Yesterday, news broke that the Philadelphia Phillies signed their first baseman Ryan Howard to a five-year contract extension worth $125 million.
That is serious, serious coin to dish out. Everyone is talking about this deal…at the age of 37, Howard is going to be pulling in $25 million in perhaps the last year of his career, not DHing. This is a really, really interesting story for many reasons.
The biggest free-agent story going for the past two years has been the LeBron James saga. Cleveland not being big enough for him and not giving him what he wants, going to New York, Chicago or New Jersey to potentially play with Coach K. But, there is a story rapidly approaching just as big.
Albert Pujols is as good at baseball as James is at basketball. He’s not just as self absorbing. Pujols’ stats are frankly, second to none at his age and he has done, without any complaining at all, what James has been unable to do: win a ring.
Pujols, is set to hit free agency in 2011 and don’t think that he won’t test the waters. He will be the highest paid player in baseball, and rightfully so. Who are the buyers? Well, the Red Sox would bite, perhaps the Cubs as well. The Yankees are set at first base with Mark Teixiera and the Phillies did what they had to do.
But assuming Pujols leaves St. Louis, it was a foregone conclusion that Howard would go back to his home town of St. Louis to finish his career and my guess is that Philly wouldn’t be in the Pujols sweepstakes. Logic would say that the Phillies inked Howard early to lock him up for good, right?
I’m not so sure…
A couple of months ago, the Philadelphia Eagles made a huge splash, and probable mistake, when they traded their best player, possibly ever. Mount Carmel all-star Donovan McNabb lead the Eagles to incredible successes but only one Super Bowl appearance with a record of 0-1. Eagles fans will point the finger at McNabb as the reason the Eagles haven’t won a title. Most of the rest of us would think otherwise, but that’s that town. It’s a hard town, you win, or you go, no matter who you are.
The “Look at David Ortiz” comparisons come to mind immediately given Ortiz’s drop off. Albeit that Howard has never been linked to any of the roiders, Howard does have an MVP to his credit, something that Ortiz can’t say he has. And, during Howards prime, he’s protecting Chase Utley, unlike Ortiz who during his prime was being protected by Manny Ramirez.
I think Howard got paid because he earned it. He brought the Phillies a title, he put them in the Series last year, and will probably do it again this year. He’s a great guy in the clubhouse and the community. When you ink the contract the Phillies did, you think about the investment over time, but to me, I see the Phillies as a different organization. Philly wasn’t always a baseball town, but now it is, they have a new park and it’s full every night and Howard is the biggest component to the financial successes of the team.
So much time and effort is spent on how Philly is a tough place to be as a player. The blue collar fans are brutal who expect nothing less than winning and doing it with hard work. Howard, is in the best shape of his life, and he’s won. Don’t you think that maybe a town that is so hard on its athletes, like McNabb, might just be loving to the ones that give them what they want like Howard?
Howard’s contract is a reward, a deserved reward for what he’s done as a player and ambassador for the city. Not to mention the guy can hit a little bit and by the end of his career, he will have done much more for the Phillies and the city that even $125 million will do for him. Brotherly love folks, brotherly love.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Crying and the NFL
The NFL draft looms. Fans have become more and more enamored with the draft especially since all the video games allow you to draft. Fans think they’re experts.
There are some certainties to this year. Well, not really. The tackles will go in the top three but it’s unclear where. Sam Braford might be the first overall pick, but if he’s not, he may not be the first quarterback selected.
Eric Berry will be the first defensive back taken.
But the biggest question mark has been circling around the kid who’s been college football’s most talked about player for the past four years. The question has finally come: what will happen to Tim Tebow.
First, let’s get some things straight. Tebow was a fantastic college football player and a good kid. He loves the spotlight. He won one national championship as a starting quarterback, not two. 2009 was the first year that he was the best offensive player on his team. Urban Meyer’s job is to win football games, not to put players in the NFL. That’s a bonus.
What does all this mean? Don’t draft him. Here’s why.
First, we haven’t seen a spread quarterback succeed in the NFL yet. Sam Bradford may, but the OU version is much more pro-style than Florida’s. The spread offense isn’t a condusive offense for an NFL quarterback. Not because the NFL is a drop-back quarterback league opposed to a runner’s league, but because it isn’t complex. Yeah, that’s right, I said the spread IS NOT complex.
There’s a reason why you see so many high school football teams run veer option. It’s easy. Understand a few different blocking schemes, establish blocking angles, run the plays away from the strength of your opponent, make a couple of reads, and execute the hell out of it. Ask Tom Osbourne about it.
Urban Meyer’s offense is no different other than they do it a few yards further down the field. Florida confuses the normal fan with all these receivers (remember the coaches on the Gilroy sidelines when West Caanan went to the Oopty oop?) but they basically run three different plays with two different reads. Quarterbacks are told, “If you see that guy go that way, throw there. If he goes that way, throw it there. If there’s a problem, tuck it and run.” Maybe there’s a little more terminology. But that’s the gist of it.
This type of offense does not prepare a quarterback for the NFL. Vince Young has struggled adjusting and Young was a superior college athlete and football player. Tebow’s throwing mechanics are marginal. He hasn’t had to make many tough throws in college…his high completion percentage comes from the system, not necessarily the arm.
But we know all that, right? Well, you know all that. The draft gurus have given into the fact that this guy is a project, that sits and learns for a year or two. But how big of a gamble is that?
Bringing Tim Tebow into an NFL locker room is borderline un-safe. Especially doing it with first round money.
There’s a pretty funny story from the combine when after a workout, Tebow tried to gather all of the players together for a prayer. From the middle of the huddle, some player said, “Man, shut the &#* up.”
There are plenty of spiritual people in the NFL. Many good Christians besides Tebow. But I don’t think Tebow knows how to handle a situation when he’s not the man.
The second he walked onto Florida’s campus, he was untouchable. Meyer’s way was to make Tebow his version of Danny Wuerfuel, but better. He played early. He was the youngest player of the “Leadership Team,” or whatever it’s called. The other Gator players had to deal with all of this, because they didn’t have a choice. Fortunately, Tebow was a great player.
But we hear about how great of a leader Tebow is. Well, what defines that? I mean, Tebow gets up, does some jumping jacks after a four yard gain, and he’s a leader? After his team scores in the 2008 National Championship game, he runs into a special teams huddle and just gets in some guys face to try to get him fired up? Does that make him a leader?
Tebow is tenacious. Not a great leader. Here’s how we know. When Tebow cries after he loses (we’ll get there) who is there to console him? Either a coach, a player down on the depth chart, or no one. If he was such a great leader of men, where are the guys he’s supposed to be motivating and leading coming to console him? Where’s Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden or a Pouncey? Not to mention, if he’s a great leader, what is he doing crying in the first place, especially after a regular season game? He should be with his teammates, his friends and buddies, not whatever we see him doing. A good leader lets you know that no matter what pain, suffering and torture you’ve been through, it’s all going to be ok.
So you’re the Jacksonville Jaguars and you don’t agree with me and with your first round pick, you take Tebow. You’ve blown a bunch of money on someone who can’t play right away in the league (if ever). Not the first time that’s happened. Here’s what concerns me the most.
He’s not in Gainesville anymore. He’s not sheltered. He’s with a bunch of men, many of whom are probably going to be severely mad that he’s making more money than them, which is a valid point.
Hazing in the NFL is worse than it is in the fraternity system, than it is in high school, than anything. Why? Because money is involved. I love the stories about rookies going out with guys on the team and getting left with a multi-thousand dollar tab. I love it. It’s hilarious. What happens when Tebow’s out at Morton’s and get’s left with a bill with a bunch of booze on it, then has to go to the strip club?
I have no problem with the morals that Tebow chooses to adhere by. He’s just going into the wrong profession. These guys in the NFL are going to have an absolute field day with this kid to the point where I think it’s almost not safe. No one in whichever locker room cares that he’s Tim Tebow. Players will see a kid who doesn’t relate to them, that thinks he can “lead,” who’s getting paid a lot of money, and they probably just won’t like. The NFL is a thug league. It just is. Ask Santonio Holmes. Ask Ben Roethilsberger. It’s not cut out for home-schooled kids who go to college with a bubble around them who don’t drink or party.
Now, the money thing could go away if he doesn’t get first round money. Then there’s someone else to get after. But my advice to Tebow at the next level? Shut up. Know you’re role. There has never been anyone to embrace being the big man on campus like Tebow did. I don’t know if he will let go of it. If he doesn’t…linebackers in the NFL are bigger than him. So are safeties.
Finally, the crying thing. He doesn’t play a game anymore. He goes to work. There’s a big difference and I don’t know if he’s going to be able to grasp that. How is he going to transition? You know it could be really great for the crying thing for him to sit. If he’s not as emotionally attached from the bench. Maybe he’ll learn something over there about controlling his emotions as well.
Who knows. I know I sound like a Tennessee homer, but I just can’t take anymore of this Tebow stuff. Nothing about him as an NFL player makes sense, but it’s so easy for the world to want it to happen. It’s a feel good story when the NFL really needs one. Just don’t get your hopes up. If there’s one thing that the NFL teaches all of us, it’s that there is reality. Tim Tebow is about to get a heavy dose of it.
There are some certainties to this year. Well, not really. The tackles will go in the top three but it’s unclear where. Sam Braford might be the first overall pick, but if he’s not, he may not be the first quarterback selected.
Eric Berry will be the first defensive back taken.
But the biggest question mark has been circling around the kid who’s been college football’s most talked about player for the past four years. The question has finally come: what will happen to Tim Tebow.
First, let’s get some things straight. Tebow was a fantastic college football player and a good kid. He loves the spotlight. He won one national championship as a starting quarterback, not two. 2009 was the first year that he was the best offensive player on his team. Urban Meyer’s job is to win football games, not to put players in the NFL. That’s a bonus.
What does all this mean? Don’t draft him. Here’s why.
First, we haven’t seen a spread quarterback succeed in the NFL yet. Sam Bradford may, but the OU version is much more pro-style than Florida’s. The spread offense isn’t a condusive offense for an NFL quarterback. Not because the NFL is a drop-back quarterback league opposed to a runner’s league, but because it isn’t complex. Yeah, that’s right, I said the spread IS NOT complex.
There’s a reason why you see so many high school football teams run veer option. It’s easy. Understand a few different blocking schemes, establish blocking angles, run the plays away from the strength of your opponent, make a couple of reads, and execute the hell out of it. Ask Tom Osbourne about it.
Urban Meyer’s offense is no different other than they do it a few yards further down the field. Florida confuses the normal fan with all these receivers (remember the coaches on the Gilroy sidelines when West Caanan went to the Oopty oop?) but they basically run three different plays with two different reads. Quarterbacks are told, “If you see that guy go that way, throw there. If he goes that way, throw it there. If there’s a problem, tuck it and run.” Maybe there’s a little more terminology. But that’s the gist of it.
This type of offense does not prepare a quarterback for the NFL. Vince Young has struggled adjusting and Young was a superior college athlete and football player. Tebow’s throwing mechanics are marginal. He hasn’t had to make many tough throws in college…his high completion percentage comes from the system, not necessarily the arm.
But we know all that, right? Well, you know all that. The draft gurus have given into the fact that this guy is a project, that sits and learns for a year or two. But how big of a gamble is that?
Bringing Tim Tebow into an NFL locker room is borderline un-safe. Especially doing it with first round money.
There’s a pretty funny story from the combine when after a workout, Tebow tried to gather all of the players together for a prayer. From the middle of the huddle, some player said, “Man, shut the &#* up.”
There are plenty of spiritual people in the NFL. Many good Christians besides Tebow. But I don’t think Tebow knows how to handle a situation when he’s not the man.
The second he walked onto Florida’s campus, he was untouchable. Meyer’s way was to make Tebow his version of Danny Wuerfuel, but better. He played early. He was the youngest player of the “Leadership Team,” or whatever it’s called. The other Gator players had to deal with all of this, because they didn’t have a choice. Fortunately, Tebow was a great player.
But we hear about how great of a leader Tebow is. Well, what defines that? I mean, Tebow gets up, does some jumping jacks after a four yard gain, and he’s a leader? After his team scores in the 2008 National Championship game, he runs into a special teams huddle and just gets in some guys face to try to get him fired up? Does that make him a leader?
