Sports Wise Guys

PHINALLY!

2008-11-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

Waiting on the Reign

2008-10-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

For most of last night’s game, the conditions looked more like a football game than a World Series game. It is late October in Philly and the wild weather, including today’s snow and rain mix, is the latest curse besides William Penn; the curse of Mother Nature. The constant rain in the 6th inning caused the first suspended World Series game in history and leaves Phils fans’ on hold to celebrate or agonize.

With my meteorologist hat on I can tell you that they should not have played that game last night. Throughout the day the forecast predicted light rain throughout the night with steadier, heavier rain from 10pm to 11pm. But they played in the slop, causing J-Roll to miss a crucial can-of-corn, eventually tying the game.

Now the game will start in the bottom of the 6th inning with the Phillies up, but without the ace who got them to this point. The Rays seemingly have the momentum, but then again we said that going into the series and look where that’s got them.

As I am writing this, I see ESPN is reporting that will not try to resume the game tonight but will start it on Wednesday October 29th at 8:37. It was snowing on my way to school today so I’m not surprised.

Phils Advance to World Series

2008-10-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Not since 1993 have we been able to say the Phillies are in the World Series. But after the 3rd leadoff home run for Jimmy Rollins in his career in the playoffs, a dominating performance by Cole Hamels, and a game with three H's(hits), not three K's, from Ryan Howard, the Phillies clinched a berth in the fall classic 15 years in the making.

The game's final play landed in catcher Carlos Ruiz's glove down the third-base line and finally the Phils triumphant 5-1 win was in the record books. Now they must wait until next Wednesday the 22nd for Game 1 in either Boston or Tampa Bay.

No matter the winner of the AL, their is some ironic Phillies history related to both teams. The Boston Red Sox handed the Phils their first World Series appearance and loss in 1915 with a certain pitcher turned "Bambino" later in his career. Now obviously we have never faced the Rays in a World Series, but only a loss to the Rays would make every World Series loss by a Phillie team to an AL East opponent.

1915 Boston Red Sox 4-1
1950 New York Yankees 4-0
1983 Baltimore Orioles 4-1
1993 Toronto Blue Jays 4-2

Phillies Win 7-5, Take 3-1 Series Lead

2008-10-14T13:39:00.001-07:00

Phils Take the Stairs to Game 4 Victory

Matt Stairs hitting a pinch-hit, game winning home run in the 8^th is as improbable as it can get in Philly folklore. Last night's miracle off Stairs' bat and from Jonathan Broxton's arm passed the 4^th and 26 Freddie Mitchell miracle for postseason heroics from an unlikely player. With only backup catcher Chris Coste remaining on his bench, Manager Charlie Manuel went to the veteran Stairs. The lefty waited patiently for a pitch to hit against the flame-thrower Broxton and got ahead in the count 3-1. The next pitch, a fastball, Stairs got out in front of and drove into the right field seats. The blast gave the Phils an 8-6 lead, and one they wouldn't relinquish. The unlikelihood of the homer is coupled with the fact the Dodgers' Broxton has not given up a home run all year at home.

If you're a die-hard Phillies fan, you may remember Game 3 in 1977 as "Black Friday". Well last night can be called "Miracle Monday" because Matt Stairs is as unlikely as it gets.

The Phils will hope to continue that good fortune Wednesday with their ace Hamels taking the mound.

Phils Hit Long Ball, Win 3-2 to Take Game 1

2008-10-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

The Phillies must like scoring in bunches. In three of their four games against the Brewers, the Phillies runs came all in one inning. Most memorable of this was the five run, 2nd inning against the Brew Crew's ace C.C. Sabathia that culminated in Shane Victorino's first career grand slam. It was no different last night when all three runs came in the 6th inning.

Dodgers starter Derek Lowe was cruising until the 6th, when SS Rafael Furcal made an error on a throw to first. Victorino advanced to 2nd on the error giving Chase Utley a man in scoring position. On the first pitch Utley saw, he blasted it out to the right field seats tying the game at two. The momentum clearly shifted and two batters later it was Pat Burrell's turn for the dramatic. Pat the Bat's solo homer gave the Phils the lead, and in the end, the 3-2 victory.

After being boggled by Lowe's nasty sinker for the first five innings, Utley and Burrell's long balls proved to be the difference. Some irony for Dodgers' fans: before last night's game Utley and Burrell were 0-44 against Lowe in their careers.

