was found in both the upper and lower cities to confirm that the Hazor of the Late Bronze I Age indeed was destroyed by a great fire, and that the “cultic centers seemed to have been singled out for especially harsh treatment by the conquerors in the 15th century” BC.[55]V. THUTMOSE III AS THE DESTROYER OF THE LATE BRONZE I CITY1. Pro Thutmose III. To whom does Hazor’s chief archaeologist attribute the destruction of the city of the Late Bronze I Age? According to Ben-Tor’s published excavation report, “This destruction is most probably contemporary with the end of Stratum 2 in the lower city, which may have been the result of the military campaign led by Thutmosis III.”[56] The association between Stratum 2 of the lower city and Stratum XV on the tel—the level of the Late Bronze I findings in Area M—remains undisputed, but does the extant evidence agree with Ben-Tor’s proposal that Thutmose III just may be the right choice for the destroyer of the city of this age?In the first half of the 15th century BC, during the nearly 54-year-long reign of Thutmose III, Egypt reached the zenith of its imperial expansion, receiving tribute from nations as far away as Assyria and Babylon.[57] Yadin connects this era in Egypt’s history to the “LB I [Hazor] which still existed in the times of Thutmosis III.”[58] This valiant pharaoh launched 17 known military campaigns into/through Syro-Palestine, during any of which he could have reduced Hazor to rubble and burned it to the ground. The record of his exploits in neighboring Palestine clearly makes him prime suspect number one, but does the record warrant that he can or should be dubbed as the figure most likely to have destroyed Late Bronze I Hazor?Thutmose III is credited with initiating the ANE custom of listing the Asiatic and African peoples whom he conquered, or over whom he claimed dominion. In the Temple of Amun at Karnak, three of his lists bear inscriptions with the names of conquered peoples. Subsequent New-Kingdom (ca. 1560–1069 BC) pharaohs followed this example by compiling such lists also, among whom are Amenhotep II, Thutmose IV, Amenhotep III, Horemheb, Seti I, Ramses II, and Ramses III. One city on Thutmose III’s conquest-lists is Hazor, meaning that he either destroyed or subjugated it. Which of these two options is correct, though? The answer seems to lie with Amenhotep II (ca. 1455–1418 BC), his son and successor, who also lists Hazor among the cities that he conquered.[59] Yet, could Amenhotep II himself have conquered or subjugated Hazor if his father recently had razed the city and burned it to the ground? Archaeology and epigraphy answer all of these questions.2. Contra Thutmose III. Evidence related to the reigns of Thutmose III and Amenhotep II strongly contradicts the theory that Thutmose III may be responsible for the destruction of Late Bronze I Hazor.a. Evidence related to the reign of Thutmose III. Thutmose III is far more likely to have subjugated Hazor than actually to have destroyed it.
In support of this conclusion is the parallel that exists with
several other cities that were destroyed or subjugated by Thutmose III and Amenhotep II. Relevant among these cities are Aleppo, Kadesh, and Tunip. Kadesh, which is considered to have been the most powerful city in Syria and was mentioned already as being the focal point of rebellious opposition to Egypt at the outset of the reign of Thutmose III, is the closest of these cities in proximity to Hazor.[60] Not to be deterred, Egypt’s greatest imperialistic pharaoh eventually attacked Kadesh and “destroyed” the city. However, Pritchard notes this about the invasion of Kadesh: “The word ‘destroy,’ used with reference to this town, is not to be taken literally; Thutmose may have done no more than destroy its food supplies.”[61] Redford concurs, as he writes, “The mountains were crossed and Kadesh attacked directly. Although the terse entry in the daybook reads ‘destroying it,’ it is clear that the city itself did not fall, and suffered only the laying waste of its orchards and crops.”[62]Even Kadesh, the fierce enemy of Thutmose III that led a rebellion against Egypt at the outset of his reign as sole regent, was not razed or burned down by this pharaoh. If loathsome Kadesh was shown such mercy, as confirmed by Amenhotep II’s later “destruction” of that city also, what reason would Thutmose III have to burn down nearby Hazor?[63] The primary goal of this imperialist was subjugation and tribute-collection, not destruction and annihilation.[64] Only on rare occasions would he so devastate a city, as he had no intention of applying a scorched-earth policy.[65] Actually, these cities were merely stepping stones toward his ultimate goals: the defeat of Mitanni, the conquest of Mesopotamia and its environs, and the status of dominant world-empire.[66] Since Hazor was located on this pharaoh’s normal campaigning route, he and his enormous army would be far wiser to preserve and exploit Hazor, as their 17 campaigns through Palestine required innumerable supplies. A central part of the Egyptian campaigning policy in Palestine was to provide food for the troops and horses.[67]b. Evidence related to the reign of Amenhotep II. Even stronger evidence demonstrating that Thutmose III did not burn the city to the ground is that Hazor was a functioning city during Amenhotep II’s reign, and that Amenhotep II himself could not have burned the city to the ground either, despite his own claim to have destroyed Hazor. This conclusion is based on both archaeological and epigraphical evidence. Archaeologically, Hazor’s stratigraphy reveals a notably long period of non-habitation that occurred between the city’s Late Bronze I and Late Bronze II occupations, thus demonstrating that Hazor sat deserted for a considerable time after its conflagration at the close of Late Bronze I. Yadin writes in reference to the findings in the lower city, “In view of a considerable accumulation between Stratum 2 and Stratum 1B above it, it may be assumed perhaps that there was a gap in the history of Hazor, some time in the middle of the fifteenth century” BC.[68]This “considerable accumulation” attests to a period of multiple decades in which the once-glorious Hazor sat abandoned, unused, and uninhabited. Since Amenhotep II mentions Hazor on the conquest list of his Year-3 campaign, the city cannot have been destroyed by his father and then abandoned throughout the entirety of his own reign. If Amenhotep II’s claim to have destroyed Hazor is accepted as trustworthy,[69] this renders a conflagration under Thutmose III and a subsequent invasion/conquest under Amenhotep II mutually exclusive, an impossible chain of events. There had to be an occupied city of Hazor for Amenhotep II to conquer!Important archaeological evidence exists in the form of a royal scarab from the reign of Thutmose IV (ca. 1418–1408 BC).[70] This son and successor of Amenhotep II reigned for a modest “eight-plus years,” though most scholars assiEnglish Rosetta Stone
2011年3月17日星期四
he was estimated to have died at 44 years of age,
72 meaning that a 55-year lifespan exceeds the projections of the X-ray evidence, and thus is “an impossibly high result according to the medical evidence.”73 Yet Robins is convinced that when identifying a pharaoh’s age at death, there is good reason to cast doubt on X-ray evidence as a whole.74 Support for this criticism is found in the discrepancy over Thutmose III’s lifespan.75 While he lived at least until age 55, his mummy reportedly displays skeletal features of a man of 40–45 years old, meaning that the X-ray evidence makes him appear no less than 10–15 years younger than his actual age at death.76 Thus the 10-year discrepancy with Amenhotep II’s mummy is not problematic, and a reign of 37 1/3 years remains a fully realistic option.VI. THE SECOND ASIATIC CAMPAIGN AS THE RESULT OF THE EXODUS1. The Great Reduction in Campaigning and Expansionism.The renowned conqueror Thutmose III led 17 military campaigns into the Levant, but his son—in stark contrast—led only two or three. While many scholars have attempted to determine the exact number, there exists a virtual dearth of discussion about this sharp decline. Aharoni attributes it to an underlying diminishment of Egyptian power: “Already in the days of Amenhotep II, the son of Thutmose III, cracks began to appear in the structure of the Egyptian Empire.”77 Vandersleyen hints at the dissipation of Egypt’s might by the end of Amenhotep II’s reign: “It seems possible to consider this reign as unsuccessful, a time of decline: a few exploits abroad, a few preserved memorials, an almost complete absence of sources after the ninth year of the reign.”78 Yet the intervening years featured neither Egypt’s engagement/loss in war nor a significant change in the political climate. Der Manuelian writes, “Despite Thutmose III’s military success, Mitanni remained Egypt’s primary adversary in Dynasty 18, and there is no reason to doubt her continued aggressive policy in the reign of the young king Amenhotep II.”79While this may be true, Amenhotep II’s Year-9 campaign was the last to pit Egypt against Mitanni. During the reign of Thutmose IV, Mitanni—under threat from the Hittite King Tudhaliyas II—attempted to forge an alliance with its Egyptian arch-enemy, demonstrating a complete reversal in relations between these formerly incompatible superpowers. EA (Amarna Letter) 109 reveals that by the mid-14th century BC, Egypt held only nominal control of Palestine, as they no longer struck fear into the Canaanite rulers.80 One author notes that “this relative military inertness lasted until Horemheb’s coming to power” in ca. 1335 BC.81 How does one explain this great disparity in Egypt’s campaigning, the uncharacteristic change in political policy toward their bitter enemy to the north, and Egypt’s general loss of power and imperialistic dominance?2. The Motivation for the Recording of Amenhotep II’s Asiatic Campaigns.The relative shortage of military activity during Amenhotep II’s reign cannot be attributed to timidity. He recorded his few military excursions into Asia in The Annals of Amenhotep II, which contain not a complete, daily record of each stop on the various routes, but only a selection of the events that accentuate his courage and present him in a positive light.82 Pritchard adds that “Amenhotep II gloried in his reputation for personal strength and prowess. His records, therefore, contrast with those of his predecessor and father, Thutmose III, in emphasizing individual achievement.”83 Thus Amenhotep II’s exploits were motivated by a thirst to attain universal fame and glory.3. The Number of Amenhotep II’s Asiatic Campaigns.Prior to the discovery of the Memphis Stele, most scholars assumed that both Amenhotep II’s Asiatic campaign, as recounted on the fragmentary Karnak Stele, and the operations against Takhsi, mentioned in the Amada and Elephantine Stelae, describe one event. With the Memphis Stele’s discovery, it is still possible that the Karnak, Amada, and Elephantine Stelae refer to a common campaign, but the notion of only one campaign was proven false, since the Memphis Stele clearly delineates two distinct, separately numbered campaigns.84 However, its text presents a dilemma: “The translator finds it impossible to reconcile the dates in these several stelae.”85 The available evidence allows for two views: (1) Amenhotep II conducted three Asiatic campaigns; (2) Amenhotep II conducted two Asiatic campaigns. Relevant inscriptional evidence from antiquity solves this dispute, which is critical to this pharaoh’s biography.a. The Evidence from the Memphis Stele.Two sources record multiple Asiatic campaigns under Amenhotep II: the Memphis and Karnak Stelae, which are partially duplicates in content. Both stelae are attributable to this pharaoh with confidence, as they begin with his complete titulary. The Memphis Stele, later reused by a 21st-Dynasty prince as part of the ceiling of his burial chamber (ca. 875 BC), offers the more extensive text. It presents both an earlier campaign in central and northern Syria, and a later one in Palestine, dating “his first victorious campaign” to Year 7, Month 1, Season 3, Day 25 (ca. 15 May) and “his second victorious campaign” to Year 9, Month 3, Season 1, Day 25 (ca. 15 November).86b. The Evidence from the Karnak Stele.Another source that attests to the Asiatic campaigns, lying to the south of the Eighth Pylon at Karnak, is the Karnak Stele, which survives in a more damaged state than the Memphis Stele. The Karnak Stele consists of a two-part relief, with each displaying a pharaoh who is presenting an offering to