He was the bigger man. The man was so secure in his job he wanted to bring in talent at his position. He wanted to help another human being. So did Donovan McNabb effectively cost himself the most talented overall team to eventually become a demoted 3rd string back for a division rival? Yes, yes, and unfortunately yes.
When Michael Vick was released from his 18-month prison sentence there were a couple of teams that were kicking the tires about the idea of adding him to their roster. There was only one team that was ready to buy. The Philadelphia Eagles. Donovan McNabb looked at a friend, put himself in Vick's shoes, and said yeah go ahead and sign him. McNabb the starter, with quarterback of the future Kevin Kolb as a backup, and Vick as a 3rd stringer? That's one of the best quarterback trios in league history.
Now not even two full years later how the world has been turned upside down for McNabb. He's essentially been called dumb, fat, and lazy by his current employer.Mike Shanahan during the course of the season said McNabb could not pick up the terminology of the system (dumb), said he lacked the cardiovascular endurance to run the two-minute offense (fat), and has not been in the best of shape since training camp (lazy). He's been dropped to third-string after signing a contract 78 million dollar contract extension. (Remember in the NFL the money's not guaranteed, so he'll never see 15% of that money.) Meanwhile Vick has shaken off the rust from lockup to not only take Kolb's job, but is in a neck and neck race with Tom Brady for league MVP.
Now I know McNabb is a class guy, but if he knew that it would turn out for him the way that it has for the past 12 months do you think he still endorses bring Vick to Philly? Does it bother him that he's dealing with one of the most dysfunctional organizations in the NFL(chew on that Redskins fan), while Vick is shining in Philly playing with the weapons that should have been his? McNabb will never admit that he regrets co-signing on the Vick deal, but in the back of his mind is McNabb secretly thinking to himself that he wish he would have said.....Hellz no we ain't bringing him here! Hindsight is 20/20 after all.
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11/8/10
Can You Fire Your Favorite Team's Owner?
It's really a fair question isn't it? I was talking to a Cowboys fan and he just asked out of frustration, "Can we fire our owner?" How 'bout 'dem Cowboys?!?!
Owner Jerry Jones fired head coach Wade Phillips less than a week after he said Wade was safe for the season. It's not that Wade didn't deserve to be fired, it's the fact that Jerry has gone on record making ridiculous claims like that which frustrates the fanbase. Fact, Jerry Jones has not won a Super Bowl without talent stocked by Jimmy Johnson. If you're not over 20 years old, there's a strong chance you don't remember the Cowboys last Super Bowl title. 1996 was a long time ago Jerry. But the question "Can we fire our owner" goes beyond Big D.
Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has been throwing money at the 'Skins problem since he bought the team. He's overpaid for names for years and yielded little results. Like Jones, Snyder is a really rich guy that found success in something other than football. Success that made him incredibly wealthy. From what I've found wealthy people usually believe they are the smartest people in the room. I mean they are extremely rich and everyone wants to be rich, so their proverbial mindset, "I must be smart."
The problem with that flawed thinking is just because you have a skill that makes you extremely good at one thing, does not mean your ideas translate into other realms similarly. Do you think an astrophysicists could outcoach Bill Belichick? Not likely. That doesn't mean the astrophysicist isn't brilliant, but football X's and O's is not his speciality. Yet these owners think because they've built an empire in business they should meddle in football affairs. Snyder and Jones have to have the last word on decisions. For better or worse, and it's proven to mostly be for the worst.
The Redskins and Cowboys have two of the best fan bases in sports. They own one of the marquee rivalries in football. The Redskins are at .500 and have a nice in-house cock fight going on with the latest coaching savior Dan Shannahan, and the latest big name free-agent acquisition Donovan McNabb. Different year same turmoil for the 'Skins under Snyder.
The Redskins are sitting at 500, and after eight games the Cowboys have won a single game. That's what these proud franchises have fallen to. Wait 'til next year, nah. How about wait 'til the owner sales.
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Owner Jerry Jones fired head coach Wade Phillips less than a week after he said Wade was safe for the season. It's not that Wade didn't deserve to be fired, it's the fact that Jerry has gone on record making ridiculous claims like that which frustrates the fanbase. Fact, Jerry Jones has not won a Super Bowl without talent stocked by Jimmy Johnson. If you're not over 20 years old, there's a strong chance you don't remember the Cowboys last Super Bowl title. 1996 was a long time ago Jerry. But the question "Can we fire our owner" goes beyond Big D.
Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has been throwing money at the 'Skins problem since he bought the team. He's overpaid for names for years and yielded little results. Like Jones, Snyder is a really rich guy that found success in something other than football. Success that made him incredibly wealthy. From what I've found wealthy people usually believe they are the smartest people in the room. I mean they are extremely rich and everyone wants to be rich, so their proverbial mindset, "I must be smart."
The problem with that flawed thinking is just because you have a skill that makes you extremely good at one thing, does not mean your ideas translate into other realms similarly. Do you think an astrophysicists could outcoach Bill Belichick? Not likely. That doesn't mean the astrophysicist isn't brilliant, but football X's and O's is not his speciality. Yet these owners think because they've built an empire in business they should meddle in football affairs. Snyder and Jones have to have the last word on decisions. For better or worse, and it's proven to mostly be for the worst.
The Redskins and Cowboys have two of the best fan bases in sports. They own one of the marquee rivalries in football. The Redskins are at .500 and have a nice in-house cock fight going on with the latest coaching savior Dan Shannahan, and the latest big name free-agent acquisition Donovan McNabb. Different year same turmoil for the 'Skins under Snyder.
The Redskins are sitting at 500, and after eight games the Cowboys have won a single game. That's what these proud franchises have fallen to. Wait 'til next year, nah. How about wait 'til the owner sales.
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11/6/10
Ego Supersedes Talent in NFL
I was wrong. I was dead wrong. I stopped at a green light. I believed putting "the old gunslinger" and "straight cash homie" was perfect, except I didn't expect it be ruined by an ego that didn't belong to either of them. Brett Favre, Randy Moss, and Brad Childress were red kool-aid and a two-year old, just a disaster when mixed together.
You may buy Moss got waived by the Vikings because he talked bad about a caterer. You may also buy that Moss got waived because he wasn't impacting the game anymore. You may even buy Moss got waived because he said he wasn't doing anymore interviews this season. I can tell you you're making the wrong purchase. Randy Moss is a Tennessee Titan strictly because Brad Childress could not deal with the Devil that makes Moss an NFL deity.
Childress is a mark. You can tell by the beard, the George Jefferson balding hairstyle (just shave it man), and by the way he's let his team be held at gunpoint for the past two seasons by Favre. The Vikings got off to a slow start, saw Moss was available, and made the move to bring the most dangerous wideout ever this side of Jerry Rice for a third round pick. Why didn't it work? Chilly could not get out of his own way. Brad Childress waived Randy Moss to get everyone's attention when his feelings got hurt. He wanted to let everyone know who's in charge. Problem is Chilly, you cut off your nose to spite your face.
Moss went in front of the press and professed his love for the New England Patriots organization and called out some of the decisions of his current head coach. Childress ego could not take Moss pining for Bill Belichick and felt he was being made out to be a fool in front of everyone. Moss had to go, right then and there. Now explain to me how does that make your team better on the field Chilly? Belichick got rid of Moss because he had a plan, you got rid of Moss because of stubborn pride. Childress you are the head coach Shaq was talking about. "The Master of Panic."
Brett Favre has been a one-man soap opera for the past two seasons. You would think when you've been groveling on your knees as long as Childress, bringing in Moss would not be a problem. Instead when Childress felt threatened he handled it like a child. I mean a little brat. Not only did he waive Moss without talking to his boss, he announced it to the team in a matter of fact tone that made it seem he was elevating a guy from the practice squad.
This is Randy Moss. A guy who still commands double teams. A guy that creates space for all the other offensive weapons to operate by simply being on the field. And you let his mouth, not his game cost you your locker room, a third round pick, his talent, and eventually your job. So was it the best move? It was for Chilly's ego.
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You may buy Moss got waived by the Vikings because he talked bad about a caterer. You may also buy that Moss got waived because he wasn't impacting the game anymore. You may even buy Moss got waived because he said he wasn't doing anymore interviews this season. I can tell you you're making the wrong purchase. Randy Moss is a Tennessee Titan strictly because Brad Childress could not deal with the Devil that makes Moss an NFL deity.
Childress is a mark. You can tell by the beard, the George Jefferson balding hairstyle (just shave it man), and by the way he's let his team be held at gunpoint for the past two seasons by Favre. The Vikings got off to a slow start, saw Moss was available, and made the move to bring the most dangerous wideout ever this side of Jerry Rice for a third round pick. Why didn't it work? Chilly could not get out of his own way. Brad Childress waived Randy Moss to get everyone's attention when his feelings got hurt. He wanted to let everyone know who's in charge. Problem is Chilly, you cut off your nose to spite your face.
Moss went in front of the press and professed his love for the New England Patriots organization and called out some of the decisions of his current head coach. Childress ego could not take Moss pining for Bill Belichick and felt he was being made out to be a fool in front of everyone. Moss had to go, right then and there. Now explain to me how does that make your team better on the field Chilly? Belichick got rid of Moss because he had a plan, you got rid of Moss because of stubborn pride. Childress you are the head coach Shaq was talking about. "The Master of Panic."
Brett Favre has been a one-man soap opera for the past two seasons. You would think when you've been groveling on your knees as long as Childress, bringing in Moss would not be a problem. Instead when Childress felt threatened he handled it like a child. I mean a little brat. Not only did he waive Moss without talking to his boss, he announced it to the team in a matter of fact tone that made it seem he was elevating a guy from the practice squad.
This is Randy Moss. A guy who still commands double teams. A guy that creates space for all the other offensive weapons to operate by simply being on the field. And you let his mouth, not his game cost you your locker room, a third round pick, his talent, and eventually your job. So was it the best move? It was for Chilly's ego.
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11/2/10
Jerry Jones Has A Fantasy Fetish
Millions of people play fantasy football because they wish they could run a real football team. Everyone aspires to do what Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones does, play fantasy football with a real football team. You know how it goes with fantasy, gather the best talent at the "skill positions". Jerry Jones has perfected this craft. His team is deep at running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Problem is Jerry, the NFL is not a place to run a fantasy team.
