NFL's Top Players

Recently there has been a wide flux of popular sports media outlets creating polls ranking the top NFL players. These articles are being written because there has been no true football offseason activities to keep fans interested in (and no Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen, we are not interested in hearing your negative thoughts about the NFL Lockout for the 105th straight day), however the reasoning for the rankings aren't important, the results are.

ESPN has had a weekly Power Ranking of players at various positions for a long time now and have recently released their final Top 10 NFL Players regardless of position. Below is ESPN's rankings of the Top 10 NFL Players (to see this article in full visit http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/27930/power-rankings-top-10-nfl-players).

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
4. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
5. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
7. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
9. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
10. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
10. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans

NFL Network also has their own version of "power rankings" which they dub The Top 100 NFL Players of 2011 (to view players #100-11 visit http://top100.nfl.com/) which concludes this Sunday at 7 PM revealing the top 10 players of 2011. The show is actually really interesting because their list of the top 100 players was formed exclusively from the voting of active NFL players as opposed to other lists, including ESPN's, which is formulated based on opinions of NFL writers.

With all of this ranking hysteria, it is only fitting to have TAG Radio rank the top players in the NFL. So with no further ado, I present to you my top 5 NFL players.

Grant's Top 5 NFL Players:

1.Tom Brady, Patriots
Little explanation is needed here, 36 touchdowns, only 4 interceptions, and a league leading 111.0% quarterback rating in the regular season       all with an underwhelming cast of characters for weapons.

2.Troy Polamalu, Steelers
#2 is higher than most would rank this guy but I believe he deserves it. He changes the entire game plan of an offense in a way unlike any other defender in the league right now. If you want to avoid Darrelle Revis then you can simply throw away from the one receiver he is locked on. If you want to avoid being sacked by DeMarcus Ware you can roll your quarterback out the other way or call a quick pass before the rush becomes a factor. But how do you avoid a guy like Polamalu who lines up as a deep safety on one side of the field only to be making a play behind the line of scrimmage on the other side at the snap of the ball? The guy has an endless motor, incredible instinct, and he is so much fun to watch. What's most impressive is the impact a defensive player such as Polamalu can make on determining whether his team wins or loses on Sundays. Since Polamalu has come to the Steelers seven years ago they have finished as a top 3 defense (based on points allowed) five times, reached three Super Bowls, and have reclaimed the title as the most feared defense in the league. Here are some stats to back up Troy's importance to the Steel Curtain:

Steelers defense with and without Polamalu since 2009:
Win-Loss: With = 17-5; Without = 6-7
Points Per Game Allowed: With = 15.9; Without = 21.5
Interceptions: With = 28; Without = 6

To quote Elliot Harrison of nfl.com, "There is no greater compliment you can give a player than to say that his play is the difference between winning and losing."

3.Peyton Manning, Colts
It is nice when a down year for this guy includes 33 touchdowns and a 91.9% quarterback rating. No other quarterback, or player for that matter, is given the type of control of a team like Peyton Manning. He is his own offensive coordinator and because so much importance is put on Peyton, the team would undoubtedly crumble without him on the field.

4.Aaron Rodgers, Packers
He had a great regular season (28 touchdowns and a 101.2% quarterback rating) but it was his outstanding postseason play which got him this high on the list (9 touchdowns, only 2 interceptions, and a 109.8% quarterback rating). What makes Rodgers so special is his knack for making big plays with his feet. He's not a Michael Vick-type runner who will get you 50+ yards rushing every game but he chooses his spots so well like 49er's great Steve Young used to do to pick up key yardage. Oh, and there's that championship thing he just won.

5. Drew Brees

Like the other members of my Top 5, without Brees under center the Saints would be a subpar team. His stats were decent for his standards this past season (33 touchdowns but an uncharacteristically high 22 interceptions) but its Brees' intangibles which make him so important to the Who Dat Nation. Despite his size (6'0"), Brees is larger than life in New Orleans. He is such a great leader and he, along with head coach Sean Payton, have transformed the Saints from the perianal loser "Anits" into Super Bowl champions.

You can also view ESPN's Power Rankings by position by clicking on the following links:

• Power Rankings: Wide Receivers
• Power Rankings: Running Backs
• Power Rankings: Pass-Rushers
• Power Rankings: Tight Ends
• Power Rankings: Head Coaches
• Power Rankings: Linebackers
• Power Rankings: Cornerbacks
• Power Rankings: Quarterbacks
• Power Rankings: Safeties
• Power Rankings: Owners
• Power Rankings: Helmets
• Power Rankings: Defensive players
• Power Rankings: Offensive players
• Power Rankings: Toughest Venues
• Power Rankings: Rising Assistants

Sports Heaven

This picture embodies almost everything that I love about Dallas sports. Give him a Cowboys jersey to wear and the triumvirate is complete. Cowboys, Mavs, and Rangers....ahhhhh life is good.

The Battle for The Silver Boot

With last night's 7-3 win over the Astro's, our Rangers got one step closer to taking home of the most coveted pieces of hardware in all of sports: The Silver Boot, which is given to the outright winner of The Lonestar Series, played between the Ranger's and the Houston Astro's every year.

Legend has it that they store the boot 2 miles deep underneath the Alamo for safe keeping.

The Ranger's are one win away from capturing this hallowed trophy. CJ Wilson put together a great performance, lasting seven strong innings, battling out of trouble twice in masterful fashion. He also recorded his first career triple, popping up to throw the claw with the incorporating antlers to his hysterical teammates. A shower of boo's immediately followed. Either way, the Ranger's played much better last night, doing what they had to do to insure the win.

Hopefully last night's performance for Josh Hamilton will put the "Blue Eye's Drama" behind him. Finishing with 2 hits, 1 being a solo homer in the third, Josh also flashed a little leather in the 7th, laying out on a dead-sprint to snatch a potential double away from Clint Barmes. It is good to see Josh respond this way after his much needed off day on Sunday. Hopefully this trend will carry over to the afternoon games.

Ian Kinsler also played a great, finishing with 2 hits, 2 walks, and 3 RBI's. If Kins can start to heat up that bat and continue to get on base, good things will follow with the powerful and dangerous lineup behind him.

Also, Elvis Andrus missed another game with a left wrist injury, and most likely won't return to the field until Friday at the earliest. He played catch with Ron Wash before the game, but said he doesn't want to return until there is zero pain. He did say he would be able to pinch-hit or pinch-run if necessary. On this same note, Andres Blanco showed why he has a spot on this roster, and why the Old School Brother trusts in him to play short in Elvis's absence. He was all over the place, showing extreme range and a strong arm, as well as a rare double.

UPDATE: Alexi Ogando will make his next scheduled start, which is supposed to be this Friday, the opener to a 3 game stint with the Florida Marlins. This start was in question for him, and the Ranger's braintrust were thinking about shuffling him around a bit, getting some extra rest after 3 terrible starts in a row. But it is confirmed that he will be starting on Friday. After that is anyone's guess.

