Remember the Tennessee Titans? You know... the franchise known for their blue collar work ethic, likable players, and great home field advantage? Those Titans consistently beat teams with better players because they removed the "I" from team. Those Titans were fun to watch because you knew we had a chance with the ball in number 9's hands. Steve McNair, Eddie George, Frank Wycheck, and Bruce Matthews were all great. They also smiled. The Titans had a humbleness about them that made them easy to root for. That was then. Next up was Pac Man Jones, Albert Haynesworth, Vince Young, and Kenny Britt. Not only do the Titans of today bear no resemblance to the team that won us over, this franchise is now unrecognizable.
If you moved to Nashville or followed the Titans post Steve McNair, you see a far different picture. You see a picture of a team that stomps on the head of a helmet-less player. You see night club beatings, high speed chases, and strip club shootings. You see quarterbacks feuding with coaches and players feuding with management. Most of all, you see dysfunction running rampant. You see a team that has become a shell of it's former self. Case in point, only The Titans could find a way to not use a healthy Randy Moss on a team with no receivers.
Rookie head coach Mike Munchak has his work cut out for him. His two best players are holding out for new contracts and their foolish hard line stance with Chris Johnson is putting the team further in the hole. Just another sign of a lack of leadership on all levels. Hopefully the Johnson holdout will be resolved and Jake Locker can hit the field sooner than later. Titans fans are ready for new memories.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Was Lebron defending Tebow or himself?
Wow. Someone really ticked LeBron James off yesterday, to the point that he had to come to the defense of an innocent and persecuted man. ESPN NFL analyst Merril Hodge voiced his opinion on Tim Tebow's ability to be a championship caliber NFL quarterback. Although the criticism aimed at Tebow was harsh it was just that, an opinion. It appeared the mild mannered golden boy from Florida took it all in stride with a simple tweet to let Mr. Hodge know that word had gotten back. So why did James seem to take the criticism of Tebow so personal? It sounded to me like LeBron was not defending Tebow at all. He was defending himself.
Remove Tim Tebow from this direct quote "He's a hard worker, a student of the game, a natural born leader and most of all a WINNER!! It takes time and he'll be nice." LeBron is talking about himself, to remind us of all the things that made us crown him "King James". A reminder that winning championships take time. Another direct quote from James "Guys get on that tv and act like they was all WORLD when they played. How bout encouraging him and wishing him the best instead of hating!!" This is LeBron's advise to everyone who criticized his epic meltdown in the Finals. Face it LeBron, you choked and got criticized for it. Tim Tebow has weaknesses that are being criticized. It's sports. It's life.
Remove Tim Tebow from this direct quote "He's a hard worker, a student of the game, a natural born leader and most of all a WINNER!! It takes time and he'll be nice." LeBron is talking about himself, to remind us of all the things that made us crown him "King James". A reminder that winning championships take time. Another direct quote from James "Guys get on that tv and act like they was all WORLD when they played. How bout encouraging him and wishing him the best instead of hating!!" This is LeBron's advise to everyone who criticized his epic meltdown in the Finals. Face it LeBron, you choked and got criticized for it. Tim Tebow has weaknesses that are being criticized. It's sports. It's life.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Are the Eagles the new Heat?
The Philadelphia Eagles have steamrolled through free agency, adding marquee acquisition after marquee acquisition. Not one, but two pro bowl corners. Throw in a pro bowl defensive end and back up qb that's been a pro bowler himself, and you have the making of the nfl's version of the Miami Heat. Mark my words, the Eagles will be hated this season.
It is only human to root for David. If we're just watching a game that we have no rooting interest in, we generally root for the underdog. So you can imagine how we feel when you tell us that you're going to win it all. The Eagles have all but said "Hey...y'all know we bout to win it all right?" Yes I know that Rex Ryan put people off with his bold predictions last year but this will be worse, much worse. Every hated team needs a lightning rod, a controversial figure if you will. The Heat had LeBron James. The Eagles have that in Michael Vick. Desean Jackson and newly acquired Vince Young have been no stranger to negative press either. The Eagles have put themselves in the super bowl or bust category, and there will be millions of fans outside of Pennsylvania that hope they bust.
It is only human to root for David. If we're just watching a game that we have no rooting interest in, we generally root for the underdog. So you can imagine how we feel when you tell us that you're going to win it all. The Eagles have all but said "Hey...y'all know we bout to win it all right?" Yes I know that Rex Ryan put people off with his bold predictions last year but this will be worse, much worse. Every hated team needs a lightning rod, a controversial figure if you will. The Heat had LeBron James. The Eagles have that in Michael Vick. Desean Jackson and newly acquired Vince Young have been no stranger to negative press either. The Eagles have put themselves in the super bowl or bust category, and there will be millions of fans outside of Pennsylvania that hope they bust.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Britt or Bryant? That is the question
He's an explosive young wide receiver with freakish speed, power, and athleticism. He's a late first round draft pick with top five talent. His electrifying play making ability will leave you pumping your fist, and his lack of good judgement off the field will leave you scratching your head. People in the great state of Texas will immediately think I'm speaking about their second year wonder Dez Bryant. Others in the Music City will think I'm speaking of Tennessee's Kenny Britt. They're both right.
