The Mailbag

The Report answers your questions. Shout out to SV89, who offered up this week's topic.

SV89: With all of their young players, do you think the Bulls will make the playoffs this year? If so, how far can they go?

The Bulls are at a crossroads right now, whether or not management realizes it. I'm not talking about the obvious hiring of Vinny Del Negro, I'm talking about a very subtle change that GM John Paxson has brought on the team perhaps unwittingly. The roster has evolved from a rigid, half-court bunch into a group that thrives on up-tempo play. Plain and simple, the Bulls are not fit for the Skiles model any more. The 08-09 Bulls will put points on the board this season, much like they showed flashes of towards the end of last season (Remember the Bulls' 151-135 victory over the Bucks last April). They aren't going to win on sheer defensive effort, but it might not matter if they click on offense.

Part of this has to do with getting rid of Ben Wallace and Tyson Chandler, but it has even more to do with acquiring athletic hybrids like Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha, not to mention drafting Derrick Rose. Can you imagine a lineup of Rose, Thomas, Sefolosha, Luol Deng, and Drew Gooden walking the ball down court? It'd be a travesty of talent. By no means do I think they should go to a pure Suns-style offense, but with the athletic ability of the team it is clear that the team needs to be let loose once in a while, especially when you have this leading the charge on fast breaks (Look at the second dunk in particular).

What does this have to do with the team's playoff chances? The change means that the team needs to be coached to its strengths. If Del Negro allows the team to go with the flow that Rose brings to the table, then I have no problem penciling in the Bulls for a playoff spot. I truly believe that he is just what the team needed. No, he is not a low-post scoring threat, but he is the quintessential "glue man" that brings a team together. As rigid as the Skiles Bulls were, the Del Negro Bulls appear to be much more suited for the fast-paced NBA brand of basketball being played right now, and I think they can use that to squeeze into the playoffs in year one. I do not think they have the talent to beat the Celtics or Cavaliers four times in a seven-game series, but they would have an opportunity to knock off a three or four seed if they jell as a team.

So, the first thing they'll need to make the playoffs is freedom. The second key to making the playoffs is staying level-headed. Last year's issues were unacceptable, especially from a team that prides itself on signing players of character. If Joakim Noah can keep his cool and if the glut of guards (Rose, Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, and Larry Hughes) can exist together in harmony, then the team has more than enough talent to steal a spot in the very weak Eastern Conference. I also think the days of hard nosed coaches screaming at their players are coming to a close. Personable coaches like Mike D'Antoni, Don Nelson, and Doc Rivers have had great success recently, which I do not believe to be coincidence. I believe Del Negro will serve in a similar capacity this season and beyond, turning the Bulls into a consistent playoff contender. Especially if management parlays the backcourt jumble into a mobile low-post scorer, the Bulls could be back on the Eastern Conference stage.

NBA Notes: Thoughts from Opening Night

Celtics PA announcer Eddie Palladino is officially the frontrunner for the hardest working PA man in the league award. The fact that his voice cracked only twice in introducing the 2008 Champions is a remarkable feat--those who witnessed the vocally grueling announcement know what we're talking about.

Lebron James hasn't skipped a beat defensively since Beijing, swatting a Ray Allen layup early in the first quarter.

After the emotional buildup of the ring ceremony, the Celts' shooting is stone cold: 2/10 from the field and 0/3 from long range to start the game.

Newcomer Alert: Cavaliers free agent Mo Williams, who came over from the Bucks in the offseason, will provide Lebron with some scoring relief, as he averaged over 17ppg in 07-08. How he jives with fellow shoot-first point guard Delonte West remains to be seen. Wally Szczerbiak or Daniel Gibson could very well crack the starting rotation if the experiment fails.


1Q Verdict: Cavaliers look sloppy on offense. Delonte West and Anderson Varejao each turned the ball over in the team's final possessions. The Celtics got a big boost off the bench from energy man Leon Powe. Side note: Look for rookie Bill Walker to be this year's Powe if he gets off the bench. Momentum Arrow: Celtics

-------End of First Quarter: CLE 28, BOS 22----------

1996 called, they want Lorenzen Wright back.

(Joke's on us, he made a nice tip in just moments after coming off the bench.)

