Some of you reached out and complained, so here’s your fix. We’ll do this in chronological order since it has been a while.
Colts
How did bagging the end of the regular season and snubbing potential history work out for the Colts?
I mention this only because had Manning stuck it in the end zone in that final Super Bowl drive and a chip shot field followed in overtime, the pundits (aka: mentally challenged) would be justifying the Colts’ horrid decision to rest their starters late in the season for the Super Bowl run.
Of course, resting the starters or not resting them had absolutely nothing to do with Manning throwing a late pick on an in-route.
Here’s some advice to Colts’ management if you ever get in that situation again – which is highly unlikely – ask the players what they would want to do when sitting at 14-0.
I’d bet the house it would be unanimous – let’s play to win EVERY game and let the chips fall where they may.
Besides, that’s what they get paid to do – isn’t it?
Paying Josh Cribbs
What the hell is taking so long for the Walrus to get this done?
Yes, I know he doesn’t play every down and only touches the ball 10x a game. However, the facts are the facts. Josh Cribbs is your most dynamic offensive player. He’s been extremely consistent in his performance – a sign of greatness. He’s the only guy on your roster teams have to game plan for. I repeat – the ONLY such player on your roster. No, Jerome Harrison does not qualify – not yet. Cribbs is also just entering his prime years. He’s arguably your best player. He’s actually a Pro Bowler who plays in Cleveland. And finally, he’s the most popular player with the fans. Is that enough?
I can get this deal done in one Olive Garden meeting wit his representative. Extra salad and bread sticks please.
Tear up the old cntract in front of Cribbs and his agent before the appetizer arrives. Offer Cribbs a $3 million signing bonus and a new three year deal on top worth $2 million per for a total of $9 million. Have the $3 milion check on the tale so Cribbs can take it home with him along with his leftover lasagna.
Add some incentives – i.e. lead the league in kick return yardage ($100 grand extra), punt return yardage ($100 grand extra), $50 grand per touchdown, $100 grand per Pro Bowl appearance, etc. That gives Cribbs the possibility of making another million over the duration of the deal.
There – it’s done.
Almost forgot - I'd pick up the check of course.
You might have to tweak it a little, but I can’t imagine Cribbs and his people turning down $10 million over three years.
Indians
Okay – the Tribe already announced Shapiro and Antonelli will get newer, better titles and more dough nex year. This comes after this regime has posted a 1-for-8 performance in making the post-season.
Where do I go to sign up for this gig? Talk about low expectations for your executives.
Look, I firmly believe in PATIENCE & CONTINUITY in sports. I preach it every day. But this is ridiculous. In simple English we can all understand – these guys have been around almost a decade and have not won enough baseball games to warrant such a move at this time – not even close! So why reward them now.
What will the Dolans do if the Tribe goes 72-90 this summer – offer Shapiro part of the club? For the organization’s sake, I hope 2010 ends with the reverse – a 90-72 campaign. That would at least make these moves somewhat more palatable to the paying public instead of leading to more ridicule.
Look – if players are to be held accountable, the same goes for management. Shapiro and Antonelli might be terrific bosses to work for, good organizers, excellent fathers and husbands, and they probably love their pets too, but it’s still about winning.
Metaphor time again - this is like giving a career .260 hitting corner infielder with limited power and run production a raise.
Jamison
A. Jamison brings the Cavaliers even with the Lakers. Period. That’s the jist of what this addition means.
Before the season started, I had the Lakers beating the Cavs in the NBA Finals based mainly on the Artest acquisition. Look it up.
Even though Cleveland got longer and more athletic in the perimeter, and bigger and badder inside (Shaq), I felt the Lakers would squeak out a win in the Finals. Now it’s a toss up.
What will likely happen? It will boil down to which star plays best and which star gets the most help. Sorry – some times, the answer is obvious.
I do believe the Cavaliers’ brass is starting to sour a bit on Mo Willams coming up big in prime time. Thus, the addition of Jamison becomes even more important.
This corner loves Moe and stated he’s the best player LJ has played with since joining the Cavs. However, we also acknowledged he was MIA against Orlando last season. If Williams does show up in May and June, coupled with the other acquisitions, the Cavaliers will be holding a parade down Superior in June.
As of now, and even with his 0-12 performance in his Cavs debut notwithstanding, Jamison is the best pure talent 23 had played with. Sorry Mo – you need to move over. Hopefully, Jamison’s postseason performance will bare that out.
With Jamison, the Lakers won’t be able to run multiple defenders at LJ and leave Jamison open. With Jamison, the Cavaliers add a career 20/9 player who can STRETCH the defense, score in the block and get his own shot. That’s huge.
Simply put – he’s an All-Star talent. Yes, I know he’s 33, but look at his numbers, the guy is solid, night in night out. Plus, he’s under contract for two more years. And, he’s healthy and good in the locker room. Besides, if he were 28, he wouldn’t be available.
Remember what we told you about Amare. He’s playing with the one other guy in the league besides James that makes you look better than you are EVERY night – Steve Nash. Jason Kid was in that group, but father time has taken the consistent greatness away from Kidd.
Amare does not defend, has had multiple serious injuries and does not have the range Jamison possesses – not even close. And, he may opt out of his deal this summer.
Yes, he’s (Amare) a lot younger, but I am very glad Jamison is a Cavalier. He was always my first choice.
As you know, I’ve been pushing for him to wear a Cleveland uniform for a long time. Again, look it up. It’s the right fit at the right time.
Does it guarantee a title? Of course not. It just increases the margin for error. That’s all you can ask of management. Great get Danny. It’s exactly what I would have done.
Z
Look for him to be back with the Cavs before the playoffs. I don’t like the league rule that allows a team to dump a guy after getting him and him hooking back up with his old club for the homestretch, but if the rules allow it, the Cavs would be foolish not to take advantage of it.
And don’t believe the morons who are telling you will go to Dallas or San Antonio or Atlanta or Timbuktu.
Why?
The guy has made over $100 million in his career – all in Cleveland. It's not about money for him now. He’s got a chance to get a ring with the team he started with. They want him back. They need another big now. And just as important, his family will want him in Cleveland. His kids have started school in town. His wife knows where all the best malls are in Northeast Ohio. Get my point?
Why would he go elsewhere now and play for a team that has less of a chance to win the title? Do you think his wife and kids want to fly to Atlanta for all his playoff games or get in their SVU after parent-teacher conferences and drive a few miles to the Q?
Come on. This isn’t rocket science. If I'm wrong I'll be the first to admit it.
But here's likely how the conversation went.
Danny F: “We’ve got to put you in the deal to get Jamison Z. Sorry. But we want and need you back when the Bullets release you. You have my word. Tell the wife and kids it’s not personal, its business. You okay with that?”
Z: “Fine, as long as you don’t give away my locker. I want the same one I had for the last 12 years.”
Danny: “Done.”
Climate Change
Let me get this right. If the weather is warm, it’s because of global warming (aka: climate change). If we get a ton of summer hurricanes, it’s because of global warming. If we get record rain fall it’s because of global warming. Now we are told, if we get record snowfall, it’s because of global warming. Do they really think we are that stupid?
Look, if you want to buy a Prius, go right ahead. I’m not stopping you. I only hope when the brakes give out, you go into a huge snow embankment instead of over a cliff followed by a 300 foot drop. Of course, those brain-dead tree huggers will then assume climate change (i.e. huge snowfall) saved their lives.
Obama & Company
I still like the guy personally, but he’s about to commit political suicide like never seen before if he goes ahead with this so-called bipartisan commission on the debt. It’s just political cover for raising taxes – something he promised over and over again during the election he would not do to those making under $250,000 a year.
It seems he’s doing everything possible not to get re-elected.
The flip side is watching some of his Republican counterparts smile from ear to ear about the current political landscape. Most of these guys contributed to the debt by going along with the tarp bailout, by accepting pork projects in their districts and by not having the stones to step forward with real solutions on the huge entitlement programs that are weighing us down and adding billions every year to the deficit – i.e. social security.
Republicans are now seen as a lesser of two evils - not the solutions. However, they do stand to benefit greatly from this public tide. The key will be what they do with the power if they get it back so quickly after losing it.
Regardless, I love listening to most Democratic strategists when asked about the mood of the country. Here is their talking point answer – “The country is mad at EVERYONE in Washington, not just the democrats. It’s an anti-incumbent mood, not just anti-democrat attitude. Americans think Washington is broken.”
Geez that’s original. You can make a tape of that and run it at any point in recent history. It’s says and means nothing. I should know - I teach this stuff every day in class.
Let’s try this again. Democrats, for better or worse, controlled both houses of Congress and the White the past year plus. So this is on their watch.
We have been over this. They simply OVERREACHED, like they always do when they get real power. The morons simply don’t get that the country is still center right. Obama pushed hard left and let Pelosi and Reid take the lead - very, very bad idea.
The end result is the democrats may lose one or both houses of Congress in record time next fall. So stop telling me “the country is mad at Washington for nothing working together and getting anything done.”
You insult my INTELLIGENCE when you go there and I absolutely hate that. If you were right, they (the public) would boycott the elections instead of giving the republicans 40 seats in House and perhaps 8 seats in the Senate next fall.
More Obama
Should Republicans go to the Health Care Pow Wow scheduled by Obama this coming Thursday? In a word – yes.
However, they should just send their best people when it comes to Health Care. In other words, the guys and gals who know this subject inside out and can communicate their ideas well.
Remember, this is going to be carried live. Obama wants to match up against these "angry white old men who just say NO." Or a least that's what his people want this to look like.
If other republicans want to attend to get face time on television – which most politicians crave for – they can show up. However, I would demand they keep their mouths shut and let the "experts" do the talking to counter Obama’s charm.
Of course, that’s easier said than done. Trying to keep Washington politicians away from the limelight is like the Browns drafting a Pro Bowler on defense – it just hasn’t been done, at least not since the Clay Mathews era.
