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
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
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
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
It's A Wonderlic Young Is Still A Starter
Vince Young is an enigma wrapped in a mystery. I do not, and have not or will not, understand the obsession with this guy. Maybe it's because his underdog team beat USC and stopped their attempt at a three peat? Maybe it's because Texas hats look "cool" and everyone likes to do that horn thing with their fingers? Maybe it's because he can run really fast even though he's freakishly tall?
The guy is an athlete not an NFL quarterback. For everyone that believes that he is great please read on so I can disprove any misconception.
Where to begin...hmm...perhaps at the beginning. First off the guy scored a 6 on the Wonderlic test. Yes a 6. Just as a reference point Jeff George scored a 10 and we all remember how smart he was. Had an excellent arm, probably the best of his class, BUT made rampant mistakes and could not get out of his own way. On the other side of the coin John Elway scored a 30, Steve Young a 33, and Troy Aikman a 29. Combined they have six rings and countless MVP and Pro Bowl appearances.
In case anyone was wondering the highest score is a 50 and the average score a 21, but for NFL prospects the average is 19. The Wonderlic is given by hundreds of corporations, so it is not biased to football players. Vince Young's score means that he only managed to get one question right. Additionally, DG1 took the Wonderlic a few years ago and scored in the "above average" category. Anyone trying to claim that the test discriminates against minorities, try again. Daunte Culpepper scored a 21 and other minorities including Ian Gold and Mike Anderson have been close to the NFL average.
Vince Young's stats this year alone should help to clear up any thoughts of greatness as well. Currently he has a rating of 62.2 which ranks him 29th in the league. He is 24th in completions, 20th in completion percentage, 26th in yards, and 32nd in longest pass (48 yards). He has thrown 4 TDs and 10 INTs this season, which is horrible (Tom Brady has thrown more than that in one half). He ranks 19th in sacks with 14 and his unwillingness to throw the ball has accounted for most of them.
For a guy that was put on the cover of Madden this year one would think that he would have to be in the top of the league in order to garner such an honor. However, as you can see, he has been in the basement of the league all year.
So you're saying to yourself: "he was good last year, that's why he was on the cover." Sure, we'll explore that myth too! He was 30th in QB rating last year. As a reference point guys like Carr, Pennington, Brunell, Grossman, and Vick had better ratings. None of them are current starters this year. He ranked 21rst in TDs, 39th in longest pass (that's dead last behind second string QBs), 15th in INTs thrown, 25th in completions, and 26th in yards. I realize that he split time with Kerry Collins, but he was on a collision course for even worse numbers if he played the whole season rather than most of it.
They have a very good defense, above average special teams, and a solid running game. Their offensive line is very strong and their receivers are not a bunch of no names. Eric Moulds, Brandon Jones, Roydell Williams, Justin Gage, Bo Scaife, and Ben Troupe are better than most teams can boast for receivers.
Let's look at their schedule for a second too as I'm sure people will use THAT as the reason why his numbers are not better. They have played New Orleans (when they were struggling), Atlanta, Oakland, and Carolina. ALL of these teams have defenses which give up big plays and large amounts of yards. His TOTAL passing against Oakland was 42 yards. Please tell me THAT is a misprint. Kerry Collins in relief of Young for two games had a total of 427 yards in those games and a completion percentage of 59% which falls just 1% shy of Young's season total.
Why am I hating on Vince Young you ask. Simply because he is touted as such a great QB that is deserving of the accolades that are thrown at him. We get it, he is a running QB. We've seen how well that's worked out for Aaron Brooks, Akili Smith, and Michael Vick.
I hate on him because I think that people unfairly rank him ahead of better players in the league. All I ask is for people to look at the facts before they start crowing him. He is average at best and an insult to real QBs.
Long Live Sports,
DG2
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Bigger They Are...
...The harder they fall?
As a result of my leaving work early last friday in order to handle some business, I was unable to post my usual upset alert on my friday morning blog. However, I will state now, that all of last week I talked amongst my co-workers about how Ohio State did not have a favorable match-up this week against the new Juice. No, no, no, not that Juice, but Juice Williams who is named after Buffalo's beloved OJ. With Michigan, who also lost but who I wouldn't have put on upset alert, coming up the next week it is hard to not expect OSU to be looking ahead. Also, Ron Zook deserves an insane amount of credit. What he is doing at Illinios, a "basketball" school is incredible. Ron Zook is one of the greatest recruiters in the nation. Urban Meyer owes Ron Zook all the credit for the talent he won his national championship with and now Zook is using his Florida ties and formula to recruit speed up in Champagne. Illinios is quickly becoming a team that is going to have the speed of an SEC team in a conference who's perennial winners always struggles against speed. Let's just hope Zook can pull it together without all the pressure he had a Florida and pull together a 11-1, 10-2 season.
College Hoops
So it's about that time of year. The tip-off tournaments have started, high ranked teams are taking on their usual powder puffs to tune up for the long season ahead and Garner-Webb beat Kansas. The first victim of the regular season has fallen to a no name school that is usually bad. This is just the start to my second favorite sports season of all (behind football season). Look for an upcoming college basketball preview sometime mid-week, full of bias talk about Duke Basketball.
