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New DomainsMay 3rd 2008 20:23
Hey everyone, if anybody here actually reads my posts on a regular basis, I won't be posting here too often anymore. I have new blogs at actual domains (links at the bottom) where I will be posting. It'll still be mostly Philly sports I talk about, but unfortunately they won't all be on the same page. Just click on whichever one you want to read about (pretty self explanatory, doctorhoops is sixers, etc.). Thanks
 Flyers Win AgainMay 2nd 2008 04:12
The Flyers won game 4, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in their series with the Montreal Canadiens.Martin Biron stopped 36 shots and Daniel Briere scored the game winning the goal in the Flyer's 4-2 win. The Flyers are just one more win from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals, where the will most likely face the Pittsburgh Penguins, who hold a 3-1 lead over the New York Rangers. The Flyers have already exceeded expectations, having come into the playoffs a number 6 seed and being underdogs in both of their series.
Sixers Drop Game 5 At PalestraApril 30th 2008 23:17
In game 5 of the series, Andre Iguodala finally started to heat up, but so did the Pistons starters, particualarly Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton, who had been struggling earlier in the series. Billups, Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, and Tayshaun Prince all shot better than 50% in the game. The Pistons as a whole shot 58% and held Philly to 42% shooting, beating them at a final score of 98-81. Unfortunately, I was unable to watch this game because it was on the NBA network. What's up with all these playoff games being on premium channels? All of the Flyers games have been so far, so I haven't been able to watch any. It's rediculous. Anyway...Iggy finally had his game on, shooting 8-13 for 21 points (however, he also had 6 turnovers). Unfortunately, outside of Lou Williams, who was 6-9 with 16 points, the rest of the team stunk up the joint. Especially Andre Miller (5-17, 13 points, just 3 assists) and Willie Green (3-10, 8 points). I can't stand Willie Green. It's not necessarily that I can't stand HIM, though, more like I can't stand how the Sixers use him. I mean, c'mon, he's your starting SHOOTING guard, and he's a career 41% shooter. I mean, Allen Iverson was never exactly a sniper when he was here, but at least he got to the line 7,8,9 times a game to make up for it. Willie Green had 148 free throws in 74 games this season. That means he had two free throws a game. Meaning on average, your starting shooting guard shot just 43% for the season while getting to the line...one time a game. Not a shooter, not a slasher. He also doesn't set himself apart as a rebounder or passer, and he doesn't exactly set the world on fire with his defense. Seriously Mo, how can you not realize by now that you should shift Iggy to the two and start Thad Young at the 3 w/Reggie Evans at power forward? I just don't get it. Sigh. Anyway...Sixers come back home tomorrow night for Game 6 facing elimination. Maybe they can win another game...doesn't look like they will though, Pistons have finally turned it on.
Flyers Take Lead Over CanadiensApril 29th 2008 20:18
The Flyers took control of their series with the Canadiens last night, winning the always pivotal game 3 in Philadelphia, by a score of 3-2. Unfortunately, due to the fact that all the hockey is on "Versus" network, I couldn't watch the game. ESPN analysts are lauding the performance of goalie Martin Biron, who made 32 saves on 34 shots. I think I heard one of them call him "the best goalie in the playoffs right now" or something along those lines. The Flyers and Biron will try to continue their good play on Wednesday night, again in Philadelphia, where they will attempt to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Phillies Drop Final Game Versus PiratesApril 28th 2008 15:16
The Phillies' bats went cold on Sunday as they missed their chance to sweep the PIrates, losing 5-1. Youngster Pat Maholm pitched a great game for the Pirates, going all 9 innings while allowing just two hits, needing just 99 pitches to get through the game. Phillies opening day starter Brett Myers continues to struggle in his return to the rotation, going just 5 innings while allowing 4 runs, increasing his ERA to 5.11. The Phillies remain even with the Mets at 2nd place in the division, 1.5 games behind the surprising first place Marlins. The Phils return home on Tuesday to face off with the San Diego Padres.
Eagles Draft-Day 2April 28th 2008 15:02
The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up what looks like a relatively promising draft on Sunday. Having selected a defensive tackle and wide receiver in Round 2, the Eagles came away with another eight players on Sunday. In the third round they selected a player who was a bit of a surprise, defensive end Bryan Smith out of McNeese State. Although undersized at just 6-2, 228 pounds, Smith is also a very quick pass-rushing threat off the edge who dominated his level of competition in college. In 2007 he had 10.5 sacks, 60 tackles and 4 forced fumbles. However, having played in such a small school and being at such a small size, there are questions at how his game will translate to an NFL level. In the 4th round the Eagles picked up offensive tackle Mike McGlynn from Pittsburgh, free safety Quintin Demps from Texas El-Paso, and cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu from Wisconsin. McGlynn is a promising prospect, having won the Ed Conway award in Pittsburgh in back-to-back years, given annually to the most improved player from Pitt. This shows McGlynn likely has a great work ethic and is still getting better. A concern is that he seems to have an extensive injury history. Demps, to me, seems like a boom or bust type of player. He lacks the physical attributes that make a prospect appealing-size, blazing speed, etc,- but he has unbelievable production. He has 17 career interceptions, a trait that, if carries over, will be welcome in an Eagles secondary that struggled to produce turnovers last season. A concern is his ability to make tackles in the open field. Ikegwuonu is another boom or bust type prospect. At the beginning of the season Ikegwuonu was considered one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, and projected as a first or second round pick. However, character concerns arose as he was arrested on burglary and trespassing charges. In addition, Ikegwuonu's performance on the field was underwhelming. He also tore several ligaments in his knee during the NFL combine. Ikegwuonu is a physical tackler who garnered back to back All-Big Ten Conference first team selections. The Eagles took several risks in the 4th round, and may get nothing out of it. If it works their way, however, the payout could be huge. After having no picks in the 5th round, the Eagles went back to the O-Line in the beginning of the 6th, drafting guard Mike Gibson out of California. They also drafted linebackers Joe Mays out of North Dakota State and Andy Studebaker out of Wheaton. Gibson is an impressive, verastile blocker, having played both left and right tackle for the Bears in college. He is projected as a guard in the NFL. A concern that may have dropped him is his injury history, having previously torn his labrum in his left shoulder. He has also suffered multiple concussions. Mays is a powerfully built, at a bullish 5-11, 245 pounds. He is known as a punishing tackler. His build, however, reduces his agility, making it difficult to change direction and is somewhat of a liability in pass coverage. Studebaker is a 6-3, 251 pound linebacker from another small school, Wheaton. Having been a defensive end in college, he had 55 tackles and 17.5 sacks in 2007. He will move to linebacker in the NFL, hopefully bringing more depth to the Eagles' linebacking corps, a strength for the in 2007. With the Eagles' final pick, in the 7th round, they drafted another offensive lineman in offensive tackle King Dunlap, a mammoth at 6-9, 310 pounds out of Auburn. Coming into the year, Dunlap was considered one of the best tackle prospects in football. However, he came in out of shape, and performed terribly. He was eventually injured, and several games after his return was removed from the starting lineup. However, with his 6-9 frame, he seems to be a player worth taking a shot on. If he can pack on some more muscle and regain the talent that once made him a hot prospect, he could be a real steal for the Eagles.