Pardon The Interruption
I actually occasionally watch this show finding the hosts entertaining and knowledgeable. However, this past week, the bald headed white guy (Tony K.) actually criticized the NBA because it’s predictable – in that only a few teams have a chance of winning. I am paraphrasing of course. Amazing.
This is the same guy who keeps telling us LJ will end up in his (TK) hometown of New York next fall. And this is the same show that leads with the Yankees and Red Sox whenever possible.
If basketball is rigged, what about baseball, where many teams have next to no chance to win, and if they get a great young player (i.e. Joe Mauer in 2011) or core of players, those guys fly the coup when free agency rolls around.
In the NBA, a mid-size or small market can consistently compete based on how the sytem is set up, while that's not the case with MLB - not even close. And for TK to say otherwise, borders on lunacy.
We good for now? Again, I take requests.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Short & Quick
Manning
Enjoy and appreciate watching Peyton Manning play. Before he’s finished, he may be in the discussion with Jim Brown as to who is the greatest NFL player of all-time.
He’s Dan Marino with a ring. And if he wins a couple more titles, he may go down as the best to ever play the game – regardless of position.
Whatever happened to wanting a quarterback to manage the game? Morons.
Look at three of the four teams remaining in the playoffs. Favre and Manning are first ballot Hall of Famers and Drew Brees will join them some day if he continues to play at this level for several more years.
Vegas
Not that anyone cares, but I like Indy big over the Jets and New Orleans to outscore Minnesota at home.
Think about what the buzz would be right now if Indy were 17-0?
I simply can't let them for the hook for that. And you can tell the players wanted it by their expressions sitting the pine in that second half versus the Jets the first time around. Even more reason why I think Indy will roll tomorrow.
We'll see - that's why they play the game.
Old School
Is it just me or is there something wrong with playing playoffs games inside in a sterile environment? I miss the weather factor. Perhaps I’m showing my age.
Reggie
Congratulations to Reggie Bush for playing lights out last week. I have been critical of Bush, questioning if he can run between the tackles coming out of SC and for being overhyped in general. I nailed it.
However, you can’t criticize his explosiveness. He “has it.”
The key between being good and special is simple - consistency. Las week, he was terrific and the Saints will need another outstanding outing tomorrow from him in order to advance to their first Super Bowl.
I'm rooting for Brees, Bush and company.
Kevin Durant
I still think he needs to spend serious time in the weight room, but obviously, this guy has skills. What I like best is his basketball IQ. It looks as though he may become the type of player that makes others around him better - the true sign of greatness.
Getting stronger will help him reach that level - especially when it comes to cleaning the glass. I already rate him higher than Carmelo Anthony - who still acts childish on occasion. Durant simply looks like he's easier to coach.
Politics
Many political pundits are analyzing why the electorate is running away from democrats faster than a graduation party in Brooklyn breaks up during a drive by.
It’s not rocket science. They (dems) over-reached as they always do when they get power – which thankfully isn’t often. Carter did it in the late 70s, Clinton did it in the 80s – but was smart enough to correct course after two years, and now Obama is in full democratic train wreck mode.
These guys win elections and think its time to establish a cradle to grave society with the federal government as the ultimate nanny. Wrong.
We covered this a year ago after Obama’s election. And as usual, Obama & the dems went way left with Heath Care, Cap & Trade and giving enemy combatants the same rights they would give a 16-year old scared punk who holds up a liquor store in Cleveland Heights with a 22. Smart move guys while unemployment went to 10%.
Combine all that with having Nancy “I am totally empty upstairs” Pelosi and Harry “Where is the nearest middle school” Reid on your television set every night, and you have a potential earthquake in the making come next November in the mid-terms elections.
Pelosi is a real basket case. It’s as though she has never heard of video tape. She says one thing one day and totally contradicts herself the next, thinking no one is paying attention. For example, "We WILL have health care reform before Christmas followed immediately by " We simply do not have the votes for health care reform."
Reid is just creepy. I haven’t figured him out yet, but there is something going on there. I have a feeling he spends some serious time in jammies with a rattle in hand singing show toons while watching Pee Wee Hermann reruns.
As for Obama, I like the guy personally – nice guy, good family and all. The problem is he seems to believe what the kooks (CNN, MSNBC, etc...) have been telling him for the past couple years – he can walk on water.
Well, reality has set in. Words don’t do the trick when people are out of work and you are printing money like crazy with no worries of the future consequences that brings (i.e. inflation & potential bankruptcy).
Memo to Mr. President – it’s no that the electorate don’t get what you have been saying, it’s that they don’t like ytour policies. Wake up.
You’ve been the most overexposed president in history while your job approval rating has sunk quicker than an Italian warship in WWII. Move to the center and you have a chance to get re-elected, otherwise, you are toast in 2012.
Actually, he’s fortunate the country’s move back to the center has happened so quickly. He has time to save his own hide – which is more than I can say for moderate democrats up for re-election in 2010 who joined his big government train this passed year (health care reform & cap & trade). There is something wrong about that but its reality.
How does he do it – by using the term “Islamic Terrorists” on occasion, by treating said terrorist as enemy combatants, by firing Eric Holder (aka: accepting his resignation), by focusing on real job creation 24/7 every day – no the phony “green job” crap, and by taking on the nuts on his left wing on occasion showing “Joe Six Pack” he has some stones, is a serious person and not a puppet of geeks and freaks who spend most of their spare time at Starbucks and think trucks are mere peasant vehicles.
As for health care, work with Republicans and do it in bits and pieces - starting with catastrophic coverage, being able to buy insurance across state lines, working on pre-existing conditions legislation and actually dealing with tort (lawyers) reform.
Like I said, it ain’t that complicated – this is a center right country. Again - every 12-15 years, we put democrats in charge for a change of pace, and every 12-15 years, they turn it over because they can’t help themselves.
Well done morons - this time in record speed.
Hey, MSNBC, how does my %$#@ taste?
USA #1
Speaking of the U.S., the work being done by this country’s military and mere U.S. citizens in Haiti has been amazing. Once again, this country has shown its compassion and caring – something the rest of the globe could learn from.
Till next time. Be well.
Enjoy and appreciate watching Peyton Manning play. Before he’s finished, he may be in the discussion with Jim Brown as to who is the greatest NFL player of all-time.
He’s Dan Marino with a ring. And if he wins a couple more titles, he may go down as the best to ever play the game – regardless of position.
Whatever happened to wanting a quarterback to manage the game? Morons.
Look at three of the four teams remaining in the playoffs. Favre and Manning are first ballot Hall of Famers and Drew Brees will join them some day if he continues to play at this level for several more years.
Vegas
Not that anyone cares, but I like Indy big over the Jets and New Orleans to outscore Minnesota at home.
Think about what the buzz would be right now if Indy were 17-0?
I simply can't let them for the hook for that. And you can tell the players wanted it by their expressions sitting the pine in that second half versus the Jets the first time around. Even more reason why I think Indy will roll tomorrow.
We'll see - that's why they play the game.
Old School
Is it just me or is there something wrong with playing playoffs games inside in a sterile environment? I miss the weather factor. Perhaps I’m showing my age.
Reggie
Congratulations to Reggie Bush for playing lights out last week. I have been critical of Bush, questioning if he can run between the tackles coming out of SC and for being overhyped in general. I nailed it.
However, you can’t criticize his explosiveness. He “has it.”
The key between being good and special is simple - consistency. Las week, he was terrific and the Saints will need another outstanding outing tomorrow from him in order to advance to their first Super Bowl.
I'm rooting for Brees, Bush and company.
Kevin Durant
I still think he needs to spend serious time in the weight room, but obviously, this guy has skills. What I like best is his basketball IQ. It looks as though he may become the type of player that makes others around him better - the true sign of greatness.
Getting stronger will help him reach that level - especially when it comes to cleaning the glass. I already rate him higher than Carmelo Anthony - who still acts childish on occasion. Durant simply looks like he's easier to coach.
Politics
Many political pundits are analyzing why the electorate is running away from democrats faster than a graduation party in Brooklyn breaks up during a drive by.
It’s not rocket science. They (dems) over-reached as they always do when they get power – which thankfully isn’t often. Carter did it in the late 70s, Clinton did it in the 80s – but was smart enough to correct course after two years, and now Obama is in full democratic train wreck mode.
These guys win elections and think its time to establish a cradle to grave society with the federal government as the ultimate nanny. Wrong.
We covered this a year ago after Obama’s election. And as usual, Obama & the dems went way left with Heath Care, Cap & Trade and giving enemy combatants the same rights they would give a 16-year old scared punk who holds up a liquor store in Cleveland Heights with a 22. Smart move guys while unemployment went to 10%.
Combine all that with having Nancy “I am totally empty upstairs” Pelosi and Harry “Where is the nearest middle school” Reid on your television set every night, and you have a potential earthquake in the making come next November in the mid-terms elections.
Pelosi is a real basket case. It’s as though she has never heard of video tape. She says one thing one day and totally contradicts herself the next, thinking no one is paying attention. For example, "We WILL have health care reform before Christmas followed immediately by " We simply do not have the votes for health care reform."
Reid is just creepy. I haven’t figured him out yet, but there is something going on there. I have a feeling he spends some serious time in jammies with a rattle in hand singing show toons while watching Pee Wee Hermann reruns.
As for Obama, I like the guy personally – nice guy, good family and all. The problem is he seems to believe what the kooks (CNN, MSNBC, etc...) have been telling him for the past couple years – he can walk on water.
Well, reality has set in. Words don’t do the trick when people are out of work and you are printing money like crazy with no worries of the future consequences that brings (i.e. inflation & potential bankruptcy).
Memo to Mr. President – it’s no that the electorate don’t get what you have been saying, it’s that they don’t like ytour policies. Wake up.
You’ve been the most overexposed president in history while your job approval rating has sunk quicker than an Italian warship in WWII. Move to the center and you have a chance to get re-elected, otherwise, you are toast in 2012.
