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Sports Quote of the Day:
"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained." ~ Marie Curie, World Renown Scientist
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Blackhawks 2, Wild 1. Let's go Hawks!!!
By Jerry Bonkowski, The Sports Xchange
Chicago Blackhawks Nick Leddy (8), Bryan Bickell (29), Jonathan Toews (C) and Patrick Kane (88) celebrate Bickell's goal in the Blackhawks 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild Sunday May 11, 2014, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Tribune Photo)
And after being held to 22 or fewer shots in the first four games of their Western Conference semifinal series with the Minnesota Wild, the Chicago Blackhawks roared back with 28 shots in Game 5 Sunday en route to a 2-1 win at the United Center.
Blackhawks team captain and center Jonathan Toews' fifth goal of the playoffs at 4:33 of the third period was the deciding tally, as Chicago snapped a two-game losing streak and took a 3-2 advantage in the best-of-seven series.
Game 6 is Tuesday in Minnesota.
Chicago was held to 22 or less shots just eight times in the playoffs since 2003, and four of those times came in the current series vs. the Wild.
The Wild, meanwhile, outshot the Blackhawks 100 to 83 in the first four games and managed to connect on only one of their 28 shots Sunday.
Chicago goaltender Corey Crawford shook off his poor showing in the last two games to put the Blackhawks back in the driver's seat.
"I think it was a pretty solid outing," Crawford said. "Two losses in a row, we had to end that."
The series continued a trend where Chicago and Minnesota are the only two remaining teams in this year's playoffs who have won every game at their respective home arenas. Chicago is now 6-0 at the United Center and Minnesota is 5-0 at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
"We have to keep playing simple, keep playing hard and attacking and play our game," Crawford added.
Overall through the first two rounds of the playoffs to date, Chicago is now 7-4, while Minnesota is 6-6.
Minnesota took a 1-0 lead at 16:33 of the first period when Crawford stopped a shot from Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon, but could not recover in time to stop a rebound by Wild center Erik Haula, who tallied his third goal of the season.
Minnesota wound up outshooting Chicago 8-6 in the first period, prompting an uncharacteristic round of boos from Blackhawks fans as the teams went to their respective locker rooms. That seemed to inspire the Blackhawks to dig deeper when they returned for the middle period.
Chicago tied the game at 9:18 of the second period when left winger Bryan Bickell scored his team-leading sixth goal, pushing the puck past Wild goalie Ilya Bryzgalov on the power-play.
Early in the third period, Toews was literally Johnny on the spot, scoring the deciding goal on a rebound off a shot by teammate and right winger Marian Hossa past Bryzgalov.
NOTES: Chicago D Niklas Hjalmarsson still can't speak after being hit in the throat with a puck in Game 2, but he continues to play. ... Blackhawks F Brandon Bollig served the first half of a two-game suspension for an illegal hit on Wild D Keith Ballard. Reported to be suffering from an upper-body injury, Ballard did not make the trip with the Wild for Sunday's game. ... Wild G Darcy Kuemper remained out for a fifth consecutive game due to an upper-body injury. Minnesota has already lost an inordinately high 47 man-games in the first two rounds of the playoffs. ... Chicago C Andrew Shaw sat out his third game due to an upper-body injury. ... Minnesota leads the NHL with 16 different players having scored goals thus far in this season's playoffs. ... The attendance was 22,016.
By Rob Rang, The Sports Xchange
Grading an NFL Draft immediately after it occurs is akin to giving your compliments to the chef based on the menu. It will take at least three years before we can truly assess how the 32 NFL teams fared over the 2014 NFL Draft.
But waiting is no fun. So let's take a look at which teams appear to have done the best job of filling needs and building for the future.
AFC EAST
BUFFALO BILLS: Wideout Sammy Watkins may very well be the difference-maker Buffalo is looking for to help take the pressure off 2013 surprise first round quarterback EJ Manuel, but the Bills gave up two first round picks to get him, which I believe will prove too much. I do like the focus on blockers with second rounder Cyrus Kouandjio, fifth rounder Cyril Richardson and the late gamble on the talented but troubled Seantrel Henderson. Defensive back Ross Cockrell could surprise, and I like Preston Brown's physicality in the middle.
Grade: C
MIAMI DOLPHINS: The Dolphins checked off most of their areas of concern with a very logical draft but I don't know the club received great value at any of their selections, starting with Jawuan James at No. 19 overall. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry and tight end Arthur Lynch are solid, pro-ready players but neither has the athleticism to ever likely more than complementary players in the NFL. Frankly, I'm more intrigued by the upside of the relative "small-schoolers" in Billy Turner, Walt Aikens and Jordan Tripp. James will start right away and Turner will develop into a starter relatively soon, filling huge gaps in Miami's offensive line. But are the Dolphins any closer to overtaking the Patriots with this draft?
Grade: C+
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: The Patriots' draft will be panned by some but I like the mix of gambling and safety. Certainly if Dominique Easley is fully healthy - and his trainer Tony Villani told us on CBSSports.com's Draft Grades Live that he is - then he offers the type of disruptive ability in the middle the Patriots need with Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly aging. I'm also a big fan of the Jimmy Garoppolo selection because his sharp mind and lightning release make him a nice fit in New England's offense. Center Bryan Stork is a technician who also fits well and Cameron Fleming and Jon Halapio add toughness to New England's front. Watch out for diminutive playmakers James White, Jemea Thomas and Jeremy Gallon to also carve out niches.
