Meet the Next Possible Franchise Quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles

On Friday the Philadelphia Eagles drafted what could be the franchise's future quarterback in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft (88th overall).

Philadelphia Eagles fans, meet Nick Foles, the 6 foot 5 inch, 240 pound quarterback of of the University of Arizona. Foles was considered by most, a top five quarterback of the 2012 draft class, but needs some time to develop his skill set.

What better coaches are out there to develop a young quarterback then head coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinater Marty Mornenweig?

We saw what they did with Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, and most recently Michael Vick, so we can assume that Nick Foles is in good hands.

In 2011 Foles completed 286 of 426 passes for 3,191 yards and 20 touchdowns for the Arizona Wildcats.

Prior to the draft,  Foles sat down with ESPN Monday Night Football analyst and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Superbowl Head Coach Jon Gruden, for Gruden's ESPN Quarterback Camp.

Eagles fans, meet who could be Philadelphia's next franchise quarterback some time down the road, Nick Foles.

Jrue Holiday Worked At Modells, But Nobody Even Realized It Was The Sixers Point Guard

Pretty hilarious clip here.

We've seen multiple Philadelphia athletes take time out to work at Modell's Sporting Goods over the last few years. Jrue Holiday was the newest athlete in the city of Brotherly Love to rock the Modell's employee gear but nobody even noticed it was in fact, your starting point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers.

In other Sixers related news, the Chicago Bulls took game one of the first round series yesterday dominating the 76ers in the Windy City. It came at a hefty price for the Bulls. 2010-2011 NBA league MVP Derrick Rose tore his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) with just over a minute left to play with the game basically out of reach. Rose's knee buckled on a hop step and he went to the floor in agonizing pain immediately.

Rose's injury gives the Sixers a slightly better chance to advance to the second round, but the Bulls played very well without Rose during his injury plagued year going 18-9 with the star point guard out of the line up.

Former Sixer and current Bull Kyle Korver, who can shoot the three ball from anywhere on the hardwood called it "The Saddest Win".

Game two is slated for Tuesday night in Chicago.

Videos of Holiday working at Modell's and the play where Rose tore his ACL are below:

Philadelphia Doesn't Like Kris Humphries..Either Does Kanye West

Every time the New Jersey Nets power forward takes the floor in a city other than New Jersey he gets booed. You would think that a guy averaging nearly 14 points and 11 rebounds wouldn't attract so much hatred, but his 72 day marriage with Kim Kardashian and appearance on the Kardashian's television show has ruined his reputation.

Earlier this year I attended a Nets vs Sixers game and when Humphries was introduced he got booed badly. Every time the 6' 9'' 235 pounder had his hands on the rock, he continued to to harassed by the Philly phaithful.

Earlier this year when taking on the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, Humphries received national attention by again being booed repeatedly. After the game Jeremy Lin came to his defense wondering why everybody is bitter towards the seven year pro.

It turns out that arenas around the country aren't the only people that dislike Kris Humphries. Rapper Kanye West tore him apart in his new hit "Way Too Cold"

West admitted that he fell in love with Kim Kardashian around the time when she became attracted to Humphries.

West states in the song:


And I'll admit, I fell in love with Kim 
'Round the same time she had fell in love wit' him 
Well, that's cool, baby girl, do ya thing 
Lucky I ain't have Jay drop 'I'm from the team 

West's best friend and collabaration partner (Watch The Throne), Jay-Z is the partial owner of the New Jersey Nets, who are moving to Brooklyn next season. Apparently Kanye believes he can say whatever and do whatever he pleases. Even if it's making a basketball move for the Nets franchise. Fortunately for Humphries, Kanye didn't pursue the issue and Jay-Z didn't get rid one of the better players on the Nets roster because of some women who can't decide which man she wants in her life.

Who Would Of Ever Thought? Pat Burrell Is Now A MLB Scout

Pat Burrell's off the field sex stories and his torching of the New York Mets while a Philadelphia Phillie are certainly well known. During Burrell's career he became one of the most beloved and hated athletes in the history of the city. Two weeks ago it was announced that Burrell will sign a one day contract with the Phillies in May to retire in red pinstripes. Unfortunately, Burrell's career was cut a few years short because of a nagging foot injury.

