What happens when two of the baddest bullies in the neighborhood square off in a fist fight? We'll find out Sunday when the 4-0 Tennessee Titans renew their bitter rivalry with the 2-1 Baltimore Ravens. Over the past 8 years, this match up has made warriors out of men and champions out of warriors. Sprinkle in the fact that these two teams really don't like each other, and you have the potential for an explosive showdown at M&T Bank Stadium. There is plenty of reason for dislike on both sides. In their short time as new franchises, these games have produced some memorable finishes.
The feud started in 2000, when the Baltimore Ravens handed the Titans their first home loss at then Adelphia Coliseum. A 13 home game winning streak snapped by a Trent Dilfer touchdown pass late in the game. For an encore, the Ravens returned to Nashville and knocked off the number one seed Titans on their way to a super bowl victory. The following year on Monday Night Football, the Raves once again snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a goal line stand as time expired. Throwing salt on the wound, the Ravens acquired several key Titans during Tennessee's salary cap purge. In the 2003 playoffs, the Titans returned the favor behind a gritty performance from an injured Eddie George. His bulldozing of the invincible Ray Lewis sparked his team and made him a folk hero in the Music City.
Some names have changed but the style of play remains the same. Both teams look to dominate in the trenches, run the ball, and stop the run. You won't see anyone stepping out of bounds to avoid a hit, and you won't see defensive players helping up a flattened quarterback. This is a throwback game in it's purest form. And oh yeah, both teams are looking to stay atop their division.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Rodriguez era officially begins.....
The University of Michigan Athletic Department gave West Virginia2.5 million dollars to leave Rich Rodriguez alone. Coach Rodriguez gave Michigan a return on their investment by knocking off 9th ranked Wisconsin, and engineering the greatest comeback in the history of the Big House. 109,000 fans watched their beloved Wolverines blossom right before their very eyes, ripping off 27 unanswered points in their Big Ten opener.
The way in which the Wolverines won was more impressive than the victory itself. Any one watching the first half would have sworn they were still in rainy South Bend, as Michigan committed five more turnovers and totaled 21 measly yards of offense. Trailing 19-0, the Wolverines headed to the locker room amid a chorus of boos reserved for the visiting Buckeyes.
Credit Rich Rodriguez for staying the course. He showed confidence in his struggling quarterback, and showed confidence in his spread offense. His team responded by racking up 244 second half yards and three offensive touchdowns. Defensive Coordinator Scott Schafer stayed aggressive, forcing two second half turnovers and scoring a touchdown of their own. The highly publicized strength and conditioning program paid huge dividends as the Wolverines simply outlasted Wisconsin. Coach Rodriguez will only allow a 24 hour grace period for pondering victories and defeats. That's good, because this type of win just raised the expectation level at Michigan.
The way in which the Wolverines won was more impressive than the victory itself. Any one watching the first half would have sworn they were still in rainy South Bend, as Michigan committed five more turnovers and totaled 21 measly yards of offense. Trailing 19-0, the Wolverines headed to the locker room amid a chorus of boos reserved for the visiting Buckeyes.
Credit Rich Rodriguez for staying the course. He showed confidence in his struggling quarterback, and showed confidence in his spread offense. His team responded by racking up 244 second half yards and three offensive touchdowns. Defensive Coordinator Scott Schafer stayed aggressive, forcing two second half turnovers and scoring a touchdown of their own. The highly publicized strength and conditioning program paid huge dividends as the Wolverines simply outlasted Wisconsin. Coach Rodriguez will only allow a 24 hour grace period for pondering victories and defeats. That's good, because this type of win just raised the expectation level at Michigan.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Preseason Recap: Week 2
Ok fellow fanatics. Time to share my thoughts on what we saw last weekend. Please preface each comment with "I know it's the preseason but..."
Brett Favre threw a touchdown pass. Aaron Rodgers did not. Now...on with the recap.
The Tennessee Titans made an obvious attempt to jump start the passing game against Oakland. Well...it must have been the alternator and not the battery, because the offense sputtered...then eventually stalled...again. If Vince Young can at least break even with his touchdown to interception ratio, this team will be playoff bound again this year.
The New England Patriots backup quarterback situation is an out right tragedy. If anything happens to Tom Brady, this team will be the next in a long line of Super Bowl losers who failed to make the playoffs the following year. You will also see the "old" Randy Moss!