The Cowboys were doomed this year from the start because they could play a mean game of football.....on paper. Jones added another "weapon" with Dez Bryant in the draft instead of looking for a quality offensive lineman to shore up his team's biggest weakness. Jerry wanted the flash. Jerry wanted the sizzle. Jerry wanted everyone to talk about his team, playing in his stadium, for the Super Bowl. Jerry got the attention, people bought in.
One problem. The reason fantasy football works is because all these great players that everyone puts on their fantasy squads are on different teams. Jerry, there's only one ball. You're not going to get 28 fantasy points or rather 4 touchdowns from Bryant and have a great game from Miles Austin and Felix Jones and Roy Williams and Marion Barber and etc. You do have an offensive juggernaut, except on the offensive line where you've essentially hired a bunch of fat guys off bar stools. Neglecting the line, not something Jimmy Johnson would have done. (Forgot we're not supposed to mention Jimmy's name anymore.)
I know if Jerry were to read this he'd say something to the effect of, "You have to account for injuries, that's why we have quality up and down the depth chart at the skill positions." I'd tell Jerry he's right. Only if you have to account for injuries, why is Tony Romo's backup someone who should be getting a paycheck every two weeks from the unemployment office? Why have an offense built around a quarterback who's strengths are getting out of the pocket and making something happen when things break down and have a backup who does none of those things? Jerry? You there?
So now the Cowboys are at the bottom of the NFC East. One of the worst teams in the league, but there's a bright side Jerry. I hear Randy Moss is available.
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The Cowboys were doomed this year from the start because they could play a mean game of football.....on paper. Jones added another "weapon" with Dez Bryant in the draft instead of looking for a quality offensive lineman to shore up his team's biggest weakness. Jerry wanted the flash. Jerry wanted the sizzle. Jerry wanted everyone to talk about his team, playing in his stadium, for the Super Bowl. Jerry got the attention, people bought in.
One problem. The reason fantasy football works is because all these great players that everyone puts on their fantasy squads are on different teams. Jerry, there's only one ball. You're not going to get 28 fantasy points or rather 4 touchdowns from Bryant and have a great game from Miles Austin and Felix Jones and Roy Williams and Marion Barber and etc. You do have an offensive juggernaut, except on the offensive line where you've essentially hired a bunch of fat guys off bar stools. Neglecting the line, not something Jimmy Johnson would have done. (Forgot we're not supposed to mention Jimmy's name anymore.)
I know if Jerry were to read this he'd say something to the effect of, "You have to account for injuries, that's why we have quality up and down the depth chart at the skill positions." I'd tell Jerry he's right. Only if you have to account for injuries, why is Tony Romo's backup someone who should be getting a paycheck every two weeks from the unemployment office? Why have an offense built around a quarterback who's strengths are getting out of the pocket and making something happen when things break down and have a backup who does none of those things? Jerry? You there?
So now the Cowboys are at the bottom of the NFC East. One of the worst teams in the league, but there's a bright side Jerry. I hear Randy Moss is available.
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10/19/10
New Rules will Concuss The NFL
You've read the rhetoric by now. "Kudos to the NFL for trying to cut down on all the head shots." Well if you think you've clicked on that type story, sorry. I'm sick of the rhetoric. I'm sick of all the public relation moves that the league has made under commissioner Roger Goodell. This may be the most egregious one.
This cat Goodell first came in as commissioner and laid down the law on players about their off the field antics. The new sheriff in town thought he needed to protect the players from themselves and be the morality police. We've sat and watched Goodell serve uneven punishment for players over the last several years. Goodell dished out fines and suspensions for any action he felt was not good for the league. I'm not getting into Mike Vick or Pac-Man's punishments vs. how Brett Favre is still playing despite his crude behavior, because if Goodell wanted to make his name on what goes on off of the field that was fine. Now he and his henchmen are effecting the game that you and I love on the field.
The NFL announced that it's going to be more harsh in enforcing it's rules about helmet-to-helmet hits. This is football people. Repeat this is football people! Goodell is once again trying to protect the players from themselves, but this is going to end badly.
No one makes anyone play professional football. These guys know the risks before they strap on the pads every week. The vocal minority wants more protection for the players, but if you survey an NFL locker room you will find that these guys know violent hits are apart of the game. Defensive guys pride themselves on the big hit and offensive guys pride themselves on being able to avoid it or in certain situations being able to absorb it.
Have you ever watched football? Going over the middle and complaining about the inflicted carnage is like running into oncoming traffic and complaining about how a car is supposed to hit you. Defensive players are taught how to hit and tackle and you know what, sometimes in the midst of trying to tackle someone you're going to get helmet-to-helmet contact. You know why? Because the offensive player is trying not to get hit! Think of it like this, would Ray Lewis rather take a fine/suspension and deliver a kill-shot or would he rather the offensive players think that they can come over the middle without the threat of getting punished? This is what these guys sign up for. You're trying to turn pro football into two-hand touch.
The other problem that no one seems to be addressing is what happens when a key player gets suspended for what amounts to doing his job? Do you think it will be fair if James Harrison has to miss games because he was out there being intimidating. Being a physical and intimidating force is what has made Harrison a rich man. It's what a great defender does. When the playoffs start and a team is without it's star defender because of a b.s. rule to make football "safer" will that be fair? And what about a guy who makes a big time hit and is not flagged but it's clearly helmet-to-helmet? What will the NFL do? This new emphasis on helmet-to helmet hits is going to open up the door for more subjective discipline. Is Goodell going to sit as the executioner on this board as well? He seems to get satisfaction in doling out punishment.
Another guy who's got the grill burning hot is Rodney Harrison. This was one of the dirtiest s.o.b's to play the game. He made his living playing right up to the edge of the rules and now he wants to run his mouth on Sunday Night Football how to fix the game after his skills have diminished and made him a talking head. He would have despised the emphasizing of this rule and now he's the one who's got a large hand in making the game soft? Well good job Rodney. I'm glad to see being away from the game hasn't made you any more likable.
The old guard is mostly against making the game Charmin soft because it's not the game they played. Fans who pay their money every week are against this because the big hit is equivalent to everyone digging the long ball in baseball. Players are against it because they have to reprogram everything they've ever been taught about how to play the game. Most of the people pushing for these changes are people who never played the game and can't possibly appreciate the controlled violence that happens every week. So commish put your helmet-to-helmet around this. You're going to be remembered as the guy who was holding the ball when football ceased to be America's favorite sport, but hey at least it was safer.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
This cat Goodell first came in as commissioner and laid down the law on players about their off the field antics. The new sheriff in town thought he needed to protect the players from themselves and be the morality police. We've sat and watched Goodell serve uneven punishment for players over the last several years. Goodell dished out fines and suspensions for any action he felt was not good for the league. I'm not getting into Mike Vick or Pac-Man's punishments vs. how Brett Favre is still playing despite his crude behavior, because if Goodell wanted to make his name on what goes on off of the field that was fine. Now he and his henchmen are effecting the game that you and I love on the field.
The NFL announced that it's going to be more harsh in enforcing it's rules about helmet-to-helmet hits. This is football people. Repeat this is football people! Goodell is once again trying to protect the players from themselves, but this is going to end badly.
No one makes anyone play professional football. These guys know the risks before they strap on the pads every week. The vocal minority wants more protection for the players, but if you survey an NFL locker room you will find that these guys know violent hits are apart of the game. Defensive guys pride themselves on the big hit and offensive guys pride themselves on being able to avoid it or in certain situations being able to absorb it.
Have you ever watched football? Going over the middle and complaining about the inflicted carnage is like running into oncoming traffic and complaining about how a car is supposed to hit you. Defensive players are taught how to hit and tackle and you know what, sometimes in the midst of trying to tackle someone you're going to get helmet-to-helmet contact. You know why? Because the offensive player is trying not to get hit! Think of it like this, would Ray Lewis rather take a fine/suspension and deliver a kill-shot or would he rather the offensive players think that they can come over the middle without the threat of getting punished? This is what these guys sign up for. You're trying to turn pro football into two-hand touch.
The other problem that no one seems to be addressing is what happens when a key player gets suspended for what amounts to doing his job? Do you think it will be fair if James Harrison has to miss games because he was out there being intimidating. Being a physical and intimidating force is what has made Harrison a rich man. It's what a great defender does. When the playoffs start and a team is without it's star defender because of a b.s. rule to make football "safer" will that be fair? And what about a guy who makes a big time hit and is not flagged but it's clearly helmet-to-helmet? What will the NFL do? This new emphasis on helmet-to helmet hits is going to open up the door for more subjective discipline. Is Goodell going to sit as the executioner on this board as well? He seems to get satisfaction in doling out punishment.
Another guy who's got the grill burning hot is Rodney Harrison. This was one of the dirtiest s.o.b's to play the game. He made his living playing right up to the edge of the rules and now he wants to run his mouth on Sunday Night Football how to fix the game after his skills have diminished and made him a talking head. He would have despised the emphasizing of this rule and now he's the one who's got a large hand in making the game soft? Well good job Rodney. I'm glad to see being away from the game hasn't made you any more likable.
The old guard is mostly against making the game Charmin soft because it's not the game they played. Fans who pay their money every week are against this because the big hit is equivalent to everyone digging the long ball in baseball. Players are against it because they have to reprogram everything they've ever been taught about how to play the game. Most of the people pushing for these changes are people who never played the game and can't possibly appreciate the controlled violence that happens every week. So commish put your helmet-to-helmet around this. You're going to be remembered as the guy who was holding the ball when football ceased to be America's favorite sport, but hey at least it was safer.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
10/13/10
Should T.O. and Chad be wearing black?
On Chapelle’s Show they had the true Hollywood Stories with Charlie Murphy. In the all-time funniest story Rick James referred to the Murphy brothers as “Twin Brother Darknesses” Well ladies and gents we have a new twin brother darknesses! Chad and T.O. Now there is nothing wrong with a chocolate man, but why did the Bengals have to put them in that black uniform? And do they have to put on the black stuff under their eyes. My husband told me what it is called and I forgot. They need to paint white lines under their eyes. And I heard that their first game was a night game! I think that’s an unfair advantage for the Bengals. How is their opponent supposed to find those two and tackle them? Bring back the orange jerseys! Give the other NFL teams a fighting chance! Stop playing games at night! Spray all of the grass white! Make people in the stands where white! This is outrageous.