During his nine years in Philadelphia, Burrell displayed an arsenal of power, averaging just under 28 home runs per year, including 33 jacks in 2008 en route to a World Series Victory.

What is Pat Burrell doing these days you may ask?

He is currently a scout for the San Francisco Giants and will hold down that duty for at least all of 2012. During the Phillies series in Arizona this week, Burrell has been seen with a notebook in the stands, doing some scout work for San Francisco.

Who Would Of Ever Thought.

Deal Sending Asante Samuel To The Falcons All But Done

Asante Samuel's name has been on the trading block for nearly a year now. The rumors starting whirling when the Eagles traded Kevin Kolb to Arizona for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Rodgers-Cromartie was put out of position last year when he played the role of the slot cornerback. Rodgers-Cromartie is in the last year of his contract, and will be 27 years old when the season comes around while Samuel just turned 31 in January. Samuel is owed somewhere in the neighborhood of $10 million dollars in 2012-2013.

A deal to send Asante Samuel to the Atlanta Falcons for a late round draft pick (most likely a sixth rounder) is said to be all but done and could be completed later today.

Things to think about with this trade:

-By moving Samuel, you're losing arguably a future Hall of Fame cornerback (52 career interceptions, 9 touchdowns in 9 years) but your freeing up a ton of cap space, giving the Eagles a lot of flexibility to sign running back LeSean McCoy to a long-term deal. (McCoy will be 24 years old by the start of the season). Samuel was owed almost $22 million the next two seasons.

-The late round draft pick that the Eagles are said to receive in the trade with the Falcons could be used as bait for the Eagles to move up in the draft to select a player of their interest.

-Don't be fooled by Rodgers-Cromartie's play last season. His whole career he has played as a regular one-on-one cornerback. With Nnamdi and Samuel on the roster last year, Rodgers-Cromartie was thrown out of position to the slot, where he has never played before, under a new defensive coordinator. When Samuel missed the last few games of the season, Rodgers-Cromartie stepped up and looked impressive.

-If the deal is in fact completed, Joselio Hanson will now be thrown into the slot where he has thrived in years past.

With YOUR HELP, WE can help Bring College Gameday To Temple!

Moving to the Big East Athletic Conference is going to open a flurry of opportunities for Temple University as both an academic and athletic institution. Enrollment and applications will increase, boat loads of money will be reeled in, and Temple is going to receive tons of national recognition, just to name a few.

The football program is moving to the Big East for the 2012-2013 season and all other sports will make the switch for the 2013 school year. Temple is already in talks to spend a couple million dollars for a much needed, brand new jumbo-tron in the Liacouras Center for basketball games because of the Conference switch. (Currently the jumbo-tron can't even show videos) Long story short, the move to the Big East is putting Temple University on the grid for many years to come, and as a student here I couldn't be more hyped up for the next three upcoming years on North Broad Street.

Lets cut to the chase here though. Among some of these excellent opportunities that have arose is bringing ESPN's famous College Gameday to Lincoln Financial Field for to film a College Gameday Commercial this coming season! The Gameday crew consists of Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Erin Andrews and Lee Corso, and who wouldn't want to see Lee Corso throw on the Temple Owl head or witness the beautiful Erin Andrews reporting?

Thats what I thought

It has all the makings of a crazy atmosphere, tailgating during the days tenure in one of the most avid sports cities in the world. But, we need everybody's vote to make it pop off. Below are links in which you can cast your vote to bring College Gameday to Temple. Get after it!


Online Users can vote here!
Mobile Users can vote here!
Or visit College Gameday's facebook and vote here!

Evan Turner Gets Up Close And Personal With Jay-Z

Evan Turner was lucky enough to meet rapper Jay-Z during Monday nights shellacking of the New Jersey Nets. "Hov" is the partial owner of the franchise that is moving to Brooklyn to play ball next season. Last night marked the franchises last home game in New Jersey. The Sixers clinched a playoff berth with the victory. You can purchase your tickets for games three and four here.

"The Magical Shift" From Claude Giroux

The Flyers did what we all feared they wouldn't on Sunday afternoon and took down the Penguins 5-1 in game 6 of the first round. After games 4 and 5, a state of panic was sent throughout the whole city of Philadelphia. Why? Because we've seen every Philly team collapse and choke in years past. The script was different and this Flyers team finished the job and sent the frauds back to the shit city.

The Orange and Black dominated from the start, thanks to one of the greatest shifts you will EVER see in hockey. Giroux leveled Sidney Crosby off the face off putting him on his back side, then moments later stole a pass from Steve Sullivan and sniped a wrist shot in the top left corner past Marc Andre Fluery. #Precision


Giroux was one point away from breaking the Flyers record for most points scored in a single playoff series. Number 28 notched 14 total points, scoring 6 goals including a hat trick in game number two. Giroux clearly out played both Sidney Crosby, and the expected Hart trophy winner, Evgeni Malkin proving to the hockey world that it is Giroux who is the best all-around hockey player in the National Hockey League.

The Flyers will enjoy some off days and await their second round opponent. (Let's hope and pray for a New York Rangers loss in Game 7).

Video of "The Magical Shift" from Claude Giroux is below:

Scott Hartnell, Nicklas Grossmann, and Andres Lilja Behind The Scenes In Pittsburgh

The Flyers arrived in Pittsburgh today in anticipation for Friday nights game 5 versus the Penguins. I can't say anything bad about the Pens because the last time I did the Flyers lost, giving up 10 and got absolutely steamrolled. Yes 10 goals. So, I'm keeping everything positive until the Flyers take the series.

For all you stat lovers, Illya Brygalov has given up 36 goals during his last 8 playoff games. Do the math and that is a 4.5 goals against average. Bryz must show up in game 5 in order to give the Flyers a chance to win and keep the streaky Penguins from coming back and stabbing Philadelphia in the heart.

Anyway, heres a video of Scott Hartnell, Nickalas Grossman, and Andres Lilja touring Pittsburgh. Hartnell is hilarious and they pretty much indicate that they do not like the city at all.

Just win, please. 


Check out the video here

JVR practices, Might Be In The Lineup For Game Five

James Van Reimsdyk had a lethal postseason in 2010. He saw ice time in 11 games, scoring 7 goals en route to a Stanley Cup Final loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Van Reimsdyk showcased to the Flyers organization and their fans that he was worthy of the number two overall draft pick pick in 2007. His postseason performance also led to the 23 year old forward receiving a  6 year $25.5 million contract extension.

James Van Reimsdyk entered the 2011-2012 season with a boat load of expectations. That's what happens when your taken exactly one draft pick behind Patrick Kane who has 126 career goals compared to Van Reimsdyk's 47. (Kane has also played in more season, four for Kane, three for JVR).

The season has not worked out as envisioned for both the Flyers or Van Reimsdyk, as the third year forward had to battle through injuries all season long, which ended in a broken foot that ended his season.


Until now. 


Van Reimsdyk practiced today and said he is good to go for game 5 against the Penguins on Friday night. Whether head coach Peter Laviolette inserts him into the lineup remains to be seen. Van Reimsdyk wore plastic shells over top of his skates to protect him from firing pucks and said he would wear them during game action if thats what it took to get him back on the ice.

If Van Reimsdyk can in fact lace up the skates and return to the Flyers active roster, he could resurrect his disappointing and injury ridden season, and add another weapon to the already hot Flyers offensive game.

Whether Van Reimsdyk is worthy of the $25.5 million extension is up for debate, considering he netted only 11 goals and 13 assists in 23 games this season. But when this guy is on, he has proven that he has top notch talent and would be a helpful addition. Especially considering that he shows up when the games are crucial.

--------------------------------------------------------

In other injury news, defenseman Nicklas Grossman played in only nine minutes in last nights shellacking. Grossman took two separate shots to the dome, and did not practice today. It is possible that Grossman suffered a concussion which would be a huge loss to a defense that is already without Chris Pronger, but the team has not issued out a statement regarding any apparent injury to Grossman.

Videos To Get You Juiced Up. Go Flyers.

Bored during your school or work day and anxiously awaiting game four between the Penguins and Flyers? Here's some footage to get your blood moving a little bit and get you all sorts of jacked up for this evening's festivities.

