By Steven Weldon
We have finally reached the end of the NFL Combine, and it ended with the defensive backs. While the 2019 crop of backs is thinner than past years, there are a few talented athletes available. It seems many of the cornerbacks did not elect to do a bench press, and many safeties chose to do a majority of the drills. This may be related to the position, as a safety could be called upon to play a little linebacker, which lends to strength and plyometric ability.
The stars of the day were Jamel Dean, of Auburn, and Zedrick Woods, of Ole Miss. These two quick defensive backs laid down a 4.3-second and 4.29-second 40-yard dash time, the highest of the combine, breaking the 4.31-second record set by wide receiver Parris Campbell on day 2. Woods is currently a safety projected to be in an NFL training camp but could end up on late-round draft boards after his speed was on display. Dean is already projected to possibly be an NFL starter, but not a first-round draft pick.
Of the first-round projected defensive backs and safeties, Greedy Williams, of Lousiana State only showed us his raw speed. Williams ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, but did not participate in any other tests. He is projected as a late first-round pick. Byron Murphy, of Washington, is also an intriguing player. He ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, and looked very good in the individual drills.
It was a small group of players, but with NFL offenses switching to a heavier passing attack, they will be integral.
In the coming few months, I'll look at what each team needs to address in the draft as well as free agency. Starting on March 13th, free agents are allowed to sign with teams for next year. If you would like live updates on that night, check out my twitter, @Airweldon. I'll go live when the players are allowed to sign.
Finally, I did not get a chance to run a 40-yard dash, nor did I do a vertical jump, but I did film myself doing 1/3 of the 225(!!!) pound bench press. Here's the video.
Monday, March 4, 2019
Tennis Lovers Rejoice, This Tournament Is As Good As It Gets!!!!
by Harry Cummins
To those truest of tennis devotees out there, you already know the unmitigated allure of the annual BNP Paribas Open about to commence this week in a nirvana known as Indian Wells, about a half-hour drive south of Palm Springs, California.
For the rest of you, those who think they might like to witness performance and excitement equal to any Grand-Slam event, while relishing the warm, winter beauty of a desert oasis, world class tennis facilities, on-grounds gourmet dinning, and a chance to see the best players in the sport up close.......the next two weeks are simply as good as it gets!!
With the San Bernardino Mountains to the east, the Santa Rosa Mountains to the west, this 54-acre play-land known as the Indian Wells Tennis Center will play host this week to no less than 10 former BNP champions in the field, and nearly all of the top 75 ranked singles players in the world on both the ATP and WTA tours. The finals will be contested in the 2nd largest tennis stadium (16,000) in the world.
Here is a quick look at both the women's and men's fields in what insiders already know is the unofficial 5th 'Slam every season.
LEADING CONTENDERS: (WOMEN)
Naomi Osaka (defending champion), Simona Helep, Petra Kvitova, Sloane Stephens,Elina Svitolina, Serena Williams.
DON'T SLEEP ON:
Belinda Bencic ,Caroline Wozniacki, Karolina Pliskova, Angelique Kerber
LONG-SHOT WILDCARD ENTRY WE'D LOVE TO SEE WIN: Amanda Anisimova
LEADING CONTENDERS : (MEN)
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, Roger Federer, (Defending champion Juan Martin del Potro has withdrawn due to knee injury)
DON'T SLEEP ON: Stefanos Tsitsipas, Danil Medvedev, Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori
LONG-SHOT WILDCARD ENTRY WE"D LOVE TO SEE WIN: Reilly Opelka
Tips If you go, plan to attend the many matches on the outer courts during the first week of play. It is the best chance to see most of the up and coming young stars of the sport as you move from court to court. Watch a set here, another there.
Or you could just hang out at your hotel pool all day, until the mountains make for an early sunset and perhaps the best time of day to watch tennis and stroll the grounds.
If you want to get a vicarious view of the action this year from Indian Wells, tune to the Tennis Channel for complete coverage every day. Sunscreen not required!!