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10/6/10
Moss and Favre....Together For A Minnesota Moment
It's funny that two of the most important Minnesota Vikings had little or no training camp with the team. Brett Favre talked into coming back at age 40 halfway through camp and Randy Moss traded for after week 4 of the NFL season. You have to be in shape to play in the league, but why is Minnesota banking all of it's season around a pair of Hall of Famers in the twilight of their careers? Because they're Hall of Famers! Would you rather have Tavaris Jackson and Bernard Berrian and the full compliment of camp or Favre and Moss together for the final 13 weeks of the season? I mean is that even a question?
Favre has admired Moss's talents for years. Everyone remembers how he openly campaigned for Green Bay to bring Moss in when his talents were wasting away with the Raiders. Instead the Patriots picked Moss up for the price of a 4th round pick and watched Tom Brady have his most explosive season as the team started the season 18-0 before losing in the Super Bowl to the Giants. Favre may rub some the wrong way, and so does Moss for that matter, but Favre knows just how dangerous a combination Moss can be with a quarterback who just puts it up for him. Favre sat on the sidelines for years in GB watching Moss catch bomb after bomb from Dante Culpepper twice a year when the two were the elite tandem in Minnesota. He longed for somebody so special that not even his cannon could overthrow. Now, years later, Moss and Favre get a chance to show what a couple of guys with Hall passes can do with more yesterdays than tomorrows together.
Does anyone really expect this not to work? Moss may have been a petulant ass during his first go around in Minnesota, but does anyone expect a motivated Moss and Favre to not be successful? To add Moss to a squad that has Favre, running back Adrian Peterson and fellow wideouts Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice (once he gets back from a hip injury in about a month) seems unfair. The price for Minnesota was a 3rd-round pick. How many times do teams miss on third round picks? There are some great guys selected in the 3rd round true, but how many surely pan out? The Vikings had to make this deal. After getting off to an 0-2 start and watching their 16-million dollar investment on Favre start to spiral down the drain, they HAD to make the move. The Vikings were talking to San Diego about Vincent Jackson, but ended up getting a much better receiver for a less expensive price tag. You know the adage, sometimes the best move is the move you don't make.
For Moss this trade is a slap in the face. He proved when the Patriots brought him in that he can indeed perform in an environment that's conducive to winning. Was he problematic in combustible (losing) situations? Absolutely. That being said, I don't remember any negative reports about Moss when the Patriots were putting together their near perfect run to the Super Bowl. This offseason when Moss watched Tom Brady get a contract extension, he wondered aloud "what about me?" You can't blame him. Moss is in the final year of his deal. He watched the Patriots trade defensive lineman Richard Seymour (ironically to the Raiders) in the final year of his contract rather than pay him. Moss wants another big pay day, so expect to see Moss look over to Favre at some point realize he's single covered, take a step off the line and throw his hand up to show he's open and make catches like this.
In a season where there is not a dominant team to be found, the Vikings just became must see television.
For the next few weeks at least we will watch to see how Favre and Moss is working. We'll watch to see if the Vikings can indeed rebound to put themselves in contention for a playoff spot after starting 0-2. We want to know if a guy who turns 41 in a matter of days can turn back the clock and can be a money combo with the guy who's "straight cash homie" .
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Favre has admired Moss's talents for years. Everyone remembers how he openly campaigned for Green Bay to bring Moss in when his talents were wasting away with the Raiders. Instead the Patriots picked Moss up for the price of a 4th round pick and watched Tom Brady have his most explosive season as the team started the season 18-0 before losing in the Super Bowl to the Giants. Favre may rub some the wrong way, and so does Moss for that matter, but Favre knows just how dangerous a combination Moss can be with a quarterback who just puts it up for him. Favre sat on the sidelines for years in GB watching Moss catch bomb after bomb from Dante Culpepper twice a year when the two were the elite tandem in Minnesota. He longed for somebody so special that not even his cannon could overthrow. Now, years later, Moss and Favre get a chance to show what a couple of guys with Hall passes can do with more yesterdays than tomorrows together.
Does anyone really expect this not to work? Moss may have been a petulant ass during his first go around in Minnesota, but does anyone expect a motivated Moss and Favre to not be successful? To add Moss to a squad that has Favre, running back Adrian Peterson and fellow wideouts Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice (once he gets back from a hip injury in about a month) seems unfair. The price for Minnesota was a 3rd-round pick. How many times do teams miss on third round picks? There are some great guys selected in the 3rd round true, but how many surely pan out? The Vikings had to make this deal. After getting off to an 0-2 start and watching their 16-million dollar investment on Favre start to spiral down the drain, they HAD to make the move. The Vikings were talking to San Diego about Vincent Jackson, but ended up getting a much better receiver for a less expensive price tag. You know the adage, sometimes the best move is the move you don't make.
For Moss this trade is a slap in the face. He proved when the Patriots brought him in that he can indeed perform in an environment that's conducive to winning. Was he problematic in combustible (losing) situations? Absolutely. That being said, I don't remember any negative reports about Moss when the Patriots were putting together their near perfect run to the Super Bowl. This offseason when Moss watched Tom Brady get a contract extension, he wondered aloud "what about me?" You can't blame him. Moss is in the final year of his deal. He watched the Patriots trade defensive lineman Richard Seymour (ironically to the Raiders) in the final year of his contract rather than pay him. Moss wants another big pay day, so expect to see Moss look over to Favre at some point realize he's single covered, take a step off the line and throw his hand up to show he's open and make catches like this.
In a season where there is not a dominant team to be found, the Vikings just became must see television.
For the next few weeks at least we will watch to see how Favre and Moss is working. We'll watch to see if the Vikings can indeed rebound to put themselves in contention for a playoff spot after starting 0-2. We want to know if a guy who turns 41 in a matter of days can turn back the clock and can be a money combo with the guy who's "straight cash homie" .
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10/1/10
October College Football and Heisman Talk
September college football is all about wetting the palette. The first month of the season gives us some real insight of what to expect vs. the blind preseason rankings based on how a team looks on paper. With that, here's who has impressed as the calendar flips to October.
Alabama. The defending national champs with the defending Heisman trophy winner continue to look like the elite program in the country. Playing in the SEC guarantees you'll face a team capable of beating you week to week. Six SEC schools are ranked as we head into the first weekend of October. (Alabama #1, Florida #7, Auburn #10, LSU #12, Arkansas #15, and South Carolina #20) 'Bama's already survived a major test on the road against Arkansas. The return of running back Mark Ingram, and the return of his back to back Heisman campaign, after two weeks with a knee injury has to scare the bejesus out of teams left on Alabama's schedule. The Tide may not cruise to the national title game, but it's going to take a major effort to knock off Nick Saban's squad. (By the way, how is the balding Saban continuing to grow hair? Just for Men? Plugs? Can someone ask, it's killing me!!)
Ohio State. The Buckeyes have played in more BCS games than any team and look like they could be in the title game for the 4th time under Jim Tressel. Quarterback Terrell Pryor is lighting up teams as a dual threat. The Bucks have crushed the weak competition on their schedule and convincingly beat Miami in their early season showdown. No one in the Big Ten should stay on the field with this team, unless Michigan continues to grow with quarterback Denard Robinson. 'Tress the vest has his team playing as tight as his favorite piece of clothing apparel.
Oregon. Even with the deflection of quarterback Jeremiah Moseli the Ducks are tearing it up. By laying the worst defeat in Neyland Stadium history on Tennessee in week two, Oregon let everyone know this team is just as talented as last year's squad that went to the Rose Bowl. Saturday night's game vs. Stanford will determine PAC-10 supremacy.
Also after a month of football we can give some determination to legitimate Heisman favorites. If the balloting were done today here's who would be invited to New York and how they would finish. (We will monitor this list week to week.)
1. Terrelle Pryor-Ohio State
2. Andrew Luck-Stanford
3. Mark Ingram-Alabama
Pryor's numbers are video game worthy. 6 touchdowns alone against Eastern Michigan. (I know Eastern Michigan's bad, but do you know how hard it is to get to the paint SIX TIMES?!?!) This kid has grown into a quarterback and a leader. He will always be expected to do great things with his legs because of his athleticism, but his awareness in the pocket and willingness to make plays with his arm is why he's my pick to win the Heisman as of today.
Andrew Luck's the quintessential Stanford quarterback. Smart, minimizes mistakes, great intangibles, and he has the Cardinal in the mix for the national title. (You know Stanford's the smart school right?) Luck's tossed 11 touchdowns vs. 2 picks and with a win over Oregon this weekend, Luck could position himself to make a run at the top spot.
Mark Ingram's performance after returning from knee surgery has quelled the talk about who's the best running back in Tide's backfield. Trent Richardson is great and may prove to be a better pro one day, but Ingram has put up back to back 150 yard performances since returning to the lineup. One of which was against a highly ranked Arkansas defense. Scary thing is he says he's not quite back to 100% yet. Yikes! With Alabama's remaining schedule Ingram has time to make his case to become this generation's Archie Griffin. (Look him up kids.)
After a month of getting football back in our collective systems, October adds some zest to an already flavorful season.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
Alabama. The defending national champs with the defending Heisman trophy winner continue to look like the elite program in the country. Playing in the SEC guarantees you'll face a team capable of beating you week to week. Six SEC schools are ranked as we head into the first weekend of October. (Alabama #1, Florida #7, Auburn #10, LSU #12, Arkansas #15, and South Carolina #20) 'Bama's already survived a major test on the road against Arkansas. The return of running back Mark Ingram, and the return of his back to back Heisman campaign, after two weeks with a knee injury has to scare the bejesus out of teams left on Alabama's schedule. The Tide may not cruise to the national title game, but it's going to take a major effort to knock off Nick Saban's squad. (By the way, how is the balding Saban continuing to grow hair? Just for Men? Plugs? Can someone ask, it's killing me!!)
Ohio State. The Buckeyes have played in more BCS games than any team and look like they could be in the title game for the 4th time under Jim Tressel. Quarterback Terrell Pryor is lighting up teams as a dual threat. The Bucks have crushed the weak competition on their schedule and convincingly beat Miami in their early season showdown. No one in the Big Ten should stay on the field with this team, unless Michigan continues to grow with quarterback Denard Robinson. 'Tress the vest has his team playing as tight as his favorite piece of clothing apparel.
