Category: Uncategorized

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Detroit Lions checking in on OTA’s

Embed from Getty Images Organized Team Activities or OTA’s are underway for many NFL teams. It is two weeks of light practices and time for newly drafted players and free agents signed in the offseason to start to put in the work to build chemistry with the rest of the team.

How are new players and veterans measuring up at the Detroit Lions OTA’s? Let’s take a look. Rookie linebacker  Jahlani Tavai, looks taller than his draft sheet suggested. He is also fast. In one drill Tavai lined up wide to the right against veteran tight end Jesse James in a passing drill. Tavai also moved well covering that play.

Linebacker , Jarrad Davis  jumped offside and had to run as a result of the mental laps. Davis is a Detroit Lions player to watch as many expect him to take a big step forward this season.

Last years first round draft pick Frank Ragnow has moved from guard to center. While Graham Glasgow, last seasons center moved back to right guard. The offensive line has look very good in the early stages of offseason workouts.

Jamal Agnew, Tom Kennedy, Brandon Powell all potential returners have shared snaps in returning kicks. All three have performed well. That is a battle that should go deep into fall training camp.

For two weeks of light workouts. The Detroit Lions seem to have a better grasp of head coach Matt Patrica’s system. The offense is learning a new systems and has gotten into the swing of things. While last season top 10 defense looks even sharper.

There will be many camp battles this fall as the Lions have good depth and need to figure the depth chart out. This will be interesting to track as the summer moves along and training camp opens in two months.

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Juwan Howard has a message for Michigan Wolverine fans

Embed from Getty Images Today is a big day for Michigan as the Wolverines introduce new head coach Juwan Howard of the men’s basketball program. It is a reunion with the former Fab Five member that has sent a surge of energy through both the fans and University of Michigan. Juwan Howard, sent a message through social media.

Howard expressed his own excitement as he said his dream has come true. Juwan Howard is now looking for an assistant coache as one of John Beilein former assistants have left the Michigan basketball team. Howard is said to be zeroing in on veteran college coach Phil Martelli.

That may prove to be a good choice for the first time head coach at a large University. Martelli had been the head coach at Saint Joseph’s since Juwan Howard’s rookie year with the Washington Bullets. St. Joseph’s parted ways with Martelli at the end of last season.

But this day, this day is all about Juwan Howard coming home to the school he loves. He will be flanked by his former Fab Five teammates at the press conference. Many current Michigan players are also at the presser, and some Michigan basketball legends. Terry Mills, Loy Vaught and others, including Michigan Wolverines football coach Jim Harbaugh.

When Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel announced that he was standing before the media, alumni and fan base with “My choice for basketball coach.” Juwan Howard teared up.

Manuel went on to say when he interviewed Juwan Howard in Miami, it was perfect day and he made sure to sit Howard with his back to the beach to a bunch of laughter.

When it came time for the Michigan basketball legend and new head basketball coach to speak he was still emotional, “Wow. Tears of joy,  I’m back.” He started off, to cheers from the Michigan faithful.

Juwan Howard says being named coach at Michigan is the second-biggest accomplishment in his life.

No. 1? Getting his degree from Michigan in 1997.

 

 

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The Detroit Pistons may have hit the jackpot with Bruce Brown

After the Detroit Pistons were eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said “We’re going to have to grow from within. We have a lot of talent with our young guys, but they have some areas they can get much better.”

Enter Bruce Brown who Detroit drafted during last June’s NBA draft. Brown did not look like he would make that big an impact. In fact the Pistons rookie thought he would be in street clothes watching from the press box a lot. Instead, Bruce Brown found himself starting 56 games and played more minutes than all second-round picks other than the Dallas Mavericks Jalen Brunson, the 33rd draft pick.

His physical strength helped Brown become a defensive weapon for the Detroit Pistons. Not a single player put up better numbers in strength testing at the 2018 NBA draft combine than Bruce Brown.