Actually, he’s fortunate the country’s move back to the center has happened so quickly. He has time to save his own hide – which is more than I can say for moderate democrats up for re-election in 2010 who joined his big government train this passed year (health care reform & cap & trade). There is something wrong about that but its reality.
How does he do it – by using the term “Islamic Terrorists” on occasion, by treating said terrorist as enemy combatants, by firing Eric Holder (aka: accepting his resignation), by focusing on real job creation 24/7 every day – no the phony “green job” crap, and by taking on the nuts on his left wing on occasion showing “Joe Six Pack” he has some stones, is a serious person and not a puppet of geeks and freaks who spend most of their spare time at Starbucks and think trucks are mere peasant vehicles.
As for health care, work with Republicans and do it in bits and pieces - starting with catastrophic coverage, being able to buy insurance across state lines, working on pre-existing conditions legislation and actually dealing with tort (lawyers) reform.
Like I said, it ain’t that complicated – this is a center right country. Again - every 12-15 years, we put democrats in charge for a change of pace, and every 12-15 years, they turn it over because they can’t help themselves.
Well done morons - this time in record speed.
Hey, MSNBC, how does my %$#@ taste?
USA #1
Speaking of the U.S., the work being done by this country’s military and mere U.S. citizens in Haiti has been amazing. Once again, this country has shown its compassion and caring – something the rest of the globe could learn from.
Till next time. Be well.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Short & Quick, J’9, '10
Browns
So the Walrus decided to keep Mangini. It doesn’t make any sense to this observer for reasons already provided, unless the guy he really wanted didn’t want the job and/or MH himself plans on taking it easy one more year before going back to the sidelines himself in 2011 if Mangini posts a 6-10 campaign next fall.
Regardless, we hope it works out.
One positive sign from the '09 season – the Browns started, I said started, to form an offensive identity at the tail end of the season. Jerome Harrison stepped up and played exceptionally well. Many forgot he rushed for over 100 yards against the Steelers early in the season when Pittsburgh was healthy and playing well.
The guy looks like the real deal. Regardless, he’s earned the right to carry the load in 2010. One suggestion however – give him 20-25 touches a game, not 35. At 5-9/200+, he’s not built for 30+ carries a game – no one is at that level for long.
The Bullets & Agent Zero
We laughed when Washington gave quirky, injury-prone and one-dimensional Gilbert Arenas a $100 million deal several years ago. And now people are surprised this known goof-ball pulled a gun out in the locker room.
First, I’d venture to guess more than a few NBA players packed heat at work until this incident became public. These guys are used to doing what they want. However, most aren’t stupid enough to go Clint Eastwood on teammates. It serves the Bullets right for signing this guy when they could have saved a ton of money and even more headaches years back.
Pete Carroll
So Pete Carroll, who is just two games over .500 as an NFL head coach, is about to be given total control of the Seahawks. Why? What’s Carroll going to do when he doesn’t have 15 of the 22 best players on the field at any given time as he did at USC?
Tony Dungy, a true class act, said it best - "It's a lot easier to coach poor 19-year olds than rich 25-year olds!
Coaching in the NFL is a totally different animal. Call me cynical, but something tells me the USC program has more skeletons in the closet than is currently known and Carroll is skipping town before he has to answer some tough questions.
The NCAA does not like to come down hard on its flagship programs like USC, but they may not have a choice if more allegations become public and there's smoke and fire ivolved.
Baseball HOF
How does arguably the game’s best second baseman ever, Robby Alomar, not make it into the baseball HOF on the first ballot? I guess that spitting incident is still having its effect.
At least, Andre Dawson (“The Hawk”) finally got in. Dawson was a true five-tool player through much of his career before the knees went. One moron talking head commented that Dawson was a “marginal Hall of Famer.” Right.
If he played in New York/Boston his whole career, he would have been in the HOF long ago. Dawson was a Gold Glove right fielder, had the game’s best throwing arm and he stole three hundred bases while hitting 400 homers. The only other players to go 300/400 are named Mays and Bonds. Marginal my ass!
Underwear Bomber
Call me simplistic, but how is a 23-year old Muslim, from Africa, buying a one-way ticket with cash, with no checked luggage ALLOWED to get on a plane headed to the U.S.?
You don’t need high tech equipment or throw billions at the problem to figure this one out. It’s just common sense to pull this dude out of the line, make him strip and ask him a few directed questions. It’s like a Saturday Night Live skit come to life. If it wasn’t so ridiculous, it would be funny. Fortunately, it was just ridiculous and not tragic since the bomber failed to detonate his load.
Actually, you would think the terrorists who planned this were amateurs based on their approach. Unfortunately, the only ones more amateurish were those responsible for stopping this attack. Heads should roll.
Speaking of those responsible for protecting us - is it just me or why do I feel less safe every time I see Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of Homeland Security, speak publicly? This woman looks like she couldn’t keep her 10 year-old nephew from getting into the X-mas cookies she baked, let alone keep Americans safe from Islamic terrorists who want to kill us.
Never mind she stated ‘the system worked” a few days after the incident. She just looks wrong for the job. Add the fact that she had no background in this line of work and you wonder why Obama picked her for this important job – protecting Americans. The only thing I can think of is he needed one more to check off the overweight, middle-aged woman quota for federal employees.
So the Walrus decided to keep Mangini. It doesn’t make any sense to this observer for reasons already provided, unless the guy he really wanted didn’t want the job and/or MH himself plans on taking it easy one more year before going back to the sidelines himself in 2011 if Mangini posts a 6-10 campaign next fall.
Regardless, we hope it works out.
One positive sign from the '09 season – the Browns started, I said started, to form an offensive identity at the tail end of the season. Jerome Harrison stepped up and played exceptionally well. Many forgot he rushed for over 100 yards against the Steelers early in the season when Pittsburgh was healthy and playing well.
The guy looks like the real deal. Regardless, he’s earned the right to carry the load in 2010. One suggestion however – give him 20-25 touches a game, not 35. At 5-9/200+, he’s not built for 30+ carries a game – no one is at that level for long.
The Bullets & Agent Zero
We laughed when Washington gave quirky, injury-prone and one-dimensional Gilbert Arenas a $100 million deal several years ago. And now people are surprised this known goof-ball pulled a gun out in the locker room.
First, I’d venture to guess more than a few NBA players packed heat at work until this incident became public. These guys are used to doing what they want. However, most aren’t stupid enough to go Clint Eastwood on teammates. It serves the Bullets right for signing this guy when they could have saved a ton of money and even more headaches years back.
Pete Carroll
So Pete Carroll, who is just two games over .500 as an NFL head coach, is about to be given total control of the Seahawks. Why? What’s Carroll going to do when he doesn’t have 15 of the 22 best players on the field at any given time as he did at USC?
Tony Dungy, a true class act, said it best - "It's a lot easier to coach poor 19-year olds than rich 25-year olds!
Coaching in the NFL is a totally different animal. Call me cynical, but something tells me the USC program has more skeletons in the closet than is currently known and Carroll is skipping town before he has to answer some tough questions.
The NCAA does not like to come down hard on its flagship programs like USC, but they may not have a choice if more allegations become public and there's smoke and fire ivolved.
Baseball HOF
How does arguably the game’s best second baseman ever, Robby Alomar, not make it into the baseball HOF on the first ballot? I guess that spitting incident is still having its effect.
At least, Andre Dawson (“The Hawk”) finally got in. Dawson was a true five-tool player through much of his career before the knees went. One moron talking head commented that Dawson was a “marginal Hall of Famer.” Right.
If he played in New York/Boston his whole career, he would have been in the HOF long ago. Dawson was a Gold Glove right fielder, had the game’s best throwing arm and he stole three hundred bases while hitting 400 homers. The only other players to go 300/400 are named Mays and Bonds. Marginal my ass!
Underwear Bomber
Call me simplistic, but how is a 23-year old Muslim, from Africa, buying a one-way ticket with cash, with no checked luggage ALLOWED to get on a plane headed to the U.S.?
You don’t need high tech equipment or throw billions at the problem to figure this one out. It’s just common sense to pull this dude out of the line, make him strip and ask him a few directed questions. It’s like a Saturday Night Live skit come to life. If it wasn’t so ridiculous, it would be funny. Fortunately, it was just ridiculous and not tragic since the bomber failed to detonate his load.
Actually, you would think the terrorists who planned this were amateurs based on their approach. Unfortunately, the only ones more amateurish were those responsible for stopping this attack. Heads should roll.
Speaking of those responsible for protecting us - is it just me or why do I feel less safe every time I see Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of Homeland Security, speak publicly? This woman looks like she couldn’t keep her 10 year-old nephew from getting into the X-mas cookies she baked, let alone keep Americans safe from Islamic terrorists who want to kill us.
Never mind she stated ‘the system worked” a few days after the incident. She just looks wrong for the job. Add the fact that she had no background in this line of work and you wonder why Obama picked her for this important job – protecting Americans. The only thing I can think of is he needed one more to check off the overweight, middle-aged woman quota for federal employees.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Learn & Enjoy, J'01, '10
Happy New Year you freaks.
I have several issues to cover. So learn and enjoy.
The Walrus & Mangini
The same people (local fans & media) who wanted Eric Mangini run out of town six weeks ago now lean toward wanting "the Walrus" to bring him back next year following three straight Browns’ wins late in the season.
This is a classic case of “sports short-term memory” at work – being influenced mainly by what you just recently witnessed and having amnesia to past events.
I teach this in class and it's front and center in Cleveland as we speak.
One last time – Why the hell would the Walrus retain the one individual most responsible for him (MH) being hired in the first place?
Add the fact that Mangini doesn’t run the West Coast offense or the 4-3 defense, both favored by the Walrus, and you have ample evidence Mangini won’t be back, regardless of a few late season wins.
Again, that's why 95% of fans and 75% of the media have no clue what is going on beyond what's currently in front of their eyes. You, of course, are in that small company that "gets it" or you wouldn't be reading this.
Think of the Browns as having cancer. How do you cure the disease without treating the main cause? Just taking Mangini's GM and player personnel responsibilities away is not treating the disease, it's treating most of the symptoms.
