Northwest Sports Talk

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Jerryd Bayless is on a tear right now (29 minutes, 29 points in a crucial win over Phoenix tonight). He is shooting a high percentage from the field, he's getting to the rack and when he is on the court he is making the team better. Bayless flies around the court like a spaz, a very talented spaz. The Blazers still have too much young talent and a lack of big men to be successful, but I would not recommend trading Bayless away, 'cause this kid is going to be great.

With that said, we do need a big man this season. I don't know who the answer is and I don't think there is an answer that can get Portland to where they want to be. What they need is a legitimate scoring threat in the post. Yes, I know Lamarcus Aldridge is their second leading scorer, but even though he is a near seven footer, he still plays a perimeter style game.

I'm not saying get rid of Aldridge. I'm saying that we need an interior scoring threat. That might be Greg Oden, but maybe not. Rip City loves Oden, Aldridge and Roy, but this trio may not be destined for the championships they were expected. I'm afraid that without an interior scoring threat (No, Przybilla is not a scoring threat) Portland will never achieve to their potential.

The Blazers can do well with their current nucleus, but I don't see a championship in their future. Even before Oden's injury the Blazers still lacked an interior force. Oden was coming along and shaping up to be a nice center, but unfortunately another knee injury has sidelined him for a season. Meaning, that Portland can not count on Oden to be healthy and they should start planning to obtain an interior scorer. An interior scorer that could put up numbers like Denver's Nene Hilario (13.2 ppg on 57.8 FG %) or Boston's Kendrick Perkins (12.0 ppg on 64.9 FG %) More important than the numbers is having a the versatility to be an interior and jump shooting team.

With an interior threat Portland would be able to take advantage of teams like Phoenix, who lack a big man. They don't need dominance from the center position. Portland just needs a guy who put up 10-12 ppg on a high shooting percentage. Somebody that they can dump it down to and count on a bucket.

Portland, I like what you've done in the past, but it doesn't mean anything without a ring. And to do that the Blazers will need to wait for Oden and put their eggs in one basket, or make a move for a scoring threat from the center position.

It's no secret that the Portland Trailblazers are severely underachieving this season. The heartbreaking loss of center Greg Oden will only put a damper on the season, but Portland can still rebound and make this season productive in setting up next season. First we must address Andre Miller, who does not fit the system. He needs to have the rock in his hands to be successful and he's not getting it. He is the most likely player to be moved before the deadline in search of help inside.

With the injury to Oden the Blazers need another big man. Joel Przybilla went from being the one of the best back-up centers in the league to an average center at best. Jerryd Bayless is a player that a lot of teams would like to snatch up while he's cheap, but I think that the Blazers need to hold on to him and trade away Andre Miller along with one of our small forwards (Martell Webster, Travis Outlaw, Nicolas Batum) to pick up a legitimate big man.

Although, Juwan Howard has filled in nicely and will likely be one of those small pieces that keeps the Blazers in the hunt, he is not a back-up center and Portland can't beat a team like San Antonio with out another big man.

My next suggestion is to give Bayless more minutes. comparing Blake and Bayless makes Blake look like the fading veteran that he is. My biggest area of concern is Blake's field goal percentage (36.4) compared to Bayless (51.6). Although Blake is a more pure point guard, Bayless is picking up the game quickly and with a decline in scoring from the center position the Blazers should turn to the bench and to Bayless for those extra points.

If Portland can give more minutes to Bayless and in return get more production then that makes moving Andre Miller that much easier. Blake would then be the starting point guard and play his distributing role and Bayless would be the scoring guard that he is in the second unit.

Reportedly, Magic center Marcin Gortat is on the trading block and he would be a perfect fit for the Blazers rent-a-center scenario. Unfortunately, the Blazers went from being a No. 3-5 seed to becoming (optimistically) a No. 5-8 seed (likely more like 6 or 7). But giving Bayless more time could give him a larger role for next season and Martell Webster will be stepping into a larger role. When everybody returns healthy Portland will be a force to be reckoned with.