Amun-Re. Between the two parts is a vertical line of text that records Seti I’s restoration of the monument.87 Whether this stele originally bore the same dates as those on the Memphis Stele is unknown, but that it recounts the same two campaigns described on the Memphis Stele is now clear. Hoffmeier even refers to them as “two nearly identical stelae,” though the Karnak Stele devotes much less space to the second campaign than does the Memphis Stele.88 Both stelae were hacked-up during the Amarna Revolution and restored during the 19th Dynasty, with the Karnak Stele betraying poorer restoration.89 Its postscript names Thutmose as the erector, assumed to be Thutmose IV, who evidently erected the stele after his accession.90c. The Evidence from the Amada and Elephantine Stelae.The Amada and Elephantine Stelae also offer evidence regarding the number of campaigns, as both speak of a “first victorious campaign” of Amenhotep II, during which seven Syrian chiefs were captured in the region of Takhsi. Both texts state that they were erected “after his majesty returned from Upper Retenu, having felled all those who had rebelled against him while he was extending the borders of Egypt.91 His majesty came joyously to his father Amun, having slain with his own bludgeon the seven chiefs who were in the district of Takhsi.”92 Both stelae commence with this date: Year 3, Month 3, Season 3, Day 15 (ca. 4 July), which coincides with a celebration after the Egyptians returned from the first campaign.93 This date demonstrates that the “first victorious campaign” transpired no later than Year 3 of Amenhotep II. How can this date be resolved with the Year-7 date on the Memphis Stele, when both describe his first campaign? These ancient sources allow for two theories on how many campaigns were launched. d. The Theory of Three Asiatic Campaigns Launched by Amenhotep II. Many scholars believe that Amenhotep II campaigned into Asia three times, with two options offered to resolve the conflicting information on the stelae. (1) The numbering of campaigns is particular to individual stelae. Drioton and Vandier suggest that Amenhotep II undertook Asiatic campaigns in Years 3, 7, and 9, and that the “first victorious campaign” on the Memphis Stele is the first of two campaigns described on that particular stele.94 Thus the scribe merely used
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first victorious campaign,” is used correctly on the Amada,
Elephantine, and Memphis Stelae. The earlier “first victorious campaign” occurred in Year 3, during the coregency, while the latter transpired in Year 7, on his first military excursion as an independent monarch. To accent his own achievement, Amenhotep II simply restarted his numbering once he stepped out of his father’s shadow.96 Yet once again, no precedent exists for pharaohs dating their military campaigns separately: first as a coregent, then as a sole ruler. This theory would be far more tenable if an inscription were found that dubbed the initial campaign described on the Memphis Stele as “the first victorious campaign of Amenhotep II’s sole rule.” Moreover, a crippling weakness is that Amenhotep II launched his Year-3 campaign as a sole ruler, in response to the Syro-Palestinian revolt waged after his father’s death.By way of evaluation, insurmountable obstacles plague both versions of the three-campaign theory, thus rendering this option insufficient and unacceptable. The greatest problem is the lack of precedent for any such dual numbering of military campaigns by New-Kingdom pharaohs. Redford rightly notes, “[T]hat two separate systems of year-numbering were employed by Amenophis (II) is without other foundation and is a priori unlikely.”97 Moreover, a comparison of lines 2–3 on the Memphis Stele with lines 16–19 on the Amada Stele— both of which describe his “first victorious campaign”—reveals some strong similarities, particularly in the choice of words and the parallel actions depicted, so all of the various “first campaigns” of Amenhotep II surely refer to a singular Asiatic campaign.98e. The Theory of Two Asiatic Campaigns.The inadequacies of the three-campaign theory have caused many scholars to propose that Amenhotep II launched only two Asiatic campaigns, despite the victory stelae attributing campaigns to Years 3, 7, and 9. This theory also has two variations. (1) The Year-3 campaign is synonymous with the Year-7 campaign due to differing regnal counting systems. Its proponents assert that the Amada and Elephantine Stelae record the same campaign as the Memphis Stele’s first campaign, but with the stipulation that the latter stele counts regnal years from the beginning of the coregency, while the former stelae count them from the outset of the sole rule. As Pritchard calculates, “A possible reconciliation would be that the 7th year after the coregency began was the 3rd year of the sole reign.”99 One problem with this variation is the lack of precedent for dating pharaonic regnal years using two different methods: sometimes coregent numbering, and other times sole-regent numbering. Another problem is that the coregency now is known to have lasted exactly 2 1/3 years, making it mathematically impossible to equate the two campaigns, since the coregency would have to have lasted for a minimum of three years and one day for Pritchard to be correct.(2) The Year-3 campaign is synonymous with the Year-7 campaign due to an inaccurate date displayed on the Memphis Stele. This version also assumes that the first campaign on the Karnak Stele, the campaigns described on the Elephantine and Amada Stelae, and the first campaign on the Memphis Stele, all refer to the same event. However, it purports that the Amada and Elephantine Stelae correctly date the “first victorious campaign” to Year 3, while the Memphis Stele displays a wrongly-reconstructed date etched onto it by a 19th Dynasty stelae-restoration crew that attempted to repair the damage it suffered during the Amarna Age. Vandersleyen observes that “the Memphis date is on the part of the memorial that was seriously damaged in the Amarna Age; the date that we read today is the result of Rameside restoration.”100 He concludes, “Thus the initial date of Year 7 on the Memphis Stele is a[n inaccurate] restoration made by the Ramesides.”101f. Conclusion for the Number of Asiatic Campaigns.Both variations of the three-campaign theory proved to be weak and indefensible. Vandersleyen perceptively notes, “The simplest and most logical solution is that there was only one ‘first campaign,’ . . . more plausibly in Year 3 than in Year 7.”102 Therefore, based on the strong likelihood of a singular error on the Memphis Stele—due to inaccurate restoration by Ramesside craftsmen—as the best explanation to harmonize the conflicting evidence on the stelae, the two-campaign theory is preferred. The Elephantine Stele, whose events are set in Takhsi,103 even provides a terminus ad quem for the first campaign, as line 26 dates the stele to Year 4. “It is only reasonable to conclude that the events including the Takhsi campaign recounted in the text before this postscript are earlier than Year 4. Thus there is no reason to deny the clear implication of the text that the expedition against Takhsi transpired before [the end of] Year 3.”104 Also supporting the view that the Memphis Stele’s first campaign was waged in Year 3, and not in Year 7, is the evidence from Amenhotep II’s cupbearer. During Year 4, the cupbearer Minmès remarks that a stele was built for pharaoh in Naharin, located to the east of the Euphrates River, the inscription of which confirms that the first Asiatic campaign occurred before Year 4 ended.1054. The First Asiatic Campaign of Amenhotep II.For the sake of brevity, Amenhotep II’s first campaign will be referred to as A1, while his second campaign will be called A2. As was proven already, he launched A1 in Year 3, and the events surrounding this campaign can be dated chronologically in the following sequence: (1) Thutmose III died on ca. 22 March 1452 BC; (2) Amenhotep II presided over the funeral and was confirmed as sole ruler; (3) the Syro-Palestinian city-states rebelled after hearing of Thutmose III’s death; (4) Amenhotep II assembled his army from throughout Egypt and the nearby garrisoned cities; and (5) Amenhotep II launched A1, arriving at his first destination on ca. 15 May 1452 BC.The death of Thutmose III led to a massive revolt in his Syro-Palestinian territories, which propelled the launching of A1.106 Amenhotep II officiated at his father’s funeral as the “new Horus,” as Thutmose III was buried on the west bank of the Nile River at Waset, in his elevated, cliff-cut “mansion of eternity.”107 His presence at the funeral, combined with the nearly two-month gap between his father’s death and the army’s arrival at their first destination, dispels the notion that he was already engaged in A1 when his father died. The energetic son of Egypt’s greatest imperialist wasted no time, as he probably left Egypt in April of ca. 1452 BC, just as his father had done on his first Asiatic campaign, exactly 32 years prior. The undisputed epicenter of the rebellion was the coastal cities of Syria, the focal point of the discussion in The Annals of Amenhotep II. Undoubtedly, the coastal cities of Syria—and perhaps Palestine, as well—had rebelled, and hence the young pharaoh was forced to proceed by land in order to quell this revolt.1085. The Second Asiatic Campaign of Amenhotep II.Amenhotep II indisputably launched A2 in Year 9. If his reign began in ca. 1455 BC, which harmonizes with the Ebers Papyrus and the regnal lengths of the intervening pharaohs, his ninth year lasted from ca. 22 November 1447 – 22 November 1446 BC. Therefore, the exodus date of ca. 25 April 1446 BC should be placed within this particular regnal year, unless the Year-9 reading on the Memphis Stele is ever proven to be an inaccurate reconstruction also. Ancient sources and modern commentators both expend far less energy writing about A2 than they do about A1. Clearly A1 was launched to squelch a rebellion, but why did Amenhotep II embark on a second trip into Asia six years later? Two principal theories have been proposed to identify the occasion.a. The Second Asiatic Campaign Launched to Finish the Task of the First Campaign.The first theory for the motive of A2 is that it was launched to correct the shortcomings of A1.
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was probably abandoned after the reign of Amenophis II [=Amenhotep II, 1453–1419 BC]…The reason for the abandonment of this district, an
;1555 BC, their capital was at Tell-el Dab‘a, called Avaris, “the (royal) foundation of the district,” at that time. 5. The royal palace at Memphis from the early 18th Dynasty has not been found. For a later palace at Memphis dating to the 13th century BC, see Wood 2005:66. 6. On the identification of the princess who adopted Moses, see Hansen 2003, and on the Pharaoh of the Exodus, see Shea 2003. 7. The Minoans were a seafaring people who inhabited the island of Crete. They were heavily involved in trade in the Aegean and Near East, including Egypt and Canaan, during the Bronze Age. Bibliography Bietak, Manfred2005 The Tuthmoside Stronghold of Perunefer. Egyptian Archaeology 26:13–17. Bietak, Manfred, and Forstner-Müller, Irene2005 Ausgrabung eines Palastbezirkes der Tuthmosidenzeit bei ‘Ezbet Helmi/Tell el-Dab‘a, Vorbericht für Herbst 2004 und Frühjahr 2005. Egypt and the Levant 15: 65–100. Hansen, David G.2003 Moses and Hatshepsut. Bible and Spade 16: 14–20. Higgenbotham, Carolyn2007 Hyksos.
Pp. 921–22 in The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible D-H 2, ed. Katharine D. Sakenfeld. Nashville: Abingdon. McGovern, Patrick E.2000 The Foreign Relations of the “Hyksos”: A Neutron Activation Study of Middle Bronze Age Pottery from the Eastern Mediterranean. BAR International Series. Oxford, England: Archaeopress. Shea, William H.2003 Amenhotep II as Pharaoh of the Exodus. Bible and Spade 16: 41–51. Wente, Edward F., and Van Siclen III, Charles C.1977 A Chronology of the New Kingdom. Pp. 217–61 in Studies in Honor of George Hughes, January 2, 1977, ed. Janet H. Johnson, and Edward F. Wente. Studies in Ancient Oriental Civilization 39. Chicago: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. Wood, Bryant G.1997 The Sons of Jacob: New Evidence for the Presence of the Israelites in Egypt. Bible and Spade 10: 53–65.2005 Pharaoh Merenptah Meets Israel. Bible and Spade 18: 65–82. Please help ABR continue to post these freearticles by making a donation f any size today. DonateDid Eilat Mazar Find King David's Palace?