His current supporters, most of which are only on board after a handful of wins over poor teams, want you to believe he might be a sub-par GM and talent evaluator, but he's a good coach. Really?
So 5-11 or 4-12 with potentially just one win over a +.500 team is empirical evidence he's worth keeping?
Please - I'm not in that 98%/75% grouping. Look - if you are going to blow it up - BLOW IT UP!
Jerome Harrison
Let me get this right – Jerome Harrison was not good enough to even make the dress list earlier this season, but now some are giving Mangini credit for discovering him. Right.
This is clearly another example of the poor talent evaluation skills of this current regime.
If you want more, just remember the mess that is the trio of 2009 Browns’ second round picks. One looks like a potential average #2 NFL WR at best (MM) and the other two were inactive most of the season. That type of draft day disaster sets you back ions.
Let’s hope the Walrus has as much better batting average in the draft.
Patience at QB
The Jets' and Lions' young starting quarterbacks have received more than passing grades in their first year of work from those that comment on NFL signal-callers.
However, when you look at Sanchez and Stafford’s first year numbers, you notice a ton more interceptions than touchdowns.
That’s not to saw both won’t eventually become good at what they do, but it’s a reminder that young QBs need time to develop.
Hopefully, the Walrus wil have that same attitude with Brady Quinn - who, by the way, has a much better TD to INT ratio in 2009, throwing to clearly inferior talent, than the players mentioned above.
By the way, I wonder where all the Sanchez ass kissers are today? Remember when most of the national media gave this guy the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in September and proclaimed him a "franchise QB" before he took one NFL snap?
Again, that's not to say Sanchez won't be a very good NFL QB someday, but you have to wait and GIVE IT TIME, instead of jumping to conclusions or the bandwagon based on MINIMAL EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE.
Quality Back-Up
Look for the Walrus to bring in a quality veteran to be a good #2. Then if BQ falls on his face in 2010, you have a plan B. That's what I would do if in charge.
Cavaliers Figure It Out
The Cavs have found their groove recently. It’s a combination of better play at the defensive end and improved individual play by Mo Williams.
Look- if Mo gets 20 & 6 or better, the Cavaliers can beat anyone – as they showed on their recent West Coast trip. Period.
The team is longer on the wings and more physical inside with Shaq. Those are both good things, but Mo is the key. He played poorly against Orlando in the playoffs and the Cavs lost.
Williams needs to play well throughout the playoffs to establish himself as a top-shelf guard and for this team to reach the Finals and win it.
Mike Leach
There are morons out there who are defending Mike Leach following his recent firing at Texas Tech. They point to his winning percentage and Bowl record at Tech. Nice.
I have no idea what took place, but obviously, the Tech administration’s initial investigation gave them enough cause for dismissal. If you want to defend Leach, fine, but don’t point to wins as a reason to cut the guy some slack for potential off-the-field offenses.
That’s called "enabling" and it occurs way too much in the business that is big-time sports.
Pats
Before the season started we picked the Patriots to win the Super Bowl. So we’ll stay with that pick even though some teams are playing better.
We’ll root for Indy because we love watching Peyton Manning – and that’s saying something since I don’t go there often. Bottom line – he’s one of the few athletes I would pay to watch play.
Pay To See Play
In football, here are the only others in my lifetime – Dan Fouts, Lawrence Taylor, Barry Sanders and Champ Bailey. In baseball, my list includes Gaylord Perry, Ricky Henderson, Nolan Ryan and Manny Ramirez (at the plate only). In basketball, it’s George Gervin, Larry Bird, MJ and AI. Steve Nash is on the bubble in my book.
Indy
Speaking of the Colts, you know my thoughts on not trying to go 19-0 – terrible move. All that can happen is bad - you lose your edge and it’s hard to flick the switch back on after several weeks off. Secondly, it goes against the most basic tenant of sports – you play to win the game! Indy did not do that last week.
This organization cheated its players and fans, cheated the concept of true competition and turned its back on potential history. And NO, if the Colts win it all, that won’t justify sitting Manning and company. There would be no empirical evidence a championship wouldn’t have been achieved had they played their starters throughout.
Shame on you Indy for turning your back on potential history. And yes, I blame the whole organization. When potential history is within reach, the head coach does not make this decision alone. It is too important. I can't imagine the GM and owner not being in on the decision-making process.
DI Bowl Season
The idea of waiting for as long as six to eight weeks to play your most important game of the season has always been the one yearly sports events that makes me laugh the most. It borders on the criminal if it weren't so ridiculous.
How the hell do you stay sharp when you don't play regularly?
It’s not done in any other team sport at no other level of play. Yet that’s the system in place. That continues to amaze me. That's another reason I dont take the current system seriously, regardless of who some alphabet organization (NCAA or BCS) tells me is #1 when the smoke clears.
Nick Saban
The nation's #1 "coaching gypsy" is back. He's special isn't he?
Nick Saban recently chastised the media for asking questions of his players about playing for a National Championship. Amazing.
And I'm sure when he goes into negotiating his next deal, he won't use winning national championships as leverage.
He's a great coach, but I root against him every chance I get. Why? Because it's always been ONLY about Nick Saban and it always will be.
Juts ask the countless players he lectures daily about commitment to each other and program, then bolts to the next job when he gets "Larry Brownitus."
T. Pryor
Congratulations to T. Pryor for playing his finest game on the big stage to lead OSU over Oregon. We've been on his case, noting he was far from a finished product while others were singing his praises before he earned it, then criticizing him unmercifully when he didn't live up to their expectations immediately.
Regardless, he was huge against the Ducks - good for him.
Does that make him a leading candidate for next year's Heisman? Of course not. The question of consistency still remains even though many "experts" will now sing his praises heading into '10 based on one performance. But at least, he stepped up and weathered the storm. That's the first sign of maturity and growth.
Now, hopefully, he'll continue to mature in other areas - like not honoring dog killers with eye black.
Eagles/Vick
Speaking of Michael Vick - What the hell were the Eagles doing naming him their most "courageous player on '09" or something to that effect. What's courageous about what Vick did?
When athletes do something stupid like this - like honoring Vick - it shows their tin ear to reality and reinforces society's view they are spoiled, pampered children in huge bodies.
Till next time. Stay well.
I have several issues to cover. So learn and enjoy.
The Walrus & Mangini
The same people (local fans & media) who wanted Eric Mangini run out of town six weeks ago now lean toward wanting "the Walrus" to bring him back next year following three straight Browns’ wins late in the season.
This is a classic case of “sports short-term memory” at work – being influenced mainly by what you just recently witnessed and having amnesia to past events.
I teach this in class and it's front and center in Cleveland as we speak.
One last time – Why the hell would the Walrus retain the one individual most responsible for him (MH) being hired in the first place?
Add the fact that Mangini doesn’t run the West Coast offense or the 4-3 defense, both favored by the Walrus, and you have ample evidence Mangini won’t be back, regardless of a few late season wins.
Again, that's why 95% of fans and 75% of the media have no clue what is going on beyond what's currently in front of their eyes. You, of course, are in that small company that "gets it" or you wouldn't be reading this.
Think of the Browns as having cancer. How do you cure the disease without treating the main cause? Just taking Mangini's GM and player personnel responsibilities away is not treating the disease, it's treating most of the symptoms.
His current supporters, most of which are only on board after a handful of wins over poor teams, want you to believe he might be a sub-par GM and talent evaluator, but he's a good coach. Really?
So 5-11 or 4-12 with potentially just one win over a +.500 team is empirical evidence he's worth keeping?
Please - I'm not in that 98%/75% grouping. Look - if you are going to blow it up - BLOW IT UP!
Jerome Harrison
Let me get this right – Jerome Harrison was not good enough to even make the dress list earlier this season, but now some are giving Mangini credit for discovering him. Right.
This is clearly another example of the poor talent evaluation skills of this current regime.
If you want more, just remember the mess that is the trio of 2009 Browns’ second round picks. One looks like a potential average #2 NFL WR at best (MM) and the other two were inactive most of the season. That type of draft day disaster sets you back ions.
Let’s hope the Walrus has as much better batting average in the draft.
Patience at QB
The Jets' and Lions' young starting quarterbacks have received more than passing grades in their first year of work from those that comment on NFL signal-callers.
However, when you look at Sanchez and Stafford’s first year numbers, you notice a ton more interceptions than touchdowns.
That’s not to saw both won’t eventually become good at what they do, but it’s a reminder that young QBs need time to develop.
Hopefully, the Walrus wil have that same attitude with Brady Quinn - who, by the way, has a much better TD to INT ratio in 2009, throwing to clearly inferior talent, than the players mentioned above.
By the way, I wonder where all the Sanchez ass kissers are today? Remember when most of the national media gave this guy the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in September and proclaimed him a "franchise QB" before he took one NFL snap?
Again, that's not to say Sanchez won't be a very good NFL QB someday, but you have to wait and GIVE IT TIME, instead of jumping to conclusions or the bandwagon based on MINIMAL EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE.
Quality Back-Up
Look for the Walrus to bring in a quality veteran to be a good #2. Then if BQ falls on his face in 2010, you have a plan B. That's what I would do if in charge.
Cavaliers Figure It Out
The Cavs have found their groove recently. It’s a combination of better play at the defensive end and improved individual play by Mo Williams.
Look- if Mo gets 20 & 6 or better, the Cavaliers can beat anyone – as they showed on their recent West Coast trip. Period.
The team is longer on the wings and more physical inside with Shaq. Those are both good things, but Mo is the key. He played poorly against Orlando in the playoffs and the Cavs lost.
Williams needs to play well throughout the playoffs to establish himself as a top-shelf guard and for this team to reach the Finals and win it.
Mike Leach
There are morons out there who are defending Mike Leach following his recent firing at Texas Tech. They point to his winning percentage and Bowl record at Tech. Nice.
