McShan8150's Blog

As we inch closer and closer to Lions training camp now just a little over two weeks away I can’t help but wonder are we in for  yet another demoralizing, disappointing, and downright disgraceful   season by our beloved Honolua Blue and Silver, but then again can you and would you expect anything less.  Matt Millen hasn’t won more than seven games in eight years, he’s hired and or fired a total of 58 coaches both head and assistant, and I  will do the pleasure of sparing you all the countless blunders he has made  since taking over in 2001 draft or otherwise.  Now in Millen’s latest attempt to resurrect this train wreck of a franchise the new eureka I’ve got it spasm of wisdom moment  in Millen’ warped mind has come by way of changing the philosophy on offense from the pas-happy system to a run first grind it out more balanced  type of approach.  Bringing balance to this offense is something I think that we’ve all been clamouring for the last two seasons there’s no denying that. There’s just one small problem.  The Lions have no one of substance to run the ball.  Tatum Bell was retained even after a pretentious relationship with former Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz refused to defuse.  Well Martz is long gone and new Offensive Coordinator Jim Colletto wants to thoroughly commit to enhancing the quality of the running game and Bell has the chance to seize the job.  Only one problem he’s in the last year of his contract and is untested as a full-time back.  Yes I know people are going to suggest that he got 1,000 years during his time in Denver, put then I’d bring up two other arguments.  One he spilt time in Denver and was used as more as change of pace back.  Furthermore the+ “system” they run in Denver is notorious for producing 1,000 yard rushers year in and year out, therefore I wouldn’t put much stock into that.  Plus Bell has a tendency to fumble on a regular basis he recorded one last year in five with Detroit and five during his last season with Denver in thirteen games.  As for the others  buying for the job Kevin Smith is unproven but should have a chance to compete and or win the starting job, Artose Pinner returns to Detroit as most likely a third down back and Aveion Cason will only be used primarily in Special Teams situations.  So the question becomes who runs the ball in 2008?  Does Bell seize control of the job or will the rookie Smith beat him out? We’ll have to wait and see but I do know one thing.  The Lions have more questions than answers at the running back position and for a team that released there only proven commodity at the position in Kevin Jones it’s safe to say the Lions are in a world of uncertainty, as they make the transition on offense.  There is old adage in life the proclaims “be careful what you wish for and in this case the Lions may be eating the egg plastered all over there face by making the decision to release  Jones prematurely especially since they don’t have a clear-cut replacement.  But then again is anyone really surprised?  It is the Lions were talking about.

 

 

There’s been ramped speculation from multiple NFL sources that the ageless one Green Bay Quarterback Brett Favre is completing a return to the league. At the risk of sounding shallow and to avoid demeaning a noteworthy and certainly Hall Frame notable career, I’ll be the 1st to say that I have great respect for everything Favre has done for both his personal career and for the shield that is the NFL. Favre’s number four has become ever so synonymous with NFL fans across the country. Favre maintained his “poster-boy” image in the eyes of many for several years and he was easily one of the most recognizable and beloved players throughout the league by his peers and fans alike. There is no denying his legacy and or career it clearly speaks for itself, the leader in touchdowns (442) and interceptions (288) and not to mention a streak of monumental significance that of the 257 straight games started what a feat for sure. Yes, yes I know you probably think I’m writing this blog to be the bearer of bad news and rain on such a lustrous career. You probably are thinking he’s fallen hook, line and sinker for the media outcry of we’ve had enough now enjoy retirement and let Green Bay move past this era as difficult as that may be. If you’ve come to that conclusion by reading this blog thus far then step to the head of the class because that is exactly my feeling. Now I realize that this is all Favre knows and as we inch closer to the start of training camp in late July there’s no denying the fact that Favre will posses that burning desire to compete and be around the guys as every freshly retired player does when the initially step away from the game. They’ve been doing this all there life and once they retire many struggle to get out of the system. Favre is no different from the rest he is competitive my nature and should be commended for his determination, tenacity and love of the game the mantra of Brett Favre has been and always will be valuable to the shield that is the NFL. However, can we admire his astounding accomplishments and praise his career for what is was and not what it still could be. I mean honestly can we give it a rest how does anyone expect the Packers to move on with this hanging over the heads. Aaron Rogers and the Packers have invested too much into this experiment for it to be derailed yet another year. Now I think we all agree on this the Packers have a much better chance to return to the playoffs if Favre does indeed return, there’s no denying that. However, for this story to arise now just mere weeks before training camp can do nothing but place the Packers in the most precarious of positions. Do they bring the legend back; appease the endless throng of Favre lovers? Or do they do the unthinkable and release him and forever be haunted by the decision to say no to the modern day icon of their franchise? No matter what the decision the Packers are in a no-win situation, however let me make it an easier call. Its time to move on Favre stay retired and please don’t you risk damaging an already stored career. Aaron Rogers deserves his shot and as hard as it may be For the cheese-heads nation to accept it's time to let the legend of Favre go, for the good of the franchise and for Favre himself.

