For Green Bay Packer's conerback Charles Woodson, next week's super bowl in Dallas will have been eight years in the making. We all remember Woodson's seemingly game clinching sack and forced fumble on New England's Tom Brady in the 2002 playoffs. It seems that Woodson is known more for being victimized by the "tuck rule" than for being one of the special football talents of the past decade. Woodson lead the Michigan Wolverines to an undefeated season and national championship in 1997. Woodson also became the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman trophy, a feat that remains to this day. And let's not forget that Woodson was also a dangerous receiver, and one of the most feared return men in the nation.
Woodson continued to produce in the nfl, earning defensive rookie of the year honors in 1998. Thirteen years later, Woodson is the reigning defensive player of the year. Throw in seven pro bowl appearances and six all pro selections. The only thing missing from this hall of fame resume is a championship ring.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Titans made right move
Although shocking, the Tennessee Titans made the right move in parting ways with long time head coach Jeff Fisher. After 17 seasons both Fisher and the organization mutually agreed it was time to move on, and I will amen to that. Yes, Fisher lead the transition from Houston to Memphis to Nashville. Yes, Fisher lead the Titans to their lone super bowl appearance. And yes, the Titans have lost at least five games in a row in five of the past seven seasons. The Titans learned from two of their fiercest rivals that change can be a good thing.
Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher went to the playoffs in 10 of his 15 seasons, winning super bowl XL in 2005. In 2007 Cowher stepped away and was replaced by Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator and relative unknown Mike Tomlin. In his second season, Tomlin lead the Steelers to a championship and will be aiming for another next Sunday evening.
Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick took his team to the playoffs in four of his nine seasons. Billick also brought the Ravens their first title in 2000. After a disappointing 07 campaign, the Ravens replaced Billick with Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach and relative unknown John Harbaugh. The Ravens have remained solid under Harbaugh's watch, making the playoffs in each of his first three seasons. The Titans need to do their homework and resist the "inside our organization" mentality that lead to a mediocre team at best the past few years. Change is good, The time was now.
Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher went to the playoffs in 10 of his 15 seasons, winning super bowl XL in 2005. In 2007 Cowher stepped away and was replaced by Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator and relative unknown Mike Tomlin. In his second season, Tomlin lead the Steelers to a championship and will be aiming for another next Sunday evening.
Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick took his team to the playoffs in four of his nine seasons. Billick also brought the Ravens their first title in 2000. After a disappointing 07 campaign, the Ravens replaced Billick with Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach and relative unknown John Harbaugh. The Ravens have remained solid under Harbaugh's watch, making the playoffs in each of his first three seasons. The Titans need to do their homework and resist the "inside our organization" mentality that lead to a mediocre team at best the past few years. Change is good, The time was now.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Michigan hoops mirror football program
With all of the hoopla surrounding the University of Michigan's football program this off season, no one has paid attention to little brother. The men's basketball program is without question the younger sibling on campus, and have been so since the fab five unceremoniously bolted for nba stardom in the early 90's. If you look closely at third year coach John Beilein's team, they bear a striking resemblance to this year's football team. Both are streaky and both are consistently inconsistent.
Michigan's football team started the 2010 season 5-0, loss their next three, won the following two, then tanked the last three with a combined score of 137-49. The Wolverine basketball team won their first three, lost the next two, reeled off eight in a row, and are currently in the midst of a six game losing streak. Neither team could or can bounce back from a loss. Rich Rodriguez had a dynamic sophomore in quarterback Denard Robinson, who went on to be the 2010 big ten player of the year. Robinson was the most improved player in the conference, and possibly the entire country. John Beilein has his own sensational sophomore in guard Darius Morris. Like Robinson, Morris improved by leaps and bounds from year one to year two. He is the leading scorer for the Wolverines at just under 16 points a game, and fifth in the nation with seven assists to match.
Of all the similarities, the most alarming is the lack of the success in the conference, and against their rivals in particular. Rodriguez went o for 3 against Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Ohio State. Beilein already loss to Wisconsin and Ohio State, and will travel to Michigan State on Thursday. Both programs are extremely young, and in some areas extremely talented. But how long do you give a program "rebuilding grace" before losing becomes a fabric of the culture and image of the university? For both the football and basketball teams, time is running out.