Tebow is tenacious. Not a great leader. Here’s how we know. When Tebow cries after he loses (we’ll get there) who is there to console him? Either a coach, a player down on the depth chart, or no one. If he was such a great leader of men, where are the guys he’s supposed to be motivating and leading coming to console him? Where’s Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden or a Pouncey? Not to mention, if he’s a great leader, what is he doing crying in the first place, especially after a regular season game? He should be with his teammates, his friends and buddies, not whatever we see him doing. A good leader lets you know that no matter what pain, suffering and torture you’ve been through, it’s all going to be ok.
So you’re the Jacksonville Jaguars and you don’t agree with me and with your first round pick, you take Tebow. You’ve blown a bunch of money on someone who can’t play right away in the league (if ever). Not the first time that’s happened. Here’s what concerns me the most.
He’s not in Gainesville anymore. He’s not sheltered. He’s with a bunch of men, many of whom are probably going to be severely mad that he’s making more money than them, which is a valid point.
Hazing in the NFL is worse than it is in the fraternity system, than it is in high school, than anything. Why? Because money is involved. I love the stories about rookies going out with guys on the team and getting left with a multi-thousand dollar tab. I love it. It’s hilarious. What happens when Tebow’s out at Morton’s and get’s left with a bill with a bunch of booze on it, then has to go to the strip club?
I have no problem with the morals that Tebow chooses to adhere by. He’s just going into the wrong profession. These guys in the NFL are going to have an absolute field day with this kid to the point where I think it’s almost not safe. No one in whichever locker room cares that he’s Tim Tebow. Players will see a kid who doesn’t relate to them, that thinks he can “lead,” who’s getting paid a lot of money, and they probably just won’t like. The NFL is a thug league. It just is. Ask Santonio Holmes. Ask Ben Roethilsberger. It’s not cut out for home-schooled kids who go to college with a bubble around them who don’t drink or party.
Now, the money thing could go away if he doesn’t get first round money. Then there’s someone else to get after. But my advice to Tebow at the next level? Shut up. Know you’re role. There has never been anyone to embrace being the big man on campus like Tebow did. I don’t know if he will let go of it. If he doesn’t…linebackers in the NFL are bigger than him. So are safeties.
Finally, the crying thing. He doesn’t play a game anymore. He goes to work. There’s a big difference and I don’t know if he’s going to be able to grasp that. How is he going to transition? You know it could be really great for the crying thing for him to sit. If he’s not as emotionally attached from the bench. Maybe he’ll learn something over there about controlling his emotions as well.
Who knows. I know I sound like a Tennessee homer, but I just can’t take anymore of this Tebow stuff. Nothing about him as an NFL player makes sense, but it’s so easy for the world to want it to happen. It’s a feel good story when the NFL really needs one. Just don’t get your hopes up. If there’s one thing that the NFL teaches all of us, it’s that there is reality. Tim Tebow is about to get a heavy dose of it.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Inspired, Briefly at Least
It's been a while...a long while. I know. Believe it or not, I in fact don't have enough time, or at least haven't, to put the time needed into No Owens. I hate it, and I know like five people hate it too.
So now that I've told you, or someone who I told told you that there's something up, you're probably wondering why?
Yesterday, a friend of mine asked me "Who was the QB at FSU before Charlie Ward?" So we were discussing Casey Weldon with regards to Tennessee not needing some hotshot quarterback but a guy that just simply puts the ball in the hands of his playmakers. Nothing fancy, no NFL experience necessary down the road. Just be the man on campus, win games, become a university legend and get a solid gig selling insurance in Knoxville.
We then started discussing quarterbacks, especially Florida State guys and this morning I just wanted to know what Thad Busby was up to these days. I went to Wikipedia, and alas, no one has created a page. And then it happened.
I Googled "Thad Busby" and what was the first hit? The 9/6/07 No Owens post titled "Thad Busby?"
I reminisced for a moment and then it really hit me. That is the legacy of No Owens. Semi-in depth analysis of college football, mostly of the quarterback position, and me bragging about knowing more about lesser known players than you. Then, I had to ask...is a No Owens post being the #1 hit on a Google Search of Thad Busby really what I want this blog's legacy to be?
Absolutely.
So let's get into this, briefly. College football, quarterbacks. Who do I want to talk about?
Steve Spurrier has admitted that it was him, the Ol' Ball Coach who didn't vote Tim Tebow to the SEC Coaches Pre-Season All Conference team. In case you live in Albania, Tim Tebow is the quarterback of the Florida Gators, entering his third year as the starting quarterback for the club and won the Heisman during his sophomore campaign. He led the Gators to the national championship last year as a junior and is a heavy favorite to not only win another Heisman but win his third BCS National Championship. (He was a member of the Gators team led by Chris Leak that won the title when Tebow was a freshman)
Again, I'll try to come of as unbiased as possible, but this Tebow thing is out of control. Yeah, he's a great kid and does great thing for others. But his leadership as I have observed, is not what the media wants it to be. Just because he does jumping jacks and yells "let's go" all the time, doesn't mean he's a great leader. I'm not in the locker room, but I know that 99% of the guys in the Gators locker room aren't hanging out with Tebow outside the facility and don't relate to him whatsoever. Now, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's impossible for him to lead if he can't relate to his guys. I just don't see it. Talking tough in a presser doesn't mean you're a great leader. Remember after Florida scored in the SEC title game last year towards the end of the game and Tebow ran into the kickoff team huddle and yelled? Remember the guys in the huddle looking around like, "what is this guy doing?" Because that was Tebow showing great leadership.
But this is about him as a player. He's a great player, but it's well documented that on this site, Tebow went as Percy Harvin went. We hear all the time about "Florida has all the atheltes" blah blah blah. What are their names? Demps and Rainey are running backs with great speed but for them to be successful, they better not have anyone within an arm's length. They don't have any real game changers at receiver coming back except TE Aaron Hernandez and the guy who I guess they are counting on the most is true freshman Andre DuBose.
So my question is, again, what is Tebow going to do, and what is Florida for that matter, going to do when they need to get first downs and getting the ball to Percy Harvin who's matched up against someone inferior in the slot isn't an option? Because I don't know. I hope Coach Meyer does...actually, I hope he's as clueless as me.
If I had a vote, yeah, I would have voted for Tebow in the pres-season vote. But, I have a feeling he's going to have his least productive year this year, because I just don't see Florida being as effective early in the year without Harvin. That being said, I could see voting for Jevan Snead pre-season. Why? Well, Ole Miss is the hot team (but we'll see how they do losing their first round OT) and Snead is arguably the best QB prospect in the upcoming draft. But, lest we forget, Snead is the last QB to beat Tebow...and he did it in the Swamp. One could make the argument, unfortunately, Spurrier apologized for doing it and didn't defend himself. Too bad.
Tim Tebow's a great kid and has had a great career. But to me, I don't see things the "experts" choose to see. If he takes care of business this year like everyone thinks he's going to, I'll put him in the VY/Charlie Ward/Tommie Frazier category. That being said, Texas/USC BCS title game. It's coming. Sorry Tim, McCoy wins the Heisman too.
So now that I've told you, or someone who I told told you that there's something up, you're probably wondering why?
Yesterday, a friend of mine asked me "Who was the QB at FSU before Charlie Ward?" So we were discussing Casey Weldon with regards to Tennessee not needing some hotshot quarterback but a guy that just simply puts the ball in the hands of his playmakers. Nothing fancy, no NFL experience necessary down the road. Just be the man on campus, win games, become a university legend and get a solid gig selling insurance in Knoxville.
We then started discussing quarterbacks, especially Florida State guys and this morning I just wanted to know what Thad Busby was up to these days. I went to Wikipedia, and alas, no one has created a page. And then it happened.
I Googled "Thad Busby" and what was the first hit? The 9/6/07 No Owens post titled "Thad Busby?"
I reminisced for a moment and then it really hit me. That is the legacy of No Owens. Semi-in depth analysis of college football, mostly of the quarterback position, and me bragging about knowing more about lesser known players than you. Then, I had to ask...is a No Owens post being the #1 hit on a Google Search of Thad Busby really what I want this blog's legacy to be?
Absolutely.
So let's get into this, briefly. College football, quarterbacks. Who do I want to talk about?
Steve Spurrier has admitted that it was him, the Ol' Ball Coach who didn't vote Tim Tebow to the SEC Coaches Pre-Season All Conference team. In case you live in Albania, Tim Tebow is the quarterback of the Florida Gators, entering his third year as the starting quarterback for the club and won the Heisman during his sophomore campaign. He led the Gators to the national championship last year as a junior and is a heavy favorite to not only win another Heisman but win his third BCS National Championship. (He was a member of the Gators team led by Chris Leak that won the title when Tebow was a freshman)
Again, I'll try to come of as unbiased as possible, but this Tebow thing is out of control. Yeah, he's a great kid and does great thing for others. But his leadership as I have observed, is not what the media wants it to be. Just because he does jumping jacks and yells "let's go" all the time, doesn't mean he's a great leader. I'm not in the locker room, but I know that 99% of the guys in the Gators locker room aren't hanging out with Tebow outside the facility and don't relate to him whatsoever. Now, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's impossible for him to lead if he can't relate to his guys. I just don't see it. Talking tough in a presser doesn't mean you're a great leader. Remember after Florida scored in the SEC title game last year towards the end of the game and Tebow ran into the kickoff team huddle and yelled? Remember the guys in the huddle looking around like, "what is this guy doing?" Because that was Tebow showing great leadership.
But this is about him as a player. He's a great player, but it's well documented that on this site, Tebow went as Percy Harvin went. We hear all the time about "Florida has all the atheltes" blah blah blah. What are their names? Demps and Rainey are running backs with great speed but for them to be successful, they better not have anyone within an arm's length. They don't have any real game changers at receiver coming back except TE Aaron Hernandez and the guy who I guess they are counting on the most is true freshman Andre DuBose.
So my question is, again, what is Tebow going to do, and what is Florida for that matter, going to do when they need to get first downs and getting the ball to Percy Harvin who's matched up against someone inferior in the slot isn't an option? Because I don't know. I hope Coach Meyer does...actually, I hope he's as clueless as me.
If I had a vote, yeah, I would have voted for Tebow in the pres-season vote. But, I have a feeling he's going to have his least productive year this year, because I just don't see Florida being as effective early in the year without Harvin. That being said, I could see voting for Jevan Snead pre-season. Why? Well, Ole Miss is the hot team (but we'll see how they do losing their first round OT) and Snead is arguably the best QB prospect in the upcoming draft. But, lest we forget, Snead is the last QB to beat Tebow...and he did it in the Swamp. One could make the argument, unfortunately, Spurrier apologized for doing it and didn't defend himself. Too bad.
Tim Tebow's a great kid and has had a great career. But to me, I don't see things the "experts" choose to see. If he takes care of business this year like everyone thinks he's going to, I'll put him in the VY/Charlie Ward/Tommie Frazier category. That being said, Texas/USC BCS title game. It's coming. Sorry Tim, McCoy wins the Heisman too.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Nashville....Updating a Previous Story
The question arose a month of so back about Nashville and how it ranks as a true sports town. My reaction was...it's too young to be a "great" sports town. The history just isn't here. Now that's not a good or a bad thing, but something that simply can't be helped. So you know, whatever.
However, Nashville's professional football team isn't making strides.
Albert Haynesworth, the NFL's premier defensive tackle, will test the free-agent market. Haynesworth, a free-agent this year, has been the centerpiece of one of the NFL's nastiest defenses, especially the past two years for the Titans. The man is absolutely amazing. He's virtually unblockable, can stuff the run, and rush the passer. He's a freak; an absolute manchild.
But the Titans, as we've talked about before, don't invest in premier players like this. They don't get into the business of paying the type of money that top 5 players in the NFL demand. So...they had their chance to come at Haynesworth, privately, and they couldn't get a deal done. Now, should they want him back, they have to deal with his price being inflated by the open market.
