The NFL draft is something that is over-analyzed. One mock draft after another, every player scrutinized and complimented in the same breath, one trade rumour after another. Its a great time for an NFL fan. As a Seahawks fan, I knew the team had two first round picks. It was no secret they would take an offensive lineman with the 6th pick which they did as massive Russell Okung from Oklahoma State starts his pro career in the Pacific Northwest. At 14, I was hoping they would take a running back to revive what has been a dormant ground game since Shaun Alexander's MVP season. Many mock drafts had the Seahawks taking running back CJ Spiller out of Clemson. A guy that former NFL coach, current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden said was a Chris Johnson clone. He went so far to say the guy might be the biggest impact player out of this year's draft. I thought he was going to wear blue. He is! Buffalo Bills blue. The Bills take him with the 9th overall pick much to my chagrin. Why? They have the combo of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson. They don't need Spiller. I had heard on draft day eve that perhaps Dallas wanted to move up so they could get receiver Dez Bryant and that they may offer up Marian Barber. I would have taken that deal after Spiller got selected. The 14th pick ended up being safety Earl Thomas from Texas. I must do some reading on that pick before I grade it. I wanted the running back and now the top three are gone. Yes, many RB's have made it big after being a mid-round pick, but many of them have been gambles.
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How can Tim Tebow be drafted ahead of someone like Jimmy Clausen and Colt McCoy. What are you thinking Josh McDaniels? Tebow is going to be the most talked about white bronco since the one OJ Simpson episode.
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The Raiders actually made a first round pick that made sense as they get LB Rolando McClain from Alabama. He is going to be good---real good.
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I don't like the first round of the NFL draft being on a Thursday. Do the first two rounds Friday and do the rest Saturday, but ditch this Thursday thing. That being said, it only took 3 1/2 hours to get through the first round. NICE!
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The best statement I have heard yet on Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers would be stupid to trade him. Baltimore never gave up on Ray Lewis, and they won, the LA Lakers never gave up on Kobe Bryant and they won. The Steelers have won with Roethlisberger and they can again with him. Can they win without him? We won't find out as he won't be getting traded despite the fact we have found out over recent weeks what a douchebag he is.
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Lets talk CFL football. Graham Harrell's release is creating quite a buzz. Almost too much for a guy who never took a snap. I guess everyone wanted to see if this hotshot NCAA quarterback who is a good one could translate his game into a solid one in Canada after being a Heisman choice. Would it surprise you if Harrell has some NFL workouts planned? He's got to be better than some of the plugs that are currently employed as NFL quarterbacks. It leaves Darian Durant and two rookies. Its sparking talk of a Kerry Joseph return. I don't know if K-J will come back to Regina, but I do wonder if the guy that quarterbacked the Bombers at Grey Cup 2007 will get a shot---that guy being Ryan Dinwiddie. Don't be surprised. Someone who has played in this league is needed as a backup to Darian Durant. Jason Maas? Cody Pickett? Hey if Jeff Garcia returns to Calgary, maybe Henry would come back! Imagine that scenario within the Rider Nation for a moment won't you? Imagine that for just one second.
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Speaking of the Stamps, they have a major announcement scheduled for this morning at 11. Hmmmmm, I wonder what that is all about.
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Lets talk Esso Cup. The host Regina Rebels have made it to the playoffs. They have had several key performances, but the play of Samantha Langford has really stood out as far as I'm concerned. She has been absolutely outstanding in her starts and is obviously deserving of her goalie of the year award in Saskatchewan midget female hockey. Langford came up huge several times on Thursday as Regina beat Richelieu to advance to a semi-final game against Notre Dame. The Hounds looked absolutely brutal in losing big to Thunder Bay. It looked nothing like the Hounds team that had treated us all week to some creative hockey. As for Thunder Bay, they will play Edmonton in a game that the Pacific champs maybe don't deserve to be in because of a major braincramp by their coach.
The Edmonton coach thought his team needed a win in regulation over Moncton in their final round-robin game. With the game tied at 2 late in the 3rd, the Thunder pulled their goalie in an attempt to clinch a playoff spot. Three points would have put some pressure on Regina, but two points was all they needed. Had Moncton scored for the win, they would have had a playoff opportunity and they would have had none. Edmonton did win the game in a shootout, but the actions of their coach had many talking after the game as they were able to absorb what their coach didn't.
