Quote Of The Day
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
Just A Reminder About Michael Bloomberg
The Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, is steamed over the Plaxico Burress incident and how it went down and wants Burress prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law." Bloomberg is right that Burress should be prosecuted and the hospital that treated him should be investigated for not reporting it to police, but just a gentle reminder: Bloomberg is a crypto-fascist who would completely ban gun ownership if he thought he could get away with it. It's easy for the casual observer to laud Bloomberg for his tough law and order rhetoric, but we need to remember where this fire in his belly comes from: a vehement hatred of guns and gun ownership of any kind. That is not the answer to crime in the city.
Labels: Gun Rights, Liberal Fascism, Michael Bloomberg, NFL
Who Needs Plaxico?
The New York Giants are turning into the New England Patriots. Last year they pulled a miraculous playoff run and beat the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl. During this run, their Tight End Jeremy Shockey was injured and they found out that they were better off without him and his mouth.
Now, in the year following their Super Bowl victory, the Giants are even better than they were last year. They play hard every week and have incredible depth on both sides of the ball. More importantly, they've decided to take a page form the Patriots' book and have convinced themselves that one championship isn't enough. There's been no Super Bowl letdown for the Giants. However, they have this wide receiver Plaxico Burress who seems to feel that he's got his ring, so who cares what happens now. In the shooting event over the weekend, Burress tried to find a hospital that would treat him incognito, which worked for a while with New York-Cornell, but the cat is out of the bag. Despite this, Plax seems unfazed:
But to the extent that Burress is feeling sad about his current situation, he didn't show it on Sunday night. According to the New York Daily News, Burress was "laughing" about the state of affairs on Sunday night.
"He called me laughing and grinning," Giants running back Brandon Jacobs said. "He is doing fine. He is feeling good. I called him and made a few jokes about the situation and he laughed - which is what I wanted to hear."
This should have been a distraction to the Giants, but no, they walloped the Redskins and seemed to play better without Plaxico. The lesson: he's not worth it. If the Patriots have taught us anything, it's that you can win championships with no-name players. The Giants have a chance to repeat last years magic formula: lose the loudmouth and win a Super Bowl. Do that and a dynasty awaits.
Labels: NFL
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
McNabb Overtime Scandal Ready To Explode
In case you haven't heard, Donovan McNabb, Quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, admitted on Sunday after a tie game with the Cincinnati Bengals that he didn't know you could end in a tie in the NFL. This has caused a firestorm in the media and there are many different opinions. The guys are ProFootballTalk.com are shocked that a player like McNabb, or really any NFL player, wouldn't know that. This morning, I was surprised to hear Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio say it was no big deal, that sports stars only know what they need to know to perform. Really misses the point. I mean, if Peyton Manning said he didn't know, then I would have to reevaluate every belief I hold, but with Donovan McNabb it kinda puts things in perspective. I guarantee you Manning and Brady have always known about the overtime rule, and they have 4 Super Bowls between them. McNabb has been a great quarterback, but at best a bridesmaid when it comes to winning championships. This may shed light on why that is. And no, this isn't a race thing, it's a commitment thing, and as good a coach as Andy Reid is, it hurts his reputation as well. If he's not preparing his star quarterback for every eventuality, then you have to stop and take a good long look. I'm not sure this is going to end well for either man. You can say it's not a big deal, but show me a Super Bowl winning quarterback that isn't a football nerd. Brady and Manning prepare like they're studying for the Bar Exam, they know the ins and outs of the game. If you're content with knowing just the basics, then great, while others enjoy diamond-encrusted rings, you can always enjoy reading your stat sheets over and over.
Labels: NFL
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Stink-Free Locker Room
I was reading Peter King's NFL column online this morning and he had this interesting tidbit about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers new team facilities.
But I write this note because of what I noticed in the wood-paneled, spacious, Wi-Fi-enabled locker room. The room, on an 78-degree Tampa afternoon, was odor-free. I've been in NFL locker rooms for the last 25 years, and the one thing I've never smelled in any of them is nothing."Isn't it fantastic?'' said punter Josh Bidwell.
"You should have been at One Buc,'' safety Jermaine Phillips said. "There was enough smell in there to last a lifetime.''
I was at One Buc. And there were enough smells to last lifetime. But here, before the place was built, coaches and executives and some veterans were asked for wish lists of what they'd like in the new facility. A couple of people wondered, "Can we cut down the smell in the locker room?'' And so each of the 69 oversized lockers was outfitted with a complicated system to suck out odor and dry sweaty and wet equipment.
Each locker has a 30-inch-by-10-inch fine-mesh metal screen high in the stall, where the helmet and shoulder pads rest, and then a 30-inch-by-16-inch screen at torso level, to dry and suck out odors from practice gear and shoes. Other than it smelling nicer in the locker room, there's a bacteria and infection benefit in sucking out many of the germs in the joint.
The exhaust from the lockers is removed when the temperature rises in the room (usually when a mass of bodies occupies it), and the air-conditioning automatically clicks on. That prompts a mechanism in the system that forces the air out of each locker through spiral ducts into a series of galvanized metal pipes, sent through a network of pipes 44 feet to the rooftop, and expelled into the air through a fan on the outside of the building. The theory: If the odor-causing items -- shoes, pads, helmets, practice gear -- are near or next to an exhaust system designed to suck nearby air out of the locker through two big vents, there won't be any smell to linger.
What a country.