Sunday, March 3, 2019
AAF Week 4 In Review & Power Rankings
By Steven Weldon
The AAF had a banner weekend with its slate of week four games. No team is winless, some teams are falling, and only one has hit its stride. Here's what we got to see.
MEMPHIS EXPRESS 26, SAN DIEGO FLEET 23
Hold the dad-gum telephone, the Express have finally won a game! After an awful first half, the Express defense put together a solid finish, only allowing a field goal in the final frame. The Fleet could not hang on to the ball, with multiple offensive miscues, including a fumble recovered by the Express that would lead to their game-tying touchdown. QB Zach Mettenberger won as a starter in a football game for the first time since 2014, and the Express removed that awful zero from their win column.
Star of the game: Memphis Defense and Zach Mettenberger 18/25, 174 yards, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD
I had to name them both. Mettenberger put the offense on his back, and the Defense backed it up. Memphis earned this victory.
ORLANDO APOLLOS 20, SALT LAKE STALLIONS 11
The Orlando Apollos are for real, as they waltz into Salt Lake and take another victory against inclement weather. It was a wire to wire victory for the Apollos, but the game was very much in the balance going into the fourth quarter. As they have done all season though, the Apollos held strong for the win. The Stallions looked reasonably good, but they ran into the best team in the league at the wrong time.
Star of the game: Garrett Gilbert, 22/32, 244 yards, 1 TD
Gilbert once again showed why he's the best quarterback in the league, fighting through the snow and tossing great passes.
SAN ANTONIO COMMANDERS 12, BIRMINGHAM IRON 11
Down goes an undefeated team! The Iron suffered through poor offensive stretches, possibly due to missing their starting center. The Commanders controlled most of the game until Trent Richardson busted through their defense for the only Iron touchdown of the day with two minutes left in the game. While it was his seventh touchdown of the season, the Iron needed more productivity from him. He finished with a paltry 8 carries for 15 yards.
Star of the game: Kenneth Farrow II, 30 carries, 142 yards.
Farrow II was one of the only productive players in this game. The Commanders scored a rushing touchdown in this game, but sadly it wasn't his. Maybe he can get one next game.
ATLANTA LEGENDS 14, ARIZONA HOTSHOTS 11
Atlanta came out swinging, replacing QB Matt Simms with former Alabama star Aaron Murray, and boy did it pay off. The defense came to play first, forcing the Hotshots into the first safety in AAF history. With the Hotshots thinking they were their namesake, the Legends showed them up, leading 8-3 at the half. It would take until the fourth quarter for Arizona to tie the game at the 5:27 mark, but it was far too much time left on the board. The Hotshots defense was porous all game, allowing 454 yards to the previously unheralded Atlanta offense. The Legends marched downfield, and Younghoe Koo, a former San Diego Chargers castoff drained the eventual game-winning field goal with 1:03 left in the game.
Star of the game: Aaron Murray, 20/33, 254 yards
Murray did not score a touchdown, but he kept the Legends moving all day. A great running attack was a large help, but unlike Simms the previous few weeks, Murray made things happen.
AAF WEEK FOUR POWER RANKINGS
1. ORLANDO APOLLOS (4-0)
This is the best team in AAF football until further notice. Another great win and gutsy performance by Garrett Gilbert. Their next challenge will be to head to Alabama and take on the Birmingham Iron in a battle of the two best teams in the league. I'm thinking the Apollos come out of next week undefeated again.
2. BIRMINGHAM IRON (3-1)
I was about to drop the hammer on the Iron, but I couldn't. Despite losing to a middling team, they're still a very talented team. Their defense is solid, their offense is still a work in progress, however. They'll need Trent Richardson to make better use of his carries to succeed. A battle against the Orlando Apollos can be the best measuring post for them.
3. SAN ANTONIO COMMANDERS (2-2)
The Commanders went into Birmingham, weathered the storm and got the win. It was not pretty, but they held off the Iron as long as they could. Solid defensive play has them trending up. They will head to Arizona next weekend and face the ice-cold Hotshots.
