A. Prince
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Thursday Night NCAA Thoughts
This video is just me giving my thoughts on Kentucky and the other Thursday night NCAA tournament games.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston have spent the better part
of the last year linked. Reigning Heisman Trophy winner versus the player who
everyone thought would be the next Heisman trophy winner. Pro-style quarterback
versus spread quarterback. Their play did little to separate and we spent the
better part of four months looking for flaws. Even when they met in the College
Playoff semifinal, very little was discovered about the two quarterbacks.
Winston on the other hand just needs to ‘pass’ all of the
personal interviews from now until he plays in his first regular season game.
If you watched any college football over the past year, you know that Winston
made the news a LOT. Many were for off-the-field issues and some were
wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy more serious than others. His plays on the field are there for
the viewing and a bad day throwing would feed the people who think he will be a
bust the vitriol they need to spew that.
In the end, I personally think Winston goes first to Tampa
(not sure that is the best place for him, but that’s for another blog) and Mariota
could slide. After the Bucs, the next team with an immediate need for a quarterback
is the NY Jets and they have Geno Smith already. So Marriota might be in for an
Aaron Rodgers type fall which might be the best thing for him. I think he needs
an edge and dropping in the draft will give that to him.
Despite all of that, this week won’t be the end of the tale
of these two quarterbacks.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Post All Star Thoughts........
Having this lovely snow day has allowed me some free time to blog. I'll start with my thoughts on the NBA All-Star game.
Russell Westbrook absolutely deserved the MVP. He brought energy to an otherwise lackluster game. It goes without saying that there is very little defense played in these games. This year's edition featured even more lackadaisical defense as guards went coast-to-coast without even having to change direction. Westbrook's play definitely benefited from that but he also brought the same energy that he does to every game he plays in. And in the Garden, that excitement was needed and welcomed.
So it didn't matter that he took more shots than anyone else. It didn't matter that he only gathered one assist. It mattered that when he came into the game the excitement was ratcheted up. For awhile it looked like LeBron would bring that excitement but after his first break he seemed to tone it down. Westbrook brought it and continued to bring it.
Westbrook also leads me to my next topic which is whether or not Oklahoma City can make the playoffs. They are currently a 1/2 game back of the 8th seed and 8 games back of Portland for the 3rd seed with about 30 games left. Sure it will be a hard road to make the playoffs but can you think of a scarier 8th seed? Durant will need to be completely healthy for this to work but even if he isn't, it will be fun as hell to watch Westbrook try to carry the Thunder to a playoff berth.
Other playoff things to watch. Will the Spurs make a move up the standings? Are the Warriors for real? Are the Hawks? Will the East still just come down the Bulls vs. the Cavs?
With football now out of the picture, I'm now fully committed to watching basketball and these are just some of the story lines I'll be checking out. Until next time, peace.
Monday, January 05, 2015
Wild Card Sunday
So the title of this post is a little deceiving. I'm not really going to talk about Wild Card Sunday. I'm only going to talk about the late game Sunday. The Dallas Cowboys game. Yes, they're my favorite team, so from time to time I'll speak about them like I'm a fan. But the two videos are from before the game and halftime.
Pre-game
Halftime
Pre-game
Halftime
Monday, July 21, 2014
Dog Days of Summer
Where is football? I know where it is, I know that it's not time for training camps to start just yet, but still I want football. I'm ready for football.
Though my favorite team is the Cowboys, I'm a fan who lives in reality so I won't get excited about any Dallas team until we win a playoff game. I'm ready to see if the Legion of Boom will pick up where they left off when they were smothering the league's best offense, Denver. I'm ready to see if Denver will still be running the league's most efficient offense. I'm ready to see if New England or San Francisco learned from their conference championship losses to ascend to battle in the Super Bowl.
I'm ready to see if RGIII is going to be a more experienced version of his rookie season. I'm ready to see if Philadelphia will continue to flourish under Chip Kelly. I'm ready to see if Green Bay can make under serious playoff run with Aaron Rodgers. I'm ready to see if Detroit has finally grown up and become a serious contending team.
I'm ready to see if anyone in the AFC East will really give New England problems. I'm ready to see if the Baltimore team we saw last season was just a mirage. I'm ready to see if Andy Dalton remembers that he has AJ Green on his team. And of course I'm ready to Johnny Football!
I'm ready to see if Tampa will rebound quickly. I'm ready to see if the NFC South will be the toughest division in football. I'm ready to see NFL RedZone.
I could go on and on for hours. But I after all the statements, the truth is that I really just miss football and I'm ready for it to come back.
A. Prince
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
A Moment to vent
Its been far too long since I've blogged and its actually not a good thing that today's events have led me to blog. Today was a totally frustrating day and the students weren't the source of my frustration.