Cowboys Defensive Back Needs

Recently, one of the most often asked questions at TAG Radio is, "What should the Cowboys do about the gaping hole in their defensive backfield?" ESPN Dallas writer Calvin Watkins addressed this question in his article http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4680248/free-agent-outlook-michael-huff.

In the article, Watkins' gushes over the free agent Free Safety Michael Huff who has reportedly practiced with many of the Cowboys' players during this offseason and is often seen in public wearing Cowboys' gear. Huff to the Cowboys is an easy connection to make, Mr. Watkins, but Huff is not the best option for the Cowboys.

While Michael Huff was a great ball player at the University of Texas, his skills have yet to transfer to the NFL.  Sure, he reclaimed his starting role two years ago after being benched and he even had a pretty good season, but the reason he was benched in the first place was because he did not fit into the then Radiers' Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan's defense. Time can heal all wounds and players mature but after researching the free agent market, here is a look at two lesser known players the Cowboys might look at this summer (CBA Pending):

1. Eric Weddle - Weddle may be one of the most underrated safeties in the NFL today. Extremely versatile, this kid can do anything Rob Ryan's crazy mind can think of. To make a point about his versatility, in college Weddle played all four defensive secondary positions, running back, wildcat quarterback, and played on all six special team units (including punter on special occasions). After a game in which Weddle played a total of 90 plays in a winning effort versus Air Force, Fisher DeBerry, Air Force's head coach, was quoted saying, "They're cheating you, son; they ought to give you two scholarships."

He was second on the Chargers last season in tackles (96 opposed to Huff's 84) and was often asked to play Free Safety, Corner, and Nickel all in the same week's game plan. This type of versatility is exactly what is needed for Rob Ryan's defense.

2. Abe Elam - After digging deep into the possibilities for the Cowboys at Free Safety we find Abe Elam. If familiarity breeds success, than Elam could be very successful with the Cowboys. Elam has experience playing for Rob Ryan in Cleveland the past two seasons and was one of Rob Ryan's key defenders. Elam is intelligent and can "quarterback" the defensive secondary and after seeing the Cowboys' defensive backs arguing in the end zone trying to figure whose fault the touchdown was on a countless number of times in recent years, a smart leader sounds great right about now.

Oh, and as for the other free agent Raiders' defensive back, Nnamdi Asomugha, reports are that he "loves" playing for Rob Ryan and sees Ryan as almost a father figure. Of course it all comes down to money, so how much is Daddy willing to pay?

Fantasy Fumble

"Do this research if we don't have a season — watch how much evil, which we call crime. Watch how much crime picks up, if you take away our game," Ray Lewis told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio during the looming labor lockout this offseason.

While no previous statistical correlations support Ray Ray’s claims, and no criminal has ever plead insane due to lack of pro football to watch, may I offer you a hint of wisdom as to what Ray Lewis is getting at.

Every NFL offseason for the past two decades American pro football fans come together in bliss as the anticipation of the start of the season pumps adrenaline into the veins of millions. During the sizzling ides of July as students enjoy the last days of freedom before school begins, and the boys of fall commence preparations for another football season, over 18 million Americans come together at bars and living rooms alike, as well as in online draft rooms to pick their teams for a season of Fantasy Football.

Whether your stakes are monetary returns or for pride alone, you are living through the players of the NFL.

Fantasy Football is an $800 million dollar industry and is continually growing with casual football fans across various demographics. It’s hard to imagine an American autumn without an NFL season. For me, it’s even harder for me to imagine an autumn without the ever time consuming management of a fantasy football team. Countless working and studying hours are wasted each fall as working Americans and students alike pick up their leagues’ free agents, tweak their starting line up and talk trash to the opponents in their league. I am absolutely one of these Americans.

Ray Lewis may be reaching for the notion of an increase in criminal activity if there is no NFL season this year, but he is right about one thing. We do live through these players, general managers, and teams that make up America’s game. The threat of a full-season lockout and an autumn without fantasy football seem to just be another sign of the time this country’s economy is going through.

Although I don’t know what I will do without a season of fantasy football obsession and trips to Buffalo Wild Wings on Sunday afternoons, I know my criminal activity will not increase or decrease.

I can’t speak for the rest of America, or TAG radio that is.

-Rome
TAG Radio Intern
"The Green Ranger"

T.O's Tear

Reports have been flying in since late last night that Terrell Owens, or more commonly known as T.O., has apparently tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while filming a show on VHI. Reports are also coming in that he injured it during a personal workout. The true story has yet to come out, but he has already had the surgery at some point this month, performed by Dr. James Andrews. He is looking for a return in mid/late November.

This is obviously a huge blow to Owens, who is 37 right now and clearly looking towards the end of his career. Can his body respond to something like this? An injury of this caliber usual spells the end of normal players careers, but T.O. is far from an average player. He currently ranks 2nd all time, behind only Jerry Rice in receiving yardage, and 3rd all time in touchdown receptions, behind Rice and Randy Moss. He is most definitely a sure-fire hall of famer.

T.O. is known around the league for his hard-work and fitness, and the way he keeps his body in shape is unparalleled in the league, definitely for his age. So it is difficult to rule out a possible return. What do you think? Will T.O. make it back this year? Or is this the end?

-Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

More Mavs Draft Thoughts

Before reading post this post please take the time to enjoy Taylor's Draft Review below.

I also really liked the move the Mavs made in last night's NBA draft for the following reasons:

1. Does anyone else remember the hype this kid had coming into the league after the 2008 Summer Olympics? If you don't, you may want to watch this youtube clip as a reminder of what NBA fans believed they were getting when 22 year old Rudy Fernandez dunks over Superman Dwight Howard:

2. Rudy Fernandez is a proven commodity and as any sports fan knows, even the best college or foreign prospect can turn into a bust (see Gregg Oden, Michael Beasley, Sam Bowie, Darko Milcic...). As Taylor eluded to in his piece below, Rudy Fernandez was one heck of a player his rookie year. Unfortunately for Rudy, the Trail Blazers chose to modify Rudy's role after his highly-praised rookie year from the slasher he proved to be so good at to a spot up perimeter player similar to the role Peja has thrived in which has in turn reduced the effectiveness of Rudy's athleticism. The Mavs have plenty of spot up shooters which will allow Coach Rick Carlisle to unleash the reigns of the young gun and let him penetrate and collapse the defense for his great shooting teammates such as Dirk and Jet to name a few.

3. According to Donnie Nelson, foreign players take at least three years to find their "NBA feet". The first year to grasp the different style of play the NBA is built on opposed to the high flying Euro game. Donnie compares their second year to an American players' rookie year where the players learn to play a faster, more disciplined game. And in their third year, the Euros are finally ready to put two and two together and begin to fit into their team roles. Rudy is going into his fourth year, so according to Donnie Nelson's philosophy, Fernandez should be ready to bloom.