Worst case scenario is trading a duo like Bayless and Outlaw and getting nothing in return. Bayless and Outlaw are more important than a center, who will be back-up next season if with the team at all. If we are looking for a center we should get rid of Miller and an SF. or Miller and a draft pick, but hold on to Bayless.

For a Ravens fan, like myself, tonight’s game was a horrid display of poor offense, defense, special teams and discipline. The Ravens and Packers combined for 310 yards in penalties, which ties the atrocious 1976 Buccaneers vs. Seahawks game for second all-time in combined penalty yards.

The Ravens put up a whopping 135 penalty yards including numerous Pass Interference calls (some were pretty soft, but I must say the refs were consistent). When the Ravens have twice as many penalty yards as the do rushing yards you can bet that they either lost the game, or Ed Reed accounted for a couple TD’s and since Reed was replaced by Tom Zbikowski before the game the Ravens failed to pull out a victory.

BRIGHT SPOTS:

Zbikowski did have a pick (it was an overthrown ball with a result no better than a mediocre punt). And Rookie return man Ladarius Webb had a nice kick return that set the Ravens up to cut the Packers lead to one possession, but Joe Flacco made a terrible decision in the red zone trying to get a pass to Demetrius Williams in the end zone Flacco left it short resulting in an interception. Kelly Washington had some nice plays and accounted for Flacco’s only passing touchdown on a nice sliding catch in the end zone. Washington ended with 4 receptions for 39 yards and the aforementioned touchdown.

WEAKNESSES:

The line looked subpar at best and the Packers line looked playoff quality. There is clearly a difference in the two teams. The Packers, who are riding high and making a strong argument as a second-tier playoff team. The Ravens have struggled with an up-and-down offense and a shaky defense that was once dominant and now hardly strikes fear.

Joe Flacco vs. Aaron Rodgers:

This game shows exactly where these two quarterbacks are at. Rodgers, soaring into stardom and putting up their with the top quarterbacks in the league. Flacco, we must recall is only in his second season with an offense not used to throwing the ball. He has some things to learn (Throw that ball away in the red zone and take a 3^rd down play). Red zone turnovers kill a team and that possession had a chance to be the turning point in the game for the Ravens, but instead the Packers capitalized.

Clearly the Ravens are not as good as predicted. Flacco, despite his performance tonight, has improved and Ray Rice has become a star, but the Ravens lack a big-play receiving threat and a shutdown corner. I feel like the Ravens will answer these needs in the upcoming draft by taking a receiver (Golden Tate? Brandon LaFell? Arrelius Benn? Mardy Gilyard? Dezmon Briscoe?) and corner with their first two picks.

As for this year the Ravens are still in the thick of it with remaining games against Detroit, Chicago, Pittsburgh and the season finale against Oakland. They should win three of those four at least and finish at 9-7 or 10-6. The Ravens must answer some questions, but the season is not lost, despite a weak performance on Monday Night Football.

For a Ravens fan, like myself, tonight’s game was a horrid display of poor offense, defense, special teams and discipline. The Ravens and Packers combined for 310 yards in penalties, which ties the atrocious 1976 Buccaneers vs. Seahawks game for second all-time in combined penalty yards.

The Ravens put up a whopping 135 penalty yards including numerous Pass Interference calls (some were pretty soft, but I must say the refs were consistent). When the Ravens have twice as many penalty yards as the do rushing yards you can bet that they either lost the game, or Ed Reed accounted for a couple TD’s and since Reed was replaced by Tom Zbikowski before the game the Ravens failed to pull out a victory.

BRIGHT SPOTS:
Zbikowski did have a pick (it was an overthrown ball with a result no better than a mediocre punt). And Rookie return man Ladarius Webb had a nice kick return that set the Ravens up to cut the Packers lead to one possession, but Joe Flacco made a terrible decision in the red zone trying to get a pass to Demetrius Williams in the end zone Flacco left it short resulting in an interception. Kelly Washington had some nice plays and accounted for Flacco’s only passing touchdown on a nice sliding catch in the end zone. Washington ended with 4 receptions for 39 yards and the aforementioned touchdown.