Maybe, and just maybe, the Titans are hoping the economy plays a roll into the offers made to Haynesworth. That being said, there's a 1957 Ferrari 250 TR going on sale this month that's going to fetch somewhere around $10-15 million. People who own teams have the cash to buy cars like that, anytime they want...football players are no different. So what are the chances of Haynesworth being back in Nashville? I"d say slim to none...the only thing that can help Tennessee is if somehow, the economy does play a hand in his fate, but for a guy like that, don't count on it.
Even if the Titans go out of their comfort zone for a guy like Haynesworth, think about what they are getting. They are getting a guy who not only can rush the passer and stuff the run (better than anyone in the NFL) but draws constant doubleteams. All you can do is put more people on this guy to try to block him. That being said, he creates matchup nightmares and the Titans exploited that this year especially with average talent at linebacker and at the other defensive line positions. When this guy is on the field, you can get away with having adequate players around him because they're jobs are that much easier. So, and I haven't looked at the numbers, but I'd bet you could get pretty close to balanced in salaries if you kept Haynesworth and didn't by any chance, over pay the players around him.
But what this means, really, is this. The Titans aren't committed to taking it to the next level. This is the best player on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL and he wears your jersey. There's no excuse to not get him back in that jersey, a guy who owns a house outside of Knoxville and went to school at UT. This is the ultimate guy for Nashville to build their franchise around, and it doesn't look like they Titans want to do it.
So if you're a Titan fan, how are you feeling about your team's front office not being committed to excellence? And you wonder why people like me acknowledge that Nashville isn't a great sports town? Your marquis franchise sure isn't helping you out.
However, Nashville's professional football team isn't making strides.
Albert Haynesworth, the NFL's premier defensive tackle, will test the free-agent market. Haynesworth, a free-agent this year, has been the centerpiece of one of the NFL's nastiest defenses, especially the past two years for the Titans. The man is absolutely amazing. He's virtually unblockable, can stuff the run, and rush the passer. He's a freak; an absolute manchild.
But the Titans, as we've talked about before, don't invest in premier players like this. They don't get into the business of paying the type of money that top 5 players in the NFL demand. So...they had their chance to come at Haynesworth, privately, and they couldn't get a deal done. Now, should they want him back, they have to deal with his price being inflated by the open market.
Maybe, and just maybe, the Titans are hoping the economy plays a roll into the offers made to Haynesworth. That being said, there's a 1957 Ferrari 250 TR going on sale this month that's going to fetch somewhere around $10-15 million. People who own teams have the cash to buy cars like that, anytime they want...football players are no different. So what are the chances of Haynesworth being back in Nashville? I"d say slim to none...the only thing that can help Tennessee is if somehow, the economy does play a hand in his fate, but for a guy like that, don't count on it.
Even if the Titans go out of their comfort zone for a guy like Haynesworth, think about what they are getting. They are getting a guy who not only can rush the passer and stuff the run (better than anyone in the NFL) but draws constant doubleteams. All you can do is put more people on this guy to try to block him. That being said, he creates matchup nightmares and the Titans exploited that this year especially with average talent at linebacker and at the other defensive line positions. When this guy is on the field, you can get away with having adequate players around him because they're jobs are that much easier. So, and I haven't looked at the numbers, but I'd bet you could get pretty close to balanced in salaries if you kept Haynesworth and didn't by any chance, over pay the players around him.
But what this means, really, is this. The Titans aren't committed to taking it to the next level. This is the best player on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL and he wears your jersey. There's no excuse to not get him back in that jersey, a guy who owns a house outside of Knoxville and went to school at UT. This is the ultimate guy for Nashville to build their franchise around, and it doesn't look like they Titans want to do it.
So if you're a Titan fan, how are you feeling about your team's front office not being committed to excellence? And you wonder why people like me acknowledge that Nashville isn't a great sports town? Your marquis franchise sure isn't helping you out.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Dearest A-Rod,
Thank you so much for your time spent as a legitimate home run hitter. In those days, everyone, besides us, thought of you as a great, pure player who could simply crush baseballs and would eventually put away any thoughts of a steroid using home run king.
The question is now...where are you going to go from here? You aren't going to say anything remotely educated to the media about this and because you have the largest contract in sports history, this whole thing isn't going to go away. And since you're such a jackass who can never say the right thing, your ability to be hated by everyone is just going to increase, when you thought it couldn't get any worse.
What, is the excuse now that you weren't on the juice in the post season? That's why you couldn't produce at crunch time? See, the thing is you're so stupid that you'd probably come out and say that yourself.
What kills us, A-Rod, about this whole thing is that No Owens has talked before about how you were a great hitter before home runs mattered to you. When you were a skinny shortstop with range who competed for batting titles...remember those days? You could have gone down as one of the greatest players ever, without the jacks. Now, you're going to go down as the biggest joke and phony in the history of America's greatest game.
You know what? We're not sorry. Sure, you were on the juice at a time when players weren't getting suspended...at least that's when you tested positive or at least the only time we know about. I hope Madonna has a spiritual answer to your problems.
Sincerely,
Everyone
The question is now...where are you going to go from here? You aren't going to say anything remotely educated to the media about this and because you have the largest contract in sports history, this whole thing isn't going to go away. And since you're such a jackass who can never say the right thing, your ability to be hated by everyone is just going to increase, when you thought it couldn't get any worse.
What, is the excuse now that you weren't on the juice in the post season? That's why you couldn't produce at crunch time? See, the thing is you're so stupid that you'd probably come out and say that yourself.
What kills us, A-Rod, about this whole thing is that No Owens has talked before about how you were a great hitter before home runs mattered to you. When you were a skinny shortstop with range who competed for batting titles...remember those days? You could have gone down as one of the greatest players ever, without the jacks. Now, you're going to go down as the biggest joke and phony in the history of America's greatest game.
You know what? We're not sorry. Sure, you were on the juice at a time when players weren't getting suspended...at least that's when you tested positive or at least the only time we know about. I hope Madonna has a spiritual answer to your problems.
Sincerely,
Everyone
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The New Year Wouldn't Be Complete...
without a token Roger Federer post. I don't know if you watched his five setter over this past weekend, but it was unreal. He played, horribly. And by horribly, I mean he was a disaster.
The first two and even three sets, he looked like a girl who takes tennis class in college just to get a tan and exercise going up against the retired high school tennis player dude, who's frosted tips and tremendous ego got him playing about 4th singles on his team, but he was all state once he stepped foot on the college intramural hard court.
Federer was just flat struggling. He couldn't connect on his forehand to save his life. But the biggest thing with Federer is when he let's his opponent dictate the match. Federer spent so much time dominating, winning with intimidation alone, that when someone actually mans up to him, it throws him off. Players, like Nadal, have realized that the only way to compete with Federer is to take whatever he gives you and throw it back in his face. Make Federer prepare for you, play your own game, and do what you do best, not try to get in the way of Federer's strength. At this point, you might be able to sneak by him before he wakes up.
Unfortunately, for Tomas Berdych, he didn't get lucky. After dominating Federer for two and a half sets, that whole, "Hey, I'm Roger Federer. What the hell am I doing thing..." happened and though it took a few games, after Federer won the third, anyone who thought that Berdych had a chance was smoking fine Australian grass. Though Federer struggled a little to hold serve in the fourth, it was over. You knew he would hold enough with the amount of breaks he was getting.
So Federer after a long, grueling five setter moves on to play the eighth seeded Juan Martin Del Porto and you'd think that a young player could capitalize on the five sets needed to dismiss Berdych? An hour and twenty minutes later, Federer was walking off the court with the scoreboard reading 6-3,6-0,6-0 and already thinking about his upcoming match with Andy Roddick (who's actually playing quite well from what I've seen).
Usually I root for America but Roddick acts like he's more French than anything. But if he can be aggressive with Federer, because he's going to win enough points off his serve, he might be successful. But don't get your hopes up.
Hopefully, Federer has realized his need to dictate play again and it's importance to his success. At this point, his 19 straight major semi-finals record is pretty indicative of his dominance, but to seal the deal, he needs to continue to take his play to his opponents, at all costs. I hope he can.
The first two and even three sets, he looked like a girl who takes tennis class in college just to get a tan and exercise going up against the retired high school tennis player dude, who's frosted tips and tremendous ego got him playing about 4th singles on his team, but he was all state once he stepped foot on the college intramural hard court.
Federer was just flat struggling. He couldn't connect on his forehand to save his life. But the biggest thing with Federer is when he let's his opponent dictate the match. Federer spent so much time dominating, winning with intimidation alone, that when someone actually mans up to him, it throws him off. Players, like Nadal, have realized that the only way to compete with Federer is to take whatever he gives you and throw it back in his face. Make Federer prepare for you, play your own game, and do what you do best, not try to get in the way of Federer's strength. At this point, you might be able to sneak by him before he wakes up.
Unfortunately, for Tomas Berdych, he didn't get lucky. After dominating Federer for two and a half sets, that whole, "Hey, I'm Roger Federer. What the hell am I doing thing..." happened and though it took a few games, after Federer won the third, anyone who thought that Berdych had a chance was smoking fine Australian grass. Though Federer struggled a little to hold serve in the fourth, it was over. You knew he would hold enough with the amount of breaks he was getting.
So Federer after a long, grueling five setter moves on to play the eighth seeded Juan Martin Del Porto and you'd think that a young player could capitalize on the five sets needed to dismiss Berdych? An hour and twenty minutes later, Federer was walking off the court with the scoreboard reading 6-3,6-0,6-0 and already thinking about his upcoming match with Andy Roddick (who's actually playing quite well from what I've seen).
Usually I root for America but Roddick acts like he's more French than anything. But if he can be aggressive with Federer, because he's going to win enough points off his serve, he might be successful. But don't get your hopes up.
Hopefully, Federer has realized his need to dictate play again and it's importance to his success. At this point, his 19 straight major semi-finals record is pretty indicative of his dominance, but to seal the deal, he needs to continue to take his play to his opponents, at all costs. I hope he can.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Nashville, The Sports Town
While I was getting married, the 13-3 and top seeded Tennessee Titans were choking away their divisional round playoff game to the Baltimore Ravens. Obviously, I didn't see the game, but from what I have gathered, it was a game the Titans could have and should have won.
As one can imagine, the talk radio shows were all about these Titan fans calling in, blaming coaches, players, and fans for the loss. Since then, the national scene has started to get a hold of Nashville's ranking as a sports town, much of which has taken fans here off guard and made them, well, very upset.
But I sit there in my car and listen to these people banter, and it really makes me think...is Nashville a good sports town?
The answer is simple. No. No it's not. It's not even close. It's very average at best.
So why would I say this, especially coming from someone who lives here? Well, as you know I don't really have any true allegiance to the teams here, so I can kind of play a bi-partisan role in the judging, but using other past experiences will in fact be helpful in proving my point.
Let's get this out of the way first. People in the south, in general, don't get hockey. Hockey is a great sport, but unfortunately, kids don't want to play it like they want to play basketball and football. Therefore, without the need to get their kids in the seats because they won't shut up otherwise, parents, in general, aren't going to the games. It's hard to sell hockey in Nashville, and it's not going well. Sorry, but it's the truth.
But let's get to football, the sport that defines this town as a sports town and how it does that. The Titans moved here from Houston. They have no history. The majority of Titans fans are first generation Titans fans. Now, this is by default of course, other than the folks here that were once in Houston and transferred here for various reasons and love talking about Earl Campbell, Billy White Shoes Johnson, and Haywood Jefferies. But in general there isn't much of a blood line. There isn't the bond that I have with my uncle who taught me to be a Packer fan, the memories we have shared from my childhood, his childhood, and talking about almost 90 years of Packer football.
Sure, Nashville can't help that...but maybe that means they don't qualify as a great sports town, and they can't do anything about it. Have you seen the movie "Invincible?" There aren't fans in Nashville like Marky-Mark's fans at the bar in Philly. There just aren't. There aren't people who give their lives, everything they have to get to the football games. I mean, I'm sure there are but not in the same way. And it goes back to the tradition, and family tradition, that I talked about earlier. The Titans are a team, they aren't a way of life like the Cubs, or Vikings, or the Jets, or the Red Sox. They are a team that has a lot of good fans and sells out their stadium every week. They also are a team that exists in a great destination city for travellers which in turn brings a large following of the opposite colors each weekend. This is also fine. Mind you, there are people with Titans tickets ready and willing to sell...