4. Finally, the Fernandez acquisition gives the Mavs great flexibility in their backcourt before the uncertainty of this summer's free agency and prepares them for the pending NBA lockout which seems inevitable. First, this move gives the Mavs flexibility in the case they are not able to sign one, or either, of their backcourt free agents Junkyard Stevenson and JJ Barea because Rudy is a 6'6 guard who can play point guard (which he played for Spain's best professional and Olympic national team for five years), shooting guard, or small forward when the team wants to play small. Secondly, the Rudy piece gives the Mavs a deep backcourt in the case the lockout delays the season causing more games to be played on back to back nights (or back to back to back nights which happened often in the strike-shortened 1999 NBA season). If this were to happen the Mavs would absolutely need all the depth they could get because as a veteran team their goal is not to win 72 games in the regular season but rather to gain favorable seeding and rest up their starters for the playoffs as we have seen the Spurs, Lakers, and Celtics do so often in the past decade so by having a deep backcourt the Mavs will be able to save Kidd and Jet's legs for another glorious championship run.

Mav's Draft Review

After a wild night filled with surprise trades, a foreign frenzy (5 of the top 8 picks born outside of the US), and interesting choices, the 2011 NBA Draft is over. So naturally, us here at TAG Radio will do our best to breakdown what happened with the World Champion Dallas Mavericks tonight, and what it will mean for next season (if we have one).

What Happened: The Mav's, holding the 26th pick in the 1st round, drafted guard Jordan Hamilton out of the University of Texas. Immediately after, reports that a 3 team trade including the Portland Trailblazers and the Denver Nuggets was in the works, for a player to be named later. Moments after that, the mystery player arriving in Dallas was none other than Portland guard Rudy Fernandez (click link for info and stats), as well as Petteri Koponen (the last pick of the 1st round in the 2007 draft), for the Mavs 57th pick, who turned out to be Targuy Ngombo from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What This Means: Clearly, the Mav's are in "win now" mode. Donnie Nelson and the rest of the Mav's brain-trust believed that at the 26 spot, there was no player available to contribute right away in the rotation, and instead chose to package the pick as well as their second rounder for a proven rotation player, or to quote Nelson,"A potential starter", and perhaps a future point guard down the road.

Rudy Fernandez, the 6'6 guard out of Spain, is a 3 year veteran playing for the Portland Trail Blazers. In his rookie year, he set NBA rookie records for 3 point field goals made in a season (159), as well as participating in the Slam Dunk Contest and being selected the the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He is an athletic, lanky guard who can play defense as well as knock down outside shots, and create his own shot at the same time.

With the Mav's making this move, it looks like the end for Peja Stojakovic, and one of TAG Radio's favorite Mavs, Deshawn "Junkyard Dog" Stevenson. Fernandez is in the last year of his rookie contract (on the books to make around 2 million this year), around 2 million cheaper than Junkyard made this season. And after his performance in the playoffs this year, Junkyard would most likely be slated to make more than that in a new contract. This is also interesting because it shows that the Mav's front office is not particularly confident in young guard Rodrique Beaubois, and perhaps last years 1st round pick Dominique Jones (or even Corey Brewer). Perhaps they are simply creating competition between the young guns, hoping they will push each other and get better this off season and training camp (once again, if we even have one of those). Only time will tell.

My take on all this is that it is a positive move for the Mav's. There is no risk involved. They packaged 2 picks with unknown NBA ability, for a solid, proven, young NBA player and a prospect for the future. Can't be to upset with those results, and probably the proper move for a team trying to repeat as World Champions. No need to take a risk late in the first round for someone you don't see contributing right away. I like the move, and I trust Donnie Nelson and his decision making (he did bring us Dirk after all).

So at the end of all this, I guess it wouldn't be right not to throw in a prediction. I whole-heartily believe that we will re-sign Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea, and Caron Butler. Tyson is a shoe in, J.J. wants to come back and understands his role, and Caron is a valuable asset to this team, both on and off the court. And we may be able to get him for a bargain after his injury. So going into the season, I see this as our starting lineup:

PG- Jason Kidd

SG- Rudy Fernandez (after battling Roddy B, Dominique Jones, and Corey Brewer for this spot)

SF- Caron Butler

PF- I'll let you figure this one out, starts with D and ends in K (and no I'm not being dirty)

C- Tyson Chandler (next years Defensive MVP....maybe)

Jason Terry will resume his 6th man role off the bench, with J.J. spilling Kidd, and Shawn Marion will perform the role he had at the beginning of this season, coming off the bench and solidifying the best 2nd team in basketball. Corey Brewer will take over the role of Deshawn Stevenson in the last 3 games of the Finals: Defensive stopper to guard top players, as well as spell Matrix and Caron to try and keep their minutes low and not over work them. Haywood will do his thing splitting minutes with Tyson, and who knows, Brian Cardinal aka "The Custodian" may even crack the lineup a few times (somebody has to take charges and give hard fouls). The Mav's will find a way to see what they have in Roddy B and DJ (Dominique Jones), but aren't 100% ready to throw them into the fire, especially after last season. They will get their minutes though.

Long post I know, but a lot to talk about with all the moving and shaking going on. My mind is already racing, excited for the possibilities of next year. Can the season start already?

Comment and let us know what you think about the Mav's moves on draft night. Agree, disagree, indifferent, confused, whatever. Let us know what you think!

-Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

Collective Bargining Agreement For Dummies

Breaking News - the National Football League is in a lockout!

Well, they've been in a lockout 99 days now but with the NBA playoffs stealing our attention for the majority of the past two and a half months it was easy to overlook the NFL's labor situation. But now that the dramatics of the NBA playoffs is over, all eyes intently go back to America's Obsession, the NFL.

So in case you have been living under a rock for the past four months or have been consumed with a magical Mavericks' championship run like many of us at TAG Radio, here is a summary of the issues in the 2011 NFL CBA negotiations.

Issue #1 = Money
Issue #2 = Money
Issue#3-Infinity = Money

That may be a bit of an over exaggeration, but it's not too far from the truth.

What the players, owners, and media will tell you is that the CBA negotiations are trying to solve league structure issues such as number of regular season games, rookie wage caps, free agency rules, and retirement benefits. While all of these problems are relevant in the CBA discussions, they all pale in comparison to the main issue at hand -- how to split the $9 billion profit the NFL makes every year.

As the title of this article suggests, this is not intended to be a fully inclusive CBA piece but rather a quick, easy guide to understanding the NFL CBA negotiations, so below you can find a summary of how the money was split in the previous CBA followed by what the new CBA negotiations are trying to achieve:

                -Previous CBA - In 2006 the owners are players agreed in terms to a CBA which split the $9 billion profits between the players and owners 60%-40% in favor of the players. To accommodate for this 20% deficit in revenues, the players conceded to give the owners $1 billion of profit right off the top before the 60%-40% split ever occurred. This CBA worked well for the first season (2007) it was in place, however, once the American economy got roughed up in the Fall of 2008, the deal began to turn sour for the owners. Currently the owners face $200 million yearly expenses per team which are only believed to rise every year causing the owners to feel they need to receive a larger split of revenue in order to remain profitable.