Michigan's football team started the 2010 season 5-0, loss their next three, won the following two, then tanked the last three with a combined score of 137-49. The Wolverine basketball team won their first three, lost the next two, reeled off eight in a row, and are currently in the midst of a six game losing streak. Neither team could or can bounce back from a loss. Rich Rodriguez had a dynamic sophomore in quarterback Denard Robinson, who went on to be the 2010 big ten player of the year. Robinson was the most improved player in the conference, and possibly the entire country. John Beilein has his own sensational sophomore in guard Darius Morris. Like Robinson, Morris improved by leaps and bounds from year one to year two. He is the leading scorer for the Wolverines at just under 16 points a game, and fifth in the nation with seven assists to match.
Of all the similarities, the most alarming is the lack of the success in the conference, and against their rivals in particular. Rodriguez went o for 3 against Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Ohio State. Beilein already loss to Wisconsin and Ohio State, and will travel to Michigan State on Thursday. Both programs are extremely young, and in some areas extremely talented. But how long do you give a program "rebuilding grace" before losing becomes a fabric of the culture and image of the university? For both the football and basketball teams, time is running out.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Giants bring in new Dallas era, again
The Dallas Cowboys are America's team. That's not for debate. The Cowboy's are also America's most visible team with the most visible owner. That too is not to be debated. Being high profile can be a gift and a curse, with great praise and attention comes equal scrutiny. Over the past 50 years we have witnessed the rise and fall of the Cowboys several times over, each new beginning having their own unique transitional point. Tennessee's Music City Miracle officially transitioned the team from the Oilers to the Titans in 99. The Titans went to their first Super Bowl that year. Drew Bledsoe's injury paved the way for Tom Brady and a subsequent Patriot's dynasty. Although the Cowboys' transitional points have been different over the past 2o years, they always seem to involve the New York Giants. Even if the Giants were an unwilling participant.
In the 1993 season finale, the defending champion Dallas Cowboys went into Giants stadium with a must win game on their hands. A win would give the Cowboys home field advantage throughout the playoffs. A young and talented running back by the name of Emmitt Smith separated his shoulder in the first half of the game. Miraculously, Smith continued to play through the pain and turned in an improbable 220 total yard performance in a 16-13 overtime win over the Giants. Keep in mind that Smith missed the first two games in a bitter contract dispute with owner Jerry Jones that season. The Cowboys started the season 0-2. The personal sacrifice and bravery Smith showed in that game set the tone for a repeat championship in 93. The Cowboys went on to win another in 95 and be named the team of the 90's. Smith went on to become the leading rusher in nfl history and hall of fame inductee.
On October 23, 2006 the Dallas Cowboys played host to the New York Giants under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. Gone were the glory days of the 90's. In fact, The Cowboys had not been to the playoffs in over 6 years. Starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe was brought in as part of another failed "replace Troy Aikman" attempt. Former Giants head coach Bill Parcells was brought in to ressurect Dallas, to become America's team once again. But Bledsoe was clearly a shell of his former self and a liability on offense. Bledsoe's play was so bad he was replaced by un drafted free agent Tony Romo at half time. Romo threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns in a failed come back attempt against New York, but he immediately showed he possessed that "it" factor. Not only to be a starting quarterback, but to be a starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo went on to start the remainder of the season and has since went on to three pro bowls, two divisional titles, and a playoff win. Romo remains the Cowboys starter and top ten quarterback in the league today.
October 25, 2010 Dallas is one again under the bright lights of Monday Night Football playing host to the New York Giants. The Cowboys were 1-4 and in serious danger of being out of playoff contention. Buzzards could be seen circling the open roof at Cowboys stadium, knowing that with each loss there would soon be a carcass to feast on. Ironically enough, Tony Romo lay there motionless. The victim of a (clean) but vicious hit from Giants linebacker Michael Boley. It was that point where media and fans alike accused the team (and defense in particular) of quitting. The Cowboys play did little to defuse the rumor as they were blown out in their next two games by a combined 80-24. Head Coach Wade Phillips was fired and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was promoted to interim head coach. Garrett won in his head coaching debut. His opponent? The New York Giants. I'm just sayin.
In the 1993 season finale, the defending champion Dallas Cowboys went into Giants stadium with a must win game on their hands. A win would give the Cowboys home field advantage throughout the playoffs. A young and talented running back by the name of Emmitt Smith separated his shoulder in the first half of the game. Miraculously, Smith continued to play through the pain and turned in an improbable 220 total yard performance in a 16-13 overtime win over the Giants. Keep in mind that Smith missed the first two games in a bitter contract dispute with owner Jerry Jones that season. The Cowboys started the season 0-2. The personal sacrifice and bravery Smith showed in that game set the tone for a repeat championship in 93. The Cowboys went on to win another in 95 and be named the team of the 90's. Smith went on to become the leading rusher in nfl history and hall of fame inductee.