I have no idea what took place, but obviously, the Tech administration’s initial investigation gave them enough cause for dismissal. If you want to defend Leach, fine, but don’t point to wins as a reason to cut the guy some slack for potential off-the-field offenses.
That’s called "enabling" and it occurs way too much in the business that is big-time sports.
Pats
Before the season started we picked the Patriots to win the Super Bowl. So we’ll stay with that pick even though some teams are playing better.
We’ll root for Indy because we love watching Peyton Manning – and that’s saying something since I don’t go there often. Bottom line – he’s one of the few athletes I would pay to watch play.
Pay To See Play
In football, here are the only others in my lifetime – Dan Fouts, Lawrence Taylor, Barry Sanders and Champ Bailey. In baseball, my list includes Gaylord Perry, Ricky Henderson, Nolan Ryan and Manny Ramirez (at the plate only). In basketball, it’s George Gervin, Larry Bird, MJ and AI. Steve Nash is on the bubble in my book.
Indy
Speaking of the Colts, you know my thoughts on not trying to go 19-0 – terrible move. All that can happen is bad - you lose your edge and it’s hard to flick the switch back on after several weeks off. Secondly, it goes against the most basic tenant of sports – you play to win the game! Indy did not do that last week.
This organization cheated its players and fans, cheated the concept of true competition and turned its back on potential history. And NO, if the Colts win it all, that won’t justify sitting Manning and company. There would be no empirical evidence a championship wouldn’t have been achieved had they played their starters throughout.
Shame on you Indy for turning your back on potential history. And yes, I blame the whole organization. When potential history is within reach, the head coach does not make this decision alone. It is too important. I can't imagine the GM and owner not being in on the decision-making process.
DI Bowl Season
The idea of waiting for as long as six to eight weeks to play your most important game of the season has always been the one yearly sports events that makes me laugh the most. It borders on the criminal if it weren't so ridiculous.
How the hell do you stay sharp when you don't play regularly?
It’s not done in any other team sport at no other level of play. Yet that’s the system in place. That continues to amaze me. That's another reason I dont take the current system seriously, regardless of who some alphabet organization (NCAA or BCS) tells me is #1 when the smoke clears.
Nick Saban
The nation's #1 "coaching gypsy" is back. He's special isn't he?
Nick Saban recently chastised the media for asking questions of his players about playing for a National Championship. Amazing.
And I'm sure when he goes into negotiating his next deal, he won't use winning national championships as leverage.
He's a great coach, but I root against him every chance I get. Why? Because it's always been ONLY about Nick Saban and it always will be.
Juts ask the countless players he lectures daily about commitment to each other and program, then bolts to the next job when he gets "Larry Brownitus."
T. Pryor
Congratulations to T. Pryor for playing his finest game on the big stage to lead OSU over Oregon. We've been on his case, noting he was far from a finished product while others were singing his praises before he earned it, then criticizing him unmercifully when he didn't live up to their expectations immediately.
Regardless, he was huge against the Ducks - good for him.
Does that make him a leading candidate for next year's Heisman? Of course not. The question of consistency still remains even though many "experts" will now sing his praises heading into '10 based on one performance. But at least, he stepped up and weathered the storm. That's the first sign of maturity and growth.
Now, hopefully, he'll continue to mature in other areas - like not honoring dog killers with eye black.
Eagles/Vick
Speaking of Michael Vick - What the hell were the Eagles doing naming him their most "courageous player on '09" or something to that effect. What's courageous about what Vick did?
When athletes do something stupid like this - like honoring Vick - it shows their tin ear to reality and reinforces society's view they are spoiled, pampered children in huge bodies.
Till next time. Stay well.
Monday, December 21, 2009
This & That
Colts
I agree completely with Michael Irvin. If you have a chance to go undefeated and be recognized as the greatest team of all-time, you go for it. The Colts are within striking range of that feat. To begin resting players is simply playing it safe and there is no guarantee those same players can turn the switch back on come playoff time.
This is history that’s being fooled with. That’s a serious thing. If you are banged up, you sit. If you get a nice lead, you can sit. Otherwise, go make history. Besides, this is mostly about one player anyway - Peyton Manning.
Steelers
Experts are lamenting the fact the Steelers are struggling. Some have even gone to the “They need to get back to running the football like the old Steelers did” card. Right.
They won the Super Bowl last season by having BR throwing the football to their talented receivers and by playing solid defense. They are struggling in 2009 mainly due to two factors - their talented quarterback is banged up, having taken a ton of hits again this fall, including suffering a recent concussion, and they lost arguably the league’s best defensive players to injury in Troy Paluamalu.
The close games the Steelers were winning in the past are losses this season. It happens.
No, an overhaul isn’t needed. I would be stunned to see what some are predicting at the end of the year – the firing of the special teams coach and offensive coordinator. That’s not what the Steelers do. They are the most patient franchise in sports. That’s a good thing. Look at their brand and winning percentage if you want proof.
Drew Brees
I recently watched the best free agent pickup of all-time in sports play and lose his first game this year.
Drew Brees is that man and he plays for the 13-1 Saints. We loved Brees coming out of college and wanted the Browns to chase him down when the Chargers soured on him. But that’s ancient history.
Draft
If I’m the Browns and Nebraska’s Ndamukong Su is on the board, I don’t hesitate. Add him to that defense, and the Browns will have their best defensive front since their return in 1999 - which isn't saying that much when you see where they've ranked every year in rush defense.
Two other guys I like coming out of the draft – Notre Dame’s Golden Tate and Stanford’s Toby Gerhart.
I can hear the draft experts already – Tate is too small and Gerhart is to slow. Right. Neither one will be a “Combine Freak.” So what? They were the best football players on the field just about every time they played this fall. That’s enough for me. They'll be good pros.
Are you sure Washington quarterback Jake Locker didn’t suffer a concussion this season? This guy needs his head examined. I’m told he’s a likely top-5 pick in April yet he decided to go back to college so he can play in a Bowl game in 2010.
First, his stock can’t get much higher. In fact, it can only get worse. Secondly, he could go down and lose millions (see Oklahoma QB). And third, no one is sure what the collective bargaining agreement will look like a year from now.
A rookie cap is coming fact. The NFL players have finally figured out NFL players who get the best deals are those who haven’t even paid their first union dues yet. Why the NFLPA hasn’t used that chip in the past to get better deals for its veterans is beyond me.
One more time – you attend college so you can make a good living once your college career ends. If you have an opportunity to win the lottery 32 credits shy of graduating, you go. Period.
Besides, when you move mom out of Gary, Indiana and buy her that condo on the beach in sunny Florida with a small portion of your signing bonus, she won’t be complaining you left early.
Browns
The Browns have won back to back games. That’s the good news. At least they have stopped embarrassing themselves. But let’s not get too excited. Two of their three wins are over the Bills and Chiefs where their quarterbacks completed a handful of passes each. That’s not impressive to this observer.
We did finally find a receiving group on par with the Browns. The Chiefs’ wideouts are horrible. Check that - at least they get open occasionally. But their hands, as a group, rivals Cleveland’s hapless bunch. The Browns’ receivers don’t get open, they run routes short of the sticks and they have trouble holding on to the ball.
Again, Eric Mangini won’t be back if the “Walrus” comes to town. I’ve had several semi-smart people tell me otherwise. I didn’t bother discussing it with them. It wasn’t worth it. They are wrong.
Who is stupid enough to take over an army and not put his own generals in charge of the troops?
John Gruden might be a good fit on the sidelines since he worked with the “Walrus” once. Gruden has a huge ego, but he can coach. We thought he was also a good fit for Notre Dame. If I’m Brady Quinn, I’m nervous if that happens. Gruden changes quarterbacks like most of us change underwear.
Speaking of my boy Quinn - he looked like DA yesterday against the Chiefs. That’s not a good thing. He sailed one pick and threw into double coverage on another. I do like the fact they finally used his athleticism in short yardage by having him play fake and keep it around the edge. That's a start. Now moving him out of the pocket in the red zone would be a nice next step.
We still believe BQ will be a very good quarterback. Like the Steelers, we are patient. As we stated earlier this season, it’s next to impossible to judge a Browns’ quarterback with this talent level at the skilled positions.
On a positive note, we like the no huddle and we like the fact Jerome Harrison is finally getting 20-25 touches a game (more on that later). Next is the dire need for wide receivers that can actually get open and catch the ball.
Case in point, on Quinn’s second pick Sunday, MM made a horrible adjustment on that deep ball. Quinn made a terrible decision in throwing the ball, but his receiver has to give him some help. MM has, on more than one occasion this fall, looked lost on deep balls. He did it to Anderson and now he’s doing it to Quinn. That’s not good. Yes, he’s a rookie, but it’s like trying to learn to bunt at the Major League level – you either know how to do it, or you don’t.
Sports Morons
Okay, I heard this one on the radio yesterday. One moron fan told a talk show host the Browns’ defensive is better without its best player, Shaun Rogers, on the field. It got worse. The host agreed. They figured Rogers shoots the gap too much, thus getting too much penetration, and not maintaining his “gap integrity.” Nice us of football jargon there.
That sounds good, until you ask NFL guards and centers who they would rather go up against – Rogers or Ahtyba Rubin. Look, I like Rubin. The second-year player has performed well when given the opportunity. But for anyone to think this defense is better with its only playmaker on the sideline in street clothes borders on the ridiculous. The scary part is that much of that listening audience probably agreed when the term "gap integrity" was used.
I quickly turned my radio back to Dave Ramsey – the dude who gives you advice on handling money. He knew what he was talking about.
Jerome
Congratulations to Jerome Harrison for setting the Browns’ team record for yards rushing in a game. Now, he needs to finish strong in the final two weeks and continue to establish himself as an every down back. We’ve always liked Harrison – especially in a no huddle system. He seems to be able to make the first guy miss on occasion – which is what you need to do when you aren’t 6-2/225. He has more drops than I’d like to see, but that's for another day.
