De ja vu for Young, Collins, Titans

In 2006, rookie quarter back Vince Young watched the Tennessee Titans stumble out of the gate to an 0-5 start. Veteran starter Kerry Collins was ineffective, throwing six interceptions to only one touchdown. Owner Bud Adams, a vocal Young supporter, more than whispered that he would like to see his prized first round quarter back on the field. Head coach Jeff Fisher yielded, and named Young the starter in week 6. The Titans went on to win eight of their last eleven and finished within a game of the playoffs. Young went on to the cover of NFL Madden as rookie of the year.
Fast forward to 2009, a cold and miserable day in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The New England Patriots just put the finishing touches on a 59-0 beat down of Tennessee. Vince Young watches the Titans stumble to an 0-6 start from the bench...again. Veteran starter Kerry Collins was ineffective, throwing eight interceptions to only 5 touchdowns. Owner Bud Adams voiced his "opinion" that Young should be on the field. Jeff Fisher yielded...again. The result? A five game win streak and an Offensive Player of the Week award for Young. The Titans have dug themselves quite a whole again, but remain in the playoff hunt. Titans players are hoping that history will exceed itself.

Young takes streak back home

The resurgent Tennessee Titans take their three game win streak to Reliant Stadium when they face the Texans on Monday night. Vince Young takes his road to redemption tour to his home town of Houston, with the national spotlight as his back drop. The Titans have played extremely well with Young in the lineup, but the 0-6 start kept it back page news. Monday Night Football will change that, for better or for worse. There will be plenty of people watching and waiting. Waiting to see a comeback, a train wreck, or another meltdown. This is not just another game if you're Vince Young. You have an opportunity to show that you're back and better than ever. You also have the opportunity to be the next big bust. Pressure brought by the nature of the quarterback position lead to Young's meltdown. We'll soon see if he has learned anything from his humbling time away. Young and the Titans are both looking to repair their images. A win and 4-0 record as a starter would certainly help.

Romo friendly approach working

When Cowboys owner Jerry Jones coined the phrase "Romo friendly", two reactions immediately came to mind. My first reaction was of course, here we (T.O.) again. Owen's public criticism of the offensive play calling lead to a divided locker room last season. The outcome was another disastrous December in Dallas, missing the playoffs after being a pre season Super Bowl favorite. My second reaction was...wow, what has Tony Romo done to deserve such coddling? Romo has won as many playoff games as Ryan Leaf...zero. At least Owens was a machine from a production standpoint in or out of the playoffs.

Give credit to Jerry Jones, he was on to something. The Cowboys, and Romo specifically, have flourished under this new philosophy. And not in the way I originally imagined. The Cowboys are playing like a team now. No super stars, no drama, just football. Team football, The best friend to any quarterback is a sound running game and opportunistic defense. The Cowboys have supplied Romo with both recently. Throw in a couple of special teams touchdowns and the emergence of wide receiver Miles Austin, and you have more than a few bff's at Romo's disposal.

The Tennessee Titans looked different Sunday. They ran and passed the ball effectively. They did not shoot themselves in the foot with turnovers. They remained poised when the Jaguars tied the game in the third quarter. Actually, they resembled the play of their quarterback Vince Young. Tennessee notched their first win of the year in large part to Chris Johnson's franchise record 228 yards on the ground, but quarterback Vince Young executed the Jeff Fisher philosophy with near perfection. Move the chains, control time of possession, and win the turn over battle. Something that did not happened on the way to 0-6. Young had his first turnover free start as a pro, and extended drives with timely plays with his legs. The Titans looked like...well...the Titans. Vince Young's opening day "meltdown" last year seems so fresh in our memory that we forget he lead the Titans to the playoffs in 07 and has just as many playoff wins as a Titan as Kerry Collins....zero. The Titans had lost their last 8 games dating back to last year with Kerry Collins under center. Maybe owner Bud Adams was right all along. The proof is in the win column.

