Bishop Media Sports Network
Offensive Minded
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As sports fans, whenever our teams start to struggle, there’s always someone we blame.
Sometime it’s the star player; sometimes the head coach. When it came to the Carolina Panthers that scapegoat used to be former Offensive Coordinator, Mike Shula. For Falcons fans think Steve Sarkisian type hatred, to the tenth degree.
When Shula was relieved of his duties following the season, you could hear that collected sigh of relief coming from the Panthers fan base.
It’s been a few weeks since Carolina brought in Norv Turner as Shula’s replacement, with tepid excitement.
Turner’s success as an NFL head coach has been less than stellar, to put it politely. His history working with quarterbacks and his reputation as an Offensive Coordinator, has been well earned.
Two accusations that followed Shula during his tenure was mundane play calling, as well as an inability to help Cam Newton realize his full potential. (I was not a huge fan of Shula, but I always thought the latter was a little unfair. I mean, Cam did win a MVP under Shula’s direction).
Turner has never struck me as someone who was an innovative offensive mind but rather someone who was an excellent play caller. It’s kind of like going to a music concert; would you rather hear the hits or songs from their “experimental” album when they were trying to find themselves?
Turner isn’t going to reinvent the plays being run, he’s just going to do a better job of calling them.
As for the part about Cam’s lack of development under Shula, that really shouldn’t be an issue with Turner. The new Carolina OC has a history of getting the most out of his quarterbacks.
His influence on QB’s like Troy Aikman and Philip Rivers are well known, but he has been very successful with those who aren’t current/future Hall of Famers. Take his time in Minnesota; his most recent NFL stop before Carolina.
In his three years with the Vikings he helped turn Teddy Bridgewater in a Pro Bowl Quarterback and was calling plays when Sam Bradford set an NFL record for completion percentage.
Cam has a lot to work on- footwork and accuracy being two of the larger ones- but it’s obvious the talent is there; just look at what he accomplished three years ago. Working with Turner every day, you’d expect to see some of the growth missing over the past few years.
There is some trepidation with the hiring though. For one, outside of his coaching gigs, Turner’s stay with the Vikings, 3 years, has been his longest stop since he was Wise Receivers with the Rams in the late ‘80’s.
Like I mentioned, some of those stops were short lived because of head coaching jobs, but overall he is not someone who stays in one place for an extended period of time. I don’t know if it’s because he wears out his welcome fairly quickly, or if he’s a “grass is always greener on the other side” person. However, for a franchise like Carolina that puts a premium on stability, Turner’s one night stand history is a little worrisome.
There have been a lot of changes to the Panthers organization since the season ended, both on and off the field.
The firing of Shula was one most fans were happy to see. The jury is still out on Turner. If history repeats itself, the Panthers should see some success in the offensive side of the ball. Just don’t get too excited, it may only be for one year.
Ready, Set, Go
By: TJ Hartnett
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Play ball!
The 2018 MLB season is under way and the Braves have wrapped up their first series of the year by winning two out of three against the Phillies.
That’s three games down, 159 to go but let’s unpack this tiny little sample size and see what we can deduce about how the rest of the season might go.
First off, this offense can be potent even without Ronald Acuna, Jr. They put up runs in all three games, including a huge night of 19 hits and 15 runs in the rubber game on Saturday.
That game in particular was a feat because they didn’t hit a single home run in the contest and that’s going to be something to keep an eye one.
This isn’t a team loaded with power (Nick Markakis, despite his walk off bomb on Opening Day, is not a powerful cleanup hitter), but they grinded and scrapped all series long to get the runs they got.
Of particular note were some of the players you might not have realized were on the team. Ryan Flaherty tore the cover off of the ball against Philadelphia (he’s hitting .538 on the season) and platoon left fielder Preston Tucker recorded two hits over the last two games to go along with his knock on Thursday. Along with Chris Stewart, who also featured prominently during the series finale, these are the guys that Alex Anthopoulos added to the team late and they are showing their worth so far.
Let’s not sell short the returning Braves either. Catchers aside, (because they’re both hurt) the returning Atlanta Braves, save one, are all hitting above .300 to start the season.
Ozzie Albies is the odd man out so far but he contributed a home run to the rally on Opening Day and has looked good in both the field and at the plate.
