Author: brian wallace

Detroit sports fan for life!!
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The Detroit Lions select tight end T.J. Hockenson

Embed from Getty Images T.J. Hockenson is not Eric Ebron in anyway. Let’s just start right there. The former Iowa Hawkeye stand out is miles better than Ebron whom Detroit Lions general manager released two seasons ago. With the Hockenson draft pick Detroit filled a glaring need.

T.J. Hockenson is a freak. Standing 6′ 5″ he is a scheme-versatile TE who can play in-line, flexed-out or even in the backfield. His athleticism allows T.J. to be used in many different way.

Hockenson is an impact blocker in both the passing game and run game. At Iowa he routinely hooked onto defenders and moved them out of the way. He also has a high awareness and is outstanding finding the soft spots in zone and works back to the quarterback with ease.

T.J. Hockenson, is more quick than fast. He possesses a good burst away from coverage. He excels in rout running. For a TE of his size Hockenson can run the seam rout as well.

What really stands out is T.J. Hockenson has great hands and body control.  He made difficult catches look routine. Those standout qualities made it hard for Bob Quinn to pass up. Which is why he did not.

Hockenson needs to tone down being overly aggressive on blocking. He got flagged for holding a little too often for the Hawkeyes. That should come with coaching.

In an NFL draft where defense dominated the first round, T.J. Hockenson was the best TE in the draft and it was not even close. He is a game-changer at a difficult position to be one.

An unpopular pick by many Detroit Lions fans. Yet, it was the absolute right draft pick for the team moving forward. Jesse James was signed as a free agent. Now T.J. Hockenson comes in giving the Lions the ability to go two tight ends in a ball control offense.

Given team needs and the value of the NO. 8 overall first round pick, I give the Detroit Lions and A-. They drafted a player fans will enjoy for some time to come.

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Eastern Confrence Semifinal Series, Boston Bruins vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Embed from Getty Images Having surprised the Tampa Bay Lightning in four games, the Columbus Blue Jackets sat, skated and practiced while waiting for their next opponent. The Blue Jackets are well rested and have healed up for the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs round 2.

The Columbus Blue Jackets will begin their quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup Thursday in Boston. A place that has not always been kind to Columbus. That does not matter now, in the playoffs everything is out the window.

What to look for, Boston is an older team who plays physical. They are nowhere as fast as the young Blue Jackets. Boston likes to get scoring from the sides unlike the Tampa Bay Lightning who likes to work the puck down low for shots.

The Blue Jackets need to enter this series with a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset. The Blue Jackets have one of the best defensive units in the NHL, it gets better added to the roster is Vladislav Gavrikov, a Russian defensemen the Blue Jackets drafted in 2015. Gavrikov elected to play in the KHL and not the AHL. Given the tougher league the Jackets were happy to allow him to play there.

Why is Vladislav Gavriko in Columbus? His KHL contract was up, at 23 years old he has fully developed and projects as a top line defensemen.  In short this means the Columbus Blue Jackets will have a shutdown top line defensive player most likely on the third line. Breaking news, that is excellent for the Blue Jackets.

Columbus, needs to keep their sticks on the ice and take away passing lanes just as they did against the Lightning. They need to use their team speed to frustrate Boston, while staying out of the penalty box. If they do, this could be another quick series for the more talented Blue Jackets.

Stanley Cup Playoff hockey, there is nothing like it. Turne in Thursday night for game 1.

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Michigan State football team returns the No.1 defensive line

Embed from Getty Images In 2018 Michigan State football’s defensive line became the nation’s best run-stopping defense. Kenny Willekes emerged as an All-American. Raequan Williamsand Mike Panasiuk formed an impenetrable wall up the middle. The defensive line is very good, but there are questions.

For the Spartans defense to improve during the 2019 season they must find more depth to combat high-tempo offenses which is a major concern. So is generating more of a pass rush.

Michigan State’s front four held opponents to 77.9 yards per game on the ground, which was 17.2 yards fewer than the next closest run defense Mississippi State . That included limiting eight teams to fewer than 65 yards. The Spartans were so  disruptive against the run that opponents averaged only 30.2 carries per game.

The Spartans need to find a pass rush plain and simple. The Spartans managed just 28 sacks all season, including just seven in the final six games. It does no good to stop the run, only to give it all back on a pass. That was a broken record last season.

Stopping the run only to give up a huge pass, the Spartans defense could not get off the field. It must change for Michigan State to find more consistency to their game.

If Michigan State can count on the offense to extend drives and score, if the Spartans defense can find a pass rush, they will be a force in the Big Ten race. If not the 2019 season will look an awful lot like last season.

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The Detroit Pistons are in purgatory

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Pistons are stuck in the NBA’s no man’s land. They are not good enough to compete NBA championships or conference titles, while they are not bad enough to tank in a league with teams who are built specifically to lose in hopes of getting good lottery slots.

The Detroit Pistons have  superstar talent in Blake Griffin, but he just turned 30 in March and has three more years on a 5-year, $173 million deal. T he Pistons will have some tough decisions to make this coming offseason.

Looking at the fact the  Pistons can not and will not tank, the organization needs to choose the path forward to take, and that path may be to try swinging for the fences once again in a blockbuster trade this summer.

The tricky part of making a huge trade is the Pistons need to clear salary before gaining it back in a trade. Back at the NBA in-season trade deadline, it is known the Memphis Grizzlies were interested in Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard of Detroit for the Grizzlies, Mike Conley. Detroit was not interested in moving Kennard.

If Detroit could talk Memphis into taking Langston Galloway with Kennard and Jackson it would save the Pistons $ 1.342 million. Which could get a deal done. It would cost the Pistons some depth off the bench. Like I said it is tricky, when Detroit has no salary cap wiggle-room.

The Detroit Pistons are in a self-acknowledged purgatory, and letting things run their course won’t get them out of it. They must make a trade or two and go all in on winning. They simply have no other choice.

 

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Christopher Ilitch,Detroit Red Wings and Tigers set up for long-term success

Embed from Getty Images There is no question both the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers waited too long to start rebuilding. Winning pushing many things to the back burner. In a recent interview Wings and Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch spoke in-depth.

A big issue that Detroit Red Wings fans had with now former general manager Ken Holland was he simply waited too long to reconstruct his teams roster. “You could certainly make that argument” Ilitch said. “I would come back with why not try to keep the team competitive for as long as possible?”

With both team now in full-blown rebuilds, Ilitch said he understand the fans frustration, adding that he himself is “impatient.” “we all want to win now, it’s more fun to win than lose,” Ilitch continued.

He believes both of his teams are on the right track for winning foundations. “For me, while I would rather be in the playoffs and contending for championships, I get it. I understand the process. I’m very confident we are doing the right things. We are building both of our franchises the right way, for long-term sustainable success. And I am excited about it.”

Taking over both teams from his dearly loved father Mike Ilitch fans and media wondered is Christopher had the same drive and commitment to win. He answered that loud and clear when he moved quickly to bring Steve Yzerman back to the Red Wings. That single action should silence everyone who ever doubted Cristopher Ilitch’s drive to succeed.

Both the Red Wings and Detroit Tigers have very good minor league talent. Now the waiting has settled in. Waiting for players to develop. Ilitch is correct his franchises are both headed in the right direction and may even arrive in the playoffs around the same time.

This time the wining will last longer.

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Highlights from Steve Yzerman’s press conference

Embed from Getty Images Steve Yzerman mania has swept across the entire State of Michigan and his return to the Detroit Red Wings has sent ripples across the NHL. His introduction as Red Wings executive vice president and general manger yesterday doubled as a coming home celebration as well.

The prodigal son returns, a fitting analogy on Easter Weekend. Yet that is how Detroiters view Yzerman’s return. He learned the everyday running of the front office in Detroit, then headed to Tampa Bay to apply what he learned. Turning Tampa into an NHL juggernaut (at least during the regular season.) He returned because as he said “I want to live in Detroit.”

Steve Yzerman is the jolt of lightning Detroit sports needs right now. He is proven. He is easily one of the top three general managers in the NHL. Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Christopher Ilitch made the only decision that was right. 36 years ago Christopher’s father Mike Ilitch welcomed Yzerman to Detroit upon drafting. 36 years later, Christopher was there to welcome him back.

“To come back to the Red Wings for me was not a difficult decision, I like being a GM, I like being in charge” Yzerman said. Other teams have called him. He was linked to the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers. Steve Yzerman turned down both franchises interview requests.

“We have a lot of work to do.” Yzerman fired off speaking about the rebuild the Red Wings are currently in the middle of. “Rebuilds are not fun. For the fans, players, coaches and front office.” Something both Ilitch and Ken Holland have been saying. But coming from Yzerman fans received it better.

Saying the Tampa Bay Lightning not lifting a Stanley Cup was disappointing, Yzerman quickly said it has motivated him in Detroit. “This is a city that expects to win, that is pressure right there.”

Stevie Y also said “it is going to take time” multiple times during the press conference. It was refreshing to not hear “trust the process.” Make no mistake Steve Yzerman is a very aggressive general manager. He will waste zero time getting to know the Red Wings roster and contracts as well as minor league affiliates.

Yzerman said he will honor the contract extension of head coach Jeff Blashill. He will also buy out contracts if he thinks there are some minor league players ready to help the Wings.

“Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Bertuzzi and Filip Hronek, I believe are a good foundation for a good core of player. It’s time for me to get to work.”

Steve Yzerman is back home in Detroit. The Red Wings are in great hands.

 

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Welcome home Stevie Y

Embed from Getty Images Perhaps one of the worst kept secrets in the NHL is out. At a 3:00 pm press conference the Detroit Red Wings are set to announce former Red Wings legend, 20 year captain, 3-time Stanley Cup Champion and  NHL Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman as the teams general manager.

The Sporting News broke the news early this morning that former Detroit Red Wings captain Yzerman, team owner Christopher Ilitch and general manager Ken Holland will announce front office changes.

The Sporting News main hockey writer Gord Miller broke the news. In the front office reshuffle current Red Wings general manager Ken Holland will move to senior vice president, while Yzerman will assume general manger duties. Detroit Red Wings fans are in heaven right now. Very few athletes have ever meant more to the city of Detroit than Steve Yzerman.

Drafted fourth overall in 1983, Yzerman played 22 seasons all with Detroit. He is a 3 time Stanley Cup winner with two back to back in 1997 and 1998. Yzerman is a nine time All-Star and has won the Ted Lindsay Award as the NHL’s Most Outstanding Player. Also, Stevie Y has won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Frank J. Selke Trophy for best defensive forward is also in Yzerman’s resume and is the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship.

Yzerman also scored 100 points in six straight seasons. Steve Yzerman was general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2010 until just before this season started when he stepped down to spend more time with his family who live in Detroit Michigan.

Almost immediately after Yzerman announced he was stepping down he became the target of mass speculation that he would end up in Detroit. That only  grew louder throughout the season.

The rebuilding Detroit Red Wings rebuild just got a lot more fun. Young players are set to continue strong play and Yzerman takes over with just under $17 in salary cap space and solid prospects in Grand Rapids.

Steve Yzerman built the Tampa Bay Lightning from the ground up. They enjoyed a highly successful seasons and playoff run under Steve Yzerman. There was never really any doubt he would return to the Motor City. This time he does not have as much work to do as the young Red Wings have developed in a big way.

This is great news for the future of the Red Wings organization. The only one Steve Yzerman loves.

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2019 Detroit Lions schedule offers a brutal start

Embed from Getty Images Entering Matt Patricia’s second year, the Detroit Lions have a rough start to the 2019 NFL season. It is a season that is difficult to see past 6-7 wins.

2019 Detroit Lions Schedule
Date Opponent Time/TV
Thursday
Aug. 8		 New England Patriots (Preseason)Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Saturday
Aug. 17		 at Houston Texans (Preseason)NRG Stadium, Houston, TX 8:00pm ETLocal/NFLN
Friday
Aug. 23		 Buffalo Bills (Preseason)Ford Field, Detroit, MI 8:00pm ETCBS
Thursday
Aug. 29		 at Cleveland Browns (Preseason)FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH 7:30pm ETLocal/NFLN
Sunday
Sep. 8		 at Arizona CardinalsState Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ 4:25pm ETFOX
Sunday
Sep. 15		 Los Angeles ChargersFord Field, Detroit, MI 1:00pm ETCBS
Sunday
Sep. 22		 at Philadelphia EaglesLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA 1:00pm ETFOX
Sunday
Sep. 29		 Kansas City ChiefsFord Field, Detroit, MI 1:00pm ETFOX
Sunday
Oct. 6		 BYE
Monday
Oct. 14		 at Green Bay PackersLambeau Field, Green Bay, WI 8:15pm ETESPN
Sunday
Oct. 20		 Minnesota VikingsFord Field, Detroit, MI 1:00pm ETFOX
Sunday
Oct. 27		 New York GiantsFord Field, Detroit, MI 1:00pm ETFOX
Sunday
Nov. 3		 at Oakland RaidersOakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA 4:05pm ETFOX
Sunday
Nov. 10		 at Chicago BearsSoldier Field, Chicago, IL 1:00pm ETCBS
Sunday
Nov. 17		 Dallas CowboysFord Field, Detroit, MI 1:00pm ETFOX
Sunday
Nov. 24		 at Washington RedskinsFedExField, Landover, MD 1:00pm ETFOX
Thursday
Nov. 28		 Chicago BearsFord Field, Detroit, MI
Sunday
Dec. 8		 at Minnesota VikingsU.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN 1:00pm ETFOX
Sunday
Dec. 15		 Tampa Bay BuccaneersFord Field, Detroit, MI 1:00pm ETFOX
Saturday
Dec. 21		 at Denver BroncosBroncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, CO Time TBA ETTV TBA
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In what is the biggest upset in NHL playoff history, the Columbus Blue Jackets swept the Tampa Bay Lightning

Embed from Getty Images The Columbus Blue Jackets stunning upset of the Tampa Bay Lightning, caught many fans and sports media off guard. A closer look at the series shows just how dominant the Blue Jackets were.

Two seasons worth of playoff failures paved the way for one of the biggest upsets the NHL has ever witnessed. The Columbus Blue Jackets showed they learned lessons and them applied them to perfection.

Two years ago against the Pittsburgh Penguins the Blue Jackets skated around with their sticks in the air. This year they masterfully had sticks on the ice taking away passing lane after passing lane and frustrating mighty Tampa Bay.

Last season the Washington Capitols out hit and were the more physical team in route to the Stanley Cup. This season the Blue Jackets out hit and were more physical than the Lightning.

Only one team has ever swept the Presidents’ Trophy winners in the first round of the playoffs and that’s the 2019 Columbus Blue Jackets. That is nearly unbelievable.  Columbus is riding a seven game road winning streak, outscoring opponents 32-10 in those games away from Nationwide Arena.

Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky’s save percentage in the four wins was .932. Bobrovsky had an .891 save percentage in the Blue Jackets’ three regular season games against Tampa Bay. Goalie Bob showed up in a big way.

The Blue Jackets  outscored the Tampa Bay Lightning 19-8 in the series after the Bolts had beaten the Blue Jackets in three regular season games to the tune of 17-3. More impressive, 12 different Blue Jackets lit the lamp in the series.

The Blue Jackets have won 11 of their last 12 games, going back to the regular season. The Jackets have outscored their opponents 54-22 over those 12 games. To say they picked up the pace is kind.

Columbus’ odds to win the Stanley Cup,  currently second best in the playoffs   according to Money Puck’s model. Three weeks ago, their odds to claim the Cup were just 1.5%.

With the Columbus Blue Jackets sweeping the Lightning all  31 NHL teams that have now won a playoff series. The Blue Jackets were the last team to advance past the first round.

Now it is on to round two.

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Detroit Tigers top prospects are on fire

Embed from Getty Images Things are starting to shape up for the Detroit Tigers top prospects. This is good news for the Tigers organization as a whole. Top minor leaguers are on fire.

Parker Meadows who the Detroit Tigers took  in the second round of the 2018 draft on Friday night when he hit an inside-the-park home run for the West Michigan Whitecaps. Speed, hit ability defense Meadows has all the tools. “For me, I see his ceiling as a high ceiling,” Tigers general manager Al Avila told me earlier this spring. “Why? Because of his athleticism.

Daz  Cameron who is in Triple-A Toledo,  entered Sunday hitting .257 in Toledo with four extra-base hits in nine games. Cameron has also flashed the leather with great defense.

Pitcher Beau Burrows also with the Mud Hens,  has had a hot start for dominating a pair of games. He struck out 12 in 10 â…“ innings of work, allowing just one unearned run. The Tigers’ top pick in the 2015 draft has shown control, not walking any batters to open the season. He should get a showcase start soon in Motown.

Alex Faedo, in Erie PA with the Seawolves, and was  the Tigers’ top pick in 2017, has been just as impressive as Burrows. Faedo struck out 15 in his first 12 innings of work, allowing two runs and not walking anybody.

Not to be outdone, 2016 top pick Matt Manning also with the Seawolves, struck out 15 in his first 12 innings over two games. He’s allowed three walks, but just two hits and one earned run.

Casey Mize, the Tigers No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, is keeping pace with the other sizzling starting performances by Tigers prospects. He started the season with 15 strikeouts in 11 innings of work and didn’t walk anybody. and should be moved to Double-A very soon.

 

To recap those hot starts, Mize, Manning, Burrows and Faedo combined for 57 strikeouts in 45 â…“ innings, with just five walks. Reasons for Detroit Tigers fans to be excited.