Buzz On Broad

The Legacy of Andy Reid Comes To An End

Courtesy of Linda Ricciardi

Through all of the ups and downs between the Eagles, Andy Reid, and the Philadelphia fans, an era has officially come to an end.  The Philadelphia Eagles have dismissed head coach Andy Reid of his duties.  The winningest coach in Philadelphia Eagles history is no longer a member of this storied franchise.  

After all of his family troubles, and the troubles with the fan base, instead of bashing Andy Reid, we need to recognize everything he has done for this organization.  We all knew it was time for a change, but we can not forgot what he has done for the Eagles.  "Big Red" as the players called him, took the organization to the top of the NFL.  The Eagles are considered one the best franchises in the National Football League, and Andy Reid was a key part of that.  Put all of the "better job
 and "time's yours" jokes aside, Andy had a terrific tenture in Philadelphia.

Here are some quotes from Monday's press conference with Jeffrey Lurie:

Lurie's Opening Statement: 

"We decided to make a change. We will be saying goodbye to the winningest coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. There is only one coach that can be the winningest head coach, that's the Andy Reid. I look forward to the day we bring him back as a member of the Eagles Hall of Fame."

"I dont want to understate or over state, Reid is an outstanding coach and an outstanding person."

"At many times, he didn't want to share himself with the press and he had to protect his players and protect the way he was, but having worked side by side with him for 14 years, he's a gem of a person. His dedication was incredible. His work ethic was incredible."

"We're used to winning and winning big. It's rare that we're not in the playoffs and that's what we've got to return to. The ultimate goal of winning a championship for the fans of Philadelphia."

On when the decision was made, and what went wrong:

"The final decision to fire Andy was today, I informed Andy about 9 this morning."

"I think if you had to point to something that went wrong, its making moves inconsistent with philosophy thinking it would bring title. In the last couple of years we've made decisions that were scattered, not consistent."

On the future and the new head coach:

"We have a lot of good, young players that doesn't mean we dont have a lot of holes as well."

"Yes we have assembled a list of candidates to replace Andy Reid. We have a defined list of candidates."

"I strongly believe this is the most attractive place to work in the NFL."

"The person that was providing the best talent evaluation is Howie Roseman.  I decided to streamline the process.  His first draft with full responsibility was 2012."

"Only structure I insist upon is that new head coach will report directly to me."

"The most important thing is to find the right leader. I'm not one to buy schemes. Find someone who is strategic, strong leader.  I am looking for someone who takes risks, studies the league, and can execute it."

"Nick Foles will have every opportunity to start next year, the new coach makes that decision."

"Rest of coaching staff is under contract they'll do player evaluations they'll be free to interview for other jobs.  Will let the new head coach meet them and decide."

"When we have a season like this year, its embarrassing to me.  It's crushing. It's terrible."

We wish Andy Reid the best in the NFL.  Today was a day that needed to happen for the organization and the city.  The change was made, the future is upon us. 

Report: Andy Reid Fired as Head Coach

According to a report from CSN Philly's Reuben Frank, Andy Reid has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. His fourteen year tenure with the Eagles ended with a 42-7 season-ending loss to the New York Giants.

After a mediocre 8-8 finish last season, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie made it clear that a similar season would not be good enough for Reid to stay. It appears that he has stayed true to his word. 

In his time with the Eagles, he was the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL. He finished his fourteen seasons in Philly with a record of 130-92, 6 division titles, a Super Bowl trip in 2004, but no ring.

Surely, Eagles fans were disappointed by the product put on the field the last two seasons. However, Andy Reid has been a great coach for the city of Philadelphia for many years and the best is wished to him as he moves on with his career.

Andrew Dintino is a Featured Writer covering the Philadelphia Flyers for Buzz on Broad and a Weekly Contributor to The Orange Update.

You can follow him on twitter @AndrewD48 for the latest news regarding the Philadelphia Flyers.

With any questions, contact via email: adintino@buzzonbroad.com

NHL Offer To NHLPA

On Thursday night, various reports came out that the NHL offered the NHLPA an offer.  According to Eklund from HockeyBuzz.com, the offer consists of major issues.  The players contracts can go from 5-6 years, the make whole remains at $300 million, as well as many other issues.  Reports say that this is a fully detailed offer to the Players' Union.  

The NHLPA will hold a conference call today. Bill Daly, Deputy Commissioner NHL released a statement today:

'In light of media reports this morning, I can confirm that we delivered to the Union a new, comprehensive proposal for a successor CBA late yesterday afternoon. We are not prepared to discuss the details of our proposal at this time. We are hopeful that once the Union's staff and negotiating committee have had an opportunity to thoroughly review and consider our new proposal, they will share it with the players. We want to be back on the ice as soon as possible."

