Hey there. DG1 here to let you know that I'm currently working to revamp and get this blog going again. A lot has happened in the last 5 Months and I'm sure everyone missed my draft day blog this year. Anyways, I'm currently writing a blog called The Winner's Circle. I'm still gonna contribute here and it's gonna be two different types of writing. So check that out for the time being.
-DG1
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Silver Spoon
As an amateur sports writer and a full time product coordinator, I spend a lot of time reading sports online. I am not biased to one page and keep my horizons broad but I will admit that there are two particular writers that I favor. One being Bill "The Sports Guy" Simons and Michael Silver. I have read far more Michael Silver lately due to ESPN being blocked at my job. Even though Silver refuses to ever answer one of my emails in one of his 3 weekly columns (I've been in the mailbag for TSG 3 times) I continue to wait every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for his three columns a week discussing the NFL. In today's 32 Questions, Silver discussed the Family that has from at "The U." I am a self proclaimed hater of "The U" but admit as a former college football player (at the DIII Level) no bond is formed other than that of one gained in college through sports. I give SJFC football all the credit in the world to my enjoying college all the more. When a kid leaves HS for College it's like entering a new world. Specially if the college you choose is one with few HS buddies tagging along. In this atmosphere it can be very difficult to adjust and make new friends in a matter of weeks and develop a close relationship that you developed over the previous decade of your life with the kids you grew up with. Playing a sport in college was the best decision I ever made. The bond I formed with the guys that I played 2 short seasons with helped me through 3 and 1/2 years of college (1/2 spent on hiatus at a local school). For that reason the article today hit home. This is not just evident on a college level but through high school and other sports as well. With the exception of the professional level in the salary cap era teams are families. Jim Kelly said on the local radio the other day how close the Bills during his years were, along with his team at Miami. When teammates are together a lot they gel quicker. Today with the possibility of leaving after 2 years teammats often find it difficult to form bonds and for that reason I feel amateur sports teams are the closest things to family some of these athletes have. That is why at Sean Taylor's funeral hundreds of "The U" alums (even those who never played with Taylor) flew hundreds of miles to attend. Because he was a part of their family, the Hurricane Family.
Angels in the Beltway
Speaking of the last article, did any three individuals have bigger games channeling Sean Taylor than Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Willis Magahee. I HATE Willis Magahee with a passion for the way he treated Buffalo and it's fans that were loyal to him. Not only did the Bills give him a shot in the NFL after his horrific knee injury in his last college game but we pushed out the best thing for Buffalo's population in recent years by trading Travis Henry. I'm no genious, but I'm almost positive Ray Lewis could motivate the Miami Dolphins to at least 2 wins this season. Watching the huddle between him and Reed and Magahee was intense. It made me want to go out there and hit somebody for Sean Taylor. No wonder Magahee had his best outing as a pro on Monday. It was even so good that I found myself cheering for Him. I feel that what those three players did on Monday was exactly what was needed to be done in memory of Sean Taylor.
Classless Again
Last time I touched on the celebrating of Junior Seau after routine plays and how much it upsets me. Well I have a new beef with another vet on the Pats. This time it's with a player who has shown a lack of class his entire career and seemed to put a stamp on it monday night. I'm talking about you Rodney Harrison. What you did by getting in Brian Billick's face was totally disgusting. You are a professional athlete. I understand today players are very close in age with their coaches and make a lot more money than them. However, this gives them no right to show disrespect for a person in the position of someone that you owe your life too. I will bet that 100% of NFL players would not be where they are today without the effect of the coaches they had in their lives in whatever sports they played. I gaurantee every player will agree with this. Kids everywhere look up to pro athletes and it is embarassing how poor of a role model these people can be on national television. I can't wait until some kid in HS gets suspended for yelling in another coaches face at the game and ruins his senior year of HS or gets him kicked off the little loop team, embarassing his parents. Way to be a role model Rodney. Let's talk about your career. You're known as a cheap shot artist, even in practice with your own teammates. You've been busted for steroids as early as this season. You show blatant disrespect for your coaches in the past and other coaches as shown on Monday. I'm just glad any kids I have will be raised after your career is long over and you are long forgotten.
Kudos to Brian Billick for handling the situation and blowing the roid rager a kiss.
Lucky number 13?
Well whatever you argue, you can't argue the fact that the Patriots are indeed lucky. I know they say they practice for situations like that and Blah Blah Blah. But you really can't say you practice to get stuffed on 4th down and catch breaks. You mean to tell me every day they line up and get stuffed in practice only to have the scout team call a timeout. Or a gaurd to jump offsides. Does Bellicheck have ESP or something. I refuse to listen to their smug comments. Admit that you got lucky and that you are grateful for it. Stop ruining the game New England and at least show that you are having fun.
(to the chorus of Outkast)
Dear Fred Jackson,
You are for Real!!!!
-DG1 (who called him as the Bills should be starter the week Marshawn got hurt)
Angels in the Beltway
Speaking of the last article, did any three individuals have bigger games channeling Sean Taylor than Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Willis Magahee. I HATE Willis Magahee with a passion for the way he treated Buffalo and it's fans that were loyal to him. Not only did the Bills give him a shot in the NFL after his horrific knee injury in his last college game but we pushed out the best thing for Buffalo's population in recent years by trading Travis Henry. I'm no genious, but I'm almost positive Ray Lewis could motivate the Miami Dolphins to at least 2 wins this season. Watching the huddle between him and Reed and Magahee was intense. It made me want to go out there and hit somebody for Sean Taylor. No wonder Magahee had his best outing as a pro on Monday. It was even so good that I found myself cheering for Him. I feel that what those three players did on Monday was exactly what was needed to be done in memory of Sean Taylor.
Classless Again
Last time I touched on the celebrating of Junior Seau after routine plays and how much it upsets me. Well I have a new beef with another vet on the Pats. This time it's with a player who has shown a lack of class his entire career and seemed to put a stamp on it monday night. I'm talking about you Rodney Harrison. What you did by getting in Brian Billick's face was totally disgusting. You are a professional athlete. I understand today players are very close in age with their coaches and make a lot more money than them. However, this gives them no right to show disrespect for a person in the position of someone that you owe your life too. I will bet that 100% of NFL players would not be where they are today without the effect of the coaches they had in their lives in whatever sports they played. I gaurantee every player will agree with this. Kids everywhere look up to pro athletes and it is embarassing how poor of a role model these people can be on national television. I can't wait until some kid in HS gets suspended for yelling in another coaches face at the game and ruins his senior year of HS or gets him kicked off the little loop team, embarassing his parents. Way to be a role model Rodney. Let's talk about your career. You're known as a cheap shot artist, even in practice with your own teammates. You've been busted for steroids as early as this season. You show blatant disrespect for your coaches in the past and other coaches as shown on Monday. I'm just glad any kids I have will be raised after your career is long over and you are long forgotten.
Kudos to Brian Billick for handling the situation and blowing the roid rager a kiss.
Lucky number 13?
Well whatever you argue, you can't argue the fact that the Patriots are indeed lucky. I know they say they practice for situations like that and Blah Blah Blah. But you really can't say you practice to get stuffed on 4th down and catch breaks. You mean to tell me every day they line up and get stuffed in practice only to have the scout team call a timeout. Or a gaurd to jump offsides. Does Bellicheck have ESP or something. I refuse to listen to their smug comments. Admit that you got lucky and that you are grateful for it. Stop ruining the game New England and at least show that you are having fun.
(to the chorus of Outkast)
Dear Fred Jackson,
You are for Real!!!!
-DG1 (who called him as the Bills should be starter the week Marshawn got hurt)
Monday, December 3, 2007
Circling Some Wagons
Bills Wagon
The game yesterday was sloppy, but a win is still a win. It doesn't matter how you get it as long as you do. I understand that everyone is yelling at Joe Gibbs for his mistake in calling consecutive timeouts on our game winning attempts, but it's not as though Lindell was definitely going to miss. He made the first one just after the timeout, so why would one be left to assume that he wasn't going to make it again? I realize 34 is closer than 51, but he's on a streak of 17 straight field goals made. He's been clutch when we've needed him.
I'm not going to dive too deep into the Edwards/Losman debate as I really don't have the energy to defend myself once again. Without Marshawn Lynch and a solid running game there are few quarterbacks in this league that can confidently win. Fred Jackson is a good back-up, but he isn't an equal trade. Edwards is not a deep ball threat, and don't use that throw at the end to Josh Reed as justification that he can. If you look at the replay you can clearly see a Bills player (I believe it was Royal) on his knees preparing to make the catch, but not realizing that there was a 'Skins defender diving over the top of him to make a play. I don't believe that the throw was meant for Reed, but, again, a win is a win. Edwards didn't look great and his passes didn't look sharp all that often. We failed to get into the endzone and really didn't click as a unit. So where is the upgrade that is supposedly happening with Edwards?
Here's another angle to view it from. Lee Evans and Losman are very close. Evans has come to the defense of Losman when the topic of starting quarterback is raised. That has to bother Edwards and it shows in the stats. Don't believe me? Here are some numbers to chew on:
Losman to Evans: 25 receptions for 415 yards and 2 TDs
Edwards to Evans: 20 receptions for 274 yards and 0 TDs
The numbers don't lie. Losman's deep ball threat is what Evans thrives upon for success. His biggest games came in wins. If Edwards is the starter I don't see Evans wanting to stick around. His game will go unused as Edwards is more of a dink and dunk passer. Here are some more numbers to feed the debate:
With only a 1.6% difference in completion percentage (Edwards is higher) Losman has 150 more passing yards, a 4-1 edge in touchdown passes, a 4 point higher rating, one more INT, and a better longest completion of 85 yards as compared to Edwards' 54 yarder. Additionally, Edwards' longest passes come on short routes than turn into long gains. Losman's come on true deep balls that are thrown 50 or 60+ yards in the air.
I'm not just defending Losman for the sake of defending Losman. I am defending him because a deep ball threat opens the game up for much more offensively. When a deep threat receiver is on a team the running game does exorbitantly better. Shorter routes open up and the tight end can be utilized in a more positive way. The other team is forced into playing off of receivers because of the fear of getting burned on a fade route. An offense is more explosive when there is that possibility of going deep. It adds another dimension and allows a team to get creative (ie, the Lynch passing TD, the Parrish rushing TD).
Continuity on a team can never be established when there is always change. Since the retirement of Jim Kelly (let's take a moment to appreciate him) we have not had a QB last more than a couple of season as the undisputed starter. Care to take a trip down memory lane?...
We've seen the likes of: Todd Collins, Billy Jo Hobert, Alex Van Pelt, Rob Johnson, Doug Flutie, Drew Bledsoe, Kelly Holcomb, Craig Nall, Trent Edwards, and JP Losman.
Jim Kelly only retired a little more than 10 years ago! Did we really go through 10 different starters in that time? That averages out to about a quarterback a year!
After Thurman Thomas left for Miami we went through the process of trying to find another running back. That led to: Antowain Smith, Sammy Morris, Travis Henry, Willis McGahee, Anthony Thomas, and Marshawn Lynch becoming starters (just to name a handful).
We have also had 4 different head coaches since the retirement of Marv Levy! Wade Phillips, Gregg Williams, Mike Mularkey, and Dick Jauron have each taken their spin on the coaching carousel. That averages out to a change every 2.5 years!