Sure I was disappointed that my students didn't do well on a difficult test, but I had to look at myself and realize that even though the computer-generated test asked 7th grade questions, the level of questioning was advanced for even my highest students. That was an easy fix, and something that didn't weigh on my mind for very long.
However, my interaction with the adults in my school is what has me feeling upset, sad, and frustrated all at the same time. I know that educating a school system's lowest students is a challenge, but I don't understand how reasonably intelligent adults can sit around and listen to administrators talk out of both sides of their mouths.
They say they want to close the achievement gap, but yet we constantly never have real conversations about what that means. We just try all these programs and programs, and shift children around but the problem is never addressed. And where I teach at, the kids are 'socially promoted' without them receiving the skills. So if this starts when they are in the 1st or 2nd grade, by the time they reach me, they're so far behind that getting them to their current grade level that they need more time than I can offer them. (Especially if they aren't working at home, which MANY of them aren't)
Before I continue, let me say that I'm not blaming the kids at all. I'm not upset that the kids don't know the information. I love teaching them and watching them learn. I'm frustrated that they'll been allowed to move year after year without knowing this information. I'm not even blaming the teachers before me, because I know kids often say 'I wasn't taught this' when they don't remember something. My students this year told I didn't teach them something, even though it was written on my 'daily subject' calendar. My anger comes from when teachers KNOW a subject hasn't been mastered, try to retain a student and are rebuked by administration.
I know this has happened, and lets just leave it at that.
I don't see how having a kid repeat a grade level is really going to cause many problems. Many students one grade level apart hang out together anyway, and maybe the supposed public humiliation that they'll receive will spare them the public humiliation of not being able to get a job because they didn't get a diploma, they just got a certificate saying they came to school all 4 years.
(-__-) << blank stare (Another pet peeve of mine, but that could be another post)
I say if they aren't progressing normal in elementary school, then it has to happen there. The wake up call needs to happen for all parties. The kid, the parents, the teachers (who wouldn't miss a kid repeating a grade), the administrators (who could now see if its a learning disability or if the kid was just lazy), everyone. If it's in middle school then it needs to happen there. It already happens in high school. Well, you just don't graduate in those cases.
I don't know see why this is so a hard concept to follow especially since we see what the alternative is. We see how ill-prepared some of the kids end up being for the real world. Whether its college, or a job straight out of school they don't know what to expect., but we as teachers and administrators do know. We've been there. I've been laid off, fired, and left a job. I've worked in 3 different fields before teaching. I know what its going to take for them to really succeed in the ways they want do. And yes, it will be hard for them to repeat a grade. However, if the choice is having it hard now or REALLY hard later on, is there really a choice?
Sure I was disappointed that my students didn't do well on a difficult test, but I had to look at myself and realize that even though the computer-generated test asked 7th grade questions, the level of questioning was advanced for even my highest students. That was an easy fix, and something that didn't weigh on my mind for very long.
However, my interaction with the adults in my school is what has me feeling upset, sad, and frustrated all at the same time. I know that educating a school system's lowest students is a challenge, but I don't understand how reasonably intelligent adults can sit around and listen to administrators talk out of both sides of their mouths.
They say they want to close the achievement gap, but yet we constantly never have real conversations about what that means. We just try all these programs and programs, and shift children around but the problem is never addressed. And where I teach at, the kids are 'socially promoted' without them receiving the skills. So if this starts when they are in the 1st or 2nd grade, by the time they reach me, they're so far behind that getting them to their current grade level that they need more time than I can offer them. (Especially if they aren't working at home, which MANY of them aren't)
Before I continue, let me say that I'm not blaming the kids at all. I'm not upset that the kids don't know the information. I love teaching them and watching them learn. I'm frustrated that they'll been allowed to move year after year without knowing this information. I'm not even blaming the teachers before me, because I know kids often say 'I wasn't taught this' when they don't remember something. My students this year told I didn't teach them something, even though it was written on my 'daily subject' calendar. My anger comes from when teachers KNOW a subject hasn't been mastered, try to retain a student and are rebuked by administration.
I know this has happened, and lets just leave it at that.
I don't see how having a kid repeat a grade level is really going to cause many problems. Many students one grade level apart hang out together anyway, and maybe the supposed public humiliation that they'll receive will spare them the public humiliation of not being able to get a job because they didn't get a diploma, they just got a certificate saying they came to school all 4 years.
(-__-) << blank stare (Another pet peeve of mine, but that could be another post)
I say if they aren't progressing normal in elementary school, then it has to happen there. The wake up call needs to happen for all parties. The kid, the parents, the teachers (who wouldn't miss a kid repeating a grade), the administrators (who could now see if its a learning disability or if the kid was just lazy), everyone. If it's in middle school then it needs to happen there. It already happens in high school. Well, you just don't graduate in those cases.