Don't Read Too Much Into The Sixers' Road Win Over The Memphis Grizzlies

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

 

Today, I could write a nice “I told you so” piece on Dorell Wright being inserted into the Philadelphia 76ers’ starting lineup, but I’m not Skip Bayless.

Instead I’m too cynical right now of a team that’s just 14-15 overall and has shot just 44 percent from the field while scoring just 93.6 points per game this season. To add onto all of that muck, the Sixers are only 5-8 on the road this season even following last night’s improbable road victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, and still have six more games left on this daunting road trip.

Until they can do it again, in another premium opponent’s house, I’m going to be very dubious in the following areas the Sixers looked as if they excelled in last night, and I’ll explain why.

Interior Defense: Despite a team season-high 12 blocks, the Sixers still forfeited 42 points in the paint, largely coming at the hands of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Interior defense has been one of this team’s biggest weaknesses this season without Andrew Bynum.

Spencer Hawes’ “Brilliant” Game: As a Sixers fan, if you hear that Hawes scored 20 points on 9-14 shooting from the field, you’re most likely elated. But, looking at Hawes’ shot chart, he really didn’t play like a true big man this team desperately needs while Bynum’s knees remain sidelined. Of his 14 shots, only 4 came from inside the paint, two of which he made. The rest of his offensive game? Hawes shot  8 jump shots from 14+ feet. Even though he did shoot 7-10 from mid-range, a team struggling with good shot selection really shouldn’t be having a 7’1, 250 pound mondo nowhere near the rim. As a whole, the team’s shot selection wasn’t better last night; they just made shots at a higher percentage.

Free throws: Wright starting in place of Jason Richardson really did increase the team’s total free throw attempts in Memphis, but that doesn’t mean he’s the answer to the team’s overall free throw woes. Wright had 8 free throw attempts, 6 above his season average last night. If you don’t include those 6 attempts, the Sixers, as a team, attempted just 17 free throws, which is actually below their already putrid average of 18.1. Considering head coach Doug Collins never plays a consistent rotation, you can’t rely on Wright to play 28 minutes a game, especially when Richardson returns, and get to line as frequently as he did last night in the future.

Fast Break Points/Turnovers: The Sixers turned the ball over 17 times against the Grizzlies. They forced just 13 Memphis turnovers and proceeded to score just 18 points off of them. Even forcing those turnovers, grabbing 9 steals and adding 12 blocks, the Sixers still only mustered up 16 fast break points. Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday combining for 11 turnovers is a horrible sign as well.

While some fans are celebrating an “impressive” road win, take a look at these troubling areas and also consider that Memphis played without their all-star-caliber swingman, Rudy Gay. Was this win really a positive sign of things to come?

 

Jake Fischer is a Sixers contributor for Buzz On Broad. He also serves as the CAA Columnist for RantSports.com and writes for numerous sections of the Huffington Post. Make sure to follow Jake on Twitter @JakeLFischer.

 

 

As 2012 Eagles Season Closes, Fans Still Have Rooting Interests

The 2012 Philadelphia Eagles season comes to an end this week.  It's been a long, torturous season in the aspect of watching this team fail, but the suffering will soon end.  Then, a new kind of suffering begins...that of no Eagles football until August!

Though some folks might be glad to just get this sad season over with and don't really care what happens this Sunday, there are still angles to root for this week.  If anything, it gives us something to think about as we watch this last game.

Which of these sounds most like you?

#1. Michael Vick gets one last chance to start.

After a spectacular run as an Eagles starter in 2010 that earned him a new mega-contract, Vick has been anything but spectacular the past two seasons.  We can point to all kinds of excuses as to why, but the fact is he's merely hovered around mediocrity in 2011 and 2012.

At times he has risen slightly above mediocre, and other times he has sunk below it.

Most people -- and even Vick himself -- believe this will be his final game as an Eagle.  I know there is still a faction of fans out there that believe in Vick and will back him no matter what.

Therefore, if you're one of those fans, you can root for him this week,  Root for him to perform well individually and perhaps convince the next Eagles coach to keep him, or at least give NFL personnel one last piece of game tape to consider when thinking about signing him come March.

#2. Final game for Andy Reid.

Yeah, most fans can't wait to see the big guy leave, but I know that most people do have a certain respect for the man.  This is his last chance to give Eagles fans a win (unless or until he's our opponent).

Andy Reid has his faults as a head coach.  But, if you've ever heard him in interviews when he's much more affable and have listened to things players have said about him over the years, you'd realize that he's a good man.