This offseason the Pistons are asking Bruce to primarily focus on improving his 3 point shooting,  Brown shot just .258 from the 3 point arc and was a reluctant shooter, averaging only 7.8 shots per 36 minutes and just 2.3 from the 3 point line per 36,  but Brown also must use his God given physical strength and be a  better finisher at the rim.

Dwane Casey likes Brown’s explosive first step and his strength which should allow him to finish strong. He just needs to trust his step more. Detroit wants to find a point guard this offseason. In the draft or free agency. However, I suggest what Dwane Casey has said. Bruce Brown can be that point guard the team is desperate for.

In short, Bruce Brown already has the tough part down. He is above average to very good on defense. The Pistons need him to switch gears a bit and focus on offense. Brown, can do it. It will take some time.

Brown already makes good decisions with the ball. Because he is so good on defense he has already guarded many different players at different heights. Because of his aforementioned physical skill level and he has a toughness that can not be coached. Detroit could go short term on a point guard on the free agent market and give Brown a chance to grow into the position.

I look to Bruce Brown to take another step next season.

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“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” reveals a shot of Luke Skywalker

Embed from Getty Images We saw him become one with the Force at the end of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” or we thought we did. Last week Vanity Fair released a series of new photo’s from the set of Episode IX. One that drew the most attention, Luke Skwalker.

There Luke Skywalker was, Not a Force ghost. With his old friend R2-D2. Was this a flashback? Perhaps. Was it a simply publicity picture? Perhaps. Did Luke teleport himself off of Ach-to? Again perhaps. Many more questions have come out of this picture.

It is a simple photo that has opened a can of worms. The disappointment that was The Last Jedi, soured fans as well as divided them. So, Disney/Lucasfilm turned back to JJ Abrams (director of “Star Wars The Force Awakens”) to step in and save the day. Given the teaser trailer Abrams seems like he is repairing some things.

The implied death of Luke Skywalker further angered fans, who were already on edge due to the poor film. Simply put, Fans did not feel Luke Skywalker should have died in the middle of the final chapter in the Skywalker saga.

On a personal note, I am staying spoiler free. That said I have no answer as to what the photo actually is. As the viewer can see, Luke looks like he did when we saw him at the end of The Force Awakens. If I had a guess, I would say it is a flashback. Remember the flashback in the Force Awakens, Luke’s robotic hand reached out and touched R2-D2. I think it is possible this is just a continuation of that flashback.

Needless to say, like any Star Wars fanatic. Whenever something new comes out and sparks questions. I like many of you like to dissect and talk about them. This is one of those times.

So what are your thoughts to the picture? What exactly do you think Luke Skywalker’s role will be in the Skywalker swan-song?

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Bold predictions for the Michigan State Spartans football 2019-20 season

Embed from Getty Images Coming off a dreadful season that saw the Michigan State Spartans struggle on offense, struggle on defense, struggle on special teams and struggle to stay healthy. The Spartans hope a reshuffled coaching staff can help their issues. As usual, predictions are just that, uneducated guesses based on where the team is at right now.

The Spartans will have a 1,000 yard running back. Heading into the 2019 season Michigan State has not had a running back rush for 1,000 since 2014. I think a player who can get it done is freshman, that’s right freshman, Anthony Williams. Williams, should be the Spartans main back by the time Big Ten season rolls around. Big words. But Anthony Williams is a very good back.

Cody White, returns strong. Missing four games last season due to injury that lingered throughout the season, White put up modest numbers for himself. 42 receptions for 555 yards and 2 touchdowns. When healthy Cody White is an All-Big Ten type of player as well as a game breaker. Something that Michigan State sorely missed last season.

Michigan State’s defense will produce at least three All-Americans. Defense is still the Spartans most consistent weapon. Kenny Willekes, Raequan Williams and Josiah Scott are three players to watch. All three are capable of carrying the Spartans defense.