Indeed.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Weird: Donovan McNabb Didn't Know There Are Ties In The NFL
You've got to be kidding me. A veteran quarterback in the NFL didn't know that there can be ties in NFL games? How is that even possible? It makes you wonder what kind of bubble McNabb has been living in during his career. It's clear from the video that he's not joking.
Labels: NFL
Friday, October 24, 2008
Quote Of The Day
Via the Green Bay Packers:
Second-year running back Brandon Jackson still remembers the first time he opened his NFL paycheck.
"It was like, what!" Jackson said. "Taxes were almost half."
Labels: Barack Obama, John McCain, NFL, Taxes
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Favre Slowly Ruining His Reputation
After calling a report that he helped the Detroit Lions gameplan against the Green Bay Packers total B.S., Brett Favre now says he did have a conversation with then Detroit G.M. Matt Millen about the Packers offense. The whole fallout between the Favre and Green Bay has shown that while he may be one of the greatest quarterbacks to play the game, he is also a drama queen who demands attention and, I'm sad to say, a bit of a liar. Eventually there will be a day he returns to Green Bay for a jersey retirement and a statue dedication, but there will be a stain on his legacy and it's of his own making.
Labels: Brett Favre, NFL
Sunday, October 5, 2008
NFL Quick Hits
Here are some quick thoughts:
Titans are 5-0 for the first time ever including their days as the Houston Oilers. They are tough. As long as Kerry Collins doesn't make too many mistakes (which he almost did today) and Vince Young stays on the bench, they might be Super Bowl bound.
The KC Chiefs are an embarrassment. Since Herm Edwards took over they have regressed. I would fire him today.
Matt Ryan might have been the pick of the draft.
Houston, giving it all away.
Miami probably won't be a playoff team, but for the first time in quite a while, they are a professional football team.
Retirement is starting to look pretty good, isn't it Mike Holmgren?
The Washington Redskins. I don't know what to make of this team. They're actually really good and each week you think they're going to return to reality, but they keep finding ways to win and in the fourth quarter, no less. Jim Zorn appears to be a helluva coach, but that would mean that Daniel Snyder actually made a good decision and I'm not sure I can live with that.
Labels: NFL
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Matt Millen Should Run For Congress
In a move I never thought would happen while William Clay Ford Sr. was still walking the earth, the Detroit Lions have fired Matt Millen after 7 incompetent years as General Manger. The Lions are one of the worst run franchises in professional sports and they became all the more laughable as Millen kept getting contract extensions as the team got worse and worse.
So what's next for Millen? My suggestion is a run for Congress. After all, people like Congressman Barney Frank and Senator Chris Dodd helped create this financial crisis we're currently in, but have been assigned little if any blame. They've also been in Congress for longer than many can remember with reelection never in question. Millen thought he had found the perfect setup, a place where incompetence was rewarded, but it turned out that even the Detroit Lions have to draw the line eventually. In Congress, however, there is no punishment for incompetence, only glory. I look forward to the campaign.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Oakland Raiders Organization In Total Meltdown
Meltdown. We've heard that word a lot in the past week. While our government looks to nationalize our economy after a near financial "meltdown" one has to wonder if the Oakland Raiders shouldn't be the next in line for a bailout. PFT has the scoop.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The End Of The Patriots Dynasty?
Yes, it's a typical MSM headline, but I couldn't resist. Tom Brady left game against the Chiefs with a knee injury and Yahoo! Sports is reporting it's the ACL which means his season is over.
It's funny how popularity works. I understand that Brady is possibly the best player in football and I'm bummed to see him hurt, but to watch the postgame shows today, it was like a funeral. Ah, to be loved.
Labels: NFL
Do The Jets Only Have One Kicker?
What the hell is going on with the New York Jets? Their kicker gets injured and now they're having one of their quarterbacks taking warm-up kicks? They have no one else? What am I missing here?
Labels: NFL
Saturday, August 2, 2008
As The Favre Turns
What is it with these pro athletes who are near the end of their career? First Roger Clemens implodes, now Brett Favre looks like he wants to do whatever it takes to ruin his reputation. I don't get it.
Labels: Brett Favre, NFL, Pop Culture
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Brett Favre Saga Gets More Interesting
As the Brett Favre grease-fire in Green Bay continues, there may be an interesting wrinkle that just developed. Tampa Bay has been rumored to be interested in Favre as their Head Coach Jon Gruden is always looking for quarterbacks (whether he needs them or not) and once worked with Favre. Now today we have news that his main QB Jeff Garcia has suffered a leg injury. Hmmm..Labels: NFL
Thursday, July 10, 2008
How The Pittsburgh Steelers Could Sway The Election
Captain Ed has the scoop on how the fear of Obama's tax policies may end up forcing the Rooney family to sell the beloved Pittsburgh Steelers...a move that could alienate voters in the key state of Pennsylvania.
Labels: Barack Obama, NFL, Taxes
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Brett Favre Ponders Comeback
That's the word on the street. Perhaps the greatest NFL Quarterback that ever lived may return to the Green Bay Packers after a short retirement. It was inevitable that he would miss playing, but I think it would be a mistake to try and go back, but it's his life.
Labels: Brett Favre, NFL
Saturday, April 26, 2008
NFL Draft Brings Few Surprises
At least as far as I could tell. The picks I found most interesting were Baltimore taking Joe Flacco, showing that it's indeed a new day for the Ravens. New coach, new quarterback. I'll be very interested to see the changes in the team this year.
Another interesting pick was Green Bay taking Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm. Poor Aaron Rodgers. Finally he's rid of Brett Favre and the job is his, but oh wait! the team just drafted a guy that many say could be ready to be an NFL starter from the get-go. Despite the hit on Rodgers ego, it's a smart move by the Pack. They lose one of the greatest QB's to ever play the game, but now they have two good quarterbacks that can compete for the job. Well done. Same thing for Miami getting Chad Henne to compliment John Beck.
And Jerry Jones continues his rein as the NFL's biggest bottom-feeder by acquiring Pacman Jones in a trade with the Titans. Everything in its right place.
Labels: NFL
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
NFL Schedule Released
The NFL schedule for 2008 has been released. There look to be some good match-ups in the regular season, many of them involving the Cleveland Browns. Much like the groundhog in February, the NFL schedule is a sure sign that there's only 4 months left until football is back.
Labels: NFL
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Matt Leinart In Hot Water (Literally)
There are some things I just don't understand, like this story:
The Cardinals' quarterback is in a bit of hot water this week after pictures surfaced on the Internet of the former USC star partying at his Phoenix-area home. One of the pictures shows Leinart in what appears to be a hot tub with four young women. Another shows him holding a beer bong, with a girl crouching at the other end.
Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said Tuesday that he was "disappointed" in the quarterback, according to a report on the Web site of the East Valley Tribune.
"Matt called me Monday morning and we spoke for a while," Whisenhunt said in a statement, according to the Tribune. "I reiterated to him the type of behavior that we expect at all times from our players. He understands that as well as the level of scrutiny that he's under because of who he is. It's being handled internally.
"I was disappointed but at the same time have no doubts about his commitment to this football team or his ability to lead it."
To quote Pink Floyd, wots...uh, the deal? An NFL star partying like an NFL star? I know the league is cracking down on players breaking the law, and rightfully so, but unless these girls are underage, I fail to see the story here. I'm a man with some sense of morals and I rarely partake in the guzzling of beer through plastic tubes, but I suspect if I had his money, looks and career I might spend some of my free time with a young girl or two (or 12). Isn't that the American Dream?
Monday, March 24, 2008
Jim Kelly To Run For Congress?
There's talk in the Buffalo area that the GOP has approached former Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly to run for a Congressional seat being vacated by Tom Reynolds. Well, there is precedent for this: Jack Kemp.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Roger Goodell For President
The Commissioner of the NFL is the type of guy we need in Washington. He's putting his job at risk by going on a crusade to make sure the NFL stays the most popular pro sport in America for decades to come. That's leadership.
Labels: NFL, Roger Goodell
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Monday, February 4, 2008
Super Bowl, The Day After
A few thoughts on the game:
-How much did the whole Spygate/Senator Specter thing play into it? We'll never know for sure, but the Pat's seemed uncomfortable to me the whole game.
-I'm really happy for Tom Coughlin. I've never been a fan of his style, but in the last off-season he realized how off-putting he could be and adjusted accordingly. It takes a big man to realize and act on the fact that he needs to first make some changes within himself. It paid off.
-I think Belichick leaving before the final kneel-down is a non-issue. Besides, he's got bigger things to worry about.
-Dwight Clark, meet David Tyree.
Labels: NFL
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Eli's Coming Arrived, Giants Win Super Bowl!
Now that was exciting. Did Karma catch up to the Pat's?
Now an interesting off-season awaits.
Eli named MVP. That's fine, but you can make an argument that David Tyree made the catch of the century.
Or maybe Arlen Specter deserves a few MVP votes?
Labels: NFL
More On "Spygate II"
Yesterday came word that before the first Super Bowl of the Patriots' Dynasty, New England videotaped the pre-game warmup of the St. Louis Rams. The team denies it, but now we're hearing from ESPN that if such a tape can be found, Bill Belichick could be looking at a one-year suspension.
That's called a pre-game distraction, folks.
Labels: NFL
Saturday, February 2, 2008
"Spygate II" Looms Over Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is starting to feel like your standard presidential election. Remember how in 2000, just days before the general election, there was a story released by the Democrats concerning George W. Bush's DUI in Maine when he was younger? Now, just a day before the Super Bowl, there's not only talk of the Patriots' Spygate scandal, but a new element to the story...an allegation the Pat's videotaped the Rams' warmup before Super Bowl XXXVI which marked the beginning of the Patriots' Dynasty. Even Kurt Warner, the Rams quarterback at that time, is getting in on the controversy.
Could prove to be a very interesting offseason.
Labels: George W. Bush, NFL
Friday, February 1, 2008
Spygate Looms In Super Bowl
So today one of the nation's worst senators, Arlen Specter, comes out with a statement that he wants the NFL to answer questions as to why the infamous Spygate tapes were destroyed. Based on everything we know, the investigation was an in-house corporate matter and destroying the tapes was similar to any corporation using the paper shredder when a matter is closed. It happens every day and it's no one's business outside the company. But we're moving into a new era folks. Unless we elect the one businessman in the presidential race, we're going to be seeing more and more of Congress and the Executive Branch trying to make businesses answer to Big Brother.
Anyway, there is an interesting nugget to all this picked up by the gang at ProFootballTalk.com. There's talk that Matt Walsh, formerly of the Patriots video department, knows something big and won't talk to anyone in the media without some kind of agreement to pay all legal fees that may arise from said interview. Bizarre. Seems like this is the kind of story that will crop up some years later in a blockbuster book and taint the Patriots legacy. Or maybe not, but, it adds another element to the game on Sunday.