To my fantasy footballers: keep an eye on Drew Brees. He's completed 75 percent of his passes and has yet to turn the ball over in the preseason. If he's anything close to the Brees of 06, you could land yourself a great fantasy sleeper at QB.
And on a side note: Chad Johnson injured himself on the first series of the first quarter of the first home game....in Cincinnati. Does anybody here believe in karma?
See you on the other side of week 3!!!!!
Brett Favre threw a touchdown pass. Aaron Rodgers did not. Now...on with the recap.
The Tennessee Titans made an obvious attempt to jump start the passing game against Oakland. Well...it must have been the alternator and not the battery, because the offense sputtered...then eventually stalled...again. If Vince Young can at least break even with his touchdown to interception ratio, this team will be playoff bound again this year.
The New England Patriots backup quarterback situation is an out right tragedy. If anything happens to Tom Brady, this team will be the next in a long line of Super Bowl losers who failed to make the playoffs the following year. You will also see the "old" Randy Moss!
To my fantasy footballers: keep an eye on Drew Brees. He's completed 75 percent of his passes and has yet to turn the ball over in the preseason. If he's anything close to the Brees of 06, you could land yourself a great fantasy sleeper at QB.
And on a side note: Chad Johnson injured himself on the first series of the first quarter of the first home game....in Cincinnati. Does anybody here believe in karma?
See you on the other side of week 3!!!!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Preseason Recap: Week One
The first weekend of exhibition games are officially in the book. Time to share my thoughts on what I've seen so far. Please preface each comment with "I know it's the preseason but......"
Peyton Manning gets my vote for MVP of the league this year for one simple reason. His team is absolutely unwatchable when he's not in the lineup. The Colts have always had a bland cast of characters, but without Manning they are boring....and bad! I have a renewed appreciation for what Peyton Manning brings to the table.
Several GM's around the league are thumping their chest at the sight of their first round pics in action. Matt Ryan, Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Chris Johnson of the Titans all made their General Managers look a lot smarter than the draft experts.
For my fantasy footballers....keep an eye on receivers wearing the number 17. In limited action, they combined for 16 catches...369 yards and 6 touchdowns. And that was with Plaxico Burress sitting this one out.
The 34-13 score in the Titans win over the Rams did not do the game justice. The Rams were bludgeoned into submission. Not only did the Titans rush for 340 yards, but they did it at 7.9 yards per rush....on 43 carries!!! In the second half, the Rams had the body language of the man who's been at the mall all day with his girlfriend....tired, hungry, and defeated. I can hear Commissioner Goodell..."And with the first pick in the NFL Draft....the St. Louis Rams select....."
Peyton Manning gets my vote for MVP of the league this year for one simple reason. His team is absolutely unwatchable when he's not in the lineup. The Colts have always had a bland cast of characters, but without Manning they are boring....and bad! I have a renewed appreciation for what Peyton Manning brings to the table.
Several GM's around the league are thumping their chest at the sight of their first round pics in action. Matt Ryan, Darren McFadden, Felix Jones, and Chris Johnson of the Titans all made their General Managers look a lot smarter than the draft experts.
For my fantasy footballers....keep an eye on receivers wearing the number 17. In limited action, they combined for 16 catches...369 yards and 6 touchdowns. And that was with Plaxico Burress sitting this one out.
The 34-13 score in the Titans win over the Rams did not do the game justice. The Rams were bludgeoned into submission. Not only did the Titans rush for 340 yards, but they did it at 7.9 yards per rush....on 43 carries!!! In the second half, the Rams had the body language of the man who's been at the mall all day with his girlfriend....tired, hungry, and defeated. I can hear Commissioner Goodell..."And with the first pick in the NFL Draft....the St. Louis Rams select....."
Sunday, August 3, 2008
All Hail Commissioner Goodell
The NFL is arguably the most powerful sports entity in the world, making commissioner Roger Goodell one of the most powerful men in sports. But is he too powerful? Is he too visible? Is he becoming bigger than the league that created him? I applaud his hard line stance on player mis-conduct. Athletes are role models (whether the like it or not) and it's important to show that we should be accountable for our actions regardless of our social status. I do wonder, however, why there is no outside committee to hear a player's appeal. Even a prison warden has a parole board. With that being said, some of Goodell's recent quotes can be interpreted as alarming to say the least.