On October 23, 2006 the Dallas Cowboys played host to the New York Giants under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. Gone were the glory days of the 90's. In fact, The Cowboys had not been to the playoffs in over 6 years. Starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe was brought in as part of another failed "replace Troy Aikman" attempt. Former Giants head coach Bill Parcells was brought in to ressurect Dallas, to become America's team once again. But Bledsoe was clearly a shell of his former self and a liability on offense. Bledsoe's play was so bad he was replaced by un drafted free agent Tony Romo at half time. Romo threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns in a failed come back attempt against New York, but he immediately showed he possessed that "it" factor. Not only to be a starting quarterback, but to be a starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo went on to start the remainder of the season and has since went on to three pro bowls, two divisional titles, and a playoff win. Romo remains the Cowboys starter and top ten quarterback in the league today.
October 25, 2010 Dallas is one again under the bright lights of Monday Night Football playing host to the New York Giants. The Cowboys were 1-4 and in serious danger of being out of playoff contention. Buzzards could be seen circling the open roof at Cowboys stadium, knowing that with each loss there would soon be a carcass to feast on. Ironically enough, Tony Romo lay there motionless. The victim of a (clean) but vicious hit from Giants linebacker Michael Boley. It was that point where media and fans alike accused the team (and defense in particular) of quitting. The Cowboys play did little to defuse the rumor as they were blown out in their next two games by a combined 80-24. Head Coach Wade Phillips was fired and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett was promoted to interim head coach. Garrett won in his head coaching debut. His opponent? The New York Giants. I'm just sayin.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Bye week good to Titans
Most nfl teams look forward to their yearly bye week. The coaching staff will get an additional week of preparation time and the players will get a few days of well deserved rest. The bye week has been especially kind to the Tennessee Titans lately, and head coach Jeff Fisher is looking to catch lightning in a bottle once again. Tennessee entered the 2009 bye week at 0-6. Owner Bud Adams stepped in and ordered Vince Young to start at quarterback. The Titans finished the season on a 8-2 run, falling one game short of a historic playoff birth.
The Titans went into this year's bye week on another loss, and it seems that lady luck has reared her beautiful head once again. After losing their breakout wide receiver Kenny Britt to a hamstring injury early against the Chargers, the Titans landed hall of famer to be Randy Moss as a replacement. The caterer for the Minnesota Vikings on that fateful Friday afternoon had to be in the right place at the right time. Randy Moss had to be in the right (or in this case wrong) mood and the rest is waiver wire history. And what are the chances that 22 other teams would refuse Moss's services? Some of those teams had glaring holes at the wide receiver position. And to throw a cheery on top, lady luck had the Colts and Texans lose in week 9. The Titans now sit in a first place tie with Indianapolis at 5-3, with five divisional games left to play. Time will tell if the Moss experiment will work out. But for now, what a week to be a Tennessee Titan.
The Titans went into this year's bye week on another loss, and it seems that lady luck has reared her beautiful head once again. After losing their breakout wide receiver Kenny Britt to a hamstring injury early against the Chargers, the Titans landed hall of famer to be Randy Moss as a replacement. The caterer for the Minnesota Vikings on that fateful Friday afternoon had to be in the right place at the right time. Randy Moss had to be in the right (or in this case wrong) mood and the rest is waiver wire history. And what are the chances that 22 other teams would refuse Moss's services? Some of those teams had glaring holes at the wide receiver position. And to throw a cheery on top, lady luck had the Colts and Texans lose in week 9. The Titans now sit in a first place tie with Indianapolis at 5-3, with five divisional games left to play. Time will tell if the Moss experiment will work out. But for now, what a week to be a Tennessee Titan.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
NFL mid term grades
We are at the halfway point of the 2010 nfl regular season. Time to pass out some mid term grades.
A
New England: The Patriots hit the half way point with the league's best record, their only loss was on the road to a tough Jets team. Oddly enough, New England seems harder to game plan for now that Randy Moss is out of the picture. Defense and special teams have made timely plays as well.
Pittsburgh: The Steelers are a solid 6-2, their only losses to Baltimore and the defending champion Saints. Not only did Pittsburgh survive the four game suspension of their star quarterback, the Steelers won two road games against winning teams with their fourth string quarterback.