He's a brick.........House.
Eddie's 0/4 from behind the arc and there's no sign of slowing him down.

Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett may be quiet but the Celtics' role players are carrying them right now. Glen Davis, Leon Powe, and Rajon Rondo have all chipped in to keep them within 10-13.

Role Reversal: 5 Cavaliers have contributed 5 or more points as of the 31st minute. Meanwhile, Paul Pierce is playing he-man in trying to keep the celtics from slipping too far while Ray Allen and Kendrick Perkins remain scoreless. Update: Allen is on the board, hitting a 20-footer with 1:50 left in the half.

2Q Verdict: This is clearly an early-season game. Neither team is close to midseason form, with poor shooting and sloppy passing as Exhibits A and B. Momentum Arrow: Even


---------End of Half: CLE 50, BOS 43-----------

The Celtics came out hot from the locker room. Allen and Pierce both knocked down threes to help the team to an 8-2 start.

Rondo looks as good as ever attacking the hoop, whether or not he should be doing it. Doc Rivers is thanking his lucky stars that he hasn't gotten injured after getting knocked down hard twice by Ben Wallace.

Role Reversal Update: Order seems to be restored: Lebron is now carrying the suddenly hapless Cavs and the Celtics are spreading the ball. Looks like the sky isn't falling after all.

Paul Pierce trimmed down this offseason and it is showing. He looks as fluid as ever and has 24 pts on 9/14 shooting. One player who could benefit from a similar regimen is Carmelo Anthony.

Boston ended the quarter on an 8-0 run. Momentum Arrow: Celtics

---------End of 3rd Quarter: BOS 67, CLE 63---------

Cleveland is shooting 42.9% from the field as a team. Zydrunas Ilgauskas is 7/8 on free throws but his high percentage is the lone bright spot in the Cavs' offense.

Lebron has settled for bad shots and his numbers have shown it (16pts). His teammates need to get him the ball more around the basket.

Leon Powe. Dunk. Over Sasha Pavlovic.

The Celtics bench may be one of the most stout groups in the league, between Powe, Glen Davis, and Eddie House. They don't have a lot of height but they make up for it in power.

The Cavs kept pace with the Celtics in the 4th quarter, but they couldn't seem to get any traction as far as eliminating the lead.

Closing Words: The Celtics struggled to get into an offensive rhythm early, but with some solid team defense they kept the Cavs at bay, holding them to a very modest 85 points. Paul Pierce carried the team perhaps more than Doc Rivers would have liked but the supporting cast did just enough to win. Ray Allen needs to find more ways to get involved, especially if his shooting isn't what it used to be. 1 assist in more than 40 minutes doesn't cut it when you shoot 2/9 from the floor with four turnovers. He still "got game" but he will need to adapt to fit his new role on the team.

The Cavs need to figure out a lineup that best helps Lebron out without losing scoring. Tonight's starting five (James, Wallace, Ilgauskas, West, and Williams) doesn't appear to be the answer, simply because they don't compliment each other.

The Report proposes a group of James, Varejao, Ilgauskas, Williams, and either Daniel Gibson or Sasha Pavlovic. Whether Wallace or Varejao starts doesn't really matter, as long as Varejao gets the lion's share of minutes. The only requirement is that Williams and West can't be on the floor for much time together. They are just too alike, and they need someone like Gibson to distribute the ball. Pavlovic would come in handy to keep the opposing defense honest from long range, but he is more of an off guard than a point.

--------Final Score: BOS 90, CLE 85---------

Week 7 NFL Preview

After a dramatic Week 6, The Report lends its condolences to the fans of the Dolphins, Bears, Lions, and Redskins across the country. For the first time since 1970, four games were decided in the final ten seconds of the fourth quater, sending the teams on an emotional roller coaster. But don't seek anti-stress treatment just yet, as the great divide between the teams in Week 7 figures to end up with less physically straining results for fans. In other words, we now return to your regularly scheduled NFL programming.

Buffalo 27, San Diego 24

The Bills are coming off their bye week, giving them more than enough time to brood over their 41-17 loss to the Cardinals in Week 5. The Chargers, on the other hand, rocked the Patriots in Week 6 to the tune of 30-10. The Bills offense will get many opportunities to score against the leaky Chargers D, so if CB Antonio Cromartie lets Bills WR Lee Evans sneak behind him, the Bills could take control early. The tipping point is the fact that Norv Turner and company will have to travel 2200 miles to play a game at 10am Pacific time.