Titan's Fisher needs a make over

As a born and raised Tennessean, it's hard to believe the Music City Miracle is already a decade old. The Titans have since been one of the most consistent franchises in football, but no closer to a championship than Kevin Dyson's failed lunge in Super Bowl XXXIV. The NFL has changed since then. Head coach Jeff Fisher has not. While his play it safe, three yards and a cloud of dust mentality will win more games than lose. The obvious fact of the matter is that it is not conducive to winning a championship in today's game. Rule changes and better athletes have turned the NFL into a more wide open game. It is a scoring friendly league now. Jeff Fisher's obsession with the 99 team's philosophy is now rearing it's ugly head in an embarrassing start to the season.

Smash mouth football plays into the opposing team's defense in today's game. Rarely do you find a team now with enough quality corner backs to slow down these multiple wide receiver sets. Even traditional smash mouth fraternity brothers Pittsburgh and Baltimore are starting to open up their offense and let their young quarterbacks (no pun intended) make plays with their weapons on the outside. Tennessee, if nothing else, has a young athletic quarterback that can be used in more creative packages. Maybe in spot duty, he can help spark some energy into a season that has an alarmingly decreasing pulse. Forget what you did last year, last week, or yesterday. Your team is 0-4 and starring down the barrel of a loaded and undefeated Colts team. Change is the only think we can predict about the future. For Jeff Fisher and the Titans, there's no time like the present.

Titans are still in denial

The Tennessee Titans walked out of LP Field in last year's home playoff loss to Baltimore feeling like the best team didn't win. Defeat was blamed on a missed delay of game call on rookie quarterback Joe Flacco. That critical third down conversion late in the game lead to a winning field goal for the Ravens. Coaches, players, and fans alike dismissed it as such, eagerly awaiting a 2009 season full of promise and unfinished business for the Titans. No one would have predicted a league worst pass defense and 0-2 start.

Even more alarming than the 0-2 start for Tennessee is the cavalier attitude they have about losing. After their week one overtime loss to Pittsburgh, several Titans players were quoted as saying the Steelers got lucky and would lose that game nine out of ten times. Fans bought their story, after all, Tennessee did beat the Steelers convincingly last season. That's...last season. Everyone (including me) thought the Titans would bounce back and crush the Houston Texans in week two. After all, Tennessee was 13-3 last year. Houston laying a Texas sized egg in a week one fiasco against the New York Jets only helped that feeling. The Texans erased a 14 point deficient and all world performance from Chris Johnson to win the game late. How did the Titans respond? Deny, deny, deny. Corner back Chris Hope went as far as to say that the coaches were unable or unwilling to make adjustments when Matt Shaub and Andre Johnson torched the Titans secondary all game long. It was the scheme. It was the weather. The dog ate my homework. Hey Tennessee, no one is buying it anymore. You've lost your last four games dating back to last year. The best team is not winning.

Ground Hog Day for Titans

The Tennessee Titans lost 13 - 10...again. The Titans turned the ball over and beat themselves...again. Head coach Jeff Fisher is crying about a game changing blown call after the game....you guessed it, again. Didn't we see this the last time the Titans played a meaningful game? You know, that divisional round debacle against Baltimore. The ghost of the Ravens continue to hover over this team. It's something about the style of play of Baltimore, a psyche if you will. Whatever it is, it gives the Titans fits. Not many teams are equipped to punch the Titans back in the mouth. The few that do and Baltimore specifically, seem to have Tennessee's number. Pittsburgh is a team that can punch back. For a minute, I forgot it was the Steelers. Tight end Bo Scaife fumbled the ball in a crucial part of the game last night. The same way fellow tight end Alge Crumpler did in last year's playoff loss to Baltimore. The defense could not get off the field on third down late in the Baltimore game, the same as last night. It's one thing to be physically outclassed. It's another thing to "give away" games to the same types of teams. I had the same sickening feeling about Tennessee's chances as the game wore on last night. I couldn't put my finger on it, I just felt it. I just knew it. Everything in the Titans body language said "we can't beat Baltimore" last night. They have 10 days to understand that Houston is the opponent next week.

Michigan players whining early

Rich Rodriguez is under fire again. Current (and I am sure some former) Michigan players told a Detroit newspaper the team's practice habits were in violation of NCAA rules. I watched every game the Wolverines played last year, and I too felt violated. Not to make light if a legitimate rule was broken, but every player on that team should be embarrassed by their 3-9 season. I certainly understand the rationale of coach Rodriguez, because he knows he has to turn things around this year. They looked physically over matched by their Big Ten rivals a year ago and suffered some embarrassing losses. The timing of this story is also eye brow raising. Players that were recruited under the Carr regime may have an axe to grind. Rules may have really been violated. Players may have a legitimate gripe. But if they lose to Western Michigan on Saturday, they are going to come off as a soft cream puff whiny team. No matter how much or little they practice.

Most compelling QB comeback

Tom Brady, Michael Vick, and Brett Favre. Three of the most popular names in all of football, if not all of sports. Three quarterbacks making comebacks of some sort this season. Which story is most compelling? Tom Brady is well, Tom Brady. Missing all of last year with a knee injury, all eyes are on Mr. Brady and company as they are the early favorite to win it all. Don't forget the performances and extensions of some of his qb colleagues last season. Brady sat back and watched new quarterbacks get crowned, get wins, and get paid. Throw in the fact that Brady was top dog before the injury, and the back up went 11-5 in his absence, and you have all the ingredients for another "Tom Brady" season in 2009.

Michael Vick's story is no doubt compelling, but not for any of those pre reinstatement reasons. The Philadelphia Eagles signed one of the greatest athletes of the past decade to back up Donavan McNabb. The same Donavan McNabb they refused to give an extension to this summer. I do not see any rational reason to make that type of risky investment without expecting a great return. Michael Vick is being groomed to be the starter for the Eagles, regardless of the outcome of his preseason debut performance. If...and I do mean if, Vick can recapture his lightning in a bottle, then book it, McNabb will get sent packing.

Brett Favre, with his competitive spirit, would love to know that he lands as the most compelling qb comeback story. So much so, we'll only discuss the developments since he showed up in Minnesota....and Brett still wins. While the above mentioned stories are compelling, they pale in comparison in one regard. Legacy. Tom Brady and Michael Vick can some what alter their legacies, but by and large Brady will be known as a champion and Vick for dog fighting. It is what it is. Favre's legacy can truly be altered in a major way this season. He can either show the world he's still one of the greatest that ever did it and lead his team to their first Super Bowl victory. Or he can make a good team average, and look washed up, desperate and selfish in the process. Newly benched starter Tavaris Jackson has played well since Favre's arrival, and also has teammates that publicly support him. I can not wait for Minnesota to play Friday, just for the potential train wreck of it. C'mon now, wouldn't you sports writers love it if Favre tanked again and Jackson shined? I would. Very compelling.

Titans must address running woes

I know I know...it's just the preseason, but has anyone seen the Tennessee Titans running game this year? Anyone? I don't think anyone has because it's been non existent. Ask running back Chris Johnson and he'll tell you it's no big deal. "Really, I just want to get to the regular season," Johnson stated after another poor performance against Dallas. Now I'm not sure what worries me most, the lack of production or the cavalier attitude. Don't get me wrong, I love the confidence, but this is a new season and Pittsburgh's super bowl defending defense hardly seems like a good time to "turn it on". If the running game is going to be the Titan's bread and butter, they better fix it and fix it quick. Work toward clicking on all cylinders because nothing about the end of their season last year should tell them to not show urgency.

Rookies impress in Titans win

I am willing to bet that Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher woke up this morning with a twinkle in his eye and some pep in his step. He returns 20 of 22 starters from a team that had the best record in the league a year ago. Some would even argue that free agent wide receiver Nate Washington is an upgrade over last year's starter Justin McCareins. Add that to a rookie class who showed to be very impressive in their preseason home debut, and you have the makings of one optimistic head coach.

First round pick Kenny Britt showed his toughness and big play ability last night, hauling in 5 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown. The Titans desperately needed that element on offense last year. Rookie tight end Jared Cook continues to impress, catching a game high 6 catches for 56 yards. In the third quarter, 5th round draft pick Javon Wringer broke loose for a 36 yard touchdown run and rookie corner back Ryan Mouton added to the scoring with his own pick six. It's still early in the preseason, but game changing role players can put an already good team over the top. Jeff Fisher has got to be feeling good about what he sees so far.

Titans get young on the field.

Word out of Titans camp is that Vince young was seen running option plays with the first team offense. My take on that? Might as well. If you're Jeff Fisher you've got to be thinking that you have a team that can win it all and right now. Why leave a stone unturned? I am an admitted V.Y. apologist, but I can not say that he is a complete quarterback with a straight face. I can say that he is an athletic beast that thrives when he has one or two reads. And quite frankly, what's wrong with that? Get Young on the field in situations he will thrive in. Not on a full time basis, but don't leave one of your best athletes on the sideline to make a point. Jeff Fisher is becoming dangerously close to becoming one of the greatest coaches who couldn't get it done. Play everybody. Go for it now.

All eyes should be on V.Y.

The Tennessee Titans are back for their 2009 championship campaign, and looking to build on a roster that boasted the league's best record a year ago. Rookie tight end Jared Cook has been impressive, and running backs LenDale White and Chris Johnson came into camp in better shape than they were a productive year ago. Rookie wide receiver and 30th pick in the draft Kenny Britt hits the field today, but I'm keeping a close eye on back up quarterback Vince Young. Yes...that Vince Young.

We all remember Young's meltdown and subsequent benching in week one last season, but there are practical reasons for Titans fans to watch his on field production and off field demeanor. Every team with super bowl aspirations invest in a quality back up quarterback. Kerry Collins is no spring chicken, and few qb's that aren't named Peyton Manning make through back to back seasons injury free. To be fair to Young, he did lead the Titans to the playoffs in 2007 with Chris Brown...not Chris Johnson. I'm looking to see how he utilizes Johnson's versatility and an improved receiving corp this training camp. I'm also looking to see how he handles himself off the field and with the media. Will the untimely death of his close friend and mentor Steve Mcnair shake his confidence even further or propel him to be the best pro he can be? If Vince Young can stay focused and move the first team offense during the preseason, then it will allow for spirited competition at the position and a better overall offense. It's all up to Vince. A 14 million dollar cap number for a marginal back up qb is a recipe for unemployment next year. We'll be watching you V.Y.

Sports Gods Get It Right

Ok, I admit I was the first to scream from the roof top that the NBA Finals minus Kobe vs LeBron would be a dud. I would also guess that millions of sports fans agreed. We were all wrong and the Sports Gods were right again. Throw out game one, and you have a finals match up between two evenly matched teams with great story lines. The Lakers and the Magic have thrilled us with a near buzzer beater, two overtimes, and great overall play. Orlando notched their first ever finals victory in dramatic fashion, and Kobe has been spectacular in his quest for a "Shaq free" title.

The Sports Gods have been on the money lately, allowing fate to deliver championship match ups that we all loved but never saw coming. Look no further than the last two Super Bowls. The New York Giants knocked off America's team, and the beloved Brett Favre to set up their rematch with the undefeated Patriots. I, like many others, cried out that Green Bay and Dallas had better teams with bigger stars. Little did we know the Giants would put on a historic defensive performance and knock off the heavily favored Patriots. I'm sure the 1972 Dolphins felt their prayers were answered. The Arizona Cardinals put on a heroic performance against the favored Steelers a year later. It was their first Super Bowl appearance, and their "losing" image and small market value had critics thinking the worst. What we got was a second straight Super Bowl where the champion won on their last offensive drive of the game. So as we await the start of game five tomorrow, let's thank the Sports Gods for getting it right again.