I don't know see why this is so a hard concept to follow especially since we see what the alternative is. We see how ill-prepared some of the kids end up being for the real world. Whether its college, or a job straight out of school they don't know what to expect., but we as teachers and administrators do know. We've been there. I've been laid off, fired, and left a job. I've worked in 3 different fields before teaching. I know what its going to take for them to really succeed in the ways they want do. And yes, it will be hard for them to repeat a grade. However, if the choice is having it hard now or REALLY hard later on, is there really a choice?
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
Goals for my second year
With the school year rapidly approaching, I think its important for me to highlight my goals for the upcoming school year. While I thought that I overall did a good job last year, there are areas that I can improve upon.
I've found that for me, writing down goals has often helped me achieve them and in a timely manner. So I'm adopting that strategy for my teaching goals.
Goal #1:
- Have all of my students earn 3 or better on their End-of-Grade (EoGs) tests.
- I know that this is a lofty goal but seeing how I only had 8 math retakes (out of 41) gives me the confidence that I can make this happen. I know that I'll need to make better use of test statistics and quickly adjust seating arrangements to maximize groups that work well together.
Goal #2:
- Have students show more proficiency in science through writing reports and other presentations.
- This goal fits in with the new common core standards of writing and the increase in STEM learning. Since I teach math and science during the same block, I have to make sure that I don't slack on my math (since math is the only one tested in 7th grade).
Goal #3
- Find a way to make it to the NSTA National Conference (s).
- In my previous post I mentioned that I went to Indianapolis for a national science teachers conference. This year, its in San Antonio and I want to go back. The information I gained and the people I met provided benefits that I'm already using. Really, I want to make my way to Atlanta in November for the regional conference. Its in a place that I know and I'm sure that it'll be cheaper (and thus easier to sell to my admins).
So those are my three main goals. I know that throughout the year I'll develop, find and achieve other goals but these three are the ones I'm going to focus on. Stay tuned!
I've found that for me, writing down goals has often helped me achieve them and in a timely manner. So I'm adopting that strategy for my teaching goals.
Goal #1:
- Have all of my students earn 3 or better on their End-of-Grade (EoGs) tests.
- I know that this is a lofty goal but seeing how I only had 8 math retakes (out of 41) gives me the confidence that I can make this happen. I know that I'll need to make better use of test statistics and quickly adjust seating arrangements to maximize groups that work well together.
Goal #2:
- Have students show more proficiency in science through writing reports and other presentations.
- This goal fits in with the new common core standards of writing and the increase in STEM learning. Since I teach math and science during the same block, I have to make sure that I don't slack on my math (since math is the only one tested in 7th grade).
Goal #3
- Find a way to make it to the NSTA National Conference (s).
- In my previous post I mentioned that I went to Indianapolis for a national science teachers conference. This year, its in San Antonio and I want to go back. The information I gained and the people I met provided benefits that I'm already using. Really, I want to make my way to Atlanta in November for the regional conference. Its in a place that I know and I'm sure that it'll be cheaper (and thus easier to sell to my admins).
So those are my three main goals. I know that throughout the year I'll develop, find and achieve other goals but these three are the ones I'm going to focus on. Stay tuned!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
More 1st Year Experiences.......
So until school starts (and to make sure I get into a blogging routine), I'm going to bring up things from my first year. Today's topic is all of the professional developments I attended this year.
As a first year teacher, I wondered how many professional developments I should attend. My rationale was that I needed all my classroom time for not only instruction but for classroom management and routine. I taught single-gender classes and my boys class could be.... um.... a little rambunctious
to put it mildly. I could (and did) handle them, but to substitute teachers with whom they had no connection, it could be a problem. My girls class wasn't as bad, but there were a few who could cause problems. So these were the things I had to weigh when deciding if I should sign up for profession developments.
Of course, my school system already had mandatory trainings I had to attend. Most of these were very pertinent, like the two I attended on classroom management, but some were a waste of time. One main one sticks out in mind. The training on how to teach children from poverty.
I don't know, maybe growing up being in and around poverty the ideas they presented either were a) common sense (to me) or b) fundamentally flawed. It was a waste of my three hours and I was fully participating!
Let me get back on topic because I could write about that all day. The main reason for this post is to talk about my two favorite professional developments I attended. Both were out of town trips and even though I missed some school time, I feel it was worth it. The first one I'll talk about is the NCTIES conference in Raleigh, NC.
Basically, this conference was all about how to use technology in the classroom. Session I attended ranged from using google projects for students to creating a STEM classroom to using Discovery (channel and website) in day-to-day teaching. The last two sessions I mentioned were very important to since I teach both math and science classes. This conference was good for me because it gave me instant ideas to use when I returned to my classroom. I also have been tinkering with these ideas so that I can use them more frequently this upcoming year.
My favorite conference of the past year was going to the National Science Teachers of America conference in Indianapolis. Not only was it my first time to Indy but I was able to hear new ideas and meet teachers and swap methods.