Grade: B
NEW YORK JETS: Calvin Pryor was my top-rated safety and I have no doubt that he's going to be Broadway hit for the Jets. He plays with the instincts and physicality to star in Rex Ryan's aggressive scheme. I am not as high on the physicality factor of the Jets' skill-position additions of tight end Jace Amaro and wide receivers Jalen Saunders and Shaq Evans, but they each offer speed and are mismatches that Geno Smith (or Michael Vick) can exploit. I like the upside of Day Three picks cornerback Brandon Dixon and wide receiver Quincy Enunwa and feel that outside linebacker Trevor Reilly is going to prove a steal. Reilly is an older prospect (turns 26), which is why he dropped to the seventh round, but he'll make this squad.
Grade: B
AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS: Ozzie Newsome rarely has flashy drafts but when your roster is stacked that's going to happen. His 2014 class is another example of solid additions that re-stock the shelves at important positions. CJ Mosley offers instincts, athleticism and physicality and instantly upgrades the defense. Defensive linemen Timmy Jernigan and Brent Urban are tough run-stuffers with upside and safety Terrence Brooks could be the centerfielder to complement last year's first round in-the-box hitter Matt Elam. I also like the upside of tight end Crockett Gillmore and running back Lorenzo Taliaferro. Don't be surprised if wide receiver Michael Campanaro makes this club as a slot receiver.
Grade: B+
CINCINNTI BENGALS: So much for the "Bungles," as the franchise has evolved into one of the better drafting teams in the league, consistently filling gaps in the roster via cheaper college prospects rather than over-paying veterans. Darqueze Dennard may lack the flashy athleticism to get scouts excited but he's a pro-ready corner who plays with toughness and poise against the pass and run. Jeremy Hill is a tough, downhill runner who will complement last year's pickup of air-back Gio Bernard quite well and defensive end Will Clarke offers the length and blue-collar work ethic to do the same with last year's gamble on Margus Hunt. AJ McCarron will get the press, but interior lineman Russell Bodine is the one who could make an impact in Cincinnati as he has the grit and strength to push for time at center or guard.
Grade: B
CLEVELAND BROWNS: My buddy Will Brinson at CBSSports.com characterized general manager Ray Farmer's first draft as Cleveland's general manager well - in a vacuum, this was a nice class. Though I have some concerns about Johnny Manziel's ability to throw from the pocket consistently (especially on a gusty field), he will be protected by the same caliber of left tackle play in Pro Bowler Joe Thomas as he received with Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews while at Texas A&M. Unfortunately, Manziel won't have a dynamic pass-catcher in Cleveland like Mike Evans to bail him out as the reported suspension of wideout Josh Gordon was met with an inexplicable ignoring of the position throughout the draft by the Browns. The trade down from No. 4 to No. 9 netted Cleveland what could very well wind up being a high first round pick a year from now, and I do like the talent added in playmaking cornerbacks Justin Gilbert and Pierre Desir, versatile and tough offensive lineman Joel Bitonio and underrated athletes Christian Kirksey and Terrance West. But five games into the 2014 season, long-suffering Browns fans may be wondering what if the Browns had just selected Sammy Watkins (or Evans) at No. 4 overall rather than trading back.
Grade: C-
PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Given that head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert traveled the country touring Pro Day workouts during the offseason, it was clear that Pittsburgh realized that this was a critical draft for the rejuvenation of an aging franchise. I believe their dedication paid off with one of the year's better draft classes - at least on paper. Linebacker Ryan Shazier, versatile weapon Dri Archer and wideout Martavis Bryant offer pure explosiveness. Defensive linemen Stephon Tuitt and Daniel McCullers have first round traits, as well. Linebacker Jordan Zumwalt was born to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, bringing a physical nature that will endear him to coaches and fans, alike. There is a lot to like about the Steelers' selections but with a few of these players struggling to play up to expectations throughout their career, there is some boom-or-bust factor here that must be acknowledged.
Grade: B+
AFC SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXANS: Bill O'Brien would have loved an Andrew Luck-caliber quarterback to be sitting on the board for him at No. 1 overall but potentially dominant pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney was the next best scenario. Clowney will quiet any critics when he earns the Defensive Rookie of the Year with at least 10 sacks. The combination of Clowney, J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing and rookie nose tackle Louis Nix could help Houston enjoy quite the bounce-back campaign in 2014. But that's only if O'Brien can work his magic at the quarterback position, where the Texans added only Tom Savage to a position group currently headlined by journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick. Versatile offensive lineman Xavier Su'a-Filo was a first-round talent that the Texans were fortunate to have slip to No. 33 and tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz will also be solid. Sixth-rounders Jeoffrey Pagan and Alfred Blue could also surprise.
Grade: B
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: The Colts traded away the rights to their first-round pick for running back Trent Richardson in 2013. While he should be significantly improved with a full offseason to master their playbook, at this time the deals looks pretty one-sided in Cleveland's favor. Helping Richardson's chances at improving in 2014 was the selection of tough-guy offensive lineman Jack Mewhort in the second round and an exciting vertical threat in Donte Moncrief. Of their Day Three selections, former Western Kentucky run-stuffer Andrew Jackson looks like he could provide the most immediate impact.
