Occasionally the middle of summer has days which don't have big topics for the day in sports. When that happens there is still an array of shorter topics to cover over a few paragraphs...
...The trade deadline is looming and it may be time for the Orioles to make a move. No, they won't be making a move to get back in the AL Wild Card race, but maybe there is a veteran or two that another team will be willing to deal a prospect for. Unloading Scott, Millwood, Guthrie, etc... all at the same time isn't the answer, but if the O's can deal one of them for at least a halfway decent prospect, why not?...
...Terrence Cody and Walt Harris both failed to pass the conditioning test at Ravens training camp this week. It's understandable (sort of) that Cody was unable to pass the test. He's a lineman who takes up space and blockers. But when a defensive back fails a conditioning test, well there may be some cause for concern there...
...ACC Media Day took place this week as college football teams get ready to open camp. One of the more interesting quotes had to come from Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen when he stated that he's not worried about his job security. Simply, the big man says, if he does well, he'll be here, if he doesn't, he won't. Just the kind of determination all fans like to see from their team's head coach. "Maybe we'll be good! But if not, I won't be here! Hip, hip, hooray!"...
...The Tennessee Titans are suing USC and Lane Kiffin after Kiffin essentially "stole" the Titans' running backs coach over night without contacting Titans coach Jeff Fischer first. The Titans maintain that Kiffin and USC ignored the NFL's hiring requirements, even though USC is not an NFL team. So let's get this straight: Kiffin, the man who immediately faced criticism for his recruiting tactics when he arrived at University of Tennessee, called out Florida during the pre-season, then after assembling something in Knoxville bolted overnight for the more prestigious USC job, just hired a Titans coach without talking to or asking anybody about it first? And people are actually surprised by this?...
...Lastly, the Jets and Bengals are both publically courting Terrell Owens now. The once star-studded receiver has caught both teams eyes now that each needs to bolster their receiving corps heading into the season. Owens wasn't terribly productive last season (albeit he was in Buffalo) and the consensus seems to be that he's lost a step to go with his still problematic attitude. No team in the NFL would bite on Owens all off-season, and now suddenly two teams are trying to bring him in at once. One thing is for certain: wherever Owens ends up, he won't be the reason that a team makes a run in the playoffs...
USC was open from the beginning they were interested in the RB coach. It wasn't until the RB coach immediately accepted the position that the Titans had a problem. Kiffin didn't expect the coach to accept so quickly, and as a result, his phone call to Tennessee was after the fact. I still can't believe this guy was an NFL coach.
ReplyDeleteAnd why couldn't TO be the reason the Jets or Bengals make a run in the post season? Both teams were good enough to get there last year, but didn't have that final umph to get over the hump. Maybe less-so in Cinci, but I think TO could be the difference for the Jets. Their receiving core was OK at best last year. Edwards is ok and Cotchery (spelling?) isn't anything special. Remember, the furthest the Eagles ever got was the one season they had TO. Ok, that was 5? 6 years ago? Still. Depending on the team he could be a difference maker.
Right, five, six years ago. Receivers need to have the extra burst, especially if they're going to make a difference. He signed with the Bengals today. He's not exactly replacing Chris Henry. He may be a step up from Antonio Bryant, but he's not the T.O. of old. Owens will no longer be a reason a team wins a super bowl. If they do it this year it will be because of Cedric Benson, Carson Palmer, Ochocinco, and the defense.
ReplyDeleteKiffin never called Fischer before offering the position. That's a fact. It may not be in the rules, but it's still wrong.