The Angelic Proclamation to the Shepherds
IntroductionI would like to draw back the curtains on the Drama of World Redemption and take a peek at what was going on behind the scenes during the second half of the first century BC. I will also consider the events leading up to the birth of the Lord Jesus and the announcement of that birth by the angels to the shepherds in the fields surrounding Bethlehem. This may seem like a daunting task; and I am not presuming that I have all the answers. I am like the Monday morning quarterback that analyzes the Sunday afternoon football game with 20-20 hindsight pointing out the team’s mistakes, analyzing why they lost the game, and showing how they could have won. As an archaeologist, historian and a student of the Scriptures, I will bring some of the “secular” and “sacred” sources together to see the announcement of the birth of the Lord Jesus by the angels in the greater context of world redemption and the “conflict of the ages,” the war between God and Satan. For a good Biblical overview of the conflict between God and Satan, see Renald E. Showers’s, What on Earth is God Doing? Satan’s Conflict with God (1973). An Overview of the Conflict of the AgesThis drama, or conflict, actually began in the Garden of Eden. Eve, our first mother, was deceived by Satan who was disguised as a serpent. She fell into transgression and disobeyed the Word of God (I Tim. 2:13, 14). God cursed the serpent and said to him: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel” (Gen. 3:13). This was the first prophecy at the beginning of the long war between God and Satan. Years later, God made an unconditional covenant with Abraham where He promised a land to Abraham and his descendents (Gen. 12:1-3; 13:14-18; 15:1-21; 17:4-8). After God tested Abraham to see if he would offer his “son, [his] only son Isaac,” Abraham passed this test and God reconfirmed the covenant with Abraham learn spanish
Pp. 921–22 in The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible D-H 2, ed. Katharine D. Sakenfeld. Nashville: Abingdon. McGovern, Patrick E.2000 The Foreign Relations of the “Hyksos”: A Neutron Activation Study of Middle Bronze Age Pottery from the Eastern Mediterranean. BAR International Series. Oxford, England: Archaeopress. Shea, William H.2003 Amenhotep II as Pharaoh of the Exodus. Bible and Spade 16: 41–51. Wente, Edward F., and Van Siclen III, Charles C.1977 A Chronology of the New Kingdom. Pp. 217–61 in Studies in Honor of George Hughes, January 2, 1977, ed. Janet H. Johnson, and Edward F. Wente. Studies in Ancient Oriental Civilization 39. Chicago: The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. Wood, Bryant G.1997 The Sons of Jacob: New Evidence for the Presence of the Israelites in Egypt. Bible and Spade 10: 53–65.2005 Pharaoh Merenptah Meets Israel. Bible and Spade 18: 65–82. Please help ABR continue to post these freearticles by making a donation f any size today. DonateDid Eilat Mazar Find King David's Palace?
The Angelic Proclamation to the Shepherds
IntroductionI would like to draw back the curtains on the Drama of World Redemption and take a peek at what was going on behind the scenes during the second half of the first century BC. I will also consider the events leading up to the birth of the Lord Jesus and the announcement of that birth by the angels to the shepherds in the fields surrounding Bethlehem. This may seem like a daunting task; and I am not presuming that I have all the answers. I am like the Monday morning quarterback that analyzes the Sunday afternoon football game with 20-20 hindsight pointing out the team’s mistakes, analyzing why they lost the game, and showing how they could have won. As an archaeologist, historian and a student of the Scriptures, I will bring some of the “secular” and “sacred” sources together to see the announcement of the birth of the Lord Jesus by the angels in the greater context of world redemption and the “conflict of the ages,” the war between God and Satan. For a good Biblical overview of the conflict between God and Satan, see Renald E. Showers’s, What on Earth is God Doing? Satan’s Conflict with God (1973). An Overview of the Conflict of the AgesThis drama, or conflict, actually began in the Garden of Eden. Eve, our first mother, was deceived by Satan who was disguised as a serpent. She fell into transgression and disobeyed the Word of God (I Tim. 2:13, 14). God cursed the serpent and said to him: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel” (Gen. 3:13). This was the first prophecy at the beginning of the long war between God and Satan. Years later, God made an unconditional covenant with Abraham where He promised a land to Abraham and his descendents (Gen. 12:1-3; 13:14-18; 15:1-21; 17:4-8). After God tested Abraham to see if he would offer his “son, [his] only son Isaac,” Abraham passed this test and God reconfirmed the covenant with Abraham learn spanish
2011年3月9日星期三
10 Mar 11 Aamir Khan’s Forty- Second Birthday and His Fourth- ings
Aamir Khan’s Forty- Second Birthday and His Fourth- ingsBy: Shravan kumar .... Click author's name to view profile and articles!!!Retargeting by ChangoTweet Aamir Khan, Bollywood’s endowed actor turns a year older on March 14 by reaching forty second ladder. While growing older, this man is offering more and more style and vogue to the Bollywood industry. Today, he is a part of ambitious projects some of which he is producing himself.Known for his perfectionist streak and somewhat solitary nature, Aamir has been among the top stars of Hindi film industry for quite a number of years now. Be it the heart rending Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak or hard-hitting Sarfarosh , or the Oscar nominated Lagaan or the youth inspiring Rang De Basanti , Aamir has given a number of unforgettable flicks in his entire career.Aamir is already neck deep in his next venture Taare Zameen Pe that is about the relationship between a father and his dyslexic child. In fact, apart from acting in the movie, Aamir has also been partly directing it.After this, Aamir gets busy with his Hindi remake of the Tamil hit Ghajini in which he plays an amnesiac hero. And by the end of this year, Aamir will begin shooting for Mani Ratnam’s movie Lajjo in which Kareena Kapoor will be his heroine.Aamir is not just passionate about movies but also about social issues. His statements in support of the displaced people of Narmada dam created a furor in Gujarat last year. Apart from this, he likes to be part of movie projects that have some kind of message to give to the masses.This talented personality needs no word to explain…. his forty-second B’day is definitely going to give you all some new eye-catching movies.REPRINT RIGHTS statement: This article is free for republishing by visitors provided the Author Bio box is retained as usual so that all links are ActiveLinkable with no syntax changes.Article Source: abcarticledirectoryAuthor Shravan Kumar is associated with Aamir Khan, click here for hot aamir khan pictures.Note: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Shravan kumarRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 of Ratings = 1 Rating = 55 Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About Movies Film via RSS!Additional Articles From - Home Arts Movies FilmWhy Calibrate your High Definition TV?- By : Robert ShefferSweet Phone - By : Tim Webb.Find out Home Theater Methods! What You have Been Missing in Your TV and Movie Encounter.- By : Joesph MellbergPreparing and Setting up a Home Theater system is Easier Than you Think!- By : Zachariah DivensGrown Ups 2010 Movie In Review- By : Elenor CherryCamera Crew Hire- By : Mark A. WilsonReview of Drive Angry Movie- By : Gursel BatmazReturn Of The Horror Legend: Scream 4- By : Gursel BatmazMovie Review: Clash Of The Titans Leaves Audiences Wanting- By : Elenor CherryRed Riding Hood The Movie- By : Gursel Batmaz Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!
2011年3月5日星期六
5 Mar 11 How To Immediately Boost Your Affiliate Marketing Sales
How To Immediately Boost Your Affiliate Marketing SalesBy: Titus Hoskins .... Click author's name to view profile and articles!!!Retargeting by ChangoTweet Affiliate marketing is a very competitive field. Savvy affiliate marketers use every tactic they know to get the upper hand over their competition. It Hockey Jersey
can mean the difference of whether or not they get that all important sale.One of the best ways to boost your affiliate sales is to take full advantage of brand name recognition. It is a proven affiliate marketing tactic: selling products with high popular brand recognition is much easier than selling an unknown product or company.It just makes common sense in our brand eat brand world!It seems so obvious but many beginning affiliate marketers make the mistake of promoting little known products or companies. Their task will be much more difficult than if they sold the products of a well recognized brand name.As a full time affiliate marketer I have seen this fact pointed out daily in my sales stats. Brand names sell. Popular brand names sell even better. Popular brand names with popular trendy products sell the best.If you're an affiliate marketer you must choose the products you promote with the utmost care; in many cases this is where you will determine the outcome of your marketing efforts. Choose wisely and you could be in profit before you know what hit you. Choose wrongly and it's an uphill struggle from the very beginning.Here are a few tips or suggestions to help with your affiliate marketing.* How To Pick Popular ProductsYou must keep your eyes open. What products are your friends and relatives buying? What brands? What products are in all the popular magazines? What Products are being advertised on TV ad nauseam?You should be able to figure out the popular brands and products that are currently selling. Remember, if it's popular, it's selling!As an affiliate marketer you can promote anything, why not choose the most popular brands and products. Just look for popular trends and join the bandwagon. Sure, the competition might be stiffer but the demand for these products will also be greater.If you join affiliate networks like Commission Junction they will show you the companies with the highest sales volume in their system. Study this sales data before you pick your affiliate companies or products.You can even use Google Trends to tell which products are popular and in which countries. Do some market research first and pick the most popular products to promote.Many marketers keep an eye on their PPC Pay Per Click keywords for any surges in searches or impressions. A big jump could mean an increase in popularity for that product or company.* Be Aware of The Buzz FactorCertain brand names and products have buzz. How many times have you seen the Apple iPhone shown or spoken about in the last month?How about Vista? I promote laptops within one of my online sites... I saw a surge in laptop sales once Vista was released. I sell RAM or memory cards on my site... I knew there would be an increase in people searching to boost their computer'sChicago Blackhawks jersey
RAM to take full advantage of Vista.Keeping your eyes open to popular trends can result in more sales. If there is high demand it is much easier to sell the product.* Can It Only Be Bought Online?One of my most successful tactics has been to pick products or offers that are only available online. Dell products come quickly to mind. If products are only available online, you will have a better chance of selling them.Online coupons and exclusive deals also increases your affiliate sales. Look for these and display them along with your popular brands for they will increase your sales. Everybody loves a deal!* Use Brand Names In Your Site Copy and PPC AdvertisingYou must always check with your affiliate company what rules they have about displaying brand names and trademarks on your site copy. Most companies will supply their affiliates with web content they can use for promotion.Most Companies have strict rules prohibiting affiliates from using certain brand name keywords in their PPC advertising. Each company is different, so check before you proceed with any PPC campaigns.However, one of the most effective ways for PPC advertising is to use the particular brand name and product name in your PPC ads. Savvy affiliate marketers have figured this one out long ago, it mainly has to do with finding the buyer at the right stage in their buying process. If they're looking a particular product - they may already have their minds made up and are ready to buy.I have experienced this first hand in my own online marketing. Someone searching in Google for gaming laptops might just be checking out these machines, whereas someone searching for a particular gaming laptop by the exact product name is more likely to buy... and I have the web stats to prove it!* A Rose Is A Rose Is A Sale!In conclusion, if you're going to promote affiliate products, it would be foolhardy not to pick popular brand names that are trusted and liked by your potential customers. Brand name loyalty will play a major role in whether or not you get the sale. Keep your eyes peeled for popular trends and shifts in the marketplace so you can adjust your marketing to meet these new demands. Just remember, when in doubt always go with the popular brand name and you will increase your sales.Copyright (c) 2007 Titus HoskinsArticle Source: http://www.shop-on-sale.com The author is a full-time online marketer. For the latest and most effective web marketing tools try: www.bizwaremagic.com Or try these excellent free training manuals and videos: www.marketingtoolguide.com/free_marketing_tools.htm Titus Hoskins 2007. This article may be freely distributed with box.Note: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Titus HoskinsRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About Affiliate ProgramsBlackhawks jersey
What Cloth Diaper Provides The Top Match For Newborns?- By : mirtagaylWhat is Affiliate Marketing and Why You Should Do It?- By : James A AndersonEarning Money Quickly With Email Marketing - True or False?- By : chad buistMoney Creating Tips For Individuals Involved In An Online Affiliate Marketing Home Business- By : Johnny BarrellGlobal Success Club And How To Make Money Online- By : Don SeanMake Cash Over The Internet With Affiliate Marketing- By : Leroy WheelerWhich Affiliate Networks To Look Out For When Promoting ?- By : Elsa Braxton Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!