Below is the third period brawl from Sunday afternoons game three. Things to look out for:
-Brayden Schenn clearly calls out Sidney Crosby. They exchange a few jabs but Crosby waits until the referee comes over so he can receive assistance.
-Moments later he then starts pulling Scott Hartnell's jersey from behind and doesn't ensue a brawl. Teammates then come to rescure the diva, Crosby.
-Scott Hartnell gets his hair pulled during his scuffle with Craig Adams. (Didn't know this was a cat fight, Craig). Hartnell then gets ejected from the game but not after he pumps up the crowd.
-Proceeding that, the REAL Hulk Hogan appears on the jumbo-tron, keeping the Orange Crush juiced up. (Video also below)
Enjoy

Philly Keeps Shitting On Shittsburgh and Their Diva Star, Sidney Crosby

This will be the cover of  The Daily News tomorrow.  Everybody should make it their duty to pick up an issue because it truly doesn't get better then this. Philly continues to embarrass the Penguins, keeping a strong grip to the throat of Shittsburgh and a clenched fist to the jaw of the steel city.

This folks, will be an intense rivalry for years to come. Quite possibly one of best in sports.

Got Brooms?

Some great Flyers coverage included inside, and it only costs a buck. Shake out your piggy bank for some spare change or pull George Washington out of your wallet because this is truly epic.

Frame worthy people:         Photo cred to Fran Seravelli and the Daily News

The Flyers Are Giving Away Shirts For Game 4 That Make Fun Of Cry-Baby Crosby

The Flyers organization has some great people in the marketing and public relations department. For game three they gave these tee shirts out to the fans with Scott Hartnell taunting the Penguins fans:

 And to add to the crazy atmosphere that will be game four, the Flyers will be giving out these tee shirts, mocking Sidney Crosby's post game quotes after he acted like a complete pussy in game three.

Video of Crosby's post game quotes where he says he likes no player on the Flyers team below:

Eagles Schedule Released

I know were all excited about the Flyers epic first round, bloody cold war series versus the Penguins (got brooms?), the Phillies starting off their season with dominant pitching and more hitting then expected, and the Sixers collapsing by the day, but don't forget about your Philadelphia Eagles!

The teams 2012-2013 schedule has just been released, and your in the right spot to see how it's all laid out.

Without further ado, here it is:

September 9th at Cleveland, 1:00
September 16th vs Baltimore, 1:00
September 23rd at Arizona, 4:15
September 30th vs Giants, 8:30 * Sunday Night Football *
October 7th at Pittsburgh, 1:00
October 14th vs Detroit, 1:00
October 21st BYE WEEK
October 28th vs Atlanta, 1:00
November 5th at New Orleans, 8:30 * Monday Night Football *
November 11th vs Dallas, 4:15
November 18th at Washington, 1:00
November 26th vs Carolina, 8:30 * Monday Night Football *
December 2nd at Dallas, 8:20 * Sunday Night Football *
December 9th at Tama Bay, 1:00
December 13 vs Cincinnati, 8:30 * Thursday Night Football *
December 23 vs Washington, 1:00
December 30 at Giants, 1:00

Looks like a fairly tough schedule. Agreed? Tweet me @BallSoHardPhi

The NFL Has A New Method To Settle Crazy Fans

Philadelphia Eagles fans, watch out. Or don't, I'd like to see you all stay rowdy and make Lincoln Financial Field one of the toughest venues to play in the National Football League. It might come at a price though.

The NFL has come up with a new method to settle rowdy crowds, and it sure is an interesting approach.

Licensed psychotherapist Dr. Ari Novak, who clearly doesn't like to booze and get crunk during sporting events has created a program that will require only the fans who get ejected to complete a four hour program and pay a total of $75 dollars just to be allowed back in the stadium. Damnit!! 


Novak is also a certified anger management expert and professional. Somewhere Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson are fuming.

Fans who get tossed will also get their picture snapped and seat number recorded. I'll say it again: Their seat number recorded? Sounds like a very effective strategy....

If fans don't comply, they will be placed on a list called "never-to-return". Don't worry people, there's always a way to beat the system!

Just like in school, you must get 70 percent of the questions correct in order to be allowed back in the stadium. Imagine drinking 15 beers then trying to take this test. It could be fun, or it could simply be the death of you.

With Xfinity Live! now in place and basically open all day long, I have a feeling Eagles fans will have a tough time passing this test if they are in fact, ejected.

For future reference, if you are one of these fans who has to undergo this psychiatric treatment and take some phony test, please let me know. And if I'm a victim, I'll sure as hell update you on the process.