Goodell recently lashed out about rookie salaries, calling them "rediculous". With all due respect Mr. Goodell, Im sure there are social workers, police officers, and school teachers who would call your salary rediculous. Besides, each team is given the same salary cap amount to shape their roster. If a team decised to give the bulk of their money to an unproven player, and they say under the cap, then no harm no foul. The NFL will prosper whether that team is competitive or not.
Staying on the subject of the rediculous, apparantly Goodell has hired a security team to investigate possible gang activity going on during games. That's right...gangs...as in drive by shootings, murder, and mayhem. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't hand signals just as important to the NFL as the first down markers? And how can this be legislated without some form of profiling or stereotyping? I seriously doubt that any of Peyton Manning's pre snap antics will ever come under league review.
Still not convinced? How about Goodell's recent "involvement" with the on going feud between Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. By openly putting pressure on Green bay to resolve this matter, you indirectly handicap any chance for fair compensation should they indeed be looking to trade Favre. You compromise the integrity of the league office and you lift the lid on Pandora's box. Now I beg to question, what players are worthy of the Commissioner's intervention? Can Kurt Warner make his plea to be the starter over Matt Leinard? Can Daunte Culpepper "pull some strings" to reclaim his old job in Minnesota? A wise man once told me..."If it ain't broke...don't fix it".
Goodell recently lashed out about rookie salaries, calling them "rediculous". With all due respect Mr. Goodell, Im sure there are social workers, police officers, and school teachers who would call your salary rediculous. Besides, each team is given the same salary cap amount to shape their roster. If a team decised to give the bulk of their money to an unproven player, and they say under the cap, then no harm no foul. The NFL will prosper whether that team is competitive or not.
Staying on the subject of the rediculous, apparantly Goodell has hired a security team to investigate possible gang activity going on during games. That's right...gangs...as in drive by shootings, murder, and mayhem. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't hand signals just as important to the NFL as the first down markers? And how can this be legislated without some form of profiling or stereotyping? I seriously doubt that any of Peyton Manning's pre snap antics will ever come under league review.
Still not convinced? How about Goodell's recent "involvement" with the on going feud between Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. By openly putting pressure on Green bay to resolve this matter, you indirectly handicap any chance for fair compensation should they indeed be looking to trade Favre. You compromise the integrity of the league office and you lift the lid on Pandora's box. Now I beg to question, what players are worthy of the Commissioner's intervention? Can Kurt Warner make his plea to be the starter over Matt Leinard? Can Daunte Culpepper "pull some strings" to reclaim his old job in Minnesota? A wise man once told me..."If it ain't broke...don't fix it".
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
So far so good for Parcells
Since taking over as Vice President of Football Operations, Bill Parcells has made all the right moves. Drafting Jake Long and Chad Henne could pay huge dividends for a variety of reasons. Long gives you a long term solution at left tackle and Henne was a four year starter at quarterback in a pro style offense. He can make all the throws and was effective in outdoor cold weather games. Ronnie Brown should find some holes and the play action pass should hep their offense find some balance.
Trading 6 time pro bowler and face of the franchise Jason Taylor should pay huge dividends for a different variety of reasons. You can come into training camp without the distraction and media circus that would accompany Taylor. You rid yourself of a possible "swan song" season a la Tiki Barber and you let your young team establish it's own leaders. You get Taylor out of the conference and off your salary cap, and you give your franchise a fresh start. That alone should equate to more than one victory this season.
Trading 6 time pro bowler and face of the franchise Jason Taylor should pay huge dividends for a different variety of reasons. You can come into training camp without the distraction and media circus that would accompany Taylor. You rid yourself of a possible "swan song" season a la Tiki Barber and you let your young team establish it's own leaders. You get Taylor out of the conference and off your salary cap, and you give your franchise a fresh start. That alone should equate to more than one victory this season.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Jacksonville Jaguars...Too Sexy?
The 2008 edition of the Jacksonville Jaguars are the sexy pre season pick to make a deep playoff run. I say not so fast. Don't get me wrong, on paper they are loaded...but I have four major concerns.
Jinx of Success: Jacksonville has never followed a playoff season with a playoff season....ever. Since 2004, the team flip flopped post season births. Out in 04...made it in 05...and so on. Well it's 2008....