His reason for a failing to win a Super Bowl certainly isn't for a lack of trying.  Plus, the man has gone though hell with his family (drugs, prison and ultimately death of his son).  Reid has given Philly all he's got.

And for that, maybe you'd like to see him go out on a positive note and get one last notch in the "W" column.

More after the jump...

Sixers Cannot Complete Comeback, Open Road Trip with L in Brooklyn

Source: Yahoo.com

 

The Philadelphia 76ers jumped out to a 12-4 lead early in the first quarter. Avery Johnson got his squad focused en route to a 95-92 win at the Barclays Center. Although they survived a late comeback by the Sixers in the waning seconds of the game, the Nets had great performances from Joe Johnson, Keith Bogans, and Andray Blatche. Jrue Holiday looked as impressive as ever recording 24 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. He added a block on Deron Williams, outplaying the All-Star for most of the contest. The Nets powered ahead by being aggressive on offense. They made 16 of their 19 free throws in the first three quarters; the Sixers made both of theirs. The Sixers did not shoot the ball well despite the Nets’ reluctance to guard them from the perimeter. The Sixers (13-15) continue their road trip Wednesday night in Memphis (18-7). Here’s what they can take away from this road loss:

 

The Good – Sixers Stand Tall

Lavoy Allen and Thaddeus Young won the big man battle. They didn’t exactly look like Duncan and Robinson, but they were just as effective combining for 30 points and 19 rebounds.  Allen came up with a couple of key offensive rebounds in the fourth. They also held Lopez in check for most of the game. Brook made a few tough shots; Allen and Young only sent him to the line for two of his six free throws. This was one of the few bright spots for Philly.

 

The Bad – Hawes Comes Up Empty

Spencer Hawes took a beating from pretty much everyone.  He was posterized by Blatche in the 4^th quarter. The rim was not friendly for him (0-5 from outside the paint).  He fouled Brook Lopez in the first quarter on a jump shot and was hit with a technical foul after voicing his displeasure with the referees. The Nets’ announcers poked fun at Hawes; Nets’ play-by-play broadcaster Ryan Ruocco called his hairstyle “interesting”. Hawes needs to forget about this game quickly and look forward to Wednesday’s match up against Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol.

 

The Ugly – Andrey Plays 21 Impressive Minutes

Perhaps the most interesting display came from Nets reserve big man Andray Blatche. Blatche had 10 points while adding four rebound and two steals. On one play, he read a return pass beautifully for a steal, lead a three on two fast break, and fed Watson for an and one layup. A few possessions later, he drove past Hawes from the high post and slammed it home with one hand. He showed flashes of talent that reminded me of Chris Webber. If he keeps this up, the Nets’ frontcourt will be deeper than initially thought.

 

Bonus – Hump Sits

Kris Humphries did not play today for the first time this season. Humphries displayed some crude behavior at a New York City nightclub Wednesday night after a loss to the Knicks. Hump was apparently unhappy with the amount of Kanye West songs being blared by the DJ. He decided to express his frustration by dumping a bottle of alcohol in an unconventional manner. Although the Nets would love to see Hump on the court, I am sure Avery Johnson would prefer that he spends his nights elsewhere.    

Solomon Feraidoon is a Beat Writer covering the Philadelphia 76ers and Philadelphia sports for Buzz On Broad.

Follow me on Twitter (@feraidoonPhilly) or LinkIn with me for updates on all things Philly sports!

NHL Adds More Cancellations

... And boom goes the dynamite.

The NHL announced, today, that all games up to January 14th have been cancelled. With another cancellation, the total of games cancelled has reached 605.

The next cancellation the could be coming would likely be the remaining half of the 2012-2013 season.

Now onto a bright note:

Despite the duration of the lockout, you will still be able to see some of your Philadelphia Flyers before the new year. This time, it will not be on ice. It will be on the big screen.

A group of Flyers players have a cameo in the newest film "This I 40" starring Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann, which comes out tomorrow.

Thanks to Joe Masciantonio via Twitter (@JM116), you can now watch the scene right here!

 

Notable Flyers and former Flyers in the film: Ian Laperriere (retired), Matt Carle (Tampa Bay Lightning), Scott Hartnell, and James van Riemsdyk (Toronto Maple Leafs). Laperriere looks to steal the show and Hartnell does show his true emotion in this film. Yes, the Flyers do get to be seen before the start of the NHL season.

David A. Cattai is a featured sports journalist with Rant Sports & Buzz On Broad.

Follow me on Twitter (@DCattaiSports), Facebook, and Google+ for all sports updates.