There’s been plenty of speculation as to what the Pistons are going to do this offseason in order to shake up the core and bring an infusion of new blood, what is so desperately needed.  By all indications are its down to a couple of options.   Denver's Carmelo Anthony, Chucky Atkins and No. 20 pick for Billups and Prince or Houston's Tracy McGrady and No. 25 pick for Rip Hamilton and Rasheed Wallace.  First and foremost I must proclaim that I wouldn’t touch Tracy McGrady with a ten foot poll.  As everyone knows McGrady is the ultimate playoff chocker and he can’t hit a shot to save his life and when the pressure on the collapses easier than a picnic table.  Coupled with the fact he has a chronic history of back injuries and he hasn’t finished a full season since his Orlando days, also he’s too reliant on his jump shot and doesn’t like to take contact for all those reasons outlined  I’ll take a pass.  On the other hand Carmelo Anthony would provide you with a proven scorer who thrives when he absorbs contact, evident by the fact that he’s led the league in free throw attempts over the last two years.  Another factor is the age differential Anthony (24) is a five years younger than McGrady.  In fairness to McGrady he hasn’t had much to work with during his stints in both Houston and Orlando outside of course Yao Ming.  Therefore, if you incorporate McGrady with cast of characters yes he would finally win a playoff series and his engine would be rejuvenated and he probably fit in nicely and gives the Pistons an experienced scorer.  However, while that seems to be a plausible and reasonable scenario that could and I stress the would could workout for both teams.  It would give the Pistons there infusion of new blood that they are so frenziedly seeking, it would also give Houston two veterans that know how to win in pressure situations and could provide some much needed leadership to a young and inexperienced team in the Rockets.  While that all seems logical and intelligent on the surface I simply wouldn’t do it the risk heavily outweighs the reward.  Yes if the Pistons deal for Antony they’ll have to give up Billups who has been extremely valuable to this team over the last six years and yes it would be said to see him go, but in this business you must have the ability to look forward and know when a certain players or player has reached his ceiling and or peek and I thinks Billups has reached that point.  For Denver this deal is a no brainer they get someone more compatible to pair with Allen Iverson and a proven floor leader.  For Detroit they get there superstar presence it’s a win a win for everyone involved. I’m not worried about Antony off the court problems because Joe Dumars, there veteran leadership, and the culture he would be immersed in here.  Hands down McGrady or Antony its Carmelo all the way, it’s not even close.  To vote in the poll question click here http://kevinmcshan.blogspot.com/   

 

 

 

 

 

