Growing Pains

The 19-25 Sixers are nothing short of electrifying but in return as immature as they come. In the month of January the Sixers have had some serious ups, beating Chicago 105-99, losing by one to Orlando in overtime and winning three straight to match their longest streak of the season. This team is growing up before our very eyes, and with that comes growing pains. Last night at the Wells Fargo Center, the Sixers held a 21 point lead in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies; and eleven fourth quarter turnovers later, their three game streak was snapped by a 99-94 loss. Doug Collins coaches one of the most dangerous sub .500 team in recent years, yet the hair left on his head is getting grayer by the second. This team can run, shoot, play defense, get a crowd on their feet, and seemingly stick with any team in the league. Next, they need to get over the temptation of flat out blowing games.

Three keys to late game victory:

1. Where is Spencer Hawes?

Doug Collins starts his 7 foot Center, the right move; but then shoves him to the back of the bench for the whole of every fourth quarter, the wrong move. I understand his philosophy that running Young and Brand in the front court gives the Sixers the opportunity to push the game tempo at will, however, some teams have centers that Elton Brand just can't get guard. Hawes is our biggest body, our surest bet to lower the probability of second chance buckets for the opponent. Those second chance put backs can be the difference in a close game, and Hawes' ability to stretch the floor and pass in the high post also, doesn't hurt on the offensive end. Sometimes down the stretch, you need your starting center.

2. Trust the Half Court

When you have a lead sometimes you need to abandon the running game, and for this team that is a very scary thought. Trust your half court offense Sixers! Sometimes you have to run some clock, use the pick and roll instead of the alley-oop, the mid range jumper instead of the high flying dunk. When leading late in a game the last thing you want is a free for all scramble. When engaged in one, the game is up for grabs. The Sixers need to slow the game down late to allow themselves to dictate the tempo, and ultimately the final results.

3. Defend the Perimeter (And don't foul)

Twice against the Orlando Magic the Sixers fouled a three point shooter, which resulted in two 4-point plays. They lost that game by 2 in OT and both 4-point plays were obviously what did them in, presenting a serious defensive obstacle; maturity. The Sixers have a plethora of quick perimeter defenders, but having them, and having them deliver, are two very different things. Late game defense falls on the guards, in transition, and in defending the perimeter in the half court. When the Sixers lose, it is evident that their guards fail to do so.

The Sixers hold the 7th spot in the conference, and if the playoffs started today they'd be two-steppin' with the power houses of the East. The Sixers are fun, and their knack for being in every game keeps every fan on the edge of their seat. I just wish those fans didn't have to fall off in disappointment every so often, when the team decides to take the last quarter off.

JD

His Dream, In Sports

Each January 17th we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In sports, his dream is revisited, and certainly celebrated, each and every day. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made it possible for African American athletes to share their talents on the local, national, and global stage, thus changing the sporting world forever. With the opportunity given to them by MLK, African American athletes raised the bar in sporting competitions on all levels. Without MLK, Babe Ruth would be the MLB Home Run King, John Havlicek would be the NBA All-Time points leader, and John Riggins would be the NFL leader in career rushing yards. Without African American athletes, NBA games would sit in the half court, the West Coast offense would be the only offense in Football, and sheer speed and agility would be a rare treat on an MLB baseball field. On behalf of those that live for the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat; the intensity and passion that is poured into High School, Collegian, and Professional sports, I would like to thank Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for shaping the modern sporting world; giving those the chance they well deserved, to make it just the way we like.

JD

Cheesesteaks vs. Cheeseheads

The first time our Birds met the Pack, Kevin Kolb left the game with a concussion at half time, Michael Vick staged a nail biting second half comeback, and when the Birds lost 27-20 with Vick's prayers falling just short, the upcoming season of Philadelphia football was up in shambles. Since then, the 2010 NFL Season has taken its annual turns, and the Packers, who were once NFC favorites, have found themselves barely scraping their way into the playoffs as the final wild card seed, while the Eagles led by the inspirational run of QB Michael Vick, are hosting a first round playoff game as the top team produced by the NFC East. What a difference 17 weeks can make. With as unbiased of an opinion as I can muster, here are my predictions and analyses of the playoff bout between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers.