Dorrell Wright Should Start Tonight For The Sixers Vs The Houston Rockets

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

 

On Tuesday night, in the Philadelphia 76ers 107-100 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks, Dorrell Wright shined for the Sixers as one of the only players who provided any bench scoring in the contest.

When the Sixers added Wright, Jason Richardson and Nick Young this past offseason, many were excited about the team’s instant improvement at the three-point line and their newfound scoring depth on the wing. But, Wright’s ability to produce this season has been thwarted by Richardson playing too many minutes in front of him.

On the season, a former starter for the Golden State Warriors, Wright is averaging 7.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.9 steals in 21.1 minutes per game. He also shoots 88 percent from the line and 35.7 percent from three-point land.

Over his last 5 games, Jason Richardson’s play has definitely been slipping. He’s averaged 8.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists on just 29.7 percent shooting from the field and just 30.7 percent shooting from three in a whopping 31.1 minutes per game. He’s also looked extremely old on defense to make matters worse.

Now, let’s keep in mind that the Sixers are supposedly in an evaluative year where they have to make some decisions that can drastically affect the next 5-7 seasons. If they re-sign Andrew Bynum and extend Evan Turner, they’re locking up a core four of Bynum, Turner, Thaddeus Young and Jrue Holiday for essentially the rest of the decade. To compliment that core, you need solid role players; and Dorrel Wright is just that.

Wright is 27 years old and has one year left of his $4.1 million/year contract. Richardson is 31 years old and has three years left at $5.8 million/year in his contract.  Wouldn’t it make sense to play your younger, and arguably better, player in more minutes to see if he can be one of your top role players on your franchise’s championship contending team for the next decade?

Not only that, but Wright would provide instantly more production for this struggling Sixers squad as well. He would get to the line more, shoot a higher percentage from three, and create his own shots. In Golden State, where he played __ minutes per game as a starter, Wright averaged 13.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists and 2.8 FT attempts per game on 42 percent FG shooting and 36.8 percent shooting from beyond the arc.  

We’ve also seen Wright’s ability to create his own shot when he’s gotten point guard minutes in the absence of Holiday over the past 3 games, boding for his versatility. Lastly, he also defends better than Richardson, who struggled covering Jodie Meeks, Darius Morris and Chris Duhon against the Lakers on Sunday.

I understand Richardson is the “savvy veteran who’s been there before”, but with a team that’s failing to keep opponents’ scorers at bay and struggling to create easy shots on offense, you have to mix some things up to end a 4-game losing streak.

Start Dorrell Wright over Jason Richardson, and see what happens.

 

Jake Fischer is a Sixers contributor for Buzz On Broad. He also serves as the CAA Columnist for RantSports.com and writes for numerous sections of the Huffington Post. Make sure to follow Jake on Twitter @JakeLFischer.

 

 

Sixers Fall to the Dallas Mavericks, Missing Holiday

The Sixers fell Tuesday night to the Dallas Mavericks, 107-100, from an onslaught of scoring from a combination of OJ Mayo, Shawn Marion and Chris Kaman.

Kaman, Marion, and Mayo combined for 60 points while running away with a win at home at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas. Mayo poured in 26 points and 8 assists in the winning effort and helped the Mavericks shoot 54.2 percent from the floor as compared to the Sixers 43 percent.

Dorell Wright was one of the top performers for the Sixers, finishing with a season-high 25 points on 7-for-13 from behind the arc coupled with 5 rebounds and a pair of assists. Evan Turner has begun to fill in the role left by an injured Jrue Holiday.

Turner finished the game with 17 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds while becoming the primary ball handler for the club due to the slew of injuries. Spencer Hawes also added a convincing 18 points and 7 rebound effort to help carry the team.

The main issue the Sixers will begin to face as they have entered a 10-game road trip, is the absence of their point-man Jrue Holiday. Without Holiday (averages 18.4 ppg, 8.9 apg, 1.5 spg) the Sixers lose a key component and the central cog of their offense, something that won't win them many games.

As this road trip continues someone has to step up for the sake of the 76ers.

It surely won't be Andrew Bynum.

 

Follow Tyler R. Tynes on Twitter @RealTylerTynes

 

 

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How The Grinch Stole The NHL

As we are all rushing around, trying to get everything in order for the holidays, there is still no NHL hockey.  In the madness of the holiday season, fans around the nation watch their beloved team to take them out of the stressful holiday environment.  We use hockey as an escape, but not this year.

Our friend at FireBelly Sound have been creating some very comical lockout videos throughout this whole process.  Their latest video, is their best yet.

 Please take a look: