Thursday, April 22, 2010

St. Louis Should Deal Top Pick

Jimmy Clausen > Sam Bradford. This is what Bleeding Sports believes.

Everyone else? The consensus from NFL GMs, coaches, scouts, water boys to "experts" in the media to draft prognosticators is that Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford is the top quarterback and will be the first selection in tonight's NFL Draft. Inspired by the slogan of one of America's "most innovative" companies, Enron, we must ASK WHY? Sure, Bradford threw for 50 TDs passes in 2008 while playing in perceived competitive Big 12 conference. A conference where gimmick offenses and the lack of any semblance of defense (except at Texas) has turned college football into some bizarre hybrid between the Arena League and pee-wee football where coaches stand on the field and spoon-feed instructions to the offense prior to the snap. Are there any quarterbacks playing in the Big 12 who have lacked successful in recent years. Guys like Chase Daniel, Todd Reesing, Zac Robinson, and whoever Texas Tech decides to put under center on a given day have shredded Big 12 defenses and posted mind-boggling statistics. Yet none of these quarterbacks are or project to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

If it's not on-field production that has everyone so convinced that Bradford is the man, then what is it? His size and strong arm, ala JaMarcus Russell? Let's hope not. On the other hand, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was the best quarterback in the nation in 2009 playing against tougher, more diverse competition overall while playing in a pro-style offense led by Charlie Weis. Clausen was successful despite being surrounded by a lack of talent most glaring was the pathetic offensive line that couldn't block anyone for three years. Clausen made big plays, consistently led the Irish from behind, and played nearly mistake free all year. His mechanics are flawless and his deep ball is insanely accurate. Compared to Bradford, draft analysts readily admit that Clausen is the more polished, NFL-ready of the two based on his experience in an offense that translates to NFL success and his ability to actually read a defense and call an audible at the line. These are vital tools that Bradford has no experience implementing from playing in the almighty Big 12. Is it weird that not one NFL starting quarterback today is a product of that conference? What are the odds that both Bradford and Texas' Colt McCoy end up having successful NFL careers?

Back to the issue at hand, is Bradford worthy of being the top quarterback let alone the top pick? A telling sign are the rumors that the Rams are looking to trade down in the draft. And they should. A compelling sales story for drafting Bradford over Clausen is mythical. The biggest knock on Clausen is his Hollywood ego and lack of leadership. Interesting criticism for someone who consistently rallied his team late in games, had his skill players stay with him in the summer so they could practice together, and has a three-time Super Bowl championship offensive coordinator who raves about his ability and character. Oh, and with Bradford, there is also that tinny, tiny issue concerning the fact that he barely sniffed the field last year due to a shoulder injury that required season ending surgery. He has looked healthy and thrown well during pre-draft workouts, but what is going to happen when somebody like Shaun Rogers drives him into the ground. It's tough to rely on a quarterback if he can't throw the football and game tape of Bradford post shoulder surgery doesn't exist to suggest he can sustain live action.

The Rams have the right idea by considering moving out of the top spot. Now they have to pull the trigger. Trade down with a team like Cleveland, collect some extra draft picks, and still get your franchise quarterback at the 7th spot. Regardless of how much everyone prefers Bradford, the difference between him and Clausen is minimal. The talk that Bradford will go first while Clausen could potentially be bypassed in the first round is insane. The value added by trading down and taking Clausen is much greater than sticking at the top spot and selecting Bradford. You're on the clock St. Louis. Time to put the onus on some other disillusioned franchise.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

2010 National Champs

For the second time in three years the Boston College Eagles are bringing the Men's Division 1 hockey trophy back to Chestnut Hill. The BC Eagles were utterly dominate against two of the best teams in the country outscoring their opponents 12-1 on their way to their 4th National Championship. On Thursday night the Eagles throttled Miami (OH) the consensus number 1 team in country to the tune of 7-1. The defeat was Miami's 4th loss in 5 years to BC in the NCAA tournament and well deserved after Miami's hostoric choke job last year against Sucks to BU. In the final game last year Miami blew a 2 goal lead with minutes to play before letting in a fluke goal in overtime. Due to this performane the River Hawks should never be allowed to even sniff a NCAA Championship.

In the title game against Wisconsin BC proved that flannel, lumberjacks, and women with mustaches are no match for the speed and quickness of the Eagles. The game was tight through the first two periods with the Eagles maintaining a one goal lead until Cam Atkinson and friends blew the game open early in the third period. This win capped an unbelievable finish to BC's season with the team rolling off a 12-0-1 in its last 13 games. During this stretch the Eagles trailed for a combined 54 seconds of game time. A remarkable achievement that we probably won't witness ever again.

Once again we sent our crack anlayst Be Nasty to chronicle the Frozen Four and he provided us with these pictures taken with his work authorized blackberry.




By GM Be Nasty
Special to Bleeding Sports