An Eagles' Christmas?

Photo courtesy of sportsgeekery.com

"Three days till Christmas; oh boy, what has Santa gotten for all of us?"

Hopefully, an Eagles win and a Giants loss.  

This upcoming weekend is a very special NFL Christmas weekend.  Philadelphia Eagles fans are all eager for the miracle to happen, an Eagles playoff berth.  There are, however, baby steps involved in those slim playoff chances.  Yet as each game arrives and the Eagles progress, those chances gradually expand, giving hope to the city of Philadelphia. 

  

The fight to inch closer to a playoff spot will begin before the Eagles even take the field at Cowboys Stadium.  It all starts at Metlife Stadium in New York at 1 p.m where the New York Giants will square-up against their rivals, the New York Jets, in the Battle for New York.    

• The Eagles will need a favor from the already humiliated Jets to provide them with a win against the Giants.  J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets!  Show me what you got, Rex Ryan!

With that said, Eagles fans would now be able to enjoy a meaningful game at 4:15 p.m.  Let's take a look at the match-up:

The Cowboys are coming off a dominating game against a lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad.  Defensively, the Cowboys will feed off of defensive-end Demarcus Ware's intensity and linebacker Sean Lee's aggressiveness.  Offensively, Tony Romo is on fire, contrary to games in December from previous years.  His play had the capability to put his team above everyone else in the NFC East, before being abruptly ruined by coaching decisions and special team plays in the final seconds of regulation.  Also, since running back DeMarco Murray is out for the season with a fractured fibula, Felix Jones will be on the menu for a newly-energized Philadelphia Eagles' defense. 

The Eagles hope for good coaching to continue; they have received this these past two weeks.  Defensive coordinator Juan Castillo is starting to understand and make critical adjustments to his defense during the games, adding more blitzes and schemes. Andy Reid and Marty Mornhinweg are starting to finally understand that if they balance the calls of running and passing plays, then they will win the game. Looking to eye an NFL rushing title, Lesean McCoy has been a beast; he only trails Maurice Jones-Drew by 60 yards. Michael Vick is playing smarter, especially with his decisions on taking unnecessary hits.  

As the NFC East continues with its inconsistency, so does the NFC playoff picture race. 

Who will be victorious?   

   

Eagles Slim Playoff Chances

"Playoffs, don't talk about playoffs; you kidding me, playoffs?"  Thanks Jim Mora for that lovely introduction.

As awful as the 5-8 Eagles season has been, they're miraculously still in the playoff hunt.  This was made possible because of the struggling NFC East.

Sunday's 26-10 victory in Miami helped keep the Eagles on life support as they head into their next game against the New York Jets at home.



However, there are a lot of things that need to happen besides the Eagles having to win out all of their games.

First, Dallas' schedule looks like this: at Tampa Bay, Philadelphia and at New York against the Giants.

• Dallas needs to lose at least 2 games.
• If Dallas beats the Giants, then Dallas has to lose against Tampa Bay    

Second, the Giants' schedule looks like this: Washington, at New York Jets and Dallas.

• The Giants' needs to lose at least 2 games.  
• If the Giants sweep Dallas, then they have to lose to the Redskins and Jets for the Eagles to have a shot.  

It really all comes down to this upcoming week.  The Eagles need at least one upset to happen, whether it is the Giants losing to Washington or Dallas losing to Tampa Bay.  

The Eagles performance this year has been abysmal from offense to defense to coaching. Although they don't deserve to be in the playoffs and a losing record would surely eliminate Andy Reid from coaching this team, I still bleed green!  Hopefully, the switch has turned on for this team.

                 I still believe.  Miracles can happen.  

                            Just ask Tim Tebow.  

A GIANT Victory for the Eagles

Photo courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Close your eyes and picture this: Vince Young rallying his desperate Eagles team to an 18-play, 80-yard brilliant drive against a very solid New York Giants defense late in the fourth quarter.  Sounds ludicrous, right?  Now, open your eyes and believe me when I say that the Eagles didn't give up another fourth quarter lead, winning through their defense by a score of 17-10.  That is exactly what had occurred last Sunday night.