Grade: C
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: You will not see us in the line of critics knocking Jacksonville for selecting Blake Bortles at No. 3. He's not a sure-fire superstar but I love the tools and the fact that Jacksonville already has in place a heady veteran in Chad Henne to aid in the young quarterback's development. The other positive: Jacksonville has talent on the offensive line already in place (and added two solid interior options this weekend), and added talent to the receiving corps with Marqise Lee and Allen Robinson, the Jaguars' second-round picks. Jacksonville's Day Three picks also are going to turn heads. They're athletes who are very good schematic fits in Gus Bradley's defense, especially injured (but intriguing) cover corner Aaron Colvin, speedy outside linebacker Telvin Smith and LEO defensive end Chris Smith. Rather than spend a high pick on a non-premium position, the Jags got former UCF (and Miami) running back Storm Johnson in the bargain bin as a seventh-round pick and he, too, could make the roster. Ultimately, this draft will hinge on Bortles' development but I see this class as potentially a big win for an up-and-coming franchise.
Grade: A
TENNESSEE TITANS: Given the Pro Bowl-caliber play of left tackle Michael Roos and the addition of right tackle Michael Oher in free agency, the Titans' selection of Taylor Lewan in the first round surprised me. There is no denying his talent and toughness, and I don't quibble with the idea of adding offensive linemen. That's especially relevant when a club has a gifted quarterback in Jake Locker whose biggest struggle to this point remains durability. I love the selection of running back Bishop Sankey in the second round. He is a tough player and grounded person with a terrific blend of instincts, burst and hands. Fantasy enthusiasts should take note of him. Of Tennessee's Day Three picks, I'm especially high on Penn State defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, who is a wide-bodied run-stuffing presence with size to complement the smaller, quicker interior rushers already on the roster. Adding Zach Mettenberger in the seventh round is a low-risk gamble that could pay off big as his arm is a nice fit in Ken Whisenhunt's offense. He gives the Titans a quarterback to develop should Locker not earn an extension with his play next season.
Grade: B
AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS: I really like the addition of tough and talented cornerback Bradley Roby at No. 31. He needs to play with greater consistency but the talent is undeniable. Wide receiver Cody Latimer adds to the length, speed and toughness of a group that failed to match Seattle's physicality in the Super Bowl -- with the notable exception of star Demaryius Thomas. Michael Schofield and Matt Paradis are no-nonsense blockers who also fill a need for depth along the offensive line and there is ample athletic upside in linebackers Lamin Barrow and Corey Nelson. This wasn't a breath-taking draft for the Broncos but few clubs did more with less (six) picks
Grade: B
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Given the success of the Chiefs' defense -- in large part due to pass rushers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali -- the addition of Dee Ford in the first round was surprising. Adding impact edge rushers is never a bad idea, especially in a division featuring relatively immobile pocket passers like Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers. Given the Chiefs' starting quarterback, Alex Smith, is not of this caliber, I anticipated that the team would add some pass-catchers to help him. Running back De'Anthony Thomas and quarterback Aaron Murray are the club's only offensive skill-position prospects. Some will blast the Chiefs for not adding receivers but Andy Reid's offense is said to be especially difficult so expecting any rookie to make an immediate impact would have been a stretch. Still, I would have liked to see more playmakers added. Phillip Gaines and Zach Fulton could carve out niches as rookies and I love the upside of offensive lineman Laurent Duvarney-Tardif. A solid class but not one that I believe will keep the Chiefs from taking a step back in the AFC West.
Grade: B-
OAKLAND RAIDERS: A intriguing class brings reason for optimism to Oakland. A great deal of patience from general manager Reggie McKenzie and his staff could be rewarded. Pass rusher Khalil Mack was a no-brainer at No. 5 overall and I would argue that quarterback Derek Carr was in the second round. While true that he struggled with pressure in his face at Fresno State, it should be noted that Carr also never had much of an offensive line, as only one blocker during his time with the Bulldogs was drafted (and offensive guard Andrew Jackson was a seventh-rounder three years ago). The Raiders nabbed two athletic, wide-bodied interior linemen with guard Gabe Jackson in the third and defensive tackle Justin Ellis in the fourth. The length of the three defensive backs Oakland nabbed in this draft is noteworthy, especially given the size of the top receivers in this division.
Grade: B
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Like Denver, San Diego was successful filling some holes with a limited number of picks. What cornerback Jason Verrett lacks in size, he makes up for with quickness, instincts and tenacity. One of the long-time NFL scouts I trust most graded Verrett as the top senior prospect in the country, regardless of position. I love the schematic fits and value that the Chargers found with outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu in the second round, guard Chris Watt in the third and nose guard Ryan Carrethers in the fifth. Former ASU running back Marion Grice offers a very specific skill-set as one of the elite pass-catchers at the position as does big-play wideout Tevin Reese -- whose speed is better described with his propensity for long touchdowns rather than just his 40-yard dash time (4.41). More impressively, 22 of his 25 career touchdowns at Baylor traveled at least 40 yards. That's no misprint. San Diego is gambling on some specialists here to be sure but they are intriguing fits that could help the Chargers take another step in the divisional race.
Grade: A-
NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS: It looked for a few minutes there like Jerry Jones might throw caution to the wind and draft Johnny Manziel but he exercised restraint, nabbing ultra-safe offensive lineman Zach Martin in the first round. A day later, the gambler in Jones returned with an aggressive move to go get defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, a gifted pass rusher who fills a glaring hole with DeMarcus Ware now with the Denver Broncos. With only Day Three picks left, the Cowboys are likely to only get special teams contributions from the rest of their class. I'm highest on the first three of them in linebacker Anthony Hitchens, wideout Devin Street and versatile defensive lineman Ben Gardner as quality developmental prospects.
