgement until they win a playoff game and they will get the chance at home this year by the looks of things
Carolina flat out stank last week (against the Giants week 3) and Cam looks short on weapons good job they spent all the money on RBs for no reason. As for Tampa they are playing hard just not sure they can win 10 and although I don't think Schiano was wrong not sure its very professional what he is doing at the moment. (Mainzey speaks here of Schiano's decision to blitz QBs when they are obviously in the kneel down / victory formation).
DUTTON - Carolina were awful. I remember reading a tweet from Sky Sports David Tuchman saying that Ron Rivera was one of the worst coaches in football...and that was during preseason.
Atlanta will not draw comment from me until they win a playoff game.
I can't believe how bad the Saints have been. I mean, it's STILL Drew Brees at QB!! The defence stinks, you could argue Spags had a better defence at St Louis.
I just think Tampa will struggle on offence, it stinks. At this stage, if I'm Schiano I'm seriously questioning whether Freeman is the answer at QB.
MAINZEY - And now to the best division in Football (yeah I said it) the NFC West
Even with the loss on Sunday I think San Fran are the best team in this division although if they keep falling 2 scores behind we may see the end of Alex Smith
Arizona are the surprise with the record especially when they have played New England and the Eagles but their defence is for real and they look like a good team.
Seattle are also an awesome defence and Russell Wilson has a little magic in him although not sure how long this will last I mean he is smaller than Melia for gods sake.
If I am St Louis I am happy as well I may not be good this year but the Redskins defence sucks and I have their picks for the next 2 years which should mean I will be good for years to come.
DUTTON - Potentially, especially with the injuries the Redskins have suffered, the West boasts the best division for defences in the National Football League.
Arizona have some serious studs like Dockett and Campbell, I'd argue that Seattle has the best secondary around, St Louis are improving and San Francisco's defensive strength is well documented. It's just not a great division for QBs. On paper Sam Bradford is the best, but has very few weapons. If you can take the lead on the 49ers you take Smith out of his comfort zone, Kolb is crap and Wilson needs to learn when NOT to throw the ball.
MAINZEY - So to the AFC and the East specifically. Miami have thrown Tannehill to the wolves hoping he doesn't drown. Bills started OK as have the Jets although their offence is putrid and the 2nd best player ever in their franchise is out for the year. The Patriots have a losing record for the first time since forever but I still expect 11 wins.
DUTTON - Nice mixed metaphor there Paul...The Pats looked very good in the second half, and lo and behold could this be that they are throwing the ball to Wes Welker again?
Tannehill is not the worst rookie QB I've ever seen, he just has no weapons. Hartline may have just topped 250 receiving yards, but if he gets the same tally over the next four games, I'll eat my hat.
The Bills...my you are exciting to watch. As Katy Perry said, you're hot then you're cold.
The Jets offend my eyes. Simply the worst offensive unit in the NFL. No play makers, no confidence, and no QB. Sanchez is averaging less than 50% completion rate. Not good enough. Tebow won't help.
MAINZEY - So to the AFC North.
The Steelers are starting to look old and injured, need Harrison and Polomalu to play otherwise they won't be getting to the playoffs. The Ravens look very good on both sides of the ball if Joe keeps the ball they will go far. I like the big play capability from fellow Ginger Andy Dalton especially to AJ Green, if they shore up the defence might get to the playoffs. Cleveland can hope the league contracts them soon although their 'young QB' looked good on Thursday. Pity he is throwing to the a Maghull 5th's team I played for (this is not good btw)
(Editors note - Paul played for the 5th XI during a time when some youngsters where selected for whom fielding and catching was not deemed a necessary part of the game.)
DUTTON - Ravens could be the best team in the AFC, though I think Houston may disagree. Flacco is not getting any poorer financially with each passing game, believe me. Baltimore are going to have to stump up a LOT of cash when he sits down for his contract negotiations. Not big on Pittsburgh. Putrid O line, no difference makers on defence. Nah, not for me. Cincy have a lot of talent going forward, Dalton to Green is a great hookup. Cleveland...not wasting my breath. And my worst ever 5th team caught the ball better than Greg Little. He sucks, he single handedly is making Weedon look terrible, which he is not....not really.
MAINZEY - And now the West. I think this division has disappointing so far. Peyton looks like he is still struggling with his neck a little but I will say they have lost to the best teams in the League so far (Houston, Atlanta). San Diego have wins in September which is good for them and good for Norv, get Rivers to throw to San Diego receivers and I think they could be a playoff team. Oakland are awful although Carson is playing OK but they lack talent. As for Kansas City... they follow the same issue as New Orleans as they also don't have a coach, at least New Orleans have a QB (ouch x2)
DUTTON - That's a big ouch for Kansas, or as I like to call them "my Superbowl pick Kansas City". They have been quite simply awful. I thought their offence was Cassell proof. I didn't realise how awful he truly is.
Very tough division to comment on, apart from that. Oakland are what I think we thought they were. Granted they beat the Steelers, but I think that says more about Pittsburgh than the Raiders. Phil Rivers seems to be playing at his 2011 level rather than his 2010 standard, but they are in the hunt early. Denver are a weird team. Manning shows flashes of his old surgical self (a Manning drive is still a work of art), but he and his receivers are not always on the same page. Their defence is not what everyone thought it would be either. Very odd division.
MAINZEY - And finally the worst division in the league AFC South. They have Houston and Andrew Luck and that is it. I do not wish to discuss it further.
DUTTON - I would tend to agree. Best team in the AFC (perhaps), best young QB in the league. Otherwise bloody awful.
MAINZEY - They all stink but could easily have a Superbowl team go figure!!
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So there you have it. Mainzey and I would also like to express our best wishes to Indianapolis Colts heach coach Chuck Pagano, who it was announced this week is suffering from a treatable form of leukaemia. From everything that I have read, Pagano seems to be one of the good guys of the NFL, and there is tremendous confidence that he will overcome this illness and return to the job.
DUTTON - I think it's time we looked at how things have started off. Who are the surprises, who are the slow starters, and who "are who we thought were", to quote Denny Green.
As usual, we start with the NFC and the NFC East. Three teams sitting 2-1, with only the Redskins apart at 1-2. The Eagles offence, and overall offensive strategy, makes me violently sick.
MAINZEY - Has it been three weeks already? Doesn't time fly when you fantasy team stinks...(as of writing, Mainzeys Marvels are a glorious 0-4)
NFC East has been a strange one three teams 2-1 but in many different ways I mean the Eagles haven't played a good game yet which has got to be good, but after the bad first week I still think the GMen could be the best team with the best QB in football never mind the East.
But the only story in the East is RGIII what a start and if this is what I can expect for the next decade I will be a happy man unless Shannahan gets him killed first
DUTTON - I think RG3 needs to take heed from Vick, and NOT copy him. Get rid of the rock, just because you CAN run doesn't mean you HAVE to run.
I have to presume the Eagles O will start matching or at least coming close to the Eagles D, which has been awesome. The ignoring of McCoy continues to baffle and anger me.
The G may well be the best team in the NFC, but so far EVERYONE looks beatable.
