It’s well-documented how the extra foot added to the 3-point line has affected the men’s game — bringing down the national average for made 3-pointers to its lowest since the 1998-99 season at 34.23 percent, according to statsheet.com — but are there any effects on the women’s game as a result?
The easy answer would be no, because the women’s line has stayed in its original place, 19 feet, 9 inches from the basket. However, research by the Daily Iowan suggests the opposite — the women’s 3-point percentage has decreased at almost the same rate as the men’s 3-point percentage.
The 2007-08 season saw the highest 3-point percentage in the men’s game, 35.02 percent, since the national adoption of the line before the 1986-87 season. In the BCS conferences of women’s basketball — the ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-10, and SEC — the 3-point percentage has dropped more than 0.6 from last year. The percentage as of Feb. 18 in the major six conferences is 31.94, compared with last year’s 32.58.
“It’s hard, because I never really look down at the line,” said Iowa senior Kristi Smith, who is shooting 42.9 percent from beyond the arc. “If I catch it, I’m open and in range, I’m going to shoot it.”
In an attempt to curb any decrease in 3-point shooting percentage, Iowa head coach Lisa Bluder addressed the problem at the beginning of the season by spending time in practice stepping on the men’s line.
“I was so tired of our women spotting up from behind the men’s 3-point line,” Bluder said. “I actually just made them come out and jump on top of the men’s 3 line so they got used to stepping on that line.
“It’s human nature to not step on the line.”
Despite the initial drill at the beginning of the season, senior Wendy Ausdemore, who is shooting 37.3 percent from downtown, admitted needing constant reminders during practice.
“Coach [Bluder] calls us out in practice all the time and she says, ‘Make it easier on yourself. You’re way behind the men’s line,’ ” Ausdemore said. “But as a player, I guess I don’t really notice when I do it except for if my shots are consistently short. Then, I can look down and tell that I’ve been behind the line.”
Ausdemore estimated that she gets told at least once a practice by Bluder that she is well beyond the men’s line. Despite the reminders, she has endured her lowest 3-point percentage since her freshman year — In 2007-08 she held the third-highest 3-point percentage in the NCAA at 45.6 percent, and in 2006-07 she finished in 14th, connecting on 41.6 percent of her 3-point attempts.
Only the two coastal conferences, the ACC and the Pac-10, have increased their 3-point percentages thus far in comparison with the 2007-08 campaign. Iowa’s Smith, whose 42.4 3-point percentage ranks 17th in the NCAA, has also increased her percentage from last year’s 34.6 percent, and she has reason to believe the new men’s line might actually be beneficial.
“Coach [Bluder] had us stomp on the men’s line because she wanted us to toe up to the women’s line,” Smith said. “It’s always in the back of my mind that I have to toe up and get that much closer.”
Another issue to be taken into account when considering the decrease in 3-point percentage is the varying colors of 3-point lines. In Carver-Hawkeye Arena, the women’s line is black, and the men’s line is white. In contrast, Duke, which Iowa played at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Dec. 4, has a white women’s line and a blue men’s line — Iowa’s shot 27.78 percent from 3-point range in Durham, N.C.; its season average is 36.1 percent.
“What makes it also difficult is in our arena our line is the black line and the men’s line is the white line. But you could go to a different arena, and it could be reversed,” Bluder said. “I think it probably needs to be more uniform at least with the outside line being this color and the inside line one being darker and one being lighter. That could be maybe a national change that would help that situation.”
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Seeing Pink
In Iowa's 97-89 triple over-time victory over Penn State on Feb 1, both teams pulled out the pink uniforms in the annual "Pink Zone" game. With its efforts used to bring awareness to breast cancer, the annual game has many more underlying social issues.
The "Pink Zone" breast cancer awareness separates the responsibility from men and women, which leads me to disagree with the issue entirely. Not in the sense that I dislike or even disapprove of the awareness that is created.
Rather, that the issue of breast cancer is solely placed on the shoulder's of women.
With the severity of cancer, particularly breast cancer, and the ever growing concern in the United States and around the world, it is time to make it more of a social concern and less of a genderized problem.According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, in 2004, 1,815 men were diagnosed with breast cancer. Although significantly lower than the 186,722 women diagnosed in the same year, it is still worth mentioning.
Which brings up the question, why are men's teams not taking more of a stance in the fight against breast cancer?Even if you disregard the fact that men suffer from the disease all together, why do they not take a stance in support of their mothers, daughters, sisters and wives? (photo from notmytribe.com)
With pink stepping in as the unofficial color for breast cancer awareness, it seems more likely that the reason men's teams are not actively participating in the fight against breast cancer is because of the femininity associated with the color pink.Although this does not seem like a viable answer, as men have started to introduce pink into their daily wardrobes – as seen by hundreds of male fans in attendance– it does seem to be the underlying issue.
The only major men's sport that plays an active role in breast cancer awareness is Major League Baseball – whose players use pink bats annually on Mother's Day. If more men's sports created awareness towards breast cancer, the issue of breast cancer would be even more prevalent.Another potential option for men's sports, if they continue to not jump in on the support of breast cancer awareness, is to support their own genderized cause, prostate cancer.
Although an-eye-for-an-eye is not a creed parents teach their kids to live by, it may be one of the few positive options men's sports can grab onto.
Similarly, if women's sports played their part in an attempt to provide awareness towards prostate cancer, the issue of prostate cancer would be more prevalent as well.Cancer is not an individual concern, it is a societal concern. In order to curb the potential effects of cancer, society needs to work together to stop it all together.
The world has come a long way in regards to gender discrimination, so why continue it on the basketball court? No right minded person can say they do not support breast cancer awareness, so why don't the male athletes show theirs
The "Pink Zone" breast cancer awareness separates the responsibility from men and women, which leads me to disagree with the issue entirely. Not in the sense that I dislike or even disapprove of the awareness that is created.
Rather, that the issue of breast cancer is solely placed on the shoulder's of women.With the severity of cancer, particularly breast cancer, and the ever growing concern in the United States and around the world, it is time to make it more of a social concern and less of a genderized problem.According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, in 2004, 1,815 men were diagnosed with breast cancer. Although significantly lower than the 186,722 women diagnosed in the same year, it is still worth mentioning.
Which brings up the question, why are men's teams not taking more of a stance in the fight against breast cancer?Even if you disregard the fact that men suffer from the disease all together, why do they not take a stance in support of their mothers, daughters, sisters and wives? (photo from notmytribe.com)
With pink stepping in as the unofficial color for breast cancer awareness, it seems more likely that the reason men's teams are not actively participating in the fight against breast cancer is because of the femininity associated with the color pink.Although this does not seem like a viable answer, as men have started to introduce pink into their daily wardrobes – as seen by hundreds of male fans in attendance– it does seem to be the underlying issue.
The only major men's sport that plays an active role in breast cancer awareness is Major League Baseball – whose players use pink bats annually on Mother's Day. If more men's sports created awareness towards breast cancer, the issue of breast cancer would be even more prevalent.Another potential option for men's sports, if they continue to not jump in on the support of breast cancer awareness, is to support their own genderized cause, prostate cancer.
Although an-eye-for-an-eye is not a creed parents teach their kids to live by, it may be one of the few positive options men's sports can grab onto.
Similarly, if women's sports played their part in an attempt to provide awareness towards prostate cancer, the issue of prostate cancer would be more prevalent as well.Cancer is not an individual concern, it is a societal concern. In order to curb the potential effects of cancer, society needs to work together to stop it all together.
The world has come a long way in regards to gender discrimination, so why continue it on the basketball court? No right minded person can say they do not support breast cancer awareness, so why don't the male athletes show theirs
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Field Hockey Seniors Live up to Expectations
With their collegiate careers officially complete, the Iowa field hockey senior class finally has a legacy comparable to the all-time greats. (2008 Big Ten Tournament Champion pictured above).
No longer will they be remembered as the team that could not go beyond the first round of the NCAA tournament, or the second round for that matter. The Hawkeyes advanced to the Final Four on Nov. 11 after defeating No. 10 Michigan State, 1-0, for the third time this year.
However, the No. 4 ranked Hawkeyes fell two victories short of their ultimate goal, the national championship. Iowa faced off against top seeded and eventual national champion Maryland, on Nov. 21, and were sent home after a 2-1 double overtime loss.
The 2008 Hawkeyes became the 11th team in Iowa history to make the Final Four, but could not become only the second team to finish at the top – the first and only National Championship came in 1986.
“Despite falling short of our ultimate goal, there is so much that we can take from this season,” senior Caitlin McCurdy from Mountain Top, Pa. said (pictured to the right). “Just to make it to the Final Four is such a great accomplishment, regardless of the outcome.”
Despite the Hawkeyes’ early exit from the Final Four, their first since 1999, the eight graduating seniors still went on to claim the highest winning percentage, 69.5, over a four year span since the class of 1998.
It has been a long time coming though for the class of 2009, who lost a combined 17 games in their freshman and sophomore campaigns – the most in a two year stretch since 1997-1998. Even before the early struggles of their Hawkeye careers, the class of 2009 forged a connection before ever stepping foot in Iowa City.
With five of them calling Pennsylvania home, and two others from the Northeast, playing for the Hawkeyes has only furthered their bonds.
"I think it's really awesome how we all came here, all eight of us together," senior captain and Lewisberg, Pa., native Roz Ellis said (pictured below). "Having other people from Pennsylvania in our class as well, it's just a nice home away from home."
More literally, Ellis shares an apartment with senior Caroline Blaum from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and senior Katie Naughton (pictured on the right) from Goffstown, N.H. – and is a neighbor of several others on the team.
Where as most freshmen get comfortable on the bench in their first year, these now-seniors have been contributing throughout their careers. All but one started at least two games in their rookie season with five making the starting lineup for every game.
"They've done so much for the program as a whole. They were young and bright-eyed when they came in as freshmen, but they had to really fill in and provide a lot of output for us right off the bat," head coach Tracey Griesbaum said. "It was trial by error for a handful of them in the beginning. But really, every year they've increased their work rate and increased everything we've asked them to do. They've really meant a lot to the program."
In the annual senior game, the time came to recognize one of the most successful classes to ever call Grant Field home. However, the event was spoiled courtesy of an upset loss to Ohio State, 2-0.
Following the disheartening loss, Griesbaum had some very strong feelings regarding the senior recognition.
"I'll seriously consider whether we're going to ever do this again," she said after the game. "You have eight seniors, and if they're more worried about the flowers than winning a game, then that's my bad."
Griesbaum’s frustration comes as a result of a 3-6 record on senior days since taking over as head coach in 2000. The frustration even carried over to the team, who at 12-4 and 2-2 in conference play, were unsure how much longer their season would last.
“We have a good chance now of not making the [NCAA] tournament,” a senior said following the loss. “We could actually lose our last three games.”
Down, Iowa and its seniors rallied and pulled off victories at Michigan State and rival Michigan. With a newly found resurgence, the Hawkeyes then went on the claim their third straight Big Ten Tournament title (picture to right is the team celebrating after their first title in 2006). The last time an Iowa team won three consecutive Big Ten titles was from 1994-1996 and only one time prior from 1989-1992.
Despite finishing strong, Iowa and its seniors could not break the tradition of its predecessors. Three times a Hawkeye team had faced off against Maryland in the national semi-final, with the results not in their favor, losing by one goal – in 1987, 1993, 1999 and now 2008. In each circumstance, the Terrapins went on to become the National Champion.
Upon the completion of their final season and graduation from Iowa, two seniors will continue their field hockey careers, while rest will hang it for good. Co-captains and roommates Blaum and Ellis will enter the Olympic Development program in hopes of representing the United States as successfully as they have represented Iowa.
“It still hurts right now, but I’m sure after awhile I’ll actually be able to appreciate what we accomplished,” Blaum said (pictured to the left). “It’s been great. I’ve enjoyed every moment."
No longer will they be remembered as the team that could not go beyond the first round of the NCAA tournament, or the second round for that matter. The Hawkeyes advanced to the Final Four on Nov. 11 after defeating No. 10 Michigan State, 1-0, for the third time this year.
However, the No. 4 ranked Hawkeyes fell two victories short of their ultimate goal, the national championship. Iowa faced off against top seeded and eventual national champion Maryland, on Nov. 21, and were sent home after a 2-1 double overtime loss.
The 2008 Hawkeyes became the 11th team in Iowa history to make the Final Four, but could not become only the second team to finish at the top – the first and only National Championship came in 1986.
“Despite falling short of our ultimate goal, there is so much that we can take from this season,” senior Caitlin McCurdy from Mountain Top, Pa. said (pictured to the right). “Just to make it to the Final Four is such a great accomplishment, regardless of the outcome.”
Despite the Hawkeyes’ early exit from the Final Four, their first since 1999, the eight graduating seniors still went on to claim the highest winning percentage, 69.5, over a four year span since the class of 1998.
It has been a long time coming though for the class of 2009, who lost a combined 17 games in their freshman and sophomore campaigns – the most in a two year stretch since 1997-1998. Even before the early struggles of their Hawkeye careers, the class of 2009 forged a connection before ever stepping foot in Iowa City.
With five of them calling Pennsylvania home, and two others from the Northeast, playing for the Hawkeyes has only furthered their bonds.
"I think it's really awesome how we all came here, all eight of us together," senior captain and Lewisberg, Pa., native Roz Ellis said (pictured below). "Having other people from Pennsylvania in our class as well, it's just a nice home away from home."
More literally, Ellis shares an apartment with senior Caroline Blaum from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and senior Katie Naughton (pictured on the right) from Goffstown, N.H. – and is a neighbor of several others on the team.
Where as most freshmen get comfortable on the bench in their first year, these now-seniors have been contributing throughout their careers. All but one started at least two games in their rookie season with five making the starting lineup for every game.
"They've done so much for the program as a whole. They were young and bright-eyed when they came in as freshmen, but they had to really fill in and provide a lot of output for us right off the bat," head coach Tracey Griesbaum said. "It was trial by error for a handful of them in the beginning. But really, every year they've increased their work rate and increased everything we've asked them to do. They've really meant a lot to the program."
In the annual senior game, the time came to recognize one of the most successful classes to ever call Grant Field home. However, the event was spoiled courtesy of an upset loss to Ohio State, 2-0.
Following the disheartening loss, Griesbaum had some very strong feelings regarding the senior recognition.
"I'll seriously consider whether we're going to ever do this again," she said after the game. "You have eight seniors, and if they're more worried about the flowers than winning a game, then that's my bad."
Griesbaum’s frustration comes as a result of a 3-6 record on senior days since taking over as head coach in 2000. The frustration even carried over to the team, who at 12-4 and 2-2 in conference play, were unsure how much longer their season would last.
“We have a good chance now of not making the [NCAA] tournament,” a senior said following the loss. “We could actually lose our last three games.”
Down, Iowa and its seniors rallied and pulled off victories at Michigan State and rival Michigan. With a newly found resurgence, the Hawkeyes then went on the claim their third straight Big Ten Tournament title (picture to right is the team celebrating after their first title in 2006). The last time an Iowa team won three consecutive Big Ten titles was from 1994-1996 and only one time prior from 1989-1992.
Despite finishing strong, Iowa and its seniors could not break the tradition of its predecessors. Three times a Hawkeye team had faced off against Maryland in the national semi-final, with the results not in their favor, losing by one goal – in 1987, 1993, 1999 and now 2008. In each circumstance, the Terrapins went on to become the National Champion.
Upon the completion of their final season and graduation from Iowa, two seniors will continue their field hockey careers, while rest will hang it for good. Co-captains and roommates Blaum and Ellis will enter the Olympic Development program in hopes of representing the United States as successfully as they have represented Iowa.
“It still hurts right now, but I’m sure after awhile I’ll actually be able to appreciate what we accomplished,” Blaum said (pictured to the left). “It’s been great. I’ve enjoyed every moment."
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Bowl Games
Maybe it’s because of the Christmas season, but it’s no wonder the college football bowl season is widely considered, the most wonderful time of the year.
For almost three weeks, college football’s finest, and Notre Dame, compete in their most meaningful football game of the year. Sure there are games during the regular season which claim the national spotlight and have meaning, but none like the bowl season.
No other sport can crown 34 post-season champions in a little less than three weeks. The nearest competitor is college basketball with two – the NIT and NCAA championship.
Everybody’s a winner. It’s like they’re going back to their youth league football days when it didn’t matter who won or lost, but how they played the game.
It’s also an opportunity to see games which likely wouldn’t be scheduled. Outside of the anomalies like Ohio State vs. Texas, which played each other in the regular season two years ago, almost every other game has a team slated against an opponent which it hasn’t seen in years, if ever.
Take for example the Outback Bowl, which features Iowa vs. South Carolina. This match-up has never been seen in college football, and likely would have never been seen if not for the three week championship festival.
Big football programs across the country will be competing against one another in a sport that witnesses little variation. With schedules in college football determined three and four years in advances, the bowl season provides the lone surprise in a sport that offers very little.
The bowl season also determines which conference, top to bottom, is the most talented. Comparable to the ACC/Big Ten challenge in basketball, which schedules each conferences No. 1 vs. the others No. 1, it determines which conference has the most depth.
The 34 games also bring out the frauds and phonies which might have been hiding in a weak conference. Take for example Penn State. The Nittany Lions take on USC in the Rose Bowl, where they have the opportunity to validate the national title consideration they received throughout the year. Or, like their counterparts from the 2008 Rose Bowl, Illinois, get manhandled by the very same team.
Though critics question the bowl games, the bowl games leave a lot less questions than the alternative – playoffs.
For almost three weeks, college football’s finest, and Notre Dame, compete in their most meaningful football game of the year. Sure there are games during the regular season which claim the national spotlight and have meaning, but none like the bowl season.
No other sport can crown 34 post-season champions in a little less than three weeks. The nearest competitor is college basketball with two – the NIT and NCAA championship.
Everybody’s a winner. It’s like they’re going back to their youth league football days when it didn’t matter who won or lost, but how they played the game.
It’s also an opportunity to see games which likely wouldn’t be scheduled. Outside of the anomalies like Ohio State vs. Texas, which played each other in the regular season two years ago, almost every other game has a team slated against an opponent which it hasn’t seen in years, if ever.
Take for example the Outback Bowl, which features Iowa vs. South Carolina. This match-up has never been seen in college football, and likely would have never been seen if not for the three week championship festival.
Big football programs across the country will be competing against one another in a sport that witnesses little variation. With schedules in college football determined three and four years in advances, the bowl season provides the lone surprise in a sport that offers very little.
The bowl season also determines which conference, top to bottom, is the most talented. Comparable to the ACC/Big Ten challenge in basketball, which schedules each conferences No. 1 vs. the others No. 1, it determines which conference has the most depth.