Grade: B
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Chip Kelly earned a great deal of respect as a coach during his time at Oregon but didn't get enough credit as an evaluator of talent. After this draft, he and general manager Howie Roseman will get plenty. To be clear, I did not expect Louisville pass rusher Marcus Smith to get drafted in the first round. I do like the pick. The former quarterback was one of my favorite players in this draft because of his athleticism, instincts and hustle and he's a good schematic fit for the Eagles. Though neither offer the elusiveness of DeSean Jackson, I also like the additions of Jordan Matthews and former Oregon Duck Josh Huff as pro-ready receivers well equipped to be effective in Chip Kelly's offense. Cornerback Jaylen Watkins flashed talent throughout his career at Florida and was highly impressive at the Senior Bowl. He and former Stanford safety Ed Nelson could fill significant needs. I also like the additions of Taylor Hart and Beau Allen on Day Three, a couple of players who are more athletic than they look and also could surprise.
Grade: B+
NEW YORK GIANTS: The Giants started off their 2014 class with a surprise in playmaking wide receiver Odell Beckham and the year's top center in Weston Richburg, each of whom should be able to help Eli Manning return to form. Three of their next four picks were spent on instinctive, passionate defenders with underrated athleticism in defensive tackle Jay Bromley, safety Nat Berhe and pass rusher Devon Kennard. Running back Andre Williams is a no non-sense grinder who could give Tom Coughlin the featured back that David Wilson has failed thus far to become. Each of the four comes with question marks, however, as Bromley and Berhe lack ideal size, Williams has only average top-end speed (despite a solid 40-yard dash time) and Kennard has struggled with durability. Other than Beckham, this wasn't a flashy draft for the Giants. With some luck it could be very effective.
Grade: B-
WASHINGTON REDSKINS: As if there was any question that Washington was operating with different principles in mind with Jay Gruden as head coach, it was obvious with the selections of big, broad, physical linemen to start off their draft. Versatile edge rusher Trent Murphy starred out of the two- and three-point stance at Stanford and gives the team some flexibility behind established rushers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan, who are at or near the end of their contracts. Offensive lineman Morgan Moses didn't always play up to his talent while at Virginia but he boasts first-round traits and is an upgrade over incumbent right tackle Tyler Polumbus. Spencer Long also adds toughness and size (6-5, 310) up front. Cornerback Bashaud Breeland and running back Lache Seastrunk offer exciting athleticism. Inconsistency and durability issues pushed them down the board a bit. Wide receiver Ryan Grant isn't as explosive but he's a reliable route-runner and pass-catcher.
Grade: C+
NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS: For a team that once prided itself for its defense, the Bears were toothless in 2013. General manager Phil Emery did a nice job of patching holes throughout the draft, however, adding a pro-ready corner in Kyle Fuller at No. 14 overall, a talented 1-2 punch at defensive tackle in run-stuffer Ego Ferguson and one of the top penetrators in Will Sutton and one of the more intriguing safeties in the class in Brock Vereen in the fourth. The Bears added insurance behind star Matt Forte with Ka'Deem Carey, who plays faster than he timed and is a strong, determined runner. Watch out for Day Three developmental prospects in quarterback David Fales and offensive lineman Charles Leno, each of whom could surprise in Marc Trestman's scheme. Fuller and Ferguson come with some medical nicks and Sutton allowed himself to get out of shape in 2013. On paper, though, this ranks as one of the year's best groups.
Grade: A-
DETROIT LIONS: Playmaking tight end Eric Ebron was a surprise selection at No. 10 overall given the Lions' already explosive offense, but it is hard to fault the team for adding playmakers considering the point-scoring capabilities of NFC North opponents. Ebron has the athleticism to take the top off the defense but will drop an occasional pass. Most of the rest of Detroit's selections were rightly spent on the defensive side of the ball with underrated linebacker Kyle Van Noy coming in to supplement last year's project Ziggy Ansah (also from BYU) and high-effort defensive tackle Caraun Reid, whose motor could help push Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley to reach their awesome potential. The surprise of the draft could very well wind up being cornerback Nevin Lawson, a highly athletic and competitive cover corner who could push for playing time immediately.
Grade: B+
GREEN BAY PACKERS: It is tougher to find players who will stick on a roster as talented as the Packers', but general manager Ted Thompson may have pulled it off with yet another very solid crop. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix certainly made sense as the rangy centerfielder to help Green Bay's lack of ideal speed and fluidity in the deep patrol. The Packers also added high motor front seven defenders in defensive tackle Khyri Thornton and Carl Bradford. The addition of wideout Davante Adams and tight end Richard Rodgers give the Packers potential replacements for James Jones and Jermichael Finley and Thompson didn't stop there, adding arguably the draft's best route-runner in Jared Abbrederis in the fifth and developmental prospect Jeff Janis in the seventh to protect against another injury-shortened season from either Jordy Nelson or Randall Cobb. The Packers added athleticism, physicality and intensity each day of the draft, making it one of the NFL's clear winners in this year's draft.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Despite all of the knocks on his slight frame and poor Pro Day workout, Teddy Bridgewater remained my top-rated quarterback. He doesn't possess the ideal accuracy on the deep ball to be a perfect match in Norv Turner's offense but given the presence of Adrian Peterson, steady route-runners Greg Jennings and Kyle Murphy and burgeoning playmaker Cordarrelle Patterson, he enters a nice situation and will eventually overtake Matt Cassel. As a quarterback, Bridgewater will, of course, earn most of the attention from this class but the Vikings led things off with pass rusher Anthony Barr, whose speed off the edge will be utilized well by defensive-minded head coach Mike Zimmer. Blue-collar defensive end Scott Crichton also is a quality addition. Watch out for middle round selections Jerick McKinnon (a phenomenal athlete who could play any number of roles), David Yankey and Antone Exum to also make this roster. This was an especially strong draft for the Vikings considering it is general manager Rick Spielman and Zimmer's first year working together.
