Can Kaepernick Prove He's Elite?

  

In 2014 the San Francisco 49ers made a drop off in the conference and their division, with a record of 8-8, finishing third in the division behind the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks. A large part of the past few years of success has come behind the 49ers' defense, former Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, former running back Frank Gore and their dual-threat quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

In the 2014-15 season: Kaepernick passed for 3,369 yards, 19 touchdowns and had 10 interceptions to go along with it; also, he accounted for over 600-yards rushing, one touchdown and lost five of his eight fumbles (stats via cbssports.com) 
 
Kaepernick, 27, will be entering his third straight season as the starting quarterback for the 49ers. Since being named the starter, several weeks into the 2012 season, he [Kaepernick] has shown that he's more than capable of being the starter in the NFL. He's taken the team to the playoffs in numerous occasions, has playoff success and even played in the Super Bowl within three years of being in the league. However, after regressing (record wise) in 2014, what will the future hold for this able-bodied quarterback? With the team making immense changes, how will that impact Kaepernick in the upcoming season? Former Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh parted ways with the team to go back and coach at the college level; wide receivers, Michael Crabtree and Stevie Johnson both left the team due to free agency; and the team will be without hall-of-fame running back Frank Gore, who was a free agent and chose to reunite with former Miami Hurricane teammate, Andre Johnson in Indianapolis. All of these changes adds to the pressure for Kaepernick. Yes, he did just receive a new contract that makes him more of the franchise player. However, this will be the first full year that Kaepernick is the focal point of the offense. Anquan Boldin, 34 (turns 35 Oct. 3), isn't getting any younger and at skill positions age is crucial; all-pro tight end, Vernon Davis is another player on the 49ers' offense that is getting past his prime and injuries have plagued him over the last year or so; the 49ers' defense that has been one of the leagues' best for the past several years looks utterly different, after all-pro linebacker Patrick Willis along with several others players retired. 

Kaepernick will have to show that the defense and Harbaugh's system didn't protect him or make him look better than he actually is. But, what needs to happen, he needs to go out and show that he was the one all along that was the motor to the offense and that he's of elite status. As a starter, he has a career record of 25-14-1 (not including the playoffs).

With new Head Coach, Jim Tomsula coming in I don't think people really know what to expect. After coming off of an 8-8 season and missing out on the playoffs for the first time in three years, I don't know exactly what the San Francisco fans should be expecting in 2015. With additions of wide receiver, Torrey Smith and running back, Reggie Bush, it'll be hard to measure exactly where to put the 49ers in an overly competitive division that is the NFC West. The Seahawks have been dominating the division for the past two season and the Cardinals, last season, showed that they're an organization that is trying to win NOW! The Rams aren't overly impressive on paper, but they always play division rivals tough and it looks like they've found a quarterback that they can build around in Nick Foles (who they acquired from Eagles via trade). Kaepernick and 49ers may have their hands full in 2015.

 After having a very pedestrian 2014 season, compared to the quarterbacks that are consider "elite" or tier-one, he has to show that he belongs in the same conversation as an Andrew Luck or Cam Newton. Right now, when discussed by most analyst, they usually categorize Kapernick with quarterbacks like Andy Dalton or Ryan Tannehill, no disrespect, who are good and only show "flashes" of being great but may never be a tier-one player.

With Kapernick now being one of the veteran leaders on the offense, he must now show that he's deserving of being mentioned with the quarterbacks of "elite" status around the league. After only passing for over 200 yards in one of his last five games in 2014, he has to come out in 2015 and show that he's more than capable of being a "dink-and-dunk" passer and he's deserving of being mentioned as one of the best quarterbacks and players in the league and 2015 would be the perfect opportunity for him to prove that. 

A-Rod To The Rescue!

   In an outing against the Minnesota Twins on July 25, Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees had an spectacular performance. With A-Rod  having four times up to the plate, he had three home runs and drove in a run in the seventh inning - accounting for four runs in the game. After trailing to the Twins 5-1, entering the seventh inning, the Yankees rallied late to take the lead and win the game 8-5.

Rodriguez, 39, has 23 home runs on the season (his best since 2010), 58 runs batted in, and is batting an impressive average of .277 on the season; in the month of July, A-Rod has a season-high eight home runs.

