Archive for February, 2016

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NBA Trade Deadline: 4 Targets for Philadelphia 76ers

February 18th, 2016 by Ryan Waterman | Comments Off on NBA Trade Deadline: 4 Targets for Philadelphia 76ers | Filed in Basketball, General, NBA, Sixers, Sports, TalkSportsPhilly

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Ah, “Deadline Day” is upon us. As with every NBA trade deadline, the rumor mill is on fire. Superstars, role players, bench warmers, you name it and they are rumored to be on the move. The Trade Deadline has also brought us a number of monumental trades, that shook the league to its’ core. The 2011 edition of the Trade Deadline saw Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz traded to the then-New Jersey Nets. In return, the Jazz received guard Devin Harris, a pair of first-round picks, cash considerations, and one of the organization’s cornerstones in Derrick Favors. While that deal was huge, arguably the biggest trade in deadline history happened just two days prior, when Carmelo Anthony was moved to the New York Knicks in an incredible 12-player deal. The point I am getting at here, is that the Trade Deadline is the day for huge trades to go down. This year is no different, as players ranging from Blake Griffin to Al Horford are reportedly on the block.

With it being the day of the Trade Deadline, teams are bound to be active. Most teams are looking to improve on their playoff chances, by acquiring rental players or better overall talent. Some teams that are out of the playoffs are looking to shed salary. Then, you have teams like the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers are currently in a fantastic position when it comes to the deadline. With the current financial situation (or lack thereof…), the Sixers have become known as a “dumping ground” for ridiculous contracts, such as Javale McGee last season. The teams’ current financial situation allows them to be in a similar position this year, although I believe they could target longer-term options also. With that said, let’s take a look at the top 5 targets for the Sixers, before we reach the 3:00 Deadline.

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4.) Jeff Teague- Point Guard/Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks have spent the last two seasons with fantastic regular-season squads, but have yet to step up in the playoffs. As a result, there have been a number of discussions centered around blowing the team up. If the Hawks go through with their discussions, one of the first to go will be Jeff Teague. The talented 27-year-old got off to a slow start in his career, not playing a whole lot during his first two seasons. However, he made the most of his chance, when given the opportunity in 2011. He saw his points per game average skyrocket from 5.2 PPG in 2010, up to 12.6 PPG in 2012. Since then, he’s averaged no less than 14 PPG. The one time All-Star would be an ideal fit for the Sixers, as he’d fill the void currently at point guard. Ish Smith has been playing amazingly since re-joining the team, but it’s not every day that you have the chance to acquire an all-star to run the point. One would imagine that a return would have to include Nerlens Noel, at the least.

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Professional Wrestler Bryan Danielson Announces Retirement

February 9th, 2016 by Ryan Waterman | Comments Off on Professional Wrestler Bryan Danielson Announces Retirement | Filed in General, TalkSportsPhilly, Wrestling

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In the sport of professional wrestling, there are two things that can make you a superstar. You’re ability to “cut a promo”, and entertain an audience through your words. The alternative route, is by amazing an audience with your in-ring work. While there are few in the business that can cut a good promo, there are even fewer who can leave you awe-struck with their work between the ropes. For wrestling fans, Bryan Danielson (Ring Name- Daniel Bryan) was the best of both worlds. Unfortunately for wrestling fans, the best of both worlds has come to a heartbreaking end. Danielson, who has been rumored to be appearing on Raw in his home of Seattle, Washington, took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to make a devastating, yet all-too-expected announcement.

The illustrious 17-year career of one of the most talented in-ring workers in history, has come to an abrupt end.