You want to know why it has been so long since the Bills have been in the playoffs? Look no further than continuity and the promise of stability.
Say what you want, but not every long term starting quarterback comes into the league and dominates from the first play, first game, or first season. Things take time. Give up on a quarterback, a coach, or any other intricate position on a regular basis and you will not have success. I can guarantee that.
Long Live Sports,
DG2
The game yesterday was sloppy, but a win is still a win. It doesn't matter how you get it as long as you do. I understand that everyone is yelling at Joe Gibbs for his mistake in calling consecutive timeouts on our game winning attempts, but it's not as though Lindell was definitely going to miss. He made the first one just after the timeout, so why would one be left to assume that he wasn't going to make it again? I realize 34 is closer than 51, but he's on a streak of 17 straight field goals made. He's been clutch when we've needed him.
I'm not going to dive too deep into the Edwards/Losman debate as I really don't have the energy to defend myself once again. Without Marshawn Lynch and a solid running game there are few quarterbacks in this league that can confidently win. Fred Jackson is a good back-up, but he isn't an equal trade. Edwards is not a deep ball threat, and don't use that throw at the end to Josh Reed as justification that he can. If you look at the replay you can clearly see a Bills player (I believe it was Royal) on his knees preparing to make the catch, but not realizing that there was a 'Skins defender diving over the top of him to make a play. I don't believe that the throw was meant for Reed, but, again, a win is a win. Edwards didn't look great and his passes didn't look sharp all that often. We failed to get into the endzone and really didn't click as a unit. So where is the upgrade that is supposedly happening with Edwards?
Here's another angle to view it from. Lee Evans and Losman are very close. Evans has come to the defense of Losman when the topic of starting quarterback is raised. That has to bother Edwards and it shows in the stats. Don't believe me? Here are some numbers to chew on:
Losman to Evans: 25 receptions for 415 yards and 2 TDs
Edwards to Evans: 20 receptions for 274 yards and 0 TDs
The numbers don't lie. Losman's deep ball threat is what Evans thrives upon for success. His biggest games came in wins. If Edwards is the starter I don't see Evans wanting to stick around. His game will go unused as Edwards is more of a dink and dunk passer. Here are some more numbers to feed the debate:
With only a 1.6% difference in completion percentage (Edwards is higher) Losman has 150 more passing yards, a 4-1 edge in touchdown passes, a 4 point higher rating, one more INT, and a better longest completion of 85 yards as compared to Edwards' 54 yarder. Additionally, Edwards' longest passes come on short routes than turn into long gains. Losman's come on true deep balls that are thrown 50 or 60+ yards in the air.
I'm not just defending Losman for the sake of defending Losman. I am defending him because a deep ball threat opens the game up for much more offensively. When a deep threat receiver is on a team the running game does exorbitantly better. Shorter routes open up and the tight end can be utilized in a more positive way. The other team is forced into playing off of receivers because of the fear of getting burned on a fade route. An offense is more explosive when there is that possibility of going deep. It adds another dimension and allows a team to get creative (ie, the Lynch passing TD, the Parrish rushing TD).
Continuity on a team can never be established when there is always change. Since the retirement of Jim Kelly (let's take a moment to appreciate him) we have not had a QB last more than a couple of season as the undisputed starter. Care to take a trip down memory lane?...
We've seen the likes of: Todd Collins, Billy Jo Hobert, Alex Van Pelt, Rob Johnson, Doug Flutie, Drew Bledsoe, Kelly Holcomb, Craig Nall, Trent Edwards, and JP Losman.
Jim Kelly only retired a little more than 10 years ago! Did we really go through 10 different starters in that time? That averages out to about a quarterback a year!
After Thurman Thomas left for Miami we went through the process of trying to find another running back. That led to: Antowain Smith, Sammy Morris, Travis Henry, Willis McGahee, Anthony Thomas, and Marshawn Lynch becoming starters (just to name a handful).
We have also had 4 different head coaches since the retirement of Marv Levy! Wade Phillips, Gregg Williams, Mike Mularkey, and Dick Jauron have each taken their spin on the coaching carousel. That averages out to a change every 2.5 years!
You want to know why it has been so long since the Bills have been in the playoffs? Look no further than continuity and the promise of stability.
Say what you want, but not every long term starting quarterback comes into the league and dominates from the first play, first game, or first season. Things take time. Give up on a quarterback, a coach, or any other intricate position on a regular basis and you will not have success. I can guarantee that.
Long Live Sports,
DG2
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Playoffs?
Dearly Departed
Yesterday the NFL and the world lost a very talented young man in Redskins safety Sean Taylor. I am a devoted hater of everything that is the U. It took me 4 years to start to warm to Roscoe Parrish, and I still say pretty nasty things about Willis McGahee. It brings me great joy to see them lose 48-0 in their last game in the famous Orange Bowl. However, some things in life are bigger than sports and this is one. Sean Taylor was an incredible athlete and within the next year or two could have become the most feared safety since Ronnie Lott. That man brought the lumber to every game and it is a terrible thing that happened to him. I'm going to avoid voicing my opinion on the matter due to the "too soon" factor. However, I suspect this is going to be a very very, sketchy situation unfolding in the next few weeks. My thoughts go out to the Redskins who will play my beloved Bills as well as all of Taylor's friends and family.
Business as Usual
One of my least favorite things about players today is celebrating a routine play. This is a totally mind blowing thing. I can not stand players who get up all fired up after making a routine play. I don't mean lighting up a receiver after a 10 yd slant when they manage to hold on to the ball or catching a clutch first down. I'm takling about getting up all pumped after making a routine tackle after a gain of 6 yards or a shoe string play 10 yards down feild then getting up and going wild or being pumped for picking up 3 yds on first and 10. This is the same as doing a lavish endzone celebration when you are down by 30 with 4 minutes left. Junior "Say Ow" is a consiment pro for 18 years and after tackling Brian Westbrook after a 6 yard catch got up like he had just made a game winning sack. I'm all about getting pumped up and showing emotion. But that to me, is the equivalent of me jumping up and down after I make a copy at work or create a spreadsheet. It's part of the job description and making a routine play should not be calls for celebration. It's embarassing. I played organized football for 10 years and did my fair share of celebrating. However, even as a junior in HS i knew not to get pumped on plays that were unnecessary. Stopping a back for a loss or sacking the qb or picking up the big gain or making the huge play was acceptable. But when you make a routine play after a gain of 7. Get up and go back to the huddle Seau, and stop embarassing yourself, you already did enough of that by signing with New England in the first place.
We can't do Diddly Poo...
Fans of Buffalo, Shut the Hell up. Thank you. We all know that JP Losman as underacheived while he was here in Buffalo. I'm a JP supporter and do not agree with the Edwards switch. Without Marshawn Lynch the Bills would have suffered the same fate with Edwards. We are a running team and the A-Train had lost a serious burst this season. Watching him fall forward into holes instead of making simple cuts made me sick. Watching our Defense allow 36 points to a ball control offense by running Tampa Two against inferior receivers made me sick. Yet the blame falls on JP. Yes I feel JP is a huge head case and has a problem letting things brush off him like most good QBs should do. However the constant "we love you now we hate you" attitude of Bills fans is the thing that makes me the sickest. Our Defense and Marshawn kept us in games with Trent against the Cowboys and won us a few games against really bad teams (Jets) and everyone thinks he is the second coming of Christ (or in our case Jim Kelly). I'm just excited to see that if Marshawn doesn't play and our defense gives up big plays to Portis and Cooley and McCardell how the fans will react if Trent can't pull it out. We are a running team with a bend don't break defense. Unless it's Brett Favre or Peyton Manning behind center it won't matter who our QB is if we don't change our identity and the play calling of the timid Steve Fairchild.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa...
Is the home of Coe College. The alma matter of Bills legend Marv Levy and Rookie RB Fred "Fast Freddy" Jackson. I mention this because I feel that Fred Jackson earned himself at least consideration as the starter this week if Marshawn is unable to go. Jackson cuts upfield, doesn't dance around and has a burst 10x that of A-Train. He is a screen pass threat and a big play threat. I feel he is our best option this week to spread the defense and hope to win.
Fav - re?
I get it, Tom Brady is gonna break all the records. He's having the best season a QB could ever possibly have. He dates a super model, he plays on the most dominating offense in the history of the NFL. However, he IS NOT the league MVP. Argue with me all you want. I gaurantee you that with the Patriots line, Lawrence Maroney and the league's best wide out Randy Moss, Todd Collins could put up 35 touchdowns. Brett Favre is the MVP of the NFL this season hands down. He is doing something that Tom Brady could never do. Brady could not move around and improvize to make things happen. If you put Brady on Green Bay they are 2 games above .500. Favre has far less talent around him and yet the Packers are 10-1. This why he is the leagues MVP. Sure he doesn't date supermodels or act like a robot and dress like GQ model in post game interviews. He may be reckless sometimes and make poor decisions. But Brett Favre goes out every game and has fun. He's ALWAYS smiling and is an American Icon. He had the game of his life the day after his dad died, and the second best after he found out his wife had cancer. He's 38 years old and playing and acting like he's 25. He makes football fun to watch and that makes him the MVP of his team as well as the MVP of the NFL.
D3 Blotter,
My alma matter St. John Fisher Cardinals will travel to Alliance, OH this saturday for the regional final against Mt. Union College, in a rematch of last years national semi-final. Nice to see a program that 7 years ago was 0-10 turn around to make the playoffs 4 of the last 5 years and give Mt. Union it's closest game last year in the previous 3 years. Let's hope they can capitalize this year and end the streak that is now at 20 some odd games. If Turner Gill leaves UB, I nominate Paul Vosburgh for the next Head Coach of UB.
- DG1
Yesterday the NFL and the world lost a very talented young man in Redskins safety Sean Taylor. I am a devoted hater of everything that is the U. It took me 4 years to start to warm to Roscoe Parrish, and I still say pretty nasty things about Willis McGahee. It brings me great joy to see them lose 48-0 in their last game in the famous Orange Bowl. However, some things in life are bigger than sports and this is one. Sean Taylor was an incredible athlete and within the next year or two could have become the most feared safety since Ronnie Lott. That man brought the lumber to every game and it is a terrible thing that happened to him. I'm going to avoid voicing my opinion on the matter due to the "too soon" factor. However, I suspect this is going to be a very very, sketchy situation unfolding in the next few weeks. My thoughts go out to the Redskins who will play my beloved Bills as well as all of Taylor's friends and family.
Business as Usual
One of my least favorite things about players today is celebrating a routine play. This is a totally mind blowing thing. I can not stand players who get up all fired up after making a routine play. I don't mean lighting up a receiver after a 10 yd slant when they manage to hold on to the ball or catching a clutch first down. I'm takling about getting up all pumped after making a routine tackle after a gain of 6 yards or a shoe string play 10 yards down feild then getting up and going wild or being pumped for picking up 3 yds on first and 10. This is the same as doing a lavish endzone celebration when you are down by 30 with 4 minutes left. Junior "Say Ow" is a consiment pro for 18 years and after tackling Brian Westbrook after a 6 yard catch got up like he had just made a game winning sack. I'm all about getting pumped up and showing emotion. But that to me, is the equivalent of me jumping up and down after I make a copy at work or create a spreadsheet. It's part of the job description and making a routine play should not be calls for celebration. It's embarassing. I played organized football for 10 years and did my fair share of celebrating. However, even as a junior in HS i knew not to get pumped on plays that were unnecessary. Stopping a back for a loss or sacking the qb or picking up the big gain or making the huge play was acceptable. But when you make a routine play after a gain of 7. Get up and go back to the huddle Seau, and stop embarassing yourself, you already did enough of that by signing with New England in the first place.