NLCS SHOWCASE - Dodgers vs. Phillies

2008-10-09T10:51:00.000-07:00

NLCS SHOWCASE : A look at the Dodgers: Manny and the Rest

Who know the Pirates would have any impact on the Phils postseason hopes? Well, unfortunately the lesser-PA ball club dramatically changed the dynamic of the NL when they traded Jason Bay to the Boston Red Sox. This move allowed the Dodgers and their free-wheeling GM Ned Colletti to bring Manny Ramirez to Hollywood in exchange for Bay and minor leaguers. It is clear the Dodgers would not be where they are now without the gifted, occasionly inept left fielder Ramirez.

Ramirez has hit .396 with 17 home runs since being traded from Boston.

Since no team is one man, it is important to mention the other key parts to the Dodgers attack. Shortstop Rafael Furcal is the Jimmy Rollins for the Dodgers, this according to Phils Manager Charlie Manuel. Furcal missed 125 games this season with a back injury, but a playing Furcal gives the Dodgers a potent leadoff hitter and a threat on the base path.

Catcher Russell Martin, right fielder Andre Ethier, and first baseman James Loney offer protection to Ramirez in the lineup. Here is the stats for the guys before and after Manny in the lineup:

#2 Spot in Lineup: C Russell Martin - .280 Avg, 13 HR, 69 RBI, .385 OBP

#3 Spot: Manny Ramirez

#4 Spot in Lineup: RF Andre Ethier - .305 Avg, 20 HR, 77 RBI, .375 OBP

#5 Spot in Lineup: 1B James Loney - .289 Avg, 13 HR, 90 RBI, .338 OBP

The fate of the series could rest on these Dodgers if the Phillies refuse to let Manny beat them.

Back, Just in Time

2008-10-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

If the Phillies can make it this far, I can get back in front of the computer to tell you about it.

Celtics Land First Blow

2008-06-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

For all the hype surrounding the NBA Finals, Game 1 lived up to it. Maybe the only thing missing from a great start to the NBA Finals was the short shorts, high tops, and knee-high socks that were the norm the last time these two teams meet in this series. Nonetheless, the Celtics pulled out a 98-88 victory in the Garden last night to take a 1-0 lead in the series. A victory that would make Bird, Parrish, and McHale proud.

Coming into the series it was obvious to say the Big 3 need to play well for the Celtics to win. That happened. Garnett lead the way with 24 points and 13 rebounds, Pierce was an efficient 7 for 10 for 22 points, and Allen had 19 points. Pierce was definitely the story in the 3rd quarter. After a poor man's Willis Reed impersonation, Pierce came back after colliding with teammate Kendrick Perkins. Pierce's reaction lead the audience to believe that would be very serious, but after about two minutes of gametime, Pierce triumphantly returned to a blazing appause which ultimately changed the momentum of the game.

As Kobe flourished in the 3rd with 12 points seemingly looking to take the game over, Pierce answered the bell. He was a perfect 5 for 5 in the quarter changing a 5 point Lakers lead into a 4 point Celtics edge going into the 4th.

As blame or praise usually falls on Kobe's shoulders, it is blame that probably should be associated with the star after the Game 1 loss. Bryant finished with a team-high 24 points but shot a dismal 9 for 26 from the floor. The Lakers could see more shooting woes for their star in the series with how well the Celtics can matchup with the star. James Posey, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Rajun Rondo took turns pestering Bryant which may be a sign of things to come.

Spygate Over? Not For Arlen Specter!

2008-05-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

So, just when you thought it was over, it seems to be continuing. Philadelphia Senator and rabid Philadelphia Eagles fan Arlen Specter said today at a new conference that he is not happy with how the NFL handled the Spygate investigation.

"I have documented the strong factual case that the NFL investigation was neither objective or adequate, said Specter, If the commissioner doesn't move for an independent investigation, then it is a permanent black mark on the NFL, and the Patriots' record will be historically tainted. Depending on the public reaction, I may ask the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold hearings on the NFL's antitrust exemption."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appeared to have shut the book on the whole story Tuesday but apparently he was wrong. Specter said he is willing to wait months for the league to start an impartial investigation. And to give you an idea on how serious Specter thinks this is, he is receiving chemotherapy treatments for Hodgskin's Disease while all of this is going on. Talk about devotion!

I think though that Specter needs to move on from this trivial bullshit and start concentrating this kind of effort towards the state of the nation's economy or the housing market.