WEAKNESSES:
The line looked subpar at best and the Packers line looked playoff quality. There is clearly a difference in the two teams. The Packers, who are riding high and making a strong argument as a second-tier playoff team. The Ravens have struggled with an up-and-down offense and a shaky defense that was once dominant and now hardly strikes fear.

Joe Flacco vs. Aaron Rodgers:
This game shows exactly where these two quarterbacks are at. Rodgers, soaring into stardom and putting up their with the top quarterbacks in the league. Flacco, we must recall is only in his second season with an offense not used to throwing the ball. He has some things to learn (Throw that ball away in the red zone and take a 3rd down play). Red zone turnovers kill a team and that possession had a chance to be the turning point in the game for the Ravens, but instead the Packers capitalized.

Clearly the Ravens are not as good as predicted. Flacco, despite his performance tonight, has improved and Ray Rice has become a star, but the Ravens lack a big-play receiving threat and a shutdown corner. I feel like the Ravens will answer these needs in the upcoming draft by taking a receiver (Golden Tate? Brandon LaFell? Arrelius Benn? Mardy Gilyard? Dezmon Briscoe?) and corner with their first two picks.

As for this year the Ravens are still in the thick of it with remaining games against Detroit, Chicago, Pittsburgh and the season finale against Oakland. They should win three of those four at least and finish at 9-7 or 10-6. The Ravens must answer some questions, but the season is not lost, despite a weak performance on Monday Night Football.

Although overshadowed by two playoff quarterbacks the 2008 NFL Draft class fielded a crop of top running backs. Chris Johnson is in the running for league MVP. Johnson, Rashard Mendenhall, Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, Matt Forte, Jamaal Charles, Justin Forsett, Steve Slaton, Felix Jones and Jonathan Stewart are all either starters or significant back-ups. Darren McFadden the highest drafted running back (4th overall) has fell into a black hole in Oakland and like many players, he is failing to live up to his potential.

Revisiting the 2008 Draft here is where I rank the running backs taking into account their talent and their performance to-date.

1. CHRIS JOHNSON TITANS

Originally drafted 24th overall Johnson has rocketed to superstar status. Barring injury he will likely be the NFL rushing leader this year and he contributes largely to the receiving game. Arguably the fastest player in the game today he is lethal in space and continues to rip off big play after big play. With over 1500 rushing yards this year and seven rushes of more than 40 yards it can be said that Chris Johnson is one of the most explosive players in the game.

He’s explosive, we get it. But can Chris Johnson keep it up. I see him being a force in this league for quite some time, but with a player like Johnson if he loses a step (due to injury or another factor) he becomes a second-tier back. Where as, a well-rounded back would find it easier to adapt.

2. RAY RICE RAVENS

Taken with the 55th pick Rice became a starting back this year. He comes into a Monday night matchup with the Packers with over 1400 yards of total offense. A Brian Westbrook-esque season gives the Ravens a better passing attack in addition to a better running game. Rice is a great security blanket for Joe Flacco. He also blocks well in the passing game when needed. He trails only Rashard Mendenhall in rushing yards, but is clearly a better asset in the passing game. Rice has 61 receptions for almost 600 yards and is the Ravens second-leading receiver behind Derrick Mason.

My concern with Rice is the amount of carries he got in college. His body has taken a toll and who knows if that will come into play later in his career. Rice has done it all for the Ravens this year and will likely be their feature back for years to come. Now all they need is a legitimate receiver to complete a trio of young skill position players.