We can't do Diddly Poo...
Fans of Buffalo, Shut the Hell up. Thank you. We all know that JP Losman as underacheived while he was here in Buffalo. I'm a JP supporter and do not agree with the Edwards switch. Without Marshawn Lynch the Bills would have suffered the same fate with Edwards. We are a running team and the A-Train had lost a serious burst this season. Watching him fall forward into holes instead of making simple cuts made me sick. Watching our Defense allow 36 points to a ball control offense by running Tampa Two against inferior receivers made me sick. Yet the blame falls on JP. Yes I feel JP is a huge head case and has a problem letting things brush off him like most good QBs should do. However the constant "we love you now we hate you" attitude of Bills fans is the thing that makes me the sickest. Our Defense and Marshawn kept us in games with Trent against the Cowboys and won us a few games against really bad teams (Jets) and everyone thinks he is the second coming of Christ (or in our case Jim Kelly). I'm just excited to see that if Marshawn doesn't play and our defense gives up big plays to Portis and Cooley and McCardell how the fans will react if Trent can't pull it out. We are a running team with a bend don't break defense. Unless it's Brett Favre or Peyton Manning behind center it won't matter who our QB is if we don't change our identity and the play calling of the timid Steve Fairchild.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa...
Is the home of Coe College. The alma matter of Bills legend Marv Levy and Rookie RB Fred "Fast Freddy" Jackson. I mention this because I feel that Fred Jackson earned himself at least consideration as the starter this week if Marshawn is unable to go. Jackson cuts upfield, doesn't dance around and has a burst 10x that of A-Train. He is a screen pass threat and a big play threat. I feel he is our best option this week to spread the defense and hope to win.
Fav - re?
I get it, Tom Brady is gonna break all the records. He's having the best season a QB could ever possibly have. He dates a super model, he plays on the most dominating offense in the history of the NFL. However, he IS NOT the league MVP. Argue with me all you want. I gaurantee you that with the Patriots line, Lawrence Maroney and the league's best wide out Randy Moss, Todd Collins could put up 35 touchdowns. Brett Favre is the MVP of the NFL this season hands down. He is doing something that Tom Brady could never do. Brady could not move around and improvize to make things happen. If you put Brady on Green Bay they are 2 games above .500. Favre has far less talent around him and yet the Packers are 10-1. This why he is the leagues MVP. Sure he doesn't date supermodels or act like a robot and dress like GQ model in post game interviews. He may be reckless sometimes and make poor decisions. But Brett Favre goes out every game and has fun. He's ALWAYS smiling and is an American Icon. He had the game of his life the day after his dad died, and the second best after he found out his wife had cancer. He's 38 years old and playing and acting like he's 25. He makes football fun to watch and that makes him the MVP of his team as well as the MVP of the NFL.
D3 Blotter,
My alma matter St. John Fisher Cardinals will travel to Alliance, OH this saturday for the regional final against Mt. Union College, in a rematch of last years national semi-final. Nice to see a program that 7 years ago was 0-10 turn around to make the playoffs 4 of the last 5 years and give Mt. Union it's closest game last year in the previous 3 years. Let's hope they can capitalize this year and end the streak that is now at 20 some odd games. If Turner Gill leaves UB, I nominate Paul Vosburgh for the next Head Coach of UB.
- DG1
Monday, November 26, 2007
Scalping the Game...
Just a quick problem that I've been having with local sports writers. I love how people are so quick to play the card that sports have lost their loyalty and management and athletes only think about money. That seems like a great argument, unless of course you have a few brain cells to rub together...
I love hearing the old line "they're only in it for the money." It actually makes me laugh. OF COURSE THEY ARE. Do you really think that they actually care where they play or what the fans think? Do you personally think about your co-workers when you decide to change jobs? No, you go to where the money is. Nobody would tell you that you should work for minimum wage because the Hamburgler really likes you when you have an offer to run a Fortune 500 company.
These same fans that claim that sports are nothing more than a business are the same ones posting their spare tickets to a game on ebay for 10 times the face value. Or, you're that fan in the crowd that yells out "I paid 'X' amount of dollars to watch this." As though because you paid a certain amount of money to go to the game you are entitled to a better performance/outcome. Yeah, see that's not how it works. If it was then the teams with the highest ticket prices would always win. But, right, you have reason to complain that it is merely just a business. It's a business, get used to it.
As fans it's our nature to develop an emotional attachment to a team. However, expecting players to do the same is foolish. Sure, athletes appreciate the fan base that makes them what they are (sometimes we create gods out of men; ie Tom Brady, Lebron James), but at the same time they know that fans are a dime a dozen and they could easily go to another team and find more just like them.
We bought Nike products because we wanted to "be like Mike." We drank Gatorade because Mia and Mike played to "anything you can do, I can do better." We drank Coke because of Mean Joe. We wear UnderArmor because the Old Ball Coach says "click clack."
We fuel the business. We flock to trends like they want us to. We're the reason why Jordan still makes millions a month even though he hasn't laced them up in years. Don't hate the player, hate the game.
Long Live Sports,
DG2
I love hearing the old line "they're only in it for the money." It actually makes me laugh. OF COURSE THEY ARE. Do you really think that they actually care where they play or what the fans think? Do you personally think about your co-workers when you decide to change jobs? No, you go to where the money is. Nobody would tell you that you should work for minimum wage because the Hamburgler really likes you when you have an offer to run a Fortune 500 company.