4. SAN DIEGO FLEET (2-2)
Full control of the game and they blew it. I hope San Diego fans weren't hoping for deja vu when it came to professional football teams. It's not good to lose to a winless team, but at least they still have time to come out of it strong. They'll host the Salt Lake Stallions next week, and hopefully, they don't let what happened this past weekend happen again.
5. ARIZONA HOTSHOTS (2-2)
Oh brother, where do I begin? They looked like the best team but their fortune turned quick. The Hotshots did run into a hungry Atlanta team with a new quarterback, but they had a chance to stop the Legends and couldn't. The Hotshots host the Commanders in the last game of the weekend next Sunday. It ought to be a good one if Wolford returns to the form he had two weeks ago.
6. MEMPHIS EXPRESS (1-3)
What a comeback! This Express team is plucky, and I can't wait to see if they can show another team the ropes. This time, it's a battle of bottom feeders, as they head to Atlanta to take on the Legends. Next Sunday afternoon should be a fun, or awful, football game. Who gets their second win?
7. ATLANTA LEGENDS (1-3)
Last weekend was the perfect storm. An amazingly balanced ground game mixed with an explosive passing attack. Hopefully, they can replicate it again. They'll face Memphis for the chance to get two wins in a row.
8. SALT LAKE STALLIONS (1-3)
I had to drop these guys to last. They didn't look good, and they didn't upset any team this weekend. In fact, I don't know when their next win will be. They'll head to San Diego and attempt to get their second win.
The AAF is heating up! Catch all the action next Saturday and Sunday on TNT, CBS Sports Network and NFL Network.
The AAF had a banner weekend with its slate of week four games. No team is winless, some teams are falling, and only one has hit its stride. Here's what we got to see.
MEMPHIS EXPRESS 26, SAN DIEGO FLEET 23
Hold the dad-gum telephone, the Express have finally won a game! After an awful first half, the Express defense put together a solid finish, only allowing a field goal in the final frame. The Fleet could not hang on to the ball, with multiple offensive miscues, including a fumble recovered by the Express that would lead to their game-tying touchdown. QB Zach Mettenberger won as a starter in a football game for the first time since 2014, and the Express removed that awful zero from their win column.
Star of the game: Memphis Defense and Zach Mettenberger 18/25, 174 yards, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD
I had to name them both. Mettenberger put the offense on his back, and the Defense backed it up. Memphis earned this victory.
ORLANDO APOLLOS 20, SALT LAKE STALLIONS 11
The Orlando Apollos are for real, as they waltz into Salt Lake and take another victory against inclement weather. It was a wire to wire victory for the Apollos, but the game was very much in the balance going into the fourth quarter. As they have done all season though, the Apollos held strong for the win. The Stallions looked reasonably good, but they ran into the best team in the league at the wrong time.
Star of the game: Garrett Gilbert, 22/32, 244 yards, 1 TD
Gilbert once again showed why he's the best quarterback in the league, fighting through the snow and tossing great passes.
SAN ANTONIO COMMANDERS 12, BIRMINGHAM IRON 11
Down goes an undefeated team! The Iron suffered through poor offensive stretches, possibly due to missing their starting center. The Commanders controlled most of the game until Trent Richardson busted through their defense for the only Iron touchdown of the day with two minutes left in the game. While it was his seventh touchdown of the season, the Iron needed more productivity from him. He finished with a paltry 8 carries for 15 yards.
Star of the game: Kenneth Farrow II, 30 carries, 142 yards.
Farrow II was one of the only productive players in this game. The Commanders scored a rushing touchdown in this game, but sadly it wasn't his. Maybe he can get one next game.
ATLANTA LEGENDS 14, ARIZONA HOTSHOTS 11
Atlanta came out swinging, replacing QB Matt Simms with former Alabama star Aaron Murray, and boy did it pay off. The defense came to play first, forcing the Hotshots into the first safety in AAF history. With the Hotshots thinking they were their namesake, the Legends showed them up, leading 8-3 at the half. It would take until the fourth quarter for Arizona to tie the game at the 5:27 mark, but it was far too much time left on the board. The Hotshots defense was porous all game, allowing 454 yards to the previously unheralded Atlanta offense. The Legends marched downfield, and Younghoe Koo, a former San Diego Chargers castoff drained the eventual game-winning field goal with 1:03 left in the game.