Vince Young, who was previously 2-0 against the Giants when he was a member of the Tennessee Titans, wiped off a three interception performance with a clutch fourth quarter touchdown pass to Riley Cooper.  Young threw touchdowns to two wide receivers whom haven't been used significantly all season; one to former Giants wide receiver Steve Smith and the other to Cooper.  Both were used more frequently due to the injury to Jeremy Maclin. Judging off Young's performance in the fourth quarter, I believe they should start Vick during the first three quarters and pull in Young for the fourth.  A formula worth trying, I must say. (joking moment)  

Defensively, the Eagles looked mighty impressive.  This is the defense that all Eagles fans imagined to see before the season had started.  It looked like defensive coordinator Juan Castillo and his defense were tired of the media portraying them as a "soft" defense, deservingly so.

Jason Babin was the star on defense, making this game-sealing sack as well as forcing a fumble on Eli Manning as he was trying to even up the game at 17. Derek Landri played well as a reserve tackle, picking up the key turnover created by Babin seen below. 

• The Eagles defensive line stole the show Sunday night as they made Eli Manning's life a living hell in the pocket; they were persistent on their pressure and made sure Manning felt the hits.  As a group, they recorded three sacks. Cullen Jenkins, Trevor Laws, Darryl Tapp, Juqua Paker and Mike Patterson produced constant pressure and closed in on the run game.
• The linebackers played well too as Jamar Chaney picked off Manning and Akeem Jordan made a crucial stop on a 3rd and 1 against Giants running back Brandon Jacobs.
• Secondary played decent minus Nnamdi Asomugha.  He was penalized for pass interference and lost coverage on Giants wide-out Victor Cruz.  Cruz is known for picking on Asmougha as he torched him in their first match-up.          

Hopefully, the Eagles find a way to show some consistency in their play, which they have lacked all season.  I know the playoffs are still a long shot, but I have a feeling this game is the game that will turn their season around.  Momentum will swing into the Eagles favor.  It happened last year with the Miracle of the Meadowlands II, so what's so different about this year?

The Eagles Gods are looking down on us.    

  

Eagles, Bears play on MNF...What more can you ask for?

Photo courtesy of Eastbay.com

Monday night football with potential playoff aspirations on the line tonight; can't get any better than that, now can it?

The Philadelphia Eagles look to reach .500  in tonight's battle against the Chicago Bears.  Chicago is coming off a 24-18 win in London last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Philadelphia is coming off a 34-7 win, whooping the Dallas Cowboys in every aspect of the game.

The Eagles need to continue the style of play they displayed against Dallas for tonight.

Matt Forte is a dangerous threat in the running game for the Bears.  Defensively, the Eagles need to prevent him from having a field day from the first snap.  Jay Cutler can be a nuisance if his offensive line protects him.  Players like Trent Cole and Jason Babin need to create havoc and cause him to turn the ball over.  The linebacking core needs to fill the gaping holes and close on them as quickly as possible.  Any mistake in their assignments could lead to crucial points on the scoreboard.  Special teams wise, the Eagles need to be smart and not punt to the best special teams player in the game, Devin Hester.  He is guaranteed a touchdown almost every time he touches the ball.  

Offensively, Michael Vick and his high-powered Eagles offense look to strategically dissect Brian Urlacher and his strong Bears defense.  The Eagles need to firstly, get Lesean McCoy started in the run game.  He is a perennial back that has risen up in the rankings as one of the best running backs in the league.  They need to use him in the passing game as well.  Jeremy Maclin will look to be the go-to receiver as Desean Jackson will try to find a hole in the Bears defense to create a big play opportunity.  Jason Avant and Brent Celek will be targeted in key situations when a first down is needed.  Finally, when none of that is available, Vick needs to use his lightning speed and create plays with his legs.

A balanced attack as well as a zero in the turnover column on offense will win this game for the Eagles.

Prediction: Eagles 31-Bears 17           

A Nightmarish Start

Photo oourtesy of lloydvance.wordpress.com

The majority of Philadelphia believed this was finally the year their beloved Eagles would bring a parade to Broad Street.  Going into week six of the NFL season, Eagles fans are left scratching their heads, pondering if a change in the coaching staff as well as the personnel will happen.