WWMJD (What Would Michael Jordan Do)
So, big story of the week was MJ's oldest son Jeffrey, giving up a scholarship at Valpo to walk on at Illinois. Nice to see that he is following in his fathers footsteps while still maintaining his own identity. I'm sure he could go to UNC and walk-on, but based on what I've read he is a well rounded individual raised on solid values by the Greatest basketball player ever. Although his dad is the most famous UNC alum, I don't think solid values and walk-on fit into the program at UNC these days. Unless you plan on a one and done or a two and shoo, then you don't fit in at Roy Williams program. Gone are the days of players gritting it out for a spot and then earning a starting role their senior years. That is unless you are a mid-major school or a program that stresses academics and team (Illinois, Florida, Duke, Notre Dame, UCLA, Georgetown). I'm sick of the one year rule. Make it 2 or 3 or don't make it a rule at all. But back to Jordan. For those of you who know the MJ story know he wasn't highly recruited and had to work to get where he was at UNC. It'll be interesting to follow JJ and see if the same holds true for him. Although, it is well documented that MJ did not stress or push basketball on his sons. Possibly knowing they could never live up to what he was, considering no one will ever live up to MJ.
If he catches it in the End Zone, it's a touchdown?
Good to see the Bills pull one out ugly against an 0-9 team. Watching that game it seams that when you are 0-9 everything that can go wrong does. The hold on the Ginn TD, the 4th and inches and the Beast Mode of Marshawn. At 5-4 the Bills are way better than expected after the first 2 weeks and all the injuries and should lead to hopefully an interesting game on Sunday Night. Either that or a blow out. Then with Wash, Jax and Miami the Bills could be 8-5 down the stretch. That is if they stick with JP. Speaking of 0-8, nice to see the Rams get off the schneid. Watch them run off 8 in a row to finish .500 and win the WEAK NFC West.
Thoughts and Letters
If only Nick Folk pulled a Vinateiri a month ago, there would have been two games this season won by an inferior team without a hint of offense.
With Peyton Manning channeling baby brother Eli last night, the Chargers have yet to be proven wrong in passing on both Mannings.
And boy oh boy, do he and Reggie Wayne REALLY miss Marvin Harrison?
Is anyone really gonna pay A-Rod $300mil over 1o years?
And if they do, does he automatically become a Fortune 500 company?
Dear Bellicheck,
If you run the score up on Sunday Night on national TV. You better be looking over your shoulder all the way to the Airport. With a police escort. Cause if a player doesn't take a shot at Brady in the Fourth. You better beleive yours truly will be leading a riot squad to do so after the game. Either that or physcially harm you.
Sincerely,
DG1 (And every other fan of the other 31 teams).
As a result of my leaving work early last friday in order to handle some business, I was unable to post my usual upset alert on my friday morning blog. However, I will state now, that all of last week I talked amongst my co-workers about how Ohio State did not have a favorable match-up this week against the new Juice. No, no, no, not that Juice, but Juice Williams who is named after Buffalo's beloved OJ. With Michigan, who also lost but who I wouldn't have put on upset alert, coming up the next week it is hard to not expect OSU to be looking ahead. Also, Ron Zook deserves an insane amount of credit. What he is doing at Illinios, a "basketball" school is incredible. Ron Zook is one of the greatest recruiters in the nation. Urban Meyer owes Ron Zook all the credit for the talent he won his national championship with and now Zook is using his Florida ties and formula to recruit speed up in Champagne. Illinios is quickly becoming a team that is going to have the speed of an SEC team in a conference who's perennial winners always struggles against speed. Let's just hope Zook can pull it together without all the pressure he had a Florida and pull together a 11-1, 10-2 season.
College Hoops
So it's about that time of year. The tip-off tournaments have started, high ranked teams are taking on their usual powder puffs to tune up for the long season ahead and Garner-Webb beat Kansas. The first victim of the regular season has fallen to a no name school that is usually bad. This is just the start to my second favorite sports season of all (behind football season). Look for an upcoming college basketball preview sometime mid-week, full of bias talk about Duke Basketball.
WWMJD (What Would Michael Jordan Do)
So, big story of the week was MJ's oldest son Jeffrey, giving up a scholarship at Valpo to walk on at Illinois. Nice to see that he is following in his fathers footsteps while still maintaining his own identity. I'm sure he could go to UNC and walk-on, but based on what I've read he is a well rounded individual raised on solid values by the Greatest basketball player ever. Although his dad is the most famous UNC alum, I don't think solid values and walk-on fit into the program at UNC these days. Unless you plan on a one and done or a two and shoo, then you don't fit in at Roy Williams program. Gone are the days of players gritting it out for a spot and then earning a starting role their senior years. That is unless you are a mid-major school or a program that stresses academics and team (Illinois, Florida, Duke, Notre Dame, UCLA, Georgetown). I'm sick of the one year rule. Make it 2 or 3 or don't make it a rule at all. But back to Jordan. For those of you who know the MJ story know he wasn't highly recruited and had to work to get where he was at UNC. It'll be interesting to follow JJ and see if the same holds true for him. Although, it is well documented that MJ did not stress or push basketball on his sons. Possibly knowing they could never live up to what he was, considering no one will ever live up to MJ.
If he catches it in the End Zone, it's a touchdown?