But, what is the underlying factor of all this? I've talked about it before...and that's this simple fact. By and by, the Nashville sports teams aren't most Nashville sports fans' priorities. Nashville, sits 3 hours from Knoxville, 5 hours from Tuscaloosa and Auburn, 6-7 or so from Oxford, 3 from Louisville, and 4 from Lexington. People's passion, especially in the south, is at their college of choice, not in the NFL. Mostly I'm sure because the tradition goes back a lot further with the college team where family ties are stronger and more meaningful. And let's face it Nashville, Vanderbilt doesn't matter.
There are lots of great fans here in Nashville, that's for certain. I hang out with a lot of them. But there's a lot more to a sports town than great fans. There's tradition and passion that simply can't exist here. So don't take it personally Titan fan, you just don't have what other places have. You don't have the tradition, the stories, the legends. The ring of honor at LP Field has names like McNair, George, and Wycheck. Go to Green Bay and you'll see names like Starr, Lombardi and Canadeo, and in Chicago names like, Halas, Payton and Sayres. Don't take it personally there aren't many great sports towns and Nashville could be one someday. But it's at least two generations of stories and history removed.
As one can imagine, the talk radio shows were all about these Titan fans calling in, blaming coaches, players, and fans for the loss. Since then, the national scene has started to get a hold of Nashville's ranking as a sports town, much of which has taken fans here off guard and made them, well, very upset.
But I sit there in my car and listen to these people banter, and it really makes me think...is Nashville a good sports town?
The answer is simple. No. No it's not. It's not even close. It's very average at best.
So why would I say this, especially coming from someone who lives here? Well, as you know I don't really have any true allegiance to the teams here, so I can kind of play a bi-partisan role in the judging, but using other past experiences will in fact be helpful in proving my point.
Let's get this out of the way first. People in the south, in general, don't get hockey. Hockey is a great sport, but unfortunately, kids don't want to play it like they want to play basketball and football. Therefore, without the need to get their kids in the seats because they won't shut up otherwise, parents, in general, aren't going to the games. It's hard to sell hockey in Nashville, and it's not going well. Sorry, but it's the truth.
But let's get to football, the sport that defines this town as a sports town and how it does that. The Titans moved here from Houston. They have no history. The majority of Titans fans are first generation Titans fans. Now, this is by default of course, other than the folks here that were once in Houston and transferred here for various reasons and love talking about Earl Campbell, Billy White Shoes Johnson, and Haywood Jefferies. But in general there isn't much of a blood line. There isn't the bond that I have with my uncle who taught me to be a Packer fan, the memories we have shared from my childhood, his childhood, and talking about almost 90 years of Packer football.
Sure, Nashville can't help that...but maybe that means they don't qualify as a great sports town, and they can't do anything about it. Have you seen the movie "Invincible?" There aren't fans in Nashville like Marky-Mark's fans at the bar in Philly. There just aren't. There aren't people who give their lives, everything they have to get to the football games. I mean, I'm sure there are but not in the same way. And it goes back to the tradition, and family tradition, that I talked about earlier. The Titans are a team, they aren't a way of life like the Cubs, or Vikings, or the Jets, or the Red Sox. They are a team that has a lot of good fans and sells out their stadium every week. They also are a team that exists in a great destination city for travellers which in turn brings a large following of the opposite colors each weekend. This is also fine. Mind you, there are people with Titans tickets ready and willing to sell...
But, what is the underlying factor of all this? I've talked about it before...and that's this simple fact. By and by, the Nashville sports teams aren't most Nashville sports fans' priorities. Nashville, sits 3 hours from Knoxville, 5 hours from Tuscaloosa and Auburn, 6-7 or so from Oxford, 3 from Louisville, and 4 from Lexington. People's passion, especially in the south, is at their college of choice, not in the NFL. Mostly I'm sure because the tradition goes back a lot further with the college team where family ties are stronger and more meaningful. And let's face it Nashville, Vanderbilt doesn't matter.
There are lots of great fans here in Nashville, that's for certain. I hang out with a lot of them. But there's a lot more to a sports town than great fans. There's tradition and passion that simply can't exist here. So don't take it personally Titan fan, you just don't have what other places have. You don't have the tradition, the stories, the legends. The ring of honor at LP Field has names like McNair, George, and Wycheck. Go to Green Bay and you'll see names like Starr, Lombardi and Canadeo, and in Chicago names like, Halas, Payton and Sayres. Don't take it personally there aren't many great sports towns and Nashville could be one someday. But it's at least two generations of stories and history removed.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Congratulations, Ohio State (Big Ten) Fan
I can simply say, that last night I watched a really good and entertaining football game. The Fiesta Bowl, in my eyes, was going to look like an atomic bomb. Texas was going to show up, mad that OU got the nod, and just break every bone in every Buckeye frame.
I was surprised however. Ohio State played the best they could have, utilizing all of their facilities to take a lead into the last two minutes of the game. Texas certainly didn't play their best game, but when they wanted to be you could tell they were the superior team. Two bonehead plays by Colt McCoy made the game close, stopping Texas drives in the red zone. And Ohio State, like any good team should do, took everything that Texas gave them.
But...let's jump back to reality for a moment. For the third straight year, Ohio State has gone to a BCS game and lost. Not quite as badly this year (probably because they didn't play an SEC team) but none the less the Big Ten goes another year without a BCS win. Way to go.
We are seeing the future of Ohio State football with Terrelle Pryor. He's the man. But can he throw the ball to himself next year without Todd Boeckman running around? Not to mention, Malcolm Jenkins, where are you and why did you win the Thorpe award?
So, another season of Big Ten football is over. And their biggest name and the 11th team both lost in their BCS games. Way to go guys. The Mountain West has more BCS victories in the past two years than you do.
I was surprised however. Ohio State played the best they could have, utilizing all of their facilities to take a lead into the last two minutes of the game. Texas certainly didn't play their best game, but when they wanted to be you could tell they were the superior team. Two bonehead plays by Colt McCoy made the game close, stopping Texas drives in the red zone. And Ohio State, like any good team should do, took everything that Texas gave them.
But...let's jump back to reality for a moment. For the third straight year, Ohio State has gone to a BCS game and lost. Not quite as badly this year (probably because they didn't play an SEC team) but none the less the Big Ten goes another year without a BCS win. Way to go.
We are seeing the future of Ohio State football with Terrelle Pryor. He's the man. But can he throw the ball to himself next year without Todd Boeckman running around? Not to mention, Malcolm Jenkins, where are you and why did you win the Thorpe award?
So, another season of Big Ten football is over. And their biggest name and the 11th team both lost in their BCS games. Way to go guys. The Mountain West has more BCS victories in the past two years than you do.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Where is Terrell Davis?
At the beginning of last week, amidst the obvious firings of NFL coaches after the regular season's conclusion, many were shocked to hear that Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan would be joining the group of dismissed coaches.
Shanahan, who falls under the Bill Walsh coaching tree, won back to back Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998 and kept the Broncos fairly relevant for an extended period of time including four playoff appearances...three of which ended in the Wild Card Round.
But this Shanahan situation is something very similar to what we've seen already in the past few months. Shanahan has created a level of expectancy in Denver and throughout the state of Colorado. The Broncos are revered as one of the most competitive teams in the NFL. He has a really nice young quarterback, or so it seems and his years of putting anyone in the backfield and them running for 1,000 yards seems like a time period that's gone.
So there are plenty of folks who are confused and upset about this firing. But for it's explanation, look no further than 180 miles due east of where I'm sitting right now. Shanahan's firing is exactly like that of Phil Fulmer's firing at Tennessee. It comes down to what are you doing for me lately. It comes down to building a program/franchise to a level where mediocrity is simply unacceptable. It comes down to the fact that championships can only buy you so much time.
I'm not going to put it up here, but understand that the Vols and the Broncos have had a lot in common. A lot of, not living up to expectations. So, like in any other job, you have to identify the issue and fix it. In this case, I believe that the records are not in Shanahan's favor, just as they weren't in the favor of Fulmer. Not to mention, this year Denver completely flopped.
You can only build these things up for so long before nothing can be done to save yourself. And exactly what happened to Fulmer is what's happened to Shanahan. Maybe he'll go back to the 49ers as the OC. That would be nice.
Shanahan, who falls under the Bill Walsh coaching tree, won back to back Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998 and kept the Broncos fairly relevant for an extended period of time including four playoff appearances...three of which ended in the Wild Card Round.
But this Shanahan situation is something very similar to what we've seen already in the past few months. Shanahan has created a level of expectancy in Denver and throughout the state of Colorado. The Broncos are revered as one of the most competitive teams in the NFL. He has a really nice young quarterback, or so it seems and his years of putting anyone in the backfield and them running for 1,000 yards seems like a time period that's gone.
So there are plenty of folks who are confused and upset about this firing. But for it's explanation, look no further than 180 miles due east of where I'm sitting right now. Shanahan's firing is exactly like that of Phil Fulmer's firing at Tennessee. It comes down to what are you doing for me lately. It comes down to building a program/franchise to a level where mediocrity is simply unacceptable. It comes down to the fact that championships can only buy you so much time.
I'm not going to put it up here, but understand that the Vols and the Broncos have had a lot in common. A lot of, not living up to expectations. So, like in any other job, you have to identify the issue and fix it. In this case, I believe that the records are not in Shanahan's favor, just as they weren't in the favor of Fulmer. Not to mention, this year Denver completely flopped.
You can only build these things up for so long before nothing can be done to save yourself. And exactly what happened to Fulmer is what's happened to Shanahan. Maybe he'll go back to the 49ers as the OC. That would be nice.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
My New Year's Resolution
The New Year is upon us. With it comes the firing of NFL coaches, the greatest day in sports and the reminder that i believe it's 47 days until pitchers and catchers report to camp.
It's also that time of year where gyms are packed, grocery stores are only crowded in the produce and organic sections, and cigarette sales are down as people are trying their hardest to fulfil their New Year's Resolutions.
Traditionally, I hate these things. Why? Because they always fail. Or at least the people who claim to have them fail at fulfilling their dreams. By the end of February, my gym will be back to being nice and quiet, Oreo's will fly off the shelves and Marlboro will be back on top.
But this year, I am here to give you hope. I have a New Year's Resolution and that is to keep No Owens going. There's so much going on in probably all of our lives right now that it's important that we take time to do the things that we love to do. I like writing about sports, expressing my opinions, and talking at you about why Tim Tebow is the most overrated player in the history of college football and how Pat White will probably go down as the most underrated. Talking about how Manny Ramirez is worth every penny he asks for and that the Yankees, believe it or not, are getting worse.
Moral of the story is this. My goal is to get No Owens back in 09. There's a lot to talk about, and I will find the time to do it. For all ten of you.
It's also that time of year where gyms are packed, grocery stores are only crowded in the produce and organic sections, and cigarette sales are down as people are trying their hardest to fulfil their New Year's Resolutions.
Traditionally, I hate these things. Why? Because they always fail. Or at least the people who claim to have them fail at fulfilling their dreams. By the end of February, my gym will be back to being nice and quiet, Oreo's will fly off the shelves and Marlboro will be back on top.
But this year, I am here to give you hope. I have a New Year's Resolution and that is to keep No Owens going. There's so much going on in probably all of our lives right now that it's important that we take time to do the things that we love to do. I like writing about sports, expressing my opinions, and talking at you about why Tim Tebow is the most overrated player in the history of college football and how Pat White will probably go down as the most underrated. Talking about how Manny Ramirez is worth every penny he asks for and that the Yankees, believe it or not, are getting worse.
Moral of the story is this. My goal is to get No Owens back in 09. There's a lot to talk about, and I will find the time to do it. For all ten of you.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Reaction...From All Sides
Yesterday when I found out that Tennessee Head Football Coach had agreed to step down at the end of the season, I didn't know what to think. At first, I was so fired up I didn't know what to do with myself. Then I got hit with the, "This guy is all I know of Tennessee Football" bit. Then I thought about Butch Davis and it didn't really matter.
Fulmer is a rare bread for sure. He's spent, for the most part, his entire collegiate and professional career in Knoxville, working his way up the ladder. In a football sense, he is the epitome of the American dream (that on election day, Barack Obama wants to take away from you) that if you work hard you will rise to the top. To the top he did rise, raising the Sears BCS Trophy after defeating my once beloved Florida State Seminoles in the first ever BCS Championship game.