Keep ya head up LeBron

LeBron James makes it no secret that he wants to be known as one of the greatest basketball players ever. In order to do that, LeBron must win championships. So I can understand his frustration when he saw his best chance to win a title go up in flames in Orlando last Saturday night. Message to LeBron....keep ya head up. Some of the greatest athletes of their era had to endure humiliation and adversity before becoming champions and legends. Michael Jordan endured gut wrenching losses to the Bad Boy version of the Detroit Pistons. With all of his greatness, we saw Jordan walk off the floor in defeat and his chances of a title go up in flames multiple times. As we all know, Jordon eventually overcame adversity to become arguably the greatest player and champion of all time. Before John Elway won back to back Super Bowls and rode off into the sunset, he faced his own adversity. We remember Elway having great seasons only to get humiliated time after time in one lop sided Super Bowl loss after another. And let's not forget Kobe's infamous air balls in their playoff loss to Utah early in his career. Bryant went on to win 3 in a row. So LeBron, keep ya head up. Adversity means that you're on your way to becoming a great champion. Stick with it, history has a way of repeating itself.

Cavs stunning turn around...

The Cleveland Cavaliers ripped through the regular season while racking up 66 wins, coach of the year, and league MVP. Their first eight playoff games looked like a reprieve. Their last four has them staring at elimination tomorrow night. What happened? And more importantly, how so quickly? It reminds me of the first fight between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. Tyson, up to that point, was the irresistible force and the immovable object. He destroyed his opponents with pure talent. Evander Holyfield was a tough and determined underdog. He was also the first fighter to make Tyson appear human. With surgeon like precision, Holyfield exposed and attacked weaknesses in Tyson's game. He was not intimidated. Tyson had no counter. The Cavs seem to be the ones on the rope with no counter. If not for a miracle buzzer beater, this would have been the most shocking collapse in NBA history. Swept? Yep, it was a second away from reality. I'm sure ESPN Classic would have had a field day with it. Holyfield went on to beat Tyson in that fight, and I'm not even going there with the rematch. I hope the Cavs, in the next twenty four hours, can develop a counter punch.

Hey Kobe...Don't Take the Bait

Kobe Bryant knows LaBron is watching. Kobe knows that Jerry West, a Hall of Fame Laker, stated publicly that LaBron has passed him as the best player on the planet. Kobe also knows that LaBron put up 49 points last night against Orlando. Message to Kobe...don't take the bait! We know you can score 50, 60, even 80 points in a game. We know you have the capabilities to surpass 50 points tonight, but don't take the bait. You have been longing for a supporting cast that can bring you a championship since Shaq was sent packing, and you have that now. We as fans have watched you mature into a team player, a facilitator who knows when to use your weapons and when to take over a game. You proved that in game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Nuggets that you can still take over a game....when needed. You have a great team and a very good chance to get to the NBA Finals. Remember your opponent is not LaBron James tonight, it's a tough and talented Denver Nuggets team who's looking to tie the series at a game a piece and take home court advantage. Hey Kobe, just play your game.....don't take the bait!

Lakers Resemble 08 Celtics

As the Lakers prepare for the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, Kobe and company should feel encouraged. Their path resembles that of the champion Celtics from a year ago. The 08 Boston Celtics lead the Eastern Conference pretty much wire to wire. They secured the number one seed without much resistance and coasted into the playoffs. Flat from a lack of meaningful games down the stretch, The Celtics struggled to put away so called inferior teams. Kobe Bryant was the reigning MVP, and the Lakers were rolling through the playoffs. Fast forward to 09, and the Lakers are the untested team who coasted to a number one seed. They clearly struggled to put away an undermanned Rockets team, and they are looking at the reigning MVP LaBron James cruise through the playoffs with relative ease. The Celtics of 08 went on to beat the MVP Kobe Bryant in the NBA Finals. Hopefully the world will get to see if the Lakers and Cavaliers can repeat history, or re-write it.