Star of the game: Aaron Murray, 20/33, 254 yards
Murray did not score a touchdown, but he kept the Legends moving all day. A great running attack was a large help, but unlike Simms the previous few weeks, Murray made things happen.
AAF WEEK FOUR POWER RANKINGS
1. ORLANDO APOLLOS (4-0)
This is the best team in AAF football until further notice. Another great win and gutsy performance by Garrett Gilbert. Their next challenge will be to head to Alabama and take on the Birmingham Iron in a battle of the two best teams in the league. I'm thinking the Apollos come out of next week undefeated again.
2. BIRMINGHAM IRON (3-1)
I was about to drop the hammer on the Iron, but I couldn't. Despite losing to a middling team, they're still a very talented team. Their defense is solid, their offense is still a work in progress, however. They'll need Trent Richardson to make better use of his carries to succeed. A battle against the Orlando Apollos can be the best measuring post for them.
3. SAN ANTONIO COMMANDERS (2-2)
The Commanders went into Birmingham, weathered the storm and got the win. It was not pretty, but they held off the Iron as long as they could. Solid defensive play has them trending up. They will head to Arizona next weekend and face the ice-cold Hotshots.
4. SAN DIEGO FLEET (2-2)
Full control of the game and they blew it. I hope San Diego fans weren't hoping for deja vu when it came to professional football teams. It's not good to lose to a winless team, but at least they still have time to come out of it strong. They'll host the Salt Lake Stallions next week, and hopefully, they don't let what happened this past weekend happen again.
5. ARIZONA HOTSHOTS (2-2)
Oh brother, where do I begin? They looked like the best team but their fortune turned quick. The Hotshots did run into a hungry Atlanta team with a new quarterback, but they had a chance to stop the Legends and couldn't. The Hotshots host the Commanders in the last game of the weekend next Sunday. It ought to be a good one if Wolford returns to the form he had two weeks ago.
6. MEMPHIS EXPRESS (1-3)
What a comeback! This Express team is plucky, and I can't wait to see if they can show another team the ropes. This time, it's a battle of bottom feeders, as they head to Atlanta to take on the Legends. Next Sunday afternoon should be a fun, or awful, football game. Who gets their second win?
7. ATLANTA LEGENDS (1-3)
Last weekend was the perfect storm. An amazingly balanced ground game mixed with an explosive passing attack. Hopefully, they can replicate it again. They'll face Memphis for the chance to get two wins in a row.
8. SALT LAKE STALLIONS (1-3)
I had to drop these guys to last. They didn't look good, and they didn't upset any team this weekend. In fact, I don't know when their next win will be. They'll head to San Diego and attempt to get their second win.
The AAF is heating up! Catch all the action next Saturday and Sunday on TNT, CBS Sports Network and NFL Network.
NFL Combine Day Three: Can Anyone Block These Guys?
By Steven Weldon
The Combine grind continues, and all eyes were on the field for Sunday’s athletes, the 2019 class of defensive ends and linebackers. Of all positions in the draft class, the defensive players are the most talented and most coveted.
The number one pick is projected to be Nick Bosa, of Ohio State. Bosa is an edge rusher, a combination of linebacker and defensive end. At the combine workouts, Bosa showed why he is considered the consensus first selection, running a 4.79 second 40-yard dash time, mastering 29 repetitions at the bench press, and displaying a 33.5” vertical leap. If his play on the field didn’t do the talking, his workouts did. It was impressive, as not even six months ago Bosa sustained a core muscle injury that required surgery.
The story of the day went to defensive end Montez Sweat, of Mississippi State. Sweat ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, the fastest for a defensive lineman since 2003. That number rivaled many of the receivers and running backs of the previous two days. Ed Oliver, of Houston, was originally projected to be the top overall pick before the NFL season, but his stock had since cooled off during the season due to size concerns related to the NFL prototypes of his position on the line. He did not run a 40-yard dash but did display his jumping ability, showing off a 36” vertical and a 10’ broad jump. Quinnen Williams, of Alabama, is ranked as the best defensive lineman in the class, and he showed why. An impressive 4.83 second 40-time does nothing but help his stock. Depending on the team, he could go anywhere from second overall to seventh overall.