These same fans that claim that sports are nothing more than a business are the same ones posting their spare tickets to a game on ebay for 10 times the face value. Or, you're that fan in the crowd that yells out "I paid 'X' amount of dollars to watch this." As though because you paid a certain amount of money to go to the game you are entitled to a better performance/outcome. Yeah, see that's not how it works. If it was then the teams with the highest ticket prices would always win. But, right, you have reason to complain that it is merely just a business. It's a business, get used to it.
As fans it's our nature to develop an emotional attachment to a team. However, expecting players to do the same is foolish. Sure, athletes appreciate the fan base that makes them what they are (sometimes we create gods out of men; ie Tom Brady, Lebron James), but at the same time they know that fans are a dime a dozen and they could easily go to another team and find more just like them.
We bought Nike products because we wanted to "be like Mike." We drank Gatorade because Mia and Mike played to "anything you can do, I can do better." We drank Coke because of Mean Joe. We wear UnderArmor because the Old Ball Coach says "click clack."
We fuel the business. We flock to trends like they want us to. We're the reason why Jordan still makes millions a month even though he hasn't laced them up in years. Don't hate the player, hate the game.
Long Live Sports,
DG2
Friday, November 16, 2007
Fallen Friday
Wounded Duck, Lame Duck
Well it's happened again. A top 5 team has lost last night with Arizona pulling the upset over #2 Ranked Oregon. The only difference in this is how it happened. Most of the teams all season have fallen after being ranked higher than they deserved to be and having well known weaknesses exposed. Ohio State lost to a speedy and gutsy underdog in Illinios. LSU was outplayed and bad penalties caught up to them against Kentucky. USF played to it's potential and Grothe stopped over achieving. However, last night American not only witnessed another top 2 team falling, but also witnessed the importance of Dennis Dixon on the Oregon Ducks. After scoring 2 minutes in Dixon drove the Ducks back to the 5. A poor effort by his receiver led to a pick and an Arizona score. Then after driving Oregon back down the field in less than 2 minutes, Dixon went to pivot and his already injured knee buckled and he dropped, untouched. The injury shouldn't be long term (Dixon will be a pro baseball player before football) but the effects were seen. All year long there have been talk about the heisman. First with Woodson and Kentucky. Then Ryan with BC and Tebow with Florida. However, the Heisman goes to the best player in college football. I feel that after the way the Ducks fell apart after Dixon left proves that he is truly worth of the Heisman Trophy. With one game left, Oregon is still the front runner in the PAC 10 and can earn a Rose Bowl Birth. However, after watching the Offense sizzle out behind Brady Leaf (yes, of that tree) it is doubtful Oregon can do anything without Dixon. He is the heart and soul of that offense and that team. As we saw last night, with out him the team is no more than mediocre and i feel even if he doesn't play, he deserves the heisman. Tebow is surrounded by a ton of talent and Florida has 3 losses. Ryan has been terrible the last 3 weeks and Woodson fell off the face of the earth. I've been following the Ducks all season and it's sad to watch them fall short of the Nat'l Title Game.
Chicken Hawk
So the Kansas Jayhawks need a huge win in Kansas City this weekend over #9 Mizzou. With this, they should assure themself the #2 ranking going into the Big 12 title game against Oklahoma. The winner of that game should then face LSU in the National Title Game. Still don't know how LSU will match up with Georgia or the other SEC East teams in the title game with their inconsistency. Should be an interesting stretch.
Upset Bug
Michigan (22) over OSU (7) - Lloyd Carr is due. Plus OSU needs to lose. Either way I win. With Oregon with a healthy Dixon running wild on the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl.
If UB wins a football game...
They will be bowl eligible. I can't beleive I just said that. Hopefully I can witness this first hand and rush the field Saturday against Bowling Green.
Turkey Week
After the Bills shocker on NBC Sunday Night. Followed by the goal posts being ripped down and absolute fandemonium, I'll be on the road. Look for more in the next week, plus a Triptophen laced rant on Thursday Evening after a meaningful game in Detroit on Turkey Day for a change.
- DG1
Well it's happened again. A top 5 team has lost last night with Arizona pulling the upset over #2 Ranked Oregon. The only difference in this is how it happened. Most of the teams all season have fallen after being ranked higher than they deserved to be and having well known weaknesses exposed. Ohio State lost to a speedy and gutsy underdog in Illinios. LSU was outplayed and bad penalties caught up to them against Kentucky. USF played to it's potential and Grothe stopped over achieving. However, last night American not only witnessed another top 2 team falling, but also witnessed the importance of Dennis Dixon on the Oregon Ducks. After scoring 2 minutes in Dixon drove the Ducks back to the 5. A poor effort by his receiver led to a pick and an Arizona score. Then after driving Oregon back down the field in less than 2 minutes, Dixon went to pivot and his already injured knee buckled and he dropped, untouched. The injury shouldn't be long term (Dixon will be a pro baseball player before football) but the effects were seen. All year long there have been talk about the heisman. First with Woodson and Kentucky. Then Ryan with BC and Tebow with Florida. However, the Heisman goes to the best player in college football. I feel that after the way the Ducks fell apart after Dixon left proves that he is truly worth of the Heisman Trophy. With one game left, Oregon is still the front runner in the PAC 10 and can earn a Rose Bowl Birth. However, after watching the Offense sizzle out behind Brady Leaf (yes, of that tree) it is doubtful Oregon can do anything without Dixon. He is the heart and soul of that offense and that team. As we saw last night, with out him the team is no more than mediocre and i feel even if he doesn't play, he deserves the heisman. Tebow is surrounded by a ton of talent and Florida has 3 losses. Ryan has been terrible the last 3 weeks and Woodson fell off the face of the earth. I've been following the Ducks all season and it's sad to watch them fall short of the Nat'l Title Game.