The rest, consisting of Ender Inciarte, Freddie Freeman, Markakis, and most importantly Dansby Swanson, have all racked up several hits on the young season so far.
Swanson went hitless in the first game but collected five in the following two. Hopefully, the rule to Thursdays exception.
The pitching, in particular the starting pitching, has also been good so far. Julio Teheran pitched five solid innings before leaving the field a bit of a mess in the sixth, Mike Foltynewicz through five with seven strikeouts against just one walk and two earned runs and new Brave Brandon McCarthy settled down after a rough first to pick up the first win for a Braves starter on the year.
It hasn’t been a showcase of several Clayton Kershaws but it was never going to be and what they did get was good enough.
But all that good work aside, what really stood out about this series is how inept Gabe Kapler looked as the manager of the Phillies.
From taking Aaron Nola out after 68 pitches and a 5-0 lead in game 1 to using 9 pitchers in game 2, to taking out his starter without having warmed up a reliever in game 3, the guy is going to get eaten alive by the Philadelphia press this week.
The Phillies are a better team on paper but unless Kapler can make some huge strides, and soon, the Braves will be looking forward to plaything them 16 more times before October.
Speaking of managers, a point of interest: Brian Snitker must be chasing Bobby Cox’s career record for ejections, as he’s been tossed twice in three games. It bears mentioning that those are the two victories, so maybe he ought to make it a trend.
Jason Bishop Show w Kipp Branch March 31
SSE Minute March 30
All-Magic
By: Kenneth Harrison Jr.
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
In the NBA some franchises stand out for dominating over different eras.
Some examples of that are Chicago, Boston, Detroit or the Los Angeles Lakers. There are other teams that don’t have that kind of extensive history but they have had some great players.
For instance, the Charlotte Hornets or Seattle Sonics have had some superstars. Orlando is probably the best example of this. Let’s see who the greatest player in Magic history is.
Penny Hardaway is the best point guard in franchise history. Hardaway played in Orlando from 1993-1999. Standing at 6’7 he was a taller than the average PG and could see over the defense. He was also an explosive athlete and won several accolades. He won the MVP award at the inaugural Schick Rookie Game.
He was named to the NBA All-Star team four times (1995-1998) and All-NBA First Team twice (1995 & 96). Penny also won a gold medal in 1996 at the Olympics.
Steve Francis played in Orlando from 2004-06 but he made an impact. He averaged 19.4 points, 5.4 rebounds per game, 6.5 assists per game and 42.6% from the field.
Center Rony Seikaly is probably best known for being the first player picked by the Heat in 1998 but he spent a couple of seasons with the Magic (1996-98). He averaged 16.4 PPG, 8.7 RPG and 48% field goal percentage. Those are very solid numbers and he was almost a walking double-double.
Horace Grant had two different stints with the team, 1994-99 and 2001-03. He was probably at his best in Chicago but he brought veteran leadership to Orlando and helped lead them to the Finals in 1995. He put up 11.3 PPG and 8.2 RPG.
Dennis Scott (1990-97) is not very well rounded but he was a great shooter. He was one of the most prolific three-point shooters of the 90’s. He shot 40.3% beyond the arc with 14.8 PPG.
Nick Anderson (1989-99) was a very good shooting guard. Before the arrival of Shaq during the 1991-92 season he averaged 19.9 points and 6.4 rebounds. At 6’6 he was the same height as fellow shooting guard Michael Jordan.
Tracy McGrady (2000-04) was in his prime when he came back home to Florida. He was 2x All-NBA First Team (2002-03) and he made the All-Star game every season. He averaged 28.1 PPG, 7 RPG, 5.2 APG and 1.5 steals per game. He led the league in scoring two of the four seasons he spent with the team. He also led some mediocre teams to the playoffs three-straight years.
Dwight Howard (2004-2012) was a very athletic big man. He won the Slam Dunk Contest (2008), 3x NBA rebounding leader (2008-10, 2012), 2x blocks leader (2009, 2010) 5 x All-NBA First team (2008-12) and 5x NBA All-Star.
He was very limited offensively and he really did not develop a post game. He still managed to score 18.4 PPC, 13 RPG, 2.2 blocks per game on 57.7% shooting.