After missing the entire 2014 season, due to using performance enhancing drugs, a lot of people doubted and questioned what A-Rod had left in him to contribute to a Yankees team that struggled over the past few seasons. Even though some fans are still upset about his lies and deceptions, A-Rod has made some fans in New York excited about September and October. The Yankees are currently in first place in their division by more than five games, with a very inconsistent Toronto team trailing them.

A-Rod is showing that he still is a threat at the plate, he still has a lot remaining in him to contribute and his veteran presence on this team seems to be making a difference in the club house. With this Yankees team there seems to be a lot still at question - the batting is at times inconsistent, the pitching is mediocre, but the team plays well together and seems to be playing for one another. Even though A-Rod didn't make the all-star team, and I believe that his numbers and play should've put him through, he's showing that there's still some gas in the tank, by having one of his best seasons in the past  five years.

I don't know if the baseball world will completely forgive A-Rod, his chances of being a hall-of-fame player seem to be a fantasy, but it seems that he's playing with a "chip" on his shoulder that has him playing with a passion that we haven't seen in years. There's still a few months left in the regular season but, at this pace, A-Rod could have the Yankees playing deep into the month of October. 

2015 Could Be Make or Break For The Bengals.

2015 is a big year for the Cincinnati Bengals. It's the final year of AJ Green's contract, Head Coach Marvin Lewis is on thin ice, Andy Dalton is on the second year of his new contract and the division (AFC North) is a very tough one, once again.

So, the AFC North seems to be a difficult one, if the Bengals don't make the playoffs no big deal, right? Wrong! The Cincinnati Bengals have been in the same position for the past four years, a good regular season but no playoff win. Marvin Lewis isn't a bad coach, I don't believe that he is. However, Coach Lewis could be in a position where his back is against the wall and he's feeling even more pressure to win a playoff game entering his 12th season as the Bengals' head coach.

Lewis is 100-90-2 in his 12 seasons with the Bengals in the regular season, 0-6 in playoff games.

A lot of analyst's and the fans in Cincinnati have high expectations for the Bengals in the 2015-16 season, yet again. After losing to the Indianapolis Colts last season and having four straight seasons with a playoff loss, some fans are beginning to lose faith in coach Lewis and his ability to lead the Bengals to a playoff win. However, the Bengals had some excuses for their short comings in the 2014-season: Marvin Jones was out for the entire season (injury), AJ Green was injured for most of the season (playoff game included), defense had key-players injured. Oh, and I don't think anybody was beating Andrew Luck on his home field.

Entering the 2015 season, no excuses, the Bengals have to show that they can take the next step or it could be the end of an era for coach Lewis and we could see the Bengals in a rebuilding stage. All the players are back healthy, Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill both have another year of experience in the Bengals' offensive scheme, and the Bengals signed Michael Johnson - who played a major role in the team's defense before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014 - this should help to add back some much needed depth and aggression to the defensive front line.

I don't think Marvin Lewis is out for sure if the team doesn't win a playoff game, no. But there are only so many chances to prove yourself in today's NFL (ex: John Fox in Denver). Lewis has had a great run in Cincinnati and I would like to see him get this Bengals team over the playoff "hump". However, there are only so many contract extensions that a player or coach can get, I just hope Lewis isn't on his last "leg" in Cincinnati.

The Bengals open up their season on Sept. 13, traveling to Oakland,CA to battle the Raiders.

Can Mike Wallace Return To Greatness in 2015?

Former Pro-Bowl receiver Mike Wallace was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in March, one month before the NFL draft, for a fifth-round draft pick, after spending the past two seasons in Miami with the Dolphins.  In 2014, Wallace had 67 receptions, 862 yards receiving and tied his career-high touchdowns receptions with 10.

Wallace, who will be 29 before the start of the 2015 season, is going to be making a transition from an offense that was centered around the passing game, to an offense centered more around the running game. With running back, Adrian Peterson returning to the Vikings' offense it'll be the first time since Wallace left Pittsburgh that he'll be in an offense that doesn't focus on him as the primary target.  

Wallace is going into a situation that may fit his vertical style of play better, in the Norv Turner offense. Wallace is still young and has a lot in his tank. If Wallace can develop a chemistry with the second-year quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, it could mean trouble for the defending-NFC North champions, Green Bay Packers.

Wallace has had at least 60 receptions in the past five seasons. However, every year since 2010, he [Wallace] has lost production in yards per reception and hasn't had an 1,000-yard receiving season since 2011. In 2014, he only had one 100-yard performance the entire season ( 12/14 @ New England).  