Grade: A
NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS: The Falcons' primary goal in the offseason was to get bigger and tougher at the line of scrimmage and despite focusing on that during free agency, it was again the play throughout the draft, beginning with the safest player in the 2014 class, OT Jake Matthews. Defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman lacks Matthews' polish or consistency but his extraordinary athleticism for a 6-6, 310-pounder speaks to his upside. The Falcons addressed two other significant areas of concern with free safety Dezmen Southward and one of the top backs in the draft in Devonta Freeman, a Ray Rice-clone who could spell (and eventually replace) Steven Jackson. Day Three linebackers Yawin Smallwood and Tyler Starr are interesting prospects who could find a niche in defensive coordinator Mike Nolan's hybrid scheme.
Grade: B
CAROLINA PANTHERS: I projected wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin to the Panthers in the second round, so I understand the fit. At 6-5, 240 pounds, he offers incredible size, including a ridiculous catch-radius. He isn't particularly quick or a polished route-runner and therefore I believe he was a reach at No. 28 overall. Defensive lineman Kony Ealy offers intriguing athleticism, but like Benjamin, flashed rather than dominated at the collegiate level. I like the rest of Carolina's picks. Guard Trai Turner is a physical, athletic interior lineman with future starting ability and safety Tre Boston is a big hitter. Bene Benewikere is instinctive and quick to the ball but may not be a future starter in the NFL and cornerback was a concern. Given the talent already on the roster, running back shouldn't be, though the Panthers nabbed Tyler Gaffney in the sixth. The talent is there, but this looked like a draft class in which GM Dave Gettleman took the Best-Player-Available strategy. I, too, believe in the principle but for a club seemingly on the verge of a big jump, I would have liked more attention spent at receiver, offensive tackle and cornerback.
Grade C-
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: The surprising decision to trade Darren Sproles meant that the Saints needed to find playmakers and the club aggressively did just that in moving up to secure wide receiver Brandin Cooks, a dynamic athlete with elusiveness and acceleration. Cooks is talented enough on his own but given his fit in this offense (and the fact that he has Drew Brees throwing him the ball), he could be an immediate impact performer worthy of Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration. Not surprisingly, the Saints focused on the defensive side of the ball throughout most of the rest of the draft, gambling on the long, nimble athletes for defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to mold with cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste and linebackers Khairi Fortt and Ronald Powell. Each boasts the length, agility and speed to out-play their selections but were highly inconsistent throughout their college careers.
Grade: C+
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Lovie Smith may not have been the Chicago Bears head coach when the combination of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey truly took off a season ago but it was clear that his preference for huge receivers carried with him in his relocation to Tampa, nabbing 6-5, 231-pound wide receiver Mike Evans in the first round and 6-6, 258-pound tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins in the second to complement incumbent star Vincent Jackson (6-5, 230). The strategy of landing players similar to those Smith coached in Chicago was even more clear a round later when he and new GM Jason Licht landed Charles Sims, an elite pass-catcher at running back very much in the mold of Matt Forte. Smith's struggles in Chicago didn't come so much in developing skill-position talent as they did with offensive lineman and so Bucs' fans may be holding their breath to see how quickly talented but raw blockers Kadeem Edwards and Kevin Pamphile handle the jump to the pros. Speedy slot receiver Robert Herron, on the other hand, could surprise as a sixth round pick.
Grade: B-
NFC WEST
ARIZONA CARDINALS: Deone Bucannon didn't generate as much pre-draft hype as some of the other safeties in this class but the 6-1, 211-pounder aptly named -- he closes on ballcarriers as if he's shot out of a cannon. The hard hitter also left Washington State with 15 career interceptions. In a secondary already boasting playmakers Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu, he'll fit right in. Fitting in won't be a problem for tight end Troy Niklas or big-play wideout John Brown, terrific fits in Bruce Arians' offense, which asks the tight end to block often and could put the former Pittsburg State speedster in a similar position to streak downfield as T.Y. Hilton has for the Indianapolis Colts. The Cardinals took calculated risks with defensive lineman Kareem Martin and Ed Stinson, as well as quarterback Logan Thomas but at palatable points in the draft. Thomas is a particularly intriguing project for Arians as he boasts the size (6-6, 248) and big arm to fit the offense and could develop better accuracy with some refining of his technique.
Grade: B+
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: In qualifying for three consecutive NFC Championship games, the 49ers clearly boast one of the league's most talented rosters and entered the draft with 11 selections (tied for second most in the NFL), so you couldn't blame GM Trent Baalke if he gambled a bit in the draft. He also filled clear areas of need, adding a versatile defensive back in Jimmie Ward, who has the range to handle safety as well the coverage ability to drop down and play nickel corner. The 49ers drafted the most intriguing center in the draft in Marcus Martin and added a dynamic athlete in slot receiver Bruce Ellington. Just as the club did a year ago with injured stars Tank Carradine and Marcus Lattimore, San Francisco invested relatively early picks in players likely to need a "redshirt" season, nabbing former Clemson tackle Brandon Thomas (projects to guard in this scheme) and cornerback Keith Reaser. Add to this, San Francisco added the most bullish runner in the draft with Carlos Hyde, a potential steal in pass rusher Aaron Lynch and quite possibly the most instinctive defender at any position in the draft in inside linebacker Chris Borland. San Francisco's selections were not without risk. Lynch has under-achieved to this point in his career and Borland's short arms make him a better fit in a 4-3 than a 3-4. It was otherwise another quality haul for a team that was just one tipped pass away from competing in their second consecutive Super Bowl.