One of the favorite pieces of this conference was meeting Leland Melvin. Melvin, former NFL player, now works for NASA going around to schools education kids about STEM opportunities. One of my goals this year is to bring Melvin to my school to speak. I know the benefits of kids seeing people who they can identify with and I think they would really enjoy hearing him, his background, and what he does now.
I also got to meet with teachers from other school districts across the nation and see how they're using STEM inside of their classrooms. I was able to gather valuable information on tactics that work in districts that are similar to mine. In addition to seeing Bill Nye, the Science Guy I was able to get free stuff that I was able to use before the school year ended.
While in Indy, I also got to take in some of the sights, such as the NCAA Hall of Fame and Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Colts. See attached photos. Well that wraps up this post. Until next time, peace.
As a first year teacher, I wondered how many professional developments I should attend. My rationale was that I needed all my classroom time for not only instruction but for classroom management and routine. I taught single-gender classes and my boys class could be.... um.... a little rambunctious
to put it mildly. I could (and did) handle them, but to substitute teachers with whom they had no connection, it could be a problem. My girls class wasn't as bad, but there were a few who could cause problems. So these were the things I had to weigh when deciding if I should sign up for profession developments.
Of course, my school system already had mandatory trainings I had to attend. Most of these were very pertinent, like the two I attended on classroom management, but some were a waste of time. One main one sticks out in mind. The training on how to teach children from poverty.
I don't know, maybe growing up being in and around poverty the ideas they presented either were a) common sense (to me) or b) fundamentally flawed. It was a waste of my three hours and I was fully participating!
Let me get back on topic because I could write about that all day. The main reason for this post is to talk about my two favorite professional developments I attended. Both were out of town trips and even though I missed some school time, I feel it was worth it. The first one I'll talk about is the NCTIES conference in Raleigh, NC.
Basically, this conference was all about how to use technology in the classroom. Session I attended ranged from using google projects for students to creating a STEM classroom to using Discovery (channel and website) in day-to-day teaching. The last two sessions I mentioned were very important to since I teach both math and science classes. This conference was good for me because it gave me instant ideas to use when I returned to my classroom. I also have been tinkering with these ideas so that I can use them more frequently this upcoming year.
My favorite conference of the past year was going to the National Science Teachers of America conference in Indianapolis. Not only was it my first time to Indy but I was able to hear new ideas and meet teachers and swap methods.
One of the favorite pieces of this conference was meeting Leland Melvin. Melvin, former NFL player, now works for NASA going around to schools education kids about STEM opportunities. One of my goals this year is to bring Melvin to my school to speak. I know the benefits of kids seeing people who they can identify with and I think they would really enjoy hearing him, his background, and what he does now.
I also got to meet with teachers from other school districts across the nation and see how they're using STEM inside of their classrooms. I was able to gather valuable information on tactics that work in districts that are similar to mine. In addition to seeing Bill Nye, the Science Guy I was able to get free stuff that I was able to use before the school year ended.
While in Indy, I also got to take in some of the sights, such as the NCAA Hall of Fame and Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Colts. See attached photos. Well that wraps up this post. Until next time, peace.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Trying Something New
I completed my first year of teaching in June, and just started teaching summer school this week. I figured that this would as good a time as any to start capturing my thoughts about school, education, and my teaching career in general.
My first year was a whirlwind journey. It was my first year with students (7th graders) and while I was able to use some of the same things I used in my previous teaching stint with adults, where I helped them get their GEDs. However, much of my year was filled with new experiences, some I couldn't even imagine before I started.
There was the death of a student at my school, the removal of my principal, a fight that sent a kid to the hospital with broken ribs, me becoming the head track and field coach and of course the End-of-Grade tests. Through it all, I think I managed to not drown and definitely reach some kids. My kids did well on the tests, and they were rewarded with a party and got to pie me in the face, which they all enjoyed. (Video may be posted later)
What did my first year teach me? It taught me that students just want to be understood. It taught me that instilling confidence in them matters just as much as the information I'm giving them. It also unfortunately taught me that despite your best efforts, some students will have to learn the hard way.
Most importantly, my first year made me want to come back for another. This year affirmed how much I enjoy, no scratch that I love teaching and there are very few feelings like seeing students learn. So with the knowledge that I have tons to learn about the nuisances of teaching I am ready to embark on year two. I can also see how my students from last year perform outside of my classroom.
All in all, I am excited. Summer break is never long enough but the joys of teaching for me has me itching to get back in the classroom and try to reach a new group of children. Until next time, peace.
My first year was a whirlwind journey. It was my first year with students (7th graders) and while I was able to use some of the same things I used in my previous teaching stint with adults, where I helped them get their GEDs. However, much of my year was filled with new experiences, some I couldn't even imagine before I started.
