What Might Have Been Part II: Stars Align for Dallas

To begin the 2010 NFL season Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones proclaimed his team would win the Super Bowl.
Even with the team's loaded roster, the statement was bold, brash and, well, downright foolish.
Tony Romo has never won a playoff game. Last season he managed just one win in six games before going down for the remainder with a broken collar bone.
If the Super Bowl was a target, Dallas missed its mark like the villains shooting at the hero of an action movie.
Where the Cowboys failed, two other local teams picked up the slack.
The Dallas Mavericks won their first NBA Championship. Thursday night, the Rangers finished the season atop the Major's for the first time in their 50 year history.
Even the Dallas Stars, albeit early in the season, boast the Pacific Division's best record, at 7-3.
Mr. Jones wasn't right about his Cowboys, but boy is Dallas the paradise right now of the sporting world.

Home Runs Aren't Wins

Funny how the top three home run hitters in postseason history didn't play for the World Series winner.
Nelson Cruz joined Carlos Beltran and Barry Bonds as the only players with eight postseason round-trippers with a blast in Game 6 of the World Series. He also joined them as side notes during the extra season won by someone else.
 

What Might Have Been ... The Story That Wasn't Written

What if?
That question is everyday language, it's commonality can be likened to the average person wondering what he should eat for lunch.
The consideration seems to be more aligned with sports. Sports writers, given tight deadlines, may produce two separate leads to document the differing possible outcomes.
One play may stand out and encapsulate the essence of the event covered. Another a few moments later may change everything.
I wanted to take the time to recognize a lead -- and game story -- that, for now, will not be read nor heard, thanks to the heroics of the St. Louis Cardinals, namely Lance Berkman and David Freese, who produced game-tying hits, and in the case of the latter, a walk-off home run.

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Grimacing with every swing, limited by a strained left groin, what a time for the reigning AL MVP Josh Hamilton to come through with his first post-season home run of 2011. 

Hamilton lifted a low Jason Motte fastball into the left-center stands of Busch Stadium for a 9-7 win Thursday in Game 6 of the World Series.  

Hamilton's moonshot lifted the Rangers out of historical misery and completed the transformation from his days of substance abuse and misery to become the hero, the idol -- the star the world thought he'd be when selected No. 1 overall back in the 1999 draft. 

The victory secured Texas' first championship in the franchise's 50 year history, breaking what had been the third longest drought in the MLB.
Hamilon's game-winner came after the St. Louis Cardinals rallied to tie the game in the bottom of the ninth.

Down by two, St. Louis native David Freese poked a Neftali Feliz two-strike, outside fastball over the head of Nelson Cruz for a two-run triple with two outs.

Albert Pujols started the rally with a one-out double. Lance Berkman walked. Craig struck out looking, setting the stage for Freese.
But the perseverance of the Cardinals, who rallied from a 10 1/2 game deficit in the NL Wild Card standings as recently as Aug. 25 to reach the postseason and then World Series, was outshined by the flexing flames permanently inked on Hamilton's left forearm. A tattoo, among dozens more, that serve as a constant reminder of Hamilton's troubled past.
Like with his addiction, Hamilton's groin injury was a misstep away from relapse. But he battled, he grinded and ultimately came through at the most opportune time.
His story continues to be a work in progress, but at least for now, he can celebrate with more hardware and some sparkling grape juice.

Proven Winner

Unassuming.

Playing in the Mountain West Conference for the TCU Horned Frogs, Andy Dalton quietly set school records for just about every quarterback stat, including most wins (42), touchdown passes (71) and passing yards (10,314). Dalton led TCU to a perfect finish in his senior year, capped by a victory over Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl. His accolades also included four bowl games in four years and another BCS appearance, a loss to Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl in 2009. 

Even with his resume, NFL teams initially shied away from Dalton. One NFL coach went so far to say Dalton's hair color would limit him at the next level.
Cincinnati took a waiver on Dalton with its last pick of the second round. The Bengals were having trouble finding a middle ground with incumbent Carson Palmer. He couldn't stand losing anymore.
Dalton did in preseason what he's done since taking over as the Horned Frogs' starter in 2007 -- impress.
Coaches gave him the reins to the offense in Week 2 and boy has he looked good.
At 4-2 -- 3-2 under Dalton -- the Bengals have so far exceeded initial expectations like Christy Brown and communicating.
His completion percentage (62.4) is easily the best among rookie signal callers. And his 84.2 QB rating is better than Cam Newton's.
His skill-set doesn't compete with the likes of Newton or young gunslingers in the league like Matt Stafford or Sam Bradford, but his smarts, decision-making and drive have so far proven athleticism and strength don't singularly define success.
More Trent Dilfer than Dan Marino, Dalton may be the answer to the Bengals' long-running woes. 

Sesame Crusted Tuna with Chili Aioli

serves 4

1½ - 2 lbs tuna cut into 4 1inch steaks
2 Tbsp white sesame seeds
2 Tbsp black sesame seeds
1 lime, zested (reserve juice)
1 Tbsp paprika
salt and pepper
2 tsp togarashi-iri (chili infused sesame oil)
¼ cup aioli or mayonnaise
¼ cup canola oil plus more for brushing

In a small bowl combine sesame seeds, lime zest, paprika, salt and pepper. Heat canola oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat.

Brush tuna steaks with oil and coat with sesame seed mixture. Once oil begins to shimmer and steam, CAREFULLY put tuna steaks into hot oil. Sear each steak for about 90 – 120 seconds per side.

Combine togarashi-iri with aioli (if you like it spicy add more togarashi). Squeeze reserved lime juice over tuna. Slice tuna steaks and serve with aioli.

(Recipe courtesy of Coastal Seafoods)

NFL Should Rework Prime Time Games

College GameDay does it right.
The "it" is selecting prime time games in the week or weeks leading up to a matchup with intrigue.
In a perfect world Peyton Manning would have been healthy, offering a must-see event for viewers, starting opposite Drew Brees in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIV.
As it was, a Curtis Painter-led Colts offense staggered into Sunday night's game winless. Hardly a fair fight against Brees and the prolific Saints. And certainly not the game NBC would be wanting to feature as its game of the week.
New Orleans put on a show, winning by the incredible score of 62-7. But the matchup itself wasn't worth the time slot. 

Going Nowhere

What an ugly first half for the Baltimore Ravens offense Monday night against Jacksonville.
Minus-3 passing yards, zero first downs on nine offensive series -- a franchise record -- and a turnover.
On the team's lone appearance on the plus side of the 50 yard line, penalties and a Joe Flacco completion to himself off a tipped pass set back the Ravens deep into their own territory.
In sum, Baltimore punted on a fourth-and-43 -- something you'd see out of NFL Blitz, not on ESPN.

Ponder's Alright

Poised, quick, risk-taker

Christian Ponder kept Vikes close

Impressive debut

(A Haggy Haiku)

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It wasn't the first career start had by Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray, who gained a franchise best 253 yards, or the effort of Cam Newton in his debut last month, but Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder certainly demonstrated the value and potential he has at the game's most important and high-profile position.
Ponder threw the ball down the field in a way his mentor Donovan McNabb didn't.
He ran or threw the ball away when there was nothing available.
He stood poised in the pocket and delivered strong, relatively accurate throws with defenders bearing down on him.
And he ultimately seemed to inspire the best effort put forth by the Minnesota Vikings all season long.
So what if Minnesota lost to bitter rival Green Bay 33-27.
So what if the defeat drops the team to 1-6.
Ponder did his part, throwing for two touchdowns and 219 yards.
The 40.6 percent accuracy and two interceptions need improving, but certainly aren't telling.
Minnesota should be excited for Carolina.

Take That, That and That

Sit down and shut up.
That's essentially what Albert Pujols said to his numerous journalist critics Saturday night in belting three home runs and driving in six during a 16-7 laugher over the Texas Rangers.
Leave it to the great ones to give a new meaning to the term clutch.
Not only did Pujols' five hits help the Cardinals take a 2-1 advantage over the Texas Rangers in the best-of-seven World Series, he showed up the members of the media who berated the Cardinals' slugger for refusing to speak to them following a Game 2 loss, which included a crucial error by the first baseman.
Great players are able to come up big in key in-game situations. And, as Pujols proved, when critics end their silence.
His three home runs in one game during the World Series have been matched by only two others, Reggie Jackson and Babe Ruth.
How's that for shutting everyone up?

Badgers BCS Hopes Dealt Huge Blow

Bret Bielema's greed willed the Michigan State Spartans to victory. 

Michigan State contently played to live another offensive series, to play out a tie game in overtime. The Wisconsin Badger head coach had other visions: he wanted the ball back to win in regulation. 

Bieliema called two timeouts on back-to-back downs helping the Spartans preserve clock and set up the game-winning, wild, up-for-grabs "500" touchdown.

Michigan State 37, Wisconsin 31. 

Play for the win on the road; play for overtime at home. 

That old adage cut down the high ground on which the Badgers were standing in the BCS rankings. 

It made their successful head coach look like a spoiled-rotten kid after not getting his way. 

Aggressive and no apologies, Bielema has proven he is an above-average coach, winning 55 of 72 games (76.4 percent).  

His team's recent dominance, outscoring teams 301-58 in going 6-0 prior to Saturday night's game got to his head. 

The first timeout was questionable. 

The Badgers stopped the clock with 42 seconds left after a 10 yard sack of Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins set up a second-and-20. Cousins then completed a 12-yard pass to B.J. Cunningham to set up third-and-8. 

The second was downright moronic. There wasn't enough time for the Badgers to set something up even if they recorded a third-down stop.
Figure five seconds for an incomplete pass, nine seconds for the punt of say 40 yards. Let's pretend returner Jared Abbrederis runs back the hypothetical punt 12 yards. Three more seconds. Now the Badgers have the ball first-and-10 from their own 36 yard line with 12 seconds remaining. A long completion of say 20 yards would take six seconds and move the offense to Michigan State's 46. Timeout. And still out of field goal range with maybe time for one more short throw that would have to go out of bounds.
Small chance.
Saying Bielema was correct in calling the timeouts is a tad short-sided. Given that Michigan State continued to huddle up and walk to the line of scrimmage during the game-winning drive showed the world the Spartans and venerable coach Mike Dantonio were content on playing for the so called "crapshoot" that is overtime. Does that mean they were dumb to not be going for the win until Bielema gave them reason to by freezing the clock?
Don't think so.
After the second timeout Cousins found Keshawn Martin for an 11-yard gain and a first down. Three plays later, off an end zone deflection, former Spartans backup quarterback Keith Nichol wrestled his way across the goal-line for the small chance, game-winning, 44-yard touchdown. 

Bielema gave credence to Michigan State's offense to try and kill the Badgers before an extra frame.

Not only did MSU do just that, it also essentially killed UW's shot at the BCS title game. 

Wisconsin whined all week leading up to the game that at sixth in the BCS rankings, the team was being disrespected.
Now the Badgers will be lucky to remain in the top 10 after Saturday's loss.
As for the BCS title game?
Small chance.

Only a Matter of Time

When the lockout, training camp and preseason ended, somehow Rex Grossman had earned another full-time starting gig at the NFL level.
The competition, John Beck, was hardly a diamond in the rough -- more like iron piping -- having completed 55.7 percent of his passes for 676 yards and a touchdown against three picks in five years as a backup.
But Grossman?
Seriously?
Redskins coach Mike Shanahan perplexed many with his decision to go with the perennial puff pastry (turnover) over signing or trading for a better quarterback. Perhaps he figured Grossman could rekindle some of the luck most prominently demonstrated during his run with Chicago to Super Bowl XLI.
Shanahan looked like a genius at first.
Grossman threw for two scores and went without a turnover in a 28-14 Week 1 victory of New York. After looking halfway decent in a well fought 22-21 win over Arizona in Week 2 and a close loss to Dallas in Week 3, the real Grossman stood up.
Like an extra henchman in a Jason Statham flick trying to gun down the fleeing hero, Grossman began continuously missing his mark. He barely topped 50 percent in throwing two picks against the winless Rams Oct. 2 and followed it up with a vintage (by his standards) performance Sunday: 9-for-23, 143 yards and a 0:4 touchdown to interception ratio.
Beck came in to relieve the former first-round pick and helped Washington to a respectable, rather than humiliating, loss to the Eagles, 20-13.
Sports are games of averages, and for innately flawed individuals, like Grossman, it's only a matter of time before their perceived promise returns to realized handicaps.

Nuggets continue winning ways in Minnesota, beating Timberwolves 113-100

By Kevin Hagstrom
Special to The Denver Post

POSTED: 02/05/2011 10:13:36 PM MST

UPDATED: 02/06/2011 01:12:16 AM MST

Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin attempts a reverse layup Saturday against the T-wolves. (Jim Mone, The Associated Press )

MINNEAPOLIS — The Nuggets love the Target Center.

Heading into Saturday night's contest, Denver had won seven consecutive meetings in Minnesota.

Make it eight — but not without another near meltdown.

J.R. Smith scored 10 of his 14 points in the fourth quarter and the duo ofArron AfflaloandChauncey Billupscoolly hit from the outside throughout as the NBA's most prolific offense avoided squandering a 14-point lead to defeat Minnesota 113-100.

With the win andUtah Jazzloss, Denver (30-21) moves into second place in the Northwest Division in what can be expected to be a back-and- forth race the rest of the way.

"I thought tonight our offense had a rhythm to it all game," Nuggets coach George Karl said.

Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 25. Afflalo and Billups combined for eight 3-pointers and 43 points. The Nuggets' point man also helped set up a steady stream of layups and dunks.

"We did a really good job of opening up the floor, running pick-and-rolls and finding the open man," Billups said, who tied a season-high with 13 assists.

True to form the Nuggets charged the basket and Minnesota offered little resistance.

Also true: While Denver has dominated the head-to-head matchup in the wins column, the games have been close. Case in point: Denver has now won by 13, six and two points this season — the last of which saw the Nuggets leading by as many as 20.

Since the division is so tight — Oklahoma City, Denver and Utah are separated by four games — Karl finds the team's wins this season against the 11-39 Wolves to be gratifying.

"I'm glad we got both of them (wins) because there's a divisional race going on between Utah, Portland and Oklahoma City and us," Karl said. "I would bet one of us is probably going to tie, and the divisional records is going to be the determining factor."

Denver, with the exception of Anthony, couldn't find the range in the first quarter.

Anthony scored 13 points on 4-for-5 shooting. The rest of the team combined for 12 on 4-for-17.

Thereafter, they hit 71.4 percent in the second and 54.4 percent overall.

The Wolves came back in the second half and cut the lead to as close as three, but Smith hit a couple of jumpers and Billups sealed it with a dagger 3 with less than two minutes to play to give Denver the win.

"In the fourth quarter, we buckled down and took care of business," Billups said.

Nuggets Recap

What you might have missed

The Nuggets made 40.7 percent of their 3-pointers, outrebounded the NBA's best team in that department 46-45 and finished with 50 points in the paint.

Final thought

Denver plays down to the Wolves sometimes, but always seems to find a way to win.

Up next

Vs. Houston, Monday, 7 p.m.

Forbes, Boateng Battle for Nuggets' last roster spot

By Kevin Hagstrom

Special to The Denver Post

POSTED: 10/14/2010 01:00:00 AM MDT

Gary Forbes, an undrafted 6-foot-7 forward from Massachusetts, is averaging 9.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in the Nuggets' 1-1 start to the preseason. (Garrett W. Ellwood, NBAE via Getty Images )

MINNEAPOLIS — Sports are like the tide, full of highs and lows. For NBA rookies, throw in a strong undertow.

One minute they are recognized for a good defensive rotation or offensive finish, and the next they are attracting attention for a botched assignment or errant pass.

First-round draft picks are contractually guaranteed at least an entire season to gain a coach's trust and earn playing time, even if it doesn't pan out.

This is not so for two Nuggets in their first season.

Gary Forbes and Eric Boateng joined Denver for training camp as undrafted free agents.

Nothing is certain.

"It's not easy for them," Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups said. "There's a lot of pressure."

Forbes is an athletic, scoring forward from Massachusetts, Boateng a defensive-minded center from Arizona State. Opposites though they are, they are vying for the same thing: a spot on the roster.

Forbes, who came to the Nuggets after stints in Israel and the Philippines, sees the preseason as an audition — in which pressure to succeed is paramount.

"I don't want to be a liability on the court where Coach (George Karl) says I'm not making good decisions," he said.

Boateng is more relaxed. He views camp as a learning experience, not much different than the times spent in lecture halls while attending Arizona State.

"I'm just absorbing what Coach Karl is trying to teach us and going out, playing hard and trying to execute the way he wants us to play," Boateng said.

The gravity of realizing his dream of playing in the NBA affected Forbes in Denver's preseason opener against Portland last week. He made 1-of-6 shots, missed two free throws and committed four turnovers.

"My mind was running a bit crazy," Forbes said of his shaky debut.

Against the Timberwolves on Tuesday, a calmer Forbes scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 20 minutes. But he also committed three turnovers.

"Role players can't make mistakes," Karl said.

Forbes knows it. That's why he is among the last to leave the court after practice, working with assistant coach Melvin Hunt.

"I'm just working hard to get better every day," Forbes said.

Denver's coaching staff would like to see more offensive production from Boateng, who didn't attempt a shot Tuesday and has scored only four points in the Nuggets' 1-1 start to the preseason.

While the 6-foot-10 Boateng attempts to make the team, he will float with the tide and let the worry fall upon his instructors, the coaches.

"I'm not putting any pressure on myself. I'm just playing," Boateng said.

More roadwork ahead.

The Nuggets practiced Wednesday at the Target Center before flying to Los Angeles for a long stay. They committed 25 turnovers in their 122-108 loss to the Timberwolves, but Karl isn't overly concerned about his team's inconsistent play.

"Training camp is about getting better, getting stronger, getting more together," Karl said. "It's not about winning games."

The Nuggets are in Los Angeles for games against the Clippers tonight and the Lakers on Friday, then another game Sunday at the Staples Center.

Denver-Minnesota Exhibition Game

Fantastic Pork Chop Recipe

Coriander & Cumin Rubbed Pork Chops

What you're going to need:

1/2 tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. ground cumin

1 Tbsp. ground coriander 3 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided 2 boneless pork loin chops

ground black pepper to taste

(Optional):

1-2 oz. diced white onion 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Mix the salt, cumin, coriander, garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil to form paste. Season pork chops with salt and cayenne pepper, then rub on the paste. Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the pork chops about five to eight minutes on each side, to an internal temperature of 160 degrees. If your chops are still pink in the middle, you can add a shot of water to try and expedite the cooking process.

(WinCo Foods contributed to this recipe)

Get Off Wall Street, Go to Work

Mr. Freese

Hitting everything

Scoring faith producing runs

Team up 2 to 1

(A Haggy Haiku)

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David Freese's postseason has produced 11 RBI in nine games and a .375 average, to go with three home runs.

Hit 12 hits are the most in Cardinals history through nine career postseason games.

Difference Maker

He may never be an MVP and doesn't appear to be destined for the Hall of Fame, but Delmon Young is exhibiting the brass so many scouts and teams thought he possessed.

The first overall pick in the 2003 draft has been fairly consistent in six full big league seasons.

His average has ranged from as high as .298 in 2010 to as low as .268 this year.

The knock, aside from substandard range and mental mistakes in the outfield, has been his lack of power.

Say no more.

In eight postseason games and 30 at-bats, Young has found the bleachers five times.

Most of them have come in key situations.

In Thursday's elimination game, Young belted two homers, including the difference-making two-run blast in the sixth inning of a 7-5 win.

Young also contributed the game-winning home run in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Yankees.

For a guy who fell out of favor in Tampa Bay and then Minnesota this season, Young has seemingly found the stroke with Detroit.

Batting with the protection of one of baseball's best in Miguel Cabrera has made a huge difference.

That seems to be the case beyond just this postseason..

He drove in 110 runs and hit a career-best 21 long-balls in 2010 with Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer and Jim Thome around him in the lineup.

While that's not the makings of a franchise player, taking a backseat to one and finding ways to come up big when your team needs you is perfectly OK too.

Cards Bullpen Saving Day

Late-inning leads were never safe during the regular season.

The St. Louis bullpen blew 26 saves and turned routine into chaotic.

That was then, this is now.

In Game 2 and 3 wins of the National League Championship Series, the bullpen pitched 8 1/3 innings of one-run ball.

Combine that with timely hitting from the lineup and Milwaukee's inability to perform in front of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder or on the road (eight consecutive postseason losses away from Miller Park) and the Red Birds find themselves leading the best-of-seven LCS 2-1.

Eric Karros Lisps

I'm pretty sure Fox studio analyst Eric Karros has a lisp.

Watching the Tigers-Rangers pregame show, it seemed Karros slides his lower jaw and kind of scissors his mouth when saying words containing the letter "s."

Take a look and let me know if you see the odd mouth shape and hear the lisp too. Here's a clip from a pregame during last year's World Series. Karros speaks at the :41 mark.