The 34 games also bring out the frauds and phonies which might have been hiding in a weak conference. Take for example Penn State. The Nittany Lions take on USC in the Rose Bowl, where they have the opportunity to validate the national title consideration they received throughout the year. Or, like their counterparts from the 2008 Rose Bowl, Illinois, get manhandled by the very same team.
Though critics question the bowl games, the bowl games leave a lot less questions than the alternative – playoffs.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Fantasy Pick up of The Week
Justin Gage WR Tennessee Titans (image from nfl.com)
Gage got his second TD of the year last week against a stingy Bears defense, and it should continue this week against Jacksonville. Justin McCareins is questionable with a concusion and should open up more passes to Gage. The underperforming Jaguars had an average defense ranking 16th in total yards allowed and 17th in passing yards allowed.
Week 10: Rex Grossman 20-37 173 yards 1 TD passing, 1 TD rushing, 1 Int
Week 9: Jamaal Charlses 18 rushes 106 yards 1 fumble
Week 8: Arnaz Battle 3 receptions 26 yards
Week 7: Kevin Walter 3 receptions 27 yards; 1 rush 7 yards
Week 6: Bye Week
Week 5: Jonathan Stewart 19 rushes 72 yards 1 fumble
Week 4: Ray Rice 1 rush 0 yards
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Childhood Friend
When I moved into my new subdivision way back in 1995, my family's house was the fourth one built, so the availability of friends my age was slim. The first friend I made was a hockey player named Zach who moved from Michigan to Naperville, Il.
My main sport growing up was basketball, so to suggest that Zach and I would have any type of relationship involving sports was seemingly thin. Not to say that we didn't have anything in common, but our relationship did not revolve around sports.
However, often times we couldn't decide on something that satisfied both of our interests, so we alternated with our favorite sports.
Although we never played ice hockey, we did play roller hockey. I actually bought roller blades and appropriate hockey equipment just to play. Although I tried, I was never actually any good at hockey. It was always hard for me to multi-task, I was never coordinated enough to handle the puck while skating, or shot the puck while skating.
I had fun, and Zach remembers it very similarly. He pointed out how I was always over competitive in everything that we did. Hockey for him was his chance to beat me and make sure that I knew I lost.
Self admittedly, I am a trash talker, so he really handed it to me in hockey. We even both recalled not talking for an extended period of time (extended means about four days).
However in basketball, it was a complete role reversal. I handed it to him and made sure to let him know. Unlike myself, Zach was a little less willing to play basketball. Not because I would always win, rather because it wasn't physical enough. He always made fun of the sport, claiming it was too soft, and that fouls were called when somebody got poked. Although not completely true, he had a point, especially compared to hockey. We still dispute the physically of basketball and why little touch fouls are actually fouls.
In any case, what resulted was a compromise of both of our sports, and the creation of ZBA. It's official name is Zach Basketball Association. Pretty much, it's fight club with an objective to score. However the scoring soon turned into, "Whose Line is it Anyways," where the scoring didn't actually matter.
We soon found ourselves playing ZBA constantly and as a result found many more aches on both of our bodies.
ZBA only last one summer, but the memories have lasted more then 12 years, as well as the scars.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Live Blog 49ers vs. Cardinals
I really wanted to do an NBA game, and I thought there was one on tonight but I was wrong. Alas, I'll do the rest of the MNF game
8:48 Warner just completed a 3rd and 13. How is he still in the league
8:49 There talking about Warner potentially quitting after he laid out Boldin. Yeah right, he got into the league when he was 50, I doubt he would have laid it up at this point.
8:53 Singletary just talked about teams not surviving with marginal athletes...uh look at your team big guy. Oh yeah, Cardinals just scored. 49ers 14 - Cardinals 13.
8:56 I just put a pizza in. Haha, that was for you Dave.
8:57 Wow, Sean Hill, on a designed QB run gets a first down on 3rd and 11. At first I thought it was a stupid play but I guess it works out.
8:58 49ers just had a delay of game. Why don't they talk about the discipline Singletary brings to the table now?
9:01 Is SF's Roger Cromartie related to the Cromartie on the Chargers? I hope so.
9:02 Like I said I missed the start of the game and I just saw the touchdown highlights, I'm very impressed with the 104 yard return TD to start the game.
9:04 Who is Sean Hill
9:07 What's with the red line of scrimmage line? Didn't it always used to be blue? I mean I understand the Cardinals are home so they might use red, but you never see the Bears use orange?
9:08 That was actually a really good throw. Again, how can they talk about Singletary before as a great leader and role model then he hugs and embraces Vernon Davis after his 15 yard penalty? It doesn't make sense. They say he runs a tight ship and then this happens. I bet the 49ers score.
9:11 Well I was wrong, at least they got a completion to up their stats.
9:16 I'm pretty sure you can't kick the ball after it gets blocked. But apparently you can in the CFL as Boomer just showed us.
9:18 I don't know if the Shaq commercial is new, but that's the first time I've seen it. He's playing scrabble and everything involves Shaq in the words, very funny.