Its hard to say what our Olympic team will look like in Sochi, Russia in 2014, but I will be interested to see if names like Langford,(named the tourney's top goalie Thursday night)Janik Robichaud of Moncton(named top forward), Brianna Gillanders (top scorer) and Richelieu's Genevieve Bannon are there. I'm guessing that one girl who has been on the Co-Operators Centre Ice this week will be there in 2014.
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If you've been reading this blog, you know my voice gave out earlier this week and that its been a raspy, scratchy delivery for those watching the games on fasthockey.com. I will do the Notre-Dame-Rebels game on Access tomorrow night with Julie Folk and I am hoping and praying that 24 hours rest will get my voice to as close to 100 percent as possible for the broadcast. I really don't want to do a game on Access if I'm not at 100 percent for obvious reasons, but I will give it my best. I do apologize in advance though. By the way, thanks to many people who have given me remedies this week either in person or via the blog or e-mail. It is much appreciated!
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I got to give credit when credit is due and my good friend Kelly Remple came up with a helluva idea while doing the Thunder Bay-Notre Dame game with me at the Esso Cup. In between periods, Kelly suggested the Regina Pats should do what it takes to host a pre-season tournament at the CoC. You could have a big one there with six rinks on the go. Wouldn't you love to see the Saskatchewan teams all get together one weekend for a tournament? I'd be all for that. Instead of the Pats heading to Edmonton for a tourney, teams like P-A, Swift Current, and Saskatoon could come to Regina. Yes, Moose Jaw and Brandon could come too. Lets take it one step further. The SJHL should move its showcase weekend to the CoC. All teams would be able to play without a problem and it would give Reginans a good chance to watch the SJHL without having to travel to Wilcox, Weyburn or wherever. It would be a good weekend of hockey as well.
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I told you Philly would upset New Jersey. The Flyers have a better team all around except in goal. If Brian Boucher played above average, Philly had a shot and they took advantage of that shot. Where were guys like Kovalchuk, Parise and Zajac in this series? Looks like the trade to get Kovalchuk ended up being a great big bust for New Jersey. I can't see him coming back to the defensive stylings of Jacques Lemaire next year. Then again, if the rumours are correct, Kovalchuk is going home to play in the KHL. See ya Ilya!
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Good on Ottawa for forcing another game after a triple overtime win in Pittsburgh. You never want to let a team off the hook when you have the chance to get rid of them. An Ottawa win at home will have Pittsburgh gripping their sticks a little tightly as they go home for Game 7. San Jose solved Craig Anderson in Game 5, but I still think that one is going 7. Chicago evens things up in Nashville. I still like the Hawks to take that one.
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Many think the NHL should just allow players to kick the puck in the net. I'm not one that believes that should be the case.
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The NCAA basketball tournament will expand to 68. I'm OK with that. Its better than 96 as had been suggested.
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I wonder how the Pittsburgh Pirates TV and radio guys coped while calling a 20-0 loss for their team. That would really hurt!
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I heard something Thursday morning that I hadn't heard in a long time. I hope its a long time before I hear it again because I forgot how bad it really is.
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Canada finishes 7th at the World Under 18. The rest of the world is catching up folks. Yes, I know Canada didn't ice its optimal team at this event, but the world is catching up. It just makes for more exciting World Junior games.
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As you begin your Friday, I ask you this....
If your plan is to fail and you do it, have you succeeded?
8 comments:
At least now your voice matches your delivery.
HA HA!
As someone who has watched a lot of Texas Longhorn football over the years, you will like Earl Thomas. He's no Ed Reed, but he's close.
I have been at the Esso Cup all week. I don't know what your expectations going in were, but I was wondering what type of hockey we would see. We know the womens game isn't as exciting as the mens one, so I thought this might be slow and perhaps painful at times. WRONG! I have been so impressed by the calibre of play, the hustle, and the skill. Some of these girls can really shoot the puck! The teams have also been great to deal with as well. The Moncton team has just been outstanding, and I'm sorry they won't play today because they have been so much fun to be around.
Hope theres a good crowd at today's games.
CK
Drink lots of water, lots and lots of water.
Good for you and Rod in keeping people up to date with whats happening at the Esso Cup. It seems the LP, Global, CTV, CKRM and yourself are publicizing the event while the "information" station ignores it. Once again, one of Regina's media outlets shows why its considered to be a joke.
Steve
Tim Tebow will never take the field in Denver. What a wasted draft pick. Vanstone must be beside himself.
The SJHL showcase and a WHL exhibition tournament would be something I would definitely attend. You're right Mitch, there is no better venue for events like that than the Cooperators Center
Kevin
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