Fred Taylor: Yes, Fred Taylor is a stud of a running back. He's also 32 and injury prone. Maurice Jones Drew is more than a capable backup, but can he be an every down back if Taylor goes down again? And who would fill the void in the return game should Jones Drew have to tote the rock on a full time basis? Is David Garrard ready to carry the team with his arm if need be?
Gregg Williams: Gregg Williams takes over at defensive coordinator for Mike Smith, who left to be the head coach of the Falcons. Under Smith's watch, his unit averaged 4th in overall defense and 3rd in points allowed from 2003-2007. Smith was also respected in the locker room, so the players bought into his philosophy. Gregg Williams comes in with a head coach mentality and a shaky track record. He's known to be confrontational with his players and the media, and a bit of a maverick when it comes to authority. Make no mistake about it, this is Jack Del Rio's team...period. Can they co-exist? Or will we see another Mike Didka / Buddy Ryan saga?
AFC South: The Jaguars finished the regular season 11-5, but went 2-4 in their division. The Colts are still the king of the hill and the Titans and Texans are young teams on the rise. In a tough conference like the AFC, it's hard to imagine 3 teams from a single division making the playoffs again this year.
If everything falls into place, they'll make a strong push for the division title. If not....then at least they're a lock for 09.
Jinx of Success: Jacksonville has never followed a playoff season with a playoff season....ever. Since 2004, the team flip flopped post season births. Out in 04...made it in 05...and so on. Well it's 2008....
Fred Taylor: Yes, Fred Taylor is a stud of a running back. He's also 32 and injury prone. Maurice Jones Drew is more than a capable backup, but can he be an every down back if Taylor goes down again? And who would fill the void in the return game should Jones Drew have to tote the rock on a full time basis? Is David Garrard ready to carry the team with his arm if need be?
Gregg Williams: Gregg Williams takes over at defensive coordinator for Mike Smith, who left to be the head coach of the Falcons. Under Smith's watch, his unit averaged 4th in overall defense and 3rd in points allowed from 2003-2007. Smith was also respected in the locker room, so the players bought into his philosophy. Gregg Williams comes in with a head coach mentality and a shaky track record. He's known to be confrontational with his players and the media, and a bit of a maverick when it comes to authority. Make no mistake about it, this is Jack Del Rio's team...period. Can they co-exist? Or will we see another Mike Didka / Buddy Ryan saga?
AFC South: The Jaguars finished the regular season 11-5, but went 2-4 in their division. The Colts are still the king of the hill and the Titans and Texans are young teams on the rise. In a tough conference like the AFC, it's hard to imagine 3 teams from a single division making the playoffs again this year.
If everything falls into place, they'll make a strong push for the division title. If not....then at least they're a lock for 09.
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Tennessee Who?
In a world where sexy is the order of the day, it's understandable that no one is talking about the Tennessee Titans. They are not flashy like the Patriots or flamboyant like the Cowboys. Their uniforms are symbolic of their blue collar mentality...bring your lunch...punch the other team in the mouth...and there's no such thing as an ugly win.
In the now post Pacman era, the only recognizable face is that of quarterback Vince Young. Since taking over 5 games into his rookie season (for an 0-5 team I might add)...all he did was lead his team to within a game of the playoffs that season and a playoff birth the next. Yes the offense struggled last year, but Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow was unimaginative and over matched. Mike Heimerdinger's return should help Vince take his game to the next level, they same way he helped Steve McNair mature into a pocket passer and co-mvp.
The defense is the strength of this team. All pro tackle Albert Haynesworth anchors a front four that can get there in a hurry. Cornerback Courtland Finnegan brings a nastiness to the secondary and middle linebacker Keith Bullock can make plays all over the field. Rob Bironas returns as a pro bowl kicker who is money from 50 yards and out.
Let's not forget the Titans made the playoffs last year while playing in a division with the Colts and Jaguars...and won on the road against both teams. Rookie first round pick Chris Johnson brings his 4.24 speed and versitility to an already effective ground attack and veteran tight end Alge Crumpler is a reliable option to help cure the Titans red zone woes. Coach Jeff Fisher's philosophy is to run the ball and stop the run....a recipe for success in December and January. The Tennessee who?....stay tuned.