can mean the difference of whether or not they get that all important sale.One of the best ways to boost your affiliate sales is to take full advantage of brand name recognition. It is a proven affiliate marketing tactic: selling products with high popular brand recognition is much easier than selling an unknown product or company.It just makes common sense in our brand eat brand world!It seems so obvious but many beginning affiliate marketers make the mistake of promoting little known products or companies. Their task will be much more difficult than if they sold the products of a well recognized brand name.As a full time affiliate marketer I have seen this fact pointed out daily in my sales stats. Brand names sell. Popular brand names sell even better. Popular brand names with popular trendy products sell the best.If you're an affiliate marketer you must choose the products you promote with the utmost care; in many cases this is where you will determine the outcome of your marketing efforts. Choose wisely and you could be in profit before you know what hit you. Choose wrongly and it's an uphill struggle from the very beginning.Here are a few tips or suggestions to help with your affiliate marketing.* How To Pick Popular ProductsYou must keep your eyes open. What products are your friends and relatives buying? What brands? What products are in all the popular magazines? What Products are being advertised on TV ad nauseam?You should be able to figure out the popular brands and products that are currently selling. Remember, if it's popular, it's selling!As an affiliate marketer you can promote anything, why not choose the most popular brands and products. Just look for popular trends and join the bandwagon. Sure, the competition might be stiffer but the demand for these products will also be greater.If you join affiliate networks like Commission Junction they will show you the companies with the highest sales volume in their system. Study this sales data before you pick your affiliate companies or products.You can even use Google Trends to tell which products are popular and in which countries. Do some market research first and pick the most popular products to promote.Many marketers keep an eye on their PPC Pay Per Click keywords for any surges in searches or impressions. A big jump could mean an increase in popularity for that product or company.* Be Aware of The Buzz FactorCertain brand names and products have buzz. How many times have you seen the Apple iPhone shown or spoken about in the last month?How about Vista? I promote laptops within one of my online sites... I saw a surge in laptop sales once Vista was released. I sell RAM or memory cards on my site... I knew there would be an increase in people searching to boost their computer'sChicago Blackhawks jersey
RAM to take full advantage of Vista.Keeping your eyes open to popular trends can result in more sales. If there is high demand it is much easier to sell the product.* Can It Only Be Bought Online?One of my most successful tactics has been to pick products or offers that are only available online. Dell products come quickly to mind. If products are only available online, you will have a better chance of selling them.Online coupons and exclusive deals also increases your affiliate sales. Look for these and display them along with your popular brands for they will increase your sales. Everybody loves a deal!* Use Brand Names In Your Site Copy and PPC AdvertisingYou must always check with your affiliate company what rules they have about displaying brand names and trademarks on your site copy. Most companies will supply their affiliates with web content they can use for promotion.Most Companies have strict rules prohibiting affiliates from using certain brand name keywords in their PPC advertising. Each company is different, so check before you proceed with any PPC campaigns.However, one of the most effective ways for PPC advertising is to use the particular brand name and product name in your PPC ads. Savvy affiliate marketers have figured this one out long ago, it mainly has to do with finding the buyer at the right stage in their buying process. If they're looking a particular product - they may already have their minds made up and are ready to buy.I have experienced this first hand in my own online marketing. Someone searching in Google for gaming laptops might just be checking out these machines, whereas someone searching for a particular gaming laptop by the exact product name is more likely to buy... and I have the web stats to prove it!* A Rose Is A Rose Is A Sale!In conclusion, if you're going to promote affiliate products, it would be foolhardy not to pick popular brand names that are trusted and liked by your potential customers. Brand name loyalty will play a major role in whether or not you get the sale. Keep your eyes peeled for popular trends and shifts in the marketplace so you can adjust your marketing to meet these new demands. Just remember, when in doubt always go with the popular brand name and you will increase your sales.Copyright (c) 2007 Titus HoskinsArticle Source: http://www.shop-on-sale.com The author is a full-time online marketer. For the latest and most effective web marketing tools try: www.bizwaremagic.com Or try these excellent free training manuals and videos: www.marketingtoolguide.com/free_marketing_tools.htm Titus Hoskins 2007. This article may be freely distributed with box.Note: The content of this article solely conveys the opinion of its author, Titus HoskinsRetargeting by ChangoDid You Like This Article? Share It With YourFriends!Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon to Receive Free Articles About Affiliate ProgramsBlackhawks jersey
What Cloth Diaper Provides The Top Match For Newborns?- By : mirtagaylWhat is Affiliate Marketing and Why You Should Do It?- By : James A AndersonEarning Money Quickly With Email Marketing - True or False?- By : chad buistMoney Creating Tips For Individuals Involved In An Online Affiliate Marketing Home Business- By : Johnny BarrellGlobal Success Club And How To Make Money Online- By : Don SeanMake Cash Over The Internet With Affiliate Marketing- By : Leroy WheelerWhich Affiliate Networks To Look Out For When Promoting ?- By : Elsa Braxton Still Searching? Last Chance to find what you're looking for. Try using Bing Search!
2011年1月24日星期一
24 Jan 11 Big 12 Football: Thursday Morning One-Liners
Doug Pensinger/Getty ImagesBaylor head coach Art Briles: I know how we want to be viewed and how we need to be viewed, and that's as a fast, physical, aggressive, tough football team.Battle of the hot seats! Grab your thermometers because ColoradoDan Hawkins and GeorgiaMark Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
Richt square off this weekend.Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads on Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville: "There's nobody that's more relaxed or cooler than he is. There's a chance he's out hunting right now as opposed to worrying about the Iowa State Cyclones."One of Kansas Turner Gillteam rules is no women after 10 PM.Here is your last chance to know all about Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas.Missouri has struggled with penalties and offensive consistency.Check out how Nebraskaoffense compares to years past.If you have not heard of OklahomaJaz Reynolds tweets, you can read about the story HERE or HERE.Mike Gundy believes he has more flexibility throwing the football at Oklahoma State now than he did the past four years...years that saw Zac Robinson at quarterback.The Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
blame for Texas frustrating offense cannot solely be put on a sophomore quarterbackshoulders.The Aggies of Texas AM will be playing for something other than a 5-0 record this weekend when they take on Oklahoma State.Thankfully, I am not the only one who believes Texas Tech could fall to Iowa State this weekend. (For the record, I am only taking the Cyclones on the spread. The Red Raiders win this game.)
Richt square off this weekend.Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads on Texas Tech head coach Tommy Tuberville: "There's nobody that's more relaxed or cooler than he is. There's a chance he's out hunting right now as opposed to worrying about the Iowa State Cyclones."One of Kansas Turner Gillteam rules is no women after 10 PM.Here is your last chance to know all about Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas.Missouri has struggled with penalties and offensive consistency.Check out how Nebraskaoffense compares to years past.If you have not heard of OklahomaJaz Reynolds tweets, you can read about the story HERE or HERE.Mike Gundy believes he has more flexibility throwing the football at Oklahoma State now than he did the past four years...years that saw Zac Robinson at quarterback.The Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
blame for Texas frustrating offense cannot solely be put on a sophomore quarterbackshoulders.The Aggies of Texas AM will be playing for something other than a 5-0 record this weekend when they take on Oklahoma State.Thankfully, I am not the only one who believes Texas Tech could fall to Iowa State this weekend. (For the record, I am only taking the Cyclones on the spread. The Red Raiders win this game.)
2011年1月22日星期六
22 Jan 11 ACC Football Week 3: Back on Track After Disastrous Week 2?
Only throwing 4 times, Joshua Nesbitt leads the Yellow Jackets to victory with his legsStreeter Lecka/Getty ImagesThe ACC came into week 3 of the football season looking to return from a disastrous week 2 in which every ranked team in the conference lost their matchup. Week 3 included several key matchups against ranked opponents, including a lopsided matchup between Duke and No. 1 Alabama.NC State started the weekend off with a bang on Thursday night as they dominated a game against back-to-back Big East Champions, Cincinnati. Russell Tennessee Titans jersey
Wilson threw for over 300 yards in a 30-19 win in the national spotlight. This was a big win for the Wolfpack coming off of a short week after a win on the road against Central Florida last weekend. NC State has started 3-0 for the first time since the Philip Rivers-era and have now emerged as a dark horse to make a run in conference play.Georgia Tech visited Chapel Hill this weekend to take on short-staffed North Carolina. UNC surprised a lot of people with a comeback that fell a few yards short in week 1 against SEC foe LSU. Coming into week 3 off of a bye last weekend, UNC remained shorthanded, only returning one of the thirteen players who were ineligible during their week 1 matchup. T.J. Yates played well, going 18-24 for 209 yards and a touchdown, while running for another. But in the end, the Georgia Tech running game was too much to handle, putting up 372 yards on the Tar Heel defense. This was a solid win for the Yellow Jackets after a disappointing loss against Kansas last week, and another solid game for a North Carolina team who continues to put up a fight.With a tough matchup on the road against No. 16 Auburn, Clemson came out ready to play. Jumping to a quick 17-3 lead at halftime, it looked as if the Tigers and the ACC were on their way to a very respectable victory against a top 25 team. That is, until Auburn came out firing after the half, scoring 21 straight points in the third quarter to take the lead. Clemson kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter to tie the game back up and eventually lead the game into overtime. Washington Redskins jersey
During overtime, Auburn got the ball first and their possession resulted in a field goal. Clemson matched Auburn with a field goal on their possession, but due to a false start penalty on the center for double clutching the ball, they had to redo the down and kick again. The second kick went wide right and gave Clemson a tough loss to swallow. Despite not turning the ball over once, while forcing Auburn to give up the ball twice, Clemson fell short in a win that could have vaulted a potential 3-0 team into the top 25.Three other matchups against top 25 teams resulted in lopsided victories by those on the outside of the ACC. Maryland lost to No. 21 West Virginia 31-17, while Duke and Wake Forest got trounced by No. 1 Alabama and No. 19 Stanford, respectively. Ithard to come up with much positive to say about Duke62-13 loss to Alabama and Wake Forest68-24 loss to Stanford as the opposing offenses seemed to score at will.Virginia Tech got back on track this week after unexpectedly opening their season 0-2. With a reassuring win against back-to-back Conference USA Champion ECU, VT hopes to return to their winning ways as they return to conference play next week in a road matchup against Boston College. Florida State also shook off their embarrassing loss from last week as they won convincingly Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
34-10 against last yearend of season No. 12, BYU.After an embarrassing week 2, the ACC came back with a few good wins and good matchups while only suffering a few bad losses by the lesser teams of the conference. Overall, it was not a great week for the conference, but it was a good one and the ACC did some work in rectifying the putrid display it put on in the first two weeks of the season.
Wilson threw for over 300 yards in a 30-19 win in the national spotlight. This was a big win for the Wolfpack coming off of a short week after a win on the road against Central Florida last weekend. NC State has started 3-0 for the first time since the Philip Rivers-era and have now emerged as a dark horse to make a run in conference play.Georgia Tech visited Chapel Hill this weekend to take on short-staffed North Carolina. UNC surprised a lot of people with a comeback that fell a few yards short in week 1 against SEC foe LSU. Coming into week 3 off of a bye last weekend, UNC remained shorthanded, only returning one of the thirteen players who were ineligible during their week 1 matchup. T.J. Yates played well, going 18-24 for 209 yards and a touchdown, while running for another. But in the end, the Georgia Tech running game was too much to handle, putting up 372 yards on the Tar Heel defense. This was a solid win for the Yellow Jackets after a disappointing loss against Kansas last week, and another solid game for a North Carolina team who continues to put up a fight.With a tough matchup on the road against No. 16 Auburn, Clemson came out ready to play. Jumping to a quick 17-3 lead at halftime, it looked as if the Tigers and the ACC were on their way to a very respectable victory against a top 25 team. That is, until Auburn came out firing after the half, scoring 21 straight points in the third quarter to take the lead. Clemson kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter to tie the game back up and eventually lead the game into overtime. Washington Redskins jersey
During overtime, Auburn got the ball first and their possession resulted in a field goal. Clemson matched Auburn with a field goal on their possession, but due to a false start penalty on the center for double clutching the ball, they had to redo the down and kick again. The second kick went wide right and gave Clemson a tough loss to swallow. Despite not turning the ball over once, while forcing Auburn to give up the ball twice, Clemson fell short in a win that could have vaulted a potential 3-0 team into the top 25.Three other matchups against top 25 teams resulted in lopsided victories by those on the outside of the ACC. Maryland lost to No. 21 West Virginia 31-17, while Duke and Wake Forest got trounced by No. 1 Alabama and No. 19 Stanford, respectively. Ithard to come up with much positive to say about Duke62-13 loss to Alabama and Wake Forest68-24 loss to Stanford as the opposing offenses seemed to score at will.Virginia Tech got back on track this week after unexpectedly opening their season 0-2. With a reassuring win against back-to-back Conference USA Champion ECU, VT hopes to return to their winning ways as they return to conference play next week in a road matchup against Boston College. Florida State also shook off their embarrassing loss from last week as they won convincingly Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
34-10 against last yearend of season No. 12, BYU.After an embarrassing week 2, the ACC came back with a few good wins and good matchups while only suffering a few bad losses by the lesser teams of the conference. Overall, it was not a great week for the conference, but it was a good one and the ACC did some work in rectifying the putrid display it put on in the first two weeks of the season.