The Eagles have an abysmal 1-4  record.  They are desperately looking for a win when they travel to Washington to face the 3-1 Redskins on Sunday at 1pm.

On paper, the Eagles look like the greatest thing since sliced bread.  However, you can't judge a book by its cover.  The Dallas Cowboys experienced this first-hand last year when they went 1-7 going into week 8 of the season.  A move was made by Jerry Jones, firing Wade Phillips in the middle of the season and replacing him with interim and current head coach Jason Garrett.  

Expectations is a word that can excel or destroy a team.  So far, the Eagles are feeling the wrath of those high expectations, turning their season from a dream season to a nightmare.  

The Eagles have one main issue that is significantly obvious to their downfall of play:

   

Coaching- Turning an offensive line coach into a defensive coordinator with no experience is a risky experiment to run.

Andy Reid proposed this idea and made it happen when he hired his then offensive line coach Juan Castillo, and turned him into a defensive coordinator, replacing the great late Jim Johnson and his supposed successor Sean McDermott, who couldn't get the job done all too well last season.  However, McDermott didn't have the talent on defense like the Eagles have now; he would look really nice as an Eagles defensive coordinator right about now.

The defense looks very soft and cannot make a tackle to save their lives.  A lack in leadership and discipline is causing a downward spiral for the defense.

Players that are not afraid to get in another's face and tell them what they are doing wrong is needed.  Having leadership qualities like Brian Dawkins, Jeremiah Trotter and Hugh Douglas are no where to be found.  Tackling cannot be blamed on the coaches, but the schemes or positions that the players are put in could be the problem why it is an issue.  Reid's stubbornness in thinking that the linebacker and safety positions are safe and not that important is ultimately hurting his defense.  In the red zone, they are extremely weak and give up touchdowns like there is no tomorrow rather than holding for three points.  Again, the blame crumbles down to Reid.

On the offensive side of the ball, the run to pass balance has been completely dominated by the passing game.  Nothing new there for an Andy Reid offense.

It has been getting ridiculous and the results are the same.  Reid loses his trust in the run quickly, so he averts to the pass game.  Plays become predictable and defenses send more players to rush Vick.  How many more times will I see the offense set up in a shotgun formation?  Vick gets hurt because he never gets a break from pressure.  Coming in with a bunch of inexperienced offensive linemen has resulted in costly play in important times of the games and injuries to key players.

Yet, with all this said, Reid still manages to say the same thing at press conferences by taking full responsibility and promising to fix the problem the following week.  The problem is that he is not fixing the problem.  It is a recurring theme every week.  He is not getting through to his players.

When that happens, change is a necessity.  The question is, when or if it will happen... 

Vick-less

Photo courtesy of deadspin.com

Michael Vick's homecoming started as a warm welcome; however, it concluded with a bitter, disappointing ending.

Sunday night, the Philadelphia Eagles lost 35-31 to the Atlanta Falcons in a back and forth game that came down to the wire.  Except this time, the Eagles were without Vick on a potential game-winning drive.

Midway through the third quarter, Vick was tackled by one of the Falcons' defenders causing him to fall downward, slamming his head straight into his own lineman's shoulder.  Walking off the field, Vick spit up blood because of a tongue bite.  It was confirmed after the game that Vick had suffered a concussion from the blow.

The loss of Vick was a factor in the defeat to the Falcons, but that wasn't the only reason.  

Turnovers played a huge role.  The game-changing play happened in the winding minutes of the second quarter.  Vick had his offensive squad lined up for another touchdown in the red zone and possibly a ten point lead.  Andy Reid, the Eagles coach, decided to go with 2 running backs in the backfield.  Vick faked the pitched and tried to give it off to the other runner.  The play took too much time, enabling the Falcons defense to pounce on Vick and strip him of the ball.  Ray Edwards, the Falcons defensive end, scooped the ball up, and ran like a mad man all the way to the Falcons twenty yard line before being tackled by the speedy Eagles wide receiver Desean Jackson.  That later turned into a Matt Ryan to Tony Gonzalez one-handed touchdown grab.  