Rashard Lewis (2007-10) is often overlooked but he played well. At 6’10 he played both forward positions and created match-up problems. He shot 39.3%from three-point range and made the All-Star game in 2009.
You know who the best player has to be. Shaquille O’Neal (1992-96) is one of the most dominant players ever. He was in the best shape of his career when he played for the Magic.
The Diesel made the All-Star game every year he spent with the team. He led them to their first Finals in 1995. Super Man had 27.2 PPG, 12.5 RPG on 58.1% shooting.
Final Four Madness
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
I’m not a religious man.
Don’t get me wrong, I was raised Catholic but the only thing I retained are the litany of jokes regarding Catholicism. After this Loyola Chicago run and the support they’re receiving from America’s most popular nun since Whoopi Goldberg in “Sister Act”, I’m starting to rethink my religious convictions.
March Madness always has upsets, buzzer beaters, etc., but it just feels like this year has taken all those things to a whole new level. From a 16 seed defeating a 1 seed for the first time in history, to a Sweet Sixteen consisting of two regions without any top 2 seeds, to an 11 seed making it to the Final Four; throw in all the other stuff that has happened in between, I’m not sure there’s been a more entertaining tournament in recent memory.
Of course, based upon the first two weekends of the tournament, it’s only fitting we have the Final Four that awaits us in San Antonio. This year, we’ll get a little bit of everything.
The Pedigree: Kansas. After two years of having their season end in the Elite Eight, the Jayhawks were finally able to break through and advance. I’m not sure they are the best team remaining, but they are the most complete team.
Like the other three teams, Kansas’ strength is their perimeter play, but nobody has their size down low. If the Jayhawks are to win it all, they’ll need their post players to play big.
Arguably the Best Team All Season: Villanova. The Wildcats will arrive in Texas as the favorites to win their second title in three years. There really isn’t anything they don’t do well.
Defense? Yes. Take care of the ball? Yep. Potent offense? Sure, if you’re the type of person who likes your team to score a lot of points and hit a lot threes. For a team that plays 4 guards a majority of the time, they even rebound well. Not to say they can’t have an off night, or can’t be beat, but they’re the favorite for a reason.
Big Conference Team Clicking at the Right Time: Michigan. As much as I just drooled over Villanova and the way they play, you could argue the Wolverines are playing the best of this group. Three point shooting is going to be the key. If they’re making their shots from beyond the arc, they’ll have a shot. If not, it may be a one and done situation for the Big Ten champs.
Cinderella Team: Loyola Chicago. There have been other double digit seeds and mid-major schools (George Mason in 2006) that have made the Final Four, but I’m not sure any of them had as legitimate a chance to advance to the championship game as this Ramblers team.
Defensively, Loyola is good enough to disrupt Michigan’s offense and either of the teams they would meet in the championship game, if they are to make that far. They’re the underdogs, without a doubt, but don’t be surprised if they cause a little commotion.
After a season and tournament that has more than lived up to the hype, you can only hope that the final weekend will be more of the same. Based on the way the remaining four teams have played, I would expect nothing less.
You can take the pageantry of the Super Bowl or the excitement leading up to the college football playoffs; I’ll take March Madness over either of those every single time. It’s become a religious experience.
Brave Business
By: TJ Hartnett
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Ronald Acuna, Jr. had a stellar showing in spring training for the Braves this year.
The heir apparent to left field led the team with four home runs in 16 games to go along with his bonkers slash line of .432/.519/.727. Oh, and he also stole 4 bases.
To sum up, the kid is good and he’s going to win Rookie of the Year; once he makes the big-league club.
That’s right, Acuna has already been demoted to Triple A despite having the best spring of anyone on the team and he’ll begin the season in Gwinnett, just as predicted.
Don’t fret however, because he’ll be donning his Atlanta uniform on April 13th. Write in down in pen.
The reason for this decision comes down to money and player control, not that anyone in the Braves’ front office would say so publicly. It’s the same situation that the Cubs found themselves in with Kris Bryant, the Philles with Maikel Franco, and the Astros with George Springer.
Due to complicated and pretty stupid Collective Bargaining Agreement details (the players are really going to have some things to say when the current CBA expires) if the Braves keep Acuna in the minor leagues through April 12th, they’ll get an extra year of at the end of his initial contract before he’s eligible for free agency.