9:26 Thanks Tony for telling us what the column in Arizona should be about, since the entire listening audience is sports writers.
9:28 I looked away...how did the Cardinals get down the field so fast?
9:33 Nice fourth down play for a touchdown. I thought run, and so did the 49ers. 21-20 San Fran.
9:36 If I can brag a little bit, I put Warner as my No. 3 on my MVP list, and now everybody is talking about the possibilities.
9:38 49ers just did a WR Screen. I've never been a fan of screen plays, I think primarily because they don't work in EA.
9:40 Vernon Davis was close on another potential TD, maybe he should have dived. That's probably why he only has 1 TD on the year.
9:41 Apparently Tony thinks everybody makes fun of Mike Martz, I don't.
9:43 Field goal. 49ers up 24-20. I agree with Singletary, Martz wanted to go for it on 4th and 1. Smart move head coach and grab the points.
9:48 Another first down with Boldin. Boldin and Fitzgerald are the best tandem in the NFL.
9:50 Great grab by Tim Hightower for the first down after Warner laid another guy out(i.e. Boldin earlier in the season.) maybe you should retire for this one too.
9:51 That was a legit helmet to helmet call. In the past the NFL has called too many close Helmet to Helmet calls when they weren't actually helmet hits.
9:52 Offsetting penalties...probably my least favorite part of the game. How can you rationalize an illegal man down field for a defensive pass interference. Not saying that was the call but still.
9:54 I think the NFL seriously needs to re-evaluate the stupid petty penalties they call and bring back the physicality of the game. It's turning soft.
9:55 I agree with the fans' boos, at least try and get in field goal range. But for some reason the ESPN crew is mocking the Cardinals.
9:57 Haha, Kevin Love commercial where he goes into the luggage compartment on the bus cause he's a rookie.
9:58 Pick 6 by Rolle. But even more impressive is his back flip
9:59 Whoa! played called back for an offsides, that's too bad, that was pretty cool. I always think it's funny when guys celebrate then a play gets called back.
10:01 I would have preferred to see the 49ers score after getting the ball back. Instead, they turn it over and its not called back. The Cardinals will score soon.
10:04 Encroachment 49ers. I always love how the O-line and D-line point at each other when there is either an offsides or false start
10:05 And again they point. False start this time. 2nd and goal on the 9.
10:06 I'm getting bored with this game, penalties will do that to you when it's a game you really don't care about in the first place.
10:07 Well the penalty gets taken away after discussion, but didn't you already discuss it. Like I said, I'm getting bored with this game and it just keeps going.
10:08 Jaws, your stupid. I'm probably going to mute it soon cause I don't want to hear you argue any more and think it's good commentary.
10:11 Pretty cool stat of the Raiders and 49ers on how bad they've been recently.
10:12 Oh yeah, the Cardinals settled for a field goal. 24-23 49ers.
10:14 Good throw by Hill to old man Issac Bruce for the first down.
10:18 After the timeout Frank Gore messes up the play with a drop. Now it's time to punt, and far...52 yards.
10:20 I agree with Tony. Arizona needs to win this game in order to be taken seriously.
10:22 Great toss and great catch. 1st down Cardinals. I'm a believer in the second half that Kurt Warner could actually win the MVP.
10:23 Holy Crap, Warner gets 300 yard games 45% of the time. The highest ever. I am very impressed.
10:28 Hey Stuart Scott. Does everybody know how his eye got messed up. Apparently he was shooting a commercial for ESPN with Vinny Testaverde and a ball was thrown at him and it went threw his hands and got him square in the eye.
10:29 Another pick 6 called back for an offsides. Really Arizona?
10:30 Did Sean Hill actually think Issac Bruce could actually catch up to a deep ball. He's too old to be moving that fast.
10:32 Another pick and to my surprise... It wasn't called back. Although there was a flag it was actually offensive interference. Arizona ball on the 5.
10:33 Surprise surprise, a TD pass to Boldin. We all knew it was either going to him or Fitzgerald.
10:35 I hope after the commercial the Arizona cheerleaders come up.
10:36 No avail, no cheerleaders. But some more pointing at the line of scrimmage with a false start.
10:37 Missed 2 pt conversion. Cardinals 29 - 49ers 24
10:39 Neil Rackers on the tackle. I'm happy for him, I'm sure he feels like more a part of the team now.
10:41 Really a challenge? Will this game just end and Mike Singletary stop pretending he's coaching.
10:43 Wow, late hit. You are stupid. You just stopped them. During this game I've really begun to dislike Singletary as a coach. I think it's because of his praise from the announcers that set me off. Also the lucky penalties that have saved his team from getting destroyed. I.e the two pick 6's and that last late hit penalty keeping him in the game. Does he even call any plays?
10:45 See another penalty. Go Singletary.