Good to see the Bills pull one out ugly against an 0-9 team. Watching that game it seams that when you are 0-9 everything that can go wrong does. The hold on the Ginn TD, the 4th and inches and the Beast Mode of Marshawn. At 5-4 the Bills are way better than expected after the first 2 weeks and all the injuries and should lead to hopefully an interesting game on Sunday Night. Either that or a blow out. Then with Wash, Jax and Miami the Bills could be 8-5 down the stretch. That is if they stick with JP. Speaking of 0-8, nice to see the Rams get off the schneid. Watch them run off 8 in a row to finish .500 and win the WEAK NFC West.
Thoughts and Letters
If only Nick Folk pulled a Vinateiri a month ago, there would have been two games this season won by an inferior team without a hint of offense.
With Peyton Manning channeling baby brother Eli last night, the Chargers have yet to be proven wrong in passing on both Mannings.
And boy oh boy, do he and Reggie Wayne REALLY miss Marvin Harrison?
Is anyone really gonna pay A-Rod $300mil over 1o years?
And if they do, does he automatically become a Fortune 500 company?
Dear Bellicheck,
If you run the score up on Sunday Night on national TV. You better be looking over your shoulder all the way to the Airport. With a police escort. Cause if a player doesn't take a shot at Brady in the Fourth. You better beleive yours truly will be leading a riot squad to do so after the game. Either that or physcially harm you.
Sincerely,
DG1 (And every other fan of the other 31 teams).
Friday, November 9, 2007
Old Juice...New Juice...Red Juice...Orange Juice...
Old Juice...and Orange Juice
OJ had his first chance at the legal system for his recent run-in with the law. I was able to watch a substantial amount of the preliminary trial and thought that the defense stood a very sound chance of being competitive when the actual trial takes place. The witnesses looked shaky on the stand and were regularly wavering from already sworn testimony and statements. The stories were very unclear and some of the key pieces of evidence seemed suspiciously different from when the story broke a few months ago.
My prediction is that we will have a medium length trial on our hands with OJ once again walking due to poorly prepared prosecution. The whole thing stinks considering that the FBI knew of the whole operation before it even went down. OJ is not a dumb man, and even without his trusty Jackie Chiles--err Johnnie Cochran by his side I once again see him as a free man.
New Juice
The Mitchell people once again gave the sports world a scare with the tease that 11 current MLB free agents were thought to have been on "the list." However, a few hours later it was released that they are only subject to questioning and really were not sure fire users. Mike Golic had an interesting piece of information to offer up yesterday when he admitted to using steroids for a period of 2 weeks in order to recover from a shoulder injury. While he was not (or at least he claims not) to have been a career user it opens the door for speculation as to how many other players used steroids in the same manner.
Red Juice
Injuries seem to be sky rocketing in professional sports. Maybe it's a result of tougher competition and tougher athletes. Bigger, stronger, faster, and harder hitting results in more hospital visits. Maybe it's more evident in Buffalo with both the Sabres and the Bills dealing with injuries in mass amounts. However it just seems as though the nation as a whole is seeing a spike in bruises and scrapes.
Long Live Sports,
DG2
OJ had his first chance at the legal system for his recent run-in with the law. I was able to watch a substantial amount of the preliminary trial and thought that the defense stood a very sound chance of being competitive when the actual trial takes place. The witnesses looked shaky on the stand and were regularly wavering from already sworn testimony and statements. The stories were very unclear and some of the key pieces of evidence seemed suspiciously different from when the story broke a few months ago.
My prediction is that we will have a medium length trial on our hands with OJ once again walking due to poorly prepared prosecution. The whole thing stinks considering that the FBI knew of the whole operation before it even went down. OJ is not a dumb man, and even without his trusty Jackie Chiles--err Johnnie Cochran by his side I once again see him as a free man.
New Juice
The Mitchell people once again gave the sports world a scare with the tease that 11 current MLB free agents were thought to have been on "the list." However, a few hours later it was released that they are only subject to questioning and really were not sure fire users. Mike Golic had an interesting piece of information to offer up yesterday when he admitted to using steroids for a period of 2 weeks in order to recover from a shoulder injury. While he was not (or at least he claims not) to have been a career user it opens the door for speculation as to how many other players used steroids in the same manner.
Red Juice
Injuries seem to be sky rocketing in professional sports. Maybe it's a result of tougher competition and tougher athletes. Bigger, stronger, faster, and harder hitting results in more hospital visits. Maybe it's more evident in Buffalo with both the Sabres and the Bills dealing with injuries in mass amounts. However it just seems as though the nation as a whole is seeing a spike in bruises and scrapes.
Long Live Sports,
DG2
Monday, November 5, 2007
Ouch-O Cinco and Others...
Ouch-O Cinco
Chad Johnson looked terrible yesterday. He was a non-factor in the game and dropped one of the most important passes for the season. Cinci basically moved themselves out of the playoffs by losing this week. They have a tougher schedule and will not run the table or at least win all but one. Johnson was injured, but not on the play that everyone gives credit for. Donte Whitner did NOT hurt Johnson on that play. I'm not even convinced that Whitner made significant contact with Whitner. I'll tell you the play that Johnson was injured on. The planting forearms of George (Hey Mr.) Wilson forced Johnson to smash his face off of the unforgiving turf. After that play Johnson did not catch a pass. He looked shaky and his face told the story of someone that had suffered a concussion. He looks bad this season and his tears on the sidelines were a sad sight of a former game breaker. I guess this opens the door for T.J. Who's-Your-Mama.