New Orleans 31, Carolina 18

The Panthers are 3-0 at home, but it was a tale of two quarterbacks last week. Saints QB Drew Brees threw for 3 TDs, Panthers QB Jake Delhomme 3 INTs. The fact that star WR Marques Colston will return to the Saints aerial assault this week gives them all the better chance to break the Panthers' streak. Reggie Bush has been particularly electric, racking up an even 600 all-purpose yards.

Chicago 24, Minnesota 20

Bears QB Kyle Orton has turned heads among the league's defensive coordinators, averaging 273 yards and 2 TDs over the past three games despite lacking a true high caliber threat. The Vikings and Bears are 4th and 5th in the league, respectively, in rushing yards allowed. This is bad news for Matt Forte and Adrian Peterson's fantasy owners, but crucial to the Bears as a team because it cancels out the Vikings' only threat in Peterson. Ironically, Orton and the Bears rag-tag group of receivers break the tie between the offenses, giving the Bears enough to pull through.

Pittsburgh 27, Cincinnati 13

The first of many lopsided games in Week 7. The Steelers will have to turn to RB Mewelde Moore if Willie Parker isn't available come gametime, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. He gained 99 yards in his only start this year against the Jaguars, enough for Big Ben and crew to pick up their second road win of the year. The only thing the Bengals have done right this year is doing wrong. Bickering, injuries, and signing more players of questionable character (cf. Cedric Benson) have only added to the list of the team's playing woes. Case in point, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick was the team's leading rusher in Week 6 with 23 yards.

Tennessee 30, Kansas City 13

Damon Huard is under center for the Chiefs. Larry Johnson is suspended. You do the math.

Baltimore 18, Miami 14

Ravens QB Joe Flacco has struggled in his rookie season, but seeing as the Dolphins gave up  379 yards through the air to Matt Schaub last week, there's hope for a victory. The Ravens suffered an absolute meltdown against the Colts in Week 6, but the unit is too good to falter in back to back games. A team with S Ed Reed just doesn't give up 31 points routinely.

NY Giants 27, San Francisco 13

After the 35-14 embarrassment on Monday Night against the Browns, Eli Manning and the Giants will have extra motivation to prove they are still the team to beat in the NFC. The "West Coast effect" will be a major factor, as the Niners must make the trip that has spelled doom for many teams this season. In fact, it has been such a death sentence that you can expect a rule change this offseason for West coast teams traveling east for 1ET games. Niners QB JT O'Sullivan struggled in his team's loss to the Eagles last week, completing only 17/30 passes for 0 TDs and 2 INTs.

Dallas 31, St. Louis 14

The Cowboys are officially the league's scariest passing attack now that they have Roy Williams to compliment Terrell Owens. Even if QB Tony Romo sits out the game because of his broken pinky, backup Brad Johnson will pick up right where the Pro Bowler left off. RB Marion Barber will run wild against the Rams defense and their 169 rushing yards/game allowed average. Interim head coach Jim Haslett is caught between a rock and a hard place with the lowly Rams. If management stays patient there are enough weapons on the team for him to turn things around. A competent offensive line would help.

Houston 27, Lions 16

Lions QB Dan Orlovsky was already teetering on the edge of disaster in the offense, and now the rug has been pulled out from under him with the trading away of Roy Williams. Addition by subtraction is a possibility when dealing with a player of his attitude, but his talent was a perfect pairing with budding WR Calvin Johnson. Matt Schaub carved up the Dolphins last week, and the Lions defense makes Miami look like Baltimore. Big fantasy output for Schaub, WR Andre Johnson, and RB Steve Slaton, with even the Texans Defense a functional bye week replacement.

Indianapolis 30, Green Bay 18

A team that stings the Ravens for 31 points can accomplish anything. Also in the Colts' favor is the mysterious absence of home field advantage for the Packers this year. A 1-2 record at Lambeau doesn't cut it, but the good news for coach Mike McCarthy is that the best is yet to come, as the pro-Packer frigid weather has yet to descend on the north woods. Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison finally broke out of their mini-slump and are once again the potent duo that they've been for the past 10 years.