Moving now to the North, and this is not a picture I thought we'd see. Are the Vikings for real, or due to fall away?
MAINZEY - It's not RGIII its the Coaches who are putting him in the dangerous position at the moment. I think the Eagles offence will come around but will it be under the stewardship of Vick is another matter
The North is interesting. Are the Lions the worst team in it (possibly)? Green Bay were screwed on Monday night (the now infamous Inaccurate Reception) but they need to sort their offence and fast and seriously can someone get the Bears GM to get some Tackles and Guards for Cutler please!!!!
The Vikings have been impressive just not sure if they can hold it up all season.
DUTTON - Ah, Shanahanigans...
The Bears O line is up there with the worst units in professional sport, up there with Liverpool's shooting and Bangladesh's bowling. Doesn't help that they are not given confidence by Jay "Good Luck" Cutler. It's not always the Right Tackles fault that you throw into triple coverage Jay.
The Packers are just too explosive to struggle to put points on the board for too long, but my god they're O-line needs to stop copying the Bears. A-Rod can not be getting sacked 8 times a game, let alone a half.
The Lions can will and so score points, but their secondary is garbage. The Vikings have started well, but honestly don't see them winning more than another five games tops.
How bout the South?
MAINZEY - I think that should read as bad as the Liverpool first team shooting as the kids are doing alright (7 in 2 games!!)
If you don't think Coaches are more importantly leaders are important just look at the Saints. I know Ross Tucker doesn't agree but the loss of Payton is a big loss although he doesn't coach defence and so far neither has Spags
Atlanta look excellent but I m holding judgement until they win a playoff game and they will get the chance at home this year by the looks of things
Carolina flat out stank last week (against the Giants week 3) and Cam looks short on weapons good job they spent all the money on RBs for no reason. As for Tampa they are playing hard just not sure they can win 10 and although I don't think Schiano was wrong not sure its very professional what he is doing at the moment. (Mainzey speaks here of Schiano's decision to blitz QBs when they are obviously in the kneel down / victory formation).
DUTTON - Carolina were awful. I remember reading a tweet from Sky Sports David Tuchman saying that Ron Rivera was one of the worst coaches in football...and that was during preseason.
Atlanta will not draw comment from me until they win a playoff game.
I can't believe how bad the Saints have been. I mean, it's STILL Drew Brees at QB!! The defence stinks, you could argue Spags had a better defence at St Louis.
I just think Tampa will struggle on offence, it stinks. At this stage, if I'm Schiano I'm seriously questioning whether Freeman is the answer at QB.
MAINZEY - And now to the best division in Football (yeah I said it) the NFC West
Even with the loss on Sunday I think San Fran are the best team in this division although if they keep falling 2 scores behind we may see the end of Alex Smith
Arizona are the surprise with the record especially when they have played New England and the Eagles but their defence is for real and they look like a good team.
Seattle are also an awesome defence and Russell Wilson has a little magic in him although not sure how long this will last I mean he is smaller than Melia for gods sake.
If I am St Louis I am happy as well I may not be good this year but the Redskins defence sucks and I have their picks for the next 2 years which should mean I will be good for years to come.
DUTTON - Potentially, especially with the injuries the Redskins have suffered, the West boasts the best division for defences in the National Football League.
Arizona have some serious studs like Dockett and Campbell, I'd argue that Seattle has the best secondary around, St Louis are improving and San Francisco's defensive strength is well documented. It's just not a great division for QBs. On paper Sam Bradford is the best, but has very few weapons. If you can take the lead on the 49ers you take Smith out of his comfort zone, Kolb is crap and Wilson needs to learn when NOT to throw the ball.
MAINZEY - So to the AFC and the East specifically. Miami have thrown Tannehill to the wolves hoping he doesn't drown. Bills started OK as have the Jets although their offence is putrid and the 2nd best player ever in their franchise is out for the year. The Patriots have a losing record for the first time since forever but I still expect 11 wins.
DUTTON - Nice mixed metaphor there Paul...The Pats looked very good in the second half, and lo and behold could this be that they are throwing the ball to Wes Welker again?
Tannehill is not the worst rookie QB I've ever seen, he just has no weapons. Hartline may have just topped 250 receiving yards, but if he gets the same tally over the next four games, I'll eat my hat.
The Bills...my you are exciting to watch. As Katy Perry said, you're hot then you're cold.
The Jets offend my eyes. Simply the worst offensive unit in the NFL. No play makers, no confidence, and no QB. Sanchez is averaging less than 50% completion rate. Not good enough. Tebow won't help.
MAINZEY - So to the AFC North.
The Steelers are starting to look old and injured, need Harrison and Polomalu to play otherwise they won't be getting to the playoffs. The Ravens look very good on both sides of the ball if Joe keeps the ball they will go far. I like the big play capability from fellow Ginger Andy Dalton especially to AJ Green, if they shore up the defence might get to the playoffs. Cleveland can hope the league contracts them soon although their 'young QB' looked good on Thursday. Pity he is throwing to the a Maghull 5th's team I played for (this is not good btw)
(Editors note - Paul played for the 5th XI during a time when some youngsters where selected for whom fielding and catching was not deemed a necessary part of the game.)
DUTTON - Ravens could be the best team in the AFC, though I think Houston may disagree. Flacco is not getting any poorer financially with each passing game, believe me. Baltimore are going to have to stump up a LOT of cash when he sits down for his contract negotiations. Not big on Pittsburgh. Putrid O line, no difference makers on defence. Nah, not for me. Cincy have a lot of talent going forward, Dalton to Green is a great hookup. Cleveland...not wasting my breath. And my worst ever 5th team caught the ball better than Greg Little. He sucks, he single handedly is making Weedon look terrible, which he is not....not really.
MAINZEY - And now the West. I think this division has disappointing so far. Peyton looks like he is still struggling with his neck a little but I will say they have lost to the best teams in the League so far (Houston, Atlanta). San Diego have wins in September which is good for them and good for Norv, get Rivers to throw to San Diego receivers and I think they could be a playoff team. Oakland are awful although Carson is playing OK but they lack talent. As for Kansas City... they follow the same issue as New Orleans as they also don't have a coach, at least New Orleans have a QB (ouch x2)
DUTTON - That's a big ouch for Kansas, or as I like to call them "my Superbowl pick Kansas City". They have been quite simply awful. I thought their offence was Cassell proof. I didn't realise how awful he truly is.
Very tough division to comment on, apart from that. Oakland are what I think we thought they were. Granted they beat the Steelers, but I think that says more about Pittsburgh than the Raiders. Phil Rivers seems to be playing at his 2011 level rather than his 2010 standard, but they are in the hunt early. Denver are a weird team. Manning shows flashes of his old surgical self (a Manning drive is still a work of art), but he and his receivers are not always on the same page. Their defence is not what everyone thought it would be either. Very odd division.
MAINZEY - And finally the worst division in the league AFC South. They have Houston and Andrew Luck and that is it. I do not wish to discuss it further.
DUTTON - I would tend to agree. Best team in the AFC (perhaps), best young QB in the league. Otherwise bloody awful.