2011年1月18日星期二
18 Jan 11 College Football Week 4 Predictions And Observations For The Top 25 and More
Jamie Sabau/Getty ImagesThis is when it begins poll-wisethat pointwhen an objective observer starts scratching his or her head and wondering if poll voters watch any football over the weekends at all.I have no problem with Alabama being number one in the polls. Ohio State likewise has played well enough to be placed at number two.Now both of these teams finished well last year but beyond feeding the beauty contest that are the preseason polls, I personally do not think that last year should account for very much at this point and beyond with regard to rankingsthis year.So Reebok Green Bay Packers #52 Clay Matthews Realtree camo Jersey
beyond those two teams, I believe there are arguments for and against the placement of the rest of the ranked teams in the polls.I mean, I have to wonder why my Wolverines did not drop or completely fall out of the top 25 with their performance last week; just as I would have trouble placing West Virginia at 22 considering that their victories were not statements of power.Marshall pounded by Ohio State was barely beaten by the Mountaineers and the following week the Thundering Herd was beaten worse by Bowling Green.What have TCU, Boise State, or Wisconsin done this year on the field to justify where they are now in the polls?What is in the minds of voters when they fill out their ballots always puzzles me and makes me wonder:- Why do teams rarely suffer major poll position shifts when they play poorly against lesser opposition?- Is a team that remains undefeated better than one that has been beaten by a very good team?- Why do voters not seem to consider strength of schedule?- Why is running up the score considered style points and rewarded these days and not bad sportsmanship and frowned upon by "the experts?"- How is it that lower ranked opponents are favored over someone the pollsters think is superior?Last week I went 26-2, only missing on my picks of Houston and Iowa. My rout call was correct but then everyone knew that Oregon was going to rout its FCS opponent and I was correct in two (2) of the three (3) potential upset calls; Auburn held its own closely against Clemson, the Spartans pulled out a close victory at home, but to their credit LSU did much better than I thought they would against Miss St.I know many will point to the fact that I routinely pick the favorites but the idea is to pick who you think will win and that is the definition of a favorite, generally.HighlightsThis week marks the end of the non-conference slate for a majority of the FBS schools.The SEC is already in beat each other up phase of their season with two games between ranked opponents this week, starting the clearing of the field for eventual post-season placement.Everything shown so far this season signals to me that this Saturday will not be a fond memory in the future for the Mallet led Razorbacks. Alabama will run right, left, and over Arkansas even on a wet field to at least a ten point victory and if Arkansas sells out on the run Alabama will just make them pay through the air. Arkansas will lose and fall back into the twenties in the polls where they should have always been this year.Boise State plays its last Big Six opponent on the schedule so it will go for gaudy numbers in hopes that no one notices who the remaining opponents are on the schedule. Boise State is a good team but I guess Im one of those biased people that think that Boise Staterecent success would not have been possible had it been running the gauntlet of the SEC, Big 10, Big 12, or Pac 10 over the last few years. Ditto for TCU.Game(s) of the Week[1] Alabama at [10] Arkansas- From what I have seen, Arkansas tendency to have its offense go asleep for periods Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
during the game will be the undoing of the Razorbacks. If Arkansas fired on all cylinders for four quarters, they might make a game of it but I still think they would lose.Christian Petersen/Getty Images[3] Boise St. vs. [24] Oregon State- I hope that the beavers rise up and win this game. I do not think they will but it would be my preferred outcome.[15] LSU vs. [22] W. Virginia- Two ranked opponents going at it. I personally feel both these teams are ranked higher than they should be in the polls but that aside, LSU at home at nightwill be more than the Mountaineers can overcome.Potential Upsets[12] South Carolina at [17] Auburn- The lower ranked opponent is favored in the game according to the odds makers; so is it an upset if it #17 beats #12? I know poll voters and odds makers are completely different people with different purposes but you would think there would be more similarity between their views on a game. Im old fashion and when I look at it, I see the Tigersuperior on both lines and so based on that I think Auburn wins.Whether it is an upset is still open to debate.Minnesota vs. N. Illinois- The Gophers played not to lose badly last week and it kept the score closer. I do not think, while Coach Brewster is a good recruiter, that he is a very aggressive coach. I think that being the case Northern Illinois will take the win this week.Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesPotential Routs[4] TCU at SMU- TCU will go for style points (run up the score) to try and garner more poll points in case Boise State stumbles.[6] Nebraska vs. S. Dakota St.- South Dakota State beat the Gophers not too long ago but Nebraska will only stop scoring when it chooses to.[11] Wisconsin vs. Austin Peay- The Badgers should crush Austin Peay but I thought that already a couple of times this year with regards to opponents on Wisconsinschedule.Odds and Ends- Spotting the ball: It seems to me that the placement of the ball after each play is getting less and less accurate in relation to how I see the play's ending.I am not sure my perception is correct, but with instant replay coming from every angle imaginable, it seems to me that many times the final placement of the ball is not as accurate as it used to be.Are officials too reliant on the replays on other issues, making them less observant? Is the game too fast pace for them to get good views?I do not even know if it is an issue but so far this year, when the ball is spotted, I would swear that more time than in the past, the ball is not where the play ended.Results:Week 1 31-5 [86.1%]Week 2 28-3 [90.3%]Week 3 26-2 [92.9%]Week 4 XX-XSeason85-10 [89.5%]Thursday 23 September[19] Miami (FL) at Pittsburgh- The Hurricanes have had too long to dwell on their last trip north not to use their speed to beat Pittsburgh.Friday 24 September[4] TCU at SMU- TCU will crush SMUSaturday 25 September[1] Alabama at [10] Arkansas- The Tide is too complete an offense to be stopped by Arkansas and Arkansas is too one dimensional on offense. Alabama will blitz as it wants, making it a bad day to be Ryan Mallet.[2] OhioReebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
St. vs. E. Michigan- EMU is just bad and OSU will probably get reps for most of the team this week.[3] Boise St. vs. [24] Oregon State- Oregon State will keep this game closer than in the past but I do not think they will pull off a win.[5] Oregon at Arizona St.- Oregon is the class of the Pac-10 this year and they will come out on top in this game.[6] Nebraska vs. S. Dakota St.- Nebraska will score as many points as it wishes.[7] Texas vs. UCLA- Houston lost two strings of QBs last weekon the way to losing to the Bruins. TheLonghorns are at full strength, which means no winning streak for UCLA.[8] Oklahoma at Cincinnati- The Bearcats will losenothing else needs to be said.[9] Florida vs. Kentucky-In the swamp, Kentucky will lose but this win will not mean theGators have solved their problems.[11] Wisconsin vs. Austin Peay- Wisconsin will win but are they getting the preparations to make them do well when the big 10 schedule opens next week.[12] South Carolina at [17] Auburn- Auburn is better on both lines, South Carolina may keep it uncomfortably close for Tiger fans but Auburn will win.[13] Utah vs. San Jose St.- The Utes win.[14] Arizona vs. California-Nevada exposed California last week, so the game should be an Arizona win.[15] LSU vs. [22] W. Virginia- TheMountaineers will not like the night life in Baton Rouge.[16] Stanford at Notre Dame- Notre Dame's back is against the wall butStanford should still win.[18] Iowa vs. Ball St.- Ball State will pay for what Arizona didlast week.[20] USC at Washington St.- Washington Stateis giving up Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
40 points a game and only scoring 20.[21] Michigan vs. Bowling Green- Michigan will win and probably big but are they ready for the Big Ten?[23] Penn St. vs. Temple- Temple is better but not going to win this game.[25] Michigan St. vs. N. Colorado- MSU willwin this week even with thedistractions.Northwestern vs. C. Michigan- Northwestern can handle the best the MAC has to offer.Purdue vs. Toledo- The Rockets will not threaten a depleted Boilermakers roster.Indiana vs. Akron- Indiana wins putting up great numbersMinnesota vs. N. Illinois- Minnesota will let Northern Illinois beat them by not playing aggressive.Maryland vs. Florida Intl- Maryland youth can beat FIU.
beyond those two teams, I believe there are arguments for and against the placement of the rest of the ranked teams in the polls.I mean, I have to wonder why my Wolverines did not drop or completely fall out of the top 25 with their performance last week; just as I would have trouble placing West Virginia at 22 considering that their victories were not statements of power.Marshall pounded by Ohio State was barely beaten by the Mountaineers and the following week the Thundering Herd was beaten worse by Bowling Green.What have TCU, Boise State, or Wisconsin done this year on the field to justify where they are now in the polls?What is in the minds of voters when they fill out their ballots always puzzles me and makes me wonder:- Why do teams rarely suffer major poll position shifts when they play poorly against lesser opposition?- Is a team that remains undefeated better than one that has been beaten by a very good team?- Why do voters not seem to consider strength of schedule?- Why is running up the score considered style points and rewarded these days and not bad sportsmanship and frowned upon by "the experts?"- How is it that lower ranked opponents are favored over someone the pollsters think is superior?Last week I went 26-2, only missing on my picks of Houston and Iowa. My rout call was correct but then everyone knew that Oregon was going to rout its FCS opponent and I was correct in two (2) of the three (3) potential upset calls; Auburn held its own closely against Clemson, the Spartans pulled out a close victory at home, but to their credit LSU did much better than I thought they would against Miss St.I know many will point to the fact that I routinely pick the favorites but the idea is to pick who you think will win and that is the definition of a favorite, generally.HighlightsThis week marks the end of the non-conference slate for a majority of the FBS schools.The SEC is already in beat each other up phase of their season with two games between ranked opponents this week, starting the clearing of the field for eventual post-season placement.Everything shown so far this season signals to me that this Saturday will not be a fond memory in the future for the Mallet led Razorbacks. Alabama will run right, left, and over Arkansas even on a wet field to at least a ten point victory and if Arkansas sells out on the run Alabama will just make them pay through the air. Arkansas will lose and fall back into the twenties in the polls where they should have always been this year.Boise State plays its last Big Six opponent on the schedule so it will go for gaudy numbers in hopes that no one notices who the remaining opponents are on the schedule. Boise State is a good team but I guess Im one of those biased people that think that Boise Staterecent success would not have been possible had it been running the gauntlet of the SEC, Big 10, Big 12, or Pac 10 over the last few years. Ditto for TCU.Game(s) of the Week[1] Alabama at [10] Arkansas- From what I have seen, Arkansas tendency to have its offense go asleep for periods Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
during the game will be the undoing of the Razorbacks. If Arkansas fired on all cylinders for four quarters, they might make a game of it but I still think they would lose.Christian Petersen/Getty Images[3] Boise St. vs. [24] Oregon State- I hope that the beavers rise up and win this game. I do not think they will but it would be my preferred outcome.[15] LSU vs. [22] W. Virginia- Two ranked opponents going at it. I personally feel both these teams are ranked higher than they should be in the polls but that aside, LSU at home at nightwill be more than the Mountaineers can overcome.Potential Upsets[12] South Carolina at [17] Auburn- The lower ranked opponent is favored in the game according to the odds makers; so is it an upset if it #17 beats #12? I know poll voters and odds makers are completely different people with different purposes but you would think there would be more similarity between their views on a game. Im old fashion and when I look at it, I see the Tigersuperior on both lines and so based on that I think Auburn wins.Whether it is an upset is still open to debate.Minnesota vs. N. Illinois- The Gophers played not to lose badly last week and it kept the score closer. I do not think, while Coach Brewster is a good recruiter, that he is a very aggressive coach. I think that being the case Northern Illinois will take the win this week.Otto Greule Jr/Getty ImagesPotential Routs[4] TCU at SMU- TCU will go for style points (run up the score) to try and garner more poll points in case Boise State stumbles.[6] Nebraska vs. S. Dakota St.- South Dakota State beat the Gophers not too long ago but Nebraska will only stop scoring when it chooses to.[11] Wisconsin vs. Austin Peay- The Badgers should crush Austin Peay but I thought that already a couple of times this year with regards to opponents on Wisconsinschedule.Odds and Ends- Spotting the ball: It seems to me that the placement of the ball after each play is getting less and less accurate in relation to how I see the play's ending.I am not sure my perception is correct, but with instant replay coming from every angle imaginable, it seems to me that many times the final placement of the ball is not as accurate as it used to be.Are officials too reliant on the replays on other issues, making them less observant? Is the game too fast pace for them to get good views?I do not even know if it is an issue but so far this year, when the ball is spotted, I would swear that more time than in the past, the ball is not where the play ended.Results:Week 1 31-5 [86.1%]Week 2 28-3 [90.3%]Week 3 26-2 [92.9%]Week 4 XX-XSeason85-10 [89.5%]Thursday 23 September[19] Miami (FL) at Pittsburgh- The Hurricanes have had too long to dwell on their last trip north not to use their speed to beat Pittsburgh.Friday 24 September[4] TCU at SMU- TCU will crush SMUSaturday 25 September[1] Alabama at [10] Arkansas- The Tide is too complete an offense to be stopped by Arkansas and Arkansas is too one dimensional on offense. Alabama will blitz as it wants, making it a bad day to be Ryan Mallet.[2] OhioReebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
St. vs. E. Michigan- EMU is just bad and OSU will probably get reps for most of the team this week.[3] Boise St. vs. [24] Oregon State- Oregon State will keep this game closer than in the past but I do not think they will pull off a win.[5] Oregon at Arizona St.- Oregon is the class of the Pac-10 this year and they will come out on top in this game.[6] Nebraska vs. S. Dakota St.- Nebraska will score as many points as it wishes.[7] Texas vs. UCLA- Houston lost two strings of QBs last weekon the way to losing to the Bruins. TheLonghorns are at full strength, which means no winning streak for UCLA.[8] Oklahoma at Cincinnati- The Bearcats will losenothing else needs to be said.[9] Florida vs. Kentucky-In the swamp, Kentucky will lose but this win will not mean theGators have solved their problems.[11] Wisconsin vs. Austin Peay- Wisconsin will win but are they getting the preparations to make them do well when the big 10 schedule opens next week.[12] South Carolina at [17] Auburn- Auburn is better on both lines, South Carolina may keep it uncomfortably close for Tiger fans but Auburn will win.[13] Utah vs. San Jose St.- The Utes win.[14] Arizona vs. California-Nevada exposed California last week, so the game should be an Arizona win.[15] LSU vs. [22] W. Virginia- TheMountaineers will not like the night life in Baton Rouge.[16] Stanford at Notre Dame- Notre Dame's back is against the wall butStanford should still win.[18] Iowa vs. Ball St.- Ball State will pay for what Arizona didlast week.[20] USC at Washington St.- Washington Stateis giving up Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
40 points a game and only scoring 20.[21] Michigan vs. Bowling Green- Michigan will win and probably big but are they ready for the Big Ten?[23] Penn St. vs. Temple- Temple is better but not going to win this game.[25] Michigan St. vs. N. Colorado- MSU willwin this week even with thedistractions.Northwestern vs. C. Michigan- Northwestern can handle the best the MAC has to offer.Purdue vs. Toledo- The Rockets will not threaten a depleted Boilermakers roster.Indiana vs. Akron- Indiana wins putting up great numbersMinnesota vs. N. Illinois- Minnesota will let Northern Illinois beat them by not playing aggressive.Maryland vs. Florida Intl- Maryland youth can beat FIU.