Labels: NFL
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Jessica Simpson Cut From Cowboys' Roster
It appears Tony Romo has grown tired of the jokes and put an end to his relationship with Jessica Simpson. There's also talk he was tired of her "diva" ways, never going anywhere without an entourage, including her father. Hey Jessica, I'd be cool with it!
Labels: NFL, Pop Culture
Sunday, January 20, 2008
NFL Championship Weekend
Well, I'll tell you this...time to get off Eli Manning's back. This mild-mannered son of Archie has taken more abuse from the New York media than anyone I've ever seen...and in the last two months, he's done nothing but win (sans the New England game). As great as Brett Favre and Tom Brady are, Eli was the best QB on the field today.
MORE: Another thought. Considering what the Giants have just done, I think we've seen the end of the "rest our starters for the playoffs" era.
Rest=Rust.
Labels: NFL
Sunday, January 13, 2008
NFL Quick Hits, Divisional Playoffs
Dallas and T.O. are out! Yes!
At this point, it's time to give some accolades to New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin. Dubbed the "Soup Nazi" by the gang at ProFootballTalk.com, Coughlin reevaluated himself in the off-season and returned, still a taskmaster, but a kinder, gentler taskmaster and won over his team. Eli Manning is starting to show his potential and the defense came up big, giving Romo everything they had in the 4th quarter. The look on Jerry Jones face was absolutely priceless. People will make a lot of Romo and Jessica Simpson's vacation in the off-week, but the real problem here is that the team was allowed to phone-in the last few weeks of the season without the man who taught Tom Coughlin everything he knows: Bill Parcells. Last laugh goes to the Big Tuna.
Meanwhile, it looks like the Super Bowl is gonna be Green Bay and New England...that would be excellent. I don't give the Chargers much of a chance against the Pats, especially with all the injuries today, while New York could be in danger of an emotional hangover. Green Bay is playing smart football right now and they get to play the Giants at home. Giants are the kings of the road, but advantage is still with the Packers.
Labels: NFL
Sunday, December 30, 2007
NFL Preps For Playoffs
I think the Patriots have to be the best team in NFL history. 16-0 is a huge accomplishment and I absolutely loved the play call of throwing a bomb to Moss again after he dropped the first one. Very much like the end of the movie Tin Cup...just keep doing it until it works.
I really hope the Cleveland Browns make the playoffs. They've been down so long, it would be a nice story and I just think they'd be more interesting in the playoffs than the Titans.
Labels: NFL
Friday, December 28, 2007
Another Key To Parcells' Success
There's talk that once Miami plays its last game this Sunday, the axe won't be far behind for the GM and Head Coach...and many a player. Bill Parcells is getting ready to clean house and he says he wants no "thugs or hoodlums" in Miami. This is an aspect of Parcells' system that many forget. Remember the days when the Dallas Cowboys were a running joke due to the many off-field incidents involving their all-star players? My personal favorite: Michael Irvin can't join the huddle because it's a parole violation to mingle with convicted felons. Another good one: Jerry Jones wonders if bail money counts against the salary cap. Anyway, the gang at ProFootballTalk.com point out this little nugget:
The Cowboys, a team primarily built by Parcells, have had no arrests in 2007. Ditto for the Patriots, who are led by a long-time Parcells’ lieutenant, and by Parcells’ son-in-law. And the Jets, under the leadership of Parcells’ protege G.M. Mike Tannenbaum, have had only one incident this year.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins have amassed the most points in our Turd Watch game (which we need to update). Much of the damage was done by defensive tackle Fred Evans and receiver Kelly Campbell, who already are long gone.
Not only does Parcells turn teams around, he does it by getting rid of all the problem children. It's a big key to success.
Labels: NFL
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Historic: Patriots Game To Be Simulcast
The NFL has announced that the New England Patriots game this Saturday night on the NFL Network will be simulcast on both CBS and NBC. This is the first time two networks have carried the same game since Super Bowl I. As the Pats try to complete the perfect regular season (16-0), the NFL bigs decided it was best to go for the big ratings.
Labels: NFL
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
The Classless Behavior Of Philip Rivers
It's surprising to see an NFL quarterback act this way, especially with another NFL quarterback. Big talk for a team that will probably be one-and-done in the playoffs.
Labels: NFL
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Parcells Haters Come Out To Play
You know, if sports writers moved over to the religion section of the various newspapers and websites, we'd see headlines like this: "Is God Really The Right Man To Lead Our Universe?"Amazingly, there are sportwriters out there who think the Miami Dolphins have made a bad move hiring Parcells to run the football operation for the various reasons that, he's a tyrant, he never stays for long, etc., etc. I know part of their job is to have strong opinions that mix things up a bit, but this is just stupid. Who cares if Parcells is a big meanie or doesn't stick around long enough to make a dent in the chair, the man's resume is clear: wherever he goes, he leaves the place in better shape than when he arrived. Miami came very close to achieving and 0-16 record this year. When they look up, all they can see is rock bottom. I don't care if Parcells stays for one day...you're guaranteed the team will then be better than it was yesterday. If he leaves in two or three years, fine! Hire an adequate GM and coach and you're off and running with the talent and structure he puts in place (Hello Dallas!).
Bill Parcells is the Harvey Keitel of the NFL. Two of Keitel's roles come to mind: Point of No Return as Victor The Cleaner ("I'm here to clean up your sh*t.") and especially in Pulp Fiction as the Wolfe:
"I'm Winston Wolfe. I solve problems.