MAINZEY - They all stink but could easily have a Superbowl team go figure!!
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So there you have it. Mainzey and I would also like to express our best wishes to Indianapolis Colts heach coach Chuck Pagano, who it was announced this week is suffering from a treatable form of leukaemia. From everything that I have read, Pagano seems to be one of the good guys of the NFL, and there is tremendous confidence that he will overcome this illness and return to the job.
Thursday 6 September 2012
NFL Top Five and Bottom Five
Welcome once again dear reader. Today I wish to share with you the thoughts of myself and Mainzey with regards who are, as we prepare for the 2012 season to start, the top and bottom five teams. It should be noted that these discussions took place ONE DAY BEFORE the season kicked off with the Dallas Cowboys thumping the New York Giants. This disclaimer has to be made, in order to prevent one of us being embarrased (not me...)
MAINZEY - Hey Dutts, With Liverpool being so crap and to celebrate the great news that the NFL is on Sky and Redzone is back (best invention ever) I thought lets to a power rankings blog conversation. As no really cares about the middle numbers I was thinking top 5 and a bottom 5. It may mean our teams aren't mentioned but you never know you may have had a drink.
MAINZEY - Hey Dutts, With Liverpool being so crap and to celebrate the great news that the NFL is on Sky and Redzone is back (best invention ever) I thought lets to a power rankings blog conversation. As no really cares about the middle numbers I was thinking top 5 and a bottom 5. It may mean our teams aren't mentioned but you never know you may have had a drink.
For me number 1 is easy. You lose the Superbowl and get better on offence and defence and you have Bellichek and Brady. No brainer, Pats number 1. I think they may even win a Super Bowl without taping other teams this year (hasn't happened yet)
Who is your number 1?
DUTTON - It's bad news when I have a disagreement with your opening line. Liverpool haven't been crap...they've been garbage.
I've not checked the Internet today, so I assume I've missed the Patriots signing a proper O line?
The best team in the NFL as we stand is the team with the best QB. It's a quarterback league, as we are frequently told, and that's why the Aaron Rodgers led Green Bay Packers are my number 1.
MAINZEY - Got a point on the O Line but not sure u can make that comment and then choose the Packers
That being said I will go Packers at 2. 15-1 last year and straight out of the playoffs would hurt. Surely their defence won't be as bad again actually I don't think it is possible.
DUTTON - True, the Packers O line isn't the best but ARod can make the plays with his feet.
To return the favour, I'll give you the Pats at 2. Brady is still Brady, they may now have a pass rush that eluded them in 2011, and the 0-2 since Spygate must annoy Palpatine...sorry, Bellichek.
MAINZEY - So for number 3 I am going to go back in time.
It's 2006, I say at 3 I am going to pick the most clutch QB in the NFL, who is also the best Manning and also has the most Superbowl rings in the Manning household and you say that's easy you are picking the Colts.
Well back to today and it's still easy. But I not picking Peyton and the Colts, I am picking Eli and the New York Giants.
DUTTON - Ha! Not even mentioned in my top five!
Sticking with my "quarterback league" theme, possibly the ultimate field general, especially as he is essentially the head coach too, I go with Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Add the "the world is against us" mentality, and you have a potent offensive force.
MAINZEY - We have seriously diverged now! I am not sure the Saints are the best team in their league and I like to think coaches are important and they don't have 1.
At 4 the team that should have represented the AFC in the Super Bowl last year. The Houston Texans, solid all over the field and if they stay healthy very dangerous, also helps their division could be one of the worst ever assembled.
DUTTON - At last agreement!
The only real issue I have with the Texans is the damage they inflicted themselves upon the right side of their offensive line. Eric Winston is one of the best RTs in football, and they let him walk away...
The AFC South is the best example of why relegation should be introduced into the NFL.
MAINZEY - Yeah let's promote Alabama and USC and relegate Jacksonville!!!!
Number 5 is the 49ers great defence and added a few weapons on offence if Smith doesn't turn it over they will be very dangerous.
DUTTON - Agreed, this team is returning 11 starters on defence. So that's the same defence that dominated in 2011. Few more weapons, but I would be shocked if Smith is still the starter by the end of 2012. This team is being built for Kapernick.
OK, that's the cream of the crop sorted. How about the Crap of the Crop? For me, the worst team in football is Miami. The offseason has been one disaster after another, they have no talent on that roster. This, and maybe the next couple of years, will be painful for Dolphins fans.
MAINZEY - I hear what you are saying on the Dolphins but the worst team in football is the Browns. It's a close call but they also start a rookie QB (although he is about the same age as us) and I think they have less talent. Add to the fact they play Pittsburgh, Baltimore and the Bengals and they will have the worst record all said and done.
DUTTON - We can actually call Brandon Weedon "young man".
I take the Browns as 31st, as it were. Potentially they have some pieces on offence, with Weedon being protected by the best LT in football, Trent Richardson should be a stud (when fit) and second year wideout Greg Little should show improvement. The 2011 Browns D wasn't the worst, but they still will be picking early in the next draft.
MAINZEY - Interesting thing, think of the best left tackles in the game and then what teams they play for and you will notice something. It's the most overrated position in sports.
Dolphins at 31 for me they stink plain and simple.
DUTTON - Worst team in the best conference now, Minnesota. Banged up AP, aging defense (and that includes you Jared Allen), dump of a stadium. Nothing going for them.
MAINZEY - I think the Vikings are bad but to be 3 picks in and no AFC South team chosen did not seem right to me. I pick the Jags here. Their best player has been a holdout and their QB looked scared of people trying to hit him last year.
The sooner this team is the LA Cougars the better (copyright on the name)
DUTTON - I think my good friend Adam is rather hoping the Rams will have the LA prefix. (name drop alert, Adam is Adam Rank, NFL.com analyst and has on occasion conversed with me via Twitter. A good egg.)
I give you Jacksonville now. Again not the worst defence, but they'll be playing from behind an awful lot this year and the scaredy cat hippy QB will need to man up against the inevitable pass rush.
MAINZEY - Did I tell you I got a retweet from Staines FC (in your face!!!)
Vikings for me now not sure on Ponder or the age and fitness of their star players. In that division could be a serious struggle.
DUTTON - I've just had a chat with YCCC allrounder Richard Pyrah...
I think there is a leap to the 5th worst, and that is the Colts. Their schedule means they could be 2-1, and while they will not get to the playoffs (far from it...) they will be better than most think.
MAINZEY - And I move from the Ipad to the laptop (don't you just love technology)
I think I am going to agree here Colts are still built to have a lead and I don't think they will have one enough
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So there you have it, two idiots look at the best and worst of the NFL. I daresay Mainzey and I will speak again on this subject, and I have confidence that our answers will change!
Wednesday 29 August 2012
The King is Dead
May 19th, 2004. England captain (and personal hero to your humble author) Michael Vaughan has been ruled out of the opening test of the summer against New Zealand. The captaincy will pass to Marcus Trescothick, but what of Vaughan's spot alongside him opening the batting?
"Simple" says I to my good friend Mainzey. "Move Butcher up to open, Nasser to 3 and bring in Collingwood."