Oregon. Even with the deflection of quarterback Jeremiah Moseli the Ducks are tearing it up. By laying the worst defeat in Neyland Stadium history on Tennessee in week two, Oregon let everyone know this team is just as talented as last year's squad that went to the Rose Bowl. Saturday night's game vs. Stanford will determine PAC-10 supremacy.
Also after a month of football we can give some determination to legitimate Heisman favorites. If the balloting were done today here's who would be invited to New York and how they would finish. (We will monitor this list week to week.)
1. Terrelle Pryor-Ohio State
2. Andrew Luck-Stanford
3. Mark Ingram-Alabama
Pryor's numbers are video game worthy. 6 touchdowns alone against Eastern Michigan. (I know Eastern Michigan's bad, but do you know how hard it is to get to the paint SIX TIMES?!?!) This kid has grown into a quarterback and a leader. He will always be expected to do great things with his legs because of his athleticism, but his awareness in the pocket and willingness to make plays with his arm is why he's my pick to win the Heisman as of today.
Andrew Luck's the quintessential Stanford quarterback. Smart, minimizes mistakes, great intangibles, and he has the Cardinal in the mix for the national title. (You know Stanford's the smart school right?) Luck's tossed 11 touchdowns vs. 2 picks and with a win over Oregon this weekend, Luck could position himself to make a run at the top spot.
Mark Ingram's performance after returning from knee surgery has quelled the talk about who's the best running back in Tide's backfield. Trent Richardson is great and may prove to be a better pro one day, but Ingram has put up back to back 150 yard performances since returning to the lineup. One of which was against a highly ranked Arkansas defense. Scary thing is he says he's not quite back to 100% yet. Yikes! With Alabama's remaining schedule Ingram has time to make his case to become this generation's Archie Griffin. (Look him up kids.)
After a month of getting football back in our collective systems, October adds some zest to an already flavorful season.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
9/29/10
Paying Money and the N-Word
After losing in Chicago Monday night, Packers safety Nick Collins attempted to throw his gloves into the stands to a Packers fan. A white Bears fan (full of liquid courage I'm sure) spit at Collins and called him the N-word from above the tunnel where he was out of Collins reach. Collins, naturally disrespected by such a cowardly act, responded by throwing his mouthpiece at the guy and tried desperately to get a piece of him before he was separated by security. The spit, the slur, and for what? A football game?
Nigger. There it is. The word that has been given so much power in our society. The word that carries the burden of oppression, the weight of hate, suppresses intellect, and undermines the concept of equality between blacks and whites in this country.
Why is it some fans believe that when they go to a sporting event their humanity can be tossed aside because they root for the team in the other uniform? Where on a ticket does it give you permission to be some sort of vial, disgusting idiot? Something has to change.
No one born and raised in this nation is ignorant of the pain that the n-word has caused. The mere mention of this singular word in mixed company causes a hodgepodge of reactions. Some shutter, some smile, some become infuriated. So, to think this word can be callously yelled from the stands of a football game without repercussion requires a mental incapacity of which I am not familiar.
The defense that it is okay to yell it at a game because people have paid their money is a weak one at best. I pay money at the grocery store. Is it okay to curse the cashier? I pay money at the movie theater. Is it okay to yell at the screen and spit at the guy in front of me? Use common sense people. And to use a radioactive word to get under the opposing team's skin (after the game I might add) because you paid your money is equally asinine as the above examples.
Did Nick Collins do anything wrong? The NFL is deciding whether to punish him. Funny how that works. The guy called Nigger and spat at is the one who's facing punishment.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com.
Nigger. There it is. The word that has been given so much power in our society. The word that carries the burden of oppression, the weight of hate, suppresses intellect, and undermines the concept of equality between blacks and whites in this country.
Why is it some fans believe that when they go to a sporting event their humanity can be tossed aside because they root for the team in the other uniform? Where on a ticket does it give you permission to be some sort of vial, disgusting idiot? Something has to change.
No one born and raised in this nation is ignorant of the pain that the n-word has caused. The mere mention of this singular word in mixed company causes a hodgepodge of reactions. Some shutter, some smile, some become infuriated. So, to think this word can be callously yelled from the stands of a football game without repercussion requires a mental incapacity of which I am not familiar.
The defense that it is okay to yell it at a game because people have paid their money is a weak one at best. I pay money at the grocery store. Is it okay to curse the cashier? I pay money at the movie theater. Is it okay to yell at the screen and spit at the guy in front of me? Use common sense people. And to use a radioactive word to get under the opposing team's skin (after the game I might add) because you paid your money is equally asinine as the above examples.
Did Nick Collins do anything wrong? The NFL is deciding whether to punish him. Funny how that works. The guy called Nigger and spat at is the one who's facing punishment.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com.
9/27/10
How Obama Could Change the Face of Sports
President Barack Obama has made all types of legislation since taking over the oval office. The latest initiative he's contemplating, a longer school year, could change the face of sports forever if passed.
Now you're asking yourself, how can a school year effect sports? Here's a taste of how America's three major sports football, basketball and baseball could be altered.
For Major League Baseball the school year ending is paramount to each team's summer gate, but the end of the school year is imperative to the teams that are bad. The Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that has been out of contention for two solid decades, banks on drawing kids (and the accompanying parents) to the ballpark. Young children don't really care who's on the field, or who won or lost, they just want to go to the game. If the home team wins great, if not they enjoyed their nachos and cotton candy anyway.
Adults in major league cities absorb the cost of taking their kids to the games, regardless of where the team is in the standings, just so they have the memory. Teams that are effectively out of the pennant race in June don't have much of a competitive product, so the bump in sales at the end of the school year provides is necessary to the bottom line. If school is in session longer and the start of the school year earlier, MLB owners will have a severe problem on their hands. Especially the bottom feeders.
In basketball, practically all of the NBA Playoffs are broadcast in the latter part of primetime. Young kids generally can't make it to halftime before bedtime in the early rounds, much less the conclusion of a game. However the NBA Finals takes place in early to mid-June. That's late enough on the calendar for the youngsters to catch an entire game in most states. Watching Kobe, or LeBron, or whomever celebrate a title may not be feasible in the future for the fifth-grader who has a test in the morning.
The NFL really doesn't have a dog in this fight because it's games are primarily played on the weekends in the middle of the school year now. But football may be effected in a different fashion.
A shortened summer means high school football games will start earlier in the season, meaning more practices in the heat. With class in session earlier in the summer, and this country's love for football, you know there will be a push to get the kids to start playing earlier. The status quo is high school football season starts when school starts.
A school of thought like that would lead to exposing kids to even more of summer's unforgiving heat. Imagine kids practicing in June and July in the Texas heat. That means more possibilities of heatstroke and severe dehydration. Sound like a good idea? I know what you're saying to yourself. That would never happen. My response, of course it would.
Whether the school year is elongated for today's kids does not effect me directly. I'm out of school, degree in hand. How a longer school year would effect sports on a larger level is something that needs to be thought about now, waaaaayyyyyy before something like this goes into effect. Food for thought from the sports grill.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
Now you're asking yourself, how can a school year effect sports? Here's a taste of how America's three major sports football, basketball and baseball could be altered.
For Major League Baseball the school year ending is paramount to each team's summer gate, but the end of the school year is imperative to the teams that are bad. The Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that has been out of contention for two solid decades, banks on drawing kids (and the accompanying parents) to the ballpark. Young children don't really care who's on the field, or who won or lost, they just want to go to the game. If the home team wins great, if not they enjoyed their nachos and cotton candy anyway.
Adults in major league cities absorb the cost of taking their kids to the games, regardless of where the team is in the standings, just so they have the memory. Teams that are effectively out of the pennant race in June don't have much of a competitive product, so the bump in sales at the end of the school year provides is necessary to the bottom line. If school is in session longer and the start of the school year earlier, MLB owners will have a severe problem on their hands. Especially the bottom feeders.
In basketball, practically all of the NBA Playoffs are broadcast in the latter part of primetime. Young kids generally can't make it to halftime before bedtime in the early rounds, much less the conclusion of a game. However the NBA Finals takes place in early to mid-June. That's late enough on the calendar for the youngsters to catch an entire game in most states. Watching Kobe, or LeBron, or whomever celebrate a title may not be feasible in the future for the fifth-grader who has a test in the morning.
The NFL really doesn't have a dog in this fight because it's games are primarily played on the weekends in the middle of the school year now. But football may be effected in a different fashion.
A shortened summer means high school football games will start earlier in the season, meaning more practices in the heat. With class in session earlier in the summer, and this country's love for football, you know there will be a push to get the kids to start playing earlier. The status quo is high school football season starts when school starts.
A school of thought like that would lead to exposing kids to even more of summer's unforgiving heat. Imagine kids practicing in June and July in the Texas heat. That means more possibilities of heatstroke and severe dehydration. Sound like a good idea? I know what you're saying to yourself. That would never happen. My response, of course it would.
Whether the school year is elongated for today's kids does not effect me directly. I'm out of school, degree in hand. How a longer school year would effect sports on a larger level is something that needs to be thought about now, waaaaayyyyyy before something like this goes into effect. Food for thought from the sports grill.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
9/22/10
Braylon's Next Move: Shave the Beard
After being pulled over for a DWI in New York at 5am what's Braylon Edwards going to do to get back in the public's good graces? Shave. Yeah, that's it. Braylon Edwards has to shave.
Braylon's beard looks like he's been lost in the woods. He looks like the 'Family Guy' episode when Peter Griffin had birds living in his beard. Basically, he looks like an ass. So with the whole world chiming in on how the Jets need to discipline him, Braylon needs to take the first step and break out the Barbosol and let the beard go.
Shaving the beard will be the equivalent of cutting the cornrows. Remember, other black athletes who have "kept it real" kept cornrows until they got in trouble. Micheal Vick was being investigated for the dog fighting ring. Cut the braids. Allen Iverson was the voice of the contrary hip hop generation. Got in trouble, cut the braids. Kobe Bryant did not have braids, but after the Colorado incident what did he decide to do? Change his number.