2011年1月15日星期六
15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams LaRoi Glover Will Witherspoon Corey Chavous
In a lot of NFL stadiums, fans frequently rise to their feet and chant: "Defense!" Inside the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis during 2005, however, it was more like "Defense?"During that long and discouraging campaign, the St. Louis Rams gave up more territory than the French Army. By the time the missed Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
tackles and blown coverages were added up, the St. Louis "stop unit" had surrendered a team-record 5,602 yards. And that, new coach Scott Linehan and recently-hired defensive coordinator Jim Haslett realized, was unacceptable.So the Rams pulled out their checkbook and got busy. First, they signed defensive lineman La'Roi Glover, who had been cut loose by the Dallas Cowboys. Then, when the free agent rush finally began, they quickly reeled in LB Will Witherspoon as well as DB's Corey Chavous and Fakhir Brown. The current priority - with $10 million still remaining under the cap - is to retain DT Ryan Pickett.Witherspoon is considered the prize acquisition. As an outside linebacker for Carolina last fall, the University of Georgia product had 109 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions, one of which he Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
returned for a touchdowns against the Jets. The Rams plan to move him to middle linebacker to replace Chris Claiborne, and though Witherspoon isn't a huge 'backer (6-1, 231), he performed well in the middle in occasional relief of Dan Morgan. All this made him a big ticket item, roughly $33 million over six years.Chavous was an All-Pro with the Minnesota Vikings, and should fill the hole at safety left by Adam Archuleta's defection to the Washington Redskins. He may also be tapped to advise the Rams during the upcoming draft -- Chavous is a draft analyst at a high-traffic website, and owns over 2,000 videotapes of games and players.In 2005, Chavous made a few highlight videos of his own, ringing up 90 tackles -- 67 of them solo -- and two interceptions. He was also effective on blitzes, being credited with nine quarterback hurries.The third free agent acquisition, Brown, is a six-year veteran cornerback who played for the New Orleans Saints in 2005, recording 31 tackles and six pass deflections. His best season came in 2004, when he had 54 tackles and two Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
interceptions. A product of Grambling, the 5-11, 192-pounder was originally drafted by San Diego.Glover is a six-time Pro Bowler who was cut loose by the Cowboys for salary cap reasons.No doubt Haslett had some input in the signing of Glover and Brown. The latter played for him last year as he coached New Orleans through its post-Katrina nightmare. The former was also a Saint until 2001.Filling some of their defensive gaps via free agency now gives the St. Louis Rams more flexibility in the draft.Just ask Corey Chavous. (0)
tackles and blown coverages were added up, the St. Louis "stop unit" had surrendered a team-record 5,602 yards. And that, new coach Scott Linehan and recently-hired defensive coordinator Jim Haslett realized, was unacceptable.So the Rams pulled out their checkbook and got busy. First, they signed defensive lineman La'Roi Glover, who had been cut loose by the Dallas Cowboys. Then, when the free agent rush finally began, they quickly reeled in LB Will Witherspoon as well as DB's Corey Chavous and Fakhir Brown. The current priority - with $10 million still remaining under the cap - is to retain DT Ryan Pickett.Witherspoon is considered the prize acquisition. As an outside linebacker for Carolina last fall, the University of Georgia product had 109 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions, one of which he Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
returned for a touchdowns against the Jets. The Rams plan to move him to middle linebacker to replace Chris Claiborne, and though Witherspoon isn't a huge 'backer (6-1, 231), he performed well in the middle in occasional relief of Dan Morgan. All this made him a big ticket item, roughly $33 million over six years.Chavous was an All-Pro with the Minnesota Vikings, and should fill the hole at safety left by Adam Archuleta's defection to the Washington Redskins. He may also be tapped to advise the Rams during the upcoming draft -- Chavous is a draft analyst at a high-traffic website, and owns over 2,000 videotapes of games and players.In 2005, Chavous made a few highlight videos of his own, ringing up 90 tackles -- 67 of them solo -- and two interceptions. He was also effective on blitzes, being credited with nine quarterback hurries.The third free agent acquisition, Brown, is a six-year veteran cornerback who played for the New Orleans Saints in 2005, recording 31 tackles and six pass deflections. His best season came in 2004, when he had 54 tackles and two Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
interceptions. A product of Grambling, the 5-11, 192-pounder was originally drafted by San Diego.Glover is a six-time Pro Bowler who was cut loose by the Cowboys for salary cap reasons.No doubt Haslett had some input in the signing of Glover and Brown. The latter played for him last year as he coached New Orleans through its post-Katrina nightmare. The former was also a Saint until 2001.Filling some of their defensive gaps via free agency now gives the St. Louis Rams more flexibility in the draft.Just ask Corey Chavous. (0)
2011年1月13日星期四
14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks Darrell Jackson Trade "will make Seahawks better"
Yes, Tim Ruskell was desperate to send Darrell Jackson on a fly route out of Seattle. So desperate that the Seahawks' president sent the unhappy receiver to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers for nothing more than a fourth-round draft pick.And yes, it was a bad deal for both reasons. But it won't matter. In the end, this trade will be better for the Seahawks than for the 49ers.For Ruskell, it was a matter of addition by subtraction -- removing a malcontent who had missed minicamps and offseason workouts ever since unhappily signing a $25 million contract in 2004. Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
When Ruskell first arrived in Seattle in 2005, he quickly learned about Jackson's beef with former president Bob Whitsitt. And when Ruskell refused to add money Jackson claimed had been pulled from his deal just before he signed it, the new president watched how the team's leading receiver stayed away from camps.Then Jackson got hurt and missed 10 games during the 2005 Super Bowl season, and Ruskell had seen enough. In 2006, the president added Nate Burleson and Deion Branch -- obvious precursors to getting rid of Jackson. It was no surprise at all when word leaked at the combine that Ruskell was shopping Jackson. But it was a bit of a surprise that Ruskell could only conjure a mere fourth-rounder for the guy who was the Seahawks' leading receiver over the past six seasons -- and that the pick would come from the 49ers, who proved last year they are a looming threat in the NFC West by sweeping the Seahawks.Ruskell said he did not like sending Jackson to the 49ers, "but that's just kind of how it fell."And coach Mike Holmgren lamented both the place and price. "Is Darrell Jackson better than a fourth-round draft pick? Absolutely, in my opinion," said Holmgren, who drafted Jackson in the third round in 2000. "But you do what you have to do. The value, well, these are tough situations to get into. It rarely matches the value of the player." Although Holmgren and Ruskell showed their team colors together, they obviously did not see eye to eye on the deal."Well, I would have preferred he not be traded to a division opponent," Holmgren said. "I'm Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
sorry it didn't work out better and that we could [not] keep Darrell here. But I think he is probably happier about this. As you know, he has been bothered by a contract he signed for a while. ... I don't think it affected his play, I really don't, but the extra things that our players are doing right now, the offseason program for one, the minicamps, he just chose not to do those."Holmgren seemed to leave no doubt that he would not have traded Jackson, but he recognized Ruskell's authority in this matter."The organization changed a couple of years ago. A new administration came in, and Tim came in as president," Holmgren said. "He looks at players a certain way, and if you don't really know a player and haven't been with him for a long time, sometimes it is harder to accept certain things. I think that probably happened."Holmgren admitted that Jackson forced the action by staging his offseason protests."He was very respectful to me," Holmgren said, "and I think when he played on Sundays, and when he could practice when he was healthy, he gave us a lot, he really did. He didn't hold anything back. But, the extra things, he just chose not to do. I think it had reached a point with the organization where enough is enough and let's see if we can honor his request for a trade. So, that's what happened. Again, I'm sorry that it is within the division. I have tremendous respect for Darrell as a football player, but we did it."While it remains to be seen whether Jackson hurts the Seahawks' defense, the trade will not hurt the offense. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck now will get a chance to focus on building relationships with Branch and Burleson, and D.J. Hackett should step in as the starting split end. And there's always Bobby Engram, who has long been Hasselbeck's bail-out target on third downs. Ruskell also has added three more receivers in the past two drafts; Ben Obomanu, a 2006 draft pick, figures to be the No. 5 guy.So the Seahawks' offense will be fine without Jackson. And there's a very good chance that the 49ers' offense won't be so good even with Jackson. He'll probably miss one of the games against Seattle with an injury, and he will probably take all season to get in a groove with Alex Smith, the former No. 1 pick who still has yet to prove he is a viable NFL starter. Receivers who change teams often struggle, Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
especially if the new team runs a different offense and has a lesser quarterback (both the case for Jackson).The 49ers beat the Seahawks twice last season by running all over them with Frank Gore. So it's not like Jackson is the key for the 49ers to beat Seattle. But getting rid of Jackson was key for Ruskell's Seahawks, who will be better for it.Original Seattle Seahawks insight, courtesy of RealFootball365.com.Got a bone to pick with a newspaper columnist, talk show personality or television analyst? E-mail us at mediawatch For more information, visit our Media Watch info page.