My decision seemed logical at the time. I was, remained and retain membership of the Paul Collingwood fan club. He had played Test cricket, albeit briefly, and Butcher had opened before. Apparently though (as I was to discover years later) Butcher was not keen to surrender his spot at 3, and so the selectors plucked Andrew Strauss to make his test debut. Some thought (and still think) that I bemoaned the pick, and didn't rate Strauss. Not true. And his debut ton, coupled with a wonderful second innings knock that ended when Hussain ran him out (the last victim of Nassers career) before Hussain rallied the side to victory (both innings I watched after calling in sick for work at the Odeon. Sorry, but its been 8 years, sue me) thrilled me.
Today, Wednesday August 29th 2012, Strauss announced his decision to stand down as England captain and retire from all forms of cricket after a test series defeat by South Africa (if this sounds familiar, its because both Nasser and Vaughan resigned in the same circumstances. Bloody Saffers....) He played exactly 100 Tests, 50 of them as captain, and scored 7037 runs at an average of just over 40, with 21 centuries. He also won 46 of the tests he played in, winning the first eight.
I cannot say that I have been a constant supporter of Strauss. In 2007, his annoying habit of driving at full balls and nicking to slip (or keeper occasionally, just to mix things up) infuriated me, and I was not upset to see him left out of a tour to Sri Lanka. His return for the next series away in New Zealand confused me, as did the call to bat him at 3. But he won me round with brilliant centuries in Napier and in a great run chase at Old Trafford in 2008. When events opened up the England captaincy on a permanent basis in 2009, I was very happy to see Strauss take up a role he seemed to have been born to perform.
I have also been a constant reminder to people that after his first day ton at Lords v the Aussies in 2009, he didn't reach three figures in a Test match again until the first test over 16 months later, and then after not until May 2012. He continued to chip in, but frequently seemed to get out when set, especially when a bowler came round the wicket to him.
However, in spite of these, I will miss him. England under Strauss were ruthlessly efficient, dominant in the field and constantly looking like 20 wickets could be taken with as little as 60 deliveries. England did not lose a series after his debut series UNTIL they had reached the summit of Test cricket, some three years later. England won with a regularity that never became boring. I will miss the late cut, the pull over midwicket, even the cover drive which seemed to desert him after 2009 will be missed. England will also miss him in in the slips. His trusty mitts snaffled 121 catches in his 100 Tests, probably none better than the wonderful one handed grab at Trent Bridge to get rid of Adam Gilchrist in 2005.
Alastair Cook has been groomed to step in to the breach ever since he skippered the "mini tour" to Bangladesh in 2010. He has played 83 tests, has only one fewer test century than Strauss and also has 73 catches. He will not REPLACE Strauss, he will succeed him. He will be a different type of captain, and it will be interesting to see if full time Test captaincy can FINALLY do something that Shane Warne, loss of form and even batting 13 hours has failed to do. Make Cook sweat.
Fare thee well Andrew. Enjoy the next stage of your life, but please remember. I never hated you, I just thought it was Collingwood's time. It was not then, and I'm glad that it was yours.
"Simple" says I to my good friend Mainzey. "Move Butcher up to open, Nasser to 3 and bring in Collingwood."
My decision seemed logical at the time. I was, remained and retain membership of the Paul Collingwood fan club. He had played Test cricket, albeit briefly, and Butcher had opened before. Apparently though (as I was to discover years later) Butcher was not keen to surrender his spot at 3, and so the selectors plucked Andrew Strauss to make his test debut. Some thought (and still think) that I bemoaned the pick, and didn't rate Strauss. Not true. And his debut ton, coupled with a wonderful second innings knock that ended when Hussain ran him out (the last victim of Nassers career) before Hussain rallied the side to victory (both innings I watched after calling in sick for work at the Odeon. Sorry, but its been 8 years, sue me) thrilled me.
Today, Wednesday August 29th 2012, Strauss announced his decision to stand down as England captain and retire from all forms of cricket after a test series defeat by South Africa (if this sounds familiar, its because both Nasser and Vaughan resigned in the same circumstances. Bloody Saffers....) He played exactly 100 Tests, 50 of them as captain, and scored 7037 runs at an average of just over 40, with 21 centuries. He also won 46 of the tests he played in, winning the first eight.
I cannot say that I have been a constant supporter of Strauss. In 2007, his annoying habit of driving at full balls and nicking to slip (or keeper occasionally, just to mix things up) infuriated me, and I was not upset to see him left out of a tour to Sri Lanka. His return for the next series away in New Zealand confused me, as did the call to bat him at 3. But he won me round with brilliant centuries in Napier and in a great run chase at Old Trafford in 2008. When events opened up the England captaincy on a permanent basis in 2009, I was very happy to see Strauss take up a role he seemed to have been born to perform.
I have also been a constant reminder to people that after his first day ton at Lords v the Aussies in 2009, he didn't reach three figures in a Test match again until the first test over 16 months later, and then after not until May 2012. He continued to chip in, but frequently seemed to get out when set, especially when a bowler came round the wicket to him.
However, in spite of these, I will miss him. England under Strauss were ruthlessly efficient, dominant in the field and constantly looking like 20 wickets could be taken with as little as 60 deliveries. England did not lose a series after his debut series UNTIL they had reached the summit of Test cricket, some three years later. England won with a regularity that never became boring. I will miss the late cut, the pull over midwicket, even the cover drive which seemed to desert him after 2009 will be missed. England will also miss him in in the slips. His trusty mitts snaffled 121 catches in his 100 Tests, probably none better than the wonderful one handed grab at Trent Bridge to get rid of Adam Gilchrist in 2005.
Alastair Cook has been groomed to step in to the breach ever since he skippered the "mini tour" to Bangladesh in 2010. He has played 83 tests, has only one fewer test century than Strauss and also has 73 catches. He will not REPLACE Strauss, he will succeed him. He will be a different type of captain, and it will be interesting to see if full time Test captaincy can FINALLY do something that Shane Warne, loss of form and even batting 13 hours has failed to do. Make Cook sweat.
Fare thee well Andrew. Enjoy the next stage of your life, but please remember. I never hated you, I just thought it was Collingwood's time. It was not then, and I'm glad that it was yours.
Thursday 23 August 2012
Defending The Crown
England have named their squad for the World T20 tournament, to be played in Sri Lanka in September, a competition they enter as holders after winning the last tournament in the West Indies in 2010. There are a few notable changes from that 2010 team, as the captain, the leading bowler, and of course the Man of the Tournament are no longer part of the England setup for one reason or another. It will be tough for England to defend their title, but they are still the number one ranked side in T20, and will rightly enter the tournament with a high level of confidence.
The lineup for Englands last T20 game v the Windies was Kieswetter, Hales, Bopara, Morgan, Buttler, Bairstow, Patel, Swann, Broad (c), Dernbach, Finn.