Grade A
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: While basking in the glory of the first Super Bowl in team history, Seattle watched several key contributors get signed away in free agency. Though still boasting one of the league's deepest rosters, re-stocking the shelves with speed on the flanks and toughness, length and athleticism along the offensive and defensive lines was clearly the focus. Wide receiver Paul Richardson (4.3 40) offers a pure vertical speed element that could keep opponents from crowding the box to slow down Seattle's run-heavy attack. Kevin Norwood doesn't possess Richardson's rare acceleration but is pro-ready with the build and body control to also make the roster. Offensive tackle Justin Britt was a surprise in the second round but his length, functional strength and tenacity could help him vie for playing time as a rookie. Combative edge rusher Cassius Marsh and Jimmy Staten provide depth at the LEO and five-technique positions, respectively. Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith had better not rest on his laurels as Kevin Pierre-Louis is a similarly gifted athlete with eye-popping college production. No team has enjoyed more recent success on Day Three of the draft than the Seahawks and of their late selections, athletic offensive lineman Garrett Scott and hulking safety Eric Pinkins look especially promising.
Grade: B
ST. LOUIS RAMS: With two of the first 13 picks, the Rams were in an ideal position to boost their roster. GM Les Snead and head coach Jeff Fisher took full advantage, adding mauling run blocker Greg Robinson to significantly upgrade their physicality on the offensive line and making a very good defensive line the league's best with the addition of defensive tackle Aaron Donald to complement star Robert Quinn, rising talent Michael Brockers and steady veteran Chris Long. Snead filled arguably the team's biggest need with their next selection, nabbing a Honey Badger-like weapon in versatile defensive back Lamarcus Joyner in the second round. The addition of Tre Mason -- a running back some graded as the best in the class -- in the third round gives the team better big-play possibilities than incumbent starter Zac Stacy, a quality back in his own right. The Rams added several intriguing prospects to their secondary on Day Three of the draft, as well as Michael Sam, the co-SEC Defensive Player of the Year and the first openly gay player to get drafted into the NFL. Sam (the 249th player selected overall) is no guarantee to make the roster but given the talent on this defensive line, he'll get one-on-one opportunities off the edge and possesses the burst, strength and motor to endear him to coaches and fans, alike.
Grade: A
Just another Chicago Bulls Session… Pau Gasol will consider the Bulls, Spurs, Grizzlies, Lakers.
By Evan Massey
By Evan Massey
Pau Gasol is excited about his upcoming offseason, and he is going to look at four teams in particular when it comes to free agency.
According to Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders, Gasol will consider the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Lakers in free agency. All four of those teams could use a power forward with the skill-set that Gasol possesses.
It would certainly be intriguing to see Gasol sign with the Grizzlies and pair in the front-court with his brother Marc. That fit wouldn’t necessarily make the most sense with Memphis already having Zach Randolph at the power forward position.
The Lakers are expected to be planning a heavy push to re-sign Gasol, but he certainly hasn’t been happy with the direction that L.A. has been heading over the last couple of seasons. Chicago could be the best fit for him, as they are looking to move on from Carlos Boozer, but once again they have Taj Gibson penciled in as their starter next year. San Antonio would likely be the best fit if Gasol is looking for a starting position, as he and Tim Duncan could pair up.
Gasol played in and started 60 games for the Lakers this past season, averaging 17.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. He still has the ability to anchor a team in the front-court, but his time is beginning to wind down and he wants to win another NBA championship. There will be plenty of other teams that show interest in Gasol that could pique his interest, and one of those options could be the Phoenix Suns.
Overall, this is going to be a very interesting offseason in the NBA. There are quite a few talented players who have the option to test the free agent market, and there are plenty of teams that are trying to make big moves. Gasol will be one of the key names to keep an eye on, and there are quite a few options in play for him.
NBA Playoff Scores May10 - May 11, 2014.
NBA.com
May 10, 2014
Miami Heat 90
Brooklyn Nets 104
Heat leads the series 2-1
Next game: May 12, 2014, 8:00 PM (ET) TNT
San Antonio Spurs 118
Portland Trailblazers 103
Spurs lead the series 3-0
Next game: May 12, 2014, 10:30 PM (ET) TNT
May 11, 2014
Indiana Pacers 95
Washington Wizards 92
Pacers lead the series 3-2
Next game: May 13, 2014, 7:00 PM (ET) TNT
Oklahoma City Thunder 99
Los Angeles Clippers 101
Series tied 2-2
Next game: May 13, 2014, 9:30 PM (ET) TNT
White Sox Road Ahead: Road trip begins in Oakland.
CSN Staff
Sunday's performance against the Diamondbacks wasn't exactly the way the White Sox wanted to be playing as they head into a nine-game road trip, especially heading to Oakland.
But that's what Robin Ventura's group is up against after falling to Arizona and Chase Anderson, who defeated the South Siders in his Major-League debut, on Sunday afternoon, 5-1. After playing 13 of their last 16 games in Chicago (11 at home; two at Wrigley Field) the White Sox will say goodbye to U.S. Cellular Field for the next 10 days as they look to get back to .500.
First up is the Oakland Athletics, winners of four straight after sweeping the Washington Nationals at O.co Coliseum. The four-game sweep extended their lead in the AL West to 3 games over the second-place Angels, and though it's (very) early the Athletics tout the second best record in the American League (23-15), just 1/2 game behind the 21-12 Detroit Tigers. They're just one win behind the Milwaukee Brewers for most victories in all of baseball, and both CSN's Bill Melton and Frank Thomas understand what makes Oakland such a solid team.