I believe Coach Fulmer loves the University of Tennessee more than just about anyone. For that, it is without question that I, as well as you, should respect his hard word and time spent, all with success and a commitment to the program.
But I honestly believe that what he did yesterday, "stepping down at the end of the season" was what deep down he felt was the right thing for Tennessee. I mentioned Florida State a few moments ago, and the irony is amazing.
What do these teams have in common: Nebraska, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, Tennessee, Florida State? Those are the teams listed in chronological order from 1994-1999 who won the national championship (Nebraska and Michigan tied in 1997). The above listed programs more or less dominated the 90's with the help of Miami in the first half of the decade. Of those teams, only Florida State's head coach will coach next year, and only Tom Osbourne went out on his own terms (outside of Steve Spurrier going to the NFL). Florida State and Tennessee have been put in the same category recently, needing to find what they had in the 90's to compete. Many believe that Bowden isn't far behind, and though Fulmer has a great resume, Bowden's is considerably more impressive, buying him a little more time.
What I'm getting at is that college football is just a different game. Coach Fulmer should be commended as he has been the most competitive for the longest period of time of the coaches of those teams above. But the game is different now. Players may love the fatherly approach that Fulmers and Bowdens and Carrs have, but that isn't equating into the wins that the fiery and energetic younger types are like Carroll, Meyer, Miles and Saban.
The game has simply changed. Not even Steve Spurrier can have success in the SEC building a program the same way he did with the Gators. Coach Fulmer in an interview earlier this year said something along the lines of, "We didn't just become bad coaches overnight." I don't think he and his staff did, but I think he and his staff didn't adjust and adapt to what the world is today in the SEC, and competitive college football in general. I'd say that Mack Brown is still a throw back guy, but he surrounds himself with the fiery young coaches to bring it all together. That's called adapting to your surroundings and continuing to build a program. Tennessee got in a rut, where they could be fairly competitive in their league, but keep in mind, Fulmer is O-fer against Urban Meyer, about even with Mark Richt, and let's just say Nick Saban was never too kind to him. Those are programs that are adapting, and now, Tennessee has the chance with a bunch of talent and the best defensive player in the SEC to come in an adapt. And the luxury that I think Tennessee has, more so than Alabama, is that the talent is here to run any offense besides the spread, and I don't see that coming.
Coach Fulmer will be remembered for being a great football coach, having a great career, and winning a National Championship. I hate it that he isn't leaving on "his own terms" but it's the right thing for the university and it's the right thing for the program. A guy who gives that much of his life to one institution should be beyond commended for his efforts. But we all need to learn a lesson from this, that we need to adapt to our surroundings...
Fulmer is a rare bread for sure. He's spent, for the most part, his entire collegiate and professional career in Knoxville, working his way up the ladder. In a football sense, he is the epitome of the American dream (that on election day, Barack Obama wants to take away from you) that if you work hard you will rise to the top. To the top he did rise, raising the Sears BCS Trophy after defeating my once beloved Florida State Seminoles in the first ever BCS Championship game.
I believe Coach Fulmer loves the University of Tennessee more than just about anyone. For that, it is without question that I, as well as you, should respect his hard word and time spent, all with success and a commitment to the program.
But I honestly believe that what he did yesterday, "stepping down at the end of the season" was what deep down he felt was the right thing for Tennessee. I mentioned Florida State a few moments ago, and the irony is amazing.
What do these teams have in common: Nebraska, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, Tennessee, Florida State? Those are the teams listed in chronological order from 1994-1999 who won the national championship (Nebraska and Michigan tied in 1997). The above listed programs more or less dominated the 90's with the help of Miami in the first half of the decade. Of those teams, only Florida State's head coach will coach next year, and only Tom Osbourne went out on his own terms (outside of Steve Spurrier going to the NFL). Florida State and Tennessee have been put in the same category recently, needing to find what they had in the 90's to compete. Many believe that Bowden isn't far behind, and though Fulmer has a great resume, Bowden's is considerably more impressive, buying him a little more time.
What I'm getting at is that college football is just a different game. Coach Fulmer should be commended as he has been the most competitive for the longest period of time of the coaches of those teams above. But the game is different now. Players may love the fatherly approach that Fulmers and Bowdens and Carrs have, but that isn't equating into the wins that the fiery and energetic younger types are like Carroll, Meyer, Miles and Saban.
The game has simply changed. Not even Steve Spurrier can have success in the SEC building a program the same way he did with the Gators. Coach Fulmer in an interview earlier this year said something along the lines of, "We didn't just become bad coaches overnight." I don't think he and his staff did, but I think he and his staff didn't adjust and adapt to what the world is today in the SEC, and competitive college football in general. I'd say that Mack Brown is still a throw back guy, but he surrounds himself with the fiery young coaches to bring it all together. That's called adapting to your surroundings and continuing to build a program. Tennessee got in a rut, where they could be fairly competitive in their league, but keep in mind, Fulmer is O-fer against Urban Meyer, about even with Mark Richt, and let's just say Nick Saban was never too kind to him. Those are programs that are adapting, and now, Tennessee has the chance with a bunch of talent and the best defensive player in the SEC to come in an adapt. And the luxury that I think Tennessee has, more so than Alabama, is that the talent is here to run any offense besides the spread, and I don't see that coming.
Coach Fulmer will be remembered for being a great football coach, having a great career, and winning a National Championship. I hate it that he isn't leaving on "his own terms" but it's the right thing for the university and it's the right thing for the program. A guy who gives that much of his life to one institution should be beyond commended for his efforts. But we all need to learn a lesson from this, that we need to adapt to our surroundings...
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Bringing Down Penn State Fans
Interesting title, I know and you wonder, after the biggest win in about the past 20 years of Nittany Lions football can it possibly be done? Well, you've come to the right place.
Congratulations Penn State fans, you went on the road and beat a team that gets run out of the stadium by the class of the Pac-10. Congrats. What does this mean? It means that you are on the tightest leash of any other school in the country. Why? Well because of the following: America knows that Ohio State is a fraud, and you just beat them in their house, in a game that a freshman quarterback literally handed to you. Now, you have the title of being the Big Ten team to get embarrassed by an SEC team in the BCS Title game, or possibly a Big Twelve team this year.
But I will thank you for this, by beating Ohio State, you did not only get rid of them for the rest of the year, but you made USC's win over the Buckeyes much less meaningful...so everything has to go right for the Trojans to get into the title game.
So Penn State fans, if you lose another game this year...since you have the biggest joke of a schedule of all time, gear up for a physical beatdown of by either the winner of the UGA/UF game or Alabama. Pick your poisons.
But here's my favorite Penn State business. In 1994, Penn State had an amazing team and in fact, one of the best I've ever seen. Only thing is they went undefeated, took care of their business, but another team did the same named Nebraska...and they were the greatest team I've ever seen and of all-time. Since then, Penn State fans have been complaining about the media hating them, and thought that in 2002, Larry Johnson not winning the Heisman was a conspiracy.
I've never like LJ...never thought he was that good. He's had two GREAT seasons in the NFL, conveniently right before his holdout/contract year. I don't think he's cracked the 800 yard barrier in any other year.
This guy is the prototype steroid user and while the NFL is busy "randomly" testing people for their games in England, guys like LJ can get paid for juicing. LJ is the NFL's Juan Gonzalez and anyone who offered to pay LJ what they did get's what they deserve. Sorry Chiefs fans, but you got taken for a ride...and for you Penn State fans, sorry that your only hope for a great player in this day and age was caused by illegal substance. Try to make a media controversy out of that.
Congratulations Penn State fans, you went on the road and beat a team that gets run out of the stadium by the class of the Pac-10. Congrats. What does this mean? It means that you are on the tightest leash of any other school in the country. Why? Well because of the following: America knows that Ohio State is a fraud, and you just beat them in their house, in a game that a freshman quarterback literally handed to you. Now, you have the title of being the Big Ten team to get embarrassed by an SEC team in the BCS Title game, or possibly a Big Twelve team this year.
But I will thank you for this, by beating Ohio State, you did not only get rid of them for the rest of the year, but you made USC's win over the Buckeyes much less meaningful...so everything has to go right for the Trojans to get into the title game.
So Penn State fans, if you lose another game this year...since you have the biggest joke of a schedule of all time, gear up for a physical beatdown of by either the winner of the UGA/UF game or Alabama. Pick your poisons.
But here's my favorite Penn State business. In 1994, Penn State had an amazing team and in fact, one of the best I've ever seen. Only thing is they went undefeated, took care of their business, but another team did the same named Nebraska...and they were the greatest team I've ever seen and of all-time. Since then, Penn State fans have been complaining about the media hating them, and thought that in 2002, Larry Johnson not winning the Heisman was a conspiracy.
I've never like LJ...never thought he was that good. He's had two GREAT seasons in the NFL, conveniently right before his holdout/contract year. I don't think he's cracked the 800 yard barrier in any other year.
This guy is the prototype steroid user and while the NFL is busy "randomly" testing people for their games in England, guys like LJ can get paid for juicing. LJ is the NFL's Juan Gonzalez and anyone who offered to pay LJ what they did get's what they deserve. Sorry Chiefs fans, but you got taken for a ride...and for you Penn State fans, sorry that your only hope for a great player in this day and age was caused by illegal substance. Try to make a media controversy out of that.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Legends Update
Often times, when discussing sports when we were younger, our friends will say, "God, I wonder what happened to that guy?"
Well, while listening to the Jim Rome Show today, on Rome's home station 570 KLAC AM Los Angeles, I just heard a promo for a show later in the day which included a report from Gino Torretta on college football. Needless to say, they didn't give a time for you to tune in. So if you're wondering what Gino's doing these days, now you sort of know.
Well, while listening to the Jim Rome Show today, on Rome's home station 570 KLAC AM Los Angeles, I just heard a promo for a show later in the day which included a report from Gino Torretta on college football. Needless to say, they didn't give a time for you to tune in. So if you're wondering what Gino's doing these days, now you sort of know.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Eric Berry - Best Football Player Ever
As an irritated Tennessee fan, people will say to you, "Why are you still going to these games?" Well, I can tell you because, A. I paid for the tickets but most importantly B. because I still do have pride in my team. Just because we are under producing and not utilizing the talent on our field doesn't mean I'm not going to be a fan anymore.
But if I was...I'd still go for one reason: SEC teams still run offensive plays in the vicinity of Eric Berry, and as long as they're doing that, something great is happening at Tennessee.
Berry, a sophomore safety, is believed by most to be a starter since he walked on campus. If I recall correctly, he started his second game...due to Jarod Parish going down with an injury known as, being terrible, in the first series of the first game of the year at Berkeley. He ended the season with five picks and was named the SEC Freshman Defensive Player of the Year as well as a unanimous Freshman All-American.
This year, well, Berry has taken it to the next level, leading the nation in interceptions (5) and has been named SEC Defensive Player of the Week twice as of this morning after his 10 tackle, one sack, 2 pass breakups, and one 71-yard interception return for a touchdown night this past weekend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5UwgsTIBU8) which lead to an "Eric Berry" chant in Neyland Stadium. Not to mention the hit of the year on Georgia's Knowshon Moreno ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZKTaC9-jDQ).
This kid is a safety, flying around and not only picking balls off with standard flair, but absolutely punishing people in his way He's a safety who's worth the price of admission. Not only does he have the 10 picks on his career, but he also has 397 return yards off of those interceptions...he's averaging 40 yards a touch. Why isn't this kid getting touches on offense?
Something happened 11 years ago that most Vol fans will never forget...Peyton Manning didn't win the Heisman, and CB Charles Woodson of Michigan did. As a sophomore, there is no way you can tell me that Woodson was what Berry is right now...Berry just needs to touches all over the field. Coach Fulmer says things like, "Eric is so valuable on defense and special teams (blocking) that we can't afford to allow him to get fatigued by getting him reps on offense and in the return game..." Do you think Eric Berry can get fatigued? What are 3-4 extra plays really going to do to this guy? Was he fatigued in the fourth quarter after running that pick back? Seriously Phil.