Chicken Hawk
So the Kansas Jayhawks need a huge win in Kansas City this weekend over #9 Mizzou. With this, they should assure themself the #2 ranking going into the Big 12 title game against Oklahoma. The winner of that game should then face LSU in the National Title Game. Still don't know how LSU will match up with Georgia or the other SEC East teams in the title game with their inconsistency. Should be an interesting stretch.
Upset Bug
Michigan (22) over OSU (7) - Lloyd Carr is due. Plus OSU needs to lose. Either way I win. With Oregon with a healthy Dixon running wild on the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl.
If UB wins a football game...
They will be bowl eligible. I can't beleive I just said that. Hopefully I can witness this first hand and rush the field Saturday against Bowling Green.
Turkey Week
After the Bills shocker on NBC Sunday Night. Followed by the goal posts being ripped down and absolute fandemonium, I'll be on the road. Look for more in the next week, plus a Triptophen laced rant on Thursday Evening after a meaningful game in Detroit on Turkey Day for a change.
- DG1
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Bones To Pick
I have some bones to pick with various different topics in mind. These are just some of things that have been bothering me over the last few weeks or months. Take it as a rant or take it as gospel, the choice is yours.
A-Rod
Really? Well what really is to be taken out of this sudden change of heart. I mean he had ridiculous demands that were not to be met by any team in the league. Not because he is not worth the cash, but simply because teams cannot afford mortgaging their team in order to pay him each year. That's not really the part that bothers me though. Get paid what they're willing to pay you. You're not the fool for making more money, they're the fool for allowing it to get so out of control.
I loved reading over the past few weeks how Yankee fans "really" felt about A-Rod. How he was greedy and would be overpaid. How he was a joke and did not understand what it was to be a Yankee. How he wasn't as good as people think. How he couldn't handle the pressure of playing in New York. How he could easily be replaced by Miguel Cabrera, Mike Lowell, or a farm prospect. How they were glad that he was gone because now the Yankees could get back to the glory days when they didn't buy players, but produced them. Even the Yankee ownership and management aired their grievances and spoke their peace regarding A-Rod. My favorite "he never really fit in, and I didn't really like him anyways."
Now, all of a sudden, the media releases reports that he may be signing back with the Yankees. Yankee nation rejoices. Seemingly forgetting all the shit that they talked about him over the past few weeks. I'm not saying that any team should be pissed at the prospect of signing A-Rod, but have a backbone or some integrity. Look into the archives of periodicals, publications, message boards, blogs, and television shows if you conveniently forget all of the things that were said.
Please, there is nothing that ANYBODY can say to convince me that neo-Yankee "fans" are not a complete joke. You have proven it. Between A-Rod, Posada, and Rivera you have shown your true colors. None of those guys were worth the money when they were on the market (SHOCKINGLY that was only really since Monday), but now they're back as the saviors of days gone by.
This does not just extend to Yankee fans as fans of the Angels have done the same thing. Now that it looks as though he won't end up in Anaheim they have begun to utter similar remarks of "overpaid," "greedy," and other superfluous name calling.
Wake me up when things change and teams and their fans show some integrity. If you have an opinion then make it out of fact and stand by it. Don't simply change it because it's trendy or suddenly the deck is stacked in your favor. True colors come out in times of adversity and I think the world caught a glimpse of what those really are...
Buffalo Sabres
I guess I could categorize this section under the last one. We're 16 games into the season and people are already crying that the sky is falling. I understand that the Sabres are under .500 and have not been playing up to their true potential, but all hope is not lost. Can I put all of the names of the people writing this season off down on paper so that I can tell them not to watch the playoffs come April because they feel that this team "sucks."
Fair weather fans make me sick. Last year you could not find a ticket to a Sabres game for under $100 and now people are barely getting face value and some are not even sold out. ONCE AGAIN, have some integrity. Stand by your words or else don't speak at all.
What exactly does "playing like a $7M player" look like? Why does the fact that Vanek is making more money this year make anyone believe that he suddenly becomes a different player. Money does not change the ability of an athlete. It is continually mind boggling for me to see people arguing that he should be playing like a $7M athlete. Money doesn't make you a better player, being a better player makes you more money.
There is not shame in being a fan of the team that is only able to watch games once in a while. It is also o.k. to not be completely up to date with the latest Sabre or NHL news. However, do not walk around acting as though you're the mega-fan of the Sabre Nation. There are some people out there that watch/listen to every game, follow the NHL like crazy, have season tickets and actually go, and soak up as much information about the team as possible. It really comes across as insulting and pathetic to claim to be a huge fan when you're nothing more than a casual fan. There is nothing wrong with being a casual fan as it fills the seats and generates revenue for the team and the city. However, do not act as though you've been along for the entire 82 game ride when you've barely hung on for 10...
The NBA
Stephanie [sic] Marbury is a complete joke. One of the biggest cry babies in the sport and an embarrassment to those that work hard. Claiming that you have "shit" on Isiah Thomas and that he should "fuck" with you is complete garbage. You're trash, plain and simple. You were fined $195,000 for a temper tantrum in which you essentially took your ball and went home. You packed your bags and flew back to New York leaving your teammates to play without you for one game.
Awesome, we're all impressed. You certainly showed them. I mean you guys are 2-5 and haven't made the playoffs since 2004. You haven't won a playoff series since 2000 and are Championship-less since 1973. But who am I to criticize you Ms. Marbury? You are the man because you don't let any authority figure hold you down. You let your game do that...
Kobe Bryant is also on my list. I mean the guy only had to get a gag order from his team to stop his whining. In exchange for Kobe to stop "saying nasty things" about the Lakers the team agreed to pursue opportunities for Kobe to be traded. Wow, and I thought putting that huge rock on your wife's finger and crying in front of the world after you slept with a slut was your low point...