When Ruskell first arrived in Seattle in 2005, he quickly learned about Jackson's beef with former president Bob Whitsitt. And when Ruskell refused to add money Jackson claimed had been pulled from his deal just before he signed it, the new president watched how the team's leading receiver stayed away from camps.Then Jackson got hurt and missed 10 games during the 2005 Super Bowl season, and Ruskell had seen enough. In 2006, the president added Nate Burleson and Deion Branch -- obvious precursors to getting rid of Jackson. It was no surprise at all when word leaked at the combine that Ruskell was shopping Jackson. But it was a bit of a surprise that Ruskell could only conjure a mere fourth-rounder for the guy who was the Seahawks' leading receiver over the past six seasons -- and that the pick would come from the 49ers, who proved last year they are a looming threat in the NFC West by sweeping the Seahawks.Ruskell said he did not like sending Jackson to the 49ers, "but that's just kind of how it fell."And coach Mike Holmgren lamented both the place and price. "Is Darrell Jackson better than a fourth-round draft pick? Absolutely, in my opinion," said Holmgren, who drafted Jackson in the third round in 2000. "But you do what you have to do. The value, well, these are tough situations to get into. It rarely matches the value of the player." Although Holmgren and Ruskell showed their team colors together, they obviously did not see eye to eye on the deal."Well, I would have preferred he not be traded to a division opponent," Holmgren said. "I'm Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
sorry it didn't work out better and that we could [not] keep Darrell here. But I think he is probably happier about this. As you know, he has been bothered by a contract he signed for a while. ... I don't think it affected his play, I really don't, but the extra things that our players are doing right now, the offseason program for one, the minicamps, he just chose not to do those."Holmgren seemed to leave no doubt that he would not have traded Jackson, but he recognized Ruskell's authority in this matter."The organization changed a couple of years ago. A new administration came in, and Tim came in as president," Holmgren said. "He looks at players a certain way, and if you don't really know a player and haven't been with him for a long time, sometimes it is harder to accept certain things. I think that probably happened."Holmgren admitted that Jackson forced the action by staging his offseason protests."He was very respectful to me," Holmgren said, "and I think when he played on Sundays, and when he could practice when he was healthy, he gave us a lot, he really did. He didn't hold anything back. But, the extra things, he just chose not to do. I think it had reached a point with the organization where enough is enough and let's see if we can honor his request for a trade. So, that's what happened. Again, I'm sorry that it is within the division. I have tremendous respect for Darrell as a football player, but we did it."While it remains to be seen whether Jackson hurts the Seahawks' defense, the trade will not hurt the offense. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck now will get a chance to focus on building relationships with Branch and Burleson, and D.J. Hackett should step in as the starting split end. And there's always Bobby Engram, who has long been Hasselbeck's bail-out target on third downs. Ruskell also has added three more receivers in the past two drafts; Ben Obomanu, a 2006 draft pick, figures to be the No. 5 guy.So the Seahawks' offense will be fine without Jackson. And there's a very good chance that the 49ers' offense won't be so good even with Jackson. He'll probably miss one of the games against Seattle with an injury, and he will probably take all season to get in a groove with Alex Smith, the former No. 1 pick who still has yet to prove he is a viable NFL starter. Receivers who change teams often struggle, Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
especially if the new team runs a different offense and has a lesser quarterback (both the case for Jackson).The 49ers beat the Seahawks twice last season by running all over them with Frank Gore. So it's not like Jackson is the key for the 49ers to beat Seattle. But getting rid of Jackson was key for Ruskell's Seahawks, who will be better for it.Original Seattle Seahawks insight, courtesy of RealFootball365.com.Got a bone to pick with a newspaper columnist, talk show personality or television analyst? E-mail us at mediawatch For more information, visit our Media Watch info page.
2011年1月12日星期三
13 Jan 11 A 5 Player Trade Tell Me What You Think
Jeff Gross/Getty Imagestried it on the ESPN trade machine and it workedthe bulls would get Jordan Farmar, SashaVujacic, and Adam morrison's expiring contractand the Lakers would get kirk Hinrich a good defender and outside shooter selfless point guard. and at times he can play the one or the two not that they're not good at the two...( Kobe), and James Johnson an athletic forwardthe bulls would get another young up and coming pg to back up d rose and vujacic a feisty defender. maybe he can prove he was worth the contract. Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
they'dstill have salmons off the bench and morrison's contract would be coming off the books next yearESPN trade machine said it would add 1 win to the Lakers projected winsbut it would be -3 wins for the bulls but i think it would make both teams betteri'm not really a bulls fan or a Lakers fan have no home team to root for...(no more sonics......tear.....jk)just let me know what you think
they'dstill have salmons off the bench and morrison's contract would be coming off the books next yearESPN trade machine said it would add 1 win to the Lakers projected winsbut it would be -3 wins for the bulls but i think it would make both teams betteri'm not really a bulls fan or a Lakers fan have no home team to root for...(no more sonics......tear.....jk)just let me know what you think
12 Jan 11 Keys To the Wolf Den: Lottery Can Make or Break Minnesota Timberwolves
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesThe Minnesota Timberwolves are currently the second-worst team in the league, and worst in the Western Conference.That ultimately gives them the second-best chance of landing the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NBA draft, John Wall.ESPN holds an NBA lottery mock draft, Denver Broncos jersey
where you can simply press a button, and it will predict the lottery threshold by percentages of landing the No. 1 pick. For example, the New Jersey Nets having the worst record in the league, meaning that they have a 25 percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick.The Wolves have a 20 percent chance of landing that No. 1 pick.I tested this very tool a total of 50 times, and came up with some very intriguing results. But first some shocking ones:The Utah Jazz won the No. 1 pick one time, but ultimately, that pick is supposed to belong to the Knicks, who have the ninth-worst record in the league, and a two percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick. ScaryThe Sacramento Kings won the No. 1 pick three times.The Milwaukee Bucks won the No. 1 pick five times.The Detroit Pistons won the No. 1 pick four times.Now onto the Wolves. The following bullet points are as goes: the numbered pick followed by how many times the Wolves won that pick in the lottery. (1) The Wolves won the No. 1 pick 10 times out of 50, exactly 20 percent. (2) The Wolves won the No. 2 pick 8 times out of 50, exactly 16 percent. (3) The Wolves won the No. 3 pick 4 times out 50, exactly 8 percent. (4) The Wolves won the No. 4 pick 19 times out of 50, exactly 38 percent. Wow... (5) The Wolves won the No. 5 pick 9 Detroit Lions
times out of 50, exactly 18 percent.Based on this small sample, the percentage in which the Wolves will win the No. 1 pick is nearly identical to the percentage given in the lottery, it's only a tenth of a percentage off.What's intriguing is that the Wolves drew the No. 4 and No. 5 pick significantly more than the second and the third pick.Most mock drafts first five picks features John Wall first, then a combination of Evan Turner, Wesley Johnson, Derrick Favors, and Ed Davis.With Favors and Davis both being power forwards, the Wolves have no need for either. Wesley Johnson, Evan Turner, and John Wall are all on the Wolves radar for their first lottery pick. But if the Wolves happen to land the No. 1 pick, they would have to draft John Wall despite already having two legitimate prospect point guards, along with Ricky Rubio playing overseas.The trade value for Jonny Flynn, Ramon Sessions, and Ricky Rubio will rise immensely, while the Wolves would welcome their new franchise player to the mix. It would be wise for the Wolves to take advantage of trading situations, and trade for other lottery picks, as the Wolves are one of the few bottom-dweller teams with a plethora of first round picks and cap room, both vital for rebuilding a franchise.Is John Wall better than Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn?I Green Bay Packers jersey
don't know quite yet, in fact I won't know until around the midseason, but I do know that he's a combination of both.He has the size and court vision of Ricky Rubio, with Flynn's tenacity and leadership, with his own cool, calm, and collected demeanor.This lottery can make or break the Timberwolves, but hopefully they can finally grow to real Wolves instead of pups, and learn to hunt for their own.Thanks for reading!
where you can simply press a button, and it will predict the lottery threshold by percentages of landing the No. 1 pick. For example, the New Jersey Nets having the worst record in the league, meaning that they have a 25 percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick.The Wolves have a 20 percent chance of landing that No. 1 pick.I tested this very tool a total of 50 times, and came up with some very intriguing results. But first some shocking ones:The Utah Jazz won the No. 1 pick one time, but ultimately, that pick is supposed to belong to the Knicks, who have the ninth-worst record in the league, and a two percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick. ScaryThe Sacramento Kings won the No. 1 pick three times.The Milwaukee Bucks won the No. 1 pick five times.The Detroit Pistons won the No. 1 pick four times.Now onto the Wolves. The following bullet points are as goes: the numbered pick followed by how many times the Wolves won that pick in the lottery. (1) The Wolves won the No. 1 pick 10 times out of 50, exactly 20 percent. (2) The Wolves won the No. 2 pick 8 times out of 50, exactly 16 percent. (3) The Wolves won the No. 3 pick 4 times out 50, exactly 8 percent. (4) The Wolves won the No. 4 pick 19 times out of 50, exactly 38 percent. Wow... (5) The Wolves won the No. 5 pick 9 Detroit Lions
times out of 50, exactly 18 percent.Based on this small sample, the percentage in which the Wolves will win the No. 1 pick is nearly identical to the percentage given in the lottery, it's only a tenth of a percentage off.What's intriguing is that the Wolves drew the No. 4 and No. 5 pick significantly more than the second and the third pick.Most mock drafts first five picks features John Wall first, then a combination of Evan Turner, Wesley Johnson, Derrick Favors, and Ed Davis.With Favors and Davis both being power forwards, the Wolves have no need for either. Wesley Johnson, Evan Turner, and John Wall are all on the Wolves radar for their first lottery pick. But if the Wolves happen to land the No. 1 pick, they would have to draft John Wall despite already having two legitimate prospect point guards, along with Ricky Rubio playing overseas.The trade value for Jonny Flynn, Ramon Sessions, and Ricky Rubio will rise immensely, while the Wolves would welcome their new franchise player to the mix. It would be wise for the Wolves to take advantage of trading situations, and trade for other lottery picks, as the Wolves are one of the few bottom-dweller teams with a plethora of first round picks and cap room, both vital for rebuilding a franchise.Is John Wall better than Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn?I Green Bay Packers jersey
don't know quite yet, in fact I won't know until around the midseason, but I do know that he's a combination of both.He has the size and court vision of Ricky Rubio, with Flynn's tenacity and leadership, with his own cool, calm, and collected demeanor.This lottery can make or break the Timberwolves, but hopefully they can finally grow to real Wolves instead of pups, and learn to hunt for their own.Thanks for reading!