If UT had any sense of anything, they'd be campaigning for Berry to be the second defensive player in history to win the Heisman. He's that good, that explosive. Keep in mind, Woodson's Heisman winning year, he had eight picks for...seven return yards while having zero responsibility for stopping the run. Berry played quarterback in high school, and was pretty amazing...and Fulmer talks about getting him the ball on a reverse or something. Who cares? Throw him the ball in space! The guy goes 40 yards every time he touches the ball! Are these guys nuts?
Berry is going to get his Thorpe Award(s) and his All-America Honors and maybe a shot at the big one, coach/program willing. But Berry is also just the best guy of all time as well. He legacy at UT is growing faster than any other legends of Neyland Stadium, with the stories of Berry staying late to work with the managing staff to get jersey and shorts ready for practice and hosting his brothers (yes he has two twin brothers who play QB and RB and seem to be at UT every weekend...) during their Spring Break to come play soccer with the UT Women's Soccer team so they could all work on their footwork together.
Some day, Berry is going to be a top 10 NFL draft pick and have his #14 retired with the likes of Peyton Manning and Reggie White. The guy plays safety and might seriously go down as the greatest player in Tennessee history. Not only can he play, but he's as good of a guy off the field as he is on it. So what else is there to say...other than, GIVE HIM THE BALL.
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But if I was...I'd still go for one reason: SEC teams still run offensive plays in the vicinity of Eric Berry, and as long as they're doing that, something great is happening at Tennessee.
Berry, a sophomore safety, is believed by most to be a starter since he walked on campus. If I recall correctly, he started his second game...due to Jarod Parish going down with an injury known as, being terrible, in the first series of the first game of the year at Berkeley. He ended the season with five picks and was named the SEC Freshman Defensive Player of the Year as well as a unanimous Freshman All-American.
This year, well, Berry has taken it to the next level, leading the nation in interceptions (5) and has been named SEC Defensive Player of the Week twice as of this morning after his 10 tackle, one sack, 2 pass breakups, and one 71-yard interception return for a touchdown night this past weekend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5UwgsTIBU8) which lead to an "Eric Berry" chant in Neyland Stadium. Not to mention the hit of the year on Georgia's Knowshon Moreno ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZKTaC9-jDQ).
This kid is a safety, flying around and not only picking balls off with standard flair, but absolutely punishing people in his way He's a safety who's worth the price of admission. Not only does he have the 10 picks on his career, but he also has 397 return yards off of those interceptions...he's averaging 40 yards a touch. Why isn't this kid getting touches on offense?
Something happened 11 years ago that most Vol fans will never forget...Peyton Manning didn't win the Heisman, and CB Charles Woodson of Michigan did. As a sophomore, there is no way you can tell me that Woodson was what Berry is right now...Berry just needs to touches all over the field. Coach Fulmer says things like, "Eric is so valuable on defense and special teams (blocking) that we can't afford to allow him to get fatigued by getting him reps on offense and in the return game..." Do you think Eric Berry can get fatigued? What are 3-4 extra plays really going to do to this guy? Was he fatigued in the fourth quarter after running that pick back? Seriously Phil.
If UT had any sense of anything, they'd be campaigning for Berry to be the second defensive player in history to win the Heisman. He's that good, that explosive. Keep in mind, Woodson's Heisman winning year, he had eight picks for...seven return yards while having zero responsibility for stopping the run. Berry played quarterback in high school, and was pretty amazing...and Fulmer talks about getting him the ball on a reverse or something. Who cares? Throw him the ball in space! The guy goes 40 yards every time he touches the ball! Are these guys nuts?
Berry is going to get his Thorpe Award(s) and his All-America Honors and maybe a shot at the big one, coach/program willing. But Berry is also just the best guy of all time as well. He legacy at UT is growing faster than any other legends of Neyland Stadium, with the stories of Berry staying late to work with the managing staff to get jersey and shorts ready for practice and hosting his brothers (yes he has two twin brothers who play QB and RB and seem to be at UT every weekend...) during their Spring Break to come play soccer with the UT Women's Soccer team so they could all work on their footwork together.
Some day, Berry is going to be a top 10 NFL draft pick and have his #14 retired with the likes of Peyton Manning and Reggie White. The guy plays safety and might seriously go down as the greatest player in Tennessee history. Not only can he play, but he's as good of a guy off the field as he is on it. So what else is there to say...other than, GIVE HIM THE BALL.
This ki
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Football In Texas and The Great Plains
So for as long as the few of you have read this blog, you’ve heard nothing but, “SEC owns (insert conference, team, political ideology here).”
SEC Football is still the most competitive grouping of sports teams, probably in the world. I mean, look at what happened last weekend…Georgia struggled with a struggling Tennessee team and could have lost that game. LSU was absolutely killed by Florida, and still, Vanderbilt is still atop the SEC East, even after losing to Mississippi State.
Eight hours before Tim Tebow jumping jacked his way off the field in the Swamp, Texas pulled what some think could be the biggest upset of the year. Personally, I gave Texas no chance, whatsoever, to win that game. In fact, I think it was my #9 game overall in confidence in my pick’em league.
Texas was flat out impressive. They played just as fast as OU and purely matched their athleticism. Colt McCoy, who No Owens has never really understood, and still may not, looked great. He’s the cross between Major Applewhite and Vince Young; a guy who can beat you with great athletic ability, but has that swagger that Applewhite that gets his team right where they need to be…behind him, following him to a big win. Was their defense questionable? Sure, but who didn’t expect that to happen? They found every way to beat OU, and did so in a big way. That is one balanced team.
I think my #10 confidence game was Mizzou. Yeah, as you can read, I wasn’t too productive this week. Who thought, a 41 year old man could figure out how to slow down Chase Daniel? I didn’t see the game but from what I understand, all of Chase Daniel’s interceptions came in the red zone. Ok, so Mizzou got there, moved the ball, but if you can get your guys to make plays when they need them most, you show true grit. And grit is what it takes to win big games. Ask Colt McCoy.
So the question right now is this…without internet sitting here in 16F, I don’t have the rankings in front of me. So, honestly, since I have been in either a car or airplane for about every hour I haven’t been in my bed for the past couple of days, I don’t know who the #1 team in the nation is. But what I do know, is there are probably as many Big 12 teams in the top 25 as there are SEC teams. Top to bottom, is the Big 12 as strong as the SEC? I mean, A&M is bad. Baylor is Baylor and Tennessee is winless in conference play. Something tells me, I mean, possibly, that the Vols could beat the bottom teams in the Big 12, but at this point, they’d probably be better off with Bud Kilmer as their coach. Paul Walker knows he’s available.
But…here at No Owens, who cares? We care about championships. And the Big 12 this year might be better poised to make a run at a BCS Title than any team in the SEC. It’s just getting too rugged in the SEC…Georgia isn’t as good as advertised, LSU forgot how to play, and Percy Harvin is becoming healthy all while we don’t really know what this Alabama thing is. We will see what happens when they have to line up and go up against an LSU d-line, and that beast, 94 I think, who plays DT for Auburn. Who knew that JPW would be the most impressive QB in the SEC? Most certainly not me…nor RePete Smith. But you have a lot of Big 12 teams sitting quite pretty waiting for the SEC teams to continue to lose…and what if something happens where Penn State goes unblemished? What a disaster that would be.
The problem here is that no one really looks like the #1 team in the country. All while USC, lost early…yippee. But if any of the teams look poised to be the champs, you’ve got to look to the Big12…even after Tech played out a tough win this past weekend. What’s going to happen? Who knows, but if you’re a Big 12 fan, you have to like where things are going.
SEC Football is still the most competitive grouping of sports teams, probably in the world. I mean, look at what happened last weekend…Georgia struggled with a struggling Tennessee team and could have lost that game. LSU was absolutely killed by Florida, and still, Vanderbilt is still atop the SEC East, even after losing to Mississippi State.
Eight hours before Tim Tebow jumping jacked his way off the field in the Swamp, Texas pulled what some think could be the biggest upset of the year. Personally, I gave Texas no chance, whatsoever, to win that game. In fact, I think it was my #9 game overall in confidence in my pick’em league.
Texas was flat out impressive. They played just as fast as OU and purely matched their athleticism. Colt McCoy, who No Owens has never really understood, and still may not, looked great. He’s the cross between Major Applewhite and Vince Young; a guy who can beat you with great athletic ability, but has that swagger that Applewhite that gets his team right where they need to be…behind him, following him to a big win. Was their defense questionable? Sure, but who didn’t expect that to happen? They found every way to beat OU, and did so in a big way. That is one balanced team.
I think my #10 confidence game was Mizzou. Yeah, as you can read, I wasn’t too productive this week. Who thought, a 41 year old man could figure out how to slow down Chase Daniel? I didn’t see the game but from what I understand, all of Chase Daniel’s interceptions came in the red zone. Ok, so Mizzou got there, moved the ball, but if you can get your guys to make plays when they need them most, you show true grit. And grit is what it takes to win big games. Ask Colt McCoy.
So the question right now is this…without internet sitting here in 16F, I don’t have the rankings in front of me. So, honestly, since I have been in either a car or airplane for about every hour I haven’t been in my bed for the past couple of days, I don’t know who the #1 team in the nation is. But what I do know, is there are probably as many Big 12 teams in the top 25 as there are SEC teams. Top to bottom, is the Big 12 as strong as the SEC? I mean, A&M is bad. Baylor is Baylor and Tennessee is winless in conference play. Something tells me, I mean, possibly, that the Vols could beat the bottom teams in the Big 12, but at this point, they’d probably be better off with Bud Kilmer as their coach. Paul Walker knows he’s available.
But…here at No Owens, who cares? We care about championships. And the Big 12 this year might be better poised to make a run at a BCS Title than any team in the SEC. It’s just getting too rugged in the SEC…Georgia isn’t as good as advertised, LSU forgot how to play, and Percy Harvin is becoming healthy all while we don’t really know what this Alabama thing is. We will see what happens when they have to line up and go up against an LSU d-line, and that beast, 94 I think, who plays DT for Auburn. Who knew that JPW would be the most impressive QB in the SEC? Most certainly not me…nor RePete Smith. But you have a lot of Big 12 teams sitting quite pretty waiting for the SEC teams to continue to lose…and what if something happens where Penn State goes unblemished? What a disaster that would be.
The problem here is that no one really looks like the #1 team in the country. All while USC, lost early…yippee. But if any of the teams look poised to be the champs, you’ve got to look to the Big12…even after Tech played out a tough win this past weekend. What’s going to happen? Who knows, but if you’re a Big 12 fan, you have to like where things are going.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Coming Together As A Nation
Much can be said for the state of America right now. As the government spends your money to promoting actions that would put a few names in old Joe McCarthy's pocket while the most absurd candidates are fighting to lead our country, many people are looking at themselves in the mirror and asking themselves...what can I do now?
I've got the answer for you. Get behind the Tampa Bay Rays with everything you've got.
Never before has there been one team that no one has really cared about with a shot at going to the World Series. Who likes the Red Sox? Who cares about the Phillies or Dodgers (outside of the ManRam)? Would it be great to see the ManRam in Dodger blue crushing everything in site off, over and into the Green Monster? Well, yeah. But...what he, like Jonathan Moxon, is only one man.
The Rays winning a World Series would defy every odd, arguably in baseball history. Never before has a sport been so invested in it's players. You know the salaries and who gets them. But if you go to a Rays game, who's name would you see on the back of a fan's jersey? Crawford? Well, he's hurt anyway. Kazmir? No, I didn't misspell the title of the Zeppelin classic. Longoria? That's Evan not Eva.
You don't know these guys. I mean, I barely know who they are. But they are the American League Eastern Division Champions not named Yankees or Red Sox. So this team of young kids with nothing to lose are staring down the most coveted championship in American sports. A bunch of guys you've never heard of, who play hard, lay down bunts, and pitch well top to bottom...who play the game the way it was meant to be played. The way it was coached to you in little league.
If you need something to get excited about, hurry up and get excited about the Rays. It's an easy thing to do, and believe you me, you won't be the only one.
I've got the answer for you. Get behind the Tampa Bay Rays with everything you've got.