Now that the NBA Finals have mercifully reached their conclusion I have to get something off my chest. Can the Kobe Bryant Michael Jordan debate please come to end? After watching yet another promising Lakers team get absolutely derailed and dismantled by yet another team in the Boston Celtics that exhibited more hunger, tenacity and will to win.  The Celtics coasted to their 17th NBA title because the other team simply didn’t care. The Lakers got horribly out hustled, dreadful outplayed however most of all shoddily and masterfully outcoached and outsmarted in every possible way.  Built as one of the matches for the ages the renewal of the greatest rivalry this league has to offer, a new chapter in a storied and heated dynasty.  Instead basketball enthusiasts across the land were thoroughly and profoundly disappointed with the mockery and charade that replaced what was supposed to be a highly memorable, entertaining and unforgettable series one for the ages however, it turned out to be anything but.  I say this to you certainly not as a Lakers fan but rather a student of game and in that capacity   just like millions of others I was left with the feeling as though I paid full price to see a full length film with endless action and adventure with a lot of thrills and or chills, instead I’m left with a hollow impression and as though I didn’t get the full price admission.  Pau Gasol the one out of the several noteworthy flurry of western conference most that seemed to make the most sense at the time was an unmitigated disaster.  He showed an incredibly   reluctant to exhibit and kind of tough nosed toughness necessary to compete in this series and that sorely hindered the chances of the Lakers winning such an anticipated series.  That along with the fact that none of the Lakers role players could hit a shot to save their lives, not to mention the fact that LA collapse not just once but twice and thus giving the Celtics all the momentum and confidence they would need to thoroughly  dismantle this proud franchise. .   However, perhaps the biggest factor that contributed to the Lakers ultimate downfall was the abomination that turnout to be the one the only the indestructible one that is Kobe Bryant. I want to make something abundantly clear no one is denying his natural talent however after that shameful performance he and his team showed in their latest NBA Finals meltdown you do have to start wondering Bryant is this new friendly leader everyone says he had become.  In fairness to Bryant the Celtics defensive effort on Bryant and on the team as a whole was most certainly noteworthy.  However, if you are truly a superstar you perform on the biggest stage of all Jordan on a consistent and steady basis and ever since the Diesel left town Bryant simply has not.  Did the Lakers get beat by the better team perhaps but Kobe needs to stop playing the blame game and start looking inside of him for answers.  He didn’t lose the series on his own but he most certainly attempted to and that is truly ashamed.  The NBA Finals what a JOKE!!!!

With all the hysteria over the last couple of weeks with the Wings with the Cup back to Hockey-Town, the Tigers finally and I do mean finally a pulse and somewhat becoming relevant. There are still many noteworthy Detroit sports that are being swept under the rug because of the sugar high of happiness that the Wings have provided. From the Pistons monumental collapse wasting yet another promising but however, another decidedly disappointing campaign, two of course our beloved Lions and there ongoing tap dance around the Roy Williams contract situation, and their eight year of what seems to be an endless rebuilding campaign. For the purpose of the blog entry I want to focus on the contact stalemate between the Lions and Williams. With the Lions looking to have a new more balanced attack between the run and the pass with new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto I think both Williams and 2nd year wide receiver Calvin Johnson will have ample opportunities to flourish. With new offense hopefully can compete with a consistent level of competiveness and swagger with will hopefully translate to more victories; however as we all know nothing with the Lions is guaranteed. However, the bigger issue here is the contact situation with Williams. With the big year I’m expecting Williams to have and also considering the fact that Williams is in the last year of his contact, I am fearful that Williams is going to walk at the end of this year, for a bigger market and more money. Who can blame him anyone? The Lions haven’t won in years and there are limited to no signs to suggest that trend will be reversed. So if Williams walks I won’t blame him for leaving but rather another enticement that will further incriminates Detroit for their ineptitude. They’ll have the cap space to re-sign Williams to a long-term deal, tag him or trade him for other pieces, after some of their outlandish rookie contract come off the books. To let Williams simply walk for nothing in return would be the wrong road to travel down. You simply don’t enhance the quality of your team by eliminating one of the few comparable and marketable players on your roster. Williams may coast from time to time but he still has tremendous to the Lions and Detroit has to keep him to continue the process that seems to never end.