All of the above 11 have been named, and are joined by Bresnan, Wright, Briggs and Lumb. Bresnan Wright and Lumb were key members of the 2010 squad. Lumb may have to back up Kieswetter and Hales, who smashed an England T20 record score of 99 v the West Indies in the last match. Briggs is something of a T20 specialist, with a career economy rate below 7 an over and a wicket every 16 balls. He is a specialist slow bowler, and not much of a spinner (much like Samit Patel, another slow left arm option). Luke Wright has been in and around the England setup since 2007, and has been hampered by having never found a specialist role (jack of all, master of....).
The key men for England are :
Eoin Morgan, one of the most destructive limited overs batsmen in the world
Graeme Swann, a wily campaigner who found Sri Lankan pitches to his liking in the recent test series (and his comeback International tour back in 2007)
Steve Finn, the fastest bowler in the squad with a proven track record of extracting life from even the flattest subcontinental wickets in the last year, and
Stuart Broad, entering an international tournament as captain for the first time, he must keep his temper and set an example for his mostly young squad (only two over 30s!)
Can England win? Yes, of course they can. They are a well drilled, well set squad. Will they win? I'm an England cricket fan, I'm not counting my chickens.
The lineup for Englands last T20 game v the Windies was Kieswetter, Hales, Bopara, Morgan, Buttler, Bairstow, Patel, Swann, Broad (c), Dernbach, Finn.
All of the above 11 have been named, and are joined by Bresnan, Wright, Briggs and Lumb. Bresnan Wright and Lumb were key members of the 2010 squad. Lumb may have to back up Kieswetter and Hales, who smashed an England T20 record score of 99 v the West Indies in the last match. Briggs is something of a T20 specialist, with a career economy rate below 7 an over and a wicket every 16 balls. He is a specialist slow bowler, and not much of a spinner (much like Samit Patel, another slow left arm option). Luke Wright has been in and around the England setup since 2007, and has been hampered by having never found a specialist role (jack of all, master of....).
The key men for England are :
Eoin Morgan, one of the most destructive limited overs batsmen in the world
Graeme Swann, a wily campaigner who found Sri Lankan pitches to his liking in the recent test series (and his comeback International tour back in 2007)
Steve Finn, the fastest bowler in the squad with a proven track record of extracting life from even the flattest subcontinental wickets in the last year, and
Stuart Broad, entering an international tournament as captain for the first time, he must keep his temper and set an example for his mostly young squad (only two over 30s!)
Can England win? Yes, of course they can. They are a well drilled, well set squad. Will they win? I'm an England cricket fan, I'm not counting my chickens.
Thursday 16 August 2012
And Now...The AFC
DUTTON - So, the AFC..
DUTTON - Hard to argue, though I think the Patriots could use help at tight end.
The other three teams have passable defences, the Bills having spent big to improve. But the Dolphins will have a year of growing pains, and Tebow will be the starting QB by week five. Easy Patriots win.
The Powerhouse division would be the North, with three playoff teams in 2011. I have a feeling that the most talented team in this quartet is actually Cincinatti.
MAINZEY - Still sticking with the Jimmy Graham over Gronk joke I see
AFC North the one thing I do know is the Cleveland will be last. As for the others I think the best team are the Steelers they have Big Ben with Weapons and still have a defence. I am torn between the Ravens and the Bengals although I hope the Bengals win 10 games.
DUTTON - Sticking my neck out (never a task I'm afraid to do) in saying the Bengals finish above the Ravens in 2012.
The West is probably the most intriguing in the entire NFL. The Chargers are the perennial contenders, the Chiefs have a top defence and a few offensive weapons returning, Denver replaced a gimmick QB with some guy called Manning, and the Raiders begin a truly new era as they go into their first season post Al Davis. My money is on Kansas.
MAINZEY - Cincy and Kansas bloody hell Neil have you been drinking??
The Chargers may have Norv and they also have talent but I know who I am going with. The same person I have picked to win the AFC South since 2000. I am on the Peyton and Broncos bandwagon and I am sticking with it!!!
DUTTON - I don't think the Bengals will win their division, just finish above Baltimore!
I think Denver will push, but everything Kansas have done this offseason has impressed me.
MAINZEY - I may have missed what Kansas did, where they the team who signed Peyton Manning?
DUTTON - No, they have their own injury blighted QB, and they did sign another Peyton (the oft injured and 2011 Madden Curse victim Peyton Hillis).
MAINZEY - Ok just checking I hadn't missed something
DUTTON - Idiot.
So, potentially the worst division in pro football, the AFC North. Urgh...by all means, you can lead off on this one.
MAINZEY - AFC North is surely the poo division of the league this year.
That being said this is a no brainer for me Texans all the way the OLine may not be as good but with Foster and Schaub throwing to Johnson and Daniels they should have more than enough
DUTTON - I'll be prepared to controversial here, I think Johnsons days of "elite" are done. Can't stay healthy, Texans will ground and pound to lighten his load. Their receiving corps is a worry, but they are still the cream of this crap. Titans will compete, but Colts and Jags will stink again.
So Pats, Steelers, Texans and a disagreement in the West. Wild cards?
MAINZEY - May not be elite but better than the rest in that division.
Yeah my wildcards are going to be Ravens and Bengals. You?
DUTTON - I'm going with the Bengals...and the Denver Broncos.
So there you have it, all eight divisions broken down into idiot sized chunks. How will our selections pan out? You get to find out in under a month.
MAINZEY - The second best conference in terms of quality and Mannings (did I really just say that?), the AFC is like the Australian Olympic team compared the the GB team that is the NFC.
DUTTON - Yorkshire won more medals than Australia. There are, to my mind, NO outstanding Superbowl candidates in the AFC, but like the NFC lets start in the East.
MAINZEY - Ah, Mullins Division (NY Jets), and boy is he going to have fun this year with Timmy (God's personal representative in the NFL). My dads team should also have a blast with no QB until the boy Tannehill is ready, the Bills may surprise some people with their defence and a few skill players, but lets be serious. The Patriots win this division by a mile. Best QB in Brady, best coach in Bellichek...pretty easy one for me this.
The other three teams have passable defences, the Bills having spent big to improve. But the Dolphins will have a year of growing pains, and Tebow will be the starting QB by week five. Easy Patriots win.
The Powerhouse division would be the North, with three playoff teams in 2011. I have a feeling that the most talented team in this quartet is actually Cincinatti.
MAINZEY - Still sticking with the Jimmy Graham over Gronk joke I see
AFC North the one thing I do know is the Cleveland will be last. As for the others I think the best team are the Steelers they have Big Ben with Weapons and still have a defence. I am torn between the Ravens and the Bengals although I hope the Bengals win 10 games.
DUTTON - Sticking my neck out (never a task I'm afraid to do) in saying the Bengals finish above the Ravens in 2012.
The West is probably the most intriguing in the entire NFL. The Chargers are the perennial contenders, the Chiefs have a top defence and a few offensive weapons returning, Denver replaced a gimmick QB with some guy called Manning, and the Raiders begin a truly new era as they go into their first season post Al Davis. My money is on Kansas.
MAINZEY - Cincy and Kansas bloody hell Neil have you been drinking??
The Chargers may have Norv and they also have talent but I know who I am going with. The same person I have picked to win the AFC South since 2000. I am on the Peyton and Broncos bandwagon and I am sticking with it!!!