                - Current CBA Negotiations - These rising $200 million yearly expenses are why the NFL is having this lockout and why the CBA is going to have to change. The owners believe they need more money and the players don't want to give any of it up. Classic case of greed. And because of this greed, the lockout has gone on far longer than it should have but we are finally beginning to see some progress. At recent discussions it is believe the owners and players are close to agreeing to a CBA which will split the money 52%-48% this time in favor of the owners, with no $1 billion going straight to the owners.

At TAG Radio we know this is a trying time for football fans, but we want you to rest at ease. This lockout will end soon and we will have football - from training camps all the way through the super bowl. How do I know? Well, I just so happen to be working for the law firm who represents the NFL Player Association (NFLPA). Do I deal with the players or give my advice to the attorneys who do? Nope. But do I sharpen the pencils of the people who do deal with the players? Absolutely. And you can bet your sweet September there isn't a dull pencil in this entire place! Because of this, we at TAG Radio feel we are literally responsible for the outcome of this lockout and we personally guarantee that it will end soon enough.

The end is near, the mountain top is in sight. I can almost hear it now, "Are you ready for some football!..."

Mav's Season Highlight Videos

Check out these two Mav's Season Recap Videos, which were some of the best that I found.

But beware, they may make you sports cry....

Comment and let us know if there are any others out there that are worthy of such a memorable Mav's season!

.

Eating Crow

Choosing to browse the internet today rather than do any actual work, I came across this little gem, an article written in 2009 titled "Why the Dallas Mavericks Will Never Win a Title With Dirk Nowitzki".

Seriously?

I hope the author of this (Matthew Mooney?) is eating a lot of crow right now, because some of the stuff he writes on there is unbelievable.

Comedic actually. (I especially enjoy the part where he compares the former MVP and 10 time All-Star to Toni Kukoc?). How some of these guys have jobs and get paid to write garbage like this blows my mind. Oh, and the comments are good to.

Here is the link....

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/168334-

why-the-mavs-will-never-win-a-title-with-nowitzki#

Enjoy!

P.S.= If your curious to hear Dirk's response to that garbage, he wanted me to pass on this message...

-Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

What To Do About Webb

It is becoming extremely clear that Brandon Webb is still not ready for the majors, and may not be anytime in the near future.

Webb, coming off his most recent rehab start in Double A Frisco, only lasted 2/3's of an inning, allowing 6 hits, 4 runs, and a walk before being yanked by the Rough Riders manager. He is still struggling with his velocity, bringing his fastball in consistently at 83-85 mph, which simply won't cut it in the Bigs. If he can work on hitting his spots, and bump his velocity up to a more respectable 87-88, he can use his phenomenal sinker, which was once viewed as "one of the best pitches in all of baseball" according to Sports Illustrated. But the clock is ticking.

He is attempting a comeback after undergoing shoulder surgery on his pitching arm on Aug. 3, 2009. Prior to this, Webb was the N.L Cy Young winner in 2006, and in 2009 he was named #31 on the Sporting News' list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball. So we know the guy has talent. At this point, it is all about recovering and tapping back into that immense talent that was seen in his tenure with Arizona.

So how much longer do the Ranger's wait? Going into the season, they never gave Webb a timetable, so there really isn't any pressure on him at the moment. Luckily for the Rangers, their young starting pitchers have done a stellar job so far this season, with the only pitching questions popping up in the bullpen. At this point, Webb needs to start showing drastic improvements if he is going to make the club, or even play in the majors again. With Tommy "Big Game" Hunter and Scott "Scooter" Feldman both coming of solid rehab starts, and looking to join the club within the few weeks, as well as the MLB only allowing 30 days for a player to be out on a rehab assingment, the clock is ticking for Brandon Webb. If Webb can get healthy, find his form, and brush up on his mechanics, he would be on his way to revamping a phenomenal career as well as helping the Rangers in the second half of the season, as well as the playoffs.

But if he can't, we may be close to seeing the end of Brandon Webb. Only time will tell.

-Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

Post Postwin

Outside of Miami, everyone wanted the Mavs to win...or so I thought.

What wasn't there to enjoy about the Mavs? If there was an underdog to root for, it was these guys. They had a superstar who stayed where he was, because he believed in the city and his team, but lacked a ring. Veteran players sprinkled throughout the roster, all working together for that championship they lacked. A little guy not even 6-feet tall navigating the lanes like a bowling ball. They united. They stood for everything the Heat didn't.

And despite all this, as I watched most games in Houston, I sat at a BWW downtown and listened to many fans in Houston say, "I don't know what's worse, rooting for Miami and LeBron or rooting for Dallas." ... Really? Honestly, it amazed me. The majority of Texans at my school come from the Houston area, so I knew there was some resentment or jealousy toward their fellow Texas city.

But really? I don't understand it. I think Houston wants Dallas to feel the same way. But growing up in Dallas, I've never heard many people just trash Houston. They want nothing more than Dallas to fail. If it were the Rockets vs. the Heat, 95% of Dallas would be cheering on the Texas team. I guess I never realized how strange and bizarre and, I believe, unwarranted those feelings are until now.

-Rowan

HIGHS & lows

BREAKING NEWS

Still coming off the sports high of the Mavericks championship I'm sad to report that Mavericks guard DeShawn "the Junkyard Dog" Stevenson was arrested the night of June 14 in Irving and charged with Public Intoxication. The incident occurred in an Irving apartment complex.

While I don't condone any criminal activity, I do have to apologize on his behalf. "Sorry for partying, Irving"

DeShawn played a major role in containing "King" James and D-Wade in the finals as well as other teams' stars throughout the entire playoff run.

Most Mavs fans have been begging for the team to "Thug-it-up" to some extent for years. However, this is often what happens when you have a tad bit crazy players like the Junkyard Dog 'yaying 3ees for your team.

He is still my new favorite Maverick, and hope this incident doesn't hurt his chances of being resigned this offseason by Cuban and the World Champion Dallas Mavericks.

For more on "Public Intoxication" see here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdz_-06wGqc

and again, I will quote Charles Barkley, "every great team has to have one crazy guy"

DeShawn 'the Junkyard Dog" Stevenson is the Maverick's crazy guy.

UPDATE: Its also been reported that Suge Knight has posted his bail at $475.

Championships: Earned, Not Deserved

Charles Barkley, Karl Malone/John Stockton, Dan Marino, Ted Williams. What do all these amazing athletes, at the tops of their respected sports, all have in common?

