An ode to Coach Krzyzewski

Debating Coach K's greatest success

          Not all the news out of the basketball world in November has been miserable. For the first time in a long time, college basketball is important in the fall. And nothing is more important right now than Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski's pursuit of the all-time Division I men's win record, a record currently held by his former coach and mentor Bob Knight. By the time this article is up, Coach K will be well on his way to win number 903, the record setter. That Coach K is a legend is a cliched remark and one that doesn't really need another voice of support. Just look at his resume, or any article written about him in the past decade and a half.

          Listening to ESPN the other day, I heard Dick Vitale mention his belief that Coach K is the greatest leader of men in sports right now. And I think I agree, wholeheartedly. Forget about the basketball success here, that's not part of the superlative. The debate is not if he's the greatest coach in college basketball history, but the greatest leader of men in any sport today. And he is.

          What makes Coach K such an accomplished leader is the point at which his coaching and discipline take place. The man has made a career out of turning 18 year old kids into men when they leave Cameron Indoor. He doesn't just prep the future pros, he councils all his kids to become better men. Look at the job he did with former point guard Jay Williams, a terrific college athlete whose professional career was derailed by a horrific motorcycle accident. Coach K helped Williams stick around in basketball, guiding him first on a comeback attempt and then towards a gig as a color analyst.

          The work he did with team USA doesn't even need to be considered. Coach K's ability to raise his kids is currently second to none. The men he has made are his greatest accomplishments. In the coming days, OneHopSports will pay proper tribute to Coach K and his record-setting wins tally. Tonight is an ode to the disciplinarian, the father figure, the councilor and the guardian. It will be great to see what group of kids he takes with him on his way to 1,000 wins.

Congratulations, Coach K.

New York Football Recap

Bloody Sunday
A look back at the ugly week that was in New York football.

          Looks like this pro-New York OneHopSports contributor picked the wrong week to take off. After missing an opportunity to bask in the glory that was week 9, where the Jets and Giants pulled off two incredibly satisfying road wins, I'm back in time for an extremely disappointing look back at week 10. (Sidenote: For those of you who don't know there are at least two contributors to OHS, allow me to introduce myself as SlideStep.)

          Where to begin? How about three timezones away in sunny San Francisco, where the Giants continued their varsity schedule against the surprising 7-1 49ers. Here on the east coast, the success of a west coast team is usually just word of mouth. Except, as it turns out, in the case of the niners, who have played more than enough games east of the Mississippi to get a good look at. They've torn through the NFC East, going 3-1 after Sunday, and also have wins at Detroit and Cincinnatti, closer to home than California. And that all makes you look at the quality teams San Fran has run through on their way to an 8-1 start. In the same vein a win at Philly meant a lot more when the schedules came out than it does now, road wins at the Lions (6-3) and Bengals (6-3) are downright impressive at the current NFL juncture. Their only loss was to a hot-at-anytime Dallas Cowboys team in OT. In a sense, the Giants have nothing to be ashamed about. And they probably aren't. But there's more to their performance and its implications than W's and L's.

One of a very select group of people that can eat Brandon Jacobs.

          The Giants played a well enough game to be sure, and yes, they left a lot of points on the board with two long first half drives netting only six points on two mid-20 yard field goals. Yes, the final drive of the game was a bit of a downer, but the G-men played a good game against a great team in their building and lost. It happens. What stinks are the tiebreaker implications in all of this. The Giants trail the Niners by two games now for one of the NFC's byes (probably the second seed, because let's be honest, no one's catching the Pack.) There's a good chance they won't catch San Fran, who still have five games in their own decrepit division to play. Now the focus shifts to keeping the New Orleans Saints and their red-hot Quarterback at bay. Oh, speaking of red hot, the Giants now have the Dallas Cowboys breathing right down their necks. Did I mention that three of their last seven games are against the Saints and Cowboys, respectively? Yikes.