Manning Up
The Colts/Pats game did not really prove much in my mind. I guess it showed that both teams can score points despite sub par offense. The Colts were without Tony Ugoh and Marvin Harrison and that is bigger than ANY players that the Pats were without. With Ugoh in the game Manning doesn't see half the pressure that he did and takes significantly less number of hits. Harrison goes without saying. There's a reason why he and Manning are the top tandem in history. When/if they meet in the playoffs I see a different outcome. The Pats are human.
L.A.'s New Look
Joe Torre and his crew of Bowa and Mattingly are going to do great things in L.A. I see the playoffs in their immediate future with a great batting coach and the best infield coach in the game. Robinson Cano owes his success in the field to Bowa and his relentless tips and techniques. Torre looked great in his press conference too. Handling questions just as one would think, but mixing in a fair amount of comedy too which seemed forbidden by the Emperor.
Frank Yallop decided to leave the L.A. Galaxy today in favor of coaching the expansion San Jose Earthquakes. That used to be my favorite team before they moved to Houston and now are looking poised to grab me again. My personal choice of replacement is Bruce Arena who also left his coaching post today. His ties with Landon Donovan are very strong and he would salivate at the opportunity to coach David Beckham. Look for a MLS Cup run next season if this all works out.
Sunday Night
Don't look too far ahead or the Dolphins could get their first win of the season. While it's exciting to see the Bills/Pats on Sunday night next week, we shouldn't look past this weekend's match-up against the winless and hopeless Dolphins. We just need to take care of business and allow what we do best (run the ball) to dictate the play. I agree though, Sunday night football will be nasty.
Long Live Sports,
DG2
Chad Johnson looked terrible yesterday. He was a non-factor in the game and dropped one of the most important passes for the season. Cinci basically moved themselves out of the playoffs by losing this week. They have a tougher schedule and will not run the table or at least win all but one. Johnson was injured, but not on the play that everyone gives credit for. Donte Whitner did NOT hurt Johnson on that play. I'm not even convinced that Whitner made significant contact with Whitner. I'll tell you the play that Johnson was injured on. The planting forearms of George (Hey Mr.) Wilson forced Johnson to smash his face off of the unforgiving turf. After that play Johnson did not catch a pass. He looked shaky and his face told the story of someone that had suffered a concussion. He looks bad this season and his tears on the sidelines were a sad sight of a former game breaker. I guess this opens the door for T.J. Who's-Your-Mama.
Manning Up
The Colts/Pats game did not really prove much in my mind. I guess it showed that both teams can score points despite sub par offense. The Colts were without Tony Ugoh and Marvin Harrison and that is bigger than ANY players that the Pats were without. With Ugoh in the game Manning doesn't see half the pressure that he did and takes significantly less number of hits. Harrison goes without saying. There's a reason why he and Manning are the top tandem in history. When/if they meet in the playoffs I see a different outcome. The Pats are human.
L.A.'s New Look
Joe Torre and his crew of Bowa and Mattingly are going to do great things in L.A. I see the playoffs in their immediate future with a great batting coach and the best infield coach in the game. Robinson Cano owes his success in the field to Bowa and his relentless tips and techniques. Torre looked great in his press conference too. Handling questions just as one would think, but mixing in a fair amount of comedy too which seemed forbidden by the Emperor.
Frank Yallop decided to leave the L.A. Galaxy today in favor of coaching the expansion San Jose Earthquakes. That used to be my favorite team before they moved to Houston and now are looking poised to grab me again. My personal choice of replacement is Bruce Arena who also left his coaching post today. His ties with Landon Donovan are very strong and he would salivate at the opportunity to coach David Beckham. Look for a MLS Cup run next season if this all works out.
Sunday Night
Don't look too far ahead or the Dolphins could get their first win of the season. While it's exciting to see the Bills/Pats on Sunday night next week, we shouldn't look past this weekend's match-up against the winless and hopeless Dolphins. We just need to take care of business and allow what we do best (run the ball) to dictate the play. I agree though, Sunday night football will be nasty.
Long Live Sports,
DG2
Monday Afternoon Assesment
Unlucky Number 2
Well another weekend has gone by and another #2 team has fallen. According to my research, the #2 ranked team in the country has been upset in 5 or the 10 weeks this season and at least 1 top 5 team has lost each of the last six weeks. This weekend Boston College played into my prediction by falling to lowly Florida State in a monsoon in Chestnut Hill. If it wasn't for a sloppy fourth quarter, Alabama would have upset LSU causing mayhem at the top of the BCS once again. Not to mention the bragging rights I would have had if all four of my upset alerts from last week would have held true (2 of 4). Well that is with the exception of Kansas shutting me up and drop 76 points on Nebraska. Bill Callahan can't find the door soon enough.
Speaking of Corn
So, the atmosphere out here in Buffalo is pretty good. The Buffalo Bills are 4-4 and overacheiving tremendously on the defensive side of the football with our offense waking up against poor defenses and gaining cofidence. In a lesser spectrum, The University of Buffalo Bulls are one game away from clinching a tie for the MAC East title. Yes, those Bulls. The same team that over the last 10 years has maybe won 20 games total (an average of 2 a year). Second year head coach Turner Gill has begun to turn a program around that was absolutely dismal the last decade. However, this excitement should be shortly lived. I've heard Gill say he wants to stay in Buffalo and turn the program around but lets face it. Turner Gill is a Nebraska Cornhusker. He won a national title there, his former coach is the new AD and the current head coach is quickly on a plane back to a NFL assistant coaching job. All the pieces align for Turner to be on the first flight to Lincoln at the end of the college season. Again leaving Bulls fans again excited.