No Championship. No Title.

Highly considered some of the best players ever to play their games, they have never reached the highest pinnacle, the top of the mountain.

Somewhere along the way, sports fans across the country have made a grave, grave mistake. One that still bugs me to this day, and seems to never go away. Why do people believe, simply because players have great talent, that they "deserve" a championship? No! Championships aren't deserved because of individual talent. They are earned, earned by hard work when no one is looking. Putting in the extra hours, day in and day out, and playing with a chip on your shoulder. You don't just show up into any professional sports league, anywhere in the world, and deserve something. People aren't going to give you anything. It must be taken. It must be earned.

For example, let's look at the Mav's NBA Championship, the first in franchise history, and the first championship for every player on the current roster. A roster filled with veterans such as Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, and Peja Stojakovic, great professionals who have garnered great respect in the NBA and are guys that have gotten so close to a title, but never won one. Never got over the hump. Never did the things, big or small, in a 7 game series to hoist that O'Brien trophy over their head. And going up against "Miami Thrice", "The Super Friends", or "The Big Three" wasn't going to be any easy task either. Maybe even their toughest challenge of all.

But championships, in any sport, even in life (working hard for that promotion, studying hard for that exam to get that A, etc.) are about hunger. It's about who wants it more. Not about who has better talent. Nothing in life is deserved. Everything must be earned. If you want something, go out there and get it. Instead of doing photo-shoots and taking pictures with Jay-Z, get in the gym and shoot jumpers, catch footballs, and take batting practice. Because that is how you win championships. Very few players in the world have been able to have their cake and eat it too (meaning they are the total package: Great players, Champions, who also are socialites and media figures). Michael Jordan, and Tom Brady come to mind.

But one thing that is being missed on this road to winning a championship is something that I believe almost all athletes must endure in order to achieve greatness: they must take their lumps. They must battle hardships. Because that is how you learn. That's how you grow. Michael Jordan didn't make his high school basketball team. Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round. Because of these things, these events in their lives, these guys play with a chip on their shoulder. Nothing is ever good enough. They are out to prove everyone wrong, everyone who said they couldn't do it.

Which brings me to Dirk. A mini superstar (not by stature, but by attitude), Dirk had played well enough with his teammates to earn a chance to play in the 2006 NBA Finals. We all know how that ended. Because of that series, Dirk and the rest of the Mav's have been the face of ridicule for the last 5 years. Soft, choke-artists, one-and-done, and my all time favorite "same-ol Mav's". But Dirk said it best with this quote,"If I would have won one earlier in my career, maybe I would have never put all the work and time in that I have over the years". And that's the key point.

Not to say that other players in the league don't work hard. I know LeBron James and the Miami Heat work hard. But it is so much more than that. But in order to have that killer instinct, that feeling you get when your so close to something, something that is so important to you, and you look around at your teammates and say,"This is mine," you have to have been there before. You have to have been close to it, and then have it ripped away from you. Because that is how you get hungry. That's the only way.

The Texas Rangers, who we all love so much, don't deserve a title. The Dallas Cowboys, "America's Team", do not deserve another title. They have to earn one. LeBron James doesn't deserve a title. And maybe, just maybe, after this playoff series, he realizes that nothing is going to come easy for him, even if he is the "King". Even if he is "The Chosen One", like the tattoo on his back proclaims.

LeBron is going to have to work for his championship, perhaps harder than anyone in professional sports right now. Because no one wants him to succeed. He brought it upon himself. The ridicule, the scorn, the delight everyone is taking in his failure to finish.

So I will remind you LeBron, remind you of something you made clear a long time ago:

We Are All Witnesses.

Still watching, and still waiting.

-Taylor
TAG Radio Founding Father

BREAKING NEWS

Dallas Stars Hire Glen Gulutzan, head coach of the AHL Texas Stars, as their head coach.

The 39-year-old will take over for Marc Crawford, who was fired at the end of the season after two years behind the Dallas bench.

Gulutzan has been coach of the Texas Stars the past two seasons, posting an 87-56-7-10 (.597) record and a 16-14 mark in the playoffs.

In the team's inaugural season in 2009-10, the Stars advanced to the Calder Cup finals. They made it to the playoffs this past season as well.

The Wranglers put together three straight 100-plus-points seasons, becoming the first ECHL team to do that.

He led Las Vegas to the ECHL's Kelly Cup finals in 2008 and the conference finals in 2009. He was named ECHL Coach of the Year in 2005-06.

He was the coach of the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL for six seasons, compiling a 254-124-55 (.650) mark

Deshawn's Swag

Check out Deshawn "Junkyard" Stevenson's swag on arriving home to Dallas! (Curtsy of  Bryan Gutierrez)  

Postgame 6 - NBA Champions!

Listen to TAG Radio's immediate reactions to the Mavericks winning their first championship in franchise history. More to come in the following weeks.

Also, please listen to TAG's video with this sound track playing on repeat in the background:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04854XqcfCY 

Pregame from South Beach in Miami - Game 6

Live from Miami! Check out what the TAG Radio guys think about tonight's game as they answer questions from TAG Radio follower. Send in your questions and we will answer them in the Postgame show!

TAG Radio in Miami to cover NBA Finals

Ah ya. Your TAG Radio hosts are onsite giving you behind the scenes coverage like no one else.

Throwback Quote

After the dreaded 2006 meltdown in the Finals that all Mav's fans know about and still get chills at it's mention, Dirk and the rest of the Mavs made excuse after excuse (with some of them reasonable). Poor officiating and throwing away Game 3 were the reason for the Mav's demise.

Then in 2007, after relentless questioning and barraging by reporters, the "Wise" D Wade let Dirk have it. " Dirk says they gave us the championship last year, but he's the reason they lost. He wasn't the leader that he's supposed to be in the closing moments."

He also stated this:

"At the end of the day, you're remembered for what you did at the end."

Funny how things change isn't it?

I don't need to say anymore, if you have watched the games you know exactly where I am going with this.

The 4th quarter is Mavs time, especially Dirk.

I'll leave the rest up to you guys.....

-Taylor
TAG Radio Founding Father

Wade and Lebron Mock Dirk

http://cosbysweaters.com/2011/06/09/lebron-and-dwyane-wade-mock-dirks-illness/

Check out this video of Wade and Lebron mocking Dirk before Game 5. Gutless.

Post Game on the Patio - Game 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkd27w9hjkk

Wow! Listen to TAG Radio's reaction to the Mav's impressive Game 5 victory!

Stay tuned in tomorrow for post game reaction and this weekend for Game 6 predictions.

One step closer. GO MAVS!

Be loud. Be proud. TAG Radio.

Game 5 Pregame by the Poolside

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbkkEWrdrdU

TAG Radio's thoughts and predictions on the pivotal Game 5 match up. Today we play fact or fiction on 5 major questions which will shape the landscape of tonight's game.