I guess we can thank San Francisco fans for this who decide to nearly beat opposing fans to death or pack some heat and let shots ring out in stadium parking lots.

Actually, wait... I'm just going to blame Pittsburgh. It's definitely their fault.

Pat Burrell Will Sign One Day Deal, Retire As A Phillie

Pat Burrell is one of the most beloved and hated athletes in Philadelphia Phillies history.

Burrell was the best player in the nation while at the University of Miami putting up gaudy numbers at the U. In 162 total collegiate game (which is equivalent to the schedule of a whole major league season) Burrell bashed 61 home runs, batting .441 making him the consensus number one overall draft pick by the Phillies.

Burrell made his debut in 2000 and had a stellar rookie season batting .260 with 18 home runs. He followed that up with 27 and 37 home run seasons which resulted in Burrell signing a six year $50 million contract with Philadelphia.

Burrell wound up spending 9 seasons in red pinstripes that were filled with highs/lows and multiple odd sexual-type scandals. He was certainly known to of partied a fair amount and did not struggle one bit with spitting game, picking up some dimes. Burrell still managed to have a highly productive career with the Phillies making him a fan favorite and garnering the nick-name "Pat The Bat". Pun Intended.

Burrell ended his career with a World Series victory posting a .250 batting average in the 2008 postseason, hitting three home runs and was that guy  riding the clydesdale down Broad Street during the Championship parade.

Burrell went on to play four more season with the Tampa Bay Rays and San Francisco Giants and was part of the team that knocked off the Phillies in the 2012 National League Championship Series en route to a World Series Victory over the Texas Rangers.

Pat the Bat's most productive years came in a Phillies uniform and because of that he will sign a one day minor league contract with the organization so that he can retire forever as a Phillie. How fitting. The ceremony will take place when the Phils play host to the Boston Red Sox on May 19th.

Burrell's career numbers pan out like this: 1640 games played, 292 home runs, and a .253 career batting average in 12 years, capturing two World Series rings.

#BallSoHardPhi Poll: Which Philadelphia Coach Is Your Favorite?

After debating some topics to grab readers' attention I decided just momentarily that I will be posting weekly polls to get your feed back on Philadelphia sports topics.

Your feed back is greatly appreciated and its easy as 1,2,3 or A,B,C ! Just tweet your answers to my Twitter account, @BallSoHardPHI

Question numero uno: Of the four major Philadelphia sports teams, which head coach is YOUR favorite?
Andy Reid (Eagles), Charlie Manuel (Phillies), Peter Laviolette (Flyers), or Doug Collins (Sixers)

Here's my list from numbers 1-4:

1. Charlie Manuel





2. Peter Laviolette 



3. Doug Collins 
. 
4. Andy Reid 

Charlie Manuel ranks number one because he is the only coach/manager of the four major organizations to bring a championship to the city of Philadelphia: Point, blank, period. And how can you not love his southern draw?

Peter Laviolette ranks number two on my list because of his tenacity and intensity as a coach. He has a great feel for both the game and his players. He took the Flyers to the Stanley Cup in 2010, which ended in a soft game winning puck under the pad of Michael Leighton, ended in a sour game 6 loss and no cup parade down Broad Street. Lavs has got the job done during his career when he seized a Stanley Cup while with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Doug Collins takes the number three slot because simply, he is a great coach. The players adore him, the fan base loves him and the organization knows he is their man on the sideline. His knowledge about the game is impeccable, and when talking to the media he is brutally honest on the way his team played, and how he coached. Collins is also just a stand up act.

Andy Reid comes in at number four. “Cough, Listen”: This explanation could be its own blog post because there is so much to go into when it comes down to the Andy Reid coaching era. Reid snuffs the media, and never gives the fans an explanation on what really went wrong during the course of the game or season. 6 NFC championship appearances: Zero Lombardi Trophies. That basically sums it all up. If Reid doesn't take the Eagles deep into the playoffs in 2012 he could very well be run out of town. 

Flyers Will Be Sporting Mac Miller Tee Shirts Under Their Uniforms Tonight

At 7:30 this evening the Philadelphia Flyers will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in front of a packed, hostile crowd at the Consol Energy Center Arena in game one of the 2012 National Hockey League Stanley Cup Playoffs.