"At least we're not the Eagles!"

          Now, unlike the Giants, who did alright for themselves in a loss, the Jets put up an absolute stinker in the Meadowlands air on Sunday night, losing 37-16 to the always ahead Patriots. Presented with a golden opportunity the likes of which rarely happens in Gang Green, New Joisey, the Jets found tin and called it a day. Here came Brady and the Pats. Arch-rivals, bad guys the dudes you just wanna beat. Here they came on a two game losing streak, beaten and stumbling. Here they came, with first place in the AFC East on the line. And the Jets played scared again. The D looked like the almighty Mangina was still calling plays. Tom Brady was taking full advantage of his daylight saving's time extra-hour in the pocket. Aaron Maybin whiffed on a few gimme sacks, which isn't really a joke and more the tagline of his career. Vernon Gholston could have gotten more pressure than the Jets front four. Ochocinco even got in on the action! It was a night to forget. Also, Rex Ryan apparently doesn't entirely believe the hoodie is a better coach than the sweater vest.

Rick Mirer thinks he could've done better Sunday Night.

          Look, the Jets aren't better than the Patriots, we all know that. But they did beat them twice the last two seasons at home, not to mention the playoff triumph last season. So under Rex, the idea that the Jets had to pencil in two losses before the season even started was all but erased from Jet thought. Not this season. The Jets have looked horrendous against the Pats in both meetings this year. From week to week, the word is Mark Sanchez is regressing, and I don't know if that's true or not, but regardless, it's a topic for another week. What is true is the gap between the Jets and New England is widening. Rex Ryan had made it bridgeable, and this season, it seems to have reverted to a chasm. The Jets got punked at home by the Patriots. That tagline was getting old the last two years. Now it seems unfortunately appropriate again. And to make matters worse, the Jets head to Denver on a short week in which they have to prepare for the most enigmatic offense in the league. This is a game they can't afford to lose. It's also a game they could very easily drop. Tough night for the green and white.

Also, the Bills lost. Bad. The Bills loss shows what's wrong with the American economy. It would have made more sense to stay in Buffalo and forfeit the game, donate the travel fees to charity and just gear up for next week. But the schedule called for them to get whipped in Texas, and whipped in Texas they were. What a week.

-SlideStep

NFL Week 10 Picks

Week 10 NFL Picks in 140 characters or less

The question on everyone's mind, drum rolls please.... what will happen first, do the Packers lose or do the Colts win ? Now, this is a tough one and advise everyone to not hurt their noggins trying to figure out this one.  Miami tries to make it two in a row, Niners try to prove they're for real, Dallas tries to stay relevant and the Patriots and Jets meet for what seems like the 5th time this season.


Oakland Raiders(5-4) vs San Diego Chargers(4-5)
this game was played on Thursday night..today is Friday... #IFailed #MissedTheCut
*Official Score* OAK 24-SD 17


New Orleans Saint(6-3) vs Atlanta Falcons(5-3)
This is going to be a real dog fight down in ATL... #NoPunIntended #MattyIceCantDoIt
NO 28-ATL 23


Pittsburgh Steeler(6-3) vs Cincinnati Bengals(6-2)
Who would of thought, this game would be as big as Ravens-Steelers #BengalsAreForReal #HoldYourHorses #RealityCheck
PIT 27-CIN 16


St. Louis Rams(1-7) vs Cleveland Browns(3-5)
Marquee match-up of the week.. Oklahoma vs Texas #RedRiverRivalry #WhatElseIsThereTooSayAboutThisGame
STL 17-CLE 14


Buffalo Bills(5-3) vs Dallas Cowboys(4-4)
Big game for both teams as they fight for playoff spot relevancy, i think Dallas pulls this one out.. #BadPick #RomoWillChoke
BUF 20-DAL 23


Jacksonville Jaguars(2-6) vs Indianapolis Colts(0-9)
The Colts WINNNNN...The Colts WINNNNN..... #ThatsRight #MarkItDown
JAC 17-IND 23