Game 7 Sunday

The NBA and their fans are holding their collective breath as we await the start of game 7 Sunday. In a few short hours, we can have a star studded powerhouse "final four" in Cleveland, Boston, Denver, and L.A. Or we can have the temporary satisfaction of a road team upset that will land Houston and Orlando in their respective conference finals. Now let's be honest, do we really want to see Denver vs Houston and Cleveland vs Orlando? Absolutely not!!! I'm sure the NBA front office would anonymously agree. Los Angeles has been the team to beat all season, but Denver has come on strong as the team to beat in the Western Conference playoffs. The Nuggets aggressive style of play allowed them to dominate Dallas. The Lakers play a similar style to the Mavs, but have superior athletes in the post. They also have some guy named Kobe. That would/should be an amazing series. Cleveland awaits the Boston/Orlando winner. And as much as I would like to see "amazing" happen, I'm rooting for Boston as if I just bet the mortgage on it. Cleveland is playing the best ball out of everyone. Boston is still the champ until someone knocks them off. LaBron James is MVP, but needs to beat the best in order to cement his status as the "King". Magic, Bird, and Jordan all had to knock off the champs on their way to the top spot. It would only be right to play the Celtics, who sent LaBron packing in 7 games on their way to the championship last year. So fans, let's ban together and root for tomorrow instead of today. Let's pray on this game 7 Sunday for no upsets.

Cowboys Draft Grade A+

Either you love the Dallas Cowboys or you hate them. The big blue star stirs up a passion in football fans that few teams in any sport can. So it came as no surprise when the early draft grade for the Cowboys was a D. No blockbuster trades, no first day pics, just a cast of "who is he?" and "where's that school?" The criticism seemed warranted, until Saturday.

These rookie players, and staff alike, showed courage in the midst of the horrific collapse of their practice facility. Cameras showed many players risking their own safety (and potential careers) to save an employer that will in all likely hood not hire them. Jerry Jones let go of all of his players with "character issues" in the off season. Judging from that standard, the Cowboys draft class gets an A+.

Our prayers go out to the injured and their families.

Future Looks Bright for Celtics

Now that I've had a chance to catch my breath from that epic Celtics Bulls series, I look to a future that seems pretty bright for Boston. The emergence of Rajon Rondo and Glen "Big Baby" Davis will have the Celtics going in the right direction as they transition out of the Big 3 era. Rondo was a couple of rebounds short of becoming the first player to average a triple double in a seven game series. A fearless point guard with game changing speed, Rondo edged out Ray Allen as my first round MVP. Davis, who is seeing an increased role due to the injury to Kevin Garnett, has played very well in his absence. Big Baby averaged 18.1 points per game in his first series as a starter. Garnett averaged 18.2 points per game in last year's NBA finals. The league is getting younger, just ask Detroit and San Antonio. The Chicago Bulls are one of the younger, more athletic teams in the league. Rondo and Davis's ability to match that youth and athleticism was a key factor in their victory. Regardless of the outcome of their series with the Magic, the Celtics should be encouraged by the fact their "window" has been propped back open.

Father Time Still Undefeated

The San Antonio Spurs are old. The Detroit Pistons looked old while being the only team to get swept out of the first round. Both teams became old overnight, and I mean that literally. Detroit was clearly out matched by a young, athletic, and energetic Cavs team. It almost looked like the father son game when the son becomes clearly better than the father. The Spurs, and Tim Duncan specifically, look like they've lost a step. Injuries linger longer. Back to back games become more difficult. Credit the Spurs for having the first dynasty in the post-Jordan era. They've enjoyed great success, but the Dallas Mavericks are clearly the younger, hungrier team and it's just a matter of time before that window finally closes....shut. Over the years we have witnessed many dynasties. The only one to never lose was Father Time.

Stern Rooting for Lakers, Cavs

NBA Commissioner David Stern must be a happy man. The Boston Celtics are the defending champions. There were no arena wide brawls or betting scandals this season. The game's biggest stars even played like the biggest stars. The icing on Stern's cake would be a Lakers / Cavs finals. And for good reason, we want it too. The names Kobe Bryant and Lebron James are so universal, even the average fan would tune in out of mere curiosity. Die hard followers like myself would not be disappointed either. Reigning MVP vs soon to be MVP. Bryant is looking to cement his legacy while James is looking to begin his . Two of the best players in the world on two of the best teams all season in the Lakers and Cavs. No matter who wins that match up, we all win.