There was the death of a student at my school, the removal of my principal, a fight that sent a kid to the hospital with broken ribs, me becoming the head track and field coach and of course the End-of-Grade tests. Through it all, I think I managed to not drown and definitely reach some kids. My kids did well on the tests, and they were rewarded with a party and got to pie me in the face, which they all enjoyed. (Video may be posted later)
What did my first year teach me? It taught me that students just want to be understood. It taught me that instilling confidence in them matters just as much as the information I'm giving them. It also unfortunately taught me that despite your best efforts, some students will have to learn the hard way.
Most importantly, my first year made me want to come back for another. This year affirmed how much I enjoy, no scratch that I love teaching and there are very few feelings like seeing students learn. So with the knowledge that I have tons to learn about the nuisances of teaching I am ready to embark on year two. I can also see how my students from last year perform outside of my classroom.
All in all, I am excited. Summer break is never long enough but the joys of teaching for me has me itching to get back in the classroom and try to reach a new group of children. Until next time, peace.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Super Sunday is almost here....
Well we've survived the long two weeks without football and Super Bowl weekend is here....
I'm saving who I'll pick for tomorrow but I'm just glad that the actual game is here.
The talking heads have struggled with actual game insight, though that's changing.
I'm saving who I'll pick for tomorrow but I'm just glad that the actual game is here.
The talking heads have struggled with actual game insight, though that's changing.
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Friday, September 17, 2010
Week 2 Picks....
So week 2 of the NFL is upon us and teams have the opportunity to show that week 1 wasn't a fluke. The Texas and Redskins are at the top of that list as are the Chiefs. We'll see who didnt have one game of glory. And I try my hand at this game picking things. And here are my picks:
-Cowboys over the Bears
-Ravens over the Bengals
-Chiefs over the Browns
-Falcons over the Cardinals
-Packers over the Bills
-Titans over Steelers
-Vikings over Dolphins
-Buccaneers over Panthers
-Seahawks over Broncos
-Raiders over Rams
-Patriots over Jets
-Chargers over Jaguars
-Texans over Redskins
-Colts over Giants
-Saints over 49ers
Until next time peace.
-Cowboys over the Bears
-Ravens over the Bengals
-Chiefs over the Browns
-Falcons over the Cardinals
-Packers over the Bills
-Titans over Steelers
-Vikings over Dolphins
-Buccaneers over Panthers
-Seahawks over Broncos
-Raiders over Rams
-Patriots over Jets
-Chargers over Jaguars
-Texans over Redskins
-Colts over Giants
-Saints over 49ers
Until next time peace.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Week 1 NFL Thoughts.
Now that the first week of NFL football is over, I can take a look back and see what, if anything, was learned.
I did learn that while the preseason records may not matter, the way you play does. That means you, Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys first team offense didn't play well during the preseason, often failing to end drives with touchdowns. That continued against the Redskins as Dallas didn't score any first half points, and only 7 overall. Of course it doesn't help if T. Romo can only do 3 step drops. I know they're missing two starting offensive linemen, but for a team that wants to host the Super Bowl in their own stadium, they've got to play better than they did Sunday night.
Another trendy preseason pick, the Jets didn't look so hot on offense either. The Ravens reminded them that games are won on the field and not on HBO. Ray Lewis showed why he's the best middle linebacker in the game, punishing Dustin Keller, hitting him so hard he lost track of downs later.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTZrwvnlQdA&sns=em
Sanchez definitely has work to do if the Jets will be playing late in January. Throwing for only 74 yards will not get it done. And they just might miss Thomas Jones.
Other thoughts:
- The Hayneswoth situation in DC is getting a bit annoying. Either trade him of let him play. His teammates say he's doing a good job and they want him out there. So can we please cut the power play.
- These are the same Browns. Wow that playoff season of a couple of years ago seems pretty distant doesn't it.:-/
Well those are just some thoughts. I have to see how bad I did with my 5 fantasy teams this week, but just know I left A. Foster and M. Forte on the bench. :-(
Until, next time.
I did learn that while the preseason records may not matter, the way you play does. That means you, Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys first team offense didn't play well during the preseason, often failing to end drives with touchdowns. That continued against the Redskins as Dallas didn't score any first half points, and only 7 overall. Of course it doesn't help if T. Romo can only do 3 step drops. I know they're missing two starting offensive linemen, but for a team that wants to host the Super Bowl in their own stadium, they've got to play better than they did Sunday night.
Another trendy preseason pick, the Jets didn't look so hot on offense either. The Ravens reminded them that games are won on the field and not on HBO. Ray Lewis showed why he's the best middle linebacker in the game, punishing Dustin Keller, hitting him so hard he lost track of downs later.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTZrwvnlQdA&sns=em
Sanchez definitely has work to do if the Jets will be playing late in January. Throwing for only 74 yards will not get it done. And they just might miss Thomas Jones.