"Get it straight buster - I'm not here to say please, I'm here to tell you what to do and if self-preservation is an instinct you possess you'd better f*cking do it and do it quick! I'm here to help - if my help's not appreciated then lotsa luck, gentlemen.
"If I'm curt with you it's because time is a factor. I think fast, I talk fast and I need you guys to act fast if you wanna get out of this. So, pretty please... with sugar on top. Clean the f*cking car!"
Labels: NFL
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Four Minutes To Midnight
I've been saying all year that eventually Terrell Owens will find a way to destroy the Cowboys. Now, we may be just minutes away from things getting back to normal as the worst human being in the NFL has called out Jessica Simpson, blaming her for Tony Romo's poor play last week. Another bad performance from Romo this week and the wheels are bound to come off, and all the people that talked about how T.O. has "grown up" will be eating crow.
Labels: NFL
Parcells Back In The Game
All My Children, General Hospital, Days of Our Lives, As The World Turns... who needs 'em! When you have the NFL and College Football, every day there's a new soap opera. The latest big splash is the news that Bill Parcells is coming back to the NFL, but not as a head coach. The Big Tuna is close to taking a job with the massive train wreck that is the Atlanta Falcons as Vice President of Football Operations. Thus, instead of fixing the meal, Parcells will be in the position of buying the groceries and, well, telling the chefs how to cook the meal. It's a great move by Arthur Blank. Bottom line, when Parcells is on your team, you win. He has a blueprint for success that could take the worst bunch of ragtags and make them competitors. Atlanta needs this now more than ever. It would be very interesting to see how Parcells does in a front office capacity, and who he hires as GM and Head Coach.
UPDATE: Did I say soap opera? An amazing twist! Parcells has backed out on the deal and is now in heavy negotiations with the Dolphins.
Labels: NFL
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Smartest Man In Football
From now on, when you talk about a "smart veteran" in the NFL, just substitute those words with a name: Jon Runyan. He's the right tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles and a coach to the younger players. He told running back Brian Westbrook to down the ball at the one yard line instead of going in for a touchdown with two-minutes left in the game. It was a brilliant move. The best defense is not letting the opposing team's offense on the field. Runyan knew if they downed the ball at the one, Dallas (having no time outs) wouldn't get the ball back...game over. Westbrook initially got the credit for this idea, but he still deserves some praise because he could have ignored the "advice" which a lot of players in the league would have done. Runyan should consider coaching after he retires.
Labels: NFL
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Owens Still Hating On Parcells
Leave it to Terrell Owens to make Keyshawn Johnson seem like an elder statesman. Long story short, Keyshawn said on ESPN last week what everyone knows to be true...the Dallas Cowboys are the team that Bill Parcells built. Wade Philips is a good coach, but he walked into a ready-made situation. Naturally, Terrell Owens thinks the comment must be all about him, so he shot back at Keyshawn saying he needs to come out of retirement and try and make the team, blah blah blah.
Bottom line, Owens is still mad at Parcells for not putting up with his sh*t. Thus, any compliment paid to Parcells is seen as an insult to T.O. A warning to you Wade Philips, enjoy the good times now...because you're next.
Labels: NFL
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
A Plan For The Falcons
My advice for the Atlanta Falcons...hire Marty Schottenheimer. Hear me out. Atlanta, you've hit rock bottom (with respect to the Miami Dolphins). Your star player is in jail. Your first year coach has buggered off back to the college ranks. Your 3-10 and moral is at an all-time low. You need to hire a proven NFL guy who can get you back into shape. Who better than Marty. Yes, we've heard all the arguments about his record in the playoffs, but there's a key word there: playoffs. No matter where Marty goes, he makes the team better. San Diego was in a shambles and he made them the best team in the league last year. His job turning around Washington after a slow start that one year he was there was masterful.Your down and out Atlanta. The first priority is not to be thinking Super Bowl. You need to think about getting back into contention and respectability. Marty can do that for you.
Labels: NFL
More Trouble For Falcons As Petrino Resigns
And you thought the Miami Dolphins were having a bad year. Just a day after a Monday night loss to New Orleans and a day after their former star athlete was sentences to 23 months in prison, the Atlanta Falcons are without a head coach. Bobby Petrino has decided the pro-ranks aren't for him and apparently will take the head coaching job at Arkansas. Looks like the Razorbacks got their wish of a big name head coach after all. Meanwhile, Atlanta will have to start from scratch.
Is there anyone out there that hasn't betrayed the trust of Arthur Blank this year?
Labels: NFL
The Controversial Road Back
A fascinating story in Sports Illustrated on the plight of Buffalo Bill Tight End Kevin Everett who was partially paralyzed in a game this year and has since made a miraculous recovery. Part of his treatment was a procedure called induced-hypothermia which is a controversial approach that has split the medical community. Everett's doctor stands by his decision to use it while other doctors are calling it false hope. It'll be interesting to see how the medical research into this procedure moves forward.
Labels: Medical News, NFL
Friday, November 30, 2007
Packers Find Some Good In Loss To Cowboys
In case you haven't seen it, the folks that brought us RealClearPolitics also have a similar webpage for sports called (of course) RealClearSports. There you can get the best (and worst) columns from the major sportwriters across the country.