It is well documented that these two Pennsylvania teams hate each other for lack of a better word. Throughout the season after every Flyers win, the team enters the locker room post game to hip-hop artist Mac Miller's song "Knock Knock". It has been the signature anthem for the 2011-2012 Broad Street Bullies.

Ironically enough, Mac Miller is a Pittsburgh native and devoted Pittsburgh sports fan. That obviously didn't stop the Flyers from rocking these T-Shirts under their jerseys during the highly anticipated series, starting tonight:

Courtesy of Philly.com 

Video of Mac Miller's hit "Knock Knock" below:

Sixers Fading Fast

It began with the lockout.

The season that was supposed to kick off in October with 82 regular season games spanning over seven months, was then downsized and delayed to a 66 game season that began on December 16th.

Expectations weren't extremely high for the Philadelphia 76ers coming into the 2011-2012 season but after getting hot in the second half of last season and taking that momentum into a semi-exciting series against the Miami Heat that included some nail biting games that concluded in a five game series, the Sixers were seen as an up and coming squad in the National Basketball Association.

They made no major offseason acquisitions, but the Sixers were returning a solid nucleus of young talent that were beginning to sprout and just scratch the surface on the potential that made the Sixers organization take a chance on drafting them.

Philadelphia had a coach that they adored in Doug Collins.

Jrue Holiday was showing glimpses of one of the leagues top ten point guards, Jodie Meeks can shoot the lights out of the gym, Andre Iguodala is a top five defender in the league, Spencer Hawes when healthy has proven he's a quality big man, Lou Williams is one of the best bench scorers in the league when playing consistent basketball, and although Evan Turner had a fairly plain rookie year, it looked like his game was evolving during that first round series against the Miami Heat. Remember, this guy was the second overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft after John Wall and before DeMarcus Cousins. 


The 2012 season got underway with everybody not knowing what to expect, making the start of the shortened NBA season something to look forward to and be excited about. The Sixers sure gave fans something to get riled up about, too.

They started the season 14-6. The Wells Fargo Center that begun the season vacant, slowly began to fill up with rowdy crowds. The two owners who nobody knew about coming into the season, began to be noticed in Adam Aaron and Joshua Harris. Ticket prices were slashed, the stupid bunny rabbit mascot, Hip-Hop was freed from his cage and replaced with iconic Philadelphia figures (William Penn, Benjamin Franklin) and massively overweight African-American males who cheer throughout the games existence behind the basket, sometimes showing off their glamorous 340 pound stomachs on the jumbo-tron. Former Sixers stars began sitting court side. A blast from the past, rooting for the current Sixers team that they once poured their hearts out on the hardwood for.

Most importantly the team was winning at a consistent rate!

The fan base was beginning to increase, Lou Williams emerged as a sixth man of the year candidate. Doug Collins? A possible coach of the year candidate with his guru like coaching tactics. The Sixers were running teams out of the arena with a style that fits the City of Philadelphia: Team Basketball.

The Sixers emerged at one point in the season as the number three seed in the Eastern Conference behind the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat. The Knicks, who were looked at as a promising team and the Boston Celtics, who are aging, but still equipped to make a playoff run were being taken over by our Philadelphia 76ers.

Andre Iguodala was named to the Eastern Conference All Star team, a feat that no other Sixers player has achieved since the days of Allen Iverson.

A magical season looked to be in the works. Comparisons between this years Sixers team and the 2004 World Champion Detroit Pistons were debated.

The Sixers were one star away from being championship contenders.


Then everything began to down spiral.

The teams weaknesses began to be exposed. The coach that seemed inviniciable was all of a sudden searching for answers. The lack of a consistent offensive threat and productive big man were starting to show. The record started fading because the schedule and opponents got tougher, giving the Sixers headaches and adding losses to the wrong side of the dash.

Since February 10th the Sixers have played thirty games. In those thirty games the Sixers have dropped 18 of them. Thats a 12-18 record. Not Good.


In their last ten games, that same exact Sixers team who started the season 14-6, are 3-7 with the crucial final stretch upon us.

Jrue Holiday still shows sign of immaturity on the basketball court that has plagued him during the span of his career. (He's only 21). Jodie Meeks can still shoot the tre-ball effectively also is hot and cold and wouldn't be starting on any other NBA team. Lou Williams has been mightily inconsistent in his offensive game and can't seem to guard a single sole on the other side of the ball. Spencer Hawes cannot stay healthy and at times looks timid in the post, and Evan Turner got inserted in the starting five and seemed to only flourish for a couple games before reverting back to his old ways, now only averaging 9 points per game in his second season. As of a few minutes ago, he had been placed back on the bench in favor of Jodie Meeks.

The once magical season is now turning into a disaster. That three or four seed that looked definite has turned into an 8th seed. Those aging Celtics who the Sixers ran out of the gym in two games at home just returned the the favor and blew out the Sixers this past Sunday by 24 points. 

The Sixers have digressed at a rate that is simply jaw dropping and quite unfortunate. The fan base that was starting to fill the Wells Fargo Center has since returned to watching this Sixers team back home, on their couch, with the same line going through their heads that they've been voicing for years.

The Sixers just aren't that good.

Don't get me wrong. The organization is on the rise under new leadership. The talent is there and the Sixers have a very good coach in place.

What the Sixers need is just a few roster changes.

The need for a consistent scorer and/or big man is as high as its ever been.

Most of the pieces are in place. With a young nucleus consisting of Holiday, Thad Young, Jodie Meeks, Evan Turner, Nic Vucevic, Lou Williams, hopefully Evan Turner and Andre Iguodala, they are very close to being legit contenders.

So damn close.

Imagine how good this team would be with a player like the caliber of Dwight Howard.........

If they can just pick up that prototypical star player, the organization will be back. The arena will again be rowdy with packed seats, and that three seed that has turned into an eighth seed will be a legitimate reality.

But picking up a big name acquisition is much easier said then done.

 Now the coaches, players, organization and fan base are simply searching for answers with just ten games remaining on the schedule.

Fran Dunphy Named Big Five Coach Of The Year

For the third consecutive season, Temple University men's head basketball coach Fran Dunphy has been named Philadelphia's Big Five Coach of the Year. Dunphy came to North Broad Street in 2006 following in the footsteps of Hall Of Fame Coach John Cheyney.

After compiling a 12-18 record during his first season on the sideline for the cherry and white, Dunphy has coached the Owls to at least 21 wins in every season since, en route to a 134-65 career record at Temple University. 

In 2011-2012 the Owls came up short in the second round of the NCAA Tournament losing to South Florida, but won its first regular season outright Atlantic 10 title since 1990, posting a 24-8 record. One of the most successful regular seasons in the programs history.

Senior guard Ramone Moore and Junior guard Khaliff Wyatt were named first-team all Big Five, while Senior point guard Juan Fernandez landed on the second team.

Ramone Moore is currently preparing for the 2012 NBA Draft. Moore isn't expected to get drafted but will certainly get the opportunity to showcase his skills in front of NBA scouts in an attempt to boost his draft stock.

Both Moore and Fernandez will certainly get the chance to play overseas if they don't miraculously get their name called during the draft which will be held on June 28 in New York City.

Should You Be Worried About The Phillies?

The Phillies offense isn't quite what it was from 2007 to 2010, but what is clear is the Phillies aresenal of arms in the bullpen and starting rotation. With the Phillies bats not as powerful as they once were, should we be concerned with the current state of the Phightin Phils? Jim Salisbury of Comcast Sportnet Philadelphia offers a great explanation during his Daily News Live appearance.

Click here for video


CNSPhilly

Opening Day Thoughts

April 5th 2012. The Philadelphia Phillies begin their 2012 season.

The expectations are high. The excitement is felt. And for the first time since 2007 there is significant concern among this avid fan base.

Chase Utley and Ryan Howard, out. Freddy Galvis and Ty Wiggington, in. Jimmy Rollins is batting third, Hunter Pence in the cleanup spot, and John Mayberry is manning left field.

Its a lineup none of us would have envisioned when the season ended in October against the St. Louis Cardinals in game five of the National League Division Series, but its something we as fans cannot change.

One thing remains imminent. The Phillies still have a high arsenal of pitching, and an above average lineup that gives this ball club a chance year in, and year out.