Cornhusker Football
A rabid and distraught fan decided to leave some nice voicemails for defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. This "man" (used rather loosely) simply requested that Cosgrove go back where he came from before he fucking kills him. A second message reminded Cosgrove that he had 76 fucking points scored on him. Always classy to see a fan driven to such a breaking point where they are willing to make death threats against a coach. Perhaps there are deeper issues here than botched coverage and false start penalties. Here's a hint: Nebraska isn't very good...
I think that's enough for now as I'm sure the world of sports will give me more ammunition very soon...
Long Live Sports,
DG2
A-Rod
Really? Well what really is to be taken out of this sudden change of heart. I mean he had ridiculous demands that were not to be met by any team in the league. Not because he is not worth the cash, but simply because teams cannot afford mortgaging their team in order to pay him each year. That's not really the part that bothers me though. Get paid what they're willing to pay you. You're not the fool for making more money, they're the fool for allowing it to get so out of control.
I loved reading over the past few weeks how Yankee fans "really" felt about A-Rod. How he was greedy and would be overpaid. How he was a joke and did not understand what it was to be a Yankee. How he wasn't as good as people think. How he couldn't handle the pressure of playing in New York. How he could easily be replaced by Miguel Cabrera, Mike Lowell, or a farm prospect. How they were glad that he was gone because now the Yankees could get back to the glory days when they didn't buy players, but produced them. Even the Yankee ownership and management aired their grievances and spoke their peace regarding A-Rod. My favorite "he never really fit in, and I didn't really like him anyways."
Now, all of a sudden, the media releases reports that he may be signing back with the Yankees. Yankee nation rejoices. Seemingly forgetting all the shit that they talked about him over the past few weeks. I'm not saying that any team should be pissed at the prospect of signing A-Rod, but have a backbone or some integrity. Look into the archives of periodicals, publications, message boards, blogs, and television shows if you conveniently forget all of the things that were said.
Please, there is nothing that ANYBODY can say to convince me that neo-Yankee "fans" are not a complete joke. You have proven it. Between A-Rod, Posada, and Rivera you have shown your true colors. None of those guys were worth the money when they were on the market (SHOCKINGLY that was only really since Monday), but now they're back as the saviors of days gone by.
This does not just extend to Yankee fans as fans of the Angels have done the same thing. Now that it looks as though he won't end up in Anaheim they have begun to utter similar remarks of "overpaid," "greedy," and other superfluous name calling.
Wake me up when things change and teams and their fans show some integrity. If you have an opinion then make it out of fact and stand by it. Don't simply change it because it's trendy or suddenly the deck is stacked in your favor. True colors come out in times of adversity and I think the world caught a glimpse of what those really are...
Buffalo Sabres
I guess I could categorize this section under the last one. We're 16 games into the season and people are already crying that the sky is falling. I understand that the Sabres are under .500 and have not been playing up to their true potential, but all hope is not lost. Can I put all of the names of the people writing this season off down on paper so that I can tell them not to watch the playoffs come April because they feel that this team "sucks."
Fair weather fans make me sick. Last year you could not find a ticket to a Sabres game for under $100 and now people are barely getting face value and some are not even sold out. ONCE AGAIN, have some integrity. Stand by your words or else don't speak at all.
What exactly does "playing like a $7M player" look like? Why does the fact that Vanek is making more money this year make anyone believe that he suddenly becomes a different player. Money does not change the ability of an athlete. It is continually mind boggling for me to see people arguing that he should be playing like a $7M athlete. Money doesn't make you a better player, being a better player makes you more money.
There is not shame in being a fan of the team that is only able to watch games once in a while. It is also o.k. to not be completely up to date with the latest Sabre or NHL news. However, do not walk around acting as though you're the mega-fan of the Sabre Nation. There are some people out there that watch/listen to every game, follow the NHL like crazy, have season tickets and actually go, and soak up as much information about the team as possible. It really comes across as insulting and pathetic to claim to be a huge fan when you're nothing more than a casual fan. There is nothing wrong with being a casual fan as it fills the seats and generates revenue for the team and the city. However, do not act as though you've been along for the entire 82 game ride when you've barely hung on for 10...
The NBA
Stephanie [sic] Marbury is a complete joke. One of the biggest cry babies in the sport and an embarrassment to those that work hard. Claiming that you have "shit" on Isiah Thomas and that he should "fuck" with you is complete garbage. You're trash, plain and simple. You were fined $195,000 for a temper tantrum in which you essentially took your ball and went home. You packed your bags and flew back to New York leaving your teammates to play without you for one game.
Awesome, we're all impressed. You certainly showed them. I mean you guys are 2-5 and haven't made the playoffs since 2004. You haven't won a playoff series since 2000 and are Championship-less since 1973. But who am I to criticize you Ms. Marbury? You are the man because you don't let any authority figure hold you down. You let your game do that...
Kobe Bryant is also on my list. I mean the guy only had to get a gag order from his team to stop his whining. In exchange for Kobe to stop "saying nasty things" about the Lakers the team agreed to pursue opportunities for Kobe to be traded. Wow, and I thought putting that huge rock on your wife's finger and crying in front of the world after you slept with a slut was your low point...
Cornhusker Football
A rabid and distraught fan decided to leave some nice voicemails for defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove. This "man" (used rather loosely) simply requested that Cosgrove go back where he came from before he fucking kills him. A second message reminded Cosgrove that he had 76 fucking points scored on him. Always classy to see a fan driven to such a breaking point where they are willing to make death threats against a coach. Perhaps there are deeper issues here than botched coverage and false start penalties. Here's a hint: Nebraska isn't very good...
I think that's enough for now as I'm sure the world of sports will give me more ammunition very soon...
Long Live Sports,
DG2
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