Today there are various schools of thought on the game last night. I think it obviously proves that Dallas is the better team, but the Packers came away with a lot of positives. Number one, they could have laid down, but they fought until the end and kept it a game. Number two, one swallow doesn't make a summer, but Aaron Rodgers looked really good. This is good news for the Pack should Brett Favre go down or retire soon. Either way, Green Bay may get a few phone calls from some GM's in the off-season about Rodgers. In the short term, McCarthy needs to tighten up that defense. As for the Cowboys, it's easy to say they're going to be the team to meet the Patriots in the Super Bowl and that would be a smart bet, but I just have a funny feeling something's going to happen in the playoffs to spoil it for them, whether it's Wade Phillips bad luck or a T.O. clusterf*** or a Romo snafu. We'll see.
Another interesting story is the praise given to Andy Reid for resigning A.J. Feeley. I think Feeley excellent performance against New England shows that with the solid coaching you get from an Andy Reid coaching staff, you can win a lot of games with any solid QB. Thus, it's time to get rid of Mr. Sensitive Donovan McNabb and start fresh with Feeley and Kolb. It's a move that would benefit both parties.
Wow, that's all Paterno makes? $500,000 a year. Talk about loyalty.
Labels: College Football, NFL
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Sean Taylor's Death And Liberal White Guilt
I've seen some of the sports writer round-table discussions on the death of NFL star Sean Taylor and they've turned out just like you would expect. The white writers are quick to say, "now we don't know the circumstances here, we can't jump to conclusions" etc., etc. Put another way, "I don't want to be thought of as racist or insensitive to the plights of the black race."
In short, thanks to liberal white guilt...things will never change.
Now let's look at sports columnist (and black American) Jason Whitlock. He offers this:
The Black KKK claimed another victim, a high-profile professional football player with a checkered past this time.
No, we don't know for certain the circumstances surrounding Taylor's death. I could very well be proven wrong for engaging in this sort of aggressive speculation. But it's no different than if you saw a fat man fall to the ground clutching his chest. You'd assume a heart attack, and you'd know, no matter the cause, the man needed to lose weight.
Well, when shots are fired and a black man hits the pavement, there's every statistical reason to believe another black man pulled the trigger. That's not some negative, unfair stereotype. It's a reality we've been living with, tolerating and rationalizing for far too long.
When the traditional, white KKK lynched, terrorized and intimidated black folks at a slower rate than its modern-day dark-skinned replacement, at least we had the good sense to be outraged and in no mood to contemplate rationalizations or be fooled by distractions.
Our new millennium strategy is to pray the Black KKK goes away or ignores us. How's that working?
About as well as the attempt to shift attention away from this uniquely African-American crisis by focusing on an "injustice" the white media allegedly perpetrated against Sean Taylor.
Within hours of his death, there was a story circulating that members of the black press were complaining that news outlets were disrespecting Taylor's victimhood by reporting on his troubled past.
No disrespect to Taylor, but he controlled the way he would be remembered by the way he lived. His immature, undisciplined behavior with his employer, his run-ins with law enforcement, which included allegedly threatening a man with a loaded gun, and the fact a vehicle he owned was once sprayed with bullets are all pertinent details when you've been murdered.
In short, we have to pretend that this fact that the number one killer of black men is other black men is just a racist fallacy and point the blame back to a history of white oppression. Thus, nothing will ever, ever change for the black community in this country.
Labels: NFL, Race Relations
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Associated Press Sinks Lower
Last night in the soggy conditions of Pittsburgh, the NFL Monday night game between the Steelers and Dolphins was delayed for a half-hour due to lightning. The stadium had to be evacuated for safety, so when things finally let up, they hurried the fans back inside and started the game. Due to running behind schedule, they skipped the National Anthem and got the game going. No big deal, these things happen once in a blue moon, right? Well, so far, there's no outrage over this fact, but that didn't stop the AP from writing the story anyway.
There was no apparent fan reaction to the omission, which occurred as many fans were scrambling to get back to their seats for the kickoff. The fans were ordered to leave the lower seating bowl at Heinz Field when lightning and a heavy rain resulted in both teams being waved off the field during pregame warmups.
National anthems are rarely televised during NFL games, with the Super Bowl being an exception, so there was no indication if any veterans groups were unhappy with the omission.
So why write the story? What's the point?
Sunday, November 18, 2007
NFL Quick Hits, Week 11
Expect a big controversy this week in Indianapolis. Adam Vinatieri is not on the injured list, but CBS commentators noticed he had a taped plant leg. He missed two field goals last week and two in today's game before hitting the game winner. ESPN's Sal Palantonio said the Colts deny he is injured, but when asked, Vinatieri said "Not everyone on this team is 100%." Bottom line, if he's injured in any way and the Colts haven't reported it, it's a violation of NFL rules...the kind of thing you expect from New England, not Tony Dungy. Stay tuned.
Big win for the Browns. They need to learn how to finish a game in order to play with the big boys, but still, a big (and crazy) win. Derek Anderson is one of the best stories this year. He made some big-time throws late in the game.
Detroit is stumbling. Better get it together for the Green Bay Favre's this Turkey Day.
The Dolphins are so bad, they can't beat the Eagles without McNabb.
Labels: NFL
Sunday, November 11, 2007
NFL Quick Hits, Week 10
Ugly weekend in the NFL. I really screwed the pooch in my picks pool. Who knew the Rams would get off the snide, or that the Lions would have a letdown in Arizona? I should have known better than to pick Carolina, but they were playing the Falcons for cripes sake!
Anywho:
-The Packers look really good.