Madden in Buffalo?
I am proud to be one of the first sports sites to announce to my reader(s) that the next Buffalo Bills home game will be moved to the 8:15pm slot and broadcast Nationwide on NBC. Inside sources have confirmed this and it is expected to be announced within the hour (3pm est). This is shaping up to either be an incredible season for the Bills and thier fans, after what looked to be early on a 2-14 season. However, solid play and an overachieving defense has the Bills at .500 with a very favorable schedule. Not to mention their toughest games coming up are at home and could (looking ahead at the schedule) all be subject to flex scheduling. After winless Miami next week, New England is about to be officially a home game and after the MNF game and the intensity of the crowd that game could be closer than many think. Not to mention every year Buffalo plays New England close once and Brady has never experienced the Bills crowd at any time other than at 1pm on a Sunday when everyone is nursing a hang over. Also, weather will be a factor. I know NE has the same temps but the big 3 are not accustomed to snow. Stallworth spent his career in New Orleans and last season began to slow down once it got cold. Moss only played 2 games a year in the snow (green bay and Chicago). And Wes Welker always struggled in those December games up in Buffalo. I may be the first to proclaim that I feel the nation will be shocked. After that, the Bills schedule looks like this:
@ Jacksonville - Run heavy team against a good run defense with a injured QB expected to get his first start in 5 weeks
@ Washington - Struggled against a Jets team and after a solid start is starting to struggle against it's AFC foes
vs. Miami - need i say more
@ Cleveland - with the Browns 1 game back of the NFC north title and in the lead for the wild card and the bills possibly coming in at 7-6 or 8-5 this game could be worth a lot more and be moved to primetime.
vs. NYG - again could be subject to big things and perhaps the sunday night game 2 days before xmas.
@ Philly - by then the team could be handed over to the new QB and philly could be looking towards the future with the Andy Reid issues and Donovan McNabb on his way out of town.
Looking at this and my reasons, this could be a very interesting stretch. As a Buffalo fan my whole life, especially the last 3 years, I will not mention a certain word. However, if the Bills can continue to improve and beat teams they should beat as well as teams with better records but with weaker schedules we could not only be looking at 3 prime time home games in one season, but an event like no other. If only they played in the NFC or the AFC West and not in the same division as the Patriots.
Canada, eh?
Rogers will not buy the Buffalo Bills. He may buy a bunch of luxory boxes to help make revenue on one of the largest capacity stadiums in the NFL (65,000+ to an average of 55,000). But the Bills will not move to Toronto or anywhere else. Injunctions by the city along with big name former players and investors will step up and do something before Ralph dies. Which quite possibly could be very soon with the way he is pissing off fans. Not to mention sources on the internet claiming that the Losman, Edwards thing is 90% financial. Until Ralph is willing to spend big money on premier players we can kiss Losman, Evans and both Lynch and Edwards good bye as soon as their contracts are up. I hate to wish against the welfare of one individual, but we'll never be speaking the P word until Ralph starts to realize he has enough money and begins to invest in his team and keeping Marquee players.
Chew on This
So the other day Giselle proclaimed she will only sign contracts that pay out in any currency other than US. The question now is, how long until she convinces her robot Tom Brady to demand the same from the Krafts?
Watching the end of Superbowl 41.5, When did Peyton turn into Eli and vice-versa?
- I mean his players kept that game close.
Randy Moss is good. He doesn't like to get hit, but Moss, NOT Brady is the reason New England is 9-0.
New England is beatable and will not go 16-0!!!
Stay Rowdy
-DG1
Well another weekend has gone by and another #2 team has fallen. According to my research, the #2 ranked team in the country has been upset in 5 or the 10 weeks this season and at least 1 top 5 team has lost each of the last six weeks. This weekend Boston College played into my prediction by falling to lowly Florida State in a monsoon in Chestnut Hill. If it wasn't for a sloppy fourth quarter, Alabama would have upset LSU causing mayhem at the top of the BCS once again. Not to mention the bragging rights I would have had if all four of my upset alerts from last week would have held true (2 of 4). Well that is with the exception of Kansas shutting me up and drop 76 points on Nebraska. Bill Callahan can't find the door soon enough.
Speaking of Corn
So, the atmosphere out here in Buffalo is pretty good. The Buffalo Bills are 4-4 and overacheiving tremendously on the defensive side of the football with our offense waking up against poor defenses and gaining cofidence. In a lesser spectrum, The University of Buffalo Bulls are one game away from clinching a tie for the MAC East title. Yes, those Bulls. The same team that over the last 10 years has maybe won 20 games total (an average of 2 a year). Second year head coach Turner Gill has begun to turn a program around that was absolutely dismal the last decade. However, this excitement should be shortly lived. I've heard Gill say he wants to stay in Buffalo and turn the program around but lets face it. Turner Gill is a Nebraska Cornhusker. He won a national title there, his former coach is the new AD and the current head coach is quickly on a plane back to a NFL assistant coaching job. All the pieces align for Turner to be on the first flight to Lincoln at the end of the college season. Again leaving Bulls fans again excited.