In the now post Pacman era, the only recognizable face is that of quarterback Vince Young. Since taking over 5 games into his rookie season (for an 0-5 team I might add)...all he did was lead his team to within a game of the playoffs that season and a playoff birth the next. Yes the offense struggled last year, but Offensive Coordinator Norm Chow was unimaginative and over matched. Mike Heimerdinger's return should help Vince take his game to the next level, they same way he helped Steve McNair mature into a pocket passer and co-mvp.
The defense is the strength of this team. All pro tackle Albert Haynesworth anchors a front four that can get there in a hurry. Cornerback Courtland Finnegan brings a nastiness to the secondary and middle linebacker Keith Bullock can make plays all over the field. Rob Bironas returns as a pro bowl kicker who is money from 50 yards and out.
Let's not forget the Titans made the playoffs last year while playing in a division with the Colts and Jaguars...and won on the road against both teams. Rookie first round pick Chris Johnson brings his 4.24 speed and versitility to an already effective ground attack and veteran tight end Alge Crumpler is a reliable option to help cure the Titans red zone woes. Coach Jeff Fisher's philosophy is to run the ball and stop the run....a recipe for success in December and January. The Tennessee who?....stay tuned.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
SORRY BRETT
With NFL training camps a couple of weeks away, a quarterback controversy is not that surprising....unless you're the Green Bay Packers. It seems like our old pal Brett Favre is holding his team hostage...again! This time is different though. This time he publicly retired. This time the act has grown old. If I'm General Manager Ted Thompson I'm reading Brett's text message and thinking to myself...why are you doing this to me? Every decision we made this offseason was based around Aaron Rogers, who by the way, waited patiently in the wings while you strung us along the past few offseasons. Yes...you're a first ballot Hall of Famer. Yes...you put Green Bay back on the map...and yes we're very appreciative. I know the media wants everyone to think that you give us the best chance to win right now, but let's be honest, we haven't been to a Super Bowl in about a decade or so. Brad Johnson and Trent Dilfer won championships since then. Last year was nice, but you and I both know the NFC was down. Aaron Rogers has one more year left on his contract and we still don't know what we have in him. Even Steve Young had to get on the field to prove he could replace Joe Montana. And let's say you do come back for one more year....then what?....we go through this all over again next year? Something tells me that "I'm on vacation" is GM code for "Sorry Brett, but this time we'll pass."
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Hold The Tuna
Stop me if you've heard this. Bill Parcells takes over a new team and molds them in "his image"...mostly through intimidation and humiliation. He attempts to strip the manhood of a star player as if to say "I'd rather be feared than respected." Conservative media outlets applaud his style, however ineffective it may be.
The latest target of the Big Bad Bully is Jason Taylor, who opted to dance the night away rather than welcome the new boss. Such an act is a slap in the face to a man that preaches dedication, loyalty, and commitment...(the same man I might add that left four different teams and an analyst job for greener pastures). I personally don't blame Jason Taylor. He is in the twilight of his football career and the NFL's retirement plan is a joke. Loyalty? Ha! Ask Steve McNair how fast you can go from hero to zero. The Titans had the trainer tell him that he's no longer welcome. Guess you gotta do what you gotta do.
You would think Parcells learned something in his four years with Dallas. Not only did the team not win a playoff game, but Jerry Jones chose TO's antics...and td's over the leather helmet football mentality. The team's production on both sides of the ball improved tremendously in his absence. Coincidence?
It's a new day, a new culture, and a new NFL. Look no further than coach Tom Coughlin, who went from losing his locker room to world champion in one season. The difference? Coughlin made internal changes to adapt to his team and his players responded, pulling off arguably the biggest upset in Super Bowl history. Jason Taylor is not reporting to camp, and who knows, maybe not at all. This would be a good time for President Parcells to serve something other than tuna....the players are losing their appetite for it.
The latest target of the Big Bad Bully is Jason Taylor, who opted to dance the night away rather than welcome the new boss. Such an act is a slap in the face to a man that preaches dedication, loyalty, and commitment...(the same man I might add that left four different teams and an analyst job for greener pastures). I personally don't blame Jason Taylor. He is in the twilight of his football career and the NFL's retirement plan is a joke. Loyalty? Ha! Ask Steve McNair how fast you can go from hero to zero. The Titans had the trainer tell him that he's no longer welcome. Guess you gotta do what you gotta do.
You would think Parcells learned something in his four years with Dallas. Not only did the team not win a playoff game, but Jerry Jones chose TO's antics...and td's over the leather helmet football mentality. The team's production on both sides of the ball improved tremendously in his absence. Coincidence?