DUTTON - I don't think the Bengals will win their division, just finish above Baltimore!
I think Denver will push, but everything Kansas have done this offseason has impressed me.
MAINZEY - I may have missed what Kansas did, where they the team who signed Peyton Manning?
DUTTON - No, they have their own injury blighted QB, and they did sign another Peyton (the oft injured and 2011 Madden Curse victim Peyton Hillis).
MAINZEY - Ok just checking I hadn't missed something
DUTTON - Idiot.
So, potentially the worst division in pro football, the AFC North. Urgh...by all means, you can lead off on this one.
MAINZEY - AFC North is surely the poo division of the league this year.
That being said this is a no brainer for me Texans all the way the OLine may not be as good but with Foster and Schaub throwing to Johnson and Daniels they should have more than enough
DUTTON - I'll be prepared to controversial here, I think Johnsons days of "elite" are done. Can't stay healthy, Texans will ground and pound to lighten his load. Their receiving corps is a worry, but they are still the cream of this crap. Titans will compete, but Colts and Jags will stink again.
So Pats, Steelers, Texans and a disagreement in the West. Wild cards?
MAINZEY - May not be elite but better than the rest in that division.
Yeah my wildcards are going to be Ravens and Bengals. You?
DUTTON - I'm going with the Bengals...and the Denver Broncos.
So there you have it, all eight divisions broken down into idiot sized chunks. How will our selections pan out? You get to find out in under a month.
Sunday 29 July 2012
2 Idiots Take On The NFC
In a concept stolen from noted American sports blogger and podcast host Bill Simmons, my friend Mainzey and I discuss the prospects for the NFC in the coming American Football season. Take a look, we may get sued before we can do another one.
Dutton - I think we should begin with the NFC Division that matters most to the pair of us, and coincidentally the home of the reigning Super Bowl champions, the NFC East.
No team has retained the East crown since the Eagles won 4 straight, ending with the 2004 title. I do not see this trend coming to an end in 2012. The Giants have not added quality to their roster, and in fact have several gaping holes where studs have departed. There is also the issue of Eli being the hunted rather than the hunter, his previous season as a Champion was not a triumph, for him or his team.
Mainzey - That Eagles team must have won a couple of superbowls with that record. I know you hate him but he is the best manning know with the best team resume. The team with the most talent has the star and the stupid owner
Dutton - The "Dallas has the most talent" argument is a myth, based on the same foundations as the Tooth Fairy. They have a serviceable quarterback, a good (but ageing) tight end and one great pass rusher. That's it.
The Eagles changed tack in 2012, by focussing on players they already had rather than high profile free agents. Vick is going to enjoy his first off season as the Eagles starting QB, he has two good receivers on the outside, a serviceable slot receiver, a top tight end and, potentially, the most complete back in the NFL.
Mainzey - Are we saying Ware is past it???
Can't believe I am defending my arch enemy
This is your best team since last years team which worked out well.... Seriously if you keep Vick upright you should win 10 games easily
So are we saying Eagles?
Also did you know golf on TV cricket on the iPad is the future?
This has the makings of a serious division for a change. St Louis intrigue me under Jeff Fisher, really need a big season out of Bradford but the defence should be solid
Dutton - I think we should begin with the NFC Division that matters most to the pair of us, and coincidentally the home of the reigning Super Bowl champions, the NFC East.
No team has retained the East crown since the Eagles won 4 straight, ending with the 2004 title. I do not see this trend coming to an end in 2012. The Giants have not added quality to their roster, and in fact have several gaping holes where studs have departed. There is also the issue of Eli being the hunted rather than the hunter, his previous season as a Champion was not a triumph, for him or his team.
Mainzey - That Eagles team must have won a couple of superbowls with that record. I know you hate him but he is the best manning know with the best team resume. The team with the most talent has the star and the stupid owner
Dutton - The "Dallas has the most talent" argument is a myth, based on the same foundations as the Tooth Fairy. They have a serviceable quarterback, a good (but ageing) tight end and one great pass rusher. That's it.
The Eagles changed tack in 2012, by focussing on players they already had rather than high profile free agents. Vick is going to enjoy his first off season as the Eagles starting QB, he has two good receivers on the outside, a serviceable slot receiver, a top tight end and, potentially, the most complete back in the NFL.
Mainzey - Are we saying Ware is past it???
Can't believe I am defending my arch enemy
But enough with these teams lets talk about the team of the future....
Dutton - Your "future" may remain much the same as your present, for the time being. Adding Robert Griffin III will make the Redskins a touch more dynamic, but the quality of help afforded to him is still not top tier. The Skins strength still lies in a more than adequate defence, with Kerrigan and Orakpo the studs.
Mainzey - We will win 7 I think. We were close in a lot of games I think RG3 helps us win a couple more
Dutton - I would say so. Big play offence, solid offensive line, great strength in depth on the defensive line. I would very surprised if the 2011 total of 8 wins was not surpassed.
Mainzey - So we both pick the Eagles which may make Jerry Jones blow up the team which makes me smile.
So NFC North. I think this could be the deepest. Chicago still can play D and now Jay has someone to throw to I think they are serious this year
Dutton - Ah the NFC North, the land of the lost cornerback....
To compete in this division, you need to sling the ball around. There are three top arm QBs, we don't know what Ponder is yet. Chicago do indeed have that stud receiver they have been seeking for so long, but my worries with the Bears is an abysmal offensive line and an ageing defence. Briggs and Urlacher are not getting younger. They will be better than last year, but I don't expect them to come out on top in this division.
Mainzey - Yeah age is a concern but it is for me and you too
If we are talking about slinging the ball about then we have to talk about the best 1-2 in the league Stafford to MEGATRON!! The issue is can they keep the team out of jail and off the operating table. If they can they are a fantasy owners dream, if they can't I think Schwartz may have questions to answers
Dutton - Stafford to Johnson may well be the Manning to Wayne of this generation. The Lions are loaded on offence, built to use their front seven to generate pressure on defence. Like most teams in this division, their secondary is suspect (I'm being polite.)
Possibly owning the worst secondary, we come to the Green Bay Packers. While Stafford has his go-to-guy in Megatron, who is Aaron Rodgers favourite receiver?
The Open One.
Mainzey - Packers need to get to the QB on defence. If they can I think they are the best team in the conference. I have 2 out of here me thinks Green Bay and Chicago
Dutton - Odd comment from someone who lives in the past...
Agreed. Packers to win, but I see a Wildcard for the Bears. Detroit will drop off from last season, but not disastrously so. I'm not even talking about the Vikings.
How about the NFC West, for so long a joke division but not any more?
Mainzey - Only when it comes to my sports teams...but Yeah the Vikings without AP could have a long season.
Dutton - This division is one of underrated (and talented) defences. San Francisco showed last year that they had a serious front seven. Seattle and Arizona showed flashes of improvement. The Rams have added talent to a talent starved roster, but don't expect them to climb away from the basement too far
Mainzey - The Seahawks are interesting to me. Will they progress or fall back a little? Not sure the offence can keep up with the defence especially with Lynch probably missing some games.