Join us after the game for post game coverage on Postgame on the Patio.

Be loud. Be proud. Go Mavs!

While We're Waiting...

There are so many topics that I want to talk about with the Mav's and the goings on in these last couple games, I can hardly stand it. I have been chomping at the bit to regurgitate all the madness going on inside this head of mine right now, and I am beginning to become slightly antsy. Some how in these last few days I have developed this nervous twitch (perhaps its from all the coffee), which is most obvious on the dreaded off days. The Mav's are my drug, and I am itching for a fix.

I apologize for my absence the last few days, straining away from serious, in-depth coverage of these Finals, instead throwing out interesting articles and "funny" pictures. I promise you I have not gone soft, I have not strayed away. Instead, like a mad scientist I am in the laboratory, concocting a piece that will symbolize the culmination of such a phenomenal Mav's season. Call it my "Mav's Mona Lisa".

So do not fear TAG Followers, I will return. And while I am staring in front of this webpage, my proverbial "blank canvas", my partner in crime Grant (who is a hell of a lot smarter than me) and Rome keep busting out phenomenal stories. Be sure to show these guys love and read and comment on their articles (especially Rome, he likes that attention). Spark up an argument, create a controversy, drop a stat bomb, and gives us your opinion. Because we can sit here and rant about whatever we want, but it's YOU GUYS that are reading it. It is you guys who we are writing it for. So take the time to become a follower, and I promise, you wont regret it.

Oh, and in the meantime....

I couldn't just leave you guys with nothing....

Stay tuned. Be loud, be proud.

-Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

Good Medicine

"Treating a fever includes several remedies,"  according to WebMd, "none more important than rest....The patient should remain in an air conditioned room to keep body temperature down and avoid strenuous physical activity until  fever subsides." For a player and team who have been labeled soft for the greater part of the past decade, strenuous physical activity is exactly what Dirk and the Mavs needed the night of the must-win Game 4.

On a night when Dirk's game was ice cold, for his standards at least, and his body temperature was a scolding 101 degrees, the Mavs found themselves once again down by a substantial margin in the waining minutes of a playoff game. How could this happen to the Mavs? The biggest game in franchise history and the greatest player in franchise history was sick...it just isn't fair!

However, with the help of his teammates and a vicious seven and a half minute "dog-it up" effort on defense where the Mavs held Miami to two points, Dirk and the Mavs found themselves up by one point with 17 seconds left.  Everyone who was watching the game knew what was coming next. Win or lose, the Mavs figured to ride the horse that had brought them this far despite Dirk's current 1 for 5 field goal mark thus far in the fourth quarter.

Dirk catches the ball at the top of the arc, right where had caught it in end-of-game situations in both Game 2 and 3, back to the basket, being guarded by the "Dirk Stopper" Udonis Haslem. It is as if Eric Spoelstra was playing doctor because single coverage was all the medicine Dirk needed to flip the switch. With the game hanging in the balance, it was suddenly Dirk's blood that was ice cold, not his game which consequently became boiling hot. As Dirk wheezed to catch his breath, his drive to the basket and right handed layup proved to be Miami's last.

"Common causes of becoming sick include...overworking the body or mind for an extended amount of time," reads WebMd, and for a man who has carried the yoke of this team not only through this year and playoff run, but through the 12 years of his time in Dallas, it is easy to see why Dirk had the fever last night. However, what should be taken away from Game 4 is not the fact that Dirk battled through a fever to hit what was essentially the game clinching shot, though impressive, what should be taken away is that the Mavs, as a team, just got one win closer to achieving their ultimate goal, and that my friends, is some good medicine.

BREAKING NEWS

TAG RADIO BREAKING NEWS:

The Ranger's have fired hitting coach Thad Bosley. Scott Coolbaugh will replace Bosley as Texas hitting instructor.

Bosley replaced Clint Hurdle as hitting coach this season after Hurdle was hired to manage the Pirates. Bosley was hired after a relationship with Ron Washington that dates back decades, but he lasts just two months into his first season with the club.

Baby 'Bron Bron

Saw this pic this morning and had to post it. Baby 'Bron Bron doing what any 6'8, 260 pound man would do....cry for calls and throw a temper tantrum. Who knows, he may even blame someone else for his horrific performance last night on both ends of the floor.

Stat Nugget: After being forced to endure countless comparisons between "Queen" James and "His Airness", I managed to dig up this little stat.

In the countless number of Finals games Jordan has played on his path to 6 six rings, his lowest point total was 22...

Lebron's?

8.....

Just saying....

-Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

That's The Way Basketball Go

Check out this great video, trying to rally all the local Mav's fans from all the great Dallas superstars!

Btw, diggin the ol' school brother's ending to it. Take a look!

-Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

Game 4 Immediate Post Game Reaction

"Post Game on the Patio" immediately following the Mav's Game 4 victory. A free flowing conversation with no stat sheet, just raw emotion. It is roughly 10 minutes long so grab your popcorn and a coke and enjoy the discussion.

Pregame in the Plaza - Game 4 Preview

Check out this video of Taylor and Grant discussing what we believe are the keys for the Mavs going into tonight's Game 4.

The bit was shot in the Crescent Plaza, the same place where the hated Miami Heat are staying. Why did we go through all the trouble to report to you, the follower, live from the Crescent? Because no one is more dedicated to their fans than TAG Radio. Be loud. Be proud. Go Mavs!

Also leave a comment as to what question you want us to ask the Heat players as they leave for tonight's game! 

The waterfall drowns out some of the sound so below are the key points to read along while watching:
1. What are the key points the Mavs, specifically Rick Carlisle, need to change strategically before going into Game 4?
    - Taylor: Play Corey Brewer. Peja isn't giving you any offense and is hurting you on defense. Play Brewer a.k.a "Chicken Soup" to add some defense and keep Kidd off Wade until late in the fourth.
   - Grant: Go back to running the zone on defense. In Game 1 everyone trashed the zone because the Mavs gave up 16 offensive rebounds, but only one of those rebounds was lost while the Mavs were in the zone.
2. What do the Mavs need to do on the court to get the victory tonight?
   - Grant: Give the Big German the ball more. Stat bomb: in Game 3 there were 40 possessions in which Dirk had at least one touch. In those possessions the Mavs shot over 50%, scored 51 points, and had only 4 turnovers. In the 45 possessions in which Dirk did not get a touch, the Mavs shot below 30%, scored only 35 points, and had 10 turnovers.
   - Taylor: Be aggressive. Be, be aggressive. In an interview today, Jet spoke for 2 minutes and 29 seconds and said the Mavs need to be "aggressive" five times. I think he wanted to make a point.
3. Who wins?
   - Taylor: Mavs
   - Grant: Mavs

Taking a Bite Out of the Numbers

Grab your shovels and start digging. Cue the sad funeral music and don't forget to grab an extra tissue to wipe your eyes. Yep, the Mavs are dead. Done. Dead men walking. Well, at least according to the math they are.