10:46 I'm getting really frustrated. Lets get this going.
10:48 Another flag, for some reason this doesn't surprise me. 18 penalties so far in the game and counting.
10:49 More finger pointing and another flag. False Start, 2nd and 25.
10:50 Zeigler first NFL catch, congrats.
10:51 You're not Brett Favre Sean Hill, No shuffle passes. Good game you just lost. You got 250 plus games to play before you can claim that honor.
10:54 Another timeout. I feel like I'm participating in some illegal form of torture with how long this game is dragging on. And to think I haven't even watched the entire game. I can't imagine having watched the whole game. I probably would have been started to complain an hour earlier.
10:55 Hey Stuart Scott.
10:56 Interesting. The 49ers still have a chance after the three and out. I still don't see it happen especially with Sean Hill as your QB.
10:57 There's Singletary, trying to be a part of the action and see what's goin on.
10:58 Bad punt, but you're still going to lose 49ers.
10:59 Good football play by Hill getting out of bounds, first down 49ers. And another catch by Hill.
11:00 Is this actually happening. 49ers on the 15, how is Hill all of a sudden turning it on.
11:00 Ok, I might have to eat my own words 49ers only one yard away from claiming the game. Three straight passes to No. 89.
11:02 Whoa, Gore trips up on what looks to be a clear TD. But it shows that he was tackled and it was challenged. We'll see what happens. I'm in the same situation as Tony, he called it over too but now there only 1 yard away.
11:06 Why didn't they spike it? They had 4 seconds to spike. I don't understand, anyways, the rookie coach loses again. Cardinals 29 - 49ers 24.
8:48 Warner just completed a 3rd and 13. How is he still in the league
8:49 There talking about Warner potentially quitting after he laid out Boldin. Yeah right, he got into the league when he was 50, I doubt he would have laid it up at this point.
8:53 Singletary just talked about teams not surviving with marginal athletes...uh look at your team big guy. Oh yeah, Cardinals just scored. 49ers 14 - Cardinals 13.
8:56 I just put a pizza in. Haha, that was for you Dave.
8:57 Wow, Sean Hill, on a designed QB run gets a first down on 3rd and 11. At first I thought it was a stupid play but I guess it works out.
8:58 49ers just had a delay of game. Why don't they talk about the discipline Singletary brings to the table now?
9:01 Is SF's Roger Cromartie related to the Cromartie on the Chargers? I hope so.
9:02 Like I said I missed the start of the game and I just saw the touchdown highlights, I'm very impressed with the 104 yard return TD to start the game.
9:04 Who is Sean Hill
9:07 What's with the red line of scrimmage line? Didn't it always used to be blue? I mean I understand the Cardinals are home so they might use red, but you never see the Bears use orange?
9:08 That was actually a really good throw. Again, how can they talk about Singletary before as a great leader and role model then he hugs and embraces Vernon Davis after his 15 yard penalty? It doesn't make sense. They say he runs a tight ship and then this happens. I bet the 49ers score.
9:11 Well I was wrong, at least they got a completion to up their stats.
9:16 I'm pretty sure you can't kick the ball after it gets blocked. But apparently you can in the CFL as Boomer just showed us.
9:18 I don't know if the Shaq commercial is new, but that's the first time I've seen it. He's playing scrabble and everything involves Shaq in the words, very funny.
9:26 Thanks Tony for telling us what the column in Arizona should be about, since the entire listening audience is sports writers.
9:28 I looked away...how did the Cardinals get down the field so fast?
9:33 Nice fourth down play for a touchdown. I thought run, and so did the 49ers. 21-20 San Fran.
9:36 If I can brag a little bit, I put Warner as my No. 3 on my MVP list, and now everybody is talking about the possibilities.
9:38 49ers just did a WR Screen. I've never been a fan of screen plays, I think primarily because they don't work in EA.
9:40 Vernon Davis was close on another potential TD, maybe he should have dived. That's probably why he only has 1 TD on the year.
9:41 Apparently Tony thinks everybody makes fun of Mike Martz, I don't.
9:43 Field goal. 49ers up 24-20. I agree with Singletary, Martz wanted to go for it on 4th and 1. Smart move head coach and grab the points.
9:48 Another first down with Boldin. Boldin and Fitzgerald are the best tandem in the NFL.
9:50 Great grab by Tim Hightower for the first down after Warner laid another guy out(i.e. Boldin earlier in the season.) maybe you should retire for this one too.
9:51 That was a legit helmet to helmet call. In the past the NFL has called too many close Helmet to Helmet calls when they weren't actually helmet hits.
9:52 Offsetting penalties...probably my least favorite part of the game. How can you rationalize an illegal man down field for a defensive pass interference. Not saying that was the call but still.
9:54 I think the NFL seriously needs to re-evaluate the stupid petty penalties they call and bring back the physicality of the game. It's turning soft.