Defensively, the Eagles corners and linemen did a decent job covering as well as getting pressure on Matt Ryan.  They forced turnovers in key moments of the game.  However, the linebacking core had their issues.  Michael Turner, the Falcons running back, ran down the throats of linebacker lane.  Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez exposed the poor coverage ability of some of the Eagles linebackers.  Guarding athletic tight ends have always been a problem;  this is something defensive coordinator Ron Rivera has to preach in film sessions.   

With Vick possibly out for a couple of weeks, Mike Kafka becomes the starting quarterback.  Vince Young is still out with a hamstring injury.  Kafka performed with poise and confidence as he ran the offense up the field in the closing minutes on Sunday night.  He made impressive throws, releasing the ball quickly from attacking blitzes.  But on a fourth and four, Kafka threw a pass that hit the number 18 of Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin's chest.  Maclin dropped a guaranteed first down, which could of changed the game dramatically.     

I feel this loss will benefit the Eagles in the long run.  They will learn from their mistakes and hopefully, correct them.  Sunday's loss was a tough one against a Falcons team that excels on their home field.  

Now, the real test begins...

      

Dream Team

"To the 10, to the 5, touchdown Eagles!"  Spoken by the beloved voice of Philadelphia, Eagles radio announcer Merrill Reese will finally be calling the action to all die-hard Eagles fans come Sunday afternoon against the St.Louis Rams. A voice that has been missed and would've been even more deeply missed had the NFL owners and players not struck a labor deal for the 2011 season.

The Philadelphia Eagles come into the 2011 season fully-loaded.  After performing a historic number of moves to acquire prized free agents, the Eagles organization has one goal in mind for this season: to win it all.  Adding faces like Nnamdi Asmougha, Ronnie Brown, Vince Young, Cullen Jenkins, Dominique-Rodgers Cromartie, Jason Babin and Steve Smith are just some of the ingredients in making a championship caliber team. In a city that has competitors in different sports such as baseball, the Phillies, a recent World Series champion as well as the favorites to win it all this year, have stolen the spotlight.  The Phillies swept under and grabbed Cliff Lee from the Yankees in free agency, making their 5-man rotation a force to be reckoned with.

Joe Banner, the Eagles president, realized the possibility of Philadelphia transforming into a baseball town rather than staying as a football town.  It seems as if there is a sense of urgency for his organization to bring the city a championship before the window of opportunity closes.  The pain that many Eagles fans had to endure their whole lives may finally come to an end this year.  By going all out and pursuing excellent talent, Banner has impressed fans, removing his label from many fans as a "cheapskate," for now.  The city of Philadelphia wants to see their Eagles as world champions.

Hopefully, this will finally be their year of destiny.  Rather than being fixated on the "dream team" persona, let's hope our Eagles make this a dream season.  



 

It's Klinsmann's Turn

Photo courtesy of futegoal.com

The Jurgen Klinsmann era for the United States Men's National Team kicked off Wednesday night under the shining lights of Lincoln Financial Field in the city of "Brotherly Love."  The US squared up against their nemesis, Mexico.

During their last meeting with Mexico in the Gold Cup final, the US looked like they were going to upset the  Mexicans by taking a 2-0 lead in the first 25 minutes of the first half.  However, after that, the Americans looked like a team that were beaten and just out worked with pace.  Mexico scored four straight goals, beating the Americans by a score of 4-2.    

By adding Klinsmann to their coaching staff and firing Bob Bradley, the Americans obviously wanted to search for a new sort of style or swagger to their game plan; a European style, perhaps.  Klinsmann brings an attacking style of play mirroring his days as a premier striker for West Germany.  Defensively, he wants his players to attack every ball, giving the opponents limited time to set up a play, similarly to Barcelona's defensive tactics.

In their friendly match on Wednesday night, the US looked to win back their confidence.  They had to accomplish this against a strong, newly ranked Mexican team.  Some superstars from both teams did not make the trip to Philadelphia.  This included Clint Dempsey as well as Freddy Adu and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.
                     
                        Photo courtesy of Masona Lam
As a few friends and I walked up the steps to enter Lincoln Financial Field, we heard the cheers and chants of the thousands of supporters that made it on a strangely scheduled Wednesday night game.  Perhaps that was the reason why there weren't as many fans as many anticipated there to be.  An attendance of around 30,000 showed up for the bitter, rivalry game.