Dutton - So we have the 49ers winning this division then?
Mainzey - They were the best team in the division and I think they have gotten better so I can't see it being any other way
Dutton - Agreed.
Now the real head scratcher in the NFC, the South. For so long the preserve of the Saints, can they put Bountygate and the loss of their head coach behind them and retain their crown?
Mainzey - I suppose the answer to this is do they still have Drew Brees? As the answer is yes I think they still have 10 plus wins on them although they hopefully lose game 1 to RG3
Dutton - I think that's quite enough trips into fantasy land for you.
Yes, Brees is still the straw that stirs the drink in this team. I see the Bucs improving, though they could hardly regress, and I expect last years RG3 (Cam Newton) to continue to show signs of class. For me, I see Atlanta falling away. Not a Matty Ryan believer.
Mainzey - I like the signings by Tampa just not sure they have overtaken New Orleans. If I am honest give me Cam and the original Steve Smith
Dutton - Yep, can't argue.
So we have Eagles, Packers, 49ers and Saints topping their divisions. I have wildcards for the Bears and...New York Giants.
Mainzey - I am with you on the Bears and I think I will throw a curve and go for..... Carolina Panthers
Dutton - You on board the Cam Newton train I see?
Great discussion Paul. We must do this again soon, as we discuss the ugly sister that is the AFC.
Mainzey - There is always one team who sneak up on us and I just have a feeling Cam can do it.
Yeah join us soon for the AFC version!!
Tuesday 10 July 2012
End Of ANOTHER Era
Since I began writing this blog, I have been able to write about the end of Rahul Dravids Test career, the end of Peyton Manning's time as an Indianapolis Colt, and the calling of time on the career of one of country crickets hungriest run getters in Mark Ramprakash. It is with a degree of sadness that I find myself writing once again about the end of a great era, as the news filters through of the end of the international (and probably cricketing) career of South African glove man Mark Boucher.
STANDING OUT, STANDING UP
In terms of sheer numbers, Boucher stands apart from all other wicket keepers. In Test cricket alone, his trusty mitts gobbled up an astonishing 532 catches in his 147 tests, and he backed these up with 23 stumpings (no mean feat, considering the lack of a quality spinner for virtually his entire Test career). Both the number of catches and the number of matches played are records for a Test wicket keeper.
He was also a nuggety lower order batsman, capable of rescuing his side (his first test century came as a nightwatchman), establishing a dominant position with some lusty late innings hitting or saving his side with the same grim determination. In terms of runs, he is the second highest run getter for all test match wicket keepers, his 5515 at an average of 30.30 (5 centuries, 23 fifties) a mere 55 runs behind that great freak of nature Adam Gilchrist (though Gilly got his 5570 in fewer matches at a higher average and with more centuries). He stands up well against other prominent keeper/batsmen of the modern era, with the same number of centuries as Knott, Dhoni and Dujon, a higher average than those great Aussie glove man Healy and Marsh, and more not outs than any other keeper.
He finishes his career after a freak incident in a tour match at Taunton, warming up for his 4th and last tour of England. An Imran Tahir googly hit the stumps, sending a bail up into the white of Boucher's left eye. A sad end to a golden career, and one that saw him win, lose and draw a series in England. His 1st series was in 1998, and he was to play a leading role in the match best remembered for the epic duel between Mike Atherton and Alan Donald at Trent Bridge. Early in England's chase of 247, an Alan Donald short ball slammed into the glove of Atherton, and flew through to Boucher, who began the celebrations of a prized wicket. Astonishingly still to this day, the umpire declined to advise Athers that his innings had ended. Donald was incensed. So began a spell of fast bowling rarely seen since the days of Bodyline. Round the wicket Donald kept coming at Atherton, shorter and quicker. The test match rested on this duel. In a rare respite, Atherton watched from the non strikers end as Donald induced a nick from Nasser Hussain. The ball flew through to Boucher...who dropped it. Donald screamed, the muscles in his neck looking like they were ready to pop. The spell was broken, Donald was done. At the end of the over, prior to his taking up his fielding position at fine leg, Donald made a special effort to console his young teammate, a sporting gesture every bit as powerful as Flintoff and Lee's chat at Edgbaston seven years later. England, famously, hung on to win by 8 wickets, and Atherton (ever the scamp) gifted Donald the glove, with his signature barely covering the red ball mark.
Apparently, Boucher retires on 999 international dismissals (998 of which are as a wicket keeper).The two mentioned above would have taken him to the awesome tally of 1000. But they didn't. Such is life. Farewell Mark, maybe after this series we can take time to dwell on how truly great you are. One thing is for sure, I'm happy you are not playing, but I wish you'd played again.
STANDING OUT, STANDING UP
In terms of sheer numbers, Boucher stands apart from all other wicket keepers. In Test cricket alone, his trusty mitts gobbled up an astonishing 532 catches in his 147 tests, and he backed these up with 23 stumpings (no mean feat, considering the lack of a quality spinner for virtually his entire Test career). Both the number of catches and the number of matches played are records for a Test wicket keeper.
He was also a nuggety lower order batsman, capable of rescuing his side (his first test century came as a nightwatchman), establishing a dominant position with some lusty late innings hitting or saving his side with the same grim determination. In terms of runs, he is the second highest run getter for all test match wicket keepers, his 5515 at an average of 30.30 (5 centuries, 23 fifties) a mere 55 runs behind that great freak of nature Adam Gilchrist (though Gilly got his 5570 in fewer matches at a higher average and with more centuries). He stands up well against other prominent keeper/batsmen of the modern era, with the same number of centuries as Knott, Dhoni and Dujon, a higher average than those great Aussie glove man Healy and Marsh, and more not outs than any other keeper.
He finishes his career after a freak incident in a tour match at Taunton, warming up for his 4th and last tour of England. An Imran Tahir googly hit the stumps, sending a bail up into the white of Boucher's left eye. A sad end to a golden career, and one that saw him win, lose and draw a series in England. His 1st series was in 1998, and he was to play a leading role in the match best remembered for the epic duel between Mike Atherton and Alan Donald at Trent Bridge. Early in England's chase of 247, an Alan Donald short ball slammed into the glove of Atherton, and flew through to Boucher, who began the celebrations of a prized wicket. Astonishingly still to this day, the umpire declined to advise Athers that his innings had ended. Donald was incensed. So began a spell of fast bowling rarely seen since the days of Bodyline. Round the wicket Donald kept coming at Atherton, shorter and quicker. The test match rested on this duel. In a rare respite, Atherton watched from the non strikers end as Donald induced a nick from Nasser Hussain. The ball flew through to Boucher...who dropped it. Donald screamed, the muscles in his neck looking like they were ready to pop. The spell was broken, Donald was done. At the end of the over, prior to his taking up his fielding position at fine leg, Donald made a special effort to console his young teammate, a sporting gesture every bit as powerful as Flintoff and Lee's chat at Edgbaston seven years later. England, famously, hung on to win by 8 wickets, and Atherton (ever the scamp) gifted Donald the glove, with his signature barely covering the red ball mark.