I believe that Wallace is going to be back in top form in 2015 ... but only time will tell.

How DeAndre Jordan Shook Up Free Agency in One Day.

  All-NBA Third-Team Center, DeAndre Jordan was set to go to the Dallas Mavericks until it reached the time to sign the deal. Jordan started the day a Maverick (unofficially), ended it as a Clipper, again. The entire day was full of excitement for NBA fans, reporters, and everyone on twitter. At around 12:01 a.m. ET, Jordan signed a four-year deal that would put him back with the Clippers. contract details via LA Times.

From left to right: DeAndre Jordan, Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Doc Rivers

It was reported that free agent, DeAndre Jordan was going to sign with the Dallas Mavericks and leave the Los Angeles Clippers nearly a week ago. However, on July 8, the day before free agents could officially sign with the teams they verbally committed with, something happened. There were numerous reports that poured out in the early afternoon that the Clippers were going to make another offer to Jordan, in hopes that he would re-sign with the Clippers.

Throughout the afternoon, things got very interesting on twitter about the entire situation. There was an "emoji war" on twitter between players from both teams .. even the Warriors, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan's social media team got involved... and throughout the rest of the day it was looking more and more like Jordan was leaning toward signing back with the Clippers. I'll give Chandler Parsons all of the credit, though, it appeared that he started that emoji battle - tweeting out an airplane emoji (insinuating that he was flying to help persuade Jordan to join the Mavericks) - after it was reported that Doc Rivers, J.J. Redick and Blake Griffin were going to make a trip to Houston, Texas to try and persuade Jordan to re-sign with the Clippers.

Chandler Parsons' Tweet
J.J. Redick's Tweet
 Kobe Bryant's Tweet

@Jumpman23 Tweet

At night it seemed to be some type of hostage situation that was taking place. Jordan was in his home with Rivers, Redick, Griffin and Chris Paul and it was reported that they weren't letting anyone outside of the house in (including Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban). I don't know what took place in the house and I don't believe every report that I see or hear. But it seemed that Jordan had used the past week to reflect on the decision he had made and the position of the two teams. Even though there were reports that Jordan and  Chris Paul had issues and saying that Paul would "push" him too hard at times, I believe that maybe Jordan realized that he needed that type of motivation. Or maybe he realized that the Clippers' organization was built and ready to win, now, and not closer to the rebuilding stage, like the Mavericks.

There has been a lot of backlash with Jordan's decision to change his mind about joining the Mavericks. I believe that as an athlete he has every right to do so, it's not breaking the rules or the law. College players change their minds after making verbal commitments all the time. I believe that Jordan and the Clippers situation is severally strange, yes. But it has also made this free agency the most entertaining since LeBron's "decision" episode. 

What Did DeAndre Jordan Get Himself Into?

  The seven-foot-tall all-star Center and rebounding specialist, DeAndre Jordan reached a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Jordan, who was an unrestricted free agent, chose not to return to Los Angeles  and play with the Clippers, after spending his first seven years with the organization; Jordan was named to the 2014-15 All-NBA third-team, for the first time in his career, after averaging 11.5 points per game,  15 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. Stats via NBA.com

Jordan was drafted in 2008 in the second round by the Clippers.

DeAndre Jordan, 26, has yet to reach his prime and the past two seasons he's been a great rebounding and defensive threat, around the rim. It's been reported by several outlets that Jordan's decision not to return to the Clippers was mostly due to his relationship with all-pro guard, Chris Paul. Even during the NBA season it was said that Paul and Jordan didn't have the best relationship, off the court. According to a source close to the team, Jordan doesn't like to be "pushed" and likes to do things his own way, on his time. This would explain the issues, if there are truly issues, that Paul and Jordan have or had.

 It's no secret, Paul is the type of player to get in his teammates face's and will try his best to "fire them up", and in a sense "push" them to try and get the most out of them. That doesn't work for every player. But, in my opinion, that doesn't make Paul the "bad guy", nor should it be his fault for Jordan's departure. If you think about it, all of the GREAT players "push" their teammates. It's known that Michael Jordan was a guy that would get in your  face if you weren't performing well, Kobe Bryant has been talked about for his "tough love" with his teammates, Magic Johnson was this way. Paul "pushing" Jordan is natural. It shouldn't be blown up to make Paul look like a control freak. Honestly, it should have shown teams that Jordan isn't overly dedicated, he's simply a player who lets his natural ability take control. He may give you 99 percent, won't give 110.