As a matter of fact,

DO SOMETHING THAT IMPACTS PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS IN TODAY'S TROUBLE ECONOMY. A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN THIS STATE DON'T GIVE TWO SHITS WHO MATT WALSH IS OR FOOTBALL FOR THAT MATTER. STOP IT!

/end rant

How Much Is Too Much?

2008-05-13T14:45:00.000-07:00

Joba Chamberlain struck out David Dellucci last Thursday so why are we talking about it Tuesday? Well that reason would be that Hall of Famer Goose Gossage has a problem with Chamberlain's over the top celebration after the strike out.

David Dellucci had hit a game winning home run 2 days prior to Thursday's game complete with no celebration. So after Chamberlain's display, one that included a hellacious yell and a SUPER fist pump after striking out Dellucci, some critics are wondering "How much is too much celebration?"

Goose Gossage seems to think what Joba did wasn't "Yankee" like. Here's the complete quote;
"That's just not the Yankee way, what Joba did. Let everyone else do that stuff, but not a Yankee," Gossage told The Record on Saturday. "What I don't understand is, the kid's got the greatest mentor in the world in Mariano [Rivera]. He's one of the leaders of the team, so you'd think it wouldn't happen on that team."

David Dellucci also chimed in;

"It is what it is. If he wants to yell and scream after a strikeout, I guess that's what gets him going," he said. "It's May baseball. The home run was in a much bigger situation. I didn't dance and scream."

Do you think Goose and Dellucci are too old school or is their some validity to their arguments? Personally, I'm an old school guy, even though I'm only 21. What Joba did was unneccasary and over the top. I could see maybe pulling those shenanigins off during Game 7 of the World Series but not at this point in the season.

I would also like to point out that I am not being bias and think that players like Manny Ramirez needs to stop watching his home runs and flipping his bat like an idiot. Run it out, they taught you that in Little League. Manny would have a lot more doubles had he run some of those "home-run" balls out.

Technical Difficulties!

2008-05-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

The new podcast will be up tomorrow. Audacity has been acting up recently but now everything is gravy. Look for the new podcast Wednesday afternoon!

Bill Simmons Grills Jimmy Kimmel

2008-05-07T19:13:00.000-07:00

I think everyone knew he was lying, but to the extent of 31 pounds? I don't think Kimmel will ever garner the respect he had before this interview, and even then, it wasn't a lot.

Another Athlete Making Headlines...The Wrong Way

2008-05-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

Richard Jefferson was charged with assault today. The incident appears to have happened in Minneapolis while the Nets were visiting the Bucks. The Graves Hotel was the scene of the crime that apparently had Jefferson choking out a male during said person's private birthday party.

Richard of course has a different account in which the party was actually Vince Carter's. He goes on to describe the altercation, "I was literally in our hotel bar and I had an individual come up to me who was very rude and very disrespectful and, you know, an altercation broke out." Apparently no bows were thrown and no blood bled.

Richard Jefferson's first court hearing is on June 18th.

Sports Wise Guys Podcast - May 6

2008-05-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

May 6th Podcast

- Up-to-Date Updates

- NBA Playoffs

- Alley Oops

We begin with some news of the now in a segment we call Up-to-Date Updates. The NBA Playoffs are next on the table where we breakdown all four playoff series and give our predictions on the matchups. We close it out with some Alley Oops, with one of us tossing it up, and the other guy throws it down!

Check the site during the weekend, for the link to download this podcast!

Weekly Wrap Up

2008-05-06T16:09:00.000-07:00

The news you should care about....because it's the news we care about. That means it has to be important.

MLB
-The Yankees Ian Kennedy demoted to minors.
-Dontrelle Willis' return to the Tigers put on hold.
-Rockies All-Star Troy Tulowitzki put on the DL.

NBA
-Kobe Bryant wins the MVP award.
-Pesky Hawks finally bow to the Big 3.
-Rick Carlisle front-runner for Mavs job.
-Mike D'Antoni meets with Suns management about coaching future.

NHL
-Flyers and Penguins end their series, meet in "Pennsylvania" Conference finals.
-Stars win a thriller, battle Red Wings in Western Conference Finals.
-From first to last, the Philadelphia Flyers rise to possible Cup contenders.

NFL
-Cedric Benson peppered sprayed during altercation with police.
-Marvin Harrison questioned about bar shooting in Philadelphia.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game Turns 100!

2008-04-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

The unofficial anthem of America's pastime celebrated it's 100th anniversary today. Written in 1908 by Jack Norworth, "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" is the 3rd most sung song in America. The number one and number two positions are taken "Happy Birthday" and "The Star-Spangled Banner".