NY Jets 26, Oakland 23

Brett the Jet leads his team into Oakland with significant offensive momentum. RB Thomas Jones is riding high after rushing for a pair of touchdowns and hauling in a receiving score as well against the Bengals last week. However, the Jets can't get too sure of themselves because the Broncos showed in their loss to the Chiefs what that can do for a team. Raiders RB Justin Fargas could have a surprise game now that he is near full strength. The Raiders will be lucky to break 20 with the way that things have gone for their passing offense, but then again the Jets have given up 48 and 35 points in games this year.

Washington 28, Cleveland 21

The Browns have yielded 137 yards/game this year on the ground, and Clinton Portis couldn't be happier. The Redskins RB has had a phenomenal start to the season, rushing for 643 yards and 6 TDs. Yes, the Browns put on a show against the Giants, but Jason Campbell is much more careful with the ball than Eli Manning. He has yet to throw an interception this season while throwing for 1262 and 6 TDs.

Tampa Bay 29, Seattle 20

The Seahawks can't catch a break. First their receiving corps were decimated by injuries, then they were put through a humiliating 44-6 beating against the Giants in the Meadowlands. The outlook isn't good for this week either, as the Buccaneers have all the momentum in the world after their emotional 27-3 win last week over NFC South rival Carolina. Warrick Dunn has 189 yards in his past two games, proving the depth of the Buccaneers' backfield. Jeff Garcia seems to make each team he plays for better, and Tampa Bay is no exception now that he is under center.

Denver 21, New England 16

Both teams are coming off losses in Week 6, and Jay Cutler needs to step it up for Mike Shanahan's offense, bottom line. 192 yards and 2 INTs against the Jaguars doesn't cut it when the team relies on his ability to get the ball downfield. The Patriots could win because their defense will hold their own against Cutler and Co., whereas the Broncos have struggled throughout the season to contain opposing offenses. However, the Broncos will continue their success on primetime TV and the defense will turn it around against Patriots QB Matt Cassell. Broncos RB Michael Pittman gets the job done near the goal line.

Early Returns: The Rookie Report

Fast Track

RB Chris Johnson, TEN

All eyebrows that the Titans raised when they selected Johnson have officially been put in their normal and unfurrowed position. Coming out of mid-major East Carolina, Johnson wasn't the household name or Sports Illustrated cover boy that Michigan's Mike Hart was. In fact, Johnson may as well be the anti-Hart. While Hart was struggling to fill the hype with tangible Combine numbers, Johnson ran a 2008-best 4.24. His late push up the draft board has carried over to the NFL season, where he has assumed a very important role in the Titans' backfield. He has racked up 381 yards on 85 carries with 2 TDs, impressive totals considering he splits time with Lendale White and given the fact that the Titans faced two of the league's top run defenses (BAL and MIN) in recent weeks. Johnson is a rare case of a high potential/high risk pick that excels from day one. 

First quarter grade: B+

RB Matt Forte, CHI

Yes, you are reading this correctly: The Bears have struck gold in back-to-back high round offensive picks. After selecting TE Greg Olsen in 2007 and the red hot Forte in 2008, the biting pain associated with failed first rounders like RB Cedric Benson and OT Mark Colombo has begun to subside. Amid questions of the Bears' depth at offensive line and in the backfield, Forte has risen to the occasion and then some. He has posted 555 total yards and 4 TDs in five games this season, and has been the antithesis of the sluggish meanderer that was Benson. Forte proved he could carry an offense on his shoulders during an ultra-productive senior season at Tulane, where he rushed 361 times for 2,127 yards and 23 TDs, and has shown his ability to carry the offense when QB Kyle Orton struggles. Forte's yardage totals have gone down in each of his five games, though he started off higher than expected. Consistency is what will give this grade a boost. 

First quarter grade: A-

Work in Progress

WR Eddie Royal, DEN

Much like Forte, Royal has had trouble with consistency this 

season. He has had stat lines reminiscent of Broncos great Rod Smith, but then he has had games that lump him with the Koren Robinsons and Charles Rodgers of yesteryear. He burst onto the scene with a 146 yard debut in Oakland and hauled in 104 yards in Week 4 in Kansas City, but in the other three weeks he accounted for a mere 71 combined. Having fantasy stud Brandon Marshall back in the lineup after a one-game suspension should have only helped him get more favorable match ups, but he has had difficulty establishing his place in the high octane offense lead by QB Jay Cutler. Royal's talent is undeniable, but the jury is out on his ability to produce on a weekly basis. 