Dez Bryant of the Cowboys and Kenny Britt of the Titans are at a crossroads. Both had memorable moments on the field in 2010 and forgettable moments during the 4 1/2 month lockout. Britt and Bryant (ironically sounds like a law firm) combined for 15 touchdowns and at least six run ins with either metro police, mall security, or the DA's office. The 15 touchdowns are even more impressive when you consider that neither player even sniffed a full 16 game season. Their respective nagging injuries were attributed to coming into camp out of shape last year.
OK, even if we do chalk up the lack of conditioning and off field issues to young men attempting to find their way in life, what cannot be excused is their lack of focus when it comes to preparation. Bryant was often fined for being late, and was even caught on occasion "sleeping on the job". Britt often displayed an aloof attitude that told the Titans brass that he could care less about becoming the best player on the field, let alone the best player in the league. What frustrates the heck out of everyone is that Britt and Bryant have the physical tools to become the Rice / Irving of their generation. That is, if someone can get them to care. This season will be vital for both as veteran receivers on their respective teams were sent packing to make way for these two budding stars to shine. How bright or long that shine lasts is totally up to them.
Dez Bryant of the Cowboys and Kenny Britt of the Titans are at a crossroads. Both had memorable moments on the field in 2010 and forgettable moments during the 4 1/2 month lockout. Britt and Bryant (ironically sounds like a law firm) combined for 15 touchdowns and at least six run ins with either metro police, mall security, or the DA's office. The 15 touchdowns are even more impressive when you consider that neither player even sniffed a full 16 game season. Their respective nagging injuries were attributed to coming into camp out of shape last year.
OK, even if we do chalk up the lack of conditioning and off field issues to young men attempting to find their way in life, what cannot be excused is their lack of focus when it comes to preparation. Bryant was often fined for being late, and was even caught on occasion "sleeping on the job". Britt often displayed an aloof attitude that told the Titans brass that he could care less about becoming the best player on the field, let alone the best player in the league. What frustrates the heck out of everyone is that Britt and Bryant have the physical tools to become the Rice / Irving of their generation. That is, if someone can get them to care. This season will be vital for both as veteran receivers on their respective teams were sent packing to make way for these two budding stars to shine. How bright or long that shine lasts is totally up to them.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Pay C.J.
The Tennessee Titans are probably the happiest team in the league to see the nfl resume business. The term "rebuilding mode" is an understatement for a team that has a new head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and starting quarterback. Who that quarterback is remains a mystery after first round draft pick Jake Locker was brought in to replace first round draft bust Vince Young. Incumbent backup Kerry Collins chose to retire, and third stringer Rusty Smith is just plain terrible. You would think the Titans most pressing issue would be to bring in a veteran backup right? Wrong.
The Titans have a major problem on their hands if they do not take care of their dread head highlight reel Chris Johnson. Johnson held out last year for more money and the Titans applied a band aid. This time Johnson has all the leverage, and will have every reason to hold out. CJ to this point is very fortunate to have avoided the major injury that could set a career back. He has the most rushing yards since entering the league, and has proved durable in the Titans run first system. Johnson should look no further than Green Bay's Javon Walker, who reported to work against his better judgement while negotiating an extension. Walker suffered a major knee injury and soon faded from memory all together. Johnson also knows the Titans must spend more money under the new CBA. And let's be honest, nobody has mistaken the Titans for being Nostradamus when it comes to evaluating first round talent. Pac Man Jones, Vince Young, Kenny Britt? Two of the players are no longer on the team and Britt has one cleat out of the door. The Titans are not putting away cap room for another blockbuster deal anytime soon.
Look CJ, the time is now to get your money. What are the chances of another 300 plus attempt season with no injuries. Regardless of the quarterback (an over the hill veteran or inexperienced rookie) the offense will do nothing without you in the lineup. The fans will quickly lose interest as you are now the sole bankable commodity. The time is now. The Titans must pay CJ.
The Titans have a major problem on their hands if they do not take care of their dread head highlight reel Chris Johnson. Johnson held out last year for more money and the Titans applied a band aid. This time Johnson has all the leverage, and will have every reason to hold out. CJ to this point is very fortunate to have avoided the major injury that could set a career back. He has the most rushing yards since entering the league, and has proved durable in the Titans run first system. Johnson should look no further than Green Bay's Javon Walker, who reported to work against his better judgement while negotiating an extension. Walker suffered a major knee injury and soon faded from memory all together. Johnson also knows the Titans must spend more money under the new CBA. And let's be honest, nobody has mistaken the Titans for being Nostradamus when it comes to evaluating first round talent. Pac Man Jones, Vince Young, Kenny Britt? Two of the players are no longer on the team and Britt has one cleat out of the door. The Titans are not putting away cap room for another blockbuster deal anytime soon.