Jack Norworth came up with the idea for the song while riding the subway. On that subway ride he saw a sign advertising "Baseball Today - Polo Grounds" and the rest is history. The lyrics were put to music by Albert Von Tizler and first sung by Jack's wife Nora Bayes.

What many people don't know about the lyrics to "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" is that the part we sing during the 7th inning stretch today is only the chorus. Here are the actual lyrics to the song written by Norworth in 1908.

1908 Version
Katie Casey was baseball mad,
Had the fever and had it bad.
Just to root for the home town crew,
Ev'ry sou
Katie blew.
On a Saturday her young beau
Called to see if she'd like to go
To see a show, but Miss Kate said "No,
I'll tell you what you can do"

The Chorus

Katie Casey saw all the games,
Knew the players by their first names.
Told the umpire he was wrong,
All along,
Good and strong.
When the score was just two to two,
Katie Casey knew what to do,
Just to cheer up the boys she knew,
She made the gang sing this song:

The Chorus

Since 1908 Norworth's unofficial anthem for baseball has gotten many modern renditions. Artists like jazz legend Dr. John, alt rockers the Goo Goo Dolls, and even the great Frank Sinatra all gave the classic song a new twist. My personal favorite is the Dr. John rendition.

Of course, the man who made it famous to sing at ballgames, also happened to be the same person who didn't want to sing it at all. That's right, Chicago's legendary baseball broadcaster Harry Caray first scoffed at the idea of singing it. Former Chicago White Sox Bill Veeck was not detered and eventually got Caray to sing it. Since Caray's death guest conductors have been brought in to sing the song during the 7th inning stretch.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" Major League Baseball are going to hold various promotional activities. I'm not holding my breath that they will be either funny nor entertaining, but we'll see. What I'm excited about is that the United State Postal Service will be issuing first-class rate postage stamps this summer to coincide with the Little League World Series in Williamport, Pennsylvania.

In addition, everyone who considers themself a baseball fan should pick up Baseball's Greatest Hit: The Story of Take Me Out to the Ball Game. The authors Andy Strasberg, Bob Thompson and Tim Wiles all work in Coopertowns, New York at the Baseball Hall of Fame. It even comes with a cd with 16 different artists doing their rendition of the song.

I wrote all this and I've failed to mention the lyrics once. But have no fear Harry Caray is here!

SING ALONG!

Age of An Athlete= Big Numbers

2008-04-30T15:24:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, an investigation done by ESPN revealed that Astros SS Miguel Tejada is actual 33 not 31, as he has claimed before. Tejada's lying of his age is the second major allegation levied against the slugger; the Mitchell Report's numerous mentions of Tejada's link to performance-enhancing drugs surely hasn't painted a pristine image of Miguel. But this latest accusation begs the question, isn't there a big difference of two years time for an athlete?

Of all sports, baseball may be the worst to make this argument. Julio Franco was the oldest player in the big leagues last year at the age of 49, and this year the honor goes to 45 year old Jamie Moyer. So youth isn't a necessity in baseball but as we see in other sports, it does garner the big bucks. In football, two years can be a big deal. A player can go from stud to dud, due to age or cumulative injuries over a career. Basketball is similar to football in that respect, with a three to four year window to get that huge contract. But with baseball the time frame to make the killer coin is like a bay window, large and unhinged. A steady breeze of cash can come flowing in, and for some, it can last for a 20 year career. And given the fact that baseball teams' salaries can reach $150 million and up, a two year period in a player's career can make a big difference.

So let's consider Miguel Tejada's current contract. While signing with the Baltimore Orioles in the offseason of 2004, Tejada received a six year, $72 million deal. Now being paid by the Astros, the shortstop makes about $12 million dollars a year. That's $24 million in two years. All in all, this fib has granted Tejada with millions of dollars and "two extra years" of life. So I would say that two years of a professional career is a very valued time. And by the way, if anyone asks, I'm 19 again.

Larry Brown Introduced As Bobcats New Coach

2008-04-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Larry Brown will be coaching a record 9th NBA team next year when he begins sitting on the Charlotte Bobcats bench as their new head coach. The news came today during a 1pm news conference in which Michael Jordan presented Larry Brown as the franchise's new coach.

This was a quick hire considering Jordan fired former HC Sam Vincent this past Saturday. The hiring of Brown becomes a little more confusing considering that Jordan was quoted as saying he wanted a young and energetic head coach.