Madden in Buffalo?
I am proud to be one of the first sports sites to announce to my reader(s) that the next Buffalo Bills home game will be moved to the 8:15pm slot and broadcast Nationwide on NBC. Inside sources have confirmed this and it is expected to be announced within the hour (3pm est). This is shaping up to either be an incredible season for the Bills and thier fans, after what looked to be early on a 2-14 season. However, solid play and an overachieving defense has the Bills at .500 with a very favorable schedule. Not to mention their toughest games coming up are at home and could (looking ahead at the schedule) all be subject to flex scheduling. After winless Miami next week, New England is about to be officially a home game and after the MNF game and the intensity of the crowd that game could be closer than many think. Not to mention every year Buffalo plays New England close once and Brady has never experienced the Bills crowd at any time other than at 1pm on a Sunday when everyone is nursing a hang over. Also, weather will be a factor. I know NE has the same temps but the big 3 are not accustomed to snow. Stallworth spent his career in New Orleans and last season began to slow down once it got cold. Moss only played 2 games a year in the snow (green bay and Chicago). And Wes Welker always struggled in those December games up in Buffalo. I may be the first to proclaim that I feel the nation will be shocked. After that, the Bills schedule looks like this:
@ Jacksonville - Run heavy team against a good run defense with a injured QB expected to get his first start in 5 weeks
@ Washington - Struggled against a Jets team and after a solid start is starting to struggle against it's AFC foes
vs. Miami - need i say more
@ Cleveland - with the Browns 1 game back of the NFC north title and in the lead for the wild card and the bills possibly coming in at 7-6 or 8-5 this game could be worth a lot more and be moved to primetime.
vs. NYG - again could be subject to big things and perhaps the sunday night game 2 days before xmas.
@ Philly - by then the team could be handed over to the new QB and philly could be looking towards the future with the Andy Reid issues and Donovan McNabb on his way out of town.
Looking at this and my reasons, this could be a very interesting stretch. As a Buffalo fan my whole life, especially the last 3 years, I will not mention a certain word. However, if the Bills can continue to improve and beat teams they should beat as well as teams with better records but with weaker schedules we could not only be looking at 3 prime time home games in one season, but an event like no other. If only they played in the NFC or the AFC West and not in the same division as the Patriots.
Canada, eh?
Rogers will not buy the Buffalo Bills. He may buy a bunch of luxory boxes to help make revenue on one of the largest capacity stadiums in the NFL (65,000+ to an average of 55,000). But the Bills will not move to Toronto or anywhere else. Injunctions by the city along with big name former players and investors will step up and do something before Ralph dies. Which quite possibly could be very soon with the way he is pissing off fans. Not to mention sources on the internet claiming that the Losman, Edwards thing is 90% financial. Until Ralph is willing to spend big money on premier players we can kiss Losman, Evans and both Lynch and Edwards good bye as soon as their contracts are up. I hate to wish against the welfare of one individual, but we'll never be speaking the P word until Ralph starts to realize he has enough money and begins to invest in his team and keeping Marquee players.
Chew on This
So the other day Giselle proclaimed she will only sign contracts that pay out in any currency other than US. The question now is, how long until she convinces her robot Tom Brady to demand the same from the Krafts?
Watching the end of Superbowl 41.5, When did Peyton turn into Eli and vice-versa?
- I mean his players kept that game close.
Randy Moss is good. He doesn't like to get hit, but Moss, NOT Brady is the reason New England is 9-0.
New England is beatable and will not go 16-0!!!
Stay Rowdy
-DG1
Friday, November 2, 2007
SuperSonics Should Not Be O.K., Bills Don't Need A T.O.
What's the fastest way to boost the revenue for a team? Move them. Profit off of new merchandise and a new fan base. Seems like a great idea. Quickly you rise to the top because everyone needs to have the latest gear and local media needs to hire mass amounts of staff to keep up with the new team.
So now it's a few years after you moved. The honeymoon is over and you're kind of lost. You say to yourself "perhaps we should have thought about this one." Pretty much every time a franchise moves to a new city that's supposed to be great, it ends up costing so much money that new management is needed and the original investors never see the benefits of their work.
I get it that it can work and their are examples, but leagues are spreading themselves too thin and new old franchises end up coming back anyways.
The Seattle SuperSonics have new ownership and have officially applied to move the team to Oklahoma City. Just wait and see on this one. I understand that after Katrina the Hornets called O.K. home, but this is just another gamble that I do not see paying off.
Baltimore moved the Colts, but later came the Ravens.
The Ravens are the old Browns, which came back after a few years of absence.
The Raiders were Oakland, were L.A., are Oakland again.
Nashville made an NHL home, threats to move the team have been relentless.
North Stars moved to Dallas, Wild came later.
Expos went to D.C., yeah, they can't sell tickets.
Professional baseball in Florida, do I really need to explain?
There are plenty of more examples, but I'm sure you get the picture by now. It's a bad idea in the long term, no matter how great the cash flow is at the start.
The Bills are soon to be the next team in the discussion. The Bills want to play 2 games a year (one pre-season, one regular) until 2012. I'm sure that was well calculated with the approximate date that Ralph Wilson is set to expire. Now, not a few weeks later, the owner of Rogers media group is expressing interest in buying the team. I called this one weeks ago and everyone told me that I was crazy. Well, call me crazy, but get ready to start the petitions and rallies because it's going to be one hell of a fight to save this team.