On the eve of their first NCAA tournament appearance in a decade, the university of Michigan's staff and students should send former coach Tommy Amaker a heart-felt thank you note. Amaker came to a program in 2001 that was an absolute wreck. The team was on probation and had a tarnished reputation after the Chris Webber money laundering scandal. Talent on the team was at an all time low and so was the attendance. Amaker, if nothing else, restored integrity and pride to the Michigan basketball brand. Recruiting immediately improved, and the team slowly distanced itself from the ghost of the Fab Five era. Three 20 win seasons and a NIT championship later, Michigan became the type of program that would attract a coach with the pedigree of a John Beilein. I hope Coach Amaker watches the game tomorrow with his dancing shoes on as well, he deserves to.

All Star Weekend A Success

The NBA has been known more for it's scandals, tattoos, and fading public image than it's on court product. This year's All Star Game in Phoenix changed that perception., if just for a day. credit David Stern for hammering home the theme "The NBA...where caring happens" throughout the whole weekend. Children of all races participated in the festivities and the musical acts were family friendly.

The game itself was fundamentally played, a nice change of pace from the "let's play horse" type of games we've seen in year's past. We saw Shaq and Kobe play alongside each other again. This time it wasn't about ego's and drama. This time we saw what happens when you put aside your differences and focus on the team goal. They both earned a victory and a piece of the game MVP, a great message for our youth to see.

Giving the Olympic gold medal winning players a special ring at halftime was a great gesture. Honoring all of the international players that participated was an even better one. The NBA I saw on Sunday night looked like a great organization of super human athletes and great men in our communities., if just for a day.

Super Bowl Sunday

This Sunday, the casual fan will take a seat along side the die hard fan to witness the annual extravaganza that is the Super Bowl. Die hard fans base their rooting interest in who they want to lose. Casual fans would rather cheer for who they want to win. So who do you root for if you haven't followed the season all year? This year's match up is a toss up.

Arizona comes in as the Cinderella story. Kurt Warner's surprising resurgence. Larry Fitzgerald's inspiring life story. The little engine that never could finally did. An underdog franchise with likable stars at key positions.

Pittsburgh is the name you know. People love to associate themselves with winners. Mike Tomlin looks to not only become the second African American coach to win a Super Bowl, but to also become the fourth consecutive Steeler coach to bring home the Lombardi Trophy. Tough, blue collar, and likable. As a die hard Titans fan I'm having a hard time deciding who I'd want to see lose.

NFL Year End Review

With the holiday season officially coming to an end, it's time to put a nice little bow on another great NFL regular season. Experts and journalists from New York to Los Angeles made their pre season predictions last fall. At the risk of tooting my own horn (beep beep) let's re-visit a few of my predictions that hit squarely on the bulls eye.



Tennessee Titans: Heading into week 2, I noticed how eerily similar this team was to the 1999 team that made it to the Super Bowl. (Titans: Back to the future? 9/8) By season's end, both teams finished with identical 13-3 records. Both teams won behind strong running games and a stingy defense, and both team had pro bowl rookies as first round picks (defensive end Javon Kearse in 1999 and running back Chris Johnson in 2008). The Titans still have work to do to ultimately match the 99' squad. The last time Tennessee was the #1 seed, they were bounced out in their first home game.



Jacksonville: The Jacksonville Jaguars were the sexy pre season pick to dethrone the Colts as king of the AFC South and make their Super Bowl debut in Tampa. Their stellar play in 2007 warranted the praise, however, I was concerned (Jacksonville Jaguars: too sexy? 08/08) the team would not be able to carry the success of 2007 into 2008. The Jaguars still have not put together back to back playoff seasons. Fred Taylor did indeed wear down and became a non factor midway through the season. The ripple effect forced quarterback David Garrard to take more chances (3 int in 07 / 13 int in 08). Gregg Williams was a predictable bust as Defensive Coordinator, leading to his firing after only one season.



Side Notes: In my pre season week one recap (8/08), I predicted Peyton Manning to be the NFL MVP. Fantasy football fanatics were encouraged in my week 2 recap (8/08) to take Drew Brees as their sleeper stud. He finished the season an incomplete pass away from breaking Dan Marino's record for passing yards in a single season. I am humble enough to shrug this off as beginners luck. I just wanted to share some highlights from my first season of blogging. Happy New Year!