Hiring Larry Brown does give the Bobcats instant credibility. It doesn't hurt when you hire one of only 5 NBA coaches in history to with 1,000 wins. He is also the only coach to have lead teams to NCAA and NBA titles.

Like I stated before though, Larry Brown's coaching style and demeanor wasn't exactly what Michael was looking for. Brown also has a history of clashing with players and front offices. It will be very interesting to see whether or not Larry Brown can pull some more magic out of his butt and make this Bobcats team a playoff caliber franchise.

Coaching Resume of Larry Brown

1972-73 Cougars (ABA)
• Took over team that went 35-49; finished 57-27 (made playoffs)

1974-75 Nuggets (ABA)
• Took over team that went 37-47; finished 65-19 (made playoffs)

1981-82 Nets
• Took over team that went 24-58; finished 44-38 (made playoffs)

1988-89 Spurs
• Went 21-61 in first season; improved to 56-26 in 2nd season (made playoffs)

1991-92 Clippers
• Took over 22-25 team at midseason; finished year 23-12 (made playoffs)

1993-94 Pacers
• Took over team that went 41-41; finished 47-35 (made playoffs)

1997-98 76ers
• Went 31-51 in 1st season; finished over .500 in next 5 seasons (reached '01 Finals)

2003-04 Pistons
• Took over team that went 50-32; finished 54-28 (won NBA title)

2005-06 Knicks
• Took over team that went 33-49; finished 23-59 (fired after one season)

Up-To-Date Updates

2008-04-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

In case you slept through the entire weekend, here is the sports you missed.

NFL

- The NFL Draft has fastest first round time ever. 3 hours and 35 minutes!

- Top 5 in a nutshell: Long's go 1 and 2, Falcons at 3 hope Matt Ryan's not like Mike Vick, the Raiders grab McFadden, and Glenn Dorsey falls in Chiefs lap.

- Ocho Cinco, Jeremy Shockey, and Jason Taylor don't get traded, despite the swirling rumors.

NHL

- Penguins hold home ice against Rangers, up 2-0 in series.

- Flyers take Game 2, even series with Canadiens at 1-1.

- Red Wings, Stars hold 2-0 leads in Western Conference.

NBA

- Celtics actually lose a playoff game to Hawks.

- Suns go down 3-0, then win Game 4 behind unexpected play from Diaw and Bell.

- Second half run from Pistons in Game 4 ties series, heading back to Detroit.

- Magic Forward Hedo Turkoglu wins Most Improved Player Award.

MLB

- More Clemens allegations: this time it involves 15 year old girl. Ouch.

- Rays sweep Red Sox for first time in franchise history.

- The Giants Zito falls to 0-6 in April. And in the distance, Brendan can be heard laughing.

SWG's NFL Draft Player Profiles: Chris Long

2008-04-23T14:35:00.000-07:00

Chris Long
1st Team All-American
ACC Defensive POY
University of Virginia
6’4’’, 240 pounds

Like father, like son? If Chris Long can be like his father, he’ll be a Hall of Famer someday. There are many similarities between Chris Long and his father Howie Long. The Raiders HOF defensive end shares with his son a workhorse mentality, a bull rush pass rush style, and a last name. But for Chris to live up to the hype of being a “Long”, he’ll have to do it on his own.

Judging from last year’s performance, Long is living up to the top 5 draft hype. He collected 14 sacks for Virginia and was instrumental in the Cavaliers 22nd in the nation ranked defense. As a result of the Giants formidable D-line from a year ago, the demand for pass rushers is at an all-time high. And Chris Long certainly can be an answer to the needs of teams that want to mimic the Giants success.

Can two Long’s go #1 and #2? Maybe. The Rams at 2 could be in need of defensive line help, though they invested last year’s first round selection with defensive end Adam Carriker. The Falcons at 3 will also take a look at Chris, but if Glenn Dorsey is still on the board, that would be a logical fit. So with that being said, he could fall to a team that knows all too well the success of defensive end’s named Long; Howie’s former team the Raiders at pick #4.

Breaking News: Shaun Alexander Released

2008-04-22T15:52:00.000-07:00

Shaun Alexander was released from the Seattle Seahawks today after completing a procedural physical. It had been speculated through the day that the Seahawks were releasing Alexander pending the results of the physical.