Sixers Suffer Tough LossApril 28th 2008 14:22
The Philadelphia Sixers suffered through a difficult game 4 loss at the hands of the Detroit Pistons last night. The Sixers came out running again, with much of the same energy that helped them win game 3 at home on Friday. Through fantastic defense Philadelphia was able to pressure Detroit into turnovers and a low shooting percentage during the first half, enabling them to keep the game at their tempo and out of the half-court set that they tend to struggle in. Philadelphia went into half-time confidently, with a 10-point lead. However, Detroit came out a new team in the 2nd half, looking renewed and refreshed, shooting the ball better, making less mistakes and seemingly controlling the offensive glass. In the second half we saw Detroit take control of the flow of the game, as the Sixers struggled to score once the pace was slowed down. Andre Iguodala struggled again, shooting just 4-16 on the night. Game 5 of the series is at the Palestra in Detroit on Tuesday night, where Philly will attempt to regain the series lead.
Eagles Draft Day 1April 27th 2008 01:13
Well, the 1st day of the Eagles draft has just ended. I have to say I'm very satisfied with their draft thus far. Trading out of the 1st round instead of taking Jeff Otah (whom I am not a very big fan of) seems like a good move. They got a 1st rounder next year, a 2nd rounder this year, and a 4th rounder this year from the Carolina Panthers. When you aren't very high on the players on the board, stockpiling picks is always a great option. The New England Patriots, gold standard of winning in the NFL, do this often. In the 2nd round, the Eagles selected Trevor Laws, a defensive tackle out of Notre Dame. He will provide depth behind DT's Mike Patterson and Broderick Bunkley, in an Eagles defensive system that likes to rotate its lineman often during games. A few picks later the Eagles chose Cal reciever DeShaun Jackson, a very quick playmaker. Jackson was an excellent value pick, projected to go in the first round. He fills an immediate hole in the return game for the Eagles. Unfortunately, he's not the game-breaking reciever the Eagles need at the moment. It is very difficult for a rookie to come in at reciever and contribute, especially in the Eagles' complex system. Jackson, however, being so quick, may come in occassionally in 3 and 4 reciever sets as a deep threat. Don't look for him to contribute on offense much more than that. The Eagles also traded a 4th rounder for 23 year old halfback Lorenzo Booker from the Miami Dolphins, improving their depth in the backfield. All in all, I do like what the Eagles did. One surprise may have been that the Eagles still haven't traded cornerback Lito Sheppard. A rumor is that he may be part of a package deal for Lions reciever Roy Williams. If Sheppard is not dealt, he could stay in Philly as the starting CB next to Asante Samuel. Look then for CB Sheldon Brown moving to strong safety. WIth perennial pro bowler Brian Dawkins at free safety, this would give the Eagles, arguably, the best defensive backfield in the NFL.
Iguodala's Struggles- Good or Bad?April 27th 2008 00:57
Coming into the season, the Sixers offered Andre Iguodala a $57 dollar deal. He made a risky move in turning it down. Throughout the season, it appeared to be a wise decision, as Iguodala, just 24, continued developing into a very good player, having his best statistical season and leading Philadelphia into the playoffs. Now, however, he is struggling, averaging just 10 points and 4 turnovers a game, shooting at a 21% clip. Although his struggles may be hurting his team, the Sixers still lead the pistons 2-1. What does this mean beyond this series, however? Iguodala's struggles may be costing him millions, thus, saving the Sixers a lot of money. For skeptics of Iguodala, including myself, this is good news. I think this series only proves my premise that Iguodala is NOT a #1 player, and should be payed accordingly. He is a very good all-around player, but not the #1 scoring option that usually gets a max contract. Hopefully this series brings his value down to earth, and he signs for a deal only slightly higher than originally offered.
Flyers Game 2 TonightApril 26th 2008 23:40
Flyers are playing game 2 right now. Game 1 ended in dissapointment, with the Flyers losing in overtime after taking an early lead. Many are picking the Canadiens to win this series, but don't count the Fly-boys out of it. The Eastern Conference is wide open, and anything could happen. The Flyers have been a streaky team all year, and came into the playoffs hot. They have a 2-0 lead right now in the 1st period.
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