The game had finally started.  I was in a section where it was tough to find a single American fan.  You could say I was a loner and very prone to hecklers; even my friends were Mexican fans.  Well so be it, I had to still show my American pride.

In the 17th minute, Mexico's Oribe Peralta scored on a flick from a hard-driven cross into the box.  Mexican fans around me cheered with excitement as I was left sitting there shaking my head.  The United States could not get a single shot off in the first half.  "What a disappointing start it was to the Klinsmann era," I kept repeating to myself.

During halftime, my friends and I went to the concessions to grab a couple of refreshments.  As we did, a group of American and Mexican fans starting jumping around chanting their countries.  Shocked and urged to join the mob, we threw ourselves in and hopped around with the others.  Many people around us grabbed their cameras and videotaped the recklessness.  Hopefully, it can be found on Youtube.

The Americans finally showed some life during the middle of the second half.  Substitutes such as Brek Shea, Robbie Rogers and Juan Aguedelo brought a spark of life that was much needed.  Players started distributing the ball well and creativity progressively developed.

An opportunity arrived for Rogers.  As soon as he got into the game, he received a well crossed ball by the blond headed, faux-hawked Shea or as I call him, the American Fernando Torres.  Shea worked hard to send a cross that met Rogers's foot for the open goal finish.

The game had ended in a 1-1 draw.  Many members of the crowd wanted an extra time, but hey, you can't always get what you want.  Both teams looked to be satisfied with a tie.  Klinsmann showed a sigh of relief when his squad netted the equalizing goal.

The Americans still need a lot of work to contend with world-class teams.  However, the second half showed a glimpse of how the youth system are some what improving their style of play.  Hopefully, the way they played the second half can transfer over to their next game.  Improvements need to be shown as soon as possible.  2014 is around the corner.  I think if anyone can do it, Klinsmann can be the one to change American soccer.              

    

The Crossbar Challenge

Preseason camp is just around the corner.  Me and a couple of the fellas (Mike Goldstein and Frank Tweneboa) from my neighborhood decided to have our own little session.  We went through at least an hour and a half of straight shooting drills, each drill coming from different angles.  At the end of our session, we decided to have some fun and try the crossbar challenge.  Whoever hits the crossbar first, wins.  Let's see how it went...     

As you can see, irony played a huge role during this challenge.  Never challenge a blogger who speaks of their blog in vain; it will come back to haunt them as Goldstein had to find out the hard way.  Stay humble my friends.  

Making Moves

Photo courtesy of NFL.com

First 24 hours of free agency, nothing; all you could hear from the Philadelphia Eagles organization was a tiny pin drop.  Fans around Eagles nation thought to themselves, "When and what will the first move be?"  Little did they know what was in store for them the next 72 hours.

• It started off with the signing of Jason Babin, a pro bowl defensive-end from the Tennessee Titans.  Babin was also a former Eagle let go two years ago.  He did not make his presence known here as an Eagle, however, thrived in the Titans system.  Newly acquired defensive line coach, Jim Washburn, was also the defensive line coach for the Titans last year.  He worked with Babin in Tennessee and made him into the player he is now; they are once again, reunited.  Recording 12.5 sacks last year, Babin looks to compliment defensive-end Trent Cole on the other side of the line. 

• Trade rumors swirling about Kevin Kolb had finally ended.  He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round draft pick.  Cromartie, a pro bowl defensive back, is a player known for his footwork and speed.  He recorded three interceptions last year as well as 44 tackles. Cromartie looks to bolster an already dominant backfield.        

• Then it was the signings of Donald Lee and Johnnie Lee Higgins. Lee, a tight-end for the reigning Superbowl Champion Green Bay Packers, served as a backup.  In 15 games played last year, he recorded three touchdowns.  Lee is another big body to add to the Eagles offensive arsenal.  Higgins, a wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders, made more of an impact on the special team's side of the ball.  He is a punt return specialist.  This will give Desean Jackson a well deserved breather in the punt return game.  