The linebackers in this class also have great ability, despite some who would normally be slotted in their position classifying themselves as edge rushers. Devin White, of Lousiana State, broke a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, fastest for a linebacker since 2003. White has been projected as a mid-first round pick, and some teams could covet him based on his speed. Another Devin, Devin Bush, of Michigan, had very impressive numbers, with a 4.43 second 40-time, a 40.5” vertical and 10’ 4” broad jump. Mock drafts have him projected as high as the fifth pick. The combine workout definitely helped his stock, and he seems like a solid option.
Having a great front seven is integral to the success of a franchise. Will the next defensive superstar come from the 2019 class? The big boys aren’t the only stars on the field, as the defensive backs will show what they bring to the table on Monday. While not as stacked as the linemen and linebackers, there are some talented players in this crop.
Catch the final day of the NFL Combine on NFL Network starting at 6 AM PST on Monday.
The Combine grind continues, and all eyes were on the field for Sunday’s athletes, the 2019 class of defensive ends and linebackers. Of all positions in the draft class, the defensive players are the most talented and most coveted.
The number one pick is projected to be Nick Bosa, of Ohio State. Bosa is an edge rusher, a combination of linebacker and defensive end. At the combine workouts, Bosa showed why he is considered the consensus first selection, running a 4.79 second 40-yard dash time, mastering 29 repetitions at the bench press, and displaying a 33.5” vertical leap. If his play on the field didn’t do the talking, his workouts did. It was impressive, as not even six months ago Bosa sustained a core muscle injury that required surgery.
The story of the day went to defensive end Montez Sweat, of Mississippi State. Sweat ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, the fastest for a defensive lineman since 2003. That number rivaled many of the receivers and running backs of the previous two days. Ed Oliver, of Houston, was originally projected to be the top overall pick before the NFL season, but his stock had since cooled off during the season due to size concerns related to the NFL prototypes of his position on the line. He did not run a 40-yard dash but did display his jumping ability, showing off a 36” vertical and a 10’ broad jump. Quinnen Williams, of Alabama, is ranked as the best defensive lineman in the class, and he showed why. An impressive 4.83 second 40-time does nothing but help his stock. Depending on the team, he could go anywhere from second overall to seventh overall.
The linebackers in this class also have great ability, despite some who would normally be slotted in their position classifying themselves as edge rushers. Devin White, of Lousiana State, broke a 4.42-second 40-yard dash, fastest for a linebacker since 2003. White has been projected as a mid-first round pick, and some teams could covet him based on his speed. Another Devin, Devin Bush, of Michigan, had very impressive numbers, with a 4.43 second 40-time, a 40.5” vertical and 10’ 4” broad jump. Mock drafts have him projected as high as the fifth pick. The combine workout definitely helped his stock, and he seems like a solid option.
Having a great front seven is integral to the success of a franchise. Will the next defensive superstar come from the 2019 class? The big boys aren’t the only stars on the field, as the defensive backs will show what they bring to the table on Monday. While not as stacked as the linemen and linebackers, there are some talented players in this crop.
Catch the final day of the NFL Combine on NFL Network starting at 6 AM PST on Monday.
KEJELCHA DOES IT!!!! 3:47.01 WR!
by Harry Cummins
Yomif Kejelcha, of the Nike Oregon Project, unleashed a furious finishing kick Sunday afternoon, obliterating the 22 year-old world indoor mile record of the legendary Hicham El Guerrouj (3:48.45) by more than a second, in clocking a stunning 3:47.01.
Kejelcha hit the 1500 meter mark in a personal best time of 3:31.25 but did not surpass Samuel Tefera's world record time of 3:31.02 set this past month in England.