Denver Broncos(3-5) vs Kansas City Chiefs(4-4)
Tebow pulls of the upset..no defense could stop the option..well at least not this Sunday! #ThisDivisionJustGotInteresting #ChargersSuck
Den 24-KC 20


Washington Redskins(3-5) vs Miami Dolphins(1-7)
The win streak we've all been waiting for, the Dolphins win 2 that's right..2 in a row!!! #NobodyCaresThoo #LetRexGrossmanPlay
WAS 14-MIA 27


Arizona Cardinals(2-6) vs Philadelphia Eagles(3-5)
Cardinals try to pull even with the Eagles #BirdsOfAFeather ..too bad Patrick Peterson is not starting at QB. #EaglesTryToStayRelevant
ARI 16-PHI 30


Houston Texans(6-3) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers(4-4)
Which Texans RB will rush for 100yards ?...ALL OF THEM!!!... Tough season for the Bucs... #WhereIsAndreJohnson #NextYearTampa #NextYear
HOU 28-TB 20


Tennessee Titans(4-4) vs Carolina Panthers(2-6)
Steve Smith is the man... Can't and won't be stopped .. enough about Cam..will someone show this man some love !!! #SteveSmithLove #TheRealSteveSmith
TEN-21- CAR 33


Baltimore Ravens(6-2) vs Seattle Seahawks(2-6)
Ravens beat good teams..Ravens lose to bad teams...The Ravens will #Beatdown this bad team! #BeatdownInSeattle #SleeplessInSeattle
BAL 28-SEA 9


Detroit Lions(6-2) vs Chicago Bears(5-3)
Where are the Tigers?...OHHHH MYYYY !!!... Chicago will win the this game where football talent will be violently displayed! #Peppers vs #Suh
DET 21-CHI 24


New York Giants(6-2) vs San Francisco 49ers(7-1)
Which of teams is for real?... The G-Men win this one convincingly !!! #AlexSmithIsNotElite #NinersNeedToPlayARealTeam
NYG 24-SF 13


New York Jets(5-3) vs New England Patriots(5-3)
Battle for AFC East Supremacy... The Patriots don't lose 3 in a row...right?... #PatriotsDontLose3InARow #ToughLossForGangGreen
NYJ 17-NE 28


Minnesota Vikings(2-6) vs Green Bay Packers
Green Bay will lose a game but not this week... Ponder will throw 3INT's ..common he's a #Rookie.. #RodgersForGreatestPlayerOfAllTime
MIN 17-GB 33

Week 10 Fantasy Football TALK

Free Agent Finds..

Helu has got the job..we think.

Roy Helu RB-WAS- Shanahan gave the job to Helu in week 9 and he performed. Helu had 10 carries for 41 yards and 14 catches for 105 yards because we all know John Beck likes to let it fly. Now don't expect Helu to catch 14 passes every week but somewhere between 5-9 receptions  and 15-20 carries will be up his ally. We know it's Shanahan calling the shots and this mean Roy Helu is not guaranteed anything, but for now it looks like the job is his, at least until Mike decides to factor Choice and Torain into the mix.


Chris Ogbonnaya RB-CLE-  Yes, he had 13 carries for 28 yards and lost a fumble in week 9, but he is the only back left in Cleveland. With Hillis and Hardesty nursing injuries, he will continue to get double digit touches, it may not be pretty but it's something. Only start Ogbonnaya if you're running thin at RB, but if you have a spot on your bench, there is nothing to lose in picking up the Browns back.



Laurent Robinson WR-DAL- Miles Austin is expected to miss somewhere between 2-4 weeks. This could be a big hit to many of his owners who are fighting and trying to make that end of the season playoff push. Dez Bryant is the obvious beneficiary of Miles absent, but Robinson and Ogletree will see an increase in targets as well. In weeks 8 & 9 Robinson has had 14 catches for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns. Seems Romo has been giving Robinson some attention with both Bryant and Austin on the field, it will be up to Robinson to capitalize on his increase in targets, when called upon.