The public HAS to see some sort of outward remorse before they can forgive you Braylon. I've been in the media for years and have seen lots of athletes get themselves in and out of trouble time and time again. Look at your buddy Don'te Stallworth. After KILLING a man while driving drunk he served his 30 days in prison and paid a hefty sum to the family of the departed. (You were with him that night right?) Stallworth sat out the following season and changed teams. You have to change something for the public to embrace you, that's just the way this works.
Braylon you can bounce back from a simple DWI. The public is a forgiving public, this simply has to run it's course. You have to give the people something that they can see that let's them know you've changed.
You don't have cornrows so you can't make that move. You can't change your number because the NFL won't allow it and the Jets are not going to trade you so you can get a fresh start. The only answer, SHAVE THE BEARD! People will forget this in no time. Think I'm wrong? Ask Don'te. You can come back from this. Now where are those damn clippers?
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Braylon's beard looks like he's been lost in the woods. He looks like the 'Family Guy' episode when Peter Griffin had birds living in his beard. Basically, he looks like an ass. So with the whole world chiming in on how the Jets need to discipline him, Braylon needs to take the first step and break out the Barbosol and let the beard go.
Shaving the beard will be the equivalent of cutting the cornrows. Remember, other black athletes who have "kept it real" kept cornrows until they got in trouble. Micheal Vick was being investigated for the dog fighting ring. Cut the braids. Allen Iverson was the voice of the contrary hip hop generation. Got in trouble, cut the braids. Kobe Bryant did not have braids, but after the Colorado incident what did he decide to do? Change his number.
The public HAS to see some sort of outward remorse before they can forgive you Braylon. I've been in the media for years and have seen lots of athletes get themselves in and out of trouble time and time again. Look at your buddy Don'te Stallworth. After KILLING a man while driving drunk he served his 30 days in prison and paid a hefty sum to the family of the departed. (You were with him that night right?) Stallworth sat out the following season and changed teams. You have to change something for the public to embrace you, that's just the way this works.
Braylon you can bounce back from a simple DWI. The public is a forgiving public, this simply has to run it's course. You have to give the people something that they can see that let's them know you've changed.
You don't have cornrows so you can't make that move. You can't change your number because the NFL won't allow it and the Jets are not going to trade you so you can get a fresh start. The only answer, SHAVE THE BEARD! People will forget this in no time. Think I'm wrong? Ask Don'te. You can come back from this. Now where are those damn clippers?
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
9/17/10
Think Before You Speak, Or Pay the Price
Clinton Portis got himself placed on the grill this week for speaking his mind. We live in a politically correct society and can't have people saying what they really feel. Or so we've been taught.
When you're at work, all your statements have to fit in a nice box which does not offend anyone. Race, sex, and religion are topics that are off limits when you're at your place of business. Expecting athletes to "get" this notion is hilarious.
Reporters go to athletes all the time and ask questions that will, if answered without forethought, get the players in trouble. Portis, speaking on the topic of female reporters in the locker room, went off the cuff and predictably got himself in hot water.
Portis said, "I think you put women reporters in the locker room in position to see guys walking around naked......You know, somebody got to spark her interest, or she's going to want somebody. I don't know what kind of woman won't, if you get to go and look at 53 men's packages."
Portis has apologized for the comments, but here's the thing. That's what he really thought. Is that wrong? Most people would say yes, but I'm here to defend Portis for speaking his mind. Football players say stuff far worse than this all the time. Does that make it right? No. Is answering a question honestly a problem? In this society, you betcha.
The incident that Portis was commenting on involved female reporter Ines Sainz in the NY Jets locker room. Reporters in D.C. wanted to try to get a local reaction from the Redskins and went to the guy who's most likely to say something inflammatory.
So is Portis at fault for saying what he really felt in an attempted comical manner? Yes. Did the media play a role? Yes. Is all of this blown way out of proportion? Absolutely. The only positive thing about this pseudo-drama? We've had a something to talk about in the days between week 1 and week 2 of the NFL season, which is what the media in D.C. wanted all along. Portis took the bait and got himself caught up in a made up controversy.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
When you're at work, all your statements have to fit in a nice box which does not offend anyone. Race, sex, and religion are topics that are off limits when you're at your place of business. Expecting athletes to "get" this notion is hilarious.
Reporters go to athletes all the time and ask questions that will, if answered without forethought, get the players in trouble. Portis, speaking on the topic of female reporters in the locker room, went off the cuff and predictably got himself in hot water.
Portis said, "I think you put women reporters in the locker room in position to see guys walking around naked......You know, somebody got to spark her interest, or she's going to want somebody. I don't know what kind of woman won't, if you get to go and look at 53 men's packages."
Portis has apologized for the comments, but here's the thing. That's what he really thought. Is that wrong? Most people would say yes, but I'm here to defend Portis for speaking his mind. Football players say stuff far worse than this all the time. Does that make it right? No. Is answering a question honestly a problem? In this society, you betcha.
The incident that Portis was commenting on involved female reporter Ines Sainz in the NY Jets locker room. Reporters in D.C. wanted to try to get a local reaction from the Redskins and went to the guy who's most likely to say something inflammatory.
So is Portis at fault for saying what he really felt in an attempted comical manner? Yes. Did the media play a role? Yes. Is all of this blown way out of proportion? Absolutely. The only positive thing about this pseudo-drama? We've had a something to talk about in the days between week 1 and week 2 of the NFL season, which is what the media in D.C. wanted all along. Portis took the bait and got himself caught up in a made up controversy.
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9/15/10
Reggie Bush Gives Trophy Back, Keeps Money
Reggie Bush gave back his Heisman for the sake of appearances. Better to return it than to have it stripped. Or as in the real world, better to resign than to get fired.
Here's what Reggie was really thinking when he returned the Heisman. "Do I get to keep all the money I've made? Well take the damn thing. I don't give a damn about that trophy! I'm Reggie Bush! I don't need this from you old people on the Heisman committee!! I'm young and I'm rich!!!! To hell with all ya'll. Asking me questions about what I did 5 years ago! What did you do five years ago, huh? What? I got rid of Kim Kardashian because she was working my nerves, and have you seen her ass? You think I'm about to put up with ya'll old men in my business? I just won the Super Bowl in New Orleans!!! Who Dat!!!! Just take the damn thang!!!!"
Now Reggie's press release was far more classy, but for a young rich guy who blew up college football in 2005, he should have just said what he was thinking.
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Here's what Reggie was really thinking when he returned the Heisman. "Do I get to keep all the money I've made? Well take the damn thing. I don't give a damn about that trophy! I'm Reggie Bush! I don't need this from you old people on the Heisman committee!! I'm young and I'm rich!!!! To hell with all ya'll. Asking me questions about what I did 5 years ago! What did you do five years ago, huh? What? I got rid of Kim Kardashian because she was working my nerves, and have you seen her ass? You think I'm about to put up with ya'll old men in my business? I just won the Super Bowl in New Orleans!!! Who Dat!!!! Just take the damn thang!!!!"
Now Reggie's press release was far more classy, but for a young rich guy who blew up college football in 2005, he should have just said what he was thinking.
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9/13/10
Best and Least Productive Monday of the Year
Was your food served slow in the drive-thru? Did you not get a report at the office that was due today? Was there constant talk of college football, the NFL, and fantasy? Oh, it must be the first real Monday of the fall.
When the NFL kicked off it's season Thursday with the Vikings and Saints some work production slowed last Friday. The chatter ranging from is Favre done, what was up with the one finger salutes from both sidelines, or can you believe the Saints actually unveiled a Super Bowl banner? Some people's routines were thrown off with the extra conversation, but all in all it was a regular Friday with everyone eyeing the weekend. Except it wasn't just a regular weekend. It was the first real weekend of football for the next five months.
Today is the first official Monday of fall and things have reached a crawl on every job locale across the country. It's not only coming back from the weekend and getting back to the grind, showing up to bust your hump, nope there's more. You had to do your job today with football at the front of your mind. You found yourself able to make small talk with even the biggest jerk at the gig because it's the first Monday of football season. You talked about how college football had some real matchups in week two. And there's nothing like the knee-jerk response after week 1 in the NFL. People writing off teams after an opening game loss. People claiming this really is the year after an opening game win. Not to mention the chick in the cubicle next to you who kicked your butt in fantasy this week.
Yes, it was a Monday. Yes, not as much got done around the office. But thank God FOOTBALL'S BACK!!!! (And there's a game tonight too. Guess it will be a slow day tomorrow too!)
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When the NFL kicked off it's season Thursday with the Vikings and Saints some work production slowed last Friday. The chatter ranging from is Favre done, what was up with the one finger salutes from both sidelines, or can you believe the Saints actually unveiled a Super Bowl banner? Some people's routines were thrown off with the extra conversation, but all in all it was a regular Friday with everyone eyeing the weekend. Except it wasn't just a regular weekend. It was the first real weekend of football for the next five months.
Today is the first official Monday of fall and things have reached a crawl on every job locale across the country. It's not only coming back from the weekend and getting back to the grind, showing up to bust your hump, nope there's more. You had to do your job today with football at the front of your mind. You found yourself able to make small talk with even the biggest jerk at the gig because it's the first Monday of football season. You talked about how college football had some real matchups in week two. And there's nothing like the knee-jerk response after week 1 in the NFL. People writing off teams after an opening game loss. People claiming this really is the year after an opening game win. Not to mention the chick in the cubicle next to you who kicked your butt in fantasy this week.
Yes, it was a Monday. Yes, not as much got done around the office. But thank God FOOTBALL'S BACK!!!! (And there's a game tonight too. Guess it will be a slow day tomorrow too!)
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9/11/10
ACC, Just Waiting for Basketball Season
Boise State pointed to Virginia Tech. Ohio State circled the Miami game on the schedule. Oklahoma put it's home winning streak on the line against a real test in Florida State. What have we learned after two weeks of college football? The ACC is not a power conference. At all. Stop building it up. It's as counterfeit as Taco Bell selling shrimp.
Let's start with Virginia Tech. Boise State, from the WAC, needed a signature win outside of conference and scheduled a 'neutral' site game with Virginia Tech in Washington D.C. Which is less than 300 miles from the Hokies campus. So yeah, it was pretty much a home game for Va-Tech. With no real threats to give them a sexy win in their conference, Boise State fans were talking up Virginia Tech like the Hokies were the second coming. "Virginia Tech's ranked number 10 in the country. This will show everyone we belong on the big stage." Or so the argument began.