Long Live Sports (while you have a team to root for),
DG2
So now it's a few years after you moved. The honeymoon is over and you're kind of lost. You say to yourself "perhaps we should have thought about this one." Pretty much every time a franchise moves to a new city that's supposed to be great, it ends up costing so much money that new management is needed and the original investors never see the benefits of their work.
I get it that it can work and their are examples, but leagues are spreading themselves too thin and new old franchises end up coming back anyways.
The Seattle SuperSonics have new ownership and have officially applied to move the team to Oklahoma City. Just wait and see on this one. I understand that after Katrina the Hornets called O.K. home, but this is just another gamble that I do not see paying off.
Baltimore moved the Colts, but later came the Ravens.
The Ravens are the old Browns, which came back after a few years of absence.
The Raiders were Oakland, were L.A., are Oakland again.
Nashville made an NHL home, threats to move the team have been relentless.
North Stars moved to Dallas, Wild came later.
Expos went to D.C., yeah, they can't sell tickets.
Professional baseball in Florida, do I really need to explain?
There are plenty of more examples, but I'm sure you get the picture by now. It's a bad idea in the long term, no matter how great the cash flow is at the start.
The Bills are soon to be the next team in the discussion. The Bills want to play 2 games a year (one pre-season, one regular) until 2012. I'm sure that was well calculated with the approximate date that Ralph Wilson is set to expire. Now, not a few weeks later, the owner of Rogers media group is expressing interest in buying the team. I called this one weeks ago and everyone told me that I was crazy. Well, call me crazy, but get ready to start the petitions and rallies because it's going to be one hell of a fight to save this team.
Long Live Sports (while you have a team to root for),
DG2
Friday Morning Frenzy
From the New to the Old
Big news yesterday in the LA market. The most recent ex-Yankee manager is packing his bags and moving out West. Yesterday the Los Angeles Dodgers announced the hiring of Joe Torre as manager for the next three years. As a result Torre is leaving the Bronx for warmer temps just like the old Dodgers before him. Hard to say that this is a suprise. Torre loves the sport of baseball and I couldn't have pictured him not coaching right away. The prospect of him being on the market with all the teams that need help was just too enticing. Let me say it now, the Dodgers WILL make the playoffs next year. They are a very talented bunch of players and with one of, if not the, best coaches in baseball history at the helm, they should be able to keep it together for a whole 162 game schedule.
LA-Rod of Anaheim
To Steal a little bit of DG2's thunder, this is my number one player in the A-Rod sweepstakes. Of all the top ten lists I've seen over the past few years this is the only place that has a good argument. The Cubs won't want his salary to dump on a potential new owner and most other teams with the exception of the Tigers won't need him. I feel this is going to be a 2 team race between the Tigers and the Angels with the Angels winning out. I feel A-Rod is soft, i've always felt he was soft when it comes to dealing with scrutiny. Although he made a huge step forward this season, I feel the prospect of playing on the west coast will entice him. The later time zone allows for less National Exposure, although the increased paparazzi presence may be a little much. But as long as he avoids late night encounters with Paris or Unfitney, he'll be fine.
Moving Forward
I wouldn't count out the Yankees in the A-Rod sweepstakes. Although negotiating a deal could kill the reputations of the new regime of the Empire with agents in the future, the loss of a player of A-Rods caliber should not be easy to stomach. However, the hiring of Joe Girardi opens the door for a interesting thought of mine that I want to share with you. As we all know Joe Girardi won manager of the year in Florida two seasons ago for taking a team with virtually no payroll that was full of young players and keeping them in contention. One of the best players in that organization is Miguel Cabrera, a young, great third basemen. Girardi and Cabrera have ties and a good relationship, not to mention the Marlins try and shop Cabrera and Willis every season at the trade deadline in order to avoid arbitration. As much as I like what the Yankees are doing with the farm, it wouldn't hurt to throw in some young prospects and a wilson betimit to take a Miguel Cabrera or/and the D-Train off the Marlins hands, considering both are under 26. I'd like to see how this plays out considering I don't forsee the Yankees moving forward with Wilson Betimit past this offseason as their every day 3B.
Weekly Upset Bug
Kansas (8) @ Nebraska - Kansas is having a quiet Cinderella (ella, ella, eh, eh) season. But Nebraska has been underperforming all season with a massive playbook and lack luster attitude of Bill Callahan.
LSU (3) @ Alabama (17) - Simply because it's the SEC and this season is crazy
ASU (6) @ Oregon (4) - Not necessarily and upset in rankings, but ASU is unbeaten with USC, UCLA coming up. The Ducks have this part of the schedule complete and could be looking at a BCS Title game. Quack Quack
BC (2) v. FSU - I've been saying all year BC will lose 2 games. Number 1 will come this week. Even though it's home, if they don't lose, my prediction is wrong. Therefore they will.