St. Louis: Yes. The St. Louis Rams get an A. An A for effort. Lets keep in mind the former greatest show on turf won a total of six games the past three seasons. After eight games in 2010, they are sitting at 4-4 with a rookie quarterback and no wide receivers. Job well done St. Louis.
B
Tennessee: The Titans bounced back from an 0-6 start in 2009. At 5-3, Tennessee sits one game behind division leader Indianapolis with two head to head games remaining. With newly acquired Randy Moss, the Titans will have the capability to force a defense's hand on whether or not they want to double Moss or keep an eighth man in the box to stop their best weapon Chris Johnson.
Kansas City / Oakland: Be honest, when was the last time you cared about a Chiefs Raiders game? Well this weekend's match up will no doubt shape the division race as Oakland (4-4) sit a game and a half behind Kansas City in the afc west. I am having a hard time figuring out which team has been most surprising. Both deserve B's.
Indianapolis, Baltimore, New York (Jets and Giants), Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia all get B's.
C
New Orleans: Call it unfair, call me spoiled. At 5-3, the Saints just look average. The running backs are now M*A*S*H cast members. Drew Brees has been turning the ball over more often and the defense is turning opponents over less often. Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas will be back soon which should no doubt help the offense. BUT, the division is much tougher this year with the Bucs and Falcons showing no sign of falling off.
Green Bay: Joining the Saints in the M*A*S*H green room are the Packers. Green Bay has been decimated with injuries to key players and have already had a couple of head scratching losses. As bad as the Vikings are this year, Green Bay still can not seem to pull away in the division.
Other C grades go to Detroit, Chicago, Washington, Seattle, Miami and Houston
D
San Diego: Here we go with another rendition of "Norv Turner and the Chargers always finish strong." Even with their come from behind victory over the Titans last week, the Chargers (3-5) sit a game out of the afc west dweller. Were talking about a division with the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders!
Minnesota: So many places I can go here, but let's keep it on the field. The Brett Favre retirement tour should have been cancelled before the season started. Everyone who boarded that plane last August should be waived. Brett Favre is a fierce competitor but with all of his effort, the body is simply not holding up. The passing game that fueled this offense a year ago has slowed to a painful sputter. A final super bowl run will elude Mr. Favre. The only song left? A swan song for head coach Brad Childress.
Other D nominees include Cleveland, Denver, Jacksonville, San Fransisco, and Arizona.
F
Dallas: Where do I start? The Cowboys have literally invented new and creative ways to lose this year. Dallas (1-6) is off to their worst start in over 20 years, with basically the same roster that won a playoff game a year ago. The Cowboys are so bad, owner Jerry Jones referred to his team as being 1-7 after their stunning blowout loss to Jacksonville last week. Maybe Mr. Jones was already looking ahead to this week's match up against the Packers. Wade Phillips and the entire coaching staff are officially lame ducks and the season was lost on Halloween. How poetic, trick or treat.
Buffalo and Carolina bring up the rear with their terrible play. F!
A
New England: The Patriots hit the half way point with the league's best record, their only loss was on the road to a tough Jets team. Oddly enough, New England seems harder to game plan for now that Randy Moss is out of the picture. Defense and special teams have made timely plays as well.
Pittsburgh: The Steelers are a solid 6-2, their only losses to Baltimore and the defending champion Saints. Not only did Pittsburgh survive the four game suspension of their star quarterback, the Steelers won two road games against winning teams with their fourth string quarterback.
St. Louis: Yes. The St. Louis Rams get an A. An A for effort. Lets keep in mind the former greatest show on turf won a total of six games the past three seasons. After eight games in 2010, they are sitting at 4-4 with a rookie quarterback and no wide receivers. Job well done St. Louis.
B
Tennessee: The Titans bounced back from an 0-6 start in 2009. At 5-3, Tennessee sits one game behind division leader Indianapolis with two head to head games remaining. With newly acquired Randy Moss, the Titans will have the capability to force a defense's hand on whether or not they want to double Moss or keep an eighth man in the box to stop their best weapon Chris Johnson.
Kansas City / Oakland: Be honest, when was the last time you cared about a Chiefs Raiders game? Well this weekend's match up will no doubt shape the division race as Oakland (4-4) sit a game and a half behind Kansas City in the afc west. I am having a hard time figuring out which team has been most surprising. Both deserve B's.