It's a new day, a new culture, and a new NFL. Look no further than coach Tom Coughlin, who went from losing his locker room to world champion in one season. The difference? Coughlin made internal changes to adapt to his team and his players responded, pulling off arguably the biggest upset in Super Bowl history. Jason Taylor is not reporting to camp, and who knows, maybe not at all. This would be a good time for President Parcells to serve something other than tuna....the players are losing their appetite for it.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sports, Lies, & Videotapes
Spies...federal agents...and multi-million dollar transactions. This isn't your latest blockbuster action film, this is a day in the life of the NFL. No wonder it's the most popular sport in the western hemisphere. You know you're having a bad off season when losing the Super Bowl and a chance at immortality is what u wish people were talking about. Sorry Bill Belichick...spygate isn't going any where any time soon. You have no one to blame but yourself.
A wise man once told me that if you don't learn from the past you're doomed to repeat it. Obviously this man isn't in Belichick's fav 5...and for that matter neither is Barry Bonds, Michael Vick, or Roger Clemens. If they were he would have gotten the memo...DON'T CHALLENGE THE MEDIA...YOU WILL LOSE!!!! The Giants front four is a walk in the park when compared to a blood thirst reporter looking to cement his legacy at the expense of yours. It's not fair but it works both ways. I have never heard a player or coach demand an apology from the media for being crowned the "next big thing". They ride that adulation straight to the bank. You cheated Bill and you got caught simple as that. It doesn't mean that you're the scum of the earth, it just means that you got a little greedy and careless. Don't allow your pride to sabotage the legacies of everyone....be a big boy and take one for the team while you still can. Admit you were wrong and that the players had nothing to do with it. Shift the focus back to your championship caliber team. The media is quick to forgive....besides...everyone loves a good comeback story.
A wise man once told me that if you don't learn from the past you're doomed to repeat it. Obviously this man isn't in Belichick's fav 5...and for that matter neither is Barry Bonds, Michael Vick, or Roger Clemens. If they were he would have gotten the memo...DON'T CHALLENGE THE MEDIA...YOU WILL LOSE!!!! The Giants front four is a walk in the park when compared to a blood thirst reporter looking to cement his legacy at the expense of yours. It's not fair but it works both ways. I have never heard a player or coach demand an apology from the media for being crowned the "next big thing". They ride that adulation straight to the bank. You cheated Bill and you got caught simple as that. It doesn't mean that you're the scum of the earth, it just means that you got a little greedy and careless. Don't allow your pride to sabotage the legacies of everyone....be a big boy and take one for the team while you still can. Admit you were wrong and that the players had nothing to do with it. Shift the focus back to your championship caliber team. The media is quick to forgive....besides...everyone loves a good comeback story.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
I LOVE THIS GAME!!!
When I hear the letters NBA I have visions of mainstream America rolling up up their windows and locking their doors. Tattoos, cornrows, and hip hop music has Joe Middleclass reaching for the remote at the site of professional basketball. It seems that people have been so busy running out the forest they haven't noticed the beautiful new trees blossoming. In literal terms...the NBA is back!!!...back in L.A...back in Boston..and most importantly back in New Orleans. Off season acquisitions and mid season trades leveled the playing field. It's May...and 6 teams have a legitimate chance of winning the title. The NFL could only wish to be so lucky this fall.
You know the future is looking pretty bright by the All NBA 1st team with Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul...all of which are young superstars on winning teams. Kobe Bryant won his first MVP, but can he win his first title without Shaq? Can Boston really go from worst to first? How long will Lebron James and Chris Paul wait in the wings? And we haven't even mentioned the defending champs!! The influx of young talented players has lead to a more athletic and entertaining brand of basketball. Credit David Stern for continuing to adapt to the changing times and stay relevant to today's viewer. The NBA...yep...I love this game!!!