Lessons Leared
One personal note - I am teaching my sports PR course after a two-year layoff this spring. Yes, I am looking forward to it. I’ll be able to influence 15-20 college kids this spring who either are going into the business or who love watching this stuff. My skills are limited, but this is one thing I do relatively well.
Get the Fruity Drinks Ready
I’ll see some of you tomorrow (22nd) at Olive Garden.
I agree completely with Michael Irvin. If you have a chance to go undefeated and be recognized as the greatest team of all-time, you go for it. The Colts are within striking range of that feat. To begin resting players is simply playing it safe and there is no guarantee those same players can turn the switch back on come playoff time.
This is history that’s being fooled with. That’s a serious thing. If you are banged up, you sit. If you get a nice lead, you can sit. Otherwise, go make history. Besides, this is mostly about one player anyway - Peyton Manning.
Steelers
Experts are lamenting the fact the Steelers are struggling. Some have even gone to the “They need to get back to running the football like the old Steelers did” card. Right.
They won the Super Bowl last season by having BR throwing the football to their talented receivers and by playing solid defense. They are struggling in 2009 mainly due to two factors - their talented quarterback is banged up, having taken a ton of hits again this fall, including suffering a recent concussion, and they lost arguably the league’s best defensive players to injury in Troy Paluamalu.
The close games the Steelers were winning in the past are losses this season. It happens.
No, an overhaul isn’t needed. I would be stunned to see what some are predicting at the end of the year – the firing of the special teams coach and offensive coordinator. That’s not what the Steelers do. They are the most patient franchise in sports. That’s a good thing. Look at their brand and winning percentage if you want proof.
Drew Brees
I recently watched the best free agent pickup of all-time in sports play and lose his first game this year.
Drew Brees is that man and he plays for the 13-1 Saints. We loved Brees coming out of college and wanted the Browns to chase him down when the Chargers soured on him. But that’s ancient history.
Draft
If I’m the Browns and Nebraska’s Ndamukong Su is on the board, I don’t hesitate. Add him to that defense, and the Browns will have their best defensive front since their return in 1999 - which isn't saying that much when you see where they've ranked every year in rush defense.
Two other guys I like coming out of the draft – Notre Dame’s Golden Tate and Stanford’s Toby Gerhart.
I can hear the draft experts already – Tate is too small and Gerhart is to slow. Right. Neither one will be a “Combine Freak.” So what? They were the best football players on the field just about every time they played this fall. That’s enough for me. They'll be good pros.
Are you sure Washington quarterback Jake Locker didn’t suffer a concussion this season? This guy needs his head examined. I’m told he’s a likely top-5 pick in April yet he decided to go back to college so he can play in a Bowl game in 2010.
First, his stock can’t get much higher. In fact, it can only get worse. Secondly, he could go down and lose millions (see Oklahoma QB). And third, no one is sure what the collective bargaining agreement will look like a year from now.
A rookie cap is coming fact. The NFL players have finally figured out NFL players who get the best deals are those who haven’t even paid their first union dues yet. Why the NFLPA hasn’t used that chip in the past to get better deals for its veterans is beyond me.
One more time – you attend college so you can make a good living once your college career ends. If you have an opportunity to win the lottery 32 credits shy of graduating, you go. Period.
Besides, when you move mom out of Gary, Indiana and buy her that condo on the beach in sunny Florida with a small portion of your signing bonus, she won’t be complaining you left early.
Browns
The Browns have won back to back games. That’s the good news. At least they have stopped embarrassing themselves. But let’s not get too excited. Two of their three wins are over the Bills and Chiefs where their quarterbacks completed a handful of passes each. That’s not impressive to this observer.
We did finally find a receiving group on par with the Browns. The Chiefs’ wideouts are horrible. Check that - at least they get open occasionally. But their hands, as a group, rivals Cleveland’s hapless bunch. The Browns’ receivers don’t get open, they run routes short of the sticks and they have trouble holding on to the ball.
Again, Eric Mangini won’t be back if the “Walrus” comes to town. I’ve had several semi-smart people tell me otherwise. I didn’t bother discussing it with them. It wasn’t worth it. They are wrong.
Who is stupid enough to take over an army and not put his own generals in charge of the troops?
John Gruden might be a good fit on the sidelines since he worked with the “Walrus” once. Gruden has a huge ego, but he can coach. We thought he was also a good fit for Notre Dame. If I’m Brady Quinn, I’m nervous if that happens. Gruden changes quarterbacks like most of us change underwear.
Speaking of my boy Quinn - he looked like DA yesterday against the Chiefs. That’s not a good thing. He sailed one pick and threw into double coverage on another. I do like the fact they finally used his athleticism in short yardage by having him play fake and keep it around the edge. That's a start. Now moving him out of the pocket in the red zone would be a nice next step.
We still believe BQ will be a very good quarterback. Like the Steelers, we are patient. As we stated earlier this season, it’s next to impossible to judge a Browns’ quarterback with this talent level at the skilled positions.
On a positive note, we like the no huddle and we like the fact Jerome Harrison is finally getting 20-25 touches a game (more on that later). Next is the dire need for wide receivers that can actually get open and catch the ball.
Case in point, on Quinn’s second pick Sunday, MM made a horrible adjustment on that deep ball. Quinn made a terrible decision in throwing the ball, but his receiver has to give him some help. MM has, on more than one occasion this fall, looked lost on deep balls. He did it to Anderson and now he’s doing it to Quinn. That’s not good. Yes, he’s a rookie, but it’s like trying to learn to bunt at the Major League level – you either know how to do it, or you don’t.
Sports Morons
Okay, I heard this one on the radio yesterday. One moron fan told a talk show host the Browns’ defensive is better without its best player, Shaun Rogers, on the field. It got worse. The host agreed. They figured Rogers shoots the gap too much, thus getting too much penetration, and not maintaining his “gap integrity.” Nice us of football jargon there.
That sounds good, until you ask NFL guards and centers who they would rather go up against – Rogers or Ahtyba Rubin. Look, I like Rubin. The second-year player has performed well when given the opportunity. But for anyone to think this defense is better with its only playmaker on the sideline in street clothes borders on the ridiculous. The scary part is that much of that listening audience probably agreed when the term "gap integrity" was used.
I quickly turned my radio back to Dave Ramsey – the dude who gives you advice on handling money. He knew what he was talking about.
Jerome
Congratulations to Jerome Harrison for setting the Browns’ team record for yards rushing in a game. Now, he needs to finish strong in the final two weeks and continue to establish himself as an every down back. We’ve always liked Harrison – especially in a no huddle system. He seems to be able to make the first guy miss on occasion – which is what you need to do when you aren’t 6-2/225. He has more drops than I’d like to see, but that's for another day.
Lessons Leared
One personal note - I am teaching my sports PR course after a two-year layoff this spring. Yes, I am looking forward to it. I’ll be able to influence 15-20 college kids this spring who either are going into the business or who love watching this stuff. My skills are limited, but this is one thing I do relatively well.
Get the Fruity Drinks Ready
I’ll see some of you tomorrow (22nd) at Olive Garden.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Health Care & More
Health Care
As promised.
Approximately 75% of the country is relatively satisfied with its health care – both the system and the delivery of care. That means the proponents of health care overhaul are trying to swim upstream with a 40 pound weight on their backs.
Many in favor of a health care overhaul are well intentioned – helping those in need. Some are semi-socialists - wanting as much central government control and influence as possible in as many areas of life as possible. And some are just born followers or decision making-challenged, who do what they are told by their party leaders.
Regardless, the math is the math. It’s next to impossible to add 30+ million people to doctors’ waiting rooms across the country without it affecting the timeliness and quality of care.
It’s also hard to believe the federal government can provide a delivery system that’s on budget. History indicates otherwise.
What does this all mean?
If anything does get passed, it will be likely by watered down and relatively harmless to those who already have decent to excellent heath insurance/coverage – the 75% we mentioned earlier.
However, whatever passes will still allow its proponents to claim victory and move on to the likely next battleground – illegal immigration.
Either way, the party in power (democrats) seems to be taking a serious political hit for pushing something the majority of Americans don’t want. I guess we’ll find out if the polling is accurate come next November – in the mid-term election.
Some top democratic strategists are pushing the theory that if health care does not get passed, the base of the party (democrats) will be so disillusioned that it will fail to turn out to vote in 2010 – guaranteeing a huge republican victory.
That logic seems somewhat flawed to this observer who believes if health care does pass, that will only anger the opposition even more – creating a huge turnout to offset any base democratic turnout in 2010.
Again, we’ll have the answer in early November of 2010. Besides, a lot can happen between now and then. One year is an eternity in politics.
The bottom line is this has been a center right country for a long, long time. The 2008 election was not a monumental shift in the American political landscape as some tried to sell (see NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, Time, Newsweek, etc.).
The election of Mr. Obama was part cult of personality, part repudiation of republican control, part John McCain is a nice man but simply looks too old to do this difficult job, part the economy went to total hell less than two months before the election took place and part there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
It was as we have described in the past as "the perfect storm."
Today, it looks like some are having buyers’ remorse. Polls indicate Americans are most concerned about jobs and the deficit – that’s a good thing. Since when has our “spend-first and pay later society” truly felt concerned about putting everything on credit?
I would argue however if unemployment were at 8% right now – which is high but not staggering – Mr. Obama would be in much better shape politically, his health care proposal would have a real chance of passing, concern about the national debt would not be so high on the list of American concerns, and democrats would not be looking at a potential Waterloo next November.
Short of another 9-11 occurrence, it’s all about jobs – always has been and always will be.
As long as unemployment hangs around 10%, it looks to the American people as though Obama and company are in over their heads. You don’t need daily polling or a political science degree from Brown University to figure that one out.
Things could be worse Mr. President – gas could be at $4.00 a gallon – then you’d really be in trouble.
See, now you can carry on a conversation on the issue if it comes up at your upcoming X-mas work party as you munch on shrimp.
The Irish
According to the Notre Dame AD, Charlie Weiss sealed his fate with late November losses. What?
Does that mean if he beat Navy, he would have kept his job? Ridiculous.