Nearly lost in excitement of the new world record was the performance of Johnny Gregorek of the New Jersey-New York Track Club, who smashed the 3:50 barrier in finishing second in a time of 3:49.98, the second fastest indoor mile ever run by an American. His time narrowly missed the 13 year old American record set by Bernard Lagat of 3:49.89
3:47.01!!!!!!!
Yomif Kejelcha, of the Nike Oregon Project, unleashed a furious finishing kick Sunday afternoon, obliterating the 22 year-old world indoor mile record of the legendary Hicham El Guerrouj (3:48.45) by more than a second, in clocking a stunning 3:47.01.
Kejelcha hit the 1500 meter mark in a personal best time of 3:31.25 but did not surpass Samuel Tefera's world record time of 3:31.02 set this past month in England.
Nearly lost in excitement of the new world record was the performance of Johnny Gregorek of the New Jersey-New York Track Club, who smashed the 3:50 barrier in finishing second in a time of 3:49.98, the second fastest indoor mile ever run by an American. His time narrowly missed the 13 year old American record set by Bernard Lagat of 3:49.89
Crawford’s Sports Biz 59 Seconds, 3/3;19
By Gregory Crawford @wchoops
Is is a success? Starting in 2017 season, NBA teams were allowed to sell jersey patches. So far total revenue generated by the teams is $150 million. Only one team does not have a jersey patch sponsor and that is OKC. The experiment or money grab is for 3 years. Sponsors get ready to pay more.
Is is a success? Starting in 2017 season, NBA teams were allowed to sell jersey patches. So far total revenue generated by the teams is $150 million. Only one team does not have a jersey patch sponsor and that is OKC. The experiment or money grab is for 3 years. Sponsors get ready to pay more.
Sunday Thoughts From @wchoops
By Gregory Crawford @wchoops
1. I like creativity and its thinking. My creative thoughts on Portland Pilots hoops. Full disclosure, I love going to games there. Free parking, great concessions, spotless restrooms, kind people, great band and best arena in WCC. By all accounts it was a bad year on the court for Pilot hoops. I don’t have good answers, but I do have a suggestion.
I would love to see Portland leave WCC and join the WAC Conference. Yes leave a conference you have been aligned with forever. Why? Fresh start for hoops, which drives the bus along with soccer at University of Portland. As well pretty good recruiting territory in the WAC with Chicago, Texas, Southern Cal, Phoenix and Seattle all in the league.
Equally as important you start right out with a big time rivalry in Seattle U.
I write this respectfully not as a joke, Its chances of happening are less than one percent, but it also should not be brushed off. ICARE.
2. Keep in mind the new rules of golf were written for all golfers, not just pros . The attention as it always is goes to pros, but they were written in general to speed up game and keep it fun.
3. Craw’s Corner is growing. If you are up to be part of our team of great contributors, email, crawscorner@gmail.com
4. Great tradition continues this week with OSAA basketball championships at Chiles Center. www.osaa.org and our own Allan Classen will be all over the coverage.
1. I like creativity and its thinking. My creative thoughts on Portland Pilots hoops. Full disclosure, I love going to games there. Free parking, great concessions, spotless restrooms, kind people, great band and best arena in WCC. By all accounts it was a bad year on the court for Pilot hoops. I don’t have good answers, but I do have a suggestion.
I would love to see Portland leave WCC and join the WAC Conference. Yes leave a conference you have been aligned with forever. Why? Fresh start for hoops, which drives the bus along with soccer at University of Portland. As well pretty good recruiting territory in the WAC with Chicago, Texas, Southern Cal, Phoenix and Seattle all in the league.
Equally as important you start right out with a big time rivalry in Seattle U.
I write this respectfully not as a joke, Its chances of happening are less than one percent, but it also should not be brushed off. ICARE.
2. Keep in mind the new rules of golf were written for all golfers, not just pros . The attention as it always is goes to pros, but they were written in general to speed up game and keep it fun.
3. Craw’s Corner is growing. If you are up to be part of our team of great contributors, email, crawscorner@gmail.com
4. Great tradition continues this week with OSAA basketball championships at Chiles Center. www.osaa.org and our own Allan Classen will be all over the coverage.
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