Indianapolis, Baltimore, New York (Jets and Giants), Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia all get B's.
C
New Orleans: Call it unfair, call me spoiled. At 5-3, the Saints just look average. The running backs are now M*A*S*H cast members. Drew Brees has been turning the ball over more often and the defense is turning opponents over less often. Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas will be back soon which should no doubt help the offense. BUT, the division is much tougher this year with the Bucs and Falcons showing no sign of falling off.
Green Bay: Joining the Saints in the M*A*S*H green room are the Packers. Green Bay has been decimated with injuries to key players and have already had a couple of head scratching losses. As bad as the Vikings are this year, Green Bay still can not seem to pull away in the division.
Other C grades go to Detroit, Chicago, Washington, Seattle, Miami and Houston
D
San Diego: Here we go with another rendition of "Norv Turner and the Chargers always finish strong." Even with their come from behind victory over the Titans last week, the Chargers (3-5) sit a game out of the afc west dweller. Were talking about a division with the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders!
Minnesota: So many places I can go here, but let's keep it on the field. The Brett Favre retirement tour should have been cancelled before the season started. Everyone who boarded that plane last August should be waived. Brett Favre is a fierce competitor but with all of his effort, the body is simply not holding up. The passing game that fueled this offense a year ago has slowed to a painful sputter. A final super bowl run will elude Mr. Favre. The only song left? A swan song for head coach Brad Childress.
Other D nominees include Cleveland, Denver, Jacksonville, San Fransisco, and Arizona.
F
Dallas: Where do I start? The Cowboys have literally invented new and creative ways to lose this year. Dallas (1-6) is off to their worst start in over 20 years, with basically the same roster that won a playoff game a year ago. The Cowboys are so bad, owner Jerry Jones referred to his team as being 1-7 after their stunning blowout loss to Jacksonville last week. Maybe Mr. Jones was already looking ahead to this week's match up against the Packers. Wade Phillips and the entire coaching staff are officially lame ducks and the season was lost on Halloween. How poetic, trick or treat.
Buffalo and Carolina bring up the rear with their terrible play. F!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The nfl's new "Not for long"
Nfl head coach Jerry Glanville's side line conversation with a referee was caught on film one Sunday afternoon. The exchange lead to one of the nfl's most popular quotes, the nfl stands for not for long. Glanville was arguing a perceived blown call in that instance, but the the phrase has since been universally used. Some use the saying in reference to a coach on the hot seat. Others use the term in reference to the violent nature of the game. Five weeks into the 2010 season and the phrase is a warning to the 2009 playoff teams.
The nfc playoff teams from a year ago, New Orleans, Minnesota, Green Bay, Dallas, Arizona, and Philadelphia are a combined 14-14 after five weeks. The Cowboys and Vikings are sitting at the bottom of the nfc east and central. Their meeting in Minneapolis this Sunday afternoon is not a must win game, it's a play in game. The loser will drop to 1-4 and become a playoff after thought.
The afc playoff teams from a year ago, Indianapolis, San Diego, New England, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and New York have fared a little better with an 18-11 record at the five week mark. Their division counter parts are playing much better as well though. The Colts find themselves in a four way tie for the division lead at 3-2, but their 0-2 division record has them fighting up hill. The Chargers are also win less in their division at 0-2. With the emergence of the Texans, Titans, and Steelers, there may not be much wiggle room to squeeze in as a wild card this year. If recent parody is any indication, most of last year's playoff participants better enjoy it while they can.
The nfc playoff teams from a year ago, New Orleans, Minnesota, Green Bay, Dallas, Arizona, and Philadelphia are a combined 14-14 after five weeks. The Cowboys and Vikings are sitting at the bottom of the nfc east and central. Their meeting in Minneapolis this Sunday afternoon is not a must win game, it's a play in game. The loser will drop to 1-4 and become a playoff after thought.
The afc playoff teams from a year ago, Indianapolis, San Diego, New England, Baltimore, Cincinnati, and New York have fared a little better with an 18-11 record at the five week mark. Their division counter parts are playing much better as well though. The Colts find themselves in a four way tie for the division lead at 3-2, but their 0-2 division record has them fighting up hill. The Chargers are also win less in their division at 0-2. With the emergence of the Texans, Titans, and Steelers, there may not be much wiggle room to squeeze in as a wild card this year. If recent parody is any indication, most of last year's playoff participants better enjoy it while they can.
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