You know the future is looking pretty bright by the All NBA 1st team with Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul...all of which are young superstars on winning teams. Kobe Bryant won his first MVP, but can he win his first title without Shaq? Can Boston really go from worst to first? How long will Lebron James and Chris Paul wait in the wings? And we haven't even mentioned the defending champs!! The influx of young talented players has lead to a more athletic and entertaining brand of basketball. Credit David Stern for continuing to adapt to the changing times and stay relevant to today's viewer. The NBA...yep...I love this game!!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
School of Hard Knocks
"A mind is a terrible thing to waste" is a sentiment shared by anyone with even a shred of political correctness. As a fan I say.."A jump start on building a rapport with your new offensive coordinator is a terrible thing to waste"... Especially if you're Rose Bowl phenom turned rookie of the year turned regressing quarterback Vince Young. Yes, the Titans and their fans enjoyed an improbable playoff run last year. But that was in spite of Young's performance, not because of it. Was it the quad? Was it the Madden Jinx? Ask Jeff Fisher and he'll say it was Norm Chow, whom he abruptly fired after watching his Achilles heel squander a low scoring playoff game.
This we know...Mike Heimerdinger is back. This we don't know...where's Vince Young? Could he be 800 miles away enrolled in school? Of course not! Not after the offense we saw. Not after coming so close...could he? Don't get me wrong, I support the value of an education. I certainly applaud making good on a promise. My cynical side can't help but notice that Young did enter the 2006 NFL draft as a junior. Was the promise not as important then? Maybe it's the Steve Mcnair in me that wanted to see our leader stand front and center and accept responsibility for a season that could have been. To vow to do what ever it takes to get the offense on track and be a world champion. I'm rooting for Vince to obtain his degree...and I'm looking forward to the new season. Just remember, you still have a "school of hard knocks" exam. It's September 9th against the Jags.
This we know...Mike Heimerdinger is back. This we don't know...where's Vince Young? Could he be 800 miles away enrolled in school? Of course not! Not after the offense we saw. Not after coming so close...could he? Don't get me wrong, I support the value of an education. I certainly applaud making good on a promise. My cynical side can't help but notice that Young did enter the 2006 NFL draft as a junior. Was the promise not as important then? Maybe it's the Steve Mcnair in me that wanted to see our leader stand front and center and accept responsibility for a season that could have been. To vow to do what ever it takes to get the offense on track and be a world champion. I'm rooting for Vince to obtain his degree...and I'm looking forward to the new season. Just remember, you still have a "school of hard knocks" exam. It's September 9th against the Jags.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
A Love Jones
And with the power vested in me..I now pronounce you...Pacman and wife. Yes...that Pacman! The proverbial "wife" in this saga turned circus are the Tennessee Titans, and this has all the makings of a classic love story. Let's be honest, we've all heard the sayings...opposites attract...nice guys finish last...and all work and no play makes you...well..the Titans. Maybe it was the super bowl that got away. Maybe it was the sting of dating Kevin Dyson instead of Randy Moss..(yes..that Randy Moss!) What ever the reason, she just couldn't help herself when given the chance of finally going steady with that bad boy. You know the guy..the one who is spontaneous and electrifying...mysterious and misunderstood. I can hear the Titans now as they chose their mate.."I know he's rough around the edges but he'll change for me. All he needs is a structured environment and some encouragement." (sound familiar?) So numbers are exchanged and vows are made. She's so in love that that either she can not see or refuses to see the obvious warning signs. Friends and family voice their concerns only to be turned away by the same response..."Just give it time. I know he'll change for me. He loves me!" Foolish pride will not allow her to admit that she's made a terrible mistake and who could blame her? The most devastating words to the human psyche are "I told you so." Trapped, embarrassed, and betrayed, she has no choice but to utter those deadly relationship words..."I think we should see other people." I'm sure she though her ultimatum would trigger that never before seen remorseful side of Pacman...but oh no...not this bad boy. Not only does he oblige her request, he has the audacity to tell anyone who would listen about the new object of his affection...enter the Dallas Cowboys. Now, being that it's the Cowboys is bad enough with their cocky cavalier attitude, but to make matters worse..they are just as vocal in saying the feeling is mutual. The nerve of this guy!! Whether she admits it or not, a feeling of jealousy and resentment must be festering on the inside as he nonchalantly moves on to the next girl. I mean c'mon...any body but the Cowboys...those home wreckers?!? This messy breakup has become so public that any though of a reconciliation is out the door...right? "Go ahead...you can have Dallas" says the jilted lover.."but I'm taking back everything...and I mean EVERYTHING I ever gave you before you do!" (sound familiar?) So here we are...maybe one day they'll kiss and make up. I doubt it but hey...we've all done that before.
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