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2016 NFL Mock Draft- Version 1.0

February 8th, 2016 by Ryan Waterman | Comments Off on 2016 NFL Mock Draft- Version 1.0 | Filed in Eagles, Football, General, NFL

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With the NFL season now in the books, it’s time to start turning our attention to the offseason. One of the most exciting parts of the NFL offseason, is the NFL Draft. It’s the time of year, where hundreds of bright-eyed college youngsters find themselves watching their phones, hoping for that one fateful phone call that will change their lives. Hundreds declare, while only 256 are selected.  The lights shine bright, and the media is out in droves. This year’s class is one of the more talented classes in the last 10 years, with Myles Jack, Laremy Tunsil, and Laquon Treadwell among the classes top prospects. Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were on the clock, selecting Florida State product Jameis Winston with the first overall pick. Former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota went second overall to the Tennessee Titans. This year, the Titans have moved up a spot, and the lights shine bright on them. Let’s get right into it, and break down TalkSportsPhilly’s NFL Mock Draft: Version 1.0.

1.) Tennessee Titans- Laremy Tunsil (OT/Mississippi)

The Titans found themselves a franchise quarterback in last year’s draft, with Marcus Mariota.  They already have a number of solid, young weapons in Kendall Wright, Delanie Walker, and Dorial Green-Beckham.  On the left side of the offensive line, Taylor Lewan is there to hold down the fort.  It’s not very often that you get the chance to have a pair of franchise tackles, protecting your franchise quarterback. For those reasons, it’s a no-brainer for the Titans to select Tunsil.

2.) Cleveland Browns- Jared Goff (QB/California)

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Report: Eagles to Explore Re-Acquiring a Familiar Name

February 8th, 2016 by Ryan Waterman | Comments Off on Report: Eagles to Explore Re-Acquiring a Familiar Name | Filed in Eagles, Football, General, NFL

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Super Bowl Sunday is usually a very quiet day, that is filled with six hours of pregame shows, that preview the upcoming battle between the league’s two best teams. This year’s Super Bowl Sunday has a bit more buzz, than years past.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news this morning, that the Philadelphia Eagles do not plan to franchise tag quarterback Sam Bradford, but “still have some interest” in re-signing him. This is not so breaking news if you’re an Eagles fan, as this has long been a topic of discussion. In the event of a possible Franchise Tag for Sam Bradford, his 2016 salary would be pretty close to $20 million. For the past eight weeks, the hot topic in Philadelphia has been “Is Sam Bradford worth the money?”

Bradford was acquired by the Eagles back in March of 2015, in exchange for Nick Foles. The move was immediately met with a boatload of criticism, primarily because of Bradford’s track record of injuries. He was just coming off of a second ACL tear in the same knee, and the Eagles pretty much banked their future on him. Initially, the Birds were disappointed with Bradford’s slow start. He looked uncomfortable in the pocket, and subsequently, made some very questionable decisions. Despite the rocky start, he finished strong down the stretch. The former Oklahoma Sooner finished the year 3,725 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.

Over his final five games, Bradford completed roughly two-thirds of his passes for over 1,400 yards. He also threw for 8 TDs with only 4 interceptions. These stats brought to mind the immediate question, about whether Bradford could put forth these numbers in a full season. Speculation immediately began, that the team would franchise Bradford, as a way to give him one more season without a long-term financial commitment.  After this report, it certainly looks as if Bradford won’t be back in 2017, unless he takes a pay cut.

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Five Greatest Quarterbacks to Never Win a Super Bowl

February 7th, 2016 by Kyle Lutz | Comments Off on Five Greatest Quarterbacks to Never Win a Super Bowl | Filed in Football, General, NFL

Some of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, whether it be Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Joe Montana, have held the precious Lombardi Trophy, however some haven’t been so lucky. Here are some of the best, who were great, but who never had the chance to win one in their career. Unfortunately for some, they never had great supporting casts around them, or, for other reasons, they didn’t make it far enough as they would’ve liked to in the playoffs.

05. Dan Fouts- Chargers

Although he only has 12 more career touchdown passes to interceptions, which doesn’t seem all that even for a good quarterback, Fouts was an underrated signal caller. He started out in 1973, behind some atrocious Chargers’ teams in the mid-’70s, before they finally made the conference championship game in 1980. He was a six-time Pro Bowler, led the league in passing yards four years in a row (1979-82), and set an NFL record, too, by becoming the first QB ever to throw for more than 4,000 yards in a season three years in a row.