Problem with that logic, preseason rankings in college football are just educated guesses. Nothing for the voters to go by as far as on the field results. Sometimes teams pan out and other times they prove to be Virginia Tech. The Hokies played an impressive game in losing to Boise State and followed that up by losing to always the dangerous James Madison (yes that's sarcasm for the non-sports lover). Sorry Boise, your big win just got marked down from "they can beat any team anywhere", to you struggled with this team? Virginia Tech was the highest ranked ACC team before the season began, and they still may be by the end of the season. There lies the problem. We'll get back to that.
Ohio State and Miami. A rematch of the national title game from 2002. Yeah I'm sure that game meant something to this version of the Buckeyes and Hurricanes. The kids that were on the field today were in middle school 8 years ago, so the rematch talk was just a tad overblown. As was the hype insisting that "The U" is back, Public Enemy told you 'don't believe the hype' a long time ago. Outside of a punt return for a touchdown and a kickoff return for a touchdown this game would not have been close. Ohio State's defense forced Miami quarterback Jacory Harris into 4 interceptions. That should eliminate any Heisman whispers from 'Cane country. Buckeye quarterback Terrelle Pryor had his way with the Miami's defense. 346 total yards and 2 touchdowns. (So much for that big quarterback showdown) Ohio State thoroughly outclassed Miami. Which is what a good team from a good conference should do against a team from an inferior conference. Promise we're going to hammer home this point in a moment.
But first Florida State and Oklahoma. 47-14. Look at that again. 47-14!!!! The people in Tallahassee pushed Bobby Bowden out for this? The Seminoles, like Miami, are in the midst of putting their program back on the map. At least that what ACC supporters would have you believe. Florida State was down 27-7 before all the kids had arrived from tailgating. And this is supposed to be one of the top 3 teams in the ACC?
Florida State, Miami, and Virginia Tech will make their cases about how elite their conference is when they start playing each other in ACC games. They deserve to be on the same field, not being litmus tests for teams looking to make statements. For all the talk about how tough the ACC can be, two weeks of inter- conference games should shine some light on everyone's thinking. Football's national title does not go through a basketball conference.
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Let's start with Virginia Tech. Boise State, from the WAC, needed a signature win outside of conference and scheduled a 'neutral' site game with Virginia Tech in Washington D.C. Which is less than 300 miles from the Hokies campus. So yeah, it was pretty much a home game for Va-Tech. With no real threats to give them a sexy win in their conference, Boise State fans were talking up Virginia Tech like the Hokies were the second coming. "Virginia Tech's ranked number 10 in the country. This will show everyone we belong on the big stage." Or so the argument began.
Problem with that logic, preseason rankings in college football are just educated guesses. Nothing for the voters to go by as far as on the field results. Sometimes teams pan out and other times they prove to be Virginia Tech. The Hokies played an impressive game in losing to Boise State and followed that up by losing to always the dangerous James Madison (yes that's sarcasm for the non-sports lover). Sorry Boise, your big win just got marked down from "they can beat any team anywhere", to you struggled with this team? Virginia Tech was the highest ranked ACC team before the season began, and they still may be by the end of the season. There lies the problem. We'll get back to that.
Ohio State and Miami. A rematch of the national title game from 2002. Yeah I'm sure that game meant something to this version of the Buckeyes and Hurricanes. The kids that were on the field today were in middle school 8 years ago, so the rematch talk was just a tad overblown. As was the hype insisting that "The U" is back, Public Enemy told you 'don't believe the hype' a long time ago. Outside of a punt return for a touchdown and a kickoff return for a touchdown this game would not have been close. Ohio State's defense forced Miami quarterback Jacory Harris into 4 interceptions. That should eliminate any Heisman whispers from 'Cane country. Buckeye quarterback Terrelle Pryor had his way with the Miami's defense. 346 total yards and 2 touchdowns. (So much for that big quarterback showdown) Ohio State thoroughly outclassed Miami. Which is what a good team from a good conference should do against a team from an inferior conference. Promise we're going to hammer home this point in a moment.
But first Florida State and Oklahoma. 47-14. Look at that again. 47-14!!!! The people in Tallahassee pushed Bobby Bowden out for this? The Seminoles, like Miami, are in the midst of putting their program back on the map. At least that what ACC supporters would have you believe. Florida State was down 27-7 before all the kids had arrived from tailgating. And this is supposed to be one of the top 3 teams in the ACC?
Florida State, Miami, and Virginia Tech will make their cases about how elite their conference is when they start playing each other in ACC games. They deserve to be on the same field, not being litmus tests for teams looking to make statements. For all the talk about how tough the ACC can be, two weeks of inter- conference games should shine some light on everyone's thinking. Football's national title does not go through a basketball conference.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
South Carolina, Tough Chickens on Grill
It's not hype. South Carolina will win the SEC East for the first time ever this season thanks to an Ol' Ball Coach embracing new offensive philosophies and a true freshman running back. Steve Spurrier has found a work horse in Marcus Lattimore and with the SEC East is the weakest it's been this millennium, that opens the door for the Gamecocks to make history.
I watched Lattimore live up to billing as being a big time back coming out of high school as he lit up Georgia. He punished the Bulldogs, no defensive slouch, with powerful inside the tackle runs. 182 yards and 2 touchdowns in your SEC debut? I don't care if you're playing traditional doormat Vanderbilt, that's impressive. Spurrier rode the kid out with more than 20 carries in the first half and 37 for the game. His longest run of the game (24 yards) came in the fourth quarter when he and the 'Cocks offensive line had worn out the Georgia defense. Evidently the kid gets stronger as the game goes on because he had a burst on his long run of the day. He won't last if he's carrying the ball that often every week, but as introductions go, Lattimore let everyone know that SEC's best freshman resides in Columbia, S.C.
You know Spurrier would much rather beat teams with the passing game that made him famous at Florida. Instead he's adapting to his talent. Running a spread offense that's built around Lattimore will keep the Gamecocks in a lot of games. It's not the fun and gun from his Gators days, but it's good enough to keep up with a Tebow-less Gators squad and rebuilding Tennessee team. South Carolina SEC East champs. It's feels strange writing it, it look strange on the screen, but it's exactly what's in the works. The chickens are tough.
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I watched Lattimore live up to billing as being a big time back coming out of high school as he lit up Georgia. He punished the Bulldogs, no defensive slouch, with powerful inside the tackle runs. 182 yards and 2 touchdowns in your SEC debut? I don't care if you're playing traditional doormat Vanderbilt, that's impressive. Spurrier rode the kid out with more than 20 carries in the first half and 37 for the game. His longest run of the game (24 yards) came in the fourth quarter when he and the 'Cocks offensive line had worn out the Georgia defense. Evidently the kid gets stronger as the game goes on because he had a burst on his long run of the day. He won't last if he's carrying the ball that often every week, but as introductions go, Lattimore let everyone know that SEC's best freshman resides in Columbia, S.C.
You know Spurrier would much rather beat teams with the passing game that made him famous at Florida. Instead he's adapting to his talent. Running a spread offense that's built around Lattimore will keep the Gamecocks in a lot of games. It's not the fun and gun from his Gators days, but it's good enough to keep up with a Tebow-less Gators squad and rebuilding Tennessee team. South Carolina SEC East champs. It's feels strange writing it, it look strange on the screen, but it's exactly what's in the works. The chickens are tough.
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9/10/10
Buckeyes Will Boo LeBron
He could just buy a ticket or he could just hang out in a private suite at the stadium, but you know what he's going to do. He's going to be on the sidelines so he can be seen and because he loves the attention, he's going to get to find out what 100 thousand plus pissed off Buckeye fans sound like. Welcome back to Ohio LeBron James! Booooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
So LeBron and his new best bud Buckeye quarterback Terrelle Pryor have been texting each other over the last couple of weeks. LeBron let Pryor know he's thinking about attending the Ohio State - Miami game. You know it's a chance for LeBron to show his Buckeye allegiance when they take on the city where he'll be playing his basketball the next few years. Does LeBron know anything about positive p.r.? There is no sports team bigger in Miami than "The U". Why would the self crowned King decide to come to this game to support his supposed favorite college program? Because his highness loves the attention.
Attention, it's what drove "The Decision", and sent fans outside to the streets of Cleveland to burn his jersey on national televison. It's why he'll be on the Buckeye sidelines, so he can be seen, instead of being upstairs behind the glass with the hoity-toity crowd in the luxury boxes at the Horseshoe. It's good to know that LeBron's ego is still at 100% following his playoff loss and departure from Cleveland. Some things just can't be shaken.
That's why Pryor needs to let "the guy he looks up to" fight his own battles. Don't plead for LeBron not be booed Terrelle. Just don't expect him to return your calls if things don't go well in the future. Remember he used to be real tight with Maurice Clarett too. Ask him when was the last time he got a call from 'Bron-'Bron. Nope Terrelle, you just need to worry about the Hurricane defense. LeBron knows all about how to deal with eye of a storm. He'll just bask in it.
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So LeBron and his new best bud Buckeye quarterback Terrelle Pryor have been texting each other over the last couple of weeks. LeBron let Pryor know he's thinking about attending the Ohio State - Miami game. You know it's a chance for LeBron to show his Buckeye allegiance when they take on the city where he'll be playing his basketball the next few years. Does LeBron know anything about positive p.r.? There is no sports team bigger in Miami than "The U". Why would the self crowned King decide to come to this game to support his supposed favorite college program? Because his highness loves the attention.
Attention, it's what drove "The Decision", and sent fans outside to the streets of Cleveland to burn his jersey on national televison. It's why he'll be on the Buckeye sidelines, so he can be seen, instead of being upstairs behind the glass with the hoity-toity crowd in the luxury boxes at the Horseshoe. It's good to know that LeBron's ego is still at 100% following his playoff loss and departure from Cleveland. Some things just can't be shaken.