With Jordan joining the Dallas Mavericks, after being one of the most sought after free agents, what does that mean for his expectations?  Well, he's going to an organization that is known for winning and they already have a pretty good team around him. Will Jordan be asked to play the Tyson Chandler role? or Will they expect him to give more offensively? We all know that Jordan can jump out of the gym, any given night. However, he's still a player with limited post moves, he doesn't have a mid-range shot, nor can he create his own shot. ...Oh yeah, he can't really shoot free throws well either...  Most of Jordan's points come from screens and designed plays that involve him dunking the ball. If the Mavericks just have expectations of him playing the Tyson Chandler role, he'll be fine. But, if they're expecting more offensively, they may have some regrets on the contract amount.

Contract details via Fox Sports.

DeAndre Jordan is a phenomenal athlete, obviously, and I believe that his decision to join the Mavericks was made in he and his families best interest - he'll be back in Texas, closer to his family and friends - and I'm sure that they [the Mavericks] believe that he can help get them back to another NBA finals.

NBA: 5 Free Agency Sleepers

  The NBA draft is in now in the rear view mirror. Now, NBA free agency is the talk of the NBA and sports world for at least the next two weeks. With some big name free agents hitting the market such as, Greg Monroe, LaMarcus Aldridge and Rajon Rondo to name a few, it's easy to lose track of some guys that are highly skilled that are also available.

So many free agents to choose from and there are a lot of guys that are really getting paid this offseason due to the new television deals and increase in the team salary cap.

I have made a list of 5 players that should be getting more attention during the free agency period.

1. Jeff Taylor: Coming out of Vanderbilt he was highly underrated. He was actually drafted after his former teammate, John Jenkins who hasn't really been heard of since entering the league. Taylor played well during his time in Charlotte. No, he's not a superstar and he won't go out and score 25 ppg. But, Taylor could be a very good third option on a team, or he could go somewhere and add a great talent to a team that needs help with depth... Clippers? Mavs? Spurs? All Taylor needs is to be on a competing team and I know that he could he make an impact. He's the guy on the court who isn't the best shooter, most athletic or ball-handler but he does all three very well and is a great perimeter defender.

2. Lou Williams: This guys is just incredible - on and off the court.
I know that teams will be looking at Williams and it may be redundant for me to have mentioned him on this list, right? Wrong! Williams is one of the best sixth men in the NBA today. There has been talks about a lot of guards during this free agency period and leading it up to it. I think that a player with his skill set should be getting a pretty healthy contract - Kris Middleton got $70 Mil, he should be getting about that - with a team that is ready to compete.

3. Enes Kanter: There's been a lot of talk about Greg Monroe, not Kanter, I don't understand why. Not to say that Kanter is Monroe or better, no. I just believe that he wasn't utilized correctly in Utah. In sports your situation can really dictate your value to other teams and if you aren't able to showcase your talent it will hurt your value. This is what Kanter is now experiencing. In 26 games with the Thunder he averaged 18.7 points and 11 rebounds, per game. Let's be honest, Westbrook created a lot of opportunity, but Kanter did a lot to help a team that was without two of its three best players. Kanter is a player that has incredible upside and potential to be a star in this league.

4. Reggie Jackson: Jackson is a starting guard in the NBA and could be a top 10 guard in the right system. Why isn't he getting the attention of a tier-1 player? I guess he'll be one of those players that never really gets to show he deserves to be a starter and be approached in free agency as such. I think that Jackson will make a lot of teams mad that they didn't aggressively go after him right when free agency hit. I can see him ending up in a place like Dallas and helping that team get back to the NBA finals.

5. Gerald Green: Green is more than just a guy that can "jump out of the gym", he's now a guy that can do it all, on the offensive end. I was never his biggest supporter and this could even be a "reach". However, I believe that a player that is as skilled as Gerald Green is should be approached day one of free agency. I believe that his greatest strength, being aggressive on offense, is also his greatest weakness. He does have a tendency to shoot too much and not know when to just pass the ball. I call it the 'JR Smith-syndrome'. Honestly, a guy like Green needs to be on a team with structure and knows how to win - look at JR Smith when he was on the Knicks and when he was on the Cavaliers - he could be a great sixth man for a team like the Rockets, Heat, Bucks, or even the Clippers. I think whatever team does sign him will be getting a good player, and they won't have to empty the bank on him.