Mark Dantonio, is feeling the heat after back-to-back subpar seasons. IF Michigan State can stay healthy they should be in the Big Ten race. Even if the seldom works coaching shuffle fails. The Spartans are talented enough to win games with defense and let the offense grind out the clock.

 

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The Knights of Ren have been confirmed for “The Rise of Skywalker.”

Embed from Getty Images It came as a shock of sorts to see Kylo Ren attack a Knight of Ren in the Episode IX teaser trailer. Fans did not know if it was real time or a flash back. They still do not know. But the Knights of Ren have now officially been confirmed for the hotly anticipated December 20 release.

Introduced in “Star Wars: The Force Awaken,” the Knights of Ren appear to be a mysterious group of fighters. Unsure if they were under the leadership of Supreme Leader Snoke or Kylo Ren himself. There was a build up in the movie that fell apart in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” They were not in the film or mentioned at all.

In a new Vanity Fair article and photo release, they are in the magazine. The Knights are described as wearing mismatched armor with oversized arsenals of weapons. What is unknown is if Kylo Ren took out the Knights so he would become sole leader. Or if Ren is turning to the Light side.

Whatever is the case, it appears the Knights of Ren will have a larger role in this film. No one knows what they look like. Weather they are a clone of Kylo Ren or they are their own fighters, with their own identity.

Fans hope they get to see the Knights in action weather fighting or other form.

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Bold predictions for the 2019 Michigan Wolverines football team

Embed from Getty Images The 2019-20 college football season kicks off in less than 100 days. With that in mind let’s take a look at some bold predictions for the Michigan Wolverines up coming season. Perhaps a prediction or two will hit. Perhaps just one, or none.

Based on production at the end of last season and what he carried over into spring camp. I firmly believe Nico Collins will lead all Michigan wide receivers in total yards. That will be no small feat given Wolverine leader Donavan Peoples-Jones will be back this season. The 6′ 4″ Collins is offensive coordinator Josh Gattis’ kind of player. Big, strong and fast. He is a game-changer. This is the type of player Gattis wants to get in space.

On the defensive side of the ball, I really like Khaleke Hudson. Michigan is looking to replace Davin Bush and Hudson has all the tools to do it. Hudson will enter the season with 22.5 tackles for a loss. He looks worthy to step into Bush’s spot at middle linebacker. Khaleke Hudson, is a big, fast player and a sure tackler.

I believe, Jim Harbaugh will enter the 2019 season with kickers splitting time. Quinn Nordin and his strong but somewhat inaccurate leg and Jake Moody will come out of camp dead even. Michigan could see this battle continue into the first part of the Big Ten season until someone claims the job. Still not the ideal way to start a season. It is perhaps the only real question Michigan has.

Michigan will make the College Football Playoffs. Ohio State, Michigan State and Penn State all have serious issues and questions. Michigan returns with many starters from last season and a chip of their shoulders. Should they not fold, this team is talented and deep. They will be a tough matchup week in and week out.

In short, Michigan has a golden opportunity to reclaim their spot atop the Big Ten. This looks to be the season they pass Ohio State who is struggling to get top defensive recruits.

 

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From TJ Hockenson to Kerryon Johnson, the Detroit Lions season hinges on consistency

Embed from Getty Images The hype has found the Detroit before training camp has started. However, Lions fans are the last to fall for such perceived foolishness. Yet, a quick look at Detroit’s new weapons and fans can at least say “what if?”

First things first games are not won or lost on draft day. Neither are games won or lost on paper or media and fans opinions. If they were every NFL team would have won at least one Super Bowl.

To understand more in depth, let’s take a look at the Detroit Lions top two offensive draft picks. Kerryon Johnson drafted in the second round last year, and this years first round draft pick tight end TJ Hockenson.

Both  are gifted players. Johnson showed last season he can more than handle the running back job. He proved he is a star in the making. Kerryon Johnson is many experts break-out-player this coming season.