As you all have certainly heard by now the team who wins the "rubber match" Game 3 when the series is split one-one goes on to win 11 out of 11 times. Now, I'm not a math major but I do know that 11 out of 11 is a rather strong correlation.

So go ahead and grab your shovel and start digging because math tells you its the only logical and rational thing to do after a gut wrenching loss in Game 3. Grab that shovel because math whizzes like Kurt "Tommy Guns" Thompson tells you to never doubt a good old fashioned formula (to listen to "Tommy G's" life song go to  http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1588025591045&subj=1249290846). And grab that shovel because TAG radio is grabbing our shovels too...

While you begin to dig I want you to for a moment, just a fraction of a second, forget about math. Forget about math because in competition math and the odds have a funny way of being proven wrong time and time again. The "better team" on paper does not always win and that's why they play the game.

So what do the Mavs need to do now that the media is digging the Mav's grave, Miami is getting their fingers' fitted for a ring, and when you look way down that mountain the Mavs have have found themselves at the bottom of, it appears that they are also digging. According to Mav's defensive stopper Shawn Marion, they need to "dog it up."

After reporters received this answer from Shawn "Matrix" Marion, they sat in puzzlement at this new term, "dog it up," so 'Trix continued, "Man up...on both ends of the floor." Writer Jen Engel later took from Marion's answer that the, "Mav's type of dog it up means to get dirty, to go mean, to go to the mattress, or to do what at times has been referred to as 'thugging it up'..."

In other words, Marion believes that the only way to react when backed into a corner by the "numbers" and the "odds" which are stacked so strongly against them, is to fight, to bark, growl, claw, grab the rebounds, crash the glass, play suffocating defense for four quarters, treat every possession like its the last, and to show some teeth like any cornered mutt would do.

So go ahead and keep on digging with your shovel. We and TAG Radio are, so are the Mavs. Only know this, we are not digging a grave like the media is, no sir, bad dog. Any wise dog knows that in order to get that prized buried bone he needs to dig deep. The Mavs have to dig down deep to uncover that illusive buried treasure called a World Championship.

And while they dig, you can begin to see how when Marion's words are applied to the court they begin to form a trench in which the Mavs will proceed to fight trench warfare where every inch is the difference between being the most nationally appreciated champions of all time by beating the hated Heat or forever living in with the title of a bunch of old, sorry dogs.

Be loud. Be proud. Go Mavs. Ya' Dig?

Rick Reilly Article

Check out this great article by ESPN's Rick Reilly....I think it embodies just about everything Grant and I have preached all year long. Enjoy!

Oh, and Rome:

Heat = Not Renaissance

Click here for link to article

-Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

Fresh Out the Joint

Being the most criminally active member of TAG Radio I would like to share some thoughts on the recent release of Plaxico Burress.

Drafted 8th overall in 2000 out of Michigan State by the renowned Pittsburgh Steelers, Plax quickly assimilated to the league. In just his sophomore year he had amassed a thousand-yard season and became the Steelers’ most feared deep threat. However maturity issues plagued the young star.

When running routes across the middle/deep middle of the field Plax would frequently catch the ball and duck to the ground to avoid being hit. After getting up off the ground, Plax would boastfully flip the ball into the air as a gesture of ‘swag.’ Unfortunately this bad habit he picked up in his college days would not translate so easily into the NFL.

Often times Plax would catch the ball across the middle, duck to the ground, get up, and flip the ball before he was ever tagged down. Sometimes this would go unnoticed by the referee. But in a couple instances this bad habit cost his team a turnover. Plax honed his skills and eventually knocked the bad habit but maturity issues still lingered.

Signing with the NY Giants in 2005, Plax put up his best numbers since his early years with the Steelers and quickly became Eli Manning’s favorite target. He was a key part of the passing attack that went on to win a Super Bowl against an undefeated Belichick led Patriots. All seemed to be working out for the talented Plaxico.

…until he shot himself in the foot in a NY night club and was sentenced to 2 years in prison.

All joking aside, this took a major toll on the Giants organization as well as Plaxico’s life.

Much speculation surrounding the potential landing spots for an eager, recently released Burress have surfaced. Would he return to Pittsburgh to improve its air-game? Could he wind up in NY again, but playing for the big talk Jets? Some see him in Philly uniting with former convict Mike Vick and his young receiving core creating a sort of Con-air attack with the jail bird Eagles. All options seem plausible if Goodell gets his act together and free agency can begin.

Given the recent comeback of Michael Vick it seems reasonable that if Plaxico has matured, as Vick did, he could make a similar impact for any team.

“Prison ain’t change me, it made me worse” –Tupac Shakur

Tupac went on to sell more records and put out more music than he ever had in the years following his prison sentence. Vick has had a monumental season and has evolved his game to a new level. Why can’t Plax do the same fresh out the joint?

It will be exciting to see where the talented Burress lands. Many teams could use a deep threat with the height and skills Plax possesses. My advice for many receiver-needy organizations would be from the late and great Steelers Radio announcer Myron Cope:

“If you don’t know…PLAXICO!”

Where do you think he would fit best?

-Rome
TAG Radio Intern
"The Green Ranger"

Role Player Blues

You can ask Grant: I love role players. In every sport, you have to have the guys to fill the roster, have to have guys to do the little things, the lunch pail guys, the guys who specialize in one area, and not afraid to do the dirty work (Roman Whitehair on the basketball court comes to mind here). The superstars cannot always simply carry the load.

But right now, the Mav's bench players play is showing us exactly why they are sitting where they are: on the bench.

I am sick of role players, for both teams. I'm sick of watching the Miami Heat, with their superstar team, molded by the basketball god's to create a team that is "supposed to win 3,4,5,6,7" championships, beat us with guys like Mario Chalmers and Mike Bibby. If LeBron, Wade, and maybe even Bosh (although this is a stretch) beat us, it happens. Sometimes, as seen in all sports, you just get beat. And when it is by 2 of the best players in the world, you deal with it, you accept it. But when it is Mario "I'll never be as good as I was at Kansas" Chalmers and Mike "Only good because of C-Webb" Bibby are beating you. It hurts.

And what hurts even worse is that you have guys on your bench, guys that you believe in and have succeed all season long, including the post season, that decide to go absolutely ice cold. Peja Stojakovic, one of the leagues all time great shooters, is abysmal. Jet Terry, who is supposed to be our #2 scorer, is nowhere to be seen at times. And these aren't all contested shots that these guys are missing (as the media members, who drool all over the Heat want you to think). These are routine, open jump shots and three's that these guys need to knock down, and are getting paid to knock down. It's unbelievable. If the spares that Miami are throwing at us can make these kind of shots, why can't we?