• With Kolb gone, the Eagles were looking for a veteran quarterback to backup starter Michael Vick.  This is where Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans came into the picture. Young, a two-time pro bowler, has been an inconsistent player.  He has been through his ups and downs from controversial rumors dealing with suicidal thoughts to being the leader in Tennessee.  He feels that he can learn a tremendous amount from Vick.  Vick could guide him as a mentor and make him into a better player on-and-off the field.  If Vick, God forbid, goes down this year, we will have a comfortable replacement to look to. 

• The transactions did not stop there.  In a blink of an eye, they stole the number one coveted prized free agent, Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders.  Asomugha, labeled as the second best cornerback in the league behind the Jets Darrelle Revis, was in strong talks with the Jets and Cowboys.  How strong you might say?  Well, Jets coach Rex Ryan spoke with actor Adam Sandler to try and persuade Asomugha to come to New York.  Why Adam Sandler, right?  Asomugha wants to be an actor when his playing days are over, so Ryan used networking as his bait.  He thought Sandler could provide a significant connection to jump start Asomugha's acting career when his football career ends.  That Ryan sure is a sneaky little trickster.  However, in a last second decision, Asomugha had a change of heart and signed with the Eagles instead.  This provides the Eagles with a frightening secondary: Asante Samuel, Cromartie and Asmougha; teams will think twice every time they throw it. Asomugha may not have the typical stats a top cornerback in the league would have.  That is because every quarterback in the league is afraid to throw his way.  

• Another huge addition to the defensive line was made Saturday afternoon.  Run stuffer and pass rusher Cullen Jenkins, brother of Kris Jenkins from the Jets, was signed by the Eagles.  Jenkins recorded seven sacks in 11 games for the Packers last year.  This prompted a trade.  Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley was then traded to the Cleveland Browns for draft picks.  Jenkins will give the defensive line more of a push and enable them to cause havoc for opposing quarterbacks.  Evan Mathis, a guard from the Cincinnati Bengals, was also picked up by the Eagles early Sunday morning.  

Eagles Look to Make a Splash in Free Agency

When the players and owners of the NFL decide to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement, which looks to be before the fourth of July, the chains on the NFL can finally be unlocked and free agency can begin for teams looking to add firepower or depth.  

The Philadelphia Eagles look to be one of those eager teams that are willing to make a splash in free agency.  Rumors are circulating about possible players they may acquire. The following are the possible pick-ups the Eagles are hoping to make: 

1.  Acquiring Reggie Bush: Bush is on the free-agent market list and is looking to land with a contending team. The Eagles love running backs who are quick, small and can catch passes out of the backfield.  Bush fits the Eagles offense perfectly, yet Lesean McCoy is the starter.  Bush wants to be a starter, however, who would say no to an already explosive offense.  I am sure a tandem of Bush and McCoy would look pretty intimidating to opposing defenses.  Bush could add his talents to kick and punt returning as well, giving Desean Jackson a break and reducing his chances of getting injured.  The Eagles also have to think about their fifth round draft pick, Dion Lewis(Univ of Pitt), and his opportunities of becoming a part of the one-two punch.  According to Yahoo Sports, Bush has also received interest from the Dolphins, Steelers, Seahawks and Giants.  

2.  Acquiring Plaxico Burress: Burress is looking to rebound and mimic Michael Vick's path to recovery after recently being released from jail because of several gun charges.  He might have the chance to do that in an Eagles uniform.  The Eagles are not new to giving players a second chance; just ask Michael Vick.  Burress could provide a spark in the red zone for the Eagles, creating a new threat at the receiver position.  Jackson is an explosive, down-the-field type receiver, while Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant are possessive type receivers who will take a hit in the open-field for the first down.  Burress will compliment these receivers and give them another weapon to their collection.   

3.  Acquiring Albert Haynesworth:  Haynesworth caused a lot of havoc in Washington from his complaints about the Redskins defensive scheme to not being able to pass the team's conditioning test.  However, with newly acquired defensive-line coach Jim Washburn, the Eagles may take a risk on the run-stuffing abilities of Haynesworth.  Washburn, who was Haynesworth's former defensive line coach at the Tennessee Titans, wants Haynesworth and feels he can make him into the dominant player he was when he was with the Titans.  Ranked 15th in the NFL in run defense, the Eagles look to fix that issue by adding a plug into the hole of their defense.  Ryan Starks of the Green Bay Packers exposed it, now will Haynesworth be the one to stop it?  