TJ Hockenson,  he was brought in to improve the Detroit’s woeful TE position. Hockenson had 49 catches with only 1 dropped pass last season at Iowa. Let that sink in for a moment. he had 49 receptions for over 700 yards and only 1 dropped pass. That is incredible. That is why TJ was a first round draft pick.

Those two players have shown why Detroit is in good shape. Yet, games are not won or with two players. For the Detroit offense to reach the level many believe it can reach, a few things must take place.

The offensive line must be more consistent. In both pass and run blocking. Last seasons they looked good at time, and they looked pitiful other times. The simply will not fly. Quarterback Matthew Stafford , must bounce back from a sup-par season. He will be asked to do less. But when his number is called he must deliver or Detroit will not improve.

Consistency. It is a word coaches and players all say and repeat. No team can have sustained success without it. No mathher how good the players on the roster are or appear to be.

 

 

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“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” in the works

Embed from Getty Images December 20th, fans will see the end of the Skywalker saga as “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” will hit theaters. Disney announced there would be a hiatus after the ninth Episode release, while they sorted through things. Now it looks like hints are being dropped.

“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” started in 2003 as a video game. The game was a smash hit. Leading to books and graphic novels and other games. On a more exciting and ground breaking note  Laeta Kalogridis is said to be working on the script. Big deal you say? It is! You see no female has ever written  a “Star Wars” script solely on there own.

While at this past Star Wars Celebration, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, hinted at the Knights movie or movies saying  “we are developing something to look at.” When she was asked point blank about a Knights fil and or trilogy.

“Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic” takes place during a war against the Mandalorian. Jedi leave and become Sith. Namely Darth Revan and Darth Malek. Once the war against the legendary Bounty Hunters  is over. Revan and Malek shift their focus to finding and killing Jedi.

The two sides chase each other throughout the galaxy. It is a great Star wars story, one that finds Darth Revan finding redemption. “Knights of the Old Republic” is a much darker story than the Skywalker saga and the two stand alone films to date, “Star Wars Rogue One” and “Solo: a Star Wars Story.’

It is also a war charged story, with a lot of deaths. Yet, it offers some of the greatest Sith in Star wars history. The best most powerful and totally evil Sith-type character ever, Darth Nihilus. Who is held captive by the dark side so much his body begins to breakdown and fail him. So, Nihilus rips his soul from his body and places it in a robe and mask. There is no body in it. Nihilus, is neither Sith or Jedi, just pure evil.

This is a Star Wars story with so much possibilities that all Star Wars fans should be happy.

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Why Solo a Star Wars story 2 should be made

Embed from Getty Images When “Solo: a Star Wars story” came out, it was missed by and large because fans were disappointed with “Star Wars the Last Jedi.” Which lead to Solo doing poor at the box office. Which is a shame. Solo is a much better film than The Last Jedi.

Why should Disney/Lucasfilm invest time, energy and money into a Solo sequel. Let’s dive in. First and foremost Donald Glover was fantastic as Lando Calrissian. As was Emilia Clarke as Qi’ra.

Alden Ehrenreich made us believe he was a young Han Solo. The film was very solid. What needs to be explored more are a few things. Things that would make Solo 2 as enjoyable as the first film.

Enfys Nest, she has a great role in the film. But more is needed in her backstory. He was a great Star Wars character. We also need more from the Han/ Chewbacca  relationship that started in the first film.

Now we get to the real fun. Darth Maul. Who is no longer a Darth. He left the Sith because he did not agree with everything they stood for. Also the fact he was left for dead after Obi-Wan Kenobi sliced him in half. Maul used crime syndicates to take over Mandalore. After he was removed by the Republic, he escaped.

Maul, who did use the Force, started the crime gang Crimson Dawn. More is needed from this aspect of the story. Not to mention Qi’ra. Is she really with Maul and Crimson Dawn? Or is she leaning to following Han Solo and Chewbacca?

Fans of the film, of which I am one. Would love to see a sequel to a film that was missed by so many. If you have not seen “Solo: a Star Wars story,” do yourself a favor and watch it.