Back in the ’70s, NFL teams favored running games to passing, thus a quarterback who could accomplish that feat in that era was eye opening. Fouts was enshrined into Canton, into the Hall of Fame, in 1993, despite having only three career playoff wins.

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Reports: Sixers, Clippers “Discussing” Blake Griffin Deal

February 6th, 2016 by Ryan Waterman | Comments Off on Reports: Sixers, Clippers “Discussing” Blake Griffin Deal | Filed in Basketball, General, NBA, Sixers

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Once upon a time, Scott O’ Neil was quoted as saying that the Sixers were “a year away” from being players for top free agents. The main reason behind the statement, is because of the Sixers lack of a winning record. While that statement made by O’Neil is true, there’s another way for the Sixers to acquire a household name.

That other way, as Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio notes, is via trade. Amico is reporting that Sixers have “discussed” a possible trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for superstar big man Blake Griffin. It was also noted that the Nuggets have discussed Griffin with the Clippers, but Dan Woike of the OC Register later noted that nothing much came of those talks.

Since coming on board, Jerry Colangelo has seemed to change the Sixers rebuilding plans a bit. The team seems to have become more comfortable with moving some young assets for established talent, if the opportunity presents itself. Well, it looks as if the Sixers want to capitalize on this opportunity.

By acquiring Blake Griffin, the Sixers would land that “household” name that they’ve been searching for. That player to put butts in the seats, and attract those marquee free-agents. While the former Oklahoma Sooner is out of commission for another month (at least…), he’s a game-changer when he’s on the court. He’s a safe bet for at least 15 points and 10 boards on a nightly basis. The big man has averaged 23.2 points per game, and 8.7 rebounds per game this season, before breaking his hand.

It’s not known what the Clippers seek in return, but the price is bound to be high. Rumors have spread about the price tag including Jahlil Okafor, Dario Saric, and the Lakers 2016 top-3 protected first-round draft pick. However, my own speculation leads me to believe that the organization would be more inclined to move Nerlens Noel over Okafor, as Okafor has (in my opinion..) proven to be more of a complete player than Noel. I’m not saying that Noel isn’t a good player, because he’s proved that he can be great. Personally, I just believe Okafor has a better chance at becoming an elite player, as opposed to Noel.

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Report: Flyers-Penguins to play outdoor Home and Home series

February 6th, 2016 by Ryan Waterman | Comments Off on Report: Flyers-Penguins to play outdoor Home and Home series | Filed in Flyers, General, Hockey

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The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins already have one of the most heated rivals in the NHL. That rivalry is about to take a step to the next level, according to one report.

Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Penguins and Flyers are “working on an agreement” to play a home-and-home series of outdoor games, beginning in 2017. The agreement would see the first outdoor installment take place in Pittsburgh, where the Penguins would host the Flyers at Heinz Field. It remains unclear if this game will be the next installment of the NHL’s Winter Classic, but this could mark the first time that the NHL will revisit a location for the event. For those that may not remember, the Penguins hosted the Washington Capitals at Heinz Field for the 2011 Winter Classic.

While the location for game one is clearly known, the Philadelphia portion is not. The Flyers hosted the Rangers in the 2012 Winter Classic, which took place at Citizens Bank Park. However, a recent trend seems to suggest that they could be headed for a date at Lincoln Financial Field. Out of the last twelve outdoor contests, a total of seven have taken place at football stadiums, all of which have generated attendance numbers over 50,000 fans or higher. The 2011 Heritage Classic at McMahon Stadium in Calgary was the lone exception, tallying just over 41,000 fans.

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At one point, it was discussed that the two teams would face-off at Beaver Stadium in State College, but it doesn’t seem to be in the cards anymore.

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