The Seattle Seahawks brought in TJ Duckett and Julius Jones this off season with the expectation of releasing him. The Seahawks all-time rushing leader played in only 23 games the last two seasons after earning the NFL MVP honor in 2005. A former first-round pick of the Seahawks, Alexander rushed for 9,429 yards and scored 100 touchdowns in eight seasons.

He has told teammates that he expects intrests from teams like the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots.

Last Three Seasons
	2005*	2006-07
Games	16	23
Rush yds	1,880	1,612
Yds per rush	5.1	3.5
Total TDs	28	12
20-yd runs	14	7
*Won 2005 NFL MVP

SWG's NFL Draft Player Profiles: Glenn Dorsey

2008-04-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

Glenn Dorsey
SEC Defensive POY
Nagurski Award, Lombardi Award, Outland Trophy, Lott Award
Louisiana State University

Dorsey appeared in 38 games, 17 of which were starts, in his first three seasons at LSU (2004-'06). He recorded 110 tackles (14.5 TFL) and six sacks. As a senior last season Dorsey started all 14 games at both DT positions. He finished the season with 69 tackles (12.5 TFL), seven sacks, a forced fumble and four pass breakups. Dorsey was an anchor inside for the tough LSU defense and managed to accumulate those All-American statistics with nagging injuries.

Glenn Dorsey plays with a motor that does not stop running. While considered a little short for defensive lineman ( 6' 1 1/2"), his explosiveness off the snap allows him to overpower opposing offensive lineman. Even if his tremendous quickness doesn't get him good position he uses swim and rip moves very effectively. Two of the only knocks on Dorsey is both his long-term durability and effectiveness stacking the line against the run. His short stature makes him susceptible to bigger OL in the running game. Injury wise, he played 06' and 07' hurt so if he slips beyond the top 5, that would be why. However, based on all of his upside, I don't see him falling beyond the Top 5. He will most likely be drafted by the Atlanta Falcons at #3.

Weekly Wrap Up

2008-04-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

The news you should care about....because it's the news we care about. That means it has to be important.

NFL
- Kansas City is looking to move Jared Allen.
- Chad Johnson wants out of Cincy.
- Brian Urlacher denies he is retiring but is insisting on a contract extension.
- NFL Draft begins this Saturday so grab some chips and soda.

MLB
- Hank Steinbrenner is a big baby.
- The Big Hurt no longer in Toronto.
- Philadelphia Phillies Jimmy Rollins put on DL for first time in career.
- Baseball journeyman John Marzano dies at 45 in Philadelphia.

NHL
- Penguins sweep the Senators.
- The Ducks won't be defending the Stanley Cup.
- Bruins force a game 7.

NBA
- Playoff basketball begins.
- Philadelphia 76ers upset Detroit Pistons.
- Spurs beat Suns in a wild one out west.

SWG's NFL Draft Player Profiles: Darren McFadden

2008-04-21T15:48:00.000-07:00

Darren McFadden
Two-time Heisman runner-up
All-American, Walter Camp Award, Doak Walker Award honors
University of Arkansas
6’2’’ 210lbs

Run DMC has come into this year’s draft labeled as the best skill position player available. And you won’t get much argument here on that point. McFadden dazzled the fans for three years on Saturdays in the fall against tough, defensive minded SEC teams. Each year brought more yards, more touchdowns, and more carries all of which equaled productivity that can be associated with a running back that can carry the work load at the NFL level. For all the college accolades, he wasn’t able to take home the Heisman, finishing second for the award twice(06’ 2nd behind Troy Smith, 07’ 2nd behind Tim Tebow).

At 6’2”, 210 pounds, McFadden has ideal size for a big-time NFL back. His NFL Combine 40yd-dash time was 4.33, which was second among the running backs in this year’s class and suggests his quickness should translate well in the pros. Versatility is another strength of Run DMC. McFadden has good hands to be a receiving threat, speed for the return game, and even threw for seven touchdowns in his career at Arkansas. Despite some off-the-field issues, Darren McFadden will be a valuable commodity and probably be drafted no later than pick #7. Look for the Raiders at #4 and the Jets #6 to covet the talented back.

Check out Darren McFadden’s video profile for more info on Run DMC:

NFL DRAFT Hype Here at SWG

2008-04-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

With the NFL Draft less than a week away, we at SWG will make sure you guys are in the know and ready for Saturday's draft.

Check in for new features everyday this week:

- Player Profiles of our Top 5 prospects, one each day

- Mock Drafts of the top 20 picks

- SWG Podcast that will feature team needs, position ratings, and overrated/underrated players