Apparently, Boucher retires on 999 international dismissals (998 of which are as a wicket keeper).The two mentioned above would have taken him to the awesome tally of 1000. But they didn't. Such is life. Farewell Mark, maybe after this series we can take time to dwell on how truly great you are. One thing is for sure, I'm happy you are not playing, but I wish you'd played again.
Friday 6 July 2012
Prolific, Unfulfilled, Finished
December 29th 1998. Australia need 175 runs to go 3-0 up in the Ashes series against the Old Enemy, and seem to be well on their way to doing so. After both openers had been dismissed with only 41 runs on the board, Justin Langer and Mark Waugh have forged a partnership that seems to have taken the sting out of the England attack. The 105th delivery faced by the obdurate Langer is bowled by Alan Mullally, and is short. Right in the slot for Langer's pull shot, which he plays with power and authority. All eyes turn to the boundary, where the ball must surely be heading. But the ball is not there. The ball is instead in the hands of the square leg fielder, who incredibly reversed course and dived back to his right to take a wonderful catch. The wicket transforms the match, as the Aussies collapse to a 12 run defeat.
For all of his 35,659 runs, his 114 first class centuries, his 261 first class catches, it is this moment that I will always remember when I think of the name Mark Ramprakash.
Ramps retired from first class cricket on Thursday July 5th, after 25 years at the highest level. His 2012 season had not been a success, and he had found himself out of the Surrey Championship XI. A conversation had taken place between Ramps and the Surrey management regarding his "future", which seemed to a way of hastening the end of one of the most prolific domestic run scoring careers of the modern age.
Ramp's appetite for runs against county attacks was insatiable. In 2006, his twentieth season on the county circuit, he averaged over 100 and scored over 2000. Against Yorkshire at Headingley in 2008, he became only the 25th (and more likely than not, the last) player to register 100 first class centuries. As impressive (and damn near incredible) these stats are, it should be noted that they took place five and seven years after the last of his 52 test matches, a spell that saw him score only two hundreds and average 27.32 against a career first class average of 53.14.
His debut test series came against the still awesome West Indies side in 1991. He made 27 in both innings of a match best remembered for Graham Gooch's superb 154*, and in the remaining seven innings he only failed to reach twenty twice. However, he only bettered 27 once, and then only by two runs. The Windies would be his most frequent opponents for England, playing in 16 Tests against them. His first, and many hoped coming of age, England hundred came in Bridgetown in 1998, a test match he scored 64* against the same opponents. These would prove to be the only two times he would pass 50 against them.
Perhaps hinting at an aptitude for the big occasion, his best England days came against the Australians. He averaged 42.40 against England's oldest foes, with one century (his last, at the Oval in 2001) and six 50s. His average IN Australia jumped further, just a tick under 50, and five of his 50s were on Australian soil. However, his average against all other opponents ranged from 31.80 (versus India) to 7.75 (his record in three matches against Pakistan).
Many "experts" use the excuse that Ramprakash was not helped by the England regime at the time, showing little sympathy for this prodigious talent and quickly cutting him aside after every "failure". Indeed, he did begin his international career in an era that most who played in it would agree that individuals worried more about their personal achievements rather than the teams. It is noticeable perhaps that his most consistent time in an England shirt came just as the powers that be began to instill a notion of "Country First" in the players, and under the captaincy of Alec Stewart and Nasser Hussain. But this argument fails to take into account that he did keep "failing", and just couldn't score the mountains of runs against national attacks that he feasted on every summer in England. Interestingly, Ramps won 16, lost 22 and drew 14 of his 52 tests. He averaged 22.15 in wins, 25.95 in defeat, and 38 in drawn matches. He was never a match winner for his country, but he was more than able to help save them. Maybe this was down to a nagging knowledge that defeat would require scapegoats, and scapegoats usually meant him.
The game will never see the likes of Ramps again, the amount of first class cricket played these days simply will not allow a player to get up to 100 centuries. But also, with the new "Team England" mentality, a player as talented and special will never go as unappreciated by his management. But I have a feeling this last point will offer little comfort to a man who leaves the first class cricket scene for the last time.
For all of his 35,659 runs, his 114 first class centuries, his 261 first class catches, it is this moment that I will always remember when I think of the name Mark Ramprakash.
Ramps retired from first class cricket on Thursday July 5th, after 25 years at the highest level. His 2012 season had not been a success, and he had found himself out of the Surrey Championship XI. A conversation had taken place between Ramps and the Surrey management regarding his "future", which seemed to a way of hastening the end of one of the most prolific domestic run scoring careers of the modern age.
Ramp's appetite for runs against county attacks was insatiable. In 2006, his twentieth season on the county circuit, he averaged over 100 and scored over 2000. Against Yorkshire at Headingley in 2008, he became only the 25th (and more likely than not, the last) player to register 100 first class centuries. As impressive (and damn near incredible) these stats are, it should be noted that they took place five and seven years after the last of his 52 test matches, a spell that saw him score only two hundreds and average 27.32 against a career first class average of 53.14.
His debut test series came against the still awesome West Indies side in 1991. He made 27 in both innings of a match best remembered for Graham Gooch's superb 154*, and in the remaining seven innings he only failed to reach twenty twice. However, he only bettered 27 once, and then only by two runs. The Windies would be his most frequent opponents for England, playing in 16 Tests against them. His first, and many hoped coming of age, England hundred came in Bridgetown in 1998, a test match he scored 64* against the same opponents. These would prove to be the only two times he would pass 50 against them.
Perhaps hinting at an aptitude for the big occasion, his best England days came against the Australians. He averaged 42.40 against England's oldest foes, with one century (his last, at the Oval in 2001) and six 50s. His average IN Australia jumped further, just a tick under 50, and five of his 50s were on Australian soil. However, his average against all other opponents ranged from 31.80 (versus India) to 7.75 (his record in three matches against Pakistan).
Many "experts" use the excuse that Ramprakash was not helped by the England regime at the time, showing little sympathy for this prodigious talent and quickly cutting him aside after every "failure". Indeed, he did begin his international career in an era that most who played in it would agree that individuals worried more about their personal achievements rather than the teams. It is noticeable perhaps that his most consistent time in an England shirt came just as the powers that be began to instill a notion of "Country First" in the players, and under the captaincy of Alec Stewart and Nasser Hussain. But this argument fails to take into account that he did keep "failing", and just couldn't score the mountains of runs against national attacks that he feasted on every summer in England. Interestingly, Ramps won 16, lost 22 and drew 14 of his 52 tests. He averaged 22.15 in wins, 25.95 in defeat, and 38 in drawn matches. He was never a match winner for his country, but he was more than able to help save them. Maybe this was down to a nagging knowledge that defeat would require scapegoats, and scapegoats usually meant him.
The game will never see the likes of Ramps again, the amount of first class cricket played these days simply will not allow a player to get up to 100 centuries. But also, with the new "Team England" mentality, a player as talented and special will never go as unappreciated by his management. But I have a feeling this last point will offer little comfort to a man who leaves the first class cricket scene for the last time.
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