How about analyzing his body of work instead? For $10 million a year, you expect more, much more. It’s that simple. Don’t give me any garbage about a win over Connecticut would have helped Weiss’ cause. You insult my intelligence when you go there.
No one has asked me, but John Gruden is the guy I would go after if I ran Notre Dame’s athletic department.
Chucky can coach, is the right age and has the right approach in dealing with recruiting 18 year olds.
He has the energy, disposition, personality and communication skills to deal with the media attention that comes with coaching at Notre Dame. Finally, Gruden has Notre Dame ties – his old man coached there.
Look, we all know the Notre Dame “Brand” isn’t what it once was. However, the Irish is still the most loved and most hated college sports program in the nation. That means the “Brand” still has some life.
And with the right person is in charge, it can become a gold mine once again – even in 2010.
Cavaliers
I don’t like the way they are winning – beating teams late with talent instead of with suffocating defense. But it’s early.
Indians
My boy Kelly Shoppach got dealt. I still like his bat – although is .214 average in 2009 hurt his case. Regardless, I don’t worry much about average from that position if you can call a game, throw out 30% of runners trying to steal and hit for power. We’ll see what he does in Tampa.
Besides, the Indians claim they have three catchers in waiting who can do much better. We’ll see. One thing is for certain, if a couple of these guys are for real, I suggest you deal one of them for some pitching sooner rather than later.
I’ll say it over and over again – this starting staff on paper stinks. That’s what happens when you deal two Cy Young winners, your #2 falls off the face of the earth (Carmona), your #3 goes down (Westbrook) and your much-heralded farm system can only deliver one soft-tossing mediocre lefty after another.
And since pitching is 70% of this game, the Indians head into 2010 with Trent Dilfer as their quarterback.
Browns
Not much this week. You see the same thing I see.
I have come to one conclusion however – this is the worse offensive talent in terms of playmakers I have ever seen on one team at the professional level – that’s after 40 years of watching folks.
We begged the Browns to draft some “playmakers” in the 2009 draft. They decided to continually trade down, accumulate picks and take a center #1.
How’s that working out?
We said the same thing when DA was at the helm earlier this season – it’s hard for any quarterback to get judged with this garbage around him. One could argue Brady Quinn had more offensive talent around him at Notre Dame. At least he actually had a pro tight end – who decided to go for the 60 feet, 6 inch gig instead of getting hit on every play. He also had an experienced “O” coordinator Charlie Weiss.
Regardless, it is what it is, and Quinn needs to show some improvement and consistency this month if he wants his stock to rise for 2010.
Life's not fair, but if you're BQ, when you begin to feel sorry for yourself, you need to realize it could be much worse - you could be digging ditches for a living instead of getting paid to play a game.
One more time – I would like to see Jerome Harrison get a full look in December. But then again, this offense not only lacks talent, but has absolutely no direction.
Harrison rushed for over 100 yards against the Bengals the first time around, and is hardly used the second time out against Cincy. What is the logic behind that decision?
We have complained over and over again the past 10 years that this team has absolutely no identity. As we speak, it’s like an amber alert is needed. It’s worse than no identity – you can’t even find the body.
Finally, answer me this question. In short yardgae situations, why don't the Browns consistently run over their left side - where they have spend a fortune recently on a guard in free agency, a tackle in the draft and a first round pick at center in 2009?
It seems to me if you can't consistently run behind those guys when you need it most, they ain't as good as advertised.
Let's at least find out one way or the other.
As promised.
Approximately 75% of the country is relatively satisfied with its health care – both the system and the delivery of care. That means the proponents of health care overhaul are trying to swim upstream with a 40 pound weight on their backs.
Many in favor of a health care overhaul are well intentioned – helping those in need. Some are semi-socialists - wanting as much central government control and influence as possible in as many areas of life as possible. And some are just born followers or decision making-challenged, who do what they are told by their party leaders.
Regardless, the math is the math. It’s next to impossible to add 30+ million people to doctors’ waiting rooms across the country without it affecting the timeliness and quality of care.
It’s also hard to believe the federal government can provide a delivery system that’s on budget. History indicates otherwise.
What does this all mean?
If anything does get passed, it will be likely by watered down and relatively harmless to those who already have decent to excellent heath insurance/coverage – the 75% we mentioned earlier.
However, whatever passes will still allow its proponents to claim victory and move on to the likely next battleground – illegal immigration.
Either way, the party in power (democrats) seems to be taking a serious political hit for pushing something the majority of Americans don’t want. I guess we’ll find out if the polling is accurate come next November – in the mid-term election.
Some top democratic strategists are pushing the theory that if health care does not get passed, the base of the party (democrats) will be so disillusioned that it will fail to turn out to vote in 2010 – guaranteeing a huge republican victory.
That logic seems somewhat flawed to this observer who believes if health care does pass, that will only anger the opposition even more – creating a huge turnout to offset any base democratic turnout in 2010.
Again, we’ll have the answer in early November of 2010. Besides, a lot can happen between now and then. One year is an eternity in politics.
The bottom line is this has been a center right country for a long, long time. The 2008 election was not a monumental shift in the American political landscape as some tried to sell (see NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, Time, Newsweek, etc.).
The election of Mr. Obama was part cult of personality, part repudiation of republican control, part John McCain is a nice man but simply looks too old to do this difficult job, part the economy went to total hell less than two months before the election took place and part there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
It was as we have described in the past as "the perfect storm."
Today, it looks like some are having buyers’ remorse. Polls indicate Americans are most concerned about jobs and the deficit – that’s a good thing. Since when has our “spend-first and pay later society” truly felt concerned about putting everything on credit?
I would argue however if unemployment were at 8% right now – which is high but not staggering – Mr. Obama would be in much better shape politically, his health care proposal would have a real chance of passing, concern about the national debt would not be so high on the list of American concerns, and democrats would not be looking at a potential Waterloo next November.
Short of another 9-11 occurrence, it’s all about jobs – always has been and always will be.
As long as unemployment hangs around 10%, it looks to the American people as though Obama and company are in over their heads. You don’t need daily polling or a political science degree from Brown University to figure that one out.
Things could be worse Mr. President – gas could be at $4.00 a gallon – then you’d really be in trouble.
See, now you can carry on a conversation on the issue if it comes up at your upcoming X-mas work party as you munch on shrimp.
The Irish
According to the Notre Dame AD, Charlie Weiss sealed his fate with late November losses. What?
Does that mean if he beat Navy, he would have kept his job? Ridiculous.
How about analyzing his body of work instead? For $10 million a year, you expect more, much more. It’s that simple. Don’t give me any garbage about a win over Connecticut would have helped Weiss’ cause. You insult my intelligence when you go there.
No one has asked me, but John Gruden is the guy I would go after if I ran Notre Dame’s athletic department.
Chucky can coach, is the right age and has the right approach in dealing with recruiting 18 year olds.
He has the energy, disposition, personality and communication skills to deal with the media attention that comes with coaching at Notre Dame. Finally, Gruden has Notre Dame ties – his old man coached there.
Look, we all know the Notre Dame “Brand” isn’t what it once was. However, the Irish is still the most loved and most hated college sports program in the nation. That means the “Brand” still has some life.
And with the right person is in charge, it can become a gold mine once again – even in 2010.
Cavaliers
I don’t like the way they are winning – beating teams late with talent instead of with suffocating defense. But it’s early.
Indians
My boy Kelly Shoppach got dealt. I still like his bat – although is .214 average in 2009 hurt his case. Regardless, I don’t worry much about average from that position if you can call a game, throw out 30% of runners trying to steal and hit for power. We’ll see what he does in Tampa.
Besides, the Indians claim they have three catchers in waiting who can do much better. We’ll see. One thing is for certain, if a couple of these guys are for real, I suggest you deal one of them for some pitching sooner rather than later.
I’ll say it over and over again – this starting staff on paper stinks. That’s what happens when you deal two Cy Young winners, your #2 falls off the face of the earth (Carmona), your #3 goes down (Westbrook) and your much-heralded farm system can only deliver one soft-tossing mediocre lefty after another.
And since pitching is 70% of this game, the Indians head into 2010 with Trent Dilfer as their quarterback.
Browns
Not much this week. You see the same thing I see.
I have come to one conclusion however – this is the worse offensive talent in terms of playmakers I have ever seen on one team at the professional level – that’s after 40 years of watching folks.
We begged the Browns to draft some “playmakers” in the 2009 draft. They decided to continually trade down, accumulate picks and take a center #1.
How’s that working out?
We said the same thing when DA was at the helm earlier this season – it’s hard for any quarterback to get judged with this garbage around him. One could argue Brady Quinn had more offensive talent around him at Notre Dame. At least he actually had a pro tight end – who decided to go for the 60 feet, 6 inch gig instead of getting hit on every play. He also had an experienced “O” coordinator Charlie Weiss.
Regardless, it is what it is, and Quinn needs to show some improvement and consistency this month if he wants his stock to rise for 2010.
Life's not fair, but if you're BQ, when you begin to feel sorry for yourself, you need to realize it could be much worse - you could be digging ditches for a living instead of getting paid to play a game.
One more time – I would like to see Jerome Harrison get a full look in December. But then again, this offense not only lacks talent, but has absolutely no direction.
Harrison rushed for over 100 yards against the Bengals the first time around, and is hardly used the second time out against Cincy. What is the logic behind that decision?
We have complained over and over again the past 10 years that this team has absolutely no identity. As we speak, it’s like an amber alert is needed. It’s worse than no identity – you can’t even find the body.
Finally, answer me this question. In short yardgae situations, why don't the Browns consistently run over their left side - where they have spend a fortune recently on a guard in free agency, a tackle in the draft and a first round pick at center in 2009?
It seems to me if you can't consistently run behind those guys when you need it most, they ain't as good as advertised.