9:55 I agree with the fans' boos, at least try and get in field goal range. But for some reason the ESPN crew is mocking the Cardinals.
9:57 Haha, Kevin Love commercial where he goes into the luggage compartment on the bus cause he's a rookie.
9:58 Pick 6 by Rolle. But even more impressive is his back flip
9:59 Whoa! played called back for an offsides, that's too bad, that was pretty cool. I always think it's funny when guys celebrate then a play gets called back.
10:01 I would have preferred to see the 49ers score after getting the ball back. Instead, they turn it over and its not called back. The Cardinals will score soon.
10:04 Encroachment 49ers. I always love how the O-line and D-line point at each other when there is either an offsides or false start
10:05 And again they point. False start this time. 2nd and goal on the 9.
10:06 I'm getting bored with this game, penalties will do that to you when it's a game you really don't care about in the first place.
10:07 Well the penalty gets taken away after discussion, but didn't you already discuss it. Like I said, I'm getting bored with this game and it just keeps going.
10:08 Jaws, your stupid. I'm probably going to mute it soon cause I don't want to hear you argue any more and think it's good commentary.
10:11 Pretty cool stat of the Raiders and 49ers on how bad they've been recently.
10:12 Oh yeah, the Cardinals settled for a field goal. 24-23 49ers.
10:14 Good throw by Hill to old man Issac Bruce for the first down.
10:18 After the timeout Frank Gore messes up the play with a drop. Now it's time to punt, and far...52 yards.
10:20 I agree with Tony. Arizona needs to win this game in order to be taken seriously.
10:22 Great toss and great catch. 1st down Cardinals. I'm a believer in the second half that Kurt Warner could actually win the MVP.
10:23 Holy Crap, Warner gets 300 yard games 45% of the time. The highest ever. I am very impressed.
10:28 Hey Stuart Scott. Does everybody know how his eye got messed up. Apparently he was shooting a commercial for ESPN with Vinny Testaverde and a ball was thrown at him and it went threw his hands and got him square in the eye.
10:29 Another pick 6 called back for an offsides. Really Arizona?
10:30 Did Sean Hill actually think Issac Bruce could actually catch up to a deep ball. He's too old to be moving that fast.
10:32 Another pick and to my surprise... It wasn't called back. Although there was a flag it was actually offensive interference. Arizona ball on the 5.
10:33 Surprise surprise, a TD pass to Boldin. We all knew it was either going to him or Fitzgerald.
10:35 I hope after the commercial the Arizona cheerleaders come up.
10:36 No avail, no cheerleaders. But some more pointing at the line of scrimmage with a false start.
10:37 Missed 2 pt conversion. Cardinals 29 - 49ers 24
10:39 Neil Rackers on the tackle. I'm happy for him, I'm sure he feels like more a part of the team now.
10:41 Really a challenge? Will this game just end and Mike Singletary stop pretending he's coaching.
10:43 Wow, late hit. You are stupid. You just stopped them. During this game I've really begun to dislike Singletary as a coach. I think it's because of his praise from the announcers that set me off. Also the lucky penalties that have saved his team from getting destroyed. I.e the two pick 6's and that last late hit penalty keeping him in the game. Does he even call any plays?
10:45 See another penalty. Go Singletary.
10:46 I'm getting really frustrated. Lets get this going.
10:48 Another flag, for some reason this doesn't surprise me. 18 penalties so far in the game and counting.
10:49 More finger pointing and another flag. False Start, 2nd and 25.
10:50 Zeigler first NFL catch, congrats.
10:51 You're not Brett Favre Sean Hill, No shuffle passes. Good game you just lost. You got 250 plus games to play before you can claim that honor.
10:54 Another timeout. I feel like I'm participating in some illegal form of torture with how long this game is dragging on. And to think I haven't even watched the entire game. I can't imagine having watched the whole game. I probably would have been started to complain an hour earlier.
10:55 Hey Stuart Scott.
10:56 Interesting. The 49ers still have a chance after the three and out. I still don't see it happen especially with Sean Hill as your QB.
10:57 There's Singletary, trying to be a part of the action and see what's goin on.
10:58 Bad punt, but you're still going to lose 49ers.
10:59 Good football play by Hill getting out of bounds, first down 49ers. And another catch by Hill.
11:00 Is this actually happening. 49ers on the 15, how is Hill all of a sudden turning it on.
11:00 Ok, I might have to eat my own words 49ers only one yard away from claiming the game. Three straight passes to No. 89.
11:02 Whoa, Gore trips up on what looks to be a clear TD. But it shows that he was tackled and it was challenged. We'll see what happens. I'm in the same situation as Tony, he called it over too but now there only 1 yard away.
11:06 Why didn't they spike it? They had 4 seconds to spike. I don't understand, anyways, the rookie coach loses again. Cardinals 29 - 49ers 24.
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