First quarter grade: B

RB Steve Slaton, HOU

The Texans' workhorse job has been ripe for the plucking for years, and Slaton appears to have staked his claim. Big names (Ahman Green) and big injuries (Domanick Davis) didn't get the job done in the teams' first generation of backs, but Slaton appears to have emerged as an early candidate for the star watch list. He was an explosive talent at West Virginia, where he had highly productive freshman and sophomore seasons, only to have wrist surgery the spring before his junior season. His production dropped to his freshman year level, and scouts began to poke and prod his size (5'9'', 201 pounds), dropping him to the third round. This pick could end up being the coup of the draft, pending his continued progress. He has shown flashes of brilliance (18 rushes, 116 yards against Tennessee) and versatility (8 receptions, 83 yards against Jacksonville) but he must prove his ability to handle more carries before he can be a true franchise back. 

First quarter grade: B+

Clock is Ticking

DT Glenn Dorsey, KC

Dorsey was simply disruptive in college at LSU. No one was harder to block, and most failed in the attempt. He seemed like the obvious pick at No. 5 for the Jared Allen-less Chiefs, and despite past knee injuries he wasn't as red flagged as he could have been. Yes, the lowly Chiefs have struggled across the board this year, but that doesn't excuse a top 5 pick getting 11 tackles and 0 sacks in the first five games of the season. The transition of defensive linemen from college to the NFL is typically turbulence-free (see: Kearse, Jevon), which makes Dorsey's slow start all the more puzzling.

First quarter grade: C-

QB Joe Flacco, BAL

Rookie or no rookie, the Delaware product's production simply must go up. One TD and 4 INTs in four games doesn't cut it for an NFL starter, especially an 18th overall selection. Flacco has accumulated a 61.9 rating, 4th worst in the league, and would be under much greater fire if he weren't backed by the most dominant defense in the league. Flacco's situation evokes images of Kyle Orton, who lead the Bears to 10 wins in his rookie season out of Purdue despite pedestrian numbers. The difference is that Orton was the 106th pick of his draft. Once the organization surrounds him with more viable weapons, he could become the dynamic vertical threat they envisioned when they selected him. If the team's recent history of offensive blunders is an indication of what's to come, it could be too late and Flacco could be stuck in neutral a la Kyle Boller. 

First quarter grade: C-

Week 5 NFL Preview

The Report bounces back after a rocky Week 4. With the lowly Browns, Rams, and Raiders on bye weeks, nearly every game features teams fighting for the top spot in their division.

Philadelphia 27, Washington 20 

Correll Buckhalter will receive the majority of carries with Brian Westbrook still recovering from an injured ankle. The Redskins' Clinton Portis, who rode into Texas Stadium last week and carved the Cowboys up for 121 yards, will be lucky to get 70 against the Eagles' stifling rush defense. The tiebreaker of this rushing stalemate will be the passing game. Donovan McNabb and his 276 ypg through the air will be the difference against the injury-plagued Redskins.

Pittsburgh 24, Jacksonville 18

The Jaguars and Steelers both had emotional overtime wins in Week 4. David Garrard finally broke out of his 2008 funk, and turned his first interception-free performance against the

Texans. The Steelers managed a win against the Ravens despite suffering another crucial injury in rookie Rashard Mendenhall. However, between injuries to the Mendenhall/Willie Parker combo and Ben Roethlisberger's struggles, the Steelers are at wits end with the ball in their hands. The season would be in serious danger if S Troy Polamalu and company weren't one of the most potent defenses in the league. Steelers grind out a win at home, David Garrard reverts to his old form.

Denver 35, Tampa Bay 28

The Broncos would be putting up 2007 Patriots-type margins of victory if their defense wasn't mysteriously inept. Despite a cast including Champ Bailey and D.J. Williams, the Broncos have allowed a whopping 29 points per game. Jay Cutler continues to put up gaudy numbers, and will easily out duel ex-Bronco Brian Griese, who threw for 149 yards last week against the Packers. Earnest Graham keeps the Buccaneers in the game with his hard-nosed running.