Look CJ, the time is now to get your money. What are the chances of another 300 plus attempt season with no injuries. Regardless of the quarterback (an over the hill veteran or inexperienced rookie) the offense will do nothing without you in the lineup. The fans will quickly lose interest as you are now the sole bankable commodity. The time is now. The Titans must pay CJ.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
King James: Most hated role model
I was listening to the Stephen A. Smith show today and he was talking about the Miami Heat's big three and their defensive dominance in their game 1 victory over Dallas. During the rant Mr. Smith referred to the big three as role models. It immediately hit me wrong, but why? Upon further review I completely agree with Stephen A's assessment. If you look beyond the surface the Miami Heat, and LeBron James in particular, are role models. That makes King James one of the most hated role model in the world.
LeBron James is the most polarizing figure in sports. Either you love him or you hate him. Let's not fool ourselves, people do not hate the Heat. They hate the King! And King James has flourished under the the pressure all year . I agree with the masses that LeBron should have handled "The Decision" better, but his actions since then are deserving of role model status. We all praise people who say "there is no I in team, and "all these athletes do now a days is chase the money". LeBron did neither, choosing to take less money for a chance to win multiple championships. Dan Gilbert, Cleveland Cavaliers owner, took several personal shots at LeBron upon his free agency exit. King James took the high road and turned the other cheek. LeBron faced questions about his loyalty and character off the court, and his failure to close out close games on the court. As the season progressed we witnessed LeBron James fight through adversity, become a go to guy, and lead his team to the NBA finals. All with the entire world rooting against him. I would love for my children to fight through adversity, turn the other cheek, put goals before money, and to do it even if only a few want them to succeed. I am rooting for King James to win now, I root for role models.
LeBron James is the most polarizing figure in sports. Either you love him or you hate him. Let's not fool ourselves, people do not hate the Heat. They hate the King! And King James has flourished under the the pressure all year . I agree with the masses that LeBron should have handled "The Decision" better, but his actions since then are deserving of role model status. We all praise people who say "there is no I in team, and "all these athletes do now a days is chase the money". LeBron did neither, choosing to take less money for a chance to win multiple championships. Dan Gilbert, Cleveland Cavaliers owner, took several personal shots at LeBron upon his free agency exit. King James took the high road and turned the other cheek. LeBron faced questions about his loyalty and character off the court, and his failure to close out close games on the court. As the season progressed we witnessed LeBron James fight through adversity, become a go to guy, and lead his team to the NBA finals. All with the entire world rooting against him. I would love for my children to fight through adversity, turn the other cheek, put goals before money, and to do it even if only a few want them to succeed. I am rooting for King James to win now, I root for role models.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
De ja vu for Thunder
Stop me if you've heard this. Oklahoma City blew a double digit forth quarter lead to lose in overtime. For those that were not fortunate enough to closely follow the Thunder's series with the Grizzlies, please do not be stunned by last night's meltdown. In game three of the Western Conference semi-finals against Memphis, Oklahoma City lost in the exact same fashion. The Thunder dominated the first three quarters, leading by 13 heading into the fourth. The Grizzlies outscored Oklahoma City 23-10 to force overtime and 15-7 to close it out. The Grizzlies' "stunning" comeback was aided by an overly aggressive Russell Westbrook and overly timid Kevin Durant. Westbrook continually dribbled the air out of the ball, forcing tough shots against a collapsing defense. Durant never asserted himself, settling for "cop out" three point attempts that failed miserably.
So last night when the Mavs went on their first 7-0 run late in the fouth, I got thatfunny feeling that Okc was going to lose. The normally rowdy crowd at Oklahoma City Arena must have felt it too, because their collective nervous energy shot through my screen like a missile. Durant was aggressive and confident for the first thirty six minutes of last night's game, and Westbrook was calm and wise with his decision making. Then came the fourth quarter. Once Dirk started to get things rolling, it seemed as though the budding super stars for the Thunder reverted to old bad habits. Westbrook went back to his school yard one on one mentality, while Durant timidly hid behind the three point line, hoping to reap the scraps rather than attack as he did all game. The Thunder will not lose this series to the Mavericks because of talent, that's a good thing. They will lose because of immaturity. Time and experience will cure that.
So last night when the Mavs went on their first 7-0 run late in the fouth, I got thatfunny feeling that Okc was going to lose. The normally rowdy crowd at Oklahoma City Arena must have felt it too, because their collective nervous energy shot through my screen like a missile. Durant was aggressive and confident for the first thirty six minutes of last night's game, and Westbrook was calm and wise with his decision making. Then came the fourth quarter. Once Dirk started to get things rolling, it seemed as though the budding super stars for the Thunder reverted to old bad habits. Westbrook went back to his school yard one on one mentality, while Durant timidly hid behind the three point line, hoping to reap the scraps rather than attack as he did all game. The Thunder will not lose this series to the Mavericks because of talent, that's a good thing. They will lose because of immaturity. Time and experience will cure that.
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