Key Match Ups

Michael Vick vs. Clay Matthews- Two teams successfully pressured Michael Vick for four quarters this season, and those teams, the Bears and Vikings, handed the Eagles two of their six losses. If the Packers hope to disrupt the silky flow the Eagles offense has established this season, Clay Matthews will need to be a major factor. The Eagles, who are bringing a banged up offensive line into the playoffs, will have a hard enough time dealing with the Packers' defensive front, which leaves plenty of room for an extra man as explosive as Mathews to do his thing. If he can create an uncomfortable pocket all game, we could see the pre jail Michael Vick; reckless and unreliable.

Tim Masthay vs. Desean Jackson- A big play on Special Teams while inevitable, often serves as a deciding factor in a close football game. When punting to ultimate weapon Desean Jackson, special teams becomes a game of cat and mouse. Tim Masthay has one job, keep the ball out of Jackson's hands and make the Eagles earn their points on offense. We all saw what he did when Matt Dodge slipped up, and what we got was the Miracle at the Meadowlands 2. Tim Masthay has his hands full on Sunday.

Greg Jennings vs. Asante Samuel- Asante Samuel is among the league's best in intercepting opposing QB's every year, but at often times hurts himself by allowing the big play when biting on pump fakes and short routs. When guarding Greg Jennings this Sunday he will need to contain him before satiating his thirst for interceptions, and disallow Aaron Rodgers to get in rhythm with his favorite target that received for over 1,200 yards while catching 12 touchdowns this season.

John Kuhn vs. Eagles Red Zone Defense- Don't let the 6 foot 250 pound fullback fool you with his burly size and mediocre speed. John Kuhn is a serious red zone threat. With 6 touchdowns this season, Kuhn will challenge an Eagles red zone defense that has been able to come up with occasional clutch stops that have altered the outcomes of various games. 3 points instead of 7? John Kuhn will be doing all he can, and the red zone unit better come to play for the Birds.

Key Offensive Players

Eagles

Lesean McCoy- Whether he is being handed the ball or thrown to in the flat, Lesean McCoy's success on Sunday will dictate the success of the Eagles offense as an entire unit.

Brent Celek- The different Celek will make for the Eagles offense is not as a receiver but as a blocker in maximum protection. The Vikings showed the league that the Eagles are extremely vulnerable to the corner blitz when not in maximum protection. Brent Celek's ability to disallow Packers' rushers to get around the edge will have a major impact on Michael Vick and the passing game.

Packers

Donald Lee- Although Lee has not been a major asset in the Packers offense this season, the Eagles linebacking crew in particular have had a major problem limiting the production of opposing tight ends this season.

John Kuhn- I said it earlier, John Kuhn simply provides problems for any defense, as an emerging premiere red zone scorer.

Key Defensive Players

Eagles

Trent Cole- Just like Clay Matthews Trent Cole has a very important job of disrupting Aaron Rodgers' rhythm throughout the game. Let Aaron Rodgers get into a consistent three step drop rhythm the secondary will be scrambling all night.

Sean McDermott- Thank god the young offensive coordinator was bred by the late genius Jim Johnson; with the injuries on his side of the ball he will need a nifty scheme to keep up with a high powered offense Sunday.

Packers

Clay Matthews- Disrupt Vick and you will (or have a much better chance to) win.

Tramon Williams- Williams led the Pack in interceptions this season, but that is not where he will prove his worth on Sunday. The Eagles who bring an ailing O-line and sub par blocking tailbacks into play on Sunday, will have much trouble dealing with extra men on the late down blitz. Enter Tramon Williams.

The last time the Eagles met the Pack in the playoffs, Fredex delivered and the Birds walked away victorious. While I do tag the Packers as the favorite in this Wild Card match up, the Eagles have an offense that just can't be counted out. Did I ever think I could say that Michael Vick is due for a big week season? Its playoff time, and Mike Vick, football's ultimate weapon, has only gotten started.

Cheesesteaks- 27 Cheeseheads- 20

JD