Other thoughts:
- The Hayneswoth situation in DC is getting a bit annoying. Either trade him of let him play. His teammates say he's doing a good job and they want him out there. So can we please cut the power play.
- These are the same Browns. Wow that playoff season of a couple of years ago seems pretty distant doesn't it.:-/
Well those are just some thoughts. I have to see how bad I did with my 5 fantasy teams this week, but just know I left A. Foster and M. Forte on the bench. :-(
Until, next time.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Gearing up for Preseason Week 2
The NFL Preseason continues tonight and we won't learn much except who will become teams backups. However, we will be one week closer to the regular season beginning. Before previewing Week 2, here are some of my thoughts about Week 1......
- There is no need to add more weeks to the NFL season. I'd you saw Eli Manning get his face gasped opened, you see just how intense any NFL game is, exhibition or otherwise. These men would end up killing themselves with 18 games plus the playoffs.
- The Jets are making the case for D. Revis really easy. Wait, I think the Giants just caught another deep pass. If they are a true Super Bowl contender, he can't miss any regular season time. He makes everyone's job much easier, and that defense needs that security blanket...
- The Cowboys need to start scoring touchdowns. Especially in the red zone.
- Lastly, come on Sept.9th. It can't get here fas enough.....
- There is no need to add more weeks to the NFL season. I'd you saw Eli Manning get his face gasped opened, you see just how intense any NFL game is, exhibition or otherwise. These men would end up killing themselves with 18 games plus the playoffs.
- The Jets are making the case for D. Revis really easy. Wait, I think the Giants just caught another deep pass. If they are a true Super Bowl contender, he can't miss any regular season time. He makes everyone's job much easier, and that defense needs that security blanket...
- The Cowboys need to start scoring touchdowns. Especially in the red zone.
- Lastly, come on Sept.9th. It can't get here fas enough.....
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
First week of August.....
So all 32 NFL teams have started training camp, and there have plenty to talk about.
First, the best CB, Darelle Revis, in the game is holding out. And he should. Without him, the Jets will become a good defense but not necessarily one that can carry the team to a Super Bowl. With him, the defense has a chance to be one hoisting the Lombardi trophy come Feb. 2011. And really this is when his leverage is highest. He's already shown what he can do on he field, and he should be rewarded as such. One play can change his value and the Jets (or any other sports franchise) would have no problem cutting him. They spent the latter portion of the season and playoffs saying how important he is, now its time to pay him as such.
If its August, then its Brent Favre time. Just within the past 48 hours he's retired and un-retired, causing ESPN, Twitter and social media to nearly explode. Some may look at Favre as a diva, and he may very well be, but he's only doing what the Vikings are letting him do. They (Minnesota) actually need him to come back or their run last year could've been all for naught.
My guess is that Favre will be back, and the Vikings just might end up in the Super Bowl if A. Peterson can figure out how to hold on to the ball.
Well thats it for now, just some quick thoughts on early training camp action.
First, the best CB, Darelle Revis, in the game is holding out. And he should. Without him, the Jets will become a good defense but not necessarily one that can carry the team to a Super Bowl. With him, the defense has a chance to be one hoisting the Lombardi trophy come Feb. 2011. And really this is when his leverage is highest. He's already shown what he can do on he field, and he should be rewarded as such. One play can change his value and the Jets (or any other sports franchise) would have no problem cutting him. They spent the latter portion of the season and playoffs saying how important he is, now its time to pay him as such.
If its August, then its Brent Favre time. Just within the past 48 hours he's retired and un-retired, causing ESPN, Twitter and social media to nearly explode. Some may look at Favre as a diva, and he may very well be, but he's only doing what the Vikings are letting him do. They (Minnesota) actually need him to come back or their run last year could've been all for naught.
My guess is that Favre will be back, and the Vikings just might end up in the Super Bowl if A. Peterson can figure out how to hold on to the ball.
Well thats it for now, just some quick thoughts on early training camp action.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
This NBA off-season has been pretty interesting hasn't it...
Here I thought we'd stop talking about the NBA once we had 'The Decision'. I figured that the LeBron backlash would subside and we would be able to talk about football, which provides us several topics. Nope, not a chance.
Now, reports are that Chris Paul wants out of New Orleans. Even though he has two years left on his contract, he has formulated a list, one thats ever-changing, and submitted that list to the Hornets management.
After a Monday meeting, word is that Paul never asked for a trade. I HIGHLY DOUBT that. He's friends with Wade/LeBron and just watched them get together on the same team. He then looked at his team and realized that ownership has already stated they wont pay luxury tax penalties (i.e. won't add any more good players). He sees that his options are to play the next two seasons in New Orleans where he won't see the conference finals, let alone the NBA Finals or try to get on another team, so that New Orleans can get back some talent for him.