"A lot of the times you've got to go in there and figure out who's playing because they have new names all the time. They never have the same bullpen, they never have the same four starters," Melton said, "but there's something about the Oakland A's, playing in that ballpark which has always been tough for the White Sox."
The White Sox are just 15-39 in Oakland since 2001, and Thomas, who played for the A's for parts of two different seasons, said part of that reason is because of the way Oakland plays.
"They go out and play fundamentally sound baseball, they pitch very well and they also have Chili Davis as their hitting coach. He was one of the best switch hitters of all-time. He makes a lot of contact with the hitters they have."
The series begins Monday, and you can catch Tuesday's and Wednesday's action on Comcast SportsNet. And make sure to stay interactive all season long with White Sox Pulse, using #WhiteSoxTalk on Twitter to join the conversation.
Major League Baseball Scores, Sunday, May 11, 2014.
Fox Sports
Los Angeles Angels 9
Toronto Blue Jays 3
Minnesota Twins 4
Detroit Tigers 3
Colorado Rockies 1
Cincinnati Reds 4
Philadelphia Phillies 4
New York Mets 5
Chicago Cubs 2
Atlanta Braves 5
Houston Astros 5
Baltimore Orioles 2
Cleveland Indians 6
Tampa Bay Rays 5
Arizona Diamondbacks 5
Chicago White Sox 1
New York Yankees 5
Milwaukee Brewers 6
Boston Red Sox 5
Texas Rangers 2
Washington Nationals 1
Oakland Athletics 9
San Francisco Giants 7
Los Angeles Dodgers 4
Miami Marlins 4
San Diego Padres 5
Kansas City Royals 9
Seattle Mariners 7
St. Louis Cardinals 6
Pittsburgh Pirates 5
Martin Kaymer drains one of the clutch putts of the season to win the Players Championship.
By Shane Bacon
The 17th at TPC Sawgrass is meant to be evil. Sitting out there just 130 or so yards, it's a fairly easy shot if you get past the fact that any miss means doom. When you're playing for the biggest check in golf, and a career achievement, the hole looks like someone is joking with you.
That's why the tee shot of Martin Kaymer on the 17th as he barely held on to a one-shot lead was so mystifying. The shot wasn't lucky or unlucky, good or bad, it was just, the one place on that green where you're really leaving it up to a favorable bounce if you want to walk away with a par.
Kaymer's bounced, spun, rolled and nearly went in the hazard he already cleared, but the ball stayed up, and there was life in the young man again. That was where the man that finally sunk the Americans at the 2012 Ryder Cup pulled off his usual antics when it's a life-changing putt, burying a 30-footer for a par and that all-important one-shot lead.
The 29-year-old went on to make a great par on the 18th, and lock up his first PGA Tour win since 2011.Jeff Gordon takes advantage of late pit stop to win at Kansas.
By Nick Bromberg
Jeff Gordon took the lead from Kevin Harvick during the final set of pit stops during Saturday night's 5-Hour Energy 400 at Kansas Speedway and held Harvick off at the line by less than a car-length for his 89th career victory.
Harvick had the evening's dominant car – heck Gordon even said so after the race – and methodically worked his way back to the front of the field after he was twice was trapped in the middle of the pack when caution flags came out during green flag pit stop cycles.
And he was leading when he headed to pit road for the final time. However, when Harvick ran out of gas getting on pit road, Gordon was able to take advantage.
"Then there at the end, we ran out of gas coming to pit road there, and I was looking at the fuel pressure gauge instead of the tach and I lost a bunch of time down pit road and off of pit road, wound up getting stuck behind (Gordon)," Harvick said.
The speed Gordon gave up allowed Harvick to close a significant gap over the final two corners. But it wasn't enough.
The last time Gordon was in the lead late in a race with a rock-solid chance for a win was at California earlier this season. But as he was heading towards the white flag, a caution came out for Clint Bowyer's spin. Gordon subsequently lost the lead during pit stops and finished 13th. He got the lead at the beginning of a green-white-checker restart at Texas because of a two-tire pit stop, but was no match for Joey Logano and his four fresh tires.
There was no pit decision or restart to worry about Saturday night, and it led to a win. With it, Gordon is now virtually locked into the Chase and he also extended his points lead to 15 over Matt Kenseth.
In Manuel Pellegrini, Manchester City had the right man for the job.
By Martin Rogers
Manchester City won the English Premier League title on Sunday in an outcome that wasn't the romantic one or the sentimental one or even the one that people came to expect over the course of nine dramatic and tumultuous months.
It was, however, the right one.
A banner at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday read "Oops, We Did It Again" and from the outside it was easy to think that City had stumbled over the finish line somehow, especially given Liverpool's much-publicized slip-ups over the closing two weeks. Yet this was no accident. Man City had a manager who knew his squad and held his nerve and boasted a group of players who might (for the neutrals) lack the feel-good factor of Liverpool's story but was clinically efficient and necessarily ruthless down the stretch.
The future for City is not entirely certain. There is a very real possibility that the club could face sanctions as European soccer chiefs aim to curb rampant spending funded by uber-wealthy owners. However, a core is in place. And that should ensure at least short-term stability with players like captain Vincent Kompany, veteran defender Pablo Zabaleta and, perhaps most of all, marauding midfielder Yaya Toure.
Greg Dyke, chairman of the Football Association, said last week it would be "pretty depressing" if City won the title featuring just two Englishmen regularly in the starting lineup. But there was no depression on the blue side of Manchester on Sunday as the final whistle blew and fans flooded onto the field to celebrate with the players. After a joyous but exhausting battle through the throng to reach the locker room, goalkeeper Joe Hart quipped that this was the hardest he'd had to work over the last five games.