Let's at least find out one way or the other.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
If Brady Quinn is in Cleveland next year, we strongly suggest that commitment should be accompanied with a safety blanket – Charlie Weiss to run the offense. Weiss will soon be out of a job and the Browns will soon have a new team Czar who will demand to bring in his own GM & Head Coach. So it makes sense, if you finally commit to a quarterback, you make it as comfortable for him as possible. Of course, this makes too much sense to happen.
It was good to hear the Browns and the Bills are both looking at former Super Bowl winners to roam the sidelines or call the shots from above. It won’t guarantee success, but it’s the right call.
Which begs the question - what took so long? Sorry. I remain amazed and contemptuous of how billion $ organizations can be so dysfunctional for so long. But I’m sure their executives are impeccably dressed, get weekly trims and carry $500briefcases.
Nice performance by the Browns’ passing game against the lowly Lions. Compared to where they were as an offense, last week looked like a record-setter. However, we caution patience. There are six more games to be played and everyone is in on the audition. I’ll be more impressed with Quinn and the offense if they can establish some consistency the rest of the way. Three or four touchdowns in Cincy this Sunday would be a good start.
I was very disappointed in Eric Mangini’s decision to call time-out - allowing the Lions’ quarterback to get back on the field for the game’s final play last week.
But I was much more concerned that he spent the majority of the timeout complaining to the officials instead of getting his defense ready to get a stop. Finally, he came up with a hat trick by spending part of his Monday morning press conference whining about the interference call in the end zone and claiming the Lions were faking injuries to slow down the Browns’ hurry up offense.
Bottom line – the guy did everything wrong. Yes, you can excuse him for the timeout – that’s a judgment call, but the rest of it speaks volumes of him as a leader of men.
Let me get this right – Mangini’s football team, 1-8 going in, blows a 24-3 lead to a team that has won two games in the past 2+ seasons, and the head coach, who is supposed to set an example for his team, whines and complain for two days instead of taking responsibility for blowing a game that should have been won.
By the way, did anyone ever tell C. Stuckey it would be a good idea to stay in bounds after catching a huge third down completion when you are trying to run out the clock?
Then you wonder why coaches want players with high football/basketball/baseball IQs. The same can be said for Kamerion Wimbley several weeks ago when he decided to bat down a fourth down pass from the 1-yard line instead of making the interception -thus giving his offense possession on the 20 yard line after the touchback instead of the 1.
Perhaps that is a window into why Wimbley has never reached his full potential. He had a terrific rookie year, and when the NFL adjusted in year two, Wimbley has been incapable of adjusting to the adjustments.
There are thousands upon thousands of superior athletes who never reach their full potential. Game intelligence is important - otherwise the guys with the best bodies and fastest feet would always be the best players.
The Atlanta’s Hawks’ Josh Smith can play for me anytime – size, athleticism, quickness and a mean streak are qualities I like in a basketball player.
I know some of you don’t like what you are about to read, but if I were Danny Ferry, I would have a talk with AI about coming off the bench and giving the Cavaliers 25 minutes a night of instant offense.
If AI truly wants a ring – and he’s spent the last 10 years telling is just that - this is might be a good fit. If Iverson agrees and can tamp his ego, the question then becomes can Mike Brown handle LJ, Shaq and AI on the same team?
Where are all those football experts who were ripping Jim Tressel and his beleaguered quarterback several weeks ago. One local moron talk show host even suggested T. Pryor be moved to wide receiver. Nice.
Look, Pryor is not ready for the NFL – not even close. But give him credit. He dealt with the scrutiny and criticism of being the quarterback at OSU and has played better in recent weeks. Good for him. Our view hasn’t changed since we saw him first play in 2009 – he was overhyped coming into Columbus in 2009 and he wasn’t as bad as many proclaimed when the 2010 season was in peril back in October. He's an amazing athlete still learning to play quarterback. Period.
As for Tressel – he is what he is – an outstanding, yet boring, college football coach. The offense is the same it was when Pryor was missing wide open receivers and throwing multiple picks in the first half of the season. The difference – Pryor and company are making more plays. Some times, the answer is simple, but many make it more complicated than it is.
I am currently watching Colt McCoy throw touchdown passes all over the field and run for 150+ yards against Texas A&M. I’m sure Mel Kipper will have this kid as the #1 pick overall in 2010 after this one. And of course, if he throws three picks in the National Championship game, Kipper and company will drop him out of the top 15. Right.
Actually, McCoy looks pretty good to me, but so does the kid on the other team (Johnson). He (McCoy) probably sealed the Heisman votes with this effort. If he did, good for him, he seems like a decent kid.
Speaking of the draft - where are all those geniuses that had J. Russell as the #1 overall pick? I bring this up because the 2010 draft is fast approaching and we will soon begin hearing the endless daily spin. After years of simple personal observation, I truly believe you have to be a moron to consistently blow day 1 picks (#1 & #2 rounds). Yet I see teams do it every year.
Over-analysis is deadly. I truly believe if the draft took place two weeks after the Super Bowl, fewer mistakes would be made. Think about it - the more time you spend looking at a multiple choice question on a test, the more likely you are to go against your first instincts and get it wrong.
I hope you all enjoyed Thanksgiving and I look forward to seeing some of you at dinner on December 22. If necessary, the table will be under Robert Jampo of course.
Next time – Health Care. I promise.
It was good to hear the Browns and the Bills are both looking at former Super Bowl winners to roam the sidelines or call the shots from above. It won’t guarantee success, but it’s the right call.
Which begs the question - what took so long? Sorry. I remain amazed and contemptuous of how billion $ organizations can be so dysfunctional for so long. But I’m sure their executives are impeccably dressed, get weekly trims and carry $500briefcases.
Nice performance by the Browns’ passing game against the lowly Lions. Compared to where they were as an offense, last week looked like a record-setter. However, we caution patience. There are six more games to be played and everyone is in on the audition. I’ll be more impressed with Quinn and the offense if they can establish some consistency the rest of the way. Three or four touchdowns in Cincy this Sunday would be a good start.
I was very disappointed in Eric Mangini’s decision to call time-out - allowing the Lions’ quarterback to get back on the field for the game’s final play last week.
But I was much more concerned that he spent the majority of the timeout complaining to the officials instead of getting his defense ready to get a stop. Finally, he came up with a hat trick by spending part of his Monday morning press conference whining about the interference call in the end zone and claiming the Lions were faking injuries to slow down the Browns’ hurry up offense.
Bottom line – the guy did everything wrong. Yes, you can excuse him for the timeout – that’s a judgment call, but the rest of it speaks volumes of him as a leader of men.
Let me get this right – Mangini’s football team, 1-8 going in, blows a 24-3 lead to a team that has won two games in the past 2+ seasons, and the head coach, who is supposed to set an example for his team, whines and complain for two days instead of taking responsibility for blowing a game that should have been won.
By the way, did anyone ever tell C. Stuckey it would be a good idea to stay in bounds after catching a huge third down completion when you are trying to run out the clock?
Then you wonder why coaches want players with high football/basketball/baseball IQs. The same can be said for Kamerion Wimbley several weeks ago when he decided to bat down a fourth down pass from the 1-yard line instead of making the interception -thus giving his offense possession on the 20 yard line after the touchback instead of the 1.
Perhaps that is a window into why Wimbley has never reached his full potential. He had a terrific rookie year, and when the NFL adjusted in year two, Wimbley has been incapable of adjusting to the adjustments.
There are thousands upon thousands of superior athletes who never reach their full potential. Game intelligence is important - otherwise the guys with the best bodies and fastest feet would always be the best players.
The Atlanta’s Hawks’ Josh Smith can play for me anytime – size, athleticism, quickness and a mean streak are qualities I like in a basketball player.
I know some of you don’t like what you are about to read, but if I were Danny Ferry, I would have a talk with AI about coming off the bench and giving the Cavaliers 25 minutes a night of instant offense.
If AI truly wants a ring – and he’s spent the last 10 years telling is just that - this is might be a good fit. If Iverson agrees and can tamp his ego, the question then becomes can Mike Brown handle LJ, Shaq and AI on the same team?
Where are all those football experts who were ripping Jim Tressel and his beleaguered quarterback several weeks ago. One local moron talk show host even suggested T. Pryor be moved to wide receiver. Nice.
Look, Pryor is not ready for the NFL – not even close. But give him credit. He dealt with the scrutiny and criticism of being the quarterback at OSU and has played better in recent weeks. Good for him. Our view hasn’t changed since we saw him first play in 2009 – he was overhyped coming into Columbus in 2009 and he wasn’t as bad as many proclaimed when the 2010 season was in peril back in October. He's an amazing athlete still learning to play quarterback. Period.
As for Tressel – he is what he is – an outstanding, yet boring, college football coach. The offense is the same it was when Pryor was missing wide open receivers and throwing multiple picks in the first half of the season. The difference – Pryor and company are making more plays. Some times, the answer is simple, but many make it more complicated than it is.
I am currently watching Colt McCoy throw touchdown passes all over the field and run for 150+ yards against Texas A&M. I’m sure Mel Kipper will have this kid as the #1 pick overall in 2010 after this one. And of course, if he throws three picks in the National Championship game, Kipper and company will drop him out of the top 15. Right.
Actually, McCoy looks pretty good to me, but so does the kid on the other team (Johnson). He (McCoy) probably sealed the Heisman votes with this effort. If he did, good for him, he seems like a decent kid.
Speaking of the draft - where are all those geniuses that had J. Russell as the #1 overall pick? I bring this up because the 2010 draft is fast approaching and we will soon begin hearing the endless daily spin. After years of simple personal observation, I truly believe you have to be a moron to consistently blow day 1 picks (#1 & #2 rounds). Yet I see teams do it every year.
Over-analysis is deadly. I truly believe if the draft took place two weeks after the Super Bowl, fewer mistakes would be made. Think about it - the more time you spend looking at a multiple choice question on a test, the more likely you are to go against your first instincts and get it wrong.
I hope you all enjoyed Thanksgiving and I look forward to seeing some of you at dinner on December 22. If necessary, the table will be under Robert Jampo of course.
Next time – Health Care. I promise.
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