Powder My Nose
I don't understand the whole drug testing thing with the Olympics and other World Sports. I understand drugs are bad and all. But honestly, destroying an individuals life due to cocaine or weed (especially weed) is rediculous. I refer to the Robin Williams on Broadway stand-up. THEY ARE NOT PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS. THEY ARE PERFORMANCE HINDERING DRUGS!!! It's not like the snowboarder was juicing or using vasoline on his board. And I'm not saying Hingis does blow. But cut us some slack. Neither has had any run ins with the law nor been a negative aspect to their sport. Keep the tests behind closed doors and really recosider your actions before you take something away from someone that they earned, w/o the help of anyone or thing. Then sit back and think about what the US is going through in the major 4 with violence, steroids, and bastard children and be grateful that your gold medal snowboarder took a hit from the pipe, I mean if you look back, I'm sure that who ever invented the sport was stoned when he did so.
Thoughts to Chew On
If Indy is winning, does Dungy pull a Belicheck and run it up on the Pats...?
...And if so, I wonder how humble pie tastes?
Reggie Bush,
Apparently a couple 100k is too much to salvage everything you did in college. I wonder how you'll be welcomed at the reunion if this effects the USC teams you were a part of. If so, I'm sure Chris Webber and Jalen Rose are for-hire mentors.
Toodles,
DG1
Big news yesterday in the LA market. The most recent ex-Yankee manager is packing his bags and moving out West. Yesterday the Los Angeles Dodgers announced the hiring of Joe Torre as manager for the next three years. As a result Torre is leaving the Bronx for warmer temps just like the old Dodgers before him. Hard to say that this is a suprise. Torre loves the sport of baseball and I couldn't have pictured him not coaching right away. The prospect of him being on the market with all the teams that need help was just too enticing. Let me say it now, the Dodgers WILL make the playoffs next year. They are a very talented bunch of players and with one of, if not the, best coaches in baseball history at the helm, they should be able to keep it together for a whole 162 game schedule.
LA-Rod of Anaheim
To Steal a little bit of DG2's thunder, this is my number one player in the A-Rod sweepstakes. Of all the top ten lists I've seen over the past few years this is the only place that has a good argument. The Cubs won't want his salary to dump on a potential new owner and most other teams with the exception of the Tigers won't need him. I feel this is going to be a 2 team race between the Tigers and the Angels with the Angels winning out. I feel A-Rod is soft, i've always felt he was soft when it comes to dealing with scrutiny. Although he made a huge step forward this season, I feel the prospect of playing on the west coast will entice him. The later time zone allows for less National Exposure, although the increased paparazzi presence may be a little much. But as long as he avoids late night encounters with Paris or Unfitney, he'll be fine.
Moving Forward
I wouldn't count out the Yankees in the A-Rod sweepstakes. Although negotiating a deal could kill the reputations of the new regime of the Empire with agents in the future, the loss of a player of A-Rods caliber should not be easy to stomach. However, the hiring of Joe Girardi opens the door for a interesting thought of mine that I want to share with you. As we all know Joe Girardi won manager of the year in Florida two seasons ago for taking a team with virtually no payroll that was full of young players and keeping them in contention. One of the best players in that organization is Miguel Cabrera, a young, great third basemen. Girardi and Cabrera have ties and a good relationship, not to mention the Marlins try and shop Cabrera and Willis every season at the trade deadline in order to avoid arbitration. As much as I like what the Yankees are doing with the farm, it wouldn't hurt to throw in some young prospects and a wilson betimit to take a Miguel Cabrera or/and the D-Train off the Marlins hands, considering both are under 26. I'd like to see how this plays out considering I don't forsee the Yankees moving forward with Wilson Betimit past this offseason as their every day 3B.
Weekly Upset Bug
Kansas (8) @ Nebraska - Kansas is having a quiet Cinderella (ella, ella, eh, eh) season. But Nebraska has been underperforming all season with a massive playbook and lack luster attitude of Bill Callahan.
LSU (3) @ Alabama (17) - Simply because it's the SEC and this season is crazy
ASU (6) @ Oregon (4) - Not necessarily and upset in rankings, but ASU is unbeaten with USC, UCLA coming up. The Ducks have this part of the schedule complete and could be looking at a BCS Title game. Quack Quack
BC (2) v. FSU - I've been saying all year BC will lose 2 games. Number 1 will come this week. Even though it's home, if they don't lose, my prediction is wrong. Therefore they will.
Powder My Nose
I don't understand the whole drug testing thing with the Olympics and other World Sports. I understand drugs are bad and all. But honestly, destroying an individuals life due to cocaine or weed (especially weed) is rediculous. I refer to the Robin Williams on Broadway stand-up. THEY ARE NOT PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS. THEY ARE PERFORMANCE HINDERING DRUGS!!! It's not like the snowboarder was juicing or using vasoline on his board. And I'm not saying Hingis does blow. But cut us some slack. Neither has had any run ins with the law nor been a negative aspect to their sport. Keep the tests behind closed doors and really recosider your actions before you take something away from someone that they earned, w/o the help of anyone or thing. Then sit back and think about what the US is going through in the major 4 with violence, steroids, and bastard children and be grateful that your gold medal snowboarder took a hit from the pipe, I mean if you look back, I'm sure that who ever invented the sport was stoned when he did so.
Thoughts to Chew On
If Indy is winning, does Dungy pull a Belicheck and run it up on the Pats...?
...And if so, I wonder how humble pie tastes?
Reggie Bush,
Apparently a couple 100k is too much to salvage everything you did in college. I wonder how you'll be welcomed at the reunion if this effects the USC teams you were a part of. If so, I'm sure Chris Webber and Jalen Rose are for-hire mentors.
Toodles,
DG1
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