-So do the Cowboys, but G-d bless...they're all ESPN talks about. There are 31 other teams, Bristol!
-Steelers and Browns played a good game. Browns have come a long way, but they've still got to learn how to beat the big boys.
-Some truly boring games this weekend (Raiders-Bears, Bengals-Ravens), but you can't have great ones every week. That Detroit-Green Bay game on Turkey Day is gonna be good.
Labels: NFL
Sunday, November 4, 2007
NFL Quick Hits, Week 9
Pop Quiz: What do the Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Bucs, Arizona Cardinals and Washington Redskins all have in common?
Answer: They all passed on drafting Adrian Peterson. It's especially bad for Tampa Bay, who of all these teams needs a running back the worst.
Can you imagine if Green Bay could have picked him up? Yikes!
Was it just me or did the Pats-Colts game feel a little strange. I don't know if anti-climactic is the right word, but something along those lines. It was a good game, but it had the feel of being a prelude to bigger things to come.
Regardless, I think the chances of the Patriots going undefeated are even better now that they've gotten past the Colts.
Good Lord! Detroit put a smackdown on the Broncos worse than the Jawhawks put to Nebraska. The Lions are no longer punchlines, they're just a very good team.
Speaking of surprises, after the Browns opening week loss to the Steelers, I was ready to call them the worst team in the league, but they've proved me wrong. Granted, their schedule hasn't been that tough so far, but they're scrappy and just might sneak into the playoffs. Nice win today against the stumbling Seahawks.
The Saints are back.
Labels: NFL
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Running Up The Score v. Doing Your Job
Looks like Bill Belichick is going to spend the next week mired in yet another controversy. After a complete dismantling of the Washington Redskins, another charge has been leveled against the New England coach for running up the score and thus "disrespecting the game." Skins linebacker Randall Godfrey raised the issue:
"I said something to [Belichick] after the game," Godfrey told Curran. "I told him, 'You need to show some respect for the game.' You just don't do that. I don't care how bad it is. You're up 35 and you're still throwing deep? That's no respect."You look at all the great head coaches . . . I'm just disappointed," he said. "You gotta show some class, show some respect. Joe Gibbs? We wouldn't have done that. Bill Walsh? You wouldn't see those types of guys doing that stuff. I've never seen nothing like that. Most teams, you get up like that you sit on the ball and try to run the time out. They're up 30-some points and they're throwing deep. That was blatant disrespect. I hope we can see them again, definitely. You don't see Joe Gibbs doing that. You can't even imagine that kind of stuff coming from him. Joe Gibbs. Bill Walsh. Bill Parcells. This isn't like college going for power rankings. This is the pros you show some respect, show some class."
It's a tough issue. One of my least favorite coaches, Jimmy Johnson, used to run up the score at the U. of Miami all the time. He'd get asked about it and would reply that teams need to come to play, it's not his problem. Similarly, Belichick points out that it's the offense's job to score points, not to punt. Belichick is 99% right, it is the job of the offense to score, and the defense to prevent scoring. And in the league as it is today, there's just no such thing as a put-away game. Look what Detroit did to Chicago a few weeks ago, and what Houston almost did to Tennessee last week.
However, I do believe there is a line, and Belichick does cross it. It's not because of his beliefs but the fact that he's trying to go 16-0 and get Brady to break Peyton's touchdown record. There is a point in the game where you pull the starters and slow it down. It's a very fine line, but it is there.Labels: NFL
Saturday, October 20, 2007
NFL Buffoonery
If you do nothing else today, please stop what you're doing and read Jason Whitlock's most recent column on the NFL and the hip-hop culture as he delves into the buffoonish behavior of NFL stars Chad Johnson and Larry Johnson. Whitlock is known for going against the conventions of racial politics laid down by the likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. We're lucky to have him, because if a white person said any of the things Whitlock says in this column, he'd be lynched.
Hip hop is the dominant culture for black youth. In general, music, especially hip hop music, is rebellious for no good reason other than to make money. Rappers and rockers are not trying to fix problems. They create problems for attention.Whitlock also has a stat on the Colts and the Patriots that may shock you.That philosophy, attitude and behavior go against everything football coaches stand for. They're in a constant battle to squash rebellion, dissent and second opinions from their players.
You know why Muhammad Ali is/was an icon? Because he rebelled against something meaningful and because he excelled in an individual sport. His rebellion didn't interfere with winning. Jim Brown, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, etc. rebelled with dignity and purpose.
What we're witnessing today are purposeless, selfish acts of buffoonery. Sensible people have grown tired of it. Football people are recognizing it doesn't contribute to a winning environment.
Labels: NFL
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Mangini Black-Balled?
This Patriots videotaping scandal is getting weirder by the day. Now it appears that many in the NFL and the sports media are casting Eric Mangini as the Linda Tripp of this scandal while Belichick is playing the role of Bill Clinton. Translation: yes, Belichick is an ego maniacal jerk, but we love him while Mangini is a "traitor" a "double-crosser" and even "toxic." Geesh! (Hat tip: ProFootballTalk.com)
Labels: NFL
Monday, September 17, 2007
NFL Week 2 Quick Hits
Well, this is why the NFL is so entertaining. You never know week to week what's going to happen. Who, for instance, knew that the Browns would become an offensive juggernaut once they put Charlie Frye on a plane heading west?
Some thoughts:
-The Patriots and the Colts are so far and away better than the rest of the teams in the league, it's scary.
-John Kitna is giving the Detroit Lions reason to get up in the morning.