Deep Threat.

Torrey Smith WR-BAL- Many people are concerned with the fact that Smith drops passes. Yes, that is a concern but he is the fastest guy on the Baltimore offense and no matter what he is the Ravens deep threat. Flacco has the arm and he uses it, Joe will take his shots deep. Boldin is the most talented receiver on this team but will continue to play the slot and see double coverage, this will give Smith some nice one on one match ups down field.


Marion Barber RB-CHI- Barber has now scored in 4 out of 5 games played this season. Even with Matt Forte having a phenomenal season thus far, Barber seems to be the short yardage/goal-line back. Barber is like the poor man's Mike Tolbert. Forte will get the heavy work load but Barber will get his chances to punch it in as long as the Bears are at the goal line.  Barber makes for a solid flex start.

New look passing attack.

Oakland Raiders WR's- With Carson Palmer trying to get in sync with this offense, he will soon make it clear who his favorite and number one WR is. Let's keep an eye on this team as they progress forward with Carson under center. Within the next 1-3 weeks we should know which Oakland WR is worth a flex/no.3 start heading into the Fantasy post season.


Mike Williams WR-TB- Williams has 1 lone TD through 8 games this season, but he still leads the Bucs in targets. Because Williams continues to be heavily targeted, the upside and the potential is definitely still alive. This week the Bucs are expected to be throwing and Mike Williams will be Freeman's first option. As of now Williams is a number 3 WR/Flex start at best but he could transform and return to the Williams of 2010 at any moment.





Leave Him On The Bench...

Marshawn, meet Rey Lewis and the boys.

Marshawn Lynch RB-SEA- Lynch has 4 TD's in his last five games but this match up has disaster written all over it. The Ravens D has allowed 3 rushing TD's all year and the Seahawks struggle to throw the ball. The Ravens D will focus on stop stopping Lynch and odds are they will stop him, because the Seattle passing attack will probably shoot themselves in the foot.


Knowshon Moreno RB-DAL-  Willis McGahee is back. Tim Tebow is running amok . These are the only reasons needed know, Knowshon is now a non-factor again in Denver.

Someone throw me a pass I could catch

Sidney Rice WR-SEA- Accuracy and Seattle Quarterbacks don't go hand in hand. Tarvaris Jackson struggles against most NFL defense and this week the Ravens are coming to town, expect Ed Reed to take one to the house. Sidney Rice is the target of opposing defenses, as he is the best WR threat on the Seahawks. He will see double coverages and when open or in single coverage the ball may be a tad bit to high or to low for Rice to catch.


Maurice Morris RB-DET- Best is still expected to be out, and Morris will get the start in Detroit but I would not start him this week. Morris is not a slice and dice runner and the Bears defense will be licking their chops waiting to push him back. Detriot will rely heavily on their passing game to win this game and Morris will also have to share some carries.


Brandon Jacobs RB-NYG - Jacobs had his coming out party last week against the Patriots but don't get all hyped. Jacobs has definitely lost a step in his game and has yet to get into a groove this season. Last week Jacobs played high on emotions and adrenaline, it was not only a chance to redeem himself and salvage what remains of his career as a G-Men but it was against the Goliath (Patriots) that David (Giants) once slayed in Superbowl XLII. This Week Jacobs will have to run against the number one ranked defense against the rush, and incase you missed the memo, the 49ers are for real.Giants will rely heavily on there passing game to come out victorious in this one.

Not worth the risk.

Deion Branch WR-NE- Deion Branch or may not have a touchdown, it's not a risk you should be willing to take. In the first meeting against NYJ this season, Branch had 7 catches for 74 yards and 1 TD. This time out the Jets will put more focus on Deion as we figure Welker will spend the day on Revis Island. Brady will look for all receivers but Gronk and Hernandez will a lot of balls thrown their way.