That's why Pryor needs to let "the guy he looks up to" fight his own battles. Don't plead for LeBron not be booed Terrelle. Just don't expect him to return your calls if things don't go well in the future. Remember he used to be real tight with Maurice Clarett too. Ask him when was the last time he got a call from 'Bron-'Bron. Nope Terrelle, you just need to worry about the Hurricane defense. LeBron knows all about how to deal with eye of a storm. He'll just bask in it.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster
9/7/10
Jets Real 'Hard Knocks' Starts With The Season
You've witnessed the behind the scenes meetings. Got a glimpse of the all the stars. Heard from the coach, boy have you heard from the coach. 'Hard Knocks', featuring the Jets, has the country caught up in this might be the first year since Broadway Joe that the J-E-T-S, jets, jets, JETS will bring home the Lombardi Trophy.
Ok, now I want everyone to take a breather and relax, slow down, pump your brakes, and just ease up. What I'm about to say is going to be tough to hear. Everybody calm? You sure? Here we go.
This team is not going to win the Super Bowl. This team is not going to win it's division. This team, the Jets, will be lucky to make the playoffs. (Covering my laptop cover before the New York media rips my computer from my hands and breaks it into a thousand pieces. How dare I say something bad about The Big Apple's new media darling.)
The Jets are set to begin one of the most hyped seasons in recent memory for a team that finished 1 game above 500 last season. 'Hard Knocks' has done the job that media all over the country does for it's local team. Overexpose it. Just some of the storylines that are already overdone.
Darrelle Revis and his holdout:
I know he just signed a new deal. The producers from 'Hard Knocks' will make the season finale dramatic with both head coach Rex Ryan and Revis present in the negotiating room. For people who don't have any idea how negotiations work between teams and players, let me tell you something. The player is never there before signing his name on the deal. The coach is never present because the guy doing the negotiating, the GM, is his boss. You ever show up someplace and tell your boss how to run his business? Thought not. Just another contrived piece brought to you by the producers of 'Hard Knocks'.
Mark Sanchez becoming an elite quarterback.
Not happening. Mark Sanchez may get to the elite level one day. I may also decide that I hate my car and set it on fire. Neither is a likely option. Sanchez is a good USC quarterback. Just as Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, and Rodney Peete were good USC quarterbacks. (Anybody see greatness on that list?) Sanchez has the benefit of being in a good system where the philosophy is to pound the ball on the ground and dig in on defense to win games. Ryan did a good job last year of getting his rookie quarterback to become a game manager last season, but I don't think he makes the leap to even good NFL quarterback this season.
LaDainian Tomlinson having something left in the tank.
Frankly I've always hated that phrase, but I digress. Tomlinson is 31 and even at his absolute peak he was never good enough to shine in the playoffs. He would rack up gaudy regular season numbers and then become irrelevant in the postseason. I remember him isolating himself on the sidelines in the cold in visor clad helmet not speaking to any of teammates during a playoff loss with the Chargers. (Not the only time he's come lame in the postseason I might add.) Does he have something left in the tank? Better question is this the type of guy that can get it done when it counts. Answers to both questions. No!
Rex Ryan's coaching ability.
'Hard Knocks' has not really delved into this topic too much. In fact I feel as if they've somewhat danced around this topic of conversation. Ryan is a great defensive mind. He knows defense. If there was a defensive coordinator position open I would say he's the best guy for the job. As a head coach his bravado makes for a good sound bite, but much like his father Buddy, Ryan will never get it done as a head coach. In his first season as a head coach Ryan was 9-7. Now he comes into the season writing a whole lot of checks with his mouth. He says he has the best starting offensive and defensive units in football. We'll see if his team can cash those checks.
'Hard Knocks' has been good entertainment. Reality television with a sports spin, right up my alley. However, if you think reality television is real and that the Jets are going to the Super Bowl, perhaps you believe the show 'Jersey Shore' is really in New Jersey this season. In reality it's in Florida. And the Jets season is headed south too.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
Ok, now I want everyone to take a breather and relax, slow down, pump your brakes, and just ease up. What I'm about to say is going to be tough to hear. Everybody calm? You sure? Here we go.
This team is not going to win the Super Bowl. This team is not going to win it's division. This team, the Jets, will be lucky to make the playoffs. (Covering my laptop cover before the New York media rips my computer from my hands and breaks it into a thousand pieces. How dare I say something bad about The Big Apple's new media darling.)
The Jets are set to begin one of the most hyped seasons in recent memory for a team that finished 1 game above 500 last season. 'Hard Knocks' has done the job that media all over the country does for it's local team. Overexpose it. Just some of the storylines that are already overdone.
Darrelle Revis and his holdout:
I know he just signed a new deal. The producers from 'Hard Knocks' will make the season finale dramatic with both head coach Rex Ryan and Revis present in the negotiating room. For people who don't have any idea how negotiations work between teams and players, let me tell you something. The player is never there before signing his name on the deal. The coach is never present because the guy doing the negotiating, the GM, is his boss. You ever show up someplace and tell your boss how to run his business? Thought not. Just another contrived piece brought to you by the producers of 'Hard Knocks'.
Mark Sanchez becoming an elite quarterback.
Not happening. Mark Sanchez may get to the elite level one day. I may also decide that I hate my car and set it on fire. Neither is a likely option. Sanchez is a good USC quarterback. Just as Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, and Rodney Peete were good USC quarterbacks. (Anybody see greatness on that list?) Sanchez has the benefit of being in a good system where the philosophy is to pound the ball on the ground and dig in on defense to win games. Ryan did a good job last year of getting his rookie quarterback to become a game manager last season, but I don't think he makes the leap to even good NFL quarterback this season.
LaDainian Tomlinson having something left in the tank.
Frankly I've always hated that phrase, but I digress. Tomlinson is 31 and even at his absolute peak he was never good enough to shine in the playoffs. He would rack up gaudy regular season numbers and then become irrelevant in the postseason. I remember him isolating himself on the sidelines in the cold in visor clad helmet not speaking to any of teammates during a playoff loss with the Chargers. (Not the only time he's come lame in the postseason I might add.) Does he have something left in the tank? Better question is this the type of guy that can get it done when it counts. Answers to both questions. No!
Rex Ryan's coaching ability.
'Hard Knocks' has not really delved into this topic too much. In fact I feel as if they've somewhat danced around this topic of conversation. Ryan is a great defensive mind. He knows defense. If there was a defensive coordinator position open I would say he's the best guy for the job. As a head coach his bravado makes for a good sound bite, but much like his father Buddy, Ryan will never get it done as a head coach. In his first season as a head coach Ryan was 9-7. Now he comes into the season writing a whole lot of checks with his mouth. He says he has the best starting offensive and defensive units in football. We'll see if his team can cash those checks.
'Hard Knocks' has been good entertainment. Reality television with a sports spin, right up my alley. However, if you think reality television is real and that the Jets are going to the Super Bowl, perhaps you believe the show 'Jersey Shore' is really in New Jersey this season. In reality it's in Florida. And the Jets season is headed south too.
Follow me at http://twitter.com/Sports_Grill Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
9/4/10
Football Is For Wimps
There is a stereotype out there as to what is masculine. When you think of a real tough guy, you automatically assume he plays football. That’s right (input mannish grunt here) when you want to play a man’s sport football is what you play. It’s American and we’re tough. Now being that I did not play or watch football growing up I have not developed a true unconditional love of the game. I am looking at it strictly as an outsider. First of all a real tough-guy man doesn’t show emotion. He does the guy hug (not too close, not too long). Any other aspect of touching another man leads to an all-out brawl. So here is where there is a contradiction. The quarterback and star of the team has to hold is hands in between another mans legs to grab a ball! Every player is squatting on a line with someone up under their butt. The only other time that someone may enjoy being up under another man’s butt? Prison. And where else might you grab a ball? Well I can think of many places, but none of them are too masculine per say. And what’s with all the names? End zone, halfback, fullback, running back. Everything relates to the backside….hmmm. And what about a tackle? So you have a pile of guys all on top of each other, and this is supposed to be the most masculine American sport? Men who watch football probably don’t greet their male friends with a kiss on the cheek, but they would delight in making a tackle. Just because you get dirty doesn’t make it more masculine. And what’s with those tights. Yes, they are shiny tights! I believe Olivia Newton-John wore some in her Let’s Get Physical music video. I am not questioning your gender orientation if you play or watch football. Just pointing out how homophobia can sometimes be contradictory. So what would I consider a masculine game? Soccer! I do not like this sport either, but if you simply look at the concept of the game you are trying to kick a ball away from you. There is no grabbing this ball and they don’t wear tights. Nobody is putting their face in your rear and if you do you will be kicked in the head! And yet some macho man is out there with a beer in his hand with full body paint cheering as his team gets a tackle all while saying “Soccer is for wimps!”
B.B.
B.B.
Hey Grill Master You Need Some Side Dishes Too!
Greetings! I am the wife of the grill master. Call me Betty Baker. I am the “typical” housewife. I cook, I clean and if you ask me who is playing tonight, I will tell you the kids are. My dear husband has been so gracious as to give me a page to rant about things in sports (Keep in mind that I have little understanding the game). But as any “typical”, Desperate Housewives-watching, sewing-superstar, baking-cookies-on-a-Friday housewife will tell you, we find an interest in the players themselves and the pretty colors! I have been dragged to live games and honestly, I much more enjoy the stuff that goes on during commercial breaks! So I hope to keep you entertained with my rants and cookie-baking perspective of “the game."
- Betty Baker
- Betty Baker
Punk moves in College Football
Today was the opening weekend in college football and a couple of punk moves stood out. One old and one new.
The old punk move was watching Florida State coached by someone not named Bobby Bowden for the first time in my life. The man made college football in Tallahassee and though the last few years did not measure up against some of his best years, the program was dormant before he came along. Bobby Bowden is old, I mean old. Had the game passed him by? Debatable. Was forcing out a man who had given the FSU it's best football years wrong? No question. PUNK MOVE Florida State!