2011年1月10日星期一
10 Jan 11 The Houston Rockets Win NBA Trade Deadline in a Landslide
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesWith 16 of the 30 NBA teams getting busy in the week leading up to the NBA trade deadline and making some kind of deal, it seems kind of crazy to weed through the mess of trades and pick out a winner six hours after the deadline.This could change weeks, months, even years down the line, but on paper, six hours after the trade deadline has passed, one team jumps out more than any other as the clear "winner" of the trade circus.Houston Rockets...come on down! You've just won the "Who can hose a team the worst at the NBA trade Washington Redskins jersey
deadline?" contest this year!Get ready for a whole new round of ESPN 's Bill Simmons slurping the genius of Rockets' GM Daryl Morey, as the stats-whiz has turned his roster of role players into a likely playoff team this year, and a legitimate Western Conference threat next year.In the offseason, much was made about the Rockets' essential swap of Ron Artest, widely known as one of the league's premier defensive stoppers, for the Lakers' Trevor Ariza, a 23-year-old who proved last season that he could be a critical role player for a championship team. ?I don't need to add any thoughts on that trade, largely because I think the trade actually made sense for both teams. ?But man oh man did the Rockets just take advantage of the league's largest expiring contract.The Rockets shipped Tracy McGrady's $22 million expiring contract out to the Knicks in a three-team deal that ended up netting them Kevin Martin from the Kings.[The whole trade: The Rockets get Martin and Hilton Armstrong (Kings), Jared Jeffries and rookie Jordan Hill (Knicks), the ability to swap Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
first round draft picks with the Knicks in 2011 (top-10 protected), and the Knicks' first-round pick in 2012; the Kings get Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey (Houston), and Larry Hughes' $13 million expiring contract (Knicks); the Knicks get McGrady (Rockets) and Sergio Rodriguez (Kings).]?In other words, the Rockets mortgaged the Knicks future for the next few years with Hill and their two first-round picks, and shipped them a player that wasn't playing for them for a proven 20-point scorer.The loss of Landry may hurt some for the rest of the season, but when Yao returns, Landry would have been bumped to the bench anyway. Besides, Jeffries is a warm body that's 6'11", and he was getting rotation minutes for the Knicks. There's no reason to think that the Rockets, who start a 6'6" center in Chuck Hayes, wouldn't want to throw Jeffries into their lineup to give them some different offensive looks.Granted, adding Jeffries and Martin means that the Rockets won't be major players this summer when players like LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh may be looking for new teams...but when you look at their roster, is that really an issue?Assuming Yao comes back healthy next year, they can tentatively start a lineup of Aaron Brooks, Martin, Trevor Ariza, Luis Scola, and Yao, with Shane Battier, Hayes, Jeffries, and Hill coming off the bench. That's an insanely talented lineup, and a very deep team to contend with the solid benches of the West.If the Wizards end up waiving center Zydrunas Ilgauskas (they're widely assumed to do so), allowing Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
him to go back to the Cavs, then Cleveland could be a contender for the biggest winner of the trade deadline.But the Rockets' savvy move set them up with plenty of talent now, and even more talent for the future. ?Maybe I shouldn't make fun of Bill Simmons for slurping the Rockets' GM after all.
deadline?" contest this year!Get ready for a whole new round of ESPN 's Bill Simmons slurping the genius of Rockets' GM Daryl Morey, as the stats-whiz has turned his roster of role players into a likely playoff team this year, and a legitimate Western Conference threat next year.In the offseason, much was made about the Rockets' essential swap of Ron Artest, widely known as one of the league's premier defensive stoppers, for the Lakers' Trevor Ariza, a 23-year-old who proved last season that he could be a critical role player for a championship team. ?I don't need to add any thoughts on that trade, largely because I think the trade actually made sense for both teams. ?But man oh man did the Rockets just take advantage of the league's largest expiring contract.The Rockets shipped Tracy McGrady's $22 million expiring contract out to the Knicks in a three-team deal that ended up netting them Kevin Martin from the Kings.[The whole trade: The Rockets get Martin and Hilton Armstrong (Kings), Jared Jeffries and rookie Jordan Hill (Knicks), the ability to swap Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
first round draft picks with the Knicks in 2011 (top-10 protected), and the Knicks' first-round pick in 2012; the Kings get Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey (Houston), and Larry Hughes' $13 million expiring contract (Knicks); the Knicks get McGrady (Rockets) and Sergio Rodriguez (Kings).]?In other words, the Rockets mortgaged the Knicks future for the next few years with Hill and their two first-round picks, and shipped them a player that wasn't playing for them for a proven 20-point scorer.The loss of Landry may hurt some for the rest of the season, but when Yao returns, Landry would have been bumped to the bench anyway. Besides, Jeffries is a warm body that's 6'11", and he was getting rotation minutes for the Knicks. There's no reason to think that the Rockets, who start a 6'6" center in Chuck Hayes, wouldn't want to throw Jeffries into their lineup to give them some different offensive looks.Granted, adding Jeffries and Martin means that the Rockets won't be major players this summer when players like LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh may be looking for new teams...but when you look at their roster, is that really an issue?Assuming Yao comes back healthy next year, they can tentatively start a lineup of Aaron Brooks, Martin, Trevor Ariza, Luis Scola, and Yao, with Shane Battier, Hayes, Jeffries, and Hill coming off the bench. That's an insanely talented lineup, and a very deep team to contend with the solid benches of the West.If the Wizards end up waiving center Zydrunas Ilgauskas (they're widely assumed to do so), allowing Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
him to go back to the Cavs, then Cleveland could be a contender for the biggest winner of the trade deadline.But the Rockets' savvy move set them up with plenty of talent now, and even more talent for the future. ?Maybe I shouldn't make fun of Bill Simmons for slurping the Rockets' GM after all.
2011年1月9日星期日
9 Jan 11 Kobe's Better Than Lebron When It Counts:The Playoffs
Since it only takes one?regular season?MVP trophy to cement a career, there isn't too much there to motivate Kobe to go for a second. Even though he is still in contention for then years MVP award in the wake up his numerous injuries, one can tell that Kobe isn't trying to be the MVP he just happens to play MVP caliber ball regardless of any circumstances.What Kobe really desires is another Finals MVP, having the Finals MVP would almost certainly mean that he has won his fifth NBA championship. The only player who ?has won the finals MVP Baltimore Ravens jersey
while losing in the Finals was Jerry West.?For the most part winning the NBA most important award goes to the victor of the Finals. With the regular season losing alot of its significance the two years Steve Nash won the award back to back, The Finals MVP has took its place in regards to naming the games real Most Valuable Player that year.I mean whats more valuable then the best player on a Championship winning team. Kobe not winning the regular season MVP this year is a blessing in disguise to Lakers fan around the globe.Those of us that have been watching Kobe over the his rollercoaster ride of a career know that Kobe is at his best when he has something to prove. If Kobe doesn't win the MVP award he will go into the playoffs with a chip on his shoulders.A chip on Kobe's shoulder means a very bad day for the opposing team. Just take Kobe's performance in the playoffs last year, not only was it a sight to see but for segments of his brilliant display it was brutal for the opposition.Shaq told Kobe that he wouldn't win one without the Diesel, and Kobe took it out on the whole NBA.In the first round the Utah Jazz were sitting ducks, they had no answer for Kobe Brewer tried his best but he was out of his league.?I can remember vividly like it happened yesterday the back to back facials Kobe rendered to Shane Battier game after game?who was playing the best defense any one has ever played on Bryant. His outstretched hands only centimeters away from the face of Kobe. Still Kobe buried shot after in route to saving the Laker's from what would of been the biggest upset in playoff history.Then the Lakers met the Denver Nuggets who made the series interesting though dominating play by their bigs. Denver's big men were a handful for the lakers to handle, but Kobe proved too much for the opposition.The same result played itself out against Orlando, with the teams being matched up pretty well up until you got to the Black Mamba and who was going to be chosen to be his next victim.As much as I think Kobe leading his team to the second best record in the league with 6 game winners, posting a stat line of?28 PPG 4 AST and 5 RPG all while battling multiple injuries all year is worth the MVP trophy.I cannot deny Lebrons star power and NBA "poster boy" pull with the media. Buffalo Bills jersey
Lebron is also having a career year that cannot be ignored. Although I seriously doubt he could play at the level he's playing now if he was battling the injuries Kobe has.?All in all who cares about the regular season MVP, Kobe has his eye on the trophy that is given to the last man standing
while losing in the Finals was Jerry West.?For the most part winning the NBA most important award goes to the victor of the Finals. With the regular season losing alot of its significance the two years Steve Nash won the award back to back, The Finals MVP has took its place in regards to naming the games real Most Valuable Player that year.I mean whats more valuable then the best player on a Championship winning team. Kobe not winning the regular season MVP this year is a blessing in disguise to Lakers fan around the globe.Those of us that have been watching Kobe over the his rollercoaster ride of a career know that Kobe is at his best when he has something to prove. If Kobe doesn't win the MVP award he will go into the playoffs with a chip on his shoulders.A chip on Kobe's shoulder means a very bad day for the opposing team. Just take Kobe's performance in the playoffs last year, not only was it a sight to see but for segments of his brilliant display it was brutal for the opposition.Shaq told Kobe that he wouldn't win one without the Diesel, and Kobe took it out on the whole NBA.In the first round the Utah Jazz were sitting ducks, they had no answer for Kobe Brewer tried his best but he was out of his league.?I can remember vividly like it happened yesterday the back to back facials Kobe rendered to Shane Battier game after game?who was playing the best defense any one has ever played on Bryant. His outstretched hands only centimeters away from the face of Kobe. Still Kobe buried shot after in route to saving the Laker's from what would of been the biggest upset in playoff history.Then the Lakers met the Denver Nuggets who made the series interesting though dominating play by their bigs. Denver's big men were a handful for the lakers to handle, but Kobe proved too much for the opposition.The same result played itself out against Orlando, with the teams being matched up pretty well up until you got to the Black Mamba and who was going to be chosen to be his next victim.As much as I think Kobe leading his team to the second best record in the league with 6 game winners, posting a stat line of?28 PPG 4 AST and 5 RPG all while battling multiple injuries all year is worth the MVP trophy.I cannot deny Lebrons star power and NBA "poster boy" pull with the media. Buffalo Bills jersey
Lebron is also having a career year that cannot be ignored. Although I seriously doubt he could play at the level he's playing now if he was battling the injuries Kobe has.?All in all who cares about the regular season MVP, Kobe has his eye on the trophy that is given to the last man standing
2011年1月8日星期六
8 Jan 11 Aaron Brooks: Houston's Man of Speed
If the NBA playoffs last year were not convincing, last night was just another reminder as to why Aaron Brooks is in store to be one of the game's elite point guards. With 20 seconds left, and the game tied at 123, Aaron Brooks let it be known that his time is near.As the Rockets entered halftime with an 11 Cleveland Browns jersey
point lead, the Nuggets made a second half surge and finally gained the lead late in the 4th quarter. Weathering Carmelo Anthony's 45 point storm, Luis Scola converted an and-1 with 41 seconds left to push the Rockets up by one. Brooks later gets fouled and splits a pair of free throws. The Nuggets at this point, down two, turn to their dynamic offensive player, Carmelo Anthony, who drives past Shane Battier on the ensuing possession for a lay-up to tie the game up at 123. With the game on the line, Houston turns to its young leader, hoping he can provide that final shot to get Houston the lead, and ultimately the victory. As Brooks held the ball at the top of the key, waiting for the clock to count down, Nuggets assistant coach Adrian Dantley was praying to withstand this final Rocket possession. With the clock at seven seconds Brooks began to make his move. Covered by the veteran Anthony Carter, "The Blur" (as I like to call him) blows past Carter and pulls up from the elbow to bury a shot; to propel the Rockets to the lead, and the victory when Dallas Cowboys jersey
Carmelo Anthony missed the game-winner.The Rockets at this time, are 9th in the Western Conference, and by the looks of it, probably won't make the playoffs. With that said, Houston might have the most to look forward to come summer(including all the "Pray-For-LeBron-Teams"). With Yao Ming coming back, an improved Luis Scola, Kevin Martin and a point-guard that has proved his value, Houston is in contention for maybe not only the playoffs, but something more
point lead, the Nuggets made a second half surge and finally gained the lead late in the 4th quarter. Weathering Carmelo Anthony's 45 point storm, Luis Scola converted an and-1 with 41 seconds left to push the Rockets up by one. Brooks later gets fouled and splits a pair of free throws. The Nuggets at this point, down two, turn to their dynamic offensive player, Carmelo Anthony, who drives past Shane Battier on the ensuing possession for a lay-up to tie the game up at 123. With the game on the line, Houston turns to its young leader, hoping he can provide that final shot to get Houston the lead, and ultimately the victory. As Brooks held the ball at the top of the key, waiting for the clock to count down, Nuggets assistant coach Adrian Dantley was praying to withstand this final Rocket possession. With the clock at seven seconds Brooks began to make his move. Covered by the veteran Anthony Carter, "The Blur" (as I like to call him) blows past Carter and pulls up from the elbow to bury a shot; to propel the Rockets to the lead, and the victory when Dallas Cowboys jersey
Carmelo Anthony missed the game-winner.The Rockets at this time, are 9th in the Western Conference, and by the looks of it, probably won't make the playoffs. With that said, Houston might have the most to look forward to come summer(including all the "Pray-For-LeBron-Teams"). With Yao Ming coming back, an improved Luis Scola, Kevin Martin and a point-guard that has proved his value, Houston is in contention for maybe not only the playoffs, but something more
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