2011 Week 9 NFL Recap

Week 9 NFL Recap in 140 characters or less

       Yes, college fans got to see their "Game of The Century" on Saturday night but that game was no match for the excitement and fire power of NFL Sunday. Green Bay fans got to see the present and a flash from the past, as Rodgers played like Rodgers and Rivers played like Farve. The G-Men reminded Bill and Tom that they fear no Patriot. The Cardinals run on special teams. The Steelers and Ravens need to pay attention to the Bengals.


New York Jets(5-3) vs Buffalo Bills(5-3)
Best all around game thus far for Gang Green. What did we Learn? The AFC East is going to be a #DogFight til the end. #WhoRunsTheAFCEast
NYJ 27-BUF 11


Seattle Seahawks(2-6) vs Dallas Cowboys(4-4)
This proved nothing for the Cowboys credibility. The Seattle QB's need to learn how to throw spirals. #BeatARealTeam #AnyoneCanQBinTheNFL
SEA 13-DAL 23


Atlanta Falcons(5-3) vs Indianapolis Colts(0-9)
Julio was having trouble getting into the end-zone against opposing NFL defenses then he faced the Colts. #ComingOutParty #WatchOuts2008Lions


Miami Dolphins(1-7) vs Kansas City Chiefs(4-4)
i was off by one week ..but nonetheless ... #DolphinsGetOffTheSnide !!!.. #AreTheChiefsForReal ?
MIA 31-KC 3


Tampa Bay Buccaneers(4-4) vs New Orleans Saints(6-3)
Drew Brees will have the best offensive season in the history of the NFL for someone that did not win the #MVP Award. #WackyNFLSeason
TB 16-NO 27


San Francisco 49ers(7-1) vs Washington Redskins(3-5)
Roy Helu caught 14 passes, yes 14. When on offense, The Skins need to ask Madden. #NinersKeepRollingRollingRolling
SF 19-WAS 11


Cincinnati Bengals(6-2) vs Tennessee Titans(4-4)
Ravens-Steelers- Striped Cats. The Bengals are for real, this young team knows how to win. Dalton is better than Flacco...HA! #YeahISaidIt
CIN 24-TEN 17


Cleveland Browns(3-5) vs Houston Texans(6-3)
Maybe the Texans can get on a win streak and play like who we think they are. #WillTheRealTexansPleaseStandUp #AnyoneWatchTheClevelandShow ?
CLE 12-HOU 31


Denver Broncos(3-5) vs Oakland Raiders(4-4)
Palmer is getting in sync but may not be ready until next season. McGahee still got it. #TheUbabyTheU #RIPAL
DEN 38-OAK 24


New York Giants(6-2) vs New England Patriots(5-3)
Anyone remember 2007?..well in case you forgot, the Giants did one hell of a job sunday of reminding everyone of super bowl XLII. #TheCatch
NYG 24-NE 20


St. Louis Rams(1-7) vs Arizona Cardinals(2-6)
was Patrick Peterson worth being the 5th pick..because of one play?...YES!!!... #Excitement #WowTheseNFLRookies #99YardWalkOff
STL 13-ARI 19


Green Bay Packers(9-0) vs San Diego Chargers(4-4)
Aaron Rodgers is not human #Cyborg. Philip Rivers has become a 2nd-tier QB. #WackyNFLSeaon #PackersMustBeStopped
GB 45-SD 38


Baltimore Ravens (6-2) vs Pittsburgh Steelers(6-3)
as this #ClashOfTheTitans came to an end, the Ravens stood victorious. Flacco looked he was ready to take the next step..:"looked" #Playoffs
BAL 23-PIT 20


Chicago Bears(4-3) vs Philadelphia Eagles(3-4)
MNF..to be determined.