I say trade him! He won't have any higher value than right now. He makes $14.5 million dollars and yet he won't be able to fill that stadium consistently. You might as well get some picks back, shed some salary and make your team more attractive to the potential suitor. Also, you have Darren Collision who showed last year, that he can fill in and play the PG role pretty well.
Once the season starts, too many variables begin to move. First of all, the demand for him could drop drastically. Not to mention, he could get hurt.
I know it seems like Paul is forcing his way out of town, but so what if he is? He's doing it at a time when its actually beneficial to the team. New Orleans probably won't ever be able to pay their players superstar money yet right now, they are set up to have some young talent that can grow. No it won't the Oklahoma type-talent and growth but its enough to contend for the playoffs. Which frankly, is their ceiling in the current landscape of the Western Conference.
Will they or won't they? Another decision in the making.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Back..... Again.....
Whats up....
I was inspired this morning. After reading today's On.Us.Tee posting here, I was inspired to re-start my blog. And with the NBA Free Agency hoopla just starting off, I see an opportunity to do so.
So without further ado.... Here is another installment of A. Prince's Perspective:
First, NBA Free Agency. I must admit, at first I was excited. The thought of the NBA landscape changing so drastically in just a couple of weeks right after we saw two storied franchises play in the Finals had me so excited for July 1st. Then rumors upon rumors upon rumors upon rumors and none of them could be proved. That turned me off. Here's why. Its July 2nd, and nothing has happened. Sure, we've had some meetings between players and teams, but no new contracts signed. And from the looks of it, some people (J. Johnson) will be earning fat checks and staying right at home with their current teams. If this trend holds, we'll have the most hoopla for nothing that I can remember.
But I don't think that'll happen. LeBron is leaving Cleveland. Yup, he's gone. I could go into all the reasons why I think so, but if he wanted to stay in Cleveland, why hasn't he signed the contract already? He could've signed it, and then gone on to really recruiting other players to come play with him.
Also, with the Lakers looking like they're about to reload for a 3-peat (and 4th straight Finals appearance) I don't think Cleveland has a real shot to beat them. Realistically, I don't see any Eastern Conference teams beating the Lakers except for Boston, and thats only if Ray Allen comes back or they find a suitable replacement.
So I look for Bron to end up in Chicago, bringing Bosh along with him. Yes he will be in MJ's Shadow but here's the thing about that; if you're in the NBA, you'll always be in MJ's shadow. Kobe has played in LA his whole career and he's compared to MJ. It won't escape LeBron. Only way he can combat it is to win championships. That's what should drive his decision. And that's why I think he'll end up in Chicago.
But I won't be checking everyday for his decision. I can wait 'til it breaks, then I'll get excited again.
I was inspired this morning. After reading today's On.Us.Tee posting here, I was inspired to re-start my blog. And with the NBA Free Agency hoopla just starting off, I see an opportunity to do so.
So without further ado.... Here is another installment of A. Prince's Perspective:
First, NBA Free Agency. I must admit, at first I was excited. The thought of the NBA landscape changing so drastically in just a couple of weeks right after we saw two storied franchises play in the Finals had me so excited for July 1st. Then rumors upon rumors upon rumors upon rumors and none of them could be proved. That turned me off. Here's why. Its July 2nd, and nothing has happened. Sure, we've had some meetings between players and teams, but no new contracts signed. And from the looks of it, some people (J. Johnson) will be earning fat checks and staying right at home with their current teams. If this trend holds, we'll have the most hoopla for nothing that I can remember.
But I don't think that'll happen. LeBron is leaving Cleveland. Yup, he's gone. I could go into all the reasons why I think so, but if he wanted to stay in Cleveland, why hasn't he signed the contract already? He could've signed it, and then gone on to really recruiting other players to come play with him.
Also, with the Lakers looking like they're about to reload for a 3-peat (and 4th straight Finals appearance) I don't think Cleveland has a real shot to beat them. Realistically, I don't see any Eastern Conference teams beating the Lakers except for Boston, and thats only if Ray Allen comes back or they find a suitable replacement.
So I look for Bron to end up in Chicago, bringing Bosh along with him. Yes he will be in MJ's Shadow but here's the thing about that; if you're in the NBA, you'll always be in MJ's shadow. Kobe has played in LA his whole career and he's compared to MJ. It won't escape LeBron. Only way he can combat it is to win championships. That's what should drive his decision. And that's why I think he'll end up in Chicago.
But I won't be checking everyday for his decision. I can wait 'til it breaks, then I'll get excited again.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
One Week Away.....
So this weekend brought the end of the regular season to the 2010 college basketball season. This season has been wildly entertaining for me. There were buzzer-beaters, extreme wins (and losses), and the fall of North Carolina. All of these have me very excited about conference tournaments and the upcoming NCAA tournament.
With the regular season over, I'm going to try and predict who I think the #1 seeds will be. Of course next Sunday, I'll be able to see how correct I was, and then I'll make my March Madness selections.