Never before has there been one team that no one has really cared about with a shot at going to the World Series. Who likes the Red Sox? Who cares about the Phillies or Dodgers (outside of the ManRam)? Would it be great to see the ManRam in Dodger blue crushing everything in site off, over and into the Green Monster? Well, yeah. But...what he, like Jonathan Moxon, is only one man.
The Rays winning a World Series would defy every odd, arguably in baseball history. Never before has a sport been so invested in it's players. You know the salaries and who gets them. But if you go to a Rays game, who's name would you see on the back of a fan's jersey? Crawford? Well, he's hurt anyway. Kazmir? No, I didn't misspell the title of the Zeppelin classic. Longoria? That's Evan not Eva.
You don't know these guys. I mean, I barely know who they are. But they are the American League Eastern Division Champions not named Yankees or Red Sox. So this team of young kids with nothing to lose are staring down the most coveted championship in American sports. A bunch of guys you've never heard of, who play hard, lay down bunts, and pitch well top to bottom...who play the game the way it was meant to be played. The way it was coached to you in little league.
If you need something to get excited about, hurry up and get excited about the Rays. It's an easy thing to do, and believe you me, you won't be the only one.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Next Year Isn't Here
You know what doesn't help? Walking seven in five innings.
The Cubs looked so bad yesterday, it's unreal. Remember that time I talked about contemplating that the Cubs being "the Cubs" is better than the Cubs that have a high payroll and win back to back division titles?
The Cubs played really well in the regular season. For about a month, the Cubs played with the fire and magic that makes you believe. Then they put it in cruise control and started beating people down. It's not the Cubs. This is not what it's like to be a Cubs fan. Focusing on success, and expecting success isn't what being a Cubs fan is about.
It's interesting because so much of the talk about one of my other main teams, the Vols, is about attendance this weekend, and how mad the fans are. Tennessee fans, and most SEC fans are said to be the most loyal in sports, but when things go south...they get off the bandwagon. Cubs fans, no matter what, love their team. More than anything with an unrivaled passion. So when teams have great years, it means something.
That stadium last night was dead. Why? Because the fans there knew they were going to have their rears in the seats 8 months ago. Think about 2003. Who expected that run? No one and that city was alive...and the entire city went on a two week bender after the NLCS. Look at the Red Sox and what they've become. What does it mean to be a Red Sox fan now? Nothing. Absolutely nothing, it means as much as being a Yankees fan. And that's what the Cubs are turning into. The, "expect to win" mentality isn't what built the most loyal fan base in the world. It's the hope that they can turn it around, the hours of heartache, and the joy in winning any game against the Cardinals or Mets.
This isn't the Cubs. And look what they did yesterday. They laid one fat egg. Walk the bases loaded...I've got news for you, that never ends well. Then, ManRam hits a "meaningless" home run. You think that was meaningless? First of all, if I was Lou Pinella, I'd see to it that Manny didn't take a swing all series. Walk that guy, every time, high school baseball style with the coach saying "Put Him On" to the ump and the hitter just goes to first without a pitch. Why? Because last night he hit a ball 420 off his ankles. You think that was meaningless? That showed everyone that you can't pitch to this guy. He's the best hitter there is, and if he has to, he can win games by himself. That wasn't a meaningless home run, that made a statement. To me at least.
Sure, it was only one game. And maybe the Cubs can turn this around, beat Manny and make a run at the title. But if this continues, the Cubs are taking 100 years of regular season woes and throwing them all into a five game series. And it doesn't mean anything. At least in 2003, it meant something. When the Cubs were on their way to winning the division in the last weekend of the season, I mean, I'm getting chills thinking about it, watching the stadium on TV, and what it really meant. The Cubs have become a business. And I don't know if I honestly like it.
The Cubs looked so bad yesterday, it's unreal. Remember that time I talked about contemplating that the Cubs being "the Cubs" is better than the Cubs that have a high payroll and win back to back division titles?
The Cubs played really well in the regular season. For about a month, the Cubs played with the fire and magic that makes you believe. Then they put it in cruise control and started beating people down. It's not the Cubs. This is not what it's like to be a Cubs fan. Focusing on success, and expecting success isn't what being a Cubs fan is about.
It's interesting because so much of the talk about one of my other main teams, the Vols, is about attendance this weekend, and how mad the fans are. Tennessee fans, and most SEC fans are said to be the most loyal in sports, but when things go south...they get off the bandwagon. Cubs fans, no matter what, love their team. More than anything with an unrivaled passion. So when teams have great years, it means something.
That stadium last night was dead. Why? Because the fans there knew they were going to have their rears in the seats 8 months ago. Think about 2003. Who expected that run? No one and that city was alive...and the entire city went on a two week bender after the NLCS. Look at the Red Sox and what they've become. What does it mean to be a Red Sox fan now? Nothing. Absolutely nothing, it means as much as being a Yankees fan. And that's what the Cubs are turning into. The, "expect to win" mentality isn't what built the most loyal fan base in the world. It's the hope that they can turn it around, the hours of heartache, and the joy in winning any game against the Cardinals or Mets.
This isn't the Cubs. And look what they did yesterday. They laid one fat egg. Walk the bases loaded...I've got news for you, that never ends well. Then, ManRam hits a "meaningless" home run. You think that was meaningless? First of all, if I was Lou Pinella, I'd see to it that Manny didn't take a swing all series. Walk that guy, every time, high school baseball style with the coach saying "Put Him On" to the ump and the hitter just goes to first without a pitch. Why? Because last night he hit a ball 420 off his ankles. You think that was meaningless? That showed everyone that you can't pitch to this guy. He's the best hitter there is, and if he has to, he can win games by himself. That wasn't a meaningless home run, that made a statement. To me at least.
Sure, it was only one game. And maybe the Cubs can turn this around, beat Manny and make a run at the title. But if this continues, the Cubs are taking 100 years of regular season woes and throwing them all into a five game series. And it doesn't mean anything. At least in 2003, it meant something. When the Cubs were on their way to winning the division in the last weekend of the season, I mean, I'm getting chills thinking about it, watching the stadium on TV, and what it really meant. The Cubs have become a business. And I don't know if I honestly like it.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Quarterback Position In Knoxville
I don't like to dwell, often, about posts specifically related to Tennessee Football. But somethings are just meant to be, and with the 1-3 start, there's without question some reasons to talk.
As you know, I was high on the Vols pre-season. I thought they had a tough road, but I thought they certainly had the talent to be not just competitive, but very, very competitive, not only in the SEC, but by season's end, the national picture. Then Norm Chow happened. Then Jonathan Crompton happened, and more Arian Foster than we know what to do with.
It's almost hard to find a place to start with how bad things are looking. I was high on Crompton coming into the year, I really was. Big kid, strong arm, but apparently, he's the dumbest person of all time, best said by Gary Danielson's comment, "I mean, is this kid coached to not throw touchdown passes..." after he apparently didn't see a streaking Denarius Moore all alone in the endzone last Saturday against Auburn.
This kid is so bad, it's unreal. It's almost like there's someone in the second row in a catchers outfit, crouched down signaling for the fastball, and Crompton just looks to deliver the heat up into the 2nd row each throw on the sideline. Apparently, this kid can't see the middle of the field. Apparently, this kid sees his first read as being covered, and throws the ball into the next zipcode.
I've never seen anyone like this. How do you not complete a ball in the fourth quarter? The Vols defense was as good as about anyone in the nation, especially in the second half of last Saturday's game. But the kid couldn't complete a pass to save his life, let alone the life of his team in the SEC race.
And the fumbles are out of control. Say what you want, but I know the position of quarterback. Execution was always another story, but I know the position. And the fumble on Saturday wasn't Arian Foster's fault. Sure, he didn't help Crompton out too much, but Foster didn't grab at the ball. It's Crompton's job to get him the football regardless how small of a cradle that Foster gives him to work with, and that I why I put the blame on Crompton.
If we had anyone serviceable at the quarterback position, we'd be 3-1 at least. And that doesn't include being down only 14-10 at halftime against Florida. Sure, anything could have happened, but we could have won that game with the way our defense played. Ok, special teams is another story as well.
But this is on the quarterback. He's miserable, absolutely terrible. I won't even get into what I think about the offensive coordinator. But at this point, at 1-3, the head coach has to do something to show the fans that there is something coming. Give us something to believe in. He has said that putting Eric Berry in the backfield might not give us anything that Gerald Jones can't with his package. Maybe that's the case, but if Eric Berry is lined up at quarterback, at least every fan that knows anything about the Vols would go absolutely nuts and would be more excited at that point in time than at any other time throughout the course of this season.
1-3 is terrible but honestly, I believe we are one terrible player away from having the ability to win the rest of our games, with the way our defense is playing. We don't need much if they keep this up. Not a whole lot at all. But just one time, please, just once, put in anyone. I don't care who it is, but we can't continue to be competitive with Crompton at quarterback, so we might as well try something else.
As you know, I was high on the Vols pre-season. I thought they had a tough road, but I thought they certainly had the talent to be not just competitive, but very, very competitive, not only in the SEC, but by season's end, the national picture. Then Norm Chow happened. Then Jonathan Crompton happened, and more Arian Foster than we know what to do with.
It's almost hard to find a place to start with how bad things are looking. I was high on Crompton coming into the year, I really was. Big kid, strong arm, but apparently, he's the dumbest person of all time, best said by Gary Danielson's comment, "I mean, is this kid coached to not throw touchdown passes..." after he apparently didn't see a streaking Denarius Moore all alone in the endzone last Saturday against Auburn.
This kid is so bad, it's unreal. It's almost like there's someone in the second row in a catchers outfit, crouched down signaling for the fastball, and Crompton just looks to deliver the heat up into the 2nd row each throw on the sideline. Apparently, this kid can't see the middle of the field. Apparently, this kid sees his first read as being covered, and throws the ball into the next zipcode.
I've never seen anyone like this. How do you not complete a ball in the fourth quarter? The Vols defense was as good as about anyone in the nation, especially in the second half of last Saturday's game. But the kid couldn't complete a pass to save his life, let alone the life of his team in the SEC race.
And the fumbles are out of control. Say what you want, but I know the position of quarterback. Execution was always another story, but I know the position. And the fumble on Saturday wasn't Arian Foster's fault. Sure, he didn't help Crompton out too much, but Foster didn't grab at the ball. It's Crompton's job to get him the football regardless how small of a cradle that Foster gives him to work with, and that I why I put the blame on Crompton.
If we had anyone serviceable at the quarterback position, we'd be 3-1 at least. And that doesn't include being down only 14-10 at halftime against Florida. Sure, anything could have happened, but we could have won that game with the way our defense played. Ok, special teams is another story as well.
But this is on the quarterback. He's miserable, absolutely terrible. I won't even get into what I think about the offensive coordinator. But at this point, at 1-3, the head coach has to do something to show the fans that there is something coming. Give us something to believe in. He has said that putting Eric Berry in the backfield might not give us anything that Gerald Jones can't with his package. Maybe that's the case, but if Eric Berry is lined up at quarterback, at least every fan that knows anything about the Vols would go absolutely nuts and would be more excited at that point in time than at any other time throughout the course of this season.
1-3 is terrible but honestly, I believe we are one terrible player away from having the ability to win the rest of our games, with the way our defense is playing. We don't need much if they keep this up. Not a whole lot at all. But just one time, please, just once, put in anyone. I don't care who it is, but we can't continue to be competitive with Crompton at quarterback, so we might as well try something else.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Into This Weekend, Status Update
First, I will begin with the status of No Owens Sports. It's central office is now moved to a secure location, which will most likely lead to a stronger array of posts weekly. This is good, this is very good, for all parties. That being said, let's dive into the weekend.
Before we get into college football, the playoff races in Major League Baseball are shaping up very nicely. Sure, the Cubs and Angels have more or less locked up their divisions, and the second place team in the AL East will more than likely get the Wild Card. Other than that, there's a lot up in the air, and plenty of drama to go with. The NL East is where it was last year, minus the whole meltdown and Carlos Delgado, apparently, acting like an MVP Candidate. That, and the AL East leading RAYS can't seem to get a sell out in their ball park, not even now. It's amazing how many, die hard, RAYS fans there are now.