He may not have been joking. City was as clutch as can be while powering to five straight victories to complete a two-point advantage over Liverpool in the final Premier League standings.
Liverpool still had a chance going into the final afternoon, but that depended on West Ham pulling off a shock win at the Etihad. Once Samir Nasri eased the tension for City with a goal after 39 minutes, the confetti could be taken out of the box. And once Kompany added a second four minutes after halftime the champagne could be put on ice.
Liverpool overturned a first-half deficit to beat Newcastle 2-1, but it didn't make any difference. Brendan Rodgers' side had to console themselves with the kudos of a job well done but an opportunity missed.
In the end, City led the title race for only 14 days but rounded into form when it mattered most. It also showed that this squad is more than a collection of expensive superstars.
"We cherish every moment of it, it is unbelievable really," Kompany said. "We have come from far. People can say what they want but I see it from the inside. We are building a club with heart and soul."
When City won its first title in 44 years in 2012, it took two goals in the final moments of the campaign, a conclusion of indescribable drama. This time, it was much more straightforward at the end, a sign perhaps that City are getting used to being in this position.
"We are a team that is ready for more," Toure said.
Manchester City most certainly looks like it.
NCAA Football: Youngstown State offers president's job to Tressel.
AP-Sports
Trustees at Youngstown State University voted Friday to offer the president's job to former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, who started his college coaching career there.
The Youngstown State appointment will not be official until a contract is signed, school spokesman Ron Cole said. The board chairman and vice chairman were authorized to begin negotiations.
Tressel, who has been an administrator at the University of Akron for two years, said he looks forward to building on Youngstown State's success.
''We are honored and privileged to accept the board's offer and we are humbled by this opportunity to return to the area and school that we deeply love,'' Tressel said in a written statement with his wife.
Tressel became a popular figure in the area while coaching Youngstown State's football team from 1986 to 2000, a run that included four Division I-AA national titles, and serving as the Penguins' athletic director for part of that time.
In picking the school's next leader, trustees chose the 61-year-old Tressel over the president of Southern Oregon University and the chancellor of the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
''After fully examining each and every candidate and reviewing the input from hundreds of individuals across the campus and the community, the Board of Trustees believes Mr. Tressel is the right individual at the right time to lead Youngstown State University,'' board chairman Sudershan Garg said in a statement. ''Mr. Tressel has the personality and leadership skills, in addition to widespread community support, to dramatically raise YSU's profile and prominence across Ohio and the nation.''
Tressel recently was a finalist for but was not chosen to be president at the University of Akron, where he is executive vice president for student success. He went to Akron after being forced out at Ohio State following a scandal in which players sold memorabilia for cash and tattoos, leading to an investigation that resulted in sanctions against the team and Tressel.
While making his pitch for the president's job to faculty, staff and students at Youngstown State, he told reporters he was not planning to return to coaching and would accept his next position with the understanding that it would be long-term.
The faculty union at Youngstown State supported his bid to be president. The 13,500-student school launched its search for a new leader after President Randy Dunn accepted a job leading the Southern Illinois University system.
Tressel received a bachelor's degree in education from Baldwin-Wallace College in 1975 and a master's degree in education from the University of Akron in 1977.
NCAA Basketball: Rules committee wants stricter block-charge calls.
AP-Sports
The NCAA men's basketball rules committee wants a stricter interpretation on charge-block calls next season.
It still must be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel in June.
The most significant change would require defenders to be set in legal guarding position before an offensive player jumps to draw a charge. If the defender moves in any direction, other than vertically to block a shot, it would be called a block.
Other potential changes include expanding the restricted area in front of the basket, calling fouls for defenders who push a leg or knee into the rear end of a player of an opponent and calling a foul on the offensive player if he gained position by pushing back. Those changes would only be used on an experimental basis.
On This Date in Sports History: Today is Monday, May 12, 2014.
MemoriesofHistory.com
1917 - Omar Khayyam became the first imported horse to win the Kentucky Derby.
1950 - The American Bowling Congress abolished its white males-only membership restriction after 34 years.
1955 - Sam Jones (Chicago Cubs) became the first black to pitch a no-hitter. The game was against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1957 - A.J. Foyt won his first auto racing victory in Kansas City, MO.
1966 - The St. Louis Cardinals played their first game at Busch Memorial Stadium. They won the game 4-3 over the Atlanta Braves.
1970 - Ernie Banks (Chicago Cubs) hit his 500th home run.
1972 - The Milwaukee Brewers beat the Minnesota Twins, 4-3, in 22 innings. The game was actually completed on May 13.
1982 - The United States Football League (USFL) was formed.
1985 - The New York Knicks won the first NBA Draft Lottery.
1996 - Lance Armstrong became the first cyclist to repeat in the American Tour DuPont.
1997 - Larry Bird was announced as the new head coach of the Indiana Pacers.
1998 - Indiana Pacers head coach Larry Bird became only the third rookie head coach to win the NBA Coach of the Year award.
1998 - The Atlanta Braves tied a national league record when they hit a home run in their 24th consecutive game.
1998 - Mark McGwire (St. Louis Cardinals) hit a 527-foot home run at Busch Stadium. It was the longest home run in the history of the stadium.
1998 - St. Louis Cardinal manager Tony LaRussa recorded his 1,500th victory.
2003 - Churchill Downs stewards announced that they had determined that Jose Santos had not done anything prohibited in his Kentucky Derby win.
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