Everyone can rejoice the hair is back in Hockey-Town!!!  Mike Babcock and his wonderful and  flawless  mane of hair will be back!  All kidding aside this is a man of great character, conviction and a tremendous will to win. Throughout Babcock’s tenure he has never deviated from what he so famously calls “process” rather than continuously concerning yourself with the end result.  Being a Head coach in any league is certainly demanding however Babcock seems to exhibit a tremendous amount of quiet confidence and belief both in himself and his players that is unmatched and incomparable to any of the major coaches not only in the Detroit but for that matter around the NHL.  In coaching just like for all the players it’s a what have you done for me lately world, you can too much credit when you win and too much of the blame when you lose.  In coaching in particular you must possess and unwavering commitment and trust in what you attempt to teach and convey to your players or you’ll get eaten up and spit out by your players.  In Babcock’s case it goes without saying that when he arrived from Anaheim three years ago Babcock received some initial resentence when he attempted to mould this team into his image and vision which is to be expected anytime you’ve be so successful doing business in a certain manner.  However, once the players realize Babcock’s intent and objectives they bought in hock, line, and sinker.  All you have to do is look at the numbers while Babcock has been here in Detroit they speak for themselves.  They have led the league in points scored and defense the last two years and they were both the #1 defensive team and for that matter the best in the league this past year, and we all know the end result.  Babcock should also be commended for retooling this team to compete following the lockout along with General Manger Ken Holland.  Everyone said the Wings were going to fall off the face of the earth after the lockout and Babcock along with Holland worked tirelessly to restructure and retooled this team in order to contend now instead of taking a massive nose drive.  So much for the Wings not competing in the “new” NHL,   Babcock deserves every bit of his new deal he’s been a tremendous asset to the Wings not only because of his unbelievable head of hair but also because of his unbelievable knowledge of the game of Hockey.  Hockey-Town is the only town for Babcock to reside!

 

Okay everyone out there here me out on this one.  As we all know the Pistons need to do something in order to regain  there once promising swagger, tenacity and commitment  traits that were easily identifiable with the Pistons when they were chasing there 1st championship of the new era.  AS we all know by now for whatever reason that hunger to sacrifice it all seems to have be replaced by; well a lack of consistent effort and intensity needed to get it done on a nightly basis in the postseason.  Thus the solution has to come in a jolt a spark that will entice this in order to rededicate to capturing the ultimate prize.  That jolt and or spark may end of being a local product in current Charlotte Bobcat and former Michigan State standout Jason Richardson.  Look we all know Rasheed is most likely on a one way trip out of town and Richardson would be the best value in return.  Here’s why; the free agent market is extremely thin this offseason and in order to receive the best deal so that we can still improve the team while dispatching a torn, is via trade and Charlotte appears to  be a logic dance partner for a couple of reasons. One President of Basketball Operations Michael Jordan is the NBA’s version of Matt Millen when it comes to being deceived; we pulled one over on him when Rip came to town for Stackhouse why can’t we do it again?    Two Larry Brown is the new coach in Charlotte and not to mention the only coach Wallace will listen to for more than 30 seconds.  It’s a win, win situation on both sides of the isle the Bobcats get a veteran who known’s the interworking of the world that is Larry Brown and the Pistons receive that infusion of new blood they so desperately need.  The deal makes sense on all angles now you’re probably going to have to sacrifice     some bench players but you have to weigh the good with the bad.  Joe Dumars cannot return with the same team next season and he knows that especially with all the all-stars in the East Wade, James, Howard etc, and the Bobcats may hold the key to just what the doctor order, for both Rasheed and the Pistons  