Essentially Atlanta is trading two weeks of baseball’s best prospect in 2018 for a full year of a player entering his prime six years from now. A fair trade, if you ask me.
It’s a loophole that will almost certainly be closed in the next few years, as it does deny the players involved a whole year of potential big money but the Braves will reap the benefits for now.
As they should, because this is not the same situation as the Cubs were in in 2015, when they were a competitive team. Bryant being held back and the interim third basemen going 1-for-12 in the three losses out of five games might have actually made a difference to Chicago, who could have had home field advantage in the Wild Card Game with just one more win (they beat the Pirates in Pittsburgh anyway, mind you).
A few losses due to some lesser left fielders taking the field instead of Acuna will have no such impact for Atlanta.
I know it’s disappointing for those who bought Opening Day tickets (see you there), but let’s not pretend that two weeks of Acuna are going to make or break the Braves’ 2018 season.
The Nationals are going to win the NL East again (and lose in the first round again) and a few extra at-bats by our best prospect isn’t going to stop them.
The Wild Card is going to be out of reach as well. I think the team is going to be able to take some steps forward this year but there are better teams out there who will secure those spots.
The Braves won’t find themselves in the cellar (hello, Miami) but the youth and inexperience of the pitching staff will prevent them from finding a way into the playoffs this year.
On the other hand, in six years’ time those pitchers will be in their primes and so will the likes of Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, and Ronald Acuna, Jr.
There will be more use for him on the other end of this contract than there is right now and that’s why the Braves are doing what they’re doing.
This demotion was expected and its good business. Ronald Acuna, Jr. will be here soon anyway, on April 13th.
Jason Bishop Show w Kipp Branch March 24
SSE Minute March 23
Free Spending Jags
By: Kenneth Harrison Jr.
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The best part of the NFL offseason in my opinion is free agency. I like it better than the draft because these players are proven commodities in the league. The problem with the draft is we really don’t know how the players coming from college will pan out.
One team that’s been extremely active in free agency is Jacksonville. They do what every team is supposed to, address weaknesses. Last season the marquee signing was defensive tackle Calais Campbell.
He set the Jaguars single game sack record (4) in his first game. Campbell helped lead them to their first playoff berth in a decade. Jacksonville advanced to the AFC Championship game and they almost defeated New England. This year’s signings are supposed to make them better than the Patriots.
The franchise played it safe and resigned quarterback Blake Bortles. Bortles isn’t a great QB so he needs a lot of help. They are trying to surround him with talented playmakers.
The best playmaker might be wide receiver Marqise Lee, who re-signed with Jacksonville.
Fellow receiver Allen Robinson signed with Chicago. Allen Hurns is a candidate to be released so Lee is the best returning WR. Lee led the Jags with 56 catches and ranked second in receiving yards (702) playing in 14 regular-season games.
Former Colts WR Donte Moncrief was signed to a one-year deal. Moncrief didn’t have a great 2017 season but some of that was due to poor quarterback play in Indianapolis.
Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins at 6’5, 260 pounds will be a big red zone target. He has not lived up to the hype since being drafted in the second round in 2014. He did have his best statistical season last year with 50 catches, 374 yards and 3 touchdowns.
They also signed another tight end, Niles Paul. The most receptions he has ever had in a season is 39 in 2014. That’s more than double the reception totals for any of his others between 2011-2017.
Guard Andrew Norwell signed a $66.5 million contract over five years. He really provides stability to a weak interior offensive line. His addition will help open holes for Leonard Fournette in the run game and provide pass protection.
The Jags also added some players on defense. Linebacker Lerentee McCray signed a two-year contract. He’s played sparingly in his four-year career. In 2017 he had 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He does help provide depth on defense and he contributes on special teams.
Cornerback D.J. Hayden signed a contract for 3 years and $19 million. Hayden has not had more than one interception in a season. He hasn’t had a pick since 2015. He will also provide depth and likely be the Nickel CB.
They continued with the theme of adding quality depth in the secondary. They signed safeties Cody Davis and Don Carey. The defensive unit was ranked second overall in total defense.
These moves might help improve an already dominant unit. I think the Jags will be the most talented team in the AFC after the draft. Now let’s see how that translates into winning games.