The new punk move was watching Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier pout like a child headed to timeout. Forcier and Denard Robinson split time last year under center for the Wolverines. Forcier seemed to think that would be the same scenario for this season. Early in the game he was on the bench barking out calls to Robinson and seemed to really be in the game. That was until he realized that he wasn't going to get any playing time. Robinson was busy setting the Sports Grill on fire with a Michigan quarterback rushing record 197 yards with 186 passing yards to boot. Robinson gave UConn all types of headaches and gave Forcier the runs, as in run and hide. With the game in hand in the fourth quarter Michigan's sideline was upbeat and celebrating the fact that they were up by 20. Everyone smiling and enjoying the win except for Forcier. He had taken helmet off and isolated himself from the team with a towel draped around his next like he was pretending to be invisible. Quarterback is not a position for petulance. You can't be looked at as the leader of the team when your squad is actually putting a 'W' in the books. Meanwhile you have an expression on your face like Robinson just slept with your girlfriend. PUNK MOVE Tate Forcier. (By the way with a name like Tate, can we really be surprised that he's got some punk in him?)
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The old punk move was watching Florida State coached by someone not named Bobby Bowden for the first time in my life. The man made college football in Tallahassee and though the last few years did not measure up against some of his best years, the program was dormant before he came along. Bobby Bowden is old, I mean old. Had the game passed him by? Debatable. Was forcing out a man who had given the FSU it's best football years wrong? No question. PUNK MOVE Florida State!
The new punk move was watching Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier pout like a child headed to timeout. Forcier and Denard Robinson split time last year under center for the Wolverines. Forcier seemed to think that would be the same scenario for this season. Early in the game he was on the bench barking out calls to Robinson and seemed to really be in the game. That was until he realized that he wasn't going to get any playing time. Robinson was busy setting the Sports Grill on fire with a Michigan quarterback rushing record 197 yards with 186 passing yards to boot. Robinson gave UConn all types of headaches and gave Forcier the runs, as in run and hide. With the game in hand in the fourth quarter Michigan's sideline was upbeat and celebrating the fact that they were up by 20. Everyone smiling and enjoying the win except for Forcier. He had taken helmet off and isolated himself from the team with a towel draped around his next like he was pretending to be invisible. Quarterback is not a position for petulance. You can't be looked at as the leader of the team when your squad is actually putting a 'W' in the books. Meanwhile you have an expression on your face like Robinson just slept with your girlfriend. PUNK MOVE Tate Forcier. (By the way with a name like Tate, can we really be surprised that he's got some punk in him?)
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9/1/10
"The Game" or Just Another?
Ohio State and Michigan have been playing at the end of the Big Ten season every year since 1943. The 3rd Saturday in November has been earmarked for "The Game" like Christmas always falls on the 25th of December. It's a seasonal event that people in the Midwest hold dear like their good old-fashion values. Ahhhh. Ok enough of that, it's time to move into the 21st century.
The Big Ten latest incarnation of itself will feature12 teams (don't get me started on the math) with two divisions, starting in 2011. Michigan and Ohio State will play in opposite divisions. "The Game" will likely be moved from it's annual date to earlier in the season in order for both teams to face divisional opponents the last few games of the year, and possibly lay the groundwork for the Buckeyes and Wolverines to play in the Big 12 err Big Ten title game.
Traditionalist think this move is kin to blasphemy. If you listen close enough you can hear the whining already. "My grandparents watched the game every year at the same time. If it was good enough for them, it's good enough for us." Look, this is not about tradition, it's all about money. The Big Ten found the goose that laid the golden egg when it started it's television network. The shared revenue alone from this venture is more than most countries gross national product.
That being said, it's not enough for the greedy administrators. A group, who by the way, has proven to be short-sighted in the past. Why is the pie from the television contract not enough to keep the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry in tact? Because the Big Ten is just now at a point where it has enough members to have a championship game. Follow me for a second.
No championship game meant the conference has lacked exposure the final two weekends of the college regular season. Nothing to keep the conference on tips of every one's lips when the precious BCS bids go out. When The Big Ten expanded in 1993 to eleven teams (adding Penn State), there should have been another team joining them. Nebraska, Notre Dame, Colorado, somebody. A championship game could have been initiated, like the SEC did in 1992. Quite frankly, the lack of a championship game cost the conference millions and millions of dollars over the last 17 years. True, they're recouping it now with the television deal, but why leave that money on the table again? Exactly. A championship game is a necessity, but at what price?
Big Greed and a lack of Big Thinking has gotten the Big Ten in trouble in the past. Now, will moving it's biggest asset cost the conference in the long run? "The Game"......not so much anymore.
Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
The Big Ten latest incarnation of itself will feature12 teams (don't get me started on the math) with two divisions, starting in 2011. Michigan and Ohio State will play in opposite divisions. "The Game" will likely be moved from it's annual date to earlier in the season in order for both teams to face divisional opponents the last few games of the year, and possibly lay the groundwork for the Buckeyes and Wolverines to play in the Big 12 err Big Ten title game.
Traditionalist think this move is kin to blasphemy. If you listen close enough you can hear the whining already. "My grandparents watched the game every year at the same time. If it was good enough for them, it's good enough for us." Look, this is not about tradition, it's all about money. The Big Ten found the goose that laid the golden egg when it started it's television network. The shared revenue alone from this venture is more than most countries gross national product.
That being said, it's not enough for the greedy administrators. A group, who by the way, has proven to be short-sighted in the past. Why is the pie from the television contract not enough to keep the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry in tact? Because the Big Ten is just now at a point where it has enough members to have a championship game. Follow me for a second.
No championship game meant the conference has lacked exposure the final two weekends of the college regular season. Nothing to keep the conference on tips of every one's lips when the precious BCS bids go out. When The Big Ten expanded in 1993 to eleven teams (adding Penn State), there should have been another team joining them. Nebraska, Notre Dame, Colorado, somebody. A championship game could have been initiated, like the SEC did in 1992. Quite frankly, the lack of a championship game cost the conference millions and millions of dollars over the last 17 years. True, they're recouping it now with the television deal, but why leave that money on the table again? Exactly. A championship game is a necessity, but at what price?
Big Greed and a lack of Big Thinking has gotten the Big Ten in trouble in the past. Now, will moving it's biggest asset cost the conference in the long run? "The Game"......not so much anymore.
Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
8/31/10
Team USA vs The Lakers
Here at the Sports Grill we've been marinating on Team USA's basketball team in the World Championships. The squad is flawed in that it does not feature our very best players. (Kobe, LeBron, Wade, 'Melo, Howard to name a few of those sitting at home.) Its been interesting to watch how this team is doing a lot of what made the Lakers champs last season, as well as what made the Lakers vulnerable.
Team USA's offense is built around Kevin Durant in much the same way that the Lakers are built around Kobe. Had the NBA's best of the best showed up for World Championships, Durant's the only guy on this team that could sniff the top 6 of the rotation. His natural ability to put the ball in the hole has been showcased so much in 3 games thusfar, that he looks like Kobe breaking the triangle every other trip down court. This is not a knock on Durant at all, more so on how a team full of good with potential to be great NBA players are completely deferring to the league's youngest scoring champ.
If Durant is not on his game someone will have to step up and save America in the knockout round much like the rest of the Lakers stepped up in game 7 of the Finals when Kobe was 6-24. Team USA has already had it's first real scare of the tournament by just squeaking out a 70-68 win over Brazil. Ripping Mike Krzyzewski is easy at this point. Man for man there's no way this squad should be playing 2 point games in this tournament. The offense at the end of the game lacked any imgination. The isolate, dribble, and hope offense. It was like watching an old 'Fresh Prince of Belaire' espisode. Clear out and pass it to Will, with Durant playing the role of Will Smith. I guess coaching in the World Championships is not like hosting Clemson at Cameron Indoor when the refs get caught up in the atmosphere like a Krazy, huh K?
Another similarity to the Lakers, Team USA is playing playoff worthy defense that even Phil Jackson would be proud of. Every guy from 1-12 is hustling and laying it on the line. Unlike the Lakers bulky pair of 7-footers in Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, Team USA is masquerading with Lamar Odom as it's starting center. Odom has not been exploited too bad, but he's not reminding anyone of Bill Russel in the pivot either.
What's been impressive is how Odom has bought into his role on this team much like he did with the Lakers. Odom's unselfishness is the largest common thread between both squads. He's not a center, but is willing to play the position if that helps the team win. He has enough talent to start, but comes off the bench for the Lakers to help the team win. Big props to Khloe's husband!
Just like the Lakers did not breeze to the title, Team USA is going to run into some trouble along the way such as the game against Brazil. Just like the Lakers, Team USA will be champs in the end.
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Team USA's offense is built around Kevin Durant in much the same way that the Lakers are built around Kobe. Had the NBA's best of the best showed up for World Championships, Durant's the only guy on this team that could sniff the top 6 of the rotation. His natural ability to put the ball in the hole has been showcased so much in 3 games thusfar, that he looks like Kobe breaking the triangle every other trip down court. This is not a knock on Durant at all, more so on how a team full of good with potential to be great NBA players are completely deferring to the league's youngest scoring champ.
If Durant is not on his game someone will have to step up and save America in the knockout round much like the rest of the Lakers stepped up in game 7 of the Finals when Kobe was 6-24. Team USA has already had it's first real scare of the tournament by just squeaking out a 70-68 win over Brazil. Ripping Mike Krzyzewski is easy at this point. Man for man there's no way this squad should be playing 2 point games in this tournament. The offense at the end of the game lacked any imgination. The isolate, dribble, and hope offense. It was like watching an old 'Fresh Prince of Belaire' espisode. Clear out and pass it to Will, with Durant playing the role of Will Smith. I guess coaching in the World Championships is not like hosting Clemson at Cameron Indoor when the refs get caught up in the atmosphere like a Krazy, huh K?
Another similarity to the Lakers, Team USA is playing playoff worthy defense that even Phil Jackson would be proud of. Every guy from 1-12 is hustling and laying it on the line. Unlike the Lakers bulky pair of 7-footers in Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, Team USA is masquerading with Lamar Odom as it's starting center. Odom has not been exploited too bad, but he's not reminding anyone of Bill Russel in the pivot either.
What's been impressive is how Odom has bought into his role on this team much like he did with the Lakers. Odom's unselfishness is the largest common thread between both squads. He's not a center, but is willing to play the position if that helps the team win. He has enough talent to start, but comes off the bench for the Lakers to help the team win. Big props to Khloe's husband!
Just like the Lakers did not breeze to the title, Team USA is going to run into some trouble along the way such as the game against Brazil. Just like the Lakers, Team USA will be champs in the end.
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Or drop an email to sportsgrillmaster@yahoo.com
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