Baltimore 26, Tennessee 13

Neither team may break 20 points. Kerry Collins and Joe Flacco are serviceable signal callers, but neither stacks up to the opposing defense. With Ravens RB Willis McGahee fighting off a rib injury and Flacco's 65.9 passer rating, the Ravens will be lucky to break 10. Oddly enough, Collins has the advantage in this matchup, especially with the explosive RB Chris Johnson on his side.

Chicago 34, Detroit 23

The Bears circle their games against the Lions on the team calendar for one reason. No matter how much the team struggles on offense, the Lions D always gives them a confidence boost. After throwing for 3 TDs on NBC last Sunday night against the Eagles, Kyle Orton appears to have matured since his 2005 victory against the Lions in which the Bears racked up 38 points. Translation: Bears score early, often on all sides of the ball against the Lions, who have allowed 430 yards per game this season.

Upset Special: 

Seattle 27, NY Giants 26

The Giants are flying high at 3-0 on the season and face a seemingly harmless Seahawks team that has stumbled to a 1-2 start on the season. Mike Holmgren and company have to travel three time zones east to New York, but the Giants' number one weapon Plaxico Burress will serve his one-game suspension this week after appealing to the league. That, plus the return of receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram for the struggling Seahawks pass offense could give QB Matt Hasselbeck enough to leave the Meadowlands with a win. The Seahawks have also averaged a league second best 166 yards rushing.

Indianapolis 31, Houston 20

Joseph Addai will run wild against the weak Texans run defense, though Peyton Manning may struggle in the air against a defense that has allowed 181 yards per game. As each week passes, the Colts offensive line continues to prove an Achilles heel. Houston moves to 0-4 after being a popular breakout pick.

New Orleans 26, Minnesota 24

Jared Allen has earned the value of his contract and then some. Despite the team's struggles at quarterback, the Vikings have caused opposing offenses to quiver thanks to their bruising D. Unfortunately for coach Brad Childress, the Saints (unstoppable force) will edge the Vikings (immovable object), and he will officially gravitate towards the hot seat. Don't expect Drew Brees to put up gaudy fantasy numbers, though.

Dallas 34, Cincinnati 18

Two words: Marion Barber. Barber and the disgruntled Terrell Owens will take out their frustration against the hapless Bengals, who have hemorrhaged yards on the ground this year. Owens may score, but Romo could see trouble against the surprisingly stingy Bengals pass defense.

New England 24, San Francisco 20

It may not be pretty but the Patriots continue to win despite Tom Brady's absence. The days are gone when they can march into any city and dominate, but the 49ers aren't a threat as long as they contain Frank Gore. Niners QB J.T. O'Sullivan keeps the game interesting and makes case for breakout player of the year.

Arizona 28, Buffalo 21

The Bills finally come back down to earth after an improbable 4-0 start. Cardinals offense gets a couple of quick scores, enough to hold off a late charge by Bills QB Trent Edwards and star RB Marshawn Lynch. Thunder/lightning combo of Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower get the job done in the red zone for the Cardinals high octane offense. What has gotten into Kurt Warner, nobody knows.

San Diego 27, Miami 14

Chargers D finally slows down an opposing offense after a shaky start to the season. A banged up Ladanian Tomlinson struggles against Joey Porter and company, but Philip Rivers does enough to get the Chargers back on the path to the playoffs. Ronnie Brown saves the Dolphins from a shutout.

Atlanta 26, Green Bay 21

Michael Turner continues his dominant season at Lambeau Field, where he and QB Matt Ryan control the pace of the game with steady progress on the ground and big-play threat Roddy White. The Falcons could get a taste of their own medicine if RB Ryan Grant gets into a rhythm. He has yet to score a touchdown this season but he managed 92 yards in Week 1 against the stingy Vikings.

Carolina 28, Kansas City 24

Panthers QB Jake Delhomme hooks up with WR Steve Smith frequently against an inept Chiefs defense that misses DE Jared Allen in a big way. Sneaky Carolina moves to 4-1 and continues to fly under the radar. Rookie RB Jonathan Stewart racks up a hefty chunk of yardage against Gunther Cunningham's defense.