Timing is running out though. The lineup is aging, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee are another year older, with more pitches and innings wearing on their arms. Cole Hamels is in the final year of his contract, and with Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants just signing a six year $127.5 million dollar contract, the highest ever in the history of baseball for a right handed pitcher, Cole Hamels might demand even more.

Hamels is arguably a better pitcher, has accumulated an almost identical ERA to Cain, and is just one year older (28 years old) bringing up the possibility that if the Philies organization doesn't ink up Hamels to a mega-deal adding more dollars to an already high payroll.....The youngest ace could be gone.

Shane Victorino is in the final year of his contract. With his mixture of prominent play, a five-tool player, Victorino will be demanding big bucks. He himself, could be playing his last year in Phillies pinstripes.

Enough with the negativity.

This team, like it has since 2008 has a fabulous chance to capture a title, filling the cities void and starvation for a championship trophy and another populated parade down Broad Street.

As fans, we can only hope that hoisting a World Series Trophy is the final outcome of the 2012 season. But we all know that gutless, heartbreaking feeling because in fact, every single Philadelphia sports fan has felt it before.

Philadelphia is indeed the city of brotherly love, but sometimes that love can't always be returned and instead, we receive something that our hearts never desire...Disappointment.

The boys of summer are back. We can now spend our summer nights doing what every baseball fan loves: Watch this roster full of talent win ball games at a rapid rate, and even though the regular season is going to be full of highlights, the playoffs is what matter this year because time for another World Series run is running out.

As fans, we must enjoy this ride all the way from April to September, and hopefully cruise all the way through three rounds of playoff baseball in October and capture another World Series Championship that this classy organization and die-hard fan base is starving for. The city of Philadelphia as a whole deserves another gift for being the most loyal fans in sports.

Go Phillies 

The Broad Street Bullies Are Back!

If you were for any reason out of the country or too hung over to get up and do anything productive yesterday afternoon (Like watch the Flyers vs Penguins game) things got very ugly during the latter stages of the highly anticipated, and crucial matchup between the two Pennsylvania teams.


After allowing two goals in the first seven minutes of the hockey game, the Flyers came back with a vengeance, scoring five unanswered goals to take a a 5-2 lead. The Flyers basically dominated throughout the rest of the game, adding one more goal while the Penguins chipped in two during garbage time.


As the waining moments of the game winded down, Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma sent out his fourth line that hadn't hit the ice in over ten minutes of action. (That ain't right)


Danny Briere was then drilled while carrying the puck and mayhem broke out. Punches were thrown, shoves were given out, arguing ensued, Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette broke Max Talbot's stick in half over the boards then managed to scream at coaches and fans while standing on top of the boards, and Scott Hartnell was giving Penguins die hard, and Hulk Hogan's identical twin, the famous Allen Iverson "Answer signal"
<<<------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You get the point by now. It was ugly and this first round series
that could very well take place between the Flyers and Penguins is shaping up to be an instant classic for the ages.


Highlights from yesterdays game here


Wayne Simmonds, who took a puck off the face in Saturday's game wound up getting in a fight with a Penguins player as a result of the lick Danny Briere took, and when speaking with reporters about the melee, Simmonds ultimately captured the quote of the week.



Reporter: Were you going into yesterday’s game saying ‘I don’t want to get in a fight’ and then all of a sudden you’re fighting on of the toughest guys in the league…what’s going through your mind there?

Simmonds response: “Obviously it wasn’t ideal for me to fight in that situation but, Danny took a solid hit there and obviously I’m going to go to my player’s defense, that’s the type of player I am. It doesn’t matter if I have stitches in my eyes, I have to go in there and stand up for my teammate.”   


What. A. Guy.

Speaking of Simmonds, he and Illya Brygalov both earned NHL accolades today. 

Simmonds was named the "first star of the week" by the NHL, netting goals in four straight games, and a total of five during this weeks play. (and a nasty scar)

On the other hand, the Flyers net minder was named the NHL's first star of the month for his dominating play in goal throughout the month of March. Bryz went 10-2-1 with a 1.43 goals against average. 

Last but certainly not least! Claude Giroux and Scotty Hartnell are candidates to be on the cover of NHL 13! Be sure to cast your votes! Link below: 


http://covervote.nhl.com/:b=safari/#/sizzlereel/


Injury Update: Danny Briere and Nicholas Grossman are both out with injuries