cb.blog

Author: Chip Bennett

  • 2007 NFL Draft – Colts: Round 2

    Tony Ugoh

    Trading the 126th overall pick and their 2008 first-round pick, with the 42nd overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts take:

    Tony Ugoh, OT, Arkansas
    (HT: 6’5″ / WT: 301 / 40: 5.06)

    Analysis:

    • ESPN.com

      The only logical reason for the Colts taking tackle is to start grooming a possible replacement for Tarik Glenn. Ugoh played in a run-heavy scheme at the collegiate level and he doesn?t project as a starting left tackle.

    • NFL.com

      Compares To: Marcus Johnson, Minnesota Vikings … Ugoh is an impressive-looking athlete, but needs to add more bulk to his frame … Like Johnson, he can maintain the rush lane and has decent lateral agility for the ground attack, but lacks the knee bend and kick slide to neutralize the edge rush. He is not an overpowering blocker, but does have a strong hand punch and can create movement off the snap … He just looks too stationary trying to mirror the pass rushers and looks too slow and clumsy when moving forward, doing a better job in his lateral moves or when retreating … If a team bulks him up and puts him inside at guard, he will be more productive, much like former Razorback Shawn Andrews (Eagles), who lacked the footwork to play tackle, but has had good success as a trap blocker at guard … There has to be a “buyer beware” tag with Ugoh, though, as he did not show much desire to play the game until his senior year, preferring track-and-field.

    • SI.com

      A tremendous pass-blocker whose game is on an upswing, Ugoh displays the ability to handle the blindside tackling duties. Needs to improve the strength of his base and must overcome the perception that he’s not committed to football.

    • Fox Sports
    • Yahoo Sports

      The All-American came into his own as a senior, playing 14 games and allowing just one sack. Ugoh, who also competed in track until this past season, has bulked up and toughened up over the past year. His footwork has improved, but he will get too shallow off the snap at times when facing quicker edge rushers…He has long arms and his initial punch improved once he learned to keep his hands up and use them quicker off the snap. That said, he needs to increase his lower body strength…Ugoh could be a bit of a risky pick, but a strong showing at the combine could make him a possible mid-to-late first-round selection.

    • NFL Draft Countdown

      Was also a top discus thrower for the Razorbacks track and field team…Helped to pave the way for Darren McFadden and one of the most potent rushing attacks in the nation as a senior…Could potentially move inside to guard…Prospect on the rise who has most of the measurables and is coming off a great senior campaign.

    • Scout.com

      A tremendous pass-blocker whose game is on an upswing, Ugoh displays the ability to handle the blindside tackling duties. Needs to improve the strength of his base and must overcome the perception that he’s not committed to football. Offers starting potential if the pieces fall into place.

    • Football’s Future

      Ugoh has all the talent to be a very good NFL tackle, and a strong senior year has pushed him up draft boards. If he fill out his frame some before the draft, he may draw more consideration near the end of the first round. He is battle tested in the SEC, and has a lot of untapped potential.

  • 2007 NFL Draft – Colts: Round 1

    Anthony Gonzalez

    With the 32nd overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts take:

    Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Ohio St.
    (HT: 6’0 / WT: 193 / 40: 4.44)

    More YouTube

    Analysis:

    • ESPN.com

      With the departure of Brandon Stokley means Indianapolis needed a No. 3 receiver and Gonzalez should slide right into that role. Though Gonzalez isn’t as explosive as Ohio State teammate Ted Ginn Jr., he runs crisp routes and isn’t afraid to go over the middle and he doesn’t drop passes he should catch.

    • NFL.com

      Compares To: Devery Henderson, New Orleans — Gonzalez has impressive explosion coming off the snap and is very alert working along the sidelines. He has the speed to gobble up the defensive back’s cushion and uses that quickness to create separation rather than rely on crisp, precise footwork. He needs to improve his hand usage to get a clean release and must increase his strength, but in a multiple-receiver formation he can give decent value working in the slot.

    • SI.com

      Productive college receiver who consistently elevated his game, Gonzalez nicely projects as a second or third wideout at the next level.

    • AOL Sports Blog

      And the guy has literally crazy work ethic. Dude sleeps in an oxygen tent. There are no character concerns here. Gonzalez is going to show up and be a great #2 receiver for ten years, and he’s definitely worth a mid-to-late first round pick.

    • Yahoo Sports

      An under-rated playmaker who should develop into a solid secondary option. He needs to do a better job of fighting through press coverage as he gets knocked off his routes at times. He will have a few drops at times and does not always play with great suddenness. Gonzalez is very quick in the open field and is able to slip initial tacklers after the catch. An interesting kid that has great work habits, he may also be tried on returns at the next level.