Which brings me to what is bugging me most about this. I'm sure, if your reading this now, you have watched the Mav's in the playoffs (and if you haven't, you should be ashamed of yourself), and you know how well Dirk has been playing. But what I want to know is, why is it only in the 4th quarter? He makes it look so easy at times, why don't we give him the ball more often? There will be stretches in the game when D-Wade will score something like 10 straight points, but for the Mav's, it seems as if we save Dirk up for the end. Don't get me wrong, I'm not questioning Carlisle, but these guys are superstars, so let them be superstars!! Make sure Dirk gets a touch every position. Let the guys who are the best in the world do what they know how to do best. Because let's face it, both teams are in the Finals because of their superstars.

Rewind this same scenario to the Laker's series, you would probably be getting a different response from me. If the Mav's bench showed up through 3 games this series, this conversation would never happen. But after watching these games, after sitting and waiting for these guys to perform like they have all season, I'm on the brink of pulling the plug on them. Hopefully, they can step up and prove me wrong.

Like I said earlier, I love role players. But right now, I despise them, for different reasons.

Please, please Mav's bench, restore my confidence in you.

If not, it will be a long off-season filled with "what if's" and "If only _______ would've done this".

- Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

Rome's Retort

Dallas Maverick's fans can be stereotyped at times, as many Dallas –Fort Worth native fans often are.

Many of the country’s views of them include bandwagon, posh, ignorant, and anything but loyal. However, being a Dallas native, I must admit that this is false in every way possible.

I know that the true Dallas Mavericks fans knows that in tonight’s game three, it will be the little things that make the difference for the Mavs.
I know that the true Mavs fans realize that tonight’s game three may be the most important game in the franchise’s history.
I know that true Mavs fans wouldn’t have it any other way than to play the overly-covered, demonized, fiasco of a foe that is the team that slipped away in 2006.
I know that true Mavs fans have seen #41 grow and mature into the confident, often heroic, and frequently cited as “un-guardable” hybrid of a superstar
I know that true Mavs fans recognize that after watching this team, since the Cuban era, know this team is different in many ways from the former teams before it. And they know why. Defense.
I know that true Mavs fans know that if #41 beat the self-proclaimed, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5, not 6, not 7 times Champions Miami Heat would be all too bittersweet.
I know that true Mavs fans, and basketball enthusiasts alike, believe that the wiley vet J-Kidd deserves to be a champion more than any guard of the Heat.
I know that true Mavs fans believe the better and deeper Mavericks, in the essence of team sports, can trump any big three thrown at them.
I know that true Mavs fans want redemption.
I know that true Mavs fans have NOWITnessed the adversity that has faced these Mavs these playoffs: blowing a 23 point lead VS the Blazers, sweeping the former champs and embarrassing their organization, the triumphant comebacks against the young gun Thunder, and now the defiance of the Heat’s arrogance and premature celebrations.
I know that true Mavs fans saw the eye of the tiger in #41’s eye as he left the conference finals postgame celebration as if to say ‘been here. done that, I want the next one.”

A Maverick is a term used to recognize an animal that does not carry a brand (Wikipedia.com). Is that not all in the spirit of everything that #41 has become? In a league where the winning dunk of the dunk contest was an unimpressive, showy, set up marketing scheme a Maverick would not buy that. In a world where men sell their souls for an image, a Maverick stays persistent in his task until it is perfected or “un-guardable.” In a time when The Decision to become a villain must be televised and relished beyond reproach, a Maverick would decide to put in work and remain the hero.

In a time and place where men carry brands/images that consume who they are. A Maverick does it his own way, with his own style, silently carrying no brands or images. A Maverick would be unconventional, and persistent in his task. #41 carries no brand, no image, just his team on his back.

-Rome
TAG Radio Intern
"The Green Ranger"

Game 3 Pregame by the Poolside

Check out TAG radio's thoughts and opinions on what the Mavs need to do in order to ride the momentum from their incredible Game 2 victory.

Also, it is our privilege to announce that we will have the fortunes of employing Roman Whitehair, aka the "Green Ranger", as our intern!

Enjoy Game 3 and as always, go Los Mavs!!

Rangers making moves

Maybe the Rangers enjoy the "stepchild" treatment that Dallas natives are giving them these days.

With Mav's fever sweeping the Metroplex (as it should), the Rangers have been an afterthought in some fans minds. But from the looks of it, they aren't minding it to much. Coming off a huge 11-2 win last night against the Indians, this years surprise team, the Rangers are rolling now, winning 6 of their last 7 and expanding their division lead to 1.5 games over the Mariners.

Upon Josh and Nellie Cruz's return, this team looks like the squad that started the season off with a 9-0 record and destroying Major League pitching, as well as great pitching from the young staff. Alexi Ogando is pitching extraordinary, and for me, is must see TV every time he is on the mound. Any thoughts of moving him back to the set up role once Brandon Webb or Scooter Feldman return needs to be squashed: he is our best pitcher right now. And what a surprise Endy Chavez has been? After an abysmal start, and a player that looked like he was simply buying his time in the Majors until our outfield healed up, has now become our everyday center fielder. And his path to the majors is an extremely interesting story (More on the story here). With a 3-5 game last night, following a 4-4 game on Thursday, Julio Bourbon (still recovering from that hamstring) is beginning to look like an afterthought, or potentially trade bait.

The Ranger's need to take advantage and really build this lead in the month of June, much like they did last year. And with all the pieces of the puzzle back in place, it is looking pretty promising.

- Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

The Diesel

I know I promised an in depth Game 2 Analysis, but today marked a bittersweet day in sports. After coming of such a emotional and incredible comeback, I have been distracted today by the formal announcement of "The Big Diesel's" retirement.

Watching that "press conference" (if you can call it that), it embodied everything that is great about Shaq. He was serious at times, but goofy the rest. A big kid trapped in a behemoth body. And like Shaq, I too never thought this day would come. I guess Father Time catches up with us all, but even when "The Big Arisotle" or "Shaq-fu" grew older, his presence on the court always caught the eye of spectators, and his antics off the court always kept him in the headlines. His rare combination of size and athleticism was something that "The Association" had never seen. He changed the game forever, bringing down boards and baskets in bunches, and doing it with his own style and flare, like only Shaq could. Obviously I wasn't able to witness the great center play that dominated the NBA in the 60's, 70's, and 80's, but for our generation, Shaq was the best. And the way it looks in today's NBA, no one will duplicate it.

From his movies, to his rap record, to his tv shows and twitter updates, Shaq was more than just something of basketball greatness. He was an icon. And I do hope he sticks around, stays in the headlines, and stays himself. Because unlike many athletes today, Shaq did it his way. He didn't care what others thought, he wasn't influenced by outside forces or his "possee" or "crew" (something LeBron should take note of). He did it his way, simply being himself, and became a worldwide sports superstar, and a household name.

You will be missed Shaq!

- Taylor

TAG Radio Founding Father

(Comment your favorite Shaq moments over the years)