Joe Dumars’s fuse has finally been lit he’s gotten his head out of the clouds and realized that the core of this team had run its course and something needs to be done to restore the competitive fire. This team has become entirely too complacent, content, and comfortable in their own skin, and for a man who built the foundation of his career both as a player and now as the head executive of team compliancy is simply not acceptable. Dumars came out swinging during his Tuesday no holds bar press conference promising significant change to his current roster. "There are no sacred cows here," Dumars said. "You lose that sacred-cow status when you lose three straight years." "Everybody is in play." "I'll make a significant trade," Dumars declared. “We have a core group of guys here that for the first time in six years I'm letting teams in the league know I'll do a deal. ... I'm open for business." Let me clarify what I’m about to say with the following and I quote “this is still a very good team however, that have lost their championship edge and burning desire to win. Change isn’t always the best or smartest why in which to conduct business because of the pitfalls and consequences that are bound to follow. However, in the Pistons case change could be exactly what the doctor order in order to return the Pistons to the top of the mountain.

This team has been resting on its laurels ever since the conclusion of their championship run in 2004 they have become stale and lost their sense of urgency because of what happened in the past. Collectively they’ve all lost their burning desire in which to win, they have redevelop a false sense of entitlement and a status quota and Dumars cannot stand-pat any more this team needs a injection of new blood to help restore and rejuvenate both the players and the fans. This team has been joined at the hip for far too long and eventually it just doesn’t mesh anymore and you reach the pinnacle of tenure and the Pistons are at that tenure right now. So the question is where do we go from here? Only Dumars can answer that question and I’m not sure he has the answer yet. Changes will be and most certainly should be made to ensure that the Pistons obtain the ultimate prize once more and this current group simply has run its course plain and simple. One thing is certain Dumars and company will have one active summer and we’ll all be watching to see how this high stakes game of Poker ends. The Pistons are at a crossroads and everyone’s waiting to see where they will turn.

The seventh season of American Idol reached its sterling conclusion Wednesday night with David Cook being crowned the latest winner of the pop culture phenomenon.  In a somewhat surprising turn of events for some the rocker from Missouri edged out the baby-face teen from Utah.  Going into the finale many were under the impression that after a strong trio of performances from the younger Archuleta that he would easily cruise to a landslide victory over the weaker Cook.  However, some have made the argument that incredibly insensitive and hurtful comments by the famed judge’s panel tipped the sympathy card and ultimately the American Idol title into the hands of Cook.  Die heart fans gravitated towards Cook in his time of need. With America having sort of a love hate relationship with Simon and there obvious affection for Cook apparently millions of viewers must have felt a sense of sympathy for Cook and his exposure to Cowell’s assortment of   and  vindictive remarks.  While I certainly agree that Simon may have very well had a tremendous influence on the final results and probably ultimately swung the tide in Cook’s direction in order to win, as a result of those somewhat spiteful comments, it is my contention that you must look at the entire body of work throughout the course of the season before handing out such an lofty award. Using that premises America in the end got it exactly right because David Cook was the most consistent and most noteworthy performer throughout the entirety of this competition and therefore deserved to win.  You could certainly have made a strong case for David Archuleta who was spectacular in his own right and certainly deserved this honour as much as anyone, and who is destined for superstardom himself and who competed brilliantly throughout the entirety of the competition However, in the end America got it right again and crowned Cook the winner in a race that when down to the wire. Did Simon influence the final vote? Sure was sympathy a factor?  Maybe but I know this American Idol Season Seven left with a bang, and regardless of the surrounding factors America once again was right on the money.

Hey all you MY Fox Detroit blogger out there  check my new sports blog covering all the hot topics in sports leave your comments and let me know what you think.  This covers everyone from sports to my take on the latest news and some opinion pieces hope you enjoy let me know what you think.  You are welcomed to share this information with whomever you desire. Hope you enjoy!!  Please give me some feedback on my work and share your opinions. Here is the link to my blog http://kevinmcshan.blogspot.com/ Hope you enjoy!!