Other possible acquisitions: Nnamdi Asomugha (CB/Oakland Raiders) and Ike Taylor (CB/Pittsburgh Steelers) 

MAV-TASTIC

                     Dirk Nowitzki: 1                LeBron James: 0

After last night's game six finale, Nowitzki earned a step over James in the championship ring category.

The Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA title in franchise history, beating the Heat 4-2 in a series that contained both drama and class. (For once, I was rooting for a Dallas team.  I guess for basketball it is different.)    

The drama was started by none-other-than the duo of James and Wade.  Cameras caught them mocking Nowitzki before game five by faking their coughs and laughing as they walked into the stadium.  This came from a guy (Wade) who had to get wheel-chaired off the court because of a shoulder injury and another (James) who whines to the refs for a foul every time he drives to the basket.

Before James came to Miami, Wade never was criticized for his controversial actions.  Wade was a soft-spoken man who played and acted with class.  James' demeanor has now caught on to Wade as well as Bosh and the rest of the Miami Heat.  This may be a reason why they are considered the villains of the NBA.    

Nowitzki was upset to find out about the mocking and thought of it as immature and disrespectful.  His response, however, was not to get caught up with the drama and just let his play do the talking; now that's class at its finest.  

Nowitzki's play set the tone for the series.  This series will be remembered in the NBA films memorabilia as Nowitzki hitting huge shots in crunch time and propelling his team to their first NBA title.

With a possible NBA lockout looming in the off-season, the Heat may not have the luxury of having the big three together for another year.  So for James, it is either finding a new team with an All-Star squad or staying in Miami and trying to win a championship in order to keep his Michael Jordan comparisons alive. On the other hand, Nowitzki's Larry Bird correlations are certainly still in tact. 

  

Mavs, Heat Meet in the NBA Finals

Photo courtesy of callthecomputerdoctor.com

The Dallas Mavericks are matched up against the Miami Heat in an epic NBA final showdown.  The NBA got exactly what they wanted, two high-powered offensive teams.

What can you say about the 2011 NBA playoffs?  They have been a thrill to watch this year.  Every match-up has been intense, even with teams that got swept or only won one of the four games.

The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls series, which ended last Thursday night, didn't feel like a five-game series at all.  Derrick Rose and the Bulls put their sweat and tears into the series, but LeBron James and company were just too much to handle.

Rose came up short.  James came up big.  Simple as that.

Time and time again in the series, Rose had chances to be a hero and help his team come out victorious.  However, Rose came up small.  Instances such as having two opportunities in the closing minutes to put his team up ahead in game four as well as a missed free throw in game five with 25 seconds left in regulation.  

On the other side of the court, James showed how dominant he really is.  I am not too fond of his character, but the man is a force to be reckoned with.  Erik Spolestra, the Heat coach, had difficulty of choosing who to give the ball to for a game-winning shot during the season.  He should have no problems now because James is on a mission; a mission for a ring.

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have also chipped in tremendously as well.  Wade's shoulder had been bothering him the last couple of games, however, he came up strong when his team needed it the most, blocking two shots in the final two minutes of game five.  Bosh's jumpers from just inside the three-point line has reeked havoc on defenders. Bench help from Mike Miller, Mario Chalmers and Udonis Haslem is important because resting the big three will provide a possible late run in the fourth quarter.

Now, we will go to the Heat's opponent in the finals, the Dallas Mavericks.

Led by Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavs are creeping closer to their first NBA title.  Nowitzki has received comparisons to Larry Bird, deservingly so, with his shot making abilities.  Yet until he has a ring on his finger, those comparisons will diminish.

Contributions by Jason Terry, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion and Tyson Chandler are key for Nowitzki to be successful, whether it would be in the paint or perimeter shooting.  JJ Barea is also an asset off the bench with his quick-drives to the basket, three-point shooting and intelligence of distributing the basketball.  

This should be a finals to remember.  It is a finals of two admirable superstars in the league looking for their first ring (James and Nowitzki).  Both are craving for a championship and want their legacy to be known.

Who will welcome the challenge and guide their team into history?  We will find out in the weeks to come.