The AL East is really a compelling race. I don't know if it's a true, "David vs. Goliath" type story, but it's pretty close. I mean, how does a team with Josh Beckett's salary not beat the RAYS easily. Or, the Yankees for that matter. I'd like to get into it, but you can imagine what this focus is today.
Tomorrow is pretty much the biggest day of my year. Fortunately, I don't have to go into the land of jersey, jean-short, weird chain-wearing land to see the game this year. I'm referring to Gainesville, not Roy Oswalt's family reunions.
Tennessee hosts Florida tomorrow at 3:30 Eastern tomorrow on CBS. The sad thing is, I have no confidence int he Vols whatsoever going into this game. Like, the Tennessee coaching staff has given me no reason to have any faith. The guys are terrible and it seems that we have an amateur as an offensive coordinator. All of this being said, UT, wins games like this that they really shouldn't or aren't supposed to.
What's interesting about the last point is that up until about five or six years ago, games that UT shouldn't win didn't exist. They should have business winning every game and every team they play should expect that anything than their best is going to cause a rout in the favor of the Vols.
So say the Vols come out, control the line of scrimmage on offense, run the ball well and win the game. What does that mean? Does it mean the Vols are back in the scene and have the ability and swagger to run the rest of the table in the East? Who knows. Regardless of the outcome of this game, the coaching staff at UT still needs a tweak, barring the Vols ripping off 10 in a row, which seems unlikely, especially right now. So even if the Vols pull the upset (pull the upset at home is a pretty terrible concept) it shouldn't all of a sudden mean that Coach Fulmer is the man in Knoxville.
Mind you, for any SEC non-believers out there, while the Vols and Gators play at 3:30, don't forget that LSU@Auburn is a prime time game, so too is Georgia@Arizona State. I still think that LSU is a force that no one is really paying attention to yet. Watch out. As for Georgia, they are running into a pretty mad ASU team after losing last week. Not that that means anything to the Dawgs or anything but we shall see.
Outside of that, here's my favorite story. So we know what happened to Ohio State last weekend. Which we all knew, but riddle me this...Terrelle Pryor is about the worst thing that could have happened to that team this year. If Pryor wasn't in the picture, there would be no quarterback controversy as proven Todd Boeckman wouldn't be forced into trying to learn some new offensive schemes. Also, he wouldn't lose his rhythm throughout the course of a game, with the high demand to get snaps for Pryor. In my opinion, Ohio State is a worse team with Pryor than they are with him right now. I don't know what he was thinking when he didn't go to Michigan, but as of right now, that would have been a move that would have benefited both parties, in my opinion, if that's possible.
I enjoy the weekend, as best as possible.
Before we get into college football, the playoff races in Major League Baseball are shaping up very nicely. Sure, the Cubs and Angels have more or less locked up their divisions, and the second place team in the AL East will more than likely get the Wild Card. Other than that, there's a lot up in the air, and plenty of drama to go with. The NL East is where it was last year, minus the whole meltdown and Carlos Delgado, apparently, acting like an MVP Candidate. That, and the AL East leading RAYS can't seem to get a sell out in their ball park, not even now. It's amazing how many, die hard, RAYS fans there are now.
The AL East is really a compelling race. I don't know if it's a true, "David vs. Goliath" type story, but it's pretty close. I mean, how does a team with Josh Beckett's salary not beat the RAYS easily. Or, the Yankees for that matter. I'd like to get into it, but you can imagine what this focus is today.
Tomorrow is pretty much the biggest day of my year. Fortunately, I don't have to go into the land of jersey, jean-short, weird chain-wearing land to see the game this year. I'm referring to Gainesville, not Roy Oswalt's family reunions.
Tennessee hosts Florida tomorrow at 3:30 Eastern tomorrow on CBS. The sad thing is, I have no confidence int he Vols whatsoever going into this game. Like, the Tennessee coaching staff has given me no reason to have any faith. The guys are terrible and it seems that we have an amateur as an offensive coordinator. All of this being said, UT, wins games like this that they really shouldn't or aren't supposed to.
What's interesting about the last point is that up until about five or six years ago, games that UT shouldn't win didn't exist. They should have business winning every game and every team they play should expect that anything than their best is going to cause a rout in the favor of the Vols.
So say the Vols come out, control the line of scrimmage on offense, run the ball well and win the game. What does that mean? Does it mean the Vols are back in the scene and have the ability and swagger to run the rest of the table in the East? Who knows. Regardless of the outcome of this game, the coaching staff at UT still needs a tweak, barring the Vols ripping off 10 in a row, which seems unlikely, especially right now. So even if the Vols pull the upset (pull the upset at home is a pretty terrible concept) it shouldn't all of a sudden mean that Coach Fulmer is the man in Knoxville.
Mind you, for any SEC non-believers out there, while the Vols and Gators play at 3:30, don't forget that LSU@Auburn is a prime time game, so too is Georgia@Arizona State. I still think that LSU is a force that no one is really paying attention to yet. Watch out. As for Georgia, they are running into a pretty mad ASU team after losing last week. Not that that means anything to the Dawgs or anything but we shall see.
Outside of that, here's my favorite story. So we know what happened to Ohio State last weekend. Which we all knew, but riddle me this...Terrelle Pryor is about the worst thing that could have happened to that team this year. If Pryor wasn't in the picture, there would be no quarterback controversy as proven Todd Boeckman wouldn't be forced into trying to learn some new offensive schemes. Also, he wouldn't lose his rhythm throughout the course of a game, with the high demand to get snaps for Pryor. In my opinion, Ohio State is a worse team with Pryor than they are with him right now. I don't know what he was thinking when he didn't go to Michigan, but as of right now, that would have been a move that would have benefited both parties, in my opinion, if that's possible.
I enjoy the weekend, as best as possible.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Vince Young Is A Certified Whack Job
Before we get into today's topic, let me remind you of something outstanding.
The other day I was watching ESPN and the best thing ever came across the bottom line: Michelle Wie to Enter LPGA Qualifying School.
It's about time her own tour figured out she's terrible.
As many of you know, I am a huge Vince Young fan. I love the guy on the field. I think he has an athletic ability and a drive synonymous with about no one I've ever seen. At the same point, he apparently has a mental condition stronger than anyone I've ever seen to go with it.
You know there are issues when the cops are called to find the franchise player of a football team because he's gone missing without his cell phone. I mean, what if this was a false alarm and he just went into Waffle House to grab a bite and his phone was just in his car charging? Is it in his contract to have his phone on him at all times? How much would my new favorite player Chad Ocho Cinqo love that concept? He'd duct tape one of those TAG phones to his helmet.
So Vince is a "Me" guy. He's not a "Team" guy. What gives? Now that I go back and think about it, it was the same thing in college. Except being a "Me" and "Team" guy was the same thing because he was that squad. So today, there are all of these character issues with Vince, and I'm not even going to speculate as to where they really, deeply come from. But what I do know, is that whatever this is, is affecting him to be a game changer on the field.
Living in Nashville, I have to listen to all of these Titans fans and Nashvillians say things like, "I knew all along we should have drafted Jay Cutler." Because Cutler looked good against the Raiders on Monday, who are about the worst team ever (no offense to some readers), he apparently is the best thing since sliced bread. Sure, Cutler may have a better career than Vince, but he wasn't the value pick at #3. In that draft, there were four guys capable of going #1 and none of them played in the SEC.
And to further address my point, Young is the perfect quarterback for the Titans. Why? Look at the Titans and how the organization has been structured since it's been in Nashville. Be a power running team, play solid defense and with on that side of the ball, and keep the budget down. So when you aren't an offensive minded team, basically by business structure, how perfect is it to draft a guy who has the ability to go the distance from the moment he takes the snap? That's an added dimension that you are getting a fairly reasonable value, all things considered, and the guy has won more games than he's lost as a starter in this league with a couple of those wins coming with the natural ability that he possesses.
Sure, he throws some bad balls. He threw two awful picks this past Sunday. But at the same rate, he also had two key balls dropped by his receivers. Does he turn the ball over too much? Yeah, but he's also got a defense that allows you to make a few mistakes. They are that good, believe me. So to me, all things considered, Young is the perfect guy for that team, as a player.
The issue now is how do you take control of your team as a quarterback. It's funny because in the past two weeks, I've heard so much about the two quarterbacks in this state and their reactions to adversity (Vince and the Vols Jonathan Crompton). Vince is a good kid, I think. He's cocky, but he can be, and he's got the swagger of a star. The question is, where is it? Where has it gone? And why is it effecting him on the level that it apparently is, off the field. Because what I see is a guy bringing his off the field problems down the tunnel and on the field on Sundays.
Maybe things are pretty bad at home and in the old neighborhood in Houston as has been speculated. But I saw an interview once with of all people Keith Richards where he said something along the lines of, "Getting out on stage every night is the only time I get some piece and quiet." Meaning to me, that life can be demanding, but he gets out there to do the thing he loves to do, and lets everything else go, and nothing matters. Maybe when he's back on the field in 2-4 weeks, he can use his love of the game of football to get him through whatever other problems he's been having.
The other day I was watching ESPN and the best thing ever came across the bottom line: Michelle Wie to Enter LPGA Qualifying School.
It's about time her own tour figured out she's terrible.
As many of you know, I am a huge Vince Young fan. I love the guy on the field. I think he has an athletic ability and a drive synonymous with about no one I've ever seen. At the same point, he apparently has a mental condition stronger than anyone I've ever seen to go with it.
You know there are issues when the cops are called to find the franchise player of a football team because he's gone missing without his cell phone. I mean, what if this was a false alarm and he just went into Waffle House to grab a bite and his phone was just in his car charging? Is it in his contract to have his phone on him at all times? How much would my new favorite player Chad Ocho Cinqo love that concept? He'd duct tape one of those TAG phones to his helmet.
So Vince is a "Me" guy. He's not a "Team" guy. What gives? Now that I go back and think about it, it was the same thing in college. Except being a "Me" and "Team" guy was the same thing because he was that squad. So today, there are all of these character issues with Vince, and I'm not even going to speculate as to where they really, deeply come from. But what I do know, is that whatever this is, is affecting him to be a game changer on the field.
Living in Nashville, I have to listen to all of these Titans fans and Nashvillians say things like, "I knew all along we should have drafted Jay Cutler." Because Cutler looked good against the Raiders on Monday, who are about the worst team ever (no offense to some readers), he apparently is the best thing since sliced bread. Sure, Cutler may have a better career than Vince, but he wasn't the value pick at #3. In that draft, there were four guys capable of going #1 and none of them played in the SEC.
And to further address my point, Young is the perfect quarterback for the Titans. Why? Look at the Titans and how the organization has been structured since it's been in Nashville. Be a power running team, play solid defense and with on that side of the ball, and keep the budget down. So when you aren't an offensive minded team, basically by business structure, how perfect is it to draft a guy who has the ability to go the distance from the moment he takes the snap? That's an added dimension that you are getting a fairly reasonable value, all things considered, and the guy has won more games than he's lost as a starter in this league with a couple of those wins coming with the natural ability that he possesses.
Sure, he throws some bad balls. He threw two awful picks this past Sunday. But at the same rate, he also had two key balls dropped by his receivers. Does he turn the ball over too much? Yeah, but he's also got a defense that allows you to make a few mistakes. They are that good, believe me. So to me, all things considered, Young is the perfect guy for that team, as a player.
The issue now is how do you take control of your team as a quarterback. It's funny because in the past two weeks, I've heard so much about the two quarterbacks in this state and their reactions to adversity (Vince and the Vols Jonathan Crompton). Vince is a good kid, I think. He's cocky, but he can be, and he's got the swagger of a star. The question is, where is it? Where has it gone? And why is it effecting him on the level that it apparently is, off the field. Because what I see is a guy bringing his off the field problems down the tunnel and on the field on Sundays.
Maybe things are pretty bad at home and in the old neighborhood in Houston as has been speculated. But I saw an interview once with of all people Keith Richards where he said something along the lines of, "Getting out on stage every night is the only time I get some piece and quiet." Meaning to me, that life can be demanding, but he gets out there to do the thing he loves to do, and lets everything else go, and nothing matters. Maybe when he's back on the field in 2-4 weeks, he can use his love of the game of football to get him through whatever other problems he's been having.
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