    • NFL Draft Countdown

      Was overshadowed by his teammate Ginn but some feel he may wind up being a better pro…Was used as more of a possession receiver in college and often times worked out of the slot but his physical tools lead you to believe he could be much more…He reminds me a bit of Kevin Curtis…Probably best suited to be a #2 or #3 wideout at the next level…He’ll never be a star but will be a valuable contributor.

    • Scout.com

      Productive college receiver who consistently elevated his game, Gonzalez nicely projects as a second or third wide out at the next level.

    • Football’s Future

      Gonzalez may not have the talent to be a go to target, but his combination of skills, intelligence, and toughness will allow him to make an impact in the league. He is a player you can count on and who will always go full tilt. Gonzalez has had a nice showing at the combine and at his pro day, and may have pushed himself into the second round.

  • Coffee Review: Cravens Earth and Sky Organic Blend

    Cravens Coffee

    Roast
    Dark
    Aroma
    9
    Acidity
    8
    Body
    9
    Flavor
    9
    Finish
    10

    Roaster’s Description:

    The roaster rates this blend as Dark Roasted, Smoky Characteristic, Full-Bodied.

    It’s all in there. Mexico, Guatemala, Sumatra. Rich, organic soil. Cool shade. And a complex, dark-roasted flavor.

    Review

    I discovered Craven’s Coffee while searching for a blend that was a favorite of mine at a now-closed coffee shop. When I stumbled upon Craven’s Earth and Sky organic blend, I thought I may have found what I was looking for. Upon inquiring, I found out that, alas, Craven’s had never shipped any bulk orders to this area. Nevertheless, based on the description (knowing my love of central American beans), I thought their Earth and Sky blend worth a try anyway. As you will soon learn, I was very pleasantly surprised!

    RoastDark

     
    Dark

    Dark roast, gorgeous color. The oil glistens beautifully against the beans.

    Aroma9

     
    9

    Aroma is full, balanced, complex; smoky, almost dark-chocolate.

    Acidity8

     
    8

    Noticeable acidity; powerful, clear, satisfying. Well-balanced.

    Body9

     
    9

    Full-bodied; slightly chewy/oily. Makes its presence known.

    Flavor9

     
    9

    Full-flavored. Complex. Flavors balance well throughout the mouth. Smoky, nutmeg, hint of chocolate and butter (cream?).

    Finish10

     
    10

    Excellent finish. Perfectly balanced. The full body and flavor leave behind only a subtle, pleasant reminder and a clean, satisfying feeling.

    Overall45

     
    45

    This blend is phenomenal. Not only is it a suitable replacement for an old favorite; it is even better. This blend takes the best characteristics of some of my favorite varietals, and yields an instant favorite. Craven’s Earth and Sky organic blend has earned a spot among my normal coffee purchases.

    Review Notes:
    I use my personal rating system, to attempt to review coffees against a common standard. I attempt to review coffees as close to roasting as possible, and review coffees based upon press-pot brewing.

  • OYB April 28

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Judges 8:18-35, Judges 9:1-21
    NT: Luke 23:44-56, Luke 24:1-12
    Ps: Psalm 99
    Pr: Proverbs 14:9-10

    Gospel Thread – OT:

    But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you.”

    Judges 8:23 (NIV)

    God’s original intention was to the sole ruler over mankind – to be man’s sole and benevolent source for leadership and governance. However, due to man’s sin, our perfect relationship with God was broken, and mankind has had to endure being ruled by fellow man. Christ’s redemption of man will one day bring about the restoration of God’s original intention, when Christ returns to establish His eternal kingdom. What a wonderful day that will be, when we once again look to our Lord as our sole source of governance!

    Gospel Thread – NT:

    6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’

    Luke 24:6-7 (NIV)

    Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are the balance point in the history of civilization, and the pillar of God’s plan of man’s redemption from sin.

    Gospel Thread – Psalms/Proverbs:

    Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.

    Proverbs 14:9 (NIV)

    True repentance and godly sorrow bring about not only a desire to flee from sin, but also a desire to righting the wrongs of our past sin.

    The One Year Bible Blog´s comments for today.

  • My First Hate Mail!

    This evening my humble blog reached an important milestone: a received my very first hate mail.

    Using the pseudonym “Elroy Spankster”, someone undoubtedly from the Party of Tolerance sent the following [expletives edited]:

    For the love of God give it a rest. If he/she wanted you two to be married it would have already happened. Claire McCaskill rocks and your hero Georgy W. sucks Hillary [male reproductive appendage]. …now [perform fellatio on] that you disgraceful republican [male homosexual].

