Friday, August 9, 2013

Final Observations from Green & White: Defense/Special Teams

(Originally posted at http://www.nyjets101.com/2013/08/08/new-york-jets-green-and-white-scrimmage-reaction-defense-and-special-teams/)

The reaction from the New York Jets intrasquad scrimmage finishes up today with observations about the defense and special teams. With the offense still a question mark, the defense will be counted on to carry this football team. The special teams are in transition mode, with Ben Kotwica taking over for the legendary Mike Westhoff.

Defense

The Jets’ front seven has been dominating the offensive line in practices, but they allowed a couple of big runs to Powell and Spann on Saturday. They were able to get pressure on both Sanchez and Smith though, which is a good sign considering the Jets' inability to rush the passer over the past few seasons.

(For more of this article, please visit the link above)

Final Observations from Green & White: Defense/Special Teams

(Originally posted at http://www.nyjets101.com/2013/08/08/new-york-jets-green-and-white-scrimmage-reaction-defense-and-special-teams/)

The reaction from the New York Jets intrasquad scrimmage finishes up today with observations about the defense and special teams. With the offense still a question mark, the defense will be counted on to carry this football team. The special teams are in transition mode, with Ben Kotwica taking over for the legendary Mike Westhoff.

Defense

The Jets’ front seven has been dominating the offensive line in practices, but they allowed a couple of big runs to Powell and Spann on Saturday. They were able to get pressure on both Sanchez and Smith though, which is a good sign considering the Jets' inability to rush the passer over the past few seasons.

(For more of this article, please visit the link above)

Thursday, August 8, 2013

More Observations from Green & White on Saturday

(Originally posted at http://www.nyjets101.com/2013/08/07/new-york-jets-green-and-white-scrimmage-reaction-offensive-line-receivers-tight-ends/)

The fallout from the Green and White Scrimmage for the New York Jets continues with the team preparing to take on the Detroit Lions in their first preseason game this week. In part two, we take a look at the developments along the offensive line as well as the tight ends and wide receivers.

Offensive Line

With center and both tackle positions already spoken for, the Jets have a four-way battle at guard between Willie Colon, Stephen Peterman, Vladimir Ducasse and rookie Brian Winters. Winters suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of the scrimmage and while Rex Ryan said it wasn’t serious, any missed reps will hurt a rookie being moved from tackle to guard, particularly one who played at a MAC school.

(For more of this article, please visit the link above)

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Carmelo Anthony: Elite or Not?

(Originally posted at http://sports.yahoo.com/news/york-knicks-star-carmelo-anthony-elite-165000890.html)

COMMENTARY | When the New York Knicks traded for Carmelo Anthony in 2011, it was with the expectation that he would come in and turn New York into a title contender.

The team struggled at first to mesh the skills of Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire but when Stoudemire started to struggle with injuries, Anthony stepped up as the unquestioned alpha dog.

 It has been Anthony's team ever since, especially with Stoudemire unable to regain his health and play at the level he once did. While Anthony is undoubtedly the Knicks' best player, does that mean he is an elite NBA force? Those who voted him third in MVP balloting last season would say he is.

(For more of this article, please visit the link above)

Monday, August 5, 2013

Observations from Jets' Green & White Scrimmage

(Originally posted at http://www.nyjets101.com/2013/08/04/new-york-jets-green-and-white-scrimmage-leaves-many-questions-unanswered/)

With multiple position battles and question marks regarding the makeup of the Jets’ roster this season, what better way to gauge the team’s progress halfway through training camp than a trip to Cortland for the annual Green & White scrimmage?

While I left with little resolution in my quest for answers, there were plenty of noteworthy items from the scrimmage that could go a long way to determining many roster spots. Starting with the most important position first, here’s what we learned from Green & White.

(For more of this article, please visit the link above)

Thursday, August 1, 2013

What Were the Best Moves of a Busy Offseason for the Knicks?

(Originally posted at http://sports.yahoo.com/news/five-best-offseason-moves-york-knicks-184500817.html)

COMMENTARY | Despite a roster that underwent minimal turnover, the New York Knicks were busy this offseason. Without the cap flexibility to be big players in free agency, they focused their attention on re-signing their own players and scouting the trade market for upgrades.

 The only player the Knicks whiffed on was restricted free agent Chris Copeland, who signed with the Indiana Pacers. A defensive liability that provided instant offense off the bench, the 29-year-old rookie earned a new deal that New York simply couldn't afford. While he'll be missed, the Knick' bench projects to have no problem scoring this season.

The Knicks did make a splash with a big trade, as well as a few veteran signings. Which of their moves will help New York the most this season?

(For more of this article, please visit the link above)