-49ers are 2-0. Better days seem to be close for this once unstoppable franchise.
-Not so for the Dolphins.
-Very significant win for the Cardinals. For this team to come back and upset Seattle after losing a heartbreaker the week before is very un-Cardinal like...and that's a good thing.
Labels: NFL
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Patriots Scandal Not Over
Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has ordered the Pats to turn over all videotapes, files and note involved in the videotaping incident during last week's Jets game. If they find anything amiss or if the Pats aren't forthcoming with the materials, more fines could be on the way.
Labels: NFL
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Goodell Hands Down Decision On Patriots
Turns out Roger Goodell handed down his ruling a day early. The NFL Commissioner fined Head Coach Bill Belichick (a.k.a Bill Beli-cheat and Bill Beli-check-the-tape) the maximum monetary fine in the league: $500,000. The Patriots organization will have to fork over $250,000.
They also lose a draft pick or picks. If they make the playoffs this year, they forfeit their first round pick in '08. If they don't make the playoffs, they will forfeit their second and third round picks. Belichick, however, will not be suspended nor will they have to forfeit their victory over the Jets.
My take...I would have at least suspended Belichick or stripped them of their victory. These guys swim in money, so I don't see how that's much punishment. Draft picks? Eh...about 1/3 of draft picks are a washout anyway...what's one pick to a team that's already loaded? However, I'm just a guy in the stands and I have no reason to doubt Goodell's judgement. The other factor to look at is how this plays in the court of public opinion.
I wonder when the Pats will be in Philadelphia...that should be fun.
Labels: NFL
Patriots Scandal Growing
Dr. Z of Sports Illustrated has a great column with lots of interesting little nuggets on the New England Patriots scandal. Sounds like faulty headsets at inopportune times are a common thing at Foxboro.
Labels: NFL
NFL Reacts to "Belicheat"
NFL.com's website has a really good montage video of reaction to the Patriots cheating scandal from players and coaches. Pay special attention to Tony Dungy's comments.
This is one hell of a story.
Labels: NFL
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Belichick Apologizes
Who would have ever thought that the Michael Vick dog-fighting scandal would be the second biggest story in the NFL this year? If I were a sports journalist, I'd be licking my chops right now. This Patriots fiasco is one hell of a story.
Labels: NFL
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
NFL To Punish Patriots For Videotaping Jets' Signals
This is a weird story. A videographer for the New England Patriots was caught by NFL security shooting video of the defensive signals from the New York Jets' coaches. Apparently, the Pats have been caught doing this before in their game last year against Green Bay.
It's just odd. This is the best NFL franchise this decade, with three Super Bowl trophies. It's hard to believe that videotaping defensive signals would have such a benefit as to propell the team to the heights they've reached the past six years, and that the payoff would be worth the risk. It's also odd that they've been caught once before but continued to do it anyway when it seemed to be common knowledge among other teams that they did this kind of thing. The boys at ProFootballTalk.com has some more thoughts.Goodell is considering severe sanctions, including the possibility of docking the Patriots "multiple draft picks" because it is the competitive violation in the wake of a stern warning to all teams since he became commissioner, the sources said. The Patriots have been suspected in previous incidents.
Labels: NFL
Thursday, September 6, 2007
NFL Season Begins: Colts Dominate
What can you say about the Colts' performance tonight? Just completely dominant in every facet of the game. Take notes Ben Roethlisberger...this is how you play after winning a Super Bowl, without a hint of complacency. The Colts defense, which has usually been their weak spot and improved in the playoffs last season, looked better than they have ever been...comparable to the offense. Wow.Labels: NFL
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Joey Harrington Could Be Feel-Good Story
One of the reasons I like watching the NFL is the drama of some of the personal stories of particular athletes. In Atlanta, we have a star athlete who was the face of the franchise heading to the clink. In comes Joey Harrington, a quarterback from the Oregon Ducks who was drafted 3rd in 2002 by the Detroit Lions. Not surprisingly, as Detroit is quite possibly the worst franchise in all of sports, he didn't do well. So they shipped him off to Miami where he caught the tail end of the Nick Saban debacle. So, Harrington then moved to Atlanta and was looking at being a backup for the rest of his career, but the scene changed.
This is one of those stories where you really want a player to do well. Harrington has taken over QB job at a franchise that has been shell shocked. They need something to get their spirits up in Atlanta and they're hoping he can deliver. So far, he's handled it well. His play in the preseason has been solid and his relationship with his teammates is strong, Warrick Dunn stating that the players have responded well to him and "have his back."
It's the kind of thing that adds an interesting element to an already interesting game.
Labels: NFL
Monday, August 20, 2007
Vick Jerseys Put To Good Use At Atlanta Animal Shelter
Heh.
More than a dozen Michael Vick jerseys have been sent to AHS, and they are putting them to good use.
"When I first saw them, I was kind of shocked. I was like, 'Why do they have Vick jerseys here,'" said Julie Sentner.
[...]
So what are volunteers doing with the jerseys?
"We discovered like any donation we get, any shirt or towel, we put it to good use here at Atlanta Humane Society. We’re always using things to clean kennels, use for bedding and stuff like that," said Smith.
Did she say cleaning kennels?
"We’re not showing any favoritism to these jerseys, they go into our
general rotation of towels," Smith said.
By the way, Vick has agreed to plead Guilty to the federal charges. It'll be very interesting to see what Roger Goodell does now.
Labels: Michael Vick, NFL