In other sports news, the NFL heated up over the weekend. Free agents made moves and although we were told that the uncapped 2010 season would slow spending, that certainly wasn't the case. The Chicago Bears made the biggest moves, signing Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor, while the New York Jets bolstered their secondary with the acquisition of Antonio Cromartie. This all just makes me wish the season was right around the corner. :-/
With the regular season over, I'm going to try and predict who I think the #1 seeds will be. Of course next Sunday, I'll be able to see how correct I was, and then I'll make my March Madness selections.
In other sports news, the NFL heated up over the weekend. Free agents made moves and although we were told that the uncapped 2010 season would slow spending, that certainly wasn't the case. The Chicago Bears made the biggest moves, signing Julius Peppers and Chester Taylor, while the New York Jets bolstered their secondary with the acquisition of Antonio Cromartie. This all just makes me wish the season was right around the corner. :-/
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
March Madness on the way....
Well, March is here. Important month (sports-wise) for a couple of reasons. First, March Madness takes place. This season looks like one of those seasons where there are tons of upsets in the tourney, because there is no dominant team. This past weekend, teams ranked #1,2 and 3 all lost. This isn't like last season when North Carolina was the consensus favorite to win the title.
Going into the final week of the regular season, teams are making their final push for tournament bids. If you're a team on the bubble, you want to get a couple wins so that you aren't forced into winning your conference tournament to get your entry into the Big Dance.
The latest version of ESPN's Bracketology has the following breakdown of teams by conference: Big East- 8 teams; Big 12 and ACC- 7 teams; while the Big Ten and SEC have 5 teams. They also list these teams as the last four teams included in the tournament: Virginia Tech, St. Mary's, Mississippi State, and San Diego State. So pay attention to these teams this week to see the wins they can accumulate.
Big games tonight for both bubble teams and teams looking to improve their tournament seeding. UConn vs. Notre Dame is a HUGE game for both teams. UConn seemed to play themselves off the bubble after winning three straight games. However they lost their last game to Louisville, so another loss would put them right back on the bubble. Notre Dame is barely in the conversation but they are there after defeating Pittsburgh and Georgetown in their last two games. They desperately need to continue winning to even stay on the bubble.
Going into the final week of the regular season, teams are making their final push for tournament bids. If you're a team on the bubble, you want to get a couple wins so that you aren't forced into winning your conference tournament to get your entry into the Big Dance.
The latest version of ESPN's Bracketology has the following breakdown of teams by conference: Big East- 8 teams; Big 12 and ACC- 7 teams; while the Big Ten and SEC have 5 teams. They also list these teams as the last four teams included in the tournament: Virginia Tech, St. Mary's, Mississippi State, and San Diego State. So pay attention to these teams this week to see the wins they can accumulate.
Big games tonight for both bubble teams and teams looking to improve their tournament seeding. UConn vs. Notre Dame is a HUGE game for both teams. UConn seemed to play themselves off the bubble after winning three straight games. However they lost their last game to Louisville, so another loss would put them right back on the bubble. Notre Dame is barely in the conversation but they are there after defeating Pittsburgh and Georgetown in their last two games. They desperately need to continue winning to even stay on the bubble.
UMd-Duke is a battle for seeding, both in the ACC tournament and the NCAA tournament. Duke is battling for a #1 seed and a seventh straight defeat of the Terps would help that cause. Maryland would like to show that the ACC is more than a one team conference.
As you watch games this week, here is a video to get you ready for the Madness.......
Sunday, December 13, 2009
December 13, 2009
Well, here we are. Entering the final month of 2009, and so many sports stories to take us to the end of the year. Here are my take on just a few of these hot-button topics....
1) Alabama's Mark Ingram won his school's first Heisman ever on Saturday. The sophmore running back won the closest Heisman race ever, edging Stanford running back Toby Gerhart. Gerhart received a lot of buzz for a couple of reasons. First, his play. The senior had 1,736 yards and 26 touchdowns. His running style was punishing yet Gerhart didn't break down and led Standford to a 8-4 record. The secord reason was the color of his skin. You see, Gerhart is a white running back. Granted, there aren't a lot of white running backs carrying the ball for their teams these days, but shouldn't we be judging all of these athletes by their merits on the field. I just think that Gerhart's play merited his spot in New York City, and not because he was a white athlete doing it.
2) Tiger Woods. Man, why oh why is he leaving golf? That is not the best course of action. The golf course is going to be his place of relief. Remember how Kobe scored 30+ points every game after a court appearance. Imagine Tiger at the Masters, releasing all the frustration for the past two weeks. Now that I would like to see. I definitely don't condone his actions, and I want to see his family remain in tact, but I would also like to see him back in action, as soon as possible.
3) Lastly, the last quarter of the NFL season is upon us. I'm currently watching the games now, so I'll have some thoughts after some of the games are finished.
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