    (I guess I struck a nerve of some sort with ol’ Elroy…)

    Apparently, “Elroy Spankster” wanted this missive to remain anonymous, as the email address given was an obvious fake; however, a simple google search reveals his true email address to be [email protected] (and, for the curious, he is a technician from St. Louis, and his Yahoo ID is spankinelroy).

    I particularly like the “girls rule, boys drool” argumentation method in the Claire McCaskill/George W. Bush reference. And while I’m sure that, to those of his liberal persuasion, “republican” and “disgraceful” are redundant, Elroy should know that using a slang term for a homosexual male in a disparaging manner (in this case, associated with either “disgraceful” or “republican” – my apologies, Log Cabin Republicans) is considered “intolerant”, and unacceptable.

    Overall, as far as hate mail goes, this one is not a particularly good example. It is neither intelligent nor creative, although it does include the obligatory ad hominem and hypocrisy. Maybe it’s the best “Elroy” has to offer, but I consider it a sub-par performance. Better luck next time!

  • Upgrading to 2.1.3

    I’m upgrading to WordPress 2.1.3 this evening. If anything looks strange, bear with me.

  • Wedding: False Alarm

    Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, the wedding plans will once again have to be changed. We’re not in Las Vegas getting ready to get married tomorrow. It looks like we will have to wait until June or July, and it will likely take place here in St. Louis.

    Thanks to everyone who has offered well wishes. We greatly appreciate them, and look forward to the eventual day when we will finally get to celebrate our marriage.

  • The Wedding is Planned!

    Finally! I can’t tell you how excited and relieved I am to announce that we have the details planned for our wedding!

    The Short Version:

    We will be married Tuesday, March 27, at 3:00 PM (PST) in Las Vegas.

    The Long Version:

    We will be going to Indianapolis the weekend of March 24 for my cousin’s wedding. The following afternoon we will fly to Las Vegas. We will be blessed to have my parents accompany us. We will be staying at The Sahara on The Strip. Monday, we will all take a tour of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam. Then Tuesday afternoon will be the moment we have anticipated for what seems like an eternity! We will be picked up in a limousine and taken to the chapel where the wedding will be held. I will get to see my beautiful bride walk down the aisle, accompanied by my father, who will also be standing with me as my best man. Afterward, we will be taken back to the hotel in the limousine, with DVD/VHS videos of the ceremony, CD of wedding pictures, and two prints in hand. Then Wednesday morning, we will all fly back to Indianapolis, and Stephanie and I will drive home to St. Louis to begin our life as a married couple.

    Stephanie is concerned that I am not getting the wedding I’ve “always hoped for”, but I keep telling her that what makes a wedding the one I’ve always hoped for is the person walking down the aisle – and I could not have dreamed or imagined anyone more perfect for me. And our wedding might be “unconventional”, but it will be ours, and that is what is important to me. Also, it means so much to me to be able to have my parents share in the experience with us.

    We apologize that not everyone who might want to share in our wedding will be able to do so. We would love to have all of you there with us, but we know that’s not feasible. However, the chapel where we will be married provides a live web-cam feed of the ceremony, in case anyone would like to watch. Please let us know if you will be joining us virtually!

  • OYB February 20

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Leviticus 9:7-24, Leviticus 10
    NT: Mark 4:26-41, Mark 5:1-20
    Ps: Psalm 38
    Pr: Proverbs 10:6-7

    Gospel Thread – Psalms/Proverbs:

    37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.
    38 But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.
    39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

    Psalm 38:37-39 (NIV)

    Today I will just leave you with these three great verses from today’s Psalms reading.

    The One Year Bible Blog´s comments for today.

  • OYB February 19

    Today´s reading:
    OT: Leviticus 7:28-38, Leviticus 8, Leviticus 9:1-6
    NT: Mark 3:31-35, Mark 4:1-25
    Ps: Psalm 37:12-29
    Pr: Proverbs 10:5

    Gospel Thread – OT:

    Today’s reading finishes up instructions on the levitical sacrifices and offerings, and also the anointing of the tabernacle implements and the priests, all previously discussed.

    Gospel Thread – NT:

    11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, ” ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’ “

    Mark 4:11-12 (NIV)

    According to the NIV footnotes, this fulfills Isaiah 6:9-10.

    Gospel Thread – Psalms/Proverbs:

    Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

    Psalm 37:27 (NIV)

    God’s call to man has always been to repent – to turn from evil and to do good – so that man’s relationship with God might be restored, and so that God might be able to bestow His blessings upon man.

    The One Year Bible Blog´s comments for today.