3. RASHARD MENDENHALL STEELERS

Taken one pick ahead of Chris Johnson at No. 23 Mendenhall has not disappointed. Like Rice, Mendenhall is starting for the first time in the NFL and he is exceeding expectations to this point. Barred by injury in his rookie season Mendenhall has bounced back nicely to record 887 rush yards to-date. Mendenhall fits the Steelers style and will likely be their feature back for years to come taking the helm from “Fast” Willie Parker, who is assumed to be done as a Steeler.

4. JONATHAN STEWART PANTHERS

Drafted 13th overall Stewart has teamed up with DeAngelo Williams to make one of the best running duos in the game. The struggling Panthers have a bright spot in the backfield and it is definitely not their quarterback (unless they decide to go Wildcat). Stewart is right in that middle level of the backs with Kevin Smith and Matt Forte. I have Stewart ahead of them because of his YPC avg. Smith and Forte are each averaging 3.5 YPC, while Stewart is averaging 4.6. As a “back-up” Stewart has put up very nice numbers: 664 yards and seven touchdowns, while Smith and Forte (playing for equally bad teams) have only managed to put up similar numbers in a starting role and only four touchdowns.

5. FELIX JONES COWBOYS

Drafted ahead on Mendenhall and Johnson at No. 22 Jones has not disappointed, but rather Mendenhall and Johnson have over-achieved. Jones is a change-of-pace back for the Cowboys and he has a bright future. His 6.4 YPC compete with Chris Johnson and he is a big-play threat anytime he gets the ball. Although Forte had a huge rookie year he has struggled this year and looks to be coming down to earth, while Jones looks to be improving.

6. MATT FORTE BEARS

The 44th overall pick had a stellar rookie campaign, but has been under-achieving this year. His 3.4 YPC is not what the Bears are looking for. Jay Cutler was supposed to give the Bears a legitimate passing threat, but the lack of a No. 1 wideout has stifled that plan. When the Bears get their offense figured out I think Forte will be a primetime back once again, but when will that be? It’s hard to tell, but Devin Hester is not a number one receiver.

7. KEVIN SMITH LIONS

With the 64th pick the Lions have picked up a nice back in Kevin Smith. He has filled the starting role in Detroit, which is precisely why he is here on the list. Detroit has issues, and just because he is the started for Detroit does not mean he is a good halfback. His YPC avg is mediocre at best (3.5) and it is yet to be seen whether he is putting numbers up because he is Detroit’s only option or if he is a legitimate back. I personally think that he is a legit back, but its doubtful that the Lions will be playing meaningful football anytime soon.

8. JAMAAL CHARLES CHIEFS

The 73rd overall pick has proved to be a pretty nice pick-up for the Chiefs, who have dismissed Larry Johnson. Charles is a nice option for a subpar team. He will not likely get a starting job anywhere else, but as of now he is putting up better numbers than Steve Slaton and Darren McFadden and who saw that coming?

9. STEVE SLATON TEXANS

Drafted 89th overall in 2008, Slaton was one of the biggest surprises of this rookie crop. Slaton, however, is the epitome of a “sophomore slump”. Averaging just 3.3 YPC he has struggled in the Texans offense. He lost his starting job to Ryan Moats earlier this year. Slaton is on this list solely because of his performance last year.

10. DARREN MCFADDEN RAIDERS

Drafted 4th overall McFadden has been a disappointment to date, but he is the least of the Raiders worries. Jamarcus Russell has been outplayed by Bruce Gradkowski of all people. The Raiders are a mess, plain and simple. I can’t place all the blame on McFadden, but the fact is that he hasn’t produced. I think he is a very talented halfback, but the lack of production overshadows his talent at this point (only 230 yards and one TD and a mere 3.2 YPC). If he wasn’t an amazing college player Tim Hightower would be in this spot, but he is likely to lose his job to Chris “Beanie” Wells. Tashard Choice also makes a case for this No. 10 spot, which would give the Cowboys two of the top 10 backs in the 08 draft class.

HONORABLE MENTION: Tim Hightower, Tashard Choice, Justin Forsett,

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